Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Name?

\Name\, n. [AS. nama; akin to D. naam, OS. & OHG. namo, G. name, Icel. nafn, for namn, Dan. navn, Sw. namn, Goth. nam[=o], L. nomen (perh. influenced by noscere, gnoscere, to learn to know), Gr. 'o`mona, Scr. n[=a]man. [root]267. Cf. {Anonymous}, {Ignominy}, {Misnomer}, {Nominal}, {Noun}.] 1. The title by which any person or thing is known or designated; a distinctive specific appellation, whether of an individual or a class. Whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. --Gen. ii. 19. What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. --Shak. 2. A descriptive or qualifying appellation given to a person or thing, on account of a character or acts. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. --Is. ix. 6. 3. Reputed character; reputation, good or bad; estimation; fame; especially, illustrious character or fame; honorable estimation; distinction. What men of name resort to him? --Shak. Far above . . . every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. --Eph. i. 21. I will get me a name and honor in the kingdom. --1 Macc. iii. 14. He hath brought up an evil name upon a virgin. --Deut. xxii. 19. The king's army . . . had left no good name behind. --Clarendon. 4. Those of a certain name; a race; a family. The ministers of the republic, mortal enemies of his name, came every day to pay their feigned civilities. --Motley. 5. A person, an individual. [Poetic] They list with women each degenerate name. --Dryden. {Christian name}. (a) The name a person receives at baptism, as distinguished from {surname}; baptismal name. (b) A given name, whether received at baptism or not. {Given name}. See under {Given}. {In name}, in profession, or by title only; not in reality; as, a friend in name. {In the name of}. (a) In behalf of; by the authority of. `` I charge you in the duke's name to obey me.'' --Shak. (b) In the represented or assumed character of. ``I'll to him again in name of Brook.'' --Shak. {Name plate}, a plate as of metal, glass, etc., having a name upon it, as a sign; a doorplate. {Pen name}, a name assumed by an author; a pseudonym or nom de plume. --Bayard Taylor. {Proper name} (Gram.), a name applied to a particular person, place, or thing. {To call names}, to apply opprobrious epithets to; to call by reproachful appellations. {To take a name in vain}, to use a name lightly or profanely; to use a name in making flippant or dishonest oaths. --Ex. xx. 7. Syn: Appellation; title; designation; cognomen; denomination; epithet. Usage: {Name}, {Appellation}, {Title}, {Denomination}. Name is generic, denoting that combination of sounds or letters by which a person or thing is known and distinguished. Appellation, although sometimes put for name simply, denotes, more properly, a descriptive term, used by way of marking some individual peculiarity or characteristic; as, Charles the Bold, Philip the Stammerer. A title is a term employed to point out one's rank, office, etc.; as, the Duke of Bedford, Paul the Apostle, etc. Denomination is to particular bodies what appellation is to individuals; thus, the church of Christ is divided into different denominations, as Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc.
\Name\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Named}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Naming}.] [AS. namian. See {Name}, n.] 1. To give a distinctive name or appellation to; to entitle; to denominate; to style; to call. She named the child Ichabod. --1 Sam. iv. 21. Thus was the building left Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named. --Milton. 2. To mention by name; to utter or publish the name of; to refer to by distinctive title; to mention. None named thee but to praise. --Halleck. Old Yew, which graspest at the stones That name the underlying dead. --Tennyson. 3. To designate by name or specifically for any purpose; to nominate; to specify; to appoint; as, to name a day for the wedding. Whom late you have named for consul. --Shak. 4. (House of Commons) To designate (a member) by name, as the Speaker does by way of reprimand. Syn: To denominate; style; term; call; mention; specify; designate; nominate.