ADULT, Adultus, one who has come to the years of discretion; who has entered upon manhood, or the age of adolescence; and is old and big enough to have understanding and discernment. See AGE.
The word is formed from the participle of the verb adolesco, I grow up. See ADOLESCENCE. The Anabaptists confer the sacrament of baptism upon none but adults. See BAPTISM, and ANABAPTIST.
There is a notable difference between the proportions of infants and adults—A man, M. Dodart observes, formed like a fetus, would be a monster, and would scarcely be acknowledged for one of the species. See FETUS, and EMBRYO.
ADULT
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- Written by: Ephraïm Chambers
- Category: Unclassified