Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for MAX'IM
MAX'IM, a. [Fr. maxime, It. massima, L. maximum, literally the greatest.]
- An established principle or proposition; a principle generally received or admitted as true. It is nearly the same in popular usage, as axiom in philosophy and mathematics. It is a maxim of state, that countries newly acquired and not settled, are matters of burden, rather than of strength. Bacon. It is their maxim, love is love's reward. Dryden.
- In music, the longest note formerly used, equal to two longs, or four breves. Busby.
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