MEASURE pressed; as, a yard is a measure of length, a gallon a measure of capacity, a square foot a measure of area. For law we have a measure, know what to trust to; equity is according to the conscience of him that is Chancellor; and as that is larger or narrower, so is equity. Selden. 4. The instrument by which extent or capacity is ascertained; a measuring rod or line; as, he carries his measure in his pocket; a foot-rule is his measure.-5. A limited or definite quantity; as, a measure of wine or beer. 'Be large in mirth; anon we'll drink a measure.' Shak.-6. Determined extent or length; limit. Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days. Ps. xxxix. 4. If else thou seek'st Aught not surpassing human measure, say. Milton. 7. That which is measured, allotted, or dealt out to one; as, to give one good measure or hard measure.-8. Full or sufficient quantity. [Rare.] I'll never pause again, never stand still, Till either death hath closed these eyes of mine, Or fortune given me measure of revenge. Shak. 9. Moderation; just degree: common in such phrases as, beyond measure, within measure, &c. There is measure in everything. 10. Degree; indefinite quantity. Shak. I have laid down, in some measure, the description of the old world. Abp. Abbot. There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession. Fer. Taylor. 11. Means to an end; anything done with a view to the accomplishment of an ulterior purpose; as, a wise measure; rash measures, &c. [This use of the word, though found both in Milton and Clarendon, and now very common, does not occur once in Shakspere. It seems to have originated in the phrase to take measures, in the sense of to estimate the magnitude of the object to be achieved, with the view of determining what means will be required to accomplish it.]—12. In music, (a) that division by which the motion of music, or the time of dwelling on each note, is regulated. (b) Same as Time in music.-13. In poetry, the arrangement of the syllables in each line with respect to quantity or accent; metre; rhythm; as, hexameter measure; iambic decasyllabic measure.-14. Any regulated or graceful motion, especially motion adjusted to musical time; a grave solemn dance, with slow and measured steps, like the minuet. Where is the horse that doth untread again Hath not my gait in it the measure of the court? Now tread we a measure! said young Lochinvar. Sir W. Scott. 15. pl. In geol. beds; strata: used solely or almost solely in the phrase, coal-measures. Measure of a number or quantity, in math. a number or quantity is said to be a measure of another when the former is contained in the latter a certain number of times exactly. Greatest common measure of two or more numbers or quantities, the greatest number or quantity which divides them all without a remainder.Measure of a ratio, its logarithm in any system of logarithms; or the exponent of the power to which the ratio is equal, the exponent of some given ratio being assumed as unity. See RATIO.-Standards of measure. (See definition 3.) In this country the unit of lineal measure is the yard, all other denominations being either multiples or aliquot parts of the yard. The length of the imperial standard yard, according to an act of parliament passed in 1824, was the straight line or distance between the centres of the two points in the gold studs in the brass rod in the custody of the clerk of the House of Commons, entitled, standard yard, 1760. By the same act, the brass rod, when used, must be at the temperature of 62° of Fahrenheit's thermometer. It was enacted at the same time that if this standard should be lost or destroyed, the length of the yard should be determined by reference to the length of a pendulum vibrating seconds of mean time in a vacuum in the latitude of London, at sea-level. When the standard yard was actually destroyed, however, by the fire which consumed the two Houses of Parliament in 1834, the commissioners appointed to restore the standard decided that it was better to do so by means of authentic copies of the old standard. This was accordingly done, and five official 140 copies were made, one of which, the national standard, is preserved at the exchequer in a stone coffin in a window-seat of a groined room; one immured in a wall of the lower waiting-room of the House of Commons; one preserved in a bullion-room at the mint; one at the royal observatory, Greenwich, and one intrusted to the Royal Society. The national standard is the distance between two fine transverse lines on a square rod of gun-metal 38 inches long. In France the mètre is the standard or unit of linear measure; the are, or 100 square mètres, the unit of surface measure; and the stère, or cube of a mètre, the unit of solid measure. The system of measure, called the decimal or metric system, based upon these standards, is now largely adopted. See under METRIC. Standard measure of capacity. For all sorts of liquids, corn, and dry goods, the standard measure is declared by the act of 1824 to be the imperial gallon, which should contain 10 lbs. avoirdupois weight of distilled water weighed in air at the temperature of 62° Fahr., the barometer being at 30 inches. The official measurement of this quantity of water measured under the specified conditions gave as the result 277 274 cubic inches, which, though since ascertained to be slightly in excess of the true measurement (277 123 cubic inches), is still the legal capacity of the gallon. Lineal or long measure, measure of length; the measure of lines or distances.-Liquid measure, the measure of liquors.-Square measure, the measure of surfaces, expressed in square yards or any other square unit of length. To take the measure of, to observe narrowly so as to form a judgment concerning. Measure (mezh'ür), v. t. pret. & pp. measured; ppr. measuring. 1. To compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; as, to measure land; to measure distance; to measure the altitude of a mountain; to measure the capacity of a ship or of a cask; to measure the degree of heat or moisture. 2. To serve as the measure of; to be adequate to express the size of. An ell and three quarters will not measure her from hip to hip. Shak. 3. To estimate by an inexact standard; to guess the magnitude of by the unassisted senses; to judge of the greatness of; to appreciate; to value. If I be measured rightly, Shak. Great are thy works, Jehovah! infinite Thy power! what thought can measure thee. Milton. 4. To pass through or over. We must measure twenty miles to-day. Shak. The vessel ploughs the sea, And measures back with speed her former way. Dryden. 5. To adjust; to proportion. To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires. Fer. Taylor. 6. To allot or distribute by measure: in this sense often with out. Mat. vii. 2. With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. -To measure one's (own) length, to lie, fall, or be thrown down. If you will measure your lubber's length again, tarry: but away! Shak. -To measure strength, to ascertain by trial which of two parties is the stronger; specifically, to engage in a contest. The two parties were still regarding each other with cautious hostility, and had not yet measured their strength, when news arrived which inflamed the passions and confirmed the opinions of both. Macaulay. -To measure swords, to fight with swords. Measure (mezh'ür), v. i. 1. To take a measurement or measurements.-2. To result or turn out on being measured; as, you will find it will measure well.-3. To be in extent; as, cloth measures three-fourths of a yard; a tree measures three feet in diameter. [The terms expressing the measurement are in the objective absolute, or more correctly speaking in the accusative of extent.] Measured (mezh'ürd), p. and a. 1. Computed or ascertained by a rule; adjusted; proportioned; passed over. -2. Deliberate and uniform; slow and steady; stately; formal; as, he walked with measured steps. 3. Limited or restricted; within bounds; moderate; as, in no measured terms. Measureless (mezh'ür-les), a. Without And most of all would I flee from the cruel madness of love, The honey of poison-flowers, and all the measureless ill. Tennyson. Measurement (mezh'ür-ment), n. 1. The act of measuring; mensuration.-2. The amount ascertained by measuring; the bulk; size; area or content.-Measurement goods, light goods which are charged for carriage by the bulk of the packages, as distinguished from heavy goods which are charged by weight. Measurer (mezh ́ūr-ér), n. One who or that which measures; specifically, (a) one whose occupation or duty is to measure commodities in market; (b) one who measures work on a building as a basis for contractors' prices. (c) An officer in the city of London, who measured woollen cloths, coals, &c. Called also a Meter. See ALNAGER. Measuring (mezh'ür-ing), p. and a. 1. Computing or ascertaining length, dimensions, capacity, or amount.-2. Used in measuring; as, a measuring rod or line.-A measuring cast, a cast or throw in a game that requires to be measured, or that cannot be distinguished from another but by measuring. When lusty shepherds throw The bar by turns, and none the rest outgo So far, but that the best are measuring casts, Their emulation and their pastime lasts. Wailer. Meat (mēt), n. [A. Sax. mete, mate, O. Fris. mete, mét, Icel matr, mata, Dan. mad, Sw. mat, Goth. mats, food; farther connections doubtful.] 1. Food in general; anything eaten or fit for eating as nourishment, either by man or beast. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb... to you it shall be for meat. Gen. i. 29. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for Gen. ix. 3. you. Shall I not take care of all that I think, Yea, ev'n of wretched meat and drink? Tennyson. 2. The flesh of animals used as food; as, the meat of carnivorous animals is tough, coarse, and ill-favoured; the meat of herbivorous animals is generally palatable.-3. The edible portion of something; as, the meat of an egg. To sit at meat, to sit or recline at the table. Meat (mēt), v.t. To supply with meat or food; to feed. [Old English and Scotch.] Meatal (mē-ā'tal), a. Of or belonging to a meatus; having the character of a meatus. In the hare the meatal part of the tympanic is long and ascends obliquely backward from the frame of the drum-membrane. Owen. Meat-biscuit (mēt bis-ket), n. A concentrated preparation of the most nutritious parts of meat, pounded and mixed with meal, and baked in the form of a biscuit, used in long voyages, travels, &c. Meated† (met'ed), a. Fed; fattened. Strong oxen and horses, well shod and well clad, Well meated and used. Tusser. Meat-fly (met'fli), n. A fly which deposits its eggs on meat; particularly the Musca vomitoria, a blue-bodied species, which abounds in the summer. Meath (meth), n. [See MEAD.] Liquor or drink obtained from fruit. For drink the grape She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths Milton. From many a berry. Meatiness (mēt'i-nes), n. The state or quality of being meaty; fleshiness. Meat-offering (met'of-er-ing), n. An offerMeatless (met'les), a. Destitute of meat. ing or sacrifice consisting of meat or food, or more strictly of nothing but flour and oil. The law or ceremonial of the Jewish meatoffering is described in Lev. ii, and vi. Meat-pie (mēt'pi), n. A pie made of meat or flesh. Meat-salesman (mēt'sālz-man), n. One who sells meat; specifically, an agent in town who receives carcasses from cattleraisers for sale, and disposes of them to retail butchers. Meat-screen (mēt'skrën), n. A metal screen placed behind meat while roasting, to reflect the heat of the fire. Meatus (mē-a'tus), n. [L., from meo, to go.] A passage: a term applied in anatomy to various ducts and passages of the body; as, the meatus auditorius, the passage of the ear; meatus cysticus, the gall-duct. Meaty (met'i), a. Abounding in meat; fleshy, but not fat; resembling meat; as, a meaty flavour. Meaw, Meawl (mü, mül). See MEW, MEWL. MEAZEL Meazel + (mezl), n. Meazle (mě zl), v.i. drops: said of rain. Same as Measle. The air feels more moist when the water is in small than in great drops; in meazling and soaking rain, than in great showers. Arbuthnot. Mebles,† n. pl. [Fr. meubles.] Movable With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers. Shak. Descend to a mechanic dialect. Roscommon. Mechanical (mē-kanʼik-al), a. [L. mechanicus, Gr. mechanikos, from mechanē, a machine.] 1. Pertaining to or in accordance with the principles or laws of mechanics; depending upon mechanism or machinery; as, a mechanical contrivance.-2. Resembling a machine; as (a) acting without thought or independence of judgment: said of persons; as, he was a mechanical follower of the precepts of his master. (b) Done as if by a machine, that is, without deliberate design, but by the mere force of habit, or characterized by slavish and unthinking obedience to rule or external guidance; as, he made a mechanical movement with his hand; the artists' work betrayed a mechanical style of drawing.-3. Pertaining to artisans or mechanics or their employments. Hence-4. In disparagement, of mean occupation; base; rude; mean; vulgar; servile. Base and mechanical niggardise.' Holland. Hang him, mechanical salt-butter rogue! Shak. See also quotations under MECHANIC.5. Acting by or resulting from weight or momentum; as, mechanical pressure. 6. Pertaining to those changes of bodies in which they form compounds without losing their identity in the compound substance: as opposed to chemical; as, a mechanical mixture; mechanical decomposition. -Mechanical philosophy, also called the corpuscular philosophy, is that which explains the phenomena of nature and the operations of corporeal things on the principles of mechanics, viz. the motion, gravity, figure, arrangement, disposition, greatness, or smallness of the parts which compose natural bodies.-Mechanical powers, the simple instruments or elements of which every machine, however complicated, must be constructed; they are the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw.-Mechanical solution of a problem, a solution by any art or contrivance not strictly geometrical, as by means of the ruler and compasses or other instruments.-Mechanical theory, in med, that system by which all diseases were attributed principally to lentor, or morbid viscidity of the blood.-Rocks of mechanical origin, in geol. rocks composed of sand, pebbles, fragments, and the like, mechanically united; as distinguished from those which have a regular crystalline texture. -Mechanical curve, a curve of such a nature that the relation between the abscissa and the ordinate cannot be expressed by an algebraic equation. Such curves are now generally called transcendental curves. -Mechanical, Chemical. These terms are thus distinguished: those changes which bodies undergo without altering their constitution, that is, losing their identity, such as changes of place, of figure, &c., are mechanical; those which alter the constitution of bodies, making them different substances, as when flour, yeast, and water unite to form bread, are chemical. In the one case, the changes relate to masses of matter, as 141 the motions of the heavenly bodies, or the action of the wind on a ship under sail; in the other case, the changes occur between the particles of matter, as the action of heat in melting lead, or the union of sand and lime forming mortar. Most of what are usually called the mechanic arts are partly mechanical and partly chemical. Mechanical+ (mē-kan'ik-al), n. A mechanic. 'Rude mechanicals.' Shak. Mechanicalize (me-kan'ik-al-iz), v.t. render mechanical or mean; to debase. Το Mechanically (me-kan'ik-al-li), adv. In a mechanical manner: (a) according to the laws of mechanism or good workmanship. (b) By physical force or power. (c) In a manner resembling a machine; without thought or intelligence; without independence of judgment; by the mere force of habit; as, to play on an instrument mechanically. Mechanicalness (mē-kan'ik-al-nes), n. The state of being mechanical or governed by, or as if by, mechanism. Mechanician (mek-an-ish'an), n. One skilled in mechanics. The observations of mechanicians show certain things respecting falling bodies on our globe. Brougham. Mechanico-chemical (mē-kan'i-kō-kem"ikal), a. Pertaining to or dependent on both mechanics and chemistry; a term used specifically in regard to the sciences of galvanism, electricity, and magnetism, which exhibit phenomena which require for their explanation an application of the laws of mechanics and chemistry. Mechanics (me-kan'iks), n. 1. The science of machinery. Newton.-2. A common name for the science which treats of motion and force. This science has often been divided by writers into-statics, embracing the principles or theorems which apply to bodies at rest under the action of natural forces; and dynamics, embracing the principles of equilibrium and action of bodies in a state of motion. Other writers subdivide the subject into the mechanics of solids and the mechanics of fluids; and a modern division is into kinematics, or the laws of motion geometrically considered, without reference to the causes of motion, and dynamics, or the laws of motion and force. -Animal mechanics, a branch of mechanics in which the principles of the science are applied to the explanation of the solid framework of the human body, and also of the different animal motions, the whole structure being regarded as a machine. The most important mechanical principle which comes into operation in the animal machine is that of the lever. The bones form the arms of the levers, the muscles, contractible at the command of the will or fancy, represent the power, the joints the fulcrums or points of support; and the weight of the body or of individual limbs, as it may happen, constitute the weight or resistance, increased, as in the case of the hands at times, by some substance carried or held by them. -Practical mechanics, the application of the principles of mechanics to practical purposes, as the construction of machines, buildings, &c. - Rational mechanics, that branch of mechanics which treats of the theory of motion; kinematics. Mechanism (mek'an-izm), n. 1. The parts collectively, or the arrangement of the parts of a machine, engine, or instrument intended to apply power to a useful purpose; the arrangement and relation of the moving and other parts in a machine; mechanical construction; machinery; as, the mechanism is very complicated; a skilful piece of mechanism. Art does not analyse, or abstract, or classify, or generalize; it does not lay bare the mechanism of thought, or evolve by a rigid dialectic the secret order and system of nature and history. Dr. Caird. 2. Action according to the laws of mechanics; mechanical action. [Rare.] After the chyle has passed through the lungs, nature continues her usual mechanism to convert it into animal substances. Arbuthnot. Mechanist (mek'an-ist), n. 1. A maker of machines, or one skilled in machinery; a mechanic. The mechanist will be afraid to assert before hardy contradiction the possibility of tearing down bulwarks Johnson. with a silk-worm's thread. 2. One of a school of philosophers who refer all the changes in the universe to the effect of merely mechanical forces. Mechanize (mek'an-iz), v.t. pret. & pp. MEDALLION mechanized; ppr. mechanizing. To subject to contrivance, art, or skill; to form by contrivance or design; to form mechanically. "The human frame a mechanized automaton.' Shelley. Mechanographic (mek'an-o-graf”ik), a. 1. Treating of mechanics. [Rare.]-2. Pertaining to mechanography. Mechanographist (mek-an-ogʻra-fist), n. An artist who, by mechanical means, multiplies copies of any work of art, writing, or the like. Mechanography (mek-an-ogʻra-fi), n. (Gr. mechane, a machine, and graphō, to write or engrave.] The art of multiplying copies of a writing or any work of art by the use of a machine. Mechanurgy (mek'an-êr-ji), n. [Gr. měchanë, a machine, and ergon, work.] That branch of mechanics which treats of moving machines. [Rare.] Mechitarist (mek-it'är-ist), n. [After Mechitar Da Petro, a native of Sebaste, who founded a religious society at Constantinople for the purpose of disseminating a knowledge of the old Armenian language and literature.] One of a society or sect of Armenians acknowledging the authority of the pope, but retaining their own ritual with a few alterations. They have printed the best editions of Armenian classics. Mechlin (mek'lin), n. A species of fine lace made at Mechlin or Malines in Belgium. Mechlin (mek'lin), a. The term applied to a fine kind of lace manufactured at Mechlin, or Malines, in Belgium. Mechoacan Root (me-chō'a-kan), n. [From Mechoacan, in Mexico, whence it is obtained.] The large thick tuber of Ipomaa (Batatas) Jalapa, a native of Mexico and the Southern States of America. It yields a jalap of very feeble properties. Mecometer (me-kom'et-ér), n. [Gr. měkos, length, and metron, measure.] A kind of graduated compass used to measure the length of new-born infants. Meconate (me'kon-at), n. A salt of meconic acid. Meconic (mē-kon'ik), a. [Gr. měkōn, a poppy.] A term applied to the peculiar acid with which morphia is combined in opium. When pure, meconic acid (C, H4O7) forms small white crystals. Its aqueous solution forms. a deep red colour with the persalts of iron, which therefore are good tests for it. It is a tribasic acid. Meconin, Meconine (me'kon-in), n. [Gr. měkōn, a poppy.] (C10H10 04.) A neutral substance existing in opium. It is a white fusible substance, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Meconium (mē-kō'ni-um), n. [Gr. měkőnion, from měkōn, a poppy.] 1. The inspissated juice of the poppy.-2. The first fæces of infants. Meconopsis (mē-kō-nop'sis), n. [Gr. mēkōn, a poppy, and opsis, appearance.] A small genus of plants, nat. order Papaveraceæ. They are perennial, rarely annual herbs, with yellow juice, entire or lobed leaves, and handsome yellow, purple, or blue flowers on long stalks, which droop when in bud. One species (M. cambrica, or Welsh poppy) occurs in Great Britain, and is often grown on rockwork as an ornamental plant. Medal (med'al), n. [Fr. médaille, from L. metallum, Gr. metallon, metal. See METAL.] A coin, or a piece of metal in the form of a coin, stamped with some figure or device to preserve the portrait of some distinguished person, or the memory of an illustrious action or event, or as a reward of merit. The Roman medals were their current coin; when an action deserved to be recorded on a coin, it was Addison. stamped and issued out of the mint. Medalet (med'al-et), n. A smaller kind of medal, not larger than the varieties of the ordinary current coinage of a country, but differing from that in never passing for money or having the same die. Medalets are sometimes suspended from the person, and in Catholic countries are impressed with figures of saints. Medallic (mē-dal'ik), a. Pertaining to a medal or to medals. Admiral Vernon will shine in our medallic history. H. Walpole. Medallion (mē-dal'yun), n. [Fr. médaillon, from médaille.] 1. A large antique medal struck in Rome and in the provinces by the emperors. They were usually of gold or silver, and exceeded in size the largest coins of these metals of which the name and value MEDALLIST are known. They were probably struck to commemorate persons or events. Medallions, in respect of the other coins, were the same as modern medals in respect of modern money. Addison. 2. Anything resembling such a piece of metal, as, in arch. any circular or oval, and sometimes square tablet, bearing on it objects represented in relief, as figures, heads, animals, flowers, &c. Medallist, Medalist (med'al-ist), n. 1. An engraver, stamper, or moulder of medals. 'Sculptors, painters, and medalists.' Macaulay.-2. A person that is skilled or curious in medals.-3. One who has gained a medal as the reward of merit. Medallurgy (med'al-ér-ji), n. [Medal, and Gr. ergon, work.] The art of making and striking medals and coins. Meddle (med'l), v.i. pret. & pp. meddled; ppr. meddling. [O.E. medlen, to mix or mingle, from 0. Fr. medler, mesler, to mix, to mingle, se mesler de, to mix one's self up with; Mod. Fr. mêler, to mix, to meddle; from L. L. misculare, from L. misceo, to mix. See MEDLEY, MÊLÉE.] 1. To mingle; to mix. More to know Shak. Did never meddle with my thoughts. [That is, enter into my thoughts.]-2. To deal; to treat; to take part: followed by with. With the power of it upon the spirits of men we will only meddle. Bacon. 3. To interfere with matters with which one should have nothing to do; to take part in another person's affairs in an officious, impertinent, or offensive manner; to handle, touch, or use things with which one has no business: followed by with or in, or used absolutely. Why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt? 2 Ki. xiv. 10. The civil lawyers.. . have meddled in a matter that belongs not to them. Locke. What hast thou to do to meddle with the affairs of my family? Arbuthnot. SYN. To interpose, interfere, intermeddle. Meddlet (med'l), v. t. To mix; to mingle. Meddled his talk with many a tear.' Spen ser. They gave him to drink wine meddled with gall. Mat. xxvii. 34, Wickliffe's Trans. Meddler (med'lėr), n. One that meddles; one that interferes or busies himself with things in which he has no concern; an officious person; a busybody. Do not drive away such as bring thee information as meddlers, but accept of them in good part. Bacon. Meddlesome (med'l-sum), a. Given to meddling; apt to interpose in the affairs of others; officiously intrusive. Christendom could not have been so long, if there had been so meddlesome a body in it as the pope now is. Barrow. Meddlesomeness (med'l-sum-nes), n. Offcious interposition in the affairs of others. 'Such meddlesomeness is commonly blamable.' Barrow. Meddling (med'ling), p. and a. Officious; busy or officiously interposing in other men's affairs; as, a meddling neighbour. A meddling government, a government which tells them what to read, and say, and eat, and drink, and wear. Macaulay. Meddlingly (med'ling-li), adv. In a meddling The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. Dan. vi. 12. Media, n. pl. See MEDIUM. Mediacy (me'di-a-si), n. The state of being mediate, or being an intervening step or cause. Were there in these syllogisms no occult conversion of an undeclared consequent, no mediacy from the antecedent, they could not in their ostensible conclusion reverse the quantities of Breadth and Depth. Sir W. Hamilton. Mediæval, Medieval (med-i-ē'val), a. Relating to the middle ages. The darkest portion of the medieval period was different in different countries. In a general way, however, it may be assigned to the tenth century. Hallam. Mediæval, Medieval (med-i-e'val), n. One belonging to the middle ages. This view of landscape differs from that of the mediavals. Ruskin. Mediævalism, Medievalism (med-i-e'valizm), n. The spirit or principles of the middle ages; adoption of the principles of the middle ages: said particularly of religion and art. N. 142 Mediævalist, Medievalist(med-i-ē'val-ist), One versed in the history of the middle ages; one who sympathizes with the spirit and principles of the middle ages. Quart. Rev. Mediævally, Medievally (med-i-ē'val-li), adv. In a mediæval manner; in the manner of the middle ages. Medial (meʼdi-al), a. [L. medialis, from medius, middle.] Mean; pertaining to a mean or average.- Medial alligation, in arith. a method of finding the mean rate or value of a mixture consisting of two or more ingredients of different quantities and values, the quantity and value of each ingredient being given. Medial (me'di-al), n. In Greek gram. a name sometimes given to the three Greek letters b, g, d, as being intermediate in sound between the hard mutes p, k, t, and the aspirates ph, ch, th. Median (meʼdi-an), a. Of or pertaining to Media, an ancient kingdom of Asia. Median (me'di-an), n. Same as Mede. Median (me'di-an), a. [L. medianus, from medius, middle.] Situated in the middle; passing through or along the middle. Median line, in anat. a vertical line,supposed to divide the body longitudinally into two equal parts.-— Median zone, in geog. and biol. that interval or zone in the ocean between 50 and 100 fathoms in depth beyond which it was formerly believed that life did not exist. It is now known that life exists to all depths in the ocean. Mediant (meʼdi-ant), n. [It. mediante, from L. medio, to divide in the middle, from L. medius, middle.] In music, an appellation given to the third above the key-note, because it divides the interval between the tonic and dominant into two thirds. In the scale of C, E is the mediant. Mediastinal (mē-di-as'tin-al), a. Relating to the mediastine.- Mediastinal arteries, very delicate arterial branches distributed in the cellular tissue of the mediastine. Mediastine, Mediastinum (mē'di-as-tin, me'di-as-ti"num), n. [L.L. mediastinum, neut. of mediastinus, in the middle, from L. medius, middle.] The membranous septum of the chest, formed by the duplicature of the pleura under the sternum, and dividing the cavity into two parts. Mediastinitis (meʼdi-as-ti-ni"tis), n. [E. mediastine, and Gr. term. itis, denoting inflammation.] Inflammation of the mediastine. Mediate (me'di-āt), a. [L. medio, mediatum, to divide in the middle, from medius, middle.] 1. Being between two extremes; middle; interposed or intervening in space. Anxious we hover in a mediate state Prior. Soon the mediate clouds shall be dispelled: The sun shall soon be face to face beheld. Prior. 2. Acting as a means or medium; leading up to what acts directly or immediately; not direct or immediate. It is certain that the immediate cause of death is the resolution or extinguishment of the spirits; and that the destruction or corruption of the organs is but the mediate cause. Bacon. 3. Effected or gained by the intervention of a medium; as, the mediate perception of the agreement or disagreement between two ideas. Locke. An act of mediate knowledge is complex. Sir W. Hamilton. -Mediate auscultation or percussion, in pathol. a mode of investigating the internal parts of the body by means of percussion and auscultation, in which a solid substance called a pleximeter (stroke-measurer) is placed upon the spot, the resonance of which is to be explored, and the blow made upon that substance. Mediate (mě'di-āt), v.i. pret. & pp. mediated; ppr. mediating. 1. To interpose between parties, as the equal friend of each; to negotiate between contending parties, with a view to reconciliation; to intercede; to arbitrate; as, to mediate between two enemies.-2. To be between two. [Rare.] By being crowded they exclude all other bodies that before mediated between the parts of their body. Sir K. Digby. Mediate (mē'di-at), v.t. 1. To effect by mediation or interposition between parties. The earl made many professions of his desire to interpose and mediate a good peace between the nations. Clarendon. 2. To connect, as two things distinctly separate, by the interposition of something be MEDICAGO tween; to put in relation by some intervening means or process. They (beliefs of the ordinary consciousness) have been acquired by no conscious intellectual process, whereby thought and reality have been mediated with each other, and therefore we can have no certainty as to their truth, or as to their relation to each other. Dr. Caird. Mediately (mē'di-at-li), adv. In a mediate manner; indirectly. God worketh all things amongst us mediately by secondary means. Raleigh. The king grants a manor to A., and A. grants a portion to B. In this case, B. holds his land imme diately of A., but mediately of the king. Blackstone. Mediateness (mē'di-at-nes), n. The state or quality of being mediate or intervening. Mediation (mē-di-a'shon), n. 1. The act of mediating; agency between parties at variance, with a view to reconcile them; entreaty for another; intercession. Noble offices thou mayst effect Shak. 2. Action or relation of anything interposed; interposition; intervention; mediate agency. The soul, during its residence in the body, does all things by the mediation of the passions. South. Mediative (mē'di-at-iv), a. Of or belonging to a mediator; mediatorial. The consequence of our consultations was, that some Northern Power should be applied to in a friendly and mediative capacity. Disraeli. Mediatization (mē’di-at-iz-ã"shon), n. The act of mediatizing; the term applied to the annexation of the smaller German sovereignties to larger contiguous states, which took place on a large scale after the dissolution of the German Empire in 1806. The term was originally used, during the continuance of the empire, in reference to the conversion of certain states into portions of the territory with which they were directly connected, such states being said to be mediatized, that is, made mediately, instead of immediately, dependent on the empire. Mediatize (me'di-at-iz), v.t. pret. & pp. mediatized; ppr. mediatizing. To render mediate; specifically, to render mediately dependent; to annex, as a small state governed by a sovereign prince, to a larger one, yet allowing the ruler of the small state to retain his princely rank, rights, and privileges. See MEDIATIZATION. Mediator (mē'di-at-ér), n. One that mediates; one that interposes between parties at variance for the purpose of reconciling them. Mediators were appointed to reconcile the dukes of Gloucester and Burgundy. Hallam. Hence, by way of eminence, Christ is called THE MEDIATOR, the intercessor through whom sinners may be reconciled to God. 1 Tim. ii. 5. Christ is a mediator by nature, as partaking of both natures divine and human; and mediator by office, as transacting matters between God and man. Waterland. SYN. Intercessor, advocate, propitiator, interceder, arbitrator, umpire. Mediatorial (me'di-a-to'ri-al), a. Belonging to a mediator; pertaining to the office or character of a mediator; as, mediatorial office or character. My measures were, in their intent, healing and mediatorial. Burke. Mediatorially (mē’di-a-tō"ri-al-li), adv. In the manner of a mediator. Mediatorship (mē'di-at-êr-ship), n. office of a mediator. Mediatory (mé'di-a-to-ri), a. Pertaining to mediation; mediatorial. The His mediatory kingdom being fulfilled, it might be delivered up unto the Father. Bp. Hopkins. Mediatress, Mediatrix (mē'di-at-res, mē'di-at-riks), n. A female mediator. This stately coquet (Queen Elizabeth), the guardian of the Protestant faith, the terror of the sea, the mediatrix of the factions of Europe. T. Warton. Medic, Medick (mē'dik), n. [Gr. mēdikë, a name given to Median grass.] A plant of the genus Medicago (which see). Medict (med'ik), a. Same as Medical. [Rare.] Medicable (med'i-ka-bl), a. [See MEDICAL.] That may be cured or healed. Medicago (med-i-kā'gō), n. [See MEDIC.] A genus of plants, nat. order Leguminosa, sub-order Papilionaceæ, nearly allied to the clover. The species are herbaceous or shrubby plants with trifoliate leaves, manyflowered peduncles, and curiously-curved or spirally-twisted fruits. M. sativa (purple medick or lucerne) is found wild in England and Scotland, and is commonly cultivated MEDICAL in the fields of Europe. M. lupulina, black medick or black nonsuch, so called from the black colour of the ripe pods, grows in meadows, pastures, and waste grounds, and affords excellent fodder for sheep. It is also known, from the colour of its flower, by the name of yellow lucerne, and to farmers by that of hop-trefoil, from its resemblance to the true hop-trefoil, or yellow clover. M. arborea (tree-medick) is a villous shrubby plant, a native of the south of Europe. There are about forty species, natives of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Medical (med'ik-al), a. [L.L. medicalis, from L. medicus, pertaining to healing, from medeor, to heal, to cure; probably allied to Gr. medos, care, and medomai, to take care of.] Pertaining to, employed in, or in some way connected with medicine or the art of healing diseases; as, (a) devoted to or engaged in healing diseases; as, the medical profession; medical services. (b) Medicinal; tending to cure; as, the medical properties of a plant. (c) Adapted, intended, or instituted to teach medical science; as, medical schools; medical institutions.-Medical jurisprudence, the application of medical science to the administration of justice, in the determination of doubtful questions such as medical evidence is likely to throw light upon; forensic medicine. Medically (med'ik-al-li), adv. In a medical manner; according to the rules of the healing art, or for the purpose of healing; as, a mineral medically used or applied; a plant medically considered. Medicament (me-dik'a-ment or med'i-kament), n. [Fr. médicament, from L. medicamentum. See MEDICAL.] Anything used for healing diseases or wounds; a medicine; a healing application. Re A cruel wound was cured by scalding medicaments. Sir W. Temple. Medicamental (med'i-ka-mental), a. lating to healing applications; having the qualities of medicaments. Medicamentally (med'i-ka-ment"al-li), adv. After the manner of healing applications. Medicaster (med'ik-as-ter), n. A quackdoctor. Medicasters, pretenders to physic.' Whitlock. Medicate (med'ik-at), v.t. pret. & pp. medicated; ppr. medicating. [L. medico, medicatum, from medicus. See MEDICAL.] 1. To tincture or imbue with healing substances, or with anything medicinal. To this may be ascribed the great effects of medicated waters. Arbuthnot. 2. To treat with medicine; to heal; to cure. Medication (med-ik-a'shon), n. 1. The act or process of medicating or imbuing with medicinal substances; the infusion of medicinal virtues.-2. † The use or application of medicine. He adviseth to observe the equinoxes and solstices, and to decline medication ten days before and after. Sir T. Browne. Medicative (med'ik-at-iv), a. Curing; tending to cure. 'Physicians who profess to follow nature in the treatment of diseases by watching and aiding her medicative powers' D. Stewart. Medicean (med-i-se'an), a. Of or pertaining to the Medici, a celebrated Florentine family, who were eminent patrons of art and literature; as, the Medicean Venus. Medicinable (med'sin-a-bl), a. Having the properties of medicine; medicinal. Shak. Some griefs are medicinable; that is one of them, For it doth physic love. Medicinal (me-dis'in-al, formerly med'sin-al or med-i-sin'al), a. [L. medicinalis.] 1. Having the property of healing or of mitigating disease; adapted to the cure or alleviation of bodily disorders; as, medicinal plants; medicinal virtues of minerals; medicinal springs. Drop tears as fast as the Arabian trees 2. Pertaining to medicine. Shak. Hudibras. Medicinally (me-dis'in-al-li), adv. In a medicinal manner: as (a) with medicinal qualities. (b) With a view to healing; as, to use a mineral medicinally. Medicine (med'sin or med'i-sin), n. [Fr. médecine, L. medicina, from medicus, healing, curing, from medeor, to heal. See MEDICAL.] 1. Any substance used as a remedy for disease; curative agency; remedy; physic: used by Shakspere for a drug of any kind. If the rascal have not given me medicine to make Shak. me love him, I'll be hanged. 2. The science and art of preventing, curing, or alleviating the disease of the human body; as, the study of medicine; a student of medicine. Medicine admits of numerous divisions, of which the most general are pathology, hygiene, and therapeutics (including physic, surgery, and obstetrics). See these terms.-3. The equivalent given by English writers for terms used among American Indians and other savage tribes to denote anything which is supposed to possess supernatural or mysterious power, or any ceremony performed as a charm.-Medicine seal, medicine stamp, names given to certain small, greenish, square stones found near old Roman towns and stations throughout Europe, engraved with inscriptions on one or more borders, used as seals by the old Roman physicians to stamp the names of their medicines on wax or other plastic substance. Medicinet (med'sin), v.t. 1. To administer medicine to.-2. To cure, as by medicine. Shak, Great griefs, I see, medicine the less. Medicinet (med'sin), n. [Fr. médecin.] A physician. Meet we the medicine of the sickly weal; And with him pour we in our country's purge. Shak. Medicine-chest (med'sin-chest or med'i-sinchest), n. A chest for holding medicines, together with such instruments and appliances as are necessary for the purposes of surgery. Medicine-man (med'sin-man or med'i-sinman), n. A name given by English writers as an equivalent for terms used by American Indians and other savage tribes to signify any man whom they suppose to possess mysterious or supernatural powers. Medick, n. See MEDIC and MEDICAGO. Medico-legal (med'i-kō-lē"gal), a. Pertaining to medical jurisprudence, or law as affected by medical facts. Medicst (med'iks), n. The science of medicine. Dr. Spencer. Medietas Linguæ (mē-di'ē-tas lin'gwē), n. [L., half tongue.] In law, a jury, half natives, half foreigners, formerly impannelled for the trial of a foreigner. Mediety (me-di'e-ti), n. [Fr. médiété, L. medietas, from L. medius, middle.] The middle state or part; half; moiety. [Rare.] Which (syrens) notwithstanding were of another description containing no fishy composure, but made up of man and bird; the human mediety variously placed not only above but below. Sir T. Browne. Medieval, and its derivatives. See MEDI EVAL, &c. Medine, Medino (me-den', me-dē'no), n. A small coin and money of account in Egypt, the fortieth part of a piastre. Mediocral+ (mē'di-ō-kral), a. [L. mediocris. See MEDIOCRITY.] Being of a middle quality; indifferent; ordinary; as, mediocral intellect. Addison. [Rare.] Mediocre (mē'di-ō-kėr), a. [Fr., from L. mediocris. See MEDIOCRITY.] Of moderate degree or quality; middle rate; middling. 'A very mediocre poet, one Drayton.' Pope. Mediocre (mē'di-ō-kér), n. 1. One of middling quality, talents, or merit. Southey. [Rare.]-2. A monk from twenty-four to forty years of age, who was excused from the office of the chantry and reading the epistle and gospel, but performed his duty in choir, cloister, and refectory. Mediocrist (mē'di-ō-krist), n. A person of middling abilities. [Rare.] Mediocrity (mě-di-ok'ri-ti), n. [L. mediocritas, from mediocris, middling, from medius, middle.] 1. The quality or state of being mediocre; a middle state or degree; a moderate degree or rate. Men of age seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. Bacon. From the most careful and skilful tuition seldom anything results above mediocrity. D. Stewart. 2. Moderation; temperance. We owe obedience to the law of reason, which teacheth mediocrity in meats and drinks. Hooker. 3. A person of mediocre talents or abilities of any kind, especially a person who comes before the public in any capacity; as, not much was to be expected from a mediocrity like him. Medioxumous+ (mē-di-ok'su-mus), a. [L. medioxumus, from medius, middle.] Having the character of a medium; mediatory. The whole order of the medioxumous or internuncial deities. Dr. H. More. Than others' laboured meditance. Beau. & FI Meditate (med'i-tāt), v. i. pret. & pp. meditated; ppr. meditating. [L. meditor, meditatus, to meditate.] To dwell on anything in thought; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; to cogitate; to ruminate; to give one's self up to mental contemplation. His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps. i. 2. Meditate (med'i-tāt), v. t. 1. To plan by re- I meditate to pass the remainder of life in a state of undisturbed repose. Washington. 2. To think on; to revolve in the mind. Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things. Ecclus, xiv. 20. Meditatio fugæ (med-i-ta'shi-ō fū'jē). [L., intention of making an escape.] In Scots law, a term applied to the position of a debtor who meditates an escape to avoid the payment of his debts. When a creditor can make oath that his debtor, whether native or foreigner, is in meditatione fuga, or where he has reasonable ground of apprehension that the debtor has such an intention, he is entitled to a warrant to apprehend the debtor. The warrant may be obtained from any judge of the Court of Session, the sheriff, a magistrate of a burgh, or a justice of the peace, and is termed a meditatio fuga warrant. Under the Debtors (Scotland) Act, 1881, which abolishes imprisonment for debt except in a few special cases, warrants of this kind are practically obsolete. Meditation (med-i-ta'shon), n. [L. meditatio. See MEDITATE.] The act of meditating; close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; continued mental reflection: often specifically thought devoted to religious subjects. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Ps. xix. 14. He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed Shak. But on his knees at meditation. Meditatist (med'i-tat-ist), n. One given to meditation or thoughtfulness. [Rare.] Meditative (med'i-tat-iv), a. 1. Addicted to meditation. Abeillard was pious, reserved, and meditative. Berington. 2. Pertaining to, inclining to, or expressing meditation; as, a meditative mood." Inward self-disparagement affords To meditative spleen a grateful feast. Wordsworth. Meditatively (med'i-tat-iv-li), adv. In a meditative manner; with meditation. Meditativeness (med'i-tat-iv-nes), n. state or quality of being meditative. Coleridge. Mediterranet (med'i-te-ran"), a. Same as Mediterranean. The He that never saw the sea will not be persuaded that there is a mediterrane sea. Hackluyt. [L. Mediterranean (med'i-te-rā"nē-an), a. medius, middle, and terra, land.] 1. Surrounded by or in the midst of land; inland; as, the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Africa. The word is now applied exclusively to this particular sea, but formerly its application was quite general in the sense of inland.' Trench gives the following instances: Their buildings are for the most part of tymber, for the mediterranean countreys have almost no The Kyngdome of Japonia. stone. It (Arabia) hath store of cities as well mediterranean as maritime. Holland. 2. Pertaining to, situated on or near, dwelling about the Mediterranean Sea. Mediterraneous (med'i-te-ra"nē-us), a. Inland; remote from the ocean or sea. 'Mediterraneous parts.' Sir T. Browne. Meditullium (med-i-tul'li-um), n. [L.medius, middle.] Same as Diploe. Medium (me'di-um), n. pl. Media or Mediums (mē'di-a, mē'di-umz). [L] 1. Something placed or ranked between other things; something intervening; a mean: (a) a point or stage between two extremes; a state of due restraint; moderation; mean. The just medium of this case lies between pride and abjection. Sir R. L'Estrange. But poesy between the best and worst No medium knows; you must be last or first. Byron. (b) In math. a mean. See MEAN. (c) In logic, the mean or middle term of a syllogism. (d) A kind of paper of a size between demy and MEDIUM royal.-2. Something intervening and also serving as a means of transmission or communication; necessary means of motion or action; instrumentality of communication; agency of transmission; that by or through which anything is accomplished, conveyed, or carried on; agency; instrumentality. Prejudice may be considered as a continual false medium of viewing things. Butler. Specifically, (a) a person through whom the action of another being is said to be manifested and transmitted by animal magnetism, or a person through whom spiritual manifestations are claimed to be made, especially one who is said to be capable of holding intercourse with the spirits of the deceased. Some mediums claim to have the power of floating in and moving through the air, of raising tables from the ground and keeping them suspended, and of performing many other supernatural feats. (b) The liquid vehicle with which dry colours are ground and prepared for painting. Circulating medium, coin and bank-notes, or paper convertible into money on demand; currency. Medium (meʼdi-um), a. Middle; middling; mean; as, medium size. Medium-sized (mě'di-um-sīzd), a. Of medium or middle size; of an intermediate or of an average size. Medjidie (mej'i-di), n. A Turkish order of knighthood, instituted in 1852, and conferred on many British and other officers who took part with Turkey in the Crimean war. 2. A Turkish golden coin worth from 178. 9d. to 188. Medlar (med 'lėr), n. [O.E. medle-tree, O. Fr. mestier, mesler, medler, from L. mespilus, Gr. mespilon, medlar.] A tree of the genus Mespilus, the M. germanica, which is found wild in several parts of Central Europe, and is cultivated in gardens for its fruit, which is remarkable for its acerbity when first gathered. It loses this acerbity after a few weeks' keeping, and is eaten when somewhat decayed, in which state its flavour is highly relished by some. You'll be rotten ere you be half ripe, and that's the right virtue of the mediar. Shak. Medle,+ Medleyt (med'l, med'li), v.t. [See MEDDLE, MEDLEY.] To mix. The things taught by Mahumed are so mixt and confused, that it is no easy task to range them under distinct heads: And yet they are not more medley'd in themselves than disadvantageously represented by writers. L. Addison. Medlee, ta. [See MEDLEY.] Of a mixed stuff or colour. 'A medlee coat.' Chaucer. Medley (med'li), n. [0. Fr. medlée, meslée; Fr. mêlée. See MÊLÉE, and also MELLAY, a form which is sometimes used.] 1. A mixture; a mingled and confused mass of ingredients; a jumble; a hodge-podge: used commonly with some degree of contempt. "This medley of philosophy and war.' Addi son. Love is a medley of endearments, jars, Sometimes used in the specific sense of a kind of song made up of scraps of different songs.-2. A hand-to-hand fight; a mêlée. The consul for his part forslowed not to come to hand-fight. The medley continued above three hours, and the hope of victory hung in equal balance. Holland. Medley (med 'li), a. Mingled; confused. [Rare.] Qualms at my heart, convulsions in my nerves, Within my little world make medley war. Dryden. Medley, v. t. See MEDLE. Medoc (me-dok'), n. An excellent red French wine, from Médoc, in the department of Gironde. Medrinaque (medʼri-nak), n. A coarse fibre from the Philippines, obtained from the sago palm, and used chiefly for stiffening dress linings, &c. Maunder. Medrissa, Madrissa (med-ris'sa, mad-ris'sa), n. A high school or gymnasium in Mohammedan countries for the education of youth. Medulla (mē-dulla), n. [L., marrow, from medius, middle.] 1. In anat. the fat substance or marrow which fills the cavity of the bones.- Medulla oblongata, the upper enlarged portion of the spinal cord.-Medulla spinalis, the spinal marrow or cord; the continuation downwards of the brain matter.-2. In bot. the pith; the central column of cellular matter over which the wood is formed in exogens. Medullar (mē-dul'lér),a. Same as Medullary, but comparatively rare. 144 Medullary (med'ul-la-ri or mé-dul'la-ri), a. [L. medullaris, from medulla (which see).] 1. Pertaining to marrow; consisting of marrow; resembling marrow; as, medullary substance. The medullary substance composes the greater part of the brain, spinal marrow, and nerves.-2. In bot. relating to the pith of plants. -Medullary sheath, a thin layer of spiral vessels formed immediately over the pith.-Medullary rays, the vertical plates of cellular tissue which connect the pith of exogenous plants with the bark. Medullated (me-dul'lāt-ed), a. medulla. Having a The like holds even in certain portions of the peripheral cerebro-spinal system, as the olfactory portion, which consists of an extensive plexus of non-medullated fibres, and which has the peculi arity that different parts of its area are not acted upon separately. H. Spencer. Medullin, Medulline (me-dulʼlin), n. [From medulla (which see).] A name applied by Braconnot to the cellulose obtained from the pith or medulla of certain plants, as the sunflower and lilac. Medullose (me-dul 'los), a. Having the texture of pith. Maunder. Medusa (me-du'sa), n. [Gr. Medousa, originally the fem. of medon, a ruler.] 1. In myth. one of the three Gorgons, who is represented as having been originally a beautiful maiden, but as having had her hair changed into serpents by Athene, which made her head so horrible that every one who looked at it was turned to stone. 2. In zool. a member of the order Medusida (which see). Medusa's Head, n. 1. A name sometimes applied to those species of star-fish which have the rays very much branched, as in the genus Euryale.-2. In bot. the plant Euphorbia caput Medusa. Medusian (me-dū'si-an), n. A member of the order Medusidæ, or jelly-fishes. Medusidæ (me-dū’si-dē), n. pl. The jellyfishes or sea-nettles, an order of Hydrozoa, co-extensive with the sub-class Discophora, whose hydrosome is free and oceanic, consisting of a single nectocalyx or swimmingbell, from the roof of which one or several polypites are suspended. The nectocalyx is furnished with a system of canals, and a number of tentacles depend from its margin. The reproductive organs appear as processes either of the sides of the polypite or of the nectocalycine canals. The order has been very much restricted by modern naturalists, and it is by no means improbable that it will ultimately be entirely done away with, very many of its members having been shown to be really the free generative buds of other Hydrozoa. Medusidan (me-du'si-dan), n. A member of the order Medusidæ. Medusiform (me-du'si-form), a. Resembling a medusa in shape. Medusoid (me-du'soid), a. Resembling a medusa. Medusoid (me-du'soid), n. In zool. the medusiform generative bud or receptacle of the reproductive elements of a hydrozoon, as Coryne, whether it becomes detached or not. Such organisms constitute the middle stage in the process of metagenesis. See META GENESIS. Meeching (mech'ing), p. and a. [ See MICHING.] Skulking; mean; miching. She has some meeching rascal in her house. Beau, & FI Meed (med), n. [A. Sax. mêd, meord, O.Sax. mêda, meoda, mieda, L.G. mêde, D. miede, G. miethe, Goth. mizdo, reward, recompense; allied to Gr. misthos, pay, hire; O.Slav.mizda, Bohem. mzda, Pol. myto, Zend mizdha, reward, gain; perhaps from a root mas, allied to Skr. ma, to measure.] 1. That which is bestowed or rendered in consideration of merit or excellence of any kind; reward; recompense; award. Here comes to-day, Pallas and Aphrodite, claiming each This meed of fairest. 2. A gift or present. Plutus, the god of gold, Tennyson. Is but his steward; no meed but he repays Sevenfold above itself. 3. † Merit or desert. Shak MEET Meek (mek), a. [O.E. mek, meoke, meok, &c., properly a Scandinavian word = Sw. miuk, Icel. mjúkr, soft, meek, Dan. myg, pliant, supple; Goth. muks, soft, mild, meek.] 1. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; submissive; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries. Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. Num. xii. 3. 2. Expressing or characterized by meek'Sorrow unfeign'd and humiliation Milton. ness. meek.' Meek, Meeken (měk, měk'n), v. t. To make meek; to soften; to render mild. To nurture him, to humble, to meek, and to teach him God's ways. Tyndale. Spenser. The meek-ey'd Morn appears, mother of dews. Thomson. Meekly (měk'li), adv. Mildly; gently; submissively; humbly; not proudly or roughly. And this mis-seeming discord meekly lay aside. Meekness (mēk'nes), n. The quality of being meek; softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations; submission to the divine will without murmuring or peevishness. Meekness is a grace which Jesus alone inculcated, and which no ancient philosopher seems to have understood or recommended. Buckminster. Meer,+ Meeret (mer), a. Mere; unmixed; absolute. Meer (mer), n. A mere or lake. Meerkat (mër'kat), n. [D. meer, sea, and kat, a cat.] A South African animal of the genus Cynictis (C. Levaillanti), allied to the Ichneumon. Its tail is bushy and of remarkable length. See CYNICTIS. Meerschaum (mēr'shum), n. [G., lit. seafoam-meer, the sea, and schaum, foam.] 1. A hydrated silicate of magnesium, consisting of 60-9 parts silica, 26 1 magnesium, and 120 water, occurring as a fine white clay. It is found in Europe, but occurs chiefly in Natolia, in Asia Minor, and when first taken out is soft, and makes lather like soap. From its having been found on the sea-shore in some places in peculiarly rounded snowwhite lumps, it was supposed to be petrified sea-foam, hence its German name. It is manufactured into tobacco-pipes, which are boiled in oil or wax, and baked.-2. The name given to the pipe itself. See what a meerschaum! This belonged to a poor fellow I knew at Bonn. Hannay. Meet (mēt), a. [A. Sax. gemet, fit, proper, mate, moderate; Icel. matr, meet, worthy, from metan, Icel. meta, Goth. mitan, to measure. See METE] Fit; suitable; proper; qualified; convenient; adapted; appropriate. Ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. Deut. iii. 18. It was meet that we should make merry. Luke xv. 32. O Caledonia! stern and wild, Meet nurse for a poetic child! Sir W. Scott, -Meet with,t even with. Well, I shall be meet with your mumbling mouth one day. B. Jenson. Meet (mēt), v.t. pret. & pp. met; ppr. meeting. [A. Sax. métan, gemetan, to meet; O. Fris. mêtan, Dan. möde, Sw. möta, Icel. mæta, Goth. motjan, gamotjan, to meet. From this root are moot, and mote (a meeting).] 1. To come together with by approach in an opposite direction; to come face to face with; to come in contact with; to join; as, I met him coming up while I was going down; I met several of my friends to-day; I had arranged to meet them there. His daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances. Judg. xi. 34. 2. To come together with in any place; as, we met many strangers at the levee. 3. To come in hostile contact with; to encounter; to confront; to join battle with; as, the British troops met the French at Waterloo.— 4. To find; to light on; to get, gain, or receive; as, the good man meets his reward; the criminal in due time meets the punishment he deserves. Of vice or virtue, whether blest or curst, 5. To be equal or equivalent to; to satisfy; |