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.]
   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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   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 .]
   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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   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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