Define

In legislation, to determine or fix. People v. Bradley, 3G Mich. 452 (as applied to boundaries). To enumerate. U. S. v. Smith, 5 Wheat (U. S.) 160, 5 L. Ed. 57. To declare that a certain act shall constitute an offence is defining that offence; D. S. v. Arjona, 120 U. S. 488, 7 Sup. Ct. G2S, 30 L. Ed. 728.

To explain or state the exact meaning of words and phrases; to settle, take clear, establish boundaries. “An examination of our Session Laws will show that acts have frequently been passed, the constitutionality of which has never been questioned, where the powers and duties conferred could not be considered as merely explaining or making more clear those previously conferred or attempted to be, although the word ‘define’ was used in the title. In legislation it is frequently used in the creation, enlarging, and extending the powers and duties of boards and officers, in defining certain offenses and providing punishment for the same, and thus enlarging and extending the scope of the criminal law. And it is properly used in the title where the object of the act is to determine or fix boundaries, more especially where a dispute his arisen concerning them. It is used between different governments, as to define the extent of a kingdom or country.” 86 Mich. 452.