from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Net \Net\ (n[e^]t), n. [AS. net; akin to D. net, OS. net, netti,
OHG. nezzi, G. netz, Icel. & Dan. net, Sw. n[aum]t, Goth.
nati; of uncertain origin.]
1. A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven
into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds,
butterflies, etc.
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2. Anything designed or fitted to entrap or catch; a snare;
any device for catching and holding.
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A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net
for his feet. --Prov. xxix.
5.
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In the church's net there are fishes good or bad.
--Jer. Taylor.
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3. Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the
hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
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4. (Geom.) A figure made up of a large number of straight
lines or curves, which are connected at certain points and
related to each other by some specified law.
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5. A network. [informal]
[PJC]
6. Specifically: The internet; -- usually {the net}; as, I
found it on the net. [slang]
[PJC]