King James Bible Dictionary

CONTAIN, verb transitive [Latin , to hold. See Tenet, Tenure.]

1. To hold, as a vessel; as, the vessel contains a gallon. Hence, to have capacity; to be able to hold; applied to an empty vessel.

2. To comprehend; to hold within specified limits.

Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee. 1 Kings 8:27.

3. To comprehend; to comprise. The history of Livy contains a hundred and forty books.

4. To hold within limits prescribed; to restrain; to withhold from trespass or disorder.

The Kings person contains the unruly people from evil occasions.

Fear not, my Lord, we can contain ourselves.

5. To include. This article is not contained in the account. This number does not contain the article specified.

6. To inclose; as, this cover or envelop contains a letter.

CONTAIN, verb intransitive To live in continence or chastity. Arbuthnot and Pope. 1 Corinthians 7:9.

CONTAINABLE, adjective That may be contained, or comprised.

CONTAINED, participle passive Held; comprehended; comprised; included; inclosed.

CONTAINING, participle present tense Holding; having capacity to hold; comprehending; comprising; including; inclosing.