neutral

Founding-era definition · Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

NEUTRAL, adjective [Latin From neuter.] 1. Not engaged on either side; not taking an active part with either of contending parties. It is policy for a nation to be neutral when other nations are at war. Belligerents often obtain supplies from neutral states. 2. Indifferent; having no bias in favor of either side or party. 3. Indifferent; neither very good nor bad. Some things good, and some things ill do seem, And neutral some in her fantastic eye. NEUTRAL salt, in chimistry, a salt or body composed of two primitive saline substances in combination, and possessing the character neither of an acid or alkaline salt; or a combination of an acid with any substance which destroys its acidity; any salt saturated with an alkali, an earth or a metal. But it is more usual to denominate neutral a salt which is united with an alkaline substance, and to cal the others earthy or metallic. NEUTRAL, noun A person or nation that takes no part in a contest between others. The neutral as far as his commerce extends, becomes a party in the war.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI

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