Thing /(thĭng)/

Thing

n.
  1. Whatever exists, or is conceived to exist, as a separate entity, whether animate or inanimate; any separable or distinguishable object of thought.
    God made . . . every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind.
    — Gen. i. 25.
    He sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt.
    — Gen. xiv. 23.
    A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
    — Keats.
  2. An inanimate object, in distinction from a living being; any lifeless material.
    Ye meads and groves, unconscious things!
  3. A transaction or occurrence; an event; a deed.
    [And Jacob said] All these things are against me.
    — Gen. xlii. 36.
    Which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
    — Matt. xxi. 24.
  4. A portion or part; something.
    Wicked men who understand any thing of wisdom.
  5. A diminutive or slighted object; any object viewed as merely existing; -- often used in pity or contempt.
    See, sons, what things you are!
    The poor thing sighed, and . . . turned from me.
    I'll be this abject thing no more.
    — Granville.
    I have a thing in prose.
  6. Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things. [Colloq.]
    And them she gave her moebles and her thing.
    In the garden [he] walketh to and fro, And hath his things [i. e., prayers, devotions] said full courteously.
    Hearkening his minstrels their things play.
  7. Whatever may be possessed or owned; a property; -- distinguished from person. (Law)
  8. In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly.

Phrases & Compounds

Things personal
Same as Personal property, under Personal.
Things real
Same as Real property, under Real.

Thing

n.
  1. In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly; -- used, esp. in composition, in titles of such bodies. See Legislature, Norway.