Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-FIG'U-RATE, v.t. [See Prefigure.]

To show by antecedent representation. [Little used.]

PRE-FIG-U-RA'TION, n.

Antecedent representation by similitude. A variety of prophecies and prefigurations had their punctual accomplishment in the author of this institution. – Norris.

PRE-FIG'U-RA-TIVE, a.

Showing by previous figures, types or similitude. The sacrifice of the paschal lamb was prefigurative of the death of Christ.

PRE-FIG'URE, v.t. [L. præ, before, and figuro, to fashion.]

To exhibit by antecedent representation, or by types and similitude. In the Old Testament, things are prefigured, which are performed in the New. – Hooker.

PRE-FIG'UR-ED, pp.

Exhibited by antecedent signs, types or similitude.

PRE-FIG'UR-ING, ppr.

Showing antecedently by similitude.

PRE-FINE, v.t. [L. præfinio; præ, before, and finio, to limit; finis, limit.]

To limit beforehand. [Little used.] – Knolles.

PRE-FI-NI'TION, n.

Previous limitation. [Little used.] – Fotherby.

PRE'FIX, n.

A letter, syllable or word put to the beginning of a word, usually to vary its signification. A prefix is united with the word, forming part of it; hence it is distinguished from a preposition; as, pre, in prefix; con in conjure; with, in withstand. Prefixes are sometimes called particles, or inseparable prepositions.

PRE-FIX', v.t. [L. præfigo; præ, before, and figo, to fix.]

1. To put or fix before, or at the beginning of another thing; as, to prefix a syllable to a word; to prefix an advertisement to a book; or an epithet to a title.
2. To set or appoint beforehand; as, to prefix the hour of meeting. A time prefix, and think of me at last. – Sandys.
3. To settle; to establish. I would prefix some certain boundary between the old statutes and the new. – Hale.

PRE-FIX'ED, pp.

Set before; appointed beforehand; settled.

PRE-FIX'ING, ppr.

Putting before; previously appointing; establishing.

PRE-FIX'ION, n.

The act of prefixing.

PRE-FLO-RA'TION, n.

In botany, the manner in which the floral envelops are arranged in a flower before they expand; estivation. – Lindley.

PRE-FORM', v.t. [pre and form.]

To form beforehand. – Shak.

PRE-FORM'A-TIVE, n. [L. præ, before, and formative.]

A formative letter at the beginning of a word. – M. Stuart.

PRE-FORM'ED, pp.

Formed beforehand.

PRE-FORM'ING, ppr.

Forming beforehand.

PRE-FUL'GEN-CY, n. [L. præfulgens; præ, before, and fulgeo, to shine.]

Superior brightness or effulgency. – Barrow.

PREG'NA-BLE, a. [Fr. prenable.]

That may be taken or won by force; expugnable. [Little used.] – Cotgrave.

PREG'NAN-CY, n. [See Pregnant.]

1. The state of a female who has conceived, or is with child. – Ray.
2. Fertility; fruitfulness; inventive power; as, the pregnancy of wit or invention. – Prior. Pregnance, in a like sense, is not used.

PREG'NANT, a. [L. prægnans; supposed to be compounded of præ, before, and geno, Gr. γενναω, to beget; It. pregnante; Sp. preñado.]

1. Being with young, as a female; breeding; teeming.
2. Fruitful; fertile; impregnating; as, pregnant streams. – Dryden.
3. Full of consequence; as, a pregnant instance of infatuation. An egregious and pregnant instance how far virtue surpasses ingenuity. – Woodward.
4. Easy to admit or receive. I am pregnant to good pity. [Not proper.] – Shak.
5. Free; kind; ready; witty; apt. [Not proper.] – Shak.
6. Plain; clear; evident; full. [Not to use.] – Shak.

PREG'NANT-LY, adv.

1. Fruitfully.
2. Fully; plainly; clearly. [Not used.] – Shak. South.

PRE'GRA-VATE, v.t. [L. prægravo.]

To bear down; to depress. [Not in use.] – Hall.

PRE-GRAV'I-TATE, v.i.

To descend by gravity. – Boyle.