WORD, noun [G., Latin , to speak. A word is that which is uttered or thrown out.]

1. An articulate or vocal sound, or a combination of articulate and vocal sounds, uttered by the human voice, and by custom expressing an idea or ideas; a single component part of human speech or language. Thus a in English is a word; but few words consist of one letter only. Most words consist of tow or more letters, as go, do, shall, called monosyllables, or of two or more syllables, as honor, goodness, amiable.

2. The letter or letters, written or printed, which represent a sound or combination of sounds.

3. A short discourse.

Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two?

4. Talk; discourse.

Why should calamity be full of words?

Be thy words severe.

5. Dispute; verbal contention; as, some words grew between us.

6. Language; living speech; oral expression. The message was delivered by word of mouth.

7. Promise. He gave me his word he would pay me.

Obey they parents; keep thy word justly.

8. Signal; order; command.

Give the word through.

9. Account; tidings; message. Bring me word what is the issue of the contest.

10. Declaration; purpose expressed.

I know you brave, and take you at your word

11. Declaration; affirmation.

I desire not the reader should take my word

12. The Scripture; divine revelation, or any part of it. This is called the word of God.

13. Christ. John 1:1.

14. A motto; a short sentence; a proverb.

A good word commendation; favorable account.

And gave the harmless fellow a good word

In word in declaration only.

Let us not love in word only, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18.

WORD, verb intransitive To dispute. [Little used.]

WORD, verb transitive To express in words. Take care to word ideas with propriety.

The apology of the king is the same, but worded with greater deference to that great prince.