from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mere \Mere\ (m[=e]r), a. [Superl. {Merest}. The comparative is
rarely or never used.] [L. merus.]
1. Unmixed; pure; entire; absolute; unqualified.
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Then entered they the mere, main sea. --Chapman.
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The sorrows of this world would be mere and unmixed.
--Jer. Taylor.
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2. Only this, and nothing else; such, and no more; simple;
bare; as, a mere boy; a mere form.
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From mere success nothing can be concluded in favor
of any nation. --Atterbury.
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