from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Part \Part\ (p[aum]rt), n. [F. part, L. pars, gen. partis; cf.
parere to bring forth, produce. Cf. {Parent}, {Depart},
{Parcel}, {Partner}, {Party}, {Portion}.]
1. One of the portions, equal or unequal, into which anything
is divided, or regarded as divided; something less than a
{whole}; a number, quantity, mass, or the like, regarded
as going to make up, with others, a larger number,
quantity, mass, etc., whether actually separate or not; a
piece; a fragment; a fraction; a division; a member; a
constituent.
[1913 Webster]
And kept back part of the price, . . . and brought a
certain part and laid it at the apostles'feet.
--Acts v. 2.
[1913 Webster]
Our ideas of extension and number -- do they not
contain a secret relation of the parts ? --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
I am a part of all that I have met. --Tennyson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, specifically:
(a) An equal constituent portion; one of several or many
like quantities, numbers, etc., into which anything is
divided, or of which it is composed; proportional
division or ingredient.
[1913 Webster]
An homer is the tenth part of an ephah. --Ex.
xvi. 36.
[1913 Webster]
A thought which, quartered, hath but one part
wisdom,
And ever three parts coward. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
(b) A constituent portion of a living or spiritual whole;
a member; an organ; an essential element.
[1913 Webster]
All the parts were formed . . . into one
harmonious body. --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
The pulse, the glow of every part. --Keble.
[1913 Webster]
(c) A constituent of character or capacity; quality;
faculty; talent; -- usually in the plural with a
collective sense. "Men of considerable parts."
--Burke. "Great quickness of parts." --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Which maintained so politic a state of evil,
that they will not admit any good part to
intermingle with them. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
(d) Quarter; region; district; -- usually in the plural.
"The uttermost part of the heaven." --Neh. i. 9.
[1913 Webster]
All parts resound with tumults, plaints, and
fears. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
(e) (Math.) Such portion of any quantity, as when taken a
certain number of times, will exactly make that
quantity; as, 3 is a part of 12; -- the opposite of
{multiple}. Also, a line or other element of a
geometrical figure.
[1913 Webster]
3. That which belongs to one, or which is assumed by one, or
which falls to one, in a division or apportionment; share;
portion; lot; interest; concern; duty; office.
[1913 Webster]
We have no part in David. --2 Sam. xx.
1.
[1913 Webster]
Accuse not Nature! she hath done her part;
Do thou but thine. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Let me bear
My part of danger with an equal share. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
4. Hence, specifically:
(a) One of the opposing parties or sides in a conflict or
a controversy; a faction.
[1913 Webster]
For he that is not against us is on our part.
--Mark ix. 40.
[1913 Webster]
Make whole kingdoms take her brother's part.
--Waller.
[1913 Webster]
(b) A particular character in a drama or a play; an
assumed personification; also, the language, actions,
and influence of a character or an actor in a play;
or, figuratively, in real life; as, to play the part
of Macbeth. See {To act a part}, under {Act}.
[1913 Webster]
That part
Was aptly fitted and naturally performed.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a
calf. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Honor and shame from no condition rise;
Act well your part, there all the honor lies.
--Pope.
[1913 Webster]
(c) (Mus.) One of the different melodies of a concerted
composition, which heard in union compose its harmony;
also, the music for each voice or instrument; as, the
treble, tenor, or bass part; the violin part, etc.
[1913 Webster]
{For my part}, so far as concerns me; for my share.
{For the most part}. See under {Most}, a.
{In good part}, as well done; favorably; acceptably; in a
friendly manner; as, to take an act in good part.
--Hooker.
{In ill part}, unfavorably; with displeasure.
{In part}, in some degree; partly.
{Part and parcel}, an essential or constituent portion; -- a
reduplicative phrase. Cf. {might and main}, {kith and
kin}, etc. "She was . . . part and parcel of the race and
place." --Howitt.
{Part of speech} (Gram.), a sort or class of words of a
particular character; thus, the noun is a part of speech
denoting the name of a thing; the verb is a part of speech
which asserts something of the subject of a sentence.
{Part owner} (Law), one of several owners or tenants in
common. See {Joint tenant}, under {Joint}.
{Part singing}, singing in which two or more of the harmonic
parts are taken.
{Part song}, a song in two or more (commonly four) distinct
vocal parts. "A part song differs from a madrigal in its
exclusion of contrapuntual devices; from a glee, in its
being sung by many voices, instead of by one only, to each
part." --Stainer & Barrett.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Portion; section; division; fraction; fragment; piece;
share; constituent. See {Portion}, and {Section}.
[1913 Webster]