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gamen. Origin: A word inherited from Germanic. Etymology: Cognate with Middle Dutch (rare) game prank, mockery, Old Saxon gaman jollity, entertainment, amusement, Old High German gaman pleasure, amusement, something that causes laughter, joy, delight (Middle High German gamen fun, play), Old Icelandic gaman sport, play, pleasure, amusement, Old Swedish gaman, gamman, gammen joy, pleasure, delight (Swedish gamman), Old Danish gammen joy, pleasure, delight, joke, mockery (Danish gammen), further etymology uncertain and disputed.Further etymology. Many scholars regard the Germanic word as showing a derivative formation (in *-ana- ) on a base that may ultimately be cognate with German gumpen (see note at jump v.) and with a number of other verbs denoting jumping or otherwise moving vigorously or irregularly. An older suggestion is that the word may show a derivative (in y- prefix) ultimately from the same base as man n.1, the semantic connection being sought in Gothic gaman partner, fellowship. A number of other suggestions have also been made. Form history. Late Old English gæmen , Middle English (Kentish) gemen (see α. forms) perhaps show a by-form with i-mutation of the stem vowel; compare Old English gæmnian (see α. forms at game v.). With the β. forms compare discussion at maid n.1 Compare the earlier loss of the nasal in the β. forms of the derivatives gamely adj. and game v. (compare etymological note at gaming n.), and compare also the use as a place-name element in Gamenesfelle (also Gamesfelle , Gamesfel ), Berkshire (all 1086 in Domesday Bk.; also Gamafeld (a1170 in a copy of a charter of the 10th cent.); now Ganfield Hundred, and also Gainfield Farm, Buckland, within this hundred). A number of Middle English and later forms are indicative of a short stem vowel, apparently showing absence of Middle English lengthening in open syllables; compare also gamble v. and discussion at that entry, and perhaps also gam n.4 Uses in specific senses. In sense 9a after specific use of classical Latin lūdī games, plural of lūdus play (see ludus n.). In sense 9b ultimately after ancient Greek ἀγών (see agon n.). I. Amusement generally. society > leisure > entertainment > [noun] society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > [noun] eOE (partly from transcript of damaged MS) (2009) ix. 9 He het him to gamene geara forbærnan Romana burig. OE Ælfric Homily: De Falsis Diis (Corpus Cambr. 178) in J. C. Pope (1968) II. 706 Þar wearð þa micel gamen þæt feala musa scutan of þære anlicnysse, þa hire ofe [read of] wæs þæt heafod. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 1521 Mid gomene [c1300 Otho game] & mid lehtre. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 2015 One and stille ðogt hire gamen Wið ioseph speken and plaigen samen. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) l. 12554 Quen þis meigne was gadird same[n], þam wanted ai þeir gasteli gamen, Til þat iesus was cummen in place. a1450 (1885) 298 We schall haue goode game with þis boy. ?c1500 (Digby) l. 605 To be false, men reportith it game. 1529 T. More iv. vii. f. cvv/1 [They] fyrste rebelled agaynst an abbot, & after agaynst a byshop, wherwyth the temporall lordys had good game and sporte. 1598 W. Shakespeare v. ii. 360 We haue had pastimes here and pleasant game . View more context for this quotation 1619 T. Gataker 45 A man may surfet of, and bee drunke with prosperity, with pleasure, with game, with disport, with other the like delights. 1793 67 You would have laugh'd had you seen the gam, The deil gat my marrow, but I gat the tram. 1832 Jan. 188 Kicking at dead lions is ‘rare game’ to cowards and bullies! 1850 J. P. Robson 459 There's bonny gam' aboot wor toon. 1860 A. C. Swinburne i. iii. 21 It was good game to see Your hand that swung round, getting weight to throw. 1897 3 Apr. Sum on 'em thinks it rare gam to goa an' do a lot o' damage at Kirkstall Abbey ruins. 1907 J. M. Synge i. 17 I'm thinking it should be great game to hear a scholar, the like of you, speaking Latin to the saints above. 2. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > [noun] OE 82 Sum bið swiðsnel, hafað searolic gomen, gleodæda gife for gumþegnum, leoht ond leoþuwac. OE Aldhelm Glosses (Brussels 1650) in L. Goossens (1974) 330 Scenico ludorum ioco gestum : pleglicum, stupendo..gamena gamene plegan. OE Wulfstan (Corpus Cambr.) (1972) xviii. 6 We lærað þæt man geswice freolsdagum hæþenra leoða and deofles gamena. ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 159 Þis is alþe canges blisse & þe feont bi hald þis gomen & lachȝeð þet he to bersteð. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 3496 Æuer wes þe king glad, & æuere he gomen [c1300 Otho game] luueden. c1390 (a1376) W. Langland (Vernon) (1867) A. xi. 37 Lecherie and losengrie..beoþ gamus nou A dayes. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) l. 25501 Ken us lauerd..Of vr sinnes son to rise..And leue vr gamens grill. ?c1450 (1891) l. 1047 He suld noght childres gammys su. ?a1475 (1922) 16 (MED) Of holy wrytte þis game xal bene, and of no fablys be no way. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xvi. §12. 57 As foles þat gedirs til a somere gamen. c1550 (1979) Prol. 13 To pas til hounting, ande til vthir gammis, conuenient for ther nobilite. 1567 R. Sempill in J. Cranstoun (1891) I. 32 Not hir fyrst spous..In portratour and game mycht be his peir. 1609 T. Dekker (ed. 2) iv. sig. F2 Hvnting and Hawking are of kin... Both of them are noble Games, and Recreations. 1660 Bp. J. Taylor II. iv. i. ii. §30 Johannes Sarisburiensis allows of every game;..if it can ease our griefs. 1685 R. Baxter Matt. xi. 16–17 The unbelievers of this generation, do as children in their games, complain of one another..you are cross to us whatever game we play. 1758 in R. Dodsley VI. 149 Tricks and pranks and sports and games Such as youthful Fancy frames. 1783 G. Crabbe i. 22 The village children now their games suspend, To see the bier that bears their antient friend. 1816 J. Austen I. iv. 52 Their moonlight walks and merry evening games . View more context for this quotation 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato (ed. 2) V. 12 The discourse of the three old men is described by themselves as an old man's game of play. 1884 J. Sully xii. 548 In their games children are actors, architects, and poets, and sometimes musical composers as well. 1906 Aug. 245/1 His baby face grew solemn. ‘We are not in church or at a meal. Praying isn't a game.’ 1916 Nov. 54/2 Mother..was the center of our fireside life and entered into our games and romps with all the zest of good health. 1977 C. G. Wolff (1978) i. 35 If there were invisible fears that pursued her, there were games and new friends to console her. 2007 (Nexis) 28 Mar. 32 There was a high staff-to-student ratio, a family-style atmosphere and lots of games. society > leisure > entertainment > frolicking or romping > [noun] > a frolic 1828 2 243 She. Not a kiss, till I'm made Mrs. Wurzel. He. Well, that'll soon be Then, oh dear, what a game! When round us the young Wurzels sniggle. 1836 C. Dickens (1837) xix. 229 ‘Here's a game,’ roared the populace. 1887 R. N. Carey xvi. 167 Here we are, Esther! Come along, we are having such a game! 1923 C. Stockley iv. 93 ‘By Jove! I dunno when I had such a game!’ ‘Wasn't it priceless! Isn't he a dream?’ society > leisure > entertainment > mere amusement > [noun] the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > jest or pleasantry the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > [noun] > jest or pleasantry > a jest or joke OE (2011) 55 Sales, wynsum gamen. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) Prol. l. 462 Bot yet betwen ernest and game Ful ofte it torneth other wise. c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 733 But natheles, for ernest ne for game He of his cruel purpos nolde stente. 1447 O. Bokenham (Arun.) (1938) l. 9087 (MED) Here-aftyr, neythir in ernyst nere game, No mortal husbonde to me do name. a1535 T. More (1553) iii. sig. N.v In sport, & in a while after halfe betwene game & earnest, & by our lady nowe, not farre from fayer flat earnest in dede. 1590 E. Spenser i. xii. sig. L8 They..Crowned her twixt earnest and twixt game. 1626 J. Mead Let. 25 Nov. in R. F. Williams (1848) (modernized text) I. 173 What think you? for I know not. Is it a game or a verity? 1838 Jan. 14 I sighed, and betwixt game and earnest, said, [etc.]. 1933 A. Tille & M. M. Bozman tr. F. Nietzsche 135 He that scaleth highest mountains laugheth at all tragedies whether of game or earnest. 2003 D. Albright 6 Beckett..abolishes the distinction between game and earnest by squashing them onto the same theatrical plane. 4. the mind > emotion > love > action of caressing > [noun] > instance of caressing > act or instance of amorous caressing OE Ælfric (Julius) (1900) II. 392 Daria..wæs onsundran gehæft, and hi man sende þa to myltestrena huse, þam manfullan to gamene.] c1225 (?c1200) (Bodl.) (1940) l. 463 Alle his fulitohchipes & his unhende gomenes..nomeliche i bedde ha schal..þolien ham alle. c1275 Lutel Soth Serm. (Calig.) l. 78 in R. Morris (1872) 190 (MED) He mai quiten hire ale and soþen do þat gome. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) l. 604 So longe hii dude such sacrefise & pleide such game Þat hii adde an doȝter averne was hire name. c1450 J. Capgrave (Arun. 396) (1893) ii. l. 1107 Counsell ȝe me suche game to be-gynne Whiche is not stedfast, in lowe ne in astate? 1522 (de Worde) (1909) sig. A.iv I am a chylde..Goten in game and in grete synne. c1540 (?a1400) (2002) f. 25v Thretty sonnes besydes all other wemen Þat he [sc. Priam] gate on his gamen. a1601 T. Nashe Choise of Valentines in (1958) III. 405 I com for game, therfore giue me my Jill. 1609 W. Shakespeare iv. vi. 64 Set them downe, For sluttish spoiles of opportunity: And daughters of the game . View more context for this quotation 1662 A. Brome (new ed.) 94 How poorly this Fellow has plaid his Game! 1734 ‘C. Johnson’ 81/2 A Girl who was ripe for the Game, Look'd out for a sizeable Lad. 1786 6 A soft nymph lay panting for the game. 1821 (ed. 2) 150 All you maidens, who love the game, Put on your mourning veils again. c1890 (1966) V. vii. 146 A feel, a kiss, and a sniff on the lovely motte and then the old game. 1938 G. Greene vi. ii. 259 What mattered was the game. The two main characters made their stately progress towards the bed sheets. 1964 Sept. 164 There's a new dance, the Ska—like The Game set to music. society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] 1651 C. Walker 25 He keeps a vaulting schoole for our sanctified Grandees, and their Ladyes of the Game. 1683 J. Morrison tr. J. J. Struys iii. xxix. 305 Such Jewels as we commonly call Girls of the Game, Misses, or Cracks. 1742 C. Cibber 47 To slip his little Homer, as he call'd him, at a Girl of the Game. 1821 W. Scott xxxvi I can be a wild fellow with a willing lass of the game. 1926 M. West Sex ii. ii, in (1997) 61 She's off the game and she's off me since she met this Stanton. 1986 Oct. 12/1 Once immersed in the ‘invisible’ sub-culture [of prostitution]..it is extremely difficult to quit ‘the game’. 2006 C. Ferguson 225 Every now and again, a hooker would refuse to indulge Saul, and once a girl..was so repulsed by him she actually left the game, took a pay cut, and got a real job as a waitress. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > fact or condition of being mocked or ridiculed > [noun] > object of ridicule 1562 tr. J. Jewel i. 9 [They] did count them no better then..the of-scourings and laughing games of the whole worlde. 1591 E. Spenser Teares of Muses in 204 Those sweete wits..Are now despizd, and made a laughing game. 1594 T. Lodge iv. sig. K2 Mighty men obscure each others fame, And make the best deseruers fortunes game. 1601 A. Munday sig. Kv Mock on, mock on: make me your ieasting game, I doe deserue much more than this small shame. 1694 T. Southerne 11 Am I then the sport, The Game of Fortune, and her laughing Fools? 1701 C. Povey 85 You may see a Buffoon dress'd in the Habit of a Grave Divine, on purpose to be made the Game of the Play, and expos'd to the publick Contempt. 1770 J. Cook I. xxxviii. 180 It went to my heart to..see a good natured countryman made the game of a vain empty fellow. 1822 J. Galt I. xxii. 192 The levity of her conduct has been so notorious as to become the game of a newspaper pasquinade. 1843 Oct. 259 I dare not die In Being's deeps past ear and eye, Lest there I find the same deceiver And be the game of Fate forever. II. An activity played for entertainment, according to rules, and related uses. 6. society > leisure > sport > [noun] OE Aldhelm Glosses (Royal 5 E.xi) in H. D. Meritt (1945) 2/1 [Turmas] ludi [participes et laboris consortes superans] : ga[menes]. ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 236 Ich..biheold hit oðer wrestlung. oðer fol gomenes. 1340 (1866) 45 Kueade gemenes, ase byeþ þe gemenes of des and of tables. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) l. 28338 Til idel gammes, chess and tablis. c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) l. 2272 Quat gome sall þis gammen begin apon first? 1515 in W. H. Stevenson (1885) III. 344 Caredys and odar gammys for money. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart I. clxxvi. 213 The capitayne loued well the game of the chesse. 1584 R. Scot xi. x. 198 Like vnto childrens plaie at Primus secundus, or the game called The philosophers table. 1606 P. Holland in tr. Suetonius Annot. 18 The game of young Gentlewomen called of some Trol-Madame. 1659 H. Neville 3 Two Quint Minors will win the game. 1716 Lady M. W. Montagu 14 Sept. (1965) I. 266 I could not play at a Game I had never seen before. 1768 G. Baretti II. xxxi. 198 They beguile their cold and long evenings with..chess, backgammon, tric-trac, and other such games. 1815 III. 487 Beast, among gamesters, a game at cards. 1863 ‘G. Eliot’ II. xv. 179 A game in which there was an agreeable mingling of skill and chance. 1929 E. Hemingway i. vi. 38 This was a game, like bridge, in which you said things instead of playing cards. 1965 10 Oct. 11/2 Over the years I have observed and participated in..efforts to push forward the game of table tennis in Jamaica. 1982 A. Price 237 Women's hockey is a tough game, I'm told. 2011 15 May 26/1 Table shuffleboard isn't a complicated game, but it is harder than it looks. the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun] > specific manner of action or operation > correct way or method 1625 T. Middleton Induct. sig. B2 Why? would you haue em play against themselues. That's quite against the Game. 1824 ‘Rumford’ vii. 92 A simple reader would naturally expect that one who had himself been lacerated in the thorny labyrinth, would beseech his fellow mortals to shun the treacherous maze... But this is not the game—the advice is, that we should enter cheerfully, and remain in it all our lives. 1843 A. Helps i. ii. 12 It's quite against the game to play at each other's legs. 1861 J. Kemp viii. 185 It was our own fault, we were too rash. It was not the game to banco the sixth time. It was sixty to one against our winning. 1912 F. A. Steel i. 30 It was too much! It was not fair! It was emphatically not the game! 1928 Sept. 271 Intrigue has been sold to a dealer in the Shires! Hardly the game, is it? society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > parlour and party games > [noun] > guessing game > specific 1937 18 Sept. 16/1 It's known as the Acting Game, or the Drawing Game, or the Drawing and Acting Game, but more often simply as The Game. 1962 E. Roosevelt xxx. 230 We played The Game—a form of charades. Queen Elizabeth..chose the words that the rest of us were called upon to act out. 2006 D. Wallace iv. 48 The most popular was a form of charades that they called ‘The Game’, in which half the group would pantomime a line of poetry or a famous quotation. 7. figurative. a. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 4679 Nu þu iherest of wuche gomen aras þer þe to-nome. a1325 St. Juliana (Corpus Cambr.) l. 184 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill (1956) 68 He[o] nessel me wraþþi namore; ichelle pleie oþer game. 1372 in C. Brown (1924) 85 (MED) On rode i hange for mannis sake, Þis gamen alone me must pleyȝe. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng (Petyt) ii. 67 How þe gamen ȝede lithe I salle ȝow seie. a1439 J. Lydgate (Bodl. 263) i. l. 705 Onto Adam this was an vnkouth game, To be constreynyd from riche apparaile In bareyn erthe to sekyn his vitaile. ?c1450 (1891) l. 4672 (MED) Þe pepill wist noȝt of þair gamen. c1500 (?a1475) (1896) l. 426 (MED) I see well howe the game gooth. 1591 (?a1425) Annunciation & Nativity (Huntington) in R. M. Lumiansky & D. Mill (1974) I. 107 In middest the world by anye waye this gammon shall begine. ?1594 M. Drayton sig. F3 They [sc. the barons] vnderhand pursue me with disdaine, And play the game which I before had wonne. 1614 W. Raleigh i. iii. viii. §6. 98 The grauitie..vsually found in the Lacedæmonians, hindred them..from playing their game handsomely against so nimble a wit. 1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard iii. ix. 470 Perhaps in his life he never had so hard a Game to play. 1719 D. Defoe 107 The Savages would go..thither..to play the old Game over again. 1795 W. Windham 27 May (1812) I. 279 He was playing a deep game. 1827 B. Disraeli III. v. xiii. 262 Now gentlemen, I have another game to play. 1838 W. H. Prescott II. i. xviii. 171 While this game of diplomacy was going on. 1888 A. Jessopp ii. 108 He had a very difficult game to play during the eleven years he was Bishop. 1917 ‘Contact’ p. xxiv Nothing seems to panic the Boche more than a sudden swoop of a low-flying aeroplane, generous of bullets, as those of us who have tried this game have noticed. 1978 A. A. Mazrui xiii. 240 Some African governments have been groping for new definitions of academic functions, new principles of academic purpose, new rules of the academic game. 1984 R. M. Pyle ix. 108 There is pleasure in the simple making of a list... The birders are way ahead at this game. 2002 S. Penny 168 ‘Well,’ says Preston, ‘fancy you being in the estate agency game.’ 2006 A. Robbins i. 3 Applying early to that kind of a reach school..was not a strategic move to make in the game of college applications. the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [noun] > business claiming attention > an occupation or affair 1812 J. N. Barker iv. vii. 77 When mischief is the game, that fraudful sex Outruns us still. a1827 T. Furlong (1829) ii. 46 War was the game, and wide and far 'Twas war, and nothing but wasting war. 1886 8 Dec. 427/1 If dress coats is the game And pow-wow in the Parks, I'm nuts on the Rabbi Ben Ezra. 1903 May 249 The exploitation of the universe is the game, and nature yields not to wishes but to work. a1974 B. L. Coombes Home on Hill in B. Jones & C. Williams (1999) ii. 35 Helen sniffed and noticed the pipe and tobacco... She sniffed and said: ‘Oh, that's the game, is it?’ 2003 15 Oct. 46/1 Innovation has taken a backseat now that survival is the game. the mind > will > intention > planning > [noun] > a plan the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > [noun] > course adopted to achieve an end 1595 E. Hoby tr. L.-V. de La Popelinière i. 44 The Emperour sought to hide his game, vntill his forces might be in readines. 1643 W. Burton tr. J. H. Alsted 30 Being thus set at liberty, he [sc. Satan] shall not rest so, but shall return to his old game. 1680 W. Temple Surv. Constit. of Empire in 39 Which seems to be the present Game of that Crown. 1728 C. Cibber ii. i. 20 And now pray let's see your Game. 1808 Sir J. Moore Let. to Castlereagh 28 Dec. in J. Moore (1809) 301 In the present state of things, it [sc. a battle] is more Buonaparte's game than mine. 1857 C. Reade 21 Mrs. Trimmer's game was not to see her. 1887 G. R. Sims 300 Missus saw what her game was. 1926 A. L. Rowse 3 Nov. (2003) 25 They did not elect Ayerst after all. So Woodward's little game, whatever its motive, succeeded. 1952 C. Mackenzie vii. 90 This sneaking hotel business is just the way the Campbell would go to work. However, I'll stop their little game. 1973 E. Caldwell (1974) iv. iii. 100 Whatever his game is, it's a little bit more than just driving around town at night and looking at the sights. 2004 ‘J. Jameson’ & N. Strauss ii. iv. 111 She rifled through her videos, and put one in. It was a porno... Her game was tight and clearly well-rehearsed. the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [noun] > a wile or cunning device > collectively 1660 f. 49v His Hand is in at all Games. 1837 G. W. M. Reynolds 106 ‘Mercury is on the cusp of the ascendant,’ replied the astrologer. ‘Cusp of the devil!’ exclaimed Ben. ‘Don't be up to your old games agin.’ 1897 24 Apr. 2/1 But none of your games with Mary Roxbury. She knows her rights. 1965 G. Jones ii. iii. 92 Perhaps he was up to his games again, pretending not to know us when he'd been spying on us all the time. 1970 J. Didion (1971) lxvi. 174 No games, Maria, O.K.? 2003 F. Rivers 429 She tried her games with me while I was building the house in Quail Hollow. I knew what she was up to the minute I saw her in your office. society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > [noun] > crime the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > burglary > [noun] 1728 J. Dalton 14 They went..upon the old Game of Haul-Cly.] 1739 21 Dec. 14/1 I, and others went out again upon the Old Game, till I was taken up for Clacking the Doctor. 1811 sig. G2 Game, any mode of robbing. 1879 Oct. 500/2 I palled in with some older hands at the game, who used to take me a parlour-jumping (robbing rooms). 8. a. society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > game or definite spell of play society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > [noun] > portion of play in a game c1275 (?c1250) (Calig.) (1935) l. 1666 Riȝt swa megred þe manne aschame þat taueleþ & forleost þat gome. 1340 (1866) 34 Þise byeþ xviij poyns þet þe dyeuel þrauþ... Hit ne is no wonder þaȝ he lyese þet geme. c1460 (?c1400) l. 1749 Atte fourth game..Þe Burgeyse was I-matid. 1532 (1827) 186 Item..paied to Rogers for xv games the whiche the kinges grace loste to him at tenes at xls. a game, xxx li. a1533 J. Frith (?1535–6) sig. A.v An vngracious poste stondeth in the waye & maketh the ball to rebounde backe agayne ouer the corde & loseth the game. 1574 J. Baret D 570 The lyfe of a man is lyke a game at the dice. 1608 sig. D Then had they other games of nineholes and Pidgeon-holes in greate numbers. 1658 R. Baxter Pref. sig. dv How many be there that..cast away more at one game at Dice, or at a Cock-fight, or an Horse-race, then would keep a poor Schollar at the University. 1712 S. Sewall Let. 12 Mar. in (1886) I. 417 You us'd to Huff him, and humble him at a game of Checkers. 1739 T. C. Paget 8 Like Mobsters in a frosty Day, When they a Game at Foot-Ball play. 1758 S. Clark 156 Let us suppose he gets the first game, then it is evident that if he wins the set afterwards, it must be at the end of either the second, fifth, eighth, &c. games. 1839 C. Dickens i. 1 Thus two people who cannot afford to play cards for money, sometimes sit down to a quiet game for love. 1862 G. F. Pardon 20 A Rubber is two games won out of three. 1880 12 Jan. 4/5 The first match of the present season between the above clubs was played on the Forest Ground... The Foresters played their cup team.., and they won the game by four goals to none. 1890 J. M. Heathcote et al. (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 105 The scoring of the game was as follows: 6 games to 3, 6 games to 5, 5 games to 6, 6 games to 5. 1908 R. Mellors lxxxi. 440 It is said that the captains of the English navy were enjoying a game at bowls when the Spanish Armada hove in sight. 1948 6 Sept. 21/2 (caption) Boston came back to win the game, 8 to 4. 1960 C. Day Lewis ii. 45 My father was talking with some acquaintances in the club house after a game of golf. 1999 G. Cox ii. 107/1 The winning player or team is the first to win two games of 21 points each. 2006 K. C. Heisler 54 He also recovered a fumble late in the game to preserve the 7-2 Notre Dame win. 1594 sig. C4 My Lord, lay down a cooling card, this game is gone too far, You haue him fast, now cut him off. 1608 Bp. T. Morton 124 So vnluckie hath hee beene (to vse his owne Simile) in a lost game to see the last man borne. 1779 7 61/2 France seems to have reduced Britain to a state of consideration, whether she must give up the game as too desperate to be recovered. 1826 B. Disraeli II. iv. vii. 233 At your age, life cannot be the lost game you think it. 1895 July 429 He [sc. Arabi] gave up the game and began..to withdraw his reserves. 1908 K. McGaffey 109 Is it considered au fait for a bride-about-to-be to do a little plugging for wedding presents this early in the game? 1952 4 Aug. 22/2 You came into the field late in the game—our fellows have good faith commitments to other candidates. 1971 in D. Foster (1991) 118 This..was fraught with a great deal of uncertainty; in fact it was a hopeless game, and on Friday the 13th we were duly bombed and sunk. 2005 (National ed.) 23 June c6/3 He knew it was too early in the game to attract venture capital. b. With modifying adjective. ?1523 J. Fitzherbert f. liiiv A poore man..woll play as great game..as gentylmen were wont to do. ?1643 J. Vicars 179 The Divell, who..is willing to play at small games, rather than sit out and bee idle. 1673 H. Hickman 483 In all the third Part, our Historian is put to horrible shifts, and plaies a very low game indeed. 1775 J. Macpherson II. 509 To sacrifice all his fortune, and expose himself to the resentment of France, of the Pretender, and of the Queen's ministry, was playing a very high game. 1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth i, in 2nd Ser. II. 13 You are playing a high game, look you play it fairly. 1894 M. Creighton V. 254 He [sc. Clement VII] had cast his little stake on the board where two gamesters were playing a high game. 1920 G. Dilnot xiv. 121 Eston never played a small game, save on those exceptional cases, when it was a question of bread and butter... It was a big stake here. 1999 R. Shannon II. ii. 52 The point..was that Victoria was perfectly prepared to play a high game. 1750 1 199 I dare say Mr. *** plays a good Game at Cribbage. 1829 22 Aug. 412/1 They play a good game of draughts, in which they beat one of the passengers constantly. 1847 2 400/2 Frank..was so inadvertent as to boast that he could play a better game of billiards than any other man in New York. 1885 Mar. 628/1 I play a wretched game. 1909 2 Dec. 537/1 If he has facilities for shooting, or plays a good game of court tennis, he will not go in for organized athletics at all. 1920 24 Nov. 593/1 Normal persons who..learn a passable game of chess at fifty-five. 2007 B. McNulty (2009) 45 Lawn bowling at Kingfisher's Bowling Club... Beth could play a decent game; Pravesh was useless. the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > [noun] > outcome or that which results the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > make a success of [verb (transitive)] > succeed in or achieve a purpose > almost or be on the point of 1530 W. Tyndale sig. F.ivv The other shall serue their turne and bringe the game vnto their handes & no man shall knowe how it cometh aboute. 1639 T. Fuller iii. xii. 128 Let Saladine now alone to winne, having all the game in his own hand. 1760 S. Foote ii. 52 A pretty piece of work you have made here. Thrown up the cards, with the game in your hands. 1849 Aug. 484 If the party on whom the duty of besieging has..been imposed, does not suddenly lose heart,..the game is with the original besieger. 1888 F. Hume i. ii. 26 You'll have the game in your own hands. 1908 July 53 The game is with you, Dingan. All the cards are in your hands; you'll never get such another chance again. 1919 J. Buchan (1928) ii. xviii. 302 He had the game in his hands, and of all our confederacy she alone remained to confront him. 1997 (Nexis) 15 Nov. d1 If they would have come out and flat-out beat us, that wouldn't have hurt as much. You had the game in your hands, you just gave it to them. society > leisure > sport > winning, losing, or scoring > [noun] > position or advantage 1562 tr. Damiano da Odemira viii.sig. G.iii He can not hynder thee to take hys kinges Paune, and so shall his game be in an yll order. 1625 T. Middleton iii. sig. F3v I could whip you vp a pawne imediatly, I know where my game stands. 1668 J. Dryden iv. 37 Nothing vexes me, but that I had made my Game Cock-sure, and then to be back-gammon'd. 1735 J. Bertin p. vi Never croud your game by too many men in one place. 1751 T. Smollett II. lxxiv. 287 His competitor,..chancing to improve his game by the addition of another lucky hit, diminished the concern, and revived the hopes of his adherents. 1774 E. Burke (1844) I. 505 We may play into the adversary's hand the advantageous game which we have obtained. 1813 J. M. Good et al. at Backgammon As soon as he enters one [man], compare his game with yours; and if you find your game equal, or better, take the man if you can. ?1847 14/2 This [move] should always be played before 28-24, as otherwise black obtains a strong game by 6-9. 1868 25 Aug. 187 By this advance Dr. Lange undoubles and consolidates the Pawns on the Q's side, and thus adds greatly to the strength of his game. 1922 E. A. Smith 57 This and the preceding exchange are not good for the White game. 1952 E. Lasker 271 Had I kept my Bishop back at QB1, and castled instead, this advance would have given me a satisfactory game. 2002 A. Correa (2005) iii. 35 Sometimes with a winning game, he made a bad move and lost. society > leisure > sport > winning, losing, or scoring > [noun] > gaining points > score > number of points required to win 1674 C. Cotton xvii. 138 You are not to play a ten first; for if you do you shall certainly lose; for one and thirty being the Game he that first comes to it wins. 1799 Apr. 231/2 They endeavour to pass this stick into the hoop, while it is in motion, if in this they succeed they gain two points and if the hoop, when it stops, simply rests upon their stick, they gain one by it; the game is three points. 1830 R. Hardie 6 Ten is game. 1873 1 May 13 He [sc. Hoyle] is silent as to the number that makes game [in piquet]. 1886 iii. 40 The Lap game may be played by two, three, or four persons, when they agree to play a series of games, so that the lap may be applied, which is simply counting upon the score of the ensuing game all the points made over and above the five of which the game consists. 1946 Sept. 40/3 You score one point for each ringer, but if you ring all three pegs during your turn, it gives you ten points. Fifty points is game. 1969 R. C. Bell (ed. 2) II. vi. 112 Each trick counts one point, and the game is fifteen points. 2005 B. Manley xx. 178 If you double an opponent in 2♥ and he makes it, that's game. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > method of play society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > named openings or continuations society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > move > sequence of moves 1735 J. Bertin p. vii The gambet is, when he that [plays] first gives the pawn of the king's bishop, in the second move for nothing... the close-game is, when he that plays first gives no men. 1750 tr. G. Greco i. 1 Close Games, in Opposition to Gambit Games. 1822 J. Cochrane 156 These two pawns..not only prevent his bringing him [sic] pieces into play but also allow the White an open game. 1845 59 This move produces the opening known by the name of ‘The two Knights' game’. 1858 23 Oct. 1/3 All chess contests are divided into two classes—open games and closed games. 1895 26 Apr. 7/7 Herr von Bardeleben won the toss for the first move, and opened with the Vienna game. 1910 8 Jan. 10/6 At the ninth, tenth, and eleventh moves,..Schlechter deviated from the usual development and obtained a good open game. 1942 E. Lasker x. 194 P–B3 or P–K3 could lead the game into well known paths of the Queen's Pawn opening but I wanted to avoid a closed game. 1963 A. S. Russell tr. L. Pachman ix. 198 In the Scotch Game..Black defends himself by piece pressure on either d4..or e4. 2010 J. Eade Introd. 3 When you're playing Black and you want to shake things up, you can respond to 1.e4 with something other than 1...e5 and establish a semi-open game. These openings have fewer open lines, but they still feature plenty of piece mobility. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > [noun] > player > set of players 1740 S. Richardson I. xxiii. 59 Why can't they make their Game without me. 1851 J. H. Green 165 ‘Agreed!’ said three of the Howard party—enough to make up a five-handed game. 1878 25 May 415/1 Mary will play Badminton with you, if you like it. Perhaps you can get hold of Miss Pountner and Grey, and make up a game. 1915 E. H. Denison 77 I..promised to make up a poker game with two more New Haven fellows at the Savoy to-night! 1946 12 Jan. 32/3 There have been nights recently when there weren't enough customers in the spots to make up a gin rummy game. 2008 J. W. Joselit in M. L. Raphael x. 256 The former members of a noontime card game who..had styled themselves the Hey Vov Club. 1742 E. Hoyle xi. 25 Suppose the Game to be Nine all. 1797 XVIII. 848/2 If the game is five all, and he can make two tricks in his own hand, he should make them, in order to secure the difference of two points. 1857 41 385 The game was four to three, and the vicomte's deal. 1870 Nov. 5/1 When time was called, the game was 4–3, the Sixteen thus winning by one goal. 1899 22 Nov. 103/1 At half-time the game was 1–0 in favour of the 'Varsity. 1987 Nov. 84/2 The game was 4-3, and I was just thinking of getting the next guy out. 2008 (Nexis) 19 Nov. 16 The game was 15–all at 14 ends, before his team snuck away to win 20–18. society > leisure > sport > types of play, actions, or postures > [adjective] > strategy 1840 W. M. Thackeray Barber Cox in 16 When I came to know his game, I used to knock him all to sticks. 1887 F. Gale v. ii. 59 We had played hard together, and knew each other's game. 1993 May 25/1 Canterbury have moved away from their heavy dependence on forward muscle, and play a much more fluid game. 2001 Sept. 94/3 He lets players play to their strengths and he doesn't want them to change their game or anything. society > leisure > sport > player or sportsperson > [noun] > standard of performance society > leisure > sport > player or sportsperson > [verb (intransitive)] > good or bad standard of performance the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > there is much success [phrase] > play one's part well or badly 1848 Jan. 145 I wasn't a bad hand at a cue either—not that I'm getting old, and my sight is as sharp as a needle; but I'm thrown off my game somehow, by those new inventions. 1849 E. R. Mardon (ed. 2) 10 His nerves..incapacitated him from playing up to his game, when opposed to a player of nearly equal merit. 1873 J. Blackwood Let. 7 June in ‘G. Eliot’ (1955) V. 421 I..backed Tommy when most folk thought he was off his game! 1891 H. G. Hutchinson (ed. 6) 16 What am I doing wrong, Tom? I'm quite off my game. 1904 S. A. Mussabini i. 23 It is wonderful how strength of nerve improves with the strength of one's game. 1920 16 Oct. 2/2 Their disregard of the recognized rules was accentuated by the fact that neither man was on his game. 1989 R. Joseph i. 14 His golf game had deteriorated significantly and he was no longer as accurate when throwing wads of paper into the trash can in his office. 2005 Sept. 244/1 Ronaldo..describes English defenders as ‘strong and intimidating’, but that certainly hasn't put him off his game. 9. Usually (in later use always) in plural and often with the. A public gathering or festival at which games (sense 6) are played. society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > series of, as public spectacle a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 59 Romulus sette vp games, and prayede al þe naciouns aboute forto come and see. 1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Pistles in tr. Horace sig. Eiiijv A farmer, thou the townish games Doste burne for. 1609 P. Holland Chronol. sig. Ciijv in tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Pupienus Maximus, and Balbinus, were at Rome, by the Prætorian souldiers killed, in the time of the Capitoline Games. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 179 The Games are done, And Cæsar is returning. View more context for this quotation 1696 B. Kennett 296 The Ludifunebres, assign'd for one Species of the Roman Publick Games.., have been already describ'd. 1735 J. Thomson 16 Her Festive Games, the School of Heroes, see; Her Circus, ardent with contending Youth. 1792 July 7 Slaves..were not permitted to remain in the Circus during the games. 1820 C. A. Eaton II. 19 The signal for commencing the games was given by the Emperor. 1880 L. Wallace vii. 35 Herod, more Greek than Jew..with all a Roman's love of games and bloody spectacles. 1912 J. D. E. Loveland i. 18 Caius Memmius Macrinus..held, among other offices, those of Episcopos and Agonotheta, that is to say, chief of police and steward of the public games of the people of Nice. 1947 68 353 A Greek inscription from Naples records the distinctions of a famous athlete, T. Flavius Artemidorus, victor in the pancratium at the first Capitoline games in A. D. 86. 1960 A. Duggan ix. 178 The Games held to celebrate the return of the Emperor to his faithful city were the most splendid within living memory. 2005 R. Rankin 146 It put me somewhat in mind of the Games of Ancient Rome, the glory days of sport, with lions and gladiators and Caesar giving the old thumbs-down from the royal box. society > leisure > social event > large or public event > [noun] > celebratory games society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > series of, as public spectacle > in ancient world a1464 J. Capgrave (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 30 The Grekes..ordeyned þat euery fift ȝere þei schuld haue exercise of al maner games.] 1531 T. Elyot i. xvii. sig. Hviii The great game of Olympus; wherto..came the moste actife and valiant persons to assay maistries. 1538 T. Elyot Olypionices [read Olympionices], he that hath had victory in the games at Olympus. 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny I. vii. lvi. 189 Lycaon hath the report of setting out the firste publicke games [L. ludos]..in Arcadia. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iii. 53 Promise them such rewards As Victors weare at the Olympian Games . View more context for this quotation 1662 E. Stillingfleet i. vi. §3 After the institution of the Olympick game by Pelops. 1740 tr. A. Banier III. 341 The Greeks then computed their Years..by Means of several Games which they celebrated at set Times, such as the Pythian, the Olympic, the Istmian Games, &c. 1807 J. Robinson iii. xxii. 343 The Pythian Games were celebrated in honour of Apollo, near Delphi. 1833 2 74 One Cleomedes of Astypalæa killed a man at the Olympic games, boxing with him. 1931 July 42 It will be the first time since the games of ancient Greece that the athletes will be centrally housed. 1974 R. A. Swanson in tr. Pindar p. xxvi The organization of the national games and their festivals was not prohibitively curtailed by war, insofar as the games were generally an occasion for a truce. 2009 (U.K. ed.) Dec. 58/3 The Nemean Games, one of the major athletic events in ancient Greece. society > leisure > sport > match or competition > [noun] > series of, as public spectacle > specific 1636 M. Drayton et al. (title) Annalia Dubrensia. Vpon the yeerely celebration of Mr Robert Dovers Olimpick Games vpon Cotswold-Hills. 1652 R. Brome ii. sig. D3v Vin. Will you up to the hill top of sports..Dovors Olimpicks or the Cotswold Games. 1694 N. H. 223/2 Isaura,..a Lady of Tholouse in France..; she appointed the Floral Games yearly kept there. 1803 T. Rudge I. 12 In the reign of James I. games, in imitation of the Olympic of old, were instituted by Robert Dover. 1822 22 Aug. (advt.) The Northern Meeting will commence this Year on Wednesday the 2d October... To a variety of amusements, it is intended to revive and add the Ancient Highland Games, to be specified in a future advertisement. 1831 31 Aug. The Games were contested with a spirit which would have pleased our friend the Ettrick Shepherd himself. 1896 Mar. 273 Some..will doubtless see an incongruous feature in the introduction of such sports as bicycling and lawn tennis at the Olympian games. 1915 12 241 The Far Eastern Athletic Games are held this month in Shanghai, China. 1947 Duke of Hamilton in H. W. Meikle xxxi. 244 Of the greater ‘gatherings’ the northern meeting at Inverness, the Braemar Gathering on Deeside, and the Oban Games are the outstanding examples. 1955 R. Bannister vi. 59 To win the 100 and 200 metre titles in the World Student Games. 1968 19 Sept. 359/1 Just before the opening of the Games a squad of SS men tried to take it [sc. a camera] away from me by force. 1987 N. Sibal I. 92 The buses and trucks roared and came to a slow crawl when they reached the tractors working overtime to tarmac the road for the Asian Games. 1992 20 Jan. 21/4 [He] struggled to a fourth-place finish..in the 50 meters in the Ottawa Winternational Indoor Games. 2010 D. Dominé (‘Insiders' Guide’ Ser.) 172/2 Lexington was chosen to host the 2010 World Equestrian Games. the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > ultimate success or victory a1425 J. Wyclif (1871) II. 258 Two men..rennen a space for a priis, and he þat comeþ first to this ende shal haue þe gamen þat is sett, wheþer it be spere..or oþir þing þat is putt. ?1506 (de Worde) sig. D.ii That all the best archers of the north Sholde come..And that shoteth all ther best The game shall bere a way. 1523 J. Skelton 221 That any man..with oute deseruynge shulde haue the best game If he to the ample encrease of his name Can lay any werkis that he hath compylyd. 1548 f. clxvij Kyng Henry..and Richard duke of Yorke..wresteled for the game, and stroue for the wager. 1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus II. Phil. iii. f. viiiv Let vs make spedye haste..to atteine the game [L. bravium] of immortalitie. 1572 R. Harrison in tr. L. Lavater To Rdr. This author may..be..adiudged to the best game. 1614 J. Cooke sig. H2 Now if you can doe any good, why so, the Siluer Game be yours, weele stand by and giue ayme, and hallow if you hit the Clout. a1632 T. Taylor (1635) 111 All these that are thus brought by God to the wrestling-place, must strive for the best game, without shrinking or starting away. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > hand 1554 J. Proctor sig. G.viiiv One of them beinge a gentleman, beganne to shewe hys game before all the cardes were full dealed. 1621 F. Quarles sig. D3 He that husbands well an ill-dealt Game, Deserues the credit of a Gamesters name. 1674 C. Cotton x. 112 If he to whom the Cards were dealt after perusal of his Game like them not, he hath the liberty of beging one. 1746 E. Hoyle (ed. 6) 22 Your Game consists of King, Queen [etc.]. 1674 C. Cotton x. 111 This Game I conceive is called Allfours from Highest, Lowest, Iack, and Game, which is the Set as some play it. 1798 11 June 244/1 Beefington. What have you? Puddingfield. High—Low—and the Game. Beefington. Damnation! 'Tis my deal. 1830 R. Hardie 63 All Four..Four chances..for each of which a point is scored, namely, High..Low..Jack..Game, the majority of pips, collected from the tricks taken by the respective players. 1887 214 Game is counted precisely [in California Jack] as in All-fours. 1910 17 Sept. 285/2 Father, you got the high, low, jack and game, and if you cannot stand on those, you are no seven-up player. 1988 P. Arnold 2/2 Game is worth 1 point and is scored by the player whose tricks won in play total the most. 13. 1805 8 Aug. (advt.) Great variety of fine and common toys, maps, games, alphabets, and various diverting and instructing toys, for the improvement of youth. 1865 493 Nuremberg maintains its ancient reputation in most departments, at least, as the toy-shop of the world, and particularly in the manufacture of children's games, of optical, mathematical, and musical toys. 1873 6 Sept. 96/1 (advt.) The best use you can make of seventy-five cents will be to buy a game of ‘Avilude’. 1951 Jan. 210/1 Making a toy or a game for a child pays off double—not only do you have the fun of making the article, but also the fun of giving it away. 2006 (Nexis) 1 Nov. 12 Mr Kingham said his company had originally tried to manufacture the games in Britain but the price had been prohibitive. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > other specific games > [noun] > others 1932 Feb. 54 (advt.) He-No. The machine you have been waiting for. Here is the New Nickel Slot Game that is coining money wherever it is introduced. 1944 22 July 68/1 Western Baseball... This game is proving a money-maker for a number of arcade operators. 1974 28 Jan. 54/1 Downstairs, the lounge will become an amusement arcade with games, nickelodeons, and jukeboxes. 1992 T. F. Wallace vi. 102 In Japan, one of the ‘national pastimes’ is playing a game called Pachinko. These are coin-operated devices, not unlike pinball machines. 2006 (Nexis) 23 Oct. (Sport section) 5 Real table football is the excellent game you find in amusement arcades with the players on steel poles. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > other specific games > [noun] > electronic games 1967 May 90/2 When I got bored, I played games. My computer can play tick-tack-toe, blackjack,..and dice. 1976 Oct. 19/2 Fairchild Instrument Corp. has announced a system with 17 games. This system comes with two built-in games, tennis and hockey. 1981 D. Francis I. x. 118 You remember I sent Angelo some computer tapes with games on. 1991 Dec. 138/1 Bulletin board systems..are..often packed with..shareware files—such as utilities, games and applications—which can be downloaded. 1998 (Nexis) 8 Jan. 3 A 14-year-old boy was given $300 by his parents to buy a Nintendo 64 game. 2007 P. Ludlow & M. Wallace vii. 101 In games like World of Warcraft and EverQuest II, the loot that powerful monsters drop when they die can be quite valuable. 2012 (Nexis) 5 Apr. a23 They are already amusing themselves—playing games on their mobile phones, watching movies on laptops. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > [noun] > organized at school or college 1846 Feb. 233 To keep up..What Coleridge, were he here, would call a clerisy To serve the cause of games. 1863 Oct. 240 Before football begins every boy must provide himself with a copy of the Uppingham Rules, which may be had of the Captain of Games. 1898 R. Kipling 391 He blossomed into full glory as head of the school, ex-officio captain of the games. 1926 28 Oct. 3/3 (advt.) Wanted..a senior assistant mistress, must be a graduate and trained teacher..should also be capable of taking charge of games. 1934 Ld. Berners xi. 105 At my preparatory school, it [sc. Latin grammar] ceased to be a game (as did also games themselves). 1960 J. Betjeman vii. 67 Greatest dread of all, the dread of games! 2006 A. Motion (2007) ix. 115 When it snowed or there were floods, we were let off games and played Subs and Cruisers instead. III. Senses relating to hunting and the chase. the world > food and drink > hunting > [noun] > sport derived from ?a1300 Maximian (Digby) l. 105 in C. Brown (1932) 95 (MED) Ne gladieþ me no song, Ne gomen of haueke ne of hounde. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) l. 8649 He..nolde no leng abide Þat he nolde to is game... He wende him vorþ an honteþ. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 2289 Þe kyng herd his messe, to gamen þan wild he go. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour (St. John's Cambr.) vii. 402 He vent till hwnt, for till assay Quhat gammyn wes in that cuntre. 1523 c. 10 Noble men..used and exercised the game of huntynge of the Hare. 1591 i. sig. E4 Tis best we follow now the game is faire. 1592 W. Warner (rev. ed.) vii. xxxvii. 162 Fatly do they feede Mongst Beasts of chace and birds of game. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. vi. 11 If about this houre he make this way, Vnder the colour of his vsuall game, He shall [etc.] . View more context for this quotation 1650 T. Fuller ii. iv. 111 The neighbouring Desert..affording the pleasure of the Game. 1671 J. Milton ii. 342 Beasts of chase, or Fowl of game . View more context for this quotation 1719 D. Defoe 31 This [lion] was Game indeed to us, but this was no Food. 1785 J. Pinkerton xl. 355 It matters not the tossing up of a straw if there were not a bird of game in the three kingdoms, or beast of game, except the hunters. 1826 Jan. 10 To ascertain, whether it be possible to have the pleasures of game, without the evils of poaching. 1861 G. F. Berkeley xi. 185 Of these beautiful birds of game the prairie grouse is the largest. 1907 D. S. Jordan xx. 338 His great size and immense strength alone give him value as a fish of game. 1920 E. P. Stebbing ii. xxiii. 294 The Sanctuary..should not be regarded merely as a harbour for animals of game or economic interest, but that it should be formed in the interests of the fauna as a whole. 1999 12 i. 17 The killing of a large beast of game that had brought a rich supply of meat into the camp. 16. the world > animals > animals hunted > [noun] > caught or killed in hunting c1300 St. Eustace (Laud) l. 13 in C. Horstmann (1887) 393 (MED) A-mong oþur game huy founden ane heort. c1330 (Auch.) (1966) l. 309 (MED) Of game þai founde wel gode haunt: Maulardes, hayroun, and cormeraunt. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 387 Þemperour..fond al his fre ferd, þat hadde take þat time moche trye game. a1400 (a1325) (Gött.) l. 3522 (MED) Þat day gamen [Vesp. wayth] fand he noght. 1489–90 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1489 §15. m. 4 The dere and game in the same [forest] is destroied and goon. a1500 in W. C. Hazlitt (1866) II. 57 There wyll j fysche..ffor loches and googeons and goode game. 1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer ii. f. 21 Parkes, and pleasaunt chases fayre,..trenched rounde about, and stored well with game. 1612 J. Smith 24 They spend their time in hunting and fowling vp towards the mountaines,..where there is plentie of game. 1672 A. Marvell i. 58 One may beat the Bush a whole day, but..for all game, onely spring a Butterfly. 1712 E. Cooke 324 There was Water, Tortoise and Game enough at the middle Island. 1763 H. Walpole III. v. 145 He was particularly famous for representations of partridges and dead game. 1774 O. Goldsmith III. 110 Sanguinary laws were enacted to preserve the game. 1833 H. Martineau iii. 31 She..began..to distinguish the traces of game and wild animals. 1860 R. F. Burton I. viii. 251 The country round is full of large game, especially elephants, giraffe, and zebras. 1910 J. Buchan xiv. 230 There were droves of smaller game—rhebok and springbok and duikers. 1954 J. Corbett 62 The forest..is well stocked with game and is a favourite hunting ground of poachers for miles round. 1977 A. S. Leopold iii. 38 Establishment of inviolate sanctuaries was a corollary form of protecting game from hunters. 2010 11 Jan. 12/2 The weapons that were used by gauchos to hunt game. the world > animals > by nature > [noun] > vermin > collectively 1748 G. Washington Jrnl. 16 Mar. in (1889) I. 2 We cleaned ourselves (to get Rid of ye Game we had catched ye night before). 17. the world > animals > animals hunted > [noun] the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > [noun] c1330 (Auch.) (1882) l. 743 (MED) Nou we habben fonnden game, Gawe to hem a godesname! c1400 (Rawl. B. 171) 116 He rode in þe þickenesse of þe wode to aspie his game. c1425 Edward, Duke of York (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 61 Þes houndes rennen wel to al maner game. 1486 sig. bivv Many howndys will benymme theym theyre gamme from ther fote. 1526 W. Bonde ii. sig. Oiiiv The other houndes that seeth the game foloweth the same through thycke and thynne. 1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus ii. viii. 169 He is carried vppon an Elephantt: and euen so..throweth the darte at his game. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. iii. 98, 107 Hearke, the Game is rows'd..The Game is vp. 1731 J. Arbuthnot iv. 35 All Hounds [will follow] the particular Game they have in Chase. 1794 B. Edwards (ed. 2) I. ii. iv. 192 Even a European sportsman may follow his game the whole day without feeling any oppression from the heat. 1808 W. Scott ii. Introd. 60 The wolf I've seen, a fiercer game. 1857 D. R. Morier I. xii. 206 The men on foot..were spreading themselves across the valley to beat up the game. 1870 (rev. ed.) v. 551 Coursing, as a popular term, is understood to denote a branch of hunting, in which the dogs..pursue their game by sight only. 1927 A. C. Parker (1931) iv. xlvii. 214 If deer were being hunted the men stationed themselves along the runways, keeping to windward of the game, that the scent might not reach the animals. 1992 Jan. 15/1 These hunters use dogs to pursue their game and, once it's cornered, kill the boar with a spear or cut the deer's throat with a knife. the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose > end, purpose, or object a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) viii. l. 2931 Thou miht noght make suite and chace, Wher that the game is nought pernable. ?1544 J. Bale f. ix All the other Bysschoppes of Englande..haue not feared to entre the Kynges owne house to hunte theyr game, nor yet abashed at all sawcelye to seke out theyr desyered praye in his owne Preuye chambre. 1573 G. Harvey (1884) 9 To take occasion of nu matter and fresh game. 1600 Proem 44 Then our desier is to satisfie—for that is all our game. 1672 W. Wycherley i. 11 Intending a Ramble to St. James 's Park to night, upon some probable hopes of some fresh Game I have in chase. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals x, in tr. Virgil 48 No Game but hopeless Love my thoughts pursue. 1709 M. Prior 212 At human Hearts We fling, nor ever miss the Game. 1712 J. Addison No. 311. ¶6 Widows are indeed the great Game of your Fortune-hunters. 1762 T. Mortimer XII. 103 Our modern Aristophanes, Mr. Fielding, whose quarry in some of his pieces, particularly the Historical Register, was higher game than in prudence he should have chosen. 1821 A. Bunn i. i. 6 Let others tame the wild Norwegian boar, And hunt the savage monarch of the woods: I seek a nobler prey—my game is man! 1872 C. Gibbon I. xvi. 213 At any rate she is game much too high for him. 1934 20 Oct. 30/3 Now king-pin of the nation's third largest air web, WMCA is out for bigger game. 1951 C. Leech iii. 97 He has higher game in view, and sends her away with a contemptuous kiss. 2000 A. Bourdain (2001) 51 We were already planning on hunting bigger game. We had newer, more sophisticated, even richer victims in mind for our learn-as-we-go operation. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > duping, making a fool of > [noun] > gullible person, dupe 1699 B. E. Game, Bubbles drawn in to be cheated. 1821 25 When he thought it was time for the game to come along, he gave me my instructions. the world > animals > animals collectively > [noun] > herd or flock > of domestic animals > kept for pleasure 1483 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1483 §30. m. 2 Forsomoche that as well the kyng oure soverayn lord, as other lordes..have ben gretely replenysshed of markes and games of swannes in divers counties. 1488 (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/8) f. 119v My game of swannys. 1560 in W. H. Turner (1880) 285 For upping of half game [swans] in cowe meade. 1570 Order for Swannes in W. Hone (1827) II. 960 No person..shall go on marking without the Master of the Game, or his Deputie be present. 1577 in W. H. Turner (1880) 393 The Quenes maties servaunte that kepeth her game of beres. 1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. ii. xv. f. 89/2 in R. Holinshed I How many families also these great and small games (for so most keepers call them) haue eaten vp. a1641 J. Smyth in T. D. Fosbroke (1821) 203 Queen Elizabeth..came to Berkeley Castle what time this Lord Henry had a stately game of red deer in the parke adjoyning. 1683 No. 1871/4 The Office and Place of Master of His Majesties Game of Swans within the River of Thames. 1742 10 Apr. 3/3 The Game of Swans, upon the River between Norwich and Raynham, is greatly abused and destroyed by idle Persons. 1833 G. Steinman iii. 40 The manor-place of Halyng, with two orchards, two gardens, a culver-house with the bank of conies, were let to Sir Nicholas Carew, for 40s. per annum; the land of the said manor and game of conies..at 12l. 1889 12 Aug. 3/2 There has also been time out of mind..a game of swans building, nesting and breeding there. 1916 J. Joyce (1917) v. 268 A game of swans flew there and the water and the shore beneath were fouled with their greenwhite slime. 1977 P. L. Fermor (1979) ii. 50 An ornamental lake where a..game of swans were reflected in holes that had been chopped for them in the ice. 2004 C. Rawcliffe et al. (plates betw. 194 and 195) Having, from the middle ages, kept its own game of swans on the River Wensum, the Great Hospital subsequently built a special pond. the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > game > [noun] 1658 J. Burbury tr. G. Gualdo Priorato iv. 190 The table was royally furnisht with every thing the season would yeild, as well wild game as tame, with all other sorts of rare meats, fish of all kindes, sweet-meats, and fruits. 1686 Bp. G. Burnet App. 324 There is always to be had..great quantity of Game and Venison, according to the Season of the Year. 1726 tr. B. L. de Muralt 85 Their Flowers have little smell; their Game is insipid; and I don't know that there's good Water any where. 1776 J. Marshall IV. i. 41 Bread about the price it is in England, or something cheaper: beef, which is excellent, 2d. halfpenny and 2d. per pound;..game, very cheap. 1816 9 Jan. 19/1 The Reading Sauce..is esteemed peculiarly delicious with game. 1853 A. Soyer 194 These same men..did not touch young game; they thought it indigestible. 1885 J. M. Fothergill xxxii. 280 Such meat as is taken should consist of white meat, fish or fowl, and game. 1908 E. Vizetelly & A. Vizetelly v. 144 Châteauneuf-du-Pape..is a wine which may be drunk with game or roast meat. 1990 28 Apr. 5/2 Four-course dinner £17.50... Game and seafood are specialities. 2008 L. Kitchen 226 Some serious gourmands like their game so well-hung that it smells and tastes rank. the mind > emotion > courage > spirit > [noun] 1747 J. Godfrey 64 Smallwood [a boxer] is thorough game, with Judgement equal to any, and superior to most. 1769 3 Suppl. 269/2 They are bloody sportsmen, true game, and will not, it seems, give up to the last crack. c1783 in (1890) VII. 93 Such horses of mettle and game As are worthy to be recorded in fame. 1813 42 243 A young bull of great game, made play for no less than nine-and-twenty dogs. 1829 F. Marryat I. v. 151 He never showed more game. 1845 C. Dickens 22 Feb. (1977) IV. 270 They were thorough game, and didn't make the least complaint. 1867 135 This man made a stout resistance, being a very powerful fellow and good game. 1885 G. B. Shaw Cashel Byron's Profession in Apr. 159 They say that he [sc. a boxer] isnt clever, but that he is full of game. 1898 23 July 72/1 He was all game, and even after an hour and a half of brave struggle..he attempted to leap back into the water. 1925 V. MacClure ii. 49 The big fellow's got plenty of game in him. He may beat the dude fighter yet. the world > animals > birds > wild or domestic birds > [noun] > game-bird 1850 J. C. Bennett 68 This variety combines the great strength and size of the Wild Indian Game hen, and the sprightliness and beauty of the Spanish Game. 1852 F. Rotch Let. 4 Sept. in T. B. Miner (1853) 20 The Dorking is a quite stately, substantial fellow, and though his companions may not have the same pert, jaunty air as the games, yet [etc.]. 1866 4 Dec. 434/1 I do not consider that either ‘Newmarket’ or any one else can lay down as a rule what sort of Game are the best layers, fighters, &c., as it is a well-known fact to all breeders and fighters of Game, that good birds are to be met with of every variety. 1883 S. Beale x. 100 All kinds of game are fair layers, splendid sitters, attentive mothers, [etc]. 1901 1 Sept. 248/2 The starting point in exhibition Game is length of limb. 1945 Feb. 57/1 For a breed with big breasts to breed perhaps exclusively for meat production why not use one (or more) of the Games? 1972 Apr. 245/2 (advt.) Bantam hatching eggs... Three different breeds in each dozen—Black or White Cochins, White Silkies, Black-White or Silver Duckwing Old English Games, [etc.]. 2009 (Nexis) 14 Aug. 9 Breeds that will be on show include the massive Indian Game and Australian Game, while the elegant and tall Modern Game will also be popular. Phrases1530 in N. H. Nicolas (1827) 17 Item..paide..to Domyngo for soo moche money As his grace loste to him at game, iiij C li. 1560 W. Baldwin sig. Aivv See thou looke Thou harme him not while he is at his booke,..Neyther yet at game so it be voyd of vice. 1619 T. Gataker viii. 250 (side note) The example of him that hanged himselfe in Trinitie Coll. Hall, where he had lost his money at game the night before. 1696 L. Meriton xlvii. 33 The dearest Friends will Quarrel to such height When they're at Game, they'l one another Fight. 1715 tr. M.-C. d'Aulnoy 208 There was a numerous Assembly of Persons of Distinction, several Tables where they were at Game. 1755 T. Blackwell II. ix. 398 Seeing the Triumvir one day pensive after being worsted at Game by Cesar. 1899 12 7 [He] had won at game, from the people of the Blue House.., two shells of enormous size. 1890 28 June Altoona showed that they were still in the game by scoring twice. 1900 23 July 8/4 Larry Lajoie has demonstrated that he is back in the game again. He is swatting out singles and triples and stealing bases as of yore. 1958 30 Oct. 3/2 For a short space Surrey were in the game again, though by now they were all very weary. 1984 24 Dec. 50/2 It was an important commercial to run because it was a statement that Apple was still in the game. 1995 C. L. R. James in H. McD. Beckles & B. Stoddart 291 Trumper and Hill..by brilliant and courageous batting were putting Australia back in the game. 2009 B. Andrews 53 She hadn't pushed him away—or hauled off and slapped him. So he was still in the game. P3. in game. c1300 (Laud) (1868) l. 1716 Hise wif dede ubbe sone in fete And til hire seyde, al on gamen. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 3498 Tac ðu nogt in idel min name, Ne swer it les to fele in gamen. c1410 tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 111 A preost Edmond..seide in game, ‘Why chese ȝe nouȝt me myself?’ a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) v. §6. 19 Til perfite men it falles not to leghe, nouþer in ernest ne in gamen. 1600 W. Shakespeare i. i. 240 As waggish boyes, in game, themselues forsweare. View more context for this quotation 1617 J. Davies sig. F3v Yet run'st from me in Earnest, and in Game, Though oft I write with thee, to spread thy fame! 1792 Ld. Mountmorres I. 25 In words the king seemed to give him leave to follow his device; but to say the truth, it was rather in game than in earnest, for the king minded nothing less. 1898 Oct. 46 Contributors to these pages have for the most part taken their work in earnest rather than in game; they have in the main been truly serious. 1996 I. Johnson in C. Given-Wilson 140 Some are in game, others in earnest, some both. 1576 A. Fleming tr. J. Caius 7 These houndes..vse not that liberty to raunge at wil, which they haue otherwise when they are in game. ?a1300 (Bodl.) (1916) l. 329 (MED) Into Egipte to sende þuncheþ me no gome. c1330 (?c1300) (Auch.) l. 3116 Þan answerd þe riche soudan, Þat hadde no gamen of þan. a1400 (a1325) (Fairf. 14) l. 3445 Now ho [sc. Rebecca] bredis twa for ane. of twynlynges þat hir þuȝt na gam [Vesp., Gött., Trin. Cambr. gamen]. c1450 tr. G. Deguileville (Cambr.) (1869) 136 (MED) If j ete it, grace dieu wolde holde it no game [Fr. nen seroit pas contente]. 1560 E. More sig. B.iiiv Of loue..the woe and smart Thought more heuye then the ledde lyeth at the louers hart As I my selfe may wel affyrme..And so may moe as well as I, that count it now no game. a1450 (Cambr. Dd.1.17) (1845) l. 1454 My wyf hase put in the pyne In the dore oppon hyre game. a1500 (a1400) (Lamb.) (1969) l. 65 While J was at home, My moder, on [a1500 Calig. yn] hir game, Clepped me Bewfice. P6. slang. on the game. the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > by or in manner of theft [phrase] > engaged in theft 1739Upon the Old Game [see sense 7d]. 1839 H. Brandon Dict. Flash or Cant Lang. in W. A. Miles 163/1 On the game, thieving. 1892 12 Sept. 1352 When he was charged he said, ‘Several of them have been on the game; I was pinched, and I kept the boots.’ 1905 14 Apr. 6/6 Paolillo pressed me to go out ‘on the game’. 1928 M. C. Sharpe (1929) 33 He put her on the game (had her taught thieving). society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > engaged in prostitution [phrase] 1898 21 July 8/6 The prosecutrix pestered her to ‘go on the game’, i.e. the streets. c1907 C. W. Chandler 10/2 Like most females on the game, she thought it handy to keep a man about her premises. 1930 1 Nov. 3/5 A large number of ladies of easy virtue are ‘on the game’. 1963 T. Morris & P. Morris viii. 191 This is almost certainly an underestimate of the number who are either married to prostitutes or have women ‘on the game’ as an additional source of income. 2000 F. Keane 85 They took her fast and far. Down to London, where she went on the game to get money for her habit. P7. out of the game. 1708 J. Hughes tr. B. Le Bovier de Fontenelle 150 None are call'd Fools by all People, but some certain Fools who are out of the Game, as it were, and whose Folly is not in Tune with the rest, nor enters into the ordinary Commerce of Life. 1711 Ld. Shaftesbury III. Misc. iv. ii. 218 Having each of 'em their proper Chase or Business, if they [sc. hounds] were once out of their Game, chamber'd, or kept idle, they were the same as if taken out of their Element. 1866 June 516/2 After a [croquet] ball has left the boundary it is out of the game till replaced. 1874 J. D. Heath ii. 62 Red,..thinking himself unlikely to hit, finesses, remaining out of Black's game, at Red. 1898 at Game sb. Within, out of (one's) game, within, out of one's range of play (in Croquet, etc.). 1903 (ed. 100) 408/2 A player who pegs out a rover by a first hit cannot take croquet from it, as the ball is out of the game. 1998 J. T. Gonçalves vii. 264 Always come back to your zone and identify the player you are responsible for as soon as the ball is out of the game. 1871 Rugby Union Rules §73 in Every player when off-side is out of the game and shall not touch the ball..until he is again on side. 1924 16 Aug. 8/1 Just when St. Martin had the Raiders going along at top speed Bartels runs in trouble and will be out of the game for some time. 1961 J. S. Salak 328 Pinch runner (baseball, softball), a substitute runner for a teammate who has reached a base, the original runner being out of the game from that time on. 1975 B. Bryden ii. 49 Tell 'im you're oot the game an' tryin' tae go hame to face the wife. 1993 ‘A. McNab’ (1994) xi. 320 At this stage I was totally out of the game anyway. My teeth were agony. 2003 K. Sampson 177 My recall becomes..focused again. Adie, by anybody's standards, was out of the game by now. 1883 13 June They tried to decoy the jailer into their cell to throw it [sc. cayenne pepper] into his eyes and secure the keys, but another prisoner gave the game away. 1974 2 May (Suppl.) 15/1 It is often difficult..for a company to keep secret the fact that it is doing in-house research in a particular area; purchase of specialist equipment..can be sufficient to give the game away. 1991 A. Carter (1992) i. 46 Her cheeks give the game away; they've got that tight, full, shiny chipmunk look that spells out: facelift. 2003 M. Arnold (2004) vi. 254 I was sure that Aunt was not aware of..the gift and puzzled how I could thank Uncle Max without giving the game away. P9. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > banter or good-humoured ridicule > banter [verb (transitive)] > make fun of eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory (Hatton) (1871) xxxvi. 247 Hwæt sceal ic ðonne buton hliehchan ðæs, ðonne ge to lose weorðað, & habban me ðæt to gamene [L. subsannabo]? OE Ælfric (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xiv. 144 Þæra cempena hosp, hæfde getacnunge, on gastlicum ðingum: þæt hi him to gamene gedydon... Hi cwædon mid hospe, þæt he cyning wære, se ðe soðlice is þeoda wealdend. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > banter or good-humoured ridicule > banter [verb (transitive)] > make fun of ?c1250 in C. Brown (1932) 109 (MED) Of þe king he [sc. the Jews] meden game. c1450 (c1400) (Huntington) (1942) 18 Hym þynkeþ not ynow to despise in his herte oþere þat han not þe graces þat he weneþ haue, but makeþ his game and scorneþ. a1500 tr. La Belle Dame sans Mercy (Cambr.) l. 226 in F. J. Furnivall (1903) 88 When y speke, after my best avise, ye set it at nought, but make therof a game. a1542 T. Wyatt (1969) lxvi. 22 Vengeaunce shall fall on thy disdain That makest but game on ernest pain. 1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch 717 You would laugh and make a game of mee, as if I had overdunke my selfe, and taken one cup to many. 1671 J. Milton 1331 Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels On my refusal to distress me more, Or make a game of my calamities? View more context for this quotation 1718 J. Ozell tr. J. F. Regnard & C. Dufresny Prol. Am I crooked or blind, that you make Game of me thus. 1745 in D. Mackinnon (1833) II. App. 341 If the militia are reviewed to-morrow by his Majesty, the soldiers of the three regiments of Guards are to behave civilly, and not to laugh or make any game of them. 1757 J. Buchanan Flout, to mock, jeer, or make game at a person. a1810 S. Trimmer (1829) 26 Mrs. Mills..made great game of her and her husband. 1849 T. B. Macaulay (1858) II. vi. 72 She had all the talents which qualified her..to make game of his scruples. 1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato I. 211 They fancied that Ctesippus was making game of them. 1905 H. G. Wells Kipps in Nov. 640/2 Thanking you kindly, but I don't have no butcher-boys making game at [1st book ed. of] me. 1919 F. S. Faust (1920) xviii. 144 She cried with a little burst of rage: ‘Pierre, you are making a game of me!’ 1957 W. Bridges-Adams ii. xxiv. 276 It is all too easy to make game of such plays by strictly factual narration and by quoting whatever seems excessively pretentious or absurd. 1989 P. D. Goldsmith iv. 81 There are still a few people who will giggle, laugh, or openly make game at you if you get excited in the church. 2002 B. Miller iv. 54 Juliet started to get angry when she began to suspect Draco was making game of her, but what could she do? c. to make game. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 73 She koude skippe and make game As any kyde or Calf folwynge his dame. a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve (Harl. 4866) (1897) l. 1011 This artificers..Talken and syng, and make game and play..But we labour in trauaillous stilnesse. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > children's game > other children's games > [verb (intransitive)] > pretend for fun 1754 28 May From your Paper it appears they were only making Game, and cossing the Gentleman all the while. 1785 R. Hunter Jrnl. 20 June in (1943) (modernized text) ii. 60 Some pretty women..called us bougres because we behaved politely to them, though they thought we were making game. 1840 J. Hills tr. J. W. von Goethe 209 Now I 'm quite sure you 're only making game! Are stooping thus but to enjoy my shame! 1870 C. Dickens iii. 16 Some of the girls made game to be their brothers. 1918 H. H. Reichard 239 The sarcastic comment is mingled with such playful humor that it is often difficult to tell whether the writer is in earnest or only making game. the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > recovery from misfortune, error, etc. > [verb (transitive)] 1600 P. Holland tr. Livy xxvi. 612 Semblably the Carthaginians, as they lost Capua, so they woon Tarentum, and made a saving game of it. 1655 H. L'Estrange 53 The Commons..thought themselves worsted, should he now at last make a saving game of it. a1776 D. Hume (1779) xii. 145 The utmost a wise magistrate can propose with regard to popular religions, is, as far as possible, to make a saving game of it, and to prevent their pernicious consequences with regard to society. a1872 J. Poole (1884) iii. i. 15/2 All this is the work of my own precious industry... How shall I make a saving game of this? 1925 C. W. Hendel xiii. 393 The wise statesman who is obliged to have dealings with popular religion only tries to make ‘a saving game of it’, so far as society is concerned, by dissociating the authority of the government from that of the ecclesiastical institution. the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > defraud or swindle [verb (intransitive)] 1894 Mar. 643/2 If he thinks we 're puttin' up a game on him, tell him this. 1918 J. Gregory xv. 156 How do I know you're tellin' me the truth?.. How do I know you aint puttin' up a game on me? 1961 H. Ellison 149 Stop tryin' to whup the game on me, boy. 1966 R. Ostermann 104/2 These kids would spot that in a minute..and start running a game on you. 1969 R. L. Keiser iv. 43 Successfully manipulating others is called ‘whupping the game’. 1973 T. Kochman 162 Other operators on the street who are looking for a chance to ‘whup’ (Chicago) or ‘run’ (Los Angeles, New York) ‘a game’ (trick someone out of some money) are known as ‘slicks’ or ‘slicksters’. 1974 H. L. Foster ii. 30 This is..the behavior that urban blacks use to ‘run a game on the man’. 1997 D. Simon & E. Burns 240 Fran Boyd goes out of the Dew Drop on a late morning, runs a game on Buster to get right. 2011 ‘Ice T’ & D. Century 73 ‘We could get you in the studio right now.’ I didn't know if he was running a game on me or not, but what the hell? 1959 W. Hall (1961) 29 You can stick this for a game of soldiers. 1975 11 Aug. 10/4 As General Sir Harry Tuzo might well have concluded, * * * that for a game of soldiers. 1978 K. Williams 2 Apr. (1993) 557 Fuck this for a game of marbles: I'm joining the Anarchists. 1992 Q Apr. 7/4 The person I was before last March would have said, Bugger this for a game of soldiers. 1999 R. T. Davies Episode 4. 92 She's fab, worked as a bodyguard for the Aga Khan, took a bullet in '76, thought sod this for a game of soldiers, took to the road, never been home since. 2005 R. Bean 104 Fuck this for a game of soldiers, I think I'll sign on and do a bit of nicking. P12. 1599 ‘T. Cutwode’ sig. E7 The scantlin won, the winners must cry whup, The goale is got, and now the game is vp. 1624 R. Montagu xlii. 288 Heere (no doubt) the game is vp for Saint Augustine. Fire after this life, and yet not eternall: therefore of Purgatory, no question. 1679 T. Shadwell ii. 25 The Game were up betwixt us, and there were no more to do but to pay the stakes, and then to something else. 1717 C. Bullock ii. 18 Before the game's up, I have a Bisk in my sleeve, an appeal to the House of Peers. 1792 T. Holcroft iii. 51 Must not lose her; the game's up if I do! 1814 Prince William Let. 18 Feb. in P. Ziegler (1971) ix. 115 The game is up with Bonaparte and I shall be in at the kill. 1867 E. A. Freeman I. vi. 558 Godwine might well think the game was up. 1904 F. Rolfe Prooimion 5 Any popular feeling must sooner or later touch the Army, and if the soldiers cannot be depended upon to shoot, the game of absolutism is up. 1953 J. Wain (1960) 90 Now that for one of them the game was up, that bond parted easily and at once. 1989 2 Dec. 25 Oh no!.. She knows who I am. If she sees me, the game's up! 2005 6 May 11/2 He conjures up the father of Colin Wilson's girlfriend bursting into the young fornicator's flat brandishing a horsewhip and shouting, ‘Aha, Wilson, the game is up!’ 1756 7 Aug. 316 Put things at the worst; that Boscawen be beat; have we not still a vast reserve of men of war in our home ports? are they to be beat too?—why! then the game is over. 1848 W. M. Thackeray lv. 489 The game, in her opinion, was over in that little domestic establishment. 1899 Feb. 191 After that, of course, the game was over. It put his back up for good and all. 1914 Nov. 636/2 We grounded again with a shock... In the succeeding pause I heard the stranger's shout. ‘God—the game's over.’ 1997 J. Collins ix. 94 From a distance she could pass for a woman in her late fifties, but close up, the game was over. 1948 27 Nov. 157/4 New board's scoreboard..lights up at all times. When game is completed, scoreboard reads ‘game over’. 1949 22 Oct. 70/4 Other features of the new scorer are..an electric coin counter, a game-over light and a play credit light. 1955 18 Apr. 19/3 Georgette Decru and Jackie Masson..then made good on foul shots and it was game over. 1959 2 July 10/5 But at this point Bentley MacEwen lost his magic... When his control deserted him, it was game over. 1971 12 May 23/4 Hustle yourself off down to their second meeting May 17. If you don't then it's game over. 1977 13 Oct. (District Weekly section) dc2/5 As soon as the [video-game] machine read ‘Game Over’, Baseball Bill was at the bar. 1990 3 Dec. 26/6 (headline) Canny investors watch for the ‘game over’ sign. 2009 S. Ellis & P. Junor xi. 90 If you inadvertently surprised a bear.., it could be game over very quickly. the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > another may act in similar way [phrase] 1791 G. Morris (1939) II. x. 328 The People are not very fond of them [sc. riots] when they find that Death is a Game which two can play at. 1804 ‘H. F. Glysticus’ I. x. 273 Ah Ma'am, but as the jack-ass driver said, there's two can play at that game. 1826 W. Scott II. iii. 79 I'll show you that two can play at the game of wrestling. 1883 R. Broughton I. i. x. 188 Belinda's answer is to quicken her pace and race up the remaining steps. ‘Two can play at that game,’ says Sarah, springing after her. 1955 G. Greene i. iv. 60 They must have been caught in a cross-fire, trying to get back, and I suppose every man of us along the bank was thinking, ‘Two can play at that game.’ 1988 J. McInerney viii. 133 I keep trying Dean and getting his machine and so finally I go, okay, two can play that game. 2010 D. Freitas 5 Still staring at me from the coffee table is this story I've got to read. I give the stack a good glare back—two can play at that game. 1614 J. Cooke D 2 b Scat. Come Gentlemen, what's your game? Sta. Why Gleeke, that's your onely game. a1817 J. Austen Watsons in (1954) VI. 355 ‘What's your Game?’—cried he, as they stood round the Table.—‘Speculation I beleive,’ said Elizth. 1846 C. Rowcroft 118 ‘This is our way,’ said Brandon, pointing to the track. Grough demurred—‘What's your game, Mark?’ 1880 6 Nov. 215/1 I says, ‘What's his game?’ and he says, ‘Why he's the great man in the Anti-Tobacco Society.’ 1916 ‘J. E. Buckrose’ 208 ‘Come in for a game of cards to-night?’ said Tremaine... ‘What's your game?’ ‘Snap,’ said Jack, swaggering. ‘I'll bring me own pack.’ 1952 C. Simpson 108 What's her game, Ty? Is she doing this to get a ride to Darwin? 2006 M. Keyes (2007) 90 After a while, she abruptly stopped ranting, looked at me through eyes narrowed with suspicion, and said, ‘What's your game?’ OE (2008) 3021 Nu se herewisa hleahtor alegde, gamen ond gleodream. a1200 (?c1175) Poema Morale (Trin. Cambr.) 292 in R. Morris (1873) 2nd Ser. 229 (MED) Nis hit bute gamen and glie of þat man mai here drie. a1300 in C. Brown (1932) 119 (MED) Þer nis nouþer gome ne gleo, auȝ þer is pine wiþ-ute fin. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) l. 370 To honti & to winne is mete & to abbe solas & game. c1330 (?a1300) (1886) l. 1918 A loghe þai founden made, Was ful of gamen and play. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 128 Hys murye men comanded he To make hym bothe game and glee. c1450 (c1400) (1881) l. 3199 (MED) So thay livede in ioye and game. ?c1450 (1891) l. 1188 Come þe batemen with gamen and gle. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour (Adv.) iii. 465 [Bruce] maid yaim gamyn and solace. ?1523 J. Fitzherbert f. liiiv It is conuenyent for euery man..to haue play and game acordynge to his degre. 1549 J. Hopkins Psalmes of Dauid in Metre xxxiii, in T. Sternhold sig. G.vi Our soule in God hath ioy and game. 1575 J. Rolland iv. f. 58v All game and gle fra me euer adew. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie (1895) II. 68 Of gemm or play..was nother want nor skant. 1608 R. Armin sig. A4 Calfe great, in whose conceit Lay much game and glee. 1725 A. Ramsay ii. i. 20 We've invited Nibours auld and young, To pass this Afternoon with Glee and Game. 1771 T. Percy iii. 33 All Minstrels yet that ever I saw, Are full of game and glee: But thou art sad and woe-begone! 1835 J. Galt 33 Fairies, 'tis known, are Sprites of glee and game. 1868 T. Wright tr. P. de Langtoft II. 369 No soul wonders there was game and joy [Fr. jeu et joe] enough. 1877 W. Morris i. 64 Tomorn shalt thou have thine answer that thine heart may the lighter be For the hearkening of harp and songcraft, and the dealing with game and glee. 1894 C. H. Herford tr. H. Ibsen i. 28 Thou saw'st it not for game and glee Ere with his cry he startled thee. 1903 R. Proctor tr. 147 After that fared forth the glee and game. 1915 A. S. Cook tr. P. Suchenwirt in 14 384 When many of them had been slain, and their wives and children captured, great was the joy and game of the men-at-arms. 1660 G. Havers tr. M. de Scudéry IV. ii. 128 Amongst the rest..there was introduc'd a kind of a game of chance. 1709 J. Edwards iii. 197 They Condemn all Playing at Cards, viz. because it is a Game of Chance. 1806 388 An unlawful game of chance,..formerly known by the name of the Little Go. 1857 R. Whately xviii. 153 (note) People may..play at games of chance without any stake at all. And..at billiards, which is altogether a game of skill, much gambling often takes place. 1922 (U.S. Dept. Labor: Children's Bureau Publ. No. 98.) 46 A captain of one of the cannery boats said, ‘It all depends on the weather in our work, and the weather is something you never can count on. It's a game of chance.’ 1979 Mar. b23 Unlike chess, which has limited predictable moves, winks is a game of chance as well as skill. 2007 L. A. Smith i. 19 [He] was fond of..games of chance, especially those in which chance played a somewhat lesser role that the participants happened to believe. P17. society > leisure > sport > winning, losing, or scoring > [noun] > draw or tie 1745 Lady S. Cowper in M. Delany (1861) II. vii. 356 The soldiers have spirit enough to undertake anything, and say that they don't doubt of ‘winning the rubber’, that Dettingen and Fontenoy are ‘only game and game’. 1824 M. R. Mitford I. 230 We were often game and game in the last before victory declared itself. 1878 17 July 7/5 The first set the players were game and game until the score was called three games all. 1890 22 Mar. 336/2 A party..who would be not only Ultramontane, but ultrahuman, if they did not feel disposed to play out the rubber in which they and Prince Bismarck may be said to be, after a fashion, game and game. 1908 J. A. Altsheler xv. 258 ‘You're even, as it's game and game,’ said Paul, ‘so let's rest now.’ 1934 5 Oct. 16/1 The world series came to St. Louis today, tied at game and game. b. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > racket games > lawn tennis > [noun] > score or stage of game 1853 34 446 They..agreed to play a third [set] in order to decide the match, but this arriving at games all, they recommenced the set. 1878 12 If both players win five games, the score is called games-all. 1933 20 June 9/1 Jack came to life in time to turn a 5-1, 40-30 advantage in the third set into games-all. 1903 Nov. 71/2 That is game all, then. Cut, please, Willie. 1955 6 July 4/7 At game all, 60 all, you have opened 1 Heart. 1999 D. Roth 76 You have preempted as South, having dealt at game all. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > racket games > lawn tennis > [noun] > score or stage of game the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > ultimate success or victory > complete 1879 10 July 6/4 Mr. Tabor then won the two following strokes which gave him the game set and match. 1939 21 Oct. 810/1 We give Dr. Jerger best: game, set, and match to him. 1968 15 Aug. 210/2 This seemed to be game, set and match to the garage. 1971 June 250/1 He picks it up with a half volley. Metreveli puts it away. Game, set, and match to Metreveli and Miss Morozova. 2005 J. Aitken x. 152 It was game, set and match to me, the defendant, while the unfortunate plaintiff..had to endure many critical newspaper headlines. 1973 Apr. 40/3 Unprintable words were flung. Older brother clouted her... Banished to rooms upstairs... And then the first inevitable trespass. And it's game on again. 1980 10 Feb. 44/3 It's game on and Lazarenko is on the ‘oche’—the mark from which to throw. 1991 M. Myers et al. (film script) (O.E.D. Archive) 58 A car approaches. Garth moves the [hockey] net out of the way. The car passes. Wayne (shouting) Game on! Garth moves the net back. They resume playing. 1999 June (Best of Bar Room Jokes & True Stories Suppl.) 39/2 She soon invited me back to her place for the other. Game on! 2001 M. Coward xx. 216 A cry of Game on! brought cheers from the bar tables, followed by loud shushings from the playing area. 2005 S. Ingle in M. Adamson et al. 317 Just when England look home and hosed, Collingwood dabs one to Ponting, who takes a desperate catch at silly point. Game on! 2006 23 July 35/1 It's game on as Australia's largest car makers, Holden and Toyota, clash with their locally made sedans. 1901 A. H. Lewis Road Agents in 22 Dec. 39/3 ‘Of course, I knows the game is crooked,’ says Peg-laig... ‘[But] this yere is the only game in town.’ 1938 8 Jan. 12/6 ‘I am worried—just now Noel is the only young man on her horizon—’. ‘The only game in town,’ Lillian murmured... ‘[Like] the man who was asked why he played at a gambling place when he knew the wheel was "fixed"... “Hell!” he answered, “but it's the only game in town”.’ 1962 Mar. 98/1 Rambler Classic is about the same length as most compacts... Rambler is no longer the only game in town, so its ‘compactness’ isn't unique. 1976 8 29/2 The new conformists, perhaps soon to be our new professional class, have chosen relativism as the best game in town. 1983 R. C. Gray in I. Bellany & C. D. Blacker 29 High officials in the Department of Defense recently called the Army BMD [sc. ballistic missile defense] program ‘the hottest game in town’. 1990 J. Eberts & T. Ilott ii. 22 I chose development because it was different—I would in effect be the only game in town. 2012 (Nexis) 8 Oct. 19 Australia needs to move quickly..and not remain fixated on China as the only game in town. 1937 19 Mar. 513/3 John von Neumann ‘Mathematical Theory of Games’. 1976 Jan. 41/1 A range of problems in evolution theory can most appropriately be attacked by a modification of the theory of games. 2001 7 Oct. 6 b/4 We clobbered German U-boats using the theory of games. Compounds C1. General attributive. a. With the first element in singular form. (a) 1616 A. Hungerford 21 The Pope setteth over the flocke of Christ goates, wolues,..thieues,..game hunters. 1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus 15 The game prey which l hunted after is already within my net. 1764 Jan. 55/1 For each Game hawk, 5 s. 1791 C. Hamilton tr. IV. iv. 319 Where..a game-catcher lays his snares. 1814 15 Oct. Celebrated game farm... Abundantly stocked with pheasants, hares, and partridges. 1868 29 July 78/1 The bluffs which skirt it..are..ridged by game trails. 1903 Dec. 907 If the authorities out in East Africa would worry..a little less over the white man who shoots (leave him to the game ranger). 1909 July 9/1 Why should we not have some great game ranches in the west? 1931 (U.S. Dept. Agric. Misc. Publ. No. 115) 2 Some of the larger predators..[that] prey upon valuable game species. 1968 I. W. Cornwall iii. 70 The men might devise pitfalls dug in well-frequented game-paths. 1989 21 July 5/3 Co-operation with game rangers and lodges while on safari. 2008 51 62 Legally designated geographic spaces such as national parks and..privately owned game sanctuaries. (ii) 1851 J. Frost lxiii. 390 The American Deer is considered by the hunters the king of game beasts, and consequently, he is pursued with unrelenting cruelty. 1958 ‘W. Henry’ xiii. 151 They would ride you down like a crippled game-beast, surely you see that. 1993 34 34 The Indians..set fires..to provide those tremendous game beasts [sc. bison] a pastureland. 1796 W. Woodfall et al. IV. 197 He did not think that poor men kept dogs for the destruction of game, and he lived in a game country where he was qualified to judge. 1835 W. Irving 156 We were getting more and more into the game country. 1991 R. Oliver (1993) i. 4 The south-eastern corner of the Serengeti plain, in the prime game country of northern Tanzania. 1878 J. S. Campion xxii. 229 We saw a good deal of these Indians while we remained in the valley, continually exchanging visits and joining, by invitation, in several of their game-drives. 1947 50 323 Game drives and circle hunts have been used in hunting rabbits and coyotes quite extensively. 1992 Winter 86/2 (caption) Expect to encounter lions, cheetahs, leopards and rhino on game drives. 1846 E. Allen 7 We were surrounded by a vast tract of wilderness, which the Indian hunters claimed as ‘game land’. 1931 J. Mockford vii. 60 The rich tribute in hides, ivory, and ostrich-feathers which the Masarwa bushmen and other vassals occupying the game-land..brought annually to Shoshong. 1958 16 Jan. 102/1 But unspoilt gamelands, such as those in the Congo, afford unrivalled opportunities for a study of natural balances. 2006 C. Frazier iv. vi. 350 All the people Hindman had convinced to go west amounted to ten griping malcontents and a half dozen deer hunters hoping for richer game lands. 1811 14 Dec. 2/2 The chasse at Holkam [sic]..produced to the game-larder, within six days, the following enormous list of slaughter. 1899 10 138 The cages containing the pupæ were kept throughout in a cool game-larder. 1992 C. Hardyment vii. 98 The unpleasant smell that large quantities of pheasants and the like produced encouraged the development of separate, purpose-built game larders. 1800 9 418/2 On looking at the last game-lists for that country, I find Mr. John Martin, of Worplesdon, who, I suppose, is my friend's grandson. 1856 E. K. Kane II. vii. 79 The tide-holes of the spring, where we can add waterfowl to our game-list. 1905 Feb. 193/2 There is probably no bird upon our game-list which is more eagerly sought after than the wood-cock..for his kitchenable qualities. 1995 Oct. 98/1 The band-tailed pigeon, sandhill crane, and tundra swan were eventually returned to the game list. ?1706 sig. A4 The Duke of Savoy's Game Park. 1793 tr. Catherine II 17 His tutor led him to seek the rose without prickles that stings not; and for this purpose let him out at a wicket into a large game park. 1897 J. L. Allen xiii. 201 The great neutral game-park of the Northern and the Southern Indians. 2005 (National ed.) 6 Feb. v. 8/2 For many visitors, South Africa remains a two-stop destination, involving a game park and a stint in Cape Town. 1822 W. J. Burchell I. xvii. 403 They were, as being intended to entrap this huge animal, several times larger than the game-pits at Spuigslang Fountain. 1893 F. C. Selous 409 Many oxen were killed by falling into old game pits. 2006 32 809 Hunters employed game traps, game pits and nets made of bark cloth, as well as locally produced spears. 1808 W. Scott v. Introd. 227 The game-pouch, fishing-rod, and spear. 1909 2 15 The door..was..thrown open by a full-blooded Indian dressed in buckskin, with gun in hand, and a full game pouch. 1994 Sept. 91 (advt.) 100% polyester, hunter orange outershell provides extra warmth... Waterproof drop seat buttons-up to double as a game pouch. the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > gamekeeping > [noun] > enclosing beasts in park > enclosure 1806 5 Feb. 19/2 This Estate is situate in the midst of game preserves and coveys, and is almost unequalled in its abundant means of affording field sports. 1863 C. Kingsley i. 8 Miles of game-preserves, in which..the collier-lads poached at times. 1999 M. Shoard iii. 127 Vast stretches of Scotland were turned into a huge game preserve. the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > gamekeeping > [noun] > enclosing beasts in park > enclosure the world > life > biology > collection or conservation of natural specimens > sanctuary or reserve > [noun] 1828 1 Oct. 2/2 He has ordered the old despotic law upon the royal game reserves to be strictly enforced and even extended. 1907 J. H. Patterson xviii. 191 The whole of this country..is now a strictly protected Game Reserve. 2006 R. Buckley 448 In the private game reserves of eastern and southern Africa..clients watch wildlife from open-topped 4WD safari vehicles. the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting time > [noun] 1783 J. Wilkes 21 Apr. (1804) II. cviii. 251 The letter from Calais only told me the game season was just over. 1904 Dec. 177/1 The Wildfowlers had counted the months, weeks and days to the opening of the game season ever since it closed last February. 1999 Nov. 146/2 For Patrick Lichfield the game season has always been a siren's song that has never failed to spirit him back to Britain in time. 1898 12 Dec. 1/6 Passing to the Game Arcade..one's attention is drawn to the Varied Stock, which includes the Latest of all Games, Cock o' the North. 1911 4 Apr. 3/6 (heading) Automatic game machines. 1941 3 Mar. 86/3 The table-tennis sets made by Parker Bros. (game company) which has a trademark on the name ‘Ping-Pong’. 1977 9 Dec. 1077/1 (advt.) At modest extra cost, Extended Basic, Assembler, Pilot, Fortran and game software are available. 1987 N. Spinrad (1989) 399 Old tv set, used keyboard,..and an old..chip out of a junked game machine to run it. 1997 21 June 62/2 Brand names and well-established game franchises are also increasingly important. 2004 Apr. 43/1 Even game industry ‘professionals’ are often unable to discriminate between exciting potential and empty hype. 2010 (National ed.) 15 June b8/5 Looking to outdo Nintendo and..Wii, Microsoft..introduced Kinect, its camera-based, motion-control game system. b. With the first element in plural form. (a) 1874 Nov. 77/1 By a resolution of the Games Committee..‘Hockey’ has been adopted as one of the standing games of the school. 1903 27 Nov. 10/5 A games half-holiday. 1917 124 345/2 Nothing could be more splendidly educative than the high ideals of some of the great day schools—but they are not so obsessed with the games mania. 1920 M. M. Gibbon vi. 84 Olive was Games Captain in Form IV. 1973 13 Dec. 7/2 (heading) Britain lags in games medicine, expert says. 2008 S. Anderson iv. 76 Danish schools never developed a games curriculum comparable to the athleticism of public schooling in England. (ii) 1923 Sept. 1052/2 The only additions are for actual repairs to boots and clothing, games kit supplied from the school shop.., and pocket money. 2011 R. Hayes & C. Herbert i. 31 At my first PE lesson I forgot my games kit. 1886 Apr. 148/2 As to the Games-master, I would have him a man of very easy manners, good-natured, and, if possible, a cultured man. 1965 G. McInnes x. 159 Our combined sergeant, wet-nurse, games-master, school-teacher and doctor. 2011 (Nexis) 13 Mar. 30 The games master at posh Cumnor House School..admitted he had gone ‘croc wrestling’ with pals. 1897 Aug. 501/2 (advt.) Wanted, for September Term, Post as Gymnastic and Games Mistress. 1944 A. Thirkell iv. 79 Going to a physical culture college to learn to be gym and games mistresses. 2010 (Nexis) 1 Dec. We were practically hurled outside on to the hockey pitch by the formidable games mistress. 1917 24 Jan. 4/5 (advt.) Wanted a trained Games Teacher, for Victoria High School. 2007 D. Quantick 22 Games teachers. Again, not really teachers... Just sort of machines for standing in fields shouting. 1938 16 July (City ed.) 1/5 (advt.) Amusement Park. Boating. Games Arcade. Fun Fair. 1942 7 Nov. 80/2 The long list of great games..associated with many of the leading manufacturers in the games industry. 1957 20 Apr. 1/5 Two electrically operated games machines which the police said were being used for gambling purposes. 1961 27 Feb. b 6/5 Parker Brothers, one of the oldest and largest games companies. 1978 18 Jan. 27/1 Fruit machines are..complex games systems which have to be programmed with the care normally associated with computers. 1980 12 Nov. 17/5 (advt.) A wide selection of educational, financial and games software is also available. 1994 S. Braude viii. 47 ‘Come on, let's go to the games-shop.’‘Where?’ asked Mpho. ‘The games-shop. To play games.’ 1998 8 Nov. e5/2 A games addict from Utah who invented the first video game. 2010 R. Nichols in N. B. Huntemann & M. T. Payne ii. 48 This user-created content..has been instrumental in helping popularize hit games franchises like Half-Life. C2. Objective, instrumental, etc. a. With the first element in singular form. Chiefly in senses 13 and 16. 1809 W. Bingley ii. 319 An imposition is practised by the game dealers in several parts of France, in selling tame Rabbets for wild ones. 1876 J. S. Ingram 691 One of the oldest game-dealers in the West. 2006 Dec. 31/1 If I shot a good bag would the game dealer take them? 1942 May 188/1 Myron Fleishman..toy and game designer. 2009 19 Jan. 53/1 Game designers can now post their games on..Apple's iPhone application store for instant downloading. 1790 M. Tuomy tr. Euripides 9 The game-destroying hounds springing on the dappled stags pursue them. 1861 G. H. Kingsley in F. Galton 127 Of all snarling, ill-conditioned, game-destroying brutes in the world, the wild-cat is the worst. 2010 M. Hornocker in M. Hornocker & S. Negri iv. xvi. 247/1 The cougar is no longer viewed as the evil game-destroying predator it was once thought to be. 1959 9 Sept. 3/1 (heading) ‘Game’ developer stays alert... The world of games is no laughing matter for the men who..develop and manufacture progressive board games. 2009 Aug. 87/1 ATI hardware already supports tessellation, but this hasn't received much support from game developers. 1844 11 May 491/2 Preferring the fish-filled bays and game-filled hills of Norway and Sweden to the flat plains of Germany. 1946 11 May 39 (advt.) Mile after mile of game-filled forests, giant brown bears, sporty fishing streams, vistas of surpassing beauty! 2008 M. J. Unger i. 15 The rolling hills and game-filled copses, destination of many a hunting expedition. 1830 Feb. 293 For efficient game finding, and particularly for single birds, he [sc. a dog] has no superior. 1873 13 Dec. 7/4 I have seen..some very good game finding dogs in the latter country. 1960 24 Sept. 9/4 A game-finding dog. 2000 R. Milner iii. 20 The trials emphasized game-finding ability, softness of mouth, and calmness of demeanor. 1616game hunter [see Compounds 1a(a)(i)]. 1821 tr. L. A. Necker de Saussure iv. 50 With this feeble support, the courageous game-hunter lets himself down..the rock. 1935 Nov. 668 The handsome English setter and the mahogany-coated Irish setter which thrill every quail and upland game hunter. 2003 K. D. Gott (2011) ix. 158 Lying flat behind a stump and watching for a target, as would a game hunter. the world > food and drink > hunting > [noun] 1823 July 222 All manner of game hunting and sporting are allowed and encouraged. 1960 19 May 1297/2 The beast spent days joy-riding on top of a Land-Rover on safari and nights with game-hunting visitors. 2005 D. Thurlo & A. Thurlo (2007) viii. 120 In this state, game hunting at night is basically illegal. 1800 XI. 240 I am sure that I have known more fatal accidents arise in the county of Norfolk alone..by quarrels between the game invaders and the game preservers. 1935 Oct. 302/2 The poultry keeper and game preserver. 1995 (Nexis) 27 July 16 Game preservers..should refrain from demanding the relaxation of the laws protecting birds of prey. 1824 20 Nov. 38/1 Brutal slaves, who are screened from justice..to gratify the pride and domination of titled game-preserving despots. 1848 W. M. Thackeray xlv. 402 He talked about crops..entered into poaching and game preserving with ardour. 1944 J. S. Huxley x. 109 The spread of agriculture, and later of game-preserving. 1994 D. M. R. Bentley xvi. 257 The freedom of the emigrants from the game-preserving squires and laws of Britain. 1972 2 Nov. 296/1 The game-programmer's stock in trade—minimaxing, alpha-beta pruning..and the rest. 1993 21 Dec. 294/2 The following command produces a sliding sound..covering three octaves, a popular sound effect among game programmers. 2010 M. Capps in B. C. Ladd & J. Jenkins (2011) Foreword p. x That delicate balance is an integral piece in creating fun, and, as a game programmer, that will be your job. 1833 11 Apr. 1/6 (advt.) Game proof fancy park fencing, wrought iron hurdles, Gates, &c. 1963 10 May 10/7 A game-proof ditch between the forest boundaries and the settlement schemes. 2004 T. Triplett viii. 110 Things would surely happen quickly, as there were game-proof fences around us, plenty of animals inside, and a guarantee for success. 1889 22 Feb. 5/2 We have received from George S. Parker & Co., game publishers, Salem, a copy of the new..game of skill ‘Chivalry’. 1951 11 Mar. f7/1 An unusually high level of orders was reported by..book and game publishers. 1982 24 May 27/3 Many game publishers don't deserve software protection. They're too busy pirating Atari's arcade games. 2005 9 July 26/5 German game publisher DTP..says it plans to create a game around it for various handheld platforms. 1975 Dec. 429 A game reviewer must depend heavily on intuition and previous experience of game design and developmental testing. 1982 9 Apr. b7/4 (advt.) Game reviewer must own Apple 11 Computer. 2005 D. Gerardi & P. Suciu ix. 103 Game reviewers, even those who work in a freelance capacity, should play..computer games of all genres. 1792 Dec. 496/2 Dec. 10. Black and red game-shooting ends. 1919 Mar. 322/1 Target aiming is a little different from that of game shooting, in that for hunting it is often wise to hold the alignment just where you wish the shot to strike. 2008 Nov. 84/3 I use a stack-barrelled gun for most game shooting. b. With the first element in plural form. 1975 20 May 25/5 (advt.) Games designers and manufacturers need an experienced secretary. 2012 (Nexis) 29 July 13 Talented young games designer Kim Swift had huge success with her debut masterpiece, Portal. 1970 Nov. 46/2 Games developer Clark C. Abt says games can be used as problem-solving tools for an individual's or a family's personal problems. 2007 28 Dec. 12/6 Douglas Coupland has written Microserfs and JPod, set in the worlds of software and games developers. 1927 24 June 10/8 ‘Games mad’ is the adjective Chaliapin, the famous Russian basso, applies to the United States and Great Britain. 1960 C. Day Lewis vi. 108 A games-mad school. 2007 (Nexis) 27 Sept. 32 Only games-mad Japan beats Ireland for sales per head of population—with almost one in every four of us now owning a PS2. 1901 Feb. 136/1 (advt.) Daily work required at Easter by experienced teacher... Good games organizer, disciplinarian. 2005 (Nexis) 8 Dec. (Times2 section) 31 Watching it is like being stuck on a dull and expensive cruise while the games organiser exhorts you to Have Fun. 1982 (Nexis) 5 Aug. Some companies believe that using women as games-programmers will help transcend the electronic sexual boundary. 2007 J. Dovey & H. W. Kennedy in J. P. Williams & J. H. Smith vii. 144 In recent cultural history, to be a web designer or games programmer is to have maximum cool. 1900 14 Dec. 12/5 (advt.) T. Ordish and Co., games publishers, 99, Fore-street, London, E.C. 1956 25 Nov. 4 a/1 Robert B. M. Barton, president of..Parker Bros., Inc., the country's biggest games publisher, estimates sales for the toy and games industry at $1,250,000,000. 1987 29 June 16/ 4 (advt.) Ideally the position would be filled by an applicant from within the computer press, who was conversant with..the requirements of a games publisher. 2009 D. Shippy & M. Phipps iv. 53 As the market softened, many small games publishers folded. 1788 22 Oct. (heading) Mock Turtle, Game Pies, &c. 1819 M. W. Maskell II. iii. 92 The notable receipts for mock-turtle, or gravy, or vegetable or game soup. 1846 Nov. 693/1 Mr. Herbert..distributed here and there his poultry and his joints, his game pasties, and his jellies. 1888 26 July 6/3 Longfellow, my friend and neighbour, asked me to come and eat a game pie with him. 1914 J. T. Richards xxxiii. 292 The game stew was even better than its bouquet portended. 1959 2 Nov. 15/3 Stiff quills are a sign that they [sc. grouse] are too old to roast, are best used for soup or game terrine, or added to a steak pudding. 1989 (Nexis) 9 Nov. m8 Game appetizers include char-grilled rabbit with berry-mustard sauce, smoked duck breast with apples and figs, [etc.]. 2009 D. Raybourn vii. 106 I fear lunch..will be something quite provincial. Game pie and boiled cabbage, unless I am very much mistaken. C4. a. Special compounds with first element in singular form. 1707 T. Cave Let. 24 Nov. in M. M. Verney (1930) I. xiii. 235 I must thank your Lordship for..the indeavours to repeal the Game Act. 1879 16 Aug. 273/1 The bird mentioned in the second schedule of the Game Act as a magpie thrush is a small black-and-white bird, commonly called peewee. 1934 G. M. Young I. viii. 254 The Game Act of 1831..instituted game certificates (now licences) and gave the tenant the right to kill game unless it was reserved to the landlord or his assignee. 1994 J. L. Malcolm i. 13 The very first game act to set a property qualification was passed in 1389... When Henry VII came to the throne.., one of the measures he employed to maintain quiet in the countryside was a severe game act. 1763 ‘Euphrosyne’ 268 Love's game-bag. 1769 Aug. 97 This passage..supposes the celestial lovers to be brought in the net which Vulcan had drawn over them, like two fowls in a game-bag. 1830 M. R. Mitford IV. 170 Powder-horns, shot-belts, and game-bags, scattered about. 1915 Apr. 493/2 ‘We'll have to step out’ concluded M'Cabe, shortening the strap of his game-bag and settling it on his back. 2004 T. Kerasote in 71 Place the front shoulder in the snow, on the flesh side of the hide, or in a game bag. the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > hen or cock > [noun] > cock > fighting cock > kinds of 1831 C. G. F. Gore I. xi. 164 Madame la Marquise must needs visit the barn-yard, to see the game-bantams. 1867 W. B. Tegetmeier xxiii. 248 Game Bantams, both cocks and hens, should be exact and perfect diminutives of the ordinary Game fowl. 1979 Feb. 129/2 Our one close tornado..defeathered and destroyed some game bantams, made a great deal of noise, but somehow missed the house. 2003 P. Elie (2004) v. 146 She..paid regular visits to the zoo, which had a collection of game bantams. 1826 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in 21 Oct. 206 There was another young man..on account of another game-battle, hanged on the same gallows! the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Ursidae (bear) > [noun] > genus Ursus > ursus arctos > brown or grizzly bear a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Custome of Countrey iv. iv, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher (1647) sig. Cc2/1 Do not make a game-beare of me, to play me hourly, And fling on all your whelps. a1652 R. Brome Mad Couple Well Match'd i. sig. B2v, in (1653) They are the Game-beares of a Bawdy-house. 1701 5 I'm a Game-Bear, and they to do me right, Do in both Houses bait me every Night. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > [noun] > board 1826 29 Sept. 101/1 (advt.) Furniture, game boards, &c. by Branch & Son. 1934 Oct. 287/2 Though found in Central Ireland, this game~board betrays Celto-Norse influences in the border pattern. 2003 (Nexis) 12 Oct. n1 (caption) A cribbage player pegs a point on the game board. the world > food and drink > hunting > [noun] > publications 1804 4 Aug. 1/3 (advt.) On this day is published, The Sporting or Game Book. 1908 Ld. Alanbrooke Let. 7 Jan. in (2001) Introd. p. xiii I have just been adding up my game book, and find that my totals for the larger game work out most satisfactorily for my first year in India. 2008 A. Bibby 202 I was shown the Abbeystead estate game book, recording the size of the August 1915 shoot. 1931 Mar. 2/2 (advt.) As a game cartridge Super-X .22's [sic] will far outshoot all others. 1977 5 Oct. (Sears Suppl.) 5/2 (advt.) Computerized System plays game cartridges like a cassette player plays tapes. 1984 Mar. 110 The lower drawer holds game cartridges. 2012 J. Straubhaar et al. (ed. 7) xiii. 385 (caption) The Atari 2600 was the leading console of the second generation of video games. The slot at the upper middle accepted game cartridges so that players could build libraries of games. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > bowls or bowling > [noun] > types of shot 1724 Bp. Downes in W. Nicolson 584 A Game-cast lay so near the Jack, that there was no drawing it, or possibility of saving the game without driving the Jack out of the green. society > trade and finance > specific types of trade > [noun] > trade in provisions > in fish or game > license to trade 1785 Index p. iii The New Game Certificate Act. 1785 17 Nov. (heading) Continuation of the Middlesex game certificate list. 1809 ‘J. Gifford’ I. v. 240 There were..some other taxes adopted..on game certificates; coach-makers' licences; [etc.]. 1911 S. Duncan & ‘G. Thorne’ (1912) i. ix. 89 Under the present state of the Game Laws, £1 is the amount charged for a game certificate for the shortest period. 2007 E. Griffin 153 All those with a game certificate were henceforth [i.e. after the 1831 Game Act] entitled to sell game. 1962 13 Jan. 4/4 They reckoned without game-changer Bob Sheflo and his cohorts. 1995 (Nexis) 29 May 35 Kenneth Baker, vice president of the GM Research and Development Center, called the agreement a ‘real game-changer’. 2005 A. Budiardjo in B. L. Capehart & L. C. Capehart II. Foreword p. xiii/1 The Web is the game-changer for the building and energy management industry. 2012 (Nexis) 22 Sept. (Sport section) 87 The fifth over, from Zadran, cost 23 runs and proved a game-changer. 1962 13 Jan. 4/7 Davidson drew his fourth foul and that brought in Sheflo for his game-changing antics. 1981 R. Fisher et al. i. 10 Your move may serve to keep the negotiations within an ongoing mode, or it may constitute a game-changing move. 1999 (Nexis) 7 Oct. 1 c A game-changing touchdown. 2012 (Nexis) 5 Oct. (Business section) 5 Some Wall Street analysts feared that, without its inspirational leader at the helm, Apple's pipeline of game-changing new products would slow. 1727 22 I have observed a Game Chick brought up with a Dunghill Cock. 1855 C. Darwin Let. 14 Oct. in (1989) V. 481 I received this morning the Game Chick, for which very hearty thanks. 1937 31 166 A special game-chick and poultry investigation. 2011 (Nexis) 6 Feb. 6 His father..has previously demanded the culling of hawks and falcons that he believes to have eaten his game chicks. the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > genus Gallus (domestic fowl) > [noun] > member of (fowl) > young or chicken 1674 R. Head Forreign Jests 67 in One who took great delight in Cock-fighting, kept Game-Chickens who had made themselves bold by fighting. 1748 S. Richardson III. xlii. 218 A game-chicken that was continually pecking at another. 1778 Sept. 299 Game chickens have the finest flavour. 1881 Jan. 106/2 I used to feed his game-chickens. He always brought them over to our place to be raised. 1928 E. C. L. Adams vi. 206 He love to fight game chickens an' play cards. 2002 (Nexis) 9 Nov. a22 We want to thank the thousands of people who supported our right to raise, sell and fight game chickens. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > prepared vegetables and dishes > [noun] > prepared potatoes > fried potatoes > chips 1914 7 Mar. 8/1 (advt.) Billiard chalk and cue tips. Dice, playing cards. Game chips. 1921 50 336 Game chips (wafer thin potato crisps). 1951 478/2 Accompaniments vary slightly for different birds, but thin gravy, game chips and fried crumbs are usual. 1985 33 36/1 Arrange fifteen coins or game chips in a triangular array of five rows. 2001 S. Brett (2002) xviii. 131 Her food..was really excellent—roast pheasant with game chips and all the right trimmings. 1976 16 Sept. a8/1 (advt.) 8' cord for connection between game console and TV. 1984 Mar. 110 The top drawer stores the game console, paddle and joy-stick controllers. 2007 E. Adams & E. Rollings iii. 89 A home game console is usually set up in the living room or bedroom. The player sits or stands holding a dedicated controller..3 to 6 feet away from a relatively low-resolution display, the television. 2010 (Nexis) 21 June 15 The Fishers, like many Australian families, have a collection of game consoles that includes an Xbox, a Wii, a PlayStation and the children each have an iPod Touch and a Nintendo DS. 1883 Aug. 485/2 The gamecraft and marksmanship of future generations. 1909 H. Bleackly vi. 256 At this juncture the game-craft of little Gilly Mahon, which always was most conspicuous when he was playing for heavy stakes, turned the tables in favour of the lovers. 1964 13 Feb. 6/4 Tip is considered a savvy coon hunter... But his gamecraft is challenged by the Conservation Commission. 2007 (Nexis) 11 June Since so many domestic games are relatively simple, they lose the edge, the gamecraft, that enables them to prevail in the tougher encounters posed by foreign teams. society > trade and finance > management of money > insolvency > indebtedness > [noun] > a debt > debt incurred at gambling 1729 J. Disney vii. 279 No Game-Debts shall be recoverable by the winner. 1824 S. E. Ferrier I. xxxiii. 366 Owing E. L. seven thousand pound for his game debts. 2000 F. Barclay & F. Santos-Granero iii. 41 Most of them [sc. women] were treated as slaves, being transferred from one man to another as payment for game debts. 1702 W. J. tr. C. de Bruyn xiv. 79 I found it harder in my Travels in Turkey to keep a Game Dog, which I always had with me, than to keep my Self. 1859 ‘Stonehenge’ ii. ii. 139 The scent of game..is in itself more delightful to game-dogs than that of other animals. 1960 24 Dec. 9/4 The famous game dog goes with us on our walks and runs incessantly like a lunatic after birds. 2002 J. Cunliffe (new ed.) 355/1 The Swedish Dachsbracke..is a popular short-legged game dog in Sweden. the world > animals > birds > wild or domestic birds > [noun] > game-bird > egg 1699 S. Garth iv. 44 Thus Boys hatch Game Eggs under Birds o'prey, To make the Fowl more furious for the Fray. 1746 W. Ellis II. Aug. xiv. 104 The Cock proved a furious one, and won one or more Battles, which they partly imputed to the Owl's sitting on the Game-eggs. 1897 20 May 10/1 The attention of rural police and magistrates is almost monopolised by game egg charges. 1993 (2001) 258 Game eggs from such birds as the partridge and pheasant are also available from time to time. 1990 G. McComb 627 Main adventure game engine. 1992 5 Mar. 33/3 As a game, however, Wordtris is fatally flawed... Nonetheless, Wordtris was useful: it introduced a new idea, and a polished ‘game engine’. 2003 May 160/1 Real-time rendering will be so dynamic that animators will be able to produce films using game engines. 2012 W. Graham xiv. 346 Tiled is a general-purpose tile map editor... It can be used with a variety of open source game engines. 1950 1 Nov. ii. 5/1 It appears that Bierman is getting his ‘game face’ on early. 1965 31 Oct. c4/7 It's a different Gale Sayers when the game is near... Then he puts on his game face. 1988 S. Lee Jrnl. 16 July in (1989) 98 Two days before we shoot... I feel ready. I've got my game face on. 2005 (National ed.) 13 Oct. e7/6 He looks down on crying at work... ‘I am a true believer in keeping the game face when you're in the office setting,’ he said. 1664 H. More xxi. 81 Officious Intelligencers or Game-finders for such as pursue the pleasures of Venus. 1769 2 June 2/2 Game-Finders to the Courts of Law. 1809 21 Oct. (advt.) The Setters are steady to bird and dog, fast hunters, stout, and are Game-finders. 1839 Aug. 189 The Indian gamefinder..at last espied the lion in the cover, and pointed him out to the captain. 1914 39 441 The general consensus of opinion..is that he [sc. the Indian] is the game finder and the meat getter par excellence. 1976 16 Dec. 48/2 (advt.) Labrador bitch, yellow, 3 years, good gamefinder, soft mouth. 2003 V. Barlow 10 British Retriever Trials are primarily a test of the dog's skill as a game finder. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [adjective] > system of bidding > types of bidding 1933 13 Apr. 10/1 If his response is a heart, I will make the game-forcing leeway response of three hearts. 1998 Oct. 21/1 Though the 1♡ response has not improved the East hand, East is so strong that he should make the game-forcing jump to 3♣ now. c1450 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker (1884) I. 597/34 Negocius..hic dicitur demon nocturnus qui illudit homines, vel qui ludit cum hominibus, the game gobelyn. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > actions or tactics > call > bidding > bid > other types of bid 1913 M. C. Work v. 309 The difference between the suits is not sufficient to warrant one [bid] being treated as a game-goer, the other as a mere indicator. 1929 M. C. Work 7 Dealer having made a bid that is not a game-goer. ?1914 R. F. Foster (new ed.) p. xxiv At first, this bid was largely used simply as an additional game-going declaration, and was strongly objected to by many leading players. 1927 M. C. Work iii. 27 It is the game-going jumps and the rebids to reach game-going declarations that do the damage. 1929 M. C. Work i. 6 The dealer's first concern when he picks up his hand is to get his side into a game-going contract if game is in their cards. 1971 June 630/1 The bid..shows a game-going hand in either hearts or no trump and is forcing. 2007 R. Hughes vi. 99 Murray bid two diamonds, showing a game-going hand with club support. the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > hen or cock > [noun] > hen > types of 1640 H. Mill 209 With game-Hens egs in number nine. 1787 ‘P. Pindar’ (ed. 2) 17 The Fowl Begot between a Game-Hen and an Owl. 1867 L. Wright ii. 17 When there is a good wide range of any kind, nothing will be so profitable as a few Game hens. 1995 L. Kleypas 49 As I stared down at the roasted game hen in front of me, I felt as if I were picking a little corpse apart. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > cribbage > [noun] > board > last hole 1814 20 Dec. The game towards the end had been wretchedly play'd..Johanna determin'd to put..Herself as a Peg in the Grave, her Game-hole. 1837 G. Walker 97 Victory is proclaimed by the conqueror's attaining the sixty-first, or game hole. 1890 ‘Berkeley’ (1891) 30 A cribbage board..has..sixty holes and two game-holes. 1995 (Nexis) 30 Aug. The [cribbage] board comprises 60 holes in two rows of 30 for each player, plus a game hole for each. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > [noun] > places for gambling 1539 in P. Rutledge (1970) 26 A certeyn garden..to gether with a certeyn howse calde the game place hous.] ?1577 J. Northbrooke 98 Common game-houses and tabling houses. a1640 W. Fenner (1648) 14 Thou hadst Lands and Meanes and commings in, but thou hast spent it at the Ale-house; thou hast consumed it on the game-house. 1716 W. Hawkins I. Index sig. Cccc2v/2 Common Game-houses indictable as Nusances. 1885 19 478 The erection of a temporary winter éstufá or public game-house. 1987 K. K. Mishra iv. 98 Bṛhaspati pointed out that if gambling or prize-fighting was allowed it should take place under the superintendence of Keepers of game houses. society > trade and finance > specific types of trade > [noun] > trade in provisions > in fish or game > license to trade 1784 XVI. 419 His Majesty was pleased to give the royal assent to the tea and window-duty bill, the game-license bill, the postage bill, the silk and lead bill. 1801 Apr. 463 The increase proposed, of the duty on game-licenses and on dogs, is not likely to be entertained by government. 1907 17 May 9/4 The mere cost of a game license, even on the higher scale, is not likely to deter wealthy Americans. 2005 B. Keating & S. Keating (2006) xix. 367 He's fixed things so that the local council keeps the money for game licences, instead of having to send it to Nairobi. 1340 (1866) 63 Þe hyeȝinges of þe lozeniour and of þe gememen and of þe scorneres. 1904 Jan. 31/1 A strong case would be made out against the over-assiduous attentions of the preparatory school game-master. 1915 117 We need..game-masters or instructors to carry on the actual organization of the squad,..handball courts, tennis courts, and play fields. 1976 May 7/1 Games were played postally and players were notified by the non-playing umpires or Gamemasters (who control their own games) if and when any events relevant to their particular character occurred. 1983 (Nexis) 17 Apr. To play, D & D is led by one person designated game master, who describes the particular fantasy land and guides players through their imaginary journeys. 2017 (Nexis) 10 Nov. You, as the gamemaster (GM), will guide them through a scenario: haunted house, sinister forest, misty moor. 1936 30 Dec. 25/1 Remainder of game misconduct penalty. 1960 15 Mar. 7/6 Arnett..drew a game misconduct in the third period for abusive protest of a minor penalty. 1993 5 Feb. 11/2 Smith got a game misconduct for spearing Nick Kypreos. 2008 J. Gilbert xiv. 96 Russ Anderson was given a game misconduct for leaving the penalty box. 1676 G. Etherege ii. ii. 30 Go on, be the Game-Mistress o' the Town, and Enter all our young Fops, as fast as they come From travail. 1906 July 237 In the public schools in Germany game masters and game mistresses are appointed..to encourage children to play. 1965 31 Oct. 21/1 (advt.) Required:..a fully qualified Physical Education and Game Mistress (for January). 1991 (Nexis) 1 Oct. The PC GamePad represents a new and unique input device for entertainment applications on the IBM PC. 2002 3 Dec. 190/1 The joystick, driving wheel, or game pad is a basic necessity of your gaming experience. 2011 (Nexis) 28 Nov. I did like that I had the ability to play with a gamepad or keyboard and mouse; it was a nice touch and not an easy choice. 1833 S. Kay i. i. 51 The utmost caution is absolutely necessary when riding in mere game paths, or through those parts that have not been much traversed. 1894 A. J. O. Pollock ix. 124 We followed an old bison path. [Note] These game-paths exist in all dense jungles. 1935 L. G. Green xiv. 181 I saw the first crocodile, waiting at a gamepath to grip its victim by the nose. 2000 N. Jans 137 Wickedly thorned, bright-berried clumps of devil's club hem in narrow game paths. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > painting according to subject > [noun] > still-life painting > a still-life painting > types of society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > [noun] > piece 1777 V. 274 A Game-piece, by Snyders, in which is a hedge-hog perfectly alive. 1810 18 328 Groups of cattle, pictures of fruit, and game-pieces are stated to be very appropriate ornaments for a dining-room. 1880 1/1 Fig. 4 contains several counters or game-pieces. 1956 C. Hedström & G. Taylor tr. I. Bergström vii. 247 The Dutch game-piece, with which we shall..include pictures of dead domestic birds, is a late branch of still-life painting. 1983 Oct. 648/1 The absorbed and pensive gaze..of this creature lifts the whole on to a plane far above the normal aspirations of the game-piece. 2006 D. G. Schwartz i. 9 Both of these board games used dice to determine how far a game piece could be moved. society > leisure > sport > place for sports or games > [noun] 1542 T. Becon v. sig. C.viv In the chyrch syngyng more fytte for game places shoulde be hearde. 1606 J. Day sig. C4 The Ladies reskewd, and the Princes like crauens beate out of the game-place. 1702 Playbill 27 Apr. in (1890) App. iii. 7 A great Mad Bull to be turned loose in the Game-place, with Fire-works all over him. 1995 C. L. Grant iii. 154 I want you to see this incredible game place I found last week. It's sort of like bobbing for apples, except they're greased tennis balls or something. 1981 9 Nov. 23/1 To take full advantage of this package, you should also have..a printer..with an interface card or a machine-language program for the game port. 1994 20 Dec. 290/2 As with all joysticks that provide throttle controls, you'll need a game port that supports two joysticks to take advantage of this feature. 2008 (ed. 4) iii. 46 The game port is going the way of the dodo (thanks once again, as you might guess, to USB game controllers), but it's still quite common on today's sound cards. 1840 Jan. 16/1 His game-room was covered with innumerable trophies of his skill in the chase. 1849 23 Oct. 2/4 (advt.) Entrance-hall, drawing, dining, and breakfast rooms.., billiard, bath, and game rooms. 1920 July 10/1 The Game Room with its billiard table, checkers, dominoes, and chess. 2004 June 66/3 Speaking from his ‘playhouse’—a 24/7 party palace outfitted with a game room, a recording studio, and a swimming pool. 1846 J. O. Halliwell (ed. 4) Suppl. 206 (heading) A game-rhyme. 1894 A. B. Gomme I. Pref. p. ix The singing games are arranged so as to give, first, the tunes; secondly, the different versions of the game-rhymes. 1959 I. Opie & P. Opie vii. 112 Shirley Temple and Deanna Durbin are two of the stars most often mentioned in game rhymes. 2003 S. Young iv. 41 The game-rhyme, ‘Round and round the garden, like a teddy bear—one step, two steps, tickly under there!’ is known to most. 1828 27 Oct. 1/2 The superior style in which Colonel Anson beat the crack Red House shot, Mr. Osbaldeston, and his reputation as a first-rate game shot, make him the favourite at odds. 1901 R. Kipling xiii. 336 Hurree was no game-shot,—the snick of a trigger made him change colour. 2003 B. M. Towsley v. 148/1 It is only after you have arrived at this point of rifle/trigger control..that you will truly become a good game shot. 1890 26 July 20/3 I do not believe that any young dog can be shot over the first time game is flushed before him without danger of frightening and making him game shy, gun-shy, or both. 1912 June 75/1 I tried so many foxhounds, only in course of time to find them so often undone, that is, game shy. 1912 26 Nov. 4/5 There are players..who, although always in the thick of the play in the practice scrimmage, are ‘game shy’. 1937 8 371/1 Activity method should have applied usefulness as much for the game-shy child, as for the more usual case who is book-shy. 1771 II. xxiv. 101 If the rascals won't let us have game to eat—let us feast upon the game-stealers themselves. 1825 C. C. Hamilton tr. A. Thierry III. xi. 250 The life of the adventurous game-stealer, and the forest life in general, are celebrated..in a multitude of songs and poetical pieces. 1962 24 Mar. 9/6 Nowadays game-stealers are more likely to arrive by car, and all the keeper can do is to get the number and telephone the police! 1963 5 June 9/7 Don McMahon..came on to pitch for Houston in the Los Angeles eighth. His first job was to dispose of game stealer Wills. 2011 (Nexis) 11 June He..missed Wexford's last championship defeat of Kilkenny, with Mick Jacob's late game-stealer in the 2004 semi-final. the world > food and drink > hunting > hunter > [noun] > shooting or angling syndicate 1844 R. N. Bacon 38 The real landlord had unfortunately fallen from his high estate and could not repay the loss, the game tenant would not, and the farmer suffered to the entire amount. 1891 10 Nov. 5/2 Mr. A. Williamson, game tenant, for the past two seasons has made a great pet of this animal. 1990 W. Benser iv. 55 His spare time was devoted to the rich hunting grounds around Wetzlar, where he knew the forest wardens and game tenants well. 1903 14 May 9/1 Less than thirty minutes before game time there was a steady downpour of rain. 1945 6 Oct. (7 o'clock ed.) 7/4 That would force a game-time decision on Cochrane's part to choose between Bob Siegars and Al Simoneau for the other guard slot. 1985 11 Nov. 35 It's game time. The warm-ups are over, or will be after this week's visit to Moscow by Secretary of State George Shultz. 1997 23 Nov. c11/1 The Jaguars are waiting until gametime to decide whether LT Tony Boselli (right ankle) will play. 2006 May 83/2 Not sure if I can deal with watching my kid being born. Can we make it a game-time decision? 1825 22 May 15/3 In the Court of Common Pleas yesterday, in the case of the Countess of Berkeley v. David Newman, for a Game trespass, damages 20l. with full costs, were recovered. 1896 5 Dec. 7/2 If..they lost the first hare on the prosecutor's land, and started another on the same land, they were guilty of game-trespass. 1936 24 Jan. 8/5 The summons for game trespass was dismissed, but White was fined 20s. for smashing the trap. 2001 (Nexis) 31 Oct. A section on reported crime includes drunkenness, game trespass and petty stealing, riding without reins and playing football on a Sunday. the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > gamekeeping > [noun] > gamekeeper 1876 20 Apr. 7/1 The supplement also gives the society [sc. the West Jersey Game Protective Society] authority to appoint game wardens. 1879 J. Burroughs 245 La Chance was one of the game wardens, or constables appointed by the [Canadian] government to see the game laws enforced. 1900 25 Aug. 610/2 It would pay us well to maintain a public game warden there [sc. Africa], as is done in many States in the Union. 1930 W. M. Mann ix. 133 He..telegraphed the game warden to hold the elephant until our friend got there. 2009 J. Irving (2010) xv. 462 If the bear had been in the back of my pickup, some game warden or a Maine state trooper would have stopped me. 1883 28 Mar. 2/3 Sexton and Schaefer. The game winners at Chicago. 1921 13 Aug. 6/2 Catcher Johnston's drive over the centerfielder's head in the 11th inning..proved to be the game winner. 1981 Nov. 9/1 (advt.) You'll play against the other game winners in all four games for the $25,000 grand prize. 1994 (Nexis) 10 Oct. (Sport section) 15 Ian Cooper struck the 55th-minute game-winner. 2006 F. Hobson viii. 236 Freshman Marvin Williams..hit the game winner against the Illini. 1896 11 July 13/6 So well did Ferrie improve his advantage that the following game-winning position was soon reached. 1926 8 Jan. 12/2 Browne took the advantage of an opening to score the game-winning goal. 2006 S. Miller 450/1 Pirate second baseman Bill Mazeroski slammed Ralph Terry's second pitch for a game-winning, Series-clinching homer. b. Special compounds with first element in plural form. 1978 30 Oct. (Sears Suppl.) 9/1 (advt.) Video Arcade™ plays games cartridges like a cassette plays tapes. 2011 H. Kunzru 193 The wreckage of every cultural fad since the late seventies had been piled up on long metal shelves. Games cartridges, Barbie dolls, VHS tapes. 1977 14 Apr. 65/1 The American public is used to having a variety of external boxes—like video recorders and games consoles—plugged into their domestic TV receivers. 1992 20 Feb. 33 Nintendo has confirmed that it will launch the Super Nintendo games console here ‘this spring’. At £149.99 it will cost £20 more than the Sega Megadrive. 2009 (Nexis) 3 Feb. 3 For most children, life without TV, computers and games consoles is unthinkable. 1981 24 Dec. 920/3 Games..will be marketed in the same form, and a cornucopia of interfaces, adaptors, games ports and memory expansions are all in the catalogues of suppliers. 1994 Oct. 30/1 It has line and microphone inputs, a 4W onboard amplifier and a games port that doubles as a midi port—provided you buy a suitable cable. 2001 Oct. 136/2 Part of the reason for its cheapness is its gamesport (rather than USB) connector. 1864 G. S. Beatson Let. 16 June in (1865) V. 402 In many of the rooms were bagatelle tables, and in connection with these reading and games rooms, refreshment rooms. 1907 18 July 10/2 The home supplies also a temperance bar..and games rooms. 1959 June 44 The house is on three floors. At garden level is a large gamesroom. 2003 3 Feb. 71/3 I put on my bathing suit, and waited in the games room. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online June 2022). gameadj.1 Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: game n. Etymology: < game n. Compare earlier gamecock n. the mind > emotion > courage > spirit > [adjective] 1752 13 July 110/1 They would send for some Surgeons to give them Money for their Bodies, for, by G—d, they were resolved to die game. 1757 D. Garrick (ed. 5) 27 Game to the last! my Lord. 1779 C. Macklin ii. 15 I have my own Hacks, that are all steel to the Bottom... I never keep any Thing..that is not Bottom—Game, Game, to the last! Game, ay, ay! you'll find every Thing that belongs to me Game! 1815 L. Simond (ed. 2) I. 127 A tried cock, dog, or man, is game. 1827 T. De Quincey On Murder in Feb. 204/1 If these Friezland hounds had been ‘game’, we should have no Cartesian philosophy. 1830 L. Ritchie I. vi. 178 Give me your fist, my boy, I always said you were a game old cock. 1867 F. Francis ix. 297 The white trout is one of the gamest fish that swims. 1888 A. S. Swan iii. 54 You're game, Miss Doris; you have a spirit equal to the occasion. 1897 M. Kingsley 399 They brought with them no experience in dealing with a great rapid river; but they tackle it in a game way. 1911 F. E. Crichton 265 She's going to a regimental dance at Dundalk on the twelfth, and says she'll be heart-broken if anything prevents it. She's a game old thing, really! 1923 D. H. Lawrence (N.Y. ed.) 153 Plenty of game old spirit in you, Bibbles. Plenty of game old spunk, little bitch. 1988 28 May 17/3 Harreek is as game as they come, and has shown rare battling qualities on each of his last two starts. 2002 N. Cooper 116 She was a game old trout, too, but I didn't ever love her, and when she kicked me out I never looked back. a1770 A. Hervey (1953) (modernized text) 125 A very fine woman she was and I soon perceive [sic] she was game, which I thought would do when I returned. 1840 26 Dec. 152/3 A question now arose..as to where they should go next. Macarthy declared that he was game for anything. 1846 ‘Lord Chief Baron’ (new ed.) 37 She boasts of weighing sixteen stone out of her clothes, and is game to be weighed in her pelt before umpires. 1882 22 July 25/1 ‘Here comes Young Bob... Let us see if he is “on”.’ Young Bob, to use his own expression, was quite game. 1918 5 Apr. 1/4 ‘Let's go out and get a bunch of prisoners. Who's game?’ A sergeant and three privates who happened to be nearby were more than game. 1921 ‘E. M. Delafield’ xiii. 199 Let you and me go off somewhere on our own... I'm game for a toddle, if you are. 1971 N. Brown vi. 57 With the water temperature at 37 degrees, no one was game to risk a ducking. 2010 Nov. 222/3 Naturally, Gauntlett was keen on the more ambitious route... Atkinson and Lebon were game, too. Phrasesthe world > life > death > manner of death > die in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > die boldly or resolutely the mind > emotion > courage > moral courage > stoicism > to be stiff-upper-lipped [verb] 1752To die game [see sense 1]. 1771 iii. i. 58 I rise with one bottle, with two nobly fall—I die, but die game, with a toll-de-roll-loll. 1809 Jan. 53 Milwood's ranting satire..has too much of the ‘Captain die-game’, of the opera above-mentioned [sc. the Beggar's Opera].] 1815 W. Scott III. xv. 294 Hatteraick lay perfectly still and silent. ‘He's gaun to die game ony how’, said Dinmont. 1826 Beggars' Opera iii. iii. 49 in III Mac. Bring those villains to the gallows before you, and I am satisfied. Mat. We'll do it.—Good bye—but, d——e, die game, though. 1886 F. H. Doyle 167 Undisguisedly exulting that he and his borough had died game. 1911 Oct. 22/1 ‘It's all up with us, Car,’ said Frank hoarsely. ‘Let's bring down as many as we can, and then die game anyhow.’ 1946 H. Fast ii. 105 ‘What about Parsons?’ ‘He died game. They all did.’ 1975 27 Oct. 99/1 Yuh can say what yuh like about Tex, but he died game. 2007 R. B. Smith 90 He died game. He died trying to leave some sort of clue in the only way he could. 1894 15 Jan. The chief warder of the gaol..is quite enthusiastic over the woman [sc. Frances Knorr]. ‘She was as brave as Ned Kelly,’ he said after the hanging.] 1927 29 Sept. 46/5 I am a young Australian, and game as Ned Kelly, and when I see the money squandered on the group settlements, it makes my heart bleed. 1928 N. Palmer 180 As game as Ned Kelly, I tell you, my boy Bert! 1945 R. Rene 24 He was game as Ned Kelly, and he'd ride anything. 1983 B. Dawe 102 You know me—game as Ned Kelly—so I said, ‘What're you doing after you knock off?’ 2007 L. Laube xiii. 121 This local boy, a bedraggled white bird, was scrawny but as game as Ned Kelly. Compounds1829 1 No. 5. 674 Certain stately, long-tailed, game-looking birds. 1837 W. Irving I. i. 26 They are less hardy, self-dependant and game-spirited, than the mountaineer. 1844 26 Sept. A Caledonian Meeting..favoured..by abundance of game-hearted hares. 1886 2 Aug. 5/2 Some rather game-looking, but attenuated, salmon-shaped fish were denominated herring hake. 1910 R. Leighton xxxiii. 218 The specimens shown by him..were invariably a sporting, game-looking lot. 1957 W. Coburn vi. 73 This was the supreme test of game-hearted horses and skilled drivers. 1984 (Nexis) 11 Aug. Her development from game-spirited girl to a woman who, in the wake of two deep unreturned loves, worries that [etc.]. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online June 2022). gameadj.2Origin: Of uncertain origin. Perhaps a borrowing from Welsh. Perhaps a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymons: Welsh cam ; cam adj. Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps (i) < Welsh cam crooked (which appears in some grammatical contexts with soft mutation as gam , e.g. when modifying a feminine noun; see cam adj.); or perhaps (ii) a variant of cam adj. (which may ultimately show a borrowing from the same Welsh word). However, neither of these explanations accounts well for the β. forms (perhaps compare game adj.1 and gamey adj., with which the word could perhaps have become associated semantically). Compare also later gammy adj. and discussion at that entry. Originally English regional ( north-western). the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of visible parts > lameness or physical disability > [adjective] > of limb α. 1775 J. Whitaker II. ii. 274 Gam, applied at Manchester to a lame leg or a lame arm, as hanging down generally in a crooked position. 1824 W. Carr 77 Gam-leg, a lame leg. 1856 23 Feb. 3/4 We often hear the expression, ‘he cams,’ or ‘he's getten a gam leg,’—a crooked one. 1900 D. Lawton in II. 550/1 [W. Yorks.] Eh, aw do suffer wi my gam leg. Compounds 1841 ‘Blowhard’ xxxix. 168 The game-legged First Lieutenant looked around him. 1890 A. Conan Doyle xii. 236 I was a raw recruit, and a game-legged one at that. 1944 5 May 18/7 Jimmy..was too old and game-legged to be cavorting with young men. 1996 B. Burns 180 Sajek, the game-legged ex-acrobat, is obsessed with the idea of winning. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022). gamev. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: game n. Etymology: < game n. Compare Old Icelandic gamna to amuse, divert (someone with something).For a discussion of the stem vowel of Old English gæmnian at α. forms see game n. It is unclear and disputed whether quot. c1175 at sense 1aβ. shows a very early attestation of the β. forms or a transmission error resulting from minim confusion. Compare discussion at game n. 1. society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (intransitive)] the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > be witty with words [verb (intransitive)] the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > cause laughter [verb (intransitive)] > jest or joke α. OE Ælfric (Claud.) xix. 14 Þa wæs him geðuht swylce he gamenigende spræce [OE Laud gamnigende, c1175 Cambr. Univ. Libr. gamiende; L. quasi ludens loqui]. OE tr. Defensor (1969) lv. 333 Iocari id est ludere cum paruulo : gamenian mid cnafan. c1300 (c1250) (Cambr.) (1966) l. 31 Hi..pleide & gamenede ehc wiþ oþer. c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) l. 4370 Quen we gamen suld & glade, we grete & we pleyn. a1550 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun (Wemyss) ix. l. 449 He lewch and gammynit in þat tyde. ?a1600 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Cambr.) l. 453 in C. Horstmann (1882) II. 225 Quhene hyr list to gamyne & play. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > deride, ridicule, or mock [verb (intransitive)] 1623 W. Sclater 54 When I..affirme first fruits mysticall resemblances of Christ..how merily game you at mee! 1895 July 73/2 He's awful—full—an' there's two boys there gaming at him, an' I'm afraid he'll rouse mad and do something. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > banter or good-humoured ridicule > banter [verb (transitive)] > make fun of the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > treat fraudulently, cheat [verb (transitive)] the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > trickery, playing jokes > trick, hoax [verb (transitive)] 1699 B. E. (at cited word) What you game me? 1708 4–9 June If you set upon to game me, Tho' for my Boldness some may blame me, Yet if Apollo Impudent appears, I'll soundly lug his Ears. 1854 J. G. MacWalter v. v. 152 He..came, he sed, from his master for the paper you signed... Sis I, ‘Sure you arn't gaming me—is the Colonel a fool to give it?’ 1865 W. S. Banks 26 Tak na noatis shoo's nobbud gam'in theh. 1899 B. W. Green 155 Game, to make game of, to turn into ridicule; make sport of; mock; delude or humbug. 1907 ‘G. B. Lancaster’ 275 Get the little one! The little one! He's gamming you! He's the thief! 1968 J. Ludwig 180 As if the color and the shrieking joy only gamed me into thinking that porch were gone and my prison window truly broken. 1996 C. Logan xv. 99 Your call, Harry... Hakala's the DFL county chair. He's not gaming you. 2010 S. Koslow (2011) xxxix. 268 I'm not gaming you, Quincy. This building's solid. 1967 J. E. Hass v. 32 There exists a definite opportunity for ‘gaming’ the system, for divisional decision-makers to deliberately misspecify their output vectors. 1970 3 July 13/3 Men favored with intelligence and money and able to attend college are enabled to ‘game’ the [selective service] system. 1989 B. H. Gray & M. J. Field iv. 114 The days requested may be overstated by providers who are trying to game the program. 1994 22 Aug. 41/1 Teleport Communications Group's (TCG) experience..offers..a warning on the possible consequences for local telephone companies that attempt to ‘game the process’. 2001 17 Sept. r10/1 Democratic politicians blame electricity generators for gaming the market. 2012 (Nexis) 5 Sept. (G2 section) 9 Any system can be gamed if someone knows the right tricks to play. †2. the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > please or give pleasure to [verb (transitive)] α. c1225 (?c1200) (Bodl.) (1934) 24 (MED) Me gomeneð & gleadeð al of gasteliche murhden. society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (transitive)] α. c1330 (?c1300) (Auch.) l. 3192 Ne gamnede hire þat gle riȝt nouȝt. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng (Petyt) ii. 18 (MED) Sone with þe Danes gamned þam no glewe. 3. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > play games of chance [verb (intransitive)] α. 1532 R. Whittington tr. Erasmus sig. D.2/2 A man shulde gamen for recreacion & nat bycause of lucre. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > gamble at a game [verb (transitive)] > lose by gaming 1597 E. S. sig. A3v If you had gamde it away, it had beene another matter, because I know it a thing soone done, and you not so much to be blamed. 1634 T. Heywood & R. Brome i. sig. C2 No longer agoe than last holiday evening he gam'd away eight double ring'd tokens. 1705 S. Centlivre v. ii. 65 He Gam'd it away, Brother. 1761 C. Johnstone (ed. 2) I. ii. xvi. 214 The profusion with which she gamed away her money. a1797 E. Burke Speech Reform of Represent. in (1812) V. 398 It is for fear of losing the inestimable treasure we have, that I do not venture to game it out of my hands for the vain hope of improving it. 1832 H. Martineau 63 A young man who had gamed away his little fortune, and then taken to swindling. 1837 Mrs. Caulfeild 116 Here are dice—Let's..game away these dismal hours. 1913 R. S. Holland v. 85 [He] was reported to be in Paris, gaming away his patrimony to solace him for a recent loss in love. 1997 K. Martin xxvi. 371 They laughed as they leaned back in their chairs, gaming away the afternoon playing cards. 2005 B. Hiatt vii. 109 Why, that was two-thirds of her inheritance—and he must already have gamed away his own share. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  n.eOE adj.11752adj.21775 v.OE |
