(Astron.) A row of bright spots observed in connection with total eclipses of the sun. Just before and after a total eclipse, the slender, unobscured crescent of the sun's disk appears momentarily like a row of bright spots resembling a string of beads. The phenomenon (first fully described by Francis Baily, 1774 -- 1844) is thought to be an effect of irradiation, and of inequalities of the moon's edge. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. (Zool.) A small poisonous snake of North America (Elaps fulvius), banded with yellow, red, and black. [ 1913 Webster ]
Whereby ye shall bind me to be your poor beadsman for ever unto Almighty God. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Grain, flour, or meal of which bread is made. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. a shrubby clematis (Clematis ochreleuca) of eastern US having curly foliage.
n. pl. (Mining) The substances which inclose the ore on every side. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. pl. (Naut.) The upper extermities of the floor of a vessel. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Naut.) Any sail set forward of the foremast. Totten. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A significant shake of the head, commonly as a signal of denial. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Authority or dignity; chief place. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.;
n. Fountain; source. [ 1913 Webster ]
The headspring of our belief. Stapleton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. That part of a bridle or halter which encompasses the head. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Mach.) A part (usually separate from the bed or frame) for supporting some of the principal working parts of a machine; as:
n.
a.
Now let the headstrong boy my will control. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Obstinacy. [ R. ] Gayton. [ 1913 Webster ]
adj. maintaining presence of mind; alert and attentive; able to recognize and take quick advantage of opportunities; resourceful;
n. [ From its use as an interjection to warn of impending danger. ] a warning to be prepared for an imminent event. [ PJC ]
n. (Bot.) A European composite herb (Centaurea nigra); -- so called from the resemblance of its knobbed head to an iron ball fixed on a long handle. Dr. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.;
n. (Bot.) The knapweed. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. pl. Clothes; clothing;