n. & v.
--n.
1. a an amount of teaching given at one time. b the time assigned to this.
2 (in pl.; foll. by in) systematic instruction (gives lessons in dancing; took lessons in French).
3 a thing learnt or to be learnt by a pupil.
4 a an occurrence, example, rebuke, or punishment, that serves or should serve to warn or encourage (let that be a lesson to you). b a thing inculcated by experience or study.
5 a passage from the Bible read aloud during a church service, esp. either of two readings at morning and evening prayer in the Church of England.
--v.tr. archaic 1 instruct.
2 admonish, rebuke.
Phrases and idioms:
learn one's lesson profit from or bear in mind a particular (usu. unpleasant) experience. teach a person a lesson punish a person, esp. as a deterrent.
Etymology: ME f. OF le{ccedil}on f. L lectio -onis: see LECTION