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

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

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

4. (a.) Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.

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

6. (a.) As a whole; in gross; for the most part.

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

8. (n.) The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular.

9. (a.) 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. (n.) The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.

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

12. (n.) The public; the people; the vulgar.