n.; pl. Studies [ OE. studie, L. studium, akin to studere to study; possibly akin to Gr. &unr_; haste, zeal, &unr_; to hasten; cf. OF. estudie, estude, F. étude. Cf. Etude, Student, Studio, Study, v. i. ] 1. A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge. [ 1913 Webster ]
Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in study. Bp. Fell. [ 1913 Webster ]
Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation. [ 1913 Webster ]
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent
To worship God aright, and know his works. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. Law. [ 1913 Webster ]
The proper study of mankind is man. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work. “His cheery little study.” Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. (Fine Arts) A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture. [ 1913 Webster ]
6. (Mus.) A piece for special practice. See Etude. [ 1913 Webster ]