MIN'NOW

MI'NOR, adjective [Latin minuo, to diminish. See Mince.]

1. Less; smaller; sometimes applied to the bulk or magnitude of a single object; more generally to amount, degree or importance. We say, the minor divisions of a body, the minor part of a body; opposed to the major part. We say, minor sums, minor faults, minor considerations, details or arguments. In the latter phrases, minor is equivalent to small, petty, inconsiderable, not principal, important or weighty.

2. In music, less or lower by a lesser semi-tone; as a third minor.

Asia Minor, the Lesser Asia, that part of Asia which lies between the Euxine on the north, and the Mediterranean on the south.

MI'NOR, noun A person of either sex under age; one who is under the authority of his parents or guardians, or who is not permitted by law to make contracts and manage his own property. By the laws of Great Britain and of the United States, persons are minors till they are twenty one years of age.

1. In logic, the second proposition of a regular syllogism, as in the following:

Every act of injustice partakes of meanness.

To take money from another by gaming, or reputation by seduction, are acts of injustice.

Therefore the taking of money from another by gaming, or reputation by seduction, partake of meanness.

2. A Minorite, a Franciscan friar.

3. A beautiful bird of the East Indies.