Columbia Encyclopedia

Search results

500 results found

Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences

(Encyclopedia)Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, cultural and educational institution founded in 1823 in Brooklyn, N.Y., as the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library Association. The scope was broadened in 1843 and t...

coonhound, black-and-tan

(Encyclopedia)coonhound, black-and-tan, breed of large hound developed in the United States. It stands from 23 to 27 in. (58–69 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 70 to 85 lb (32–38 kg). The dense, short ...

George III, king of Great Britain and Ireland

(Encyclopedia)George III, 1738–1820, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1760–1820); son of Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, and grandson of George II, whom he succeeded. He was also elector (and later king) of...

Morris, Richard, 1730–1810, American landowner and judge

(Encyclopedia)Morris, Richard, 1730–1810: see under Morris, family. ...

North American Free Trade Agreement

(Encyclopedia)North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), accord establishing a free-trade zone in North America; it was signed in 1992 by Canada, Mexico, and the United States and took effect on Jan. 1, 1994. NAF...

Elks, Benevolent and Protective Order of

(Encyclopedia)Elks, Benevolent and Protective Order of, fraternal and charitable society founded (1868) in New York City. Through the Elks National Foundation, located in Chicago, the group carries on a broad-rangi...

abstract of title

(Encyclopedia)abstract of title, in law, brief history of the title to a piece of land. An account is given of recorded documents, court proceedings, wills, mortgages, taxes, previous sales, easements, and all othe...

Copley, John Singleton, American portrait painter

(Encyclopedia)Copley, John Singleton kŏpˈlē [key], 1738–1815, American portrait painter, b. Boston. Copley is considered the greatest of the American old masters. He studied with his stepfather, Peter Pelham, ...

lyceum, 19th-century American educational association

(Encyclopedia)lyceum līsēˈəm, līˈ– [key], 19th-century American association for popular instruction of adults by lectures, concerts, and other methods. Lyceum groups were concerned with the dissemination of...

Legaré, Hugh Swinton

(Encyclopedia)Legaré, Hugh Swinton ləgrēˈ [key], 1797–1843, American lawyer and public official, b. Charleston, S.C. He was admitted to the bar in 1822, served in the South Carolina legislature (1820–22, 18...