bear-leadv.
/ˈbɛːliːd/, U.S. /ˈbɛrˌlid/ transitive. To act as a guide to (a person); to lead, conduct; spec. to act as a bear-leader or travelling tutor in Europe to (a wealthy young man).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > lead
furec1540
subduce1609
ring-lead1617
manuduct1641
lead1642
manuduce1657
bear-lead1833
officer1839
van1852
skipper1883
spear-head1938
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > teach by other methods
example1645
demonstrate1683
bear-lead1833
kindergarten1872
1833 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 162 We wish his friends, especially the English cicerones, who have had the honour of bear-leading him about, joy of their sapient guest.
1891 C. Dunstan Quita i. 4 I do call it hard..to condemn me to bear-lead a savage.
1916 J. C. Snaith Sailor 213 A fellowship of Gamaliel in certain of its aspects is better than bear-leading the aristocracy.
a1935 T. E. Lawrence Mint (1955) iii. xi. 188 The Adjutant bear-led poor enduring Dolly down the three interminable lanes of us dressed ham-bones.
2010 K. Robards Shameless xviii. 182 Despite..the irritation of having been put in the position of bear-leading a gaggle of bothersome females toward a destination he had no wish to revisit, Neil found that he was almost enjoying himself.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2020; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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