Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)

Part 89

Chapter 893,192 wordsPublic domain

DISTICH, dis'tik, _n._ a couple of lines or verses, making complete sense: a couplet.--_adj._ having two rows.--_adj._ DIS'TICHOUS (_bot._), arranged in two rows. [L.,--Gr. _distichos_--_dis_, twice, _stichos_, a line.]

DISTIL, dis-til', _v.i._ to fall in drops; to flow gently: to use a still.--_v.t._ to let or cause to fall in drops: to convert a liquid into vapour by heat, and then to condense it again: to extract the spirit or essential oil from anything by evaporation and condensation:--_pr.p._ distil'ling; _pa.p._ distilled'.--_adj._ DISTIL'LABLE.--_ns._ DISTIL'L[=A]TE, the product of distillation; DISTILL[=A]'TION, the act of distilling.--_adj._ DISTIL'LATORY, of or for distilling.--_ns._ DISTIL'LER; DISTIL'LERY, a place where distilling is carried on; DISTIL'LING, the action of the verb _distil_, distillation; DISTIL'MENT (_Shak._), that which is distilled.--DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION, the collection of the volatile matters released when a substance is destroyed by heat in a close vessel (as coal in making gas); FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION, the separation by distilling liquids having different boiling-points, the heat being gradually increased and the receiver changed. [O. Fr. _distiller_--L. _distill[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, down, _still[=a]re_, to drop--_stilla_, a drop.]

DISTINCT, dis-tingkt', _adj._ separate: different: well-defined: clear: (_Spens._, _Milt._) adorned.--_adj._ DISTINCTIVE, marking or expressing difference.--_adv._ DISTINCT'IVELY.--_n._ DISTINCT'IVENESS.--_adv._ DISTINCT'LY.--_ns._ DISTINCT'NESS; DISTINCT'URE, distinctness. [See DISTINGUISH.]

DISTINCTION, dis-tingk'shun, _n._ separation or division: that which distinguishes or gives distinction: difference: eminence: characteristic dignity and elegance of style: honourable treatment.

DISTINGUISH, dis-ting'gwish, _v.t._ to mark off, set apart (often with _from_): to recognise by characteristic qualities: to discern critically: to separate by a mark of honour: to make eminent or known.--_v.i._ to make or show distinctions or differences, to recognise the difference (with _from_, _between_).--_adj._ DISTING'UISHABLE, that may be capable of being distinguished.--_adv._ DISTING'UISHABLY.--_p.adj._ DISTING'UISHED, illustrious.--_n._ DISTING'UISHER.--_p.adj._ DISTING'UISHING, peculiar.--_n._ DISTING'UISHMENT (_Shak._), distinction. [Through Fr. from L. _distingu[)e]re_, _distinctum_--_dis_, asunder, _stingu[)e]re_, to prick, conn. with Gr. _stizein_, to mark. See STING.]

DISTOMA, dis't[=o]-ma, _n._ the genus of trematode worms to which the liver-fluke belongs. [Gr. _distomos_, two-mouthed--_dis_, and _stoma_, the mouth.]

DISTORT, dis-tort', _v.t._ to turn a different way: to force out of the natural or regular shape or direction: to turn aside from the true meaning: to pervert: to misrepresent.--_p.adj._ DISTORT'ED.--_n._ DISTOR'TION, a twisting out of regular shape: crookedness: perversion.--_adj._ DISTORT'IVE, causing distortion. [L. _dis_, asunder, _torqu[=e]re_, _tortum_, to twist.]

DISTRACT, dis-trakt', _v.t._ to draw in different directions--applied to the mind or attention: to confuse: to harass: to render crazy: to divert.--_adj._ DISTRACT'ED.--_adv._ DISTRACT'EDLY.--_n._ DISTRACT'EDNESS.--_adjs._ DISTRACT'IBLE; DISTRACT'ILE (_bot._), carried widely apart.--_n._ DISTRAC'TION, state of being distracted: perplexity: agitation: madness: a diversion.--_adj._ DISTRACT'IVE, causing perplexity.

DISTRAIN, dis-tr[=a]n', _v.t._ to seize, esp. goods for debt, esp. for non-payment of rent or rates.--_v.i._ to seize the goods of a debtor.--_adj._ DISTRAIN'ABLE.--_ns._ DISTRAIN'MENT; DISTRAIN'OR, DISTRAIN'ER; DISTRAINT', seizure of goods. [O. Fr. _destraindre_--L. _dis_, asunder, _string[)e]re_, to draw tight.]

DISTRAIT, dis'tr[=a], _adj._ absent-minded. [Fr.]

DISTRAUGHT, dis-trawt', _adj._ distracted: perplexed. [See DISTRACT.]

DISTRESS, dis-tres', _n._ extreme pain: that which causes suffering: calamity: misfortune: (_arch._) compulsion: act of distraining goods.--_v.t._ to afflict with pain or suffering: to harass: to grieve: to distrain.--_p.adj._ DISTRESSED'.--_adj._ DISTRESS'FUL.--_adv._ DISTRESS'FULLY.--_n._ DISTRESS'FULNESS.--_p.adj._ DISTRESS'ING.--_adv._ DISTRESS'INGLY. [O. Fr. _destresse_--L. _distring[)e]re_, _districtum_, to pull asunder.]

DISTRIBUTE, dis-trib'[=u]t, _v.t._ to divide amongst several: to deal out or allot: to classify: to give a logical term its fullest extension.--_n._ DISTRIB'UEND, that which is to be distributed.--_adjs._ DISTRIB'UTABLE, that may be divided; DISTRIB'UTARY, distributing.--_ns._ DISTRIB'UTER, -OR; DISTRIB[=U]'TION, allotment: classification: the application of a general term to all the objects denoted by it.--_adjs._ DISTRIB[=U]'TIONAL; DISTRIB'UTIVE, that distributes, separates, or divides: giving to each his own.--_n._ a word, like _each_ or _every_, that indicates the several individuals of a number.--_adv._ DISTRIB'UTIVELY.--GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION, the department of science that treats of the distribution of animals and plants over certain areas of the globe. [L. _distribu[)e]re_--_dis_, asunder, _tribu[)e]re_, _trib[=u]tum_, to allot.]

DISTRICT, dis'trikt, _n._ a portion of territory defined for political, judicial, educational, or other purposes (as a registration district, a militia district, the District of Columbia): a region.--_v.t._ to divide into districts. [Fr.,--L. _districtus_--_distring[)e]re_, to draw tight.]

DISTRINGAS, dis-tring'gas, _n._ an old writ directing a sheriff or other officer to distrain. [Second pers. sing. pres. subj. of Late L. _distring[)e]re_, to distrain.]

DISTROUBLE, dis-trub'l, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to trouble greatly, to perplex. [L. _dis_, inten., and _trouble_.]

DISTRUST, dis-trust', _n._ want of trust: want of faith or confidence: doubt.--_v.t._ to have no trust in: to disbelieve: to doubt.--_adj._ DISTRUST'FUL, full of distrust: apt to distrust: suspicious.--_adv._ DISTRUST'FULLY.--_n._ DISTRUST'FULNESS.--_adj._ DISTRUST'LESS.

DISTUNE, dis-t[=u]n', _v.t._ to put out of tune.

DISTURB, dis-turb', _v.t._ to throw into confusion: to agitate: to disquiet: to interrupt.--_n._ DISTURB'ANCE, agitation: tumult: interruption: perplexity.--_adj._ and _n._ DISTURB'ANT, disturbing.--_adjs._ DISTURB'ATIVE; DISTURBED'.--_n._ DISTURB'ER. [O. Fr. _distourber_--L. _disturb[=a]re_, _dis_, asunder, _turb[=a]re_, to agitate--_turba_, a crowd.]

DISTYLE, dis'til, _n._ a portico with two columns. [Gr. _distylos_--_di-_, two, and _stylos_, column.]

DISULPHATE, d[=i]-sul'f[=a]t, _n._ a sulphate containing one atom of hydrogen replaceable by a base.--_n._ DISUL'PHIDE, a sulphide containing two atoms of sulphur to the molecule--also DISUL'PHURET.--_adj._ DISULPH[=U]'RIC, containing two sulphuric-acid radicals.

DISUNIFORM, dis-[=u]'ni-form, _adj._ not uniform.--_n._ DISUNIFORM'ITY.

DISUNION, dis-[=u]n'yun, _n._ want of union: breaking up of union or concord: separation.--_n._ DISUN'IONIST, promoter of disunion.

DISUNITE, dis-[=u]-n[=i]t', _v.t._ to separate what is united: to sever or sunder.--_v.i._ to fall asunder: to part.--_n._ DIS[=U]'NITY, state of disunion.

DISUSE, dis-[=u]s', or dis'[=u]s, _n._ cessation or giving up of use or custom.--_v.t._ (dis-[=u]z') to cease to use or practise.--_n._ DISUSAGE (dis-[=u]z'-), gradual cessation of use or custom.

DISVALUE, dis-val'[=u], _v.t._ (_Shak._) to diminish in value, disparage.

DISVOUCH, dis-vowch', _v.t._ (_Shak._) to discredit, contradict.

DISWARREN, dis-wor'en, _v.t._ to deprive of the character of a warren.

DISWEAPON, dis-wep'un, _v.t._ to disarm.

DISYLLABLE. See DISSYLLABLE.

DISYOKE, dis-y[=o]k', _v.t._ (_Tenn._) to free from the yoke.

DIT, dit, _n._ (_Spens._) a ditty. [See DITTY.]

DITAL, dit'al, _n._ a digital key for raising the pitch of a guitar a semitone. [It.,--L. _digitus_, a finger.]

DITCH, dich, _n._ a trench dug in the ground: any long narrow receptacle for water.--_v.i._ to make a ditch or ditches.--_v.t._ to dig a ditch in or around: to drain by ditches.--_ns._ DITCH'-DOG (_Shak._), a dead dog rotting in a ditch; DITCH'ER, a ditch-maker. [A corr. of _dike_.]

DITE, d[=i]t, _v.t._ (_Spens._). Same as DIGHT.

DITETRAGONAL, d[=i]-tet-rag'o-nal, _adj._ twice tetragonal.

DITETRAHEDRAL, d[=i]-tet-ra-h[=e]'dral, _adj._ twice tetrahedral.

DITHEISM, d[=i]'th[=e]-izm, _n._ the doctrine of the existence of two supreme gods.--_n._ D[=I]'THEIST.--_adjs._ DITHEIST'IC, -AL. [Gr. _di-_, two, and _theos_, a god.]

DITHYRAMB, dith'i-ram, _n._ an ancient Greek hymn sung in honour of Bacchus: a short poem of a like character.--_adj._ DITHYRAM'BIC, of or like a dithyramb: enthusiastic: wild and boisterous. [L.,--Gr. _dithyrambos_, a hymn in honour of Bacchus.]

DITOKOUS, dit'[=o]-kus, _adj._ producing two at a birth. [Gr. _di-_, two, _tiktein_, to bring forth.]

DITONE, d[=i]'t[=o]n, _n._ an interval containing two tones, a major third.

DITRICHOTOMOUS, d[=i]-tri-kot'[=o]-mus, _adj._ divided into twos and threes.

DITRIGLYPH, d[=i]-tr[=i]'glif, _n._ a space for two triglyphs in the entablature between columns.--_adj._ DITRIGLYPH'IC.

DITROCHEE, d[=i]-tr[=o]'k[=e], _n._ a trochaic dipody.--_adj._ DITR[=O]'CHEAN.

DITTANDER, di-tan'd[.e]r, _n._ pepperwort: dittany.

DITTANY, dit'a-ni, _n._ a genus of aromatic perennial plants, formerly much used medicinally as a tonic. [O. Fr. _dictame_--L. _dictamnus_--Gr. _diktamnos_; prob. from Mt. _Dikt[=e]_ in Crete.]

DITTAY, dit'[=a], _n._ (_Scots law_) an indictment, charge. [O. Fr. _ditté_--L. _dict[=a]tum_. Cf. DITTY, DICTATE.]

DITTIED, dit'id, _adj._ (_Milt._) sung, as a ditty.

DITTO, dit'[=o], contracted DO., _n._ that which has been said: the same thing.--_adv._ as before, or aforesaid: in like manner.--_n.pl._ DITT'OS, a suit of clothes of the same colour throughout. [It. _ditto_--L. _dictum_, said, pa.p. of _dic[)e]re_, to say.]

DITTOGRAPHY, di-tog'ra-fi, _n._ mechanical repetition of letters or words in copying a manuscript. [Gr. _dittos_, double, _graphein_, to write.]

DITTOLOGY, di-tol'o-ji, _n._ a double reading. [Gr. _dittologia_--_dittos_, double, _graphein_, to write.]

DITTY, dit'i, _n._ a song: a little poem to be sung. [O. Fr. _ditie_--L. _dict[=a]tum_, neut. of _dict[=a]tus_, perf. part. of _dict[=a]re_, to dictate.]

DITTY-BAG, dit'i-bag, _n._ a sailor's bag for needles, thread, &c.--Also DITT'Y-BOX.

DIURETIC, d[=i]-[=u]-ret'ik, _adj._ promoting the discharge of urine.--_n._ a medicine causing this discharge.--_n._ DIUR[=E]'SIS, the excessive discharge of urine. [Fr.,--Gr. _diour[=e]tikos_--_dia_, through, _ouron_, urine.]

DIURNAL, d[=i]-ur'nal, _adj._ daily: relating to or performed in a day.--_n._ a service-book containing the day hours, except matins (a night-office): a diary, journal.--_n._ DIUR'NALIST, a journalist.--_adv._ DIUR'NALLY. [L. _diurn[=a]lis_--_dies_, a day. See JOURNAL.]

DIUTURNAL, d[=i]-[=u]-tur'nal, _adj._ lasting long.--_n._ DIUTUR'NITY.

DIV, d[=i]v, _n._ an evil spirit of Persian mythology.

DIVA, d[=i]'va, _n._ a popular female singer: a prima-donna. [It.,--L. _diva_, fem. of _divus_, divine.]

DIVAGATION, d[=i]-va-g[=a]'shun, _n._ a digression, deviation.--_v.i._ D[=I]'VAGATE, to wander about.--_adv._ DIVAGUE'LY. [L. _divag[=a]ri_, to wander.]

DIVAN, di-van', _n._ the Turkish council of state: a court of justice: used poetically of any council or assembly: a council-chamber with cushioned seats: a sofa: a smoking-room: a collection of poems. [Ar. and Pers. _díwán_, a long seat.]

DIVARICATE, d[=i]-var'i-k[=a]t, _v.i._ to part into two branches, to fork: to diverge.--_v.t._ to divide into two branches.--_adj._ widely divergent, spreading apart.--_n._ DIVARIC[=A]'TION. [L. _divaric[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_dis_, asunder, _varic[=a]re_, to spread the legs--_varus_, bent apart.]

DIVE, d[=i]v, _v.i._ to dip or plunge into water: to go headlong into a recess, forest, &c.: to plunge or go deeply into any matter.--_n._ a plunge into water: a swoop.--_n._ DIV'ER, one who dives: a pearl-diver: one who works from a diving-bell or in a diving-dress beneath water: a bird expert at diving--specifically, the genus diver or loon of northern seas--loosely, auks, grebes, penguins, &c.: (_slang_) a pickpocket. [A.S. _dýfan_, _dúfan_; Ice. _dýfa_. See DIP.]

DIVELLENT, d[=i]-vel'ent, _adj._ drawing asunder.

DIVELLICATE, d[=i]-vel'i-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to pull in pieces.

DIVERGE, di-v[.e]rj', _v.i._ to incline or turn apart: to tend from a common point in different directions: to vary from the standard.--_ns._ DIVERGE'MENT; DIVERG'ENCE, DIVERG'ENCY, a tendency to recede from one point.--_adj._ DIVERG'ENT.--_adv._ DIVERG'INGLY. [L. _dis_, asunder, _verg[)e]re_, to incline.]

DIVERS, d[=i]'v[.e]rz, _adj._ sundry: several: more than one: (_B._) same as DIVERSE. [See DIVERT.]

DIVERSE, d[=i]'v[.e]rs, or div-[.e]rs', _adj._ different: unlike: multiform: various.--_adv._ D[=I]'VERSELY, or DIVERSE'LY.

DIVERSIFY, di-v[.e]r'si-f[=i], _v.t._ to make diverse or different: to give variety to:--_pr.p._ diver'sifying; _pa.p._ diver'sified.--_adj._ DIVERSIF[=I]'ABLE.--_n._ DIVERSIFIC[=A]'TION.--_adj._ DIVER'SIFORM, of diverse or various forms. [Fr.,--Low L. _diversific[=a]re_--_diversus_, diverse, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]

DIVERSION, di-v[.e]r'shun, _n._ act of diverting or turning aside: that which diverts: amusement, recreation: something done to turn the attention of an enemy from the principal point of attack.

DIVERSITY, di-v[.e]r'si-ti, _n._ state of being diverse: difference: unlikeness: variety.

DIVERT, di-v[.e]rt', _v.t._ to turn aside: to change the direction of: to turn the mind from business or study: to amuse.--_n._ DIVERT'IMENTO (_obs._), diversion: (_mus._) a ballet-interlude.--_adj._ DIVERT'ING.--_adv._ DIVERT'INGLY.--_n._ DIVERT'ISEMENT, diversion: a short ballet between the acts of a play.--_adj._ DIVERT'IVE, tending to divert. [Fr.,--L. _divert[)e]re_, _diversum_--_dis_, aside, _vert[)e]re_, to turn.]

DIVERTICLE, di-ver'ti-kl, _n._ (_anat._) a diverticulum, cæcum, or blind tubular process.--_adjs._ DIVERTIC'ULAR, DIVERTIC'ULATED.

DIVES, d[=i]'v[=e]s (L. 'the rich man'), _n._ a name used as if a proper name for the rich man at whose gate Lazarus lay (Luke, xvi. 19): a rich and luxurious person.--_n._ DIV'ITISM, condition of being rich.

DIVEST, di-vest', _v.t._ to strip or deprive of anything.--_adj._ DIVEST'IBLE.--_ns._ DIVEST'ITURE, DIVEST'MENT (_rare_). [L. _devest[=i]re_--_dis_, neg., _vest[=i]re_, to clothe--_vestis_, a garment.]

DIVIDE, di-v[=i]d', _v.t._ to part asunder: to part among, to allot, &c.: to set at variance: to separate into two parts (as in voting).--_v.i._ to part or open: to break friendship: to vote by separating into two bodies.--_n._ (_coll._) the act of dividing: (esp. in _U.S._) a watershed.--_adj._ DIVID'ABLE (_rare_), divisible: (_Shak._) divided.--_adv._ DIVID'EDLY.--_n._ DIVID'ER, that which divides: a kind of compasses for dividing lines, &c.--_adj._ DIVID'ING, separating.--_n._ separation.--_n._ DIVID'ING-EN'GINE, an instrument for graduating the scales of scientific apparatus.--_adjs._ DIVID'UAL (_Milt._), shared in common with others; DIVID'UOUS, special, accidental. [L. _divid[)e]re_, _divisum_--_dis_, asunder, root _vid_, to separate.]

DIVIDEND, div'i-dend, _n._ that which is to be divided: the share of a sum divided that falls to each individual, by way of interest or otherwise.--DECLARE A DIVIDEND, to announce the sum per cent. a trading concern is prepared to pay its shareholders. [L. _dividendum_--_divid[)e]re_.]

DIVIDIVI, div'i-div-i, _n._ the curved pods of the leguminous tree, _Cæsalpinia coriaria_, imported for tanning and dyeing. [Native name.]

DIVINE, di-v[=i]n', _adj._ belonging to or proceeding from God: devoted to God's service: holy: sacred: excellent in the highest degree.--_n._ one skilled in divine things: a minister of the gospel: a theologian.--_v.t._ to foresee or foretell as if divinely inspired: to guess or make out.--_v.i._ to profess or practise divination: to have forebodings.--_ns._ DIVIN[=A]'TION, the act or practice of divining: instinctive prevision: prediction: conjecture; DIV'IN[=A]TOR, DIV[=I]N'ER, one who divines or professes divination: a conjecturer:--_fem._ DIVIN'ERESS.--_adjs._ DIVINAT[=O]'RIAL, DIVIN'A-TORY, relating to divination, conjectural.--_adv._ DIVINE'LY.--_ns._ DIVINE'NESS; DIVIN'ING-ROD, a rod, usually of hazel, used by those professing to discover water or metals under ground.--_vs.t._ DIV'INISE, DIVIN'IFY, to treat as divine. [Fr.,--L. _divinus_, from _divus_, _deus_, a god.]

DIVING, d[=i]v'ing, _n._ the action of the verb _to dive_.--_adj._ that dives.

DIVING-BELL, d[=i]v'ing-bel, _n._ a hollow vessel or chamber, originally bell-shaped, open at the bottom and supplied with air by a tube from above, in which one may descend into and work under water.--_n._ DIV'ING-DRESS, the water-tight costume of a diver, with special provision for receiving air, &c. [See DIVE.]

DIVINITY, di-vin'i-ti, _n._ godhead: the nature or essence of God: God: a celestial being: any god: the science of divine things: theology.--DIVINITY HALL (_Scot._), a theological college, or the theological department in a university. [See DIVINE.]

DIVISION, di-vizh'un, _n._ act of dividing: state of being divided: that which divides: a partition: a barrier: the portion divided or separated: part of an army or military force: separation: difference in opinion, &c.: disunion: (_arith._) the rule or process of finding how many times one number is contained in another.--_n._ DIVISIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DIVIS'IBLE, capable of being divided or separated.--_adv._ DIVIS'IBLY.--_adjs._ DIVI'SIONAL, DIVI'SIONARY, pertaining to or marking a division or separation; DIV[=I]S'IVE, forming division or separation: creating discord.--_ns._ DIV[=I]S'IVENESS; DIVIS'OR (_arith._), the number which divides the dividend.

DIVORCE, di-vors', _n._ the legal separation of husband and wife: the sentence by which a marriage is dissolved.--_v.t._ to separate: to sunder: to dissolve the marriage-contract of: to put away.--_adj._ DIVORCE'ABLE.--_ns._ DIVORCEE', a divorced person; DIVORCE'MENT (_B._), divorce; DIVOR'CER.--_adj._ DIVOR'CIVE, having power to divorce. [Fr.,--L. _divortium_--_divort[)e]re_, another form of _divert[)e]re_. See DIVERT.]

DIVOT, div'ot, _n._ (_Scot._) a piece of turf.--FEAL AND DIVOT (_Scots law_), a right of cutting sods and turfs for certain purposes. [Origin unknown.]

DIVOTO, d[=e]-v[=o]'t[=o], _adj._ (_mus._) devout, solemn. [It.]

DIVULGE, di-vulj', _v.t._ to spread abroad among the vulgar or the people: to make public: to reveal.--_v.t._ DIVUL'GATE, to publish.--_n._ DIVULG[=A]'TION. [Fr.,--L. _divulg[=a]re_--_dis_, among, _vulg[=a]re_, _vulgus_, the common people. See FOLK.]

DIVULSION, di-vul'shun, _n._ act of pulling or rending asunder or away.--_adj._ DIVUL'SIVE, tending to pull asunder. [L. _divulsion-em_, _divell[)e]re_, _divulsum_--_dis_, asunder, _vell[)e]re_, _vulsum_, to pull.]

DIZAIN, di-z[=a]n', _n._ a poem in ten stanzas. [Fr.,--_dix_, ten--L. _decem_, ten. Cf. DOZEN.]

DIZEN, d[=i]'zn, or diz'n, _v.t._ to dress gaudily: (_obs._) to dress: to deck. [From an Eng. form found also in Low Ger. _diesse_, the bunch of flax on the distaff.]

DIZZARD, diz'ard, _n._ a blockhead.

DIZZY, diz'i, _adj._ giddy: confused: causing giddiness.--_v.t._ to make dizzy: to confuse.--_adv._ DIZZ'ILY.--_n._ DIZZ'INESS, giddiness.--_p.adj._ DIZZ'YING, making dizzy. [A.S. _dysig_, foolish, allied to _dwaes_, stupid; cf. Dan. _dösig_; drowsy; also DAZE, DOZE.]

DJEREED. See JEREED.

DO, d[=oo], _v.t._ to perform any action: to bring about or effect: to accomplish or finish: to prepare: to put or bring into any form or state: to cheat, swindle.--_v.i._ to act or behave:--_pr.p._ do'ing; _pa.t._ did; _pa.p._ done (dun).--In 'Do come,' 'I do love him,' _Do_ is intensive; _Do_ serves as substitute for other verbs to save repeating them (as in 'I didn't mean to speak, but if I do,' &c.).--_n._ endeavour, duty: a trick, hoax.--_n._ DO'-ALL, a factotum.--_p.adj._ DO'ING, active (as in 'Up and doing').--DO AWAY WITH, to abolish, destroy; DO BROWN, to cook or roast to brownness: (_slang_) to make a fool of; DO FOR, to suit: to provide for: to ruin: (_vulg._) to kill; DO INTO, to translate; DO MACBETH, &c., to represent that part in a play; DO ONE PROUD (_coll._), to make one feel flattered; DO OVER, to do again: to cover over, as with paint; DO THE CITY, to visit the sights of the city; DO TO DEATH, to murder; DO UP, put up, make tidy, arrange, tie up, dress (linen): to utterly fatigue; DO WELL (to be angry), to be justified in being angry, &c.: to prosper; DO WITH, to make use of: to meddle with: to get on with; DO WITHOUT, not to be dependent on, to dispense with.--BE DONE FOR, to be defeated or ruined.--HAVE DONE, desist; HAVE DONE WITH, to cease interest in; HAVE TO DO WITH, to have a connection with.--WHAT'S TO DO? what is the matter? [A.S. _dón_, _dyde_, _gedón_; Dut. _doen_, Ger. _thun_; conn. with Gr. _tithenai_, to put, place.]

DO, d[=oo], _v.i._ to fare or get on, as to health: to succeed: to suffice: to suit or avail (cf. 'This will do,' 'This will never do,' 'This will do for me well enough'). [Prov. Eng. _dow_, to avail, to be worth; from A.S. _dugan_, to be worth; Ger. _taugen_, to be strong, to be worth. See DOUGHTY.]

DO, d[=o], _n._ the syllable or name for the first tone or keynote of the musical scale--the others being _re_, _mi_, _fa_, _sol_, _la_, _ti_, initial syllables of lines in an old Latin hymn in honour of John the Baptist.

DO, d[=oo], _n._ same as ADO: (_slang_) a swindle.

DOAB, do'äb, _n._ in India, land between two rivers. [Hind. _do[=a]b_, _du[=a]b_.]

DOABLE, d[=oo]'a-bl, _adj._ (_rare_) that can be done.

DOAT, d[=o]t, _v.i._ same as DOTE.--_n._ DOAT'ING-PIECE, darling.

DOBBIN, dob'bin, _n._ a workhorse. [Fr. _Dobbin_, a form like _Robin_ for _Robert_. Cf. DICKY, JACKASS.]

DOBBY, DOBBIE, dob'i, _n._ a dotard: a brownie: an attachment to a loom for weaving small figures.

DOBCHICK, dob'chik, _n._ Same as DABCHICK.

DOBHASH, d[=o]'bash, _n._ an interpreter. [Hind. _dobhash[=i]_.]

DOCENT. See PRIVAT DOCENT.

DOCETISM, do-s[=e]'tizm, _n._ a 2d-century heresy, which denied the human nature of Christ, affirming that His body was only a semblance.--_n.pl._ DOC[=E]'TÆ.--_adjs._ DOC[=E]'TIC, DOCETIS'TIC.--_ns._ DOC[=E]'TISM; DOC[=E]'TIST. [Gr. _dok[=e]tai_, those of this belief--_dokein_, to seem.]

DOCH-AN-DORIS, doch'an-d[=o]'ris, _n._ a stirrup-cup, a parting-cup.--Also DOCH-AN-DORACH, DEUCH-AN-DORIS. [Gael., _deoch_, drink, _an_, the, _doruis_, gen. of _dorus_, door.]

DOCILE, d[=o]'s[=i]l, or dos'il, _adj._ teachable: ready to learn: easily managed--(_obs._) DOC'IBLE.--_ns._ DOC'IBLENESS, DOCIL'ITY, teachableness.--_adj._ D[=O]'CIOUS (_U.S._).--_n._ DOC'ITY. [Fr.,--L. _docilis_--_doc[=e]re_, to teach.]

DOCIMASY, dos'i-ma-si, _n._ the art by which the nature and proportions of an ore are determined: assaying: examination of poisons.--_n._ DOCIMAS'TES, a genus of humming-birds with enormously long beak.--_adj._ DOCIMAS'TIC--_n._ DOCIMOL'OGY, a treatise on the art of assaying. [Gr. _dokimasia_, examination--_dokimazein_, to test--_dechesthai_, to take, approve.]

DOCK, dok, _n._ a troublesome weed with large leaves and a long root.--_n._ DOCK'-CRESS, the nipplewort. [A.S. _docce_; perh. from Gael. _dogha_, a burdock.]

DOCK, dok, _v.t._ to cut short: to curtail: to cut off: to clip.--_n._ the part of a tail left after clipping. [Prob. W. _tocio_, to cut short; or Old Ice. _dockr_, a stumpy tail.]