| n. | 1. | The point in the heavens where the sun is seen to rise at the equinox, or the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and which is toward the right hand of one who faces the north; the point directly opposite to the west. |
| 2. | The eastern parts of the earth; the regions or countries which lie east of Europe; the orient. In this indefinite sense, the word is applied to Asia Minor, Syria, Chaldea, Persia, India, China, etc.; as, the riches of the East; the diamonds and pearls of the East; the kings of the East. |
| 3. | (U. S. Hist. and Geog.) Formerly, the part of the United States east of the Alleghany Mountains, esp. the Eastern, or New England, States; now, commonly, the whole region east of the Mississippi River, esp. that which is north of Maryland and the Ohio River; - usually with the definite article; as, the commerce of the East is not independent of the agriculture of the West. |
| a. | 1. | Toward the rising sun; or toward the point where the sun rises when in the equinoctial; as, the east gate; the east border; the east side; the east wind is a wind that blows from the east. |
| 2. | (Eccl.) Designating, or situated in, that part of a church which contains the choir or chancel; as, the east front of a cathedral. |
| adv. | 1. | Eastward. |
| v. i. | 1. | To move toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east; to orientate. |
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