a. [ L. masculinus, fr. masculus male, manly, dim. of mas a male: cf. F. masculin. See Male masculine. ] 1. Of the male sex; not female. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thy masculine children, that is to say, thy sons. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Having the qualities of a man; suitable to, or characteristic of, a man; virile; not feminine or effeminate; strong; robust. [ 1913 Webster ]

That lady, after her husband's death, held the reins with a masculine energy. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Belonging to males; appropriated to, or used by, males. [ R. ] “A masculine church.” Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Gram.) Having the inflections of, or construed with, words pertaining especially to male beings, as distinguished from feminine and neuter. See Gender. -- Mas"cu*line*ly, adv. -- Mas"cu*line*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]