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单词 light
释义

lightn.1

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Forms:

α. Old English læht (Northumbrian, in compounds), Old English lecht (Northumbrian), Old English leht (Anglian), Old English lioht, Old English–early Middle English leoht, early Middle English leocht, early Middle English loht, Middle English leght (north-west midlands, in a late copy), late Middle English leyȝt (south-western), 1500s leytte, 1600s leight; English regional 1700s leett (south-western), 1700s–1800s leert (Devon), 1700s– leet (chiefly northern and north midlands), 1800s leart (Devon), 1800s leight (northern and north midlands), 1800s loight (east midlands and south-eastern), 1800s–1900s leeght (northern); Scottish pre-1700 leght, pre-1700 leicht, pre-1700 leight, pre-1700 leycht, 1900s lecht.

β. Old English–Middle English liht, late Old English lieht (Kentish), early Middle English licch, early Middle English licht, early Middle English lict, early Middle English licth, early Middle English ligt, early Middle English lihht ( Ormulum), early Middle English list, early Middle English liþt, Middle English liȝht, Middle English liȝhte, Middle English lighth, Middle English liȝst, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English ligth, Middle English liȝth, Middle English liȝtt, Middle English lihte, Middle English liiȝt, Middle English lijȝt, Middle English lijt, Middle English lith, Middle English lithe, Middle English litht, Middle English lyȝht, Middle English lyȝhte, Middle English lyghtte, Middle English lygt, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lygth, Middle English lygtte, Middle English lyhte, Middle English lyt, Middle English lyth, Middle English lythe, Middle English lytht, Middle English lytte, Middle English 1600s lit, Middle English (1900s– nonstandard) lite, Middle English–1500s lyȝght, Middle English–1500s lyghth, Middle English–1500s lyghtt, Middle English–1500s lyȝth, Middle English–1500s lyht, Middle English–1500s lyte, Middle English–1600s lighte, Middle English–1600s lyght, Middle English–1600s lyghte, Middle English– light, 1500s lyȝgt, 1500s lygthes (plural), 1500s lytt, 1500s lyttes (plural); Scottish pre-1700 lichis (plural), pre-1700 lichte, pre-1700 lighs (plural), pre-1700 lighte, pre-1700 lith, pre-1700 lych, pre-1700 lychte, pre-1700 lyght, pre-1700 lyicht, pre-1700 lytht, pre-1700 1700s– licht, pre-1700 1700s– light, pre-1700 (1800s– Shetland) lycht, 1900s licght (Shetland), 1900s liecht; Irish English (northern) 1900s– licht; see also lite n.5

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian liācht (West Frisian ljocht , ljacht ), Old Dutch lieht (Middle Dutch licht , Dutch licht ), Old Saxon lioht (Middle Low German licht , lecht ), Old High German lioht (Middle High German lieht , German Licht ), and also (perhaps with a different ablaut grade in the suffix) Gothic liuhaþ , either < the same Germanic base as light adj.2, or reflecting an earlier formation < the same Indo-European base as that word.Further etymology. For a similar formation (perhaps with a different ablaut grade in the base) compare Hittite lukkatt- morning. Form history. In Old English a strong neuter. The stem vowel was originally a long diphthong (ēo < Germanic eu ), which was subject to smoothing in Anglian to ē . The dominance of forms with i (long and short) in Middle English (see β. forms) is apparently chiefly due to raising before the palatal fricative consonant in the consonant group -ht- , a phonological development that affected the word at different times in different dialects from Old English to early Middle English, before and after shortening of the stem vowel. The β. forms may be reinforced by influence from light v.2, which shows regular development of the i-mutated stem. In later Middle English spelling the word can be formally identical to lait n.1 (compare quot. a1450 at sense 3b(a)). Forms with -eigh- , -eyȝ- , etc. in sense ‘lightning’ have been covered at lait n.1 (compare the corresponding sense 3c at this entry, and also thunder-layt n., thunderlight n.). Semantic history. In senses 6b and 12 after classical Latin lūmen lumen n. in the senses ‘eye’ (usually in plural) and ‘outstanding beauty of thought or phrase’. With senses 7a and 8 compare classical Latin lūx (see lux n.) and lūmen (see lumen n.) in the senses ‘spiritual or intellectual enlightenment, understanding’ (in post-classical Latin also ‘God’ (Vulgate), both translating ancient Greek φῶς ), and compare also post-classical Latin illuminatio (see illumination n.) in the sense ‘spiritual or intellectual enlightenment’ (Vulgate). With sense 9a compare classical Latin lūmen in the sense ‘opening for the admission of light, window’. With sense 10a compare classical Latin lūx and lūmen in the sense ‘someone conspicuous for excellence’. With senses 7b(b) and 10a compare also Middle French, French lumière in the senses ‘someone conspicuous for excellence’ (c1400), ‘piece of elucidating information’ (15th cent.; see son et lumière n.).
I. Senses directly relating to the natural agent light, or a source of this; illumination, daylight, fire, etc.
1.
a.
(a) The natural agent which emanates from the sun, an intensely heated object, a lamp, etc., and stimulates sight (now recognized as electromagnetic radiation: see sense 1a(b)); the medium or condition of space in which this is present and in which vision is possible (opposed to darkness). Frequently with adjectives describing its quality or character, such as ‘bright’, ‘shining’, etc., or as the object of verbs such as give, lend, pour, shed, etc.Visible light is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength falls within the range to which the human retina responds, i.e. between about 390 nm (violet light) and 740 nm (red). White light consists of a roughly equal mixture of all visible wavelengths, which can be separated to yield the colours of the spectrum.In the 20th cent. it became apparent that light consists of energy quanta called photons which behave partly like waves and partly like particles. The velocity of light in a vacuum is 299,792 km per second (186,282 miles per second); cf. light speed n. 1.See also candlelight n. 1a, electric light n. 2, gaslight n. 2, firelight n. 1, lamplight n., moonlight n. 1a, north-light n. 2, sunlight n. 1a, starlight n. 1a, torchlight n. a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > [noun]
alightingeOE
lightOE
the world > matter > light > [noun] > as an object of perception
lightOE
levinc1300
OE Ælfric Old Eng. Hexateuch: Gen. (Claud.) i. 3 God cwæð ða: Gewurðe leoht, & leoht wæarð geworht.
OE West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xxiv. 29 Seo sunne byð forsworcen & se mona hys leoht ne sylð.
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 789 Heofonlic leoht wæs lome gesewen þær þær he ofslægen wæs.
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 143 Þe sunne hire liht forleose.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 735 Swuch leome ant liht leitede þrinne.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. i. l. 163 Chastite withouten Charite..Is as lewed as a Laumpe þat no liht is Inne.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (1868) l. 1989 Wyndow on the wal ne was ther noon Thurgh which men myghten any light discerne.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 1030 (MED) For most chefe al dirkenes to confounde, Was a charbocle..To..gladyn al þe halle..With þe freschenes of his rody liȝt.
1531 W. Tyndale Answere Mores Dialoge f. xiij The ayre is darke of itselfe and receaueth all hir light of ye sonne.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet v. iii. 125 What torch is yond that vainly lends his light To grubs and eyelesse sculles. View more context for this quotation
1625 N. Carpenter Geogr. Delineated i. ii. 39 The quivering light which is spread by the refraction of the Sun-beames in the water.
1637 J. Milton Comus 12 With thy long levell'd rule of streaming light.
1704 I. Newton Opticks i. i. 18 The Light of the Sun consists of Rays differently refrangible.
1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. viii. 688 As when the Moon..O'er Heav'ns pure Azure sheds her sacred Light.
1757 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful ii. §16. 62 All colours depend on light.
1814 W. Scott Waverley I. ii. 20 The sun..poured..its chequered light through the stained window. View more context for this quotation
1846 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters II. 37 Whatever beauty there may result from effects of light on foreground objects.
1913 Cinema News & Prop. Gaz. 3 Sept. 3/1 The rays of light pouring from the cinema projector were cut off suddenly.
1933 A. S. Eddington Expanding Universe iii. 109 In a perfectly spherical world rays of light emitted in all directions from a point will after travelling round the world converge to the same point.
2016 New Scientist 15 Oct. 30/3 I think circadian rhythm disruption is quite common in our society and is getting worse with increased use of light at night.
(b) Electromagnetic radiation of any frequency, including that outside the range visible to the human eye.Also with modifying word indicating the part of the electromagnetic spectrum the radiation belongs to, as in infrared light, ultraviolet light, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > [noun]
light1794
1794 J. Hutton Diss. Philos. Light iii. 86 If bodies truly radiate either invisible light or reflexible heat,..this may be rendered sensible in its effects, by means of the concentrating mirrors.
1865 J. C. Maxwell in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 155 466 We have strong reason to conclude that light itself including radiant heat, (and other radiations if any), is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves.
1947 J. G. Crowther & R. Whiddington Sci. at War 27 The original watching system..flooded the sky in front of the station with a widespread blaze of ‘radio light’.
1996 Pulse 20 Apr. 73/1 Pulse oximetry..works by passing two wavelengths of light, one red and one infrared, through body tissue.
2017 M. Chown Ascent of Gravity viii. 174 Before the discovery of X-rays in 1895, the highest-energy light known was ultraviolet.
b. An individual or particular appearance of light. Cf. also sense 3b(a).See also northern lights n., southern lights n., zodiacal light n. at zodiacal adj. b.
ΚΠ
OE Cynewulf Elene 94 Þa þæt leoht gewat, up siðode, ond se ar somed, on clænra gemang.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 588 She saw þer-inne a lith ful shir, Also brith so it were day, Aboute þe knaue þer he lay.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 69 (MED) Towarde a foreste I bere þe face, Where rych rokkez wer to dyscreuen—Þe lyȝt of hem myȝt no mon leuen.
a1425 (a1400) Titus & Vespasian l. 220 in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1903) 111 291 In þe temple was suche a lyȝt, That al þe Jewes..Wende hit had be lyȝt of day.
1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest f. 3 A Gem..in whose Centre..a certaine light is seene shining..like to the Moone.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 89 That light we see is burning in my hall. View more context for this quotation
1850 Ld. Tennyson Princess (ed. 3) 70 The long light shakes across the lakes.
1866 M. Arnold Thyrsis xvii, in Macmillan's Mag. Apr. 452 And in the scatter'd farms the lights come out.
2010 Observer 16 May (New Review section) 23 The football fish..is covered with spiny scales and little protruding branches with glowing tips. These tiny lights attract prey.
c. With possessive: a person's access to light or (in later use) a person's share of illumination in a place, when blocked by someone or something; a person's space. Frequently (and in earliest use) in to stand in a person's light at Phrases 5a(a)(ii). Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > [noun] > quantity or portion of light > experienced or needed by a person
lighta1393
sunshine1652
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 920 I wolde thanne do my myht So forto stonden in here lyht.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 21v I pray the stande out of my light, and take not from me that, that thou maiest not yeue me.
1653 Mercurius Democritus No. 72. 570 His Beetell Brows hanging so in his light ever since, that he cannot finde what he lost.
1874 Amer. Agriculturalist June 226/1 ‘Somebody keeps getting in my light.’ ‘Take care! you'll have that lamp tipped over!’ Such expressions are very common where the ‘evening lamp’ stands upon a table around which the family gather for reading and amusement.
1958 Argosy Sept. 93 ‘Colin, you're in my light...’ The old lady carefully threaded another needle.
2006 S. Pillay Shadow People iii. 40 Think somewhere else. You blocking my light!
d. Esp. as a count noun: the amount or quality of light illuminating a given space, especially when coming through a window; frequently after in, and with modifying word (e.g. bad, good, strong, subdued, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > [noun] > in or from a luminary
ray1599
light1638
lighting1848
the world > matter > light > [noun] > quantity or portion of light
light1638
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients iii. vii. 339 The fourth consisteth in this, that we doe set well painted pieces, as the same Tully speaks elswhere, in a good light.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. xxviii. 163 Light being that which discovers to us visible Objects, we give the name of Obscure, to that, which is not placed in a Light, sufficient to discover minutely to us the Figure and Colours.
1797 T. Holcroft tr. F. L. Stolberg Trav. II. xlii. 69 The picture..is in a bad light.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xxii. 216 Barbara's little looking-glass hung in a good light near the window.
1940 Pop. Mech. Sept. 450/2 The work must be done in a subdued light such as provided by a darkroom safelamp.
2002 Disability Now Nov. 18/4 The digital read-outs..are not too easy to read in some lights.
e. English Law. Natural light which enters the windows of a building, and which the owner claims the right to protect from being diminished, for example by the erection of a building on a neighbouring property. Usually in plural. Cf. sense 9a. ancient lights: the reception of light by the windows of a building over a period long enough to establish the owner's right to it (in Britain 20 years or more) (formerly frequently put as a warning inscription on the face or side of a house adjacent to a site on which tall buildings might be erected); (also) the windows themselves.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > rights to do or use something > [noun] > right to light
lighta1648
a1648 J. Godbolt Rep. Certain Cases Courts of Rec. Westm. (1652) 183 The Plaintiff declared, that whereas he was possessed of a Messuage for years which had ancient lights, and the Defendant possessed of another House adjoyning, and a Yard, that the Defendant upon the said Yard had built a House, and stopped his lights.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 5 If a house or wall is erected so near to mine that it stops my antient lights,..I may enter my neighbour's land, and peaceably pull it down.
1858 Ld. St. Leonards Handy Bk. Prop. Law vii. 48 If a house is sold with all the lights belonging to it, and it is intended to build upon the adjoining ground..so as to interfere with the lights, the right to build in that manner should be expressly reserved.
1902 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 1 303 The defendant's proposed new building, though it threatened to affect the whole of the plaintiffs' ancient lights, would, it was said, most seriously affect two of them in particular, namely, the two ground-floor windows.
2014 Kent & Sussex Courier (Nexis) 11 July A right to light can only exist where there is a building on the land. Therefore, there is no right to light for open land or gardens.
2. The illumination which proceeds from the sun in daytime; daylight. Also: the time of daylight; daytime, daybreak, first light. Now frequently with the.See also the light of day at Phrases 2c(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > naturally occurring light > [noun] > daylight
daylightOE
lightOE
dayOE
sky1515
dayshine1773
dayglow1853
the world > time > day and night > day or daytime > dawn > [noun]
aristc825
dawingc900
dayeOE
day-rimOE
day-redOE
mornOE
lightOE
lightingOE
dawning1297
day-rowa1300
grekinga1300
uprista1300
dayninga1325
uprisingc1330
sun arisingc1350
springc1380
springingc1380
day-springa1382
morrowingc1384
dayingc1400
daylighta1425
upspring1471
aurora1483
sky1515
orienta1522
breaking of the day1523
daybreak1530
day-peep1530
morrow dayc1530
peep of the morning1530
prick of the day?1533
morning1535
day-breaking1565
creek1567
sunup1572
breach of the day1579
break of day or morn1584
peep of day1587
uprise1594
dawna1616
day-dawn1616
peep of dawn1751
strike of day1790
skreigh1802
sunbreak1822
day-daw1823
screech1829
dayclean1835
sun dawn1835
first light1838
morning-red1843
piccaninny sun1846
piccaninny daylightc1860
gloaming1873
glooming1877
sparrow-fart1886
crack1887
sun-spring1900
piccaninny dawn1936
OE Paris Psalter (1932) lxxvii. 33 Hi sohton hine, and ær leohte [L. ante lucem] to him lustum cwoman.
a1225 (?OE) MS Vesp. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 233 Hwat deð si moder hire bearn, formes hi hit cheteð and blissið be þe lichte.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) l. 366 Ich ne mai iso biliȝte.
?a1300 (c1250) Prov. Hendyng (Digby) xxiv, in Anglia (1881) 4 195 ‘Drink eft lasse, and go bi liȝtte hom’ Quad Hending.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) cxviii. §148. 433 As a goed werk man that rysis bifor light til his werk.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. BBBiiiv Lyke as the precious stone, the more it is polysshed or rubbed, the more perfetly it receyueth the lyght.
c1600 A. Montgomerie Poems (2000) I. 20 All day I wot not vhat to do I loth to sie the licht.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 130 Then having spent the last remains of Light, They give thir Bodies due repose at Night. View more context for this quotation
1788 Emblems for Improvem. & Entertainm. Youth 57/2 The pioneering Mole, as soon as it comes to the Light, immediately hides itself again.
1860 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (rev. ed.) ix. 123 Almost all patients lie with their faces turned to the light, exactly as plants always make their way towards the light.
1958 T. H. White Once & Future King i. 168 The curlew, who had been piping their mournful plaints since long before the light, flew now from weed-bank.
2003 Ploughshares Spring 54 I had been cold all night, but for some reason I was able to sleep through until light.
3. A source of illumination.
a. The sun or other celestial object. Now rare.Frequently after Genesis 1:16, ‘And God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.’
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > [noun]
candle937
lightOE
starsc1225
ballc1300
bodya1398
celestinec1430
heavenly bodya1475
luminair1477
luminary1489
streamer1513
host or hosts of heaven1535
globe1555
orb1565
sphere1598
planet1640
superstar1910
the world > the universe > sun > [noun]
lightOE
sunOE
Phoebusc1275
the sheenc1400
Titana1413
solc1450
wheel1558
day-sun1570
day star1596
king of day1596
flame-god1598
Aten1877
OE Guthlac B 1282 Ða cwom leohta mæst, halig of heofonum hædre scinan, beorhte ofer burgsalu.
OE Ælfric De Temporibus Anni (Cambr. Gg.3.28) (2009) i. 76 On ðam feorðan dæge gesceop God twa miccle leoht, þæt is sunne & mona.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iii. l. 1 O Blysful light of whiche þe bemes clere Adorneth al þe þridde heuene faire.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. i. 4 Make we heuen and erth..And lyghtys fayre to se.
1574 W. Bourne Regim. for Sea (1577) ix. 34 b You may knowe it by the Arke or bearing of the Starres and lyghtes rounde about you.
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles vii. 40 And hee the Sunne for them to reuerence; None that beheld him, but like lesser lights, Did vaile their Crownes to his supremacie. View more context for this quotation
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxii. 26 Hesper, shineth in heaven a light more genial ever?
2012 Historische Sprachforschung 125 274 A myth that stated the disclosing of the primordial elements of life: heavenly lights, waters, food, etc.
b.
(a) A source of artificial illumination; (esp. in earlier use) a lighted candle; a lamp. Now chiefly: an electric light.See also bright lights n. at bright adj. and n. Compounds 2, electric light n. 2, fairy light n. 2, footlight n., gaslight n. 1, headlight n. 1, night light n. 2a, searchlight n. 1, spotlight n. 1a, street light n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun]
lightOE
luminary1484
lumination1654
luminant18..
illuminant1874
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) ix. 256 Gesett is on cyriclicum ðeawum þæt we sceolon on ðisum dæge beran ure leoht to cyrican & lætan hi ðær bletsian.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 836 (MED) With a prive lyht..he hath his weie take Into the chambre.
a1450 St. Edith (Faust.) (1883) l. 1276 Þis mayde toke hit [sc. þe cerge] þo from þat place & blewe ouȝt þe leyȝt anone sodanly.
1537 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 128 I wyll have a lyte brynnyng yn the chansell before the sacrement.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. ccvijv In this chamber was hanged a great braunche of siluer percell gilte, to beare lightes.
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. F1 This said, he sets his foote vppon the light . View more context for this quotation
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. xxxiii. 301 Both rich and poor vse this tallowe for lightes.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. ii. 8 The lights were lighted in a large, comfortable, well-furnished room.
1888 Pall Mall Gaz. 23 July 6/2 The common practice of seeking for an escape of gas with a light caused a serious explosion yesterday morning.
1918 D. Haig Diary 31 May in War Diaries & Lett. 1914–18 (2005) 417 After dinner they came and discussed the holding of Dunkirk till I was thoroughly tired of them. Fortunately an air raid started and the lights went out.
2000 B. Kingsolver Prodigal Summer xxviii. 422 He batted at the darkness like a blind man, trying to find the pull string to switch the light on.
†(b) As a mass noun. The candles or other sources of illumination used to light a particular place; lights collectively. Also: material to be burnt for lighting. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > [noun] > material burnt for lighting
lightOE
the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > one who or that which illuminates > illuminants collectively
lightOE
OE Wulfstan Homily: Sermo Lupi (York) in A. S. Napier Wulfstan (1883) 308 Þæt hy godes cyrcan æghwær georne griðian..and mid leohte and lacum hy gelome gegretan.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 576 Grim bad leue bringen lict, For to don on [emended in ed. to on him] his cloþes.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 317 He sente everiche ȝere þre hondred mark to Rome: an hondred to Seynt Peter his liȝt.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 281 Scho gert graith wp a burd..honowryt with gret lycht.
1561 Carpenters' Accts. in T. Sharp Diss. Dramatic Myst. Coventry (1825) 186 For carryinge ij cressites and iij stone of lyght..ijs.
1609 J. Skene tr. Stat. Robert I in Regiam Majestatem 27 b Lands given and disponed for singing, or for licht in the kirk.
1671 in M. B. Johnston Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court Deeds (1939) I. 281 [The yearly rent of 20 merks Scots with] thre qwartres of light [and] sixe powtriei fowles.
†c. Lightning. Cf. light-bolt n. at Compounds 3, lait n.1, thunderlight n. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6283 Ech dunt þoȝte liȝt as it were & þondring.
c1330 (?a1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) p. 600 Opon þe scheld he ȝaue him swiche a dent, Bifor þe stroke þe fiir out went, As it were liȝt of þonder.
a1450 Seven Sages (Cambr. Dd.1.17) (1845) l. 2243 (MED) In concel thay were al nome, Whethyr anny rayn, thondyr, or lyȝt Hadde be of al that seven-nyght.
1593 B. Barnes Parthenophil & Parthenophe 31 Ah pearse-eye pearsing eye, and blazing light Of thunder thunderblazes burning vppe!
1609 B. Jonson Masque of Queenes sig. C4 A flash of light, and a clap of thunder, A storme of raine, another of hayle.
1690 J. Bullord Further Contin. Curious Coll. Paintings 3 A Sea piece represent[ing] Thunder and Light.
d.
(a) A lamp or fire serving as a signal or beacon, esp. on a ship or in a lighthouse.Often with modifier, as in intermittent light, revolving light; see also fixed light n. at fixed adj. 6e, flashing light at flashing adj. c.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > object on land or sea as guide > light beacon or lighthouse
fire towereOE
lightc1425
firehouse1450
pharec1450
pharos1550
light tower1588
lantern1601
watchtower1601
lighthouse1606
lowlight1655
sea-light1691
obeliscolychny1694
light1791
leading light1796
cage1867
flare1883
fanal-
society > communication > indication > signalling > visual signalling > luminous signals > [noun] > fire signal > beacon
beacon1377
lightc1425
firebome1440
bale1455
cresset-light1525
flambeau1688
coal-light1775
bale-fire1805
needfire1805
ward-fire1859
beaconage1862
fanal-
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 6290 Traitourly he gan hym for to hiȝe Vp-on þe walles..And toward Grekis gan [to] shewe a lyȝt.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iii. xi. 155 In the beginning of the night the Admiralls light failed so, as the other shippe never see them after.
1675 H. Teonge Diary (1825) 7 Wee..hast toward the Downes; looking for our dyrectory, the Foreland light.
1798 S. T. Coleridge Anc. Marinere vi, in W. Wordsworth & S. T. Coleridge Lyrical Ballads 42 They stood as signals to the land, Each one a lovely light.
1850 A. Stevenson Treat. Lighthouses i. 107 The intermittent light is distinguished by bursting suddenly into view, and continuing steady for a short time, after which it is suddenly eclipsed for half a minute.
1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products Floating-light, a life-buoy carried at a ship's stern, with a light or lanthorn.
1894 A. Robertson Nuggets 44 Revealing the object he was in search of, as a harbour light reveals the port.
2000 Leading Lights 3 No. 1. 27/2 During the last three months of 1835, when the beacon light was first lit, only 9 gallons of whale oil was consumed by the bucket lamps installed in the beacon tower.
(b) A lighthouse.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > object on land or sea as guide > light beacon or lighthouse
fire towereOE
lightc1425
firehouse1450
pharec1450
pharos1550
light tower1588
lantern1601
watchtower1601
lighthouse1606
lowlight1655
sea-light1691
obeliscolychny1694
light1791
leading light1796
cage1867
flare1883
fanal-
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse Introd. 5 The original lantern for the light was of a diameter somewhat exceeding five feet.
1863 Murray's Handbk. Kent & Sussex 157 The wall, like that of its sister light at Gessoriacum.., is composed of [etc.].
2000 Jrnl. Parasitol. 86 1220/1 Quidley Creek, 100 m east of Pamlico Sound, 3.7 km south of Hatteras Light.
†e. A person employed to light the way through the streets at night; a linkman. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > torch > [noun] > one who carries > one employed to carry
link-boy1660
moon-curser1673
lightman1697
light1712
linkman1716
link1845
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 454. 2/2 I went to my Lodging, led by a Light,..and made him give me an Account of the Charge, Hazard, Profit and Loss of a Family that depended upon a Link.
f. A headlight of a road vehicle. Usually in plural.
ΚΠ
1915 Vanity Fair Sept. 108/2 Failure..to dim one's lights on approaching another car, is causing not a few arrests.
1993 J. Mowry Six out Seven ii. xiv. 469 The car came angling through the gates. It stopped, its lights boring bright cones through the mist.
2002 E. Wooff Mud Puppy iii. 17 I switched on the lights full beam and waited for the cop to drive away.
g. A traffic light.Usually in singular in North American usage, but more commonly in plural in other varieties of English.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > vehicular traffic > [noun] > traffic control > traffic lights
traffic signal1893
traffic light1913
signal1915
light1925
robot1929
1925 Rotarian June 55/2 The lights mounted at the four corners of the intersection are controlled by an officer in the center of the street.
1938 E. Bowen Death of Heart iii. vi. 439 The driver twitched his head once or twice. Then the lights went against him; he pulled up.
1970 M. Kenyon 100,000 Welcomes i. 8 I'll drop you at the next lights.
1985 New Yorker 30 Dec. 18/3 Finally, there's the light at Franklin Avenue, where you make a right and follow the signs for the Aviation Hall.
2005 P. Junor Firm xxxi. 258 The lights changed and a kid on a superbike revved his engine so aggressively that we both jumped.
4.
a. A flame or spark used to set alight a combustible substance.See also to strike a light at strike v. 30a(c).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > fuel > material for igniting > [noun] > coal or flame
fireOE
light1647
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (1 John i. 6) 466 It is but as a light smitten out of a flint, which neither warms, nor guides them, but dazelleth their eyes.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 202 Wherefore he strook a Light (for he never goes also without his Tinder-box). View more context for this quotation
1765 Geogr. & Hist. Eng. i. 86 There is so strong a vapour of sulphur issuing out of the water, that upon applying a light to it, the top of the water is covered with a flame.
1853 C. Dickens Bleak House xi. 97 Krook takes it [sc. a candle], goes to the fire, stoops over the red embers, and tries to get a light.
1908 W. W. Jacobs Salthaven viii. 86 Mr. Saunders..hastily struck a match and gave him a light.
2013 J. Ross Outside the Wire xviii. 208 Gimme a light, will ya? My Zippo's outta juice.
b. A device used to set something (esp. a cigarette, pipe, etc.) alight, such as a match, taper, cigarette lighter, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > fuel > material for igniting > [noun] > match, spill, or taper for lighting
wax tapera1398
match1519
brimstone match1594
card match1654
spunk1755
light1787
spill1821
lighter1828
candle-paper1829
fidibus1829
Promethean1829
sulphur-match1830
pipelight1842
candle-lighter1855
kitchen match1862
spiller1936
1787 World & Fashionable Advertiser 15 Sept. Philosophical Pocket-Lights and Wax Matches, &c. &c.
1836 F. Marryat Three Cutters i, in Pirate & Three Cutters 245 Tell Mr. Simpson to bring me a light for my cigar.
1858 G. W. Thornbury Every Man his own Trumpeter I. ix. 112 I could see on the table a torn illuminated book of devotions, one or two of the half burned leaves of which, evidently used as cigarette lights, lay among some broken glasses on the table.
1889 W. Besant Bell St. Paul's I. 170 A jar of tobacco, and a box of lights.
1918 Poetry Aug. 242 He wished that he could light a cigarette. ‘Here, take my pocket light.’
2012 L. G. Goodwin Almost Hit i. 27 She slid her gold cigarette case out of her clutch, realized she didn't have a light and went back inside to the gift shop.
II. Extended and metaphorical uses.
5. The state of being visible or exposed to view or of being known. Frequently in to come to light, to bring to light at Phrases 1c. See also to see the light of day at Phrases 2c(b).
ΚΠ
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) iv. xxi. 320 Mid þy þa se lichoma þære halgan fæmnan..openre þære byrgenne wæs forð on leoht gelæded, þa wæs he gemeted..ungebrosnad.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) l. 230 Eurich þing þat schuniet riȝt, Hit luueþ þuster & hatiet liȝt [a1300 Jesus Oxf. lyht].
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 50 Serewe..he wolde..me lede to my lyues ende vnlahfulliche in lyhte.
1766 J. Parsons in Philos. Trans. 1765 (Royal Soc.) 55 48 A worthy family who..had lived in Virginia several years in a conspicuous light.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) IV. xviii. 224 Its history is shrouded in the darkness which surrounds all the doings of its Earl till he breaks forth into full light in the course of the next year.
1994 D. Owen in Hist. Lincoln Minster v. 112 The first Chancellor to emerge into light seems to be Mr Hamo, who is known from about 1148.
6.
†a. Power of vision, eyesight (often used in the context of its loss or absence). Obsolete (in later use poetic or rhetorical).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [noun]
i-sightc888
seneOE
lightOE
eyesightc1175
sightc1200
rewarda1382
seeingc1390
viewc1390
outwitc1400
starec1400
speculation1471
eyec1475
vision1493
ray1531
visive power1543
sightfulnessa1586
outsight1605
conspectuitya1616
visibility1616
optics1643
rock of eye1890
visuality1923
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [noun]
eyeeOE
the fleshly eyec1175
balla1400
window1481
glazier1567
light1580
crystal1592
orb1594
glass1597
optic1601
twinkler1605
lampa1616
watchera1616
wink-a-peeps1615
visive organa1652
ogle1673
peeper1691
goggle?1705
visual orb1725
orbit1727
winker1734
peep?1738
daylights?1747
eyewinker1808
keeker1808
glimmer1814
blinker1816
glim1820
goggler1821
skylight1824
ocular1825
mince pie1857
saucer1858
mince1937
OE Blickling Homilies 19 Gehyran we nu forhwon se blinda leoht onfeng.
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) iii. xxix. 235 On þa ilcan tid, þe he forleas þæt leoht his gesihþe.
a1275 St. Margaret (Trin. Cambr.) l. 159 in A. S. M. Clark Seint Maregrete & Body & Soul (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Michigan) (1972) 55 Nis no tonge an erþe, ne non eyen list, þat mai telle þe ioie.
?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 330 (MED) He as a blynd man..lackeþ liȝt to deeme colouris.
1599 Master Broughtons Lett. Answered vii. 21 The weakning of his [sc. Samson's] strength lost his libertie and his light.
1607 G. Wilkins Miseries Inforst Mariage ii. D 1 b Lift vp thine eyes..They were not borne to loose their light so soone.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano i. xii. 38 His ministers with point of piercing sword Put out my light for ever.
b. In plural. The eyes. Cf. daylight n. 3. Now slang.See also to punch (also knock, etc.) a person's lights out at Phrases 7b.
ΚΠ
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) Judges xvi. 28 For þe leesyng of twei liȝtis [a1425 L.V. iȝen; L. luminum] oon vengeaunce I take.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 61 Hir eyes hasill, yet bright, and such were the lightes of Venus.
1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. iv. 83 No sooner can his lights descry The place enriched by his Mistresse eye.
1815 Sporting Mag. 45 161 He mill'd the stout Caleb and darken'd his lights.
1967 ‘Iceberg Slim’ Pimp (2011) vi. 107 Preston might have made it if Sweet hadn't turned those lights on him.
2018 @kyliegayer 14 Nov. in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive) I cried my lights out to this album.
7.
a. Mental illumination; enlightenment, knowledge, which may be possessed by a particular person or derived from a particular source; often in the light of reason. Also: elucidation, explanation (of a particular matter), e.g. in to need light, to want light.See also Phrases 1b, Phrases 1d(b), Phrases 1e.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > enlightenment > [noun]
lighteOE
lightening1395
illustrationc1480
irradiation1589
illumination1634
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) lv. 429 Hi onfengon ðæt leoht ðæs ondgietes, & ðeah noldon forlætan ða ðistro ðæs won weorces.
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 9 (MED) His [sc. Christ's] face..shone as þe sonne forto ȝiue þe liȝth of gode ensaumple to oþere.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 9 (MED) Þe eye of his [sc. St Augustine's] mynde was Iqwenchid with þe grete lith of sotil vndyrstanding whech is conteyned in scriptur.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha i. ix. 49 The Salutation of the Prince expresseth all the names of the Iustices, and hath nothing else in it that needeth light.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iii. viii. 143 To conuict Heretiques..to vse the principall instrument of their conuiction, the light of reason.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. iii. 61 We had a kinde of light, what would ensue. View more context for this quotation
1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 150 The men of England, the men, I mean, of light and leading in England. View more context for this quotation
1823 C. Lamb Old Benchers in Elia 196 Lovel..was a quick little fellow, and would despatch it [sc. business] out of hand by the light of natural understanding.
1852 H. Rogers Eclipse of Faith 108 That is the point on which I want light.
1871 J. Morley Condorcet in Crit. Misc. (1878) 1st Ser. 87 Less read throughout Europe by men of superior light.
1975 R. P. Warren Democracy & Poetry i. 4 But Jefferson did envisage a society in which free men..would exercise their franchise in the light of reason.
2014 Canberra Times (Nexis) 11 Oct. a3 Throughout history, whenever the light of reason and progress has been threatened, brickies have beaten back the tide of darkness.
b. In plural.
(a) The opinions, information, and capacities, natural or acquired, of an individual intellect. Frequently in by one's lights; see also according to one's lights at Phrases 8.
ΚΠ
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. PP He hath his suggestions, felynges, and lightes.
1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. lvii. 140 He trusted that Grace would understand this by her own natural lights.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 503 We may love and honour the intentions of these excellent people, as far as their lights extend.
1879 A. Trollope Thackeray 112 To Pen and to Pen's mother he is beneficent after his lights.
2005 P. Taylor Now & in Hour of our Death (2015) xi. 88 He got caught. Put in jail... He wasn't a criminal, at least not by his lights. He was in the Provisional IRA, the Provos.
(b) Pieces of information or instruction; facts, discoveries, or suggestions which explain a subject.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > [noun] > capacities, talents
part1561
lights1598
mentality1856
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > personal opinion > [noun]
thinkinga1382
counsela1400
conceitc1405
private judgement1565
concept1566
self-conceit1596
lights1598
private1599
self-conception1648
phenomenon1677
two cents' worth1942
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > [noun] > light on a subject
lights1634
clarity1657
sidelight1850
1598 F. Meres tr. Luis de Granada Sinners Guyde i. ii. 159 Thys knowledge continueth not in one & the same state, but daily is encreased by new lights & knowledge, as the same Wiseman testifieth.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 217 We may entertaine some lights out of authentique Story.
1683 W. Temple Mem. in Wks. (1731) I. 387 I had long Conversations with the Pensioner, by which I gain'd the Lights necessary to discover the whole present Scene of Affairs.
1793 W. Roy Mil. Antiq. Romans in Brit. Introd. Many new lights concerning the Roman history and geography of Britain.
1855 D. Brewster Mem. Life I. Newton (new ed.) II. xxi. 262 The most distinguished of his successors, with all the lights of a century and a half, could not have stated more correctly [etc.].
1996 Oceania 66 306 By all the lights of contemporary anthropology I have a ready-made way to..explain the men's behaviour.
c. A suggestion or help to the solution of a puzzle; esp. each of the words in an acrostic puzzle which must be deduced in order to reveal the letters which form the answer to the puzzle. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > hint or covert suggestion > [noun]
feelc1485
inkling1529
intimation1531
insinuation1532
by-warning1542
byword1542
item1561
cue1565
air1567
vent1613
insusurration1614
hinta1616
injection1622
indication1626
infusion1641
side glance1693
ground bass1699
touch1706
side view1747
sidewipe1757
allusion1766
penumbra1770
breath1795
slyness1823
by-hint1853
light1854
shove1857
suggestion1863
sous-entendu1865
point1870
sidewiper1870
sniff1936
society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > puzzle > [noun] > other word puzzles > word to be guessed in acrostic poem
light1894
1854 E. C. Gaskell Company Manners in Househ. Words 20 May 330/1 Why have we not oftener recourse to games of some kind. Wit, Advice, Bout-rimés, Lights..—every one knows these..if they would only not think it beneath them to be called upon..to play at them.
1894 World 3 Jan. 37/1 Acrostics... When ‘second thoughts’ are sent, the whole answer should be forwarded, not corrections to separate lights only.
1907 Academy 23 Mar. 294/1 He is a charade or an acrostic, but what the deuce his ‘pillars’ and ‘lights’ signify, we, being but poor hands at puzzles, have not the shadow of an idea.
1937 H. G. Wells Brynhild vii. 108 Valliant Chevrell was generally the director of his scenes [in a charade], but the direction of the first light was taken out of his hands.
2002 College Math. Jrnl. 33 375 He composed a double acrostic, one of whose lights has often been quoted as his own whimsical self-portrait.
d. The answer to a clue in a crossword puzzle.Probably so called because of the similar patterning of the horizontal and vertical words in an acrostic (cf. sense 7c).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > puzzle > [noun] > crossword puzzle > answer
light1925
1925 ‘Torquemada’ Cross-words in Rhyme Introd. Those who wish a separate entertainment..from each Light in their cross-words.
1965 Listener 16 Sept. 435/1 Some of the clues are two lines of verse, each by a different author. The names of the two authors have three or more consecutive letters in common and these letters form the light.
2002 Times (Nexis) 8 Feb. Modern crossword technique requires that at least half the letters in every light (answer) should be cross-checked by the letters of another light.
8.
a.
(a) With spiritual reference: the brightness of heaven, the illumination of the soul by divine truth or love, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > inspiration or revelation > [noun]
lightOE
lightingOE
inspiration1303
illuminationsc1340
inyettingc1340
revelationc1384
oraclec1425
revealingc1429
informationc1450
infusionc1450
illustrationc1480
gospel1481
aspirationc1534
illuminating1561
afflation1576
entheos1594
enthusiasm1595
flame-light1611
illapse1614
inspirement1616
spiration1629
respirationa1631
irradiation1631
income1647
afflatus1649
theopneustian1660
entheasm1752
prana1785
inflation1835
theopneusty1847
inflatusa1861
theopneustia1894
OE Blickling Homilies 17 Se þe ne can þa beorhtnesse þæs ecan leohtes, se bið blind.
c1175 ( Homily (Bodl. 343) in S. Irvine Old Eng. Homilies (1993) 198 On sundfulnesse þæs brihte lihtes ȝe þær bliþe wuniæð, for þam þe ȝe lustlice mine æ and mine lare heolden.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 74 God þe hwile..ȝeouen of licht wið innen. him to seon & cnawin.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) 90 God ledde hem fro helle nigt To paradises leue ligt.
a1400 Prymer (St. John's Cambr.) (1891) 73 That thou sette the soule of thy seruaunt..in the kyngdom of pees and of liȝt.
1588 J. Udall Demonstr. Trueth of Discipline ii. 8 The light of the Gospell is (at the least) as cleare as that of the law.
1744 J. Wesley Jrnl. 27 Dec. in Extract (1753) 46 I found such Light and Strength, as I never remember to have had before.
1838 J. C. Hare & A. W. Hare Guesses at Truth (ed. 2) 1st Ser. 36 Beware, ye who walk in light, lest ye turn your light into a curse.
1969 H. A. R. Gibb Islam (1989) vii. 84 The doctrine that in them [sc. the Imāms] is incarnated the Divine Light which has descended through successive generations of Prophets from the time of Adam.
2006 N. Alderman Disobedience v. 87 The Rambam also speaks of those people who can see the soul—the neshama. The neshama comes from God, it is part of His light and His glory.
(b) spec. In the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers): the inward revelation of Christ in the soul. Now chiefly in inner light n. at inner adj. 1f.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > inspiration or revelation > [noun] > among Quakers
opening1650
light1653
1653 J. Naylor Power & Glory 2 Now all people, cease from your strange guides, and outside-lights, and return to the light of Christ in you.
1656 G. Fox Jrnl. I. 271 That which is called life in Christ the Word, was called light in us.
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 45 I now saw, in and by the farther Openings of the Divine Light in me.
1890 C. E. Stephen Quaker Strongholds vi. 174 Those ‘Friends of the Light’ were not content to brood over a light shut in to their own hearts. They let it shine freely before men, boldly proclaiming its universality, and calling all men to walk in it.
2004 Philadelphia Apr. 86/1 Beneath all the Quaker ‘inner light’ blah-blah-blah, we're a strife-ridden, agon-loving, self-bombing Feudopolis. To which we say: Bring it!
b. As an epithet or description of God, as the source of divine light. Also: †a person who manifests God's light (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > [noun] > creator
wrightc888
lightOE
sheppendOE
sheppera1175
wroughtc1275
creatorc1300
shaper1303
maker1340
workera1382
authora1413
workman1440
workmaster1531
artificer?1555
re-creator1587
architector1639
architect1659
enlivener1663
God almighty1787
OE Cynewulf Elene 486 Þa þy þriddan dæg ealles leohtes leoht lifgende aras, ðeoden engla.
OE Ælfric Paternoster & Creed (Cambr. Gg.3.28) in B. Thorpe Homilies of Anglo-Saxon Church (1846) II. 596 On..þone ancennedan Godes Sunu, of ðam Fæder acenned ær ealle worulda, God of Gode, Leoht of Leohte, Soðne God of Soðum Gode.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Eph. v. 8 Ȝe weren sum tyme derknessis, now..ȝe ben liȝt in the Lord.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 157 (MED) For God is liȝt, and derkneses ben none in him.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 45 Call on the Lord, our gyde and lycht.
1859 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát Omar Khayyám lvi. 12 Whether the one True Light, Kindle to Love, or Wrathconsume [sic] me quite.
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 588 In the presence of God Who is Light, all earthly light shall fail.
2007 Jrnl. Relig. & Health 46 393 However, choosing to forgive ultimately brings about inner reconciliation with the object and with God who is light.
9.
a. Originally: any of the perpendicular divisions of a mullioned window; an individual glazed part of a window. Subsequently also: a window or opening in a wall or roof for the admission of light; now chiefly as the second element in compounds, e.g. fanlight n., roof light n. 1a, skylight n. 3a.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of windows > [noun] > pane
light1387
fenestral1399
panel1399
pane1466
window glassa1586
window1605
window-light1655
windowpane1750
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > [noun] > window
eyethirleOE
eilthirlc1225
windowc1230
windown?a1289
fenesterc1290
fenestral1399
winnock1492
tresance1510
windore1542
lighta1586
wind-door1606
ventana1672
winder1683
glaze1699
mezzanine1731
1387 in J. D. Marwick Charters Edinb. (1871) 35 Tha ylk men sal mak..a wyndow with thre lychtys in fourme masonnelyke.
1410 Hornby Church Contract in L. F. Salzman Building in Eng. (1992) App. B. 483 In the end of the same south eill sall be a couenable windowe of thre lightes.
?1453 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 252 It was not her part to desyr of hym to stop þe lytys.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. ii. sig. B8 The lightes, doores and staires, rather directed to the vse of the guest, then to the eye of the Artificer.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 179 They shut their doores against them [sc. frogs], and stopped vp all their lights to exclude them out of their houses.
1761 M. Raper in Philos. Trans. 1760 (Royal Soc.) 51 804 The diameter of the circular light at top is 27 feet 5 inches.
1823 J. Rutter Delineations of Fonthill 55 The third window..two lights high, and four wide.
1971 ‘A. Burgess’ MF xiii. 143 The sittingroom window was a sash one and the lower light was down to the limit.
1992 N. Pevsner & J. Grundy Northumberland (ed. 2) 353 Three small cusped lights high in the wall so as to clear the roof of the cloister walk.
2017 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 15 Apr. 27 The old church is built of Kentish ragstone..with, on each side, three square-headed windows divided by tracery into two lights.
b. Horticulture. Any of the glazed sections which form the roof or sides of a greenhouse or garden frame.See also Dutch light n. at Dutch adj., n.1, and adv. Additions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > equipment and buildings > [noun] > greenhouse or glass-house > glazed compartment or window in
sash1707
light1721
Dutch light1939
1721 R. Bradley Gen. Treat. Husbandry & Gardening I. 164 We may use the Lights belonging to the hot Bed Frames, setting them sloping against the Wall.
1733 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. (ed. 2) at Hot-bed Some have them [sc. Frames] to contain but two Lights, which is very handy for raising Cucumber and Melon Plants.
1859 R. Thompson Gardener's Assistant 625 The soil should be watered about ten a.m., shutting down the lights for a short time, in order to prevent a chill taking place.
2002 M. Pollock Fruit & Veg. Gardening (2012) 45/1 A minimum distance of 12in (30cm) between the soil surface and lid, or lights, is needed. With much taller lights, it is possible to grow cabbages and cauliflowers to maturity.
†c. An aperture, a clear space. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > an opening or aperture > [noun]
holec725
thirla900
eyeOE
opena1200
opening?c1225
overturec1400
overta1425
wideness?c1425
howe1487
hiatus1563
vent1594
apertion1599
ferme1612
notch1615
sluice1648
gape1658
aperture1661
want1664
door1665
hiulcitya1681
to pass through the eye of a needle (also a needle's eye)1720
vista1727
light1776
ope1832
lacuna1872
doughnut hole1886
1776 G. Semple Treat. Building in Water 12 These Arches consist of a Semi-circle, and the Depth of their Archivolte is a tenth Part of the light or void of the greater, and an eighth Part of the light of the lesser ones.
1818 A. Rees Cycl. (1819) XXXVII. at Watch There is what is termed, in the peculiar dialect of watch-makers, a light between the under side of the rack and the pillar-plate, and between the under side of the quarter-rack and the piece D.
1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 49 See that the ‘lights’ between the wheel teeth and the edge of the roller are equal on both sides when the wheel is locked.
10.
a. A person who is eminent in a particular sphere, or notable for virtue, intellect, or another admirable quality; a luminary. Now esp. in leading light n. 2.Cf. shining light n. and also lesser light n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [noun]
kingeOE
master-spiritc1175
douzepersc1330
sire1362
worthya1375
lantern1382
sira1400
greatc1400
noblec1400
persona1425
lightc1425
magnate?a1439
worthyman1439
personagec1460
giant1535
honourablec1540
triedc1540
magnifico1573
ornament1573
signor1583
hero1592
grandee1604
prominent1608
name1611
magnificent1612
choice spirita1616
illustricity1637
luminary1692
lion1715
swell1786
notable1796
top-sawyer1826
star1829
celebrity1831
notability1832
notoriety1841
mighty1853
tycoon1861
reputation1870
public figure1871
star turn1885
headliner1896
front-pager1899
legend1899
celeb1907
big name1909
big-timer1917
Hall of Famer1948
megastar1969
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 5489 (MED) O Troye..Þi liȝt is lost.
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 27 Some that were great lights of old, And in their hands the lampe of God did beare.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 6 Those Sunnes of Glory, those two Lights of Men. View more context for this quotation
1693 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. I. ii. 78 Those eminent Lights of the Latin Church, Rufinus, Jerom, Hilary.
1700 J. Dryden tr. Homer 1st Bk. Ilias in Fables 203 If both the Lights Of Greece their private Int'rest disunites.
1868 A. Helps Realmah (1876) xiii. 367 The great lights of the Bench.
1943 K. Tennant Ride on Stranger xvi. 180 An eminent legal light.
2015 Gazette (Montreal) (Nexis) 9 May b3 O'Neill..is one of the lights of an award-winning young generation of Montreal English-language writers.
b. A person or thing which acts as an example or inspiration to a person. Frequently with to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > prototype > [noun] > model, pattern, or example
byseningc1175
mirrora1300
samplera1300
formc1384
calendarc1385
patternc1425
exemplar?a1439
lighta1450
projectc1450
moul1565
platform1574
module1608
paradigma1623
specimen1642
butt1654
paradigm1669
type1847
fore-mark1863
model1926
a1450 (?c1430) J. Lydgate Daunce Machabree (Huntington) (1931) l. 534 (MED) Sire Curate..Whiche shulde haue ben of conuersacioun Mirroure vn-to other, light & exaumplarie.
1550 R. Crowley Way to Wealth sig. Aviiiv Fingered ladies, whose womanlike behauiour and motherlike housewifry ought to be a lighte to al women.
1798 E. Dickins Let. 15 Oct. in Minutes Methodist Conf. Amer. 1773–1813 (1813) I. 207 I believe him to have been one of the most upright, holy men, for twenty years past, that has lived, Indeed he was a light to those that knew him.
1843 Princ. & Rules with Articles of Faith & Covenant Trinitarian Church, Fitchburg 14 Should you, by a holy walk and conversation, adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, you will be an example to believers, a light to all around you, and the comfort and joy of this Church.
2014 S. R. Banks Revelation! viii. 58 By discovering and living your dharma, you will be a light to all who know you.
11. A gleam or sparkle in a person's eye, expressing animated feeling or enjoyment of life. Also: an animated look in a person's face.See also love-light n. at love n.1 Compounds 6.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > facial appearance or expression > specific
light1535
mask1605
severity1711
beam1773
study1886
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [noun] > gleam or sparkle in eye
light1535
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xxxvii. A My hert paunteth, my strength hath fayled me, & the light of myne eyes is gone fro me.
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. K1v And dying eyes gleem'd forth their ashie lights . View more context for this quotation
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxxix. 260 He was followed by Cassy, pale, calm,..and with that same fearful light in her eye.
1863 M. B. Chesnut Diary from Dixie 10 Aug. (1905) 230 Major Venable added that he had often heard of the light of battle shining in a man's eyes.
1893 Pall Mall Mag. Christmas No. 249 He had..an eye without light, a voice without charm.
1991 G. Keillor WLT: Radio Romance viii. 60 It was her face that your eyes rested on, her vibrancy, the light in her face.
2011 Sarasota (Florida) Herald Tribune (Nexis) 7 Apr. 1 The smile on her face and the light in her eyes say she's really happy to be here.
12. In plural. Elegant stylistic elements in speech or writing. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > elegance > [noun] > fine phrasing > well-turned phrase
lights1550
Atticism1612
aulicism1633
felicity1665
stroke1667
grace stroke1686
curiosa felicitas1752
1550 R. Sherry Treat. Schemes & Tropes sig. B.i Eloquucion..setteth oute & garnysheth wyth lyghtes of eloquent speche, the thinges that be spoken of.
1710 J. Addison Tatler No. 267. ⁋4 Bacon..had the..comprehensive Knowledge of Aristotle, with all the beautiful Lights, Graces, and Embellishments of Cicero.
1878 N. Amer. Rev. Sept. 343 The second cause of his haziness is apparently in his turn of expression, especially in his passion for melody above all other graces and lights of poetry.
1952 Q. Breen tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in Jrnl. Hist. Ideas 13 399 The truth is well enough established to influence more strongly the mind of even aged hearers when it is arrayed in its native force and at the same time adorned with the lights of eloquence.
13.
a. Painting. (Any of) the bright parts of a picture, etc., suggesting illumination; comparative lightness as represented pictorially.See also highlight n. 1a, light and shade at shade n. 3a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > light and shade > [noun] > light
light1561
clear1814
lighting1854
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer i. sig. J.iiiiv Yet want there manye thynges in ymages, that want not in penctinges, and especiallye lightes and shadowes.
1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue i. 3 With this onely did he fill and finish his Table, giuing in the rest Lights and shadowes, as might sute best with each seuerall part.
1658 W. Sanderson Graphice 66 Lay your light with thinne and waterish Lake.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. x. 412 It is very unusual to see the light and shade justly and naturally handled [in Chinese pictures].
a1825 H. Fuseli Lect. viii, in J. Knowles Life & Writings H. Fuseli (1831) II. 336 One point is the brightest in the eye as on the object; this is the point of light.
1843 J. Ruskin Arrows of Chace (1880) I. 5 The Italian masters universally make the horizon the chief light of their picture.
2011 Metrop. Mus. Art Bull. 69 22 In the Metropolitan version they [sc. the hands] have been moved farther apart, which..makes for a more pleasing arrangement of lights and darks in this part of the painting.
b. figurative. In the arts: that quality in a passage of writing, a performance, etc., which conveys a sense of brightness or illumination. Usually opposed to shade n. 3b. [In this sense perhaps mixed with an absolute use of light adj.2 French has both lumière and clair in similar applications.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > [noun] > one side of contrast
light1654
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 32 The Sisters Web of our lives is checkered with Vicissitude, The whole peece proving but a medley of Light and Shadow.
1733 A. Pope Ess. Man ii. 111 The Lights and Shades, whose well-accorded Strife Gives all the Strength and Colour of our Life.
1812 Dramatic Censor 1811 182 This may be what our modern playmakers call light and shade.
1937 L. Lewis Radio Dict. in Printers' Ink Monthly May 39/1 Light and shade, variations from quietness to tenseness, softness to shouting and which has a tendency to keep a production from a dull sameness.
2007 Sight & Sound Mar. 45/1 It's a difficult job for Gruffudd, who could do with a little more light and shade in the script, but at least he enjoys the support of a grandstanding ensemble of British thesps.
c. In plural. Hairdressing. Bright tints or areas of lighter colour in the hair; highlights (highlight n. 1b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > coloured > part of the hair that is coloured
highlight1890
streak1949
lights1956
lowlights1972
1956 Anderson (Indiana) Sunday Herald 14 Nov. 37/1 How can I bring out all the lights in blonde hair?
1963 ‘N. Dunn’ Up Junction 22 We go into the chemist. ‘I want a black rinse, please, with blue lights in it.’
1995 Hair Apr. 24/1 (caption) Be bold with colour... Choose a full head application or ask about high, low or slicing techniques that give reflective lights to natural colourings.
14. A consideration which provides clarification or which suggests a particular (true or false) view of a subject; (more generally) the aspect in which anything is viewed or judged. Frequently after in, and with modifying word (e.g. favourable, disadvantageous, new, etc.), and following verbs related to perception (e.g. consider, see, show), as in to show (something) in a favourable light. Cf. the literal sense 1d.See also in the light of at Phrases 5d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > mental attitude, point of view > [noun]
spectaclec1386
reckoninga1393
view1573
sect1583
prospective1603
light1610
posture1642
point of view1701
stand1819
attitude of mind1832
psychology1834
standpoint1834
perspective1841–8
position1845
viewpoint1856
angle1860
way of looking at it1861
attitudea1873
pose1892
Anschauung1895
slant1905
1610 E. Bunny Of Diuorce for Adulterie 65 There is no reason why it should be (in this light that now wee haue) of credit with any.
1690 W. Temple Ess. Gardens of Epicurus 16 in Miscellanea: 2nd Pt. Cæsar, if consider'd in all Lights, may justly challenge the first place in the Registers we have of Mankind, equal only to Himself, and surpassing all others of His Nation and His Age.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy Pref. sig. A4 I have mention'd but few Things in common with others, that are not either set in a new Light, or accompany'd with different Reflections.
1718 W. Wood Surv. Trade Ded. p. v Should we consider Your Majesty under this Light.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. v. 182 In this light it will easily appear, how much more intense the same degree of heat may prove.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 289 In what light did she strike you?
1937 J. P. Marquand Late George Apley (1940) vi. 67 You may now and then fall in with a ‘fast’ crowd; you may be subjected to temptations. My great hope is that your bringing-up will cause you to see them in a sensible light.
2016 S. Janmohamed Generation M ix. 180 The aim, according to the TV network, was to show Islam in a new light.

Phrases

P1. In phrases with verbs.
a. With to come.
(a) to come to (also †in, †on) (the) light: to be revealed, disclosed, made visible, or made known.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > be disclosed or revealed
to come to (also in, on) (the) lightOE
sutelea1000
kitheOE
unfoldc1350
disclosea1513
burst1542
to break up1584
to take vent1611
vent1622
bleed1645
emerge1664
to get (also have) vent1668
to get or take wind1668
to stand (appear) confessed1708
eclat1736
perspire1748
transpire1748
to come out1751
develop1805
unroll1807
spunk1808
effloresce1834
to come to the front1871
to show up1879
out1894
evolve1920
to come or crawl out of the woodwork1964
OE Cynewulf Elene 1122 Nu is in leoht cymen, onwrigen, wyrda bigang.
OE Crist III 1036 Sceal on leoht cuman sinra weorca wlite..ond heortan gehygd fore heofona cyning.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16742 Wha sitt iss þatt ifell doþ He shuneþþ lihht & leme. & fleþ to cumenn to þe lihht Þatt he ne wurrþe tæledd.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15892 He drogh him bak behind þe men Wald he noght cum in light.
c1451 J. Capgrave Life St. Gilbert (1910) 107 Þese tokenes..cam to þe lite of our knowlech.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xvi. 57 When thou wast in thy pryde, and before thy wickednesse came to light.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 44 Thairby it sall cum to lycht That ze ar my Disciples rycht.
1643 Declar. Commons conc. Rebellion in Ireland 57 Their devillish designes and devices are come to light, and brought to our Knowledge.
1891 Law Times 92 18/2 Another defect in the Rules of Court 1883 has come to light.
2012 Independent 17 Apr. 6/3 If he had pulled it off, the expenses scandal would never have come to light—which is why his expenses were subjected to special scrutiny.
(b) colloquial (Australian and New Zealand). to come to light with: to produce, to come up with (something, esp. money). Also without with: to pay up, fork out.
ΚΠ
1890 Gympie (Queensland) Times 10 Apr. Lumley Hill..has come to light with his usual misstatements, an unusual sympathy and a donation of £2 2s to the lads.
1917 Chrons. N.Z.E.F. 5 Sept. 28/1 We hit him up for a loan for weeks afterwards and he always came to light too.
?a1927 F. S. Anthony Follow Call (1936) vii. 83 I had to borrow £20..before I could come to light with the engagement ring.
1930 Bulletin (Sydney) 26 Feb. 57/2 ‘Will you come and help me buy the things they most need?’ Uncle Bill had come to light without a doubt.
2005 Press (Christchurch, N.Z.) (Nexis) 24 Jan. (Sport section) 2 Former Park player Carl Solomons came to light with a telling 68 from 105 balls against his old team.
b. In sense 7.
†(a) to give (also carry) light and variants: to provide explanatory information regarding a subject. Usually with to or into. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > expound, explain [verb (transitive)]
arecchec885
unloukOE
overrunOE
sutelec1000
trahtnec1000
unfolda1050
belayc1175
openc1175
onopena1200
accountc1300
undo?a1366
remenea1382
interpret1382
unwrap1387
exploitc1390
enlumine1393
declarec1400
expoundc1400
unplait?c1400
enperc1420
planea1425
clearc1440
exponec1440
to lay outc1440
to give (also carry) lightc1449
unwind1482
expose1483
reducea1500
manifest1530
explicate1531
explaina1535
unlock?1536
dilucidate1538
elucidate1538
illustrate1538
rechec1540
explicate1543
illucidate1545
enucleate1548
unsnarl1555
commonstrate1563
to lay forth1577
straighten1577
unbroid1577
untwist1577
decipherc1586
illuminate1586
enlighten1587
resolvec1592
cipher1594
eliquidate1596
to take (a person) with one1599
rivelc1600
ravel1604
unbowel1606
unmist1611
extricate1614
unbolta1616
untanglea1616
enode1623
unperplexa1631
perspicuate1634
explata1637
unravel1637
esclarea1639
clarify1642
unweave1642
detenebrate1646
dismystery1652
undecipher1654
unfork1654
unparadox1654
reflect1655
enodate1656
unmysterya1661
liquidatea1670
recognize1676
to clear upa1691
to throw sidelight on1726
to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon)1731
eclaircise1754
irradiate1864
unbraid1880
predigest1905
to get (something) straight1920
disambiguate1960
demystify1963
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 16 Ech man having to do with suche questiouns mai soone se that Holi Writt ȝeueth litil or noon liȝt therto at al.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 127 This carde should seme to giue a great light and knowledge vnto Nauigation.
c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 116 Thus I have given you what light I could into both these expressions.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 257 Can you give me no farther Light into it?
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. iv. ii. 210 Arguments..which carry Light, have their Effect, even against an Opponent who shuts his Eyes.
(b) to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon): to help to explain (something) by providing further information.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > expound, explain [verb (transitive)]
arecchec885
unloukOE
overrunOE
sutelec1000
trahtnec1000
unfolda1050
belayc1175
openc1175
onopena1200
accountc1300
undo?a1366
remenea1382
interpret1382
unwrap1387
exploitc1390
enlumine1393
declarec1400
expoundc1400
unplait?c1400
enperc1420
planea1425
clearc1440
exponec1440
to lay outc1440
to give (also carry) lightc1449
unwind1482
expose1483
reducea1500
manifest1530
explicate1531
explaina1535
unlock?1536
dilucidate1538
elucidate1538
illustrate1538
rechec1540
explicate1543
illucidate1545
enucleate1548
unsnarl1555
commonstrate1563
to lay forth1577
straighten1577
unbroid1577
untwist1577
decipherc1586
illuminate1586
enlighten1587
resolvec1592
cipher1594
eliquidate1596
to take (a person) with one1599
rivelc1600
ravel1604
unbowel1606
unmist1611
extricate1614
unbolta1616
untanglea1616
enode1623
unperplexa1631
perspicuate1634
explata1637
unravel1637
esclarea1639
clarify1642
unweave1642
detenebrate1646
dismystery1652
undecipher1654
unfork1654
unparadox1654
reflect1655
enodate1656
unmysterya1661
liquidatea1670
recognize1676
to clear upa1691
to throw sidelight on1726
to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon)1731
eclaircise1754
irradiate1864
unbraid1880
predigest1905
to get (something) straight1920
disambiguate1960
demystify1963
1731 J. Gill Doctr. Trinity iii. 84 Though they do not prove the doctrine of the Trinity, yet they cast some light upon it.
1761 Philos. Trans. 1760 (Royal Soc.) 51 770 Among the French writers, Brassard, in his Dictionaire de Musique, throws no light upon this subject, his account of the modes respecting chiefly those of much later times, which were distinguished into plagal and authentic, and with which the present question has very little concern.
1855 A. Bain Senses & Intellect Introd. ii. 36 The experimental enquiries of recent years have thrown much light upon this obscure and mysterious subject.
1860 G. J. Adler tr. C. C. Fauriel Hist. Provençal Poetry xvi. 351 It is on these antecedents that I shall first endeavor to shed some light.
1884 D. Hunter tr. E. Reuss Hist. Canon iv. 57 The various aberrations of heresy are well suited for casting some light on the history of the canon.
2013 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 23 May 46/4 Mandelbrot was invited to teach a course showing how fractal ideas could shed light on classical mathematics.
c. to bring (also †put) to light: to reveal, make known; to publish. [Compare Middle French, French mettre en lumière, †mettre à lumière (second half of the 15th cent.).]
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)]
cough1393
wrayc1425
to break a secreta1450
to tell allc1450
to bring (also put) to light1526
to let on1725
to open up1884
to come out of the closet1971
to come out1976
society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or reveal [verb (transitive)]
unwryc825
unhelec1000
to draw forthc1175
unhillc1200
to bring forth?c1225
unsteekc1250
let witc1275
uncovera1300
wraya1300
knowc1300
barea1325
shrivec1374
unwrapc1374
again-covera1382
nakena1382
outc1390
tellc1390
disclosea1393
cough1393
unhidea1400
unclosec1400
unhaspc1400
bewrayc1405
reveal1409
accusea1413
reveil1424
unlocka1425
unrekec1425
disclude?1440
uncurec1440
utter1444
detect1447
break1463
expose1483
divinec1500
revelate1514
to bring (also put) to light1526
decipher1529
rake1547
rip1549
unshadow1550
to lay to sight1563
uppen1565
unlace1567
unvisor?1571
resign1572
uncloak1574
disshroud1577
spill1577
reap1578
unrip1579
scour1585
unharboura1586
unmask1586
uncase1587
descrya1591
unclasp?1592
unrive1592
discover1594
unburden1594
untomb1594
unhusk1596
dismask1598
to open upc1600
untruss1600
divulge1602
unshale1606
unbrace1607
unveil1609
rave1610
disveil1611
unface1611
unsecret1612
unvizard1620
to open up1624
uncurtain1628
unscreen1628
unbare1630
disenvelop1632
unclothe1632
to lay forth1633
unshroud1633
unmuffle1637
midwife1638
dissecret1640
unseal1640
unmantle1643
to fetch out1644
undisguise1655
disvelop1658
decorticate1660
clash1667
exert1692
disinter1711
to up with1715
unbundlea1739
develop1741
disembosom1745
to open out1814
to let out1833
unsack1846
uncrown1849
to bring (out) in (also into) the open1861
unfrock1866
disbosom1868
to blow the lid off1928
flush1950
surface1955
to take or pull the wraps off1964
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Kiiiv Whiche illusion..as sone as it was detected & brought to lyght..anone it auoyded.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke Ded. sig. A2 It is necessary for him who shall put to light any such thing as this is, to choose such a patron [etc.].
1611 Bible (King James) Job xxviii. 11 The thing that is hid, bringeth he foorth to light . View more context for this quotation
1870 F. M. Müller Sci. Relig. (1873) 285 Everybody wished..to bring to light some of the treasures.
2006 Time Out N.Y. 7 Sept. 177/4 Sure, fistfights occur..and secrets are brought to light, but these incidents are mere pit stops rather than sentimentality fodder.
d. to see the light.
(a) To come into the world, to be born; (hence) to be brought out or published; = to see the light of day at Phrases 2c(b).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > publishing > be published [verb (intransitive)]
to come forthlOE
to come out1529
to see the light1535
appear1711
run1831
publish1928
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > be born [verb (intransitive)]
arisec950
to come forthOE
to come into (also to) the worldOE
riseOE
breedc1200
kenec1275
birtha1325
to wax forth1362
deliver?c1450
kindlec1450
seed?a1475
issuec1515
arrive1615
born1698
to see the light1752
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [phrase]
to know what's whatc1422
to know where to find a person1565
to see the light1812
to be awake to1813
to know a move or two1819
to get on to ——1880
to get the strength of1890
to be (or get) wise to1896
to get the picture1900
the penny dropped1939
to pick up1944
to get the message1959
to take on board1979
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (intransitive)]
turnc1225
converta1400
to come through1708
to get religion1772
to see the light1812
to experience religion1837
vert1888
to find religion (also Christ, God, Jesus, etc.)1957
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job iii. B O that I vtterly had no beynge, or were as a thinge borne out of tyme..ether as yonge children, which neuer sawe the light [L. non viderunt lucem].
1705 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1885) I. 10 He is resolv'd it [sc. a book] shall see ye Light.
1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 175 As soon as the helpless infant sees the light.
1895 E. Bellamy Looking Backward (rev. ed.) i. 3 I first saw the light in the city of Boston in the year 1857.
2017 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 15 July (Culture section) 12 He reckons the new album won't see the light until 2020.
(b) To reach a full understanding or realization.
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1584 Dialogue Strife our Churche To Rdr. sig. 6v Let them see the light, and be taught out of the blessed worde, that it is damnation to those that rebell againste their Prince.
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Arithm. (1690) Ded. Had not the Doctrins offended France, they had long since seen the light.
1812 Niles' Reg. 3 195/2 It is indispensably necessary that every man should ‘see the light’.
1903 N.Y. Evening Post 10 Sept. It is altogether likely that they, too, will see the light before another week has passed.
1933 H. G. Wells Shape of Things to Come iii. iv. 275 Men who saw the light and spoke were only one species of a larger genus of human beings whose minds worked differently from the common man's.
2018 Yorks. Post (Nexis) 9 May Sheffield Council's leadership has started to see the light over its contentious felling of thousands of street trees.
e. to get (also) receive light: to obtain or receive explanatory information regarding a subject. Usually with into. Now rare.
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1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 9 in Jewell House Wherby all those that be ye true infantes of Art, may receiue a full light into nature.
1658 T. Burton Diary (1828) II. 423 I have received great light from him, and hope for much more.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth Pref. sig. A6 But if he should be at a loss to know how I got such Notice of that subterranean Reservatory.., if he carefully peruse the Propositions concerning Earthquakes.., he cannot but discover at least some of the ways whereby I got light thereinto.
1796 S. Pegge Anonymiana (1809) 159 Mr. Dryden used to say, he received more light from him [sc. De la Rue] in conducting his translation than any other.
1918 Congress. Rec. 56 iii. 2543/1 Now, what is the layman to do in reference to this bill? Unless I can get some light on it I propose to vote against it myself.
1965 W. J. Dalton Christ's Proclam. to Spirits i. 26 So far, then, we have received little light on the interpretation of 1 Pet 3:19.
f. Cricket. In phrases referencing the choice given by the umpires to the batting side as to whether to continue to play when the light conditions are judged to be inadequate, as in to offer the light, to accept the light, etc.Decisions about the quality of light during a match are made with regard to the level of daylight and are not relevant to night matches played under floodlights. Since 2010 decisions about the light have been solely at the discretion of the umpires, without the involvement of the batting side.
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1930 Morning Post 16 July 11/6 Another appeal against the light was allowed, which again met with the disapproval of the spectators. It was now ten minutes to six.
1946 Derby Evening Tel. 3 Dec. 8/5 After the tea interval play was resumed for one over after appeals against the light had been rejected.
1990 Independent (Nexis) 26 June 31 One was left continually wondering..at the players' willingness to accept the light when it was offered, only to find themselves returning in conditions that looked identical.
2005 M. Vaughan & M. Hardy Calling Shots (2006) v. 42 It was at this point, when it was getting a little murky, that we were offered the light.
P2. Preceding of and complement.
a. light of one's eye(s): (applied to) a person that someone loves above all others.In Old English with the complement of light in the genitive plural.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > loved one > [noun]
darlingc888
the apple of a person's eyeeOE
lief971
light of one's eye(s)OE
lovedOE
my lifelOE
lovec1225
druta1240
chere1297
sweetc1330
popelotc1390
likinga1393
oninga1400
onlepya1400
belovedc1430
well-beloved1447
heart-rootc1460
deara1500
delicate1531
belove1534
leefkyn1540
one and only1551
fondling1580
dearing1601
precious1602
loveling1606
dotey1663
lovee1753
passion1783
mavourneen1800
dote1809
treasure1844
seraph1853
sloe1884
darlint1888
asthore1894
darl1930
OE Cynewulf Juliana 95 Ðu eart dohtor min seo dyreste ond seo sweteste in sefan minum, ange for eorþan, minra eagna leoht, Iuliana!
OE St. Euphrosyne (Julius) in W. W. Skeat Ælfric's Lives of Saints (1900) II. 346 Wa me, mine sweteste bearn, wa me, mira eagena leoht and mines lifes frofor.
1636 P. Massinger Great Duke of Florence iv. ii. sig. H2 She was the light of my eyes, and comfort of My feeble age.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 108 O my beloved! O light of mine eye.
2016 Express Tribune (Nexis) 8 May ‘She is the light of my eyes,’ the mother says.
b. the light of the world: (a) (a name for) Jesus or (occasionally) God, as the source of spiritual enlightenment; (b) the followers of Jesus as exemplars of God's nature.In quot. OE showing the equivalent phrase middenerd's light (cf. middenerd n.). [In sense (a) after John 8:12, in which Jesus applies the expression to himself; in sense (b) after Matthew 5:14, in which Jesus applies the expression to his disciples.]
ΚΠ
OE West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) v. 14 Ge synt middaneardes leoht.]
Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 4 (MED) Thei [sc. the disciples] ben clepid salt of the erthe, and aftirward the light of the world.
c1480 (a1400) Prol. 129 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 5 God..of þis warld callit þame þe lichte.
1678 E. Polhill Speculum Theologiae ii. 9 He veiled himself in our flesh, that he, who was light of light in the eternal Generation, might become the light of the World in an admirable Incarnation.
1850 Church of Eng. Mag. 5 Oct. 227/1 The children of light are ‘the light of the world’. We should scarcely have dared to say this, if Christ had not said it; for it is the very name and description of himself.
2010 Scotsman (Nexis) 27 Feb. The appearance of the pure white flower, which is the first of spring, often coincides with the festival that celebrates God as the light of the world.
c.
(a) (the) light of day: the natural light of the day, daylight.In quot. OE showing the equivalent phrase with the genitive. Cf. α. forms at daylight n.
ΚΠ
OE Regularis Concordia (Tiber.) in Englische Studien (1886) 9 296 Gif hit byþ geendod be dæges leohte [L. luce diei].., onginnan hi primsangc butan ælcere bellan cnelle, gif hit elles byþ, abidan hi dæges.]
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14195 Qua has to wenden ani wai, God es to go bi light o dai.
a1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (St. John's Cambr. E. 2) (1872) ii. §34. 43 Yif the Mone [shewe] himself by liht of day, than maistow wyrke this same conclusioun by the sonne.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 130 The appointed hour was approaching when man in his turn was to go forth into the light of day.
2015 D. A. Murphy Two Armies on Rio Grande viii. 210 Hope that the light of day would dissipate some of the gloom and rebelliousness faded quickly.
(b) to see the light of day: to come into the world, to be born; (hence) to be brought out, published, broadcast, etc.
ΚΠ
1807 D. French tr. Voltaire Henriade viii. 167 'Twas youthful Egmont, full of martial fire, Th' ambitious son of an ill-fortuned sire. In Bruxells first he saw the light of day, What time fair Belgium mourned a tyrant's sway.
1933 D. Thomas Let. Nov. (1987) 43 I first saw the light of day in a Glamorgan villa.., amid the terrors of the Welsh accent and the smoke of the tinplate stacks.
1972 N. R. Peirce Mountain States Amer. Acknowledgments 293 Without the cheery and efficient services of my typist, Merciel Dixon, the manuscript would never have seen the light of day at all.
2019 Independent (Nexis) 15 Mar. This time, off-screen distractions derailed it before these new (much better) episodes saw the light of day.
d. light of nature: the capacity given to human beings of discerning certain divine truths without the help of revelation; (also occasionally in more trivial use) a person's natural instinct or ordinary abilities. Now chiefly historical.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > intuition > [noun]
sense1555
light of nature1561
intuitiona1600
instinct1600
perception1701
persentiscency1712
sixth sense1761
Anschauung1820
intuitiveness1873
intuitivism1883
seerhood1884
third eye1921
radar1949
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. iv. f. 4v Those that chokyng the light of nature, do of purpose make them selues senselesse.
1599 Christian Let. Eng. Protestants 7 Yet you infer that the light of nature teacheth some knowledge naturall whiche is necessarie to saluation.
1630 W. Prynne God no Impostor (rev. ed.) 12 It is a greater good or happinesse then man by all the light of Art or Nature can attaine vnto.
1737 J. Barnard Call to Parents 14 The Light of Nature taught the Heathen to rear up their Family Altars.
1957 M. Nicholson Dict. Amer.-Eng. Usage 194/2 It is the pedant that begins his list with first; no one does so by the light of nature; it is an artificialism.
2013 Early Sci. & Med. 18 413 Being mediated by the light of nature, natural theology is included in natural knowledge.
e. the light of a person's life: a person's chief source of joy, happiness, or inspiration; esp. the person that someone loves above all others. Also as a term of endearment in light of my life.Sometimes as part of an extended metaphor.
ΚΠ
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Astrophel & Stella (1591) 28 Stella, the onely Plannet of my light, Light of my life, and life of my desire.
1613 D. Price Teares shed over Abner 4 in Spirituall Odours The holy Patriarch Iacob..lost Ioseph his ioy, the light of his life.
1691 E. Settle Distress'd Innocence v. 54 Light of my Life, forgive th' ill-manner'd Rudeness Of this ill-season'd Visit.
1725 tr. T.-S. Gueullette Chinese Tales I. 206 You do not answer me, adorable Light of my Life, will you be no more Mistress of your Heart?
1889 A. Beale Restitution II. xi. 182 He had been the light of his mother's life, the apple of his father's eye.
1955 V. Nabokov Lolita I. i. 13 Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.
1974 Black Perspective in Music 2 170 He..was by profession a civil engineer; but always, music was the light of his life.
2017 Canberra Times (Nexis) 10 Dec. 7 I adored her, she was the light of my life.
f. the light of a person's countenance: (in sarcastic use) a person's sanction; a person's presence, understood as giving approval to something.In allusion to the light of God's countenance (in, e.g., Psalm 4:6), used to mean ‘divine favour’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > [noun]
willOE
allowancec1400
acceptationa1425
allowing1435
approof1439
approving1523
comprobation1529
owning1535
approbation1548
good liking?1560
suffrage1563
acceptance1569
liking1569
pleasure1569
allowment1570
approvance1592
probatum1606
approvement1615
sufferage1622
the light of a person's countenance1649
reception1660
receivedness1661
imprimatur1672
approval1690
sanction1738
go-down1753
rubber stamping1920
1649 Mercurius Militaris or Peoples Scout No. 1. 6 Let Carret-nose command the Beagles at Westminster any thing to the Table-men of State, the dispatch is of undisputable nature, when once the light of his countenance hath been lifted upon it.
1890 H. Caine Bondman i. i Count Trollop was in Iceland at this celebration of the ancient festival, and he was induced by Jorgen to give it the light of his countenance.
2014 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 14 June 40 Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard were just as keen to grovel in the light of the mogul's countenance on their trips there.
P3. by this (good) light: in oaths and asseverations. Obsolete (archaic in later use).See also (by) God's light int. at god n. and int. Phrases 3b(a). Cf. 'Slight int.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > malediction > oaths > [interjection] > religious oaths (referring to God) > other religious oaths
Petera1375
by this (good) lightc1380
passionc1390
by (all) the powers!c1425
hattersa1500
(by) Gog's arms, blood, body?1520
by my halidom1533
by (the) salmon?1536
as I am a sinner1682
by the holy poker1770
by the piper!1790
so help me salmon1834
Jehoshaphat1857
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 521 (MED) Y wil noȝt, by þis liȝte.
a1425 Shrewsbury Fragm. in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 1 (MED) Ȝe lye bothe, by þis liȝt, And raues as recheles royes!
?1520 J. Rastell Nature .iiii. Element sig. Bvj Thou art a mad gest be this lyght.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. iv. 92 Come, I will haue thee, but by this light I take thee for pittie. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. ii. 143 By this good light . View more context for this quotation
a1625 J. Fletcher Noble Gentleman v. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ff3/2 Catcht by this light.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. iv. 77 By this light, Anthony, thou art mad.
P4. After of.
a. angel (also spirit) of light: an angel or spirit inhabiting Heaven.Chiefly with allusion to 2 Corinthians 11:14, in which St Paul says that the devil disguises himself as an angel.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > angel > [noun]
ghosteOE
angelOE
Son of Goda1382
saint1382
angel (also spirit) of lightc1384
watcher1535
watchman1552
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 2 Cor. xi. 14 He Sathanas transfygurith him into an aungel of lyȝt [L. angelum lucis].
a1450 (?1348) R. Rolle Form of Living (Cambr.) in Eng. Writings (1931) 91 Mare privilyer he [sc. Satan] transfigurs hym in þe forme of an awngel of lyght.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 255 Diuels soonest tempt resembling spirites of light . View more context for this quotation
1854 F. W. Faber Hark! hark! my Soul lxvii, in Oratory Hymns i Angels of Jesus! Angels of light!
2012 Catholic Hist. Rev. 98 504 Interpreters could be deceived, and Satan could present himself as an angel of light.
b. Festival (also Feast) of Lights (also with lower-case initials) [compare post-classical Latin festivitas luminum (12th cent.)] : (a name for) any of various festivals in which the lighting of lamps, candles, fireworks, etc., plays a prominent part in the celebrations; spec.: (a) the Jewish festival of Hanukkah; (b) the Hindu festival of Diwali.In quot. 1573 with reference to the Christian festival of Candlemas.
ΚΠ
1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 442 Thus sayeth Jacobus de Uoragine of the originall of your feast of lightes. That it was but a chaungeling of the Infidels, hatched of your Pope.
1590 L. Lloyd First Pt. Diall of Daies 179 The feast of Minerua which is called Ellychinum [by the Egyptians], that is the feast of lights.
1602 T. Lodge tr. Josephus Wks. xii. xi. 309 It was commaunded, that for the space of eight daies the rebuilding of the temple should be solemnized..: and euer since that time vntill this day wee celebrate this feast, called the feast of Lights [L. festiuitatem luminum; Gk. φῶτα].
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 171 The Festival of Lights which they call Ceraghan.
1788 New Lady's Mag. 3 Suppl. 671 Account of the Jews' Festival of Lights.
1850 F. P. Parlby Wanderings of Pilgrim II. xliii. 62 How I wished I could have seen Benares from the river during the Dewalī, or Festival of Lights!
1955 J. E. deYoung Village Life in Mod. Thailand 139 The Festival of Lights.—This three-day festival, which is one of the most colorful in Thailand, occurs on the full moon a month after the end of [Buddhist] Lent. Its Thai name is Loi Katong.
2015 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 6 Nov. c38 Hanukkah isn't the only festival of lights that families celebrate. The fall also brings Diwali, a South Asian holiday.
P5. After in.
a. In sense 1c.
(a) to stand in a person's light.
†(i) To obstruct or block a person's way. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > be disadvantageous [verb (intransitive)] > injure a person's interests
to stand in a person's lighta1393
the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > intercepting or cutting off of light > be intercepted or cut off [verb (intransitive)] > cut off light from a person
to stand in a person's light1856
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 920 I wolde thanne do my myht So forto stonden in here lyht.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Miller's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 210 By cause þt he fer was from hir sighte This neighe Nicholas stood in his lighte.
a1460 Knyghthode & Bataile (Pembr. Cambr. 243) l. 2143 Sende a fewe aforn, Right aftir hem, and with a myghty honde Another way on even or amorn Caste to come in and in their light to stonde.
1533 T. More 2nd Pt. Confut. Tyndals Answere viii. p. cccccxix He..laboreth sore to mynyshe as mych as he maye the credence of the catholyke chyrch both concerning ye vertuose workes whych were vsed therin, & the myracles which were dayly done therin, which two thynges he perceyued to stand sore in his lyght for the knowlege of ye catholike chyrch.
(ii) To cut a person off from his or her usual or required share of illumination.
ΚΠ
1856 C. Reade It is never too Late III. xxxii. 307 Don't stand in the poor girl's light.
1910 P. W. Joyce Eng. as we speak it in Ireland viii. 113 ‘Your father was a bad glazier’: said to a person who is standing in one's light.
2006 Toronto Star 9 Jan. e1 I peered over his shoulder to see how it was going. ‘You're standing in my light!’ he shouted.
(b) to stand in one's own light: to act in a way that is detrimental to one's own interests. Similarly (Scottish) †to sit (far) in one's own light (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > be disadvantageous [verb (intransitive)] > injure a person's interests > one's own
to stand in one's own lightc1500
to play one's cards badly1848
c1500 in R. H. Robbins Secular Lyrics 14th & 15th Cent. (1952) 111 Attempt nothyng surmountyng your myght..ffor than ye stand foule in your owne lyght.
a1600 ( W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. l. 22316 We sat ouir far into oure awin licht.
1601 A. Dent Plaine Mans Path-way to Heauen 247 They [sc. the wicked] be much theyr owne foes, and stand in their owne light.
a1637 B. Jonson Tale of Tub ii. i, in Wks. (1640) III Take a vool's Counsel, and do not stand in your own light.
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. 226 And do we not sit far in our own light, to make it a matter of bairn's play.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxix. 389 To take away the character of a lad that's been a good servant to you, because he can't afford to stand in his own light for your good.
2013 R. Rowell Eleanor & Park xxiii. 140 Girl, you need to learn a lesson about standing in your own light.
†(c) to lay something in a person's light: to bring something as an objection against a person. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (transitive)]
strivea1400
objectc1443
repugna1513
controlc1525
to lay something in a person's light1530
pass1534
take1542
to think (it) much1548
challenge?1577
except1577
except1597
to formalize upon1597
formalize1599
scruple1627
demur1827
1530 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters (new ed.) iv. ii. f. cxxiiiv He could shew a fayre law..whych lawe yf it were layed in theyre lyght that wold take vppon theym the defence of eny worshyppe to be done to ymagis, wolde make all theyr eyen dase.
1538 J. Bale Tragedye Promyses God v. 21 What tho' fearce Pharao wrought myschef in thy syght, He was a pagan, lay not that in our lyght.
b. in light: exposed to rays of light, illuminated. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > illumination > [adjective] > illuminated or lit up
lightc1300
lightedc1450
illuminate?a1475
circumfulseda1513
illustrate1526
in light1534
lighted1596
illightened1609
enlightened1640
unblown1647
luminated1652
illuminated1664
lit1783
alight1817
lit-up1835
littena1849
light-struck1923
1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede vi. f. 137 How than can it be, but that man, whether he be in darkenes: or els in lyght..shall..so ordre his workes & dedes, leste there myght be any thynge, that sholde offende and dysplease the eyes of his father, and lord, and also his iudge?
1850 Ld. Tennyson Princess (ed. 3) Concl. 173 The happy vallies half in light and half Far-shadowing from the west.
2002 Amer. Scientist Jan. 240/1 Gradients from differently reflective cubes with rounded edges placed so that one side is in light and another in shadow..generate the..Cornsweet edge.
c. in one's (also its) true light: as someone or something really is, esp. rather than how he, she, or it typically appears to be. Cf. to show one's true colours at colour n.1 Phrases 5a.
ΚΠ
1705 Boston News-let. 5–12 Nov. 2/2 Our News-Letter also, will, I hope sufficiently preserve its Reputation, if any Paragraph of it, not setting a thing in all its true light, shall in one weeks time supply all that is defective.
1794 S. Williams Nat. & Civil Hist. Vermont 373 When the war came on, the leaders of mobs, and the mobs which they created, appeared in their true light: The former sunk into contempt, and the latter were soon suppressed.
1858 Varium 120 I believe at that moment, whatever he did afterwards, he saw her in her true light, and knew her for what she was, good and bad.
1920 Bot. Gaz. 69 37 Most of the growth is strictly limited to the top at this age, but later ages show the maple in its true light as more typically a deliquescent tree.
2018 Daily Star (Nexis) 3 Mar. 36 It sounds as if you're finally seeing your..partner in his true light. Far from caring about your feelings or your limits, he's more focused on cars and meals than your mental health.
d. in the light of.
(a) In the aspect or character of, viewed as being.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adverb] > in the aspect of
in the light of1734
1734 T. Cooke in tr. Terence Comedys III. Ep. Ded. I do not address this Volume to your Lordship in the Light of a Translator..but as one who has zealously endeavoured to wipe off the Rust which the Poet has gathered in several Ages.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §163 In the light of a foremast seaman, he appeared to be quite a Genius.
1834 T. B. Macaulay Let. 10 Aug. in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. 373 I quite enjoy the thought of appearing in the light of an old hunks who knows on which side his bread is buttered.
1926 Science 19 Nov. 487 I should have to regard myself rather in the light of an obstetrician and pediatrician than in the light of a geriatrician.
2011 R. Anderson Ethics vii. 82 The invasion of Iraq in 2003..was often cast in the light of a ‘moral crusade’ against an unjust dictator.
(b) With the help afforded by knowledge of (something); in view of. Also in light of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > know [phrase] > according to one's knowledge
to a person's knowledgec1500
for all (that) —— knowsa1616
to the best of a person's knowledge1768
in the light of1870
1870 Echo 12 Nov. 1/1 Anyone who studies these reports in the light of collateral knowledge of prisons.
1907 Proc. Royal Soc. B. 79 32 In the light of these experiments it becomes extremely probable that the hidden factor—the cryptomere—comes always from the white flowered parent and not from the coloured.
1918 Art World Jan. 316/2 ‘Battleship gray’ however, in light of today's scientific camouflage is more of an advertisement than a concealer.
1997 Progressive Greetings Nov. 5/1 What steps, if any, should be taken in light of the fact that the company's assets amount to less than one half of its called up share capital.
2013 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 25 Apr. 28/4 In the light of the experiences I have just described, is the very question hopelessly naive?
†P6. false (also deceiving) lights: a (deceptive) practice in which goods for sale, especially cloths, are presented in a particular light in order to make their quality appear better. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull iv. f. ccxviiv Why doth one neighboure deceiue an other nowe in this fayre time, by false weightes or measures, by false lyghtes, by false oothes?
1620 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Phylaster v. 58 May their false lights..discouer preases, holes, staines, and oldnesse in their stuffes, and make them shop-rid.
a1632 T. Middleton & J. Webster Any Thing for Quiet Life (1662) ii. sig. C3v Though your shop wares you vent with your deceiving lights, yet your Chamber Stuff shall not pass so with me.
1652 Mercurius Democritus No. 42. 329 It makes Rafe Shop-keeper cheat and lye, false lights, false weights, false wares.
P7. With out (adverb).
a. to put out (also quench) a person's light(s): to kill a person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (intransitive)]
to shed blood?a1100
to let blood?c1225
to be (a person's) priesta1450
shortena1535
kill1535
to throw (also turn, etc.) over the perch1568
to trip (also turn, tumble, kick, etc.) up a person's heels1587
to make dice of (a person's) bones1591
to put out (also quench) a person's light(s)1599
account1848
to fix1875
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 87 But lastly, Time perhaps at last hath power To spend her [sc. the soul's] liuely powers, and quench her light.
1619 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Maides Trag. iv. sig. G4v Evad. You will not murther me. Mel. No, tis a iustice and a noble one, To put the light out of such base offenders.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 112 Quench thou his light, Destruction dark!
1866 ‘M. Twain’ Lett. from Hawaii (1967) 152 The sick Portyghee watched his chance..ate up nearly a quarter of a bar'l of bread before the old man caught him, and he had more than two notions to put his lights out.
1891 Star 10 Feb. 3/6 He had been heard to say, ‘I should like to put her light out,’ and had fired at her bed-room window.
1999 J. Boyle Hero of Underworld 185 For this kid, one pill too many, popped when the feeling was good, put out his lights—permanently.
b. colloquial. to punch (also knock, etc.) a person's lights out: to knock a person unconscious; to strike a person with great force.Cf. lights n. Phrases.
ΚΠ
1886 Sheffield & Rotherham Independent 31 Aug. 2/2 The prisoner then became violent, and said he would ‘knock his lights out, and throw him through the window’.
1966 F. Elli Riot v. 61 Don't talk parole to me. I'll punch your lights out.
1995 Washington Post (Electronic ed.) 22 Mar. a1 I'm going to knock his lights out when I see him.
2003 Guardian (Nexis) 28 June (Weekend Suppl.) 10 The constant repetition of ‘Om’ can help to induce a trance-like state—either because your brain has settled down or because your flatmate has just punched your lights out.
c. lights out: a direction that lights must be extinguished at the end of the day (originally Military and conveyed by a bugle call, subsequently in other institutions, such as schools, prisons, etc., and in extended use); (also) the time at which this comes into force. Also as a modifier, as in lights-out time.
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society > armed hostility > military organization > signals > [noun] > signal on instrument > specific signals
dian1591
alvarado1598
retreat1600
reveille1633
preparative1635
leveta1640
charge1650
gathering1653
reveil1668
chamade1684
assembly1728
rouse1789
roll-call1793
dinner call1799
taps1824
recall1825
fall-in1834
last post1845
lights out1864
post1864
assemble1883
1864 Leader (Melbourne) 26 Mar. 14/3 Lights out will be sounded at ten minutes before ten.
1868 Queen's Regulations Army §845 Between tattoo and reveille no trumpet or bugle is to be sounded,..with the exception of the call ‘lights out’.
1905 Captain 13 42/2 It's off... We aren't allowed to talk after lights-out!
1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 13 June 14 There would be no lights-out time, no check-up to ensure every man was in.
1965 G. Jackson Let. June in Soledad Brother (1971) 78 One of those tall ultrabright electrical fixtures used to illuminate the walls and surrounding area at night casts a direct beam of light in my cell at night... Consequently I have enough light, even after the usual twelve o'clock lights-out, to read or study by.
2012 Daily Tel. 3 Sept. 25/6 It was surprising to realise how typical that fondly remembered bedtime ritual was: an early supper, followed by a warm bath, reading (or being read to) for half an hour before ‘lights out’ at 7.30pm.
d. Originally U.S. to go out like a light: to lose consciousness instantly; to faint or (now usually) go to sleep; (occasionally also) to die suddenly; (in earlier use also) to lose one's vigour or determination suddenly. Similarly to pass out like a light, to be out like a light.
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the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [phrase]
in the arms of Morpheus1718
rock-a-bye, baby1805
to go out like a light1909
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > physical insensibility > unconsciousness > [adjective] > fainting or in a swoon
swownc1000
deadc1369
swoonc1450
swounding1570
deficient1608
tranced1608
sounding1621
swooning1646
fainted1847
to go out like a light1909
1909 Evening Independent (Massillon, Ohio) 21 June (Last ed.) 7/2 The visitors also went out like a light in the first of the eighth and it was right here that the locals got their two scores.
1924 Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner 15 June 8/1 Just one smell of the cork and you pass out like a light.
1930 Sandusky (Ohio) Star-Jrnl. 15 Dec. 8/3 Gee, he went out like a light, didn't he? That's the way I want to die.
1934 R. Chandler in Black Mask Oct. 15/1 Something swished and I went out like a light.
1970 Women's Househ. July 10/3 That first night he came dashing in the house, made a running leap at the couch, and was out like a light!
2004 Independent 16 Mar. i. 10/3 I didn't have that problem. I drank a bottle of very fine claret with my dinner and went out like a light.
P8. according to one's lights (also light): according to one's knowledge, standards, or abilities.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > [adverb] > according to one's capacity
according to one's lights1645
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > personal opinion > [adverb]
in my (also his, their, etc.) sense1591
in a person's regard1598
according to one's lights (also light)1645
in a person's book1934
1645 T. Weld Brief Narr. Pract. Churches New-Eng. 7 Wee have endeavoured, according to our light and time, to retranslate the Psalmes as neer the originall as wee could, into meeter.
1861 W. M. Thackeray Four Georges iii. 142 He did his best; he worked according to his lights.
1894 A. Jessopp Random Roaming iv. 145 The Rector..doing his duty according to his light as a country parson.
1991 Parl. Hist. 10 193 He served his party loyally according to his lights, though his lights were not very illuminating.
P9. lights, camera, action! and variants: used as an instruction to a film crew to begin filming (frequently in extended and allusive use, and also with playful alteration of the final word).
ΚΠ
1916 Motion Picture Classic Dec. 55/2 ‘Lights! Camera! Action!’ [cried the assistant.]
1952 Washington Post 7 June 19/2 Get into your date dress... Ready—lights—camera! Bzz-zz-zz—There's his ring. He's here!
1987 Times 4 Mar. 13/2 For £10, clients can have a 10-minute videotape which records the stylist's sleight of hand.., to play back at home. Lights, camera—scissors.
2017 Daily Mirror (Ireland ed.) (Nexis) 23 Dec. 18 Lights camera action, everyone put on a happy face... It's Christmas so shop till you drop and spend, spend, spend.
P10. British colloquial. worth a light: (usually in negative contexts) of the least value.
ΚΠ
1955 Daily Mail 10 May 7/2 Broadcasting on the B.B.C. isn't worth a light. I receive £50 for my show, and it costs me £100 to do it.
1962 L. Bruce Nothing like Blood (1985) xvi. 164 I tell you solemnly, your life wouldn't be worth a light if you stuck your neck out in the way I guess you are proposing to do.
2000 Brit. Waterskier Sept. 10/2 He was proud of each and every champion this sport has produced and made you feel like the only ‘champion in the world’ worth a light.
P11. light at the end of the tunnel: see tunnel n. 4f. New Light: see new light n. and adj. Old Light: see old light adj. and n. sweetness and light: see sweetness n. 1a(b). the lights are on but nobody's home: see nobody pron. and n. Phrases 4.

Compounds

C1.
a. As a modifier, as in light beam, light intensity, light ray, light signal, light socket, light source, light wave, etc.
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the world > matter > light > [noun] > ray or beam
beamc885
rowc1225
stringc1275
steamc1300
light beama1398
shafta1400
rayc1400
strakec1400
rade?a1563
gleed1566
radiation1570
shine1581
rayon1591
stralla1618
radius1620
rule1637
irradiation1643
track1693
emanation1700
spoke1849
spearc1850
slant1856
sword1866
secondary1921
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > [noun] > rays or waves
rayc1400
tress1423
radiation1570
hair1594
hair1606
irradiation1643
beam1664
light wave1871
OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: Matt. v. 15 Accendunt lucernam et ponunt eam..super candelabrum : bernas ðæccille uel lehtfæt & settas ða uel hia..ofer lehtisern.
OE Lambeth Psalter xvii. 29 Quoniam tu illuminas lucernam meam : forðan þe þu onlyhst leohtfætels uel leohtfæt min.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. viii. xxx. 513 A liȝt beme [L. radius] is a briȝt streme of a body of liȝt.
1845 T. Carlyle in O. Cromwell Lett. & Speeches II. 361 Straggling accidental lightbeams.
1871 J. Tyndall Fragm. Sci. (1879) II. viii. 110 Different light-waves produce different colours.
1872 Westm. Rev. July 83/1 Stars are seen in the night, and not in the day, although it is demonstrable that in both cases the difference of light intensity between them and the rest of the sky is one and the same.
1908 M. Solomon Electric Lamps ii. 9 Artificial illuminants divide themselves into two groups..according as the light source is a hot or a cold light.
1930 Morning Post 19 July 13/6 An extension of the system of light signals for road traffic.
1950 Sci. News 15 17 Light rays cannot bring about a photo-chemical change unless they are absorbed.
1960 H. Pinter Caretaker ii. 48 There used to be a wall plug..but it doesn't work. I had to fit it in the light socket.
2018 Times (Ireland ed.) (Nexis) 26 Feb. 14 The [sc. fibre optic] cables can transfer a light signal for huge distances which is why they are so important in communications technology.
b. As a modifier, with the sense ‘by means of light; by light; with light’, and with verbal nouns, agent nouns, and participles, forming compounds in which light expresses the object of the underlying verb, as in light-actuated adj., light-avoiding adj., light-bearer n., light-bringer n., light-creating adj., light-filled adj., light-gilded adj., light-giver n., light-giving adj., light-hating adj., light-maker n., light-producing adj., light-reflecting adj., light-reflective adj., light-refracting adj., light-sensing adj., etc.
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the world > matter > light > illumination > [noun] > one who or that which illuminates
lightc1325
alumerea1350
lanternc1374
lightenera1382
light-givera1382
light-makera1425
illuminera1500
illuminator1598
illuminant1644
emblazer1776
luminant18..
OE Ælfric Old Eng. Hexateuch: Gen. (Claud.) xv. 17 Ða sloh ðær mycel mist, & ferde swylce an ofen eal smociende, & leohtberende fyr [L. lampas ignis] ferde ofer ða lac.
OE Hymns (Julius A.vi) lxi. 3 in H. Gneuss Hymnar u. Hymnen im englischen Mittelalter (1968) 340 Laudabatur libens, largus, lucifluus in meritis : he wæs gehyrod lustbære cystig leohtflowend on geearnungum.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Gen. i. 16 & god made two grete liȝt ȝeuers [L. luminaria].
a1425 (c1384) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) Ezek. xxxii. 8 Y shal make alle liȝtmakers [L. luminaria] of heuen for to mourne vpon thee.
1427 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 364/2 A redy Bekyn, wheryn shall be light gevyng by nyght, to alle the Vesselx that comyn into the seid Ryver.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Siiiiv The sterre called lucifer: that is to say, the lyght berar.
1647 H. More Philos. Poems iii. App. xxxvii Light-hating ghosts.
?1695 H. Waring Court Convert 11 We must..Leave the fair Train, and the light-guilded Room.
1781 W. Cowper Truth 390 The light-creating God.
1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus ii. v. 52/2 By this fairest of Orient Light-bringers must our Friend be blandished.
1834 Young Gentleman's Bk. (ed. 3) 65 The moon is the only light-reflecting body which the earth has near it.
1841 R. Hare Let. 1 Jan. in London, Edinb. & Dublin Philos. Mag. 18 469 The Newtonian theory, which ascribes radiation to the projection of heat or light-producing particles.
1847 Brit. Q. Rev. Aug. 32 It is, indeed, conceivable, that the physical organisation of the orb [sc. Neptune] may be such, as shall give to its surface a light-reflective power very far beyond all we have experience of.
1889 E. Carpenter Civilisation 88 It [sc. modern science] takes the emerald, and breaks it up; treats of its color and light-refracting qualities.
a1924 J. Conrad Suspense (1925) iii. i. 176 Coming out of his light-filled room Cosmo found the corridors cold and dark.
1924 J. A. Thomson Sci. Old & New xxvi. 142 The Fierasfer..is a light-avoiding fish, related to the sand-eel.
1993 J. L. Hood Art of Linear Electronics i. 11/2 The wide family of light sensitive or light actuated components such as the photo diode, photo transistor, photo resistor.
2007 New Scientist 6 Jan. 38/3 At the centre of the eye, light-sensing tubes called rhabdoms absorb the incoming photons and perform the function of both rods and cones in vertebrates.
C2. Astronomy. As a modifier, designating units of length that are equal to the distance travelled by light in a vacuum in a specified amount of time, as in light minute, light second, etc.Recorded earliest in light year n. 1.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > emission of light, radiation > [noun] > speed of light > distances travelled
light second1908
light minute1925
1864 Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. 24 71 The Absolute Parallax of 21258 Lalande, 0″.2709±0″.0112 corresponding to a distance of 761000±3200 times that of the Sun = 12.01±0.50light-years.
1908 F. H. Smith Nature, Witness ii. 31 The sun is nearly..500 light-seconds from us.
1925 D. L. Thomson in J. A. Thomson Sci. & Relig. App. 254 A light-year is over five million million miles, and the sun is only eight-and-a-half light-minutes from the earth.
1931 J. W. Campbell in Amazing Stories Q. Spring 187/2 We would never be able to escape if the space control breaks down before we are at least two light hours away!
1963 Nature 18 May 651/2 If the flashes are real, either the optical source itself is of the order of light-days in size, or..it must contain substructures of this scale.
1964 Astrophysical Jrnl. 140 15 A maximum flash duration of only a few hours is possible for a region a light-month in radius.
2004 Cumberland (Maryland) Times-News 12 Sept. 4 e/2 As we leave the Earth, the first major body we encounter is the moon at a distance of about 1.28 light seconds.
C3.
light absorber n. a material or substance that absorbs light, esp. from a particular part of the electromagnetic spectrum.In quot. 1848: a phosphorescent material that absorbs and re-emits light.
ΚΠ
1848 H. Watts tr. L. Gmelin Hand-bk. Chem. I. 193 Phosphori by Irradiation, Light-absorbers, Light-magnets, are transparent or opaque, colourless or slightly coloured, but never black substances.
1875 Photogr. Times Mar. 62/2 These light-absorbers play an important rôle in the sensitiveness of the silver salt.
1981 G. H. Manaker Interior Plantscapes iii. 70 Photosynthesis requires red light, with chlorophyll, the green pigment, being the light absorber.
2008 Guardian (Nexis) 18 Sept. (Technology section) 1 Existing solar panels rely on relatively expensive silicon chips but cutting-edge research includes work on ways to concentrate light, [e.g.] applying thin films of light absorbers to flexible surfaces.
light-absorbing adj. that absorbs light; capable of absorbing light.
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1818 Q. Jrnl. Sci. & Arts Apr. 177 The possession of a good light, affords no reason for the waste of it, which constantly occurs from the dark colour, and light absorbing nature of the covers which are at present made use of for street lamps.
1967 E. Chambers Photolitho-offset vii. 85 The term density refers to the light-absorbing ability of the [silver] layer.
2010 New Scientist 19 June 22/2 The difference in the dark laser is that one of the mirrors has a light-absorbing coating.
light-absorptive adj. that absorbs light; capable of absorbing light.
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1890 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 139 261 The light absorptive power of the vapor is proportional to the amount of vapor traversed.
1963 R. R. A. Higham Handbk. Papermaking viii. 210 Opacity is dependent on the number of light-absorptive or -reflective fibre surfaces in a sheet.
2011 C. J. Chamness in T. R. Tams & C. A. Rawlings Small Animal Endoscopy (ed. 3) i. 10/2 Illumination is limited when these scopes are used in larger, more light-absorptive cavities (e.g., thorax and abdomen).
light adaptation n. (a) the process by which the eye adapts to an increased level of light, which involves constriction of the pupil and reduction of the sensitivity of the cones of the retina; the condition of being adapted to such light; cf. dark adaptation n. at dark n. Compounds; (b) (more generally) any of various other physiological changes that occur in a living organism in response to increased light.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [noun] > light adaptation
adaptation1839
light adaptation1897
photopia1915
1897 Proc. Royal Soc. 61 50 In the following experiment the eye was in the condition of light adaptation for strong stimuli.
1962 H. C. Weston Sight, Light & Work (ed. 2) i. 8 Thus, after full light-adaptation, complete dark-adaptation may require about an hour.
1964 Oceanogr. & Marine Biol. 2 352 Prolonged laboratory culture, starvation, and light- or dark-adaptation had relatively little effect on luminescent ability [of a copepod].
1994 R. H. Kendrick & G. H. M. Kronenberg Photomorphogenesis in Plants (ed. 2) ix. 635 We are still at the early stages of understanding the mechanisms of such light adaptation, which may involve changes in photoreceptor gene expression.
2018 Sun (Nexis) 9 Feb. 29 The rare condition causes the loss of central vision, as well as blind spots, blurriness and light adaptation issues.
light-adapted adj. that has undergone light adaptation; of or relating to light adaptation; cf. dark-adapted adj. at dark n. Compounds.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [adjective] > light-adaptation
light-adapted1897
1897 Jrnl. Physiol. 21 135 In the light adapted eye the results obtained are somewhat different from the above.
1974 V. B. Mountcastle Med. Physiol. (ed. 13) I. iv. xv. 465/2 The scotopic and photopic luminosity functions are obtained under dark-adapted and light-adapted conditions.
2016 Express Online (Nexis) 11 July The right, light-adapted eye is perceived to be blind until it readjusts to the darkness.
light ball n. Military (now historical) a combustible projectile fired from a mortar at night, to illuminate the activities of the enemy.
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society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > missile > ammunition for firearms > [noun] > bullet or shell > shell > other types of shell
carcass1684
light ball1729
anchor ball1779
shrapnel1810
hollow shot1862
segment-shell1862
blind-shell1864
ring-shot1868
star shell1876
ring-shell1879
pipsqueak1900
Black Maria1914
coal box1914
crump1914
Jack Johnson1914
Archie1915
Little Willie1915
whizz-bang1915
woolly bear1915
fizzbang1916
five-ninea1918
ashcan1918
cream puff1918
sea-bag1918
pudding1919
G.I. can1929
flechette1961
1729 G. Shelvocke, Jr. tr. K. Siemienowicz Great Art Artillery iv. 285 These Light Balls may be so contrived as to be of a Mortal Nature, and by that means serve in a double Capacity, of dispersing Darkness, and destroying the Enemy.
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) 86 Light balls burn from 10 to 20 minutes.
2012 Internat. Jrnl. Hist. Archaeol. 16 186 Light balls.., which would not have stored well, may have been better made up as needed.
light bar n. originally North American a bar or strip of (often flashing or coloured) electric lights; esp. (a) one on the roof of a police car or other emergency vehicle, used (often in conjunction with a siren) when responding urgently to an incident; (b) one used for the lighting at a performance, venue, etc.
ΚΠ
1969 Salem (Ohio) News 13 June (Home ed.) 12/2 Light bar mounted on roof with 2 lights & siren.
1971 Field & Stream Apr. 44/1 A trailer light bar..carries all the legally required tail, stop, and directional lights... Make the light bar easily detachable.
1974 Billboard 2 Nov. ss16/3 The portable..features pre-set controls for intensities and rates of change: complete with light bar in the package.
1998 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 3 Apr. A dance floor awash in color from a light bar suspended overhead.
2003 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 9 Nov. viii. 9/2 Two more patrol cars pull up, light bars aglow.
light boat n. a vessel bearing a light or lights, esp. one moored in a fixed position to indicate a hazardous point at sea and to aid navigation; = lightship n.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessels with other specific uses > [noun] > lightship
lightship?1692
light vessel1788
floating light1793
light boat1796
float-light1819
pumpkin seed1884
1796 Lloyd's Evening Post 27–30 May 546/1 Capt. Orde.., in passing Cromer Light-Boat was informed by the crew of the brig..that they were chaced by a French privateer.
1858 I. S. Homans & I. S. Homans Cycl. Commerce & Commerc. Navigation 1237 Light-Boats and their Accessories.
2013 S. Segi in R. Ono et al. Prehistoric Marine Resource Use xi. 199 Having their subordinating light boats illuminate the sea surface to aggregate the fish.., ring-netters catch a large quantity of fish in one swoop.
light-bolt n. now poetic and rare a thunderbolt; also figurative.
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the world > matter > light > naturally occurring light > [noun] > lightning > bead or forked lightning > flash of
laitc900
slaughta1300
levinc1300
fire-slaughta1400
flaughta1400
thunderboltc1440
fudder1513
fire-flaughta1522
flag of firea1522
bolt1535
strokea1542
lightning bolta1560
lightning1560
fire-bolt?1562
fulgur1563
fulmen1563
thunder-thump1563
light-bolt1582
fire-flash1586
blaze1590
flake1590
clap1591
blastc1665
glade1744
streak1781
thunder-ball1820
leader stroke1934
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > bad weather > thunder and lightning > [noun] > lightning > stroke of > thunderbolt
fudderc1429
thunderboltc1440
bolt1535
fire-bolt?1562
fulmen1563
light-bolt1582
thunder-ball1820
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iii. 50 Thundring lightbolts from torneclowds fyrye be flasshing.
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (Rev. xii. 8) Whatsoever the pope with his bulls, or the emperor with his light-bolts, did to hinder it, still the gospel ran and was glorified.
2003 D. Paterson Landing Light 75 Finding Not the half-expected ricochet Of the light-bolt, but its blazing diagram.
light bucket n. Astronomy (colloquial) a reflecting telescope with a relatively large aperture, regarded as a device for collecting and focusing low-intensity radiation.
ΚΠ
1952 Science 29 Feb. 225/2 The telescopes should be reflectors (because of their perfect achromatism) and should be of the ‘light-bucket’ type.
1970 Nature 7 Feb. 492/2 Infrared telescopes, more properly called flux collectors—light buckets in the language of astronomy—are cheap compared with similar equipment for the visible spectrum.
2016 Altoona (Pa.) Mirror 27 Nov. d6/3 You'll need a larger light bucket—4 inches or more in diameter—to see fainter star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
light buoy n. a buoy equipped with a warning light, esp. one which flashes intermittently, intended to aid navigation.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > buoy > other types of buoy
can-buoy1626
mast-buoy1675
nun buoy1703
breakwater1769
under-buoy1793
light buoy1822
bell-buoy1838
spar-buoy1860
gas buoy1865
whistling buoy1880
puppy1890
singing-buoy1894
gas float1895
1822 Calcutta Jrnl. 21 Oct. 688/2 The Brig Ceneus passed a large Indiamen with Troops, at anchor a little below the Floating Light Buoy.
1930 W. de la Mare Desert Islands 19 Light-ship or beacon or winking light-buoy rocked in the cradle of the deep.
2018 Scottish Daily Mail (Nexis) 30 Aug. 17 I remember high drama aboard the Harris ferry when she..retrieved a drifting light buoy. The shaken master..thought it might be a mine.
light button n. a knob or disc which, when pressed, turns an electric light on or off.Quot. 1893 probably shows a compound of electric light.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > electric light > [noun] > parts of
light fixture1888
dimmer switch1896
lamp-cap1899
flasher1909
light switch1912
bayonet cap1914
light button1928
light cord1930
coiled coil1935
minuterie1955
wallwasher1966
1893 Times (Philadelphia) 18 June 21/4 I at once saw my mistake and corrected it by turning the electric light button.]
1928 D. Hammett Dain Curse in Black Mask Dec. 50/1 [My] hand..touched the light button. I had enough sense to push it. The light scorched my eyes.
2015 Gold Coast Bull. (Austral.) (Nexis) 5 Sept. 6 I reached over to finally call for a nurse... I'd accidentally hit the light button instead of the call button.
light-catching adj. that catches or reflects the light (see catch v. 24); sparkling, glittering.
ΚΠ
1831 H. Coleridge in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Mar. 510/1 The waved and watered, glossy, light-catching, ever-varying hues of the silken bales.
1943 Pop. Mech. Nov. 56/2 Chromite..is black, and filled with glittering, light-catching crystals.
2018 Daily News (Los Angeles) (Nexis) 20 Apr. c3 Light-catching sequins were seen on skirts, lingerie-style outfits and even a full-length white coat.
light change n. Astronomy a change in the amount of light received from a celestial object, esp. as part of the cycle of variation shown by a variable star.
ΚΠ
1867 J. Ennis Origin of Stars viii. 116 Our earth was then a periodic star, with a regular period and a constant routine of light changes.
1902 Chambers's Jrnl. Feb. 68/2 An examination of these light-changes indicates that the star is a twin system.
2006 M. A. Seeds Found. Astron. (ed. 9) xiv. 328/1 By analyzing the light change, astronomers can determine the shape of the B star.
light check n. Theatre (now rare) the dimming or alteration of stage lighting.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > the staging of a theatrical production > [noun] > operation of lights
light check1933
fade-out1936
fade-in1959
1933 P. Godfrey Back-stage i. 18 ‘Light checks’ are any alterations to the opening lighting of the scene.
1952 W. Granville Dict. Theatr. Terms 110 Light check, a dimming of lights.
light cone n. Physics [after German Lichtkegel (1918 or earlier in this sense)] (in special and general relativity) a surface in space-time, represented as a cone in three dimensions, comprising all the points from which a light signal would reach a given point (the apex of the cone) simultaneously.A light cone is a three-dimensional representation of the propagation of light in four dimensions. The two horizontal axes give spatial dimensions and the vertical axis represents time.
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the world > matter > physics > relativity > space-time > [noun] > conical surface
light cone1921
null cone1925
1921 Nature 17 Feb. 801/1 There exists an infinitesimal ‘light-cone’ (Lichtkegel) at every position P in the world, which separates past and future in the immediate vicinity of the point P.
1964 A. O. Barut Electrodynamics i. 8 All time-like vectors are inside the light cone and the space-like ones are outside.
2015 P. S. Joshi Story Collapsing Stars ii. 22 Because the velocity of light is taken now as the universal maximum, any event can influence future events only in a ‘cone of influence,’ which is called its future light cone.
light cord n. a hanging cord (usually connected to a ceiling fixture) which operates an electric light when pulled.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > electric light > [noun] > parts of
light fixture1888
dimmer switch1896
lamp-cap1899
flasher1909
light switch1912
bayonet cap1914
light button1928
light cord1930
coiled coil1935
minuterie1955
wallwasher1966
1930 Jefferson City (Missouri) Post-Tribune 12 Aug. (Final ed.) 1/5 He reached to pull the light cord.
1972 E. Page Family & Friends viii. 124 He pulled at the light cord, glanced at the clock.
2004 Philadelphia Feb. 124/3 Miles got him to replace the light cord in one of his hallway closets.
light cure n. now historical and rare exposure of a patient to artificial (esp. ultraviolet) or natural light as a means of medical treatment; an instance of this; cf. light therapy n.
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the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by light > [noun]
light cure1892
phototherapy1899
light therapy1900
actinotherapy1901
phototherapeutics1901
actinotherapeutics1909
sunray1921
photocoagulation1958
photochemotherapy1974
1892 Lightning 24 Nov. 329/1 That authority has got hold of the above-mentioned ‘light cures’ for lumbago, rheumatism, etc., effected by means of a small incandescent lamp and a reflector.
1901 Chambers's Jrnl. Dec. 844/2 Hospitals..have already obtained apparatus for the light-cure of lupus.
1934 M. Quennell & C. H. B. Quennell Hist. Everyday Things in Eng. IV. vi. 167 Sun-bathing, light cures and much healthier dress are all helping, so year by year the light brightens and the public health is improved.
1941 Le Nord 4 160 The famous discoverer of the light cure Niels Finsen, the Nobel prize taker.
light curve n. Astronomy a graph showing the variation in the light received over a period of time from a variable star or other varying celestial object.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > degree of intensity > measurement of
photometry1807
light curve1857
flicker photometry1897
spectrophotometry1899
photometering1917
1857 Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. 17 201 It is hardly necessary to suggest how highly desirable a comparison of the light-curves obtained by independent observers, with different-sized telescopes, would prove.
1968 Project Icarus (Mass. Inst. Technol.) i. 7 The rate of rotation of an asteroid and the axis of its rotation can be found approximately by careful analysis of the shape and variation of its light curve.
2015 MailOnline (Nexis) 10 Dec. (Science section) KIC 8462852 has puzzled astronomers because it shows irregular dimming unlike anything seen for another star. The anomalous light curve was measured using Nasa's Kepler telescope.
light demander n. a plant, esp. a tree, that requires a relatively high light intensity to thrive.
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the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by habit > tree or woody plant > characterized by habitat > [noun] > that needs light
light demander1891
1891 W. Schlich Man. Forestry II. iv. 306 As regards light-requirement it [sc. the Weymouth Pine] stands half-way between light-demanders and shade-bearers.
1966 Times 21 Apr. 16/6 Some trees are such emphatic light-demanders..that they will not thrive if there is any overhead shade.
2011 K. Kitajima & L. Poorter in W. P. Carson & S. Schnitzer Trop. Forest Community Ecol. (Electronic ed.) x It [sc. Syzygium gardneri] therefore switches from a light demander as a seedling to a shade tolerant as a sapling.
light-demanding adj. designating a plant, esp. a tree, that requires a relatively high light intensity to thrive.
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the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by habit > tree or woody plant > characterized by habitat > [adjective] > that needs light
light-demanding1883
1883 Indian Forester Feb. 61 All trees, even the most shade-bearing, require light for their existence, and are, therefore, more or less ‘light-demanding’.
1952 H. L. Edlin Forester's Handbk. viii. 113 Trees described as light-demanding will only succeed if grown in the open.
2000 A. J. Whitten et al. Ecol. Sumatra (new ed.) vii. 197 Beneath a mature forest there are clearly no seedlings of light-demanding species.
light detector n. a device, component, or substance that responds to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, esp. by producing an electrical signal; = light sensor n.
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1913 Nature 3 July 471/1 It is shown that selenium is the most efficient light detector known, that it is capable of discriminating minute differences of luminous intensity far beyond the capacity of the eye.
1918 Electr. Rev. 22 Feb. 184/2 (heading) A light detector for the blind.
1987 New Scientist 12 Mar. 60/2 If the telescope is feeding a sensitive electronic light-detector, the detector will be permanently damaged.
2016 Targeted News Service (Nexis) 2 Mar. Their camera will record the light as it passes through a series of transparent light detectors.
light due n. a toll levied on ships for the maintenance of lights in lighthouses and lightships; = light duty n.1
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society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > shipping dues > [noun]
lastinglOE
lastage1205
anchorage1405
strandage1419
plankage1424
quayage1440
lowage1457
measurage1460
perch money1466
perching1483
keel-toll?1499
wharf-gelt1505
sand-gelt1527
wharfage1535
soundage1562
towage1562
groundage1567
bankage1587
rowage1589
shore-silver1589
pilotage1591
dayage1592
ballastage1594
rivage1598
pieragec1599
shore-mail1603
lightage1606
shorage1611
port charge1638
light money1663
port due1663
water-bailage1669
mensuragea1676
mooragea1676
keelage1679
shore-due1692
harbour-due1718
lockage1722
magazinage1736
jettage?1737
light duty1752
tide-duty1769
port duty1776
dockage1788
light due1793
canalage1812
posting-dues1838
warpage1863
winch1864
postage1868
flag-dues1892
berthage1893
shore-levy-
1793 Rep. Secretary of State on Commerce U.S. 10 Our vessels pay in their ports 1s9 sterling per ton, light and trinity dues.
1839 Penny Cycl. XIII. 479/1 Light-dues are collected..upon ships frequenting our ports.
2009 Daily Tel. 14 Jan. 21/4 If lighthouses are to be retained, then all lighthouse users need to be charged light dues.
light-fast adj. (of a dye, pigment, etc.) resistant to fading or discoloration by light.
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the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [adjective] > light-fast
light-fast1904
1904 Sci. Amer. Suppl. 24 Dec. 24230/3 The pictures are not, of course, absolutely permanent in light, although comparatively fast dyes may be used... The least light-fast is the blue, which nevertheless exceeds in permanence the well-known ferrotype blue-prints.
1909 W. A. Noyes Textbk. Org. Chem. (ed. 2) xxi. 482 Dyes are distinguished as ‘wash-fast,’ ‘soap-fast,’ ‘alkali-fast,’ and ‘light-fast.’ Dyes which fade rapidly on exposure to the sunlight are called ‘fugitive’.
1971 Jrnl. Oil & Colour Chemists' Assoc. 54 847 Bright red paints based on cadmium sulpho-selenide pigments, which are highly light-fast.
2014 Cycle Sport Apr. 88/2 It would have been much bluer when it was new, because the blue and red dyes used in this process weren't as light-fast as other colours.
light-fastness n. resistance to fading or discoloration by light.
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the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [noun] > light-fastness
light-fastness1899
1899 Textile World Jan. 92/1 Its washing and light fastness is also very satisfactory.
1959 B.S.I. News June 4/1 The colour, colour-strength, transparency and light-fastness of these inks in terms of comparison with master standard inks.
2017 telegraph.co.uk (Nexis) 7 June (Property section) Check the lightfastness of fabrics..or stick to a neutral base and add colour and pattern with cushions that you'd be happy to replace.
† lightfat n. [compare fat n.1] Obsolete a lamp.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun] > lamp
lightfatOE
lampc1200
lucernec1450
pharos1759
lite1924
OE West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) v. 35 He wæs byrnende leohtfæt & lyhtende [L. lucerna ardens et lucens].
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Vitell.) (1984) lxvi. 108 Heo [sc. the peony] on nihte scineð swa leohtfæt [?a1200 Harl. 6258B leohtfæt] & eac hyre corn beoð gelice coccele.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 13399 Þurrh filippe onn ennglissh iss Lihhtfattess muþ bitacnedd.
light filter n. a filter that modifies the intensity, spectrum, or polarization of the light passing through it; cf. colour filter n. at colour n.1 Compounds 4.
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society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > camera > parts and accessories of camera > [noun] > lens > filters
filter1874
light filter1874
colour screen1884
colour filter1891
mosaic screen1908
mosaic1911
sky filter1915
polarizer1935
polarizing filter1939
skylight filter1950
1874 Brit. Jrnl. Photogr. 7 Aug. 375/2 The other two kinds of light filters he uses require to be worked with full, or almost full, apertures.
1965 L. Larmore Introd. Photogr. Princ. (ed. 2) vii. 76 Since the invention of sheet polarizing material, its use as a light filter has found wide application to photography.
2001 R. Hall & D. J. Shayler Rocket Men (2002) 206 When he tried to observe the Earth and the Sun's corona using special light filters, he was unable to see the corona.
light fitting n. chiefly British and Irish English a part of or fitting for a light; esp. that part which is fixed to a ceiling or wall, into which a bulb is fitted; (also) a complete lighting unit, including a bulb or bulbs; cf. light fixture n.Compare earlier examples, such as quots. 1857 and 1882, in which gas light or electric light modify fitting.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > electric light > [noun] > fixture for
lighting fixture1876
pendant fitting1901
light fitting1928
screw-in1969
1857 Era 24 May 1/2 (advt.) Theatrical property for sale... A small panorama..contains gas-light fittings, &c.
1882 Scotsman 26 Dec. 6/5 Electric light fittings are in more request now than since their introduction.]
1928 Pop. Sci. Monthly Sept. 98/3 The light fittings [for a combination electric light and triple stand] may be secured of any electrical supply company.
1946 Times 7 Nov. 10/5 (advt.) Modern house..complete with fitted carpets, curtains, light fittings, &c.
1993 Collins Compl. DIY Man. (new ed.) vii. 333/2 The pendant light is probably the most common light fitting. It comprises a lamp-holder with bulb, usually with some kind of shade.
2018 Irish Times (Nexis) 22 Mar. 10 Curtains, blinds, light fittings and integrated items are included in the sale.
light fixture n. a fitting for a light bulb, esp. one fixed to a ceiling or wall.Quot. 1883 probably shows a compound of electric light.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > electric light > [noun] > parts of
light fixture1888
dimmer switch1896
lamp-cap1899
flasher1909
light switch1912
bayonet cap1914
light button1928
light cord1930
coiled coil1935
minuterie1955
wallwasher1966
1883 Sci. Amer. 28 Apr. 267/4 Electric light fixtures.]
1888 Decorator & Furnisher Sept. 196/2 The capital of this column in harmony with the light fixtures is finished in antique silver with jewels.
2009 New Yorker 7 Dec. 22/2 The long room encompasses a sizable bar area, with vertiginously high stools, stainless-steel light fixtures, and exposed pipes.
light fog n. Photography obscuring of a photographic image due to exposure of the film to extraneous light; an instance of this.
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society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > a photograph > qualities and effects > [noun] > indistinctness
veil1853
fogging1854
fog1856
halation1859
veiling1864
red fog1873
light fog1880
fuzz1889
soft focus1919
graininess1921
irradiation1924
unsharpness1961
1880 Brit. Jrnl. Photogr. 19 Mar. 133/1 A distinction has been lately created between ‘light’ fog and ‘chemical’ fog.
1915 Photo-Era 35 170/1 Plate and films must be loaded..with the utmost care to avoid light-fog.
1985 Cruising World Nov. 99/1 A lens hood aids in overcoming stray light that can veil your picture with a light fog.
2005 M. J. Rosen & D.DeVries Photogr. & Digital Imaging (rev. ed.) ii. 88/1 The packaging of modern film provides excellent protection from light, and with reasonable care all danger of light fog can be eliminated.
light-gathering adj. relating to or designating the ability (of a telescope, binoculars, or other optical device) to gather light.
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1868 Daily News 22 Sept. 5/2 For the latter purpose [sc. examining the stellar motions]..an instrument of enormous light-gathering power will be required.
1958 Brit. Birds Feb. (rear cover) (advt.) The Meopta 12 × 60 has the rare combination of high magnification and brilliant light-gathering power even at night and under bad climatic conditions. The superb optical performance is an outstanding achievement in binocular construction.
2016 Sedalia (Missouri) Democrat 22 Sept. (Hunting & Fishing Suppl.) 4/2 Because of its light-gathering qualities, a good scope is a distinct advantage in dim light.
light grasp n. Astronomy the amount of light that can enter a telescope, binoculars, or other optical device at any instant; light-gathering power.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > instrument for distant vision > [noun] > telescope > astronomical telescopes > qualities of
light grasp1869
1869 T. H. Buffham Let. 11 June in Astron. Reg. Aug. 185 I am unable to understand that a certain example of defining power on mere angular subtension is the gauge with which to judge another optical power usually held to be quite distinct from the former, and sometimes designated ‘light-grasp’.
1961 Listener 7 Sept. 353/3 For televising relatively faint objects, such as planets, it is necessary to use a powerful telescope with considerable light-grasp.
2002 P. Moore & J. Watson Astron. with Budget Telescope ii. 8 One of the most important factors is a telescope's light grasp, for it is this that determines how faint an object you can see.
light-grasping adj. designating or relating to the ability of a telescope, binoculars, or other optical device to collect light; (also) designating an optical device that collects light; = light-gathering adj.
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1844 W. H. Smyth Cycle Celestial Objects II. 131 My own telescope showed it [sc. the trapezium in the great nebula in Orion] to very great advantage, but it is here where the light-grasping quality of reflectors is brought advantageously to bear.
1889 Tablet 2 Nov. 688 The most powerful light-grasping instruments as yet used.
2005 B. Slater Astronomer of Rousdon 31 In spite of the great size and weight of the telescope Charles was impressed with its manoeuvrability and even more with its light-grasping power.
light guide n. a cylinder or strip of (typically transparent) material along which visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light can travel with little energy loss by means of total internal reflection; a bundle of such cylinders or strips.
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the world > matter > light > reflection > [noun] > objects or substances that reflect light > device using total internal reflection
light guide1947
1947 Instruments (Chilton Co.) June 533/3 Masking tape (not shown) is wrapped around the upright section of each light guide to eliminate stray light interference.
1972 Science 9 June 1128/1 Luminescence was detected through a fiber-optic light guide.
2005 Sci. Amer. (U.K. ed.) Aug. 11/2 ‘We've already developed the other necessary components of such a system,’ including..light guides and photodetectors.
light gun n. a hand-held device resembling a gun which emits or detects light; spec. (a) such a device used as a controller in video games; (b) a photosensitive device held to a screen to read displayed information and pass it to a computer (now chiefly historical); cf. light pen n.
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society > computing and information technology > hardware > peripherals > [noun] > light-pen
light gun1937
light pen1957
1937 U.S. Patent 2,070,529 1/1 Another object is to provide a new and improved form of light gun for projecting a flash of light upon a target.
1954 Electr. Engin. (U.S.) Feb. 184/1 (caption) Traffic operator mans the VOLSCAN light gun at the console in the control room.
1970 O. Dopping Computers & Data Processing xi. 179 An extension of the CRT terminal is the light pen, or light gun, which can be used for identifying details in the picture displayed by the computer and even for making sketches which the computer can record.
1972 Computers & Humanities 7 5 With the use of a light gun the linguist can select from alternative expansions in phrase structure trees.
1981 Airman June 10/2 It might also have a radio-homing device and light-gun for visually signaling aircraft.
2016 Daily Mirror (N. Ireland ed.) (Nexis) 14 Oct. (Beat Suppl.) 9 It's not the best lightgun game of all time in terms of variety or gunplay tactics.
light-harvesting adj. and n. (a) adj. that absorbs light and uses it as an energy source for biochemical or physico-chemical reactions, esp. in photosynthesis; of, relating to or involved in such a process; (b) n. the process of absorbing light and using it in this way.
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1963 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 50 586 P870 and light-reacting Cyt are present, in chromatophores, at equal concentrations, and both survive treatments that destroy all of the light-harvesting BChl [= bacteriochlorophyll].
1982 M. J. Dring Biol. Marine Plants iii. 49 The light-harvesting complexes of red and blue-green algae consist entirely of phycobilin-protein complexes.
1992 Discover Feb. 20/3 They're not practical for large-scale light-harvesting.
2015 Nature 15 Oct. 296/1 Light-harvesting ‘sensitizers’ in solar cells are typically made of rare elements.
2021 J. E. Duffy Ocean Ecol. v. 119/1 The diverse algal lineages that make up the assemblages also differ in the biochemistry and cellular apparatus of light harvesting.
light head n. the top portion of a light or framed division within a window; cf. sense 9.
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1835 R. Willis Remarks Archit. Middle Ages 197 The characteristic of the Italian Gothic is a string of shallow small dentils..bordering the small arches of the light-heads.
2000 Sc. Archaeological Jrnl. 22 141 The east gable wall contains a large three-light window with tracery in which the light heads touch the window arch.
light keeper n. a person who is in charge of the light in a lighthouse or lightship.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > object on land or sea as guide > light beacon or lighthouse > lighthouse-keeper
lighthouse keeper1738
light keeper1750
lighthouse man1889
lightman1889
1750 R. Heath Nat. & Hist. Acct. Scilly 87 There is nothing particular..different from the rest of the Islands.., except the Light-Keeper's Habitation and Employment.
2006 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 20 Jan. 34/1 They plan to refurbish its Heritage-listed lighthouse and convert the lightkeeper's dwellings into upmarket accommodation.
light-loving adj. (of an organism) that is attracted to or tends to move towards a source of light; that thrives in regions of relatively high light intensity; cf. photophilic adj.
ΚΠ
1814 J. H. Reynolds Safie 15 The light-loving insect dares To court the flame that only glares To lure its heedless fluttering.
?1843 C. A. Johns Bot. Rambles i. 9 The Daisy, or, as I suppose, it was originally written, the day's eye, received its name from its being a bright, cheerful, light-loving flower.
1961 A. S. Leopold Desert iii. 53 When a forest is destroyed by cutting or burning, new light-loving species..spring up.
2012 Scuba Apr. 25/1 With a diet of light-loving seaweed, sea hares are generally only found in very shallow water.
light meter n. a device for measuring the intensity of light; esp. one that shows the correct exposure when taking a photograph (cf. exposure meter n. at exposure n. 1e).
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > intensity of light, luminosity > [noun] > degree of intensity > instrument
photometer1779
photoscope1872
spectrophotometer1881
light meter1889
Hefner1891
illuminometer1895
luxmeter1910
lumeter1911
telephotometer1915
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > camera > parts and accessories of camera > [noun] > meters
photographometer1848
heliograph1851
actinometer1866
sensitometer1880
light meter1889
exposure meter1891
iconometer1894
extinction meter1931
1889 Year-bk. Photogr. & Photogr. News Almanac 1890 135 Few will be disposed to question the superiority of the actinometer or chemical light-meter over the photometer.
1921 Gas Jrnl. 23 Nov. 563/2 Mr. Haydn T. Harrison next interested the members with a description of the ‘Benjamin’ Lightmeter, which is a simple portable apparatus to measure illumination, and enable one to give intelligent and expert advice on factory lighting.
1973 A. Broinowski Take One Ambassador xiii. 211 Peering at the light-meter reading on his Asahi Pentax.
2017 Independent (Nexis) 8 Feb. 41 To take their shots, they explored the area on bike armed with a camera and a light meter.
light microscope n. a microscope that uses visible light (as contrasted with an electron microscope, X-ray microscope, etc.).
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > magnification or magnifying instruments > [noun] > microscope > other microscopes
lucernal microscope1743
gas microscope1833
oxyhydrogen microscope1839
binocular1871
orthostereoscope1892
pseudostereoscope1892
ultramicroscope1906
acoustic microscope1910
hodoscope1915
optical microscope1928
light microscope1934
comparison microscope1940
phase microscope1946
stereomicroscope1962
1934 Sci. News Let. 19 May 309/2 The situation is then that the ultimate limit of resolving power for an electron microscope is about a thousand times higher than for a light microscope.
1941 Ann. Reg. 1940 345 An electron microscope with about twenty times the resolving power of the best light microscope with oil immersion.
2009 W. G. Hopkins & N. P. A. Hüner Introd. Plant Physiol. (ed. 4) xvii. 292/2 The chromosomes are fully extended and uncoiled and are not visible with a light microscope.
light money n. now historical a toll levied on ships for the maintenance of lights in lighthouses and lightships; = light due n., light duty n.1
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society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > shipping dues > [noun]
lastinglOE
lastage1205
anchorage1405
strandage1419
plankage1424
quayage1440
lowage1457
measurage1460
perch money1466
perching1483
keel-toll?1499
wharf-gelt1505
sand-gelt1527
wharfage1535
soundage1562
towage1562
groundage1567
bankage1587
rowage1589
shore-silver1589
pilotage1591
dayage1592
ballastage1594
rivage1598
pieragec1599
shore-mail1603
lightage1606
shorage1611
port charge1638
light money1663
port due1663
water-bailage1669
mensuragea1676
mooragea1676
keelage1679
shore-due1692
harbour-due1718
lockage1722
magazinage1736
jettage?1737
light duty1752
tide-duty1769
port duty1776
dockage1788
light due1793
canalage1812
posting-dues1838
warpage1863
winch1864
postage1868
flag-dues1892
berthage1893
shore-levy-
1663 T. Allin Jrnl. 31 Aug. (1939) (modernized text) I. 126 A great Amsterdamer came in and paid £7 10s. light money out and home for 300 tons.
1886 E. Schuyler Amer. Diplom. 308 Apart from the Sound dues themselves, there were charges of light-money, pass-money, etc., which caused a delay at Elsinore.
2010 Buildings & Landscapes 17 18/2 The inextricable connection between customs duties—i.e., ‘light money’—and lighthouses.
light organ n. Zoology a structure in a luminescent animal that emits light.
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the world > animals > animal body > general parts > [noun] > organ emitting light
light organ1866
photogen1896
photophore1898
1866 Pop. Sci. Rev. 5 317 The persistent irritability of the light-organ, and its power of continuous luminosity, are astonishing.
1969 R. F. Chapman Insects vi. 86 In most beetles the light organs are relatively compact.
2010 Observer 16 May (New Review section) 23 Females have huge teeth and a light organ on a stalk between their eyes.
light pen n. a photosensitive device resembling a pen, held to a screen to read and edit displayed information and pass it to a computer (now chiefly historical); (also) a similar device, which additionally emits a beam of light, used to read bar codes.
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society > computing and information technology > hardware > peripherals > [noun] > light-pen
light gun1937
light pen1957
1957 Proc. IRE-AIEE-ACM Western Joint Computer Conf. 157/1 (table) Light pen (photoelectric pick-up device).
1964 Discovery Oct. 53/2 (caption) Display console of a computer which illustrates actual graphs, characters and drawings stored within the machine in digital form. The operator can make corrections to the display with a ‘light pen’ which automatically corrects the stored information.
1973 Courier & Advertiser (Dundee) 21 Feb. 7/1 The 280's light pen will ‘read’ information from colour bar coded tags and data from 48 terminals can be fed into a central data unit and recorded on magnetic tape ready for computer processing.
2012 Professional Certificate Marketing, Study Text (Chartered Institute Marketing) v. 100 All panellists need to do is run the scanner or light-pen over the barcode as they unpack their shopping.
2016 Canberra Times 27 Aug. a10 The outcome was this sound sampler edited on an early computer screen with a light pen, really years ahead of its time.
light picture n. now chiefly historical a picture made by light falling onto a photosensitive surface; a photograph; cf. sun picture n. at sun n.1 Compounds 5a.
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society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > a photograph > [noun]
photograph1839
sun picture1839
light picture1846
photogene1851
photogram1857
photo1860
photographeme1864
photie1931
1846 Lit. Rec. & Jrnl. Linn. Assoc. Pennsylvania Coll. Dec. 32 Mr. H. Fox Talbot, who disputed with Daguerre, the honor of the original invention of light-pictures, instead of confining himself, as the latter did, to their fixation upon metallic plates, endeavored to produce them on paper.
1888 Photogr. Times 3 Feb. 52/2 The immense popularity magnesium flash-light operations have gained in almost all photographic circles,..the novelty of the process itself, and its peculiar charm to make light-pictures, [etc.].
1986 Undercut Spring-Summer 49 A sun or light-picture is, as the name suggests, an image produced by allowing light-sensitive paper to be exposed to light. The children are encouraged to explore blocking out light with a variety of different objects and materials.
2005 R. Stites Serfdom, Soc., & Arts viii. 372 Certainly researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences were already at work on light pictures.
light pipe n. (a) a cylinder or strip of (usually transparent) material along which visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light can travel with little energy loss by means of total internal reflection; a bundle of such cylinders or strips; = light guide n.; (b) a pipe or shaft used to guide light into the interior of a building, either made from a transparent material, or taking the form of a hollow shaft with a reflective coating.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > apparatus > [noun]
spectacle-case1597
steel glass1662
dark glasses1733
bruiser1738
hone pavement1738
Ramsden's ghost1807
sunshade1829
optical bank1874
phacometer1876
optical bench1880
flat1897
lens paper1925
light pipe1939
lens tissue1941
optical fibre1960
1939 Sci. News Let. 4 Feb. 76/3 They could insert probe ‘light pipes’ inside the incision to provide illumination right where it is needed.
1970 New Scientist 13 Aug. 340/1 Light can travel along a bundle of certain glass fibres—a light pipe.
1982 Lighting Design & Applic. Nov. 14 Alcoves located along this vault in manifold fashion with floor to ceiling clear double glazing act as light pipes to transmit daylight into the large open vault area.
2007 Sci. Amer. Feb. 64/1 Any pattern in the light goes in and out of focus as it travels down the light pipe as a result of constructive and destructive interference among the lightwaves reflecting off the waveguide's walls.
2015 T. Muneer et al. in I. Staffell et al. Domest. Microgeneration vi. 156 Daylighting systems, such as rooflights or light pipes, can be fitted to existing buildings.
light-polluted adj. affected by light pollution.
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1973 Sci. & Technol. Ser. (Amer. Astron. Soc.) 30 58 Some good but rather specialized astronomical observing is, of course, still done from older observatories in low lying, light-polluted and smoggy central cities, but the first half of the 20th Century has seen the frontiers of astronomical observation move to remote mountaintop observatories usually in arid climates.
1996 Times (Nexis) 26 Nov. Britain was now the third most light-polluted country in Europe after The Netherlands and Belgium.
2007 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 4 Oct. d6/1 Philadelphia skies are so light polluted, we got depressed trying to do astronomy.
light pollution n. harmful or undesirable effects caused by artificial light; esp. the brightening of the environment and the night sky by light from buildings, street lights, etc., which has a disruptive effect on the natural cycles of living organisms and inhibits astronomical observations.
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the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > dirtiness > pollution or defilement > environmental pollution > [noun] > other types of pollution
acid rain1845
air pollution1874
fallout1946
rainout1954
radiation1958
thermal pollution1965
light pollution1969
radioactivity1969
noise pollution1970
wash-off1979
1969 Hosp. Pract. Jan. 37/3 If..excess exposure to artificial light sources or inadequate exposure to natural light has harmful biologic effects, we may find ourselves in a generation or two worrying about ‘light pollution’.
1971 Science 5 Feb. 461/1 The amount of ‘light pollution’, as the astronomers refer to the interfering city glare, is still far less in the Tucson area.
1995 Beyond Horizon (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) 15/2 Increasing light pollution is found to be seriously disruptive to many species' physiology and behavior.
2010 D. A. Rothery Planets: Very Short Introd. i. 3 Before the curses of light pollution and smog, people were more familiar with the night sky than they tend to be today.
light-port n. Nautical (now historical) a porthole designed to admit light.
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1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Transl. French Terms Cantanettes, the light-ports in the stern of a galley.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Light-port, a scuttle made for showing a light through.
1982 Poetics Today 3 114 The Nautilus contains a pilot's cage, so constructed as to allow the man at the wheel—often Nemo himself—to see in all directions through four light-ports with lenticular glass.
light pressure n. force exerted on a body by light incident on it; cf. radiation pressure n. at radiation n. Compounds 2.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > [noun] > pressure exerted by
light pressure1893
radiation pressure1901
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > scientific effects of light > [noun] > pressure exerted by
light pressure1893
1893 Electrician 11 Aug. 390/2 The question would be complicated by..the loss of their energy by radiation. In view of the Maxwell light pressure, would moment of momentum be conserved?
1901 Science 18 Oct. 588/2 The determination of the light pressure by observing the deflection..of a torsion balance when one vane of the balance was exposed to light.
1908 Westm. Gaz. 23 Oct. 5/3 There is also a small and sharply curved envelope on the side of the nucleus [of the comet] towards the sun, the presumption being that the matter ejected from the head in this direction is quickly turned back by the ‘light-pressure’ exerted by the sun.
1999 C. R. McInnes Solar Sailing (2004) ii. 32 The effect of solar radiation pressure..greatly increases, sometimes to the extent that light pressure can exceed solar gravity, thereby ejecting dust into interstellar space.
lightproof adj. impenetrable by light; able to block out light completely.In quot. ?1787-8 in figurative context: that cannot be illuminated.
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?1787–8 R. Burns Lett. (1985) I. 240 I have prefixed a small preface, like a lamp stuck before a Presbyterian Pulpit to throw light not on the subject, that is commonly light-proof, but on the speaker.
1855 Orr's Circle Sci.: Pract. Chem. (1856) 210 It will be necessary to cover the bath with a light-proof cover, or to shut the door immediately.
1955 S. V. Rainey & H. W. Hogben Elements Industr. Radiogr. vi. 25 The room must be lightproof.
2018 Washington Post (Nexis) 21 Jan. a23 He used a simple lightproof box as a camera.
light quantum n. Physics a discrete particle of light with a specific energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation; = photon n.1 3.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > [noun] > smallest unit of light
light quantum1925
photon1926
the world > matter > physics > atomic physics > particle physics > photon particle > [noun]
light quantum1925
photon1926
1925 D. L. Thomson in J. A. Thomson Sci. & Relig. App. 250 It follows from the modern ‘Quantum Theory’..that there are ‘smallest-possible’ amounts of light, which we might call light-atoms or, better, light-quanta.
1974 Sci. Amer. Oct. 68/1 Carbohydrates are the direct result of the photosynthetic activity of green plants... The energy needed to promote this reaction is provided by light quanta from the sun.
2019 Indian Educ. News (Nexis) 30 Apr. One light quantum is required to eject one electron.
light reaction n. (a) a reaction or response produced by light (cf. photoreaction n.); (b) Biochemistry the phase of photosynthesis in which energy from absorbed light is used to generate the compounds ATP and NADPH (which subsequently participate in the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide; cf. dark reaction n. at dark n. Compounds); any of the reactions occurring during this phase. [in sense (a) after German Lichtreaktion (1838 or earlier in this sense).]
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the world > life > biology > biological processes > light-related processes > [noun] > photosynthesis
light reaction1883
photosyntax1893
photosynthesis1893
1883 N.Y. Med. Jrnl. 31 Mar. 360/2 The so-called light reaction [Ger. Lichtreaction]..consists in rapid contraction with subsequent slow and moderate dilation [of the pupil].
1925 Bot. Abstr. 14 125 Photosynthesis requires an acceptor (not simply CO2), which reacts with the primary product of the light reaction.
1961 Photogr. Abstr. 41 260 The speed of the light-reaction is increased by the addition of acetone.
2010 R. W. Matthews & J. R. Matthews Insect Behavior (ed. 2) iii. 104 (caption) The larva of the diving beetle..normally swims to the surface for air, cued by its dorsal light reaction.
2017 Plant Physiol. 175 112/2 The activity of light reactions will promptly respond to photophosphorylation levels.
light receptor n. (in a living organism) a structure which responds to light; a photoreceptor.
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1908 Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts & Sci. 43 421 I therefore conclude that not only is the so-called eye-spot of amphioxus unessential to its light reactions, but that this organ is in no sense a light-receptor.
2018 Sci. & Children Feb. 65 The retina in your eye contains not just one kind of light receptor but two kinds of light receptors—rods and cones.
light scatter n. scattering of light or scattered light, esp. as an unwanted effect or presence in optical devices such as cameras and telescopes.
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1909 Sci. Abstr. A. 12 723/1 (index) Light scatter.
1961 G. Millerson Technique Television Production iii. 43 Optically speaking, there are several obvious causes for lack of clarity: dirty lenses, light-scatter in the lens.
2013 Sky at Night Apr. 94/2 The internal baffles did their job and reduced the reflections that can cause light scatter in the optics and degrade the view.
light scattering adj. and n. (a) adj. that scatters light; (b) n. the scattering of light, esp. as used in analytical techniques which investigate the behaviour and properties of particles.
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1871 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 16 Sept. 329/1 Other varieties of water which in the beam are seen to be full of light-scattering particles.
1876 Monthly Microsc. Jrnl Dec. 288 The path of the beam will be vividly revealed by the light-scattering, which is the result of its impinging upon the innumerable organic and inorganic particles.
1926 H. C. Macpherson Mod. Astron. iv. 64 Dr. Wright, photographing Mars,..concluded that the Martian atmosphere was at least 120 miles in depth and possessed appreciable absorbing and light-scattering power.
1972 N. C. Billingham & A. D. Jenkins in A. D. Jenkins Polymer Sci. I. ii. 147 Despite the complexity and expense of the technique, light scattering remains one of the most useful techniques for the determination of weight average molecular weights of polymers.
1995 Sci. Amer. Aug. 70/3 When it nears the sun, the ices turn directly from solid to gas and release dust to form a light-scattering halo called a coma.
2018 MailOnline (Nexis) 11 Apr. (Science section) Researchers found the structural colours of the fossils resulted from intricate light scattering.
light sensation n. a sensation evoked by light; a subjective sensation experienced as one evoked by light (cf. phosphene n.); (also) perception of light.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [noun] > light sensation
light sensation1874
1874 Amer. Exchange & Rev. Feb. 349 By this muscular apparatus we are enabled to..soften or intensify the light sensations by contracting or expanding the pupil.
1937 Discovery July 216/1 The nature of light-sensation, colour-tone, colour-blindness.
2016 D. Coon & J. O. Mitterer Introd. Psychol. (ed. 14) iv. 125/2 The eye is prepared to code stimulation—including pressure—only into visual features. As a result, you experience light sensations, not pressure.
light-sensitive adj. (a) (of a surface or substance) changing physically or chemically when exposed to light; (of a cell, organ, or tissue) responsive to light; (= photosensitive adj. 1); (b) excessively sensitive or reactive to light (= photosensitive adj. 2).
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1874 Proc. Royal Irish Acad.: Sci. 1870–4 1 533 The conditions under which the different electrically resisting and light sensitive forms of selenium are obtained.
1936 Discovery May 151/1 It was not until the appearance of a new type of light-sensitive cell, known as the rectifier or semi-conducting cell, that photo-electric exposure meters became popular.
1946 Nature 28 Sept. 454/2 N. texana also contains strains which have light-sensitive seeds.
1994 Nat. Health Nov. 91/4 Take [belladonna]..when a cold comes on suddenly with a high fever, dry skin, light-sensitive eyes.
2014 A. Roberts Incredible Unlikeliness of Being 103 Our own retina contains a layer of light-sensitive cells on top of a layer of pigmented cells.
light sensitivity n. (a) the ability to respond or react upon exposure to light; the condition of reacting or responding to light; = photosensitivity n. 1; (b) Medicine hypersensitivity or hyperreactivity to light, esp. of the skin or eyes; = photosensitivity n. 2.
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the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > environmental disorders > [noun] > light
photophoby1858
light sensitivity1905
photosensitization1926
photosensitivity1938
phototoxicity1942
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > scientific effects of light > [noun] > sensitivity to
photosensitiveness1889
light sensitivity1905
photosensitivity1916
1905 Jrnl. Philos., Psychol. & Sci. Methods 2 165 Experiments on fatigued eyes show that the light sensitivity in the state of exhaustion is increased.
1927 Physical Therapeutics 45 290 People who have suffered a breaking down of the hematin of the blood show light sensitivity.
1977 J. L. Harper Population Biol. Plants v. 144 The phytochrome system which controls the light sensitivity of germination in many species.
2018 Colorado Daily (Nexis) 5 Nov. 1 Common symptoms [of meningitis] include fever, severe headache or stiff neck, extreme fatigue, light sensitivity and confusion.
light sensor n. a device, component, or substance which responds to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, esp. by producing an electrical signal; = light detector n.
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1958 La Crosse (Wisconsin) Tribune 6 Dec. (Final Home ed.) 6/3 The spinning would not interfere with the ability of the light sensor to detect the lunar glow.
1984 J. Partridge One Touch Photogr. 22 The accuracy of the light sensor and the latitude of modern colour print film make it unlikely that you will get a wrongly exposed picture in most situations.
2019 @kieronhoImes 27 Aug. in twitter.com (accessed 3 July 2020) Your phone has a light sensor which changes the brightness automatically based on your surroundings to reduce eye strain.
light shaft n. a shaft which allows light to enter a room, house, apartment, etc.; spec. a vertical opening in the centre of a (multi-storey) building, typically roofed with glass, designed to admit natural light from above into lower floors, rooms, etc.; a light well.
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society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > types of window > [noun] > skylights, etc.
lucarne1548
shop light1602
skylight?c1660
bullock's-eye1728
lunette1742
roof light1763
light well1826
abat-jour1838
light shaft1870
dead-light1882
laylight1932
1870 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 1 Apr. These floors are to find light by means of windows opening upon Atlantic and Clinton streets and a light shaft from the roof.
1886 Building 25 Sept. 153/1 The total air and sun space [in an apartment house], including courts, light shafts and both fronts, will not be at all equal to that provided in an equivalent number of private houses.
1963 Daily Mail 11 Nov. 9 [The boy] fell 30ft. down a 3ft.-wide light shaft while looking for a cat at his home in Tunbridge Wells.
2020 Business Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 14 Aug. Once you're inside this cave-like dwelling, you'll notice it isn't dark, thanks to a light shaft in the middle of the house.
light show n. a display of (typically coloured) lights, esp. one used to form moving patterns or images, and designed to accompany a musical performance.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > type of show or spectacle > [noun] > light-shows
son et lumière1954
sound and light1960
light show1966
1966 E. Denson in Berkeley (Calif.) Barb 1 Apr. 4/1 Led by Tony Martin's light show, which fills the huge wall behind the bands and their 30 foot row of amplifiers and electronics with red shapes shifting in time to the music, the hall is filled with swaying, writhing people.
1969 It 11 Apr. 13/1 If it is regarded that lightshows began when the ‘underground’ or ‘psychedelic’ revolutions began, then it is doubtful that lightshows will ever recover from the damage inflicted during the capitalists' rape of those movements.
2017 Sunshine Coast (Queensland) Daily (Nexis) 22 Dec. 30 The Riverwalk Christmas light show features a mash-up of Christmas tunes, synchronised water fountains and laser lights.
light stand n. a base or piece of furniture for supporting a light.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun] > lamp > stand or mat for
light stand1817
candelabrum1834
lamp-mat1842
lamp-stand1893
lamp-standard1908
1817 Daily National Intelligencer (Washington) 29 Nov. (advt.) For sale,..Bedsteads, Bureaus, Tables, Light Stands.
1867 A. D. Whitney Summer in Leslie Goldthwaite's Life vi. 92 On this little green stood..a round white-pine light-stand with her work-basket and a few books.
1966 A. Feininger Compl. Photographer iv. 154 A boom extension arm that fits on a light stand is invaluable.
2012 N.E. Mississippi Daily Jrnl. (Tupelo, Mississippi) (Nexis) 23 Dec. During a photo shoot..last week, a wind gust nearly blew over a light stand.
light station n. a group of buildings which includes a lighthouse and associated buildings for housing personnel, supplies, and equipment.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > object on land or sea as guide > light beacon or lighthouse > light-station
light station1833
1833 Caledonian Mercury 14 Oct. The two lights exhibited on one Tower would completely have the desired effect of distinguishing this Light Station from any other on the eastern coast.
1971 Bahamian Rev. Nov. 5/3 Mrs. Pierre grew up on light stations, as her father was a light-keeper.
2000 G. F. Douglas–Sherwood Gloss. Lighthouse Service Terminol. (Assoc. Lighthouse Keepers) Oil Book, A monthly record of fuel and oil consumed at a light station.
light switch n. a switch for turning an electric light on or off.Certain types of light switches, e.g. dimmer switches, may additionally be used to vary the brightness of an electric light.
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the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > artificial light defined by light-source > electric light > [noun] > parts of
light fixture1888
dimmer switch1896
lamp-cap1899
flasher1909
light switch1912
bayonet cap1914
light button1928
light cord1930
coiled coil1935
minuterie1955
wallwasher1966
1912 Highland Recorder (Monterey, Va.) 29 Mar. He held his finger over the light switch as I punched a pillow and rolled over on the mattress.
1972 ‘H. Carmichael’ Naked to Grave i. 14 He heard the click of a light switch in the bedroom.
1993 Collins Compl. DIY Man. (new ed.) vii. 335/3 Selection of light switches... Touch dimmer switch... Two-gang architrave switch.
2004 B. J. Daniels Mountain Sheriff 370 Fumbling, he found the light switch, flipped it and blinked as a bright bulb came on overhead.
light table n. a horizontal or tilted surface of translucent glass or plastic with a light behind it, used for viewing transparencies or photographic negatives, or for tracing designs placed upon it; cf. light box n. 3 f.
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1931 H. R. Saunders & H. C. Ives Map Drafting & Lettering iii. 37 ‘Scotch tape’..is particularly useful in fastening a tracing to the glass of a shadowless or light table.
2005 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 17 Feb. ii. 6/6 Peter Fischli and David Weiss' ‘Visible World’..presents on light tables thousands of transparencies of monuments and landscapes taken during a period of 15 years.
light therapy n. exposure of a patient to artificial or natural light as a means of medical treatment; cf. phototherapy n. [compare German Lichttherapie (1877 or earlier).]
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the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by light > [noun]
light cure1892
phototherapy1899
light therapy1900
actinotherapy1901
phototherapeutics1901
actinotherapeutics1909
sunray1921
photocoagulation1958
photochemotherapy1974
1900 N.Y. Med. Jrnl. 19 May 788/1 (heading) The present status of light therapy.
1987 Today's Health Apr. 58/2 Though still highly experimental, light therapy using lights about the intensity of those used to illuminate a Broadway stage, has also been tried in a variation of depression called seasonal affective disorder.
2016 New Scientist 17 Dec. 13/1 An hour a day of light therapy has been found to break down brain deposits in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
light-tight adj. that does not admit light; impervious to light.
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1856 Jrnl. Soc. Arts 9 May 426/1 The camera is thus, light tight, and properly focussed.
1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 2 May 13 One of the..operators had just completed a spool, and my guide took it from her when she had fitted it into its light-tight case.
2015 G. Davis et al. Film Stud. 242 If we rely upon a film magazine, a light-tight chamber holding both the unexposed film and then the film as it is exposed and taken up.., we limit ourselves to the standard magazine capacities.
light-time n. Astronomy the time taken by light to travel a specified distance, esp. from a celestial object to the earth.Cf. Compounds 2, light year n. 1.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > emission of light, radiation > [noun] > speed of light > time taken
light-time1900
1900 Observatory 23 449 It may be observed that this light-time is only wanted with a slight degree of accuracy.
1920 A. S. Eddington Space, Time & Gravitation 12 But then you must know the speed of the earth through the aether. It may have shortened the light-time by going some way to meet the light coming from Arcturus.
2006 J. Daintith & W. Gould Facts on File Dict. Astron. (ed. 5) 265/1 The light-time along the mean distance between Sun and Earth is 499 seconds.
light tube n. (a) a pipe or shaft used to guide light into the interior of a building; = light pipe n.; (b) a cylinder or strip of (usually transparent) material along which light can travel with little energy loss by means of total internal reflection; spec. one forming part of an endoscope; (also) a bundle of such cylinders or strips.
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1879 Sci. Amer. 21 June 389/1 If they [sc. the reflectors] are stationary the percentage of light for each floor will be constant, but if either of them is arranged to slide into and out of the light tube, it will vary the amount of light supplied to the corresponding floor.
1960 Jrnl. SMPTE 69 705 Fiber optic bundles, consisting of many thousands of small diameter (less than 0.003 in.) glass fibers can be either solid blocks or flexible light tubes.
1990 Pract. Health Spring 82/1 Normally the investigation, which consists of inserting a flexible light tube into the rectum so that the doctor can see the colon, is done under anaesthetic.
2011 D. Thorpe Solar Technol. ii. 60 Light tubes or sun pipes can transport natural daylight from roofs to rooms that do not have direct access to good natural light.
light valve n. an electrical device which regulates the amount of light passing through it.
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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > light > [noun] > regulator, modifier
screena1764
light valve1922
reticle1944
1922 Trans. Soc. Motion Picture Engineers No. 14. 73 The light valve consists of a polarizer, an analyzer, and a solenoid between them.
1971 L. B. Happé Basic Motion Pict. Technol. v. 165 In variable density recording the intensity of illumination passing into this lens system from a lamp and condenser lens is modulated by a light valve consisting of a pair of narrow metal ribbons mounted under tension in a magnetic field at right angles to the direction of the film movement.
1993 W. C. O'Mara Liquid Crystal Flat Panel Displays i. 14 Liquid crystals can be used as an optical switch, or light valve.
2017 R. Hoskinson & B. Stoeber in L. A. Francis & K. Iniewski Novel Adv. Microsystems Technol. & Applic. ix. 185 As much of the light as possible from the light source is channelled to the light valve, which in turn relays the formed image through the projection optics to the screen.
light vessel n. a vessel bearing a warning light or lights, usually moored in a fixed position to indicate a hazardous point at sea and to aid navigation; = lightship n.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessels with other specific uses > [noun] > lightship
lightship?1692
light vessel1788
floating light1793
light boat1796
float-light1819
pumpkin seed1884
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > object on land or sea as guide > light beacon or lighthouse > lightship
lightship?1692
light vessel1788
1788 Morning Post 22 Nov. The Owers' light vessel was replaced at her moorings, on Wednesday the 19th.
1858 Mercantile Marine Mag. 5 126 A Light-vessel has been moored in 3 fathoms.
2005 Ships Monthly Oct. 48/1 The history of the vessels and ships operated by Trinity House is one that has been largely ignored, despite the large number of works about lighthouses and light vessels.
light well n. an open area or vertical shaft in the centre of a (multi-storey) building, typically roofed with glass, bringing natural light to the lower floors or basement.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > types of window > [noun] > skylights, etc.
lucarne1548
shop light1602
skylight?c1660
bullock's-eye1728
lunette1742
roof light1763
light well1826
abat-jour1838
light shaft1870
dead-light1882
laylight1932
1826 Repertory Patent Inventions 2 171 Cutting from said light wells to each entrance [of the tunnel].
1925 V. G. Childe Dawn European Civilization v. 82 The palace was probably provided with a light-well and decorated with frescoes.
2008 Independent 9 July (Property section) 10/2 The underground space also has a south-facing wall of folding glass panels and light wells.
lightworker n. chiefly U.S. (in New Age culture) a person who seeks to be a source or channel of spiritual enlightenment or positive spiritual energy, esp. by working as a healer.
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1976 Tucson (Arizona) Daily Citizen 19 Oct. 26/5 (advt.) To All Light Workers for the New Age. Would you like an active part in helping Man of Earth rise into his Spiritual Consciousness?
1994 Coloradoan (Fort Collins) 30 Jan. c4/6 A lightworker, hands-on healer and teacher who uses a variety of healing techniques.
2010 W. Stokes Lightworkers' Circle Guide ii. 33 Those who tread the path of spirituality are the lightworkers who use this incarnation to heal those in need and to bring wisdom to others.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightadj.1n.2

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Forms: Old English læht (rare), Old English leht (Northumbrian), Old English–early Middle English leoht, Old English (chiefly Anglian)–1500s liht, early Middle English leohne (accusative singular masculine), early Middle English lict, early Middle English ligt, early Middle English lihht ( Ormulum), early Middle English lygth, early Middle English (1900s– Irish English (northern)) licht, Middle English liȝght, Middle English liȝht, Middle English liȝhte, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liȝth, Middle English liȝtt, Middle English lihte, Middle English lit, Middle English liter (comparative), Middle English lith, Middle English lither (comparative), Middle English lixter (comparative), Middle English lyȝght, Middle English lygheter (comparative), Middle English lyȝht, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lyȝttere (comparative), Middle English lyhgtere (comparative), Middle English lyht, Middle English lyhte, Middle English lythe, Middle English lyþt, Middle English–1500s lyȝt, Middle English–1500s lyȝth, Middle English–1600s lighte, Middle English–1600s lyght, Middle English–1600s lyghte, Middle English– light, late Middle English leyȝt (south-western), late Middle English lighere (comparative, probably transmission error), late Middle English lyt, late Middle English lyte, 1500s lite, 1500s–1600s leight; English regional (northern and north-west midlands) 1800s leight (Cheshire), 1800s–1900s leeght, 1800s–1900s leet; Scottish pre-1700 leicht, pre-1700 leitht, pre-1700 lichit (perhaps transmission error), pre-1700 lych, pre-1700 lycht, pre-1700 lyght, pre-1700 1700s– licht, pre-1700 1700s– light, 1900s licght (Shetland), 1900s lich (Shetland). See also lite adj.2 and n.6
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian licht , liocht (West Frisian licht ), Middle Dutch, Dutch licht , Old Saxon līht (Middle Low German licht ), Old High German līht , (with a different stem class) līhti (Middle High German liht , lihte , German leicht ), Old Icelandic léttr , Old Swedish lätter (Swedish lätt ), Old Danish læt (Danish let ), Gothic leihts , all in a range of senses ‘not heavy, easy, gentle, slight, small, frivolous, cheerful, quick’ < a suffixed form of the Germanic base of Old High German lingan to succeed, to thrive, to make progress (Middle High German, German (now regional) lingen ) < the same Indo-European base as Sanskrit raṃh- to (cause to) move quickly, Early Irish lingid (verb) leaps, and further (with the same ablaut grade, nasal infix, and suffix as the Germanic adjective; compare also light n.1) Albanian lehtë not heavy, (with nasal infix and the same ablaut grade: full grade) Lithuanian lengvas light, easy, slight, (without nasal infix) classical Latin levis not heavy, nimble, gentle, mild, moderate, unsubstantial, ineffectual, weak, not serious, fickle, easy, Early Irish laigiu (comparative) smaller, Welsh †llaw small, weak, (with the infix but with a different ablaut grade: zero grade) Sanskrit laghu not heavy, quick (also earlier, rare raghu quick), Avestan raγu- agile, quick, ancient Greek ἐλαχύς small, (with a suffix) Tocharian B laṅkutse not heavy, and also (with a further development in the suffix and an unexplained vocalism) Old Church Slavonic lĭgŭkŭ not heavy, easy. Compare lung n. and lights n., and also lite adj.2Middle English light continues Old English Anglian līht , with smoothing of the earlier diphthong īo ( > West Saxon ēo ), itself the result of breaking of inherited *ī before the stem-final consonant group -ht . In early figurative use (compare especially sense A. 32) occasionally difficult to distinguish from light adj.2, with which the word is often homonymous already in Old English. (Compare also the pun in quot. ?c1225 at sense A. 3a.) With use in reference to levity, frivolity, or licentiousness (see sense A. 22) compare Old English lēohtmōd easy-going, lēohtmōdnes frivolity, lack of steadiness (compare mood n.1, -ness suffix), and also lēohtbrǣdnes levity, frivolity, licentiousness. Compare later light-minded adj. and Compounds 1b. With use in reference to taxation (see sense A. 28b) compare Old English līhtingnes lightness of taxation ( < lighting n.1 + -ness suffix).
A. adj.1
I. Having little physical weight and related senses.
1.
a. Having little physical weight; not heavy.See also Phrases 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > [adjective]
lightOE
leger1483
lightsome1578
light-weighted1802
lightweight1898
OE Riddle 40 76 Leohtre ic eom micle þonne þes lytla wyrm þe her on flode gæð fotum dryge.
OE tr. Alexander's Let. to Aristotle (1995) §15. 234 Þa het ic cc minra þegna..leohtum wæpnum hie gegyrwan, & hie on sunde to þære byrig foron.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2944 Heore wepnen weoren lihte.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 85 Gude lycht harnes fra that tyme wsyt he euir.
1595 T. Bedingfield tr. N. Machiavelli Florentine Hist. ii. 52 To men accustomed to a life in libertie, the lightest clog seemeth heauie, & the losest bands do pinch.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. xix. 121 Watches have been made as light and little, as many that wore them make of their time.
1784 J. Twamley Dairying Exemplified 59 Press it with a four pound weight, or..with a lighter weight.
1894 Ladies' Home Jrnl. Oct. 23/2 The irons are quite unlike those in use in America, being very light... The laundress is obliged to use a great deal of pressure to make up for the lack of weight.
1905 E. McNeil Lost Treasure Cave xiv. 139 You're lighter than I am by some odd thirty pounds.
2018 Australian (Nexis) 18 Sept. (AustralianIT section) 24 It's a big laptop..but it is light enough to carry around and gives you power on the go.
b. Of coinage, a commodity, etc.: below the standard or legal weight; underweight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > [adjective] > too light
light1493
overlight1707
underweight1899
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [adjective] > of deficient weight
light1493
unsized1613
unassized1616
underweight1979
1493 A. Halyburton Ledger (1867) 31 Rasauit..10 Ryns guldins, price 4 s..3 lyt guldins, price 2 s. 4 g.
1589 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1889) IV. 226 For chaungeinge of fowre light French Crownes.
1622 G. de Malynes Consuetudo sig. L4 Light Gold taken for merchandises sold.
1700 J. Tyrrell Gen. Hist. Eng. II. 947 All Clipt and Light Money was called in.
1789 Observ. Frauds committed by Bakers Dublin 8 They take care to expose the Bread of legal Weight, but they take care to sell the Light bread.
1834 C. W. Pasley Observ. simplifying & improving Meas., Weights & Money §142. 70 The purchaser cannot legally object to light measure if the bushel be filled.
1869 Ld. Tennyson Holy Grail 26 For good ye are and bad, and like to coins, Some true, some light.
1908 Western Law Reporter (Toronto) 7 504 Bread-sellers shall give a quid pro quo in receiving money for bread, and shall not..sell a light loaf.
2012 J. Davis Medieval Market Morality ii. 197 The penalty for base moneyers who produced light coins was for them to have their hand cut off and displayed on the mint.
2.
a. Of a vessel or vehicle: lightly constructed; designed to carry light loads or small numbers of people, and typically providing fast transport.See also light car n., light rail n., light railway n., light truck n. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel of specific construction or shape > [adjective] > lightly built for speed
lightOE
mosquito-built1824
light-draught1830
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > [adjective] > of a vehicle: lightly constructed
light1844
OE Acct. Voy. Ohthere & Wulfstan in tr. Orosius Hist. (Tiber.) (1980) i. i. 15 Hy habbað swyðe lytle scypa & swyðe leohte.
a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) (1988) 184 (MED) Smale & light vesselles as galeies, barges, fluynus, & balyngeres.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin i. 36 It conteyned xxxv. light or suttle galleyes.
1694 London Gaz. No. 3008/1 The Mareschal de Tourville had sent out divers light Frigats..to get Intelligence.
1716 London Gaz. No. 5473/1 The lighter part of the..Fleet, viz. Gallies &c. was in the Port.
1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby III. vii. i. 80 The arrival of a first-rate light coach in a country town.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. xiii. 296 My Lord Mohun sent to London for a light chaise he had.
2018 Independent (Nexis) 3 Apr. 14 The Conqueror carried out one of the most controversial acts of the conflict, sinking the light cruiser General Belgrano on 2 May.
b. spec. Designating a small, relatively lightweight aeroplane.See also light aircraft n., light plane n., light sport aircraft n. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > [adjective] > small and light
light1909
puddle-jumping1924
ultralight1974
microlight1981
1909 N.Y. Times 13 June s1/5 (headline) Light aeroplane for Morris Park.
1912 Evening News 20 Sept. 1/4 The light aeroplanes..will be used for reconnoitring work when the armoured aeroplanes are engaged in actual warfare.
1914 Harper's Monthly Mag. Dec. 216/1 If you are here at the dot of nine you will see a light hydroplane.
1935 Flight 22 Aug. 204a/2 The specialized light bomber..may..be supplanted eventually by the very fast medium bomber.
2018 BBC Monitoring Afr. (Nexis) 6 June The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has resumed search operations for a light passenger plane that went missing yesterday with 10 people onboard.
3.
a. Of a substance or material: possessing little weight in proportion to bulk; of low (relative) density.In early use, often applied to flame or the element of fire. In 17th and 18th centuries, often applied to water.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > [adjective] > of small specific gravity
lighteOE
eOE Metres of Boethius xxix. 51 Hwilum cerreð eft on uprodor ælbeorhta leg, leoht [on] lyfte; ligeð him behindan hefig hrusan dæl.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 113 Þu[r]ch þe hechsipe of hire [sc. the soul] hit [sc. the flesh] schal wurðe ful licht, lichtere þenne þe wind is & brichtere þenne þe sunne.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxviii. 1380 Þe light þing and vile passeþ oute and þe heuy and clene abydeþ þerinne.
1559 W. Cuningham Cosmogr. Glasse 41 It is a generall maior among Philosophers, that al light thynges contend upwarde.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 260 It is the lightest water the earth yeelds..I found it so light, that I had no weight..in the bearing of it.
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 383 Founders call their Ashes Lean, if they are Light; because then they have little Mettle in them.
a1728 J. Woodward Attempt Nat. Hist. Fossils Eng. (1729) i. 13 The Earthy matter, that was softer and lighter, would be easily washed away.
1779 B. Talbot New Art of Land Measuring 58 The off-set staff is best made of deal or some such light wood.
1855 J. Scoffern Chem. Imponderable Agents 174 The dense charcoal of boxwood absorbed 7½ volumes of air; while a light charcoal prepared from cork, did not absorb a sensible quantity.
1905 G. T. Robinson in W. Millar Plastering (ed. 3) Introd. 5 The very eruption which destroyed Pompeii preserved it to us, for the light scoria which fell upon it covered up the most delicate work.
1999 J. Stafford-Deitsch Red Sea Sharks 25 Most sharks have a large liver in which they store oils that are lighter than sea water and this is an efficient means of buoyancy control.
2006 A. W. Kingsley-Hughes & K. Kingsley-Hughes Build Ultimate Custom PC i. 7 There is little danger to fingers from the fans that live and work inside a PC. All of them will have blades made of light plastic.
b. Of a substance: easily broken up or dispersed; lacking cohesion or density.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [adjective] > friable
lightc1400
resolute?1440
mouldery1600
murly1600
murling1610
chessom1626
open1647
putrid1656
overlight1707
shattery1728
well-broke1796
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > cloud > [adjective] > thick (of clouds) > not
light1816
c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) l. 6072 Hij founden narewe paþes and liȝtt fen.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 381 Lye where the light Fome of the Sea may beate Thy graue stone dayly.
1682 G. Hartman Digby's Choice Coll. Rare Secrets 16 Let it stand in the fire until you see a light Skin upon it, then pour it into an Antimony-horn.
1816 N. Amer. Rev. Nov. 127 A field of brilliant snow after a rain, with a light crust on its top.
1957 Sewage & Industr. Wastes 29 1175/2 The control digester had the normal separation of sludge..and light scum.
2012 Humboldt (Iowa) Independent 19 July 6 a/4 Heat the milk to 180 degrees. At this temperature, the milk should just begin to come to a light froth.
c. Of bread, cake, etc.: having an airy or spongy consistency, esp. as a result of being properly risen.Cf. light bread n. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > [adjective] > light or heavy
light?c1425
livered1688
sad1688
well-risen1728
dunch1824
heavy1828
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > pastry > [adjective] > qualities of pastry
light?c1425
shortc1430
sad1688
well-risen1728
heavy1828
flaky1837
strudel1893
?c1425 Recipe in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (Arun. 334) (1790) 441 Take faire light bred, and pare away the cruste, and stepe the crome in vynegur, and grinde hit.
1564 W. Bullein Dialogue against Fever Pestilence f. 37v Eate light leauened breade.
a1665 K. Digby Closet Opened (1669) 188 Make the best rich light Crust you can, and roul it out, and put a little of your Spinage into it.
1747 H. Glasse Art of Cookery viii. 75 Make it up into a light Paste with cold Water..; then roll it out.
1864 H. B. Stowe House & Home Papers (1865) x. 112 Bread: What ought it to be? It should be light, sweet, and tender.
1886 J. R. Benton How to cook Well 298 Lay the rolls in a greased dripping-pan about one inch apart. Let them rise till light.
1952 Good Housek. (U.S. ed.) Dec. 158/1 (advt.) No mix can make this cake so rich and luscious! No all-purpose flour can make it so light and tender!
2001 B. Geddes World Food: Caribbean Gloss. 243/1 Pork wrapped in light pastry.
d. Of soil: soft, friable, and easily worked. Of an area of land: consisting of light or (sometimes) poor soil.See also light land n.2 and adj.
ΚΠ
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. iiiv They [sc. wheel-ploughs] be gode on euyn grounde yt lyeth light.
1666 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense (ed. 2) 64 The Layers will..strike root, being planted in a light loamy earth mix'd with excellent rotten soil and siefted.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 461 Another sort of Lettices, called Passion Lettices, prosper well in light Ground.
1803 Gazetteer Scotl. at Inveraven The district of Glenlivet is remarkably fertile, the soil being a light loam.
1855 Sharpe's Road-bk. for Rail; Eastern Div. 71/1 These Wolds are light chalky downs.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 606 A dull roar which made the light friable earth quiver under our feet.
2016 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 16 July (Weekend section) 25 If your soil is light or sandy, it's best to feed the plants once a year in late winter or spring.
e. Chemistry and Physics. Of an element: having a (relatively) low atomic mass.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > elements and compounds > [adjective] > of or relating to elements > whose specific gravity or atomic number is relatively low
light1810
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > types of metal generally > [noun] > other types of metal
solar metal1800
light metal1810
fusible metal1853
heavy metal1864
semi-metal1912
superplastic1930
1810 J. Dalton New Syst. Chem. Philos. I. ii. v. 369 The element of charcoal may be so light, that two atoms of it with one of oxygen, may be specifically lighter than one with one.
1895 G. A. J. Cole Open-air Stud. i. 7 Cases often occur, moreover, where a lighter element replaces a heavier one, and yet the resulting variety of the mineral is actually heavier than the ordinary form.
1924 Proc. Physical Soc. 34 418 The other light elements, hydrogen, helium, lithium, carbon and oxygen gave no detectable effect beyond 7 cm.
1998 J. J. W. Rogers & P. G. Feiss People & Earth v. 200 In the earth, almost all of the natural radioactivity is generated by the heavy elements uranium (isotopes 238U and 235U) and thorium (232Th) and one isotope of the lighter element potassium (40K).
2002 Jrnl. Petrol. 43 1951/1 Helium was used as a carrier gas for the ablated material when light elements were analysed.
4. Of a material: made from fine thread or yarn; having an open weave; fine, thin; not thick or heavy, lightweight. Of an item of clothing, etc.: made from such material, lightly constructed; (also) suitable for use in mild weather.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [adjective] > other
smalleOE
lightc1230
round1402
side-necked1430
wanton1489
Spanish1530
tucked1530
lustya1555
civil1582
open-breasted1598
full1601
everlasting1607
sheeten1611
nothinga1616
burly1651
pin-up1677
slouching1691
double-breasted1701
negligée1718
translated1727
uniform1746
undress1777
single-breasted1796
unworn1798
mamalone1799
costumic1801
safeguard1822
Tom and Jerry1830
lightweight1837
fancy dress1844
wrap-1845
hen-skin1846
Mary Stuart1846
well-cut1849
mousquetaire1851
empire1852
costumary1853
solid1859
spring weight1869
Henri II1870
western1881
hard-boiled1882
man-of-war1883
Henley1886
demi-season1890
Gretchen1890
toreador1892
crossover1893
French cut1896
drifty1897
boxy1898
Buster Brown1902
Romney1903
modistic1907
Peter Pan1908
classic1909
Fauntleroy1911
baby doll1912
flared1928
flare1929
tuck-in1929
unpressed1932
Edwardian1934
swingy1937
topless1937
wraparound1937
dressed-down1939
cover-up1942
Sun Yat-sen1942
utility1942
non-utility1948
sudsable1951
off-the-shoulder1953
peasant1953
flareless1954
A-line1955
matador1955
stretch1956
wash-and-wear1959
layered1962
Tom Jones1964
Carnaby Street1965
Action Man1966
Mao-style1967
wear-dated1968
thermal1970
bondage1980
swaggery1980
hoochie1990
mitumba1990
kinderwhore1994
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric with specific qualities > [adjective] > thin, light, or delicate
lightc1230
small1473
cypress1530
sheer1565
sleazy1670
zephyr1809
slim1813
arachnean1854
spring weight1869
chiffon1890
frothy1901
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 214 I sumer ȝe habbeð leaue bearuot gan & sitten & lihte scheos werien.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1261 Som wol ben armed in an haubergeoun And in Brestplate and in a light gypoun.
a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 11286 (MED) Þeir heuy atir þey dide of boþe, & in lightere dide þem cloþe.
1590 J. Hammon tr. B. Aneau Αλεκτορ i. i. 5 Her faire bodie being..couered only with her petticote vnlaced, and cast ouer with a light cloake of white damaske.
1662 Great Loss to Eng. by Transportation of Wooll 9 It would be made more into substantial Cloaths, which consums more Wool, than those light and thin Stuffs do.
1796 Morning Chron. 28 July (advt.) Double and single Silk, web wove on purpose, which is by far stronger and lighter than any other.
1857 Godey's Lady's Bk. July 96/1 A light silk and woollen material is far better..inasmuch as it does not crease or rumple.
1883 M. K. Waddington Let. 15 May (1903) I. 18 I have been out..to get a light blouse, my cloth body is unbearable.
1923 J. A. Tyson Barge of Haunted Lives iv. 78 About eleven o'clock I rose, donned a light linen suit and went out on deck.
1941 Newfoundland (N.Y.) Times 20 Dec. 9/2 Bright colored window shades backed by light, gauzy curtains replaced the somberness of other days.
2013 K. Nyaywa Beacon of Light 7 Winters were so mild that a sweater or light jacket was sufficient to keep one warm.
†5. In comparative in to be lighter (of): to be delivered (of a child). Cf. to be lighted of a child at light v.1 3b. Obsolete (Scottish and historical in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [adjective] > giving birth > delivered of a child
lighta1400
deliverc1400
liverc1450
green1474
well-deliveredc1515
delivered1594
travailed1843
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8593 On a night bath lighter war þai.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 572 (MED) Olympadas was of hire son liȝter.
c1560 in J. Raine Depositions Courts Durham (1845) 61 The morrow after the said Charles wyf was lighter.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 138 Our quene is instantlie lychter of a bony barne.
a1783 Willie's Lady viii, in F. J. Child Eng. & Sc. Pop. Ballads (1882) I. i. 86 Of her young bairn she'll neer be lighter.
1860 Family Herald 1 Sept. 287/2 In Hamilton the announcement was made..by a verbal message—‘Mrs. A.'s compliments to Mrs. B., and she's lichter of a laddie or lass bairn’ (as the case might be).
6. Esp. Military: lightly armed or equipped. Formerly also: †lightly dressed, wearing lightweight clothing (obsolete).See also to travel light at travel v. Phrases 1b, Light Dragoon n. at Compounds 3, light horse n., light horseman n., light infantry n.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > [adjective] > clad in or protected by armour > lightly
lightc1405
light-harnesseda1425
light-armeda1450
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Tale (Ellesmere) (1875) l. 568 Al light for Somer rood this worthy man.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia iii. iii. 293 Captaine Taffes troope of Horse with certaine light foote were sent from the Campe.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xviii. 112 He was overtaken..by a party of light cavalry.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems xxviii. 19 Starving company, troop of hungry Piso, Light of luggage, of outfit expeditious.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xvi. 265 The legions had come light, without tents or baggage.
2003 Daily News (N.Y.) (Nexis) 22 Mar. 11 Without tanks and other armored vehicles, the light troops may have difficulty taking control and maintaining order.
7.
a. Of a receptacle: holding a comparatively small amount of something; spec. (of a purse, wallet, etc.) containing little money; (almost) empty. Also in figurative contexts.
ΚΠ
c1432 ( G. Chaucer Complaint to Purse (BL Add. 22139) (1879) l. 3 To ȝou my purse..Compleyn I..I am so sory now that ȝe be lyghte.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Frick Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 222 But by that time I had satisfied my Attorney, my Doctor,..and defray'd the rest of my Charges, I found my Bag very light.
1714 J. Gay Shepherd's Week iv. 121 I made my market long before 'twas night, My purse grew heavy, and my basket light.
1768 D. Hume Balance of Power in Ess. 198 The Athenians always threw themselves into the lighter scale, and endeavoured to preserve the balance.
1889 Manford's New Monthly Mag. July 424/1 His pockets are light, for he has spent his money for liquor and tobacco.
2015 Brandon (Manitoba) Sun 5 Dec. a19/1 The typical trip to Las Vegas is likely to make your wallet lighter and your stomach heavier.
b. Of a vessel or vehicle: carrying a small load, or (more usually) unladen, without cargo.See also light engine n. and adv. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [adjective] > with little luggage
light1578
society > travel > transport > [adjective] > loading > laden
ycharged1297
chargedc1400
well-laden1570
light1578
loaden1600
loadened1638
heavy-laden1697
laded1708
light-handed1731
loaded1830
laden1867
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > trading vessel > cargo vessel > [adjective] > laden > not
light1578
1578 W. Bourne Treasure for Traueilers iv. x. f. 19v Bryng the Shippe resonable light, that she may haue litle more ballast, then she may beare her selfe well.
1645 J. Milton On University Carrier ii, in Poems 29 He di'd for heavines that his Cart went light.
1703 London Gaz. No. 3968/1 The Privateer being light and clean, came up with her about 4 in the afternoon.
1727 D. Defoe Ess. Hist. Apparitions xi. 213 The Ship..being sent light, as they call it, to Virginia for a Loading of Tobacco, had not many Goods in her outward bound.
1824 W. Chapman Rep. Sep. Advantages of Ship Canal & Rail-way Newcastle to Carlisle 12 A train, which when loaden,..would be equal to 90 tons, and when light to about 26 tons.
1917 Railway Age Gaz. 28 Sept. 347/1 Instead of adding a 20 ton load, the yardmaster lets the train go out ten tons light.
2006 N. Friedman Brit. Destroyers & Frigates viii. 162/3 The corresponding FADE IIIF sketch design would have displaced 2,660 tons light (3,462 tons fully loaded).
c. figurative. light of: unburdened by something; (more generally) having little of something.
ΚΠ
a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) I. xxix. 320 Laden with years, and so extremely light of honesty.
1894 B. Carman & R. Hovey Songs from Vagabondia 50 God fashioned a form..And he whistled, light of care.
1980 Private Eye 11 Apr. 24/2 (advt.) Some of our parties are a bit light of fellahs, so give us a ring ​if you want a swinging holiday on a Greek Island for as little as £159 for two weeks.
d. Lacking; short. Frequently with on, esp. in to be light on: to be lacking in; to be short of; to have a shortfall of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > [adjective] > devoid of something > lacking or without
wane971
quit?c1225
helpless1362
desolatec1386
wantsomea1400
ungirtc1412
voidc1420
wantinga1475
destitutea1500
unfurnished1541
defect1543
bankrupt1567
frustrate1576
wanting1580
wanting1592
sterile1642
minus1807
lacking1838
to be stuck up for1860
short1873
wanting1874
quits1885
light1936
the mind > possession > non-possession > [adjective] > devoid of something > lacking or without > ill-provided with something
barec1220
leana1340
needya1425
matterless1483
deficious1541
scarce of?1541
scanta1595
deficienta1616
strait1662
short of1697
shy1895
low on1904
short on1922
light1936
1936 Rotarian July 58/2 If you're light on money you haven't much of an urge to experiment with your game when every shot may decide whether you can go on to the next tournament or have to head back home.
1976 Daily Mail 1 July 6/5 His cricket team was two players light.
1999 Associated Press Newswire (Nexis) 16 Apr. We're frustrated because we've got some budgets that are about a million dollars light...We haven't seen any money.
2013 Daily Tel. 19 Mar. 19/2 The report was light on policy specifics, but urged a greater focus on helping the hard-pressed middle classes.
8. Of weapons, munitions, etc.: of a smaller calibre, or possessing less power, than heavy ordnance. Also: capable of being carried; portable. Contrasted with heavy adj.1 6.In contemporary use, light arms are often distinguished from small arms (see small arms n.) in being transportable by a small crew (usually up to three people), a pack animal, or a light vehicle, as opposed to by a single person (see quot. 1997). According to the United Nations International Tracing Instrument (2005), light arms may include heavy machine guns, certain grenade launchers, anti-aircraft guns, and anti-tank guns, portable launchers of anti-aircraft missile systems, and mortars of a calibre of less than 100 millimetres.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > piece of artillery > [adjective] > other attributes of artillery
single1546
light1687
well-served1700
reverse1702
heavy1728
Thompson1872
1687 P. Rycaut Hist. Turkish Empire (new ed.) 534/2 in Knolles's Turkish Hist. (ed. 6) I. All the light Cannon, and Field-Pieces, with the Ammunition, Colours, Flags, Drums, and Trumpets, were all showed, and brought into the Account of Spoil.
1778 G. Gibson Let. 13 Nov. in G. Washington Papers (2008) Revolutionary War Ser. XVIII. 135 Some light pieces such as are called Grasshoppers wou'd be exceedingly necessary to the Troops.
1875 C. Clery Minor Tactics xiv. 180 To hang closely on their rear, pounding them with light guns.
1953 Times of India 20 Dec. 1/5 Rifles, carbines, Bren guns and other light weapons are blazing away again from inside and outside the Malayan jungle.
1984 J. L. Granatstein & D. Morton Bloody Victory (1994) 131 (caption) The high rectangular pouches carry ammunition for the Bren gun, the light machine-gun lugged by the second man over his shoulder.
1997 Gen. & Compl. Disarmament: Small Arms: Note by Secretary-Gen. 27 Aug. (United Nations Gen. Assembly A/52/298) in undocs.org (accessed 10 July 2021) Broadly speaking, small arms are those weapons designed for personal use, and light weapons are those designed for use by several persons serving as a crew.
2011 Daily Times (Farmington, New Mexico) 9 June b4/3 Light guns must be licensed and only the military can have high-caliber firearms.
9. Of a building or other structure: delicate or insubstantial in appearance; graceful and elegant. Also: designating a style of architecture suggestive of lightness.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > [adjective] > qualities of building generally
substantious1529
lightsome1548
standing1624
substantial1624
prospectless1656
light1765
pukka1777
low-browed1810
tavernous1866
barrack-like1915
demountable1939
1765 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting (ed. 2) II. i. 37 One of the lightest and most beautifull parish churches I have seen.
1837 Penny Cycl. VII. 218/1 Such timber model would have given rise to a much lighter style of architecture.
1845 J. H. Parker Gloss. Terms Archit. (ed. 4) I. 347 Small light spires.
1923 Arts & Decoration May 91/2 An enormous ballroom with a long staircase ending in a light, arched bridge over a great pool.
2004 E. B. Bolles Einstein Defiant v. 51 Instead of being light and graceful, the Trippenhuis is as heavy as a prison.
10. Of a typeface or font: having thin lines; not heavy or bold.See also light face n., light-faced adj.
ΚΠ
1866 Athenæum 3 Feb. 158/3 (advt.) Classical and Modern Names are given in a lighter type than the others.
1883 Cambr. Rev. 24 Jan. 168/2 A highly-glazed paper, light type, with the print often ‘gray’ (to use a technical term), are unsuited to a book which..is emphatically ‘hard reading’.
1932 H. A. Maddox Printing (ed. 2) iii. 40 (caption) Sans-serif (Gill Sans in light, medium, and bold).
2006 Sporting Gun Dec. 47/2 The lighter and smaller typeface introduced in November's edition makes reading the magazine difficult.
II. Having a mild or gentle effect; involving little force or pressure and related senses.
11.
a. Of food, drink, etc.: easy to digest; low in fat, sugar, or other rich ingredients; (of a meal) small and easy to digest. Formerly also in †light of digestion, †of light digestion: easy to digest (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [adjective] > digestible > easily digested or light
lighteOE
subtlea1398
convertiblec1400
subtilty1528
slipper1539
well-digesteda1594
benign1638
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > types or qualities of intoxicating liquor > [adjective] > light
lighteOE
eOE Bald's Leechbk. (Royal) (1865) ii. xlix. 264 Leohte mettas þicge & geseaw broþu.
?a1200 (?OE) Peri Didaxeon (1896) 35 Drince leoht wyn [L. vinum molle], þæt hym ne þyrste.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vi. xxiii. 331 Me vsiþ not at soper to se[r]ue men with grete me[te] and comyn..but with special liȝt mete and delicious [L. deliciosa].
c1484 (a1475) J. de Caritate tr. Secreta Secret. (Takamiya) (1977) 150 (MED) Many sondry potagis or metys qwyche be lyte of dygestyon.
1528 T. Paynell tr. Arnaldus de Villa Nova in Joannes de Mediolano Regimen Sanitatis Salerni sig. N.iijv The best to eate be yonge pigions, redye to flie, for suche be of lyght digestion.
1542 N. Udall in tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes i. f. 9 A light repaste, suche as the bodie maye easyly and without incommoditee awaye withall.
1707 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Comical Wks. (1709) 82 Don Diego took a light Supper.
1832 E. Bulwer-Lytton Eugene Aram I. i. xi. 173 The little family were assembled at the last and lightest meal of the day.
1896 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. I. 418 Rice and sago and such like puddings are not ‘light’ or easily digestible foods.
2010 Irish Times 24 Apr. c4/3 A tiny café tucked in the back of the store offers light lunches and afternoon tea.
b.
(a) Of alcoholic drinks: containing low levels of alcohol.With reference to the taste or character of a drink, cf. sense A. 11c; with reference to calorie content, cf. sense A. 11b(b).
ΚΠ
eOE Cleopatra Gloss. in J. J. Quinn Minor Lat.-Old Eng. Glossaries in MS Cotton Cleopatra A.III (Ph.D. diss., Stanford Univ.) (1956) 66 Melle dulci, leoht beor.
OE Lacnunga (2001) I. xliii. 24 Genim scæncbollan fulne leohtes beores, oððe hluttor eala wel gesweted oððe gesweted win.
1565 J. Hall tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. i. viii. 14 Vnto those geue no lycence to drincke wyne, excepte for necessitye of faintnesse of the stomake, or lake of strengthe. And then lette it be lyghte wyne, soure, & well watered.
1793 D. McBride Instr. Choice Wines & Spirituous Liquors i. 20 Old Hock is that kind of light wine that people may drink copious draughts of, without being much affected.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times III. xli. 238 The light wines of Bordeaux began to be familiar to almost every table.
1902 Lancet 12 July 85/1 Light lager beer is..truly a temperate drink well suited for hot weather.
2018 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (Nexis) 14 June (Taste section) 1 At just 4.4 percent alcohol, it's a good light beer for the start of a long ride.
(b) Designating food or drink products designed to have a lower calorie content than the standard product. Cf. lite adj.2 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > beer > [adjective] > low-calorie
lite1955
light1970
Tsingtao1972
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [adjective] > low or equal calorie
isocaloric1922
no-calorie1951
no-cal1953
lite1955
equicaloric1961
light1991
1970 Bakersfield Californian 19 Feb. 39 (advt.) Light Beer, with one-third fewer calories than regular beer, is making its debut in the Bakersfield area.
1986 News (Frederick, Maryland) 30 Oct. b4/4 ‘There's nothing wrong with light cheese and mayonnaise,’ she said. ‘We never needed all that fat in the first place.’
1991 Washington Post 6 Nov. a1/6 The rules state..that ‘light’ or ‘lite’..may be used only on foods that have one-third fewer calories than comparable products.
2008 Supermarket News (Nexis) 28 Apr. 41 Welch's makes a light version of its Berry Juice Cocktail with half the calories, sugar and carbs.
c. Of a flavour, aroma, etc.: subtle, delicate. Also of food, drink, etc.: having a subtle or delicate flavour, aroma, etc.; (of wine) sometimes spec. = light-bodied adj. 2.
ΚΠ
1748 W. Lewis tr. Pharmacopoeia Royal Coll. Physicians Edinb. 71 An aromatic, bitterish taste, and a light fragrant smell.
1804 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 12 231 The leaves are sweetish, with a light aromatic warmth and pungency.
1958 Mason City (Iowa) Globe-Gaz. 7 Aug. 10/2 A perfume..may start with a light floral, have a woody middle note and end heavy and resinous.
1983 P. Dallas Ital. Wines (new ed.) vii. 109 It is a delightful, light, fresh, fragrant and pétillant Moscato.
2006 Guardian 18 Mar. (Money section) 3/1 (heading) The tangelo..has a light, sweet-acid taste, and contains fewer pips than a grapefruit or tangerine.
12. Of a medication or medical treatment: having mild rather than violent or powerful effects; not producing severe side effects. In later use: spec. designating sedation or anaesthesia that has a relatively limited effect on the level of consciousness; (also) used in such sedation or anaesthesia.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > other qualities of medicines
lighteOE
emphractic1659
concentrant1721
potentized1851
antiperiodic1861
weak1899
stathmokinetic1939
bioavailable1973
biosimilar2002
eOE Bald's Leechbk. (Royal) (1865) ii. xxvii. 222 Þonne wyrce leohte spiwole drencas of rædice swa þæt læcas cunnon.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vii. xv. 361 Me schal do þerto liȝt repercussif[es] and swagynge medycynes inwarde.
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 92 Þer is noon oþer wey, but a liȝt cauterizacioun of þe senewe þat is hurt.
c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 85v (MED) Lete him vse þe quantite of þe fourþe part of þe liȝteste of þese symple medicyns.
1619 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. Αρχαιο-πλουτος viii. viii. 774/2 In like manner, to a sicke man (very weake), a light medicine being giuen, it hath the power to ouerthrow him to the ground.
1761 J. Rutty in Philos. Trans. 1760 (Royal Soc.) 51 474 In some tabid cases, particularly that called the galloping consumption, the mildest and lightest of our own chalybeates..have been found to increase the hectic heats and tension of the pulse.
1828 Amer. Med. Recorder 13 292 One of them [sc. patients with the same disease] may be a case as malignant as the plague, while the others are perfectly mild and manageable under the lightest treatment.
1857 Amer. Jrnl. Med. Sci. 34 151 If the quantity of the sulphate of quinia is carried to two grammes and upwards.., instead of light sedation, there are observed oppression and very decided sinking.
1920 G. A. H. Barton Backwaters of Lethe ii. 42 In the departures from the signs of the third degree [of anæsthesia], there is much in common between too light and too deep anæsthesia.
1982 H. K. Moon Possible Dreams 33 ‘I gave you a light sedative. You've been asleep for fourteen hours,’ he grinned.
2007 Daily Tel. 29 Mar. 14/6 Bronchial thermoplasty was given to 112 patients with severe asthma..using a flexible bronchoscope and a light anaesthetic.
13.
a.
(a) Having little force or exerting little pressure; esp. (of the touch of a hand, a blow, etc.) gentle; not violent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > [adjective]
light?c1225
moderatea1398
sober1398
weakc1400
meanly?a1425
treatablec1450
slenderc1475
remiss1550
quiet1560
unpassionatea1600
relaxative1611
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 163 Four dalen þus to dealet. Fondunge. licht. & dearne. Fondunge licht & openlich fondunge strong & dearne. fondunge strong & openlich.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iv. met. iii. l. 3503 Feble and lyȝt is þe hand of Cirtes [read Circes] þe enchaunteresse þat chaungeþ þe bodies of folk in to bestes to regarde and to comparisoun of mutacioun þat is makid by vices.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Diiijv Waxe..yeelds at last to euerie light impression. View more context for this quotation
1595 A. Fletcher Certaine Similies 63 Euen so sathan, doth most easily ouerthrow, with euery light temptation, fraile and weake men.
1673 J. Ogilby Asia 48/1 The Califf gives each of them three light Blows with a Stick on their Backs.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §46 The juice of olives or grapes issuing by the lightest pressure is best.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. i. 16 Ellena fled with lighter steps along the alley.
1856 G. J. Whyte-Melville Kate Coventry iii Gertrude..brushing away..at my back hair, and pulling it unnecessarily hard: no maid ever yet had a ‘light’ hand.
1907 H. L. McKisack Dict. Med. Diagnosis 281 (caption) Light percussion over healthy lung gives normal clear sound.
2000 A. Bourdain Kitchen Confid. (2001) 203 I feel only the occasional light tap on the shoulder as he squeezes through with another tray of coffee.
(b) figurative. Of a method of dealing with or handling something: subtle; restrained; understated. Esp. in (with) a light touch: (in) a subtle, restrained, or understated manner.See also light-touch adj., light of touch at Phrases 10.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > simplicity > [adjective]
plainc1330
simplea1382
neat1453
natural1553
austere1581
bare1583
unintricated1649
severe1665
clever1674
light1740
ungaudy1795
unassuminga1807
inartificial1823
quiet1838
unpretentious1838
unabstract1840
uninvolved1853
penny-plain1854
simplex munditiis1874
unstagy1882
clinical1932
shibui1947
understated1957
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > [adjective] > restrained
bridled1567
retent1568
restrained1578
controlled1581
snubbed1583
retained1592
retentive1599
curbed1600
repressed1606
stifleda1643
suspense1667
light1740
reined-in1740
checked1793
reined-up1835
reticent1877
snaffled1877
directed1891
1740 M. D. tr. Marquis d'Argens Jewish Spy III. xcv. 115 They always discover a certain Flemish Taste; which is dull, gross, and far from the light Touch [Fr. façon legere] of the Italians, those faithful Copiers of the Beauties of Antiquity.
1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. v. 144 A painter's light execution of a background.
1855 Examiner 16 June 372/2 The Captain..had resolved to carry matters off with a light touch.
1964 Valley Independent (Monessen, Pa.) 24 Aug. 13/3 (headline) Lighter touch expected in convention coverage.
1989 D. Ades et al. Art in Lat. Amer. iv. 101 A quality of..naturalism in his paintings, and the careful observation and light handling of foreground detail, have suggested comparison with Corot.
2014 Radio Times 26 Apr. (South/West ed.) 23/1 Could such a project be steered onto the airwaves by Worsley's light touch, ambition and twinkling zeal for history?
b. Of wind, a breeze, etc.: gentle, not strong in force. Cf. moderate adj. 1b, strong adj. 13a. light air n. Meteorology a barely perceptible wind of force 1 on the Beaufort scale, in modern use corresponding to a speed of 1-3 knots (0.5-1.5 km/h). light breeze n. Meteorology a gentle breeze of force 2 on the Beaufort scale, in modern use corresponding to a speed of 4-6 knots (1.6-3.3 km/h), at which leaves rustle and small wavelets begin to form on bodies of water.In Beaufort's first draft of his scale ( MS Logbk. (MET/2/1/2/3/540) 12–13 Jan. 1806 ), light air was listed as force 2, and light breeze as force 3.
ΚΠ
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xi. xvi. 595 Aura is lyȝt wynde imeued and it schakeþ [emended in ed. to ischake], and keleþ hem þat ben hote and hetiþ hem þat ben colde.
?1536 W. Tyndale Expos. Mathew (new ed.) (vi) f. lxx A lyght [?1533 litle; ?1536 (STC 24441) lytle] wynde dryueth a greate shyppe with the streme.
1750 Min. Proc. Trial Rear-Admiral Knowles 219 It fell almost calm, and continued so upwards of half an Hour, when a Light Breeze sprang up again.
1831 F. Beaufort in R. Fitzroy Narr. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle (1839) II. ii. 40 Figures... to denote the force of the wind... Light Air... Or just sufficient to give steerage way.... Light Breeze... Or that in which a man-of-war, with all sail set, and clean full, would go in smooth water from 1 to 2 knots.
1881 Excelsior May 227 An arrow with one barb or point only is employed for a light breeze, one with two barbs for a fresh or strong wind.
1984 J. D. Harvey Laughter-silvered Wings 58 The weather was ideal with clear skies and light winds.
2018 D. Franzel Sailing: Basics (rev. ed.) iv. 65 In light air, we need the maximum power the sails can generate, so we want full, round sails.
c.
(a) figurative. Of an effect produced on (or sometimes by) a person's intellect, emotions, or personality: having little impact or influence; slight, superficial, faint.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > insubstantial
thin?c1225
lighta1413
superficiala1425
sleevelessc1450
frivolous1549
frothy1593
windy1593
shallow1594
airy1600
ghostlessa1603
sleazy1648
tenuious1656
wishy-washy1693
gauzy1774
lathery1803
wish-washy1814
tenuousa1817
toy1821
flimsy1827
airy-fairy1857
facile1857
feeblish1882
popcorn1973
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 1238 Men seyth impressions lyghte Ful lyghtly ben ay redy to þe flyghte.
1584 B. Rich Don Simonides II. sig. D.iv Vaine affection, makyng but a light impression, is soone displaced.
1722 T. Coney Devout Soul Ess. i. 8 If there be but light Traces left upon the Mind, the Footsteps will soon be eras'd, and the Memorial obliterated.
1851 E. Lynn Realities I. iv. 87 I will inflict its [sc. the family's] dishonour, in the hope that this light mark may obviate one deeper and more indelible!
1988 N. Lowndes Chekago v. 259 Early in life he had learned..never to leave by gesture or word the lightest imprint of his individuality on the outside world.
2010 J. Browner tr. F. Mitterrand Bad Life 21 People..who left such a light impression that I thought I'd forgotten them.
(b) Of a visible imprint on a surface: produced through gentle pressure or limited force; shallow, faint.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > shallowness > [adjective]
shoal839
undeepc897
shallow14..
ebbc1425
fluec1440
light1556
fleet1629
depthless1816
1556 R. Record Castle of Knowl. 37 Sette one foote of the compasse in one of the Poles of the Globe, and..with..[the other] foote make a lyghte marke in the Globe.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. xviii. xiv. 571 For the most part the husbandmen bestow a light furrow upon it [sc. lupin seed], and so cover it very shallow.
1849 J. R. Lowell Poems (rev. ed.) II. 242 Yet, when we seek her, we but find a few Light footprints, leading morn-ward through the dew.
1914 Jrnl. Royal Anthropol. Inst. 44 247 Besides the deeply incised lines there is a number of irregular and much lighter scratches.
2002 R. Collignon Santo in Image of Cristóbal García 147 Flavio watched a beetle make its way over the dirt near his feet, leaving a light trail in the dust.
d. Of a battle, skirmish, etc.: involving small numbers of combatants, or few casualties.
ΚΠ
?1520 A. Barclay tr. Sallust Cron. Warre agaynst Iugurth li. f. lxxiiv He had many batayls & lyght skyrmisshes [L. prælia multa cæterum alia leuia].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. vi. 47 This Citie must be famisht, Or with light Skirmishes enfeebled. View more context for this quotation
1883 W. S. Ramey Kings of Battle-field (1887) iv. 94 Richard made every effort to overtake them, and two light battles were fought.
1922 G. H. Guttridge Colonial Policy William III (1966) iii. 58 After several light conflicts, the enemy beat a general retreat.
2016 D. W. Belcher Cavalry of Army of Cumberland vi. 150 The 2nd Michigan Cavalry also had some light action during the afternoon.
e. Of a mechanism or the control of a machine, etc.: requiring minimal effort or exertion; easy to control or manipulate.See also finger-light adj., light-touch adj. 1.
ΚΠ
1921 Banker's Mag. Nov. 1044/2 Some of the features of the new model [calculating machine] are a light keyboard touch and easy crank turn.
1958 Times 1 July 6/6 The steering, which used to be somewhat indefinite, is now light and pleasantly positive in action.
1983 Financial Times (Nexis) 9 Apr. 9 (caption) The Ford Sierra Estate; rides well, holds a lot and has light controls.
2016 GDP: Global Data Point (Nexis) 16 Apr. On the open road and manoeuvring around tight corners, the handling is light and the car feels balanced.
14.
a. Of a cloud, mist, fog, etc.: insubstantial; wispy; vaporous; hazy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > cloud > mist > [adjective] > hazy
lighta1425
moky1706
hazy1715
a1425 (c1300) Assumption of Virgin (BL Add.) (1901) l. 863 A lyȝt cloude come after þan, And ouer sprad hem euery man.
1631 C. Aleyn Battailes Crescey & Poictiers sig. C5 Horrors thicker clowdes were driu'n away; But lighter mists..did now Appeare to dim the honour of the day.
1786 T. Baldwin Airopaidia ii. 7 An upper Tier of light Clouds in the Zenith moving from South–West to West, and dense ones rising in the Horizon.
1816 Ld. Byron Siege of Corinth xxi. 34 There is a light cloud by the moon.
1978 Washington Post (Nexis) 29 Sept. (Metro section) b2 Morning cloudiness and light fog held the temperatures down at San Diego and Los Angeles.
2001 Times (Nexis) 17 June The first water-colour wash of light..touches a few high, light clouds, turning the sky to opal.
b. Of rain or snow: falling gently; consisting of small drops or flakes; not abundant.
ΚΠ
1576 T. Hill Moste Pleasaunte Arte Interpretacion of Dreames (new ed.) sig. Eviv He whiche dreameth that he seeth misting & light rayne and the firmament cleare argeweth a good disposition of the spirites.
1699 T. Allison Acct. Voy. Archangel 16 The rest went..a Wooding as before, but with greater toil and labour, occasion'd from light Snow fallen the former night.
1788 G. Washington Diary 28 July (1979) V. 368 Through the day there were light showers and close funky weather.
1889 N.Y. Post 21 Sept. A light fall of snow here yesterday gave the people living in the Oklahomas a foretaste of what winter will be like.
1905 E. C. Murphy et al. Destructive Floods in U.S. 1904 (U.S. Geol. Surv.) 171 On Friday, October 7, there were no heavy rains, but a light drizzle fell until the evening.
2005 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 13 Oct. ii. 12/3 Cloudiness and lingering spits of drizzle and very light rain are still possible today.
15. In the superlative lightest, chiefly with nouns of desire, such as wish, whim, etc.: merest, slightest.
ΚΠ
?1589 tr. T. de Bèze Iob Expounded sig. C.6v Not only those things which we speak or do otherwise then we ought, but euen the very lightest motions of the mind are to be accounted for sinnes.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. v. 15 I would a tale vnfold, whose lightest word Would harrow vp thy soule.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Westmorl. 139 Not only all evil doing, but even the lightest suspicions thereof.
1883 All Year Round 10 Mar. 228/2 Her husband becomes more infatuated with her daily, more subservient to her lightest whim and caprice.
1956 I. Murdoch Flight from Enchanter viii. 100 This kindly body was indeed ready to provide staff of any description in response to a department's lightest wish.
2013 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 29 Mar. 37 Doors silently swivel open at their approach: ruin falls upon entire islands at their lightest word.
16. Of a sound, a voice, etc.: having a clear, often high-pitched quality; having little depth or resonance. Also: quiet; soft.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > [adjective] > clear
quickc1275
clearc1300
express?c1450
preclare?1553
light1620
precise1846
1620 J. Brinsley in tr. Virgil Eclogues i. 12/2 (note) Light sound (or humming noise).
1833 H. Martineau Loom & Lugger i. iv. 51 The lightest of her shriller tones made itself heard.
1907 D. K. Ranous tr. M. Serao Conq. Rome iii. 33 There was a moment of perfect silence; then a light murmur of voices arose.
1993 Classic CD June 47/3 The light voice of van der Meel singing the Evangelist, was to my taste too neutral in this role.
2015 R. Stevenson World without Us 19 I liked his laugh, the clear light sound of it.
17. Of the mouth of a horse: sensitive or responsive to pressure applied by the rider to the bit. Also of a horse, in light in the mouth, in the same sense.See also light-mouthed adj. at Compounds 3, light in the hand at Phrases 7.
ΚΠ
1705 tr. G. Guillet de Saint-Georges Gentleman's Dict. i. at Bars Since your Horse's Barrs are so very sensible, he has a Fine Light Mouth [Fr. la bouche fine & legere]; and in a whole Days Riding, you have him all along upon the Hand, with an Even, Firm and Light Appui, or Rest.
1884 E. L. Anderson Mod. Horsemanship i. iv. 11 The beginner should be mounted upon a quiet horse that is light in the mouth.
1901 Agric. Jrnl. & Mining Rec. (Natal) 1 Mar. 822/1 The beau ideal of a ladies' hack should be quite handy, be light in the mouth, susceptible to the least touch of the rein.
1997 Amarillo (Texas) Daily News 17 May 6 c/4 (advt.) 4 yr. old Red Roan mare..15.1 hands, 1250 lbs, good quiet mind, light mouth, real good handle.
18. Of a syllable (esp. in poetry): unstressed; pronounced without emphasis. Hence of a rhythm: consisting mainly of such syllables.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > intonation, pitch, or stress > [adjective] > accent > stressed > unstressed
flat1589
light1775
stressless1871
atonic1878
unstressed1884
weak-stressed1898
1775 J. Steele Ess. Melody & Meas. Speech iii. 86 In English..the light syllable has sometimes the acute accent, though oftener the grave.
1839 Penny Cycl. XV. 474/2 Every full spoken cadence consists of a heavy syllable, and of one or more light ones.
1887 S. Colvin Keats v. 109 A perverse persistency in ending his heroic lines with the lightest syllables—prepositions, adverbs and conjunctions—on which neither pause nor emphasis is possible.
1901 R. Bridges Milton's Prosody 96 The greater part of the poem is in a lighter rhythm.
2013 Internat. Jrnl. Amer. Linguistics 79 217 If the final syllable is light, stress falls on the penultimate syllable.
19. Finance and Stock Market. Of trading, receipt of goods, etc.: low in volume; involving or generating few transactions; sparse.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [adjective] > feeling or state of market
sensitive1813
bearish1827
light1827
quiet1833
easy1836
soft1849
weak1856
steady1857
buoyant1868
sick1870
swimming1870
featureless1879
bullish1882
firm1887
gravelly1887
technical1889
pippy1892
manipulated1903
thin1931
volatile1931
trendless1939
nervous1955
toppy1961
over-bullish1970
toppish1983
1827 Louisiana Advertiser 2 Feb. Nothwithstanding Saturday and Monday are days of comparatively light business the sales on the former amounted to 2000 bags.
1832 Star & Republican Banner (Gettysburg, Pa.) 28 Aug. Wheat.—The receipts continue light—good Red is selling this morning at $1 15 to 1 22.
1922 Western Grain Jrnl. 28 July 49/1 Reports from the principal hay markets for the week ending July 9 indicate a continued light movement of hay.
1930 Daily Express 6 Sept. 2/6 The turnover..remained light, the upturn reflecting an extreme scarcity of sellers rather than any considerable number of buyers.
1995 Hongkong Standard 26 Aug. (Financial Review) 13/6 Declining issues beat out advancers by 442 to 353 in light trading.
20. Of vehicle or pedestrian traffic: sparse, scarce; infrequent.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > transport by air > [adjective] > sparse pattern of air traffic
light1848
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > vehicular traffic > [adjective] > density of traffic
nose to taila1834
light1848
1848 Times 9 Dec. 5/4 A new..steam-carriage, constructed with a view to the more economical management of branch and other lines on which the passenger traffic is light.
1894 Indianapolis News 23 Mar. 4/3 On cross streets where the traffic is light six foot sidewalks are ample.
1940 Chicago Tribune 4 Aug. iii. 2/6 Pedestrian accidents are few at this intersection, engineers say, because foot traffic is light.
1979 Tucson (Arizona) Mag. June 54/1 Some extremists might seek out..Hell on Earth. But, judging by the light tourist traffic into El Paso, these extremists are a small minority.
1985 Interavia Aerospace Rev. Feb. 163/1 Intercontinental airline routes with relatively light traffic.
2013 M. Lawson Deaths viii. 237 The traffic out of London is light.
III. Unimportant, trivial, or slight, and related senses.
21.
a. Of small importance, consequence, or seriousness; trivial; slight. Of a sin: venial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > of little importance or trivial
eathlyc890
lighteOE
littleOE
small?c1225
singlec1449
easy1474
triflous1509
naughty1526
slender1530
slight1548
shrimpish1549
slipper1567
truanta1572
toyous1581
trivious1583
mean1585
silly1587
nicea1594
puny?1594
puisne1598
pusill1599
whindling1601
sapless1602
non-significant1603
poor1603
unsignificant1603
flea-bite1605
perishing1605
lank1607
weightless1610
fonda1616
penny farthing1615
triviala1616
unweighty1621
transitory1637
twattling1651
inconsiderate1655
unserious1655
nugal1656
small drink1656
slighty1662
minute1668
paddling1679
snitling1682
retail1697
Lilliputian1726
vain1731
rattletrap1760
peppercornish1762
peppercorn1791
underling1804
venial1806
lightweight1809
floccinaucical1826
small-bore1833
minified1837
trantlum1838
piffling1848
tea-tabular1855
potty1860
whipping-snapping1861
tea-gardeny1862
quiddling1863
twaddling1863
fidgeting1865
penny ante1865
feather-weighted1870
jerkwater1877
midget1879
mimsy1880
shirttail1881
two-by-four1885
footle1894
skittery1905
footery1929
Mickey Mouse1931
chickenshit1934
minoritized1945
marginal1952
marginalized1961
tea-party1961
little league1962
marginalizing1977
minnowy1991
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > sin > kinds of sin > [adjective] > venial
lighteOE
forȝivelichc1000
veniala1300
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) lxii. 457 (heading) Ðætte hwilum ða leohtan scylda [L. leuiora uitia] bioð beteran to forlætenne, ðylæs ða hefigran weorðen ðurhtogene.
OE Ælfric Homily: Sermo ad Populum (Corpus Cambr. 188) in J. C. Pope Homilies of Ælfric (1967) I. 426 Ða leohtan gyltas and ða lytlan synna beoð þonne afeormode þurh ðæt witniendlice fyr.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Bodl.) (1934) 34 Sone se ha gulteð eawiht, gan anan uorðriht þet ha ne firstin hit nawt to schawen hit i schrifte, ne beo hit ne se lutel ne se liht sunne.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 11 Liȝte couaytise to habbe oþre manne þing [b]y guode scele: ne is no zenne.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xxiv. §4. 88 Godis wayes he calles his lightere biddyngis.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 227 I grant my seruice is bot lycht.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 24v Light harmes Let ouer passe.
1765 J. D. Furley Choheleth iii. 85 Howsoe'er of light account to some Such wisdom may appear; 'tis in mine eyes Above the price of rubies.
1866 B. North Yes or No! xii. 269 It was what the world calls a venial or light sin.
1871 S. Smiles Character i. 25 They will be held in light esteem by other nations.
2007 Sunday Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 28 Jan. 40 It is no light matter to see your own country adopting the methods of a police state.
†b. Of a person: not able to command respect because of low social status or character; insignificant; unimportant. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > paltry, mean, or contemptible > of people
vile1340
light1529
sixpenny1561
single-soled1588
squirting1592
washya1631
insignificant1669
snotty-nosed1682
nerdy1960
nerkish1975
nerdish1980
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters i. xxx. f. xlviv/1 I myght by a lyght persone sumtyme know a mych more substancyall man.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clxixv Diuerse other light marchantes within the citee.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. xix He set more by vile borne vileyns and light persones, then by the princes and nobles.
c. Of a disease, symptoms, etc.: minor; not severe or extreme.
ΚΠ
1679 L. Addison Life & Death Mahumed xv. 78 A light Fever, which at length increased to such violence, that..it seem'd to bereave him of his senses.
1753 N. Torriano tr. J. B. L. Chomel Hist. Diss. Gangrenous Sore Throat 89 The Disease began with a light Shivering.
1835 Thomsonian Recorder 3 398/1 Is it common for this self-limiting disease to become so much lighter and more easily eradicable, after three or four periodical returns?
1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. III. 476 Windy tumidities..arise, and therewith light diarrhœas are often associated.
1922 Internat. Med. & Surg. Surv. 3 No. 3. vi. 238 Frequently there was light jaundice, never enlargement of the spleen.
2003 Observer (Nexis) 30 Mar. 29 The condition of patients..varies widely from light symptoms to severe distress requiring the use of artificial respirators.
22.
a. Characterized by levity; lacking careful thought or consideration; frivolous; unthinking. Formerly also with †of.In Old English chiefly in compounds and derivatives; cf. note in etymology.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > light-mindedness > [adjective]
lightlyeOE
lightOE
lightsomea1425
flying1509
light-minded?1529
tickle or light of the sear?1530
giddya1547
light-headed1549
gidded1563
giddish1566
fling-brained1570
tickle-headed1583
toyish1584
shallow1594
leger1598
corky1601
barmy1602
airy1609
unfirma1616
unballast1622
cork-brained1630
unballasted1644
kickshawa1655
unserious1655
unstudious1663
flirtishc1665
caper-witteda1670
shatter-headedc1686
corky-brained1699
flea-lugged1724
halokit1724
shatter-brained1727
scattered-brained1747
shatter-witted1775
flippant1791
butterfly-brained1796
scatter-brained1804
gossamer1806
shandy-pated1806
shattery1820
barmy-brained1823
papilionaceous1832
flirtatious1834
flirty1840
Micawberish1859
scatterheaded1867
flibberty-gibberty1879
thistledown1897
shatter-pated1901
trivial-minded1905
scattery1924
fizgig1928
ditzy1979
OE Hymns (Julius A.vi) lxxxvi. 1, in H. Gneuss Hymnar u. Hymnen im englischen Mittelalter (1968) 369 Ne posses maculare tuam vitam saltem levi flamine [read famine] : þæt ðu ne mihtest besmitan þin lif furðum mid leohtre spræce.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 48 Þeos..lufsume lefdi..ne luuede heo nane lihte plohen.
a1300 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Caius) 13 Gif dust of lichte þohtes winded to swiþe up, flaski teares on ham.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 3346 Sum dros of syn, Als light speche, or thoght in vayn.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. cclvi/2 A monke moche Joly and lyght of his lyuyng.
1571 E. Grindal Iniunctions Prouince of Yorke §1. sig. A.ij Being circumspect, that you offende no man eyther by light behauiour, or by light apparell.
1631 R. Sanderson Serm. II. 3 A sober grave matron..will never be light and garish.
1641 ‘Smectymnuus’ Vindic. Answer Hvmble Remonstr. ii. 31 It never came into our thoughts to use a light expression.
1713 R. Steele Englishman No. 27. 176 Publick Faith is now commonly talked of in the lightest manner.
1823 W. Scott Peveril I. ix. 254 The disposition of the young Earl was lighter and more volatile than that of Julian.
1975 Sedalia (Missouri) Democrat 14 Dec. 18 a/8 How could the chief of police take such a light attitude towards such a serious problem?
2017 Times (Nexis) 20 Jan. 33 As for the suggestion of adultery there is no reliable evidence beyond Mr Morgan's light remark that ‘everyone knows’ he got up to it.
b. Esp. of a woman or her behaviour: promiscuous; licentious; immoral. Now rare (archaic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > [adjective]
golec888
canga1225
light?c1225
wooinga1382
nicea1387
riota1400
wantonc1400
wrenec1400
lachesc1450
loose?a1500
licentious1555
libertine1560
prostitute1569
riggish1569
wide1574
slipper1581
slippery1586
sportive1595
gay1597
Cyprian1598
suburb1598
waggish1600
smicker1606
suburbian1606
loose-living1607
wantona1627
free-living1632
libertinous1632
loose-lived1641
Corinthian1642
akolastic1656
slight1685
fast1699
freea1731
brisk1740
shy1787
slang1818
randomc1825
fastish1832
loosish1846
slummya1860
velocious1872
fly1880
slack1951
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 238 Mi lichte onswere oðer mine lichte lattes tulden him earst upon me.
c1300 St. Agatha (Laud) l. 8 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 194 An old quene..strong hore and baudestrote; heo hadde Niȝe douȝtren liȝt wummen.
c1480 (a1400) St. Thais 3 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 215 Thadee..licht women wes & richt brukil of hyre flesche.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues (new ed.) To Rdrs. sig. Biv Did not Iupiters Egge bring foorth..Helen a light huswife.
1615 J. Swetnam Araignm. Lewde, Idle, Froward, & Vnconstant Women 17 Hosea by marrying with a lewde woman of light behauiour was brought vnto Idolatry.
1642 R. Norwood Let. from Sommer Islands 4 in W. Prynne Fresh Discov. Wandring-blasing-stars (1645) Such a woman was light and wanton.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano ii. v. 82 For nought beside vain dalliance cared they, And their light folly was before our eyes.
1900 Nation (N.Y.) 5 Apr. 259/2 Eliza was always, rightly or wrongly, accused of very light conduct.
2013 T. Orr Aztecs iii. 23 Make up and paint are things that light women use, shameless creatures.
23.
a. Of a price: low. Of goods or property: cheap; of little value.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [adjective] > cheap
light?a1400
vile?1490
cheap1517
low-prized1600
druggish1701
popular1830
low-priced1842
underpriced1861
bargain basement1899
low-budget1918
Woolworth1931
Woolworthian1933
pipe-rack1956
budget1958
cheapo1967
pound shop1989
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 5926 Þis Reseamiraduk..his letter gan rebuk, sette it at light prise.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aiiii Thare come ane laithles leid air to this place With ane girdill ourgilt and vthir light gere.
1609 Bible (Douay) I. 1 Kings x. 15 Al that sold light wares.
1806 Morning Chron. 21 Apr. (advt.) A very handsome new telegraph chaise..trimmed with rich fancy lace, at the very light price of 35 guineas.
1995 Port Arthur (Texas) News 12 Nov. 2 e/1 (advt.) Pick up a sofa for a very light price!
b. Finance and Stock Market. Of a currency or share: relatively low in value or price.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > value of money > [adjective] > lowered in value
worse1423
base1581
embased1602
depreciated1790
light1839
debaseda1859
devalued1925
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > stocks, shares, or bonds > [adjective] > types of securities > type of share
inscribed1882
non-voting1883
no-load1959
light1981
1839 P. H. Abbott On Public Debt 15 Would those creditors be damnified, in the smallest degree, if all the light stocks, as they are termed, were converted into 5 per cent. stock.
1977 Daily Tel. 13 Apr. 19 The lira is certainly the lightest currency, with nearly 900 units to the dollar.
1981 Times 30 Apr. 26/4 Royal Bank of Scotland slipped 4p to 184p with its predators Hongkong & Shanghai 1p lighter at 130p.
2009 Financial Mail (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 14 Aug. SA derives significant advantage from its relatively lighter currency. Tourists who are armed with dollars, euros and pounds are guaranteed a luxurious holiday in the country.
24. Cards. Of a hand in certain games: low in points; (in Bridge) spec. lacking sufficient points for a traditional bid. Also of a bid, value, etc.: low. Also in to open light: to begin the bidding with less strength than is conventional; to come in light: to come into the bidding in this way.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [adjective] > short of points for a traditional bid
light1864
1864 W. B. Dick Amer. Hoyle 72 B. first looks at his hand, and finds he has but one or two small trumps; in other words, a light hand.
1899 A. Dunn Bridge 29 As the dealer's hand is not worth a single trick, a light ‘no-trumper’ means absolute ruin.
1935 E. Culbertson Encycl. Bridge 265/1 A light bid is based on nearly the strength which it implies.
1959 Listener 13 Aug. 262/3 Some players do not like to open light when they have a part score.
1971 Daily Tel. 21 Aug. 8/3 A fine contract to reach on light values.
1976 Bridge Mag. July 40/1 A good partnership must..console itself with the..gains which are brought in by one partner coming in light and the other not crucifying him for doing so.
2017 Times (Nexis) 7 Sept. (Features section) 15 Top players dislike opening light in second chair—too much danger of being taken overboard by partner.
IV. Swift or agile and related senses.
25.
a. That moves in a quick or agile way; able to run fast; nimble; swift, speedy; not sluggish or slow (cf. heavy adj.1 19a). Now rare.See also light-footed adj., light-legged adj. (a) at Compounds 3, light of foot at Phrases 2a, to be light on one's feet, Phrases 2c(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > bodily movement > [adjective] > qualities of bodily movement > agile or nimble
lightOE
quiverOE
yepec1275
taitc1300
yap13..
delivera1375
swippera1387
wight1390
nimblea1400
yarea1400
yerna1400
smitherc1475
leger1483
agilea1500
liver1530
lightsome1567
wimble1579
nimble jointed1591
nimble shifting1591
agilious1599
nimbling1599
nimble spirited1611
expedite1612
fitchanta1616
airy1642
fantastic1645
volant1650
clever1691
light-limbed1695
spry1746
swack1768
swank1786
yauld1787
deliverly1820
slippy1847
nippy1849
springe1859
pantherish1869
pantherine1890
flippant1895
loose1907
Tarzanesque1933
Tarzan-like1943
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [adjective] > having specific manner of walking > light-footed
lightOE
light-footeda1425
lightfoot1440
feather-footed1565
tripping1567
nimble-footed1592
soft-foot1598
light-heeled1600
soft-footed1603
soft-footed1607
nimble-heeled1656
quick-foot1658
feather-heeleda1674
tickle-heeled1740
nimble-stepping1832
tripsome1846
twinkle-toed1960
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > [adjective] > moving swiftly and briskly
lightOE
quiverOE
wight1390
yerna1400
sharpc1440
fisking?1523
skeetc1540
nimblea1547
flit1590
brisk1599
brisky1600
smart1602
whipping1602
running1662
nimble-movinga1676
snack1710
brushing1792
adance1828
slippy1847
nippy1849
smartish1921
hoppy1934
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > [noun] > thieving hands
lightOE
hand-habend1828
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > going swiftly on foot > [adjective] > performed with or accompanied by running > swift of foot
lightOE
fiery-footed1565
fleet-foot1593
swift-foot1594
wind-foot1598
swift-footed1609
footed as (also like, with) the wind1612
fast-footed?1615
swift-heeled1634
fleet-footed1726
wind-footed1848
OE Phoenix 317 Nis he hinderweard.., swar ne swongor, swa sume fuglas, þa þe late þurh lyft lacað fiþrum, ac he is snel ond swift ond swiþe leoht.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 13 Þat man be waker, and liht, and snel.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 1942 He lep up on a stede lith [rhyme knith].
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 9277 Welssemen..Þat liȝte were & hardi.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxiiiv That diuerse persones hauyng light horses, should skoure the countrey.
1567 R. Sempill in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. 33 To dance that nycht thay said sho sould not slak, With leggis lycht to hald the wedow walkane.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies v. v. 342 He required the Cacique..to give him an Indian that were light, to carry him a Letter.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) ii. i. 204 Too light for such a swaine as you to catch. View more context for this quotation
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) (at cited word) Among Astrologers, a Planet is said To be light, i.e. nimble, compared to another that moves slower.
1883 R. W. Dixon Mano i. ix. 25 Well coloured was she, tall and debonair, And light and very swift.
2008 Irish Times (Nexis) 5 July (Sport section) 5 Safin would have needed a degree in ballistics to determine the trajectory of the champion's serves and lighter legs to put a racquet on them.
b. Of the fingers: deft or dexterous, and hence good at stealing. Esp. in to have light fingers: to have a tendency to steal things; to be a thief. Cf. light-fingered adj.
ΚΠ
?c1635 I. D. Dr. Do'goods Direct. (single sheet) If a man haue light fingers that he cannot charme, Which will pick mens pockets, and do such like harm.
1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ vii. 117 The more remote the Branches are from the Earth, the less are they subject to the injuries of Cattel, or the Fruit to light fingers.
1826 Christian Repository June 25 If..a soul under disciplinary punishment gets drunk! or steals!..I say, punish him! till he will give heed to good preaching, and lay aside his cups and light fingers!
1966 Life 16 Sept. 150/1 San Antonio police claimed one of them, at least, had light fingers and..pinched the twins for picking up and cashing another man's check.
2003 C. Phillips Distant Shore (2004) 49 We don't have murderers here. A few villains, some with light fingers, and a few who are quick with their fists.
†26.
a. With to. Ready or quick to act or behave in a particular way. Obsolete.See also light of belief, light of love, light of tongue at Phrases 3.
ΚΠ
OE Widsith 72 Se hæfde moncynnes, mine gefræge, leohteste hond lofes to wyrcenne, heortan unhneaweste hringa gedales, beorhtra beaga.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10534 He. Till helle pine demeþþ. Þatt mann..Þatt aȝȝ wass lihht all allse chaff To follȝhenn alle sinness.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1062 Þer to icham al liȝt.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xviii. 14 The spirit forsothe liȝt to wrathen.
?1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton sig. cviiv For euery man ought to be lyght to heeryng, and slowe to speke.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Mi Be nat lyght to beleue euery spirit.
b. Of belief, trust, etc.: easily inspired or engendered; ready. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 324 Ha..nes nawt of lihte bileaue.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xxiii. 32 The kyng, who gaue lyght credence to thaym causedde his vncle..to be beheeded.
1570 T. North tr. A. F. Doni Morall Philos. iv. 95 The Moyle..began of himselfe to thinke vpon the miserie of Princes of light credit, and of the malice of these vile tale bearers.
1640 Womens Sharpe Revenge 31 Beleeve not every smooth Tale that is told,..lest through light trust thou bee deceived.
1669 tr. Duc de Guise Mem. iii. 348 I signified my regret to have used him so roughly in publick, but that he had forced me to it, by a too light confidence in the kindness and goodness I had ever testified for him.
1850 Morning Chron. 29 Apr. 3/1 Not..in the habit of giving light credence to the rumours which..attribute sinister and illegal intentions to the heads of the Government.
†27. Esp. of a person or a person's character: fickle, inconstant; changeable. Obsolete.See also light of love at Phrases 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > over-readiness to believe, credulity > [adjective]
lightc1475
light-eareda1530
credulous1567
over-credulous1579
credulent1584
well-believing1620
sequacious1653
implicit1694
ultrafidiana1849
lame1942
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > inconstancy > [adjective] > of feeling or conduct
lightc1475
variable?a1505
unconstantc1550
c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 52 (MED) He þat is coler..is liȝt & vnstidefast.
c1475 tr. A. Chartier Quadrilogue (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 181 (MED) The light, chaungeable feith..of the subgites to this seigneurie was mocion [a1500 Rawl. movyngis] and encheson of the comyng of oure enemyes vpon vs.
1538 J. Bale Tragedye Promyses God (1744) iv. 21 Thynkest thu that I wyll so sone change my decre? No, no, frynde Moses; so lyght thu shalt not fynde me.
1638 W. Rawley tr. F. Bacon Hist. Nat. & Exper. Life & Death 377 A young Man is Light, and Moveable; An old Man, more Grave and Constant.
1853 M. Arnold Scholar Gipsy in Poems (new ed.) 211 We, Light half-believers of our casual creeds.
1890 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. Eng. 18th Cent. VII. 46 A light man, in whom no person can place any confidence.
1906 G. Alexander Judith vii. 108 She endeavored to attribute it not to fixed loyalty, but to an impulse, of which the lightest nature would be capable.
V. Easy to bear; requiring little effort or exertion.
28.
a. Of a punishment, affliction, etc.: that may be endured without undue hardship or suffering; easy to bear, not harsh. Cf. heavy adj.1 23.In quot. lOE with reference to the customary obligations imposed on a tenant. Cf. sense A. 28b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > not onerous or burdensome
lightOE
softa1200
unchargeantc1380
unimposing1736
canny1737
untroublesome1766
unburdensome1792
unvexatious1827
OE Confessionale Pseudo-Egberti (Junius) 196 Gyf he hit [sc. hæmedþinc] æne and unforesceawodlice gedyde, sy seo bot leohtre.
lOE Laws: Rectitudines (Corpus Cambr.) iv. §4. 448 Gehwar hit is..hefigre, gehwar ea[c] leohtre; forðam ealle landsida ne syn gelice.
c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) l. 960 (MED) Mi ȝok is softe inowh to weren, And my burþene liȝt inouh to beren.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) ii. 523 Luff..all paynys makis lych.
1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 23 The office of all potestatis is lycht to thaim and plesand to the subiectis.
1782 J. Priestley Inst. Relig. (ed. 2) II. 126 The afflictions of this present life will seem light.
1882 B. D. W. Ramsay Recoll. Mil. Serv. I. iv. 74 All that we had endured was light compared to the discomfort on board.
1896 ‘Iota’ Quaker Grandmother 226 Your seeing me has been no light punishment.
1967 Atlantic Reporter 2nd Ser. 223 703/1 In exchange for a guilty plea, the prosecutor may agree to recommend a lighter sentence.
2014 Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 27 Feb. (Sports section) 1/1 Powell's attorney..asked the three-member panel to consider a light penalty for his client.
b. Of a tax, expense, etc.: easily paid; within one's means.
ΚΠ
c1450 King Ponthus (Digby) in Publ. Mod. Lang. Assoc. Amer. (1897) 12 7 (MED) The knyght..went aboute to take oute prisoners and to putt theym to a lyght ravnson.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ci. 121 I am content ye shall come to a lyght ransome, for the loue of my cosyn of Derby.
1657 T. Burton Diary (1828) I. 316 I think it is too light a tax, a decimation; I would have it higher.
1794 tr. J. Mallet Du Pan Dangers which threaten Europe 21 A light impost, loudly called for by circumstances for the security of persons and property, is the object of a thousand complaints.
1920 Scale Jrnl. 10 Sept. 13/1 She—Before we were married you bought me much handsomer presents. He—My general expenses were light then.
1984 Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) 11 Jan. 4/3 The farmer was given a light fine and agreed in stipulations to clean up his manure and silage problems.
29.
a. Esp. of work, a task, a duty, etc.: accomplished, achieved, or carried out with little effort or exertion; undemanding. In early use frequently with infinitive: †easy to do something (obsolete). Formerly also of language, words, etc.: †straightforward; easily articulated or understood (obsolete).See also light duty n.2 and adj., many hands make light work at hand n. Phrases 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > easy to do or accomplish
eathlyc1000
lightOE
eathc1175
easyc1380
facile1484
good1490
easy (also simple, etc.) as pie1890
untroublesome1894
potty1899
sitting1932
cake1968
slow-pitch1981
renable1995
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > doing effortlessly > involving little effort
lightOE
easyc1380
softc1390
unpainful?c1425
unconstrained1541
toilless1606
facile1607
labourlessa1613
cheapa1616
unforced1642
unlaborious1644
slight1667
sweatless1893
pussyfoot1899
lite1929
light-touch1935
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > plainness > [adjective] > straightforward or direct
naked?c1225
platc1385
plaina1393
light?a1400
rounda1450
direct1530
frank1548
evena1573
handsmooth1612
point-blank1648
crude1650
plain-spoken1658
plain-spoke1706
unambiguous1751
plump1789
straightforward1806
plain-said1867
pine-blank1883
straight1894
point-to-point1905
non-ambiguous1924
Wife of Bath1926
simpliste1973
OE Old Eng. Hexateuch: Exod. (Claud.) xviii. 26 Ðæt ðær hefegost wæs, hi rehton him, & demdon þa leohtra ðingc [OE Laud leohtran þing; L. faciliora tantummodo iudicantes].
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4500 Acc witt tu þatt itt niss nohht lihht To betenn hefiȝ sinne.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 314 Þe leaue beo licht in al þet nis sunne.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 99 Liȝt to zigge, an sotil to onderstonde.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 74 In symple speche..þat is lightest in mannes mouth.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) 2nd Prol. 7 Yt is not lyght for euery man to drawe eny longe thyng from latyn into oure Englyshe tongue.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 454 Least too light winning Make the prize light. View more context for this quotation
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Theodore & Honoria in Fables 266 Well pleas'd were all his Friends, the Task was light.
1832 H. Martineau Demerara i. 7 Invalids who were sufficiently recovered to do light work.
1853 Methodist Q. Rev. July 330 To attain these results is no light endeavour.
1866 Dental Reg. Aug. 375 Dentistry is a nice, clean, cosy, comfortable, easy profession... Its remunerations are reasonable, its responsibilities are light.
1919 Trenton (New Jersey) Evening Times 21 Mar. 8/1 (advt.) Half-grown girl wants light housework or child minding to do.
1987 P. Lively Moon Tiger ii. 21 What she was retreating from was..any commitment more intense than light church attendance and an interest in roses.
2018 Sunday Mercury (Birmingham) (Nexis) 21 Jan. 26 The GP suggested cutting down on cigarettes and alcohol and introducing light exercise into my daily routine.
b. Of knowledge or understanding: not extensive; slight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > slight > slight or insubstantial
leanc1325
light1534
rushy1579
slight1585
smattering1589
exile1610
unmassy1665
insubstantial1767
flimsy1780
tenuousa1817
unsubstantial1825
gaseous1846
slimline1973
lite1986
1534 T. Swinnerton in tr. Mustre of Scismatyke Bysshopes Prol. sig. D.viiiv To shewe yt some lyght knowlege and vnderstandyng..and gyue the occasyon to enserche and seke further for a more clerer perceyuaunce of the same.
1688 H. Wharton tr. G. Dellon Hist. Inquisition Goa Pref. sig. A4 Those who have already any light knowledge of the Holy Office, will make no difficulty to believe all which is here related.
1891 Brit. Jrnl. Dental Sci. 34 916 He has the knowledge of a surgeon, which is now no light knowledge.
1969 Internat. Herald Tribune (Paris) 6 Nov. 14/4 (advt.) Light knowledge of French.
2012 D. Smith & J. Friesen Android Recipes (ed. 2) v. 525 Creating and upgrading an SQLiteDatabase does require some light knowledge of SQL.
30. Designating sleep, a nap, etc., from which one wakes easily, or which is easily disturbed.See also light sleeper n. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [adjective]
lighteOE
sleepy?c1225
somnaical1655
soporal1716
heavyish1736
soporific1754
morphetic1788
slumberous1820
sleepful1827
soporifical1837
slumberful1844
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [adjective] > type of sleep > short or light
lighteOE
weak1665
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) v. ix. 410 Mid þy..ic mine limo on beddstowe strehte & me liht slep oferorn [L. ac leuis mihi somnus obrepsisset].
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccxliij/1 As he slepte a lyght slepe the heed enclyned to a walle, he sawe the heuen opene, and put doun to the erthe two whyte laddres.
1630 ‘M. Car’ tr. St. Francis de Sales Treat. Loue of God iii. xii. 208 The poore child fell into a light slumber.
1680 C. Blount tr. Philostratus Life Apollonius Tyaneus xiv. 234 Let us enquire what it is that maketh the sleep of Water-drinkers to be lighter, than that of drunken persons?
1827 J. Keble Christian Year I. ii. 8 Be every mourner's sleep to-night, Like infant's slumbers, pure and light.
1905 Critic (Adelaide) 13 Dec. 23/2 Mr. Macartney..was roused from a light snooze by the entrance of his niece.
2005 Yoga Apr. 9/3 You drift off into light sleep..which gradually gets deeper as brain waves slow down.
31. Of literature, music, or other creative works: designed to be entertaining rather than thought-provoking.See also light comedy n., light entertainment n., light opera n., Light Programme n. at Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > the arts in general > [adjective] > qualities of works generally
wateryc1230
polite?a1500
meagre1539
over-laboured1579
bald1589
spiritless1592
light1597
meretricious1633
standing1661
effectual1662
airy1664
severe1665
correct1676
enervatea1704
free1728
classic1743
academic1752
academical1752
chaste1753
nerveless1763
epic1769
crude1786
effective1790
creative1791
soulless1794
mannered1796
manneristical1830
manneristic1837
subjective1840
inartisticala1849
abstract1857
inartistic1859
literary1900
period1905
atmospheric1908
dateless1908
atmosphered1920
non-naturalistic1925
self-indulgent1926
free-styled1933
soft-centred1935
freestyle1938
pseudish1938
decadent1942
post-human1944
kitschy1946
faux-naïf1958
spare1965
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 150 Madrigals, Canzonets, and such like light musicke.
1693 J. Dryden in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires Ep. Ded. p. xxiv The Exodiarii, which were Singers and Dancers, enter'd to entertain the People with light Songs.
1791 Eng. Rev. July 1 When these memoirs were first promised to the lovers of light literature, we well remember how the certain hopes of a full banquet of amusement lighted up every countenance.
1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece (new ed.) III. xviii. 79 Æschylus was accounted no less a master of the light than of the serious drama.
1888 G. O. Seilhamer Hist. Amer. Theatre I. 23 Comedy parts or light tragedy roles.
1918 Current Hist. Aug. 289/2 At the Café du Nord a remarkably good orchestra was playing light classical music.
1974 P. De Vries Glory of Hummingbird iii. 27 Some more pretty good nature lyrics and then a batch of light verse.
2001 Washington Post (Nexis) 17 June (Final ed.) t3 I know what people mean by summer reading. Light reading. Popular fiction. Books that don't tax the mental processes.
VI. Senses relating to mental or emotional states.
32. Cheerful, happy; untroubled by worries or sadness; carefree. Now only with reference to the heart or spirits. Formerly also in †light of: delighted with something (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > [adjective] > light-hearted
lightOE
recklessc1400
lightsomea1425
light-hearted1440
free-hearted1549
unsolicitous1668
jaunty1672
carefree1795
light-heart1802
sans-souciant1826
buoyant-minded1833
cheero1915
viscerotonic1937
funsy1958
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > [adjective] > light-hearted > light (of heart)
lightOE
halea1522
unweighted1883
OE Lacnunga (2001) I. cxxv. 88 Wið innoðes hefignese, syle etan rædic mid sealte, & eced supan, sona bið þæt mod leohtre.
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) i. l. 3949 (MED) The peeple was ful glad and liht.
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) l. 447 He was so light Of hir talking and of hir sight.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 24 All þere londes [probably read lordes] were light þat þai lyffe hade.
1778 F. Burney Diary & Lett. (1842) I. 73 I have rarely seen a very rich man with a light heart and light spirits.
1880 Morning Light 14 Feb. 62/1 I felt light and happy from the conscious feeling that I had performed a great and good piece of work.
1944 H. Martin & R. Blane Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (song, transcribed from film ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’) Have yourself a merry little Christmas Let your heart be light Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.
2014 G. Jepson Out of Time: Cistercian Conspiracy xviii. 125 He could feel the warm sun's rays on his skin and his spirits were light and carefree as on any summer's day.
†33. Healthy, free from pain or illness; recovered from illness; cured of disease. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Royal) (1850) James v. 15 The preier of feith shal saue the sijke, and the Lord shal discharge, or make him liȝt [L. alleviabit].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8157 Sua hale quin war i and sua light [Fairf. liȝt; Trin. Cambr. fere] Als me thoght i was to night.
c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 58 (MED) Þe pacientes feleþ þamself more liȝt [L. leviores]..hauyng better appetite, [etc.].
c1450 in F. J. Furnivall Hymns to Virgin & Christ (1867) 46 (MED) He makiþ mesels hool and liȝt.
34. Dizzy; giddy (cf. light-headed adj. 1a). Also: mentally unstable; mad, deranged. Now chiefly in light in the head.In the 19th cent. chiefly regional.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > vertigo > [adjective]
dizzyc1340
turngiddy1398
turn-sickc1440
lighta1500
light-headeda1500
dozy1530
swimec1540
giddy1570
swimming1607
vertiginous1608
vertiginal1612
vertiginous1621
vertigious1623
hiddy-giddy1629
swimmering1650
wheel-sick1670
giddyish1711
swimmy1836
whizzy1866
dizzied1870
the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > degree or type of mental illness > [adjective] > delirious or raving
wedingc725
lighta1500
light-headeda1500
ravinga1525
raving mad1541
frenetical1548
idle1548
delirant1600
deliring1600
frenetic1609
phrenitic1649
delirous1656
delirious1670
deliriate1689
rambling1700
straggle-brained1725
allochoos1811
ravers1938
a1500 (?a1400) Firumbras (1935) l. 37 (MED) Balam..was sore aflyȝt, And lepe oute at wyndowe as he hadden ben lyȝt.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iv. i. 271 Are his wits safe? is he not light of braine? View more context for this quotation
1662 R. Mathews Unlearned Alchymist (new ed.) §89. 141 He..continued very light eight dayes.
1791 J. Learmont Poems Pastoral 8 Light grew her head, her breast did beat, She totter'd to her fall.
1858 E. E. Stuart Let. 11 Feb. in R. Stuart et al. Stuart Lett. (1961) II. 850 My tears literally poured from my eyes..my head so light that I felt as if I had taken liquor.
1869 Sabbath at Home Sept. 546/2 She's gone light in her mind.
a1953 D. Glover in V. O'Sullivan Anthol. 20th Cent. N.Z. Poetry (1987) 113 Elizabeth is dead now (it's years ago) Old Tom went light in the head.
2011 Antioch Rev. 69 734 I tried to climb the stairs, but I was too weak to stand, too light in the head.
B. n.2
1. That which is light (chiefly in sense A. 1a). Also: the quality of being light.
ΚΠ
OE tr. Defensor Liber Scintillarum (1969) l. 318 Patienter leuiora portabis, si grauiora fueris recordatur [read recordatus] : geþyldelice þa leohtran þu byrst gif þa hefigran byst gemunan.
c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1871) l. 380 Nature..That hot, cold, heuy, lyght, moyst, & dreye Hath knyt with euene noumberis of a-cord..gan for to speke.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxiv. 108 Of the eyen the offyce onely is the syght To se..The whyte or blacke, the heuy or the lyght.
a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. xi. §1. 309 Æqually compounded of Light, and Heauie.
1767 W. Harte Amaranth 105 Did not thy Maker, when he gave thee birth, Create thee out of perishable earth? Where hot, and cold, the rough, and lenient fight, The hard, and soft, the heavy, and the light.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 22 The art of weighing, again, has to do with lighter and heavier.
1994 Minnesota Monthly Sept. 154/2 The Proms have always been an ingenious mix of the serious and the frivolous, the heavy and the light, the old and the new.
1999 J. Gallop in M. Hirsch Familial Gaze 72 Such corporeal ups and downs are not without relation to the light and the heavy—the light rises, the heavy sinks.
2. Chiefly with the. A BBC radio station principally broadcasting popular music and light entertainment; = Light Programme n. at Compounds 3. Now historical.The BBC Light Programme first went on air on 29 July 1945 and broadcast daily until 30 September 1967, when it was relaunched as Radio 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > broadcasting > radio broadcasting > [noun] > radio service > specific
Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 51920
2LO1923
National Programme1930
regional1930
national1931
Home Programme1939
home service1939
World Service1939
Light Programme1945
Third Programme1946
home1947
light1948
VOA1949
national service1956
1948 Daily Mail 6 Mar. 1/3 BBC ‘Light’ changes. There are to be changes in the B.B.C. Light Programme on Sundays next month.
1959 S. Gibbons Pink Front Door iii. 37 He had missed a particularly good boxing match on the Light.
1962 L. Deighton Ipcress File xxviii. 180 I kept the radio tuned to the Light for the 6.30 bulletin.
1997 A. Crisell Introd. Hist. Brit. Broadcasting (2002) vii. 136 Some serious programming existed even on the Light.

Phrases

P1. In phrases expressing a failure to give due regard or respect to a person or thing.
†a. to set light by (also of), to let light of: to have little regard or respect for (a person or thing). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1027 Þer of was moraunt glade, Of tristrem he lete liȝt.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xi. l. 2 (MED) Scripture scorned me..and liȝte by me she sette.
1476 B. Burgh tr. Cato's Distichs (Caxton) iv But yet of deth shalt thou set but light Yf by this lyf thou set right noght expresse The whiche is ay ful of wo & wrechednesse.
1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 132 We ought not to set light by that knowledge of it [sc. the soul] which wee may attaine vnto.
1642 J. Eaton Honey-combe Free Justific. 240 Thereby the words of the Scripture may be extenuated and set light of.
1714 Cloud of Witnesses 141 Do not think, but God will be about with this Generation, for letting so light of such things, and casting them behind their Backs.
1910 Reform Advocate 18 June 939 Garrulity is setting light by ourselves, light by the uses of life.
†b. to set (a person or thing) (at) light and variants: to have little regard or respect for (a person or thing). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1250 Þe prys & þe prowes þat pleseȝ al oþer, If I hit lakked oþer set at lyȝt, hit were littel daynte.
1547 Certain Serm. or Homilies Fear Death ii, in J. Griffiths Two Bks. Homilies (1859) i. 98 Let us not set at light the chastising of the Lord.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 637 Be Christ, said the Coilȝear, I set that bot licht.
1612 Sir H. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 244 My Lord of Exeter chafes; I tell them we set it as light.
1633 G. Herbert Sacrifice in Temple xx Herod and all his bands do set me light.
1787 F. Grose Superstitions 24 in Provinc. Gloss. She told him of their design; but he set them at light: he bragged that he could beat two of them himself.
c. to make light of: to regard or treat (something) as unimportant or inconsequential. Also: to deal with (a difficult thing) in an effortless way (cf. to make light work of at Phrases 9).Cf. to make slight of at slight adj. 5d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > misjudgement > misjudge [verb (transitive)] > underestimate or undervalue
to make much (also little, nothing, too much, etc.) of (or on)c1395
disprize1480
misprize1483
to make light of1526
extenuate1529
to make the worst ofc1530
seclude?1531
to take (also wrest) to the worst1531
deprisec1550
disparagea1556
undermatch1571
embase1577
underbid1593
underprize1600
underpoise1602
undervalue1611
minorize1615
underspeak1635
underthink1646
underrate1650
minify1676
under-measure1682
underpraise1698
sneeze1806
understate1824
disappreciate1828
under-estimatea1850
minimize1866
to play down1869
worsen1885
to sell short1936
downplay1948
underplay1949
lowball1979
minimalize1979
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xxii. f. xxxj They made light of it, and went their wayes.
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 311 The Natives make light of such things as we call Colds.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. i. 160 How great Presumption it is, to make light of any positive Institutions of divine Appointment.
1816 J. Austen Emma I. xvi. 292 Making light of what ought to be serious. View more context for this quotation
1889 Harper's Mag. July 241/2 Oh, that I had realized what such labor must have been to her! But she made so light of it!
2012 Daily Tel. 3 Sept. 27/4 It's an excruciatingly hard passage for the pianist.., but soloist Yefim Bronfman made light of it.
P2. In phrases expressing speed or agility of movement and extended uses.
a. light of foot and variants: capable of moving one's feet in a quick or agile way, esp. when running or dancing.See also light-footed adj., to be light on one's feet, Phrases 2c(a).
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3730 Moght i not be sua light o fote.
1652 Hinds Elder Brother 11 I will run for it, for I am lighter of foot then thou art.
1710 M. Henry Expos. Poet. Bks. Old Test. sig. Uuu2v/2 One would think that the lightest of Foot should in running win the Prize, and yet the Race is not always to the Swift.
1879 P. R. Drummond Perthshire in Bygone Days 313 That queen of dancers, Maggie Lauder, was light of foot and well-willed.
2012 West Australian (Perth) (Nexis) 4 June Big and tall, loose limbed and light of foot, time and again Jordan took his team East Kimberley to victory.
†b. light to run: capable of running fast; quick, swift. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1450 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 577/14 Currax, lyght to renne.
c. to be light on one's feet.
(a) To be capable of moving one's feet in a quick or agile way, esp. when dancing or playing a sport; to be agile or nimble.
ΚΠ
1856 New Albany (Indiana) Daily Ledger 12 Dec. Elisabetha was light on her feet, but very firm.
1930 R. Gallop Bk. of Basques xiii. 231 He was heavy and fat but..light on his feet.
1993 Horse & Rider Dec. 61/2 Arabs are very quick and light on their feet and generally find changing legs in canter extremely easy.
2009 S. M. Warren Nothing but Trouble 285 Sometimes I go salsa dancing... I'm very light on my feet.
(b) U.S. colloquial. Of a man: to be effeminate or gay. Cf. Phrases 2d(b).
ΚΠ
1969 Current Slang (Univ. S. Dakota) Summer 11 Light on..feet, Pertaining to effeminacy in a fellow.
1987 F. Flagg Fried Green Tomatoes 210 From what I hear, all you boys over in Georgia is a little light on your feet.
2009 Forward (Electronic ed.) 15 May They argue..over which of the two sons is more feminine (male cheerleader vs. ‘light on his feet’ boxer).
d. U.S. colloquial. to be (a little) light in one's (also the) loafers.
(a) To be eccentric or crazy; to be stupid or foolish. Now rare.Quot. 1974 may alternatively show the sense at Phrases 2d(b), but the broader context suggests it shows this sense, or perhaps a combination of the two senses.
ΚΠ
1974 D. Gerber Out of Control 122 ‘I've seen that guy Barnham somewhere before,’ Walter said... ‘When you talk about eccentrics, he's the genuine article. And that girlfriend of his is one incredibly beautiful woman.’ 'She's not his girlfriend,' Roger blurted, 'just his assistant'... ‘I think that Barnham's a little light in his loafers,’ Sam said.
1981 Pensacola (Florida) Jrnl. 2 Dec. c1/1 Lefty said he could plead temporary insanity. 'Anyone who gets married three times must be a little light in his loafers,' Lefty said.
(b) Originally and chiefly euphemistic. Now sometimes depreciative. Of a man: to be gay or effeminate. Cf. Phrases 2c(b).See note at Phrases 2d(a).
ΚΠ
1979 Times Rec. (Zanesville, Ohio) 14 Mar. 8 a/2 [You're old enough to remember] When gay meant light-hearted not ‘light in his loafers’.
1987 Kenosha (Wisconsin) News 27 Oct. 26/1 I have a student in class who..appears to be ‘a little light in his loafers’, as we say around here. (In other words, ‘gay’.)
2017 J. Fierro Gypsy Moth Summer xxxi. 294 That waiter—the Hispanic boy she'd always suspected was a little light in the loafers.
P3. In phrases expressing a readiness to act or behave in a particular way (cf. sense A. 26).
†a. light of tongue: disposed to talk; voluble. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 1699 He was lyght of tunge.
1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie (1592) sig. D2v Hath my looks made thee so light of toong, or my fauours incouraged thee to bee so forward, that thou darest presume to preach after thy Father.
1773 Palladius & Irene ii. 34 Forgive me, Nymphs; I'm light of tongue to-day.
†b. light of belief (also credit, credence): disposed to believe something; easily convinced of something. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1489 J. Skelton Dethe Erle of Northumberlande l. 175 in Poet. Wks. (1843) I. 12 Be not lyght of credence in no case.
1539 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus Prouerbes sig. A.vi The Lion lyght of credite, forthwith ranne vpon the wolfe and slewe hym.
1653 J. Davies tr. C. Sorel Extravagant Shepherd xi. 17 This is a fine tale to feed fools with, saies Leonora, I am not so light of belief.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. xxxix. 149 Were he not to have been so light of belief.
†c. light of love: quick to become involved in a romantic relationship; (also) inconstant in love. Cf. light o' love n. and adj. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > amorous love > [adjective] > inconstant in love
inconstant1402
light of love?1529
?1529 R. Hyrde tr. J. L. Vives Instr. Christen Woman i. xvi. sig. Tv And if he shulde marrie her, he wyll thynke she wyll haue as good mynde to other as hym selfe, whan she is so lyght of loue [L. in amores propensam].
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 29 Ah wretched wenche canst thou be so lyght of loue, as to chaunge with euery winde?
1655 R. Ward Chiefest Divine Vertues Epitomized iii. 140 We account those Damosels too light of love, who betroath themselves upon the first sight and motion.
†P4. of light [after Middle French de leger in the same sense] : easily, lightly. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adverb]
lighteOE
eathOE
eathlyc1000
wellc1325
easilyc1384
easy1400
mackly1440
of light?c1450
facilely1490
facile1524
handsomely1538
eaths1594
simply1681
unproblematically1771
slick1825
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 108 (MED) A woman that was frowarde and angri of lyght to displesaunce.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) iii. 106 A man that is well garnysshed is not of lighte overthrowe.
P5. In similative and comparative phrases.
a. (as) light as a feather, lighter than a feather, etc., designating people or things of little weight. Frequently (and in earliest use) figurative. Also as a modifier (usually with hyphens, in light-as-a-feather).Cf. feather-light adj. at feather n. Compounds 1d(a).
ΚΠ
1509 H. Watson tr. S. Brant Shyppe of Fooles (de Worde) ix. sig. C.iiv Some be mouable as the wynde, ye other ben as lyght as a fether, some be sone angry, and some be appesed in an instaunte.
1691 Search after Wit 3 Your Authors..are as light as a Feather, And vanish like Jack-a-Lent's, Satan knows whither.
1785 Aerostatic Spy I. xii. 214 There trips along a young woman, whose heart seems as light as a feather.
1940 Mercury (Hobart, Tasmania) 23 May 14/4 (advt.) Ask to see the special Kozena quilt—‘It's lighter than a feather!’
1973 Thomasville (Georgia) Times-Enterprise 9 July 6/6 Enjoy light-as-feather biscuits without having to make them from scratch.
2003 A. Garner Thursbitch (2004) 96 He lifted the satchel. ‘Light as a feather. Feels empty.’
b. (as) light as air, lighter than air, etc.: designating people or things of very little weight. Frequently (and in earliest use) figurative. Also as a modifier (usually with hyphens, in light-as-air). See also lighter-than-air adj.
ΚΠ
1598 G. Chapman Blinde Begger of Alexandria sig. Cv Thus can I lift my loue as light as ayre.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 326 Trifles light as ayre.
1662 Duchess of Newcastle Wits Cabal i. ii. xv in Playes Written 262 They [sc. women] are lighter than Air, more changing than the Moon.
1786 T. Baldwin Airopaidia xxxxviii. 204 A hot sunny Day, Vapours lighter than Air, were to rise from the Ocean.
1837 M. W. Shelley Falkner II. x. 193 By this desperate act, I believed that I had severed the cords that bound me to the vilest servitude. I..felt light as air, and free as a bird.
1969 House & Garden Feb. 15/2 (advt.) A Slumberdown is a continental down-filled, light-as-air, toasty-warm quilt.
2021 Advertiser (Austral.) (Nexis) 11 July (Escape section) 16 Sesame-sprinkled flatbread crisp on the edges, but light as air.
c. lighter-than-sea, lighter-than-water: (of a vessel) displacing less than its own volume of water and hence buoyant enough to float (in direct comparison to lighter-than-air adj. 1). rare.
ΚΠ
1917 C. C. Turner Air-craft To-day vii. 105 Certainly the liner is a lighter-than-sea machine, but only a portion of the liner is in the sea.
1933 Investig. Dirigible Disasters: Hearings before Joint Comm. (U.S. Congr.: 73rd Congr., 1st Sess.) 826 It is my opinion that they will..achieve sufficiently great speeds, with absolute safety, in lighter-than-air ships of metal, just as they now achieve a lesser, but considerable, speed plus safety with lighter-than-water ships of metal.
†P6. Proverb. light gains make heavy purses and variants: it is possible to accumulate a large amount of money a little at a time. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. ii. sig. Divv For come lyght wynnyngs with blessyngs or curses, Euermore light gaynes make heuy purses.
1743 tr. P. de la Court Polit. Maxims of Holland i. xvii. 66 Those that are more intelligent..do know that you may pull a large fowl bare, by plucking away single feathers, especially in Holland, where with light gains we must make a heavy purse.
1758 S. Johnson Idler 29 July 87 Knowing that light gains make a heavy purse, he was content with moderate profit.
1884 M. E. Palgrave Miles Lambert's Three Chances xii. 133 They might have remembered that ‘Light gains and often make a heavy purse,’ and have shown a little sympathy with our unlucky hero.
P7. light in (also on, upon) the hand, light in hand: (of a horse) sensitive or responsive to pressure applied by the rider to the bit.Cf. sense A. 17 and heavy in hand at heavy adj.1 11.
ΚΠ
1584 J. Astley Art of Riding 54 Let the staiednesse be such, that it be not out of his due temperance. For therevpon he will take great pleasure, champing the bit, and be maruellous light vpon the hand.
1667 Duke of Newcastle New Method to dress Horses 105 They also say, That a Horse that hath a fine Thin Forehand, must be Leight on the Hand.
1771 R. Berenger Hist. & Art Horsemanship II. xx. 135 It is usual to supple a horse that is light in the hand by means of the trot, before you teach him to leap.
1828 H. G. Ward Mexico in 1827 II. v. iv. 313 The Mexican horses..are small, but active, and full of spirit; extremely light in hand, and ready to spring off at full speed upon the slightest motion of the rider.
1906 Country Life in Amer. Nov. 62/3 Every care must be exerted to keep him temperate, steady, and light in hand.
2016 Yorks. Post (Nexis) 23 Sept. I knew Eva would love her as she's so light in the hand and responsive to your leg.
P8. to lie (also sit) light (on or upon): to have only a slight effect or impact (on); to make little impression (on). Now rare.Cf. to lie heavy upon at heavy adj.1 1b.
ΚΠ
1609 J. Dod Remedy Privat Contentions sig. Cv When our owne sinnes lie heauie, others wrongs lie light.
1720 T. Bradbury Necessity Contending for Revealed Relig. i. 15 That which is such a burden to your Acquaintance, sits light enough upon you.
1834 Q. Rev. 51 353 The mass of mankind..are busied about little matters of their own individual interests, and the rest either lies light upon them, or is entirely neglected.
1909 Sat. Evening Post 27 Feb. 14/2 This was the single instance of human interest in him which had touched his life in fifteen months. It lay light upon his roving conscience.
1998 Econ. & Polit. Weekly 10 Oct. 2662/3 The impetuousness of Mountbatten who revelled in his role as arbiter, the destiny of millions sitting light on him.
P9. to make light work of: to carry out (an action or task), or deal with (a person or thing) quickly and easily.Cf. to make light of at Phrases 1c, many hands make light work at hand n. Phrases 3d.
ΚΠ
1645 Bp. J. Hall Remedy Discontentm. xxiv. 152 If I can make light worke of these lesser crosses, I am in a good posture to entertain greater.
a1730 N. Marshall Serm. (1731) I. 352 Schemes are so well concerted for a regular Redress of most of the aforementioned Grievances, that many Hands might easily make light Work of what remains to finish them.
1880 Baptist Missionary Mag. May 130/2 They made light work of carrying..all we had to carry, up the steep mountain-sides.
1998 Michigan Chron. 24 Nov. c2 In the first of four scheduled return bouts, Hearns made light work of his opponent.
2008 BBC Good Food Sept. 13/3 Make light work of even the biggest bowl of mashed potatoes with this easy-grip masher.
P10. light of touch having the ability to deal with something in a subtle or understated way. Also literal: using little force; gentle.See also (with) a light touch at sense A. 13a(b), light-touch adj.
ΚΠ
1852 Athenæum 4 Dec. 1325/2 One of those contemporary satirists, grave in meaning though light of touch, whose sallies strike sharply home.
1863 T. Woolner My Beautiful Lady 16 Though her hand be airy light Of touch.
1909 O. G. T. Sonneck Rep. ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ Pref. p. 5 The report was to be brief and light of touch, but accurate enough for practical purposes.
2007 M. Egen Feeling Matters 23 I knew her past analyst and knew she was kindly, astute, more light of touch, spontaneously gentle than I.

Compounds

C1.
a. With reference to the body or a part of the body, forming adjectives with the sense ‘having (a) slim or slight ——’, by combining with a noun + - ed, as in light-framed, light-muscled, etc.Some of the more established compounds of this type are treated separately at Compounds 3. See also light-bodied adj. 1, light-limbed adj.
ΚΠ
1811 A. Grant tr. in La Belle Assemblée Dec. 366/2 The light-formed hind, with slender limbs, Reposing under the foliage, in the sultry heat.
1859 Auburn (N.Y.) Weekly Amer. 5 Jan. A light waisted gentleman, in endeavoring to perform a pirouette on North-st. lost his balance and sate down in the gutter.
1869 Birmingham Daily Post 11 Jan. 7/4 He was a fair animal once, but.., independent of his being too light-shouldered to ever win a Derby, it is questionable if..he will ever again be within lengths of Belladrum.
1966 Austin (Minnesota) Daily Herald 24 May 7 a/1 A pink cheeked, tousle-haired light-muscled fellow who under normal circumstances would be considered by society as half man, half boy.
2012 S. Grafton W is for Wasted (2013) 292 He wasn't a big man, maybe five foot ten. He was light-framed, narrow through the shoulders, with a wiry strength as opposed to brawn.
b. With reference to the thoughts or reasoning, forming adjectives with the sense ‘having (a) frivolous or foolish ——; characterized by frivolous ——’, by combining with a noun + - ed, as in light-brained, light-thoughted, etc.See also light-minded adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > foolishness, folly > giddiness, empty-headedness > [adjective]
idlec825
giddyc1000
volage?a1366
apec1370
foolisha1382
vain1390
idleful1483
volageous1487
glaikit1488
cock-brained1530
apish1532
empty1550
sillyc1555
frivolous?1563
tickle-headed1583
light-braineda1593
frothy1593
owlish1596
bird-witted1605
empty-headed1614
idle-headed1614
empty-pateda1628
marmosetical1630
grollish1637
feather-headed1647
nonsense1647
whirl-crowned1648
feather-brained1649
swimmering1650
soft-pated1651
weather-headeda1652
shuttlecock1660
drum-headed1664
chicken-brained1678
halokit1724
desipient1727
shatter-pated1727
scattered-brained1747
light-thoughted1777
scatter-brained1804
shandy-pated1806
hellicat1815
feather-pated1819
inane1819
weather-brained1826
bubble-headed1827
tomfoolish1838
bird-brained1892
tottle1894
fluffy1898
scatty1911
wandery1912
scattery1924
twitterpated1943
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 259 Than jt is sum part dishonourable, till him tobe callit sa lycht wittit, yat he suld mak sa sudane ane appellacioun, and syne to repent, and gayncall his proposicioun.
1577 H. Rhodes Bk. Nurture (new ed.) sig. C.i For lyght witted or dronken sure, men will name thee in talke.
a1593 C. Marlowe Edward II (1594) sig. K The proud corrupters of the light-brainde king.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 86 A foolish light witted fellow.
1777 R. Potter tr. Æschylus Prometheus Chain'd in tr. Æschylus Tragedies 26 Unfruitfull labour and light-thoughted folly.
1876 J. Weiss Wit, Humor, & Shakespeare x. 347 It [sc. the daisy] represents frivolous and light-thoughted girls.
2003 Press (Christchurch, N.Z.) (Nexis) 14 Feb. 3 Not, you might say, a perfect crime, unless of course the light-fingered, light-brained perpetrator thought he could blend in.
c. With reference to clothing, forming adjectives with the sense ‘wearing (a) lightweight ——’, by combining with a noun + - ed, as in light-suited, light-jacketed, etc.Now somewhat rare as reference to colour is usually assumed in such compounds; cf. light adj.2 and n.3 Compounds 1.
ΚΠ
1813 B. Hofland Iwanowna xi. 100 Winter is setting in, and will make fine work with a parcel of sunshiny Italians and light-jacketed Frenchmen.
1876 H. N. Humphreys Coin Coll. Man. xxiv. 326 A light-robed female presenting her hand to three soldiers.
1884 St. Nicholas Apr. 453/2 Miss Posackley..had a neat, small, light-booted foot.
1922 F. B. Austin On Borderland (1923) 95 The inspector's story of the light-suited fugitive came into his mind.
C2. Sport (originally and chiefly Boxing). Denoting a weight class immediately below that specified by the second element, as in light bantamweight, light featherweight, etc. See also light flyweight n., light-heavy n., light-heavyweight n., light middleweight adj. and n., light welter n., light welterweight n.
ΚΠ
1881 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 5 Feb. 14/3 Andrew McLaren, the champion light middle-weight pugilist of Scotland, will fight Tom Donnolly of America, now in London.
1910 Washington Post 20 Nov. 3/4 The English army and navy boxing championships drew 314 entries in the light featherweight, light welter, middle lightweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight classes.
1953 Times of India 25 Nov. 8/4 In a clumsy uninspiring light bantamweight bout Aye Ko got the better of the inexperienced G. Dutta.
1978 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 3 Aug. [He] has withdrawn from Canada's Commonwealth Games boxing team because he couldn't reduce from flyweight to light-flyweight, about a six-pound difference.
2020 Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (Nexis) 20 July 3 [He] then switched to mixed martial arts, competing as a light heavyweight in UFC with a nickname ‘The Hammer’.
C3.
light aircraft n. a small, lightweight aeroplane; cf. light plane n.A light aircraft is now officially classified as one with a maximum take-off weight of 5,670 kg (12,500 lb).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > [noun] > small or light aircraft
light aircraft1913
puddle-jumper1917
light plane1923
runabout1932
runabout plane1966
ultralight1974
microlight1980
trike1981
1913 Jrnl. Mil. Service Inst. U.S. 53 295 This force will be accompanied by light aircraft, which will assist the attack by giving information of the dispositions of the defenders.
2013 Daily Tel. 10 Oct. 4/1 Members of the Commons' Public accounts committee expressed grave concern about the Home Office's failure to check passports of passengers who arrive in light aircraft or private jets.
light alloy n. an alloy based on a light metal (light metal n.).
ΚΠ
1912 W. Rosenhain & S. L. Archbutt in Inst. Mech. Engineers: Proc. Apr. 323 It was decided in the first place to confine the investigations to alloys consisting principally of aluminium, which may be conveniently grouped under the term ‘light alloys’.
1948 ‘N. Shute’ No Highway i. 12 I couldn't find anything about light alloy structures in fatigue prior to the year 1927.
1990 Yachting Feb. 45/3 Built with a fiberglass hull and light alloy superstructure for the best combination of style, luxury and performance.
† light-bellied adj. Obsolete (of a horse) having narrow, flat flanks.
ΚΠ
1696 W. Hope tr. J. de Solleysel Parfait Mareschal i. li. 159 (heading) How horses which are Fatigued, Lean, and Light-bellyed, are to be ordered and fed.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Jardon It..grows so painful, as to make him pine away, and become light-bellied.
1866 R. McClure Dis. Amer. Stable, Field & Farm-yard 135 These animals are usually light-bellied and poor feeders, but fleet and free goers, and very gay in saddle or harness.
light bite n. a small quantity of food to eat; (in later use chiefly) a light dish or snack, esp. one that is offered on a menu; = lite bite n. Cf. bite n. 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks
nuncheonc1260
morsela1382
refection?a1439
mixtumc1490
bever1500
banquet1509
collation1525
snatch1570
beverage1577
a little something1577
anders-meat1598
four-hours1637
watering1637
refreshment1639
snap1642
luncheona1652
crib1652
prandicle1656
munchin1657
baita1661
unch1663
afternooning1678
whet1688
nacket1694
merenda1740
rinfresco1745
bagging?1746
snack1757
coffee1774
second breakfast1775
nummit1777
stay-stomach1800
damper1804
eleven o'clock1805
noonshine1808
by-bit1819
morning1819
four1823
four o'clock1825
lunch1829
stay-bit1833
picnic meal1839
elevens1849
Tommy1864
picnic tea1869
dinnerette1872
merienda1880
elevenses1887
light bite1887
soldier's supper1893
mug-up1902
tray1914
café complet1933
nosha1941
namkeen1942
snax1947
snackette1952
chaat1954
ploughman's lunch1957
munchie1959
playlunch1960
short-eat1962
lite bite1965
munchie1971
ploughman1975
aperitivo2002
1887 Boys of Eng. 25 Mar. 143/1 After a light bite from his small store of provisions, Ben laid his blankets upon the bank.
1950 H. Stein Wedding xviii. 89 Maybe you will have a light bite? I baked everything myself.
2017 Daily Mirror (Nexis) 6 Aug. 37 The latest menu has lush cocktails and summery light bites, including a seared salmon salad with mango and cucumber.
light-boned adj. lightly built; having a delicate bone structure.
ΚΠ
1787 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Norfolk I. 42 The farm-horses of Norfolk were, formerly, a small brown-muzzled breed; light-boned; but stood hard work.
1951 W. H. Auden Nones (1952) 14 Of light-boned children under great green oaks.
2002 J. Cunliffe Encycl. Dog Breeds (new ed.) 367/2 The Burgos pointer resulted most probably from crosses between fairly light-boned pointers and the Perddiguero Navarro.
† light-borne adj. Obsolete (of a horse) easily controlled with the bit or reins.Apparently only in dictionaries.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > temperament > [adjective] > obedient or well-trained
well-moutheda1425
freea1470
well-mettled1595
light-borne1611
well-managed1612
tender-mouthed1620
made1796
bridle-wise1811
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Alegerir vn cheval à la main, to..cause a horse to be light borne.
1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. at Légér Cheval légér à la main, (ou qui a la bouche bonne) a light-born horse.
light bread n. U.S. bread (esp. made with wheat flour) raised with yeast, rather than with baking soda or powder.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > [noun] > leavened bread
sour breada1400
light bread1821
challah1873
1821 Western Carolinian (Salisbury, N. Carolina) 27 Mar. Crackers and light Bread will always be found in his shop.
1880 ‘M. Twain’ Tramp Abroad xlix. 575 Hot light-bread, Southern style.
1994 Brazosport Facts (Clute, Texas) 21 Dec. c1/3 My mother's people always had light bread and my father's people had biscuits and cornbread.
light car n. a compact, lightly built, economical car with a small engine capacity.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [noun] > small or light
voiturette1897
light car1901
baby1920
minicar1948
poodler1951
micromotor1953
compact1960
subcompact1960
roller skate1961
super-compact1962
micro-car1980
1901 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 4 May 1087/1 The new voiturette or light car of Panhard and Levassor, the Peugeot voiturette, and the Motor Manufacturing Company's light car.
1970 C. F. Caunter Light Car (ed. 2) p. xv The popularity of the light car, particularly in its minicar form, had the effect in the 1960's of reducing the average size of motor cars in general.
2004 B. Price Rise Jaguar (e-book ed.) The introduction of a 9hp light car in 1912..was to cause a substantial increase in the size of the business.
† light cart n. Obsolete a lightly built two-wheeled cart designed to be drawn by a single horse; = spring-cart at cart n. 3.
ΚΠ
1880 Justice of Peace 1 May 283/3 As it is found to be a light cart it obviously differs from the class of waggons and carts.
1882 M. E. Braddon Mt. Royal III. i. 15 You had better go in the light cart.
light chain n. Biochemistry a small polypeptide subunit of a protein; esp. one of the two identical smaller polypeptide subunits of an immunoglobulin molecule that form part of the main antigen-binding region.
ΚΠ
1962 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 48 1036 There are two classes of polypeptide chains. These may be termed light chains (L)..and heavy chains (H).
1998 Sci. News 7 Feb. 4/1 The structure also shows that the [myosin] head's two peptide ‘light chains’, each about 150 amino acids long, cling tightly to the head.
2005 R. M. Zinkernagel in F. H. Kayser et al. Med. Microbiol. ii. 69 Occasionally, myelomas produce excessive amounts of the light chains of the monoclonal immunoglobulin, and these proteins can then be detected in the urine.
† light cheap adv. and adj. Obsolete (a) adv. cheaply; at little cost; (b) adj. of little value, cheap.Cf. good cheap at cheap n.1 8a, 9.
ΚΠ
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 292 Ȝef þu..nult naut lete þronse licht cheap..Nempne hwet hit schulebeon.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. ii. 18 That cam hym full light chepe.
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (1 John iii. 18) Words are light-cheap: and there is a great deal of mouth-mercy abroad.
1654 J. Trapp Comm. Minor Prophets (Amos ii. 6) 230 As an harlot, that..prostituteth her self light-cheap to all commers.
1683 C. Ness Devils Patriarck 16 Light cheap Words make Fools fain.
light colonel n. U.S. Military slang a lieutenant colonel.
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society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > colonel
colonel1548
lieutenant-colonel1616
col1707
chicken colonel1942
bird colonel1945
light colonel1950
bird1955
1950 Neosho (Missouri) Daily Democrat 25 Aug. 2/2 His superiors did not trust him, with the result that although he commanded an artillery regiment, he was still a ‘light colonel’ while all the regimental commanders in his organization were full colonels.
2003 A. Swofford Jarhead 194 Somewhere, at regiment or division, or even higher, a major and a light colonel are busy crunching the numbers, and a six-man scout team or a two-man sniper team from a marine infantry battalion have been deemed worth losing.
light commercial vehicle n. a motor vehicle, such as a van or pickup truck, used for carrying light loads or transporting a small number of people. In the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, light commercial vehicle is a classification term generally referring to commercial carrier vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW n.) of 3500 kg (7720 lb) or less.
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1907 Manch. Guardian 9 July 13/6 (advt.) Tenders given for all types of light commercial vehicles.
1958 A. Silberston in D. L. Burn Struct. Brit. Industry (1964) II. x. 10 The majority of body-building capacity for cars and light commercial vehicles..is under the control of vehicle manufacturers.
2018 Cairns (Queensland) Post (Nexis) 23 June 11 The Tunland is the first light commercial vehicle to be fitted with a Cummins diesel engine.
light cream n. chiefly North American a type of cream with a low fat content.The fat content of light cream is between 18 and 30% in the United States, and around 7% in Canada. Cf. heavy cream n. at heavy adj.1 and n. Additions, single cream n. at single adj. Compounds 2a.
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the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [noun] > cream > single cream
light cream1895
pouring cream1942
single cream1955
1895 26th Ann. Rep. State Board Health Mass. 736 The somewhat wide variation in the amount of fat in cream.., ranging from thirty-six to forty-eight per cent, in the case of heavy and from eight to twenty-one per cent, in the case of light cream.
1906 N.Y. Times 28 May 7 (advt.) The day's make of ice cream requires eighty quarts of heavy cream and eighty quarts of light cream.
2004 N.Y. Times 19 Sept. (T: Style Mag.) 142/1 A cocktail known as the Flip, which combines powdered sugar and light cream with a slug of ruby port.
light density adj. (of a transport route or system) having comparatively little traffic.
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1935 Canad. Jrnl. Econ. & Polit. Sci. 1 301 The higher proportion of light density lines in the Canadian National [Railway] System.
1967 Jane's Surface Skimmer Syst. 1967–8 30/1 The H.M.2 is designed for ferry services on light density routes of short stage lengths.
2005 W. L. Garrison & D. M. Levinson Transportation Experience (2006) ix. 110 Activities initiated in the 1970s included the accelerated abandonment of light density track.
Light Dragoon n. (in plural) (the name of) any of various light cavalry regiments in the British Army; (also, in singular) a member of such a regiment.Now with reference to the light cavalry regiment formed in December 1992 by the amalgamation of two regiments of Royal Hussars. The Light Dragoons are part of the Royal Armoured Corps.
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society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > branch of army > [noun] > cavalry > light cavalry
light horse1531
Light Dragoon1700
society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > unit of army > [noun] > regiment > division of cavalry regiment
turm1483
gendarmerie1551
standard1571
cornet1583
troop1590
Light Dragoon1700
squadron1702
ressalah1758
sotnia1863
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > soldier by branch of army > [noun] > mounted soldier > others
jousterc1330
knight1489
rutter1506
reister1521
reiter1556
ruiter1579
hargulater1581
lancer1590
lance1602
rutar1610
dragon1620
dragoon1622
right-hand man1626
dragooner1639
leaguerer1639
deli1667
Light Dragoon1700
uhlan1753
sabre1836
parachutist1837
sabreur1845
yellow leg1857
spahi1863
horse-marine1878
uhlaner1886
1700 D. Defoe Pacificator 3 The adverse Troops pour'd in their Light Dragoons.
1808 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 19 305 His Majesty's 13th Regiment of Light Dragoons.
1912 S. J. Brown Guide to Bks. on Ireland 193 One Paddy Murphy O'Brallaghan, a Light Dragoon, turned porter to a wine merchant.
2018 Daily Rec. & Sunday Mail (Nexis) 7 Apr. (Sport section) 3 A captain in the Light Dragoons..lost his right leg below the knee while fighting in Afghanistan in 2009.
light-draught adj. Nautical (of a boat or other vessel) designed to float with relatively little depth of hull below the waterline, and therefore capable of operating in shallow waters.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel of specific construction or shape > [adjective] > lightly built for speed
lightOE
mosquito-built1824
light-draught1830
1830 Louisville (Kentucky) Public Advertiser 2 Oct. (advt.) A light draught Boat will be in readiness to leave this place with Passengers for the Mouth, on the 8th.
1835 New-Orleans Commerc. Bull. 1 Dec. (advt.) For sale..The fast sailing and light draft schooner Aurora.
2012 J. M. McPherson War on Waters viii. 154 Porter immediately obtained authorization to buy a dozen or more light-draft steamboats and arm them with..24-pound and 12-pound howitzers.
light-eared adj. now rare ready or willing to listen; credulous.
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the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > over-readiness to believe, credulity > [adjective]
lightc1475
light-eareda1530
credulous1567
over-credulous1579
credulent1584
well-believing1620
sequacious1653
implicit1694
ultrafidiana1849
lame1942
a1530 T. Lupset Exhort. to Yonge Men (1535) f. 28 Take hede my good Withipoll of your passion toward wrath, ire, & anger... Be not light ered in hering a word of displesure.
c1547 Duke of Somerset Let. in J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (1563) 736/2 When one is ouer light eared, the one way, and deafe on the other side.
1976 T. S. Lim Destination Singapore ii. ii.13 The Japanese rulers..having contracted a phobia of sabotage, had become light-eared and gullible.
light engine n. and adv. Railways (a) n. a locomotive making a journey without carriages or wagons; (b) adv. without carriages or wagons.
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1845 North Amer. & Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia) 26 Aug. This plan of running a light engine in advance over the track..is a great security against danger from any source connected with the track.
1894 Times 2 Feb. 3/4 He would have to use the hand brake when running light engine.
2016 L. Waters Great Western Manor Class 34/4 The loco would then run light engine back to Didcot.
2018 @TurnipRail 21 July in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive) (caption) Whoops! A Great Western Railway express and a stationary light engine after colliding at Peterston, near Cardiff in 1936.
light-heart adj. now rare cheerful; = light-hearted adj.
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the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > [adjective] > light-hearted
lightOE
recklessc1400
lightsomea1425
light-hearted1440
free-hearted1549
unsolicitous1668
jaunty1672
carefree1795
light-heart1802
sans-souciant1826
buoyant-minded1833
cheero1915
viscerotonic1937
funsy1958
1802 Monthly Mag. Apr. 236 Storms and tempests, floods and rains, Stern despoilers of the plains, Hence away the season flee, Foes to light-heart jollity.
1880 R. Comfort Nero i. i. 5 I will go on with my eloquence, my singing to the harp, and light heart dance.
1966 Lumberjack (Flagstaff, Arizona) 9 Feb. 2/1 Miss Bird..did an excellent job of capturing the transition from light-heart youth to stoic dowager.
light ice n. thin or fragmented ice, which presents relatively little impediment to the passage of shipping; cf. heavy ice n. at heavy adj.1 and n. Compounds 3.
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1818 W. Scoresby in New Ann. Reg. 1817 Jan. Brit. & Foreign Hist. 256/1 Light ice consequently drives faster than heavy ice, and loose ice than fields.
1913 W. McInnes Basins Nelson & Churchill Rivers Canada Dept. Mines Geol. Surv. Mem. No. 30. 95 Nothing but light ice was met, either in the bay or strait, until after leaving Port Burwell.
2013 Seaforth World Naval Rev. 2014 iv. 160/3 The Russian Navy made several revisions to the design, specifying a thicker grade of steel for the hull to allow passage through light ice.
light-legged adj. (a) capable of running quickly; (b) (of a horse) having the slim legs typical of a horse for riding, racing, etc., as opposed to the thicker, heavier legs of a draught horse.
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a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) i. sig. H4v Light-legd Pas had gott the middle space.
1709 London Gaz. 22 Sept. A black Fillie, 2 years old, with a whisk Tail, about 14 Hands and a half high, light Legged, and goes very narrow.
1794 New Wonderful Mag. & Marvellous Chron. 5 73 The light legged Atalanta soon outstripped her pursuers, and escaped.
1998 J. R. Rooney Lame Horse (rev. ed.) ii. 43 The heavy-bodied, light-legged young Quarter Horses..have a high frequency of epiphysitis.
2008 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 13 Sept. (Sport section) 67 He's a pretty important member of our team, so we just wanted to freshen him up... We just really want him to be light-legged.
light line n. Nautical (now rare) a line marked on a ship, boat, etc., which indicates the depth to which the hull is submerged in the water before the vessel is loaded; cf. light water draught n., light water line n.
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1832 J. Edye Calculations Equipm., Displacem. Ships 42 The Displacement of One Inch at the Light Line..Ditto of One Foot of the Midship Section, at the Light Line.
1923 Man. Seamanship (Admiralty) II. 270 The portion of the ship's bottom, between the light and loadline, termed the tapboot, is difficult to protect from corrosion.
1948 R. de Kerchove Internat. Maritime Dict. 416/2 Light line, the line of immersion at which a vessel floats when in ballast draft or light trim.
light machine gun n. a small portable machine gun (cf. sense A. 8); spec. any hand-held air-cooled machine gun with a calibre no greater than 8 mm.
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society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [noun] > machine-gun > types of
mitrailleuse1867
mitrailleur1869
Gatling gun1870
light machine gun1883
Gardner1884
Maxim1884
volley gun1884
Nordenfelt1885
Maxim1888
camel-gun1891
Maxim–Nordenfeldt gun1898
pom-pom1899
bomb Maxim1900
Lewis (machine) gun1913
Spandau guna1918
Vickers1917
LMG1922
Spandau1929
Bren1937
1883 Pall Mall Gaz. 15 Sept. 1/2 Which gives the best value for our money..the light machine gun or the mountain gun?
1945 C. E. Balleisen Princ. Firearms i. 4 There are now available a large number of types of..light machine guns.
2000 N.Y. Times Mag. 26 Nov. 108/2 Others were frantically belt-feeding ammo into their voracious Browning .30-caliber light machine guns, set up on chest-high tripods.
light marching adj. Military lightly equipped for marching, carrying a relatively small amount of equipment; chiefly (and in earliest use) in in light marching order (cf. order n. 14d, heavy marching order at heavy adj.1 7).
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1803 Let. 9 Dec. in Morning Chron. (1804) 30 Jan. They are constantly exercised in preparing to march in light marching order.
1888 M. Morris Claverhouse x. 186 The active light-marching Highlanders.
2007 B. F. Cooling Counter-thrust ii. 32 No tents were to be carried but only five days' cooked rations and movement to be in light marching order.
light metal n. a metal having a low relative density, (now) esp. aluminium, titanium, beryllium, or magnesium, or an alloy based on such a metal; (in later use also) a metallic element of relatively low atomic number.Some metals may be regarded as either light or heavy according to context. Cf. heavy metal at heavy adj.1 2c.
ΚΠ
1616 C. Richardson Workeman 61 The fruit of light metals, is aboue in the top of the earth: but those are richest, whose veine is hidden deepe.
1712 H. Curzon Universal Libr. II. 33 This [sc. tin] is a light Metal, and being touched with a red hot Iron, melts presently.
1842 London, Edinb., & Dublin Philos. Mag. 21 180 Dr. Kopp examines first the salts, and divides them into two groups,—salts of heavy metals and salts of light metals.
1936 R. P. Bell tr. N. J. Bjerrum Inorg. Chem. 213 The metals fall naturally into two groups: the light metals with densities below four, and the heavy metals with densities above seven.
1959 Times Rev. Industry Apr. 55/1 Reorganization within the light-metal industries.
1990 Rail 12 July 30/1 Vulcan Foundry avoided the use of heavy steel castings wherever possible preferring the use of glass fibre or light metal alloys where appropriate.
light-mouthed adj. (of a horse) sensitive or responsive to pressure applied by the rider to the bit; cf. light in the mouth at sense A. 17.
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1762 C. Thompson Rules Bad Horsemen 49 The rule already given to ride a loose-necked horse, will be a proper one for all light-mouthed horses.
1898 T. B. Drybrough Polo v. 99 If the pony is light-mouthed, I like to use this bit covered with leather, without which the Hanoverian bit is apt to nip the mouth.
2001 Courier Mail (Queensland) (Nexis) 26 Jan. (Outdoors section) d10 There were no complaints about my chestnut mare: just over 15 hands, light mouthed, a comfortable gait at a canter and responsive to all commands.
light oil n. an oil having a comparatively low relative density; spec. any of various mixtures of mineral oils of low relative density, viscosity, and boiling point, obtained by the distillation of coal tar, petroleum, etc., or by the cracking of heavier oils.
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society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > extracted or refined oil > [noun] > distilled or refined mineral oils
oil of amber1559
neftec1575
light oil1761
white oil1763
white spirit1832
eupione1838
gas oil1839
heavy oil1849
petroleum ether1851
asboline1863
hydrocarbon oil1864
solar oil1864
mineral spirits1875
blown oil1887
phenoloid1900
1761 J. Milles in Philos. Trans. 1760 (Royal Soc.) 51 552 There was not the least appearance of any light oil floating on the bituminous liquor.
1836 Rec. Gen. Sci. 4 231 At first, a light oil comes over, but by changing the receiver from time to time, a heavy oil is obtained; the distillation is continued..until the naphaline is condensed.
1898 F. H. Thorp Outl. Industr. Chem. 264 The distillate collected [from wood-tar] below 150°C. is called ‘light oil’, and is chiefly used as a substitute for oil of turpentine in varnish and paints.
1936 Economist 22 Feb. 399/2 Increasing demand for the heavier oils has enabled a higher proportion of refinery production to be marketed in that form, and has reduced the proportion subjected to ‘cracking’ to obtain light oils, such as motor spirit.
2019 F. U. Babalola & A. A. Susu in R. M. Gounder Processing Heavy Crude Oils x. 168 Sometimes, light oil is mixed with the heavy oil to enhance flowability, which, of course, reduces the value of the light oil.
light plane n. a small, lightweight aeroplane; cf. light aircraft n.
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society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > [noun] > small or light aircraft
light aircraft1913
puddle-jumper1917
light plane1923
runabout1932
runabout plane1966
ultralight1974
microlight1980
trike1981
1923 Flight 29 Mar. 168/1 For want of a better term we have referred to the machine as a ‘light 'plane’, much as in the automobile world cars below a certain size and weight are termed light cars.
1971 Flying (N.Y.) Apr. 39/2 It may well be the best all-around lightplane in the world.
2004 D. C. Karnopp Vehicle Stability i. 2 Modern light planes can now be designed to be stable enough that flying them is not the daunting task that it was for the Wrights.
† light-pointed adj. Architecture Obsolete having a graceful, pointed form suggestive of lightness.
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1812 Encycl. Londinensis XI. 763/1 The Abbey of Sweetheart, or New Abbey..is a beautiful lofty building in the light pointed style.
1824 M. R. Mitford Our Village I. 263 Its light-pointed roof, its clustered chimneys.
1910 C. B. Luffmann Quiet Days in Spain xxii. 290 I try to discern what it is that makes this such a lovely church; call it the perfection of the stained-glass style or light pointed Gothic; but this means nothing.
† light-poised adj. Obsolete rare of little weight.
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1615 R. Brathwait Strappado 205 Swift is't [sc. the water of the Kent] in pace, light-poiz'd, to looke in cleere.
light porter n. now rare a person employed as a porter for light loads, such as parcels, luggage, etc.
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society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance by carrying > [noun] > by a person > person who
bearereOE
portera1382
carriera1398
load-man1487
coal-heaver1654
light porter1772
toter1817
packer1871
1772 Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser 29 Oct. There are now wanted several young men as foot-men, errand-lads, and light porters for shops.
1854 C. Dickens Hard Times ii. i. 135 A deaf serving-woman, and the light porter completed Mrs. Sparsit's empire.
1962 Daily Mail 25 Jan. 8/3 (advt.) Light porter for wholesale Silversmiths in West End of London.
Light Programme n. now historical a BBC radio station principally broadcasting popular music and light entertainment; cf. sense B. 2.The BBC Light Programme first went on air on 29 July 1945 and broadcast daily until 30 September 1967, when it was relaunched as Radio 2.
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society > communication > broadcasting > radio broadcasting > [noun] > radio service > specific
Radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 51920
2LO1923
National Programme1930
regional1930
national1931
Home Programme1939
home service1939
World Service1939
Light Programme1945
Third Programme1946
home1947
light1948
VOA1949
national service1956
1945 Daily Mail 14 July 4/6 The light programme will be radiated on 1,500 metres (200 kcs.)—a long wavelength receivable over the whole country.
1956 ‘M. Innes’ Old Hall, New Hall iii. iii. 205 No real American professor could be quite like that—not outside the Light Programme.
2010 Independent 1 Sept. (Viewspaper section) 9/2 The Musicians Union rules..limiting the amount of pre-recorded music available to the BBC Light Programme..to a mere 35 hours a week.
light rail n. (originally) train rails of lighter construction than is usual or standard; (hence) a railway system using such rails, and intended to carry limited (esp. passenger) traffic; (now) spec. a transport system using small (usually electric) trains, operating in urban areas; cf. light railway n.
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society > travel > rail travel > railway system or organization > [noun] > track > types of rail
bridge rail1759
rack rail1829
light rail1836
saddle rail1837
T rail1837
rack1847
foot rail1856
tooth-rail1862
U-rail1868
strap-rail1874
check-rail1876
cog-rail1884
society > travel > rail travel > railway system or organization > [noun] > a railway > forming part of a system > types of
branch line1825
sideline1831
stem1832
light rail1836
suburban1839
branch railway1840
main line1841
spurring1842
local line1843
trunk line1843
extension1852
feeder1855
main trunk1858
loop-line1859
loop1863
spur1878
main1886
spur line1924
1836 Boston Courier 31 Mar. I doubt..if there is a road in the new or old country, with one hundred and ten tons of rail to the mile of a single track, and am confident there is not one where the light rail would not be more proper.
1922 Mil. Engineer 14 56/1 Collecting platforms..must be provided and connected up with the light rail system.
2014 Times 4 June 36/5 The agency..runs buses, light rail and street cars as well as the cable cars.
light railway n. a railway using rails of lighter construction than is usual, or than those on mainline railways, and intended to carry limited (esp. passenger) traffic; (now) spec. a transport system using small (usually electric) trains, operating in urban areas; cf. light rail n.Recorded earliest as a modifier.
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society > travel > rail travel > railway system or organization > [noun] > a railway > of specific construction
rackway1825
surface road1835
light railway1842
switchback1863
rack railway1879
monorail1884
chair road1895
cog-railway1896
mono-railway1902
cog-wheel system1904
monoline1992
1842 Amer. Railroad Jrnl. 1 Apr. 196 It would perhaps have been unnecessary to allude to this scheme, but that the light railway portion of it is attempted to be brought again into favor.
1868 Act 31 & 32 Victoria c. 119 §28 A light Railway shall be constructed and..the Regulations..shall not authorize a greater Weight than Eight Tons to be brought upon the Rails by any One Pair of Wheels.
1989 Independent (Nexis) 25 Oct. 2/1 The go-ahead was given for the Manchester Metrolink Light Railway yesterday... The ‘supertram’ system is expected to create up to 2,000 jobs.
2001 P. J. G. Ransom Snow, Flood & Tempest ii. 39 Even the little 2ft-gauge Leighton Buzzard Light Railway kept going through the snows.
light relief n. something which (or sometimes someone who) offers a short respite from an intense, serious, or onerous activity, situation, etc.; an amusing or pleasant diversion; (sometimes, and in earliest use) an instance of this.Cf. comic relief n.
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society > leisure > entertainment > [noun] > source of amusement or entertainment
mirtha1250
solacec1290
recreationc1400
esbatement1477
pastime1490
pastancea1500
passe-temps1542
entertainment1561
relief?1578
fancy1590
sport1598
abridgement1600
entertain1601
recreative1615
amusatory1618
nutsa1625
diverter1628
recreator1629
passatempo1632
amuser1724
fun1726
dissipation1733
resource1752
distraction1859
enlivening1859
good, clean fun1867
enlivenment1883
light relief1885
laugh1921
not one's scene1962
violon d'Ingres1963
1885 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2 May Here we see two of the most honored Judges of our bench..pleasantly discussing the last novel or the last play, as a light relief to their weightier intellectual morning work.
1909 Musical Times Mar. 175/1 Will the man who goes to the theatre to be amused ever tolerate..a drama containing no love interest, no light relief, nothing but an hour-and-three-quarters of black hate?
1971 W. Frishauer Will you welcome now... D. Frost x. 141 As a light relief he gave another of his ‘intimate’ parties for a few hundred people.
1984 Daily Mail 13 Oct. 18/5 Lucille Ball is the light relief in this famous film noir.
2013 J. Coe Expo 58 (2014) 37 I'm afraid I'm rather parochial in my tastes. I like Dickens. I read Wodehouse, for a bit of light relief.
light-skirted adj. (archaic in later use) (of a woman) promiscuous; cf. light-skirts n., light-tailed adj.
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society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [adjective] > unchaste or sexually compliant (of women)
strumpeta1382
jadish1573
comingc1576
short heeled1591
loose in the hilts1598
loose-legged1598
loose-tailed1598
light-tailed1600
overscutched1600
stuprous1603
light-skirted1607
brothelly1608
light-heeled1611
wagtailed1648
loose-hilteda1652
feather-heeleda1674
loose-gowneda1717
frank1744
shake-tail1782
(a woman) of a certain description1803
hetaeric1868
round-heeled1926
floozy?1930
trampy1944
slack1951
slaggy1973
1607 R. C. tr. H. Estienne World of Wonders xv. 110 These wicked wiles, deuised by our wanton wenches and light-skirted huswiues.
a1758 A. Ramsay Some Few Contents in Memorials G. Bannatyne (1829) 47 Licht skirtit lasses, and the girnand wyfe.
2015 S. Thomas Witch Hunter's Tale x. 116 You haven't the slightest grasp of..what the future holds for light-skirted queans like you.
light-skirtedness n. rare (archaic in later use) (with reference to a woman) promiscuity.
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society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [noun] > sexual indulgence > unchaste behaviour of woman
puteryc1390
putage1480
whorishness1543
light-skirtedness1607
sluttiness1972
1607 R. C. tr. H. Estienne World of Wonders xv. 101 If it were not light skirtednesse and leuitie that caused her to companie with Tarquinius, she is vniustly punished.
2005 ‘M. Conway’ Rosamund's Revenge 158 She gave no sign of lightness, still less any tendency toward light-skirtedness, but it paid to be vigilant.
light sleeper n. a person who wakes easily, or whose sleep is easily disturbed.
ΚΠ
1804 E. Meeke Amazement II. vi. 169 Being naturally a very light sleeper, he was awoke just as day was beginning to dawn, by a suffocating smell that seemed to pervade his apartment.
1844 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit xxxviii. 446 I am a light sleeper; and it's better to be up, than lying awake.
2014 H. Thorpe Soldier Girls ii. v. 197 Desma, a light sleeper, woke up over and over again.
light-spirited adj. (a) lacking depth of understanding; frivolous; (b) lively; cheerful.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > [adjective]
blithe971
gladOE
blithemod1065
jollya1350
well begonea1425
well-cheered1435
hearty1440
cheery1448
cheerfula1477
chereful1486
unsweera1500
cheerly1565
riant1567
hilaire1575
light-spirited1581
undistempered1589
comfortablea1593
well-humoured1600
good-humoured1604
rident1609
hoddy1664
chicket1682
mellow1711
blithesome1724
in spirits1747
winsome1787
hilarious1823
resilient1830
blithe-hearted1848
cheero1903
bucked1907
cheerio1918
1581 J. Hamilton Catholik Traictise 17 Cariing auay licht spritit men vith..deceatful arguments.
1607 G. Markham Cavelarice ii. xix. 203 The heauie & vnweldie horse hauing the shorter course, and the light spirited and fine shapt horse the longer.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman III. vi. 128 He looked upon him as a rash, heedless, light spirited young man.
2010 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 15 July c4 A light-spirited, zesty quintet by a composer best known for intensely emotional scores.
light sport aircraft n. a small aircraft such as a glider, gyroplane, powered parachute, etc., that is easy to operate and meets certain restrictions set by a national aviation authority on weight, speed, capacity, etc.
ΚΠ
1933 Pop. Sci. Monthly Jan. 46/2 (caption) Light sport aircraft taking on gas at filling station for planes near Berlin.
1993 W. C. Parrott On Perimeter (M.A. thesis, Univ. of Newfoundland) v. 214 It [sc. the Buchans airstrip] is still in use today by light sport aircraft.
2013 B. Marchwicki Basia xxix. 312 Enthusiasts of light sport aircraft are miserable people whenever the weather isn't cooperating.
† light-tailed adj. Obsolete rare promiscuous; = light-skirted adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [adjective] > unchaste or sexually compliant (of women)
strumpeta1382
jadish1573
comingc1576
short heeled1591
loose in the hilts1598
loose-legged1598
loose-tailed1598
light-tailed1600
overscutched1600
stuprous1603
light-skirted1607
brothelly1608
light-heeled1611
wagtailed1648
loose-hilteda1652
feather-heeleda1674
loose-gowneda1717
frank1744
shake-tail1782
(a woman) of a certain description1803
hetaeric1868
round-heeled1926
floozy?1930
trampy1944
slack1951
slaggy1973
1600 J. Lane Tom Tel-Troths Message 45 Light-taylde huswiues which like Syrens sing, And like to Circes with their drugs enchant.
1756 Ben Johnson's Last Legacy (ed. 2) 33 Doctor Drybones the wicked Parson,..Who when in his Pulpit against Whoring rail'd, Tho' he lik'd a Girl that was pretty light-tail'd.
light-timbered adj. (of a horse) of a slender build and active disposition; formerly also of a person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > body or parts of horse > [adjective] > of build of horse
light-timbered1592
three-cornered1861
1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. Hv His Camerard that bare him company was a iollie light timberd Iacke a Napes.
1683 London Gaz. No. 1871/4 A light timbered bright bay Gelding.
1722 E. Ward Wand'ring Spy: Pt. II 24 Light-timber'd, meagre, fleshless Fellows,..Young Rogues, that at one nimble Stretch Can top a Gate or leap a Ditch.
1911 Pacific Rural Press (San Francisco) 14 Jan. 37/2 Buyers are now demanding an abundance of bone in the horses. The light timbered sorts are discriminated against when it comes to paying the price.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 206/1 Light-timbered, of a horse, active, light-footed.
light-tongued adj. that talks readily or (in later use) fluently; talkative.Cf. light of tongue at Phrases 3a.
ΚΠ
1615 R. Rogers Comm. Bk. Judges 623 She in the Prouerbs who is described to be light footed and fugitiue.., is taxed also to be light tongued, and talkatiue.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth v, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 145 To keep light-tongued companions out of the way.
1988 Washington Post (Nexis) 30 Aug. (Final ed.) (Sports section) e24 Here's a salute to one of the funniest sports broadcasters around, ESPN's light-tongued studio analyst..Beano Cook.
light truck n. U.S. a small truck or similar vehicle, designed to carry relatively light loads or transport a relatively small number of people.In the United States, light truck (or light-duty truck) is a classification term for any of various motor vehicles somewhat larger than a passenger car and designed to transport property or people, or with off-road capabilities.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor lorry, truck, or van > [noun] > small truck or van
light truck1906
pickup truck1919
pickup1929
1906 Cycle & Automobile Trade Jrnl. July 166/1 The light truck, 3000 pounds paying load, can do twice or three times the work of a horse-drawn vehicle of equal capacity.
1943 National Geographic Mag. Dec. 756/2 A neighbor drove up in a light truck.
2005 N.Y. Times 12 June iv. 3/2 New cars and light trucks today cost less..than in 1982.
light water draught n. Nautical the depth to which the hull of a ship, boat, etc., is submerged in the water before the vessel is loaded (see draught n. 19); cf. light line n., light water line n.
ΚΠ
1805 Public Ledger 13 Apr. (advt.) The Brig Ceres, Bermudian built;..coppered to the light water draught, and copper fastened.
1932 Ottumwa (Iowa) Daily Courier 18 Feb. 11/2 The maximum light-water draft of the ‘Mayflower’ is 17 feet 7 9-16 inches.
1990 D. K. Brown Before Ironclad 200/2 The excess of the after load draught above the forward load draught is given in the second column [of the table], and similar differences in the light water draught are recorded in the last.
light water line n. Nautical a line marked on a ship, boat, etc., which indicates the depth to which the hull is submerged in the water before the vessel is loaded; cf. light line n., light water draught n.
ΚΠ
1792 Lett. & Papers Agric. (Bath & West of Eng. Soc.) VI. i. 3 The latter [sc. beeches]..serve to plank the bottoms of ships, up to the light water line.
1894 H. Paasch From Keel to Truck (ed. 2) 46/1 Boot-topping, is the term applied to that portion of the outside-plating or planking of a vessel between the light-water-line and the load-line.
1994 Times of India 20 Dec. 23/2 Maximum dredging depth below light water line at 45 degree angle: Not less than 20 metres below water level.
light-winged adj. having wings capable of swift and agile flight; characterized by such flight; frequently poetic and in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > [adjective] > moving swiftly and easily
current1577
light-winged1595
1595 W. Lisle tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Babilon 26 That light winged quier That to the verdaunt boughes of bushes doth retier, Chirping before the sunne.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 268 Light-wingd toyes, And feather'd Cupid foyles with wanton dulnesse, My..actiue instruments.
1764 W. Mason Poems sig. A2v Here, as the light wing'd moments glide serene.
1998 Japan Times (Nexis) 18 Nov. Suddenly the light-winged grace of a large seabird on the wing is traded for a heavy waddle on land.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightadj.2n.3

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Forms:

α. Old English leht (Anglian), Old English–early Middle English leoht, late Middle English leyȝt; English regional 1800s leeght (northern), 1800s leet (northern and north midlands), 1800s loight (south-eastern); Scottish 1800s leet.

β. Old English–Middle English liht, early Middle English ligt, Middle English liȝhte, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liȝth, Middle English lith, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝtte, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyth, Middle English–1500s lighte, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1500s lyghte, Middle English– light, late Middle English ligh (probably transmission error); Scottish pre-1700 lycht, pre-1700 lyght, pre-1700 1700s– light, pre-1700 1800s– licht; Irish English 1800s lhygt (Wexford), 1900s– licht (northern).

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian liācht (West Frisian ljocht ), Old Dutch lieht (Middle Dutch, Dutch licht ), Old Saxon lioht (Middle Low German licht , lecht ), Old High German lioht , (with different stem class) liuhti (Middle High German lieht , German licht ) < (with a suffix or root extension) the same Indo-European base as (with various ablaut grades) Sanskrit roca shining, ancient Greek λευκός white, clear, bright (compare leuco- comb. form), Early Irish lóch bright, Welsh llug (noun) light, brightness, Lithuanian laukas having a white forehead, bald. Compare light n.1Further etymology. Other words derived from the same Indo-European base (with various ablaut grades, root extensions, and suffixes) include classical Latin lūx light (compare lux n.), lūmen light (compare lumen n.), lūna moon (compare luna n.), and, within English, leam n.1, leye n., lowe n., lea n.1, and perhaps levin n. Form history. The history of the stem vowel in early English closely parallels that shown by the noun: see discussion at light n.1
A. adj.2
1.
a. Bright; shining, luminous. Of a fire: burning brightly. Now rare.See also on a light fire at Phrases.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > [adjective]
lighteOE
lightfulc1384
lightyc1384
unshadowed1593
unshaded1638
darkless1641
undimmed1723
shadowlessc1810
undimc1838
unbedimmed1840
undark1876
undarkened1889
the world > matter > light > intensity of light > [adjective] > bright
shininga900
lighteOE
lightlyOE
sheenOE
torhtOE
shirea1000
steepa1000
shimmeringc1000
brightOE
strongOE
clear1297
fair?a1300
bright-shininga1387
merrya1393
skirea1400
lucident14..
shimc1400
staringc1400
luculentc1420
splendent1474
illuminousc1485
lucentc1500
bloominga1522
sheer1565
prelucent1568
faculent1575
splendant1578
lucid1591
neat1591
shine1596
translucent1596
well-lighted1606
nitid1615
lucible1623
dilucid1653
translucid1657
hard1660
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [adjective] > of the nature of or resembling flame > flaming or blazing
lighteOE
burningc1000
blazingc1400
flamingc1400
flagranta1513
flammigerous1592
bright-burning1594
flameful1605
flamant1607
aflame1698
lowing1720
lunting1786
blazy1838
eOE Bald's Leechbk. (Royal) (1865) i. ii. 30 Finoles wyrttruman gecnuadne gemeng wið huniges seaw, seoð þonne æt leohtum fyre.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 8966 Of þas draken muðe eoden tweien leomen wunder ane lihte.
a1325 St. Michael (Corpus Cambr.) l. 471 in C. D'Evelyn & A. J. Mill S. Eng. Legendary (1956) 417 In þe half toward us þe sonne sent hure liȝt Þanne is þe oþer half [of the moon] derk & þe hider half al liȝt [c1300 Laud briȝt].
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4464 Gods..Sum of latoun & of lede & sum of liȝt siluir.
a1500 (c1400) Vision of Tundale (Adv.) (1843) l. 2152 Bryghtter..Then euer schon sonne that was soo lyght.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 134 Ymages..Lokend full lyuely as any light angels.
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. 113 Now..we might discover smoke and light fires all the way along.
1700 G. Booth tr. Diodorus Siculus Hist. Libr. xv. v. 429 This Comet was so very light, that it cast a shadow upon the Earth like the Moon.
1972 S. O'Dell Sing down Moon (1998) viii. 38 When the moon was light enough to see by, Running Bird and I would steal away.
b. Of the day, a part of the day, the sky, etc.: illuminated by the sun (or moon). Frequently with reference to the dawn, sometimes with non-referential it as subject, as in it got light, before it was light, etc. Formerly also in †light day: dawn, daylight (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > enlightenment > [adjective]
lightOE
lighty?a1425
lightened?1492
enlightened1578
illuminate1579
lightsome1587
illuminated1661
the world > matter > light > illumination > [adjective] > illuminated or lit up > well
lightOE
light?a1200
well-lighted1596
well-lit1798
bright-lit1921
the world > matter > light > illumination > [adjective] > illuminated or lit up
lightc1300
lightedc1450
illuminate?a1475
circumfulseda1513
illustrate1526
in light1534
lighted1596
illightened1609
enlightened1640
unblown1647
luminated1652
illuminated1664
lit1783
alight1817
lit-up1835
littena1849
light-struck1923
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) i. Introd. 26 Ðis ealond..leohte nihte on sumera hafað.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3190 Morpidus þe balde..com to þon duke al bi lihte dæie [c1300 Otho liþte of daie].
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3609 Hit wes an ane time þat þe dæi wes liht. and þe sunne wes swiðe briht.
c1330 Seven Sages (Auch.) (1933) l. 1930 And to morewen, what [perhaps read whan] hit is liȝt, Sire, þou sschalt haue þine wille.
a1425 (?a1400) Cloud of Unknowing (Harl. 674) (1944) 23 (MED) Any cloude congelid of þe humours..maist þou ymagin wiþ coriouste of witte, for to bere before þin iȝen in þe liȝtest day of somer.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxxxv By and by commeth he with the letters, and delyuereth them: it was skarce lyght daye.
1611 Bible (King James) Micah ii. 1 When the morning is light, they practise it [sc. euill] . View more context for this quotation
1844 J. T. J. Hewlett Parsons & Widows I. ix. 189 The boy..got up before it was light on the following morning.
1891 W. Morris News from Nowhere xxiv. 218 The nights were light, for the moon was shining in her third quarter.
1966 M. Woodhouse Tree Frog xxvi. 195 They would send out a search plane as soon as it got light.
2012 M. T. Burton Devil's Odds xxii. 196 The sky grew light in the east, and the day began to dawn foggy and gray.
c. Of a room or other place: well-lit, esp. with natural light; having a considerable or sufficient amount of light; (in early use with stronger sense) brightly illuminated.
ΚΠ
?a1200 (?OE) Peri Didaxeon (1896) 7 Do þane mann innan to ana huse, þe be no to leoht [no to] þustre.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 593 Also lith was it þer-inne, So þer brenden cerges inne.
a1576 E. Dering XXVII Lect. Epist. Hebrues (1577) xii. 204 Whose bodie was ye warmer for ye costly clothing of ye church walls? whose house was ye lighter for ye torches & candels about ye altar?
1694 W. Salmon tr. Y. van Diemerbroeck Anat. Human Bodies (new ed.) ii. 178 Let him have a good Air, a light Room, moderately warm, and Perfumed with Castor, Peny-royal, [etc.].
1704 J. Norris Ess. Ideal World II. Pref. 8 A man that has a light shop had need sell good ware.
1861 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (new ed.) 56 A patient's bed should always be in the lightest spot in the room.
2016 Metro 12 Jan. (London ed.) (Property section) 31/3 Crisp white walls keep the space feeling light and airy.
†2. figurative and in figurative contexts.
a. Enlightened; illuminated. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1900) II. 378 Crisantus þa leornode mid leohtum andgite, and mid gleawum mode grammatican cræft.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 103 Illuminacio mentis..þat is heorte be liht.
c1454 R. Pecock Folewer to Donet 7 (MED) Þo grete clerkis in clerist and liȝtist maner vndirstonde not derk processis of þe bible in latyn.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xviii. §9. 70 Charite, that makis the eghen of oure saule lyght and lufly.
b. Pure; untainted. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > purity > [adjective]
cleanlyc888
unwemmedc950
clean971
lightOE
whiteOE
unfiledc1200
shire?c1225
sheenc1275
wemlessc1275
undefouled13..
undefoileda1325
purec1330
unbleckedc1380
unfouledc1380
clear1382
impollutec1384
unblemishedc1400
undefiledc1400
unspottedc1400
virginc1400
spotless?a1430
immaculate1441
uncorruptc1450
unpollushed1490
intemeratea1492
incorrupted1529
unmaculate1535
impolluted1548
crystallinec1550
incorrupt1550
uncorrupted1565
undistained1565
unstained1573
entire1587
taintless1590
untainted1590
stainless1599
unsmirched1604
intemerated1608
indepravate1609
chastea1616
uncurseda1628
undishonested1631
untaint1638
Adamical1649
sincere1649
undebaucheda1656
unaccurseda1674
amiantal1674
unsoiled1699
unpolluted1732
OE Cynewulf Elene 491 Þonne broðor þin onfeng æfter fyrste fulwihtes bæð, leohtne geleafan.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 987 Wyth lyȝt lovez uplyfte þay loved hym swyþe.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 682 Þat is of hert boþe clene and lyȝt.
3.
a. Of colour, tint, shade, etc.: pale; lacking intensity or depth. Frequently modifying adjectives and nouns denoting a specific colour (often prefixed, sometimes with hyphen), as in light grey, light yellow, etc.: pale in tone or shade; containing little pigment or colouring agent.See also Light Blue n. and adj., light red n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [adjective] > faint or weak
wateryOE
dima1250
lighta1398
rare?1440
delayed1543
faint1552
weak1585
pale1598
distempered1621
washya1639
thin1649
languid1663
dilute1665
welmish1688
sickly1695
dimmed1863
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [adjective] > relating to tone > light or pale
whiteeOE
palec1350
lighta1398
whitey1556
bleak1566
wan1567
whitish1577
pasty1607
mirage1927
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. v. xlv. 258 Ȝelouȝ colour [of urine] and melky..tokeneþ feblenes of hete... Dorrey and citrine and liȝt red [L. subrufus] tokeneþ mene.
c1420 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1901) III. 617 7 pannis integris de lyghtgrene.
1496 Treat. Fysshynge wyth Angle in Bk. St. Albans (rev. ed.) sig. hij A lyght plunket colour.
1598 Floure & Leafe in T. Speght Wks. G. Chaucer f. 366/1 Leues new..Some very red and some a glad light grene.
1729 R. Savage Wanderer i. 71 The dawn in light-grey mists arose.
1833 New Sporting Mag. Mar. 320/1 These birds are rather different from the Arabian ostrich, being of a lighter colour and considerably less in size.
1938 Amer. Home Jan. 16/1 First of all, paint the floor a light yellow and let it dry thoroughly.
2017 A. Thomas Hate u Give xvii. 292 His black tux with a light-blue vest and tie match the strapless tea-length gown I have on.
b. Of an object, material, substance, etc.: pale in colour. Cf. light-coloured adj. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > state or mode of having colour > [adjective] > light-coloured
light-coloured1533
light1548
lightsomea1586
lightish1649
1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. G.iiv Siligo..is a kynde of ryghte wheate... Therfore let it be called in englishe lyght wheate.
1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. (at cited word) Light Hair, Des Cheveux blonds.
1740 G. Smith tr. Laboratory (ed. 2) App. p. xiii To dye an Olive-Colour...Draw your stuff quickly thro', three or four times, according as you would have it, either deeper or lighter.
1873 Act 36 & 37 Victoria c. 85 §3 Her name..shall be marked on her stern..on a light ground in black letters.
1952 New Settler in W.A. (Perth) July 3 Tuart honey is light in colour, of a pleasing flavour, and fine-grained when candied.
2002 Build It Nov. 65 (advt.) A light beech or maple is ideal for contemporary interiors and a darker cherry or merbau will give rooms a warm exotic feel.
c. Of a person or ethnic group: having pale or relatively pale skin; (of a person's skin) pale or relatively pale in colour or tone. In later use often with reference to non-white people or groups; cf. light-skinned adj. at Compounds 2.
ΚΠ
1815 A. Rees Cycl. (1819) XXX Rete Mucosum, the soft..layer..between the cuticle and the true skin... This part is much thicker in the dark coloured than in the light races of man.
1882 C. Elton Orig. Eng. Hist. vi. 140 A short and black-haired stock..whose physical appearance is quite different from that of the tall light Celts.
1942 Z. N. Hurston in A. Dundes Mother Wit (1973) 29/1 The lighter the girl, the more money and prestige she was apt..to marry.
2018 Independent (Nexis) 12 Feb. 31 In Asia, the preference for light skin is linked to class as well as colonialism.
4. Of a drink of tea or coffee: that has been infused for only a short time; weak, and therefore pale in colour.
ΚΠ
1814 R. W. Hall tr. D. J. Larrey Mem. Mil. Surg. II. 271 The slightest touch of the abdomen produced acute pain... I desired him to take freely of light tea [Fr. thé léger], together with lemon juice and sugar.
1971 Citizen-Advertiser (Auburn, N.Y.) 13 July 7/3 Buttered toast, a soft-boiled egg and some light coffee.
1984 Inter Press Service (Nexis) 24 Apr. Light tea, coconut-milk and ‘cunjee’ (rice gruel), which are commonly given to convalescent Sri Lankans.
2009 S. Ganguli Live Happily, Work Happily v. 108 If you enjoy flavour, have Darjeeling tea, very light, without milk.
B. n.3
Short for light ale at Compounds 2. Chiefly in light and bitter n. a drink consisting of light ale and draught bitter in equal measures. light and mild n. a drink consisting of light ale and mild (mild n.1 2a) in equal measures.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > ale > [noun] > other ales
strawberry ale1523
red ale1557
sixteens1584
bottle ale1586
hostler ale1590
Pimlico1609
eyebright1612
quest-ale1681
hugmatee1699
Newcastle brown (ale)1707
pale ale1708
twopenny ale (or beer)1710
twoops1729
flux ale1742
pale1743
Ringwood1759
brown ale1776
light ale1780
blue cap1789
brown1820
India pale ale1837
Tipper1843
ostler ale1861
fourpenny ale1871
four-ale1883
ninepenny1886
Scotch1886
barley wine1940
IPA1953
light1953
real ale1972
1953 Word for Word (Whitbread & Co.) 24/2 Light ale, pale ale... Light and mild, a mixture, pale ale and mild, half-and-half.
1968 Financial Times 18 May 16/2 (caption) This problem is only pint size. To have a mild and bitter, a black and tan, a Newcastle cocktail,..a bitter and dash, a light and bitter... The choice doesn't end there.
1982 ‘L. Cody’ Bad Company xv. 111 Bernie..went to the bar to order a pint of light and bitter.
2011 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 4 Nov. (Sport section) 20 Going home..to celebrate a thumping 7-1 win over Burnley with little more than fish and chips eaten from the paper and a couple of pints of light and mild.
2018 D. Meyrick Relentless Tide (e-book ed.) ‘Can I get you a drink, sir?’ ‘Yes, just a half pint of light, please.’

Phrases

† on (also of, in) a light fire: on fire; in a blaze. Obsolete.Common from the 16th to 18th centuries.
ΚΠ
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) II. lf. 211v And than sodaynly as they felte the fyre yssue out of their mowthes and the fumee & smoke in suche habondance that hit semed alle on a lyght fyre.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries iv. f. 57v At that tyme also was fire cried at Giethorne, and soone after, many houses were seene on a light fire.
1654 T. Warren Vnbeleevers 24 All Sodome was of a light fire.
1737 S. Berington Mem. G. di Lucca 110 The Flashes were so thick, the Sky was almost in a light Fire.
1760 J. Jortin Life Erasmus II. 717 He piled those ancient books together and set them all on a light fire.

Compounds

C1. Forming adjectives with the sense ‘having (a) pale-coloured ——’, by combining with noun + -ed, as in light-fleshed, light-striped, light-toned, light-veined, etc.
ΚΠ
1742 G. Leoni Notes I. Jones in N. Dubois & G. Leoni tr. A. Palladio Architecture (ed. 3) II. iv. 50/1 Light-vein'd marble.
1883 Harper's Mag. Jan. 199 The light-toned masses of maple, alder, and small shrubbery along the water-side.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad lxiii. 96 And fields will yearly bear them As light-leaved spring comes on.
1901 F. W. Rane Watermelon (Bull. New Hampshire College Agric. Exper. Station No. 84) 90 Kolb's Gem.—A popular variety largely grown in the South... Nearly round in shape, and light striped.
1930 V. R. Gardner Cherry xiii. 111 The outstanding light-fleshed sweet cherry is the Napoleon... Indeed it is the one white-fleshed sweet cherry of real commercial importance in the United States.
1987 E. B. Voigt Lotus Flowers ii. 41 Birds, light-bellied swallows with forked tails.., descending from the barn in open air.
1999 S. Frank & P. Frank Yellowstone Handbk. ii. 52 Grizzly bear color varies from blond to black with light-tipped (grizzled) fur on the head and upper body.
C2.
light ale a pale-coloured variety of ale; a drink of this.For later uses referring to the calorie or alcohol content of the ale, see light adj.1 11b(a), 11b(b).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > ale > [noun] > other ales
strawberry ale1523
red ale1557
sixteens1584
bottle ale1586
hostler ale1590
Pimlico1609
eyebright1612
quest-ale1681
hugmatee1699
Newcastle brown (ale)1707
pale ale1708
twopenny ale (or beer)1710
twoops1729
flux ale1742
pale1743
Ringwood1759
brown ale1776
light ale1780
blue cap1789
brown1820
India pale ale1837
Tipper1843
ostler ale1861
fourpenny ale1871
four-ale1883
ninepenny1886
Scotch1886
barley wine1940
IPA1953
light1953
real ale1972
1780 Morning Post 20 Nov. (advt.) Fine pale light Ale of a pleasant flavour..fit for immediate drinking..in casks of all sizes.
1903 Civil Service Supply Assoc. Ltd. Price List 1 May 181 Bull Dog, Light Ale.
1979 M. Leigh Abigail's Party i. 34 Tone, have a light ale, 'cos he got them specially for you.
2016 Burton (Staffs.) Mail (Nexis) 15 Feb. 16 The beers up for nomination are..Victoria, a light ale which was brewed by the National Brewery Centre, and St Modwen's, a light golden ale with citrus notes.
light-coloured adj. having a pale colour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > state or mode of having colour > [adjective] > light-coloured
light-coloured1533
light1548
lightsomea1586
lightish1649
1533 T. More Apologye xii. f. 93 They vse the prestes ouer familyarely, and geue them ouer gay gownes or lyght coloured lyuereys.
1882 Garden 4 Feb. 78/1 The American Ash is, as a rule, lighter coloured both in foliage and bark than ours.
2005 Delicious Nov. 112/1 A velouté is a creamy light-coloured sauce, so don't colour the shallot when frying.
light-complexioned adj. having pale or relatively pale skin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > skin > complexion > whiteness or fairness > [adjective]
whiteOE
fairc1175
whitelya1387
blonde1481
whitelewe1495
fair-faced1553
buttermilk1606
lilied1614
white-skin1634
light-complexioned1770
leucous1842
blondine1867
blonde-complexioned1881
leucodermic1926
blondish1961
1770 Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser 5 Feb. A lusty man, near six feet high, light complexioned, and dark brown hair.
1861 E. Waugh Goblin's Grave 11 Her light-complexioned face beamed with..good nature.
2002 Daily Mail 5 Aug. 39/2 They came from the wealthy, light-complexioned, mixed-race group to whom Jamaicans..turned for leadership.
light–dark adj. of, relating to, or designating alternating periods of light and darkness, esp. the natural daily alternation of light and darkness, which drives circadian rhythms in living organisms.
ΚΠ
1935 G. W. Goldsmith & A. L. Hafenrichter Anthokinetics ii. 43 After 24 hours exposure to abnormal light-dark periods, the periodic movements are disturbed and weakened.
1984 D. Parker & J. Parker New Compleat Astrologer 56/1 The simplest example of this ‘photic’ control of biological rhythms is one we have already mentioned—the light dark sequence which controls our feeling of wakefulness.
2020 Oceanography 33 6/2 In mammals, melanopsin plays an important role in synchronizing circadian rhythms with the daily light-dark cycle.
light-eyed adj. having eyes of a relatively pale colour, esp. blue or grey.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [adjective] > types of eyes by colour > having
grey-eyed1534
green-eyed1553
blue-eyed1572
black-eyed1576
yellow-eyed1593
white-eyed1607
red-eyed?1609
ferret-eyed1699
golden-eyed1763
light-eyeda1795
pink-eyed1830
brown-eyed1865
sloe-eyed1869
a1795 J. Ledyard's Jrnl. (Beaufoy Transcript) in Journey through Russia (1966) 153 The lighteyed and fair complexioned Tartars.
1886 F. Galton in Proc. Royal Soc. 40 408 The chance of a light-eyed parent having hazel offspring, is about twice as great as that of a dark-eyed parent.
2019 D. Thomas Fashionopolis vi. 135 Fresh-faced and light-eyed,..she was dressed in a gray T-shirt and jeans.
light-haired adj. having blonde or light brown hair.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > hair > colour of hair > [adjective] > light hair > having
white-headed1571
whitehead1577
fair-haired1598
silver-haired1678
light-haired?1746
blonde-locked1837
tow-headed1850
tow-haired1887
peroxide1899
blondie1905
straw-blond1928
platinum blonde1932
?1746 Journey through Eng. & Scotl. v. 50 Great numbers of the Ladies of Edinburgh are very handsome, light haired, and [have] fair Complexions.
1866 C. E. L. Riddell Race for Wealth xxix A fat, light-haired, snub-nosed, porky kind of a child.
2007 Financial Times 23 Nov. 13/2 Light-haired and bespectacled, his benign appearance hid..a genius for advancement.
light red n. a pale red or reddish-orange pigment, esp. one containing iron oxides originally produced by heating yellow ochre.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > named colours > red or redness > red colouring matter > [noun] > other red pigments
rosetc1450
crimson?a1475
patise1589
sandyx1601
lake1616
lac1682
red lac1682
light red1692
carmine1712
rose pink1732
Venetian red1753
fire-red1798
pink saucer1804
chica1818
Florentine lake1822
French red1844
Antwerp red1851
Paris lake1866
carajura1874
cadmium red1886
Chinese vermilion1886
Chinese red1892
terra rosa1897
vermilionette1897
Derby red1904
Monastral1936
1692 M. Smith Art of Painting xxvii. 71 Light Red, Burnt Oker, Indian Red, must be ground very fine in Lynseed Oyle.
1760 J. H. Müntz Encaustic 87 Light-red, or light-oker calcined, is of the same universal use in this manner of painting as it is in oil.
1992 M. E. Appellof Everything you ever wanted to know about Watercolor 46/2 Next make a middle-value brown by selecting light red and mixing it with aureolin yellow.
light rum n. a colourless variety of rum, having a more subtle flavour than darker types; = white rum n. at white adj. and n. Compounds 1f; cf. dark rum n. at dark adj. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > distilled drink > rum > [noun] > kinds of rum
Jamaica1775
white rum1816
New England1827
black jack1863
dark rum1864
black rum1872
light rum1872
Nelson's blood1905
Bacardi1921
pinga1928
navy1946
screech1946
anejo1983
1872 Brisbane Courier 10 May 2/4 New South Wales Agricultural Society... Ramsay Brothers' light rum highly commended.
2001 B. Geddes World Food: Caribbean Gloss. 254/2 Pina colada, refreshing rum-based cocktail made from a mixture of light rum, coconut milk and crushed pineapple.
light-skinned adj. (esp. of a non-white person) having pale or relatively pale skin.
ΚΠ
1802 D. P. Blaine Outl. Vet. Art I. ii. vii. 244 Light skinned horses have light hair.
1858 R. M. Ballantyne Coral Island xxiv. 297 ‘Look there,’ said I, pointing to a man whose skin was of a much lighter colour than the generality of the natives. ‘I've seen a few of these light-skinned fellows among the Fejeeans.’
1988 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 26 Nov. 84 The UV danger we often hear about is skin cancer. Light-skinned people are especially vulnerable.
2013 Vanity Fair Dec. 192/1 Uirá is a light-skinned black man from Rio.
Light Sussex n. a variety of Sussex fowl, having a white body with black markings on the tail, neck, and wings.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > hen or cock > [noun] > hen > types of
grig1589
Barbary hen1600
game hen1640
Light Sussex1902
1902 L. Wright New Bk. Poultry vii. 118/2 Of all the sheds visited, we should say that roughly about one-third of the pens were occupied by these light Sussex fowls.
1973 A. MacLeod in Tamarack Rev. Oct. 15 Light Sussex..is the breed my mother favours because they are hardy and good weight-producers.
2006 Countryman Dec. 74/1 The Dorking chicken..is also found clucking away among the Light Sussex and other hens.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

† lightadj.3

Forms: see light v.2 (Forms 3α. ).
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymons: English light , light v.2
Etymology: < light, past participle of light v.2 Compare alight adj., lit adj.1
Obsolete.
Of a candle, taper, etc.: alight, burning, lit; illuminated.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > [adjective] > setting on fire or alight > set on fire or alight
light?1387
fireda1425
lightedc1450
enkindled1549
inflamed1603
incensed1663
igniteda1691
conflagrated1814
incendiated1922
?1387 T. Wimbledon Serm. (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 79 (MED) Judas was among þe apostelis..as a candel newe queynt þat stynkeþ al þe hous in stede of a lyȝt lanterne.
1495 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1495 §67. m. 36 Take a light candell and sette in the fustyan brennyng.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 45 The fountaine of Iupiter being exceeding chill and cold, so as it quencheth..light torches dipped therein.
1606 G. Chapman Monsieur D'Oliue i. i. sig. A2v Me thinks through the encourtaind windowes..I see light Tapers.
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 202 I ken him as well as I had gone up through him, and down through him, with a light Candle.
1871 B. B. Woodward tr. E. Reclus Earth II. lxviii. 551 Elie de Beaumont, Abich, and Pilla positively assert that they have seen light flames on the summit of Vesuvius and Etna.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightv.1

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Inflections: Past tense and past participle lit, lighted;
Forms: 1. Present stem. Old English lehtan (rare), Old English liht (3rd singular indicative), Old English lihtan, Old English lihtigende (present participle, rare), Old English lyhtan, Old English (rare)–early Middle English leohtað (3rd singular indicative), early Middle English lichte, early Middle English ligte, early Middle English liste, early Middle English liþte, early Middle English lycte, Middle English leyȝt, Middle English ligh (perhaps transmission error), Middle English lightt- (inflected form), Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liȝtt- (inflected form), Middle English liht, Middle English lihte, Middle English lith, Middle English lithte, Middle English lyghtt-, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lyȝthe, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyhte, Middle English lyte, Middle English lythte, Middle English–1500s lyghte, Middle English–1600s lighte, Middle English–1600s lyght, Middle English– light, 1500s–1600s lite, 1700s–1900s leet (English regional (north midlands and northern)), 1800s lhygt (Irish English (Wexford)); English regional (northern and north midlands) 1800s leight, 1800s let, 1800s lit, 1800s lite; Scottish pre-1700 leicht, pre-1700 lich, pre-1700 lycht, pre-1700 lyght, pre-1700 lytht, pre-1700 1700s– licht, pre-1700 1700s– light. 2. Past tense.

α. Old English hlihte (rare), Old English lehte (in prefixed forms), Old English–Middle English lihte, Old English–Middle English lyhte, early Middle English lichte, early Middle English licte, early Middle English lihto (transmission error), early Middle English liste, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liȝth, Middle English liht, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lyȝth, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyte, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1500s lyghte, Middle English–1600s lighte, Middle English–1700s light; English regional (chiefly northern) 1700s–1800s leet, 1800s lay, 1800s lehr, 1800s light, 1800s luh, 1800s–1900s ler; Scottish pre-1700 licht, pre-1700 lycht; N.E.D. (1903) also records a form late Middle English leyt.

β. Middle English lightd, Middle English lightede, Middle English lightid, Middle English lightyd, Middle English liȝted, Middle English liȝtid, Middle English liȝtide, Middle English lihtid, Middle English lited, Middle English lithed, Middle English lithtede, Middle English litid, Middle English lyted, Middle English lytyd, Middle English–1500s lyghted, Middle English–1500s lyghtede, Middle English– lighted; English regional (northern and north midlands) 1800s leeted, 1800s lited, 1900s lated; also Scottish pre-1700 lechtit, pre-1700 lichtyt, pre-1700 lichyd, pre-1700 lightit, pre-1700 lychtit, pre-1700 lychttit, pre-1700 lychtyt, pre-1700 1800s lichted, pre-1700 1800s– lichtit, 1900s lichtet (Shetland).

γ. 1600s litt, 1600s– lit, 1800s–1900s let (English regional (northern and north midlands)).

3. Past participle.

α. Old English geliht, Old English gelyht, Old English (in prefixed forms (not ge-))–Middle English liht, early Middle English ȝelyht, early Middle English iliht, early Middle English ligt, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English lyghte, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lyȝth, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyth, Middle English ylyeght, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1700s light, 1600s lighte; English regional 1800s leeght (northern), 1800s leet (northern), 1800s loit (Cheshire); Scottish pre-1700 licht, pre-1700 lycht.

β. Old English lihtad (Northumbrian, in prefixed forms (not ge-)), early Middle English ilichted, early Middle English ilihted, early Middle English ilihtet, Middle English lightid, Middle English lightyd, Middle English liȝtid, Middle English liȝtted, Middle English lyghttede, Middle English lyghtyd, Middle English lyȝthed, Middle English lytyd, Middle English ylyghted, Middle English–1500s lyghted, late Middle English– lighted, 1500s lycted, 1700s lited; also Scottish pre-1700 lichted, pre-1700 lychtit, pre-1700 lychtyt, pre-1700 1800s lichtit; N.E.D. (1903) also records a form late Middle English y-lyghtid.

γ. 1500s–1600s lighten, 1800s letten (English regional (Yorkshire)), 1800s litten (English regional (Lincolnshire)).

δ. 1600s– lit, 1800s–1900s let (English regional (northern)).

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian lichta (West Frisian lichte ), Middle Dutch, Dutch lichten , Middle Low German lichten , līchten , Old High German līhten (Middle High German līhten , German (now regional) leichten ), Old Icelandic létta , Old Swedish, Swedish lätta , Old Danish lættæ (Danish lette ), all in a range of senses ‘to make lighter, to alleviate, to relieve, to waive, to lift, to remove, to empty, to become or make smaller’ < the same Germanic base as light adj.1 Compare later lighten v.2Verb class and prefixed forms in Old English. In Old English usually a weak verb of Class I (līhtan ), but occasional weak forms of Class II are attested (e.g. 3rd singular present indicative lēohtaþ , present participle līhtigende ). The verb is somewhat more common in prefixed forms. The prefixed form gelīhtan is attested in senses ‘to descend from, to come to’ (earlier in both these senses; compare senses 7 and 9a), ‘to alleviate, to relieve (a person of sorrow, etc.), (of pain) to be alleviated’ (compare y- prefix and also the etymological note at alight v.1); compare also alīhtan alight v.1, and Northumbrian underlīhta , an element-by-element gloss of Latin sublevare to raise up, to support (compare under- prefix1). Compare also onlight v.2 (first attested in early Middle English). Form history. Past tense and past participle lit (see Forms 2γ. and 3δ. ) are probably due to the influence of similar forms of (historically strong) verbs with the same vowel in the present stem; compare e.g. bite v. and see discussion at that entry. Compare also light v.2, for which the form type is attested slightly earlier. English regional forms like ler show a sporadic change of final -t to -r in monosyllabic words with a short stem vowel when preceding a word beginning with a vowel (see J. Wright Eng. Dial. Grammar (1905) §294 and compare e.g. ger at get v. β. forms).
I. To reduce the weight of something; to unload something, and related senses. Cf. lighten v.2 I.
1.
a. transitive. To alleviate, mitigate; to assuage. Sc. National Dict. (at Licht) records this sense as still in use in Angus and Wigtownshire in 1960.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate
lithec897
lighteOE
lissea1000
stillc1000
alightOE
alithe?a1200
softc1225
swagec1330
abate?c1335
easea1374
accoya1375
allegea1375
stintc1374
slakea1387
assuage1393
planea1400
slecka1400
plasterc1400
soften?c1415
lighten?a1425
mitigate?a1425
relievec1425
asoftc1430
alleviate?a1475
allevya1500
sletcha1500
alleve1544
allevate1570
salve?1577
sweetena1586
smooth1589
disembitter1622
deleniate1623
slaken1629
tranquillitate1657
soothe1711
eOE Bald's Leechbk. (Royal) (1865) ii. lxiv. 256 Þes deah wiþ magan ablawunge.., aweg deþ & breostcoþe &..lendenwærce & miltewærce, eal þæt liht.
OE tr. Alexander's Let. to Aristotle (1995) §13. 232 Ða wolde ic minne þurst lehtan [L. sitim levare] & celan.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iii. l. 1082 Wroth was she þat shulde his sorwes lyghte.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 214 Thou shalte lyght the trauaillis of thy baronage.
c1600 A. Montgomerie Poems (2000) I. 125 Vhilk slaiks my sorou..And lights my louing langour at the leist.
1866 J. Smith Merry Bridal o' Firthmains 32 To mak' the heavy heart yince mair Forget its sorrow an' its care, An' licht a wee its pain.
b. transitive. To reduce the weight of (a load, burden, etc.); to make (something) less heavy or dense. Frequently (now chiefly) figurative, esp. in to light a person's burden.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > make light or lighter [verb (transitive)]
lighta1225
lighten?a1425
alleviate1592
alightena1661
levitate1686
lightweight1955
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 71 Ic wile lihten ȝeuer berðene, ȝif ȝe mine rad hlesten willeð.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 310 Ge schule beon idoddet four siðen iþe ȝer. to lichten ower heauet.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 304 Lyghteyn, or make wyghtys more esy [1499 Pynson lightyn burdens, heuy weightis], allevio.
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 33v We finde the same [bone] here, and there, attenuated, and lighted with long lynes, and flatted sides.
1611 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iii. 458 When He shall (to light thy Sin-full load) Put Manhood on, dis-knowe him not for God.
1702 J. Byres Let. to Friend at Edinb. 103 The Captain ordered such goods..to be removed, which hindered the getting at the ballast, and the water in hold to be..pumped out for lighting the ship.
1854 S. Sutton Diary 6 Aug. in K. L. Holmes Covered Wagon Women (1987) VII. 73 Have been putting oxen to the horse wagon and lighting our load by throwing away..such as we can do without.
1918 Concrete Age May 16/2 The terra cotta..is full of pores and air spaces, and consequently is much lighted.
2018 @xxsixtyone 18 July in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive) Maybe I can't settle your problem but I hope I can light your burden.
†2.
a. transitive. To cheer or gladden (a person, a person's heart, spirit, etc.); to bring comfort or solace to. Obsolete.In quot. eOE of a remedy: to relieve (the stomach).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > specifically of a person
lighteOE
avalec1400
the mind > emotion > pleasure > state of being consoled or relieved > be relieved of [verb (transitive)] > console or relieve
froverc900
hearteOE
lighteOE
onlightc1175
salvec1175
leathc1200
solace1297
stillc1315
to put in comfortc1320
easec1385
comfort1389
fordilla1400
recomforta1400
ronea1400
solancea1400
cheer?a1425
acheerc1450
consolate1477
repease1483
dilla1500
recreate?a1500
sporta1500
dulcerate?1586
comfit1598
comfortize1600
reassure1604
sweeten1647
console1693
re-establish1722
release1906
the mind > emotion > pleasure > state of being consoled or relieved > be relieved of [verb (transitive)] > console or relieve > relieve of suffering
lighteOE
unbindc950
alightOE
slakea1300
deliverc1325
covera1375
lissec1374
relievea1382
allegea1425
refreshc1430
alighten1530
untaste1609
mitigate1644
disaffright1676
soothe1746
shrive1899
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > make cheerful [verb (transitive)]
to mend a person's cheera1325
raisec1384
cherishc1400
rehetec1400
blithec1440
cheer1440
lightena1450
light?1473
embellish1481
hearten1524
exhilarate1540
laetificate1547
to cheer up1550
lift1572
to do a person's heart good1575
acheera1592
upcheerc1595
cherry1596
relevate1598
encheer1605
brighten1607
buoy1652
undumpisha1661
to lift (up) a person's spirits1711
cheerfulize1781
blithen1824
pearten1827
chirk1843
to chipper up1873
to chirp up188.
to buck up1909
eOE Bald's Leechbk. (Royal) (1865) ii. vii. 186 Þicge þæt seofon niht, þonne liht þæt þone geswencedan magan.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 10 Þe herd had wiþ him an hound, his hert to liȝt.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5727 He light þam o þair wa.
?1473 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 370 Ye haue lyghtyd myne hert þerin by a pound.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes ii, in Wks. 1171/1 A merye tale wyth a frende, refresheth a manne muche, and..lyghteth his mynd.
1570 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Morall Fabillis (Charteris) sig. A.ii Ane merie sport, To licht the spreit.
1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. 10/1 She voyded matter, by the which she seemed to be lighted and easyed.
1681 S. Colvil Mock Poem ii. 23 Although their heart be lighted somewhat, Yet fear and hope fight still a Combat.
b. intransitive. Of the heart: to be gladdened; to be relieved of sorrow, worry, etc. Of the body: to be relieved of pain or suffering. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > process of healing of an injury, etc. > of injury, etc.: heal [verb (intransitive)] > of pain, fever, or disease: abate
lightOE
discuss1559
menda1600
remit1665
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > be cheerful [verb (intransitive)] > become cheerful or cheer up > of the heart
lightOE
risea1400
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Vitell.) (1984) i. 34 Þonne leohtað him se lichoma.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 24489 (MED) Quen i sau sone quarto þai thight, All mi licam bigan to light.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5163 Þan bigan his ert to light.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Squire's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 388 It was so fair a sighte That it made al hir hertes for to lighte.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xiii. 132 Me thynk my hart lyghtys.
c. transitive. Chiefly in passive. With of or from. To relieve (a person) of pain, sorrow, a burden, etc. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 262 Warp awei from me alle mine gultes. þet ich ilichted of hare heuinesse lichtliche stiȝe up to heouene.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) l. 254 Liȝten him of his birdene.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 249 Of oþeris charge þou art lyȝthed.
1538 tr. Erasmus Prepar. to Deathe sig. B He knoweth whan it is expedient that thou shouldest be lyghted of thy euyls.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. xv. f. xcvi So must he bee naked: so must he be lyghted of all burthens: so must he be high, that wyll encountre with the enemy of mannes saluacion.
a1681 R. Allestree 40 Serm. (1684) I. ix. 131 He that would not reject thy Cross when it was loaden with thy guilt, will not reject thy self when thou art lighted from that guilt.
†3.
a. transitive. To unload (a ship or other vessel). Chiefly with of in to light (a vessel) of: to unload cargo, etc., from (a vessel). Also in figurative contexts. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > put off or discharge (from) a ship
landa1300
uncharge13..
dischargec1384
lightc1400
unladec1436
unshipa1450
loss1482
disbark1552
defreight1555
unbark1555
disload1568
inshore1577
unfreight1580
disembark1582
to bring aboarda1600
unload1599
dislade1609
shore?1615
unliver1637
debark1655
to take offa1688
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 160 To lyȝten þat lome, ȝif leþe wolde schape.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 624 Yar schip yai lychtyt sone.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. xii. sig. M5 Where we must land some of our passengers, And light this weary vessell of her lode.
a1670 J. Hacket Scrinia Reserata (1693) i. 200 Their long Counsels, which had been weather bound, came to a quiet Road, and their Vessel was lighted of those Statutes, which are of immortal Memory.
1707 H. Sloane Voy. Islands I. Introd. p. lxxxv A Bristol Ship..struck on a Rock two Miles from without the Town of Port Royal, but this Ship when lighted of the Goods was got off again.
1831 W. Fairbairn Remarks Canal Navigation 57 The boat was lighted of a considerable portion of her cargo.
1908 E. M. Bacon Boy's Hakluyt (1910) xvii. 282 They escaped [wreck] only by lighting the ship of three tons of their precious cloves and several pieces of ordnance.
b. transitive. Chiefly in passive and frequently with of in to be lighted (of a child): to give birth (to a child). Also: to cause (a woman) to give birth; to assist (a woman) in childbirth. Obsolete (English regional (midlands) in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > confine or deliver [verb (transitive)]
bestowc1320
light?a1425
laya1500
to lay downa1500
to bring abed1523
to bring to bed, abeda1533
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 46 Where oure lady rested hire after sche was lyghted of oure lord.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xiii. 140 I shall say thou was lyght Of a knaue-childe this nyght.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. xxvii Leuynge his Wyfe with hir modyr tyll she were lyghted of Chylde.
c1600 (?c1395) Pierce Ploughman's Crede (Trin. Cambr. R.3.15) (1873) l. 79 Þat þe lace of oure ladie smok liȝteþ hem of children.
1717 in W. Scott Rob Roy (1829) Introd. p. xlv My wife was obliged to provid herself to finish her bed before she was lighted.
1774 Churchwardens' Accts. Norton & Lenchwick, Worcestersh. (MS) Pd Mrs. Sanders for liting Ben Turner wife.
1886 R. Holland Gloss. Words County of Chester (at cited word) Is your wife lighted?
c. transitive. Chiefly in passive and with of. To deprive or dispossess (a person or thing) of goods, possessions, etc. Obsolete.In quot. 1545: to relieve (a vein) of accumulated blood.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > make light or lighter [verb (transitive)] > relieve of a weight or load
lightenc1390
unlighta1425
light1545
1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. sig. H.iiiv They [sc. vaynes] can not..containe or draw any moore tyll they be lighted and dischargyd of that that is drawen already.
1595 A. Golding tr. J. Hurault Politicke, Moral, & Martial Disc. ii. vi. 267 When the mischieuous enemie seeth our ship full of precious stones of all sorts of godlinesse, then doth he bend all his force to light vs of our treasure.
1623 J. Bingham tr. Xenophon Hist. 127 Tereus..was lighted of all his baggage by these men.
a1637 B. Jonson Sad Shepherd i. iv. 133 in Wks. (1640) III The wash'd Flocks are lighted of their wooll. View more context for this quotation
1717 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad III. xi. 208 Many a Car, now lighted of its Lord.
†4. transitive. To diminish the influence or effect of (something). Also Scottish: to treat (a person) with disdain; to slight. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be unimportant [verb (transitive)] > make less important or unimportant > deprive of influence
light1586
1586 in Cal. State Papers Scotl. (1915) IX. 201 [Whenever a Prince] ‘lichtest’ [a poor man the world esteems the poor man to be in the wrong].
a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) i. viii. §2. 56 Though he were very witty..yet by his inconstancy, he lighted his authority. [L. levatur authoritas].
1823 J. Galt Entail III. viii. 81 When the Laird lights the Leddy, so does a' the kitchen boys.
5. Nautical. Chiefly with out or along.
a. transitive. To move (a sail, rope, etc.) in a particular direction. Now archaic.In quot. a1882 of the sea: to carry (a vessel) in a particular direction.
ΚΠ
1801 J. J. Moore Brit. Mariner's Vocab. (at cited word) To light, is sometimes used instead of to help; as, ‘Light along that rope.’
a1882 J. P. Quincy Figures of Past (1884) 180 Soon after sunrise the tide lighted us over the bar.
1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 132 All..light the sail out to windward together.
1914 J. A. Barry South Sea Shipmates ii. 20 One of the Spaniards lifted the chain he was ‘lighting’ along, and dropped the links right across Tommy's toes.
1986 J. Dailey Great Alone (e-book ed.) One hand remained on each top to overhaul the rigging and light the sails out while the rest of the crew came down to man the sheets.
b. intransitive. To move a sail, rope, etc., in a particular direction. Chiefly in imperative, as in light out to windward (or leeward)!, light along!, etc. Now archaic.
ΚΠ
1808 J. Davis Post-Captain (ed. 3) vi. 29 The midshipman on each cap, vociferated to the people, ‘Light out there! to windward! Light out, men, cheerly!’
c1860 H. Stuart Novices or Young Seaman's Catech. (rev. ed.) 45 The men on the yard..light out on their respective sides.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Light, To. To move or lift anything along; as ‘light over to windward’, the cry for helping the men at the weather-earing when taking in a reef. Light along! Lend assistance in hauling cables, hawsers, or large ropes along, and lifting some parts in a required direction.
2005 C. J. Farley Kingston by Starlight 253 Light out to windward! Light out to leeward! Toggle away!
II. To descend or come to rest, and related senses. Cf. alight v.1 II.
6.
a. intransitive. Chiefly with off or down. To get down or descend from a horse, chariot, etc.; to dismount; to finish one's ride. Now rare (chiefly U.S. regional (southern and south Midland) in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > dismount
lighteOE
alightOE
falla1300
avoid1485
demountc1540
elight1542
descend1548
avale1590
dismount1594
alighten1600
unlight1623
unhorse1633
unmount1655
to get off1688
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) iii. xvi. 228 Þa wæs he forht geworden & lihte of his horse & feol him to fotum.
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) i. ii. 15 Hi þa sona lihton & hine mid nyde upp ahofon & on his agen hors asetton.
c1175 ( Homily: Hist. Holy Rood-tree (Bodl. 343) (1894) 18 Ða clupode Dauid to his wærede & bead heom þet heo of heoræ anride lihtæn sceoldon & anbidian.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2924 Lihteð [c1300 Otho a-liþteþ] of eowre blanken. and stondeð on eowre sconken.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 2473 Of his hors sone he liȝt.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3256 Biside a well he lighted [Gött. lithed, Trin. Cambr. liȝt] dun.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 1068 Ner-hand..thai lychtyt apon Clyd.
a1592 R. Greene Orpharion (1599) 19 Set a Begger on horsebacke, and they say he will neuer light.
1596 T. Danett tr. P. de Commynes Hist. vi. ii. 206 All the nobility of Fraunce lighted on foote to fight with the English men.
1691 J. Wilson Belphegor iii. i. 27 Sir, the Company are now lighting at Door.
1813 Ld. Byron Giaour 17 Stern Hassan..from his horse Disdains to light.
1877 Cornhill Mag. May 611 After this artillery had expended its force the armies met on closer terms, and, lighting down from their chariots, met hand to hand.
1907 S. E. White Arizona Nights 75 The biggest asked me very grudgin' if I wouldn't light and eat.
1977 R. G. Vliet Soledad ix. 117 He lit down from the mare, caught the reins in a bush, pulled the rifle free and cocked the hammer.
†b. transitive. To cause (a person) to descend; to help (a person) to dismount. Obsolete.With down in quot. a1400.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)]
besench971
avalec1314
sinka1325
lighta1400
to get downa1450
abasec1450
descenda1475
base1489
fall1595
slopea1616
dimit1628
demit1646
send1657
down1852
dip1879
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > dismount from > cause or help to
lighta1400
unhorse1530
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 22020 He sal þam smett and dun þam light.
a1500 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Douce) l. 214 Þat is luf paramour..Þat has me liȝte [c1440 Thornton gerse me lyghte and lenge] and laft loȝ in a lake.
†c. intransitive. To mount (on horseback, into the saddle, etc.); to get on a horse. Obsolete (rare in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > mount
worthOE
mountc1330
lighta1450
horse1535
to get up1553
to get on1613
to take horse1617
saddle1834
to saddle up1849
a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) (1988) 65 How þey moste ben vsed to stye and to lyȝt on hir hors on boþe sides.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 36 Soo lyghted anone on horsebak the goode duke Aymon.
a1500 (?a1400) Morte Arthur (1903) l. 3355 (MED) Wrothely into hys sadyll he lyght.
1554 H. Machyn Diary (1848) 54 He lycted be-hynd a gentleman unto the cowrte.
1834 D. Crockett Narr. Life iv. 66 I then told her to light on the horse I was leading; and she did so.
1919 S. C. Cox in Ann. Publ. Hist. Soc. S. Calif. (1925) 261 I lit into the saddle and I tell you I did some travelling that night.
†7. intransitive. To descend (esp. from heaven, or into hell); to go or come down from a higher place. Also of Christ, the Holy Spirit, etc.: to descend so as to be with or within a person. Occasionally also transitive (reflexive) in the same sense. Obsolete (literary and rare in later use).Frequently in the context of Christ's incarnation or his descent into hell following the crucifixion.See also to light low at Phrases 1.Quot. OE shows equivalent use of prefixed gelīhtan (see note in etymology).
ΚΠ
OE Christ & Satan 429 Segdest us to soðe þætte seolfa god wolde helwarum ham gelihtan.]
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 79 A mon lihte [L. descendebat] from ierusalem in to ierico.
a1250 Lofsong Louerde in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 217 He lihto [read lihte] in to helle.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) l. 16 Vre Louerd is te leun, ðe liueð ðerabuuen... Him likede to liȝten her on erðe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18605 (MED) Vntill hell þat lauerd him light On paske-dai als at mid-night.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Trin. Cambr. B.15.17) (1975) B. xi. l. 248 Iesu crist on a Iewes doȝter liȝte [c1400 Laud 581 alyȝte], gentil womman þouȝ she were.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. vii. 68 He will lyght fro heuen towre, For to be mans saueyoure.
1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay 54 The angel said to the virgine maria ye halie spreit sal licht in the.
1769 H. Brooke Temple of Hymen 15 She, as some God, the Stripling, eyes, Just lighted from his native Skies.
1859 Ladies' Repository Jan. 242/1 From the soul's palace..the inner man gets glimpses of..messengers lighting down from cerulean glories.
†8. intransitive. figurative. With from or of. To proceed or emanate from someone or something; to result from an action. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)] > from a source
forthgoc1000
flowc1175
sprouta1200
lightc1225
reflaira1450
emane1656
spawn1657
emanate1818
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 820 Te hali gast hare beire luue þe lihteð of ham ba [sc. the Father and the Son].
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 76 Ȝef animon bit toseon ou askeð him hwat good þer of machte lichten.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 599 Of þe lyfe þat he liȝt off he like was to nane.
9.
a. intransitive. With adverb or prepositional phrase. To come to or arrive at a place; to come to a particular state or condition, or a point in a process; (of an emotion) to lodge or come to rest in a person's heart.Quot. OE shows equivalent use of prefixed gelīhtan (see note in etymology).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > impinge [verb (intransitive)] > upon a particular place or position
lightc1225
falla1398
society > travel > aspects of travel > arrival > arrive [verb (intransitive)]
to come toOE
comeOE
yworthOE
lend11..
lightc1225
overtakec1225
redea1275
wina1300
'rivec1300
repaira1325
applyc1384
to come ina1399
arrivec1400
attainc1400
alightc1405
to come to handc1450
unto-comec1450
apport1578
to get through1589
reach1591
to be along1597
land1679
engage1686
to get in1863
to breeze in1930
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach a point or place [verb (intransitive)] > arrive
comeOE
to come to townOE
yworthOE
lend11..
lightc1225
to come anovenonc1275
wina1300
'rivec1300
repaira1325
applyc1384
to come ina1399
rede?a1400
arrivec1400
attainc1400
alightc1405
to come to handc1450
unto-comec1450
apport1578
to be along1597
to drop in1609
to come ona1635
to walk in1656
land1679
engage1686
to come along1734
to get in1863
to turn up1870
to fall in1900
to lob1916
to roll up1920
to breeze in1930
to rock up1975
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > be or remain in specific state or condition [verb (intransitive)] > come or be brought to a state or condition
gangeOE
comeOE
slidec1330
light1629
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Corpus Oxf.) ii. x. 138 Sona þæs þe he gelyhte to þam hearge [eOE Tanner nealehte to þæm herige].]
c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 10 Ha [sc. Death] lihteð hwer se ha eauer kimeð wið a þusent deoflen.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2252 Ðo nomen he forð weie rigt, Til he ben cumen in-to egypte ligt.
a1400 (?a1325) Medit. on Supper of our Lord (Harl.) (1875) l. 47 And on a þursday þedyr he lyȝt Wyþ hys dycyplys aȝens nyȝt.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4785 Quare it [sc. the fire] liȝt on his like it lichid him for euire.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 196 A longyng vnlepfull light in his hert.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1148/1 Let vs drinke togyther, in signe of agreement, that the people..may see it, and know that it is true, that we be light at a poynt.
1629 M. Drayton in J. Beaumont Bosworth-field Ded. sig. (a)2 We are light, After those glorious dayes, into the night Of these base times.
1653 T. Barker Art of Angling 8 The Pearch feeds well, if you light where they be.
1889 K. Munroe Golden Days of ’49 xiv. 156 You've got the levellest head of any man that ever lit into the diggings.
1926 J. Black You can't Win xv. 208 The town has been hostile since the convention. A bum can't light here any more.
1991 A. Carter Wise Children (2017) 128 The Shakespeare casket was the last thing we'd been thinking of in the heady weeks since we lit down in the Forest of Arden.
b. intransitive. With on, upon, or (rarely) †to. Of good fortune, misery, a curse, etc.: to fall or descend upon a person, place, etc.; to be the fate or lot of someone.In early use frequently with love as subject, esp. in my love is light upon —— (see quots. a1350 and c1440).
ΚΠ
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 34 Leuedi..My loue is on þe liht.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 213 With þis worde þat he warp, þe wrake on hym lyȝt.
c1440 Sir Degrevant (Thornton) (1949) l. 529 My lufe es lelely lyghte [a1500 Cambr. y-lyeght] On a lady wyghte.
1556 W. Lauder Compend. Tractate Dewtie of Kyngis sig. A4v Quhat wo and miserie Sall lycht on ȝow.
1607 E. Sharpham Cupids Whirligig ii. sig. D3v The plague of Egipt light vppon you all.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iii. xxv. 233 The best livings light not alwayes on the ablest men.
1697 J. Sergeant Solid Philos. 447 'Tis evident, that this Eternal Loss of Happiness lights to such Men thro' their acting contrary to their Reason.
1721 Weekly Jrnl. 21 Jan. 668/1 The Infamy and Reward must then have light on their Heads.
1832 H. Martineau Ireland iii. 56 A final and overwhelming curse had lighted upon the land.
2015 C. Watkins Stephen (e-book ed.) Stephen's was a more limited kind of achievement, ensuring that, through his speed of action and singleness of purpose, fortune lighted upon him.
c. intransitive. Of a blow, a weapon, etc.: to land; to strike. Chiefly with on or upon indicating the place, part of the body, etc., struck. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > stroke with weapon > strike (of weapon) [verb (intransitive)]
glidec1275
acoupc1380
lightc1400
grate1525
to strike home1891
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 423 The grene knyȝt..Let þe naked nec to þe note schewe. Gauan gripped to his ax..Let hit doun lyȝtly lyȝt on þe naked.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xxi. sig. Ovv His arowe lighte vpon caym and slew hym.
1532 T. Cranmer Let. 20 Oct. in Remains (1833) I. 12 If the stroke [of an halberd] had not light short.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. viii. sig. G8 The stroke vpon his shield so heauie lites.
1604 S. Rowlands Looke to It sig. F There flies my Dart, light where it will.
1784 R. Bage Barham Downs II. 277 Some of the blows had light upon Lord Somerfort's head and face.
1855 A. P. Stanley Hist. Memorials Canterbury (1857) ii. 76 The sword lighted on the arm of the monk, which fell wounded.
1930 E. Pound Draft of XXX Cantos xvi. 72 The airmen came by with a mitrailleuse, And cleaned out most of his company, and a shell lit on his tin hut, While he was out in the privvy.
d. intransitive. With on or upon. Of the eyes, a glance, etc.: to come to rest on something or someone.
ΚΠ
1564 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge xiv. f. 147 Euery man caused the signe of our lordes crosse..to be paineted and set vp..that where so euer the eye was tourned, it shuld light on the holy signe of the crosse.
1661 R. Flecknoe Erminia iii. iii. 45 Y'ave elevated again your fair and long dejected eyes..; whilst you cast them every wayes about to look for him, I hope a glance at least may light on me.
1857 Harper's Mag. Dec. 94/2 The post-chaise whirled the traveler through the most delightful home-scenery his eyes had ever lighted on.
1912 E. Wharton Reef xxvii. 345 She turned back to her letters and her glance lit on an envelope inscribed in Owen's hand.
2010 M. Daley Heart of Cowboy 65 He skimmed over the other titles, his gaze lighting upon War and Peace.
10. intransitive. To descend (esp. by flying, falling, jumping, etc.), and land or settle in a place or on a surface; to alight (cf. alight v.1 4b). Also occasionally with down. Frequently with on or upon, indicating the place of landing, settling, etc.See also to light on one's feet at Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > prosper or flourish [verb (intransitive)] > have good fortune
light?c1225
urec1440
to fall on (also upon) one's feet1574
to fall on (also upon) one's legs1723
to strike it rich1834
to strike oil1860
to luck out1902
to hit the jackpot1910
to bottom on (also upon) gold1926
to strike lucky1951
to hit (also strike, etc.) pay dirt1953
to land on one's feet1958
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > move downwards [verb (intransitive)] > descend and settle
light?c1225
falla1300
alightc1330
settlec1380
lightenc1460
reside1616
to sit down1897
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 106 Brid..forto sechen his mete..lichteð to þe eorðe.
a1300 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 117 Þu ert eorþe to gode sede, on þe liȝte þe heouene deuȝ.
?c1335 (a1300) Land of Cokaygne l. 108 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 147 Þe leuerokes þat beþ cuþ Liȝtiþ adun to man is muþ.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 988 I syȝe..Jerusalem so nwe and ryally dyȝt, As hit was lyȝt fro þe heuen adoun.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) clxxxiv. 24 It is possyble..to fall hyest yet to lyght sofft.
1597 A. Montgomerie Cherrie & Slae 449 Luik quhair thou licht befoir thou loupe.
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) vii. xlii. 704 This is a wonder to see a bird which hath been wild to become tame, to drop out of the skies and to light vpon a mans fist.
1759 R. Brown Compl. Farmer xiii. 92 If the swarms part, and light in sight of one another,..disturb the lesser part, and they will fly to their fellows.
1828 W. Scott Jrnl. 6 Mar. (1941) 202 A feather just lighted on the ground can scarce be less concernd where the next blast may carry [it].
1883 Life 11 Oct. 181/1 The bee lit down on the Cow's left ear.
1909 Pacific Reporter 101 580/2 She lit on the ground on her right foot..and her knees went from under her.
2015 S. Sala Going Gone 15 Tiny flakes of snow lit on his hair like bits of white lace on black satin.
11.
a. intransitive. With on, upon, or †of. To happen to come across someone or something; to chance upon a person or thing; to make a discovery, esp. unexpectedly or by accident.
ΚΠ
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke x. f. ciii A certayne man..takyng hys iourney from Hierusalem to Hierico, chaunced to lyghte on [L. incidit in] a counpaignie of theues.
1583 G. Babington Very Fruitfull Expos. Commaundem. viii. 431 Where may we liue and not light of false forgers.
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. ii. 5 Not taking heed to the place, he lighted upon a precipice and fell down.
1659 T. Fuller Appeal Iniured Innocence i. 34 I thought that he had lighten on some rare Evidence, out of the ordinary road.
1779 S. Johnson Let. 16 Oct. (1992) III. 188 How did you light on your specifick for the toothach?
1849 C. Brontë Shirley I. iv. 76 He..opened it [sc. a Bible] like at a chance, and he was sure to light of a verse..that set all straight.
1935 J. Lindsay Runaway 178 Brennos was taken aback and reddened; for Barbatus had certainly lighted on the truth.
2018 Philippines Daily Inquirer (Nexis) 1 Oct. In recent years, Carating has lit upon a new approach to painting.
†b. intransitive. With in or into. To come into a person's possession, or under a person's authority or control, esp. unexpectedly or by accident; to fall into a person's hands. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1549 J. Bale in J. Leland Laboryouse Journey sig. f.iv Lete vs therfore moste ernestly praye vnto God..that this noble worke..may fortunably lighte into the handes of suche a good stuarde of hys, as is learned and louynge to his nacion.
1651 tr. F. de Quintana Hist. Don Fenise 75 The letters which Teodore had sent were read, the which..light in her hands unknowne to her father.
1651 T. Randolph et al. Hey for Honesty i. iii. 9/1 If I chance to light into the clutches Of some vile Usurer, he buries me Quick under ground.
1752 R. Clayton Def. Ess. on Spirit 13 I cannot here sufficiently lament the ill Treatment which the Scriptures of Truth meet with, when they light into indiscreet Hands.
†c. intransitive. With in or into. To fall by chance into the company of a person or group. Obsolete (rare in later use).
ΚΠ
1572 G. Fenton tr. E. Pasquier Monophylo i. f. 38 By what chaunce are you so aptly light into this company.
1669 N. Vincent Conversion of Sinner 101 Many a conviction and good resolution has cooled and vanished, by our lighting into the society of the wicked.
1672 A. Marvell Let. 22 June in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 273 Upon Thursday last I accidentally did light into Sr Philip Frowds company.
1730 Let. 21 Mar. in Sel. Lett. from Fog's Weekly Jrnl. (1732) 228 Happening lately to light into a mixt Company, where the Conversation ran upon publick Affairs.
1833 H. Martineau Briery Creek iv. 77 I have appeared here accidentally,—a philosopher suddenly lighting in an infant community instead of having grown up out of it.
†12. intransitive. To happen, occur. In early use with adverbs, such as well, fortunately, etc.: to turn out in the specified way. Obsolete (English regional (chiefly northern) in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > result [verb (intransitive)] > turn out
goOE
farec1230
to come to proofc1330
shape1338
afarec1380
achievea1393
falla1398
sort1477
succeed1541
lucka1547
to fall out1556
redound1586
to come off1590
light1612
takea1625
result1626
issue1665
to turn out1731
eventuate1787
to roll out1801
to come away1823
to work out1839
pan1865
1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 145 Beautie..for the most part, it makes a dissolute youth, & an age a little out of countenance: But yet certainly againe if it light well, it maketh vertues shine, and vices blush.
1653 H. P. Cressy Exomologesis (ed. 2) ii. xiii. 151 Is it likely that a few Haeretiques broaching certaine errours..should light so fortunately for us as to give the Apostles occasion in confuting them to publish all those many things which our Saviour would not tell them in his life time?
1763 ‘T. Bobbin’ Toy-shop (new ed.) To Rdr. p. vii Let't leet heaw't will.
1790 A. Wheeler Westmorland Dial. 65 Haw leet it preia, dud it ivver run oway afore?
1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby III. vii. ii. 113 Whatever lights, we will stand together.

Phrases

†P1. to light low and variants: to suffer misfortune or adversity; to be degraded or humiliated; to be brought low. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > humiliation > be humiliated [verb (intransitive)]
to light lowc1225
to lie lowa1275
to carry (also bear) coalsa1529
to eat the (or one's) leek1600
to lose caste1828
to eat dirt1857
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > falling > fall [verb (intransitive)] > fall down or from erect position > specifically of person or animal
to light lowc1225
wendc1300
to seek to the earth or groundc1330
tumblea1375
stretchc1400
to take a fall1413
to blush to the eartha1500
to come down1603
to go to grassa1640
to be floored1826
to take a spilla1845
to come (fall, get) a cropper1858
to hunt grass1872
to come (also have) a buster1874
to hit the deck1954
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 50 Þe of se muchel hehschipe, & se seli freodom, schal lihte se lahe.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 3340 Wel louwe he dede hem liȝt Wiþ diolful dintes sare.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 2362 Ȝit liȝt he law at þe last for all his lethire prid.
1570 Tressoun of Dumbartane in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. 172 Law sall he lycht downe.
a1600 ( W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) I. l. 12357 Scho makis ane man rycht lawlie for to lycht, Quhome of befoir scho set so hie on hicht.
P2. to light on (also upon) one's feet (or legs).
a. To land on one's feet after jumping or falling. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Ad pedes defilio, I light on my fete.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iv. i. 244 If he must down, he seeks to fall easily, and if possible, to light on his legs.
1845 Amer. Rev. Oct. 372/1 He lit upon his feet, and, with inconceivable agility, sprang upon his horse again.
1911 Railway Surg. Jrnl. Sept. 8/1 He jumped, lighting on his feet on the smooth, hard ground.
1933 West Australian 7 Oct. The rigging broke his fall and he lighted on his feet unhurt.
†b. To find oneself in a favourable situation, esp. unexpectedly or by good fortune. Obsolete.Cf. to fall on one's feet at fall v. Phrases 1e, to fall on one's legs at leg n. Phrases 1f.
ΚΠ
1678 J. Ray Coll. Eng. Prov. (ed. 2) 282 He's like a cat; fling him which way you will he'll light on's legs.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Let. 23 Dec. (1887) 158 I have made scores of new acquaintances and lighted on my legs as usual.
1907 H. S. Person Industr. Educ. xiii. 78 That the college-trained man is able to light upon his feet, whatever happens, has become proverbial.
1922 Munsey's Mag. Feb. 15/1 ‘I tell you, you've lit on your feet!’ ‘I sure did,’ the wounded soldier agreed with all the heartiness possible.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to light in
U.S. colloquial.
intransitive. To launch a verbal or physical attack on someone. Also: to start doing something in an energetic or determined way.
ΚΠ
1868 W. Sikes in Our Boys & Girls 22 Feb. 121/1 When they went over the hill a-yellin', we knowed thar was a skrimmage afoot, and we put fer it. That's how we lit in on 'em.
1878 J. H. Beadle Western Wilds xii. 187 The Irish..got wind of a free fight, and they double-quicked into town and lit in generally.
1910 Railroad Telegrapher Mar. 445/1 If all the brothers will ‘put their shoulders to the wheel’, we will roll out of the mire in short order. Don't wait upon the other fellows, just light in and get busy.
1930 Fight Stories Sept. 42/1 I was so disgusted I come near to lighting in and giving him a good cussing.
2012 Los Angeles Sentinel 12 Apr. b1 He said, ‘Why don't you try kora?’..and his sister recommended Yacouba... And Yacouba came and he lit right in.
 to light out
U.S. colloquial.
1. intransitive. To depart, esp. hurriedly or rapidly; to set off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]
wendeOE
i-wite971
ashakec975
shakeOE
to go awayOE
witea1000
afareOE
agoOE
atwendOE
awayOE
to wend awayOE
awendOE
gangOE
rimeOE
flitc1175
to fare forthc1200
depart?c1225
part?c1225
partc1230
to-partc1275
biwitec1300
atwitea1325
withdrawa1325
to draw awayc1330
passc1330
to turn one's (also the) backc1330
lenda1350
begonec1370
remuea1375
voidc1374
removec1380
to long awaya1382
twinc1386
to pass one's wayc1390
trussc1390
waive1390
to pass out ofa1398
avoida1400
to pass awaya1400
to turn awaya1400
slakec1400
wagc1400
returnc1405
to be gonea1425
muck1429
packc1450
recede1450
roomc1450
to show (a person) the feetc1450
to come offc1475
to take one's licence1475
issue1484
devoidc1485
rebatea1500
walka1500
to go adieua1522
pikea1529
to go one's ways1530
retire?1543
avaunt1549
to make out1558
trudge1562
vade?1570
fly1581
leave1593
wag1594
to get off1595
to go off1600
to put off1600
shog1600
troop1600
to forsake patch1602
exit1607
hence1614
to give offa1616
to take off1657
to move off1692
to cut (also slip) the painter1699
sheera1704
to go about one's business1749
mizzle1772
to move out1792
transit1797–1803
stump it1803
to run away1809
quit1811
to clear off1816
to clear out1816
nash1819
fuff1822
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
mosey1829
slope1830
to tail out1830
to walk one's chalks1835
to take away1838
shove1844
trot1847
fade1848
evacuate1849
shag1851
to get up and get1854
to pull out1855
to cut (the) cable(s)1859
to light out1859
to pick up1872
to sling one's Daniel or hook1873
to sling (also take) one's hook1874
smoke1893
screw1896
shoot1897
voetsak1897
to tootle off1902
to ship out1908
to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909
to push off1918
to bugger off1922
biff1923
to fuck off1929
to hit, split or take the breeze1931
to jack off1931
to piss offa1935
to do a mick1937
to take a walk1937
to head off1941
to take a hike1944
moulder1945
to chuff off1947
to get lost1947
to shoot through1947
skidoo1949
to sod off1950
peel1951
bug1952
split1954
poop1961
mugger1962
frig1965
society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)]
to come awayeOE
wendeOE
i-wite971
ashakec975
shakeOE
to go awayOE
witea1000
afareOE
agoOE
awayOE
dealc1000
goOE
awendOE
rimeOE
to go one's wayOE
flitc1175
depart?c1225
partc1230
to-partc1275
atwitea1325
withdrawa1325
to turn one's (also the) backc1330
lenda1350
begonec1370
remuea1375
removec1380
to long awaya1382
twinc1386
to pass one's wayc1390
trussc1390
to turn awaya1400
returnc1405
to be gonea1425
recede1450
roomc1450
to come offc1475
to take one's licence1475
issue1484
walka1500
to go adieua1522
pikea1529
avaunt1549
trudge1562
vade?1570
discoast1571
leave1593
wag1594
to go off1600
troop1600
hence1614
to set on one's foota1616
to pull up one's stumps1647
quit1811
to clear out1816
slope1830
to walk one's chalks1835
shove1844
to roll out1850
to pull out1855
to light out1859
to take a run-out powder1909
to push off (also along)1923
1859 Seymour (Indiana) Times 31 Mar. I..then told the strainger ter cum on, so we lit out and struck fur the woods.
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn i. 17 When I couldn't stand it no longer, I lit out.
1890 Cent. Mag. Feb. 525/2 We'll light out an' find your brother.
2001 Vanity Fair Dec. 314/1 In 1986, at the age of 22..he lit out for L.A. and never looked back.
2. intransitive. to light out after: to set off in pursuit of (a person or thing).
ΚΠ
1876 Indianapolis (Indiana) Daily Sentinel 8 Nov. 3/3 I lit out after him with my scythe in my han. Well, I run him bout quarter ways to the timber when I seed I was gainen on him.
1880 Washington Post 13 June 3/5 He sang out to me. ‘There goes the man,’ and he just lit out after him.
1902 Overland Monthly Aug. 160/2 He took his revolver and lit out after the boss. I followed on foot.
2010 R. McCalla Survival Instinct vii. 120 The next thing I knew, he up and ran out. I lit out after him, but he tore off before I even got out the door.
PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to light into ——
U.S. colloquial.
1.
a. intransitive. To attack (a person or animal) physically.
ΚΠ
1878 Puck 13 Mar. 6/2 That Crump boy lit into me, he did, an' tuck me side o' de head wid his fis', ye-es he did!
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xxii. 194 He lit into that horse with his whip and made him fairly hum.
2007 L. Kleypas Sugar Daddy (e-book ed.) Louis lit into him with singular viciousness, walloping him to a bloody pulp.
b. intransitive. To criticize (a person or thing) severely; to launch a verbal attack on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > criticize [verb (intransitive)] > severely
quip1542
snap1579
quib1580
to lash out1884
slam1884
to rip into——1907
to lace into1908
to light into ——1922
to give (make, have, etc.) grief1974
excoriate1985
1922 Outlook (N.Y.) 3 May 22/2 You ought to have seen how she lit into me when she found out some of the [butter] pats were just a little over a pound.
1967 Boston Sunday Herald 7 May iv. 5/5 Chris did demonstrate he is prepared for a scrap in the coming campaign when he lit into Mrs. Hicks' proposals.
2003 USA Today (Nexis) 20 Mar. 8 a Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle..lit into President Bush for failed diplomacy that he said would result in the deaths of Americans.
2. intransitive. To start on (something) in a determined or energetic way; to launch into (something).
ΚΠ
1910 E. B. Bronson Cowboy Life on Western Plains 50 He lit into such bucking as I had never dreamed I could stand in a second, but..I contrived to stay on him.
1917 M. E. Freeman & F. M. Kingsley Alabaster Box i. 3 He'll light into those hot doughnuts.
2008 Magnet No. 79. 121 The revered punk-rock survivors—now old enough to play on golf's senior tour—lit into a throbbing, 40-minute set.
 to light on —— (also to light upon ——)
colloquial (originally U.S.).
intransitive. To attack (a person or animal) physically. Also: to launch a verbal attack on (a person).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)]
greetc893
overfallOE
riseOE
assail?c1225
to lay on or upon?c1225
onseekc1275
to set on ——c1290
infighta1300
saila1300
to go upon ——c1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
annoyc1380
impugnc1384
offendc1385
to fall on ——a1387
sault1387
affrayc1390
to set upon ——1390
to fall upon ——a1398
to lay at?a1400
semblea1400
assayc1400
havec1400
aset1413
oppressa1425
attachc1425
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
fray1465
oppugn?a1475
sayc1475
envaye1477
pursue1488
envahisshe1489
assaulta1500
to lay to, untoa1500
requirea1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
assemblec1515
expugn1530
to fare on1535
to fall into ——1550
mount1568
attack?1576
affront1579
invest1598
canvass1599
to take arms1604
attempt1605
to make force at, to, upon1607
salute1609
offence1614
strikea1616
to give a lift at1622
to get at ——1650
insult1697
to walk into ——1794
to go in at1812
to go for ——1838
to light on ——1842
strafe1915
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)]
vilea1300
rebutc1330
revilea1393
arunt1399
stainc1450
brawl1474
vituper1484
rebalk1501
to call (rarely to speak) (all) to naught1542
rattle1542
vituperate1542
bedaub1570
beray1576
bespurt1579
wring1581
misuse1583
caperclaw1589
abuse1592
rail1592
exagitate1593
to shoot atc1595
belabour1596
to scour one's mouth on1598
bespurtle1604
conviciate1604
scandala1616
delitigate1623
betongue1639
bespatter1644
rant1647
palt1648
opprobriatea1657
pelt1658
proscind1659
inveigh1670
clapperclaw1692
blackguard1767
philippize1804
drub1811
foul-mouth1822
bullyrag1823
target1837
barge1841
to light on ——1842
slang1844
villainize1857
slangwhang1880
slam-bang1888
vituperize1894
bad-mouth1941
slag1958
zing1962
to dump on (occasionally all over)1967
1842 Spirit of Times 3 Dec. 477/1 She [sc. a lioness] made a spring at old bruin, and..lit on him in the most savage manner.
1875 Weekly Times (Melbourne) 16 Jan. 3/4 The old lady lit upon him with the coffee pot.
1992 P. McCabe Butcher Boy (1993) 67 I thought they were going to light on me and start kicking me down the avenue.
2005 J. Martyn Ringfort to Runway i. iv. 60 The priest lit on him and they were having ‘words’ over it.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightv.2

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/, Caribbean English /lait/
Inflections: Past tense and past participle lit, lighted;
Forms: 1. Present stem. a. Old English lehtan (non-West Saxon), Old English leohtan, Old English leohtian (rare), Old English lichta (Northumbrian, imperative singular, in prefixed forms), Old English liehtan, Old English lihta (Northumbrian, imperative singular, in prefixed forms), Old English lihtan, Old English liohtan (Kentish, in prefixed forms), Old English lyhtan, early Middle English licte, early Middle English lihhtenn ( Ormulum), early Middle English litte, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liȝth, Middle English liȝtte, Middle English liht, Middle English lihte, Middle English lith, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝte, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyhte, Middle English lyte, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1500s lyghte, Middle English–1600s lighte, Middle English– light; English regional 1800s leeght (northern), 1800s– leet (northern and north midlands); Scottish pre-1700 lycht, pre-1700 lyght, pre-1700 1700s– licht, pre-1700 1700s– light; Irish English (northern) 1800s– licht; Caribbean 1900s– lait. b. Also 3rd singular present indicative. early Old English lieht, Old English leoht, Old English lyht, early Middle English licht, early Middle English liht, Middle English (1900s Caribbean) light; N.E.D. (1903) also records a form early Middle English let (Kent). 2. Past tense.

α. Old English lyhte, Old English–Middle English lihte, late Old English liehte (in prefixed forms), early Middle English liste, Middle English liȝte, Middle English lyȝt, late Middle English lyt, 1700s–1800s leet (English regional (northern)).

β. Old English leohtade (rare), Old English leohtode (rare), Old English lichtade (Northumbrian, in prefixed forms), Middle English liȝted, Middle English liȝtede, Middle English liȝtted, Middle English ligtyd, Middle English lihted, Middle English lihtede, Middle English–1500s lyghted, Middle English– lighted, 1800s leeted (English regional (northern)); also Scottish pre-1700 lychtit, pre-1700 lychtyt, pre-1700 1800s– lichtit.

γ. 1500s– lit, 1700s litt, 1800s let (English regional (northern)).

3. Past participle.

α. Old English leht ((in prefixed forms (not ge-))), Old English lyht ((in prefixed forms (not ge-))), Old English ((in prefixed forms (not ge-)))–Middle English liht, late Old English geliht, Middle English ilight, Middle English iliȝt, Middle English iliht, Middle English ilyȝht, Middle English lighte, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English lyghte, Middle English lyghth, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝth, Middle English lyth, Middle English ylight, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1700s light; also Scottish pre-1700 lycht.

β. Old English lichtet (Northumbrian, (in prefixed forms (not ge-))), Old English lihtad (Northumbrian, (in prefixed forms (not ge-))), Old English lihted (Northumbrian, (in prefixed forms (not ge-))), Old English lihteð (Northumbrian, (in prefixed forms (not ge-))), early Middle English lihhtedd ( Ormulum), Middle English lightyd, Middle English liȝtid, Middle English liȝtted, Middle English liȝtyd, Middle English ylyghtid, Middle English–1600s lyghted, Middle English– lighted, 1500s lyghtyd; English regional (northern) 1800s leeted, 1800s lichtit; also Scottish pre-1700 lychted, pre-1700 lychtet, pre-1700 lychtit, pre-1700 1800s– lichtit.

γ. 1500s– lit, 1800s let (English regional (northern and north midlands)).

δ. 1800s litten (archaic or English regional), 1800s–1900s letten (English regional (northern)).

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian -liūchta (in forliūchta , biliūchta to illuminate; West Frisian ljochte ), Old Dutch -liohtan (in irliohtan : see alight v.2), liehten (Middle Dutch luchten , lichten , Dutch lichten , (now regional) luchten ), Old Saxon liuhtian (Middle Low German lüchten , lochten ), Old High German liuhten (Middle High German liuhten , German leuchten ), Gothic liuhtjan < the same Germanic base as light adj.2Form history. In Old English usually a weak verb of Class I (late West Saxon and Anglian līhtan ); Class II weak forms (lēohtian ) are also attested. The forms of Class I are subject to i-mutation; compare early West Saxon līehtan . Past tense and past participle lit (see Forms 2γ. and 3γ. ) are probably the result of the influence of similar forms of (historically strong) verbs with the same vowel in the present stem; compare e.g. bite v. and see discussion at that entry. Prefixed forms in Old English. In Old English transitive use is comparatively rare for the unprefixed verb. Compare the prefixed verb gelīhtan (compare y- prefix), which is attested in transitive sense as ‘to illuminate, to provide light for’, as well as in the senses ‘to shine, to grow light’. Compare also alīhtan alight v.2, geondlīhtan to illuminate (completely), to shine (compare yond prep.), inlīhtan enlight v., onlīhtan onlight v.1, oferlīhtan overlight v., tōlīhtan , an element-by-element gloss of Latin allucere to shine forth (compare to- prefix1), and also frumlīhtan to dawn (compare frume n.).
1.
†a. intransitive. To shine (brightly); to provide light; to be luminous. Also: to be alight; to be burning. Frequently in figurative contexts. Obsolete.In quot. OE1 with non-referential it as subject in it lights: there is a flash of lightning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > shine [verb (intransitive)]
shinec725
brighteOE
blika1000
lightOE
shimmera1100
starec1225
lightena1382
blikena1400
glowa1400
sheenc1420
flourish1587
to stick off1604
lamp1609
skyre1677
gloze1820
moon1885
OE Ælfric Gram. (St. John's Oxf.) 128 Fulminað [read fulminat], hit liht.
OE West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) i. 5 Þæt leoht lyht on ðystrum & þystro þæt ne genamon.
c1275 Kentish Serm. in J. Hall Select. Early Middle Eng. (1920) I. 215 Si gode beleaue licht and is bricht ine þo herte of þo gode Manne ase gold.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 1382 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 146 Þe cloudene hire ouer-cast þat heo ne mai no leng liȝte.
c1330 Sir Orfeo (Auch.) (1966) l. 371 When it schuld be þerk & niȝt Þe riche stones liȝt gonne [a1500 Harl. schone so cun].
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iii. met. xi. l. 2842 Thilke thing that the blake cloude of errour whilom hadde y-couered, shal lyhten more clerly thanne phebus hym self ne shyneth.
c1450 in F. J. Furnivall Hymns to Virgin & Christ (1867) 5 Heil þe lanterne þat is ay liȝthond [a1500 Adv. lyghtand]! To þee schulen loute boþe riche & poore.
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 26 A beame that falls Fresh from the pure glance of thine eye, Lighting to Eternity.
a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) II. xix. 185 And that instant the taper which was lighting in the room was burnt out.
b. intransitive. Of the sky: to become suffused with light.
ΚΠ
1845 A. M. Hall Whiteboy I. xi. 189 A sky, just lighting into a pale, bright gray—an intimation of the first dawn of morning.
1916 J. L. Rickard Light above Cross Roads (1918) xi. 138 A fiery red sky lighted suddenly with sunset over the grey wall of the garden below his windows, and a great restlessness overtook him.
2011 J. Dolamore Between Sea & Sky (e-book ed.) The sky lit with a spear of sparkling light, followed by a group of colored blooms, but the beauty of the fireworks was lost on her.
2. intransitive. Of the day: to grow light; to dawn. In later use Caribbean (also with out).In quot. 1598 with non-referential it as subject in it lights: it gets light; dawn breaks.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > naturally occurring light > emit beams (of a luminary) [verb (intransitive)] > become daylight
lightOE
dawc1200
dayc1275
shinec1384
dawn1499
break1535
unnight1594
dayn?c1600
OE Daniel 158 Ða eode Daniel, þa dæg lyhte, swefen reccan sinum frean.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 14132 Ase þe dæi gon lihte heo bigunnen to fihten.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 2 Kings xvii. 22 To þe tyme þat þe dai liȝtede [a1425 Corpus Oxf were liȝtid; L. donec dilucesceret].
a1450 Seven Sages (Cambr. Dd.1.17) (1845) l. 555 (MED) He lay ale nyght, Til on the morwen the day lyȝt.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. ii. 138 And that shal be the day when ere it lights [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1918 in J. A. Holm & A. W. Shilling Dict. Bahamian Eng. (1982) (at cited word) Jus' as day light in de morning, dey went.
1952 in F. G. Cassidy & R. B. Le Page Dict. Jamaican Eng. (1967) (at cited word) StT [= Parish of St Thomas] /die a lait out/ Dawn is breaking.
3.
a. transitive. To provide (a place or space) with light; to cast light on (something); to fill or suffuse with light; to illuminate. Sometimes: to supply lighting for (a city, street, etc.), esp. in an official capacity.Cf. to light up 2 at Phrasal verbs.See also well-lighted adj. 1, well-lit adj. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > illumination > illuminate [verb (transitive)]
onlighteOE
enlightOE
alemeOE
alightOE
lightOE
belighta1200
lightena1382
clear1382
alightenc1384
lumine1387
clarify1398
shine1398
shed1412
beamc1430
enlymec1440
illumine1447
enlumine1481
illustre1490
enclear1509
elumine1532
illuminate1535
unshadow1550
illightena1555
allumine1570
eluminate1580
unnight1594
enlighten1595
to strike up1598
illume1604
luminate1623
illustrate1625
unbenight1629
emblaze1637
burn1712
alluminate1726
lamp1808
enkindle1870
the world > matter > light > illumination > illuminate [verb (transitive)] > a room or building
lightOE
enlightena1599
OE Paris Psalter (1932) lxvi. 1 Beorhte leohte þinne andwlitan [L. inluminet uultum suum], and us on mode weorð þuruh þine mycelnesse milde and bliðe.
c1175 ( Ælfric Old Eng. Hexateuch: Gen. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) i. 15 Lihtan [OE Claudius hi scinon on ðære heofenan fæstnysse & alihton ða eorðan; L. inluminent terram].
a1300 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 116 A leome newe þat al þis world haueð iliȝt.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Exod. xiv. 20 The aungell of þe lord..& with hym to gyþer: þe pyler of þe clowde..& þer was a derk clowde, & liȝtyng [a1425 L.V. liȝtnynge; L. illuminans] þe niȝt.
c1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Fairf. 16) (1879) l. 2506 The mone hath..Syn that thylke day..foure tymes lyght the worlde ageyn.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 93v Torchis and tendlis the tenttes to light.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. ii. 34 When the searching eie of heauen is hid, Behinde the globe that lights the lower world. View more context for this quotation
1671 Duchess of Newcastle Natures Picture (ed. 2) 61 His joys did rise Much higher than the Sun that lights the Skies.
1715 Notice in London Gaz. No. 5351/3 They intend to..grant Liberty for Lighting the City of London.
1838 Penny Cycl. X. 368/1 The town is lighted with gas, and is well paved and cleansed.
1915 Good Housek. Mag. 60 315/1 A flash of lightning lit the night, and there, in the eastern path, I saw him.
2002 J. Grisham Summons viii. 62 The study was lit by one weak bulb under the shade of a dust-covered lamp.
b. transitive. Cinematography, Photography, and Theatre. To illuminate (a scene, set, subject, etc.), esp. in order to produce a desired effect; to use particular lighting techniques in (a film or other work).
ΚΠ
1611 R. Peake tr. S. Serlio 2nd Bk. Archit. f. 26v Now all the lights seruing for the collours, shal not be ye same which must light the Scene, for you must haue a great number of torches before the Scene.
1786 D. Humphreys Poem on Happiness of Amer. 53 With ten-fold brightness gild the happier age, And light the actors o'er a broader stage!
1859 Photogr. News 30 Dec. 195/2 In lighting the sitter, the light should enter at an angle of not less than 45°. The amount of direct light would be small, and..light should be reflected from white screens placed upon the shadowed side of the figure.
1933 P. Godfrey Back-stage iv. 43 Lighting towers..each capable of carrying a dozen 1000-watt flood lamps to supplement the battens overhead in lighting the scene.
1981 J. Monaco How to read Film (rev. ed.) ii. 111 (caption) The actors in the car mock-up in front of the screen are lit in such a way that the translucent screen behind them does not reflect.
2013 Guardian 3 May (G2 section) 32/2 Visually, Neverwhere has dated a little, not least because it was lit for film but shot on video.
4. transitive. To enlighten (a person, the heart, spirit, etc.) spiritually or intellectually; to inspire. Now somewhat rare.In quot. eOE with the spirit inspired in the dative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > scholarly knowledge, erudition > enlightenment > enlighten [verb (transitive)]
lighteOE
annealeOE
enlightOE
lightenc1350
enlightena1500
illustrate1526
illuminate?1566
eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care (Hatton) (1871) xlviii. 365 Swa swa ðæt leohtfæt lieht on nieht urum eagum, ðætte ða gewritu on dæg liehten urum mode.
c1175 ( in A. O. Belfour 12th Cent. Homilies in MS Bodl. 343 (1909) 48 Ælmesse..liht [OE Vercelli hylt, OE Bodl. 340 onlyht, OE Corpus Cambr. 198 geliht] þæs monnes mod [L. nobilitat mentem].
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 64 (MED) Seinte Marie..Bryhte ant shene sterre cler, lyht þou me ant lere..myselue so to bere.
c1405 (c1380) G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 71 [An]d of thy light my soule in prison lighte.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 51 God þat ys most wys & glorious, he light ȝoure resoun, and make cleer ȝoure vnderstondynge.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Heb. vi. A They which were once lighted, and haue taisted of the heauenly gyfte.
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. i. vi. f. 16 Ȝour hartis salbe lichtit with the licht of grace.
1821 R. Heber in Evangelical Mag. July 316 We, whose souls are lighted With wisdom from on high.
2004 G. Connolly in L. M. Hasselstrom et al. Crazy Woman Creek 188 Reading enthralled me, lit me with ideas and inspiration. Talking about books with other women brightened my life.
5.
a. transitive. To provide light for (a person), esp. in order to enable a particular activity, or to show the way; frequently with adverb, adverbial phrase, or prepositional phrase as complement, as in to light a person home, etc. Also: to shine light on (a person's way, path, etc.) so that it may be found or followed more easily or safely. intransitive in quot. c1700.See also to light the way at way n.1 and int.1 Phrases 1f.In quot. OE with the person light is provided for in the dative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > illumination > illuminate [verb (transitive)] > to enable people to see
lightOE
vista1832
the world > matter > light > illumination > be or become illuminated [verb (intransitive)] > illuminate
to light the way1651
lightc1700
OE Lambeth Psalter civ. 39 Expandit nubem in protectionem eorum et ignem ut luceret eis per noctem : he aþenede genipu on gescyldnesse heora & fyr þæt hit lihte heom geond nihte.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 161 Þe sa storre shat of hire þe liht, þe lihteð sa farinde men.
c1415 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Lansd.) (1877) §1036 Men setteþ it on a candelstik to lyhten [c1405 Ellesmere yeue light to] þe men in þe house.
1598 L. A. tr. G. Fernandez Honour of Chiualrie xxxvii. 219 Before them was carried a Piller of fire, which lighted them their way.
1609 T. Cocks Diary (1901) 83 Given the Sonne [inn] boye Pawle for lightinge mee home jd.
1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. iii. 190 Were the Stars only made to light Robbers and Burglarers by night?
c1700 Earl Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 350 A Dutch lanthorn of horn upon a great stick, to light before a coach when it is dark.
1846 in J. O. Halliwell Nursery Rhymes Eng. (ed. 4) 101 Here comes a candle to light you to bed, And here comes a chopper to chop off your head.
1956 B. Chute Greenwillow vii. 83 It's turned dark. I'll light you home.
2005 E. Barr Plan B (2006) ii. 28 Alice ran ahead of me, and I angled the torch anxiously to light her way.
b. transitive. figurative and in figurative contexts. To lead or guide (a person) to a state, through a situation, etc., esp. by providing insight or by highlighting a particular course of action; to show (a person) the way. Now rare.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19089 Soþ lihht..Þatt lihhteþþ all þatt lihhtedd iss To gan þe rihhte weȝȝe.
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 9 (MED) Þe prelates..owen to liȝtten þe lewed þat ben in derknesse of vnconnyng.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 206 Prayer..lightyth a man to the lowe of god.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. v. 21 All our yesterdayes, haue lighted Fooles The way to dusty death. View more context for this quotation
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iii. ii. sig. R2v Me-thinks the blaze of this Fire should light me to discern something instructive in it.
a1766 F. Sheridan Concl. Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph (1770) V. 267 A little spark of that virtue which..might have lit me to happiness and honour.
1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. I. 121 She has poetical faith enough to light her cheerfully through all these mists of incredulity.
1956 S. Plath Let. 4 Dec. (2018) II. 26 An experience outlasting the limits of any school year and lighting us through the rest of our lives.
6.
a. transitive. To cause (a candle, lamp, etc.) to start burning in order to produce light; (later) to cause (an electrical light, bulb, etc.) to be illuminated. Also intransitive: to be or become illuminated. Frequently in figurative contexts.Cf. to light up 1a at Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > cause an artificial light to burn
light?a1160
to light up?a1425
enlighten?1591
to turn on1824
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Me lihtede candles to æten bi.
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 585 Blou þe fir, and lith a kandel.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 39 His lampe schal lighte..withouten touchinge of ony man.
c1480 (a1400) St. Martha 176 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 290 Þe sergis al scho lychtyt, bathe gret & smal.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. v. sig. E2 Shyning lampes in Ioues high house were light.
1646 H. Mill 2nd Pt. Nights Search ii. 8 Heavens tapers then began to light, Which did by turnes attend the Queene of night.
1847 Countess of Blessington Marmaduke Herbert I. lviii. 323 I entered the cavern, and lit the lantern with a trembling hand.
1983 J. Hobhouse Dancing in Dark (1984) 45 He had lit the night lights at the dimmer switches.
2011 C. D. Ferguson Nucl. Energy (e-book ed.) A light bulb powered by 100 watts requires delivery of 100 joules of electrical energy per second in order to light the bulb.
b. transitive. To cause (a fire, combustible material, etc.) to start burning; to set alight; to ignite. Also: to cause (a device such as a stove, boiler, etc.) to ignite. Also intransitive: to begin to burn; to be ignited. Frequently (and in earliest use) in figurative contexts.Cf. to light up 1b at Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > kindle or set alight
annealeOE
ontendeOE
atend1006
alightOE
kindlec1175
tindc1175
lightc1225
lightenc1384
quickc1390
firea1393
to set (a) fire in, on, upon, of, now only toc1400
quickenc1425
accenda1475
enlumine1477
to light upa1500
to shoot (something) on firec1540
to give fire1562
incend1598
entine1612
betine1659
emblaze1743
to touch off1759
ignite1823
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 650 Ant tis fur schal lihten in ow þe halwunde lei of þe hali gast.
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 33 (MED) Goddys wyll..it is þat my tythyng with fyre is lyth.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 742 Neither the crowne nor the lawne could cast fire of them selues, neither did the fire light by chaunce.
1709 C. Gildon Golden Spy 90 There were..some little pieces of Sticks, that might make a Fire, could they find any means of lighting the Fuel.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 46. ¶4 I twisted it into a kind of Match, and litt my Pipe with it.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xiii. 252 I already feel, even in anticipation, that over-haste would light the flames of hell in my bosom.
1882 Christian World Mag. Aug. 574 The fire would not light, and when, at length, it did blaze up, it died down again directly.
1899 K. Chopin Awakening xxv. 195 Arobin asked permission to enter for a second to light his cigarette.
1955 E. Hillary High Adventure x. 191 Tenzing had succeeded in lighting the kerosene stove. This was good news.
2004 Wanderlust June 133/2 (advt.) Nothing compares with the freedom you'll enjoy as you flip open your roof tent, light a fire and relax with an ice-cold drink.
c. transitive. figurative (chiefly poetic). To arouse or excite (a person, emotion, etc.) in a way which resembles the starting of a fire; to kindle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > passion > affect with passion or strong emotion [verb (transitive)] > to rouse passion
wecchec900
lighta1413
esprise1490
enfire1603
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect with emotion [verb (transitive)] > cause or give rise to an emotion
rearOE
arear?c1225
annoyc1300
movea1325
excite1393
raisea1400
lighta1413
stirc1430
provokec1450
provocate?a1475
rendera1522
to stir upc1530
excitate?1549
inspire1576
yield1576
to turn up1579
rouse1589
urge1594
incense1598
upraisea1600
upreara1600
irritate1612
awakena1616
recreate1643
pique1697
arouse1730
unlull1743
energize1753
evocate1827
evoke1856
vibe1977
the mind > emotion > passion > ardour or fervour > ardent or fervent [verb (transitive)] > inflame (with) passion
annealeOE
ontendeOE
anheatOE
atend1006
tindc1175
firec1225
heat?c1225
inlowa1300
inflamea1340
eschaufec1374
flamec1380
kindlec1390
chafe1393
achafea1400
to set a firec1400
lighta1413
incense1435
scaldc1480
embrase1483
incend?1504
to set on fire?1526
enkindle1561
enfire1596
flush1633
boil1649
calenturea1657
infirea1661
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iv. l. 313 O wofulle eyen two..she is queynt þat wont was yow to lyght.
1679 J. Dryden & N. Lee Oedipus ii. 28 If an immodest thought, or low desire Inflam'd my breast, since first our Loves were lighted.
1753 E. Young Brothers iv. i. 56 Each Morn my Life I lighted at her Eye.
1863 B. Taylor Poet's Jrnl. 181 Thine eyes were lit from other skies.
2008 K. Beldon Wrestling with Adulthood 88 I found little that lit my passion in the secular world.
7.
a. transitive. Of an expression or emotion: to cause (the eyes, face, etc.) to appear more lively or animated. Frequently in passive.Cf. to light up 4a(a) at Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > be cheerful [verb (intransitive)] > assume expression of cheerful liveliness
light1761
to light up1787
lighten1867
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > make cheerful [verb (transitive)] > make face or eyes cheerful
to clear up1594
uncloud?1594
lighten1605
irradiate1651
light1761
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > vigour or force > imbue with vigour or force [verb (transitive)] > make more lively
animate1585
livena1628
smarten1782
vivify1833
light1854
1761 London Chron. 24–6 Nov. 508/3 Happy the bard, whose breast is free from bile, Whose face is always lighted with a smile.
1800 E. Hervey Mourtray Family I. xi. 269 Emma, more lovely than ever; her eyes lighted with pleasure.
1932 Z. Fitzgerald Save me Waltz iv. 267 A sweet tolerant smile lit the Judge's face.
2007 L. Kleypas Mine till Midnight (e-book ed.) The topaz eyes were lit by a glint of playfulness.
b. intransitive. Of the eyes, face, etc.: to become more lively or animated; to brighten.Cf. to light up 4a(b) at Phrasal verbs.
ΚΠ
a1820 J. Woodhouse Life Crispinus Scriblerus xiii, in Life & Poet. Wks. (1896) II. 6/1 Her looks had lit with transport had She found One pennyweight was wanting in the pound!
1827 J. F. Cooper Prairie II. xii. 188 His countenance lighted with a gleam of stern pleasure, as he tried the elasticity of the bow.
1921 Paradise of Pacific Dec. 115/1 How warmly his brown eyes lit when he spoke to her.
2015 J. Burns Fevered Nights 145 She looked up and her face lit with a smile he'd missed more than he wanted to admit.
†8. transitive. Art. To depict light in (a painting), in order to produce a particular effect. Also intransitive. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1878 K. Baedeker London & Environs ii. xiv. 136 Later Italian School... Madonna in prayer (primitive in colouring, common in form, and lighted for effect).
1888 Tablet 23 June 997/2 The whole thing is wilful,..for no failure of power can compel a man to light his picture with two suns.
1889 Pall Mall Gaz. 18 Jan. 3/1 Rembrandt lighted falsely for the sake of effect.

Phrasal verbs

to light off
transitive. To ignite (an explosive).In similative use in quot. 1717 with reference to the explosion of a mob into violence.
ΚΠ
1717 Entertainer No. 5. 28 Like Gunpowder, when they are lighted off, they [sc. the Mob] scatter Ruin and Destruction around them.
1928 Wisconsin State Jrnl. 28 Feb. 3/5 The ‘hand-cannon’..was little more than a barrel with a hole to light off the powder.
1997 Flight Internat. 18 June 56/2 Previous ejection guns were literally that: a small gunpowder charge lit off a greater quantity of nitro-cellulose, which ejected the seat.
2015 D. Keith Ship that wouldn't Die (e-book ed.) Each man working in the magazine fully expected a bomb to crash through the deck above him..and light off the explosive ordnance.
 to light up
1.
a. transitive. To cause (a candle, lamp, etc.) to start burning in order to produce light; (later) to cause (an electrical light, bulb, etc.) to be illuminated. Also intransitive: to be or become illuminated. Also (and in earliest use) in figurative contexts.Cf. main sense 6a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > cause an artificial light to burn
light?a1160
to light up?a1425
enlighten?1591
to turn on1824
?a1425 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Lamb. 472) (2000) i. xlviii. l. 1392 Yif thou wilt fynde Hym, light up a lanterne, whiche is Goddis word.
1554 R. Smith Bouclier of Catholike Fayth f. 42 Candels are vsed to be lighted vp, for a sygne of gladnes.
1649 F. Roberts Clavis Bibliorum (ed. 2) Introd. to Rdr. ii. 29 What brightnesse is this I see? Have you light up any Candles?
1763 Newcastle Courant 1 Oct. in J. Brand Hist. & Antiq. Newcastle (1789) I. 20 (note) The lamps put up in the streets..were lighted up for the first time.
1879 Rep. Select Comm. on Lighting by Electr. 141 in Parl. Papers (H.C. 224) XI. 375 In a moment all the lights went out, and the place was left in darkness; but directly afterwards, four of the lights lighted up again spontaneously.
1912 Auto 23 Nov. 1416/3 The press button in the centre lights up the dash-lamp for reading instruments when required.
2009 B. Aldrin & K. Abraham Magnificent Desolation 18 Twenty seconds later, at an altitude of only 2,000 feet, another alarm lit up on the computer display.
b. transitive. To cause (a fire, combustible material, etc.) to start burning; to set alight; to ignite. Also: to cause (a device such as a stove, boiler, etc.) to ignite. Sometimes intransitive. Also (and in earliest use) in figurative contexts.Cf. main sense 6b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > set on fire
inflamec1384
to set on firec1384
firec1425
incense1470
esprise1474
succend?a1475
embrase1480
to light upa1500
enfirea1522
ignifya1586
befire1613
incendiatea1701
to touch off1759
conflagrate1835
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > kindle or set alight
annealeOE
ontendeOE
atend1006
alightOE
kindlec1175
tindc1175
lightc1225
lightenc1384
quickc1390
firea1393
to set (a) fire in, on, upon, of, now only toc1400
quickenc1425
accenda1475
enlumine1477
to light upa1500
to shoot (something) on firec1540
to give fire1562
incend1598
entine1612
betine1659
emblaze1743
to touch off1759
ignite1823
a1500 Gesta Romanorum (Gloucester) (1971) 768 (MED) Do þou as þe mayden dyd..smytte þe deuell, And lyȝte vp fyre of charite.
1689 S. Jay Τὰ Καννάκου 125 Sixteen times in Holy Record hath God lighted up the Fire of Sodom.
1766 R. Griffith & E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances IV. 4 Our Vestal..has lately..had a Flame lighted up in her Breast, but of a most unvestal Kind.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxxvi. 229 How would ye like to be tied to a tree, and have a slow fire lit up around ye?
1902 R. Kipling Traffics & Discov. (1904) 181 The petrol will light up and the boiler may blow up.
1914 Amer. Gas Light Jrnl. 14 Sept. 164/1 Each tube of the boiler is..an independent combustion unit, capable of being shut off or lit up without affecting the others.
2015 Sunday Mercury (Birmingham) (Nexis) 4 Jan. 22 The levels of particulates in the air increases in the evenings and at weekends when families light up their woodburners and open fires.
2.
a. transitive. To provide or fill (a place or space) with light; to cast light on (something); to cause (something) to appear brighter or lighter. Frequently figurative, as in e.g. to light up a room, to light up a person's life, etc. (sometimes overlapping with sense 3a).Cf. also main sense 3a.
ΚΠ
1696 tr. V. de Voiture in J. Dennis Lett. Several Occasions 141 We found a Chamber so gloriously lighted up, that it look'd as if the Day, which was now below the Earth, had retired hither.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 50. ¶7 An huge Room lighted up with abundance of Candles.
1881 Leader (Melbourne) 12 Nov. (Suppl.) 5/1 In my heart had dawned the first glory of Love, lighting up my life like the sunlight.
1884 ‘Rita’ Vivienne ii. iii The spring sunshine lit up the grey towers.
1901 Garden 14 Sept. 180/1 The graceful bending sprays of Oncidium luridum, lighting up the shady places that it loves with subdued splendour.
1975 Valley Independent (Monessen, Pa.) 3 Sept. 4/4 Big Bill Anast has a way of lighting up any room he's in.
2014 Daily Mirror (Nexis) 7 Dec. 78 A spectacular 3D sound and light show..will light up the Old Deanery in Cathedral Square each evening during the festival.
b. intransitive. To be filled with light; to be illuminated. Also figurative.
ΚΠ
1769 W. Hamilton Let. 17 Oct. in Observ. Vesuvius (1772) 74 The horizon lighting up by degrees, we discovered the greatest part of Calabria, and the sea on the other side of it.
1910 Fortn. Rev. 1 Mar. 586 Gradually, delicately, the skies light up; birds twitter, cottages stand out in the distance.
1968 Evening News (Jeffersonville, Indiana) 20 June 14/2 For Johnson, the room lights up when little Lynn walks in.
2007 C. A. Harris Storms iv. 45 The lights dimmed in the auditorium as I drifted into the wings, then the stage lit up in brilliant colors.
c. transitive. To provide or supply lighting for (a city, street, etc.), esp. in an official capacity.
ΚΠ
1814 App. Gen. Rep. Agric. State & Polit. Circumstances Scotl. II. xvi. 305 A few years ago, several shops—first, in Glasgow, then in Edinburgh, and other towns—were lighted up with this gas; but..few have persevered in using it.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 362 Letters patent conveying to him for a term of years, the exclusive right of lighting up London.
2001 Kiplinger's Personal Finance June 75/2 FirstEnergy, the parent company of Toledo Edison and two other utilities that light up Cleveland and Akron, tried to jump-start electric choice in Ohio.
3.
a. transitive. To fill (a person, the soul, etc.) with excitement or enthusiasm; to animate; to energize. Also: to inspire or stimulate (the imagination).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > zeal or enthusiasm > be zealous for [verb (transitive)] > inspire with zeal or enthusiasm
zeal1549
warmc1580
to light up1712
enthuse1844
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > carry on vigorously [verb (transitive)] > make vigorous or energetic
string1599
invigorate1646
energate1647
to light up1712
alacrify1864
energize1876
power1898
pep1912
to zip up1927
volt1930
adrenalize1935
1712 C. Johnson Wife's Relief ii. ii. 21 I had rather be a Gally-Slave than a Lover; now has she, like an artful Coquet, lighted up all my Animal Spirits, and is her self as cold Ice.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xi. 180 Once you can succeed in lighting up their imaginations.
1963 Listener 28 Mar. 572/2 The music-hall vedettes, among them Marie Lloyd and Maurice Chevalier, who..lit up the souls of their audiences with wit and innuendo.
2012 Daily Tel. 20 July 32/3 It was the all-too-few cheeky early hits that really lit up the crowd, provoking boisterous dancing and..a deafening singalong.
b. intransitive. To be provoked to anger, indignation, or other strong emotion; to become worked up or agitated. Also occasionally transitive: to agitate (a person or group of people).
ΚΠ
1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss I. ii. iv. 326 ‘You poor-spirited imp!’ said Tom, lighting up immediately at Philip's fire.
1973 College Eng. 34 828/1 Ain nothin in a long time lit up the English teaching profession like the current hassle over Black English.
1991 Filmfax Dec. 92 (advt.) Fans of Reefer Madness will light up over this poorly acted, unabashedly bad melodrama.
4.
a.
(a) transitive. Of an expression or emotion: to cause (the eyes, face, etc.) to appear more lively or animated.Cf. main sense 7a.
ΚΠ
1744 Education 15 Her Eyes, lighted up with the briskest Fire..went directly to the Heart, and there made the strongest Impression.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. viii. 159 A smile, rather of pity than derision, lighted up her face.
1929 J. B. Priestley Good Compan. iii. ii. 518 He stared; he frowned; then delighted recognition lit up his face. ‘'Ello, I know you!’
2012 Irish Times (Nexis) 25 Apr. 9 The prime minister, a quiet smile lighting up his features, stood facing the assembly for close on five minutes.
(b) intransitive. Of a person, or a person's face or eyes: to become more lively or animated; to brighten.Cf. main sense 7b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > be cheerful [verb (intransitive)] > assume expression of cheerful liveliness
light1761
to light up1787
lighten1867
1787 H. Lewis Excursion to Margate xix. 78 We were scarce seated, but her fine eyes lighted up, and her cheek was suffused into a glow that bespoke the hope of my approving the new wish of her soul.
1870 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) I. App. 678 He lights up and gives us a spirited account.
1949 L. Glassop Lucky Palmer 103 ‘Lucky's’ eyes lit up as he stared at the note in his hand.
1989 E. Hoffman Lost in Transl. (1991) ii. 103 His face never lights up with humor or affection or wit. But then, he takes himself very seriously.
2015 Washington Post (Nexis) 31 Aug. (Metro section) b1 She lights up when she talks about her plans for the future.
b. transitive. To cause (a piece of writing or other creative work) to be more lively or entertaining; to bring to life.
ΚΠ
1756 T. Phillips Let. on Study of Divinity 18 He has..adorned them [sc. the Works] with the Graces of Language and Sentiment, lighted up and enlivened them with the brightest examples of Virtue and Sanctity.
1854 H. Rogers in Edinb. Rev. Apr. 398 The style of Locke is..perpetually lighted up with vivacious illustration.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People viii. §2. 464 His canny humour lights up the political and theological controversies of the time with quaint incisive phrases.
1981 Washington Post (Nexis) 30 Dec. b2 Similar ragged inflections lit up Jelly Roll Morton's ‘Winin' Boy’.
2002 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 19 Oct. (Spectrum section) 11 The novel is funny, with the same highbrow-lowbrow celerity that lit up her debut.
5. transitive. To cause (a disease or other medical condition) to develop or intensify suddenly. Usually in passive. Now chiefly in legal contexts.
ΚΠ
1755 tr. R. Russell Oeconomy of Nature in Dis. Glands v. 119 At this time the patient is usually delirious, and the fever is lighted up a-new.
1883 B. W. Richardson Field of Dis. 211 It [sc. Phthisis]..in nine cases out of ten is first lighted up by cold.
1947 North Western Reporter 2nd Ser. 26 294/1 It is the contention of the plaintiff that the accident..and the infection subsequently growing therefrom lighted up the tuberculosis latently existing, and caused Dryden's death.
2001 Calif. Compensation Cases, 2000 65 435 The WCJ found that Applicant's multiple sclerosis was lit up by his post-surgery fever, consequently the disability was compensable as a result of the industrial knee injury.
6.
a. transitive. To ignite and begin to smoke (a cigarette, pipe, etc., containing tobacco or other drugs).Cf. main sense 6b.
ΚΠ
1795 C. R. Hopson tr. C. P. Thunberg Trav. IV. 135 After supper is finished, recourse is again had to the delicious pipe,..which is now a second time lighted up.
1893 H. Vizetelly Glances Back I. xx. 398 Our artistic friend nonchalantly lighted up his cigar and smoked in the royal bed-chamber.
1987 B. A. Powe Ice Eaters ii. x. 150 He lit up a hash stick, passed it to me. The two of us got blown away.
2018 S. Graham-Felsen Green x. 282 Meghan lights up a cigarette..and passes it to me. I take a pull and..start coughing.
b. intransitive. To ignite a cigarette, pipe, etc., and begin smoking it.
ΚΠ
1845 Commerc. Jrnl. & Gen. Advertiser (Sydney) 12 July We have as much tobacco as we please,..so light up.
1943 J. B. Priestley Daylight on Sat. ix. 55 Blandford opened..a very fine silver cigarette-box, and both men lit up and were then silent.
2000 PS Nov. 148/4 Concentrating on giving up smoking only made me want to do it even more. When I left the session, the first thing I did was light up.
7. transitive. U.S. colloquial. To kill (a person) or destroy (a thing) with gunfire; to riddle with ammunition; to shoot up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > killing by specific method > kill [verb (transitive)] > by shooting
shootc893
shootc1275
to blow away1523
carry1653
to shoot (a person) down1845
stop1845
blow1871
ventilate1875
Maxim1894
poop1917
to blow apart1920
smoke1926
clip1927
cowboy1941
zap1942
Sten-gun1949
to light up1967
slot1987
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > fire (a gun) [verb (transitive)] > assail with gunfire
guna1679
crack1835
to shoot up1890
to light up1967
1967 P. Thomas Down these Mean Streets iii. 16 You'd..really light him up like Scarface in that gangster picture—swoon, crack, bang, bang, bang—short-nose, snub-nose pistol, and a machine gun.
1971 R. J. Glasser 365 Days viii. 118 Anyway, don't use it, or you'll have the gooks and our whole goddam division trying to light us up.
1997 M. A. Noriega & P. Eisner America's Prisoner (Afterword) 244 All of a sudden a car came through... They wouldn't stop, so we lit the car up right there on the runway.
2014 J. Sandford Deadline 111 ‘Stay low. If anybody uses a gun, I'm going to light him up.’ He didn't mean with a flashlight; he meant with a machine gun.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightadv.1

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Forms: Old English leohtor (comparative), late Old English lihtere (comparative), Middle English lich (perhaps transmission error), Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English ligth, Middle English liȝth, Middle English liht, Middle English lihte, Middle English lithte, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyȝth, Middle English lyht, Middle English–1500s lyght, Middle English–1500s lyghte, Middle English– light, 1500s–1600s lighte; English regional (northern) 1800s leeght, 1800s leet; also Scottish pre-1700 licht, pre-1700 lycht.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with or formed similarly to Old Frisian lichte , licht , lecht (West Frisian licht ), Old Dutch līhto (Middle Dutch lichte , Dutch licht ), Old Saxon līhto (Middle Low German lichte ), Old High German līhto (Middle High German līhte , līht , German leicht ) < the Germanic base of light adj.1 + a suffix forming adverbs.
In a light manner (in various senses of light adj.1); lightly. colloquial in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adverb]
lighteOE
eathOE
eathlyc1000
wellc1325
easilyc1384
easy1400
mackly1440
of light?c1450
facilely1490
facile1524
handsomely1538
eaths1594
simply1681
unproblematically1771
slick1825
the world > movement > bodily movement > [adverb] > agilely or nimbly
lighteOE
lightly?a1200
wightlyc1330
deliverlya1375
swipperly?a1400
wakerly?a1400
wighta1400
yaplya1400
featlyc1400
nimblyc1450
lightsomely1561
nimble1568
wimbly1594
yarelya1616
yare1622
featilya1640
agilely1663
cleverly1686
spry1855
lissomely1902
spryly1905
cattishly1913
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > [adverb]
recklesslyeOE
lighteOE
yemeleslichec1000
lightlyOE
recklessa1450
slightlya1557
uncaredly?1590
wretchlessly?16..
incuriously1603
uncarefully1655
carelessly1667
slightily1679
slapdash1680
lashly1691
cavalierly1718
negligent1738
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > [adverb]
lightlyeOE
light1484
eOE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Tanner) iv. xxi. 320 Þa wæs heo gesegen þurh twegen dagas, þæt hire leohtor & wel wære [L. uidebatur illa per biduum aliquanto leuius habere], swa þætte monige tealdon, þæt heo gehæled beon meahte.
OE Confessionale Pseudo-Egberti (Junius) 194 Gyf hwylc wydewe hy forlicge.., and gif heo þonne bearn hæbbe, bete twa gear fulle and oðre twa leohtor.
a1300 (?c1200) Prov. Alfred (Jesus Oxf.) (1955) 111 Þene vnþev lihte leten heo myhte.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 582 Þou ne ssalt bi him þat made me, ofskapie so liȝte.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 6585 He wend haf had fulle light, Edward at his wille.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) cxix. 160 Blessyd be the houre that my suster clothed her self so lyght.
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late ii. sig. F4v So light the Ferriman for loue doth care, As Venus passe not if she pay no fare.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream v. ii. 24 Euery Elfe and Fairy spright, Hop as light as birde from brier. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 105 He..treads so light, he scarcely prints the Plains. View more context for this quotation
1807 W. Wordsworth Poems II. 132 Thoughts that pass Light as the wind along the grass.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad lix. 88 Lie you easy, dream you light.
1904 N. Lloyd Soldier of Valley xv. 266 I stepped light along the porch, not wantin' to disturb him.
2005 F. Snowden Fatal Justice 98 Her mother rushed in and had told them to quiet down because old people, they slept light.

Phrases

P1. Proverb. light come (and) light go: what is easily acquired is often just as easily lost, or may be abandoned without regret; frequently expressing a carefree or fatalistic attitude, esp. towards material possessions. Now rare.Cf. easy come, easy go at easy adj., adv., and n. Additions.
ΚΠ
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. ix. sig. L Lyght come lyght go.
1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses iv. 17 Like a thriftless Wretch, spending the Goods and Gear that his Fore-Fathers won..light come, light go, he cares not a Farthing.
1876 H. N. Baker Sketches Austral. Life xiv. 184 I can't say exactly how the money went; but 'twas light come and light go.
1937 G. Heyer They found him Dead iv. 79 He was a bad husband to her. Light come light go.
1957 Country Life 13 June 1206/1 As for money, his only idea was to spend it in the most profuse and public manner possible. ‘Light come, light go’ seems to have been his motto.
P2. to think light of: to consider (a person or thing) to be unimportant or trivial. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxxix. 213 That..must be forborne here, though it leaue a miscontentment in the trauellours heade, who..thinkes light of the circunstance, which he sayth will yelde to it, though experience say no.
1640 E. Reynolds Treat. Passions xxix. 305 Agesilaus being so taken playing with his childe made his Apologie for it, and desired his friend not to thinke light of him, till he had children of his owne, for love will teach Greatnesse of Mind to descend.
1730 On Poetry & Poets in G. Jacob Ess. Conduct Life (ed. 3) 116 A true Poet; whose Character will be ever highly venerated by Men of the best Sense amongst us; and be thought light of only by the Dullest of Mankind.
1843 M. B. Howitt Alice Franklin vi. 58 His jolly friends rallied him; jeered him; tried to make him think light of what had happened.
1967 N.Y. Times 16 Apr. 56/3 Sometimes young men think light of what they're doing. They think light of taking the life of a person.

Compounds

C1. Forming adjectives with the sense ‘lightly ——; readily or easily ——’, as light-believing, light-clad, light-harnessed, light-loaded, light-shod, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > [adjective] > clad in or protected by armour > lightly
lightc1405
light-harnesseda1425
light-armeda1450
a1425 Medulla Gram. (Stonyhurst) f. 18 Credulus, lyȝt leuinge.
1533–4 Act 25 Hen. VIII c. 17 Many wilfull and light disposed persons..haue attempted the..violacion of the same statutes.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. (1634) Pref. The light-beleeving and ignorant multitude.
1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales i. xiii. 24 The Bructeri..Stertinius ouerthrew with a companie of light harnessed souldiers.
1751 Act 24 Geo. II c. 8 §17 Damages do often happen to light-loaded Barges..by deep-loaded Barges..lying across..in the said Rivers.
1798 W. Sotheby tr. C. M. Wieland Oberon xi. vii. 360 A veil, light-shadowing each voluptuous charm.
1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. lxxiii. 44 With milk-white crest, gold spur, and light-pois'd lance.
1859 Gardeners' Chron. 26 Nov. 952/1 In spite of its heavy coat, it [sc. the Russian setter] bears heat as well as the lighter-clad pointer.
1957 Daily Standard (Sikeston, Missouri) 26 Sept. 7/3 The city man, striking out with a bag of letters, is the light-shod foot soldier of the corps.
2017 Herald Sun (Austral.) (Nexis) 28 Mar. (Taste section) 25 Little nuggets of light-fried chicken.
C2.
light-hitting adj. (esp. of a person, usually in sporting contexts) that strikes something lightly or with little force; spec. (of a baseball or softball player) that does not hit the ball with power and has a low batting average.
ΚΠ
1892 Boston Daily Globe 29 June 5/2 Tim Keefe..had the light-hitting Bostonians at his mercy.
1931 Daily Mail 17 Nov. 16/7 In the rush and tumble into which the [boxing] contest developed he was always more likely to survive than the smaller-built, light-hitting Smith.
1962 Products List Circular (U. S. Small Business Administration) May 33 Light hitting hammers for the ‘home mechanic’ and hard hitting portable hammers for industry.
2015 P. Cava Indiana-born Major League Baseball Players 145/1 Ray Oyler grew up to be a slick-fielding, light-hitting shortstop for a World Series winner.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

lightadv.2

Brit. /lʌɪt/, U.S. /laɪt/
Forms: Old English leohte, Middle English lighte, Middle English liȝt, Middle English liȝte, Middle English liht, Middle English lihte, Middle English lyght, Middle English lyghte, Middle English lyȝt, Middle English lyht, Middle English lyhte, Middle English– light, 1500s lyth; also Scottish pre-1700 licht, pre-1700 lycht.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with or formed similarly to Middle Dutch lichte (Dutch licht ), Old Saxon liohto (Middle Low German lichte , lechte ), Middle High German liehte (German licht ) < the Germanic base of light adj.2 + a suffix forming adverbs.
Now colloquial and somewhat rare.
Brightly; with a bright light.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > intensity of light > [adverb] > brightly
brighteOE
lightOE
shireOE
fairOE
brightlyOE
sheen?c1225
shirelyc1230
sheenly1340
clearlya1375
shininglyc1384
clearc1385
cleana1400
shrillc1400
enclerea1440
lucidentlyc1508
sheerly1508
splendently1576
shiny1596
nitently1657
OE Crist III 1238 An is ærest orgeate þær þæt hy fore leodum leohte blicaþ, blæde ond byrhte ofer burga geseta.
OE Blickling Homilies 127 Þa [leohtfatu] beoð simle mid ele gefylde..& to þon leohte & beorhte scinaþ ælce niht.
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 654 Euch heate of þe hali gast þe bearneð se lihte, wið vte wastinde.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 37 In vche londe heo leomeþ liht.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 553 Þe liȝt lemand late laschis fra þe heuyn.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1289 These walles of berile..shoone ful lyghter than a glas.
c1536 Batayle of Egyngecourte sig. A.iiv With men of armes that lyth dyde leme.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 137 Its [sc. coal] in great pieces and so Cloven burns light so as the poorer sort works by it and so it serves for heate and light.
1815 S. Turner Hist. Eng. II. iii. ii. 86 The fire was burning light and clear, and they steered towards it.
2019 @LoveisMyteen 14 Jan. in twitter.com (O.E.D. Archive) I walked the dog like 40 minutes ago and the sun was shining so light and now it's snowing again ugh.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021).
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n.1eOEadj.1n.2eOEadj.2n.3eOEadj.3?1387v.1eOEv.2eOEadv.1eOEadv.2OE
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