Part 67

D['E]BUT, de-b[:u]' (_u_ sounded as in Scot. _gude_), _n._ a beginning or first attempt: a first appearance before the public, as of an actor, &c.--_n._ D['E]BUTANT', one who makes his first appearance before the public:--_fem._ D['E]BUTANTE'. [Fr. _d['e]but_, a first stroke--_d['e]buter_--_de_, from, _but_, aim, mark.]

DECACHORD, dek'a-kord, _n._ an ancient musical instrument with ten strings: anything having ten parts. [Gr. _dekachordos_--_deka_, ten, and _chord[=e]_, a string.]

DECACUMINATED, d[=e]-ka-k[=u]'mi-n[=a]-ted, _adj._ having the top cut off.

DECADE, dek'[=a]d, DECAD, dek'ad, _n._ a group of ten, esp. a series of ten years.--_adj._ DEC'ADAL. [Fr. _d['e]cade_--Gr. _dekas_--_deka_, ten.]

DECADENCE, dek'a-dens, or de-k[=a]'-, DEC'ADENCY (or de-k[=a]'-), _n._ state of decay: a term for a school in modern French literature not distinguished for vigour or originality.--_adj._ DEC'ADENT (or de-k[=a]'-), decaying.--_n._ something decaying or decayed. [Fr.,--Low L. _decadentia_, from L. _de_, down--_cad[)e]re_, to fall.]

DECAGON, dek'a-gon, _n._ a plane figure of ten angles and sides.--_adj._ DECAG'ONAL. [Gr. _deka_, and _g[=o]nia_, an angle.]

DECAGRAMME, DECAGRAM, dek'a-gram, _n._ a weight of ten grammes, equal to 0.353 oz. [Fr.,--Gr. _deka_, ten, and _gramma_, a weight; L. _granum_, a grain.]

DECAGYNIA, dek-a-jin'i-a, _n._ a class of plants in the Linnaean system having ten pistils.--_adjs._ DECAGYN'IAN, DECAG'YNOUS. [Gr. _deka_, ten, _gyn[=e]_, a woman.]

DECAHEDRON, dek-a-h[=e]'dron, _n._ a solid figure having ten faces.--_adj._ DECAH[=E]'DRAL. [Gr. _deka_, and _hedra_, a seat.]

DECALCIFY, de-kal'si-f[=i], _v.i._ to deprive of lime: to take the calcareous matter out of bones, teeth, &c.--_n._ DECALCIFIC[=A]'TION. [L. _de_, away from, _calx_, _calcis_, lime, _fac[)e]re_, to make.]

DECALCOMANIA, d[=e]-kal-k[=o]-m[=a]'ni-a, _n._ the process of transferring pictures to marble, glass, wood, &c. [Fr.]

DECALITRE, dek'a-l[=e]t-[.e]r, _n._ a French measure, ten litres: equal to 2-1/2 imperial gallons. [Fr.,--Gr. _deka_, ten, and _litra_, a pound.]

DECALOGUE, dek'a-log, _n._ the ten commandments.--_n._ DECAL'OGIST. [Gr. _deka_, ten, _logos_, a discourse.]

DECAMERON, de-kam'e-ron, _n._ Boccaccio's hundred tales, supposed to be told in ten days.--_adj._ DECAMERON'IC. [From Gr. _deka_, ten, _h[=e]mera_, a day.]

DECAMETRE, dek'a-m[=e]t-[.e]r, _n._ a French measure of ten metres, or 32.8 feet. [Fr. _d['e]cam[`e]tre_--Gr. _deka_, ten, _metron_, a measure. See METRE.]

DECAMP, de-kamp', _v.i._ to go away, esp. secretly.--_n._ DECAMP'MENT. [Fr. _d['e]camper_.]

DECANAL, dek'an-al, _adj._ pertaining to a dean or deanery.

DECANDRIA, de-kan'dri-a, _n._ a class of plants in the Linnaean system having ten stamens.--_adjs._ DECAN'DRIAN, DECAN'DROUS. [Gr. _deka_, ten, and _an[=e]r_, _andros_, a man.]

DECANGULAR, dek-ang'g[=u]-lar, _adj._ having ten angles. [Gr. _deka_, ten, and L. _angulus_, an angle.]

DECANT, de-kant', _v.t._ to pour off, leaving sediment: to pour from one vessel into another.--_ns._ DECANT[=A]'TION; DECANT'ER, an ornamental bottle for holding decanted liquor. [Fr. _d['e]canter_ (It. _decantare_)--_de_, from, and Low L. _cantus_, a side or corner.]

DECAPHYLLOUS, dek-a-fil'us, _adj._ having ten leaves. [Gr. _deka_, ten, _phyllon_, a leaf.]

DECAPITATE, de-kap'i-t[=a]t, _v.t._ to take the head from: to behead.--_n._ DECAPIT[=A]'TION. [Low L. _decapit[=a]re_--L. _de_, from, and _caput_, _capitis_, the head.]

DECAPOD, dek'a-pod, _n._ one of the shellfish which have ten feet or claws, as the crab.--_adjs._ DECA'PODAL, DECA'PODOUS. [Gr. _deka_, ten, and _pous_, _podos_, a foot.]

DECARBONATE, de-k[:a]r'bon-[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of carbon--also DECAR'BONISE, DECAR'BURISE.--_ns._ DECARBONIS[=A]'TION, DECARBURIS[=A]'TION. [_De_, from, _carbon_.]

DECASTICH, dek'a-stik, _n._ a poem of ten lines. [Gr. _deka_, ten, and _stichos_, a row, a verse.]

DECASTYLE, dek'a-st[=i]l, _n._ a portico with ten columns in front. [Gr. _deka_, ten, _stylos_, a column.]

DECASYLLABIC, dek-a-sil-ab'ik, _adj._ having ten syllables. [Gr. _deka_, ten, _syllab[=e]_, a syllable.]

DECAUDATE, de-kaw'd[=a]t, _v.t._ to cut off the tail of. [L. _de_, and _cauda_, tail.]

DECAY, d[=e]-k[=a]', _v.i._ to fall away from a state of health or excellence: to waste away.--_v.t._ to cause to waste away: to impair.--_n._ a falling into a worse or less perfect state: a passing away: loss of fortune: (_obs._) misfortune.--_p.adj._ DECAYED', reduced in circumstances.--_n._ DECAYED'NESS. [O. Fr. _decair_--L. _de_, from _cad[)e]re_, to fall.]

DECEASE, d[=e]-s[=e]s', _n._ death.--_v.i._ to die.--_p.adj._ DECEASED', dead. [O. Fr. _deces_ (Fr. _d['e]c[`e]s_)--L. _decessus_--_de_, away, _ced[)e]re_, _cessum_, to go.]

DECEIT, de-s[=e]t', _n._ act of deceiving: anything intended to mislead another: fraud: falseness.--_adj._ DECEIT'FUL, full of deceit: disposed or tending to deceive: insincere.--_adv._ DECEIT'FULLY.--_n._ DECEIT'FULNESS. [O. Fr., from L. _decip[)e]re_, _deceptum_, to deceive.]

DECEIVE, de-s[=e]v', _v.t._ to mislead or cause to err: to cheat: to disappoint.--_adj._ DECEIV'ABLE, that may be deceived: exposed to imposture.--_n._ DECEIV'ABLENESS.--_adj._ DECEIV'ABLY.--_n._ DECEIV'ER. [Fr. _d['e]cevoir_--L. _decip[)e]re_, _deceptum_--_de_, from _cap[)e]re_, to take, catch.]

DECEMBER, de-sem'b[.e]r, _n._ the tenth month among the Romans, who began their year with March: with us, the twelfth month of the year.--_adj._ DECEM'BERLY, wintry, cold.--_n._ DECEM'BRIST, one of those who took part in the Russian conspiracy of December 1825. [L. _decem_, ten.]

DECEMDENTATE, d[=e]-sem-den't[=a]t, _adj._ having ten points or teeth.

DECEMFID, d[=e]-sem'fid, _adj._ divided into ten parts.

DECEMLOCULAR, d[=e]-sem-lok'[=u]-lar, _adj._ ten-celled.

DECEMPEDAL, d[=e]-sem'ped-al, _adj._ having ten feet.

DECEMVIR, de-sem'vir, _n._ one of ten magistrates who at one time had absolute power in ancient Rome:--_pl._ DECEM'VIRS, or (L.) DECEMVIRI (d[=e]-sem'vi-r[=i]).--_adj._ DECEM'VIRAL.--_n._ DECEM'VIR[=A]TE, a body of ten men in office: the term of office of decemvirs. [L. _decem_, ten, and _vir_, a man.]

DECENNARY, de-sen'ar-i, _n._ a period of ten years--also DECENN'IUM.--_adj._ DECENN'IAL, consisting of or happening every ten years. [L. _decem_, ten, and _annus_, a year.]

DECENNOVAL, de-sen'[=o]-val, _adj._ pertaining to the number 15.

DECENT, d[=e]'sent, _adj._ becoming: seemly: proper: modest: moderate: tolerable.--_n._ D[=E]'CENCY, becomingness: modesty.--_adv._ D[=E]'CENTLY. [L. _decens_, _decentis_, pr.p. of _dec[=e]re_, to be becoming.]

DECENTRALISE, de-sen'tral-[=i]z, _v.t._ to withdraw from the centre: to transfer functions from the central government to local centres.--_n._ DECENTRALIS[=A]'TION. [L. _de_, neg., and _centralise_.]

DECEPTION, de-sep'shun, _n._ act of deceiving: the means by which it is sought to deceive.--_n._ DECEPTIBIL'ITY.--_adjs._ DECEPT'IBLE, capable of being deceived; DECEP'TIOUS (_Shak._), deceitful; DECEP'TIVE, tending to deceive: misleading.--_adv._ DECEP'TIVELY.--_n._ DECEP'TIVENESS.--_adj._ DECEP'TORY, tending to deceive. [O. Fr.,--Low L. _deceptio_, _-nis_--_decip[)e]re_, to deceive.]

DECERN, de-s[.e]rn', _v.t._ and _v.i._ (_Scots law_) to judge: to decree: to pass judgment. [O. Fr. _decerner_--L. _decern[)e]re_--_de_, and _cern[)e]re_, to distinguish.]

DECESSION, de-sesh'un, _n._ departure. [See DECEASE.]

DECHARM, d[=e]-ch[:a]rm', _v.t._ to disenchant.

DECHRISTIANISE, de-krist'yan-[=i]z, _v.t._ to turn from Christianity: to destroy Christian elements.

DECIARE, de'si-[:a]r, _n._ the tenth part of an are. [Fr.,--L. _deci-_ (in _decimus_), and _are_.]

DECIDE, de-s[=i]d', _v.t._ to determine: to end: to settle: to resolve.--_adjs._ DECID'ABLE, capable of being decided; DECID'ED, determined: clear, unmistakable: resolute.--_adv._ DECID'EDLY. [O. Fr. _decider_--L. _decid[=e]re_--_de_, away, _caed[)e]re_, to cut.]

DECIDUOUS, de-sid'[=u]-us, _adj._ that fall in autumn, as leaves: not permanent.--_n._ DECID'UA, a membrane of the uterus discharged after parturition.--_adj._ DECID'U[=A]TE.--_n._ DECID'UOUSNESS.--DECIDUOUS TREES, those which annually lose and renew their leaves. [L. _deciduus_--_decid[)e]re_, _de_, from, _cad[)e]re_, to fall.]

DECIGRAMME, de'si-gram, _n._ the tenth part of a gramme. [See GRAMME (3).]

DECILITRE, des'i-l[=e]-t[.e]r, _n._ a measure of capacity equal to 1/10 litre.

DECILLION, de-sil'yun, _n._ a million raised to the tenth power: in the French and American notation, a thousand raised to the eleventh power.

DECIMAL, des'i-mal, _adj._ numbered or proceeding by tens.--_n._ a fraction having ten or some power of ten for its denominator.--_v.t._ DEC'IMALISE, to reduce to the decimal system.--_ns._ DEC'IMALISM; DEC'IMALIST.--_adv._ DEC'IMALLY.--DECIMAL NOTATION, a system of writing numbers based on ten and powers of ten, like our ordinary system; DECIMAL SYSTEM, a system whose units are tens and powers of tens, esp. in the French _metric system_ of weights and measures. [Fr.,--Low L. _decimalis_--_decem_, ten.]

DECIMATE, des'i-m[=a]t, _v.t._ to take the tenth part of: to put to death every tenth man.--_ns._ DECIM[=A]'TION, a military punishment, by which every tenth man was selected by lot and put to death or otherwise punished; DEC'IMATOR. [L. _decim[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decimus_, tenth.]

DECIME, de-s[=e]m', _n._ a French coin equal to 1/10 franc.

DECIMETRE, des'i-m[=e]-t[.e]r, _n._ a measure of length equal to 1/10 metre.

DECIPHER, de-s[=i]'f[.e]r, _v.t._ to uncipher or read secret writing: to make out what is unintelligible or obscure: to reveal.--_adj._ DECI'PHERABLE.--_n._ DECI'PHERMENT. [L. _de_, neg. and _cipher_.]

DECISION, de-sizh'un, _n._ the act of deciding: settlement: judgment: the quality of being decided in character.--_adj._ DEC[=I]'SIVE, having the power of deciding: showing decision: final: positive.--_adv._ DEC[=I]'SIVELY.--_n._ DEC[=I]'SIVENESS.--_adj._ DEC[=I]'SORY, decisive. [See DECIDE.]

DECIST[`E]RE, des-i-st[=a]r, _n._ a cubic measure equal to 1/10 stere.

DECITIZENISE, d[=e]-sit'i-zen-[=i]z, _v.t._ to deprive of citizenship.

DECIVILISE, d[=e]-siv'i-l[=i]z, _v.t._ to reduce from a civilised to a more savage state.

DECK, dek, _v.t._ to cover: to clothe: to adorn: to furnish with a deck, as a vessel.--_n._ a covering: a horizontal platform extending from one side of a vessel to the other, thereby joining them together, and forming both a floor and a covering: the part of a pack of cards that remains after the deal, or the part of a pack necessary for playing such games as bezique, &c.--_ns._ DECK'-CAR'GO, cargo stowed on the deck of a vessel; DECK'-CHAIR, a light chair of spars and canvas, to be used on board ship; DECK'ER, the person or thing that decks: a vessel which has a deck or decks, used only in composition, as _a three-decker_, a ship with three decks; DECK'-HAND, a person employed on deck; DECK'-HOUSE, a house or box on deck; DECK'ING, adornment; DECK'-LOAD, a deck-cargo; DECK'-PASS'AGE, a passage securing only the right of being on deck, without cabin accommodation; DECK'-PASS'ENGER; FLUSH'-DECK, a deck continuous from stem to stern at the same level (see QUARTER-DECK); GUN'-DECK, a deck on which guns are carried; HUR'RICANE-DECK, a light partial deck over the saloon of some steamers; MAIN'-DECK, the deck below the spar-deck; SPAR'-DECK, the upper deck of a ship. [Dut. _dekken_, to cover; Ger. _decken_; akin to L. _teg[)e]re_.]

DECKLE, dek'l, _n._ the gauge on a paper-making machine.--_n._ DECK'LE-EDGE, the raw or ragged edge of handmade paper.--_adj._ DECK'LE-EDGED, having a rough uncut edge. [Ger.]

DECLAIM, de-kl[=a]m', _v.i._ to make a set or rhetorical speech: to harangue: to recite in public.--_ns._ DECLAIM'ANT, DECLAIM'ER.--_p.adj._ DECLAIM'ING.--_ns._ DECLAM[=A]'TION, act of declaiming: a set speech in public: display in speaking.--_adj._ DECLAM'ATORY, of the nature of declamation: appealing to the passions: noisy and rhetorical merely. [L. _declam[=a]re_--_de_, inten., _clam[=a]re_, to cry out.]

DECLARE, de-kl[=a]r', _v.t._ to make known: to announce: to assert: to make a full statement of, as of goods at a custom-house.--_v.i._ to make a statement: to show cards in order to score.--_adj._ DECL[=A]R'ABLE, capable of being declared, exhibited, or proved.--_ns._ DECLAR'ANT, one who makes a declaration; DECLAR[=A]'TION, act of declaring: that which is declared: a written affirmation: in the criminal law of Scotland, the statement made by the prisoner before the magistrate: in common law, the pleading in which the plaintiff in an action at law sets forth his case against the defendant.--_adjs._ DECLAR'ATIVE, DECLAR'ATORY, explanatory.--_advs._ DECLAR'ATIVELY, DECLAR'ATORILY.--_n._ DECLAR'ATOR, a form of action in the Court of Session in Scotland, with the view of having a fact judicially ascertained and declared.--_adj._ DECLARED', avowed.--_adv._ DECLA'REDLY, avowedly.--DECLARATORY ACT, an act intended to explain an old law which had become obscure or a subject of controversy. [Fr. _d['e]clarer_, from L. _declar[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, wholly, _clarus_, clear.]

DECLENSION, de-klen'shun, _n._ a falling off: decay: descent: (_gram._) change of termination for the oblique cases. [See DECLINE.]

DECLINE, de-kl[=i]n', _v.i._ to bend or turn away from (a straight line); to deviate: to refuse: to bend down: to fail or decay: to stoop or condescend: to draw to an end.--_v.t._ to bend down: to turn away from: to refuse: to avoid: (_gram._) to give the changes of a word in the oblique cases.--_n._ a falling off: deviation: decay: a gradual sinking of the bodily faculties, consumption.--_adjs._ DECLIN'ABLE, having inflection for the oblique cases; DECL[=I]'NAL, bending downward; DEC'LINANT (_her._), having the tail hanging down--also DEC'LIVANT.--_ns._ DECLIN[=A]'TION, act of declining: a sloping or bending downward: deviation: (_astron._) distance from the celestial equator; DEC'LIN[=A]TOR, an instrument determining declination.--_adj._ DECLIN'ATORY, containing a declination or refusal--_ns._ DECLIN'ATURE, act of declining or refusing: (_law_) a plea declining the jurisdiction of a judge; DECLINOM'ETER, an instrument for measuring the DECLINATION OF THE COMPASS--i.e. the deviation of the magnetic needle from the true north. [Fr. _d['e]cliner_--L. _de_, down, away from, _clin[=a]re_, to bend. See LEAN.]

DECLIVITY, de-kliv'i-ti, _n._ a place that declines, or slopes downward, opposite of _acclivity_: inclination downward: a gradual descent.--_adjs._ DECLIV'ITOUS, DECL[=I]'VOUS. [Fr.,--L. _declivitas_--_de_, downward, _clivus_, sloping, akin to _clin[=a]re_.]

DECOCT, de-kokt', _v.t._ to prepare by boiling: to extract the substance of by boiling: to boil: to devise.--_adjs._ DECOC'TIBLE, DECOC'TIVE.--_ns._ DECOC'TION, an extract of anything got by boiling; DECOC'TURE, a substance prepared by decoction. [L. _decoqu[)e]re_, _decoctum_--_de_, down, _coqu[)e]re_, to cook.]

DECODE, de-k[=o]d', _v.t._ to translate the symbols in a code telegram into ordinary language.

DECOLLATE, de-kol'[=a]t, _v.t._ to behead.--_p.adj._ DECOLL'ATED, rounded off, as the apex of a shell.--_n._ DECOLL[=A]'TION, the act of beheading: a picture of a decapitation, esp. of the head of St John the Baptist on a charger: the festival of the Baptist, Aug. 29. [L. _decoll[=a]re_--_de_, from, _collum_, the neck.]

DECOLLET['E], d[=a]-kol-e-t[=a]', _adj._ with neck uncovered: of dress, low cut. [Fr. _d['e]colleter_, to bare the neck and shoulders. Cf. DECOLLATE.]

DECOLOUR, de-kul'ur, _v.t._ to deprive of colour--also DECOL'OURISE.--_n._ DECOL'ORANT, a substance that bleaches or removes colour.--_v.t._ DECOL'ORATE, to deprive of colour.--_ns._ DECOLOR[=A]'TION, removal or absence of colour; DECOLORIS[=A]'TION. [Fr. _d['e]colorer_--L. _decolor[=a]re_--_de_, from, _color_, colour.]

DECOMPLEX, d[=e]'kom-pleks, _adj._ repeatedly compound.

DECOMPOSE, de-kom-poz', _v.t._ to separate the parts composing anything: to resolve into original elements.--_v.i._ to decay, rot.--_adj._ DECOMPOS'ABLE.--_n._ DECOMPOSI'TION, act of decomposing: decay or dissolution: also the compounding of things already compound. [L. _de_, neg., and _compose_.]

DECOMPOSITE, d[=e]-kom-poz'it, or de-kom'-, _adj._ compound a second time or more than once. [L. _de_, and _composite_.]

DECOMPOUND, de-kom-pownd', _v.t._ to compound again: to compound things already compounded; also, to divide a thing into its constituent parts.--_adj._ compounded a second time.--_adj._ DECOMPOUND'ABLE. [L. _de_, and _compound_.]

DECONCENTRATE, de-kon-sen'tr[=a]t, or de-kon'sen-tr[=a]t, _v.t._ to scatter.--_n._ DECONCENTR[=A]'TION. [_De_, and _concentrate_.]

DECONSECRATE, de-kon'se-kr[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of the character given by consecration: to secularise.--_n._ DECONSECR[=A]'TION.

DECORATE, dek'o-r[=a]t, _v.t._ to ornament, to beautify: to honour with a badge or medal.--_adj._ DEC'ORATED.--_n._ DECOR[=A]'TION, ornament: badge of an order.--_adj._ DEC'OR[=A]TIVE, ornamental.--_ns._ DEC'OR[=A]TIVENESS; DEC'OR[=A]TOR.--DECORATED STYLE (_archit._), a style of Gothic architecture, elaborated and richly decorated, which prevailed till near the end of the 14th century.--DECORATION DAY, May 30th, when the memory of the soldiers who fell in the American Civil War of 1861-65 is honoured by the decoration of their graves, speeches, processions, &c. [L. _decor[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decus_, what is becoming--_dec[=e]re_, to be becoming.]

DECOROUS, de-k[=o]'rus, or dek'o-rus, _adj._ becoming: suitable: proper: decent.--_adv._ DEC[=O]'ROUSLY.--_ns._ DEC[=O]'ROUSNESS; DEC[=O]'RUM, that which is becoming in outward appearance: propriety of conduct: decency. [L. _decorus_, becoming.]

DECORTICATE, de-kor'ti-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to deprive of the bark, husk, or peel.--_n._ DECORTIC[=A]'TION. [L. _decortic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, from, and _cortex_, bark.]

DECOY, de-koy', _v.t._ to allure: to entrap: to lure into a trap.--_n._ anything intended to allure into a snare: an apparatus of hoops and network for trapping wild-ducks--sometimes _duck-coy_.--_n._ DECOY'-DUCK, a wild-duck tamed and trained to entice others into a trap: (_fig._) one employed to allure others into a snare. [L. _de_, down, and O. Fr. _coi_, quiet; the earlier verb _to coy_ was confused with the Dut. _kooi_--L. _cavea_, a cage. See COY.]

DECRASSIFY, d[=e]-kras'i-f[=i], _v.t._ to make less crass.

DECREASE, de-kr[=e]s', _v.i._ to become less: to be diminished by degrees in size or power.--_v.t._ to make less: to lessen gradually.--_n._ a growing less: loss.--_adv._ DECREAS'INGLY. [O. Fr. _decrois_, a decrease--L. _descresc[)e]re_--_de_, from, _cresc[)e]re_, to grow.]

DECREE, de-kr[=e]', _n._ an order by one in authority: an edict or law: a judicial decision: a predetermined purpose.--_v.t._ to decide or determine by sentence in law: to appoint.--_v.i._ to make a decree:--_pr.p._ decree'ing; _pa.p._ decreed'.--_adjs._ DECREE'ABLE, capable of being decreed; DECR[=E]'TIVE, having the force of a decree; DEC'R[=E]TORY, DECRET[=O]'RIAL, established by a decree: determining: judicial.--DECREE NISI (L. _nisi_, unless), a decree that becomes absolute unless cause be shown to the contrary--granted esp. in divorce cases. [O. Fr. _decret_--L. _decretum_--_decern[)e]re_, to decide.]

DECREET, de-kr[=e]t', _n._ (_Scots law_) a court judgment.

DECREMENT, dek're-ment, _n._ the act or state of decreasing: the quantity lost by decrease. [L. _decrementum_.]

DECREPIT, de-krep'it, _adj._ worn out by the infirmities of old age: in the last stage of decay.--_ns._ DECREP'ITNESS; DECREP'ITUDE, state of being decrepit or worn out with age. [L. _decrepitus_, noiseless, very old--_de_, not, _crepitus_, a noise.]

DECREPITATE, de-krep'i-t[=a]t, _v.i._ to crackle, as salts when heated.--_v.t._ to roast so as to cause a continual crackling, to calcine.--_n._ DECREPIT[=A]'TION. [L. _de_, inten., _crepit[=a]re_, to rattle much, freq. of _crep[=a]re_.]

DECRESCENT, de-kres'ent, _adj._ becoming gradually less.--_n._ (_mus._) DECRESCEN'DO = Diminuendo (q.v.). [L.]

DECRETAL, de-kr[=e]'tal, _adj._ pertaining to a decree.--_n._ a decree, esp. of the pope: a book containing decrees: spec. in _pl._ the second part of the canon law, the decrees of various popes determining points of ecclesiastical law.--_n._ DECR[=E]'TIST, in medieval universities, a student of the decretals, a student of law.--_adjs._ DECR[=E]'TIVE; DECR[=E]'TORY, pertaining to a decree, judicial. [L. _decretalis_--_decretum_.]

DECREW, de-kr[=oo]', _v.i._ (_Spens._) to decrease. [For _decrue_--O. Fr. _decru_, pa.p. of _decroistre_. See DECREASE.]

DECROWN, d[=e]-krown', _v.t._ to discrown. [Fr. _d['e]couronner_, to discrown.]

DECRUSTATION, d[=e]-krus-t[=a]'shun, _n._ the act of removing a crust.

DECRY, de-kr[=i]', _v.t._ to cry down: to condemn: to censure as worthless: to blame:--_pa.p._ decried'.--_ns._ DECR[=I]'AL; DECR[=I]'ER. [Fr. _de(s)_ = L. _dis_, and _crier_, to cry. See CRY.]

DECUMAN, dek'[=u]-man, _adj._ principal, large--of waves, &c.: connected with the principal gate of a Roman camp (near which the 10th cohort of the legion was stationed).--_n._ a great wave, as every tenth wave was supposed to be. [L. _decumanus_--_decem_, ten.]

DECUMBENT, de-kum'bent, _adj._ lying down: reclining on the ground.--_ns._ DECUB[=A]'TION, DECUM'BENCE, DECUM'BENCY, the act or posture of lying down.--_adj._ DEC[=U]'BITAL--_n._ DEC[=U]'BITUS, a recumbent position, as of one sick in bed: a bed-sore.--_adv._ DECUM'BENTLY.--_n._ DECUM'BITURE, the time when a sick person takes to bed. [L. _decumbens_--_de_, down, and _cumb[)e]re_, for _cub[=a]re_, to lie.]

DECUPLE, dek'[=u]-pl, _adj._ tenfold.--_n._ a number ten times repeated.--_v.t._ to make tenfold. [Fr. _d['e]cuple_--L. _decem_, ten, and _plic[=a]re_, to fold.]

DECURION, d[=e]-k[=u]'ri-on, _n._ an officer in a Roman army over ten soldiers--a DEC'URY or DEC[=U]'RIA: any overseer of ten.--_n._ DEC[=U]'RIONATE. [L.]

DECURRENT, de-kur'ent, _adj._ running or extending downward.--_n._ DECURR'ENCY.--_adv._ DECURR'ENTLY.--_n._ DECUR'SION, a running down: a military manoeuvre or parade.--_adj._ DECUR'SIVE.--_adv._ DECUR'SIVELY. [L. _decurrens_--_de_, down, _curr[)e]re_, _cursum_, to run.]

DECURTATE, d[=e]-kur't[=a]t, _adj._ cut short, abridged.--_v.t._ to cut short. [L. _decurt[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cut short.]

DECUSSATE, de-kus'[=a]t, _v.i._ to cross in the form of an X: to cross, as lines, &c.--_adjs._ DECUSS'ATE, -D, crossed: arranged in pairs which cross each other, like some leaves.--_adv._ DECUSS'ATELY.--_n._ DECUSS[=A]'TION. [L. _decuss[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_decussis_, a coin of ten asses (_decem asses_) marked with X, symbol of ten.]

DEDAL, DEDALIAN. See DAEDAL.

DEDICATE, ded'i-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to set apart and consecrate to some sacred purpose: to devote wholly or chiefly: to inscribe to any one.--_adj._ devoted: (_Shak._) dedicated.--_ns._ DED'ICANT, one who dedicates; DEDICATEE (ded'i-k[=a]-t[=e]'), one to whom a thing is dedicated; DEDIC[=A]'TION, the act of dedicating: an address to a patron, prefixed to a book; DED'IC[=A]TOR, one who dedicates.--_adjs._ DEDICAT[=O]'RIAL, DED'IC[=A]TORY, of or pertaining to a dedication. [L. _dedic[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_--_de_, down, _dic[=e]re_, to declare.]

DEDIMUS, ded'i-mus, _n._ a writ commissioning one not a judge to act as a judge--from its first word. [L., _dedimus_, we have given, _d[)a]re_, to give.]

DEDUCE, de-d[=u]s', _v.t._ to draw from: to infer a truth or opinion from what precedes or from premises.--_ns._ DEDUCE'MENT, what is deduced; DEDUCIBIL'ITY, the quality of being deducible.--_adj._ DEDUC'IBLE, that may be deduced or inferred.--_v.t._ DEDUCT', to take from: to separate: to subtract.--_adj._ DEDUCT'IBLE.--_n._ DEDUC'TION, (1) the act of deducing: that which is deduced: the drawing of a particular truth from a general, antecedently known, as distinguished from _Induction_, rising from

## particular truths to a general; (2) the act of deducting: that which is

deducted: abatement.--_adj._ DEDUCT'IVE, that is, or that may be, deduced from premises or accepted principles.--_adv._ DEDUCT'IVELY. [L. _deduc[)e]re_, _deductum_--_de_, from _duc[)e]re_, _ductum_, to lead.]

DEE, d[=e], _v.i._ Scotch for _die_.

DEED, d[=e]d, _n._ something done: an act: an exploit: a legal transaction: the written evidence of it.--_adj._ DEED'FUL (_Tenn._), marked by deeds or exploits.--_adv._ DEED'ILY.--_adjs._ DEED'LESS (_Shak._), not having performed deeds; DEED'Y, industrious, active.--DEED OF SAYING (_Shak._), performance of what has been said or promised.--IN DEED, in reality. [A.S. _daed_--_d['o]n_, to do; Ger. _that_--_thun_, to do.]

DEED, d[=e]d, a Scotch form of _indeed_.

DEEM, d[=e]m, _v.t._ or _v.i._ to judge: to think: to believe.--_n._ (_Shak._) opinion.--_ns._ DEEM'STER, DEMP'STER, one who pronounces judgment, a judge--esp. one of the two in the Isle of Man. [A.S. _d['e]man_, to form a judgment--_d['o]m_, doom.]

DEEP, d[=e]p, _adj._ extending far down or far from the outside: difficult to understand: secret: wise and penetrating: cunning: very still: profound: profoundly learned in a language: intense, heart-felt: sunk low: low or grave: (of a road) encumbered with mud, sand, or ruts.--_adv._ in a deep manner.--_n._ that which is deep: the sea: anything profound or incomprehensible.--_adjs._ DEEP'-BROWED, of high intellectual powers; DEEP'-DRAW'ING (of ships), requiring considerable depth to float in; DEEP'-DRAWN; DEEP'-DYED, thorough-going, extreme--in a bad sense.--_v.t._ DEEP'EN, to make deeper in any sense: to increase.--_v.i._ to become deeper.--_adjs._ DEEP'-FET (_Shak._), fetched or drawn from a depth; DEEP'-LAID.--_adv._ DEEP'LY.--_adjs._ DEEP'-MOST, deepest; DEEP'-MOUTHED, with deep voice.--_n._ DEEP'NESS.--_adjs._ DEEP'-READ, profoundly versed; DEEP'-SEA, pertaining to the deeper parts of the sea; DEEP'-SEAT'ED, firmly seated; DEEP'-TONED, having a deep tone. [A.S. _de['o]p_; Ger. _tief_. Cf. DIP, DIVE.]

DEER, d[=e]r, _n._ a quadruped of several species, as the stag, reindeer, &c.; in M. E., any kind of animal.--_ns._ DEER'-HAIR, heath club-rush; DEER'-HERD; DEER'-HOUND; DEER'-LICK, a spot of salt ground whither deer come to lick the earth; DEER'-MOUSE, a common name for several species of American mice--so called from their agility; DEER'-NECK, a thin, ill-shaped neck--of horses; DEER'-SKIN, the skin of the deer, or leather made therefrom; DEER'-STALK'ER; DEER'-STALK'ING, the hunting of deer by stalking, or stealing upon them unawares. [A.S. _de['o]r_; Ger. _thier_, Dut. _dier_; Ice. _d['y]r_. There is no connection with Gr. _th[=e]r_, L. _fera_, a wild beast.]

DEFACE, de-f[=a]s', _v.t._ to destroy or mar the face or external appearance of, to disfigure: to obliterate.--_n._ DEFACE'MENT, act of defacing: injury to form or appearance: that which defaces.--_adv._ DEF[=A]'CINGLY. [O. Fr. _desfacer_--_des_ = L. _dis_, away, _facies_, face.]

DEFALCATE, de-fal'k[=a]t, _v.t._ to deduct a part of, of money, &c.: to embezzle money held on trust.--_ns._ DEFALC[=A]'TION, a diminution: a misappropriation of funds entrusted to one; DEF'ALC[=A]TOR, a defaulter. [Low L. _difalc[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cut away--L. _dis-_, off, _falc[=a]re_, to cut--_falx_, _falcis_, a sickle.]

DEFAME, de-f[=a]m', _v.t._ to take away or destroy the good fame or reputation of: to speak evil of: to charge falsely.--_n._ (_Spens._) infamy.--_n._ DEFAM[=A]'TION, the act of defaming: calumny: slander.--_adv._ DEFAM'ATORILY.--_adj._ DEFAM'ATORY, containing defamation: injurious to reputation: calumnious.--_p.adj._ DEF[=A]'MING. [O. Fr. _defamer_--L. _diffam[=a]re_--_dis_, away, _fama_, report.]

DEFAULT, de-fawlt', _n._ a fault, failing, or failure: defect: neglect to do what duty or law requires: failure to account for money entrusted to one's charge: offence.--_v.i._ to fail through neglect of duty: to fail to appear in court when called upon.--_n._ DEFAULT'ER, one who fails to appear in court, or to account for money entrusted to his care, or to settle a debt of honour.--JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT, judgment given against a person because he fails to plead or make an appearance in court. [O. Fr. _defaute_ and _default_--_de_ = L. _dis_, apart, and _faute_.]

DEFEASANCE, de-f[=e]z'ans, _n._ undoing: defeat.--_adjs._ DEFEAS'ANCED, liable to be forfeited; DEFEAS'IBLE, that may be defeated or annulled.--_n._ DEFEAS'IBLENESS.--DEED OF DEFEAS'ANCE (_Eng. law_), an instrument which defeats the operation of some other deed or estate; and that which in the same deed is called a condition, in a separate deed is a defeasance. [O. Fr. _defaisance_--_defaire_, to undo.]

DEFEAT, de-f[=e]t', _v.t._ to frustrate: to ruin.--_n._ a frustration of plans: ruin: overthrow, as of an army in battle.--_n._ DEFEAT'URE (_Spens._), defeat: disfigurement, disguise. [O. Fr. _defait_, _defaire_, to undo--L. _dis_, neg. _fac[)e]re_, to do.]

DEFECATE, def'e-k[=a]t, _v.t._ to clear from dregs or impurities: to purify from extraneous matter.--_v.i._ to void excrement.--_n._ DEFEC[=A]'TION. [L. _defaec[=a]re_, _-[=a]tum_, to cleanse--_de_, from, _faex_, _faecis_, dregs.]

DEFECT, de-fekt', _n._ a deficiency: a want: imperfection: blemish: fault.--_n._ DEFECTIBIL'ITY.--_adj._ DEFECT'IBLE, liable to imperfection: deficient.--_ns._ DEFEC'TION, a failure, a falling away from duty: revolt; DEFEC'TIONIST.--_adj._ DEFEC'TIVE, having defect: wanting in some necessary quality: imperfect: faulty: insufficient.--_adv._ DEFECT'IVELY.--_n._ DEFECT'IVENESS.--THE DEFECTS OF ONE'S QUALITIES, virtues carried to excess, the faults apt to accompany or flow from good qualities. [L. _defic[)e]re_, _defectum_, to fail--_de_, down, and _fac[)e]re_, to do.]

DEFENCE, de-fens', _n._ a defending: protection: vindication: (_law_) a defendant's plea.--_pa.p._ DEFENC'ED (_B._), fortified.--_adj._ DEFENCE'LESS.--_adv._ DEFENCE'LESSLY.--_n._ DEFENCE'LESSNESS. [See DEFEND.]