e both partial
synonyms of _spontaneous_. We speak of _spontaneous_ generation,
_spontaneous_ combustion, _spontaneous_ sympathy, an _involuntary_
start, an _unbidden_ tear, _voluntary_ agreement, _willing_ submission.
A babe's smile in answer to that of its mother is _spontaneous_; the
smile of a pouting child wheedled into good humor is _involuntary_. In
physiology the action of the heart and lungs is called _involuntary_;
the growth of the hair and nails is _spontaneous_; the action of
swallowing is _voluntary_ up to a certain point, beyond which it becomes
_involuntary_ or _automatic_. In the fullest sense of that which is not
only without the will but distinctly in opposition to it, or compulsory,
_involuntary_ becomes an antonym, not only of _voluntary_ but of
_spontaneous_; as, _involuntary_ servitude. A _spontaneous_ outburst of
applause is of necessity an act of volition, but so completely dependent
on sympathetic impulse that it would seem frigid to call it _voluntary_,
while to call it _involuntary_ would imply some previous purpose or
inclination not to applaud.

* * * * *

SPY.

Synonyms:

detective, emissary, scout.

The _scout_ and the _spy_ are both employed to obtain information of the
numbers, movements, etc., of an enemy. The _scout_ lurks on the
outskirts of the hostile army with such concealment as the case admits
of, but without disguise; a _spy_ enters in disguise within the enemy's
lines. A _scout_, if captured, has the rights of a prisoner of war; a
_spy_ is held to have forfeited all rights, and is liable, in case of
capture, to capital punishment. An _emissary_ is rather political than
military; sent rather to secretly influence opponents than to bring
information concerning them; so far as he does the latter, he is not
only an _emissary_, but a _spy_.

* * * * *

STAIN.

Synonyms:

blot, discolor, dishonor, soil, sully, tinge,
color, disgrace, dye, spot, tarnish, tint.

To _color_ is to impart a color desired or undesired, temporary or
permanent, or, in the intransitive use, to assume a color in any way;
as, he _colored_ with shame and vexation. To _dye_ is to impart a color
intentionally and with a view to permanence, and especially so as to
pervade the substance or fiber of that to which it is applied. To
_stain_ is primarily to _discolor_, to impart a color undesired and
perhaps unintend