WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ap*point"ment
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cf. F. appointement.]
Definition : 1. The act of appointing; designation of a person to hold an office or discharge a trust; as, he erred by the appointment of unsuitable men.

2. The state of being appointed to somappointment of treasurer.

3. Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement. Hence:: Arrangement for a meeting; engagement; as, they made an appointment to meet at six.

4. Decree; direction; established order or constitution; as, to submit to the divine appointments. According to the appointment of the priests. Ezra vi. 9.

5. (Law)

Defn: The exercise of the power of designating (under a "power of appointment") a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.

6. Equipment, furniture, as for a ship or an army; whatever is appointed for use and management; outfit; (pl.) the accouterments of military officers or soldiers, as belts, sashes, swords. The cavaliers emulated their chief in the richness of their appointments. Prescott. I'll prove it in my shackles, with these hands Void of appoinment, that thou liest. Beau. & Fl.

7. An allowance to a person, esp. to a public officer; a perquisite; -- properly only in the plural. [Obs.] An expense proportioned to his appointments and fortune is necessary. Chesterfield.

8. A honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college; as, to have an appointment. [U.S.]

Syn. -- Designation; command; order; direction; establishment; equipment.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913