General

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.

2. Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.

3. Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.

4. Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom. This general applause and cheerful sShak.

5. Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire. Milton.

6. As a whole; in gross; for the most part. His general behavior vain, ridiculous. Shak.

7. Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.

8. The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular. In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals. Locke.

9. One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.

10. The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.

11. The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.

12. The public; the people; the vulgar. [Obs.] Shak. In general, in the main; for the most part.