1. To divide into two equal parts. [Obs.] Cockeram.
2. (Her.)
Defn: To represent the half of; to halve.
DIMIDIATION
Di*mid`i*a"tion, n. Etym: [L. dimidiatio.]
Defn: The act of dimidiating or halving; the state of being dimidiate.
DIMINISH
Di*min"ish, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diminished; p. pr. & vb. n.
Diminishing.] Etym: [Pref. di- (= L. dis-) + minish: cf. L.
diminuere, F. diminuer, OE. diminuen. See Dis-, and Minish.]
1. To make smaller in any manner; to reduce in bulk or amount; to lessen; — opposed to augment or increase. Not diminish, but rather increase, the debt. Barrow.
2. To lessen the authority or dignity of; to put down; to degrade; to abase; to weaken. This doth nothing diminish their opinion. Robynson (More's Utopia). I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. Ezek. xxix. 15. O thou . . . at whose sight all the stars Hide their diminished heads. Milton.
3. (Mus.)
Defn: To make smaller by a half step; to make (an interval) less than minor; as, a diminished seventh.