Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SI-PHON-O-BRAN'CHI-ATE, a.

In malacology, provided with a siphon or tube, by which the water to be inhaled is carried to the gills, as in the siphonobranchiata. The moluscans which have no siphons are called asiphonobranchiate.

SI'PHUN-CLE, n.

In conchology, the opening which runs through the partitions of chambered or nautiloid shells.

SI-PHUN'CU-LAR, a.

Pertaining to a siphuncle. Buckland.

SI-PHUN'CU-LA-TED, a. [L. siphunculus, a little siphon.]

Having a little siphon or spout, as a valve. Say.

SIP'ING, n.

The act of oozing. Granger.

SIP'PED, pp.

Drawn in with the lips; imbibed in small quantities.

SIP'PER, n.

One that sips.

SIP'PET, n.

A small sop. [Not in use.] Milton.

SIP'PING, ppr.

Drawing in with the lips; imbibing in small quantities.

SI-QUIS, n. [SI QUIS; L. if any one.]

These words give name to a notification by a candidate for orders of his intention to inquire whether any impediment may be alledged against him.

SIR, n. [sur; Fr. sire, and sieur, in monsieur; Norm. sire, lord; Corn. sira, father; Heb. שור, shur, to sing, to look, observe, watch, also to rule. The primary sense is to stretch, strain, hold, &c., whence the sense of a ruler or chief.]

1. A word of respect used in addresses to men, as madam is in addresses to women. It signifies properly lord, corresponding to dominus in Latin, don in Spanish, and herr in German. It is used in the singular or plural. Speak on, sir. – Shak. But, sirs, be sudden in the execution. – Shak.
2. The title of a knight or baronet; as, Sir Horace Vere. – Bacon.
3. It is used by Shakspeare for man. In the election of a sir so rare. [Not in use.] – Shak.
4. In American colleges, the title of a master of arts.
5. It is prefixed to loin, in sirloin; as, a sirloin of beef. This practice is said to have originated in the knighting of a loin of beef by one of the English kings in a fit of good humor. – Addison.
6. Formerly the title of a priest. – Spenser.

SIR'CAR, n.

An officer of the government of Hindoostan.

SIR'DAR, n.

A native chief in Hindoostan.

SIRE, n. [supra.]

1. A father; used in poetry. And raise his issue like a loving sire. – Shak.
2. The male parent of a beast; particularly used of horses; as, the horse had a good sire, but a bad dam. Johnson.
3. It is used in composition; as, in grandsire, for grandfather; great grandsire, great grandfather.

SIRE, v.t.

To beget; to procreate; used of beasts. – Shak.

SIR'ED, pp.

Begotten.

SI'REN, a.

Pertaining to a siren, or to the dangerous enticements of music; bewitching; fascinating; as, a siren song.

SI'REN, n. [L.; Fr. sirène; It. sirena; from Heb. שור, shur, to sing.]

1. A mermaid. In ancient mythology, a goddess who enticed men into her power by the charms of music, and devoured them. Hence in modern use, an enticing woman; a female rendered dangerous by her enticements. Sing, siren, to thyself, and I will dote. – Shak.
2. A batrachian reptile of Carolina, constituting a peculiar genus, destitute of posterior extremities and pelvis. – Cuvier.

SI-RENE', n.

An instrument used for ascertaining the velocity of aerial vibration.

SI'REN-IZE, v.i.

To use the enticements of siren; to charm.

SI'REN-IZ-ED, pp.

Charmed.

SI'REN-IZ-ING, ppr.

Charming.

SIR-I'A-SIS, n. [Gr. σιριασις. See Sirius.]

A disease occasioned by the excessive heat of the sun; almost peculiar to children. – Johnson. Coxe.

SIR'I-US, n. [L. from the Gr. σειρ, the sun.]

The large and bright star called the dog-star, in the mouth of the constellation Canis major.

SIR'LOIN, n.

A particular piece of beef so called. [See Sir.]