from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Observe \Ob*serve"\ ([o^]b*z[~e]rv"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Observed} ([o^]b*z[~e]rvd"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Observing}.]
[L. observare, observatum; ob (see {Ob-}) + servare to save,
preserve, keep, heed, observe: cf. F. observer. See {Serve}.]
1. To take notice of by appropriate conduct; to conform one's
action or practice to; to keep; to heed; to obey; to
comply with; as, to observe rules or commands; to observe
civility.
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Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread.
--Ex. xii. 17.
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He wolde no such cursedness observe. --Chaucer.
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Must I budge? Must I observe you? --Shak.
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With solemn purpose to observe
Immutably his sovereign will. --Milton.
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2. To be on the watch respecting; to pay attention to; to
notice with care; to see; to perceive; to notice; to
discover; as, to observe an eclipse; to observe the color
or fashion of a dress; to observe the movements of an
army; to observe an accident.
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3. To express as what has been noticed; to utter as a remark;
to say in a casual or incidental way; to remark.
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