from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Consistence \Con*sist"ence\, Consistency \Con*sist"en*cy\, n.
[Cf. F. consistance.]
1. The condition of standing or adhering together, or being
fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence;
firmness; coherence; solidity.
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Water, being divided, maketh many circles, till it
restore itself to the natural consistence. --Bacon.
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We are as water, weak, and of no consistence. --Jer.
Taylor.
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The same form, substance, and consistency. --T.
Burnet.
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2. A degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or spissitude; a
measure of the ability to hold together when manipulated.
Syn: body.
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Let the expressed juices be boiled into the
consistence of a sirup. --Arbuthnot.
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3. That which stands together as a united whole; a
combination.
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The church of God, as meaning the whole consistence
of orders and members. --Milton.
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4. Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality;
durability; persistency.
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His friendship is of a noble make and a lasting
consistency. --South.
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5. Agreement or harmony of all parts of a complex thing among
themselves, or of the same thing with itself at different
times; the harmony of conduct with profession; congruity;
correspondence; as, the consistency of laws, regulations,
or judicial decisions; consistency of opinions;
consistency of conduct or of character.
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That consistency of behavior whereby he inflexibly
pursues those measures which appear the most just.
--Addison.
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Consistency, thou art a jewel. --Popular
Saying.
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