Defilement
(De*file"ment) n. [Cf. F. défilement. See Defile] (Mil.) The protection of the interior walls of
a fortification from an enfilading fire, as by covering them, or by a high parapet on the exposed side.
Defilement
(De*file"ment), n. [From 3d Defile.] The act of defiling, or state of being defiled, whether
physically or morally; pollution; foulness; dirtiness; uncleanness.
Defilements of the flesh.
Hopkins.
The chaste can not rake into such filth without danger of defilement.
Addison. Defiler
(De*fil"er) n. One who defiles; one who corrupts or violates; that which pollutes.
Defiliation
(De*fil`i*a"tion) n. [L. de- + filius son.] Abstraction of a child from its parents. Lamb.
Definable
(De*fin"a*ble) a. [From Define.] Capable of being defined, limited, or explained; determinable; describable
by definition; ascertainable; as, definable limits; definable distinctions or regulations; definable words. —
De*fin"a*bly, adv.
Define
(De*fine") v. t. [imp. & p. p. Defined ; p. pr. & vb. n. Defining.] [OE. definer, usually, to
end, to finish, F. définir to define, L. definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary,
limit, end. See Final, Finish.]
1. To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end. "To define controversies." Barrow.
2. To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a
kingdom or country.
3. To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining
power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Sir I. Newton. 4. To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to
expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Robynson Define
(De*fine") v. i. To determine; to decide. [Obs.]
Definement
(De*fine"ment) n. The act of defining; definition; description. [Obs.] Shak.
Definer
(De*fin"er) n. One who defines or explains.
Definite
(Def"i*nite) a. [L. definitis, p. p. of definire: cf. F. défini. See Define.]
1. Having certain or distinct; determinate in extent or greatness; limited; fixed; as, definite dimensions; a
definite measure; a definite period or interval.
Elements combine in definite proportions.
Whewell. 2. Having certain limits in signification; determinate; certain; precise; fixed; exact; clear; as, a definite word,
term, or expression.
3. Determined; resolved. [Obs.] Shak.
4. Serving to define or restrict; limiting; determining; as, the definite article.
