Single whip

Single \Sin"gle\, a. [L. singulus, a dim. from the root in
   simplex simple; cf. OE. & OF. sengle, fr. L. singulus. See
   {Simple}, and cf. {Singular}.]
   1. One only, as distinguished from more than one; consisting
      of one alone; individual; separate; as, a single star.
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            No single man is born with a right of controlling
            the opinions of all the rest.         --Pope.
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   2. Alone; having no companion.
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            Who single hast maintained,
            Against revolted multitudes, the cause
            Of truth.                             --Milton.
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   3. Hence, unmarried; as, a single man or woman.
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            Grows, lives, and dies in single blessedness.
                                                  --Shak.
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            Single chose to live, and shunned to wed. --Dryden.
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   4. Not doubled, twisted together, or combined with others;
      as, a single thread; a single strand of a rope.
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   5. Performed by one person, or one on each side; as, a single
      combat.
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            These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant, . . .
            Who now defles thee thrice ti single fight.
                                                  --Milton.
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   6. Uncompounded; pure; unmixed.
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            Simple ideas are opposed to complex, and single to
            compound.                             --I. Watts.
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   7. Not deceitful or artful; honest; sincere.
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            I speak it with a single heart.       --Shak.
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   8. Simple; not wise; weak; silly. [Obs.]
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            He utters such single matter in so infantly a voice.
                                                  --Beau. & Fl.
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   {Single ale}, {Single beer}, or {Single drink}, small ale,
      etc., as contrasted with {double ale}, etc., which is
      stronger. [Obs.] --Nares.

   {Single bill} (Law), a written engagement, generally under
      seal, for the payment of money, without a penalty.
      --Burril.

   {Single court} (Lawn Tennis), a court laid out for only two
      players.

   {Single-cut file}. See the Note under 4th {File}.

   {Single entry}. See under {Bookkeeping}.

   {Single file}. See under 1st {File}.

   {Single flower} (Bot.), a flower with but one set of petals,
      as a wild rose.

   {Single knot}. See Illust. under {Knot}.

   {Single whip} (Naut.), a single rope running through a fixed
      block.
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