Chapter 1218

1. The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

2. One who delivers a prologue. [R.]

Shak.

Prologue <Xpage=1146>

Pro"logue , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prologued (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prologuing .] To introduce with a formal preface, or prologue. [R.]

Shak.

Prolong <Xpage=1146>

Pro*long" (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prolonged (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prolonging .] [F. prolonger , L. prolongare ; pro before, forth + longus long. See Long , a. , and cf. Prolongate , Purloin . ]

1. To extend in space or length; as, to prolong a line .

2. To lengthen in time; to extend the duration of; to draw out; to continue; as, to prolong one's days .

Prolong awhile the traitor's life. Shak.

The unhappy queen with talk prolonged the night. Dryden.

3. To put off to a distant time; to postpone.

Shak.

Prolongable <Xpage=1146>

Pro*long"a*ble (?) , a. Capable of being prolonged; as, life is prolongable by care .

Each syllable being a prolongable quantity. Rush.

Prolongate <Xpage=1146>

Pro*lon"gate (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prolongated (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prolongating .] [L. prolongatus , p. p. of prolongare . See Prolong .] To prolong; to extend in space or in time. [R.]

Prolongation <Xpage=1146>

Pro`lon*ga"tion (?) , n. [F. prolongation .]

1. The act of lengthening in space or in time; extension; protraction.

Bacon.

2. That which forms an additional length.

Prolonge <Xpage=1146>

Pro*longe" (?) , n. [F. See Prolong .] (Field Artillery) A rope with a hook and a toggle, sometimes used to drag a gun carriage or to lash it to the limber, and for various other purposes.

Prolonger <Xpage=1146>

Pro*long"er (?) , n. One who, or that which, causes an extension in time or space.

Prolongment <Xpage=1146>

Pro*long"ment (?) , n. Prolongation.

Prolusion <Xpage=1146>

Pro*lu"sion (?) , n. [L. prolusio , fr. proludere to prelude; pro before + ludere to play: cf. F. prolusion , It. prolusione .] A trial before the principal performance; a prelude; hence, an introductory essay or exercise. "Domestic prolusions ."

Thackeray.

Her presence was in some measure a restraint on the worthy divine, whose prolusion lasted. Sir W. Scott.

Promanation <Xpage=1146>

Prom`a*na"tion (?) , n. [Pref. pro- + L. manatio a flowing, fr. manare to flow.] The act of flowing forth; emanation; efflux. [Obs.]

Dr. H. More.

Promenade <Xpage=1146>

Prom`e*nade" (?) , n. [F. (with a foreign suffix), from promener to lead, take for a walk, se promener to walk, from L. prominare to drive forward or along; pro forward + minare to drive animals. See Amenable , Menace .]

1. A walk for pleasure, display, or exercise.

Burke.

2. A place for walking; a public walk.

Bp. Montagu.

Promenade <Xpage=1146>

Prom`e*nade" , v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Promenaded ; p. pr. & vb. n. Promenading .] To walk for pleasure, display, or exercise.

Promenader <Xpage=1146>

Prom`e*nad"er (?) , n. One who promenades.

Promerit <Xpage=1146>

Pro*mer"it (?) , v. t. [L. promeritus , p. p. of promerere to deserve; pro before + merere to merit.]

1. To oblige; to confer a favor on. [Obs.]

Bp. Hall.

2. To deserve; to procure by merit. [Obs.]

Davenant.

Promerops <Xpage=1146>

Prom"e*rops (?) , n. [NL., fr. Gr. <?/ before + <?/ bee-eater.] (Zo\'94l.) Any one of several species of very brilliant birds belonging to Promerops , Epimarchus , and allied genera, closely related to the paradise birds, and mostly native of New Guinea. They have a long curved beak and a long graduated tail.

Promethea <Xpage=1146>

Pro*me"the*a (?) , n. [NL. See Prometheus .] (Zo\'94l.) A large American bombycid moth ( Callosamia promethea ). Its larva feeds on the sassafras, wild cherry, and other trees, and suspends its cocoon from a branch by a silken band.

Promethean <Xpage=1146>

Pro*me"the*an (?) , a. [L. Prometh <?/ us : cf. F. prom\'82th\'82en .]

1. Of or pertaining to Prometheus. See Prometheus . " Promethean fire."

Shak.

2. Having a life-giving quality; inspiring.

Promethean <Xpage=1146>

Pro*me"the*an (?) , n. (Old Chem.) (a) An apparatus for automatic ignition. (b) A kind of lucifer match.

Prometheus <Xpage=1146>

Pro*me"the*us (?) , n. [L., fr. Gr. <?/, from <?/ to have forethought for.] (Class. Myth.) The son of Iapetus (one of the Titans) and Clymene, fabled by the poets to have surpassed all mankind in knowledge, and to have formed men of clay to whom he gave life by means of fire stolen from heaven. Jupiter, being angry at this, sent Mercury to bind Prometheus to Mount Caucasus, where a vulture preyed upon his liver.

Prominence, Prominency <Xpage=1146>

Prom"i*nence (?) , Prom"i*nen*cy (?) , n. [L. prominentia : cf. F. prominence . See Prominent . ]

1. The quality or state of being prominent; a standing out from something; conspicuousness.

2. That which is prominent; a protuberance.

Solar prominences . (Astron.) See Solar Protuberances , under Protuberance .

Prominent <Xpage=1146>

Prom"i*nent (?) , a. [L. prominens , -entis , p. pr. of prominere to jut out, to project; pro before, forward + minere (in comp.) to jut, project: cf. F. prominent . See Imminent , Eminent .]

1. Standing out, or projecting, beyond the line surface of something; jutting; protuberant; in high relief; as, a prominent figure on a vase .

2. Hence; Distinctly manifest; likely to attract attention from its size or position; conspicuous; as, a prominent feature of the face; a prominent building.

3. Eminent; distinguished above others; as, a prominent character .

Prominent' moth (Zo\'94l.) , any moth of the family Notodontid\'91 ; a notodontian; -- so called because the larva has a hump or prominence on its back. Several of the species are injurious to fruit trees.

Prominently <Xpage=1146>

Prom"i*nent*ly , adv. In a prominent manner.

Promiscuity <Xpage=1146>

Pro`mis*cu"i*ty (?) , n. Promiscuousness; confusion.

H. Spencer.

Promiscuous <Xpage=1146>

Pro*mis"cu*ous (?) , a. [L. promiscuus ; pro before, in place of, for + miscere to mix. See Mix . ]

1. Consisting of individuals united in a body or mass without order; mingled; confused; undistinguished; as, a promiscuous crowd or mass .

A wild, where weeds and flowers promiscuous shoot. Pope.

2. Distributed or applied without order or discrimination; not restricted to an individual; common; indiscriminate; as, promiscuous love or intercourse .

Promiscuously <Xpage=1146>

Pro*mis"cu*ous*ly , adv. In a promiscuous manner.

Promiscuousness <Xpage=1146>

Pro*mis"cu*ous*ness , n. The quality or state of being promiscuous.

Promise <Xpage=1146>

Prom"ise (?) , a. [F. promesse , L. promissum , fr. promittere , promissum , to put forth, foretell, promise; pro forward, for + mittere to send. See Mission . ]

1. In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise : but God gave it to Abraham by promise . Gal. iii. 18.

2. (Law) An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made.

Chitty. Parsons. Burrill.

3. That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise .

Shak.

My native country was full of youthful promise . W. Irving.

4. Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised.

He . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Acts i. 4.

Promise <Xpage=1146>

Prom"ise , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Promised (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Promising .]

1. To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money. "To promise aid."

Shak.

2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain .

Milton.

3. To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city promised a reward.

Promised land . See Land of promise , under Land . -- To promise one's self . (a) To resolve; to determine; to vow . (b) To be assured; to have strong confidence.

I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced. Rambler.

Promise <Xpage=1146>

Prom"ise , v. i.

1. To give assurance by a promise, or binding declaration.

2. To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil.

Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion? I fear it, I promise you. Shak.

Promisee <Xpage=1146>

Prom`is*ee" (?) , n. (Law) The person to whom a promise is made.

Promiser <Xpage=1146>

Prom"is*er (?) , n. One who promises.

Promising <Xpage=1146>

Prom"is*ing , a. Making a promise or promises; affording hope or assurance; as, promising person; a promising day. -- Prom"is*ing*ly , adv.

Promisor <Xpage=1146>

Prom"is*or (?) , n. (Law) One who engages or undertakes; a promiser.

Burrill.

Promissive <Xpage=1146>

Pro*mis"sive (?) , a. Making a promise; implying a promise; promising. [R.]

<page="1147"> Page 1147

Promissorily <Xpage=1147>

Prom"is*so*ri*ly (?) , adv. In a promissory manner.

Sir T. Browne.

Promissory <Xpage=1147>

Prom"is*so*ry (?) , a. Containing a promise or binding declaration of something to be done or forborne.

Promissory note (Law) , a written promise to pay to some person named, and at a time specified therein, or on demand, or at sight, a certain sum of money, absolutely and at all events; -- frequently called a note of hand .

Kent. Byles. Story.

Promont <Xpage=1147>

Prom"ont (?) , n. Promontory. [R.]

Drayton.

Promontory <Xpage=1147>

Prom"on*to*ry (?) , n. ; pl. Promontories (#) . [ L. promonturium , promunturium ; pro before + mons , montis , mountain: cf. F. promontoire . See Mount , n. ]

1. (Phys. Geog.) A high point of land or rock projecting into the sea beyond the line of coast; a headland; a high cape.

Like one that stands upon a promontory . Shak.

2. (Anat.) A projecting part. Especially: (a) The projecting angle of the ventral side of the sacrum where it joins the last lumbar vertebra. (b) A prominence on the inner wall of the tympanum of the ear.

Promerphological <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mer`pho*log"ic*al (?) , a. (Biol.) Relating to promorphology; as, a promorphological conception .

Promorphologist <Xpage=1147>

Pro`mor*phol"o*gist (?) , n. (Biol.) One versed in the science of promorphology.

Promorphology <Xpage=1147>

Pro`mor*phol"o*gy (?) , n. [Pref. pro- + morphology .] (Biol.) Crystallography of organic forms; -- a division of morphology created by Haeckel. It is essentially stereometric, and relates to a mathematical conception of organic forms. See Tectology .

Promote <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mote" (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Promoted ; p. pr. & vb. n. Promoting .] [L. promotus , p. p. of promovere to move forward, to promote; pro forward + movere to move. See Move .]

1. To contribute to the growth, enlargement, or prosperity of (any process or thing that is in course); to forward; to further; to encourage; to advance; to excite; as, to promote learning; to promote disorder; to promote a business venture. "Born to promote all truth."

Milton.

2. To exalt in station, rank, or honor; to elevate; to raise; to prefer; to advance; as, to promote an officer .

I will promote thee unto very great honor. Num. xxii. 17.

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. Prov. iv. 18.

Syn. -- To forward; advance; further; patronize; help; exalt; prefer; elevate; dignify.

Promote <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mote" , v. i. To urge on or incite another, as to strife; also, to inform against a person. [Obs.]

Promoter <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mot"er (?) , n.

1. One who, or that which, forwards, advances, or promotes; an encourager; as, a promoter of charity or philosophy .

Boyle.

2. Specifically, one who sets on foot, and takes the preliminary steps in, a scheme for the organization of a corporation, a joint-stock company, or the like.

3. One who excites; as, a promoter of sedition .

4. An informer; a makebate. [Obs.]

Tusser.

Promottion <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mot"tion (?) , n. [L. promotio : cf. F. promotion .] The act of promoting, advancing, or encouraging; the act of exalting in rank or honor; also, the condition of being advanced, encouraged, or exalted in honor; preferment.

Milton.

Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. Ps. lxxv. 6.

Promotive <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mo"tive (?) , a. Tending to advance, promote, or encourage.

Hume.

Promove <Xpage=1147>

Pro*move" (?) , v. t. [See Promote .] To move forward; to advance; to promote. [Obs.]

Bp. Fell.

Promover <Xpage=1147>

Pro*mov"er (?) , n. A promoter. [Obs.]

Promt <Xpage=1147>

Promt (?; 215) , a. [ Compar. Prompter (?) ; superl. Promptest .] [F. prompt , L. promptus , properly, brought forth (to light or view), hence, visible, evident, at hand, ready, quick, -- p. p. of promere to take or bring forth; pro forth + emere to take. See Redeem . ]

1. Ready and quick to act as occasion demands; meeting requirements readily; not slow, dilatory, or hesitating in decision or action; responding on the instant; immediate; as, prompt in obedience or compliance ; -- said of persons.

Very discerning and prompt in giving orders. Clarendon.

Tell him I am prompt To lay my crown at's feet. Shak.

Any you, perhaps, too prompt in your replies. Dryden.

2. Done or rendered quickly, readily, or immediately; given without delay or hesitation; -- said of conduct; as, prompt assistance .

When Washington heard the voice of his country in distress, his obedience was prompt . Ames.

3. Easy; unobstructed. [Obs.]

The reception of the light into the body of the building was very prompt . Sir H. Wotton.

Syn. -- Ready; expeditious; quick; agile; alert; brisk; nimble. -- Prompt , Ready , Expeditious . One who is ready is prepared to act at the moment. One who is prompt acts at the moment. One who is expeditious carries through an undertaking with constant promptness.

Prompt <Xpage=1147>

Prompt , n. (Com.) A limit of time given for payment of an account for produce purchased, this limit varying with different goods. See Prompt-note .

To cover any probable difference of price which might arise before the expiration of the prompt , which for this article [tea] is three months. J. S. Mill.

Prompt <Xpage=1147>

Prompt , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Prompted ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prompting .]

1. To assist or induce the action of; to move to action; to instigate; to incite.

God first . . . prompted on the infirmities of the infant world by temporal prosperity. Jer. Taylor.

2. To suggest; to dictate.

And whispering angles prompt her golden dreams. Pope.

3. To remind, as an actor or an orator, of words or topics forgotten.

Prompt-book <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"-book` (<?/) , n. The book used by a prompter of a theater.

Prompter <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"er (?) , n.

1. One who, or that which, prompts; one who admonishes or incites to action.

2. One who reminds another, as an actor or an orator, of the words to be spoken next; specifically, one employed for this purpose in a theater.

Promptitude <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"i*tude (?) , n. [F., fr. L. promptitudo . See Prompt , a. ] The quality of being prompt; quickness of decision and action when occasion demands; alacrity; as, promptitude in obedience .

Men of action, of promptitude , and of courage. I. Taylor.

Promptly <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"ly , adv. In a prompt manner.

Promptness <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"ness , n.

1. Promptitude; readiness; quickness of decision or action.

2. Cheerful willingness; alacrity.

Prompt-note <Xpage=1147>

Prompt"-note` (?) , n. (Com.) A memorandum of a sale, and time when payment is due, given to the purchaser at a sale of goods.

Promptuary <Xpage=1147>

Promp"tu*a*ry (?) , a. Of or pertaining to preparation. [R.]

Bacon.

Promptuary <Xpage=1147>