«..*, * (5 v; ^, # ?<&?& t ~~G JUST PUBLISHED, Price 6d, 3 Or Superior Editions in various bindings, at Is. or 2s., iQYAL pbotohial m mn. TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS. Extract from Preface. — " We select the smaller type for our first lessons, because in all printed books the proportion of small letters to that of capitals is nearly fifty to one ; now, as all the early lessens are given in small characters, surely a knowledge of them should be first imparted. When a child has learned the capitals only, it has made scarcely any progress towards the formation of words, because it cannot apply the information it has acquired. In teaching both forms of the alphabet together, you present fifty-two characters to the child, with only twenty-six names to distinguish them, and thus create difficulties, and apparent contradictions, at the very season when the mind requires information by the easiest possible process. " As an illustration : — the writer pointed out to his pupil the letter a in the smaller alphabet ; the child instantly denied that it was a, and triumphantly placed his finger on the capital A, as a proof of his knowledge and the teacher's ignorance. It was then attempted to be shewn that the two letters, though differently shaped, bore the same 'name ; but this produced no conviction, for it was evidently regarded as an artifice, and the feelings excited resembled those of the astonished satyr, who turned the traveller out of doors because he blew hot and cold with the same breath. "By teaching the smaller letters before any reference is made to capitals, some progress will be gained towards the formation of icords ', when capitals make their appearance, the teacher can inform the pupil that the change of shape is adopted, for the purpose of marking the tegin- » j ning of a sentence, or the name of a particular person, place, or thing. i Thus, the labour of the child will be greatly reduced, and the apparent ! contradiction explained." As this Book bears no resemblance to any Primer hitherto published, P i we give a specimen of one of its pages on the back. B. STEILL, 20, PATERNOSTER ROW. nine • m • * * 9 IX ?»r Mark the ducks - lift xi ^|p as they swim. f*\ one goes first 1 then come four 4 three are next. .... 3 and one is last 1 then there are. ... 9 "&3 ^G STEILL'S i x \ JUVENILE CYCLOPEDIA, PICTORIAL SPELLING AND READING ASSISTANT, LONDON : B. STEILL, 20, PATERNOSTER ROW. MDCCCXLV. * \bfi 66* 48 65 55 JUL 1 6 1942 W. J. Sears, Printer, 2>, Ivy Lane, City. / vi TO THE TEACHERS OF YOUTH. Jf The earliest educational works usually put into the hands of Pupils, are either Carpenter's Spelling Assistant, or others of the same class ; and when they have passed through these very elementary productions, there is no other book which forms a medium between them and expensive Dic- tionaries and Encyclopaedias. This Publication, therefore, is put forth to supply such deficiency, as one better adapted to the purposes of Education, and much more in accordance with the information which parents desire their children should possess. In the first part, we have introduced more than the usual number of words of one and two syllables, because they form the roots of those which are more difficult. The greater portion of words having three or more syllables, are formed by certain prefixes and affixes, and have not that importance which has usually been attached to them ; we have, there- fore, disposed of that class rather briefly, to allow space for the insertion of a great number of others, which the re- cent progress of Art and Science, renders it essential for youth to become acquainted with at an early age. The present advanced state of literature, also, has brought into general use many words which were formerly considered the exclusive property of the scientific, so that it has become indispensable to introduce a variety of terms which previous compilers omitted. The multiplicity of such words has placed IV TO THE TEACHERS OF YOUTH. us in difficulties, arising, chiefly, from our very limited space ; but we have endeavoured to present a useful selection, with such definitions and illustrations as, from their clearness and brevity, can be readily comprehended, and easily retained in the memory. In the choice of "hard words" our aim has been to interest the Pupil, by drawing his attention imperceptibly towards terms and subjects which are likely to be of use to him at a future period. At the same time, it is hoped the adult, whose avocations do not admit of extensive literary or scientific research, may obtain from the following pages more information than can be found in any work of its size and character, and which may prove of some service in the business of e very-day life. PICTORIAL EDUCATIONAL SERIES. STEILL'S PICTORIAL PRIMER 6d. & Is. Od. PICTORIAL SPELLING BOOK Is. 6d. PICTORIAL SPELLING ASSISTANT, Part I. Is. 6d. PICTORIAL DITTO Part II. Is. 6d. (explaining terms in Science, Literature, and Art) PICTORIAL JUVENILE ENCYCLOPEDIA, 3s. Od. (The above two "Works bound together) PICTORIAL GEOGRAPHY, Price 2s. With Maps 3s. PICTORIAL GRAMMAR FOR CHILDREN, Price 2s. 6d., or, Coloured 4s. In the Press, TOY BOOKS, ARITHMETIC AND GRAMMAR, At 6d. and Is. each. SPELLING AND READING ASSISTANT. It is presumed that the young student is acquainted with the general principles of grammar, and therefore under- stands the arrangement of words in parts of speech. In the columns that follow, one or more letters are prefixed to each word, to point out the class of words to which it be- longs, when used in the sense assigned to it in the explanation that comes immediately after. a. means adjective a. v. active verb n. v. neuter verb s. substantive ad. adverb pro. pronoun part, participle prep, preposition conj. conjunction interj. interjection WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Ache, s. {ake) a continued pain Act, s. an action, something done Act, a. v. to do Add, a. v. to join Age, s. a period of time Aid, s. help, assistance Ail, n. v. to feel pain Aim, n. v. to try to reach Aim, s. the point one tries to hit, or reach Air, s. the element we breathe ; a gentle wind Aisle, 5. (ile) the between the seats in church In the English language, many words are spoken, or pronounced, differently from the way in which they are spelled. Thus, for ex- ample, the first word in the column above is spelled ache, but it is pronounced ake ; and the last word in the second column is spelled aisle, but it is pronounced ile. Some other instances will be found in the columns of spelling which follow ; and the pupil will remem- ber that though he is to spell the word as it stands first, he is to pronounce it as it is spelled by the italic letters which follow. It may seem strange that any word should be pronounced differently from the way in which it is spelled ; but this has advantages which will afterwards be explained. A correct pronunciation of words is of great importance ; not only that the person who speaks may be clearly understood, but that he may shew that he is not ignorant of the true meaning and common use of the words which he em- ploys. 6 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Ant, s. a small insect Ape, 5. a baboon, or monkey- Ape, a. v. to mock, to imitate Apt, a. fit, likely, ready Arch, s. part of a circle Arm, s. a limb, or branch Arm, a. v. to provide with weapons Art, s. a trade ; skill, cunning Ask, v. to enquire, to invite Asp, s. a poisonous serpent Ass, s. a beast of burden Aught, s. (awt) any thing Awe, s. respect, with fear Awl, s. a tool for boring Axe, s. {ax) a tool to chop with Babe, s. an infant Back, s. the hinder part Bad, a. wicked, worthless Badge, 5. a mark, or sign Bag, s. a sack, or pouch Bail, 5. security given Bait, 5. a snare ; an enticement Bake, a. v. to cook, or hard- en, in an oven Bald, a. without hair Balm, s. a plant ; a soft and healing juice Ban, s. a censure ; a curse Band, s. a fastening ; persons united together Bane, s. poison ; injury Bar, s. a fastening Bar, a. v. to fasten, to hinder Bard, s. a minstrel Bare, a. naked ; destitute Bark, s. the rind of a tree Barm, s. yeast for making bread Barn, s. a storehouse Base, a. mean, wicked Bask, n. v. to lie in the warmth Bat, 5. a flying animal The Ant is a very small in- sect, often trodden under foot by the thoughtless. Yet it af- fords striking proof of the wis- dom of God, and teaches many useful lessons to man. Know- ing that winter will come, it provides itself with food, and builds a house in which it may dwell in safety and comfort. Some of their houses, or nests, are very large. Some kinds of ants, found in hot climates, build nests from ten to twenty feet high, large enough to contain twelve men. If we were to build our houses as high in proportion, they would be twelve times higher than the monument of London. The picture now before you shews the shape of the nests built by the sort of ants called Termites. Some of these have twenty floors, besides passages. Solomon tells the idle and thoughtless to learn wisdom from this wonderful crea- ture:— "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise ;" and he says further, to those who will not think and work like the ant, " Thy poverty shall come as one. that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man." WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Bath, s. a place to bathe in Bay, 5. a part of the sea nearly- surrounded by land Beach, s. the sea-shore ; the part washed by the waves Bead, s. (beed) a small round ornament Beam, s. a large and long piece of timber Beam, 5. a ray of light Bean, s. a kind of grain, or pulse Bear, a. v. (bare) to carry, to support, to suffer ; to produce Bear, s. a savage animal Beard, s. (beerd) the hair that grows on the chin and lips Beat, a. v. to strike ; to subdue Beau, s. (bo) polite attendant Beck, n. v. to make a sign to Bed, s. a place to sleep on ; a soft or hollow place Bee, s. an insect Beech, s. a tree Beef, s. the flesh of oxen Beer, s. a liquor made from malt and hops Beet, s. a plant, or root Beg, n. v. to ask ; to petition Belt, s. a girdle ; a strap Bench, s. a long stool ; a seat of justice Bend, a. v. to turn ; to make crooked ; to subdue Best, a. the highest degree of goodness The Bear is a savage, strong, and mischievous beast of prey. The female is even more fierce and terrible than the male. But so careful is she over her young, that if they be attacked, her rage knows no boimds ; and if they be taken from her, she is furi- ous and mad, and will boldly risk her own life in trying to get them back. When Lord Mulgrave was searching for the north-west passage, his sailors shot some young bears. Their dam was wounded also, but she would not leave her young behind. She did not seem to know that they were dead, but got some meat and laid before them, and tried, in a number of ways, to persuade them to eat. Then she raised them with her paws ; then she went a little way and looked back, as if she would persuade them to follow. Then she returned, walked round and round them ; licked their wounds, and moaned bitterly. When she seemed to find that they were really dead, she looked at the men in the ship, growled most fiercely, and shortly after died ! When God threatened the Jews that he would " meet them as a bear bereaved, or robbed, of her whelps" he meant that He was very angry with them, on account of their disobedience, and that He would severely punish, if not destroy, them. 8 WORDS OF ONE of a Bilge, s. the breadth ship's bottom Bill, s. a notice, or account Bill, s. the beak of a bird Bin, s. a place where corn or wine is kept Bind, a. v. to confine, to secure ; to fasten ; to compel Birch, 5. a tree Bit, s. a small piece ; the iron part of a bridle Bite, a. v. to pierce with the teeth ; to cheat Bite, 5, a fraud, or cheat Black, s. dark ; horrible Blade, s. the sharp edge of an instrument ; a young shoot of corn or grass Blain, s. a pimple, or blister Blame, a. v. to charge with some fault SYLLABLE. Bland, a. soft, mild, gentle Blank, s. an empty space Blast, a. v. to wither on a sud- den ; to destroy Blast, s. a strong gust of wind Blaze, s. a flame, or light Bleach, a. v. to whiten Bleak, a. cold, chilly Bleed, n. v. to lose blood Blend, a. v. to mix, to mingle Bless, a. v. to make happy ; to wish happiness ; to give praise Blight, [blite) a. v. to blast, to nip, to cause to wither Blind, a. without sight, dark Blind, s. something to hinder the sight Blink, n. v. to wink ; to see obscurely [happiness Bliss, s. the highest degree of If you walk into the fields you may observe a number of birds seeking for food. Could you get near to them, you would find a great difference in the shape of their bills, or beaks; and if you watched their habits very closely, you would find that those differences were exactly suited to the kind of food after which they were seeking. Those birds whose food is chiefly small seeds, or crumbs, or insects, have tender, sharp pointed bills; as the linnet, the wren, and the robin.— Those who feed on seeds which require the husks to be cracked, have stronger bills; as the sparrow, the goldfinch, the bullfinch, and others. — Birds which frequent soft marshy places, or which are much in the water, mostly feed upon worms, or small fish. These have long, thin, pliant bills, which they thrust into the mud or sand, or which they dart at once at the fish they wish to devour. Some of these, as soon as* they find their food, draw their breath so as to suck it up into their mouths. Of this kind are ducks, sandpipers, snipes, rails, herons, and cranes. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 9 Blithe, a. merry, lively Bloat, a. v. to swell, to puff out Block, s. a short heavy piece of timber, or of stone Blood, s. (Mud) the red liquid in the bodies of animals Bloom, s. a blossom, a flower Blot, a. v. to darken, to spot Blow, s. a sudden stroke Blow, a. v. to make a cur- rent of air ; to blossom Blue, a, a colour Bluff, a. big; surly Blunt, a, dull ; uncivil Blur, a. v. to blot, or stain Blush, s. a red colour Board, s. a thin piece of wood Board, a. v, to supply with food Boast, n. v. to brag, to speak vainly Boil, n. v. to cook in hot water Bold, a. full of courage ; con- fident ; without fear Bolt, s, a fastening ; a dart Bolt, a. v. to fasten; to throw out suddenly Bomb, s. an iron shell filled with gunpowder Bone, 5. the hard solid part of an animal body Book, 5. a number of leaves of paper bound together Boon, s. a gift, a favour Boot, s. a covering for the leg Booth, s. a tent made of boards, boughs, or canvass Bore, a. v. to make a hole Borne, part, carried [tree Bough, s. (bou) a branch of a Bought, part, (bawi) did buy Bounce, n. v. to jump about ; to make a sudden noise There is another class of birds, such as the parrot, and the macaw, which are fond of nuts. These have very strong bills, of a hooked shape, with which they first crack the nut, and then dig out the kernel. How strong these bills are, many children find out, when they tease or mock them, or place their fingers or their cheeks too near the cages. — Then there is the cla*~Z the heart with three darts ! Thus, one of the chief objects of his pride was the means of his being brought to death, in the midst of his folly and his sin. 26 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Height, s. {kite) the measure of an object upwards Helm, s. that by which a ship or boat is guided Herd, s. a number of beasts ; a company of men Hew, a. v. to cut with an axe Hide, s. the skin of a beast High, a. (hi) lofty ; eminent Hinge, s. a joint on which a gate or door turns Hire, a. v. to engage for pay Hiss, n. v. to make a noise like a serpent; to condemn Hive, s. the place in which bees are kept Hoar, a. white, like frost Hoard, a. v. to lay in store secretly Hoarse, a. having a rough harsh voice Hoof, s. the hard substance on the feet of some animals Hoop, s. a circular bend Hoop, n. v. to shout, or call Hope, s. expectation of good ; desire ; confidence Horde, s. a clan, or body of wandering people Horn, s. a hard substance on the heads of some animals Hose, s. stockings Host, s. one who entertains another House, a. v. to take shelter ; to put into a house Howl, ji. v. to cry in distress Hue, s. dye, colour ; an alarm Hulk, s. the body of a ship Hull, s. a husk, or shell Hunt, a. v. to pursue ; to search for : to chase The Horn is the chief defence and strength of many animals, as the Ox, the Goat, the Stag, and others. It is also their ornament and their glory. Hence the word horn is frequently used in the Bible to denote strength, influence, and glory. The wicked are warned not to exalt their horn against the righteous; and the righteous are heard praising God that their horn is exalted. In several countries a sort of horn is worn as an ornament. In Egypt, Mr. Bruce saw some chiefs with a broad band round their foreheads, having jewels on the edges, and in the middle a piece of silver gilt, about four inches long, in the shape of a horn. This is worn at reviews, and on other pub- lic occasions ; and the wearers hold up their heads to prevent its falling off. This agrees with the text, — " Lift not your horn on high ; speak not with a stiff neck." Some of the women in Syria, in Tyre, and in various parts of Russia, also, wear an ornament of the same kind. The Druses, of Lebanon, wear a silver horn, with jewels. A married woman wears it on the right side of the head, a widow on the left, and an unmarried woman on the crown. A large veil is thrown over the horn, with which the face is covered. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 27 Hurl, a. v. to throw with vio- lence Hurt, a. v. to injure, to wound Hut, s. a poor cottage Hymn, s. a song of praise Jre, s. anger, passionate ha- tred Jade, a. v. to tire, to weary- Jam, s. fruit preserved by boil- ing with sugar Jar, s. a rattling sound ; a dis- turbance ; an earthen vessel Jar, n. v. to strike together Jaw, s. the bone of the mouth in which the teeth are placed Join, a. #. to place together ; to unite ; to accompany Join, n. v. to grow together Joint, s. the place where things are joined Joint, a. united, combined Joist, s. a small beam Joy, s. gladness ; merriment Juice, s. the liquor or sap found in plants and trees ; a fluid in animal bodies Judge, s. one who presides in a court of justice Judge, n. v. to form an opinion Jump, n. v. to bound Junk, s. a Chinese ship ; pieces of old rope Just, a. honest ; fair ; exact Keel, 5. the bottom of a ship Keen, a. sharp, cutting, severe Keep, a. v. to hold ; to pre- serve ; to detain Keep, n. v. to remain in the same place, or state Kid, s. the young of a goat Kill, a. v. to take away life Kiln, 5. (kit) a building in which to dry or burn things Kin, s. relations, kindred Junks are vessels much used in China. They are clumsy and frail, but long voyages are made in them, and the fishermen will put out in them in very bad weather. Though ill suited to make way against the wind, or in a heavy sea, they proceed very swiftly and safely with a favour- able wind. Their rigging consists of two or three masts, on which are placed large square sails. The sails are made of reed and straw matting, stretched upon stout bamboos, to the ends of which lines are fastened for the purpose of bending the sails to the wind. The anchors are rudely made of wood with great stones fastened to them, but without any stock across to ensure their taking hold. Long oars are used to assist in turning the vessel round. The hold is divided by stout planks, and the seams are filled up with a cement of lime and oil. The cabin is small, and round it are the berths of the crew, each having a mat, and a hard stuffed cushion for a pillow. 28 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Kind, a. tender ; loving ; gen- tle ; favourable Kind, s. nature, sort, class Kite, s. a large bird of prey ; a toy to fly in the air Knave, s. {nave) a rogue ; a dishonest person Knead, a. v. (need) to mix dough for bread Knell, s. (nel) the mournful sound of a bell Knit, a. v. (nit) to join closely together Knock, s.(nok) a sudden stroke, a blow Knot, s. (not) a tie ; a fastening Know, a. v. (no) to understand, to be informed Lack, s. want, need, failure Lair, s. the hiding-place of a wild beast Lake, s. a large piece of water Lance, 5. a long spear Lance, a. v. to pierce, to cut Lank, a. lean ; loose ; slender Lap, a. v. to wrap, to twist Lapse, n. v. to slip ; to fall away by degrees Large, a. big ; wide ; plentiful Lash, s. the point of a whip ; a sharp stroke Last, a. latest, hindmost Last, n. v. to endure, to con- tinue Late, a. slow, behindhand Lathe, s. a machine for turning Laud, a. v. to praise ; to glorify Lave, a. v. to wash, to bathe Launch, a. v. to force a ship into the sea Launch, n. v. to enter into some large concern A Laib, is a spot to which wild beasts re- pair for quiet and re- tire, and for rearing tneir young. The Lioness selects a spot the most private, and difficult of access. She is so fond of her young, and so afraid lest her retreat should be found out, that she tries to hide her track by brushing the ground over with her tail. Should she be disturbed while with them, she will carry them to some other place in her mouth, and will defend them to the last moment. The Lion is seldom to be found in his lair, unless feeble from age, or when gorged with food, or when the sun is powerful. At such seasons he usually sleeps ; it is rather difficult to awaken him, and when he awakes suddenly, he often loses his wonted presence of mind. The Bushmen of Africa seek him at this period, and if they find him in an unguarded state, they lodge a poisoned arrow in his breast. The moment he is thus struck he springs from his lair, and bounds off as helpless as a stricken deer. A few hours after he is sure to be found dead. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 20 Law, s. a rule of action Lead, s. (led) a soft metal Lead, a. v. (leed) to guide ; to conduct ; to entice League, s. (leeg) a union of persons, or parties League, s. three miles Leak, 5. a breach, or hole through which water drains Lean, n. v. to rest against Lean, a. thin ; poor ; low Lean, s. the part of flesh dis- tinct from the fat Leap, s. a bound ; jump ; sudden change Learn, a. v. to gain knowledge Lease, s. (lese) a contract for the use of a house or land for a certain time Lease, n. v. (leze) to glean Leave, a. v. to quit, to forsake Leave, s. liberty, permission ; a farewell Lee, s. the point on which the wind blows Leech, s. a small water ani- mal that sucks blood Leer, s. an oblique view Lees, s. dregs, or sediment Lend, a. v. to grant the use of for a time Length, s. the extent, or dis- tance from end to end Lens, s. a convex glass Let, a. v. to allow, to permit; to put to hire Lid, 5. a cover that shuts down Lie, n. v. knowingly to speak that which is not true Lie, n. v. to rest lengthways A Lie is an untruth : something said with an intention to deceive. Some lie in order to cover a fault, and in the hope of escaping, punishment. Some lie for the purpose of causing mirth. Others lie that those to whom they speak may act diiferently from what they would if they knew the real truth. Now a lie is a sin against God, and against man. The God of Truth, who cannot lie, has solemnly declared, " Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord ; but they that deal truly are his delight." And again, " A lying tongue is loathsome, and cometh to shame." In the Bible, several instances are given in which God has brought to shame and death those who have been guilty of lying. But great mischief is often done to men by lying : — "As a mad- man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?" Truth between man and man is the great bond of peaceful society. If one may tell a lie, so may another ; thus there might be mutual falsehood, and then confidence would be exchanged for suspicion, and happi- ness for misery. Hence, we should say only that which is true, and promise only that which we mean to perform. He who is accus- tomed to utter lies, will soon be thought unworthy of credit, even should he speak the truth ; and he who does not consider himself bound by his promise, can scarcely be called an honest man. As to those cases in which we have done wrong, we had better bear re- proach, and even punishment, than add to our crime the utterance of a wilful lie. 30 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Lieu, s. (hi) place, room, stead Liege, s. (lege) sovereign, su- perior lord Life, s. the connexion of soul and body ; manner of living Lift, a. v. to raise; to hold up ; to exalt Light, a. (lite) bright ; clear ; easy to bear Light, a. v. to kindle ; to guide by showing a light Like, a. resembling ; equal Limb, s. (Urn) a hand, or other part of a body Lime, s. burnt stone Limn, a. v. (Urn) to draw, or paint any object Limp, n, v. to walk lamely Line, s. a string; a long mark; a limit ; ancestry v. to cover on the ; to strengthen Line, a. inside Link, s. one ring of a chain Link, a. v.- to join together Lisp, s. an imperfect manner of speaking List, s. the names of a num- ber of things ; a catalogue Load, s. a burthen, a loading Loaf, s. (lofe) a mass of bread Loam, s. (l&me) rich earth Loan, s. any thing lent Loath, a. unwilling, not ready Loathe, a. v. to hate, to abhor Lock, a. v. to fasten, or confine Lodge, a. v. to put, or live, in a place for a time Log, s. a large piece of wood Loins, s. the lower part of the back Life is a gift bestowed upon man by his Great Creator, in a degree in which it is not bestowed upon other creatures. Man has vegetable life, and grows in common with plants. He has animal life, and moves from place to place, as do brute beasts. He has also rational life, by which he can reason, and apply himself to the dis- charge of important duties. Now, for the due care and employ- ment of this life, we are all accountable to Him who made us. Our bodies are wonderful, but delicate, structures, and we ought never wantonly to expose them to danger. We should preserve them, as far as possible, in health ; and aim to promote their strength and vigour. No one desires sickness or pain: — to avoid these we must be cleanly in our persons, and temperate both in eating and drink- ing. We should rise early, and use moderate exercise. When we are unduly heated, we should avoid sudden exposure to the cold air. If we be overtaken by rain, and get wetted, we should keep up our natural heat by walking briskly, till we are able to change our clothes. By such care and attention, life may be preserved, and even greatly prolonged. As to our rational life, our duty is to improve our minds by all the means in our power. By reading ; by thinking ; by noticing what passes around us ; and by conversing with our parents, and those who are able and willing to give us information. We must consider the great end for which life is given, and apply all our powers of body and mind to the cheerful and diligent performance of our duty towards God and towards man. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 31 Lone, a. single ; solitary Look v. to search for, to seek ; to behold Look, s. an appearance Loom, s. the frame in which cloth or silk is woven Loose, a. untied ; at liberty- Lord, s. the Divine Being Lord, s. a title of rank, a go- vernor, a ruler Lose, v. (looz) to suffer loss ; to decline ; to fall Lot, s. a chance, a portion Love, s. (luv) kindness ; af- fection ; good will Low, a. (16) down ; cheap ; mean ; humble Lull, a. v. to compose to sleep Lungs, s. the organs of breath- ing ; the lights Lure, s. an enticement Lurk, n. v. to He hidden Lust, n. v. to desire strongly Lute, s. a musical instrument with strings Lyre, s. a sort of harp Mace, s. a badge of authority Mace, s. a kind of spice Mad, a. disordered in mind Mail, s. a dress of steel Maim, a. v. to cripple, to in- jure ; to cause lameness Main, s. the bulk, the chief part ; the whole Maize, 5. Indian corn Make, s. form, shape Mane, s. the loose hair on the neck of an animal Mar, a. v. to injure, or damage March, s. a movement ; jour- ney of soldiers Mark, s. a sign, a token The Lyre Bird is a beautiful crea- ture. It belongs to the class generally called, Birds of Paradise ; and is some- times called the Mountain Pheasant, and also, the Superb Menura. It is found in New Holland, chiefly in the hilly parts of the country. It is about the size of a pheasant ; and the tail of the male bird, which is much longer than the body, consists of feathers of different sorts, so placed as to form, when they are lifted up, a figure shaped very like an ancient lyre, or harp* It is a shy bird, occasionally perching upon trees, but for the most part found on the ground; having strong legs, and toes armed with powerful blunted nails, for the purpose of scratching up the ground for food, very much in the manner of our domestic poultry. In distinction from all other birds of that class, it sings with a melodious note, and can easily imitate the notes of other birds. A fine specimen of this curious and beautiful bird may be seen in the Museum of the Zoological Society in Regent's Park. 32 WORDS OP ONE SYLLABLE. Mark, a. v. to take notice Marl, s. a sort of clay [ness Mart, 5. a public place for busi- Masli, s. a mixture Mask, s. a cover for the face Mass, s. a body, a lump Mast, 5. the upright beam of a ship, or boat, to which the sails are fixed Match, a. v. to suit, to agree with ; to marry Mate, 5. a companion Maze, a. v. to confuse, to per- plex ; to puzzle Mead, s. drink made of wa- ter and honey Mean, a. low, base, paltry Mean, s. a middle state ; me- dium ; interval Mean, a. v. to intend, to pur- pose ; to understand Meet, a. v. to come together Meet, a. fit, suitable Melt, a. v. to dissolve ; to soften ; to waste away Mesh, s. space between the threads of a net Mess, 5. a dish of meat ; various sorts of food Mien, s. (meen) look, appear- ance ; manner Might, s. power, strength, utmost force Milch, a. giving milk Mild, a. kind, soft, gentle Mill, s. a machine for grinding Mind, s. thought ; opinion ; inclination A Mill is a machine for grinding corn, or other hard substances. In the first ages, such articles were pounded in a mortar with a pestle. The mortar consisted of a large stone, or block of wood hollowed out, and the pestle of a piece of the same material shaped into a suitable form. This plan of pounding was succeeded by mills. Some were hand mills, in which the grain was placed between stones, the upper stone being passed over it again and again, till it was ground fine enough for use. This office was performed by slaves, or inferior servants, and very often by females, as we read in the Bible. The larger mills were turned by oxen or other animals. These consisted of a large solid block or mass of stone placed on the floor, and ano- ther circular stone set on its edge, and turned round by a pole or beam fixed in the centre. The engraving here given represents a mill used for the purpose of grinding lime, to be made into mortar. Machines very similar to this are still used in this country for reducing alabaster, limestone, flints, and other hard substances, into powder. Where greater power is required, the machine is turned by wind, by a current of water, or by steam. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. as Mind, a. v. to mark, to attend Mine, s. a deep place in the Mint, s. a sweet herb [earth Mint, 5. a place where money is coined Mirth, s. joy, glee, gaiety Miss, v. to fail ; to mistake ; to lose Mist, s. a thin cloud, a vapour Mite, s. a very small quantity Mix, a. v. to join ; to mingle Moan, n. v. to grieve ; to lament Moat, s. a ditch Mock, a. v. to laugh at; to insult; to deride; tomimick Mock, a. counterfeit, not real Mode, s. form, manner, fashion Moist, a. slightly wet, damp Mole, 5. a small animal Mood, s. state of mind Moor, s. a tract of low watery ground ; a marsh Moor, a. v. to fasten a ship Mope, n. v. to be stupid, drowsy, or inactive Morse, s. a sea-horse Moss, s. a dwarfish plant Move, a. v. to put in motion Mould, 5. ground in which plants are grown Mould, s. the place in which anything is shaped [thers Moult, n. v. to change the fea- Mound, s. a bank of earth Mount, n. v. to rise up high Mount, a. v. to climb, to as- cend ; to decorate Mourn, n. v. to grieve, to be sorrowful Mouse, s. a small animal The Mouse is a small, well-known animal, found in dwelling-houses, and especially in places where corn is kept. The cut here given represents the Jer- boa, or Syrian mouse, which is supposed to be the animal spoken of in Scripture under that name. It is about the size of a rat. The head is large ; the eye full ; the ears spread and open, denoting that the sense of hearing is acute, and giving the head a resemblance to that of the rabbit. The fore limbs are so short as to be scarcely visible, while the hinder limbs are of great length and comparative vigour. — The Jerboa is found chiefly in Egypt, Syria, and the North of Africa, where it lives in burrows, or nests made in the sand hills, or among ruins. Its speed is great; but it makes its way, not by running, but by bounding along upon its hinder limbs, leaping several feet at a time, just touch- ing the ground with its forepaws, and then rising from its hind limbs again so rapidly, as to appear almost as if flying. As these animals feed entirely upon vegetable produce, and as they multiply very fast, the havock they make of the fruits of the earth is some- times great and alarming. 34 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Mouth, s. an opening into any- place ; part of the head Mouth, a. v. (mowthe) to speak in an affected voice Mow, a. v. to cut down quickly Muff, s. a soft cover for the hands in winter Mulct, a. v. (mulkt) to inflict a fine, or forfeit Mule, s. an animal resembling both the horse and the ass Muse, n. v . to study in silence ; to wonder, to be amazed Musk, s. a strong perfume Mute, a. silent ; dumb Nail, s. an iron spike Name, s. a title ; that by which a person or thing is known Naught, a. (nawt) bad, worth- less ; corrupt Neap, a. low, descending Neat, a. elegant, clean, tidy Need, s. necessity, want Nerves, s. parts of the body which feel, or have sense Nest, s. a bird's dwelling News, s. fresh intelligence Niche, s. (jivtcK) a hollow place in a wall Nice, a. exact, neat, fine Node, s. a knob, or swelling Noise, s. an outcry, a sound Nook, s. a corner Noon, s. mid-day Noose, s. a loose slip-knot Note, 5. a mark, or sign ; a short letter Null, a. of no force, void Numb, a. chill ; torpid Nymph, s. (nimf) a young fe- male Oak, s. a timber tree -***#** Nest. — While men constantly make im- provements in the art of building, birds build their nests just as they did centuries ago. And their nests are so suited to their habits and modes of living, that it is im- possible to conceive how any alteration for the better could be made in them. The most curi- ously constructed nests are those of the Sociable Grosbeak, of South Africa. These birds live together in great numbers ; and their nests are built round the trunk of a tree, so as to resemble the thatched roof of a circular building. They are formed of grass, woven toge- ther so closely as to keep out the rain, while their slanting position causes the rain water to run off quickly. Beneath this roof each bird builds its nest, which is three or four inches wide ; but as they join each other closely, they appear to form but one building. The nests can only be distinguished by a little outer opening, which serves as an entrance. One of these clusters of nests, on being examined, was found to contain three hundred inhabited cells. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 35 Oar, s. a long pole by which men force a boat along Oath, s. a solemn promise, or declaration Odd, a. uneven; unusual Oil, s. liquid fat Once, ad. at one time Ounce, 5. part of a pound Own, v. to possess, to claim, to confess Ox, s. the general name for black cattle Pace, s. a step ; mode of walking Pack, s. a parcel, or bundle Page, 5. one side of the leaf of a book ; an attendant Pain, s. an uneasy feeling ; a penalty ; a punishment Pale, a. faintly coloured ; dim Pall, s. (pawl) a mantle, or covering Pall, n. v. to become tasteless Palm, 5. a tree Pane, s. a square of glass Pang, s. an extreme pain Pant, n. v. to breathe short ; to long for Parch, a. v. to burn slightly Park, s. a pleasure ground Part, a. v. to divide, to sever Pass, s. a narrow road Paste, s. a sticky mixture Path, s. a way, or road Pate, s. the head Pause, n. v. to wait, to stop Paw, s. a beast's foot Pawn, a. v. to pledge Pay, a. v. to discharge a debt; to give wages The Musk Ox is a native of the colder parts of North America. In size it is smaller than the common Ox, though, having a quantity of long, woolly hair, which hangs almost to the ground, it ap- pears much larger. The ge- neral colour is a dull brown. — The Musk Ox frequents wild and rocky situations, and feeds on grass during one season of the year, and on moss during the other. Though its limbs are short, it is fleet and active. One which was pursued on the banks of the river Coppermine, scaled a lofty sand cliff so steep, that the hunters were obliged to crawl up it on their hands and knees. — Near the fall of the year these animals assemble in herds, and are then much harrassed by the hunters. But the pursuit is not without danger, for the males are soon made angry, and if they be wounded will dart with fury upon the hunters, who find it difficult to escape. If, however, the hunters remain concealed when they fire upon a herd, the poor animals mistake the noise for thunder, and crowd nearer and nearer to each other as their companions fall around them. When they discover their enemies by sight, or by sense of smell, the whole herd seeks safety by instant flight. 36 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Peace, s. rest ; quiet; silence Peak, s. the point of a hill Peal, s. a succession of loud sounds Pearl, 5. (purl) a gem pro- duced in the shell of an oyster Peel, s. the skin, or rind Peep, n. v. to look slily Peer, s. an equal ; a nobleman Pen, s. a fold, or cage ; an in- strument for writing Phlegm, s. (flem) a watery humour Pied, a. of various colours Pier, s. (peer) the support of a bridge ; a landing-place Pierce, a. v. to bore through Pike, s. a spear ; a large fish Pile, a. v. to heap up [press Pinch, a. v. to squeeze ; to op- Pine, s. a kind of fir-tree Pine, n. v. to grieve ; to wear away Pipe, s. a hollow tube ; a flute Pique, s. (peek) an offence taken Pitch, v. to fix ; to plant ; to throw headlong Pith, s. marrow ; strength Place, 5. office ; residence Plague, s. disease ; trouble Plaid, s. (plad) striped cloth Plain, a. smooth, flat ; open, sincere Plaint, s. complaint Plait, a. v. to fold ; to weave Plan, s. a scheme, or outline Plane, s. a level Plank, s. a thick board Play, s. sport, frolic, pleasure Plea, s. an excuse The Plane Tree is a native of the most western parts of Asia, where it forms one of the noblest objects in the vegetable kingdom. When planted in rich and moist ground, its huge branches spread out in all directions from the massive trunk, and are covered with broad, handsome, glossy leaves. The stem is tall and erect, covered with a smooth bark, which falls off every year. It also bears very small flowers, which make their appearance a little before the leaf. The wood is of a hard and fine grain, though rather brittle : when old it has dark veins, and when cut, nearly resembles walnut-wood. The Plane is said to be the tree which best keeps out the rays of the sun in summer, and most readily admits them in winter. For this reason it has often been planted near large buildings and palaces, and in public walks WORDS OE ONE SYLLABLE. 37 Plead, v. to argue ; to excuse ; to defend a cause Please, v. to give pleasure, to indulge ; to choose Pledge, v. to give security Plight, 5. (plite) state ; condi- tion ; pledge Plinth, s. foundation of a pillar Plot, s. a small piece ; a scheme Plough, s. (plow) an instru- ment for cutting the ground to receive seed Pluck, a. v. to strip; to pull Plume, 5. a bunch of feathers Plump, a. fleshy, sleek Plunge, a. v. to put into any liquid suddenly Plunge, n. v. to sink sud- denly ; to dive Ply, a. v. to work closely Poach, n. v. to trespass ; to steal slily Point, s. a sharp end ; an aim Point, n. v. to mark ; to dis- tinguish Poise, s. balance, level weight Poll, s. the head ; a list of voters Pomp, s. grandeur ; pride Pool, s. standing water Poor, a. low, lean, spiritless ; needy ; of little value Porch, s. a covered entrance Port, s. a place of safety for ships ; a harbour Pouch, s. a small bag Pounce, v. to pierce ; to seize Pound, a. v. to beat, or grind Pound, s. a certain weight Pour, n. v. to flow rapidly Pout, n. v. to look sulky Praise, s. commendation; fame Prance, n. v. to spring and move about in high spirits and places of exercise. Pliny, who lived more than eighteen hun- dred years ago, mentions a plane tree in Lycia, in the trunk of which had been formed by degress, a large cavern which measured eighty feet round. He also states that one of the governors, with eighteen other persons, often dined and supped comfortably in it. While he and his company were sitting safe and dry within, the noise of the rain, pattering on the leaves overhead, became agree- able music to them. History tells of another, the hollow of which served for an Emperor, with fifteen of his friends, to sit comfortably to dinner, at the same time allowing room for their attendants to wait upon them. The Emperor used to call it his nest. — In Eastern countries the Plane seems to have been considered sacred, as the Oak was formerly in Britain. One modern traveller describes a most noble grove of these trees which adorn the plain of Antioch ; and another records that he enjoyed a night's rest under plane trees of great beauty in the valley of Lebanon. The Plane is cultivated in this country, and grows to a fine tree, though not to the very large size which it attains in the East. It is said to have been first introduced into England by the great Lord Bacon, who planted some at his country seat at Verulam, which were in a flourishing state more than a century after his death. c 2 38 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Prank, s. a wild frolic Pray, a. v. to ask ; to entreat Preach, n. v. to teach ; to proclaim Prey, s. to rob ; to waste Price, s. cost ; value Pride, s. self-esteem, conceit ; dignity ; ornament Priest, s. a clergyman Prime, a. early, original; chief, excellent Prince, s. a ruler ; the son of a king ; a chief Print, a. v. to mark, to impress Prize, a. v. to value ; to esteem Prize, 5. a reward Prompt, a. quick; ready Probe, a. v. to search, to try Prose, s. language not in verse Proud, a. conceited ; haughty Prove, a. v. to show by argu- ment ; to confirm Prove, n. v. to make trial Prow, s. the forepart of a ship Prowl, n. v. to wander for prey Prune, a. v. to trim, to lop off Psalm, s. {saam) a holy song Puff, a. v. to swell, or blow Pulp, 5. a soft substance Pump, s. an instrument for drawing up water Pure, a. clean, unmixed Purge, a. v. to cleanse, to make pure Purse, s. a bag to hold money Quack, s. a vain pretender Quaff, a. v. to drink largely Quake, n. v. to shake, to tremble Quail, s. a bird of game "^4 The Quail is a bird about the size and shape of a partridge. It is found in amazing quanti- ties on the shores of the Red Sea, in the wilderness of Pales- tine, and in the deserts of Arabia Petrea. Quails often remove in very large flocks from place to place ; and in their passage across the sea, to and from Africa, more than a hundred thousand have been killed at one time. Some are eaten while fresh, the rest are salted and dried for future use. They are easily caught. In the North of Persia, the men stick two poles in their girdles, and dress them up so as to look, at a distance, like the horns of an animal. They then crawl about the fields with a hand net ; and the quail, supposing them to be beasts, allows the men to come near enough to throw the net over it. We read in the Bible that when the Jews, in their passage through the wilderness, clamoured to have flesh to eat, God caused a strong wind to drive quails in very large quantities about the camp ; and thus, by a miracle, provided more than a million persons with food for some weeks. God, however, was greatly displeased with the Jews on that occasion, because of their impatience and ingratitude, and destroyed thousands of them by means of a sore plague. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 39 Quaint, a. neat, smart ; odd Qualm, s. a sudden, sickly feeling Quash, a. v. to crush, to squeeze ; to make void Quay, s. (ke) a key ; a wharf Queen, s. the wife of a king ; a female sovereign Quell, a. v. to crush, to subdue Quench, a. v. to put out Quest, s. search, enquiry Quick, a. living ; nimble, ac- tive, sprightly Quill, s. a strong feather Quire, s. twenty-four sheets of paper Quit, a. v. to leave, to forsake ; to discharge a debt Quote, a. v. to mention the words of another Race, 5. a trial of running s. progress, course s. an instrument of tor- to Race Rack ture ; a wooden grate Rack, a. v. to torment, stretch Raft, s. a frame of wood Rage, s. violent anger Rail, s. a slight fence Rail, n. v. to speak against Rain, s. water from the clouds Rain, n. v. to fall in drops Raise, a. v. to lift ; to exalt ; to excite Ram, s. a male sheep Range, a. v. to place in order Range, n. v. to rove, to ramble Rank, a. high, coarse, gross Rank, s. a line, row, class Rare, a. scarce, excellent Rase, a. v. to overthrow, to destroy Foot Races were in great repute amongst the ancient Greeks. They were designed to confirm the health of their youth ; to inure them to fatigue; and to improve their strength, vigour, and activity. The persons who were designed to take part in these races, were put into training under experienced masters, for about twelve months. Strict rules were laid down for the whole of their conduct. Their food was simple, being chiefly dried figs, nuts, soft cheese, and coarse heavy bread. They were forbidden the use of wine and strong drink. They were required to rise early, to take suitable exercise, and to avoid everything which might injure their health or strength. When the time for the races arrived, they were carefully examined, to see if all the rules had been complied with. They had then to lay aside such parts of their clothes as might entangle them, or in any way hinder their course. The place in which the racers ran was about six hundred feet in length, and was hence called, the Stadium. On each side was a large gallery, in which was seated a great multitude of spectators, who crowded from all parts of the country. The path which the racers were to keep was marked out by white lines or posts ; and he who did not keep to those lines, or who took any unfair advan- tage, lost the prize, even though he were the first to reach the goal. The reward, which was a garland of leaves, was placed full in sight of the racers ; and they were encouraged to exert themselves to the very utmost, by the cheers and shouts of the thousands who were 40 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Rash, a. hasty, thoughtless Hasp, s. a rough file Ray, s. a streak of light Reach, a. v. to touch by stretch- ing out the arm ; to arrive at Realm, s. (relm) a kingdom Reap, a. v. to cut down corn ; to gather, to collect Rear, s. the hinder part Rear, a. v. to raise, or bring up Reed, s. a plant ; a small pipe Reek, s. smoke, vapour, steam Reel, s. a round frame Reel, n. v. to stagger Rein, s. part of a bridle Reign, n. v. (rain) to govern; to prevail Rhyme, s. (rime) an agreement of sound ; poetry Rich, a. having much proper- ty ; valuable ; fruitful Rid, a. v. to set free ; to clear Ride, n. v. to be carried to any place Ridge, s. the rough top of any thing Rife, a. common ; prevalent Right, a. (rite) fit, proper, just Right, 5. power, privilege Rind, s. bark, husk, peel Ring, s. a circle ; an ornament Ring, n. v. to strike a bell Rinse, a. v. to wash slightly Ripe, a. fit for use ; mature Rise, n. v. to move upwards Risk, s. hazard, danger Road, s. a broad path Roam, n. v. to wander, to ramble, to rove Roar, s. a loud noise Roast, a. v. to dress meat be- fore the fire looking upon them. When the judges had determined who was the winner, his name was proclaimed by the herald; the crown of leaves was placed upon his head ; and he was conducted along the line in triumph, amidst the repeated applauses of the delighted multitudes. Human life, including the careful performance of all its duties, is often compared to a race. Happy are those who so run this race, as to receive from the hands of the Supreme Judge the crown of eternal life ! WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 41 Robe, 5. a long dress Rock, s. a mass of stone Rock, v. to shake to and fro Roe, s. a kind of deer ; the eggs of fish Roof, 5. the cover of a building Rook, 5. a large black bird Room, s. space ; part of a house Rove, n.v. to ramble, to wander Rough, a. (ruf) uneven ; vio- lent ; harsh Round, s. a circle, a revolution Rouse, a. v. to excite, to stir up Rout, a. v, to defeat, to con- fuse, to disperse Route, s. (root) road, way- Row, s. (ro) things ranged in a line ; a rank Rude, a. rough, coarse ; un- civil ; untaught Rue, a. v. (rod) to regret ; to lament Rue, s. a medicinal herb Rule, s. a law ; command Rush, n. ?;. to move with vio- lence [metal Rust, s. the decayed part of Ruth, s. pity, tenderness Sack, s. a large bag Sack, a, v. to pillage, plunder Sad, a. sorrowful ; gloomy- Safe, a. secure, free from harm Sage, a. wise ; grave Sail, s. a broad sheet to catch the wind Saint, s. a holy person Salve, s.(saave) an ointment ; a remedy Sane, a. sound in mind Sash, 5. an ornamental belt ; part of a window Rocks abound in Palestine, and form a principal part of its de- fence. The inhabitants retire to them in times of danger, and find a refuge in any sudden breaking in of their enemies. The southern portion of Judea is full of caverns cut in the mountains ; and whole villages are formed in the rocks. Hollow rocks are also the haunts of thieves and of robbers, who suddenly rush forth from them on the unsuspecting traveller. — Many of these rocks are barren, rugged, and gloomy. Others are covered in places with as much earth as fits them for cultivation. In such cases, the cedar, the fir, and the oak, the fig and the vine, adorn the crags, and present a picture of grandeur, of cheerfulness, and of beauty. 42 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Save, a, v. to preserve Sauce, s. gravy, seasoning Scale, s. a balance ; a measure Scale, a. v. to climb by ladders Scalp, s. the skull and skin of the head Scan, a. v. to examine closely Scar, 5. the mark of a wound Scarf, s. a loose shawl Scare, a. v. to frighten Scene, s. (seen) a view, prospect Scent, s. (sent) smell ; odour Scheme, s. a plan, contrivance School, s. a place of instruction Scoff, s. a taunt, a jeer Scold, a. v. to chide ; to re- prove sharply Scoop, a. v. to cut or take out Scope, s. aim, intention Scorch, a. v. to burn slightly Score, s. a mark : a debt Scorn, s. contempt, disdain Scourge, a. v. to lash, to beat; to punish Scowl, n. v. to look angry Scratch, a. v. to tear slightly Scrawl, s. awkward writing Scream, n. v. to cry out with a shrill voice Screen, s. a shelter Screen, a. v. to conceal Screw, a. v. to twist forcibly Scroll, s. a roll of writing Scum, s. dross, refuse* Seal, s. a stamp ; a sea calf Seal, a. v. to fasten ; to con- firm ; to close Seam, s. a joint, a mark Sear, a. v. to burn, to dry up Sear, a. dry ; faded Search, a. v. to examine, to inquire A Rock is at once a refuge, a shelter, and a shade. There, those who are pursued by foes may hide ; those who are threatened by a storm may escape from its fury ; and the weary traveller, over a dry and barren desert, may sit himself down, and at once find shelter and refreshment. Especially, as it sometimes happens, when a cooling stream gushes forth from the sides of the rock, or from its base. And the shade which is afforded by a rock, is not merely like that of a tree, through which the rain may beat, or the sun pierce ; but one which casts itself over a large portion of ground, so that a goodly company may share the benefit. This is the case in Eastern countries, as many travellers have testified. After riding on horses or camels for miles, over barren sands, beneath the rays of a" scorching sun, how delighted must they be to come to some rock, under whose ample shade they and their cattle may repose for a season, partake of their simple food, drink from the cooling water brook, and then pursue their journey with strength and spirits renewed. — When the prophet Isaiah would describe a righteous and merciful king, — one under whose sway his subjects might be truly safe and happy, — he says, — " He shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." The name of rock is also given to God, because He is the strength, the refuge, and defence of the righteous, as rocks were to those who resided among them. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 43 Search, s. examination, inquiry Sect, s. a party, or body Seek, n, v. to look for, or search Seem, n. v. to appear Seize, a. v. to grasp with force Sense, 5. feeling ; meaning Serve, a. v. to attend, to wait upon Set, a. v. to place, to put Set, a. regular, according to rule ; fixed Shade, 5. a shelter, a shadow Shaft, s. an arrow ; any thing straight Shag, s. rough woolly hair Shake, a. v. to move quickly Shame, 5. a feeling of disgrace Shape, s. form, appearance Share, s. a part, a lot Shark, s. a rapacious fish Sheaf, s. a bundle of corn Shear, a. v. to cut or clip Sheath, s. a case, covering Shed, a. v. to pour out Sheer, a. pure, unmixed Shield, 5. a defence Shift, n. v. to change, to alter Ship, s. a large vessel made to swim on the water Shire, s. a county Shoal, s. a sand bank ; a crowd Shock, s. a mutual blow Shock, a. v. to shake roughly ; to offend Shoe, s. a covering for the foot Shoot, v. to dart forth ; to grow ; to start Shore, s. the sea-coast ; a prop Shout, s. the noise of joy or triumph The Seal, or Sea Calf, lives chiefly in the sea ; visiting the land only to bask in the sun, and to nurse its young. Its usual length is from five to six feet. It has a smooth head without external ears ; its fore legs are deeply sunk in the skin of its body, and the hind legs are placed in such a manner as to point directly backwards ; it is covered with short hair very closely set together ; and its whole form and pro- perties render it a most excellent swimmer and diver. Its common food is fish, which it eats beneath the water. Seals are most plen- tiful in the Southern Pacific ; they are common also on the rocky shores of this country. The largest and handsomest sort is the Greenland Seal, which forms the natural and chief wealth of the Greenlander. The flesh he uses for his ordinary food ; the oil sup- plies his lamp during the long and dark winter of those regions ; the skin furnishes materials for clothing, and for the covering of boats and houses ; and both the skin and the oil are profitable articles of trade with the ships which visit his shores. In England the skin is found valuable for caps, muffs, tippets, and other articles. 44 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Shred, s. a small piece Shrewd, a. cunning ; cautious Shrine, 5. a case containing something sacred Shrink, n.v. to shrivel, to fall back as from danger Shroud, s. a burial cloth Shroud, n. v. to shelter, to cover, to conceal Sieve, s. (siv) a sifter Sigh, s. (si) a deep sob Sign, s. (sine) a mark, token, proof; a picture Sing, n. v. to utter sweet sounds ; to chant Singe, a. v. to burn slightly Sink, n. v. to fall by degrees Site, s. situation ; posture Size, s. bigness, measure Skill, s. experience, ability Skirt, s. the edge, or border Sky, s. the firmament Slab, s. a flat piece of stone Slake, a. v. to quench ; to extinguish Slave, s. a bond-servant Sledge, s. a carriage without wheels Sleek, a. smooth, glossy Sleep, s. rest, repose Sleet, s. frozen rain Sleight, s. an artful trick Slice, s. a flat piece Slide, n. v. to move smoothly Slight, a. small, trifling Slight, a. v. to neglect Sling, 5. a loose strap for throw- ing stones Slip, n. v. to slide ; to escape Slip, 5. a false step, an error Slope, s. a descent Sloth, s. idleness, slowness A Slave is a servant held in bondage, as the property of another. Formerly, among the Hebrews and the neighbouring nations, the greater part of the servants were slaves. They belonged entirely to their masters, who claimed a right to dispose of their persons, their property, and, in some cases, even of their lives. There were two sorts of servants, or slaves, among the Hebrews. Some were natives of other countries, who were either bought, or taken captive in war. The others were Hebrew slaves, — persons who, being poor, sold themselves, or were sold by others, to pay debts ; or children, who were given up for slaves by their parents, in cases of want or trou- ble. These Hebrew slaves continued in slavery only to a certain period, called the year of the Jubilee : at that period they might return to liberty again, and their masters could not keep them longer, unless they themselves chose to remain slaves. Those who gave up their right to be free had to do so before a judge ; and they could not recover their liberty till the return of the year of Jubilee. It appears from the Bible, that in most cases slaves were well treated, were frequently placed in offices of great trust, and were some- times regarded as a part of the family. In modern times, slaves have been treated with the greatest cruelty. The voice of Christian bene- volence has, however, been lifted up in their behalf; and there is reason to hope that the oppressive system will soon come to an end for ever. ^ The most striking and important passage in the history of Joseph, as recorded in the book of Genesis, is that of his being sold as a WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 45 Slough, s. (slou) deep mud Sluice, 5. a vent for water Slur, a. v. to soil ; to cheat Sly, a. meanly artful Smack, s. a small ship Smart, a. v. to feel pain Smart, a. sharp ; lively ; witty Smear, n. v. to soil, to bedaub Smith, s. a worker in metals Smooth, a. even ; mild Snare, s. a trap ; a net Snatch, a. v. to seize hastily Sneak, n. v. to creep slily Sneer, s. a scornful expression or look ; a jeer Snow, s. frozen rain Snug, a. close ; comfortable Soak, a. v. to steep, to drench Soar, n. v. to fly high Sole, a. single, only Solve, a. v. to explain ; to clear Soot, s. (sut) embodied smoke Soothe, a. v. to calm ; to soften Sore, a. tender and painful Sort, a. v. to separate ; to choose ; to arrange Sot, s. a drunkard Soul, s. the immortal part of man; spirit; essence Sound, a. healthy, right ; hearty ; free from disease Sound, a. v. to measure depth Sound, 11. v. to make a noise Sour, a. sharp ; peevish Source, s. spring ; first cause Sow, a. v. to scatter seed Space, s. room ; extent ; time Span, a. v. to measure Spar, s. a small beam Spare, a. v. to use cautiously; to save ; to grant Spare, a. scanty, lean slave, and carried into a foreign land. Joseph was a great favourite with his father Jacob, who shewed him such marked kindness as to cause his brethren to become very jealous of him. They indulged in this wicked feeling to such a pitch, that they determined on one occasion to sell him to some travelling merchants who were going to Egypt. They did so, and then went home and caused their father to believe that his beloved son had been destroyed by wild beasts. But God took care of Joseph. The merchants sold him again to one of the principal officers of the King of Egypt ; and he served this master so faithfully that he soon made him steward of his 46 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Spark, s. an atom of fire Spasm, s. a convulsive pain Spawn, s. the eggs offish Spear, s. a long sharpened pole Speech, s. voice ; language Speed, s. quickness, haste Spell, n. v. to form words letters Spell, s. a secret charm Spend, a. v. to lay out, waste Sphere, s. a round body- Sphinx, s. a monster once famous in Egypt Spice, a. a vegetable substance sweet to the smell and taste Spill, a. v. to shed, to lose Spine, s. the back-bone Spire, s. a steeple Spite, s. malice, hate of to Spleen, s. ill humour Spoil, n. v. to make useless Spoil, a. v. to damage ; to ruin, to plunder Sponge, s. a soft substance full of pores, remarkable for sucking up water Sport, s. play, diversion Spouse, s. a husband or wife Spout, s. a water pipe Spout, a. v. to shoot out water Spray, s. foam of the sea ; a slight branch Spread, v. to stretch ; to scat- ter ; to expand Spring, n. v. to grow ; to come into life Spring, s. the early season of the year Sprout, s. a shoot of a plant Spruce, a. nice ; neat ; smart household, and of all that he had. " And the Lord was with Joseph, and made all that he did to prosper." Soon after this, Joseph was taken into favour by Pharaoh the king, and managed so wisely, that he was the means of saving the whole country from famine, in a time of great scarcity, which lasted for seven years. What was most remarkable was the fact, that, in consequence of this general scarcity, his brethren were sent into Egypt to buy corn ; and they had to apply for it to Joseph their brother, whom they had, years before, sold as a slave. After having tried them severely, in a number of ways, he made himself known to them, and sent them back to Canaan, to bring their father and their families to live in Egypt. They did so, and were kindly received by the king, and lived there for many years in riches and in comfort. — Thus God, in his wisdom and goodness, caused that which these wicked young men intended for harm to Joseph, to work together for his honour — for their own good — and for the good of many nations. Egypt, a country of Africa, was the most celebrated of ancient nations. It was remarkable for the number of its wise me?i—men who excelled in knowledge of the principal arts and sciences. It was remarkable for its riches. It had a large share in the trade of the East, and in times of scarcity it supplied all parts of the world with corn. — It was remarkable for its architecture, and at one period could exhibit some of the most stupendous fabrics on the face of the globe. —Egypt WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 47 Spur, s. a sharp point ; an incitement Spurn, a. v. to kick ; to scorn Spy, s. a secret watcher Spy, a. v. to see at a distance Squall, s. a gust of wind Square, a. having equal sides Squat, n. v. to sit close to the ground Squeak, s. a shrill cry Squeeze, a. v. to press tightly Stack, s. a large pile Staff, s. a stick, a prop Stage, s. a raised floor ; part of a journey Stain, s. a blot, a disgrace Stake, a. v. to wager, to hazard Stale, a. old, long kept Stall, s. a crib, or shed Stamp, a. v. to strike ; to im- press ; to pound Stand, v. to endure ; to main- tain ; to halt Stare, n. v. to look with fixed eyes, or with wonder Start, n. v. to set out; to begin Start, s. a motion of fright Starve, n. v. to perish with hunger or cold State, s. condition ; empire State, a. v. to explain, to re- present Stay, n. v. to continue ; to stop ; to rest confidently Stay, a. v. to withhold, delay, hinder, oppose Steak, s. a slice of flesh Steal, a. v. to take by theft Steam, s. moist vapour Steed, s. a handsome horse Steel, s. refined iron Steep, a. rising high; difficult once " sat as a Queen among the Nations." But Egypt was celebrated for its wickedness also, and God, the Great Ruler of Nations, deter- mined to bring its wisdom, its wealth, and its glory to the dust. His prophets declared that Egypt should become " a base nation ;" that " the pride of her power should come down ;" and that " the country should be desolate of that of which it was once full." — All this has taken place ; and ignorance, poverty, slavery, and misery, are seen throughout the land ; teaching us that evil-doers are hateful in his sight. In Egypt there are still remains of its former greatness ; and among the rest the Great Sphinx, as it is called, of which a representation is here given. It stands upon the plain of Gizeh, near the great Pyramids. It is supposed to be a monument to the me- mory of some king. It is formed of solid rock, and is of an astonishing size, from the chin to the top of the head alone measuring about twenty-eight feet. 48 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Steep, a. v. to soak ; to dip Steer, s. a young bullock Steer, a. v. to guide, to direct Stem, s. the stalk ; chief twig Stern, s. the hinder part Stern, a. severe, harsh Stick, n. v. to adhere, to hold fast ; to remain firm Still, a. quiet, silent, calm Sting, a. v. to pierce, or wound Stir, a. v. to move, to disturb Stir, s. tumult, disturbance Stock, s. a stem ; a sum of money ; a store of goods Stoop, n. v. to bend, to submit Stop, a.v.to hinder, to prevent Storm, s. a tempest ; a tumult Storm, a. v. to attack by force Storm, n. v. to rage, to be fu- riously angry Stout, a. strong, lusty Strain, a. v. to squeeze ; to tighten ; to purify Strait, a, narrow, close Strand, s. the part of land washed by a sea or river Strange, a. uncommon, won- derful ; foreign Streak, s. a line of colour Stream, s. a running water ; a constant flow Street, s. a way between houses Strength, s. power, ability Stress, s. force, importance Stretch, v. to spread out ; to straiten Strew, a. v. to scatter loosely Strict, a. exact, severe, close Strip, a. v. to deprive, to rob Strive, n. v. to labour ; to contend ; to struggle Stroll, n.v. to wander, to ramble Stocks are instruments made of wood, for the purpose of punish- ing supposed or real offenders by holding them fast by the feet. Some were made with holes for the feet only ; others for the feet, the hands, and the neck at once. Some allowed the person to move about; others, as in the cut here seen, confined both hands and feet, and obliged the person to lie on the ground in a painful and dis- tressing posture. This last kind is still used in India. The Indians have many expressions which refer to this mode of confinement. Thus, a man who is placed in great difficulties, says, " Alas ! I am now in the stocks." Another says, " I have put my boy in the stocks ;" by which he means that he has sent him to school, where he will be confined to his studies. If a youth act wildly or foolishly, he is told that it is time he had his feet in the stocks ; that is, time he was confined to some profitable course of duty. In this latter sense, it would be well if all young persons were placed in the stocks. That would not be a punishment, but a blessing. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 49 Stud, S. set of horses ; orna- nament, a sort of button Style, s. manner of writing, or speaking Sue, s. (sw) to beg, to entreat Suit, a. v. (sute) to fit, to make agreeable ; to adapt Suite, s. (swete) a set ; regu- lar order ; a train Surf, s. a swelling of the sea Swain, s. a country youth Swamp, s. a marsh, a bog Sward, s. the surface of the ground Swarm, s. a multitude Sway, a. v. to rule, to govern Swear, v. to affirm on oath Sweet, a. sugary, pleasant Swell, n. v. to grow bigger Swerve, n. v. to depart from Swing, n.v. to move to and fro Swoon, s. a fainting fit Tack, a. v. to turn ; to fasten Taint, a. v. to stain, to corrupt Tale, s. a story ; a reckoning Talk, n. v. to speak, to confer Tame, a. gentle ; subdued Tart, a. sour, severe Task, s. employment, business Taste, a. v. to try by the mouth ; to eat Taunt, a. v. to insult ; to re- proach ; to jeer Teach, a. v. to instruct, to in- form ; to inculcate Team, s. a number of horses or oxen drawing at once Tear, a. v. (tare) to pull in pieces, to rend Tempt, a.v. to entice, to allure Tend, a.v. to watch, to guard Tent, s. a moveable dwelling The Stork feeds upon snakes, frogs, and insects, which it seeks for in watery places. It has therefore long legs, as well as a long neck and beak. As it has to fly away with the food to its nest, its bill is jagged, and has sharp hooks, which enables it to hold fast its slippery prey. The Stork is remarkable for its love to its parents, whom it never forsakes, but tenderly feeds when they have become unable to provide for themselves ; thus re- paying the friendly care taken of itself before it was able to fly. — i The Stork is a bird of passage; and the Scripture saith, " The Stork knoweth her appointed time." For about a fortnight before that time comes, they are seen to resort to a certain spot once every day, where they appear to form themselves into a council, and to fix upon the exact time for their departure, and the place of their future abode. Thus the Stork reproves, first, those who wickedly neglect their parents ; and, secondly, those who do not notice and improve what passes around them. 50 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Term, s. limit ; condition ; agreement; name Test, s. trial ; experiment Thatch, s. a straw covering Thaw, a. v. to melt Theft, s. robbery ; thing stolen Theme, s. a subject ; task Thick, a. close ; muddy Think, n. v. to reflect ; to judge Thirst, s. ardent desire Thong, s. a leathern string Thought, s. idea ; opinion Thrash, a. v. to beat out corn Thread, s. a small line Thrift, s. profit, gain Thrill, v. to tingle ; to pierce Thrive, n. v. to prosper, to grow rich Throb, n.v. to heave, to beat Throne, s. a royal seat Throng, s. a crowd, multitude Thrust, a. v. to push forwards Thwart, a. v. to cross, to oppose Till, a. v. to cultivate Tier, s. a rank, or row Tinge, a. v. to colour Tire, a. v. to weary, to fatigue Tithe, s. a tenth part Toil, s. labour ; drudgery Tomb, s. (toom) a monument over the dead Tone, s. note, or sound Tongue, s. (tung) the organ of speech Torch, s. a light, or taper Touch, s. the sense of feeling, the act of touching Tough, a. (tuff) stiff, not brittle or easily broken Tour, s. (toor) a ramble, or journey Town, s. a number of houses A Tomb is a place in which the dead are enclosed. In the moun- tainous country of Palestine, it was the custom to place the dead in caves in the solid rock ; and great numbers of these caves, some natural, and some cut for the purpose, are still to be found in Syria, Egypt, and Persia. Where the families could afford it, these tombs were cut with great care, either for separate bodies, or for many. Some of the vaults were large, consisting of more than one room, arched at the top, and supported by rows of columns. These were approached by a long flight of steps cut out of the solid rock. In some of these vaults, the bodies were laid in regular rows on stone slabs, placed one above another like shelves ; in others, they were placed in hollows cut in the side of the rock, about six or seven feet deep. In some instances, the floor itself was cut in hollows of various depths, in the shape of a coffin. Some of the bodies were placed in stone coffins, with curiously carved lids ; but they were WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 51 Trace, a. v. to mark out ; to follow Track, s. a beaten path Tract, s. a region ; a small book Trade, s. traffic ; employment Train, a. v. to educate, to bring up, to exercise Train, s. a series, a procession, a line Trait, s. a stroke, a touch Treat, a. v. to manage ; to feast Tribe, s. a class ; a family Trick, s. a sly fraud Trim, a. spruce, neat, smart Trite, a. worn out, common Troop, s. a body of soldiers Truce, s. a short peace Truck, s. a low carriage Trunk, s. a hollow body; a chest Truss, s. a bundle; a bandage Trust, s. confidence, credit Truth, s. certainty ; honesty Tuft, s. a cluster, a bunch Tune, s. agreement of sounds, harmony Turn, v. to move round Tusk, s. the long tooth of a savage animal Twins, s. children born at one birth Twine, a. v. to twist, or wind Twirl, a. v. to turn round Twist, a. v. to wind, to wrench round Type, s. sign ; emblem ; print- ing letter Vague, a. uncertain ; unsettled Vain, a. useless ; conceited Valve, s. a folding opening Van, s. the front, or leading part more usually wound up in the grave clothes, with a quantity of strong spices to preserve them from decay, and placed in the tomb without any kind of coffin. These vaults were, of course, dark; the only entrance to them being a narrow opening, which was generally closed by a large stone rolled to its mouth, the edges of which were secured by stiff clay, or some strong cement. Tombs of a superior kind were shut, as in the cut here given, by stone doors, hand- somely carved and ornamented, hung and fastened in the same manner as the doors of houses. Some of these ancient tombs are kept in repair, and are shewn to travellers, a guide going before them with a lamp or torch. Others are in open grounds, formed with great care, and finished with much neatness. A pot of earth is sometimes placed at the head and foot of each grave, with a myrtle, or some other flower, which the friends of the departed water regu- larly every day. Tombs and sepulchres of the former descrip- tion are often spoken of in the Bible. In the Gospel by Matthew, we read that at the death of Jesus Christ there was a great earth- quake ; " and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened." We read also, in the Gospel by Mark, that Joseph went to Pilate and obtained the body of Jesus Christ. " And Joseph brought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre ;" and, in the Gospel by John, it is added, "They took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." 52 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Vase, s. an ornamental vessel Vault, 5. a cellar ; a cave Vaunt, n. v. to boast Veer, n. v. to turn about Veil, s. (vale) a covering Vent, s. a small opening Verge, s. the brink, the edge Verse, s. poetry Vex, a. v. to plague, to tease Vice, s. sin, wickedness Vie, n. v. to contend, to strive View, a. v. to survey, to look on Vile, a. worthless, wicked Vogue, s. fashion, mode Voice, s. the sound from the mouth ; to assert Void, a. empty, vain Vouch, n. v. to witness ; to declare ; to assert Vow, s. a solemn promise Urge, a. v. to press earnestly Urn, s. a vessel with a narrow mouth Use, s. habit ; practice Waft, a. v. to carry over Wage, a. v. to attempt ; to begin ; to carry on Wail, n. v. to grieve, to lament Waive, a. v. to put off Walk, a. v. to step quietly Wall, s. a partition ; a fence Wan, a. pale, sickly-looking Wand, s. a small stick Wane, n. v. to grow less Ward, a. v. to guard, to defend Ware, s. something to be sold Warm, a. heated, angry Warp, v. to contract Wasp, s. a stinging insect Waste, v. to dwindle ; to wear away [useless labour Waste, s. wanton destruction, Veils are a kind of hood, scarf, or mantle, used by females for the pur- pose of concealing their faces. In Asia and Africa they are used as tokens of modesty, and of subjection to husbands. Some of these veils cover the whole of the dress from the neck downwards, while the head and face are covered with a large white handkerchief over the head-dress and forehead, leaving only the eyes and part of the nose visible. Some of the Turkish women use a long piece of black stiff crape, which completely disguises them, and at the same time In Barbary, when the ladies appear in public, they fold their dresses so closely round them, that very little of their faces can be seen. In the summer, when at their country seats, they use less caution, though even then, on the ap- proach of a stranger they always drop their veil. In such countries, to lift up the veil of an unmarried woman is considered a gross insult ; but to take away the veil of a married woman is the greatest indignity she can receive.— In our country, and in modern times, veils are used for ornament, or to moderate the light of the sun, or to defend from wind and dust. leaves them room to breathe. WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 53 Watch, a, v. to guard, to ob- serve closely Wax, 5 a production of bees Wax, a. v. to grow, to increase Way, s a rjja.d or passage ; manner, method Weave, a. v. to join threads together ; to fabricate Web, s. any thing woven Wedge, s. an instrument to cleave wood with Weed, s. a useless herb Weep, n. v. to shed tears Weigh, a. v. to examine by balance ; to portion out Weight, 5. heaviness, burden Well, s. a spring, a fountain Well, a. happy ; in health West, s. where the sun sets Wet, a. moist, rainy Whale, s. a large sea animal Wheat, 5. the grain from which bread is chiefly made Whelp, s. a puppy ; the young of a beast of prey Whim, s. a freak, fancy Whip, s t a lash, or scourge Whirl, s. a rapid turn White, a. pale ; pure Wide, a, broad, extended Wield, a. v. to use with full power ; to manage Wild, a untamed, fierce Wild, *. a desert, a wilderness Wile, s. a fraud, a trick Will, s. inclination, choice Wind, s breath ; air Wind, a. v. to turn, to change Wine, S; juice of grapes Wing, s„ the limb of a bird by which it flies Wire, s. a thread of metal The Whale, of which the above cut represents a skeleton, is the largest known inhabitant of the sea. The great Greenland Whale usually measures from fifty to ninety feet long, and from fifteen to twenty feet broad. In hot climates whales have been found one hundred and fifty feet long. Fisheries are established, both in the North and South Seas, for the purpose of catching whales, which are valuable for the supply they furnish of oil, whalebone, and spermaceti. The catching of whales exposes those who are engaged in it to much danger. Every ship has six or seven boats, each of which is provided with harpoons (a sort of dart), and a suit- able number of men. So soon as they get near a whale, they strike an harpoon, with a long line fastened to it, deeply into its body. The whale immediately dives into the sea, but is soon obliged to return to the top of the water for breath. Fresh harpoons are then driven ; and when, by often plunging and much bleeding it becomes exhausted, a long spear is thrust into its breast, and it soon dies. A large whale is said to be worth nearly one thousand pounds. But the men endure in their voyages great hardships, and they some- times get little more than enough to pay their expences. D 54 WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. Wise, a. having knowledge ; sensible ; prudent Wit, s, quick fancy ; genius Woe, s. grief, misery Wolf, s. a savage beast Wood, s. a plantation ; timber Wool, s. the fleece of sheep Work, 5. labour, toil World, s. the earth Worm, s. a small reptile Worth, 5. value, excellence Wound, s. a hurt, a cut Wrap, a. v. to roll together Wrath, s. anger, rage Wreak, a. v. to revenge Wreath, s. a garland Wreck, s. ruin, destruction Wrest, a. v. to force from by twisting ; to wrench Wretch, s. an unhappy person Wring, a % v, to twist Wrist, 5. the joint of the hand Writhe, a. v. to distort, to twist Wrong, s. an error, an injury Wry, a. crooked, distorted Yacht, s. (yot) a small ship Yarn, s. woollen thread Yawn, n. v. to open wide Yearn, a. v. to feel great ten- derness, or pity Yield, a. v. to produce ; to submit ; to surrender Yoke, s. a chain ; a bond Young, a. youthful ; tender Youth, s. a young man Zeal, s. eagerness, devotion Zest, s. a relish, a taste Zinc, s. a metal Zone, 5. a belt, girdle, a divi- sion of the earth The Wolf is an animal of the dog kind. It is violent, cruel, and greedy. It is fierce when there is no cause, and kills, more to satisfy its evil na- ture, than from real hunger. It goes abroad by night to seek its prey, and is a great enemy to flocks of sheep. It is, altogether, a most disgusting creature. It has nothing useful about it except its skin. Its flesh is so rank that all animals reject it with disgust. Its aspect is savage — its voice dreadful — its stench detestable— its disposition perverse— and its manners brutal and ferocious.— The Wolf is frequently spoken of in Scripture. — Of some wicked princes of Israel, who instead of protecting the innocent, and punishing the evil doer, delighted in violence and oppression, and destroyed more than they were able to possess, it is said by the prophet Ezekiel,— " They are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, to destroy lives, to get dis- honest gain." And in the New Testament, false teachers are called " grievous wolves, entering in, and not sparing the flock." 55 WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, BUT DIFFERENT IN MEANING AND SPELLING. Ail, v. to be sick Ale, s. malt liquor Air, s. the atmosphere Ayr, s. name of a county E'er, ad. ever Ere, ad. before Eyre, s. sl court of justice Heir, s. the legal successor Aisle, s. a passage in a church Isle, 5. an island All, a. every one Awl, s. a sharp pointed tool Ant, s. an insect [sister Aunt, 5. a father's or mother's Arc, s. part of a circle Ark, s. a place of safety Aught, s. any thing Ought, v. obliged, necessary Bail, s. security given Bale, a. v. to take out water Bale, s. a bundle of goods Bait, s. an enticement Bate, v. to diminish Baize, s. coarse woollen cloth Bays, s. a crown, or garland Ball, s. a round substance Bawl, v. to cry out Bare, a. naked Bear, s. a wild beast Base, a. mean Base, s. the foundation Bass, s. in music, grave, deep Bay, s. an opening of the land admitting the sea Bey, s. a Turkish chief Be, v. to exist Bee, s. an insect Beach, s. the shore Beech, 5. a tree Beat, v. to strike Beet, s. a plant Beau, s. a polite attendant Bow, s. an instrument to shoot with Beer, s. malt liquor Bier, s. a carriage for the dead Bell, s. a sounding vessel Belle, s. a fine lady Blew, v. did blow Blue, s. a colour Boar, 5. the male swine Bore, v. to pierce Board, s. a thin plank of wood Bored, v. did bore Bold, a. daring, impudent Bowled, v. did bowl Boll, s. a round stock or stem Bowl, s. a basin Bough, s. a branch of a tree Bow, v. to bend the body Boy, s. a male child Buoy, s. a floating signal Braid, s. twisted hair Brayed, v. made a noise like an ass Brake, s. a thicket Break, v. to destroy Bread, s. food made from corn Bred, v. brought up Brews, v. doth brew Bruise, s. a hurt Bruit, v. to report Brute, s. a beast 56 WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, But, conj. yet, except Butt, 5. a large cask Buy, v. to purchase By, prep, near Call, v. to name, to cite Caul, s. a membrane Can, v. am able Can, s. a jug Cask, s. a barrel Casque, s. a helmet Cast, v. to throw Caste, s. a tribe, or sect Cede, v. to grant Seed, s. principle of produc- tion Cell, s. a small room, or cavity Sell, v. to dispose of Cent, s. a hundred Sent, v. conveyed Scent, s. an odour, a smell Chair, s. a moveable seat Char, v. to work by the day Cinque, a. five Sink, v. to fall down gradually Cite, v. to call, to quote Sight, 5. view, vision Site, s. situation Clause, s. part of a sentence Claws, s. talons Climb, v. to mount up Clime, s. climate Coarse, a. rough Course, 5. race, career Core, s. the heart of fruit, the inner prat Corps, s. a body of soldiers Creak, v. to make a harsh noise Creek, s. a narrow bay Dam, 5. the mother of beasts Dam, v. to stop Damn, v. to condemn Dane, s. a native of Denmark Deign, v. to condescend Dear, a. beloved ; costly Deer, s. an animal Dew, s. a thin mist ; vapour Due, a. owing Die, v. to expire Dye, v. to stain Doe, 5. a female deer Dough, s. kneaded flour Done, v. performed Dun, s. a troublesome creditor ; a dark, gray colour Drachm, s. the eighth part of an ounce Dram, s. a glass of spirits Draft, s. a bill [of drawing Draught, s. a drink ; the act Ewe, s. a female sheep Yew, 5. an evergreen tree You, pro. yourselves Ewer, 5. a basin Your, pro. belonging to you Eye, s. the organ of sight I, pro. myself Fain, ad. willingly Fane, 5. a weathercock Feign, v. to pretend Faint, a. weak, exhausted Feint, s. a pretence Fair, a. honest, clear Fare, s. diet ; hire Fair, s. a large market Feat, s. a deed ; an exploit Feet, s. part of the body BUT DIFFERENT IN MEANING AND SPELLING. 57 Fir, s. a hardy tree Fur, s. hair of a beast Flea, s. an insect Flee, v. to run away Flew, v. did fly Flue, 5. a pipe, a chimney Fore, s. front ; chief Four, a. a number Fort, s. a fortification Forte, s. peculiar talent Forth, a. forward Fourth, a. the fourth in order Foul, a. filthy Fowl, s. a bird Frays, s. quarrels Phrase, s. mode of speech Freeze, v. to congeal Frieze, s. coarse woollen cloth Gage, s. a pledge Guage, s. a measure Gait, s. manner of walking Gate, s. a sort of door Gilt, v, covered with gold Guilt, s. sin, offence Glaire, s. white of an egg Glare, s. intense brightness Grate, s. a fire-place Great, a. large, powerful Grease, s. fat, oil Greece, s. a kingdom Groan, v. to sigh deeply Grown, v. increased Hail, s. frozen rain Hale, a. healthy, strong Hair, s. a natural covering Hare, s. a wild animal Hall, s. a large room, or court Haul, v. to pull, to drag Hart, 5. a stag Heart, s. the vital organ Heal, v. to cure Heel, 5. part of the foot Hear, v. to listen Here, ad. in this place Heard, v. perceived by the ear Herd, s. a flock Hew, v. to cut down Hue, 5. a tinge, a colour Hugh, s. a man's name Hie, *;. to make haste High, a. lofty, eminent Him, pro. objective case of he Hymn, s. a sacred song Hoard, v. to lay up in store Horde, s. a travelling band Hole, s. a cavity Whole, s. the entire Hoop, s. a circular band Whoop, v. to shout Hour, 5. time of day Our, pro. belonging to us In, prep, within Inn, s. a tavern, a hotel Jam, s. a confection Jamb, s. the post of a door Key, s. an instrument for a lock Q,uay, s. a place to land goods Kill, v. to take away life Kiln, s. a stove in which to dry or burn things Knap, s. the down of cloth Nap, a', a short sleep Knave, s. a rogue Nave, s. part of a wheel, middle of a church Knead, v. to work dough Need, s. want, poverty 58 WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, Knew, v. did know New, a. not old, recent Knight, s. a title Night, s. time of darkness Knot, s. a tie ; a cluster Not, ad. not so Knows, v. understands Nose, s. part of the face Lade, v. to load ; to draw out Laid, v. placed Lain, v. reclined Lane, 5. a narrow road Lanch, v. to throw ; to dart Launch, v . to push into the water Lax, a. loose Lacks, 0, he wants Lea, s. ground enclosed Lee, s. the side opposite to that on which the wind blows Lead, s. a soft metal Led, v. guided, conducted Leak, v. to let water in or put Leek, s. a bulbous herb Limb, s. part of a body- Limn, v. to draw, to paint Lo ! interj. behold Low, a. humble, not loud Loan, 5. any thing lent Lone, a. alone Made, v. formed, created Maid, s. a female servant Mail, s. a bag ; armour Male, s. the he animal Main, a. chief [of an animal Mane, s. loose hair on the neck Maze, s. a labyrinth Maize, s. Indian corn Mean, a. base, low, paltry Mien, s. look, air Meat, s. food, flesh Meet, a. fit, suitable Mete, v. to measure Mead, s. a meadow ; a liquor made from honey- Meed, s. reward Might, s. power, strength Mite, 5. a little insect Moan, v. to lament Mown, v. cut down Muse, v. to meditate Mews, 5. a set of stables Naught, a. bad, worthless Nought, s. nothing None, a. not one Nun, s. a female recluse Oar, s. an instrument for rowing Ore, s. unwrought metal Oh ! interj. an exclamation Owe, v. to be indebted Pail, s. a wooden vessel Pale, a. wan, pallid Pain,, s. penalty, anguish Pane, s. a plate of glass Pair, s. a couple Pare, v. to cut, to trim Pear, s. a fruit Pall, s. a covering Paul, s. a Christian name Pause, s. a stop Paws, s. the feet of beasts Peace, s. quiet, rest Piece, s. a part Peak, 5. a point Pique, s. an offence taken Peal, s. a ringing of bells Peel, 5. the rind of fruit Peer, s. a nobleman Pier, 5. the support of an arch BUT DIFFERENT IN MEANING AND SPELLING. 59 Place, 5. a situation Plaice, s. a flat-fish Plain, a. simple, evident ; level Plane, s. a level surface Plait, s. a fold Plate, s. wrought silver Plum, s. a fruit Plumb, v. to sound, to fathom Pole, s. a long stick Poll, s. the head Praise, 5. commendation Prays, v. beseeches Pray, v. to beseech Prey, s. plunder Pries, v. searches into Prize, v. to value highly Rain, s. water from the clouds Reign, v. to rule Rein, s. part of a bridle Raise, v. to lift up Rays, s. beams of light Raze, v. to level Rap, s. a knock Wrap, v. to roll up Read, v. perused Red, s. a colour Read, v. to peruse Reed, s. a kind of straw Rear, v. to raise up Rare, a. scarce Reek, v. to steam Wreak, v. to exercise vengeance Rest, s. ease, repose Wrest, v. to force, to strain Rhyme, s. metre, poetry Rime, s. hoar frost Right, a. correct; straight Rite, s. a religious ceremony Write, v. to use a pen Ring, s. a circle Wring, v. to twist Road, 5. a way, path Rode, v. did ride Rowed, v. did row Roe, s. the eggs of fish Row, s. rank, series Rote, s. words repeated by mere memory Wrote, v. did write Rough, a. uneven Ruff, s. a covering for the neck Rye, s. a sort of corn Wry, a. crooked, distorted Sail, s. a cloth to catch the wind Sale, s. a vending Scene, s. view, prospect Seen, v. beheld Sea, s. the ocean See, v. to behold See, s. the diocese of a bishop Seam, s. a sewed joint Seem, v. to appear Sear, v. to burn, to dry up Seer, s. one who foresees Sees, v. beholds Seize, v. to grasp with force Sew, v. to join by needle-work Sow, v. to scatter seed So, ad. in like manner Shear, v. to cut or clip Sheer, a. pure ; unmixed Shew, v. to point out Show, s. an exhibition Sleight, s. a delusive trick Slight, s. neglect, offence Sloe, s. fruit of the blackthorn 1 Slow, a. tardy 60 WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED. Sole, 5. the under part of the foot ; a fish Soul, s. the immortal spirit Soar, v. to rise in the air Sore, a. painful, tender Some, a. more or less Sum, s. the whole ; a quantity Son, s. a male child Sun, s. the source of daylight Stake, s. a post ; a wager Steak, s. a slice of meat Stare, v. to look earnestly Stair, s. a step Steal, v. to take without consent Steel, s. tempered iron Stile, s. steps over a fence Style, s. manner of language Straight, a. direct, unbent Strait, a. narrow Suite, s. a set Sweet, a. pleasant Tacks, s. small nails Tax, 5. a rate, an impost Tail, 5. an appendage Tale, s. a story Tare, s. a weed Tear, v. to rend Team, s. a yoke of cattle Teem, v. to abound Their, pro. of them There, ad. in that place Threw, v. did throw Through, prep, by means of Throe, s. agony ; struggle Throw, v. to cast, to heave Throne, s. a seat of state Thrown, v. hurled Thyme, s. a pot herb Time, s. duration ; season Tier, 5. a rank or row Tear, s. a drop from the eye Told, v. related Tolled, v. did toll Too, ad. also Two* a. one and one Toe, s. part of the foot Tow, v. to draw by a rope Ton, s. twenty hundred weight Tun, s. a large cask Vain, a. conceited, fruitless Vane, s. a weathercock Vein, s. a blood-vessel Vale, s. a valley Vail, 5. a present Veil, s. a covering Wade, v. to walk through water Weighed, v. did weigh Wait, v. to stay Weight, s. heaviness Wain, s. a waggon Wane v. to decrease Ware, s. merchandise Wear, v. to use ; to waste Waste, v. to consume Waist, s. the middle Waive, v. to relinquish Wave, s. a billow Way, s. a passage Weigh, v. to poise, to judge Weak. a. feeble, infirm Week, s. seven days Wood, s. timber Would, v. was willing Yoke, s. a bond ; bondage Yolk, s. yellow part of an egg 61 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ab-ba, s. father [monks Ab-bot, s. the governor of A-ble, a. strong, skilful A-bly, ad. with ability Ab-sent, a. away ; careless Ac-cent, s. the manner of pronouncing words A-corn, s. the fruit of the oak A-crid, a. hot, sharp tasted Ac-tion, s. a thing done Ac-tive, a. nimble, lively Ac-tor, s. he who acts Ac-tress, s. a female actor Ad-age, s. a maxim, a proverb Ad-der, s. a poisonous reptile Ad-vent, s. the coming Ad-verse, a. contrary to Ag-ate, s. a precious stone A-gent, s. a deputy, substitute A-gile, a. ready ; active Ai-ry, a. open to the air Al-bum, s. a scrap book Al-ley, 5. a narrow passage Al-mond, s. a nut [the poor Alms-house, s. a refuge for A-loe, 5. a tree [Alps Al-pine, a. belonging to the Al-tar, s. a place where sacri- fices to God were laid Al-ter, a. v. to change, to turn Al-um, s. a mineral salt Al-ways, ad. constantly Am-ber, s. a yellow gum Am-ble, s. an easy pace By an Altar is meant an elevated hearth, upon which fire was laid, and offerings pre- sented to the Supreme Being. These offerings were either ani- mals, or sweet scented gums and spices : the first were cal- led burnt offerings ; the second, incense offerings. In the earli- est ages altars were heaps of earth, or stones piled one on the other. They were after- wards made of rough stones, with a covering of brass. The altar of burnt offering, men- tioned in the Book of Exodus, and upon which were offered various sacrifices according to the law of Moses, was made of a beautiful and durable wood, cased over with brass, and having a grate of the same metal. It was so constructed as to be carried from place to place, on the shoulders of the priests, by means of long staves of the same wood, overlaid with brass. When Solomon built a temple for the worship of Jehovah, the altar was very considerably enlarged, and richly ornamented, and was placed in the open air, that the smoke might not sully the inside of the temple. d 2 62 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Am-bush, s. the state of lying in wait, or concealment Am-ple, a. large ; liberal An-chor, 5. an iron instru- ment by which ships are fastened to the ground An-cient, a. old ; original An-gel, s. a divine messenger An-ger, s. passion, rage An-gle, s. a corner An-gler, s. a person who fishes An-swer, s. a reply to a ques- tion, or charge An-them, s. a holy song An-tic, a. odd ; droll ; wild Ant-ler, 5. the branch of a stag's horn [easy ; careful Anx-ious, (ankshus) a. un- A-pex, s. the tip, or point Apt-ly, ad. fitly, properly Arch-er, s. he that shoots with a bow Ar-dent, a. hot, fiery, eager Ar-dour, 5. heat ; eagerness A-rid, a. dry, parched Ar-mour, s. defensive arms Art-ful, a. cunning, skilful Art-ist, s. a skilful man As-pect, s. look, appearance As-pen, s. a tree, the poplar Auc-tion, s. a public sale Au-gur, n. v. to guess, to foretell Au-tumn, s. the season be- tween summer and winter ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. A-base, a. v. to bring low A-bate, a. v. to lessen, to beat down ; to depress The art of shooting with Bow and Arrow is one of great antiquity. Indeed this is the first hostile weapon of which mention is made. It appears to have been first used in hunting, to attack from a distance, those animals whose strength or swiftness rendered it difficult or dangerous to come close to them. Ishmael, when banished from his fathers tents, " dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer ;" and his nephew Esau employed the bow in his hunting. It afterwards came to be used extensively as an instrument of war. It is still used in savage nations for both purposes. In this country its use remains only as a healthful exercise, or as a trial of skill ; its other uses being super- seded by the introduction of gunpowder, and those destructive engines, muskets and cannons. The ancient bows were made of tough wood, or of horn i those of wood being tipped with horn, and those of horn with metal, often with gold and silver. Many were made wholly of metal, as steel or brass. Great strength of arm, as well as frequent practice, were required, in order to use the bow with effect. We find, in the WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 63 Ab-hor, a. v.. to hate, to detest Ab-jure, a. v. to disown upon oath ; to recant Ab-seond, v. to hide one'self Ab-solve, a. v. to clear ; to acquit ; to remit sin Ab-surd, a. unreasonable Ac-cept, a. v. to receive wil- lingly, or with pleasure Ac-count, s. a reckoning, a narrative ; explanation Ac-cuse, a. v. to charge Ac-quaint, a. v. to inform, to make familiar with Ac-quire, a. v. to gain, to save Ac-quit, a. v. to clear from guilt ; to set free Ad-duce, a. v. to bring for- ward in addition A-dept, s. a skilful person Ad-here, n. v. to stick close Ad-jure, a. v. to charge so- lemnly ; to intreat Ad-just, a. v. to set right Ad-mit, a. v. to let in ; to allow A-dorn, a. v. to ornament Ad-vance, n. v. to bring for- ward ; to improve Ad- vert, n. v. to attend to Ad-vice, s. counsel ; instruction Ad-vise, a. v. to counsel ; to inform ; to instruct A-dult, s. grown up Af-fair, s. business ; concern Af-fix, a. v. to join Af-flict, a. v. to pain ; to grieve A-fraid, a. fearful, terrified Af-fray, s. a quarrel, a tumult Af-front, a. v. to insult Ag-grieve, a.v. to injure, to vex Bible, that the Hebrew youth were trained betimes to that exercise, and many prided themselves greatly on their skill and experience. David mentions, as a proof of the great strength with which God had endowed him, that " a bow of steel was broken by his arms." It was often proposed, as a trial of strength, to bend some particular bow ; and persons gloried in the possession and use of a bow which no one but themselves could bend. The dying Jacob, when speak- ing of his favourite son Joseph, and his triumph over those who aimed at his destruction, said, " The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him. But his own bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." The how-string was formed of leathern thongs, horse hair, or the sinews of oxen. The arrows were made either of reed, or of light wood, headed with bone, ivory, sharp stone, brass, or iron. They were from three to six feet in length. They were sometimes simply pointed, but more commonly barbed, or leaf-shaped, like the head of a spear. In some cases, as among Indian tribes in the present day, the practice of poisoning the point was resorted to ; in other cases, burning materials were fastened to the arrow, so as to spread confu- sion and destruction into an army, or to set on fire some building at which they were aimed. The archers, when engaged in war, were frequently mounted in chariots, drawn by swift horses. The reins of the horses were fastened round the waist of the warrior, who stood upright, shooting arrows right and left as he proceeded. 64 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. A-ghast, a. astonished ; ter- rified ; stupified A-larm, a. v. to surprise ; to startle ; to disturb A-lert, a. quick, nimble Al-lege, n. v. to declare A-loof, ad. at a distance Al-lot, a. v. to share out Al-low, a. v. to admit, to give Al-loy, s, baser metal mixed with gold and silver Al-ly, s. a friend, a relation Al-lude, n. v. to refer to Al-lure, a. v. to entice, to decoy A-maze, a. v. to astonish A-mend, a. v. to grow better A-mends, s. recompense A-muse, a. v. to entertain An-noy, v. to trouble A-noint, a. v. to consecrate An-tique, a. (anteek) ancient Ap-peal, n. v. to refer to another as judge Ap-pear, n. v. to be in sight Ap-pease, a. v. to soothe Ap-plaud, a. v. to praise Ap-plause, s. commendation Ap-ply, a. v. to use ; to ask ; to study Ap-point, a. v. to choose Ap-proach, a. v. to come near Ap-prove, a. v. to commend Ar-raign, a. v. to put on trial Ar-rear, s. part left unpaid Ar-rest, a. v. to seize, to stop As-cend, a. v. to go up As-cent, s. a high place As-cribe, a. v. to impute As-sault, s. an attack As-say, a. v. to make trial As-sent, s. agreement As-sert, a. v. to affirm, to claim To anoint is to pour oil upon. Under the Mosaic law, both persons and things which were set apart for sacred purposes were anointed with the holy oil. This signified that such persons would have wisdom and grace to enable them rightly to perform their duties. The anointing of kings was a ceremony used on their being set apart to their office. This was sometimes done in private, as a declaration that the persons so anointed should, on some future day, receive the kingdom. The anointing was repeated in public, with some additional ceremonies, when they actually entered upon their duties. When David resigned his kingdom into the hands of his son Solomon, it was a season of great public show and rejoicing. There was a grand procession of horsemen and footmen, with music. Solomon rode upon the king's mule, heralds going before him, blow- ing trumpets, and proclaiming him king. Then " Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpets, and all the people said, God save king Solomon. And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with their pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them." An interesting account of a private anointing is found in the early history of king David. " The Lord said to Samuel, Fill thine horn with oil, and go ; I will send thee to Jesse, the Beth- lehemite : for I have provided me a king among his sons." Samuel went as directed, and seven of Jesse's sons were made to pass WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 65 As-sign, a. v. to appoint As-sist, a. v. to help ; to relieve As-sume, a. v. to take ; to suppose ; to claim As-sure, n. v. to promise ; to make sure A-stray, a. out of the right way A- tone, n. v. to make amends At- tend, n. v. to wait ; to listen ; to accompany At- test, a. v. to witness At- tire, s. clothes ; dress At- tract, a. v. to draw towards A- vail, s. use ; benefit A-venge, a. v. to revenge A-verse, a. unfavourable to A- vert, a. v. to turn aside A- void, a. v. to shun Aus-tere, a. severe ; sour A-ward, s. determination A-ware, a. informed ; cautious to attend A- wake, a. v. to rouse up ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Bab-ble, n. v. to talk idly Bad-ger, s. an animal Bal-ance, s. a machine for weighing Bal-ance, a. v. to make equal Ban-ish, a. v. to drive away Bank-er, s. a trader in money Ban-ner, s. a flag, a standard Ban-quet, s. a dainty feast Bar-ren, a. unfruitful Bar-ter, n. v. to exchange Base-ly, ad. meanly, vilely Bas-is, s. the foundation Bea-con, s. a signal Beau-ty, s. grace, comeliness Ber-ry, 5. a small fruit Ber-yl, s. a precious stone before him. At length David, who was keeping his father's sheep, was sent for. " And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." When he was about thirty years of age, he was publicly called to enter on the duties of the royal office. " All the tribes of Israel came unto him to Hebron, and David made a league with them before the Lord, and there they anointed David king over Israel." 66 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Bi-ble, 5. the written word of God, His revealed will Blame-less, a. free from blame Blem-ish, s. a stain, defect Blos-som, 5. a flower Blun-der, s. a mistake, error Bold-ness, s. courage ; assur- ance ; confidence Boo-ty, 5. plunder, spoil Brace-let, s. an ornament for the arm Brawl-er, s. a noisy person Breast-plate, s. apiece of arm- our for the breast Brit-tle, a. apt to break Bro-ker, s. a factor, an agent Bru-tal, a. savage, cruel Bul-wark, s. a defence Bur-gess, s. a free citizen Bur-nish, a. v. to make bright But-tress, s. a prop, a support Buz-zard, s. a bird ; a dunce ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Be-guile, a. v. to deceive Be-lieve, a. v. to credit Be-moan, v. to lament Be-nign, a. kind, healthful Be-numb, a. v. to deaden Be-queath, n.v.to give by will Be-quest, s. any thing left by will ; a legacy Be-seech, n. v. to entreat Be-set, a. v. to surround, to perplex, to entangle Be-siege, a. v. to block up Be-tray, a. v. to break one's trust, to deceive Be-wail, a. v. to lament Be-ware, n. v. to be cautious Blas-pheme, v. to revile Block-ade, a. v. to shut up Bottles in Eastern countries are made of the skins of goats or kids, stripped off without cutting open the front part : the openings made by cut- ting off the legs and tail are sewed up ; and, when filled, the neck is tied tightly round. In these skin bottles, wine, water, milk, and other liquids, are pre- served in a fresh state for a considerable length of time. In travelling, they are enclosed in woollen sacks, because beasts of burden often fall under their load, or cast it down upon the sandy desert. In the New Testament it is said, " No man putteth new wine into old bottles ; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles will perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved." New wine would ferment, and swell the bottle considerably, so as to cause it to burst. A new and strong bottle, therefore, was necessary, in order to resist the inward pressure, and to preserve both the bottle and its contents. The Arabs and Persians never go a jour- ney without a small leathern bottle of water hanging by their side ; —this the heat of the climate, and the scarcity of wells and springs of water render necessary. I WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 67 Bom-bast, s. big empty words Bureau, s. (burd) a chest of drawers ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Gab-in, s. a small room Ca-ble, s. a rope for an anchor Ca-dence, s. the fall of the voice Cal-lous, a. hard, unfeeling Cal-low, a. unfeathered Cam-el, s. a beast of burden Can-eel, a. v. to blot out Can-did, a. fair, open, honest Can-dour, s. sincerity Can-on, s. a rule, a law Can-non, s. a large gun Can-vas, 5. a coarse cloth Can-vass, a. v. to solicit, to examine, to debate Ca-per, n. v. to jump ; to dance Cap-tain, s, a commander Cap-tious, a. peevish, finding fault Cap-tive, s. a prisoner Cap-ture, s, a seizure ; a prize Car-nage, s. slaughter, death Car-go, s. a ship's lading Car-ol, s. a song of joy Cas-tle, s. a fortified place Cav-ern, s. a cave ; a den Cau-tious, a. prudent, careful Ce-dar, s. a tree Ceil-ing, s. the roof of a room Cen-sus, s. a numbering of the people Cen-sure, s. blame ; reproof Cen-tre, s. the middle Cer-tain, a. sure ; without doubt [summons Chal-lenge, s. a defiance ; a Chap-let, s. a garland, a wreath Chap-ter,5. a division of a book The Camel is a beast of burden, of the highest value in the deserts of Asia and Africa. It is satisfied with a little food, of the coarsest kind ; it is capable of enduring surprising fatigue, and is every way formed for the climate and soil of such countries. In- deed, without the Camel the dwellers in the deserts must perish. Its chief use is to carry burdens, and it has been sometimes used in war, to carry the baggage of an Eastern army. Long strings of Camels, or caravans as they are called, go across the deserts toge- ther, bearing various kinds of merchandize, moving at the rate of about three miles an hour, as regular as clock-work, day after day, for 68 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Char-coal, 5. coal made by burning wood under turf Charm-ing, a. and part. pleasing, lovely [mass Chaos, 5. (kaos) a confused Char-ter, s. a grant, a privilege Chas-ten, a. v. to correct, to punish Cheer-ful, a. gay, joyful Che-rish, a. v. to nourish Chief- tain, s. a leader Chis-el, s. an iron tool Cho-ler, (coller) s. anger, rage Churl-ish, a. surly, selfish Cis-tern, s. a water vessel Ci-tron, s. a kind of lemon Ci-ty, s. a large town Cla-mour, s. outcry, noise Cle-ment, a. mild, merciful Clev-er, a. skilful, dexterous Cli-max, 5. gradation, ascent Clo-set, s. a small room Clou-dy, a. dark, obscure Clo-ver, 5. a sort of grass Clus-ter, s. a bunch Cof-fer, s. a money chest Co-gent, a. forcible Col-lege, s. a public school Com-bat, s. a battle Co-lumn, s. a round pillar Come-ly, a. graceful, decent, good looking Com-et, 5. an excentric planet Corn-fit, s. a sweetmeat Com-fort, s. support, pleasure Com-fort, a. v. to cheer ; to revive Com-ment, s. an explanation Com-merce, s. trade, dealing Com-mon, a. frequent; vulgar Com-plex, a. of many parts Corn-pound, s. a mixture eight hours daily. Upon occasions, however, their swiftness is very great, being able to travel a hundred miles in a day, with heavy loads. The unwearied patience, the strength, the gentleness, the power of going long journeys on scanty fare, all render the Camel invaluable ; and afford a striking proof of the wisdom and good- ness of God in suiting its habits to those regions in which it can be of the most eminent service. The Coney is a small animal, shaped somewhat like a rabbit, but having no tail. It is found in Ethiopia, Mount Lebanon, and other parts of Arabia and Syria, living chiefly in the mouths of caves, and in the clefts of the rocks. Coneys are fond of company, and may be seen by dozens, sitting upon pieces of rock, warming themselves in the sun, or enjoying the fresh- ness of the summers evening. They are mild and timid in their deportment. Solomon says they are " a feeble folk," and yet " ex- ceeding wise, making their houses in the rocks." Conscious that they are w r eak and tender, they wisely select those places for their nests in which they may abide in safety. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 69 Com-rade, s. a companion Con-cave, a. hollow Con-cert, 5. a musical enter- tainment Con-cord, s. harmony Con-course, s. a multitude Con-duct, s. behaviour Co-ney, .?. a small animal Con-fines, s. boundaries Con-flict, s. a contest, struggle Con-flux, 5. a flowing together Con-gress, 5. an assembly Con-quer, a. v. to subdue Con-quest, s. a victory Con-scious, (conshus) a. hav- ing knowledge Con-serve, s. a preserve Con-sort, s. a wife or husband Con-stant, a. firm, continual Con-strue, a. v. to explain Con-tact, s. touch, close union Con-test, s. a dispute, debate Con-tract, s. an agreement Con-trast, s. a difference Con-trite, a. truly penitent Con-vert, s. one changed Con-vex, a. round, spherical Con-vict, s. one found guilty Con-voy, s. an escort guard Cop-per, s. a metal Co-ral, s. a submarine plant Co-vert, 5. a retreat Cor-nice, s. a moulding Coun-cil, s. an assembly Coun-sel, 5. advice Coun-ty, s. a division of the kingdom [age Cow-ard, s. one without cour- Cres-cent, a. increasing Crick-et, s. an insect Cri-tic, s. a judge ; a censor Cri-sis, s. a critical time Crude-ly, ad. roughly, un- ripely Coral is a hard chalky substance, growing under the sea, resembling in figure the stem of a plant, divided into branches. It is of different colours, but the red is the sort generally called coral, and usually made into orna- ments. Coral is one of the most won- derful productions in the creation. It was for ages thought to be a vegetable produce ; but, about a century ago, it was found to be the work of a living animal. There are six sorts of the animal, two of which are represented in the cut, the natural and magnified size. These animals are constantly throwing out a kind of milky juice, which becomes fixed and solid ; and this process is continually going on, till large rocks of the substance are raised in the sea, which in the course of time become islands.— The Coral insect is found in most of the great seas ; but in the Pacific Ocean these tiny workmen are effecting changes which exceed the most stupendous powers of man. What is called the Coral Sea takes in a region of many hundred miles in extent, the whole of which are thickly studded with reefs, rocks, and islands. Some of these islands measure nearly thirty miles across : they are covered with a deep soil, well wooded with trees and evergreens, and inhabited by thousands of human beings. Such is the work of insects ! 70 Cru-el, a. without pity Cul-prit, s. a person charged with a crime Cul-ture, 5. improvement Cun-ning, a. artful, sly Cu-rate, s. a parish priest Cur-rant, s. a small fruit Cur-rent, s. a running stream Cush-ion, s. a seat Cus-tom, s. use ; fashion ; tax Cut-lass, s. a short sword Cut-ler, s. a knife maker Cyn-ic, a. morose ; snarling Cy-press, 5. a tree ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ca-bal, s a party ; a scheme Ca-jole, n. v. to natter ; to coax [powder Cal-cine, v. n. to burn to Ca-lash, s. a small carriage WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Ca-nal, s. an artificial river Ca-noe, s. an Indian boat Ca-price, s. a whim, a fancy Ca-reer, s. a course ; swift motion Ca-rouse, n. v. to drink hard Cas-cade, s. a waterfall Cash-ier, s, a cash keeper Ce-ment, s. mortar ; glue Chag-rin, s. vexation Col-lect, a. v. to gather Com-bine, a. v. to unite, to join together Com-mand, a. v. to order Com-menee, a v. to begin Com-mend, a. v. to praise Com-mit, a. v. to intrust ; to send to prison Com-mune, n. v. to converse Corn-pact, a. firm, close Com-pare, tf. v. to liken A Canoe is a light boat, used by some Indian tribes, and by natives of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Canoes are generally made of the trunks of trees, hollowed out by cutting, or by fire. Being broad and flat, they swim freely. They are worked with paddles, which are small and light, pointed at the bottom, broad in the middle, and narrowing off into a sort of handle about five feet long. Some of these canoes have room for only one person. Others, as in the cut here given, are made for two persons, who sit in a sort of hole made for the purpose. Some are made about forty feet long, and will carry twenty persons. Others, built for purposes of war, have the appearance of two canoes joined together, and will hold from thirfy to one hundred men : these are nearly seventy feet long. Some of them are curiously carved, and have strange and frightful ornaments, composed of teeth of seals and sharks, and of small flat shells. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 71 Corn-pel, a. v. to force, to con- strain, to oblige Corn-pile, a. v. to collect Com-plete, a. finished, perfect Com-ply, n.v.to yield, to suit Corn-port, n v. to agree Com-pose,«. , y.to write; to quiet Corn-pound, a. v. to mingle Corn-press, a v. to squeeze together ; to embrace Com-prise, n. v. to contain Com-pute, a. v, to calculate Con-ceal, a. v. to hide Con-cede, a. v. to admit, grant Con-ceit, s. fancy ; pride Con-ceive, a. v. to understand Con-cise, a. brief, short Con-cur, n. v. to agree with Con-demn, a. v, to doom ; to blame ; to censure Con-dense, a. v. to make close a. merited,, de- Con-dign, served Con-dole, n. v. to mourn with Con-duce, n. v. to help, to promote ; to contribute Con-duct, a. v. to guide, to lead, to manage Con-fer, v, to converse, to be- stow, to give Con-fess, a. v. to acknowledge Con-fide, a. v. to trust in Confine, a. v. to limit ; to imprison Con-firm, a. v. to establish Con-form, n. v. to comply with Con-found, a. v. to perplex Con-front, a. v. to face Con-fuse, a. v. to confound Con-fute, a. v. to disprove Con-geal, a. v. to freeze Con-join, a. v. to put together To Compose sentences so as clearly to express the precise mean- ing, and to interest those who read, is well worthy the attention of every young person. This art cannot be attained without indus- try, but its value and beauty will be an ample recompense. Close application to study may be somewhat irksome for the present, but you will hereafter be glad to find that your teachers have acted like florists, who cultivate plants, or sow seeds. You are the plants they wish to cultivate, and your beauty and usefulness will depend, mainly, on the cheerfulness with which you apply yourself to their lessons. There is provided for you a Pictorial Grammar, which will furnish important information as to the art of composing sen- tences ; in the mean time, a general rule or two may be given, which you will do well to commit to memory. First,— due regard should be paid to the length of your sentences ; — if they be too short, the sense is apt to be broken ; if they be too long, the attention of the reader may be fatigued. A mixture of long and short sentences is generally most pleasing. Secondly, — your meaning should be expressed with clearness. Right words must be selected, and properly arranged, and your leading idea must be kept fully in view. — And, thirdly, this should be expressed with force. The sense must be brought out to the greatest advantage, that every word may have its due weight, and make a suitable im- pression on the mind of the reader. — Practice will enable you to arrange your words and sentences in the most pleasing form. 72 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Con-nect, a. v. to unite Con-nive, n. v. to wink at Con-sign, a. v. to make over Con-sist, n. v. to be composed of Con-sole, a. v. to comfort Con-spire, n. v. to plot together Con-strain, a. v. to force Con-struct, a. v. to build, to form, to complete Con-suit, n. v. to advise with Con-sume, a. v. to spend, to waste ; to destroy Con-tain, a. v. to hold to in- clude ; to restrain Con-temn, a. v. to despise Con-tend, n. v. to strive, to vie Con-tent, a. v. to satisfy Con-tract, v. to shrink up ; to bargain ; to covenant Con-trast, a. v. to place in opposition Control, a. v. to check Con-vene, a. v. to call together Con-verse, n. v. to talk Con- vert, a. v. to change Con-vict, a. v. to prove guilty Con-vince, a. v. to satisfy Con-vulse, a. v. to contort, to twist violently Cor-rect, a. v. to punish, to chastise, to set right Cor-rode, a. v. to eat away Cor-rupt, a. v. to defile, to vitiate ; to pervert Cor-rupt, a. spoiled ; putrid Cur- tail, a. v. to cut short ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Dam-ask, s. flowered silk Dain-ty, a. delicate, nice Dam-age, s. mischief, injury Dan-ger, s. risk, hazard Dark-ness, s. gloom, ignorance Das-tard, s. a coward A Desert is a wilderness ; a wild, uncultivated, waste country. Deserts abound both in Africa and Asia. The most striking feature of Africa is the vast deserts which occupy its surface, and which are supposed to comprise one half of its whole extent. The Sahara, or Great Desert, is about two thousand, seven hun- dred miles long, and seven hundred and twenty miles broad. It is covered with red sand, formed into ridges like the waves of the sea. Their position and appearance are constantly changing from the effect of the wind, so that no traces of a beaten path are left, and travellers are obliged to shape their course by the polar star. Lions, Panthers, and Serpents, often of a monstrous size, add to the horror of these dreadful solitudes. This desert is visited also, at certain seasons, by a terrible burning wind, named Simoom, or Samiel, which is so WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 73 Daz- e, a. v. to overcome with light Debt-or, s. he who owes some- thing to another De-cent, a. modest, becoming De-luge, 5. a flood De-sert, s. waste country Des-pot, s. an absolute prince Dic-tate, s. a rule, or order Di-et, 5. food ; an assembly Dis-cord, s. disagreement Dis-count, s. an allowance Dis-mal, a. dreary, gloomy Dis-tant, a. far off, remote Dis-tich, s. two lines in verse Dis-trict, s. a province Dit-ty, s. a song Do-cile, a. teachable Doc-tor, s. a learned man Do-lour, 5. grief, lamentation ^Dol-phin, s. a sea fish Do-ncr, s. a giver or bestower Dor-mant, a. sleeping, inactive Do-tage, s. fondness, weakness Dra-ma, s. a stage play Dra-per, s. a seller of cloth Drow-sy, a. sleepy Drug-gist, s. a seller of drugs Due-tile, a. easily led, or drawn Dwin-dle, n. v. to wear away ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. De-bar, a. v. to hinder De-base, a. v. to degrade De-cant, a. v. to pour off De-cay, n. v. to decline, to wither De-cease, s. death De-ceit, s. falsehood, fraud De-ceive, a. v. to mislead De-cide, a. v. to determine De-claim, n. v. to speak to the passions of a multitude violent that it sometimes dries up the water contained in the skins borne by the camels for the use of the merchants and drivers. It is said that from fifty to one hundred pounds have in some cases been given for a draught of water. In the year 1805 a caravan, composed of two thousand persons, besides eighteen hundred camels, all perished of thirst. Vast quantities of human and other bones are foundheaped together in various parts of the desert, supposed to be those'of tra- vellers who have thus perished. The Desert of Mesopotamia is still more horrible. It is covered with burning sands and barren chalk. Wormwood, and other bitter herbs, cover large spaces, and banish all other plants. The waters of the desert are mostly saline or sulphurous, giving rise to unwholesome vapours and deadly winds, which suffocate those who come within their influence. To add to these horrors, this desert is overspread by Arabs, who live upon plunder, obtained from the caravans which carry on commerce between the adjoining countries. A striking proof of the wisdom and goodness of the Great Creator is to be found, even in these waste and howling deserts. There are in most of them certain beautiful spots, called Oases, cul- tivated, fertile, and abounding with water. These serve as watering places to the men, as well as to feed and refresh the hardy and patient camels. The caravans stop at these places a few days, and then pro- ceed on their journey, till they reach another spot of the same description. 74 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, De-clare, a. v. to affirm, to publish ; to proclaim De-cline, v. to decay, to avoid De-cree, s. a judgment ; a law De-coy, a. v. to entice De-duet, a. v. to take away from De-face, a. v. to disfigure, to spoil, to ruin De-fame, a. v. to censure falsely; to calumuiate De-feat, a. v. to overthrow De-fect, s. a failing, a blemish De-fence, s. a shield ; an excuse De-fend, a. v. to protect De-fer, a. to put off, to delay De-file, 5. a narrow pass De-fine, a. v. to explain, to fix De-form, a. v. to disfigure De-fraud, a. v. to trick, to cheat De-fy, a. v. to challenge De-grade, a. v. to disgrace De-gree, s. quality, rank De-ject, a. v. to cast down De-lay, a. v. to put off De-light, s. pleasure, joy De-lude, a. v. to deceive De-mand, a. v. to claim De-mean, n. v. to behave, to debase ; to lessen] De-mise, s. death De-mur, n. v. to hesitate De-mure, a. grave ; affected De-note, a. v. to mark, to point out ; to indicate De-nounce, a. v. to threaten, to condemn ; to impeach De-part, n. v. to go away De-pend, n. v. to hang from, to rely upon ; to trust to De-pict, a. v. to describe, to paint ; to pourtray De-plore, a. v. to lament De-pone, a. v. to give evi- dence ; to displace A Defile is a long narrow passage. In military writings, every piece of ground with hindrances placed in the way, so that it can only be passed by a men, is called a roads along vallies, hedges, or over marshes. Some- is applied to a street the path over a small body of men, an passing throughsuch posed to great dan- the defile is between tains, which afford to the enemy, the case at the pass the East Indies. The sisting of from four- sand men, with se- and baggage cattle, very narrow line of defile. Such are between walls or dykes raised across times, also, the term in a village, and to bridge. A large army, for instance, a spot, must be ex- ger, especially where high rocks or moun- shelter and ambush This was fearfully of Khoord Cabul, in British army, con- teen to sixteen thou- veral hundred horses were closely jammed together near the entrance of that pass, in one huge, confused, un- manageable mass. The strongest men had became weak and feeble in eonsequence of the extreme cold and hunger which they had for WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. lo De-prave, a. v. to corrupt De-press, a. v. to press down De-prive, a. v. to take from De-pute, a. v. to commission De-ride, a. v. to mock, to ridi- cule, to scorn Des-cant, n. v. to discourse De-scend, n. v. to go downward De-scent, s. a going down, a slope Des-cry, a. v. to discover De-sert, a. v. to forsake De-sert, s. worth ; merit De-sign, a. v. to plan; to pur- pose ; to project De-sire, a. v. to wish for ; to ask, to intreat De-sist, n. v. to stop Des-patch, s. haste Des-pair, n. v. to lose hope De-pise, a. v. to disdain Des-pite, ad. in spite of Des-poil, a. v. to rob ; to be- reave Des-pond, n. v. to despair Des-troy, a. v. to ruin, to waste De-tach, a. v. to separate De-tail, s. a minute account De-tain, a. v. to keep back De-tect, a. v. to discover De-ter, a. v. to discourage De-test, a. v. to hate, to abhor De-tract, a. v. to take away ; to slander De-vise, a. v. to plan, to concert ; to bequeath De-void, a, empty ; vacant De-vote, a. v. to dedicate De-vour, a. v. to swallow up De-vout, a. pious ; religious, devoted to God Dif-fuse, a. v. to spread, to scatter, to pour out Dif-fuse, a. copious, extended days endured. Even among the cavalry, who had suffered least, some of the men were obliged to be lifted on their horses. In this har- rassed state this living mass of men and animals was obliged to go through this frightful pass, well knowing that an armed tribe of furious soldiers were waiting to deal death and destruction among them. The defile is about five miles long, and is shut in on either hand by a line of lofty hills, between the sides of which the sun can only now and then dart a momentary ray. A mountain tor- rent dashes down the middle, its edges lined with thick layers of ice and frozen snow, presenting an uneasy and dangerous footing for jaded animals. That stream the army had to cross and recross about twenty eight times. As they went on, the defile became narrower and narrower, while the natives were seen crowding the heights in considerable force. They soon opened a hot fire upon the advanced party below, with whom were several ladies ; these ladies, seeing that their only hope of escape was in moving rapidly, galloped forward, while the bullets whizzed in hundreds about their ears, until they were fairly out of the pass. They escaped unhurt, with the excep- tion of Lady Sale, who received a slight wound in the arm. Soon after this, a universal panic prevailed ; thousands seeking refuge in flight, hurried to the front, leaving baggage, arms, women, and children ; the crowd moved onward into the very thickest of the fire ; and it is supposed that about three thousand souls perished in this fatal defile ! Such are the miseries that result from war ! 76 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. v. to dissolve, to soften ; to arrange Di-gress, n. v. to turn aside Di-lute, a. v. to make thin Di-rect, a. v. to order, to re- gulate ; to aim at Dis-band, a. v. to spread abroad ; to break up I>is-card, a. v. to dismiss, to displace Dis-cern, a. v. to see, dis- tinguish ; to discover Dis-charge, a. v. to dismiss Dis-claim, a. v. to disown Dis- close, a. v. to reveal Dis-course, s. a treatise; a sermon ; a conversation Dis-creet ; a. prudent Dis -cuss, a. v. to examine Dis-dain, a. v. to scorn, to despise, to contemn Dis- grace, s. dishonour Dis- guise ; a. v. to conceal ; to disfigure Dis-gust, s. aversion, dislike Dis-join, a. v. to separate Dis may, a. v. to terrify Dis -own, a. v. to deny Dis-pel, a. v. to dissipate Dis-play, a. v. to shew Dis-please, a. v. to offend Dis-pose, a. v. to incline Dis-pute, s. an argument Dis-sect, a. v. to cut up Dis-sent, n. v. to differ Dis- solve, a. v. to melt Dis-suade, a. v. to divert from; to advise against Dis -tort, a. v. to twist, to con- vulse ; to pervert Dis-tract, a. v. to divide ; to perplex ; to make mad, Dis-tress, a. v. to afflict Dis-train, a. v. to seize The Eagle is the chief of the birds of prey. It is regarded as the king of birds, on account of its power, the swift- ness of its flight, the height to which it soars, and the terror with which it inspires its fel- lows of the air. — It is so greedy, that a large ex- tent of country is necessary to furnish it with a sufficient supply of food, especially when it has young to provide for, at which season it takes to its nest a far greater quantity than it can possibly use. Pro- vidence, therefore, has ordained that it should be a solitary animal, and two pair of eagles are never found in the same neighbourhood. Its sight is quick, strong, and piercing ; so that it discovers its prey from a great height and distance, and at once pounces upon it, with a force which no creature can resist. The eagle lives and retains its powers to a great age ; and after moulting, it renews its vigour so surprizingly, that it seems almost to become young again. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Dis-trust, 5. suspicion, doubt Dis-turb, a. v. to disquiet Di-verge, n. v. to depart from one point [to amuse Di-vert, a. v. to turn away ; Di-vest, a. v. to strip Di-vine, a. godlike, not human Di-vorce, n. v. to put away Di-vulge, a. v. to make known Do-main, s. estate, empire Dra-goon, s. a horse-soldier ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ea-ger, a. very desirous Ea-gle, s. a bird of prey Ear-ly, ad. soon ; betimes E-cho, s. a return of sound Ec-logue, s. a pastoral poem E-dict, s. a decree, an order Ef-fort, s. an attempt, exertion E-gress, s. going forth Em-bers. s. hot cinders Em-blem, s. a type, a sign Em-met s. an ant Em-pire, s< supreme dominion Emu, s. a large bird En-gine, s. a machine En-sign, s. a flag, a standard En-trails, s. the bowels En-trance, 5. a door, an opening En-vy, s. pain felt at the sight of excellence, or happiness E-phod s. a linen girdle E-qual, a. even, alike Er-rand, s. a message Er-ror, s. a mistake Es-say, 5. an attempt 'Es-cort, s. convoy, guard E-thics, s. moral system Ex-ile, s. banishment Ex-it, s. a departure Ex-port, a. v. to carry out of a country [to take from Ex- tract, a. v. to draw out ; The Eagle chooses the highest rocks, and the loftiest mountains, as the most fit places for building its nest, which is formed of a few simple materials. The mother bird is most kind to her young, and supplies them abundantly with food. She will take hares, rabbits, and other small animals alive, and placing them before her young, tear out pieces of flesh, and teach them to kill and tear animals to pieces for themselves. She rouses them early to exertion and exercise ; she carefully watches and directs their first attempts to fly ; she assists them when they appear weak or faint ; but when they are quite able to fly and to provide for themselves, she allows them to return no more to the parent nest. In the book of Job this is thus described : — " The eagle mounteth up, and maketh her nest on high. She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rocks and the strong places. From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood.'' From this care of her young while helpless, and this careful train- ing to exertion, a fine comparison is taken by Moses to shew the kindness of God towards the Jews, his care for them, and the mea- sures he had taken to raise them from the state of weakness into which they had at that time fallen. " As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings : so the Lord alone did lead him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields." 78 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ec-lat, s. (ecelaw) show, lustre E-clipse, a. v. to darken, to obscure ; to becloud Ef-face, a. v. to destroy Ef-fect, s. issue ; result E-ject, a. v. to throw out E-late, a. flushed, proud E-lapse, n. v. to glide away E-lude, a. v. to escape, to shun [with spices Em-balm, a. v. to preserve Em-bark,w.?\ to ship; to engage Em-broil, a. v. to disturb E-mit, a. v. to send forth E- merge, n, v. to raise out of Em-pale, a, v. to enclose Em-ploy, a. v. to keep at work En-act, a. v. to decree ; to act En-camp, n. v. to pitch tents En- chant, a. v. to bewitch En-close, a. v. to fence in En- dear, a. v. to make dear En-dow, a. i\ to enrich En- due, a. v. to supply, to En-dure, n.v.to suffer [invest En-force, n. v. to strengthen En-gage, a. v. to employ ; to fight ; to win over [curve En-grave, a. v. to cut ; to En -gross, a. v. to seize the whole [vance En-hance, a. v. to raise \ to ad- En -join, a. v. to order ; to direct, to enforce En-rage, a. v. to provoke En-rol, a. v. to register En-sue, n. v. to follow En- sure, a. v. to make sure En-tice, a. s\ to allure En-tire, a, whole, complete En-tomb, a. v. to bury En- trap, a. v. to ensnare The Emu is found in Asia, in the Indian islands, in Africa, and in New Holland. It varies in height from five to seven feet, and has rather a clumsy appearance. It resembles the African ostrich in form, and in some of its habits ; but it has none of those beautiful plumes which distinguish the ostrich from all other birds. At a distance its feathers seem more like hair than plumage. On the head and neck they are short, and the skin, which is of a purpleish hue, is distinctly seen through them. The wings are small, and quite invisible, when applied to the surface of the body. Its food consists, chiefly, of fruits, roots, and herbage : it cannot eat any kind of grain, the tongue being so formed as not to be able to guide it down its throat. Though very strong, the Emu is timid and harmless ; trusting for its safety to its swiftness, which, in its native state, is very great. In New Holland it is sometimes coursed by large dogs, but the dogs are rather shy of their game, in consequence of some peculiar scent in the flesh which they dislike, and because, when hard driven, the bird defends itself with great vigour, by striking out with its feet, WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 79 En-treat, a. v. to beg earnestly E-quip, a, v. to dress, to furnish E-rase, a. v. to rub out E-rect, a. v. to build, to raise Es-chew, a. v. to shun Es-cape, n. v. to get free Es-cort, n. v.- to guard Es-tate, s. possession; riches Es-teem, s. value ; regard E-vade, a. v. to avoid E-vent, s. any thing that hap- pens ; an occurrence [show E-vince, a. v. to prove, to Ex-act, a nice, correct Ex-alt, a. v. to lift up Ex-ceed, a. v. to go beyond Ex-cel, a. v. to out do ; to exceed ; to surpass Ex-cess, s. more than enough Ex-cise, s. a tax ; an impost Ex-cite, a. v. to stir up Ex-claim, n v. to cry out Ex-clude, a. v. to shut out Ex-empt, a. free from Ex-cuse, a. v. to remit, to pardon ; to vindicate Ex-ert, a. v. to put forth Ex-hale, a. v. to breathe out Ex-haust, a. v. to drain, to waste [words Ex-hort, a. v. to incite by Ex-ist, n. v. to be, to live Ex-pand, n. v. to spread out Ex-panse, s. a wide space Ex-pect, v. to hope Ex-pel, a. v. to drive out Ex-pend, a. v. to lay out Ex-pert, a. skilful, ready Ex-pense, s. cost, charge Ex-pire, n. v. to die Ex-plain, a. v. to illustrate Ex-plode, a. v. to burst ; to drive out with noise Ex-ploit. s. a successful action and inflicting severe blows. Dogs which are trained for the purpose get in front of the bird, and make a sudden spring at its neck. Its flesh is said to be good and sweet eating ; the eggs are highly esteemed, and form, during the laying season, a great portion of the subsistence of the natives. The nest of the Emu consists of a mere hollow in the earth, or sand. The eggs are large, with a thick hard shell of a dark green colour, and six or seven in number. They are sometimes left to be hatched by the heat of the sun ; but when this cannot be done, the parent birds sit [upon them, as do other birds. — A gentleman who watched the habits of a pair of Emus which were brought into this country, observed that the female at different times dropped five eggs in the place in which she was confined. These were collected in one place by the male, who rolled them gently and carefully along with his beak. He then sat upon them himself, and continued to do so with great care for nine weeks, during which time the female never took his place. When the young were hatched, he alone took charge of them, the female not appearing to notice them. In another case, however, the same gentleman observed that the female collected the eggs, and sat upon them herself. There are some Emus in this country, where they appear to thrive. They would form a striking ornament in parks and similar places. 80 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Ex-plore, a. v to search into Ex-port, a. v to send abroad Ex-pound, a. v. to explain Ex-press, a. v. to declare Ex-press, s. a messenger ; a message Ex-punge, a. v. to blot out Ex-tent, s. length ; compass Ex-tinct, a. dead ; gone Ex-tol, a. v. to praise highly Ex-tort, a. v. to take by force, or oppression Ex-tract, a. v. to draw out Ex-treme. a. utmost ; last Ex-ult, n. v. to triumph Ex-ude, n. v. to issue out ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Fa-ble, s. a feigned story Fa-bric, s. & building Fac-tion, s. a party; tumult Fac-tor, s. an agent Faith-ful, a. sincere ; honest Faith less, a. unbelieving, false Fal-con, s. a hawk trained for sport ; a sort of cannon Fam-ine, s. scarcity of food Fsm-ish, a. v. to starve Fam-ous, a. celebrated Fan-cy, s. imagination, taste Fa-shion, s. form, custom Fa-tal, a. destructive Fa-vour, s. kindness, good will Faul-ty, a. having faults Fear-ful, a. afraid; awful Fea-ture, s. look ; appearance Fee-ble, a. weak, infirm Fe-lon, s. a criminal Fer-tile, a. fruitful, productive Fer-vent, a. warm, zealous Fi-bre, s. a fine thread Fic-kle, a. changeable A Fountain is, properly speak- ing, the source or spring head of waters ; but the name is gene- rally given to the jets, or streams, which flow from the fountain. Fountains are either natural, or artificial ; but the power which causes the water to spring forth is the same in both cases. All streams result from a pressure upon the water ; either the pres- sure of a head of water, or pres- sure arising from the power of air; when these are formed by the pressure of a head of water, the jet will spout up nearly to the same height as that head ; when produced by any other force, the jet will be strong and high in proportion to that force. To understand this subject more fully, a book on Hydraulics, or the force of fluids in motion, must be consulted. A fountain of water is valuable wherever it is found ; but it is especially so in Africa and the East. There, the soil, parched and WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 81 Fi-nal, a. last, conclusive Fin-ish, a.v . to end, to complete Fi-nite, a. limited ; bounded Firm-ness, s. stability, solidity Fis-sure, s. a cleft, a chasm Fit-ness, s. suitableness Fla-grant, a. glaring, public Fla-vour, s. taste, relish Flim-sy, a. weak; mean Flip- pant, a. nimble, pert Flo-rid, a. blooming, flowery Flo-rist, s. a rearer of flowers Flow-er, s. blossom; ornament Flu-id, s. a liquid Flu-ent, a. quick of speech Flut-ter, a. v. to agitate Foi-ble, s. a failing [sions Fo-rage, v. to search for provi- Fo-reign, a. of another country Fo-rest, s. a wild woody space of ground For-feit, s. a fine, a penalty For-mal, a. precise ; affected ; regular ; proper For-tress, s. a stronghold Fos-ter, a. v. to nurse, to cherish, to encourage Fos-sil, a. dug out of the earth Foun-tain, s. a spring Frac-ture, a. v. to break Frail-ty, s. weakness Frag-rant, a. sweet-scented Fran-tic, a. mad, crazy Fren-zy, s. madness, fury Friend- ly, a. kind, favourable Frig-ate, s. a ship of war Fron-tier, s. a border, a limit Front-let, s. a band worn on the forehead Fro-ward, a. peevish, perverse Fruit-ful, a. bearing fruit Frus-trate, a. v. to disappoint thirsty, requires moisture to aid vegetation; and a cloudless sun, which heats the air, requires for both man and beast that verdure, shade, and air, which are its agreeable companions. The ancient Canaan is spoken of by Moses as "a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills." Fountains are to be met with in the East, not only in the towns and villages, but in the fields and gardens, and by the sides of the roads and of the beaten tracks on the mountains. Many of these were the useful gifts of humane persons while living, or have been left as legacies on their decease ; and many a traveller respects their memory, as he and his wearied animals halt to slake their thirst. Public fountains contribute greatly to the health and comfort of the population ; and in many cities and towns in Europe, as well as in the East, they are also rendered most agreeable to the eye. On some great public occasions, artificial fountains have been set up, and have been made to run with wine ; but there is little reason to believe that the real health and comfort of the people were promoted by such means : waste, disorder, and mischief were, but too fre- quently, the result. Water seems to be the drink which God has every where provided for man and beast. When the sacred writers would describe the Supreme Being as the only source of true hap- piness, they speak of Him as " the Fountain of living waters ;" and add, " Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures, for with thee is the fountain of life." 82 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Fur-nace, s. an enclosed fire Fur-row, s. a trench [place Fu-ry, s. rage, passion, ex- treme anger, madness Fu-tile, a. trifling, useless Fu-ture, s. the time to come ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Fa-tigue, a. v. to tire, to weary Fer-ment, n. v. to fret ; to froth ; to effervesce Fes- toon, s. a garland, wreath Fi-nance, s. income, profit Fo-ment, a.v. to bathe; to incite For-bear, n. v. to let alone Fore-bode, a. v. to foretell Fore-go, a. v. to give up Fore-warn, a. v. to caution For-give, a. v. to pardon For-lorn, a. wretched, hopeless For-sake, a. v. to leave For-swear, a. v. to swear falsely Ful-fil, a. v. to complete ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Gab-ble, n. v. to chatter Gal-lant, s. brave, spirited Gam-bol, s. a frolic ; leap Gan-der, $. a male goose Gan-grene, s. afestering wound Gar-ble, a. v. to separate, to select ; to pervert Gar-gle,w.z;. to wash the throat Gar-land, s. a wreath of flow- ers ; a chaplet [dress Gar-ment, s. a covering, a Gar-ner, s. a storehouse Gar-nish, a. v. to adorn Gau-dy, a. showy, pompous Gel-id, a. cold ; frozen Gen-tile, s. a heathen Gen-tle, a. mild, tame, meek % fa To Glean is to gather ears of corn which have been dropped on the ground by the reapers, while in the act of cutting the corn, or of binding it into sheaves. This seems to have been a merci- ful provision, made by the ex- press command of the Great Cre- ator, in order that the poor might obtain some benefit from the plenty which every where pre- sented itself during the season of harvest. The right of the poor in Israel to go into the harvest field, and glean after the reapers, was secured by a positive law, -" And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy land, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest : thou shalt leave them to the poor and to the stranger." — The owners of the land did not, in general, admit the gleaners into the field, till after the reapers had cut down the corn, and bound it into sheaves ; and they usually chose, also, from among the poor, those whom they thought the most needy, or the most deserving. couched in these words :- WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 83 Ges-ture, s. actions ; attitude Ghast-ly, a. pale ; frightful Gid-dy, a. dizzy ; unsteady ; thoughtless Gir-dle, s. a belt, a zone Glad-ness, s. cheerfulness, joy Glean-er, s. one who picks up things scattered Giim-mer, n. v. to shine faintly Glit-ter, n. v. to sparkle Gloom-y, a, obscure, dismal Glo-ry, s. great honour Glos-sy, a. smooth, shining Glut-ton, s. a great eater Grace-ful, a. beautiful, elegant Gra-cious, a. merciful, kind Gran-deur, s. greatness, splen- dour, magnificence Grate-ful, a. thankful Gree-dy, a. hungry ; eager ; covetous Griev-ance, s. a cause of grief Griev-ous, a. afflicting, dis- tressing [cave Grot-to, s. a cool and pleasant Ground-less, a. having no ground, or foundation Guid-ance, s. direction [crime Guil-ty, a. chargeable with Gyp-sum, s. plaster stone ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ga-zette, 5. a newspaper Gen-teel, a. polite, graceful Gran- dee, s. a man of great rank [the countenance Gri-mace, s. a distortion of Gro-tesque, a. (grotesk) wildly formed; uncouth ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Hab-it, s. custom, use, dress Hag-gard, a. wild, lean, ugly Ham-let, s. a small village The history of Ruth, as recorded in the Bible, contains a beauti- ful illustration of this subject. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of a widow named Naomi, who was in distress. They had a relation, a prince of high rank in Judah, named Boaz. Ruth went to glean in his field. While she was engaged in picking up the ears of corn, she was noticed by Boaz, who having been told who she was, said to her,—" Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens : let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them." — "And when she began to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not; and let fall also some of the handsful on purpose for her, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. So Ruth gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah" (rather more than three pecks) " of barley. So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz, to glean unto the end of the harvest." The custom of gleaning after the reapers have cleared the field, generally prevails in this country ; and though the poor cannot claim it as a right, yet he would be considered a hard hearted farmer who did not allow it them as a privilege. A number of women and children spread over a large corn field, each striving to gather a heap, is a very pleasing sight ; and the cheerfulness with which they carry home their little loads by moonlight, must be truly delightful to a humane proprietor. 84 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Ham-per, s. a large basket Ham-per, a. v. to fetter, to perplex [erous Hand-some, a. beautiful, gen- Han-dy, a. dexterous, skilful ; convenient Han-ker, n. v. to love, to desire Hap-ly, ad. perhaps Hap-less, a. unhappy Hap-py, a. pleased, blessed, satisfied, successful Har-bour, s. a port, a shelter Hard-ship, s. injury, fatigue Har-ness, s. horse furniture Har-rass, a. v. to annoy, to weary, to perplex Har-vest, s. time of reaping Hate-ful, a. worthy of being hated ; abominable Ha-tred, s. ill will, great dislike Ha-ven, 5. a harbour Haugh-ty, a. proud, lofty Haz-ard, s. chance, danger Head-long, a. rash, precipitate Head- strong, a. stubborn Heart-less, a. without courage Heark-en, n.v. to listen Hea-then, s. gentiles ; pagans Heed-less, a. careless, negli- gent; inattentive Hei-fer, s. a young cow Hein-ous. a. atrocious, wicked Hem-lock, s. a poisonous plant He-raid, s. a messenger, a forerunner, a proclaimer Herb-age, s. herbs, grass Her-mit, s. a solitary person He-ro, 5. a great warrior Hoa-ry, a. grey headed Ho-ly, a. pure, sacred [paid Horn-age, s. respect, service Home-ly, a. plain, coarse Ho-nest, a. upright, candid Ho-nour, s. dignity ; esteem To Honour, is to regard with reverence; to exalt to greatness ; or to confer some signal token of favour. Those who render great service to society are generally accounted worthy of honours of the most distinguished kind. Rich gifts are presented to them ; titles of dignity are conferred upon them ; and when they make their appear- ance in public, they are honoured by the congratulations of their friends, and by the applauses of the multitude. A striking instance of this kind is recorded in the book of Esther. On a certain night, Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, was unable to sleep. To pass away the time, he commanded his servants to bring the book of the records of the chronicles of the kingdom. On reading them it was found that Mordecai, a Jew then about the court, " had told of two of the king's doorkeepers, who sought to lay hands on the king." And the king said, "What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this ?" The reply was, " There is nothing done for him." Providence so ordered it, that at that moment a vain, proud man, named Haman, was in the court. He was a great favourite with the king, and he was also a great enemy to Mordecai ; chiefly because Mordecai would not pay to him that reverence which was due to the Creator alone. He had entered the palace for the purpose of "speaking to the king to hang Mordecai on a gallows which he had prepared for him. Before, however, he had time to make his wicked request, the king said to him, " What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 85 Hope-ful, a. promising, likely Hope-less, a. giving no hope Hor-rid, a. shocking, terrible Host-age. s. one given in pledge Hos-tile, a. opposite, warlike Hov-er, n. v. to keep near Hu-man, a. pertaining to man Hum-ble, a lowly, meek Hu-mid, a. damp, moist Hu-mour, s. whim, fancy ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ha-rangue, s. a speech Ho-tel, s, a genteel public lodging-house Hu-mane, a. kind, tender Huz-za ! interj. a shout of joy, an acclamation ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. I-dle, a. lazy, useless I-dol, 5. an image Im-port. s. meaning ; import- Im-post, s. a tax [ance lm-pulse,5. motive, force In-cense, s. perfume burnt In-come, s, rent, annuity In-dex, s. a table, a pointer In-gress, s. entrance In -let, 5. passage, entrance In-mate, s. a lodger In- quest, s. an inquiry In stance, s. example, proof In-sult, s. an affront In- voice, s. account of Irk- some, a. wearisome I-ron, s. a hard metal Is-land, s, (iland) a piece of land surrounded by water ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Il-lude,a v. to deceive, to mock Il-lume, a. v. to enlighten Im-bibe, a. v. to drink in Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself ? and he said, For the man w^hom the king delighteth to honour, let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head. And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand v 9 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Im-brue, a. to steep, to soak Im-mense, a. without bound Im-merse, a. v. to put under water ; to immerge Im-mure, a. v. to imprison | Im-pair, a. v. to hurt, to lessen ; Im-part, a v. to bestow, to give Im-peach, a. v. to accuse Im-pede, a. v. to hinder Im-pel, a. v. to urge, to force Im-pend, n. v. to hang over Im-pinge, n. v. to fall against Im-plant, a. v. to insert, to set Im-plore, a. v. to beseech Im-ply, a. v. to mean [abroad Im-port, a. v. to bring from Im-pose, a, v. to lay on Im-press, a. v. to stamp Im-print, a. v. to fix deep Im-prove, v. to amend Im-pute, a. v. to charge on In-cense, a. v to provoke In-cite, a. v. to spur on In-cline, n. v. to lean to In-clude, a. v. to contain In-crease, n. v. to grow In-cur, a. v. to become liable In-duce, a. v. to persuade In.dulge, a. v. to gratify In.ert, a. dull, sluggish In-fect, a. v. to taint, to corrupt In-fer, a. v. to conclude from In-fest, a. v. to vex, to trouble In-firm, a. weak, feeble In-flame, a. v. to heat, to excite In-flate, a. v. to swell with wind In-form, n. v. to tell, to instruct In-hale, a. v. to take in breath In-ject, a. v. to dart in [amine In-quire, n. v. to ask for ; to ex- In-scribe, a. v. to write In-sert, a. v. to place in of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour." In all this the vanity and presumption of Haman were most striking. In Persia, to use the horse of the king, or to wear the king's own robe, much more to wear his crown or turban, was accounted a capital crime, and was sometimes punished with death. But Haman, fully supposing these honours were intended for himself, boldly ventured to propose them ; and the king, deeply grateful to Mordecai for having been the instrument of saving his life, immedi- ately said to Haman, — " Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew : let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour." This was the first step towards Haman' s ruin. His true character was made known to the king, and he was, shortly afterwards, hung upon the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai ! Thus was proved the truth of Solomon's words, — "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility." WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 87 In-sist, n.v. to persist in, to urge In-spect, a. v. to look into In- spire, a. v. to breathe into In-struct, a. v. to teach, to direct, to inform In-sult, a. to offend, to taunt In-tend, a. v. to design In-tense, a. forced, ardent In-ter, a. v. to bury- In* trench, n. v. to encroach In-trude. n. v. to enter unin- vited ; to encroach [trust In-trust, a. v. to confide, to In-vade, a. v. to attack, to make a hostile entrance In-veigh, n. v. to rail against In-vent, a. v. to find out In- vert, a. v. to turn upside down, to place contrary In-vest^ a v. to dress ; to sur- round : to enstal In-vite, a. v. to bid, to allure In-volve, a. v. to entangle, to wrap round In-ure, a. v. to accustom ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Jar-gon, s. idle, senseless talk Jas-per, s. a precious stone Jaun-dice, s, a disease Jea-lous, a. suspicious Jet-ty, s. a projection Jew-el, s. a precious stone Jin-gle, 11. v. to clink Join-ture, 5. income settled on a wife by her husband Jonah, s. a prophet of God Jour-nal, s. a day-book Junc-tion, s. an union Junc-ture, s. a critical time Jun-to, s. a cabal, a faction Ju-rist, s. a civil lawyer Jonah was a prophet who lived about eight hundred years before the coming of Christ. He was commanded by God to go to Nine- veh, a great city, and to foretell its destruction within forty days, on account of the wickedness of the inhabitants. In conse- quence, however, of the sincere re- pentance of the people, God was mercifully pleased to suspend the sentence he had pronounced. At, this Jonah was "very angry." " And he went out of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city. And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deli- ver him from his grief. Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm when the sun arose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered." At this Jonah again 88 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Ju-ry, s. men sworn to decide according to evidence Jus-tice, s. right, equity ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ja-pan, s. work varnished Jo-cose, a. merry, humorous ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Keen-ly, ad. sharply, severely Ken-nel, s. a place for dogs Ker-nel, s. the substance within a shell Ker-sey, 5. a coarse cloth Kid-nap, a. v. to steal Kin-die, a. v. to set on fire Kind-ness, s. favour, good will Kin-dred, a. related to King-dom, s. dominion of a king, a region Kins-man, s. a male relation Knav-ish, a. dishonest, wicked Know-ledge, s. learning, skill ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. La-bel, s. a slip of writing La-bour, 5. work, pains, effort Lam-bent, a. playing about Lan-cet, 5. a surgical instru- ment [an innkeeper Land-lord, s. the owner of land ; Land-scape, s. a prospect Lan-guage, 5. human speech Lan-guid, a. faint, weak Lan-guish, n. v. to pine away Law-ful, a. according to law Learn-ing, 5. knowledge gained Lec-ture, s. a discourse Le-gal, a. according to law Le-gend, s. tale ; inscription Lei-sure, s. spare time Lev-el, a. even, flat complained bitterly, and even tried to justify his auger. God, however, kindly reproved him ; and shewed him that if such strong feelings, either of pleasure or regret, were produced in his mind towards a plant which hastily sprung up out of the earth, and soon disappeared, surely, to spare the inhabitants of that vast city, was a matter worthy the concern of a God of mercy, and one about which his servant ought not for a moment to complain. The plant which is here called the gourd, is supposed to have been the tree called palma christi. It rises, with a strong, soft stalk, to the height of ten or twelve feet ; is furnished with very large leaves, and bears berries from which are pressed out a quantity of oil. The plant prepared for Jonah was, no doubt, an extraordi- nary one ; remarkably rapid in its growth ; remarkable for the extensive spread of its leaves, and the deep gloom of their shadow ; and remarkable, also, for a sudden withering, and a total uselessness to the impatient prophet. "We may learn from this part of the historyof Jonah, not to set too high a value upon any earthly comforts or possessions. We should be very thankful to God when he allows us to enjoy them ; but if He see fit, even suddenly, to take them away from us, we should resign them without murmuring, and seek, above every thing, His favour, which is a portion that shall endure for ever. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 89 Le-ver, s. a bar for lifting Li-bel, s. a slander ; a satire Li-cence, s. liberty, permission Light-house,s.a signal to guide ships at sea Light-ning, 5. the flash which attends thunder Limp-id, a. clear, pure Lim-it, s. a border, a bound Lin-guist, s. one skilled in languages Li-quor, s. a fluid ; strong drink Liv-id, a. discoloured Lo-cal, a. relating to place Lo-cust, s. a devouring insect Lo-gic, s. the art of reasoning Lo-tion, 5. a medical wash Low-ly, a. humble, meek Loy-al, a. true, faithful Lu-cid, a. bright, clear Lu-cre, s. profit, gain Lu-nar, a. relating to the moon Lus-cious, a. very sweet Lus-tre, s. brightness Ly-ric, 5. relating to the harp ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. La-ment, n. v. to mourn Lam-poon, s. a scornful satire Las-so, s. a long cord ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Mag-net, s. a loadstone Mam-mon, s. gain, riches Man-age, a. v. to rule, to order Ma-nor, 5. a territory Man-sion, 5. a dwelling-house Mar-gin, s. the edge, brink Marks-man, 5. a skilful shooter Mar-riage, s. a wedding Mar-shal, a. v. to arrange, to put in order The Lasso.— Of the various modes in which wild animals are caught alive, there is none more curious, or in which more dexterity is displayed, than that of taking buffaloes, and other large cattle, on the extensive plains of South America. The chief instrument employed is a long cord, called a lasso, which is made of leathern thongs, with a running noose, or slip-knot, at the farther end. It is used by the hunter on horseback, the near end being attached to a hook fixed to the saddle. The hunter (or Gaucho, as he is called in the language of the country) carries the lasso gathered in large coils in his right hand, till he approaches sufficiently near the object of pursuit. He then, with an expertness which can be acquired only by constant practice, throws the line from his hand with such a correct aim, that the noose falls over the horns or neck of the animal. 90 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Mar-tial, a. warlike, bold Mar-tyr, s. one who dies in defence of his belief Mar-vel, s. a wonder Mas-sy, a. weighty, solid Match-less, a. unequalled Ma-tron, s. a mother Mat-tress, s. a quilted bed Max-im, s. a leading truth Mea-gre, a. thin, lean Med-al, s. an ancient coin ; a piece of stamped metal Meek-ness, mildness, gen- tleness ; placidness Mel-low, a. ripe, soft Mem-brane, 5. a fibrous web Men-ace, a. v. to threaten Men-tal, a. belonging to the mind, ideal Mer-cer, s. a dealer in silks Mer-chant, s. a trader Mer-cy, s. pity, tenderness Mes-sage, s. an errand Mes-suage, s. a house and ground Met-al, s. a hard substance Me-thod, s. order, manner Met-tle, s. spirit, courage Me-tre, s. measure, verse Migh-ty, a. powerful, strong Mild-ness, s. gentleness, meek- ness, tenderness Mind-ful, a, attentive Mi-mic, a. v. to imitate Min-gle, a. v. to mix, to blend Min-strel, s. a musician Mis-chief, s. hurt, injury Mi-ser, s. a covetous person Mod-el, 5. a mould, a pattern Mod-ern, a. new, recent Mod-est, a. chaste, bashful Mois-ture, s. dampness, juice Mo-ment, s. an instant Mon-arch, s. a sovereign Mon-strous, a. strange, mar- vellous, wonderful The hunter immediately wheels his well-trained horse on one side, and causes him to lean away from the direction the beast takes on finding itself held fast by the cord, and so resists the sudden jerk caused by the whole lasso being drawn tight. As soon as the beast falls, the hunter sets off at a gallop, and, by dragging it along the ground, prevents it from regaining its feet, till he has brought it to a place of security, or obtained assistance from other hunters. The same skilful persons catch ostriches, and other game, on the plains, by launching from their hand a cord, to each end of which a heavy leaden or iron ball is attached. The cord, held by the middle, is swung round and round the head to give the balls a sufficient impetus, or force of motion, to carry them far enough. When the balls reach the bird, the line winds round its legs or neck, and either throws it down, or impedes its progress, till the hunter can come up and secure it. There are various other ways in which the genius of man captures and subdues the most powerful, ferocious, and swift-footed animals, with which, in bodily strength alone, he could not for an instant compete. Thus, in every part of the globe, we see that man, whatever be his condition, has, according to the decree of the Almighty at the creation of the animal world,— "domi- nion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 91 Mo-ral, a. relating to manners Mor-bid, a. sick, diseased Mor-sel, s. a small piece Mor-tal, a. human, deadly Mort-gage, a. v. to pledge Mo-tive, 5. that which deter- mines the choice Mot-ley, a. speckled, mixed Mot- to, 5. a short sentence Mourn-ful, a. sorrowful, sad Moun-tain, s. a large hill Mum-my, s. a preserved body Mur-mur, n. v. to complain Mus-cle, s. a fleshy fibre Mus-ket, s. a hand-gun Mus-lin, 5. fine cloth Mut-ter, n. v. to murmur Mut-ton, s. sheep's flesh Myr-tle, s. a fragrant shrub Mys-tic, a. secret, dark ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ma-chine, s. an engine Main-tain, a. v. to support Ma-lign, a. unfavourable, malicious, fatal [land Ma-nure, s. nourishment for Ma-rine, a. belonging to the sea ; a sea soldier Ma-ture, a. ripe, perfect Me-moir, s. a short history Mi-nute, a. small, exact Mis-deed, s. an evil action Mis-lead, a. v. to lead wrong Mis-rule, s. tumult, disorder Mis-take, s. an error Mis -trust, s. suspicion Mo-lest, a. v. to disturb Mo-rass, s. a marsh, a bog Mo-rose, a. sour, peevish The Marriage Ceremony in the East was commonly performed in the open air. The bride was placed under a canopy, supported by four youths, and adorned with jewels according to the rank of the persons married ; all the company crying out in a joyful voice, « Blessed be he that cometh." It was anciently the custom, when the ceremony was at an end, for the father and mother and kindred of the woman to pray for a blessing on the parties. After the blessing, the bride was conducted with great pomp to the house of her husband; and as the procession moved along, money, sweet- 92 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Na-tal, a. relating to birth Na-tion, s. a distinct people, a country ; a great number Na-tive, a. natural, original, born in a place Na-ture, s. disposition Nee-dy, a. poor, distressed Negro, s. a black, a moor Nerv-ous, a. relating to the nerves ; strong ; vigorous Nim-ble, a. active, swift No-ble, a. grand, generous Noi-some, a. hurtful, offensive Nor-mal, a. regular, by rules No-ted, a. well-known No-tice, s. a warning, attention No-tion, s. idea, opinion No-vel, a. new, unusual No-vice, s. a beginner [port Nou-rish, a. v. to feed, to sup- Nup-tials, s. marriage Nur-ture,s. support; education Nut-meg, s. an Indian spice ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ob-long, «. longer than broad O-cean, 5. the great sea O-dour, s. scent, smell Of-fal, s. refuse, waste meat Of-fer, 5. a tender, a proposal Of-fice, 5. business, duty, em- ployment ; a room Off-spring, s. children, progeny Oint-ment, s. salve, balsam O-live, s. a small fruit O-men, 5. a sign, a token On-set, s. an attack, assault O-nyx, s. a precious stone Op-tics, s. the science of vision Op-tion, s. choice, election O-ral, a. spoken Or-bit, s. course, circuit meats, flowers, and other articles, were thrown amongst the sur- rounding people, which they caught in cloths made for that occa- sion, stretched in a particular manner upon frames. It was the custom among the ancient Greeks, and the nations around them, to conduct the newly-married couple to their dwelling with torches and lamps. A similar custom is still observed amongst the Hindoos. The husband and wife, on the marriage-day, are placed in the same palanquin, or hand-carriage, and, accompanied by their kindred ancPfriends, with music, in the evening are borne through the streets and public thoroughfares. The young females who bear the torches, which are formed of linen, have in one hand a vessel containing oil, from which the torch is supplied when it grows dim. Jewish marriages seem to have been arranged in the same way. In the parable of the " ten virgins," delivered by Christ, a very pointed allusion is made to such processions : " They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them ; but the wise took oil in the vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried 1 ' — meaning that he was with the procession — " they all slum- bered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made : Behold the bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil, for cur lamps are gone out." WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 93 Or-der, s. command ; method Out-rage, s. violence, injury Or-phan s. a fatherless child O-vert, a. open, manifest O-val, a. shaped like an egg Oys-ter, s. a shell-fish ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. O-bey, a. v. to submit to Ob-ject, n. v. to oppose O-blige, a. v. to bind, to com- pel ; to favour, to gratify Ob-lique, a. slant, crooked Ob-scene, a. immodest, filthy Ob-scure, a. dark, gloomy Ob-serve, a. v. to see, to watch Ob-tain, a. v. to gain, to get Ob-trude, a. v. to thrust into Ob-tuse, a. blunt, stupid Oc-cult, a. secret, hidden Oc-cur, n. v. to happen Of-fence, 5. crime, injury Of- fend, a. p. to make angry O-mit, a. v. to leave out 0-paque,#. (opake) dark,shady Op-pose, a. v. to act against Op-press, a. v. to crush, to overburden [establish Or-dain, a. v. to appoint, to ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Pa-gan, s. a heathen Pal-ace, s. a royal residence Pal-ate, s. the organ of taste Pal-try, a. mean, pitiful Pam-phlet, s. a small book Pam-per, a. v. to indulge Pan-dect, s. a treatise, a dis- course, a digest Pan-ic, s. sudden fear Pan-ther, s. a beast of prey Par-boil, a. v. to boil in part A Mummy is a dead body preserved by the art of embalming In ancient times it was a custom, in Egypt and some other countries, to preserve the bodies of deceased relatives and friends in a perfect state, so far as regarded their outward appearance. This was effected by filling the body with rich-scented substances, which process was called embalming. One of the substances was a sort of wax, called in the Arabic language mum ; and from this circumstance a body preserved with mum, or a similar material, was called a mum ; from which is derived the English term mummy. When the process was 94 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Parch-ment, s. sheep - skins dressed for writing upon Par-don, s. forgiveness [talk Par-ley, n. v. to converse, to Par-rot, s. a handsome bird Par-tial, a. too much inclined to one side ; attached Par-ty, s. a select company Pas-sage, s. road, voyage; part of a book Pas-sion, s. anger, zeal Pas-sive, a. unresisting Pas-tor, s. a shepherd, a ruler Pas-ture, s. grass land Pa-tent, s. a grant, a right Pa-thos, s. tender feeling Pa-tience, s. calm endurance Pa-tient, a. calmly, diligent Pa-tron, s. an encourager Pea-sant, s. a rural labourer Ped-ant, 5. a man vain of his knowledge Ped-lar, s. a petty dealer Pee-vish, a. cross, fretful Pe-nal, a. inflicting punish- Pen-dant, s. a small flag [ment Pen-dent, a. hanging Pen-sion, s. an allowance Pen-sive, a. sad, thoughtful Per-fect, a. complete Pe-ril, s. danger, hazard Pe-rish, n. v. to decay, to die Per-jure, n.v. to swear falsely Pha-lanx, s. a close body Phan-tasm, s. a delusion Phan-tom, s. a fancied vision Phi-al, s. a small bottle Phy-sic, s. medicine Pig-my, s. a dwarf Pil-fer, a, v. to steal, to filch completed, the body was placed, and shut up, in a wooden case, made in the form of a man : similar cases are represented in the annexed cut. There were several modes of embalming. One, which was very expensive, and used only with the bodies of rich and great persons, consisted in first extracting the brain and inner parts through very small apertures cut in the head and body, and filling up the cavities with precious gums and perfumes, which, aided by a chemi- cal mixture in which the bodies were steeped for a certain number of days, preserved the frame and features as perfect as they were during life. The other modes were practised with the bodies of poor people ; and such as were thus embalmed retained but very little of their natural substance and features. One very remarkable part of the Egyptian process was the bandaging. The bandages were formed of linen, each several feet long, and applied one over the other fifteen or twenty times. In some parts of South America many mummies have been found ; but these were preserved by a peculiar quality of the soil, in which they were interred for a certain time. The Egyptians were used to embalm those animals; they deemed 9acred, as well as their own species ; for instance, the monkey, bat, dog, cat, lion, wolf, crocodile, bear, and many other creatures. The specimens of such, many of which have been preserved to our time, prove that though the ancient Egyptians were wonderfully expert in some things, they were sadly wanting in true wisdom ; for they P changed the truth of God into a lie," and worshipped and revered the creature more than the Creator. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 95 Pil-lage, a. v. to plunder, to rob Pi-lot, s. one who steers a ship ; a guide Pi-rate, s. a sea robber Pis-tol, s. a small hand-gun Pit-tance, 5. an allowance Pi-ty, s. compassion Pla-cid, a. gentle, mild Plain-tiff, s. a complainant Plain-tive, a. complaining Plan-tain, s. a tree Plat-form, s. a raised floor Plau-dit, s. applause, praise Plea-sure, s. delight Pli-ant, a. bending ; supple Plu-mage s. feathers Plun-der, a, v. to rob, to strip Plu-ral, a. more than one Poach-er,s.one who steals game Poig-nant, a. sharp, painful Pol-ish, a. v. to brighten Pom-pous, a. splendid, showy Pon-der, n. v. to consider Por-trait, s. a picture Por-tion, s. a part, a share Pos-ture, s. an attitude Po-tent, a. powerful Pow-er, s. strength, ability, command, influence Prac-tice, s. habit, custom Pray-er, s. a petition, entreaty Pre-cept, s. rule, command Pre-cious, a. valuable, costly Pre -face, s. an introduction Pre-late, s. sl bishop Pre-lude, s. an introduction Pre-sage, s. a foreboding Pre-sent, s. a gift Pre-sume, n. v. to suppose ; to venture The Plantain is a tree of great value in tropical countries. It has several vari- eties. That most in use, called the Ba- nana, bears a fruit which forms the prin- cipal subsistence of the inhabitants. It is produced, from among the very large leaves, in bunches which weigh from thirty to eighty pounds. It differs in shape and colour, but is usually long and narrow, and of a yellow or red colour, the flesh being yellow and mealy. The fruit is nourishing ; it is used as bread is in this country, and appears better suited to those who reside in hot climates. The modes of eating it are various. The best sorts are served up at table raw, and are said to be superior in flavour to the finest pear or apple. Sometimes they are baked in their skins, and then they re- semble the best stewed pears. The Plantain is useful for other purposes, besides being an indis- pensable article of food. From its stem is obtained a tough fibre, capable of being made into thread of great fineness. The leaves, from their breadth and hardness, form an excellent material for the thatch of cottages. The young shoots are eaten as a delicate vege- -'W table. 96 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Pri-mate, s. an archbishop Pri-vate, a. secret, retired Pro-cess, s. progress, course Pro-duct, s. result, fruit Prof-fer, s. an offer, proposal Pro-file, s. the side face Pro-fit, s. gain, benefit Pro-gress, s. motion forward Pro-ject, 5. a plan, design Pro-logue, s. a preface Pro-phet, s. one who foretells Pros-pect, s. a view [flourish Pros-per, n. v. to thrive, to Pros-trate, a. lying at length Pro-test, s. solemn declaration Pro- verb, s. a maxim, a saying Prow-ess, s. bravery, courage Prox-y, s. a deputy Pru-dence, s. discretion Pru-dent, a. discreet [songs Psal-mist, s. a writer of holy Psal-ter, s. a psalm book Pub-lish; a. v. to make known Pul-pit, s. a preacher's desk Pun-gent, a: sharp, piercing Pun-ish, a. v. to chastise Pur-blind, a. short sighted Pur-port, s. design, meaning Pur-pose, s. intention, design Puz-zle, a. v. to perplex ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Pa-rade, s. show, display Pa-role, s. word of honour Par-take, s. to share Par-terre, s. a flower garden Pa-trol, s. a moving guard Per-form, a. v. to do, to fulfil Per-fume, a. v. to scent Per-plex, a. v. to disturb, to puzzle, to confuse Per-sist, ??. v. to persevere A Pulpit is a raised place, upon which a speaker stands to address a multitude. In the book of Ne- hemiah it is said that Ezra, on a certain occasion, received a com- mand from God to gather the peo- ple of Israel together, in order that His commands, as contained in the law of Moses, might be read to them. All persons, male and female, " who could hear with un- derstanding, 1 ' were collected toge- ther in one of the principal streets of Jerusalem. " Ezra then stood upon a pulpit of wood, which had been made for the purpose ;" hav- ing on each side of him a number of priests and Levites. " And he opened the book of the law in the sight of all the people, (for he was above all the people,) and when he opened it all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered Amen, amen, with lifting WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 97 Pers-pire, n. v. to sweat Per-suade a. v. to influence by agreement or advice Per-vade, a. v. to go through Per-verse, a. obstinate Per-vert, a. v. to turn from the right, to corrupt Pe-ruse, a. v. to read over Post-pone, a. v. to put off Pre-cede, a. v. to go before Pre-cise, a. exact, formal Pre-clude, a. v. to shut out Pre-dict, a. v. to foretell Pre-fer, a. v. to select, to exalt Pre-fix, a. v. to place before Pre -judge, a. v, to judge be- Pre-mise, a. v. to preface [fore Pre -pare, a. v. to make ready Pre-sage, a. v. to forbode Pres-cribe, a. v. to order, to direct Pre-serve, a. v. to keep, to protect Pre-side, n. v. to rule over Pre-sume, n. v. to suppose Pre-tence, s. false show Pre-tend, n. v. to feign Pre- vail, a. v. to overcome Pre-vent, a. v. to hinder Prin-cess, s. a king's daughter Pro-ceed, n. v. to go forward Pro-claim, a. v. to tell openly Pro-cure, a. v. to obtain Pro-duce, a. v. to bring forth Pro-fane, a. wicked, unholy Pro-fess, a. v. to declare Pro-found, a. deep, learned Pro-fuse, a. lavish, prodigal Pro-ject, v. to throw out, to contrive Pro-lix, a. long, tedious Pro-long, «. v. to lengthen out up their hands : and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord, with their faces to the ground." The people then stood again in their places, and the priests and Levites " read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused the people to understand the reading." That which is called " a pulpit," seems to have been a scaffold or platform, similar to those which are used in the present day when large crowds are to be addressed, whether in the open air, or in some suitable building. It was not uncommon in this country, in large open spaces of ground, such as market-places and church- yards, to have what were called 'preaching crosses, which consisted of a pulpit raised some feet above the ground, with a canopy over the head of the speaker, from which sermons were delivered in the open air. Some of the hearers sat upon the steps, or upon very rude benches, but the greater portion stood in front of t&e pulpit. The inhabitants of the houses adjoining listened from their win- dows, at which were sometimes seen seated many of the gentry and nobility. The name pulpit is now generally given to the higher desk in a church or chapel, where the minister stands to preach a sermon, — distinct from the lower desk, in which the reader or clerk stands. Great expense is often bestowed upon the erection of such pulpits,, they being richly carved, and decked with velvet cushions, gold trimmings, and other costly ornaments. ■■ 98 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Pro- mote, a. v. to help, to exalt Pro-mulge, a. v. to publish Pro-nounce, a. v. to speak Pro-pel, a, v. to push forward Pro-pose, a. v. to offer Pro-rogue, a. v. to put off Pro-scribe, a. v. to denounce Pro-tect, a. v. to defend Pro-test, v. to declare solemn- ly, to give evidence Pro -tract, a, v. to delay Pro-trude, v. to thrust forward Pro- vide, a. v. to procure Pur-loin, a. v. to steal, to pilfer Pur-sue, a. v. to follow, to hunt Pur-suit, s. a hunt, a chase Pur-vey, a. v. to procure ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Quag-mire, s. a bog Quaint-ly,ad. nicely; precisely Quar-rel, s. a dispute, a fight Quar-ry, s. a stone mine Qua-ver, s. a shake of the voice Que-rist, s. an enquirer Que-ry, s. a question Quib-ble, s. an evasion, a pun Quick-ly, ad. speedily, nimbly Quo -rum, 5. a special number Quo-ta, s. a share [division Quo-tient, s. the result of a ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Rab-bet, s. a joint Rab-bit, s. a furry animal Rab-ble, s. rude noisy people Rack-et, s. clattering noise Rad-ish, s. a root Rai-ment, s. dress, clothing Rai-sin, 5. a dried grape Ral-ly, v. to recover [der Ram-ble, n. v. to rove, to wan- A Record is a register laid up or entered in a court or public office. Books of record, or chronicles, were kept in ancient times, in which were choice and wise laws or maxims, or matters of importance rela- tive to the state. This was the case in the courts of the Hebrew kings ; and the practice prevailed also in other nations ; but none seem to have taken such pains as the Persians to preserve the memory of their doings by written records. When the Jews, captives in Persia, were about to repair the ruins of their beloved city, their enemies opposed it, and wrote a letter to Artaxerxes, the king, in which they petitioned him in these words, — " That search may be made into the book of the records of thy fathers : so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time." The king, in consequence, had the records searched, and found as they had said, and prevented Jerusalem at that time from being recovered from its ruins. On another occasion, when a plot against the life of Artaxerxes was discovered by Mordecai, the two men who laid the plot were taken and hanged, " and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king." Some time after, on a night when the king could not sleep, this record was read to him ; and it being found that no reward had been bestowed on Mordecai, the richest honours were decreed to him. The elevation of Mordecai, the downfal of Haman, the preservation of the Jews, and the destruction of their principal WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 99 Ram-part, s. a wall of defence Ran-cour, s. hatred, malice Ran-sack, a. v. to search, to plunder, to rummage Ran-som, a. v. to buy off Ra-pid, a. swift, quick Ra-pine, s. plunder, force Rap-ture, s. excessive joy Rea-dy, a. prepared, willing Rea-son, s. intellect, motive Re-bus, s. a riddle Re-cent, a. new, fresh Rec-ord, s. a register Rec-tor, s. a ruler, minister Re-fuge, 5. shelter, protection Re-fuse, s. worthless remnant Re-gal, a. royal, kingly Re-gent, s. a deputy ruler Re-lics, s. remains Re-lict, s. a widow Re-lish, s. taste, flavour Rem-nant, s. that which is left Rep-tile, s. a creeping thing Re-script, 5. imperial edict Re- spite , a . v . to put off [cover Res-cue, a. v. to set free; to re- Rest-less, a. unquiet, unsettled Rev-el, n. v. to feast riotously Ri-gid, a. stiff, severe Ri-gour, 5. severity Ri-ot, s. an uproar, tumult Ri-val, s. a competitor Roy-al, a. kingly, regal Rug-ged, a. rough, uneven Ru-in, a. v. to destroy, to lay waste ; to make poor Ru-mour, s. a report Rup-ture, s. a breach Rus-tic, a. rural, clownish Ruth-less, a. without pity enemies,all arose from the preservation of this record. It was the custom, also, to record most of the sayings and dj|ings of wise or great men. Amongst the Persians, all that the king did or said was thought worthy of being registered. He was usually sur- rounded by scribes, whose duty it was to take note of his words and actions ; they were rarely absent from him, and always attended him when he appeared in public. They had to register all his edicts and commands ; which were written in his presence, sealed with his ring, and sent forth by his messengers. From these records, carefully preserved, a great portion of the history of the empire was afterwards compiled. The books of chronicle or records, of which mention is made in the Bible and other ancient histories, bore but little resemblance to those Volumes to which that name is now given. Some of these records were written on stone or ivory ; some on tablets of wood covered with wax ; some on the leaves and bark of trees ; some on linen ; and 100 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Re-bate, s. discount Re-bel, a. v. to resist Re-bound, n. v. to fly back Re-buff, a. v. to beat back Re-buke, a. v. to reprove Re-cal a. v. to call back Re-cant, a. v. to unsay Re-cede, n. v. to fall back Re-ceive, a. v. to accept, to admit, to take Re-ceipt, s. an acquittance ; a prescription Re-cess, s. a place of secresy Re -cite, a. v. to repeat Re-claim, a. v. to reform, to change for the better Re-cline, n. v. to lean back Re-cluse, a. shut up to to Re-coil, n. v. to fly back Re -cord, a. v. to register Re-count, a. v. to relate Re-course, $. application Re-cruit, a. v. to repair Re-cur, n. v. to return, have recourse to Re-deem, a. v. to ransom Re-dress, s. relief, amends Re-duce, a. v. to lessen, degrade, to subdue Re-fe'r, n. v. to direct, consult Re -fine, a. v. to purify Re-fit, a. v. to fit again [back Re-flect, n.v. to think, to cast Re-form, v. to make better Re-frain, n. v. to hold back Re-fresh, a. v. to revive Re-fute, a. v. to disprove Re-gale, a. v. to feast many on the skins of animals, in the form of either leather or parchment. The rolls, or volumes, were composed of several sheets rolled upon a stick, or fastened together with fine cord. Some of these rolls were very long, and the reader unrolled them with one hand as he read on, and rolled them back with the other. Those written on wood, or metal, or ivory, were fastened together by rings at the back, through which rings a rod was passed by which to carry them. An interesting fact is recorded in the book of Jeremiah. The prophet was directed to take "a roll of a book,' 1 and write down a number of threatening s against Israel, in the hope of bringing them to repent of their evil doings. This was done, and Baruch was sent to read it to the people. Some of the princes asked Baruch, " How didst thou write all these words at the mouth of Jeremiah. ? And Baruch said, He pronounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.'' The roll was, shortly afterwards, read to Jehoiakim, who was greatly displeased with its contents, " and after Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with a penknife, and cast it into a fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed." — The merciful intention of Jehovah in sending these warnings having been thus frustrated by the additional wickedness of the rulers of the people, He commanded his prophet to write another roll, in which all the former threatenings were repeated, with the addition of several threatenings still more fearful. For, " who hath hardened himself against God, and hath prospered?" WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 101 Re-gard, s. esteem, care Re-gret, v. to repent Re-ject, a. v. to cast off Re-lapse, 5. a falling back Re-late, a. v. to tell, to recite Re-lease, a. v. to set free Re-lent, v. to melt, to soften Re-lief, s. help, succour Re-lieve, a. v. to assist Re-ly, n. v. to depend on Re-main, n. v. to continue Re-mand, a. v. to send back Remark, n. v. to observe Re-mind, a. v. to put in mind afresh Re-miss, a. careless [send away Re-mit, a. v. to pardon ; to Re-morse, s. deep regret Re-mote, a. far, distant Re-move, n.v. to change place Re-new, a. v. to make new, to begin again Re-nounce, a. v. to disown Re-nown, s. fame, praise Re-pair, a. v. to mend ; to go to Re-past, s. a meal, food Re-pay, a. v. to pay back Re-peal, a. v. to revoke [again Re-peat, a. v. to do or say Re-pel, a. v. to drive back Re-pent, n. v. to be sorry for Re-pine, n. v. to murmur Re-plete, a. completely full Re-port, 5. an account Re-pose, s. sleep, rest Re-press, a. v. to put down Re-prieve, s. respite, delay Re-proach, s. censure, shame Re-prove, a. «;. to blame Re-pulse, a. v. to beat back A Repast is a meal, or refreshment. In Eastern nations the guests recline upon couches or mattresses : in Turkey and Egypt they sit upon the ground, on mats or rich carpets, The food is placed before them on trays. Plates, knives, forks and spoons, are sometimes allowed to Europeans, as a favour, but the natives use, chiefly, their fingers. If there be a whole animal, or a large joint of meat, the master of the repast pulls it to pieces with his hands, and presents the choicest morsels to his friends The provisions, however, are mostly served up in the form of soups, or minced meats. A thin slice of bread, or a small portion of boiled rice, is dipped in the dish, and eaten with the meat or soup which adheres to it. The fingers are wiped upon the bread, or upon nap- kins provided for the purpose. p 102 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Re-pute, s. credit, esteem Re-quest, s. an entreaty Re-quite, a. v. to recompence Res-cind, a. v. to cut off Re-serve, a. v. to keep in store Re-side, n. v. to live, to dwell Re-sist, a. v. to oppose Re-solve, n. v. to determine Re-strain, a. v. to hold in Re-sult, s'i a consequence He-tail, a. v. to sell in small quantities Re-tard, a. v. to hinder Re-trench, a. v. to cut off Re-venge, a. v. to return one injury for another Re-vere, a. v. to reverence Re-verse, s. change, defeat Re-view, a. v. to re-examine Re-vile, a. v. to reproach Re-vive, v. to recover Re-voke, a. v. to call back Re-volt, n. v. to rebel Re-volve, a. v. to roll round Re- ward, a. recompence Ro-bust, a. strong Ro-mance, s. a fiction Ro-tund, a. round, circular ACCENTED ON THE FIRST, Sam-phire, s. a plant Sam-pie, 5. a specimen Sanc-tion, s. an approval San-dal, s. a loose shoe San-guine,fl. like blood ; warm, confident Sa-tire, s. a caustic censure Saun-ter, n. v. to loiter Sa-vage, a. wild, cruel Scan-dal, s. reproach, disgrace Scan-ty, a. narrow, small Scat-ter, a. v. to spread abroad &m. Samphire is a plant which grows wild on the sea shore, and on rocks, but is never wholly co- vered with the water. A know- ledge of this fact was once useful to some French sailors, who were shipwrecked on the coast of Sus- ^ sex, a few years ago. Their ves- ^ sel was driven on shore, and the I whole crew were washed over- x board. Four only escaped, by climbing to the top of a heap of \ rocks which had fallen from the cliff' above. It was a very dark •U night, and they expected every r moment to be swallowed up by the waves ; when one of ; them found a plant of samphire. ' This convinced them that they were out of the reach of the tide : they remained on the spot till day-break, when they were seen by some persons on the cliffs, who immediately came to their assistance. WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 103 Scep-tic, (skeptic) s. a doubter Scep-tre, s. a royal staff Sche-dule, s. a catalogue Scho-lar, s. one who learns, or is learned Sci-ence, s. knowledge, skill Sci-on, s. a young shoot Scis-sors, s. small shears Scrip-ture, s. the written word of God, the Bible Scru-ple, s. doubt, hesitation Sculp-tor, s. a carver of wood, or stone ; an engraver Sculp-ture, s. carved work Sea-son, s. a set time Sec-tion, s. a division Sei-zure, s. a capture Sen-ate, s. a council Sen-tence, s. decree ; maxim Se-quel, s. the conclusion Se-quence, s. order, method Sermon, s. a discourse Ser-vile, a. mean, base Se-ver, a. v. to divide Ses-sion, s. a sitting Shac-kle, a. v. to chain Shal-low, a. not deep ; foolish Shame-ful, a. disgraceful Shat-ter, a. v. to break in pieces [protect Shel-ter, a. v. to cover, to Shep-herd, s. one who takes care of sheep Ship-wreck, s. destruction Show-er, 5. a fall of rain Shrewd-ly, ad. cunningly Shri-vel, n. v. to shrink Shud-der, n. v. to quake Sic-kle, s. a reaping hook Sig-nal, s. notice given by a sign Sig-nal, the countenance Vis-cous, a. glutinous Vi-sion, s. sight ; a dream Vi-sor, s. a mask [of nobility Vis-count, s. (vicount) a degree Vi-tal, a. necessary to life Vis-ta, 5. a prospect Vi-vid, a. bright, lively [voice Vo-cal, a. belonging to the Vol-ume, s. a bound book Vor-tex, s. a whirlpool Vou-cher, s. a confirmation Voy-age, s. a journey by sea Vul-gar, a. common, indecent Vul-ture, s. a bird of prey Um-brage, s. offence, shade Um-pire, s. an arbitrator U-nit, s. one in number Up-right, a. erect, honest Up-roar, s. noise, confusion Up-shot, s. issue, end Ur-gent, a. earnest, pressing U-sage, s. treatment, custom Use-fill-, a. serviceable Use-less r a. unserviceable Ut-ter, a. v. to speak ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ver-bose, a. wordy, tedious Vouch-safe, vr. to condescend Un-apt, a. unfit Un-couth, a. awkward, odd Un-done, a. not done ;; ruined Un-fit, a. unqualified Un-fold, v. to expand Un-gird, a. v. to loose Un-hinge, a. v. to displace The Vulture is a rapacious bird, found in warm climates, where it performs the most useful service, by clearing the land of those putrid carcases with which it abounds, and which would, but for this appointment of Providence, be the means of spreading disease and pestilence to a considerable ex- tent. No sooner is an animal dead, than its carcase is surrounded by Vultures, which suddenly appear coming from all quarters, though not one had been seen just before. The filthiness of their food imparts a very unpleasant odour to their bo- a means of defence ; for if they be seized during the inactivity which succeeds their meals, the captor is soon overcome by a sudden impulse of loathing, and is glad to relin- quish his hold. Lest those parts of the bird which come in contact with its offensive food should become soiled and matted together, the whole of the head, and a great part of the neck, is entirely destitute of feathers ; while those on the rest of the body have a certain spring and glossiness which enables the bird, by a few sudden shakes, to cleanse itself at once from any fragments that remain on its beautiful plumage. 112 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, TJ-nite, v. to join Un-less, conj. except Un-like, a. dissimilar Un-moor, a. v. to unfasten Un-nerve, a. v. to weaken Un-well, a. somewhat ill Un-just, a. not just, partial Un-taught, a. ignorant Un-true, a. false, unfaithful Un-sound, a. corrupt, sickly Un-told, a. not revealed Un-truth, s. a false assertion Un-veil, a. v. to disclose Un-wept, a. not lamented Un-wise, a. defective in wis- dom ; imprudent Un-worn, a. not impaired Un-wrought, a. not rnaufac- tured [yoke Un-yoke, a. v. to free from a Up-braid, a. v. to reproach Up-hold, a. v. to support Up -lift, a. v. to raise aloft Up-root, a. v. to tear up by the root Ur-bane, a. civil, courteous U-surp, v. to possess illegally ACCENTED ON THE FIRST Wa-fer, s. a thin cake Wai-ter, s. an attendant Wain-scot, s. a lining of wood for rooms Wake-ful, a. not sleeping Wal-let, s. a sort of bag Wal-low, v. to roll in the mire Wan-der, v. to ramble, to rove War-ble, v. to sing like a bird War-den, s. a guardian Ward-robe, 5. a place where clothes are kept [war War-like, a. having signs of Wassail is a word used to describe a drunken bout — a party meeting for the purpose of drinking, singing, and noisy merriment. At certain seasons, such as Christmas-eve, New Years-eve, and New Year's-day, it was the custom to fill a very large bowl with ale or cider, well spiced and sweetened. This, which was called the Wassail-bowl, was placed in the middle of the table, and dealt out in glasses or cups to the guests ; and " Wass-haile" or " Good health," were the words which each person uttered, as he took the _ circling goblet from his ^Slmijll friend. A similar bowl was sometimes taken from door to door by a num- ber of persons, who, with W£ much singing and merri- *~ nient, invited to drink heartily, and so welcome in the season, and pledge _ success to each other p through the coming year. The custom is said to have been introduced by Row- ena, daughter of a Saxon prince. At the command of her father, who had invited the British king, Vortigern, to a banquet, she came into the royal presence with a bowl of wine, and welcomed him, .WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 113 War-rant, s. a legal order War-rant, a. v. to assure War-fare, s. military service Wa-ry, a. cautious Was-sail, s. drinking revelry Way-ward, a. wilful, peevish Waste-ful, a. destructive, la- Watch-ful, a. attentive [vish Wa-ver, n. v. to change often War-der, s. a keeper, a guard Warn-ing, s. a caution, notice Warm-ly, ad. with gentle heat; eagerly, vehemently Wasp-ish, a. peevish, cross Watch-word, s. a sentinel's password Weak-en, a. v. to make weak Wea-ry, a. v. to tire, to fatigue Weal-thy, a. very rich Wea-ther, s. state of the air Web-bed, a. joined by a film Wed-ding, s. a marriage cere- mony Weigh-ty, a. heavy; important Wel-fare, s. prosperity Wel-come, s. a kind reception Whis-per, n. v. to speak with a low voice [goods Wharf-age, s. duty for landing Wher-ry, s. a light river boat Whim-per, v. to utter low cries Whole-some, a. salutary Wick-ed, a. sinful, bad Wick-et, 5, a small gate Wi-ly, a. cunning, subtle Wil-ling, a. with a good will Wil-ful, a. stubborn Wind-lass, s. a machine for raising weights Win-now, v. to fan, to sift Wise-ly, ad. prudently [ledge Wis-dom, s. superior know- saying, " Lord king, Wass-7iaile ;" when the king in return an- swered, " Drink haile." The most perfect fragment of the " Wassail " exists in the usage of certain corporation festivals. The person presiding stands up at the close of the dinner, and drinks from a flagon having a handle on each side, by which he holds it, and drinks the health of his brethren out of the " loving cwp." This cup, which is the ancient Wassail-bowl, is passed to each guest, who stands up and drinks to the president " out of the loving cup." This ancient custom degenerated, by degrees, into parties at taverns and public-houses, till habitual drinking became one of the sins of Englishmen. Under the idea of " good fellowship," or " social enjoyment," strong fiery drinks are swallowed,— much time and pro- perty are wasted,— numerous and painful diseases are engendered, — the native and mental enjoyment impaired. — The results of such revellings are thus described by the wise man : " Who hath woe ? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions ? Who hath babbling ? Who hath wounds without cause ? Who hath redness of eyes ? They that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to seek mixed wine." A change, however, is now taking place. Men are more and more convinced that they may be healthy, strong, and happy, with- out the use of strong drinks; the Wassail-bowl is likely to be banished for enjoyments of a more rational nature— better suited to the condition of intellectual and accountable beings. 114 WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. Wit-less, a, wanting under- standing ; inconsiderate Wo-ful, a. calamitous, sad Won-der, s. admiration, a- mazement, surprise Wont-ed, a. usual, customary Wor-ship, s. homage to God ; a term of honour Worm-wood, s. a bitter herb Wor-ry, v. to tear, to harrass Wor-thy, a. deserving,valuable Wran-gle, s. a captious dispute Wres-tle,'?;. to struggle with Wretch- ed, a. miserable Wrin-kle, v. to crease or fold ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Where-as, ad. on the contrary Where-by, ad. by which Where-in, ad. in which Where-from, ad. from which With-draw, v. to draw off, to retire With-hold, a. v. to keep back, to stop With-stand, a. v. to oppose ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Yearn-ing, s. an emotion of tenderness £er Yeo-man, s. a small land-own- Yield-ing,a. submissive, pliant Youth-ful, a. young, vigorous Young-er, a. more young Zeal-ot, s. one filled with zeal, a bigot Zeal-ous, a. eager, ardent Ze-bu, s. a kind of ox Ze-nith, s. the vertex Ze-phyr, s. a gentle wind Zig-zag, a. crooked, full of short turnings The Zebu is one of a race of oxen, which came originally from India, but is now to be found in other parts of the East and of Africa. It dhTers from the common ox in several marked peculi- arities. It has narrow high shoulders, surmounted by a large fatty hump; an arched back, rising at the haunch- es, and suddenly falling to the tail; slender limbs; a large dew-lap falling in folds from the throat ; long pendent ears; and a pecu- liarly wild expression of the eye. In India, a number of them are kept saddled, to carry the military despatches. They will travel with a soldier on their back, fifteen or sixteen hours a day, at the rate of six miles an hour. The large breed of this animal is known as the Brahmin bull. Some of these are accounted " sacred ;" they are exempted from the servitude of the yoke, and are allowed to wander at plea- sure. To strike, or molest them, is considered by the Hindoos as a deadly sin. They, however, often prove great pests, as they break into gardens, and thrust their noses into the stalls of fruiterers and pastry cooks, helping themselves without ceremony. 115 WORDS PRONOUNCED NEARLY ALIKE, BUT DIF- FERING IN SPELLING AND IN MEANING. Ai-ry, a. light as air Ey-ry, or Erie, s, the nest of an eagle A-loud, ad. with a loud voice Al-lowM, part, permitted Al-tar, &. a place for sacrifice Al-ter, v. to change, turn, vary An-chor, s. an instrument to fasten a ship An-ker, s~ a liquid measure of eight gallons An-ger, 5. great displeasure An-gour, s. pain or smart from a sore Ar-bour, s. a shady bower Ar-bor, s. a spindle, an axis As-eent, s.. act of rising As-sent, s. agreement, consent Au-ger, s, one who pretends to foretel events Au-gur, s. an instrument for boring Bar-ren, a. sterile, unfruitful Ba-ron, s. a title of nobility Ber-ry, s. a small fruit Bu-ry, v. to inter, to conceal Bet-ter, a. superior Bet-tor, s. one who wagers Bri-tain, s. England and Scot- land Brit-on, s. a native of Britain Bo-rough, s. a corporation Bur-row, s. a rabbit hole Cal-lous, a. hardened, insensible Cal-lus, s. any cutaneous or osseous substance Can-did, a. sincere, open, honest Can-died, part, preserved with sugar Can-non, s. a large hollow en- gine for impelling balls by means of gunpowder Ca-non, s. a dignitary in cathe- drals ; a church law Car-case, s. a dead body ; the shell or framing of a house or other building Car-casse, s. an iron case filled with combustibles to be pro- jected from a mortar Car-rot, s. an esculent root Ca-rat,5. a weight of four grains, used by jewellers in the pur- chase of diamonds Cei-ling, s. the inside lining of a roof [with a seal Seal-ing s. the act of fastening Cel-lar, s. a place beneath the ground Sel-ler,^. one who sells anything Cen-ser, s. a vessel to burn in- cense in Cen-sor s. a corrector of man- ners ; a licenser of the press Ces-sion, 5. giving up to ano- ther, a giving away Ses-sion, s. act of sitting, time during which an assembly sits Cha-grin, s. vexation Sha-green, s. the skin of a fish Cho-ler, $. anger, rage Col-lar, s. cloth for the neck, a part of dress 116 WORDS PRONOUNCED ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING Cin-gle, s. a girtk Sin-gle, a. alone Co-lour, a. hue ; false show Cul-ler, s. a selector Con-cert, s. mutual commu- nication of design ; a musical performance Con- sort, s. a companion, as a wife or husband Coun-sel, s. advice, a legal ad- viser Coun-cil, s. an assembly met to consult Co-zen, v. to cheat, or de- fraud Cou-sin, s. the child of an uncle or aunt Crew-el, *\ a ball of yarn Cru-el, a. savage Cur-rant, s, a fruit Cur-rent, s. a stream Cyg-net, s. a young swan Sig-net, s. a seal Cym-bal, 5. a musical instru- ment Sym-bol, s. a sign, an abstract Cy-press, 5. a beautiful ever- green shrub Cy-prus, s. a thin, transparent kind of stuff for dresses De-scent, 5. a going down Dis-sent, s. disagreement Dis-crete,a. distinct, not conti- nuous [modest Dis-creet, a. prudent, cautious, Do-lor, 5. grief Dol-lar, s. a foreign coin Do-cile, a. teachable Dos-sil, s. a lump of lint Ea-sel, s. the frame on which a painter sets his picture Ei-sel, 5. sour liquor, as vine- gar or verjuice Ear-nest, a. ardent, warm, zealous Er-nest, s. a man's name Fel-low, s. an associate or confederate, one of the same kind as another Fel-loe, s. the circumference of a circle, or wheel Fer-rule, s. a little wooden pallet, or slice Fe-rule, s. a small metal hoop Fil-ter, v. to purify by strain- ing Phil-ter, s. a potion, a supposed charm Fil-lip, s. a light stroke with the ringers Phi-lip, s. a man's name Fish-er, s. a catcher of fish Fis-sure, s. a cleft, a narrow opening Fore-mast, 5. the mast nearest the head of a ship Fore-most, a. first Fran-ces, s. a woman's name Fran-cis, s. a man's name Fun-gous, a. spungy, excres- cent Fun-gus, s. a mushroom, an unnatural excrescence Gal-loon, s. a kind of ribbon Gal-leon, 5. a Spanish merchant ship Grader, s. a sort of rasp Great-er, a. larger IN SPELLING AND MEANING. 117 Ga-zet, s. a small Venetian coin Ga-zette, 5. a paper containing intelligence Gris-ly, a. ghostly, horrible, hideous Griz-zly, a. somewhat gray Gro-cer, 5. a dealer Gross-er, a. coarser Hol-la, inter j. a word of call to one at a distance Hol-low, a. having an empty space within ; excavated Ho-ly, a. pure, sacred Whole-ly, ad, entirely, com- pletely Hoop-ing, s. a placing of hoops on a vessel Whoop -ing, a. v. shouting in pursuit or triumph In-cide, v. to cut into In-side, s. the interior In-dict, v. to accuse ; to prefer a bill of complaint against In-dite, v. to draw up, to compose Jet-tee, s„ a projection, a kind of pier Jet-ty, a- made of jet; black like jet Ju-ry, s. a set of men sworn to give a true verdict Jew-ry, s. the land of Judea Ker-nel, s. the substance con- tained in a shell Co-lo-nel, s. the commander of a regiment Lat-ten, s. brass or iron tinned over La- tin, a. the language of the ancient Romans Les-sen, a. v. to diminish Les-son, s. a task, a precept, a teaching Let-tice, s. a woman's name Let-tuce, s. a salad herb Le-vy, 5. the act of raising money or men Le-vee, s. a party of the nobi- lity, or others, convened to pay respects to a king or viceroy Li-on, 5. a wild beast Li-en, s. a bond or contract ; a judgment or recognisance Lum-ber, s. any thing useless Lum-bar, a. pertaining to the loins Man-ner, s. mode, custom Man-or, s. a lordship Man-tie, s. a garment Man-tel, s. the chimney-piece Mar-shal, s. to arrange Mar-tial, a. warlike Med-lar, s. a fruit Med-dler, s. a busy-body Me-ter, s. measure Me-tre, s. verse ; harmonic arrangement of syllables Mi-ner, s. a worker in mines Mi-nor, s. one under age Mus-cle, s. the fibrous part of an animal body Mus-sel, s. a shell fish Pal- ace, $. a king's residence Pal-las, s. the heathen goddess of wisdom 118 WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED. Pa-late, 5. the organ of taste Pal-ette, s. a painter's board Pal-let, s. a little bed Pan-ic, s. sudden fear Pan-nic, s. one of the grasses Pen-dent, a. hanging, sus- pended Pen-dant, s. a small flag Proph-et, s. one who foretells events Prof- it, 5. gain, advantage Rab-bit, s. a well known quad- ruped Rab-bet, s. a joint in joinery work Ra-zor, s. a shaving instrument Rais-er, s. a lifter up Rig-ger, s. one employed in rigging ships Ri-gor, s. severity, sternness Ri-ot, s, noisy festivity ; sedi- tion, uproar Ry-ot, s. an Indian peasant, or agriculturist Sail- or, s. a seaman Sail-er, s. any vessel that sails Salt-er, 5. one who salts Psal-ter. s. the book of psalms Sa-tire, «. a censorious poem Sa-tyr, s. a sylvan god Sa-ver, s. he that saves Sa-vour, 5, relish, taste Suc-cour, s. help in distress, aid, relief Suck-er, s. a twig or shoot ; the piston of a pump Tar- tan, s. a kind of woollen stuff Tar-tane, s. a peculiar vessel used in the Mediterranean Ter-race, 5. a raised walk Ter-ras, s. clayey earth found on the banks of the Rhine Ton-sil, s. one of the glands of the tongue Ton-sile, a. that which admit of being clipped Trav-ail, s. work, labour Trav-el, v. to go a journey Ver-dure, s. greenness Ver-ger, s. a mace-bearer Vi-al, s. a small bottle Vi-ol, 5. a musical instrument Weak-ly, a. sickly, feeble Week-ly, a. happening or done once a week We-ther, s. a sheep Wea-ther, s. state of the air Whe-ther, pro. which of the two Whis-key, 5. a single horse chaise [from barley Whis-ky, s. a spirit distilled Wrest-ing, 5. violent twisting, extortion Rest-ing, pres. part, of rest Many of the above words are pronounced alike generally, bnt correct speakers observe a difference. 119 v WORDS SPELLED ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING IN MEAN- ING, ACCORDING TO THE ACCENT. Meaning when accented on the First Syllable. Ab-sent, a. not present Ab-stract, s. an abridgment Ac-cent, s. manner of pronunci- ation Aug-ment, s. enlargement Au-gust, s. the eighth month Buf-fet, v. to beat Col-lect, *. a short prayer Com-ment, s. an explanation Corn-pact, s. a contract Corn-pound, s. a mixture Meaning when accented on the Second Syllable. Ab-sent, v. to keep away Ab-stract, v. to take from Ac-cent, v. to note the accent or mark Aug-ment, v. to enlarge Au-gust, a. majestic Buf-fet, s. a cupboard Col-lect, v. to gather Com-ment, v. to explain Corn-pact, a. firm, close Corn-pound, v. to mingle Corn-press, s. a bolsterof linen Corn-press, v. to squeeze, to rags Con-cert, s. harmony Con-duct, s. behaviour Con-fine, s. a boundary Con-flict, s. a contest Con-jure, s. an enchantment Con-sort, s. a companion Con-test, 5. a dispute Con- tract, s. a bargain Con-trast, s. an opposition Con-verse, s. a discourse Con-vert, s. one changed in opi- Con- vert nion Con-vict, s. one proved guilty Con-voy, s. attendance for de fence embrace Con-cert, v. to contrive Con-duct, v. to guide Con-fine, v. to restrain Con-flict, v. to contend Con-jure, v. to enjoin Con-sort, v. to associate with Con-test, v. to dispute Con- tract, v. to shrink up Con-trast, v. to place in oppo- sition Con- verse, v. to talk with v. to change De-crease, s. a growing less De-sert, s. a solitary wild De-spite, s. malice, defiance Dic-tate, 5. a precept Di-gest, s. a collection of laws Dis-cord, s. disagreement En-trance, s. a passage Con-vict, v. to prove guilty Con-voy, v. to guard on journey De-crease, v. to grow less De-sert, v. to forsake De-spite, conj. in spite of Dic-tate, v. to command Di-gest, v. to dissolve Dis-cord, v. to disagree En-trance, v. to put into trance 120 Es-say, s. a trial ; endeavour Es-cort, s. a convoy Ex-tract, s. the substance Fer-ment, s. intestine motion Fre-quent, a. often occurring Gal-lant, a. courageous Im-port, s. meaning Im-press, s. a mark, stamp In-cense, s. perfume In-crease, s. augmentation In-stinct, s. natural impulse In-sult, s. a wilful affront Mi-nute, s. a space of time Ob-ject, s. a thing felt or seen Per-fect, a. complete Per-fume, s. fragrance Per-mit, s,. a permission Pic-quet, 5. a military guar d Pre-lude, s. an introduction Pre-sage, s. a presentiment Pre-sent, s. a gift Pro-duce, s. profit, gain Pro-ject, s. a design Re-bel, s. an insurgent Re-cord, s. a register Re-fuse, s. something worthless Re-fuse, v. to reject Es-say, v. to try, to attempt Es-cort, v. to guard on a journey Ex> tract, v, to draw out Fer-ment, v. to effervesce Fre-quent, v. to visit often Gal-lant, a, polite, sprightly Im-port, v. to bring into Im-press, v. to print In-cense, v. to inflame In-crease, v. to grow large In-stinct, a. animated In-sult, va to offend Mi-nute, a. small, diminutive Ob-ject, v. to oppose Per-fect, v. to complete Per-fume, v. to scent Per-mit, v. to allow Pic-quet, s.. a game at cards Pre-lude, v.. to make an intro- duction Pre-sage, v. to forbode Pre-sent, v. to give Pro-duce, v. to bring forth Pro-ject, v. to jut out Re-bel, v. to war against law ful authority Re-cord, v. to register Re-vel, s. a noisy feast So-lace, s. comfort, alleviation Sub-ject, 5. one under rule Tor-ment, s. pain, anguish Trans-fer, s. a conveyance Trans-port, s. ecstacy Un-dress^ s. a negligent dress Re-vel, v. to draw back So-lace, v. to comfort, to con- sole Sub-ject, v. to subdue Tor-ment, v. to torture Trans-fer, v. to move, to make over Trans-port, v. to enrapture Un-dress, v. to strip off Sears, Printer, 3;& 4, Ivy Lane, London. WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ab-di-cate, a. v. to resign or relinquish an office Ab-la-tive, a. taking from Ab-ro-gate,a.:y. toabolish[from Ab-sti-nence, s. a refraining Ac-cu-rate, a. exact, correct Ac-tu-al, a. real, certain Ac-tu-ate, a. v. to move Ad-e-quate, a. equal to Ad-ju-tant, s. a military officer Ad-ju-tant, s. a bird, (see note) Af-fa-ble, a. easy of manners Ag-gran-dize, a. v. to enlarge Ag-gra-vate, a. v. to provoke Ag-o-ny, s. violent pain Al-man-ack,5.a yearly calendar Am-a-teur, s. a lover of any particular pursuit Am-bi-ent, a. encircling Am-nes-ty, s. an act of oblivion Am-pli-fy, a. v. to enlarge Am-pu-tate, a. v. to cut off An-ar-chy, an-ar-hy, s. confu- sion An-ec-dote, s. a short story An-gu-lar, a. having corners Anx-i-ous, ank-shus,a.\n pain- ful suspense, solicitous Aph-or-ism, s. a maxim Ap-er-ture, s. an opening Ap-po-site, a. fit, suitable Ar-bi-trate, a. v. to decide Ar-chi-tect, s. ar-hi-tect, a pro- fessor of the building art, a builder Ar-gu-ment, s. a. reason Ar-ma-ment, s. a naval force Ar-mis-tice, s. a short truce Ar-ro-gant, a. presumptuous Ar-ti-fice, s. a fraudful trick As-pe-rate, a. v. to make rough As-pi-rate, a. pronounced with full breath At-ti-tude, s. posture, action Au-di-ble, a. easily heard Au-thor-ise, a. v. to empower Av-a-rice, s. cupidity, greedi- Av-e-nue, s. an entrance [ness Av-er-age, s. a medium Ax-i-om, s. a manifest truth ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. A-ban-don, a. v. to give up Ab-hor-rence, s. great hatred Ab-lu-tion, s. cleansing A-bol-ish, a. v. to destroy A-bor-tive, a. untimely [up Ab-sorb-ent,5. that which sucks Ab-ster-gent, a. cleansing A-bund-ant, a. plentiful Ac-com-plice, s. an associate Ac-cou-tre, ak-koo-tur, a. v. to dress, to furnish, to attire A-ce-tous, a. sour, like acids A-chieve-ment, s. an exploit Ad-ja-cent, a. lying close to Ad-mis-sion, s. entrance Ad-mon-ish, a. v. to reprove A-droit-ly, ad. dexterously Af-fi-ance, v. to betroth Af-flic-tion, s. a state of sorrow Ag-gres-sor, s. one who first assaults another Al-li-ance, s. connexion Al-lot-ment, s. a share Al-ter-nate, a. by turns Ap-pa-rent, a. clear, visible Ap-pend-ix, s, addition made Ar-ca-num, s. a mystery As-cen-sion, 5. a rising As-per-sion, s. calumny As-ton-ish, a. v. to amaze As-sua-sive, a. mitigating As-sum-ing, a. arrogant A-sy-lum, s. a refuge 122 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Atli-let-ic, a. strong, vigorous At-tain-der, s. a taint At-tri-bute, v. to ascribe to Aii-then-tic, a. genuine ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Ab-sen-tee, s. one absent from his station [consent Ac-qui-esce, v. to yield, to Ad-ver-tise, v. to make known Am-bus-cade, s. a place where men hide to surprise others An-i-mose, a. full of spirit Ap-per-tain, n. v. to belong to Ap-pre-hend, a. v. to seize, ar- rest; to conceive in the mind As-cer-tain, v. to make certain ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Bad-i-nage, s. light or playful discourse [pillars Bal-us-trade, s. a row of small Bar-na-cle, s. a shell-fish Bar-bar-ous,tf. cruel, ignorant, savage Bar-ris-ter, s. a legal pleader Bar-ri-er, s. a defence, a bar Ben-e-fice, s. a church living Ben-e-fit, s. kindness, profit Bev-er-age, s. a drink Bi-na-ry, a. composed of two Big-ot-ry, s. blind zeal Bland-ish-ment, s. soft speech, conciliating treatment Bois-ter-ous, a. loud, stormy Adjutant.— This is the name given to a large bird of the crane kind, well known in India, and which it seems to have derived from its appearing at a distance like a person in a military undress. This bird is full five feet high ; and when the wings are extended, it measures nearly fifteen feet from one extremity to the other. The beak is thick and strong ; it opens back into the head, and is sufficiently large to enclose a full- grown goose. The head and neck are bare, except where deformed by wens, and by thin patches of curly hair. From the bottom of the neck a large pouch hangs over the breast, thinly covered with short feathers, and terminated by a hairy tuft. The shoulders project consider- ably from the union of the neck with the trunk, and are edged with soft white feathers: the wings and back are blue. The Adjutant has been term- ed the scavenger of India, and not improperly, as it removes large quantities of refuse and filth, which, in that hot climate, would soon become an intolerable nuisance. So ravenous are these birds, and so voracious is their appe- WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 123 Brack-ish-ness,s.slight saltness Bra-ve-ry, s. courage Brev-i-ty, s. shortness Bril-li-ant, a. sparkling ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Bal-co-ny, s. a small gallery outside of a house Bal-sam-ic, a. healing Be -reave -merit, 5. a great loss Be-wil-der, a. v. to mislead Bom-bast-ic, a. high sounding Bra-va-do, s. a boast ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Bag-a-telle, bag-at-el, s. a trifle Bas-ti-nade, a. v. to beat Bom-ba-sin, 5. a silky stuff Bri-ga-dier,s. a military officer ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Cal-um-ny, 5. slander [a place Can-di-date, s. one who sues for Can-ni-baJ, s. one who eats human flesh Can-ti-cle, s. a pious song Ca-pa-ble, a. qualified, able Cap-ti-vate, a. v. to charm Car-di-nal, a. principal Car-i-ous, a. rotten, decayed Car-ri-on, s. putrid flesh Cas-ti-gate, v. a. to beat, to chastise, to punish Cas-u-al, a. uncertain Cas-u-ist, 5. a disputant Cat-a-comb, s. a cavern for the burial of the dead Cat-e-chise, a. v. kat-e-kise, to instruct by question Cath-ol-ic, a. universal Cav-al-ry, s. horse soldiers Cav-i-ty, s. a hollow place Cel-e-brate, a. v. to distinguish Cen-o-taph, s. a monument for one buried elsewhere Cen-tu-ry, 5. a hundred years Cer-e-bral, a. belonging to the Cer-ti-fy, a. v. to assure [brain Char-la-tan, s. shar-le-tan, an ignorant pretender; a quack, a cheat Chas-tise-ment, s. punishment Chol-er-ic, kol-er-ic, a, pas- sionate, offensive, ireful tite, that they will swallow large bones, and even tortoises ; they will devour rats and hares ; also snakes, lizards, frogs, and various kinds of vermin. These birds generally station themselves near the doors of the European cooking rooms, ready to seize the offal which may be thrown out; and furious battles often take place for the possession of the spoils which are occasionally presented to their watchful eyes. While they are thus fighting, the clapping of their wings is a signal to waiting kites and crows, numbers of which immediately surround them ; and one of these attentive and active spectators will commonly avail himself of the disputes of the adjutants to carry off the prize for which they are contending. The Adjutant is by no means a handsome bird, and it has many disgusting habits ; but the natives view it with a kind of superstitious regard, and the Europeans consider it as a great benefactor to man, in removing those impurities which would soon prove offensive and dangerous : hence its presence is tolerated, and it generally escapes molestation. How truly is it said, that God has made nothing in vain ! 124 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Chas-ti-ty, s. purity Chor-is-ter,s. a singer in choir Chiv- al-rous, a. adventurous Chron-i-cle, s. a record, history Cir-cu-late, v. to move round Cir-cum-spect,so-ry, a. hasty, careless Cur-va-ture, 5. a bent line Cus-to-dy, s. imprisonment Cu-ti-cle, 5. the outer skin Cyn-i-cal, a. churlish ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ca-rous-al, 5. a festival Ces-sa-tion, s. a stop, rest Ci-ta-tion, s. a summons Clan-des-tine, a. secret, sly Co-e-qual, a. equal with Co-er-cive, a. restraining Co-e-val, a. of the same age Co-he-rence, s. connexion Col-lap-sed, a. fallen together Col-la-tion, s a repast Col-lu-sive, a. fraudulent Com-bus-tion, s. a burning Com-mit-tee, 5. a select few Com-mo-tion, s. a tumult Com-pas-sion, s. pity, feeling Com-pen-sate, a. v. to reward Com-pla-cent, a. civil, kind Com-punc-tion, s. remorse Con-ceit-ed, 5. affected Con-ces-sion, s. a granting Con-cise-ly, ad. briefly, com- pactly Con-clu-sive, a. decisive Con-cur-rence, s. assent Con-cus-sion, s. a mutual shock Con-den-sate, a. to thicken Con-di-tion, s. a stipulation Con-du-cive, a. promoting Con-fine-ment, s. restraint Con-fu-sion, s. disorder WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 125 Con-jec-ture, s. a supposition Con-junc-ture, s. a critical time Con-ni-vance, s. pretended ig- norance ; allowance Con-sis-tent, a. fixed, firm Con-tem-plate, «?. to meditate Con-tin-ue, v. to persevere Con-tor-tion, s. a twist Con-trib-ute, a. v. to bear a part Con-tri-tion, s. repentance Con-vic-tion, s. full proof Cor-ro-sive, a. wearing away Cre-a-tive, s. giving life ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Cav-al-cade, s. a procession of horsemen Cir-cum-vent, v. to over-reach Co-a-lesce, v. to unite Co-in-cide, n. v. to agree with Com-pre-hend, n. v. to include Con-de-scend, v. to descend to, to grant kindly Con-tra-dict, v. to deny, oppose Cor-res-pond, v . to suit, agree Coun-ter-act, a. v. to hinder Coun-ter-mand, a. v. to repeal a command ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Dec-a-logue, s. the ten com- mandments De-ci-mal, a. numbered by ten Dec-or-ate, a. v. to embellish Ded-i-cate, a. v. to devote Def-er-ence, s. respect Def-in-ite, a. limited, precise Del-e-gate, s. a deputy Del-i-cate, a. dainty, pleasant De-pre-cate, v. to pray against Den-si- ty, s. thickness Dep-u-ty, s. a substitute Der-e-lict, a. utterly forsaken Der-o-gate, v. to disparage Des-o-late, a. laid waste Des-per-ate, a. hopeless, mad Des-pot-ism, s. absolute power Des-ti-ny, s. fate, doom Des-e-crate, v. a. to profane Des-ti-tute, a. forsaken Det-ri-ment, s. damage, loss De-vi-ous, a. swerving from Di-a-lect, s. mode of speech Di-a-logue, s. a conversation Di-a-ry, s. a daily record Dif-fer-ent, a. not agreeing Dif-fi-dence, s. bashfulness Dif-fi-cult, a. troublesome Dig-ni-ty, s. grandeur, honour Dil-i-gent, a. assiduous [der Dis-ci-pline, s. regularity, or- Dis-pu-tant, s. a reasoner Dis-si-pate, a. v. to disperse Dis-so-lute, a. profligate [cal Dis-so-nant, a. harsh, unmusi- Div-i-dend, s. a share [ment Doc-u-ment, s. a written state- Dog-ged-ly, ad. sullenly Dol-or-ous, a. sorrowful [ing Dom-i-cile, 5. a private dwell- Dom-in-ant, a. ruling Don-a-tive, s. a gift Du-bi-ous, a. uncertain Dun-ge-on, s. a dark prison Du-pli-cate, s. an exact copy Du-ra-ble, a. lasting, firm Du-ti-ful, a. obedient Dy-nas-ty, s. a government ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. De-ci-pher, a. v. to explain De-ci-sive, a. conclusive De-co-rum, 5. decency, order De-crep-it, a. feeble, old De-fec-tion, s. failure, revolt De-lin-quent, s. an offender De-liv-er, a. #.to save, to sur- De-lu-sion,a. deception[render 126 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. De-mean- our, s. behaviour De-mol-ish, a. v. to destroy De-mon-strate, a. v. to prove De-mure-ly, ad. solemnly De-pen-dent, s. one subject to another De-po-nent, s. a witness on oath De-port-ment, s. manner of act- De-pos-it, a.v. to lay down [ing De-ri-sion, s. contempt De-scrip-tive, a. characteristic De-si-rous, a. wishing for, eager De-ter-mine, v. to fix, to decide De-spite-ful, a. malicious De-vel-op, a. v. to unfold Di-gres-sion, s. a deviation Di-min-ish, a. v. to lessen Di-men-sion, s. bulk, extent Dis-as-ter, s. misfortune Dis-ci-ple, s. a follower Dis-clo-sure, s. a revealing Dis-cov-er, a. v. to find out Dis-cred-it, s. distrust, re- proach Dis-cre-tion, s. prudence Dis-grace-ful, a. ignominious Dis-hon-est, a. void of probity Dis-man-tle, v. to strip, destroy Dis-po-sal, s. a regulation Dis-sem-ble, v. to pretend Dis-tem-per, s. a disease Dis-tin-guish, a. v. to discern Dis-tri-bute, a, v. to deal out Dis-turb-ance, s. confusion Do-mes-tic, a. homely Do-na-tion, s. a gift, bounty ACCENTED ON THE LAST. De-bon-air, a. elegant, gay Dis-ap-prove, v. to dislike Dis-com-pose, a. v. to disturb Dis-ha-bille, 5. an undress Dis-re-pute, s. discredit Dis-u-nite, a. v. to separate ACCENTED ON THE EIR9T. Ear- nest- ly, ad. eagerly Ec-sta-cy, s. excessive joy Ed-i-ble, a. fit to be eaten Ed-i-fice, 5. a building Ed-i-fy, v. to improve Ed-i-tor, s. one who prepares a book for publication E-go-tism, s. self-praise El-e-gant, a. neat, graceful El-e-gy, s. a funeral poem El-e-ment, s. a first principle El-e-vate, v. to raise, to dignify El-o-quence, s. fluent language Em-a-nate, n. v. to issue from Em-bry-o, s. anything unfin- ished, or merely planned Em-i-grate, v. to remove Em-i-nent,«. lofty, conspicuous Em-pha-sis, s. force of the voice Em-u-late, a. v. to rival En-e-my, s. an opponent, a foe En-er-gy, s. force, efficacy En-mi-ty, s. hatred, ill-will En-ter-prise, s. a hazardous undertaking En-ti-ty, s. a real existence Ep-i-taph, s. an inscription on a monument for the dead E-qua-ble, a. even, uniform E -quip -age, s. a retinue E-qui-poise, s. an equality of weight, a balance E-qui-ty, s. justice, impartiality Er-u-dite, s. learned Es-cu-lent, a. good for food Es-ti-mate, v. to set a value on Eth-i-cal, a. treating of morals Eu-lo-gy, s. praise Eu-pho-ny, s. a sweet sound Ev-i-dence, s. testimony Ev-i-dent, a. apparent, plain Ex-ca-vate, a. v. to cut into WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 127 Ex-cel-lent, a. that which ex- Ex-e-crate, a. v. to curse [eels Ex-e-cute, a. v. to perform Ex-er-cise, s. practice Ex-i-gent, a. pressing Ex-o-dus, s. a going forth Ex-pe-dite, a. v. to hasten Ex-pi-ate, a. v. to atone for Ex-qui-site, a. excellent Ex-tri-cate, a. v. to set free ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ec-cen-tric, a. irregular [able Ef-fec-tive, a. active, service- Ef-ful-gence, s. brightness E -las- tic, a. springing back Ec-lec-tic, a. selecting E-li-cit, a. v. to draw forth Em-bar-rass, a. v. to perplex Em-bar-go, s. a prohibition Em-bel-lish, a. v. to adorn Em-bez-zle, a. v. to steal ; to violate a trust E-mer-gence, s. a sudden pres- Em-phat-ic, a. forcible [sure Em-pow-er, a. v. to authorize En-act-ment, s. a legal decree En-coun-ter, v. to meet with En-cou-rage, a. v. to animate En-croach-ment, s. an intrusion En-deav-our, s. a labour for some certain end [tion En-dorse-ment, 5. a superscrip- En-er-vate, a. v. to weaken En-fran-chise, a. v. to make free En-gage-ment, s. a conflict ; an obligation; a contract E-nig-ma, s. an obscure ques- tion, a riddle En-li-ven, a. v. to make lively E-nor-mous, a. excessive En-sur-ance, s. security- En- vel-ope, a. v. to enclose En-vi-ron, a. v. to surround E -pis- tie, s. a letter Elephant. — From a remote period the Elephant has been an important servant to the human race, especially in those regions of which it is a native. The Elephant was once a terrific auxiliary to the force of armies. * Wooden towers were placed upon its back, filled with soldiers trained to discharge various missiles against the foe ; the beast himself being protected in front by a species of armour 128 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Er-ra-ta, s. errors in printing Er-rat-ic, a. wandering Es-tab-lish, a. v. to make firm E-ter-nal, a. perpetual, endless E-va-sion, s an excuse Ex-ac-tion, s. extortion Ex-am-ine, a. v. to inquire into Ex- am-ple, s. a pattern Ex-cerp-tion, s. a selection Ex-ces-sive, a. beyond due bounds Ex-clu-sive, a. leaving out Ex-cul-pate, a. v. to clear from an imputation of guilt Ex-hi~bit, a. v. to display Ex-ist-ence, s state of being Ex-ot-ic, a. foreign Ex-pan-sive. a. spreading out Ex-pli-cit, a. clear, plain Ex-ter-nal, a. outward Ex-tin-guish, a. v. to put out Ex-tir-pate, a. v. to root out ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Fab-ri-cate,a.«;.to make, invent Fac-to ry, 5. a repository for merchandize Fac-ul-ty, s. ability, power, Fal-la-cy, s. an illusion Fal-li-ble, a. liable to error Fan-ta-sy, s. imagination Fat-u-ous, a. foolish Fea-si-ble, a. practicable Fec-u-lent, a. foul, full of dregs Fed-e-ral, a. leagued [ment Fes-ti-va], s. a day for enjoy - Fil-a-ment, s. a thread, a fibre FiH-al, a. pertaining to a son Fir-ma-ment, 5. the sky Fla-gel-late, v. a. to scourge Flat-u-lent, a. windy, empty Flex-i-ble, a. easily bent Fluc-tu-ate, n. v. to waver Fo-li-age, s. leaves capable of resisting the weapons in ordinary use. With his stupend- ous strides he could bear down whole ranks of infantry, thus enabling the soldiers he carried to make their attacks with tenfold effect. When Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, invaded the Roman territoiw, he brought with him a numerous body of elephants, carefully trained, and by their aid defeated the Romans with great slaughter. The Romans, however, resorted to several artifices, which ultimately scared the elephants, making their dangerous attributes to recoil upon their own masters. In modern times, in consequence of the introduction of field artillery, the Elephant has been rendered useless in warfare, as a ball from a nine, or even a six-pounder, is suf- ficient to kill the largest. But Elephants still form an important feature in the equipage of Oriental monarchs, who were the last to employ them in military service. In all processions the monarch ride's on an elephant, and his dignity is estimated by the number of Elephants in his train. The tower, or pavilion, fitted on the animal's back, for the accommodation of the riders, is in India called a Howdah. — The Elephant is also employed in tiger hunting, on which occasion the hunters shoot at the tiger from the howdah ; but the Elephant sometimes rushes upon the prey himself, goring it with his tusks, and with such force, that all his riders have been thrown to the ground. The sagacity and docility of this animal render it useful for a variety of domestic purposes. WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 120 Ford-a-ble, s. passable without swimming For-ge-ry, s. a counterfeit For-ti-fy, a. v. to strengthen For-ti-tude, s. firmness of mind For-tu-nate, a. successful Frac-ti-ous, a. peevish Fran-gi-ble, a. easily broken Fra-tri-cide, s. the murderer of a brother Frip-pe-ry, s. tawdry clothes Friv-o-lous, a. silly, trifling Fruc-ti-fy, v. to make fruitful Fu-gi-tive, a. unsteady, flying Ful-mi-nate, v. to thunder Fu-mi-gate, v. to perfume by .smoke or vapour. [dead Fu-ne-ral, s. a burial of the Fu-ri-ous, a. violent, fierce Fur-ni-ture, s. household goods Fu-si-ble, a. capable of being melted ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Fan-at-ic, s. a man with wild notions [whimsical Fan-tas-tic, a. capricious, Far-ra-go, s. a confused mass Fra-ter-nal, a. brotherly Fru-i-tion, s. enjoyment, pos- session ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Gar-ni-ture, s. ornament Gar-ru-lous, a. talkative Gen-e-ral, a. usual, common Gen-e-rous, a. liberal, noble Ge-ni-al, a. nourishing Ge-ni-us, s, intellectual power Gen-u-ine, a. not spurious Ger-mi-nate, v. to put forth buds [unusual words Glos-sa-ry, s. a dictionary of Gor-ge-ous, a. splendid Glu-ti-nous, a. clammy, adhe- sive, viscous, tenacious Gor-man-dize,v. to eat greedily Gov-er-nor, s. a ruler Gra-du-a], a. done by degrees Gra-na-ry, s. a storehouse for thrashed corn Gran-u-late, a. v. to form into small grains Grav-i-tate, v. to press down- wards by weight Gra-phi-cal, s. well delineated Gut-tu-ral, a. uttered in the throat ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Gi-gan-tic, a. of large stature Gro-tesque-ly, gro-tesk-ly, ad. in a fantastic manner ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Gas-con-ade, s. a boast [dier Gren-a-dier, s. a tall foot sol- Gua-ran-tee, v. a. to answer for a performance, to assure ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Hal-cy-on, a. peaceful, calm Hand-i-craft, s, a trade Har-bin-ger, s. a forerunner Har-mo-ny, 5. melody, plea- sant sound Hec-a-tomb, s. a sacrifice of one hundred oxen [globe Hem-i-sphere, s. half of a Hep-ta-gon, s, a figure of seven equal sides Her-e-sy, s. a religious error Hes-i-tate, v, to pause, to delay Hex-a-gon, s. a figure of six equal sides His-to-ry, s .. a narration of facts Hor-ta-tive, a. encouraging Hur-ri-cane, s. a violent storm g2 130 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Hos-pi-tal, 5. a house for the sick and poor, an asylum Hus-band-ry, s. tillage [eies Hy-brid-ous, a. of mixed spe- Hyp-o-crite, s. a dissembler ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Har-mon-ic, a. musical Ho-ri-zon, s. the circle which bounds our view [women Hys-ter-ics, s. fits peculiar to ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Id-i-om, s. a particular mode of speech [ing faculties Id-i-ot, s. one without reason- I-dol-ize, a. v. to doat on Ig-no-rant, a. void of know- ledge Im-mi-nent, a. impending Im-mo-late, a. v. to sacrifice Im-pli-cate, a. v. to involve Im-po-tent, a. unable, feeble Im-pre-cate, v. to curse In-ci-dent, s. an event In-cho-ate, a. v. to commence In-di-cate, a. v. to point out In-di-gent, a. poor, needy In-dus-try, s. diligence In-fan-try, 5. foot soldiers In-fer-ence, s. a conclusion In-fm-ite, a. unbounded [bias In-flu-ence, s. to act upon, to In-ju-ry, s. wrong, damage In-no-vate, v. to introduce no- velties, or changes In-so-lent, a. overbearing In-sti-gate, v, to excite to ill In-te-gral, a. whole, unbroken In-tel-lect,s. the understanding In-ter-course ; 5. communication In-ter-dict, s. a prohibition In-ter-val, s. space between In-ter-view, s. a joint meeting In-tri-cate a. perplexed In-vo-cate, a. v. to call upon I-so-late, v. a. to separate Jea-lou-sy, s. suspicion Jeo-par-dy, s. danger, peril Jus-ti-fy, a. v. to vindicate Ju-ven-ile, a. youthful ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. I-de-al, a. mental, imaginary Ig-no-ble, a. of mean birth Il-li-cit, a. unlawful Im-a-gine, v. to conceive Im-be-cile, a. feeble [death Im-mor-tal, a. exempt from Im-pli-cit, a. without reserve Im-pos-tor, 5. a pretender Im-prove-ment, s. a progress from good to better In-cen-tive, s. a motive In-ces-sant, a. unceasing In-ci-sion, s. a cutting -. In-cle-ment, a. severe In-clu-sive, a. comprehending In-cul-cate, a. v. to teach to enforce, to admonish In-fec-tion, s taint, poison In-he-rent, a. innate, inborn In-hib-it, a. v. to forbid In-hu-man, a. cruel, savage In-qui-ry, s. an examination In- sip-id, a. tasteless, dull In- sol-vent, a. unable to pay In-stant-er, ad. without delay In-sur-gent, s. a rebel In-ter-ment. s. a burial In-ter-pret, a. v. to explain In-tes-tate, a. not having made In-tes-tine, a. internal [a will In-tre-pid, a. courageous In-trin-sic, a. internal, real ln-tru-der, s. an encroacher In-vec-tive, s. satire, abuse In-vei-gle, a. v. to allure, to entice, to entrap In-un-date, v. to overflow WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 131 ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Im-por-tune, a. v. to teaze, to harrass by intreaties In-com-mode, a. v. to annoy In-di-rect, a. unfair ; oblique In-ter-cede, v. to mediate ln-ter-cept,<2.v. to stop, to seize In-ter-dict, a. v. to prohibit In-ter-sect, a. v. to cross In-ter-sperse, a. v. to scatter In-ter-vene, v. to come between ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Lat-e-ral, a. placed, or growing out on the side Lat-i-tude, s. breadth, extent Laud-a-ble, a. praiseworthy Lax-a-tive, a. loosening Leg-a-cy, s. a bequest Leg-i-ble, a. easy to be read Leg-is-late, n. v. to make laws Le-ni-ent, a. softening Len-i-tive, a. palliative Lev-i-ty, s. unsteadiness Li-a-ble, a. subject to, exposed Li-bel-lous, a. slanderous Lib-e-ral, a. bountiful, free Lig-a-ture, s. a bandage Lin-e-al, a. descending in a right line Li-que-fy, v. to dissolve Li-qui-date, a.v.to lessen debts Lit-a-ny, s. a general prayer Lit-e-ral, a. exact in letters Lit-i-gate, v. to contest in law Lit-ur-gy, s. a public form of prayer Lo-gi-cal, a. correct in argu- Lu-cra-tive, a. profitable [ment Lu-min-ous, a. shining Lu-na-cy, s. madness Lus-ci-ous, lush-us, s. sweet Lux-u-ry, s. delicious enjoy- ment ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. La-con-ic, s. concise, short Le-ga-tion, s. an embassy Le-thar-gic, a. sleepy, heavy Lieu-te-nant, s. lef-ten-ant, a deputy in command Lo-ca-tion, s. a situation Lo-qua-cious, a. talkative Ly-ce-um, s. an academy ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ma-ce-rate, v. to make lean ; to steep almost to solution Mach-i-nate, v. mah-e-nate, to contrive, to make schemes Ma-gis-trate, s. one vested with authority Mag-ni-tude, s greatness Main-ten-ance, s. support Mal-a-dy, s. disease, sickness Mal-con-tent, a. discontented Man-a-cle, a. v. to fetter Man-i-fold, a. numerous Man-u-al,tf. performed by the hand Man-u-script, s. a writing Ma-ri-time, a. relating to the Mar-vel-lous, a. wonderful [sea Mas-sa-cre, s. massa-Jcer, mur- der, indiscriminate slaughter Mas-ter-ly, a. skilful, bold Me-di^ate, v. to interpose Med-i-cate, v. to heal or cure Mem-or-y, s. recollection Men-di-cant, s. a beggar Mer-can-tile, a. commercial Mer-ci-ful, a. tender, kind Mes-sen-ger, s. one who carries a message, a forerunner Me-te-or, s. a luminous body Mi-cro-cosm, s. the little world Mil-i-tate, v. to oppose [ret Min-a-ret s. a high slender tur- 132 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Min-is-try, s. agency, service, attendance [human power Mir-a-cle, s. an action above Mis-an-thrope, s. a hater of Mis-e-ry, s. distress [mankind Mit-i-gate, a. v. to alleviate Mod-i-cum,s. a small pittance Mod-i-fy, v. to regulate Moi-e-ty, s. an equal part Mol-li-ent, a. softening Mon-ar-chy, s. a kingly govern- ment [or instructs Mon-i-tor, s. one who warns Mor-tal-ly, ad. irrecoverably, deadly Mor-ti-fy, v. to vex, to humble Moun-te-bank, s. a vain pre- tender, a buffoon [shapes Mul-ti-form, a. having various Mul-ti-ply, v. to increase in number Mu-ni-ment, s. a support Mus-cu-lar, a. having strong muscles Mu-ta-ble, a. inconstant Mu-tin-ous, a. refractory Mu-tu-al, a. reciprocal Myr-i-ad, s. ten thousand Myr-mid-on, s. a hired ruffian Mys-ti-fy , a. v. to make obscure ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ma-jes-tic, a. august, stately Ma-lig-nant, a. malicious Ma-nceu-vre, 5. ma-tiu-ver, a skilful movement ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Nar-ra-tive, s. a relation Nav-i-gate, v. to sail Neg-li-gent, a. careless Ni-ce-ty, s. accuracy, delicacy Nom-i-nal, a. in name only Nom-i-nate, a. v. to appoint No-ti-fy, a. v. to make known Nu-me-rate, a. v. to count Nun-ne-ry, s. a house for nuns Nu-tri-tive, a. nourishing ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Op-por-tune, a, convenient Or-a-tor, s. an accomplished public speaker [a law Or-di-nance, 5. an injunction, O-ri-ent, s. the east Or-i-fice, s. an opening Or-i-gin, s. the beginning Or-i-son, s. a prayer O-ver-ture, s. a proposal ACCENTED ON THE LAST. O-ver-bear, a. v. to repress O-ver-come, a. v. to subdue O-ver-reach, a. v. to deceive O-ver-whelm, a. v. to crush ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Pa-ci-fy, a. v. to appease Pal-li-ate, a. v. to mitigate Pal-pa-ble, a. that which may be easily felt Par-a-ble, s. a similitude Par-a-dox, s. a seeming con- tradiction Par-a-gon, s. an example Par-a-graph, s. a distinct part of a discourse Par-a-pet, s. a wall breast high Par-a-phrase, s. a familiar in- terpretation Par-a-site, s. a flatterer Par-i-ty, s. likeness, equality Pa-rox-ysm, s. a fit, an extacy Pa-vil-ion, s. a tent ( see note) Pa-tri-arch, s. the head of a family Pau-ci-ty, s. smallness of number [breast Pec-to-ral, a. belonging to the WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 133 Pec-u-late, v. to defraud Ped-es-tal, s. the basis of a Pel-li-cle, s. a thin skin [pillar Pen-al-ty, 5. fine ; punishment Pen-du-lous, a. hanging Pen-e-trate, a- v. to pierce Pen-ta-gon, s. a figure of five angles Pen-u-ry, s. extreme want Per-e-grine, a. foreign Per-fi-dy, s. treachery [a tool Per-fo-rate, a. v. to bore with Per-il ous, a. hazardous Per-ju-ry, s. false swearing Per-ma-nent, a. lasting Per-me-ate, v. to pass through Per-se-cute, a. v. to harrass Per-ti-nent, a. fit, apposite Pet-ri-fy, v. to become stone Pet-u-lant, a. saucy, perverse Pit-e-ous, a. sorrowful Plac-a-ble, a. easily appeased Ple-o-nasm, s. in rhetoric a redundancy of words Poig-nan-cy, s. acuteness Po-li-ty, s. civil government Po-ly-gon, s. a figure of many angles Pon-der-ous, a. weighty [ried Port-a-ble, a. that may be car- Pos-i-tive, a. sure, certain Post-hu-mous, a. published after a person's death Pre-am-ble, s. an introduction Pre-ce-dent, s. example Pre-ci-piee, s. a steep place Pre-mi-um, s. a reward Pre-sci-ence, pre-she-ense, s. foreknowledge Pri-ma-ry, a. first in order Prim-i-tive, a. ancient, original Prin-ci-ple, s. first cause, mo- tive ; a fundamental truth Priv-i-lege, s. peculiar advan- tage, an immunity Priv-i-ty, s. private knowledge Prob-a-ble, a. likely Prod-i-gy, natural or common excites astonishment any thing not that Pavilion. — The antiquity of the Em- pire of China, its ex- tent of population, and the singular manners of its people, give interest to al- most every subject connected with that country. The pecu- liar style of architec- ture adopted by the Chinese, usually at- tracts the attention of strangers. There is a great sameness in the general appearance, though the details admit of much variety. The shape of their roofs, whatever be the description of building, is nearly alike ; resembling, probably, the roofs of the tents in which their forefathers dwelt in their primitive pastoral state. In all their edifices there is an appa- rent want of solidity; which appearance is increased by their frequent 134 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Pro-gen-y, s. offspring Prom-i-nent, s. jutting out Promp-ti-tude, a. readiness Pro-phe-sy, v. to foretell Pros-e-lyte, s. a convert Prov-en-der, s. food for cattle Pu-er-ile, a. childish [powder Pul-ver-ize, a. v. to reduce to Pu-ri-fy, a. v. to make pure ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Pa-cif-ic, a. peaceable Pa-ter-nal, a. fatherly Pel-lu-cid, a. clear, bright Per-spec-tive, a. relating to the science of vision Pe-ru-sal, 5. a reading over Pre-ce-dent, a. going before Pre-cur-sor, s. a forerunner Pri-me-val, a. original Pro-due -tive, a. fertile Pro-gres-sive, a. going for- ward, advancing Pro-hib-it, a. v. to forbid Pro-lif-ic, a. fruitful Pro-mul-gate, a. v. to publish Pur-su-ant, a. done in conse- quence [victuals Pur-vey-or, s. one who provides ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Pal-i-sade, s. a paling Per-se-vere, v. to persist Pre-ma-ture, a. ripe too soon ; too hasty ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Quad-ran-gle, s. a figure of four angles [animal Quad-ru-ped, 5. a four-footed Q,ual-i-fy, a. v. to make fit Quer-u-lous, a. complaining Q,uin-tu-ple, a. five-fold Quo-ti-ent, s* the number ob- tained by division ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ra-di-ant, a. bright, shining Rad-i-cal, a. primitive ; funda- mental, essential use of wooden columns, in most cases thin in proportion to their height. The origin of stone pillars in European architecture was, no doubt, the use of trunks of large trees tapering towards the top : the use of the bamboo seems to have been the origin of Chinese pil- lars ; and their slender form and equal thickness give them a close resemblance to the bamboo stalk. These peculiarities may be clearly observed in the annexed engraving, which represents a Chinese garden Pavilion. The circumstances which render Chinese architecture defective for ordinary purposes, give it peculiar advantages where lightness and elegance are required. To add to the picturesque effect of these garden Pavilions, they are built frequently in the midst of a sheet of water, and approached by bridges. They are handsome structures, and form cool and refreshing retreats in the evenings of summer. — But though the general character of Chinese architecture is light- ness, they occasionally build detached towers or castles, to command important points, of great solidity. They have also large forts, the lower portions of which would endure a heavy cannonading ; and the Great Wall of China, more than a thousand miles in length, is very remarkable for its solidity and strength. WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 135 Ra-di-us, s. half the diameter of a circle Ra-re-fy, v. to make thin Re-cog-nize, a. v. to acknow- ledge, to perceive Re-com-pence, s. reward Rect-an-gle, s. a right angle Rec-ti-fy, a. v. to make right Red-o-lent, a. sweet of scent Ref er-ence, s. an allusion Reg-i-men, s. diet, treatment Rem-e-dy, s. a medicine, cure Ren-e-gade, 5. an apostate Ren-o-vate, a. v. to renew Re-qui-site, a. necessary Res-i-due, s. the remainder Res-o-lute, a. determined Rid-i-cule, s. mockery Rig-or-ous, a. over-harsh Ris-i-ble, a. exciting laughter Ri-val-ry, s. competition Ro-sa-ry, 5. a string of beads Ro-ta-ry, a. turning round Ru-bi-cund, a. Acrid Ru-di-ments, s. first principles ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Re-cum-bent, a. leaning Re-dun-dant, a. overflowing Re-fine-ment. s. elegance Re-li-ance, s. confidence Re-hear- sal, s. a repeating Re-lin-quish, a. v. to part with Re-plen-ish, a. v. to nil again Re-pul-sive, a. forbidding Re-qui-tal, s. a recompence Re-sist-ance, s. opposition Re-spon-sive, a. answering Ro-man-tic, a. wild, fanciful ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Re-col-lect, a. v, to call to mind Re-com-mend, a. v. to praise one person to another Re-im- burse, a. v. to repay Re-in-state, a. v. to restore Re-pre-hend, a. v. to censure Rep-ri-mand, a. v> to chide ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Sac-cha-rine, a. sugary San-a-tive, a. healing San-i-ty, s. soundness of mind Sa-ti-£Lte,sa-sky-ate,v .to surfeit Sat-u-rate, a. v. to impregnate thoroughly Sat-ur-nine, a. melancholy Scar-ci-ty, s. dearth, want Scar-i-fy, a. v. to cut the skin Scep-ti-cism, skeptisism, doubt Scru-pu-lous, a. cautious Scru-ti-ny, s. an inquiry Scur-ril-ous, a. abusive Sec-u-lar, a. worldly [rious Sed-u-lous, a. diligent, labo- Se-ni-or, s. an elder [feeling Sen-si-tive, a. having acute Se-pa-rate, a. distinct Sep-ul-chre, s. a grave Ser-pen-tine, a. winding Ser-vi-tor, 5. an attendant Sig-nal-ize, v. to distinguish Sig-ni-fy, v. to make known Si-ne-cure, s. a salary without employment Sin-gu-lar, a. alone, rare Sin-is- ter, a. left-handed Sol-e-cism, s. unfitness of one word to another Sol-em-nize, a. v. to celebrate Sol-i-tude, s. loneliness Sol-u-ble, a. capable of being dissolved Spe-ci-fy, a. v. to mention Spe-ci-ous, a. apparently fair Spec-u-late, v. to think on Splen-et-ic, a. peevish, cross Spu-ri-ous, a. false, pretended 136 WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. Stig-ma-tise, a. v. to brand with disgrace Stim-u-late, a. v. to spur on Strat-a-gem, s. a contrivance Stren-u-ous, a. vigorous Sub-al-tern, «. inferior Sua-vi-ty, s sweetness Sub-se-quent, a. following Sub-ter-fuge, 5. a pretence Suf-fer-ance, s. endurance Suit-a-ble, a. agreeable Sum-ma- ry, a, short, concise Sump-tu-ous, a. rich, costly Sup-ple-ment, s. an addition Sup-pli-cate, a. v. to beg Sur-ro-gate, s. a deputy Sus-te-nance, s. nourishment Syc-o-phant, s. a flatterer Sym-me-try, s. proportion Sym-pa-thy, s. fellow-feeling ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Sar-cas-tic, a. taunting Se-ques-ter, a. v. to separate So-li-cit, v. to intreat, desire Som-nif-ic, a. causing sleep So-no-rous, a. loud sounding Sta-tis-tics, s. political accounts Sub-ver-sive, a. tending to overturn Sur-ren-der, a. v. to give up Sy-nop-sis, s. a general view ACCENTED ON THE LAST. Se-re-nade, s. night music Su-per-fine, a . eminently fine ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Tan-gi-ble, a. that can be touched [longing to an art Tech-ni-cal, tek-ni-cal, a. be- Tem-per-ate, a. sober ; dis- creet [be held Ten-a-ble, a. that which may Tem-po-rize, v. to delay ; to comply with for the time Ten-den-cy, s. aim, drift Ter-mi-nate, v. to end Ter-ri-ble, a. dreadful Tes-ti-fy,# . t\to witness, prove The-o-rem, s. a proposition requiring proof Tim-or-ous, a. fearful Tit-u-lar, a. in name only Tol-e-rate, a. v. to permit Tor-tu-ous, a. winding [erous Trait-or-ous, a. false, treach- Tran-si-ent, a. passing away Tri-an-gle, s. a figure of three angles or sides Tur-pi-tude, s. baseness Tu-te-lar, a. protecting [sion Ty-ran-ny, s. cruelty, oppres- ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ter-rif-ic, a. dreadful [a will Tes-ta-tor, s. one who leaves Tor-na-do, s. a hurricane Tor-pe-do, s. a fish having electric properties ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Va-can-cy, 5. emptiness Va-ri-ance, s. disagreement Ve-he-mence, s. earnestness Vend-i-ble, a. saleable Ven-om-ous, a. poisonous Ver-i-ty, s. truth Ver-sa-tile, a. changeable Ver-ti-cal, a. over head Ver-ti-go, s. giddiness Vet-e-ran, a. long practised Vi-gil-ance, s. watchfulness Vig-or-ous, a. lively, strong Vin-di-cate, a. v. to justify Vi-o-late, a. v. to injure Vir-tu-ous, a. morally good Vir-u-lent, a. malignant WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 137 Yi-ti-ate, vish-i-ate, v. to cor- Vol-a-tile, a. airy, light [rupt Ul-ti-mate, a. last, final Unc--tu-ous, a. oily, clammy U-ni-form, a. regular, alike U-ni-on, s. agreement Ur-gen-cy, s. pressure U-su-fruct, s temporary use ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ver-ba-tim, ad. word for word Vin-dic-tive, a. revengeful Un-daunt-ed, a. fearless Un-wor-thy, a. not deserving ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Wan-der-er, 5. a rambler War-rant-ry, s. authority Wea-ri-ness, s. fatigue Wil-der-ness, s, a desert Wretch-ed-ness, s. misery WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ac-ri-mo-ny, s. sharpness A-li-e-nate, a. v. to estrange Am-i-ca-ble, a. friendly Ap-pli-ca-ble, a. suitable Ar-bi-tra-ry, a. despotic ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ab-bre-vi-ate, a. v. to shorten Ac-cel-e-rate, a. v. to hasten Ac-com-pa-ny, a. v. to go with Ac-cu-mu-late, a. v. to heap up Ac-tiv-i-ty, s. nimbleness Ad-ju-di-cate, v. to adjudge Ad-ver-si-ty, s. misfortune A-dul-te-rate, a. v. to corrupt Af-fi-ni-ty, s. relation A-gra-ri-an, a. relating to land A-lac-ri-ty, s. willingness Al-ter-na-tive, s. a choice of two things only Al-le-vi-ate, a. v. to mitigate Am-bi-gu-ous, a. doubtful A-me-na-ble, a. subject to A-nom-a-lous, a. irregular A-non-y-mous, a. nameless An-tag-o-nist, 5. an opponent An-te-ri-or, a. previous [hand An-ti-ci-pate,a.#.to taste before An-ti-pa-thy, s. aversion Anx-i-e-ty, s. trouble of mind A-pol-o-gy, s. an excuse Ap-pre-ci-ate, v. to estimate Ar-tic-u-late, a. distinct As-pe-ri-ty, s. roughness As-sid-u-ous, a. diligent A-tro-ci-ous, a. wicked At-ten-u-ate, v. to make thin Au-da-ci-ous, a. daring [ear Au-ric-u-lar, a. relating to the Aus-pi-ci-ous, a. prosperous, favourable Aus-ter-i-ty, 5. severity Au-thor-i-ty, 5. legal power ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Bar-bar-i-ty, s. cruelty Be-nef-i-cence, s. kindness Be-nev-o-lence, s. good will Bi-en-ni-al, a. lasting two years Bo-tan-i-ca'J, a. belonging to herbs ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Char-ac-ter-ise,a.i7.to describe Cel-i-ba-cy, s. single life Con-tu-ma-cy, s. obstinacy Cor-ol-la-ry, s. an inference Cred-it-a-ble, a. reputable ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ca-dav-er-ous, a. ghastly Ca-lam-i-ty, s. a misfortune Ca-pa-ci-ous, a. wide, large Ca-pri-ci-ous, a. fickle Cap-tiv-i-ty, s. confinement 138 WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. Ca-tas-tro-phe, s. a final event Ce-ler-i-ty. s. swiftness Ce-les-ti-al, a. heavenly Cen-ten-ni-al, a. consisting of a hundred years [timony Cer-ti-fi-cate, s. a written tes- Chi-ca-ne-ry, she-ka-ne-ry > s. cunning [imaginary Chi-mer-i-cal, a. kim-mer-i-cal, Co-ad-ju-tor, s. an associate Co-ag-u-late, v. to congeal Col-lat-e-ral, a. not direct Com-mis-e-rate, a. v. to pity Com-mo-di-ous, a. convenient Com-mu-ni-ty, 5. a society Com-pat-i-ble, a. consistent Com-pen-di-ous, a. short Con-cil-i-ate, a. v. to reconcile Con-com-i-tant a. united with Con-fed-e-rate, v. to league Con-form-a-ble s a. suitable Con-gru-i-ty, s. fitness Con-ge-ni-al, a. disposition [with Con-grat-u-late, a. v. to rejoice Con-sid-e-rate, a. regardful Con-spic-u-ous, a. easily seen Con-ta-gi-ous, a. infectious Con-tam-i-nate, a. v. to taint Con-tig-u-ous, a. adjoining Con-viv-i-al, a. festive [with Co-op-e-rate, v. to act jointly Cor-po-re-al, a. bodily' Cor-rob-o-rate, a. v. to confirm Cre-du-li-ty, s. easiness of be- lief ; hasty confidence ACCENTED OK THE THIRD. Co-a-les-cence, s. the act of union Co-li-se-um, s. the name given to an ancient theatre Coliseum. — Though the Roman Empire had extended its con- quests over the greater portion of the earth, and though some of its citizens possessed attainments of the highest order, bit little atten- tion was paid to the instruction and moral improvement of the population ; hence the great mass were remarkable for their ignorance WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 139 ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Bel-i-ca-cy, s. nicety Des-ul-to~ry, a. rambling Dil-a-to-ry, a. loitering Dis-syl-la-ble, 5. a word of two syllables [room Dor-mi-to-ry, s. a sleeping- ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. De-cap-i-tate, a. v. to behead De-cla-ra-tive, a. explanatory De-crep-i-tude, s. age, decay De-form-i-ty, s. a bad form De-lec-ta-ble, a. delightful De-li-ci-ous, a. sweet De-pre-ci-ate, a. v. to under- value ; to reduce in price De-plo-ra-ble, a. lamentable De-prav-i-ty, s. immorality De-spond-en-cy, s. despair De-ter-mi-nate, a. limited De-tes-ta-ble, a. odious Dex-ter-i-ty, s. expertness Di-o-ce-san, s. a bishop Dis-com-flt-ure, 5. overthrow Dis-crim-in-ate, v. to distin- guish, to select Dis-par-i-ty, s. inequality Dis-qua-li-fy, v. to make unfit Dis-qui-et-ude, s. restlessness Dis-sem-in-ate, a. v. to scatter as seed [ent Dis-si-mi-lar, a. unlike, differ- Di-ver-si-fy, a. v. to vary [learn Do-cil-i-ty, s. willingness to Dox-ol-o-gy, s. a form of giving glory to God Duc-til-i-ty, s. pliancy Du-plic-i-ty, s. double dealing ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. De-fal-ca-tion, s. diminution Det-ri-men-tal, a. injurious Di-a-pa-son, s, an octave ; per- fect concord Dis-con-tent-ed, a. displeased Dis-con-tin-ue, a. v. to leave off Dis-in-her-it, a. v. to deprive of hereditary right Dis-re-spect-ful, a. uncivil and brutality. In process of time, when, from a variety of causes, the government became unpopular, the rulers availed themselves of this ignorance and brutality, and sought favour with the populace by the introduction of shows and entertainments suited to their depraved taste. In the later periods of the empire, the character of the people became still more debased by these savage exhibi- tions, so that it was thought advisable to erect very large theatres, where many thousands could -assemble together. Large sums were expended, and an incredible number of beasts, and many human beings, were destroyed. But these sports and spectacles gradually destroyed the love of independence and of country, and greatly assisted in the overthrow of the state. The Coliseum at Rome, of the ruins of which a representation is here given, was erected by the Emperor Vespasian, who reigned about 40 years after Christ. It was ornamented with statues representing all the provinces in the Empire, one in the centre being intended to represent Eome itself. The building was 1G12 feet in circumference, and would hold 100,000 spectators. In the inner circle were exhibited cruel combats between men and wild beasts 140 WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ef-fi-ca-cy, s. ability, power El-i-gi-ble, a. preferable Ep-i-lep-sy, s, a convulsive disease E-qui-ta-ble, a. just, candid Es-tu-a-ry, s. the mouth of a river subject to tides Ex-e-cra-ble, a. abominable Ex-em-pla-ry, a. worthy of imitation Ex-pli-ca-ble, a. explainable ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. E-con-o-my, s. good manage- ment ; frugality Ef-fem-in-ate, a. womanish Ef-fron-te-ry, s. impudence E-gre-gi-ous, a. remarkable E-lab-o-rate, a finished with care E-lu-ci-date, a. v. to explain E-ma-ci-ate, a. v. to waste E-man-ci-pate, a. v. to set free E-mer-gen-cy, s. sudden ne- cessity ; act of emerging E-moi-li-ent, a. assuaging E-mol-u-ment, s. profit Em-phat-i-cal, a. forcible En-co-mi-um, 5. praise E-nor-mi-ty, s, heinousness E-nu-mer-ate, a. v. to reckon E-pit-o-me, s. an abstract E-quiv-a-lent, a. of the same value E-quiv-o-cal, a. doubtful E-rad-i-cate, a. v. to root out Er-ro-ne-ous, a. full of errors Es-sen-ti-al, a. necessary E-vac-u-ate, a. v. to empty Ex-ag-ge-rate, a. v. to enlarge Ex-as-pe-rate, a. v. to enrage Ex-co-ri-ate, a. v. to strip off Ex-cru-ci-ate, a. v. to torture Ex-em-pli-fy, a. v. to illustrate Ex-hil-ar-ate, a. v. to cheer Ex-on-e-rate, a. v. to unload Ex-or-bi-tant, a, extravagant Ex-or-di-um, s. a beginning Ex-pa-ti-ate, v. to enlarge Ex-pe-di-ent, a. convenient Ex-pe-ri-ence, s. practice and during some of the great festivals, between three and four hun- dred beasts were slain. The men selected to fight on these occasions were of different classes : some were condemned criminals, who were allowed the chance of saving their lives by slaying the beast opposed to them. Some were furnished with defensive weapons ; but they were more frequently exposed, unarmed, to the fury of the beast, the spectators deriving a horrid kind of amusement from their desperate and frantic efforts to prolong their existence. — Another class of combatants, called gladiators, were regularly trained for the purpose ; men in desperate circumstances, who sought a precarious subsistence by displaying their dexterity and courage. But the majority were captives taken in war, or criminals, acting under com- pulsion. — During the persecutions of the early Christians, one mode of punishing them for preaching "peace upon earth, and good will among men," was the casting them, in a defenceless state, to wild beasts in these amphitheatres, or places similarly enclosed. — Of these disgraceful buildings nothing remains but the ruins, fragments of which are from time to time employed in the erection of palaces and other human habitations. WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 141 Ex- tem-po- re, ad. without fore- thought Ex-ten-u-ate, a. v. to lessen Ex-te-ri-or, a. outward Ex-tra-ne-ous, a, foreign Ex-trav-a-gant, a. wasteful Ex-trem-i-ty, s. utmost point Ex-u-be-rant, a. plentiful ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. E-men-da-tor, s. a corrector E-van-es-cent, a. vanishing ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Fig-u-ra-tive, a, typical F16-ri-cul-ture, s. the cultiva- tion of flowers For-mid-a-ble, a. terrible For-mu-la-ry, s. a set form ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Fa-cil-i-ty, s. easiness Fan-tas-ti-cal, a. whimsical Fas-tid-i-ous, a. fanciful Fe-cun-di-ty, s. fruitfulness Fe-li-ci-ty, 6'. happiness Fe-ro-ci-ty, s. fierceness Fi-del-i-ty, s. trustiness For-mal-i-ty, s. preciseness For-tu-i-tous, a. accidental Fra-gil-i-ty, s. brittleness Fra-ter-ni-ty, s. brotherhood Fri-gid-i-ty, s. coldness [come Fu-tu-ri-ty, s. the time to ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Ha-bil-i-ment, 5. clothing Hi-lar-i-ty, s. cheerfulness Hos-til-i-ty, s. open war Hu-mid-i-ty, s. dampness Hu-mil-i-ty, s. lowliness Hy-per-bo-le, s. rhetorical ex- aggeration Hy-poc-ri-sy, s. dissimulation Hy-po-the-sis, s. supposition ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ig-no-min-y, s. dishonour In-ti-ma-cy, s. friendship In-ven-to-ry, s. a catalogue Ir-ri-ta-ble, a. easily vexed Ju-di-ca-ture, s. power of dis- tributing justice ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. I-den-ti-cal, a the same Il-lit-er-ate, a. ignorant Il-lu-mi-nate, a. v. to enlighten Il-lus-tra-tive. a. elucidating Il-lus-tri-ous, a. noble Im-mac-u-late, a. spotless Im-mu-ni-ty, s. exemption Im-mu-ta-ble, a. unalterable Im-ped-i-ment, s. hinderance Im-per-a-tive, a. commanding Im-per-ti-nent, a. saucy Im-pet-u-ous, a. violent Im-por-tu-nate, a. very urgent Im-prov-i-dent, a. void of fore- sight [punishment Im-pu-ni-ty, a. freedom from In-an-i-ty. s. emptiness In-clem-en-cy, s. severity ln-con-gru-ous,#. inconsistent In-cor-po-rate, a. v. to unite In-dec-o-rous, a. unbecoming In-def-i-nite, a. unlimited In-dem-ni-ty, s. security In-e-bri-ate, v. a. to make drunk In-fe-ri-or, a. lower in degree In-flex-i-ble, a. immovable In-ge-ni-ous, a. inventive In-gen-u-ous, a. candid In-i-ti-ate, a. v. to instruct in In-quis-it-ive, a. prying [fled In-sa-ti-ate, a. not to be satis- In-scru-ta-ble, a. unsearchable In-sid-i-ous, a. treacherous In-teg-ri-ty, s. honesty 142 WORDS OP FOUR SYLLABLES. In-tem-pe-rance, s. excess In-ter-ro-gate, a. v. to question In-tim-i-date, a. v. to frighten In-tu-i-tive, a. seen by the mind immediately In-val-i-date, a. v. to make void In-ves-ti-gate, a. v. to examine In-vet-e-rate, a. obstinate In-vid-i-ous, a. envious I-ras-ci-ble, a. irritable Ir-ra-di-ate, v. to brighten I-tin-e-rant, a. journeying Ju-di-ci-ous, a. prudent ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. In-ad-vert-ent, s. heedless Tn-co-he-rent, a. loose In-ter-ees-sor, s. a mediator ln-ter-reg-num, s. the vacancy of a throne [ence of law Ju-ris-pru-dence, s. the sci- ACCENTED ON THE FJRST. La-bi-a-ted, a. having lips Lam-ent-a-ble, a. doleful Le-gend-a-ry, a. fabulous Li-ne-a-ment, s. a feature Lit-er-a-ture, 5. learning Lu-mi-na-ry, s. a light ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. La-bo-ri-ous, a. toilsome Le-ga-li-ty, s. lawfulness Li-vid-i-ty, s. discolouration Li-tig-i-ous, a. wrangling Lo-cal-i-ty, s. existence in, or belonging to a place Lon-gev-i-ty, s. length of life Lo-qua-ci-ty, s. talkativeness Lux-u-ri-ant, a. abounding ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Mal-e-fac-tor, s. el criminal Man-da-to-ry, a. preceptive Mel-an-cho-ly, a. gloomy Mem-o-ra-ble, a, notable Mer-ce-na-ry, s. a hireling Mi-gra-to-ry, a. passing from place to place Mo-ment-a-ry, a. not lasting ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Mag-nan-i-mous, a. noble Mag-nif-i-cent, a. pompous Ma-jor-i-ty, s. the greater number Ma-lev-o-lent, a. malicious Ma-li-ci-ous, a. spiteful Ma-te-ri-al, a. important Ma-ter-ni-ty s. the relation of a mother Ma-tu-ri-ty, s. ripeness Me-rid-i-an, s. the mid-day Mi-nor-i-ty, s. the smaller number Mo-nop-o-ly, s. an exclusive privilege of vending [tone Mo-not-o-ny, s. a sameness of Mys-te-ri-ous, a. secret [fables My-thol-o-gy, s. a system of ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. Man-u-fac-ture, s. any thing made by art [claration Man-i-fes-to, s. a public de- Mem-o-ran-dum, s. a note of remembrance [offence Mis-de-mean-our, s. a minor ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Na-vi-ga-ble, a, passable by Ne-ces-sa-ry, a. needful [ships Nu-ga-to-ry, a. of no effect ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. Na-tiv-i-ty, s. time of birth Ne-fa-ri-ous, a. wicked Ne-go-ti-ate, v. to treat with No-to-ri-ouSj a. publicly known Nu-mer-i-cal, a. denoting a number WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. US ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Ob-du-ra-cy, s. hardness of heart Oc-cu-pi-er, s. a possessor Or-a-to-ry, s. eloquence Or-di-na-ry, a. common ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. O-be-di-ent, a. dutiful Ob-lit-e-rate, a. v. to blot out Ob-li-vi-on, 5 forge tfulness Ob-scu-ri-ty, s. darkness Ob-se-qui-ous, a. obedient Of-fi-ci-ous, a. over busy Ol-fac-to-ry, a. having the sense of smelling Om-ni-po-tent, a. all-powerful Op-pro-bri-ous, a. reproach- ful, insulting O-rig-in-al, the s. first copy Or-thog-ra-phy, s. correct spelling Out-ra-ge-ous, a. furious ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. Pal-a-ta-ble, a. pleasing to the Par-si-mo-ny, s. thrift [taste Pa-tri-mo-ny, s inheritance Per-emp-to-ry a. absolute Pred-a-to-ry, a. plundering Pref-er-a-ble,E'i,the lamb of God. Ag'riculture, the art of cultivating the earth, so as to preserve and increase its fertility. A'gue, a periodical fever which occurs chiefly in low marshy situations. Aid-de-camp, (aid-de-Jtong',) an officer attending on a gene- ral to receive and carry orders. Air, a subtile, invisible, elas- tic fluid ; its bulk and density de- pending upon the temperature and pressure to which it is ex- posed. It is 820 times lighter than water*. A'labaster, a white stone, similar to marble, but softer in texture. It is used for ornaments, and small pieces of statuary. Albi'nos, a white race, with flaxen hair, red eyes, and a pale livid whiteness. Albu'men, (Ch.) a transparent and viscous fluid, found in the greatest purity in the white of Al'chemy, a vain art which had in view the discovery of an elixir of perpetual life, and of the power of transmuting baser metals into gold. Al'cohol, (Ch.) a highly rec- tified spirit, produced by vinous fermentation, and separated by distillation f. * Air. — Air is a material substance ; this may be easily proved, for when a youth forces air into a bladder, and closes the aperture, it becomes a ball, which, though scarcely of any weight, feels hard by pressure, and will resist a force equal to the strength of the material by which it is con- tained. The power and elasticity of air are also exemplified in the air- gun ; for, when pressed into such an instrument, and allowed suddenly to escape, it will force a bullet through a deal board an inch thick. Air, however, is not a simple substance ; its elements are oxygen, nitrogen, and a very small portion of carbonic acid ; the proportion of weight in nine grains of air, is two of oxygen, and seven of nitrogen. On the lower surface of the earth, air is more dense than on the tops of mountains ; and the higher we ascend, the thinner and colder it becomes ; so that if a pistol be fired at a great height, the sound it produces is scarcely heard. Could we dig to a depth of thirty miles below the surface of the earth, the air would there have the same density as water ; at the depth of forty- two miles, it would have that of quicksilver ; while at the centre it would be a solid substance. Like every other substance, air has a tendency to gravitate towards the earth ; and the lower strata, being pressed upon by the upper, become more compressed. This may be rendered more plain by supposing the atmosphere, which extends to about 45 miles from the earth, to be a column whose weight is 100 pounds ; in that case the base would be pressed upon by 99 pounds, the next portion by 98 pounds, and so on, until we arrived at the top, which would sustain no weight at all. f Alcohol is chiefly prepared from grapes, molasses, grain, and the farina, or flowery parts, of potatoes ; as these substances contain sugary IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 153 Alco'ran, or Koran, the vol- ume containing the doctrines and. precepts of Mahomet. Al'gebra, the science of cal- culating by means of symbols and letters, instead of by figures. A'lias, (L.) otherwise. A'libi, (L.) being in another place at a certain time. A'lien, (L.) a person born in a foreign land. Alien a'tion, (L.) the act of transferring the title and posses- sion of land, or other things, from one person to another. Al'iment, whatever serves as nutriment to animal life. Al'imony, (L.) the allowance a wife can claim from a husband when separated from him . Al'iquant parts, numbers which will not divide or measure a whole number exactly. Thus, seven is an aliquant part of six- teen. Al'iquot ■ parts, numbers which will divide and measure a whole number exactly, without any remainder. For instance, two is an aliquot part of four, three of nine, and four of sixteen. Al'kali, (Ch.) an appellation given to certain substances which excite an ebullition when mixed with acids.* Al'kaline, having the proper- ties of an alkali. Alle'giance (L.) the duty which binds the subject to the sovereign, in return for that pro- tection which the sovereign af- fords the subject. Al'legor y, a figurative speech, in which something more is in- tended than is expressed in the words taken literally f. matter, which is the basis of vinous fermentation. Alcohol is a hot, pun- gent, colourless, transparent fluid, so volatile as to be easily converted into vapour by the heat of the hand, and is said to be incapable of being frozen. It is a strong poison, a powerful antiseptic, and constitutes, also, the intoxicating property in wine, beer, and other strong drinks. * Alkali. — This word was first used by the Arabians as a name for the salt procured from the ashes left after the burning of marine vegetables, particu- larly the salt kali. The chief alkalies are potash, soda, and ammonia ; the first two are called fixed alkalies, the last volatile alkali. Potash is obtained by burning wood, and other vegetable matter, to white ashes, which, after being well washed, are subjected to heat in a crucible. Soda is a mineral alkali, being sometimes found in large seams in the earth ; and in sea- weed, but it is now obtained by the application of sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) to common salt. It is an important ingredient in the manufacture of glass and soap. Ammonia is termed a volatile alkali, because it is prin- cipally in a gaseous state. f Allegory. — One of the most beautiful is in the eightieth psalm, in which God's peculiar people, the Jews, are spoken of as a vineyard : " Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt ; thou hast, cast out the heathen and planted it. Thou didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land. The hills were covered with its shadow, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. Why hast thou broken down her hedges, so that all that pass do pluck her? and the boar out of the wood doth Waste it, and the wild beast doth devour it. Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts ! look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine, and the vineyard thy right hand hath planted, and the branch thou madest strong for thyself." In this allegory, there is no circumstance that does not strictly agree with a vine ; while, at the same time, the whole agrees with the Jewish state represented by this figure. H 2 154 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Alle'gro, (Mu.) the part play- ed in a lively and gay manner. Alli'teration, a figure of speech, chiefly used in poetry.* Allo'dial, (L ) relating to lands which, under the feudal system, were free, their owners owing no service to a superior lord. All'spice, the dried unripe berry of the Pimento tree, a na- tive of Mexico and the West In- dies. The flavour is highly aromatic, and includes that of several spices. Alltj'vial, relating to those parts of the earth's surface brought together or deposited by inunda- tions, or mountain torrents. Gra- ve^ loam, clay, sand, brown coal, bog, iron ore, wood, and coal, are of this kind. Al'mond, the kernel of a peach, which grows in the south of Europe. A'loes, a medicine of bitter flavour, distilled from the leaves of the aloe-tree. In the East, another species, called tambac, is a perfume highly valued. Al'pha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, [place or space. Al'titude, the height of a Al'to Relie'vo, sculptured work, standing out from the general flat surface. Al'um, a whitish crystalline salt, consisting of clay, potash, and sulphuric acidf . Amal'gam, a combination of mercury with other metallic sub- stances. Amanuen'sis, a person who writes what another dictates. Am'azons, female warriors, most of whose recorded exploits are the creation of fancy. Am'azon, a river of South America, being above 3000 miles in length, and 200 or 300 feet deep, at 1500 m. from its mouth. Ambas'sador, a person sent as the representative of a nation to a foreign country on any pub- lic business. Am'ber, a yellow gum, which becomes electrical by friction. Am'bergris, a solid, opaque, fatty substance, found on the sea- shores in warm climates, and sup- posed to be produced by the sperm whale. Ambidex'ter, a person who can use both hands with equal ease ; one who in party disputes will act on either side. Ambigu'ity, employment of words which admit of various significations. Amerce'ment, (L.) punish- ment by a pecuniary penalty. * Alliteration, — consists in the repetition of the same letter at certain intervals ; as "jRuin seize thee, ruthless King." The following on Cardinal Wolsey seems designed to ridicule alliteration : " .Begot by butchers, but by Mshops 6red, " How high, his Mghness ftoids his haughty /jead ! " f Alum, — is sometimes found ready formed in the earth ; but it is more commonly obtained from a clayey earth, called Alumina, or from the alum-ore collected from pits of coal. "When this ore is first dug up, it is put into depositories freely exposed to the air, and covered with water impregnated with sulphate of iron and alumina. "When the water has imbibed the saline matter, aud the earthy sediment is separated from it, the water is evaporated by boiling. It is then transferred to large coolers, where the process of crystallization takes place. The crystals undergo several processes, for the purpose of purifying the alum till it is fit for use. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 155 Am'ethyst, a precious stone*. Ammo'nia, (Ch.) a volatile gas, caused by heat and moisture act- ing on animu matter; its smell is suffocating, and when most con- centrated, destroys lifef . Am'monite, or snake-stone ; a fossil-shell rolled up into a ser- pentine-shape, [don. Am'nesty, (L.) a general par- Amor patria, love of country. Amphib'ious, being so form- ed as to be able to live at pleasure upon land, or in the water. Am'phitrite, (Z.) a small sea insect : in the Heathen Mytho- logy it is the goddess of the sea. Am'ulets, stones or trifles worn as supposed preventives of disorders or ill fortune. Anac'hronism, an error in computing time. An'agram, a transposition of the letters of some name, by means of which a new word is formed. Analeptics, (Med.) restora- tives which serve to repair the strength. Anal'ogy, a certain resem- blance or agreement between two or more things, which in other respects are entirely different. Anal'ysis, the act of dividing a subject into its component parts, and a contrary process to Synthe- sis, which consists in uniting the parts into a whole. Ana'strophe, in rhetoric the reversion of words in a sentence. An ATH'EMA,a curse pronounced Anat'omy, the art of dissect- ing bodies for the purpose of ex- amining their structure, and the nature, uses, and functions of the various parts J. An'chorite, one who, as an assumed service to God, denies himself the comforts of life, and separates himself from the world. Andan'te, (Mu.) is the me * Amethyst. — The precious stones are of various colours, and trans- parent. The Diamond is white ; Ruby and Garnet different shades of red. Amethyst is violet ; Sapphire and Torquoise, different shades of blue. Emerald, Beryl, and Aqua-marine, are different shades of green. The Topaz is yellow. The stones which are not deemed precious, are the Opal, Cornelian, Onyx, Sardonyx, Agate, and Jasper. These will all take a fine polish ; they are of various colours, and are used by jewellers for ornaments. f Ammonia. — It is artificially produced from most animal matter, except fat, by siibjecting it to heat in iron cylinders ; and when bones, hoofs, horns, woollen rags, and pounded coal, are thus burnt, a large quantity of car- bonate of ammonia is obtained, some of which is in a solid form, but the greater portion in a liquid state, having a pungent, disagreeable smell. From these is formed Spirit of Hartshorn. % Anatomy. — The names of various parts of the human body are, the skull, which contains the brain ; the jaivs and teeth, by the motions of which the tones of the voice are regulated, and the important process of chewing the food performed ; the gums ; the tongue ; the palate, or roof of the mouth, which is the organ of taste; the mouth; the gullet, or throat, the passage through which the food is conveyed into the stomach ; the windpipe, or passage for the breath to and from the lungs ; the chest, or interior of the breast, containing the heart and lungs, and other organs. The stomach resembles a bagpipe in shape ; into this the food is received and digested, and from thence it passes into the bowels. The 156 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, dium between the extremes of slow and quick time ; gentle, dis- tinct, and soothing. Anemom'eter, an instrument for measuring the force and velo- city of wind. An'eurism, (Ph.) a diseased swelling of an artery, attended with an irregular pulsation. An'gle, (Mat.) the space be- tween two lines which meet at a point. When they meet perpen- dicularly it is a right angle, and is 90 degrees ; when less, it is an acute angle; and when larger, an obtuse angle. An'glicism, a mode of speech peculiar to the English. Animal'cule, an animal ex- ceedingly small ; sometimes in- visible to the naked eye. Aw'imus, the spirit of any thing, or the principle of life. Anniversary, the annual return of some remarkable day. Annotation, a brief com- mentary, [our Lord. Anno domini, in the year of An'nular, in the form of, or resembling a ring. An'odyne, (Med.) that which has the power to mitigate pain and produce sleep. A NOM'ALY,deviation from com- mon rule. [fj m g before. An'te, a Latin particle, signi- Antece'dent, a word or argu- ment that goes before. . Ante Merid'ian, the time be- fore noon; its abbreviated form is A. M. [ers of insects. Anten'n^e, the horns or feel- Antepenul'timate, the last but two of any number of letters, words, or things. Antho'logy, (Bo.) a collection heart is a muscular vessel by the motion of which the blood is circulated through the body. The lungs, sometimes called the lights, receive and discharge the air we breathe. The liver is a firm substance on the right side of the lower part of the belly, and separates the bile from the blood. The glands are small roundish lumps which secrete various fluids from the blood : the kidnies belong to this class. The bladder is a bag which ceives a large portion of fluid intended to passed from the body. There are, beside, several substances and organs which extend through the body. Bones are hard substances which form the skeleton, or frame work. The spine, or back-bone, is formed of a number of small bones, called vertebrae, so united to each other as to be perfectly flexible. Ribs are curved bones, joined to the spine behind, and to the breast-bone in front. Cartilage is a smooth, gristly substance, covering the ends of bones at their joints. Ligaments are bands which connect bones. Joints are the parts where the bones are united. Muscles are fibrous portions of flesh, by which the motions of the body are performed. Tendons are the ends of the muscles formed into cords. A sinew is a smaller kind of tendon. Nerves are small cords which proceed from the brain, and extend through every part, causing sensation, or feelings. Arteries are the larger blood vessels, conveying the blood from the heart to the most distant part. Veins are smaller vessels through which the blood is conducted back again. At every pulsation, or beating of the heart, the blood is forced into the arteries, and causes the motion called the pulse. In the same manner the blood flows into the veins and returns to the heart : this motion is called the circulation of the blood. The pores are very small openings in the skin, through which a watery fluid escapes. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART, 157 cf flowers ; in poetry it is a selec- tion of choice poems. An'thracite, a species of coal which kindles without flame or smoke, and burns with an in- tense heat. It is of value in the smelting of iron. Anthropoph'agi, a word sig- nifying men-eaters. An'ti, a Greek particle, signi- fying contrary to. Anticli'max, in oratory or writing, a descent or fall, from the great to the little. An'tidote, a remedy An'timony, a white brittle metal, incapable of being rolled into sheets or drawn into wire ; it is used in medicine in different forms. Antip'odes, the place diame- trically opposite to another*. Antithesis, a figure in rhe* toric by which a contrast is drawn between two things, so as to exhibit the opposite qualities of eachf. Antisep'tics, those substan- ces which prevent putrefaction, as salt, nitre, sugar, vinegar, char- coal, and alcohol. An'titype, a figure correspond- ing to some type. Ape'rient, (Med.) a mildly- laxative drug. Aphe'lion, (As.) that point of a planet's orbit, in which it is most distant from the sun. A'piary, a place where bees are kept in hives. A'pogee, (As.) the greatest distance of the moon from the earth. Apoc'ryphal, something doubtful, or unknown. Ap'ograph, a copy or trans- script of some book or writing. Apol'lo, the fabled god of poetry, music, and the fine arts. A'pologue, a fable or story so contrived as to teach some moral truth. Ap'oplexy, a disorder of the brain, which suddenly destroys all sensation. A posterio'ri, from the effect to the cause. Apos'tles, the twelve disciples of Christ, who after his cruci- fixion preached the gospel. Apos'trophe, in rhetoric a sudden change by which a speak- er turns his discourse from the subject to some person or thing ; as, death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory ? J Ap'othegm, (Apothem) a short, sententious, instructive maxim ; as, " Wisdom is the principal thing ; therefore get wisdom." * Antipodes. — If we suppose a hole to be bored from any given place through the centre of the earth to another, that part would be the antipodes to the former place. The antipodes to England is in the Southern Ocean, in latitude 51 J S. and longitude 180° W. At this place it is night during our day, and summer during our winter. f Antithesis. — The following is a specimen ; as, * He was great by the energies of nature ; you were little by the misapplication of wit. Wit in him was of spontaneous growth ; in you it seemed to be the fruit of crude study." | Apostrophe. — It is frequently used in poetry, in which only it is ad- missible, to reduce a line to its proper measure, as in the following example : — Fix'd to ao spot is happiness sincere, ' Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where. In Grammar, it denotes a note or character placed over a letter instead of a vowel, to shew that the vowel is not to be pronounced. 158 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Apothe'osis, a ceremony, by which emperors, holy men, and others, were consecrated, or dei- fied after death. Ap'panage, land set apart by princes, to support their younger children. Appea'l, (L.) the removal of a cause from an inferior to a su- perior court. A prio'ri, from the cause to the effect. Approximation, a drawing near to. Appropriation, (L.)the dis- posal of tithes which do not be- long to the beneficed clergyman, but are devoted to the support of a college or a bishoprick. If a layman hold them, the holding is an impropriation. Aquafor'tis, (Ch.) the name given to diluted nitric acid. It corrodes metals. Aquat'ic, that which lives and grows in or on the water. Aquatint'a, a style of engrav- ing resembling the effect of a drawing made with Indian ink. Aq'ueduct, a conveyance for water*. Ar'abesque, any fanciful en richments or sculpture, used upon flat surfaces, consisting of inter- lacing,foliage,scrolls, or networkf . Arbitrator, (L.) a judge, chosen by the mutual consent of disputants to settle their dispute. Arbores'cent, haying a re- semblance to trees. Architecture, the art of designing and erecting buildings. It contains five orders, called the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. Ar'chitrave, that part of a column immediately over the ca- pital. Ar'chetype, the first model of any work. Argilla'ceous, partaking of the nature of clay. Argumen'tum ad hom'inum, an argument to the man. Aristoc'racy, a form of go- vernment where the supreme power is vested jointly in the principal persons of the state. The nobility of any country. Arithmetic, the art of num- bering or reckoning. Aro'ma, that part of odorous * Aqueduct. — To bring water from a distance, some of the most stupendous works of antiquity were erected. Had the ancients been aware of the influence of the atmosphere upon all fluids, a great propor- tion of their labour might have been spared.. As the Romans extended their conquests, they built aqueducts near the most important cities ; and our cut is a representation of the Pon t du Gard, which remains as a monument of the genius and industry of that people. It is situated near Nismes, in the South of France, and is composed of three several bridges, one above the other, of which the arcades successively diminish in space and increase in number. The first bridge or range of arches is composed of arched openings, 500 feet long, and 62 feet high ; the second range has eleven arches, of the same height as that beneath, but 798 feet in length ; the third range consists of thirty-five arches or arcades, on a scale smaller by five to one ; and this was the canal or aqueduct, four feet in height, five feet in breadth, its side-walls or parapets two feet six inches thick, its sides incrusted with a layer of cement three inches thick, and a coat of red paint over, and its bed of mixed pebbles, sand, and lime, eight inches thick, as new as if it were the work of the last age : the whole joined two lofty heights, and carried the waters of the Uzes to ancient Nismes. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 159 bodies which affects the organs of smell. Aromat'ic, yielding a fragrant smell, and imparting a warm taste. Arpeg'gio, distinctness of tone in musical language. Arraign 'ment, (L.) is the calling of a person to the bar of a court, to answer an indictment. Arres't, (L.) the seizing a person to place him in custody. Ar'row root, a plant of highly nutritious qualities, used by the Indians as a remedy for the wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows. Ar'senal, a magazine, a place where warlike equipments are stored. Ar'senic, (Ch.) a brittle whit- ish metal, strongly poisonous. It is obtained from several minerals. Ar'teries, that class of ves- sels which distribute the red or oxygenated blood over the body. Arte'sian Wells, borings made through various strata of earth, from which water rises spontaneously. Asafcet'ida, a resinous gum, of a very offensive smell, ob- tained from a plant which is a native of Persia. Asbes'tos, a fibrous mineral, very abundant in Corsica*. The City of Rome was at one time supplied with water from twenty aqueducts, whose sources were from thirty to sixty miles distant. The series of arches in one of these was calculated at 7000, their height being, in many places, more than a hundred ieet. The ruins of several of these splendid works remain ; and modern Rome is supplied by water by three of the ancient aqueducts, which have undergone repairs and restoration. f Arabesque. — Thus named, because the Arabians, with whom it originated, rejected the representation of animals. * Asbestos. — This fibrousmineral, sometimes called Mountain flax, was formerly manufactured into cloth, for the purpose of wrapping the dead bodies intended to be burned. Such cloth resisted any ordinary fire, and thus the ashes of the corpse were preserved distinct, and could be placed M 160 WORD3 OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Ascar'ides, worms that infest the intestines of animals. Asphal'tum, a mineral pitch, one of the varieties of bitumen, formed by the decomposition of vegetable matter*. Assay'ing, the process of test- ing the purity of the precious metals; it determines the quantity of any ore contained in them. Ass'ets, (L.) goods or money sufficient to satisfy a legal de- mand. Assid'uous, constant in appli- cation and study, till the object is accomplished. Assign 'men t, (L.^ transfer- ring the interest which a man has in anything to another person. Assimila'tion, the act of con- verting anything into the nature and substance of another. Assump'sit, (L.) a volunta- ry promise, by which a man as- sumes or takes upon himself to perform or pay any thing to another. Asth'ma, a disease of the lungs, causing painful, difficult, and la- borious breathing, with a hissing cough. Astrol'ogy, the impudent pre- tence of an ability to foretell fu- ture events by the situations and aspects of the heavenly bodies. Astrin'gent, binding or con- tracting. Astron'omy, the science of the celestial bodies, explaining their magnitude, motion, distan- ces, period, eclipses, and order. Athen^e'um, an ancient place for public teaching. Athle'te, those who contested at the public games of Greece for the prizes given in reward of superior personal strength and agility. At'om, a particle of matter so very minute as to admit of no further division. Attachment, (L.) the sei- zure of goods which are not removed, but secured till the issue of a cause is known. Attain'der, (L.) that stain or infamy which is incurred by a man who has committed felony, treason, or other crime, and who is capitally convicted of the same. Attenua'tion, the art of making any thing thin or slender. Attor'ney, (L.) one who is qualified to take out any process in a court of law; a legal agent. Attesta'tion, (L.) the giv- ing testimony or evidence of the truth of any thing, especially in writing. Attraction, the tendency which all bodies have to approach each other. Attrition, such a motion of bodies against one another, as strikes off some superficial parti- in vases or urns. The art of making this cloth was lost in the middle ages ; but recently some portions of dress were made from it, under the idea that it would prove useful to firemen and others, who might be exposed to the action of flame. * Asphaltum is found in abundance near the Dead Sea, and in still greater quantities in the island of Trinidad, where there is a large plain of it, called the Tar Lake, which is three miles round, and is of unknown depth. Asphaltum constituted the chief material of the Greek fire. The ancients generally used it as mortar in their buildings, and the Egyptians used it in their process of embalming. In combination with gravel it forms a very hard cement, and is now much employed in the paving of streets. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 161 cles. The grinding and polishing of bodies is performed by at- trition. At'rophy, (Med.) a disease, under the influence of which the body, or some of its parts, from va- rious causes, insensibly wastes away. Attributes, in logic, are what may be affirmed or denied of things.* Au'ditor, an officer appoint- ed annually to examine accounts. Au'gury, the assumed power of foretelling events by signs and omens. Au'lic, the high court or coun- cil of the German empire. Au'ricles, (An.) muscular appendages to the heart and ears. Auro'ra, the morning twi- light. Auso'ra Borea'lis, the northern lights, f Ausculta'tion, the discovery of disease from internal sounds. Au'tograph, a persons hand- writing. Autom'aton, a figure to which motion is given by wheels, springs, and weights. [helps. Auxiliary, anything that Av'alanche, an increasing mass of snow that rolls from the tops of high mountains. Ava'tar, an Hindoo word used to express an incarnate descent of the god Vishnu upon earth, nine of which descents are held to have been already made, while the tenth is yet to come. Av'erage, the results from an equal division of several sums added together. A'viary, a place for the feed- ing and breeding of birds. Az'ote, (Ch.) called also Nitro- gen, is one of the substances or gases of which air is composed ; it will extinguish flame and de- stroy life. It forms about 4 fifths of atmospheric air. B. B a'chelor, a man unmarried J. Bail, (L.) sureties who under- take to produce, at a certain time and place, a person who may be charged with an offence. * Attributes. — In painting and sculpture they are symbols added to several figures, to intimate their particular office and character. Thus, an eagle is an attribute of Jupiter ; a peacock, of Juno ; a club, of Hercules ; a palm, of Victory ; &c. The perfections of God, as justice, goodness, wisdom, and power, are called his attributes. f Aurora Borealis, — This luminous, oscillating meteor appears at night, and most usually in frosty weather. It is seldom seen towards the equator, but appears with the greatest lustre towards the polar regions, where its effulgence affords a very beautiful light. This phenomenon is supposed to result from the movement of electricity through the air. Its appearance has sometimes caused great terror to those who were unac- quainted with its harmless effect. % Bachelor. — At Universities, a title given to persons who have obtained the first degree in the particular study to which they are devoted. Before a person can be admitted to this degree at Oxford, (and the same rule applies to Cambridge,) he must study there four years ; three years additional entitle him to the degree of Master of Arts, and in seven years more he may attain the dignity of Bachelor of Divinity. A Bachelor of Music must have composed an exercise for voices and instruments, in six parts, which exercise must be publicly performed in the University. Knight Bachelor is the designation of tl© lowest order of Knights, whose title is not hereditary. 162 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Ball, a round substance*. Ballo'on, an aerial machinef. Bank'rupt, a man in debt beyond the power of payment. Bar'bacan, an outer defence or fortification to a city or castle. Baril'la, an alkaline sub- stance obtained from the ash of sea weed, and formerly employed in manufacturing soap and glass. But common rock salt has now nearly superseded its use. Bar'ioscope, an instrument which determines the true quan- tity of air in a certain space. Barom'eter, an instrument for measuring the weight or pressure of the atmosphere]:. Bar'ratry, (L.) fomenting quarrels and law-suits; any foul practice on the part of the master or mariners of a ship. Barrica'de, to stop up a passage with materials the most readily obtained. Bar'row, in British Antiqui- ties a mound of earth raised as a sepulchral monument over the bodies of deceased warriors. Bar'ter, the exchange of one commodity for another ; the mode adopted among those tribes or people who possess no money. Bary'tes, a combination of the metal barium and oxygen. Basil'icon, an ointment con- sisting of resin, oil, and wax. * Ball, in astronomy, is a globe or sphere. Place a line round it, and the length of that is the circumference, or 360 degrees ; cut it exactly in halves, and it forms two " hemispheres ;" put a line across the widest flat surface of the divided ball, and the length that way is the " diameter" about one third of the circumference) : again, cut one of the hemispheres in two, and you have a quarter, and "a right angle" of 90 degrees. In philosophy, when a ball is bowled up to a certain object its turning round is called a " revolution on its axis ; " as it goes onward, its motion is said to be " rectilinear," that is, in a straight line. The action of your hand, which set the ball in motion, is called " force ; " the speed, at which it goes is "velocity," or rate of motion : should a few stones prevent the ball reaching the object, its motion is "retarded;" but should it reach the point aimed at, and pass down a declivity behind, it then receives an "accelerated" motion. At cricket playing, when the ball is struck by the bat, the blow is called the momentum : and the distance it may travel depends on the relative sizes of the bat and ball, and the force with which it was struck. From principles similar to these, have the three following laws of motion been established. 1. — That every body will continue in a state of rest, until put into motion by some external force applied to it, and if that force be single, the motion so produced will be in a straight line, rectilinear. 2. — Change of motion is always proportioned to the moving force impressed, and is always made in the direction of the right line in which the force acts. 3. — Action and Re-action are equal in equal quantities of matter, and act in contrary directions to each other. f Balloons, are formed of silk, and are rendered air-tight by a varnish made of a solution of gums and India rubber. They are some- times filled with hydrogen or heated air, which is much lighter than the atmospheric air ; but the ordinary coal gas, when the more valuable illu- minating gas is evolved, is often used, as it contains less carbon, and is much lighter. % Barometer. — The action of this instrument is the pressure of the air on a column of mercury, which is an elastic substance, that is ex- IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 163 Basal'tes, a heavy hard stone*, Bass Relief, sculpture, the figures of which do not stand fully out from the ground. Bastina'do, the punishment of beating on the soles of the feet. Bas'tion, a rampart or bul- wark projecting beyond the walls of a town. Bat'on, a staff, or truncheon, a symbol of authority, [soldiers. Battal'ion, a body of foot Bat'ten, a narrow slip of wood used for building purposes. Bat'tery, (L.) a violent beat- ing or striking any person. Bat'tlements, walls raised above the top of a fortified build- ing, having openings for the dis- charge of missiles. Bay'- salt, salt obtained by the evaporation of sea-water in shal- low pits. Bazaa'r, an eastern name for a daily market, or exchange. Beatifica'tion, an act by which the Pope declares that a deceased person is blessed. Beau Mond'k, the gay and fashionable world. Belles Lettres, (bel-la'-ter) polite literature, especially that species which has a reference to matters of taste. Bellig'erent, engaged in war; inclined to war, [and tin. Bell-metal, an alloy of copper Belvedere, (Ar.) an emi- nence for the enjoyment of a prospect, or a fine view. Ben'zoin, (Med.) a gum or panded or contracted by weight. It is sometimes called a weather-glass, because it indicates by its rising or falling any change which the atmos- phere undergoes. It is also used to ascertain the height which travellers may attain, either on a mountain, or in a balloon, as the mercury falls about one tenth of an inch in every 100 feet of a perpendicular ascent. * Basaltes. — This stone is supposed to be of volcanic origin, as it is often found near volcanoes. Large columns of basalt form the Giants' Causeway, in Ireland, and the Isle of S tafia, one of the Hebrides. The most remarkable specimen is the Cave of Fingal, of which a representation is here given. This is an object of great magnificence. It is entered by an 164 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, resin, sometimes called gum ben- jamin. Ber'gamot, a fruit produced by grafting the citron on the Bergamot pear tree : its essence makes a delightful perfume. Be'tel Nut, the fruit of an Indian plant, the leaf of which is chewed by Southern Asiatics, to sweeten the breath and strength- en the stomach. Biblio'grapher, a person well acquainted with books. Big'amy, the crime of second marriage, while the first husband or wife is living. Bile, a fluid of a greenish co- lour and viscid consistence, se- creted by the liver*. Bill, a writing ; a documentf. Bil'lion, a million of millions. Biog'rap^y, the history of a person 1 s life. Bis'muth, (Mi.) a brittle metal of a reddish or yellowish-white colour. It is very hard, but easily fusible, and unites with other metals, rendering them more fu- sible; it is therefore used in making solder, printers types, and pewter. Bit'umen, or Pitch ; a combus- tible mineral, which, w r hen most fluid, is called naptha; when glutinous, petroleum; and when hard, asphaltum. Bi'valves, a class of shell-fish, comprising those which have shells of two pieces united by a hinge. Bla'zonry, the art of de- scribing all that belongs to he- raldic or armorial bearings. Blub'ber, the fat of whales and other large fish. Bo'^a fide, (L.) real, just, and lawful, as when a person has performed an action in good faith. irregular arch, fifty-three feet broad, and one hundred and seventeen feet high ; the interior is two hundred and fifty feet in length. The sides, which are straight, are divided into pillars ; and the roof is of a light colour, which, when contrasted with the dark colour of the stone itself, produces an effect similar to Mosaic work. In general appearance the cavern resembles the rich ornaments of some grand Gothic building. In fine weather the farther end of the cave can be reached by boats, but with the least swell they are liable to be dashed to pieces. * Bile. — The liver is the organ that secretes the bile, and is also the gland by which this fluid is formed. The use of the bile is the assistance which it gives to the digestion of our food. After food has been swal- lowed, it is reduced in the stomach to a fluid mass called chyme, which, when accumulated, is ejected from thence ; and then, by the action of bile, it becomes chyle, and is separated into the nutritious, and excrementous parts. The bile also stimulates the intestinal canal, for when there is a deficiency of bile, the body is generally costive. f Bill. — In Chancery, a Bill is a written declaration cf a grievance for which redress is claimed. A Bill of Entry is an account of goods delivered at a Custom-house. A Bill of Exchange is a note ordering payment of money at a certain time. A Bill of Ladhvj is the receipt of the master of a ship, for goods which he has undertaken to deliver at a certain place. A Bill of Parcels is an account given by the seller to the buyer, of the qualities and quantities of goods sold to him. A Bill of Sale is a deed by which one person secures to another possession of cer- tain goods for which he has received a consideration. A Bill of Costs is an account by a lawyer to a client of his expences and charges. IN LITERATURE, SC Borax, a mineral salt much used in chemical operations. Bor'ough, a town, not a city, governed by a corporation. Bor'otjgh-English, a custom by which the youngest son in- herits instead of the eldest. Bot'any, that science which treats of the nature and classifica- tion of plants. Bot'tomry, (L.) the borrow- ing of money on a contingency; thus, if a ship returns in safety, the money is to be paid with in- terest ; if otherwise, it is lost or forfeited. Bran'dy, a liquor consisting of alcoho], water, and resin. Brass, an alloy, or mixture, of one third zinc, and two-thirds copper. Bravu'ra, (Mu.) a difficult passage reo L uiring a brilliant and flashing style of singing. Bread, an article of food*. Break'water, a fence of stone or wood to break the force with which the sea enters a har- bour. Brec'cia, or pudding-stone, an aggregate substance formed of several varieties of small stones. Brest'summer, (bres-sa-mer) ( Ar. ) the beam over a shop win- dow, or the support of a wall. Brevet', rank conferred in an army, without corresponding pay or duty. ience, and art. 165 Bre'viary, the book of the daily service of the Church of Rome. Bri'bery, the crime of giving or taking rewards for bad prac- tices. Bro'ker, an agent appointed to transact particular business for and between othersf . Brim'stone, the common name for Sulphur. This mineral is chiefly found in the neigh- bourhood of volcanoes, or burn- ing mountains. Bron'chia, (Jbron-Tie-a) (An.) the various branches of the tra- chea, or windpipe, which convey the air to the lungs. Bronchot'omy, in surgery, an incision made in the windpipe to counteract the tendency of cer- tain suffocating diseases. Bul'bous, of rounded shape, as roots with fibres at the base. Bude'light, a gas light, with the air so directed upon the flame as to give more perfect combus- tion and increased brilliancy. Bul'lion, gold and silver not considered as coin. Bul'letin, an official ac- count of an event of general interest. Bur'glary, (L.) the crime of breaking into an inhabited house and stealing, or intending to steal. Burlet'ta, a light description of comic drama. * Bread is usually made of flour and water, and, to render it light, yeast, or barm, which is the froth of beer in a state of fermentation, is employed. Leaven is sour dough, used instead of yeast. Unleavened bread is not fermented. At the feast of the Passover, bread thus prepared is eaten by the Jews, as a memorial of the haste in which they left the land of Egypt. f Exchange Brokers, are those who negotiate the purchase or sale of foreign bills of exchange. Insurance Brokers effect insurances on ships and merchandize, against the perils to which they are exposed. Stock Brokers effect purchases and sales of the public stocks and funds, or in the stock or fund of any company or corporation. Pawnbrokers are those who lend money at interest upon goods placed in their hands, as a security for the return of the loan. 166 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Bur's ar, a pupil supported upon endowment. Bur'sje Muco'svE, (An.) a set of small organs whicli secrete a fatty fluid for the lubrication of joints and tendons. c. Cadu'ceus, a wand encir- cled by serpents, the attribute of the heathen god Mercury ; it is also an emblem of peace. Cadu'cous, (Bo.) falling early Caissoon', (kas-soon,) the case within which the foundations of a bridge are laid; or a chest filled with bombs or powder. Cairn, a heap of stones, raised as a memorial over a grave*. Cal'amine, a kind of bitumi- nous fossil earth, a mixture cf which with copper forms brass. Cal'amus, a rush, or reed, used anciently as a pen to write on parchment, or papyrus. Calca'reous, a species of spar, or other earthy matter contain- ing lime, or formed wholly of it. Calcina'tion, the process of reducing bodies to a brittle pul- verisable condition by the action of fire. Cal'culus, stones or concre- tions found in the body, deposit- ed either from the bile or the urinary secretion ; it is also ap- plied to the higher orders of mathematical reasoning. Ca'lends, the first day of every Eoman month. Calefac'tion, the act of heat- ing. Calig'raphy, fine handwri- ting, or the art of penmanship. Ca'libre, the interior diame- ter of the bore of any piece of ordnance. Cal'omel, a compound of oxi • dised mercury with muriatic acid, and much used in medicine. Calo'ric, (Ch.) the principle or cause of heat as distinguished from the sensation. Calx, a kind of fine powder, which remains of metals, mine- rals, &c, after they have lost all their humid parts, by the opera- tion of fire. Cal'yx, (Bo.) the cup, or that part of a plant which surrounds and supports the other parts of the flower. Ca'meo, a kind of onyx stone, but the term is applied to stones having figures raised in relief upon the surface. Cam'era Lu'cida, an instru- ment used for drawing in per- spective, and for copying and reducing complicated drawings. The object is reflected, by a prism, on a sheet of paper or other flat surface, and is then traced with a pencil. Cam'era Obscu'ra, a machine by which objects reflected through a double convex glass are ex- hibited on a white space beneath the focus of the glass. Cam'phor, a resinous gum ex- tracted from a tree growing in Japan ; it is found in small flakes near the centre. Canoniza'tion, a process by which the Pope enrols deceased persons in the canon or catalogue of saints. Can 'ow Law, ecclesiastical de- cisions and rules for regulating the church. * Cairn. — Similar heaps composed of earth only are called barrows. By the Romans they were called tumuli. Some of esch description are still to be seen in many parts of Great Britain and Ireland, and in several other places. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 167 Canzo'ne, a song in two or three parts, or a lyric to which music may be composed. Can- zonet is a shorter piece of the same kind. CAOVT'cjio\jc,(Jwwt-chouk,) or Indian rubber; a resinous gum extracted from a tree growing in the Brazils*. Ca'per-tree, (Bo.) a shrub, growing in the south of Europe, the buds of which are pickled. Ca'pias, (L.) a Writ for the ar- rest of a person. Capil'lary, a term applied to delicate tubes which have a very fine bore. Capillary Attraction is the power that fluids have of rising above their level in fine tubes or pipes. By this attraction, water is sucked up in sugar, sponge, and other porous articles. Ca'rat, a weight used in weighing diamonds, equivalent to four grains. Carava'n, a large carriagef . Oar'bon, (Ch.) the inflam- mable part of any substance; its most common form is charcoal, which is wood burnt without contact with the airj, CAR'BONATK,(Ch.)a compound formed by the union of car- bonic acid with different bases; thus are produced carbonate of lime, and carbonate of soda. Car'buret, (Ch.) a substance formed by the combination of car- bon with earth, metals, or alkali. Ca'ria, (Z.) the intermediate link of animals between the mouse and rabbit tribes. Ca'ries, rottenness of bones. Carmin'atives, medicines which promote perspiration. Carniv'orous, the name giv- en to animals that feed on flesh. Caro'tid Ar'teries, (An.) two arteries in the neck, which convey the blood from the heart to the brain. Carte Blanche, a blank form, a phrase to denote uncon- ditional or unqualified terms. Car'tilage, (An.) gristle, harder and drier than a ligament, and softer than a bone. Cartoon', a design on strong paper, preparatory to its being drawn on a wall or canvass. Cat'a plasm, a synonome for a poultice. Catalep'sis, a sudden sup- pression of motion and sensation. Cat'aract, an affection of the * Caoutchouc. — The tree from which this is obtained, grows in forests to the height of nearly forty feet before it throws out branches ; it then rises several feet higher. Its leaves are thick, smooth, and shining, and are about six inches long. The gum is at first a milky juice, which is extracted from the trunk, in the proportion of about a gill a day, by the means of tapping, at suitable seasons of the year. This juice is spread over lumps of clay, moulded into various forms, and is gradually dried in the sun, or in the smoke of fuel. It is soft and elastic, and resists the action of water, in consequence of which it is used for a great number of articles which require to be waterproof. For this latter purpose it is dissolved in naptha, or purified coal tar, and applied as a coating to different kinds of cloth. It has of late years become a very important article of commerce. f A Caravan is also a travelling body of merchants or pilgrims, who join in company for the purposes of convenience or safety. In the East Caravans have both a commercial and a religious character. They are regularly organized by the government, and are placed under the direction 168 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, crystalline humour of the eye: a waterfall. Catarrh', a defluxion from the nose, throat, or windpipe, con- stituting one common symptom of the complaint termed a cold. Catas'trophe, the close of any event or course of events, of officers of rank, who are careful to maintain good order. The Hadji, ^-^ or Pilgrim Caravans, proceed annually to ^^_^^fe Mecca, not merely for the purposes of trade, 3SBRl8BfS=^ ^ m ^ or Performing certain devotions at the -___;___ tomb of their prophet Mahomet, a duty .z. _ ~ which his followers feel bound to perform - "-- -v at least once during their lives. The cara- - =-'- - vans consist of from fifteen to twenty thou- „„ - S- - < ' / sand camels, and forty-five thousand to sixty ^x : ~^:'<'-'^f- thousand men. They set out from Constan- tinople, and collect pilgrims and traders all through Anatolia and Syria. The armed forces of different local governors escort ^ them from town to town ; and inns, and fountains of pure water, are pro- vided by the road- sides. \Vhen the caravan arrives at Damascus, it is under the protection of the Pasha, who derives both honor and profit from the charge. After remaining at this city for nearly a month, and changing the camels, the caravan proceeds on a thirty days' jour- ney across the desert, with the Pasha, or one of his chief officers, at its head. As the plundering Arabs are always on the look out, it is guarded in the front and rear by troops of horse. The travellers are furnished with animals, tents, and servants, and needful provision, by men who take upon them all the trouble and expense for a given sum. When the Caravan arrives at Mecca, bringing with it goods from many parts of the world, that city presents the appearance of a vast fair. % Carbon, in its purest chrystallized state is known as the diamond. Ivory black is the carbon of bones, lamp black of oil, and soot is the carbon of coals. It is also found, though in a less pure state, in vege- table, animal, and even mineral bodies. Y>'hen carbon combines with IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 169 Cat'gut, a strong kind of string made from the membranes of animals, used chiefly for musi- cal instruments. Caulk'ing, the driving oakum into the seams of a ship, and after- wards saturating them with melt- ed pitch or resin. Caus'tic, any burning appli- cation. Causa'tion, the action or power of a cause in producing its effect. Ca'veat, (L.) a process for staying a proceeding until fur- ther enquiry is made*. Cavia're, sturgeon-roes, salt- ed and preserved as a condiment. Cel'lular, (An.) consisting of little cells or cavities. Cel'lular Membrane,(Ah.) the integument which connects the various parts of the body. Cem'etery, a place where the remains of the dead are deposited. Cent'aur, a poetical fiction, a figure supposed to be com- pounded of a man and a horse. Catop'trics, that part of op- tics which explains the properties of reflected light. Cen'tipede, an insect said to have a hundred feet. Centrif'ugal, the tendency with which bodies, restrained in circular motion, endeavour to move in a straight line. Centrip'etal, the tendency of bodies to move towards the centre of motion. CENTu'aiON,an officer of Ko- man infantry, who commanded a century, or one hundred men. CE'RATE,an ointment composed of wax combined with oil. CEREBEL'LUM,(An.) that part of the brain in the back of the skull, an injury to which causes the power of volition to cease. Cer'ebrum, (An.) that part of the brain which occupies the front and top of the skull, the removal or injury of which de- prives the animal of sensation. Cere'ment, cloths dipped in melted wax, with which dead bodies are enfolded. Certiorari, (cer-shi-o-ra-re) (L.) a writ or precept, issued by a superior court, to bring up the records of a cause from an infe- rior one, in order that it may be more carefully investigated. Ceta'ceous, a class of fishes of the whale kind, which retain their heat in the water, and are oxygen, two gases are produced, one called carbonic acid gas ; and the other, containing less oxygen, the oxyde of carbon. When Carbon com- bines with hydrogen, it forms carburetted hydrogen gas, used in gas lights. Carbonic acid is an elastic fluid, much heavier than atmospheric air, and will neither support animal life nor combustion. This gas is gene- rated by decayed vegetables in the process of fermentation, and is injurious, and sometimes destructive to persons who inhale it. When accumulated in mines, wells, or very confined rooms, it is commonly called foul air. A fearful example of its effects occurred at Barclay and Perkins's brewery. A large vat of strong ale having been emptied, two men went to cleanse it before the carbonic acid gas, produced by the fermentation of the ale, had sufficiently escaped ; they instantly fell senseless, and died in a few minutes. Had time been allowed for a due portion of oxygen to enter, these effects would have been counteracted ; or had they let down a lighted candle into the vat, the candle would have been extinguished, and thus the danger would have been made apparent. I 170 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, surroundedby a thick coat of fat or blubber. [alike. Cet'eris Pa'ribus, other things Chalk, carbonate of lime*. Chalyb'eate, (ka-lyh-e-ate) water impregnated with iron or steel. Chamomile, (kam-o-mile) a plant of bitter taste, but having many medicinal virtues. Charyb'dis, a whirlpool at the entrance of the Sicilian straits, formerly an object of great terror, and in avoiding which mariners were in danger of run- ning upon the rock Scylla. The terms are now employed figura- tively, to describe circumstances of perplexity and danger. Ciiar'ter, a written record of things done between parties, or of privileges granted. Chef-d'ceu'vre, (shay-doo- ver) amaster-piece,or chief work. Chem'istry, (kem-is-iry) the science which investigates the na- ture of material substances, and their composition and properties, together with the changes they undergo. [angels. Cher'ubtm, a superior order of Chevali'er, a horseman arm- ed at all points ; a gallant young man. Chica'nery, mean and un- fair artifices to pervert, to per- plex, and to obscure the truth. CHIL ; TERNHuNDREDS,Certam Crown lands, the acceptance of the stewardship of which enables a member of the House of Com- mons to vacate his seat. No pay is attached to the office. Chime'ra, (ki-me-ra) a vain and idle fancy. (Jhirog'raphy, (kirog-ra-fe) the art of writing. Chi'romancy, (kiro-man-ce) a trick by which artful people pretend to know a person's dis- position from the lines and marks in the hand.. Chlo'kine, (Ch.) an elastic gaseous fluid, procured from mu- riatic acid, by oxyde of manga- nesef . * Chalk — is a species of mineral formation, containing the relics of marine organized bodies, and also the hard parts of amphibious and land animals. The chalk hills in England are of greater extent than in any other country ; they run nearly from east to west, parallel to each other, though separated by ranges of sand-stone, and low tracts of gravel and clay. The loftiest commences at Flamborough-head, in Yorkshire, and proceeds westward for nearly twenty miles. Two ridges traverse the midland counties, and reach as far east as the borders of Oxfordshire : in Bedfordshire they approach near to each other. South of the Thames there are two ridges, one commencing at the North and South Foreland, passing- through the north of Kent, the middle of Surrey, and the north of Hamp- shire, including the North Downs of Banstead and Epsom; the other commencing near Hastings, at Beachy Head, passes through the south of Hampshire into Dorsetshire, including the South Downs. The more compact kinds of chalk are used as building stone, or are burnt to lime : it is employed in making whitening, in polishing metals and glass, for constructing moulds, and for what is called whitewashing. It is an excellent manure for sandy soils, as it exterminates the corn marigold, or ox-eye, which abounds in such soils. f Chlorine. — This powerful gas is made available for manufacturing purposes, in consequence of its readily combining with water and lime. The lime, when powdered, is made to absorb the gas, after which it can be IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 171 Cho'colate, a composition made from the kernels of cocoa, beaten up with sugar and cinna- mon, into a paste. Chol'era, (kol-e-ra) a disease which acts powerfully on the bowels. Chord, (kord) (Mu.) the union of two or more sounds. In Ge- ometry, a right line connecting the extremes of an arc. Choreg'raphy, (ko-reg-ra-fe) the art of representing dancing by signs, as singing by notes. Chorog'raphy (lio-rog-ra-fe) the art of describing particular regions and countries, either in words or on maps. Its object is more confined than that of geo- graphy, and more extensive than that of topography. Chrism, (krism) in the Ro- mish and Greek churches, the oil used in the anointing of children. Chris'olite, (Mi.) a gem of the garnet kind ; it was the topaz of the Ancients. Chromat'ic, relating to colour; also to a certain species of ancient music. Chromat'ics, that part of op- tics which explains the several properties of light and colour. Chron'ic, a term applied to anything that has been of long duration. CHRONOL'oGY,the science which determines the dates of events and the civil distinctions of time. Chronom'eter, a superior watch for determining geogra- phical longitudes. Chrys'alis, the second state of an insect, into which it passes from the caterpillar or reptile form, previous to its becoming a butterfly or moth. Chyme, (kyme) (Ph.) a soft pulp into which the food is con- verted after its introduction into the stomach*. Cit'rtc Acid, the sour property in the juice of lemons or limes ; generally preserved in the form of crystals. [purities, Clar'ify, to cleanse from im- Cimme'rian, dark, gloomyf . Cin'jvabar, an ore of quick- silver, very heavy, of a red colour. Ctn'namon, a pleasant aro- matic, the bark of a tree. % Circe'an, a power to fascinate or enchant. Cir'cus, a round open space for the exhibition of horse-racing and other games. packed in a dry form, and is called chloride of lime, or bleaching powder. When this is immersed in water, it dissolves, and the water becomes im- pregnated with the chlorine, and forms bleaching liquid. By the proper application of this, linens and other articles become whitened as effectu- ally in the course of a few hours, as they were, by the old process, in six or eight months. It has the curious and important power of destroying the colour of animal and vegetable matter, and that so completely, that nothing can reproduce the colour it has removed. It is also valuable as a remedy for infection, or a vitiated atmosphere. - * Chyle — consists of the finer and more nutritious parts of chyme ; it is a white milky fluid, and is received into the lacteal vessels, where it is assimilated to the blood, and converted into nutriment. f Cimmerian. — This term is derived from a town that in past ages stood at the mouth of the Black Sea, which the ancients pretended was involved in darkness. % Cinnamon. — This tree is a species of bay, and is a native of Ceylon. Its leaves resemble those of the olive, and the fruit resembles the olive or acorn ; but it is the bark alone which is used as spice. ^■na 172 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Cita'tion, (L.) a summons to appear before an ecclesiastical judge. Ou'ron, a large species of lemon. Civ'il, relating to trie com- munity as a body, or to its policy and government; an epithet shewing the distinction between affairs criminal, military, and ecclesiastical. Civil'iajnt, a doctor or profes- sor of civil law, and equity. Clav'icle, (An.) the scientific name for the shoulder-blade. Clef (Mu.), a mark which determines the name of each line, according to the key in which it is to begin. Climac'teric, is a critical year, or period, in a person's life. The most important is supposed to be the 63rd year, but the 81st is the grand climacteric. Cli'max, gradation, ascent; a figure in rhetoric by which the sentence gradually rises till the affirmation is completed by some unanswerable argument. Clin'ical, (Med.) pertaining to a bed ; thus, a clinical lecture is a discourse founded on a phy- sician's observation of diseases by the bed-side of his patients. Clois'ter, a religious retire- ment : (Ar.) the covered galleries or porticoes round the inner area of a monastery. Clouds, a collection . of va- pours suspended in the atmos- phere.* Clove, an Indian spice; the dried flower of the buds of the clove tree. Coal, (Mi.) a solid inflam- mable substancef . [into a jelly. Coag'ulate, to change a liquid Co'balt, (Mi.) a semi-metal, nearly resembling fine hardened steel. It is principally used to give a permanent blue colour to glass, and to enamels on metals, porcelain, and earthenware. Co'coa Nut, the fruit of the cocoa tree!. * Clouds — are condensed vapours, which, when too dense to rise higher in the atmosphere, accumulate and float at a level in which their weight and that of the atmosphere are equal. When the balance is destroyed by the collision of clouds, or by a cold stratum of air, they fall in rain. Mas- sive lound clouds are called cumulus ; flat loDg clouds, cirro stratus ; feathery or hairy clouds are called cirrus ; and when the cirro stratus intersects the cumulus, the combination is called nimbus, from its producing rain. Clouds serve to shield the earth from the scorching rays of the sun. In the operations of the electric fluid, clouds have a principal share, and they particularly serve as a medium for conveying that subtile matter from the atmosphere to the earth, and from the earth to the atmosphere. f Coal — is a kind of bitumen, the difference being, that coal is of vegetable origin, and bitumen a kind of animal and vegetable substance. It forms in the earth, in masses at various depths, and is supposed to have thus accumulated at some change in the earth's surface, by the deposit of vegetable matter, which has become petrified. The principal mines are those of Newcastle and Whitehaven. At Whitehaven the mines are seven or eight hundred feet in depth, and the galleries excavated extend under the sea, where the water is deep enough to float very large ships. % Cocoa. — This plant is found in most tropical climates. It establishes itself within reach of salt water, especially upon reefs and sand-banks, IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 173 Coch'ineal, the drug from I which red colour, and especially | carmine, is produced; it is the ! body of an insect found in South | America.* Cock'et, a warrant certifying | that the duties on goods have been I paid. Coc'ulus In'dicus, a poison- ous Indian berry; often un- | lawfully used to adulterate malt liquors. Cod'icil, (L.) a supplement to a will, to alter or explain some • thing contained in the testament. Cof'fee, a plant, from the ber- ries of which is extracted a well- known beverage.* Cof'per Dam, a bank made of piles and clay in the middle of a stream, to keep the water from the spot where the foundation of a bridge is to be laid. Cogno'vit, (L.) adocument by as soon as they emerge from the ocean. It rises like a slender column to the height of from sixty to ninety feet Twelve or more leaves, each about fourteen feet long, crown the summit, and appear like a gigantic plume of ostrich feathers. In wet seasons the tree blossoms every five or six weeks, so that fresh flowers and ripe nuts may be seen at the same time ; in good soils it yields nearly 100 nuts annually. The uses to which this tree is applied are surprising ; the roots are chewed — the trunk serves for posts — the young buds are an agreeable esculent — the leaves form excellent thatch — or when burned, yield potash in abundance. — From the juice of the stem, a wine and spirit are prepared— a farinaceous matter within the stem is used as a substitute for sago — and a sugar is obtained from the sap. The ripe fruit is a wholesome food, and its milk a cooling beverage, which together form sometimes the principal subsistence of the poorer Indians. Of the shells drinking cups are made, and ' the white solid matter within them yield excellent oil. The very husks are sometimes converted into cordage, matting, and mattrasses, and when useless for these purposes they serve for fuel. The article called Cocoa is, more properly Cacao. It is prepared from the seeds of the Theobromu, a tree which flourishes in the West India Islands, the Bra- zils, and other warm climates. The seeds are oval, nearly an inch long, covered with a grayish skin. The kernels are dried, and bruised to powder. Boiled in water, and taken with sugar and milk, it furnishes a pleasant and nutrition s beverage. * Cochineal. — This insect is found chiefly on the Indian fig. tree. It is of an oval form, about the size of a small pea. When the female 174 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, which the defendant to a suit admits the judgment against him. Co 'heir, a joint heir with another. Coke, burnt coal from which the gas has been extracted. Colojvwa'de, a series of co- lumns disposed in a circle; a piazza. Co'ma, (Ph.) a kind of le- thargy, or sleepy disease, wherein a person has a strong propensity to drowsiness. Com'atose, lethargic, sleepy ; or affected with a coma, [gether. Combina'tiOjNT, a blending to- Combus'tion, (Ch.) a term which denotes the decomposition of certain substances accompani- ed by light and heat. The pro- cess of burning. Com' ex, ( As. ) an opaque spher- ical body like a planetf . Commend'am, a term of the canon law, applying to a person who discharges the spiritual du- ties of a vacant benefice for a time, without receiving the profits. Com'mon Law, that law which has been established on an imme- morial usage or custom, in dis- tinction from the written or sta- tute law. Commuta'tion,(L.) thechange of a penalty or punishment from a greater to a less. [subject. Cow amor'e, with love of a Co .n 'cave, the hollow or inner surface of an arch or ball ; op- posed to convex, which is the outer surface. Concen'tric, having one com- mon centre,as opposed to eccentric. Conchol'ogy, (kongk-ol-o-gy) the science or natural history of testaceous animals, such as have a covering of shell. Concordance, a dictionary of any book, in which every word is given in reference to the book, chapter, verse, or page, in which it occurs. Concor'dax, a covenant or agreement with the Pope con- cerning ecclesiastical affairs. Con'cretf, a mixing together and condensing of different sub- stances and principles. arrives at its full size, it fixes itself to the surface of the leaf, and wraps itself up in a white cottony matter. At a suitable time the insects are col- lected from the plants into an iron pot, and are killed by the fumes of heated vinegar, or smoke. "When thoroughly dried, they are packed for use. When it is wished to extract the colour, they are reduced to powder, and prepared by various methods. * Coffee. — This shrub is an evergreen, varying in height from twelve to fifteen feet ; it gro ws in various warm climates, but Arabia is said to supply the best. Its flavour resembles the jasmine; the fruit appears like a cherry when ripe ; in the centre of which, enclosed in a tbin membrane, lies the bean, but easily separable into two halves. It bears two or three times in the year, and it is quite common to see fruit and flowers on the same tree; but the first produced is reckoned the best. f A Comet — is accompanied with a train of light, and its revolution round the sun is eccentric. It is divided into the nucleus or dense part ; the head; the coma, a faint light surrounding the head; and the tail, winch is the long tram of light by which these bodies are distinguished. When a comet is westward of the sun, and rises or sets before it, the light appears like a train beginning at the body of the comet ; and when the sun and comet are exactly opposite each other, the earth being between them, the vapour appears to surround it like a fringe or border of hair. INT LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 175 Condensing Pump, a ma- chine in which a volume of air may be reduced into a much smaller space. Con'diment, seasoning, sauce. Con'duit, (kundit) a canal, or pipe, used for the conveyance of water from a distant reservoir, or spring-head. Confluence, a union of two or more streams or rivers; the act of coming in great numbers to one place. Con'gress, an assembly of various parties who meet to con- coct measures for the community. Consanguinity, relation by blood, in distinction from relation by marriage, which is called affinity. Consignment, the act of making over merchandise by one to another. Constella'ti^n, (As.) an as- or cluster of stars, under the figure of some animal or other object. Constitution, a system, or form of government. * Conta'gion, that subtile prin- ciple by which disease is com- municated from one person or place to another. Contingent, that which may or may not take place. Continuity, uninterrupted succession. Con'tumacy, (L.) wilful con- tempt of a lawful summons ; ob- stinacy. Contravella'tion, a fortifica- tion raised round a fortress by a besieging army, as a protection from irruptions by the besieged. Convky'ance, (L.)a deed by which property is conveyed from one person to another. Connoisseur', (kon-nes-seur) a critic or judge in the arts. Co'pal, a resinous gum obtained from a tree in South America. Cop'per, a metal found in various parts of the world. It is sometimes obtained in little masses, but mostly in a state of ore. When mixed with tin, it forms bell metal; with a less quantity of tin, bronze for statues. Cop'yhold, (L.) land held un- der the custom of a manor, by copies of court rolls. Cor'don, a line or series of military posts. Cork, the soft elastic bark of a kind of oak growing in Spain and Portugal. CoRNUCo'piiE, a large horn, introduced in sculpture and paint- ings, filledwith flowers and fruits f . Corporation, a body politic^. * Constitutions — are either democratic, aristocratic, or of a mixed character. Constitution also signifies any particular law, decree, or ordi- nance framed by a superior ; as, the constitutions of Justinian. In medical language it signifies the temperament of the whole body; thus we say, a robust, or a feeble constitution. f Cornucopia. — The use of this horn arose from a Greek fable, to the effect, that in Lybia there v. as a fruitful little territory in shape somewhat like a bullock's horn, which Ammon the king gave to his daughter. Poets and painters employ it as emblematic of abundance and happiness, — hence its present appellation, " the horn of plenty." X Corporations have a common seal, with one head officer or more, and are able, by common consent, to grant or receive any thing within the com- pass of their charters, and to sue and be sued as one man. Corporations are Spiritual, as bishops, deans, archdeacons, rectors, vicars ; Tempo- 176 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Corol'lary, a clear inference. Cor'puscle, (Ph.) a minute particle, or physical atom. A constituent of animal bodies. Cor'ridqr, (Ar.) a gallery, or long aisle, round a building, lead- ing to several chambers at a dis- tance from each other. Cosmet'ic, a preparation used for heightening beauty. Cosmog'raphy, a description of the universe. Cot'ton, a soft downy sub- stance, resembling fine wool, from which large quantities of cloth are made*. Coun'terscarp, the side of a fortified trench next the camp. Court ba'ron, (L.) a court held by the lord of a manor, where duties and customs are received, and estates and surren- ders are passed. Court leet, (L.) a court of record belonging to a hundred, instituted for the purpose of pre- venting encroachments, nuisan- ces, and other offences. Cov'bnant, (L.) the agree- ment of two or more, by a deed in writing, sealed and delivered. . CRANiOL'oGY,the science which investigates character, or passion, by the formation of the head. Crepus'culum, the twilight which begins and ends when the sun is 18 degrees below the ho- rizon, of notes. Crescen'do (Mu.), a swelling Creta'ceous, having the qual- ity of chalk. Crom'lech, (krom-lek) a pile of stones set up by the Druids for superstitious purposes, like that at Stonehenge. C ru 'c i ble, a melting-pot, made of clay, which will endure the most intense fire. Crusta'cea, (krus-ta-she-a) those fish whose shells are in joints, as the crab, lobster, &c. ; these are generally softer than the shells of the testaceous fish, which consist of single pieces, as oysters, cockles, &c. Crys'tal, (Mi.) a hard, trans- parent species of stone glass. Crystals, in chemistry, express salt, or other matter, that is con- gealed like crystal. Cube, a solid body, consisting of six equal square sides. In Arithmetic, a number arising from the multiplication of a square number by its root. Culmination, (A.s.) the tran- sit or passage of a star over the meridian, or that point of its or- bit wherein it is at its greatest altitude. ral, as mayor, commonalty, bailiff, burgesses : some are of a mixed nature, and are composed of temporal and spiritual persons, such as heads of colleges and hospitals. * Cotton. — This valuable commodity is the produce of a small bush growing in warm climates. The seed is sown in rich and well pre- pared soil, immediately after the periodical rains. It ripens in May or June, when the numerous pods, which are about the size of chestnuts, break and display their downy contents. These are picked, and after the husks have been separated, the cotton is put into a small mill, for the purpose of forcing out the seeds which are enclosed in the little balls of down. The cotton is then packed up, and it is so elastic, that by means of strong screws it can be pressed into a fiftieth part of the space into which it could be reduced by mere personal exertion. The quantity grown is amazing ; in England alone the cotton manufactories employ many millions of capital, and many thousands of workmen. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 177 Cu'pola, (Ar.) a roof or vault rising in a circular form, called also the dome. Cus'tos rotulo'rum, the keeper of the rolls and records of the Court of Sessions, generally the lord lieutenant of the county. Cuta'neous, a disease or af- fection belonging to the skin. Cyl'inder, an oblong circular solid ; the cylinder of engineers is a long hollow tube. D Da ca'po, (Mu.) to repeat a strain. Dac'tyl, a poetic foot or divi- sion of a line, consisting of a long syllable and two short ones. DAGUERRE'oTYPE^tfa^r-^ra-re-O- type) a system of taking represen- tations of objects by the sun's rays, so called from M. Daguerre, the inventor*. Dam'ask, silk or linen with raised patterns. Damps, fluids generated ; the choke damp in mines mostly con- sists of carbonic acid gas, and fire damps of hydrogen gas. Dap'pled, variegated with spots of different colours. Da'tum, or Data, a settled or determined point, or points, from which any calculation is made. Dead lights, wooden shutters, to enclose the cabin windows of a ship when the sea runs high. Death watch, a small, harm- less insect, the noise of which is ignorantly considered as ominous of death. Deben'ture, a certificate which entitles a merchant export- ing goods to a drawback of duties; also, a note by which a debt is claimed. Debris', (dabree) ruins or rubbish ; applied chiefly to the crumblings of rocks. Dec'ade the number of ten, as ten years, or ten days. Dec'agon, a figure with ten equal sides and angles. Decam'eron, a work containing the action of ten days. Decem'virate, the dignity and office often governors. j Decid'uotjs, (Bo.) falling an- ! nually, as leaves do in autumn. I Declaration, (L.)a statement ! of the plaintiffs complaint against the defendant. Decoc'tion, a boiling so as to draw the strength or virtue out of anything. Decomposition, (Ch.) the se- paration of the elementary atoms of bodies. * Daguerreotype. — By this process, portraits, views, and other objects are taken with the strictest accuracy, it being, in fact, a reflection from the objects themselves when illuminated by a strong solar light. To effect this, a sheet of copper, plated with silver, is made bright, and placed in a well closed box, where it is exposed to the vapour of iodine, till it becomes of a slightly yellow colour ; the plate is then withdrawn, and placed in another box and carefully preserved from the action of light till the proposed object is to be represented. When that time has arrived, the plate is placed in a sort of camera with the lens exactly opposite the object. Upon the light being admitted, the object is, in a few seconds, faintly delineated on the plate ; to bring the subject out strongly, the plate is acted upon in another box by the vapour of mercury. After this process, the plate is first washed with the hypo-sulphate of soda, then with warm water ; this being done, the picture is clear, and unalterable by the further action of light. I 2 178 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Decree', (L.) the judgment of a court of equity on any bill preferred. Dec'rements, the small parts by which a decreasing quan- tity becomes less and less. De crescen'do, (Mu.) gradu- ally decreasing the sound. Decripita'tion, (Ch.) flying off, like salt, with a crackling noise when heat is applied. Deduct'ion, an action of the reasoning power, by which con- sequences are drawn from certain principles. In arithmetic, that which is taken away from any previous number. Deed, (L.) a contract or bar- gain between party and party; but to secure its validity, it must be signed, sealed, and delivered. De Fac'to, a thing actually done. [omission. Default', (L.) neglect or Defeas'ance, (L.) the act of annulling or abrogating any con- tract or stipulation. Defend' a nt, (L.) the party summoned or accused. Definition, a description of a thing by its peculiar properties. Deflec'tion, turning aside from a right line. Degluti'tion, the act or power of swallowing. Degree', quality, rank, state or condition of any thing ; mea- sure ; proportion, or quantity*. De Ju're, of right. De'odand, a forfeiture to go- vernment, or a fine for accident- ally causing the death of any person. Delen'da, things to be erased or blotted out. Deli'quium, (Ch.) the natural dissolution or melting of a salt, when placed in a moist situation. Demise',(L.) to grant at one's death. Democ'racy, a government in which the people hold the power collectively. DEMONOL'oGY,a treatise on evil spirits Demul'cents, drugs which soothe, or mollify. Demur 'rer, (L.) a pause for the consideration of a difficult point in an action. DENA'Rius,theRoman penny ; a silver coin equivalent to from sixpence to eightpence sterling. Den'izen, (L.) an alien en- franchised, and. made a subject by royal letters patent. * Degree. — In natural philosophy it is a greater or less intenseness of heat. This may be ascertained by means of a Thermometer, or heat measurer, which is divided into a certain number of degrees. The degree of cold at which water freezes is the commencement ; but as we endure cold much more intense than this, the comparison extends to thirty-two degrees below the freezing point. The general temperature of a summer's day, in our climate, is about 70 degrees above the freezing point; in hot climates the temperature is 100 degrees, and, under peculiar circumstances, it has risen to 120 degrees. The heat of the human blood is about 95 degrees. Tallow becomes a liquid at 130 degrees. Tin becomes a liquid at 450 degrees ; Lead, 686 ; Zinc, 648 ; Brass, 1,869 ; Silver, 2,233 ; Copper, 2,548 ; Gold, 2,590 ; Cast Iron, 3,479. — In Geometry, a degree is the three hundred and sixtieth part of the cir- cumference of a circle. — In Mathematics it is the division of the lines upon several sorts of instruments. — In Universities it is a dignity conferred upon those who have performed certain exercises required by the statute. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 179 Be no'vo, new from the be- ginning. Denouement', (da-noo-mong) a finishing or winding up. Denuda'tion, (Geo.) the act of washing away the surface of the earth, by which the lower strata are partially exposed. Den'tal, of, or belonging to, the teeth. Denta'ted, tooth-like. Den'trifice, a preparation for cleansing the teeth. Deposition, (L.) a public tes- timony: (Ch.) the settlement of substances dissolved in fluids. De'relicts, (L.) such goods as are relinquished by the owner. Land which the sea has left is called derelict; land and ships forsaken at sea, are derelict ships. Des'uetude, cessation of the use, or discontinuance of any practice. Det'inue, (L.) a writ, or action, that lies against any one who has had goods delivered to him to keep, and who refuses to give them up. Det'onating Powder, a composition which may be in- flamed by the heat generated by pressure. [desired. Desidera'tum, a thing to be Dermes'tes, insects which feed on leather, and are destruc- tive of the binding of books. Dew, extremely fine particles of water floating in the atmos- phere, and condensed by its cool- ness. Dinothe'rium, a huge animal now extinct*. *Dinotherium, — or gigantic Tapir. Fossil remains of the bones of this extraordinary animal have been found in various quarters of the globe, -.-.- .> , , ..... , the examination of which has led the learned to suppose that it resided part- ly in the water and partlyupon marshy land, and that it fed chiefly, if not entirely, upon veg- etable substances. The skull appears to have been more than a yard in length, beside a trunk resembling that of the ele- phant. The lower jaw measured four feet, and was arm- ed with two enor- mous tusks, which might serve as weapons of offence, or for tearing up vegetables from their watery bed, or for dragging its unwieldly body partially out of the water. The whole length of the animal is supposed to have been about eighteen feet, and its limbs large and massy in propor- tion, though there seems to be some doubt as to whether it had hinder legs. The prevailing opinion is, that their place was supplied by a sort of paddle, to guide the unwieldly creature in its course through the water. 180 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Dex'ter, the right, or on the right hand or side ; as the dexter point in heraldry. Diagnostic, a symptom by which a particular disease is distinguished. Diag'onal, a line drawn to the opposite corners of a square, or right lined figures. [soning. Dialec'tic, the art of rea- DiAM ; ETER,the line which pass- es through the centre of a circle and divides it into two equal parts. Di'amond, a precious stone, the hardest, most brilliant, and most valuable of all bodies. It is found in Brazil, in Gol- conda, and Borneo. Diapa'son, (Mu.) an octave in music, a concord. Dib'bling, planting the seed of wheat instead of casting it with the hand. Dies Non, (L.) days on which judges do not sit. Dic'tum, a saying, proverb, or assertion: (L.) any casual or extra judicial opinion delivered by a judge. Dietet'ics, the science which has reference to the arrangement of the diet. DlEU' ET MON DROIT, (deu-d- mon drwau,) God and my right; the motto first assumed by Richard the 1st. Diges'tion, that action of the stomach by which food is con- verted into chyme, before it passes into the intestines. Dilapidation, (L.) the da- mage which accrues to a house in consequence of neglect of repairs. Dilettan'ti, those who de- light in promoting science and the fine arts. Dilu'vium, a collection of re- mains of rocks and strata of gravel, deposited chiefly by water. Diora'ma, a Greek word signi- fying, to see through. When paint- ings are exhibited under this name, they have a shifting light from above, so as to produce the effects of distance and change of time and season. Dispen'sary, a place where medicines are dispensed. Dispen'satory, an authorised collection of receipts, by which medicines may be compounded. Diuret'ics, medicines which promote the urinary secretion. Divina'tion, a pretence of fore- telling things to come. Distilla'tion, a process of separating or drawing off a fluid, by converting into vapour the particles of a mashed body, and afterwards condensing the vapour by cold. Douceur', a present or bribe * Distillation — is the act of separating various elements by the operation of heat. The substance containing the property to be separated is put, with a certain portion of water, into a vessel capable of resisting the action of heat, and having a neck which communicates with another vessel. When heat is applied, the substance dissolves, and rises in the form of vapour or steam, and endeavours to pass through the neck into the next vessel; but as the air is colder at a distance from the fire, the steam or vapour becomes condensed, and distils or drops into the receiver. This liquid contains the spirit of the substance dissolved. As some portion of water mixes with the spirit, the full strength and purity depends upon the number of times it passes through this operation. Water passes into vapour at a temperature of 212 degrees; but spirit, being much lighter than water, is evaporated at a lower temperature, and rises first. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 181 Dras'tic, having the quality of a quick, powerful purgative. Diplo'ma, a certificate of a degree obtained at a university or college. Diplo'm ac v, the management of public business by an ambassador. Disruption, (Geo.) a violent separation of rocks, or of a stra- tum of earth, as by an earthquake. Dissei'sin, (L.) illegally dis- possessing a person of his land and tenements. [making a couplet. Dis'tich, two lines of poetry Disc, the face of a planet as it appears to the eye. Distringas, (L.) a power to seize goods, or the person. Dissec'tion, (An.) the divid- ing an animal body into its sub- stantial parts. Dithyram'bic, wild poetry. Do'do, a bird of a species now extinct*. Domesday book, a record of a survey of the lands, tenures, and subjects, throughout the king- dom, still existing, and made by order of William the Conqueror. Domin'ical days, a term for Sundays, signifying, " days of the Lord." The letter denoting the Sabbath in calendars is named the Dominical Letter. Domicil'iary, a term applied to visits made to private houses by authority. Do'ric, one of the architectural orders, noted for its simplicity and strength. Dor'sal, behind, or relating to the back, as the dorsal fins of fishes. Double enten'dre, (doobl aim taunder) a term applied to expressions that have a double meaning, or which admit of more than one construction. Doxol'ogy, a certain hymn in praise of the Almighty, [preter. Drag'oman, an Oriental inter- * The Dodo. — This curious species of bird is placed in the same tribe as the common domestic fowl, the turkey, and the peacock, and is thus described by an old writer : — Its body is round and fat, weigh- ing, when full grown nearly fifty pounds. Half the head is covered with black- ish downy feathers ; the other half is naked, or as if cover- ed with white trans- parent lawn. The bill is hooked, and bending downwards, with the breathing- place in the centre ; from which part to the end the colour is light green, going off gradually to pale yellow. The eyes are round, small, and bright. The covering is of fine down, with a few short curly feathers at the extremity of the back. The wings are com- posed of short thick feathers. The legs are thick and strong, with sharp 182 Dbown'ihgs cation*. Drunk'enness, the excitement occasioned by the use of spirituous liquors, deranging the senses and the will, and leading to disorderly conduct and to crime. Duct, any tube or passage through which a fluid can be con- ducted. DuEi',(Mu.)an air in two parts. Duodecimo, a term applied to books having twelve leaves to a sheet; duodecimals are numbers counted by twelves, [anything. Du'plicate, a second copy of Du'ra ma'teb, the membrane which lies between the bones of the skull and the parts of the brain, and which also divides it into two parts. Dynam'ics, the science which WORDa Of VARIOUS SYLLABLES death by suffo treats of the motions of bodies. Dynam'eter, an instrument for determinining the magnifying power of telescopes. Dynamqm'eter, a machine for measuring any kind of power, as the force of machinery, or the strength of men and animals. Dys'ektery, an intestinal disease, accompanied with severe fluxes, partly of blood. Dysfep'sia, a weakness or derangement of the organs of digestion. Earths, the substances which form the crust of the globe; they were formerly regarded as simple bodies, but are now proved to be compounds of oxygen with pe- culiar bases. talons, and the pace of the bird is extremely slow. The Dodo was found originally in the Isles of Mauritius and Bourbon, and is supposed to have become extinct in consequence of its value as an article of food to the earlier settlers, and its incapability of escaping from pursuit. * Drowning. — The precise period at which the vital spark quits the human frame after it has been immersed, has never yet been determined, hence it becomes necessary to use every means to recover those who are taken out of the water. For this object, the body should be carefully con- veyed to the nearest house, with the head and shoulders supported in a raised condition, and medical assistance be immediately sent for. In the meantime the body should be stripped, rubbed dry, wrapped in hot blankets, and placed in a warm bed in a warm chamber. Bottles filled with hot water, or heated bricks, should be applied to the pit of the stomach and the soles of the feet, and the body fomented with hot flannels, or, if possible, immersed in a bath, as hot as the hand can bear without pain. These various means must be employed, as far as possible, at the same time, and persevered in for three or four hours ; for it is an erroneous opinion that persons cannot recover because life does not very soon manifest itself. Some remedies which were once thought useful must be avoided. The body must not be held up by the feet, nor used roughly, nor rolled upon casks, nor rubbed with salt or spirits ; neither should tobacco smoke, nor infusions of to- bacco, be injected. By attention to the directions here given, the appa- rently drowned person may be restored to life and to friends. f Earthenware. — In the earlier ages the potter's art consisted merely in shaping the clay with the hand into suitable forms, and in exposing it to the heat of the sun or of fire, till it was sufficiently hardened for use. In process of time, the mould and the turning wheel were employed, to give greater variety and beauty to the different utensils manufactured. Clays of different kinds are now selected, and other ingredients are intro- IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 183 Earth'enware, articles made of baked or vitrified earthf. Eas'el, a frame used to sup- port a picture while it is being painted. Eas'ter, a festival held to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, celebrated on the Sun- day following the first full moon after the 21st of March. Eaves, the edges of the roof which overhang the house. Eb'ony, a hard wood, mostly black, the product of tropical climates. Ebullit'ion, the operation of boiling or effervescence. Education, the formation of manners in youth by instruction. EccLESiAs'iic,a public teacher of religion. Eccentricity, deviation from a centre. [from a distance. Ec'ho, the reflection of sound Eclair'cissement, an explana- tion cr clearing up of any doubt. Eclec'tics, an ancient sect of philosophers who chose the best portions from the collective doc- trines of others. Eclipse', the shadow which a dark body reflects on another body on passing between it and a centre of illumination. Eclip'tic, (As.) the great cir- cle of the heavens which the sun describes in his annual revolu- tions. Econ'omy, a prudent expen- diture of money and time, or the greatest effect with the least means. EDENTA'TED,deprived of teeth. Eft or Newt, (Zo.) the com- mon or water lizard. Efferves'cence, (Ch.) fer- mentation, heat, rapid formation of air bubbles. Efflores'cence, (Bo.) the production of flowers : (Med.) the breaking out of some humour in the skin : (Ch.) the formation of a white powdery substance, on the surface of saline crystals. Efflu'vium, the particles which are continally but imper- ceptibly flying off from bodies. Ef'flux, a flowing out. Egg, the seed or germ of ovi- parous animals; the shell is com- posed of phosphate of lime, and water ; next is a thin membrane, then the white or albumen, and then the yolk, which consists of fat oil and serous matter. duced, acoording to the description of ware intended to be made. For the finer sorts flint is iised extensively. This is burned till it becomes white ; it is afterwards ground to powder, and mixed with water to the consistency of cream. The best clay used is made from Cornish granite, which is also reduced to powder, and brought to a similar consistency with water. The two creamy mixtures are then united, and are passed through sieves of various degrees of fineness, according to the quality of the porcelain, or ware, to be manufactured. While in a pliant state, the modeller forms this clay into the intended shape, and hardens it by a due application of heat. The landscapes, flowers, and other ornaments on the finer specimens, are produced by painting with hair pencils in mineral colours, which adhere permanently after undergoing certain processes of heat and glazing. For the commoner wares, the designs are engraved on copper, from which impressions are taken upon thin paper moistened in soap and water. These impressions are transferred to the ware by a careful rubbing on the back, and the paper is washed off. The article is afterwards taken to the kiln, and is then glazed, finished, and made ready for sale. 184 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Eject 'ment, (L.) a writ by which any inhabitant of a house, or tenant of an estate, is com- manded to give up possession. Elab'orate, finished with great diligence, performed with great labour. Elas'tic, having the property of returning to the form from which it has been distorted ; hav- ing the power of a spring. Electri'city, the science which explains the laws that govern the phenomena of a pecu- liar element called electric fluid*. Elec'tro Metallurgy, the formation of articles in metals deposited by electricity f. Elec'tuary, medicines made of conserves and powders. Elementary, simple, uncom- pounded, having only one prin- ciple; rudimental. El'ements, those principles or bodies which are incapable of decomposition ; as oxygen, hydro- gen, nitrogen, carbon, about 40 metals, to which are added chlo- rine, (a compounded result of sea water,) sulphur, and phosphorus. Elephantiasis, a species of leprosy. Elix'ir, the extract or quint- essence of anything. Ellip'sis, an oval figure. In grammar, the omission of some- thing to be understood by the reader. Elocu'tion, the art of speak- ing gracefully. * Electricity. — The electric fluid is diffused through all bodies, but being invisible, its presence is only known by the effects it produces. There are two kinds of electric bodies ; first, those which are excited by means of friction; thus if a stick of sealing-wax be rubbed briskly upon your coat, and then held near to small fragments of paper, they will fly to it, and adhere as long as the electric power remains. The second kind are those which receive their electric power by communication with the for- mer. Machines are made, in which, by means of a wheel, a rapid rota- tion is given to a glass globe, or cylinder, upon which is placed a cushion of silk, against which it rubs while whirling round. By this friction the glass becomes electric, and its virtue may be extended to any distance, by means of metallic bars, or chains, which communicate with the glass. While this machine is working, if we touch the conductor, we immedi- ately receive a shock ; and, if the room be darkened, a luminous spark will be perceived. When the electric fluid contained in the clouds seeks to pass into other bodies, it interrupts the equilibrium, and produces lightning, and those concussions the sound of which we call thunder ; and the reason that lightning is seen before the thunder is heard, is that light travels with a swiftness vastly greater than sound. The electric fluid appears to have a kind of flux and reflux in the atmosphere. In summer it increases and diminishes with the day. Towards the poles thunder is rarely heard, while at the tropics it is terrible. — Electricity has been applied in some bodily complaints with success ; and it is now employed in several branches of science so as to produce effects the most astonishing. f Electro Metallurgy. — The principle upon which this art is based depends upon the following circumstances. Metals maybe dissolved, and retained in solution, by various acids ; — as, for instance, copper in sul- phuric acid, producing a combination commonly known as blue vitriol. From this and similar solutions, the metallic particles may in various ways be again thrown do wn, or precipitated,in a pure metallic state. Such a separation of copper from its solution, being one of the results of a particular electrical process, carried on by means of a voltaic combination, in which liquid sul- mm IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 185 Elope'ment, a secret departure Ely'sium, the supposed resi- dence of the blessed after death. Emboss', to raise with orna- mental work. Embroca'tion ,the application of medicinal liquids by rubbing or fomenting the part diseased. Embroid'ery, tasteful needle- work. Em'bryo, the state of anything not yet fit for production. Emenda'tion, an alteration in the text by verbal criticism. Em'ery, a natural combination of iron, flint, and earth ; it is very hard, and when reduced to pow- der is used to polish metals and minerals. Emer'sion,(As.) the reappear- ance of the sun and moon after they have undergone an eclipse. Emet'ic, a medicine for empty- ing the stomach by vomiting. Emigration, removal from one country to another. Emol'lient (Med.) a softening medicine. Empale'ment, driving a stake through the body of a person. Empan'nel, to summon, or swear in a jury. Empir'ical, practised without rational grounds. Empyreu'ma (Ch.) the disa- greeable smell produced by the burning or boiling of animal or vegetable oily matter. Emul'sion, a milky medicine, prepared by uniting oil and wa- ter, by means of sugar or gum. Enam'el, a painting with ma- terials which admit of calcination. Encaus'tic, a species of paint- ing with melted wax. Encore', again, once more. Encyclopce'dia, the whole circle of sciences, the round of learning. Endem'ic, a malady peculiar to a district, having its origin in some local cause. Endorsing, writing a name at the back of a bill of exchange, by which responsibility for its amount is incurred. phate of copper is an ingredient employed, it was accidentally found that the copper was deposited, not in powder or grains, but in one solid mass, equably distributed over a part of the immersed apparatus, whose exact form the deposit then assumed. For instance, the face of an engraved metal seal being immersed in the copper solution, and then made to transmit a current of voltaic electricity, the copper will be so attracted by the seal as eventually to assume the form of an accurate solid metal impression of it ; even more delicately so than could be obtained with sealing wax. By various modifications of this arrangement, different objects may be most faithfully copied, or rather multiplied, at little cost. A less tedious process is, to take a cast of the original in wax, or plaster, so pre- pared as to attract the dissolved metal. From these casts, or moulds, the metal deposit may be obtained at once in the form required. By this process, also, solid articles of inferior metal may be beautifully coated with gold or silver, at a comparatively small expense. When the surface of a metal article, such as a candlestick, bust, or statue, is cleaned, it is usually prepared with black lead, when the metal deposited upon it by the electric current coheres, and is not mechanically separable. A repetition of the process will increase the thickness of the coating, without altering the original form. Even natural and delicate artificial objects, as plants, insects, net work, &c, after being dipped in a solution of phospho- rus, may thus be made capable of receiving a perfect metallic coating. 186 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Enfeoff', (L.) to invest with any dignity or possession. Enfranchise, to make free. Engineering, the art of con- structing machinery, also the formation of harbours, docks, bridges, and roads, or similar works. Engross', to copy in a legible character, or in a large law hand. Enig'ma, a riddle, an obscure question. [weariness. Ennui', (ahn-we) lassitude, or Enrol'ment, entering on a register. [of a complete work. Ensem'ble, the general effect Entab'lature (Ar.) the arch- itrave, frieze, and cornice of a pillar. Entail' (L.) an estate so set- tled, that no subsequent possessor can alienate it. Enthu'siasm, a transport of the mind ; a state wherein the imagination is greatly excited, or powerfully directed to one object. Entomol'ogy, the science which treats of the orders, varieties, structures, and habits of insects. E'pact, the eleven days by which the solar year exceeds the twelve lunar months. Ephem'era, a species of insect, which are produced and die within one day. [luxury. Ep'icure, one given wholly to Epideh'ic, a state of sickness produced by morbid matter in the atmosphere, unwholesome food, or other influences affecting a place for a temporary period. Ep'i&ium, a short poem, ter- minating in a point of wit. Ep'ilepsy, a disease which de- prives the afflicted of sensation and volition. Epiph'any, a feast celebrated on the twelfth day after Christmas, in commemoration of the ap- pearance of the miraculous star to the wise men. [by bishops. Epis'copac Y,a church governed Ep'isode, a digression intro- duced. Epithala'mium, a poem or song on a marriage. E'poch, the time at which a new computation is begun in chro- nology and history*. Equa'tor, an imaginary line round the earth, 90 degrees from each pole, sometimes called the equinoctial, because the nights and days there are equal. Eq'uerry, a groom to a prince. EQuEs'TRiAN,a rider on ahorse. Eq'uinox, the two periods of the year when the sun is vertical at the equator. Eq'uity, (L.) the correction of that wherein the law, (by reason of its universality) is deficient. Equivoca'tion, the using of words of a double meaning for the purpose of deception. Er'got, a disease in grain. Eriom'eter, an instrument for measuring the fibres of wool, silk, &c. Er'mine, a species of weasel, whose skin is used as an orna- ment to robes of state. Erpitol'ogy, the natural his- tory of reptiles. Erudi'tion, profound learning and extensive knowledge. * Epoch. — The principal Epochs are, the Creation, 4004 B. C. ; the Flood, 2348 ; the birth of Abraham, 1996 ; the conquest of Canaan, 1451 ; the taking of Troy, 1184 ; the finishing of Solomon's Temple, 1104 ; the first Olympiad, 776 ; the building of Rome, 753 ; the era of Nabonassar, 747 ; the founding of the Persian Empire, by Cyrus, 559 ; the death of Alexander, 323 ; the death of Cassar, 44 B. C. ; the birth of Christ, 0, or commencement of the Christian era ; the Hegira of Mahomet, 622 A.C. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 187 Erup'tion, a violent bursting forth of any thing. Erysip'elas, or St. Anthony's fire ; a disease caused by the perspiration being too suddenly checked, or by an overheating of the blood *. Escalade', scaling the walls of a fortification. Escape'ment, (Me.) the part of a clock or watch movement which receives the force of the spring or weight, to give mo- tion to the pendulum or balance. Escheat' (L.) an obstruction in the course of descent, whereby lands become forfeited. Esoter'ic, and Exoter'ic, terms applied to secret societies among the ancients ; esoteric ap- plying to those who were admit- ted into the sanctuary — exoteric to those who remained in the outer court. Eu'phony, an harmonious sound Evaporation, the process by which a body is converted into vapour, and so carried off. Evolve', to throw off in vapour or in steam. Exa'cerbate, to embitter, to exasperate. Excheq'uer, a court wherein all causes touching the revenue are settled ; the treasury. Exege'sis, an explanatory dis- course. Ex'odus, the going forth from a place. Exor'dium, a preface or an introduction to a discourse. Expec'torate, to cough, or eject matter from the chest. Extra vasa'tion, the forcing of any of the fluids out of their natural vessels, in consequence of weakness, or a blow. Extrin'sic, outward, not inti- mately belonging to. [by animals. Exu'vi^e, skin or shells cast off Faca'de, (Ar.) the front of a large building, or the side of its chief entrance. Fa'cial Line, a line drawn from the nostril and touching the foreheadf. Fac sim'ile, an exact likeness. Fac'tor, (Co.) an agent for another: (Arith.) numbers from the multiplication of which other numbers are produced ; as, 7 & 5 are the factors of 35. Fac'ulty, the power by which an effect is produced ; it is also used to designate masters and pro • fessors of various sciences, and especially the medical profes- sion, [or mendicant. Fakeer', a Mahometan devotee Fal'low, the state of land left uncultivated, with a view to its improvement by rest. Falset'to, (Mu.) a feigned * Erysipelas. — Its symptoms are fever, pain in the head and back, and a swelling and redness of the parts. As soon as small pustules appear the fever usually abates, and when the skin in the parts affected turns yellow, and peels off, the danger is over. f Facial Angle. — On the size of the angle made by the facial line, with another drawn from the nostrils to the centre of the ear, many have supposed that the power of the intellect mainly depends. Great interest has been taken on this subject, and in the course of the enquiry, the heads of statues have been measured, besides those of individuals of various coun- tries: the result as to degrees of intellect is thus stated: Greek statues 100, Roman 95, European generally 85, Asiatics 75, Negroes 70 ; the Ourang Outang 60, the Sheep 30, and in Horses but 23. 188 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, voice, produced by straining it above its usual compass. Fanta'sia, an unpremeditated piece of irregular music. Fari'na, meal or flour ; also the fine dust found on flowers. Farina 'ceous, resembling meal or flour. Fas'ces, axes tied up in a bun- dle with rods or staves, and which were borne before the Roman ma- gistrates, as a badge of authority. Fas'cine, (For.) faggots or small branches of trees, mixed with earth, to fill up trenches, or to make up a parapet for protection. Fa'talism, the belief in an irresistible destiny. Fath'om, a measure contain- ing six feet, being taken from the space a man can reach with both his arms extended. Fauns, the mythological demi- gods of woods, thence called syl- van deities. Feb'kile, constituting, or pro- ceeding from, a fever. Fe'cit, a word used by artists to indicate the designer. Fec'ula, (Ch.) the dried ex- tract of vegetables ; a starch. Fecun'dity, bringing forth in great abundance. Fed'eral, relating to a league or confederation. Fee, (L. ) lands held in per- petual right on condition of an acknowledgement paid to the lord of the manor. Fee Simple, when unconditional. Fee'- tail, (L.) is when lands are given to a man, and the heirs of his body, so that if he have children by a third wife, and not of the first, they shall inherit. Fe'line, like a cat*. Fe'lo de se', a self-murder. Fel'ony, a crime punished with death or transportation. Fel'spar, a crystalized mine- *Feline is the name given to a class of animals of the cat kind, which, though differing in size and colour, are nearly allied to each other. They have sharp and formidable claws, which they can hide or extend at plea- sure. They live chiefly upon flesh, seek their food alone, and are, in _ ^ =, -= general, fierce, rapa- ^,— ° _ cious, subtle, and cruel. Some few in- stances have occur- red in which they have been tamed and rendered subservient to human command ; but they are still dangerous, since the smallest fit of anger or caprice may cause them to put forth their strength with dreadful consequen- ces. The household cat, which is the smallest animal of this kind, is the only one that can safely be taken under human protection. The lion, tiger, leopard, panther, once, puma, ocelot, jaguar, and cerval, all belong to this tribe. The leopard, IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 189 ral compound of silica, alumina, and potash, one of the constituents of granite, softer than quartz, and harder than glass, generally white, greyish, or reddish, and converti- ble into clay. Felt'ing, the method of work- ing hair or wool into a substance, like hats. Femme' couverte', (L.) is a married woman protected from personal liabilities. Femme Sole, an unmarried woman. Fem'oral, belonging to the thigh. [granting possession. Feoff'ment, (L.) the act of Fermenta'tion, the spontane- ous change which occurs in cer- tain vegetable and animal matter*. Ferruginous, rusty, or of the colour of iron rust. Fer'rule, an iron ring put round any thing to prevent its cracking. Feru'la, an instrument of cor- rection. FESTOON',(Ar.) an ornament of carved work in the form of a wreath or garland. Fet'lock, a tuft of hair grow- ing over the hoof of a horse. Feu'dal, something held by tenuref. Fi'AT,the absolute decree of any supreme power : (L.) a warrant signed by a judge for making out and allowing certain processes. Fief, (fee/) (L.) a fee, a manor, or possession, held by some tenure of a superior. Fie'ri fa'cias, (L.) a judicial writ commanding the sheriff to levy the amount of damages as- sessed, [threads. Fila'ceous, (Bo.) consisting of Fil' agree, an enrichment of fine threads or grains, generally ornaments of gold or silver. described in the cut here given, is generally about four feet in length, and its tail about two feet and a half. Its colour is a bright and hand- some tawny yellow, with numerous dark round marks or rings, chiefly disposed into circles of four or five in number, with occasionally a central spot in each circle of a deeper colour. The ey0 is restless and forbidding, the aspect ferocious, and all the motions violent and precipitate. It lies in ambush for its prey, springs upon it with a powerful bound, and devours every species of animal it is able to overcome. When in search of prey it endeavours to avoid man, but when pressed by hunger, it fears neither man nor beast, and few can preserve themselves from this infuriated animal. * Fermentation. — When dead animal or vegetable matters are sub- jected to warmth or moisture, they undergo internal changes of various kinds. If gluten, sugar, and water, be mixed in certain proportions, and assisted by heat, they will pass into the vinous fermentation, and a spi- rituous liquor will be the result. If gluten unduly abounds, or the heat be too strong, it passes into the acetous fermentation, and vinegar is formed. The heat exhibited by hay stacks and other vegetable matter, is produced by the bituminous fermentation; so also is the formation of peat, and probably coal. Grain, when malted, becomes sweet, because of the saccharine fermentation. Bread is rendered light by the panary fermentation ; and flesh, when putrid, has passed into the putrefactive fermentation. f Feudal Tenure — an estate in land, given by the lord to his vassals in lieu of wages, upon condition of assisting him in wars, or to do him some other service. The grant was originally given that princes might be fur- nished with an efficient number of soldiers. 190 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES. Filtra'tion, the act of making liquor fine and clear by straining. Fin, that membrane of a fish by means of which it can traverse the water with great velocity ; fins act as oars in a boat. Fina'le, the close, the end. Fir'man, is a passport or per- mit granted to foreigners to trade or travel in the east. First Fruits, (L.) the profits of a spiritual living for the first year, anciently given to the popes, afterwards to the king, and now applied to the augmentation of poor livings. Fis'cal, assessments belong- ing to the revenue of a prince or people. Fis'tula, a deep ulcerated hole or canal. Flat, (Mu.) a note lowered one half. Flax, a strong fibrous plant, from which linen is made*. Fleur de lis, a species of lily. Flint, a silecious stone, found between strata of chalk. Floetz, (Geo.) horizontal beds or strata, which lie over the transition rocks f . Flo'ra, the goddess of flowers, and the name of a classification of plants. Flu'orine, the basis of a very corrosive acid called the fluoric, used for etching lass forms, with lime, the fluor spar of Derbyshire. Flux, the act of flowing ; the state of passing away, and giving place to otherst. Flux'ions, treat of the velo- city with which the fluents, or flowing quantities, increase or decrease. Fo'cus, the point to which the rays of light or heat are collected after they have undergone reflec- tion or refraction. Fce'tus, the state of young animals, advanced so far as to possess shape. Fo'liated, consisting of thin plates or leaves. Fol'licle, a seed-vessel. Fomentation, (Med.) a partial bathing, or application of hot flannels to any part which is to be fomented. For'ceps, a pair of pincers ; a surgical instrument. Fore'close, to close prema- turely, to preclude: (L.) to for e- * Flax — grows to the height of two feet, and great care and labour are required in its cultivation ; when ripe it is gathered, dried, and the fibres carefully separated from the straw by a variety of processes. It is then taken to the mill, saturated with water, and spun into yarn or thread, for the hand-loom weaver to manufacture into linen, towelling, or canvass. f Floetz. — There are two formations, one called floetz, or secondary, containing the petrified remains of animalcules and vegetables now extinct : and the other, consisting of similar formations, and the alluvial soils lying upon them, containing the remains of animals, similar to those now in existence, and consisting of basalt, wacke, greystone, porphyry, slate, and trap tuff; also of rolled stones, gravel, sand, loam, and fragments of ore, peat, bog, breccia, stalactite, &c. X Flux — in Medicine, is an evacuation of some humour or matter. In Hydrography, it is the periodical motion of the sea, whereby the water is raised and driven violently against the shores. In Mechanics, it is the state of being melted, known as solder; or that which facilitates the union of body when mixed with it. ate IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 191 close a mortgage is to cut off the power of redemption. Foren'sic, belonging to a court of law or judicature. Fore-short'ening, is the art of drawirjg those parts of figures or animals correctly, which are, by their position, presented ob- liquely to the eye. Forlorn' hope, men selected for a desperate attack, founded on the last hope of success. For'mula, a prescribed form or model, Forma'tion, (Geo.) the general name of the various strata which compose the surface of the earth, supposed to have bsen formed at different remote periods. Form'a pau'peris, after the manner of a poor man *. Fortifica'tion, the art of defending a place f . Fortio'ri, or a fortiori, the strongest reason. Fortis'simo, (Mu.) very loud. Fos'sil, that which is dug out of the earth, either simple and compound mineral bodies, or the petrified forms of plants and animals. Frankpledge, a pledge or security for a freeman. Free'stone, a sandstone, com- monly used in building. Freight, any thing with which a ship is loaded ; the money paid for the carriage of goods in a ship or vessel. Fres'co, a method of paint- ing upon a ground of prepared plaster, or cement. Fri'able, easily crumbled or reduced to powder. Frie'ze, (Arch.) the flat member, which separates the * Forma Pauperis — is a term used when a person has cause of suit, but is unable to pay the legal charges ; he then makes oath that he is not worth five pounds after his debts are paid, and on bringing a certificate from some lawyer that his cause is a just one, the judge admits him to sue without paying fees to the counsellor, attorney, clerk, or the stamp duty. f Fortification. — Fortifications are both natural and artificial, the ' former being, in many cases, rendered more complete by the latter. Few places illustrate this more fully than the Rock of Gibraltar, a celebrated promontory in the South of Spain. This place was converted into a mili- 192 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, also architrave from the cornice a coarse kind of cloth. Fructification, the act of causing, or of bearing fruit; the name of all those parts of a plant which produce the seed. Fu'cus, the sea-weeds of the class from which kelp is pro- cured. Fugue, (Mu.)a flight, occur- in g when the different parts of a composition follow each other, each person repeating what the first has performed. Ful'crum (Me. ), the prop or support on which the lever rests. Ful'ler's Earth, a substance derived from the felspar of broken granite, forming a kind of clay which has the property of ab- sorbing oil and grease from cloth, wool, and similar substances. Fulmina'tion, a loud explo sion ; the report given on the ignition of preparations called fulminating powders. Fumiga'tion, the dispersion of smoke or fumes for the purifica- tion of articles supposed to be infected. Func'tion, an employment, office, or trade ; a single act of any office; power, faculty. Fund amen 'tal, serving for the foundation, essential. Fun'gus, a vegetable of ex- tremely rapid growth, which springs from decaying matter. Fur'lough, a permission given to a soldier, to be absent for a stated time. Fur'row, a small trench made for the reception of seeds, or the draining of land ; the mark made in the face by age, a wrinkle. Fusee', a small tube filled with combustibles, used for the dis- charge of bombs and fireworks. Fusd3il'ity, a capacity of be- ing melted, or liquified by fire. Fu'sioN,the melting or causing any substance to pass from a solid to a liquid state by the action of fire. G. Ga'ble, the sloping roof of a building. The gable-end is the upright triangular end of a house from the eaves to the centre of the roof. tary station by the Moors, in the beginning of the eighth century, and they retained possession of it for several hundred years. It was then occupied by the Spanish, with the exception of a short period, till it was conquered by the British, in the year 1704. After repeated attempts on the part of the Spaniards to regain it, it sustained a memorable siege for nearly four years, till in the year 1783 the contest was terminated by a general peace. The town of Gibraltar is fortified in itself ; but its principal protection consists in the batteries on the surrounding heights, that sweep the isthmus, which, with the fortifications and the garrison, are maintained at an annual expense of jg40,00Q sterling. It commands the whole of the western coast of Spain, and effectually cuts off all com- munication by sea between that part of Spain which is bounded by the Mediterranean, and those parts bounded by the Atlantic. Not the least curious part of these fortifications is in the rock itself. The interior of the rock has several large natural excavations, the largest of which, called St. George's Cave, is here represented. The opening to this does not exceed four or five feet ; but it widens into an apartment two hundred feet in length by ninety in breadth, from the lofty roof of which descend numerous pillars formed of petrified water, giving it the appearance of a Gothic cathedral. These natural defences are of great antiquity, and have been materially improved bv the modern arts of warfare. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 193 Gae'lic, the name of the an- cient Celtic language, still spoken in the Highlands of Scotland. Gal'axy, (As.) the combina- tion of stars forming the Milky Way ; a term used to signify any assemblage of bright objects. Gale'na, the sulphuret of lead, found both in masses and in crystals. Gall, (An.) a yellow bitter juice, secreted from the blood in the glands of the liver, and lodged in the gall-bladder. Gal'licism, a manner of ex- pression, or mode of speech, after the French idiom. Gal'vanism, the electricity evolved by the contact of two pieces of metal, such as copper and zinc* Gam'boge, a resinous gum, the produce of an Indian tree. It is used as a fine yellow colour, [notes. Gam'ut,(Mu.) a table or scale of Gan'grene, (Med.) a term ap- plied to a stage of mortifica- tion, before vitality is completely gone. Gar'gle, a liquid with which the throat is washed, without being swallowed. Gar'lic, (Bo.) a bulbous root, of a strong smell and acrid taste. Gas, (Ch.) the name given to all permanently elastic fluids of an aerial form. f Gas'tric juice, a fluid secreted within the stomach, to assist di- gestion ; it does not differ greatly from saliva, but produces very different effects. Gastbon'omy, the science cf eating and drinking. Gauge, {gage) an instrument used for measuring. Gav'el kind, a law by which estates are equally divided among all the sons, to the exclusion of females. Gazet'te, (ga-zet) the official newspaper issued under the sanc- * Galvanism — Aname derived from Galvani, an Italian, who discovered that cerlain metals dissimilar in their nature develop a power which re- sembles the electric fluid. His discovery subsequently led to the forma- tion of the Galvanic Battery, in which plates of different metals are arranged in pairs, with a saline or acid solution betwixt each pair ; and from which the galvanic fluid may be drawn off by conductors, producing effects similar to those caused by electricity. The electro-galvanic fluid is used by chemists in decomposing compound bodies, and for other purposes. It has been called animal electricity from its effect on the animal muscle. f Gas. — The gas with which our streets and houses are illuminated, is obtained from coal, by a species of distillation; and every vessel used in its manufacture is so constructed as to exclude the atmospheric air. In making gas, a large fire is kindled, over which is placed a retort, (or long cylinder) having a door at one end and a chimney at the other. Into this retort, coals are thrown, and the door closed ; and as coals will not burn without air, they become decomposed (or melted). As they dissolve, a column of smoke arises, which consists of liquified tar, gas, and water ; these substances pass together into the chimney, and are conveyed into another retort (or large pot), containing water. The water being cold, the steam and tar are both condensed (made thick and heavy) ; the steam unites with the water, the tar being heavier, falls to the bottom of the retort, and the gas, though still in a very impure state, being lighter than the water, passes upward through another tube (or chimney),^and is conveyed into another retort containing lime and water mixed in a thin pasty mass, and kept in a state of constant agitation. The gas passes 194 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, tion of the Government, for giv- ing publicity to important mat- ters or events. Gazetteer', a brief description of important places, arranged alphabetically. Gear'ing, (Me.) a series of wheels which work into each other. In clock work it is called the movement. Gel'atine, a jelly or substance obtained from bones. Isinglass and glue are almost wholly com- posed of gelatine. Geneal'ogy, a history of the succession of any person or family. Gen'eralissue,(L.) that plea which denies the declaration or indictment, and requires the party to prove all that he has stated. Gen'esis, the name of the first book of the Old Testament, so called because it contains the his- tory of the generation or pro- duction of all things. Gejm'tian, the root of a plant of a bitter taste, native to the mountains of Germany. Ge'nus, in Natural History, one class comprehending many species. Geog'raphy, a description of the surface of the earth, its divi- sions, and general characteristics. Geol'ogy, the science which investigates the structure of the globe, the relative situation of rocks and minerals, their connec- tion with each other, and their changes. [ing land. Geom'etry, the art of measur- Geor'gics, poems treating of agriculture, as those of Yirgil. Germina'tion, (Bo.) the act or process of budding or sprout- ing forth. Gill, the organ of respiration in fishes ; the water enters by the gills opening, and acts upon the blood, as it circulates in the fibrils. Gin'ger, the root of a plant growing within the tropicsf . Gla'cier,J (glashier,) a frozen through two or three processes of this kind, until it is thoroughly purified, when it is conveyed into a very large vessel, called a gasometer, from whence it is conveyed through pipes to the required places. The time of keeping the coal in the retort is about five hours (and a chaldron yields about 10,000 cubic feet of gas), when it is opened, and the coke (or cinder) is drawn out and spread on an iron floor, the process of cooling being hastened by buckets of water thrown over it. The tar which sinks to the bottom of the water in the retort is used for a variety of purposes ; the water is used to cool the bars of the furnace, and the lime is mixed up with clay, to form a cement for securing the covers of the retorts. * Geometry — treats of lines, surfaces, and solids. Hence, figures of every size or shape can be measured by its rules. A surface of length and breadth is termed its superficies, and whatever may be the size of an object, whether it be a log of wood, a pyramid, or a globe, the number of cubic inches, yards, or miles, can be determined by this science. f Ginger — is propagated by cuttings planted in spring ; in three or four months, their rootsticks acquire a mild aromatic flavour, and in this state are used for the preparation of preserved ginger. In eight or twelve months the roots acquire full strength, and are prepared either by scalding and drying them with artificial heat, or by peeling and drying them in sunshine ; by the first process the black, by the latter the white ginger is produced. J Glacier. — The most common form of a glacier is that of a river IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 195 torrent, caused by the vapours of the earth, which are constantly ascending, becoming condensed into ice on the tops of the highest mountains. [a fortification. Gla'cis, the sloping bank of GLA'DiATORS,men who fought at the public games of Home for the entertainment of the spectators. Glan'ders, a disease to which horses are subject; it is a running of corrupt matter from the nose, differing in colour, according to the degree of its malignity. GtajMDS, (An.) small hollow vessels; they are those organs of the body which separate the fluids. Glass, an artificial, transpa- rent, and brittle substance.* Glebe, the land belonging to a parish, cultivated by the in- cumbent. Glee, (Mu.) a composition in three or more parts. Globe, a sphere on which the various regions of the earth are geographically depicted; this is called a terrestrial globe ; a celes- tial globe is a sphere on which of ice filling a valley bet\* een high mountains, and pouring down its masses into valleys yet lower. Some are formed about 8000 or DOOO feet above the level of the sea, and extend from three to twenty miles in length, by one or two in breadth, their surface being in some cases smooth and unbroken, but more generally marked by deep chasms and pinnacles of ice, rising in fantastic forms. As glaciers have their origin in the higher valleys and gorges, they sometimes descend into the midst of warm and pine-clad slopes and greenswards, and bring devastation into the huts of the peasantry. This movement of the glacier is accounted for by suppo- sing that the ice is assisted onward by some secret spring of water, issuing from beneath its extremity, and which gradually undermines it. This water is derived from natural springs, the melting of the ice, and the waste of the glacier itself by the action of the sun and rain.. * Glass. The ingredients used in its manufacture are, principally, a fine white sea sand, purified pearlash, litharge (red lead), and nitre ; 196 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, the constellations are laid down according to their places in the firmament. Glob'ule, a small particle of matter, of a spherical form, as the red particles of the blood. Glos'sary, a definition of ob- scure or antiquated words. Glot'tis, the opening of the larynx, or windpipe, behind the tongue. Glue, a species of cement made from the paring of hides, hoofs, and other oifal, by boiling them and straining off their impurities. Glu'ten, an elastic and tena- cious substance, resembling gum, found largely in flour and other vegetable bodies, [and adhesive. Glu'tinous, any thing soft Glyphography, is the art of drawing through a thin layer of composition upon a plate ; a cast of which, takenby theElectrotype process is printed from, after the manner of a wood engraving. GwE'iss,(?zzse) (Geo.) a species of a slaty texture, containing metals, and, in many countries, lying immediately over the great mountain masses of granite. Gno'mojv, the index of a dial, always parallel to the axis of the earth. Gnomon 'ics, a science which teaches the art of finding the just proportions of shadows for the construction of sun-dials. Gnu, a swift footed animalf . Gold, a metal 19 times hea- vier than water, and the most malleable and ductile of all metals ; a single grain may be so beaten as to cover 50 square inches. Gold beaters' skin, a thin membranous skin prepared from the entrails of an ox, and used by gold beaters for the purpose of laying between them the leaves of metal. Gos'samer, a fine filmy sub- stance like a cobweb. Goth'ic, (Ar.) a style distin- guished by pointed arches andclus- tered columns, introduced by the Normans about the 12th century. the sand forming about two thirds of the mixture. Calcined flint was once extensively used, but a peculiar sea sand, procured from Lynn, in Norfolk, and Alum Bay, in the Isle of Wight, have long formed the silex used in glass houses. New South Wales, also, now supplies us with the sand. When these substances are well blended together, they are put into large pots, or crucibles, and placed in a furnace, where, after a long con- tinuous heat, (about 48 hours,) and the removal of impurities generated by the process, they become a transparent fluid, and form the material from which the glass is either blown, or cast, into any shape that may be required. When glass is cast, moulds are prepared, into which the liquid mass is placed. When articles are made by blowing, the workman dips the end of an iron pipe into the melting-pot, and the fluid which adheres to it, is partly formed by bis breath into the shape required, and while it is still red hot and soft, its ultimate shape is given, and additional pieces may be joined to it. When finished, the article is placed in an upper furnace, and kept in a red heat until it is properly annealed. To colour the glass, cobalt is used for blue, oxyde of iron for green ; and, according to the tint required, other colouring matter can be introduced. * Gnu. — This animal forms a graceful link between the buffalo and the antelope tribe. It is a native of the wild and hilly districts of South Africa, where it roams mostly in large herds, which migrate according to the season. The body is about three feet two inches long, and the IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 197 Gourdes climbing or creeping plant growing in the East. Gra'dient, is the deviation from a level to an inclined plane. Graduate, a man dignified with an academical degree. Gham'mae, the art of writing or speaking, to express exactly what we mean. Graminiv'orous, living upon grass or h rbage. Gram 'pus, a large fish of the whale kind. Grandiloquence, a lofty or pompous style of expression. Gran'ite, (Geo.) a primary, unstratified, hard rock, usually greyish, but varying in colour. It is the fundamental rock of the earth, on which the others lie, though it shoots up both in lofty mountain-ranges and low-lying grounds. Granula'tion, the process of forming metallic substances into grains ; in surgery it signifies the small specks of red flesh which spring up in healing sores. Graniv'orous, feeding on grain. Gravita'tio^t, is the law of attraction, by which bodies fall to the earth, and by which the planets are kept moving in their relations to the sun. Grega'rious, a term descrip- tive of those animals which herd together in flocks. Grego'rian, a name applied to the arrangement of the calen- dar year made by Pope Gregory, height three feet six inches. The neck is unusually thick, having a mane on the upper part. The orbit of the eyes is round and surrounded by long white hairs, forming a kind of star, and giving the animal an uncom- mon and fierce appearance. Its general colour is deep brown, verging upon black. It possesses great strength and swiftness, acute scent, and a quick sight. Its flesh is prized as food, but they are not to be ap- proached without difficulty. When taken young the Gnu will become domesticated, but it is apt upon occasions to become ferocious and unmanageable. 198 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, and familiarly called the change from the old to the new style. Gjja'so, the dung and remains of birds*. Guild, (gild) a society, or cor- poration, united and governed by their own laws. Hence Guild- hall is a place or hall wherein their affairs are transacted. Gum, a vegetable juice exud- ing from the pores of certain plants, and then hardening into a tenacious or sticky mass, which may be dissolved. Gum'powder, a composition of sulphur, nitre, and charcoal. A musket, when charged with gunpowder, will send a ball, on on average, 1600 feet per second, and its range is half a mile. Gut'ta sere'na, a disease of the optic nerve, causing blindness. Gymna'sium, the place used by the Greeks for athletic exer- cises, and named from gymnos (naked), because some of these exercises were performed in that state. Gyp's um, a substance com- posed of sulphate of lime, which when heated and ground, forms plaster of Paris. H. Ha'beas cor'pus", (L.) a writ to remove a prisoner into a supe- rior Court, for the due hearing of his cause ; when, if found to be unlawfully detained, he is there discharged. Hail, drops of rain congealed into ice, in consequence of the great coldness of the air through which they pass. Ha'lo, a luminous ring round the heavenly bodies, supposed to be a reflection by vapour. Hallucination, an error, or a mistake of imagination. Har'py, a poetical creation, with the face of a woman, and the claws and wings of a bird, remarkable for rapaciousness; it signifies a ravenous or exceed- ingly covetous person. Hatch'ment, an armorial bearing, placed, with an angle downwards, over the door of a deceased person, or against the wall of a church. Heat, the cause of the sensa- tion we feel when near the firef . Hebdom'adal, recurring every seven days. Hec'tic, (Med. > ) troubled with a morbid heat, or fever, and a frequent flush on the cheeks. Hegi'ra, the epoch of Maho- met's flight, on the 10th of July, 622, from Mecca. From this term is dated the series of eastern or lunar years, of 354 days. * Guano — has long been known as a powerful manure. Among the limestone cliffs of Yorkshire many tons have been collected annually by men engaged in taking the eggs of the wild pigeons, and who, for that purpose, let each other down the face of the cliffs by means of a "gin" or windlass. This manure is sold to the neighbouring farmers, and is found highly beneficial for their grain crops, though not equal in efficacy to the Peruvian and African guano. It is, however, a pleasing circumstance in the economy of nature, that the sheltering shrub and the sheltered bird, mutually benefit each other, so that the offensive excrements of the bird con- tribute to the growth and beauty of the plant. In harmony with this is ano- ther fact, that where there is no rain, and consequently no vegetation, the great proportion of the dung of birds is converted by the action of the sun's rays into a non volatile, but soluble salt, one of the principal ingredi- ents in the great depots of tropical guano. f Heat — is better understood from its effects, than from a knowledge of IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 199 Heir looms, (L.) are articles which descend to the heir along with the inheritance, and cannot be devised away by will. He'lots, the name of a class of slaves in Sparta, who did not belong to separate masters, but to the state. Hel'lenism, an idiom, or man- ner of expression, peculiar to the Greek language. Hem'istich, in poetry, a line left half completed. . Hem'lock, a poisonous plant. Hemp, a fibrous material ob- tained from a plant called canna- bis ; it is a species of the nettle. Hen 'bane, a plant common in hedges, and bearing yellow and purple flowers, with a dark grey seed ; it is poisonous. Hepat'ic, (Ph.) pertaining to the liver. (Ch.) Hepatic air is inflammable. Hep'tarchy, the name given to the seven Saxon kingdoms, into which England was divided for about 300 years. Her'ald, an officer who makes proclamations, designs coats of arms, registers genealogies, and directs regal processions. Herb'al, a work giving a summary view of plants. Herba'ceous, feeding on ve- getables. Hercu'lean, expressive of great strength and perseverance necessary to execute any under- taking. Her'iot, a fine paid under the* feudal system to the lord, at the death of a tenant ; generally the best beast in the -tenant's stock. Hered'itary, inheriting by family heirship in a lineal descent. Hermet'ical, a mode of seal- ing which effectually excludes all foreign bodies. Her'nia, (An.) an intestinal rupture. Hexam'eter, in classical poetry a line of six feet. Hierarchy, a sacred or ec- clesiastical government. its composition. Its presence converts a hard solid mass into a liquid or a liquid into steam or a gas. In its absence a liquid become^ solid, as when water is changed into ice. Its effects are manifest through all nature ; but the present extent of human information is limited to a partial knowledge of the laws by which it is governed. Without heat, the clay would not subserve the purpose of man's ingenuity, the metals could not add to his comfort, and he must forego many of the occupations as well as the enjoyments of life. But how beautifully has the Author of all goodness spread over the surface, and within the bowels of the earth, the means of bringing this latent principle into useful action. The transform- ing power of heat is most wonderful ; it does not annihilate any substance : it may reduce it to powder, to vapour, or to air, but in its gaseous form it becomes the means of nourishing and maturing the animal and the plant. The growth of the acorn into the majestic oak, and the revivification of the various productions of nature, are all to be traced to this principle. They are replenished and brought to perfection by the very proces's which we, in our ignorance, often suppose to be destructive. * Hemp. — The plant which yields this substance is found in most parts of the world. It is an annual, having nearly simple stems, which grow to the height of five or six feet, and are covered with stiff hairs. The stem contains a very tough woody tissue, which, after being cleared from the pith, is capable of being manufactured into canvas and cordage, and is applied to a variety of most useful purposes. The plant contains a nar- 200 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Hieroglyphic, an emblem ; the art of writing by pictures*. Hip'podrome, acourse wherein chariot, or horse races, were ex- hibited, or horses exercised. Histrion'ic, relating to the stage, or to dramatic performers. Hol'ocaust, a burnt offering, or sacrifice, wholly consumed by fire. Hol'ograph, a deed or testa- ment, wholly written by the hand of the testator. Hom'icide, (L.) the killing of one human being by another. It is of three kinds, justifiable, excu- sable, and felonious. Hom'ily, a discourse upon points of religion, delivered in a plain easy style. Homceop'athy, a system of medicine which declares that na- tural diseases are curable by simi- lar artificial ones, or by such me- dicines as would produce them, and which also prescribes reme- dies in infinitely small doses. Homogeneous, of the same or of a uniform nature. Hori'zon, the line that termi- nates the view ; the circle that seems to divide the heavens from the earth. The term horizontal is therefore applied to any straight line which would form a right angle with one descending per- pendicularly from above. Horn'blende, (Geo.) a primi- tive rock, of a dark green or black colour ; the basis of basalt, and compound of silicia, alumina, lime, and oxide of iron. Horol'ogy, the art of measur- ing time. Horticulture, the art of cultivating gardens. Hor'tus Sic'cus, a collection of preserved plants. Hy'bridous, (Zo.) begotten between animals of different species. H ydraul'ics, the science which explains the laws and motions of fluids. Hydrocyan'ic, or Prussic Acid, a deadly poison, prepared chiefly from bitter almonds. Hy'drogen, an elementary inflammatory gas, the lightest of known bodies ; with oxygen gas it forms water, and explodes when mixed with oxygen, or atmospheric air. Hydrog'raphy, that part of Geography which describes gulfs, rivers, and oceans. Hydrom'eter, an instrument for ascertaining the specific gra- vity of different fluids. Hydrodynam'ics, the science which includes both hydraulics and hydrostatics. [ness. Hydropho'bia, canine mad- Hydrostat'ics, the science cotic secretion of much power, frequently occasioning headache and vertigo to those who are much in the plantations, and, in hot climates, producing a degree of intoxication. It is used in Oriental nations as an intoxicating drug, and also as an opiate. The seeds of hemp abound with a thick mu- cilage, which is used medicinally, and a useful oil is obtained from them by pressure. * Hieroglyphics, are picturesque representations. This being tbe first method adopted by mankind for recording their ideas, it was generally understood ; but when characters were introduced instead of pictures, hieroglyphics became unintelligible, and gave rise to imposition. The Egyptian priests still made use of them to keep the mysteries of their religion from the knowledge of the people ; they were thence called hieroglyphics, or sacred characters. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 201 which explains the weight and equilibrium of fluids. Hyge'ist, a professor of the healing art. Hypercrit'ic, one who is critical to a fastidious excess. Hypochondriac, one having a disordered imagination, and la- bouring under unnecessary fears. Hypothesis, a theory; or a principle assumed from which to draw certain inferences. Hysterics, a disease chiefly attacking females, often brought on by strong mental emotions. I Iam'bic, a metrical division of a line of poetry, consisting of a long and short syllable. Ich dien, signifying I serve. The motto of the Prince of Wales. Ichthyol'ogy, the natural his- tory of fishes. Ides, eight days in each month of the Roman calendar, beginning in some with the fifteenth and in others with the thirteenth day. Id'iom, a phrase having a pecu- liar sense in one language, but which, if literally transferred into another, would either have no meaning, or one wholly different. Idiosyn'cr as y, a peculiar con- stitution or temperament not common to another. Tdyl, a short Greek pastoral. Ig'nis fat'uus, ignited phos- phuretted hydrogen gas, arising from decomposed animal and ve- getable remains, occurring in marshy places. lGNi'TioN,the act of setting on fire; (Ch.) the application of fire to bodies, till they become red, without melting. Impeach'ment, (L.) a public accusation; a charge preferred in parliament against a public officer. [trated Imper'meable, not to be pene- Im'petus, (Me.) the force with which one body impels or strikes another. [clash. Imping'e, to strike against, to Impond'erabi.e, void of per- ceptible weight, as light and heat. Impost'hume, an abscess in the interior of the body. Impri'mis, first of all. Improvis'iatori, persons who compose and recite poetry ex- temporaneously. Incuba'tion, the process of hatching eggs *. Ijn'cubus, the nightmare; a sense of weight oppressing the breast. [country. Indi'genous, native to a In'digo, a pl-nt cultivated in warm climates, for the beautiful blue dye obtained from its leaves. * Incubation. — The period for hatching eggs hy the natural process at 104; degrees is, with hens, three weeks ; with geese and ducks, a month ; with pigeons, eighteen days ; and with swans, six weeks. — An artificial process has been adopted in various parts of the world. In China, a hatching house for ducks consists of a long shed, with mud walls, and thickly thatched with straw. In this building a number of round straw baskets are placed, well plastered with mud to prevent them from taking fire. The bottom is formed of a tile, a small fire-place being below each basket. The eggs being placed in these baskets, and the fires lighted, the heat is duly regu- lated. In four or five days they are carefully examined, and the good ones are replaced in the basket for about ten days more. They are then spread out on shelves, and covered up with cotton, and a kind of blanket ; thus they remain for about fourteen days longer, when the young ducks burst their shells, and the shed is filled with living creatures. In a few days after the K 2 202 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, In'dra, the Indian Jove, or god of the firmament; he is thus represented by Indian sculptors. Induc'tion, a process of rea- soning, by which a general in- ference is drawn from a number of facts. Iner'tia, (Me.) the tendency of a body, when left to itself, to preserve its existing condition un- changed. Infinitesimal, in infinitely small quantities, [demical catarrh. Influen'za, a species of epi- Infu'sion, fCh.) the act of steeping in moisture without boil- ing. In 'got, a bar of gold or silver. Infuso'ria, the class of ani- malcules discovered by the micro- cope in stagnant water and other fluids. Injunction, (L.) a prohibit- ory writ, restraining from some act that appears against equity. In Lim'ine, in the very be- ginning. Inocula'tion, (Med.) the transplanting a disease into the veins of a person; or the bud of a plant into another stock. Inorgan'ic, without having had vitality; all material sub- tances not animal or vegetable are so designated. Insectiv'orous, a term ap- plied to creatures which feed on insects, [dissolved or separated. Insol'uble, (Ch.) not to be Inspis'sate, (Ch.) to thicken; to condense. [which it was. In stat'u quo, in the state in Intag'lio, gems or stones with sunk figures or inscriptions. In'teger, a whole, as opposed to a fraction. lNTEG'uMENT,the outer cover- ing of animal or vegetable bodies. Intercal'ary, a day intro- duced every fourth year into the calendar, as the 29th of February. Intercos'tal, (An.) placed be- tween the ribs. Interpolation, something added to, or put into the original matter. [place to place. In tran'situ, passing from I'odine, (Ch.) a poison of a black colour and metallic lustre, procured from burnt kelp, or sea weed; supposed to possess great powers in resolving glandular swellings. Ion'ic, (Ar.) an order inter- mediate between the strong Doric and the delicate Corinthian. whole are sold, and conveyed to their new quarters. In Egypt the hatching rooms, or ovens, for fowls, have a number of shelves or cham- bers, in which eggs are placed to the amount of 20,000 to 50,000, and the fuel used for hatching is a union of cow or camel's dung, mixed with straw. The number of eggs placed is about 100,000,000 in a season, but only about two-thirds of them are hatched. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 203 IpECACUAN'HA,arootan extract from which is used as an emetic. Ip'se dix'it, mere assertion. Ipso fac'to, by the fact itself. I'ris, the circle which sur- rounds the pupil of the eye; the rainbow. I'ron, a hard, fusible metal, found chiefly in iron stone, from which it is extracted.* I'singlass, a gelatinous sub- stance prepared from a fish. I'vory, the tusk of an elephant. J. Jal'ap, the root of a Mexican tree, used as a strong purgative. Japan'ning, the art of pro- ducing a highly varnished surface on a hard substance. Join'ture, (L.) a wife's sepa- rate estate secured by a marriage settlement, [every fiftieth year. Ju'bilee, a festival celebrated Jug'ular, the name of two* large veins, one of which lies on each side of the neck. Ju're divi'no, by divine right. Ju'ris-con'sult, a person learned in the laws. Jurisdiction, a district to which a certain authority extends. Jurisprudence, the science of law. K. Kaleidoscope, an optical in- strument consisting of a tube, with slips of glass, so arranged that small substances are reflected in an endless variety of angular shapes. [plant. Kelp, the burnt ashes of a sea Kid'neys, (An.) two glands, one on each side of the spine, which separate the urine from the blood. La'bials, letters pronounced by the lips. Labo'ratory, a chemical workshop. Lac, a species of resin whicli flows from an East Indian tree.f Lachry'matory, a vessel an- ciently used for collecting tears to place in the funeral urn. Lac'teals, vessels which con- vey the chyle, or prepared food, to the blood. Lam'inated, in thin parallel plates or layers. Land-slip, the movement of a portion of land on the side of a mountain or the sea-coast, in consequence of rains, frosts, or the undermining action of the sea. * Iron. — This metal is most widely diffused throughout nature. It is intermixed with various soils, and is contained in rocks and minerals, though very rarely in a pure state. It is sometimes dug from the eartli at a depth of 600 feet, where it is found lying in beds or seams, either near seams of coal, or in the same beds. When raised to the earth, the iron- stone is exposed in a suitable building to the action of an intense furnace beneath, the heat of which is increased to the highest degree by enormous bellows. The iron thus melted, runs out in a liquid stream, and being re - ceived in a channel formed of sand, is moulded into the desired shapes. By further heat, and by hammering, it is rendered malleable iron ; and by a still further process, it is made into steel. The substance called black lead, is a carburet of iron; green vitriol is a sulphate of iron; and the loadstone is an oxide of iron. f Lac. — Sticklac is the substance in the natural state, Seedlac when boiled in water, and Shellac when it has been melted. When a solution of lac is made in spirits of wine, and applied to brass, tin, and other metals, it is called Lacquering. It is also a principal ingredient in sealing-wax. 204 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Lap'idary, one who cuts and polishes precious and other stones. Lar'board, the left side of a ship when the face is to the head ; starboard is the right. [ment. Lar'go, (Mu.) a slow move- Lar'va, the second state of the insect, the egg being the first. La'bynx, the upper cavity of the windpipe, by which the voice is formed. [tion of opium. Lau'danum, a liquid prepara- La'va, the melted compound of minerals and other matter that flows from burning volcanoes. Lazaret'to, an hospital for the reception of diseased persons. Lead, a metal found in mines, often in contact with silver.* Lea'ther, the prepared skin of animals. Leg'ate, a spiritual ambassa- dor from the Pope. Lega'tiojv, the body of per- sons composing an ambassadors suite. Le'gion, a body of Roman sol- diers varying from 3 to 5000 men. Legislature, the power of a state which enacts laws. Legit'imacy, a lawful birth; genuineness. Lens, apiece of glass, or other transparent substance, so formed as to make the rays of light mag- nify or diminish objects viewed through it. [kind. Len'tiLj a plant of the tare Le'ver, the first mechanical power, being nearly a straight line supported by a single prop. Leviga'tion, the process of grinding substances to a fine paste. Li'as, a species of stratified clay abounding in organic re- mains. Li'chen, a kind of moss. Lig'ament, a strong flexible *Lead. — This metal, after it has heen melted from the ore, is formed into oblong blocks, called " pigs." If it yield about ten ounces of silver in a ton, it is deemed worth the trouble of separating. To effect this it is put into a peculiar furnace, by the heat of which the lead is oxidized, and comes off as Litharge, leaving the pure silver behind. The litharge, being again heated, resumes the metallic form, and becomes refined lead. To make red lead, the " pigs" are reduced to a fluid mass, and continuously stirred up for five or six hours, till it becomes a greyish, yellow powder. This passes through various processes till the action of the oxygen has changed its colour to a fine red, when it is ground, and rendered fit for sale. To make white lead, the lead is melted and moulded into thin sheets. These sheets are placed in layers, in a suitable building, till a stack is formed. Fine ashes are laid at the bottom ; then a layer of tanners' spent bark; next a layer of earthen pots, each containing a pint of vinegar; then a layer of six leaden plates, and finally a covering of boards : another series of layers is added, and so on till the stack attains the height of about twenty feet. The whole is then closed up for some weeks. During this period fermentation ensues, and the vinegar evaporates, producing a chemical change upon the surface of the sheets of lead, converting it first into an oxide, then into an acetate, and finally into a carbonate. The stack is then pulled down piece-meal ; the lead is placed in a large vat of water and made to pass between revolving brass rollers ; the white earthy matter is thus crushed off, leaving the thin metallic film of blue lead. After much raking and stirring, the white lead is separated, and is afterwards ground and reduced to a paste-like state, when it is fit for use, for painting or other purposes. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 205 substance, which binds together the bones of the body. Light, the principle or sub- stance which renders objects perceptible. It travels 192,000 miles in a second of time. Lightening, the electric fluid, in a state of considerable agi- tation, and passing visibly from cloud to cloud.* [or limestone. f Lime, a preparation of chalk Lin'iment, a medicinal liquid used as an external application. Lin 'seed, the seed of the flax- plant. J Lin'tel, that part of the door- frame that lies upon the door posts. Liquefac'tion", the state of being melted. Lith'arge, calcined lead. Lithog'rafky, the art of drawing on stone for the purpose of taking impressions from it. Lithot'omy, the art of extract- ing stones from the bladder. Liv'er, (An.) the largest gland of the tody, which secretes the bile. Lixivia'tion, the process of washing a substance in water, to extract from it any soluble or saline particles. Loam, a natural mixture of sand, clay, and silex (flint), in a minute state. Log, in Navigation, is an in- strument thrown over a ship's side, to measure the current, or the rate of sailing. Logarithms, a series of arti- ficial numbers for the purpose of expediting calculations. Log'wood, a flourishing tree of * Lightning. — The sheet lightning, whieh appears on a summer's even- ing, is harmless, when unattended by thunder. Forked lightning is caused by the sudden escape of the electric fluid concentrated in the cloud, and sometimes occasions injury. The most dangerous is the ball lightning, when the electric fluid descends in a compact stream, and seems to roll along the ground. This kind, however, is exceedingly rare. Lightning is to thunder what the flash is to gunpowder. f Lime, — in its native state is in the form of carbonate, and is burnt to disengage the carbonic acid. "When made into mortar, of one part water and three parts lime, it is called hydrate of lime, and being mixed with silica, alumina, and oxide of iron, it forms plastic cements and mor- tars, and afterwards imbibing carbonic acid from the atmosphere, it again becomes a carbonate of lime, as hard as at first; and hence its use in building. X Linseed. — This seed, when dried, produces by pressure an excellent paint oil. It is first bruised, and then ground into a pasty mass. If cold drawn oil be required, the paste is at once subjected to an hydraulic press, by which oil of a very fine quality is obtained, but in a very limited quantity. To obtain the main supply, the paste is heated before undergoing the ac- tion of the press. It is therefrom transferred to a heated pan, in which it is kept in constant motion. When heated thoroughly, it is removed and put into bags ; these are placed in the press in layers ; the pressure is then applied, and the oil is made to ooze out from every pore in the bags, into a receptacle prepared for that purpose. When the seed is taken out of the bags, it presents almost the hardness and solidity of a board, and constitutes the oil cake used for fattening cattle. Other vegetable oils, as Olive, Hemp, and Rape, are all produced from the plants bearing their names, and by a similar process. 206 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, South America, whose wood affords a beautiful purple dye. LoN'GiTUDE,the distance of any place from a meridian line, as any towns east and west of Greenwich. Lubrica'tion, the anointing a surface to diminish the effects of friction. In ivatchwork, a fine olive oil is used,— in wood, soft soap and black lead, in large machinery, oil or tallow. Ltj'cifer matches, those by which light is obtained instanta- neously ; some are ignited by fric- tion against a rough substance ; others ignite by contact with an acid. Luna'tion, the time between one full moon and the next. M. Mace, an ensign of authority : (Bo.) a spice obtained from a tree in the Molucca Islands, which yields nutmegs, the mace being the rind or covering of the nut- megs. Macera'tion, the process of softening bodies in fluids. Mac'hiavelism, a word ex- pressive of a policy in which cun- ning and artifice are considered as the best means to attain an end. Mack'erkl, a salt-water fish.* Mad'der, (Bo.) a plant from the roots of which a fine red dye is produced. Mad'rigal, (Mu.) a vocal composition without accompa- niment. Magazin'e, a place for war- res; also j cellany. Magne'sia, a soft, white, light earth, consisting of oxygen and a metallic base called magnesium. Mag'netism, that branch of science which treats of the pro- perty of attracting or repelling iron, displayed by the magnet or loadstone. Mag'netism (Animal,) a phrase applied to an influence said to be exercised by one animal body upon another, resembling that of the magnet. Maize, an Indian bread corn. Mala'ria, a term applied to the fever resulting from bad air in marshy places. Mal'leable, capable of ex- tension by hammering ; when metals can be flattened, they are said to be laminable; when drawn into wire, ductile. Malt, grain steeped in water, fermented, and dried on a kiln.f * Mackerel. — This fish is most abundant off the coasts of Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Suffolk, and Norfolk ; they come in large shoals, and are taken either by the line or the net. The French adopt the line method, two men being able to take from 500 to a 1000 fish in a favourable day. The English use a drift net, made of small fine twine, with a mesh of about two inches and a half. In order to take a large range while fishing, a number of nets are attached lengthwise, and extend from three quarters of a mile to a mile and a half. These nets are set in the evening, and sometimes hauled once during the night, at others allowed to remain in the water all night. The fish, while moving about in the dark, are caught in the meshes of the net, which are large enongh to admit their heads, but not to allow the body to pass through. f Malt. — The grain generally used for making malt is barley. The barley is first steeped in water, for about forty -six hours. When the water has been drained off, it is thrown upon a stone floor, in a flat heap, called a couch, the thickness of which is at first about 16 inches; but this heap is IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 207 Mamma 'li a, that class of ani- mals which suckle their young. Mam'moth, an extinct species of elephant found in a fossil state. Manda'mus, (L.) a writ, re- quiring the party to whom it is addressed to perform some parti- cular act therein expressed. Mandarin', a Chinese magis- trate or nobleman, Man'dible, (An.) the jaw — . also the name given to the upper and under bill of birds. Mangane'se, is a dull whitish metal, very hard, brittle, and difficult of fusion. Oxyde of Manganese is one of the materials from which oxygen can be easily obtained. Mange, an eruptive disease in animals, often caused by dirt and confinement, or bad and insuffi- cient food. Manipulation, a word signi- fying a work done with the hands ; also, the smaller processes em- ployed in chemical combinations. Man'na, a white sweet juice, or gum, of medicinal virtues, ob- tained from a species of ash tree in the south of Europe. Man 'or, a district granted originally by the Crown, over which the lord possesses a feuda- tory jurisdiction. Manslaughter, killing a person without malice, but not wholly without fault, [ing illness. Maras'mus, a species of wast- Marl, a species of earth, being a mixture of carbonate of lime and clay, used for enriching poor land. M as'tic, a resin extracted from a tree cultivated in the Levant. Mathematics, the science of magnitude and number, or what- ever may be measured or com- puted. Mat'rix, a mould that forms or imbeds bodies, or that in which anything is generated. Mauso'leum, a large tomb.* Maxil'la, (An.) the jaw bone. Max'imum, the greatest quan- tity, [in the vicinity of rivers. Mead'ow, a low piece of ground Mechan'ics, that science which treats of moving forces, and their practical application to the making of tools, engines, and machines. gradually reduced by turning it twice a day, with wooden shovels. During this process the grain germinates ; and when the first shoot is a quarter or half an inch in length, it is removed to the floor of a heated kiln, by which its germination is stopped, and the grain thoroughly dried, and, in some cases, partially roasted. By this process the barley undergoes a chemical change, which imparts to it a sweet quality, from whidti a spirit is extracted. When the malt is used for beer, it is first bruised, and the meal conveyed into iron vessels called mash tuns, in which hot water is poured upon it. After being steeped some time, and the water and the malt have been well stirred up together, the water containing a good deal of malt extract is drawn off. When all the fermentable matter has been extracted, the residue is used for the feeding of cattle. * Mausoleum. — When a magnificent tomb is erected for the purpose of recording the virtues of a deceased patriot or philanthropist, to excite their survivors to noble actions, its costliness and beauty may be productive of some advantage. But where it is intended merely as a token of individual affection, such a lavish expenditure must be lamented. Thousands are suflei - ing from disease and want, and that which is sometimes expended upon a 208 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Medal'lion, (Ar.) a tablet on which are raised figures and ornaments ; also a large medal to commemorate a particular event. Medul'laey, a substance re- sembling marrow in appearance and consistence, such as that of the brain. [ber species. Mel'on, a fruit of the cucum- Mem'bbane, (An.) a web of fibres or tissue, enveloping the brain and certain internal parts of the body. Men'struum, any liquid in which solid bodies are dissolved or separated. Mephit'ic, noxious or poi- sonous, like carbonic acid gas. Merid'ian, a circle dividing the earth into two hemispheres, eastern and western. Mer'cury, or Quicksilver ; (Ch.) a metal which is fluid at common temperature, and passes off in vapour when greatly heat- ed ; it combines with many metals, and is soluble in numerous acids. Mes'entery, a thick mem- brane full of glands, lying in the cavity of the abdomen, by which the intestines are supported. Mesne Pro'cess, (L.) (Meen Process) an intermediate process between the beginning and the end of a suit. Mes'suage, (L.) house and ground set apart for domestic pur- poses. Metallurgy, the art of sepa- rating metals from their ores. Metamor'piiosis, a transfor- mausoleum, would serve for the erection of an hospital or an asylum. The mausoleum here represented is in Delhi, and was erected hy Akbar, to perpetuate the memory of his father, Humayoon, an emperor reigning over a part of India and Cabul ; and it is one among many similar memo- rials of departed royalty. It is of large dimensions, composed entirely of marble, richly ornamented with costly mosaic ; and has long excited the curiosity and admiration of travellers. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AKD ART. 209 mation into a new and different shape. AJet'aphor, a figure of speech by which one object is made to represent another. Metaphys'ics, the science which treats of the nature and properties of mind or spiritual existence. JViETEMPSYCHo'sis,the doctrine of the transmigration of souls, from one body to another after death. Meteorol'ogy, the science which takes cognisance of meteors and of atmospheric phenomena. Meteor'ic cycle, or Golden Number, a period of nineteen years, in which the lunations of the moon return to the same day of the month. Mezzotin'to, a mode of en- graving on copper, by first rough- ing the surface ; upon this the de- sign is made. The effect of light and shade is produced by scraping such portions as will give the subject the appearance required. M ias'ma, noxious effluvia, whe- ther arising from putrefying mat- ter or extensive marshes. * Mi'ca, a mineral of a greyish colour (called also talc). It con- sists of an unlimited series of transparent lamina, adhering to each other, but easily separable into thin flexible plates, and is used as a substitute for glass. Mi'cROSCOPE,an opticalinstru- ment which greatly magnifies objects. Min'aret, a kind of spire or steeple, whence, in Mohammedan towns, the hour for general prayer is proclaimed. Mikeral'ogy, the science which treats of the structure, pro- perties, and varieties of minerals. Min'imum, the least. Mirag'e, or Fa'ta Morga'na, an optical deception occasionally seen in particular states of the at- mosphere, f Mis'sal, a mass book of the Church of Rome. Mit'timus, (L.) a warrant for keeping a person in custody. * Miasma, or Malaria. — This morbific matter is indigenous to some countries, and has its origin in certain peculiar conditions of the soil. The overflow of the Nile produces plague ; that of the Ganges, cholera; that of the parts situated in the tropics, yellow fever ; and in our own marshes, a simple intermittent. t Mirage. — The illusions of the mirage arise from vertical reflection, horizontal or lateral reflection, and suspension. In the vertical, the mirage presents the appearance of a sheet of water, in which objects are reflected and reversed as they would be in a lake. This effect was once peculiarly tantalizing to the French army in Egypt, under the command of Napoleon, when they were in great want of water. The soil of lower Egypt being a vast horizontal plain, the morning and evening aspect of the country presented nothing remarkable, but after the soil had become heated by the sun, the prospect was changed, and seemed as if bounded by a general inundation, the objects appearing to rest on islands in a large lake. On approaching the supposed water it appeared to recede, and the reflected objects to vanish. — In the horizontal or lateral reflection, the image is reflected sideways. At the lake of Geneva a bark was seen in the distance approaching the town by the left bank of the lake, and at the same moment there was seen above the water an image of the sails, which in place of following the direction of the bark, receded from it, and seemed to approach Geneva by the right bank of the lake, the image 210 WORDS OE VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Mnemonics, the art of assisting the memory by artificial rules. Mo'lars, the grinder teeth. Molas'ses, the fluid residuum of sugar after it has been re- fined. MoLLUs'cA,that class of animals whose bodies are soft, and are nei- ther furnished with skeletons nor with articulated coverings; though some of them, as the snail, have shells attached to their system. Mon'ologue, a scenic speech uttered by one person. Monoma'nia, madness upon one point or ruling idea. Mor'phia, the narcotic prin- ciple of opium. Mort'gage, (L.) a security for money borrowed. Mort'main, (L. ) land which is unalienable. Mosa'ic, a species of inlaid work, in which various coloured substances, cut into squares, are arranged in cement, so as to imi tate the effect of painting. Mu'riates, ( Ch. ) a name given to salts, formed by the combina- tion of any base with muriatic acid, of which muriate of soda (easily obtained from common sea- salt) is an example. Mu'cilage, a solution of gum or of any tenacious fluid. Mu'cus, a viscous animal fluid, secreted in the body to moisten the mucous membrane. Muriat'ic Acid, (spirit of salt) a strong acid. Its consti- tuents are chlorine and hydro- gen. ' Muscles, bundles of fibres, constituting the flesh of animals, by the contractions and dilations of which the bones are moved, and the organic functions of life performed. There are in man 201 muscles, or pairs of muscles. Mussel, a shell fish. Muse'um, a repository of curio- sities. Myrrh, the resinous gum of a tree growing in the East. Mythol'ogy, the fabulous his- tory of the gods of Greece and Rome. N, Nai'ades (Bo.) plants thatin- inhabit ponds and rivulets : also the name for fresh water shells. sailing from east to west, while the bark was sailing from north to south. — The phenomenon called suspension, or looming, was observed on the river Tigris, in the plain of Bagdad. The surface of the river was beautifully illuminated by the moon, and its waters appeared raised to an extra- ordinary- height above the level of the desert. As the dawn advanced, the phantom river sank entirely from sight. — The most remarkable instance of the Fata Morgana is at fteggio, in Italy. In certain conditions of the atmosphere, a person standing on an eminence in the city, with his back to the sun and his face to the sea, sees upon the water what appears to him io be numberless series of pilasters, arches, castles, columns, towers, splendid palaces, villages, plains with herds and flocks, men on foot and on horseback, all passing rapidly in succession on the surface of the sea. In other states of the atmosphere, the same objects are seen in the air, though less vividly, and if the weather be hazy, the objects are fringed with the colours of the rainbow. — It often happens that the phenomenon of the vertical mirage is combined with that of suspension, so as to shew in the air both a direct and an inverted image of the object, the latter being undermost. — All these phenomena depend on the different density of the lower strata of the air, occasioned either by heat or moisture. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 211 Naph'tha, a mineral oil or fluid bitumen ; it is obtained chief- ly from coals. Narcot'ic, a property of medi- cine which allays pain by produc- ing a stupifying effect on the nervous system. Nau'tilus, a genus of marine animals having a shell of a spiral form ; one species is furnished with two arms united by a membrane, which it extends as a sail, while with two other arms it rows or steers. Another species inhabits a beautiful shell, divided into thirty or forty chambers. Nave, (Ar. ) the central division of a cathedral church, extending from the west end to the choir. N aviga'tion, the art of sailing, or conducting a vessel on the ocean. Neb'ulje, certain bright spots in the heavens, now understood to be clusters of stars.* Necropolis, literally, " the city of the dead," a name bes- towed on cemeteries. Nec'tary, that part of the co- rolla of flowers in which the ho- ney-dew is accumulated. Ne'ophyte, a new convert or proselyte. [the utmost extreme. Ne plus ul'tra, no further, Neu'tral Salts, (Ch.) those salts in which the antagonist ef- fects of both acid and alkali coun- teract each other. Nerves, white medullary cords, which pass in pairs from the brain and the spinal marrow, as instruments respectively of sen- sation and volition. They spread over the body like fine net work. Nick 'el, a metal, in its na- tural state associated with cobalt. It is of a white colour, and very difficult to melt ; with copper and zinc it forms the alloy called Ger- man Silver. Ni'trates, those salts which are formed of nitric acid {aqua fortis) and various bases. N i'tre, the usual name given to the nitrate of potass, or salt-petre. Ni'trogen, or Azote', a gas which, when separated from oxy- gen, is fatal to animal life. It is disengaged from all animal and many vegetable substances, and will extinguish flame. Ni'trous, (Ch.) partaking of nitre. The termination ous serves to designate the smaller proportion of oxygen, and ic the greater', as, sulphurows and sul- phuric acid. Nom'ade, living a wandering life, like the pastoral tribes. Nomenclature, a dictionary giving the technical language peculiar to an art or science, such as a chemical or mineralogical nomenclature. Non Conductors, in Elec- tricity, are those substances through which the electric fluid passes with difficulty, such as glass, resin, sulphur, silk, hair, wool, &c, but they become elec- tric by friction. * Nebula. — On a clear evening, there is a luminous band which stretches across the sky from horizon to horizon; it is known as the " Milky Way." This remarkable belt has always maintained the same relative si- tuation among the stars, and when examined through powerful telescopes, is found (wonderful to narrate) to consist entirely of stars, scattered by millions, like glittering dust, on the dark ground of the expansive firma- ment. There are clusters of stars which are not apparent to the naked eye, but require telescopes to resolve them into clusters, and even with their aid are only visible as faint cloudy patches of light. There are some 212 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Nones, the seventh days of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the fifth of the other months. Non est inventus, not to be found. Non Se'quiter, it does not follow. Non 'suit, (L.) the dropping a suit on the discovery of an error or defect when the matter is ready for the verdict of a jury. Non 'plus, inability to do or say more pertinently. Nor'roy, or north roy, in He- raldry, one of the two provincial Kings at Arms, whose jurisdiction lies on the north side of the Trent ; that of Clarencieux is on the south. Nosol'ogy, a methodical ar- rangement or classification of diseases. Nos'trum, a medicine secretly compounded. No'tary, a person whose busi- ness it is to note and protest bills of exchange, and to attest written documents. Nu'cleus, the kernel of a nut: any originating centre around which other things accumulate. Numismat'ics, the science which treats of coins and medals, more especially of ancient ones. Nuncupative, a term applied to testamentary acts expressed verbally, and not put into writing. Nuta'tion, a motion of the earth's axis, inclining it to the ecliptic twice a year. 0. Oak'um, old ropes untwisted and reduced to hemp. Oa'sis, the name of a fertile spot in the midst of a sandy desert. Ob'elisk, a high solid pillar of stone, having four sides, and less- ening towards the top. It is of Eastern origin, and was probably erected in honour of the sun, and used as a means of determining the sun's altitude, and regulating the time of worship. O'bit, a funeral ceremony, or office for the dead. [dead. Obit'uary, an account of the Ob 'late, flattened, or short- ened ; in geometry, the term is applied to such a figure as that of the earth, in which the diame- ter at the poles is less than at the equator. [ties. Ob'sequies, funeral solemni- Observ'atory, a building fitted up for astronomical observ- ations. Occip'ital, placed in the hinder part of the skull. Occulta'tion, the obscuration of any celestial body, by the in- terposition of the moon or other planet, between it and our eye. O'chre, a species of earth, combined with iron, and of vari- ous colours; it is of great value to painters. Oc'tagon, a figure of eight sides and angles. Octa'vo, a sheet of eight leaves nebulous appearances which remain unchanged, even when viewed through the best telescopes yet constructed; and science is constrained to pause at their magnitude and distance. The knowledge of these facts should enlarge our ideas of the universe. And how great should be our admira- tion of the Divine power, when we consider the magnitude of those stars which are perceptible to the naked eye ; and remember that He who created all things, preserves them with wisdom, aud rules them with merciful goodness. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 213 or sixteen pages, or books so di- vided into sheets. Octen'nial, lasting or occur- ring every eight years. Octogen'ary, of eighty years of age. Oc'ultst, one who professes to cure disorders of the eye. Ode, a lyrical poem, conveying an outburst of vivid feeling. Of'fertory, the act of offer- ing; the place where alms are offered in a church. [water. Off'ing, the open sea; deep Oleag'enous, oily, unctuous. Olfac'tory Nerves, the pair of nerves which proceed from the brain to the nose, having the sense of smelling. Oligarchy, a form of govern- ment where power is in the hands of a few. Ol'ive-tree, an evergreen common in the south of France, Spain, and Italy, and esteemed for its fruit, which contains a great quantity of oil. Olym'piad, a Grecian period of four years, at the commence- ment of which games were held for five days at Olympia, from the year 776 B.C. to 440 A.D. Om'ega, the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Omnipotence, the Almighty unlimited power of God. His infinite duration and continual presence is omnipresence ; and his inconceivable knowledge and skill, is omniscience; O'jmus Probandi, the burden of proving what has been alleged. Oo'lite, (Geo.) a species of limestone. Opa'city, want of transparency. Ophthal'mia, inflammation of the outer covering of the eye- ball and eyelids. O'pium, the concentrated juice of the white poppy, cultivated chiefly in India and Arabia. Opodel'doc, a solution of soap and camphor in spirits of wine, used as a liniment. [ e y e - Opthal'mic, belonging to the Op'tics, the science which treats of light and colours, and the construction of suitable in- struments for assisting vision. Op'timism, the doctrine which holds all to be for the best in the existing system of things. Orato'rio, a kind of sacred drama, generally selected from the scriptures, and set to music. Oii'ACLE,an object or place sup- posed to be the abode of superna- tural wisdom.* Or'bit, (As.) the line described by the revolution of a planet round another body. Ores, (Mi.) metals in their mineral state, and usually com- bined with other substances. * Oracle. — A knowledge of future events is an attribute of God alone, and all information concerning the future must be derived from bis authority. Such, however, is the tendency of mankind to explore futurity, that art- ful persons have, in all ages and countries, put forth pretensions to this knowledge, and have derived wealth and influence from their unfounded presumptions. Among the ancients, the most celebrated Oracles were, those of Apollo, at Delphos, and of Jupiter Ammon, at Thebes. In these cities splendid buildings were erected, to command for their deities the respect and fear of the multitude. So extended was the belief in their fore- knowledge, that Kings and States consulted them before undertaking im- portant enterprises, and rich gifts were presented as a reward for the infor- mation imparted. The responses of the oracles were delivered in a variety of ways. At Delphos they were at first given in verse ; but in process of 214 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Organ 'ic, a term used to dis- tinguish the animal and vegetable kingdoms from the mineral, being applied to every thing which possesses or has possessed organs. Ornithol'ogy, the natural history of birds. Or'piment, (Mi.) a compound of sulphur and arsenic. Or'rery, a machine for repre- senting on a small scale the motions of the heavenly bodies. Orthog'raphy, the art or prac- tice of accurate spelling. Oscilla'tion, the act of mov- ing backward and forward; a vibration. Ossifica'tion, (An.) the change of membraneous or car- tiliganeous substances into bone. Osteol'ogy, (An.) a descrip- tion of the bones. Ostracism, a manner of pass- ing sentence adopted by the Athenians, in which each citizen marked upon a shell either an acquittal or a condemnation. Ova'tion, a species of triumph or triumphant procession. O'verture, a commencement, whether for a negociation, or a dramatic entertainment. Ovip'arous, a term applied to such animals as produce the young from the egg. Viviparous are such as bring forth their young alive. Oxal'ic, an acid of a strongly poisonous character, most readily obtained by the action of nitric acid upon sugar. Ox'ides, combinations of oxy- gen with metallic and other bases. Ox'ygen, (Ch.) that gas in the atmosphere which is needful to life and combustion ; thus named because it communicates acidity to many of its combinations.* Pab'ulum, (Bo.) the food of plants, chiefly carbon ; also fuel. Pago'da, the Indian name for a temple of peculiar structure which contains an Idol. Pal'atdne, possessing royal privileges; it is applied to cer- tain English counties which have separate jurisdictions. Pal'ette, the board upon which a painter spreads his colours. time, the imperfect style of the versification, emanating from such an autho- rity, excited the ridicule of the more intelligent people, and the oracle, to preserve its influence, wisely changed the manner of its answers into sim- ple prose. At the oracle of Ammon, the priest pronounced the response from the hollow of an oak-tree. At Memphis, in Egypt, they drew either a good or bad omen, according as the ox-god, Apis, received or rejected what was presented to him. In some places, where the answers were given by lot, a kind of dice was adopted, on which certain characters or words were placed, whose explanation the applicants were to seek on tables made for the purpose. Indeed, there has been no folly too gross for the feeble- minded and superstitious to practise, in order to obtain a knowledge of the future ; and the history of the world unquestionably^proves, that all preten- sions to such knowledge are based on weakness or ignorance. * Oxygen — is one of the two gases which form water, and one of the two which compose atmospheric air. It is essential to animal life, being absorbed by inspiration into the blood, and is the great supporter of combustion. It forms compounds of all kinds — gaseous, fluid, and solid ; it is found in the material world in unnumbered shapes, and is the most energetic, in its chemical agencies, of all the elements of matter. ' IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 215 Pal'isade, (For.) an enclosure of sharp pointed stakes set firmly in the ground, to protect an open place. Palma'ted, (Bo.) those leaves which resemble the palm of the hand in shape. Palm'istry, a pretended for- tune-telling by the lines of the hand. Panace'a, a universal medi- cine. Pan'dect, a treatise that com- prehends the whole of any science. Pan'ei, (L.) the names of such persons as the sheriff provides to act as jurors. In Scotland, panel denotes the prisoner at the bar. Panora'ma, a large painting upon a circular surface, so con- trived that a spectator may have a complete view of the objects represented. Panthe'ism. a religious theory in which the universe was con- sidered the supreme God. Panthk'on, a heathen temple dedicated to all the gods. Pan'tomime, a scenic repre- sentation in dumb show. Pa'per, a fibrous substance, chiefly made from linen and cotton rags. Papy'rus, an Egyptian reedy plant, the leaves of which were anciently used as a substitute for paper. Parachu'te, a large umbrella- shaped machine, by means of which persons have descended from balloons. Parhk'i.ion, (As.) a mock or reflected sun, produced by pecu- liar conditions of the atmosphere. Par'allax, (As.) a change in the apparent situation of any heavenly body, as viewed from diffarent places on the earth. PAr'allels, lines continuing their course, and still preserving an equal distance from each other. Parallelogram, a four-sided figure whose sides are parallel. Parasit'ical, a fawning hanger on : (Bo.) it is applied to those plants found attached to others, or dependent upon them, as the ivy and misletoe. Parch'ment, the skins of sheep prepared for writing upon. Pari'a, an outcast Hindoo tribe, doomed to perform all kinds * Paper. — The manufacture of Paper, which was formerly very simple, has latterly become an operation employing a great amount of capital, and affording occupation and the meaus of living to many thousands of men, women, and children. — When the rags arrive at the paper mill, they are first sorted, to remove buttons and all extraneous substances, and to beat out as much of the dust and dirt as possible ; they are then boiled in a strong alkaline solution, to remove the grease : after which they are taken to the rag engine, where they are exposed to the action of a roller driven by considerable power, a stream of water passing through them until it runs clear. This operation reduces them to something like tow ; in this state they are bleached, which process is effected in various ways, chlorine being the bleaching agent in all of them. The stuff is next beaten to a fine pulp, and then it is ready for the " machine," on which it is made into paper. It passes, first, over an endless wire gauze, and then along a felt, through a series of rollers which press out the moisture ; and, on machines of the most improved construction, it is sized, dried over cylinders filled with steam, and even cut into sheets : it is afterwards sorted by women, who throw out the defective sheets. The whole paper is then pressed, counted into quires, tied up in reams, and after being charged with the duty, is ready for the market. 216 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLE! of degrading work, and even pre- vented from entering a temple of the superior castes. Parliament, the three estates of King, Lords, and Commons. The Lords consist of about 400 hereditary Peers, and 26 Bishops; and the Commons of 658 mem- bers. Of these 253 are chosen by counties; 399 by cities, bo- roughs, and towns, and 6 by uni- versities. England returns 471 ; Wales, 29; Scotland, 53 ; Ire- land, 105. Par'ody, a composition in which the words of an author are by a slight change made to ex- press a different sense. Par'ricide, one who destroys his father. Parturi'tion, the state of being about to bring forth. Pas'quinade, a lampoon or satirical verse, so called after Pas- quin, a witty cobler of Rome, to whose statue people were ac- customed to affix satirical verses. Pass'over, a religious festival, which the Jews were commanded to keep as an ordinance for ever*. Patel'la, the knee cap, or small bone in front of the knee- joint. Pathol'ogy, a minute descrip- tion of diseases. Patronym'ic, expressing the name of a father or patron. Pedom'eter, an instrument for measuring distances walked. Pel'licle, a thin skin, such as that found inside an egg-shell. Pen'dulum, (Mu.) any weight so hung that it may easily swing backward and forward, its oscilla- tions being always performed in equal times. Pejj'guin, a web-footed birdf. Penin'sula, a '.piece of land nearly surrounded by the sea. Peniten'tiary^ prison where the inmates are employed, with a view to their reformation. Pen'tograph, a machine for reducing or enlarging drawings. Pen'tateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. Penum'bra, an imperfect sha- dow. Percola'tion, (Ch.) purifica- tion or separation by straining, * Passover. — This festival was instituted to commemorate the deli- verance of the Jewish people from Egypt, where they had been in bondage for a period of 400 years : and its observance has been continued to the present time with most remarkable fidelity. Whether the Jews have existed as a powerful nation, or have been scattered abroad as individuals, — whether they have been in riches, or in poverty, — whether in honour, or subject to insult, or bitter persecution, they have still gloried in their name, and under every variety of circumstances to which a people could be subjected, the Passover has been annually observed by them during a period of 3500 years. Thus, the observance of this festival has become a living memorial to the truth of the Bible history, and a proof that God has indeed made known his will unto the children of men, by mighty signs and wonders. f Penguin. — This strange bird is a native of the colder seas of the Southern hemisphere, and is most abundant in the Straits of Magellan and the adjacents islands, as also in Australia and the islands of the South Pacific. It is about three feet high, and its colours are beauti- fully disposed and contrasted. The general plumage is short, close, glossy, compact, and waterproof. The bill is long and slender, and some- what bent at the tip. It is unable to fly, having only paddle wings, with short, scale-like feathers, regularly disposed. In resting it assumes an IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 217 Peren'nials, plants whose roots vegetate during many years. Perforation, making a hole through any substance. Pericarp, the fruit or seed- vessel of plants. Pericar'dium, the membrane enclosing the heart. Pericra'nium, the membrane enclosing the skull. Per'igee, (As.) that place in the orbit of any celestial body which is nearest the earth. Perihe'lion, that point of the orbit of any planet at which it is nearest to the sun. Perios'teum, (An.) the mem- brane covering the bones. PERiPH'ERY,the circumference ' or boundary line of any regular | curvilinear figure. Peripatet'ics, a sect of phi- ters who disputed while walking in the Lyceum at Athens. Perspective, the science by which objects are represented on a plain surface, according to their appearance in their actual situa- tions. Periph'rasis, the use of many words to express the sense of one. Perito'n^um, the membrane encircling the intestines. Perora'tion, the winding up of an oration. Per se, by itself. [flower. Pet'al, (Bo.) the leaf of a Petrifac'tion, a term applied to vegetable and animal material which has become changed into stone by long exposure to im- pregnation from earthy substan- upright attitude, somewhat like that of a dog which has been taught to sit up. It has short legs, on which it can move only at a slow and awkward pace ; the toes are webbed, and the insteps short and stout. Penguins are \\\\\\\W\ \*, admirably qualified for living in water ; they urge their bodies forward with great velocity, and can dive to a considerable depth, and for a long period. They rarely visit the land, except during the breeding season, when they L 218 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, ces : they are more or less altered according to the strata in which they are placed. Petro'leum, a species of fluid bitumen or mineral oil, flowing from beds associated with coal strata. Pew'ter, an alloy of 80 parts of tin and 20 of lead ; the liner sort has a slight mixture of cop- per and antimony. Phal'anx, a very close and compact body of soldiers. Phantasmago'rta, optical il- lusions, arising from a particular application of the magic lantern. Pharmaceutics, the science of preparing drugs for medical purposes. Pharmacopce'ia, a work of authority which describes the mode of preparing drugs. Phenomenon, any remarkable appearance, whether of common occurrence or otherwise. Philanthropy, the love of mankind. Philol'ogy, that branch of literature which comprehends a knowledge of the etymology and combinations of words, and ' whatever relates to the history of language. Philos'ophy, literally the love of wisdom or knowledge. Phlebot'omy, the operation of bleeding or opening a vein. Philoma'thes, a lover of science. Phon'ics, the science which takes cognizance of sounds. Phos'phates, (Ch.) salts form- ed by the combination of any base with phosphoric acid. Phosphorescence, a feeble light emitted by certain animal and vegetable bodies, unaccom- panied by heat. The light of the glow-worm exemplifies the mean- ing of this term. Phos'phorus, a singular sub- stance which exists abundantly in the mineral kingdom, and in several parts of animals, from the bones, &c. , of which it is obtained. In a damp atmosphere, and at common temperatures, it emits a white smoke, which in the dark appears luminous. Photogen'ic, a mode of draw- ing similar to the Daguerreotype. Phrenol'ogy, a science which congregate in great numbers. A traveller describes one colony of these birds, which, he says, covered an extent of more than thirty acres. During the day and night thirty or forty thousand were continually land- ing or going to sea. They formed themselves into regular ranks, the young being in one situation, the moulting birds in another, the sitting hens in a third, and the rest in similar order. The females lay but one egg each, which they hatch by keeping it close between their thighs, the male bird going to sea and collecting food for them during the period of incubation. After the young is hatched, both parents fetch food for it, till it becomes so fat as scarcely to be able to walk, while the old birds get very thin. The flesh of these birds is of a strong fishy taste, and is therefore not much esteemed as food. The natural enemies of Penguins are the fox and the vulture, and against these they can defend themselves ; when human beings have gone among them they have appeared fearless, and have tamely stood to be shot at, without attempting to escape. The Penguin tenants only those sea-girt places which are uninhabited by man ; and at some distant period when these islands are occupied by the human race, like the Dodo, they may become totally extinct. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 219 considers the character of men to be determined by the magnitude and figure of the brain ; the front parts being classed as intellectual, the middle as sentimental, and the hind parts as governing the ani- mal propensities. Phylac'tery, a bandage in which is inscribed some memo- rable text or sentence. Phys'ics, the science which comprehends the whole study of nature, including physiology and natural history. Physiog'nomy, the study of character as indicated by the features of the face. Physiol'ogy, the science which treats.of the functions and proper- ties of living bodies, animal and vegetable ; their relations, and the dependency of their various parts. Pi'a-Ma'ter, (An.) a thin vascular membrane which covers all the folds of the brain. Piaz'za, a covered walk or portico, under a roof supported by arches. Pla'giarist, one who pilfers the written ideas of others. Plain 'tiff, (L.) the person who commences a suit. Plan'isphere, the projection of the circles of a sphere on a plane surface, as in the case of maps of the world and of the hea- vens. Plas'tic, any thing capable of being moulded like clay into some required shape. Plati'na, or Plati'num, a me- tal, one of the heaviest bodies in nature.* Ple'onasm, a redundancy of words to express one idea. Plet'hora, a state of the body in which the vessels are filled with humour, or surcharged with blood. Pleu'risy, inflammation of the membraneous covering of the lungs, indicated by an acute pain in the side. Plumba'go, (Ch.) carbon in an impure state ; named also black lead, or graphite. Pneumat'ics, (nu-mat-ics) the science which treats of the me- chanical properties of atmospheric air and other elastic fluids. Pnetjmo'nia, inflammation of the lungs. Polar'ity, the inclination of any substance towards the pole. Polarisa'tton of Light, a changed state of light, in which it exhibits the property of polarity, when acted upon by certain mediums. [courses. Polem'ics, controversial dis- Pol'len, the fructifying pow- der or farina of plants. Polyg'amy, the custom of hav- ing several wives. * Platinum. — This metal is 21 times heavier than water, gold being only 19 ; it is of a white colour ; malleable, ductile, tenacious, and unalterable in the air. It cannot be melted or dissolved, but by difficult and peculiar processes. In consequence of its posessing these qualities, it is of great use in making various chemical vessels -for concentrating sulphuric acid at some works, platinum stills are used which have cost many thousand pounds, its value being considerably greater than that of pure silver. This metal is principally procured from South America, being found in the same alluvial soil from which the chief part of the gold of New Grenada is obtained. For a long period its value was un- known, and in separating the grains of gold, it was thrown away with the sand and pebbles as perfectly useless ; it is only within recent date that its importance has been ascertained. 220 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Pol'yglot, a book in various languages, generally ranged in parallel columns. Poi/ype, or Pol'ypus, a species of living creatures of the zoo- phyte class, which propagate by stems or buds : when they are cut into pieces, each piece becomes a perfect animal, living in water, and fixed at one end to some sub- stance. Myriads of them reside in small cells of corals, in form like plants. Polytechnic, a name given to institutions wherein many sciences are taught; also to scien- tific exhibitions of a varied de- scription. Polythe'ism, the belief in many gods. Por'phyry, a very hard and beautiful stone, of a variegated red colour, having a multitude of granular and crystalline parts, and capable of receiving a fine polish. Portcul'lis, (For.) a machine like a harrow, hung over a gate- way, to be let down in case of surprise, when the gates could not readily be shut. Por'tico, (Ar.) a sheltered place supported by columns. Port'land Stone, a compact kind of sandstone, composed of a coarse grit, cemented by an earthy spar. Pos'itive, a term which, in electricity, signifies a quantity greater than natural. Negative electricity is expressive of the op- posite condition. Post-date, to date after the real time. Pos'tern, (For.) a small gate. Pos'tulate, a point assumed as self-evident without proof. Pot'ash, a vegetable alkali*. Potas'sium, a metal pro- cured by passing a galvanic charge through vegetable alkali. Pragmat'ic, meddling, offi- cious, assuming business without invitation. Pra'irie, the name of mea- dow-grounds in America. Pratiq'ue, a license to enter ports after performing quarantine, or exhibiting proofs of health. Precip'itate, (Ch.) to fall to the bottom, as a sediment in che- mical solutions. [time. Preco'cious, ripe before the Predicate, in Logic, is that part of a proposition, in which something is affirmed, or denied. Prescription, a custom con- tinued until it has the force of law ; a medical receipt. Pri'ma fa'cijE, on the first view of any thing. Primogeniture, seniority ; the state or privilege of being first- born. Prio'ri, or, a priori, a reason- ing from cause to effect; a pos- teriori, when from effect to a cause. Prism, in optics, a triangular glass body used for separating * Potash. — This substance is inherent in vegetables, from which it is obtained by burning them, lixiviating their ashes, and afterwards concentrating the lixivium which contains the alkali, by boiling it, and leaving it to crystalize. In North America, where the forests are of great extent, the timber is burnt into a crude potash, called "black salts," which is afterwards purified into pot or pearl ashes. The beech, the maple, the locust tree, and every species of hard wood, will serve to form a pile of logs, from the ashes of which the black salts may be ex- tracted. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 221 rays of light, in their passage through it. Procurator, (L.) one who transacts business for another. Progen'itor, an ancestor in a direct line. Programt^ma, or Programme, an advertisement which gives a detailed account of a lecture, ex- hibition, or performance. Projec'tile, (Me.) a body put in motion by an external force. Pr,oloc'utor, the foreman; the speaker of a convocation. Prq'logue, the introduction to any discourse or dramatic per- formance. Propagand'ism, a term de- rived from the court of the pro- paganda at Rome for disseminat- ing their faith. In France, the revolutionary societies took the name. [proposed plan. Prospec'tus, an outline of a Pro tan'to, for so much. Pro tem'pore, for the time. Prothon'otary, (L.) the head registrar of a court of justice. Pro'tocol, the first draught of a diplomatic agreement or treaty. [a corporate body. Prov'ost, (L.) the chief of Prunes, dried plums. Pseu'do, (su-do) a prefix de- noting false or counterfeit. Psychology, (sy-col-o gee) the doctrine of the soul, as con- tradistinguished from anatomy, the science which describes the body. [drink. P'tisan, (tiz-zan) a medical Pul'monary, of or belonging to the lungs. Pum'ice Stone, vitrified lava, or cinder, the result of volcanic eruptions, entirely devoid of iron. Pun'dit, a Brahmin versed in Hindoo learning. Pu'pa, the chrysalis state of an insect, intermediate between the worm and the fly. Pur'suivant, a state messen- ger, an attendant on the heralds. Putrefac'tion, the last stage of the fermentary process of ani- mal and vegetable matter. Pyri'tes, sulphur combined with metals. Pyrolig'neous, an acetic acid produced from wood, which pre- serves substances from decompo- sition *. Pyrotech'ny, the art of mak- ing fireworks. a. Quad'rant, the fourth part, or quarter, of a circle . Quaes'tor, the officer who had charge, of the public treasury in ancient Rome. Quar'antine, a period of re- straint, formerly forty days, to which ships' crews were subjected, on a presumption of infection. Quartz, a siliceous, crystal- line rock, one of the constituents of granite. Quas'sia, a bitter root. Qui t am, (L.) an action brought for the sake of a penalty. Quid pro quo, a term which *PyroligneousAcid. — The woods which are'mostly used for this purpose are the birch and the beech. The wood is placed in retorts similar to those used in gas works, and the retorts being heated, the acid passes off by a pipe connected with them. As it passes through, it cools, and is col- lected in a vessel at the extremity. A retort which will hold 8 cwt. of wood, will yield 35 gallons of impure acid, which has a strong burnt smell. It is sometimes rectified by a second distillation, when it is sold as household vinegar, and for numerous other purposes. 222 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, denotes the giving of a thing of value for an equivalent. QuiNiN'E,a bitter alkaline body, extracted from Peruvian bark ; it is used as a tonic in the form of a sulphate. Quo'rum, such a number of persons as are considered compe- tent to form a committee to transact public or official business. Quotid'ian, an intermittent fever, of which the fit occurs once every day. Quo war'ranto, (L.) a writ demanding the title of parties who claim to hold exclusive rights and privileges. R. Radia'tion, expanding from a centre, like the spokes of a wheel : (Ch.) the direct emission of calo- ric in straight lines from a heated body. Ra'dius, the semi-diameter of a circle, or a line drawn from the centre to the circumference. Ra'dix, a root; a primitive word, from which others are de- rived. Rain'bow, a semicircle of va- rious colours,appearing in showery weather, and caused by the reflec- tion of the sun's rays by falling drops of rain. Rais'ins, grapes perfectly ripe, and dried in the sun or an oven. Ra'madan, a fast kept by the Mahometans in the ninth month of the Arabic year. In the course of thirty years this fast occurs at every season, as the Mahometan month is lunar. Rancid'ity, a change which oil and fat undergo by exposure. It is caused by the union of the oxygen of the air with the hydro- gen of the oil or fat. Rarefac'tion, the extension of the parts of a body, by which it occupies a larger space without the accession of new matter. It is opposed to condensation. Ra'tio, relative quantity ; the proportion of one thing to an- other. Ra'tion, the proportion of food a soldier is allowed for a day's sustenance. Rationa'le, a detail explain- ing the principles of some opinion, action, or phenomenon. Ratiocination, the art of reasoning. [tion. Rec'ipe, a medical prescrip- Recog'nizance, (L.) a bond or obligation to appear under a penalty. Recitativ'e, a kind of musi- cal composition, or chaunt, in which the accentuations of com- mon speech are imitated. Rect'angle, a right angle, or angle formed by two sides which are perpendicular to one another. Rectilin'ear, consisting of right or straight lines. Rec'tum, the terminating sec- tion of the intestines. Refec'tory, a room for eat- ing, or refreshment, [ing back. Reflection, the act of throw- Refrac'tion, the change in the direction of light in its pas- sage from one medium to another. Rega'lia, ensigns and orna- ments of sovereignty. [race. Regat'ta, a boat or yacht Reg'imen, (Med.) a course of diet or living, regulated by me- dical rules. Relie'vo, or relief, the pro- minence of figures in sculpture or carving, [appointed meeting. Rendezvous, (ron-da-voo) an Rep'ertory, a place of depo- sit, a treasury. Replev'in, (L.) a writ to stop a distress warrant. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 223 Repub'lic, a state in which the sovereign power is lodged in the representatives of the people. Res'in, an inflammable sub- stance, which exudes from trees of the pine class.* Res'onance, (Mu.) along and reflected sound. Respira'tion, the act of breathing. [work. Retic'ulated, made of net- Ret'ina, a membrane of the eye, formed by the expansion of the optic nerve, and constituting the immediate organ of vision. Rever'berate, to drive back, to echo. Reversion, (L.) the right which a person has to any inherit- ance or place of profit after the decease of another. RHAp'soDY,(rap-5o-c?ee) a col- lection of sentences without ne- cessary dependence or natural connection. Rhet'oric, the art of speak- ing with propriety, elegance, and force. Rho'dium, a white metal pro- cured from the ores of platinum. Rhom'boid, a four-sided figure, of which the opposite sides and angles are equal, but which is neither equal- sided nor right- angled. Rhu'barb, a valuable medi- cinal root, the stems of which are much used in pastry. Rhyme, (ryme) agreement of sound ; the measured division of time in music, or in versification. Rit'ual, a book in which the rites and ceremonies of religion are set down. Roden'tia, (Zo.) gnawing animals, such as the hare, rabbit, rat, and mouse. Ron'deatj, a species of short poem with few rhymes, in which the sense of the opening line is repeated, or nearly so, at the close. Ro'sary, a string of beads for numbering prayers. Round-Rob'in, a mode of ad- dressing or petitioning, in which, to prevent any one subscriber from seeming more forward than another, the names are subscribed within a circle. Rub'ble, stones rubbed and worn round by water. Ru'bicon, a pillar in the envi- rons of Rome ; also a river, f Ru'brics, directions given in the book of Common Prayer. Ru'nic, the title of the cha- * Resin. — The resins are secretions of plants ; they are first in a fluid state, but become solid, either by the evaporation of their more volatile parts, or by the absorption of oxygen. They cannot be dissolved or mixed except with spirits or oil, and by this they are distinguished from gums, which may be dissolved in water. When %, large portion of oil is present, the resins are in a fluid condition, and they are then called turpentine. f Rubicon. — The expression, "passing the Rubicon," is now used metaphorically, to describe the act of a person who, having passed some prescribed boundary, seems fully prepared to proceed more daringly. The words were originally applied to Julius Caesar, who, while pursuing his conquests as a Roman general, became a candidate for the office of Con- sul. The Senate of Rome, acting under the influence of Pompey, passed a decree, requiring Csesar first to relinquish his command of the army, and come as a private person. Caesar marched his troops to the banks of the Rubicon, a small river which divided Italy from Cisalpine Gaul. Here he found that he had to decide between his duty to the laws of his country, and his ambition for personal power; for if he crossed the river with his 221 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, racters and language of the an- cient Scandinavians. Sabbat'ical, resembling the Sabbath. Every seventh year in the Jewish economy was termed sabbatical, because the lands rest- ed without tillage, and nature had its Sabbath. Sac/charine, having the chief qualities of sugar. Sacgharom'eter, an instru- ment for ascertaining the quantity of sugar in fermented liquors. Sa'cerdotal, belonging to the priesthood. Sa'go, a nutritious substance extracted from the pith of the eastern palm tree*. Sal'amander, a harmless rep- tile of the lizard species. Sali'va, spittle, the fluid se- creted by certain glands, and mixed with the food during mas- tication. Sa'lient, in Heraldry, spring- ing out, as with a quick motion. Saliq'ue, the law of those states which exclude females from the throne. Salt, (Ch.) every compound formed by the combination of acids with alkalies, earths, and metallic oxides, is called a salt. Common salt is a compound of chlorine and sodium. Saltpe'ire, a salt of an acrid in various Ores, taste, found earths, &c. Sal'vage, (L.) the allowance made to those who have been in- strumental in saving a ship or cargo. Sal'vo, a reservation, an ex- ception, an excuse. Sanguifica'tion, (Ph.) the conversion into blood of the ma- terials which are digested as food. San'hedrim, the chief council among the Jews, consisting of seventy elders, over whom the high priest presided. Sans'crit, the ancient or dead tongue of Hindostan. Sap'phic, a species of ancient verse, consisting of four lines, and named after Sappho. Sarcoph'agus, an ancient stone coffin, which, according to Pliny, had the power of destroy- ing the corpse within forty days. Sat'ellites, small planets re- volving round larger ones, as the moon round the earth. Saturna'lia, an ancient feast, in which no distinction of rank was observed ; slaves were the reputed masters during the three days it was celebrated, and they were then at liberty to act as they pleased. Sau'rian, (Zo.) reptiles of the lizard species. Savan'na, an open meadow or plain without wood. army, he must expect to be denounced as a traitor. When duty demand- ed prompt obedience, he hesitated, and while he paused he became the victim of his ambition. He resolved to cross, and thus bade defiance to the consequences of a civil war, which he knew must arise from this determi- nation. — The Rubicon, was, also, a name given to a pillar in the environs of Rome, at which every one was required to put off his armour, and if he did not comply, though he passed it ever so little, he was prevented from retreating, and was immediately secured as a rebel and an enemy to his country. * Sago — is obtained from a tree of the palm kind, growing in the East. The tree being felled, it is split lengthwise, and the pith with which it IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 225 Sca'gliola, an imitation of marble*. [cal operations. Scal'pel, a knife used in surgi- Scam'mon y, a Syriac gum, of a bitter acrid taste and nauseous smell. Scar'ify, to make incisions or punctures in the skin. Sched'ule, (Shed-ule) an in- ventory or statement of effects. Schist, rocks having a tenden- cy to split ; they are of a slaty or clayey kind. [natory notes. Scho'liast, a writer of expla- Scintilla'tion, the act of sparkling, [things superficially. Sci'olist, one who knows Scrof'ula, a disease of the glandular system. Secre'tion, (Ph.) the process by which the various fluids of the body are separated. Secun'dum art'em, accordirjg to the rules of art ; distinguished from secundum naturam, which is according to the course of na- ture. Sed'atives, medicines which diminish animal energy. Sel'enite, (Mi.) a foliated or crystalised sulphate of lime, hav- ing a silvery lustre. Sen'eschal, an ancient office of French origin, answering to that of steward or bailiff. Senso'rium, the seat of sense, or organ of sensation. Septic, anything that pro- motes putrefaction. Sep'tuagint, a Greek version of the Old Testament, so called because the translation was ef- fected by seventy Jewish inter- preters, [or notched like a saw. Ser'rated, something jagged Se'rum, a thin and transparent fluid, which smooths the various joints of the human frame; the watery part of the blood. Sequestra'tion, (L.) taking a thing in controversy from both parties, until the right be de- termined. In Scotland the word is equivalent to bankruptcy. Se'pia, a colour much used in drawing, prepared from a secre- tion of the cuttle fish. Ser'vitor, a scholar at Oxford who attends on other students for his maintenance ; at Cambridge he is called a sizar. Se'ton, (An.) an issue pro- duced on the body ; the skin is taken up with a needle, and the wound is kept open by a twist of silk or hair. Seta'ceous, .(Bo.) bristly; set with strong hairs. Shal'lot, a species of onion. Shek'el, an ancient Jewish coin, or standard weight. Sher'iff, an officer to whom is intrusted the execution of the laws. abounds, is dried, and reduced to a powder resembling meal. This powder is placed in a large sieve, and the finer particles passed through with water ; it is afterwards made into a paste, dried, and rendered fit for use. * Scagliola. — This composition is prepared from the purest gypsum, which is first broken into small pieces, and after being calcined is re- diiced to powder or plaster of Paris. It is then passed through a fine sieve, and mixed with Flanders glue, isinglass, &c. In this state it is mixed up with colouring matter of the hue required; and as it is generally employed for the imitation of veined marble, the different shades are mixed up sepa- rately. Thus prepared, it is applied to the intended surface. The next operation is smoothing, and giving it a fine polish ; a durable lustre may be then obtained equal to that of the finest and most highly polished marble. 226 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Shrine, a case in which some- thing sacred is deposited. Sib'yls, in Rome, were women who pretended to be endowed with a prophetic spirit. Sid'ereal, pertaining to the stars. Si'enite, a compound, granular, greyish-tinted rock, named from Syene, in Upper Egypt. Sil'ica, or Silex, the earth which constitutes the bulk of the primitive rocks, as flint, rock crystal, agate, and other stones. Sil'ver, a white metal, ten times heavier than water; and, next to gold, the most malleable. Si'mony, trafficking in sacred things, or church preferments. Simultaneous, at the same time, or together. [time. Si'ke di'e, for an indefinite Si'ne-qua-non, something in- dispensable. Si'necure, a salaried office without labour . Si/phon, a bent tube from which the air is extracted, for the purpose of raising fluids. Siroc'co, the south-east or Syrian wind, very injurious in the Levant. Smelt'ing, the art of melting applied to metals, in order to separate them from the ore. Soap, a compound of fat and alkalies. * So'da, the basis of sea salt ; a term commonly applied to the carbonate of soda. So'dium, a metallic base of soda. Soi-disa'nt, (soa-de-xaung) pretended, or self-styled. Sol'vent, (Ch.) any liquid which will dissolve substances. Solu'tion, that which contains any thing dissolved. Sol'stice, (As.) the two pe- riods at which the sun enters the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, which are the 2 1st of June and the 21st of December, the longest and shortest days in the northern hemisphere. Somnam'bulism, the act or phenomenon of walking during sleep. Sona'ta, (Mu.) an instrumen- tal composition. Soporif'ic, any thing produc- tive of sleep. Sopra'no, (Mu.) the highest vocal part. Spar, (Mi.) crystallized salts of lime ; the term is applied to minerals which have a shining lustre. [ing-glass. Spec'ulum, a mirror, or look- Spermace'ti, a white substance principally obtained from the oil found in the head of several spe- cies of whale. Spi'nal Mar'row, a continu- ance of the nervous matter of the brain through the vertebrae of the back. Spontaneous Combus'tion, (Ch.) a burning without any ap- parent external agency, f * Soap. — The white or curd soap is made chiefly from tallow and soda, but for some particular purposes from olive oil and soda ; yellow soap is composed of tallow, resin, and soda, to which some palm oil is occasionally added ; mottled soap is made from tallow, kitchen stuff, and soda ; soft soap is generally prepared from fish oil and potash. There is also a brown soap made from palm oil and resin. f Spontaneous Combustion. — Vegetable substances, when imperfectly dried or closely packed together, will sometimes burst into a flame. This has been the case with hay, with foul linen, with old or oily sacks or rags, IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 227 Sta'dium, an ancient measure corresponding to a furlong. Also a race-course, and ground for athletic exercises. Stalac'tites, drippings of water impregnated with lime *. Stan'naries, courts of justice in the mining districts of Devon and Cornwall. Statis'tics, a science com- prehending every thing connected with the wealth, resources, popu- lation, condition, and employ- ments of a country. Ste'arine, the solid constitu- ents of oil and tallow. Stenog'baphy, short hand, or the art of abbreviated writing. Ste'reotype, a solid plate cast from a plaster impression of a page composed of moveable types. Steth'oscope, a tubular instru- ment for the discovery of disease in the chest; one end is placed on the patient's breast, and the other to the physician's ear, the slightest motions of the heart and lungs are thus made audible. Stim'ulant, an excitation to increased action. Stipek 'diary, one who per- forms services for a settled com- pensation. Stratification, the process by which substances of the earth have been arranged in layers or beds, called strata. Stratified rocks are supposed to have been subjected to the influence of water, but unstratified rocks to be more or less volcanic in their origin. Stuc'co, a plaster, composed of lime, sand, whitening, and pulver- ized marble. Styp'tics, medicines or appli- cations which check bleeding. Sub-acid, (Ch.) containing acid in a smaller degree. Subja'cent, lying under. Subpce'na, (L.) a writ com- manding attendance in court. Sub silek'tio, in silence. Sublima'tion, (Ch.) the pro- and with similar articles. But there have been also several instances of the spontaneous combustion of human bodies. An eminent surgeon states one of a woman named Clues, aged 52, who was much addicted to intoxication. For about a year, scarcely a day had passed in which she did not drink half- a-pint of some strong spirituous liquor. She was confined to her bed by the jaundice, and had a woman to wait upon her, but was often left alone. One morning a smoke was seen issuing from the window, and some neigh- bours broke into the room. Between the bed and the chimney they found the remains of the unfortunate Clues ; one leg and a thigh were still entire, but there remained nothing of the skin, the muscles, or the viscera. The bones of the upper part of the body were entirely calcined, and covered with a whitish efflorescence. The walls of the room and every thing in it were blackened, and there was a very disagreeable odour ; but nothing except the body exhibited any strong traces of fire. The cases of this awful termination of existence have been confined to those who have drunk very large quantities of spirituous liquors, and are supposed to have been occasioned by an ignition of the phosphoric acid, which forms a large con- stituent of the bones, and of many of the secretions of the human body. * Stalactites. — These curious petrifactions are generally found in caverns in limestone rocks, and are formed by the action of water. When- ever water filters through such rocks it forms a drop, the moisture of which is soon evaporated, leaving a small circular plate of pure lime, or chalk. Another drop succeeds, and adds, from the same cause, a fresh coat of 228 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, cess of volatilising or distilling a dry substance by heat. Substra'tum, the under stra- tum or layer of soil. Succeda'neum, any thing serv- ing as a substitute. Suc'culent, (Bo.) such plants as have a juicy or soft stem. Sudorif'ics, medicines which promote perspiration. Su'gar, the juice of a cane growing in the East and West Indies. Su'i gen'eris, of its own kind. Sulphu'ric, (Ch.) the name of a powerful acid (oil of vitriol) which is composed of sulphur and oxygen, and forms many salts called sulphates. Sulp'haies, (Ch.) salts formed by the union of sulphuric acid with different bases. Stri'ated, streaked or marked with lines. Superincum'bent, lying on ! the top of some other object. Supersedeas, (L.) a writ to stay, or suspend any process. Sup'purate, in Surgery, to generate pus or matter. Syl'labus, an abstract, or the heads of a discourse. Synchronism, a word express- ing the simultaneous occurrence of two events. [swoon. Syn'cope, a fainting fit or Syn'onyme, a word having the same signification as another word. Tableau'x, a term applied to groups so arranged as to produce a picturesque effect. solid matter. These successive additions in time form irregular projections from the roof, from which they depend precisely in the same way as do sta- lactites of ice, or icicles. "When the drops of water succeed each other rapidly, some of them fall to the ground, where, by a similar process, they rise upwards, but in less regular forms. When these processes are unin- terrupted, they increase till they unite, and thus form natural pillars, appa- rently supporting the roof. They also assume a variety of fantastic shapes. — The representation here given is of the Grotto of Antiparos, a small Greek island, where are several of these natural caverns. The roofs, floors, and sides, are entirely covered with incrustations of alabaster, of the most dazzling whiteness, and assuming an almost endless variety of singular IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 229 Talc, a semi-transparent mine- ral, composed of silica, magnesia, and lime ; it is sometimes used as a substitute for glass. Tal'mud, the Jewish, book of the oral law, of great antiquity, and containing many Jewish tra- ditions*. Tam'arind, a West Indian tree, producing a rich pulpy fruit, growing in pods. Tan 'gent, a straight line which touches a curve, without passing through it. Tan'nin, a bitter astringent principle in oak-bark, galls, and various other substances, used in the tanning of hides. Tar an 'tula, the largest of European spiders, the bite of which was once held to be venom- ous, and curable only by dancing to music. Tar'iff, a list or table of prices, applied to the custom-house and ex- cise duties chargeable upon goods. Tautol'ogy, the needless repe- tition of the same words or ideas in speech or writing. Tax'idermy, the art of pre- paring and preserving specimens of animals. Teeto'talism, total abstinence from intoxicating liquors. f Tel'egraph, a machine to com- municate intelligence between distant places. Tel'escope, an instrument through which distant objects are viewed. Tem'ple, a place for worship J. Tew 'dons, (An.) sinews or liga- ments, by which the joints are moved. Terra'queous, composed of land and water. Ter'tian, an ague, of which there are two fits every three days. Ter'tiary, (Geo.) a word which denotes the later forma- tions in the earth's crust. Tes'selated pavement, a pavement of coloured stones in regular or figured forms. Testa'cea, (Zoo.) those ani- mals which have a strong thick shell, as oysters. forms ; sometimes rising in splendid columns to the very roof, sometimes suspended thence in alabaster icicles, and sometimes covering the surface with very picturesque groups. * Talmud. — These writings consist of two distinct parts ; 1. The Mishna, in which are preserved the oral or traditional laws of the Jews, with definitions and illustrations ; and 2. The Gemara, a supplement to the Mishna, composed of legal expositions, casuistical discussions, histo- rical sketches, scientific fragments, legends, anecdotes, moral treatises, wise sayings, and other various productions of the Rabbins, from a very early period down to the close of the fourth century of the Christian era. f Teetotalism. — The word " Teetotal" is a provincial expression, and of Lancashire origin. It has the force of a double affirmative. Applied to total abstinence, it means thorough, entire abstinence, in contradistinc- tion to the partial abstinence practised by some persons. The first Tee- total Society was formed at Preston, in Lancashire, in 1833, and Societies to promote the practice have since been formed in almost every part of the kingdom, and every part of the globe. X Temple. — In idolatrous nations the places devoted to religious wor- ship are adorned with figures intended as visible representations, or sym- bols, of those gods, so called, which are the objects of their adoration, 230 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Tes'tudo, (Zoo.) the amphi- bious, or tortoise tribe of animals. Tet'anus, (An.) a spasmodic contraction of the muscles usu- sally called locked-jaw. Tet'rarch, a Roman governor of the fourth part of a province. The'ism, the doctrine of the existence of a God; opposed to atheism. Theoc'racy, a government immediately superintended by God, as was that of the Israelites before the time of Saul. Theol'ogy, is the study or sci- ence of religion. THE'oREM,in logic,\s a position laid down as an acknowledged truth; in Mathematics, it is a speculative proposition, deduced from several definitions compared together. [tice. The'ory, speculation/not prac- Therapeu'ttcs, a study of the symptoms of disease and its va- rious remedies. Ther'mal, equivalent to warm or tepid, the term is assigned to mineral waters so characterised. Thermal rocks are formed by the agency of hot springs. Thermom'eter, an instrument for measuring heat by means of a graduated scale of degrees. and the architecture of their temples is of a corresponding character. Our engraving presents a structure -which contains a colossal figure of Buddha, situated at Iritchengur, in Bengal, which is the resort of numer- ous pilgrims. It stands on the summit of a lofty precipice, and the ascent is in some parts formed hy steps cut in the rock itself, to assist the approach of devotees. The most splendid part of the temple is the gateway, which is very lofty, leading into a handsome vestibule, and is surmounted by a square pyramidal tower, richly embellished with tracery. On each side of the gateway is a high and strong wall, built of huge masses of granite, which are fitted so accurately as to bear comparison with a piece of cabinet work. The prospect from - — . this temple over the sur- rounding country is most magnificent and delight- ful. The portico is a fine specimen of early Hindoo architecture ; its roof is supported on eight square massy columns, variously decorated. The interior of this sanctuary is comparatively plain, and presents no particular IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 231 The'sis, a theme or proposi- tion advanced and maintained by illustration and argument. Tic Do'loureux, a disease in the nerves of the face, causing a shooting or darting pain. Tobac'co, an herbaceous plant growing in warm countries, con- taining an acrid and narcotic poison. Ton'ics, medicines which in- crease or restore the healthy tone of the human system. Topog'raphy, a description of particular places. Tor'refaction, (Mi.) the ope- ration of roasting ores; also roasting drugs on a metallic sur- face till they are reduced to the state required. Toxicol'ogy, that which relates to the investigation of poisons. Transition, (Geo.) the term applied to those parts of the earth's crust, which are supposed to have been arranged when the earth was passing from the unin- habitable to the habitable state. Tran'sept, the cross aisle of a cathedral or church, extending ftom north to south. Trape'zium, a geometrical fi- gure having four unequal sides. Traves'tie, a burlesque imita- tion of grave writing. Trepan'ning, an operation in Surgery by which the skull is per- forated. Tri'dent, the three forked sceptre of Neptune, the fabled god of the sea. Trig'onometry, the art of measuring the sides and angles of triangles. Trituration, the reduction of substances to powder by rub- bing or grinding. Trium'virate, a coalition or concurrence of three men. Tu'bercles, (Bo.) little knobs or rough points on the leaves of certain plants. Tur'meric, an East Indian root used in making yellow dyes. Tur'pentine, a resinous sub- stance procured from the different species of the pine and fir*. Tus'can, (Ar.) the simplest, but most massive, of the five orders. Tym'panum, (An.) the drum of the ear. Ty'phus, a species of continued fever of a contagious nature, and marked by a tendency in the sys- tem to putrefaction. features to arrest attention. The number of pilgrims who resort to this place is very great, and the privations which they frequently endure in their journey to it, exhibit a devotional zeal worthy of a nobler cause and a more enlightened faith. * Turpentine. — That wbich is collected in the mountain valleys be- tween France and Savoy, is called Venice turpentine. The full grown larches are pierced with an auger in different places, beginning at three or four feet from the ground, and mounting gradually to ten or twelve. The holes are made in a slanting direction, in order that the turpentine may flow out the more readily, care being taken not to penetrate to the centre of the tree. In the holes thus perforated, a small gutter is introduced, and the other end of it is placed in a small bucket or trough, to receive the tur- pentine as it exudes. Every morning and evening the buckets are exa- mined, and those which are full are replaced with empty ones. This pro- cess is continued from May to September, during which time a full grown larch will yield about seven or eight pounds of turpentine, which requires no other preparation to render it fit for sale than straining it through a 232 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Typography, the art of print- ing. U. Ubiq'uity, existence in all places at the same time. Ulig'inous, slimy, muddy. Ultra 'mundane, beyond the world. Ultramarin'e, a fine "blue co- lour prepared from the mineral called lapis lazuli. Umbil'ical, of or pertaining to the navel. Una vo'ce, with one voice, unanimously. Ure'ters, (An.) two small ca- nals from the kidney to the blad- der. Under- writer, one who in- sures a ship or its cargo at a cer- tain rate per cent. Unipa'rous, (Zoo.) bringing forth only one at a birth. U'nivalve, a shell of one piece, as those of a periwinkle, or snail ; the inhabitant possesses a head and organs of motion, of which the bivalves (oysters, muscles, &c.) are destitute. U'niversity, an establish- ment under public authority for a liberal education. U'sury, an extortionate re- quirement for the use of money. Utilitarians, a name given to those who estimate all things by their degree of usefulness in promoting "the greatest happi- ness of the greatest number." Vac'cination, the operation of introducing cow-pox matter into the human body, as an anti- dote against the small-pox. Vac'uum, vacuity, or space supposed to be unoccupied by matter. Va'de me'cum, a manual, or book, that a person is supposed constantly to carry with him. Valve, a moveable lid or cover to an aperture, which, in a steam engine, opens and allows the steam to escape when the pressure is raised beyond a certain degree. Vas'cular, (An.) pertaining to the vessels of animal or vege- table life. Vat'ican, the palace at Rome, containing the library collected by successive popes. Ve'das, the name of the four sacred books of the Brahminical Hindoos. Venesec'tion, blood letting, or the opening of a vein. Ventila'tion, the introduc- tion of air into any place. Ventril'oqtjism, an art or practice of speaking, by means of coarse hair cloth to free it from impurities. The common turpentine is yielded by the Carolina pine of America. A cavity is there made in the tree at a few inches from the ground, to hold about three pints ; and in order to convey the turpentine into the cavities, oblique gutters are cut, by which means they are generally filled in three weeks. Continued rains check the flow of the sap, and even close the apertures, therefore in cold damp weather very little turpentine is procured. The products of the pine and fir are of five kinds. The turpentine, or the juice of the living- tree ; the resin, or solid residue obtained from the turpentine ; the tar, the juice of the dead tree ; the pitch, or residue of the tar ; the lamp-black, or soot ob- tained by burning any of them. The turpentine is brought to this country as a thick fluid mass, and is separated into a solid (resin), and a liquid (oil of turpentine), by a process of distillation carried on at the turpentine works. IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 233 which the voice is made to ap- pear as if proceeding from differ- ent places. Ven'tricle, (An.) any small cavity in an animal body, as in the heart or brain. Ve'nue, (L.) a place where an action is laid. Ver/degris, an acetate of cop- per, from which a green pigment is prepared. Ver'juice, a strong acid, ob- tained from vine leaves and un- ripe fruit. [to worms. Vermic'ular, of or belonging Vermil'lion, a bright and beautiful red colour, prepared from mercury. Ver'tebr^e, the series of bones which form the spine, back-bone, or vertebral column of animals, and sustain the trunk or head. Ver'tebral, having verte- brae.* Ves'icle, a small part of the outer skin inflated ; a blister. Ves'tibule, the porch or hall of a house, or antichamber. Ve'terinary, pertaining to the knowledge of the external form and internal structure of the horse and other quadrupeds. Vi'aduct, a carriage way, raised or arched over lower grounds. Viat'icum, ample allowance for a journey. In the Church of Rome, an appellation given to the Sacrament when administered to persons at the point of death. Vica'rious, delegated, acting in the place of another. Vice'roy, one who governs in place of the king, with regal au- thority. — The Latin word vice is used as a prefix, to denote one who performs, in his stead, the office of a superior, as vice-chan- cellor, vicegerent, and vice-ad- miral. Vi' et arm'is, (L.) the violent commission of any trespass or crime. Vil'lus, (Bo.) covered with down or soft hair, like velvet. Vin'egar, a dilute acetic acid, obtained by various ferment- ations.f * Vertebral animals — are red blooded, with a brain, and a spinal chord ; — invertebral animals are such as have no spine, are white blooded, and are destitute of a vertebrated column or back bone. f Vinegar — is obtained from wine, malt, sugar, and wood; the best is made in France from the poorer sorts of wine. In England, vinegar is usually procured from ground malt mashed in warm water. When the hot water has acted on the malt, and been well stirred with it, the liquor is called wort ; this, during the process of cooling, has a little yeast intro- duced into it while undergoing fermentation. The liquor is afterwards transferred to casks kept in heated rooms. The process of acetification is assisted by introducing into the casks what is called rape, which is the refuse from the makings of British wine, or some low-priced raisins. Some- times the wort is transferred into casks kept in the open air, the bung- holes of which are left open, or loosely covered with a tile. Both these processes have their advantages, and the effect is the same. If the vinegar is acetified in the field, it is made in the Spring, and then left exposed several months ; when it is accomplished in a room, the time is greatly reduced. After the vinegar has attained its greatest degree of acidity, it is rendered clear and fit for use, either by subsidence, or the employment of isinglass. 234 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, Virtuo'so, one skilled in an- tique or natural curiosities. Vis'cera, (An.) the contents of the abdomen and thorax. Vis iner'tia, denotes the ten- dency of bodies to remain in their actual condition. Vit'reous, a term signifying glassy; it is applied to the soft pellucid humour filling the fore- parts of the eye. Vitrifica'tiojst, the act of con- verting into glass by heat. Vi'va Voce, byword of mouth . Vivap'irous, (Zoo.) a term applied to animals which bring forth their young alive, as op- posed to such as lay eggs. Vol'atile, (Ch.) having the power to pass off by spontaneous evaporation ; easily dissipated by heat. [scroll. Vol'ute, (Ar.) a kind of spiral Volca'no, (Geol.) a burning mountain, or eminence, from which ignited and melted matters are cast forth. Vox Dei, the voice of God. Vox Populi, the voice of the people. Vul'gate, the name given to a Latin translation of the Bible from the Greek Septuagint; it is the only one acknowledged by the Church of Rome to be authentic. * Watch Tower. — Watch towers and lighthouses had their origin in humane desire to warn mariners of the dangers to which they were ex- posed from neighbouring rocks and quicksands. One of the most ancient was that erected by Ptolemy Soter in the Isle of Pharos, near Alexandria, about 300 years before Christ. This was a large building composed of fine white marble, one hundred and thirty- five feet high, on the top of which fires were constantly maintained, for the direction of ships upon the coast. It was accounted one of " the seven wonders of the world," and is said to have cost a sum equal to about €330,000, English money. The most celebrated light-houses of modern times are that on Bell- Rock, opposite to the Frith of Tay j and that on the Eddystone Rocks, opposite to Ply- mouth Sound. Such light-houses not only intimate the danger of approach- ing the coast, but, by the colour of the light which they exhibit, or by the lights revolving, or appearing only for a given number of seconds at each appearance, acquaint mariners with the place in which they are situ- ated. The mode of lighting is mostly by placing an argand burner in the focus of a parabolic reflector ; the number and the arrangement of reflec- tors depending on the light being fixed or revolving. IN LtTERATUREj SCIENCE, AND AST. 235 w. VVacke, (Geo.) a siliceous earth, between clay and basalt. Wa'pentake, a division of a county. WAB'RANTr, (L.) an under- taking that the article sold an- swers to the description given of it by the seller to the buyer. Watch Tower, a tower in which a sentinel is placed to watch the approach of an enemy, or to which a signal is attached to warn of danger. * Wa'ter co'lours, in paint- ing, colours which are diluted with gum water, in contradis- tinction to oil colours. Wa'ter- logged, the state of a ship when unmanageable from having a large quantity of water in her hold. Water-spout, a violent burst of water from a cloud* f Weld, to beat one mass of metal, intensely heated, in contact with another, so that they become firmly united. White Lead, a compound of lead, and carbonic acid, Whitsuntide, the fiftieth day after Easter, and also called the feast of Pentecost. Wrang'ler, a term in the University of Cambridge applied to the student who best the examination in mathematical contests. Wri'ter to the Sig'net, a distinction used in Scotland, equi- valent to attorney or solicitor in England. Wa'fers, pieces of dried ad- hesive paste, made from flour gum water , white of egg, and isinglass, mixed with colouring matter. Water* a transparent fluid ; it assumes a solid form, as ice, at 32 degrees of the thermometer, and then greatly increases in bulk ; it becomes gaseous, as steam, at a heat of 212, but returns to its liquid state at any degree of heat between these two points. Yarn, flax, wool, or other fibrous substances spun into a loose thread. Year, the period of time occu- pied by the earth in its revolution round the sun, 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 48 seconds. The lunar year has 354 days. Yeast, the scum thrown up in the fermentation of malt liquors. Yel'lows, a disease to which cattle are subject, proceeding from obstruction in the gall ducts. .Ye'oman, (L ) a man of small estate in land who holds it inde- f Water Spout. — This phenomenon is said to be of the same class as the whirlwind, which raises pillars of sand in the deserts of Africa. The manner in which it has been observed is thus described : Below a thick cloud the sea appears greatly disturbed within a circular area of about 120 yards, the waves tending rapidly towards the centre of the agitated mass ; from hence there rises, with a spiral movement towards the cloud, a column of a conical form resembling a trumpet. Vertically above this ascending column, there is formed in the cloud a corresponding cone, in an inverted position, which gradually approaches the ascending column, until they become united. Previously to the rupture of the column, parts seem to be drawn upwards, leaving only a slender tube in connection with the water below. The whole of the vapour is at length absorbed in the air, or it descends into the sea in a heavy shower of rain. The duration 236 WORDS USED IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. pendently of any species of vas- z. Zaf'fre, (Ch.) the residuum of cobalt, after calcination, em- ployed for painting pottery ware of a blue colour. Zemindar', a landholder or chief, who governs a district in India, and collects its revenues. ZENDA-VES ; TA,the sacred books of the Parsees, ascribed to Zoroa- aster. Ze'nith, (As.) the point of the heavens perpendicularly above the spectator : Nadir is the oppo- site invisible point below him. Ze'olites, a term applied to a class of earthy minerals, on ac- count of their boiling and swelling when heated by the blowpipe. Ze'ro, the point of a thermo- meter from which the numbers are begun. Fahrenheit's zero is thirty-two degrees below the freezing point of water. Zinc, in commerce, called spelter ; it is a hard metal of a blueish white colour. Zincog'r aph y, the art of draw- ing upon and printing from zinc Zinco'nia, the heaviest species of mineral earth; it is found in the rivers of Ceylon, and in different species of gems. Zo'diac, an imaginary belt ex- tending about 8 or 10 degrees on each side the ecliptic, within which the greater portion of the planets make their revolutions. This zone is divided into twelve parts of 30 degrees each, which are apportioned to the twelve Signs of the Zodiac, and are named respectively from the con- stellations which occupy them. Zoll- verei n, a term applied to an agreement entered into by va- rious German states, to exact a uniform rate of duty upon im- ported goods. Zo'olite, an animal substance petrified. Zo'ology, the science which treats of the structure, character, and varieties of animals or living creatures. Zoo'phytes, a class of animals, of which intestinal worms, spon- ges, and corallines are speci- mens ; and some which resemble plants, having stems more or less calcareous, and in which many of the animals are congregated to- gether. of this phenomenon is various : some spouts disappear almost as soon as- formed, and others have been known to continue nearly an hour. No ship could escape if it were carried within the vortex ; and mariners, to acce- lerate the fall of the column, discharge their artillery towards it. From the occurrence of these phenomena at seasons when the electrical principle in the air is most active ; from the sulphurous smell, the flashes of lightning, the storm of rain, or hail, by which they have been accom- panied ; and from the destruction they have produced, their formation has been ascribed to electricity. The cloud and the sea or ground may be in opposite electrical states, and therefore there will be a mutual attrac- tion between them, and this will be attended, of course, by all the con- sequences of a vast discharge of the electric fluid. Finis. NEW AND USEFUL WORKS FOR SCHOOLS, PUBLISHED BY GEOEGE VIRTUE, 26, IVY LANE, LONDON. 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SCRIPTURE HISTORY, Designed for the Improvement of Youth. By the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, author of " A Guide to Family Devotion." Embellished with Two Plundred and Forty Engravings and an Elegant Frontispiece. In 2 vols., 16mo., cloth, 18s. The design of the present Work on Scripture History, is to allure and per- suade youthful minds to engage in the diligent reading and careful study of the Word of God. — As the globe has its different divisions, and as the heaven above has its different constellations, so the Bible has its different departments. This inestimable book contains doctrines, precepts, promises, prophecies, prayers, songs, glorious discoveries of a future world ; and also the most ex- traordinary histories that have ever been, or ever can be presented before the minds of men. How wonderfully the Bible differs from all other books ! Think on this. This book is the Word of God. This Work presents, in plain, familiar, and affectionate language, the history of persons, families, tribes, cities, nations, and empires ; and the astonishing events which were connected with them by the arrangements of a holy, wise, and inscrutable Providence. It includes a period of more than four thousand years, during which may be clearly seen, a long chain, consisting of many links, displaying the wisdom, power, goodness, and sovereignty of the Most High. *** The same Work may also be had, translated into the Welsh language, by the Rev. Caleb Morris, of London. HUME AND SMOLLETT'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND, From the Invasion of Julius Cassar to the Death of George II. With a Continuation to the Reign of Queen Victoria. And a Preliminary Essay on the Study of History. By the Rev. H. Stebbing, D.D. With nume- rous first rate Illustrations both on Wood and Steel, from the best designs of the greatest masters. Many valuable notes and explanations are also added, with lists of references to the authors whose works are mentioned. Now publishing in Nos. at 6d. A New and Illustrated Edition of Miss Jane Porter's Works, in regular succession, carefully revised by herself; commencing with THADDEUS OF WARSAW. Introduced by a New Preface, &c, and Illustrated by numerous Engrav- ings, from designs by E. Corbould, Esq. In Nos. at 6d. THE PEOPLE'S MUSIC BOOK. A Work intended to meet the growing demand for Music amongst all classes of the Community. Edited by James Turle, Esq., Organist of Westminster Abbey ; and Edward Taylor, Esq., Gresham Professor qf Music. In each Number are included three separable portions, each of which will, when complete, form a distinct volume. 1.— Psalm Tunes. 2.— Sacred Music. 3 — Songs, Duets, Trios, Glees, &c. In order to render the Work in every part complete, the Editors have added an Organ or Piano-forte Accompaniment to the Psalm Tunes, the larger proportion of the Sacred Music, and wherever they think it needful in the third department. One Number, price Is., and containing thirty- two pages of super-royal 8vo., published monthly. %* A considerable allowance will be made to Congregations adopting the Psalm Tunes, and taking a number of copies, and Choirs, Choral and Madrigal Societies, &c, with the sacred and secular music. MAR 9-194© ^ <3o & ^ * Ho ^ : . Q, '' ** s^ J? 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