[ad. mod.L. āeronautica, adj. pl. neut. (see AERONAUTIC), literally ‘matters pertaining to sailing the atmosphere’; in Chambers 1753 in its L. form: see -ICS.] The science, art or practice of sailing in the air; aerial navigation.

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1753.  Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Aeronautica, the pretended art of sailing in a vessel thro’ the air or atmosphere.

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1838.  Dickens, Nich. Nick., xvi. (C. D. ed.), 120. Balloons of a size hitherto unknown in the history of aëronautics.

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1870.  Echo, 19 Oct. Aeronautics must make many a long stride before they do much practical work, either in commerce or war.

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