Difference (?), n. [F. différence, L. differentia.] 1. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?
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Differencies of administration, but the same Lord. 1 Cor. xii. 5.
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2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
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What was the difference? It was a contention in public. Shak.
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Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could. T. Ellwood.
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3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
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The marks and differences of sovereignty. Davies.
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4. Choice; preference. [Obs.]
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That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence. Spenser.
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5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.
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6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
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7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
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Ascensional difference. See under Ascensional.

Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife.
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