| 释义 |
preˈponderancy Now rare.
[f. as prec. + -ancy.]
The quality or fact of being preponderant; an instance of this.
1. Superiority of physical weight.
1646Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. iv. vii. 196 Whereas men affirme they perceave an addition of ponderosity in dead bodies,..this accessionall preponderancy is rather in appearance then reality. 1692Ray Disc. ii. ii. (1732) 86 By reason of the Preponderancy of the Earth. 1772Hutton Bridges 58 The pointed projections..will be a sufficient addition to the pier, to give it the necessary preponderancy.
fig.1802Edin. Rev. I. 200 The permanent restoration of the balance of trade to its accustomed preponderancy in our favour.
2. Superiority of power, influence, or importance.
1692Locke Toleration iv. Wks. 1727 III. 468 If..all Magistrates saw the Preponderancy of the Grounds of Belief, which are on the Side of the true Religion. 1777Priestley Disc. Philos. Necess. iv. 40 The final preponderancy of desire is called a will, or wish to obtain it. 1828D'Israeli Chas. I, I. v. 104 Coalition of interests..were to strike at the preponderancy of Imperial Austria.
3. Greater prevalence; = prec. 3.
1845A. Duncan Disc. 159 The evident preponderancy of good, however unable they might be to explain the origin of evil, testified against them. |