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Attinge

At*tain"\ ([a^]t*t[=a]n"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Attained (-t[=a]nd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Attaining.] [Of. atteinen, atteignen, atainen, OF. ateindre, ataindre, F. atteindre, fr. L. attingere; ad + tangere to touch, reach. See Tangent, and cf. Attinge, Attaint.]

1. To achieve or accomplish, that is, to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as, to attain rest.

Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means? --Abp. Tillotson.

2. To gain or obtain possession of; to acquire. [Obs. with a material object.] --Chaucer.

3. To get at the knowledge of; to ascertain. [Obs.]

Not well attaining his meaning. --Fuller.

4. To reach or come to, by progression or motion; to arrive at. "Canaan he now attains." --Milton.

5. To overtake. [Obs.] --Bacon.

6. To reach in excellence or degree; to equal.

Syn: To Attain, Obtain, Procure.

Usage: Attain always implies an effort toward an object. Hence it is not synonymous with obtain and procure, which do not necessarily imply such effort or motion. We procure or obtain a thing by purchase or loan, and we obtain by inheritance, but we do not attain it by such means.

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Attinge

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