English \Eng"lish\, n.
   1. Collectively, the people of England; English people or
      persons.
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   2. The language of England or of the English nation, and of
      their descendants in America, India, and other countries.
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   Note: The English language has been variously divided into
         periods by different writers. In the division most
         commonly recognized, the first period dates from about
         450 to 1150. This is the period of full inflection, and
         is called Anglo-Saxon, or, by many recent writers, Old
         English. The second period dates from about 1150 to
         1550 (or, if four periods be recognized, from about
         1150 to 1350), and is called Early English, Middle
         English, or more commonly (as in the usage of this
         book), Old English. During this period most of the
         inflections were dropped, and there was a great
         addition of French words to the language. The third
         period extends from about 1350 to 1550, and is Middle
         English. During this period orthography became
         comparatively fixed. The last period, from about 1550,
         is called Modern English.
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   3. A kind of printing type, in size between Pica and Great
      Primer. See Type.
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   Note: The type called English.
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   4. (Billiards) A twist or spinning motion given to a ball in
      striking it that influences the direction it will take
      after touching a cushion or another ball.
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   The King's English or The Queen's English. See under
      King.
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