GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions

  1.       
    Conceit (?), n. [Through French, fr. L. conceptus a conceiving, conception, fr. concipere to conceive: cf. OF. p. p. nom. conciez conceived. See Conceive, and cf. Concept, Deceit.]
    1. That which is conceived, imagined, or formed in the mind; idea; thought; image; conception.

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    In laughing, there ever procedeth a conceit of somewhat ridiculous. Bacon.

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    A man wise in his own conceit. Prov. xxvi. 12.

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    2. Faculty of conceiving ideas; mental faculty; apprehension; as, “a man of quick conceit”. [Obs.]

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    How often, alas! did her eyes say unto me that they loved! and yet I, not looking for such a matter, had not my conceit open to understand them. Sir P. Sidney.

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    3. Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; lively fancy.

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    His wit's as thick as Tewksbury mustard; there's more conceit in him than is in a mallet. Shak.

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    4. A fanciful, odd, or extravagant notion; a quaint fancy; an unnatural or affected conception; a witty thought or turn of expression; a fanciful device; a whim; a quip.

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    On his way to the gibbet, a freak took him in the head to go off with a conceit. L'Estrange.

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    Some to conceit alone their works confine,

    And glittering thoughts struck out at every line. Pope.

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    Tasso is full of conceits . . . which are not only below the dignity of heroic verse but contrary to its nature. Dryden.

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    5. An overweening idea of one's self; vanity.

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    Plumed with conceit he calls aloud. Cotton.

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    6. Design; pattern. [Obs.] Shak.

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    In conceit with, in accord with; agreeing or conforming. -- Out of conceit with, not having a favorable opinion of; not pleased with; as, a man is out of conceit with his dress. -- To put [one] out of conceit with, to make one indifferent to a thing, or in a degree displeased with it.

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  2.       
    Conceit (?), v. t. To conceive; to imagine. [Archaic]

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    The strong, by conceiting themselves weak, are therebly rendered as inactive . . . as if they really were so. South.

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    One of two bad ways you must conceit me,

    Either a coward or a flatterer. Shak.

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  3.       
    Conceit, v. i. To form an idea; to think. [Obs.]

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    Those whose . . . vulgar apprehensions conceit but low of matrimonial purposes. Milton.

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