ECLIPSES
Noun
eclipses
plural of eclipse
plural of eclipsis
Verb
eclipses
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of eclipse
Source: Wiktionary
ECLIPSE
E*clipse", n. Etym: [F. éclipse, L. eclipsis, fr. Gr. Ex-, and Loan.]
1. (Astron.)
Definition: An interception or obscuration of the light of the sun, moon,
or other luminous body, by the intervention of some other body,
either between it and the eye, or between the luminous body and that
illuminated by it. A lunar eclipse is caused by the moon passing
through the earth's shadow; a solar eclipse, by the moon coming
between the sun and the observer. A satellite is eclipsed by entering
the shadow of its primary. The obscuration of a planet or star by the
moon or a planet, though of the nature of an eclipse, is called an
occultation. The eclipse of a small portion of the sun by Mercury or
Venus is called a transit of the planet.
Note: In ancient times, eclipses were, and among unenlightened people
they still are, superstitiously regarded as forerunners of evil
fortune, a sentiment of which occasional use is made in literature.
That fatal and perfidious bark, Built in the eclipse, and rigged with
curses dark. Milton.
2. The loss, usually temporary or partial, of light, brilliancy,
luster, honor, consciousness, etc.; obscuration; gloom; darkness.
All the posterity of our fist parents suffered a perpetual eclipse of
spiritual life. Sir W. Raleigh.
As in the soft and sweet eclipse, When soul meets soul on lovers'
lips. Shelley.
Annular eclipse. (Astron.) See under Annular.
– Cycle of eclipses. See under Cycle.
E*clipse", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Eclipsed; p. pr. & vb. n. Eclipsing.]
1. To cause the obscuration of; to darken or hide; -- said of a
heavenly body; as, the moon eclipses the sun.
2. To obscure, darken, or extinguish the beauty, luster, honor, etc.,
of; to sully; to cloud; to throw into the shade by surpassing. "His
eclipsed state." Dryden.
My joy of liberty is half eclipsed. Shak.
E*clipse", v. i.
Definition: To suffer an eclipse.
While the laboring moon Eclipses at their charms. Milton.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition