Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Study

Study , noun

[Old English studie, Latin studium, akin to studere to study; possibly akin to Greek {not transcribed} haste, zeal, {not transcribed} to hasten; compare Old French estudie, estude, French étude. Compare Etude, Student, Studio, Study, v. i.]

1.
A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.
Hammond... spent thirteen hours of the day in study. — Bp. Fell
Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. — Sir W. Temple
2.
Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent To worship God aright, and know his works. — Milton
3.
Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.
The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. — Law
The proper study of mankind is man. — Pope
4.
A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.
His cheery little study. — Hawthorne
5.
(Fine Arts) A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture.
6.
(Music) A piece for special practice. See Etude.

Study , intransitive verb

[Old English studien, Old French estudier, French étudier. See Study, n.]

1.
To fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder. — Chaucer
I found a moral first, and then studied for a fable. — Swift
2.
To apply the mind to books or learning. — Shakespeare
3.
To endeavor diligently; to be zealous. — 1 Thes. iv. 11

Study , transitive verb

1.
To apply the mind to; to read and examine for the purpose of learning and understanding; as, to study law or theology; to study languages.
2.
To consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature.
Study thyself; what rank or what degree The wise Creator has ordained for thee. — Dryden
3.
To form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.
4.
To make an object of study; to aim at sedulously; to devote one's thoughts to; as, to study the welfare of others; to study variety in composition.
For their heart studieth destruction. — Bible (KJV) - Proverb xxiv. 2