\Les"son\ (l[e^]s"s'n), n. [OE. lessoun, F. le[,c]on
lesson, reading, fr. L. lectio a reading, fr. legere to read,
collect. See {Legend}, and cf. {Lection}.]
1. Anything read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or
   learner; something, as a portion of a book, assigned to a
   pupil to be studied or learned at one time.
2. That which is learned or taught by an express effort;
   instruction derived from precept, experience, observation,
   or deduction; a precept; a doctrine; as, to take or give a
   lesson in drawing.`` A smooth and pleasing lesson.''
   --Milton.
         Emprinteth well this lesson in your mind. --Chaucer.
3. A portion of Scripture read in divine service for
   instruction; as, here endeth the first lesson.
4. A severe lecture; reproof; rebuke; warning.
         She would give her a lesson for walking so late.
                                               --Sir. P.
                                               Sidney.
5. (Mus.) An exercise; a composition serving an educational
   purpose; a study.

\Les"son\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Lessoned} (-s'nd); p. pr.
& vb. n. {Lessoning}.]
To teach; to instruct. --Shak.
      To rest the weary, and to soothe the sad, Doth lesson
      happier men, and shame at least the bad. --Byron.