Alength, a-length′, adv. at full length. [A.S. pfx. a-, on, and Length.]
Alerce, a-lers′, n. the wood of the sandarac-tree: the Chilian Arbor vitæ—both of the pine family. [Sp.—Ar. al arza, cedar.]
Alert, al-ėrt′, adj. watchful: brisk.—n. a sudden attack or surprise.—adv. Alert′ly.—n. Alert′ness.—Upon the alert, upon the watch. [Fr.—It. all' erta, on the erect—erto, L. erectus, erect.]
Alew, a-lū′ (Spens.) an obsolete form of Halloo.
Alewife, āl′wīf, n. a fish of the same genus as the shad, about a foot in length, common on the east coast of North America. [Said to be a corr. of aloofe, the Indian name of a fish.]
Alexandrian, al-egz-an′dri-an, adj. relating to Alexandria in Egypt, or its school of philosophy: relating to Alexander.
Alexandrine, al-egz-an′drin, n. a rhyming verse of twelve syllables, six iambic feet, so-called from its use in old French poems on Alexander the Great. It is the ordinary verse of French tragedy. French Alexandrines are arranged in couplets, alternately acatalectic with masculine rhymes, and hypercatalectic with feminine rhymes.
Alfa, al′fa, n. an African name for esparto grass—also spelt Halfa.
Alfalfa, al-fal′fa, n. a Spanish name for a variety of lucerne—used also in some parts of the United States. [Sp. alfalfa, three-leaved grass; Ar. alfacfacah.]
Alfresco, al-fresk′o, adv. on the fresh, as to paint al fresco = on the fresh plaster: in the fresh or cool air. [It.]