Dictionary entry

Lesson

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Les″son (lĕs″s'n), n. [OE. lessoun, F. leçon lesson, reading, fr. L. lectio a reading, fr. legere to read, collect. See Legend, and cf. Lection.] 1. Anything read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or learner; something, as a portion of a book, assigned to a pupil to be studied or learned at one time.

2. That which is learned or taught by an express effort; instruction derived from precept, experience, observation, or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a lesson in drawing.“ A smooth and pleasing lesson.” Milton.

Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind. Chaucer.

3. A portion of Scripture read in divine service for instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson.

4. A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning.

She would give her a lesson for walking so late. Sir. P. Sidney.

5. (Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational purpose; a study.