Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Express?

\Ex*press"\ ([e^]ks*pr[e^]s"), a. [F. expr[`e]s, L. expressus, p. p. of exprimere to express; ex. out + premere To press. See {Press}.] 1. Exactly representing; exact. Their human countenance The express resemblance of the gods. --Milton. 2. Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement. I have express commandment. --Shak. 3. Intended for a particular purpose; relating to an express; sent on a particular errand; dispatched with special speed; as, an express messenger or train. Also used adverbially. A messenger sent express from the other world. --Atterbury. {Express color}. (Law) See the Note under {Color}, n., 8. Syn: Explicit; clear; unambiguous. See {Explicit}.
\Ex*press"\, n. [Cf. F. expr[`e]s a messenger.] 1. A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. [Obs.] The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth. --Jer. Taylor. 2. A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels; also, a railway train for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality. 3. An express office. She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town. --E. E. Hale. 4. That which is sent by an express messenger or message. [Obs.] --Eikon Basilike. {Express office}, an office where packages for an express are received or delivered.
\Ex*press"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Expressed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Expressing}.] [Cf. OF. espresser, expresser, L. exprimere, expressum. See {Express}, a.; cf. {Sprain}.] 1. To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit. All the fruits out of which drink is expressed. --Bacon. And th'idle breath all utterly expressed. --Spenser. Halters and racks can not express from thee More than by deeds. --B. Jonson. 2. To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble. Each skillful artist shall express thy form. --E. Smith. So kids and whelps their sires and dams express. --Dryden. 3. To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and esp. by language; to declare; to utter; to tell. My words express my purpose. --Shak. They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality. --Addison. 4. To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; -- used reflexively. Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening. --Pope. 5. To denote; to designate. Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names. --Num. i. 17. 6. To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package. Syn: To declare; utter; signify; testify; intimate.