Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Supernumerary

Suˊper-nu′mer-a-ry

,
Adj.
[L.
supernumerarius
: cf. OF.
supernuméraire
, F.
surnuméraire
. See
Super-
, and
Numerary
,
Number
.]
1.
Exceeding the number stated or prescribed;
as, a
supernumerary
officer in a regiment
.
2.
Exceeding a necessary, usual, or required number or quality; superfluous;
as,
supernumerary
addresses;
supernumerary
expense
.
Addison.

Suˊper-nu′mer-a-ry

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Supernumeraries
.
1.
A person or thing beyond the number stated.
2.
A person or thing beyond what is necessary or usual; especially, a person employed not for regular service, but only to fill the place of another in case of need; specifically, in theaters, a person who is not a regular actor, but is employed to appear in a stage spectacle.

Webster 1828 Edition

Supernumerary

SUPERNU'MERARY

,
Adj.
[L. super and numerus, number.]
1.
Exceeding the number stated or prescribed; as a supernumerary officer in a regiment; a supernumerary canon in the church.
2.
Exceeding a necessary, a usual or a round number; as supernumerary addresses; supernumerary expense.

SUPERNU'MERARY

,
Noun.
A person or thing beyond the number stated, or beyond what is necessary or usual. On the reduction of the
regiments, several supernumeraries were to be provided for.

Similar Results