Lariat - Last

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Lariat (lărĭăt), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lariated; p. pr. & vb. n. Lariating.] To secure with a lariat fastened to a stake, as a horse or mule for grazing; also, to lasso or catch with a lariat. [Western U.S.]
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Laridae prop. n. The natural family of birds including the gulls and terns; the gull family.
Syn. -- family Laridae.
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Larine (?), a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the Gull family (Laridæ).
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Larix prop. n. The genus of trees comrising the larches.
Syn. -- genus Larix.
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Larixinic (?), a. (Chem.) Of, or derived from, the larch (Larix); as, larixinic acid.
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Lark (lärk), n. [Perh fr. AS. lāc play, sport. Cf. , v. i.] A frolic; a jolly time. [Colloq.] Dickens.
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Lark, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Larked (lärkt); p. pr. & vb. n. Larking.] To sport; to frolic. [Colloq.]
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Lark, n. [OE. larke, laverock, AS. lāwerce; akin to D. leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. lērahha, G. lerche, Sw. lärka, Dan. lerke, Icel. lævirki.] (Zoöl.) Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus Alauda and allied genera (family Alaudidæ). They mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. In America they are represented by the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus Otocoris. The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws, and, usually, dull, sandy brown colors.
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☞ The European skylark, or lark of the poets (Alauda arvensis), is of a brown mottled color, and is noted for its clear and sweet song, uttered as it rises and descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are killed for the markets. Other well-known European species are the crested, or tufted, lark (Alauda cristata), and the wood lark (Alauda arborea). The pipits, or titlarks, of the genus Anthus (family Motacillidæ) are often called larks. See . The American meadow larks, of the genus Sturnella, are allied to the starlings. See . The Australian bush lark is Mirafra Horsfieldii. See .
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Coloq. Lark bunting (Zoöl.), a fringilline bird (Calamospiza melanocorys) found on the plains of the Western United States. -- Coloq. Lark sparrow (Zoöl.), a sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), found in the Mississippi Valley and the Western United States.
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Lark, v. i. To catch larks; as, to go larking.
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Lark-colored (?), a. Having the sandy brown color of the European larks.
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Larker (?), n. [See 3d , for sense 1, and 1st , for sense 2.] 1. A catcher of larks.
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2. One who indulges in a lark or frolic. [Colloq.]
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Lark's-heel (?), n. (Bot.) Indian cress.
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Larkspur (?), n. (Bot.) A genus of ranunculaceous plants (Delphinium), having showy flowers, and a spurred calyx. They are natives of the North Temperate zone. The commonest larkspur of the gardens is Delphinium Consolida. The flower of the bee larkspur (Delphinium elatum) has two petals bearded with yellow hairs, and looks not unlike a bee.
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Larmier (?), n. [F., fr. larme tear, drop, L. lacrima. See .] (Anat.) See .
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Laroid (?), a. [Larus + -oid.] (Zoöl.) Like or belonging to the Gull family (Laridæ).
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Larrikin (?), n. [Cf. E. dial. larrikin a mischievous or frolicsome youth, larrick lively, careless, larack to frolic, to romp.] A rowdy street loafer; a rowdyish or noisy ill-bred fellow; a hoodlum; -- variously applied, as to a street blackguard, a street Arab, a youth given to horse-play, etc. [Australia & Eng.] -- a. Rowdy; rough; disorderly. [Australia & Eng.]

Mobs of unruly larrikins. Sydney Daily Telegraph.

☞ Larrikin is often popularly explained by the following anecdote (which is without foundation): An Irish policeman at Melbourne, on bringing a notorious rough into court, was asked by the magistrate what the prisoner had been doing, and replied, “He was a-larrikin' [i. e., a-larking] about the streets.”
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Larrup (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Larruped (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Larruping.] [Perh, a corrupt. of lee rope, used by sailors in beating the boys; but cf. D. larpen to thresh, larp a whip, blow.] To beat or flog soundly. [Prov. Eng. & Colloq. U.S.] Forby.
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Larry (?), n. Same as , or .
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Larum (?), n. See , and .
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Larva (lärvȧ), n.; pl. L. Larvæ (lärvæ), E. Larvas (lärvȧz). [L. larva ghost, specter, mask.] 1. (Zoöl.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time. The larvæ of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larvæ are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc.
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2. (Zoöl.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.
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Larvacea prop. n. A class sometimes classified as an order.
Syn. -- class Larvacea.
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larval (lärv�l), a. [L. larvalis ghostly. See .] (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to a larva.
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Larvalia (?), prop. n. pl. [NL. See .] (Zoöl.) An order of Tunicata, including Appendicularia, and allied genera; -- so called because certain larval features are retained by them through life. Called also Copelata. See .
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Larvate (?), a. [L. larva mask.] Masked; hence, concealed; obscure; -- applied in medicine to doubtful cases of some diseases; as, larvate pneumonis; larvate epilepsy.
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Larvated (?), a. [L. larvatus bewitched. See .] Masked; clothed as with a mask.
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Larve (lärv), n.; pl. Larves (lärvz). [F.] A larva.
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Larviform (?), a. [Larva + -form.] (Zoöl.) Having the form or structure of a larva.
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Larviparous (?), a. [Larva + L. parete to bring forth.] (Zoöl.) Depositing living larvæ, instead of eggs; -- said of certain insects.
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Lary (lār�), n. [Cf. F. lare sea gull, L. larus a sort of sea bird, Gr. laros.] A guillemot; -- called also lavy. [Prov. Eng.]
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Laryngeal (?), a. [From .] Of or pertaining to the larynx; adapted to operations on the larynx; as, laryngeal forceps.
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Laryngean (?), a. See .
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Laryngectomy (?), n. [Larynx + Gr. � to cut out.] (Surg.) Excision of the larynx.
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Laryngismus (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. laryggismos a croaking. See .] (Med.) A spasmodic state of the glottis, giving rise to contraction or closure of the opening.
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Laryngitis (?), n. [NL. See , and .] (Med.) Inflammation of the larynx.
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Laryngograph (?), n. [larynx + -graph.] An instrument for recording the larynx movements in speech.
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Laryngological (?), a. Of or pertaining to laryngology.
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Laryngologist (?), n. One who applies himself to laryngology.
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Laryngology (?), n. [Larynx + -logy.] Systematized knowledge of the action and functions of the larynx; in pathology, the department which treats of the diseases of the larynx.
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Laryngophony (?), n. [Larynx + Gr. (�) voice.] The sound of the voice as heard through a stethoscope when the latter is placed upon the larynx.
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Laryngoscope (?), n. [Larynx + -scope.] 1. (Surg.) An instrument, consisting of an arrangement of two mirrors, for reflecting light upon the larynx, and for examining its image. [Archaic]
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2. (Med.) A type of endoscope having a light source and lenses, permitting theviewing of a magnified image of the larynx. It may be flexible or rigid.
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Laryngoscopic (?), a. Of or pertaining to the inspection of the larynx; of or pertaining to the laryngoscope or laryngoscopy.
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Laryngoscopist (?), n. One skilled in laryngoscopy.
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Laryngoscopy (?), n. The art of using the laryngoscope; investigations made with the laryngoscope.
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Laryngotome (?), n. (Surg.) An instrument for performing laryngotomy.
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Laryngotomy (?), n. [Gr. (�); (�), (�), the larynx + temnein to cut: cf. F. laryngotomie.] (Surg.) The operation of cutting into the larynx, from the outside of the neck, for assisting respiration when obstructed, or for removing foreign bodies.
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Laryngotracheal (?), a. [Larynx + tracheal.] (Anat.) Pertaining to both larynx and trachea; as, the laryngotracheal cartilage in the frog.
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laryngotracheotomy (?), n. [Larynx + tracheotomy.] (Surg.) The operation of cutting into the larynx and the upper part of the trachea, -- a frequent operation for obstruction to breathing.
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larynx (lărĭṉks; 277), n. [NL. from Gr. larygx, laryggos.] (Anat.) The expanded upper end of the windpipe or trachea, connected with the hyoid bone or cartilage. It contains the vocal cords, which produce the voice by their vibrations, when they are stretched and a current of air passes between them. The larynx is connected with the pharynx by an opening, the glottis, which, in mammals, is protected by a lidlike epiglottis.
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☞ In the framework of the human larynx, the thyroid cartilage, attached to the hyoid bone, makes the protuberance on the front of the neck known as Adam's apple, and is articulated below to the ringlike cricoid cartilage. This is narrow in front and high behind, where, within the thyroid, it is surmounted by the two arytenoid cartilages, from which the vocal cords pass forward to be attached together to the front of the thyroid. See .
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Las (?), n. A lace. See . [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Las, a. & adv. Less. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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lasagna, lasagne (lȧzȧnyŭ), n. 1. A baked dish of layers of lasagna{2} pasta with sauce and cheese and meat or vegetables; -- a popular dish of Italian cuisine.
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2. large flat rectangular strips of pasta.
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Lascar (?), n. [Per. & Hind. lashkar an army, an inferior artillery man, a cooly, a native sailor.] A native sailor, employed in European vessels; also, a menial employed about arsenals, camps, camps, etc.; a camp follower. [East Indies]
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Lascious (?), a. Loose; lascivious. [Obs.] “To depaint lascious wantonness.” Holland.
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lasciviency (lăssĭvĭ�ns�), n. [See .] Lasciviousness; wantonness. [Obs.]
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Lascivient (lăssĭvĭ�nt), a. [L. lasciviens, pr. of lascivire to be wanton, fr. lascivus. See .] Lascivious. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
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Lascivious (lăssĭvĭŭs), a. [L. lascivia wantonness, fr. lascivus wanton; cf. Gr. lastauros lecherous, lh^n to wish, Skr. lash to desire.] 1. Wanton; lewd; lustful; as, lascivious men; lascivious desires. Milton.
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2. Tending to produce voluptuous or lewd emotions.
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He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber
To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. Shak.

-- Lasciviously, adv. -- Lasciviousness, n.
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lasciviousness n. The state or habitual condition of feeling an excessive or morbid sexual desire.
Syn. -- prurience, pruriency, carnality.
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lase (lāz) v. i. [imp. & p. p. lased (lāzd); p. pr. & vb. n. lasing.] [by back-formation from . See .] To give off a beam of coherent light; -- of a laser.
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laser n. [acronym from Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation: ca. 1955.] A device which produces an intense, usually narrow, monochromatic beam of coherent light; called also optical maser. It has various forms, and is used in various applications in science and technology. The beam is produced by boosting the majority of the electrons in specific radiation-absorbing atoms in a medium into a higher energy level, from which they are stimulated by their own emitted radiation to drop back synchronously to their lower energy level, and emit light which is in phase (coherent).
Syn. -- optical maser.
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laser beam n. A beam of light from a laser.
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laser disk n. A digital data storage medium consisting of a thin disk onto which the data is impressed by a laser, in the form of a linear sequence of dots; same as optical disk. The data is subsequently read back by the use of a laser beam. See also compact disk. The original disk may be created by use of a laser, but copies of the original disk may be created by a replicating process which does not itself require a laser.
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laser light n. Light produced by a laser.
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laser printer n. A printer controlled by a computer, using a laser beam to produce images in a fine dot-matrix pattern of charge on an electrostatic drum, to which fine particles of ink are subsequently caused to adhere, and the image of which is subsequently transferred to paper or another type of material in sheet form. It is capable of high-speed production of images with a higher resolution than those from dot-matrix impact printers.
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laser surgery n. (Med.) Surgery using lasers.
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Laserwort (lāsẽrwûrt), n. [L. laser the juice of the laserwort.] (Bot.) Any plant of the umbelliferous genus Laserpitium, of several species (as Laserpitium glabrum, and Laserpitium siler), the root of which yields a resinous substance of a bitter taste. The genus is mostly European.
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Lash (lăsh), n. [OE. lasche; cf. D. lasch piece set in, joint, seam, G. lashe latchet, a bit of leather, gusset, stripe, laschen to furnish with flaps, to lash or slap, Icel. laski gusset, flap, laska to break.] 1. The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given.
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I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it. Addison.
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2. A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a snare. [Obs.]
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3. A stroke with a whip, or anything pliant and tough; as, the culprit received thirty-nine lashes.
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4. A stroke of satire or sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain; a cut.
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The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well. L'Estrange.
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5. A hair growing from the edge of the eyelid; an eyelash.
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6. In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure.
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Lash (lăsh), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lashed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lashng.] 1. To strike with a lash; to whip or scourge with a lash, or with something like one.
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We lash the pupil, and defraud the ward. Dryden.
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2. To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat, or beat upon, with a motion like that of a lash; as, a whale lashes the sea with his tail.
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And big waves lash the frighted shores. Dryden.
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3. To throw out with a jerk or quickly.
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He falls, and lashing up his heels, his rider throws. Dryden.
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4. To scold; to berate; to satirize; to censure with severity; as, to lash vice.
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Lash, v. i. To ply the whip; to strike; to utter censure or sarcastic language.
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To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice. Dryden.
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Coloq. To lash out , to strike out wildly or furiously; also used figuratively.
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Lash, v. t. [Cf. D. lasschen to fasten together, lasch piece, joint, Sw. laska to stitch, Dan. laske stitch. See , n. ] To bind with a rope, cord, thong, or chain, so as to fasten; as, to lash something to a spar; to lash a pack on a horse's back.
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Lasher (?), n. One who whips or lashes.
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Lasher, n. 1. A piece of rope for binding or making fast one thing to another; -- called also lashing.
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2. A weir in a river. [Eng.] Halliwell.
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Lashing, n. The act of one who, or that which, lashes; castigation; chastisement. South.
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Coloq. Lashing out , a striking out; also, extravagance.
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Lashing, n. See 2d .
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lasiocampid n. A member of the Lasiocampidae, a family of medium-sized stout-bodied neutral-colored moth with comblike antennae.
Syn. -- lasiocampid moth.
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Lasiocampidae n. A natural family of moths whose larvae include the tent caterpillars; the eggars; the lappet moths.
Syn. -- family Lasiocampidae.
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Lask (?), n. A diarrhea or flux. [Obs.] Holland.
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Lasket (?), n. [Cf. , .] (Naut.) latching.
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Lass (lȧs), n. [OE. lasse; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. llodes girl, fem. of llawd lad. √123. See a youth.] A young woman; a girl; a sweetheart.
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Lasse (lăs), a. & adv. Less. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Lassie (lăssĭ), n. A young girl; a lass. [Scot.]
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Lassitude (lăssĭtūd), n. [L. lassitudo, fr. lassus faint, weary; akin to E. late: cf. F. lassitude. See .] A condition of the body, or mind, when its voluntary functions are performed with difficulty, and only by a strong exertion of the will; languor; debility; weariness.
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The corporeal instruments of action being strained to a high pitch . . . will soon feel a lassitude. Barrow.
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Lasslorn (lȧslôrn), a. Forsaken by a lass. Shak.
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Lasso (lăss�) n.; pl. Lassos (-sōz). [Sp. lazo, L. laqueus. See .] A rope or long thong of leather with a running noose, used for catching horses, cattle, etc.
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Coloq. Lasso cell (Zoöl.), one of a peculiar kind of defensive and offensive stinging cells, found in great numbers in all cœlenterates, and in a few animals of other groups. They are most highly developed in the tentacles of jellyfishes, hydroids, and Actiniæ. Each of these cells is filled with, fluid, and contains a long, slender, often barbed, hollow thread coiled up within it. When the cell contracts the thread is quickly ejected, being at the same time turned inside out. The thread is able to penetrate the flesh of various small, soft-bodied animals, and carries a subtle poison by which they are speedily paralyzed and killed. The threads, at the same time, hold the prey in position, attached to the tentacles. Some of the jellyfishes, as the Portuguese man-of-war, and Cyanea, are able to penetrate the human skin, and inflict painful stings in the same way. Called also nettling cell, cnida, cnidocell.
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Lasso, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lassoed (lăss�d); p. pr. & vb. n. Lassoing.] To catch with a lasso.
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Last (lȧst), 3d pers. sing. pres. of , to endure, contracted from lasteth. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Last (lȧst), a. [OE. last, latst, contr. of latest, superl. of late; akin to OS. lezt, lazt, last, D. laatst, G. letzt. See , and cf. .] 1. Being after all the others, similarly classed or considered, in time, place, or order of succession; following all the rest; final; hindmost; farthest; as, the last year of a century; the last man in a line of soldiers; the last page in a book; his last chance.
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Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. Neh. viii. 18.
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Fairest of stars, last in the train of night. Milton.
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2. Next before the present; as, I saw him last week.
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3. Supreme; highest in degree; utmost.
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Contending for principles of the last importance. R. Hall.
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4. Lowest in rank or degree; as, the a last place finish. Pope.
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5. Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely; having least fitness; as, he is the last person to be accused of theft.
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