The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
Chapter 463
2. To differ from a typical form; to vary from a normal condition; to dissent from a creed or position generally held or taken.
Divergement <Xpage=437>
Di*verge"ment (?) , n. Divergence.
Divergence, Divergency <Xpage=437>
Di*ver"gence (?) , Di*ver"gen*cy (?) , n. [Cf. F. divergence .]
1. A receding from each other in moving from a common center; the state of being divergent; as, an angle is made by the divergence of straight lines .
Rays come to the eye in a state of divergency . <?/<?/<?/<?/<?/<?/.
2. Disagreement; difference.
Related with some divergence by other writers. Sir G. C. Lewis.
Divergent <Xpage=437>
Di*ver"gent (?) , a. [Cf. F. divergent . See Diverge .]
1. Receding farther and farther from each other, as lines radiating from one point; deviating gradually from a given direction; -- opposed to convergent .
2. (Optics) Causing divergence of rays; as, a divergent lens .
3. Fig.: Disagreeing from something given; differing; as, a divergent statement .
Divergent series . (Math.) See Diverging series , under Diverging .
Diverging <Xpage=437>
Di*ver"ging , a. Tending in different directions from a common center; spreading apart; divergent.
Diverging series (Math.) , a series whose terms are larger as the series is extended; a series the sum of whose terms does not approach a finite limit when the series is extended indefinitely; -- opposed to a converging series .
Divergingly <Xpage=437>
Di*ver"ging*ly (?) , adv. In a diverging manner.
Divers <Xpage=437>
Di"vers (?) , a. [F. divers , L. diversus turned in different directions, different, p. p. of divertere . See Divert , and cf. Diverse .]
1. Different in kind or species; diverse. [Obs.]
Every sect of them hath a divers posture. Bacon.
Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds. Deut. xxii. 9.
2. Several; sundry; various; more than one, but not a great number; as, divers philosophers . Also used substantively or pronominally.
Divers of Antonio's creditors. Shak.
&hand; Divers is now limited to the plural; as, divers ways (not divers way ). Besides plurality it ordinarily implies variety of kind.
Diverse <Xpage=437>
Di"verse (?; 277) , a. [The same word as divers . See Divers .]
1. Different; unlike; dissimilar; distinct; separate.
The word . . . is used in a sense very diverse from its original import. J. Edwards.
Our roads are diverse : farewell, love! said she. R. Browning.
2. Capable of various forms; multiform.
Eloquence is a great and diverse thing. B. Jonson.
Diverse <Xpage=437>
Di*verse" (?) , adv. In different directions; diversely.
<page="438"> Page 438
Diverse <Xpage=438>
Di*verse" (?) , v. i. To turn aside. [Obs.]
The redcross knight diverst , but forth rode Britomart. Spenser.
Diversely <Xpage=438>
Di"verse*ly (?) , adv.
1. In different ways; differently; variously. " Diversely interpreted."
Bacon.
How diversely love doth his pageants play. Spenser.
2. In different directions; to different points.
On life's vast ocean diversely we sail. Pope.
Diverseness <Xpage=438>
Di*verse"ness (?) , n. The quality of being diverse.
Diversifiability <Xpage=438>
Di*ver`si*fi`a*bil"i*ty (?) , n. The quality or capacity of being diversifiable.
Earle.
Diversifiable <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*fi`a*ble (?) , a. Capable of being diversified or varied.
Boyle.
Diversification <Xpage=438>
Di*ver`si*fi*ca"tion (?) , n. [See Diversify .]
1. The act of making various, or of changing form or quality.
Boyle.
2. State of diversity or variation; variegation; modification; change; alternation.
Infinite diversifications of tints may be produced. Adventurer.
Diversified <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*fied (?) , a. Distinguished by various forms, or by a variety of aspects or objects; variegated; as, diversified scenery or landscape .
Diversifier <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*fi`er (?) , n. One who, or that which, diversifies.
Diversiform <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*form (?) , a. [L. diversus diverse + -form .] Of a different form; of varied forms.
Diversify <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*fy (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Diversified (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Diversifying .] [F. diversifier , LL. diversificare , fr. L. diversus diverse + ficare (in comp.), akin to facere to make. See Diverse .] To make diverse or various in form or quality; to give variety to; to variegate; to distinguish by numerous differences or aspects.
Separated and diversified on from another. Locke.
Its seven colors, that diversify all the face of nature. I. Taylor.
Diversiloquent <Xpage=438>
Di`ver*sil"o*quent (?) , a. [L. diversus diverse + loquens , p. pr. of loqui to speak.] Speaking in different ways. [R.]
Diversion <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"sion (?) , n. [Cf. F. diversion . See Divert .]
1. The act of turning aside from any course, occupation, or object; as, the diversion of a stream from its channel; diversion of the mind from business.
2. That which diverts; that which turns or draws the mind from care or study, and thus relaxes and amuses; sport; play; pastime; as, the diversions of youth . "Public diversions ."
V. Knox.
Such productions of wit and humor as expose vice and folly, furnish useful diversion to readers. Addison.
3. (Mil.) The act of drawing the attention and force of an enemy from the point where the principal attack is to be made; the attack, alarm, or feint which diverts.
Syn. -- Amusement; entertainment; pastime; recreation; sport; game; play; solace; merriment.
Diversity <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"si*ty (?) , n. ; pl. Diversities (#) . [F. diversit\'82 , L. diversitas , fr. diversus . See Diverse .]
1. A state of difference; dissimilitude; unlikeness.
They will prove opposite; and not resting in a bare diversity , rise into a contrariety. South.
2. Multiplicity of difference; multiformity; variety. " Diversity of sounds." Shak . " Diversities of opinion."
Secker.
3. Variegation. "Bright diversities of day."
Pope.
Syn. -- See Variety .
Diversivolent <Xpage=438>
Di`ver*siv"o*lent (?) , a. [L. diversus diverse + volens , -entis , p. pr. of velle to wish.] Desiring different things. [Obs.]
Webster (White Devil).
Diversory <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"so*ry (?) , a. Serving or tending to divert; also, distinguishing. [Obs.]
Diversory <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"so*ry , n. [L. diversorium , deversorium , an inn or lodging.] A wayside inn. [Obs. or R.]
Chapman.
Divert <Xpage=438>
Di*vert" (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Diverted ; p. pr. & vb. n. Diverting .] [F. divertir , fr. L. divertere , diversum , to go different ways, turn aside; di- = dis- + vertere to turn. See Verse , and cf. Divorce .]
1. To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended application; to deflect; as, to divert a river from its channel; to divert commerce from its usual course.
That crude apple that diverted Eve. Milton.
2. To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse; to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor.
We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy. C. J. Smith.
Syn. -- To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate; delight; recreate. See Amuse .
Divert <Xpage=438>
Di*vert" , v. i. To turn aside; to digress. [Obs.]
I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. Evelyn.
Diverter <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"er (?) , n. One who, or that which, diverts, turns off, or pleases.
Divertible <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"i*ble (?) , a. Capable of being diverted.
Diverticle <Xpage=438>
Di*ver"ti*cle (?) , n. [L. diverticulum , deverticulum , a bypath, fr. divertere to turn away.]
1. A turning; a byway; a bypath. [Obs.]
Hales .
2. (Anat.) A diverticulum.
Diverticular <Xpage=438>
Div`er*tic"u*lar (?) , a. (Anat.) Pertaining to a diverticulum.
Diverticulum <Xpage=438>
Div`er*tic"u*lum (?) , n. ; pl. Diverticula (#) . [L. See Diverticle .] (Anat.) A blind tube branching out of a longer one.
Divertimento <Xpage=438>
Di*ver`ti*men"to (?) , n. ; pl. -ti (#) . [It.] (Mus. ) A light and pleasing composition.
Diverting <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"ing (?) , a. Amusing; entertaining. -- Di*vert"ing*ly , adv. -- Di*vert"ing*ness , n.
Divertise <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"ise (?) , v. t. [F. divertir , p. pr. divertissant .] To divert; to entertain. [Obs.]
Dryden.
Divertisement <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"ise*ment (?) , n. [Cf. the next word.] Diversion; amusement; recreation. [R.]
Divertissement <Xpage=438>
Di`ver`tisse`ment" (?) , n. [F.] A short ballet, or other entertainment, between the acts of a play.
Smart.
Divertive <Xpage=438>
Di*vert"ive (?) , a. [From Divert .] Tending to divert; diverting; amusing; interesting.
Things of a pleasant and divertive nature. Rogers.
Dives <Xpage=438>
Di"ves (?) , n. [L., rich.] The name popularly given to the rich man in our Lord's parable of the "Rich Man and Lazarus" ( Luke xvi. 19-31 ). Hence, a name for a rich worldling.
Divest <Xpage=438>
Di*vest" (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Divested ; p. pr. & vb. n. Divesting .] [LL. divestire ( di- = dis- + L. vestire to dress), equiv. to L. devestire . It is the same word as devest , but the latter is rarely used except as a technical term in law. See Devest , Vest .]
1. To unclothe; to strip, as of clothes, arms, or equipage; -- opposed to invest .
2. Fig.: To strip; to deprive; to dispossess; as, to divest one of his rights or privileges; to divest one's self of prejudices, passions, etc.
Wretches divested of every moral feeling. Goldsmith.
The tendency of the language to divest itself of its gutturals. Earle.
3. (Law) See Devest .
Mozley & W.
Divestible <Xpage=438>
Di*vest"i*ble (?) , a. Capable of being divested.
Divestiture <Xpage=438>
Di*vest"i*ture (?; 135) , n. The act of stripping, or depriving; the state of being divested; the deprivation, or surrender, of possession of property, rights, etc.
Divestment <Xpage=438>
Di*vest"ment (?) , n. The act of divesting. [R.]
Divesture <Xpage=438>
Di*ves"ture (?; 135) , n. Divestiture. [Obs.]
Divet <Xpage=438>
Div"et (?) , n. See Divot .
Dividable <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"a*ble (?) , a. [From Divide .]
1. Capable of being divided; divisible.
2. Divided; separated; parted. [Obs.]
Shak.
Dividant <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"ant (?) , a. Different; distinct. [Obs.]
Shak.
Divide <Xpage=438>
Di*vide" (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Divided ; p. pr. & vb. n. Dividing .] [L. dividere , divisum ; di- = dis- + root signifying to part ; cf. Skr. vyadh to pierce; perh. akin to L. vidua widow, and E. widow . Cf. Device , Devise .]
1. To part asunder (a whole); to sever into two or more parts or pieces; to sunder; to separate into parts.
Divide the living child in two. 1 Kings iii. 25.
2. To cause to be separate; to keep apart by a partition, or by an imaginary line or limit; as, a wall divides two houses; a stream divides the towns.
Let it divide the waters from the waters. Gen. i. 6.
3. To make partition of among a number; to apportion, as profits of stock among proprietors; to give in shares; to distribute; to mete out; to share.
True justice unto people to divide . Spenser.
Ye shall divide the land by lot. Num. xxxiii. 54.
4. To disunite in opinion or interest; to make discordant or hostile; to set at variance.
If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom can not stand. Mark iii. 24.
Every family became now divided within itself. Prescott.
5. To separate into two parts, in order to ascertain the votes for and against a measure; as, to divide a legislative house upon a question .
6. (Math.) To subject to arithmetical division.
7. (Logic) To separate into species; -- said of a genus or generic term.
8. (Mech.) To mark divisions on; to graduate; as, to divide a sextant .
9. (Music) To play or sing in a florid style, or with variations. [Obs.]
Spenser.
Syn. -- To sever; dissever; sunder; cleave; disjoin; disunite; detach; disconnect; part; distribute; share.
Divide <Xpage=438>
Di*vide" , v. i.
1. To be separated; to part; to open; to go asunder.
Milton.
The Indo-Germanic family divides into three groups. J. Peile.
2. To cause separation; to disunite.
A gulf, a strait, the sea intervening between islands, divide less than the matted forest. Bancroft.
3. To break friendship; to fall out.
Shak.
4. To have a share; to partake.
Shak.
5. To vote, as in the British Parliament, by the members separating themselves into two parties (as on opposite sides of the hall or in opposite lobbies), that is, the ayes dividing from the noes .
The emperors sat, voted, and divided with their equals. Gibbon.
Divide <Xpage=438>
Di*vide" , n. A dividing ridge of land between the tributaries of two streams; a watershed.
Divided <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"ed , a.
1. Parted; disunited; distributed.
2. (Bot.) Cut into distinct parts, by incisions which reach the midrib; -- said of a leaf.
Dividedly <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"ed*ly , adv. Separately; in a divided manner.
Dividend <Xpage=438>
Div"i*dend (?) , n. [L. dividendum thing to be divided, neut. of the gerundive of dividere : cf. F. dividende .]
1. A sum of money to be divided and distributed; the share of a sum divided that falls to each individual; a distribute sum, share, or percentage; -- applied to the profits as appropriated among shareholders, and to assets as apportioned among creditors; as, the dividend of a bank, a railway corporation, or a bankrupt estate .
2. (Math.) A number or quantity which is to be divided.
Divident <Xpage=438>
Div"i*dent (?) , n. Dividend; share. [Obs.]
Foxe.
Divider <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"er (?) , n.
1. One who, or that which, divides; that which separates anything into parts.
2. One who deals out to each his share.
Who made me a judge or a divider over you? Luke xii. 14.
3. One who, or that which, causes division.
Hate is of all things the mightiest divider . Milton.
Money, the great divider of the world. Swift.
4. pl. An instrument for dividing lines, describing circles, etc., compasses. See Compasses .
&hand; The word dividers is usually applied to the instrument as made for the use of draughtsmen, etc.; compasses to the coarser instrument used by carpenters.
Dividing <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"ing (?) , a. That divides; separating; marking divisions; graduating.
Dividing engine , a machine for graduating circles (as for astronomical instruments) or bars (as for scales); also, for spacing off and cutting teeth in wheels. -- Dividing sinker . (Knitting Mach.) . See under Sinker .
Dividingly <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"ing*ly (?) , adv. By division.
Divi-divi <Xpage=438>
Di"vi-di"vi (?) , n. [Native name.] (Bot.) A small tree of tropical America ( C\'91salpinia coriaria ), whose legumes contain a large proportion of tannic and gallic acid, and are used by tanners and dyers.
Dividual <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"u*al (?; 135) , a. [See Dividuous .] Divided, shared, or participated in, in common with others. [R.]
Milton.
Dividually <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"u*al*ly , adv. By dividing. [R.]
Dividuous <Xpage=438>
Di*vid"u*ous (?) , a. [L. dividuus divisible, divided, fr. dividere .] Divided; dividual. [R.]
He so often substantiates distinctions into dividuous , selfsubsistent. Coleridge.
Divination <Xpage=438>
Div`i*na"tion (?) , n. [L. divinatio , fr. divinare , divinatum , to foresee, foretell, fr. divinus : cf. F. divination . See Divine .]
1. The act of divining; a foreseeing or foretelling of future events; the pretended art discovering secret or future by preternatural means.
There shall not be found among you any one that . . . useth divination , or an observer of times, or an enchanter. Deut. xviii. 10.
&hand; Among the ancient heathen philosophers natural divination was supposed to be effected by a divine afflatus; artificial divination by certain rites, omens, or appearances, as the flight of birds, entrails of animals, etc.
2. An indication of what is future or secret; augury omen; conjectural presage; prediction.
Birds which do give a happy divination of things to come. Sir T. North.
Divinator <Xpage=438>
Div"i*na`tor (?) , n. [L. See Divination .] One who practices or pretends to divination; a diviner. [R.]