01 n. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a differenc…
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1.
The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?“Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.” — 1 Cor. xii. 5.
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2.
Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.“What was the difference? It was a contention in public.” — Shak.“Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could.” — T. Ellwood.
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3.
That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.“The marks and differences of sovereignty.” — Davies.
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4.
Choice; preference.[Obs.]“That now he chooseth with vile difference To be a beast, and lack intelligence.” — Spenser.
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5.
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.(Her.) See: Augmentation, Cadency
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6.
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.(Logic)
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7.
The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.(Math.)
Phrases & compounds
Ascensional difference —
See under Ascensional.