containv.
/kənˈteɪn/, U.S. /kənˈteɪn/ I. To have in it, to hold; to comprise, enclose.† 3. † b. intransitive with of = sense 3a. Obsolete. rare.† 4. To take up, occupy. (Cf. comprise v. 4c.)† 5. † 7. To include, comprehend (in writing, under a title, division, etc.). Obsolete.
1.
a. transitive. To have in it, to hold. (Said of a vessel, a space, or the like.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)]
holdc1000
takec1175
keep1340
harbour1362
containa1382
comprehend1393
comprise1483
carry1517
house1542
refrain1542
to fetch in1565
enharbour1596
inhold1614
reserve1614
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Jer. ii. 13 Wastid cisternes, that contenen [a1425 L.V. holde] watris moun not.
c1490 Promptorium Parvulorum 91 (MS. K.) Conteynyn, hauyn or kepyn wit-innyn.
a1608 F. Thynne Disc. Ld. Burghleyghe his Creste 416 in Animaduersions (1875) App. iv. 115 In brittell glasse is wholsome wyne conteynde.
1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 64 The Juices..conteined in the Veins of the Earth.
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 18 The Stage can ne'er so vast a Throng contain.
1860 R. C. Trench Serm. in Westm. Abbey xx. 225 We were not formed to contain God's truth, but to be contained by it.
b. To be capable of containing; to have capacity for: usually expressed by to hold v.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] > be able to contain
holdc1000
receivec1425
contain1526
takea1637
1526 Bible (Tyndale) John ii. f. cxxj There were stondynge sixe water pottes of stone..contaynynge two or thre fyrkyns a pece. Iesus sayde vnto them: fyll the water pottes with water.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 496/1 This pot contayneth eyght quartes.
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) III. 1126 In the Wear the best coal is put into tubs, these are waggons without wheels, containing each 53 cwts.
2.
a. To have as part (or the whole) of its contents or substance; to comprise, include.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > incorporation or inclusion > incorporate or include [verb (transitive)]
beclipc1230
beshut1340
contain1340
comprehendc1374
continue1377
begripe1393
close1393
incorpor1398
conceive?c1400
includec1475
engrossa1500
complect1523
conclude?1523
employ1528
to take in1534
retain1577
surmise1578
imprehend1590
immerse1605
comprise1651
involve1651
complexa1657
embrace1697
incorporate1824
embody1847
cover1868
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 999 Þe lawer werld..Contenes haly þe elementes alle.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 118 Þe zeue benes þet byeþ y-contyened ine holi pater noster.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xiii. 58 In þis rewme of Surry er many rewmes contende.
1480 W. Caxton Chron. Eng. ccxxi. 211 He vnclosed the lettre and saw what was conteyned therin.
1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Av The crowne of our lady..after the manere of Rome conteyneth .lx. and thre aues.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. Tabula sig. D iiij The table..contenand the mater of euery buke.
1600 J. Hamilton (title) Facile Traictise, Contenant, first: ane infallible reul..Nixt, a Declaration, etc.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 131 And Grandsires Grandsons the long List contains . View more context for this quotation
1863 A. J. Horwood Yearbks. 30 & 31 Edward I Pref. 22 The volume..having once contained many more [pages] than it does now.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 16 The Laws..contain a few passages which are very grand and noble.
b. Of a material body or substance: To have in it (as a constituent element, or in combination).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > be composed of or consist of [verb (transitive)] > contain as a constituent part
haveeOE
participate1531
contain1756
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. 84 Such waters as contain most air..are found the lightest and purest.
1829 J. Togno & E. Durand tr. H. Milne-Edwards & P. Vavasseur Man. Materia Medica vii. 294 Some of them contain besides, carbonic acid.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xx. 141 The rock..evidently contains a good deal of iron.
a. To include, comprise, extend over, measure (so much space, time, or other magnitude). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > extend to
containc1374
to run to ——1528
comprise?1541
environ1596
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (transitive)] > reach or extend over a period of time
containc1374
span1624
cover1863
comprise1870
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. ii. vii. 56 As myche space as þe see and [the] mareys contenen and ouergon.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) iii. vii. 53 Of all the fygures of the same lengthe the cercle is moost and most conteynyth.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §7. 5 The space by[tw]ene contienith a Mile-wey.
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. iii. iii. 171 Þe thryd elde..Contenys nyne hundyr yhere And twa.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts i. 12 Then returned they..from mount-olivete, which is nye to Ierusalem, conteyninge a Saboth dayes iorney. [So 1557 Geneva.]
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Gv The Iland of Utopia, conteynethe in breadthe..CC miles.
1563 J. Shute First Groundes Archit. sig. Eiv Tuscana conteineth in height .6. Diameters.
1697 J. Potter Archæologiæ Græcæ I. i. viii. 43 They were not exact Semicircles, but contain'd the bigger half of the Circle.
1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 25 That the first Story contain full 10 Foot in height.
ΚΠ
1660 tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. (new ed.) B d Regula under Astragulus containeth of one part.
1660 tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. (new ed.) C a The Pillar with all his ornaments, containeth of 10 Diameters.
c. Of a measure or magnitude: To comprise, be equal to (so much or so many of a smaller measure or magnitude, or a certain fraction of a larger).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > be equivalent to
quitc1375
countervailc1380
containa1387
value1561
to go for ——1574
countervalue1581
weigh1583
avail1598
reanswer1598
commeasure1615
imply1634
equivalence1646
equivale1659
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 235 A cubite of gemetrie conteyneþ sixe comoun cubites.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §8. 6 A degre of a signe contienith 60 Mynutis.
1611 Bible (King James) Ezek. xlv. 11 That the Bath may containe the tenth part of an Homer. View more context for this quotation
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) III. 1123 In Ireland the perch contains 7 yards, and the mile 2240.
1893 N.E.D. at Contain Mod. A pound avoirdupois contains 7000 grains.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > completely
fillc1000
containc1374
replenish?a1425
comprise1489
to take up1538
pack1567
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 453 For þer was som Epistel..Þat walde as seith myn auctour wele contene Neigh half þis boke.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. 108/2 Yf I shold here expresse alle the myracles..It shold conteyne an hole volume.
1603 R. Barckley Disc. Felicitie of Man (new ed.) iii. 150 That matter alone, would containe a reasonable volume.
1736 J. Swift Let. 15 May A complete history of the..absurd proceedings in this kingdom would contain twelve large volumes in folio.
a. To enclose (so much space, etc.). Said of a boundary line, or of a person. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > enclosing or enclosure > enclose [verb (transitive)] > enclose (so much space)
contain1490
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos vii. (heading) How dydo..boughte as moche londe..as she myghte conteyne wythin the space of the hide of an oxe.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 44 The grete compace of the ledder [thong], which conteyned wel the space of two mylles of grounde.
b. passive. Of a space, region, etc.: To be comprehended, included, or intercepted (within a certain space, between certain limits).
ΚΠ
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §39. 48 The arch meridian þat is contiened or [inter]cept by-twixe the cenyth and the equinoxial.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 34 The countreys that be conteygned betwene the ryver of Seyne & the ryver of Loyrre.
1584 H. Llwyd & D. Powel Hist. Cambria 1 That part conteined betweene the French Seas.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 184 The kingdome..was contained within the bounds of the lesser Asia.
1893 N.E.D. at Contain Mod. The Asteroids revolve in the space contained between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
6. Mathematics.
a. Geometry. To enclose, include, form the boundary of (a figure, an angle); in passive formerly to be contained under.A rectangle may be said to be contained under the two lines which form its length and breadth; so †transferred a composite number was formerly said to be contained under its factors.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > shape or figure > manipulate shapes or figures [verb (transitive)] > draw or form boundary of
descrivec1392
describe1559
circumscribe1570
contain1570
inscribe1570
conscribe1704
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. f. 2v If the lines which containe the angle be right lynes, then is it called a rightlyned angle.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. f. 3 A circle is a plaine figure, conteyned vnder one line, which is called a circumference.
1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria Defs. sig. T ij v Icosaedron is a solide Figure, vnder twentye equall equiangle triangles conteyned.
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 8 Two right lines do not contein a space.
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 34 A rectangle conteined under two right lines given.
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements xi. 168 Like solid figures are such as are contained under like planes equall in number.
1823 H. J. Brooke Familiar Introd. Crystallogr. 123 The new figures would be contained within 24 isosceles triangular planes.
b. Arithmetic and Algebra. To have as a factor or sub-multiple; to be divisible by, without remainder (also, less strictly, with a remainder). In passive (const. in): To divide, ‘go into’ (without, or less strictly with, a remainder).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > perform arithmetic or algebraic operations [verb (transitive)] > divide > be divisible by
contain1570
measure1705
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. vii. f. 186v A square number is that..which is contayned vnder two equall numbers.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. v. f. 8v Aske how many times 9. is contained in 29.
1875 I. Todhunter Algebra for Schools (ed. 7) lii. §709 We have to find the highest power of 2 which is contained in ?14..thus the required power is 11.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > incorporation or inclusion > incorporate or include [verb (transitive)] > cause to be included
incorporate1495
contain1548
couch1548
embodya1616
work1711
1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. G.v Many learned men contayne the red Mynt..vnder sisymbrio.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 28 He conteineth both these pointes in his law.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 83 The Isles and the Sea it self might bee conteined here, as particular parts of the Government or Province.
1666 Earl of Orrery Coll. State Lett. (1743) II. 99 The proclamation may also contain, that, if any one fails therein, etc.
II. To hold together; to keep under control, restrain, restrict, confine.† 8. To hold together; to sustain. Obsolete.† 9. To hold (in a certain estimation). Obsolete. rare.† 10. To keep or retain in a certain state or order, under control, in subjection, etc. Obsolete.† 11. † 12. To restrict, limit, confine. (Also reflexive.) Obsolete.† 13. † b. intransitive. To keep oneself, remain. Obsolete.† c. To retain, keep in one's possession or control. Obsolete.† d. To keep, maintain (in a certain state). Obsolete.† 15. To bear oneself (well), behave. Obsolete.† 16. intransitive (for reflexive). To be situated, remain (in place). Obsolete (cf. 17b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)] > by holding together
containc1374
the world > food and drink > food > providing or receiving food > feed or nourish [verb (transitive)] > maintain life with food
nourishc1300
contain1579
maintain1584
rack1659
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > eating > eat [verb (transitive)] > maintain life with food
to fare witha1340
contain1579
maintain1584
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. iii. xii. 102 Yif þere ne were oon þat contened [e] þat he haþ conioigned and ybounde.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xix. 1123 The army was at a maze where to seeke vittells to conteine the bodies which the stroake of diseases had yet left on liue.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > hold an opinion [verb (transitive)] > form an opinion > of a certain kind
regard?1518
take1518
contain1602
read1847
1602 B. Jonson Poetaster v. i. sig. K The dull detractions Of leaden Soules; who..Conteine her worthiest Prophets in contempt. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)]
i-haldOE
sustainc1300
keepc1315
maintainc1390
conservea1425
continuec1460
entertain1490
persevere1502
uphold?1523
containa1538
petrifya1631
conservate1647
to keep on1669
to keep up1670
preserve1677
support1696
fix1712
ossify1800
fossilize1848
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 7 By lyke wysdome they must be conteynyd & kept therin.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 74 Al such lawys..wych conteyne the pepul in gud ordur & rule.
1598 R. Barckley Disc. Felicitie of Man i. 28 That the sight & horror thereof..might containe them in modestie.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. xxxviii. 93 A faire opportunity of containing them for ever under their aw.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. III. 409 The Ceremonial Law..was given to contain the Israelites in their Duty.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall (1792) II. xii. 85 It was almost impossible that he could at once contain in obedience every part of his wide-extended dominions.
1831 W. Hamilton in Edinb. Rev. June 393 To contain his pupils within statutory regulations.
a. To restrain, hold in, keep in check; to hold back, keep back, hinder (from an action, etc.) Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > specifically from doing something
conclude1382
restrain1384
refraina1398
keepa1400
to coart of1430
revokec1450
stop1488
contain1523
retract1548
stay1560
retire1567
straiten1622
confine1651
obligec1661
1523 in State Papers Henry VIII (1849) VI. 119 The same shal do grete good for conteyning of the Swicer.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 9 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) To containe the unrulie people from a thousand evill occasions.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 327 To containe Anger from Mischiefe.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xviii Covenants being but words and breath, have no force to oblige, contain, constrain, or protect any man.
1791 E. Burke Appeal New to Old Whigs 17 The principles and opinions, which have hitherto guided and contained the world.
b. To restrain, put restraint on, repress (one's feelings, passions, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > make emotionally unfeeling [verb (transitive)] > suppress emotions
forbearOE
refrainc1384
repressa1393
subdue1483
suppressa1500
squat1577
to bite in1608
contain?1611
to keep ina1616
swallowa1643
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads iii. 198 One that was my brother-in-law, when I contain'd my blood, And was more worthy.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 125 Scarce can their Limbs, their mighty Souls contain . View more context for this quotation
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 438. ⁋1 To contain the Spirit of Anger.
c. To confine (an enemy force) to a particular area so that it cannot break out and operate elsewhere.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] > surround or beset
umbelaya1300
umclipa1300
umgivea1300
umsetc1340
umbracec1350
umbeseta1400
umclapa1400
umbewaltc1400
umbesiege1422
circumvene1526
umbcastc1540
umclosec1540
circumvent1553
to grasp up1609
surround1637
contain1899
1899 Westm. Gaz. 23 Nov. 5/1 It is obviously impossible for Joubert to be able to contain White at Ladysmith, Hildyard at Estcourt, and Clery at Maritzburg.
1900 H. A. Gwynne in J. Ralph War's Brighter Side (1901) 174 Infantry will be used for two purposes—to contain the opposing infantry, and to hold positions seized by the mobile portion of the force.
1940 War Illustr. 19 Jan. 630/3 The two great [mine] fields which ‘contained’ the German submarine fleet.
d. To keep (a hostile nation, ideology, etc.) within limits; to prevent expansion or encroachment into new territory.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > [verb (transitive)] > prevent expansion
contain1948
1948 Manch. Guardian Weekly 8 Jan. 4 The expansion of Soviet power that..must be ‘contained’.
1952 Ann. Reg. 1951 138 The most that could be claimed was that the Communists had been ‘contained’.
1959 N.Z. Listener 16 Apr. 6/3 The Korean War, fought for the limited objective of containing Communism in an area where it has attempted to extend itself by military means.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > restriction of free action > restrict in free action [verb (reflexive)]
contain1578
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restriction or limitation > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)]
thringc1250
restrain1384
bound1393
abounda1398
limita1398
pincha1450
pin?a1475
prescribec1485
define1513
coarcta1529
circumscribe1529
restrict1535
conclude1548
limitate1563
stint1567
chamber1568
contract1570
crampern1577
contain1578
finish1587
pound1589
confine1597
terminate1602
noosec1604
border1608
constrain1614
coarctate1624
butta1631
to fasten down1694
crimp1747
bourn1807
to box in1845
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)]
thringc1250
circumscrivec1374
arta1382
bound1393
limita1398
restrainc1405
pincha1450
restringe1525
coarcta1529
circumscribe1529
restrict1535
conclude1548
narrow?1548
limitate1563
stint1567
chamber1568
contract1570
crampern1577
contain1578
finish1587
conscribe1588
pound1589
confine1597
border1608
circumcise1613
constrain1614
coarctate1624
butta1631
prescribe1688
pin1738
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 61 Them that haue conteined themselues wythin the bandes of reason.
1602 Hist. Eng. in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 415 My desire to contain the work within some reasonable proportion.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels II. 215 To contain themselves within the limits mark'd out for their Christian Course.
1821 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 243 To excite a fearless spirit of inquiry—and yet to contain it within the boundaries which Nature has prescribed.
a. To retain, keep, keep in, confine (within limits of space); also reflexive to confine oneself, remain, ‘keep’. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > within limits of space
containc1565
bottle1818
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > keep oneself [verb (reflexive)]
holdc1230
containc1565
c1565 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1728) 9 To pass homeward to Edinburgh, there to contain himself till he was further advised.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 123 [William] consulted with Lanfranc..howe hee might..conteyne that treasure within the Realme.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 49 And others when the bagpipe sings ith nose, cannot containe their vrine. View more context for this quotation
1646 F. Hawkins tr. Youths Behaviour (ed. 4) 4 Wriggle not thy selfe, as seeming unable to containe thy selfe within thy skinne.
1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 7 As the Moderns restrain Water, and contain it.
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xii. 271 [He] order'd his other small Troops to contain themselves in those uncouth Quarters.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)] > remain, continue
bidec893
ofstandeOE
astandc1000
restOE
holdc1175
dure1297
akeepc1300
lastc1300
arrest1393
containc1400
perseverec1425
reserve1529
to run on1533
to stick by ——1533
persist1538
persist1539
to hold up1582
retaina1631
persist1659
c1400 Rom. Rose 4926 That he may, er he hennes pace, Conteyne undir obedience.
1682 N. Tate & J. Dryden 2nd Pt. Absalom & Achitophel 2 Accusers Infamy is urgd in vain, While in the bounds of Sense they did contain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)]
holda855
haveeOE
witec1000
at-holdc1175
withholdc1200
keepc1400
reserve?a1439
retain1449
detain1541
to stick to ——1560
contain1600
to make good1606
preserve1617
inhold1726
to hang on to1873
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 201 If you had knowne the vertue of the ring..or your owne honour to containe the ring, you would not then haue parted with the ring. View more context for this quotation
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 118 Its true the English stooke close to him; but how they were gained or contained, writers speake not.
ΚΠ
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) iv. ii. 297 The Water by heat and rarefaction easily assuming the nature of Air, and..containing it self in that consistency.
14. To refrain from expressing or yielding to feeling, passion, etc.; to restrain oneself; †to refrain or keep from (obsolete); †spec. to be continent, keep oneself in chastity (obsolete). (Cf. sense 11b.)
a. reflexive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > exercise moderation or restraint [verb (reflexive)]
hold971
withholdc1200
containc1290
keep1340
restraina1387
refrainc1450
retaina1500
attemper1548
retract1548
temper1560
reserve1586
check1833
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 108/61 Heo ne couþe no-þing conteini hire ne speken no-þe-mo.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. vii. 9 For if thei conteynen not hem silf, or ben not chast, weddid be thei.
c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) 2669 And when fra gretyng sho hir contende.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons sig.** ij b Such..can very hardly after be reformed and reduced to containe themselues, and live under any discipline.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) Induct. i. 98 Feare not my Lord, we can contain our selues, Were he the veriest anticke in the world.
1778 R. Lowth Isaiah xlii. 14 Shall I keep silence for ever? Shall I still contain myself?
1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 15 Sept. 7/2 Let them contain themselves and quit themselves like men.
b. intransitive (for reflexive)
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > be chaste [verb (intransitive)]
continue1377
contain1611
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. vii. 9 But if they cannot conteine, let them marry. View more context for this quotation
1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy i. ii. iii. viii. 140 He could containe no longer, but hasting home, invaded his territories.
1710 J. Swift Let. 21 Sept. (Seager) No wonder she married, when she was so ill at containing.
1719 E. Young Paraphr. Job in Wks. (1757) I. 205 Then Job contain'd no more; but curs'd his fate.
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 213 All our care was to contain from laughing, which was a very hard Task.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 6 I..could hardly contain when I saw the Daures dress their heads with horns.
1883 ‘G. Lloyd’ Ebb & Flow II. xxxi. 205 He..seemed hardly able to contain himself for happiness.
a. reflexive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave or conduct oneself [verb (reflexive)]
wieldOE
leadc1175
bear?c1225
steera1250
to take onc1275
contain1297
to shift one's handa1300
demeanc1320
guyc1325
govern1340
keep1362
havec1390
rulec1390
guide14..
conceivea1425
maintain?a1425
maynea1425
behavec1440
disporta1450
orderc1487
use1497
handle?1529
convey1530
gesture1542
treat1568
carry1584
deport1598
bestow1606
comport1616
mienc1680
conduct1706
society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > be chaste [verb (reflexive)]
containa1500
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (1724) 547 Sir Simound de Mountford conseilede hom vaste, Hou hii ssolde hom conteini, the wule the bataile ilaste.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) xvii. 45 The good bisshop of Puy..conteyned hym moche wysely and truly.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xii. 277 Gif ȝe conteyn [1489 Adv. contene] ȝow manfully.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin iv. 77 That he sholde contene hym-self myrily.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 1130 Neuer..vas sen No man in feild more knyghtly hyme conten.
b. intransitive (for reflexive)
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave, conduct, or bear oneself [verb (intransitive)]
i-bereeOE
workeOE
makeOE
fere1154
walka1200
steera1250
to take onc1275
fare1340
to fare with oneself1340
containa1375
to let latesa1400
usea1400
dealc1400
rulea1425
act1593
comport1616
carry1650
deport1667
demean1678
behave1721
conduct1754
to carry on1828
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 3301 How that komeli kniȝt kunteyned on his stede.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > position or situation > be positioned or situated [verb (intransitive)]
resteOE
standOE
sitOE
liec1121
inhabitc1384
settlea1400
couchc1400
biga1425
loutc1460
residea1475
innc1475
contain1528
consist1542
seatc1580
situate1583
lodge1610
site1616
subsist1618
station1751
1528 D. Lindsay Dreme 666 Asia contenis in the Orient.
1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 144 It doth cleanse the places also where the stones containe.
17. = continue v. [Mostly Scots or northern, in the forms contene , -tine , -tyne , but also conteyne : there was apparently a confusion of conteine and continue : compare continue v. 17 in sense of contain.] Obsolete.
a. transitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)]
i-haldOE
to hold fortha1325
sustainc1325
containc1330
continuea1340
maintainc1385
carrya1393
keepc1425
to keep upa1535
to stick by ——1551
to hold on1568
to hold out1595
to carry on1609
subsist1633
to keep at ——1825
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 318 Þat no contek suld rise, Bot contene forth þe trew vnto þe Paskes terme.
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. viii. xxxv. 209 Justyng þus has bene Contenyt thre Dayis.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 101 Contrarili be gunne, led, or contenid.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) viii. 68 Thair fayis..continit [1489 Adv. conteynt] the ficht so hardely.
b. intransitive. (Cf. senses 13b, 16).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)] > remain, continue > in specified state
ofstandeOE
atstandc1000
goOE
standOE
containc1380
perseverec1380
contunec1400
to hold inc1400
setc1400
remain?a1450
continue1503
stay1570
keepc1600
subsista1616
the world > time > duration > have duration [verb (intransitive)] > endure, remain, persist, or continue
bidec893
lastOE
through-wonOE
ylasta1000
standOE
runOE
lastlOE
beleavec1200
abidec1275
cleavec1275
durec1275
dwell13..
endurec1386
perseverec1390
continuec1400
contunec1400
tarrya1450
remainc1455
perdure?a1475
rest1474
permanec1485
succeed1486
perpetuate1530
persist1531
demur1547
perduratea1558
weara1568
to hold it out1585
to hold out1585
abye1590
contain1592
live1592
perennate1623
to draw overa1700
exist1754
linger1764
to hang it out1939
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 33 Þei..contynen [v.r. conteynen] in pride, coueitise, extorciouns.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 138 In strowbill wer thou sall conteyne full lang.
1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis xvii. 8 No Empire..ever conteyned so long.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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