01 n. A space of forty days; -- used of Lent.
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1.
A space of forty days; -- used of Lent.
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2.
Specifically, the term, originally of forty days, during which a ship arriving in port, and suspected of being infected a malignant contagious disease, is obliged to forbear all intercourse with the shore; hence, such restraint or inhibition of intercourse; also, the place where infected or prohibited vessels are stationed.
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3.
The period of forty days during which the widow had the privilege of remaining in the mansion house of which her husband died seized.(Eng. Law)
Phrases & compounds
Quarantine flag —
a yellow flag hoisted at the fore of a vessel or hung from a building, to give warning of an infectious disease; -- called also the yellow jack, and yellow flag.