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Meaning of AUCTION

Pronunciation:  'okshun

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. [n]  the public sale of something to the highest bidder
  2. [n]  a variety of bridge in which tricks made in excess of the contract are scored toward game; now generally superseded by contract bridge
  3. [v]  sell at an auction
 
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 Synonyms: auction bridge, auction off, auction sale, auctioneer, vendue
 
 See Also: bridge, sale, sell

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. \Auc"tion\, n. [L. auctio an increasing, a public sale,
    where the price was called out, and the article to be sold
    was adjudged to the last increaser of the price, or the
    highest bidder, fr. L. augere, auctum, to increase. See
    {Augment}.]
    1. A public sale of property to the highest bidder, esp. by a
       person licensed and authorized for the purpose; a vendue.
    2. The things sold by auction or put up to auction.
             Ask you why Phryne the whole auction buys ? --Pope.
    Note: In the United States, the more prevalent expression has
          been ``sales at auction,'' that is, by an increase of
          bids (Lat. auctione). This latter form is preferable.
    {Dutch auction}, the public offer of property at a price
       beyond its value, then gradually lowering the price, till
       some one accepts it as purchaser. --P. Cyc.
    
  2. \Auc"tion\, v. t.
    To sell by auction.
    
 
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