from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Property \Prop"er*ty\, n.; pl. {Properties}. [OE. proprete, OF.
propret['e] property, F. propret['e] neatness, cleanliness,
propri['e]t['e] property, fr. L. proprietas. See {Proper},
a., and cf. {Propriety}.]
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1. That which is proper to anything; a peculiar quality of a
thing; that which is inherent in a subject, or naturally
essential to it; an attribute; as, sweetness is a property
of sugar.
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Property is correctly a synonym for peculiar
quality; but it is frequently used as coextensive
with quality in general. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
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Note: In physical science, the properties of matter are
distinguished to the three following classes: 1.
Physical properties, or those which result from the
relations of bodies to the physical agents, light,
heat, electricity, gravitation, cohesion, adhesion,
etc., and which are exhibited without a change in the
composition or kind of matter acted on. They are color,
luster, opacity, transparency, hardness, sonorousness,
density, crystalline form, solubility, capability of
osmotic diffusion, vaporization, boiling, fusion, etc.
2. Chemical properties, or those which are conditioned
by affinity and composition; thus, combustion,
explosion, and certain solutions are reactions
occasioned by chemical properties. Chemical properties
are identical when there is identity of composition and
structure, and change according as the composition
changes. 3. Organoleptic properties, or those forming a
class which can not be included in either of the other
two divisions. They manifest themselves in the contact
of substances with the organs of taste, touch, and
smell, or otherwise affect the living organism, as in
the manner of medicines and poisons.
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2. An acquired or artificial quality; that which is given by
art, or bestowed by man; as, the poem has the properties
which constitute excellence.
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3. The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying, and disposing
of a thing; ownership; title.
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Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood. --Shak.
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Shall man assume a property in man? --Wordsworth.
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4. That to which a person has a legal title, whether in his
possession or not; thing owned; an estate, whether in
lands, goods, or money; as, a man of large property, or
small property.
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5. pl. All the adjuncts of a play except the scenery and the
dresses of the actors; stage requisites.
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I will draw a bill of properties. --Shak.
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6. Propriety; correctness. [Obs.] --Camden.
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{Literary property}. (Law) See under {Literary}.
{Property man}, one who has charge of the "properties" of a
theater.
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