Whatever we can consider as one thing suggests to
the understanding the idea of unity. --Locks.
Note: Unity is affirmed of a simple substance or indivisible
monad, or of several particles or parts so intimately
and closely united as to constitute a separate body or
thing. See the Synonyms under {Union}.
2. Concord; harmony; conjunction; agreement; uniformity; as,
a unity of proofs; unity of doctrine.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity! --Ps. cxxxiii.
1.
3. (Math.) Any definite quantity, or aggregate of quantities
or magnitudes taken as one, or for which 1 is made to
stand in calculation; thus, in a table of natural sines,
the radius of the circle is regarded as unity.
Note: The number 1, when it is not applied to any particular
thing, is generally called unity.
4. (Poetry & Rhet.) In dramatic composition, one of the
principles by which a uniform tenor of story and propriety
of representation are preserved; conformity in a
composition to these; in oratory, discourse, etc., the due
subordination and reference of every part to the
development of the leading idea or the eastablishment of
the main proposition.
Note: In the Greek drama, the three unities required were
those of action, of time, and of place; that is, that
there should be but one main plot; that the time
supposed should not exceed twenty-four hours; and that
the place of the action before the spectators should be
one and the same throughout the piece.
5. (Fine Arts & Mus.) Such a combination of parts as to
constitute a whole, or a kind of symmetry of style and
character.
6. (Law) The peculiar characteristics of an estate held by
several in joint tenancy.
Note: The properties of it are derived from its unity, which
is fourfold; unity of interest, unity of title, unity
of time, and unity of possession; in other words, joint
tenants have one and the same interest, accruing by one
and the same conveyance, commencing at the same time,
and held by one and the same undivided possession.
Unity of possession is also a joint possession of two
rights in the same thing by several titles, as when a
man, having a lease of land, afterward buys the fee
simple, or, having an easement in the land of another,
buys the servient estate.