Part 427

Locke.

4. Estimation of difference; regard to differences or distinguishing circumstance.

Maids, women, wives, without distinction, fall.

Dryden.

5. Conspicuous station; eminence; superiority; honorable estimation; as, a man of distinction.

Your country's own means of distinction and defense.

D. Webster.

Syn. -- Difference; variation, variety; contrast; diversity; contrariety; disagreement; discrimination; preference; superiority; rank; note; eminence.

Dis*tinc"tive (?), a. [Cf. F. distinctif.] 1. Marking or expressing distinction or difference; distinguishing; characteristic; peculiar.

The distinctive character and institutions of New England.

Bancroft.

2. Having the power to distinguish and discern; discriminating. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

Dis*tinc"tive*ly, adv. With distinction; plainly.

Dis*tinc"tive*ness, n. State of being distinctive.

Dis*tinct"ly (?), adv. 1. With distinctness; not confusedly; without the blending of one part or thing another; clearly; plainly; as, to see distinctly.

2. With meaning; significantly. [Obs.]

Thou dost snore distinctly; There's meaning in thy snores.

Shak.

Syn. -- Separately; clearly; plainly; obviously.

Dis*tinct"ness, n. 1. The quality or state of being distinct; a separation or difference that prevents confusion of parts or things.

The soul's . . . distinctness from the body.

Cudworth.

2. Nice discrimination; hence, clearness; precision; as, he stated his arguments with great distinctness.

Syn. -- Plainness; clearness; precision; perspicuity.

Dis*tinc"ture (?), n. Distinctness. [R.]

Dis*tin"guish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Distinguished (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Distinguishing.] [F. distinguer, L. distinguere, distinctum; di- = dis- + stinguere to quench, extinguish; prob. orig., to prick, and so akin to G. stechen, E. stick, and perh. sting. Cf. Extinguish.] 1. Not set apart from others by visible marks; to make distinctive or discernible by exhibiting differences; to mark off by some characteristic.

Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by the charming features of her face.

Dryden.