simplician 
Be he & foole in the esteeme of man, 
In worldly thinges a meer simplician, 
Yet, for all this, I boldly dare averre 
His knowledge great. 
Times' Whistle (E. E. T. S.), p. 148. 
simplicident (sim-plis'i-dent), a. and . [< 
L. simplex (simplic-), simple, + den(t-)y = E. 
tooth,'] I. a. Simple-toothed, as arodent; hav- 
ing only one pair of upper incisors ; of or per- 
taining to the KiHipliciilfiitata. 
II. n. A simple-toothed rodent; any mem- 
ber of the Siiii/ilii-iili iitatti. 
Simplicidentata (sira"pli-si-den-ta'ta), n. i>l. 
[NL. : see simplicident.] The simple-toothed 
rodents, or simplicident Bodentia, a suborder 
containing all living rodents except the Dv- 
plieidentata, having only one pair of upper in- 
cisors, or the Myomorpha, Sciuromorplta, and 
Hystricomorpha, as rats and mice of all kinds, 
squirrels, beavers and their allies, and porcu- 
pines and their allies. See Duplicidentati. Also 
called Simptifideiitati when the order is named 
Glires instead of Kodentia. 
simplicidentate (sim"pli-si-den'tat), a. [As 
simplicident + -ate 1 .] Same as simplicident. 
Simplicidentati (sim"pli-si-den-ta'ti), n. pi. 
Same as Simplicidentata. 
simplicimane (sim-plis'i-man), a. Of or per- 
taining to the Simplicimani. 
Simplicimani (sim-pli-sim'a-ni), . pi. [NL., 
< L. simplex {simplic-), simple, 4- mantis, hand : 
see main 3 ."} In Latreille's system of classifica- 
tion, a division of caraboid beetles; the fourth 
section of his second tribe Carabici, having the 
two anterior tarsi only dilated in the males, not 
forming a square or an orbicular plate. 
Simplicirostres (sim'pli-si-ros'trez), n. pi. 
[NL., < L. simplex (simplic-), simple, + ros- 
trum, bill, beak.] In ornitli., in Sundeyall's sys- 
tem of classification, a group of American coiii- 
rostral oscine passerine birds, consisting of the 
tanagers. 
simpliciter (sim-plis'i-ter), adv. [L., simply 
(used in philosophy to translate Gr. ait /MS), '< 
simplex (simplic-), simple : see simple.'] Simply ; 
not relatively; not in a certain respect merely, 
but in the full sense of the word modified. 
Dictum simpliciter, said simply, without qualification 
or limitation to certain respects: opposed to dictum semn- 
dum quid. 
simplicity (sim-plis'i-ti;, .; pi. simplicities 
(-tiz). [< F. sinipliciie = Pr. simplicitat = Sp. 
simplicidad = Pg. simplicidade = It. semplicita, 
< L. simplicita(t-)s, < simplex (simplic-), simple: 
see simple.} The state or property of being sim- 
ple, (a) The state or mode of being uncoiupounded ; 
existence in elementary form. 
In the same state in which they [angels] were created 
in the beginning, in that they euerlastingly remaine, the 
substance of their proper nature being permanent in Sim- 
plicitie and Imnintabilitie. 
Heytt'ood, Hierarchy of Angels, p. 372. 
Mandrakes afford a papaverous and unpleasant odour, 
whether in the leaf or apple, as is discoverable in their 
simplicity or mixture. Sir T. Browne, Vulg. BIT., vii. 7. 
(6) Freedom from complexity or intricacy. 
We are led ... to conceive this great machine of the 
world ... to have been once in a state of greater sim- 
plicity than now it is. 
T. Burnet, Theory of the Earth, 1. 45. 
From . . . primordial uniformity and simplicity, there 
takes place divergence, both of the wholes and the lead- 
ing parts, towards multiformity of contour and towards 
complexity of contour. H. Spencer, First Principles, 8 119. 
(c) Freedom from difficulty of execution or understanding ; 
easiness ; especially, lack of abstruseness ; clearness ; also, 
an instance or illustration of simple clearness. 
Truth by her own simpliciti/ is known. 
Herrick, Truth and Falsehood. 
The grand simplicities of the Bible. 
Lowell, Among my Books, 2d ser., p. 246. 
(d) Freedom from artificial ornament ; plainness, as of 
dress, style, or the like. 
Give me a look, give me a face, 
That makes simplicity a grace ; 
Robes loosely flowing, hair as free ; 
Such sweet neglect more taketh me 
Than all th' adulteries of art. 
B. Jonson (tr. from Bonnefons), Epiccene, i. 1. 
Thou canst not adorn simplicity. What is naked or de- 
fective is susceptible of decoration : what is decorated is 
simplicity no longer. 
Landor, Imag. C'onv., Epictetus and Seneca. 
(e) Artlessness of mind or conduct; unaffectedness; sin- 
cerity ; absence of parade or pretense. 
I swear to thee . . . 
By the simplicity of Venus' doves, . . . 
To-morrow truly will I meet with thee. 
Shak., SI. N. D.,i. 1. 171. 
I, for my part, will slack no service that may testify my 
simpliciti/. Ford, Love's Sacrifice, fii. 3. 
He [Madison | had that rare dignity of unconscious sim- 
pticit!/ which characterizes the earnest and disinterested 
scholar. J. t*iske, Critical Period of Amer. Hist., v. 
5640 
(/) Ignorance arising from lack either of education or of 
intelligence; especially, lack of common sense; foolish- 
ness ; childishness ; also, an act of folly ; a foolish mistake. 
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity 1 
Prov. i. 22. 
To be ignorant of the value of a suit is simpliciti/, as well 
as to be ignorant of the right thereof is want of conscience. 
Bacon, Suitors (ed. 1887), p. 470. 
Let it be ... one of our simplicities to suffer that in- 
jury which neither impaireth the reputation of the father, 
nor abuseth the credit of the sons. 
O. Harvey, Four Letters. 
Generally, nature hangs out a sign of simplicity in the 
face of a fool. Fuller, Holy and Profane State, III. xii. 1. 
= Syn. See simple. 
simplification (sim"pli-fi-ka'shqn), n. [= F. 
niinpliJicatiOH = Pg. simplijicaf&o = It. simpli- 
fcazione; as simplify + -atiun (see -fcation).] 
The act of simplifying or making simple; re- 
duction from a complex to a simple state : as, 
the simplification of English spelling. 
The simplification of machines renders them more and 
more perfect, but this simplification of the rudiments of 
languages renders them more and more imperfect, and 
less proper for many of the purposes of language. 
Adam Smith, Formation of Languages. 
Where tones coincide, the number of tones actually 
present Is less than the number of possible tones, and 
there ia a proportionate simplification : so to put it, more 
is commanded and with less effort. 
J. Ward, Encyc. Brit., XX. 69. 
simplificative (sim'pli-fi-ka-tiv), a. [< simpli- 
ftcat(ion) + -ive.] Simplifying, or tending to 
simplify. 
"Simplificative evolution "as opposed to "elaboratlve 
evolution." E. K. Lanlcester, Degeneration, p. 71, note c. 
simplificator (sim'pli-fi-ka-tor), n. [< simpliji- 
cat(ion) + -or*-.] One who simplifies, or favors 
simplification, as of a system, doctrine, etc. 
[Rare.] 
This is the supposition of simplificators, who, from the 
impulse of a faulty cerebral conformation, must needs 
disbelieve, because theology would otherwise afford them 
no intellectual exercise. 
Isaac Taylor, Nat. Hist. Enthusiasm, p. 92. 
simplify (sim'pli-fi), v. ; pret. and pp. simpli- 
fied, ppr. simplifying. [< F. simplifier = Sp. 
Pg. simpliflcar = It. (reft.) simplificare ; irreg., 
as simple' + -fy.] I. trans. To make simple; 
reduce from complexity to simplicity ; also, to 
make easy of use, execution, performance, or 
comprehension. 
Philosophers have generally advised men to shun need- 
less occupations, as the certain impediments of a good and 
happy life ; they bid us endeavour to simplify ourselves. 
Barrow, Works, II. xxxiv. 
With no outdoor amusements, and with no summer 
holiday, how much is life simplified! But the simplicity 
of life means monotony. 
W. Besant, Fifty Years Ago, p. 88. 
II. intrants. To produce or effect simplicity. 
That is a wonderful simplification, and science always 
simplifies. J. it. Lockyer, Spect. Anal., p. 166. 
simplism (sirn'plizm), H. [< simple + -ism.] 
The advocacy or cultivation of simplicity; 
hence, an affected or labored simplicity. 
Other writers have to affect what to him [Wordsworth] 
is natural. So they have what Arnold called simplism, 
he simplicity. The Century, XXXIX. 624. 
simplist (sim'plist), H. [< OF. ximpliste, also 
simplicistc = Sp. simplista = It. sempltcista; as 
simple + -*<.] One skilled in simples or me- 
dicinal plants ; a simpler. 
A plant so unlike a rose, it {the rose of Jericho] hath 
been mistaken by some good simplist for aiuomum. 
Sir T. Browne, Vulg. Err., ii. 6. 
simplistic (sim-plis'tik), <i. [< simplist + -ic.] 
1. Of or pertaining to simples or a simplist. 
[Bare.] Imp. Diet. 2. Endeavoring to explain 
everything, or too much, upon a single princi- 
ple. 
The facts of nature and of life are more apt to be com- 
plex than simple. Simplistic theories are generally one- 
sided and partial. J. F. Clarice. (Worcester.) 
simplityt (sim'pli-ti), H. [< ME. simplify, sym- 
plete, < OF. simplete, simplicity: see simpliei- 
ty.~\ Simplicity. 
Thanne shaltow se Sobrete and Sympfete-of-speche. 
Piers Plowman (B), x. 165. 
simploce, See symploce. 
simply (sim'pli), adv. [< ME. sympely, nympil- 
Ijl, sympilliche, simpleliche, etc.; < simple + -ly%.] 
In a simple manner, (a) Without complication, in- 
tricacy, obscurity, or circumlocution ; easily; plainly. 
He made his complaynt and his clamoure heringe hem 
alle, and seide to hem full sympilly, " Lordinges, ye be alle 
my liege men, and of me ye holde youre londes and youre 
fees." Merlin (E. E. T. S.), iii. 616. 
Evolution, under its primary aspect, is illustrated most 
simply and clearly by this passage of the Solar System from 
a widely diffused incoherent state to a consolidated cohe- 
rent state. a. Spencer, First Principles, f 108. 
simulant 
(&) Without extravagance or parade ; unostentatiously. 
Thei ben fulle devoute Men, and lyven porely and sympe- 
ly, with Joules and with Dates; and thei don gret Absty- 
nence and Penaunce. Mandeville, Travels, p. 58. 
A mortal, built upon the antique plan, 
Brimful of lusty blood as ever ran, 
And taking life as simjjly as a tree ! 
Lowell, Agassiz, 1. 144. 
(c) Without pretense or affectation ; unassumingly ; art- 
lessly. 
Thei dide to Kynge Arthur their homage full debonerly 
aa was right, and the kynge he receyved with gode herte 
and nijinpillictte with wepynge. 
Merlin (E. E. T. S.), ii. 140. 
Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise 
By simply meek. Hilton, P. L., xii. 569. 
(d) Without wisdom or discretion ; unwisely; foolishly. 
And we driven the remenaunt in, at the yates, that sym- 
pilly hem dcffended whan they hadde loste their lorde. 
Merlin (E. E. T. S.), i. 78. 
(c) Merely ; solely ; only. 
It more afflicts me now to know by whom 
This deed is done tjuui simply that 'tis done. 
Beau, and Fl., Philaster, Hi. 1. 
The attractive force of a stimulus is determined not 
simply by its quantity but also by its quality. 
J. Sully, Outlines of Psychol., p. 82. 
Hence (/) Absolutely; quite. 
He is simply the rarest man i' the world. 
Shak., Cor., iv. 5. 169. 
They [the older royal families of Europe] never wanted 
a surname ; none attached itself to them, and they simply 
have none. H. and Q., 7th ser., II. 414. 
(ff) Absolutely; in the full sense of the words; not in a 
particular respect merely. 
Simpson's operation. See operation. 
simptomet, H. An obsolete form of symptom. 
simpulum (sim'pu-lum), n. ; pi. simpula (-la). 
[L.: seedef.] In Rom. an tiq., a small ladle with 
which wine was dipped out for libations, etc. 
A third [relief] which seemed to be an altar, with two 
reliefs on it, one being a person holding a sivtpitlum; 
these were all brought from Buda. 
Pococke, Description of the East, II. 11. 249. 
simson, Simpson (sim'son), . [Var. of obs. 
tsencion, sencliion, < OF. senecion, < L. senecio(n-), 
groundsel: see sencion, Senecio.] Groundsel. 
[Prov. Eng.] 
Sims's operation. See operation. 
simulacra, . Plural of simulacrum. 
simulacret (sim'u-la-ker), n. [Also simula- 
chre; < ME. symulacre, si/mylacre, < OF. simula- 
crc, also simiilaire, F. simulacre = Pr. simulacra 
= Sp. Pg. It. simulacra, < L. simulacrum, a like- 
ness, image, form, appearance, phantom: see 
simulacrum.] An image. 
Betwene Symulacret and Ydoles is a gret difference. 
For Symulacres ben Ymages made aftre lyknesse of Men 
or of Women, or of the Sonne or of the Mone, or of ony 
Best, or of ony kyndely thing. 
Mandeville, Travels, p. 164. 
Phidias . . . made of yuory the simulachre or image of 
Jupiter. Sir T. Elyot, The Governour, i. 8. 
simulacrum (sim-u-la'krum), . ; pi. simulacra 
(-kra). [L., a likeness, image, form, appear- 
ance, phantom (in philosophy a tr. of Gr. o/ioiu- 
fjia), < simulate, make like, imitate : see simu- 
late.'} 1. That which is formed in the likeness 
of any object ; an image. 
The mountain is flanked by two tall conical simulacra, 
with radiate summits. 
B. V. Head, Historia Numorum, p. 634. 
He [the author of the De Mysteriis) condemns as folly 
and impiety the worship of images of the gods, though 
his master held that these simulacra were filled with di- 
vine power, whether made by the hand of man or (as he 
believed) fallen from heaven. Jincyc. Brit., XII. 603. 
2. A shadowy or unreal likeness of anything; 
a phantom; a vague, unreal representation. 
The sensations of persons who have suffered amputa- 
tion show that their sensorium retains a picture or map 
of the body so far as regards the location of all its sensi- 
tive regions. This simulacrum is invaded by conscious- 
ness whenever the proper stimulus is applied. 
E. D. Cope, Origin of the Fittest, p. 407. 
All the landscape and the scene seemed the simulacrum 
of an old romance, the echo of an early dream. 
C. D. Warner, Roundabout Journey, xvlL 
3. A formal sign ; a sign which represents a 
thing by resembling it, but does not indicate 
it, or stand for the actual presence of the thing. 
simulant (sim'u-lant), a. and . [< L. simu- 
lan(t-)s, ppr. of si mala re, make like: see simu- 
late.'] I. a. Simulating (something else) ; ap- 
pearing to be (what it is not); replacing (in 
position or in aspect) : with of: used especially 
in biology: as, a scutum simulant of a scutel- 
lum ; cheliceres simulant of chelse ; stamens 
xinnilaiit of petals, or conversely. A good many 
parts and organs, under various physiological modifica- 
tions, are thus simulant of others frnm which they are 
morphologically different. See rimilar. 4. 
II. . One who or that which simulates some- 
thing else. 
