the definiens (choose one):

a) [obs.] to fasten, make firm (from OE fauste, fixed, firm)

b) a measurement of solid volume approx. equal to a cup (8 ounces); obs. ME faust meaning "fist"

c) a Slovakian term referring to a visitor from the spirit world (specific to the southern region)

d) the maximum level of hurricane winds

e) a spring-loaded compression device used to secure shoelaces without the need to knot the laces

f) to pronounce guilty of criminal charges

g) OE for a sumptuous meal, often of multiple courses

h) the initial burst of flame, from the burner, into the mouth of a hot air balloon that results in complete distension of the balloon envelope and lift-off

i) extremely prolific writer (from Frederic Faust Amer. writer. 1892-1943)

j) to play as card of the wrong suit, esp. in whist-type games where one has to follow suit if possible

k) the chemical compound made up of Fluorine, Gold, Silicon and Tellurium; named not only for the chemist who discovered it, but for the elements it contains

l) [rare] happy, lucky (from L. faustus)

m) the distinctive smell of a room that has been lived in for too long without the windows having been opened

n) a slang term, common in the US in the 1950's, used to describe customized automobiles designed for drag racing

---
our many fine definers include: ASp, Bingley, consuelo, dxb, JohnH, maahey, maverick, musick, RC, Tross, wofa, Wordwind, and <sigh> ron o.

I like them all, or none...

so let it be a.

short's sweet - give me an el (dies faustus)

I'll go for g, and I like your word definiens. GuruNet says it's from Latin definiens*, present participle of definire*, to define. Makes me want to say something along the lines of, "Dose Finians are de finest tings I ever cam across."

* These words had lines or carets over most of the vowels; they reproduced as cedillas. :-(

Gimme a c...and no delfiniums for me, thank you.

I'll go for an l, as well.

Bingley

I like "j", I just hope *it doesn't turn out to be ironic.

extremely prolific writer

Sure was, wurn't 'e. So I'll take I.

--Dr. (George "Dixie" Fish) Kildare


(But in my heart of hearts I like that flame-spoutin' 50's hotrod!)

I cast my vote for H

A yearning for heaven, yup.

Have to take H, with kudos for the splendid imagery if it's a bluff!

A für moi.

(These are all good: k is especially neat; but alas, I think, too tidy.)

J here because I like the sound of fausting in whist

D gets mine. Struggled with J for sometime, but, the windy association finally got the better of me.

It is obviously (EDITED)
A