faithfuladj.n.adv.
/ˈfeɪθf(ᵿ)l/, U.S. /ˈfeɪθfəl/ A. adj.
1.
a.
(a) Of a person or animal (esp. a dog): constant in allegiance or affection; loyal, true to (one's friend, master, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adjective]
holdc893
trueOE
leala1300
truefula1350
faithfula1375
true-hearted1465
liege1478
well-wishing1548
allegiant1556
vowed1560
lewtifull1563
whole-chested1576
devotious1583
devote1597
loyal-hearted1599
devoted1600
resolved1600
real1639
fidelious1650
liegeful1872
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 337 (MED) Be feiȝtful & fre & euer of faire speche.
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 155 Feiþful frendes fewe we fynde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19799 (MED) Þair he fand a faithful frend.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 307 So faithfulle þei bisemed Boþe erles and barons, his wordes alle þei quemed.
a1450 York Plays (1885) 314 Full faithfull schall ȝe fynde me.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 43/2 Ye lord Hasting..perswaded the Lordes to belieue, that the Duke of Gloucester, was sure and fastlye faithfull to hys prince.
?1549 G. Joye Contrarye sig. B.iiijv A faythful dogge lyinge at his maisters dore, wil barke & bight to, yf the thefe come nighe to breke in.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Isocrates in Panoplie Epist. 162 The chiefest and faythfullest of your favourers.
1639 Duke of Hamilton in Hamilton Papers (1880) 104 My cariage..such as became your faithfullst servant.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 30 A Person untaintedly faithful to the Grand Vizier.
1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. iii. 82 [They] vowed themselves to be his faithful Allies.
1733 A. Pope Ess. Man i. 118 His faithful Dog shall bear him company.
1825 W. Scott Talisman ix, in Tales Crusaders IV. 182 The deep wail of a dog,..which, as an experienced woods-man, he had no hesitation in recognizing to be that of his own faithful hound.
1857 L. H. Grindon Life (ed. 2) ii. 13 We must..be faithful to His revealed law.
1924 W. S. Rainsford Story of Varied Life xxx. 462 I went to my faithful friend..and opened to him my heart.
1949 Dict. National Biogr. 1931–40 189/2 He..was as faithful to his friends as unsparing to his adversaries.
2012 Daily Tel. 24 Feb. 35/1 A political moderate and a faithful lieutenant first to Harold Wilson and later to John Silkin.
(b) spec. Of a partner in a marriage or other relationship: sexually loyal to the other partner; not adulterous. Frequently with to. Cf. unfaithful adj. 2d.
ΚΠ
1542 T. Becon Pleasaunt Newe Nosegaye sig. M.vv Cleue to God alone as a true and faythfull wyfe doth to her husbond.
1632 H. More tr. G. Piatti Happines Relig. State i. x. 62 A secular man..bragging that he liued chaste, and was faithful to his wife.
1685 J. Jackson et al. Annot. Holy Bible II. sig. Zzv/2 Like a wilful Adulteress, they would not keep faithful to their Husband.
1793 Stockton Bee Oct. 312 No wav'ring wishes wantonize his life, A faithful husband to a faithful wife.
1836 J. F. O'Connell Resid. Eleven Years New Holland xi. 156 The generally kind treatment of her spouse—her fondness for her children—..are reasons sufficient why a Bonabeean woman should remain faithful and attached.
1879 Scribner's Monthly July 361/1 Later in life they grow steady and are very faithful to their legal or de facto husbands.
1925 Amer. Mercury Jan. 12/1 Male vanity, however, is so intense that a man will willingly marry a light woman, believing in all sincerity that the most faithless of women cannot but be faithful to him.
1967 D. Morris Naked Ape 38 It meant that the females remained bonded to their individual males and faithful to them while they were away on the hunt.
1989 T. Parker Place called Bird xxiii. 287 She'd not gone off with some other guy, she'd stayed faithful right down the line.
2008 R. Gordon Web of Desire 121 I wouldn't be a faithful wife, I know that.
(c) figurative. Of a thing: trusty, reliable, dependable; constant, ever-present. Also with to.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adjective] > of oaths, qualities, etc.
holda1100
lealc1350
faithful1638
devotional1677
1638 W. Rawley tr. F. Bacon Hist. Nat. & Exper. Life & Death 342 The Remedies Faithfull to the Intentions.
1641 W. Bridge Babylons Downfall 31 Wee expect warmth, and light from the fire, and that is faithfull: Why? for God is faithfull, hee bids it bee faithfull to us.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 94 His faithful Bed is crown'd with chast delight. View more context for this quotation
a1719 J. Addison Scating (1720) 13 Now to the faithful Sea, the Matron dares Her self commit, and trust her brittle Wares.
1785 W. Cowper Task iii. 8 A greensward smooth And faithful to the foot.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth ix, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. III. 215 Whose hand was faithful to his sword.
1853 R. Bigsby Ombo ix. 190 My old, my faithful blade! My loved companion!
1908 K. Grahame Wind in Willows ix. 192 His faithful, steady-going old river, which never packed up, flitted, or went into winter quarters.
1926 People's Home Jrnl. Feb. 26/4 Your faithful toothbrush..should be used at least three times daily.
1995 Countryman Summer 43 One still, autumn evening, the faithful old outdoor privy was ceremonially burned down.
b. Of friendship, love, etc.: loyal, constant, steadfast.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective] > of faith, resolve, love, etc.
stablea1300
faithfula1375
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 5434 Feiþfullere frenchipe saw neuer frek in erþe.
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) l. 1071 (MED) From whoos hertes was devoyde[d] clene Of brotherhode the faithful alliaunce.
1582 R. Stanyhurst in tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis 108 In learning Socrates, in faythful freendship Achates.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 983 Chiefly assur'd..of thy so true, So faithful Love unequald. View more context for this quotation
1723 L. Braddon To pay Old Debts without New Taxes 133 We do..owe our present Happiness to..their faithful Alliance, in many Years War.
1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 406 And piety with wishes placed above, And steady loyalty, and faithful love.
1844 N. Amer. Rev. Jan. 84 When their lays do breathe the spirit of faithful love, one is more convinced of its genuineness than in the Minnesongs of the North.
1886 Library Mag. 1 575 A true marriage is a loving, faithful partnership, in whose welcome yoke husband or wife should equally draw the load of life's duties.
1967 Lebanon (Pa.) Daily News 17 May 49/6 The classics are replete with rich examples of faithful friendship, trusty and tried.
1991 Gay Times Apr. Insert 1/3 (advt.) Good looking slim professional..seeks strong affectionate sincere non scene friend for faithful relationship.
2000 M. Hebblethwaite in A. Hastings et al. Oxf. Compan. Christian Thought 453/2 A famous passage in Isaiah presents maternal love as the most powerful reflection of God's faithful love that can be thought of.
c. True to one's word or stated belief; firm in adherence to a promise, undertaking, etc. Frequently with to.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective] > to a promise
faithful?a1425
good faith1880
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > nature or attributes of God > [adjective] > faithful
faithful1594
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 90 (MED) The sarazines ben gode & feythfull, for þei kepen entierly the commandement of..Alkaron.
1547 Ld. Burghley in Queen Katherine Parr Lamentacion of Synner Pref. Yf we knowledge our sinnes, god is faythful to forgiue vs, and to clense vs from all vnryghteousnes.
1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 187 God is so often..called Faithfull..because Hee neuer falsifieth his faith.
1611 Bible (King James) Deut. vii. 9 The faithfull God, which keepeth Couenant and Mercy with them that loue him. View more context for this quotation
1690 J. Dryden Don Sebastian v. 114 Naturally good, And faithfull to his word.
1704 tr. D. Fernández Navarrete Acct. Empire China iii. iv. in A. Churchill & J. Churchill Coll. Voy. I. 131 Faithful in keeping his Word with his Subjects, this is contrary to the Doctrine Cardinal Richlieu would have establish'd in France.
1746 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Satires ii. v. 134 Your prudent honourable Spouse, It seems, was faithful to her nuptial Vows.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 100 Are ye remaining faithful to your covenant?
1892 Ladies' Home Jrnl. June 4/4 For better or worse they have taken each other, and she has been faithful to her contract.
1944 Life 10 Apr. 67 She remained faithful to her vow of poverty when others failed.
2006 J. T. McCann Terrorism on Amer. Soil 17 Booth was also able to remain faithful to the promise he made to his mother.
d. Of a promise, vow, etc.: containing a pledge of fidelity; given with solemn assurances; binding. In later use also: sincere.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > [adjective]
fastOE
faithfula1500
obligatory1502
obligatoriousa1555
astrictivea1575
bounded1586
debt-bound1588
obliged1594
obligative1596
Stygian1608
obligator1609
binding1611
imperative1621
obligant1624
ligatory1625
obliging1638
obstrictive1642
boundant1649
self-binding1685
hard1935
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [adjective] > binding
faithfula1500
committal1843
a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) viii. l. 1995 Bundyn..withe faythful bande To succoure þe kynrik of Scotlande.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xlviii. 162 I haue made a faythfull vow.
1576 W. Clever tr. J. Glaucus Knowl. Kings sig. C.iiiv The Assyrians stoode bounde by faithfull oathe, to defende the tributarie people the Raellyans.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) v. i. 112 The faithfull'st offrings..That ere deuotion tender'd. View more context for this quotation
1696 N. Tate & N. Brady New Version Psalms of David cxix. 254 In God I trust, who never will His faithful Promise break.
1704 T. D'Urfey Tales 231 The Prince..in the Lover's Posture, kneeling low, Implores her to receive the Faithful Vow.
1790 M. O. Warren Ladies of Castile iv. v. in Poems 161 Come plight thy vow, thy sacred, faithful vow.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. ix. 180 A faithful promise!—That puzzles me.—I have heard of a faithful performance. But a faithful promise—the fidelity of promising! View more context for this quotation
1877 E. S. Armitage Childhood Eng. Nation ix. 119 By these faithful oaths the throne of William became the strongest in Europe.
1918 W. J. Dawson War Eagle viii. 311 Through life to death, and maybe beyond death, this is my faithful pledge.
1947 W. S. Churchill in Times 7 Mar. 4/1 It is not we in the Conservative Party who have, in any way, gone back on our faithful undertaking.
2000 Cincinnati Dec. 47/1 My faithful promise to everyone here is that I will not interfere.
2. Of a person, a person's character, action, words, etc.: that may be believed or relied on; trustworthy, veracious; reliable, dependable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > sincerity, freedom from deceit > [adjective]
aefauldOE
trueOE
true as steela1300
throlya1375
entirec1380
faithfula1382
entirelyc1400
single1519
sincere1533
sincere1539
simple-minded1556
Dunstable?1565
truthful?1567
single-hearted1574
single-minded1577
sound1580
downright1584
unaffected1592
real1597
plain-hearted1601
unartificial1603
free1619
honest1634
fair and square1636
round-dealing1642
wholehearted1657
down flata1663
well-designing1670
heart-whole1684
single-eyed1705
unsanctimoniousa1797
natural1825
bona fide1827
unfallacious1827
jannock1828
forthcoming1835
up and down1836
bonified1840
forthgoing1851
unhypocritical1854
forthright1855
upstanding1863
on the level1872
genuine1890
for real1954
upfront1967
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > reliability > [adjective]
sickerc1100
very1303
certainc1325
trustyc1390
soothfasta1400
surea1400
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
unfallible1529
infailable1561
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
faithful1611
infalliblea1616
well-proven1639
unfallida1641
indefailable1693
securea1729
pukka1776
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xxxi. 28 The witnessing of the treuthe of hym feithful [L. fidele].
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xix. l. 141 Suche a surgeyn setthen yseye was þer neuere, Ne non so faithfol fysician.
c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) 65 I haue founde ȝou folk faiþful of speche.
1528 W. Tyndale Obed. Christen Man f. xcix He..ought to open his mynde vnto some faythfull brother that is lerned, and he shall geve him faythfull councell to helpe hym with all.
1554 R. Home et al. Let. Oct. in Brieff Disc. Troubles Franckford (1574) p. xix So that this matter as it is begon and moued in writing maie be fully debated and concluded by his faithfull means and diligence.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms cxix. 138 Thy testimonies..are..very faithfull . View more context for this quotation
1678 H. Prideaux Lett. (1875) 65 The faithfullest relators..are the Grecians.
1726 J. Leoni Life Alberti in tr. L. B. Alberti Archit. 5 His Assistant and the faithful Executor of his designs.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. xvii. 302 Unless I had much faithfuller Interest, [he] advised me to give over my Pretensions. View more context for this quotation
1784 J. Ramsay Ess. Treatm. & Conversion Afr. Slaves iv. 239 Childish sprightliness..is not always, nor indeed often, a faithful promiser of manly parts.
1814 W. Scott Waverley I. iii. 39 Memoirs, scarcely more faithful than romances. View more context for this quotation
1891 M. E. Wilkins Humble Romance 280 Her husband..did the cooking, and he was as faithful at it as a woman!
1913 Proc. Royal Soc. 1912–13 B. 86 389 Many methods of fixation have been tried... The Method described below..is more faithful than even osmic acid.
2005 Polish Rev. 50 422 These are the documents of..a faithful eyewitness.
3. Of a person, an action, etc.: full of or characterized by (esp. religious) faith; believing; trusting. Cf. sense B. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > [adjective] > having faith
leaffulOE
ileaffulOE
belieffula1200
faithfulc1384
trowinga1400
faitheda1413
believing1442
fiable1483
professant1621
professing1651
the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > [adjective]
faithfulc1384
officiousc1487
heedful1548
heedy1548
religious1567
unhurting1581
rigid1602
observant1608
conscionable1620
strictc1660
solid1880
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. vii. 14 The vnfeithful hosebonde is halowid by the feithful [L. fidelem] womman.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John xx. 27 He seith to Thomas, Bryng yn hidur thi fyngur..and nyle thou be vnbileueful, but feithful.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5348 Faithful abraham.
c1454 in H. Anstey Epistolae Academicae Oxon. (1898) I. 324 (MED) We pray yow gefe feytfulle credence yn thys mater.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 15 Þo comyn feleschip of feiþful men..þe kirk..of mek, charitable, feiþful entent..procediþ in dewe ordre up þe gospel.
1542 T. Becon Newe Pathway vnto Praier x. sig. E.vijv Inflame..mennes hertes with ye loue of faythfull prayer.
a1555 H. Latimer Frutefull Serm. (1572) ii. f. 188v The poor faythfull man is more sure of his liuing, then if he had the same in his chest.
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist ii. i. sig. C4v You are not faithfull, Sir. This night, I'll change All, that is mettall, in my house, to gold. View more context for this quotation
1677 S. Speed Prison-pietie 62 Thou,..That death subduing, didst unlock Heav'ns Realms unto thy faithful Flock.
1759 W. H. Dilworth Life of Pope 66 He saw no..difficulty for a faithful mind to believe the trinity.
1776 Short Jrnl. Labours & Trav. D. Bell (new ed.) 12 I consulted my mother about it, whose advice I greatly regarded in all my undertakings, being a faithful woman, and of great experience in the work of Truth.
1860 Atlantic Monthly Sept. 297/1 We cannot call those poor who are so rich in all the manly virtues, and in the deep experiences of a faithful life.
1895 S. Spurgeon Ten Years After! 116 A well-chosen, sound, and faithful book is a gift which..will influence many lives.
1906 Missionary Intelligencer May 167/1 Nearly all of the boys have accepted Christ, and are living faithful lives.
1942 C. Marsden Palmyra of North i. 24 The Russian, firmly idolatrous, worshipped the family icons in a friendly, familiar, but genuinely faithful attitude of mind.
2007 Third Way May 19/2 My last point is about humility and living ordinary, decent, faithful lives. Atheists simply don't get this at all.
4.
a. Of a person, a person's work, character, etc.: conscientious, thorough in the fulfilment of duty; conscientious, dutiful.In quot. 1600 ironically: (of a drunkard) inveterate, habitual (cf. sense B. 3).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > [adjective] > conscientious
faithfulc1400
good-heartedc1425
rigorousa1500
nice-conscienced1530
scrupulous1542
conscionable1549
punctual1609
conscientious1611
tender-conscienceda1617
conscious1628
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > [adjective] > conscientious > specifically of conduct
faithfulc1400
conscionable1559
conscientious1611
scrupulous1779
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. vi. l. 253 (MED) Þe freke þat fedeth hym-self with his feythful laboure.
c1405 (c1380) G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 24 I haue here doon my feithful bisynesse After the legende in translacioun.
a1450 (c1435) J. Lydgate Life SS. Edmund & Fremund (Harl.) l. 1081 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 396 Humble compassion was his awmener..And clerk of kechyn was feithful redynesse.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes iii, in Wks. 238/2 So faythfull a prince.
1573 T. W. tr. Supplication Prince of Orange to Kinges Maiestie of Spayne sig. f.iiv Wee doe excell in faythefull seruice, all our predecessours.
1600 S. Rowlands Letting of Humors Blood sig. E6 Blowne drinke is odious, what man can disiest it: No faythfull drunkard, but he doth detest it.
c1604 Charlemagne (1938) i. 19 Full twoe & twentye seuerall liuorye coatte..haue I runne throughe in your most faythfull service.
1675 J. Smith Horol. Dialogues i. v. 27 He that is honest and faithful in his dealing will certainly inform you of the difference if he finds you thus resolved valuably to purchase the best.
?1716 J. Dunton Seeing's Believing 13 The assurance of his faithfull Duty was like an Obligation seal'd with &c. 'twas only tinsell'd over with Oaths and Vows.
1770 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxvi. 63 The faithful servants, in whose hands you have left him, are able to retrieve his honour.
1851 T. Carlyle Life J. Sterling ii. ix. 264 He was now..eagerly reading in Whitlocke, Rushworth and the Puritan Books... Faithful assiduous studies.
1892 Law Times 92 144/2 The faithful and conscientious discharge of his duties.
1926 F. H. Law Mod. Great Americans xx. 279 They were faithful students, but in no way made themselves notable.
2005 S. Carolina Hist. Mag. 106 118 Medieval monks who painstakingly labored to preserve texts by years of faithful work in the scriptorium.
b. Of a reproof, criticism, etc.: well-intentioned; salutary (with reference to the duty of telling unwelcome truths or giving unwelcome counsel). Originally and later often of a figurative wound (with allusion to Proverbs 27:6; see quot. 1535).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > [adjective] > conscientious > conscientious in telling unwelcome truth
faithful1535
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prov. xxvii. B Faithfull [Heb. ne’ĕmānīm] are the woundes of a louer, but ye kysses of an enemie are disceatfull.
1572 D. Fergusson Serm. sig. C.iv Remembring the saying of Salomon, oppin rebuke is better then secreit lufe, and the woundis of a lufer mair faithfull then the kissis of ane enemie.
1580 M. Cope Expos. Prouerbes xxvii. f. 535v The woundes therefore of such people are very faythful, and so must we receiue them in good parte, with patience and with ioy.
1645 G. Walker Sermon 35 We feele no stroke of wrath and revenge at all, but only chastisements of love, fatherly corrections and tryalls, which are the faithfull wounds of a lover.
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 17 Think not those faithfull who praise all thy..actions, but those who reprove thy faults.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison I. xxxvi. 251 My pen shall be honest to that heart; and I shall be benefited, I am sure, by the faithful wounds of such affectionate, and equally-beloved as revered friends.
1789 J. Swain Redemption i. 7 Let candid sweetness through each pointed line Breathe genuine love; and where it pierces leave A precious balm the faithful wound to heal.
1813 Christian Observer Nov. 697/1 They were chastised, but not with unmeet severity. It was the correction of a parent, the faithful wound of a friend.
1888 Teachers' Storehouse & Treasury 8 80/2 Herodias..had a grudge against John, because of his faithful reproof of her iniquities.
1922 T. C. Horton Personal & Pract. Christian Work 148 Give heed to honest, faithful criticism.
2010 M. R. Darby Emergence Hebrew Christian Movement in 19th-cent. Brit. ii. 74 A fundamental principle..that faithful reproof was Christian kindness.
5. True to the fact or original, accurate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > truthfulness, veracity > [adjective] > of statement: agreeing with reality
soothlyc888
soothfastc950
truea1250
very1303
strait1340
honesta1400
soothfulc1400
precisec1443
veritable1474
just1490
perfect1523
faithful1529
sincere1555
unmangled1557
truthful?1567
neat1571
oraculous1612
punctual1620
oracular1631
unvamped1639
strict1645
unembroidered1649
ungarbled1721
unexaggerated1770
veracious1777
unfictitious1835
unexaggeratinga1854
uncooked1860
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes iii, in Wks. 241/1 Any good verteous man hath hadde the mynde in faithful wise to translate it.
1564 H. Middlemore tr. Let. Frenche Gentilwoman sig. A.iiv To gyue by this priuate letter..a faythfull testimonye of hyr vertue.
1634 E. Knott Mercy & Truth vi. 270 Without the direction & declaration of the Church, we can neyther haue certaine meanes to know what Scripture is Canonicall; nor what Translations be faythfull.
1660 H. More Explan. Grand Myst. Godliness v. xvii. 211 This is the faithfullest Account that I can give.
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 28 When the faithful Pencil has design'd Some fair Idea of the Master's Mind.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. i. vi. 32 Mrs. Deborah..made a faithful Report. View more context for this quotation
1781 W. Cowper Truth 161 In faithful memory she records the crimes.
1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend 14 Sept. 69 That my Readers would look round the World, as it now is, and make to themselves a faithful Catalogue of its many Miseries!
1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §42. 159 The Latin, though..more faithful than the Septuagint, is far from being perfect.
a1856 H. Miller Testimony of Rocks (1857) iii. 153 We pronounce the map..a faithful copy.
1938 Harper's Mag. Dec. 72 A Japanese..imitation faithful even to..two typographical errors in the instruction sheet.
1964 D. M. Frame Montaigne xi. 187 Handsome or ugly, he must paint a faithful likeness.
2002 N.Y. Times Mag. 22 Sept. 25 (advt.) Discover how a faithful replica on artist's canvas can enhance any room's beauty.
B. n.† 3. slang. With the. Drunkards as a class. Cf. sense A. 4a. Obsolete. rare.
1. With the.
a.
(a) Those who follow or believe in a particular faith (originally and esp. Christianity), considered collectively; esp. the orthodox or most committed members of a religion.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > sect > Christianity > person > [noun] > collective
holy churchc897
churcheOE
brideOE
ChristendomOE
Christ's churchOE
Christianitya1300
motherc1300
brotherheadc1384
Peter's bargea1393
Church of Christc1400
faithfulc1400
body of Christ?1495
congregation1526
husbandry1526
Peter's ship1571
mother church1574
St. Peter's ship1678
Peter's bark1857
Peter's boat1893
priest1897
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1167 (MED) He fylsened þe faythful in þe falce lawe To forfare þe falce in þe faythe trwe.
1537 Bible (Matthew's) Table sig. **v/1 The faythfull are called the house of God.
1558 Bp. T. Watson Holsome Doctr. Seuen Sacramentes xv. f. xci Hee was one of the number of the faithfull and familiars with Christ.
1563 J. Man tr. W. Musculus Common Places Christian Relig. 275 The Sacraments..be giuen unto the faithful only.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. xliv. 92 The faithfull which departed this life before the comming of Christ.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie i. iii. 59/1 We beleeve, the faithfull to eate Christs body.
a1711 T. Ken Hymnotheo iii, in Wks. (1721) III. 77 The Faithful, who retrieve baptismal Flame.
1782 J. Priestley Hist. Corruptions Christianity II. vi. 14 The faithful received the eucharist every Lord's day.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 159 A communion service at which the faithful might sit.
1912 A. Fortescue Mass ii. v. 215 The essential division of the Mass is between that of the Catechumens and that of the Faithful.
1939 Archit. Rev. 85 289/1 Round the church..is a broad path along which a monk walks summoning the faithful to prayer.
1966 Life 11 Feb. 50 Krishna had great appeal for the Hindu faithful.
2007 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Sept. 235/3 I find that the faithful go to church for a mixture of reasons.
(b) spec. Muslims collectively; the Islamic world.Formerly also in various titles for a ruler of an Islamic country. [In titles apparently rendering Arabic amīr al-mu'minīn (see miramamolin n.). See also Commander of the Faithful at commander n. 1c.]
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > sect > non-Christian religions > Islam > [noun] > person > collective
faithful1615
Mussulmin1679
mosque1779
Moslemah1816
Muslimin1819
jamaat1843
1615 W. Bedwell Arabian Trudgman in tr. Mohammedis Imposturæ sig. L4, at Amir Herehence is that title of the kings of Barbary,..The provost of the faithfull.
1668 P. Rycaut Present State Ottoman Empire (new ed.) i. xviii. 80 He may name his Convert, and gain reputation amongst his neighbours of having added to the number of the faithful: Of all this number, which yearly are added to the Professors of Mahomet, [etc.].
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. Faithful, a designation the mahometans assume to themselves.
1833 P. Allwood Diss. conc. Chronol. Numbers 54 The Turkish Empire, whose head still sustains the title of ‘Chalif of the faithful’.
1840 Comic Almanac 50 The Sultan of Turkey..the Father of the Faithful.
1890 W. A. Clouston Flowers from Persian Garden 33 Muezzins, who call the faithful to prayer.
1982 P. Carter Children of Bk. i. 11 From innumerable minarets the muezzins of Istanbul called to the Faithful of Islam.
2004 9/11 Comm. Rep. (National Comm. Terrorist Attacks U.S.) ii. 61 His opportunistic pose as a defender of the faithful against ‘Crusaders’ during the Gulf War of 1991.
b. The most committed adherents of something, esp. a political party, viewed collectively; the most loyal supporters or followers. Frequently with modifying word (see also party faithful n. at party n. Compounds 5).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > party politics > [noun] > attachment to party > one attached to party > collectively
faithful1861
grass root1899
1861 Illustr. Mag. 11 300/2 As a rule, the musical faithful are the most impassioned people amongst men.
1880 D. Masson Life Milton VI. iv. i. 809 His comrades, the flower of the Parliamentary and Republican faithful.
1933 B. Gadelius Human Mentality xvii. 545 I will state my view of the value of psychoanalysis... No value will be attached to my words among the ‘faithful’.
1945 Life 8 Jan. 60/2 He managed to earn billing at the Palace, the mecca of the vaudeville faithful.
1976 Scotsman 20 Nov. 8/1 The Shadow Chancellor, whose failure to exploit the Government's groggy condition has dismayed the Tory faithful.
1997 N.Y. Times 20 July xi. 1/1 Harley riders have closed ranks against those on Japanese bikes—known as ‘rice burners’ among the faithful.
2005 D. M. Oshinsky Polio 40 Roosevelt used his spare time to crank out letters to the Democratic faithful.
2. A faithful person.
a. A person who follows or believes in a particular faith (originally and esp. Christianity); esp. an orthodox or very committed follower of a faith.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > orthodoxy > [noun] > person
faithfula1450
orthodox1577
orthodoxian1716
orthodoxist1801
a1450 R. Spaldyng Katereyn in Anglia (1907) 30 544 (MED) To Syna ful scherply sothly þei flye, qwen þei hadd fet þat feþiful farly to feel.
1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities ii. f. 30 He was asked of the same bysshoppe, vnto what degree Christis faithfuls might marye with their kynsewomen.
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 15 No work of godlines suld be æstemit of ane trew faithful hard.
a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 54 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) What faithfull soever being penitent, shall bee buried there.
1653 W. Dell Testimony from Word 3 in Tryal of Spirits iii. The true Greatness amongst Christs true Disciples, doth not stand in Academical Degrees, or Worldly Honour and Dignities, but in the Faithfuls near and exact following of Christ, in Word and Conversation.
1702 W. Jones tr. P. van Limborch et al. Compl. Syst. Divinity I. iii. i. 206 Whether this Punishment be applied only to the Children of Infidels, or be likewise extended to some of the Faithfuls Children, the Opinion is absurd and repugnant to Scripture.
1771 ‘The Trifler’ Muse in Miniature 21 I've furnish'd down for virtue's bed, The patriarchal faithfuls fed.
1831 W. L. McCalla Discuss. of Christian Baptism 377 According to Scripture, infants may be called faithfuls, because their parents are bound to bring them up in the faith.
1849 N. Wiseman in Dublin Rev. Dec. 306 Nor is there reason to suppose, that every simple faithful was a Thaumaturgus.
1973 in Mod. Eucharistic Agreement 89 It seems normal..that every faithful should receive communion at every celebration.
2006 Times 18 Sept. 20/3 Suicide bombing..murders faithfuls and infidels alike.
b. A trusty adherent, a loyal follower; a devotee; a fan. Cf. old faithful n. 1.In quot. ?1555: a sincere suitor.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > [noun] > supporter or encourager > devoted
faithful?1555
votary1594
old faithful1648
fanatic1790
aficionado1802
?1555 Image of Idlenesse vi. sig. B.viiv I wryte you these thinges as a warning that ye recompence not the fayner with the faythfulles rewarde, nor marry away your lyuynge.
1648 Brit. Bell-man 2 Whilest the King and his Faithfuls retained their Places of Dominion.
1768 Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser 4 Jan. 2/1 This shortest way passed by the prison of the Vicarian, where four thousand of San Gennaro's faithfuls were giving the only security to be had for their good behaviour.
1770 Lloyd's Evening Post 10 Jan. 44/2 For since my Deputies were driven I've furnish'd Down for Virtue's bed, The patriarchal Faithfuls fed, The good of all degrees are mine, My right's immortal and divine.
1851 Ohio State Jrnl. 7 Oct. 1/2 It has been asserted..that certain Whig faithfuls in Ohio have been engaged in the nice speculation of loaning State Funds to a certain railroad company.
1897 S. L. Hinde Fall Congo Arabs xi. 191 Matters culminated in the discovery by de Wouters' faithfuls of a plot arranged by Ali to murder the entire garrison.
1919 Amer. Economist 25 Apr. 260/1 We were told, by Mr. Wilson and his faithfuls, that the League covenant was woefully misunderstood.
1949 F. A. Lewis Cleveland Indians xx. 168 As the Indians [sc. a baseball team] proceeded northward.., the long-distance attention of their faithfuls was riveted on a home-town boy, Joe Vosmik.
1989 Q Dec. 83/3 I've noticed that a lot of the crusty old faithfuls have strayed somewhat, away from music.
2006 Dialectical Anthropol. 30 192 Party faithfuls mourning the passing of socialism.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > excess in drinking > [noun] > one who drinks to excess
houndOE
drinkerc1200
keach-cup?c1225
gulchcupa1250
bollerc1320
taverner1340
ale stake?1515
wine-bibber1535
bibber1536
swill-bowl1542
malt-wormc1550
rinse-pitcher1552
bibblera1556
ale knight1556
tosspot1568
ring-pigger1570
troll-the-bowl1575
malt-bug1577
gossip-pint-pot1580
black pot1582
alehouse knight1583
worrier1584
suck-spigot1585
bezzle1592
bezzlera1593
cup-leech1593
soaker1593
carouser1596
barley-cap1598
swiller1598
rob-pot1599
Philistine1600
sponge1600
wine-knight1601
fill-knaga1605
reel-pot1604
faithful1609
fill-pot1609
bouser1611
spigot-sucker1611
suck-pint1611
whip-can1611
bib-all-night1612
afternoon man1615
potling1616
Bacchanalian1617
bombard1617
pot-shot1617
potisuge1620
trougha1625
tumbrila1625
borachioa1627
pot-leech1630
kill-pota1637
biberon1637
bang-pitcher1639
son of Bacchusc1640
shuffler1642
suck-bottlea1652
swill-pot1653
poter1657
potatora1660
old soaker1665
fuddle cap1666
old toast1668
bubber1669
toper1673
ale-toast1691
Bacchant1699
fuddler1699
swill-belly1699
tickle-pitcher1699
whetter1709
draughtsmanc1720
bender1728
drammer1740
dram-drinker1744
drammist1756
rum-bud1805
siper1805
Bacchanal1812
boozera1819
rum-sucker1819
soak1820
imp of the spigot1821
polyposist1821
wineskin1821
sack-guzzler1823
sitfast1828
swill-flagon1829
cup-man1834
swiper1836
Lushington1851
lushing-man1859
bloat1860
pottle pot1860
tipsificator1873
tipsifier1873
pegger1874
swizzler1876
bibulant1883
toss-cup1883
lusher1895
stew-bum1902
shicker1906
stiff1907
souse1915
booze-hound1926
stumblebum1932
tanker1932
lush-hound1935
lushy1944
lush-head1945
binge drinker1946
pisshead1946
hophead1948
1609 W. M. Man in Moone B 3/2 One of the faithfull, as they prophanely terme him..he will drinke many degrees beyond a Dutchman.
C. adv.
= faithfully adv. Now rare (colloquial and regional).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adverb]
holdec1000
holdelyc1050
trulya1250
truec1300
faithlyc1350
faithfullya1382
leallyc1394
fayfully?a1400
leala1400
lawfullyc1500
faithful1539
loyallement?1549
loyally1572
devotiously1621
devotedly1812
1539 R. Morison tr. J. L. Vives Introd. Wisedome sig. C.viiiv The more oft thou committest thinges to her custodye, the more better and faithfuller [L. fidelius] wolle she kepe them.
1556 tr. J. de Flores Histoire de Aurelio & Isabelle sig. B3 I loue her..faythfuller then you.
1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 31 To see Covnants of greatest moment faithfullest perform'd.
1651 E. Nicholas Papers (1886) I. 216 I doe faithfull promise and ingage myselfe that [etc.].
1741 S. Boyse in G. Ogle et al. tr. G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales II. 262 Early or late he faithful watch'd my Flight, With Zeal conducted, and with Care obey'd.
1865 J. R. Dennett South as It Is (2010) 114 This boy promised faithful.
1890 Harper's Mag. July 257/2 I'll do the work faithful.
1937 D. L. Sayers Busman's Honeymoon viii. 169 He promised faithful, this time—the dirty old swine.
2000 ‘N. Roberts’ Heart of Sea vii. 126 She gave it to him, and he wore it faithful.
Compounds
C1. Parasynthetic, as faithful-hearted, etc.
ΚΠ
1568 C. Watson Victorious Actes Henry V in tr. Polybius Hystories f. 118 To endeuor themselues to restore ye which of right belongeth to ye crowne of Englande, but also to enlarge ye bonds of their natural country like faithful harted Philines.
1844 Protestant Mag. 1 Dec. 392 The faithful-hearted will have to come back to the old ark again.
1894 M. Dyan All in Man's Keeping (1899) 193 What would they tell that faithful-souled Afghan chief?
1998 P. Gregory Earthly Joys (2005) 186 You knew the prince when he was a boy; is he faithful-hearted?
C2.
faithful departed n. [after post-classical Latin fideles defuncti (6th cent.)] Christian Church (usually with the) those of the faithful who have died, esp. as remembered in prayer; cf. sense B. 1a(a).
ΚΠ
1539 J. Hilsey Man. Prayers sig. Ee.ivv The soules of all faythfull departed by the mercy of God, let them rest in peace.
1674 G. Coles Theophilus & Philodoxus iv. 135 Your Doctors..generally hold, That the Souls of the Faithful departed, before Christs Resurrection, did not enter into Heaven.
1789 J. Barnard Divinity Jesus Christ 116 In the Liturgy of St. James, in the prayer for the Faithful departed, the Priest prays; ‘Gather us [etc.]’.
1857 Christian Times 30 Oct. 696/4 Are the faithful departed helped also by our prayers?
1948 G. D. Smith Teaching Catholic Church II. xxxii. 1161 One day of the year, November 2nd, is set aside as All Souls' Day... Every Mass that day is a black Mass, offered for all the faithful departed.
1993 H. Chadwick in J. McManners Oxf. Hist. Christianity i. 49 A..lady who treasured the relic of a martyr was rebuked for lavishing kisses on it at the commemoration of the faithful departed at the eucharist.
2012 Kerryman (County Kerry) (Nexis) 14 Nov. Rosary for the faithful departed. This is recited every Sunday of the month of November in Clogher Cemetery.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2014; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
<
adj.n.adv.a1375- intaglio type
- intaglio work
- intaglio worker
- intaglio-rilevato
- intaglioed
- intaglioes
- intaglioing
- intagliorilevato
- intaglios
- intailed
- intake
- intake crib
- intake tunnel
- intake well
- intaker
- intakes
- intaking
- intaminate
- intaminated
- intamination
- intangibilities
- intangibility
- intangible
- intangible property
- intangibleness