Li"bra*ry (lī"br&asl;*r&ybreve;), n.;
pl. Libraries (- r&ibreve;z). [OE. librairie, F.
librairie bookseller's shop, book trade, formerly, a library, fr. libraire bookseller, L.
librarius, from liber book; cf.
libraria bookseller's
shop, librarium bookcase, It. libreria.
See Libel.]
1. A considerable collection of books kept for use,
and not as merchandise; as, a private library; a public library.
2. A building or
apartment appropriated for
holding such a collection of books. Holland.
Hear it pronounced