D » deform › 1828-dictionary.com :: Making the First American Dictionary of the English Language Accessible

Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

February 9, 2012

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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(9) Words.

deform
deformation
deformed
deformedly
deformedness
deformer
deforming
deformity
undeformed

Webster

KJV

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1828 Definition

DEFORM, v.t. [L. Form.]

1. To mar or injure the form; to alter that form or disposition of parts which is natural and esteemed beautiful, and thus to render it displeasing to the eye; to disfigure; as, a hump on the back deforms the body.

2. To render ugly or displeasing, by exterior applications or appendages; as, to deform the face by paint, or the person by unbecoming dress.

3. To render displeasing.

Wintry blasts deform the year.

4. To injure and render displeasing or disgusting; to disgrace; to disfigure moral beauty; as, all vices deform the character of rational beings.

5. To dishonor; to make ungraceful.

DEFORM, a. Disfigured; being of an unnatural, distorted, or disproportioned form; displeasing to the eye.

Sight so deform what heart of rock could long

Dry-eyed behold?

1913 Definition

Deform (deform)
v. t.	(?)
De*form"
[imp. ** p. p.* Deformed (?)] p. pr. ** vb. n.* Deforming.] [L. deformare] de- + formare to form, shape, fr. forma: cf. F. déformer. See Form<

To spoil the form of; to mar in form; to misshape; to disfigure.

Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time
Into this breathing world. Shak.

To render displeasing; to deprive of comeliness, grace, or perfection; to dishonor.

Above those passions that this world deform. Thomson.

Deformed; misshapen; shapeless; horrid.

[Obs.]

Sight so deform what heart of rock could long
Dry-eyed behold? Milton.

Noah Says...

Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground.

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The Center is committed to enabling and advancing entrepreneurial goals of all university populations, and to advancing the understanding of the influence and role of entrepreneurship in both the business and academic communities by bringing world-class mentoring and entrepreneurial support to our students and community.

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Project::Noah

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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.

February 9, 2012