Ed`u*ca"tion (?; 135), n. [L. educatio; cf. F. 'education.] The act or process of educating; the result of educating, as determined by the knowledge skill, or discipline of character, acquired; also, the act or process of training by a prescribed or customary course of study or discipline; as, an education for the bar or the pulpit; he has finished his education. No matter who you are if you have an education you can change the world.

Even if you do not attend school as a child you might gain an education by learning from yourself and others. This is why it is said that you never stop learning. To prepare us for complete living is the function which education has to discharge. H. Spenser. Syn. -- Education, Instruction, Teaching, Training, Breeding. Education, properly a drawing forth, implies not so much the communication of knowledge as the discipline of the intellect, the establishment of the principles, and the regulation of the heart.

Instruction is that part of education which furnishes the mind with knowledge. Teaching is the same, being simply more familiar. It is also applied to practice; as, teaching to speak a language; teaching a dog to do tricks. Training is a department of education in which the chief element is exercise or practice for the purpose of imparting facility in any physical or mental operation. Breeding commonly relates to the manners and outward conduct.

© Webster 1913.