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Webster 1913 Edition

Preternatural

Preˊter-nat′u-ral

(?; 135)
,
Adj.
[Pref.
preter + natural
.]
Beyond of different from what is natural, or according to the regular course of things, but not clearly supernatural or miraculous; strange; inexplicable; extraordinary; uncommon; irregular; abnormal;
as, a
preternatural
appearance; a
preternatural
stillness; a
preternatural
presentation (in childbirth) or labor.
This vile and
preternatural
temper of mind.
South.
Syn. – See
Supernatural
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Preternatural

PRETERNAT'URAL

,
Adj.
[L. proeter and natural.] Beyond what is natural, or different from what is natural; irregular. We call those events in the physical world preternatural, which are extraordinary, which are deemed to be beyond or without the ordinary course of things, and yet are not deemed miraculous; in distinction from events which are supernatural, which cannot be produced by physical laws or powers,and must therefore be produced by a direct exertion of omnipotence. We also apply the epithet to things uncommon or irregular; as a preternatural swelling; a preternatural pulse; a preternatural excitement or temper.

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