Sharp, Works, I

vii. It is precisely these impulses and emotions which are so hard to control that give dignity and worth to life. J. R. Seeley, Nat. Religion, p. 141. 2. With strict conformity to rule; punctiliously; nicely; with over-scrupulous exactne in ceremony or behavior. Some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on the event. Shak ., Hamlet, iv. 4. 41. precisene (prē-sīs'nes), n . The character of being precise; exactne ; precision; particularity; punctiliousne ; scrupulousne ; primne ; squeamishne . But they thinke this precis enes in reformation of apparell not to be so mater i all, or greatly pertinent. IMG:content-0825.png:[blocks in formation] He is no precisian in attire. R. L. Stevens on , Inland Voyage, Epil. precisianism (prē-sizh'an-izm), n. [ precisian + -ism .] The quality or state of being a precisian; the doctrine or conduct of precisians. It is precisianism to alter that With austere judgment that is given by nature. B. Jonson , Case is Altered, ii. 3. precisianist (prē-sizh'an-ist), n . [ precisian + -ist .] One who adheres strictly to any doctrine, practice, or rule of conduct; a precisian. Of course there are yet some precisianists that will not have it so; but the school is practically dead and buried. N. and Q., 6th ser., XI. 362. precision (pre-sizh'on), n . [ = F. précision = Sp. Sp . precision- precision = Pg. precis i It. precis i one , præcisio ( n- ), a cutting off, a cut, ML. precision, præcidere , pp. præcis us , cut off: see pre cise.] 1. The quality or state of being precise, exact, or definite as to form or meaning; distinctne ; accuracy. What Lord Bacon blames in the schoolmen of his time is this, that they reasoned syllogistically on words which had not been defined with precision .