from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Damp \Damp\ (d[a^]mp), n. [Akin to LG., D., & Dan. damp vapor,
steam, fog, G. dampf, Icel. dampi, Sw. damb dust, and to MNG.
dimpfen to smoke, imp. dampf.]
1. Moisture; humidity; fog; fogginess; vapor.
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Night . . . with black air
Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom.
--Milton.
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2. Dejection; depression; cloud of the mind.
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Even now, while thus I stand blest in thy presence,
A secret damp of grief comes o'er my soul.
--Addison.
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It must have thrown a damp over your autumn
excursion. --J. D.
Forbes.
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3. (Mining) A gaseous product, formed in coal mines, old
wells, pints, etc.
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{Choke damp}, a damp consisting principally of carbonic acid
gas; -- so called from its extinguishing flame and animal
life. See {Carbonic acid}, under {Carbonic}.
{Damp sheet}, a curtain in a mine gallery to direct air
currents and prevent accumulation of gas.
{Fire damp}, a damp consisting chiefly of light carbureted
hydrogen; -- so called from its tendence to explode when
mixed with atmospheric air and brought into contact with
flame.
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