Heretic - Heroical

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1. An opinion held in opposition to the established or commonly received doctrine, and tending to promote a division or party, as in politics, literature, philosophy, etc.; -- usually, but not necessarily, said in reproach.
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New opinions
Divers and dangerous, which are heresies,
And, not reformed, may prove pernicious. Shak.
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After the study of philosophy began in Greece, and the philosophers, disagreeing amongst themselves, had started many questions . . . because every man took what opinion he pleased, each several opinion was called a heresy; which signified no more than a private opinion, without reference to truth or falsehood. Hobbes.
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2. (Theol.) Religious opinion opposed to the authorized doctrinal standards of any particular church, especially when tending to promote schism or separation; lack of orthodox or sound belief; rejection of, or erroneous belief in regard to, some fundamental religious doctrine or truth; heterodoxy.
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Doubts 'mongst divines, and difference of texts,
From whence arise diversity of sects,
And hateful heresies by God abhor'd. Spenser.
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Deluded people! that do not consider that the greatest heresy in the world is a wicked life. Tillotson.
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3. (Law) An offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some essential doctrine, which denial is publicly avowed, and obstinately maintained.
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A second offense is that of heresy, which consists not in a total denial of Christianity, but of some its essential doctrines, publicly and obstinately avowed. Blackstone.
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☞ “When I call dueling, and similar aberrations of honor, a moral heresy, I refer to the force of the Greek �, as signifying a principle or opinion taken up by the will for the will's sake, as a proof or pledge to itself of its own power of self-determination, independent of all other motives.” Coleridge.
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Heretic (?), n. [L. haereticus, Gr. � able to choose, heretical, fr. � to take, choose: cf. F. hérétique. See .] 1. One who holds to a heresy; one who believes some doctrine contrary to the established faith or prevailing religion.
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A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject. Titus iii. 10.
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2. (R. C. Ch.) One who having made a profession of Christian belief, deliberately and pertinaciously refuses to believe one or more of the articles of faith “determined by the authority of the universal church.” Addis & Arnold.

Syn. -- , , . A heretic is one whose errors are doctrinal, and usually of a malignant character, tending to subvert the true faith. A schismatic is one who creates a schism, or division in the church, on points of faith, discipline, practice, etc., usually for the sake of personal aggrandizement. A sectarian is one who originates or is an ardent adherent and advocate of a sect, or distinct organization, which separates from the main body of believers.
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Heretical (?), a. Containing heresy; of the nature of, or characterized by, heresy.
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Heretically, adv. In an heretical manner.
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Hereticate (?), v. t. [LL. haereticatus, p. p. of haereticare.] To decide to be heresy or a heretic; to denounce as a heretic or heretical. Bp. Hall.
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And let no one be minded, on the score of my neoterism, to hereticate me. Fitzed. Hall.
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Heretification (?), n. The act of hereticating or pronouncing heretical. London Times.
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Hereto (?), adv. To this; hereunto. Hooker.

{ Heretoch (?), Heretog (?), } n. [AS. heretoga, heretoha; here army + teón to draw, lead; akin to OS. heritogo, OHG. herizogo, G. herzog duke.] (AS. Antiq.) The leader or commander of an army; also, a marshal. Blackstone.
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Heretofore (?), adv. Up to this time; hitherto; before; in time past. Shak.
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Hereunto (?), adv. Unto this; up to this time; hereto.
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Hereupon (?), adv. On this; hereon.
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Herewith (?), adv. With this.
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Herie (?), v. t. [See .] To praise; to worship. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Heriot (?), n. [AS. heregeatu military equipment, heriot; here army + geatwe, pl., arms, equipments.] (Eng. Law) Formerly, a payment or tribute of arms or military accouterments, or the best beast, or chattel, due to the lord on the death of a tenant; in modern use, a customary tribute of goods or chattels to the lord of the fee, paid on the decease of a tenant. Blackstone. Bouvier.
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Coloq. Heriot custom , a heriot depending on usage. -- Coloq. Heriot service (Law), a heriot due by reservation in a grant or lease of lands. Spelman. Blackstone.
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Heriotable (?), a. Subject to the payment of a heriot. Burn.
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Herisson (?), n. [F. hérisson, prop., hedgehog.] (fort.) A beam or bar armed with iron spikes, and turning on a pivot; -- used to block up a passage.
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Heritability (?), n. The state of being heritable.
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Heritable (?), a. [OF. héritable. See , .] 1. Capable of being inherited or of passing by inheritance; inheritable.
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2. Capable of inheriting or receiving by inheritance.
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This son shall be legitimate and heritable. Sir M. Hale.
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Coloq. Heritable rights (Scots Law), rights of the heir; rights to land or whatever may be intimately connected with land; realty. Jacob (Law Dict.).
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Heritage (?), a. [OE. heritage, eritage, OF. heritage, eritage, F. héritage, fr. hériter to inherit, LL. heriditare. See .] 1. That which is inherited, or passes from heir to heir; inheritance.
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Part of my heritage,
Which my dead father did bequeath to me. Shak.
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2. (Script.) A possession; the Israelites, as God's chosen people; also, a flock under pastoral charge. Joel iii. 2. 1 Peter v. 3.
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Heritance (?), n. [OF. heritance.] Heritage; inheritance. [R.]
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Robbing their children of the heritance
Their fathers handed down Southey.
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Heritor (?), n. [Cf. LL. her�ator, fr. L. heres an heir.] A proprietor or landholder in a parish. [Scot.]
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Herl (?), n. (Zoöl.) Same as , 2.

Herling, Hirling (�), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zoöl.) The young of the sea trout. [Prov. Eng.]
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Herma (?), n.; pl. Hermæ (#). [L.] See , 2.
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Hermaphrodeity (?), n. Hermaphrodism. B. Jonson.
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Hermaphrodism (?), n. [Cf. F. hermaphrodisme.] (Biol.) See .
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Hermaphrodite (?), n. [L. hermaphroditus, Gr. �, so called from the mythical story that Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite, when bathing, became joined in one body with Salmacis, the nymph of a fountain in Caria: cf. F. hermaphrodite.] (Biol.) An individual which has the attributes of both male and female, or which unites in itself the two sexes; an animal or plant having the parts of generation of both sexes, as when a flower contains both the stamens and pistil within the same calyx, or on the same receptacle. In some cases reproduction may take place without the union of the distinct individuals. In the animal kingdom true hermaphrodites are found only among the invertebrates. See Illust. in Appendix, under Helminths.
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Hermaphrodite, a. Including, or being of, both sexes; as, an hermaphrodite animal or flower.
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Coloq. Hermaphrodite brig . (Naut.) See under . Totten.

{ Hermaphroditic (?), Hermaphroditical (?), } a. 1. (Biol.) Partaking of the characteristics of both sexes; having male and female reproductive organs in the same plant or animal; characterized by hermaphroditism. Opposite of dioecious. [wns=1]-- Hermaphroditically, adv.
Syn. -- monoecious, monecious, hermaphrodite.
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2. Specifically: (Botany) having pistils and stamens in the same flower. Opposite of diclinous. [wns=2]
Syn. -- monoclinous.
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Hermaphroditism (?), n. (Biol.) The union of the two sexes in the same individual, or the combination of some of their characteristics or organs in one individual.

{ Hermeneutic (?), Hermeneutical (?), } a. [Gr. �, fr. � to interpret: cf. F. herméneutique.] Unfolding the signification; of or pertaining to interpretation; exegetical; explanatory; as, hermeneutic theology, or the art of expounding the Scriptures; a hermeneutic phrase.
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Hermeneutically, adv. According to the principles of interpretation; as, a verse of Scripture was examined hermeneutically.
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Hermeneutics (?), n. [Gr. � (sc. �).] The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc.
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Hermes (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. �.] 1. (Myth.) See .
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☞ Hermes Trismegistus [Gr. 'Ermh^s trismegistos, lit., Hermes thrice greatest] was a late name of Hermes, especially as identified with the Egyptian god Thoth. He was the fabled inventor of astrology and alchemy.
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2. (Archæology) Originally, a boundary stone dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries, and therefore bearing in some cases a head, or head and shoulders, placed upon a quadrangular pillar whose height is that of the body belonging to the head, sometimes having feet or other parts of the body sculptured upon it. These figures, though often representing Hermes, were used for other divinities, and even, in later times, for portraits of human beings. Called also herma. See Terminal statue, under .

{ Hermetic (?), Hermetical (?), } a. [F. hermétique. See Note under , 1.] 1. Of, pertaining to, or taught by, Hermes Trismegistus; as, hermetic philosophy. Hence: Alchemical; chemic. “Delusions of the hermetic art.” Burke.
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The alchemists, as the people were called who tried to make gold, considered themselves followers of Hermes, and often called themselves Hermetic philosophers. A. B. Buckley.
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2. Of or pertaining to the system which explains the causes of diseases and the operations of medicine on the principles of the hermetic philosophy, and which made much use, as a remedy, of an alkali and an acid; as, hermetic medicine.
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3. Made perfectly close or air-tight by fusion, so that no gas or spirit can enter or escape; as, an hermetic seal. See Note under .
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Coloq. Hermetic art , alchemy. -- Coloq. Hermetic books . (a) Books of the Egyptians, which treat of astrology. (b) Books which treat of universal principles, of the nature and orders of celestial beings, of medicine, and other topics.
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Hermetically, adv. 1. In an hermetical manner; chemically. Boyle.
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2. By fusion, so as to form an air-tight closure.
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☞ A vessel or tube is hermetically sealed when it is closed completely against the passage of air or other fluid by fusing the extremity; -- sometimes less properly applied to any air-tight closure.
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Hermit (?), n. [OE. ermite, eremite, heremit, heremite, F. hermite, ermite, L. eremita, Gr. �, fr. � lonely, solitary. Cf. .] 1. A person who retires from society and lives in solitude; a recluse; an anchoret; especially, one who so lives from religious motives.
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He had been Duke of Savoy, and after a very glorious reign, took on him the habit of a hermit, and retired into this solitary spot. Addison.
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2. A beadsman; one bound to pray for another. [Obs.] “We rest your hermits.” Shak.
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3. (Cookery) A spiced molasses cookie, often containing chopped raisins and nuts.
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Coloq. Hermit crab (Zoöl.), a marine decapod crustacean of the family Paguridæ. The species are numerous, and belong to many genera. Called also soldier crab. The hermit crabs usually occupy the dead shells of various univalve mollusks. See Illust. of . -- Coloq. Hermit thrush (Zoöl.), an American thrush (Turdus Pallasii), with retiring habits, but having a sweet song. -- Coloq. Hermit warbler (Zoöl.), a California wood warbler (Dendroica occidentalis), having the head yellow, the throat black, and the back gray, with black streaks.
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Hermitage (?; 48), n. [OE. hermitage, ermitage, F. hermitage, ermitage. See .] 1. The habitation of a hermit; a secluded residence.
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Some forlorn and naked hermitage,
Remote from all the pleasures of the world. Shak.
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2. [F. Vin de l'Hermitage.] A celebrated French wine, both white and red, of the Department of Drôme.
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Hermitary (?), n. [Cf. LL. hermitorium, eremitorium.] A cell annexed to an abbey, for the use of a hermit. Howell.
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Hermitess, n. A female hermit. Coleridge.
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Hermitical (?), a. Pertaining to, or suited for, a hermit. Coventry.
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Hermodactyl (?), n. [NL. hermodactylus, lit., Hermes' finger; fr. Gr. � Hermes + � finger.] (med.) A heart-shaped bulbous root, about the size of a finger, brought from Turkey, formerly used as a cathartic.
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Hermogenian (?), n. (Eccl. Hist.) A disciple of Hermogenes, an heretical teacher who lived in Africa near the close of the second century. He held matter to be the fountain of all evil, and that souls and spirits are formed of corrupt matter.
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Hern (?), n. (Zoöl.) A heron; esp., the common European heron. “A stately hern.” Trench.
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Hernani (?), n. A thin silk or woolen goods, for women's dresses, woven in various styles and colors.
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Herne (?), n. [AS. hyrne.] A corner. [Obs.]
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Lurking in hernes and in lanes blind. Chaucer.
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Hernia (?), n.; pl. E. Hernias (#), L. Herniæ (#). [L.] (Med.) A protrusion, consisting of an organ or part which has escaped from its natural cavity, and projects through some natural or accidental opening in the walls of the latter; as, hernia of the brain, of the lung, or of the bowels. Hernia of the abdominal viscera in most common. Called also rupture.
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Coloq. Strangulated hernia , a hernia so tightly compressed in some part of the channel through which it has been protruded as to arrest its circulation, and produce swelling of the protruded part. It may occur in recent or chronic hernia, but is more common in the latter.
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Hernial (?), a. Of, or connected with, hernia.
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Herniotomy (?), n. [Hernia + Gr. � to cut.] (Med.) A surgical procedure for the cure or relief of hernia; celotomy.
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Hernshaw (?), n. Heronshaw. [Obs.] Spenser.
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Hero (?), n.; pl. Heroes (#). [F. héros, L. heros, Gr. �.] 1. (Myth.) An illustrious man, supposed to be exalted, after death, to a place among the gods; a demigod, as Hercules.
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2. A man of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; a prominent or central personage in any remarkable action or event; hence, a great or illustrious person.
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Each man is a hero and oracle to somebody. Emerson.
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3. The principal personage in a poem, story, and the like, or the person who has the principal share in the transactions related; as Achilles in the Iliad, Ulysses in the Odyssey, and Æneas in the Æneid.
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The shining quality of an epic hero. Dryden.
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Coloq. Hero worship , extravagant admiration for great men, likened to the ancient worship of heroes.
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Hero worship exists, has existed, and will forever exist, universally among mankind. Carlyle.
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Herodian (?), n. (Jewish Hist.) One of a party among the Jews, composed of partisans of Herod of Galilee. They joined with the Pharisees against Christ.
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Herodiones (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. � a heron.] (Zoöl.) A division of wading birds, including the herons, storks, and allied forms. Called also Herodii. -- Herodionine (#), a.
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Heroess (?), n. A heroine. [Obs.] Dryden.
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Heroic (?), a. [F. héroïque, L. heroïcus, Gr. �.] 1. Of or pertaining to, or like, a hero; of the nature of heroes; distinguished by the existence of heroes; as, the heroic age; an heroic people; heroic valor.
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2. Worthy of a hero; bold; daring; brave; illustrious; as, heroic action; heroic enterprises.
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3. (Sculpture & Painting) Larger than life size, but smaller than colossal; -- said of the representation of a human figure.
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Coloq. Heroic Age , the age when the heroes, or those called the children of the gods, are supposed to have lived. -- Coloq. Heroic poetry , that which celebrates the deeds of a hero; epic poetry. -- Coloq. Heroic treatment or Coloq. Heroic remedies (Med.), treatment or remedies of a severe character, suited to a desperate case. -- Coloq. Heroic verse (Pros.), the verse of heroic or epic poetry, being in English, German, and Italian the iambic of ten syllables; in French the iambic of twelve syllables; and in classic poetry the hexameter.

Syn. -- Brave; intrepid; courageous; daring; valiant; bold; gallant; fearless; enterprising; noble; magnanimous; illustrious.
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Heroical (?), a. Heroic. [R.] Spectator. -- Heroically, adv. -- Heroicalness, n.
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