Thes"i*cle (?), n. [Dim. of thesis.] A little or subordinate thesis; a proposition.
The"sis (?), n.; pl. Theses (#). [L., fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to place, set. See Do, and cf. Anathema, Apothecary, Epithet, Hypothesis, Parenthesis, Theme, Tick a cover.] 1. A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.
2. Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them.
3. (Logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
4. (Mus.) The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; — the opposite of arsis.
5. (Pros.) (a) The depression of the voice in pronouncing the syllables of a word. (b) The part of the foot upon which such a depression falls.
Thes"mo*thete (?), n. [Gr. &?;; &?; that which is established, a law (fr. &?; to set) + &?; a giver (also fr. &?;).] (Gr. Antiq.) A lawgiver; a legislator; one of the six junior archons at Athens.
Thes"pi*an (?), a. [From L. Thespis, Gr. &?;, the founder of the Greek drama.] Of or pertaining to Thespis; hence, relating to the drama; dramatic; as, the Thespian art. — n. An actor.
Thes*sa"li*an (?), a. [Cf. L. Thessalius.] Of or pertaining to Thessaly in Greece. Shak. — n. A native or inhabitant of Thessaly.
Thes`sa*lo"ni*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Thessalonica, a city of Macedonia. — n. A native or inhabitant of Thessalonica.
The"ta (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. qh^ta, the Greek letter θ, .] A letter of the Greek alphabet corresponding to th in English; — sometimes called the unlucky letter, from being used by the judges on their ballots in passing condemnation on a prisoner, it being the first letter of the Greek qa`natos, death.
Theta function (Math.), one of a group of functions used in developing the properties of elliptic functions.
Thet"ic*al (?), a. [Gr. &?; fit for placing, fr. &?; to set, lay down. See Thesis.] Laid down; absolute or positive, as a law. Dr. H. More.
