n.
(pl. selves)
a person's essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or reflexive action.
▸a person's particular nature or personality.
▸one's own interests or pleasure.
pron.
(pl. selves)
-
(one's self)
used ironically to refer in specified favourable terms to oneself or someone else:
a picture of my good self.
- used on counterfoils, cheques, and other papers to refer to the holder or person who has signed.
adj.
(of a trimming, woven design, etc.) of the same material or colour as the rest.
v.
chiefly Botany self-pollinate; self-fertilize.
Etymology
OE, of Gmc origin.