GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Leaven (?), n. [OE. levain, levein, F. levain, L. levamen alleviation, mitigation; but taken in the sense of, a raising, that which raises, fr. levare to raise. See Lever, n.]
   1. Any substance that produces, or is designed to produce, fermentation, as in dough or liquids; esp., a portion of fermenting dough, which, mixed with a larger quantity of dough, produces a general change in the mass, and renders it light; yeast; barm.
   
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   2. Anything which makes a general assimilating (especially a corrupting) change in the mass.
   
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   Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke xii. 1.
   
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2.       
   Leaven, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leavened (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Leavening (?).]
   1. To make light by the action of leaven; to cause to ferment.
   
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   A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 1 Cor. v. 6.
   
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   2. To imbue; to infect; to vitiate.
   
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   With these and the like deceivable doctrines, he leavens also his prayer. Milton.
   
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