Les"son (?), n. [OE. lessoun, F. leon lesson, reading, fr. L. lectio a reading, fr. legere to read, collect. See Legend, and cf. Lection.]
1.
Anything read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or learner; something, as a portion of a book, assigned to a pupil to be studied or learned at one time.
2.
That which is learned or taught by an express effort; instruction derived from precept, experience, observation, or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a lesson in drawing.
" A smooth and pleasing
lesson."
Milton.
Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind.
Chaucer.
3.
A portion of Scripture read in divine service for instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson.
4.
A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning.
She would give her a lesson for walking so late.
Sir. P. Sidney.
5.
(Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational purpose; a study.
© Webster 1913.
Les"son, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessoned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessoning.]
To teach; to instruct.
Shak.
To rest the weary, and to soothe the sad,
Doth lesson happier men, and shame at least the bad.
Byron.
© Webster 1913.