Syn.
— Chief; leading; controlling; prominent.
CAPITAL Cap"i*tal, n. Etym: [Cf. L. capitellum and Capitulum, a small head, the head, top, or capital of a column, dim. of caput head; F. chapiteau, OF. capitel. See Chief, and cf. Cattle, Chattel, Chapiter, Chapter.]
1. (Arch.)
Defn: The head or uppermost member of a column, pilaster, etc. It consists generally of three parts, abacus, bell (or vase), and necking. See these terms, and Column.
2. Etym: [Cf. F. capilate, fem., sc. ville.] (Geog.)
Defn: The seat of government; the chief city or town in a country; a metropolis. "A busy and splendid capital" Macauly.
3. Etym: [Cf. F. capital.]
Defn: Money, property, or stock employed in trade, manufactures, etc.; the sum invested or lent, as distinguished from the income or interest. See Capital stock, under Capital, a.
4. (Polit. Econ.)
Defn: That portion of the produce of industry, which may be directly employed either to support human beings or to assist in production. M'Culloch.