What does "lesson" mean?
Lesson: That which is learned or taught by an express effort; instruction derived from precept, experience, observation, or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a lesson in drawing." A smooth and pleasing lesson." Milton. Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind. Chaucer.
Additional senses
- 2.A portion of Scripture read in divine service for instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson.
- 3.A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning. She would give her a lesson for walking so late. Sir. P. Sidney.
- 4.(Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational purpose; a study.
- 5.To teach; to instruct. Shak. To rest the weary, and to soothe the sad, Doth lesson happier men, and shame at least the bad. Byron.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00