General

1. Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
2. Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
3. Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
4. The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular.
5. The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
6. As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
7. Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
8. Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
9. The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
10. One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
11. Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
12. The public; the people; the vulgar.