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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Constitution \Con`sti*tu"tion\ (k[o^]n`st[i^]*t[=u]"sh[u^]n), n.
[F. constitution, L. constitutio.]
1. The act or process of constituting; the action of
enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment;
establishment; formation.
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2. The state of being; that form of being, or structure and
connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a
system or body; natural condition; structure; texture;
conformation.
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The physical constitution of the sun. --Sir J.
Herschel.
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3. The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities;
the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with
reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease,
etc.; as, a robust constitution.
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Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the
vices or luxuries of the old world. --Story.
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4. The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament.
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He defended himself with . . . less passion than was
expected from his constitution. --Clarendon.
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5. The fundamental, organic law or principles of government
of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the
institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a
written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying
down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of
affairs.
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Our constitution had begun to exist in times when
statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact
definitions. --Macaulay.
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Note: In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be
modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the
United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be
modified, exept through such processes as the
constitution itself ordains.
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6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment;
especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting
ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the
constitutions of Justinian.
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The positive constitutions of our own churches.
--Hooker.
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A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius,
then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the
conduct of advocates. --George Long.
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{Apostolic constitutions}. See under {Apostolic}.
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