Several
SEV'ERAL, adjective [from several.]
1. Separate; distinct; not common to two or more; as a several fishery; a several estate. A several fishery is one held by the owner of the soil, or by title derived from the owner. A several estate is one held by a tenant in his own right, or a distinct estate unconnected with any other person.
2. Separate; different; distinct.
Divers sorts of beasts came from several parts to drink. Bacon.
Four several armies to the field are lead. Dryden.
3. Divers; consisting of a number; more than two, but not very many. Several persons were present when the event took place.
4. Separate; single; particular.
Each several ship a victory did gain. Dryden.
5. Distinct; appropriate.
Each might his several province well command,
Would all but stoop to what they understand. Pope.
A joint and several note or bond, is one executed by two or more persons, each of whom is bound to pay the whole, in case the others prove to be insolvent.
SEV'ERAL, noun
1. Each particular, or small number, singly taken.
Several of them neither rose from any conspicuous family, nor left any behing them. Addison.
There was not time enough to hear
The severals- Shak.
[This latter use, in the plural, is now infrequent or obsolete.]
2. An inclosed or separate place; inclosed ground; as, they had their several for the heathen, their several for their own people; put a beast into a several. [These applications are nearly or wholly obsolete.]
In several, in a state of separation.
Where pastures in several be. [Little Used.] Tusser.