Also 7 explicite. [a. Fr. explicite, ad. L. explicit-us, pa. pple. of explicāre to unfold: see EXPLICATE.]
† 1. Of the brow: Free from folds or wrinkles; smooth. Of a plot: Free from intricacies; simple.
1671. Milton, Samson, Introd. That commonly called the plot, whether intricate or explicit.
1697. Evelyn, Numism., ix. 296. The chearful Forehead is explicit and smooth.
2. Of knowledge, a notion, etc.: Developed in detail; hence, clear, definite. Explicit faith, belief (Theol.): the acceptance of a doctrine with distinct apprehension of all that is logically involved in it; opposed to implicit faith.
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 119. Every man is bound to have a personall explicite Faith of his own.
1656. Bramhall, Replic., ii. 85. The explicite beliefe of them is no necessary part of Christian communion.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., I. ii. § 22 (1695), 11. The Understanding hath an implicit Knowledge of these Principles, but not an explicit, before this first hearing.
1692. South, 12 Serm., 379 (J.). How impossible it is for us, to have a clear, and Explicit Notion of that which is infinite.
1880. Littledale, Plain Reas., xxv. 73. Implicit belief in the Pope is not sufficient; that must be explicit.
3. Of declarations, indications, utterances: Distinctly expressing all that is meant; leaving nothing merely implied or suggested; express.
1613. R. C., Table Alph. (ed. 3), Explicite, made manifest, vnfolded.
1642. J. M[arsh], Argt. conc. Militia, 28. Every Oath … ought especially to … be explicite, I mean, without implications, or etcetera’s.
1654. Cromwell, Sp., 12 Sept. There was an explicit consent and an implicit consent.
1726. De Foe, Hist. Devil, I. v. (1840), 66. What their [the angels’] sin was is not explicit.
1769. Robertson, Chas. V., III. VII. 62. The Landgrave … wrote to Granvelle … begging an explicit declaration of what they had to fear or hope.
1789. Bentham, Princ. Legisl., xi. § 42. If a poor man who is ready to die with hunger steal a loaf of bread, it is a less explicit sign of depravity than [etc.].
1856. Froude, Hist. Eng. (1858), II. vii. 201. Promises more explicit had been held out to him of forgiveness.
4. Hence of persons, their qualities, etc.: Speaking out fully all that is meant; definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken.
1726. Butler, Serm., vii. 134. How explicit they are with themselves, is another Question.
1756. Pott, Chirurg. Wks. (1790), II. 10. To express myself in as plain, explicit and intelligible manner as I am able.
1770. Junius Lett., xxxvi. 172. The explicit firmness and decision of a king.
a. 1859. Macaulay, Biog. (1867), 180. No man who is at the head of affairs always wishes to be explicit.
