4. In the line of descent; not collateral; as, a descendant in the direct line.
5. (Astron.)
Defn: In the direction of the general planetary motion, or from west to east; in the order of the signs; not retrograde; — said of the motion of a celestial body. Direct action. (Mach.) See Direct-acting. — Direct discourse (Gram.), the language of any one quoted without change in its form; as, he said "I can not come;" — correlative to indirect discourse, in which there is change of form; as, he said that he could not come. They are often called respectively by their Latin names, oratio directa, and oratio obliqua. — Direct evidence (Law), evidence which is positive or not inferential; — opposed to circumstantial, or indirect, evidence. — This distinction, however, is merely formal, since there is no direct evidence that is not circumstantial, or dependent on circumstances for its credibility. Wharton. — Direct examination (Law), the first examination of a witness in the orderly course, upon the merits. Abbott. — Direct fire (Mil.), fire, the direction of which is perpendicular to the line of troops or to the parapet aimed at. — Direct process (Metal.), one which yields metal in working condition by a single process from the ore. Knight. — Direct tax, a tax assessed directly on lands, etc., and polls, distinguished from taxes on merchandise, or customs, and from excise.
DIRECT
Di*rect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Directed; p. pr. & vb. n. Directing.]
1. To arrange in a direct or straight line, as against a mark, or towards a goal; to point; to aim; as, to direct an arrow or a piece of ordnance.
2. To point out or show to (any one), as the direct or right course or way; to guide, as by pointing out the way; as, he directed me to the left-hand road. The Lord direct your into the love of God. 2 Thess. iii. 5. The next points to which I will direct your attention. Lubbock.
3. To determine the direction or course of; to cause to go on in a particular manner; to order in the way to a certain end; to regulate; to govern; as, to direct the affairs of a nation or the movements of an army. I will direct their work in truth. Is. lxi. 8.
4. To point out to with authority; to instruct as a superior; to order; as, he directed them to go. I 'll first direct my men what they shall do. Shak.
5. To put a direction or address upon; to mark with the name and residence of the person to whom anything is sent; to superscribe; as, to direct a letter.
Syn. — To guide; lead; conduct; dispose; manage; regulate; order; instruct; command.