Digest \Di*gest"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Digested; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Digesting.] [L. digestus, p. p. of digerere to separate,
   arrange, dissolve, digest; di- = dis- + gerere to bear,
   carry, wear. See Jest.]
   1. To distribute or arrange methodically; to work over and
      classify; to reduce to portions for ready use or
      application; as, to digest the laws, etc.
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            Joining them together and digesting them into order.
                                                  --Blair.
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            We have cause to be glad that matters are so well
            digested.                             --Shak.
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   2. (Physiol.) To separate (the food) in its passage through
      the alimentary canal into the nutritive and nonnutritive
      elements; to prepare, by the action of the digestive
      juices, for conversion into blood; to convert into chyme.
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   3. To think over and arrange methodically in the mind; to
      reduce to a plan or method; to receive in the mind and
      consider carefully; to get an understanding of; to
      comprehend.
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            Feelingly digest the words you speak in prayer.
                                                  --Sir H.
                                                  Sidney.
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            How shall this bosom multiplied digest
            The senate's courtesy?                --Shak.
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   4. To appropriate for strengthening and comfort.
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            Grant that we may in such wise hear them [the
            Scriptures], read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest
            them.                                 --Book of
                                                  Common Prayer.
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   5. Hence: To bear comfortably or patiently; to be reconciled
      to; to brook.
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            I never can digest the loss of most of Origin's
            works.                                --Coleridge.
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   6. (Chem.) To soften by heat and moisture; to expose to a
      gentle heat in a boiler or matrass, as a preparation for
      chemical operations.
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   7. (Med.) To dispose to suppurate, or generate healthy pus,
      as an ulcer or wound.
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   8. To ripen; to mature. [Obs.]
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            Well-digested fruits.                 --Jer. Taylor.
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   9. To quiet or abate, as anger or grief.
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