Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ordinary \Or"di*na*ry\, a. [L. ordinarius, fr. ordo, ordinis,
   order: cf. F. ordinaire. See {Order}.]
   1. According to established order; methodical; settled;
      regular. ``The ordinary forms of law.'' --Addison.

   2. Common; customary; usual. --Shak.

            Method is not less reguisite in ordinary
            conversation that in writing.         --Addison.

   3. Of common rank, quality, or ability; not distinguished by
      superior excellence or beauty; hence, not distinguished in
      any way; commonplace; inferior; of little merit; as, men
      of ordinary judgment; an ordinary book.

            An ordinary lad would have acquired little or no
            useful knowledge in such a way.       --Macaulay.

   {Ordinary seaman} (Naut.), one not expert or fully skilled,
      and hence ranking below an able seaman.

   Syn: Normal; common; usual; customary.

   Usage: See {Normal}. -- {Ordinary}, {Common}. A thing is
          common in which many persons share or partake; as, a
          common practice. A thing is ordinary when it is apt to
          come round in the regular common order or succession
          of events.