| 释义 |
ˈprick-ˌear, prick ear
[app. a back-formation from prick-eared, q.v.]
1. pl. The erect pointed ears of some beasts, spec. of dogs; ears that are pricked up or stand erect; hence fig. those of a person on the alert to hear: cf. prick v. 27.
1634T. Johnson Parey's Chirurg. 1004 Having two hornes, pricke ears, and armes. 1652Gaule Magastrom. 184 Prick-eares [presage or note] a medler. 1839C. Knight Pict. Shaks., Hen. V 340/2 A portrait of the Esquimaux dog, which strikingly exhibits the prick ear. 1853Kingsley Hypatia xxi, The faithful Bran, whose lop-ears and heavy jaws, unique in that land of prick-ears and fox-noses, formed the absorbing subject of conversation.
b. The ears of a person when conspicuous by naturally standing out, or by having the hair cut short, as those of a ‘Roundhead’: cf. sense 2 and prick-eared 2.
1641R. Brathwait Merc. Brit. iv, How these..round heads with their prick eares doe listen. 1650Bulwer Anthropomet. (1653) 158 Wee of this Nation..affect a small Eare, standing close to the Head... Our Eares are naturally extant and looke forward..all which commodities our mickle-wise Mothers defraud us of by their nice dislike of Lugs, and as they call them in reproach, Prick-eares. 1685Crowne Sir C. Nice ii. 16 Hot. Sirrah, if you be a Presbyterian, I'le kick you down Stairs.., woe be to your prickears, Sirrah.
2. A person having prick-ears; one whose ears are conspicuous; † a nickname for a Puritan (see prick-eared 2, and cf. roundhead).
1642Grand Plutoes Remonstr. Title-p., How far he differs from Round-head, Rattle-head or Prick-eare.
b. (prick-ears.) One of a breed of pigs characterized by erect ears. dial.
1830Cumbld. Farm Rep. 57 in Libr. Usef. Knowl., Husb. III, What are provincially called the ‘prick ears’, a well made, short-legged animal of its kind. |