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单词 miss
释义

missn.1

Brit. /mɪs/, U.S. /mɪs/
Forms: Old English– miss, Middle English mese, Middle English messe, Middle English mjs, Middle English myse, Middle English myss, Middle English–1500s mis, Middle English–1500s mys, Middle English–1600s misse, Middle English–1600s mysse, 1500s myshe; Scottish pre-1700 misse, pre-1700 mys, pre-1700 myse, pre-1700 myss, pre-1700 1700s mis, pre-1700 1700s– miss.
Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly a borrowing from early Scandinavian. Partly formed within English, by conversion. Etymons: miss v.1; mis- prefix1.
Etymology: In branch I. probably from early Scandinavian (compare Old Icelandic missa feminine, missir masculine, both in sense ‘loss’ < the Germanic base of miss v.1); although a native noun, either < miss v.1 or cognate with Old Icelandic missa , etc. (see other cognates below), is possible, the word is found in Old English only in one isolated attestation (see quot. OE at sense 1a) which probably shows a loan from early Scandinavian, since the corresponding branch of the verb (miss v.1 III.) is not attested until early Middle English. In branch II. probably partly < the early Scandinavian word represented by Old Icelandic mis , miss (only in the phrase á mis , á miss so as to miss: compare amiss adv.), and partly < mis- prefix1, treated as a separate word (compare miss adv.). In branch III. probably a late formation < miss v.1; compare early modern Dutch misse failure to hit something aimed at (1599 in Kiliaan), either < missen miss v.1 or < mis- mis- prefix1 (in misslaan to fail to hit). Compare also Middle Dutch misse mistake, fault, misfortune (Dutch regional mis mistake), Middle Low German mis fault, deficiency, lack, Middle High German misse , mis mistake, deficiency, lack, probably all parallel formations derived from the corresponding forms of miss v.1 or mis- prefix1.
I. Loss, lack. Cf. miss v.1 III.
†1.
a. The fact or condition of missing, having lost, or being without a person or thing; an instance of this; loss, lack, deprivation. Frequently with of or genitive. Cf. miss v.1 18. Obsolete. for miss (of): for want or lack (of).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > loss > [noun]
lore971
lurec1000
missOE
tharningc1175
tinec1330
tinsela1340
leesing1362
loss1377
losinga1387
pert?a1400
tininga1400
amissionc1429
misture1563
expense1593
the world > space > place > absence > [noun] > absence or loss
missOE
missinga1375
the mind > possession > non-possession > [noun] > state of being devoid of something > lacking or being without something
missOE
tharningc1175
missinga1375
lacking1377
wantingc1390
necessitya1393
destitutiona1440
poverty?1440
misture1563
unprovidedness1606
unprovision1631
wantingness1643
carency1655
nudity1656
destituteness1818
OE Seven Sleepers (Julius) (1994) 41 Mycel is me unbliss minra dyrlinga miss.
c1400 ( Canticum Creatione 87 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 125 (MED) Rys & go we..For to seken vs sum fod, Þat we ne deye for mys.
a1475 Asneth 633 in Jrnl. Eng. & Germanic Philol. (1910) 9 253 And he behold here faire handis of beaute þer was no misse.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxix. f. cli And whan he lefte his Crowne than fell honour downe for mysse of such a kynge.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 56/2 While the wondering of the people caste a comly rud in her chekes (of whiche she before had most misse).
1543 Chron. J. Hardyng (1812) ccxxx. 397 The kyng murthered..The duke was wod, and frantike for his misse.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 2nd Pt. sig. I5v As when an heard of lusty Cymbrian bulls Run mourning round about, the femals misse.
1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. C3 v If more regard were not had of him very shortly, the whole Realme should haue a misse of him.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. v. v. §4. 662 At Carthage, the misse of so great a person was diuersly construed.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxii. sig. M5 An estate squander'd in a wanton waste, shewes better in the misse, then while wee had the vse on't.
1886 C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David VII. Ps. cxliv. 15 Temporal blessings are not trifles, for the miss of them would be a dire calamity.
b. Observable lack. Cf. miss v.1 16. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > [noun] > deficiency, lack, or shortage
wanec888
trokingc1175
want?c1225
defaultc1300
trokea1325
fault1340
lacking1377
scarcityc1380
wantingc1390
absencea1398
bresta1400
defect?a1425
lack?c1425
defailing1502
mank?a1513
inlaik1562
defection1576
inlaiking1595
vacuity1601
deficience1605
lossa1616
failancea1627
deficiency1634
shortness1669
falling shorta1680
miss1689
wantage1756
shortage1868
1689 S. Sewall Diary 27 May (1973) I. 217 The main streets thwacked with people, and yet little miss of people in Fen-Church and Lumbard Streets.
1722 D. Defoe Jrnl. Plague Year 248 There was no Miss of the usual Throng of people in the Streets.
2.
a. Disadvantage or regret caused by loss, absence, or by the deprivation of a person or thing. Chiefly in phrases, as to have (also find, etc.) (a) (great, heavy, little) miss of; to feel the miss of; there is no (great) miss of. Cf. miss v.1 19. Now British regional and colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > loss > [noun] > disadvantage occasioned by
missa1225
damage1300
loss1377
disavail1423
misture1563
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > sorrow caused by loss > [noun]
missa1225
misture1563
earning1603
desire?1611
resentment1632
regret1695
desiderium1715
a1225 (?c1175) Poema Morale (Lamb.) 234 in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 173 (MED) Þenne hi cumeð eft to þe chele, of hete hi habbeð misse.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl 262 Þer mys nee mornyng com neuer.
?1475 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 156 (MED) I have a grett mysse of you thys terme.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. i. ccxix. 279 These two kynges..bewayled the lorde James of Bourbon, sayeng, that it was great damage of hym, and a great mysse of hym out of theyr company.
1540 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) III. 205 Their shalbe greate myshe of ther absentie, considering ther towardnes and goode esperience.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 6707 Of soche a mon were a mysse þurgh the mekyll world.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxiii. 230 Heywood being loth to call for his drinke so oft as he was dry..sayd I finde great misse of your graces standing cups.
?1608 F. Bacon Let. to T. Bodley in Wks. (1830) XII. 91 In respect of my going down to my house in the country I shall have miss of my papers.
1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility i. 66 Leaving behind him a great misse of himself, at Padua especially.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VII. lxiv. 225 We know the miss of you, and even hunger and thirst, as I may say, to see you.
1751 E. Haywood Hist. Betsy Thoughtless II. xxii. 267 Agreeable as her conversation was, mr. Trueworth found no miss of her, as the lovely Harriot was left behind.
1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl I. vi. 154 The poor servants will all have a miss of such a master as your honour.
1807 A. Seward Lett. (1811) VI. 364 With such excellent qualities of head and heart..I think his professional talents will have no great miss of what are called the classics.
1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss II. iii. viii. 124 I was determined my son should have a good eddication: I'd none myself, and I've felt the miss of it.
1901 ‘Rita’ Jilt's Jrnl. i. xx. 184 I'm thinking 'tis now you'll feel the miss o' your mother, my dear.
1922 Weekly Free Press & Aberdeen Herald 7 Jan. 3 They'll ken a miss o' hiz fin they come t' pey up th' bills.
1930 W. R. Spikesman in ‘Saki’ Short Stories Compl. 713 The M.O...asked no question but immediately sent him to the Base. It was a big miss, and I felt just lonely.
1986 J. Hibbs Country Bus ix. 123 The trip to the bank with the takings—a weekly ritual that men have felt the miss of, after retirement.
†b. A person who is or has been missed. Obsolete.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
a1631 J. Donne Elegies xvi, in Poems (1654) 95 I found my misse, struck hands, and praid him tell..where he did dwell.
†II. Wrong, mistake. Cf. miss v.1 I.
3. on miss [compare Old Icelandic á mis] : = amiss adv. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > [adverb] > in a wrong way, amiss
on missc1225
overthwarta1382
a-crookc1500
awrya1513
wide?1529
astray1535
across1559
bias1600
outa1641
beside the bridge1652
on the wrong side of the post1728
abroad1806
off1843
way off1882
off beam1941
up the boohai?1946
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 232 Þet is..þe stude, & te time, þe mahten bringe þe on mis forte donne.
a1450 St. Edith (Faust.) (1883) 279 When ony mon dude on mys.
a1500 St. Anastasia (Harl.) 202 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 27 Onmis þo wurdes þou vnderstode.
4.
a. Wrong, wrongdoing; sin, sinfulness; offence, injury; a wrong, a misdeed. with miss: wrongly, amiss. Obsolete (Scottish in later use).In early use not always distinguishable with certainty from miss adv. (see quot. ?c1225, and cf. quot. ?c1225 at miss adv.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > [noun]
unrightOE
witec1175
misbodea1200
misguiltc1200
misdoinga1225
miss?c1225
trespassinga1340
forfeiturec1380
offensiona1382
crimec1384
abusion?1387
evil-doing1398
mistakinga1400
offendinga1425
transgression1426
wrongingc1449
digression1517
digressinga1535
transgressing1535
swerving1545
misdealing1571
transgress1578
misfaring1595
misacting1651
malpractice1739
malfeasance1856
wrongdoing1874
miscreance1972
society > morality > moral evil > wrong conduct > evildoing or wrongdoing > [noun]
sinc825
naughteOE
unnuteOE
sinningc1000
unrightOE
un-i-selthlOE
wonder1154
misguiltc1200
misdoinga1225
teeninga1225
miss?c1225
crimec1250
misdeed?c1250
wickednessa1300
mischiefa1387
evil-doing1398
mistakinga1400
perpetrationc1429
wrongingc1449
maledictionc1475
maleficence1533
wicked-doing1535
foul play1546
misdealing1571
flagition1598
delinquency1603
malefaction1604
meschancy1609
malefacture1635
misacting1651
guilt1726
flagitiosity1727
malpractice1739
malfeasance1856
peccation1861
miscreance1972
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 68 Ȝef an mon..seið & deð swa muche mis. þet hit beo se open sunne [etc.].
c1330 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 35 (MED) Man, mene þou þi mis.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 24339 To me, his moder, did þai þat mis.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 4737 Þou bedis me mys & outerage.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 2391 Þou art..be-knowen of þy mysses.
?a1425 (?c1350) Northern Passion (Rawl.) 1898 (MED) When we war putt out of þat blys To won in mydelerth for our mys.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 352 Be war that ȝhe with mys deyme nocht my taille.
a1500 Bernardus de Cura Rei Famuliaris 162 Ane aulde woman þat is Licherus and wyl not lef hir mys.
1546 Supplic. Poor Commons sig. b.vv Deffer not (moost deare Souerayne) the reformation of thys mysse.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. ix. sig. Ll What wonder then, if one of women all did mis?
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Bij He saith, she is immodest, blames her misse . View more context for this quotation
1616 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale xi. 60 But if hee will for neithers [sake] quitt the misse.
1724 A. Pennecuik Rome's Legacy to Kirk of Scotl. (ed. 2) 8 Tremble, lest I should tell Mis-John my Misses, Proclaim in Noon-day what I've done in Dark.
1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 33 ‘I slipt aff, and left them to their crack.’ ‘Nae miss o' that: for as I ween, They'll nae be angry they are left alane.’
1893 in R. Ford Harp Perthshire 63 The devil take the miss is That every officer was not slain.
b. In alliterative association with mend or amend. Obsolete (Scottish in later use).
ΚΠ
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2760 Mendi þou most þat mis [sc. the slaying of Moraunt].
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 194 (MED) Amende þi misses more and minne.
c1440 (?a1400) St. John Evangelist (Thornton) 106 in G. G. Perry Relig. Pieces in Prose & Verse (1914) 100 (MED) Þou broghte thaym to blysse Thorowe mendynge of mysse.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 65 I shall amende all mysse that I have done agaynste you.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iv. l. 64 Off this gret mys I sall amendis hawe.
?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 293 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 67 Off all my mys I woll amende make.
1581 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xliv. 114 And tyme requyris amendement of missis.
c1620 A. Hume Of Orthogr. Britan Tongue (1870) Ded. 2 To mend the misses that ignorant custom hath bred.
c1650 J. Row & J. Row Hist. Kirk Scotl. (1842) 164 To amend his awin misses, and to reforme abuses in his Court.
a1698 W. Row Suppl. in R. Blair Life (1848) (modernized text) 131 All misses were mended, and all wants supplied by the covenant.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 86 Ye ken yoursell best where ye tint the end, Sae ye maun foremost gae the miss to mend.
1827 in W. Motherwell Minstrelsy 379 For all this would not mend the miss, That ye would do to me.
5. without miss [compare Middle Dutch sonder misse] : undoubtedly, certainly. Cf. without fail at fail n.2 1. but miss (Scottish): rightly, certainly, indeed. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > [adverb] > assuredly, indeed
soothlyc825
forsoothc888
wiselyc888
sooth to sayOE
i-wislichec1000
to (‥) soothOE
iwis?c1160
certesa1250
without missa1275
i-witterlic1275
trulyc1275
aplight1297
certc1300
in (good) fayc1300
verily1303
certain1330
in truthc1330
to tell (also speak, say) the truthc1330
certainlya1375
faithlya1375
in faitha1375
surelya1375
in sooth1390
in trothc1390
in good faitha1393
to witc1400
faithfullyc1405
soothly to sayc1405
all righta1413
sad?a1425
in certc1440
wella1470
truec1480
to say (the) truth1484
of a truth1494
of (a) trotha1500
for a truth?1532
in (of) verity1533
of verityc1550
really1561
for, in, or into very?1565
indeed1583
really and truly1600
indeed and indeed1673
right enough1761
deed1816
just1838
of a verity1850
sho1893
though1905
verdad1928
sholy1929
ja-nee1937
only1975
deffo1996
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adverb]
i-wislichec1000
wislyc1000
yernec1000
wellOE
wisc1175
sickera1275
without missa1275
redlyc1275
certainlya1375
sadc1380
confirmedlyc1449
certaina1500
undeceitfully1571
notionless1607
ascertainably1863
absotively1914
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > absolute certainty > [adverb]
withouten wantrukea1225
without missa1275
dreadlessc1369
doubtlessc1386
certainlya1400
sadly?a1425
questionlessc1425
undoubtablyc1425
doubtlesslyc1440
unsoilablyc1445
undoubtablec1450
undoubteda1500
undoubtedly?a1500
infallibly1502
indefeasibly1540
undubitately1548
indubitatelya1552
undoubting1552
undoubtingly1552
indoubtedly1563
indoubtly1606
unquestionably1611
questionlessly1612
indubitably1624
undoubtfully1628
uncontrollably1629
irrefragably1635
ungainsayably1637
inquestionablya1641
indubiously1642
unquestionedly1644
incontrollably1646
incontrovertibly1646
indisputably1646
acknowledgedly?1649
inexpugnably1653
uncontrovertablya1658
undubitably1660
inconfutably1664
uncontrollably1676
irrefutably1681
uncontestedly1699
undisputably1707
uncontestably1709
incontestablya1711
uncontrovertibly1755
undisputedly1778
(and) no mistake1818
unchallengeably1827
without resort1827
undeniedly1837
unappealably1840
indubitativelya1853
irrecusably1862
uncontradictably1862
inescapably1881
unarguably1888
sho1893
sure1894
posilutely1914
hands down1936
a1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 29 Þer is..blisse þat euer last, wid-ovte misse.
c1300 Assumption of Virgin (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1901) l. 112 He wile..fecche þe in to his blisse, Þat eure schal leste wiþute misse.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 130 (MED) Mani a fol Þat weneþ ryt, wyþ-oute mysse, Þat þer nys god ine heuene blysse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 24758 (MED) I sal yow mon wid-vten mis.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 208 (MED) Thanne was he joyful, with-owten mis.
c1500 Castle of Love (Ashm.) (1967) 437 (MED) I schall cry Pes, wiþouten mys.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. avi Your mycht and your maieste mesure but mys.
1669 Hist. Sir Eger 32 And costlie jewels als but mis.
6. An error, a mistake. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > an error, mistake > [noun]
misnimming?c1225
errora1340
defaulta1387
balkc1430
fault1523
jeofail1546
errat1548
trip1548
naught1557
missa1568
missinga1568
slide1570
snappera1572
amiss1576
mistaking1579
misprize1590
mistake1600
berry-block1603
solecism1603
fallibility1608
stumblea1612
blota1657
slur1662
incorrectnessa1771
bumble1823
skew1869
(to make) a false step1875
slip-up1909
ricket1958
bad1981
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 32v Without any great misse in the hardest pointes of Grammer.
1582 R. Mulcaster 1st Pt. Elementarie xiv This saie theie is the onelie help to amend all misses.
III. Failure to hit or attain. Cf. miss v.1 II.
7.
a. A failure to hit something aimed at. Frequently in proverb a miss is as good as a mile, †an inch in a miss is as good as an ell and variants: a failure is a failure however near one may have been to success.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > [noun] > a failure to strike
miss1555
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > [noun] > failure to hit
miss1555
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. vi. 89 He throweth his stone, fetching his ronne, and maketh lightly a narowe mysse, thoughe it be a good waye of.
1614 W. Camden Remaines (rev. ed.) 303 An ynche in a misse is as good as an ell.
1674 in W. G. Scott-Moncrieff Rec. Proc. Justiciary Court Edinb. (1905) II. 261 When it [sc. the attempt to murder the Archbishop of St Andrews] was putt to you, you said and uttered these or the like speeches, shame fall the miss, and that you should make the fire hotter.
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 35 An Inch of a miss is as good as a span [misprinted spaw].
1788 Amer. Museum 3 382/1 A smart repartee..will carry you through with eclat—such as, ‘a miss is as good as a mile’.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry III. iii. 71 Going but half-way towards proof, it [sc. presumptive proof] can never amount to proof at all. For, as the saying is, a miss is as good as a mile.
1825 W. Scott Jrnl. 3 Dec. (1939) 28 He was very near being a poet—but a miss is as good as a mile, and he always fell short of the mark.
1860 G. J. Adler tr. C. C. Fauriel Hist. Provençal Poetry xi. 237 Walter..evades the blow but the miss stretches his antagonist flat upon the ground.
1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 163 What seemed hits and what seemed misses in a certain fence-play.
1887 H. R. Haggard Jess v. 41 He has just killed half a dozen..partridges without a miss.
1937 Life 26 July 11/3 (advt.) They're fussy about fashion detail. They say in chic a miss is as good as a mile.
1966 D. Varaday Gara-Yaka xvi. 136 In some parts of the wilds 100 yards' miss is as good as 100 miles.
1987 Lancaster Guardian 2 Oct. 20/4 Striker Ian Kinsey was guilty of two dreadful misses, after he had twice been put clear with only the goalkeeper to beat.
†b. U.S. College slang. The exemption of a class from a recitation or other college exercise. Frequently in to give a miss. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1819 A. Peirce Rebelliad (1842) 62 Are there some who scrape and hiss Because you never give a miss.
1851 B. H. Hall Coll. College Words 208 Miss, an omission of a recitation, or any college exercise. An instructor is said to give a miss, when he omits a recitation.
1852 C. Felton Mem. J. S. Popkin p. lxxvii One of the classes applied to the Doctor for what used to be called, in College jargon, a miss.
c. Originally (Billiards): failure to hit the object ball, on account of which the opponent scores; spec. a deliberate failure which leaves the cue ball in a safe position. to give a miss in baulk and variants: to avoid hitting the object ball, esp. with the intention of putting one's ball in a safe position (usually in the baulk area of the table); also figurative. to score a miss: to receive points from a miss by one's opponent. Now also (Snooker): a foul stroke in which a player who misses an object ball is deemed not to have made a sufficiently good attempt to hit it, with the result that the opponent may request that the shot be retaken.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [noun] > actions or types of play > foul or mishit
miscue1838
miss1844
foul1873
scratch1913
miscueing1915
1844 E. R. Mardon Billiards 29 In playing off, it is customary to give a miss in the baulk.
1844 E. R. Mardon Billiards 115 Should the striker, when in hand, play at a ball in baulk, his adversary has the option of scoring a miss.
1873 J. Bennett & ‘Cavendish’ Billiards 345 In most cases a miss would be the game here.
1899 Daily News 31 Mar. 3/3 He then scored two brilliant jennies—short and long—and after another loser gave a safety miss.
1907 H. Westbrook & P. G. Wodehouse Not George Washington ii. xxi. 228 And James..is actually giving this the miss in baulk!
1954 P. G. Wodehouse Jeeves & Feudal Spirit iii. 27 To expunge the joy from Percy's life by giving him the uncompromising miss-in-baulk.
1988 I. Morrison Billiards & Snooker 17/2 The next player can play a miss without committing a foul.
1997 Daily Tel. (Electronic ed.) 27 Nov. King was guilty of 12 successive ‘misses’... [He] failed to hit a red with his 12th attempt but while Newton called the ‘miss’, Lee..did not ask for the cue ball to be replaced.
d. to give (a thing or a person) a miss: to omit to do or attend to (something); to avoid, leave alone.
ΚΠ
1919 B. Ruck Disturbing Charm i. ii. 10 The Professor chose (as he often did) to give lunch a miss.
1927 A. Huxley Let. 17 May (1969) 286 The result of this will be that we must, alas, give Paris a miss.
1938 E. Bowen Death of Heart ii. vi. 290 I'm afraid I've given you rather a miss... But it's been a thickish week, and I got all dated up.
1950 J. Cannan Murder Included vii. 183 I'm afraid I've given church a miss this morning.
1973 E. Boyd & R. Parkes Dark Number ix. 91 I think the CID would be happier if you gave the whole place a miss.
1992 Looks July 52/2 During the summer months it's best to give the sticky gels and mousses a miss.
e. A musical recording, book, theatrical production, etc., which is not a popular or artistic success. Frequently opposed to hit.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > recording or reproducing sound or visual material > sound recording and reproduction > a sound recording > [noun] > record or disc > type of record
pre-release1871
record album1904
re-release1907
ten-inch1908
twelve-incher1909
demonstration record1911
pressing1912
swinger1924
repressing1927
transcription1931
long-player1932
rush release1935
pop record1937
album1945
demonstration disc1947
pop disc1947
pop single1947
long-play1948
picture disc1948
781949
single1949
forty-five1950
demo disc1952
EP1952
shellac1954
top of the pops1956
gold disc1957
acetate1962
platinum disc1964
chartbuster1965
miss1965
cover1966
reissue1966
pirate label1968
rock record1968
thirty-three (and a third)1968
sampler1969
white-label1970
double album1971
dubplate1976
seven-inch1977
mini-album1980
joint1991
1965 Listener 9 Sept. 391/1 Persons invited to give their verdict..are not being asked to say whether the songs are good or bad but merely whether they will be ‘hits’ or ‘misses’.
1966 Melody Maker 16 July 20 Dusty's new single may be one of her misses.
1975 New Yorker 16 June 103/1 Balanchine's choreography for Patricia McBride to ‘Pavane pour une Infante Défunte’ was, curiously, a miss.
1985 P. Larkin Let. 6 Feb. in Sel. Lett. (1992) 731 I do think his poems are good; perhaps not quite so swashbuckling as Martin Bell (another unignorable oeuvre) but fewer misses (or more hits).
†8. A failure to obtain or achieve something. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > [noun] > failure to achieve or attain
missinga1547
miss1609
fall-down1901
1609 E. Hoby Let. to Mr. T. H. 15 Your debts were..very clamorous: the misse of your preferment was grieuous.
1615 W. Lawson Country Housewifes Garden (1626) 18 After first or second graffing in the same Stocke, being mist (for who hits all) the third misse puts your Stocke in deadly danger.
1661 R. L'Estrange Interest Mistaken Pref. p. iv Aërius turn'd Heretique upon the misse of a Bishoprick.
1680 R. Baxter Answer to Dr. Stillingfleet xxviii. 41 It is not..the miss of a Complement or Ceremony, that makes a Man a Rebel.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison II. ii. 11 If they have had no lovers, or..have not found a husband, they have had rather a miss than a loss, as men go.
1834 W. E. Gladstone Diary 20 June in J. Morley Life Gladstone (1903) I. ii. i. 112 I ought to be thankful for my miss [sc. failure to catch the Speaker's eye].
9. Printing. A failure to feed a sheet into a printing machine; (hence) an impression printed when no sheet has been fed in.
ΚΠ
1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 83 Miss, an omission to lay a sheet on by the feeder of a machine.
1961 Webster's 3rd New Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. (at cited word) Print a miss on the tympan as a base for makeready.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

missn.2

Brit. /mɪs/, U.S. /mɪs/
Forms: 1600s mis:, 1600s misse, 1600s 1800s mis., 1600s– miss, 1800s mis.
Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: mistress n.
Etymology: Shortened < mistress n. (perhaps originally as a graphic abbreviation).In the 17th cent. Ms also occurs occasionally as a graphic abbreviation for mistress n.
†1.
a. A kept woman, a mistress; a concubine. Also (occasionally): a prostitute, a whore. Also in extended use. Cf. town miss n. at town n. Compounds 1b. Obsolete (regional in later use).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute
meretrixOE
whoreOE
soiled dovea1250
common womanc1330
putec1384
bordel womanc1405
putaina1425
brothelc1450
harlot?a1475
public womanc1510
naughty pack?1529
draba1533
cat1535
strange woman1535
stew1552
causey-paikera1555
putanie?1566
drivelling1570
twigger1573
punka1575
hackney1579
customer1583
commodity1591
streetwalker1591
traffic1591
trug1591
hackster1592
polecat1593
stale1593
mermaid1595
medlar1597
occupant1598
Paphian1598
Winchester goose1598
pagan1600
hell-moth1602
aunt1604
moll1604
prostitution1605
community1606
miss1606
night-worm1606
bat1607
croshabell1607
prostitute1607
pug1607
venturer1607
nag1608
curtal1611
jumbler1611
land-frigate1611
walk-street1611
doll-common1612
turn-up1612
barber's chaira1616
commonera1616
public commonera1616
trader1615
venturea1616
stewpot1616
tweak1617
carry-knave1623
prostibule1623
fling-dusta1625
mar-taila1625
night-shadea1625
waistcoateera1625
night trader1630
coolera1632
meretrician1631
painted ladya1637
treadle1638
buttock1641
night-walker1648
mob?1650
lady (also girl, etc.) of the game1651
lady of pleasure1652
trugmullion1654
fallen woman1659
girlc1662
high-flyer1663
fireship1665
quaedama1670
small girl1671
visor-mask1672
vizard-mask1672
bulker1673
marmalade-madam1674
town miss1675
town woman1675
lady of the night1677
mawks1677
fling-stink1679
Whetstone whore1684
man-leech1687
nocturnal1693
hack1699
strum1699
fille de joie1705
market-dame1706
screw1725
girl of (the) town1733
Cytherean1751
street girl1764
monnisher1765
lady of easy virtue1766
woman (also lady) of the town1766
kennel-nymph1771
chicken1782
stargazer1785
loose fish1809
receiver general1811
Cyprian1819
mollya1822
dolly-mop1834
hooker1845
charver1846
tail1846
horse-breaker1861
professional1862
flagger1865
cocodette1867
cocotte1867
queen's woman1871
common prostitute1875
joro1884
geisha1887
horizontal1888
flossy1893
moth1896
girl of the pavement1900
pross1902
prossie1902
pusher1902
split-arse mechanic1903
broad1914
shawl1922
bum1923
quiff1923
hustler1924
lady of the evening1924
prostie1926
working girl1928
prostisciutto1930
maggie1932
brass1934
brass nail1934
mud kicker1934
scupper1935
model1936
poule de luxe1937
pro1937
chromo1941
Tom1941
pan-pan1949
twopenny upright1958
scrubber1959
slack1959
yum-yum girl1960
Suzie Wong1962
mattress1964
jamette1965
ho1966
sex worker1971
pavement princess1976
parlour girl1979
crack whore1990
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [noun] > illicit intimacy > person > a mistress
chevesea700
wifeOE
bed-sister1297
concubine1297
leman1297
file1303
speciala1400
womanc1400
chamberer?a1425
mistress?a1439
cousin1470
doxy?1515
doll1560
pinnacea1568
nobsya1575
lier-by1583
sweetheart1589
she-friend1600
miss1606
underput1607
concupy1609
lig-by1610
factoress1611
leveret1617
night-piece1621
belly-piece1632
dolly1648
lie-bya1656
madamc1660
small girl1671
natural1674
convenient1676
lady of the lake1678
pure1688
tackle1688
sultana1703
kind girl1712
bosom-slave1728
pop1785
chère amie1792
fancy-woman1819
hetaera1820
fancy-piece1821
poplolly1821
secondary wife1847
other woman1855
fancy-girl1892
querida1902
wifelet1983
1606 N. Breton Choice, Chance, & Change sig. H2 If your mistris haue a fine wit, and your wife, but a plaine vnderstanding..if your mis. be kind & your wife dogged: wil you loue your mis. better then your wife?
1675 (title) The Character of a Town-Misse.
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. i. 50 All Women would be of one piece, The virtuous Matron, and the Miss.
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. i. 56 Our Money's now become the Miss, Of all your Lives and Services.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 448 Nor may the Common Misses or Whores [at Venice], take this habite.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1662 (1955) III. 309 [She was] taken to be the E. of Oxfords Misse (as at this time they began to call lew'd women).
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 225 This gentle Cock..Six Misses had beside his lawful Wife.
1765 I. Bickerstaff Maid of Mill ii. x. 42 If one is a Miss, be a Miss to a gentleman I say.
1803 M. Charlton Wife & Mistress (ed. 2) IV. 214 I would rather chuse to see this child..the wife of an honest man, than the Miss of a Nobleman.
1809 J. Adams Wks. (1854) IX. 303 A Miss of the street.
1825 J. Wilson Noctes Ambrosianae xix, in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Mar. 371 Can you believe what the newspapers said, that the parents conneeved at her being Cornel Barclay's miss?
1889 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (ed. 2) 354 Miss, a concubine.
b. = mistress n. 2b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > master of servant > woman
mistressa1393
metreza1604
miss1606
missus1790
the Mrs1821
1606 N. Breton Choice, Chance, & Change sig. G4 My Mistrisse..did thus salute me. Seruante good morrow, what abroade so earlie?..mistris quoth I, shall the seruant bee in bed after his Mis?
2. In form Miss, as a title.
a. Preceding the name of an unmarried woman or girl without a higher or honorific professional title.In 19th cent. use, when Miss was prefixed to the surname alone, e.g. Miss Smith, it normally indicated the eldest (unmarried) daughter of the family; in referring to the others the forename was employed, e.g. Miss Ethel (Smith). In practice, for reasons of convenience the forenames were often inserted or omitted without regard to this rule, which, although it is still recommended by the style manuals, is now little used. When the title is applied to several persons of the same name at once, usage sanctions two forms, viz. the Misses Smith and the Miss Smiths, the former being regarded as the more formal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [noun] > title > for a woman > young or unmarried
mistress1474
Mrs1550
miss1667
1667 S. Pepys Diary 7 Mar. (1974) VIII. 101 Little Mis Davis did dance a Jigg after the end of the play.
1669 R. Flecknoe Epigr. 5 To Mis: Davies, on her Excellent dancing. Dear Mis:..Who wou'd not think [etc.].
1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse iv. 62 (stage direct.) Enter Miss Hoyden, and Nurse.
1699 G. Farquhar Love & Bottle Epil. sig. Aiiiv Oh Collier! Collier! Thou'st frighted away Miss C——s.
1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 93 Miss Betty won't take to her Book.
1772 in J. L. Chester Westm. Abbey Reg. (1876) 416 Miss Catharine Ayrton; aged three months.
1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey II. iv. i. 171 Does my Lord Manfred keep his mansion there, next to the Misses Otranto?
1842 C. Dickens Let. 26 Dec. (1974) III. 402 Pray convey my best regards..to..the Miss Powers—I can't say ‘the Misses Power’, for it looks so like the blue board at the Gate of a Ladies' Seminary.
1870 ‘G. Eliot’ in J. W. Cross George Eliot's Life III. 112 The Miss Gaskells were staying with them.
1880 Theatre Feb. 118 As Adriano Miss Josephine Yorke looked and sang admirably.
1928 A. Conan Doyle Cardboard Box in Sherlock Holmes Short Stories 937 I observed that it was addressed to Miss S. Cushing. Now, the oldest sister would, of course, be Miss Cushing, and although her initial was ‘S’ it might belong to one of the others as well.
1945 J. Betjeman Subaltern's Love-song in New Bats in Old Belfries 6 Now I'm engaged to Miss Joan Hunter Dunn.
1992 I. Gower Oyster Catchers 205 And then there's the two Misses Grace who are very quiet and respectable and are just across the landing from you.
†b. regional (chiefly U.S.). = Mrs n.1 1a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [noun] > title > for a woman > for married woman
damec1300
mistress?c1450
Mrs1485
goodwife1497
goody1559
metreza1604
miss1770
ma1951
1770 Female Patriot, No. I (single sheet) A pleasant Story lately I heard told Of Madam Hornbloom, a noted Scold [and married woman]..‘I ask your Pardon, dear Miss Hornbloom.’
1819 Massachusetts Spy 12 May I concluded he had resolved to marry Miss Spruce, but found upon inquiry that his name was Spruce, and Miss Spruce was his wife.
1836 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker (1862) 451 If Miss Corncob, your wife, ain't here.
1854 C. Dickens Hard Times iii. vii. 330 Miss Josephine Sleary..was then announced... ‘Here'th Jothphine hath been and got married to E. W. B. Childerth, and thee hath got a boy..three yearth old.’
1873 ‘Josiah Allen's Wife’ My Opinions & Betsey Bobbet's 166 Miss Aster would give up her bedroom to me, or mebby she would make Mr. Aster sleep with one of the boys, and have me sleep with her.
1887 W. D. Parish & W. F. Shaw Dict. Kentish Dial. 102 Miss,..always used for Mrs., as the title of a married woman.
1888 L. D. Powles Land of Pink Pearl 154 No married woman, not even excepting the Governor's wife, is ever accorded the title of ‘Mrs.’ but all ladies, married or single, are called ‘Miss’ or ‘Missey’ indiscriminately.
c. Preceding the maiden name (retained for professional or other reasons) of a married woman (esp. an actress).
ΚΠ
1881 Appletons' Jrnl. Mar. 255/2 The invocation of Artemis already spoken of might alone stamp Miss Terry as a great actress.
1896 Argosy Jan. 357/1 Miss Terry's acting of Guinevere leaves no room for cavil.
1937 N. Marsh Vintage Murder i. 6 What about Miss Dacres? Or should I say Mrs. Meyer? I never know with married stars.
1975 Times 4 Apr. 1/1 Miss Ure..was found collapsed by her husband, Mr. Robert Shaw, the actor.
1992 N.Y. Times Bk. Rev. 14 June 28/3 She also tells us more than we want to know about Porfirio Rubirosa, the roué who was Miss Duke's second husband.
d. Prefixed to a word to denote a woman who is considered the exemplar or type of the class or quality specified. Cf. Mr n. 1c.
ΚΠ
1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 5 Mar. 3/2 The Americans..talk of Miss Bluestocking..as ‘Maid of Philosophy’, ‘Maid of Science’, ‘Maid of Arts’.
1945 S. J. Perelman Crazy like Fox 82 ‘Well, Miss “Lame Brain”,’ he retorted sardonically.
1992 T. McMillan Waiting to Exhale (1993) 313 This was Bernadine. Miss Levelheaded these days.
e. Preceding the name of a country, organization, group, etc.: a title of a young woman representing this country, organization, or group; spec. the title of a young woman chosen as the winner of a beauty contest, as Miss Universe, Miss World, etc. Also in extended use.
ΚΠ
1903 W. D. Howells Lett. Home xiii. 81 When Miss America takes me out and talks to me about him.
1914 W. A. Mackay Trench & Trail (1918) 97 But Miss Canada is frigid And Columbia [sc. U.S.A.] is cold, So in presence of the couple There's an iciness untold.
1922 N.Y. Times 5 Sept. 19/6 Miss Margaret Gorman of Washington, winner of the 1921 contest, will be known as ‘Miss America’.
1931 N.Y. Herald Tribune 23 Oct. 17/2 The radio experts are at a loss to know whether..to put the Mammy sequences in as a comic relief (or at least as a relief) during the next ‘Miss Universe’ contest.
1953 S. Spewack Under Sycamore Tree ii. i. 35 Attention, everybody. We now bring you the results of the beauty contest..to pick Miss Human Ant of nineteen fifty-three.
1972 G. Bromley In Absence of Body iii. 27 Poised at a desk on a low dais—as though she might have been Miss Great Britain..was a ravishing receptionist.
1989 C. R. Wilson & W. Ferris Encycl. Southern Culture 1583/1 In 1959 she reached the pinnacle of the beauty contest world, winning the Miss America Pageant.
2010 D. L. Rhode Beauty Bias iii. 56 One and a half billion viewers were tuning into the Miss World competition.
3. A form of address, without reference to marital status.
a. A form of address to a (usually young) woman, esp. a shop assistant, waitress, etc. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > young person > young woman > [noun] > as form of address
young lady1662
miss1668
baby1684
kitten1870
1668 J. Dryden Secret-love iii. i. 34 Adieu dear Miss if ever I am false to thee again.
1669Mis: [see sense 2a].
1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid I. 58 And, Miss, since that is your Name, you shall go Home to your Parents.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. xii. 196 ‘My sweetest miss,’ cried my wife, ‘he has told you nothing but falsehoods.’
1816 W. Kirby & W. Spence Introd. Entomol. (1818) I. 101 ‘Dear Miss’, said a lively old Lady to a friend of mine.
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) (at cited word) Nor must one say, ‘Pray, Miss, do you go to the ball this evening?’
1850 C. M. Yonge Henrietta's Wish iv. 49 ‘I beg your pardon, Miss,’ said she [sc. a maidservant].
1901 ‘Rita’ Jilt's Jrnl. i. ii. 15 He..said, ‘A pleasure, miss, I assure you’... ‘Miss’, I repeated... ‘Fancy calling me—“miss”. But then he isn't a gentleman.’
1965 J. B. Priestley Lost Empires i. ii. 15 Let's have a coffee, shall we? Miss! Miss!
b. Used patronizingly, contemptuously, or in anger. Frequently qualified by little.
ΚΠ
1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss I. i. xi. 195 ‘Thank you, little miss,’ said the man in a less respectful and grateful tone than Maggie anticipated.
1864 C. M. Yonge Trial I. vi. 100 I came down upon little Miss at last for her treatment of the doctor.
1889 Monthly Packet Dec. 82 Will you do so or not? Answer me, miss.
1906 S. J. Weyman Chippinge xxii. 213 [A mother says] ‘You hate me!’ ‘Oh no, no!’ the girl cried in distress. ‘You do, miss!’
1992 N.Y. Times 18 Oct. ii. 28/4 Madonna..sneers, ‘Little miss thinks she can have his child. Well anybody can do it’.
c. A form of address to a female teacher (corresponding to sir n. 7).
ΚΠ
1909 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Avonlea xii. 123 Please, miss, I had to help ma make a pudding for dinner.
1993 R. Campbell Waking Nightmares 169 At the back of the class Tommy was whining, ‘Please Miss, please Miss.’
4. Applied to a girl or a woman.
a. A young unmarried woman; a girl, esp. a schoolgirl, or one who has recently left school. Frequently used contemptuously (often qualified by little) with implication of silliness or sentimentality.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > young person > young woman > [noun]
daughterOE
maidenOE
young womanOE
mayc1175
burdc1225
maidc1275
wenchc1290
file1303
virginc1330
girla1375
damselc1380
young ladya1393
jilla1425
juvenclec1430
young person1438
domicellea1464
quean1488
trull1525
pulleta1533
Tib1533
kittyc1560
dell1567
gillian1573
nymph1584
winklota1586
frotion1587
yuffrouw1589
pigeon1592
tit1599
nannicock1600
muggle1608
gixy1611
infanta1611
dilla1627
tittiea1628
whimsy1631
ladykin1632
stammel1639
moggie1648
zitellaa1660
baggagea1668
miss1668
baby1684
burdie1718
demoiselle1720
queanie?1800
intombi1809
muchacha1811
jilt1816
titter1819
ragazza1827
gouge1828
craft1829
meisie1838
sheila1839
sixteenc1840
chica1843
femme1846
muffin1854
gel1857
quail1859
kitten1870
bud1880
fräulein1883
sub-debutante1887
sweet-and-twenty1887
flapper1888
jelly1889
queen1894
chick1899
pusher1902
bit of fluff1903
chicklet1905
twist and twirl1905
twist1906
head1913
sub-deb1916
tabby1916
mouse1917
tittie1918
chickie1919
wren1920
bim1922
nifty1923
quiff1923
wimp1923
bride1924
job1927
junior miss1927
hag1932
tab1932
sort1933
palone1934
brush1941
knitting1943
teenybopper1966
weeny-bopper1972
Valley Girl1982
the world > people > person > child > girl > [noun]
maiden-childeOE
maidenOE
maidc1275
maid-childc1275
wenchc1290
thernec1300
lassc1325
maidenkinc1330
child-womana1382
girlc1400
pucelle1439
maidkin1440
mawther1440
mop1466
woman-child?1515
bonnea1529
urchina1535
kinchin-mort1567
dandiprat1582
prill1587
sluta1592
little girl1603
maggie1603
tendril1603
squall1607
childa1616
filly1616
vriester1652
miss1668
gilpie1720
lassie1725
laddess1768
jeune fillea1777
bitch1785
girly?1786
gal1795
ladyling1807
missikin1815
colleen1828
girleen1833
snowdrop1833
pinafore1836
chica1843
fillette1847
charity-girl1848
urchiness1852
Mädchen1854
gel1857
pusill1884
backfisch1888
girly-girly1888
cliner1895
tittie1918
weeny1929
bobby-soxer1944
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > unmarried person(s) > unmarried woman > [noun] > young unmarried woman
mayc1175
girla1375
damselc1380
miss1668
intombi1809
1668 J. Dryden Secret-love ii. iii. 15 Oh, my miss in a Masque! have you found your tongue?
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Miss,..a little Girl.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Miss, a Title given to a young Gentlewoman.
1715 J. Gay Epist. Earl Burlington 75 Three boarding-schools well stock'd with misses.
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 85. ⁋12 A knot of misses busy at their needles.
1796 C. Lamb Let. 28 Oct. in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1975) I. 57 To fall out like boarding-school misses.
1802 E. Parsons Myst. Visit II. 172 Very unlike a novel-reading Miss.
1818 J. Keats Lett. (1958) II. 13 She is a downright Miss without one set off—we hated her.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lxi. 555 An unwholesome little Miss of seven years of age.
1859 J. Ogden Sci. of Educ. 427 The most of the following exercises are arranged for a class of sixteen... In forming for practice, the misses are always arranged in a circle.
1880 Nation (N.Y.) 12 Aug. (advt.) The Maples.—A Family School for Young Ladies and Misses.
1885 Spectator 30 May 706/1 Happiest when under the tyranny of some small miss of two or three.
1937 M. Allingham Dancers in Mourning xi. 158 A sulky little miss if ever I saw one.
a1944 A. Lewis in G. Jones & I. F. Elis Twenty-Five Welsh Short Stories (1971) 125 One afternoon a young unsophisticated English Miss in a fresh little frock and long hair.
1993 Evening Sun (Baltimore) 8 Apr. b4/1 The demure Victorian miss, tightly laced into her ball gown, perches daintily on her chair.
b. A woman entitled to be addressed as ‘Miss ——’.
ΚΠ
1840 T. Hood Miss Kilmansegg iii, in New Monthly Mag. 60 401 The Bride, who came from her coach a Miss, As a Countess walk'd to her carriage.
1887 G. R. Sims Mary Jane's Mem. 6 Don't ma'am me—I'm a miss.
1980 H. Engel Suicide Murders (1984) vi. 50 Call me Miss Tracy. I'm a Miss not a Ms. I'm not one of those women's libbers.
c. Chiefly North American. With reference to sizes or styles of articles of clothing: (originally) a girl of from about 10 to 17 years of age; (now also) a well-proportioned woman of slightly above average height. Also in plural: garments or garment sizes suitable for a girl of this age or woman of this build.
ΚΠ
1880 in Amer. Mail Order Fashions (1961) 20 A Misses' bathing costume. The pattern..is in 6 sizes for misses from 10 to 15 years of age.
1892–3 T. Eaton & Co. Catal. Fall–Winter 11/1 In misses' and small women's coats, we are still unexcelled.
1930 E. Wallace Lady of Ascot viii. 67 She catered for what they call in America the ‘Miss’, and had as her principal clients thousands of working girls, who, through the Carawood stores, were able to dress fashionably.
1951 Vogue Feb. 94/1 We pass through the Baby Linen on our way to the Misses.
1973 Philadelphia Inquirer 7 Oct. 9 (advt.) Misses' nationally famous Separates. Coordinated sets.
1973 Philadelphia Inquirer 7 Oct. 9 (advt.) Every winter coat for misses, juniors, women reduced Monday only.
d. An English governess in France.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > teacher > [noun] > professional teacher > governess
mistressc1330
schoolmistress1335
governoressc1422
tutrice1490
tutrix1515
gouvernante1579
tutress1599
tutoress1614
directrice1631
duenna1641
under-governess1669
governess1673
conductress1760
Mam'sellec1794
directress1801
nursery governess1814
mademoiselle1861
finishing governess1862
fräulein1883
govy1899
miss1924
1924 A. D. Sedgwick Little French Girl i. vi. 51 The ‘Misses’ of her childhood.
1951 R. Senhouse tr. Colette Chéri 21 No ‘Fräulein’, no ‘Miss’ was ever to be seen at Chéri's side.
e. A female teacher.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > teacher > schoolteacher or schoolmaster > [noun] > schoolmistress
schoolmasterc1230
schoolmistress1335
mistress1340
schoolmarm1830
pedagoguette1960
miss1973
1973 Guardian 20 Mar. 17/3 I would like to subject some of the ‘misses’ and some of the ‘sirs’ to the indignities and fears that they have heaped upon my kids.
5. A form of polite reference.
a. A form of reference to a girl or woman usually addressed as ‘Miss’, originally esp. the daughter of the house.
ΚΠ
1695 W. Congreve Love for Love ii. i. 30 Oh Madam; you are too severe upon Miss.
1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 30 Dec. (1948) II. 591 I saw the Bp of Cloghrs Family to day. Miss is mighty ill of a Cold.
1747 D. Garrick (title) Miss in her Teens.
1758 T. Warton Idler 2 Dec. 273 Both the old Lady and Miss are fond of [collared eel].
1820 Ld. Byron Blues i. 78 Is it miss or the cash of mamma you pursue?
1888 J. Payn Prince of Blood (1892) xxviii. 229 ‘I hope miss is not much worse’, he said.
b. Without reference to marital status: a form of reference to a female teacher (corresponding to sir n. 10b).
ΚΠ
1968 L. Berg Risinghill 16 ‘Miss said no one should come in the class during the dinnertimes.’
1968 L. Berg Risinghill 227 That's not a bad thing for a child to copy—to think ‘Sir's mod!’ or ‘Miss is mod!’
1990 Sun 6 Apr. 6 ‘Sir’ and ‘Miss’ could do with a lesson themselves. In common sense.

Compounds

Miss Ann n. (also Miss Anne) contemptuous (in African-American usage) (a name for) a white woman, esp. one who is considered hostile to or patronizing of black people; (also) spec. the daughter of a plantation owner.
ΚΠ
1882 M. R. Banks Bright Days in Old Plantation Time ii. 29 'Twuz 'mos' time fur him ter come stay wid mars' an' my miss, so Miss Ann she ups an' tells my miss 'bout de 'cashun uv po' Mr. Stchuart's grievments.
1942 Z. N. Hurston in Amer. Mercury July 89 Miss Anne used to worry me so bad to go with me.
1965 J. Baldwin in J. H. Clarke Harlem 175 He is assured..his ancestors were happy, shiftless, watermelon-eating darkies who loved Mr. Charlie and Miss Ann.
1966 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. 1964 xlii. 45 The Man and Miss Ann refer more specifically to the boss and the fair, young white lady of the plantation... Both..are used ironically.
1995 M. L. Settle Choices v. ii. 289 ‘What is Miss Ann talk?’ ‘Yes-ma'am talk. Miss Ann is Mr. Charlie's sister.’
Miss Annie n. (contemptuous) (in African-American usage) = Miss Ann n.
ΚΠ
1926 C. Van Vechten Nigger Heaven 280 Dat ain' Miss Annie, dat's kinkout.
Miss Emma n. slang morphine.
ΚΠ
1938 Amer. Speech 13 188/1 Miss Emma, morphine.
1951 Evening Sun (Baltimore) 27 Mar. 4/1 Morphine was ‘Miss Emma’.
1970 T. Roethke Sel. Lett. 249 Miss Emma, morphine.
Miss Fidditch n. [see quot. 1967] colloquial a person who is punctilious with regard to the correct use of language, a pedant.
ΚΠ
1962 M. Joos Five Clocks i. 10 Webster is one Webster, and Miss Fidditch is his prophet.
1967 A. H. Marckwardt in M. Joos Five Clocks p. xiv He begins with Miss Fidditch, a character originally named by Henry Lee Smith, Jr., in one of his more devastating moments but described by H. L. Mencken two decades earlier as one of the old-maid schoolteachers who would rather parse than eat.
1968 Language 44 128 Attention, all the Miss Fidditches: Barber calls it is I pedantic.
1978 Amer. Speech 53 20 Despite centuries of indefatigable admonitions from the Miss Fidditches, the impersonal uses and singular they have age-old pedigrees in the language.
Miss Laycock n. slang the female genitals; (hence) a woman offering sexual services; a prostitute.
ΚΠ
1788 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (ed. 2) Miss Laycock, the monosyllable.
1980 Maledicta 4 185 The elliptic mood is still sometimes found, however, in the advertisements of those on the game, where they delicately refer to Miss Brown, Madam Brown, Itching Jenny,..and Miss Laycock in shop-window come-ons.
Miss Lonelyhearts n. (a pseudonym used by) a journalist giving advice in a newspaper or magazine to people who are lonely or in difficulties.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > journalism > journalist > [noun] > sentimental or advice writer
sob sister1912
Lonelyhearts1933
Miss Lonelyhearts1933
agony aunt1974
1933 ‘N. West’ Miss Lonelyhearts 14 Miss Lonelyhearts tells the story of a reporter,..detailed to write an agony column and answer daily the letters desperate with human misery addressed to his paper.
1956 A. Wilson Anglo-Saxon Attitudes i. iii. 59 You're so busy being Miss Lonelyhearts to your public.
1975 Times 1 Mar. 8/4 Music Through Midnight..the BBC's Miss Lonelyhearts spot. The other two nights there is Contact, a radio advice and counselling column.
Miss Milligan n. Cards a kind of patience played with two packs of cards.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > patience or solitaire > [noun] > varieties of
spider1890
demon1893
Miss Milligan1899
Klondike1902
Canfield1912
poker patience1912
clock solitaire1919
pisha paysha1928
clock patience1937
1899 M. W. Jones Games of Patience 5th Ser. x. 27 Miss Milligan Patience.
1914 C. Mackenzie Sinister St. II. iii. xiv. 782 She used to sit playing ‘Miss Milligan’..and said..that she had really enjoyed Patience for the first time.
1975 J. Symons Three Pipe Probl. xviii. 200 She played all sorts of patience games..like Miss Milligan and the elegant Windmill.
Miss Right n. the woman who would make the ideal wife or partner for a particular man; one's destined wife or partner.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > fitness for marriage > [noun] > marriageable person > woman desirable or ideal as wife
bachelor's wife1546
Miss Right1890
1890 R. Kipling Light that Failed viii. 130 But..couldn't you take and live with me till Miss Right comes along?
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses iii. xvi. [Eumaeus] 610 He would one day take unto himself a wife when Miss Right came on the scene.
1993 S. James Love over Gold 155 Don't worry, darling. You'll find her one of these days, I promise. Miss Right, I mean.
miss sahib n. [compare memsahib n., sahib n.] (in South Asia) the daughter of a memsahib.
ΚΠ
1888 R. Kipling Soldiers Three 8 Bund karo all the Miss Sahib's asbab an' look slippy!
1892 R. Kipling & W. Balestier Naulahka xx. 236 ‘Has the miss sahib any orders,’ asked Dhunpat Rai.
1973 ‘B. Mather’ Snowline ix. 105 I saw the sahib... He..passed close to a group of goras and dirty miss-sahibs, who called out to him.
Miss Thing n. (a) colloquial a woman whose name the speaker is unable or does not care to specify (see thing n.1 16a); (b) slang (somewhat depreciative) (esp. in the language of some homosexual men) used to refer to or address a man.
ΚΠ
1858 H. C. Jenkin Violet Bank III. ix. 188 No, no, indeed,—just to let you get that Miss Thing out of the way.
1972 B. Rodgers Queens' Vernacular (at cited word) Does Miss Thing want her smack now or after her eggs Benedict.
c1986 C. Busch Vampire Lesbians of Sodom 69 Sweetie, has Miss Thing invited you to her dungeon room?
1993 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) (Nexis) 14 Feb. 4 A snob saw my housekeeper in the elevator and told her to never use it again. I can't wait to see Miss Thing and tell her off.
2004 Washington Post (Nexis) 20 Sept. c1 Billy [Budd] is commonly referred to as ‘Baby’ and ‘Beauty’, although, mercifully, the sailors refrain from calling each other ‘Miss Thing’.
Miss White n. Irish English colloquial (now rare) a chamberpot (also personified).
ΚΠ
1920 J. Joyce Ulysses Nausicca in Little Rev. Apr. 50 When she..wanted to run and pay a visit to the miss white.
1962 A. Clarke Twice round Black Church 25 I was filled with embarrassment for I saw Miss White peeping at me immodestly from under the bed.
1992 M. Mullarney What about Me? 13 Aunt or mother would give cheerful encouragement to hurry to ‘Miss White’—a handsome chamber pot.
Miss Willmott's ghost n. [with reference to Ellen Ann Willmott (1858–1934), English horticulturist, who was reputedly in the habit of sowing the plant in gardens as a memento of her visits (see quot. 1956; compare also quot. 1974)] a tall biennial Caucasian eryngium, Eryngium giganteum, grown for its silvery-green flower heads.
ΚΠ
1956 A. M. Coats Flowers & their Hist. 89 The biennial sea-holly..has a spectral look in the twilight which might well justify its name of Miss Willmott's Ghost. It is said that when visiting gardens, Ellen Willmott used surreptitiously to drop a few seeds of this plant here and there, to surprise the owners in due course.
1974 R. L. Fox Variations on Garden 127 It is also called Miss Willmott's Ghost, Miss Willmott being a former plantswoman of the home counties with a tongue, and tastes, as sharp as a thistle's spine.
1998 B. Chatto Garden Notebk. 270 Sometimes I have bleached the large prickly heads of Eryngium giganteum, known as ‘Miss Willmott's Ghost’.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

missn.3

Brit. /mɪs/, U.S. /mɪs/
Origin: Of uncertain origin; perhaps a variant or alteration of another lexical item.
Etymology: Origin uncertain; perhaps a use of miss n.2 or miss n.1In European games related to loo the miss was sometimes termed demoiselle or fille (see quot. 1990), probably a calque on the English word, thus being understood as miss n.2; compare also slightly later widow n. 8.
Chiefly Cards.
Originally in loo: a spare hand for which any of the players may discard his or her own. Also (Dominoes): the opening player's option to exchange his whole hand for a new set of tiles before beginning the game.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > other card games > [noun] > loo > extra hand
miss1767
1767 Lady M. Coke Jrnl. 10 June (1889) II. 22 There was to be two tables at Lu... The partys were scanty; both tables play'd with ‘Miss’.
1862 H. Kingsley Ravenshoe III. 240 General Mainwaring had been looed in miss four times running.
1883 H. Jones in Encycl. Brit. XV. 1/1 Each player in rotation..looks at his cards, and declares whether he will play, resign, or take miss.
1908 Westm. Gaz. 25 Jan. 14/3 The fact of neither A nor B making a ‘no trump’ bid..makes Y positive that the miss contains an ace.
1969 R. C. Bell Board & Table Games (ed. 2) II. vi. 112 The opening player may discard his whole hand [of dominoes] before leading, and take six more tiles from the stock. This is called taking a miss.
1990 D. Parlett Oxf. Guide Card Games xv. 187 Many varieties of the game [sc. Rams] include a spare hand equivalent to the ‘miss’ of Loo, variously known as la demoiselle, la fille, or le mort.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

missn.4

Brit. /mɪs/, U.S. /mɪs/
Forms: 1800s– miss, 1900s– mis, 1900s– mis. (with point).
Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: miscarriage n.
Etymology: Shortened < miscarriage n. (compare sense 4a at that entry).Compare Dutch misje < mis- (in miskraam miscarriage) + -je, diminutive suffix.
colloquial.
= miscarriage n. 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > birth > confinement > [noun] > childbirth or delivery > complications of childbirth or pregnancy
amblosis1706
breech case1774
breech1781
still-birth1785
breech presentation1811
footling1829
turning1842
prematurity1847
head-locking1870
breech position1876
headlock1876
breech delivery1882
breech labour1885
miss1897
postmaturity1902
abruptio placentae1905
preemie1927
breech baby1969
prematuration1977
1897 W. S. Maugham Liza of Lambeth x. 167 I've 'ad twelve, ter sy nothin' of two stills an' one miss.
1937 E. Partridge Dict. Slang Miss, more correctly Mis., a miscarriage.
1942 N. Mitchison Diary 16 Feb. in D. Sheridan Among you taking Notes (1986) 187 Poor Lily, who used to ‘come in and help’ to hospital—she has had a mis; there seem to be so many these days.
1951 J. Cannan And All I Learned v. 70 I heard of a girl who'd had eleven misses.
1971 ‘D. Shannon’ Murder with Love (1972) viii. 138 She had a miss, that time, lost the baby.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

† missadj.

Forms: Old English–1500s mis, Middle English–1500s mys, Middle English–1500s mysse; Scottish pre-1700 mis, pre-1700 mys.
Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly formed within English, by conversion. Partly a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymons: mis- prefix1; amiss adv.
Etymology: Partly < mis- prefix1 (compare miss adv.), and partly aphetic < amiss adv.Some attributive compounds of this word are not essentially different from compounds of the prefix (which is not orthographically distinct) with a noun, but may be interpreted as adjectival uses because they do not appear at any period as established compounds and are apparently intended as two words. Compare also miswoman n.
Obsolete.
Bad; wrong; wicked. In predicative use: amiss.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > [adjective]
unfairc888
missOE
ungoodc1000
quedec1275
wondlichc1275
badc1330
divers1340
quedeful1340
shrewdc1384
lewdc1386
ungoodly1390
diverse1393
noughta1400
imperfectc1400
noughtyc1400
unblesseda1425
sinister1474
naughty?a1500
podea1522
naught1536
pelsy1785
society > morality > moral evil > wickedness > [adjective]
litherc893
unledeeOE
evil971
missOE
murkOE
unrighteousOE
unseelyOE
un-i-seliOE
unselec1050
wickc1175
foul-itowenc1225
unwrast?c1225
un-i-felec1275
wickedc1275
wrakefula1350
felonousc1374
unquertc1390
unperfect1395
felona1400
wanc1440
meschant?c1450
sinnyc1475
unselc1480
poison?1527
pernicious?1533
scelerous1534
viperous?1548
improbate1596
scelestious1609
scelestic1628
spider-like1655
dark-hearted1656
demonic1796
nineteda1798
sinful1863
OE (Northumbrian) Rushw. Gospels: John iii. 19 Dixerunt [read dilexerunt] homines magis tenebras quam lucem erant enim eorum mala opera : cwedun menn swiðor ðiostru ðonne leht wæs forðon hiora yfle uel mis werc [OE Lindisf. yflo uerco uel undedo].
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 716 Þurth a mys metyng þat swiche a maide wold Leye hire loue so lowe.
c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 151 Ne plese hire not with no mis-plawe.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 5429 So that whil I live I myhte amende that is mys.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) 16496 My tresoun is so mys.
a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (1987) iv. 1348 That men the queene..shal restore, And Grekis us restoren that is mys.
c1447 in F. M. Nichols Lawford Hall (1891) App. 23 The said enformacion of the said bille ys mysse.
c1450 Contin. Lydgate's Secrees (Sloane 2464) 61 (MED) The first [type of wine]..In Oold, mys-humours restorith to gouernaunce.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 985 For if I be a myssecreature other an untrew knyght.
1556 in J. G. Nichols Chron. Grey Friars (1852) 51 To for-geve hym hys mysse insample.
1599 A. Hume Hymnes sig. E2v All thats mis I sall amend.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

missv.1

Brit. /mɪs/, U.S. /mɪs/
Forms: Old English missan, Middle English–1500s mis, Middle English–1500s mys, Middle English–1500s myse, Middle English–1500s myss, Middle English–1500s mysse, Middle English–1600s misse, 1500s mish, 1500s– miss, 1600s mizs; Scottish pre-1700 mis, pre-1700 mise, pre-1700 misse, pre-1700 mys, pre-1700 myse, pre-1700 myss, pre-1700 mysse, pre-1700 1700s– miss. Past tense Old English (1st and 3rd singular indicative) Middle English miste, early Middle English misstenn (plural indicative, Ormulum), Middle English misseden (plural indicative), Middle English missid, Middle English missud, Middle English missyd, Middle English misten (plural indicative), Middle English myssede, Middle English myssud, Middle English myssutte, Middle English myssyd, Middle English–1500s myssed, Middle English–1500s myst, Middle English–1800s (1900s– regional) mist, Middle English– missed, 1600s– misst (now archaic and regional); Scottish pre-1700 missett, pre-1700 myssid, pre-1700 myssit, pre-1700 myssyt, pre-1700 myst, pre-1700 1700s– mist, pre-1700 1800s missit, 1700s– missed, 1900s– misst. Past participle Middle English imist, Middle English miste, Middle English moiste (transmission error), Middle English mysset, Middle English myssyd, Middle English ymist, Middle English ymyst, Middle English–1500s myssed, Middle English–1500s myst, Middle English– missed, 1500s– misst (now archaic and regional), 1500s– mist (now archaic and regional); Scottish pre-1700 misset, pre-1700 miste, pre-1700 myssit, pre-1700 myst, pre-1700 1700s– mist, pre-1700 1800s missit, 1700s– missed.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian missa to lack, be without (West Frisian misse ), Middle Dutch missen to err, lack, be without, fail to hit (Dutch missen ), Middle Low German missen to err, lack, be without, lose, Old High German missen to lack, be without, feel the loss of, fail to hit (Middle High German missen , German missen ), Old Icelandic missa to lack, lose, feel the loss of, fail to hit, early modern Swedish missa to lack, be without (Swedish regional (Gotland) missa to fail), ultimately < a verbal derivative of the Germanic base of mis- prefix1. (Swedish missa to fail to hit, represents a 19th-cent. borrowing < English; compare also forms cited s.v. miste v.1).The word is not common in Old English; in many senses probably reinforced by the cognate early Scandinavian word (senses parallel to senses 2a, 4, 11b, 17, 18a, 19, 20 occur in Old Icelandic). In late Old English the prefixed form gemissan is also attested in one isolated occurrence (in the saint's life St. Giles), with the sense ‘to fail to hit’.
I. To go wrong.
1. intransitive. To go wrong, make a mistake, err. In Old English impersonal with dative of person. In later use (occasionally) reflexive (English regional). Now also Caribbean in to miss and (do something): to make a mistake by doing something. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > be mistaken, err [verb (intransitive)]
dwelec900
haltc900
marOE
slidea1000
misfangOE
missOE
to have wough?c1225
misnimc1225
misrekec1275
mis-startc1275
err1303
to go wrongc1340
misgo1340
slipc1340
snapperc1380
forvay1390
to miss of ——c1395
to make a balkc1430
to run in ——1496
trip1509
fault1530
mistake1548
misreckon1584
misstep1605
warpa1616
solecize1627
hallucinate1652
nod1677
to go will1724
to fare astray (misliche, amiss)a1849
slip1890
skid1920
OE Wulfstan Canons of Edgar (Corpus Cambr.) (1972) xxxii. 8 Ac beo se canon him ætforan eagum. Beseo to gif he wille, þi læs þe him misse.
a1225 ( Rule St. Benet (Winteney) (1888) 95 Gif hwyl[c] swustre myst odðe misfehð on bodunȝe sealme, [etc.].
a1300 Passion our Lord 102 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 40 Þo seyde vre louerd crist..Nymeþ gode yeme, þat ye nouht ne mysse. Hwam ich biteche þat bred..He me schal bitraye.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) 120 And what it is u wole þe wisse; Vnderstond, þat þu ne misse.
c1400 in Bodleian Q. Rec. (1932) 7 3 (MED) Nou haf we mysset in our mynde.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iv. i. 230 I telle the that thou myssest in thy sayeng in this byhalfe.
1562 G. Legh Accedens of Armory 51 There you misse. For if you marke it, this is not like yt, yt went before.
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 1v If the childe misse, either in forgetting a worde, or in chaunging a good with a worse.
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 51 Starres are poore books, and oftentimes do misse.
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 240 For Art may err, but Nature cannot miss.
1743 H. Fielding Ess. Conversat. in Misc. I. 126 If..Men..often err in their Conceptions of what would produce their own Happiness, no wonder they should miss in the Application of what will contribute to that of others.
1889 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (ed. 2) at Miss mysen I miss'd mysen sorely when Lord Yarbur caame, I thoht he was a man hawkin' pills.
1996 R. Allsopp Dict. Caribbean Eng. Usage (at cited word) If they miss and hit any of my brothers and sisters, they are going to find out their mistake.
II. To fail.
2.
a. transitive. Of a person, a weapon, a missile, etc.: to fail to hit, strike, or come into contact with (something aimed at). Also: to fail to place an object on (something). In Old English with object in genitive (cf. to miss of —— at Phrasal verbs 2).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike [verb (transitive)] > fail to strike
missOE
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > fail to hit
missOE
to miss of ——c1540
OE Beowulf 2439 Hæðcyn..miste mercelses ond his mæg ofscet.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 366 The Bruce him myssyt as Wallace passyt by.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) xii. 50 Schyr Henry myssit the noble king.
a1547 Earl of Surrey Poems (1964) 25 The palme playe, where..With dased eyes oft we..Have mist the ball.
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. xxxiii. 110 That ancient fellow, who, hurling a stone at a dog, misst him, and there-with-all hit..his stepdame.
1664 N. Ingelo Bentivolio & Urania: 2nd Pt. vi. 182 The next Course was perform'd much after the same manner, only Proselenes miss'd the Ring.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 528 They are most accurate at the long-bow, and Musquet, very rarely missing the smalest mark.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. iii. 149 The Purser..fired a pistol at Cozens, which however mist him.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 120 If one lifts up his cane, or his fist, in a threatning manner at another; or strikes at him, but misses him; this is an assault.
1798 Ld. Auckland Corr. (1862) III. 418 He snapped a pocket-pistol at him, which missed him.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iv. 191 The gun he levelled—mark like this Was Bertram never known to miss.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 41 The babe..rear'd his creasy arms, Caught at and ever miss'd it.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. v. 425 [He] missed the traitor, and slew another soldier who was near him.
1944 A. Jacob Traveller's War 238 Men on the fringe of the battle area..receive the ‘overs’ and keep ducking flat as they hear the hissing approach of tank ammo, that has missed its mark.
1987 C. Simmons Belles Lettres Papers v. 80 Mr. Margin put the phone down hard, missing the cradle.
1993 D. Coyle Hardball iii. iii. 123 Louis swung and missed the ball by a foot.
b. transitive. figurative. Chiefly in to miss one's (also the) mark (also aim, etc.): to fail to achieve a goal, fall short, disappoint, go wrong.to miss the cushion: see cushion n. 10a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail or be unsuccessful [verb (intransitive)] > fail to reach goal or objective
to miss of the markc1400
to miss one's (also the) mark (also aim, etc.)1604
to come short home1720
to miss one's tip1847
to tear it1909
trail1957
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 268 Iþet itorene folc he miseð [read misseð] his marken. & sið inham richt godes banere.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 638/1 If I mysse nat my marke, he is a busy felowe.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. i. 39 + 4 Whose whisper..may misse our Name, And hit the woundlesse ayre.
1606 Returne from Pernassus iv. iii. sig. G4v For that I misse'is gaudy painted state, Whereat my fortunes fairely aim'd of late.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. v. 4 I..oft haue shot at them, How e're vnfortunate, I miss'd my ayme. View more context for this quotation
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ix. 176 The Ministers or Brethren now missing their mark, abated much of their former activity.
1729 C. Johnson Village Opera iii. ii. 68 La. Wise. No, Sir Nicholas, you are right, you must be right, you always were right. Luc. It is Fifty to one, Sir, you never miss the Mark.
1781 W. Cowper Epist. to Lady in France in Poems (1980) I. 444 But Ills of ev'ry shape and ev'ry name, Transformed to blessings miss their cruel aim.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ix. §1 Cromwell..in his later years felt bitterly that Puritanism had missed its aim.
1889 J. Stalker Imago Christi (1891) ix. §5. 178 Many a preacher misses the mark because, though he knows books, he does not know men.
1920 T. S. Eliot Sacred Wood 49 You see..how completely any semi-ethical criterion of ‘sublimity’ misses the mark.
1992 Economist 24 Oct. 6/1 Your article on Brownian motion..badly misses the mark. I never stated or implied that Robert Brown was a sloppy scientist.
c. intransitive. To fail to hit or strike something aimed at. Also in figurative context.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike or deliver blows [verb (intransitive)] > fail to strike
misyengec1275
miss1535
fail1590
to lose aim1611
to fall shorta1688
err1801
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge missile [verb (intransitive)] > fail to hit
mishapc1475
miss1535
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judges xx. 16 With the slynge coulde they touch an heer, and not mysse.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. i. 205 But in that hit you misse, shee'le not be hit With Cupids arrow. View more context for this quotation
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. liv. 169 Without ever missing, he would every time make-it goe through a needles eye.
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. xlix. 68 In cutting off Heads, they are very dextrous, and never miss.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xv. 107 I never saw a surer shot at a Partridge. Every Man misses now and then. View more context for this quotation
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. vi. 177 When we came up, we fired our tromboni, but missed.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 119 The sick weak beast seeking to help herself By striking at her better, miss'd.
1866 C. Reade Griffith Gaunt I. vi. 154 The longer and more steadily the duellist fixes his eye on his adversary, the less likely he is to miss.
1906 J. London White Fang i. iii. 43 A wolf leaped for him, missed, and landed with its four feet in the coals.
1959 P. Roth Goodbye, Columbus & 5 Short Stories 35 I took my set shot and, of course, missed.
1983 E. Reveley In Good Faith xi. 184 She tried to pour some more whatever but missed, liquor sliding outside the..glass down all over squelching into tennis shoes.
d. transitive. Of a missile, blow, etc.: to chance not to hit, avoid hitting (an object or person); to pass by without touching. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > impinge upon [verb (transitive)] > pass by without impinging
miss1722
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 370 Another [wound] with a Sword, which ran him quite thro' the Body, but that missing his Vitals he was cur'd again.
1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xxxv. 505 Gun-shot Wounds are seldom or never deadly (provided they miss the very Vitals).
1746 A. Pope Verses Upon M—— 4 The Pleasure miss'd her, and the Scandal hit.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 142 One flash, that, missing all things else, may make My scheming brain a cinder.
1904 Daily Chron. 20 Aug. 9/5 I saw a lofted ball..miss the head of a player in front by not more than six inches.
1924 S. T. Warner Lett. (1982) 3 A bus had leapt at me sideways and only missed me by about four and a half inches.
1981 D. Francis Twice Shy ii. xxi. 237 Thanked the fates that the destructive lump of metal had missed my heart.
3. intransitive. Of a person, a plan, etc.: to be unsuccessful, fail. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail or be unsuccessful [verb (intransitive)]
withsitc1330
fail1340
defaulta1382
errc1430
to fall (also go) by the wayside1526
misthrive1567
miss1599
to come bad, or no, speedc1600
shrink1608
abortivea1670
maroon1717
to flash in the pan1792
skunk1831
to go to the dickens1833
to miss fire1838
to fall flat1841
fizzle1847
to lose out1858
to fall down1873
to crap out1891
flivver1912
flop1919
skid1920
to lay an egg1929
to blow out1939
to strike out1946
bomb1963
to come (also have) a buster1968
c1175 (?OE) Instr. for Christians 6 in Anglia (1964) 82 11 Syndon feower þing forðsteppende to þæra ecan eadignesse; he ne missað na ða he gemetað.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3872 Ones he smot ðor on ðe ston, And miste and sag ðe water gon.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 9543 (MED) The wille of God wole not misse, What so he wole, anoon it isse.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) x. l. 114 My selff can swym, I trow, and fall na mys.
a1500 (?c1400) Song of Roland (1880) 276 (MED) Mahoun the blis, And help the ther-to, þat thow not myse!
1535 Sir A. Windsor Let. 26 Mar. in Lisle Papers (P.R.O.: SP 3/14/52) f. 65 Theye whent straytte to the fforeste of Bere..& so enrssythe yn the seyde fforeste & myste & as theyȝe whent by the heyȝe waye homewardes a booke rowssyd & so wt there greyowndes kylde hym.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet Prol. 14 What heare shall misse, our toyle shall striue to mend. View more context for this quotation
1662 S. Pepys Diary 3 Nov. (1970) III. 248 Though we have missed twice, yet they bring such an account of the probability of the truth of the thing,..that we shall set upon it once more.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther i. 9 The Bank above must fail before the venture miss.
1747 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) V. 137 If they miss in their Schemes.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iii. 141 If thy scheme miss.
1877 J. M. Neilson Poems 16 Whan buskit oot in braw new claes, Auld grannie's hansel's never miss't.
1973 Times 1 Feb. 13/4 I seem to be born under a lucky star—I can't miss.
4. transitive. To fail to get, obtain, receive, or acquire; to come short of, go without (something that it is possible or desirable to have).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > not obtaining or acquiring > not to obtain [verb (transitive)]
mistec1275
missa1325
tinea1325
fail1377
losea1387
to come short of1570
to fall by1614
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3336 A met ðor was, it het Gomor, Ilc man is he bead, and nummor, Him gaderen or ðe sunne-sine, Elles he sulden missen hine.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 1827 (MED) Þei þat misseden here mete wold make gret noyse.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) 189 Man may mysse þe myrþe.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 5266 (MED) For þe godhede es ful of blisse, Þarfor þe sight of it þai [ill men] sal misse.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 782 Whanne the devel aspide..that his pray he scholde thus mis.
a1500 (c1370) G. Chaucer Complaint to his Lady 43 Al that thyng which I desyre I mis.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 251 To gar him mis baith Denner and Disione.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis i. 2 Through this wyde roaming thee Troians Italy mishing Ful manye yeers wandred.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. i. 37 And so may I..Misse that which one vnworthier may attaine. View more context for this quotation
1606 F. Bacon in W. B. Scoones Four Cent. Eng. Lett. (1880) 41 Since the time I missed the solicitor's place.
1637 J. Milton Comus 32 May thy brimmed waves for this Their full tribute never misse.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. vi. 209 I cannot discern any Misfortune in her missing such a Husband as Bellarmine. View more context for this quotation
1779 S. Johnson Denham in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets IV. 9 At the Restoration he obtained, what many missed, the reward of his loyalty.
1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in Task 503 Shall royal institutions miss the bays, And small academies win all the praise? View more context for this quotation
1850 C. M. Yonge Henrietta's Wish iii. 29 She could not bear that her husband should miss his yearly holiday.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xi. 130 Catiline had missed the consulship, and was a ruined man.
1906 J. Conrad Mirror of Sea xlvi. 290 He missed a larger fame only by the chances of the service.
1937 R. K. Narayan Bachelor of Arts x. 142 No one can have a greater regret at missing an alliance with your family than I.
1993 R. Carr Spain, 1808–1975 129 To Riego liberalism had been installed solely by officers: civilians had missed any title to glory by failing to raise Cadiz after the army had pronounced.
5.
a. transitive. To fail (to do something). With gerund, infinitive (now archaic), or (occasionally in Middle English) that-clause as object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > leave undone or fail to carry out
letc900
overheaveOE
forsakec1175
missa1350
leavea1375
fail1393
forgeta1400
omit?c1422
pretermit1475
neglect1533
to dispense with1559
permit1567
overrun1583
slip1592
default1649
to miss of ——1658
to fail of1723
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 66 (MED) Preye we alle..þat we ne misse in þis world to ben holy.
c1390 G. Chaucer Miller's Tale 3679 For yit I shal nat mysse That, at the leeste wey, I shal hir kisse.
c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls 75 Thow shalt not mysse To comen swiftly to that place deere.
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) 2235 Watir of litarge..wold not mys..to make lac virginis.
1568 Newe Comedie Iacob & Esau Prol. sig. A.jv To send him a son by Sara he did not misse.
c1598 King James VI & I Basilicon Doron (1944) I. ii. 57 Sum notable plaigue missis neuer to ouirtake the comittaires.
1664 King Charles II in J. M. Cartwright Madame (1894) 159 Pardon me for haveing mist writing to you so many posts.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 499 Th' invention all admir'd, and each, how hee To be th' inventer miss'd . View more context for this quotation
1705 Boston News-let. 9 Apr. 2/2 After Perkins and his men cry'd for quarter, the French Capt. presented a Pistol with a brace of Bullets to his breast, but Perkins put it by with his hand, which snap'd but miss'd firing.
1733 J. Tull Horse-hoing Husbandry xiv. 90 In a dry Summer both Sorts of Clover are apt to miss growing.
1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 214 They didna miss To gie to ilka dainty dame A sappy kiss.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality v, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 93 The whigs never miss to find it [sc. good ale] out.
1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 62 I was in pain Lest I should miss to bid thee a good morrow.
1869 R. Browning Ring & Bk. IV. x. 72 So, never I miss footing in the maze.
1874 A. Trollope Lady Anna I. xv. 193 ‘It is barely a step,’ said the Earl, jumping over, and back again... ‘You couldn't miss to do it, if you tried.’
1910 E. M. Forster Howards End xv. 128 Time after time I've missed scoring a point because the other man has had the gift of the gab and I haven't.
1985 J. Howker Nature of Beast iii. 34 It was because of them sitting there nattering..that we missed watching the six o'clock news.
b. intransitive. Originally (with non-referential it as subject): to fail to happen or come about (now rare). In later use chiefly: (of a person, etc.) to fail (to do something). Frequently in to miss but, usually with bare infinitive or to and infinitive. Now Scottish and Irish English (northern).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (intransitive)] > not to happen or become unhappened
unbetidec1374
missa1393
unhappen1805
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. 1362 (MED) Who loveth wel, it mai noght misse..Bot if that thei som weie finde.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 157 He will nocht mise bot he will ȝoke allis sune witht ȝow at ȝour bakis as the wther partie will befoir.
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. xl. 130 Death hath come, or it wil not misse.
1651 D. Dickson Brief Expos. Matthew (ed. 3) 254/5 It cannot misse but errours will arise.
a1699 J. Kirkton Secret & True Hist. Church Scotl. (1817) 344 It mist but little that they went not to the Lady Yester's church.
1765 W. Forbes Dominie Deposed (new ed.) 38 You'll stand, I fear upon your shankies, And maybe slaver in the brankies; It could not miss.
1796 J. Lauderdale Coll. Poems Sc. Dial. 10 Four pounds a head, a year auld steer, How can he miss but thrive?
1826 J. Galt Last of Lairds xxvi. 228 [She] canna miss but to die o' a broken heart.
1849 J. Ritson Pastoral Dial. 6 I lith'd him yeance, sea canna miss but know.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 224/2 Cannot miss but, cannot fail to.
†6. intransitive. To come to an end, give out, draw to a close. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > be at an end [verb (intransitive)] > come to an end, terminate, or expire
to run outeOE
endOE
stintc1275
slakea1300
overpassc1350
determinec1374
overruna1393
dispend1393
failc1399
missa1400
to wear out, forth1412
stanchc1420
to come outa1450
terminea1450
expire?c1450
finish1490
conclude1593
upclose1603
terminate1608
to shut up1609
to wind off1650
stop1733
to fall in1771
close1821
to blaze out1884
outgive1893
to play out1964
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 9964 (MED) Þis castel es o beld and blis, Þar mirth es neuer mar to mis [c1460 Laud dothe nevir mys].
a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (1987) iii. 1624 That, there as thow now brought art in thy blisse, That thow thiself ne cause it nat to misse.
c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls 40 Til the day gan mysse.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1897–1973) 315 (MED) In my blys that neuer shall mys, Thou shall dwell ay.
a1545 Now synge We x, in J. Skelton Poet. Wks. (1843) I. 146 And thou shalt have blys That neuer shall mys.
7. transitive. To lose or fail to hit on (the right path). Chiefly in to miss one's way. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > miss (the way)
missc1450
to miss of ——1600
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > miss one's way
to miss one's way1623
c1450 (?a1350) Seege Troye (Arms) (1927) 494 (MED) Þe weder changed, y myst þe paþ.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias 13 b The said Nicholas missed ye channell, and ranne on ground.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 439 Say Wolsey..Found thee a way..to rise in: A sure, and safe one, though thy Master mist it. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 735 Thy way thou canst not miss . View more context for this quotation
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. ii. 141 He could not apprehend any Mischief had happened, neither could he suspect that he had miss'd his Way. View more context for this quotation
1763 F. Brooke Hist. Lady Julia Mandeville I. 56 Seldom known to miss their way to her delightful abode.
a1805 A. Carlyle Autobiogr. (1860) i. 28 Their eldest son.., having missed the road.., fell into a peat pot.
a1822 P. B. Shelley tr. P. Calderon Scenes from Magico Prodigioso in Posthumous Poems (1824) 366 Take which [path] you will you cannot miss your road.
1891 A. Conan Doyle in Strand Mag. Nov. In his haste..he missed the path and walked over the edge of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats.
1963 G. Greene Sense of Reality 111 He felt as though he must have missed his path and entered a strange estate.
1988 J. Mortimer Summer's Lease 20 In San Pietro she..missed the road by the police station and had to do a U-turn.
8.
a. transitive. To fail to intercept or capture (a person, esp. one fleeing). Formerly also: †to fail to capture (a fortress) (obsolete). Also (occasionally) intransitive. See also to miss of —— 5 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)] > fail to seize
miss1488
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 14 Quhen thai him myst thai bownyt thaim to pas.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 468 Becaus tha knew him nocht tha mist him, and sa he chaiped.
c1600 Diurnal of Remarkable Occurrents (1833) 258 Albeit..thair enemies lay at wait, and missit at the plesour of God.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 94 Curroon..attempting vainely Hasser, but missing it, redelivers Rantas also into his enemies hands.
1889 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xliii What a muff Sir Ferdinand must be, he's missed me twice already.
1970 J. Dickey Deliverance 157 If he misses you at one place..he won't be able to keep up with you.
b. transitive. To fail to meet or make contact with (a person with whom a meeting or contact was possible, desired, or intended). Also (occasionally) intransitive: (of two or more people) to fail to meet one another.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > fail to meet (a person)
miss1589
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > fail to meet
miss1589
to miss on ——1675
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (intransitive)] > fail to meet
to miss of ——1769
miss1880
bounce2011
1589 ‘Pasquill of England’ Returne of Pasquill sig. Aij I ranne presently to the water side to discouer your comming in; I wonder how I missed you?
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. v. 52 I will visit her, tell her so:..I will not misse her.
1663 S. Pepys Diary 27 July (1971) IV. 251 Walked over the parke to St. James's; but missed Mr. Coventry.
1722 A. Pope Corr. 14 Mar. (1956) II. 106 I was disappointed..in missing you at the Deanery, where I lay solitary two nights.
1783 H. Cowley Which is the Man? i. i. 8 I missed him everywhere! At four places he was just gone as I came in.
1828 C. Lyell Jrnl. 29 Oct. in Life, Lett. & Jrnls. (1881) I. ix. 209 I..just arrived in time to miss them.
1880 G. Meredith Tragic Comedians I. iv. 49 Then we missed: now we meet.
1933 V. Brittain Test. of Youth viii. 402 In the crowd and the dark confusion we had somehow missed each other.
1982 ‘L. Cody’ Bad Company vi. 41 Had Claire gone already? Could she have missed her?
†c. transitive. Of a letter: to fail to reach (a person). Also intransitive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [verb (transitive)] > of letter: reach destination > fail to
miss1783
society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [verb (intransitive)] > of letter: reach destination > fail to
miscarry1592
miss1847
1783 H. Cowley Which is the Man? ii. ii. 19 I fear my letters have missed her.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre III. viii. 201 I wrote again: there was a chance of my first letter having missed.
1869 A. Trollope Phineas Finn II. xxxix. 16 I wrote to him the moment that I knew my own mind... But my letter missed him, and he only learned it the other day.
1894 T. D. English Select Poems 257 Perchance my letter missed.
1898 J. O. Hobbes Ambassador iii. 112 The letter missed him, unfortunately.
9.
a. transitive. To escape, avoid. Now chiefly with specification of a margin, as just, narrowly, etc. Formerly also: †to get clear of, elude (pursuit) (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > contrive to escape or evade
fleec1175
shunc1275
forgoc1305
passc1330
escapea1340
beglidea1350
voidc1380
shuntc1400
missa1522
evade1535
delude1536
to dally out1548
illude1553
prevent1598
outruna1616
to fail of1624
elude1634
subterfugea1643
shoot1685
shift1724
to get out of ——a1817
win by…1816
a1522 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) i. Prol. 32 My waverand wyt... My mynd mysty, thir may nocht mys a fall.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. KKKiv [The ball]..mysseth the hande & falleth to the grounde.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 126 Throw his bitter deide I mis Of hell the dyntis dour.
1589 R. Lane in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 740 [This] made me and my company as narrowly to escape staruing..as euer men did that missed the same.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 23 A shark (a man eating fish, and who seldome misse the hook, out of too much greedinesse).
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 75 They very narrowly missed being taken by the Christians.
1705 Boston News-let. 18 June 2/2 He espied an Indian between him and the Garison about 7 rod off him, and not knowing but there might be more, he ran another way to the Garison, and got safe into it and mist the Indian.
1756 W. Toldervy Hist. Two Orphans IV. 94 A hollier, who narrowly missed taking off the toes of Humphry with his carriage.
1791 W. Jessop Rep. Navigation Thames 14 A cut of 400 Yards will miss a very crooked and Obstructed Part.
1814 W. Scott Waverley III. xiv. 191 She..once very narrowly missed introducing Waverley to a recruiting-serjeant of his own regiment. View more context for this quotation
1872 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch II. xxiv. 26 His horse..had just missed killing the groom.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 278 I turned..across country for Delhi, and after missing a few shots, rode one hundred and thirty miles before I stopped.
1915 J. Buchan Thirty-nine Steps iv. 93 A stranger who had just missed death by an ace.
1956 W. S. Churchill Hist. Eng.-speaking Peoples I. ii. i. 122 At the outset of the revolt he narrowly missed destruction.
1992 Today (BNC) Office staff hurried their way to work yesterday, their numbers swelled by Christmas shoppers out early to miss the crowds.
b. transitive. Originally Irish English (northern). To escape the notice of (a person). Usually in negative contexts in there's not much misses someone (also someone's eyes, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > escape the attention of
overpass1535
overslip1574
overscape1581
fly?1611
slip1653
to get away1811
miss1880
1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down at Misses There's not much misses you.
1953 M. Traynor Eng. Dial. Donegal 186/2 There's not much misses you, said to one who is very observant.
1992 R. Richardson Lazarus Tree (BNC) 82 Well, if there's anything you want to know about Medmelton, not much misses my ears.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. (at cited word) Miss someone's eye, escape someone's notice.
10. transitive. Originally Scottish. To fail to see or perceive (something that is within view); to fail to catch or hear (some part of what one is listening to); to fail to apprehend or perceive intellectually. to miss the point: see point n.1 Phrases 3f.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > make obscure [verb (transitive)] > fail to apprehend
to miss of ——1667
miss1744
to make nothing of1852
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) vi. ii. 132 Ane other goldin grane..Thou sal nocht mys.
a1525 Bk. Sevyne Sagis l. 2162 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 69 That merlyng na merk thing wald mys.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 18 You are verie sencible, and yet you misse my sence.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. ii. 12 I lay'd their Daggers ready, He could not misse 'em. View more context for this quotation
1666 S. Pepys Diary 28 Dec. (1972) VII. 424 I sat so high and far off, that I missed most of the words.
1690 J. Locke Two Treat. Govt. ii. vi. §61 in Wks. (1727) II. 175 The most blinded Contenders for Monarchy, by Right of Fatherhood, cannot miss this Difference.
1744 S. Johnson Acct. Life R. Savage 66 Mr. Savage..thought his Drift could only be missed by Negligence or Stupidity.
1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure II. i Wildly looking round for the young man, and missing him still, my fright and concern sunk me down in a deep swoon.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 458 What obvious truths the wisest heads may miss.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 264 Ye canna miss Widow Maclure's public, for de'il another house or hauld is on the road for ten lang Scots miles.
1855 ‘G. Eliot’ in Westm. Rev. Oct. 446 He is meeting a hypothesis which no one holds, and totally missing the real question.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. viii. 165 Allusive writing is open to two objections: Its point is missed by the majority of readers [etc.].
1927 P. G. Wodehouse Meet Mr. Mulliner vi. 180 Mike's Place, sir. Just round the corner. You can't miss it.
1957 L. Durrell Justine iii. 210 People only see in us the contemptible skirt-fever which rules our actions but completely miss the beauty-hunger underlying it.
1987 V. Gornick Fierce Attachments (1988) 15 Although my mother never seemed to be listening..she missed nothing.
11.
a. transitive. To fail to obtain footing on (a step, stair, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk upon or tread [verb (transitive)] > miss (one's footing)
fail1470
miss1568
1568 (a1500) Freiris Berwik 534 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 276 Freir Iohine attour the stair is gane in sic wyiss that mist he hes the trap And in ane myr he fell.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 146 Till wee misse the bridge and fall into the ditch.
1792 T. Holcroft Anna St. Ives VII. cxxvii. 214 I blundered and missed the stairs.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality x, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. II. 258 If he..dinna..miss ony o' the kittle staps at the Pass o' Walkwary.
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iv. 73 Blind with rage she miss'd the plank, and roll'd In the river.
1940 Railroad Mag. Apr. 44/1 Many casualties were caused in the ‘good old days’ by switchmen missing this step on dark snowy nights.
1986 M. Egremont Dear Shadows iv. 40 Bulbs of low wattage dim above the stairs where I had to be careful not to miss the steps.
b. transitive. Chiefly Scottish and Irish English (northern). to miss a (also one's) foot: to miss one's footing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > miss one's footing
to miss a (also one's) foot1664
miss1665
1664 in G. Miege Relation of Three Embassies (1669) 196 That they who would not miss a foot at midnight thorough the very desarts of Tartary yet should lose their way in broad day-light within three or four miles of Mosco.
1774 Aberdeen Jrnl. 10 Jan. He unluckily missed a foot, fell down stairs, and fractured his skull.
1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 162 She..mist a fit, an' in the pool..she plumpet.
1831 R. Shennan Tales, Songs, & Misc. Poems 78 Near the linn he miss'd a fit and tumbl'd in.
1884 Freeman's Jrnl. (Dublin) 9 Oct. The deceased was sleeping upon a loft, which was approached by a steep ladder, and in the darkness of the morning he missed his foot and fell down.
1900 Shetland News 6 Oct. 7/2 He miss'd his fit an' sled doon ower da girse apon his left hench.
1901 Ann. Rep. Railroad Commissioners (Rhode Island) 1900 28 Michael Reagan..attempted to get on board moving train in Charles street yard, but missed his foot, fell and sprained his ankle.
1953 M. Traynor Eng. Dial. Donegal 186/2 To miss one's foot, to slip or stumble.
1962 P. N. K. Bamzai Hist. Kashmir iii. 74 While crossing the Pir Panjal pass, an elephant missed his foot and tumbled down.
c. transitive. To fail to obtain (a footing).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)] > miss one's footing
to miss a (also one's) foot1664
miss1665
1665 R. Head Eng. Rogue I. xxi. 62 Some making more then ordinary hast, broke their necks off the cape of my Cloke, missing their footing.
1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. iv. 51 Fear makes men look aside, and then their footing miss.
1817 M. Edgeworth Ormond in Harrington & Ormond II. viii. 179 Harry, leaping back across the cleft in the rock, missed his footing and fell.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island vi. xxxi. 263 He must have missed his footing and fallen backward down the hill.
1967 M. Drabble Jerusalem the Golden (1969) iv. 62 The boat gave a violent lurch and he missed his footing and crashed into her.
1983 P. O'Brian Treason's Harbour iii. 64 He would contrive to miss his footing and plunge into the sea.
12.
a. intransitive. Of seed: to fail to produce, be unproductive. Of a crop: to fail. See also missing adj. 3. Now British regional and Irish English (northern).
ΚΠ
1615 W. Lawson Country Housewifes Garden (1626) 18 Put in euery such roomth three or foure Kirnels of Apples or Peares..and that day Moneth following, as many moe (lest some of the former misse).
1826 in E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (1889) (at cited word) The turnips have all missed.
1852 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 13 ii. 274 The seed has been known to miss occasionally.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) More-n half o' they taties missed.
1953 M. Traynor Eng. Dial. Donegal 187/1 The potatoes missed that year.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. (at cited word) Miss, of crops fail.
b. transitive. Originally Scottish and Irish English (northern). Of a heifer: to fail to conceive (a calf) after mating. Now usually intransitive (of a breeding animal): to fail to conceive. See also missed adj. 2.
ΚΠ
1780 [implied in: A. Young Tour Ireland (Dublin ed.) I. 259 Those who buy the mist heifers are farmers in Monaghan. (at missed adj. 2)].
1856 Notes & Queries 24 May 416/2 A cow that suffers abortion, slips her calf. A cow that cannot be impregnated misses calf. A cow that slips or misses calf is then an eill-cow.
1963 B. Vesey-Fitzgerald Cat Owner's Encycl. 170 Should the queen ‘miss’—that is, should there be no kittens—it is customary for the stud owner to give a further service to that queen..free of charge.
13.
a. transitive. To fail to take advantage of; to let slip (an opportunity, etc.). Cf. to miss the boat at sense 13e.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > provide occasion or opportunity [verb (transitive)] > miss an opportunity
to let pass1530
pretermita1538
slipc1592
missa1628
outslip1652
the mind > possession > loss > lose [verb (transitive)] > lose an advantage or opportunity
missa1628
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > fail to take use or advantage of
leese?c1225
losea1340
missa1628
waste1836
maunder1846
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1629) iv. 111 (margin) Because men misse the time they fall into miserie.
1672 A. Marvell Rehearsal Transpros'd i. 198 How frequent opportunities have I mist.
1732 B. Franklin in Pennsylvania Gaz. 12 Sept. 1/2 I believe I should make use of the same Expression [sc. diem perdidi], if it were possible for a Day to pass in which I had not, or miss'd, an Opportunity to scandalize somebody.
1772 J. Priestley Inst. Relig. (1782) I. 338 Would the orator Tertullus have missed so fine a topic of declamation, had there been the least colour of truth in this story?
1827 W. Scott Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xii. 233 He thus missed an opportunity..of doing much good.
1841 G. P. R. James Corse de Leon II. xi. 245 If we miss the precise moment..we have lost the great talisman for ever.
1902 T. M. Lindsay Church & Ministry in Early Cent. v. 173 It was better to be imposed upon sometimes than to miss the chance of entertaining a brother Christian.
1992 N.Y. Times 9 Aug. iii. 6/4 We're in the process of acknowledging that we missed an opportunity and we're going about fixing it.
b. transitive. Not to be in time for; to fail to catch (a passenger vehicle). See also to miss of —— 15 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > [verb (transitive)] > be late for or miss
(to come) lag of1552
lose1711
to miss of ——1777
miss1823
society > travel > rail travel > [verb (transitive)] > fail to catch a train
lose1884
miss1886
1823 Duke of Sussex in S. Parr Wks. (1828) VII. 5 I fear to miss the Post.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Walking to Mail in Poems (new ed.) II. 52 But put your best foot forward, or I fear That we shall miss the mail.
1856 J. W. Carlyle Lett. II. 294 I have a strange story to tell you..but that must lie over, or I shall miss the omnibus.
1886 Manch. Examiner 12 Jan. 4/7 Mr. Parnell himself was absent in consequence of missing his train at Crewe on the previous night.
1932 N. Coward Words & Music in Play Parade (1933) II. 109 You'll miss your entrance if you worry me.
1978 M. Sarton Reckoning (1984) xvii. 183 You'd better go and pack now, or you'll miss that plane.
1981 A. Judd Breed of Heroes i. ii. 28 Almost missed dinner. Nodded off on me bunk, would you believe?
c. transitive. Not to have the satisfaction of hearing, seeing, witnessing, or experiencing (something); not to be able to watch (an event, broadcast programme, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > fail to be present at
to miss of ——1615
miss1841
1841 W. H. Ainsworth Guy Fawkes iii. i It has been a painful spectacle.., and yet we would not have missed it.
1852 H. Rogers Eclipse of Faith 181 Painful as were the ‘revelations’ which ensued, I would not have missed them on any account.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 136 I would not have missed the speech of Protagoras for a great deal.
a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) I. xi. 190 Why, I wouldn't have missed this adventure for anything in the world.
1987 C. Thubron Behind Wall i. 15 Beneath the city's surface, I felt, a vivid life was going on and I was missing it.
1992 Equinox Aug. 100/2 (advt.) With TV Guide, you need never miss another hit show, movie, mini-series or family program.
d. transitive. colloquial (originally U.S.). to miss a trick: to fail to take advantage of an opportunity or to notice something important. Usually in negative contexts. Cf. trick n. Phrases 3.In quot. 1868 perhaps a literal use.
ΚΠ
1868 N.Y. Times 12 Apr. 11/4 Flogged during two sad hours of daily rehearsal, to compel him to have confidence on the horse's back, flogged at night after any performance in which he may have slipped or missed a trick, his little life is a series of beatings till his fifteenth year.
1873 ‘M. Twain’ & C. D. Warner Gilded Age xxxii. 294 He feared he had ‘missed a trick’, as he expressed it.
a1916 H. James Sense of Past (1917) iv. iii. 266 It was..for him to have kept it as..she preferred it. He had begun so..and how..came it therefore that he now repeatedly missed that trick?
1943 N. Coward Middle East Diary (1944) 11 He is a highly intelligent man and doesn't miss a trick... He had clear, alert views on the most diverse subjects.
1962 Oxf. Times 28 Dec. 15/2 Peter Butterworth and Joe Black are pantomime professionals who never miss a trick.
1988 Touchdown Nov. 9/1 There were glimpses of greatness from quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who hardly missed a trick.
e. transitive. colloquial. to miss the boat (also bus, etc.): to be too slow to take advantage of an opportunity.
ΚΠ
1886 J. Morley Crit. Misc. III. 147 Though he [sc. Mark Pattison] appeared..as much a Catholic at heart as Newman..it was probably his constitutional incapacity for heroic and decisive courses that made him, according to the Oxford legend, miss the omnibus.
1900 Bulletin (Sydney) 10 Nov. 32/1 I am the groom who's lost his blessed bride—The bloke who's missed the 'bus.
1930 Aberdeen Press & Jrnl. 3 Sept. 4/5 As a medium for a dull debut, ‘A Devil's Disciple’ by Bernard Shaw.., to use an Americanism, missed the boat by twenty years.
1931 Time & Tide 29 Aug. 1001 There are ten men in the Cabinet... There are three more who, by strange irony of circumstance, have missed the train.
1940 Manch. Guardian Weekly 10 May 357 He [sc. Mr. Chamberlain]..boasted that Hitler has ‘missed the bus’.
1973 Times 24 Mar. 2/4 Some firms were missing the boat because their managements were not prepared to be adventurous.
1993 Eng. Today Apr. 40/2 Two kinds of CD-ROM publishers—those in danger of missing the networking boat and those who do not even know there is a boat to catch.
f. transitive (reflexive). Scottish and Irish English (northern) colloquial. To fail to take an opportunity; spec. not to have the satisfaction of witnessing or experiencing something amusing, entertaining, or otherwise worthwhile on account of being absent.
ΚΠ
1963 in Sc. National Dict. (1965) VI. 300/3 Ye fairly mist yersel at the Concert yestreen.
1976 Sunday Post (Glasgow) 26 Dec. 35 Punters who sat at home loaded with turkey and listening to the touching and melodic tones of the wean's new drum kit missed themselves.
1992 I. Pattison More Rab C. Nesbitt Scripts 174 Is that blood coming oot his ears? Magic!.. Hey Rab! You're missing yirself! 'Mere and see this!
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. (at cited word) Miss yourself, to fail to take up an opportunity.
14.
†a. transitive. to miss one's measure: to fail to measure correctly. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > take measurements [verb (intransitive)] > fail to measure correctly
to miss one's measure1631
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 271 The Carpenters (missing their measure) had made it so much too short.
b. transitive. figurative. To fail to achieve or accomplish (an object). Cf. sense 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to achieve
to miss of ——c1225
fault1522
to err froma1538
to miss on ——a1627
miss1644
to miss out1929
1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 19 To make it plain that this order will misse the end it seeks.
a1678 A. Marvell First Anniv. in Misc. Poems (1681) 129 I yield, nor further will the Prize contend; So that we both alike may miss our End.
1738 J. Wesley Hymns ‘But that Thou art my Wisdom, Lord’, My Soul would be extremely stirr'd At missing my Design.
1779 S. Johnson Cowley in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets I. 28 He that misses his end will never be as much pleased as he that attains it.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) I. viii. 122 She seemed to have missed by so little the very object she had had in view. View more context for this quotation
1855 R. Browning Grammarian's Funeral This high man, aiming at a million Misses an unit.
1873 A. Trollope Eustace Diamonds I. xxi. 282 She was beginning to perceive that craft..will in the long run miss its own object.
1993 Guardian 19 Aug. i. 1/3 The scramble for places by students who have missed target A level grades or done better than expected.
c. transitive. Nautical. to miss stays: to fail in an attempt to go about from one tack to another. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > go about > by tacking > fail to
to miss stays1691
mis-stay1829
1691 London Gaz. No. 2687/3 It was by reason he mist stays.
1759 Ann. Reg. 1758 i. 83/1 The Invincible, one of his fleet,..missed her stays, and run upon a flat.
1806 J. Davis Post-Captain xvii. 100 It was only three weeks ago that I saw the wife you married at Baltimore... She is inconsolable for your departure. She missed stays just after you shoved off your boat.
1821 W. Scott Pirate III. vii. 151 His mates..have been here waiting for him till they have missed stays.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island v. xxvi. 210 I reckon I've missed stays!.. I'm for my long home, and no mistake.
1893 F. M. Crawford Children of King i. 11 She was near missing stays.
1938 J. Digges Bowleg Bill 24 Well, Yank figures this big cowboy has missed stays in the August heat.
1972 P. O'Brian Post Captain vii. 184 He felt an essential change in her motion, a dead sullenness: she was going to miss stays.
d. transitive. Cricket. To fail to take (a catch) or make (a stumping); to fail to take an opportunity to dismiss (a batter). Also (Baseball): to fail to take (a catch).
ΚΠ
1744 ‘J. Love’ Cricket iii. Argt. 17 Weymark unhappily misses a Catch.
1886 E. Gurney et al. Phantasms of Living I. 561 His mental condition after just missing a catch.
1900 P. F. Warner Cricket in Many Climes iii. 45 I was missed at extra slip..when I had only made a few runs.
1968 D. Tangye Way to Minack iv. 36 I had missed a catch in an inter-house cricket-match.
1986 Toronto Star (Nexis) 18 May e2 Allanson missed the catch then delayed, allowing Bell to move from second to third.
1988 Times (Nexis) 23 June The final count was eight put down and two stumpings missed.
2000 Wisden Cricketers' Almanack (ed. 137) v. 501 Parore's 73 came after he was badly missed by Stewart in the slips on seven.
e. transitive. Sport and Games. To fail to accomplish (a stroke, etc.); to fail in an attempt to score (a goal, etc.). Cf. to miss of —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [verb (transitive)] > play (the ball) in specific way
hazard1674
string1680
miss1746
pocket1756
hole1803
spot1844
nurse1850
draw1860
pot1860
hold1869
dribble1873
fluke1881
scratch1909
1746 E. Hoyle Whist (ed. 6) 10 If the Dealer should happen to miss Deal.
1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue at Crab To catch a crab, to fall backwards by missing one's stroke in rowing.
1857 ‘Capt. Crawley’ Billiards (ed. 2) iii. 29 I attempted a difficult canon off the white—and missed it.
1868 L. M. Alcott Little Women I. xii. 182 Jo was through the last wicket, and had missed the stroke.
1888 J. Payn Myst. Mirbridge xxii A man..must be an angel indeed who misses his stroke at billiards without a murmur.
1915 V. Woolf Voy. Out viii. 115 The next window revealed two men in shirt-sleeves playing billiards with two young ladies. ‘He pinched my arm!’ the plump young woman cried, as she missed her stroke.
1987 Tennis Aug. 34/3 At 30–0 I missed my first serve and thought about Paris and said there was no way I was going to double fault.
1992 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald Amer. 8 Nov. e4/3 Kennedy's score closed the gap to 21–9 with 6:20 remaining in the third quarter. The Hokies missed a two-point conversion try.
15.
a. to miss fire: = misfire v.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > discharge of firearms > discharge firearms [verb (intransitive)] > of gun: go off or fire > misfire
misgive1570
misgo1586
mis-servea1661
to miss fire1687
misfire1753
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail or be unsuccessful [verb (intransitive)]
withsitc1330
fail1340
defaulta1382
errc1430
to fall (also go) by the wayside1526
misthrive1567
miss1599
to come bad, or no, speedc1600
shrink1608
abortivea1670
maroon1717
to flash in the pan1792
skunk1831
to go to the dickens1833
to miss fire1838
to fall flat1841
fizzle1847
to lose out1858
to fall down1873
to crap out1891
flivver1912
flop1919
skid1920
to lay an egg1929
to blow out1939
to strike out1946
bomb1963
to come (also have) a buster1968
1687 C. Sedley Bellamira iv. i. 45 If a man were Cock'd and Prim'd, is enough to make a man miss Fire.
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. xiii. 17 May my Pistols miss Fire.
1765 H. Timberlake Mem. 16 I pulled the trigger, which missing fire, broke off the upper chap and screw-pin.
1817 T. L. Peacock Melincourt I. ix. 126 With a sweet smile at his lordship which unluckily missed fire.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) vii. 64 Never knew one of them miss fire before.
1838 D. Jerrold Men of Char. II. 166 That's how a man's brightest ideas sometimes miss fire.
1859 C. Reade Love me Little i She missed fire—Uncle Fountain, like most Englishmen, could take in a pun by the ear, but wit only by the eye.
1892 W. W. Greener Breech-loader 63 They are liable to miss fire if the lever does not snap ‘home’.
1902 C. S. Rolls in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) ix. 175 Motor will not ‘pull’ well or misses fire.
1952 P. Bowles Let it come Down ii. 21 Such things have a way of not coming off. Frightfully good idea that misses fire.
1979 Guardian 23 Mar. 12/7 Tchaikovskian delicacy misses fire in this theatre.
b. intransitive. Of a motor vehicle or an engine: to undergo failure of ignition in one or more cylinders. figurative in earliest use.to miss on all (or four, etc.) cylinders: see cylinder n. 6.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > internal-combustion engine > operate internal-combustion engine [verb (intransitive)] > of internal-combustion engine: run > fire or misfire
fire1894
miss1904
misfire1928
1904 Peel City Guardian 14 May 3/2 Hargreaves was ‘missing’ very badly.
1917 ‘Contact’ Airman's Outings 72 The needle on the rev.-counter quivered to the left as the revolutions dropped, and the engine missed on first one, then two cylinders.
1932 P. G. Wodehouse Hot Water ii. 38 He had tended..to undernourish his spiritual self. He had given it the short end, and it was missing, he knew, on several cylinders.
1953 A. Smith Blind White Fish in Persia x. 199 The departure from the Consulate was unceremonious, for the truck was missing badly, stalled several times and finally pulled us out through the gate.
1987 Truck & Driver July 40/1 Some months earlier, the motor began missing; investigation found a cracked cylinder head.
III. To be without; to lack; to want.
16. transitive. To notice the absence or loss of; to perceive that (a person or thing) is not in the expected or accustomed place. See also to miss away 1 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > loss > lose [verb (transitive)] > become unable to find
losec950
missc1175
leese?c1225
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > perceive the absence of
missc1175
to miss away1487
to miss of ——1560
lacka1616
want1627
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 8919 Itt comm till efenn. & ta þeȝȝ misstenn þeȝȝre child.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 9390 Ich hit wuste, anan swa ich þe miste. þat þu icumen weore to Vðere kinge.
c1300 St. Katherine (Laud) 250 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 99 (MED) Ake porfirie it burede aniȝt..Þo þe Aumperur þat bodi miste, he was wroth and wod.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1961 He missed Ioseph and ðhogte swem, Wende him slagen, set up an rem.
a1400 Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 986/120* When þai missed his body fast away þai fledd.
c1450 (a1400) Chevalere Assigne 83 in W. H. French & C. B. Hale Middle Eng. Metrical Romances (1930) 862 (MED) ‘Where ar my lefe chylderen?’ Whenne she myssede hem þer, grete mone she made.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) 5641 (MED) Þe childe waked and his belt myst.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 827 They myssed hym and knewe not in what part of the worlde to make inquirie or serche for hym.
1591 R. Greene Second Pt. Conny-catching sig. E The farmer..thrust his hand into his pocket and mist his purse.
1600 in R. Pitcairn Criminal Trials Scotl. (1833) II. 156 Mr Thomas, missing my lord, lap out at the dur.
1689 Ess. Satyr in Fourth Coll. Poems 27 Like her, who miss'd her Name in a Lampoon, And grieve to find her self decay'd so soon.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 280. ¶4 This Man, whom I have missed for some Years in my Walks.
1751 T. Gray Elegy xxviii. 10 One morn I miss'd him on the custom'd hill.
1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 231 The post~boy's horse right glad to miss The lumbering of the wheels.
1814 W. Scott Waverley III. xv*. 217 It was sae dark that his folk never missed him till it was ower late. View more context for this quotation
1846 R. Browning Soul's Trag. in Bells & Pomegranates No. VIII i Well, he paid my fines Nor missed a cloak from wardrobe.
1891 Daily News 9 Nov. 7/2 Prisoner had been in the employ of the Savoy Hotel Company as pantryman, and after he had left in June a quantity of plate was missed.
1962 S. Raven Close of Play iii. xi. 142 By the time Nancy had missed him.., had become suspicious.., it would be too late.
1983 J. Carey Original Copy (1987) 50 Later the coin was missed, a housemaid fell under suspicion, and had to leave.
†17. intransitive. To be lacking or wanting. Frequently with to (in Middle English with dative of person). Cf. missing adj. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent [verb (intransitive)] > be absent or lacking
missa1250
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > be insufficient [verb (intransitive)] > be wanting
trokec1000
lacka1175
wantc1225
missa1250
fail13..
fault1377
defaulta1382
defaila1400
inlaik1533
a1250 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 5 (MED) No mon þet ðe [Saint Marie] ȝeorne bit of helpe ne mei missen.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) 1640 (MED) Nulle ich wiþ þe plaidi namore, For her þe mist þirihte lore.
c1330 (c1250) Floris & Blauncheflur (Auch.) (1966) 490 (MED) Nou schal swete Florice misse, Schal non oþer of me haue blisse.
a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (1987) iii. 445 Nil I naught swere..That..he..wold of that hym missed han ben sesed.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 8459 Foure colours a man haþ him ynne..þe firste is blood, þat may not misse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xxi. E And their myssed [1611 failed] nothinge of all the good that the Lorde had promysed..it came euery whyt.
a1536 Interl. Beauty & Good Prop. Women (ad fin.) For grace doth neuer mys To them that vse good prayers dayly.
1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet D d There shall not misse a name of any, that had a Godfather.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xxv. 7 Neither was there ought missing vnto them, all the while they were in Carmel. View more context for this quotation
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth i, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 12 ‘The heir of Thomas Randolph might have a better claim to be answered.’ ‘And, by my honour, it shall not miss for want of my asking the grace.’
18.
a. transitive. To be without, not to have, lack; to cease to have, lose. Now usually in progressive tenses. Also (occasionally) intransitive.With quot. a1300 cf. quot. c1275 at sense 17.Apparently unattested in 19th cent.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > not have [verb (transitive)] > lack
wantc1175
missa1300
tharnc1300
to fail of1307
lackc1320
fault1377
failc1380
wanea1400
defaultc1425
to want ofc1425
walter1463
fault?1504
to defail of1556
to want for1560
scant1565
inlaik1568
impaira1626
to bate of1633
a1300 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Jesus Oxf.) (1935) 1640 (MED) Nule ic wiþ þe playdi namore Vor her þu myst þi ryhte lore.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 1818 (MED) Here-to-fore of hardnesse hadestow neuer, but were brouȝt forþ in blisse..wiþ alle maner gode metes, & to misse hem nowþe.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xii. 101 As a man may nouȝt se þat mysseth his eyghen.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) 5646 To paradys the sonner go He shal..Where that he shal noo good misse.
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 44 Ȝoure fadyrly love lete me nevyr mysse.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 14 To borowe to day, and to morowe to misse, for lender & borower, noyance it is.
?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 355 Gif he had not fled for feir, Gude Matchewell had mist his meir.
1613 J. Donne Lett. (1651) 113 You have a fortune that can endure, and a nature that can almost be content to misse.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxxiv. sig. O6v Hee hath good Materials, for a foundation: but misseth wherewith to reare the Walls.
1646 in D. Robertson S. Leith Rec. (1911) 72 William Comrie to goe to the steiple and try what the knock misses that she may be helpit and mendit.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. xiv. 124 His Face, which missed that very Blood, as well as twenty Ounces more drawn from him by the Surgeon, was pallid. View more context for this quotation
1769 Hailes Let. 6 Mar. in E. C. Mossner & I. S. Ross Corr. A. Smith (1977) cxvii. 143 I have looked out for the papers in the Orkney cause and I miss many of them.
1963 New Yorker 15 June 28/2 The three casement windows on my left (the rightmost of which is missing a hook latch).
1988 G. Naylor Mama Day 46 Dr. Buzzard's pickup truck is missing both fenders.
1995 Oxf. Times 6 Oct. ii. 7/1 As Maddy Prior took a back seat, it meant the performance missed not just her clear as a bell voice as the focus but the infectious presence of her personality.
†b. transitive. to be missed: to be absent, gone; not to be found, to be lost. (In quot. 1596: to be lost in battle.) Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent [verb (intransitive)]
to be missedc1400
want1435
lackc1465
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) 994 (MED) His make watz myst, þat on þe mount lenged In a stonen statue.
a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (1987) iii. 537 If that he were missed..That he was gon to don his sacrifise.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings x. 19 I haue a greate sacrifyce to do vnto Baal Who so euer is myssed, shal not lyue.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 6 Of the Scotis onlie war misset tua knichtis, and of the commoun peple four thousand.
1621 M. Wroth Countesse of Mountgomeries Urania iv. 487 The Hounds soone brought the Deere out of the wood, but at the fall of him the Emperor was miss'd.
†c. transitive. To do without. See also to miss of —— 19 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with
forbearc900
forgoa1175
aspare1377
dispensec1420
missa1450
renouncec1480
sparea1525
afford?1560
free1561
egar1584
suspense1584
dispend1614
to dispense witha1616
waive1669
a1450 York Plays (1885) 30 (MED) Here shal no man tary the, I pray the go to! Full well may we mys the.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 127 Madame..ye shall go with me, for I may nat longe mysse you.
1533 J. Heywood Mery Play Pardoner & Frere sig. B.i This is the pardon which ye can not mysse.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 21 Bringing vnto man both honny & wax,..both so necessaray, yt we cannot misse them.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. ii. 313 We cannot misse him: he do's make our fire [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1664) cl. 301 Learn daily both to possess and miss Christ in his secret bridegroom-smiles.
19. transitive. To notice with regret the absence or loss of; to feel the lack of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > sorrow caused by loss > suffer sorrow for loss of [verb (transitive)]
missc1300
regretc1400
regratec1480
to miss away1488
wanta1522
desire1557
pity1585
to have a (great) loss in (or of)1680
bewail1796
c1300 St. James Great (Laud) 380 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 45 (MED) His menbres þat he carf of euer-eft he dude misse.
1442–3 in J. Raine Corr., Inventories, Acct. Rolls, & Law Proc. Priory of Coldingham (1841) 148 Be the qwilk it semit me that thw missett my servyce.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 1052 Now mysse ye sir Launcelot.
a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Chetham) l. 3818 Woo was Beues..Whan he myssud Arondell.
1568 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS f. 231v I glowffin vp agast quhen I hir mys on nycht.
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme l. 20 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 48 Not want of sacrifice doth mee offend, Nor doe I misse thy alters daily flame.
1607 Merry Devil Edmonton v. ii. 166 Sirra, ride strait to Chesson Nunry,..the house, I know, By this time misses their yong votary.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 104 I miss thee here, Not pleas'd, thus entertaind with solitude. View more context for this quotation
1740 S. Richardson Pamela I. 201 Ay, said the Idiot, she is main good Company, Madam; no wonder you miss her.
1779 S. Johnson Milton in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets II. 40 Milton was too busy to much miss his wife.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 524 Every month his native land remembers and misses him less.
1870 C. Dickens Edwin Drood iii. 16 I feel as if it would miss me, when I am gone so far away.
1915 A. S. Neill Dominie's Log xviii. 215 I shall miss Violet with her bonny smile.
1947 Southern Folklore Q. 11 iv. 266 To see how folks will miss you, stick your finger in the pond, then pull it out and look at the hole.
1987 D. Rowe Beyond Fear iv. 137 I spent many magnificent hours surfing... This is one part of Australian life that I miss and long for.
IV. To omit, skip.
20. transitive. To omit, leave out (esp. a part of what one is reading, reciting, or writing); to forget to do. Now chiefly in to miss out at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > omit, pass over > in speaking, writing
passa1425
missa1450
ferry1477
pretermit1542
silence1570
slip1607
reticence1833
to miss out1855
to skate over or round1928
a1450 (?c1350) Pride of Life l. 181 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 95 Sire, þou saist as þe liste,..Bot somthing þou miste, And þerfor hold þe stille.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 681/1 He hath a syngular memorie, he recyted al our hole comunycacion and myssed nat a worde.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 747 All thinges were prepared, and no thing was missed.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 2247/1 Then the sayd Lane beyng somewhat abashed, sayd his beliefe to these wordes, which he missed vnawares: Borne of the Virgine Mary.
1641 ‘Smectymnuus’ Vindic. Answer Hvmble Remonstr. §2 The Heathens had a Monitor that led them along in their prayers..that they might misse nor mistake no words.
1787 J. Wolcot Ode upon Ode in Wks. (1794) I. 411 If musicians miss but half a bar, Just like an Irishman she starts to bother.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. II. 304 He has gone to church service with me fifty times, and I never heard him miss one of the responses in my life.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I xi. 8 If any actor miss'd his part She could have served him for the prompter's copy.
1987 K. Gibbons Ellen Foster (1988) vi. 36 The only one that can read is Starletta and she misses words.
21.
a. transitive. To omit the performance of (a customary or expected action); to fail or neglect to keep (an appointment); to fail to attend or participate in (an event, ceremony, etc., as one is expected to do or habitually does). Also intransitive.Frequently in negative contexts; in the positive, sometimes approaching senses 13b, 2c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > leave undone or fail to carry out > an appointment or event
miss1578
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 247 Conforme to ȝour conditioun and promis, Quhilk..I wait ȝe will not mis.
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor iii. i. 82 For missing your meetings and appointments.
1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man v. §34. 133 He can never find in his heart so much as to miss a meal.
c1694 M. Prior Lady's Looking-glass 11 She would never miss one day A walk so fine.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 51. ⁋6 Others never miss the first Day of a Play.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. iv. 156 She..rarely missed a Ball, or any other Publick Assembly. View more context for this quotation
1787 W. Beckford Portuguese Jrnl. 23 Sept. (1954) 206 Besides the Abbade, who seldom misses, we were illuminated at dinner by the radiant presence of the Father Guardian of the Cork Convent.
a1817 J. Austen Persuasion (1818) IV. ix. 169 I need not ask after her. She never misses, I know; and you must have seen her. View more context for this quotation
1819 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) I. v. 139 Mr. Thirlwall has never missed any Tuesday evening since, except the moccoli night.
1834 T. Hood Tylney Hall I. xii. 122 I remember the time when Dr. Cobb never missed a meet of the hunt.
1886 J. Ruskin Præterita I. xi. 368 I never missed chapel.
1918 W. Cather My Ántonia ii. viii. 224 I never missed a Saturday night dance.
1938 R. K. Narayan Dark Room i. 1 Don't miss your school on any account.
1988 A. Lively Blue Fruit 135 Tommy has grown impatient with me for missing rehearsals.
b. intransitive. To fail to menstruate at the normal time, to miss a period.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > reproductive organ disorders > have disorder of reproductive organs [verb (intransitive)] > have menstrual disorders
miss1947
1947 C. Willingham End as Man 9 A beautiful but wicked girl of a good Port George family missed one month. Then she missed another month. She went to a doctor and found out the truth.
1961 G. Greene Burnt-out Case vi. i. 184 I think I have a baby on the way..I've missed twice.
1971 ‘P. Hobson’ Three Graces i. 8 I think I'm pregnant. This is the second time I've missed.
†22. transitive. To pass over, overlook. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > be careless or heedless of [verb (transitive)] > overlook inadvertently
overseeOE
overlook1459
overscape1534
forget1538
overhale1571
to look beside1627
miss1666
underlook1802
1666 J. Bunyan Grace Abounding §208 How many Scriptures are there against me? There are but three or four: and cannot God miss them, and save me for all them?

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses.† to miss away
Scottish. Obsolete.
1. transitive. = sense 16.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > perceive the absence of
missc1175
to miss away1487
to miss of ——1560
lacka1616
want1627
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xix. l. 504 On the morn..The Inglis host myssit avay The scottis men.
a1530 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Royal) vi. 2005 Awaye the thayne off Fyffe wes myst.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 71 He turnit about and mist his wife away.
2. transitive. = sense 19. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > sorrow caused by loss > suffer sorrow for loss of [verb (transitive)]
missc1300
regretc1400
regratec1480
to miss away1488
wanta1522
desire1557
pity1585
to have a (great) loss in (or of)1680
bewail1796
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xii. l. 1130 Quhat sorow rais quhen thai him myst away?
 to miss out
I. To omit, fail, or being deprived of.
1. transitive. To omit, leave out, overlook.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > omit, pass over > in speaking, writing
passa1425
missa1450
ferry1477
pretermit1542
silence1570
slip1607
reticence1833
to miss out1855
to skate over or round1928
1855 E. C. Gaskell North & South I. ix. 115 Every third note, on an average, being either indistinct, or wholly missed out.
1870 L. Toulmin Smith Eng. Gilds 432 (note) The transcriber by a slip of the pen has missed out words or parts of words.
1934 ‘J. Field’ Life of One's Own Pref. p. xv The more I read scientific books on psychology the more I felt that the essential facts of experience were being missed out.
1958 Times 14 Nov. 19/1 Harvey made a splendid break on the right, then missed out Carris and passed direct to Seaton.
1991 A. Campbell Sidewinder v. 63 It comes down through the female line, sometimes missing out a generation or two.
2. intransitive. Originally U.S. colloquial. To fail to achieve an aim, end, or result.
ΚΠ
1942 L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark Amer. Thes. Slang §262/2 Fail,..miss out (on).
1944 D. Runyon Runyon a la Carte 100 He will lay them according to how he figures their word..if Brandy Bottle misses out.
1992 Times Higher Educ. Suppl. 27 Mar. 32/5 For an historical account that returns to feudalism to trace the successive resurrections of the rough, Mann misses out at both ends.
3. intransitive. colloquial. To be deprived of an experience or opportunity; to fail to take an opportunity.
ΚΠ
1960 S. H. Courtier Gently dust Corpse iii. 32 They..had missed out when prosperity hit the Mallee.
1987 D. Rowe Beyond Fear viii. 296 I've had fifteen years of marriage and two daughters and I feel I've missed out along the way.
1997 A. Wood EastEnders (BBC TV script) (O.E.D. Archive) Episode 575. 14 Do you ever think that you'll miss out, you know, never being a Dad?
II. intransitive. With on.
4. colloquial (originally U.S.). To be deprived of, fail to take the opportunity of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to achieve
to miss of ——c1225
fault1522
to err froma1538
to miss on ——a1627
miss1644
to miss out1929
1929 D. Scarborough Can't get Red Bird xxvii. 405 I feel sorry for a poor sucker that misses out on any one of 'em.
1934 Hound & Horn 7 393 They have a way of missing out on emotional experience, either through timidity and caution or through heroic renunciation.
1969 New Yorker 12 Apr. 56/2 The motivation derives from the desire not to miss out on any information that could be essential later.
1995 Canad. Living June 148/1 Without Anthony for a fishing buddy on our last tour through Alberta, I would have missed out on bungee jumping in the West Edmonton Mall water park.
1997 Total Sport Mar. 117/2 Last season they ensured that Real Madrid missed out on Europe for the first time in their history.
5. colloquial (originally U.S.). To omit, overlook, fail to do.
ΚΠ
1942 L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark Amer. Thes. Slang §262/2 Fail,..miss out (on).
1952 G. W. Brace Spire (1953) xii. 105 It was Flanders who was planning the reception... But he missed out on Wilfred Stearns.
1961 J. Wade Back to Life ix. 120 Sorry I missed out on that report.
PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to miss of ——
intransitive.
I. To fail to achieve, and related uses.
1. intransitive. To fail to accomplish (a design) or realize (a hope); to fail in (an attempt or enterprise). Now archaic and poetic. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to achieve
to miss of ——c1225
fault1522
to err froma1538
to miss on ——a1627
miss1644
to miss out1929
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (1973) 653 Þet þeo þe beoð icumene..me to underneomene, moten missen þrof.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) 825 Ȝif þe uox mist of al þis dwole, At þan ende he cropþ to hole.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. 2229 (MED) Bot on desire, of which I misse.
a1450 Rule St. Benet (Vesp.) (1902) 901 (MED) Who so of þer wil here misses Serues þe croun of endles blisses.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xiv. 321 He never myssed of no thyng that he toke in hand.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 108 (MED) Oft of myn entent hath he made me mys.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. iv. 34 He hadde missed of his enterprise.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης i. 2 Rather..then that the people should not still miss of thir hopes, to be releiv'd by Parlaments.
1662 S. Pepys Diary 1 Nov. (1970) III. 246 I myself did truly expect to speed; but we missed of all.
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety ii. 21 Who can suspect that a cause so rightly dispos'd, should miss of its effect?
1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. Matt. xxvii. 31 The Jews missing of their Expectation of a Temporal King in Christ.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 241 If he miss'd of his Business outward bound, he was to go up to China.
1932 J. Masefield Coll. Poems 217 However much I miss of my intent, If I have done my best I'll be content.
†2. intransitive. To fail to obtain, receive, acquire, attain to, or secure. Cf. sense 4. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > not obtaining or acquiring > not to be obtained [verb (intransitive)] > fail to obtain
to miss of ——a1275
to snap short1677
to drop shorta1688
a1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 24 (MED) To þe, leuedi, mot i take ant myne sunnes al fur-sake..þat i ne misse of þine blisse.
a1300 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 66 Help vs nv þat we ne mysse of þat lif þat is to cume.
J. Gaytryge Lay Folks' Catech. (York Min.) (1901) 379 (MED) Man withouten merci of merci sal misse.
c1390 G. Chaucer Shipman's Tale 1542 If that I were riche..Of twenty thousand sheeld sholde ye nat mysse.
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) 28970 (MED) Of grete mede þou sal noght mis.
a1450 Castle Perseverance (1969) l. 3330 Vnto þi grace þat he be tan, Of þi mercy þat he not mys!
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Biv And of my seruyce you shall not mysse.
c1600 Return: 1st Pt. ii. i, in Three Parnassus Plays (1949) 165 I had like haue missed of this preferment for wante of one to be bounde for my truthe.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia i. xix. 111 They returned ill pleased for that they missed of the booty expected.
1661 in W. Fraser Red Bk. Grandtully (1868) II. 157 Iff I miss off all thes..I'm wors delt with then some quho hau nott so faithfully serv'd our late king.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 485. ¶3 He is that Sort of Person which the Mob call a handsome jolly Man; which Appearance can't miss of Captives in this part of the Town.
1742 E. Montagu Let. 31 Jan. (1809) II. 144 An animal that has missed of instinct, and not lit upon reason.
1835 T. B. Macaulay Sir James Mackintosh in Ess. (1852) 325/2 A project which..had very narrowly missed of success.
1841 F. E. Paget Tales of Village (1852) 505 Placed in a state in which..he cannot miss of everlasting happiness.
1868 A. C. Swinburne W. Blake 89 Compelled..to an eternity of fruitless repentance for having wilfully missed of pleasure..in this world.
†3. intransitive. To fail in respect of (a person) (contextually: to fail to rescue). Cf. sense 8a. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > be of no avail to [verb (transitive)]
to miss of ——c1300
unavail1866
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) 1458 (MED) Horn, nu crist þe wisse, Of Rymenhild þat þu ne misse.
†4. intransitive. To fail to accomplish (a stroke). Cf. sense 14e. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to accomplish (a stroke)
to miss of ——c1330
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2389 (MED) Eft vrgan smot wiþ main, And of þat stroke he miste.
†5. intransitive. To fail to seize or capture. Cf. sense 8a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (passive)] > fail to seize
to miss of ——a1375
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 2196 (MED) Þe puple þanne porsewed forþ & of here prey þei missed.
a1521 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) cviii. 104 So ly in whaite To compas me, by missing of theire pray!
1585 in Lett. & Papers Ld. Gray (1835) 72 Albeit they mist of her [sc. the Queen of Scots], yet..can they once subuert..England.
a1631 J. Donne Elegy on Mrs. Boulstred in Poems (1633) 70 But thou hast both of Captaine mist and fort.
1678 Donna Olimpia 32 Which indeed, as to his possessions, she effected, though she missed of his life.
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Jewish War iv. ii, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 848 Titus..had captives enow..to satisfy his anger, when it missed of John.
1833 J. G. Whittier Prose Wks. (1889) I. 262 They had missed of the old chief, but had captured his son.
†6. intransitive. to miss of one's aim, to miss of one's (also the) mark: = sense 2b. Obsolete (archaic and poetic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail or be unsuccessful [verb (intransitive)] > fail to reach goal or objective
to miss of the markc1400
to miss one's (also the) mark (also aim, etc.)1604
to come short home1720
to miss one's tip1847
to tear it1909
trail1957
c1400 Wit & Will a/4 (MED) Of his merekes he miste.
a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 8 In saint Andrew he had swilk trist; And of þat merk nothing he myst.
a1425 (c1333–52) L. Minot Poems (1914) 31 (MED) Now has sir Dauid missed of his merkes.
a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 8 (MED) Of þat merk no-thing he myst.
1624 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy (ed. 2) iii. ii. v. v. 454 Penelope had a company of suters, yet all missed of their sute.
1655 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 3rd Pt. iii. 222 Oroondates enrag'd to have miss'd of his aime, drew his sword and threw himself after Artabon.
1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 457 The Authors..having missed of their mighty aims, are fain to retreat with frustration and a baffle.
c1771 S. Foote Maid of Bath iii. 57 Projects, the most prudentially pointed, may miss of their aim.
1876 J. R. Lowell Ode 4th July ii. iii Time has a quiver full of purposes Which miss not of their aim.
†7. intransitive. To fail to hit (something aimed at). Cf. sense 2a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > fail to hit
missOE
to miss of ——c1540
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 6915 He myst of þe mon with his mayn dynt.
†8. intransitive. To lose or fail to hit on (the right path). Cf. sense 7. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > miss (the way)
missc1450
to miss of ——1600
1600 F. L. tr. Ovid Remedie of Love iv Where weary she, or missing of her way, To bloody Greekes, a bloody death did pay.
1685 W. Clark Grand Tryal iii. xxiv. 197 A few of 'em, who stray Amongst our fields, and missing of their way, By Providence i'th' hands of justice fall.
1794 J. Boaden Fountainville Forest i. 5 A traveller, missing of the road, And drench'd with rain, begg'd house-room for a while.
9. intransitive. To fail to be present at or to witness. Cf. sense 13c. Now Irish English.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > fail to be present at
to miss of ——1615
miss1841
1615 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Cupids Revenge i. sig. B1 I had mist of this if you had not call'd me.
1918 ‘B. MacNamara’ Valley of Squinting Windows 88 It was a pity you missed of it... If you were to see him!
†10. intransitive. To fail to take advantage of. Cf. sense 13a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > have the opportunity [verb (intransitive)] > miss an opportunity
to let slip1549
to miss of ——a1628
lose1632
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (intransitive)] > fail to take advantage
to burn seasonable weather1597
to miss of ——a1628
to make a balk of good ground1637
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1629) iv. 111 Because they do not effect the thing they goe about, when they misse of their time.
1725 M. Davys Cousins 224 When we missed of that Opportunity, we convers'd by Letters.
1785 M. Cutler Let. 17 Jan. in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) II. 223 Missing of the opportunity by which I expected to have sent this letter last week.
†11. intransitive. To have no success in (doing something). Cf. sense 5a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > not do [verb (transitive)] > leave undone or fail to carry out
letc900
overheaveOE
forsakec1175
missa1350
leavea1375
fail1393
forgeta1400
omit?c1422
pretermit1475
neglect1533
to dispense with1559
permit1567
overrun1583
slip1592
default1649
to miss of ——1658
to fail of1723
1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man i. §30. 14 No man can miss of enjoying them [sc. God's mercies], but by his own default.
1663 S. Pepys Diary 20 Sept. He hath not missed one night..of supping with my Lady Castlemaine.
1709 S. Wesley Let. 24 Aug. in W. Peck Topogr. Acct. Axholme (1815) I. 206 My master is much concerned that he was so unhappy as to miss of seeing you.
1756 G. Washington Let. in Writings (1889) I. 268 Since the first murders were committed by the Indians, I have never missed of receiving intelligence of their motions.
1840 T. Robbins Diary 12 Aug. (1887) II. 579 Missed of seeing my brother at Enfield.
1868 A. C. Swinburne W. Blake 6 With what excellent care and taste this has been done, no one can miss of seeing.
†12. intransitive. To escape, avoid. Cf. sense 9a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > [verb (intransitive)] > escape from threat
swip?c1225
startc1330
to miss of ——a1665
to get out (stand, etc.) from under1861
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 85 [He] told me the Dunkerkers ranged much..about our channell, and that in all probabilities I could not misse of a hott encounter with them.
a1732 T. Boston Crook in Lot (1805) 31 How could he miss of a stinging remembrance of the cheat he had..put upon his own father?
†13. intransitive. To fail to perceive or understand. Cf. sense 10. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > make obscure [verb (transitive)] > fail to apprehend
to miss of ——1667
miss1744
to make nothing of1852
1667 Duchess of Newcastle Life Duke of Newcastle iv. 187 For though my judgment roves at random, yet it can never miss of Errors.
1678 R. Barclay Apol. True Christian Divinity x. §19. 310 He cannot be certain, but may still miss of the sense of it.
1704 J. Norris Ess. Ideal World II. i. 38 The reason is so very obvious that we cannot well miss of it.
1708 F. Atterbury Acquaintance with God 9 These..Perfections of the Deity, are..most easie to be understood by us; upon the least Reflection and Enquiry we cannot miss of them.
†14. intransitive. To fail to meet with (a person). Cf. sense 8b. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (intransitive)] > fail to meet
to miss of ——1769
miss1880
bounce2011
1769 E. Burke Let. 2 July in Corr. (1960) II. 42 I was unluckily in London and so mist of him.
†15. intransitive. To fail to catch (a boat, etc.). Cf. sense 13b. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > [verb (transitive)] > be late for or miss
(to come) lag of1552
lose1711
to miss of ——1777
miss1823
1777 B. Franklin Let. 26 Jan. in Wks. (1888) VI. 56 Should you miss of one at Boulogne, proceed to Calais.
†II. To be without, and related uses.
†16. intransitive. To be without, lack; to cease to have, lose. Cf. sense 18. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > not have or lack [verb (intransitive)]
fasteOE
to miss of ——?c1250
wantc1390
to go without ——?a1500
lack1523
mister1531
to miss of ——1796
?c1250 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 12 (MED) Nu had man wele and blisce; rathe he shal thar-of misse.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) 122 (MED) Hi wenden to wisse of here lif to misse.
c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) 418 (MED) ‘Þeih sholen se god’ aperteliche, In his godhede and in his blisse, Off which þeih sholen neuere misse.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxii. 486 Wyte it that ye have myssed of peas, For Charlemagne wylle noo thynge of it.
†17. intransitive. Not to find (a person or thing) where one expects or desires to; to discover the absence of (a thing). Cf. sense 16. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > perceive the absence of
missc1175
to miss away1487
to miss of ——1560
lacka1616
want1627
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lvijv When they missed of their company, they wer in such a rage [etc.].
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 634 Grittus..missing of the Moldauian, fell vpon Francis Schenden.
1611 T. Heywood Golden Age iv. sig. G4 We haue mist of Saturne lately fled.
1629 J. Gaule Practique Theories Christs Predict. 367 They worthily misse of Christ, that seeke him where he is not.
1708 C. Cibber Lady's Last Stake v. 69 They 're certainly gone out that way, and Sir Friendly must miss of 'em.
1715 R. South 12 Serm. IV. 431 Which none ever missed of, who come up to the Conditions of it.
†18. intransitive. English regional. To feel the lack of. Cf. sense 19. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > sorrow caused by loss > suffer sorrow for loss [verb (intransitive)]
to miss of ——1893
1893 G. L. Gower Gloss. Surrey Words 26 I miss of it terribly.
†19. intransitive. Scottish. To do without, dispense with. Cf. sense 18c. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > not have or lack [verb (intransitive)]
fasteOE
to miss of ——?c1250
wantc1390
to go without ——?a1500
lack1523
mister1531
to miss of ——1796
1796 Twa Cuckold 10 When o' fraise she was na mist, He set her down upo' the kist.
†III. To err.
†20. intransitive. To make a mistake with regard to. Cf. sense 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > be mistaken, err [verb (intransitive)]
dwelec900
haltc900
marOE
slidea1000
misfangOE
missOE
to have wough?c1225
misnimc1225
misrekec1275
mis-startc1275
err1303
to go wrongc1340
misgo1340
slipc1340
snapperc1380
forvay1390
to miss of ——c1395
to make a balkc1430
to run in ——1496
trip1509
fault1530
mistake1548
misreckon1584
misstep1605
warpa1616
solecize1627
hallucinate1652
nod1677
to go will1724
to fare astray (misliche, amiss)a1849
slip1890
skid1920
c1395 G. Chaucer Friar's Tale 1416 I shal thee so wel wisse, That of myn hous ne shaltow neuere mysse.
c1400 (?c1280) Old Test. Hist. in F. J. Furnivall Adam Davy's 5 Dreams (1878) 97 (MED) Teche me..to knowe god & yuel, þat I þerof ne mysse.
?a1425 (?c1350) Northern Passion (Rawl.) 667 (MED) Of him yhe sall noght mys. Takes þe man þat I sall kys.
a1500 in R. L. Greene Early Eng. Carols (1935) 26 (MED) Thei ded not mysse of redy way.
 to miss on ——
†1. intransitive. To fail to obtain or secure. Cf. to miss of —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > fail in [verb (transitive)] > fail to achieve
to miss of ——c1225
fault1522
to err froma1538
to miss on ——a1627
miss1644
to miss out1929
a1627 W. Rowley & T. Middleton Wit at Severall Weapons i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Iiiiii3v/1 For feare some poore Earle steale her, 't has bin threatned To redeem morgag'd Land, but he shall misse on't.
2. intransitive. To fail to meet with. Cf. to miss of —— 17 at Phrasal verbs 2. Now English regional (chiefly northern). rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > fail to meet
miss1589
to miss on ——1675
1675 Ape-gentle-woman 2 If you miss on her at her Shop, you may find her at the Tavern.
1889 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (ed. 2) I miss'd on him yisterdaay, though I look'd high an' low fer him.
1903 Eng. Dial. Dict. IV. 132/1 Miss on, to miss.
†3. intransitive. To fail to find, discover. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1823 C. Lamb in London Mag. Dec. 614/1 Trite as the counsel was, and impossible, as one should think, to be missed on.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

† missv.2

Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: miss n.2
Etymology: < miss n.2 N.E.D. (1907) gives the pronunciation as (mis) /mɪs/.
Obsolete.
transitive. To address as ‘Miss’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > address with courteous title [verb (transitive)] > address a woman
madam1622
bemadam1630
good woman1776
ma'am1813
miss1824
missis1839
1824 S. E. Ferrier Inheritance xlv Did you hear how he Miss'd me to-day?—me a married woman!
1863 F. E. G. Carey-Brock Margaret's Secret viii. 115 ‘I am not accustomed to hear myself called Miss Ellis.’..‘Well, you'll be missed here by every one.’
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online September 2018).

† missadv.

Forms: Middle English miss, Middle English myse, Middle English mysse, Middle English–1500s mis, Middle English–1500s mys; Scottish pre-1700 mis, pre-1700 mys. N.E.D. (1907) records also a form misse.
Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly formed within English, by conversion. Partly a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymons: mis- prefix1; amiss adv.
Etymology: Partly < mis- prefix1 treated as a separate word (as in to gon mis for to misgon), and partly aphetic < amiss adv. Compare Middle Low German mis, misse, Middle Dutch, Dutch mis.Some examples of this word immediately preceding a verb are also open to interpretation as instances of mis- prefix1: see the note s.v. miss adj. Compare also the following, which may show either this word or misdo v.:OE (Northumbrian) Lindisf. Gospels: John iii. 20 Omnis enim qui male agit odit lucem [etc.]: hælc [monn] forðon seðe yfle uel mis doeð gefieð þæt leht [etc.]
Obsolete.
Wrongly; badly; mistakenly; amiss.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > lack of truth, falsity > [adverb]
wrongc1175
miss?c1225
untruea1350
untrulyc1380
falselya1400
wilsomelyc1420
awrong1430
unpurelyc1460
fallibly1552
erroneously1578
sinistrously1581
wrongously1597
false1598
unproperly1604
incorrectly1611
fallaciously1612
mistakingly1652
foul1683
wrongfully1743
wrongly1755
erringly1815
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 157 Summe iuglurs beoð þet..makien cheres. wrenchen þe muð mis. Schulen wið þe echnen.
a1250 Lofsong Lefdi (Nero) in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 205 Ich habbe..iȝeuen mis and inumen mis [c1225 Royal iunne mis].
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 141 Al þe making of man so mysse hadde ȝhe schaped.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) 14207 (MED) Miss yee vnderstand.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 634 Whan þou wost þat þou seyst mys.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iv. pr. v. 3772 Þan I merueile me..whi [þat] þe þinges ben so mys entrechaunged.
1415 T. Hoccleve Addr. to Sir John Oldcastle l. 83 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 11 Thow lookist mis, thy sighte is nothyng cleer!
a1425 N. Homily Legendary (Harl. suppl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 144 Þe tyme..Þat has bene spended mys.
a1425 in M. Day Wheatley MS (1921) 70 Biþinke þee how þou hast goon mys. Come hoom aȝeyne.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 270 Forsothe, ȝe seyn mys bothe two.
a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (Ph.D. diss., Univ. of Washington) (1965) 989 (MED) Goddes sone shal hem forȝeue Al þat þei haue here doo mys.
a1600 ( W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) 54834 I will nocht sa my author hes gone mis In this mater.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2002; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1OEn.21606n.31767n.41897adj.OEv.1OEv.21824adv.?c1225
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