Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SE'PI-A, n. [Gr. σηπια and σιπύη, a bag.]

This term comprehends several genera of cephalopodous mollusca; as the Octopus, Loligo, etc. This term is also the name of an individual genus of this group. Most of these animals have an internal sack containing a natural ink, that is, a carbonaceous matter suspended in water by the intervention of gelatine. This they emit, when pursued by enemies, by which the water is so discolored, that they are often enabled to effect their escape. These animals are called cuttle-fish, though they are not true fishes.

SE-PIL'I-BLE, a.

That may be buried.

SEP'I-MENT, n. [L. sepimentum, from sepio, to inclose.]

A hedge; a fence; something that separates or defends.

SE-POSE, v.t. [sepo'ze; L. sepono, sepositus.]

To set apart. [Not in use.] – Donne.

SEP-O-SI'TION, n.

The act of setting apart; segregation. [Not in use.] – Taylor.

SE'POY, n.

A native of India, employed as a soldier in the service of European powers.

SEPS, n. [L. from Gr. σηπω. Cuvier.]

The name of a genus of scincoid saurian reptiles, sometimes called serpent-lizards. They are found in the East Indies, the Cape of Good Hope, and on the coasts of the Mediterranean. These animals have elongated bodies, short and indistinct feet, non-extensile tongues, and scales covering their bodies like tiles.

SEPT, n. [Qu. sapia, in the L. prosapia; or Heb. שבט. See Class Sb, No. 23.]

A clan, race or family, proceeding from a common progenitor; used of the races or families in Ireland. Spenser. Davies.

SEPT-AN'GU-LAR, a. [L. septem, seven, and angulus, angle.]

Having seven angles.

SEP-TA'RI-UM, n. [plur. Septaria. L. septa, partitions.]

A name given to nodules or spheroidal masses of calcarious marl, whose interior presents numerous fissures or scams of some crystalized substance, which divide the mass. – Cleaveland.

SEP-TEM'BER, n. [L. from septem, seven; Fr. Septembre; It. Settembre; Sp. Septiembre.]

The seventh month from March, which was formerly the first month of the year. September is now the ninth month of the year.

SEP-TEM'BRIST, n.

A name given to the agents in the massacre in Paris, September 2, 1792.

SEP-TEM'PART-ITE, a.

Divided nearly to the base into seven parts.

SEP'TEN-A-RY, a. [Fr. septénaire; It. settenario; Sp. septenario; L. septenarius, from septem, seven.]

Consisting of seven; as, a septenary number. – Watts.

SEP'TEN-A-RY, n.

The number seven. – Burnet.

SEP-TEN'NI-AL, a. [L. septennis; septem, seven, and annus, year.]

1. Lasting or continuing seven years; as, septennial parliaments.
2. Happening or returning once in every seven years; as, septennial elections in England.

SEP-TEN'NI-AL-LY, adv.

Once in seven years.

SEP-TEN'TRI-ON, or SEP-TEN'TRI-ON-AL, a. [L. septentrionalis.]

Northern; pertaining to the north. From cold septentrion blasts. – Milton.

SEP-TEN'TRI-ON, n. [Fr. from L. septentrio.]

The north or northern regions. – Shak.

SEP-TEN-TRI-ON-AL'I-TY, n.

Northerliness. [A bad word.].

SEP-TEN'TRI-ON-AL-LY, adv.

Northerly; toward the north. [A bad word.] – Brown.

SEP-TEN'TRI-ON-ATE, v.i.

To tend northerly. – Brown. [This word septentrion and its derivatives are hardly anglicized; they are harsh, unnecessary and little used, and may well be suffered to pass into disuse.]

SEPT'FOIL, n. [L. septem and folium; seven-leafed.]

A plant, the Tormentilla.

SEP'TIC, or SEP'TIC-AL, a. [Gr. σηπτικος, from σηπω, to putrefy.]

Having power to promote putrefaction. Many experiments were made by Sir John Pringle to ascertain the septic and antiseptic virtues of natural bodies. – Encyc.

SEP'TIC, n.

A substance that promotes the putrefaction of bodies. – Encyc.