the point in the heavens where the sun is seen to rise at the equinox, or the corresponding point on the earth; that one of the four cardinal points of the compass which is in a direction at right angles to that of north and south, and which is toward the right hand of one who faces the north; the point directly opposite to the west.-the eastern parts of the earth; the regions or countries which lie east of europe; the orient. in this indefinite sense, the word is applied to asia minor, syria, chaldea, persia, india, china, etc.; as, the riches of the east; the diamonds and pearls of the east; the kings of the east.-formerly, the part of the united states east of the alleghany mountains, esp. the eastern, or new england, states; now, commonly, the whole region east of the mississippi river, esp. that which is north of maryland and the ohio river; -- usually with the definite article; as, the commerce of the east is not independent of the agriculture of the west.-toward the rising sun; or toward the point where the sun rises when in the equinoctial; as, the east gate; the east border; the east side; the east wind is a wind that blows from the east.-eastward.-to move toward the east; to veer from the north or south toward the east; to orientate.