Wiktionary:Subsenses

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The style guide Wiktionary:Style guide § Definition sequence says:

For complex entries, the use of subsenses is encouraged. In this case the hierarchy is defined logically – core sense at the root – but again, the most salient subsenses should be placed first in line.

Formatting[edit]

For example, mischief § Noun might include the following:

# {{lb|en|uncountable}} Conduct that playfully causes petty [[annoyance]].
# {{lb|en|collective}} A [[group]] or a [[pack]] of [[rat]]s.
# {{lb|en|archaic}} Harm or injury:
## {{lb|en|uncountable}} Harm or trouble caused by an [[agent]] or brought about by a particular cause.
##: {{ux|en|She had '''mischief''' in her heart.}}
##: {{ux|en|Sooner or later he'll succeed in doing some serious '''mischief'''.}}
##* '''1815''', {{w|Jane Austen}}, ''Emma'', [[s:Emma/Volume 1/Chapter 8|Volume I, Chapter 8]]:
## {{lb|en|countable}} An injury or an instance of harm or trouble caused by a person or other agent or cause.
##: {{ux|en|It may end in her doing a great '''mischief''' to herself—and perhaps to others too.}}
# {{lb|en|legal}} A criminal offence defined in various ways in various jurisdictions, sometimes including causing damage to another's property.
  1. (uncountable) Conduct that playfully causes petty annoyance.
  2. (collective) A group or a pack of rats.
  3. (archaic) Harm or injury:
    1. (uncountable) Harm or trouble caused by an agent or brought about by a particular cause.
      She had mischief in her heart.
      Sooner or later he'll succeed in doing some serious mischief.
    2. (countable) An injury or an instance of harm or trouble caused by a person or other agent or cause.
      It may end in her doing a great mischief to herself—and perhaps to others too.
  4. (law) A criminal offence defined in various ways in various jurisdictions, sometimes including causing damage to another's property.

See also[edit]