Part 446

Its seven colors, that diversify all the face of nature.

I. Taylor.

Di`ver*sil"o*quent (?), a. [L. diversus diverse + loquens, p. pr. of loqui to speak.] Speaking in different ways. [R.]

Di*ver"sion (?), n. [Cf. F. diversion. See Divert.] 1. The act of turning aside from any course, occupation, or object; as, the diversion of a stream from its channel; diversion of the mind from business.

2. That which diverts; that which turns or draws the mind from care or study, and thus relaxes and amuses; sport; play; pastime; as, the diversions of youth. "Public diversions." V. Knox.

Such productions of wit and humor as expose vice and folly, furnish useful diversion to readers.

Addison.

3. (Mil.) The act of drawing the attention and force of an enemy from the point where the principal attack is to be made; the attack, alarm, or feint which diverts.

Syn. -- Amusement; entertainment; pastime; recreation; sport; game; play; solace; merriment.

Di*ver"si*ty (?), n.; pl. Diversities (#). [F. diversité, L. diversitas, fr. diversus. See Diverse.] 1. A state of difference; dissimilitude; unlikeness.

They will prove opposite; and not resting in a bare diversity, rise into a contrariety.

South.

2. Multiplicity of difference; multiformity; variety. "Diversity of sounds." Shak. "Diversities of opinion." Secker.

3. Variegation. "Bright diversities of day." Pope.

Syn. -- See Variety.

Di`ver*siv"o*lent (?), a. [L. diversus diverse + volens, -entis, p. pr. of velle to wish.] Desiring different things. [Obs.] Webster (White Devil).

Di*ver"so*ry (?), a. Serving or tending to divert; also, distinguishing. [Obs.]

Di*ver"so*ry, n. [L. diversorium, deversorium, an inn or lodging.] A wayside inn. [Obs. or R.] Chapman.

Di*vert" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diverted; p. pr. & vb. n. Diverting.] [F. divertir, fr. L. divertere, diversum, to go different ways, turn aside; di- = dis- + vertere to turn. See Verse, and cf. Divorce.] 1. To turn aside; to turn off from any course or intended application; to deflect; as, to divert a river from its channel; to divert commerce from its usual course.

That crude apple that diverted Eve.

Milton.

2. To turn away from any occupation, business, or study; to cause to have lively and agreeable sensations; to amuse; to entertain; as, children are diverted with sports; men are diverted with works of wit and humor.

We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.

C. J. Smith.

Syn. -- To please; gratify; amuse; entertain; exhilarate; delight; recreate. See Amuse.

Di*vert", v. i. To turn aside; to digress. [Obs.]

I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces.

Evelyn.