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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Several

Sĕv'er-al, a.

adjective

a. [O. Fr. several, from severer, severer; L. Lat. separalis. See supra.]

Sense 1. Separate; distinct; not common to two or more; particular; appropriated; single.

Each several ship a victory did gain. Dryden.

Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand. Pope.

Sense 2. Diverse; different; various.

Divers sorts of beasts came from several parts to drink. Bacon.

Four several armies to the field are led. Dryden.

Sense 3. Consisting of a number; more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.

Joint and several note, bond, or other obligation, one by which two or more persons signing it are unitedly and individually bound. Craig.

Sĕv'er-al, n.

noun

n. 1. Each particular, or a small number, singly taken;—obsolete or very rare in the plural.

There was not time enough to hear The severals. Shak.

Several of them neither rose from any conspicuous family, nor left any behind them. Addison.

Sense 2. An inclosed or separate place; inclosed ground; inclosure. [Obs.]

They had their several for heathen nations, their several for the people of their own nation, . . . &c. Hooker.

In several, in a state of separation. [Rare.] “Where pastures in several be.” Tusser.