Defn: The mechanical contrivance by means of which the impulse of the player's finger is transmitted to the strings of a pianoforte or to the valve of an organ pipe. Grove. Chose in action. (Law) See Chose. — Quantity of action (Physics), the product of the mass of a body by the space it runs through, and its velocity.
Syn. — Action, Act. In many cases action and act are synonymous; but some distinction is observable. Action involves the mode or process of acting, and is usually viewed as occupying some time in doing. Act has more reference to the effect, or the operation as complete. To poke the fire is an act, to reconcile friends who have quarreled is a praiseworthy action. C. J. Smith.
ACTIONABLE
Ac"tion*a*ble, a. Etym: [Cf. LL. actionabilis. See Action.]
Defn: That may be the subject of an action or suit at law; as, to call a man a thief is actionable.
ACTIONABLY
Ac"tion*a*bly, adv.
Defn: In an actionable manner.
ACTIONARY; ACTIONIST
Ac"tion*a*ry, Ac"tion*ist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. actionnaire.] (Com.)
Defn: A shareholder in joint-stock company. [Obs.]
ACTIONLESS
Ac"tion*less, a.
Defn: Void of action.