Noun | 1. | matter - that which has mass and occupies space; "an atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter" Synonyms: substance |
2. | matter - a vaguely specified concern; "several matters to attend to"; "it is none of your affair"; "things are going well" | |
3. | matter - some situation or event that is thought about; "he kept drifting off the topic"; "he had been thinking about the subject for several years"; "it is a matter for the police" | |
4. | matter - a problem; "is anything the matter?" | |
5. | matter - (used with negation) having consequence; "they were friends and it was no matter who won the games" | |
6. | matter - written works (especially in books or magazines); "he always took some reading matter with him on the plane" | |
Verb | 1. | matter - have weight; have import, carry weight; "It does not matter much" |
MATTER. Some substantial or essential thing, opposed to form; facts.
MATTER, IMPERTINENT, Equity pleading. That which is altogether irrelevant to the case, that does not appertain or belong to it; id est, qui ad rem non pertinet. 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 4163. See Impertinent.
MATTER, SCANDALOUS, equity pleading. A false and malicious statement of
facts, not relevant to the cause. But nothing which is positively relevant,
however harsh or gross the charge may be, can be considered scandalous. 4
Bouv. Inst. n. 4163.
2. A bill cannot by the general practice, be referred for impertinence
after the defendant has answered, or submitted to answer, but it may be
referred for scandal at any time, and even upon the application of a
stranger to the suit, for he has the right to prevent the records of the
court from being made the vehicle of spreading slanders against himself. Id.
n. 41f 64.