self n. & adj. --n. (pl. selves) 1 a person's or thing's
own individuality or
essence (showed
his true self). 2 a
person or
thing as
the object of
introspection or
reflexive action (the
consciousness of self). 3 a one's own interests or
pleasure (cares
for nothing but self). b
concentration on
these (self is a
bad guide to happiness). 4
Commerce or colloq.
myself,
yourself,
himself, etc. (cheque
drawn to self;
ticket admitting self
and friend). 5 used in phrases
equivalent to myself, yourself, himself, etc. (his
very self;
your good selves). 6 (pl. selfs) a
flower of
uniform colour, or of the
natural wild colour. --adj. 1 of the
same colour as the rest or
throughout. 2 (of a flower) of the natural wild colour. 3 (of colour) uniform, the same throughout. øone's better self one's nobler impulses. one's former (or old) self
oneself as
one formerly was. [OE f. Gmc]