definement

English

Etymology

define +‎ -ment

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈfaɪnmənt/

Noun

definement (plural definements)

1. The act of defining.
2. A definition or description.
   • c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:

     Sir, his definement suffers no perdition in you; though, I know, to divide him inventorily would dizzy the arithmetic of memory.

References

• “definement”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.