Reality \Re*al"i*ty\, n.; pl. Realities. [Cf. F. r['e]alit['e], LL. realitas. See 3d Real. and cf. 2d Realty.]

1. The state or quality of being real; actual being or existence of anything, in distinction from mere appearance; fact.

A man fancies that he understands a critic, when in reality he does not comprehend his meaning. --Addison.

2. That which is real; an actual existence; that which is not imagination, fiction, or pretense; that which has objective existence, and is not merely an idea.

And to realities yield all her shows. --Milton.

My neck may be an idea to you, but it is reality to me. --Beattie.

3. [See 1st Realty, 2.]

Loyalty; devotion. [Obs.]

To express our reality to the emperor. --Fuller.

4. (Law) See 2d Realty, 2.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)