meō

1. Ire and meare denote to go, in the most general sense, as motion from one place to another; ire especially applies to persons, in consequence of an act of the will, like ἰέναι; but meare (from ἀμεύω) especially to beasts, ships, rivers, stars, as mere mechanical motion, in which reason has no share, like φοιτᾶν; whereas gradiri and ingredi, incedere and vadere, with particular accessory notions in regard to the manner of going; gradiri and ingredi, in a quiet manner, and with a regular measured step, in opp. to serpere, currere, stare; Cic. N. D. ii. 47. Att. ii. 23, like βαδίζειν; incedere, in a proud manner, and with a graceful measured step, as in a procession and march, in opp. to ambulare; Sen. N. Q. vii. 31, like ἐμβαίνειν; and vadere (ἐλθεῖν?) with alacrity and a quick step, as in travelling, and in attacking the enemy, in opp. to repere? like χωρεῖν; Thuc. v. 70. 2. Ingressus means going in general; incessus a manner of going peculiar to the individual, and by which he is known as well as by his physiognomy. Ingressus is purely physical; incessus is moral and characteristic. (iv. 53.)