Definition for EI'THER

EI'THER, a. [or pron.; Sax. ægther, egther; D. yder; G. jeder; Ir. ceachtar. This word seems to be compound, and the first syllable to be the same as each. So Sax. æghwær, each where, every where. Sax. Chron. An. 1114, 1118.]

  1. One or another of any number. Here are ten oranges; take either orange of the whole number, or take either of them. In the last phrase, either stands as a pronoun or substitute.
  2. One of two. This sense is included in the foregoing. Lepidus flatters both, / Of both is flattered; but he neither loves, / Nor either cares for him. Shak.
  3. Each; every one separately considered. On either side of the river. Rev. xxii.
  4. This word, when applied to sentences or propositions, is called a distributive or a conjunction. It precedes the first of two or more alternatives, and is answered by or before the second, or succeeding alternatives. Either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he sleepeth. 1 Kings xviii. In this sentence, either refers to each of the succeeding clauses of the sentence.

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