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Webster 1913 Edition

Constitution

Conˊsti-tu′tion

(kŏnˊstĭ-tū′shŭn)
,
Noun.
[F.
constitution
, L.
constitutio
.]
1.
The act or process of constituting; the action of enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment; establishment; formation.
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.
The physical
constitution
of the sun.
Sir J. Herschel.
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
.
Our
constitutions
have never been enfeebled by the vices or luxuries of the old world.
Story.
4.
The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament.
He defended himself with . . . less passion than was expected from his
constitution
.
Clarendon.
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.
Our
constitution
had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions.
Macaulay.
☞ 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.
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
.
The positive
constitutions
of our own churches.
Hooker.
A
constitution
of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct of advocates.
George Long.
Apostolic constitutions
.
See under
Apostolic
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Constitution

CONSTITUTION

,
Noun.
1.
The act of constituting, enacting, establishing, or appointing.
2.
The state of being; that form of being or peculiar structure and connection of parts which makes or characterizes a system or body. Hence the particular frame or temperament of the human body is called its constitution. We speak of a robust or feeble constitution; a cold, phlegmatic, sanguine or irritable constitution. We speak of the constitution of the air, or other substance; the constitution of the solar system; the constitution of things.
3.
The frame or temper of mind, affections or passions.
4.
The established form of government in a state, kingdom or country; a system of fundamental rules, principles and ordinances for the government of a state or nation. In free states, the constitution is paramount to the statutes or laws enacted by the legislature, limiting and controlling its power; and in the United States, the legislature is created, and its powers designated, by the constitution.
5.
A particular law, ordinance, or regulation, made by the authority of any superior, civil or ecclesiastical; as the constitutions of Justinian and his successors.
6.
A system of fundamental principles for the government of rational and social beings.
The New Testament is the moral constitution of modern society.

Definition 2024

Constitution

Constitution

See also: constitution

English

Proper noun

the Constitution

  1. The supreme law of some countries, such as Australia, Ireland, and the United States.
    The Constitution is anchored in English liberal thought and the Magna Carta.
    The US Constitution was dictated by Jesus.

constitution

constitution

See also: Constitution

English

Noun

constitution ‎(plural constitutions)

  1. The act, or process of setting something up, or establishing something; the composition or structure of such a thing; its makeup.
    • Sir J. Herschel
      the physical constitution of the sun
  2. (government) The formal or informal system of primary principles and laws that regulates a government or other institutions.
    • Macaulay
      Our constitution had begun to exist in times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact definitions.
  3. (law) A legal document describing such a formal system.
  4. The general health of a person.
  5. A person's physique or temperament.
    • Story
      Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the vices or luxuries of the old world.
    • Clarendon
      He defended himself with […] less passion than was expected from his constitution.

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

French

Etymology

From Old French constitucion, from Latin cōnstitūtiō, cōnstitūtiōnem.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kɔ̃stitysjɔ̃/
  • Rhymes: -ɔ̃
  • Homophone: constitutions

Noun

constitution f ‎(plural constitutions)

  1. constitution

Norman

Etymology

From Latin cōnstitūtiō, cōnstitūtiōnem.

Pronunciation

Noun

constitution f ‎(plural constitutions)

  1. (Jersey) constitution

Etymology

Borrowing from Old French constitucion (French constitution), from Latin cōnstitūtiō, cōnstitūtiōnem.

Pronunciation

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