method

{ } a. [ L. methodicus, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. méthodique. ] 1. Arranged with regard to method; disposed in a suitable manner, or in a manner to illustrate a subject, or to facilitate practical observation; well-ordered; as, the methodical arrangement of arguments; a methodical treatise. [ wns=2 ] “Methodical regularity.” Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Proceeding with regard to method; characterized by method or orderliness; systematic; as, a methodical investigation. [ wns=1 ] “Aristotle, strict, methodic, and orderly.” Harris. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Of or pertaining to the ancient school of physicians called methodists. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Me*thod"ic*al*ly, adv. -- Me*thod"ic*al*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The art and principles of method. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl.) The system of doctrines, polity, and worship, of the sect called Methodists. Bp. Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. méthodiste. See Method. ] 1. One who observes method. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One of an ancient school of physicians who rejected observation and founded their practice on reasoning and theory. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Theol.) One of a sect of Christians, the outgrowth of a small association called the “Holy Club, ” formed at Oxford University, a. d. 1729, of which the most conspicuous members were John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley; -- originally so called from the methodical strictness of members of the club in all religious duties. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A person of strict piety; one who lives in the exact observance of religious duties; -- sometimes so called in contempt or ridicule. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to the sect of Methodists; as, Methodist hymns; a Methodist elder. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. Of or pertaining to methodists, or to the Methodists. -- Meth`o*dis"tic*al*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

n. The act or process of methodizing, or the state of being methodized. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Methodized p. pr. & vb. n. Methodizing ] To reduce to method; to dispose in due order; to arrange in a convenient manner; as, to methodize one's work or thoughts. Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]