article Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
noun one of a class of artifacts
- an article of clothing
noun a separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
clause.
noun (grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
verb bind by a contract; especially for a training period

F., fr. L. articulus, dim. of artus joint, akin to Gr. , fr. a root ar to join, fit. See Art, n.

A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement.
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Subject; matter; concern; distinct. Obs.
A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding. Addison.

This last article will hardly be believed. De Foe.
A distinct part. "Upon each article of human duty." Paley. "Each article of time." Habington.
The articles which compose the blood. E. Darwin.
A particular one of various things; as, an article of merchandise; salt is a necessary article.
They would fight not for articles of faith, but for articles of food. Landor.
Precise point of time; moment. Obs. or Archaic
This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice. Evelyn.
(Gram.) One of the three words, a, an, the, used before nouns to limit or define their application. A (or an) is called the indefinite article, the the definite article.
(Zoöl.) One of the segments of an articulated appendage.

Cf. F. articuler, fr. L. articulare. See Article, n., Articulate.

imperfect & past participle Articled present participle & verbal noun Articling

To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
If all his errors and follies were articled against him, the man would seem vicious and miserable. Jer. Taylor.
To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles.
He shall be articled against in the high court of admiralty. Stat. 33 Geo. III.
To bind by articles of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic.

To agree by articles; to stipulate; to bargain; to covenant. R.
Then he articled with her that he should go away when he pleased. Selden.