The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Study \Stud"y\, n.; pl. Studies. [OE. studie, L. studium, akin
to studere to study; possibly akin to Gr. ? haste, zeal, ? to
hasten; cf. OF. estudie, estude, F. ['e]tude. Cf. Etude,
Student, Studio, Study, v. i.]
1. A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence,
application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any
subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.
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Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in
study. --Bp. Fell.
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Study gives strength to the mind; conversation,
grace. --Sir W.
Temple.
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2. Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention;
meditation; contemplation.
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Just men they seemed, and all their study bent
To worship God aright, and know his works. --Milton.
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3. Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any
object of attentive consideration.
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The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament,
are her daily study. --Law.
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The proper study of mankind is man. --Pope.
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4. A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary
work. "His cheery little study." --Hawthorne.
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5. (Fine Arts) A representation or rendering of any object or
scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of
art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance
of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a
figure picture.
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6. (Mus.) A piece for special practice. See Etude.
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