| Random | a. 1. Going at random or by chance; done or made at hazard, or without settled direction, aim, or purpose; hazarded without previous calculation; left to chance; haphazard; as, a random guess. [ 1913 Webster ] Some random truths he can impart. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ] So sharp a spur to the lazy, and so strong a bridle to the random. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Statistics) Of, pertaining to, or resulting from a process of selection from a starting set of items, in which the probability of selecting any one object in the starting set is equal to the probability of selecting any other. [ PJC ] 3. (Construction) of unequal size or shape; made from components of unequal size or shape. [ PJC ] at random in a manner so that all possible results have an equal probability of occurrence; for processes, each possible result is counted separately although the same type of result may occur more than once . -- Random courses (Masonry), courses of stone of unequal thickness. -- Random shot, a shot not directed or aimed toward any particular object, or a shot with the muzzle of the gun much elevated. -- Random work (Masonry), stonework consisting of stones of unequal sizes fitted together, but not in courses nor always with flat beds. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Random | n. [ OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity, à randon, de randon, violently, suddenly, rapidly, prob. of German origin; cf. G. rand edge, border, OHG. rant shield, edge of a shield, akin to E. rand, n. See Rand, n. ] 1. Force; violence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] For courageously the two kings newly fought with great random and force. E. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. A roving motion; course without definite direction; want of direction, rule, or method; hazard; chance; -- commonly used in the phrase at random, that is, without a settled point of direction; at hazard. [ 1913 Webster ] Counsels, when they fly At random, sometimes hit most happily. Herrick. [ 1913 Webster ] O, many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little meant! Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Distance to which a missile is cast; range; reach; as, the random of a rifle ball. Sir K. Digby. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Mining) The direction of a rake-vein. Raymond. [ 1913 Webster ] |