perpetualPERPET'UAL, a. [L. perpetuus, from perpes, perpetis; per and pes, from a root signifying to pass.] [Literally true with respect to the decrees of the Supreme Being.] Perpetual curacy, is where all the tithes are appropriated and no vicarage is endowed. Perpetual motion, motion that generates a power of continuing itself forever or indefinitely, by means of mechanism or some application of the force of gravity; not yet discovered,and probably impossible. Perpetual screw, a screw that acts against the teeth of a wheel and continues its action without end. |