a. [ OF. novel, nuvel, F. nouvel, nouveau, L. novellus, dim. of novus new. See New. ] Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence, out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ In civil law, the novel or new constitutions are those which are supplemental to the code, and posterior in time to the other books. These contained new decrees of successive emperors. [ 1913 Webster ]
Novel assignment (Law),
n. [ F. nouvelle. See Novel, a. ]
Some came of curiosity to hear some novels. Latimer. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Dim. of novel, n. See Novel. ] A short novel; a novella. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Innovation. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
v. i. To innovate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
n. [ OF. novelerie. ] Novelty; new things. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.;
Novelty is the great parent of pleasure. South. [ 1913 Webster ]