North (?), n. [AS. norð; akin to D. noord, G., Sw., & Dan. nord, Icel. norðr. Cf. Norman, Norse.]

1. That one of the four cardinal points of the compass, at any place, which lies in the direction of the true meridian, and to the left hand of a person facing the east; the direction opposite to the south.

2. Any country or region situated farther to the north than another; the northern section of a country.

"3. Specifically: That part of the United States lying north of Mason and Dixons line. See under Line."

North , a. Lying toward the north; situated at the north, or in a northern direction from the point of observation or reckoning; proceeding toward the north, or coming from the north.

North following. See Following, a., 2. -- North pole, that point in the heavens, or on the earth, ninety degrees from the equator toward the north. -- North preceding. See Following, a., 2. -- North star, the star toward which the north pole of the earth very nearly points, and which accordingly seems fixed and immovable in the sky. The star α (alpha) of the Little Bear, is our present north star, being distant from the pole about 1° 25′, and from year to year approaching slowly nearer to it. It is called also Cynosura, polestar, and by astronomers, Polaris.

North , v. i. To turn or move toward the north; to veer from the east or west toward the north.

North , adv. Northward.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913