Dictionary
spir•it
Pronunciation: (spir'it), [key]—
n.
1. the principle of conscious life; the vital principle in humans, animating the body or mediating between body and soul.
2. the incorporeal part of humans:
present in spirit though absent in body.
3. the soul regarded as separating from the body at death.
4. conscious, incorporeal being, as opposed to matter:
the world of spirit.
5. a supernatural, incorporeal being, esp. one inhabiting a place, object, etc., or having a particular character:
evil spirits.
6. a fairy, sprite, or elf.
7. an angel or demon.
8. an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action:
the spirit of reform.
9. (
cap.) the divine influence as an agency working in the human heart.
10. a divine, inspiring, or animating being or influence. Num. 11:25; Is. 32:15.
11. (
cap.) the third person of the Trinity; Holy Spirit.
12. the soul or heart as the seat of feelings or sentiments, or as prompting to action:
a man of broken spirit.
13. spirits,feelings or mood with regard to exaltation or depression:
low spirits; good spirits.
14. excellent disposition or attitude in terms of vigor, courage, firmness of intent, etc.; mettle:
That's the spirit!
15. temper or disposition:
meek in spirit.
16. an individual as characterized by a given attitude, disposition, character, action, etc.:
A few brave spirits remained to face the danger.
17. the dominant tendency or character of anything:
the spirit of the age.
18. vigorous sense of membership in a group:
college spirit.
19. the general meaning or intent of a statement, document, etc. (opposed to
letter):
the spirit of the law.
20. Chem.the essence or active principle of a substance as extracted in liquid form, esp. by distillation.
21. Often,
spirits. a strong distilled alcoholic liquor.
22. Chiefly Brit.alcohol.
23. Pharm.a solution in alcohol of an essential or volatile principle; essence.
24. any of certain subtle fluids formerly supposed to permeate the body.
25. out of spirits, in low spirits; depressed:
We were feeling out of spirits after so many days of rain.
26. the Spirit,God.
—
adj.
1. pertaining to something that works by burning alcoholic spirits:
a spirit stove.
2. of or pertaining to spiritualist bodies or activities.
—
v.t.
1. to animate with fresh ardor or courage; inspirit.
2. to encourage; urge on or stir up, as to action.
3. to carry off mysteriously or secretly (often fol. by
away or
off):
His captors spirited him away. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
