from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Perform \Per*form"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Performed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Performing}.] [OE. performen, parfourmen, parfournen,
OF. parfornir, parfournir, to finish, complete; OF. & F. par
(see {Par}) + fournir to finish, complete. The word has been
influenced by form; cf. L. performare to form thoroughly. See
{Furnish}.]
1. To carry through; to bring to completion; to achieve; to
accomplish; to execute; to do.
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I will cry unto God most high, unto God that
performeth all things for me. --Ps. lvii. 2.
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Great force to perform what they did attempt. --Sir
P. Sidney.
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2. To discharge; to fulfill; to act up to; as, to perform a
duty; to perform a promise or a vow.
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To perform your father's will. --Shak.
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3. To represent; to act; to play; as in drama.
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Perform a part thou hast not done before. --Shak.
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Syn: To accomplish; do; act; transact; achieve; execute;
discharge; fulfill; effect; complete; consummate. See
{Accomplish}.
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