| 释义 |
ˈwash-way dial.
[f. wash v. + way n.]
1. A portion of a road crossed by a shallow stream.
a1631Donne Serm. civ. (1649) II. 195 He that hath not been accustomed to a sin, but exercised in resisting it, will finde many tentations, but as a wash way that he can trot thorough, and goe forward religiously in his Calling for all them. 1766Ann. Reg. 66 Yesterday morning..the North mail cart, going through Tottenham Washway, was under water. 1804Aston's Manch. Guide 17 The cart road through Hanging-ditch was through a wash-way, so narrow, that only one cart could pass at once.
†b. to make wash-way of, with: to make light of, make short work of. Cf. wash-work 1.
1642D. Rogers Naaman 32 But man heares like the Adder with a deafe eare: she makes wash-way with patience, word conscience and all. Ibid. 298 A common servant makes wash way of his service; lookes at his Master for his owne ends. Ibid. 618 Made wash-way of all sorts of performances, and made them common things.
2. A road deeper in the middle than at the sides.
1790W. H. Marshall Midl. Co. I. 44 A ‘wash-way road’. 1808T. Batchelor Agric. Bedford 588 The form of the roads is generally convex, and the few concave or wash-ways that may be observed, seem [etc.]. |