age of consent

age of consent
    n 1: the minimum age for marrying without parental consent or
         the minimum age for consensual sexual relations;
         intercourse at an earlier age can result in a charge of
         assault or statutory rape; the age differs in different
         states of the Union
    

Consent \Con*sent"\, n. [Cf. OF. consent.]
   1. Agreement in opinion or sentiment; the being of one mind;
      accord.
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            All with one consent began to make excuse. --Luke
                                                  xiv. 18.
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            They fell together all, as by consent. --Shak.
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   2. Correspondence in parts, qualities, or operations;
      agreement; harmony; coherence.
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            The melodious consent of the birds.   --Holland.
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            Such is the world's great harmony that springs
            From union, order, full consent of things. --Pope.
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   3. Voluntary accordance with, or concurrence in, what is done
      or proposed by another; acquiescence; compliance;
      approval; permission.
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            Thou wert possessed of David's throne
            By free consent of all.               --Milton.
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   4. (Law) Capable, deliberate, and voluntary assent or
      agreement to, or concurrence in, some act or purpose,
      implying physical and mental power and free action.
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   5. (Physiol.) Sympathy. See {Sympathy}, 4.

   Syn: Assent; acquiescence; concurrence; agreement; approval;
        permission. See {Assent}.
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   {Age of consent} (Law), an age, fixed by statute and varying
      in different jurisdictions, at which one is competent to
      give consent. Sexual intercourse with a female child under
      the age of consent is punishable as rape.
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