n. [ L. firmamentum, fr. firmare to make firm: cf. F. firmament. See Firm, v. & a. ] 1. Fixed foundation; established basis. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Custom is the . . . firmament of the law. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The region of the air; the sky or heavens. [ 1913 Webster ]

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Gen. i. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament. Gen. i. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In Scripture, the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; the great arch or expanse over out heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really seen. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Old Astron.) The orb of the fixed stars; the most remote of the celestial spheres. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to the firmament; celestial; being of the upper regions. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Firmans xex>or [ Pers. fermān. ] In Turkey and some other Oriental countries, a decree or mandate issued by the sovereign; a royal order or grant; -- generally given for special objects, as to a traveler to insure him protection and assistance. [ Written also firmaun. ] [ 1913 Webster ]