STUDY, n. [L., to study, that is, to set the thought or mind. See Assiduous.]

1. Literally, a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, to arts or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of learning what is not before known. Hammond generally spent thirteen hours of the day is study. – Fell. Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. – Temple.
2. Attention; meditation; contrivance. Just men they seem'd, and alt their study bent. To worship God aright and know his works. – Milton.
3. Any particular branch of learning that is studied. Let your studies be directed by some learned and judicious friend.
4. Subject of attention. The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. – Law.
5. A building or an apartment devoted to study or to literary employment. – Clarendon. Dryden.
6. Deep cogitation; perplexity. [Little used.] – Bacon. Studies, preparatory sketches or exercises made by artists.

1. To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to muse; to dwell upon in thought. I found a moral first, and then studied for a fable. – Swift.
2. To apply the mind to books. He studies eight hours in the day.
3. To endeavor diligently. That ye study to be quiet and do your own business. – 1 Thess. iv.

1. To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages.
2. To consider attentively; to examine closely. Study the works of nature. Study thyself; what rank or what degree / Thy wise Creator has ordain'd for thee. – Dryden.
3. To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over; or to commit to memory; as, to study a speech.

1. A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.
   
   

   Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in study. Bp. Fell.

   Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. Sir W. Temple.

2. To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.
   
   
   Chaucer.

   I found a moral first, and then studied for a fable. Swift.

3. To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages.
4. Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.
   
   

   Just men they seemed, and all their study bent
   To worship God aright, and know his works. Milton.

5. To apply the mind to books or learning.
   
   
   Shak.
6. To consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature.
   
   

   Study thyself; what rank or what degree
   The wise Creator has ordained for thee. Dryden.

7. Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
   
   

   The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. Law.

   The proper study of mankind is man. Pope.

8. To endeavor diligently; to be zealous.
   
   
   1 Thes. iv. 11.
9. To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.
10. A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.
    
    
    "His cheery little study." Hawthorne.
11. To make an object of study; to aim at sedulously; to devote one's thoughts to; as, to study the welfare of others; to study variety in composition.
    
    

    For their heart studieth destruction. Prov. xxiv. 2.

12. A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture.
13. A piece for special practice. See Etude.