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  Property \Prop"er*ty\, n.; pl. Properties. [OE. proprete, OF.
     propret['e] property, F. propret['e] neatness, cleanliness,
     propri['e]t['e] property, fr. L. proprietas. See Proper,
     a., and cf. Propriety.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. That which is proper to anything; a peculiar quality of a
        thing; that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally
        essential to it; an attribute; as, sweetness is a property
        of sugar.
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              Property is correctly a synonym for peculiar
              quality; but it is frequently used as coextensive
              with quality in general.              --Sir W.
                                                    Hamilton.
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     Note: In physical science, the properties of matter are
           distinguished to the three following classes: 1.
           Physical properties, or those which result from the
           relations of bodies to the physical agents, light,
           heat, electricity, gravitation, cohesion, adhesion,
           etc., and which are exhibited without a change in the
           composition or kind of matter acted on. They are color,
           luster, opacity, transparency, hardness, sonorousness,
           density, crystalline form, solubility, capability of
           osmotic diffusion, vaporization, boiling, fusion, etc.
           2. Chemical properties, or those which are conditioned
           by affinity and composition; thus, combustion,
           explosion, and certain solutions are reactions
           occasioned by chemical properties. Chemical properties
           are identical when there is identity of composition and
           structure, and change according as the composition
           changes. 3. Organoleptic properties, or those forming a
           class which can not be included in either of the other
           two divisions. They manifest themselves in the contact
           of substances with the organs of taste, touch, and
           smell, or otherwise affect the living organism, as in
           the manner of medicines and poisons.
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     2. An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by
        art, or bestowed by man; as, the poem has the properties
        which constitute excellence.
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     3. The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying, and disposing
        of a thing; ownership; title.
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              Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
              Propinquity and property of blood.    --Shak.
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              Shall man assume a property in man?   --Wordsworth.
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     4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his
        possession or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in
        lands, goods, or money; as, a man of large property, or
        small property.
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     5. pl. All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the
        dresses of the actors; stage requisites.
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              I will draw a bill of properties.     --Shak.
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     6. Propriety; correctness. [Obs.] --Camden.
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     Literary property. (Law) See under Literary.
  
     Property man, one who has charge of the ``properties'' of a
        theater.
        [1913 Webster]

  
  
     4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his
        possession or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in
        lands, goods, or money; as, a man of large property, or
        small property.
  
     5. pl. All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the
        dresses of the actors; stage requisites.
  
              I will draw a bill of properties.     --Shak.
  
     6. Propriety; correctness. [Obs.] --Camden.
  
     Literary property. (Law) See under Literary.
  
     Property man

  property man
       n : member of the stage crew in charge of properties [syn: propman,
            property master]