perkn.1
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/, Scottish English /pɛrk/ Chiefly Scottish and English regional.† 1.
a. A pole, rod, or stake; = perch n.1 1a. Obsolete.In quot. 1396: a part of a bed.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > tool > types of tools generally > [noun] > in form of bar, pole, rod, etc.
stingc725
stakec893
sowelc900
tree971
rungOE
shaftc1000
staffc1000
stockc1000
poleOE
spritOE
luga1250
lever1297
stanga1300
perchc1300
raftc1330
sheltbeam1336
stower1371
palea1382
spar1388
spire1392
perk1396
ragged staff1397
peela1400
slot1399
plantc1400
heck-stower1401
sparkin1408
cammockc1425
sallow stakec1440
spoke1467
perk treec1480
yard1480
bode1483
spit1485
bolm1513
gada1535
ruttock1542
stob1550
blade1558
wattle1570
bamboo1598
loggat1600
barling1611
sparret1632
picket1687
tringle1706
sprund1736
lug-pole1773
polting lug1789
baton1801
stuckin1809
rack-pin1821
picket-pin1844
I-iron1874
pricker1875
stag1881
podger1888
window pole1888
verge1897
sallow pole1898
lat1899
swizzle-stick1962
1396 Inquisition Misc. (P.R.O.: C 145/263/13) Vn lit oue vn perk.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 393 Perche or perke, pertica.
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) xi. ii. 65 He bad the capitanis and the dukis all..Gret perkis [v.r. pykis] bair of trene saplyng..To wryte and hyng tharon baith all and sum The namys of thar ennemys ourcum.
1540 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1907) VII. 357 And viij fyre perkis witht utheris fyre werk schot.
c1580 ( tr. Bk. Alexander (1929) IV. ii. 9210 The perk [sc. a flagstaff] he hewit euin in tua.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage viii. iv. 628 Cabans..made with perkes, and covered with barkes of trees.
b. A fuller's staff; = perch n.1 1b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > treating or processing textile fabric > [noun] > fulling > mallet or staff
perchc1300
perka1425
waulk-stock1434
millstock1546
waulking-staff1678
wool-stock1858
a1425 (?c1375) N. Homily Legendary (Harl.) in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 56 (MED) A walker perk byside him stode..Þe apostil on þe heuid he strake..For with þat perk his heuid he brak.
c1480 (a1400) St. James Less 215 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 156 Þane ane, a walkare perk, hynt & gafe sancte Iamis sic a dynte þat he þe harne-pane brak in twyn.
a1530 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Royal) v. 639 Off Jacob..Wyth a walkarys perk..The harnys all war strykyn owte.
2. † b. to prick (also turn, pitch) over the perk: to upset; to vanquish, ruin; to be the downfall of. Obsolete.Cf. to throw (also turn, etc.) over the perch at perch n.1 Phrases 1.
a. A perch for a bird. In extended use: a seat for a person. Also figurative. Cf. perch n.1 6. Now Scottish, English regional (northern and East Anglian), and Welsh English.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [noun] > perching > perching or resting place
roosta1398
perk1400
percha1470
roosting1577
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping birds > [noun] > perch
perka1525
stock1575
perch1736
1400 Inquisition Misc. (P.R.O.: C 145/273/2) m. 4 Habuit in eodem manerio..vnum hauk perke.
a1475 Dis. Hawk (Harl. 2340) f. 23, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Perk(e Go in to þe mew And take hyr [sc. the hawk] fayre And hesely ryth As sche syttys on hyr perke.
a1525 Talis Fyve Bestes l. 167, in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 132 At evyne apon his perke he [sc. the cock] gat.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 98 This saw the Py, on hir Pirk quhair scho sat.
1602 F. Herring tr. J. Oberndorf Anatomyes True Physition 15 Lyke a Daw vpon a Perke.
1651 N. Bacon Contin. Hist. Disc. Govt. 70 Their minds once..upon the Wing, can hardly settle any where, or stoop to the Perke again.
1789 W. Bentley Hist. Town & Parish Halifax 77 Some for birch say burk, and perch, peark.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Peeark, a pearch for fowls.
1863 Mrs. Toogood Specim. Yorks. Dial. The hens have all gone up to their peark.
a1903 in Eng. Dial. Dict. IV. 474/2 All the seats in a car being occupied, a man said, ‘There's a peerk here [i.e. on his knee] for thee’.
1960 A. O. D. Claxton Suffolk Dial. (ed. 2) Perk, (pron. ‘park’): To perch. A perch.
1999 D. Parry Gram. & Gloss Conservative Anglo-Welsh Dial. Rural Wales 173/2 Perk, a perch for hens to rest on at night.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > bring to ruin or put an end to
undoc950
shendOE
forfarea1000
endc1000
to do awayOE
aquenchc1175
slayc1175
slayc1175
stathea1200
tinea1300
to-spilla1300
batec1300
bleschea1325
honisha1325
leesea1325
wastec1325
stanch1338
corrumpa1340
destroy1340
to put awayc1350
dissolvec1374
supplanta1382
to-shend1382
aneantizec1384
avoidc1384
to put outa1398
beshenda1400
swelta1400
amortizec1405
distract1413
consumec1425
shelfc1425
abroge1427
downthringc1430
kill1435
poisonc1450
defeat1474
perish1509
to blow away1523
abrogatea1529
to prick (also turn, pitch) over the perka1529
dash?1529
to bring (also send) to (the) pot1531
put in the pot1531
wipea1538
extermine1539
fatec1540
peppera1550
disappoint1563
to put (also set) beside the saddle1563
to cut the throat of1565
to throw (also turn, etc.) over the perch1568
to make a hand of (also on, with)1569
demolish1570
to break the neck of1576
to make shipwreck of1577
spoil1578
to knock on (in) the head (also rarely at head)1579
cipher1589
ruinate1590
to cut off by the shins1592
shipwreck1599
exterminate1605
finish1611
damnify1612
ravel1614
braina1616
stagger1629
unrivet1630
consummate1634
pulverizea1640
baffle1649
devil1652
to blow up1660
feague1668
shatter1683
cook1708
to die away1748
to prove fatal (to)1759
to knock up1764
to knock (or kick) the hindsight out or off1834
to put the kibosh on1834
to cook (rarely do) one's goose1835
kibosh1841
to chaw up1843
cooper1851
to jack up1870
scuttle1888
to bugger up1891
jigger1895
torpedo1895
on the fritz1900
to put paid to1901
rot1908
down and out1916
scuppera1918
to put the skids under1918
stonker1919
liquidate1924
to screw up1933
cruel1934
to dig the grave of1934
pox1935
blow1936
to hit for six1937
to piss up1937
to dust off1938
zap1976
a1529 J. Skelton Poems against Garnesche in Poet Wks. (1843) I. 124 He wyl..make youer stomoke seke Ovyr the perke to pryk.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. M Whether enorme causes doe want solyd matter, or a trewantlike barrister must nedes be pitched ouer the peark, now it boots not.
1601 A. Dent Plaine Mans Path-way to Heauen 171 Then they wil hoist a man, and turne him ouer the perke.
3. A bracket to support a candle, icon, etc.; = perch n.1 5b. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > projecting bracket
perk1475
gibbetc1503
bracket1574
poppet1779
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > support or holder for a candle > [noun] > candlestick > with wall bracket
sconce?c1450
sconce candlestick1455
perk1475
perch1565
girandole1769
wall shade1826
swape1867
1475 Will of John Rightwise (P.R.O.: PROB. 11/6) f. 149 Lumini de le perke alias le Rodelofte.
1487 in Norfolk Archaeol. (1847) 1 116 To the sustentacon of the lyght, brenyng be forn the patyble upon the perke.
1527 in D. Yaxley Researcher's Gloss. Hist. Documents E. Anglia (2003) 152 The light..upon the perk.
a1765 F. Blomefield & C. Parkin Ess. Topogr. Hist. Norfolk (1769) III. 401 It [sc. a church] Was a Single Building..with a North and a South Door, and two Stone Pedestals or Perks for Images, are still to be seen by the Said Doors.
1794 Gentleman's Mag. 64 i. 16/2 A perk or pedestal for an image.
1838 J. H. Parker Gloss. Terms Archit. (ed. 2) 95 Perch, Perk, Pearch, an old term for a bracket.
1888 W. H. H. Rogers Memorials of West 178 On the right..is the perk or bracket on which the image..was..once stationed.
1924 H. A. Hudson Medieval Woodwork Manch. Cathedral i. 6 If there was no ‘perk’, or rood beam, it [sc. the loft] would also carry the great rood, whence it is often called, though perhaps not quite accurately, the rood screen.
4.
a. A horizontal bar or frame over which cloth is drawn so as to examine it against the light. to stand the perk (figurative): to bear examination. Cf. perch n.1 7. Now English regional (Yorkshire) and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > treating or processing textile fabric > [noun] > examining cloth for faults > equipment for
percha1533
perk1583
1583 Inventory 4 Jan. in Ipswich Probate Inventories (1981) 10 Gurts for ij clothes and a pearke 1s. 6d.
a1903 W. B. Turner in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1903) IV. 474/2 Perk, a wooden frame or pole over which cloth is passed so as to examine it thoroughly... Hence to stand the perk, of a man's character: to stand examination.
b. A bar fixed horizontally on which to hang something or against which to support something; cf. perch n.1 5. Also: a rope fixed horizontally, as a clothes line; the hooks used to support this, etc. Now Scottish. Sc. National Dict. records this sense as still in use in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire in 1958.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > hanging or suspension > [noun] > that by which something is suspended > cord or rope
lacec1330
perk1620
sika1974
the world > space > relative position > support > hanging or suspension > [noun] > that by which something is suspended > a beam or yoke
bucket1570
perk1620
1620 Rec. Perth Kirk Session 21 Aug. They apprehendit..sum claithis hingand on perkis.
1660 R. Josselin Diary 19 Sept. (1976) 469 This day a stocke of planke at the perke fell down, which may bee..matter of thankfulnes it doing no hurt and my children being wont in the sumer to play and worke under them.
1779 Session Papers in Sc. National Dict. (1968) VII. (at cited word) Two poles or perks for drying cloaths upon.
a1817 W. Muir Poems (1818) 56 On every pirk the clouts are clashing.
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Perk,..a wooden frame against which sawn timber is set up to dry.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Perk,..2. A rope extended for holding any thing in a house.
1882 Ogilvie's Imperial Dict. (new ed.) Perk, a pole placed horizontally, on which yarns, etc. are hung to dry; also a peg (perket) for similar purposes.
1936 L. McInnes Dial. S. Kintyre 15 Perk, the clothes pulley or hooks on a kitchen ceiling.
5. Scottish and English regional (west midlands). A measure of length: = perch n.1 2. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > rod, pole, or perch
yard900
roodOE
perchc1300
rodc1380
fall1388
goad1391
polea1500
lug1562
farthing1602
land-pole1603
gad1706
virgate1772
perk1825
esperduct1866
gad-stick1866
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Perk, a pole, a perch.
1884 R. Lawson Upton-on-Severn Words & Phrases 26 Peerk, a perch..in land measure.
1887 J. Service Life Dr. Duguid 252 Aboot forty perks ayont the cothoose o' the Misk.
1893 J. Salisbury Gloss. Words S.E. Worcs. 27 Peark, a lineal measurement of eight yards.
1974 W. Leeds Herefordshire Speech 87 Peerk, perch (measure of length, usually applied in hedging and walling).
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
perkn.2
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/ A small privilege or perquisite customarily due to a member of a particular organization, rank, profession, etc.; an unofficial or fringe benefit enjoyed by an employee; an advantage or benefit arising from a situation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > that which is obtained or acquired > as a perquisite
vail1592
perquisitec1709
perk1869
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth > casually or incidentally acquired
feec1405
obventionc1425
availc1449
perquisitive?c1450
vailc1450
vantagea1470
perquisite1567
fee-bucka1643
casual1825
perk1869
side benefit1873
1869 J. Greenwood Seven Curses London ix. 169 The species of dishonesty alluded to..is called by the cant name of ‘perks’, which is a convenient abbreviation of the word ‘perquisites’... It applies to such unconsidered trifles as wax candle ends, and may cover the larcenous abstraction by our man-servant of forgotten coats and vests.
1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 7 Sept. 5/1 An order that free blacking is no longer to be among the ‘perks’ of Government office-keepers.
1939 J. Masefield Live & Kicking Ned 147 It's the Old Man's perk to order some damned silly thing.
1977 Times 8 Feb. 17/1 The philistines would be foolish to regard aid for the arts merely as a perk provided by all for the esoteric pursuits of the few.
1996 Sunday Tel. 4 Feb. 20/4 Those representing constituencies outside London receive a generous accommodation allowance and other perks include provision of secretarial help, top-rate mileage and other travel expenses.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
perkadj.
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/ Now rare.
Assertive, conceited; brisk, in good spirits; neat, smart.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > self-assertiveness > [adjective]
crousea1400
crank1499
cockish1551
forward1561
forthyc1565
forthputting?1577
perching1579
perk1579
perking?1584
officious1596
pratchant1596
putting-forth1621
obtrusive1652
petulcous1661
pushing1682
coxy1728
cocky1768
bumptious1801
furthy1808
upsetting1817
perky1820
self-asserting1821
protrusive1841
self-assertive1849
aggressive1855
self-assertory1867
perkisha1870
pushful1871
pushy1874
forritsome1894
chesty1900
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Feb. 8 They wont in the wind wagge their wrigle tailes, Perke as Peacock.
c1600 Club Law (1907) iv. i. 67 The scrubbes are so perke now, if wee doe not take them downe a hole lower, the slaves will crowe over us.
a1640 W. Fenner Killing Power of Law 10 in Contin. Christ's Alarm (1657) It makes the heart peark, and brisk.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 52 To suffer us to wax pearke, and sawcy with him.
a1790 T. Warton Pastoral (1802) 113 Thus she spake, full proud and boasting lasse, And as a peacocke pearke.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 124 The dew-rais'd flower was perk and proud.
1892 Cosmopolitan 12 120/2 How perk and military the bearing of each.
1925 Amer. Food Jrnl. 20 24 I rested while I watched for worms, so I feel fairly perk; but how are you?
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
perkv.1
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/ Now English regional.
1. Now English regional (northern and East Anglian).
a. intransitive. Of a bird: to perch. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > self-assertiveness > be self-assertive [verb (intransitive)]
perkc1390
percha1530
the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > perch
sitOE
jouka1400
perch?a1425
to go (also come) to roosta1529
roost1530
perka1598
c1390 Pistel of Swete Susan (Vernon) 81 (MED) Þe popeiayes perken [v.rr. perchyn, pykyn] and pruynen for proude On peren and pynappel.
a1522 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid (1960) xii. Prol. 237 The cowschet crowdis and pirkis on the rys.
a1598 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems xviii. 41 This girking pearkit in a place, Quharin ouer long he did delyt.
1616 T. Scot Philomythie sig. I4 About thy head each prating bird that perks, Dare take the name and place of learned Clerkes.
1816 G. Colman Eccentricities Edinb. 91 Beauties, who on eminences perk.
1826 R. Story Craven Blossoms 71 Its a pelsy day without, The snaw ligs deep an blaws about, Thou [sc. a robin] gangs toth' bauk to perk.
1895 P. H. Emerson Birds, Beasts & Fishes Norfolk 253 As the days draw in they [sc. rails] begin to ‘perk’ or jump up on the reeds.
1960 A. O. D. Claxton Suffolk Dial. (ed. 2) Perk, (pron. ‘park’): To perch. A perch.
1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey Wodds & Doggerybaw: Lincs. Dial. Dict. 223/2 Perk, to perch.
b. transitive (reflexive and in passive). To place or set oneself in an elevated position (literal and figurative); to perch oneself. Now rare.The passive use perhaps originated in the perfect tense of sense 1 formed with to be.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > set in high position [verb (reflexive)]
perka1522
perch1668
the world > space > relative position > high position > be in high position [verb (intransitive)]
perch1712
perk1794
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1957) iii. iv. 72 Ane, on a rokkis [printed rolkis] pynnakle perkit hie Celeno clepit, a drery prophetes.
a1529 J. Skelton Ware the Hauke (1843) 70 On the rode loft She perkyd her to rest.
1588 R. Greene Pandosto Ep. Ded. sig. A2v Cæsars Crow durst neuer cry, Aue, but when she was pearked on the Capitoll.
1639 R. Sanderson Serm. II. (Rom. 6) §20. 189 One Man..hath perked himself up at length in the Temple of God.
1646 Vindic. Govt. Church of Scotl. Ded. [They] had..perked themselves up upon the pinacles of the highest honours.
a1653 H. Binning Wks. (1842) 445 Because of such an idol perked up in the heart beside God.
1769 ‘Coriat Junior’ Another Traveller! II. 213 About three miles further, perked up upon our left, stands the convent of Melle.
1794 U. Price Ess. Picturesque II. ii. 215 The prim squat clump is perked up exactly on the top of every eminence.
1878 Yorkshireman July 75 A man sittin' on a miln chimley can hev a better view o' men an' things nur one 'at's pearked on a hay-cock.
1894 W. Raymond Love & Quiet Life 9 Now that's the worst I do like about being perked up there to Manor House.
1896 Yorks. Weekly Post 1 Feb. in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1903) IV. 474/2 He wor pearked like a flee on a windo'.
2. transitive. English regional (Yorkshire). = perch v.1 7a. Cf. perking n.2 Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > treating or processing textile fabric > treat or process textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > stretch > for examination or removal of imperfections
perch1595
perk1828
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Peeark, to examine narrowly.
1862 C. C. Robinson Dial. Leeds & Neighbourhood 383 To ‘peak’ cloth is to pull it over rollers, examining it for damages and imperfections.
a1903 J. S. Jowett in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1903) IV. 474/2 The master is peearkin the pieces.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
perkv.2
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/ a. intransitive. To behave proudly, impudently, or conceitedly. Chiefly with up. Also transitive with it. Obsolete (poetic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > be or become impudent [verb (intransitive)]
to bear oneself stout1338
to have the (also a) neck (to)c1395
perk1529
pert1637
to brazen it out1712
to be (also get) smart1736
to push (also show) a face1765
to cheek it1851
whipper-snap1908
1529 H. Latimer 1st Serm. on Card ⁋26 These proude Phariseys which..wyll perke and presume to sitte by Christ in the Church.
1571 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Psalmes of Dauid with Comm. (i. 4) Although ye vngodly persone perke vp like a highe tree.
1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 123 It is a very hard thing..; to excell others in gifts, and not perke aboue them in selfe-conceipt.
1661 O. Felltham Resolves (rev. ed.) 176 Shall..the worm offer to perk it up at the face of Man?
1683 J. Bunyan Case Consc. Resolved (1861) II. 673 That they should not give heed to women that would be perking up on matters of worshipping God.
1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. 1 Cor. ix. 27 He knew that Hagar would quickly perk up, and domineer over Sarah.
1710 T. Blomer Full View Dr. Bentley's Let. 142 He is not thrust down ad ima subsellia, but sits Perking up among the Doctors!
1717 A. Pope Epil. Jane Shore in Wks. 413 That Edward's Miss thus perks it in your face.
a1734 R. North Examen (1740) ii. v. §14. 323 Better..to bogtrot in Ireland, than to pirk it in Preferment no better dressed.
1790 J. Whitaker Mary Queen of Scots Vindicated v. 481 Mary had been thrown into a prison herself; and rebellion, in the form of Murray, was perking proudly on her throne.
1811 C. Lamb in Reflector 2 350 They perk it up in the faces of us single people so shamelessly.
1816 ‘P. Pindar’ Wks. II. 449 Perk it in Crispin's face, with saucy pride, And all the meanness of his trade deride.
1875 R. Browning Aristophanes' Apology in Wks. (1888–94) XIII. 116 Religion perks up through impiety, Law leers with licence.
b. intransitive. To assume or have a jaunty, lively, assertive, or conceited manner; to display delight or self-satisfaction. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
a1550 Pore Helpe 344 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. III. 264 But these babes be to yonge, Perkynge vpon theyr patins.
1632 F. Quarles Divine Fancies i. iv O! what a revishment 't had been to see Thy little Saviour perking on thy Knee!
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (James iv. 12) What dost thou then do pierking into his place?
a1734 R. North Examen (1740) i. ii. §97. 83 The Loyallists..who sneaked, and their Enemies insulted, while he sat pirking there.
1875 Christian Recorder (Philadelphia) (Electronic text) 21 Oct. Peep began to dance and perk.
2.
a. intransitive. Of a thing: to project or rise up; to stick out. Frequently with up, out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > unevenness > projection or prominence > project or be prominent [verb (intransitive)] > in an assertive manner
perk1583
1583 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses sig. Dviv Sometimes they were them [sc. hats] sharp on the crowne, pearking vp like a sphere [= spear].
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 63 We are like to light Corke, which..(except a man hold it under by a strong hand) will pearke to the top.
1651 N. Bacon Contin. Hist. Disc. Govt. 60 This Gourd..might prove no lesse prejudiciall by creeping upon the ground, then by perking upward.
1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure I. 86 His red-headed champion..perk'd and crested up between Polly's thighs.
1813 J. Austen Let. 15 Sept. (1995) 220 It will be white sattin and lace, and a little white flower perking out of the left ear.
1871 J. Hartley Budget 142 To see all th' church spires peearkin' up.
1947 G. Middleton These Things Are Mine ix. 110 Dormer windows perked out of patched, slanting roofs.
2001 Spectator (Nexis) 24 Feb. 27 One of its particular blessings is the way in which primroses perk out of every bank and tree-foot.
b. intransitive. To lift one's head or stand upright briskly, impudently, inquisitively, etc.; to thrust oneself or one's face forward inquisitively or assertively. Of a part of the body: to rise in a manner suggesting inquisitiveness, etc.; to prick up. Usually with up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > be in upright or erect position [verb (intransitive)] > assume
perka1591
strut1607
erect1626
cock1650
to straighten up1891
the mind > emotion > pride > impudence > be or become impudent [verb (intransitive)] > move the head or body impudently
perka1732
a1591 H. Smith Wks. (1866–7) I. 35 When their father and mother fall out, they [sc. the children] perk up between them like little mediators, and with many pretty sports make truce.
a1624 Bp. M. Smith Serm. (1632) 201 The snaile, when..he will be pearking and peeping abroad.
a1637 B. Jonson Magnetick Lady iii. v. 41 in Wks. (1640) III Pra. He perks at that! Com. Nay, he does more, he chatters.
1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada ii. 71 Every man who thinks himself a Wit, Perks up; and, managing his Comb, with grace, With his white Wigg sets off his Nut-brown Face.
a1732 J. Gay Epist. most Learned Dr. in Wks. (1926) 642 Impertinently perks up in my face.
1747 T. Gray Char. Christ-Cross Row in Corr. (1971) I. 285 Now a pert Prig, he perks upon your face, Now peers, pores, ponders, with profound grimace.
1801 C. Lamb Let. Apr. in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1976) II. 3 By perking up upon my haunches, and supporting my carcase with my elbows,..I can see the white sails.
1826 in W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1827) II. 190 Chinese figures, their round, little-eyed, meek faces perking sidewise.
1883 H. Simms Nicholas Nickleby iii. iii. 21 (stage direct.) Fanny perks up, very annoyed.
1901 ‘G. Douglas’ House with Green Shutters 288 She tossed her head, and perked away from him on her little high heels.
1957 M. Spark Comforters viii. 197 Her whole body seemed to perk with delight.
1971 B. W. Aldiss Soldier Erect 23 Those glorious mobile buttocks... I felt my old man perking up again at the memory.
1993 Canad. Fiction Mag. No. 82. 100 My father's eyebrows perk, as if to say, But you're already married.
c. transitive. To lift or raise abruptly, assertively, jauntily, etc.; to prick up; to thrust out. Also figurative: to arouse, enliven. Frequently with up, out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > set upright or erect [verb (transitive)]
rightOE
uprighta1340
erect1557
perka1591
pert1613
the world > space > relative position > posture > upright or erect posture > set upright or erect [verb (transitive)] > specific part of body
cock1549
perka1591
erect1626
pert1688
set1708
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1592) f. 16v As the little birds perk up their heads when their dam comes with meat.
1602 2nd Pt. Returne fr. Parnassus i. vi. 469 You light skirt starres,..By glomy light perke out your doutfull heads.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 170 The spirit of presumption, which prides and pearks up it selfe.
1652 N. Culpeper Eng. Physitian Enlarged 216 A Monster called Superstition perks up his head.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa V. vi. 80 Here the women perked up their ears; and were all silent attention.
1777 H. Mackenzie Julia de Roubigné I. iv. 39 The first are ever perked up to view, while the latter are solicitious to avoid observation.
1782 S. J. Pratt Emma Corbett (new ed.) 47 Should I perk up my head, and look about me the more?
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel II. 176 A flower..Perks up its head.
1826 W. Scott Jrnl. 26 Apr. (1939) 161 Those [papers] you are not wanting perk themselves in your face again and again.
1879 E. Dowden Southey 7 The small urchin, long perked up and broad awake.
1927 K. Stephens His Secretary 13 He [sc. a squirrel] turns back and, gaily perking his brush along his back, settles.
1960 G. W. Target Teachers (1963) 46 He tapped on one of the top panels with the nail of the middle finger of his right hand, and then perked his head round..but the room was empty.
1996 Guardian 13 Apr. (Weekend Suppl.) 21/1 With vibrissae twinging, antennae perked, eyes fast-forwarding and fly-faceted, I took in everything around me.
3. † a. transitive. To make attractive, neat, or smart; to deck out; to brighten or embellish. Chiefly with up. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautify [verb (transitive)] > improve in appearance
cheer1560
tickle1567
smudge1589
perk1590
smug1598
pamper1611
smart1780
smarten1788
primp1801
to fig up1872
dude1899
posh1919
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautify (the person) [verb (transitive)]
highta1200
atiffe?c1225
tiff?c1225
wyndre?a1366
kembc1386
picka1393
prunec1395
tifta1400
varnishc1405
finea1425
tifflea1425
quaint1484
embuda1529
trick?1532
trick1545
dill1548
tricka1555
prink1573
smug1588
sponge1588
smudge1589
perk1590
primpc1590
sponge1592
tricksy1598
prime1616
sprug1622
briska1625
to sleek upa1625
trickify1678
prim1688
titivate1705
dandify1823
beflounce1824
befop1866
spry1878
lustrify1886
dude1899
doll1916
tart1938
youthify1945
pansy1946
spiv1947
dolly1958
zhuzh1970
1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie f. 58v She looked like Flora pearkt in the pride of all her flowers.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. iii. 21 Tis better to be lowly borne,..Then to be perk'd vp in a glistring griefe, And weare a golden sorrow. View more context for this quotation
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) To peeark one's self up, to adorn, trim, or dress.
1838 J. P. Kennedy Rob of Bowl xiv. 148 You are not quite a woman yourself—though you perk yourself up so daintily.
1868 L. M. Alcott Little Women I. vii. 107 It's nice to have accomplishments, and be elegant; but not to show off, or get perked up.
b. intransitive and transitive (reflexive). To make oneself attractive, neat, or smart; to clothe, array; to preen, primp, pamper oneself. Now Scottish (Shetland). †to perk out: to deck out (obsolete).
ΚΠ
1681 N. Tate Richard II Prol. sig. A4 Here an affected Cocquet perks and prunes.
1753 School of Man 4 The She-Linnet..prunes her wings, cleanses her tail, and perks herself out to enjoy a fine day.
1850 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 5 May in Amer. Notebks. (1972) viii. 493 Poor enough to perk themselves in such false feathers as these.
1964 New Shetlander No. 68. 36 Da lasses sit an pirk an preen, Dey rid da lips an black da een.
4. to perk up.
a. intransitive. To recover from depression or sickness; to recover confidence, health, liveliness, etc.; to become lively. Now colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > recover or be healed [verb (intransitive)]
wholeeOE
botenc1225
cover1297
amendc1325
recovera1375
warisha1386
recovera1387
healc1390
recurec1400
soundc1402
mendc1440
convalesce1483
guarish1489
restore1494
refete?a1505
revert1531
to gather (or pick) up one's crumbs1589
cure1597
recruit1644
to perk upa1656
retrieve1675
to pick up1740
to leave one's bed1742
to sit up and take nourishment1796
to get round1798
to come round1818
to pull through1830
rally1831
to fetch round1870
to mend up1877
to pull round1889
recoup1896
recuperate1897
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > refreshment or invigoration > become refreshed or invigorated [verb (intransitive)]
to take (one's, a) breatha1398
to pull, shake oneself togethera1400
wheta1400
recomfortc1425
revigour1447
breathe1485
respirea1500
convailc1500
unweary1530
air1633
recruit1644
refresh1644
reanimate1645
invigorate1646
rally1646
to perk upa1656
renovate1660
reawake1663
freshen1694
renervate1801
recuperate1843
to recharge one's (also the) batteries1911
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > be or become restored [verb (intransitive)] > to flourishing condition
revire?1440
revivea1460
to perk upa1656
resurrect1969
a1656 J. Ussher Ann. World (1658) vi. 542 Thus Asia, which before was plagued with the Publicans..begins to pirck up again.
c1670 O. Heywood Autobiogr., Diaries, & Event Bks. (1881) II. 346 To bow down his head as a bulrush, which in a wet day stoops, but in a sun-shine day perks up again.
1701 T. D'Urfey Bath iv. i. 33 I don't care one Farthing, so nown dear Charlee do but perk up again.
1739 J. Scott Pract. Disc. I. 154 'Tis a very ill sign, when after a few Pangs of Sorrow and Compunction Men are presently perking up into Confidence and Assurance.
1821 J. Clare Let. c3 Apr. (1985) 177 Having perked up this afternoon I perused the proofs.
1869 Galaxy Mar. (Suppl.) 453 Though the old place ain't the delightsomest of housen..it's perked up wonderful since he took his black favored viznomy and his cat's eyes out'n it.
1892 Gentlewoman's Bk. Sports I. 163 You will soon perk up, quite ready to start again.
1936 P. G. Wodehouse Laughing Gas iii. 31 As the days went along, I found myself perking up a bit. I seemed to be making progress.
1957 E. Eager Magic by Lake iv. 89 He perked up noticeably, and the flush of health began to appear on his wan cheek.
1994 Washington Post 3 July e5/4 Sierra perked up and her eyes widened as she watched and listened to the water rushing over the rocks.
b. transitive. To enliven, stimulate; to strengthen, bolster; to restore confidence, health, interest, liveliness, etc., in or to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > refreshment or invigoration > refresh or invigorate [verb (transitive)]
akeleOE
restOE
comfort1303
ease1330
quickc1350
recurea1382
refresha1382
refetec1384
restorec1384
affilea1393
enforcec1400
freshc1405
revigour?a1425
recomfortc1425
recreatec1425
quicken?c1430
revive1442
cheerc1443
refection?c1450
refect1488
unweary1530
freshen1532
corroborate1541
vige?c1550
erect?1555
recollect?1560
repose1562
respite1565
rouse1574
requicken1576
animate1585
enlive1593
revify1598
inanimate1600
insinew1600
to wind up1602
vigorize1603
inspiritc1610
invigour1611
refocillate1611
revigorate1611
renovate1614
spriten1614
repaira1616
activate1624
vigour1636
enliven1644
invigorate1646
rally1650
reinvigorate1652
renerve1652
to freshen up1654
righta1656
re-enlivena1660
recruita1661
enlighten1667
revivify1675
untire1677
reanimate1694
stimulate1759
rebrace1764
refreshen1780
brisken1799
irrigate1823
tonic1825
to fresh up1835
ginger1844
spell1846
recuperate1849
binge1854
tone1859
innerve1880
fiercen1896
to tone up1896
to buck up1909
pep1912
to zip up1927
to perk up1936
to zizz up1944
hep1948
to zing up1948
juice1964
1661 Princess Cloria i. 75 These words made poor Cloria perk up her self with a new hope.
1825 W. Tennant John Baliol ii. ii. 45 'Twas not for this I..turn'd my back upon the gorgeous East, To plant a king in Scotland, to perk up One that should spurn my lordship.
a1864 J. Clare Early Poems (1989) II. 282 O ale O ale what soul can ken The wonders thou performed on men How thou drivst perking up agen The drowking heart.
1936 M. Mitchell Gone with the Wind vii. 132 Dr. Fontaine admitted that he was puzzled, after his tonic of sulphur, molasses and herbs failed to perk her up.
1965 Amer. Speech 40 287 The plentiful examples..are often entertaining enough..to perk up the laziest student.
1994 Guardian 8 Oct. (Weekend Suppl.) 46/1 Vegetable stew..perked up with chili, ginger, turmeric, paprika [etc.].
5. transitive. To say or comment in an assertive, lively, or optimistic manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > say in a lively manner
rattle1402
pourc1451
to run off1680
twitter1689
perk1940
zing1975
1940 W. Empson Gathering Storm 15 Small lar that sunned itself in Mercury And perked one word there that made space ends meet.
1973 C. Himes Black on Black 135 ‘Maybe it's some scoff from the government's thing for the poor folks,’ she perked hopefully.
2000 Boston Herald (Nexis) 16 Jan. 4 ‘Let's not do the Texas two-step here,’ perked McCain.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
perkv.3
/pəːk/, U.S. /pərk/ colloquial (originally U.S.).
1. transitive. To boil up or make (coffee) in a percolator.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > preparation of drinks > [verb (transitive)] > make coffee
perk1920
percolate1959
1920 Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, Wisconsin) 8 Dec. (advt.) A cup of coffee perked the electric way always gives amber clear coffee.
1939 C. Morley Kitty Foyle 330 We..flopped ourselves down and perked some coffee.
2001 Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (Nexis) 30 Dec. b3 She perked coffee and got ready to break the bad news to the regular customers.
2.
a. intransitive. Of a percolator: to brew coffee; to boil. Of coffee: to percolate; to boil, bubble.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > preparation of drinks > [verb (intransitive)] > make coffee
percolate1881
perk1922
1922 E. R. Peyser Cheating the Junk-pile 10 You must not let a percolator ‘perc’ without any water in it.
1940 C. McCullers Heart is Lonely Hunter i. iv. 55 An electric coffee-pot was perking on the table.
1964 Which? Feb. 47/2 All the percolators were allowed to ‘perc’ for 10 minutes.
1995 Sun (Baltimore) 12 Oct. e1/7 The coffee is perking as he lines up the bacon on a feed-an-army electric griddle.
b. intransitive. figurative. To be or become active, stimulated, etc.Not easily distinguished from perk v.2 1b.
ΚΠ
1949 Sun (Baltimore) 9 Mar. 18/1 A hands-off attitude by traders today kept the Bond Market barely perking along on a mixed and narrow path.
1972 Newsweek 10 Jan. 19 By summer, so the calculations go, the economy will be perking quite nicely, and the President will go to the people as the agent of newfound prosperity.
1986 New Yorker 10 Feb. 109/3 He presents a retro-futurist fantasy..and keeps it perking by cartoon techniques and black humor.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.11396
n.21869
adj.1579v.1c1390v.21529v.31920