Defn: The homeless idlers of Naples who live by chance work or begging; — so called from the Hospital of St. Lazarus, which serves as their refuge. [Written also, but improperly, lazaroni.]
LEA Lea, n. Etym: [Cf. Lay, n. (that which is laid), 4.] (Textile Manuf.) (a) A measure of yarn; for linen, 300 yards; for cotton, 120 yards; a lay. (b) A set of warp threads carried by a loop of the heddle.
LEA Lea, n. Etym: [OE. ley, lay, As. leáh, leá; akin to Prov. G. lon bog, morass, grove, and perh. to L. lucus grove, E. light, n.]
Defn: A meadow or sward land; a grassy field. "Plow-torn leas." Shak.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea. Gray.
LEACH
Leach, n. (Naut.)
Defn: See 3d Leech.
LEACH
Leach, n. [Written also letch.] Etym: [Cf. As. leáh lye, G. lauge.
See Lye.]
1. A quantity of wood ashes, through which water passes, and thus imbibes the alkali.
2. A tub or vat for leaching ashes, bark, etc. Leach tub, a wooden tub in which ashes are leached.
LEACH
Leach, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leached; p. pr. & vb. n. Leaching.] Etym:
[Written also leech and letch.]