DEFINITIO

1 definition found

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  DEFINITION. An enumeration of the principal ideas of which a compound idea 
  is formed, to ascertain and explain its nature and character; or it is that 
  which denotes and points out the substance of a thing, to us. Ayliffe's 
  Pand. 59. 
       2. A definition ought to contain every idea which belongs to the thing 
  defined, and exclude all others. 


       3. A definition should be, 1st. Universal, that is, such that it will 
  apply equally to all individuals of, the same kind. 2d. Proper, that is, 
  such that it will not apply to any other individual of any other kind. 3d. 
  Clear, that is, without any equivocal, vague, or unknown word. 4th. Short, 
  that is, without any useless word, or any foreign to the idea intended to be 
  defined.  
       4. Definitions are always dangerous, because it is always difficult to 
  prevent their being inaccurate, or their becoming so; omnis definitio injure 
  civili periculosa est, parum est enim, ut non subvertipossit. 
       5. All ideas are not susceptible of definitions, and many words cannot 
  be defined. This inability is frequently supplied, in a considerable degree, 
  by descriptions. (q.v.)