Crossword Dictionary

\Con-\ A prefix, fr. L. cum, signifying with, together, etc. See {Com-}.
\Con\, adv. [Abbrev. from L. contra against.] Against the affirmative side; in opposition; on the negative side; -- The antithesis of pro, and usually in connection with it. See {Pro}.
\Con\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Conned}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Conning}.] [AS. cunnan to know, be able, and (derived from this) cunnian to try, test. See {Can}, v. t. & i.] 1. To know; to understand; to acknowledge. [Obs.] Of muses, Hobbinol, I con no skill. --Spenser. They say they con to heaven the highway. --Spenser. 2. To study in order to know; to peruse; to learn; to commit to memory; to regard studiously. Fixedly did look Upon the muddy waters which he conned As if he had been reading in a book. --Wordsworth. I did not come into Parliament to con my lesson. --Burke. {To con answer}, to be able to answer. [Obs.] {To con thanks}, to thank; to acknowledge obligation. [Obs.] --Shak.
\Con\, v. t. [See {Cond}.] (Naut.) To conduct, or superintend the steering of (a vessel); to watch the course of (a vessel) and direct the helmsman how to steer.