punctation 
logne, Treve, Malm, and Salzburg, in which eplicopal 
rights were maintained against the pretensions of the 
papal see. 
punctator (pungk-ta'tor), . [< ML. punttator, 
one who marks with acts (applied to one who 
go marked the names of persons absent from 
service), < punctiin', mark with dots: see punc- 
/(//<-.] One who marks with dots: specifically 
applied to the Masorites, who invented the 
Hebrew vowel-points. See manoretic. 
punctatostriate (pungk-ta't6-stri'at),<j. Same 
as punctntr-tstriate. 
punctatosulcate (pungk-ta'to-sul'kat), a. 
>:nw ;i~ /niiictiltr-slilcdti. 
puncticular (pungk-tik'u-lftr), a. [< NL. *punc- 
ticiiliini, dim. of lj. /luin'tiim. point: see point 1 .] 
Comprised in a point ; being a mere point as to 
size. [Rare.] 
The puneticular originals of periwinkles and gnats. 
Sir T. Brmenc, Vrn-burlal, ill. 
puncticulate (pungk-tik'u-lat), a. [< NL. 
'puncticulatns, < 'puncticulum, dim. of L. punc- 
tum, point: see point 1 .] Minutely punctate: 
punctulate. 
Punctidae (pungk'ti-de), . pi. [NL., < 1'um-- 
t u m + -i<tsf.~\ A family of geophilous pulmo- 
nate gastropods, typified by the genus I'unctum, 
having the shell heliciforra, the mantle sub- 
median, the jaw disintegrated into many sep- 
arate pieces, and the teeth peculiarly modi- 
fied, represented only by medians and laterals, 
having the bases of attachment longer than 
wide,and the free parts narrowed and reflected. 
It contains a few minute species, such as the Pvnctum 
vygmxum of Europe and /'. im'nutwrimuni of North 
America. 
punctiform (pungk'ti-fdnn), a. [< L. punctual. 
point, + forma, form.] Like a point or dot; 
haying the character of a point ; located in a 
point. 
A puiict(j'<ir>n sensation of cold is experienced. 
Science, VII. 459. 
punctigerOUS (pungk-tij'e-rus), a. [< L. ptinc- 
tum, point, + gerere, carry.] Having a small 
simple eye or eye-spot, without a Tens: op- 
posed to Icntigeroux. Encyc. Brit.. XVI. 680. 
punctilio (pungk-tirio),n. [Formerly also punc- 
tilio; < 8p. puntillo = It. puntiglio, a small point, 
punctilio, < LL. punctillum, a small point, a dot, 
dim. of L.wunctwm, point: see point*. Ct.punc- 
t".~\ If. A small point. />'. Jonson. 
In that punctilio ut time wherein the bullets struck him 
... he is in an instant disanimated. 
The Unhappy Marlttman, 1658(Uui Misc., IV. 4X (Danei.) 
2. A nice point, especially in conduct, cere- 
mony, or proceeding; also, particularity or ex- 
actness in the observance of forms. 
Where reputation is, almost every thing becometh ; but 
where that is not, it must be supplied by punctilio* and 
compliments. Bacon, Advancement of Learning, U. 80S. 
'Sdeath! to trifle with me at such a juncture as this 
now to stand on punctiliot love me ! I don't believe she 
ever did. Sheridan, The Duenna, L 2. 
Societies 
Polished in arts, and in punctilio versed. 
Woninrorth, Prelude, ix. 
punctilious (pungk-til'ius), a. [< punctilio + 
-<>M.S.] Attentive to punctilios ; very nice or pre- 
cise in behavior, ceremony, or intercourse ; ex- 
act (sometimes, to excess) in the observance of 
rules or forms prescribed by law or custom. 
Fletcher's whole soul was possessed by a sore, jealous, 
pumlOioui patriotism. liacaulay, Hist. Eng.. xxlv. 
The courtiers, in emulation of their master, made fre- 
quent entertainments, at which he [Columbus] was treated 
with the punctilious deference paid to a noble of the high- 
est class. Pretcatt, Ferd. and Isa., 1. IS. 
=8yn. Particular, precise, scrupulous, 
punctiliously (pungk-til'ius-li), adv. In a 
punctilious manner; with exactness or great 
nicety. 
I have thus punctiliously and minutely pursued this dU- 
qnisition. Johnson, False Alarm. 
punctiliousness (pungk-til'ius-nes), w. The 
quality of being punctilious ; exactness in the 
observance of forms or rules; attention to nice 
points of behavior or ceremony. 
pnnction (pungk'shon), M. [Early mod. E. also 
punecion ; < OF. pimction, F. ponction = Pr. 
punccio, pitncio = Sp. puncion = Pg. jpnnf#o = It. 
l>un;ionr,<. L. punctia(n-), apricking,</>MH<7ere, 
pp. punctus, pierce, prick: see point 1 , pundit. 
Cf. doublet puncheon'.'] A pricking; puncture. 
But I thynke this was no dreame, but a puneion and 
pricke of hys synfull conscyence. Hall, Rich. HI., an. 8. 
punctist (puiigk'tist). n. [< L. punctum, a 
point (see panel), + -M.~\ Same as punctator. 
puncto (pungk'to), N. [< Sp. and It. nunto, < 
t : see punct, point*. Ct.jtunc- 
1-17 
ft/to.] If. A nice point of form or ceremony; 
a punctilio. 
All the particularities and religious punctoa and cere- 
monies. Bacon, HUt. Hen. VII., p. 106. 
2. In fencing, the point of the sword or foil ; 
also, a blow with the point. Sec > point. 
punctual (pungk'tu-al), a. f= f.ponchiel = 
Pr. punctal= 8p. puntual = Pg.pontual = It. 
/niiitiKili , < ML. 'punctvalis (in adv. punctuali- 
(er) t < li.iniHi-tiix. a point: S<T jn'nM.] 1. Con- 
sisting of a point; ueing a point. 
To officiate light 
Round this opaoous earth, this punctual spot, 
One day and night. Milton, f. L., vill. is. 
2. Exact; precise; nice. 
No doubt, many may be well seen In the passage* of gov- 
ernment and policy which are to seek In little unA punc- 
tual occasions. Bacon, Advancement of Learning, L 35. 
I hope the adversaries of episcopacy, that are so punc- 
tual to pitch all upon Scripture ground, will be sure to 
produce clear Scripture. 
Jer. Taylor, Works (ed. 1885), II. 149. 
Most he therefore believe himself well because he can- 
not tell the punctual time when he fell sick? 
Stillintjjlcet, Sermons, II. L 
I'pon his | st. John'sl examination apon oath, he made 
a clear, full, and punctual declaration. 
Court and Tima of Charlct T., II. 39. 
We should search in vain for Its punctual equivalent. 
f. flail, Mod. Eng., p. >7. 
3. Exact or prompt in action or in the observ- 
ance of time, the keeping of appointments, en- 
gagements, etc. 
Punctual be thou In Payment*. 
Xtrrlr. Grief A-la-Mode, v. 1. 
4. I'rompt ; at the exact or stipulated time : as. 
punctual payment. 
She enjoins the punctual discharge of all her personal 
debts within a year. Pretcolt, Ferd. and Isa., 11. 16. 
Punctual coordinate. Same as paint^oordinatc. 
punctualistt(pungk'tu-al-ist), n. [< punctual + 
-i.it."] One who is very exact in observing fonns 
and ceremonies. 
Bilson hath decipher'd us all the galanteries of Signore 
and Monslgnore, and Monsieur, as circumstantially as any 
punctualift of Casteel, Naples, or Fountain- Bleau could 
nave don. JfW/<m, ('hurch-liovernmeut, ii. 1. 
punctuality (pungk-tii-al'i-ti), n. [= F. ponc- 
tualite; as punctual 4- -ity^] The state or char- 
acter of being punctual, (a) Scrupulous exactness 
with regard to matters of fact or detail ; exactness ; nicety. 
I have In a table 
With curious punctuality set down, 
To a hair's breadth, how low a new-stamped courtier 
May vail to a country gentleman. 
Jf om'iii/rr, Emperor of the East, 1. 2. 
Who teaches yon the mimic posture of your body, the 
punctuality of your beard, the formality of your pace? 
Shirley, Witty Fair One, iL 1. 
('> Adherence to the exact time of meeting one's obliga- 
tions or performing one's duties ; especially, the fact or 
habit of promptness In attendance or in fulfilling appoint- 
ments. 
We were not a littje displeased to find that, in the first 
promise of punctuality our Rais had made, he had disap- 
pointed us by absenting himself from the boat 
Bruce, Source of the Nile, I. 47. 
(c) The character of being, or existence in, a point 
A state of rest in our own body or In external things, 
the perception of any defined and static form whatever, 
and most of all the very possibility of unspaciallty or 
punctuality, must be subsequently Inferred as negative In- 
stances from indeterminate extension and movement. 
0. & Hail, tierman Culture, p. 230. 
punctually (pungk'tu-al-i), adv. [< punctual 
+ -///-.] In a punctual manner, (a) With atten- 
tion or reference to minute points or particulars ; nicely ; 
exactly; precisely. 
In imitation of what I have seene my Father do, I began 
to observe matters more punctual^, which I did use to set 
down in a blanke almanac. Evelyn, Diary (1631X I" . 
What did yon with KT tell me punctually ; 
I look for a strict accompt. 
Matangrr, Emperor of the East, iv. 5. 
It [the gift of reading] consists, first of all. In a vast In- 
tellectual endowment, ... by which a man rises to un- 
derstand that he Is not punctually right, nor those from 
whom he differs absolutely wrong. 
K. L. Stevenson, Books which have Influenced me, p. 14. 
(b) With scrupulous exactness or promptness In regard to 
the fulfilling of obligations, duties, appointments, etc. : 
as, to pay debts or rent punctually 
punctualness ( puugk'tu-al-nes), . [< punctual 
+ -next.] Exactness";' punctuality; prompt- 
ness. 
Yet I can obey those wherein I think power is nngulded 
by pnidence with no leMnoMdMlnswand fidelity. 
Boyle, Works, n. 413. 
punctuate (pungk'tu-at), r. t. ; pret. and pp. 
punctuated, ppr. punctuating. [< ML. punctn- 
are ( > F. ponetuer), mark with points, < L. 
pnnctvs, a point : see poinfl-, n., and cf. point 1 , 
r., jmneh^, v., and punctate.'] 1. In writing 
and printing, to mark with points in some sig- 
punctum 
nificant manner; specifically, to divide into 
sentences and parts of sentences by the con- 
ventional signs called points or marks of punc- 
tuation : as, topunctuatf one's letters carefully. 
See piinctiKiiiiin. 2. Figuratively, to empha- 
size by some significant or forcible action ; en- 
force the important parts or points of in some 
special manner: as, to punctuate one'* remarks 
by gestures. [Colloq.J 
punctuate (pungk'tu-t), a. [< ML. punrtu- 
atuK, pp.: gee the verb.] In cutoni., same as 
punctured. 
punctuated (pungk'tu-&-ted), a. [< punctuate 
+ -/-'. J In roo7., same as punctate. 
punctuatim (pnngk-tu-a'tim), adv. [XL.. 
formed in imitation ot rerbatim and literatim, 
< L. punctun, a point : see punctuate.'] Point for 
point; with respect to every point or mark of 
punctuation: in the phrase rtrlnitim, literatim, 
et punctuatim, word for word, letter for letter, 
and point for point. 
punctuation (mingk-tu-a'shon), n. [= F. 
ponetuatioH, < ML. pHetu<itio(n-), a marking 
with points, a writing, agreement, < punetuare, 
mark with points, settle: see punctuate.'] 1. In 
trrtfint; and printing, a pointingoff orseparation 
of one part from another by arbitrary marks ; 
specifically, the division of a composition into 
sentences and parts of sentences by the use of 
marks indicating intended differences of effect 
by differences of form. The points used for punctu- 
ation exclusively are the period or full-stop, the colon, 
the semicolon, and the comma. (See potnti, n., 11 iX) 
The interrogation- and exclamation-points serve also for 
punctuation in the place of one or another of these, while 
having a special rhetorical effect of their own ; and the 
dash is also used, either alone or In conjunction with one 
of the preceding marks, in some cases where the sense or 
the nature of the pause required can thereby be more 
clearly Indicated. (*ve parcnthrtu.) The modern system 
of punctuation was gradually developed after the Intro- 
duction of printing, primarily through the efforts of Al- 
dus Manuuus and his family. In ancient writing the 
words were at first run together continuously ; afterward 
they were separated by spaces, and sometimes by dots or 
other marks, which were made to serve some of the pur- 
poses of modern punctuation, and were retained In early 
printing. Long after the use of the present points became 
established, they were so indiscriminately employed that, 
U closely followed, they are often a hindrance rather 
than an aid In reading and understanding the text. 
There Is still much uncertainty and arbitrariness In punc- 
tuation, but its chief office is now generally understood to 
be that of facilitating a clear comprehension of the sense. 
Ctoff punctuation, characterized especially by the use of 
many commas, was common in English in the eighteenth 
century, and is the rule in present French usage ; but open 
punetuatitm, characterized by the avoidance of all pointing 
not clearly required by the construction, now prevails In 
the best English usage. In some rases, as In certain legal 
papers, title-pages, etc., punctuation Is wholly omitted. 
The principles of punctuation are subtle, and an exact 
logical training is requisite for the just application of 
them. <J. P. Hank, Lects. on Eug. Lang., xlx. 
2. In -!/.. the punctures of a punctate sur- 
face. 
The very fine and close punctuation of the head, etc. 
Waterhoufe, In Trans. Entom. Hoc. of London. 
punctuative (pungk'tu-a-tiv), a. [< punctuate 
+ -ire.] Pertaining or relating to punctuation. 
punctuator (pungk'tu-a-tor), n. [< punctuate 
+ -or 1 .] One who punctuates. 
punctula, n. Plural of punctulum. 
punctulate (pungk'tu-lat), a. [< NL. punetu- 
Intua, < L. punctulum, a slight prick, a small 
point (dim. of punctus, a pricking, a point), -f 
-ate 2 .] Minutely punctate ; studded with very 
small pits or dots. 
punctulatod (pungk'tu-la-ted), a. Same ax 
punctulate. 
The studs have their surface punctulattd, as if set all 
over with other studs Infinitely lesser. 
Woodieard, Fossils. 
punctulation (pungk-tu-la'shon), n. [< pwnc- 
tulate + -ion.] The state of being punctulate ; 
a set of punctules ; minute or fine puncturation. 
punctule (pungk'tul), M. [< LL. punctulum, 
dim. of L.pMHofro, a point: see point 1 .] Inen- 
tom., a very small puncture or impressed dot. 
punctulum (pungk'tu-lum), n. ; pi. punctual 
(-1&). [XL. : see punctule."] Same as punchtle. 
punctum (pungk'tum). n.; pl.pniirta(-ta). [L., 
a point, dot: see point 1 .] 1. In :ool. andafu/f.. 
a point; a dot; a pit; a papilla; some little 
place, as if a mere point, in 
any way distinguished. 2. 
[<;.] [NL.] In conch., a 
genus of geophilous pnlino- 
nate gastropods, type of the 
family I'unctirltr: so called 
on account of it s minute size. 
A'. >'. Morse, 1864,-puncta f " 
vasculota, numerous small red ^J 1 '.^, 
pota observed on a section of the r l urc.) 
