Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Custom; habit; habitual use.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun Accustomedness; habit; habitual use.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Accustomedness; habit.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Latin assuetudo, from assuetus accustomed.

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Examples

  • The boy had been his companion for years: and from assuetude had become, as it were, a part of himself.

    The Pirate Frederick Marryat 1820

  • It is not the honest tradesman who makes a rapid fortune; indeed, it is doubtful whether he could carry on his business; and yet, from assuetude and not being taxed with dishonesty, the shopkeeper scarcely ever feels that he is dishonest.

    Diary in America, Series Two Frederick Marryat 1820

  • You may bind, and from assuetude and time, (putting the better feelings out of the question,) the ties are worn without complaint; but if you bind too tight, you cut into the flesh, and after a time the pain becomes insupportable.

    Diary in America, Series Two Frederick Marryat 1820

  • a fact that no one knows his own country; from assuetude and, perhaps, from the feelings of regard which we naturally have for our native land, we pass over what nevertheless does not escape the eye of a foreigner.

    Diary in America, Series Two Frederick Marryat 1820

Comments

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  • Meaning accustomedness; habit; habitual use. But it sure doesn't *sound* like that's what it means. ;-)

    February 8, 2007