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Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary - Contents
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    CHAMPAIN — CHARIOT

    CHAMPAIN, n. In heraldry, champain or point champain, is a mark of dishonor in the coat of arms of him who has killed a prisoner of war after he has asked for quarter.

    CHAMPED, pp. Bitten; chewed.

    CHAMPER, n. One that champs or bits.

    CHAMPERTOR, n. [See Champerty.] In law, one who is guilty of champerty, which see.

    CHAMPERTY, n. A species of maintenance, being a bargain with a plaintiff or defendant, to divide the land or other matter in suit, between them, if they prevail; whereupon the champertor is to carry on the partys suit at his own expense. The purchase of a suit, or of the right of suing.

    CHAMPIGNON, n. A kind of mushroom.

    CHAMPING, pp. Biting with repeated action.

    CHAMPION, n.

    1. A man who undertakes a combat in the place or cause of another.NWAD CHAMPION.2

    2. A man who fights in his own cause in a duel.NWAD CHAMPION.3

    3. A hero; a brave warrior. Hence, one who is bold in contest; as a champion for the truth.NWAD CHAMPION.4

    CHAMPION, v.t. To challenge to a combat.

    CHAMPIONESS, n. A female champion.

    CHANCE, n.

    1. An event that happens, falls out or takes place, without being contrived, intended, expected or foreseen; the effect of an unknown cause, or the unusual or unexpected effect of a known cause; accident; casualty; fortuitous event; as, time and chance happen to all.NWAD CHANCE.2

    By chance a priest came down that way. Luke 10:31.NWAD CHANCE.3

    2. Fortune; what fortune may bing; as, they must take their chance.NWAD CHANCE.4

    3. An event, good or evil; success or misfortune; luck.NWAD CHANCE.5

    4. Possibility of an occurrence; opportunity.NWAD CHANCE.6

    You ladyship may have a chance to escape this address.NWAD CHANCE.7

    CHANCE, v.i. To happen; to fall out; to come or arrive without design, or expectation.

    If a birds nest chance to be before thee. Deuteronomy 22:6.NWAD CHANCE.9

    Ah Casca, tell us what hath chanced to day.NWAD CHANCE.10

    CHANCE, a. Happening by chance; casual; as a chance comer.

    CHANCEABLE, a. Accidental; casual; fortuitous.

    CHANCE-COMER, n. One who comes unexpectedly.

    CHANCEFUL, a. Hazardous.

    CHANCE-MEDLEY, n. In law, the killing of a person by chance, when the killer is doing a lawful act; for if he is doing an unlawful act, it is felony. As if a man, when throwing bricks from a house into a street where people are continually passing, after giving warning to passengers to take care, should kill a person, this is chance-medley. But if he gives no warning, and kills a man, it is manslaughter.

    CHANCEL, n. That part of the choir of a church, between the altar or communion table and the balustrade or railing that incloses it, or that part where the altar is placed; formerly inclosed with lattices or cross bars, as now with rails.

    CHANCELLOR, n. Ordinally, a chief notary or scribe, under the Roman Emperors; but in England, in later times, an officer invested with judicial powers, and particularly with the superintendence of all charters, letters and other official writings of the crown, that required to be solemnly authenticated. Hence this officer became the keeper of the great seal. From the Roman Empire, this office passed to the church, and hence every bishop has his chancellor.

    The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, or Keeper of the Great Seal, is the highest officer of the crown. He is a privy counselor by his office, and prolocutor of the house of lords by prescription. To him belongs the appointment of all justices of the peace; he is keeper of the kings conscience, visitor of all hospitals and colleges founded by the king, guardian of all charitable uses, and judge of the high court of chancery.NWAD CHANCELLOR.2

    Chancellor of an Ecclesiastical Court, is the bishops lawyer, versed in the civil and canon law, to direct the bishop in causes of the church, civil and criminal.NWAD CHANCELLOR.3

    Chancellor of a Cathedral, is an officer who hears lessons and lectures in the church, by himself or his vicar, inspects schools, hears causes, applies the seal, writes and dispatches letter of the chapter, keeps the books, etc.NWAD CHANCELLOR.4

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, is an officer who presides in that court, and takes care of the interest of the crown. He has power, with the lord treasurer, to lease the crown lands, and with others, to compound for forfeitures on penal statutes. He has a great authority in managing the royal revenues, and in matters relating to the first fruits.NWAD CHANCELLOR.5

    Chancellor of a University, is an officer who seals the diplomas, or letters of degree, etc. The chancellor of Oxford is usually one of the prime nobility, elected by the students in convocation, and he holds the office for life. He is the chief magistrate in the government of the university. The chancellor of Cambridge is also elected from among the prime nobility; he does not hold his office for life, but may be elected every three years.NWAD CHANCELLOR.6

    Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, and other military orders, is an officer who seals the commissions and mandates of the chapter and assembly of the knights, keeps the register of their proceedings, and delivers their acts under the seal of their order.NWAD CHANCELLOR.7

    In France, a secretary is, in some cases, called a chancellor.NWAD CHANCELLOR.8

    In the United States, a chancellor is the judge o a court of chancery or equity, established by statute.NWAD CHANCELLOR.9

    In scripture, a matter of the decrees, or president of the council. Ezra 4:8, 9, 17.NWAD CHANCELLOR.10

    CHANCELLORSHIP, n. The office of a chancellor; the time during which one is chancellor.

    CHANCERY, n.

    1. In Great Britain, the highest court of justice, next to the parliament, consisting of two distinct tribunals; one ordinary, being a court of common law; the other extraordinary, or a court of equity. The ordinary legal court holds pleas of recognizance acknowledged in the chancery, writs of scire facias, for repeal of letters patent, writs of partition, and all personal action by or against any officer of the court. But if the parties come to issue, in fact, this court cannot try it by a jury; but the record must be delivered to the kings bench. Rom this court issue all original writs that pass under the great seal, commissions of charitable uses, bankruptcy, idiocy, lunacy, etc.NWAD CHANCERY.2

    The extraordinary court, or court of equity, proceeds upon rules of equity and conscience, moderates the rigor of the common law, and gives relief in cases where there is no remedy in the common law courts.NWAD CHANCERY.3

    2. In the United States, a court of equity.NWAD CHANCERY.4

    CHAN-CRE, n. A venereal ulcer.

    CHAN-CROUS, a. Ulcerous; having the qualities of a chancer.

    CHANDELIER, n.

    1. A Frame with branches to hold a number of candles, to illuminate a public or large room.NWAD CHANDELIER.2

    2. In fortification, a movable parapet, serving to support fascines to cover pioneers.NWAD CHANDELIER.3

    CHANDLER, n. An artisan whose trade is to make candles, or one who sells candles.

    In America, I believe the word never signifies a seller of candles, unless he is the maker. A corn-chandler is a seller of corn, but I believe not used in the United States.NWAD CHANDLER.2

    CHANDLERLY, a. Like a chandler.

    CHANDLERY, n. The place where candles are kept.

    CHANGE, v.t.

    1. To cause to turn or pass from one state to another; to alter, or make different; to vary in external form, or in essence; as, to change the color or shape of a thing; to change the countenance; to change the heart or life.NWAD CHANGE.2

    2. To put one thing in the place of another; to shift; as, to change the clothesNWAD CHANGE.3

    Be clean and change your garments. Genesis 35:2.NWAD CHANGE.4

    3. To quit one thing or state for another; followed by for; as, persons educated in a particular religion do not readily change it for another.NWAD CHANGE.5

    4. To give and take reciprocally; as, will you change conditions with me?NWAD CHANGE.6

    5. To barter; to exchange goods; as, to change a coach for a chariot.NWAD CHANGE.7

    6. To quit, as one place for another; as, to change lodgings.NWAD CHANGE.8

    7. To give one kind of money for another; to alter the form or kind of money, by receiving the value in a different kind, as to change bank notes for silver; or to give pieces of a larger denomination for an equivalent in pieces of smaller denomination, as to change an eagle for dollars, or a sovereign for sixpences, or to change a dollar into cents; or on the other hand, to change dollars for or into eagles, giving money of smaller denomination for larger.NWAD CHANGE.9

    8. To become acid or tainted; to turn from a natural state of sweetness and purity; as, the wine is changed; thunder and lightning are said to change milk.NWAD CHANGE.10

    To change a horse, or to change hand, is to turn or bear the horses head from one hand to the other, from the left to the right, or from the right to the left.NWAD CHANGE.11

    CHANGE, v.i.

    1. To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better, often for the worse.NWAD CHANGE.13

    I am Jehovah; I change not. Malachi 3:6.NWAD CHANGE.14

    2. To pass the sun, as the moon in its orbit; as, the moon will change the 14th of this month.NWAD CHANGE.15

    CHANGE, n.

    1. Any variation or alteration in form, state, quality, or essence; or a passing from one state or form to another; as a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.NWAD CHANGE.17

    2. A succession of one thing in the place of another; vicissitude; as a change of seasons; a change of objects on a journey; a change of scenes.NWAD CHANGE.18

    3. A revolution; as a change of government.NWAD CHANGE.19

    4. A passing by the sun, and the beginning of a new monthly revolution; as a change of the moon.NWAD CHANGE.20

    5. A different state by removal; novelty; variety.NWAD CHANGE.21

    Our fathers did, for change, to France repair.NWAD CHANGE.22

    6. Alteration in the order of ringing bells; variety of sounds.NWAD CHANGE.23

    Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.NWAD CHANGE.24

    7. That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.NWAD CHANGE.25

    Thirty changes of raiment. Judges 14:12, 13.NWAD CHANGE.26

    8. Small coins of money, which may be given for larger pieces.NWAD CHANGE.27

    9. The balance of money paid beyond the price of goods purchased.NWAD CHANGE.28

    I give the clerk a bank note for his cloth, and he gave me the change.NWAD CHANGE.29

    10. The dissolution of the body; death.NWAD CHANGE.30

    All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Job 14:14.NWAD CHANGE.31

    11. Change for exchange, a place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.NWAD CHANGE.32

    12. In arithmetic, permutation; variation of numbers. Thirteen numbers admit of 6,227,020,800 changes, or different positions.NWAD CHANGE.33

    CHANGEABILITY, n. Changeableness, which is generally used.

    CHANGEABLE, a.

    1. That may change; subject to alteration; fickle; inconstant; mutable; variable; as a person of a changeable mind.NWAD CHANGEABLE.2

    2. Having the quality of suffering alteration of external appearance; as changeable silk.NWAD CHANGEABLE.3

    CHANGEABLENESS, n.

    1. The quality of being changeable; fickleness; inconstancy; instability; mutability.NWAD CHANGEABLENESS.2

    2. Susceptibility of change, or alteration.NWAD CHANGEABLENESS.3

    CHANGEABLY, adv. Inconstantly.

    CHANGED, pp. Altered; varied; turned; converted; shifted.

    CHANGEFUL, a. Full of change; inconstant; mutable; fickle; uncertain; subject to alteration.

    CHANGELESS, a. Constant; not admitting alteration.

    CHANGELING, n.

    1. A child left or taken in the place of another.NWAD CHANGELING.2

    2. An idiot; a fool.NWAD CHANGELING.3

    3. One apt to change; a waverer.NWAD CHANGELING.4

    4. Any thing changed and put in the place of another.NWAD CHANGELING.5

    CHANGER, n.

    1. One who alters the form of any thing.NWAD CHANGER.2

    2. One that is employed in changing and discounting money; a money-changer.NWAD CHANGER.3

    3. One given to change.NWAD CHANGER.4

    CHANGING, ppr. Altering; turning; putting one thing for another; shifting.

    CHANNA, n. A fish taken in the Mediterranean, resembling the sea-perch.

    CHANNEL, n.

    1. In a general sense, a passage; a place of passing or flowing; particularly, a water course.NWAD CHANNEL.2

    2. The place where a river flows, including the whole breadth of the river. But more appropriately, the deeper part or hollow in which the principal current flows.NWAD CHANNEL.3

    3. The deeper part of a strait, bay, or harbor, where the principal current flows, either of tide or fresh water, or which is the most convenient for the track of a ship.NWAD CHANNEL.4

    4. That through which any thing passes; means of passing, conveying, or transmitting; as, the news was conveyed to us by different channels.NWAD CHANNEL.5

    5. A gutter or furrow in a column.NWAD CHANNEL.6

    6. An arm of the sea; a straight or narrow sea, between two continents, or between a continent and an isle; as the British or Irish channel.NWAD CHANNEL.7

    7. Channels of a ship. [See Chain-wales.]NWAD CHANNEL.8

    CHANNEL, v.t. To form a channel; to cut channels in; to groove; as, to channel a field or a column.

    CHANNELED, pp. Having channels; grooved longitudinally.

    CHANNELING, ppr. Cutting channels; grooving longitudinally.

    CHANSON, n. A song.

    CHANT, v.t.

    1. To sing; to utter a melodious voice; that is, to cant or throw the voice in modulations.NWAD CHANT.2

    The cheerful birds do chant sweet music.NWAD CHANT.3

    2. To celebrate in song; as, to chant the praises of Jehovah.NWAD CHANT.4

    3. To sing, as in church-service; to repeat words in a kind of canting voice, with modulations.NWAD CHANT.5

    CHANT, v.i.

    1. To sing; to make melody with the voice.NWAD CHANT.7

    They chant to the sound of the viol. Amos 6:5.NWAD CHANT.8

    2. To repeat words in the church-service with a kind of singing.NWAD CHANT.9

    CHANT, n. Song; melody; church-service.

    CHANTED, pp. Sung; uttered with modulations of voice.

    CHANTER, n.

    1. One who chants; a singer or songster.NWAD CHANTER.2

    2. The chief singer, or priest of the chantry.NWAD CHANTER.3

    3. The pipe which sounds the tenor or treble in a bagpipe.NWAD CHANTER.4

    CHANTICLEER, n. A cock, so called from the clearness or loudness of his voice in cowing.

    CHANTING, ppr. Singing; uttering a melodious voice; repeating words with a singing voice.

    CHANTING, n. The act of singing, or uttering with a song.

    CHANTRESS, n. A female singer.

    CHANTRY, n. A church or chapel endowed with lands, or other revenue, for the maintenance of one or more priests daily to sing or say mass for the souls of the donors, or such as they appoint.

    CHAOS, n.

    1. That confusion, or confused mass, in which matter is supposed to have existed, before it was separated into its different kinds and reduced to order, by the creating power of God. Rudis, indigestaque moles.NWAD CHAOS.2

    2. Any mixed mass, without due form or order; as a chaos of materials.NWAD CHAOS.3

    3. Confusion; disorder; a state in which the parts are undistinguished.NWAD CHAOS.4

    CHAOTIC, a. Resembling chaos; confused; as, the earth was originally in a chaotic state.

    CHAP, v.t. To cleave, split, crack, or open longitudinally, as the surface of the earth, or the skin and flesh of the hand. Dry weather chaps the earth; cold dry winds chap the hands.

    CHAP, v.i. To crack; to open in long slits; as, the earth chaps; the hands chap.

    CHAP, n. A longitudinal cleft, gap or chink, as in the surface of the earth, or in the hands or feet.

    CHAP, n. The upper and lower part of the mouth; the jaw. It is applied to beasts, and vulgarly to men; generally in the plural, the chaps or mouth.

    CHAP, v.i. To cheapen.

    CHAPBOOK, n. [See Chapman and Cheap.] a small book or pamphlet, carried about for sale by hawker.

    CHAPE, n.

    1. The catch of any thing, as the hook of a scabbard, or the catch of a buckle, by which it is held to the back strap.NWAD CHAPE.2

    2. A brass or silver tip or case, that strengthens the end of a scabbard.NWAD CHAPE.3

    CHAPEAU, n. A hat; in heraldry, a cap or bonnet.

    CHAPEL, n.

    1. A house for public worship; primarily, a private oratory, or house of worship belonging to a private person. In Great Britain there are several sorts of chapels; as parochial chapels, distinct from the mother church; chapels which adjoin to and are a part of the church; such were formerly built by honorable persons for burying places; chapels of ease, built in large parishes for the accommodation of the inhabitants; free chapels, which were founded by the kings of England; chapels in the universities, belonging to particular colleges; domestic chapels, built by noblemen or gentlemen for the use of their families.NWAD CHAPEL.2

    2. A printers workhouse; said to be so called because printing was first carried on in a chapel.NWAD CHAPEL.3

    CHAPEL, v.t. To deposit in a chapel.

    CHAPELESS, a. Without a chape.

    CHAPELET, CHAPLET, n. A pair of stirrup leathers, with stirrups, joined at the top in a sort of leather buckle, by which they are made fast to the pommel of the saddle, after they have been adjusted to the length and bearing of the rider.

    CHAPELLANY, n. A place founded within some church and dependent thereon.

    CHAPELLING, n. The act of turning a ship round in a light breeze of wind, when close hauled, so that she will lie the same way as before.

    CHAPELRY, n. The bounds or jurisdiction of a chapel.

    CHAPERON, n. A hood or cap worn by the knights of the garter in their habits. It was anciently worn by men, women, nobles and populace; afterwards appropriated to doctors and licentiates in colleges. The name then passed to certain devices placed on the foreheads of horses which drew the herse in pompous funerals.

    CHAP-FALLEN, a. [chap and fall.] Having the lower chap depressed; hence, dejected; dispirited; silenced.

    CHAPITER, n.

    1. The upper part or capital of a column or pillar; a word used in the scriptures. [See Capital.]NWAD CHAPITER.2

    2. That which is delivered by the mouth of the justice in his charge to the inquest.NWAD CHAPITER.3

    CHAPLAIN, n.

    1. An ecclesiastic who has a chapel, or who performs service in a chapel. The king of Great Britain has forty-eight chaplains, who attend, four each month, to perform divine service for the royal family. Princes also, and persons of quality have chaplains, who officiate in their chapels.NWAD CHAPLAIN.2

    2. A clergyman who belongs to a ship of war, or to a regiment of land forces, for performing divine service.NWAD CHAPLAIN.3

    3. A clergyman who is retained to perform divine service in a family.NWAD CHAPLAIN.4

    Chaplains of the Pope, are auditors or judges of causes in the sacred palace.NWAD CHAPLAIN.5

    CHAPLAINCY, n. The office or station of a chaplain.

    CHAPLAINSHIP, n.

    1. The office or business of a chaplain.NWAD CHAPLAINSHIP.2

    2. The possession, or revenue of a chapel.NWAD CHAPLAINSHIP.3

    CHAPLESS, n.

    1. A garland or wreath to be worn on the head; the circle of a crown.NWAD CHAPLESS.2

    2. A string of beads used by the Roman Catholics, by which they count the number of their prayers. They are made sometimes of coral, of wood, of diamonds, etc., and are called parternosters. The invention is ascribed to Peter the hermit, who probably learnt it in the East, as the Orientals use a kind of chaplet, called a chain, rehearsing one of the perfections of God on each link, or head. The Great Mogul is said to have eighteen of these chains, all precious tones. The Turks also use a kind of chaplet in reciting their prayers.NWAD CHAPLESS.3

    3. In architecture, a little molding, carved into round beads, pearls, olives or the like.NWAD CHAPLESS.4

    4. In horsemanship, a chapelet, which see.NWAD CHAPLESS.5

    5. A tuft of feathers on a peacocks head.NWAD CHAPLESS.6

    6. A small chapel or shrine.NWAD CHAPLESS.7

    CHAPMAN, n.

    1. A cheapener; one that offers as a purchaser.NWAD CHAPMAN.2

    Their chapmen they betray.NWAD CHAPMAN.3

    2. A seller; a market-man.NWAD CHAPMAN.4

    CHAPPED, pp. Cleft; opened, as the surface or skin.

    CHAPPING, ppr. Cleaving, as the surface or skin.

    CHAPPY, a. Full of chaps; cleft.

    CHAPS, the mouth or jaws. [See Chap.]

    CHAPTER, n.

    1. A division of a book or treatise; as, Genesis contains fifty chapters. Hence the phrase, to the end of the chapter, that is, throughout; to the end.NWAD CHAPTER.2

    2. In ecclesiastical polity, a society or community of clergymen, belonging to a cathedral or collegiate church.NWAD CHAPTER.3

    3. A place where delinquents receive discipline and correction.NWAD CHAPTER.4

    4. A decretal epistle.NWAD CHAPTER.5

    CHAPTER, v.t. To tax; to correct.

    CHAPTER-HOUSE, n. A house where a chapter meets.

    CHAPTREL, n. The capitals of pillars and pilasters, which support arches, commonly called imposts.

    CHAR, n. A fish.

    CHAR, n. In England, work done by the day; a single job, or task. In New England, it is pronounced chore, which see. I know not the origin of the word.

    CHAR, v.t. To perform a business.

    CHAR, v.i. To work at others houses by the day, without being a hired servant; to do small jobs.

    CHAR-WOMAN, n. A woman hired for odd work, or for single days.

    [Char-man and Char-woman are, I believe, not used in America.]NWAD CHAR-WOMAN.2

    CHAR, v.t.

    1. To burn or reduce to coal or carbon; to reduce to charcoal, by expelling all volatile matter from wood. This is done by burning wood slowly under a covering of turf and earth.NWAD CHAR.2

    2. To expel all volatile matter from stone or earth, by heat.NWAD CHAR.3

    The stone or earth charred from all foreign visible ingredients.NWAD CHAR.4

    CHARACT, CHARECT, n. An inscription.

    CHARACTER, n.

    1. A mark made by cutting or engraving, as on stone, metal or other hard material; hence, a mark or figure made with a pen or style, on paper, or other material used to contain writing; a letter, or figure used to form words, and communicate ideas. Characters are literal, as the letters of an alphabet; numeral, as the arithmetical figures; emblematical or symbolical, which express things or ideas; and abbreviations, as C. For centrum, a hundred; lb. For libra, a pound; A.D. Anno domini; etc.NWAD CHARACTER.2

    2. A mark or figure made by stamping or impression, as on coins.NWAD CHARACTER.3

    3. The manner of writing; the peculiar from of letters used by a particular person.NWAD CHARACTER.4

    You know the character to be your brothersNWAD CHARACTER.5

    4. The peculiar qualities, impressed by nature or habit on a person, which distinguish him from others; these constitute real character, and the qualities which he is supposed to possess, constitute his estimated character, or reputation. Hence we say, a character is not formed, when the person has not acquired stable and distinctive qualities.NWAD CHARACTER.6

    5. An account, description or representation of any thing, exhibiting its qualities and the circumstances attending it; as, to give a bad character o a town, or to a road.NWAD CHARACTER.7

    6. A person; as, the assembly consisted of various characters, eminent characters, and low characters.NWAD CHARACTER.8

    All the characters in the play appeared to advantage.NWAD CHARACTER.9

    The friendship of distinguished characters.NWAD CHARACTER.10

    7. By way of eminence, distinguished or good qualities; those which are esteemed and respected; and those which are ascribed to a person in common estimation. We enquire whether a stranger is a man of character.NWAD CHARACTER.11

    8. Adventitious qualities impressed by office, or station; the qualities that, in public estimation, belong to a person in a particular station; as when we ask how a magistrate, or commander supports his character.NWAD CHARACTER.12

    9. In natural history, the peculiar discriminating qualities or properties of animals, plants and minerals.NWAD CHARACTER.13

    These properties, when employed for the purpose of discriminating minerals, are called characters.NWAD CHARACTER.14

    CHARACTER, v.t.

    1. To engrave; to inscribe.NWAD CHARACTER.16

    2. A particular aspect or configuration of the heavens.NWAD CHARACTER.17

    CHARACTERISTIC, CHARACTERISTICAL, a. That constitutes the character; that marks the peculiar, distinctive qualities of a person or thing.

    Generosity is often a characteristic virtue of a brave man.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.2

    It is followed by of.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.3

    Generosity is characteristic of true bravery.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.4

    CHARACTERISTIC, n.

    1. That which constitutes a character; that which characterizes; that which distinguishes a person or thing from another.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.6

    Invention is the characteristic of Homer.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.7

    2. In grammar, the principal letter of a word, which is preserved in most of its tenses, in its derivatives and compounds.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.8

    The characteristic of a logarithm, is its index or exponent.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.9

    The characteristic triangle of a curve, in geometry, is a rectilinear right-angled triangle, whose hypotenuse makes a part of the curve, not sensibly different from a right line.NWAD CHARACTERISTIC.10

    CHARACTERISTICALLY, adv. The state or qualities of being characteristic.

    CHARACTERIZE, v.t.

    1. To give a character, or an account of the personal qualities of a man; to describe by peculiar qualities.NWAD CHARACTERIZE.2

    2. To distinguish; to mark, or express the character; to exhibit the peculiar qualities of a person or thing; as, humility characterizes the true Christian; the hero is characterized by bravery and magnanimity.NWAD CHARACTERIZE.3

    The system of mediation has characterized the entire scheme of divine dispensation.NWAD CHARACTERIZE.4

    3. To engrave or imprint.NWAD CHARACTERIZE.5

    4. To mark with a peculiar stamp, or figure.NWAD CHARACTERIZE.6

    CHARACTERIZED, pp. Described or distinguished by peculiar qualities.

    CHARACTERIZING, ppr. Describing or distinguishing by peculiar qualities.

    CHARACTERLESS, a. Destitute of any peculiar character.

    CHARACTERY, n. Impression; mark; distinction.

    CHARADE, n. A composition, in which the subject must be a word of two syllables, each forming a distinct word; and these syllables are to be concealed in an enigmatical description, first separately and then together. Example. My first, when a Frenchman in learning English, serves him to swear by. My second is either hay or corn. My whole is the delight of the age.

    CHARCOAL, n. Coal made by charring wood; the remains of wood burnt under turf, and from which all watery and other volatile matter has been expelled by heat. It makes a strong heat, and is used in furnaces, forges, private families, etc. It is black, brittle, light and in odorous, and not being decomposable by water or air, will endure for ages without alteration.

    CHARD, n. The leaves of artichokes tied and wrapped all over, except the top, in straw, during autumn and winter. This makes them grow white and lose some of their bitterness.

    Chards of beet are plants of white beet transplanted, producing great tops, which, in the midst, have a large, white, thick, downy, cotton-like main shoot, which is the true chard.NWAD CHARD.2

    CHARGE, v.t.

    1. To rush on; to fall on; to attack, especially with fixed bayonets; as, an army charges the enemy.NWAD CHARGE.2

    2. To load, as a musket or cannon; to thrust in powder, or powder and ball or shot.NWAD CHARGE.3

    3. To lead or burden; to throw on or impose that which oppresses; as, to charge the stomach with indigestible food; or to lay on, or to fill, without oppressing; as, to charge the memory with rules and precepts; to charge the mid with facts.NWAD CHARGE.4

    4. To set or lay on; to impose, as a tax; as, the land is charged with a quit rent; a rent is charge on the land.NWAD CHARGE.5

    5. To lay on or impose, as a task.NWAD CHARGE.6

    The gospel chargeth us with piety towards God.NWAD CHARGE.7

    6. To put or lay on; as, to charge a building with ornaments, often implying superfluity.NWAD CHARGE.8

    7. To lay on, as a duty; followed by with.NWAD CHARGE.9

    The commander charged the officer with the execution of the project. See Genesis 40:4NWAD CHARGE.10

    8. To entrust to; as, an officer is charged with dispatches.NWAD CHARGE.11

    9. To set to, as a dept; to place on the debit side of an account; as, to charge a man with the price of goods sold to him.NWAD CHARGE.12

    10. To load or lay on in words, something wrong, reproachful or criminal; to impute to; as, to charge a man with theft.NWAD CHARGE.13

    11. To lay on in words; to impute to; followed by on before the person; as, to charge a crime on the offender; to charge evil consequences on the doctrines of the stoics.NWAD CHARGE.14

    12. To lay on, give or communicate, as an order, command or earnest request; to enjoin; to exhort.NWAD CHARGE.15

    In all this, Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:22.NWAD CHARGE.16

    13. To lay on, give or communicate, as an order, command or earnest request; to enjoin; to exhort. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded. 1 Timothy 6:17.NWAD CHARGE.17

    In this sense, when the command is given in the name of God, or with an oath, the phrase amounts to an adjuration.NWAD CHARGE.18

    To adjure; to bind by an oath. 1 Samuel 14:28.NWAD CHARGE.19

    14. To give directions to; to instruct authoritatively; as, the judge charged the grand jury to inquire respecting breaches of the peace.NWAD CHARGE.20

    15. To communicate electrical matter to, as to a coated vial, or an electrical battery.NWAD CHARGE.21

    CHARGE, v.i. To make an onset. Thus Glanville says, like your heroes of antiquity, he charges in iron; and we say, to charge with fixed bayonets. But in this application, the object is understood; to charge the enemy.

    CHARGE, n.

    1. That which is laid on or in; in a general sense, any load or burden. It is the same word radically as cargo.NWAD CHARGE.24

    2. The quantity of powder, or of powder and ball or shot, used to load a musket, cannon or other like instrument.NWAD CHARGE.25

    3. An onset; a rushing on an enemy; attack; especially by moving troops with fixed bayonets. But it is used for an onset of cavalry as well as of infantry.NWAD CHARGE.26

    4. An order, injunction, mandate, command.NWAD CHARGE.27

    Moses gave Joshua a charge. Numbers 27:22, 23.NWAD CHARGE.28

    The king gave charge concerning Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:5.NWAD CHARGE.29

    5. That which is enjoined, committed, entrusted or delivered to another, implying care, custody, oversight, or duty to be performed by the person entrusted.NWAD CHARGE.30

    I gave Hanani charge over Jerusalem. Nehemiah 7:2.NWAD CHARGE.31

    Hence the word includes any trust or commission; an office, duty, employment. It is followed by of or over; more generally by of. Hence,NWAD CHARGE.32

    6. The person or thing committed to anothers custody, care or management; a trust. Thus the people of a parish are called the ministers charge.NWAD CHARGE.33

    The starry guardian drove his charge away to some fresh pasture.NWAD CHARGE.34

    7. Instructions given by a judge to a jury, or by a bishop to his clergy. The word may be used as synonymous with command, direction, exhortation or injunction, but always implies solemnity.NWAD CHARGE.35

    8. Imputation in a bad sense; accusation.NWAD CHARGE.36

    Lay not this sin to their charge. Acts 7:60.NWAD CHARGE.37

    9. That which constitutes debt, in commercial transactions; an entry of money or the price of goods, on the debit side of an account.NWAD CHARGE.38

    10. Cost; expense; as, the charges of the war are to be borne by the nation.NWAD CHARGE.39

    11. Imposition on land or estate; rent, tax, or whatever constitutes a burden or duty.NWAD CHARGE.40

    12. In military affairs, a signal to attack; as, to sound the charge.NWAD CHARGE.41

    13. The posture of a weapon fitted for an attack or combat.NWAD CHARGE.42

    Their armed slaves in charge.NWAD CHARGE.43

    14. Among farriers, a preparation of the consistence of a thick decoction, or between an ointment and a plaster, used as a remedy for sprains and inflammations.NWAD CHARGE.44

    15. In heraldry, that which is borne upon the color; or the figures represented on the escutcheon, by which the bearers are distinguished from one another.NWAD CHARGE.45

    16. In electrical experiments, a quantity of electrical fluid, communicated to a coated jar, vial or pane of glass.NWAD CHARGE.46

    A charge of lead, is thirty-six pigs, each containing six stone, wanting two pounds.NWAD CHARGE.47

    CHARGEABLE, a.

    1. That may be charged; that may be set, laid, imposed; as, a duty of forty per cent is chargeable on wine.NWAD CHARGEABLE.2

    2. Subject to be charged; as, wine is chargeable with a duty of forty per cent.NWAD CHARGEABLE.3

    3. Expensive; costly; as a chargeable family.NWAD CHARGEABLE.4

    4. Laying or bringing expense.NWAD CHARGEABLE.5

    Because we would not be chargeable to any of you. 1 Thessalonians 2:9.NWAD CHARGEABLE.6

    5. Imputable; that may be laid or attributed as a crime, fault or debt; as a fault chargeable on a man.NWAD CHARGEABLE.7

    6. Subject to be charged or accused; as a man chargeable with a fault, or neglect.NWAD CHARGEABLE.8

    CHARGEABLENESS, n. Expensiveness; cost; costliness.

    CHARGEABLY, adv. Expensively; at great cost.

    CHARGED, pp. Loaded; burdened; attacked; laid on; instructed; imputed; accused; placed to the debt; ordered; commanded.

    CHARGEFUL, a. Expensive; costly.

    CHARGELESS, a. Not expensive; free from expense.

    CHARGER, n.

    1. In Scots law, one who charges another in a suit.NWAD CHARGER.2

    2. A large dish. Numbers 7:13-85.NWAD CHARGER.3

    3. A horse used for attack.NWAD CHARGER.4

    CHARGING, ppr. Loading; attacking; laying on; instructing; commanding; accusing; imputing.

    CHARILY, adv. [See Chary.] Carefully; warily; frugally.

    CHARINESS, n. Caution; care; nicety; scrupulousness.

    CHARIOT, n.

    1. A half coach; a carriage with four wheels and one seat behind, used for convenience and pleasure.NWAD CHARIOT.2

    2. A car or vehicle used formerly in war, drawn by two or more horses, and conveying two men each. These vehicles were sometimes armed with hooks or sythes.NWAD CHARIOT.3

    CHARIOT, v.t. To convey in a chariot.

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