a. [ F. palpable, L. palpabilis, fr. palpare to feel, stroke; cf. palpus the soft palm of the hand. ] 1. Capable of being touched and felt; perceptible by the touch; as, a palpable form. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Darkness must overshadow all his bounds, Palpable darkness. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Easily perceptible; plain; distinct; obvious; readily perceived and detected; gross; as, palpable imposture; palpable absurdity; palpable errors. “Three persons palpable.” P. Plowman. [ 1913 Webster ] [ Lies ] gross as a mountain, open, palpable. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] A hit, A very palpable hit. Shak. (Hamlet) [ 1913 Webster ] -- Pal"pa*ble*ness, n. -- Pal"pa*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ] |