a large embellished letter at the beginning of a verse, manuscript, etc
versal in British English2
(ˈvɜːsəl)
adjective
obsolete
universal
universal in British English2
(ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəl)
adjective
1.
of, relating to, or typical of the whole of humankind or of nature
2.
common to, involving, or proceeding from all in a particular group
3.
applicable to or affecting many individuals, conditions, or cases; general
4.
existing or prevailing everywhere
5.
applicable or occurring throughout or relating to the universe; cosmic
a universal constant
6.
(esp of a language) capable of being used and understood by all
7.
embracing or versed in many fields of knowledge, activity, interest, etc
8. machinery
designed or adapted for a range of sizes, fittings, or uses
9. linguistics
(of a constraint in a formal grammar) common to the grammatical description of all human languages, actual or possible
10. logic
(of a statement or proposition) affirming or denying something about every member of a class, as in all men are wicked
Compare particular (sense 6)
noun
11. philosophy
a.
a general term or concept or the type such a term signifies
b.
a metaphysical entity taken to be the reference of a general term, as distinct from the class of individuals it describes
See also realism (sense 5)
c.
a Platonic Idea or Aristotelian form
12. logic
a.
a universal proposition, statement, or formula
b.
a universal quantifier
13.
a characteristic common to every member of a particular culture or to every human being
14. short for universal joint
▶ USAGE The use of more universal as in his writings have long been admired by fellow scientists, but his latest book shouldhave more universal appeal is acceptable in modern English usage
versal in American English
(ˈvɜːrsəl)
adjective
archaic
universal or whole
Word origin
[1585–95; shortening of universal; cf. varsity]This word is first recorded in the period 1585–95. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aberration, filament, keyhole, naturalize, puzzle