Dif"fer*ence (?), 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?
Differencies of administration, but the same
Lord.
1 Cor. xii. 5.
2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension;
controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in
controversy.
What was the difference? It was a contention in
public.
Shak.
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the
old warden and the young constable to compose their difference
as they could.
T. Ellwood.
3. That by which one thing differs from
another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of
distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of
sovereignty.
Davies.
4. Choice; preference. [Obs.]
That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Spenser.
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.
6. (Logic) The quality or attribute
which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a
differentia.
7. (Math.) The quantity by which one
quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after
subtracting the one from the other.
Ascensional difference. See under
Ascensional.
Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude;
variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance;
contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle;
strife.
Dif"fer*ence (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Differenced (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Differencing.] To cause to differ; to make
different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest difference gods from
men.
Chapman.
Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are
not differenced from the meanest subject.
Milton.
So completely differenced by their separate and
individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct
persons.
Sir W. Scott.
