Forms: 3–7 terme, (4–5 teerme, 5 tierme), 5–7 tearme, 6–7 tearm, 4– term. [a. F. terme (in Roland, 11th c.) limit (of time or place):—*termne:—L. terminum limit, boundary; = Pr. terme, It., Sp., Pg. termino.]
I. A limit in space, duration, etc.
1. That which limits the extent of anything; a limit, extremity, boundary, bound (e.g., of a territory, region, or space). Usually in pl. Limits, bounds, borders, confines. Now rare or arch.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., C. 61. Hit bitydde sum-tyme in þe termes of Iude.
1432–50. trans. Higden (Rolls), II. 51. That water of Seuerne … was somme tyme a terme of Englonde and of Wales.
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 53 b/1. Fro the laste termes of egipte into the vtterist endes of the same.
1570. Billingsley, Euclid, I. def. iii. 2. Pointes … are … only the termes and endes of quantitie. Ibid., xiii. 3. A limite or terme, is the ende of euery thing.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 328. Corruption is a Reciprocall to Generation: and they two, are as Natures two Terms or Boundaries.
1656. Stanley, Hist. Philos., VIII. (1701), 326/2. A Superficies is the term of a Body…. A Line is the term of a Superficies…. A Point is the term of a Line.
1855. Bain, Senses & Int., II. ii. § 12 (1864), 202. The power of movement without contact or resistance, except at the extreme terms.
b. Utmost or extreme limit, end; esp. end of duration or existence, final cessation, close, conclusion, termination. Now rare or arch.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 11287 (Cott.). At þe terme of fourti dais … þai bar þe child … vn-to þe temple.
1481. Caxton, Myrr., III. xxi. 182. No goodes what someuer they be shal neuer haue terme ne ende [in heaven].
1579. Spenser, Sheph. Cal., Dec., 127. So now my yeare drawes to his latter terme.
1631. Milton, On University Carrier, II. 14 Too long vacation hastned on his term.
1781. Gibbon, Decl. & F., xxiv. (1869), I. 695. He had now reached the term of his prosperity.
1881. Jowett, Thucyd., I. 123. That the term of their happiness is likewise the term of their life.
c. That to which movement or action is directed or tends, as its object, end, or goal; (less commonly) that from which it begins or proceeds, starting-point, origin. Now rare or Obs.
c. 1425. Found. St. Bartholomew’s, 39. We become for ouro synnys to the butte and terme or marke of vniuersall kynde of man.
1551. Bp. Gardiner, Explic. Cath. Faith, 108 b. Wherin eche chaunge hath his special ende and terme, (whervnto).
a. 1628. Preston, New Covt. (1634), 184. There must be a place, a terme to which you walke, some whither.
a. 1769. R. Riccaltoun, Notes Galatians (1772), 33. The term from which they removed, was the Gospel which Paul preached.
1800. Hist. Ind., in Asiat. Ann. Reg., 2/2. The island of Ceylon … was the usual term of their navigation.
1849. M. Arnold, Sonn. to Dk. Wellington, 12. Vehement actions without scope or term.
2. Astrol. A certain portion of each sign of the zodiac, assigned to a particular planet: see quots.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Frankl. T., 560. He … knew the arisyng of his moone weel, And in whos face, and terme, and euerydeel.
c. 1450. Treat. Astrol. (MS. Ashm. 337), lf. 7 b. Termys of planettes bene certen nombris of greis in euery signe in which degreis a planet makith gret impression.
1652. Gaule, Magastrom., 263. There was Venus in termes, and in the house of Saturne.
1819. J. Wilson, Compl. Dict. Astrol., 27. Essential Dignities are only five, viz. House, Exaltation, Triplicity, Term, and Face. Ibid., 382. Terms are certain degrees in a sign, supposed to possess the power of altering the nature of a planet to that of the planet in the term of which it is posited.
II. A limit in time; a space of time.
3. A definite point of time at which something is to be done, or which is the beginning or end of a period; a set or appointed time or date, esp. for payment of money due. Obs. or arch. exc. in specific nses.
a. 1225. Ancr. R., 208. Etholden oðres hure, ouer his rihte terme, nis hit strong reflac?
1297. R. Glouc. (Rolls), 5777. Þe welisse king … sende him þes wolues fram ȝere to ȝere, þre þousend at certein terme.
13[?]. Cursor M., 5939. Sett vs term wen We sal for þe prai.
c. 1450. Merlin, iii. 41. Vortiger … so-mowned his peple a-geyn the tierme that Merlyn hadde seide.
1479. Bury Wills (Camden), 51. x marcs at too termes of the yeer.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxix. § 1. They all haue … their set … termes, before which they had no being at all.
1662. Stillingfl., Orig. Sacr., I. vi. § 3. There was no certainty in the ancient Græcian history, because they had no certain term … from whence to deduce their accounts.
1793. Amer. State Papers (1833), I. 143. State securities … reimbursable on a given term.
1827. Scott, Chron. Canongate, ii. Fortune is apt to circumduce the term upon us.
b. spec. Each of the days in the year fixed for payment of rent, wages, and other dues, beginning and end of tenancy, etc.; = TERM-DAY, QUARTER-DAY. Chiefly Sc. (Cf. F. terme in same sense.)
The quarterly terms in Scotland, fixed by Acts of 1690 and 1693, were Candlemas Feb. 2, Whitsunday May 15, Lammas Aug. 1, Martinmas Nov. 11. At the change of style in 1752, Old Style was observed in most parts of Scotland for the terms, making the dates practically in use eleven days later. By an Act of 1886, the ‘Removal terms,’ for change of houses, etc., were fixed as May 28 and Nov. 28, the dates fixed 1690–3 remaining for purposes of rent, interest, etc.
1426. Coldstream Chartul. (1879), 42. Payand till ws ȝerli xl s. … at thua vsuel termes of ye ȝher yat is to say Quvitson-day and Martimes.
c. 1450. Godstow Reg., 104. xij. d. of rente yerely … to be resceived of Raf Marchaunte and his heires at ij. termes of the yere, that is to sey, vj. d. at the fest of oure lady in Marche and vj. d. at the fest of seynt Michell.
1584. Exch. Rolls Scot., XXI. 600. Sa far as thay ar detbound of the said Witsounday terme.
1670. Moral State Eng., 30. By the next Term [he] is presented with an Execution, from his Taylor, or Landlord.
1837. Lockhart, Scott, xxvi. The term of Martinmas, always a critical one in Scotland, had passed before this letter reached Edinburgh.
1843. Mrs. Matheson, Mem. G. Ewing, v. (1847), 219. The usual term in Scotland for entering on possession of a dwelling house.
4. transf. A portion of time having definite limits; a period, esp. a set or appointed period; the space of time through which something lasts or is intended to last; duration, length of time.
a. 1300. Floriz & Bl., 432. Bituene þis and þe þridde day … Þulke terme him þuȝte long.
13[?]. Seuyn Sag. (W.), 64. That dar I vndertak … Within the terme of seuyn yere.
1444. Rolls of Parlt., V. 112/1. Departyng of Servauntz … atte ende of theire termes.
1483. Caxton, Cato, E iv. The prophete demaunded terme and space for to answere … and the kynge gafe hym terme of thre dayes.
1579. Fenton, Guicciard. (1618), 360. For that the tearme was expired.
1610. R. Jones, Muses Gard. Delights, XIV. ii. Full many lovely tearms Did passe in merrie glee.
1691. Consett, Pract. Eccl. Courts (1700), 107. A Term-Probatory is said to be that time or delay, which was given to the Plaintiff, wherein he might prove what he Pleads or Sueth for.
1781. Scot. Paraphr., XV. i. As long as life its term extends, Hope’s blest dominion never ends.
1823. Byron, Juan, X. lxvi. Seven years (the usual term of transportation).
1868. M. E. G. Duff, Pol. Surv., 164. Presidents elected for a term of years.
b. esp. in phrase for († to) term of (one’s) life: formerly often without for or to: chiefly in legal use.
1340–70. Alisaunder, 16. Amyntas … Maister of Macedoine, þe marches hee aught,… Trie toures, & tounes, terme of his life.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Knt.’s T., 171. And ther he lyueth in ioye and in honour Terme of lyue.
1544. trans. Littleton’s Tenures (1574), 7. The husbande hath Estate in the speciall tayle, and the wife but for terme of lyfe.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit. (1637), 725. That Henry the Sixth should enjoy the right of the Kingdome for tearme of life only.
1788. V. Knox, Winter Even., I. iii. 34. What men draw from their education generally sticks by them for term of life.
5. spec. Each of the periods (usually three or four in the year) appointed for the sitting of certain courts of law, or for instruction and study in a university or school. Opposed to vacation.
Commonly used without article, as in term = during the term. To keep terms: see KEEP v. 13.
1454. Rolls of Parlt., V. 239/2. An action by Bille in Michell’ terme last past.
1600. Shaks., A. Y. L., III. ii. 350. Orl. Who staies it [time] stil withal? Ros. With Lawiers in the vacation: for they sleepe betweene Terme and Terme.
1610. Holland, Camden’s Brit. (1637), 431. At certaine set times (wee call them Tearmes) yearely causes are heard and tryed.
1678. Phillips (ed. 4), s.v., The first is called Hilary Term…. The second is called Easter Term…. The third … Trinity Term…. The fourth and last … Michaelmas Term.
1705. Hearne, Collect., 4 Dec. (O.H.S.), I. 114. He might be admitted to the Degree of Master of Arts, without … keeping Terms.
1842. Arnold, in Life & Corr. (1844), II. x. 323. I am obliged to give up … the hope of coming to Oxford this term.
1867. Mrs. H. Wood, Orville College, xiii. The explanation which he had deemed it well to defer until the [school] term should be over.
1883. Wharton’s Law Lex. (ed. 7), Terms, the periods during which the superior courts at Westminster were open. Ibid., s.v. Sittings, By the Judicature Act, 1873, s. 26, the division of the legal year into terms is abolished, and sittings are substituted for it.
† b. transf. The session of a law-court during such a period; the court in session. Obs.
1525. Ld. Berners, Froiss., II. cciv. 629. Than Mychelmas came, and the generall counsayle began, suche as englysshemen call the terme.
a. 1548. Hall, Chron., Hen. VIII., 64. In the beginnyng of this yere, Trinite terme was begon at Oxenford, where it continued but one day, and was again adjourned to Westminster.
1591. Greene, Disc. Coosnage, Pref. 2. The poore man, that commeth to the Terme to trie his right.
1648. D. Jenkins, Wks., 45. At Yorke the Tearmes were kept for seven years, in Edward the first’s time.
6. Law. An estate or interest in land, etc., for a certain period; in full, term of or for years.
Outstanding term, Satisfied term: An estate for a long term of years was given, usually to the trustees of a strict settlement, to secure to beneficiaries under the settlement the payments due to them periodically from the tenant of the settled land. If these payments were not made, the trustees could take possession of the land for the term, and sell or mortgage it, to raise the money needed to make them. When the purposes for which the estate was created were fulfilled (e.g., by the death of all the beneficiaries) it was called a satisfied term; but unless express provision had been made that it should then cease, or unless it was conveyed to the tenant of the freehold so that it was destroyed by merger in the freehold, it continued to exist for the period for which it was created. It was then known as an voutstanding term, or an attendant term, i.e., a term accompanying the inheritance. By Act 8 § 9 Vict. c. 112 provision was made for the cessation of satisfied terms.
1424. R. Flore, in E. E. Wills (1882), 58. I wul þat … my sone haue my termes þat I haf of Westminster in þe personage of Okeham.
1592. West, 1st Pt. Symbol., § 41. B iv b. A Particuler estate which is but onely a terme, is an estate determinable by limitation of time.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. ix. 143. Every estate which must expire at a period certain and prefixed,… is an estate for years. And therefore this estate is frequently called a term.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), I. 502. Where a satisfied term is assigned to a trustee, upon an express trust to attend the inheritance, the owner of such inheritance acquires a right to the term, by the declaration of the parties.
1870. Woodfall’s Law Landl. & Tenant (ed. 11), 42. A man possessed of a term of years in right of his wife … has power to grant and convey the same.
7. a. The completion of the period of pregnancy; the (normal) time of childbirth.
1844. Louisa S. Costello, Bearn & Pyrenees, II. 62. The Princess of Navarre, being near her term.
1889. J. M. Duncan, Clin. Lect. Dis. Wom., vi. (ed. 4), 32. The dangers attendant upon delivery of a child at or near term.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VII. 729. Children who … are born at full term.
† b. pl. The menstrual periods; transf. the menstrual discharge, catamenia, menses, courses. Obs.
1545. Raynold, Byrth Mankynde (1564), 26. Termes be called in Latin Menstrua.… In Englyshe they be named Termes, because they returne eftsoones at certayne seasons, tymes, and termes.
a. 1648. Digby, Chym. Secr., II. (1682), 259. It provokes the Terms.
1714. Jontel, Jrnl., etc. 143. When the Women have their Terms, they leave the Company of their Husbands.
III. Limiting conditions.
8. pl. Conditions or stipulations limiting what is proposed to be granted or done. Rarely in sing.; in quot. 1771, that which is so required or demanded, a condition or prerequisite of something.
c. 1315. Shoreham, Poems, v. 165. Þo þat he scholde y-ofFred by In þe templo domini, Ase laȝe ȝef þe termes.
c. 1400. Laud Troy Bk., 79. How fele termes and trewes Were [MS. Where] take be-twene Troyens and Gruwes.
1599. Shaks., Hen. V., V. ii. 357. Wee haue consented to all tearmes of reason.
1667. Milton, P. L., X. 751. Unable to performe Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold The good I sought not.
1718. Hickes & Nelson, J. Kettlewell, III. lxvi. 353. The Church doth … prescribe her Terms of Communion.
1754. Hume, Hist. Eng. (1761), I. ix. 200. He was obliged … to offer terms of peace.
1771. Wesley, Wks. (1872), V. 61. This faith is the term or condition of justification.
1861. Mrs. H. Wood, East Lynne, I. xiii. They acceded to all his terms.
b. Phr. 1) In terms: (a) (pred.) engaged in making or arranging conditions, in treaty, negotiating; † (b) (advb.) = on terms (a).——2) On or upon terms: (a) (advb.) on (such and such) conditions; also (without qualification) on certain conditions, conditionally; (b) (pred.) = in terms (a).——3) To come to terms: to agree upon conditions; to come to an agreement about something to be done: so to bring to terms.——4) To keep terms: to keep up negotiations, to have or continue to have dealings with; to deal with or treat in a particular way; also fig. to ‘have to do with,’ be connected with.——5) To make terms: to agree upon conditions, come to a settlement (= come to terms).——6) † To stand on or upon terms: to insist upon conditions; to stand upon one’s rights or dignity.
1) 1619. Drayton, in Drumm. of Hawth’s Fam. Ep., Wks. (1711), 153. I have done twelve books more,… but it lyeth by me, for the booksellers and I are in terms.
1736. Gentl. Mag., VI. 730/2. No Sum of Money … is to be … given … except in the Terms prescribed by this Bill.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand. (1812), I. 451. He was already engaged or at least in terms with Mr. Vaudal.
——2) 1611. J. More, in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist, MSS. Comm.), I. 101. He hath not as yet taken a lease himself, but is upon terms to make up his four years to come 31 years.
1629. Massinger, Picture, III. vi. I left a letter in my chamber-window Which I would not have seen on any terms.
1647. Clarendon, Hist. Reb., I. § 146. A Peace was made with both, upon better terms, and conditions.
1693. Dryden, Persius’ Sat., vi. 124. Well: on my Terms thou wilt not be my Heir?
1708. Lond. Gaz., No. 4468/1. The Fortress … had surrender’d upon Terms.
1795. T. Peake, Cases Nisi Prius, 56, marg. If goods are delivered on the terms of sale or return.
1825. Carlyle, Schiller, III. (1845), 241. The copyright … for which he was on terms with Cotta of Tübingen.
1869. J. Martineau, Ess., II. 94. It offers initiation … on the easiest terms.
1834. Manch. Exam., 11 June, 5/1. To … call in the help of the other Powers on their own terms.
—— 3) a. 1729. Congreve, Impossible Thing, Wks. 1730, III. 363. He to no Terms can bring One Twirl of that reluctant Thing.
a. 1734. North, Lives (1826), II. 231. The creditors … rather than to contest accounts, came to terms, and agreed to take shares.
1855. Prescott, Philip II., I. vi. (1857), 103. He had no choice but to come to terms with the enemy at once.
——4) c. 1483. in Chron. White Rose (1845), 231. Seeing the evil terms that the King hath kept (with) him, and cast him out of the Realm.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VI. i. 2. What terms wouldst thou have me to keep with such a sweet corruptress?
1806. R. Cumberland, Memoirs (1807), I. 184. A profusion of finery, that kept no terms with simplicity.
1856. Merivale, Rom. Emp. (1871), V. xlii. 141. The chief of the state need keep terms no longer with the popular assemblies.
——5) 1856. Froude, Hist. Eng., I. i. 58. Capital supported by force may make its own terms with labour.
1884. Times (weekly ed.), 17 Oct., 14/1. The Amarars have made terms with the Hadendowas, giving them a number of cattle.
——6) 1586. Day, Eng. Secretary, I. (1625), 88. Before that time, I stood on some tearmes doubting the malicious dealings of the aduerse parties against me.
1611. Cotgr., Accrester … to strout it, or stand vpon high tearms.
1716. Atterbury, Serm., Matt. xvi. 20 (1734), I. viii. 224. One of those Great and Philosophical Minds, who stand upon their Terms with God.
c. spec. Stipulations for payment in return for goods or services; conditions with regard to price or wages; payment offered, or charges made.
1670. R. Coke, Disc. Trade, 50. The Dutch have Pitch, Tar, Hemp … in greater quantities, and for less terms than the English can, out of Norway.
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 132, ¶ 6. The terms offered were such as I should willingly have accepted.
1844. Ld. Brougham, A. Lunel, II. ii. 23. I was not very nice as to terms and agreed for my board and fifty louis a year.
1856. W. Collins, Rogue’s Life, iii. To a member of the family, I suppose your terms will be moderate.
9. pl. Standing, footing, mutual relation between two persons or parties: in phrases † in, on, upon terms: a. with various qualifying words, as on († in, upon) equal terms, good terms, speaking terms, visiting terms, terms of intimacy, etc.
1543. Seymour, Lett., in Maclean, Life Sir P. Carew (1857), 142. Fforasmuche as we doo stande in verye doubtefull tearmes with ffraunce, and yet there is no playne warre.
1605. Shaks., Lear, I. ii. 171. Parted you in good termes? Found you no displeasure in him?
1653. H. Cogan, trans. Pinto’s Trav., xiii. 42. Though we stood in the terms of good friends with them.
a. 1660. Cont. Hist. Irel. (Ir. Arch. Soc.), I. 139. When they were in tearmes of greatest defiance.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., V. i. 10. ’Tis not well That you and I should meet vpon such tearmes, As now we meet.
1669. R. Montagu, in Buccleuch MSS. (Hist. MSS. Comm.), I. 422. I was the willinger to put you upon good terms with her.
1670. Dryden, 2nd Pt. Conq. Granada, III. i. The Brave own Faults when good Success is giv’n; For then they come on equal Terms to Heav’n.
1748. Anson’s Voy., I. ix. 92. At war, or at least on ill terms with their Spanish neighbours.
1758. L. Temple, Sketches (ed. 2), 64. I could live upon good Terms even with a Deist; provided he keeps within the Bounds of Decency.
1796. Hist., in Ann. Reg., 115. Spain was … on friendly terms with France.
1877. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (ed. 3), II. vii. 97. On the closest terms of friendship.
1881. R. Buchanan, God & Man, I. 211. There never was a time when our folk were on speaking terms with these yeomen.
1885. Sir J. Hannen, in Law Rep., 10 P. D. 91. They had previously been on the most affectionate terms.
b. without qualification: On terms, on friendly terms, friendly, sociable; in sporting slang, on terms of equality, on an equal footing (with); also in reference to the score at cricket.
1864. Trollope, Small House at Allington, xvii. The earl and Lord Porlock were not on terms.
1887. Sir R. H. Roberts, In the Shires, ii. 27. So quickly did the hounds get on terms with their fox.
1897. Daily News, 23 July, 4/5. In the end Yorkshire got on terms and ran their total to within four of the southern county.
† 10. pl. Condition, state, situation, position, circumstances; (in Shaks.) vaguely or redundantly: relation, respect (rarely in sing.). Obs.
1382. Wyclif, Matt. vi. 16. Ypocritis … putten her facis out of kyndly termys [Vulg. exterminant facies suas], that thei seme fastynge to men. Ibid., Ecclus. xxi. 21. As an hous set out of termes, so a wisdam to a fool.
1579–8. North, Plutarch (1676), 5. He found the Common-wealth turmoiled with seditions … and … the house of Ægeus in very ill termes also.
1596. Shaks., Merch. V., II. i. 13. In tearmes of choise I am not solie led By nice direction of a maidens eies. Ibid. (1602), Ham., IV. vii. 26. A Sister driuen into desperate tearmes. Ibid. (1604), Oth., I. i. 39. Be iudge … Whether I in any iust terme am Affin’d To loue the Moore?
1642. Rogers, Naaman, Ep. Ded. 2. They liued at poore termes.
1656. Earl Monm., trans. Boccalini’s Advts. fr. Parnass., II. xcii. (1674), 245. [He] shewed … him in his naked tearms of devillish hypocrisie.
IV. Uses leading up to the sense ‘expression.’ See Note at end of article.
11. Math. (a) Each of the two quantities composing a ratio (antecedent and consequent), or a fraction (numerator and denominator). † Also formerly, each of two quantities multiplied together (obs.; now called factors). (b) Each of the quantities (of any number) forming a series or progression. (c) Each of (two or more) quantities connected by the signs of addition (+) or subtraction (–) in an algebraical expression or equation.
Absolute term, that term in an equation which does not involve the variable or unknown quantity. Lowest († least) terms (in phrases to reduce to its lowest terms, in its lowest terms): Math. the form of a fraction when the numerator and denominator are the least possible, i.e., have no common multiple; hence fig. the simplest condition of anything.
1542. Recorde, Gr. Artes (1575), 356. You call the Numeratour and Denominatour, the Termes of the Fraction.
1570. Billingsley, Euclid, V. def. iii. 127, marg. In proportions two quantities required, which are called termes.
1669. Sturmy, Mariner’s Mag., I. ii. 34. As 16 to 7: So is 8 to what? Here … the second Term is less than the first.
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Diapente (in Musick), the second of the Concords, whose Terms are as Three to Two. Ibid., Term of a Progression,… is every Member of the Progression, whether it be Arithmetical, or Geometrical.
1806. Hutton, Course Math., I. 13. Both the multiplier and multiplicand, are, in general, named the Terms or Factors. Ibid., 191. Divide both the terms of the fraction by the common measure thus found, and it will reduce it to its lowest terms.
1859. Barn. Smith, Arith. & Algebra (ed. 6), 194. When several quantities are connected together by the signs + and –, or either of them, each of these quantities is called a Term.
1881. Burnside & Panton, The. Equations, Introd. (1886), 2. The term pa, which does not contain x, is called the absolute term.
b. In terms of: (Math.) said of a series or expression stated in terms involving some particular quantity; hence gen., by means of or in reference to (some particular set of symbols, ideas, etc.); in the modes of expression or thought belonging to (some particular subject or category): often associated with sense 14, as if = in the phraseology of.
1743. Emerson, Fluxions, 38. If a Series be required to be express’d in Terms of that Quantity whose 2d, 3d Fluxion, &c. is in the Equation.
1862. H. Spencer, First Princ., II. v. § 58 (1875), 188. The continuity of Motion … is really known to us in terms of Force.
1866. Herschel, Fam. Lect. Sc., 102. The nearest distance of the orbits of Venus and the earth was concluded in terms of the earth’s diameter.
1890. W. James, Princ. Psychol., xviii. II. 63. Most persons, on being asked in what sort of terms they imagine words, will say ‘in terms of hearing.’
c. transf. A member or item of any series; each of the things constituting a series. Also more vaguely, an element of any complex whole.
1841. Myers, Cath. Th., III. iii. 8. The Bible contains a series [of revelations] of which the earliest terms are the least.
1857. Miller, Elem. Chem., III. i. § 2 (1862), 48. A series in which hydrogen forms the lowest term.
1863. Lyell, Antiq. Man, xxi. 419. Certain genera of plants … consist of a continuous series of varieties, between the terms of which no intermediate forms can be intercalated.
1881. Williamson, in Nature, 1 Sept., 416/1. The lower terms of the series are distinguished from one another by differences of boiling points approximately proportional to the number of atoms of carbon and hydrogen by which they differ from one another; whilst the higher terms … are distinguished … by differences of melting points.
12. Logic, etc. Each of the two things or notions which are compared, or between which some relation is apprehended or stated, in an act of thought, or (more commonly) each of the words or phrases denoting these in a verbal statement; spec. in relation to a proposition, each of the two elements, viz. subject and predicate, which are connected by the copula; in relation to a syllogism, the subject or predicate of any of the propositions composing it, forming one of its three elements (major term, minor term, middle term), each of which occurs twice (see MAJOR a. 2, MINOR a. 4, MIDDLE a. 6).
1557. T. Wilson, Logike (1580), 25. [Medius terminus, called the double repeate (whiche is a word rehearsed in bothe Propositions) must not enter into the conclusion, because the other twoo partes called Termini, bee proued by this]. Ibid., 25 b. There ought not to be mo termes in an argumentation [= syllogism] then three, for otherwise there is no good argument.
1628. T. Spencer, Logick, 258. If the middle terme be both affirmed and denyed of both the extreames: then it is the second figure.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., IV. vi. § 16. General Propositions … are then only capable of Certainty, when the Terms used in them stand for such Ideas, whose agreement or disagreement … is capable to be discovered by us.
1725. Watts, Logic, III. i. The matter of which a syllogism is made up, is three propositions; and these three propositions are made up of three ideas, or terms, variously joined.
1771. Junius Lett., liv. (1820), 282. He changes the terms of the proposition.
1827. Whately, Logic, ii. 1. § 2 (ed. 2), 57. Each proposition containing two terms; of these terms, that which is spoken of is called the subject; that which is said of it, the predicate; and these two are called the terms (or extremes) because, logically, the Subject is placed first, and the Predicate last: and, in the middle, the Copula, which indicates the act of judgment.
1837–8. Sir W. Hamilton, Logic, xvi. (1866), I. 298. The word term is applied to the ultimate constituents both of propositions and of syllogisms.
1843. Mill, Logic, I. ii. § 5 (1856), I. 31. A non-connotative term is one which signifies a subject only, or an attribute only. A connotative term is one which denotes a subject, and implies an attribute.
1866. Fowler, Deductive Logic, I. i. A Term (so called from terminus, a boundary, because the terms are the two extremes or boundaries of the proposition) is a word or combination of words which may stand by itself as the subject or predicate of a Proposition.
13. A word or phrase used in a definite or precise sense in some particular subject, as a science or art; a technical expression (more fully term of art).
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XII. 237. Ac of briddes and of bestes men by olde tyme Ensamples token and termes.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Prol., 639. Than wolde he speke no word but latyn. A fewe termes hadde he, two or thre, That he had lerned out of som decree. Ibid., Frankl. T., 538. I ne kan no termes of Astrologye. Ibid., Can. Yeom. Prol. & T., 199. We semen wonder wyse, Oure termes [of alchemy] been so clergial and so queynte. Ibid., Pard. Prol., 25 (Harl. MS.). Sayde I wel can I not speke in terme?
1486. Bk. St. Albans, D ij. Som folke mysuse this terme ‘draw,’ and say that thayr hauke will draw to the Ryuer.
1590. Sir J. Smyth, Disc. Weapons, 2 b. To vse our ancient termes belonging to matters of warre.
1695. W. W. Colbatch’s New Lt. Chir. Put out, p. xi. Why he hath used so few Terms of Art, is, because he designs Plainness.
1703. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., 109. An Explanation of Terms used among Joiners.
1748. Smollett, Rod. Rand. (1812), I. 376. The barrister who … had recollected himself and talked in terms.
1862. Grove, Corr. Phys. Forces (ed. 4), 96. The idea involved in the term latent heat.
1876. Tait, Rec. Adv. Phys. Sc., i. (ed. 2), 1. Explanation of new scientific terms.
1881. Williamson, in Nature, 1 Sept., 419/1. A chain of evidence involving the use of chemical terms.
b. In wider application: Any word or group of words expressing a notion or conception, or denoting an object of thought; an expression (for something). Generally with qualifying adj. or phrase (as an abstract term, a term of reproach).
Contradiction in terms: see CONTRADICTION 5 b.
c. 1477. Caxton, Jason, 21. A trew louer vseth neuer suche termes as ye speke of. Ibid. (1490), Eneydos, Prol. 2. Some gentylmen … desired me to vse olde and homely termes in my translacyons.
1530. Palsgr., 518/1. I disconsolate…. This terme is nat yet [= no longer] comenly used.
1586. Day, Eng. Secretary, I. (1625), 2. Aptnesse of worde and sentences, consisteth in choice of good tearmes.
1605. Play of Stucley, in Simpson Sch. Shaks. (1878), I. 258. Can there issue from your lips a term So base and beggarly as that of flight?
1653. Holcroft, Procopius, I. 2. The Archers in Homer’s time (whose Profession grew to be a tearm of reproach).
1791. D’Israeli, Cur. Lit. (1858), III. 70. In politics, what evils have resulted from abstract terms to which no ideas are affixed.
a. 1860. Whately, Commpl. Bk. (1864), 265. A term of reproach is one that denotes something which is denied and thought wrong by the person to whom it is applied.
1883. H. Drummond, Nat. Law in Spir. W., vii. (1884), 235. The apostles … accepted the term in its simple literal sense.
14. Only in pl. Words or expressions collectively or generally (usually of a specified kind); manner of expressing oneself, way of speaking, language. (Most commonly preceded by in.)
c. 1386. Chaucer, Reeve’s Prol., 63. Right in his cherles termes wol I speke.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, II. 92. The stwart … thocht Wallace chargyt him in termys rude.
1489. Caxton, Faytes of A., II. xx. 133. Thys present werke hathe spoken in general termes.
1590. Shaks., Mids. N., IV. i. 63. She in milde termes beg’d my patience. Ibid. (1600), A. Y. L., II. vii. 16. Who laid him downe … And rail’d on Lady Fortune in good termes, In good set termes, and yet a motley foole.
1651. Hobbes, Leviath., III. xxxiii. 205. Which question is also propounded sometimes in other terms.
1759. Robertson, Hist. Scot., v. Wks. 1813, I. 374. The accusation … was conceived in the strongest terms.
1849. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., vii. II. 194. William … replied, in general terms, that he took a great interest in English affairs.
1885. Athenæum, 23 May, 660. Of the dialogue we can speak in terms of the very highest praise.
† b. In terms: in express words, expressly, plainly, ‘in so many words’ (also by terms). Obs.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., A. 1052. Alle þe apparaylmente … As Iohan þe apostel in termez tyȝte.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Wks. (1880), 384. So oure clerkis … whan þai will speke in termis of her religion.
c. 1450. Holland, Howlat, 253. All this trety has he tald be termess in test.
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage, IV. iv. 305. Deuouring in hope, and threatening in tearmes all those Asian Prouincis.
1667. Pepys, Diary, 29 July. He says in terms that the match … hath undone the nation.
V. 15. Arch. A statue or bust like those of the god TERMINUS, representing the upper part of the body, sometimes without the arms, and terminating below in a pillar or pedestal out of which it appears to spring; a terminal figure. Also the pillar or pedestal bearing such a figure. (Cf. HERM.)
1604. Dekker, King’s Entertainm., Wks. 1873, I. 278. On either side of the Gate, stood a great French Terme, of stone.
1630. B. Jonson, Chloridia, Wks. (Rtldg.). 656/2. An arbour … the ornament of which was born up with termes of satyrs.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, IV. xiii. (Roxb.), 519/1. Their effigies … raised higher with a Terme or Pedestall or foot … of a pillar.
1712. J. James, trans. Le Blond’s Gardening, 76. Busts, Terms, Half-length Figures.
1753. Spence, in Phil. Trans., XLVIII. 486. Another brass bust, on a term, of a youth.
1891. T. Hardy, Tess, xii. She … lifted her face to his, and remained like a marble term while he imprinted a kiss upon her cheek.
16. Ship-building. (See quot.)
c. 1850. Rudim. Navig. (Weale), 155. Terms or term-pieces, pieces of carved-work placed under each end of the taftrail, upon the side stern-timber, and reaching as low down as the foot-rail of the balcony.
VI. 17. attrib. and Comb., as term-end, -keeping (see sense 5 and KEEP v. 13); term-catalog, a catalog of the books and other publications during a term or quarter; term-driver, ? = term-trotter (a); term-fee (see quot.); term-figure = sense 15; term-piece = sense 16; term-policy, an insurance policy issued for a definite term or period; † term-suitor, a suitor (during term) at the law-courts; † term-trotter, (a) one who comes up to the law-courts for the term; (b) see quot. 1782. See also TERM-DAY, TERM-TIME.
a. 1704. T. Brown, Dial. Dead, Reas. Oaths, Wks. 1711, IV. 84. One of ’em preaches against Oppression and Covetousness once a Month at least, and perhaps has appear’d in a *Term-Catalogue upon that Subject.
1906. E. Arber (title), The Term Catalogues 1668–1709 A.D. A Contemporary Bibliography of English Literature in the reigns of Chas. II. Jas. II. Wm. and Mary, and Anne.
1625. Massinger, New Way, II. ii. This *term-driver, Marrall, This snip of an attorney.
1828. Webster, *Term-fee, among lawyers, a fee or certain sum charged to a suitor for each term his cause is in court.
1880. Warren, Book-plates, iii. 23. Male and female *term-figures, busts of fairies.
1887. Ruskin, Præterita, II. 143. Some formal *term-keeping at Oxford.
1896. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., I. 476. Term policies are issued for short or long periods.
1602. Carew, Cornwall, I. 89. The *Terme-suiters may best speed their businesse.
1607. Middleton, Phœnix, I. iv. I have been a *term-trotter myself any time this five and forty years.
1782. V. Knox, Ess., I. 336. The majority are what are called term-trotters, that is, persons who only keep the terms for form-sake … to qualify them for degrees.
[Note to branch IV. Gr. ὄρος denoted ‘boundary mark’ and thence ‘a boundary,’ as in Euclid (see 1570 in sense 1). Hence in Arithmetic, applied to each of the terms in a ratio, e.g., 2:4; also in a proportion, and in any related series of numbers; in the statement of a mean between two numbers, as 6:9:12, 6 and 12 were the ἄκροι ὄροι ‘extreme terms,’ and, by extension 9 was called μέσος ὄρος ‘the mean term.’ In Logic, ὄρος was applied to the terms in an analogy, e.g., ‘as A is to B, so is C to D,’ where A, B, C, and D were ὄροι; also to the terms (subject and predicate) in a proposition; hence to the terms in a syllogism, the major, minor, and middle (the last being analogous to the ‘mean term’ in Arithmetic). By late Latin philosophical writers, ὄρος in the geometrical, arithmetical, and logical senses was rendered by terminus (constantly used by Boethius a 524). The application of ὄρος and terminus to the definition or limitation of a word appears in Petrus Hispanus, and led finally to the application of terminus to any word used in a definite or limited sense (as in sense 13 above). In Aquinas (13th c.) terminus is synonymous with dictio, locutio, nomen (see the Thomas Lexicon s.v.).]
