(n.) That which is done or doing; the exercise of power, or the
effect, of which power exerted is the cause; a performance; a deed.
(n.) The result of public deliberation; the decision or
determination of a legislative body, council, court of justice, etc.; a
decree, edit, law, judgment, resolve, award; as, an act of Parliament,
or of Congress.
(n.) A formal solemn writing, expressing that something has been
done.
(n.) A performance of part of a play; one of the principal
divisions of a play or dramatic work in which a certain definite part
of the action is completed.
(n.) A thesis maintained in public, in some English universities,
by a candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a student.
(n.) A state of reality or real existence as opposed to a
possibility or possible existence.
(n.) Process of doing; action. In act, in the very doing; on the
point of (doing).
(v. t.) To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
(v. t.) To perform; to execute; to do.
(v. t.) To perform, as an actor; to represent dramatically on the
stage.
(v. t.) To assume the office or character of; to play; to
personate; as, to act the hero.
(v. t.) To feign or counterfeit; to simulate.
(v. i.) To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts
upon food.
(v. i.) To perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth
energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry into effect
a determination of the will.
(v. i.) To behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or
public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know not why he
has acted so.
(v. i.) To perform on the stage; to represent a character.
