Qualities

1 definition found

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

  Quality \Qual"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Qualities}. [F. qualit['e], L.
     qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which.
     See {Which}.]
     1. The condition of being of such and such a sort as
        distinguished from others; nature or character relatively
        considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank.


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              We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with
              many of the city not of the meanest quality. --Bacon
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     2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation;
        assumed or asserted rank, part, or position.
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              I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary.
                                                    --Gray.
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     3. That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it
        is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it;
        distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute;
        peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait;
        as, the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in
        quality; the great quality of a statesman.
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     Note: Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary.
           Primary are those essential to the existence, and even
           the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit
           Secondary are those not essential to such a conception.
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     4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition.
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              He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and
              fencing which accompany a good breeding.
                                                    --Clarendon.
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     5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character.
        "Persons of quality." --Bacon.
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     {Quality binding}, a kind of worsted tape used in Scotland
        for binding carpets, and the like.
  
     {The quality}, those of high rank or station, as
        distinguished from {the masses}, or common people; the
        nobility; the gentry.
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              I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my
              feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they
              will look in their traveling habits.  --Addison.
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     Syn: Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character;
          sort; rank; disposition; temper.
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