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Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

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    CLASPED — CLERK-ALE

    CLASPED, pp. Fastened with a clasp; shut; embraced; inclosed; encompassed; caught.

    CLASPER, n. He or that which clasps; usually the tendril of a vine or other plant, which twines round something for support.

    CLASPERED, a. Furnished with tendrils.

    CLASPING, ppr.

    1. Twining round; catching and holding; embracing; inclosing; shutting or fastening with a clasp.NWAD CLASPING.2

    2. In botany, surrounding the stem at the base, as a leaf.NWAD CLASPING.3

    CLASP-KNIFE, n. A knife which folds into the handle.

    CLASS, n.

    1. An order or rank of persons; a number of persons in society, supposed to have some resemblance or equality, in rank, education, property, talents, and the like; as in the phrase, all classes of men in society.NWAD CLASS.2

    The readers of poetry may be distinguished into three classes, according to their capacity of judging.NWAD CLASS.3

    2. A number of students in a college or school, of the same standing, or pursuing the same studies. In colleges, the students entering or becoming members the same year, and pursuing the same studies. In academies and schools, the pupils who learn the same lesson, and recite together. In some cases, students of different standings, pursuing the same studies and reciting together, or attending the same professor, or the same course of lectures.NWAD CLASS.4

    3. Scientific division or arrangement; a set of beings or things, having something in common, or ranged under a common denomination. Hence in zoology, animals are divided into classes; as quadrupeds, fowls, fishes, etc. So in botany, plants are arranged in classes. Classes are natural or artificial; natural, when founded on natural relations, or resemblances; artificial, when formed arbitrarily, for want of a complete knowledge of natural relations.NWAD CLASS.5

    CLASS, v.t.

    1. To arrange in a class or classes; to arrange in sets, or ranks, according to some method founded on natural distinctions; to place together, or in one division, men or things which have or are supposed to have something in common.NWAD CLASS.7

    2. To place in ranks or divisions students that are pursuing the same studies; to form into a class or classes.NWAD CLASS.8

    CLASSIC, CLASSICAL, a.

    1. Relating to ancient Greek and Roman authors of the first rank or estimation, which, in modern times, have been and still are studied as the best models of fine writing. Thus, Aristotle, Plato, Demosthenes, Thucydides, etc., among the Greeks, and Cicero, Virgil, Livy, Sallust, Cesar, and Tacitus, among the Latins, are classical authors. Hence,NWAD CLASSIC.2

    2. Pertaining to writers of the first rank among the moderns; being of the first order; constituting the best model or authority as an author; as, Addison and Johnson are English classical writers. Hence classical denotes pure, chaste, correct, refined; as a classical taste; a classical style.NWAD CLASSIC.3

    At Liverpool, Roscoe is like Pompeys column at Alexandria, towering alone in classic dignity.NWAD CLASSIC.4

    3. Denoting an order of presbyterian assemblies.NWAD CLASSIC.5

    CLASSIC, n.

    1. An author of the first rank; a writer whose style is pure, correct, and refined; primarily, a Greek or Roman author of this character; but the word is applied to writers of a like character in any nation.NWAD CLASSIC.7

    2. A book written by an author of the first class.NWAD CLASSIC.8

    CLASSICALLY, adv.

    1. In the manner of classes; according to a regular order of classes, or sets.NWAD CLASSICALLY.2

    It would be impossible to bear all its specific details in the memory, if they were not classically arranged.NWAD CLASSICALLY.3

    2. In a classical manner; according to the manner of classical authors.NWAD CLASSICALLY.4

    CLASSIFIC, a. Constituting a class or classes; noting classification, or the order of distribution into sets.

    CLASSIFICATION, n. [See Classify.] The act of forming into a class or classes; distribution into sets, sorts or ranks.

    CLASSIFIED, pp. Arranged in classes; formed into a class or classes.

    CLASSIFY, v.t. To make a class or classes; to distribute into classes; to arrange in sets according to some common properties or characters.

    The diseases and casualties are not scientifically classified.NWAD CLASSIFY.2

    CLASSIFYING, ppr. Forming a class or classes; arranging in sorts or ranks.

    CLASSIS, n.

    1. Class; order; sort.NWAD CLASSIS.2

    2. A convention or assembly.NWAD CLASSIS.3

    CLATTER, v.i.

    1. To make rattling sounds; to make repeated sharp sounds, as by striking sonorous bodies; as, to clatter on a shield.NWAD CLATTER.2

    2. To utter continual or repeated sharp sounds, or rattling sounds, by being struck together; as clattering arms.NWAD CLATTER.3

    3. To talk fast and idly; to run on; to rattle with the tongue.NWAD CLATTER.4

    CLATTER, v.t.

    1. To strike and make a rattling noise.NWAD CLATTER.6

    You clatter still your brazen kettle.NWAD CLATTER.7

    2. To dispute, jar or clamor.NWAD CLATTER.8

    CLATTER, n.

    1. A rapid succession of abrupt, sharp sounds, made by the collision of metallic or other sonorous bodies; rattling sounds.NWAD CLATTER.10

    2. Tumultuous and confused noise; a repetition of abrupt, sharp sounds.NWAD CLATTER.11

    CLATTERER, n. One who clatters; a babbler.

    CLATTERING, ppr. Making or uttering sharp, abrupt sounds, as by a collision of sonorous bodies; talking fast with noise; rattling.

    CLATTERING, n. A rattling noise.

    CLAUDENT, a. Shutting; confining; drawing together; as a claudent muscle.

    CLAUDICANT, a. Halting; limping.

    CLAUDICATE, v.i. To halt or limp.

    CLAUDICATION, n. A halting or limping.

    CLAUSE, n. s as z. Literally, a close, or inclosure. Hence, that which is included, or contained, within certain limits.

    1. In language or grammar, a member of a period or sentence; a subdivision of a sentence, in which the words are inseparably connected with each other in sense, and cannot, with propriety, be separated by a point; as, there is reason to think that he afterwards rose to favor, and obtained several honors civil and military. In this sentence are two clauses.NWAD CLAUSE.2

    2. An article in a contract or other writing; a distinct part of a contract, will, agreement, charter, commission, or other writing; a distinct stipulation, condition, proviso, grant, covenant, etc.NWAD CLAUSE.3

    CLAUSTRAL, a. [See Clause.] Relating to a cloister, or religious house; as a claustral prior.

    CLAUSURE, n. s as z. [See Clause.]

    1. The act of shutting up or confining; confinement.NWAD CLAUSURE.2

    2. In anatomy, an imperforated canal.NWAD CLAUSURE.3

    CLAVATED, a.

    1. Club-shaped; having the form of a club; growing gradually thicker towards the top, as certain parts of a plant.NWAD CLAVATED.2

    2. Set with knobs.NWAD CLAVATED.3

    CLAVE, pret. Of cleave.

    CLAVELLATED, a. Clavellated ashes, potash and pearlash.

    CLAVIARY, n. A scale of lines and spaces in music.

    CLAVICHORD, n. A musical instrument of an oblong figure, of the nature of a spinet. The strings are muffled with small bits of fine woolen cloth, to soften the sounds; used in nunneries. [See Clarichord.]

    CLAVICLE, n. The collar bone. There are two clavicles, or channel bones, joined at one end to the scapula or shoulder bone, and at the other, to the sternum or breast bone.

    CLAVIGER, n. One who keeps the keys of any place.

    CLAW, n.

    1. The sharp hooked nail of a beast, bird or other animal.NWAD CLAW.2

    Every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the cud--ye shall eat. Deuteronomy 14:6.NWAD CLAW.3

    His nails were grown like birds’ claws. Daniel 4:33.NWAD CLAW.4

    2. The whole foot of an animal armed with hooked nails.NWAD CLAW.5

    3. The hand, in contempt.NWAD CLAW.6

    CLAW, v.t.

    1. To pull, tear or scratch with the nails.NWAD CLAW.8

    2. To scratch or tear in general; to tickle.NWAD CLAW.9

    3. To flatter.NWAD CLAW.10

    To claw off or away,NWAD CLAW.11

    1. To scold or rail at.NWAD CLAW.12

    2. In seamanship, to turn to windward and beat, to prevent falling on a lee shore.NWAD CLAW.13

    3. In vulgar language, to scratch away; to get off or escape.NWAD CLAW.14

    CLAWED, pp.

    1. Scratched, pulled or torn with claws.NWAD CLAWED.2

    2. a. Furnished with claws.NWAD CLAWED.3

    CLAWING, ppr. Pulling, tearing or scratching with claws or nails.

    CLAWLESS, a. Destitute of claws.

    CLAY, n.

    1. The name of certain substances which are mixtures of silex and alumin, sometimes with lime, magnesia, alkali and metallic oxyds. A species of earths which are firmly coherent, weighty, compact, and hard when dry, but stiff, viscid and ductile when moist, and smooth to the touch; not readily diffusible in water, and when mixed, not readily subsiding in it. They contract by heat. Clays absorb water greedily, and become soft, but are so tenacious as to be molded into any shape, and hence they are the materials of bricks and various vessels, domestic and chimical.NWAD CLAY.2

    2. In poetry and in scripture, earth in general.NWAD CLAY.3

    3. In scripture, clay is used to express frailty, liableness to decay and destruction.NWAD CLAY.4

    They that dwell in houses of clay. Job 4:19.NWAD CLAY.5

    CLAY, v.t.

    1. To cover or manure with clay.NWAD CLAY.7

    2. To purify and whiten with clay, as sugar.NWAD CLAY.8

    CLAY-COLD, a. Cold as clay or earth; lifeless.

    CLAYED, pp.

    1. Covered or manured with clay.NWAD CLAYED.2

    2. Purified and whitened with clay; as clayed sugar.NWAD CLAYED.3

    CLAYES, n. plu. In fortification, wattles or hurdles made with stakes interwoven with osiers, to cover lodgments.

    CLAYEY, a. Consisting of clay; abounding with clay; partaking of clay; like clay.

    CLAY-GROUND, n. Ground consisting of clay, or abounding with it.

    CLAYISH, a. Partaking of the nature of clay, or containing particles of it.

    CLAY-LAND, CLAY-SOIL, n. Land consisting of clay, or abounding with it.

    CLAY-MARL, n. A whitish, smooth, chalky clay.

    CLAY-PIT, n. A pit where clay is dug.

    CLAY-SLATE, n. A pit where clay is dug.

    CLAY-STONE, n. A mineral, the thonstein of Werner, and indurated clay of Kirwan. It resembles compact limestone or calcarious marl. Its texture is porous, compact or slaty. Its color is gray, often tinged with yellow or blue; also rose or pale red, or brownish red, and sometimes greenish.

    CLEAN, a. In a general sense, free from extraneous matter, or whatever is injurious or offensive; hence its signification depends on the nature and qualities of the substances to which it is applied.

    1. Free from dirt, or other foul matter; as clean water; a clean cup; a clean floor.NWAD CLEAN.2

    2. Free from weeds or stones; as clean land; a clean garden or field.NWAD CLEAN.3

    3. Free from knots or branches; as clean timber. In America, clear is generally used.NWAD CLEAN.4

    4. Free from moral impurity; innocent.NWAD CLEAN.5

    Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Job 14:4; Acts 18:6.NWAD CLEAN.6

    5. Free from ceremonial defilement. Leviticus 10:10, 14; Numbers 19:9-19.NWAD CLEAN.7

    6. Free from guilt; sanctified; holy. John 13:10, 11; Psalm 51:7, 10.NWAD CLEAN.8

    7. That might be eaten by the Hebrews. Genesis 7:2, 8; Genesis 8:20.NWAD CLEAN.9

    8. That might be used. Luke 11:41.NWAD CLEAN.10

    9. Free from a foul disease; cured of leprosy. 2 Kings 5:10-14; Matthew 8:2, 3.NWAD CLEAN.11

    10. Dextrous; adroit; not bungling; free from awkwardness; as a clean feat; a clean boxer.NWAD CLEAN.12

    11. Free from infection; as a clean ship. A clean bill of health is a certificate that a ship is clean, or free from infection.NWAD CLEAN.13

    CLEAN, adv.

    1. Quite; perfectly; wholly; entirely; fully; indicating separation or complete removal of every part. The people passed clean over Jordan. Joshua 3:17. Is his mercy clean gone forever? Psalm 77:8. This use of clean is not now elegant, and not used except in vulgar language.NWAD CLEAN.15

    2. Without miscarriage; dextrously.NWAD CLEAN.16

    Pope came off clean with Homer.NWAD CLEAN.17

    CLEAN, v.t. To remove all foreign matter from; to separate from any thing whatever is extraneous to it, or whatever is foul, noxious, or offensive, as dirt or filth from the hands, body or clothes, foul matter from a vessel, weeds, shrubs and stones from a meadow; to purify. Thus, a house is cleaned by sweeping and washing; a field is cleaned by plowing and hoeing.

    CLEANLINESS, n.

    1. Freedom from dirt, filth, or any foul, extraneous matter.NWAD CLEANLINESS.2

    2. Neatness of person or dress; purity.NWAD CLEANLINESS.3

    CLEANLY, a. clenly. [from clean.]

    1. Free rom dirt, filth, or any foul matter; neat; carefully avoiding filth.NWAD CLEANLY.2

    2. Pure; free from mixture; innocent; as cleanly joys.NWAD CLEANLY.3

    3. Cleansing; making clean; as cleanly powder.NWAD CLEANLY.4

    4. Nice; artful; dextrous; adroit; as a cleanly play; a cleanly evasion.NWAD CLEANLY.5

    CLEANLY, adv. In a clean manner; neatly; without filth.

    CLEANNESS, n.

    1. Freedom from dirt, filth, and foreign matter; neatness.NWAD CLEANNESS.2

    2. Freedom from infection or a foul disease.NWAD CLEANNESS.3

    3. Exactness; purity; justness; correctness; used of language or style; as, cleanness of expression.NWAD CLEANNESS.4

    4. Purity; innocence.NWAD CLEANNESS.5

    In scripture, cleanness of hands denotes innocence. Cleanness of teeth denotes want of provisions. Amos 4:6.NWAD CLEANNESS.6

    CLEANSABLE, a. That may be lleansed.

    CLEANSE, v.t.

    1. To purify; to make clean; to remove filth, or foul matter of any kind, or by any process whateve, as by washing, rubbing, scouring, scraping, purging, ventilation, etc.; as, to cleanse the hands or face to cleanse a garment; to cleanse the bowels; to cleanse a ship; to cleanse an infected house.NWAD CLEANSE.2

    2. To free from a foul or infectious disease; to heal. Leviticus 14:4, 8; Mark 1:42.NWAD CLEANSE.3

    3. To free from ceremonial pollution, and consecrate to a holy use. Numbers 8:15; Ezekiel 43:20.NWAD CLEANSE.4

    4. To purify from guilt. 1 John 1:7.NWAD CLEANSE.5

    5. To remove; as, to cleanse a crime.NWAD CLEANSE.6

    CLEANSED, pp. Purified; made clean; purged; healed.

    CLEANSER, n. He or that which cleanses; in medicine, a detergent.

    CLEANSING, pp. Purifying; making clean; purging; removing foul or noxious matter from; freeing from guilt.

    CLEANSING, n. The act of purifying, or purging. Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14.

    CLEAN-TIMBERED, a. Well-proportioned.

    CLEAR, a.

    1. Open; free from obstruction; as a clear plat of ground; the way is clear.NWAD CLEAR.2

    2. Free from clouds, or fog; serene; as a clear day.NWAD CLEAR.3

    3. Free from foreign matter; unmixed; pure; as clear water; clear sand; clear air; clear glass.NWAD CLEAR.4

    4. Free from any thing that creates doubt or uncertainty; apparent; evident; manifest; not obscure; conspicuous; that is, open to the mind; as, the reason is clear.NWAD CLEAR.5

    5. Unclouded; luminous; not obscured; as a clear sun; a clear shining after a rain. 2 Samuel 23:4.NWAD CLEAR.6

    6. Unobstructed; unobscured; as a clear view.NWAD CLEAR.7

    7. Perspicacious; sharp; as a clear sight.NWAD CLEAR.8

    8. Not clouded with care, or ruffled by passion; cheerful; serene; as a clear aspect.NWAD CLEAR.9

    9. Evident; undeniable; indisputable; as the victory was clear.NWAD CLEAR.10

    10. Quick to understand; prompt; acute.NWAD CLEAR.11

    Mother of science, now I feel thy power within me clear.NWAD CLEAR.12

    11. Free from guilt or blame; innocent; unspotted; irreproachable. 2 Corinthians 7:11.NWAD CLEAR.13

    In action faithful, and in honor clear.NWAD CLEAR.14

    12. Free from bias; unprepossessed; not preoccupied; impartial; as a clear judgment.NWAD CLEAR.15

    13. Free from debt, or obligation; not liable to prosecution; as, to be clear of debt or responsibility.NWAD CLEAR.16

    14. Free from deductions, or charges; as clear gain or profit.NWAD CLEAR.17

    15. Not entangled; unembarrassed; free; as, the cable is clear. A ship is clear, when she is so remote from shore or other object, as to be out of danger of striking, or to have sea room sufficient.NWAD CLEAR.18

    16. Open; distinct; not jarring, or harsh; as a clear sound; a clear voice.NWAD CLEAR.19

    17. Liberated; freed; acquitted of charges; as, a man has been tried and got clear.NWAD CLEAR.20

    18. Free from spots or any thing that disfigures; as a clear skin.NWAD CLEAR.21

    Clear is followed by from or by of.NWAD CLEAR.22

    Thou shalt be clear from this my oath. Genesis 24:8.NWAD CLEAR.23

    The air is clear of damp exhalations.NWAD CLEAR.24

    CLEAR, adv.

    1. Plainly; not obscurely; manifestly.NWAD CLEAR.26

    2. Clean; quite; entirely; wholly; indicating entire separation; as, to cut a piece clear off; to go clear away; but in this sense its use is not elegant.NWAD CLEAR.27

    Clear or in the clear, among joiners and carpenters, denotes the space within walls, or length and breadth clear or exclusive of the thickness of the wall.NWAD CLEAR.28

    CLEAR, v.t.

    1. To make clear; to fine; to remove any thing foreign; to separate from any foul matter; to purify; to clarify; as, to clear liquors.NWAD CLEAR.30

    2. To free from obstructions; as, to clear the road.NWAD CLEAR.31

    3. To free from any thing noxious or injurious; as, to clear the ocean of pirates; to clear the land of enemies.NWAD CLEAR.32

    4. To remove any incumbrance, or embarrassment; often followed by off or away; as, to clear off debts; to clear away rubbish.NWAD CLEAR.33

    5. To free; to liberate, or disengage; to exonerate; as, to clear a man from debt, obligation, or duty.NWAD CLEAR.34

    6. To cleanse; as, to clear the hands from filth; to clear the bowels.NWAD CLEAR.35

    7. To remove any thing that obscures, as clouds or fog; to make bright; as, to clear the sky; sometimes followed by up.NWAD CLEAR.36

    8. To free from obscurity, perplexity or ambiguity; as, to clear a question or theory; to clear up a case or point.NWAD CLEAR.37

    9. To urge from the imputation of guilt; to justify or vindicate.NWAD CLEAR.38

    How shall we clear ourselves? Genesis 44:16.NWAD CLEAR.39

    That will by no means clear the guilty. Exodus 34:7.NWAD CLEAR.40

    10. In a legal sense, to acquit on trial, by verdict; as, the prisoner has been tried and cleared.NWAD CLEAR.41

    11. To make gain or profit, beyond all expenses and charges; as, to clear ten percent by a sale of goods, or by a voyage.NWAD CLEAR.42

    12. To remove wood from land. To cut down trees, remove or burn them, and prepare land for tillage or pasture; as, to clear land for wheat.NWAD CLEAR.43

    CLEAR, v.i.

    1. To become free from clouds or fog; to become fair; often followed by up, off, or away; as, the sky clears; the weather clears up; it clears away; it clears off.NWAD CLEAR.45

    2. To be disengaged from incumbrances, distress or entanglements; to become free or disengaged.NWAD CLEAR.46

    He that clears at once will relapse.NWAD CLEAR.47

    CLEARAGE, n. The removing of any thing.

    CLEARANCE, n. A certificate that a ship or vessel has been cleared at the custom house; permission to sail.

    CLEARED, pp. Purified; freed from foreign matter, or from incumbrance; made manifest; made luminous; cleansed; liberated; acquitted.

    CLEARER, n. That which clears, purifies, or enlightens; that which brightens.

    CLEARING, ppr. Purifying; removing foul matter, incumbrances, or obstructions; making evident, or luminous; cleansing; liberating; disengaging; acquitting; making gain beyond all costs and charges.

    CLEARING, n.

    1. A defense; justification; vindication. 2 Corinthians 7:11.NWAD CLEARING.3

    2. A place or tract of land cleared of wood for cultivation; a common use of the word in America.NWAD CLEARING.4

    3. The act of making clear.NWAD CLEARING.5

    CLEARLY, adv.

    1. Plainly; evidently; fully; as, the fact is clearly proved.NWAD CLEARLY.2

    2. Without obstruction; luminously; as, to shine clearly.NWAD CLEARLY.3

    3. With clear discernment; as, to understand clearly.NWAD CLEARLY.4

    4. Without entanglement, or confusion.NWAD CLEARLY.5

    5. Plainly; honestly; candidly.NWAD CLEARLY.6

    Deal clearly and impartially with yourselves.NWAD CLEARLY.7

    6. Without reserve, evasion or subterfuge.NWAD CLEARLY.8

    CLEARNESS, n.

    1. Freedom from foul or extraneous matter; purity; as the clearness of water, or other liquor.NWAD CLEARNESS.2

    2. Freedom from obstruction or incumbrance; as the clearness of the ground.NWAD CLEARNESS.3

    3. Freedom from fogs or clouds; openness; as the clearness of the sky. It generally expresses less than brightness or splendor. Exodus 24:10.NWAD CLEARNESS.4

    4. Distinctness; perspicuity; luminousness; as the clearness of reason, of views, of arguments, of explanations.NWAD CLEARNESS.5

    5. Plainness, or plain dealing; sincerity; honesty; fairness; candor.NWAD CLEARNESS.6

    6. Freedom from imputation of ill.NWAD CLEARNESS.7

    7. Freedom from spots, or any thing that disfigures; as the clearness of the skin.NWAD CLEARNESS.8

    CLEAR-SHINING, a. [clear and shine.] Shining with brightness, or unobstructed splendor.

    CLEAR-SIGHTED, a. [clear and sight.] Seeing with clearness; having acuteness of sight; discerning; perspicacious; as clear-sighted reason; a clear-sighted judge.

    CLEAR-SIGHTEDNESS, n. Acute discernment.

    CLEAR-STARCH, v.t. To stiffen and clear with starch, and by clapping with the hands; as, to clear-starch muslin.

    CLEAR-STARCHER, n. One who clear-starches.

    CLEAR-STARCHING, ppr.

    1. Stiffening and clearing with starch.NWAD CLEAR-STARCHING.2

    2. n. The act of stiffening and clearing with starch.NWAD CLEAR-STARCHING.3

    CLEAT, n. A piece of wood used in a ship to fasten ropes upon. It is formed with one arm or two, or with a hollow to receive a rope, and is made fast to some part of a vessel. Cleats are belaying-cleats, deck-cleats or thumb-cleats.

    CLEAVAGE, n.

    1. The act of cleaving or splitting.NWAD CLEAVAGE.2

    2. In mineralogy, the manner of cleaving, or of mechanical division. It is used in relation to the fracture of minerals which have natural joints and possess a regular structure.NWAD CLEAVAGE.3

    CLEAVE, v.i.

    1. To stick; to adhere; to hold to.NWAD CLEAVE.2

    My bones cleave to my skin. Psalm 102:5.NWAD CLEAVE.3

    Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. Psalm 137:6.NWAD CLEAVE.4

    Cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:9.NWAD CLEAVE.5

    2. To unite aptly; to fit; to sit well on.NWAD CLEAVE.6

    3. To unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.NWAD CLEAVE.7

    A man shall leave father and mother, and cleave to his wife. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5.NWAD CLEAVE.8

    Cleave to Jehovah your God. Joshua 23:8.NWAD CLEAVE.9

    CLEAVE, v.t.

    1. To part or divide by force; to split or rive; to open or serve the cohering parts of a body, by cutting or by the application of force; as, to cleave wood; to cleave a rock; to cleave the flood. Psalm 74:15.NWAD CLEAVE.11

    2. To part or open naturally.NWAD CLEAVE.12

    Every beast that cleaveth the cleft into two claws. Deuteronomy 14:6.NWAD CLEAVE.13

    CLEAVE, v.i. To part; to open; to crack; to separate, as parts of cohering bodies; as, the ground cleaves by frost.

    The mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof. Zechariah 14:4.NWAD CLEAVE.15

    CLEAVED, pp. Split; rived; divided.

    CLEAVELANDITE, n. A mineral, generally of a white or grayish white color, sometimes blue or bluish or reddish; called also siliceous felspar, or albite.

    CLEAVER, n. One who cleaves; that which cleaves; a butchers instrument for cutting animal bodies into joints or pieces.

    CLEAVING, ppr. Sticking; adhering; uniting to. Also, splitting; dividing; riving.

    CLECHE, n. In heraldry, a kind of cross, charged with another cross of the same figure, but of the color of the field.

    CLEDGE, n. Among miners, the upper stratum of fullers earth.

    CLEF, n. A character in music placed at the beginning of a stave, to determine the degree of elevation occupied by that stave in the general claviary or system, and to point out the names of all the notes which it contains in the line of that clef.

    CLEFT, pp. of cleave. Divided; split; parted asunder.

    CLEFT, n.

    1. A space or opening made by splitting; a crack; a crevice; as the cleft of a rock. Isaiah 2:21.NWAD CLEFT.3

    2. A disease in horses; a crack on the bought of the pastern.NWAD CLEFT.4

    3. A piece made by splitting; as a cleft of wood.NWAD CLEFT.5

    CLEFT-GRAFT, v.t. [cleft and graft.] To engraft by cleaving the stock and inserting a cion.

    CLEG, n. The hose fly; Dan.

    CLEM, v.t. To starve.

    CLEMENCY, n.

    1. Mildness; softness; as the clemency of the air.NWAD CLEMENCY.2

    2. Mildness of temper; gentleness or lenity of disposition; disposition to treat with favor and kindness.NWAD CLEMENCY.3

    I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. Acts 24:4.NWAD CLEMENCY.4

    3. Mercy; disposition to treat with lenity, to forgive or to spare, as offenders; tenderness in punishing; opposed to severity, harshness, or rigor.NWAD CLEMENCY.5

    CLEMENT, a. Mild in temper and disposition; gentle; lenient; merciful; kind; tender; compassionate.

    CLEMENTINE, a. Pertaining to St. Clement, or to his compilations; or to the constitutions of Clement the fifth.

    CLEMENTLY, adv. With mildness of temper; mercifully.

    CLENCH. [See Clinch.]

    CLEPE, v.t. or i. To call, or name.

    CLEPSAMMIA, n. An instrument for measuring time by sand, like an hour glass.

    CLEPSYDRA, n.

    1. A time piece used by the Greeks and Romans, which measured time by the discharge of a certain quantity of water. Also, a fountain in Greece.NWAD CLEPSYDRA.2

    2. A chimical vessel.NWAD CLEPSYDRA.3

    CLERGICAL, a. Pertaining to the clergy. [See Clerical.]

    CLERGY, n.

    1. The body of men set apart, and consecrated, by due ordination, to the service of God, in the christian church; the body of ecclesiastics, in distinction from the laity.NWAD CLERGY.2

    2. The privilege or benefit of clergy.NWAD CLERGY.3

    If convicted of a clergyable felony, he is entitled equally to his clergy after as before conviction.NWAD CLERGY.4

    Benefit of clergy, in English law, originally the exemption of the persons of clergymen from criminal process before a secular judge; or a privilege by which a clerk or person in orders claimed to be delivered to his ordinary to purge himself of felony. But this privilege has been abridged and modified by various statutes. In the United States, no benefit of clergy exists.NWAD CLERGY.5

    CLERGYABLE, a. Entitled to or admitting the benefit of clergy; as a clergyable felony.

    CLERGYMAN, n. A man in holy orders; a man licensed to preach the gospel, according to the forms and rules of any particular denomination of christians.

    CLERIC, n. A clerk or clergyman.

    CLERICAL, a. Relating or pertaining to the clergy as clerical tonsure; clerical robes; clerical duties.

    CLERK, n.

    1. A clergyman, or ecclesiastic; a man in holy orders.NWAD CLERK.2

    2. A man that can read.NWAD CLERK.3

    Everyone that could read--being accounted a clerk.NWAD CLERK.4

    3. A man of letters; a scholar.NWAD CLERK.5

    The foregoing significations are found in the English laws, and histories of the church; as in the rude ages of the church, learning was chiefly confined to the clergy. In modern usage.NWAD CLERK.6

    4. A writer; one who is employed in the use of the pen, in an office public or private, for keeping records, and accounts; as the clerk of a court. In some cases clerk is synonymous with secretary; but not always. A clerk is always an officer subordinate to a higher officer, board, corporation or person; whereas, a secretary may be either a subordinate officer, or the head of an office or department.NWAD CLERK.7

    5. A layman who is the reader of responses in church service.NWAD CLERK.8

    CLERK-ALE, n. [clerk and ale.] In England, the feast of the parish clerk.

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