(kon′stə·t′shən, -ty′-) noun
1. The act of constituting.
2. A system of related parts; composition; specifically, bodily frame or temperament.
3. The fundamental laws and practices that normally govern the operation of a state or association; especially, the Constitution of the United States of America, which was framed and adopted by a convention called for that purpose (1787), subsequently ratified by each State separately, and went into operation Mar. 4, 1789.
4. Archaic An imperial ordinance or rescript. See synonyms under CHARACTER.
—rigid constitution A constitution, like that of the United States, which can be amended only by special process of law.
—unitary constitution A constitution that vests all or most of the power in the central organs of government.

(kon′stə·t′shən, -ty′-)
An American frigate active in the War of 1812: called Old Ironsides.