Mēth'od, n.

n. [Fr. méthode, Lat. methodus, Gr. μέθοδος, from μετά, after, and ὁδός, way; It. & Sp. método.]

1Sense 1. An orderly procedure or process; a rational way of investigating or exhibiting truth; regular mode or manner of doing any thing; characteristic manner.

Though this be madness, yet there's method in it. Shak.

2Sense 2. Orderly arrangement, elucidation, development, or classification; clear and lucid exhibition; systematic arrangement peculiar to an individual.

However irregular and desultory his talk, there is method in the fragments. Coleridge.

All method is a rational progress, a progress toward an end. Sir W. Hamilton.

3Sense 3. (Nat. Hist.) Classification; arrangement of natural objects according to their common characteristics; as, the method of Theophrast; the method of Ray; the Linnæan method.

Synonyms—Order; system; rule; regularity; way; manner; mode; course; process; means.—METHOD, MODE, MANNER. Method implies arrangement; mode, mere action or existence. Method is a way of reaching a given end by a series of acts which tend to secure it; mode relates to a single action, to the form or mode of existence it assumes in its performance. Manner is literally the handling of a thing, and has a wider sense, embracing both method and mode. An instructor may adopt a good method of teaching to write; the scholar may acquire a bad mode of holding his pen; the manner in which he is corrected will greatly affect his success or failure. “It will be in vain to talk to you concerning the method I think best to be observed in schools.” Locke.

Our Saviour beheld A table richly spread, in real mode, With dishes piled. Milton.

Find thou the manner, and the means prepare. Shak.