Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER'FO-RA-TIVE, a.

Having power to pierce; as, an instrument.

PER'FO-RA-TOR, n.

An instrument that bores or perforates. – Sharp.

PER-FORCE, adv. [per and force.]

By force or violence. – Shak.

PER-FORM', v.i.

To do; to act a part. The player performs well in different characters. The musician performs well on the organ.

PER-FORM', v.t. [L. per and formo, to make.]

1. To do; to execute; to accomplish; as, to perform two days' labor in one day; to perform a noble deed or achievement.
2. To execute; to discharge; as, to perform a duty or office.
3. To fulfill; as, to perform a covenant, promise or contract; to perform a vow.

PER-FORM'A-BLE, a.

That may be done, executed or fulfilled; practicable. – Brown.

PER-FORM'ANCE, n.

1. Execution or completion of any thing; a doing; as, the performance of work or of an undertaking; the performance of duty.
2. Action; deed; thing done. – Shak.
3. The acting or exhibition of character on the stage. Garrick was celebrated for his theatrical performances.
4. Composition; work written. Few of our comic performances give good examples. – Clarissa.
5. The acting or exhibition of feats; as, performances of horsemanship.

PER-FORM'ED, pp.

Done; executed; discharged.

PER-FORM'ER, n.

One that performs any thing, particularly in an art; as, a good performer on the violin or organ; a celebrated performer in comedy or tragedy, or in the circus.

PER-FORM'ING, n.

Act done; deed; act of executing. – Swift.

PER-FORM'ING, ppr.

Doing; executing; accomplishing.

PER'FRI-CATE, v.t. [L. perfrico.]

To rub over.

PER'FRI-CA-TED, pp.

Rubbed over.

PER'FRI-CA-TING, ppr.

Rubbing over.

PER-FU'MA-TO-RY, a. [from perfume.]

That perfumes. – Leigh.

PER-FUME, n. [Fr. parfum; It. profumo; Sp. perfume; L. per and fumus, smoke, or fumo, to fumigate.]

1. A substance that emits a scent or odor which affects agreeably the organs of smelling, as musk, civet, spices or aromatics of any kind; or any composition of aromatic substances.
2. The scent, odor or volatile particles emitted from sweet smelling substances. No rich perfumes refresh the fruitful field. – Pope.

PER-FUME, v.t.

To scent; to fill or impregnate with a grateful odor; as, to perfume an apartment; to perfume a garment. And Carmel's flowery top perfumes the skies. – Pope.

PER-FUM-ED, pp.

Scented; impregnated with fragrant odors.

PER-FUM-ER, n.

1. He or that which perfumes.
2. One whose trade is to sell perfumes. – Bacon.

PER-FUM-ER-Y, n.

Perfumes in general.

PER-FUM-ING, ppr.

Scenting; impregnating with sweet odors.

PER-FUNC'TO-RI-LY, adv. [L. perfunctorie, from perfungor; per and fungor, to do or to execute.]

Carelessly; negligently; in a manner to satisfy external form. – Clarendon.

PER-FUNC'TO-RI-NESS, n.

Negligent performance; carelessness. – Whitlock.

PER-FUNC'TO-RY, a. [supra.]

1. Slight; careless; negligent. – Woodward.
2. Done only for the sake of getting rid of the duty. – Bickersteth.

PER-FUSE, v.t. [s as z. L. perfusus, perfundo; per and fundo, to pour.]

To sprinkle, pour, or spread over. – Harvey.