Terza-rima, ter′tsa-rē′ma, n. a form of Italian triplet in iambic decasyllables, in which the middle line of the first triplet rhymes with the first and third lines of the next triplet, as in Dante's Divina Commedia and Longfellow's translation of it.—n. Terzet′to, a musical composition for three voices. [It., terza, fem. of terzo, third, rima, rhyme.]
Tesho-lama. See Lama.
Tessera, tes′e-ra, n. one of the small square tiles or cut stones used in forming tessellated pavements:—pl. Tess′eræ—also Tessel′la:—pl. Tessel′læ.—adjs. Tess′ellar, composed of, or like, tessellæ; Tess′ellar, Tesserā′ic, Tess′eral, made up of tesseræ.—v.t. Tess′ellate, to form into squares or lay with chequered work.—adj. Tess′ellated.—n. Tessellā′tion, tessellated or mosaic work: the operation of making it. [L. tessella, dim. of tessera, a square piece.]
Test, test, n. a pot in which metals are tried and refined: any critical trial: means of trial: (chem.) anything used to distinguish substances or detect their presence, a reagent: standard: proof: distinction: a witness, testimony: the hard covering of certain animals, shield, lorica.—v.t. to put to proof: to examine critically.—ns. Test′-pā′per, a bibulous paper saturated with some chemical compound that readily changes colour when exposed to certain other chemicals; Test′-plate, a white plate or tile on which to try vitrifiable colours by heat: a glass plate with a series of finely ruled lines used in testing the resolving power of microscopic objectives; Test′-tube, a cylinder of thin glass closed at one end, used in testing liquids.—n.pl. Test′-types, letters or words in type of different sizes for testing the sight.—Test Acts, acts meant to secure that none but rightly affected persons and members of the established religion shall hold office—especially those of 1673 and 1685. [O. Fr. test—L. testa, an earthen pot.]
Test, test, v.t. to attest legally and date.—v.i. to make a will.—adj. Tes′table, capable of being given by will, capable of witnessing. [Fr. tester—L. testāri, to testify.]
Testa, tes′ta, n. the outer integument of a seed.
Testacea, tes-tā′sē-a, n.pl. shelled or crustaceous animals.—adjs. Testā′cean (also n.), Testā′ceous, consisting of, or having, a hard shell.—ns. Testacell′a, a genus of molluscs belonging to the Pulmonifera, and represented in Britain by three species; Testaceog′raphy, descriptive testaceology; Testaceol′ogy, conchology. [L. testaceus—testa, a shell.]
Testament, tes′ta-ment, n. that which testifies, or in which an attestation is made: the solemn declaration in writing of one's will: a will: a dispensation, as of the Mosaic or old and the Christian or new, one of the two great divisions of the Bible.—n. Tes′tacy, state of being testate.—adjs. Testamen′tal, Testamen′tary, pertaining to a testament or will: bequeathed or done by will.—adv. Testamen′tarily.—adj. Tes′tāte, having made and left a will.—ns. Testā′tion, a witnessing, a giving by will; Testā′tor, one who leaves a will;—fem. Testā′trix; Testā′tum, one of the clauses of an English deed, enumerating the operative words of transfer, statement of consideration, money, &c. [L. testamentum—testāri, to be a witness—testis, a witness.]
Testamur, tes-tā′mur, n. a certificate that one has passed an examination at an English university—from the opening word. [L., 'we testify.']