Dacnis 
Dacnis (dak'nis), M. [NL. (Cuvior, 1H17), ir- 
reg. < Or. Adnvriv, bite, sting.] 1. A fjenus of 
birds conterminous in Clavier's classitic-ation 
with the modern family Itnrnididte or 
(In- : the pitpits or honey-creepers. It is now re 
stricU-d to a .sccti<in of that taiuilv having as typieal ^pe 
eie^ c^llint ,;i-iitn<t iiii'l ( '. ^[>i-ii of I.inniriis, containing 
upward of I.", species, of which lilnc is the prevailing > "l"i 
all inhabiting tropical continental Aim in i 
2. A genus of North American wonn-eating 
warblers, of the family Mninlitliilii'. Bonaparte, 
1828. 
dacoit, dacoitage, etc. See dakoit, etc. 
dacret. See dicker*. 
dacryd (dak'rid), H. A tree of the genus l)a- 
tTlffliltltl. 
Dacrydium (dak-rid'i-um), n. [NL., < Gr. ta- 
KprAniv (dim. of ildn/w = E. tear 2 ), applied to a 
kind of scammony ; in NL. use referring to the 
resinous drops exuded by the plants.] A ge- 
nus of evergreen gymnospermous trees, belong- 
ing to the natural order Taxacete. There are aliout 
10 sp%cies, natives of the Malay archipelago, Tasmania, 
and New Zealand, some of which arc valuable timber- 
trees, as D. /'ra/iJWm/i, the Huon pine of Tasmania, and 
I). c.itin-<-**nti/iii. the rimu or red pine of New Zealand. 
D. taxij'ofirun of New /.calami is also a large tree. 
dacrygelosis (dak'ri-je-16'sis), . fNL., < Gr. 
fan/tv (> iaKfti'fiv, weep), = E. tear 2 , + j^/r, 
laughter, < ye).av, laugh.] In pathol., alternate 
laughing and weeping. 
dacryo-adenitis (dak "ri-6-ad-e-ni 'tis), n. 
[NL., < Gr. Aaupvav, = E. tear 2 , + dii/v, gland, 
+ -itig.'] In pathol., inflammation of a lacry- 
MI.-I I gland. 
dacryocystitis (dak'ri-6-sis-ti'tis), . [NL., 
< Gr. Adupvov, = E. tear 2 , + niirric, vessel (cyst), 
+ -itig.} In pathol., inflammation of the lacry- 
mal sac. 
dacryolite, dacryolith (dak'ri-o-lit, -lith), . 
[< Gr. Adupvov, = E. tear 2 , + /U'tfor, a stone.] 
A lacryraal calculus ; a concretion in the lac- 
rymal canal or tear-duct. 
dacryolithiasis(dak*ri-6-H-thi'a-sis), . [NL., 
< dacryolith + -iasix.] In pathol., the mor- 
bid condition in which dacryoliths are pro- 
duced. 
dacryoma Cdak-ri-6'ma), n. [NL., < Gr. idnpv, 
= E. tear*, + -WHO.] In pathol., the stoppage 
or obstruction in one or both of the puncta 
lacrymalia (tear-passages), by which the tears 
are prevented from passing into the nose, and 
in consequence run down over the lower eye- 
lid. 
dacryon (dak'ri-on), . [NL., < Gr. SaKpi'uv, 
ppr. of Stuipifiv, weep, < SdKpvov, daicpu, a tear 
(cf. Sdapv/ia = L. lacruma, lucrima, a tear), = E. 
tea 1-2, q. v.] The point where the frontal, lacry- 
mal, and superior maxillary bones of the hu- 
man skull meet. See craniometry. 
dacryops (dak'ri-ops), . [NL., < Gr. dd/c/w, 
= E. tear 2 , + 01/1, eye, face.] In pathol.: (a) A 
cystiform dilatation of one of the ducts of the 
laorymal gland. (6) A watery eye. 
dactyl, dactyle (dak'til), n. [< L. dactylus, 
< Gr. daxTivtof, a finger, a dactyl, a date (whence 
ult. E. datc&, a. v.), akin to L. digitus, a finger 
(see digit), and E. toe, q. v. The dactyl appears 
to have been so called because, like a finger, it 
consists of one long and two short members.] 
1 . A unit of linear measure ; a finger-breadth ; 
a digit : used in reference to Greek, Egyptian, 
and Babylonian measures. The Egyptian dactyl 
was precisely one fourth of a palm, and was equal to 0.74 
inch, or 18.5 millimeters. The Babylonian and Assyrian 
dactyls are by some authors considered as the fifth part, 
by others as the sixth part, of the corresponding palms. 
The ordinary Greek dactyl was one fourth of a palm, ami 
its value in Athens is variously calculated to IK- from 
1.78 to 2 centimeters. 
2. In pros., a foot of three syllables, the first 
long, the second and third short. The dactyl of 
modern or accentual versification is simply an accented 
syllable followed by two which an- unaccented, and is ac- 
counted a dactyl without regard to the relative time taken 
In pronouncing the several syllables. Thus, the words 
clh'i'rili/, rerilii, violate, ami ,;\:i, which on the principles 
of ancient metrics would be called respectively a dactyl 
I w -), a tribrach (~ w ~). a Cretic (- - Vaud an anapest 
(- - -), are all alike regarded as dactyls. The quantitative 
dactyl of (ireek and Latin poetry is tetrasemlc that is, has 
a magnitude of four morse (see tnora) : and as two of these 
constitute the thesis (in the Greek sense) and two the arsis, 
the dactyl, like its inverse, the anapest (- ~ -i), belongs to 
the equal (isorrhythmic) class of feet. The true or normal 
dactyl has the ictus or metrical stress on the flrst syllable 
( - -X Its most frequent equivalent or substitute is the 
dactylic spondM (- -1, in which the two short times are 
contracted into one long. Resolution of the long syllable 
(s* w w ^) is rare. 
If ye vse too many ,l,i,-ti/ x [,, Aether ye make your nmsikc 
too Ughl and of no solemne granitic, such as the amorous 
Elegies in court naturally require. 
Puttrnham, Arte of Eng. Poesie, p. 106. 
1439 
From long to long in solemn sort 
Slou spoil. lee stalks ; stroll-' foot ! yet ill alile 
Ever to come np with liuetyl trisyllable. 
<'"l<rUtfjr, Metrical Feet. 
3. In aunt. : (a) A digit, whether of the hand or 
foot ; a finger or a toe. (fr) A toe or digit of the 
hind foot only, when the word digit is restricted 
to a finger. 4. In zoiil., a dactylus. 5. The 
piddock, 1'hulas dactylus. See dactylus (c). 
JEoUc dactyls, a series of cyclic dactyls with a trochee 
in the tii ,-f place. See loya&dic. Anapestic dactyl, a 
dactyl substituted for an anapest, and consequently uUng 
the ictus on Its second syllable ( * for ~ - -). Cyclic 
dactyl. Sec cyclic, 3. 
dactylt (dak'til), v. i. [< dactyl, n. ; in allusion 
to the rapid movement of dactylic verse.] To 
move nimbly ; leap ; bound. B. Jonson. 
dactylar (dak'ti-lSr), a. [< dactyl + -ar 2 .] 
Pertaining to a dactyl ; dactylic, 
dactyle, . See dactyl. 
dactylett (dak'ti-let), n. [< dactyl + dim. -et.] 
A little or false dactyl. 
How handsomely besets 
Dull spondees with the English ilai-tiileti! 
Dp. Hall, Satires, I. vl. 14. 
Dactylethra (dak-ti-le'thrft), n. [NL., < Gr. 
iaKTv'/t/6fia (also iaKri'/.i/Bpov), a finger-sheath, a 
thumb-screw, < S&KTV)^, a finder: see dactyl, .] 
A genus of tailless amphibians, constituting 
the family Itactylethrida;. D. capensis inhabits 
South Africa. 
Dactylethridse (dak-ti-leth'ri-de), n. pi. [NL., 
< Dactylethra + -ioVe.] A family of aglossal, 
anurous, salient amphibians, represented by 
the single genus Dactylethra. it contains African 
frogs without a tongue, with a concealed tympanic mem- 
brane, maxillary and premaxillary teeth, wehlted hind 
feet, and claws on the three inner toes, from which latter 
character the name of the genus is derived. The sacral 
diapophyses are dilated, and the coracoids and precora- 
coids are subequal, strongly divergent, and connected by 
a broad, double, not overlapping cartilage. Also called 
XfnopodidcK. 
Dactyl! 1 (dak'ti-li), . pi. [L., < Gr. bdKrvKoi 
('ISaiot, of Ida, in Crete) : see def . Cf. dactyl, n.'] 
In classical antiq., a class of mythical beings, 
guardians of the infant Zeus, inhabiting Mount 
Ida in Phrygia or in Crete, to whom the dis- 
covery of iron and the art of working it were 
ascribed. They were servants or priests of Oybele, and 
are sometimes confounded with the Curetes, the Cabiri 
and the Corybantes. The traditions about them and 
their place of aliode vary. 
dactyll 2 , . Plural of dactylus. 
dactylic (dak-til'ik), a. and n. [< L. dactylicuy, 
< Gr. <5aKTt>;,oif , < oa/cru/iof, a dactyl : see dactyl.'} 
I. a. Inpros.jConstitutingorequivalenttoadac- 
tyl ; pertaining to or characteristic of a dactyl or 
dactyls; consistingof dactyls: as.aoVzetyHcfoot; 
a dactylic spondee ; dactylic rhythm or meter ; 
dactylic verses. The dactylic rhythm in classical poetry 
was regarded as especially majestic and dignified ; a con- 
tinuous sequence of ilaet\ 1-, however, produced a rela- 
tively lighter and more animated effect, an admixture of 
spondees giving a more or less heavy or retarded move- 
ment to the verse. The most frequent dactylic meter Is 
the hexameter. Other dactylic meters were used In Greek 
lyric poetry, and in the drama, especially In the earlier 
period, or in passages expressing lamentation (monodies 
and commatia). Hee hexameter and eltgiac. 
This at least was the power of the spondaic and dactyl- 
ick harmony. Johnson, Rambler, No. 94. 
Inspired by the dactylic beat of the horses' hoofs, I es- 
sayed to repeat the opening lines of Evangeliiie. 
Lowell, Fireside Travels, p. 105. 
Dactylic ClttSS (of feet), dactylic foot. See inorrhyth- 
mic. Dactylic flute, a flute characterized by unequal 
intervals. Dactylic spondee. See dactyl, 2. 
II. n. 1. A line consisting chiefly or wholly 
of dactyls. 2. pi. Meters which consist of a 
repetition of dactyls or of equivalent feet. 
DactyliobrancMa, Dactyliobranchiata (dak- 
til*i-o-brang'ki-a, -brang-ki-a'ta), n.pl. [NL.. 
< Gr. oVjKrr/.fof, a finger-ring, + flpdyxia, gills.] 
An order of tunicates with a branchial sac of 
two gills girt anteriorly by a membranous ring 
and open posteriorly. It is represented by the 
Pyrosomatidce, or fire-bodies. Also, erroneously, 
liiii'ti/lohranchia. 
dactylipglypb. (dak-til'i-o-glif), n. [< Gr. 6a- 
icri'/'-raj/i^of, an engraver of gems, < iacrtiuaf, a 
finger-ring (< ddirrv/of, finger: see dactyl), + 
yU^eiv, cut, engrave.] An engraver of finger- 
rings, or of fine stones such as those used for 
rings. Also dacti/lioylifphist. 
dactylioglyphic ('dak-tiii-o-glif 'ik), . [< dac- 
ti/liiii/li/jiliy + -i>.] Having relation to or of the 
dactylioglyphy (dak-til-i-og'li-fi), . [< Gr. Aa- 
Kri'/TOj/i^in, < tafnAaryUfaf. see dactyUoglfpk.] 
The art of engraving rings, and hence of engrav- 
dactylology 
ing line stones like those used for finger-rings. 
Src ilili'ti/liiMlli/lih. 
dactylioglyptic(dak-til'i-o-glip'tik),a. [< (jr. 
oVwrwUof, a finger-ring, -4- j/rTrrof, verbal adj. 
of y/.l^civ, cast, carve, + -ic.] Same as dm-- 
ti//in</ll//ilnc. 
dactyliographer (dak-til-i-og'ra-fer), n. [< Gr. 
iaKTi'/iur, ahngcr-riug, + ypdqfiv, write, + -er 1 .] 
One who studies or describes finger-rings; 
hence, by extension, one whodescribesengraved 
stones. 
dactyliographic (dak-til'i-o-graf 'ik), a. f < il,i,-- 
tylioyraijhy + -ic.} Relating to or of the na- 
ture of dactyliography. 
dactyliography (dak-til-i-og'ra-fi), n. [< Gr. ta- 
Kri'/iof;, a finger-ring, + -ypaifia, < yft&^tn; write.] 
The science or study of finger-rings ; a descrip- 
tion of or an essay upon finger-rings, or, by ex- 
tension, upon engraved gems. 
dactyliology (dak-til-i-oT'o-ji), H. [< Gr. do- 
xri'X/of , a hnger-ring, + -Xoy/a, < ).tyeiv, speak : 
see -ology."] Same as dactyliography. 
dactyliomancy (dak-til'i-o-man-si), B. [< Gr. 
<5a/m'/jof, a finger-ring, + fiavrtia, divination.] 
Divination by means of a finger-ring. There are 
many modes, some in use In parts of Europe to this day ; 
in all either a magic ring is used, or an ordinary finger-ring, 
in which some part of the spirit of the wearer is HiipjioKcd 
to linger, and the movements of which are supposed to In- 
dicate his feelings or future actions. 
The classical dactylimnaney, of which so curious an ac- 
count is given in the trial of the conspirators Patricius and 
II iliii ins. who worked it to find out who was to supplant 
the emperor Valens. A round table was marked at the 
edge with the letters of the alphabet, ami with prayers and 
mystic ceremonies a ring was held suspended over it by a 
thread, and by swinging or stopping towards certain letters 
gave the responsive words of the oracle. 
E. B. Tylur, Prim. Culture, I. 115. 
dactylion (dak-til'i-on), n. [NL., < Gr. Aucri- 
/.iov, neut. of AanTij-iof, prop. adj. (n., a finger- 
ring)/ oa/cn>/>.of, finger: seedactyl.] 1. Insurg., 
cohesion between two fingers, either congenital 
or as a consequence of burning, ulceration, etc. 
2. A chiroplast or finger-gymnasium in vented 
in 1835 by Henri Herz, for the use of piano- 
forte-players. 
dactyliotheca (dak-til*i-o-the'kii), H. ; pi. dac- 
tyliotheea (-se). [NL., < Crr. AaKrv'/iatti/iai, a col- 
lection of gems, < daKTi'/.tof, a finger-ring, + 
(Hjitri, case, repository.] A collection of finger- 
rings, kept for their interest or rarity, or of 
engraved gems similar to those of rings, espe- 
cially of Greek and Roman origin. 
Dactylis (dak'ti-lis), H. [NL., < L. dactylis 
(also dactylux), a sort of grape (cf. dactylun, a 
sort of grass), < Gr. doxruX.;-, a sort of grape (cf. 
danTv)jTi, a kind of plant), < 6dicn>7.of, finger : 
see dactyl.} A genus of grasses, of about a 
dozen species, growing in the cooler temperate 
regions of the old world. D. alotiurata Is a valua- 
ble meadow-grass of Europe and the I'nited States, known 
as orchard-grate from its growing well in the shade, and 
as coelcH/oot-tframt from the one-sided arrangement of its 
dense spikelets. It is a tall and rather stout perennial, 
with a tendency to form tussocks, yielding excellent hay, 
and making flue pasturage when grown with other grasses. 
dactylist (dak'ti-list), . [< dactyl + -ist.] One 
who writes dactylic verse. 
May is certainly a sonorous dactt/lftit. 
T. tt'arlon, Pref. to Milton's Smaller Poems, 
dactylitis (dak-ti-li'tis), n. [NL., < Gr. &- 
KrvZas, finger, toe, + -iti.] Inpathol., inflam- 
mation of a finger or toe. 
dactylodochme (dak ' ti - 16 - dok ' me), n. [Gr. 
faiervf.MxM, four fingers' breadth, < dditriiXof, 
finger, + tox/ut, hand-breadth.] An Athenian 
measure of length : same as palatste. 
Dactylognatha(dak-ti-log'na-tha), n.pl. [NL., 
< Gr. MicTv).of, finger, + yvdedf, jaw.] A group 
of arachnidans. 
dactyloid (dak'ti-loid), a. [< Gr. doitrt)/oej%, 
like a finger, < 
do/iTtrtof, finger, 
+ e'tfof, form.] 
In hot., finger- 
like in form or 
arrangement. 
Also dactylosc. 
dactylology 
(dak-ti-lol'6- 
ji), n. [< Gr. 
dd/cruXof, fin- 
ger, + -tay/o, < 
fi-.in\ speak: 
see -ol<>gij.~\ 
The art of 
communicat- 
ing ideas or 
conversing by 
the fingers; the 
