Properties

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Property \Prop"er*ty\, n.; pl. {Properties}. [OE. proprete, OF.
     propret['e] property, F. propret['e] neatness, cleanliness,
     propri['e]t['e] property, fr. L. proprietas. See {Proper},
     a., and cf. {Propriety}.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. That which is proper to anything; a peculiar quality of a


        thing; that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally
        essential to it; an attribute; as, sweetness is a property
        of sugar.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Property is correctly a synonym for peculiar
              quality; but it is frequently used as coextensive
              with quality in general.              --Sir W.
                                                    Hamilton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: In physical science, the properties of matter are
           distinguished to the three following classes: 1.
           Physical properties, or those which result from the
           relations of bodies to the physical agents, light,
           heat, electricity, gravitation, cohesion, adhesion,
           etc., and which are exhibited without a change in the
           composition or kind of matter acted on. They are color,
           luster, opacity, transparency, hardness, sonorousness,
           density, crystalline form, solubility, capability of
           osmotic diffusion, vaporization, boiling, fusion, etc.
           2. Chemical properties, or those which are conditioned
           by affinity and composition; thus, combustion,
           explosion, and certain solutions are reactions
           occasioned by chemical properties. Chemical properties
           are identical when there is identity of composition and
           structure, and change according as the composition
           changes. 3. Organoleptic properties, or those forming a
           class which can not be included in either of the other
           two divisions. They manifest themselves in the contact
           of substances with the organs of taste, touch, and
           smell, or otherwise affect the living organism, as in
           the manner of medicines and poisons.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by
        art, or bestowed by man; as, the poem has the properties
        which constitute excellence.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying, and disposing
        of a thing; ownership; title.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
              Propinquity and property of blood.    --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Shall man assume a property in man?   --Wordsworth.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his
        possession or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in
        lands, goods, or money; as, a man of large property, or
        small property.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. pl. All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the
        dresses of the actors; stage requisites.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              I will draw a bill of properties.     --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. Propriety; correctness. [Obs.] --Camden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Literary property}. (Law) See under {Literary}.
  
     {Property man}, one who has charge of the "properties" of a
        theater.
        [1913 Webster]