from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Net \Net\, a. [F. See {Neat} clean.]
1. Without spot; pure; shining. [Obs.]
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Her breast all naked as net ivory. --Spenser.
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2. Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated;
neat; as, net wine, etc. [R.]
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3. Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter,
as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges,
deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight,
etc. [Less properly written {nett}.]
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{Net tonnage} (Naut.), the tonnage of a vessel after a
deduction from the gross tonnage has been made, to allow
space for crew, machinery, etc.
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