Part 442

Auc"tion (&?;), n. [L. auctio an increasing, a public sale, where the price was called out, and the article to be sold was adjudged to the last increaser of the price, or the highest bidder, fr. L. augere, auctum, to increase. See Augment.] 1. A public sale of property to the highest bidder, esp. by a person licensed and authorized for the purpose; a vendue.

2. The things sold by auction or put up to auction.

Ask you why Phryne the whole auction buys ? Pope.

In the United States, the more prevalent expression has been "sales at auction," that is, by an increase of bids (Lat. auctione). This latter form is preferable.

Dutch auction, the public offer of property at a price beyond its value, then gradually lowering the price, till some one accepts it as purchaser. P. Cyc.

Auc"tion, v. t. To sell by auction.

Auc"tion*a*ry (&?;), a. [L. auctionarius.] Of or pertaining to an auction or an auctioneer. [R.]

With auctionary hammer in thy hand. Dryden.

Auc`tion*eer" (&?;), n. A person who sells by auction; a person whose business it is to dispose of goods or lands by public sale to the highest or best bidder.

Auc`tion*eer", v. t. To sell by auction; to auction.

Estates . . . advertised and auctioneered away. Cowper.

Au`cu*pa"tion (&?;), n. [L. aucupatio, fr. auceps, contr. for aviceps; avis bird + capere to take.] Birdcatching; fowling. [Obs.] Blount.

Au*da"cious (&?;), a. [F. audacieux, as if fr. LL. audaciosus (not found), fr. L. audacia audacity, fr. audax, -acis, bold, fr. audere to dare.] 1. Daring; spirited; adventurous.

As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides Audacious. Milton.

2. Contemning the restraints of law, religion, or decorum; bold in wickedness; presumptuous; impudent; insolent. " Audacious traitor." Shak. " Such audacious neighborhood." Milton.

3. Committed with, or proceedings from, daring effrontery or contempt of law, morality, or decorum. "Audacious cruelty." "Audacious prate." Shak.

Au*da"cious*ly, adv. In an audacious manner; with excess of boldness; impudently.

Au*da"cious*ness, n. The quality of being audacious; impudence; audacity.

Au*dac"i*ty (&?;), n. 1. Daring spirit, resolution, or confidence; venturesomeness.

The freedom and audacity necessary in the commerce of men. Tatler.

2. Reckless daring; presumptuous impudence; -- implying a contempt of law or moral restraints.

With the most arrogant audacity. Joye.

Au`di*bil"i*ty (&?;), n. The quality of being audible; power of being heard; audible capacity.

Au"di*ble (&?;), a. [LL. audibilis, fr. L. audire, auditum, to hear: cf. Gr. &?; ear, L. auris, and E. ear.] Capable of being heard; loud enough to be heard; actually heard; as, an audible voice or whisper.

Au"di*ble, n. That which may be heard. [Obs.]

Visibles are swiftlier carried to the sense than audibles. Bacon.

Au"di*ble*ness, n. The quality of being audible.

Au"di*bly, adv. So as to be heard.