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Webster 1913 Edition


Philosopher

Phi-los′o-pher

,
Noun.
[OE.
philosophre
, F.
philosophe
, L.
philosophus
, Gr.
φιλόσοφος
;
φίλοσ
loving +
σοφόσ
wise. Cf.
Philosophy
.]
1.
One who philosophizes; one versed in, or devoted to, philosophy.
Then certain
philosophers
of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.
Acts xvii. 18.
2.
One who reduces the principles of philosophy to practice in the conduct of life; one who lives according to the rules of practical wisdom; one who meets or regards all vicissitudes with calmness.
3.
An alchemist.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
Philosopher’s stone
,
an imaginary stone which the alchemists formerly sought as the instrument of converting the baser metals into gold.

Webster 1828 Edition


Philosopher

PHILOS'OPHER

,
Noun.
[See Philosophy.] A person versed in philosophy, or in the principles of nature and morality; one who devotes of nature and morality; one who devotes himself to the study of physics, or of moral or intellectual science.
1.
In a general sense, one who is profoundly versed in any science.
Philosopher's stone, a stone or preparation which the alchimists formerly sought, as the instrument of converting the baser metals into pure gold.