Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for DE-PRIVE'
DE-PRIVE', v.t. [L. de and privo, to take away, Sp. privar. It. privare, Fr. priver. See Private.]
- To take from; to bereave of something possessed or enjoyed; followed by of; as, to deprive a man of sight; to deprive one of strength, of reason, or of property. This has a general signification, applicable to a lawful or unlawful taking. God hath deprived her of wisdom. – Job xxxix.
- To hinder from possessing or enjoying; to debar. From his face I shall be hid, deprived / Of his blessed countenance. – Milton. [This use of the word is not legitimate, but common.]
- To free or release from. – Spenser.
- To divest of an ecclesiastical preferment, dignity or office, to divest of orders; as a bishop, prebend or vicar.
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