natural history, noxious steams and exhalations, frequently found in mines, pits, wells, and other subterraneous places. See Pneumatics.

Damsel, from the French damoisel, or damoiseau, an appellation anciently given to all young people of either sex, that were of noble or genteel extraction, as the sons and daughters of princes, knights, and barons: thus we read of Damfel Pepin, Damfel Louis le Gros, Damfel Richard prince of Wales.

From the sons of kings this appellation first passed to those of great lords and barons, and at length to those of gentlemen, who were not yet knights.

At present, damsel is applied to all maids or girls, not yet married, provided they be not of the vulgar.