ˈlesn n. & v. --n. 1 a an
amount of
teaching given at
one time. b
the time assigned to
this. 2 (in
pl.; foll. by in)
systematic instruction (gives lessons in dancing;
took lessons in French). 3 a
thing learnt or to be learnt by a pupil. 4 a an
occurrence,
example,
rebuke, or
punishment,
that serves or
should serve to
warn or
encourage (let that be a lesson to you). b a thing inculcated by
experience or
study. 5 a passage
from the
Bible read aloud during a
church service,
esp.
either of
two readings at
morning and evening prayer in the Church of England. --v.tr.
archaic 1
instruct. 2
admonish, rebuke. ølearn one's lesson
profit from or bear in
mind a
particular (usu. unpleasant) experience.
teach a
person a lesson
punish a person, esp. as a
deterrent. [ME f. OF leúon f. L lectio -onis: see LECTION]