GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

  1.       
    
    Damp , n. [Akin to LG., D., & Dan. damp vapor, steam, fog, G. dampf, Icel. dampi, Sw. damb dust, and to MNG. dimpfen to smoke, imp. dampf.]
    1. Moisture; humidity; fog; fogginess; vapor.
      1913 Webster

      Night . . . with black air
      Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom.
      Milton.

      1913 Webster

    2. Dejection; depression; cloud of the mind.
      1913 Webster

      Even now, while thus I stand blest in thy presence,
      A secret damp of grief comes o'er my soul.
      Addison.

      1913 Webster

      It must have thrown a damp over your autumn excursion.
      J. D. Forbes.

      1913 Webster

    3. (Mining) A gaseous product, formed in coal mines, old wells, pints, etc.
      1913 Webster

      Choke damp, a damp consisting principally of carbonic acid gas; -- so called from its extinguishing flame and animal life. See Carbonic acid, under Carbonic. -- Damp sheet, a curtain in a mine gallery to direct air currents and prevent accumulation of gas. -- Fire damp, a damp consisting chiefly of light carbureted hydrogen; -- so called from its tendence to explode when mixed with atmospheric air and brought into contact with flame.

      1913 Webster

  2.       
    
    Damp , a. [Compar. Damper ; superl. Dampest.]
    1. Being in a state between dry and wet; moderately wet; moist; humid.
      1913 Webster

      O'erspread with a damp sweat and holy fear.
      Dryden.

      1913 Webster

    2. Dejected; depressed; sunk. [R.]
      1913 Webster

      All these and more came flocking, but with looks
      Downcast and damp.
      Milton.

      1913 Webster

  3.       
    
    Damp, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Damped ; p. pr. & vb. n. Damping.] [OE. dampen to choke, suffocate. See Damp, n.]
    1. To render damp; to moisten; to make humid, or moderately wet; to dampen; as, to damp cloth.
      1913 Webster
    2. To put out, as fire; to depress or deject; to deaden; to cloud; to check or restrain, as action or vigor; to make dull; to weaken; to discourage. “To damp your tender hopes.”
      Akenside.

      1913 Webster

      Usury dulls and damps all industries, improvements, and new inventions, wherein money would be stirring if it were not for this slug.
      Bacon.

      1913 Webster

      How many a day has been damped and darkened by an angry word!
      Sir J. Lubbock.

      1913 Webster

      The failure of his enterprise damped the spirit of the soldiers.
      Macaulay.

      1913 Webster