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Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

March 22, 2010

Project::Noah

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.

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(3) Words.

characterize
characterized
mischaracterize

Webster

KJV

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1828 Definition

CHARACTERIZE, v.t.

1. To give a character, or an account of the personal qualities of a man; to describe by peculiar qualities.

2. To distinguish; to mark, or express the character; to exhibit the peculiar qualities of a person or thing; as, humility characterizes the true Christian; the hero is characterized by bravery and magnanimity.

The system of mediation has characterized the entire scheme of divine dispensation.

3. To engrave or imprint.

4. To mark with a peculiar stamp, or figure.

1913 Definition

Characterize (characterize)
v. t.	(?)
Char"acterize
[imp. ** p. p.* Characterized (?)] p. pr. ** vb. n.* Characterizing.] [LL. characterizare, Gr. &?]: cf. F. charactériser.]

To make distinct and recognizable by peculiar marks or traits; to make with distinctive features.

European, Asiatic, Chinese, African, and Grecian faces are Characterized.
Arbuthnot.

To engrave or imprint.

[Obs.] Sir M. Hale.

To indicate the character of; to describe.

Under the name of Tamerlane he intended to characterize King William.
Johnson.

To be a characteristic of; to make, or express the character of.

The softness and effeminacy which characterize the men of rank in most countries.
W. Irving.

Syn. -- To describe; distinguish; mark; designate; style; particularize; entitle.

Noah Says...

There are two powers only which are sufficient to control men, and secure the rights of individuals and a peaceable administration; these are the combined force of religion and law, and the force or fear of the bayonet.

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Project::Noah

More info ...

The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed. The first initiatives of Project::Noah will involve the accessibility of the 1828 American dictionary.

Vision::Reprint

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The first vision, Vision::Reprint, has an intent to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25. The first task, Task::Access, involves the digitizing of the original 1828 dictionary. The dictionary is available in microfilm (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms) at many universities. To digitize the microfilm as a batch process requires a special scanner.

Vision::Redesign

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The second vision, Vision::Redesign, has an intent to improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary. Beyond the Task::XML, other tasks related to this Vision::Redesign include identifying features and functionality for this new website. In addition, plugins will be discussed and created to make the dictionary accessible in other ways: iPhone, Google widget, Firefox Add-on, etc.

Vision::Recapture

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The third vision, Vision::Recapture, has an intent to evoke the importance of Noah Webster in our American Heritage. This vision will manifest itself in a commissioned painting of Noah Webster. The process involved will require the input from concerned Americans. The final commission painting will be derived from initial sketches and digital compositions. Feedback from the community is essential for this vision's success throughout the entire process.

March 22, 2010