n. A hill; a hill of moderate elevation and more or less rounded outline: in this general sense now chiefly in poetry, as opposed to dale, vale, valley.n. Same as dune.n. Hence A bare, level space on the top of a hill; more generally, a high, rolling region not covered by forests.n. plural Specifically, certain districts in southern and southeastern England which are underlain by the Chalk (which see).In a descending direction; from a higher to a lower place, degree, or condition: as, to look down; to run down; the temperature is down to zero.In a direction from a source or starting-point, from a more to a less important place or situation, or the like: as, to sail down toward the mouth of a stream; to go down into the country.In a descending order; from that which is higher or earlier in a series or progression to that which is lower or later.In music, from a more acute to a less acute pitch.From a greater to a less bulk, degree of consistency, etc.: as, to boil down a decoction.To or at a lower rate or point, as to price, demand, etc.; below a standard or requirement: as, to mark down goods or the prices of goods; the stocks sold down to a very low figure; to beat down a tradesman.Below the horizon: as, the sun or moon is down.From an erect or standing to a prostrate or overturned position or condition: as, to beat down the walls of a city; to knock a man down.In or into a low, fallen, overturned, prostrate, or downcast position or condition, as a state of discomfiture; at the bottom or lowest point, either literally or figuratively: as, never kick a man when he is down; to put down a rebellion; to be taken down with a fever.Hence Into disrepute or disgrace; so as to discredit or defeat: as, to preach down error; to write down an opponent or his character; to run down a business enterprise.On or to the ground.On the counter; hence, in hand: as, he bought it for cash down; he paid part down and gave his note for the balance.Elliptically: in an imperative or interjectional use, the imperative verb (go, come, get, fall, kneel. etc.) being omitted.Followed by with, being then equivalent to a transitive verb with down (put, pull, take down), in either a literal or a denunciatory sense: as, down with the sail! down with it! down with tyranny!On paper or in a book: with write, jot, set, put, or other verb applicable to writing.In place, position, or occupation; firmly; closely.In a descending direction upon or along, either literally, as from a higher toward a lower level or position, or from a point or place which is regarded as higher; adown: as, to glance down a page; to ramble down the valley; to sail down a stream; an excursion down the bay; down the road.Along the course or progress of: as, down the ages.Cast or directed downward; downcast; de-jected: as, a down look.Downright; plain; positive.Downward; that goes down, or on a road regarded as down: as, a down train or boat.The accent or pulse thus marked.n. A downward movement; a low state; a reverse: as, the ups and downs of fortune.To cause to go down.To discourage; dishearten; dispirit.To go down.To go down the throat; hence, to be palatable; be acceptable or trustworthy.n. The fine soft covering of fowls under the feathers; the fine soft feathers which constitute the under plumage of birds, as distinguished from contour-feathers, particularly when thick and copious, as in swans, ducks, and other water-fowls. The eider-duck yields most of the down of commerce. See down-feather.n. The first feathering of a bird; the downy plumage or floccus with which a præcocial bird is clothed when hatched, or that which an altricial bird first acquires.n. The soft hair of the human face when beginning to appear.n. A fine soft pubescence upon plants and some fruits; also, the light feathery pappus or coma upon seeds by which they are borne upon the wind, as in the dandelion and thistle.In stud poker, said of the first card, which is dealt face down.n. In dominoes, the first stone laid on the table.n. A scrimmage in foot-ball. When a player is held so that he can no longer advance the ball, he cries ‘down,’ and the ball is then placed on that spot for a scrimmage.n. A grudge or prejudice (against); a hostile attitude: usually with on or upon: as, to have a private down on one; the diggers had a down on made dishes.
