| 释义 |
distancen. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French distance; Latin distantia. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman and Old French destance, destaunce, distaunce, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French distance (French distance ) discord, quarrel (late 12th cent.), dispute, debate (late 13th cent.), fact of being apart in space or time, extent of separation, difference, distinction (all 13th cent.), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin distantia fact of being apart in space, extent of separation, remoteness, musical interval, difference, diversity, in post-classical Latin also distinction (Vulgate), opening, gap (5th cent.), discrepancy, disagreement (8th cent. in a British source), dissension (from 12th cent. in British and continental sources), fact of being apart in time (13th cent. in British sources) < distant- , distāns distant adj. + -ia -ia suffix1.Compare Spanish distancia (late 14th cent.), Portuguese distância (15th cent.), Italian distanza (late 13th cent.); also Middle Dutch distancie, distantie (Dutch distantie), German Distanz (late 15th cent. as distancz). †I. Disagreement, conflict, and related senses. 1. society > society and the community > dissent > [noun] > state or instance of c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 1267 in C. Horstmann (1887) 142 A destaunce þare is i-sproungue liȝtliche in Engelonde, Þat destourbez al þat lond. c1330 (?a1300) (Auch.) (1973) l. 4585 Sche him teld anon..alle þe destaunce whi & wharfore Arthours deþ þai hadden yswore. a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) iii. l. 1914 He tolde hem pleynli off a gret distaunce..and a discencioun That was off newe falle in Rome toun. a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) iv. l. 3295 Atween hym & kyng Lysymachus..Began a werre & a gret distaunce. 1650 N. Ward 30 It would allay and heale many great distances, and procure many..friends. ?1806 R. B. Sheridan Let. in W. A. Darlington (1966) II. 271 There has always been a distance not to say dislike between him and Grey. society > society and the community > dissent > [noun] the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > controversy, dispute, argument > [noun] c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) l. 10533 Þe barons sende to þe king philip of france, Þat he hom sende socour in þis luþer destance. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) viii. l. 2200 And thus we fellen in distance, Mi Prest and I. c1400 (Rawl. B. 171) 217 We shul be holde traitoures, for cause of distaunce þat is bituene Kyng Edward and Robert þe Brus. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. i. 117 In such bloody distance, That euery minute of his being, thrusts Against my neer'st of Life. 1667 S. Pepys 10 Sept. (1974) VIII. 431 This..doth breed a kind of inward distance between the King and the Duke of York. 1752 H. Fielding I. ii. ii. 108 There was some little Distance between them, which I hoped to have the Happiness of accommodating. 1852 J. Gilbert 18 Declarations of distance, disagreement, want of friendly intercourse, and even opposition between men. c1330 (?a1300) (Auch.) p. 458 Mani he slouȝ..In batayle & in destaunce. a1500 (?c1400) (Cambr.) (1937) l. 1017 And let owre londys be in pees, Wythowtyn any dystawnce. 1543 ( (1812) 287 In Wales Morgan made war & great distaunce. c1390 in (1877) 1 48 So longe was Teophele in destaunce [a1425 Harl. 4196 care], in gret trauayle and penaunce. a1450 (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1912) l. 3723 (MED) I calde yow to tell what perell We stande in, and in what dystaunce. II. The extent of space between two places or objects, and related senses. the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time > period of time between events or interval c1330 Short Metrical Chron. (Auch.) l. 915 in (1931) 46 128/2 Anon wiþ outen ani destaunce, He told þe king of his meschaunce. c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 18 To knowe..neyther the distaunce Of tymes of hem. 1657 A. Sparrow (new ed.) 244 The Communion-Service is to be some good distance after the Morn. Service. 1699 R. Bentley (new ed.) 404 From the Date of the Mosaic Law to the Prophecy of Ezekiel, there's a distance of 900 Years. a1777 S. Foote (1778) iii. i. 64 Take this draught, three times a-day, at two hours, distance. 1820 W. Scoresby I. 43 At the distance of eighteen to thirty years, from the time when the several navigations were performed. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. 455 An apprehension not to be mentioned, even at this distance of time, without shame and indignation. 1872 J. Morley iv. 161 The connection may be seen at our distance of time to have been marked and unmistakable. 1984 R. Dahl 24 I do have a blurred memory of..trying..to tie one of my shoelaces, but that is all that comes back to me at this distance of the school itself. 2021 30 Mar. a13 At this distance of time, we will probably never know what really happened on election night(s) in Georgia. 5. the world > space > distance > [noun] the world > space > [noun] > intervening space c1392 24 (MED) Tak thanne by thy large compas the distaunce by twixe centre aryn & the closere of the signes. ?c1400 in J. O. Halliwell (1839) 58 (MED) Þan mesure þe distaunce, þat es to say, þe space betwene ye and þat thyng whos heght you sekes. a1542 T. Wyatt (1969) 79 When I thinke apon the distance and the space That doth so ferr devid me from my dere desird face. 1559 W. Cuningham 10 The sterres kepe one uniforme distance in moving. 1663 B. Gerbier 34 A Head [consists] of so many distances between the one Eye and the other. 1690 J. Locke ii. xiii. 75 This Space considered barely in length between any two Beings, without considering any thing else between them, is called distance. 1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville 160 The Plants are spaced out..at three Foot Distances. 1785 W. Nicholson 8 The length of the stem is arbitrary, as is likewise the distance of the lower scale from the surface of the globe. 1868 J. N. Lockyer ii. 38 Astronomers now know the distance of the Sun from the Earth. 1882 E. M. Lawson 58 Just then old Susan, shading her eyes, looked up the avenue, and, with careful measure of time and distance,..made the descent of the three doorsteps. 1964 L. Van der Post vii. 142 I reckoned the distance was a hundred and fifty yards. 2018 15 Dec. 40/1 Monarch butterflies, leatherback turtles, honeybees, Atlantic salmon and migratory birds are able to sense Earth's magnetic field.., helping them cover vast distances with unerring accuracy. 2020 3 Oct. c3/1 Waves reached at least 35 feet in height but the distance between wave tops was much shorter. a1400 ( G. Chaucer (St. John's Cambr. E. 2) (1872) ii. §22. 32 The latitude of any place in a regioun is the distance fro the senyth vnto the Equinoxial. 1556 R. Record 176 So doo they call the motion of them [sc. the Planetes] in Longitude, theyr distaunce by theyr naturall course from the beginninge of Aries. 1696 E. Phillips (new ed.) Distance..in Navigation..signifies the number of Degrees, Leagues, &c., that a Ship has sail'd from any purposed point; or the Distance in Degrees, Leagues, &c., of any two Places. 1739 (Royal Soc.) 40 220 The Perihelian Distance..is many times less than the Semi-distance of the Foci. 1819 J. Wilson 81 The distance of any place is found by subtracting the ascension of the preceding part, or its descension, from that of the succeeding part. 1832 (Libr. Useful Knowl.) II. Electricity vi. §87. 23 The distance between the conducting bodies requisite for the transfer of electricity through the air, or what is termed the striking distance. 1948 A. L. Rawlings (ed. 2) ix. 163 The radius of the lever is generally about three and a half times the radial distance from the center of the balance to the flat face of the pin. 2004 Apr. 44/1 A Lunar aspect is a specific distance, measured in degrees, between the Moon and a planet. c. In adverbial phrases indicating a given extent (either generally or as an exact measurement), with distance modified by a preceding adjective, noun, or genitive. ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 17 (MED) Chest of þe galle..haþ 2 holez or neckez oned togider at som litel distaunce. c1475 (?c1451) (Royal) (1860) 70 Whiche gardins were so proporcionallie in a convenient distaunce sett and planted withe treis of verdure of divers fructis..that it was the joieust and plesaunt sighte. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. cccxx/2 The mone was thenne fro the sonne, & was xv dayes old, and soo was in a parfyght distaunce fro the sonne. 1485 W. Caxton tr. sig. biiii The place where so moche tresour was reteyned is a chirche yerde of a good distaunce fro the chircheyerd where now the bodyes of dede men ben buryed. 1563 W. Fulke iii. f. 42 Not..to far of..neither yet to neare..but in a competent & midle distance. 1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid sig. b.jv Supposeth walles parallels, to approche, a farre of: rofe and floure parallels, the one to bend downward, the other to rise vpward, at a little distance from you. 1638 T. Herbert (rev. ed.) 52 The Distoore and other Lay-men (at 12 foot distance) surround the holy Diety. 1713 J. Addison in 22 Sept. 2/1 At about a Mile's Distance from the black Temple. c1790 J. Willock 305 At a safe distance from the scene of action. 1845 M. Pattison in Jan. 77 At no great distance from the City Island. 1944 W. S. Maughan v. 168 Isabel, Gray, Larry and I went for excursions to places of interest within convenient distance. 2008 (U.K. ed.) Sept. 6/1 At a certain distance from the star is a ‘snow line’ beyond which water stays frozen. a1438 (1940) i. 192 (MED) Sche sey hem takyn vp þe Crosse..& lyftyd it vp fro þe erthe a certeyn distawnce. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach ii. f. 98 Take heede..that your trees stand a good distance a sunder. 1584 A. Barlow in R. Hakluyt 731 Our boates side, in which wee laye all night, remouing the same a pretie distance from the shoare. 1600 W. Shakespeare iv. i. 224 Pleaseth your Lordship To meet his grace iust distance tweene our armies? View more context for this quotation 1697 W. Dampier v. 116 A Rock a good distance from the shore. a1719 J. Addison in (1888) III. 7 He lived but a few miles distance from her father's house. 1792 13/2 The bridge..is some little distance from the main street. 1852 W. B. Dewees & ‘C. Cardelle’ 226 As it chanced there was a hay-cutter, who was at work a short distance from where the scene took place. 1938 L. Charteris in O. Penzler (2007) 463/1 Blam! Simon heard the spang of the bullet some distance from him, and more glass shattered. 2014 S. Barnes 293 Just a short distance from my hut is a patch of open water where I can see 500 wintering wigeons. 1595 V. Saviolo i. f. 17 You must obserue iust distance, which is, when either of you stand in such place, that stepping forward a little, you maye reache one another. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. i. 211 In these times you stand on distance: your Passes, Stoccado's, and I know not what. View more context for this quotation 1684 R. Howlett 74 Being within Distance, approach with your first Motion. 1785 D. Angelo 44 Thrusting against the wall accustoms the scholar to thrust with quickness..; it gives an exactness and ease, as well as a knowledge of distance. 1890 W. H. Pollock et al. (ed. 2) vi. 104 It is indispensable, by way of precaution against surprise, to come on guard out of distance. 1975 M. Nelson & R. Reiff ix. 82 In judging the distance, you must consider your opponent's speed, his height, his looseness in covering ground... The complete fencer must control the distance. 2013 P. Terminiello & J. Pendragon tr. N. Giganti 95 The method of defending against a pass of the left foot, at distance using a counter-disengage. 1635 W. Barriffe vi. 20 Distance is the space of ground between man and man, either in File or Ranke. 1690 S. Sewall 24 Mar. (1973) I. 255 I goe into the field, pray with the South Company, Exercise them in a few Distances, Facings, Doublings. 1728 7 The several Distances between the Ranks are, Open Order, Order, Close Order, and Close to the Croop. 1833 i. iv. 122 The Files Prove distance as directed. 1859 F. A. Griffiths (1862) 16 Open to quarter (or wheeling) distance from the front. 1968 H. C. B. Rogers ii. 29 On the beat for a ‘March’ men shouldered their arms and increased their distance to six feet between ranks. 1992 (U.S. Dept. Air Force) 27 Everyone except the guide adjusts by taking small choppy steps..and establishes dress, cover, interval, and distance. 1805 Dec. 130/1 He [sc. a boxer] was an excellent judge of his distance. 1808 32 35/2 Belcher, within distance, hit him a severe facer. 1888 F. W. J. Henning 44 At last Rooke got within distance and lashed out his left, catching Joe an ugly one on the ear. 1952 14 Feb. 22/6 Although he showed all his old fire, most of his punches were woefully out of distance. 2011 J. McMillan 82 He was hesitant and he was punching short and out of distance. 6. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > a long way off [phrase] a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) i. l. 5604 He lokid aboute [among] the rokkis alle And sauh nothyng beside nor in distaunce. 1551 S. Gardiner f. 37 Howsoeuer the sonne aboue in the distaunce appereth vnto vs of an other sorte, yet the beames that touche the yerth, be of the same substaunce with it. 1794 J. Stuart & N. Revett 15 The mountains in the distance were called anciently Coryddalus, but at present Daphne. 1813 P. B. Shelley ii. 21 There was a little light That twinkled in the misty distance. 1847 Ld. Tennyson iv. 68 A trumpet in the distance pealing news. 1891 W. E. Gladstone in 28 Jan. 3/3 Viewed now, calmly, in the light of the golden distance. 1960 C. Day Lewis ii. 35 A bicycle-bell rings in the distance. 2018 P. Kimani v. 103 They were on the move again, with Nahodha peering into the distance through his binoculars. 1706 B. Buckeridge Ess. Eng. School in J. Savage tr. R. de Piles 475 Accustom'd himself to take in a large Extent of Hills and Distance. 1791 W. Gilpin II. 233 The painter asserts, that an extensive distance, exactly painted, tho in miniature, will affect the spectator like the natural scene. 1861 G. W. Thornbury I. 89 His distances were low, and his trees ill-formed. 1866 C. Kingsley I. Prel. 18 Dark and sad..autumn days, when all the distances were shut off. 1923 D. R. Augsburg ii. 26 When dry, add a little more color, stir well, and paint the distance, middle distance and foreground. 2007 H. Hole ii. 30 The pastel is structured around the contrast between distance and foreground. 1709 G. Berkeley 79 When from a Distance (I speak with the Vulgar) we behold great Objects, the Particles of the intermediate Air and Vapours..do interrupt the Rays of Light. 1782 W. Cowper Progress of Error in 202 Viewed from a distance..Folly and Innocence are so alike. c1790 J. Willock 316 I found I was unable to walk to any distance. 1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin III. i. 8 The rocks of St. Paul appear from a distance of a brilliantly white colour. 1896 Mar. 521/2 The general contour of the city's sky lines as seen from a distance. 1917 29 The excreta removed to a distance twice daily and buried in trenches twice a day. 1937 16 Aug. 52/2 (caption) The operator blows from a distance to avoid inhaling the dangerous radon fumes. 2017 E. Bucar Introd. 15 It can be hard to tell, especially from a distance, if the fabric is an expensive silk crepe or a cheap polyester blend. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [noun] 1440 J. Capgrave (1977) 1636 Whan þei had considered..þe long distaunce Of any good soyle. a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun (Nero) i. l. 1202 Alpes, þat ar hillis hie Departande Italy fra Frawnsse, [Be] marchis, meris and distans. 1661 E. Hickeringill (ed. 2) 54 Distance and absence usually enhanceth the affections of near friends. 1711 A. Pope 12 Which..Due Distance reconciles to Form and Grace. a1822 P. B. Shelley Let. to — in (1824) 68 Afar the Contadino's song is heard, Rude, but made sweet by distance. 1939 Jan. 25 Distance makes it inevitable that the children living far from it [sc. the school], will not attend it. 2001 L. W. Karsner 17 Distance makes it easy to perpetuate a fantasy. c1443 R. Pecock (1927) 432 Þe feiþ which adam receyued fro þin aungel..descendid into his children and into her children þoruȝ a fer distaunce in lyne of descense. 1580 J. Field tr. T. de Bèze sig. **5v The reall distance of the substances of the signe and things signified, doth not make frustrate the Sacramentes. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet (1724) I. 227 They did it at so great a distance, that..there was no danger of misprision of treason. 1871 B. Stewart (ed. 2) §301 Some [substances] being near their melting-points, others at a great distance from them. 1875 H. J. S. Maine ii. 30 The mistake..I conceive to have been an effect of mental distance. 1979 J. Wainwright xxxix. 166 The distance from a denial to a confession is a long and tiring journey. 2004 W. E. Paden in P. Antes et al. II. v. 85 Comparability, then, means closeness or distance of resemblance to the prototype. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] 1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More sig. Mviv Nother perceaueth the concordaunt and discordante distaunces of soundes [L. sonorum distantias], and tunes. 1684 R. Howlett 120 Two lesser Distances..named Semitones. 1797 3 226 They exhibit the author as straining after novelty by eccentric distances, and by movements out of cathedral time. the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > longitudinal extent > [noun] 1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda xxix. 72 b Whether it were a firme lande, as it did appeare..by the great distance of the Coast that they had found. 11. society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > separation or isolation > [noun] > detachment or non-participation 1609 W. Shakespeare Louers Complaint in sig. L She..kept cold distance, and did thence remoue, To spend her liuing in eternall loue. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1622) iii. iii. 13 He shall in strangest, stand no farther off, Then in a politique distance . View more context for this quotation 1678 J. Davies tr. M. de Scudéry (new ed.) iii. ii. 287/2 He observed such a respectful distance towards her, that she had not the least occasion to complain of him. 1791 C. Reeve I. v. 184 I was rather constrained in my behaviour, and kept them at a polite distance. 1895 12 Jan. 29/1 An indescribeable aloofness, which placed an immeasurable and icy distance between herself and the two whose society she seemed tacitly to court. 1983 E. Reveley xiii. 210 A certain distance had to be maintained and he kept his own voice deliberately cool. 2002 31 Oct. 83/2 How do you maintain professional distance as you are drawn into the story? the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > [noun] > lack of affability 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc 294 He was a benigne and courteous Prince, affectionate..without state or distance [Fr. sans grandeur & grauité]. 1738 D. Neal IV. 88 To let them see how little he valued those distances he was bound to observe for form sake with others. 1766 J. Orton viii. 203 He had contracted nothing of that moroseness and distance. 1817 J. Mill II. v. vii. 620 They put on the forms of distance; and stood upon elevated terms. 1853 Oct. 263/1 It was chiefly on account of her distance and superciliousness that she was and is still called Patience, instead of Mrs. Worthington. 1907 J. R. McMahon xxiv. 177 The distance and reserve faded from the old man's eyes. 2004 G. Knight (e-book, accessed 2 Sept. 2021) xvi. 63 There was both warmth and distance about her. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [noun] 1667 J. Dryden i. ii. 4 I hope your modesty Will know, what distance to the Crown is due. 1689 G. Bulkeley People's Right to Election in (1869) II. 107 The Government expects to be treated with more Distance & Difference. 1699 R. Bentley (new ed.) 287 I'll observe the respect and distance that's due to him from his Scholar. 1742 H. Fielding I. i. viii. 46 Slipslop..had preserved hitherto a Distance to her Lady. View more context for this quotation 1818 W. Scott I. v. 75 It is not to be thought that..a young man of two-and-twenty was likely to be severely critical on a beautiful girl of eighteen, for not observing a proper distance towards him. society > society and the community > social class > [noun] 1635 To Countesse of Huntington in J. Donne (rev. ed.) 191 These (Madame) that without your distance lie, Must either mist, or nothing seeme to be. 1655 T. Fuller viii. 23 I am not satisfied in what distance properly to place these persons. Some..will account it too high, to rank them amongst Martyrs; and surely, I conceive it too low, to esteem them but bare Confessours. 13. a. Horse Racing. 1662 (single sheet) Another Gentleman must be appointed at the Twelve-score-stoup, to judge what Horse is rid out of distance, which is a main businesse. 1665 in J. P. Hore (1886) II. xi. 247 If any horse, mare, or gelding, shall fall by any mischance, so that the rider be dismounted, and if does his best afterwards to get within distance, and ride fair (which shall be determined by the Judges of the Field) he shall only lose the heat. 1723 No. 6172/4 The Horse..that wins two Heats and saves his Distance a third too, wins the Plate. 1838 Oct. 444 The Countess..went away at a good rattling pace, with the black waiting upon her very politely until they reached the distance, when they went at it in earnest. 1913 10 Jan. 1324/2 The two that got inside the flag only saved their distance by Billy Andrews pulling Baldy almost to a walk at the wire. 1936 20 Dec. 2/7 Before they reached the distance Ted Bartle had taken King's Head up to the front. 1994 (Nexis) 25 Apr. (Sport Suppl.) 7 The Sheikh Mohammed-owned filly, ridden by Thierry Jarnet, took up the running at the distance and quickened well to score by a length. 1751 J. Pond p. xxi. 240 Yards is a Distance. 1810 36 241 When about two distances from home..his colt hung upon the former. 1856 12 Oct. (Sporting & Agric. Suppl.) 1/4 The Dyrham Park Handicap (one mile, four furlongs, and a distance). 1875 ‘Stonehenge’ (ed. 12) ii. i. xiv. §2. 490 A round, flat course, short of two miles by a distance. 1939 27 June 10/1 He ran second..in the Empire Handicap, one mile and a distance, beaten three lengths at Wanganui on June 5. 2009 N. Clee ix. 111 Eclipse was already a distance (240 yards) ahead of the others, and he maintained the gap, coming to the line ‘with uncommon ease’. 1760 C. Johnstone II. i. viii. 68 You must know that I have measured the foot of them all, in this heat, and find that I have the heels by a distance at least. 1806 15 Nov. He was never headed, and even betting he won by a distance: Sir Hugh took the lead, was never headed, and beat his antagonist by a distance and a half. 1872 Dec. 372 Lady Vane came in first by a distance, but was found to have dropped a couple of weight cloths half way. 1906 17 Apr. 7/4 Heroine was an easy winner by a distance from St. Selskar. 1987 30 Mar. 1/3 He was particularly impressive at Fontwell Park last week when making all to score win by a distance from Good Lord. 2001 (Nexis) 28 Jan. 95 See More Business, who drifted to 9-4 second favourite, stormed home by a distance from Beau. 1762 W. Kenrick tr. J.-J. Rousseau I. 259 Without troubling himself about the distance, he always prefers the smoothest ground. 1846 M. A. Richardson Hist. Div. V. xvi. 371 An opinion prevailed in certain quarters that he had not had sufficient training for the distance. 1887 M. Shearman (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 104 The runner must accustom himself to run at an even pace, and at as fast an even pace as he can command over the distance. 1985 H. Payne 35 Harry Wilson represented Kent county at all distances from 100m to marathon. 2004 7 May 76/4 Privy Seal, stepping-up in distance, looked dangerous two furlongs out, but he was found wanting when push came to shove and may require better ground. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > bout or contest > length of contest 1897 31 Jan. 2/2 The boys went the went the distance without either gaining any decided advantage, and the referee..declared the bout a draw. 1934 L. Harvey 112 If..you can stay the full distance of a contest..work to a schedule during the fight. 1977 26 Mar. 42/4 Dave ‘Boy’ Green..has won all his 23 professional bouts, 18 of them inside the distance. 1986 1 Aug. 30/6 He hurt me once or twice, but I was prepared to go the full distance if necessary. 1987 21 Aug. 9/3 Now opponents were taking him the distance. 2003 30 June 57/1 The Welshman was knocked down for the first time in his career before bludgeoning Mitchell to become the first man to beat the former WBA world champion inside the distance. †III. Difference or discrimination between things, and related senses. 14. the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [noun] a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1961) Deut. i. 17 Noon shal be distaunce of persoonys [L. distantia personarum]. 1481 W. Caxton tr. i. xiv. sig. d2v She gyueth to one somme thyng that another hath not in hym, how be it that noman can perceyue ony distaunce. 1481 (a1470) J. Tiptoft tr. Cicero (Caxton) sig. c5 Good men may neuir be frendes with suche as be noughty, But for that, that there is als grete a distaunce, or difference bytwene theyr maners and studyes. a1475 tr. Thomas à Kempis (Cambr. Gg.1.16) (1997) iii. lx. 138 Iugement of gode and yvel, and distance of trewe and false. Phrases P1. Phrases in which distance is the object of a preposition. See also Phrases 2. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > a long way off [phrase] a1425 (c1333–52) L. Minot (1914) 30 Sir Dauid þe Bruse was at distance, When Edward þe Baliolfe rade with his lance; Þe north end of Ingland teched him to daunce, When he was met on þe more with mekill mischance. 1530 sig. G.vi Graunte to vs and to all other, that in the same wyse, and for the same cause specially or for ony other cause be at distaunce, to be knette and made one in true feith. 1549 T. Cooper f. Mmiv The Hunnes, fallyng at distance with the Romaines, spoyled and ouerrunne Thracia and Illiria. 1621 R. Burton iii. ii. ii. iv. 575 All these allurements hitherto are afarre off, and at a distance. 1654 R. Codrington tr. Justinus 74 To those who at distance do observe it. 1697 W. Dampier ix. 261 At a distance it appears like an Island. 1711 R. Steele No. 96. ⁋2 My Master..has often been whipp'd for not keeping me at a distance. 1743 E. F. Heywood 35 You ought therefore to carry yourself at a Distance towards them; I do not mean with a proud or prudish air. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter i. iii. 29 Having sounded them at a distance, and not finding them so precipitate and vindictive as he expected, he proceeded no further with them. a1837 E. C. Knight Jrnl. in C. Knight (1861) I. xiii. 226 It was accompanied by hints that when she had an establishment her ladies should be kept at a distance. 1847 Ld. Tennyson vi. 124 Blanche At distance follow'd. 1976 T. Stoppard 57 Arthur..shouts loudly into the door through which he enters, as though calling to someone at a distance. 2006 July 64/1 The officers stood at a distance, presumably consulting on the question of whether this was a demonstration. a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) i. l. 5604 He lokid aboute [among] the rokkis alle And sauh nothyng beside nor in distaunce. ?1567 M. Parker xxxvi. 98 Thus depe musing with my selfe in a trance Callyng to mynde the endes of good and bad: Though they tweine here lead a life in distance. 1602 J. Marston iv. i. sig. G2 Kept in distance at the halberts point. 1614 W. S. in T. Overbury et al. Newes from Sea sig. G4 A mans companions are (like ships) to be kept in distance, for falling foule one of another. a1683 J. Owen (1691) xii. 155 The heart of a believer affected with the Glory of Christ, is like the Needle touched with the Loadstone. It can no longer be quiet, no longer be satisfied in a distance from him. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > a long way off [phrase] > out of range or reach a1500 (a1450) (Trin. Cambr.) l. 3056 (MED) Fast they hyed them owt of ther distaunce. 1642 T. Fuller ii. xvii. 114 He never demands out of distance of the price he intends to take. 1655 T. Fuller vi. l. 270 For skill in School-Divinity they beat all other Orders quite out of distance. a1656 Bp. J. Hall (1660) ii. 95 Those that are out of distance what noise so ever they make, are not heard. 1715 4 Our Majority in both Houses of Parliament was out of Distance, and we thought our selves as secure of the Throne as we do now. 1816 J. Austen II. xiv. 264 We are rather out of distance of the very striking beauties. View more context for this quotation 1916 G. Edgar vi. 92 When he had travelled out of distance, she checked the impatient torrent of protest rising to his lips. †d. without distance. Also without any distance, ( Scottish) but distance. c1330 Short Metrical Chron. (Auch.) l. 915 in (1931) 46 128/2 Anon wiþ outen ani destaunce, He told þe king of his meschaunce. c1425 (c1400) l. 5733 (MED) Ector..wente hom to his fadur, And bad he scholde with-oute distaunce Come with alle his puruyaunce. c1500 Sir Corneus in M. M. Furrow (1985) 285 After mete, without distans, The cokwoldes schuld togeþer danse. 1509 (de Worde) sig. F.iiv In marche moneth the kynge of fraunce Wente to shyppe without dystaunce. 1543 f. C.xlv Within fewe yeres, in peace and rest to liuen He crowned his sonne without distaunce Kyng of Englande. 1662 A. Petrie i. 455 He answered calmly, It shall be so, but first the Pope's Process must be published; and afterwards, without any distance, he caused the Appeal of the Templaries, with the causes thereof, to be read and published. the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase] c1390 (c1350) Proprium Sanctorum in (1888) 81 107 Þer is ȝiuen Auttorite vnbynde and Bynde..of heore synnes wiþ-oute distaunce. 1499 (de Worde) sig. Miii As gracyous god..Hath ordeynt the heuen but dystaunce to endure. a1500 (a1460) (1994) I. iii. 28 Sex hundreth yeris and od Haue I, without distance, In erth..Liffyd. P2. In adverbial phrases in which distance is modified by a verbal noun. Usually following a preposition, esp. within (also in, to, etc.). 1634 J. Russell 62 Having within a reaching distance got, They did salute them with their thundring shot. 1751 B. Franklin 62 Electrified clouds passing over hills or high buildings..may be attracted lower till within their striking distance. 1860 J. Tyndall i. x. 66 The width of the fissure seemed to be fairly within jumping distance. 1865 T. Carlyle V. xviii. xiii. 332 Steps forward still more briskly, to firing distance; begins his platoon thunder, with the due steady fury. 1919 Jan. 36/1 Something nice and easy, within commuting distance of New York. 1930 O. Asche xvii. 194 I call out aloud and fire a shot from my automatic in case there shall be any trappers in hearing distance. 2009 Aug. 76/1 [He] lives in a small apartment within walking distance of the office. 1835 23 Feb. They did not approach within hailing distance of the real question—the Constitutional question. 1939 29 May 3/3 The runs that put Nottinghamshire within striking distance of Surrey's total. 1953 R. Ellison Let. 24 July in R. Ellison & A. Murray (2000) 51 Today Mose is living within spitting distance of the capital and the white folks are accepting our presence with a certain amount of grace. 1995 22 July 16/2 The JILA team got within spitting distance of this Bose-Einstein condensation earlier this year. 2012 P. Larkin (e-book, accessed 22 Sept. 2021) 394 Hibs were continuing a decent run of form which saw them still within touching distance of a Rangers side starting to look its age. 2017 R. S. Meyers (e-book ed.) vii Their apartment was spitting distance from her parent's home. P3. Phrases in which distance is the object of particular verbs. a. to go (also last, stay) the distance. 1829 4 May 6/3 Mr. Stenewer has nothing in his stable that can go the distance. 1887 M. Shearman (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 112 The good steeplechaser must, of course, be a long-distance runner, as no one without staying powers can hope to last the distance. 1890 28 June 2/4 I did not back the horse for a dollar. I did not think he could go the distance. 1936 5 Feb. 20/2 Burstow (S.) Handicap 'Chase (3m.).—Kiang will have no trouble in staying the distance. 2014 10 Oct. 64/3 Martin is not in doubt about Quick Jack's ability to stay the distance, nor his effectiveness on testing going. (b) Boxing. 1897 31 Jan. 2/2 The boys went the distance without either gaining any decided advantage, and the referee..declared the bout a draw. 1936 24 Nov. 6/6 A fearless fighter who had..‘gone the distance’ three times with the famous negro, Al Brown. 1988 Nov. 23/1 Levai ran around the ring for three rounds, becoming the first Olympic boxer to go the distance against Teofilo Stevenson. 2003 T. Butler 110 Tudor went the distance against Crocker in both 1939 and '40, one of only seven boxers to do so in three years. 1913 15 Feb. (2nd ed.) 3/7 The bout, which was characterised by hard hitting and good boxing, went all the distance. 1918 29 June 81 So well matched were the men that the bouts lasted the distance in most cases. 1958 30 Sept. 15/1 This greater experience could be particularly valuable if the bout goes the distance. 2018 G. Pantalone iii. 21 The bout went the distance. (c) In extended use. 1911 Feb. 7/1 I would like to stay the distance for to quit is called a sin. 1919 R. Bedford (1920) ii. 18 Anyhow, good luck to her to find before marriage instead of after that she couldn't last the distance. 1988 J. McInerney ii. 21 Most guys can't really go the distance. But still he's cute. 2003 29 Jan. 5/4 Every year nearly seven million of us make the same resolution again, having failed to stay the distance last time. 1936 13 Jan. 4/2 (advt.) Goods are never cheap if they don't go the distance. 1963 48 241 (advt.) Goes the distance with less time out. 1991 Aug. 4 Marathon Mascara really goes the distance. 2012 Apr. 36 (advt.) Choose Furukawa's quality for a rock-breaker that stays the distance! 1911 14 Apr. (Last ed.) 16/4 The fans kept off Bobby Groom, and he went the distance without any trouble. 1967 14 May ii. 5/1 Pitcher Ed McGrath went the distance and battery mate, Tony Carderelli, drove in four runs in the Boston State victory. 1996 29 Apr. 17/6 Yokohama starter Takashi Saito (3–0) scattered three hits and struck out 15 in going the distance. the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > not be affable 1600 B. Jonson v. iii. sig. Qivv If you be out, keepe your distance, and be not made a Shot-clog no more. a1640 P. Massinger (1976) ii. iii. 62 Pray you keepe your distance, And grow not rude. 1642 T. Fuller iv. xvi. 325 Teaching words their distance to wait on his matter. 1733 J. Swift Thoughts on Var. Subj. in J. Swift et al. I. 307 If a Man makes me keep my Distance, the Comfort is, he keeps his at the same Time. 1773 O. Goldsmith ii. 38 It won't do, so I beg you'll keep your distance. 1831 1 12 Her mother..treated him with bare civility, to make him, as she expressed it, keep his distance. 1925 E. A. Powell xvi. 418 It was..only the methodic shouting..of the boatmen which caused them to keep their distance. 1990 N. Gordimer 30 He kept his distance from me because he thought he must smell of her arm and shoulder pressed against his. 2010 15 June 7/5 (caption) A diver keeps her distance from a venomous Lion's Mane jellyfish, hundreds of which have been seen off the Cornish coast. 2014 T. McCulloch 50 I make sure I keep a careful distance from Stan, wouldn't put it past him to grass me up. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) v. iii. 215 She knew her distance, and did angle for mee, Madding my eagernesse with her restraint. View more context for this quotation 1660 T. M. IV. 65 They intended to curb the Wallingford party, by teaching them manners, and to know their distance. ?1719 T. Beringto 37 I..have learnt something of decorum, and know my distance when I address to Persons of Quality yet in the World. 1857 J. Bentley (ed. 3) 85 A sympathy of feelings and tastes, which makes the common labourer, so long as he knows his distance, a welcome companion for an hour. 1862 J. G. Vassar (ed. 2) 266 He attempts to strike, but the charmers know their distance. 1984 L. Spencer (2013) 171 ‘Don't touch!’ Rye called. ‘They sting!’ The dog knew and kept her distance. †P4. Noun phrases with of. a. 1672 J. Lacey tr. A. Tacquet Mil. Archit. ii. 3 in T. Venn ii The side of the outward Polygon, or the distance of the Bastions. 1853 J. H. Stocqueler 85/2 Distance of the bastion is a term applied to the exterior polygon. b. 1788 D. Dundas 188 The rear ranks can be sufficiently loosened and march with great convenience, and without increasing the distances of divisions. 1853 J. H. Stocqueler 85/2 The distance of divisions is the number of paces, of thirty inches each, comprised in the front of any division or body, and is nearly three-fourths of the number of files; being once ascertained in each division, the officer commanding it can at all times recollect the number of paces that are equal to his front. 1799 T. Campbell i. 7 'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view. 1827 T. Hood 2nd Ser. 20 In spite of what the Bard has penn'd, I fear the distance did not ‘lend Enchantment to the view’. 1936 M. R. Anand (1993) iv. 169 But distance lent enchantment to this view. For the ascent to the plateau disclosed on the left a sewerage farm. 1998 H. Collins & T. Pinch (2014) 3 In science and technology, as in love, ‘distance lends enchantment.’ Compounds C1. the world > health and disease > healing > ophthalmology or optometry > aids to defective vision > [noun] > spectacles > other types of spectacles the world > health and disease > healing > ophthalmology or optometry > aids to defective vision > [noun] > spectacles > lens of spectacles > types of 1864 12 Nov. 510/1 The patient's near-point with his distance-glasses on is..20 inches. 1867 333 She had come out with her ‘distance’ spectacles on. 1907 13 Feb. 9/5 (advt.) Don't be compelled to change your glasses every time you wish to use reading lenses instead of distance lenses, or vice versa. 1989 24 May (Business Day section) d1/2 Contact lens marketers believe the baby boom generation will be more resistant..to wearing reading glasses with their distance contacts. 2018 E. George (2019) 609 Mr. Keegan couldn't quite see as the bloke was at a distance..and he himself wasn't wearing his distance specs. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > [noun] > types of race society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > [noun] > racer > types of 1868 4 Jan. 7/3 A great impetus was given to the distance runners of that time. 1869 Apr. 251 The sprint and distance running qualities so rarely combine in the same person. 1904 10 Sept. 4/6 (headline) Diet for distance swimmers. 1911 XXIII. 854/1 Hard daily training is necessary for a distance runner. 1976 June 110/3 For some years the faster sprinters have on the whole been Americans and the faster distance runners Europeans. 1985 26 Aug. 20/2 Slaney..holds every American women's distance running record from 800 meters to 10,000. 2005 Oct. 65/1 The Stillman height/weight ratio table is often used by distance runners as an ideal weight guide. c. 1894 H. Drummond v. 233 This new distance-language began again at the beginning, just as all Language does, by employing signs. 1925 (Southern New Eng. Telephone Co.) Dec. 5/2 The people of the state will this year spend something like $4,000,000 on toll messages, which of course includes all forms of a distance message. 1970 Mar. 59 These ‘Gateway Courses’..were planned in collaboration with The National Extension College, a multi-media college based in Cambridge, which has had extensive experience in ‘distance teaching’ in a variety of fields. 1981 R. G. Myers 68 The mammoth evaluation of distance education using a television satellite (SITE) included a study by the Operations Research Group in Baroda. 1987 Nov. 12 The training of teachers and distance educators who must provide quality education on all levels. 1995 11 May 44/2 Many of its students are distance learners and may be studying in Canada or Singapore. 1996 (Nexis) 11 Feb. Solo and distance workers suffer high levels of stress and isolation away from the social office environment. 2020 5 Dec. Terri has gained a lot of valuable experience that has allowed her to..deliver distance courses in our comprehensive health care aide program. (b) society > education > teaching > [noun] > other methods of teaching 1972 T. Dodds (title) IEC Broadsheet on distance learning no. 1. Multi-media approaches to rural education. 1977 70 684/2 I do not think that the distance learning pattern is suited to school-leavers. 1986 Jan. 13/3 The Aberystwyth course did not get off the ground because most local authorities were unwilling to release staff for a whole year, and..as a result Aberystwyth was considering offering the MEd degree as a distance-learning course. 2004 30 Jan. 605/1 A distance learning program..would provide Internet access to K-12 schools. 2011 Mar. 13 (advt.) MSc Parapsychology (by Distance Learning). This two-year part-time course is delivered entirely online. 1825 12 May 131 And the broken dash of the rocky linn, With its distance-mellowed gentle din. 1850 E. B. Browning (new ed.) II. 196 You can hear that evermore Distance-softened noise. 1900 E. Mitchell xi. 188 Not a sound broke the night except the distance-muffled hum of street traffic. 1932 J. L. Mitchell xi. 142 We heard the distance-softened clamour of dance-music. 2002 (Nexis) 16 Dec. c16 Meg and Tom Hanks are star-crossed, distance-challenged lovers-to-be. C3. Horse Racing. As a modifier (in sense 13a(a)). 1787 12 Sept. Pulled up at the distance chair. 1866 22 Sept. 8/5 At the distance chair Accident came to the front and won easily by seven lengths. 1911 1 Apr. 430 (caption) The distance chair jump. 1931 17 June 6/4 There were three posts or ‘stoops’, round which the horses had to pass, making a kind of loop, and then to return along the same track to the ‘distance chair’, which was 240 yards short of the winning post. 1731 J. Cheny 75 Midge had opportunity of passing the said Distance-Flag, before it was fallen. 1870 (rev. ed.) iii. iv. 372 So that the man in the distance-stand may clearly see the winning-post, and be ready to drop the distance-flag. 2011 K. Hollingsworth 25 In mile heats, the distance flag was located forty yards short of the finish line. 1830 Sept. 14 There shall be two distance Judges, and three patrol Judges, who repair to the Judges' stand, after each heat. 2013 6 Apr. 83/5 The name refers to the actual chair originally incorporated into the superstructure of the fence at which the distance judge sat. 1731 17–19 June A Mare got the first Heat very easily; but after she was within the Distance-Post went on the wrong Side of a Post that was between the Distance-Post and the Starting-Post. 1809 Brit. Press 6 Apr. in (1810) XIII. 63 Gibby and Premier..were scarcely able to strike a trot in passing the distance-post. 1870 (rev. ed.) iii. iv. 371 In coming in on the right of the course, there should be two distance-posts; the first is to be erected two hundred and forty yards from the winning-post; the second a hundred and twenty from it. 1953 18 July 8/1 (caption) The dog slipped under the rails as the field passed the distance post. 1979 M. W. Jones ii. 53 The eventual winner Sam glimpsed the leader for the first time only as he reached the distance post. 1827 20 Nov. Superior pulled up at the distance stand the first heat. 1870 (rev. ed.) iii. iv. 372 So that the man in the distance-stand may clearly see the winning-post, and be ready to drop the distance-flag. 1910 S. L. Boardman 74 A horse which fails to reach the distance-post or stand before the heat has been won..is regarded as distanced. C4. 1844 W. Pole I. ii. 82 Two plates.., which are bolted together with distance blocks between to keep them parallel with each other. 1979 I. H. Seeley (ed. 3) iv. 42 Bends, hooks, tying wire, distance blocks and ordinary spacers are deemed to be included. 2000 Apr. 167/3 Kistler force plates can be placed between the distance block and the deformable structure. 1853 tr. M. Lermontov i. 51 A girl and boy run forward from the rest, like distance-markers from a battalion on drill. 1943 7 Sept. (Final ed.) ii. 11/1 Probably one of the most confusing things to American tourists traveling in Mexico will be the road signs. All distance markers are marked off in kilometers. 2016 1 Oct. 39/2 One particular class, type 1a supernovae, burn with predictable brightness, meaning we can use them as cosmic distance markers. 2021 (Nexis) 11 Aug. Common areas in the school premises will have a distance marker or floor markings to ensure social distancing is maintained among students and staff at all times. 1836 H. van Wart & S. A. Goddard (1855) 8 This rod..is..connected to the lower end of a sweep lever..formed by two parallel plates joined together by pins, with distance pieces at top and bottom. 1840 IV. 224 A section across a main rib, showing the diagonal braces, and also a distance piece or additional brace. 1930 4 July 9/3 The introduction of a distance piece between a piston and its crosshead. 2006 H. P. Bloch (ed. 2) ii. 56 Distance pieces are usually furnished as steel or cast iron castings or steel weldments. 1904 C. S. Sherrington in 5 May 494/2 Distance receptors..drive the total animal; they initiate and guide precurrent reactions as contrasted with consummatory. 1927 J. B. S. Haldane & J. S. Huxley xii. 300 Since they [sc. gastropods] are free-moving, distance-receptors are wanted. 2007 253 3/1 The reactions to distance receptors often involve the musculature of the animal as a whole. 1848 12 Sept. 2/4 (headline) New distance signal on the South-Western Railway. 1909 43 588/1 We pulled into Barford thirty seconds ahead of time, or rather we pulled up at the distance signal that stood at ‘danger’. 1989 B. P. Saha ii. 40 If a dead body is lying on the railway line beyond the distance signal, GRP without verification may ask the district police to initiate action. 1883 26 May 562/2 She is not particularly concerned about her distance vision, or she would have had glasses for that purpose long ago. 1929 2 Feb. 249/1 The standardised test for central acuity of distance vision consists of the familiar Snellen's types, a series of black letters of diminishing sizes arranged on a white background, and placed at a uniform distance of 6 metres from the patient. 2010 15 May r6/5 Some people with presbyopia wear a contact lens in one eye that corrects for distance vision and another on the other eye for closer ranges. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2022; most recently modified version published online June 2022). distancev. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: distance n. Etymology: < distance n.Compare Middle French, French distancer (late 14th cent.). The form distan perhaps results from reanalysis of the final sibilant /s/ as a personal ending. I. To put, set, or keep (someone or something) at a distance, and related senses. 1. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > put at or remove to a distance 1578 J. Banister i. f. 18v The head is distaunsed from the body so much in man, for the cause of Aspera Arteria. 1629 J. Wadsworth iii. 14 Furnished with some 50. beds, distanced onely by a partition of boards. 1658 J. Owen 167 He knowes what it is to enjoy the favour of Christ..; and perhaps hath been sometimes at some losse in this thing, and so knowes also, what it is to be in the dark, distanced from him. a1661 T. Fuller (1662) Hants. 1 Not to speak of the friendly Sea conveniently distanced from London. 1730 A. Smith 242 So much the sadder, by reason I am distanced from your sweet Company. 1845 v. 81 If we be so widely distanced, we shall lose the pleasure of your company. 1860 R. W. Emerson Fate in (London ed.) 23 This insight..distances those who share it, from those who share it not. 1887 E. E. Money II. v. 81 The dogs separated some two or three, and gradually distancing them from the others, drove them furiously along. 1963 78 296/1 Primarily Chaucer's narrative method serves to distance us from the characters. 1967 N. Podhoretz I. i. 25 Sons who grew up into literary success are transformed almost beyond recognition and distanced almost beyond a mother's reach. 1998 T. Booth & M. Ainscow v. 66 The modifications made in the curriculum of both these students has the effect of distancing them from their peers. 1803 tr. J. A. von Retzow in 39 App. 549 The king..must have distanced himself too much from Saxony and the banks of the Elbe. 1880 Mar. 237 We lost no time in distancing ourselves from our bête noire. 1962 2 Sept. 4/6 Above all, he wanted to distance himself from what he called ‘rich man's socialism’. 1984 8 Oct. 17 (heading) The White House approach of distancing itself from all the sleaze does work. 2014 7 Nov. (Business section) 4/2 Mr Soriot..seems keen to distance himself from the speculation that he is in the frame for the top job. the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)] 1658 J. Webb tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède viii. i. 7 Unable to hinder their distancing..a great way from the place of combate. 1863 10 July At five P.M. she distanced from us about five or six miles, when she gave up the chase and hauled to the southward. 1977 C. M. Hall in J. P. Lorio & L. McClenathan II. 142 The daughter had been distancing from her mother by her helping and taking-care-of posture, and when she was able to relate to her on a more personal level her mother was correspondingly able to function more effectively. 1986 J. Wheatcroft 130 As he distanced from the sports car, he was able to see that the Buick had smashed the right front fender. 2009 M. Grigsby App. 203 Over time, he distanced from her, saying that they did not ‘get along well’, and eventually he said that he rarely sees her. the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > optical illusion > [verb (transitive)] > make appear distant 1695 J. Dryden tr. R. de Piles in tr. C. A. Du Fresnoy 170 That which gives the Relievo to a Bowl..is the quick Light, or the white, which appears to be on the side..nearest to us, and the black by consequence distances the Object. 1864 J. R. Lowell 198 Mountains, which the ripe Italian air distances with a bloom like that on unplucked grapes. 2014 D. A. Morrison i. 14 He had already begun to describe it as exotic, a mixture of the strange and curious that distanced the place and objectified its inhabitants. the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)] > measure distance of 1706 No. 4292/3 All Persons paying to any Lamps, distanced by two of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, are exempted from hanging out a Lanthorn and Candle. 1715 N. Dubois & G. Leoni tr. A. Palladio I. xvii. 30 This manner of distancing the Columns is..call'd Systylos. 1713 L. Theobald tr. Plato 13 We can only make poor Approaches to Wisdom, as we can distance the Operations of the Body, and have no Communication with its Organs. 1786 F. Burney 28 Nov. (1842) III. 232 I wished them well..but I distanced them to the best of my power. 1840 R. Martineau (1846) ii. 45 Glad would they have been of any contrivance by which they might as certainly distance Nipen. †II. To cover the distance to (a place or object), and related senses. 1642 H. More sig. I4 The sunne and all the starres that do appear She feels them in herself, can distance all. 1650 T. Fuller i. xiii. 40 The Hebrews distanced their places by severall measures. III. To leave behind, outstrip, defeat, and related senses. 8. 1686 N. Cox (ed. 3) v. vii. 72 The hindmost Horse being bound to follow him, within a certain distance agreed on..and which ever Horse could distance the other won the Match. 1707 No. 4363/4 Paying a Guinea Entrance (which is to go to the second Horse, distanc'd or not distanc'd). 1713 R. Steele in 18 Mar. 2/1 He puts in for the Queen's Plate every Year, with Orders to his Rider never to win or be distanced. 1803 M. Cutler Let. 12 Nov. in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler (1888) II. 143 If any horses in the race do not arrive at this stage before the foremost arrives at the stage from which they started, they are said to be distanced, and are taken out, and not suffered to run again in the same race. 1895 15 Sept. 10/2 In the third heat of the fourth race Nat Goodwin..fell from exhaustion at the half-mile and was distanced. 1964 15 Feb. 19/4 The qualifying results:..Abbie's Intruder (Darish), distanced. 2007 P. Edwards v. 103 Horses distanced in a race took no further part in the proceedings. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > leave behind by superior speed the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > gain (ground) upon > catch up or overtake > outstrip 1691 J. Norris 37 We are utterly Distanc'd in the Race. 1712 W. Rogers 127 He distanc'd and tir'd both the Dog and the Men. 1789 H. L. Piozzi Feb. in (1942) II. 730 I do think Helen Maria Williams has distanced all her Competitors in Lines upon the Slave Trade. 1811 Ld. Byron Let. 16 June in L. A. Marchand (1976) IV. 52 I distanced three swimmers. 1851 H. W. Longfellow v. 238 Our fleeter steeds have distanced our attendants. 1856 C. J. Lever vii. 55 [He] had distanced all his competitors in his College career. 1930 R. Clapham in C. Frederick et al. xxviii. 275 Should hounds distance their field and run a fox to ground, the music of a few staunch markers lets the huntsman know in which direction to go. 1987 17 Sept. 18/4 Britain's Paul Curran sees his bid for the amateur title fall as Poland's Andrsej Mierzejewski distances him on a climb. 1996 7 July 19/8 Distanced by the leaders half-way up the Col de la Madeleine, he chased bravely and made up a three-minute deficit. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > leave behind (something stationary) 1819 A. O'Keeffe I. xx. 285 In proportion as I distanced the place of temptation, the object of it became fainter. 1873 Mrs. Charles in Feb. 332 We heard the joyous voices sound louder and freer as they distanced the solemn precincts. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2022; most recently modified version published online June 2022). <  n.c1300 v.1578 |
