On the definition of ‘definition’:
The Merriam-Webster.com site has an entry defining the word “archconservative” with this usage example: “archconservatives refused to accept any change in the definition of marriage”
Hmmm…
Using the site to break down keywords in the definition:
definition—the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
Definite—already set or decided
Clear—very obvious: not causing or allowing doubt
Decided:
1: unquestionable
2: free from doubt or wavering
Unquestionable—not questionable: indisputable
From the Oxford English Dictionary:
Definition—an exact statement or description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something
Exact—accurate or correct in all details
LenSays:
By definition, a definition is definite; therefore, any change to a definition, is, by definition, no longer that definition, but defining something different.
Therefore the Merriam-Webster usage example should read, “archconservatives correctly refuse any change in the definition of marriage.” [emp. Len]
LenSays it is so, so it is
by proclamation, January 30, 2016.
