Library Li"bra*ry, n.; pl. Libraries.

[OE. librairie, F. librairie bookseller's shop, book trade, formerly, a library, fr. libraire bookseller, L. librarius, from liber book; cf. libraria bookseller's shop, librarium bookcase, It. libreria.]

1. A considerable collection of books kept for use, and not as merchandise; as, a private library; a public library.

2. A building or apartment appropriated for holding such a collection of books. --Holland.

[L. publicus, poblicus, fr. populus people: cf. F. public.]

1. Of or pertaining to the people; belonging to the people; relating to, or affecting, a nation, state, or community; -- opposed to private; as, the public treasury.

To the public good Private respects must yield. --Milton

He [Alexander Hamilton] touched the dead corpse of the public credit, and it sprung upon its feet. --D. Webster

2. Open to the knowledge or view of all; general; common; notorious; as, public report; public scandal.

Joseph, . . . not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. --Matt. i. 19

3. Open to common or general use; as, a public road; a public house; a public library.

The public street. --Shak

Last updated: Mon Sep 8 15:01:20 GMT 1997