Ob*serve" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Observed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Observing.] [L.observare, observatum; ob (see Ob-) + servare to save, preserve, keep, heed, observe: cf.F. observer. See Serve.]

1.

To take notice of by appropriate conduct; to conform one's action or practice to; to keep; to heed; to obey; to comply with; as, to observe rules or commands; to observe civility.

Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Ex. xii. 17.

He wolde no such cursedness observe. Chaucer.

Must I budge? Must I observe you? Shak.

With solemn purpose to observe Immutably his sovereign will. Milton.

2.

To be on the watch respecting; to pay attention to; to notice with care; to see; to perceive; to discover; as, to observe an eclipse; to observe the color or fashion of a dress; to observe the movements of an army.

3.

To express as what has been noticed; to utter as a remark; to say in a casual or incidental way; to remark.

 

© Webster 1913.


Ob*serve", v. i.

1.

To take notice; to give attention to what one sees or hears; to attend.

2.

To make a remark; to comment; -- generally with on or upon.

<-- = to make an observation -->

I have barely quoted... without observing upon it. Pope.

Syn. -- To remark. See Remark.

 

© Webster 1913.

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