v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Digested; p. pr. & vb. n. Digesting. ] [ L. digestus, p. p. of digerere to separate, arrange, dissolve, digest; di- = dis- + gerere to bear, carry, wear. See Jest. ] 1. To distribute or arrange methodically; to work over and classify; to reduce to portions for ready use or application; as, to digest the laws, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] Joining them together and digesting them into order. Blair. [ 1913 Webster ] We have cause to be glad that matters are so well digested. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Physiol.) To separate (the food) in its passage through the alimentary canal into the nutritive and nonnutritive elements; to prepare, by the action of the digestive juices, for conversion into blood; to convert into chyme. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To think over and arrange methodically in the mind; to reduce to a plan or method; to receive in the mind and consider carefully; to get an understanding of; to comprehend. [ 1913 Webster ] Feelingly digest the words you speak in prayer. Sir H. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ] How shall this bosom multiplied digest The senate's courtesy? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To appropriate for strengthening and comfort. [ 1913 Webster ] Grant that we may in such wise hear them [ the Scriptures ], read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them. Book of Common Prayer. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Hence: To bear comfortably or patiently; to be reconciled to; to brook. [ 1913 Webster ] I never can digest the loss of most of Origin's works. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Chem.) To soften by heat and moisture; to expose to a gentle heat in a boiler or matrass, as a preparation for chemical operations. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. (Med.) To dispose to suppurate, or generate healthy pus, as an ulcer or wound. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. To ripen; to mature. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Well-digested fruits. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. To quiet or abate, as anger or grief. [ 1913 Webster ] |