observational (obzervashonal), (obzervashonal)

[ Already Harvey, Boyle, and Newton were succe fully prosecuting the observational method, and showing how rich mines of wealth it had opened. McCosh , Locke's Theory of Knowledge, p. 12. 2. Derived from or founded on observation: in this sense usually opposed to experimental. Sir Charles Lyell has been largely influential in the establishment of Geology as a truly observational science. Geikie , Geol. Sketches, ii. 27. observationally (ob-zer-vā'shon-al-i), adv . By means of observation. She may be handsome, yet be chaste, you say; Good observator , not so fast away. Must be my heir; and this makes men observe me. B. Jonson, Volpone, i. 1. Fletcher, Humorous Lieutenant, iii. 1. 6. To adhere to and carry out in practice; con- form to or comply with; obey: as, to observe the regulations of society; to observe the pro- prieties. How thanne he that observeth o synne, shal he have for- gifne e of the remenaunt of hise othere synnes? Chaucer , Parson's Tale. I know not how he's cured; He ne'er observes any of our prescriptions. Observe your distance; and be sure to stand Hard by the Cistern with your Cap in hand. 7. To keep with due ceremonies; celebrate: as, to observe a holiday; to observe the sabbath. Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. IMG:content-1593.png:[blocks in formation] as to afford an extensive view, such as a look- 2. To remark; comment: generally with upon out-station, a signaling-station, or a belvedere. - Magnetic observatory. See magnetic. observe (ob-zėrv'), ob-zerv'), v.; pret. and pp. observed , ppr. observing . [F. observer = Sp. Pg. ob- servar = It. o ervare , observare , watch, note, mark, heed, guard, guard, keep, ke pay attention to, re- gard, comply with, etc., ob , before, + servare , keep: see serve , and cf. conserve, preserve, re- serve.] I. trans. 1. To regard with attention or careful scrutiny, as for the purpose of dis- covering and noting something; watch; take note of: as, to observe trifles with interest; to observe one's every movement. Remember that, as thine eye observes others, so art thou observed by angels and by men. Jer. Taylor. Changing shape To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded Upon her husband. Milton , P. L., x. 334. To observe is to look at a thing closely, to take careful note of its several parts or details. J. Sully , Outlines of Psychol., p. 208. Specifically-2. To subject to systematic in- spection and scrutiny for some scientific or prac- tical purpose: as, to observe natural phenom- ena for the purpose of ascertaining their laws; to observe meteorological indications for the purpose of forecasting the weather. See ob- servation , 3. I observed an admirable abundance of Butterflies in many places of Savoy. Coryat, Crudities, I. 86. He had seen her once, a moment's space, Observed she was so young and beautiful. We have, however, already observed upon a great draw- back which attends such benefits. Brougham . observer (ob-zėr'vėr), n . 1. One who observes or takes notice; a spectator or looker-on: as, a keen observer . He is a great observer , and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. But Church ill himself was no superficial observer . He knew exactly what his interest really was. Macaulay , Hist. Eng., vii. 2. One who is engaged in habitual or sys- tematic observation, as for scientific purposes; especially, one who is trained to make certain special observations with accuracy and under proper precautions: as, an astronomical ob- server; a corps of observers . An observer at any point of the earth, by noting the local time at his station when the moon has any given right ascension, can thence determine the corresponding mo- ment of Green wich time. Himself often read useful discourses to his servants on the Lord's day, of which he was always a very strict and solemn observer . Bp. Atterbury . He [Lord Dorset] was so strict an Observer of his Word that no Consideration whatever could make him break it. Prior, Poems, Ded. 4t. One who watches with a view to serve; an obsequious attendant or admirer; hence, a toady; a sycophant. He was a follower of Germanic us, And still is an observer of his wife And children, though they be declined in grace. There is some soul of goodne in things evil, Would men observingly distil it out. 2. Continuous or persevering effort supposed to be made by an evil spirit to obtain mastery of a person; the state or condition of a person so vexed or beset: distinguished from po es- sion , or control by a demon from within. Grave fathers, he 's po est; again, I say, Po est: nay, if there be po e ion and Obse ion, he has both. B. Jonson, Volpone, v. 8. And, when I want observers , I'll send for you. Fletcher, Wild goose Chase, ii. 2. [Irreg. obser- observicert (ob-zėr'vi-sėr), n . vance (confused with service ) + -er1.] A ser- vant; an observer (in sense 4). [Rare.] I am your humble observicer , and wish you all cumula- tions of prosperity. Shirley, Love Tricks, iii. 5. He wolde no swich cursedne e observe ; Evel shal have that evel wol deserve. Jack knew his friend, but hop'd in that disguise He might escape the most observing eyes. Cowper , Retirement, 1. 588. observingly (ob-zėr'ving-li), adv . In an ob- serving or attentive manner; attentively; care- fully. IMG:content-1594.png:[blocks in formation] obsignation see obsignate, obsign.] The act of sealing; ratification by sealing; confirmation. This is a sacrament, and not a sacrifice: for in this, using it as we should, we receive of God obsignation and full certificate of Christ's body broken for our sins, and his blood shed for our iniquities. J. Bradford , Works (Parker Soc., 1853), II. 289. obsignatorył (ob-sig'na-to-ri), a. [L. as if * obsign at or i us , obsign are , seal up: see obsig nate, obsign .] Ratifying; confirming by sealing; confirmatory. Obsignatory signs. Bp . Ward , in Parr's Letters of Usher, p. 441. obsolesce (ob-so-les'), v . i.; pret. and pp. obso lesced , ppr. obsolescing . [L. obsolescere , pp. obsoletus , wear out, fall into disuse, grow old, decay, inceptive of obsolere (rare), wear out, decay, appar. ob , before, + solere , be wont; or else obs- , a form of ob- , + olere , grow (cf. ado lescent).] To become obsolescent; fall into disuse. Intermediate between the English which I have been treating of and English of recent emergence stands that which is obsolescing. F. Hall , Mod. Eng., p. 266. obsolescence (ob-so-les'ens), n. [