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As he [ sc. Johnson] could neither see nor hear at such a distance from the stage, he was wrapped up in grave abstraction | abstraction | /dictionary/abstraction_n?tab=factsheet#3200671 | 1,450 | null | n. | 5 | c1450– | The action of considering something in the abstract, independently of its associations or attributes; the process of isolating properties or… | 1791– | ["Lack of awareness of or concentration on what is happening around one; absence of mind; a state of mental preoccupation. Cf. abstractedness n. 4 ."] | 1,791 | null | 1791 | As he [ sc. Johnson] could neither see nor hear at such a distance from the stage, he was wrapped up in grave abstraction . | J. Boswell , Life of Johnson anno 1775 vol. I. 464 | 1,791 |
His blunders in English afforded diversion, but the explanations cheerfully given soon rendered him more skilful in speaking the language, and at length he betrayed only a slight accent | accent | /dictionary/accent_n?tab=meaning_and_use#177430 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | A way of pronouncing a language that is distinctive to a country, area, social class, or individual. | 1808– | ["II. An aspect of vocal or musical sound.", "Without possessive or defining word or words: a regional or foreign accent."] | 1,808 | null | 1835 | His blunders in English afforded diversion, but the explanations cheerfully given soon rendered him more skilful in speaking the language, and at length he betrayed only a slight accent . | Military & Naval Magazine U.S. January 362 | 1,835 |
Can you understand me? Sometimes people cannot, because I speak with an accent | accent | /dictionary/accent_n?tab=meaning_and_use#177430 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | A way of pronouncing a language that is distinctive to a country, area, social class, or individual. | 1808– | ["II. An aspect of vocal or musical sound.", "Without possessive or defining word or words: a regional or foreign accent."] | 1,808 | null | 1892 | Can you understand me? Sometimes people cannot, because I speak with an accent . | Proceedings of Society for Psychical Research vol. 8 102 | 1,892 |
Others..cite the vast circulation of the Petit Journal of Paris..as a precedent for the belief that a similar paper at one penny should reach in this American country of ours..a circulation of a round million and upwards, with an accent | accent | /dictionary/accent_n?tab=meaning_and_use#177430 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | A way of pronouncing a language that is distinctive to a country, area, social class, or individual. | 1591– | ["III. In contexts not relating to sound.", "Distinction; a distinguishing mark, character, or tone; distinctive force, sharpness, prominence, or intensity; (esp. with on ) emphasis, stress."] | 1,591 | null | 1892 | Others..cite the vast circulation of the Petit Journal of Paris..as a precedent for the belief that a similar paper at one penny should reach in this American country of ours..a circulation of a round million and upwards, with an accent on the upwards. | Munsey's Magazine January 383/2 | 1,892 |
The panels have only slight relief, and the carving is scarcely more than an accent | accent | /dictionary/accent_n?tab=meaning_and_use#177430 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | A way of pronouncing a language that is distinctive to a country, area, social class, or individual. | 1894– | ["III. In contexts not relating to sound.", "A feature other than light or colour which emphasizes or sets off a decorative style or an outfit, esp. by contrast. Chiefly U.S."] | 1,894 | null | 1894 | The panels have only slight relief, and the carving is scarcely more than an accent . | M. G. Humphreys in Woman's Book vol. II. xv. 143/1 | 1,894 |
Each one who receives notice [of an escaped prisoner] must give notice, and be on alert | alert | /dictionary/alert_adj?tab=factsheet#7351086 | 1,595 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | a1595– | Quick to act, respond, or understand; mentally or intellectually active; lively, animated. | 1801– | ["noun", "The state of being vigilant and prepared to act as necessary; watchfulness; awareness; frequently in on alert and variants. Cf. on the alert at Phrases ."] | 1,801 | null | 1873 | Each one who receives notice [of an escaped prisoner] must give notice, and be on alert . | Ballou's Monthly Magazine October 335/2 | 1,873 |
We immediately resumed our work under the conditions of alert | alert | /dictionary/alert_adj?tab=factsheet#7351086 | 1,595 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | a1595– | Quick to act, respond, or understand; mentally or intellectually active; lively, animated. | 1801– | ["noun", "The state of being vigilant and prepared to act as necessary; watchfulness; awareness; frequently in on alert and variants. Cf. on the alert at Phrases ."] | 1,801 | null | 1940 | We immediately resumed our work under the conditions of alert . | W. S. Churchill in Hansard Commons 5 September 46 | 1,940 |
Every time a title was found, it was recorded and given to the user (this is known as an ‘ alert | alert | /dictionary/alert_adj?tab=factsheet#7351086 | 1,595 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | a1595– | Quick to act, respond, or understand; mentally or intellectually active; lively, animated. | 1970– | ["noun", "A sound, vibration, or visual cue made by a computer, mobile phone, or other device to inform the user of a particular event, such as the arrival of an email."] | 1,970 | null | 1970 | Every time a title was found, it was recorded and given to the user (this is known as an ‘ alert ’). | Journal of American Soc. Information Science vol. 21 171 | 1,970 |
He thinks he's going to die, and I'm afraid so, too, for he's obliged to keep his bed, and he do look awful | awful | /dictionary/awful_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#31410421 | 1,175 | null | adj. & adv. | 5 | c1175– | Of very poor quality; very bad; rubbish, terrible. | 1865– | ["adjective", "I. Arousing or inspiring awe. Later also in weaker or more general use: very bad or unpleasant, and related senses.", "Of a person: very unwell or troubled."] | 1,865 | null | 1865 | He thinks he's going to die, and I'm afraid so, too, for he's obliged to keep his bed, and he do look awful . | Merry & Wise December 563 | 1,865 |
As rose the priest With power to bless and right to ban | ban | /dictionary/ban_v?tab=factsheet#28247679 | null | null | v. | 5 | Old English– | To interdict, proscribe, prohibit. A thing. | 1303– | ["II. To curse, anathematize, interdict. [ < Old Norse , ? and medieval Latin bannum .]", "To pronounce an ecclesiastical curse upon, to anathematize. archaic ."] | 1,303 | null | 1874 | As rose the priest With power to bless and right to ban . | J. G. Holland , Mistress of Manse ix. 155 | 1,874 |
The Sturgeon..are sold in such quantities in Albany, that they have been called, in derision, ‘Albany beef | beef | /dictionary/beef_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#24607537 | 1,300 | null | n.¹ | 5 | a1300– | The flesh of an ox, bull, or cow, used as food. Often preceded by words indicating the exact part of the animal, e.g. sirloin, ribs of beef, etc… | 1661– | ["2. transferred .", "Applied to other kinds of flesh or food."] | 1,661 | null | 1868 | The Sturgeon..are sold in such quantities in Albany, that they have been called, in derision, ‘Albany beef .’ | B. J. Lossing , Hudson (new edition) 145 | 1,868 |
So little was the faith of those who knew him, he could not be trusted for a beef | beef | /dictionary/beef_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#24607537 | 1,300 | null | n.¹ | 5 | a1300– | The flesh of an ox, bull, or cow, used as food. Often preceded by words indicating the exact part of the animal, e.g. sirloin, ribs of beef, etc… | 1583– | ["3. An ox; any animal of the ox kind; esp. a fattened beast, or its carcass.", "Also in singular . (Now chiefly U.S. )"] | 1,583 | null | 1828 | So little was the faith of those who knew him, he could not be trusted for a beef . | Richmond (Virginia) Enquirer 29 August 4/2 | 1,828 |
A city man—immensely rich, they say. Hang those city fellows, they must bleed | bleed | /dictionary/bleed_v?tab=factsheet#18593893 | null | null | v. | 5 | Old English– | To emit, discharge, or ‘lose’ blood; to drop, or run with, blood. Said of a person or animal, a part of the body, a wound, etc. | 1671– | ["I. intransitive .", "I.5. figurative .", "Of persons: To lose or part with money to an extent that is felt; to have money drawn or extorted; to \u2018pay through the nose\u2019 for . colloquial ."] | 1,671 | null | 1847 | A city man—immensely rich, they say. Hang those city fellows, they must bleed . | W. M. Thackeray , Vanity Fair (1848) xiv. 122 | 1,847 |
The owner of a large stable..said that..he had recently had some seventy horses to board | board | /dictionary/board_v?tab=factsheet#17449310 | 1,460 | null | v. | 5 | c1460– | transitive. (a) To come close up to or alongside (a ship), usually for the purpose of attacking; to lay on board, or fall on board of. (b) In later… | 1875– | ["III. Related to board = table, regular meals.", "To put up and feed (an animal). Originally U.S."] | 1,875 | null | 1905 | The owner of a large stable..said that..he had recently had some seventy horses to board . | Evening Post (New York) 24 February 1 | 1,905 |
The bonds are listed on the stock exchanges, and you can sell them through the stock exchange or through a broker | broker | /dictionary/broker_n?tab=factsheet#13267025 | 1,393 | null | n. | 5 | a1393– | A person employed as an intermediary to transact business or negotiate deals between merchants or individuals, often on a commission basis; (later… | 1696– | ["I. An intermediary.", "spec. A dealer on a stock exchange (esp. the London Stock Exchange) who, for a commission, buys and sells stocks on behalf of clients. Cf. jobber n. 2 1 and later stockbroker n."] | 1,696 | null | 2022 | The bonds are listed on the stock exchanges, and you can sell them through the stock exchange or through a broker . | Times of India (Nexis) 20 December | 2,022 |
The prisoner..had in his possession 3 s . 6 d . in silver and 3 s . 4 d . in bronze | bronze | /dictionary/bronze_n?tab=factsheet#13155145 | 1,718 | null | n. | 5 | 1718– | A brown-coloured alloy of copper and tin, sometimes also containing a little zinc and lead. Formerly included under the term brass, n.; the name… | 1739– | ["A brown-coloured alloy of copper and tin, sometimes also containing a little zinc and lead. Formerly included under the term brass n. ; the name bronze was introduced for the material of ancient works of art, or perhaps rather for the works of art themselves: see sense 2 ."] | 1,739 | null | 1886 | The prisoner..had in his possession 3 s . 6 d . in silver and 3 s . 4 d . in bronze . | Pall Mall Gazette 13 February 10/2 | 1,886 |
Drive them [ sc. bees] gently into their hives with your brush | brush | /dictionary/brush_n2?tab=factsheet#12844951 | 1,377 | null | n.² | 5 | 1377– | A utensil consisting of a piece of wood or other suitable material, set with small tufts or bunches of bristles, hair, or the like, for sweeping or… | 1377– | ["I. An instrument with tufts of hair affixed, used for brushing or sweeping, and related senses.", "A utensil consisting of a piece of wood or other suitable material, set with small tufts or bunches of bristles, hair, or the like, for sweeping or scrubbing dust and dirt from a surface; and generally any utensil for brushing or sweeping."] | 1,377 | null | 1609 | Drive them [ sc. bees] gently into their hives with your brush . | C. Butler , Feminine Monarchie v. sig. E8 | 1,609 |
The ones who had already made up their minds almost always got the brush | brush | /dictionary/brush_n2?tab=factsheet#12844951 | 1,377 | null | n.² | 5 | 1377– | A utensil consisting of a piece of wood or other suitable material, set with small tufts or bunches of bristles, hair, or the like, for sweeping or… | 1941– | ["II. from brush v. 2", "Short for brush-off n. at brush v. 2 5b . So brusheroo [ \u2011eroo suffix ] ."] | 1,941 | null | 1947 | The ones who had already made up their minds almost always got the brush . | B. Schulberg , Harder they Fall i. 27 | 1,947 |
I'm like to make a very hopeful Bargain this Morning; and grow Rich like a Jacobite, that would part with his Property, for a Speculative Bubble | bubble | /dictionary/bubble_n?tab=meaning_and_use#12769990 | 1,350 | null | n. & adj. | 5 | ?a1350– | A thin membrane of liquid enclosing a volume of air or another gas; a body of gas present in a liquid. Also: a gas-filled cavity formed in a… | 1700– | ["noun", "2. figurative .", "An insubstantial, delusive, or fraudulent project or enterprise, esp. of a commercial or financial nature. Cf. Mississippi Bubble n. , South Sea bubble n."] | 1,700 | null | 1700 | I'm like to make a very hopeful Bargain this Morning; and grow Rich like a Jacobite, that would part with his Property, for a Speculative Bubble . | E. Ward , Labour in Vain Dialogue between Author & Printer sig. A2 | 1,700 |
Combine the soup with the milk and water and slowly bring to a bubble | bubble | /dictionary/bubble_n?tab=meaning_and_use#12769990 | 1,350 | null | n. & adj. | 5 | ?a1350– | A thin membrane of liquid enclosing a volume of air or another gas; a body of gas present in a liquid. Also: a gas-filled cavity formed in a… | 1839– | ["noun", "The process, sound, or appearance of bubbling; an agitated or bubbling motion. Originally in nautical phrase a bubble of a sea ; cf. bobble n. 1"] | 1,839 | null | 1978 | Combine the soup with the milk and water and slowly bring to a bubble . | Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 18 January | 1,978 |
The King and Queen of France, the King of Navarre, and the royal dukes in a bundle | bundle | /dictionary/bundle_n?tab=factsheet#12147214 | 1,382 | null | n. | 5 | a1382– | A collection of things bound or otherwise fastened together; a bunch; a package, parcel. | 1535– | ["figurative . A collection, \u2018lot\u2019 (of things material or immaterial); usually either with contemptuous implication, or with allusion to a figurative \u2018tying together\u2019. \u2020 to be bound in the bundle of life (a Hebraism derived from the Bible): to be foreordained to continued life."] | 1,535 | null | 1864 | The King and Queen of France, the King of Navarre, and the royal dukes in a bundle . | J. H. Burton , Scot Abroad vol. I. i. 25 | 1,864 |
Here's the thatched house, the miraculous can | can | /dictionary/can_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#10265789 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | A container for holding liquids; (originally) one made of any of various materials, and of various shapes and sizes, including drinking vessels; (now… | 1772–1837 | ["II. Slang uses.", "\u2020 slang . The female genitals; the vulva or vagina. Obsolete ."] | 1,772 | 1,837 | ?1837 | Here's the thatched house, the miraculous can ! | Little Icky-wickey Songster 8 | 1,837 |
At last, the landlady threw me out and kept the few rags of luggage that I still owned. I was flat on my can | can | /dictionary/can_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#10265789 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | A container for holding liquids; (originally) one made of any of various materials, and of various shapes and sizes, including drinking vessels; (now… | 1913– | ["II. Slang uses.", "slang (originally and chiefly U.S. ). The buttocks, the bottom."] | 1,913 | null | 1937 | At last, the landlady threw me out and kept the few rags of luggage that I still owned. I was flat on my can . | C. Prior , So I wrote It xxv. 285 | 1,937 |
I'll stand by my man Though he's in the can | can | /dictionary/can_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#10265789 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | A container for holding liquids; (originally) one made of any of various materials, and of various shapes and sizes, including drinking vessels; (now… | 1912– | ["II. Slang uses.", "slang (originally and chiefly U.S. ). Chiefly with the : a prison, a jail; a cell in a police station. Also: imprisonment, time spent in prison."] | 1,912 | null | 1961 | I'll stand by my man Though he's in the can . | 20th Century March 236 | 1,961 |
My driver's license expired while I was in the can | can | /dictionary/can_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#10265789 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | A container for holding liquids; (originally) one made of any of various materials, and of various shapes and sizes, including drinking vessels; (now… | 1912– | ["II. Slang uses.", "slang (originally and chiefly U.S. ). Chiefly with the : a prison, a jail; a cell in a police station. Also: imprisonment, time spent in prison."] | 1,912 | null | 2004 | My driver's license expired while I was in the can . | S. Grafton , R is for Ricochet (2005) vi. 60 | 2,004 |
Take a full grown hare and let it hang four or five days before you case | case | /dictionary/case_v1?tab=factsheet#10018910 | 1,525 | null | v.¹ | 5 | a1525– | transitive. To enclose, encase; to put in a case. Also figurative. | 1575– | ["II. Miscellaneous senses.", "transitive . To remove the skin from (an animal) by making a single slit along the hind legs and removing it whole. Also: to remove (the skin) in this way. Cf. case n. 2 7b . Now rare ."] | 1,575 | null | 1796 | Take a full grown hare and let it hang four or five days before you case it. | Glasse's Art of Cookery (new edition) vi. 126 | 1,796 |
The first fifteen leagues we got over cheerily enough, but the last five were a caution | caution | /dictionary/caution_n?tab=factsheet#9884435 | 1,297 | null | n. | 5 | 1297– | The taking of heed; ‘provident care, wariness against evil’ (Johnson), as a kind or quality of conduct; cautiousness, heedfulness, circumspectness… | 1834– | ["slang . (originally U.S. ). In predicative use: a person who, or thing which, causes alarm, astonishment, or (now esp.) amusement; an extraordinary person or thing."] | 1,834 | null | 1868 | The first fifteen leagues we got over cheerily enough, but the last five were a caution . | H. C. R. Johnson , Long Vacation in Argentine Alps 93 | 1,868 |
However, we don't mind it so much as the dust, which, during the Exhibition week, when the extra traffic stirred it up, was a real ‘ caution | caution | /dictionary/caution_n?tab=factsheet#9884435 | 1,297 | null | n. | 5 | 1297– | The taking of heed; ‘provident care, wariness against evil’ (Johnson), as a kind or quality of conduct; cautiousness, heedfulness, circumspectness… | 1834– | ["slang . (originally U.S. ). In predicative use: a person who, or thing which, causes alarm, astonishment, or (now esp.) amusement; an extraordinary person or thing."] | 1,834 | null | 1877 | However, we don't mind it so much as the dust, which, during the Exhibition week, when the extra traffic stirred it up, was a real ‘ caution ’. | Queensland Times 1 September | 1,877 |
I stood, and still do stand, wholly unconnected with..any Set of Men, who have been on this, or that Side of a Question, in your civic | civic | /dictionary/civic_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#9262064 | 1,542 | null | adj. | 5 | 1542– | Of, belonging to, or relating to a city, town, borough, or other community of citizens; esp. of or relating to the administration and affairs of such… | 1656– | ["Of, belonging to, or relating to a city, town, borough, or other community of citizens; esp. of or relating to the administration and affairs of such a community; municipal."] | 1,656 | null | 1766 | I stood, and still do stand, wholly unconnected with..any Set of Men, who have been on this, or that Side of a Question, in your civic Affairs. | Letter to Citizens Dublin 4 | 1,766 |
Meanwhile it was obviously dangerous to take sides. He must play clever | clever | /dictionary/clever_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#9101039 | 1,220 | null | adj. & adv. | 5 | c1220– | Of persons: Possessing skill or talent; able to use hand or brain readily and effectively; dexterous, skilful; adroit. (The current sense.) | 1664– | ["adverb", "a. Neatly, skilfully. See also to box clever at box v. 1 Phrases P.4 . b. Completely, quite, clean ( dialect ; cf. cleverly adv. 5 )."] | 1,664 | null | 1959 | Meanwhile it was obviously dangerous to take sides. He must play clever . | J. Cary , Captive & Free 68 | 1,959 |
A copper and zinc plate, each fifty feet long and two wide, rolled into a coil | coil | /dictionary/coil_n3?tab=factsheet#9089796 | 1,627 | null | n.³ | 5 | 1627– | originally. A length of cable, rope, etc., when ‘coiled’ or gathered up into a number of concentric rings, either fake over fake, or in a flat disk… | 1823– | ["An arrangement of a wire, piping, sheet metal, etc., in a series of concentric or symmetrical curves or windings."] | 1,823 | null | 1839 | A copper and zinc plate, each fifty feet long and two wide, rolled into a coil . | G. Bird , Elements of Natural Philosophy 222 | 1,839 |
Heating a fluid by means of a steam-warmed jacket or coil | coil | /dictionary/coil_n3?tab=factsheet#9089796 | 1,627 | null | n.³ | 5 | 1627– | originally. A length of cable, rope, etc., when ‘coiled’ or gathered up into a number of concentric rings, either fake over fake, or in a flat disk… | 1852– | ["A spiral arrangement of pipes used in a heating apparatus, condenser, etc., for the sake of increased heating or cooling surface. Also attributive ."] | 1,852 | null | 1852 | Heating a fluid by means of a steam-warmed jacket or coil . | W. Brande , Lect. Arts 213 | 1,852 |
Ray licked the ice cream from out his dripping cone | cone | /dictionary/cone_n1?tab=factsheet#8706486 | 1,486 | null | n.¹ | 5 | 1486– | A solid figure or body, of which the base is a circle, and the summit a point, and every point in the intervening surface is in a straight line… | 1920– | ["I. The geometrical figure.", "= cornet n. 1 II.5d originally U.S."] | 1,920 | null | 1920 | Ray licked the ice cream from out his dripping cone . | Outing July 246/2 | 1,920 |
The crown-glass furnace..is an oblong square, built in the centre of a brick cone | cone | /dictionary/cone_n1?tab=factsheet#8706486 | 1,486 | null | n.¹ | 5 | 1486– | A solid figure or body, of which the base is a circle, and the summit a point, and every point in the intervening surface is in a straight line… | 1791– | ["II. Applied to various cone-shaped objects. Sense II.3 is the original in Greek, whence the geometrical sense was taken; it is, in its English history, quite independent of sense I.1 , and perhaps the source of II.4 ; the later senses of this group are popular or technical applications of I.1 .", "A cone-shaped building enclosing a glass-furnace, tile-kiln, or the like."] | 1,791 | null | 1875 | The crown-glass furnace..is an oblong square, built in the centre of a brick cone . | R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler , Ure's Dictionary of Arts (ed. 7) vol. II. 655 | 1,875 |
No longer will good men be able with easy conscience to join in that indignant ‘Hush!’ by which the evil-doers have hitherto silenced every attempt to make articulate the smothered wail that rises unceasing from the woeful under-world. There is now an end to that conspiracy | conspiracy | /dictionary/conspiracy_n?tab=meaning_and_use#8383143 | 1,386 | null | n. | 5 | c1386– | (With a and plural) A combination of persons for an evil or unlawful purpose; an agreement between two or more persons to do something criminal… | c1386– | ["(With a and plural ) A combination of persons for an evil or unlawful purpose; an agreement between two or more persons to do something criminal, illegal, or reprehensible (especially in relation to treason, sedition, or murder); a plot. Also in conspiracy of silence ."] | 1,386 | null | 1885 | No longer will good men be able with easy conscience to join in that indignant ‘Hush!’ by which the evil-doers have hitherto silenced every attempt to make articulate the smothered wail that rises unceasing from the woeful under-world. There is now an end to that conspiracy of silence . | Pall Mall Gazette 6 July 1 | 1,885 |
Upon violation of the restraining order, the petitioner was committed to prison for contempt | contempt | /dictionary/contempt_n?tab=factsheet#8431349 | 1,393 | null | n. | 5 | a1393– | A feeling of dislike or hostility towards a person or thing one regards as inferior, worthless, or despicable; an attitude expressive of such a… | a1579– | ["2. Law .", "Action which obstructs the course of justice or which constitutes disrespect to the authority or dignity of a court of law; more fully contempt of court . Also (and in earliest use): an act or instance of this."] | 1,579 | null | 1948 | Upon violation of the restraining order, the petitioner was committed to prison for contempt . | Virginia Law Review vol. 34 222 | 1,948 |
The worthy gentleman, who has been snatched from us at the moment of the election, and in the middle of the contest | contest | /dictionary/contest_n2?tab=factsheet#8440744 | 1,642 | null | n.² | 5 | 1642– | Amicable conflict, as between competitors for a prize or distinction; competition. | 1665– | ["Struggle for victory, for a desired object, or in defence; conflict, strife, contention."] | 1,665 | null | 1780 | The worthy gentleman, who has been snatched from us at the moment of the election, and in the middle of the contest . | E. Burke , Speech declining Poll in Works vol. III. 433 | 1,780 |
Sometimes, instead of closing the account on the settling day, the stock is carried on to a future day on such terms as the parties agree on. This is called a continuation | continuation | /dictionary/continuation_n?tab=factsheet#8453011 | 1,374 | null | n. | 5 | c1374– | Remaining or going on in a state; continuous existence or operation; continuance; prolongation. | 1813– | ["Stock Market . The carrying over of an account till next settling-day: see contango n."] | 1,813 | null | 1813 | Sometimes, instead of closing the account on the settling day, the stock is carried on to a future day on such terms as the parties agree on. This is called a continuation . | R. Hamilton , Nation. Debt in Penny Cyclopaedia vol. XXIII. 72/1 | 1,813 |
Not only the Story, but..the Habits, Arms, Manners..and the like, must correspond. This is call'd the observing the Costume | costume | /dictionary/costume_n?tab=factsheet#8027606 | 1,668 | null | n. | 5 | 1668– | The style of clothing, hairdressing, and personal adornment typical of a particular place, period, group, etc.; an example of this. Also: such styles… | 1668–1785 | ["\u2020 Art . The custom, manner, or style of the period which a particular piece of art is intended to represent, considered in terms of accuracy in representation; the clothes, furnishings, and other objects appropriate to the time and place to which the scene or individual represented belongs. Also: the style of a particular piece of art, considered in terms of the time and place which it represents or to which it belongs. Obsolete ."] | 1,668 | 1,785 | 1715 | Not only the Story, but..the Habits, Arms, Manners..and the like, must correspond. This is call'd the observing the Costume . | J. Richardson , Essay on Theory of Painting 53 | 1,715 |
Dr Johnson had famously praised Shakespeare because of his sublime indifference to costume | costume | /dictionary/costume_n?tab=factsheet#8027606 | 1,668 | null | n. | 5 | 1668– | The style of clothing, hairdressing, and personal adornment typical of a particular place, period, group, etc.; an example of this. Also: such styles… | 1668– | ["In extended use, esp. with reference to a work of literature. Now historical and rare ."] | 1,668 | null | 1998 | Dr Johnson had famously praised Shakespeare because of his sublime indifference to costume . | N. Leask in T. Fulford & P. J. Kitson, Romanticism & Colonialism (2005) x. 176 | 1,998 |
A scarf, or drapery of the same material as the dress,..is a charming addition to this elegant costume | costume | /dictionary/costume_n?tab=factsheet#8027606 | 1,668 | null | n. | 5 | 1668– | The style of clothing, hairdressing, and personal adornment typical of a particular place, period, group, etc.; an example of this. Also: such styles… | 1797– | ["A set of outer garments; (chiefly) a woman's dress or (in later use also) matching jacket and skirt. Now historical or somewhat dated ."] | 1,797 | null | 1943 | A scarf, or drapery of the same material as the dress,..is a charming addition to this elegant costume . | J. Laver , Fashion & Fashion Plates 1800–1900 25 | 1,943 |
Francis I. was ambitious to distinguish himself by all the qualities of an accomplished knight, and endeavored to imitate the enterprising genius of chivalry in war, as well as its pomp and courtesy | courtesy | /dictionary/courtesy_n?tab=factsheet#8136588 | 1,225 | null | n. | 5 | ?c1225– | Courteous behaviour as an ideal or in practice. Courteous behaviour; politeness, respect, or considerateness towards others. | ?c1225– | ["1. Courteous behaviour as an ideal or in practice. There is considerable overlap between senses 1a , 1b , 1c .", "Conduct appropriate to people of the court or gentle birth or rank; the qualities or behaviours ideally expected of a knight, nobleman or noblewoman, etc., such as generosity, kindness, loyalty, probity, and cheerfulness; chivalrous conduct. Now historical ."] | 1,225 | null | 1824 | Francis I. was ambitious to distinguish himself by all the qualities of an accomplished knight, and endeavored to imitate the enterprising genius of chivalry in war, as well as its pomp and courtesy during peace. | J. L. Blake , Hist. Reader (ed. 2) 132 | 1,824 |
On each head His lawn-robed Servant lays An apostolic hand, and with prayer seals The Covenant | covenant | /dictionary/covenant_n?tab=factsheet#7889307 | 1,297 | null | n. | 5 | 1297– | A mutual agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing certain acts; a compact, contract, bargain; sometimes, the undertaking… | 1552– | ["8. Theology .", "Applied to the engagement with God which is entered into by believers at their baptism, or admission into the visible church."] | 1,552 | null | 1821 | On each head His lawn-robed Servant lays An apostolic hand, and with prayer seals The Covenant . | W. Wordsworth , Ecclesiastical Sonn. iii. xxiii | 1,821 |
Lauderdale had been conspicuous among the Scotch insurgents of 1638, and zealous for the covenant | covenant | /dictionary/covenant_n?tab=factsheet#7889307 | 1,297 | null | n. | 5 | 1297– | A mutual agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing certain acts; a compact, contract, bargain; sometimes, the undertaking… | 1638– | ["9. Ecclesiastical .", "Scottish History . The name given to certain bonds of agreement signed by the Scottish Presbyterians for the defence and furtherance of their religion and ecclesiastical polity."] | 1,638 | null | 1849 | Lauderdale had been conspicuous among the Scotch insurgents of 1638, and zealous for the covenant . | T. B. Macaulay , History of England vol. I. 213 | 1,849 |
The Motions of Roots are..Sometimes level, as of Hops, and all such as properly creep | creep | /dictionary/creep_v?tab=factsheet#7770215 | null | null | v. | 5 | Old English– | To move softly, cautiously, timorously, or slowly; to move quietly and stealthily so as to elude observation; to steal (into, away, etc.). | 1530– | ["verb Signification.", "(a) Of plants: To grow with the stem and branches extending along the ground, a wall, or other surface, and throwing out roots or claspers at intervals. (b) Of roots or subterranean stems: To extend horizontally under ground."] | 1,530 | null | 1673 | The Motions of Roots are..Sometimes level, as of Hops, and all such as properly creep . | N. Grew , Idea of Phytological History ii. i. 56 | 1,673 |
The problem is to find the safe stress at which the material will not change form or creep | creep | /dictionary/creep_v?tab=factsheet#7770215 | null | null | v. | 5 | Old English– | To move softly, cautiously, timorously, or slowly; to move quietly and stealthily so as to elude observation; to steal (into, away, etc.). | 1872– | ["verb Signification.", "Of metal rails, etc.: To move gradually forward under the continuous pressure of heavy traffic in the same direction, or as a result of periodical expansion and contraction on a gradient. Also, to increase very gradually in length under excessive stress."] | 1,872 | null | 1924 | The problem is to find the safe stress at which the material will not change form or creep . | F. C. Lea in Proceedings of Institution of Mechanical Engineers vol. II. 1053 | 1,924 |
It is claimed for the Collier tyre that it cannot possibly creep | creep | /dictionary/creep_v?tab=factsheet#7770215 | null | null | v. | 5 | Old English– | To move softly, cautiously, timorously, or slowly; to move quietly and stealthily so as to elude observation; to steal (into, away, etc.). | 1903– | ["verb Signification.", "Of a rubber tyre. (Cf. creep n. 8 .)"] | 1,903 | null | 1903 | It is claimed for the Collier tyre that it cannot possibly creep . | Motoring Ann. 300 | 1,903 |
Playing with a straight bat is more likely to protect your wicket than playing with a cross | cross | /dictionary/cross_adj?tab=factsheet#7848783 | 1,523 | null | adj. | 5 | 1523– | Of persons, their dispositions, actions, etc.. Ill-tempered, peevish, petulant; in an irritable frame of mind, out of humour, vexed. (colloquial). | 1871– | ["Cricket . Of the bat: held in a more or less horizontal position by the batter while playing a shot. Cf. cross- comb. form 1c.iii ."] | 1,871 | null | 1891 | Playing with a straight bat is more likely to protect your wicket than playing with a cross bat. | W. G. Grace , Cricket viii. 224 | 1,891 |
Unless they, the bail, pay the costs and money recovered for him, or surrender him to custody | custody | /dictionary/custody_n?tab=factsheet#7580867 | 1,400 | null | n. | 5 | c1400– | The charge or care of something or someone; protection, defence; guardianship. Later also more generally: possession. Chiefly with of, specifying… | c1503– | ["The state of being detained by the police or other law enforcement officers; esp. confinement in a prison, police station, etc. Also: spec. arrest and imprisonment on the basis of suspected criminal activity, typically until trial. Frequently in to take ( a person ) into custody : to arrest and imprison (a person)."] | 1,503 | null | 1835 | Unless they, the bail, pay the costs and money recovered for him, or surrender him to custody . | Penny Cyclopaedia vol. III. 288/1 | 1,835 |
A..clerical-looking young man..said he was sober as a judge when taken into custody | custody | /dictionary/custody_n?tab=factsheet#7580867 | 1,400 | null | n. | 5 | c1400– | The charge or care of something or someone; protection, defence; guardianship. Later also more generally: possession. Chiefly with of, specifying… | c1503– | ["The state of being detained by the police or other law enforcement officers; esp. confinement in a prison, police station, etc. Also: spec. arrest and imprisonment on the basis of suspected criminal activity, typically until trial. Frequently in to take ( a person ) into custody : to arrest and imprison (a person)."] | 1,503 | null | 1886 | A..clerical-looking young man..said he was sober as a judge when taken into custody . | Fun 4 August 44/2 | 1,886 |
How bad is ‘Leader of the Pack’? Not that bad, dad | dad | /dictionary/dad_n1?tab=factsheet#7647577 | 1,533 | null | n.¹ | 5 | 1533– | One's father; a father. Cf. daddy, n. 1a. | 1605– | ["Used as a form of address to a person other than one's own father, sometimes (though not necessarily) one older than oneself."] | 1,605 | null | 1985 | How bad is ‘Leader of the Pack’? Not that bad, dad . | Newsweek 22 April 83 | 1,985 |
Building a particular style of shelter, as the beaver its dam | dam | /dictionary/dam_n1?tab=factsheet#7404231 | 1,340 | null | n.¹ | 5 | a1340– | A bank or barrier of earth, masonry, etc., constructed across a stream to obstruct its flow and raise its level, so as to make it available for… | 1748– | ["The barrier constructed in a stream by beavers."] | 1,748 | null | 1875 | Building a particular style of shelter, as the beaver its dam . | W. D. Whitney , Life & Growth of Language xiv. 290 | 1,875 |
When the Rings..appeared only black and white, they were very distinct and well defined | defined | /dictionary/defined_adj?tab=factsheet#7200831 | 1,727 | null | adj. | 5 | a1727– | Having a definite outline or form; clearly marked. Also figurative. | a1727– | ["Having a definite outline or form; clearly marked. Also figurative ."] | 1,727 | null | a1727 | When the Rings..appeared only black and white, they were very distinct and well defined . | I. Newton , Opticks (1730) ii. i. 171 | 1,727 |
It is no Breach of Faith, or Duty in me, not to appear; but rather the Contrary; and it were yet worse, in him to whom the Promise was made, to complain of such a disappointment | disappointment | /dictionary/disappointment_n?tab=factsheet#6662786 | 1,551 | null | n. | 5 | 1551– | The state or condition of being disappointed; the feeling or emotion produced by the non-fulfilment of an expectation, intention, or desire; esp… | 1551–1836 | ["\u2020\u00a0Non-fulfilment of an appointment or engagement; a failure to appear at an expected time or place. Cf. disappoint v. III.5 . Obsolete ."] | 1,551 | 1,836 | 1680 | It is no Breach of Faith, or Duty in me, not to appear; but rather the Contrary; and it were yet worse, in him to whom the Promise was made, to complain of such a disappointment . | R. L'Estrange , translation of Cicero, Offices i. 17 | 1,680 |
A year after Stuart and I threw in the towel and the dust had settled, we were both in the right mental place to start looking to divorce | divorce | /dictionary/divorce_v?tab=factsheet#6321928 | 1,410 | null | v. | 5 | c1410– | transitive. In passive, with the agent unexpressed. To have obtained a divorce (from one's spouse); to be no longer married as a result of divorce… | ?1529– | ["I. Senses relating to the legal dissolution of a marriage.", "intransitive . To obtain a divorce ( from one's spouse); (of a married couple) to end the marriage by divorce. Also transitive ( reflexive ) in same sense."] | 1,529 | null | 2014 | A year after Stuart and I threw in the towel and the dust had settled, we were both in the right mental place to start looking to divorce . | Gay Times April 65/1 | 2,014 |
Better be a nettle in the side of your friend than his echo | echo | /dictionary/echo_n?tab=factsheet#5958213 | 1,340 | null | n. | 5 | 1340– | A repetition of sounds, which is produced by the reflexion of the sound-waves due to their incidence on something denser than the aerial medium in… | a1631– | ["transferred . A person who reflects or imitates the language, sentiments, or conduct of others; one who assents obsequiously to the opinions of another."] | 1,631 | null | 1841–4 | Better be a nettle in the side of your friend than his echo . | R. W. Emerson , Essays vi, in Works (1906) vol. I. 88 | 1,841 |
The resources for..accompaniment were extended..by the insertion of an additional short manual organ called the Echo | echo | /dictionary/echo_n?tab=factsheet#5958213 | 1,340 | null | n. | 5 | 1340– | A repetition of sounds, which is produced by the reflexion of the sound-waves due to their incidence on something denser than the aerial medium in… | 1711– | ["Music . (See quot.)"] | 1,711 | null | 1878 | The resources for..accompaniment were extended..by the insertion of an additional short manual organ called the Echo . | E. J. Hopkins in G. Grove, Dictionary of Music vol. I. 21 | 1,878 |
A player must have either led or ‘called for’ trumps before his partner gives the ‘three-trump echo | echo | /dictionary/echo_n?tab=factsheet#5958213 | 1,340 | null | n. | 5 | 1340– | A repetition of sounds, which is produced by the reflexion of the sound-waves due to their incidence on something denser than the aerial medium in… | 1862– | ["Whist . (See quot. 1876 .) Also in Bridge , a signal to one's partner, esp. by the playing of a higher card of a suit followed by a lower, indicating how many cards of a suit are held, or requesting a specific lead."] | 1,862 | null | 1902 | A player must have either led or ‘called for’ trumps before his partner gives the ‘three-trump echo ’. | A. Dunn , New Ideas on Bridge 80 | 1,902 |
There is..no longer any difference between a peter and an echo | echo | /dictionary/echo_n?tab=factsheet#5958213 | 1,340 | null | n. | 5 | 1340– | A repetition of sounds, which is produced by the reflexion of the sound-waves due to their incidence on something denser than the aerial medium in… | 1862– | ["Whist . (See quot. 1876 .) Also in Bridge , a signal to one's partner, esp. by the playing of a higher card of a suit followed by a lower, indicating how many cards of a suit are held, or requesting a specific lead."] | 1,862 | null | 1939 | There is..no longer any difference between a peter and an echo . | N. de V. Hart , Bridge Players' Bedside Book 141 | 1,939 |
I should imagine that West has led from four hearts and the diamonds may well be 3–3 since no one began an echo | echo | /dictionary/echo_n?tab=factsheet#5958213 | 1,340 | null | n. | 5 | 1340– | A repetition of sounds, which is produced by the reflexion of the sound-waves due to their incidence on something denser than the aerial medium in… | 1862– | ["Whist . (See quot. 1876 .) Also in Bridge , a signal to one's partner, esp. by the playing of a higher card of a suit followed by a lower, indicating how many cards of a suit are held, or requesting a specific lead."] | 1,862 | null | 1960 | I should imagine that West has led from four hearts and the diamonds may well be 3–3 since no one began an echo . | T. Reese , Play Bridge with Reese iii. 20 | 1,960 |
The external testimony of Christianity..leaves infidelity without excuse | excuse | /dictionary/excuse_n?tab=factsheet#4979726 | 1,374 | null | n. | 5 | c1374– | That which is offered as a reason for being excused; sometimes in bad sense, a (mere) pretext, a subterfuge. A plea in extenuation of an offence. | 1494– | ["That which serves to excuse, or which tends to extenuate (a fault or offence); a cause, reason, or ground for excuse; esp. in phrase without excuse . Also, a ground for release from duty."] | 1,494 | null | 1814 | The external testimony of Christianity..leaves infidelity without excuse . | T. Chalmers , Evidence Christian Revelation Advt. 5 | 1,814 |
If a king is played, and you have not the queen to form a sequence, you play the fool, and this is called an excuse | excuse | /dictionary/excuse_n?tab=factsheet#4979726 | 1,374 | null | n. | 5 | c1374– | That which is offered as a reason for being excused; sometimes in bad sense, a (mere) pretext, a subterfuge. A plea in extenuation of an offence. | 1816– | ["At Cards (in the game of Tarocco)."] | 1,816 | null | 1816 | If a king is played, and you have not the queen to form a sequence, you play the fool, and this is called an excuse . | S. W. Singer , Researches into History of Playing Cards 239 | 1,816 |
There are some acts of injustice which no national interest can excuse | excuse | /dictionary/excuse_v?tab=factsheet#4980195 | 1,250 | null | v. | 5 | a1250– | transitive. To offer an apology for. To seek to extenuate or remove the blame of (an acknowledged fault). †Also rarely with sentence as object. | a1538– | ["I. To offer, or serve as, an exculpation for.", "Of things, circumstances, etc.: To serve as an excuse or exculpation for."] | 1,538 | null | 1856 | There are some acts of injustice which no national interest can excuse . | J. A. Froude , History of England (1858) vol. I. v. 434 | 1,856 |
If I catch a Trout in one Meadow, he shall be white and faint | faint | /dictionary/faint_adj?tab=factsheet#4652336 | 1,300 | null | adj. | 5 | c1300– | Producing a feeble impression on the senses or the mind; dim, indistinct, hardly perceptible. Of light, sound, odour. | a1375–1764 | ["II. Sluggish, timid, feeble.", "II.4. Wanting in strength or vigour.", "\u2020\u00a0Of persons or animals, their faculties or condition; also (rarely) of material agents: Weak, feeble; sickly, out of condition. Obsolete ."] | 1,375 | 1,764 | 1653 | If I catch a Trout in one Meadow, he shall be white and faint . | I. Walton , Compleat Angler 130 | 1,653 |
By..Turpentine, &c. all those reflections are made more faint | faint | /dictionary/faint_adj?tab=factsheet#4652336 | 1,300 | null | adj. | 5 | c1300– | Producing a feeble impression on the senses or the mind; dim, indistinct, hardly perceptible. Of light, sound, odour. | 1660– | ["II. Sluggish, timid, feeble.", "II.5. Producing a feeble impression on the senses or the mind; dim, indistinct, hardly perceptible:", "Of light, sound, odour."] | 1,660 | null | 1665 | By..Turpentine, &c. all those reflections are made more faint . | R. Hooke , Micrographia 84 | 1,665 |
When a Man..rises first from his sick Bed..he quickly grows faint | faint | /dictionary/faint_adj?tab=factsheet#4652336 | 1,300 | null | adj. | 5 | c1300– | Producing a feeble impression on the senses or the mind; dim, indistinct, hardly perceptible. Of light, sound, odour. | c1320– | ["II. Sluggish, timid, feeble.", "Feeble through inanition, fear, or exhaustion; inclined to \u2018faint\u2019 or swoon. Const. \u2020 of , with ."] | 1,320 | null | 1705 | When a Man..rises first from his sick Bed..he quickly grows faint . | F. Fuller , Medicina Gymnastica 35 | 1,705 |
This..makes available the use of frozen cells as a partial substitute for cell ‘ farming | farming | /dictionary/farming_n2?tab=factsheet#4779137 | 1,443 | null | n.² | 5 | 1443– | The action or business of cultivating crops, raising livestock, etc. | 1962– | ["noun The action of farm v. 2", "The culturing of organs, tissues, or cells for harvesting or exploitation; the growing or keeping of organisms as a source of organs or tissue for transplantation, or of substances of high value (such as pharmaceuticals from genetically modified organisms). Chiefly with modifying word. Cf. pharming n."] | 1,962 | null | 1962 | This..makes available the use of frozen cells as a partial substitute for cell ‘ farming ’. | Nature 10 February 552/2 | 1,962 |
He wore his hair cropped close, except just in front, where it formed what the hair-dresser called a feather | feather | /dictionary/feather_n?tab=factsheet#4539109 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | One of the epidermal appendages of a bird, usually in the form of a central shaft or midrib, of a horny nature, in part tubular, for the rest square… | a1533– | ["III. Something resembling a feather.", "On human beings: A tuft or ridge of hair standing more or less upright."] | 1,533 | null | 1851 | He wore his hair cropped close, except just in front, where it formed what the hair-dresser called a feather . | Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine June 680 | 1,851 |
Oxford and Cambridge styles used to be palpably different to the eye by the height of the feather | feather | /dictionary/feather_n?tab=factsheet#4539109 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | One of the epidermal appendages of a bird, usually in the form of a central shaft or midrib, of a horny nature, in part tubular, for the rest square… | 1865– | ["IV. [ < feather v. ]", "Rowing . The action of feathering. See feather v. II.11 ."] | 1,865 | null | 1865 | Oxford and Cambridge styles used to be palpably different to the eye by the height of the feather . | Pall Mall Gazette 16 May 10/1 | 1,865 |
Limitation and prescription are applied only according to the law of the forum | forum | /dictionary/forum_n?tab=factsheet#3848189 | 1,464 | null | n. | 5 | a1464– | As the place of public discussion; hence figurative. | 1848– | ["A court, tribunal. law of the forum : the legal rules of a particular court or jurisdiction."] | 1,848 | null | 1857 | Limitation and prescription are applied only according to the law of the forum . | Parsons , Contracts (ed. 2) vol. II. ii. ii. §6. 103 | 1,857 |
In every country of Europe, except one, when collision arises between the civil and the religious power in the external forum | forum | /dictionary/forum_n?tab=factsheet#3848189 | 1,464 | null | n. | 5 | a1464– | As the place of public discussion; hence figurative. | 1690– | ["transferred and figurative . (Cf. medieval Latin in foro interno , in foro conscienti\u00e6 )."] | 1,690 | null | 1852 | In every country of Europe, except one, when collision arises between the civil and the religious power in the external forum . | W. E. Gladstone in Edinburgh Review April 365 | 1,852 |
The working or serving man, shall be a buried by-gone, a superseded fossil | fossil | /dictionary/fossil_n?tab=meaning_and_use#3857818 | 1,569 | null | n. & adj. | 5 | 1569– | Obtained by digging; found buried in the earth. Now chiefly of fuels and other materials occurring naturally in underground deposits; esp. in fossil… | 1844– | ["noun", "figurative . A person or thing that is old or out of date, esp. a person who has lost the capacity for emotion or personal development or fails to absorb new ideas, practices, etc."] | 1,844 | null | 1857 | The working or serving man, shall be a buried by-gone, a superseded fossil . | H. Melville , Confidence-man xxii. 161 | 1,857 |
However he may feel personally, the President of the United States must always conduct himself like an old fossil | fossil | /dictionary/fossil_n?tab=meaning_and_use#3857818 | 1,569 | null | n. & adj. | 5 | 1569– | Obtained by digging; found buried in the earth. Now chiefly of fuels and other materials occurring naturally in underground deposits; esp. in fossil… | 1844– | ["noun", "figurative . A person or thing that is old or out of date, esp. a person who has lost the capacity for emotion or personal development or fails to absorb new ideas, practices, etc."] | 1,844 | null | 1942 | However he may feel personally, the President of the United States must always conduct himself like an old fossil . | P. Sturges , Great Moment in Four More Screenplays (1995) 398 | 1,942 |
The oldest light in the universe,..created within moments of the Big Bang... The probe will construct four full-sky pictures of this so-called fossil | fossil | /dictionary/fossil_n?tab=meaning_and_use#3857818 | 1,569 | null | n. & adj. | 5 | 1569– | Obtained by digging; found buried in the earth. Now chiefly of fuels and other materials occurring naturally in underground deposits; esp. in fossil… | 1860– | ["adjective Chiefly attributive .", "Chiefly Physical Geography and Astronomy . In extended use: designating traces or remnants of physical features, phenomena, etc., which have survived from the distant past."] | 1,860 | null | 2001 | The oldest light in the universe,..created within moments of the Big Bang... The probe will construct four full-sky pictures of this so-called fossil light. | New York Times 1 July i. 18/3 | 2,001 |
That he be right ware..That he mistake not his gate | gate | /dictionary/gate_n2?tab=factsheet#3262712 | 1,175 | null | n.² | 5 | c1175– | A street. Frequent in street-names of northern and midland towns (e.g. York, Nottingham, Leicester); as Gallowgate, Kirkgate, Micklegate, etc. | 1390– | ["I. A way.", "( to find , lose , ask , etc. one's ) way."] | 1,390 | null | 1390 | That he be right ware..That he mistake not his gate . | J. Gower , Confessio Amantis vol. II. 35 | 1,390 |
I love not to be called Singular, and make a World's-wonder of that gate | gate | /dictionary/gate_n2?tab=factsheet#3262712 | 1,175 | null | n.² | 5 | c1175– | A street. Frequent in street-names of northern and midland towns (e.g. York, Nottingham, Leicester); as Gallowgate, Kirkgate, Micklegate, etc. | c1175– | ["III. Way, manner, method.", "Way, manner, or method of doing or behaving; a peculiar habit. \u2020 at no gate : nowise. Obsolete ."] | 1,175 | null | a1693 | I love not to be called Singular, and make a World's-wonder of that gate . | M. Bruce , Good News in Evil Times (1708) 30 | 1,693 |
Cadets celebrated at the United States Military Academy's 2007 graduation at West Point. Each year, the last-ranking cadet is anointed the class ‘ goat | goat | /dictionary/goat_n?tab=factsheet#2791684 | null | null | n. & adj. | 5 | Old English– | A domesticated browsing ruminant mammal, Capra aegagrus hircus, having backward-curving horns and typically a beard, kept worldwide for milk, wool… | 1894– | ["noun", "U.S. Military slang . A cadet at or near the bottom of the class in the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; (now usually) spec. the cadet at the bottom of the class upon graduation from West Point. Also more generally: the most junior officer in a military unit, gathering, etc."] | 1,894 | null | 2012 | Cadets celebrated at the United States Military Academy's 2007 graduation at West Point. Each year, the last-ranking cadet is anointed the class ‘ goat ’. | Wall Street Journal 27 November a 14 (caption) | 2,012 |
Admirers saw great merit in..his long shaggy goat | goat | /dictionary/goat_n?tab=factsheet#2791684 | null | null | n. & adj. | 5 | Old English– | A domesticated browsing ruminant mammal, Capra aegagrus hircus, having backward-curving horns and typically a beard, kept worldwide for milk, wool… | 1849– | ["noun", "Originally and chiefly U.S. Short for goatee n."] | 1,849 | null | 1856 | Admirers saw great merit in..his long shaggy goat . | S. G. Goodrich , Recollections of Lifetime vol. I. 210 | 1,856 |
All sweetly serene and easy was the lovely brow and charming aspect of my goddess | goddess | /dictionary/goddess_n?tab=factsheet#2809557 | 1,387 | null | n. | 5 | a1387– | A female god, esp. in any of various polytheistic systems of belief. Cf. god, n. A.I.1. | a1450– | ["A woman who is idealized, adored, or worshipped, esp. by a particular admirer."] | 1,450 | null | 1748 | All sweetly serene and easy was the lovely brow and charming aspect of my goddess . | S. Richardson , Clarissa vol. III. lxiii. 306 | 1,748 |
It is impossible to know any person that deserves to be her husband: she's too great a treasure for one man's possession: she's a goddess | goddess | /dictionary/goddess_n?tab=factsheet#2809557 | 1,387 | null | n. | 5 | a1387– | A female god, esp. in any of various polytheistic systems of belief. Cf. god, n. A.I.1. | a1450– | ["A woman who is idealized, adored, or worshipped, esp. by a particular admirer."] | 1,450 | null | 1766 | It is impossible to know any person that deserves to be her husband: she's too great a treasure for one man's possession: she's a goddess . | O. Goldsmith , Vicar of Wakefield vol. I. xvi. 166 | 1,766 |
‘Will you come?’.. ‘I've never been up a mountain in winter before. We shall get a splendid view. Sure it won't grind | grind | /dictionary/grind_v1?tab=factsheet#2489935 | null | null | v.¹ | 5 | Old English– | transitive. To reduce to small particles or powder by crushing between two hard surfaces; esp. to make (grain) into meal or flour in a mill… | 1887– | ["3. figurative .", "colloquial . To be a \u2018grind\u2019 (see grind n. 1 2 ) to, to fag."] | 1,887 | null | 1887 | ‘Will you come?’.. ‘I've never been up a mountain in winter before. We shall get a splendid view. Sure it won't grind you?’ | T. B. Reed , Dog with Bad Name xix | 1,887 |
The better sort of them [ sc. palm trees] , when they are pressed, yield an excellent kind of honey | honey | /dictionary/honey_n?tab=factsheet#1522017 | null | null | n. & adj. | 5 | Old English– | A sweet sticky fluid or semi-solid substance from whitish to dark brown in colour, produced by honeybees, other social bees, and certain other… | 1558– | ["noun", "I. A sweet sticky fluid made by insects, and related uses.", "Any of various other substances resembling honey, esp. in being sweet and sticky; spec. juice expressed from dates or other fruit of palm trees."] | 1,558 | null | 1737 | The better sort of them [ sc. palm trees] , when they are pressed, yield an excellent kind of honey . | W. Whiston , translation of Josephus, Jewish War iv. viii, in translation of Josephus, Genuine Works 868 | 1,737 |
My children..she always addressed by their Christian names, excepting when she substituted the word ‘ honey | honey | /dictionary/honey_n?tab=factsheet#1522017 | null | null | n. & adj. | 5 | Old English– | A sweet sticky fluid or semi-solid substance from whitish to dark brown in colour, produced by honeybees, other social bees, and certain other… | a1375– | ["noun", "II. Figurative and extended uses.", "II.5. Now chiefly colloquial .", "As a term of endearment or affectionate form of address: sweetheart, darling. In later use chiefly North American , esp. as a colloquial form of address (sometimes without affectionate connotations). See also hinny n. 2"] | 1,375 | null | 1832 | My children..she always addressed by their Christian names, excepting when she substituted the word ‘ honey ’. | F. Trollope , Domestic Manners of Americans (ed. 2) vol. I. x. 140 | 1,832 |
One evening when a girl was there the bell ring and Moses went and open the door. From the moment he see Cap he start to get on ignorant | ignorant | /dictionary/ignorant_adj?tab=factsheet#934808 | 1,400 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | ?c1400– | Of a person: lacking knowledge or awareness, either generally or about a particular thing; uninformed, uneducated. Also later as a more general term… | 1913– | ["adjective", "Caribbean . Angry, quick-tempered. Chiefly in to get on ignorant (also to get ignorant ): to become angry."] | 1,913 | null | 1956 | One evening when a girl was there the bell ring and Moses went and open the door. From the moment he see Cap he start to get on ignorant . | S. Selvon , Lonely Londoners (1995) 60 | 1,956 |
Only the practitioner knows what he does and why he is doing it, recording the bare essentials for lack of time or inclination | inclination | /dictionary/inclination_n?tab=factsheet#791696 | 1,398 | null | n. | 5 | a1398– | A tendency or disposition to behave, think, feel, etc., in a particular way; a readiness or willingness… Without following prepositional phrase or… | ?a1439– | ["I. Senses relating to tendency, disposition, or preference.", "I.1.b. A tendency or disposition to behave, think, feel, etc., in a particular way; a readiness or willingness to do something. Also: a preference for a person, party, proposal, etc.; a leaning, a bias. Also as a mass noun; see also by inclination at Phrases .", "Without following prepositional phrase or infinitive, indicating an action, mode of behaviour, etc., towards which a person is inclined."] | 1,439 | null | 1967 | Only the practitioner knows what he does and why he is doing it, recording the bare essentials for lack of time or inclination . | Canadian Medical Association Journal 23 September 818/2 | 1,967 |
The elevation of the stile of an inclining dial at any place, is equal to the sum or difference of the latitude and inclination | inclination | /dictionary/inclination_n?tab=factsheet#791696 | 1,398 | null | n. | 5 | a1398– | A tendency or disposition to behave, think, feel, etc., in a particular way; a readiness or willingness… Without following prepositional phrase or… | 1585– | ["II. Senses relating to physically bending, sloping, or tilting.", "The degree to which the plane of an inclining dial ( inclining dial n. ) is inclined to the horizon. Now rare ."] | 1,585 | null | 1842 | The elevation of the stile of an inclining dial at any place, is equal to the sum or difference of the latitude and inclination . | A. Bell , Treat. Pract. Mathematics vol. II. 341 | 1,842 |
Where the neck rises from the chest of the horse, the shoulder-blades form the resting place for his collar or harness into a slope or inclination | inclination | /dictionary/inclination_n?tab=factsheet#791696 | 1,398 | null | n. | 5 | a1398– | A tendency or disposition to behave, think, feel, etc., in a particular way; a readiness or willingness… Without following prepositional phrase or… | 1809– | ["II. Senses relating to physically bending, sloping, or tilting.", "A sloping line, plane, or surface; a slope, a declivity, esp. on a road or railway. Now rare . Cf. incline n. 2a ."] | 1,809 | null | 1809 | Where the neck rises from the chest of the horse, the shoulder-blades form the resting place for his collar or harness into a slope or inclination . | Lit. Panorama December 422 | 1,809 |
To keep You in almost an universal Ignorance of our Studies, which it is Your inherent Birth-right to inspect | inspect | /dictionary/inspect_v?tab=factsheet#362613 | 1,623 | null | v. | 5 | 1623– | transitive. To look carefully into; to view closely and critically; to examine (something) with a view to find out its character or condition; now… | 1623– | ["transitive . To look carefully into; to view closely and critically; to examine (something) with a view to find out its character or condition; now spec. to investigate or oversee officially: see inspector n. 1 ."] | 1,623 | null | 1704 | To keep You in almost an universal Ignorance of our Studies, which it is Your inherent Birth-right to inspect . | J. Swift , Tale of Tub Epistle Ded. 2 | 1,704 |
The faculty by which it [the mind] operates singly, and without participation of the body, I call intellect | intellect | /dictionary/intellect_n?tab=factsheet#211226 | 1,398 | null | n. | 5 | a1398– | That faculty, or sum of faculties, of the mind or soul by which a person knows and reasons; power of thought; understanding; analytic intelligence… | a1398– | ["That faculty, or sum of faculties, of the mind or soul by which a person knows and reasons; power of thought; understanding; analytic intelligence; (also) an instance of this. Occasionally used of an animal."] | 1,398 | null | 1773 | The faculty by which it [the mind] operates singly, and without participation of the body, I call intellect . | Lord Monboddo , Origin & Progress of Language (1774) vol. I. i. iv. 45 | 1,773 |
Their [ i.e. Angels'] thoughts are communicated to one another by what the schoolmen call intuition | intuition | /dictionary/intuition_n?tab=factsheet#167187 | 1,497 | null | n. | 5 | 1497– | Modern Philosophy. The immediate apprehension of an object by the mind without the intervention of any reasoning process; a particular act of such… | 1652– | ["Scholastic Philosophy . The spiritual perception or immediate knowledge, ascribed to angelic and spiritual beings, with whom vision and knowledge are identical."] | 1,652 | null | a1720 | Their [ i.e. Angels'] thoughts are communicated to one another by what the schoolmen call intuition . | J. Sheffield , Works (1753) vol. I. 122 | 1,720 |
The Method of disputing by Interrogation..gave birth to the famous Attic Irony | irony | /dictionary/irony_n?tab=meaning_and_use#64966 | 1,502 | null | n. | 5 | 1502– | Originally Rhetoric. As a mass noun. The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous… | 1502– | ["Dissimulation, pretence; esp. (and in later use only) feigned ignorance and disingenuousness of the kind employed by Socrates during philosophical discussions (see Socratic irony n. ); an instance of this. Cf. eiron n."] | 1,502 | null | 1738 | The Method of disputing by Interrogation..gave birth to the famous Attic Irony . | W. Warburton , Divine Legation of Moses vol. I. iii. iii. 330 | 1,738 |
Tom the Porter, Companion of the Pot, Who stands in the Street with his Rope and Knot | knot | /dictionary/knot_n1?tab=factsheet#40019763 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | An intertwining or complication of the parts of one or more ropes, cords, or strips of anything flexible enough, made for the purpose of fastening… | 1719– | ["I. Senses relating to knotting and ties.", "More fully porter's knot : \u2018A kind of double shoulder-pad, with a loop passing round the forehead, the whole roughly resembling a horse-collar, used by London market-porters for carrying their burdens\u2019 ( Encycl. Dict. )."] | 1,719 | null | 1719 | Tom the Porter, Companion of the Pot, Who stands in the Street with his Rope and Knot . | in T. D'Urfey, Wit & Mirth vol. V. 75 | 1,719 |
Couch and some other weeds vegetate at every joint or knot | knot | /dictionary/knot_n1?tab=factsheet#40019763 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | An intertwining or complication of the parts of one or more ropes, cords, or strips of anything flexible enough, made for the purpose of fastening… | 1398– | ["III. transferred . A hard or firm mass such as is formed by a knot tied in a string, etc.", "A thickened part or protuberance in the tissue of a plant; an excrescence on a stem, branch, or root; a node on a stem, esp. when of swollen form, as the joints in grasses; the hard mass formed in a trunk at the insertion of a branch or round the place of insertion of an abortive or dead branch, causing a rounded cross-grained piece in a board, which is apt to fall out, and leave a knot-hole . Also, a bud; in (the) knot , in bud, budding. plural , a disease which attacks plum and cherry trees (see quot. 1845 )."] | 1,398 | null | 1787 | Couch and some other weeds vegetate at every joint or knot . | G. Winter , New System of Husbandry 51 | 1,787 |
We were close under St. Iago, another Island of the same Knot | knot | /dictionary/knot_n1?tab=factsheet#40019763 | null | null | n.¹ | 5 | Old English– | An intertwining or complication of the parts of one or more ropes, cords, or strips of anything flexible enough, made for the purpose of fastening… | 1612– | ["III. transferred . A hard or firm mass such as is formed by a knot tied in a string, etc.", "III.18. A small group, cluster, band or company of persons or things (gathered together in one place, or associated in any way). of a knot , in union or combination, associated together.", "Of things."] | 1,612 | null | 1698 | We were close under St. Iago, another Island of the same Knot . | J. Fryer , New Account of East-India & Persia 6 | 1,698 |
The offer of a pardon comes too late, to him that hath turn'd himself off the Ladder | ladder | /dictionary/ladder_n?tab=factsheet#39873282 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | An appliance made of wood, metal, or rope, usually portable, consisting of a series of bars (‘rungs’) or steps fixed between two supports, by means… | c1515–1658 | ["\u2020 esp. The steps to a gallows. Chiefly in to bring to the ladder . groom of the ladder (jocular): a hangman. Obsolete ."] | 1,515 | 1,658 | 1658 | The offer of a pardon comes too late, to him that hath turn'd himself off the Ladder . | W. Gurnall , Christian in Armour: 2nd Part 647 | 1,658 |
Special attention was..given to such important matters as the breadth of the educational ladder | ladder | /dictionary/ladder_n?tab=factsheet#39873282 | null | null | n. | 5 | Old English– | An appliance made of wood, metal, or rope, usually portable, consisting of a series of bars (‘rungs’) or steps fixed between two supports, by means… | c1175– | ["figurative . Also in \u2020 to draw up the ladder after itself [compare French apr\u00e8s lui il faut tirer l'\u00e9chelle ] : to be unapproachable. to see through a ladder : to see what is obvious. to kick down the ladder : said of persons who repudiate or ignore the friendships or associations by means of which they have risen in the world."] | 1,175 | null | 1951 | Special attention was..given to such important matters as the breadth of the educational ladder. | R. Firth , Elements of Social Organization i. 29 | 1,951 |
The diamond shape of the glass of old casements was suggested by the ancient lattice | lattice | /dictionary/lattice_n?tab=factsheet#39793357 | 1,382 | null | n. | 5 | a1382– | A structure made of laths, or of wood or metal crossed and fastened together, with open spaces left between; used as a screen, e.g. in window… | a1382– | ["A structure made of laths, or of wood or metal crossed and fastened together, with open spaces left between; used as a screen, e.g. in window openings and the like; a window, gate, screen, etc. so constructed."] | 1,382 | null | 1866 | The diamond shape of the glass of old casements was suggested by the ancient lattice . | J. E. T. Rogers , History of Agriculture & Prices vol. I. xx. 488 | 1,866 |
‘I should not have let the Queen come in, to disturb you.’‘The Queen..would never want to come,’ said Mrs. John, who was very literal | literal | /dictionary/literal_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#38959634 | 1,398 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | a1398– | Of, relating to, or designating the primary, original, or etymological sense of a word, or the exact sense expressed by the actual wording of a… | 1633– | ["adjective", "II. Free from metaphor, allegory, etc.", "Of a person, the mind, etc.: apt to take words literally; characterized by an inability to recognize metaphor or understand humorous exaggeration, irony, or the like; lacking imagination; prosaic, literal-minded."] | 1,633 | null | 1883 | ‘I should not have let the Queen come in, to disturb you.’‘The Queen..would never want to come,’ said Mrs. John, who was very literal . | M. Oliphant , Hester vol. I. v. 66 | 1,883 |
I do not say it is necessary, that all Greek Authors should be attended with versions so literal | literal | /dictionary/literal_adj?tab=meaning_and_use#38959634 | 1,398 | null | adj. & n. | 5 | a1398– | Of, relating to, or designating the primary, original, or etymological sense of a word, or the exact sense expressed by the actual wording of a… | a1627– | ["adjective", "II. Free from metaphor, allegory, etc.", "Of a translation, version, or transcript: representing the very words of the original; verbally exact. \u2020Also: (of the words of a passage) exact ( obsolete )."] | 1,627 | null | a1753 | I do not say it is necessary, that all Greek Authors should be attended with versions so literal . | R. Newton in translation of Theophrastus, Characters (1754) p. viii | 1,753 |
In some societies it is girls for whom parents must collect a dowry or make husband-catching magic | magic | /dictionary/magic_n?tab=factsheet#38547716 | 1,387 | null | n. | 5 | c1387– | The use of ritual activities or observances which are intended to influence the course of events or to manipulate the natural world, usually… | c1387– | ["The use of ritual activities or observances which are intended to influence the course of events or to manipulate the natural world, usually involving the use of an occult or secret body of knowledge; sorcery, witchcraft. Also: this practice as a subject of study."] | 1,387 | null | 1949 | In some societies it is girls for whom parents must collect a dowry or make husband-catching magic . | M. Mead , Male & Female i. 7 | 1,949 |
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