attachv.

Brit.

/əˈtatʃ/, U.S.

/əˈtætʃ/

Forms: Middle English atacche, Middle English attachie, Middle English–1500s atache, Middle English–1600s attache, Middle English– attach, 1500s attorch, 1500s–1600s atach, 1500s– attatch (now nonstandard); Scottish pre-1700 attache, pre-1700 attaich, pre-1700 attatch, pre-1700 atteache, pre-1700 atteche, pre-1700 attege, pre-1700 atteiche, pre-1700 atteitch, pre-1700 1700s– attach.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin attachiare; French attaccher.

Etymology: < (i) post-classical Latin attachiare to bind (a person) to appear in court (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), to seize (goods) (13th cent. in British sources), to fasten (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), and its etymon (ii) Anglo-Norman attaccher, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French atacher, atachier, Anglo-Norman and Middle French attacher, attachier (French attacher) to fasten, affix (an object to another object) (c1100), to bind, unite (something to a person) emotionally (12th cent.), to associate (a thing with another) (a1349), in Anglo-Norman also to arrest (a person) in order to secure his or her submission to trial (beginning of the 13th cent. or earlier), to detain (a person) in custody (1215 or earlier), to impound (goods) (1215 or earlier), to lodge (an action) in court (a1267 or earlier), to fasten (an allegation) (late 13th cent. or earlier), to assign (possession of something) to (a person) (a1321 or earlier), of uncertain origin.Further etymology. The French verb is usually analysed as an alteration (with prefix substitution: compare a- prefix⁵) of Old French estachier to fasten, affix (an object) to another object (beginning of the 13th cent.; < estache stake n.¹). However, this poses both chronological problems (since Old French estachier appears to be first attested later than attachier ) and formal problems (since the unattested Germanic etymon of estache stake n.¹ does not show gemination of the medial k , whereas the French forms presuppose it). In order to address the formal difficulties, it has been suggested that Old French estache was borrowed from an apparently unattested variant of the Germanic noun with expressive gemination. Specific senses. With sense 9 compare similar use of French attacher to put (a person or his or her abilities) at the service of another person or group of people (1655; more usually (reflexive) to put (oneself or one's abilities) at the service of another person or group of people (1694 in attacher à quelqu'un )). With quot. c1425 at sense 11 perhaps compare Middle French (Northern) atacher , atachier to attack (a person or group of people) (attested in a small number of examples from a1400 to a1465). In later use in sense 11 after Italian attaccare attack v. Compare also later attack v., as well as the forms in Romance languages cited at that entry.

I. Senses relating to seizure of something or someone, chiefly in legal contexts.

1. Law. To seize by legal authority; to place or take under the control of a court; to seize and take legal custody of.

a. transitive. With a person as object. Also intransitive. Now chiefly historical.For a distinction from arrest see quot. 1691 at sense 1a(a).

(a) Without construction. Now rare.In quot. a1393 figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)]

at-holda1230

attacha1325

resta1325

takec1330

arrest1393

restay?a1400

tachec1400

seisinc1425

to take upa1438

stowc1450

seize1471

to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515

deprehend1532

apprehend1548

nipa1566

upsnatcha1566

finger1572

to make stay of1572

embarge1585

cap1590

reprehend1598

prehenda1605

embar1647

nap1665

nab1686

bone1699

roast1699

do1784

touch1785

pinch1789

to pull up1799

grab1800

nick1806

pull1811

hobble1819

nail1823

nipper1823

bag1824

lag1847

tap1859

snaffle1860

to put the collar on1865

copper1872

to take in1878

lumber1882

to pick up1887

to pull in1893

lift1923

drag1924

to knock off1926

to put the sleeve on1930

bust1940

pop1960

vamp1970

a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 6 Ant te king sal don enqueren..wat men habbeth idon suuch tressepas, ant thulke þat beth þerof aditede bi þulke enquestes sullen ben atached ant destreined bi þe grete destresse.

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 4517 ‘Ribaux,’ saide he, ‘ich ȝow attache, Aȝeld ȝow anon to me.’

c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. ii. 212 Eke wepte and wrong hire hondes whon heo was a-tachet.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 2698 (MED) He was attached with that writ Which love with his hond enseleth.

c1430 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 38/2 Thar sal nan be takyn na attachyt [L. attachiabitur]. bot gif he breke the pece of the fayr.

c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 18 (MED) Thus was Allipius wrongfully attached and meruelously delyuered.

1531–2 Act 23 Hen. VIII ii Euery shiriffe..shall attache the saide offenders.

1581 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) 1581/10/37 Ordinar juges, be thame selffis, thair deputis and officiaris, salhave power to atteiche and arreist the personis transgressouris of the said act.

1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 108 Often they attach poore innocents, when they cannot apprehend the guiltie.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. i. 6 Therefore make present satisfaction, Or Ile attach you by this Officer.

1656 T. Blount Glossographia Satellite,..a Serjeant, Catch-pole, one that attacheth.

1691 Blount's Νομο-λεξικον (ed. 2) at Attach He that attacheth, keeps the party attached, and presents him in Court at the day assigned in the Attachment.

1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 272 If upon such an Excussion there are not Goods found sufficient..his Body may be attach'd.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. xix The sheriff is commanded to attach him, by taking gage, that is certain of his goods which he shall forfeit if he doth not appear.

1814 W. Scott Waverley II. viii. 133 The means..of attaching this suspicious and formidable delinquent.

1992 Cambr. Law Jrnl. 51 519 As soon as the plaint was received, the bailiff was supposed to summon the defendant or attach him.

(b) With for, †of an offence.

ΚΠ

1433 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 478/2 Yf any maner Burgeys..be attached for any accion personel.

1467 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 373 (MED) No citezen inhabitaunt withyn the cite be attached by his body for eny accusement or trespas.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. lxxxi Guy his sone was attachyd for the same and sent to pryson.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 1045 The Duke of Buckingham attached of treason, and brought to the Tower.

1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. 31/2 Pausanias, being attached for treason, fled.

1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης ix. 83 The House of Peers gave..thir consent..to the attaching them of High Treason.

1679 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Reformation: 1st Pt. i. 14 He was attached of Heresie.

1797 T. Harwood Alumni Etonenses 119 He was attached for Treason, but cleared himself very worthily of the charge.

1823 W. Scott Peveril I. iv. 123 I attach thee of the crime of which thou hast but now made thy boast.

1861 C. M. Yonge Cameos lxiii, in Monthly Packet May 477 The Earl Marshal attached Glocester for high treason.

1913 H. D. Hazeltine in P. Vinogradoff Ess. Legal Hist. xiii. 273 The defendant, a tenant for life, was attached for waste.

1998 F. Getz Med. in Eng. Middle Ages 94 (note) John was attached for trespass on 29 August 1320.

ΚΠ

c1436 Domesday Ipswich (BL Add. 25011) in T. Twiss Black Bk. Admiralty (1873) II. 47 (MED) In the processe vsyd of swich nusaunce, by writ or with outen writ, be defendaunt attached be borrowes for to answere.

1576 G. Whetstone Ortchard of Repentance 117 in Rocke of Regard But now I am, attached to appeare, Afore a Iudge, at no mannes faultes that winkes.

1651 tr. J. Kitchin Jurisdictions 33 He shall be attached to appeare before the Justices.

1700 P. B. Help to Magistrates ii. 5 It seemeth he shall be Attached to be at the next Sessions upon Contempt.

1820 in Laws Territory of Michigan (1871) I. xxviii. 209 If he find resistance, he shall certify to the court the names of the resisters,..and they shall be attached to appear in the same court.

1883 Rep. Court of Appeals Texas 13 644 The witness Allen, at the instance of defendant, was attached to appear as a witness in the case.

1936 R. Stewart-Brown Serjeants of Peace in Medieval Eng. & Wales vi. 74 The serjeants who found a suspected offender attached him, under sureties, for appearance at the county court.

1967 D. M. Stenton in Pleas before King or Justices III. p. xii Gerard failed to appear on the day appointed and the court adjudged that he should be attached to appear in the octave of Trinity.

b. transitive. With property or goods as object.Occasionally also simply: to take into one's possession (without the implication of legal authority).

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > legal seizure or recovery of property > [verb (transitive)] > take into judicial power

attach?a1400

poind1478

impound1651

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 158 Þe godes attached waren to þe kyng of Cipres Isaac.

c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xix. l. 279 Hit is a preciouse present,..ac þe pouke hit haþ attachede [c1400 Trin. Cambr. y-tachid].

a1443 Chancery Petitions (P.R.O.) Ser. CP1 File 12 No. 41 (MED) Ȝour said suppliant arested and iiij hors of his charget with marchandise..attached as for a Wytherbode and a marke, a gayn lawe and reson.

1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xv. f. 28^v If any of these sayde officers fynde any maner of catell..they maye attache theym and cease theym as streyes.

1599 L. Lewkenor tr. G. Bardi in tr. G. Contarini Commonw. & Gouernment Venice 182 They haue the selling of such goods as are attached by executions.

1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 95 France..hath attach'd Our Merchants goods at Burdeux.

1677 New Castle Court Rec. 138 The Plaintiff hath attached..two or three Chests and a crascut saw.

1714 W. Scroggs Pract. Courts-leet (ed. 3) 172 An Attachment or Distringas to attach his Goods.

1773 J. Johnson Let. 29 June in Joshua Johnson's Letterbk. (1979) 82 If it's possible to attach Perkins, Buchanan & Brown's ships in the country, I would have you do it.

1853 T. I. Wharton Digest Cases Pennsylvania 168. §66 Choses in action of the wife cannot be attached for the husband's debt.

1882 C. Sweet Dict. Eng. Law at Attachment To attach property is to seize it, or place it under the control of a Court.

1922 Calif. Jurispr. VIII. 874 Where an officer, in attaching property, acts fairly and without malice, fraud or oppression, he is not so liable in such damages.

2012 T. A. Sullivan in R. Brubaker et al. Debtor World i. i. 25 When his debts became known, his goods were attached, and he..was in danger of being imprisoned.

†2. transitive. To indict before a tribunal; to charge with an offence; (more generally) to accuse. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)]

wrayc725

forwrayOE

beclepec1030

challenge?c1225

indict1303

appeachc1315

aditea1325

appeal1366

impeachc1380

reprovea1382

arraigna1400

calla1400

raign?a1425

to put upa1438

present?a1439

ditec1440

detectc1449

articlec1450

billc1450

peach1465

attach1480

denounce1485

aret1487

accusea1500

filea1500

delate1515

crimea1550

panel1560

articulate1563

prosecute1579

impleada1600

to have up1605

reprosecute1622

tainta1625

criminatea1646

affect1726

to pull up1799

rap1904

run1909

1480 in C. Rogers Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879) I. 231 Gif it hapynis ony of the tenentis of the said landis to be attegit til vthir Lordis Courtis.

a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Trial of Fox l. 978 in Poems (1981) 41 Be thow atteichit with thift, or with tressoun..Thy cheir changis.

a1522 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) xii. Prol. 266 Welcum celestial myrrour and aspy, Attechyng all that hantis sluggardy!

a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. Kk.viij They wolde..elles attache vs for fooles.

1589 T. Nashe Anat. Absurditie sig. Diiii^v They shall not be easily attached of any notable absurditie.

1655 M. Carter Anal. Honor in Honor Rediv. 81 In which Parliament the King attaches Earl Godwin, for that he had kil'd his brother.

†3. In non-legal contexts.

a. transitive. Of something abstract, as death, sickness, love, passion, misfortune, etc.: to seize, take hold of. Often in passive with with (also of). Obsolete.Cf. quot. a1393 at sense 1a(a) and sense 11.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack (of hostile agency)

besetOE

infighta1300

saila1300

seeka1300

visitc1340

beclipc1380

entainc1380

seizec1381

offendc1385

affectc1425

rehetea1450

take1483

attaintc1534

prevent1535

attach1541

attempt1546

affront1579

buffeta1593

to get at ——1650

assault1667

insult1697

to lay at1899

1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) sig. Aiiii^v If they had bene..attached with enuy and couaytise.

c1550 J. Bale Image Both Churches (new ed.) iii. sig. Ffvii^v Hastelye shal death attache them.

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Attached wyth syckenes.

1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 18 Attached of loue.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 5 I..am my selfe attach'd with wearinesse.

a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. vi. §3. 253 Attatched with a dangerous sicknesse.

1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 173 A sore sickness attached or attacked him.

1784 European Mag. Feb. 91/1 She was attached by a disorder, and after an attendance in some of the hospitals, was discharged incurable.

b. transitive. To seize physically, with hands, claws, etc. Also in figurative contexts. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)]

gripea900

afangOE

to lay hands (or hand) on or upon (also in, to)OE

repeOE

atfonga1000

keepc1000

fang1016

kip1297

seize1338

to seize on or upon1399

to grip toc1400

rapc1415

to rap and rendc1415

comprise1423

forsetc1430

grip1488

to put (one's) hand(s) on (also in, to, unto, upon)1495

compass1509

to catch hold1520

hap1528

to lay hold (up)on, of1535

seisin?c1550

cly1567

scratch1582

attach1590

asseizea1593

grasp1642

to grasp at1677

collar1728

smuss1736

get1763

pin1768

grabble1796

bag1818

puckerow1843

nobble1877

jump1882

snaffle1902

snag1962

pull1967

the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp

i-fangc888

gripc950

repeOE

befongOE

keepc1000

latchc1000

hentOE

begripec1175

becatchc1200

fang?c1200

i-gripea1225

warpa1225

fastenc1225

arepa1250

to set (one's) hand(s onc1290

kip1297

cleach?a1300

hendc1300

fasta1325

reachc1330

seizec1374

beclipc1380

takea1387

span1398

to seize on or upon1399

getc1440

handc1460

to catch hold1520

to take hold1530

to lay hold (up)on, of1535

grasple1553

to have by the backa1555

handfast1562

apprehend1572

grapple1582

to clap hold of1583

comprehend1584

graspa1586

attach1590

gripple1591

engrasp1593

clum1594

to seize of1600

begriple1607

fast hold1611

impalm1611

fista1616

to set (one's) hand to1638

to get one's hands on1649

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. viii. sig. Kk6 Like as a fearefull partridge, that is fledd From the sharpe hauke, which her attached neare.

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 351 Euery man attach the hand Of his faire Mistres.

1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iii. xv. 137 The Lion..lesse able to attach and rend his Prey.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. lxvi. 232 The strength of the Canon law growing to its full pitch, after a long chase attached the prey.

4. intransitive. To take legal effect, to come into legal operation or become of legal relevance. Frequently with upon.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > rule of law > [verb (intransitive)] > be or remain valid

runa1325

prescribe1445

attacha1626

speak1837

a1626 F. Bacon Learned Reading Statute of Uses (1642) 10 If the Feoffees had bin disseised by the Common Law, and an Ancestor collaterall of Cesty que use had released unto the disseisor, and his warranty had attached upon Cesty que use, yet the Chancellour upon this matter shewed, would have not respect unto it.

1705 G. Billinghurst Arcana Clericalia 125 Where Warranty Descended and Attached upon the Heir in Remainder is Defeated by the Entry of the Tenant for life, who is not bound.

1818 H. T. Colebrooke Treat. Obligations & Contracts 93 If the whole obligation do not attach, the whole of it fails.

1829 R. Southey in Q. Rev. 41 385 Wherever they should make their settlement, there the laws of England attached.

1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. i. xi. 174 The wife's right to dower accordingly attached.

1848 J. Arnould Law Marine Insurance I. i. i. 3 When the liability of the underwriter commences under the contract, the technical mode of expressing this is by saying that ‘the policy attaches’.

1875 K. E. Digby Introd. Hist. Law Real Prop. iii. 100 To give the tenure the character of tenure by knightservice, and consequently to cause the incidents of wardship and marriage to attach.

1921 Minnesota Law Rev. Jan. 153 In criminal cases jeopardy does not attach until the jury is impaneled and sworn.

1993 J. R. Grodin et al. Calif. State Constit.: Ref. Guide ii. 62 The right under the state constitution attaches upon the filing of a complaint against the accused, whereas the comparable federal right does not attach until arrest.

II. To fasten, affix, connect.

a. transitive. To fasten or join (a thing) to another thing, or a place or position, by sticking, tying, stitching, clipping, etc.; to affix. Also: to adjoin directly. Usually with to.no strings attached: see string n. 1f(b).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > attach or affix [verb (transitive)]

fastenOE

fasta1225

tachec1315

to-seta1340

catcha1350

affichea1382

to put ona1382

tacka1387

to put to1396

adjoina1400

attach?a1400

bend1399

spyndec1400

to-tachc1400

affixc1448

complexc1470

setc1480

attouch1483

found?1541

obligate1547

patch1549

alligate1563

dight1572

inyoke1595

infixa1616

wreathe1643

adlige1650

adhibit1651

oblige1656

adent1658

to bring to1681

engage1766

superfix1766

to lap on1867

accrete1870

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 11770 Þer mot men se maryners, many wight man in schippes sers, ropes to right..boulyne to set, boulyne to hale, bordes, keuiles, atache to [a1450 Lamb. atached þe] wale.

c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 95 (MED) An ape is tyed to a blok and is atached that he may not stye an hy.

c1475 Bk. Marchalsi (Trin. Cambr.) f. 59^v (MED) If þat an yreyne be attached to hys bridell.

a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) i. Prol. l. 297 Quha is attachit ontill a staik, we se, May go na ferthir bot wreil about that tre.

1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits vi. 84 To remaine..affixed, in sort as the sparrowes are attached to birdlime.

1634 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World (new ed.) I. xxviii. xii. 330 It would be slit through the length in two parts, & both pieces attached to the shirt of the patient.

1664 M. Mackaile Moffet-well 47 The water doth not depose its salt upon the rocks; else it would be attached to the very inmost stones of the Neather-well (which is false) as well as to the outmost.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Column Column inserted, or back'd, is that attach'd to a Wall, by a third or fourth Part of its Diameter.

1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) at Toggel It serves as an hook whereby to attach the tackle to a strop.

1798 T. Holcroft Inquisitor v. iv. 62 A high Gallery, leading to the Cells, which are lighted by a Lamp attached to the Wall.

1803 Gazetteer Scotl. at Dalziel The mansion-house of Dalziel, attached to the old tower or chateau of the manor.

1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth vii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 189 The hundred points or latchets which were the means of attaching the doublet to the hose.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. §3. 30 Moving the staff with such fragments attached to it.

1937 Amer. Home Apr. 18/2 If the lot is sufficiently wide, the garage can be attached to the house at the street level.

1955 Times 4 June 6/6 A device attached to the subscriber's television set.

1984 A. C. Duxbury & A. Duxbury Introd. World's Oceans vi. 192 A small weight known as a messenger is then attached around the hydrowire.

2005 R. Ellis Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn vi. 212 The end of the catheter is then attached to an empty intravenous fluid bag.

b. transitive. To clip, staple, or otherwise affix (a related document) to another; (more broadly) to append or enclose (a document).

ΚΠ

1415 in E. F. Jacob & H. C. Johnson Reg. Henry Chichele (1937) II. 46 (MED) Al my good and catell specified and declared in a roll unto my forsaide lettre of ȝift and graunt attached and annext.

1692 J. Quick Synodicon I. xxiv. 104 Which Catalogue shall be attached to the Original Acts of this Synod, and kept by that Province whose Priviledge it will be to convocate the next National Synod.

1790 J. Meares Voyages Appendix A Spanish paper attached to this affidavit, duly authenticated by the Chief of the Spanish East India Company at Canton.

1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Warrant... Likewise a document with the sign manual attached to it, to authorize the receipt of public monies at the treasury, &c.

1892 Daily News 25 Mar. 3/2 I attach a copy of Private O'Grady's defaulter-sheet.

1922 E. S. Furniss Foreign Exchange vii. 175 One of the duplicate bills of exchange is attached to each set of shipping documents.

1991 S. Larsen & R. Larsen Fire in Mind iv. xxii. 464 Jean wrote Joseph a letter..with a press clipping attached.

2007 FDCC Q. 57 267 A complete copy of Homeowners 3 ISO 2001 Coverage D—Loss of Use Form is attached hereto as Appendix A.

c. transitive. In electronic communications: to add (a file) to an email, etc., as an attachment (attachment n. 6c).

ΚΠ

1987 InfoWorld 4 May 24/3 With Email, users..can attach DOS files or the Windows clipboard to a message before forwarding it.

1997 P. Cornwell Unnatural Exposure ii. 39 A graphic file had been attached, and I downloaded and decompressed it.

2009 L. Lippman in N.Y. Times Mag. 4 Jan. 18/1 This one [sc. an email] was from her mother, who had attached a file. Tess didn't even know her mother knew how to attach files.

6. transitive. To focus or concentrate (the heart, the eyes, etc.) on (also upon) or to an object. Frequently in passive. Somewhat rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > stare or gaze at

bestarec1220

bigapea1250

to gape atc1290

fix14..

to stick one's eyes in (also into)c1485

attacha1500

porec1500

to take feeding (of)c1500

stare1510

(to have) in gaze1577

gaze1591

outstare1596

over-stare1600

devour1628

trysta1694

ogle1795

begaze1802

toise1888

fixate1889

rubberneck1897

eyeball1901

a1500 ( Poems from Pilgrimage of Soul (Egerton) in F. J. Furnivall Wks. T. Hoccleve: Regement Princes (1897) p. xlv It is to me but alle discountfortable To se myn herte attached the vpon.

1664 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders (new ed.) i. sig. c2 I did not attach my Eyes onely on the generality of Objects, but did exactly consider some particulars worthy of note.

1899 H. James Awkward Age (2013) xxiii. 249 He dropped into a chair, where, leaning forward, his elbows on the arms and his gaze attached to the carpet, he drew out the silence.

1979 Summary of World Broadcasts Pt. 2: Eastern Europe (B.B.C.) 29 Mar. EE/6079/A3/1 Much attention in these studies is attached to the problematique of deformation of socialism.

2003 CMJ New Music Rep. 10 Nov. 27/2 Aceeeeeeed! That's the word that Longtime fans of Josh Wink will be ecstatically screaming when they get their ears attached to the Philadelphia producer/DJ's latest LP.

a. transitive. To connect as a corollary, accompaniment, or consequence; to ascribe or attribute. Usually with to (formerly also †with, †upon). Often in passive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute or ascribe as an attribute

puta1382

applya1393

suppose?a1425

ascribec1475

attach?1531

attribute1533

adscribe1534

assign?1541

allude1561

repose1561

predicate1614

?1531 tr. Erasmus Treat. perswadynge Man Patientlye to Suffre sig. B^v Howe littell & howe small a portion therof we passe forth..that is nat attached with some maner greffe and displeasure?

1700 H. Layton Search after Souls i. 120 Unless Mens Souls be propagated from Adam, as well as their Bodies, by what means should Original Sin come to be attached to the Souls of all Men.

1717 Censor III. 142 The Croud of Ills that are attached to our Nature.

1760 J. Marchant New Compl. Eng. Dict. at Person In Theology, the Godhead is divided into three persons; but here the word person is designed to convey a peculiar idea very different from that attached to it every where else.

1784 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XVI. 281 Probably he would be able to attach guilt upon these very actions which the learned gentleman could extol as proofs of merit.

1837 B. Disraeli Venetia I. 108 Little credibility..should be attached to such legends.

1845 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation i. iv. 133 The inconveniences attached to duties on expenditure.

a1878 B. Taylor Stud. German Lit. (1879) 111 To this treasure a curse is attached.

1922 Chambers's Jrnl. Dec. 875/1 The natives..chew it from boyhood, and attach great importance to it as a growth-making agent.

1940 Pop. Mech. Feb. 189 The hundreds of problems attached to its [sc. a telescope's] construction.

1970 Redempt. Tidings 13 Aug. 7/1 It is from the Plymouth Brethren that we inherit the central significance we attach to the Lord's Table.

2012 D. D. Novotny Ragdoll Redeemed i. 1 There is little, if any, shame attached to having a child outside of the sanctity of marriage in twenty-first century America.

b. transitive. To affix (a name, description, etc.) to as an adjunct.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute to as belonging or appropriate > attach an attribute to

remit1579

title1642

attach1743

1743 M. Towers in tr. Horace Lyric Pieces I. Pref. p. xvi This Critic adds that he sees no Reason for attaching the Name of Epodes to this Book.

1843 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic I. i. vi. §2 Certain properties to which mankind have chosen to attach that name.

1919 T. Murray Story of Irish in Argentina i. 26 Winton and Miller..are always termed ‘citizen’, but no such qualifying epithet is attached to Don Patricio's name.

1961 A. Gustafson Hist. Swedish Lit. v. 135 Seldom if ever in literary history has a monarch's name more appropriately been attached to a literary period.

1985 P. L. Cuyler Sumo 150 All elders..have the title oyakata attached to their name.

2011 Independent 4 Aug. 23/4 Nothing generates record and concert sales like being able to attach ‘Grammy winner’ or ‘Grammy-nominated’ to your name.

c. With to, †on, †upon. To be connected as a corollary, accompaniment, or consequence; (also) to fall as an obligation or liability.

(a) intransitive. In general constructions.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > [verb (transitive)] > fall as a duty upon

falla1402

attach1753

devolve1769

1753 C. Viner Gen. Abridgm. Law & Equity XI. 292 Where there is an Outlawry and a Seisure thereupon the Debt attaches upon the Land.

1780 E. Burke Speech Econ. Reform in Wks. (1826) III. 338 It is..just..that the loss should attach upon the delinquency.

1787 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XXII. 125 He thought..that they should be rendered liable to such part as would attach to their situation.

1789 Hist. & Proc. Lords & Commons 447 It had been asked, what responsibility attached to the advisers of her Majesty, or to those who countersigned the Proclamation? He answered, the same responsibility that attached to any Privy Counsellor for advice given to the Monarch.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1753 I. 137 For that the right of Chieftainship attached to the blood of primogeniture, and, therefore, was incapable of being transferred.

1808 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) II. 312 Without any farther suspicion..than attaches to all works written in an age of physical credulity.

1818 G. Dallas Let. 30 June in S. Parr Wks. (1828) VII. 191 The just veneration that attaches on your opinions.

1852 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation (ed. 2) ii. vi. 284 The stamp-duties have a tendency to facilitate the transactions on which they attach.

1859 Ecce Homo iii. 22 All the advantages which attach to hereditary monarchy.

1863 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea I. 491 Blame attaches upon Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet for yielding.

1925 Amer. Mercury May 28/2 The superior flavor that attaches to exclusiveness.

1974 V. B. Mountcastle Med. Physiol. (ed. 13) II. lx. 1412/1 Special significance attaches to those that neutralize the buffer anions.

2008 V. Ramachandra Subverting Global Myths iii. 94 A clear recognition arose among ‘enlightened’ thinkers of the natural rights that attach to every human being.

(b) intransitive. As present participle following a noun.

ΚΠ

1796 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XLV. 49 There was in this instance also no blame attaching to any quarter.

1834 T. De Quincey Sketches Life & Manners in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Mar. 91/2 The peculiar circumstances attaching to a royal ball.

1879 R. K. Douglas Confucianism iii. 78 The..ceremonies attaching to the social distinctions.

1920 Special Official Gaz. (Kenya) 14 June 578/2 The conditions attaching to the closure were fair and reasonable.

1959 New Scientist 3 Sept. 362/2 (advt.) These appointments carry salaries fully commensurate with the importance attaching to the work.

2009 R. G. Johnston Random Wisdom (2012) v. 93 There is no fault attaching to the unfortunate person whose mind is so unhinged that he is not aware of the sin he is committing.

d. transitive. To affix or include (a condition) as part of a contract, agreement, offer, etc. Frequently with to.

ΚΠ

1792 ‘Impartial Man’ Hints New Reg. Sugar-trade 11 The consignment of the sugars to the lender..[is] always a condition attached to the loan.

1856 M. M. Busk Mediæval Popes, Emperors, Kings, & Crusaders III. iv. ii. 274 To these..salaries, he attached the condition, that professors, who accepted them, were never to teach elsewhere.

1899 Independent (N.Y.) 4 May 1266 When Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan..offered $1,000,000 to be used in the erection..of a hospital building, he attached the condition that the income..should be sufficient to support the hospital.

1930 Scotsman 10 Apr. 10/5 The legatee would take the legacy as though no condition had been attached.

1966 Listener 4 Aug. 155/1 There may be one or more conditions attached to it [sc. parole], and failure to observe them may cause the paroled prisoner to be returned to prison.

2002 Build It Nov. 99/1 One of the conditions attached to our planning permission for a new house is to retain an old oak tree.

a. transitive. To join in sympathy, affection, or partiality to a person, place, etc.; to connect or attract intellectually or emotionally to. Usually in passive.In passive use sometimes difficult to distinguish from predicative use of attached adj. 2.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > affection > [verb (transitive)] > join in sympathy or affection

couple1362

attach1621

wedge1629

bond1965

cleave1979

1621 J. Fletcher et al. Trag. of Thierry & Theodoret iv. i. sig. L7^v Her phisitian By this time is attacht to that dam'd diuell.

1678 J. Sergeant Of Devotion iii. 24 All spiritual Masters use to take great care, that those souls who find sweetness in their prayer, be not attacht to it, lest they fall into spiritual Gluttony.

1688 A. Behn tr. J.-B. de Brilhac Agnes de Castro 3 Her Merit alone ought to have attach'd Don Pedro eternally to her.

1732 P. Delany Revelation examined with Candour I. iii. 20 That the affection and endearment arising from marriage should yet get the better of these ties, so as to attach a man nearer to a stranger taken to his breast, than to those very parents whose blood ran in his veins.

1761 Brit. Mag. Sept. 493/1 To form the manners, and attach the mind to virtue.

1793 T. Beddoes Observ. Nature Demonstrative Evid. 9 Readers, attached to these speculations, will find abundant entertainment.

1816 J. Austen Emma III. x. 175 When I was very much disposed to be attached to him.

1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) ix. 109 How she kept her father's house in order..how she attached her little brothers to her.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 165 The theological system to which his family was attached.

1903 Southern Planter Aug. 534/1 Her uncle, whose kindly and genial nature attached her to him.

1954 W. Lewis Self Condemned i. i. 10 She had become attached to this little being as she would to a small disgruntled squirrel, had she received so eccentric a gift.

1995 D. Cayley G. Grant in Conversation Pref., p. ix I knew George Grant only during the few days that these conversations were recorded,..but it still attached me to him very strongly.

2005 India Abroad 11 Mar. m6 I am attached to my family and my friends but I can also be very stubborn about what I want to be.

b. transitive. To elicit sympathy, affection, or emotional or intellectual attraction from; to attract. Now archaic and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > loved one > win the affection of [verb (transitive)]

endeara1586

strike1602

attach1811

to take, catch the fancy of1849

the mind > emotion > love > affection > [verb (transitive)] > win or attract the attachment of

attach1811

1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility III. i. 12 So totally unamiable, so absolutely incapable of attaching a sensible man.

1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XII xxxv. 22 Fred really was attach'd.

1858 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia II. ix. iv. 430 I return you all..except Charles Douze, which attaches me infinitely.

1861 C. H. Pearson Early & Middle Ages Eng. xxvi Enemies whom no defeat could intimidate, and no peace attach.

1966 G. Heyer Black Sheep ix. 135 She says he is like a brother to her! And although I fancy he has a strong tendre for her he has done nothing to attach her.

a. transitive. With to. To bring (a person) into close association or practical connection with another person, a group or body, or a duty or activity. Frequently reflexive: to join a group or body, or accompany a person, in later use esp. without being invited.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)] > connect or join on functionally

attach1649

1649 J. Ricraft Civill Warres (new ed.) v. 29 Upon the eruption of the civil war, he took the side of the parliament, but afterward attached himself to the king.

1681 N. Resbury Serm. preach'd at Funeral of Alan Broderick 19 He..having so nearly attacht himself to one of the greatest Ministers of State that this Kingdom ever knew..made himself no small Figure in the administration.

a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xix. 401 The Great and the Rich depend on the Assistances of those whom their Power or their Wealth attaches to them.

1734 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) I. 189/2 He rather thought, that Achish would be glad of the opportunity of shewing his generosity to his enemy, and of attaching a man of his importance to his own party.

1781 W. Cowper Charity 16 God..By various ties attaches man to man.

1788 Convent. His Most Christian Majesty & 13 U.S. of N. Amer. ii. 2/2 The Consuls and vice-Consuls, and persons attached to their functions that is to say, their Chancellors and Secretaries.

1801 V. M. du Pont de Nemours Journey to France & Spain (1961) 29 Mr. Esmangard..is a kind of Poet laureat attached to the Ministry of the Interior.

1808 W. Scott Mem. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1842) i. 16/2 That I should seriously consider to which department of the law I was to attach myself.

1815 J. Scott Visit to Paris iii. 39 A conductor is attached to each Diligence.

1835 B. Disraeli Let. 9 Aug. (1982) II. 79 An underling who had officiously attached himself to the party of my gallant opponent.

1858 Jrnl. Royal Geogr. Soc. 28 219 Mr. Frost, the intelligent medical officer attached to the consulate.

1873 H. B. Tristram Land of Moab i. 8 A Bedouin who had attached himself to us.

1924 Times 17 Mar. 13/5 Young Conservatives who desire to prove by attaching themselves to constituencies for social service that their Conservative ideal is one which they are prepared to maintain by action.

1952 Chambers's Jrnl. May 299/1 The Major introduced them without enthusiasm and Basil promptly attached himself to the party, much to the Major's annoyance.

1995 S. Brewer in R. Hurd Early Lett. (1995) 348 (note) An Italian historian, who spent most of the early part of his life in France attached to the court.

2011 B. O'Reilly & M. Dugard Killing Lincoln 143 Lincoln never attached himself to an organized religion as an adult.

b. transitive. With to. spec. To allocate for service to a particular military unit, or to another armed force, sometimes esp. for temporary or special duties. Chiefly in passive.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military organization > organize military affairs [verb (transitive)] > appoint to specific regiment or unit

regiment1681

attach1778

1778 G. Washington Let. 17 Jan. in Papers (2003) XIII. 258 The Certificates of their [sc. waggoners] being attached to the Continental Army..will be deliver'd to you.

1787 G. Greive in tr. F. J. de Chastellux Trav. N.-Amer. I. 101 Doctor Brown of Bridport in Dorsetshire, but who has been long settled in America, and was attached to the continental army.

1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) Officers and non-commissioned officers are said to be attached to the..army, regiment, [etc.]..with which they are appointed to act.

1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 470/2 Wing Officer, an officer of the Indian army attached to a wing of a native infantry regiment.

1909 Regs. for Mobilization 8 The equipment..which he would take with him when transferred or attached to another unit.

1961 R. Maugham Slaves of Timbuktu 207 In the back were two Goumiers attached to the Commandant's staff.

1996 J. A. Martin et al. in R. J. Ursano & A. E. Norwood Emotional Aftermath of Persian Gulf War ix. 234 Soldiers who had been attached to another unit were at special risk of not being adequately supported.

c. transitive. With to. To affiliate (an organization, group, body, etc.) to a larger body or organization. Chiefly in passive.

ΚΠ

1836 Mechanics' Mag. June 331/1 There shall be established, and attached to the Department of State, an office to be denominated the Patent-office.

1881 Jrnl. Royal Statist. Soc. 44 363 A central statistical office should be attached to the department which compiles trade statistics generally.

1917 Times 11 Apr. 6/3 The department of international relations attached to the committee of workmen's and soldiers' delegates.

1984 W. M. Leary Central Intelligence Agency 118 Office of Policy Coordination, a component attached to the CIA but reporting to the Departments of State and Defense.

2004 J. A. Amyx Japan's Financial Crisis (2006) viii. 175 Their..proposal to establish a subsidiary agency attached to the ministry to oversee inspections of financial institutions.

10. Of a thing: to bond, join, or fasten on to; to connect functionally to.

a. transitive (reflexive). Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > attach or affix [verb (reflexive)]

affix?1529

attach1664

1664 M. Mackaile Moffet-well Pref. 18 Some Volatile-salt (which attacheth it self to the sides of the recipient, like Spiders webs).

1730 Philos. Trans. 1729–30 (Royal Soc.) 36 636 Melted Tin is sufficiently disposed to attach it self to solid Tin.

1778 C. Milne Bot. Dict. (ed. 2) at Semen Some seeds attach themselves to animals, by means of hooks, crotchets, or hairs.

1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) II. 132 Water..diffused..through the air..attaches itself, to the glass-windows and the polished stones of our houses.

1861 J. S. Mill Utilitarianism 41 No reason why all these motives..should not attach themselves to the utilitarian morality, as completely..as to any other.

1900 Amer. Naturalist 34 766 A smaller microgametocyte attaches itself to a larger macrogamete.

1920 G. S. Hall tr. S. Freud Gen. Introd. Psychoanal. xxv. 344 We find a general condition of anxiety..which is ready to attach itself to any appropriate idea.

1952 G. F. Hervey & J. Hems Freshwater Trop. Aquarium Fishes vii. 72 Argulus or Fish Louse..attaches itself to a fish and feeds on its blood.

2011 S. Mukherjee Emperor of all Maladies 365 The missing head of chromosome twenty-two had attached itself elsewhere—to the tip of chromosome nine.

b. intransitive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > be or become attached or affixed [verb (intransitive)]

stick1621

fix1682

attach1798

1798 tr. L. Spallanzani Trav. Two Sicilies I. v. 159 A thin whitish crust, light, soft to the touch, which attaches to the tongue, and is extremely friable.

1803 W. Bingley Animal Biogr. III. 269 They form a sort of white grease which attaches to the branches of trees, hardens there, and becomes wax.

1939 C. H. L. Needham Aircraft Design II. ix. 157 Where tail-plane supporting members attach to the fin stern post, the resultant compressive load should be taken into account.

1993 Conservationist Jan. 30/1 Rotenone attaches to the gills of the fish, suffocating them instantly.

2006 M. Crichton Next xciv. 410 All these superficial muscles, most of which attach to the hyoid.

†III. To attack.

11. transitive. To attack; spec. to take military action against. Also: to join or enter (a battle). Cf. attack v. 1a. Obsolete.The precise meaning in quot. c1425 is not entirely certain.

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

c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 14062 (MED) Many an hed he ther to-cleued..many a Gregeis he ther atacched.

1562 J. Shute in tr. A. Cambini in Two Comm. Turcks Ep. Ded. sig. **.iii^v Minutius forthwith: sent forthe his lighte armed men and attached the scaramoche.

1578 J. Polemon All Famous Battels 176 The battaile was incontinently attached, and very hote.

1587 J. Polemon 2nd Pt. Bk. Battailes sig. E^v The Protestantes retyred from the place where they had attached their enimie.

1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times iii. 41 The Archduke threatned to attach Reyne Berk with a siege.

1631 J. Bingham in tr. Ælian Art of embattailing Army xxxix. 41 The fight being attached by 3 armies, it must needs be that the very sight and manner of the conflict appeared strange.

1666 W. Killigrew Seege of Urbin v. 48 in 4 New Playes The Walls are every where attach'd.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	attach
释义	† attachn. Forms: Middle English atach, 1500s–1600s attache, 1600s–1800s attach; Scottish pre-1700 attaich, pre-1700 attaiche. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: attach v. Etymology: < attach v. Compare attachment n., attaching n.With sense 3 compare Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French atache, Anglo-Norman and Middle French ataiche, Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French attache band of a cloak (late 12th cent.), ribbon (beginning of the 13th cent. or earlier), buckle (13th cent. or earlier), (more generally) any means of attaching something (1520). Obsolete. 1. An attack; spec. an attack of disease. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > [noun] > bout or attack of onfalleOE cothec1000 bitc1175 accessc1300 attacha1400 shota1400 swalma1400 storm1540 excess?1541 accession1565 qualm1565 oncome1570 grasha1610 attachment1625 ingruence1635 turn1653 attack1665 fit1667 surprise1670 drow1727 tossa1732 irruption1732 sick1808 tout1808 whither1808 spell1856 go1867 whip1891 a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 281 Atach of þe feuere. 1578 J. Polemon All Famous Battels 275 The light attaches waxed still hoter and hoter, and encreased euery moment. 1667 J. Caryll Eng. Princess iv. iii. 38 Your Counsel then were good; But else her Fate By my Attache I should accelerate. 1674 J. Bryan Harvest-home §4. 23 Free from attaches Of sickness, weakness, in no part feel aches. 1682 ‘Philo-veritas’ Second Pt. Growth Popery 203 The French King..pressed night & day the more, to straighten the Town without Attaches upon the place, by incamping round. 1698 D. Kennedy Late Hist. Europe viii. 38 The Grand Visier having Intelligence of the approach of the Confederate Forces, carryes on his attaches with great diligence, till the eleventh. 2. Law. An act of seizing and taking a person or thing into legal custody; an arrest. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [noun] attachmenta1325 arresting1424 arrest1440 arrestment1474 restc1500 attach1508 attaching1515 deprehension1527 prehension1534 apprehending1563 apprehension1577 cog-shoulder1604 caption1609 deprension1654 nap1655 arrestation1792 body-snatching1840 shoulder-tap1842 collar1865 fall1883 nicking1883 cop1886 pinch1900 pickup1908 1508 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 254/2 But ony hurt..impediment, injure, attaich or arreist to be done to thaim. 1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Evij^v The meanes for my attach. 1607 T. Heywood Woman Kilde with Kindnesse sig. B4 I am made the vnwilling instrument Of your attach and apprehension. 1641 Termes de la Ley Attach is a taking or apprehending by command or writ. 1682 J. Scarlett Stile of Exchanges xxi. 149 If the Drawer be yet in credit, the Acceptant cannot be compelled by Arrests or Attaches, to make satisfaction. 3. A means of attaching something, a fastener; a thing attached. Chiefly figurative: a tie, an attachment; also as a mass noun. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > binding or tying > a bond, tie, or fastening > [noun] knitting13.. knot1393 ligaturec1400 embracer1548 attacha1586 ligation1598 ligament1599 writh1650 vinculum1678 alligature1755 a1586 Lindsay MS f. 10, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Attaich(e Ane harness..couerit with ladder sowit with pointis..and tua attaiches lairge for to atteiche thame into his brayer. 1663 G. Mackenzie Religio Stoici 109 Have the weakest attachs to this life. 1679 E. Griffith Pax Vobis vii. 142 J hope the Lord has giuen me that profound respect and attache to our holy Reformation, that I shall not be beaten from it by all your engines. 1694 Ladies' Dict. An attache is, as much as to say..one thing fasten'd to another. 1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. Attach, Tie, Respect, Inclination. 1742 L. Brown tr. J. B. Bossuet Hist. Variations Protestant Churches I. Pref. p. xxxi The only remedy for those great evils, is to break off all attach to [Fr. se détacher de] private judgment. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online December 2021). attachv. Brit. /əˈtatʃ/, U.S. /əˈtætʃ/ Forms: Middle English atacche, Middle English attachie, Middle English–1500s atache, Middle English–1600s attache, Middle English– attach, 1500s attorch, 1500s–1600s atach, 1500s– attatch (now nonstandard); Scottish pre-1700 attache, pre-1700 attaich, pre-1700 attatch, pre-1700 atteache, pre-1700 atteche, pre-1700 attege, pre-1700 atteiche, pre-1700 atteitch, pre-1700 1700s– attach. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin attachiare; French attaccher. Etymology: < (i) post-classical Latin attachiare to bind (a person) to appear in court (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), to seize (goods) (13th cent. in British sources), to fasten (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), and its etymon (ii) Anglo-Norman attaccher, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French atacher, atachier, Anglo-Norman and Middle French attacher, attachier (French attacher) to fasten, affix (an object to another object) (c1100), to bind, unite (something to a person) emotionally (12th cent.), to associate (a thing with another) (a1349), in Anglo-Norman also to arrest (a person) in order to secure his or her submission to trial (beginning of the 13th cent. or earlier), to detain (a person) in custody (1215 or earlier), to impound (goods) (1215 or earlier), to lodge (an action) in court (a1267 or earlier), to fasten (an allegation) (late 13th cent. or earlier), to assign (possession of something) to (a person) (a1321 or earlier), of uncertain origin.Further etymology. The French verb is usually analysed as an alteration (with prefix substitution: compare a- prefix⁵) of Old French estachier to fasten, affix (an object) to another object (beginning of the 13th cent.; < estache stake n.¹). However, this poses both chronological problems (since Old French estachier appears to be first attested later than attachier ) and formal problems (since the unattested Germanic etymon of estache stake n.¹ does not show gemination of the medial k , whereas the French forms presuppose it). In order to address the formal difficulties, it has been suggested that Old French estache was borrowed from an apparently unattested variant of the Germanic noun with expressive gemination. Specific senses. With sense 9 compare similar use of French attacher to put (a person or his or her abilities) at the service of another person or group of people (1655; more usually (reflexive) to put (oneself or one's abilities) at the service of another person or group of people (1694 in attacher à quelqu'un )). With quot. c1425 at sense 11 perhaps compare Middle French (Northern) atacher , atachier to attack (a person or group of people) (attested in a small number of examples from a1400 to a1465). In later use in sense 11 after Italian attaccare attack v. Compare also later attack v., as well as the forms in Romance languages cited at that entry. I. Senses relating to seizure of something or someone, chiefly in legal contexts. 1. Law. To seize by legal authority; to place or take under the control of a court; to seize and take legal custody of. a. transitive. With a person as object. Also intransitive. Now chiefly historical.For a distinction from arrest see quot. 1691 at sense 1a(a). (a) Without construction. Now rare.In quot. a1393 figurative. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)] at-holda1230 attacha1325 resta1325 takec1330 arrest1393 restay?a1400 tachec1400 seisinc1425 to take upa1438 stowc1450 seize1471 to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515 deprehend1532 apprehend1548 nipa1566 upsnatcha1566 finger1572 to make stay of1572 embarge1585 cap1590 reprehend1598 prehenda1605 embar1647 nap1665 nab1686 bone1699 roast1699 do1784 touch1785 pinch1789 to pull up1799 grab1800 nick1806 pull1811 hobble1819 nail1823 nipper1823 bag1824 lag1847 tap1859 snaffle1860 to put the collar on1865 copper1872 to take in1878 lumber1882 to pick up1887 to pull in1893 lift1923 drag1924 to knock off1926 to put the sleeve on1930 bust1940 pop1960 vamp1970 a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 6 Ant te king sal don enqueren..wat men habbeth idon suuch tressepas, ant thulke þat beth þerof aditede bi þulke enquestes sullen ben atached ant destreined bi þe grete destresse. c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 4517 ‘Ribaux,’ saide he, ‘ich ȝow attache, Aȝeld ȝow anon to me.’ c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. ii. 212 Eke wepte and wrong hire hondes whon heo was a-tachet. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 2698 (MED) He was attached with that writ Which love with his hond enseleth. c1430 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 38/2 Thar sal nan be takyn na attachyt [L. attachiabitur]. bot gif he breke the pece of the fayr. c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 18 (MED) Thus was Allipius wrongfully attached and meruelously delyuered. 1531–2 Act 23 Hen. VIII ii Euery shiriffe..shall attache the saide offenders. 1581 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) 1581/10/37 Ordinar juges, be thame selffis, thair deputis and officiaris, salhave power to atteiche and arreist the personis transgressouris of the said act. 1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 108 Often they attach poore innocents, when they cannot apprehend the guiltie. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. i. 6 Therefore make present satisfaction, Or Ile attach you by this Officer. View more context for this quotation 1656 T. Blount Glossographia Satellite,..a Serjeant, Catch-pole, one that attacheth. 1691 Blount's Νομο-λεξικον (ed. 2) at Attach He that attacheth, keeps the party attached, and presents him in Court at the day assigned in the Attachment. 1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 272 If upon such an Excussion there are not Goods found sufficient..his Body may be attach'd. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. iii. xix The sheriff is commanded to attach him, by taking gage, that is certain of his goods which he shall forfeit if he doth not appear. 1814 W. Scott Waverley II. viii. 133 The means..of attaching this suspicious and formidable delinquent. View more context for this quotation 1992 Cambr. Law Jrnl. 51 519 As soon as the plaint was received, the bailiff was supposed to summon the defendant or attach him. (b) With for, †of an offence. ΚΠ 1433 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 478/2 Yf any maner Burgeys..be attached for any accion personel. 1467 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 373 (MED) No citezen inhabitaunt withyn the cite be attached by his body for eny accusement or trespas. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. lxxxi Guy his sone was attachyd for the same and sent to pryson. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 1045 The Duke of Buckingham attached of treason, and brought to the Tower. 1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. 31/2 Pausanias, being attached for treason, fled. 1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης ix. 83 The House of Peers gave..thir consent..to the attaching them of High Treason. 1679 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Reformation: 1st Pt. i. 14 He was attached of Heresie. 1797 T. Harwood Alumni Etonenses 119 He was attached for Treason, but cleared himself very worthily of the charge. 1823 W. Scott Peveril I. iv. 123 I attach thee of the crime of which thou hast but now made thy boast. 1861 C. M. Yonge Cameos lxiii, in Monthly Packet May 477 The Earl Marshal attached Glocester for high treason. 1913 H. D. Hazeltine in P. Vinogradoff Ess. Legal Hist. xiii. 273 The defendant, a tenant for life, was attached for waste. 1998 F. Getz Med. in Eng. Middle Ages 94 (note) John was attached for trespass on 29 August 1320. (c) With for the action required, to do something. ΚΠ c1436 Domesday Ipswich (BL Add. 25011) in T. Twiss Black Bk. Admiralty (1873) II. 47 (MED) In the processe vsyd of swich nusaunce, by writ or with outen writ, be defendaunt attached be borrowes for to answere. 1576 G. Whetstone Ortchard of Repentance 117 in Rocke of Regard But now I am, attached to appeare, Afore a Iudge, at no mannes faultes that winkes. 1651 tr. J. Kitchin Jurisdictions 33 He shall be attached to appeare before the Justices. 1700 P. B. Help to Magistrates ii. 5 It seemeth he shall be Attached to be at the next Sessions upon Contempt. 1820 in Laws Territory of Michigan (1871) I. xxviii. 209 If he find resistance, he shall certify to the court the names of the resisters,..and they shall be attached to appear in the same court. 1883 Rep. Court of Appeals Texas 13 644 The witness Allen, at the instance of defendant, was attached to appear as a witness in the case. 1936 R. Stewart-Brown Serjeants of Peace in Medieval Eng. & Wales vi. 74 The serjeants who found a suspected offender attached him, under sureties, for appearance at the county court. 1967 D. M. Stenton in Pleas before King or Justices III. p. xii Gerard failed to appear on the day appointed and the court adjudged that he should be attached to appear in the octave of Trinity. b. transitive. With property or goods as object.Occasionally also simply: to take into one's possession (without the implication of legal authority). ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > legal seizure or recovery of property > [verb (transitive)] > take into judicial power attach?a1400 poind1478 impound1651 ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 158 Þe godes attached waren to þe kyng of Cipres Isaac. c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xix. l. 279 Hit is a preciouse present,..ac þe pouke hit haþ attachede [c1400 Trin. Cambr. y-tachid]. a1443 Chancery Petitions (P.R.O.) Ser. CP1 File 12 No. 41 (MED) Ȝour said suppliant arested and iiij hors of his charget with marchandise..attached as for a Wytherbode and a marke, a gayn lawe and reson. 1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xv. f. 28^v If any of these sayde officers fynde any maner of catell..they maye attache theym and cease theym as streyes. 1599 L. Lewkenor tr. G. Bardi in tr. G. Contarini Commonw. & Gouernment Venice 182 They haue the selling of such goods as are attached by executions. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 95 France..hath attach'd Our Merchants goods at Burdeux. View more context for this quotation 1677 New Castle Court Rec. 138 The Plaintiff hath attached..two or three Chests and a crascut saw. 1714 W. Scroggs Pract. Courts-leet (ed. 3) 172 An Attachment or Distringas to attach his Goods. 1773 J. Johnson Let. 29 June in Joshua Johnson's Letterbk. (1979) 82 If it's possible to attach Perkins, Buchanan & Brown's ships in the country, I would have you do it. 1853 T. I. Wharton Digest Cases Pennsylvania 168. §66 Choses in action of the wife cannot be attached for the husband's debt. 1882 C. Sweet Dict. Eng. Law at Attachment To attach property is to seize it, or place it under the control of a Court. 1922 Calif. Jurispr. VIII. 874 Where an officer, in attaching property, acts fairly and without malice, fraud or oppression, he is not so liable in such damages. 2012 T. A. Sullivan in R. Brubaker et al. Debtor World i. i. 25 When his debts became known, his goods were attached, and he..was in danger of being imprisoned. †2. transitive. To indict before a tribunal; to charge with an offence; (more generally) to accuse. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)] wrayc725 forwrayOE beclepec1030 challenge?c1225 indict1303 appeachc1315 aditea1325 appeal1366 impeachc1380 reprovea1382 arraigna1400 calla1400 raign?a1425 to put upa1438 present?a1439 ditec1440 detectc1449 articlec1450 billc1450 peach1465 attach1480 denounce1485 aret1487 accusea1500 filea1500 delate1515 crimea1550 panel1560 articulate1563 prosecute1579 impleada1600 to have up1605 reprosecute1622 tainta1625 criminatea1646 affect1726 to pull up1799 rap1904 run1909 1480 in C. Rogers Rental Bk. Cupar-Angus (1879) I. 231 Gif it hapynis ony of the tenentis of the said landis to be attegit til vthir Lordis Courtis. a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Trial of Fox l. 978 in Poems (1981) 41 Be thow atteichit with thift, or with tressoun..Thy cheir changis. a1522 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) xii. Prol. 266 Welcum celestial myrrour and aspy, Attechyng all that hantis sluggardy! a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. Kk.viij They wolde..elles attache vs for fooles. 1589 T. Nashe Anat. Absurditie sig. Diiii^v They shall not be easily attached of any notable absurditie. 1655 M. Carter Anal. Honor in Honor Rediv. 81 In which Parliament the King attaches Earl Godwin, for that he had kil'd his brother. †3. In non-legal contexts. a. transitive. Of something abstract, as death, sickness, love, passion, misfortune, etc.: to seize, take hold of. Often in passive with with (also of). Obsolete.Cf. quot. a1393 at sense 1a(a) and sense 11. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack (of hostile agency) besetOE infighta1300 saila1300 seeka1300 visitc1340 beclipc1380 entainc1380 seizec1381 offendc1385 affectc1425 rehetea1450 take1483 attaintc1534 prevent1535 attach1541 attempt1546 affront1579 buffeta1593 to get at ——1650 assault1667 insult1697 to lay at1899 1541 T. Elyot Castel of Helthe (new ed.) sig. Aiiii^v If they had bene..attached with enuy and couaytise. c1550 J. Bale Image Both Churches (new ed.) iii. sig. Ffvii^v Hastelye shal death attache them. 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Attached wyth syckenes. 1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 18 Attached of loue. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 5 I..am my selfe attach'd with wearinesse. View more context for this quotation a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. vi. §3. 253 Attatched with a dangerous sicknesse. 1681 W. Robertson Phraseologia Generalis 173 A sore sickness attached or attacked him. 1784 European Mag. Feb. 91/1 She was attached by a disorder, and after an attendance in some of the hospitals, was discharged incurable. b. transitive. To seize physically, with hands, claws, etc. Also in figurative contexts. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)] gripea900 afangOE to lay hands (or hand) on or upon (also in, to)OE repeOE atfonga1000 keepc1000 fang1016 kip1297 seize1338 to seize on or upon1399 to grip toc1400 rapc1415 to rap and rendc1415 comprise1423 forsetc1430 grip1488 to put (one's) hand(s) on (also in, to, unto, upon)1495 compass1509 to catch hold1520 hap1528 to lay hold (up)on, of1535 seisin?c1550 cly1567 scratch1582 attach1590 asseizea1593 grasp1642 to grasp at1677 collar1728 smuss1736 get1763 pin1768 grabble1796 bag1818 puckerow1843 nobble1877 jump1882 snaffle1902 snag1962 pull1967 the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp i-fangc888 gripc950 repeOE befongOE keepc1000 latchc1000 hentOE begripec1175 becatchc1200 fang?c1200 i-gripea1225 warpa1225 fastenc1225 arepa1250 to set (one's) hand(s onc1290 kip1297 cleach?a1300 hendc1300 fasta1325 reachc1330 seizec1374 beclipc1380 takea1387 span1398 to seize on or upon1399 getc1440 handc1460 to catch hold1520 to take hold1530 to lay hold (up)on, of1535 grasple1553 to have by the backa1555 handfast1562 apprehend1572 grapple1582 to clap hold of1583 comprehend1584 graspa1586 attach1590 gripple1591 engrasp1593 clum1594 to seize of1600 begriple1607 fast hold1611 impalm1611 fista1616 to set (one's) hand to1638 to get one's hands on1649 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. viii. sig. Kk6 Like as a fearefull partridge, that is fledd From the sharpe hauke, which her attached neare. 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 351 Euery man attach the hand Of his faire Mistres. View more context for this quotation 1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iii. xv. 137 The Lion..lesse able to attach and rend his Prey. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. lxvi. 232 The strength of the Canon law growing to its full pitch, after a long chase attached the prey. 4. intransitive. To take legal effect, to come into legal operation or become of legal relevance. Frequently with upon. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > [verb (intransitive)] > be or remain valid runa1325 prescribe1445 attacha1626 speak1837 a1626 F. Bacon Learned Reading Statute of Uses (1642) 10 If the Feoffees had bin disseised by the Common Law, and an Ancestor collaterall of Cesty que use had released unto the disseisor, and his warranty had attached upon Cesty que use, yet the Chancellour upon this matter shewed, would have not respect unto it. 1705 G. Billinghurst Arcana Clericalia 125 Where Warranty Descended and Attached upon the Heir in Remainder is Defeated by the Entry of the Tenant for life, who is not bound. 1818 H. T. Colebrooke Treat. Obligations & Contracts 93 If the whole obligation do not attach, the whole of it fails. 1829 R. Southey in Q. Rev. 41 385 Wherever they should make their settlement, there the laws of England attached. 1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. i. xi. 174 The wife's right to dower accordingly attached. 1848 J. Arnould Law Marine Insurance I. i. i. 3 When the liability of the underwriter commences under the contract, the technical mode of expressing this is by saying that ‘the policy attaches’. 1875 K. E. Digby Introd. Hist. Law Real Prop. iii. 100 To give the tenure the character of tenure by knightservice, and consequently to cause the incidents of wardship and marriage to attach. 1921 Minnesota Law Rev. Jan. 153 In criminal cases jeopardy does not attach until the jury is impaneled and sworn. 1993 J. R. Grodin et al. Calif. State Constit.: Ref. Guide ii. 62 The right under the state constitution attaches upon the filing of a complaint against the accused, whereas the comparable federal right does not attach until arrest. II. To fasten, affix, connect. 5. a. transitive. To fasten or join (a thing) to another thing, or a place or position, by sticking, tying, stitching, clipping, etc.; to affix. Also: to adjoin directly. Usually with to.no strings attached: see string n. 1f(b). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > attach or affix [verb (transitive)] fastenOE fasta1225 tachec1315 to-seta1340 catcha1350 affichea1382 to put ona1382 tacka1387 to put to1396 adjoina1400 attach?a1400 bend1399 spyndec1400 to-tachc1400 affixc1448 complexc1470 setc1480 attouch1483 found?1541 obligate1547 patch1549 alligate1563 dight1572 inyoke1595 infixa1616 wreathe1643 adlige1650 adhibit1651 oblige1656 adent1658 to bring to1681 engage1766 superfix1766 to lap on1867 accrete1870 ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 11770 Þer mot men se maryners, many wight man in schippes sers, ropes to right..boulyne to set, boulyne to hale, bordes, keuiles, atache to [a1450 Lamb. atached þe] wale. c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 95 (MED) An ape is tyed to a blok and is atached that he may not stye an hy. c1475 Bk. Marchalsi (Trin. Cambr.) f. 59^v (MED) If þat an yreyne be attached to hys bridell. a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) i. Prol. l. 297 Quha is attachit ontill a staik, we se, May go na ferthir bot wreil about that tre. 1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits vi. 84 To remaine..affixed, in sort as the sparrowes are attached to birdlime. 1634 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World (new ed.) I. xxviii. xii. 330 It would be slit through the length in two parts, & both pieces attached to the shirt of the patient. 1664 M. Mackaile Moffet-well 47 The water doth not depose its salt upon the rocks; else it would be attached to the very inmost stones of the Neather-well (which is false) as well as to the outmost. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Column Column inserted, or back'd, is that attach'd to a Wall, by a third or fourth Part of its Diameter. 1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) at Toggel It serves as an hook whereby to attach the tackle to a strop. 1798 T. Holcroft Inquisitor v. iv. 62 A high Gallery, leading to the Cells, which are lighted by a Lamp attached to the Wall. 1803 Gazetteer Scotl. at Dalziel The mansion-house of Dalziel, attached to the old tower or chateau of the manor. 1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth vii, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 189 The hundred points or latchets which were the means of attaching the doublet to the hose. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. §3. 30 Moving the staff with such fragments attached to it. 1937 Amer. Home Apr. 18/2 If the lot is sufficiently wide, the garage can be attached to the house at the street level. 1955 Times 4 June 6/6 A device attached to the subscriber's television set. 1984 A. C. Duxbury & A. Duxbury Introd. World's Oceans vi. 192 A small weight known as a messenger is then attached around the hydrowire. 2005 R. Ellis Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn vi. 212 The end of the catheter is then attached to an empty intravenous fluid bag. b. transitive. To clip, staple, or otherwise affix (a related document) to another; (more broadly) to append or enclose (a document). ΚΠ 1415 in E. F. Jacob & H. C. Johnson Reg. Henry Chichele (1937) II. 46 (MED) Al my good and catell specified and declared in a roll unto my forsaide lettre of ȝift and graunt attached and annext. 1692 J. Quick Synodicon I. xxiv. 104 Which Catalogue shall be attached to the Original Acts of this Synod, and kept by that Province whose Priviledge it will be to convocate the next National Synod. 1790 J. Meares Voyages Appendix A Spanish paper attached to this affidavit, duly authenticated by the Chief of the Spanish East India Company at Canton. 1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. Warrant... Likewise a document with the sign manual attached to it, to authorize the receipt of public monies at the treasury, &c. 1892 Daily News 25 Mar. 3/2 I attach a copy of Private O'Grady's defaulter-sheet. 1922 E. S. Furniss Foreign Exchange vii. 175 One of the duplicate bills of exchange is attached to each set of shipping documents. 1991 S. Larsen & R. Larsen Fire in Mind iv. xxii. 464 Jean wrote Joseph a letter..with a press clipping attached. 2007 FDCC Q. 57 267 A complete copy of Homeowners 3 ISO 2001 Coverage D—Loss of Use Form is attached hereto as Appendix A. c. transitive. In electronic communications: to add (a file) to an email, etc., as an attachment (attachment n. 6c). ΚΠ 1987 InfoWorld 4 May 24/3 With Email, users..can attach DOS files or the Windows clipboard to a message before forwarding it. 1997 P. Cornwell Unnatural Exposure ii. 39 A graphic file had been attached, and I downloaded and decompressed it. 2009 L. Lippman in N.Y. Times Mag. 4 Jan. 18/1 This one [sc. an email] was from her mother, who had attached a file. Tess didn't even know her mother knew how to attach files. 6. transitive. To focus or concentrate (the heart, the eyes, etc.) on (also upon) or to an object. Frequently in passive. Somewhat rare. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > stare or gaze at bestarec1220 bigapea1250 to gape atc1290 fix14.. to stick one's eyes in (also into)c1485 attacha1500 porec1500 to take feeding (of)c1500 stare1510 (to have) in gaze1577 gaze1591 outstare1596 over-stare1600 devour1628 trysta1694 ogle1795 begaze1802 toise1888 fixate1889 rubberneck1897 eyeball1901 a1500 ( Poems from Pilgrimage of Soul (Egerton) in F. J. Furnivall Wks. T. Hoccleve: Regement Princes (1897) p. xlv It is to me but alle discountfortable To se myn herte attached the vpon. 1664 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders (new ed.) i. sig. c2 I did not attach my Eyes onely on the generality of Objects, but did exactly consider some particulars worthy of note. 1899 H. James Awkward Age (2013) xxiii. 249 He dropped into a chair, where, leaning forward, his elbows on the arms and his gaze attached to the carpet, he drew out the silence. 1979 Summary of World Broadcasts Pt. 2: Eastern Europe (B.B.C.) 29 Mar. EE/6079/A3/1 Much attention in these studies is attached to the problematique of deformation of socialism. 2003 CMJ New Music Rep. 10 Nov. 27/2 Aceeeeeeed! That's the word that Longtime fans of Josh Wink will be ecstatically screaming when they get their ears attached to the Philadelphia producer/DJ's latest LP. 7. a. transitive. To connect as a corollary, accompaniment, or consequence; to ascribe or attribute. Usually with to (formerly also †with, †upon). Often in passive. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute or ascribe as an attribute puta1382 applya1393 suppose?a1425 ascribec1475 attach?1531 attribute1533 adscribe1534 assign?1541 allude1561 repose1561 predicate1614 ?1531 tr. Erasmus Treat. perswadynge Man Patientlye to Suffre sig. B^v Howe littell & howe small a portion therof we passe forth..that is nat attached with some maner greffe and displeasure? 1700 H. Layton Search after Souls i. 120 Unless Mens Souls be propagated from Adam, as well as their Bodies, by what means should Original Sin come to be attached to the Souls of all Men. 1717 Censor III. 142 The Croud of Ills that are attached to our Nature. 1760 J. Marchant New Compl. Eng. Dict. at Person In Theology, the Godhead is divided into three persons; but here the word person is designed to convey a peculiar idea very different from that attached to it every where else. 1784 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XVI. 281 Probably he would be able to attach guilt upon these very actions which the learned gentleman could extol as proofs of merit. 1837 B. Disraeli Venetia I. 108 Little credibility..should be attached to such legends. 1845 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation i. iv. 133 The inconveniences attached to duties on expenditure. a1878 B. Taylor Stud. German Lit. (1879) 111 To this treasure a curse is attached. 1922 Chambers's Jrnl. Dec. 875/1 The natives..chew it from boyhood, and attach great importance to it as a growth-making agent. 1940 Pop. Mech. Feb. 189 The hundreds of problems attached to its [sc. a telescope's] construction. 1970 Redempt. Tidings 13 Aug. 7/1 It is from the Plymouth Brethren that we inherit the central significance we attach to the Lord's Table. 2012 D. D. Novotny Ragdoll Redeemed i. 1 There is little, if any, shame attached to having a child outside of the sanctity of marriage in twenty-first century America. b. transitive. To affix (a name, description, etc.) to as an adjunct. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute to as belonging or appropriate > attach an attribute to remit1579 title1642 attach1743 1743 M. Towers in tr. Horace Lyric Pieces I. Pref. p. xvi This Critic adds that he sees no Reason for attaching the Name of Epodes to this Book. 1843 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic I. i. vi. §2 Certain properties to which mankind have chosen to attach that name. 1919 T. Murray Story of Irish in Argentina i. 26 Winton and Miller..are always termed ‘citizen’, but no such qualifying epithet is attached to Don Patricio's name. 1961 A. Gustafson Hist. Swedish Lit. v. 135 Seldom if ever in literary history has a monarch's name more appropriately been attached to a literary period. 1985 P. L. Cuyler Sumo 150 All elders..have the title oyakata attached to their name. 2011 Independent 4 Aug. 23/4 Nothing generates record and concert sales like being able to attach ‘Grammy winner’ or ‘Grammy-nominated’ to your name. c. With to, †on, †upon. To be connected as a corollary, accompaniment, or consequence; (also) to fall as an obligation or liability. (a) intransitive. In general constructions. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > [verb (transitive)] > fall as a duty upon falla1402 attach1753 devolve1769 1753 C. Viner Gen. Abridgm. Law & Equity XI. 292 Where there is an Outlawry and a Seisure thereupon the Debt attaches upon the Land. 1780 E. Burke Speech Econ. Reform in Wks. (1826) III. 338 It is..just..that the loss should attach upon the delinquency. 1787 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XXII. 125 He thought..that they should be rendered liable to such part as would attach to their situation. 1789 Hist. & Proc. Lords & Commons 447 It had been asked, what responsibility attached to the advisers of her Majesty, or to those who countersigned the Proclamation? He answered, the same responsibility that attached to any Privy Counsellor for advice given to the Monarch. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1753 I. 137 For that the right of Chieftainship attached to the blood of primogeniture, and, therefore, was incapable of being transferred. 1808 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) II. 312 Without any farther suspicion..than attaches to all works written in an age of physical credulity. 1818 G. Dallas Let. 30 June in S. Parr Wks. (1828) VII. 191 The just veneration that attaches on your opinions. 1852 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation (ed. 2) ii. vi. 284 The stamp-duties have a tendency to facilitate the transactions on which they attach. 1859 Ecce Homo iii. 22 All the advantages which attach to hereditary monarchy. 1863 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea I. 491 Blame attaches upon Lord Aberdeen's Cabinet for yielding. 1925 Amer. Mercury May 28/2 The superior flavor that attaches to exclusiveness. 1974 V. B. Mountcastle Med. Physiol. (ed. 13) II. lx. 1412/1 Special significance attaches to those that neutralize the buffer anions. 2008 V. Ramachandra Subverting Global Myths iii. 94 A clear recognition arose among ‘enlightened’ thinkers of the natural rights that attach to every human being. (b) intransitive. As present participle following a noun. ΚΠ 1796 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 XLV. 49 There was in this instance also no blame attaching to any quarter. 1834 T. De Quincey Sketches Life & Manners in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Mar. 91/2 The peculiar circumstances attaching to a royal ball. 1879 R. K. Douglas Confucianism iii. 78 The..ceremonies attaching to the social distinctions. 1920 Special Official Gaz. (Kenya) 14 June 578/2 The conditions attaching to the closure were fair and reasonable. 1959 New Scientist 3 Sept. 362/2 (advt.) These appointments carry salaries fully commensurate with the importance attaching to the work. 2009 R. G. Johnston Random Wisdom (2012) v. 93 There is no fault attaching to the unfortunate person whose mind is so unhinged that he is not aware of the sin he is committing. d. transitive. To affix or include (a condition) as part of a contract, agreement, offer, etc. Frequently with to. ΚΠ 1792 ‘Impartial Man’ Hints New Reg. Sugar-trade 11 The consignment of the sugars to the lender..[is] always a condition attached to the loan. 1856 M. M. Busk Mediæval Popes, Emperors, Kings, & Crusaders III. iv. ii. 274 To these..salaries, he attached the condition, that professors, who accepted them, were never to teach elsewhere. 1899 Independent (N.Y.) 4 May 1266 When Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan..offered $1,000,000 to be used in the erection..of a hospital building, he attached the condition that the income..should be sufficient to support the hospital. 1930 Scotsman 10 Apr. 10/5 The legatee would take the legacy as though no condition had been attached. 1966 Listener 4 Aug. 155/1 There may be one or more conditions attached to it [sc. parole], and failure to observe them may cause the paroled prisoner to be returned to prison. 2002 Build It Nov. 99/1 One of the conditions attached to our planning permission for a new house is to retain an old oak tree. 8. a. transitive. To join in sympathy, affection, or partiality to a person, place, etc.; to connect or attract intellectually or emotionally to. Usually in passive.In passive use sometimes difficult to distinguish from predicative use of attached adj. 2. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > affection > [verb (transitive)] > join in sympathy or affection couple1362 attach1621 wedge1629 bond1965 cleave1979 1621 J. Fletcher et al. Trag. of Thierry & Theodoret iv. i. sig. L7^v Her phisitian By this time is attacht to that dam'd diuell. 1678 J. Sergeant Of Devotion iii. 24 All spiritual Masters use to take great care, that those souls who find sweetness in their prayer, be not attacht to it, lest they fall into spiritual Gluttony. 1688 A. Behn tr. J.-B. de Brilhac Agnes de Castro 3 Her Merit alone ought to have attach'd Don Pedro eternally to her. 1732 P. Delany Revelation examined with Candour I. iii. 20 That the affection and endearment arising from marriage should yet get the better of these ties, so as to attach a man nearer to a stranger taken to his breast, than to those very parents whose blood ran in his veins. 1761 Brit. Mag. Sept. 493/1 To form the manners, and attach the mind to virtue. 1793 T. Beddoes Observ. Nature Demonstrative Evid. 9 Readers, attached to these speculations, will find abundant entertainment. 1816 J. Austen Emma III. x. 175 When I was very much disposed to be attached to him. View more context for this quotation 1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) ix. 109 How she kept her father's house in order..how she attached her little brothers to her. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 165 The theological system to which his family was attached. 1903 Southern Planter Aug. 534/1 Her uncle, whose kindly and genial nature attached her to him. 1954 W. Lewis Self Condemned i. i. 10 She had become attached to this little being as she would to a small disgruntled squirrel, had she received so eccentric a gift. 1995 D. Cayley G. Grant in Conversation Pref., p. ix I knew George Grant only during the few days that these conversations were recorded,..but it still attached me to him very strongly. 2005 India Abroad 11 Mar. m6 I am attached to my family and my friends but I can also be very stubborn about what I want to be. b. transitive. To elicit sympathy, affection, or emotional or intellectual attraction from; to attract. Now archaic and rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > loved one > win the affection of [verb (transitive)] endeara1586 strike1602 attach1811 to take, catch the fancy of1849 the mind > emotion > love > affection > [verb (transitive)] > win or attract the attachment of attach1811 1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility III. i. 12 So totally unamiable, so absolutely incapable of attaching a sensible man. View more context for this quotation 1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XII xxxv. 22 Fred really was attach'd. 1858 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia II. ix. iv. 430 I return you all..except Charles Douze, which attaches me infinitely. 1861 C. H. Pearson Early & Middle Ages Eng. xxvi Enemies whom no defeat could intimidate, and no peace attach. 1966 G. Heyer Black Sheep ix. 135 She says he is like a brother to her! And although I fancy he has a strong tendre for her he has done nothing to attach her. 9. a. transitive. With to. To bring (a person) into close association or practical connection with another person, a group or body, or a duty or activity. Frequently reflexive: to join a group or body, or accompany a person, in later use esp. without being invited. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)] > connect or join on functionally attach1649 1649 J. Ricraft Civill Warres (new ed.) v. 29 Upon the eruption of the civil war, he took the side of the parliament, but afterward attached himself to the king. 1681 N. Resbury Serm. preach'd at Funeral of Alan Broderick 19 He..having so nearly attacht himself to one of the greatest Ministers of State that this Kingdom ever knew..made himself no small Figure in the administration. a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xix. 401 The Great and the Rich depend on the Assistances of those whom their Power or their Wealth attaches to them. 1734 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) I. 189/2 He rather thought, that Achish would be glad of the opportunity of shewing his generosity to his enemy, and of attaching a man of his importance to his own party. 1781 W. Cowper Charity 16 God..By various ties attaches man to man. 1788 Convent. His Most Christian Majesty & 13 U.S. of N. Amer. ii. 2/2 The Consuls and vice-Consuls, and persons attached to their functions that is to say, their Chancellors and Secretaries. 1801 V. M. du Pont de Nemours Journey to France & Spain (1961) 29 Mr. Esmangard..is a kind of Poet laureat attached to the Ministry of the Interior. 1808 W. Scott Mem. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1842) i. 16/2 That I should seriously consider to which department of the law I was to attach myself. 1815 J. Scott Visit to Paris iii. 39 A conductor is attached to each Diligence. 1835 B. Disraeli Let. 9 Aug. (1982) II. 79 An underling who had officiously attached himself to the party of my gallant opponent. 1858 Jrnl. Royal Geogr. Soc. 28 219 Mr. Frost, the intelligent medical officer attached to the consulate. 1873 H. B. Tristram Land of Moab i. 8 A Bedouin who had attached himself to us. 1924 Times 17 Mar. 13/5 Young Conservatives who desire to prove by attaching themselves to constituencies for social service that their Conservative ideal is one which they are prepared to maintain by action. 1952 Chambers's Jrnl. May 299/1 The Major introduced them without enthusiasm and Basil promptly attached himself to the party, much to the Major's annoyance. 1995 S. Brewer in R. Hurd Early Lett. (1995) 348 (note) An Italian historian, who spent most of the early part of his life in France attached to the court. 2011 B. O'Reilly & M. Dugard Killing Lincoln 143 Lincoln never attached himself to an organized religion as an adult. b. transitive. With to. spec. To allocate for service to a particular military unit, or to another armed force, sometimes esp. for temporary or special duties. Chiefly in passive. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military organization > organize military affairs [verb (transitive)] > appoint to specific regiment or unit regiment1681 attach1778 1778 G. Washington Let. 17 Jan. in Papers (2003) XIII. 258 The Certificates of their [sc. waggoners] being attached to the Continental Army..will be deliver'd to you. 1787 G. Greive in tr. F. J. de Chastellux Trav. N.-Amer. I. 101 Doctor Brown of Bridport in Dorsetshire, but who has been long settled in America, and was attached to the continental army. 1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) Officers and non-commissioned officers are said to be attached to the..army, regiment, [etc.]..with which they are appointed to act. 1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 470/2 Wing Officer, an officer of the Indian army attached to a wing of a native infantry regiment. 1909 Regs. for Mobilization 8 The equipment..which he would take with him when transferred or attached to another unit. 1961 R. Maugham Slaves of Timbuktu 207 In the back were two Goumiers attached to the Commandant's staff. 1996 J. A. Martin et al. in R. J. Ursano & A. E. Norwood Emotional Aftermath of Persian Gulf War ix. 234 Soldiers who had been attached to another unit were at special risk of not being adequately supported. c. transitive. With to. To affiliate (an organization, group, body, etc.) to a larger body or organization. Chiefly in passive. ΚΠ 1836 Mechanics' Mag. June 331/1 There shall be established, and attached to the Department of State, an office to be denominated the Patent-office. 1881 Jrnl. Royal Statist. Soc. 44 363 A central statistical office should be attached to the department which compiles trade statistics generally. 1917 Times 11 Apr. 6/3 The department of international relations attached to the committee of workmen's and soldiers' delegates. 1984 W. M. Leary Central Intelligence Agency 118 Office of Policy Coordination, a component attached to the CIA but reporting to the Departments of State and Defense. 2004 J. A. Amyx Japan's Financial Crisis (2006) viii. 175 Their..proposal to establish a subsidiary agency attached to the ministry to oversee inspections of financial institutions. 10. Of a thing: to bond, join, or fasten on to; to connect functionally to. a. transitive (reflexive). Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > attach or affix [verb (reflexive)] affix?1529 attach1664 1664 M. Mackaile Moffet-well Pref. 18 Some Volatile-salt (which attacheth it self to the sides of the recipient, like Spiders webs). 1730 Philos. Trans. 1729–30 (Royal Soc.) 36 636 Melted Tin is sufficiently disposed to attach it self to solid Tin. 1778 C. Milne Bot. Dict. (ed. 2) at Semen Some seeds attach themselves to animals, by means of hooks, crotchets, or hairs. 1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) II. 132 Water..diffused..through the air..attaches itself, to the glass-windows and the polished stones of our houses. 1861 J. S. Mill Utilitarianism 41 No reason why all these motives..should not attach themselves to the utilitarian morality, as completely..as to any other. 1900 Amer. Naturalist 34 766 A smaller microgametocyte attaches itself to a larger macrogamete. 1920 G. S. Hall tr. S. Freud Gen. Introd. Psychoanal. xxv. 344 We find a general condition of anxiety..which is ready to attach itself to any appropriate idea. 1952 G. F. Hervey & J. Hems Freshwater Trop. Aquarium Fishes vii. 72 Argulus or Fish Louse..attaches itself to a fish and feeds on its blood. 2011 S. Mukherjee Emperor of all Maladies 365 The missing head of chromosome twenty-two had attached itself elsewhere—to the tip of chromosome nine. b. intransitive. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > be or become attached or affixed [verb (intransitive)] stick1621 fix1682 attach1798 1798 tr. L. Spallanzani Trav. Two Sicilies I. v. 159 A thin whitish crust, light, soft to the touch, which attaches to the tongue, and is extremely friable. 1803 W. Bingley Animal Biogr. III. 269 They form a sort of white grease which attaches to the branches of trees, hardens there, and becomes wax. 1939 C. H. L. Needham Aircraft Design II. ix. 157 Where tail-plane supporting members attach to the fin stern post, the resultant compressive load should be taken into account. 1993 Conservationist Jan. 30/1 Rotenone attaches to the gills of the fish, suffocating them instantly. 2006 M. Crichton Next xciv. 410 All these superficial muscles, most of which attach to the hyoid. †III. To attack. 11. transitive. To attack; spec. to take military action against. Also: to join or enter (a battle). Cf. attack v. 1a. Obsolete.The precise meaning in quot. c1425 is not entirely certain. 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 c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 14062 (MED) Many an hed he ther to-cleued..many a Gregeis he ther atacched. 1562 J. Shute in tr. A. Cambini in Two Comm. Turcks Ep. Ded. sig. *.iii^v Minutius forthwith: sent forthe his lighte armed men and attached the scaramoche. 1578 J. Polemon All Famous Battels* 176 The battaile was incontinently attached, and very hote. 1587 J. Polemon 2nd Pt. Bk. Battailes sig. E^v The Protestantes retyred from the place where they had attached their enimie. 1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times iii. 41 The Archduke threatned to attach Reyne Berk with a siege. 1631 J. Bingham in tr. Ælian Art of embattailing Army xxxix. 41 The fight being attached by 3 armies, it must needs be that the very sight and manner of the conflict appeared strange. 1666 W. Killigrew Seege of Urbin v. 48 in 4 New Playes The Walls are every where attach'd. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.a1400v.a1325
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† attachn.

attachv.