Part 176

7. (Mus.) (a) The interval between any tone and the tone which is represented on the degree of the staff next above it. (b) The second part in a concerted piece; -- often popularly applied to the alto.

Second hand, the hand which marks the seconds on the dial of a watch or a clock.

Sec"ond, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Seconded; p. pr. & vb. n. Seconding.] [Cf. F. seconder, L. secundare, from secundus. See Second, a.] 1. To follow in the next place; to succeed; to alternate. [R.]

In the method of nature, a low valley is immediately seconded with an ambitious hill.

Fuller.

Sin is seconded with sin.

South.

2. To follow or attend for the purpose of assisting; to support; to back; to act as the second of; to assist; to forward; to encourage.

We have supplies to second our attempt.

Shak.

In human works though labored on with pain, A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain; In God's, one single can its end produce, Yet serves to second too some other use.

Pope.

3. Specifically, to support, as a motion or proposal, by adding one's voice to that of the mover or proposer.

Sec"ond*a*ri*ly (?), adv. 1. In a secondary manner or degree.

2. Secondly; in the second place. [Obs.]

God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers.

1 Cor. xii. 28.

Sec"ond*a*ri*ness, n. The state of being secondary.

Full of a girl's sweet sense of secondariness to the object of her love.

Mrs. Oliphant.

Sec"ond*a*ry (?), a. [Cf. F. secondaire, L. secundaire. See Second, a.] 1. Succeeding next in order to the first; of second place, origin, rank, etc.; not primary; subordinate; not of the first order or rate.

Wheresoever there is moral right on the one hand, no secondary right can discharge it.

L'Estrange.

Two are the radical differences; the secondary differences are as four.

Bacon.

2. Acting by deputation or delegated authority; as, the work of secondary hands.

3. (Chem.) Possessing some quality, or having been subject to some operation (as substitution), in the second degree; as, a secondary salt, a secondary amine, etc. Cf. primary.

4. (Min.) Subsequent in origin; -- said of minerals produced by alteration or deposition subsequent to the formation of the original rock mass; also of characters of minerals (as secondary cleavage, etc.) developed by pressure or other causes.