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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
THANKSGIV'ING, ppr. Rendering thanks for good received.
THANKSGIV'ING, n. The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.
The act of rending thanks, or expressing gratitude for favors or
mercies.
Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. 1 Tim. iv. 4. In the thanksgiving before meat. Shak. And taught by thee the Church prolongs A public acknowledgment or celebration of divine
goodness; also, a day set apart for religious services, specially to
acknowledge the goodness of God, either in any remarkable deliverance from
calamities or danger, or in the ordinary dispensation of his
bounties.
* In the United States it is now customary for the President by proclamation to appoint annually a day (usually the last Thursday in November) of thanksgiving and praise to God for the mercies of the past year. This is an extension of the custom long prevailing in several States in which an annual Thanksgiving day has been appointed by proclamation of the governor. | ||||||||