Constitution

Con`sti*tu"tion

(kn`st*t"shn), n. [F. constitution, L. constitutio.] 1. The act or process of constituting; the action of enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment; establishment; formation.
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2. The state of being; that form of being, or structure and connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a system or body; natural condition; structure; texture; conformation.
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The physical constitution of the sun.
Sir J. Herschel.
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3. The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities; the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease, etc.; as, a robust constitution.
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Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the vices or luxuries of the old world.
Story.
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4. The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament.
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He defended himself with . . . less passion than was expected from his constitution.
Clarendon.
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5. The fundamental, organic law or principles of government of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of affairs.
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Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions.
Macaulay.
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In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be modified, exept through such processes as the constitution itself ordains.
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6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the constitutions of Justinian.
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The positive constitutions of our own churches.
Hooker.
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A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct of advocates.
George Long.
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Apostolic constitutions. See under Apostolic.
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Thu 22nd October 2020