Simper
(Sim"per), n. A constrained, self- conscious smile; an affected, silly smile; a smirk.
The conscious simper, and the jealous leer.
Pope. Simperer
(Sim"per*er) n. One who simpers. Sir W. Scott.
A simperer that a court affords.
T. Nevile. Simpering
(Sim"per*ing), a. &. n. from Simper, v.
Simperingly
(Sim"per*ing*ly), adv. In a simpering manner.
Simple
(Sim"ple) a. [Compar. Simpler ; superl. Simplest.] [F., fr. L. simplus, or simplex, gen. simplicis.
The first part of the Latin words is probably akin to E. same, and the sense, one, one and the same; cf.
L. semel once, singuli one to each, single. Cg. Single, a., Same, a., and for the last part of the
word cf. Double, Complex.]
1. Single; not complex; not infolded or entangled; uncombined; not compounded; not blended with something
else; not complicated; as, a simple substance; a simple idea; a simple sound; a simple machine; a simple
problem; simple tasks.
2. Plain; unadorned; as, simple dress. "Simple truth." Spenser. "His simple story." Burns.
3. Mere; not other than; being only.
A medicine . . . whose simple touch
Is powerful to araise King Pepin.
Shak. 4. Not given to artifice, stratagem, or duplicity; undesigning; sincere; true.
Full many fine men go upon my score, as simple as I stand here, and I trust them.
Marston.
Must thou trust Tradition's simple tongue?
Byron.
To be simple is to be great.
Emerson. 5. Artless in manner; unaffected; unconstrained; natural; inartificial;; straightforward.
In simple manners all the secret lies.
Young. 6. Direct; clear; intelligible; not abstruse or enigmatical; as, a simple statement; simple language.
7. Weak in intellect; not wise or sagacious; of but moderate understanding or attainments; hence, foolish; silly.
"You have simple wits." Shak.
The simple believeth every word; but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Prov. xiv. 15. 8. Not luxurious; without much variety; plain; as, a simple diet; a simple way of living.
Thy simple fare and all thy plain delights.
Cowper. 9. Humble; lowly; undistinguished.
A simple husbandman in garments gray.
Spenser.
Clergy and laity, male and female, gentle and simple made the fuel of the same fire.
Fuller. 10. (BOt.) Without subdivisions; entire; as, a simple stem; a simple leaf.
