EXAM'PLE, n. egzam'pl. [L. e xemplum.] 1. A pattern; a copy; a mode; that which is proposed to be imitated. This word, when applied to material things, is now generally written sample, as a sample of cloth; but example is sometimes used.2. A pattern, in morals or manners; a copy, or model; that which is proposed or is proper to be imitated.I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John 13.Example is our preceptor before we can reason.3. Precedent; a former instance. Buonaparte furnished many examples of successful bravery.4. Precedent or former instance, in a bad sense, intended for caution.Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Heb.4.Sodom and Gomorrah--are set forth for an example,suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude.7.5. A person fit to be proposed for a pattern; one whose conduct is worthy of imitation.Be thou an example of the believers. 1 Tim 4.6. Precedent which disposes to imitation.Example has more effect than precept.7. Instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept; or a particular case or proposition illustrating a general rule, position or truth. The principles of trigonometry and the rules of grammar are illustrated by examples.8. In logic, or rhetoric, the conclusion of one singular point from another; an induction of what may happen from what has happened. If civil war has produced calamities of a particular kind in one instance, it is inferred that it will produce like consequences in other cases. This is an example.EXAM'PLE, v.t. To exemplify; to set an example. [Not used.
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