Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pensionary \Pen"sion*a*ry\, n.; pl. {Pensionaries}. [Cf. F.
   pensionnaire. Cf. {Pensioner}.]
   1. One who receives a pension; a pensioner. --E. Hall.

   2. One of the chief magistrates of towns in Holland.

   {Grand pensionary}, the title of the prime minister, or or
      president of the Council, of Holland when a republic.



   {Grand paunch}, a glutton or gourmand. [Obs.] --Holland.

   {Grand pensionary}. See under {Pensionary}.

   {Grand piano} (Mus.), a large piano, usually harp-shaped, in
      which the wires or strings are generally triplicated,
      increasing the power, and all the mechanism is introduced
      in the most effective manner, regardless of the size of
      the instrument.

   {Grand relief} (Sculp.), alto relievo.

   {Grand Seignior}. See under {Seignior}.

   {Grand stand}, the principal stand, or erection for
      spectators, at a, race course, etc.

   {Grand vicar} (Eccl.), a principal vicar; an ecclesiastical
      delegate in France.

   {Grand vizier}. See under {Vizier}.

   Syn: Magnificent; sublime; majestic; dignified; elevated;
        stately; august; pompous; lofty; eralted; noble.

   Usage: Grand, Magnificent, Sublime. Grand, in reference to
          objects of taste, is applied to that which expands the
          mind by a sense of vastness and majesty; magnificent
          is applied to anything which is imposing from its
          splendor; sublime describes that which is awful and
          elevating. A cataract is grand; a rich and varied
          landscape is magnificent; an overhanging precipice is
          sublime. ``Grandeur admits of degrees and
          modifications; but magnificence is that which has
          already reached the highest degree of superiority
          naturally belonging to the object in question.''
          --Crabb.