Observancy to Obstruct
Observancy
(Ob*serv"an*cy) n. Observance. [Obs.]
Observandum
(||Ob*ser`van"dum) n.; pl. Observanda [L.] A thing to be observed. Swift.
Observant
(Ob*serv"ant) a. [L. observans, -anits, p. pr. of observare: cf. F. observant. See Observe.]
1. Taking notice; viewing or noticing attentively; watchful; attentive; as, an observant spectator; observant
habits.
Wandering from clime to clime observant stray'd.
Pope. 2. Submissively attentive; obediently watchful; regardful; mindful; obedient (to); — with of, as, to be observant
of rules.
We are told how observant Alexander was of his master Aristotle.
Sir K. Digby. Observant
(Ob*serv"ant), n.
1. One who observes forms and rules. [Obs.] Hooker.
2. A sycophantic servant. [Obs.]
Silly ducking observants,
That stretch their duties nicely.
Shak. 3. (R.C.Ch.) An Observantine.
Observantine
(Ob`ser*van"tine) n. [Fr. observantin.] (R.C.Ch.) One of a branch of the Order of Franciscans,
who profess to adhere more strictly than the Conventuals to the intention of the founder, especially as to
poverty; — called also Observants.
Observantly
(Ob*serv"ant*ly), adv. In an observant manner.
Observation
(Ob`ser*va"tion) n. [L. observatio: cf.F. observation.]
1. The act or the faculty of observing or taking notice; the act of seeing, or of fixing the mind upon, anything.
My observation, which very seldom lies.
Shak. 2. The result of an act, or of acts, of observing; view; reflection; conclusion; judgment.
In matters of human prudence, we shall find the greatest advantage in making wise observations on
our conduct.
I. Watts. 3. Hence: An expression of an opinion or judgment upon what one has observed; a remark. "That's a
foolish observation." Shak.
To observations which ourselves we make
We grow more partial for the observer's sake.
Pope. 4. Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice; observance. [Obs.]
We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the observation of it in such circumstances.
Jer. Taylor. 5. (Science) (a) The act of recognizing and noting some fact or occurrence in nature, as an aurora, a
corona, or the structure of an animal. (b) Specifically, the act of measuring, with suitable instruments,
some magnitude, as the time of an occultation, with a clock; the right ascension of a star, with a transit
instrument and clock; the sun's altitude, or the distance of the moon from a star, with a sextant; the temperature,
with a thermometer, etc. (c) The information so acquired.
