Defn: The nomination or designation of candidates for public office by direct popular vote rather than through the action of a convention or body of elected nominating representatives or delegates. The term is applied both to the nomination of candidates without any nominating convention, and, loosely, to the nomination effected, as in the case of candidates for president or senator of the United States, by the election of nominating representatives pledged or instructed to vote for certain candidates dssignated by popular vote.
DIRECTOIRE STYLE
Di`rec`toire" style. (Dressmaking)
Defn: A style of dress prevalent at the time of the French Directory, characterized by great extravagance of design and imitating the Greek and Roman costumes.
DIRECTOR
Di*rect"or, n. Etym: [Cf. F. directeur.]
1. One who, or that which, directs; one who regulates, guides, or orders; a manager or superintendent. In all affairs thou sole director. Swift.
2. One of a body of persons appointed to manage the affairs of a company or corporation; as, the directors of a bank, insurance company, or railroad company. What made directors cheat in South-Sea year Pope.
3. (Mech.)
Defn: A part of a machine or instrument which directs its motion or action.
4. (Surg.)
Defn: A slender grooved instrument upon which a knife is made to slide when it is wished to limit the extent of motion of the latter, or prevent its injuring the parts beneath.