2. A systematic, written account of events, particularly of
those affecting a nation, institution, science, or art,
and usually connected with a philosophical explanation of
their causes; a true story, as distinguished from a
romance; -- distinguished also from annals, which relate
simply the facts and events of each year, in strict
chronological order; from biography, which is the record
of an individual's life; and from memoir, which is history
composed from personal experience, observation, and
memory.
Histories are as perfect as the historian is wise,
and is gifted with an eye and a soul. --Carlyle.
For aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by
tale or history. --Shak.
What histories of toil could I declare! --Pope.
{History piece}, a representation in painting, drawing, etc.,
of any real event, including the actors and the action.
{Natural history}, a description and classification of
objects in nature, as minerals, plants, animals, etc., and
the phenomena which they exhibit to the senses.
Syn: Chronicle; annals; relation; narration.
Usage: {History}, {Chronicle}, {Annals}. History is a
methodical record of important events which concern a
community of men, usually so arranged as to show the
connection of causes and effects, to give an analysis
of motive and action etc. A chronicle is a record of
such events, conforming to the order of time as its
distinctive feature. Annals are a chronicle divided up
into separate years. By poetic license annals is
sometimes used for history.
Justly C[ae]sar scorns the poet's lays; It is to
history he trusts for praise. --Pope.
No more yet of this; For 't is a chronicle of
day by day, Not a relation for a breakfast.
--Shak.
Many glorious examples in the annals of our
religion. --Rogers.