səul n. 1
the spiritual or
immaterial part of a
human being,
often regarded as
immortal. 2 the
moral or
emotional or
intellectual nature of a
person or
animal. 3 the
personification or
pattern of
something (the
very soul of discretion). 4 an
individual (not a soul in sight). 5 a a person regarded
with familiarity or
pity etc. (the
poor soul
was utterly confused). b a person regarded as embodying moral or intellectual qualities (left
that to meaner souls). 6 a person regarded as the animating or
essential part of something (the
life and soul of the party). 7 emotional or intellectual
energy or
intensity,
esp. as revealed in a
work of art (pictures that
lack soul). 8
Black American culture or
music etc. øsoul-destroying (of an
activity etc.) deadeningly
monotonous. soul
food the
traditional food of American Blacks. soul mate a person ideally suited to
another. soul music a kind of music incorporating elements of
rhythm and
blues and
gospel music, popularized by American Blacks. the soul of
honour a person
incapable of
dishonourable conduct. soul-searching n. the
examination of one's emotions and motives. --adj. characterized by
this.
upon my soul an
exclamation of
surprise. øø-souled adj. (in comb.). [OE sawol, sawel, sawl, f. Gmc]
