D — Defeature to Defervescence (Part 6 of 6)

Syn. — Deference, Reverence, Respect. Deference marks an inclination to yield one's opinion, and to acquiesce in the sentiments of another in preference to one's own. Respect marks the estimation that we have for another, which makes us look to him as worthy of high confidence for the qualities of his mind and heart. Reverence denotes a mingling of fear with a high degree of respect and esteem. Age, rank, dignity, and personal merit call for deference; respect should be paid to the wise and good; reverence is due to God, to the authors of our being, and to the sanctity of the laws.

Deferent
(Def"er*ent) a. [L. deferens, p. pr. of deferre. See 3d Defer.] Serving to carry; bearing. [R.] "Bodies deferent." Bacon.

Deferent
(Def"er*ent), n.

1. That which carries or conveys.

Though air be the most favorable deferent of sounds.

2. (Ptolemaic Astron.) An imaginary circle surrounding the earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the center of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.

Deferential
(Def`er*en"tial) a. [See Deference.] Expressing deference; accustomed to defer.

Deferentially
(Def`er*en"tial*ly), adv. With deference.

Deferment
(De*fer"ment) n. [See 1st Defer.] The act of delaying; postponement. [R.]

My grief, joined with the instant business,
Begs a deferment.

Deferrer
(De*fer"rer) n. One who defers or puts off.

Defervescence
(De`fer*ves"cence De`fer*ves"cency) n. [L. defervescere to grow cool.]

1. A subsiding from a state of ebullition; loss of heat; lukewarmness.

A defervescency in holy actions.

2. (Med.) The subsidence of a febrile process; as, the stage of defervescence in pneumonia.