confinement (konfinment)

[F. confine ment, etc.; as confine + -ment.] 1. The state of being confined; restraint within limits; any restraint of liberty by force or other obstacle or nece ity; hence, imprisonment. Under confinement in the Tower. Strype , Memorials, Edw. VI., an. 1550. The mind hates restraint, and is apt to fancy itself under confinement when the sight is pent up. Add is on . 2. Restraint from going abroad by sickne , specifically by childbirth; the lying-in of a woman: as, her approaching confinement . = Syn. Imprisonment , etc. See captivity. confiner (kon-fi'ner), n. 1. [ on the confines or near the border of a country; a neighbor. The senate hath stirr'd up the confiners , And gentlemen of Italy. Shak ., Cymbeline, iv. 2. Though gladne and grief be opposite in nature, they are neighbours and confiners in art. Sir H. Wotton . confinityt (kon-fin'i-ti), n. [F.conf in ité = Pr. conf in it at = Sp. conf in i dad = Pg. confinidade , conf in it a (t-)s, conf in is , contiguous: see confine , a .] Nearne of place. Bailey . confirm (kon-ferm'), v . t . [Early mod. E. also conferm ; confer men , OF.confermer , mod. F. confirmer (after L.) Pr . confer mar = Sp. Pg . confirmar = It. confer mare , confirm are , make firm, strengthen, establish, firm are , make firm, firm us , firm: see firm .] 1. To make firm, or more firm; add strength to; strengthen: as, one's resolution is = IMG:content-1035.png:[blocks in formation] =Syn. Bounds , Border , etc. See boundary . Rubb the neck well with a linnen napking somewhat course, for these things doe confirme the whole body; it maketh the mind more cheerefull, and conserueth the sight. Babees Book (E. E. T. S.), p. 255. This child of the mind is confirmed , and gains strength by consent and habit. Bacon , Fable of Dionysius. One of those few sounds that, instead of disturbing solitude, only deepen and confirm it. Lowell, Fireside Travels, p. 112. 2. To settle or establish; render fixed or secure. I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments. 1 Mac. xi. 57. Confirm the crown to me, and to mine heirs, And thou shalt reign in quiet while thou liv'st. Shak ., 3 Hen. VI., i. 1. 3. To make certain or sure; give new a urance of truth or certainty to; put past doubt; verify.