relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.-comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.-not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.-common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.-having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, adam, our general sire.-as a whole; in gross; for the most part.-usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.-the whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular.-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.-the roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.-the chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.-the public; the people; the vulgar.