from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DEFINITION. An enumeration of the principal ideas of which a compound idea
is formed, to ascertain and explain its nature and character; or it is that
which denotes and points out the substance of a thing, to us. Ayliffe's
Pand. 59.
2. A definition ought to contain every idea which belongs to the thing
defined, and exclude all others.
3. A definition should be, 1st. Universal, that is, such that it will
apply equally to all individuals of, the same kind. 2d. Proper, that is,
such that it will not apply to any other individual of any other kind. 3d.
Clear, that is, without any equivocal, vague, or unknown word. 4th. Short,
that is, without any useless word, or any foreign to the idea intended to be
defined.
4. Definitions are always dangerous, because it is always difficult to
prevent their being inaccurate, or their becoming so; omnis definitio injure
civili periculosa est, parum est enim, ut non subvertipossit.
5. All ideas are not susceptible of definitions, and many words cannot
be defined. This inability is frequently supplied, in a considerable degree,
by descriptions. (q.v.)