random Meaning, Definition & Usage
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adjective lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
- a random choice
- bombs fell at random
- random movements
WordNet
Ran"dom noun
Etymology
OE.Definitions
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Force; violence. Obs.For courageously the two kings newly fought with great random and force. E. Hall.
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A roving motion; course without definite direction; want of direction, rule, or method; hazard; chance; -- commonly used in the phrase at random, that is, without a settled point of direction; at hazard. Counsels, when they fly At random, sometimes hit most happily. Herrick.
O, many a shaft, at random sent, Finds mark the archer little meant ! Sir W. Scott.
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Distance to which a missile is cast; range; reach; Sir K. Digby.as, the .random of a rifle ball -
(Mining) The direction of a rake-vein. Raymond.
Ran"dom adjective
Definitions
Going at random or by chance; done or made at hazard, or without settled direction, aim, or purpose; hazarded without previous calculation; left to chance; haphazard; as, a .random guessSome random truths he can impart. Wordsworth.
So sharp a spur to the lazy, and so strong a bridle to the random. H. Spencer.