Part of speech

Part Part (p[aum]rt), n. [F. part, L. pars, gen. partis; cf. parere to bring forth, produce. Cf. {Parent}, {Depart}, {Parcel}, {Partner}, {Party}, {Portion}.] 1. One of the portions, equal or unequal, into which anything is divided, or regarded as divided; something less than a {whole}; a number, quantity, mass, or the like, regarded as going to make up, with others, a larger number, quantity, mass, etc., whether actually separate or not; a piece; a fragment; a fraction; a division; a member; a constituent. [1913 Webster]

And kept back part of the price, . . . and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles'feet. --Acts v. 2. [1913 Webster]

Our ideas of extension and number -- do they not contain a secret relation of the parts ? --Locke. [1913 Webster]

I am a part of all that I have met. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence, specifically: (a) An equal constituent portion; one of several or many like quantities, numbers, etc., into which anything is divided, or of which it is composed; proportional division or ingredient. [1913 Webster]

An homer is the tenth part of an ephah. --Ex. xvi. 36. [1913 Webster]

A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom, And ever three parts coward. --Shak. [1913 Webster] (b) A constituent portion of a living or spiritual whole; a member; an organ; an essential element. [1913 Webster]

All the parts were formed . . . into one harmonious body. --Locke. [1913 Webster]

The pulse, the glow of every part. --Keble. [1913 Webster] (c) A constituent of character or capacity; quality; faculty; talent; -- usually in the plural with a collective sense. ``Men of considerable parts.'' --Burke. ``Great quickness of parts.'' --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Which maintained so politic a state of evil, that they will not admit any good part to intermingle with them. --Shak. [1913 Webster] (d) Quarter; region; district; -- usually in the plural. ``The uttermost part of the heaven.'' --Neh. i. 9. [1913 Webster]

All parts resound with tumults, plaints, and fears. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] (e) (Math.) Such portion of any quantity, as when taken a certain number of times, will exactly make that quantity; as, 3 is a part of 12; -- the opposite of {multiple}. Also, a line or other element of a geometrical figure. [1913 Webster]

3. That which belongs to one, or which is assumed by one, or which falls to one, in a division or apportionment; share; portion; lot; interest; concern; duty; office. [1913 Webster]

We have no part in David. --2 Sam. xx. 1. [1913 Webster]

Accuse not Nature! she hath done her part; Do thou but thine. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Let me bear My part of danger with an equal share. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

4. Hence, specifically: (a) One of the opposing parties or sides in a conflict or a controversy; a faction. [1913 Webster]

For he that is not against us is on our part. --Mark ix. 40. [1913 Webster]

Make whole kingdoms take her brother's part. --Waller. [1913 Webster] (b) A particular character in a drama or a play; an assumed personification; also, the language, actions, and influence of a character or an actor in a play; or, figuratively, in real life; as, to play the part of Macbeth. See {To act a part}, under {Act}. [1913 Webster]

That part Was aptly fitted and naturally performed. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Honor and shame from no condition rise; Act well your part, there all the honor lies. --Pope. [1913 Webster] (c) (Mus.) One of the different melodies of a concerted composition, which heard in union compose its harmony; also, the music for each voice or instrument; as, the treble, tenor, or bass part; the violin part, etc. [1913 Webster]

{For my part}, so far as concerns me; for my share.

{For the most part}. See under {Most}, a.

{In good part}, as well done; favorably; acceptably; in a friendly manner; as, to take an act in good part. --Hooker.

{In ill part}, unfavorably; with displeasure.

{In part}, in some degree; partly.

{Part and parcel}, an essential or constituent portion; -- a reduplicative phrase. Cf. {might and main}, {kith and kin}, etc. ``She was . . . part and parcel of the race and place.'' --Howitt.

{Part of speech} (Gram.), a sort or class of words of a particular character; thus, the noun is a part of speech denoting the name of a thing; the verb is a part of speech which asserts something of the subject of a sentence.

{Part owner} (Law), one of several owners or tenants in common. See {Joint tenant}, under {Joint}.

{Part singing}, singing in which two or more of the harmonic parts are taken.

{Part song}, a song in two or more (commonly four) distinct vocal parts. ``A part song differs from a madrigal in its exclusion of contrapuntual devices; from a glee, in its being sung by many voices, instead of by one only, to each part.'' --Stainer & Barrett. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Portion; section; division; fraction; fragment; piece; share; constituent. See {Portion}, and {Section}. [1913 Webster]