Definition of general

• a. - Relating to a genus or kind; pertaining to a whole class or order; as, a general law of animal or vegetable economy.
• a. - Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; including all particulars; as, a general inference or conclusion.
• a. - Not restrained or limited to a precise import; not specific; vague; indefinite; lax in signification; as, a loose and general expression.
• a. - Common to many, or the greatest number; widely spread; prevalent; extensive, though not universal; as, a general opinion; a general custom.
• a. - Having a relation to all; common to the whole; as, Adam, our general sire.
• a. - As a whole; in gross; for the most part.
• a. - Usual; common, on most occasions; as, his general habit or method.
• a. - The whole; the total; that which comprehends or relates to all, or the chief part; -- opposed to particular.
• a. - One of the chief military officers of a government or country; the commander of an army, of a body of men not less than a brigade. In European armies, the highest military rank next below field marshal.
• a. - The roll of the drum which calls the troops together; as, to beat the general.
• a. - The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations under the same rule.
• a. - The public; the people; the vulgar.