Dictionary entry

Constituent (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Con‐stit″u‐ent, n. 1. The person or thing which constitutes, determines, or constructs.

Their first composure and origination require a higher and nobler constituent than chance.

Sir M. Hale

2. That which constitutes or composes, as a part, or an essential part; a component; an element.

We know how to bring these constituents together, and to cause them to form water.

Tyndall.

3. One for whom another acts; especially, one who is represented by another in a legislative assembly; — correlative to representative.

The electors in the district of a representative in Congress, or in the legislature of a State, are termed his constituents.

Abbot.

To appeal from the representatives to the constituents.

Macaulay.

4. (Law) A person who appoints another to act for him as attorney in fact. Burrill.