n. [ F., fr. L. articulus, dim. of artus joint, akin to Gr. &unr_;, fr. a root ar to join, fit. See Art, n. ] 1. A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Subject; matter; concern; distinct. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] This last article will hardly be believed. De Foe. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A distinct part. “Upon each article of human duty.” Paley. “Each article of time.” Habington. [ 1913 Webster ] The articles which compose the blood. E. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A particular one of various things; as, an article of merchandise; salt is a necessary article. [ 1913 Webster ] They would fight not for articles of faith, but for articles of food. Landor. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Precise point of time; moment. [ Obs. or Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ] This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. (Gram.) One of the three words, a, an, the, used before nouns to limit or define their application. A (or an) is called the indefinite article, the the definite article. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. (Zool.) One of the segments of an articulated appendage. [ 1913 Webster ]
Articles of Confederation, the compact which was first made by the original thirteen States of the United States. They were adopted March 1, 1781, and remained the supreme law until March, 1789. --
Articles of impeachment, an instrument which, in cases of impeachment, performs the same office which an indictment does in a common criminal case. --
Articles of war, rules and regulations, fixed by law, for the better government of the army. --
In the article of death [ L. in articulo mortis ], at the moment of death; in the dying struggle. --
Lords of the articles (Scot. Hist.), a standing committee of the Scottish Parliament to whom was intrusted the drafting and preparation of the acts, or bills for laws. --
The Thirty-nine Articles, statements (thirty-nine in number) of the tenets held by the Church of England. [ 1913 Webster ]
| 
