constitution
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (5)
- law determining the fundamental political principles of a governmentSynonyms: fundamental laworganic law
- the act of forming or establishing something“the constitution of a PTA group last year”“it was the establishment of his reputation”“he still remembers the organization of the club”Synonyms: establishmentformationorganizationorganisation
- the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen statesSynonyms: United States ConstitutionU.S. ConstitutionUS ConstitutionConstitutionConstitution of the United States
- the way in which someone or something is composedSynonyms: compositionphysical compositionmakeupmake-up
- a United States 44-gun frigate that was one of the first three naval ships built by the United States; it won brilliant victories over British frigates during the War of 1812 and is without doubt the most famous ship in the history of the United States Navy; it has been rebuilt and is anchored in the Charlestown Navy Yard in BostonSynonyms: ConstitutionOld Ironsides
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.The act or process of constituting; the action of enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment; establishment; formation. [1913 Webster]
2.The state of being; that form of being, or structure and connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a system or body; natural condition; structure; texture; conformation. [1913 Webster]
The physical constitution of the sun.— Sir J. Herschel.[1913 Webster]
3.The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities; the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease, etc.; as, a robust constitution. [1913 Webster]
Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the vices or luxuries of the old world.— Story.[1913 Webster]
4.The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament. [1913 Webster]
He defended himself with . . . less passion than was expected from his constitution.— Clarendon.[1913 Webster]
5.The fundamental, organic law or principles of government of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of affairs. [1913 Webster]
Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
Note: In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be modified, exept through such processes as the constitution itself ordains. [1913 Webster]
6.An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the constitutions of Justinian. [1913 Webster]
The positive constitutions of our own churches.— Hooker.[1913 Webster]
A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct of advocates.— George Long.[1913 Webster]
Apostolic constitutions. See under Apostolic. [1913 Webster]