Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EX-AM'PLE, n. [egzam'pl; L. exemplum; Fr. exemple; It. esempio; Sp. exemplo. Qu. from ex and the root of similis, Gr. ὁμαλος.]

1. A pattern; a copy; a model; that which is proposed to be imitated. This word, when applied to material things, is now generally written sample; as, a sample of cloth; but example is sometimes used. Ralegh.
2. A pattern, in morals or manners; a copy, or model; that which is proposed or is proper to be imitated. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John xiii. Example is our preceptor before we can reason. Kollock.
3. Precedent; a former instance. Buonaparte furnished many examples of successful bravery.
4. Precedent or former instance, in a bad sense, intended for caution. Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Heb. iv. Sodom and Gomorrah – are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 7.
5. A person fit to be proposed for a pattern; one whose conduct is worthy of imitation. Be thou an example of the believers. 1 Tim. iv.
6. Precedent which disposes to imitation. Example has more effect than precept.
7. Instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept; or a particular case or proposition illustrating a general rule, position or truth. The principles of trigonometry and the rules of grammar are illustrated by examples.
8. In logic, or rhetoric, the conclusion of one singular point from another; an induction of what may happen from what has happened. If civil war has produced calamities of a particular kind in one instance, it is inferred that it will produce like consequences in other cases. This is an example. Bailey. Encyc.