Dictionary entry

Compact

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Com‐pact″ (kŏm‐păkt″), p. p. & a. [L. compactus, p. p. of compingere to join or unite; com- + pangere to fasten, fix: cf. F. compacte. See Pact.] 1. Joined or held together; leagued; confederated. “Compact with her that's gone.” Shak.

A pipe of seven reeds, compact with wax together.

Peacham.

2. Composed or made; — with of.

A wandering fire,

Compact of unctuous vapor.

Milton.

3. Closely or firmly united, as the particles of solid bodies; firm; close; solid; dense.

Glass, crystal, gems, and other compact bodies.

Sir I. Newton.

4. Brief; close; pithy; not diffuse; not verbose; as, a compact discourse.

Syn. — Firm; close; solid; dense; pithy; sententious.