To pay the debt of nature
(gcide) | Nature \Na"ture\ (?; 135), n. [F., fr. L. natura, fr. natus
born, produced, p. p. of nasci to be born. See Nation.]
1. The existing system of things; the universe of matter,
energy, time and space; the physical world; all of
creation. Contrasted with the world of mankind, with its
mental and social phenomena.
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But looks through nature up to nature's God. --Pope.
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When, in the course of human Events, it becomes
necessary for one People to dissolve the Political
Bonds which have connected them with another, ans to
assume among the powers of the earth the separate
and equal Station which the Laws of Nature and of
Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the
Opinions of Mankind requires that they should
declare the causes that impel them to the
Separation. --Declaration
of
Independence
Nature has caprices which art can not imitate.
--Macaulay.
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2. The personified sum and order of causes and effects; the
powers which produce existing phenomena, whether in the
total or in detail; the agencies which carry on the
processes of creation or of being; -- often conceived of
as a single and separate entity, embodying the total of
all finite agencies and forces as disconnected from a
creating or ordering intelligence; as, produced by nature;
the forces of nature.
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I oft admire
How Nature, wise and frugal, could commit
Such disproportions. --Milton.
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3. The established or regular course of things; usual order
of events; connection of cause and effect.
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4. Conformity to that which is natural, as distinguished from
that which is artificial, or forced, or remote from actual
experience.
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One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
--Shak.
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5. The sum of qualities and attributes which make a person or
thing what it is, as distinct from others; native
character; inherent or essential qualities or attributes;
peculiar constitution or quality of being.
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Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem,
Their nature also to thy nature join,
And be thyself man among men on earth. --Milton.
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6. Hence: Kind, sort; character; quality.
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A dispute of this nature caused mischief. --Dryden.
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7. Physical constitution or existence; the vital powers; the
natural life. "My days of nature." --Shak.
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Oppressed nature sleeps. --Shak.
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8. Natural affection or reverence.
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Have we not seen
The murdering son ascend his parent's bed,
Through violated nature force his way? --Pope.
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9. Constitution or quality of mind or character.
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A born devil, on whose nature
Nurture can never stick. --Shak.
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That reverence which is due to a superior nature.
--Addison.
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Good nature, Ill nature. see under Good and Ill.
In a state of nature.
(a) Naked as when born; nude.
(b) In a condition of sin; unregenerate.
(c) Untamed; uncivilized.
Nature printing, a process of printing from metallic or
other plates which have received an impression, as by
heavy pressure, of an object such as a leaf, lace, or the
like.
Nature worship, the worship of the personified powers of
nature.
To pay the debt of nature, to die.
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