Word Definition

Line

  1. To mark with a line or lines; to cover with lines; as, to line a copy book.
  2. A circle of latitude or of longitude, as represented on a map.
  3. The longer and finer fiber of flax.
  4. A long tape, or a narrow ribbon of steel, etc., marked with subdivisions, as feet and inches, for measuring; a tapeline.
  5. Dispositions made to cover extended positions, and presenting a front in but one direction to an enemy.
  6. A series of various qualities and values of the same general class of articles; as, a full line of hosiery; a line of merinos, etc.
  7. To cover the inner surface of; as, to line a cloak with silk or fur; to line a box with paper or tin.
  8. Direction; as, the line of sight or vision.
  9. To impregnate; -- applied to brute animals.
  10. A row of men who are abreast of one another, whether side by side or some distance apart; -- opposed to column.
  11. Form of a vessel as shown by the outlines of vertical, horizontal, and oblique sections.
  12. One of the straight horizontal and parallel prolonged strokes on and between which the notes are placed.
  13. A linen thread or string; a slender, strong cord; also, a cord of any thickness; a rope; a hawser; as, a fishing line; a line for snaring birds; a clothesline; a towline.
  14. A straight row; a continued series or rank; as, a line of houses, or of soldiers; a line of barriers.
  15. To place persons or things along the side of for security or defense; to strengthen by adding anything; to fortify; as, to line works with soldiers.
  16. The track and roadbed of a railway; railroad.
  17. A more or less threadlike mark of pen, pencil, or graver; any long mark; as, a chalk line.
  18. A series or succession of ancestors or descendants of a given person; a family or race; as, the ascending or descending line; the line of descent; the male line; a line of kings.
  19. A row of letters, words, etc., written or printed; esp., a row of words extending across a page or column.
  20. To put something in the inside of; to fill; to supply, as a purse with money.
  21. The course followed by anything in motion; hence, a road or route; as, the arrow descended in a curved line; the place is remote from lines of travel.
  22. Course of conduct, thought, occupation, or policy; method of argument; department of industry, trade, or intellectual activity.
  23. The exterior limit of a figure, plat, or territory; boundary; contour; outline.
  24. A measure of length; one twelfth of an inch.
  25. A measuring line or cord.
  26. Lineament; feature; figure.
  27. The equator; -- usually called the line, or equinoctial line; as, to cross the line.
  28. To represent by lines; to delineate; to portray.
  29. To form into a line; to align; as, to line troops.
  30. Instruction; doctrine.
  31. To read or repeat line by line; as, to line out a hymn.
  32. The proper relative position or adjustment of parts, not as to design or proportion, but with reference to smooth working; as, the engine is in line or out of line.
  33. A trench or rampart.
  34. Flax; linen.
  35. The regular infantry of an army, as distinguished from militia, guards, volunteer corps, cavalry, artillery, etc.
  36. The reins with which a horse is guided by his driver.
  37. A threadlike crease marking the face or the hand; hence, characteristic mark.
  38. A connected series of public conveyances, and hence, an established arrangement for forwarding merchandise, etc.; as, a line of stages; an express line.
  39. A verse, or the words which form a certain number of feet, according to the measure.
  40. That which has length, but not breadth or thickness.
  41. The wire connecting one telegraphic station with another, or the whole of a system of telegraph wires under one management and name.
  42. A number of shares taken by a jobber.
  43. That which was measured by a line, as a field or any piece of land set apart; hence, allotted place of abode.
  44. A short letter; a note; as, a line from a friend.