difference

n. [ F. différence, L. differentia. ] 1. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty? [ 1913 Webster ]

Differencies of administration, but the same Lord. 1 Cor. xii. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy. [ 1913 Webster ]

What was the difference? It was a contention in public. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could. T. Ellwood. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute. [ 1913 Webster ]

The marks and differences of sovereignty. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Choice; preference. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ascensional difference. See under Ascensional.

Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife. [ 1913 Webster ]