from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sever \Sev"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Severed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Severing}.] [OF. sevrer, severer, to separate, F. sevrer to
wean, fr. L. separare. See {Separate}, and cf. {Several}.]
1. To separate, as one from another; to cut off from
something; to divide; to part in any way, especially by
violence, as by cutting, rending, etc.; as, to sever the
head from the body.
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The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked
from among the just. --Matt. xiii.
49.
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2. To cut or break open or apart; to divide into parts; to
cut through; to disjoin; as, to sever the arm or leg.
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Our state can not be severed; we are one. --Milton.
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3. To keep distinct or apart; to except; to exempt.
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I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in
which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall
be there. --Ex. viii.
22.
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4. (Law) To disunite; to disconnect; to terminate; as, to
sever an estate in joint tenancy. --Blackstone.
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