*constitution*

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 ]

☞ 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 ]

a. [ Cf. F. constitutionnel. ] 1. Belonging to, or inherent in, the constitution, or in the structure of body or mind; as, a constitutional infirmity; constitutional ardor or dullness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In accordance with, or authorized by, the constitution of a state or a society; as, constitutional reforms. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Regulated by, dependent on, or secured by, a constitution; as, constitutional government; constitutional rights. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Relating to a constitution, or establishment form of government; as, a constitutional risis. [ 1913 Webster ]

The anient constitutional traditions of the state. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. For the benefit or one's constitution or health; as, a constitutional walk. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Constitutional law, law that relates to the constitution, as a permanent system of political and juridical government, as distinguished from statutory and common law, which relate to matters subordinate to such constitution. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A walk or other exercise taken for one's health or constitution. [ Colloq. ] Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]

The men trudged diurnal constitutionals along the different roads. Compton Reade. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The theory, principles, or authority of constitutional government; attachment or adherence to a constitution or constitutional government. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who advocates a constitutional form of government; a constitutionalist. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. -ties /plu>. [ Cf. F. constitutionalité. ] 1. The quality or state of being constitutional, or inherent in the natural frame. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being consistent with the constitution or frame of government, or of being authorized by its provisions. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Constitutionalities, bottomless cavilings and questionings about written laws. Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In accordance with the constitution or natural disposition of the mind or body; naturally; as, he was constitutionally timid. [ 1913 Webster ]

The English were constitutionally humane. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In accordance with the constitution or fundamental law; legally; as, he was not constitutionally appointed. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nothing would indue them to acknowledge that [ such ] an assembly . . . was constitutionally a Parliament. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who adheres to the constitution of the country. Bolingbroke. [ 1913 Webster ]