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VITAL.
b. trans/, (In modem use denoting especially
those parts of a machine, ship, etc., essential to its
proper working.)
1647 Clarendon Hist. Reh. i. § 76 Their submiss Reverence
to their Princes being a vital part of their Religion.
1698KEILL Exam. Th. Earth (1734) 181 If these he has
mentioned be the substantial and vital parts [of his theorv).
1866 Crump BoMkitts-v.x^A Erasure of any vital part of the
bill, -would justify the banker in refusing payment. 1873
^. Richards iVood-rvorking Factories 12 The piston, cross-
tead
connecting rod, and main bearings, are the vital parts
to be looked after. 1889 Welch Naval Archii, 141 To
preserve intact such vital parts as the machinery, magazines,
and steering gear.
4. Of, pertaining, or relating to, accoippany-
inherent in or exhi-
ing. or characteristic of life ;
bited by living things or organic bodies.
1565 Cooper Tfusanrus s.v. I'ttalUer, To haue liuely or
\'ilaille motion. 1599 Shaks. Htn. V, iii. vi. 49 Let not Bardolphs
vitall thred bee cut with edge of Penny-cord. 1604
— 0th, v. ii. 14 When I hauepluck'd thy Rose, I cannot giue
it vitall growth a^aine. 165a French Vorksh. Spa ii. 13 In
which as in a vital abode, and natural place, the water,
wbilest it remains, is living. i6