Study \Stud"y\, n.; pl. Studies. [OE. studie, L. studium, akin to studere to study; possibly akin to Gr. ? haste, zeal, ? to hasten; cf. OF. estudie, estude, F. ['e]tude. Cf. Etude, Student, Studio, Study, v. i.]

1. A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquiring knowledge.

Hammond . . . spent thirteen hours of the day in study. --Bp. Fell.

Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. --Sir W. Temple.

2. Mental occupation; absorbed or thoughtful attention; meditation; contemplation.

Just men they seemed, and all their study bent To worship God aright, and know his works. --Milton.

3. Any particular branch of learning that is studied; any object of attentive consideration.

The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. --Law.

The proper study of mankind is man. --Pope.

4. A building or apartment devoted to study or to literary work. ``His cheery little study.'' --Hawthorne.

5. (Fine Arts) A representation or rendering of any object or scene intended, not for exhibition as an original work of art, but for the information, instruction, or assistance of the maker; as, a study of heads or of hands for a figure picture.

6. (Mus.) A piece for special practice. See Etude.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)