Express \Ex*press"\ ([e^]ks*pr[e^]s"), a. [F. expr[`e]s, L. expressus, p. p. of exprimere to express; ex. out + premere To press. See Press.]

1. Exactly representing; exact.

Their human countenance The express resemblance of the gods. --Milton.

2. Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement.

I have express commandment. --Shak.

3. Intended for a particular purpose; relating to an express; sent on a particular errand; dispatched with special speed; as, an express messenger or train. Also used adverbially.

A messenger sent express from the other world. --Atterbury.

Express color. (Law) See the Note under Color, n., 8.

Syn: Explicit; clear; unambiguous. See Explicit.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Express \Ex*press"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Expressed; p. pr. & vb. n. Expressing.]

[Cf. OF. espresser, expresser, L. exprimere, expressum. See Express, a.; cf. Sprain.]

1. To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit.

All the fruits out of which drink is expressed. --Bacon.

And th'idle breath all utterly expressed. --Spenser.

Halters and racks can not express from thee More than by deeds. --B. Jonson.

2. To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble.

Each skillful artist shall express thy form. --E. Smith.

So kids and whelps their sires and dams express. --Dryden.

3. To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and esp. by language; to declare; to utter; to tell.

My words express my purpose. --Shak.

They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality. --Addison.

4. To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; -- used reflexively.

Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening. --Pope.

5. To denote; to designate.

Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names. --Num. i. 17.

6. To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package.

Syn: To declare; utter; signify; testify; intimate.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Express \Ex*press"\, n. [Cf. F. expr[`e]s a messenger.]

1. A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. [Obs.]

The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth. --Jer. Taylor.

2. A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels; also, a railway train for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality.

3. An express office.

She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town. --E. E. Hale.

4. That which is sent by an express messenger or message. [Obs.]

--Eikon Basilike.

Express office, an office where packages for an express are received or delivered.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)