Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Define

Define , transitive verb

[Old English definer, usually, to end, to finish, French définir to define, Latin definire to limit, define; de- + finire to limit, end, finis boundary, limit, end. See Final, Finish.]

1.
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
To define controversies. — Barrow
2.
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
3.
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings... very distinct and well defined. — Sir I. Newton
4.
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature. — Robynson (More's Utopia)

Define , intransitive verb

To determine; to decide. [Obsolete]