Dictionary entry

Compound (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Com‐pound″ (kŏm‐pound″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Compounded; p. pr. & vb. n.Compounding.] [OE. componen, compounen, L. componere, compositum; com-+ ponere to put set. The d is excrescent. See Position, and cf. Componé.] 1. To form or make by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; as, to compound a medicine.

Incapacitating him from successfully compounding a tale of this sort.

Sir W. Scott.

2. To put together, as elements, ingredients, or parts, in order to form a whole; to combine, mix, or unite.

We have the power of altering and compounding those images into all the varieties of picture.

Addison.

3. To modify or change by combination with some other thing or part; to mingle with something else.

Only compound me with forgotten dust.

Shak.

4. To compose; to constitute.

His pomp and all what state compounds.

Shak.

5. To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement; to compromise; to discharge from obligation upon terms different from those which were stipulated; as, to compound a debt.

I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.

Shak.

To compound a felony, to accept of a consideration for forbearing to prosecute, such compounding being an indictable offense. See Theftbote.