that which is done or doing; the exercise of power, or the effect, of which power exerted is the cause; a performance; a deed.-the result of public deliberation; the decision or determination of a legislative body, council, court of justice, etc.; a decree, edit, law, judgment, resolve, award; as, an act of parliament, or of congress.-a formal solemn writing, expressing that something has been done.-a performance of part of a play; one of the principal divisions of a play or dramatic work in which a certain definite part of the action is completed.-a thesis maintained in public, in some english universities, by a candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a student.-a state of reality or real existence as opposed to a possibility or possible existence.-process of doing; action. in act, in the very doing; on the point of (doing).-to move to action; to actuate; to animate.-to perform; to execute; to do.-to perform, as an actor; to represent dramatically on the stage.-to assume the office or character of; to play; to personate; as, to act the hero.-to feign or counterfeit; to simulate.-to exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts upon food.-to perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry into effect a determination of the will.-to behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know not why he has acted so.-to perform on the stage; to represent a character.