English Dictionary: improper | by the DICT Development Group |
3 results for improper | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Improper \Im*prop"er\, v. t. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.] He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. --Jewel. | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Improper \Im*prop"er\, a. [F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See {Proper}.] 1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress. Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. --Shak. And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. --Pope. 2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.] Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. --J. Fletcher. 3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous. {Improper diphthong}. See under {Diphthong}. {Improper feud}, an original feud, not earned by military service. --Mozley & W. {Improper fraction}. See under {Fraction}. |