Teach (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Taught (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Teaching.] [OE. techen, imp. taughte, tahte, AS. t?cean, imp. t?hte, to show, teach, akin to tācn token. See Token.]

1. To impart the knowledge of; to give intelligence concerning; to impart, as knowledge before unknown, or rules for practice; to inculcate as true or important; to exhibit impressively; as, to teach arithmetic, dancing, music, or the like; to teach morals.

If some men teach wicked things, it must be that others should practice them. South.

2. To direct, as an instructor; to manage, as a preceptor; to guide the studies of; to instruct; to inform; to conduct through a course of studies; as, to teach a child or a class. "He taught his disciples." Mark ix. 31.

The village master taught his little school. Goldsmith.

3. To accustom; to guide; to show; to admonish.

I shall myself to herbs teach you. Chaucer.

They have taught their tongue to speak lies. Jer. ix. 5.

☞ This verb is often used with two objects, one of the person, the other of the thing; as, he taught me Latin grammar. In the passive construction, either of these objects may be retained in the objective case, while the other becomes the subject; as, I was taught Latin grammar by him; Latin grammar was taught me by him.

Syn. -- To instruct; inform; inculcate; tell; guide; counsel; admonish. See the Note under Learn.

Teach (?), v. i. To give instruction; to follow the business, or to perform the duties, of a preceptor.

And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach. Chaucer.

The priests thereof teach for hire. Micah iii. 11.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913