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per (iou)



per preposition. LME.
[Latin (whence Old French & Italian per, French PAR preposition.).]
1. Through, by; by means of: (a) in Latin and mod. Latin (also medieval Latin & Italian) phrs., as per annum, per se; (b) in Old French phrs. and words derived therefrom, as trial per pais (cf. PAR preposition, PER-2). LME.
2. Heraldry. In the direction of (a specified ordinary). M16.
C. Boutell A shield..may be divided..by lines drawn per pale and per fesse.
3. By means of, by the instrumentality of; in accordance with (usu. as per: see below); Law as laid down by (a judge) in a specified case. L16.
Modern Law Review It cannot make a bare declaration (see per Lord Hailsham L.C., H.L.Deb., Vol. 318). J. Johnston Arrivals at Kingstown per Royal Mail steamers. Times Per Edmund Burke, you cannot draw up an indictment against a whole nation.
4. For each, for every, as per cent, per mil, etc. Cf. A adjective 4. L16.
J. W. Redway Hurricane winds..estimated to have a velocity of 125 miles per hour. J. Herriot Twelve tablets per calf. Scientific American Per-kilogram allowances are not sufficient..for children whose growth has been stunted.
b. With ellipsis of following noun: per hour, per cent, etc. Chiefly US. L19.
D. G. Phillips We'll get married as soon as he has a raise to twelve per.
Phrases (chiefly with Latin words in the accus.): as per in accordance with; (in full as per usual) as usual. per aliud without intermediate steps, all at once.