Net (?), n. [AS. net; akin to D. net, OS. net, netti, OHG. nezzi, G. netz, Icel. & Dan. net, Sw. nat, Goth. nati; of uncertain origin.]
1.
A fabric of twine, thread, or the like, wrought or woven into meshes, and used for catching fish, birds, butterflies, etc.
2.
Anything designed or fitted to entrap or catch; a snare; any device for catching and holding.
A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his feet.
Prov. xxix. 5.
In the church's net there are fishes good or bad.
Jer. Taylor.
3.
Anything wrought or woven in meshes; as, a net for the hair; a mosquito net; a tennis net.
4. Geom.
A figure made up of a large number of straight lines or curves, which are connected at certain points and related to each other by some specified law.
© Webster 1913.
Net, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Netted (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Netting.]
1.
To make into a net; to make in the style of network; as, to net silk.
2.
To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.
And now I am here, netted and in the toils.
Sir W. Scott.
3.
To inclose or cover with a net; as, to net a tree.
© Webster 1913.
Net, v. i.
To form network or netting; to knit.
© Webster 1913.
Net, a. [F. See Neat clean.]
1.
Without spot; pure; shining.
[Obs.]
Her breast all naked as net ivory.
Spenser.
2.
Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat; as, net wine, etc.
[R.]
3.
Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter, as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges, deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight, etc.
[Less properly written
nett.]
Net tonnage Naut., the tonnage of a vessel after a deduction from the gross tonnage has been made, to allow space for crew, machinery, etc.
© Webster 1913.
Net, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Netted; p. pr. & vb. n. Netting.]
To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand dollars by the operation.
© Webster 1913.