Definitions for the word "general" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. a.
Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. a.
Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. a.
Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. a.
Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. a.
Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. a.
As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. a.
Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. a.
The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. a.
One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. a.
The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. a.
The public; the people; the vulgar.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. adj.
1 including or affecting all or most parts or cases of things. 2 prevalent, usual (the general feeling). 3 not partial or particular or local. 4 not limited in application, true of all or nearly all cases (as a general rule). 5 not restricted or specialized (general knowledge; general hospital). 6 not detailed (general idea). 7 vague (spoke only in general terms). 8 chief, head; having overall authority (general manager; secretary-general). n. 1 a army officer next below field marshal. B = lieutenant general (see *lieutenant colonel), *major-general. 2 commander of an army. 3 strategist (a great general). 4 head of a religious order, e.g. Of jesuits etc. in general 1 as a normal rule; usually. 2 for the most part. [latin generalis]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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