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‘Is she a musician then [at the restaurant] ?’ asked Mr. Puckle. ‘No—she waited
wait
/dictionary/wait_v1?tab=factsheet#15220619
1,200
null
v.¹
7
c1200–
intransitive or absol. To remain in a place, defer one's departure until something happens. Often to wait for = sense 6.
1568–
["The simple verb.", "To serve as an attendant at table; to hand food and drink to persons at a meal. to wait at table (cf. to wait on or upon \u2014\u2014 10 at Phrasal verbs ), \u2020 to wait at a trencher ."]
1,568
null
1905
‘Is she a musician then [at the restaurant] ?’ asked Mr. Puckle. ‘No—she waited .’
E. T. Thurston , Traffic v. iv
1,905
Sellic heom þuhten..whæt weoren þa ȝemere scipen þa ȝeond þa sæ weolken [c1300 Otho MS. walkede]
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1225–1475
["I. \u2020\u00a0To roll, toss, turn over.", "intransitive . Of a person or thing: to roll or toss about. Of a floating object or sea creature: to be tossed about, to bob up and down. Obsolete ."]
1,225
1,475
c1275
Sellic heom þuhten..whæt weoren þa ȝemere scipen þa ȝeond þa sæ weolken [c1300 Otho MS. walkede] .
Laȝamon , Brut (Caligula MS.) (1963) l. 6007
1,275
Off a fisch þat euere slepeth: Þer is a ffisch, wiþ-oute lesynge, þat in þe see is walkynge
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1225–1475
["I. \u2020\u00a0To roll, toss, turn over.", "intransitive . Of a person or thing: to roll or toss about. Of a floating object or sea creature: to be tossed about, to bob up and down. Obsolete ."]
1,225
1,475
c1390
Off a fisch þat euere slepeth: Þer is a ffisch, wiþ-oute lesynge, þat in þe see is walkynge .
Proprium Sanctorum in Archiv für das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1888) vol. 81 302 (Middle English Dictionary)
1,390
The arrowes flewe from side to side, The bullot stones did walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1225–
["II. To move about, journey, circulate. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "II.5. Of a thing.", "intransitive . Of various material things, as a pen, a weapon, an instrument, a celestial object: to move, be in motion. Of leaves: to come out. Now rare (chiefly Scottish in later use)."]
1,225
null
1587
The arrowes flewe from side to side, The bullot stones did walke .
G. Turberville , Tragicall Tales f. 88 v
1,587
Wealth is a witch that hath a wicked charme, That in the mindes of wicked men doth walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1350–1857
["II. To move about, journey, circulate. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "II.5. Of a thing.", "\u2020 intransitive . Of crime, vice, or virtue: to be rife, to spread abroad. Obsolete ."]
1,350
1,857
1626
Wealth is a witch that hath a wicked charme, That in the mindes of wicked men doth walke .
N. Breton , Pasquils Mad-cap (Grosart) 8/2
1,626
Loke nowe what people haste thou serued, whiche of hem al in tyme of thyne exile euer the refresshed, by the valewe of the leste coyned plate that walketh
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1400–1687
["II. To move about, journey, circulate. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "II.5. Of a thing.", "\u2020 intransitive . Of a report, a letter, or fame; also of money: to circulate, spread, pass from one person to another; also with about . Also said of the person whose fame circulates. Obsolete ."]
1,400
1,687
1532
Loke nowe what people haste thou serued, whiche of hem al in tyme of thyne exile euer the refresshed, by the valewe of the leste coyned plate that walketh in money.
Usk's Testament of Loue in Workes of Geffray Chaucer i. f. cccxxxiii
1,532
No man shal fynde a tyme to speake, so faste theyr tonges shal walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1550–1710
["II. To move about, journey, circulate. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "II.5. Of a thing.", "\u2020 intransitive . Of the tongue (also occasionally the jaws): to move briskly. Obsolete ."]
1,550
1,710
1550
No man shal fynde a tyme to speake, so faste theyr tonges shal walke .
R. Crowley , One & Thyrtye Epigrammes sig. Cvii
1,550
This Hicks..was also Author..of other little trivial matters meerly to get bread, and make the pot walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1563–1746
["II. To move about, journey, circulate. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "II.5. Of a thing.", "\u2020 intransitive . Of drink, etc.: to circulate, be handed round. Obsolete ."]
1,563
1,746
1691
This Hicks..was also Author..of other little trivial matters meerly to get bread, and make the pot walk .
A. Wood , Athenæ Oxonienses vol. II. 157
1,691
O Ignorance, how foolish thou dost talk! I'st happinesse in Ignorance to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1200–
["III. To pass one's life, conduct oneself, live, be in a certain condition. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "III.7. figurative .", "intransitive . Chiefly after biblical usage: to pass one's life; to conduct oneself, behave (well, badly, wisely, unwisely, etc.). Often with reference to a metaphorical \u2018path\u2019 or \u2018way\u2019. Also occasionally transitive with the path or way as object."]
1,200
null
1653
O Ignorance, how foolish thou dost talk! I'st happinesse in Ignorance to walk ?
Duchess of Newcastle , Poems & Fancies 85
1,653
It is an evill speech of some, that in some things the will of the Law, not the ratio of it, must be the Rule of Conscience to walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1574–
["III. To pass one's life, conduct oneself, live, be in a certain condition. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "III.7. figurative .", "intransitive . To direct one's conduct by , after a rule, etc."]
1,574
null
1644
It is an evill speech of some, that in some things the will of the Law, not the ratio of it, must be the Rule of Conscience to walke by.
R. Williams , Blovdy Tenent xciv. 141
1,644
I am now resolved..to think upon some rules and obligacions upon myself to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1574–
["III. To pass one's life, conduct oneself, live, be in a certain condition. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "III.7. figurative .", "intransitive . To direct one's conduct by , after a rule, etc."]
1,574
null
1662
I am now resolved..to think upon some rules and obligacions upon myself to walk by.
S. Pepys , Diary 1 March (1970) vol. III. 39
1,662
Upon the which Place St. Augustine wryteth thus, Christe tooke Fleshe of the blessed Virgin his Mother, and in the same he did walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1225–
["III. To pass one's life, conduct oneself, live, be in a certain condition. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "intransitive . Of a person: to go about in public, be alive, live (in a certain place or region). Also of an animal: to range, be found (in a certain place)."]
1,225
null
1559
Upon the which Place St. Augustine wryteth thus, Christe tooke Fleshe of the blessed Virgin his Mother, and in the same he did walke .
Bishop Scot in J. Strype, Annals of Reformation (1709) vol. I. App. x. 32
1,559
I would much rather see them going to be hanged with their cloaths-on, than to see them only walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1250–1847
["III. To pass one's life, conduct oneself, live, be in a certain condition. In most senses now taken as an extended use of Branch IV", "\u2020 intransitive . With adjectival complement or phrase denoting a state or condition in which one (habitually) finds oneself or puts oneself in (in later use esp. with regard to clothing): to go about. Cf. go v. I.5 . Obsolete ."]
1,250
1,847
1769
I would much rather see them going to be hanged with their cloaths-on, than to see them only walk naked.
Batchelor vol. I. 180
1,769
[At Spa] There is a pleasant garden of the Capuciners, where drinkers of the waters generallie walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1375–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive . To move about or go from place to place on foot for exercise or recreation; to take a walk or walks. Also with abroad ."]
1,375
null
1685
[At Spa] There is a pleasant garden of the Capuciners, where drinkers of the waters generallie walk .
in W. Mure, Selections Family Papers Caldwell (1854) vol. I. 153
1,685
As he spoke, Mr. Grey rose from table and invited them to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1375–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive . To move about or go from place to place on foot for exercise or recreation; to take a walk or walks. Also with abroad ."]
1,375
null
1830
As he spoke, Mr. Grey rose from table and invited them to walk .
Portugal; or The Young Travellers 239
1,830
Jolter, with great ceremony, complimented his reverence with the pas, beseeching him to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1599–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive . With in , up ; also with into , this way , etc. In invitations to enter a room, approach, etc. (implying absence of hesitation)."]
1,599
null
1751
Jolter, with great ceremony, complimented his reverence with the pas, beseeching him to walk in.
T. Smollett , Peregrine Pickle vol. II. lx. 176
1,751
The very steep ascent of Chatham Hill, which most riders will walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1631–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive and transitive . In express or implied opposition to ride , drive , etc. Also with it as object."]
1,631
null
1883
The very steep ascent of Chatham Hill, which most riders will walk .
C. Howard , Roads Eng. & Wales (ed. 3) 3
1,883
The champions harvested a pair of tallies in the second inning. Clarke did not get them over for Kelly, and Joe ‘ walked
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1866–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive . Baseball . Of a batter: to reach first base automatically after not hitting at four balls pitched outside the strike zone. Cf. base on balls n. at base n. 1 Phrases P.3 , walk n. 1 II.4b , V.25a ."]
1,866
null
1895
The champions harvested a pair of tallies in the second inning. Clarke did not get them over for Kelly, and Joe ‘ walked ’.
Press (New York) 5 July 6/1
1,895
This is a good judge sitting today... He's liable to call you a tramp, but if he can, he'll let you walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1958–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.9. To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so that one of the feet is always on the ground.", "intransitive . slang (originally and chiefly U.S. ). = to walk free at Phrases P.14 ."]
1,958
null
1958
This is a good judge sitting today... He's liable to call you a tramp, but if he can, he'll let you walk .
J. M. Murtagh & S. Harris , Cast First Stone vii. 105
1,958
I make your Grace my executor, and I beseech ye See my poore will fulfill'd: sure I shall walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1400–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "intransitive . Of a ghost, spectre, or fiend: to be seen moving about; to appear. Also of a dead person: to return as a ghost. \u2020Also with out ."]
1,400
null
a1625
I make your Grace my executor, and I beseech ye See my poore will fulfill'd: sure I shall walke else.
J. Fletcher , Humorous Lieut. iii. v, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher, Comedies & Tragedies (1647) sig. Rrr3 v /1
1,625
Everybody knows that it's an awful thing for a dead man to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1400–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "intransitive . Of a ghost, spectre, or fiend: to be seen moving about; to appear. Also of a dead person: to return as a ghost. \u2020Also with out ."]
1,400
null
1882
Everybody knows that it's an awful thing for a dead man to walk .
A. Jessopp in 19th Century November 737
1,882
Would ye rob the man before his body? Nay, he would walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1400–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "intransitive . Of a ghost, spectre, or fiend: to be seen moving about; to appear. Also of a dead person: to return as a ghost. \u2020Also with out ."]
1,400
null
1888
Would ye rob the man before his body? Nay, he would walk !
R. L. Stevenson , Black Arrow Prologue 12
1,888
If you were a suicide, until 1823 you were required to be buried by law at a crossroads with a stake through your heart... The stake was to prevent the ghost from walking
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1400–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "intransitive . Of a ghost, spectre, or fiend: to be seen moving about; to appear. Also of a dead person: to return as a ghost. \u2020Also with out ."]
1,400
null
1998
If you were a suicide, until 1823 you were required to be buried by law at a crossroads with a stake through your heart... The stake was to prevent the ghost from walking .
D. Pool , What Jane Austen ate & Charles Dickens Knew (new edition) 230
1,998
There horse beinge tayed on a balke, is ready with theefe for to walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1450–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . \u2020Of an animal: to be stolen ( obsolete ). Of a thing: to be got rid of; to be carried off; (in later colloquial use) to go missing and be presumed to have been borrowed or stolen. \u2020 to let ( something ) walk : to dismiss (something) from attention ( obsolete )."]
1,450
null
1570
There horse beinge tayed on a balke, is ready with theefe for to walke .
T. Tusser , Hundreth Good Pointes of Husbandry (new edition) f. 23 v
1,570
Their Horse being ty'd on a Balk, Is ready with Thief for to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1450–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . \u2020Of an animal: to be stolen ( obsolete ). Of a thing: to be got rid of; to be carried off; (in later colloquial use) to go missing and be presumed to have been borrowed or stolen. \u2020 to let ( something ) walk : to dismiss (something) from attention ( obsolete )."]
1,450
null
1653
Their Horse being ty'd on a Balk, Is ready with Thief for to walk .
W. Blith , English Improver Improved (new edition) xiii. 89
1,653
Such commissions could never extend to cutlery, which, if interesting, tended to ‘ walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
c1450–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . \u2020Of an animal: to be stolen ( obsolete ). Of a thing: to be got rid of; to be carried off; (in later colloquial use) to go missing and be presumed to have been borrowed or stolen. \u2020 to let ( something ) walk : to dismiss (something) from attention ( obsolete )."]
1,450
null
1989
Such commissions could never extend to cutlery, which, if interesting, tended to ‘ walk ’.
Times 21 September 13/6
1,989
Mark Ramprakash spooned one up to extra cover, Jacques Kallis lurched forward to scoop up the catch, yet Ramps didn't walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1960–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . Cricket . Of a batter: to dismiss oneself voluntarily by walking towards the pavilion without waiting to be given out by the umpire; also with out ."]
1,960
null
1998
Mark Ramprakash spooned one up to extra cover, Jacques Kallis lurched forward to scoop up the catch, yet Ramps didn't walk .
Birmingham Post (Nexis) 1 August 9
1,998
Our baby sitter founded the Sitters' Union. They get TV, cookies, and root beer, or they walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1976–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . = to walk out 3a at Phrasal verbs 3a , to walk out 3b at Phrasal verbs 3b . Also: to quit a job. Cf. also to walk away at Phrasal verbs PV.1 ."]
1,976
null
1976
Our baby sitter founded the Sitters' Union. They get TV, cookies, and root beer, or they walk .
National Observer (U.S.) 14 August 16/3
1,976
Carey called a strike, and all four thousand of his UPS members walked
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1976–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . = to walk out 3a at Phrasal verbs 3a , to walk out 3b at Phrasal verbs 3b . Also: to quit a job. Cf. also to walk away at Phrasal verbs PV.1 ."]
1,976
null
1978
Carey called a strike, and all four thousand of his UPS members walked .
S. Brill , Teamsters v. 180
1,978
After multiple bad experiences..the vast majority [of customers] do not fill out a survey or complain—they just walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1976–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.13. To go away, leave, depart.", "intransitive . = to walk out 3a at Phrasal verbs 3a , to walk out 3b at Phrasal verbs 3b . Also: to quit a job. Cf. also to walk away at Phrasal verbs PV.1 ."]
1,976
null
2007
After multiple bad experiences..the vast majority [of customers] do not fill out a survey or complain—they just walk .
M. G. Brown , Beyond Balanced Scorecard iv. 81
2,007
Aire, Water, Earth, By Fowl, Fish, Beast, was flown, was swum, was walkt
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1574–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "transitive . To move on foot upon (a surface, the ground, the sea, etc.); to tread. Cf. to walk on water at Phrases P.18 ."]
1,574
null
1667
Aire, Water, Earth, By Fowl, Fish, Beast, was flown, was swum, was walkt .
J. Milton , Paradise Lost vii. 503
1,667
Why shall a Man practise Coupees, who only means to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1628–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.16. With emphasis on the gait or pace.", "intransitive . Of a human being or other biped, contrasted with run , hop , etc. Cf. walk n. 1 II.8 ."]
1,628
null
1760
Why shall a Man practise Coupees, who only means to walk ?
R. Griffith & E. Griffith , Letters Henry & Frances (ed. 2) vol. II. ccxxi. 144
1,760
Among the land-birds, the grouse, pigeon, quails, larks, and various blackbirds, walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
a1628–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.16. With emphasis on the gait or pace.", "intransitive . Of a human being or other biped, contrasted with run , hop , etc. Cf. walk n. 1 II.8 ."]
1,628
null
1871
Among the land-birds, the grouse, pigeon, quails, larks, and various blackbirds, walk .
J. Burroughs , Wake-robin 222
1,871
If the Christian Democrats put enough candidates up at the next election they'll walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1779–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.16. With emphasis on the gait or pace.", "intransitive . To win a contest easily or without effort, in various phrases."]
1,779
null
1977
If the Christian Democrats put enough candidates up at the next election they'll walk in .
P. Hill , Fanatics 125
1,977
He's doing Common Entrance this year—we've put him down for Eton, and according to his head teacher, he's expected to walk
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1937–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.16. With emphasis on the gait or pace.", "intransitive , and transitive with it as object. colloquial . Esp. in a sporting contest: to win easily; (more generally) to achieve (one's aim) with little effort."]
1,937
null
2005
He's doing Common Entrance this year—we've put him down for Eton, and according to his head teacher, he's expected to walk it.
L. Kellaway , Who moved my Blackberry? (2006) i. 10
2,005
Up here in the north all the jazzmen are playing too fast or too slow—nobody walks
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1951–
["IV. To move about on foot, and related senses.", "IV.16. With emphasis on the gait or pace.", "intransitive . Jazz . To play a walking bass or walking beat. See walking bass n. , walking beat n. . Also occasionally transitive ."]
1,951
null
1952
Up here in the north all the jazzmen are playing too fast or too slow—nobody walks .
Mademoiselle December 118
1,952
A seemely sight it was to see the seamen plye their teeth, Wherewith the Cups apace they walke
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1581
["V. Causative uses.", "V.23. With a thing as object.", "\u2020 transitive . To send round (drink). Cf. sense II.5g . Obsolete . rare ."]
1,581
null
1581
A seemely sight it was to see the seamen plye their teeth, Wherewith the Cups apace they walke .
A. Hall , translation of Homer, 10 Books of Iliades i. 14
1,581
Affections were transferred to the two foxhound puppies which were sent each year to be ‘ walked
walk
/dictionary/walk_v?tab=factsheet#15249946
null
null
v.
7
Old English–
To move or travel at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, so… intransitive. Chiefly with adverb or adverbial…
1845–
["V. Causative uses.", "transitive . To train and look after (a young hound). Cf. at walk at walk n. 1 III.17 ."]
1,845
null
1983
Affections were transferred to the two foxhound puppies which were sent each year to be ‘ walked ’.
Duchess of Gloucester , Mem. ii. 18
1,983
In our Marshes and Fens..where great Quantities of Land being..recovered out of the Seas and Rivers, and maintain'd with Banks (which they call Walls
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1330–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "An embankment to hold back the water of a river or the sea. Cf. seawall n."]
1,330
null
1697
In our Marshes and Fens..where great Quantities of Land being..recovered out of the Seas and Rivers, and maintain'd with Banks (which they call Walls ).
D. Defoe , Essay upon Projects 121
1,697
He stopped, and looked along the rosy dike, uttered a hasty exclamation, and ran down the wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1330–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "An embankment to hold back the water of a river or the sea. Cf. seawall n."]
1,330
null
1898
He stopped, and looked along the rosy dike, uttered a hasty exclamation, and ran down the wall .
P. H. Emerson , Marsh Leaves (revised edition) lix. 179
1,898
The devout on earth will ever be found within the Church's walls
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1600–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "within the walls : within the ancient boundaries (of a city) as distinguished from the suburbs; hence figurative within the limits (of the Church, \u2020Europe, \u2020Christendom, etc.)"]
1,600
null
1860
The devout on earth will ever be found within the Church's walls .
J. W. Warter , Sea-board & Down vol. II. 468
1,860
We will leave our homes unguarded—our hearts shall be their wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1412–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.3. figurative .", "Applied to a person or thing that serves as a defence."]
1,412
null
1838
We will leave our homes unguarded—our hearts shall be their wall !
E. Bulwer-Lytton , Leila v. i. 222
1,838
A most stately Grove of Cocoes and Oranges..surrounded by a Wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
a1400–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.4. An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones, or similar materials laid in courses. hollow wall , a wall built with an interior cavity or composed of hollow bricks. For blind , boulder , cob , dead , hot , list , rubble wall , etc., see those words; also brick wall n. 1 , mud wall n. , party wall n. , stonewall n.", "An enclosing structure built round a garden, field, yard, or other property; also, each of the portions between the angles of such an enclosure."]
1,400
null
1698
A most stately Grove of Cocoes and Oranges..surrounded by a Wall .
J. Fryer , New Account of East-India & Persia 7
1,698
All such as have been defrauded of their Right to the Wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1606–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.4. An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones, or similar materials laid in courses. hollow wall , a wall built with an interior cavity or composed of hollow bricks. For blind , boulder , cob , dead , hot , list , rubble wall , etc., see those words; also brick wall n. 1 , mud wall n. , party wall n. , stonewall n.", "The inner side of a sidewalk or pavement; the side next the wall. (Cf. the phrases to give , take the wall in 16.)"]
1,606
null
1710
All such as have been defrauded of their Right to the Wall .
J. Addison , Tatler No. 250. ⁋11
1,710
My father had his legs blown off..when he tried to flee over the Wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1961–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.4. An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones, or similar materials laid in courses. hollow wall , a wall built with an interior cavity or composed of hollow bricks. For blind , boulder , cob , dead , hot , list , rubble wall , etc., see those words; also brick wall n. 1 , mud wall n. , party wall n. , stonewall n.", "The Wall : elliptical for Berlin Wall , the wall surrounding West Berlin and separating it from communist East Berlin and the rest of East Germany (erected in 1961 and torn down in 1989)."]
1,961
null
1977
My father had his legs blown off..when he tried to flee over the Wall .
G. Markstein , Chance Awakening lxxviii. 243
1,977
Yet he sent..garden-herbs and fruit, The late and early roses from his wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1699–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.6. A wall considered with regard to its surface.", "A garden- or house-wall upon which fruit trees and flowering trees are trained."]
1,699
null
1864
Yet he sent..garden-herbs and fruit, The late and early roses from his wall .
Lord Tennyson , Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 19
1,864
They habitually looked on the sunny side of the wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1699–
["I. An enclosing or defensive structure, and related uses.", "I.6. A wall considered with regard to its surface.", "A garden- or house-wall upon which fruit trees and flowering trees are trained."]
1,699
null
1857
They habitually looked on the sunny side of the wall .
A. Trollope , Barchester Towers vol. I. xix. 287
1,857
Thereafter, the other players, in counterclockwise rotation, each draw one tile, which may be the last discarded tile or a loose tile from the ‘ wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1922–
["II. Transferred uses.", "In the game of mah-jong, the arrangement of tiles from which hands are drawn. Cf. tile n. 1 4b ."]
1,922
null
1974
Thereafter, the other players, in counterclockwise rotation, each draw one tile, which may be the last discarded tile or a loose tile from the ‘ wall ’.
Encyclopædia Britannica Micropædia vol. VI. 503/3
1,974
The ball was hit far over his head to the center field wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1928–
["II. Transferred uses.", "Baseball . The barrier marking the outer perimeter of the outfield."]
1,928
null
1928
The ball was hit far over his head to the center field wall .
G. H. Ruth , Babe Ruth's Own Book of Baseball 117
1,928
The closest the Reds had come to a hit was Pete Rose's long drive to left-center in the third that Jim Dwyer caught at the wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1928–
["II. Transferred uses.", "Baseball . The barrier marking the outer perimeter of the outfield."]
1,928
null
1973
The closest the Reds had come to a hit was Pete Rose's long drive to left-center in the third that Jim Dwyer caught at the wall .
International Herald Tribune 15 June 15/3
1,973
You thinke it strange..To see me low laie off effeminate robes, And arme my bodie in an iron wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1594–
["II. Transferred uses.", "Something that confines or encloses like the wall of a house, prison, etc.; chiefly plural , the containing sides of a vessel, the vertical sides of a tent, and the like."]
1,594
null
1594
You thinke it strange..To see me low laie off effeminate robes, And arme my bodie in an iron wall .
1st Part of Raigne of Selimus D 1
1,594
Lid the flan with pastry, having egged the top of the ‘ wall
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1747–
["II. Transferred uses.", "The pastry forming the sides of a pie."]
1,747
null
1959
Lid the flan with pastry, having egged the top of the ‘ wall ’.
Listener 22 January 191/2
1,959
The first set [of workmen] curves or pools the coal along the whole line of walls
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1750–
["II. Transferred uses.", "II.10. Mining .", "Coal Mining . (See quot. 1883 1 .)"]
1,750
null
1839
The first set [of workmen] curves or pools the coal along the whole line of walls .
A. Ure , Dictionary of Arts 979
1,839
These [adipose] vesicles are so thin that it is impossible to distinguish their walls
wall
/dictionary/wall_n1?tab=factsheet#15262599
null
null
n.¹
7
Old English–
A defensive structure enclosing a city, castle, etc. Chiefly plural, fortifications.
1682–
["II. Transferred uses.", "Anatomy and Zoology . The membranous investment or lining tissue (of any organ or cavity of the body, of a vesicle, tumour, and the like). Also Botany , the cellulose membrane (of a cell)."]
1,682
null
1830
These [adipose] vesicles are so thin that it is impossible to distinguish their walls .
R. Knox , translation of P. A. Béclard, Elements of General Anatomy 85
1,830
By þys tale ȝe mowe se alle þat fals sweryng wyl euyl befalle, Namlyche, on þe halydom whan he ys charged of any whom
whom
/dictionary/whom_pron?tab=factsheet#14414460
null
null
pron.
7
Old English–
As indirect object (in Old English dative) (now rare) or as object of a preposition (or after than). In direct questions.
a1400
["pronoun The objective case of the personal interrogative and relative pronoun, corresponding to the subjective who pron. In Old English the dative or accusative case; cf. the discussion in the etymology.", "II. \u2020\u00a0Indefinite (non-relative) use.", "II.4. As direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition: someone, anyone. In Old English similarly used with reference to things, as dative of the neuter.", "In phrases with preceding determiner, as sum o\u00feer wham : some one else; any wham : anyone. Cf. somewho n. Obsolete ."]
1,400
null
a1400
By þys tale ȝe mowe se alle þat fals sweryng wyl euyl befalle, Namlyche, on þe halydom whan he ys charged of any whom .
R. Mannyng , Handlyng Synne (Harley MS.) l. 2725 (Middle English Dictionary)
1,400
Not only did each of these famous whales enjoy great individual celebrity—nay, you may call it an ocean- wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1845–
["I. Having great extent; extensive.", "As the final element in combination with nouns denoting regions, areas, organizations, etc., with the sense \u2018extending over or throughout the whole area of \u2014\u2014 ; affecting or reaching the whole of \u2014\u2014 \u2019."]
1,845
null
1851
Not only did each of these famous whales enjoy great individual celebrity—nay, you may call it an ocean- wide renown.
H. Melville , Moby-Dick xlv. 226
1,851
Though his Verses are most Elegant,..yet the description is very wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1662–
["I. Having great extent; extensive.", "Of a word, description, etc.: having a broad range of meaning or application; general, loose; inexplicit, vague."]
1,662
null
1698
Though his Verses are most Elegant,..yet the description is very wide .
J. Fryer , New Account of East-India & Persia 288
1,698
Later scholars have substituted the terms tense and lax for narrow and wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1824–
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "Phonetics . Of a vowel sound: pronounced with the muscles involved (esp. those of the tongue) in a relatively relaxed state; pronounced with a relatively wide opening of the mouth or (now esp.) of the pharyngeal cavity. Cf. lax adj. 5c , open adj. I.13a . Opposed to narrow adj. A.1d ."]
1,824
null
1949
Later scholars have substituted the terms tense and lax for narrow and wide .
R.-M. S. Heffner , General Phonetics v. 96
1,949
Thee, Druna , thee Druentia that doth glide With winding course betweene his bancks so wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
?a1425–
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "Of two or more things: set far apart; widely spaced. Also of a thing: having widely-spaced constituent elements."]
1,425
null
1635
Thee, Druna , thee Druentia that doth glide With winding course betweene his bancks so wide .
W. Saltonstall , translation of G. Mercator, Historia Mundi 368
1,635
The Duc of Burgone..Made grete assemble in landes wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
c1425–1854
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "\u2020\u00a0Situated a considerable distance away; distant, far off. Chiefly with of or from : situated at a specified distance from. Obsolete ."]
1,425
1,854
c1450
The Duc of Burgone..Made grete assemble in landes wide .
Siege Calais (Rome MS.) in PMLA (1952) vol. 67 890 (Middle English Dictionary)
1,450
Q: Yee conclude then, that..the actions of the diuel and al the wicked, are measured and directed by his [ sc. God's] prouidence... A: Or els it were wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1545–1657
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "III.10. Chiefly in predicative use.", "\u2020\u00a0Not in accordance with the proper or desirable order of society, morality, etc.; inappropriate, unsuitable, improper. Obsolete ."]
1,545
1,657
1583
Q: Yee conclude then, that..the actions of the diuel and al the wicked, are measured and directed by his [ sc. God's] prouidence... A: Or els it were wide with vs.
G. Gifford , Catechisme sig. A7
1,583
Whoso heareth him, maye..thinke that he also with very litle a doe, mighte attaine to that perfection, but whan he commeth to the proofe shall finde himselfe farre wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1547–1830
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "III.10. Chiefly in predicative use.", "\u2020\u00a0Far from the truth; that errs in opinion or belief; mistaken. Obsolete ."]
1,547
1,830
1561
Whoso heareth him, maye..thinke that he also with very litle a doe, mighte attaine to that perfection, but whan he commeth to the proofe shall finde himselfe farre wide .
T. Hoby , translation of B. Castiglione, Courtyer i. sig. F.iiii v
1,561
Lear . Yar a spirit I know, where did you dye. Cord . Still, still, farre wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
1547–1830
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "III.10. Chiefly in predicative use.", "\u2020\u00a0Far from the truth; that errs in opinion or belief; mistaken. Obsolete ."]
1,547
1,830
1608
Lear . Yar a spirit I know, where did you dye. Cord . Still, still, farre wide .
W. Shakespeare , King Lear xxi. 48
1,608
Warning guns were fired from the fort; the first shots were wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
a1535–
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "Of a shot, throw, etc.: that misses to one side of a point aimed at (by a large distance); at a (large) distance to one side of an intended or correct target. Also in figurative contexts, esp. in wide of (also \u2020from) the mark at mark n. 1 VI.23b ."]
1,535
null
1911
Warning guns were fired from the fort; the first shots were wide .
U.S. Naval Inst. Proceedings December 1233
1,911
They were now headed for the safety of the open sea and the next shots were wide
wide
/dictionary/wide_adj?tab=factsheet#14447018
null
null
adj.
7
Old English–
Having great spatial extent, esp. horizontally; vast, extensive, spacious, ample. In later use chiefly as a conventional epithet of words denoting an…
a1535–
["III. Senses relating to a large interval, space, or difference between things or people.", "Of a shot, throw, etc.: that misses to one side of a point aimed at (by a large distance); at a (large) distance to one side of an intended or correct target. Also in figurative contexts, esp. in wide of (also \u2020from) the mark at mark n. 1 VI.23b ."]
1,535
null
2014
They were now headed for the safety of the open sea and the next shots were wide .
J. Stockwin , Pasha v. 140
2,014
Nero Caesar..had a Boy cut, as if hee would have transformed him into a Woman, and called him wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1549–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "In (esp. same-sex) relationships, other than marriage, in which the two partners are regarded as occupying roles analogous to those in a traditional mixed-sex marriage: the person assuming the role regarded as more stereotypically feminine, i.e. as being equivalent to that of the wife (sense II.4a ). Cf. husband n. I.2b ."]
1,549
null
1636
Nero Caesar..had a Boy cut, as if hee would have transformed him into a Woman, and called him wife .
R. Basset , translation of G. A. de Paoli, Lives Roman Emperors 181
1,636
[Elagabalus] clothed himself like a Woman, was married to a vile Man, and used as his Wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1549–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "In (esp. same-sex) relationships, other than marriage, in which the two partners are regarded as occupying roles analogous to those in a traditional mixed-sex marriage: the person assuming the role regarded as more stereotypically feminine, i.e. as being equivalent to that of the wife (sense II.4a ). Cf. husband n. I.2b ."]
1,549
null
1692
[Elagabalus] clothed himself like a Woman, was married to a vile Man, and used as his Wife .
O. Walker , Greek & Roman History ii. xiii. 250
1,692
Silius was converted by the insatiable Messalina into a Husband: and Sporus by the Monster Nero into a Wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1549–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "In (esp. same-sex) relationships, other than marriage, in which the two partners are regarded as occupying roles analogous to those in a traditional mixed-sex marriage: the person assuming the role regarded as more stereotypically feminine, i.e. as being equivalent to that of the wife (sense II.4a ). Cf. husband n. I.2b ."]
1,549
null
1754
Silius was converted by the insatiable Messalina into a Husband: and Sporus by the Monster Nero into a Wife .
W. Hay , Deformity 67
1,754
She [ sc. a woman who has been passing as a married man] vehemently refuses to consent that any sum shall be set apart as a provision for her so-called wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1549–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "In (esp. same-sex) relationships, other than marriage, in which the two partners are regarded as occupying roles analogous to those in a traditional mixed-sex marriage: the person assuming the role regarded as more stereotypically feminine, i.e. as being equivalent to that of the wife (sense II.4a ). Cf. husband n. I.2b ."]
1,549
null
1838
She [ sc. a woman who has been passing as a married man] vehemently refuses to consent that any sum shall be set apart as a provision for her so-called wife .
Jackson's Oxford Journal 21 April
1,838
At his request, I was the husband and he was the wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1549–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "In (esp. same-sex) relationships, other than marriage, in which the two partners are regarded as occupying roles analogous to those in a traditional mixed-sex marriage: the person assuming the role regarded as more stereotypically feminine, i.e. as being equivalent to that of the wife (sense II.4a ). Cf. husband n. I.2b ."]
1,549
null
2010
At his request, I was the husband and he was the wife .
M. Kramer in S. Habib, Islam & Homosexuality vol. I. vii. 138
2,010
I hope beloved that in a few years you will come to me and be my love my wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1896–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "Used to denote either partner in a (generally long-term) relationship between two women."]
1,896
null
1896
I hope beloved that in a few years you will come to me and be my love my wife !
A. W. Grimké in G. Beemyn, Queer Capital (2015) ii. 72
1,896
Her little Girl, whose Eyes were all over blubbered at the melancholy News she heard of Jones, who used to call her his little Wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1592–1822
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "\u2020\u00a0Used as a term of affection for a close female friend (esp. of a man). Obsolete ."]
1,592
1,822
1749
Her little Girl, whose Eyes were all over blubbered at the melancholy News she heard of Jones, who used to call her his little Wife .
H. Fielding , Tom Jones vol. VI. xvii. ii. 97
1,749
Near Paris, where the rapid Sein do's glide, In a sub urban Villa did reside A single man; his Garden was his Wife
wife
/dictionary/wife_n?tab=factsheet#14465858
null
null
n.
7
Old English–
The (or a) female partner in a marriage; esp. a married woman considered in relation to her spouse.
1616–
["II. A married woman, and related senses.", "Something likened to a wife in some way, esp. in being a constant companion. Cf. Dutch wife n. . Now rare ."]
1,616
null
1672
Near Paris, where the rapid Sein do's glide, In a sub urban Villa did reside A single man; his Garden was his Wife .
J. Evelyn , translation of R. Rapin, Of Gardens 50
1,672