American Dictionary of the English Language

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Need


NEED, noun [to be in want. The primary sense is to press.]

1. Want; occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief. It sometimes expresses urgent want; pressing exigency.

What further need have we of witnesses? Matthew 26:65.

2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence.

I know how to abound and to suffer need Philippians 4:12.

NEED, verb transitive [ to compel] To want; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.

They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matthew 9:12.

NEED, verb intransitive To be wanted; to be necessary.

When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs. [Not used.]

NEED is often used as an auxiliary, or at least without the personal termination.

And the lender need not fear he shall be injured.