Dif"fer*ence (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Differenced (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Differencing.]
To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest difference gods from men.
Chapman. Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject.
Milton.
So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that
we at once acknowledge them as distinct
persons.
Sir W.
Scott.
Dif"fer*ence (?), n. [F. différence, L. differentia.]
1. The act of
differing; the state or measure of
being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation;
as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the
difference between the innocent and the guilty?
Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.
1 Cor. xii.
5. 2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
What was the
difference? It was a contention in public.
Shak.
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young
constable to compose their difference as they could.
T. Ellwood.
3. That by which one
thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of sovereignty.
Davies. 4. Choice; preference.
[Obs.]
That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Spenser.
5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See
Augmentation, and
Marks of cadency, under Cadency.
6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the
genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
7.
(Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from
the other.
Ascensional difference. See under Ascensional.
Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife.
Hear it pronounced