| 释义 |
postn.1 Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin postis; French post. Etymology: Originally < classical Latin postis (see below); subsequently reinforced by Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French, French †post (French regional pôt , etc.) post, beam (c1160) < classical Latin postis doorpost, in post-classical Latin also pole, stake (6th cent.), perhaps < por- forward ( < an ablaut variant of the Indo-European base of pro- pro- prefix1) + the stem of stāre to stand (see stand v.).In other Germanic languages the following are either cognate with the Old English word or show parallel (independent) borrowing from Latin: Old Frisian post, Middle Dutch post (Dutch post), Old Saxon post (Middle Low German post), Old High German pfost (Middle High German post, poste, phost, phoste, German Pfosten); compare also (probably < Middle Low German) Old Swedish poster (Swedish post), Danish post. Compare Old Occitan post board, panel (1st half of the13th cent.; Occitan pòst), Catalan post board (1271), Spanish poste pillar, pole (c1275), Portuguese poste pillar, doorpost (1365). On the α and β plural forms see J. Wright Eng. Dial. Gram. (1905) §378. I. A support or column of timber or (later) some other strong material. 1. the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > a vertical support, post, or stake the world > space > relative position > vertical position > [noun] > vertical object or part > pole or stake the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > gate > gate-post OE Ælfric (Julius) (1900) II. 140 He aheng þa þæt dust on ænne heahne post. OE (1955) 185 Basis, post. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 91 (MED) Wisdom..ararde hire an hus, and hie karf hire seuen postes, Þat bieð ðo seuen hali mihtes ðe we hier teforen habbeð ȝespeken. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1978) 13991 He bigon to hewene..and þa postes for-heou alle þa heolden up þa halle. c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza (1891) 657 (MED) On þat place was a paleis on; Swich ne seȝ he neuer non..Postes and laces þat þer were Of iaspe gentil þat was dere. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) 7258 (MED) Þe post þat al þat huse vpbare, Wit bath his handes he it scok. (Harl. 221) 410 Poost, of an howse, postis. 1466 Inventory in (1887) 50 44 (MED) Item, j sepulcure ouer gyldyd, wt j frame to be set on wt iiij postes. a1500 ( in J. S. Brewer (1858) 522 (MED) The sayd pascell of Grownde shall be edified..at the Est bounde reysyng the postes towarde the hye waye in height a bove the grounde xxxiij fete. 1565 A. Golding tr. Caesar vii. f. 190v Greate postes of streight timber set on a row equally dystant a two fote space one from another. 1600 W. Cornwallis I. xxii. sig. M6 Not a Poste, nor a painted cloth in the house, but cryes out, Feare God. 1662 J. A. Comenius xxxix. 99/1 The parts of a house conceive thus:..as you come to the gate on both the sides are the posts; and in one of them the hinges, upon which the doors hang and upon which they open and shut. 1725 I. Watts i. iv. §6 Post is equivocal, it is a piece of timber, or a swift messenger. 1769 I. Bickerstaff ii. vi. 36 Old Lady Lambert. And it had no effect. Maw-worm. No more, than if I spoke to so many postesses. 1781 H. Smeathman in (Royal Soc.) 71 183 Unless iron-wood posts have been made use of, not the least vestige of an house is to be discovered. 1815 J. Smith I. 262 If it be not convenient to allow the posts in partitions to be square, which is the best form. 1862 S. St. John I. 7 A passage raised on posts three feet above the ground, led to the great village-house. 1889 Oct. 434/1 I..allowed myself to slip over the edge until I could clasp one of the ‘postesses’ (as Mary called the pillars) with my legs. 1923 Jan. 47/1 In the houses of poor families the portico is primitive, with a battered, slovenly tiled roof, supported by rough wooden posts. 1985 J. Irving iii. 93 Some of these buildings were set on posts. the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun] > that which or one who supports c1387–95 G. Chaucer 214 Vn to his ordre he was a noble post. a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer (1987) i. 1000 That thow shalt ben the beste post..Of al his lay. a1450–1500 ( (1926) 701 (MED) Take hede To kepen Yrelond that it be not loste, For it is a boterasse and a poste Undre England, and Wales is another. c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell (1840) 29 (MED) Ful ofte a wife is a broken poste, And he that lenethe may lihtly cache a fal. a1500 (Rawl.) (1896) 121 Thay iiije grete Postes of the conqueste of Irland, Namely, Robert Steuenes-sone, heruey of Mountmorthy, Reymond le gras, and Ihon de Cursy. c1525 J. Rastell sig. Bii Now god be theyre gyddys the posts of my lyfe. 1579 W. Wilkinson f. 46v H N. and his heyre Vitels, beyng great postes in his new-found Family. 1988 in R. Dinnage 118 Life goes on and on, but if you've got these things to hang on to—posts here and there—it's not just completely sort of soggy. 2. society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > [noun] > that which guides or leads > landmark > post c1300 St. Michael (Harl.) in T. Wright (1841) 135 (MED) If ther were..a post heȝ [c1300 Laud an heiȝ stepel], and a man above sete..Thu scholdest i-seo wel longe him smyte duntes..Er thu schuldest eni dunt i-hure. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 449 (MED) For refresshynge..of way farynge men..þe same kyng heet arere postes [L. erectis stipitibus] and honge þere schelles oþer coppes. 1417 in J. Raine (1890) 11 (MED) A party of the ferrest post of Robert of Feriby standys on Seint Leonard grunde. a1475 Friar & Boy (Brogyntyn) in J. O. Halliwell (1855) 58 (MED) For Gods love..Bynd me one to a poste. 1540 c. 14 [They] shall..affix the same writing unto some post or other open place..in Lumberdstrete. 1640 R. West in E. Chilmead tr. J. Ferrand b vij And sweare, like Poets of the Post, This Play Exceeds all Iohnsons Works. 1643 J. Milton 40 Like Posts of direction for Travellers. 1663 in A. Perry & C. S. Brigham (1901) 120 Any such person..[shall] make due and true publication..by a writinge upon the publicke post or at the mill. c1710 C. Fiennes (1888) 157 At all cross wayes there are posts with hands pointing to each road. 1740 G. Smith tr. (ed. 2) App. p. lii The fire wheels that are to be used on land, turn upon an iron pin or bolt, drawn or screwed into a post. 1795 5 135 With what difficulty he gets through a crowd, or clears the postesses in the fields. 1807 P. Gass 52 They set up 16 forked posts five or six feet high, and lay poles from one fork to another. 1861 Jan. 9/2 The wires are drawn through the holes, and at every hundred feet, or thereabouts, are fastened to stout wooden posts, or trees. 1875 A. J. Boyd 20 I..got a log as a party of timber-getters left, and I knocked two hundred postesses out of it. 1954 R. Dahl 247 A blackboard that was nailed to a post stuck in the ground. 1992 H. Mitchell x. 194 On a stout wooden post (formerly stout, now leaning somewhat) [is] a particularly fine form of what I think is Actinidia arguta. society > authority > office > symbol of office or authority > [noun] > specific 1598 Bp. J. Hall iv. ii. 21 Whose sonne more iustly of his gentry boasts Then who were borne at two pide-painted posts; And had some traunting Merchant to his syre. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. v. 143 Hee'l stand at your doore like a Sheriffes post..but hee'l speake with you. View more context for this quotation 1618 57 My Lord Maiors posts must needs be trimmed against he takes his oath. a1626 W. Rowley (1632) i. 7 If e'r I live to see thee Shreiffe of London, I'l gild thy painted postes. 1845 J. H. Parker (ed. 4) I. 297 Posts, planted in the ground,..were formerly placed at the sides of the doors of sheriffs and municipal authorities, probably to fix proclamations and other notices to. the world > matter > constitution of matter > hardness > [noun] > hard substance or thing > typically the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of ear > disordered hearing > [noun] > deafness > typical of the mind > mental capacity > lack of understanding > stupidity, dullness of intellect > [noun] > typical example of the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [noun] > typical of a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve (Harl. 4866) (1897) 4695 As harde as is a post..ben hertes now. c1450 in F. J. Furnivall (1867) 61 Good conscience, goo preche to þe post, Þi councel saueriþ not my tast. 1617 R. Brathwait tr. ‘B. Multibibus’ 80 Till they like Posts can neither speake nor goe. 1753 H. Walpole XLV. No. 45. 270 ‘As stupid as a post’, is a phrase perpetually made use of. 1778 F. Burney II. ii. 21 They..know no more than the post. 1816 ‘Quiz’ Pref. 4 The fellow, stupid as a post, Believ'd in truth it was a ghost! 1839 C. Dickens x. 89 And between you and me and the post, Sir, it will be a very nice portrait too. 1863 C. Kingsley i. 17 Grimes came back again, as silent as a post. 1903 H. V. Esmond iii. 63 The money speaks—and between you and me and the post, I wanted it rather badly. 1956 J. Barth iv. 51 I'd rather be forty and feel good and be dumb as a post, and be fit to do work, than to feel all day like I weren't rightly alive. 2002 14 June c1 I used to say he'd talk to a post for practice if no one was around. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam 1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid (new ed.) x. f. 129 Shee ryseth, full in mynd To hang herself. About a post her girdle she doth bynd. 1589 J. Rider 1123 A post called the browe post, which is iust over the threshold: some call it a transome. II. Specific applications. 5. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of door > [noun] > door-post OE Ælfric Old Test. Summary: Judges (Laud) xvi. 3 in S. J. Crawford (1922) 412 Samson..genam ða burhgatu & gebær on his hricge mid þam postum, swa swa hi belocene wæron. a1382 (Bodl. 959) Prov. viii. 34 Blisful þe man..þat waiteþ at þe postis of my dore. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add.) f. 128v Postis of houses were I-bamed wiþ blood of þe lambe. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) 6077 (MED) Þis lamb blod of all thing þar-wit yee mak þan takning On airer post þer hus to smer. c1429 (1986) l. 3448 (MED) Sampson..the ȝates with the postis with hym bare he away. a1450 (a1400) (BL Add.) (1921) 1655 (MED) Þe sparres of þat chambre fre Of sipresse þanne shulle þey be; Þe postes shulle be of yuer. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach ii. f. 106 Meete for the cheekes and postes of Gates. 1614 W. Raleigh i. ii. iii. §4. 253 When euery one of the Hebrewes had..slaine a Lambe,..and with the bloud thereof coloured the poste and linterne of the dores. 1671 J. Milton 147 The Gates of Azza, Post, and massie Bar. View more context for this quotation 1718 F. Hutchinson viii. 115 That Cart was set fast in a Gate-head, though it did not touch the Posts. 1815 ‘J. Mathers’ IV. 111 The door stuck to the posts so fast that I was forced to take three or four good tugs at it before it would come open. 1875 E. H. Knight II. 836/2 The horizontal beam into which the posts of a saw-mill gate are framed at top. 1905 N. Davis 33 Betty's shrinking figure endeavoring to conceal itself behind the slender iron post of the gate. 1985 G. Naylor 228 The rusty latch grated against the wooden post. society > authority > punishment > corporal punishment > instrument or place of corporal punishment > [noun] > whipping-post or tripod 1555 H. Machyn (1848) 86 The sam day was a yonge man wypytt at a post..by the standard in the Chepe, that ys callyd the post of reformassyon. 1632 in (1967) 30 Thomas Bidwell..for runinge a way from his maister is punished at the post. a1641 T. Heywood (1953) v. iii. 113 They will spitt at vs and doome vs vnto the post and cart. 1683 in VIII. 147 [He] procured of said judge the shameful sentence of ten stripes, to be laid upon me at a post. 1759 in (1882) XIX. 189 Ye said Cort marshull Sentenced him to ye Post and then ye Coll forgave him. 1852 B. R. Hall viii. 133 Aye! gentlemen, had I such sneaking poltroons tied to the post. society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > rear part of vessel > [noun] society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > rear part of vessel > [noun] > stern-post 1622 R. Hawkins ix. 18 The Arke Royall of his Maiesties, may serue for an example: which put all in daunger at her first going to the Sea, by a trivuell-hole left open in the post, and covered onely with pitch. 1682 Sir J. Berry in No. 1720/7 A terrible blow struck off the Rother, and, as was believed, struck out a blank nigh the Post. 1766 T. H. Croker et al. III. at Rabbet In ship-building, when a plank is to be fastened to any piece of timber, such as the stern or post, there is so much wood cut out of the piece as the plank is thick, which is called the rabbet. 1874 S. J. P. Thearle (new ed.) I. 77 Sometimes the braces or gudgeons for the rudder are forged to the post. 1947 S. Woolfitt Gloss. 222 The post at the top of the rudder, usually highly decorated with Turk's heads and/or horse-hair. 2000 (Nexis) 30 May 18 Pressure from the steering cable has buckled the quadrant on the post of the port rudder. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > [noun] > starting or finishing mark 1642 T. Fuller iii. xii. 181 A Fool and a Wiseman are alike both in the starting-place, their birth, and at the post, their death. 1678 S. Butler iii. i. 52 A Race, In which, both do their uttermost, To get before, and win the Post. 1708 10 From diff'rent posts the various racers start. 1778 F. Burney I. p. xii No man need blush at starting from the same post, though many, nay, most men, may sigh at finding themselves distanced. 1818 C. Grenville 19 Dec. (1920) 228 The 2nd Miss Morgan expects to marry Lord Rodney, if he does not again jib at the Post. 1885 H. Smart (title) From Post to Finish. 1907 23 Mar. 10/5 The hurdles... The two men were together until almost the very last fence, and then Powell shot out and won on the post. 1988 28 May 2/2 Regal Reform, caught on the post by Ballydurrow at Edinburgh, can gain his revenge. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > characteristics of team ball games > [noun] > goal > post 1857 T. Hughes i. v. 120 There it flies, straight between the two posts, some five feet above the cross-bar, an unquestioned goal. 1862 Rulebk. in J. Macrory (1991) xi. 97 If it rises directly over the end of one of the posts it is called a poster. 1880 15 Mar. 6/5 For some little time after this the English kept play in close proximity to their rivals' posts, causing the goalkeeper some anxiety. 1900 A. E. T. Watson 284 Poster,..a place kick which..would have hit the posts produced upward and rebounded into the field of play. 1972 G. Green xviii. 156 It ended with Nordahl turning Puis's chip to the near post against Wilson's upright, with the goalkeeper helpless. 1989 27 May 28 He has 12 years between the posts for the Dens Park club. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > chair > [noun] > parts of chairs > upright 1902 W. N. Harben 202 Something like a groan escaped Bishop's lips as he lowered the front posts of his chair to the floor. 1935 5 Dec. 19 One of the back posts of the chair is converted into a lamp post. 1997 (Nexis) 2 Nov. g3 Charles A. Demarest was a turner who worked from 1800 to 1825 in Bergen County. He typically signed his initials on the front posts of chairs. 2003 14 Dec. t4 Most of the Loudoun County chairs..had acorn finials, decorative elements carved into the tops of the back posts. 1962 20 June 485 (advt.) Geo. H. Fuller & Son Co. Pawtucket, R.I... Manufacturers of high grade jewelers findings... Ear wires... Spring rings... Clutch backs and posts... Button backs and screw posts. 1979 89/3 (advt.) We want you to have our tiny lustrous pearl studs with hypo-allergenic posts for pierced ears only. 2005 (Nexis) 28 July (XLent section) xl4 On the other hand I did get a pair of earrings with delicate little sterling wine jugs dangling from the post. society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > account or statement of > [noun] > an account or reckoning 1604 S. Rowlands sig. E4 You that for all your diet with your Hoast, Do set your hand in Chalke vnto his Poast. 1609 S. Rowlands sig. B3 Score it vp, when God sends coyne, I will discharge your poast. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 64 If I returne I shall be post indeede. For she will scoure your fault vpon my pate. View more context for this quotation III. Extended uses. 7. the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > mass > [noun] > of rock > between joints 1668 in J. D. Marwick & R. Renwick (1906) II. 135 To tirr six elnes of ground inward on the topp of the said craig..and to wonne stones dounward to the bottom of the poiste. 1712 J. Morton 127 The continued Lines are the larger Perpendicular Fissures, there called Gulfe-Joints, and sometimes Damps. The Spaces inclos'd within them are the Posts or Stacks of Stone, that are thus severed from each other by means of those Gulfe-Joints. 1772 in J. A. Picton (1886) II. 227 To feigh a post of stone at the said quarry. society > occupation and work > industry > mining > [noun] > for coal > types of society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > pillar or area of unworked material 1793 Earl of Dundonald 55 An alteration of the method of working Coal, viz. board ways fashion as at Newcastle, or the long way as in Shropshire, instead of post and staal. 1811 J. Farey I. 188 The method of posts and stalls, or leaving large pillars and excavating chambers between them, is resorted to. 1839 A. Ure 979 In the post and stall system, each man has his own room, and performs all the labour in it. 1883 W. S. Gresley Post, 1. (N[orth of England]) A solid block or pillar of coal. 1888 B. H. Brough 7 The ‘post and stall’ system,..known..in Scotland as ‘stoup and room’, and the ‘long-wall’ system. 1964 A. Nelson 340 Post-and-stall, a modified pillar-and-stall method of working, at one time widely used in South Wales... The stalls were driven narrow off the heading and then widened out, thus leaving posts or pillars of coal for the better support of the roof at the junctions. 8. Mining. the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > rock > sedimentary rock > [noun] > sandstone > fine sandstone 1775 T. Campbell 27 Mar. (1947) 63 Went to the Pantheon in the evening, it is a beautiful room & highly finished, with colums—of post—resembling porphiry—or Armagh marble rather. 1789 J. Williams I. 41 There are several thick beds of red and white post stone. 1797 V. 93/2 Of Post-stone. This is a free stone of the hardest kind..of a very fine texture..and when broken appears as if composed of the finest sand... Red post is generally of a dull red colour. 1875 23 550 Coaly shale, strong blue shale, and grey post stone. 1883 W. S. Gresley Post,..2. (N[orth of England]) Sandstone (fine-grained). 1964 A. Nelson 340 Post, a general term for sandstone. 1999 (Nexis) 6 Aug. 7 The limestone, also called post stone, was quarried in western Kansas, where it was used in the mid- to late 1800s for fence posts. the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > sedimentary formation > [noun] > stratum the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > sedimentary formation > [noun] > stratum > stratum by constitution > sandstone 1794 W. Hutchinson II. 443 Each key is composed of a number of layers of stone, of a different thickness, which the workmen call posts. 1812 P. Graham i. §5. 52 The stratum or post, as it is here called, of this quarry, is from 10 to 15 feet thick. 1875 23 547 Lying above it is 8 feet of a siliceous rock known among miners in the North of England as a ‘white post’. 1876 D. Page (ed. 6) v. 92 The term post is frequently applied to express a thick uniform-grained stratum of sand~stone. 1887 H. Miller iii. 10 A number of limestone bands, or ‘posts’, will be found at the head of Sills Burn. 1964 (B.S.I.) V. 12 Post.., a local name for a thick bed of sandstone or limestone. 1935 3 Feb. a6/6 Often the offensive post player is responsible for the violation that appears to the lay eye to be on the defender. 1944 12 Jan. 8/7 Cronin eased the pressure when he dropped a looping shot from the post. 1973 18 Jan. 16/8 Tim Handwork..played the post position and did a good job of handling the ball in setting up plays. 2000 14 Feb. 26/1 He started telling the other guys to throw him the ball. ‘Give it to me when I'm in the post,’ he'd say. Phrases P1. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > [phrase] > hither and thither c1500 (?a1475) (1896) 1147 Whyche doon he hym sent to Contrycion, And fro thensforth to Satysfaccion; Thus fro poost to pylour he was made to daunce. 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil iv. 73 From thee poast toe piler with thoght his rackt wyt he tosseth. 1631 T. Heywood (1641) 79 Hurried from one place to an other, from post to pillar. 1691 A. Wood II. 327 This grand scripturient paper-spiller..Was strangly tost from post to pillar. 1708 J. Downes (1886) 198 He was tost from post to pillar: one while to his Father, and was destitute at his hand; another while to his friends, and found no comfort at them. 1766 W. Kenrick i. xii. 15 They shoulder'd him about from post to pillar, as they would have done a hedge-hog, or a dead rabbit that had been thrown among them. 1827 G. Croly iii. 121 Thought the vessel meant to move... Wednesday, kick'd from post to pillar, Knock'd the nozzle off the tiller. 1883 July 111 To be hunted from post to pillar in one's own house by surging floods of independent incursionists. 1922 29 Apr. 7/2 Wandering aimlessly from post to pillar. 2001 (Nexis) 31 Mar. 23 I have been passed from post to pillar—no-one wants to know. the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > defeat or overthrow > be defeated or overthrown [verb (intransitive)] a1624 Bp. M. Smith (1632) 118 Antichrist had no sooner gotten to high strength..but the faithfull went to the post, and wandered vp and downe. 1806 T. S. Surr I. ii. 38 You have run your head against a post, as the saying is. the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > using up, expending, or consuming > be used up or consumed [verb (intransitive)] > consume a large part of anything 1842 J. Aiton iv. 206 £25 or £30 paid all at once for one horse makes a sad hack in the post, and cannot well be spared by a minister, unless he has a nest-egg in the bank. P2. (In sense 1.) a. In phrases designating a building or method of construction involving a timber framework with the spaces filled in with brickwork, plaster, etc. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1517 in W. H. Stevenson (1885) III. 140 Unam domum de postis and pannes. 1600 in J. D. Marwick (1876) I. 206 Sic as biggis with poist and pan and layes with blak morter. 1788 W. Marshall Provincialisms E. Yorks. in II. 346 Post-and-pan. Old half-timber buildings are said to be post-and-pan. 1975 6 Feb. 319/3 Black and white timber and plaster work of the post-and-pan variety. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1954 S. Piggott vi. 163 With the façade formed by orthostats ascending in height to the portals and originally linked by dry-stone walling in a ‘post and panel’ technique. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1867 J. Harland & T. T. Wilkinson 263 A dwelling..of clay and wood, what is called post and petrel. 1876 W. Papworth (rev. ed.) Gloss. 1291 at Pan Called post and pan, or post and petrail work, in the north of England. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1997 (Nexis) Nov. 60 An example of early ornamental ‘post and plaster’ work, the Grade I listed building is a significant building in the industrial history of its home town. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1890 Oct. 462 Their ‘post and tan’ cottages have passed away. b. Of a building or method of construction: involving a timber framework with upright posts and horizontal beams. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > [noun] > manner of construction > specific 1958 25 Sept. 459/1 The other structural method is the application of the simple post-and-beam technique to form a framed structure similar to that obtained by steel or reinforced concrete. 1994 Apr. 61 (advt.) Whether a cozy post & beam cabin in the woods..or a traditionally styled family residence, our homes are designed to reflect your individual tastes and requirements. P3. (In sense 2.) society > morality > virtue > [phrase] 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 1728 C. Cibber iv. i. 64 He takes me..into the Lobby [to vote];..but..I was got o' th' wrong side the Post. 1730 J. Cheny 35 The three..run all on the wrong side a Post. 1796 J. Aikin & A. L. Barbauld V. 119 At length,..Young Peer [sc. a race-horse] ran on the wrong side of the post, was distanced, and the squire ruined. 1803 M. Charlton (ed. 2) IV. 94 On the right side of the Post. 1814 Family Politics iii. iv, in J. Galt II. 224 I find I am on the wrong side of the post; I must flatter a little. 1858 A. Trollope II. x. 90 Though they may possibly go astray, they have a fair chance given to them of running within the posts. 1871 A. Trollope xviii. 232 She is..as sure to go the right side of the post as any girl in the world. b. the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > post-and-rail fence 1823 P. Nicholson 590 Post and Paling, a close wooden fence, constructed of posts set into the ground and pales nailed to rails between them. 2000 (Nexis) 1 Oct. d2 You gaze with wonderment at the white post-and-paling fence, gate and ball-topped wooden ensemble. c. 1823 P. Nicholson 590 Post and Railing, an open wooden fence, consisting of posts and rails only. 1828 1/47 33 About a quarter of a mile of Post and Railing fence has been put up, and there are now four to five acres of wheat growing within a Bush fence. 2001 (Nexis) 7 July All their early education and fast work has taken place on a 635m all-weather track, lined by post-and-railing fencing. P4. (In sense 5d.) to kiss the post: see kiss v. 6h. to pip at the post: see pip v.3 1b.1904 G. P. Williams 90 ‘The favourite left at the post and my start spoilt’, I thought as they passed. 1926 Apr. p. xxx Scissorbill is the word most commonly employed in referring to such workers, although wick runs it a close second and William Shears is by no means left at the post. 1965 F. Hardy 107 If I back it, it won't win, I'm too unlucky. It'll get left at the post or fall over if I back it. 1992 (BNC) Punters left at the post... The Jockey Club are moving the goalposts next week in an attempt to update the sport—but most punters will still be left in the dark. society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > right to vote at elections > [adjective] > type of electoral system 1914 E. Tregear in 8 Aug. 556/2 They have destroyed the Second Ballot in favor of the old rotten system of ‘the first past the post’ at elections, in the hope that the Liberals and the Labour men may split votes. 1952 L. Overacker viii. 221 At that time the ‘first past the post’ system of election was in use. 1976 20 Aug. 13/1 The existing electoral system, based on the ‘first past the post’ principle which has shown itself to be so anomalous at Westminster. 2007 (Office of Leader of House of Commons) vii. 34/1 Those in favour of first past the post for the House of Commons cite the clear link between the member and the constituency as clear strength. Compounds C1. a. General attributive. 1417 in J. Raine (1890) 12 (MED) John of Langton sall set in hys poste fote that Hesyll may hafe rowme thar to lay hys sole. 1546 in W. Page (1895) II. 223 Payd for a poste fote standyng of the grounde of Robert Wodemansey, iiijd. 1876 A. P. Boller i. 42 The load on each post splits in half, as it were, at the post-foot. 2004 (Nexis) 18 Nov. 13 Inspect the stability of the trunk and if you had any doubt at all remove it and support the trellis panels with a stout fencing post, anchored in a metal post foot. b. Objective. 1575 in (London County Council) (1909) 213 Page Postmaker to dragge and Cutt lx roddes of the common shewer. 1854 H. D. Thoreau 156 A Canadian, a wood-chopper and post-maker, who can hole fifty posts in a day. 2001 (Nexis) Feb. 25 The fully automated plant has the ability to produce more posts per day than the biggest wooden post maker in NZ. c. In the names of tools used for drawing, pulling up, or making holes in the ground for posts. the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > [noun] > implement for making holes in the ground 1819 I. 123 Hoxie's patent post auger for digging post holes. 1869 Ann. Rep. Commissioner Agric. 1868 354 in (40th Congr., 3rd Sess.: House of Representatives Executive Doc.) XV Its practicability can..be ascertained by digging a well, or by boring with a pile or post auger. 1999 (Nexis) 16 Dec. a8 West..was using a post auger to dig holes for fence poles when he apparently became entangled in the machinery. 1907 at Post sb.1 Post-jack. 2004 (Nexis) 1 Aug. j7 Rent a post jack. This is adjustable bracing that can be put right next to the damaged post and raised just enough to pull the old post out and put the new one in. 1866 22 Sept. 201/3 Self-adjusting pole and post puller. 1997 (Nexis) 29 Mar. 7 g Most rental stores have post pullers, which should make it easier to take out the old posts. The pullers use a winch and chain to pull up the posts and concrete. d. In the names of things fixed or mounted on posts. 1669 S. Sturmy civ Post and Pocket Dials for any Latitude. 1888 13 Apr. 172/1 1 post-drill 15 inches. 1975 lix. 46 Post drill.., a drill supported by a post running from top to bottom immediately in front of the face which is turned and driven into the coal by rotating a handle that fits into a gear box mounted on the post. 2001 C. H. Wendel 60/2 Very early post drills in good condition will often bring over $200, with even the more common ones of the twentieth century bringing $100 or more at times. 1907 at Post sb.1 Post-pump. a1884 E. H. Knight Suppl. 713/2 Post Windlass, a winding machine which is actuated with breaks or handspikes. e. the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > leg > [adjective] > types of > having 1608 R. Armin sig. A4 He was gouty, bigge, poste legged, and of yeeres something many. 1995 (Nexis) 11 Mar. 41 I was surprised that I didn't feel post-legged like you do after strenuous exercise. 2004 (Nexis) 15 Sept. b3 Farmers don't want ‘post-legged’ cows with knees perfectly in line with the hip. C2. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > other elements > [noun] > band a1425 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker (1884) I. 667 Laquear, postband. ?a1500 Nominale (Yale Beinecke 594) in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker (1884) I. 778/7 Hoc laquiare,..postbondde. 1864 11 June 5/2 Considering the ‘facers’ that backers have received and the reasonable doubts they may be allowed to entertain of having..an ‘honest run for their money’, it is scarcely to be wondered at that ‘post betting’ should be rapidly becoming the order of the day. 1891 1 Feb. 6/2 Then came a complete skinner, in the doubles, straight out and post betting. 1902 XXVI. 236/1 Betting is of two kinds: ‘post’, when wagering does not begin until the numbers of the runners are hoisted on the board; and ‘ante-post’, when wagering opens weeks or months before the event. the world > animals > birds > order Passeriformes (singing) > family Muscicapidae (thrushes, etc.) > [noun] > subfamily Muscicapinae > genus Muscicapa (fly-catcher) > muscicapa striata 1849 P. H. Gosse 104 The Spotted Flycatcher..is in some of the rural districts of England known as the ‘Post-bird’. A dead branch, or the projecting twig of a tree..or the angle of the roof of a house, is..not unfrequently chosen as the watch-post. 1882 18 65/1 Local Names.—(Kent)..Spotted Flycatcher..‘Post-bird’. 1983 Spring 35/1 The flycatcher spends much of its time sitting motionless on a perch..a habit which has given rise to one of its country names, the ‘post bird’. the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting blocks > for a post 1860 26 May 348/2 I claim an earthenware post butt, made substantially as described, so as to receive the bottom of the post entirely within it. 1951 17 117/2 Post butts had been held in place by plastering wet clay around them. 2002 (Nexis) 26 Mar. k1 Gonzales and a friend built a parapet. It has whimsical curves, the bell tower and round post butts attached to the front to suggest vigas. 1884 C. S. Sargent 176 Libocedrus decurrens..White Cedar. Bastard Cedar. Post Cedar. Incense Cedar. 1897 G. B. Sudworth 77 Chamaecyparis thyoides... Post Cedar (Del.). 1970 D. S. Correll et al. 79 Juniperus Ashei.., Rock cedar, post cedar... In central and west Texas the wood of this species is the main source of fence posts. 1994 R. Hendrickson 132 Incense cedar..of the Pacific coast, growing on mountains from Oregon south; also called the post cedar, because it is used for fence posts. society > occupation and work > equipment > driving or beating tools > [noun] > pile-drivers 1857 Ann. Rep. Commissioner Patents 1856: Arts & Manuf. I. 128 in (34th Congr., 3rd Sess.: U.S. House of Representatives Executive Doc. 65, Pt. 1) XVI Sampson, Junium M. Post-driver Mar. 25, 1856. 1888 Sept. 509/1 The call of the caribou..is a hoarse pumping sound, very much of the character emitted by that species of bittern called by some a ‘post-driver’, or ‘stake-driver’, only vastly louder. 1907 at Post sb.1 Post-driver, the American bittern, the stake-driver. 1993 (Brit. Trust Conservation Volunteers) 13 Drivalls—also known as postdrivers. 2003 14 Mar. 94/6 From now on, enquiries relating to..post drivers and rotary slashers should be made through existing Parmiter area sales managers. 1751 J. Pond p. xxi A Post Match, is to insert the Age of the Horses in the Articles, and to run any Horse of that Age, without declaring what Horse, till you come to the Post to start. 1875 26 Apr. 12/2 He ran seven times as a two-year old, but was successful on the last two occasions only—vis., the Criterion Stakes..a post match, in which he beat Duke of Rutland. 1925 12 Aug. 6/2 In a Post Match Ambleside is one of the best two-year-olds trained by Dundas, and he should not have a difficult task to beat Kingstown. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of door > [noun] > door-post > metalwork connecting door to post 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil ii. 35 Pyrrhus..Downe beats with pealing thee doors, and post metal heaueth. society > occupation and work > equipment > mills > [noun] > windmill > types of 1755 J. Smeaton Diary 17 June in (1938) 4 In the Inside they differ in nothing from the common post mill in England, except that the Brake in that one I went into was made of a strong hoop of wood. 1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ 122 To effect this [i.e. bringing the sails to the wind] two methods are in general use: the one called the post-mill; the other the smock-mill. 1934 76 165/3 The Post mill is the earliest known form of mill. The structure is box-like in shape and carries the machinery and the sails. Supporting this structure is a single upright post on which the mill revolves. 1994 6 May 855/3 The post mill at Aythorp Roding, Essex, fitted with a fantail on framing over the ladder with the tail pole shortened. society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > signboard > [noun] > sign-writer 1752 S. Foote i. 5 Why, thou Post-Painter, thou Dauber, thou execrable White-washer. 1961 2 Oct. iv. 4/1 ‘Post Pattern’... Matson, seldom a target, cut up the middle on a post (head for the goal post) pattern. 1981 14 Nov. b3/5 Hrisko..hit Federico with a 30-yard post pattern which Federico hauled in at the goal line flag. 2004 A. Barra xxxviii. 262 O'Brien threw a perfect post pattern to Gladieux, who caught it in full stride at the goal line and ran it into the end zone. 1907 at Post sb.1 Post-pocket. society > armed hostility > drill or training > [noun] > weapon-training > post for sword-practice 1801 J. Strutt iii. i. 92 The exercise of the pel, or post quintain, which is spoken of at large by Vegetius. 1963 C. R. Cowell et al. viii. 84 A post-retained crown is commonly indicated for a root-filled anterior tooth the natural crown of which has become discoloured. 1974 C. L. Sturridge in F. J. Harty & D. H. Roberts ix. 141 In the front of the mouth a post-retained crown will be the treatment of choice if the tooth is non-vital. the world > animals > birds > order Passeriformes (singing) > family Muscicapidae (thrushes, etc.) > [noun] > subfamily Muscicapinae > microeca leucophaea (jacky winter) 1901 A. J. Campbell I. 106 The Brown Flycatcher or ‘Post Sitter’..begins to breed [in] September or October. 1954 C. Barrett 157 ‘Post-sitter’, ‘post-boy’..are other names for ‘Jacky Winter’. society > occupation and work > equipment > mills > [noun] > windmill > types of 1755 J. Smeaton Diary 17 June in (1938) 3 I observed several post Windmills built in a very awkward ragged fashion..; the sails were at least 44 feet long & about..8 feet wide; the Cloth was all on one side of the Whip. 1931 19 Dec. (Home & Classroom Suppl.) p.iv/2 A Cambridgeshire post-windmill..revolves in an artificial breeze to show wind-power. 1974 C. Taylor vi. 119 A circular mound, discovered on the ground or from air photographs, can be proved to have been the site of a post-windmill if an old estate map depicts a windmill there. the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > sign or symbol used in society > communication > writing > written text > writing on specific things > [noun] > on door-post 1621 H. Ainsworth Deut. vi. 9 Whosoever hath his phylacteries on his head and on his arme,..and post-writing on his doore, he is fortified. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2022). postn.2 Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French post; Latin post. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman post (1285 or earlier in par le post , denoting a writ of the type described below) and its etymon post classical Latin post denoting a writ of this type (13th cent.), arising from specific use of classical Latin post after (see post- prefix) in writs of entry, where the property in question had passed through too many hands since a flawed transaction or dispossession to be covered in a writ of entry within the degrees, the tenant being said in the writ simply to have gained title after (post ) the grant or dispossession concerned. Compare post-disseisin n. Law. Now historical. 1495 VI. 472/2 Severall Writtes of Entre in le Post. 1511–12 c. 18 Preamble Wrytte of entre uppon disseysen in the post be fore the Justices..of his Comen Benche. 1595 77 And if land bee conueid ouer to manie, or if the first disseisor bee disseised, then the writte of Entre shall be in the Post, that is to say that the tenaunt hath no entry but after the disseisin which the first disseisour made to the demandant or his auncestor. 1768 W. Blackstone III. 182 A writ of entry in the post..only alleges the injury of the wrong-doer. 1818 W. Cruise (ed. 2) I. 399 The disseisor came in in the post, that is, he did not claim by or from the feoffee to uses, but came in of an estate paramount to that of such feoffee. 1895 F. Pollock & F. W. Maitland II. ii. iv. 65 The statute of Marlborough..gave the disseisee or his heir ‘a writ of entry sur disseisin in the post’, an action, that is, in which he might allege that his adversary ‘had no entry into the land save after (post) the disseisin’ that some one or another (X) perpetrated against the demandant or his ancestor. In such an action it was unnecessary for the demandant to trace the process by which the land passed from the disseisor (X) to the tenant whom the action attacked. 2003 P. Brand 336 The first writs of entry in the post had been drafted..prior to 1267. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.3Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French poste. Etymology: < Middle French, French poste (feminine) series of men on horseback responsible for transporting letters along a route, each of the intermediate horses and riders responsible for transporting letters in this way (both 1480; compare Old French poeste de chevaus place where horses are stationed for riders transporting messages along a route (1298 in Marco Polo, apparently a calque on an Italian expression with posta in this sense: see below)), messenger, courier (c1500; from c1480 also masculine in this sense), passenger coach (1572), post office (1655) < Italian posta (feminine) stopping place for coaches, travellers, or messengers along a long route of communication (14th cent. in Marco Polo, although earlier currency is probably implied by post-classical Latin posta : see below), place where letters are deposited for transport, post office (1585), originally specific senses of posta station, designated stopping place (c1300; compare post n.5), use as noun of feminine of posto placed, situated, past participle of porre to place, to put (see post n.5).With use in sense 1 compare classical Latin equitēs dispositī posted horsemen (compare Cæsar B.C. 3. 101). Compare ( < Italian) post-classical Latin posta station, position (1232 in an Italian source), postal messenger (a1536 in Erasmus), post-horse (16th cent.), Spanish posta series of riders providing transport and postal services (1530), Portuguese posta change of horses (16th cent.; via Middle French), and also Middle Dutch, Dutch post transport of letters (15th cent.; probably via Middle French), Middle Low German post passing of messages via a series of mounted messengers, material passed in this way, post station (16th cent.), German Post public delivery service (late 15th cent.), post station, post office, message sent by post (16th cent.), Swedish post (c1535; probably via Middle French), Danish post (probably via German). I. Senses relating to the delivery of postal matter. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person > specific mounted 1506 19 Mar. 46 To Gilbert Burgh one post lying at Bagshote, Thomas Anesley an other post lying at Basyngstoke [and so on, seven more to Exeter]. 1533 B. Tuke Let. to Cromwell in (1830) I. 404 The Kinges pleasure is, that postes be better appointed, and laide in al places most expedient. 1533 B. Tuke Let. to Cromwell in (1830) I. 405 I never used other ordre but to charge the townshippes to lay and appoint such a post, as they will answer for. 1536 R. Sampson Let. to Cromwell 15 Oct. in (P.R.O.) S.P. 1/108 f. 94 To cause Mr tuke diligently to lay his postes betwixt his grace and my Lord off Suffolke, and..to my Lord Stewarde from huntingdon also to ampthylle and from the northe..to the kinge. 1547 in J. H. Burton (1877) 1st Ser. I. 73 That the saidis personis..have post horsis ilk ane of thame for thair awin part, at the bailis forsaidis, to await apoun the incuming of our saidis inemeis, and the samin postis to depart fra the baile of Sanctabbis heid to the Lard of Rastalrig [etc.]. 1572 in (1844) 34 For the wages of the ordinarie postes laide betwene London and Barwicke and elles where within hir Maiesties Realme of Englande. 1603 in (1844) 39 That in all places where Posts are layde for the packet, they also, as persons most fit, shall have the benefit and preheminence of letting, furnishing, and appointing of horses to all riding in poste. 1603 Orders for Posts in (1844) 40 Every Post, so receiving our packets,..shall, within one quarter of an houre at the most after they come to his handes, dispatch them away in Post, and shall runne there~with in sommer..after seven miles the houre. 1609 Orders for Pacquet in (1844) 42 All pacquets or letters..shall bee carried by the Postes in poste from stage to stage onely, and not otherwise nor further. 1609 Orders for thorough Postes in (1844) 42 The horsing of al through-posts, and persons riding in poste with horne or guide,..shall be performed by our standing Postes in their several stages; who..shall..have in a readinesse..a sufficient number of poste-horses. 1628 in (1844) 52 The humble petition of all the Posts of England, being in nomber 99 poore men. 2. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person 1507 in J. B. Paul (1902) IV. 78 To the French post quhilk com heir xxviii li. 1533 B. Tuke Let. to Cromwell in (1830) I. 405 As to postes bitwene London and the Courte, there be nowe but 2; wherof the on is a good robust felowe. 1537 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman (1902) II. 110 Yt was thought meate that a post shulde be dyspaccheyd with dylygence. 1563 J. Foxe 775/2 The prouerb sayth, that postes do bere truth in ther letters, and lyes in there mouthes. 1571 J. Leslie Diary 23 May in (1855) III. 123 And wreit ane letter thairwith to my Lord Burghly, desyring him till send the same till the Queene my Mistres be the ordinar post. 1612 J. More in (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 128 The post Diston is now scarce passed Gravesend with the King's packet. a1639 H. Wotton (1641) 6 A Post came crossing by, and blew his Horne. 1684 J. Bunyan 213 The Post presented her with a Letter. View more context for this quotation 1765 in E. E. Atwater (1887) 216 A special post is appointed to carry it [sc. the Gazette] out of the common post~roads. 1823 J. F. Cooper I. xix. 274 The man who carried the mail, or the post, as he was called. 1899 15 Apr. 8/1 In early life he became post and driver of the mails, and was able to recall many interesting stories. 1941 27 Nov. 12 Jist as she wis feenishin',..the post cam' roon the neuk. 1953 M. Traynor 217/1 Post,..a post-man; usu. with def. art. society > communication > information > message > [noun] > messenger 1535 2 Chron. xxx. 6 The postes [a1382 Wycliffite, E.V.: 2 Paralip. curours] wente with the letters from the hande of the kynge and of his rulers thorow out all Israell and Iuda, at ye kynges commaundement. 1607 E. Topsell 323 That gallant race of swift horsses among the Veneti: vppon these ride the postes, carrying the letters of kings and Emperors to the appointed places. 1611 Job ix. 25 Now my days are swifter than a post . View more context for this quotation 1734 tr. C. Rollin II. 231 Posts and couriers. This invention is ascrib'd to Cyrus. 1561 R. Norvell f. 11 Come as my post, and sueitlie on them call. c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme xcv. 29 in (1998) II. 144 Twise twenty times my poast the sunn His yearly race to end had runn. 1659 R. Boyle 59 His swift posts the Angels, when sent on Errants to us here on Earth. a1674 T. Traherne Thoughts in (1966) 72 Thoughts are the privileged Posts that Soar Unto his Throne. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel for transporting people or goods > [noun] > packet or mailboat the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > hired or for hire > from post-house 1600 W. Shakespeare iv. ii. 36 I haue foundred ninescore and od postes . View more context for this quotation 1635 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi 75 The poasts and vessels of intelligence..going and coming incessantly. 1684–5 in J. Raine (1861) 268 ‘Neighbour, did you heare the post of last night?’ ‘Yes, I heard and saw it, but what is the newes, neighbour?’ 1707 J. Chamberlayne (ed. 22) iii. 443 The Posts in some Foreign Countries make not more Miles in a Day. 1785 G. Crabbe 17 Hence on that morn no welcome post appears. 1847 C. Dickens (1848) xxii. 211 The post had come in heavy that morning. 1904 23 July 4/1 It is the yellow ‘post’, drawn by five horses, and bound for the tops. 1933 H. Allen III. vii. liv. 817 Leaving their own horses behind to be brought up in easy stages, they hired post and galloped down through Colmar to Strasbourg with fresh relays every few miles. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > postal stage society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport by relays of horses or vehicles > [noun] > a relay or change of horses > place where horses changed > distance between two stages 1603 in D. Masson (1884) 1st Ser. VI. 567 All sik as..sal have occasioun to ryd poist..salbe..furneissit withe horssis be the postmasteris gif they haive any and utherwayes sal be taikin..aither within the toun itself quhair the poist is plaicit or in the..parroche nixt adjacent. a1649 W. Drummond (1656) 133 The Sun..Times Dispensator,..Through Skies twelve Posts as he doth run his course. 1738 J. Breval I. 118 They lie within a Post of each other, between Chalons and Dijon. 1768 L. Sterne I. 134 'Twill scarce be ten posts out of my way. 1779 J. Moore II. lii. 29 The ground is quite covered with snow, the roads bad, and the posts long. 1794 A. Radcliffe I. vi. 162 They were obliged to proceed to the next post. 1809 N. Pinkney 39 A post in France is six miles, and one shilling and threepence is charged for each horse. 1839 J. Murray (ed. 3) 428 Tariff per post of 2 German miles. society > communication > correspondence > letter > mail > [noun] society > communication > correspondence > postal services > equipment for sending or delivering mail > [noun] > post- or letter-box 1646 (title) The Millitary Actions of Europe, As also the Councels made publique Relating thereto; with such other particulars as happen. Collected weekly for the Tuesday Post. 1675 Earl of Essex (1770) 349 The post being just going, I can say no more. 1683 H. Prideaux in H. Ellis (1843) (Camden) 184 Your letters, which came hither by the last nights post. 1704 III. xiv. 442 There were several Letters prepared, and made up with the dates proper for many Posts to come. 1711 J. Addison No. 127. ¶1 It is our Custom.., upon the coming in of the Post, to sit about a Pot of Coffee, and hear the old Knight read Dyer's Letter. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet (1724) I. 444 The news of this must have been writ from London on the Saturday night's post. 1785 J. Woodforde 11 Nov. (1926) II. 214 I..put it [sc. a letter] into the Post myself. 1801 W. Pitt Let. 1 Oct. in G. Rose (1860) I. 429 I have but a moment to save the post. 1830 F. Marryat I. xiv. 207 A sharp double tap at the street door announced the post. 1886 23 Jan. 91/1 Scarcely had last week's letter been dropped into the post. 1891 E. Peacock I. 257 The post did not arrive early at Skerndale. 1921 G. B. Shaw ii. 40 Excuse me, sir; but the letters must go to catch the post. 1941 V. Woolf 252 Candish..brought the second post on a silver salver. 1994 6 Mar. (Personal Finance section) v. 3/1 They are also likely to be equally in the dark about..how much profit they have actually made since the days they slapped their applications into the post. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > public department providing society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > post office 1663 S. Pepys 14 Mar. (1971) IV. 74 So to write by the post, and so home to supper. 1704 III. xiii. 359 He sent it by the Post to the States. 1707 J. Chamberlayne (ed. 22) iii. 444 There is establish'd another Post, called the Penny-Post, whereby..any Letter or Parcel..is..conveyed to, and from Parts..not conveniently served by the General-Post. 1781 E. Gibbon II. xvii. 58 The perpetual intercourse between the court and the provinces was facilitated by the construction of roads and the institution of posts. 1812 P. B. Shelley 17 Dec. (1964) I. 340 You will receive the ‘Biblical Extracts’..by the twopenny post. 1848 A. H. Clough ix. 7 Great at that Highland post was wonder too and conjecture. 1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne iv. 56 I slipped it into an envelope along with one of the two letters I had..prepared in my pocket, and..Pinkerton..duly committed it to the post. 1903 4 Mar. 9/5 A resolution..urging the establishment of a ‘goods post’ as a branch of the Post Office. 1991 N. J. Hall iii. 27 When nine letters had gone unanswered by May (they had been lost in the post), she wrote in desperation to Tom and Anthony at Winchester. 1995 N. Hornby (1996) i. 39 He has heard most of the music in the shop, and would rather bring new stuff to work—tapes from friends, bootlegs he has ordered through the post. society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > [noun] > for postage 1688 Bp. G. Burnet 95 Some give out, that the Post of the Letters, that were brought him the day in which he was seised on, rose to twenty Crowns. 1701 E. Hatton (title page) The Post of Letters to and from Foreign Countries. 1705 No. 4105/3 For the Post of every single Letter from England to the said Islands not exceeding one Sheet of Paper, 1s. 3d. II. Extended uses. a1578 R. Lindsay (1899) I. 318/18 Bot at last the post come frome the Earle of Angus schawand the king that baitht the airmeis was in sight of wther. ?c1615 (1830) 108 The poist cuming to the erlle of the deidly disease of his wyff, he leiffis the queine and with haist rydis to Sanct Androis. society > communication > journalism > journal > newspaper > [noun] > titles of newspapers 1645 1047 The World is now crowded with such a throng and multiplicity of upstart Scouts, Posts, Mercuries, and other Intelligencers. 1681 (title) The London post. 1708 (title) The flying post (Edinburgh). 1772 (title) The morning post (London). 1812 28 Dec. 831/1 Captain Benjafield, who was formerly Editor of the Morning Post, has been charged [etc.]. 1925 F. S. Fitzgerald i. 22 Tom and Miss Baker sat at either end of the long couch and she read aloud to him from the Saturday Evening Post. 1969 J. Gross i. 24 The Morning Chronicle gave Hazlitt his start in journalism; the Morning Post hired Coleridge, published Wordsworth, and brought [sic] jokes from Lamb at sixpence a time. 2005 (Nexis) 16 Feb. I would like to congratulate the West Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership and the Yorkshire Evening Post on their road safety initiative. society > communication > writing > writing materials > material to write on > paper > [noun] > paper of specific size 1648 H. Hexham Post-pampier, post-paper. 1671 in J. A. Johnston (1991) 35 1 reame 12 quire of Venice paper..11 quire of fine post paper lardge. 1678 D. Manly (rev. ed.) Post-papier, post-paper, or Venus paper. 1711 c. 18 §37 [c. 19 §32] For and upon all Paper usually called or knowne by the Name of Fine Large Post which shall be imported or brought in as aforesaid, the Summe of Two Shillings and Six Pence for every Reame. 1756 J. Baskerville Let. 20 Dec. in J. E. Tierney (1988) 252 I have sent Samples of the ornamented paper & thin post gilt to several neighbouring towns. 1790 R. Burns 13 Feb. (1985) II. 15 Modish Post I have none, except one poor widowed half-sheet of Gilt. 1827 E. Mackenzie II. 727 (note) Mr. White printed ‘The Life of God in the Soul of Man’ on a writing post 18mo. 1839 C. Dickens xviii. 167 Another book, in three volumes, post octavo. c1865 J. Wylde I. 153/2 The plain Bath or satin post may be employed. 1875 E. H. Knight III. 1773/2 Post paper is seldom sold in the folio, that is, flat, but is cut in halves, folded, and forms quarto post, or common letter-paper. Cut again and folded, it becomes octavo post, or note-paper. 1897 B. Stoker iii. 33 He handed me three sheets of note-paper and three envelopes. They were all of the thinnest foreign post. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > parlour and party games > [noun] > general post 1868 ‘H. Lee’ II. xxxvi. 162 Everybody was willing..to engage in ‘Post’ or ‘Slappy’. 1887 L. Oliphant (1888) 290 It became quite an interesting amusement to dodge about, not unlike the game of ‘post’. 1891 H. Johnston I. 157 ‘What kind o' games na?’ ‘Oh, hide-the-thimble—the American Post, cards, and such like.’ 1927 W. E. Collinson 12 The kissing-forfeit game of postman's knock under the guise of ‘American post’. 1982 Human-Nets Digest V5 #105 in (Usenet newsgroup) 15 Nov. I hoped people had seen my posts to human-nets re the cmu personal computing plans. 1993 (Nexis) 29 Aug. 11 There also may be a moderator who may reject offensive posts to the listserver. 1997 Jan. 10/1 More complaints were heard about the quantity of junk-mail, off-topic posts, boorish behavior, and the general quality of Usenet discussions. 2001 S. Johnson iv. 153 Twenty-five handpicked spam warriors..would sift through the material generated by the community, eliminating irrelevant or obnoxious posts. Phrasessociety > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > carry letters or mail [verb (intransitive)] > as post-courier 1507 in J. B. Paul (1902) IV. 82 To Alexander Gordoun yeman of the stable his wage quhilk he wanted quhen the King was at the Month, and ran the post xxviiis. 1533 in J. B. Paul (1905) VI. 154 For ij hors for him and his servand to ryn the post to Cauldstreme. 1574 in C. Rogers (1874) 110 They..would chuse out Some for to ride the post about. 1577 G. Buchanan Let. Aug. in (1892) 59 Quhair ye say ye haif not lang to lyif, I traist to God to go before yow, albeit I be on fut, and ye ryd the post. a1605 A. Montgomerie 15 Then quench this fyre, quhilk runneth ay the poste Out throu my cost. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > moving swiftly in specific manner [phrase] > in or with haste society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [adverb] > in capacity of post-courier society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > [adverb] > at start or finish 1507 in J. B. Paul (1901) III. 412 To Johne Dunlop to pas our the Month to bide at post before the King. 1533 in J. B. Paul (1905) VI. 131 To pas with diligence at the poist all the nycht with secret writingis fra the lordis. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [adverb] > by post society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [adverb] > by post > by relays of horses 1513 E. Howard in H. Ellis (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 148 For Godds sake sende by post all along the coste that they brew bere, and make bisket. 1513 Queen Katherine in H. Ellis (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 152 Maister Almoner I receyved your Lettre by the post, Wherby I understande of the commyng hider of the Duc. 1545 in (1836) V. 496 We doubte not Your Lordship will take ordre for his passage by post, as apperteyneth. 1583 T. Stocker tr. iii. 85 The Burrough Masters..receiued letters from his Excellencie by the Poste, who was foorthwith sent backe. 1598 R. Barckley i. 15 When he was farre from the sea, then he would eate nothing but fish brought aliue by post with an excessiue charge. 1652 T. Froysell 20 Letters were sent by post into all the Kings Provinces to destroy, to kill and to cause to perish all Jewes both young and old. 1684 J. Ray (1848) 138 I received [your letter] by post, with the plants enclosed. 1724 R. Wodrow (1843) III. 112 If that worthy person will let me know by post or a slip, wherein I can serve him here. ?1795 H. Macneill 16 Twice a week to Maggie's cot-house, Swith! by post the papers fled. 1843 C. Dickens (1844) vii. 84 I ask you for the loan of three half-crowns... And when I add that they will be returned by post, this week, I feel that you will blame me. 1885 c. 15 Sched. iii. Precept §11 If a letter is addressed to him by post. 1922 G. Bell 4 Dec. (1927) II. xxii. 658 I sent you by post the yearly report to the S. of S., a very silly sort of Xmas present. 1993 Aug. 15/3 Wild mushrooms are a speciality of Gourmet By Post..ranging from trompettes to mousserons. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > moving swiftly in specific manner [phrase] > in or with haste society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [adverb] > in capacity of post-courier 1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart II. clxv. [clxi.] 457 Thus these four rode night and day..; they chaunged many horses; thus they rode in post. 1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart II. ccxl. [ccxxxvi.] 741 Than the bysshoppe of Caunterbury wrote letters..and sente them by a suffycyent man in post, who toke fresshe horses by the waye, and came to London the same daye at night. 1569 in J. Cranstoun (1891) I. x. 208 To Dunbar that nycht scho raid in haist Behind ane man in poist, as scho war chaist. 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Socrates Scholasticus vii. xix, in 387 He was able in three dayes to ryde in such poste, as was to be wondered. a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 169 in J. Ware (1633) Sir Iohn de Courcy..sent letters in post to his brother Sir Amorick Saint Laurence. 1670 J. Milton ii. 43 Horsemen all in Poste from Quintus Artrius bring word to Cæsar, that almost all his Ships in a Tempest that night had suffer'd wrack. 1711 Royal Proclam. 23 June in No. 4866/2 If the Post~master doth not..furnish any Person riding in Post, with..Horses. 1797 XV. 426/2 He is said to travel post, or in post, i.e. in the manner of a post. 1814 J. B. Scott Diary 24 Sept. in E. Mann (1930) iv. 108 We..travel all this day in post. In Italy..post carriages are let as well as post horses. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [verb (intransitive)] > provide post-horses or couriers 1547 in J. H. Burton (1877) 1st Ser. I. 74 The said Capitane of Dunbar to mak the post to the said Priores of Northberwik..; and the said Priores to mak the post to the said Patrik Erle Boithuell. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swiftly [phrase] 1569 T. Stocker tr. Diodorus Siculus ii. xiv. 59 The inhabitaunts..with all possible post sent certain of their men upon Dromadaries. 1606 A. Craig sig. Fiii Ch. What seeks thou heere? Gh. A safe transport with post. 1609 A. Craig sig. C3v His poore effairs he did performe with post. society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport by relays of horses or vehicles > [verb (intransitive)] > travel by post-horses 1599 W. Shakespeare v. i. 21 I saw her laid lowe in her kindreds vault, And presently tooke poste to tell it you. View more context for this quotation a1605 R. Bannatyne (1836) 335 Adam made him reddie and tuike the poist sowth. 1666 S. Pepys 4 June (1972) VII. 146 They..took post about 3 this morning. 1714 Lady M. W. Montagu c3 Aug. (1965) I. 213 This morning all the principal men of any figure took post for London. 1753 J. Hanway I. xi. 78 I provided myself with a sleeping waggon, and..took post for St. Petersburg. Compounds C1. General attributive. a. With the sense ‘of or relating to the postal system’. 1852 Oct. 659 His father, Antoine Paganini, a commercial broker, or simple post clerk, according to some biographers, was passionately fond of music. 1930 F. M. Ford 27 Feb. (1965) 193 If only you would instruct your post-clerks how to address letters for Europe it would expedite matters a lot. 2003 (Nexis) 30 Mar. 7 To add to Joe's problems he finds himself falling in love with a local post clerk. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve ix. 133 The driver..had forgotten to pay the post-dues. 1899 at Vansittart, Nicholas He made additions to the post dues and excise, and a considerable increase on the soap tax. society > travel > means of travel > route or way > [noun] > used by post or mail 1768 P. Playstowe (ed. 3) 39 The post route is as follows; six posts, and one royal. From Dieppe to Osmonville, [etc.]. 1884 Act of Congr. 1 Mar. in (1885) XXIII. 3 All public roads and highways while kept up and maintained as such are hereby declared to be post routes. 1971 47 507/2 Not long afterward, inland papers further south along the main post route would mimic the New York journals. 1851 F. Lieber et al. X. 295/1 Simon von Taxis was general post director at Milan, and resided in the imperial palace, where every thing was kept in readiness for the post service. 1904 W. M. Ramsay xv. 192 No writer gives an account of the Imperial Post-Service. 1984 (title) Post Office Letter Post Service. b. With the sense ‘employed or used in carrying the mail, or in the public transport of travellers by stages’. the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > [noun] > equus asinus (ass) > domesticated ass or donkey > used for specific purpose 1696 tr. J. Dumont v. 42 At my departure from Lions I hir'd a Post-Ass. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > public service vehicle > [noun] > stagecoach or mail coach 1703 N. Luttrell Diary in (1857) V. 358 Returning home by the way of Italy [they] were unhappily drowned in a post calash. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles (plying) for hire > [noun] > hired carriage > post-chaise 1627 M. Drayton Moone-calfe in 160 Being to trauell, he sticks not to lay, His Post-Caroches still vpon his way. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > public service vehicle > [noun] > stagecoach or mail coach 1720 D. Manley ii. 168 He would order a Post-Carriage to carry her to the Queen. 1852 H. W. Dulcken tr. I. L. Pfeiffer xx. 327 I returned..exhausted, and half an hour afterwards was already seated in the post-carriage to pursue my journey to Ferrara. 1996 27 146 720 post-wagons, plus 1,100 post-carriages, plus 500 carts and 660 2-wheelers would be required to deliver the materials over 2.5 working seasons. 1868 F. Hall 246 Complicity..by serving the same enemies as spies, post-carriers, or agents of any kind. 1881 Apr. 375 The act of Congress of July 24th, 1866..authorizes the company to use post-offices of the fourth class, and postmasters and post-carriers in the transmission and delivery of messages. 2003 (Nexis) 5 June Investigators said post carriers had seen men—described as well-dressed ‘West Africans’—looking through mailboxes. 1800 S. T. Coleridge tr. F. Schiller ii. xi. 67 The Governor at Egra is your friend And countryman. Write to him instantly By a Post Courier. 2004 (Nexis) 9 Dec. 2 If the Post-Courier does not disclose the name of this individual, we will be forced to seek a court order for the name to be released to us. 1870 Sept. 181/2 The ‘post diligence’ is a capital vehicle for mere travelling, sufficiently comfortable, making good speed, and with sober, careful drivers. society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport by relays of horses or vehicles > [noun] > travelling by means of post-horses > driver of post-horses 1801 G. Colman ii. i. 22 The post driver rides but one horse, you know, so I can sit jig by joul with him on the other. 1894 Aug. 526/2 The placing of mud posts at regular intervals to mark the roadway for the Kirghiz post-drivers. 1924 C. Garnett tr. A. Herzen 154 The post driver gave me a collar of some sort, but that was not much help. At the third station I bought from a peasant woman her shawl. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > public service vehicle > [noun] > stagecoach or mail coach 1813 A. Bruce iii. 57 The post-equipage was ready. 1907 at Post sb.2 Post-felucca. a1856 H. Miller (1859) i. vi. 122 It was late this evening ere the post-gig arrived from the south. 1926 F. Muirhead & M. Monmarché 187 Clans..a little summer resort with mineral springs, is perched on a hillside high above the station (post-gig twice daily). society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person 1850 C. M. Yonge v. 55 The post girl could take the jelly. 1944 112 Living only for the next time the postgirl's whistle sent its shrill stab through her nerves. 1995 23 Sept. 2/3 (caption) Dunoon postgirls Dawn Moore and Norah McCluskey..present a cheque for £1,250 to Normal Curle of the Trust. 1907 at Post sb.2 Post-hackney. 1907 at Post sb.2 Post-landaulet. the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > [noun] > hybrid horse and ass > mule > used for specific purpose 1835 J. E. Alexander viii. 172 I heard..the post-mules hurrying past several times in the night with a heavy clang of bells attached to their necks. 1880 C. R. Markham xiii. 117 At Pucara I left post-houses and post-mules behind me, for they exist only on the main roads. 1895 25 Sept. 6/3 The Servian post-nags were not saddle-horses. 1867 Aug. 227/2 When the post-omnibus for Herisau came to the inn door, I took my seat therein. a1930 D. H. Lawrence (1932) i. 15 We ask the man who is cleaning the postomnibus in the street if there is any other place. 1898 Oct. 552 I asked if there was a post van attached to the train, wherein I could deposit the card which I had just been writing. 1981 J. Gardam vi. 80 At the post-office they were just in time to see the post-van driving away towards the Oxenholm road. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > public service vehicle > [noun] > stagecoach or mail coach 1815 W. Scott II. xxii. 287 Yes, the stranger, you know, that came last evening in the post vehicle—he who shot young Hazlewood—ha, ha, ho! 1889 May 78/2 The jolting of the springless post vehicles was rather trying to one who had not yet rallied from the weakness and prostration of fever. 1939 W. Somerset Maugham 605 (note) The driver of a troika or any post vehicle. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > [noun] > a rapid rate the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > [noun] > urgent the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > [noun] > haste > hasty business the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > [noun] > haste > like that of travelling 1546 J. Heywood ii. i. sig. Fii In poste pace we past from potage to cheese. 1570 J. Foxe (rev. ed.) II. 2126/1 His accuser..came..in such post speede, that in a maner he was wyndlesse entryng into the Bishops chamber. 1601 R. Chester 57 With all post expedition, You will prepare a voyage vnto Rome. 1642 T. Fuller i. x. 25 Many overhasty widows..make post speed to a second marriage. 1720 C. Beckingham iv. v. 46 Both fled post speed from Paris. 1850 N. P. Willis 229 The count was dashing on at a rapid post-pace through a deep wood in the mountains which head in the Adriatic. 1893 Mar. 466 The deities of ennui, who rush through every country at post speed in their lacquered carriages. 1628 P. Fletcher v. vi. sig. C5 Fearefull blood From heart and face, with these post-tydings runne. 1868 S. Smiles Pref. p. xxvi It has become possible to carry letters, newspapers, books, and post parcels in any quantity, expeditiously and cheaply. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > time of post 1666 J. Wallis Let. 7 Aug. in S. P. Rigaud & S. J. Rigaud (1841) (modernized text) II. 467 The post hour approaching allows me not time. ?1750 D. Garrick 13 July (1963) I. 148 Every Post Morning since Yr Departure, My Lady has rose almost with ye Lark to get her Letters. 1762 L. Sterne VI. xxii. 92 On a post-morning. 1804 T. Lewin Let. 10 July in (1909) I. i. 112 The post hour is at hand, so I have only time to add kind remembrances to all at home. 1904 W. B. Yeats 29 Dec. (1994) III. 691 I could not write earlier to day because an interviewer came & was with me till after the post hour. 2004 (Nexis) 21 Oct. 2 a Post hours are noon to midnight, but supplies can be left by the front door any time. f. With the sense ‘of or relating to a post road or posting route’. the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > mile > specific 1737 (ed. 33) i. i. iii. 10 The Shire Town is Dorchester..112 Post Miles from London. 1758 J. Blake 30 At the rate of fifteen post~miles each day. 1890 June 135/3 The Vienna post mile is 8,296 yards. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > post office 1753 J. Hanway I. i. xv. 98 The post huts on the step could not always supply us with a sufficient number of horses. 1812 R. Wilson I. 141 We came to the next post-shed, and found all flown, so that we were obliged to proceed with the same horses. 1848 C. Dickens lv. 548 Of bridges, crosses, churches, postyards, new horses. 1957 F. Jonas tr. N. M. Karamzin 327 Nowhere is it so convenient to ride about the country as it is here. You go to a postyard where there are always many carriages. 1995 (Nexis) 14 June 18 The tiny post office (a ‘post hut’, really, where residents crowd around their mailboxes at noon, waiting for letters to be slipped through the slots). C2. the world > the supernatural > deity > angel > [noun] > as messenger 1663 A. Cowley vi Let a Post-Angel start with Thee, And thou the Goal of Earth shalt reach as soon as He. 1823 C. Lamb Distant Correspondents in 238 Cowley's Post-Angel is no more than would be expedient in such an intercourse. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > road vehicle society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > public service vehicle > [noun] > omnibus > motor-driven > other types 1957 M. Savill tr. H. Böll xxii. 249 The yellow post bus arrived and Glum got out. 1968 A. Marin (1969) x. 80 ‘How did you get to Geneva?’.. ‘By post bus from Bourg,’ I said. 1997 M. Robinson Royal Mail Postbus Service in Feb. 173 Thirty years ago this month the first of Royal Mail's postbuses began running a regular service in Wales... The term ‘postbus’ didn't come into general use until the service expanded in the early 1970s, and my attention was first drawn to what were originally called ‘postal mini-buses’ by a short news item in..1967: ‘Mail by Welsh mini-bus. Britain's first postal mini-bus begins in Wales on February 20th’. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person 1975 25 July 18/5 (heading) Postlady is dog's best friend!.. Mrs. Kathy Hilsdon,..a postwoman for nearly 17 years. 1993 S. Stewart xvii. 173 The post lady from Withybrook always used to clomp over Withybrook Bridge in her heavy GPO boots and big black GPO cape and walk along the towpath to deliver letters to Jack. society > communication > correspondence > letter > [noun] > letters, etc., by method of dispatch or conveyance 1648 No. 29. 227 They have seized upon all the Post-Letters, and Opened and kept such as they thought fit. 1758 in T. B. Howell (1813) XIX. 1369 I ring the bell in Arundel-street in the Strand for post-letters. 1837 c. 36 §25 Every Person..who shall..open or procure or suffer to be opened a Post Letter. 1905 Dec. 29/1 The Government has the right or the power to open post-letters. society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > [noun] > fare > by post-horse or -carriage 1533 in (1888) App. ii. 120 [Payment of £331. 7s. 4d. to] Sir gilbert Dethick..for..dyette and poste mony. 1537 T. Cromwell Let. to T. Wyatt 10 Oct. in R. G. Merriman (1902) II. 93 As for your diettes and post money I shall see you shall haue them paid according to your warrant. society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel for transporting people or goods > [noun] > packet or mailboat society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > vehicle or vessel > vessel 1634 T. Hope 6 A pacquet..to go vnder cover in Sir Archibald Atcheson his post pacquet. 1819 J. Keats 12 Mar. (1958) II. 71 The sail of the Post-Packet to New York or Philadelphia. 1853 18 June 315/1 I am convinced that you will find in New York, builders and engineers who will produce a post packet which will fly over the water like a flying-fish. 2001 (Nexis) 2 Feb. 5 A postman who went to the pub instead of doing his round may face jail for stealing nearly 5,000 post packets. 1988 M. Bradbury Introd. p. xvi Why, now, should I suddenly sit down and start answering some of them [sc. my letters]? Perhaps it is out of respect for my postperson who brings the sackful every morning. 1992 24 Jan. 15/6 I do not call the postperson Monsieur as she is a woman. 1994 Nov. 24/3 There will be three postpersons to service every delivery route. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person > specific mounted 1705 19 Nov. 2/2 Strayed..a sorrel Mare... Whoever can give any true intelligence of her to..the Post-rider..shall be sufficiently Rewarded. 1759 in 3 May 4/3 Ludwick Bierley, Lancaster post-rider,..informs his employers that it is now upwards of twelve months since he began to ride that stage. 1854 G. Bancroft III. xxvi. 531 Six persons were chosen as post-riders, to give due notice to the country towns of any attempt to land the tea by force. 1946 July 42/1 There was a rude woodcut of a postrider on horseback, with saddlebags behind for carrying mail matter. 2004 (Nexis) 19 Feb. a19 In 1673, the first postrider galloped off from New York on his way to Boston establishing the first major overland route in the American colonies. 1949 14 Sept. 3/5 (advt.) Mail is speeded up because it goes straight to the sorters, from your own post-room. 1978 28 Aug. 19/2 The time would have been better spent asking their secretaries or their post rooms to get copies. 2004 (Nexis) 1 Jan. 7 The postroom of the International Criminal Court, in the same building, was also searched. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [noun] > post-town society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > town as opposed to country > village > [noun] > other types of village 1673 J. Ray 342 We travelled to Radicofani.., passing through Lucignano a post-village. 1847 H. Howe 264 Allensville, Middleton, Oak Hill and Charleston are small post villages. 1952 J. R. Swanton (U.S. Bureau Amer. Ethnol. Bull. No. 145) 17 The Penobscot have given their name to a bay, a river,..a post village in Hancock County, and a branch post office in Detroit. 1999 (Nexis) 7 Mar. 36 In 1879 the watermen's village of Crittenden became a post village, its first postmaster being James H. Crittenden. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > [noun] > person 1683 in W. M. Myddelton (1931) II. 7 Mar. 167 Dorothy Evans, the postwoman [paid] for 60li of biskett, makaroones, and naples for the funerall. 1754 W. Shenstone Let. 6 July in III. 245 Post-woman waits for me, ‘multa gemens’. 1896 14 Jan. 8/1 A rural postwoman whose beat is from Longniddry to Seton Castle. 1993 22 Jan. 2/8 An armed gang posed as policemen to ambush a postwoman driving a Royal Mail van on the A339 near Kingsclere in Hampshire. Derivatives society > communication > correspondence > letter > mail > [adjective] > worthy of society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [adjective] > post office > worthy to have 1827 W. Whewell in I. Todhunter (1876) II. 88 It is still uncertain whether I shall produce a letter that is post-worthy. 1875 J. Ruskin Let. in (1887) 30 I shall post this to-morrow as I pass through Skipton or any post-worthy place. 1999 (Nexis) 12 Jan. a1 It was..the result of excessive demand, as the public scrambled to keep their 32-cent stamps post-worthy the day after the Postal Service's first rate increase in four years. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2022). postn.4 Origin: Probably a borrowing from Italian. Etymon: Italian posta. Etymology: Probably < Italian posta stake in a game, sum laid down in a bet (a1400), good or winning hand in a game (1598 in Florio), use as noun of feminine of posto placed, situated, past participle of porre to place, to put (see post n.3). Compare Spanish apostar to place a bet (c1570; 1344 as postar). Cards. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > other card games > [noun] > post and pair 1528 sig. i iiij In carde playinge he is a goode greke, And can skyll of post and glyeke. 1565 J. Jewel iv. 302 He commeth in onely with ioyly bragges, and great vauntes, as if he were plaieinge at poste, and shoulde winne al by vieinge. 1611 R. Cotgrave Couche,..the Post, or most of a sute, at cards. a1612 J. Harington (1615) sig. B2 The second game was Post, vntill with posting They paid so fast, 'twas time to leaue their bosting. 1680 C. Cotton (ed. 2) xxii. 106 Here note, that he who hath the best Pair or the best Post is the winner. 1688 R. Holme (1905) iii. xvi. 73/1 At Post the best cards are 21 viz.: two tens and an Ace, but a paire royall wins all, both Post, Paire and Seat. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > other card games > [noun] > post and pair 1581 G. North tr. H. Estienne 8 As also a Person of Vittre in Brytaine (ouerwatched at Post and Paire) dwelte so long in his Memento that being hastily wakned, he cryed flush, and began to rake the Chalice to him. 1606 Prol. sig. A2 You that haue beene student at post and payre, saint and Loeadam. c1620 L. Gernons (Stowe MS. 180) f. 37 When I am playing at poste and payre, my opposite chalengeth wth two counters. If I answer him wth two other, and rest, I have but a faynte game. 1688 R. Holme (1905) iii. xvi. 73/1 Post and Paire is a game played thus, first stake at Post, then at Paire, after deale two cards, then stake at the seat and then deale the third card about [etc.]. 1808 W. Scott vi. Introd. 301 That night might..The lord, underogating, share The vulgar game of ‘post and pair’. a1887 R. Jefferies (1892) 41 Whist and post and pair are the staple indoor amusements. 1887 5 Feb. 66 Primero is the ancestor of such gambling games as Post and Pair, once a favourite game in the West of England. 1964 A. Wykes vii. 170 Post-and-pair (a bluffing game with similarities to poker). 2000 B. McNally Introd. 9 This game developed into Primiera in Italy, Primero in Spain and Le Mesle or Prime in France. It was introduced to England in the early seventeenth century where it later matured into a game named Post and Pair. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2022). postn.5Origin: Probably of multiple origins. Probably partly a borrowing from French. Probably partly a borrowing from Italian. Etymons: French poste; Italian posto. Etymology: Probably < French poste (masculine) place where a soldier or military unit is stationed, group of soldiers stationed in such a place (both 1636), professional employment in a given place (c1663) and its etymon Italian posto (masculine) place assigned to particular soldiers or military units (1553), specific place assigned to a person or thing (a1572; 1452 as puosto ), place reserved for a person for particular motives or with a particular activity in mind (1611), job, position, office (1673), use as noun of posto placed, put, past participle of porre to place, to put (see ponent n.).Quot. 1562 at sense 1 apparently shows an isolated early use in this sense, and its immediate origin is unclear. Compare ( < Italian) Dutch post job, office, military post (18th cent.), German Posten (masculine) position for a soldier on a watch, soldier on a watch (1st half of the 18th cent.; 17th cent. as Post , Poste , Posto ), job, office, position (18th cent.). Compare also the following feminine forms in similar senses (compare post n.3): Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French, French †poste position, situation (mid 12th cent.), military post, place assigned to combatants (both c1500), place designated for a particular use (1603), Old Occitan posta position, situation (c1220), military post (1391), Italian posta station, designated stopping place (c1300), German Post position, location (17th cent.). society > occupation and work > position or job > [noun] 1562 Edinb. Hammermen f. 252, in (at cited word) Ane sufficient nvmer of the maist honest of tham to quhome he offerit gladlie to refer his post [sc. the deaconship]. 1695–6 T. Smith in H. Ellis (1843) (Camden) 239 I am very glad of the new post you are preferred to, as you write, the publick Library. 1720 T. Hearne (1906) VII. 117 A Person of no Learning, and very unfit for this Post. 1760 J. Hawkins in ii. p. xxviii He was call'd away by some employment, or post, that was conferred upon him. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. ii. 223 Arlington quitted the post of secretary of state. 1872 T. L. Cuyler 63 The loftiest post of honour is the lowliest post of service. 1879 M. Arnold 148 Those posts in the public service supposed to be posts for gentlemen. 1958 M. L. King i. 16 Three colleges had offered me attractive and challenging posts—one a teaching post, one a deanship, and the other an administrative position. 1985 Spring 15 Since being in post, problems have been largely overcome and the advantages have become increasingly apparent... We gain the opportunity to train part-time while experiencing a full-time type of commitment in an established post. 2004 8 Apr. 34/3 I've been in post for five years. Since late 2002 the post has been job-shared. 2. society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > military position > [noun] > of individual soldier 1598 R. Barret iv. 107 Not to giue it [sc. the word] vnto the Sentinels, vntill the very point of their placing at their standes or postes. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil 385 You see, before the Gate, what stalking Ghost Commands the Guard, what Centries keep the Post. 1713 J. Addison ii As I watch'd the gate, Lodg'd in my post, a herald is arriv'd From Cæsar's camp. 1776 Earl Percy (1902) 74 They sent down..a number of their rangers to pop at our advanced posts and sentries. 1799 R. B. Sheridan ii. iv I will not keep one soldier from his post. 1843 T. B. Macaulay Ld. Clive in III. 131 Clive..was awakened by the alarm, and was instantly at his post. 1881 §6 Every person subject to military law who..Forces or strikes a soldier when acting as sentinel; or..Being a soldier acting as sentinel,..sleeps or is drunk on his post..shall..be liable to [etc.]. 1930 E. Colby in Feb. 46/1 Correctly speaking a post is a place of duty. The post of the guard is at the guard house. The posts of officers and non-commissioned officers are their proper places in ranks... Thus a sentinel post or sentry post is the place the sentinel is required to perform his duties... This is not a single spot but usually is a route, perhaps just around a building, or perhaps a long route covering quite an area which must be protected. 1948 A. Paton ii. ix. 178 The native policemen are smart and alert. They stand at their posts like soldiers. 1989 E. L. Doctorow i. vi. 65 If you had one pissant sentry sleeping on his post say, or some gonfalong foot soldier who could be lured off guard duty..why then you were finished. society > morality > duty or obligation > [noun] > place of duty the world > space > place > position or situation > [noun] > appointed to or usually occupied by a person or thing > assigned to a person on duty or in games 1649 No. 1. 16 Therefore keep every man his Place and Post, and stir not, but immediately chuse you out a Councel of Agitators once more to judge of these things. 1667 Sir G. Mackenzie 102 He who quites the Post assigned to him, is either cowardly, or a fool. 1693 B. Hawkshaw 51 I'll stand my Post, and never more submit To the vain Tyrannies of foolish Wit. 1714 A. Pope (new ed.) ii. 17 Whatever Spirit..His Post neglects. 1772 H. Mackenzie i. ix Though his virtue kept her post, she found herself galled in maintaining it. 1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton I. ii. xi. 273 My daily post was by the bed of disease and suffering. 1849 C. Brontë II. vi. 143 Mr. Hall had taken his post beside Caroline. 1872 ‘G. Eliot’ I. xvi. 277 He had gathered, as an industrious man always at his post, a chief share in administering the town charities. 1907 J. Conrad ix. 301 She sat at her post of duty behind the counter. 1986 T. Clancy (1988) i. 12 He lifted the body and moved it awkwardly to leave it slumped at the desk—just another swingshift worker asleep at his post. 1987 R. Ingalls 63 He took up his post at the window again. 3. society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > military position > [noun] 1642 P. Heylyn 10 He made a sally out upon them with such force and fury, that he drave all their Foot from their Post, or station, unto the shelter and protection of their Cavalrie. 1692 R. Bentley ii. 28 Driven from all their posts and..subterfuges. 1706 (new ed.) (at cited word) In the Art of War, Post signifies any spot of Ground that is capable of lodging Soldiers:..Advanced Post is a spot of Ground before the other Posts to secure those behind. 1734 tr. C. Rollin I. 251 The Gauls..were very much surprized to find their posts in the enemy's hands. 1813 Duke of Wellington (1838) XI. 35 Posts will sometimes be surprised and the troops engaged be roughly handled. 1855 T. B. Macaulay III. xii. 228 The line of posts which surrounded Londonderry by land remained unbroken. 1903 10 Mar. 7/3 Waterholes were located at convenient intervals, and strong posts were left in occupation of them. 1947 J. Stevenson-Hamilton xxi. 165 During the South African War..posts of Steinacker's Horse occupied the low-veld. 2004 (Nexis) 14 Aug. 6 Our soldiers were helping the Iraqi police when their post was surrounded. society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fort or fortified town > [noun] 1648 No. 171. 1414 St. Anthonies Suburbs; which to prevent from rising hereafter, they have divided into 12 Quarters, every one whereof they have fortified with a Post, and furnished it with a strong Guard. 1703 No. 3914/5 This Post was Garisoned by 600 Men. 1769 E. Bancroft 351 Opposite this Island..is a small Post, with several pieces of cannon. a1859 T. B. Macaulay (1861) V. 2 All the troops of Charles II would not have been sufficient to garrison the posts which we now occupy in the Mediterranean Sea alone. 1867 J. M. Crawford 138 All the post were soon the other side of the Hazel in a safe place. 1868 in (G.A.R.) 7 Posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. 1890 S. R. Gardiner (1892) 14 Between them was the smaller post of Uriconium. 1909 C. H. Sternberg 219 I had obtained from the Secretary of War a letter of introduction to the commanders of western posts. 1949 22 July 3/3 He is a past commander of Grand Forks post No. 6 of the American Legion. 1976 27 May 1/1 The final spring meeting of Stillwater Post 34 last Monday night enjoyed a special and proud entry on their agenda when life membership cards were presented to four members. 1991 A. Karpan & R. Karpan 13 The fort remained an important post for 75 years, as it was located near a major waterway. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > town as opposed to country > town, village, or collection of dwellings > [noun] > for trading purposes society > trade and finance > trading place > a centre of commerce > [noun] > trading post 1789 1 Nov. 2/1 We still expect a very considerable quantity of Furrs and Peltries from the most distant Posts of the Upper Country, which cannot arrive to admit of the Vessels sailing before the 25th. 1835 A. Smith 7 Aug. (1940) II. 152 A portion of his people..have charge of cattle-posts. The Moharootzie..says that at most of the posts there are not more than one or two Matabeli. 1871 J. Mackenzie viii. 129 When the owner of the stock..makes his appearance at the post, he speaks of the cattle as if they belonged to the Bakalahari. 1905 G. E. Cole 9 Near the site of the post of the Hudson Bay Company..was Elkton. 1960 Dec. 13 The title was, however, except for a few isolated posts on the great Bay itself, generally not ‘pushed’ so long as the French held Quebec. 1992 Dec. 7/2 Peter Pond, a rough-hewn Yankee trader..established a post near present-day Resolution in 1785. society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > seafaring warrior or naval man > leader or commander > [noun] > naval officer > captain > rank of 1720 in E. Chamberlayne 579–82 A General List of the Captains of His Majesty's Fleet, with the Dates of their First Commissions as Captains, from which they are allowed to take Post. [Dated] Admiralty-Office 1 March, 1720. [Here follow the] Names [in order of] Seniority. [Among these] Sir William Sanderson [and others],..Take Post by a General Order, 1 Jan. 1712–13. 1885 IV. 361/2 He was appointed commander-in-chief of the fleet..with Sir John Norris commanding in the second post. 1895 XLIII. 115/2 When..Keppel was appointed..Palliser..was appointed to command in the third post under him. 1907 at Post sb.10 Post, short for post captain. Phrases P1. to take postsociety > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (intransitive)] > take up position 1659 No. 596. 918 I set over with few boats, and took Post. 1761 D. Hume II. xxiii. 70 Richard..had taken post at Nottingham. 1829 W. F. Napier II. 268 A body of two thousand men..were..directed to take post at the bridge of Alcantara. 1871 M. Arnold in Dec. 674 Confraternities go in procession with a black flag and torches..and take post in the theatres where the Seyids are preaching. 1941 W. J. Cash iii. iii. 350 Next thing they'd be taking post with shotguns to tell the farmer he had to take back the farm labor he had fired, and what he had to plant. 1960 A. Duggan v. 88 He himself with his battle standard took post behind the centre of the line, where messengers could quickly find him. 1999 (Nexis) 8 May b7 To get out of the driveway my father and the limousine driver had to get out and push, knee deep in snow, while my mother took post behind the wheel. society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > administration and ceremonial > organize naval affairs, etc. [verb (intransitive)] > enter upon command > be appointed post captain 1720To take post [see sense 4]. 1747 10 Feb. (Rank and Precedence of Officers) §8 That Captains of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels, not taking Post, have rank as Majors. 1893 XXXIII. 113/1 He..was appointed on 6 Jan. 1690–1 to be captain of the Cambridge, and took post from that day. 1907 J. K. Laughton (O.E.D. Archive) A captain was said to take post from the date of his commission to a ship of not less than 20 guns. society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > war vessel > [noun] > vessel carrying certain number of guns > twenty or more 1731 i. §vi 8 Commanders of Fireships, Sloops, Yachts, Bomb-Vessels, Hospitals, Store-ships, and other vessels, though they may have commanded Ships of Post before, shall be commanded by Junior Captains in Ships of Post, while they keep Company together..; but without Prejudice to their Seniority afterwards. society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > administration and ceremonial > organize naval affairs, etc. [verb (transitive)] > give (officer) command of a ship > with twenty guns or more 1747 10 Feb. (Rank and Precedence of Officers) §11 That Post-Captains, commanding ships or vessels that do not give post, rank only as Majors during their commanding such vessels. 1907 J. K. Laughton (O.E.D. Archive) His commission to command such a ship, ipso facto, gave him post. society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > administration and ceremonial > organize naval affairs, etc. [verb (intransitive)] > enter upon command > be appointed post captain 1800 4 469 Capt. Miller was made post in 1796. 1806 A. Duncan 18 Captain Nelson was made post on the 11th of June, 1779. 1837 I. 39 It was mainly through the interest of his uncle that he was made post with such post-haste. 1988 D. A. Thomas 15 During the eighteenth century when an officer was ‘made post’, or appointed to a captain's command, his name was placed at the bottom of a list which was headed by an Admiral of the Fleet. Compounds C1. General attributive. a. (In sense 3b.) 1862 in (Confederate States Amer. War Dept.) (1864) 408 Lieut. Charles N. Morse, Post-adjutant, Fort Jackson, Louisiana. 1878 B. Harte 96 Make a requisition on the commissary-general, have it certified to by the quarter~master, countersigned by the post-adjutant, and submitted by you to the War Department. 1976 J. E. Weems xii. 126 The Lieutenant, as post adjutant, was directed ‘to take down from dictation some letters and dispatches’. 2004 (Nexis) 29 Feb. In keeping with the Veterans of Foreign Wars by-laws..anyone seeking a nomination must be in attendance or have a letter of acceptance with the post adjutant. 1857 xxiii. 27 When the company leaves the post, the account of the company fund shall be..submitted..to the post commander. 1898 31 July 5/2 General Toral has sent the members of his staff ahead to notify the post commanders of the terms of surrender. 1999 16 Dec. a39/4 What about the post commander, for crying out loud? What's he running, a frat house? society > trade and finance > trader > [noun] > trader at military post 1871 1 Apr. 2/1 Indians stole Levinsky's buggy horses from the Post trader's corral. 1894 24 85/2 Beside it are the company's stables and the store and house of the post-trader where we bought our provisions. 1970 D. Brown iv. 86 The post trader, Gray Blanket John Smith, requested permission to go out to Sand Creek to trade for hides. b. (In sense 4.) society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > administration and ceremonial > [noun] > commission of officer to command > of a vessel of twenty guns or more 1847 Nov. 410 When he reached the Admiralty..he found his despatches were of no importance, and returned without either his post commission or the gift usual on such occasions, neither of which ought to have been withheld. 1849 W. R. O'Byrne 259/2 He was rewarded with a Post commission. 1901 Suppl. II. 40/2 His post commission was confirmed by the admiralty. 1900 LXII. 253/1 Whetstone, who was a few days junior to Wishart on the post list, was promoted to be rear-admiral. 1996 19 Jan. 21/1 The Admiralty solution was to institute Post and General lists, old-fashioned terms that rapidly became known as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > seafaring warrior or naval man > leader or commander > [noun] > naval officer > captain > rank of 1851 II. 504/2 Formerly, a twenty-gun ship was the smallest that gave post-rank. 1892 J. G. Brighton 160 He was advanced to post rank on Aug. 12, 1819. 1977 P. O'Brian ii. 38 He might be a right hard-horse lieutenant under the wrong kind of commander, or a devil of a captain himself, if ever he reached post rank. C2. society > trade and finance > trading place > place where retail transactions made > [noun] > shop > shop at military post 1892 I. 57 In February last, upon the ground that the term ‘canteen’ possibly conveyed to the public mind a meaning which, though foreign to the main purpose of the institution, has been for years associated in other armies with a place of conviviality and dissipation, the Secretary of War decided to change the name of such establishments to that of ‘post exchange’. 1919 22 Nov. 70/2 The Y.W.C.A. hostess house has been turned into a post exchange. 1999 O. Broumas i. 227 Wives of American military and diplomatic personnel abroad who are entitled to shop at Post Exchange (PX) stores stocked with American goods. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.6Origin: A borrowing from Urdu. Etymon: Urdu post. Etymology: < Urdu post poppy head, beverage made from poppy heads, skin, rind, shell < early modern Persian pōst (Persian pūst) skin, peel, nutshell.The agent noun posti ( < Urdu postī someone who habitually intoxicates himself or herself with post) occasionally occurs in English contexts:a1667 P. Mundy Trav. (1914) II. 247 Most comonly they will call a druncken fellowe either Aphimee.., Postee.., or Bangguee.1882 Edinb. Rev. July 73 The way in which people there [i.e. in the Punjaub] talk of ‘postees’ or opium-eaters. South Asian. rare. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > a drink of > with drugs added a1667 P. Mundy (1914) II. 247 Of the huskes they make a kinde of Beveredge called Post, steepeing them in water a while, and squeezeinge and strayninge out the liquor, they drinck it, which doth enebriate. 1698 J. Fryer 32 Upon an Offence they are sent by the King's Order, and committed to a place called the Post (from the Punishment inflicted), where the Master of the Post is acquainted with the heinousness of the Crime; which being understood he heightens by a Drink,..made of Bang..mingled with Dutry (the deadliest sort of Solanum, or Nightshade) named Post, [which] after a Week's taking, they crave more than ever they nauseated. 1698 J. Fryer 104 The inebriating Confection of the Post. 1851 R. F. Burton I. xiii. 267 The Moguls in ancient times used to curtail the lives of state prisoners by giving them every day before breakfast a cup full of what is called ‘Post’. A dried poppy-head or two was infused in warm water allowed to stand the whole night, and in the morning squeezed till none of the juice remained in it. 1892 21 331 In Jálandhar..the poppy is grown for its capsules, which are used in making post, an infusion consumed as a beverage. a1919 C. F. Usborne tr. Waris Shah (1966) xiii. 85 Then they scolded the girls and consoled the cripple, promising to build him a new hut and to give him more ‘post’ and ‘bhang’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). † postn.7Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post v.2 Etymology: < post v.2 Compare Italian posta entry in an account book (a1262), Dutch post entry in an account book (a1443 in Middle Dutch), German †Post specified sum of money, entry in an account book (16th cent.), spec. uses respectively of Italian posta , Middle Dutch, Dutch post , and German Post post n.3 Compare slightly earlier post-book n.1 Bookkeeping. Obsolete. society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > account or statement of > [noun] > account book > entry in 1718 A. Macghie iii. 45 The preceding Rule respects only a single Journal-post, which contains but one Debtor and one Creditor; but if the same were a complex Post, there would be some Alterations in transporting of it. 1766 W. Gordon 6 Such post or entry in the Journal is called a simple post. 1797 XV. 423/1 Post, an operation in book-keeping. Posting in book-keeping means simply the transferring of an article to the place in which it should be put.] This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2018). postn.8Origin: Apparently a borrowing from German. Etymon: German Post. Etymology: Apparently < German †Post (feminine) specified quantity of goods (1400), quantity of ore to be smelted at one time (19th cent.; now Posten , masculine), specific uses of Post post n.3 (compare also post n.7). society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > material for making paper > paper > [noun] > pile fresh from mould 1738 E. Chambers (ed. 2) at Paper The maker..delivers it to the coucher, who couches it upon a felt laid on a plank, and lays another felt on it; and so successively, a sheet and a felt, a sheet and a felt, till a post, i.e. one pressing, containing six quire, be made. 1766 S. Clark (ed. 6) xiv. 370 An Heap of seven or eight Quires, which is called a Post. 1838 XVII. 15/1 Four to eight quires, according to the size of the paper, form a post. 1875 E. H. Knight III. 1773/2 A white post is the pile of paper sheets when the felts are removed. 1906 R. W. Sindall 21 The ‘coucher’, who transfers the wet sheet from mould to felt and builds up the pile or ‘post’ of alternate wet sheets and felts. 1965 C. Zigrosser & C. M. Gaehde iv. 64 When 144 sheets [of paper] have been formed, they and their protective pads (the stack being known as the post) are conveyed to a press to squeeze out more water. 1992 Oct. 35/2 The process is repeated until the post, a stack of sheets alternately layered with felt pads, is formed. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > mineral material > ore > [noun] > batch for smelting 1839 A. Ure 326 The smelting post or charge, to be purified at once, consists of 60 cwt. of black copper. 1839 A. Ure 328 For example, 1 post or charge may consist of 20 cwts. of the ferruginous slate [etc.]. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.9Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: post entry n. Etymology: Short for post entry n. rare. society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > [noun] > cargo > entry of cargo at customs > supplementary society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > account or statement of > [noun] > account book > entry in 1832 J. R. McCulloch 864 A merchant is always in time, prior to the clearing of the vessel, to make his post. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.10Origin: Apparently a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: post n.5 Etymology: Apparently a specific use of post n.5, perhaps short for call to post or a similar phrase. Military (in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries). society > armed hostility > military organization > signals > [noun] > signal on instrument > specific signals 1864 134 Watchsetting. 1st post. 2nd post. 3rd post. 4th post. [A separate tune given for each.] 1885 30 Sept. First post was sounded at half-past ten. 1886 §12 Weather permitting, the 1st Post at Tattoo (in Portsmouth) will be sounded on the road opposite the Main Guard by the Drums and Fifes of the Regiment detailed..for that duty. 1901 §252 ‘Tattoo’ (‘last post’) at 10.0 p.m. 1976 19 Nov. 3/2 Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Mr Frank Neville. 1994 Aug. 5/2 The last post was played by a lone trumpet, and Cpl. Gunther's family members laid wreaths in his memory. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.11Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: postgraduate n. Etymology: Shortened < postgraduate n. U.S. slang. Now rare. society > education > learning > learner > college or university student > [noun] > postgraduate student 1900 2 51 Post, n.,..2. A post-graduate student. 1914 4 134 It must be nice to be a post,—they have so many privileges. 1930 5 242 Post, post graduate. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.12Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: post-mortem n. Etymology: Shortened < post-mortem n. Medicine slang (chiefly U.S.). the world > health and disease > healing > diagnosis or prognosis > examination > [noun] > autopsy > instance of 1942 L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark §534/2 Post,..post-mortem examination. 1968 ‘J. Hudson’ i. v. 41 The post hadn't been started. 1979 R. Cook 177 They had no internal organs. Just a shell of a body. When a post is done the shell is only cursorily examined. 1998 T. Clancy xxxvii. 671 Okay, let's get the body into the Hummer and head back. John, can you do a post on this? This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postn.13Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: post-production n. Etymology: Shortened < post-production n. Film and Television. society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > [noun] > production after shooting 1984 Mar. 34/1 How many times have you been in a tight situation during a shoot when someone says, ‘Don't worry about it, we'll fix it in post.’ 1996 22 Apr. 17/5 Lucasfilm will use Avid's Film Compositor..and ATM networking technology to create a completely digital post-production environment for the post process. 2005 Oct. 12/2 A key scene, where a group of children leap off a cliff, was created by Flame artist Ben Robards, who painted a false edge to the cliff in post. 2010 (National ed.) 25 July (Arts & Leisure section) 18/4 Mr. Weinstein is notorious for meddling during postproduction... ‘Post with Harvey is always an adventure.’ This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, September 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postv.1 Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post n.1 I. To produce or supply posts. society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > build or construct with wood [verb (transitive)] > prepare, dress, or square timber c1520 in J. T. Fowler (1888) III. 204 Johanni Hogsson postyng tymber ad Ryso & alias per j diem, 5d. c1520 in J. T. Fowler (1888) III. 205 Will'mo Howyd postyng tymber for the sayd fertter per iij dies, & sawyng, 18d. the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > edge, border, or margin > boundary > bound or form boundary of [verb (transitive)] > fix boundary of > with stakes 1712 in (1961) 56 323 For posting the Causey 00.10.00. 1716 (Bundle 147, No. 3) Wee present the sirvairs [= surveyors] of St Mary's [parish] for not posteing the foot-way. 1781 43 Such sum as may be sufficient to pay [perh. read pave] and Post the Market House and arround it. 1874 514 In 1868 I built me a large and commodious cattle barn, one hundred by forty-five feet, seventeen feet posted. 1939 B. L. Coombes vii. 110 His job was posting behind the machine [sc. a coal-cutter]. II. To attach to a post, and related senses. 3. society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publish or spread abroad [verb (transitive)] > publicize or bring to public notice society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publishing or spreading by leaflets or notices > [verb (transitive)] > publish by placard, notice, or bill a1640 P. Massinger Guardian i. i. 225 in (1655) If you take the wench now I'll have it posted first, then chronicled, Thou wert beaten to't. 1698 R. South III. 305 Those Pretences to Infallible Cures, which we daily see posted up in every corner of the Streets. 1756 C. Lucas i. Ded. p. iv The grateful votaries..posted up in his temple, the histories of their diseases. 1799 S. Freeman (ed. 4) 58 Persons who take up any stray beast, shall cause him to be posted and cried. 1828 27 Mar. 1/2 The ranger shall be entitled to one dollar for every horse so posted. 1860 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in 26 May 157/1 Seeing him posted in the bill of the night, I attended the performance. 1881 (1882) i. 385 Such notice to owners of such non-resident lands, shall be served by posting up the same in three public places. 1907 E. M. Forster xvii. 196 The cubicles were assigned, and the bags unpacked, and the bathing arrangements posted up. 1941 W. J. Cash i. iii. 89 The State of Georgia officially posted a reward of five thousand dollars for whoever should kidnap Garrison and fetch him within the Cracker jurisdiction to stand trial. 1984 3 Apr. 2 a/1 Colorado officials closed a dozen highways, and posted an avalanche alert for the San Juan Mountains and the Front and Park ranges. the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > disgrace or dishonour > [verb (transitive)] > subject or expose to ignominy 1642 E. Dering xvi. 88 I may..be poasted up..as one that dares not hazard a whole Nationall Church at blind man buffe. 1650 T. Fuller iii. 424 Here we must have an abominable falshood.., posted, and pillored. 1684 A. Wood (1894) III. 108 Wright Croke..was posted up for a shark and coward in Day's coffey house. 1710 (1860) II. 91 Their exploits were so mean, and their actions so vain That they all deserve to be posted. 1749 in (1895) XII. 518 Sarah..eloped from her Husband's Bed and Board about ten years ago, and thereon her said Husband posted her. 1812 146/2 A criminal information against two persons for posting a merchant of London in a coffee-house for refusing a challenge. 1864 J. H. Newman 173 I had been posted up by the marshal on the buttery hatch of every College of my University, after the manner of discommoned pastry-cooks. 1884 7 June 93/1 If he had not paid the bets..he would have been posted as a ‘defaulter’ at Tattersalls. 1935 J. O'Hara (U.K. ed.) viii. 237 It was no distinction to be posted at the Gibbsville Club; it could mean that you had not paid your bill six days after the bill was presented. 1945 T. Rattigan ii. 54 Olivia. Have you done anything about that racing debt of hers?.. John. No... Barton and Burgess will just have to write off eight hundred pounds. Or else post her at Tattersall's. 1975 J. Gould 216 To post one's wife is to notify the public that you are no longer responsible for her debts, almost always a preliminary to a divorce. society > education > educational administration > examination > examine a candidate [verb (transitive)] > place on list 1852 C. A. Bristed (ed. 2) 100 [At Trinity Coll., Camb.] should a man be posted twice in succession, he is generally recommended to try the air of some small college, or devote his energies to some other walk of life. 1859 F. W. Farrar xix He had been posted, in company with H. and Lord F.; i.e. their names had been written up below the eighth class as ‘unworthy to be classed’. society > travel > travel by water > shipwreck > cause to suffer shipwreck [verb (transitive)] > publish name of missing ship 1886 W. C. Russell x. 136 My sympathy with the sailor makes me feel as often as I hear of a cargo vessel being ‘posted’ as if a very grave wrong were done to the memory of the drowned seamen by the unconcern with which the great mass of the public receive the news. 1896 (Weekly ed.) 10 Jan. 38/3 They [sc. the ships] were posted at Lloyd's on Wednesday as missing. 1917 ‘Contact’ p. xii Once eleven of our machines were posted as ‘missing’ in the space of two days. 1944 F. Clune 35 A telegram..came..signed ‘Sergeant Lovegrove’. It was to the effect that Barkin was posted missing. a1983 ‘R. West’ (1984) i. v. 138 Her eldest brother's ship had been posted overdue for forty-eight hours. the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > make a success of [verb (transitive)] > achieve or notch up 1949 10 Oct. 13/5 William and Mary, which Saturday posted a 54-6 decision over the Keydets to tie North Carolina for the conference lead (each has a 2-0 record), has one remaining State battle. 1968 5 Feb. 18/9 John Armstrong of Oshawa posted the longest jump of 110 feet on his way to second place. 1972 13 Mar. 48/3 In 1944, he [sc. a baseball pitcher]..posted the lowest earned run average in the major leagues. 1988 July 39/2 He streaked away from the field..to win by a commanding seven strokes, posting all four rounds in the 60's, to finish 14 under par. 1995 (Nexis) 3 Feb. 10 a The three schools..not only posted dismal results in the 1994 Maryland School Performance Assessment Program, but those scores also represented a decline from the previous year. 1996 17 Jan. 123/3 Slough just can't seem to get clear of the cellar area, even though they posted a fine away win against old enemy Milton Keynes. 2001 8 Sept. (Senior PGA Tour (Scoreboard)) Due to weather-related problems at the tournament, scores were only posted after the completion of each nine holes. society > communication > information > announcing or proclaiming > announce or proclaim [verb (transitive)] 1961 21 June iv. 6/6 Gains of 2¾ were posted for Teleprompter and Republic Foil. 1973 25 June 23/4 Companies that posted big price increases during Phase III will be audited. 1976 17 June 7 e/6 The stock market shook off Tuesday's spell of profit taking Wednesday and posted a modest gain in moderately active trading. 1996 11 Jan. 44/8 There was active profit-taking among retail stocks as several posted trading updates. 1981 Re: fa.* Netnews Categories in net.news (Usenet newsgroup) 9 June If I post something on fa.info-cpm, for example, and we ship it to you by having it in our .sys file, how far will you re-d[i]stribute it? 1981 July 98/1 Messages can be posted for later pick-up by a specified recipient... In the general mode, a bulletin can be posted for retrieval by anyone. 1985 133 Bulletin board users can post messages about computer problems, look for a..companion, offer merchandise for sale, or chat. 1991 June 33/1 Posting a question in an on-line service will typically produce knowledgeable answers. 1994 D. Rushkoff i. iii. 34 After the first computer nets between university and military research facilities went up, scientists and other official subscribers began to ‘post’ their most recent findings to databases accessible to everyone on the system. 1999 25 Feb. (Connected section) 15/3 All you have to do is register for the site and then you can read and post to the groups of your choice with the click of a browser button. 2002 June 85/2 Pictures of the ‘fids’ (feathered kids) are posted in one corner; memorials for the deceased have been set up in another. 1647 R. Herrick Another to his Saviour in 75 And, if I see Thee posted there, To be all-flayed with whipping-cheere, I'le take my share. society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publishing or spreading by leaflets or notices > [verb (transitive)] > publish by placard, notice, or bill > put up a placard, notice, or bill 1647 R. Stapleton tr. Juvenal 48 An affix or bill of the goods being posted for the buyers to read. 1650 R. Stapleton tr. F. Strada iii. 62 Divers bills posted up that threatned mischief to the Judges. 1655 H. L'Estrange 187 A Paper was posted upon the Old Exchange..Exhorting Prentices to rise and sack his House. 1706 (new ed.) Placard,..a Libel or abusive Writing, posted up or dispersed abroad. 1715 in (1884) II. 220 Posting up twenty of the said printed by-laws on several publick places in the said town. 1806 A. Duncan 12 A written order..had been..posted up. 1851 C. Dickens Bill-sticking in 22 Mar. 604/1 The old bill-stickers went to Trafalgar Square to attempt to post bills. 1874 J. T. Micklethwaite 221 Boards intended for posting papers upon. 1918 6 Feb. 90/1 Clearly, the authorities ought to have posted notices..explaining that the maroons are warnings to take cover. 1975 10 Feb. 45/1 This poster was mailed to ABA members in the hope that they will post it. 1999 M. Frayn (2000) 341 Inflammatory handbills are circulated. Placards are posted up every night outside the palaces. society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publishing or spreading by leaflets or notices > [verb (transitive)] > publish by placard, notice, or bill > put up placard, notice, or bill on 1854 C. Dickens iii. iv. 291 He caused the walls to be posted with it [sc. a broadsheet]. 1887 24 Dec. 2/1 We had to fall back on posting the neighbourhoods as well as we could... We put out a poster and forty-five hand~bills to every three men who registered. 1952 M. McCarthy (1953) vi. 98 Her personality was posted with all sorts of No Trespassing signs and criss-crossed with electric fences, which repelled the intruder with a smart shock. 1967 26 Mar. ii. 9/1 Highway arteries have been posted, warning us that stiff fines will be imposed if we toss our leavings out of the car windows. 1980 J. C. Oates (1981) i. 24 All of the Bellefleur property was posted against trespassers. 7. Basketball. to post up. 1977 11 Feb. 15/4 When Longero started shooting so well, we began to post up James and put some pressure on him defensively. 1980 18 Apr. d5/1 He scored all six of his team's points in the extra period, getting two field goals by posting up Dennis Johnson, perhaps the premier defensive guard in the NBA. 1990 Dec. 52/3 Perkins can post up small forwards and grab weak-side rebounds all night. 2004 (Electronic ed.) 10 Jan. d1 Houston posted up the smaller point guard Damon Stoudamire, drew a double-team and promptly zipped a pass to Kurt Thomas at the top of the key. 1979 19 Feb. 18/2 Dale Shackleford and Roosevelt Bowie consistently posted-up low at will. 1991 14 Jan. 69/2 He'll also drag smaller, quicker guards down to the box, where he uses his strength and his rump to post up with impunity. 2001 17 Nov. (Home ed.) c1/2 He was in his mid-fifties then—tall, lanky, still able to post up on the young kids... He'd be staring at the same unfinished novel..and he'd get up and ‘go ball’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postv.2Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post n.3 Etymology: < post n.3 Compare Middle French, French poster to go very fast (1580; now regional; also in regional use in sense ‘to gallop’), Dutch posten to run the post, to run, to run around (1562 in Kiliaan; now Belgian Dutch). I. To travel in the manner of a post-rider, and related senses. society > communication > correspondence > postal services > person or vehicle that carries letters or mail > carry letters or mail [verb (intransitive)] > as post-courier society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport by relays of horses or vehicles > [verb (intransitive)] > travel by post-horses 1533 in J. B. Paul (1905) VI. 123 To ane boy that postit nycht and day in the northland with lettrez. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane f. ccxxxiiijv His seruant..had put on the apparell of a messenger, that posteth with letters. ?c1663 B. Whitelocke (1990) 64 Wh[itelocke]..posted to London to see his wife & new borne son. 1683 253 [He was] transported from Brighthemstead..to Feecam..whence he posted directly to Rouen. 1706 (new ed.) To Post it, to go or ride Post. 1748 S. Richardson VII. lxxiii. 245 That lady..had just given orders for a young man, a tenant's son, to post to London, to bring her news of her dear friend's condition. 1818 M. W. Shelley III. i. 19 We resolved to post the remainder of our way; for the wind was contrary. 1832 W. Irving in (1864) II. 465 We posted in an open carriage. 1843 T. B. Macaulay 21 Aug. (1977) IV. 137 I would have posted if I could have found a vehicle on reasonable terms. 1873 A. Helps viii. 201 When you are posting, you must have a horse for every adult passenger. a1902 S. Butler (1903) xxix. 124 Theobald was a little snappish at reflecting how many miles he had to post before he could be at his own fireside again. 1905 Baroness Orczy xix. 187 Chauvelin, on the other hand, would post to Dover, charter a vessel there, and undoubtedly reach Calais much about the same time. 2. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move with urgent speed 1553 T. Wilson iii. f. 89 Puffed presumpcion, passeth not a poynct,..procuring his passe porte to poste it to Hell pytte, there to be punished. 1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Pistles in tr. Horace sig. Dvj To Philippes house al sodainly Hee posteth in a brade. 1595 208 They posted so fast [Fr. tant cheuaucherent], that within short time they came before the gate. 1598 R. Hakluyt tr. Vincent of Beauvais in (new ed.) I. 65 Riding as fast as our horses could trot (for we had fresh horses almost thrise or foure times a day) we posted [Fr. hastions, L. properabamus] from morning till night. 1631 B. Jonson ii. iii. sig. D I haue lost two stone Of suet..posting hither, You might haue followed me like a watering pot, And seene the knots I made along the street. 1642 T. Fuller iii. xxi. 211 Had he seen Peter and John posting to Christs grave. 1674 N. Fairfax 122 The aforesaid thread of sand..posting through the neck-plate of the hour-glass. 1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Wife of Bathe's Tale in 480 The Learning of the Parish now is seen, The Midnight Parson posting o'er the Green. 1764 J. Boswell Jrnl. 18 Aug. in (1953) I. 65 I had no chair to bring me home..so that I was obliged to trudge home by myself in the dark... As I was posting along, up came a couple of musketeers. 1782 W. Cowper 214 Mistress Gilpin, when she saw Her husband posting down Into the country far away. 1801 J. Austen 21 May (1995) 87 In climbing a hill..I could with difficulty keep pace with her... On plain ground I was quite her equal—and so we posted away under a fine hot sun. 1851 E. FitzGerald (1889) I. 214 To post about in Omnibi between Lincoln's Inn and Bayswater. 1885 R. L. Stevenson Lamplighter in i With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street. 1928 D. H. Lawrence vii. 92 Hilda posted off to Dr Shardlow, and on the following Sunday Mrs Bolton drove up..to Wragby. 1988 J. J. Graham & J. Tait VIII. 11 He..went to the town house, felt Kirstie's pulse, shook his head and posted off again to get Henry. c1560 T. Hancock Autobiogr. in (1859) 82 The first plage..was the posting swet, that posted from towne to towne, throwghe England, and was named stope gallant, for hytt spared none, for ther were dawncyng in the cowrte at 9 a'clocke thatt were deadd or aleven a'clocke. 1570 J. Foxe (rev. ed.) II. 2238/2 The Priestes doe so champe them and chaw them [sc. the words of the service], and posteth so fast, that neither they vnderstand what they say, nor they that heare them. 1597 W. Shakespeare v. v. 59 But my time, Runnes posting on. View more context for this quotation 1609 S. Rowlands 74 Irrevocable time is posting gone. 1632 W. Lithgow ix. 403 Gray haires come posting on. c1685 in (1886) VI. 223 To th' Elizium Shades I post. 1726 A. Pope tr. Homer IV. xv. 381 He wastes away, Old age untimely posting ere his day. 1799 J. Robison Let. 11 Dec. in E. Robinson & D. McKie (1970) 318 We are posting as hard as we can to brutality and barbarism. 1852 M. Arnold i. ii We see, in blank dismay, Year posting after year, Sense after sense decay. †3. the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > do, deal with, acquire, etc., quickly [verb (transitive)] > cause to be done rapidly > hasten or hurry > a person 1570 P. Levens sig. Oiv/2 To Poste, properare. 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil i. 9 He foorth posted..Mercurye downeward. 1584 B. Rich II. sig. Tii Herevpon he posted ouer his wanderpng [sic] eies to more baser, yet seemely obiectes..takyng the viewe of the beautifull Ladies in Courte. 1629 J. Gaule 68 God posts away Gabriel the Harbinger with this Message. 1656 W. Sanderson i. 34 The Q[ueen] taking great affection to Darly, she posts away Lethington to Queen Elizabeth. 1694 W. Westmacott 184 Saffron, by the too frequent and lavish Use thereof in the Small-Pox, hath posted several to their long homes. 1700 G. Farquhar v. iii. 54 My Father..posts me away to Travel. 1807 J. Beresford II. xvii. 100 Posting your eye down the columns, eager to see whether the alliance between Russia and Prussia is going on. society > education > educational administration > examination > examine a candidate [verb (transitive)] > summon a candidate 1721 N. Amhurst No. 42 (1754) 224 The first and the last column in the [collector's] scheme, (which contain the names of those who are to come up the first day and the last day, and which is call'd posting and dogging,) are esteem'd very scandalous... Great application is made to them..to avoid being posted or dogg'd. 1883 (new ed.) at Post v 2. In the manege, to rise and sink on the saddle in accordance with the motion of the horse, especially when trotting. 1926 J. Devanny xx. 243 She had learnt to ‘post’, but she found that trotting on level ground was a different thing to trotting up and down rough hills. 1969 E. Hartley Edwards (1974) 204 To post at the trot a slight forward inclination of the trunk is all that is necessary, and the seat bones need only rise an inch or two from the saddle. 1981 J. Masters 177 The two young men rode side by side, John posting to the chestnut's rhythm, Chas sitting loose on the bay's broad back. 1993 T. Kirksmith v. 140 Then, as he goes faster, pick up your diagonal and begin posting. II. To convey in the manner of a post-rider, and related senses. †5. society > authority > delegated authority > investing with delegated authority > vest authority in a person [verb (transitive)] > commit to another to deal with society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > transfer (a duty) to another 1563 L. Humphrey f. xii This [learning] I saye, post they [sc. nobles] to the poore and nedy, whome scornfully they terme students, and scholers. 1578 T. Timme tr. J. Calvin iii. §13. 104 After the example of her husband, she poasteth over the fault to another [L. exonerat alio crimen]. 1578 T. White 84 Euery body can post it [sc. blame] off, or sport it out so prettily. 1593 T. Nashe 83 b Poste ouer the Plague to what naturall cause you will, I positiuely affirme it is for Sinne. 1618 E. Elton v. 88 It is the fashion of most men to post off the fault and blame of their sinnes from themselues. a1656 J. Hales (1673) i. 250 Nothing so well done, as that which the Master of the house..posts not over to his servants. the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)] 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in vii. xxix. 140 He differred & posted ouer his opinion from time to time. 1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. I4, in (rev. ed.) The compasse of your writing..maketh me poste of the aunswere, till by a more deepe consideration I may better conforme me vnto it. 1594 sig. I But they, that knew how innocent I was, did post him off with many long delayes, alleaging reasons to alaie his rage. 1642 C. Vernon 95 Divers good Rents and Debts have for some private ends been suffered to bee posted off, de anno in annum. 6. society > communication > correspondence > sending items > send items [verb (transitive)] > by special messenger 1598 in F. J. Furnivall (1897) 166 2 packetes,..which were maintenaunt..deliuered to Mr. John Francis to be posted hens. 1657 P. Heylyn I. 32 The Roman Emperors; whose Edict for a General Council might speedily be posted over all the Province. a1662 P. Heylyn (1668) ii. 327 The noise of these Proceedings..being quickly posted to the Scots. 1690 B. Church Let. 27 Nov. in (1716) ii. 78 False reports..were posted home by those ill affected Officers. 1724 in G. Sheldon (1895) I. 417 News from Albany..which news I immediately posted to Deerfield and Northfield. 1753 R. P. I. iv. 57 He..is now in the very center of the deserts of Arabia, from whence..he has posted a letter to me. society > communication > correspondence > sending items > send items [verb (transitive)] > put in post 1837 85 If a letter or packet should be posted with a penny stamped cover. 1845 J. R. McCulloch ii. viii. 307 The necessity..of paying the postage at the moment when letters are posted. 1886 80 211/1 The bills of costs were duly posted to Bouron in Paris. 1922 E. von Arnim (1989) 26 The letter had been posted in the letter-box in the hall and actually was beyond getting back again. 1959 J. Rhys (1984) 169 I will post the short stories to you tomorrow. 1987 R. Manning xiv. 144 My father sometimes used to ask me to post letters by the evening collection. 2002 13 Dec. 14/2 Everyone on the electoral roll must get a personal letter of invitation.., posted in a hand-addressed, windowless envelope (no sticky labels). 1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations xxxvi, in 27 Apr. 99 I could have posted a newspaper in his mouth, he made it so wide after saying this. 1933 A. Ransome xxi. 250 Susan's plan had been to make all the explorers put their waste scraps of fur..into the tins and then..to make a hole in the ice and post them, tin by tin, to the bottom of the Arctic sea. a1979 J. Grenfell (1983) ii. 197 It was parked..up against the kerb and its window was open about eight inches. And before I knew what I was doing I'd posted that rabbit. 1992 R. Rankin 155 Leave me the garage key and I will post it through your letter-box as soon as I am done. 2004 Feb. 74/3 The practice of a player going to ground and ‘posting’ the ball back through his legs..was outlawed. society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > rapidly a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iv. 27 The swiftest Harts, haue posted you by land; And Windes of all the Corners kiss'd your Sailes. View more context for this quotation a1644 F. Quarles (1645) Soliloquy iv. 20 Hath Heaven..glorifi'd thy name With honor, posted on the wings of Fame? 1682 T. D'Urfey iii. ii The swiftest Racers posted you by Land. 1844 W. Jamie 76 He couldna stand his lane Till twa, ane on ilka side, Did post him to his Jean. 8. society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > keep accounts [verb (transitive)] > enter in an account 1622 G. de Malynes 365 These seuen parcels are now put ouer into the Liedger which some call posted ouer. 1706 (new ed.) (at cited word) To Post an Account, is to put an Account forward from one Book to another; as to transcribe, or enter what is written in a Merchant's Waste-Book into the Journal, etc. 1763 G. G. Beekman Let. 28 Feb. in (1956) I. 432 Just Now Received your favour and find I have made a mistake to your Prejudice. I had Given Mr. Clarks account Credit for it, but as it was not Posted Omited to Credit the Company when I Charged the freight of his 4 Bales Goods etc. I should have found it out when Come to post it of. 1790 E. Burke 121 To see the crimes of new democracy posted as in a ledger against the crimes of old despotism. View more context for this quotation 1817 J. K. Paulding II. 110 Old H—— was obliged to post the proceeds of the cargo to profit and loss. 1875 E. Poste tr. Gaius (ed. 2) iii. Comm. 407 At the end of each month the contents of the Adversaria were posted into the more formal journal, the Tabulae. a1918 J. Bratt (1921) 143 I would return to the store and post the blotter kept by one and sometimes two clerks. 1990 R. Izhar i. 15 An important feature of the above system is that transactions are initially recorded in a day book, journal, or cash book before being posted to an account in the ledger. society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > keep accounts [verb (transitive)] > enter in an account > other book-keeping procedures 1707 in (1896) X. 94 So soone as Conveniently may be that ye bookes cann be posted. 1712 J. Arbuthnot x. 18 You have not posted your Books these Ten Years. 1725 D. Defoe I. xx. 342 He has not posted his Cash-book, for I know not how many months; nor posted his Day-book and Journal at all. 1727 D. Defoe (ed. 2) I. Suppl. iv. 146 A copy of the Ledger duly posted up. 1835 A. Underwood in (1928) 32 142 Having remained upwards of a week at Columbia during which time I had posted up the books of W J Eaton. 1873 P. G. Hamerton (1875) x. viii. 379 The mind is like a merchant's ledger, it requires to be continually posted up to the latest date. 1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne i. 16 Take a pride to keep your books posted, and never throw good money after bad. 1994 (Nexis) 28 Oct. 54 His unusual system for keeping track of payments..involved using a deck of playing cards to help post his ledgers. 1966 C. J. Sippl 234/2 Post, to enter a unit of information on a record. 1983 Aug. 31/1 As the equation is entered, TK scans it, identifies the variable names, and posts them to the appropriate field on the Variable sheet. 1993 Dec. 198/1 (advt.) Enter all employee hours in one spreadsheet-style window. Use as a stand-alone, post into MultiLedger or Cash Ledger, or export to Teleware's M.Y.O.B. 1997 (Nexis) Dec. 99 Fields can also be configured to accept data in a specific format or to post data into another table when the contents have been changed. society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > inform (a person) 1847 I. 619 Posted-up is an Americanism for well-informed, thoroughly conversant with. 1851 G. Flagg Let. 9 Jan. in (1986) 136 This last piece of news comes from Ursula who is well posted up in such matters. 1853 J. T. Trowbridge viii. 105 I snatch a few minutes from my much-occupied time to keep you posted up. 1856 G. D. Brewerton 365 As regards the details of the defences at Lawrence, we should certainly have been ‘better posted’ than we are. 1870 J. C. Duval 229 A city friend, who was posted in the fashions, went around with me to the shops. 1883 C. D. Warner 239 The lovers of the sport always post themselves as to the character of the bulls who are to perform. 1902 7 427 I thought you would like something fresh to read and post up on what is going on. 1915 G. O'Keeffe Let. 15 Sept. in G. O'Keeffe & A. Pollitzer (1990) 25 You must write me when you see her and must keep me posted about her. 1937 L. C. Douglas xi. 228 Lecturers packed hotel convention halls with rosy-faced, eager, wide-eyed customers who owed it to themselves to post up on psychology. 1978 T. Allbeury ii. 31 We want you to..post us on troop movements. 2001 R. Hill (2002) xi. 119 Right. I'm off. Keep me posted. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online June 2022). postv.3Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post n.5 Etymology: < post n.5 Compare post-classical Latin postare to take a stand (10th cent.), Middle French, French poster to place in a military position (a1630 in reflexive use), to put a person or thing in the appropriate place (1652), to install in a job or office (1694), Italian postare to put in place (a1537), to locate, position (a1540 in reflexive use), to station troops (1699), German postieren to station troops (17th cent.). 1. the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)] > place in assigned position 1609 I. Judith vii. 5 Taking their arms of war, they posted themselves at the places, which..lead directly between the mountains, and they guarded them all day and night. 1676 A. Marvell sig. B3 His little Party..had posted themselves at every corner to feigne a more numerous applause. 1683 W. Penn (1782) IV. 316 The place of the glass~house [is] conveniently posted for water-carriage. 1711 E. Budgell No. 161. ⁋3 A Country Girl, who was posted on an Eminence at some Distance from me. 1764 J. Boswell Jrnl. 20 Oct. in (1953) I. 143 The Marshal posts himself opposite the Duke and Duchess. 1781 E. Gibbon II. xxv. 525 The premature eagerness of the infantry, who were secretly posted in a deep valley, betrayed the ambuscade. 1814 W. Scott II. xxiii. 354 The..officer, after having sent out his night patroles, and posted his sentinels, engaged in reading the Evening Service..to the remainder of his troop. View more context for this quotation 1833 L. Ritchie 166 He..posted himself at the door of the banqueting hall. 1874 J. R. Green v. §1. 223 A body of English horsemen, posted on a hill to the right, charged suddenly on the French flank. 1915 F. H. Burnett vi. 65 ‘A sentinel ought to be posted at the end of the passage,’ Marco whispered. 1991 13 Aug. b9/2 The Mets..managed only a single run after posting men at first and third with none out in the fifth. the world > space > place > position or situation > be positioned or situated [verb (intransitive)] > take up position 1872 H. Cowles in C. H. Spurgeon (1874) IV. Ps. xciv. 10 The question posts midway..the point of application being too obvious to need mention. 1936 S. Spender in 11 Apr. 566/1 The wind-swept winter shore Where knifed-off slum blocks like stub teeth..post around the blank and roaring mouth of sand. 2. society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > military position > appoint to post [verb (transitive)] society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > administration and ceremonial > organize naval affairs, etc. [verb (transitive)] > give (officer) command of a ship 1800 Marquess Wellesley Let. 13 July in (1877) 555 One additional subaltern at least should be posted to every company of artillery. 1809 Duke of Wellington (1838) V. 306 I am..unwilling to send Mr. Dunlop to any particular regiment lest he should not be posted to it. a1817 J. Austen (1818) IV. xi. 296 When I returned to England in the year eight, with a few thousand pounds, and was posted into the Laconia. View more context for this quotation 1834 F. Marryat III. xiv. 186 I am posted, and appointed to the Semiramis frigate. 1894 3 Nov. 1056/1 Surgeon-Major Tuthill, on arrival from a tour of service at Gibraltar, has been posted to Dublin. 1907 J. K. Laughton (O.E.D. Archive) Every ship of 20 guns or more, was a post ship: & a man was ordinarily said to be posted, that is appointed to command a ship which gave him post as a captain. 1957 H. Williamson (1963) I. vii. 100 When he returned he learned that he and Lord had been posted to the Machine-Gun Training Centre at Grantham, and were to ‘proceed there forthwith’. 1981 M. Leitch x. 94 There had been a regiment of them here in this very town, until they were posted elsewhere because of the outcry. 1990 A. Beevor v. 56 Energetic characters have always run activities like the saddle club... But all these wax and wane depending on the enthusiasm of individuals posted in and out. 1824 Jan. 92/2 They [sc. the Whigs] gave a place to Moore, their lampoon-man—to Hallam, their great Balaamite—they posted Sidney Smith, their jack-pudding parson. 1888 at Eden, Sir Ashley In 1852 he reached India, and was first posted as assistant to the magistrate and collector of Rájsháhí. 1927 at Birdwood, Sir George Christopher Molesworth In 1878 he was posted as special assistant in the statistics and commerce department of the India Office. 1943 Proposals for Reform of Foreign Service 8 in (Cmd. 6420) XI. 117 Most members of the Service will spend the greater part of their careers abroad... Their situation must, therefore, be considered not as that of men..who may occasionally be posted away from home, but rather as that of men who..are only occasionally posted at home. 1967 (Diplomatic Service Admin. Office & C.O.I.) v. 41 Officers who are posted back to London after service overseas receive a special rent and representational allowance. 1983 L. Thomas iii. 21 To be posted as intern on one of the teaching services at Roosevelt Hospital was regarded as a sure ticket for a successful career as a practitioner in the New York City area. 1993 22 Mar. 33/1 His industry prompted his superiors to post him to England, and later to Asia, as a statistical control officer. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postv.4Origin: Probably either (i) formed within English, by conversion. Or (ii) a borrowing from Italian. Etymons: post n.5; Italian posta. Etymology: Probably either < post n.5 or independently < Italian posta stake in a game (see post n.4). Perhaps compare earlier post n.7 society > trade and finance > payment > pay money or things [verb (transitive)] > lay down money 1781 C. Johnstone II. 48 Toby having, in his own phrase, posted the cole (staked down the money)..lost a game or two, according to rule. 1789 G. Parker Life's Painter in J. S. Farmer (1964) 68 With spunk let's post our neddies; Then we'll all roll in bub. 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in II. 197 Post or post the poney, to stake, or lay down the money. 1821 8 233 Many..will recollect the needful was not posted. 1829 P. Egan New Ser. II. 5 Tom..posted his half-bull or his goldfinch upon any event with all the confidence and knowledge of a betting man. 1891 3 Apr. (Farmer) Done! post the money. 1948 7 Aug. 9/2 Promoter Andy Niederreiter, of the Tournament of Champions, has posted $150,000 to be split between the light heavyweights. society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > bailing or bail > bail or admit to bail [verb (transitive)] > deposit bail money 1904 18 Nov. He then posted $100 bail and was given his freedom. 1974 7 Apr. 4/8 Immediately after posting five million francs..bail money..he took a private plane home from Geneva. 1974 24 Apr. 10/1 Arrested and charged with illegal possession and sale of piranha, the dealer posted bond and awaits trial which should come this week. 1976 27 June 6– c/1 Thomas P. McGuinn..was released from Silver Bow County jail Friday after posting $50,000 bond. 1986 22 Mar. 2/8 A ‘bail fund’ reportedly to post bail for ‘witdoek’ fighters who were arrested in January. 1991 June 59/2 Since acid mine drainage is a continuing problem..the provincial ministries of the environment and of mines have required Equity..to post a $31-million interest-bearing bond that will assure ongoing maintenance of the problem. 1994 Sept. 7/1 The band found a bailbondsman to post $2500 per and were released early the next morning. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postv.5Origin: A variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymon: poss v. Etymology: Variant or alteration of poss v. Compare earlier posting n.3 and discussion at that entry. Scottish. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing clothes and textile articles > wash clothes [verb (transitive)] > by tramping 1896 N. Munro 35 The women, posting blankets for the coming sheiling, stopped their splashing in the little linn. 1914 N. Munro xiv The river where some girls, high-kilted to the thighs, were posting blankets. 1936 I. Cameron xxv Herself is at the burn posting the blankets. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postv.6Origin: Formed within English, by clipping or shortening. Etymon: post-mortem v. Etymology: Shortened < post-mortem v. Medicine slang (chiefly U.S.). the world > health and disease > healing > diagnosis or prognosis > examination > examine medically [verb (transitive)] > perform autopsy on 1942 J. G. Cozzens 48 Do you generally make a spectacle out of it when you post a body? 1952 I. E. Newsom i. 10 The same knife was used in posting a calf dead of blackleg. 1983 J. Wambaugh ii. 34 ‘The postmortem begins at ten-thirty.’ ‘Anything left to post..? She must look like strawberry shortcake.’ 2004 P. Cornwell xiii. 118 ‘I swear that wasn't here when I posted her,’ he says, leaning close, adjusting the surgical light to get a better look. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postadv.1Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post n.3 Etymology: < post n.3, in the phrases to ride in post , to go in post , etc. (see in post at post n.3 Phrases 4). Compare Middle French, French courir la poste to go very fast (see in post at post n.3 Phrases 4). Compare slightly later with post at post n.3 Phrases 6. Now archaic and rare. the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > [adverb] the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > [adverb] > swiftly and urgently 1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus II. Jas. iv. f. xxxvii You ryde poste to the deuil. 1588 A. Fraunce Ded. sig. ¶2v Riding poast towards London, you chaunged horse at the Vniversitie. 1597 W. Shakespeare v. ii. 112 Mount thee vpon his horse, Spur, post, and get before him to the King. View more context for this quotation 1623 J. Webster i. ii. sig. B4v Your inclination to shed blood, rides post Before my occasion to vse you. a1653 H. Binning (1845) 377 Men begin at leisure, but they run post before all be done. 1671 J. Milton 1538 For evil news rides post, while good news baits. View more context for this quotation 1689 No. 2485/4 A Gentleman riding Post with the Mail, was likewise taken into the said Wood. 1711 Royal Proclam. 23 June in No. 4866/2 All Letters..shall..be..delivered to the Deputy.., and..sent Post unto the..General Post-Office. 1751 Mem. Lady of Quality in T. Smollett III. lxxxviii. 146 Sir T—— sent his valet de chambre, post, with a letter. 1776 E. Gibbon I. p. ix/1 (note) Cæsarius, a Magistrate of high rank, went post from Antioch to Constantinople. 1814 W. Scott III. ix. 111 He will put me ashore at Berwick or Shields, from whence I can ride post to London. View more context for this quotation 1833 J. Montgomery Form of Poetry in 109 Otherwise I could show the sense absolutely halting on foot in the first line, while the diction rides post to the end of the third to catch a rhyme. 1883 R. L. Stevenson ii. vii. 57 So now, Livesey, come post; do not lose an hour, if you respect me. 1930 F. A. Pottle 62 Walking post through the moonlit forest while the calls blew one after another was a memory to cherish. the world > action or operation > manner of action > rapidity or speed of action or operation > [adverb] > expeditiously 1632 J. Shirley i. 4 'Twere no good manners to speake hastily to a Gentlewoman, to talke post (as they say) to his Mistresse. 1634 J. Taylor 4 Some haue..the dexteritie to write poast, and some the abilitie to speake poast. a1658 J. Cleveland 53 Scriblers (that write Post and versifie With no more Leasure than we cast a Dye). This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postadv.2Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin post. Etymology: < classical Latin post after (see post- prefix). Compare ante adv. the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [adverb] > below or hereafter (in a later part of a book, etc.) 1688 E. Bulstrode (ed. 2) I. 38 (side-note) Post. 88. 89. 1797 I. at Constable If..entrance upon demand is refused, he may break open the doors... See post. 2. 1867 (Royal Soc.) 157 516 Nos. in ( ) refer to Tables in the former memoirs except (83) and (84), which are given post. 1919 H. F. Jones I. vii. 103 In 1893 Butler received two letters from Colonel Lean, from which extracts are given post, and he wrote in reply a characteristic letter, also given post (II. p. 171). 1973 (1974) (Lexis) 19 June 264 Per curiam. The fact that some preliminary routine matters or formalities, such as the removal of hatch covers, remain to be done does not prevent a good notice of readiness being given (post, pp. 273D, 274A, 278A-B). 1991 P. S. F. Atiyah ii. 27 (note) Some examples are given, post, p. 155. This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). postprep.Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: post- prefix. Etymology: < post- prefix. the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > future [preposition] > after or beyond 1965 16 Sept. 432/3 Der Ferne Klang is post-Wagnerian, and post just about everything else that was happening at the turn of the century. 1974 7 Jan. 13/3 Now, post the increase [in the price of oil],..future gold price prospects far outweigh individual share fundamentals. 1979 19 July 21/4 Post the Geneva meeting of Opec the OECD reckons that its 24 member countries..can expect average economic growth of only two p.c. over the next 12 months. 1991 12 Sept. 25/3 Post the rights issue, BAe hopes it will be able to live on its existing borrowings for up to three years. 2004 (Internat. ed.) Apr. 88/2 It is rumoured that post the first outdoor of ‘No Entry’ in South Africa, Salman has been flooding her cell inbox with mushy messages. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). > see alsoalso refers to : post-prefix < |
