English

English
English Eng"lish, n. 1. Collectively, the people of England; English people or persons. [1913 Webster]

2. The language of England or of the English nation, and of their descendants in America, India, and other countries. [1913 Webster]

Note: The English language has been variously divided into periods by different writers. In the division most commonly recognized, the first period dates from about 450 to 1150. This is the period of full inflection, and is called Anglo-Saxon, or, by many recent writers, Old English. The second period dates from about 1150 to 1550 (or, if four periods be recognized, from about 1150 to 1350), and is called Early English, Middle English, or more commonly (as in the usage of this book), Old English. During this period most of the inflections were dropped, and there was a great addition of French words to the language. The third period extends from about 1350 to 1550, and is Middle English. During this period orthography became comparatively fixed. The last period, from about 1550, is called Modern English. [1913 Webster]

3. A kind of printing type, in size between Pica and Great Primer. See {Type}. [1913 Webster]

Note: The type called English. [1913 Webster]

4. (Billiards) A twist or spinning motion given to a ball in striking it that influences the direction it will take after touching a cushion or another ball. [1913 Webster]

{The King's English} or {The Queen's English}. See under {King}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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