Con*tent" (k&obreve;n*t&ebreve;nt"),
a. [F. content, fr. L. contentus,
p. p. of contenire to hold together, restrain. See
Contain.] Contained within limits; hence, having the
desires limited by that which one has; not disposed to repine or
grumble; satisfied; contented; at rest.
Having food and rai
ment, let us be therewith content.
1 Tim. vi. 8.
Con"tent (k&obreve;n"t&ebreve;nt or
k&obreve;n*t&ebreve;nt"; 277), n.; usually
in pl., Contents. 1.
That which is contained; the thing or things held by a
receptacle or included within specified limits; as, the
contents of a cask or bale or of a room; the
contents of a book.
I shall prove these writings . . . authentic, and
the contents true, and worthy of a divine original.
Grew.
2. Power of containing; capacity; extent;
size. [Obs.]
Strong ship's, of great content.
Bacon.
3. (Geom.) Area or quantity of
space or matter contained within certain limits; as, solid
contents; superficial contents.
The geometrical content, figure, and
situation of all the lands of a kingdom.
Graunt.
Table of contents, or
Contents, a table or list of topics in a
book, showing their order and the place where they may be found:
a summary.
Con*tent" (?), v. t. [F.
contenter, LL. contentare, fr. L. contentus,
p. p. See Content, a.]
1. To satisfy the desires of; to make easy
in any situation; to appease or quiet; to gratify; to
please.
Do not content yourselves with obscure and
confused ideas, where clearer are to be attained.
I. Watts.
Pilate, willing to content the people,
released Barabbas unto them.
Mark xv. 15.
2. To satisfy the expectations of; to
pay; to requite.
Come the next Sabbath, and I will content
you.
Shak.
Syn. -- To satisfy; appease; please. See
Satiate.
Con*tent", n. 1.
Rest or quietness of the mind in one's present condition;
freedom from discontent; satisfaction; contentment; moderate
happiness.
Such is the fullness of my heart's
content.
Shak.
2. Acquiescence without
examination. [Obs.]
The sense they humbly take upon
content.
Pope.
3. That which contents or satisfies; that
which if attained would make one happy.
So will I in England work your grace's full
content.
Shak.
4. (Eng. House of Lords) An
expression of assent to a bill or motion; an affirmative vote;
also, a member who votes "Content.".
Supposing the number of "Contents" and "Not
contents" strictly equal in number and consequence.
Burke.
