2 entries under this word

Sedentary

Sēd'en-ta-ry, n.

noun

n. (Zoöl.) One of a tribe of spiders, which rest motionless until their prey is entangled in their web. Brande.

Sēd'en-ta-ry, a.

adjective

(44), a. [Lat. sedentarius, from sedere, to sit; Fr. sédentaire, Sp. & It. sedentario. See SEDENT.]

Sense 1. Accustomed to sit much or long; as, a sedentary man.

Sense 2. Requiring much sitting; as, a sedentary employment.

Any education that confined itself to sedentary pursuits was essentially imperfect. R. Disraeli.

Sense 3. Passed for the most part in sitting; as, a sedentary life.

Sense 4. Inactive; motionless; sluggish. [Rare.] “The sedentary earth.” Milton.

The soul, considered abstractly from its passions, is of a remiss, sedentary nature. Spectator.