EXPRESS

adj., adv., n., & v. --adj. 1 operating at high speed. 2 also a definitely stated, not merely implied. b archaic (of a likeness) exact. 3 a done, made, or sent for a special purpose. b (of messages or goods) delivered by a special messenger or service. --adv. 1 at high speed. 2 by express messenger or train. --n. 1 a an express train or messenger. b an express rifle. 2 US a company undertaking the transport of parcels etc. --v.tr. send by express messenger or delivery. øexpress rifle a rifle that discharges a bullet at high speed. express train a fast train, stopping at few intermediate stations. øøexpressly adv. (in sense 2 of adj.). [ME f. OF expres f. L expressus distinctly shown, past part. of exprimere (as EX-(1), premere press)]