context

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
context
    n 1: discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to
         determine its interpretation [syn: {context}, {linguistic
         context}, {context of use}]
    2: the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
       or event; "the historical context" [syn: {context},
       {circumstance}, {setting}]
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Context \Con*text"\, a. [L. contextus, p. p. of contexere to
   weave, to unite; con- + texere to weave. See {Text}.]
   Knit or woven together; close; firm. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         The coats, without, are context and callous. --Derham.
   [1913 Webster]
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Context \Con"text\, n. [L. contextus; cf. F. contexte .]
   The part or parts of something written or printed, as of
   Scripture, which precede or follow a text or quoted sentence,
   or are so intimately associated with it as to throw light
   upon its meaning.
   [1913 Webster]

         According to all the light that the contexts afford.
                                                  --Sharp.
   [1913 Webster]
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Context \Con*text"\, v. t.
   To knit or bind together; to unite closely. [Obs.] --Feltham.
   [1913 Webster]

         The whole world's frame, which is contexted only by
         commerce and contracts.                  --R. Junius.
   [1913 Webster]
from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
context

   That which surrounds, and gives meaning to, something else.

   <grammar> In a {grammar} it refers to the symbols before and
   after the symbol under consideration.  If the syntax of a
   symbol is independent of its context, the grammar is said to
   be {context-free}.
from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
CONTEXT. The general series or composition of a law, contract, covenant, or  
agreement. 
     2. When, there is any obscurity in the words of an agreement or law, 
the context must be considered in its construction, for it must be performed 
according to the intention of its framers. 2 Cowen, 781,; 3 Miss. 447 1 
Harringt. 154; 6 John. 43; 5 Gill & John. 239; 3 B. & P. 565; 8 East, 80 1 
Dall. 426; 4 Dall. 340; 3 S. & R. 609 See Construction; Interpretation.
from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
44 Moby Thesaurus words for "context":
      alentours, ambiance, ambience, ambit, background, borderlands,
      circle, circuit, circumambiencies, circumjacencies, circumstances,
      compass, entourage, environing circumstances, environment,
      environs, existing conditions, frame of reference, framework,
      full particulars, gestalt, habitat, ins and outs, milieu,
      neighborhood, outposts, outskirts, perimeter, periphery, precincts,
      purlieus, set of conditions, setting, situation, status quo,
      structure, suburbs, surround, surroundings, total environment,
      total situation, vicinage, vicinity, whole picture
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