- Constitution
- Constitution Con`sti*tu"tion (k[o^]n`st[ict]*t[=u]"sh[u^]n),
n. [F. constitution, L. constitutio.]
1. The act or process of constituting; the action of
enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment;
establishment; formation.
[1913 Webster]
2. The state of being; that form of being, or structure and connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a system or body; natural condition; structure; texture; conformation. [1913 Webster]
The physical constitution of the sun. --Sir J. Herschel. [1913 Webster]
3. The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities; the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease, etc.; as, a robust constitution. [1913 Webster]
Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the vices or luxuries of the old world. --Story. [1913 Webster]
4. The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament. [1913 Webster]
He defended himself with . . . less passion than was expected from his constitution. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
5. The fundamental, organic law or principles of government of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of affairs. [1913 Webster]
Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
Note: In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be modified, exept through such processes as the constitution itself ordains. [1913 Webster]
6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the constitutions of Justinian. [1913 Webster]
The positive constitutions of our own churches. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct of advocates. --George Long. [1913 Webster]
{Apostolic constitutions}. See under {Apostolic}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
