请输入您要查询的英文单词：

　

单词 practise
释义

practisepracticev.

Brit. /ˈpraktɪs/, U.S. /ˈpræktəs/
Forms: late Middle English practese, late Middle English practissed (past participle), late Middle English praktyse, late Middle English–1600s (1800s U.S. regional) practyse, late Middle English– practice (now chiefly U.S.), late Middle English– practise, late Middle English– practize (now nonstandard), 1500s practis, 1500s practizde (past participle), 1500s practyce, 1500s practysse, 1600s practysd (past participle), 1600s prectice; Scottish pre-1700 practase, pre-1700 practeis, pre-1700 practeiz, pre-1700 practeze, pre-1700 practis, pre-1700 practish, pre-1700 practissed (past participle), pre-1700 practissit (past participle), pre-1700 practiz, pre-1700 practyse, pre-1700 praktese, pre-1700 pratize, pre-1700 prattyse, pre-1700 precteis, pre-1700 1700s– practice, pre-1700 1700s– practise, pre-1700 1700s– practize, pre-1700 1800s practese, 1800s practeese, 1800s– practeeze.
Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin practizare; French practiser, pratiser.
Etymology: Partly < post-classical Latin practizare to practise (from 14th cent. in British sources; also practizare in arte chirurgie to practise veterinary science, practizare in medicina to practise medicine; alteration of practicare (see practicate adj.) with substitution of the suffix -izare -ize suffix for -icare ), and partly < Middle French (Walloon) practiser to strive, endeavour (c1380; used reflexively), pratiser to commit (a fraud), alteration of Middle French practiquer , pratiquer (French pratiquer : see below for senses), with substitution of -iser -ize suffix for the ending; perhaps compare also Middle French practisien , variant of practicien practician n. Compare ( < Latin, perhaps via French) Middle Dutch practiseren (late 15th cent.; Dutch praktizeren , also (now rare) practizeeren , praktizeeren ), German praktizieren (1469 as practicēren ). Compare practic v.Compare also Old Occitan practicar to be common practice (1468 in an isolated attestation, used reflexively; modern Occitan practicar is < French), Catalan practicar to put (a thing) into practice (early 14th cent.), to exercise (a profession) (beginning of the 15th cent.), Spanish practicar (c1330 as †praticar ), Portuguese practicar (15th cent.), Italian praticare (a1306). Among the transitive senses of Middle French practiquer , pratiquer , French pratiquer are: to put (a thing) into practice (c1370 or earlier, originally with reference to doing good deeds), to put (a law or legal requirement) into practice (early 15th cent. or earlier), to make use of (a recipe) (early 15th cent. or earlier), to negotiate (an agreement with a person) (mid 15th cent. or earlier), to put (theoretical knowledge, a science) into practice (second half of the 15th cent. or earlier), to influence or persuade (a person) into some evil action (second half of the 15th cent.), (of an activity or custom) to be common practice (1480, used reflexively), to frequent (a place), to be intimate with (a person) (c1500; compare Italian praticare (a1363 or earlier in this sense), Spanish practicar (1438 in this sense)), to achieve or try to achieve (a desired result) by underhand means (1530), to pursue (an activity, skill, or art) (1534), to perform (a religious rite) (1766 or earlier), to observe the teaching and rules of (a religion), to be an active member of (a faith) (1791). Among the intransitive senses of Middle French practiquer , pratiquer , French pratiquer are: to be a legal practitioner (1420 or earlier; rare before 18th cent.), to act, to work (beginning of the 15th cent. in the passage translated in quot. c1475 at sense 7b; now obsolete in this sense), to perform one's occupation (early 15th cent. or earlier), to be a medical practitioner (1530 in Palsgrave; subsequently from the second half of the 19th cent.), to scheme, intrigue, plot (16th cent.). The word was originally stressed on the second syllable (compare e.g. quots. ?1435 at sense 1c, ?a1439 at sense 5a), and this is still the case in some regional varieties, especially in Scots (hence such spellings as practize , practeeze , practeese ). The stress was subsequently shifted to the first syllable, with devoicing of the final consonant, probably by association with practice n. The form practice has become increasingly prevalent in U.S. use since the later 19th cent., and is now the generally accepted standard spelling.
1.
a. transitive. To pursue or be engaged in (a particular occupation, profession, skill, or art).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (transitive)]
suec1300
usec1300
followa1400
occupy?c1400
playc1410
practise1421
pursuec1485
lie1546
do1703
1421 Rolls of Parl. IV. 158/1 Divinite, Fisyk, and Lawe..sholde be used and practised principaly by the most connyng men in the same Sciences.
1524 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 156 Doctour Bentley & doctour Yakesley,..examyners Admytted to hable or disable suche as practise phisik & Surgery in London.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxxxiijv Whan they..practise coniuryng.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 159 [He] wyse weill leirned in devyne syences and pratizit the samin to the glorie of god.
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles v. 108 2. Canst thou catch any Fishes then? Per. I neuer practizde it. View more context for this quotation
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. xii. 131 They admit of no Trade, but practise Piracy.
1784 B. Franklin Let. 16 Aug. (1984) 1097 He should study the Law, as a necessary Part of Knowledge for a Public Man, and profitable if he should have occasion to practise it.
1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 258 The Jews..possessed and practised the medical science in all its branches.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 118 No man can practise two trades, or practise one and superintend another.
1923 W. Cather Lost Lady (1980) ii. i. 102 You are practising law?
1952 G. Sarton Hist. Sci. I. xi. 296 Mining and metallurgy..had been practiced for thousands of years by the Egyptians.
2004 New Yorker 12 July 39/2 He was privately struggling with problems that call into question his own fitness to practice medicine.
b. intransitive. To be engaged in the profession of law or of medicine.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal profession > practice law [verb (intransitive)]
practise1421
the world > health and disease > healing > art or science of medicine > practice of healing art > practise the healing art [verb (intransitive)]
practisea1650
medicate1835
Hippocratize1869
1421 Rolls of Parl. IV. 158/1 Meny unconnyng an unapproued in the forsayd Science practiseth and specialy in Fysyk.
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) iii. 3111 (MED) On Appius lat nat Iuges practise, That trouthes laumpe be cleer.
a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) 1042 (MED) Bryan was a nother, with holton in the west; These were euer besy, cowde practice with þe best.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 128 Only such whose..lernyng in the law [was]..provyd schold be admyttyd to practyse in causys.
?1579 in F. Collins Wills & Admin. Knaresborough Court Rolls (1902) I. 130 And after come to practice as a temporall Lawyer.
a1650 G. Boate Irelands Nat. Hist. (1652) xxiv. 186 Not only dwelling and practising at Dublin, but being Physician generall of the English Forces.
1735 S.-Carolina Gaz. 25 Jan. 2/2 The Numbers of Corn-cutters, Tooth-drawers, discarded Sea-Surgeons, Barbers, and Wise Women, who..plead a Call from within to practise.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. iv. 55 The seal was committed to the earl of Clarendon, who had withdrawn from practice as a lawyer near twenty years; and afterwards to the earl of Shaftesbury, who had never practised at all.
1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) xvii. 212 He made Martin acquainted..with his profession, which was physic, though he seldom or never practised.
1883 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 11 597 A counsel practising at the bar.
1909 G. Stein Three Lives 108 He was a doctor who had just begun to practice.
1937 W. S. Maugham Theatre ii. 18 She was born in Jersey, where her father, a native of that island, practised as a veterinary surgeon.
1984 B. Bainbridge Watson's Apol. iv. 159 I am a doctor of medicine, living and practising at Stockwell Villas.
c. intransitive. To work at or perform one's business or occupation; to exercise the skills of one's trade or profession. In quot. ?1435: to perform music. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)]
workOE
occupy1417
practise?1435
exercise1511
lie1546
artize1598
graft1859
?1435 ( J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 639 (MED) Forto practyse with sugred melodye He and his scolers theyre wyttes dydde applye.
a1450–1500 ( Libel Eng. Policy (1926) 801 (MED) Out of Bristow and costis many one Men have practised by nedle and by stone Thiderwardes.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxxxiiv Some..were holdyn in for a tyme to practis & shewe vnto the newe how they shuld ordre & guyde the sayd Offyces.
1660 tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. (new ed.) (title page) Carvers, In-layers, Antick-Cutters, and all other that delight to practise with the Compasse and Square.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. x. 153 A young man would practise with much more diligence..if from the beginning he wrought as a journeyman. View more context for this quotation
1893 Dict. National Biogr. XXXIII. 38/1 He practised both in line and stipple... He also engraved Rubens's ‘Descent from the Cross’.
1995 Focus Aug. 40/4 As well as appearing in normal rituals of black magic by those houngans who ‘practise with both hands’—that is, malevolently.
†d. intransitive. To exercise one's professional skill on, upon. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. 21 That litle leasure which shalbe left you from practising on your patients.
1680 W. Temple Ess. Cure of Gout in Miscellanea 189 Being little inclined to practise upon others, and as little that others should practise upon me.
1771 N.Y. Gaz. 23 Dec. If any watch he has practiced on, requires alteration, it shall be done without further charge.
1822 J. M. Good Study Med. IV. 64 Cases that require rather to be carefully watched, than vigorously practised upon.
2.
a. intransitive. To exercise oneself in a skill or art in order to acquire or maintain proficiency, esp. in music. Frequently with on.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > [verb (intransitive)] > practise
practise?a1425
society > education > learning > [verb (transitive)] > practise
practise?a1425
to go over ——1557
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > perform music [verb (intransitive)]
dreamOE
to make melodyc1330
to make minstrelsyc1330
note1340
practise?a1425
gest1508
melody1596
music1649
melodize1662
perform1724
spiel1870
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare or get ready [verb (intransitive)] > prepare by going through beforehand
practisea1616
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > perform music [verb (intransitive)] > practise
practise1813
woodshed1928
?a1425 [implied in: ?a1425 in D. Knoop & G. P. Jones Mediæval Mason (1933) 264 (MED) No mason schulde worche be nyȝth But ȝef hyt be yn practesynge of wytte. (at practising n. 1)].
a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) 14998 (MED) To scole she sette me, Bad I sholde myn herte caste To practyse and lerne faste, ffynde a way..Tacomplysshen hyr malyce.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxv. 251 To entend to their more priuate solaces, to practize more deepely both at leasure & libertie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) i. i. 83 My bookes and instruments shall be my companie, On them to looke, and practise by my selfe. View more context for this quotation
1631 B. Jonson New Inne vi [She] might indifferently be made The courting-stock for all to practise on.
1715 J. Addison Spectator No. 556. ¶11 While a Man is learning to fence, he practises both on Friend and Foe.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice II. viii. 90 She will never play really well, unless she practises more. View more context for this quotation
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. iii. 73 The learner should practise first on a piece of waste glass tube, commencing both from an unabraded surface and from a cross line.
1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere I. i. ix. 241 Catherine and Agnes are at the school; and Rose, I think, is practising.
1894 A. Conan Doyle Mem. Sherlock Holmes 30 So astute a man as Straker would not undertake this delicate tendon-nicking without a little practise. What could he practise on?
1913 W. Cather O Pioneers! ii. iii. 103 Milly can..still play on the organ. But practising on it so much spoils her touch.
a1941 V. Woolf Searchlight in Haunted House (1944) 102 It was peace then; the air force was practising; searching for enemy aircraft in the sky.
2001 Sun 27 Jan. 70/4 He practises regularly at the course,..and recorded one of his six previous holes in one there.
b. transitive. To perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to acquire, improve or maintain proficiency. Also with clause as object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > prepare by going through beforehand
practise1542
rehearse1579
to run through ——1860
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > perform (music) [verb (transitive)] > practise
practise1778
to run down1948
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 191v He had not of long tyme afore practised his feacte of shootyng, and by reason thereof to haue stand i[n] feare lest he should haue myssed.
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 335 All the knights of the band shuld..practise the play at the canes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. i. 29 Ere I learne loue, Ile practise to obey. View more context for this quotation
1624 W. Laud Diary 24 Mar. in Hist. Troubles (1695) 11 The Earl of Oxford, practising a Tilt, fell and brake his Arm.
1675 Char. Town-gallant 5 She..practises every day four hours in the glass, how greatness will become her.
1741 H. Fielding Shamela x. 29 I..pulled down my Stays, to shew as much as I could of my Bosom..and then I practised over all my Airs before the Glass.
1778 R. B. Sheridan Camp ii. iii To hear a march and chorus, which some recruits are practising.
1826 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 83 This is the third day I have practised a dumb-bell exercise.
1863 M. Oliphant Salem Chapel I. i. 3 The young people had their singing-class, at which they practised hymns.
1898 J. M. Falkner Moonfleet (1970) xii. 156 To see Elzevir stand there and practise how to crack his whip and cry ‘Who-ho’ as carters do to horses.
1933 V. Brittain Test. of Youth ii. 68 We were practising tennis strokes against a brick wall in our circumscribed back yard one afternoon.
1987 N. Hinton Buddy's Song viii. 41 Once they'd selected the songs he practised them every day.
2005 Mirror (Nexis) 19 Aug. 64 Being able to switch styles is vital but it doesn't just happen unless you've worked at it and practised playing like that.
3.
a. transitive. To observe (a religious duty), to perform (a rite); to carry out the teachings of (a particular religion); to be an active observer of (a faith). Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > church-going > attend (church) [verb (transitive)]
practise1808
c1430 N. Love Mirror Blessed Life (Brasenose e.9) (1908) 279 (MED) The moste partie of hem that beren vntrewely the name of cristene men practisen and vsen a ferthe daye that was neuere i-made of oure lorde Jesu.
1615 W. Lawson Country Housewifes Garden (1626) 1 By religious, I meane..practising prayers.
1698 J. Norris Pract. Disc. Divine Subj. IV. 76 Practice as much of Religion as you Talk, and then you have a full Licence to Talk as much of it as you Please.
1753 B. Franklin Poor Richard's Almanack 1277 Many have quarrel'd about Religion, that never practis'd it.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xv. 466 The superstitious observances of public or private rites were carelessly practised..by the followers of the established religion.
1808 Z. M. Pike Acct. Exped. Sources Mississippi iii. App. 15 The catholic religion is practised in this province, after the same manner as in the other provinces.
a1894 R. L. Stevenson In South Seas (1896) ii. vi. 211 The rite was practised beyond doubt in simple piety.
1904 Daily News 5 Nov. 7 The energetic priest of a very well-organised poor parish in Paris told me that, out of forty thousand inhabitants, four thousand ‘practised’ religion.
1975 R. P. Jhabvala Heat & Dust (1976) 80 He is also dirty—bathing is one Hindu ritual he doesn't practise.
2004 J. Winkler Anthony of Padua 25 St Anthony was especially severe in his criticism of those who were hypocrites or who were play acting when they practiced their faith.
b. transitive. To carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)]
doeOE
followOE
holda1100
found1340
exercec1374
enhaunta1382
usea1398
proceed1399
apply?c1400
practise?c1430
exercise1467
takea1500
plya1513
enure1549
prosecute1567
inurea1577
manage1579
to stand on ——1599
to carry on1638
cultivate1654
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)]
usec1300
maintain1384
observec1390
custom1392
practic?a1425
practise?c1430
frequent1485
to have in wonea1500
wont1530
trade1550
to make a practice of1722
?c1430 J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 277 (MED) Þes ben eiȝtene poyntis to distroie grete wrongis..ȝif þe kyng, lordis, & comyns wolen practise hem wel.
a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 129 (MED) This maner off doynge hath be so ofte practised nerehande in euery reaume þat thair cronicles be full off it.
a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 165 (MED) Þer ben al to many þat knowyn þese..and practysyn newe ȝer be ȝer.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Ciiv And what ye rede, se you practise it in lyfe and dede.
1559 Bp. Scot in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. App. vii. 17 Sute was made..to have three things graunted..to be practyssed..that is to saye, that prestes myght have wyves [etc.].
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vi. sig. R3 Questioned..What that vsage ment, Which in her cott she daily practized.
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. 3 Whatsoeuer is to be beleeued or practised.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (1623) ii. iii. 23 He had no Legges, that practic'd not his Gate.
1700 E. Ward London Spy II. iii. 13 The Price of Venerie is advanced, which makes it the more Practiced; for the Cheapness of a Commodity always throws it out of Fashion.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess 118 We never thought it wrang to ca' a prey, Our auld forbears practis'd it a' their days.
1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin Narr. Surv. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle III. ii. 42 When..further disturbed, it practices a most curious manœuvre.
1855 E. C. Gaskell North & South I. xv. 171 Perhaps it is one of the economies he still practises, to live in a very small house.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 131 The method which Socrates had heard Zeno practise in the days of his youth.
1941 A. Tate Reason in Madness 127 Now this poem as a whole fairly represents a use of metaphor practiced by certain Victorian poets.
1970 M. Lutyens Penguin Krishnamurti Reader I. 88 I will practise non-violence, I will practise non-envy, I will practise peace.
1999 N.Y. Times 19 Nov. b6/5 He practiced a more aggressive form of short-selling, called naked shorting.
†c. transitive. To be wont or accustomed (to do). Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > act habitually [verb (intransitive)] > be accustomed to do something
willeOE
wonc1000
haunta1400
customc1450
accustomc1475
use1533
wonta1547
practise1582
want1627
observea1629
1582 in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1599) II. i. 163 Some others..that practised to worke that effect by Radish seed.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iii. xiv. 140 Men practise to make long lasting Snasts or Elychinous parts for lampes, out of Alumen plumosum.
1673 J. Ray Coll. Eng. Words 130 He hath practised to burn the ends of all the posts which he sets into the ground to a coal on the outside.
a1807 W. Wordsworth Prelude (1959) ix. 340 [She] from the Tower..Practis'd to commune with her Royal Knight By cressets and love-beacons.
d. transitive. to practise what one preaches and variants: to live or act according to a principle or the set of principles one advocates.
ΚΠ
1615 N. Byfield Expos. Epist. Colossians 84 To this end they must practise what they preach, and auoyd enuy, passion, contention, and partialitie.
1667 J. Caryll Eng. Princess iii. i. 25 O Sir! that you had practis'd what you preach!
1733 B. Franklin Poor Richard's Almanack 1187 A taught horse, and a woman to teach, and teachers practising what they preach.
1749 S. Richardson Clarissa (ed. 2) V. ii. 18 I must needs say, that the Clergy should practise what they preach.
1880 T. Hardy Trumpet-major I. 77 When..parsons practise what they preach; Then little Boney he'll pounce down.
1929 A. Huxley Do what you Will 153 Rasputin practised what he preached, and sinned—most conspicuously..in relation to the seventh commandment.
2000 Daily Tel. 28 June 20/2 The Government must practice what it preaches about joined-up thinking if it is to deal with the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
e. intransitive. To act habitually. Formerly also with †on, †upon. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > act habitually [verb (intransitive)]
use?a1425
practise1686
usen1890
1686 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II II. vii. 517 If we believe it, we cannot be good Christians unless we practise upon it.
a1716 O. Blackall Wks. (1723) I. xix. 180 If he practises according to this Opinion, he so far renounces his Christianity.
1764 J. Otis Rights Brit. Colonies 33 This principle..has been practiced upon for twenty years to my knowledge.
1796 T. Jefferson Let. 28 Feb. in Writings (1984) 1035 Before the present government there was a usage either practised on or understood which regulated our charges.
1907 N.E.D. at Practise If he practises as well as he preaches, he must be a paragon.
†4.
a. transitive. To put to practical use; to make use of, employ. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)]
noteOE
take?a1160
turnc1175
usec1300
to fare witha1340
benote1340
spenda1400
usea1400
weara1400
naitc1400
occupy1423
to put (also set) in work?a1425
practise?c1430
apply1439
employ?1473
to call upon ——1477
help1489
tew1489
handle1509
exercise1526
improvea1529
serve1538
feed1540
enure1549
to make (also take) (a) use of1579
wield1601
adoperate1612
to avail oneself ofa1616
to avail oneself ofa1616
prevail1617
to make practice of1623
ploy1675
occasion1698
to call on ——1721
subserve1811
nuse1851
utilize1860
?c1430 (c1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 157 (MED) Þe olde testament for wynnyng of tyþes and offryngis is sumwhat practised.
?a1450 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 288 (MED) Þorw þe grace of hevene kyng, Þei practiseden medicines to helpe mankyd.
1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces i. sig. A.3 Plato if he wolde have practysed this maner of persuadynge, he myght haue persuaded with synguler gṙauytie.
1589 R. Grenville in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations 734 Our resolution was to practise force, and to releeue our selues by the sworde.
1610 Let. 7 July in A. Brown Genesis of U.S. (1890) I. 412 He amongs us that cannot digg, use the square, nor practise the ax and chissle, yet he shall find how to imploy the force of knowledge.
1659 J. Leak tr. I. de Caus New Inventions Water-works 26 This Engin is much practised in Germany.
1735 A. Pope Ethic Epist. in Wks. ii. 48 Proud to catch cold at a Venetian door. Note, A door or window so called, from being much practised at Venice, by Palladio and others.
1740 in New Jersey Archives XII. 29 The two most convenient Places for a speedy Transportation, of any yet practised from New-York to Philadelphia.
1791 T. Paine Rights of Man i. 84 Forms..operate to continue the principles they grow from. It is impossible to practise a bad form on any thing but a bad principle.
b. transitive. To frequent or habitually visit (a place); to be intimate with (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > haunting or resorting > haunt [verb (transitive)]
hauntc1290
usea1382
resortc1450
enhaunt1530
practise1553
frequent1555
dog1600
habituate1872
1553 J. Knox Wks. III. 373 Whairof in theis partis thair be na small noumber, whome with I being partlie practisit.
1624 H. Wotton Elements Archit. Pref. Though he were best practised, and best followed by his owne Countrymen; yet..he was best, or at least, first vnderstood by strangers.
1651 J. Saint-Amard tr. F. Micanzio Life Father Paul sig. L3v He had alwaies desired to have him live at Rome, because he had knowne him, and practised him, and knew very well how greate service hee was able to have done the Church.
1681 J. Dryden Absalom & Achitophel 26 The Court he practis'd, not the Courtier's art.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Pastorals in Virgil Wks. (1721) I. Pref. 76 Several, who saw, and practis'd the World for a longer space of time.
1718 Free-thinker No. 50. 1 They were not in a Capacity to make any Figure by Sea; an Element, little practised by Them, and less understood.
5.
†a. transitive. To bring about, accomplish (an effect or aim). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > achieve or effect
helpc1410
obtain?a1425
procurec1425
practise?a1439
upholdc1450
furnish1477
to bring about1480
to bring to passc1513
conduce1518
contrive1530
to make good1535
moyen1560
effect1581
effectuatea1586
to level out1606
operate1637
to carry offa1640
efficiate1639
work1761
engineer1831
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) iv. 2499 (MED) Cassander..gunne a werre upon hir regeoun, Which Talisaundre mynystrid the poisoun..afforn of hym deuised, Bi Antipater most mortalli practised.
1457–8 Plea & Mem. Rolls London Guildhall No. A.81.5 (MED) Knolles..brought thider an Auditour called Bungey, by whom was practised and made anew rental of þe said Manoir.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. xxvii. sig. i.iiv Consultation hath respecte to the tyme future..the ende or purpose thereof is adressed to some acte or affaire to be practised after the Consultation.
1550 J. Coke Deb. Heraldes Eng. & Fraunce sig. Eij You practysed a maryage betwene the doughter and heyre of Nauerne, and Monster de labright countie de foyx.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xix. 23 They thought to practise some way for theyr suretie.
1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 173 Suppose he intendeth..to practise the sickness, death, destruction of man, or Beast.
1736 S. Chandler Hist. Persecution 318 I think he can't well be excused from practising the death of Servetus at Vienne.
†b. transitive. To attempt or undertake (to do); to exert oneself in order to effect. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)]
fandOE
assayc1300
tryc1315
provec1330
adventurea1387
sayc1390
paina1400
havec1400
practisea1450
afforcec1487
afond1488
attempta1538
procure1574
endeavour1581
offer1611
poacha1616
attent1620
to venture at1623
essay1641
attentate1656
smacka1657
tempt1697
to try at1794
to have a go1802
to make a (good, poor, etc.) fist1833
tackle1847
to have or take a whack at1891
to make (or have, etc.) a stab at (something)1895
to have a dash (at)1916
a1450 (c1435) J. Lydgate Life SS. Edmund & Fremund (Harl.) 138 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 416 (MED) He..Forsook his kyngdham and afftir hath praktysed With frut and rootis..Space of seuene yeer to lyue in wildirnesse.
1552 King Edward VI Chron. & Polit. Papers (1966) (modernized text) 151 One George Paris..did now..practise means to come home and to have his old lands in Ireland again.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 83 b [He] practised first to kill him selfe with his owne Dagger.
1600 P. Holland tr. Florus Breviaries xxxiii, in tr. Livy Rom. Hist. 834 Anniball having practised in Affrick to raise war.
1679 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Reformation: 1st Pt. iii. 201 The Ministers continued practising, to get further evidence for the Tryal.
c. transitive. To devise means to bring about (a result), to devise (the means to an outcome); to plan, scheme, intend. Frequently with infinitive or that-clause as object. Also occasionally intransitive. Now only with allusion to quot. 1808.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > plan [verb (transitive)]
forethinkc897
bethinka1225
compass1297
contrivec1330
ordain1340
conjectc1380
imaginec1380
cast1382
ordaina1387
advisec1400
forecast1413
imagec1450
ordainc1450
project1477
foreminda1535
invent1539
aimc1540
practise1550
plat1556
trive1573
meditate1582
patterna1586
plot1589
platform1592
design1594
chew1600
forelay1605
to map out1618
to cut out1619
agitate1629
laya1631
plod1631
cut1645
calculate1654
concert1702
to scheme out1716
plan1718
model1725
to rough out1738
to lay out1741
plan1755
prethink1760
shape1823
programme1834
pre-plan1847
encompass1882
target1948
1550 T. Nicolls tr. Thucydides Hist. Peloponnesian War v. f. cxxxiii The Corynthyans practised to reallye themself with the Argiues.
1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. xliv. f. 207 He doth already practise a mariage betwene the King of Hungarie and me.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 99 Solon..beganne to practise that his cittizens should giue them selues vnto craftes and occupations.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) i. i. 214 Which though I will not practice to deceiue, Yet to auoid deceit I meane to learne. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 802 [They] Thenceforth shall practice how to live secure. View more context for this quotation
1711 in T. W. Marsh Some Rec. Early Friends Surrey & Sussex (1886) i. 9 A Preparitive Meeting..for preserving the Reputation of our proffession blameles is Practised at Reigate.
1808 W. Scott Marmion vi. xvii. 343 Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive!
1959 ‘F. Richards’ (title) Practise to deceive.
1990 Times (Nexis) 6 Sept. The qualities that once made him a pillar of conformity now enable him to settle without fuss into a life of underground meetings, subterfuge, and practising to deceive.
†6. transitive. To put into practice, execute (a law, a legal requirement, or a command). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > a command or law
fulfila1225
servea1325
fathera1425
practisea1464
actuate1594
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 218 This statute [of 1401] was practized in a prest þat sone aftir was brent in Smythfeld.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlixv Luther vnderstode that the Emperoure, and diuerse Princes woulde practise the decree of Wormes.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ Ded. 11 If the principles be true, why are they not practised?
1718 I. Watts Psalms of David cxix. i. ii Blest are the men that keep thy word, And practise thy commands.
1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. I. 81 Those [laws] which remain..under his name seem to be only the laws already practised in the country by his Saxon ancestors.
7.
a. transitive. To perform, implement, or carry on; (formerly) spec. †to perform (a play) (obsolete). Now rare or merged in sense 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > do [verb (transitive)]
i-wurchec888
i-dreeeOE
doeOE
dightc1000
workOE
haveOE
fet1297
takec1380
gara1400
playc1410
practisec1475
bedrive1481
fetch1530
perpetrate1535
act1590
exert1662
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (transitive)] > a drama
playOE
practisec1475
present1573
personate1598
c1475 (a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 342 (MED) I dar not seie for drede of god þat þis power stondeþ in assoilyng & cursyng as men practisen todaye.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) i. 11 Thynges to practyse whiche should profyte be.
1542 Act 33 Hen. VIII iii. 837 Dyvers and sundrie persones unlawfully have devised and practised invocacions and conjuracions of sprites.
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Clarence xiv Pricke the minde to practise any yll.
a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in Wks. (1846) I. 62 Frear Kyllour sett furth the Historye of Christis Passioun in forme of a play, quhilk he boith preached and practised opinlie in Striveling.
1600 J. Taverner (title) Certaine experiments concerning fish and frvte: practised by Iohn Taverner gentleman.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) ii. iii. 46 To thinke, that you haue ought but Talbots shadow, Whereon to practise your seueritie. View more context for this quotation
1653 A. Marvell Let. 28 July in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 304 The onely Ciuility which it is proper for me to practise with so eminent a Person.
1677 Smithfield Jockey 24 Our jockey at first practised an innocent trick.
1685 J. Dryden Albion & Albanius Pref. sig. (b)2v He had been pleas'd..to command, that it shou'd be practis'd, before him, especially the first and third Acts of it.
1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue Mumble a sparrow, a gambol practised at wakes and fairs.
1799 G. Washington Let. in Writings (1893) XIV. 171 You shall not practise the same game with me.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 212 He practised every pass and ward, To thrust, to strike, to feint, to guard.
†b. intransitive. To act; to work, operate; to proceed. Cf. sense 11b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > act or do [verb (intransitive)]
workeOE
i-do971
doOE
to shift one's handa1300
performa1382
practisec1475
skift?a1534
handle1535
act1583
enact1593
actuate1620
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 185 (MED) Without any faille, they practise [Fr. pratiquent] truely in doyng theis werkes.
1526 Grete Herball sig. Ccvi/2 Many other dyuers noble actours whiche haue gretly practised for the prosperyte, helth, and welfare of man.
?1553 Respublica (1952) iii. ii. 22 We reste nor daie nor night..(to p)ractise and travaile for your welth and honoure.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love i. v. sig. D We acte our Mimick tricks with that free licence..As if we practiz'd in a Past-boord case.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. vii. xiv. 23 So practice for any other Latitude.
†c. transitive. To work out (a problem), to calculate (a measurement). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematics > calculate or solve [verb (transitive)]
rimeeOE
calcule1377
numbera1382
accounta1387
casta1400
calk1401
computate1449
suppute?a1475
reckona1513
to cast up1539
yield1542
supputate1555
practise?a1560
calculate1570
compute1579
work1582
quantulate1610
resolve1613
find1714
to work out1719
solve1737
to figure out1854
?a1560 L. Digges Geom. Pract.: Pantometria (1571) i. xvi. sig. E ij By a Glasse heighthes may be pleasantly practized and founde on this wise.
?a1560 L. Digges Geom. Pract.: Pantometria (1571) i. xv. sig. E j v Pleasanter to practize is this than the former and moste exact for Altitudes.
8.
†a. transitive. To influence or persuade (a person) into some course of action, esp. an evil one; to corrupt. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > persuasion > persuade (a person) [verb (transitive)]
leada1225
accoya1375
form1399
persuadec1450
persuadec1487
practise1524
temper1525
work1532
suade1548
perduce1563
to draw on1567
overdraw1603
possess1607
bring1611
sway1625
tickle1677
tamper1687
to touch up1796
to put the comether on someone1818
1524 State Pa. Hen. 8 VI. 258 To practise and attrapp Mons. de Bourbon.
1568 in J. Anderson Coll. Mary Queen of Scotl. (1728) IV. ii. 82 Wnto sic tyme thai had practised the keipar off the castell [etc.]..to be thair assistaris.
1571 G. Buchanan Admonitioun Trew Lordis sig. A.7v Bot..Schir Iames..hinderit this purpois be sum of the Kingis familiaris, that he had practisit with be giftis.
1602 W. Warner Epitome Hist. Eng. in Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) 395 He allured out of Sanctuarie his fiue Neeces..whence also to murther them,..he had formerly practised the two yoong Princes his Nephewes.
1640 in Hamilton Papers (1880) App. 257 The Earle of Traquayre..did practize the jury with a good intent to finde the said Lo: guilty as aforesaid.
1678 G. Mackenzie Laws & Customes Scotl. ii. 541 A mean of corrupting witnesses, and Assizers, who if known, might be practised.
1818 H. J. Todd Johnson's Dict. Eng. Lang. Practise, to draw by artifices.
b. intransitive. To deal, negotiate with, esp. in order to influence or persuade. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement [verb (intransitive)] > negotiate > negotiate with
bargainc1375
deal1393
entreata1400
entreaty1523
practise1538
trade1553
transact1584
temporize1587
relate1631
tryst1637
truckle1909
1538 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 559 I practysyd soo with the sayd Bryan, and with my servaunt Stephin Apparye, that they hunted the sayd Kayr.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 313v He sent to his brother Bartholomewe Colon..to practise with the kynge of Englande.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. vi. 117 I haue seene and practised with diuers Persian gentlemen.
1683 in Pennsylvania Arch. (1852) I. 79 Practising wth all your R. Highnesses Tenants there, by fair or foul means, to turne tenants to him.
1721 J. Swift Let. to Pope 10 Jan. The grand juries of the county and city were practised effectually with to represent the said pamphlet with all aggravating epithets.
1902 A. Lang Hist. Scotl. II. iii. 60 He and his party had long been practising with Cecil.
9.
a. transitive. To plot or plan (mischief, harm); to plan and carry out (a harmful course of action) upon a person; to conspire or plan (to do some evil or mischief). Now chiefly with deceit, fraud, etc., as object (cf. sense 11a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > plotting > plot (a purpose) or hatch (a plot [verb (transitive)]
compass1297
procurec1300
purchasec1300
contrivec1330
conspirec1384
brewc1386
awaitc1400
surmise1509
devisec1515
practise1531
machinate1537
forge1547
hatch1565
plot1589
pack1590
appost1602
feign1690
intrigue1747
scheme1767
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. iv. sig. Z That maner of inurie, whiche is done with fraude and disceyte, is at this present tyme so communely practised, that if it be but a litle, it is called policie, & if it be moche,..wisedome.
a1550 W. Lamb Resonyng (1985) 133 How ȝe Scottis practizate to steill out of oure thesaurie diuers of choiss instrumentis.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxlvijv They haue practised thinges against him in Germani, and in forein nations.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 216 b He practized the vtter ouerthrowe not onely of all Christian societie, but of the state of the whole world also.
1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor iv. i. sig. I2v This will I venture my life to performe: prouided there be no treason practised vpon vs. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. i. 20 I doubt My Vnckle practises more harme to me. View more context for this quotation
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile Alphabet. Table sig. Hh1v/2 Normall..practices her owne brothers destruction.
1695 W. Temple Introd. Hist. Eng. 565 He practis'd private Intelligences in the Danish Court.
1732 B. Franklin On Simplicity 13 Apr. in Writings (1987) 181 Men have practised the same low Stratagems upon one another.
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph I. 100 The unfortunate victim, ignorant of the treachery that was practised against her by her wicked aunt.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary III. iv. 77 Our stratagem to throw an obstacle into your way that couldna be got ower, neither wad nor could hae been practised against ye.
1853 E. C. Gaskell Ruth III. vi. 176 There was no sign of Mr. Bradshaw ever forgiving the imposition which had been practised upon him.
1891 T. Hardy Tess of the D'Urbervilles II. xxxvii. 253 He could regard her in no other light than that of one who had practised gross deceit upon him.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 169/2 A deceit practised upon him by his divine father Ea.
1992 R. Robertson tr. E. T. A. Hoffman Golden Pot & Other Tales 115 Legal scholars described it as a subtle fraud which deserved a condign punishment inasmuch as it had been practised upon the public.
†b. intransitive. To scheme, to make plans, to employ stratagem or trickery, usually for an evil purpose; to plot, conspire with or against a person; to plan an attempt on a person's life. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > plotting > plot [verb (intransitive)]
subtlec1300
conspire1393
compass1430
malign?a1439
contrivec1440
machine?c1450
forthink1494
pretenda1500
practise1537
pack1568
brigue1580
machinate1602
manage1603
plot1607
tamper1607
faction1609
collogue1646
intriguea1714
to lay a scheme1826
scheme1842
angle1892
wheel and deal1961
1537 H. Latimer Let. 15 July in Serm. & Remains (1845) (modernized text) II. 379 That you may see how closely in time past the foreign prelates did practise about their prey.
1572 in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 23 Melvill..was executed..for practesing with England.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear ix. 57 Hast practised on mans life. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 140 Hee will practise against thee by poyson. View more context for this quotation
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 220 It suffereth not the one to practise against the other, upon the perill that may ensue to the offender.
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth i. 136 He fell to plotting and practising with the Rebels,..and attempted..to deliuer the Queene of Scots out of custody.
1645 J. Winthrop Declar. Former Passages 2 Miantonino and his confederates have both secretly and openly plotted and practised against the life of Uncas not at all acquainting the English.
1713 N. Rowe Jane Shore iv. i Those damnable Contrivers, Who shall with Potions, Charms, and witching Drugs, Practise against our Person and our Life.
1796 S. T. Coleridge Poems lxxxix Science and Freedom shall demand to hear Who practis'd on a Life so doubly dear.
1808 W. Scott Marmion iii. xv. 147 Wroth, because, in wild despair, She practised on the life of Clare; Its fugitive the church he gave.
†c. transitive. To use wiles or trickery to win; to aim to achieve by underhand means. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > treat cunningly [verb (transitive)] > contrive or attempt with cunning
subtile1537
practise1591
cautel1603
Machiavellianize1656
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 14 He had by al possible meanes practised the fauour and goodwill of the souldier.
1640 W. Habington Queene of Arragon i. i, in W. C. Hazlitt Dodsley's Sel. Coll. Old Eng. Plays (1875) XIII. 342 What can you answer for the practising The queen's affection, when Embassador, You lay here from Castile?
10.
a. transitive (in passive). To be experienced or skilled through practice; to be skilled, versed, or proficient in; (formerly also) †to be accustomed or used to (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > be versed or skilled [verb (intransitive)]
to have the way (also ways)?1520
to know what something is1535
practise1542
skilla1586
to be one's craftsmaster1594
to know the ropes1802
to know one's way around1861
to know (something) backwards1904
to know one's stuff1927
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 30 The same officer was well practised and could good skille in that science.
1568 (a1500) Freiris Berwik 32 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1930) IV. 262 That twa of þe Iacobyne freiris..Wer send of þame best practisit and cunnand.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 9 The Athenians at that time were not greatly practised to the sea.
1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Trauellers Breuiat 30 More implements then a spatious sea-coast are incident to this busines: he must haue plentie of timber and cordage; he must be furnished with a people practised in sea affaires [etc.].
1675 R. Vaughan Disc. Coin & Coinage xi. 129 I have alwayes understood it to be observed by all men intelligent and practised in matters of Trade, that [etc.].
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 35 If they..have been well practis'd in writing Billet deux.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 253 Till men were well practised in him, he was apt to impose on them.
1730 B. Franklin On Providence of God in Writings (1987) 163 This rash Undertaking of mine, it being a Thing I am altogether ill practis'd in and very much unqualified for.
1766 H. Brooke Fool of Quality I. vi. 222 You are equally studied and practised in turning any thing into nothing.
1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans I. ii. 24 Is he, then, much practised in the art of psalmody?
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. xlvi. 426 Stalwart fellows, practiced in the kayack, and the sledge, and the whale-net.
1886 J. Ruskin Præterita II. i. 17 He was..perfectly practised in all the college routine of business.
1940 D. Hardy tr. A. Koestler Darkness at Noon i. ii. 12 He was practised in tearing himself out of nightmares.
1984 P. Chaplin Unforgotten (1988) ii. 16 Their enjoyment in each other was so practiced, so harmonious, it was like a regional dance.
b. transitive. To exercise (a person) in an activity for the acquisition or improvement of proficiency in it; to train, drill. With in, †to. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > training > train [verb (transitive)] > drill or rehearse
exercise1388
exercite1475
practise1551
rehearse1768
parrot1775
soldier1780
drill1798
the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] > prepare by going through beforehand > specifically a person
practise1551
rehearse1768
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Utopia (1895) i. 49 The Frenche souldiours..haue byne practysed and vrede in feates of armes.
1600 S. Rowlands Letting of Humors Blood Epigram xxxi. sig. C3 One newlie practiz'd in Astronomie..Would scrape (forsoth) acquaintance of the skie, And by his arte, goe knocke at heauen dore.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 65 The children must Be practis'd well to this, or they'll neu'r doo't. View more context for this quotation
1644 J. Milton Of Educ. 7 They must be also practiz'd in all the locks and gripes of wrastling.
1674 in Early Rec. Town of Providence (Rhode Island) (1894) V. 292 Said william Austin Doth Couenant..and Engage..To prectice and jnstruct the Said moses Lippit in art and trade of a weauer.
1847 Infantry Man. (1854) 3 In order to supple the recruit,..he will be practised in the..movements.
1855 R. C. Trench in Lect. to Ladies ix. 225 We might do much..by practising the young to distinguish between words which have a near resemblance to one another.
1888 Fortn. Rev. Jan. 24 The captain practises his company in all the phases of war.
1928 B. Benefield Little Clown Lost v. 75 Probably she wants to practise you in your part as well as to show you off in your new finery.
1971 Dict. National Biogr. 1951–60 509/1 Horton..constantly practised his flotilla in this form of attack.
11. intransitive to practise on (also upon) —.
a. To play a trick on; to manipulate, esp. through trickery or deceit. Now literary.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > trickery, playing jokes > practise trickery [verb (intransitive)]
triflec1305
legerdemain1483
to practise on (also upon) —1600
to play hocus-pocus1659
palm1686
trick1698
shab1755
kid1811
lark1813
prank1826
mank1861
cod1874
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. i. 358 I..wil so practise on Benedicke, that..he shall fall in loue with Beatrice. View more context for this quotation
1623 J. Webster Deuils Law-case iv. sig. I I feare, Y'are practiz'd vpon most deuillishly.
1631 B. Jonson New Inne i. vi As she doth practise on all vs, to scorne.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 504 The Court practised on her..so far, that she delivered up her husband's letters.
1761 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy III. xxxix. 188 My uncle Toby..would sit smoaking his pipe..whilst my father was practising upon his head, and trying..to drive Prignitz and Scroderus's solutions into it.
1858 E. H. Sears Athanasia iii. ii. 268 Out of this belief papacy shaped its purgatory and practised on human credulity and fear.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 67 You have practised on her, Perplext her, made her..Swerve from her duty to herself and us.
1898 H. James Turn of Screw iv, in Two Magics 35 I had not been practised upon by the servants nor made the object of any ‘game’.
1903 G. B. Shaw Man & Superman iv. 162 But surely no really nice woman would deliberately practise on men's instincts in that way.
†b. To tamper with, to corrupt. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > acting in another's business or intervention > act in another's business or intervene [verb (intransitive)] > interfere or meddle > improperly or tamper
tamper1601
to practise on1874
1874 J. H. Newman Tracts 167 Photius considers his [sc. St Methodius'] works have been practised upon by heretics.
†12. transitive. To test experimentally, to put to the test. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > make experiment of or with [verb (transitive)]
afondc1300
assailc1300
found1340
assay1377
taste1382
experiment1524
experience1541
try1545
attempt1563
practise1632
explore1667
experimentate1670
to taste of1700
to try out1888
to try (something)(on) for size1979
fand-
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 278 I haue seene the nature of this dust practised.
1796 J. Smyth in J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth (1799) 519 The crops I practised were 1st, oats; 2d, turnips, yams, and other potatoes; 3d, barley with grass-seeds.
1802 Naval Chron. 9 293 I would..recommend practising the boat.
†13. transitive. To put in place, put into effect, execute (a project or device, esp. a military one). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build or construct [verb (transitive)]
timbera900
workOE
betimberOE
craftOE
buildc1275
lifta1300
stagec1330
upraise1338
wright1338
edifya1340
to make outa1382
to make upa1382
biga1400
housea1400
risea1400
telda1400–50
to work upa1450
redress1481
levy1495
upmake1507
upbuild1513
exstruct?c1550
construct1663
to run up1686
practise1739
to lay up1788
elevate1798
to put up1818
to lay down1851
practicate1851
1739 H. Walpole Let. to R. West 11 Nov. At the end of a great road, which was practised through an immense solid rock by bursting it asunder with gun-powder.
1802 C. James Mil. Dict. (new ed.) at Practice Practise is likewise used, in imitation of the French, to signify the act of effecting or executing any military operation, viz. to practise a mine beneath the covert way, &c.
1820 P. B. Shelley Philos. View Reform in Dowden Transcr. & Stud. (1888) 69 Most fatal of them all is that mine of unexploded mischief it has practised beneath the foundations of society.
1879 Temple Bar Aug. 470 Many of these little churches..are of very massive construction, with a squinch or hagioscope practised in the thickness of the wall.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
<
v.1421
随便看

　

英语词典包含1132095条英英释义在线翻译词条，基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。

　

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间：2025/2/3 10:21:55