spirit

spirit [spir′it]

n.

[ME < OFr espirit < L spiritus, breath, courage, vigor, the soul, life, in LL(Ec), spirit < spirare, to blow, breathe < IE base * (s)peis-, to blow > (prob.) Norw fisa, to puff, blow, OSlav piskati, to pipe, whistle]

1.

a) the life principle, esp. in human beings, originally regarded as inherent in the breath or as infused by a deity

b) SOUL (sense 1)

2. the thinking, motivating, feeling part of a person, often as distinguished from the body; mind; intelligence

3. [also S-] life, will, consciousness, thought, etc., regarded as separate from matter

4. a supernatural being, esp. one thought of as haunting or possessing a person, house, etc., as a ghost, or as inhabiting a certain region, being of a certain good (or evil) character, etc., as an angel, demon, fairy, or elf

5. an individual person or personality thought of as showing or having some specific quality [the brave spirits who pioneered]

6. [usually pl.] frame of mind; disposition; mood; temper [in high spirits]

7. vivacity, courage, vigor, enthusiasm, etc. [to answer with spirit]

8. enthusiasm and loyalty [school spirit]

9. real meaning; true intention [to follow the spirit if not the letter of the law]

10. a pervading animating principle, essential or characteristic quality, or prevailing tendency or attitude [the spirit of the Renaissance]

11. a divine animating influence or inspiration

12. [usually pl.] strong alcoholic liquor produced by distillation

13. Obs.

a) any of certain substances or fluids thought of as permeating organs of the body

b) Alchemy sulfur, sal ammoniac, mercury, or orpiment

14. [often pl.] Chem.

a) any liquid produced by distillation, as from wood, shale, etc. [spirits of turpentine]

b) ALCOHOL (sense 1)

15. Dyeing a solution of a tin salt, etc., used as a mordant

16. [often pl.] Pharmacy an alcoholic solution of a volatile or essential substance [spirits of camphor]

vt.

1. to inspirit, animate, encourage, cheer, etc.: (often with up)

2. to carry (away, off, etc.) secretly and swiftly, or in some mysterious way

adj.

1.

a) of spirits or spiritualism

☆ b) believed to be manifested by spirits [spirit rapping]

2. operating by the burning of alcohol [a spirit lamp]

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out of spirits

sad; depressed

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the Spirit

HOLY SPIRIT