Chapter 173

Blue (?) , a. [ Compar. Bluer (?) ; superl. Bluest .] [OE. bla , blo , blew , blue, Sw. bl<?/ , D. blauw , OHG. bl<?/o , G. blau ; but influenced in form by F. bleu , from OHG. bl\'beo .] 1. Having the color of the clear sky, or a hue resembling it, whether lighter or darker; as, the deep, blue sea; as blue as a sapphire; blue violets. "The blue firmament."

Milton.

2. Pale, without redness or glare, -- said of a flame; hence, of the color of burning brimstone, betokening the presence of ghosts or devils; as, the candle burns blue ; the air was blue with oaths.

3. Low in spirits; melancholy; as, to feel blue .

4. Suited to produce low spirits; gloomy in prospect; as, thongs looked blue . [Colloq.]

5. Severe or over strict in morals; gloom; as, blue and sour religionists ; suiting one who is over strict in morals; inculcating an impracticable, severe, or gloomy mortality; as, blue laws .

6. Literary; -- applied to women; -- an abbreviation of bluestocking . [Colloq.]

The ladies were very blue and well informed. Thackeray.

Blue asbestus . See Crocidolite . -- Blue black , of, or having, a very dark blue color, almost black. -- Blue blood . See under Blood . -- Blue buck (Zo\'94l.) , a small South African antelope ( Cephalophus pygm\'91us ); also applied to a larger species (\'92goceras leucoph\'91us ); the blaubok. -- Blue cod (Zo\'94l.) , the buffalo cod. -- Blue crab (Zo\'94l.) , the common edible crab of the Atlantic coast of the United States ( Callinectes hastatus ). -- Blue curls (Bot.) , a common plant ( Trichostema dichotomum ), resembling pennyroyal, and hence called also bastard pennyroyal . -- Blue devils , apparitions supposed to be seen by persons suffering with delirium tremens ; hence, very low spirits. "Can Gumbo shut the hall door upon blue devils , or lay them all in a red sea of claret?" Thackeray . -- Blue gage . See under Gage , a plum. -- Blue gum , an Australian myrtaceous tree ( Eucalyptus globulus ), of the loftiest proportions, now cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions for its timber, and as a protection against malaria. The essential oil is beginning to be used in medicine. The timber is very useful. See Eucalyptus . -- Blue jack , Blue stone , blue vitriol; sulphate of copper. -- Blue jacket , a man-of war's man; a sailor wearing a naval uniform. -- Blue jaundice . See under Jaundice . -- Blue laws , a name first used in the eighteenth century to describe certain supposititious laws of extreme rigor reported to have been enacted in New Haven; hence, any puritanical laws. [U. S.] -- Blue light , a composition which burns with a brilliant blue flame; -- used in pyrotechnics and as a night signal at sea, and in military operations. -- Blue mantle (Her.) , one of the four pursuivants of the English college of arms; -- so called from the color of his official robes. -- Blue mass , a preparation of mercury from which is formed the blue pill. McElrath . -- Blue mold , or mould, the blue fungus ( Aspergillus glaucus ) which grows on cheese. Brande & C . -- Blue Monday , a Monday following a Sunday of dissipation, or itself given to dissipation (as the Monday before Lent). -- Blue ointment (Med.) , mercurial ointment. -- Blue Peter (British Marine) , a blue flag with a white square in the center, used as a signal for sailing, to recall boats, etc. It is a corruption of blue repeater , one of the British signal flags. -- Blue pill . (Med.) (a) A pill of prepared mercury, used as an aperient, etc. (b) Blue mass. -- Blue ribbon . (a) The ribbon worn by members of the order of the Garter; -- hence, a member of that order. (b) Anything the attainment of which is an object of great ambition; a distinction; a prize. "These [scholarships] were the blue ribbon of the college." Farrar . (c) The distinctive badge of certain temperance or total abstinence organizations, as of the Blue ribbon Army. -- Blue ruin , utter ruin; also, gin. [Eng. Slang] Carlyle . -- Blue spar (Min.) , azure spar; lazulite. See Lazulite . -- Blue thrush (Zo\'94l.) , a European and Asiatic thrush ( Petrocossyphus cyaneas ). -- Blue verditer . See Verditer . -- Blue vitriol (Chem.) , sulphate of copper, a violet blue crystallized salt, used in electric batteries, calico printing, etc. -- Blue water , the open ocean. -- To look blue , to look disheartened or dejected. -- True blue , genuine and thorough; not modified, nor mixed; not spurious; specifically, of uncompromising Presbyterianism, blue being the color adopted by the Covenanters.

<page="159"> Page 159

For his religion . . . 'T was Presbyterian, true blue . Hudibras.

Blue <Xpage=159>

Blue (?) , n. 1. One of the seven colors into which the rays of light divide themselves, when refracted through a glass prism; the color of the clear sky, or a color resembling that, whether lighter or darker; a pigment having such color. Sometimes, poetically, the sky.

2. A pedantic woman; a bluestocking. [Colloq.]

3. pl. [Short for blue devils .] Low spirits; a fit of despondency; melancholy. [Colloq.]

Berlin blue , Prussian blue. -- Mineral blue . See under Mineral . -- Prussian blue . See under Prussian .

Blue <Xpage=159>

Blue , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Blued (#) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Bluing .] To make blue; to dye of a blue color; to make blue by heating, as metals, etc.

Blueback <Xpage=159>

Blue"back` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A trout ( Salmo oquassa ) inhabiting some of the lakes of Maine. (b) A salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) of the Columbia River and northward. (c) An American river herring ( Clupea \'91stivalis ), closely allied to the alewife.

Bluebeard <Xpage=159>

Blue"beard (?) , n. The hero of a medi\'91val French nursery legend, who, leaving home, enjoined his young wife not to open a certain room in his castle. She entered it, and found the murdered bodies of his former wives. -- Also used adjectively of a subject which it is forbidden to investigate.

The Bluebeard chamber of his mind, into which no eye but his own must look. Carlyle.

Bluebell <Xpage=159>

Blue"bell` (?) , n. (Bot.) (a) A plant of the genus Campanula , especially the Campanula rotundifolia , which bears blue bell-shaped flowers; the harebell. (b) A plant of the genus Scilla ( Scilla nutans ).

Blueberry <Xpage=159>

Blue"berry (?) , n. [Cf. Blaeberry .] (Bot.) The berry of several species of Vaccinium , and ericaceous genus, differing from the American huckleberries in containing numerous minute seeds instead of ten nutlets. The commonest species are V. Pennsylvanicum and V. vacillans . V. corymbosum is the tall blueberry.

Bluebill <Xpage=159>

Blue"bill` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A duck of the genus Fuligula . Two American species ( F. marila and F. affinis ) are common. See Scaup duck .

Bluebird <Xpage=159>

Blue"bird` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A small song bird ( Sialia sialis ), very common in the United States, and, in the north, one of the earliest to arrive in spring. The male is blue, with the breast reddish. It is related to the European robin.

Pairy bluebird (Zo\'94l.) , a brilliant Indian or East Indian bird of the genus Irena , of several species.

Blue bonnet or Blue-bonnet <Xpage=159>

Blue" bon`net or Blue"-bon`net (?) , n. 1. A broad, flat Scottish cap of blue woolen, or one waring such cap; a Scotchman.

2. (Bot.) A plant. Same as Bluebottle .

3. (Zo\'94l.) The European blue titmouse ( Parus c\'d2ruleus ); the bluecap.

Blue book <Xpage=159>

Blue" book` (?) . 1. A parliamentary publication, so called from its blue paper covers. [Eng.]

2. The United States official "Biennial Register."

Bluebottle <Xpage=159>

Blue"bot`tle (?) , n. 1. (Bot.) A plant ( Centaurea cyanus ) which grows in grain fields. It receives its name from its blue bottle-shaped flowers.

2. (Zo\'94l.) A large and troublesome species of blowfly ( Musca vomitoria ). Its body is steel blue.

Bluebreast <Xpage=159>

Blue"breast` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A small European bird; the blue-throated warbler.

Bluecap <Xpage=159>

Blue"cap` (?) , n. 1. (Zo\'94l.) (a) The bluepoll. (b) The blue bonnet or blue titmouse.

2. A Scot; a Scotchman; -- so named from wearing a blue bonnet. [Poetic]

Shak.

Bluecoat <Xpage=159>

Blue"coat` (?) , n. One dressed in blue, as a soldier, a sailor, a beadle, etc.

Blue-eye <Xpage=159>

Blue"-eye` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) The blue-cheeked honeysucker of Australia.

Blue-eyed <Xpage=159>

Blue"-eyed` (?) , a. Having blue eyes.

Blue-eyed grass <Xpage=159>

Blue-eyed grass (?) (Bot.) a grasslike plant ( Sisyrinchium anceps ), with small flowers of a delicate blue color.

Bluefin <Xpage=159>

Blue"fin` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A species of whitefish ( Coregonus nigripinnis ) found in Lake Michigan.

Bluefish <Xpage=159>

Blue"fish` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) 1. A large voracious fish ( Pomatomus saitatrix ), of the family Carangid\'91 , valued as a food fish, and widely distributed on the American coast. On the New Jersey and Rhode Island coast it is called the horse mackerel , in Virginia saltwater tailor , or skipjack .

2. A West Indian fish ( Platyglossus radiatus ), of the family Labrid\'91 .

&hand; The name is applied locally to other species of fishes; as the cunner, sea bass, squeteague, etc.

Bluegown <Xpage=159>

Blue"gown` (?) , n. One of a class of paupers or pensioners, or licensed beggars, in Scotland, to whim annually on the king's birthday were distributed certain alms, including a blue gown; a beadsman.

Blue grass <Xpage=159>

Blue" grass` (?) . (Bot.) A species of grass ( Poa compressa ) with bluish green stems, valuable in thin gravelly soils; wire grass.

Kentucky blue grass , a species of grass ( Poa pratensis ) which has running rootstocks and spreads rapidly. It is valuable as a pasture grass, as it endures both winter and drought better than other kinds, and is very nutritious.

Blue jay <Xpage=159>

Blue" jay` (?) . (Zo\'94l.) The common jay of the United States ( Cyanocitta, or Cyanura, cristata ). The predominant color is bright blue.

Blue-john <Xpage=159>

Blue"-john` (?) , n. A name given to fluor spar in Derbyshire, where it is used for ornamental purposes.

Bluely <Xpage=159>

Blue"ly , adv. With a blue color.

Swift.

Blueness <Xpage=159>

Blue"ness , n. The quality of being blue; a blue color.

Boyle.

Bluenose <Xpage=159>

Blue"nose (?) , n. A nickname for a Nova Scotian.

Bluepoll <Xpage=159>

Blue"poll` (<?/) , n. [ Blue + poll head.] (Zo\'94l.) A kind of salmon ( Salmo Cambricus ) found in Wales.

Blueprint <Xpage=159>

Blue"print . See under Print .

Bluestocking <Xpage=159>

Blue"stock`ing (?) , n. 1. A literary lady; a female pedant. [Colloq.]

&hand; As explained in Boswell's "Life of Dr. Johnson", this term is derived from the name given to certain meetings held by ladies, in Johnson's time, for conversation with distinguished literary men. An eminent attendant of these assemblies was a Mr. Stillingfleet, who always wore blue stockings . He was so much distinguished for his conversational powers that his absence at any time was felt to be a great loss, so that the remark became common, "We can do nothing without the blue stockings ." Hence these meetings were sportively called bluestocking clubs , and the ladies who attended them, bluestockings .

2. (Zo\'94l.) The American avocet ( Recurvirostra Americana ).

Bluestockingism <Xpage=159>

Blue"stock`ing*ism (?) , n. The character or manner of a bluestocking; female pedantry. [Colloq.]

Bluestone <Xpage=159>

Blue"stone` (<?/) , n. 1. Blue vitriol.

Dunglison.

2. A grayish blue building stone, as that commonly used in the eastern United States.

Bluethroat <Xpage=159>

Blue"throat` (#) , n. (Zo\'94l.) A singing bird of northern Europe and Asia ( Cyanecula Suecica ), related to the nightingales; -- called also blue-throated robin and blue-throated warbler .

Bluets <Xpage=159>

Blu"ets (?) , n. [F. bluet , bleuet , dim. of bleu blue. See Blue , a. ] (Bot.) A name given to several different species of plants having blue flowers, as the Houstonia c\'d2rulea , the Centaurea cyanus or bluebottle, and the Vaccinium angustifolium .

Blue-veined <Xpage=159>

Blue"-veined` (<?/) , a. Having blue veins or blue streaks.

Bluewing <Xpage=159>

Blue"wing` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) The blue-winged teal. See Teal .

Bluey <Xpage=159>

Blue"y (?) , a. Bluish.

Southey.

Bluff <Xpage=159>

Bluff (?) , a. [Cf. OD. blaf flat, broad, blaffaert one with a broad face, also, a boaster; or G. verbl\'81ffen to confuse, LG. bluffen to frighten; to unknown origin.] 1. Having a broad, flattened front; as, the bluff bows of a ship . " Bluff visages."

Irving.

2. Rising steeply with a flat or rounded front. "A bluff or bold shore."

Falconer.

Its banks, if not really steep, had a bluff and precipitous aspect. Judd.

3. Surly; churlish; gruff; rough.

4. Abrupt; roughly frank; unceremonious; blunt; brusque; as, a bluff answer; a bluff manner of talking; a bluff sea captain. " Bluff King Hal."

Sir W. Scott.

There is indeed a bluff pertinacity which is a proper defense in a moment of surprise. I. Taylor.

Bluff <Xpage=159>

Bluff , n. 1. A high, steep bank, as by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.

Beach, bluff , and wave, adieu. Whittier.

2. An act of bluffing; an expression of self-confidence for the purpose of intimidation; braggadocio; as, that is only bluff , or a bluff .

3. A game at cards; poker. [U.S.]

Bartlett.

Bluff <Xpage=159>

Bluff , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Bluffed (#) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Bluffing .] 1. (Poker) To deter (an opponent) from taking the risk of betting on his hand of cards, as the bluffer does by betting heavily on his own hand although it may be of less value. [U. S.]

2. To frighten or deter from accomplishing a purpose by making a show of confidence in one's strength or resources; as, he bluffed me off . [Colloq.]

Bluff <Xpage=159>

Bluff , v. i. To act as in the game of bluff.

Bluff-bowed <Xpage=159>

Bluff"-bowed` (<?/) , a. (Naut.) Built with the stem nearly straight up and down.

Bluffer <Xpage=159>

Bluff"er , (<?/) n. One who bluffs.

Bluff-headed <Xpage=159>

Bluff"-head`ed (<?/) , a. (Naut.) Built with the stem nearly straight up and down.

Bluffness <Xpage=159>

Bluff"ness , n. The quality or state of being bluff.

Bluffy <Xpage=159>

Bluff"y (?) , a. 1. Having bluffs, or bold, steep banks.

2. Inclined to bo bluff; brusque.

Bluing <Xpage=159>

Blu"ing (?) , n. 1. The act of rendering blue; as, the bluing of steel .

Tomlinson.

2. Something to give a bluish tint, as indigo, or preparations used by washerwomen.

Bluish <Xpage=159>

Blu"ish (?) , a. Somewhat blue; as, bluish veins . " Bluish mists." Dryden . -- Blu"ish*ly , adv. -- Blu"ish*ness , n.

Blunder <Xpage=159>

Blun"der (?) , v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Blundered (#) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Blundering .] [OE. blunderen , blondren , to stir, confuse, blunder; perh. allied to blend to mix, to confound by mixture.] 1. To make a gross error or mistake; as, to blunder in writing or preparing a medical prescription .

Swift.

2. To move in an awkward, clumsy manner; to flounder and stumble.

I was never distinguished for address, and have often even blundered in making my bow. Goldsmith.

Yet knows not how to find the uncertain place, And blunders on, and staggers every pace. Dryden.

To blunder on . (a) To continue blundering. (b) To find or reach as if by an accident involving more or less stupidity, -- applied to something desirable; as, to blunder on a useful discovery.

Blunder <Xpage=159>

Blun"der , v. t. 1. To cause to blunder. [Obs.] "To blunder an adversary."

Ditton.

2. To do or treat in a blundering manner; to confuse.

He blunders and confounds all these together. Stillingfleet.

Blunder <Xpage=159>

Blun"der , n. 1. Confusion; disturbance. [Obs.]

2. A gross error or mistake, resulting from carelessness, stupidity, or culpable ignorance.

Syn. -- Blunder , Error , Mistake , Bull . An error is a departure or deviation from that which is right or correct; as, an error of the press; an error of judgment. A mistake is the interchange or taking of one thing for another, through haste, inadvertence, etc.; as, a careless mistake . A blunder is a mistake or error of a gross kind. It supposes a person to flounder on in his course, from carelessness, ignorance, or stupidity. A bull is a verbal blunder containing a laughable incongruity of ideas.

Blunderbuss <Xpage=159>

Blun"der*buss (?) , n. [Either fr. blunder + D. bus tube, box, akin to G. b\'81chse box, gun, E. box ; or corrupted fr. D. donderbus (literally) thunder box, gun, musket.] 1. A short gun or firearm, with a large bore, capable of holding a number of balls, and intended to do execution without exact aim.

2. A stupid, blundering fellow.

Blunderer <Xpage=159>

Blun"der*er (?) , n. One who is apt to blunder.

Blunderhead <Xpage=159>

Blun"der*head` (<?/) , n. [Blunder + head.] A stupid, blundering fellow.

Blundering <Xpage=159>

Blun"der*ing , a. Characterized by blunders.