Con`sti*tu"tion (?), n. [F.
constitution, L. constitute.] 1.
The act or process of constituting; the action of enacting,
establishing, or appointing; enactment; establishment;
formation.
2. The state of being; that form of
being, or structure and connection of parts, which constitutes
and characterizes a system or body; natural condition; structure;
texture; conformation.
The physical constitution of the sun.
Sir J. Herschel.
3. The aggregate of all one's inherited
physical qualities; the aggregate of the vital powers of an
individual, with reference to ability to endure hardship, resist
disease, etc.; as, a robust constitution.
Our constitutions have never been enfeebled
by the vices or luxuries of the old world.
Story.
4. The aggregate of mental qualities;
temperament.
He defended himself with . . . less passion than
was expected from his constitution.
Clarendon.
5. The fundamental, organic law or
principles of government of men, embodied in written documents,
or implied in the institutions and usages of the country or
society; also, a written instrument embodying such organic law,
and laying down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct
of affairs.
Our constitution had begun to exist in
times when statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact
definitions.
Macaulay.
&fist; In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be
modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the United
States a constitution cannot ordinarily be modified, exept
through such processes as the constitution itself ordains.
6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation
or enactment; especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one
affecting ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the
constitutions of Justinian.
The positive constitutions of our own
churches.
Hooker.
A constitution of Valentinian addressed to
Olybrius, then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the conduct
of advocates.
George Long.
Apostolic constitutions. See under
Apostolic.
