catflap.org Online Dictionary Query |
3 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 : [ gcide ]
Principle \Prin"ci*ple\, n. [F. principe, L. principium
beginning, foundation, fr. princeps, -cipis. See Prince.]
1. Beginning; commencement. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Doubting sad end of principle unsound. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. A source, or origin; that from which anything proceeds;
fundamental substance or energy; primordial substance;
ultimate element, or cause.
[1913 Webster]
The soul of man is an active principle. --Tillotson.
[1913 Webster]
3. An original faculty or endowment.
[1913 Webster]
Nature in your principles hath set [benignity].
--Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
Those active principles whose direct and ultimate
object is the communication either of enjoyment or
suffering. --Stewart.
[1913 Webster]
4. A fundamental truth; a comprehensive law or doctrine, from
which others are derived, or on which others are founded;
a general truth; an elementary proposition; a maxim; an
axiom; a postulate.
[1913 Webster]
Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christ, let us go on unto perfection. --Heb. vi. 1.
[1913 Webster]
A good principle, not rightly understood, may prove
as hurtful as a bad. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
5. A settled rule of action; a governing law of conduct; an
opinion or belief which exercises a directing influence on
the life and behavior; a rule (usually, a right rule) of
conduct consistently directing one's actions; as, a person
of no principle.
[1913 Webster]
All kinds of dishonesty destroy our pretenses to an
honest principle of mind. --Law.
[1913 Webster]
6. (Chem.) Any original inherent constituent which
characterizes a substance, or gives it its essential
properties, and which can usually be separated by
analysis; -- applied especially to drugs, plant extracts,
etc.
[1913 Webster]
Cathartine is the bitter, purgative principle of
senna. --Gregory.
[1913 Webster]
Bitter principle, Principle of contradiction, etc. See
under Bitter, Contradiction, etc.
[1913 Webster]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) : [ web1913 ]
The soul of man is an active principle. --Tillotson.
3. An original faculty or endowment.
Nature in your principles hath set [benignity].
--Chaucer.
Those active principles whose direct and ultimate
object is the communication either of enjoyment or
suffering. --Stewart.
4. A fundamental truth; a comprehensive law or doctrine, from
which others are derived, or on which others are founded;
a general truth; an elementary proposition; a maxim; an
axiom; a postulate.
Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of
Christ, let us go on unto perfection. --Heb. vi. 1.
A good principle, not rightly understood, may prove
as hurtful as a bad. --Milton.
5. A settled rule of action; a governing law of conduct; an
opinion or belief which exercises a directing influence on
the life and behavior; a rule (usually, a right rule) of
conduct consistently directing one's actions; as, a person
of no principle.
All kinds of dishonesty destroy our pretenses to an
honest principle of mind. --Law.
6. (Chem.) Any original inherent constituent which
characterizes a substance, or gives it its essential
properties, and which can usually be separated by
analysis; -- applied especially to drugs, plant extracts,
etc.
Cathartine is the bitter, purgative principle of
senna. --Gregory.
Bitter principle, Principle of contradiction, etc. See
under Bitter, Contradiction, etc.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 : [ wn ]
bitter principle
n : any one of several hundred compounds having a bitter taste;
not admitting of chemical classification
Questions or comments about this site? Contact dictionary@catflap.org
Access Stats