Grotto

Grot, grot grot', -to,s s. natural a cavern or in artificial the earth, (Fr. whether and It. from Gr. krypto, tohide). formed; of heterogeneous parts; fantastic; absurd: s. a whimsically designed ornamentation composed of figures of plants and animals of fanciful invention, ancient Roman grottos having been so ornamented; whimsical scenery or figures; artificial grotto-work. Grotesquely, gro-tesk'-le, ad. in a grotesque manner. Grotesquene , gro-tesk'-nes, s. grotto. land; the surface of a floor or pavement; foundation;; cause or reason; first principle; that which is first put on the surface on which a figure or object is represented [Paint.]; the principal colour, to which others are considered as ornamental [Manufacture]; composition spread over the surface of the metal to be etched [Etching); field or place of action; the name given to a composition in which the base, consisting of a few bars of independent notes, is continually repeated to a continually varying melody [Mus.]: v.a. to lay or set on the ground; to base; to instruct in first principles; to run aground: v.n. to run aground: a. on the ground; radical; fundamental. To break ground, to be the first to open up. To gain ground, to advance; Vance; to proceed forward; to gain credit; to prevail. To lose ground, to retire; to retreat; to lose credit; to decline. To give ground