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Webster 1913 Edition

Expression

Ex-pres′sion

(ĕks-prĕsh′ŭn)
,
Noun.
[L.
expressio
: cf. F.
expression
.]
1.
The act of expressing; the act of forcing out by pressure;
as, the
expression
of juices or oils
; also, of extorting or eliciting;
as, a forcible
expression
of truth
.
2.
The act of declaring or signifying; declaration; utterance;
as, an
expression
of the public will
.
With this tone of philosophy were mingled
expressions
of sympathy.
Prescott.
3.
Lively or vivid representation of meaning, sentiment, or feeling, etc.; significant and impressive indication, whether by language, appearance, or gesture; that manner or style which gives life and suggestive force to ideas and sentiments;
as, he reads with
expression
; her performance on the piano has
expression
.
The imitators of Shakespeare, fixing their attention on his wonderful power of
expression
, have directed their imitation to this.
M. Arnold.
4.
That which is expressed by a countenance, a posture, a work of art, etc.; look, as indicative of thought or feeling.
“The expression of an eye.”
Tennyson.
It still wore the majesty of
expression
so conspicuous in his portraits by the inimitable pencil of Titian.
Prescott.
5.
A form of words in which an idea or sentiment is conveyed; a mode of speech; a phrase;
as, a common
expression
; an odd
expression
.
Past expression
,
Beyond expression
,
beyond the power of description.
“Beyond expression bright.”
Milton.

Webster 1828 Edition

Expression

EXPRES'SION

,
Noun.
The act of expressing; the act of forcing out by pressure, as juices and oils from plants.
1.
The act of uttering, declaring or representing; utterance; declaration; representation; as an expression of the public will.
2.
A phrase, or mode of speech; as an old expression; an odd expression.
3.
In rhetoric, elocution; diction; the peculiar manner of utterance, suited to the subject and sentiment.
No adequate description can be given of the nameless and ever varying shades of expression which real pathos gives to the voice.
4.
In painting, a natural and lively representation of the subject; as the expression of the eye, of the countenance, or of a particular action or passion.
5.
In music, the tone, grace or modulation of voice or sound suited to any particular subject; that manner which gives life and reality to ideas and sentiments.
6.
Theatrical expression, is a distinct, sonorous and pleasing pronunciation, accompanied with action suited to the subject.

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