Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Express

1. To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit. All the fruits out of which drink is expressed. (Bacon) And th'idle breath all utterly expressed. (Spenser) Halters and racks can not express from thee More than by deeds. (B. Jonson)

2. To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble. Each skillful artist shall express thy form. (E. Smith) So kids and whelps their sires and dams express. (Dryden)

3. To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and especially. By language; to declare; to utter; to tell. My words express my purpose. (Shak) They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality. (Addison)

4. To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; used reflexively. Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening. (Pope)

5. To denote; to designate. Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names. (Num. I. 17)

6. To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package.

Synonym: to declare, utter, signify, testify, intimate.

Origin: cf. OF. Espresser, expresser, L. Exprimere, expressum. See express,; cf. Sprain.