Action

(ak's hun.) [From L. ago, I act.] (Mech. and Physics.) The pre ure or percu ion of one body against another. It is one of the laws of nature that action and re-action are equal: that is, the resistance of the body moved is always equal to the force communicated by it; or, which is the same thing, the moving body loses as much of its force as it communicates to the body moved.-(Physiol.) The motions or functions of the body-vital, animal, and natural.-(Mil.) An engagement between two armies, or between different bod'es of troops belonging to them. (Fine Arts.) The attitude or position of the several parts of the body, by which they seem to be actuated by the pa ions.(Rhel.) The accommodation of the orator's voice, but more especially of his gesture, to the subject on which he speaks. (Lit.) An event, either real or imaginary, forming the subject of an epic poem, play, .-(Com.) In France, a share in the capital stock of a joint-stock company, equivalent to our term share and consequently, in a more general sense, to stocks.-(Law.) The formal demand of one's right from another person or party, made and insisted on in a court of justice. [s. 7]