Orb \Orb\, n. [F. orbe, fr. L. orbis circle, orb. Cf. {Orbit}.]
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1. A spherical body; a globe; especially, one of the
celestial spheres; a sun, planet, or star.
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In the small orb of one particular tear. --Shak.
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Whether the prime orb,
Incredible how swift, had thither rolled. --Milton.
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2. One of the azure transparent spheres conceived by the
ancients to be inclosed one within another, and to carry
the heavenly bodies in their revolutions.
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3. A circle; esp., a circle, or nearly circular orbit,
described by the revolution of a heavenly body; an orbit.
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The schoolmen were like astronomers, which did feign
eccentrics, and epicycles, and such engines of orbs.
--Bacon.
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You seem to me as Dian in her orb. --Shak.
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In orbs
Of circuit inexpressible they stood,
Orb within orb. --Milton.
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4. A period of time marked off by the revolution of a
heavenly body. [R.] --Milton.
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5. The eye, as luminous and spherical. [Poetic]
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A drop serene hath quenched their orbs. --Milton.
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6. A revolving circular body; a wheel. [Poetic]
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The orbs
Of his fierce chariot rolled. --Milton.
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7. A sphere of action or influence. --Wordsworth.
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But in our orbs we'll live so round and safe. --Shak
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8. Same as {Mound}, a ball or globe. See 1st {Mound}.
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9. (Mil.) A body of soldiers drawn up in a circle, as for
defense, esp. infantry to repel cavalry.
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Syn: Globe; ball; sphere. See {Globe}.
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