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Webster 1913 Edition


Peaceable

Peace′a-ble

,
Adj.
[OE.
peisible
, F.
paisible
.]
Begin in or at peace; tranquil; quiet; free from, or not disposed to, war, disorder, or excitement; not quarrelsome.
Peace′a-ble-ness
,
Noun.
Peace′a-bly
, adv.
Syn. – Peaceful; pacific; tranquil; quiet; mild; undisturbed; serene; still.
Peaceable
,
Peaceful
. Peaceable describes the state of an individual, nation, etc., in reference to external hostility, attack, etc.; peaceful, in respect to internal disturbance. The former denotes “in the spirit of peace;” latter; “in the possession or enjoyment of peace.” A peaceable adjustment of difficulties; a peaceful life, scene.

Webster 1828 Edition


Peaceable

PE'ACEABLE

,
Adj.
Free from war, tumult or public commotion. We live in peaceable times. The reformation was introduced in a peaceable manner.
1.
Free from private feuds or quarrels. The neighbors are peaceable. These men are peaceable.
2.
Quiet; undisturbed; not agitated with passion. His mind is very peaceable.
3.
Not violent, bloody or unnatural; as, to die a peaceable death.

Definition 2024


peaceable

peaceable

English

Adjective

peaceable (comparative more peaceable, superlative most peaceable)

  1. Favouring peace rather than conflict; not aggressive, tending to avoid violence (of people, actions etc.). [from 14th c.]
    • 1999, Faisal Bodi, The Guardian, 29 Dec 1999:
      But in the Muslim world we are dealing with regimes who have banished, imprisoned, silenced or neutralised all opposition, even where this is entirely peaceable.
    • 2011, ‘Feeling understandably twitchy’, The Economist, 8 Feb 2011:
      But if you talk to people here privately, they suggest there are three possible scenarios. The first (intended to sound incredible) is that Israel’s biggest neighbour will be transformed into a peaceable, pluralist democracy.
  2. Characterized by peace; peaceful, tranquil. [from 14th c.]
    • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses, Episode 16:
      Though unusual in the Dublin area he knew that it was not by any means unknown for desperadoes who had next to nothing to live on to be abroad waylaying and generally terrorising peaceable pedestrians by placing a pistol at their head [...].

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