definev.

Brit.

/dᵻˈfʌɪn/, U.S.

/dəˈfaɪn/,

/diˈfaɪn/

Forms: Middle English deffine, Middle English–1500s diffyne, defyne, Middle English deffyne, Middle English–1500s diffine, dyffyne, Middle English– define.

Etymology: Middle English, < Anglo-Norman and Old French definer to end, terminate, determine = Provençal definar ; a Romanic parallel form to Latin dēfīnīre to end, terminate, bound ( < de- prefix 1c + fīnīre to end, finish n.), whence Italian definire , Spanish definir , Provençal defenir , definir , Old French defenir , definir . Definer , the common form in Old French, is the only form given by Cotgrave 1611, and survives in Picard, but has been superseded in French by définir , with adoption of the transferred senses of Latin dēfīnīre . In modern English also define is in sense the representative of Latin dēfīnīre . A parallel form diffīnīre , with dis- (see de- prefix 1f) is also found in Latin texts, and the forms diffiner, desfinir, diffinir (14–17th cent.) in French; thence the English variants in deff-, diff-, dyff-.

†1.

a. transitive. To bring to an end. Also intransitive. To come to an end. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > bring to an end or conclude [verb (transitive)]

yendc1000

abatec1300

finec1300

endc1305

finisha1375

definec1384

terminec1390

achievea1393

out-enda1400

terminate?a1425

conclude1430

close1439

to bring adowna1450

terma1475

adetermine1483

determine1483

to knit up1530

do1549

parclose1558

to shut up1575

expire1578

date1589

to close up1592

period1595

includea1616

apostrophate1622

to wind off1650

periodizea1657

dismiss1698

to wind up1740

to put the lid on1873

to put the tin hat on something1900

to wash up1925

the world > existence and causation > existence > non-existence > be non-existent [verb (intransitive)] > end or cease to exist

tirec725

endOE

forfareOE

goc1175

fleec1200

to wend awayc1225

diea1240

to-melta1240

to pass awaya1325

flit1340

perishc1350

vanisha1375

decorre1377

cease1382

dispend1393

failc1400

overshakec1425

surcease1439

adrawc1450

fall1523

decease1538

define1562

fleet1576

expire1595

evanish1597

extinguish1599

extirp1606

disappear1623

evaporatea1631

trans-shift1648

annihilate1656

exolve1657

cancela1667

to pass off1699

to burn out, forth1832

spark1845

to die out1853

to come, go, etc. by the board1859

sputter1964

c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame 344 For though your loue laste a seson Wayte vpon the conclusyon, And eke how that ye determynen And for the more part diffynen.

1466 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 370 My mastyr gaff to Gorney the excheatour, to deffyne an offyse afftyr Water Gorges dethe, xx. s.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. Prol. f. iii^v The fourth [part] endyth than at Constantyne The fyft at Cadwaladyr I haue also diffyned.

1562 Pyramus & Th. (Alas my loue) and liue ye yet, did not your life define By Lyones rage?

†b. To bring to an end (a controversy, etc.); to determine, decide, settle. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > put forward [verb (transitive)] > settle an argument

definea1538

evict1573

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 133 As for al other controversys I wold they schold be defynyd at home.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. iii. sig. C3^v These warlike Champions..Assembled were in field, the chalenge to define .

1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. ii. 4/1 What could not there be defined, was referred to the whole Shire.

a1677 I. Barrow Treat. Pope's Supremacy (1680) 219 A more ready way to define Controversies.

a. To determine the boundary or spatial extent of; to settle the limits of. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] > limit or define

definec1400

hedgec1440

determinate1563

demark1834

delimit1849

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > edge, border, or margin > boundary > bound or form boundary of [verb (transitive)] > fix boundary of

meteeOE

markeOE

mereOE

bound1393

determinea1398

terminea1398

rede1415

measurea1513

butt1523

space1548

limit1555

determinate1563

to mark out1611

contermine1624

to run out1671

verge1759

demarcate1816

outline1817

define1843

rope1862

delimit1879

delimitate1879

c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxxi. 315 Gowtes, Artetykes, that me distreynen, tho diffynen the end of my labour aȝenst my wille.

1843 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Mexico I. i. i. 20 The limits already noticed as defining its permanent territory.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 The duties of the guild towards the country and city..were strictly defined.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iv. §2. 164 His first step was to define the provinces of the civil and ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

b. To make definite in outline or form. Also reflexive. (See also defined adj.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > shape or give shape to [verb (transitive)] > give outline to > definite

limit1608

define1815

the world > space > shape > assume definite shape or outline [verb (reflexive)]

shoot1719

define1859

1815 W. Wordsworth Ess. in Wks. (1888) 873/1 In nature everything is distinct, yet nothing defined into absolute independent singleness.

1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Lifted Veil ii, in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 41/2 I..saw the light floating vanities of the girl defining themselves into the systematic coquetry, the scheming selfishness, of the woman.

1869 J. Tyndall Notes 9 Lect. on Light §174 For perfectly distinct vision it is necessary that the image on the retina should be perfectly defined.

1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere II. ii. xv. 36 The slender figure suddenly defined itself against the road.

1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. v. xxxii. 36 The difficulties of the situation began to define themselves more sharply.

1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. vi. xliii. 264 The half-coherent enigmatical sentences..began gradually to define themselves.

1908 Smart Set Sept. 6 The great crystal stars barely defined the mountain and the tall, slender shafts..of the royal palm.

†3. To set bounds to, to limit, restrict, confine.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restriction or limitation > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)]

thringc1250

restrain1384

bound1393

abounda1398

limita1398

pincha1450

pin?a1475

prescribec1485

define1513

coarcta1529

circumscribe1529

restrict1535

conclude1548

limitate1563

stint1567

chamber1568

contract1570

crampern1577

contain1578

finish1587

pound1589

confine1597

terminate1602

noosec1604

border1608

constrain1614

coarctate1624

butta1631

to fasten down1694

crimp1747

bourn1807

to box in1845

define1513

stint1513

appointa1533

terminate1602

span1623

bourn1807

1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. ii. 30 Quhilkis na way diffynis The force nor strength of luif with his hard bandis!

1624 N. De Lawne tr. P. Du Moulin Elements Logick 27 God is..so present in all places, as he is neither limited, nor defined by any place.

1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §27 Wee doe too narrowly define the power of God, restraining it to our capacities.

a. To determine, lay down definitely; to fix, decide; †to decide upon, fix upon.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > clearly or explicitly

clarifyc1420

representc1443

define1535

express1600

to lay (or put) it on the line1954

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > make specific [verb (transitive)] > render determinate or definite

conditionate1646

determinate1672

to fasten down1694

define1790

plumb-line1875

pinpoint1922

1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 120 All the lordis for that samin thing, And commoun pepill..did defyne The kingis bruther, callit Constantyne.

1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 85 Some of the..Canons defined, and determin'd such an unlimited Power, and Prerogative to be in the King.

1790 E. Gibbon Misc. Wks. (1814) III. 510 The situation, the measure and the value of the estate cannot now be exactly defined.

a1794 E. Gibbon Misc. Wks. (1814) I. 158 Two or three years were loosely defined for the term of my absence.

1867 E. Quincy Life J. Quincy 280 He ‘defined his position’, to use a later political formula, very clearly.

†b. intransitive. To determine, decide. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > decision > resolve or decide [verb (intransitive)]

choosec1320

definec1374

to take advisementa1393

appointc1440

conclude1452

to come to (an) anchor?1473

deliber1485

determine1509

resolvea1528

rest1530

deliberate1550

point1560

decide1572

to set (up) one's rest1572

to set down one's rest1578

to make account1583

to fix the staff1584

to take a party1585

fadge1592

set1638

determinate1639

pitch1666

devise1714

pre-resolve1760

settle1782

to make up one's mind1859

c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iv. 362 Forthi I thus defyne:—Ne truste no wight to fynden in Fortune Aye properte; her yiftes ben commune.

1402 T. Hoccleve Let. of Cupid 463 Than wol we thus concluden and dyffyne: we yow comaunde..that, of thise false men our reble foon, ye do punyshment.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 351 Authoritie to enquire, intreate, defyne and determine of all maner of causes, querels, debtes.

1582 A. Munday Discouerie E. Campion sig. C6 Neither was that barre appointed to define on causes of conscience.

1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 210 The vniust Iudge..when hee defineth amisse of lands and property.

†5.

a. To state precisely or determinately; to specify. (Const. with object clause or simple object) Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > make specific [verb (transitive)] > specify or state precisely

notea1325

specifyc1340

definec1374

assign1377

expressc1400

stevenc1425

condescend1510

particulate1579

particularize1593

particular1605

specialize1616

specificate1649

individualize1655

designate1677

determinate1681

precise1793

precisionize1847

c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 834 Wherfore I wol deffyne..That trewely for ought I kan espie Ther is no verray wele is þis world here.

1561 J. Daus tr. H. Bullinger Hundred Serm. vpon Apocalips liv. 364 The day of iudgement can no man diffyne.

1563 W. Fulke Goodle Gallerye Causes Meteors v. f. 64 Cardan plainly defineth, that amber is a minerall.

1669 R. Boyle Contin. New Exper. Physico-mech. (1682) i. 80 Even clouds..may reach much higher than Carden, Kepler, and others have defin'd.

†b. intransitive or absol. To make precise statement.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > become specific [verb (intransitive)] > state precisely or specify

definec1380

c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. xciii, in Sel. Wks. I. 330 Men shulden not here diffyne, but ȝif God tolde it hem.

c1430 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1544) i. ix. 17 a Of her byrth fyrst he doth defyne.

1570 Act 13 Eliz. c. 7 §2 Persons being Bankrupt as is before defined.

1578 G. Best True Disc. Passage to Cathaya i. 37 Howe then can suche men define vppon other regions..where they were inhabited or not.

a. To state exactly what (a thing) is; to set forth or explain the essential nature of. (In early use: To state the nature or properties of, to describe.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > define [verb (transitive)]

definec1374

definishc1374

c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 271 Swych a wo my wit kan not defyne.

1413 J. Lydgate Pilgr. of Sowle (1859) v. i. 72 The beaute of this mansion ne maye no man telle, ne diffyne the ioye, and the grete arraye.

1483 W. Caxton tr. A. Chartier Curial sig. v That thou mayst the better knowe now the courte, I wyl dyscryue and dyffyne it to the.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. i. v. f. ix^v What it is, saynt Bernarde declareth..diffynyng or discribyng it in this wyse.

1555 R. Eden in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde Pref. sig. aj^v Cicero defineth trewe glory to bee a fame of many and greate desertes.

1677 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. IV iv. 292 He that perfectly comprehends and defines a thing gives limits and bounds to that thing in his intellect.

1710 J. Addison Whig Examiner No. 4. ⁋1 Hudibras has defined nonsense (as Cowley does wit) by negatives.

1777 J. Priestley Disquis. Matter & Spirit xvi. 216 Descartes defined the essence of the soul to consist in thinking.

1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) Introd. §1 To define, is to select from among all the properties of a thing, those which shall be understood to be designated and declared by its name.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 184 Genius has been defined as ‘the power of taking pains’.

b. To set forth or explain what (a word or expression) means; to declare the signification of (a word). [Not recognized by Johnson.]

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > define [verb (transitive)] > a word

define1532

reconfine1611

1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 608/2 All hys other sygnificacions I lette passe..except onely that which he hath also diffyned false.

1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Dvij Therfore ye muste nedes haue these Predicamentes readye,..whan so euer ye wyll define any worde, or geue a natural name vnto it.

1724 I. Watts Logick i. vi. §2 In defining the name there is no need that we should be acquainted with the intimate nature or essence of the thing.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1755 I. 163 A lady once asked him how he came to define Pastern the knee of a horse.

1885 W. L. Davidson Logic of Definition 86 Horse cannot be otherwise defined in a dictionary than as a well-known quadruped, used as a beast of burden and in war.

c. intransitive or absol. To frame or give a precise description or definition.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > give definition [verb (intransitive)]

define1587

1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 100^v For that of loue so derely he definde.

1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 18 Then only we know certainly, when we can define.

1759 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful (ed. 2) Introd. 4 When we define, we seem in danger of circumscribing nature within the bounds of our own notions.

1863 ‘Ouida’ Held in Bondage I. vii. 153 Hang it, Arthur, why do you set me defining?

7. transferred. Of properties: To make (a thing) what it is; to give a character to, characterize; to constitute the definition of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > characterize

distinguish1600

stamp1600

denominate1616

define1633

marka1661

signalize1698

stamp1837

keynote1877

1633 G. Herbert Invitation in Temple ii Come ye hither all, whom wine Doth define, Naming you not to your good.

1650 J. Milton Tenure of Kings (ed. 2) 55 Being lawfully depriv'd of all things that define a Magistrate.

1875 A. W. Bennett & W. T. T. Dyer tr. J. von Sachs Text-bk. Bot. i. iii. 180 The tout ensemble of properties which define the character of the natural group, class, or order.

8. To separate by definition, to distinguish by special marks or characteristics (from). rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discern [verb (transitive)] > distinguish, separate

winnowc825

tryc1330

distinguea1340

divide1377

departc1380

devisea1400

sever1426

perceivea1500

deem1530

discern1533

searcec1535

sort1553

to pick outa1555

decern1559

difference1596

distinguisha1616

severalize1645

separate1651

secern1656

run1795

define1807

sequester1841

differentiate1857

divaricate1868

1807 Salmagundi 27 June 253 By this is forever defin'd The fop from the man of refinement and mind.

1839 R. I. Murchison Silurian Syst. i. xxxiv. 456 It is difficult to define the subsoil of Silurian rock from that of the Old Red Sandstone.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	define
释义	definev. Brit. /dᵻˈfʌɪn/, U.S. /dəˈfaɪn/, /diˈfaɪn/ Forms: Middle English deffine, Middle English–1500s diffyne, defyne, Middle English deffyne, Middle English–1500s diffine, dyffyne, Middle English– define. Etymology: Middle English, < Anglo-Norman and Old French definer to end, terminate, determine = Provençal definar ; a Romanic parallel form to Latin dēfīnīre to end, terminate, bound ( < de- prefix 1c + fīnīre to end, finish n.), whence Italian definire , Spanish definir , Provençal defenir , definir , Old French defenir , definir . Definer , the common form in Old French, is the only form given by Cotgrave 1611, and survives in Picard, but has been superseded in French by définir , with adoption of the transferred senses of Latin dēfīnīre . In modern English also define is in sense the representative of Latin dēfīnīre . A parallel form diffīnīre , with dis- (see de- prefix 1f) is also found in Latin texts, and the forms diffiner, desfinir, diffinir (14–17th cent.) in French; thence the English variants in deff-, diff-, dyff-. †1. a. transitive. To bring to an end. Also intransitive. To come to an end. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > bring to an end or conclude [verb (transitive)] yendc1000 abatec1300 finec1300 endc1305 finisha1375 definec1384 terminec1390 achievea1393 out-enda1400 terminate?a1425 conclude1430 close1439 to bring adowna1450 terma1475 adetermine1483 determine1483 to knit up1530 do1549 parclose1558 to shut up1575 expire1578 date1589 to close up1592 period1595 includea1616 apostrophate1622 to wind off1650 periodizea1657 dismiss1698 to wind up1740 to put the lid on1873 to put the tin hat on something1900 to wash up1925 the world > existence and causation > existence > non-existence > be non-existent [verb (intransitive)] > end or cease to exist tirec725 endOE forfareOE goc1175 fleec1200 to wend awayc1225 diea1240 to-melta1240 to pass awaya1325 flit1340 perishc1350 vanisha1375 decorre1377 cease1382 dispend1393 failc1400 overshakec1425 surcease1439 adrawc1450 fall1523 decease1538 define1562 fleet1576 expire1595 evanish1597 extinguish1599 extirp1606 disappear1623 evaporatea1631 trans-shift1648 annihilate1656 exolve1657 cancela1667 to pass off1699 to burn out, forth1832 spark1845 to die out1853 to come, go, etc. by the board1859 sputter1964 c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame 344 For though your loue laste a seson Wayte vpon the conclusyon, And eke how that ye determynen And for the more part diffynen. 1466 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 370 My mastyr gaff to Gorney the excheatour, to deffyne an offyse afftyr Water Gorges dethe, xx. s. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. Prol. f. iii^v The fourth [part] endyth than at Constantyne The fyft at Cadwaladyr I haue also diffyned. 1562 Pyramus & Th. (Alas my loue) and liue ye yet, did not your life define By Lyones rage? †b. To bring to an end (a controversy, etc.); to determine, decide, settle. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > put forward [verb (transitive)] > settle an argument definea1538 evict1573 a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 133 As for al other controversys I wold they schold be defynyd at home. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. iii. sig. C3^v These warlike Champions..Assembled were in field, the chalenge to define . View more context for this quotation 1612 J. Speed Theatre of Empire of Great Brit. i. ii. 4/1 What could not there be defined, was referred to the whole Shire. a1677 I. Barrow Treat. Pope's Supremacy (1680) 219 A more ready way to define Controversies. 2. a. To determine the boundary or spatial extent of; to settle the limits of. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] > limit or define definec1400 hedgec1440 determinate1563 demark1834 delimit1849 the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > edge, border, or margin > boundary > bound or form boundary of [verb (transitive)] > fix boundary of meteeOE markeOE mereOE bound1393 determinea1398 terminea1398 rede1415 measurea1513 butt1523 space1548 limit1555 determinate1563 to mark out1611 contermine1624 to run out1671 verge1759 demarcate1816 outline1817 define1843 rope1862 delimit1879 delimitate1879 c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxxi. 315 Gowtes, Artetykes, that me distreynen, tho diffynen the end of my labour aȝenst my wille. 1843 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Mexico I. i. i. 20 The limits already noticed as defining its permanent territory. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 The duties of the guild towards the country and city..were strictly defined. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iv. §2. 164 His first step was to define the provinces of the civil and ecclesiastical jurisdictions. b. To make definite in outline or form. Also reflexive. (See also defined adj.) ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > shape or give shape to [verb (transitive)] > give outline to > definite limit1608 define1815 the world > space > shape > assume definite shape or outline [verb (reflexive)] shoot1719 define1859 1815 W. Wordsworth Ess. in Wks. (1888) 873/1 In nature everything is distinct, yet nothing defined into absolute independent singleness. 1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Lifted Veil ii, in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 41/2 I..saw the light floating vanities of the girl defining themselves into the systematic coquetry, the scheming selfishness, of the woman. 1869 J. Tyndall Notes 9 Lect. on Light §174 For perfectly distinct vision it is necessary that the image on the retina should be perfectly defined. 1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere II. ii. xv. 36 The slender figure suddenly defined itself against the road. 1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. v. xxxii. 36 The difficulties of the situation began to define themselves more sharply. 1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere III. vi. xliii. 264 The half-coherent enigmatical sentences..began gradually to define themselves. 1908 Smart Set Sept. 6 The great crystal stars barely defined the mountain and the tall, slender shafts..of the royal palm. †3. To set bounds to, to limit, restrict, confine. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restriction or limitation > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] thringc1250 restrain1384 bound1393 abounda1398 limita1398 pincha1450 pin?a1475 prescribec1485 define1513 coarcta1529 circumscribe1529 restrict1535 conclude1548 limitate1563 stint1567 chamber1568 contract1570 crampern1577 contain1578 finish1587 pound1589 confine1597 terminate1602 noosec1604 border1608 constrain1614 coarctate1624 butta1631 to fasten down1694 crimp1747 bourn1807 to box in1845 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] > set a limit to define1513 stint1513 appointa1533 terminate1602 span1623 bourn1807 1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. ii. 30 Quhilkis na way diffynis The force nor strength of luif with his hard bandis! 1624 N. De Lawne tr. P. Du Moulin Elements Logick 27 God is..so present in all places, as he is neither limited, nor defined by any place. 1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §27 Wee doe too narrowly define the power of God, restraining it to our capacities. View more context for this quotation 4. a. To determine, lay down definitely; to fix, decide; †to decide upon, fix upon. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > clearly or explicitly clarifyc1420 representc1443 define1535 express1600 to lay (or put) it on the line1954 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > make specific [verb (transitive)] > render determinate or definite conditionate1646 determinate1672 to fasten down1694 define1790 plumb-line1875 pinpoint1922 1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 120 All the lordis for that samin thing, And commoun pepill..did defyne The kingis bruther, callit Constantyne. 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 85 Some of the..Canons defined, and determin'd such an unlimited Power, and Prerogative to be in the King. 1790 E. Gibbon Misc. Wks. (1814) III. 510 The situation, the measure and the value of the estate cannot now be exactly defined. a1794 E. Gibbon Misc. Wks. (1814) I. 158 Two or three years were loosely defined for the term of my absence. 1867 E. Quincy Life J. Quincy 280 He ‘defined his position’, to use a later political formula, very clearly. †b. intransitive. To determine, decide. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > decision > resolve or decide [verb (intransitive)] choosec1320 definec1374 to take advisementa1393 appointc1440 conclude1452 to come to (an) anchor?1473 deliber1485 determine1509 resolvea1528 rest1530 deliberate1550 point1560 decide1572 to set (up) one's rest1572 to set down one's rest1578 to make account1583 to fix the staff1584 to take a party1585 fadge1592 set1638 determinate1639 pitch1666 devise1714 pre-resolve1760 settle1782 to make up one's mind1859 c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iv. 362 Forthi I thus defyne:—Ne truste no wight to fynden in Fortune Aye properte; her yiftes ben commune. 1402 T. Hoccleve Let. of Cupid 463 Than wol we thus concluden and dyffyne: we yow comaunde..that, of thise false men our reble foon, ye do punyshment. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 351 Authoritie to enquire, intreate, defyne and determine of all maner of causes, querels, debtes. 1582 A. Munday Discouerie E. Campion sig. C6 Neither was that barre appointed to define on causes of conscience. 1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 210 The vniust Iudge..when hee defineth amisse of lands and property. †5. a. To state precisely or determinately; to specify. (Const. with object clause or simple object) Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > make specific [verb (transitive)] > specify or state precisely notea1325 specifyc1340 definec1374 assign1377 expressc1400 stevenc1425 condescend1510 particulate1579 particularize1593 particular1605 specialize1616 specificate1649 individualize1655 designate1677 determinate1681 precise1793 precisionize1847 c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 834 Wherfore I wol deffyne..That trewely for ought I kan espie Ther is no verray wele is þis world here. 1561 J. Daus tr. H. Bullinger Hundred Serm. vpon Apocalips liv. 364 The day of iudgement can no man diffyne. 1563 W. Fulke Goodle Gallerye Causes Meteors v. f. 64 Cardan plainly defineth, that amber is a minerall. 1669 R. Boyle Contin. New Exper. Physico-mech. (1682) i. 80 Even clouds..may reach much higher than Carden, Kepler, and others have defin'd. †b. intransitive or absol. To make precise statement. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > become specific [verb (intransitive)] > state precisely or specify definec1380 c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. xciii, in Sel. Wks. I. 330 Men shulden not here diffyne, but ȝif God tolde it hem. c1430 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1544) i. ix. 17 a Of her byrth fyrst he doth defyne. 1570 Act 13 Eliz. c. 7 §2 Persons being Bankrupt as is before defined. 1578 G. Best True Disc. Passage to Cathaya i. 37 Howe then can suche men define vppon other regions..where they were inhabited or not. 6. a. To state exactly what (a thing) is; to set forth or explain the essential nature of. (In early use: To state the nature or properties of, to describe.) ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > define [verb (transitive)] definec1374 definishc1374 c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 271 Swych a wo my wit kan not defyne. 1413 J. Lydgate Pilgr. of Sowle (1859) v. i. 72 The beaute of this mansion ne maye no man telle, ne diffyne the ioye, and the grete arraye. 1483 W. Caxton tr. A. Chartier Curial sig. v That thou mayst the better knowe now the courte, I wyl dyscryue and dyffyne it to the. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. i. v. f. ix^v What it is, saynt Bernarde declareth..diffynyng or discribyng it in this wyse. 1555 R. Eden in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde Pref. sig. aj^v Cicero defineth trewe glory to bee a fame of many and greate desertes. 1677 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. IV iv. 292 He that perfectly comprehends and defines a thing gives limits and bounds to that thing in his intellect. 1710 J. Addison Whig Examiner No. 4. ⁋1 Hudibras has defined nonsense (as Cowley does wit) by negatives. 1777 J. Priestley Disquis. Matter & Spirit xvi. 216 Descartes defined the essence of the soul to consist in thinking. 1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) Introd. §1 To define, is to select from among all the properties of a thing, those which shall be understood to be designated and declared by its name. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 184 Genius has been defined as ‘the power of taking pains’. b. To set forth or explain what (a word or expression) means; to declare the signification of (a word). [Not recognized by Johnson.] ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > define [verb (transitive)] > a word define1532 reconfine1611 1532 T. More Confut. Tyndale in Wks. 608/2 All hys other sygnificacions I lette passe..except onely that which he hath also diffyned false. 1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Dvij Therfore ye muste nedes haue these Predicamentes readye,..whan so euer ye wyll define any worde, or geue a natural name vnto it. 1724 I. Watts Logick i. vi. §2 In defining the name there is no need that we should be acquainted with the intimate nature or essence of the thing. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1755 I. 163 A lady once asked him how he came to define Pastern the knee of a horse. 1885 W. L. Davidson Logic of Definition 86 Horse cannot be otherwise defined in a dictionary than as a well-known quadruped, used as a beast of burden and in war. c. intransitive or absol. To frame or give a precise description or definition. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > an explanation, definition > give definition [verb (intransitive)] define1587 1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 100^v For that of loue so derely he definde. 1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 18 Then only we know certainly, when we can define. 1759 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful (ed. 2) Introd. 4 When we define, we seem in danger of circumscribing nature within the bounds of our own notions. 1863 ‘Ouida’ Held in Bondage I. vii. 153 Hang it, Arthur, why do you set me defining? 7. transferred. Of properties: To make (a thing) what it is; to give a character to, characterize; to constitute the definition of. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > characterize distinguish1600 stamp1600 denominate1616 define1633 marka1661 signalize1698 stamp1837 keynote1877 1633 G. Herbert Invitation in Temple ii Come ye hither all, whom wine Doth define, Naming you not to your good. 1650 J. Milton Tenure of Kings (ed. 2) 55 Being lawfully depriv'd of all things that define a Magistrate. 1875 A. W. Bennett & W. T. T. Dyer tr. J. von Sachs Text-bk. Bot. i. iii. 180 The tout ensemble of properties which define the character of the natural group, class, or order. 8. To separate by definition, to distinguish by special marks or characteristics (from). rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > discern [verb (transitive)] > distinguish, separate winnowc825 tryc1330 distinguea1340 divide1377 departc1380 devisea1400 sever1426 perceivea1500 deem1530 discern1533 searcec1535 sort1553 to pick outa1555 decern1559 difference1596 distinguisha1616 severalize1645 separate1651 secern1656 run1795 define1807 sequester1841 differentiate1857 divaricate1868 1807 Salmagundi 27 June 253 By this is forever defin'd The fop from the man of refinement and mind. 1839 R. I. Murchison Silurian Syst. i. xxxiv. 456 It is difficult to define the subsoil of Silurian rock from that of the Old Red Sandstone. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < v.c1374
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