Singular proposition
(gcide) | Singular \Sin"gu*lar\ (s[i^][ng]"g[-u]*l[~e]r), a. [OE.
singuler, F. singulier, fr. L. singularius, singularis, fr.
singulus single. See Single, a.]
1. Separate or apart from others; single; distinct. [Obs.]
--Bacon.
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And God forbid that all a company
Should rue a singular man's folly. --Chaucer.
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2. Engaged in by only one on a side; single. [Obs.]
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To try the matter thus together in a singular
combat. --Holinshed.
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3. (Logic) Existing by itself; single; individual.
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The idea which represents one . . . determinate
thing, is called a singular idea, whether simple,
complex, or compound. --I. Watts.
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4. (Law) Each; individual; as, to convey several parcels of
land, all and singular.
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5. (Gram.) Denoting one person or thing; as, the singular
number; -- opposed to dual and plural.
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6. Standing by itself; out of the ordinary course; unusual;
uncommon; strange; as, a singular phenomenon.
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So singular a sadness
Must have a cause as strange as the effect.
--Denham.
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7. Distinguished as existing in a very high degree; rarely
equaled; eminent; extraordinary; exceptional; as, a man of
singular gravity or attainments.
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8. Departing from general usage or expectations; odd;
whimsical; -- often implying disapproval or censure.
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His zeal
None seconded, as out of season judged,
Or singular and rash. --Milton.
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To be singular in anything that is wise and worthy,
is not a disparagement, but a praise. --Tillotson.
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9. Being alone; belonging to, or being, that of which there
is but one; unique.
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These busts of the emperors and empresses are all
very scarce, and some of them almost singular in
their kind. --Addison.
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Singular point in a curve (Math.), a point at which the
curve possesses some peculiar properties not possessed by
other points of the curve, as a cusp point, or a multiple
point.
Singular proposition (Logic), a proposition having as its
subject a singular term, or a common term limited to an
individual by means of a singular sign. --Whately.
Singular succession (Civil Law), division among individual
successors, as distinguished from universal succession, by
which an estate descended in intestacy to the heirs in
mass.
Singular term (Logic), a term which represents or stands
for a single individual.
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Syn: Unexampled; unprecedented; eminent; extraordinary;
remarkable; uncommon; rare; unusual; peculiar; strange;
odd; eccentric; fantastic.
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