discrepant 
Il.t 11- One who disagrees or dissents from 
another, especially in religious belief; a dis- 
senter. 
If you persecute heretics or discrepants, they unite 
themselves as to a common defence. 
Jer. Taylor, Works (ed. 1835), II. 385. 
discrete (dis-kref), a. [Same as discreet, but 
directly < L. discretus, distinguished, separated, 
pp. of discernere, distinguish, separate : see dis- 
cern and discreet.] 1. Separate; distinct from 
others; individual: opposed to concrete, in logic, 
discrete, terms or suppositions are such as refer to single 
individuals. In music, discrete tones are such as are sepa- 
rated by fixed or obvious steps or intervals of pitch, as 
those of a pianoforte. 
There are two laws discrete, 
Not reconciled, 
Law for man, and law for thing. 
Emerson, Ode to Channing. 
A society, formed of discrete units, and not having had 
its type fixed by inheritance from countless like societies, 
is much more plastic [than other social organizations). 
H. Spencer, Prill, of Sociol., 444. 
Its seeming continuity is broken up into discrete mole- 
cules, separated from each other as the stars in the Milky 
Way are separated. 
G. H. Lewes, Probs. of Life and Mind, II. 29. 
2. Consisting of distinct or individual parts; 
not continuous. Discrete quantity is quantity com- 
posed of distinct units, like rational numbers; a system 
of quantities capable of being in one-to-one correspon- 
dence with the series of positive, integer numbers. Dis- 
crete proportion is a proportion in which the ratio of the 
first term to the second is equal to that of the third to the 
fourth, not to that of the second to the third. 
3. In med., opposed to confluent: as, discrete ex- 
anthemata. Dunglison. 4. In Ttot., not coa- 
lescent; distinct. 5. Disjunctive; consisting 
of parts united by some extrinsic bond of con- 
nection. Thus, the notion of "women, sailors, 
and idiots" is a discrete notion. 6. Discretive; 
containing exceptions, real or apparent. Dis- 
crete degrees, degrees or states of existence so differen- 
tiated from one another that their respective subjects can 
by no means pass from one to another of them : applied 
by Swedenborg to the higher or lower levels of spiritual 
life, here and hereafter, to which it is possible for differ- 
ently constituted, or in the future life differently devel- 
oped, individuals to attain. 
discrete! (dis-kref), r. t. [< L. discretus, pp. 
of discernere, distinguish: see discrete, a., and 
discern.] To separate; discontinue. Sir T. 
Browne. 
discretely (dis-kret'li), adv. In a discrete man- 
ner; separately; individually. 
We reflect upon the relation of each human atom to each 
other human atom, and to the great Giver of personalities 
to these atoms how each is indissolubly bound to each 
and to Him, and yet how each is discreteljt parted and im- 
passably separated from each and from Him. 
S. Lanier, The English Novel, p. 7. 
discreteness (dis-kret'nes), H. The state of be- 
ing discrete, separated, or distinct ; disconti- 
nuity. 
On the theory, which he is combating, of absolute dis- 
creteness, every line or distance is divisible into an infinite 
number of parts. J. Owen, Evenings with Skeptics, 1. 120. 
The term [infinite], when translated into experience, ex- 
presses the fact of continuity of existence underlying all 
discreteness of quantitative division. 
O. H. Lewes, Probs. of Life and Mind, II. vi. 6. 
discretion (dis-kresh'on), n. [< ME. discrecion, 
discrecioun, discretion, < OF. discretion, F. dis- 
cre'tion = Pr. discretio = Sp. discrecion = Pg. 
diseriqao = It. discrezione, discrizione, < L. dis- 
cretio(n-), a separation, distinction, discern- 
ment, < discernere, pp. discretus, discern: see 
discern and discreet.] If. Separation; disjunc- 
tion. 
Wysedome es forgetynge of erthely thynges and tliynk- 
ynge of heuen, with discrecyone of all mene dedys. 
Hampole, Prose Treatises (E. E. T. S.), p. 12. 
To shew their [the Jews'] despiciency of the poor Gen- 
tiles, and to pride themselves in their prerogative and dis- 
cretion from them. J. Jfede, Diatriba;, p. 191. 
2. The quality of being discreet; nice discern- 
ment and judgment, directed by circumspec- 
tion, and primarily regarding one's own con- 
duct ; prudence ; sagacity ; circumspection ; 
wariness; caution. 
Thus thei assaide Arthur, and nought cowde fynde in 
hym but high vertu and grete discrecion. 
Merlin (E. E. T. S.), i. 106. 
Is that your Discretion ! trust a Woman with herself ? 
Congreve, Love for Love, iii. 3. 
The happiness of life depends on our discretion. 
Young. 
The quality the most necessary for the execution of any 
useful enterprise is discretion; by which we carry on a 
safe-intercourse with others, give due attention to our 
own and to their character, weigh each circumstance of 
the business we undertake, and employ the surest and 
safest means for the attainment of any end or purpose. 
Hume, Prin. of Morals, vi. 
1656 
3. Liberty or power of acting without other con- 
trol than one's own judgment; independent de- 
termination : as, he is left to his own discretion ; 
it is at your discretion to go or to stay. 
You may ballance this Matter in your own Discretion. 
Congreve, Way of the World, v. 6. 
The Staff, and all officers about him, have a general rits- 
cretion to lay on with stick or sword whenever they ob- 
serve any fellows pillaging. 
H'. //. Jtussell, Diary in India, II. 30. 
4. In law, that part of the judicial power which 
depends, not upon the application of rules of 
law or the determination of questions of strict 
right, but upon personal judgment to be exer- 
cised in view of the circumstances of each 
case, and which therefore is not usually re- 
viewed by an appellate tribunal, unless abused. 
Thus, the question how many witnesses a party may call 
to testify to one and the same fact rests in discretion, but 
the question whether a particular witness is competent 
does not. Age of discretion. See age, 3. Arbitrary 
discretion, that which is exercised without respect to the 
sufficiency of legal or equitable reasons. At discretion, 
(a) According to one's own judgment. 
Where history gives you a good heroic outline for a play, 
you may fill up with a little love at your own discretion. 
Sheridan, The Critic, il. 1. 
(It) At the mercy of an antagonist or enemy Thus, to 
surrender at discretion is to surrender without terms. 
If she stays to receive the attack, she is in danger of be- 
ing at discretion. Gentleman Instructed, p. 154. 
Judicial discretion, that discretion which the parties 
have a right to require to be exercised with due reference 
to sound reason and the usage of the courts. Years Of 
discretion, majority ; full age ; hence, the time of life 
when one should exercise prudence and sober reflection. 
If you have occasion to mention me, let it be by Par- 
theuissa, for that's the Name I have assum'd ever since I 
came to Years of Discretion. Steele, Tender Husband, ii. 1. 
=Syn. 2. Prudence, Providence, etc. See wisdom and 
prudence. 
discretional (dis-kresh'pn-al), a. [< discretion 
+ -al.] Of or pertaining"to discretion; dis- 
cretionary. 
What is the security for a judge's just exercise of his 
discretional powers? Hartley, Speech, June, 1803. 
Henry Warden had, with the animation proper to the 
enthusiastic reformers of the age, transgressed, in the 
vehemence of his zeal, the bounds of the difffretianat lib- 
erty allowed to his sect. Scott, Monastery, xxxi. 
discretionally (dis-kresh'pn-al-i), adr. At dis- 
cretion; at will; by choice. 
If hour may be used discretionally as one or two sylla- 
bles, power may surely be allowed the same latitude. 
A'ares, Klein, of Orthoepy, p. 80. 
discretionarily (dis-kresh'on-a-ri-li), adv. At 
discretion. Imp. Diet. 
discretionary (dis-kresh'pn-a-ri), (t. [= F. din- 
cretionnaire ; as discretion + -ary 1 .] Left to 
discretion; limited or restrained only by dis- 
cretion or judgment : as, an ambassador in- 
vested with discretionary powers (that is, em- 
powered to act according to circumstances). 
Wherever a discretionary power is lodged in any set of 
men over the property of their neighbors, they will abuse 
it. A. Hamilton, Continentalist, No. 6. 
There is, indeed, no power of the government without 
restriction ; not even that which is called the discretion- 
ary power of Congress. Calhoun, Works, I. 253. 
discretive (dis-kre'tiv), a. [= OF. discretif = 
It. discretivo, < LL. discretirus, serving to dis- 
tinguish, < L. discretus, pp. of discernere, dis- 
cern : see discreet and discrete.] 1 . Disjunctive ; 
noting separation or opposition : as, a discretive 
proposition. See below. [Rare.] 2. Sepa- 
rate ; distinct. [Rai'e or obsolete.] 
His transcendental deduction of the categories of criti- 
cism, neither discretive nor exhaustive. W. Taylor (1798). 
Discretive distinction, in logic, a distinction implying 
opposition as well as difference : as, not a man, but a 
beast. Discretive proposition, in logic, a proposition 
which expresses some distinction, opposition, or variety, 
by means of but, though, yet, etc. : as, travelers change 
their climate, but not their temper ; Job was patient, 
though his grief was great. 
Discretive propositions are such wherein various and 
seemingly opposite judgments are made, whose variety 
or distinction is noted by the particles "but, though, 
yet," etc. Watts, Logic, II. v. $ 6. 
discretively (dis-kre'tiv-li), adv. In a discre- 
tive manner ; in a distinct and separate manner. 
Bp. Richardson. 
Man alone (of the animal creation) has the inspiration 
of Deity. This is the august peculiarity which separates 
him discretively and everlastingly from the animal crea- 
tion. O. D. Boardman, Creative Week, p. 189. 
discriment, n. [< L. discrimen, a division, sep- 
aration : see discriminate."] In swrg., a ban- 
dage used in bleeding from the frontal vein. 
discriminable (dis-krim'i-na-bl), a. [< L. as 
if *discrimina1>ilis, < discriminate, discriminate : 
see discriminate.'] That may be discriminated. 
Bailey. [Rare or obsolete.] 
discriminating 
discriminal (dis-krim'i-nal), a. [< LL. dis- 
erimiiutlis, that serves to divide, < L. discrimi- 
nare, divide : see discriminate.'] Serving to di- 
vide or separate. The discriminal line, in palmistry, 
is the line marking the separation between the hand and 
the arm. It is also called the dragons-tail. 
discriminant (dis-krim'i-nant), n. and a. [< L. 
discriminan(t-)s, ppr. of discriminare, discrimi- 
nate: see discriminate.] I. n. In matt., the 
eliminant of the differential coefficients of a 
homogeneous function of n variables. [Intro- 
duced in 1852 by Sylvester for determinant.] 
The vanishing of the discriminant of an algebraical 
equation expresses the condition that the equation shall 
have equal roots ; and the vanishing of the discriminant 
of the equation of a curve or surface expresses the condi- 
tion that the curve or surface shall have a double point. 
Salmon. 
II. a. Implying equal roots or a node Dis- 
criminant relation, a onefold relation between param- 
eters determining a nodal point, 
discriminantal (dis-krim'i-nan-tal), a. [< dis- 
criminant + -al.] In math., relating to a dis- 
criminant. Discriminantal index of a singular 
point of a curve, the number which expresses the multi- 
plicity of the factor of the equation to the curve which 
produces the singular point. Total discriminantal 
index of a curve, the sum of the discriminantal indices 
of alt its singular points. 
discriminate (dis-krim'i-nal), v. ; pret. and pp. 
discriminated, ppr. discriminating. [< L. ilis- 
criminatus, pp. of discriminare (> Pg. discrimi- 
nar), divide, separate, distinguish, < discrimen, a 
space between, division, separation, distinction, 
< discernere, pp. discretus, divide, separate, dis- 
tinguish, discern : see discern, discreet, discrete. 
Cf. crime.] I. trans. 1. To distinguish from 
something else, or from each other ; separate : 
observe or mark the differences between, abso- 
lutely or by some note or sign of distinction: 
as, to discriminate true from false modesty; to 
discriminate animals by names. 
That they keep themselves a peculiar people to God, in 
outward fashions . . . discriminated from all the nations 
of the earth. Hammond, On Mat. xxiii. 
The language of the serious parts is deserving of high 
praise, and the more prominent characters are skilfully 
discriminated nuA powerfully sustained. 
Gifford, Int. to Ford's Plays, p. xl. 
That art of reasoning by which the prudent are discrim- 
inated from fools. /. D'leraeli, Calam. of Authors, II. 172. 
When a prisoner first leaves his cell he cannot bear the 
light of day ; he is unable to discriminate colours or rec- 
ognize faces. Macaulay. 
2. To select ; pick out ; make a distinction in 
regard to: as, to discriminate certain persons 
from a crowd of applicants. 
II. intrans. To make a difference or distinc- 
tion ; observe or note a difference ; distinguish : 
as, to discriminate between degrees of guilt. 
The Indian Vedas say, " He that can discriminate is the 
father of his father." Emerson, Old Age. 
rectores of a quadric surface referred to its center. 
discriminate (dis-krim'i-nat), a. [< L. discrimi- 
natus, pp. : see the verb.] 1. Discriminating; 
perceiving nice differences. 
My eye and spirit, that had swept the whole 
Wide vision, grew discriminate, and traced 
The crystal river pouring from the North 
Its twinkling tide. J. G. Holland, Kathrina, i. 
2 Distinctive; discriminated. 
Oysters and cockles and muscles, which move not, have 
no discriminate sex. Bacon, Nat. Hist. 
discriminately (dis-krim'i-nat-li), adr. With 
discrimination; with minute distinction; par- 
ticularly. 
His conception of an elegy he has in his preface very 
judiciously and discriminately explained. 
Johnson, Shenstone. 
discriminateness(dis-krim'i-uat-nes), n. The 
character of being discriminate. 
discriminating (dis-krim'i-na-ting), p. a. [Ppr. 
otditrriininatr.r.] 1. That discriminates; not- 
ing distinctions and differences with accuracy 
and nicety; distinguishing: as, a discriminating/ 
mind. 
Marine appetites are not discriminating. 
T. Winthrop, Cecil Dreeme, ii. 
2. Serving as a ground or means of discrimina- 
tion; distinctive. 
From the Baptist's own mouth they had learnt that the 
doing of miracles should be one illustrious and dixcriuii- 
nating mark of the Messiah. 
/;/). Atlerburi/, Sermons. II. ii. 
Souls have no dist'i-iinhiftti>t:t hue, 
Alike important in their Maker's view. 
Cowper, Charity. 
