Point of distance

Distance \Dis"tance\, n. [F. distance, L. distantia.]
   1. The space between two objects; the length of a line,
      especially the shortest line joining two points or things
      that are separate; measure of separation in place.
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            Every particle attracts every other with a force . .
            . inversely proportioned to the square of the
            distance.                             --Sir I.
                                                  Newton.
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   2. Remoteness of place; a remote place.
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            Easily managed from a distance.       --W. Irving.
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            'T is distance lends enchantment to the view. --T.
                                                  Campbell.
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            [He] waits at distance till he hears from Cato.
                                                  --Addison.
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   3. (Racing) A space marked out in the last part of a race
      course.
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            The horse that ran the whole field out of distance.
                                                  --L'Estrange.
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   Note: In trotting matches under the rules of the American
         Association, the distance varies with the conditions of
         the race, being 80 yards in races of mile heats, best
         two in three, and 150 yards in races of two-mile heats.
         At that distance from the winning post is placed the
         distance post. If any horse has not reached this
         distance post before the first horse in that heat has
         reached the winning post, such horse is distanced, and
         disqualified for running again during that race.
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   4. (Mil.) Relative space, between troops in ranks, measured
      from front to rear; -- contrasted with {interval}, which
      is measured from right to left. "Distance between
      companies in close column is twelve yards." --Farrow.
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   5. Space between two antagonists in fencing. --Shak.
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   6. (Painting) The part of a picture which contains the
      representation of those objects which are the farthest
      away, esp. in a landscape.
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   Note: In a picture, the

   {Middle distance} is the central portion between the
      foreground and the distance or the extreme distance. In a
      perspective drawing, the

   {Point of distance} is the point where the visual rays meet.
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   7. Ideal disjunction; discrepancy; contrariety. --Locke.
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   8. Length or interval of time; period, past or future,
      between two eras or events.
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            Ten years' distance between one and the other.
                                                  --Prior.
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            The writings of Euclid at the distance of two
            thousand years.                       --Playfair.
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   9. The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence,
      respect; ceremoniousness.
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            I hope your modesty
            Will know what distance to the crown is due.
                                                  --Dryden.
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            'T is by respect and distance that authority is
            upheld.                               --Atterbury.
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   10. A withholding of intimacy; alienation; coldness;
       disagreement; variance; restraint; reserve.
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             Setting them [factions] at distance, or at least
             distrust amongst themselves.         --Bacon.
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             On the part of Heaven,
             Now alienated, distance and distaste. --Milton.
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   11. Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance
       between a descendant and his ancestor.
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   12. (Mus.) The interval between two notes; as, the distance
       of a fourth or seventh.
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   {Angular distance}, the distance made at the eye by lines
      drawn from the eye to two objects.

   {Lunar distance}. See under {Lunar}.

   {North polar distance} (Astron.), the distance on the heavens
      of a heavenly body from the north pole. It is the
      complement of the declination.

   {Zenith distance} (Astron.), the arc on the heavens from a
      heavenly body to the zenith of the observer. It is the
      complement of the altitude.

   {To keep one's distance}, to stand aloof; to refrain from
      familiarity.
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            If a man makes me keep my distance, the comfort is
            he keeps his at the same time.        --Swift.
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