A word is general when it is understood to be applicable to a number of different objects in virtue of some
common property. A word is vague when it is in fact applicable to a number of different objects because, in virtue of some
common property, they have not appeared, to the person using the word, to be distinct.
I mean a corps dog--the
common property of the organization, like the corps steward or head servant; then there are other dogs, owned by individuals.
At present, a large part of the vacant Western territory is, by cession at least, if not by any anterior right, the
common property of the Union.
You see, the whole story is
common property. And yet, there's something about the affair that bothers me."
Though Mr Blifil was not of the complexion of Jones, nor ready to eat every woman he saw; yet he was far from being destitute of that appetite which is said to be the
common property of all animals.
The intellectual creations of individual nations become
common property. National one-sidedness and narrow-mindedness become more and more impossible, and from the numerous national and local literatures, there arises a world literature.
And I think if that pilot had wanted to borrow fifty pounds for an indefinite period on no security, we should have engaged to lend it to him, among us, before his boat had dropped astern, or (which is the same thing) before every scrap of news in the paper he brought with him had become the
common property of all on board.
Every one had heard the rumours in question, and he scorned to confirm a tale that was already
common property.
Once a week, a boat is sent to deliver the bread which has been baked at an oven - the
common property of all.
"It's all
common property, Monson--but, what have become of your sister and Mademoiselle Hennequin?
Bast and of no one else, and somewhere about the entree their monologues collided, fell ruining, and became
common property. Nor was this all.
We have not been satisfied with establishing such a system of transportation that we can start any day for anywhere from anywhere else; neither have we been satisfied with establishing such a system of communication that news and gossip are the
common property of all nations.
