divers definition

1. Different in kind or species; diverse. "Every sect of them hath a divers posture." (Bacon) "Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds." (Deut. Xxii. 9)

2. Several; sundry; various; more than one, but not a great number; as, divers philosophers. Also used substantively or pronominally. "Divers of Antonio's creditors." (Shak)

Divers is now limited to the plural; as, divers ways (not divers way). Besides plurality it ordinarily implies variety of kind.

Origin: F. Divers, L. Diversus turned in different directions, different, p. P. Of divertere. See Divert, and cf. Diverse.

(01 Mar 1998)