Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Content?

\Con*tent"\ (k[o^]n*t[e^]nt"), a. [F. content, fr. L. contentus, p. p. of contenire to hold together, restrain. See {Contain}.] Contained within limits; hence, having the desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest. Having food and rai ment, let us be therewith content. --1 Tim. vi. 8.
\Con"tent\ (k[o^]n"t[e^]nt or k[o^]n*t[e^]nt"; 277), n.; usually in pl., {Contents}. 1. That which is contained; the thing or things held by a receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the contents of a book. I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and the contents true, and worthy of a divine original. --Grew. 2. Power of containing; capacity; extent; size. [Obs.] Strong ship's, of great content. --Bacon. 3. (Geom.) Area or quantity of space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid contents; superficial contents. The geometrical content, figure, and situation of all the lands of a kingdom. --Graunt. {Table of contents}, or {Contents}, a table or list of topics in a book, showing their order and the place where they may be found: a summary.
\Con*tent"\, v. t. [F. contenter, LL. contentare, fr. L. contentus, p. p. See {Content}, a.] 1. To satisfy the desires of; to make easy in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to please. Do not content yourselves with obscure and confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained. --I. Watts. Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them. --Mark xv. 15. 2. To satisfy the expectations of; to pay; to requite. Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you. --Shak. Syn: To satisfy; appease; plese. See {Satiate}.
\Con*tent"\, n. 1. Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition; freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate happiness. Such is the fullness of my heart's content. --Shak. 2. Acquiescence without examination. [Obs.] The sense they humbly take upon content. --Pope. 3. That which contents or satisfies; that which if attained would make one happy. So will I in England work your grace's full content. --Shak. 4. (Eng. House of Lords) An expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote; also, a member who votes ``Content.''. Supposing the number of ``Contents'' and ``Not contents'' strictly equal in number and consequence. --Burke.