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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Rudiment \Ru"di*ment\ (r[udd]"d[i^]*ment), n. [L. rudimentum,
fr. rudis unwrought, ignorant, rude: cf. F. rudiment. See
{Rude}.]
1. That which is unformed or undeveloped; the principle which
lies at the bottom of any development; an unfinished
beginning.
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but I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit
Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes
The monarchies of the earth. --Milton.
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the single leaf is the rudiment of beauty in
landscape. --I. Taylor.
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2. Hence, an element or first principle of any art or
science; a beginning of any knowledge; a first step.
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This boy is forest-born,
And hath been tutored in the rudiments
of many desperate studies. --Shak.
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There he shall first lay down the rudiments
Of his great warfare. --Milton.
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3. (Biol.) An imperfect organ or part, or one which is never
developed.
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Rudiment \Ru"di*ment\, v. t.
To furnish with first principles or rules; to insrtuct in the
rudiments. --Gayton.
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