Blind

a. [A-S., O. S., D., Sw., & Dan. blind, Icel. blindr, O. H. Ger. plint, Goth. blinds; allied to blend, to mix, because obscurity arises from mixture. See BLEND.]

1Sense 1. Destitute of the sense of seeing, either by natural defect or by deprivation; not having sight.

He that is stricken blind can not forget. The precious treasure of his eye-sight lost. Shak.

2Sense 2. Not having the faculty of discernment; destitute of intellectual light; unable to understand or judge; ignorant; as, authors are blind to their own defects.

But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more, That they may stumble on, and deeper fall. Milton.

3Sense 3. Morally depraved. “Thou blind Pharisee.” Matt. xxiii. 26.

4Sense 4. Having such a state or condition as a thing would have to a person who is blind; not easily discernible; indiscernible; out of public view; private; hidden; unseen; as, a blind manuscript. “In the blind mazes of this tangled wood.” Milton. “On the blind rocks are lost.” Dryden. “A blind corner.” Hooker.

5Sense 5. Not having openings for light or for seeing; closed. “The blind walls.” Tennyson.

6Sense 6. Undiscerning; undiscriminating; inconsiderate.

This plan is recommended neither to blind approbation nor to blind reprobation. Jay.

[imp. & p. p. BLINDED; p. pr. & vb. n. BLINDING.] 1. To make blind; to deprive of sight or discernment. “Salt water blinds them not.” Shak. A blind guide is certainly a great mischief; but a guide that blinds those whom he should lead is undoubtedly a much greater. South. 2. To darken; to obscure to the eye or understanding; to conceal; to deceive. “Such darkness blinds the sky.” Dryden. The state of the controversy between us he endeavored, with all his art, to blind and confound. Stillingfleet.

See BLENDE.