Part 476

Con*quad"rate (?), v. t. [L. conquadratus, p. p. of conquadrare.] To bring into a square. [R.] Ash.

Con*quas"sate (?), v. t. [L. conquassatus, p. p. of conquassare.] To shake; to agitate. [Obs.] Harvey.

-- Con`quas*sa"tion (#), n. [Obs.]

Con"quer (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Conquered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Conquering.] [OF. conquerre, F. conquÚrir, fr. L. conquirere, - quisitum, to seek or search for, to bring together, LL., to conquer; con- + quaerere to seek. See Quest.] 1. To gain or acquire by force; to take possession of by violent means; to gain dominion over; to subdue by physical means; to reduce; to overcome by force of arms; to cause to yield; to vanquish. "If thou conquer Rome." Shak.

If we be conquer'd, let men conquer us. Shak.

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms. Pope.

2. To subdue or overcome by mental or moral power; to surmount; as, to conquer difficulties, temptation, etc.

By winning words to conquer hearts, And make persuasion do the work of fear. Milton.

3. To gain or obtain, overcoming obstacles in the way; to win; as, to conquer freedom; to conquer a peace.

Syn. -- To subdue; vanquish; overcome; overpower; overthrow; defeat; rout; discomfit; subjugate; reduce; humble; crush; surmount; subject; master. -- To Conquer, Vanquish, Subdue, Subjugate, Overcome. These words agree in the general idea expressed by overcome, -- that of bringing under one's power by the exertion of force. Conquer is wider and more general than vanquish, denoting usually a succession of conflicts. Vanquish is more individual, and refers usually to a single conflict. Thus, Alexander conquered Asia in a succession of battles, and vanquished Darius in one decisive engagement. Subdue implies a more gradual and continual pressure, but a surer and more final subjection. We speak of a nation as subdued when its spirit is at last broken, so that no further resistance is offered. Subjugate is to bring completely under the yoke of bondage. The ancient Gauls were never finally subdued by the Romans until they were completely subjugated. These words, when used figuratively, have correspondent meanings. We conquer our prejudices or aversions by a succesion of conflicts; but we sometimes vanquish our reluctance to duty by one decided effort: we endeavor to subdue our evil propensities by watchful and persevering exertions. Subjugate is more commonly taken in its primary meaning, and when used figuratively has generally a bad sense; as, his reason was completely subjugated to the sway of his passions.

Con"quer (?), v. i. To gain the victory; to overcome; to prevail.

He went forth conquering and to conquer. Rev. vi. 2.

The champions resolved to conquer or to die. Waller.

Con*quer*a*ble (?), a. Capable of being conquered or subdued. South.

-- Con"quer*a*ble*ness, n.

Con"quer*ess, n. A woman who conquers. Fairfax.

Con"quer*or (?), n. [OF. conquereor, fr. conquerre,] One who conquers.

The Conqueror (Eng. Hist.). William the Norman (1027-1067) who invaded England, defeated Harold in the battle of Hastings, and was crowned king, in 1066.

Con"quest (?), n. [OF. conquest, conqueste, F. conquŕte, LL. conquistum, conquista, prop. p. p. from L. conquirere. See Conquer.] 1. The act or process of conquering, or acquiring by force; the act of overcoming or subduing opposition by force, whether physical or moral; subjection; subjugation; victory.

In joys of conquest he resigns his breath. Addison.

Three years sufficed for the conquest of the country. Prescott.

2. That which is conquered; possession gained by force, physical or moral.

Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? Shak.

3. (Feudal Law) The acquiring of property by other means than by inheritance; acquisition. Blackstone.

4. The act of gaining or regaining by successful struggle; as, the conquest of liberty or peace.

The Conquest (Eng. Hist.), the subjugation of England by William of Normandy in 1066.

Syn. -- Victory; triumph; mastery; reduction; subjugation; subjection.

Con`san*guin"e*al (?), a. Of the same blood; related by birth. Sir T. Browne.