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.-mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.-any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.-a building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work.-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.-a piece for special practice. see etude.-to fix the mind closely upon a subject; to dwell upon anything in thought; to muse; to ponder.-to apply the mind to books or learning.-to endeavor diligently; to be zealous.-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.-to consider attentively; to examine closely; as, to study the work of nature.-to form or arrange by previous thought; to con over, as in committing to memory; as, to study a speech.-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.