DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Soul, n.
1. The spiritual, rational, and immortal part in man; that part of man which enables him to think, and which renders him a subject of moral government; -- sometimes, in distinction from the higher nature, or spirit, of man, the so-called animal soul, that is, the seat of life, the sensitive affections and phantasy, exclusive of the voluntary and rational powers; -- sometimes, in distinction from the mind, the moral and emotional part of man's nature, the seat of feeling, in distinction from intellect; -- sometimes, the intellect only; the understanding; the seat of knowledge, as distinguished from feeling. In a more general sense, “an animating, separable, surviving entity, the vehicle of individual personal existence.”
The eyes of our souls only then begin to see, when our bodily eyes are closing. --Law.
2. The seat of real life or vitality; the source of action; the animating or essential part. “The hidden soul of harmony.”
Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul. --Milton.
3. The leader; the inspirer; the moving spirit; the heart; as, the soul of an enterprise; an able general is the soul of his army.
He is the very soul of bounty! --Shak.
4. Energy; courage; spirit; fervor; affection, or any other noble manifestation of the heart or moral nature; inherent power or goodness.
That he wants algebra he must confess;
But not a soul to give our arms success. --Young.
5. A human being; a person; -- a familiar appellation, usually with a qualifying epithet; as, poor soul.
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. --Prov. xxv. 25.
God forbid so many simple souls
Should perish by the sword! --Shak.
Now mistress Gilpin (careful soul). --Cowper.
6. A pure or disembodied spirit.
That to his only Son . . . every soul in heaven
Shall bend the knee. --Milton.
Note: ☞ Soul is used in the formation of numerous compounds, most of which are of obvious signification; as, soul-betraying, soul-consuming, soul-destroying, soul-distracting, soul-enfeebling, soul-exalting, soul-felt, soul-harrowing, soul-piercing, soul-quickening, soul-reviving, soul-stirring, soul-subduing, soul-withering, etc.
Syn: -- Spirit; life; courage; fire; ardor.
Cure of souls. See Cure, n., 2.
Soul bell, the passing bell. --Bp. Hall.
Soul foot. See Soul scot, below. [Obs.]
Soul scot or Soul shot.