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D — Despairer to Destemper (Part 6 of 6)

Desquamation
(Des`qua*ma"tion) n. [Cf. F. desquamation.] (Med.) The separation or shedding of the cuticle or epidermis in the form of flakes or scales; exfoliation, as of bones.

Desquamative
(De*squam"a*tive De*squam"a*to*ry) a. Of, pertaining to, or attended with, desquamation.

Desquamatory
(De*squam"a*to*ry), n. (Surg.) An instrument formerly used in removing the laminæ of exfoliated bones.

Dess
(Dess) n. Dais. [Obs.]

Dessert
(Des*sert") n. [F., fr. desservir to remove from table, to clear the table; pref. des- (L. dis-) + servir to serve, to serve at table. See Serve.] A service of pastry, fruits, or sweetmeats, at the close of a feast or entertainment; pastry, fruits, etc., forming the last course at dinner.

"An 't please your honor," quoth the peasant,
"This same dessert is not so pleasant."
Pope.

Dessert spoon, a spoon used in eating dessert; a spoon intermediate in size between a teaspoon and a tablespoon.Dessert-spoonful, n., pl. Dessert- spoonfuls, as much as a dessert spoon will hold, usually reckoned at about two and a half fluid drams.

Destemper
(Des*tem"per) n. [Cf. F. détrempe, fr. détremper.] A kind of painting. See Distemper.