XXCREATURE, n.

1. That which is created; every being besides the Creator, or every thing not self-existent. The sun, moon and stars; the earth, animals, plants, light, darkness, air, water, _c., are the creatures of God.

2. In a restricted sense, an animal of any kind; a living being; a beast. In a more restricted sense, man. Thus we say, he was in trouble and no creature was present to aid him.

3. A human being, in contempt; as an idle creature; a poor creature; what a creature!

4. With words of endearment, it denotes a human being beloved; as a pretty creature; a sweet creature.

5. That which is produced, formed or imagined; as a creature of the imagination.

6. A person who owes his rise and fortune to another; one who is made to be what he is.

Great princes thus, when favorites they raise, to justify their grace, their creatures praise.

7. A dependent; a person who is subject to the will or influence of another.