dirhem

See derham. Dirichlet's principle. See principle. diriget, n. A Middle English form of dirge. dirigent (dir'i-jent), a. and n. [F. dirige ant = Sp. Pg. It. dirigente, rest. II. n. In geom ., the line of motion along which the describent line or surface is carried in the generation of any plane or solid figure; the directrix. dirigible (dir'i-ji-bl), a . [L. as if * dirigibilis , dirigere , direct: see direct .] That may be - Diriment impediments of marriage, in the Rom, Cath. Ch., such impediments as render marriage null and void from the very beginning, as consanguinity, affinity, certain crimes, etc. Bishops may often dispense from certain diriment impediments as apostolic delegates. Cath. Dict., p. 436. dirk1 (dèrk), n . [Formerly also durk ; duire , a dirk, poniard.] A stabbing weapon; a dagger. Especially- (a) The long and heavy dagger worn as a part of the equipment of the duniwa al, or gentleman, among the Celtic Highlanders of Scotland. It had different forms at different times. The more modern style has a scabbard with one or two minor sheaths in it for small knives. only mode and form which ... He took the engagement in the he considered as binding-he swore secrecy upon his drawn dirk . Scott, Waverley, lxv. (b) The common side-arm of a midshipman in the British naval service. It is usually straight, but is sometimes a very short, curved cutlas. dirk1 (dérk), v. t. [ I thought of the Ruthvens that were dirked in their ain house, for it may be as small a forfeit. Scott , Fortunes of Nigel, iii. And dirked his foe with his own hand. The Century, XXVII. 329. IMG:content-2724.png:[blocks in formation]