GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Reform , v. t. [F. réformer, L. reformare; pref. re- re- + formare to form, from forma form. See Form.] To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to better; to amend; to correct; as, to reform a profligate man; to reform corrupt manners or morals.
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   The example alone of a vicious prince will corrupt an age; but that of a good one will not reform it.
   Swift.
   
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   Syn. -- To amend; correct; emend; rectify; mend; repair; better; improve; restore; reclaim.
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2.       
   Reform, v. i. To return to a good state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits; as, a man of settled habits of vice will seldom reform.
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3.       
   Reform, n. [F. réforme.] Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved; reformation; as, reform of elections; reform of government.
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   Civil service reform. See under Civil. -- Reform acts (Eng. Politics), acts of Parliament passed in 1832, 1867, 1884, 1885, extending and equalizing popular representation in Parliament. -- Reform school, a school established by a state or city government, for the confinement, instruction, and reformation of juvenile offenders, and of young persons of idle, vicious, and vagrant habits. [U. S.]
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   Syn. -- Reformation; amendment; rectification; correction. See Reformation.
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