| 释义 |
publicadj.n. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French public, publique; Latin pūblicus. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman publik, pupplik, Anglo-Norman and Middle French public, publiq, publique, Middle French publice, publicque, puplique, French public, †publique (adjective) of or relating to the people as a whole (first half of the 13th cent. in Old French), official (end of the 13th cent. or earlier in Anglo-Norman in instrument publik official document), authorized by, serving, or representing the community (end of the 13th cent. or earlier in Anglo-Norman in publique notaire public notary, persoine publique incumbent of a public office), generally known (first half of the 14th cent.), open or available to all members of the community generally (late 14th cent. in lieux publiques and places publiques public places), open to general observation or view, carried out without concealment (c1400), (noun) the community or its members collectively (1391; 1320 in Old French in en public in a public place, publicly, openly), state, nation (1559), audience, spectators collectively (1751) and their etymon classical Latin pūblicus of or belonging to the people as a whole, common to all, universal, of or affecting everyone in the state, communal, authorized, provided, or maintained by the state, available to or enjoyed by all members of a community, in post-classical Latin also conspicuous, clear (4th cent.), of or relating to the nations generally, international (1541 in the passage translated in quot. 1548 at sense A. 2c), alteration (after pūbes , in the senses ‘adult men’, ‘male population’: see pubes n.) of poplicus < poplus (later populus ) people n. + -icus -ic suffix. With use as noun compare also classical Latin pūblicum public interest, use as noun of neuter of pūblicus . Compare also classical Latin rēs pūblica republic n. Compare Old Occitan, Occitan public (c1170 as adjective and noun, the latter as publico, in sense ‘public treasury’), Catalan públic (13th cent. as adjective and noun; 1150 as adjective in form †púlvego; compare post-classical Latin pulbichus, pulvichus, both 10th cent. in Catalan sources), Spanish público (late 12th cent. as adjective; 10th cent. as adjective in form pupligo; a1250 as noun), Portuguese público (late 13th cent. as adjective in form †pulvego, early 18th cent. as noun), Italian pubblico (first half of the 13th cent. as adjective in form †publico, first half of the 18th cent. as noun).Early β forms are < French forms with medial -p- , which are themselves influenced by peuple , pople , pueple , etc. people n.; compare also similar forms at publish v. With public orator at sense A. 2b compare post-classical Latin orator publicus :1522 Cambr. Univ. Statutes in Docs. of Commission (1852) I. 431 Statuimus ordinamus et volumus ut unus aliquis orator publicus eligatur.1636 in J. Griffiths Statutes Univ. Oxf. under Abp. Laud (1888) xvii. vii De Publico Universitatis Oratore. With sense A. 2b compare post-classical Latin disputatio publica public disputation:1636 in J. Griffiths Statutes Univ. Oxf. under Abp. Laud (1888) vi. i. §3 In Scholis Artium publicis Disputationes..habeantur. With public reader at sense A. 2b compare post-classical Latin lector publicus :1636 in J. Griffiths Statutes Univ. Oxf. under Abp. Laud (1888) iv De Lectoribus Publicis. Sense A. 7 is apparently not paralleled in French until later (second half of the 18th cent.); compare †vertu publique patriotism (1765), esprit publique public spirit (1777). With in public at sense B. 1 compare classical Latin in pūblicō in the open, in public, Old French, Middle French, French en public (1320 in Old French), Old Occitan, Occitan en public (13th cent.), Catalan en públic (13th cent.), Spanish en público (a1250), Italian in pubblico (a1342). With into public at sense B. 1a compare classical Latin in pūblicum into the open. A. adj. In general, and in most of the senses, the opposite of private adj.1The various senses pass into each other by many intermediate shades of meaning. The exact meaning often depends upon the noun qualified; in some expressions the precise sense is unambiguous, but in others more than one sense is vaguely present, and it is difficult to determine in what sense precisely the thing in question was originally called ‘public’. E. g. public worship may be public in senses A. 1a, A. 4a; a public meeting may be regarded as public in senses A. 1a, A. 2a, A. 3a, and A. 4a; and a public examination, originally public in sense A. 2b, is now apprehended as public in sense A. 4a. 1. society > communication > manifestation > manifestness > openness or unconcealedness > [adjective] 1394 in (1836) III. 257 (MED) We..to this oure writyn certi[fi]cat han frelich sett oure selys, in ful and pupplik declaracion of trowthe in dede. c1447 Queen Margaret To King in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (1886) I. Introd. p. lxiii (MED) These accustumed of plain lecture and exposicion..parformyd daily twyes..to the publique audience of alle men frely, bothe seculiers and religieus. c1475 tr. A. Chartier (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 169 The deedes ben soo publique [a1500 Rawl. the werkis ben wittenessed so opinly] and the witnesse is hunger intollerable. 1548 f. xxviijv Ther inwarde grudge could not refrayne but crye out in places publike, and also priuate. 1557 Matt. i. 19 A publike exemple of infamie. 1597 R. Hooker v. xix. 29 The Church, by her publique reading of the booke of God preacheth onely as a witnesse. 1652 R. Brome ii. sig. D3v That will be too publique for our Recreation. 1687 E. Arwaker (title) The ministration of publick baptism of infants to be used in the Church. 1709 R. Steele No. 10. ⁋7 The Count de Mellos..had made his Publick Entry into that City with much State. 1753 Suppl. Burial of an ass, Asini sepultura, an ignominious kind of burial, out of holy ground,..and performed by public hangmen. 1758 S. Hayward p. xiv To think there is nothing in religion; by which means our public performances are despised. 1848 J. S. Mill i. iii. §2 Such..is the labour of the musical performer, the actor, the public declaimer or reciter. 1874 J. S. Blackie 23 A certain awkwardness and difficulty in the public utterance of thought. 1939 25 Dec. 2/3 He wears a toupee..for cinema and most public appearances. 1965 28 v. 520 Judges..had a near monopoly of the Chairmanships of Royal Commissions, indeed of public inquiries of every sort. 1997 J. Seabrook iv. 105 I posted a public apology on the list where I first read his postings. society > communication > printing > publishing > [adjective] > published a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun (Nero) iv. Prol. l. 2 Tullyus, þat of Retorik A tretis made to be publik. 1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy (1901) I. 74/1 The samyn to be drawin out of his bukis to be inserit in public tabillis. a1641 R. Montagu (1642) iii. 159 The Prophets, whose writings were publique, and extant amongst the Jews. 1657 R. Austen (ed. 2) Ep. Ded. sig. a2 Your Legacy of Husbandry, (and other pieces made publique by your means). 1716 T. Hearne (1901) V. 264 Dr. South..hath many publick Works extant. 1777 W. Robertson (1783) II. 451 The first of his dispatches has never been made public. the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > [adjective] > clearly visible > conspicuous 1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau 29 b/2 The ninth [vein] is very publique [Du. seer openbare; Fr. fort apparente], lyinge in the necke, and is called the Iugularis, vayne. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > state of being well-known > [adjective] 1650 T. Hubbert 19 He is not so openly manifested to be wicked as the publike profane person. 1723 D. Defoe (ed. 2) 340 I was not so publick here, as to be very well known. 1727 P. Walker 150 Mr. George Barclay..was very publick at that Time, and had his Hand at many a good Turn. 1794 31 July (advt.) Elegant prints amongst which are a few proof prints of the following public characters, viz. General Washington, [etc.]. 2. the world > people > nations > [adjective] > national 1427 in H. Nicolas (1834) III. 239 Þei shulde be free to governe by þe said auctorite and aquite hem in al þing þat hem thought expedient for þe Kinges behove, þe good publique of his said roialmes & lordships. 1483 W. Caxton tr. A. Chartier sig. iijv Thanguysshes that he hath suffred in admynystracion publycque. a1525 (a1500) Sc. Troy Bk. (Douce) l. 802 in C. Horstmann (1882) II. 251 Wnder Anthenor hys ledynge And Eneas þat was hys fere-Quhilkes publices [C. publickis] traytours were Of þar londe. 1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy (1903) II. iv. xi. 84 I will tak pyne..to do sic thingis for defence of public liberte. 1657 P. Heylyn I. ii. 23 The publique Liturgy in the vulgar tongue. 1667 J. Glanvill 5 Standing publick Records have been kept of these well attested Relations. 1673 J. Ray 163 He is entrusted with the management of public monies. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot i. 241 In the month of November there was..at Caire..a publick Rejoicing, because the Turks had taken two Castles in Hungary. 1712 J. Morris 61 We have not yet, any common Publick Taxes on the province. 1731 J. Swift To Gay in (1735) II. 424 I knew a brazen Minister of State, Who bore for twice ten years the publick Hate. 1780 J. Bentham (1789) xviii. §9 These may be termed public offences or offences against the State. 1822 29 June 3/1 He accepted this testimony of public confidence. 1929 16 June iii. 8/4 Export representatives..report a public awareness of the distinct advantages of the air-cooled engine. 2003 (Nexis) 1 Aug. 7 Philadelphia plumbing codes require drinking fountains in all places of public assembly. society > education > place of education > college or university > [adjective] > university > of whole university 1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus i. i. f. 5 When I saied: that I meruailled why hym self dyd not practise Physicke, of whiche facultee he was a doctour and a publique reader [L. demiranti quur artem medicandi quam profitebatur ipse non exerceret]: I auayll muche more, saieth he in that I teache al the other phisicians. 1550 N. Udall tr. P. M. Vermigli (title page) A discourse or traictise of Petur Martyr..the publyque reader of diuinitee in the Uniuersitee of Oxford. 1645 A. Wood (1891) I. 116 William Strode..public orator of the University, died, M., 10 Mar. anno 1644/5. 1656 A. Wood (1891) I. 205 Dr John Wilson, the public professor [of Music], the best at the lute in all England. 1731 Ordinationes in (1888) App. 320 The University Orator..to make a Speech in Commemoration of the Benefactors to the University in the Public Theatre once in the year. 1734 M. Barber Index Written for my Son, and spoken by him, at a public Examination for Victors. 1773 J. Napleton (title) Considerations on the public exercises for first and second degrees in the University of Oxford. 1810 56 A testimonial will be given him by one of the Public Examiners. 1862 134 The First Public Examination before the Moderators,..the Second Public Examination before the Public Examiners. 1870 W. S. Jevons (1890) xviii. 152 In former centuries it was, indeed, the practice for all students at the Universities to take part in public disputations. 1882 §6 Of the Conditions upon which a Private Hall may become a Public Hall of the University. 1900 683 Unless the Fellow hold the office of Professor, Public Orator, Registrary, or Librarian in the University. 1943 29 July 5/4 The Public Orator is presenting some great man for an honorary degree. 1957 D. Balsdon 169 The College tutor's public lecture is an interruption in a week otherwise devoted to teaching pupils in his rooms. 1971 J. R. R. Tolkien 25 Aug. (1995) 411 So far as his interest in Old English Poetry was due to me, this was derived from my public lectures. the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > generally applicable > relating to civilized nations generally 1548 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus I. John vii. f. lviii He ought not after our common, or rather publike lawe [L. legem publicam], (that is to saye, a lawe whiche indifferently perteyneth to all men of euery state) to be condemned, except his cause be knowen before. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane f. ccciiij A publique war was attempted against the Barbarians. 1581 J. Hamilton Quest. sig. Vvii Quhat vther nor ye Romane kirk..be publict concilis hes condemnit all heretikes. 1665 R. Boyle iv. xvii. sig. Hh3 For almost all the publique Quarrels in Christendome. 1729 J. Disney x. 317 The Law of Nations will over-rule, in the case of Public Justice, or Public War. 1800 J. A. Park (ed. 4) iv. 66 A taking of the ships of goods belonging to the subjects of one country, by those of another, when in a state of public war. the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > general or in common to various things > relating to the whole human race 1653 H. Whistler 3 Whereby the guiltinesse of Adams sinne (as the publique Trustee for Man-kind) originally tainteth Children. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil 68 The Sun..In Iron Clouds conceal'd the Publick Light. View more context for this quotation 1858 N. Hawthorne Jrnl. 17 Jan. in (1980) i. 45 Enjoying the public sunshine as if it were their own household fire. 3. society > society and the community > [adjective] > done on behalf of c1485 ( G. Hay (2005) 189 This power is gevin generaly to all publyk persone, that is to say, all commoun officer. 1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy (1901) I. iii. vii. 273 Ilk thing þat was afore done..mycht þan be abrogate and revocate be public commites. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane f. lxj He should be constrayned to stand to the publique iudgement appoynted by you. 1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius 8 A public officer called Accensus should huisher him before and the Serjeants or Lictours follow after behinde. 1691 T. Hale 92 Not by the arbitrage of private Patentees..but by the Public Conservators. 1710 T. Mairne 22 They (lower House) appoint the publick treasurer, call him to an Account, and dismiss him, when they see fit, by a Vote of their House. 1797 23 559 The first public measure which tended avowedly to republicanise France. 1867 C. Dickens Feb. (1999) XI. 315 Is it Sensational in a public officer when has nothing to say for his Department, basely and meanly to shelter himself under the Miserable Slang of the hour? 1890 63 734/1 A public prosecution, ordered by an official of the Crown, for what was considered to be a public object. 1976 16 Dec. 7/9 Two major hospital schemes in Dudley and Stafford, costing more than £20 million, may be delayed because of the public spending cuts. 1996 P. Wilde (rev. ed.) ii. 24 The tenant can refer this notice to his local rent assessment committee (an independent public body) for arbitration. 1637 (rubric) For the decent furnishing of that Church, or the publike relief of their poore. 1741 S. Richardson IV. xiii. 75 Poor Housekeepers, who..are asham'd to apply for publick Relief. 1792 B. Flower tr. 25 There shall be created and organised, a general establishment of public aid..to relieve the infirm poor. 1826 5 May 28/1 Public grants had been made for the relief of real distress. 1884 B. Jerrold II. xii. 185 That ready kindness of heart and chivalry towards the weak which pervade the ‘Public Assistance’ of the country. 1931 J. S. Huxley iii. 87 A..method for exerting some control over population-growth would be to link it on to public relief. 1971 2 50 A working man..on public assistance. 1999 30 Jan. i. 7/5 The targeted population of working poor is difficult to reach because it is not necessarily tied to the state's public aid system. 4. society > society and the community > [adjective] > available to the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [adjective] > generally accessible or available c1485 ( G. Hay (2005) 38 Jn publik placis. 1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy (1901) I. i. xxi. 119 Þai war constrenit to mak public setis and scaffaldis in commoun placis quhare playis war devisit. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay ii. xix. 56 b [He] caused to be clothed two publique Turkish women, with very rich apparrell. 1607 B. Jonson ii. ii. sig. D4 I..was euer wont to fixe my Banke in face of the publike Piazza, neare the shelter of the portico. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. ii. 236 I saw her once Hop forty Paces through the publicke streete. View more context for this quotation 1617 F. Moryson i. 77 Each Church hath a little market place..and a publike Well. 1699 M. Lister (new ed.) 150 I never saw in all the Markets once Sprouts..nor in their publick Gardens any Reserves of old Stalks. 1718 in (1883) VIII. 129 The Projection of an Act for a Publick Market in Boston..Voted disallowed. 1793 J. Smeaton (ed. 2) §59 His property was sold at public biddings. 1848 E. C. Gaskell I. i. 1 There are some fields near Manchester..through which runs a public footpath to a little village about two miles distant. a1854 Ld. Cockburn (1856) vi. 346 We were..very angry, and had recourse to another of these new things called public meetings. 1898 E. Howard vii. 73 Their so-called ‘public markets’..are by no means public in the same full sense as are our public parks, libraries, water undertakings..which are carried on upon public property, by public officials, at the public expense, and solely with a view to the public advantage. 1924 J. Buchan vi. 85 I went into a public telephone-booth. 1933 14 Apr. 75/1 The war was newly over..and public clocks had resumed their forgotten chiming. 1969 A. Cornelisen iv. 139 Our meeting is not entirely private... Our mutual understanding must become public property. 1996 Dec. 56/2 The list of places where it is illegal to smoke is staggering and growing: taxis, sports areas and public loos, to name but a few. 1792 63 Heyer, Walter, public measurer, 6, Pearl-street. 1824 J. C. Loudon i. 244 A public dealer can always afford to keep up a finer display of plants..than any private gentleman whatever. 1869 L. M. Alcott II. xi. 162 She excited the suspicions of public librarians by asking for works on poisons. 1937 189 65/2 In most states and in most municipalities, the average public employee is chosen without regard to civil service qualifications. 1969 20 Oct. 1/2 Illinois has been ahead of the federal courts in supplying public attorneys to indigents. 1981 11 May 20/3 A lack of appreciation among some of the examiners..of what..the activities of a public accounting practice are all about. 2004 8 Nov. 6/3 It's not just public employees like teachers, police officers and firefighters who are being priced out. society > society and the community > [adjective] > relating to person as member of the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > ceremony or formality > [adjective] > formal as opposed to personal or private a1538 T. Starkey (1989) 41 Both in the pryvate & publyke state of every man. 1673 J. Alleine 141 I am not now in my former publick capacity, such things being required of me to say and subscribe, as I could by no means yield to. 1709 R. Steele No. 10. ⁋1 Effects..upon the publick and private Actions of Men. 1794 S. T. Coleridge (1956) I. 110 He is a High Church man..and is guilty..of so many Rascalities in his public Character, that he is obliged to drink three bottles of Claret a day in order to acquire a stationary rubor. 1814 J. Austen III. iii. 67 The preacher..is a man whom one could not (in his public capacity) honour enough. View more context for this quotation 1932 H. Nicolson (title) Public faces. 1961 2 Nov. 732/2 He [sc. John Reith] created what in modern jargon would be called a public image of the B.B.C. 1962 1 Mar. 366/2 There is the question of Egypt's public face, the face which she presents to the world. 1988 H. David (1989) i. 13 Whistler..had soon created a public personality which vied with Swinburne's in its outrageousness. society > society and the community > [adjective] society > society and the community > [adjective] > relating to or engaged in affairs of society > authority > office > [adjective] > public society > occupation and work > business affairs > [noun] > public society > authority > office > [adjective] > holding office > public 1539 R. Taverner sig. B.viiiv Sophistrie is vnprofytable vnto publique affayres & to the comen felawshyppe of man. 1571 J. Chillester tr. ‘Chelidonius Tigurinus’ (title page) A Hystorie..very necessarie to be red not only of all Nobilitie and Gentlemen, but also of euerie publike person. ?a1600 (a1575) N. Harpsfield (Emmanuel) (1932) 15 But yet did the king forbeare, as well least he might seeme trenchy to writings and breake the auncient libertie of the Parliament house for the free speaking touching the publique affaires. 1611 T. Coryate sig. Q8 The Duke sat about the publicke affaires with the other Senators. 1654 J. Trapp i. 5 Men of publike places. 1673 J. Ray 170 Those who assist the Commonwealth..have liberty granted to them to be present in this Council, and to understand the management of public affairs. 1716 R. Wodrow (1843) II. 145 I cannot promise upon this so very soon, we having much public business. 1758 J. Brown 38 This was the Time for honest Men of every Rank to join with those Men of public Station in so laudable a Work. 1783 S. Johnson in J. Boswell (1887) IV. 178 With how little real superiority of mind men can make an eminent figure in publick life. 1817 1st Ser. 10 July The community at large, who knew Mr. Ponsonby only as a public man. 1822 20 Oct. 1/3 (heading) Aspect of public affairs. 1861 Earl Russell in 16 Oct. 8/5 When I embarked in public life I did so with the view of carrying great measures into effect. 1901 11 Dec. 1/3 Public men are made for public affairs, not public affairs for public men. 1937 Feb. 94/2 The management of public affairs. 1993 5 Mar. (Review Suppl.) 14/6 Respect for dynasticism in families such as the Nehrus and the Bhuttos seems to have overcome sexism sufficiently to allow daughters to follow their fathers in public life. society > society and the community > social attitudes > public-spiritedness > [adjective] 1607 J. Norden v. 200 Some will be peruerse, and wilful, and hinder the best publike action that is. 1652 J. Howell tr. A. Giraffi (new ed.) ii. 78 Known to be a good Patriot, and of a publike soul. 1665 R. Howard & J. Dryden Indian-queen iv, in R. Howard 161 Wou'd it not breed Grief in your publick heart to see her bleed? 1744 J. Thomson Winter in (new ed.) 217 That Ray of purest Heaven, which lights the public Soul of Patriots, and of Heroes. 1779 W. Tudor in (1789) 117 It first unfits men for patriotic energies, and soon teaches them to consider public virtue as a public jest. 1850 R. W. Emerson Napoleon in vi. 229 Napoleon had been the first man of the world, if his ends had been purely public. B. n. 1. in public. society > communication > manifestation > manifestness > openness or unconcealedness > [adverb] society > communication > printing > publishing > [adverb] c1429 (1986) l. 923 To convers in publike [glossed in comon place] hase sho fledde all hire lif, Halsing solitarie estat and pure contemplatif. 1494 Loutfut MS f. 112, in at Public The appellacioun..[to] be opnyt & red in public. a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in (1848) II. 279 That any suche questioun was at any time moved in publict or in secreat. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. i. 199 Follow vs, We are to speake in publique . View more context for this quotation 1642 T. Lechford sig. A2 I have..presumed to enter into publique, for these reasons. 1662 W. Gurnall 138 They read it at home, and hear it preacht powerfully in the publick. 1689 J. Evelyn Let. 12 Aug. in (1852) III. 301 The room where he [sc. the Earl of Clarendon] used to eat and dine in public. 1727 Country-post in J. Swift et al. II. 288 They having of late appear'd very much in Publick together. 1778 F. Burney I. xxii. 178 She would never more take me into public. 1816 J. Austen II. xiv. 267 The idea..of her going into public under the auspices of a friend of Mrs. Elton's. View more context for this quotation 1859 E. Bulwer-Lytton (1st Edinb. ed.) I. i. i. 7 Kisses, though pleasant in private, are insipid in public. 1873 c. 89 §13 The inquiry shall be held in public before an officer. 1936 M. Mitchell Let. 7 July in (1986) 20 Utter strangers collar me in public and ask the most remarkable questions. 1992 1 Nov. 23/2 These issues need to be talked out, not snuffed out by those who abhor washing dirty laundry in public. the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > in general [phrase] > in a collective capacity 1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Persian Wars i. 8 in tr. Procopius Bestowing many benefits upon their City in publique, and on particular men. 2. society > authority > rule or government > a or the state > [noun] the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public a1586 Sir P. Sidney (1590) iii. xix. 325 You are a Prince, & a father of people, who ought..to set downe all priuate conceits, in comparison of what for the publike is profitable. 1611 B. Jonson v. sig. Ov Hee's scarce a friend vnto the Publicke . View more context for this quotation 1640 in J. Nicholson 13 Nov. (1855) 92 For the better furtherance of the service of the publict. 1673 J. Ray 154 Though the public be not so rich as it hath been, yet will it soon recover itself. 1699 Ld. Shaftesbury i. iii. 65 We see that in a State or Public, a virtuous and good Administration..is of service. 1764 R. Burn 209 Sustained, not at the expence of such parish or place, nor of the county,..but of the publick, to be paid out of some such rate as the land tax. 1769 W. Blackstone IV. xi. 151 If both these points are against the defendant, the offence against the public is complete. 1783 S. Johnson 31 Dec. (1994) IV. 267 The Ministry is again broken..the times are dismal and gloomy. But to a sick man what is the publick. society > society and the community > [noun] 1621 J. Reynolds sig. A3 I only represent what they have acted, and give that to the publike, which they obscurely perpetrated in private. 1665 R. Boyle Introd. Pref. sig. A8 The favourable Reception that the publick has hitherto vouchsafed to what hath been presented it. 1705 in tr. Aristotle Pref. sig. b4 I leave it to the Publick, and time, to Judge of my Work, for I will neither Court, nor slight their Favours. 1711 R. Steele No. 258. ⁋2 Another Project which..will give the Publick an Equivalent to their full Content. 1752 G. G. Beekman Let. 23 Oct. in (1956) I. 152 Mr. Bradfords the printer his paper also acquaints the Publick that the price is 6/. 1796 E. Burke Two Lett. Peace Regicide Directory France ii, in (1808) VIII. 257 The publick is the theatre for mountebanks and impostors. 1808 6 Feb. 3/2 The Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, are respectfully informed, that there will be a masquerade at this Theatre on Thursday. a1854 Ld. Cockburn (1856) vi. 371 There was a feeble murmur against the ejection of what the few murmurers termed ‘The Public’. 1878 J. L. Patterson xviii. 357 Supposing..the libraries were not open to the public, what right had the State to confiscate them. 1945 V. Bell Let. 10 Apr. in (1993) viii. 493 We have netted £20 each just for 2 drawings. The public is clamouring for more. 1999 K. Hickman (2000) v. 111 A week later.., the public were let into the embassy compound. the world > people > [noun] 1699 Ld. Shaftesbury i. ii. 28 The Mind..readily discerns the good and the ill towards the Species or Public. 3. the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tavern or public house 1685–6 J. Dunton Summer's Ramble iv, in f. 138 Here I had no Acquaintance, but took Sanctuary in a Publick, where there was Extraordinary good Cyder. 1709 For the Improvement of its [sc. the newly-planted tree's] growth, aiournd to the publick and moistned it to the Root. 1756 G. Whitefield 3 My Mother..kept me in my tender Years from intermeddling in the least with the public Business. 1799 R. Southey 5 Jan. What, don't you keep a public? 1824 W. Scott III. ii. 32 He is a statesman, though he keeps a publick. 1840 T. Arnold Jrnl. 23 July in A. P. Stanley (1845) II. App. C. 426 Iron foundries and publics have no connexion with mere book literature. 1899 A. West I. ii. 67 There was a ‘public’ called the ‘Half-Way House’. 1912 W. Owen 14 Nov. (1967) 168 Spending the evening at ‘the public’. 1954 (Brit. Libr. Sound Archive) (Survey Eng. Dial.: C908) (MS transcript) Track 43 [Westmorland] I used to go..with another woman who kept a public at Crosby. 1993 S. Stewart xv. 145 There was a little ‘public’ there with a trough outside for the 'orses to 'ave a drink too. the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tap-room or bar > other bars 1957 N. Marsh ii. 29 The bar-parlour at the Green Man..lay at right angles to the Public. 1969 M. Duffy i. 19 The pints of beer she had to pull for the pensioners in the public. 1971 L. Lamb vii. 64 They had finished doing the bars, and..were having a cup of tea in the Public. 4. the world > people > ethnicities > [noun] > particular section or group of community or mankind 1709 Ld. Shaftesbury 70 They..enjoy the common Good and Interest of a more contracted Publick. 1795 W. Paley (ed. 3) I. i. i. 32 That general disbelief..which..prevailed amongst the intelligent part of the heathen public. 1817 S. T. Coleridge I. iii. 49 A shelf or two of Beauties, elegant Extracts and Anas, form nine-tenths of the reading of the reading public. 1843 J. Ruskin (1880) I. 21 There is a separate public for every picture, and for every book. 1868 M. Pattison 3 The British public will not long ask this question without helping itself to the answer. 1894 Aug. 458 While it is the most capricious of publics it is also the most sheeplike. 1926 H. W. Fowler 316/2 The mass of the picture-loving public, however, may be assured of good value for the shillings. 1977 Oct. 653/2 He earned the devotion and affection of a large concert-going and record-buying public right up until the 1950s. 2001 12 Sept. 13/2 Moderate Arab governments whose unfeigned horror at what has happened is dictated as much by anxieties about the impact on their own publics as it is by common humanity. the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > [noun] > supporter or encourager > section of society 1823 W. Scott Introd. p. xxxiv My Public are to be informed, that I gradually sipp'd and smoked myself into a certain degree of acquaintance with un homme comme il faut. 1893 H. James Let. 2 May in C. Mackenzie (1963) II. 309 If your public..can't see any of that charm, and wants such a bêtise instead, we are engaged in a blind-alley. 1921 H. Crane 19 Sept. (1965) 64 I am ‘sold out’ and will have to rush rhymes and rhythms together to supply my enthusiastic ‘public’ as fast as I can. 1952 W. Granville 145 My public will hate me in this part. 1996 ‘E. Lathen’ (1998) ii. 17 Rugby positioned himself before the larger-than-life-size statue of a chuck wagon and addressed his public. society > society and the community > [noun] > social group > regarded as having something in common 1911 16 470 According to the proximity of members groups may be face-to-face or comrade groups or they may be dispersed publics. 1933 F. H. Allport v. 87 Since the public is no specific group of individuals, but is defined wholly by the range of the common interest in a particular transaction, there may be a separate public for every issue raised. 1954 G. A. Lundberg et al. xiii. 491 One may belong to as many publics as one has interests. 1999 28 145 Our aim here is..to carve out a new conceptual space for civil and associational relationships (and for the ‘publics’ that emerge from within this space). 1837 9 244 Accordingly I was reported to the government..and received a ‘public’. 1842 19 439 Prayers he has cut, to the extent of a ‘public’. 1851 B. H. Hall 249 At Harvard College, the punishment next higher in order to a private admonition is called a public admonition... It is often called a public. 1876 G. H. Tripp 133 If we make a noise..we shall get publics, if nothing worse. Phrases to go public. society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (intransitive)] > seek quotation on stock exchange society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > run a business [verb (intransitive)] > become a public company society > communication > manifestation > disclosure or revelation > disclose or make revelations [verb (intransitive)] > reveal one's true character > one's thoughts or feelings 1957 12 401 It should be required reading for the teacher of finance who..serves as consultant to companies which might some day plan ‘to go public’. 1988 Feb. 26/2 Synercom..had to reposition itself from a hardware company to a software company since going public in 1986. 2000 S. Ingham in J. Adams et al. 570 Candy was about to make multi-millions when her Internet business went public. 1976 ‘A. Hall’ xv. 211 The girl's fever..had either driven or panicked Kobra into the open and in seizing the Boeing they'd gone public. 1990 Mar. 28/4 After the startled woman went public the partners apologised. 2001 A. Dangor (2004) viii. 109 Silas would have to find the right kind of words—when they went public—to extricate his Minister from the web of his own ambiguity. Compounds C1. Compounds of the adjective. a. Parasynthetic adjectives (and nouns formed from them) (in sense A. 7). 1655 S. Hartlib sig. A2 That zealous, publick-hearted and learned Gentleman, Thomas Brown. 1757 J. Dyer ii. 64 Public-hearted Roe, Faithful, sagacious, active, patient, brave. 1968 7 Mar. 3/6 Your public-hearted men deserve the fullest acclaim! 1650 R. Weston Ep. Ded. sig. A2v I have found unexpectedly from your Honors som peculiar expression of favor towards my self, upon the account of my public-heartedness. 1703 II. vi. 101 Their publick-heartedness, and joynt concernment in the good Cause. 1868 July 3/2 Improve upon whatever of enterprise, taste, or large public-heartedness, they mark among their competitive neighbors. 1907 12 Sept. 4/2 A speech thanking the head of the Tagore House for his never-failing generosity in charitable causes, his unvarying loyalty to the Government, and his great public-heartedness. 1660 D. Lloyd ii. 52 So little did this publike minded Worthy care for his own things, and so much for the things of others. 1755 G. S. Green ii. 73 Let not such dull Sophistry mislead My honour'd, injur'd, public-minded Father. 1887 13 May 456/2 All public-minded citizens can do good service by fostering a public opinion which will sustain boards of health in their efforts to suppress traffic in swill-milk. 1993 M. Meyer iv. 386 Socially, Germans became public-minded, but they did not influence policy, nor did they care to. 1659 J. Fergusson vi. 481 The more the heart is exercised in spirituall duties..it groweth more warm and more enlarged to the exercise of all those saving graces..and especially to publick-mindednesse. 1701 P. Warwick 173 The Physicians of our State..should..endeavour to raise a publick mindedness in particular men. 1883 13 Sept. 3/2 A superb monument of native art and an eloquent sign of the liberality and public-mindedness of the Viennese citizens. 2005 (Nexis) 21 Oct. 5 A culture of integrity and public mindedness that is unique to the civil service. b. society > communication > broadcasting > television > [adjective] > types of system 1970 22 237 With respect to cable television, many have urged that the cablecasting channels be subjected to a public-access requirement. 1971 26 Oct. 83/2 Public Access..permits individuals and community groups to air their views on a first-come, first-served basis on designated cable channels. 1990 9 Mar. e1/4 Produce your own witty, campy show for the raw arena of public-access cable television. 2004 J. Derek xv. 148 Peter and I were filming an episode of his talk show on public access. 1828 No. 11. 334 We believe that man is incapable of exercising great power uncontrolled by public accountability, without abusing it. 1931 28 Mar. 665/2 Mr. Morrison's final conclusion that the proper authority to be set up is a ‘business Board’ of five members, incorporating what he defined as ‘an element of public accountability’. 2001 15 Apr. 36/1 Consuming Western goods while ignoring the core Western values of respect for the individual, acceptance of impersonal norms, meritocracy and public accountability. society > law > types of laws > [noun] > affecting community at large 1539 Act 31 Hen. VIII in (1817) III. 717 Inactitata & stabilita fuerunt hec sequentia Statuta, viz. Actes Publicke.] 1598 8 Feb. 6 222 To a publique Acte allowed La Royne le veult. 1661 13 May 8 247/2 A Bill for confirming of publick Acts was this Day read the First time. 1765 W. Blackstone I. Introd. iii. 85 A general or public act is an universal rule, that regards the whole community; and of these the courts of law are bound to take notice judicially and ex officio, without the statute being particularly pleaded..by the party who claims an advantage under it. 1840 H. H. Milman II. 381 The public acts..of Constantine, show how the lofty eclectic indifferentism of the Emperor..gave place to the progressive influence of Christianity. 1870 E. A. Freeman (ed. 2) I. vi. 453 He dated his public acts by the regnal years of the King. 1923 193 875/2 The order so made stands unappealed and was authorized by Act No. 404, Public Acts 1919. 1999 A. Clarke iii. 90 The commissioners forwarded the draft of a statute..providing for all public acts of the English parliament enacted since 1495 to be ‘deemed and judged good and effectuall and accepted used and executed in Ireland’. 1860 24 Oct. 6/7 The appointment..of Dr. Letheby to be the public analyst of food and drinks purchased within the City of London. 1994 T. Byrne (ed. 6) xiii. 394 There are close links between the community physician and local authorities' public analysts and environmental health officers. society > law > administration of justice > judicial body, assembly, or court > place where court is held > [noun] > bar of tribunal the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tap-room or bar > other bars 1654 J. Crandon i. xxiii. 289 This latter is at the publique bar. I answer, so is the former even that bar of God, at which all that ever have been..shall have the sentence of Justification pronounced to them. 1818 26 Jan. 3/1 A Gentleman who attended on the Grand Jury laments the very trifling crimes for which several of the prisoners were arraigned and detained at the public bar. 1833 26 Nov. That he possesses stern and inflexible principles is evidenced in the very transaction for which he is now arraigned at the public bar. 1858 19 Feb. 1/4 In addition to the public bar where refreshments are sold, there were apartments above where private parties could be served with supper. 1930 W. S. Maugham xi. 136 He was rather fond of going down to the Bear and Key..and having a few beers in the public bar. 2000 Apr. 29/2 The Ship bar is boat shaped and the public bar is in a former blacksmith's sword shop. the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > for swimming the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing oneself or body > [noun] > bathing > place for bathing > bath-house 1611 T. Coryate sig. Hh7 In an open court sub dio two publike bathes. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti II. 74/1 A public Bath or Therme. 1804 R. Sutcliff Jrnl. 31 July in (1811) 42 This morning I was conducted..to one of the Public Baths [in New York City]. 1904 23 Jan. 5/2 On January 23, 1849, the first public baths in London, those at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, were opened. 1962 J. Braine x. 136 The Warley Council's plan for a new public baths. society > law > types of laws > [noun] > affecting community at large 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch 571 He tooke all power & authority from Lucullus..& did moreouer prohibite by publicke bills [Fr. affiches] set vp in euery common place , that they should no more repayre vnto him. 1607 27 June (1803) I. 388 It was followed, and pressed, as a publick Bill, but was indeed, by all former Precedents, to be accounted and taken as a private Bill, being only for Three Shires. 1859 T. E. May (ed. 4) xxiv. 613 Established by a public bill, brought in by the government, but otherwise treated as a private or ‘hybrid’ bill. 1996 F. Krug et al. iii. 45 Public bills..are debated in principle by both chambers and then go for detailed scrutiny into standing committee (in the Commons) and a committee of the whole House in the Lords. 1825 H. Wilson III. 38 We wanted to go to the play..but we had..no private box. I have never in my life, frequented the public boxes. 1928 D. L. Sayers viii. 90 His call came from a public box. 1992 B. James xx. 184 Sanquhar-Perry telephoned the public box in the Monty from another public box. 1936 Dec. 47/1 Gradually, educational and public broadcasters are improving their methods, but at every turn of the road they are confronted with the lack of sufficient funds to do the job as well as they might. 1968 21 Nov. c9 (headline) Public broadcasters urged to be critics. 2004 G. Craig i. 12 The national public broadcaster, the ABC, carries great political influence throughout the country. 1922 12 Jan. 7/4 Mr. Howell has a vision of great systems of public broadcasting that will cover the entire country. 1938 48 165 Already the British Broadcasting Corporation has served as something of a model for public broadcasting in Canada and Australia. 2003 A. Sparks vi. 122 There is a new plan to ‘corporatize’ the SABC and split it into two entities, one to carry out the public broadcasting mandate and the other to be a commercial broadcaster. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > public building > [noun] 1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione ii. sig. R.iiiiv To make greate Theatres, and other publyque buildinges. 1673 W. Temple ii. 86 The Magnificence of their Publique Buildings, as Stadthouse and Arsenals. 1855 c. 122 §3 ‘Public building’ shall mean every building used as a church, chapel, or other place of public worship; also every building used for purposes of public instruction; also every building used as a college, public hall, hospital, theatre, public concert room, public ball room, public lecture room, public exhibition room, or for any other public purposes. 2005 D. Cruickshank 131 At the heart of the city is a series of public buildings—mosques, madrasahs and tombs. 1662 W. Petty Treat. Taxes in (1769) 2 A third branch of the public charge is that of the pastorage of men's souls. 1820 19 Sept. To permit the owners of slaves to emancipate them..where the person so emancipating will give security that the slave so emancipated will not become a public charge. 1883 XXII. 214 Any convict, lunatic, idiot, or any person unable to take care of himself or herself without becoming a public charge. 1952 W. S. Burroughs 13 July (1993) 135 If I had not received the $180 I would have become a public charge. 2003 M. Bernstein et al. iv. 61 Innovations that reduce energy costs, maintenance costs, insurance risks, or transportation costs all provide a way to help fulfill this public charge. 1968 58 1067 (heading) Problems in the theory of public choice. 1979 C. S. Russell 4 A problem for public choice theory is that when the rational pursuit of self-interest is taken to be equivalent to the maximization of the expected value of an action, it can be shown to be irrational for individuals to vote. 1991 J. Kingdom i. 2 A Conservative government came to power at Westminster espousing the ideas of the public choice theorists along with a set of free-market doctrines. 2000 20 13/2 Public choice is a useful tool in understanding the operation of the factors that discourage and limit the development of the Internet. society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. ii. 75 Oh, thou publicke Commoner. society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > [noun] > other types of company 1730 A. M. Ramsay (ed. 4) II. vii. 108 Those who cannot employ themselves in trade shall lodge their money in these public companies. 1804 2 238 The managers and actuaries of our public companies. 2000 16 May a18/1 The case is part of a two-year SEC campaign against public companies..which use accounting gimmicks to puff up earnings. 1658 W. Sanderson 431 Acts of so high injustice, as no publick convenience can expiate or compensate. 1739 II. lxxx. 246 On terms which may without any injustice be limited, regulated, diminished, or extinguished, for the public convenience, by the legislature. 1759 B. Martin I. 133 St. Helier is a well-built and well-inhabited Town, accommodated with public Conveniences, and much improved of late Years. 1775 J. Campbell (ed. 2) III. 275 The repairing old and making new roads and other public conveniences. 1843 6 278/2 Public convenience demanded great accuracy in weighing the currency. 1921 G. D. H. Cole ii. 15 There is an overwhelming case, from the standpoint of public convenience and efficiency of service, for the regional planning of publicly owned road transport services. 1931 D. L. Sayers xiv. 154 A small alley..containing..a public convenience. 2004 C. Connelly (2005) 167 I reached the end of the esplanade, passed the public conveniences and the beach huts. society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > [noun] > other types of company 1796 19 Mar. 2/4 The impropriety of the Directors of public Corporations recommending annual lists to the Proprietors of the persons whom they wish to succeed to vacancies. 1827 J. Kent II. xxxiii. 222 Public corporations, are such as exist for public political purposes only, such as counties, cities, towns and villages. 1928 (Liberal Industr. Inq.) 95 We propose..a special class of Company to be designated Public Corporations... The distinction..should depend..mainly on their preponderant position in their own industry or trade. 1993 Jan. 123/3 Lauzon, who recently looked at 676 public and crown corporations, says ‘In 1990, 60 per cent of the companies had no women in top executive positions.’ society > law > legal profession > lawyer > [noun] > state or public law officers > state or public defender 1822 30 Oct. 2/5 St. Laurent, Public Defender and Interpreter at Port-aux-Cayes. 1828 T. Harris & R. W. Gill 1 496 The tribunal, on the petition of Mr. Walker, present, assisted by Mr. Mallery, public defender, granted the act to the said Walker. 1918 Oct. 9/2 (caption) A public defender needed. 2002 J. Ray ii. 17 Not that Tom was exactly raking it in. He had left corporate law by then and was working in the public defender's office. society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > diplomacy > [noun] > types of 1856 15 Jan. 6/3 The statesmen of America must recollect that, if they have to make..a certain impression upon us, they have also to set an example to their own people, and there are few examples so catching as those of public diplomacy. 1960 K. W. Thompson iii. 120 Its [sc. the United Nations'] possibilities for private or quiet diplomacy are as great as its role for parliamentary or public diplomacy. 2005 Spring 130/2 Through effective public diplomacy, the United States can make these movements even less popular. society > education > [noun] > systematic education > education at school society > education > [noun] > systematic education > education at school > at a non-private school 1581 R. Mulcaster xxxix. 183 (heading) Of priuate and publike education, with their generall goods & illes. 1653 J. Sedgwick 34 If this..be inconsiderable..I must want that these places of publick education are uselesse. 1797 W. Godwin i. vii. 59 Public education is best for..a..healthful mind. 1835 T. Arnold Let. 15 Apr. in A. P. Stanley (1845) I. 421 Public education is the best where it answers... I should certainly advise anything rather than a private school of above thirty boys. 1935 29 Jan. 4/4 Overcrowding in public schools will tend to introduce the four-quarter plan of public education with controlled vacations of pupils. 1990 26 Oct. 12/5 Taken seriously, choice is a revolutionary reform that introduces a new system of public education. society > occupation and work > [noun] > regular occupation, trade, or profession > public service 1625 S. Purchas I. ix. xv. 1595 It is alwaies knowne amongst themselues, who is next capable of publique employment. 1782 52 122/1 The deficit in the accounts of men entrusted with public employment. 1889 G. B. Shaw 195 The superior prestige and permanence of public employment. 1997 23 Jan. 20/4 Goldhagen claims that the 1933 purge of Jews in public employment was ‘wildly popular’. the mind > emotion > hatred > enemy > [noun] > deadly enemy > public enemy 1548 f. ii Who woulde be obstinate & refuse to returne to his parte, should be accepted and taken as a publike enemy to hym and his countrey. 1651 T. Hobbes 390 Nor is there any repugnancy between fearing the Laws, and not fearing a publique Enemy. 1756 G. Whitefield 9 We may as lawfully draw our swords, in order to defend ourselves against our common and public Enemy. 1842 A. Alison X. lxxvii. 840 A declaration was..signed by all the Powers..which..proscribed Napoleon as a public enemy, with whom neither peace nor truce could be concluded. 1890 27 May The average tramp is a public enemy and will usually commit crime when he has the opportunity. 1940 ‘N. Blake’ ii. ix. 123 The presence of a public enemy in our midst. 1999 20 May 70/4 The FBI reacted to his provocations by making Elijah a public enemy. the mind > emotion > hatred > enemy > [noun] > deadly enemy > public enemy 1930 1 Nov. 1 How about Al Capone?.. Some authorities must know his whereabouts. Why isn't he, as public enemy No. 1, ever placed under arrest? 1935 23 Oct. 18/1 (advt.) We all know who is Public Enemy No. 1 when it's time to get up! The ‘Droops’. 1939 Ld. Camrose in M. Gilbert (1976) V. lii. 1081 Well, Winston was Public Enemy No 1 in Berlin, and Eden was the same in Italy. 1958 17 July 75/1 Iraq..has been Public Enemy No. 1 to Egypt's propagandists. 1967 M. Murray (song) 3 Bonnie and Clyde got to be public enemy number one—Running and hiding from ev'ry American lawman's gun. 1996 13 Apr. a19/1 Smugglers are public enemy No.1. 1594 i. f. 3 There she dwels in publique eye, Shut vp from none that list to see. 1629 W. Davenant Ded. My Numbers I do not shew unto the publick Eye, with an ambition to be quickly known. 1751 S. Johnson No. 155/3 We are secretly conscious of defects and vices which we hope to conceal from the publick eye. 1816 31 Dec. 2/2 The next question in the public eye is the expediency of continuing for a longer time the Direct Tax. 1867 C. Dickens 26 Oct. (1999) XI. 462 I suppose the dresses..to be new to the public eye, and very picturesque. 1955 22 Apr. 15/2 It was a gramophone recording that first brought her before the public eye. 1991 Feb. 9/3 Immigration, AIDS and gay relationships are all controversial in the public eye. the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [noun] 1871 J. McCarthy Lady Judith in Sept. 299 The old Scotchman's acquaintance with the..public figures of Europe and America seemed..to have ceased twenty years before... He..had never even heard of..Bismarck. 1883 28 Mar. 4/3 That old familiar public figure in the political life of this country, Mr Bright. 1949 F. Maclean i. ii. 24 There was nothing new in the ‘liquidation’, as it was called, of public figures. For some years past numerous politicians and others had met with this fate. 2000 Z. Leader in K. Amis p. xlv After the success of Façade (1923), a Modernist ‘entertainment’ for voice and orchestra.., she became a public figure. 1676 A. Sall i. xii. 95 They [sc. Protestant towns] have 800 Ministers retaining pensions out of the public finance. 1763 25 Some men..think, that there is as much reason to be just and œconomic in the distribution and management of public finances as of private patrimony. 1810 Apr. 317 The times present gloomy prospects on every side, whether we look at the private failures in trade, or at the ruinous system of public finance. 1923 H. Dalton i. i. 3 Public finance is one of those subjects which lie on the border line between economics and politics. 1971 A. Molho (title) Florentine public finances in the Early Renaissance. 2003 7 Apr. 33/1 An idea is emerging about how to pay for railways, postal services and all the other public service demands... There is a flurry of interest among backbenchers about a proposal for a new source of public finance. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public 1427Good publique [see sense A. 2a]. c1503 ( Complaynte Duke of Glouceter in R. Arnold f. cx/2 Ageynst the good publyk of your reme. 1516 Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes XXVIII. f. 59, in at Gud n. My lordis will provid..as thai think expedient for the gud public of the realme and weile of the bordouris. 1605 E. Sandys sig. T4v The world having extinguished the care of the publique good, by an over-care of their private. 1635 R. Sibbes (1833) xvii. 136 Law being the joint reason and consent of many men for the public good hath a use for guidance of all action that fall under the same. 1708 B. Shower 257 If a Ferry were granted at this Day, he that accepts such Grant, is bound to keep a Boat for the Publick Good. 1801 5 528 Not only to accomodate the poor and the needy, but to advance the public good. 1855 (U.S. War Dept.) V. v. 58 Captain Gunnison..succeeded in purchasing horses from the Indians with the public goods which had been brought for that purpose. 1898 6 399 The expenses connected with the sale of public goods. 1961 V. Ostrom et al. in O. P. Williams xviii. 193 A public good on a neighborhood or community scale can be viewed as ‘packaged’ within appropriate boundaries so that others outside the boundaries may be excluded from its use. 1994 W. A. Bogart ii. 64 The restraint of individualism for the public good. society > leisure > [noun] > a period of > holidays > specific type 1736 273 Every Sunday, or publick holiday, the priest should read one of these acts. 1786 3 Aug. If Tuesday was not a Holiday at the Bank, the printed List of the Public Holidays from which it is taken is Erroneous. 1850 N. Hawthorne xxi. 276 On this public holiday, as on all other occasions for seven years past, Hester was clad in a garment of coarse, gray cloth. 1901 28 Feb. 7/4 A bill was introduced in the Canadian parliament to make Victoria day—May 24th—a permanent public holiday throughout Canada. 2001 27 Jan. 6/2 Millions of people were relaxing on a public holiday watching the Republic Day festivities on television. 1913 S. P. Orth 302 The advancement of public housing plans... Providing cheaper homes in municipal houses and tenements. 1997 I. Sinclair (1998) 236 A drab block of public housing set around some tarmac on which trashed vehicles try to gather enough spare parts to make it to the breaker's yard. 1967 15 Sept. 45/1 Fashion editors, artists, certain politicians, film people, public intellectuals, culture mongers, [etc.]. 2001 29 Jan. 36/2 He was familiar on television and radio, the paradigm of the vaguely left-wing London liberal and public intellectual. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public 1591 R. Cosin ii. v. 90 Now the publike interest doth not onely rest in this, when some benefite is comming towards the common treasure, but is chiefly shewed by procuring common tranquillity and repose of the subiect. 1678 S. Butler iii. ii. 102 Both Parties joyn'd to do their best, To Damn the Publick Interest. 1730 Viscount Bolingbroke (1731) VII. 22 No Man, who adheres to it, hath the least pretence left him to say that he pursues the publick Interest. 1858 Disraeli in 27 Apr. 1822 Not..one who proposes a course which will conduce to the advantage of the public interest. 1995 25 Sept. 21/1 He was the government watchdog who snapped at the heels of those price-fixers and trade rings who were operating against the public interest. 1979 3 731 The judge..wrongly exercised his discretion when he refused to inspect unless public policy (of which public interest immunity is a manifestation) required him to refuse. 1982 2 690/1 Any testimony under oath..would result in a violation of Crown privilege (or public interest immunity). 1999 A. Tomkins in M. Sunkin & S. Payne vii. 171 Public interest immunity (PII) has become both controversial and newsworthy in recent years as a result of the government's extended use of PII in the context of criminal trials, most notably in the collapsed Matrix Churchill prosecution. 1982 8 May 6/5 The secretary of state had claimed public interest immunity. In such cases the court had first to peruse the public immunity claim certificate. 1987 (Nexis) 27 Nov. The Home Secretary had signed a certificate of public interest immunity which had restricted the questioning of Sir Robert by counsel for the newspapers.] 1988 10 Sept. 5/7 Treasury counsel acting for the Government, said he could answer the question within the bounds of two public interest immunity certificates issued by two Cabinet ministers. 2000 D. Bartlett in L. Cliffe et al. viii. 130 [There was] widespread suspicion that ministers and officials had..sought to pervert justice by preventing the disclosure of documents through Public Interest Immunity Certificates. the mind > language > a language > [noun] 1521 in H. Bradshaw 2nd balade sig. s.iii One of thy clientes..Hath chaunged newly, o mayde..Thy legende latine, to our language publique. 1790 11 Sept. 2/1 There cannot be a doubt that the public language of the Duke of Fitz-James's letter to the King of France, expresses the secret sentiments of the far greater part of the Nobility of that country. 1891 Aug. 486/1 The public language..which the Emperor uses sounds strangely autocratic when read in the columns of one of our dailies. 1992 13 Sept. 64/3 I've always had a secret desire to harangue a crowd of people for 10 hours in the sweltering heat... It's the origin of my fascination with public language. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > public 1880 14 Aug. 11/1 The object of the company is to provide public lavatories..in the thoroughfares, squares, parks, gardens, and other open spaces of London. 1933 E. Waugh i. iii. 50 There was a dense crowd round the public lavatory. 2001 J. Le Fanu xi. 175 There is something uniquely embarrassing about going into a crowded public lavatory, waiting for an empty urinal, getting ready to pass urine and then finding nothing happens. society > law > legal right > rights to do or use something > [noun] > performing or publishing rights > public lending right 1960 11 Mar. 6/1 A Parliamentary Bill aimed at creating a public lending right for authors of books..has been drafted by Sir Alan Herbert. 1993 Spring 10 Everyone..was being paid save the writer of the books being borrowed. Public Lending Right was invented to redress that injustice and the first PLR cheques were paid out to Canadian authors in 1986. 1839 19 Mar. Its [sc. the administration's] exertions will continue to be steadily directed to discharge the public liabilities. 1893 Nov. 252/3 It insured steam boilers, machinery of every description, employers' liability, public liability and general accidents. 1898 26 Mar. 4/5 Foreign insurance companies transacting surety, employers' or public liability insurance in this state. 1952 P. Studenski & H. E. Krooss x. 115 The state adopted a free banking system, requiring a 100 per cent reserve against all public liabilities. 2000 (Inst. of Plumbing) May 32/2 Whilst many of our members hold Public Liability insurance, there are still some members who do not hold any insurance whatsoever. society > communication > book > library or collection of books > library, place, or institution > [noun] > other types 1597 T. Bodley Let. in (1913) 24 Where there hath bin heretofore a publicke library in Oxford..I will take the charge and cost upon me, to reduce it again to his former use. 1614 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (1886) III. 35 There is an intention of erecting a new publique library in Cambridge in imitation of that of Oxford. 1674 J. Oxenbridge Will 12 Mar. in J. Winsor (1880) I. 501 To the Public Library in Boston or elsewhere, as my executors and overseers shall judge best, Augustine's Works in six volumes, the Century's in three volumes, [etc.]. 1753 Suppl. The public library at Milan is also called the Ambrosian Library. 1814 G. Dyer I. 247 You enter the quadrangle that forms the public schools through the portico of the public library. 1817 J. Torrey (rev. ed.) 9 Well selected free public libraries, it is believed, would form a very important auxiliary of public instruction, in all our schools, academies, hospitals, alms houses, cantonments,..state prisons, penitentiaries, work houses, &c. &c. 1829 (title) A catalogue of the South African Public Library, Cape of Good Hope. 1851 29 Mar. 343/1 The spirited townsfolks of Manchester have taken up the project of a Free Public Library, and already proceeded to set it on foot. 1892 (title) Finding list of the free public library of the city of Evanston, Ill. 1994 29 Jan. d8/1 Public libraries were meant to ensure that books were not the exclusive domain of the literati. 2012 D. L. Gilton i. 4 Many public libraries now instruct adults of all ages on computer use, promoting several literacies. 1908 18 192 Shall it be a private firm (or partnership), or a private limited company, or a public limited company? 1990 R. Izhar i. xii. 188 In addition to gearing and profitability ratios investors will be interested in a number of additional ratios applicable to public limited companies. These include the dividend yield..and earnings per share. 2003 Aug. 91/2 The authority..will be 100 per cent state owned, although it is a public limited company. the mind > emotion > suffering > state of annoyance or vexation > [noun] > cause of annoyance or vexation > one who or that which annoys > which annoys the community 1683 tr. Eusebius vii. xi. 123 What patient sufferance of publick menaces, of exclamations against us, and of perils, and of persecutions. 1763 J. Johnson I. Denunciation, the act of denuncing; a public menace. 1877 16 Feb. 2/3 He is now standing up, not for Tilden, whose rule would be a public menace, but for ‘ten thousand voters of Louisiana against four rascals’. 1888 July 413/1 The Ministry..shrank from war, but..desired to reap all the advantages of a public menace, even while privately disclaiming one. 1926 Apr. 501/2 Milton..was subsequently clapped into the hoosegow as a public menace. 2003 (Nexis) 22 June 23 Dudley has graduated from being a spoilt brat to a full-blooded public menace whose gang beats up weaker children for the fun of it. 1638 W. Chillingworth i. iv. §67. 228 Shall it bee a fault to straiten and encumber the Kings high way with publique nuisances? 1776 A. Smith II. v. ii. 486 Instead of being useful to society by their industry, they become public nuisances by their vices and disorders. View more context for this quotation 1877 A. Trollope I. xxvii. 288 ‘What a very queer bird he is.’ ‘He is a public nuisance.’ 1933 S. Walker 213 The police under Whalen..wrecked many a noble barroom under the public nuisance law. 1993 R. Lowe & W. Shaw 169 Seven of us have got to go to court in two months on a charge of causing a public nuisance. 2004 9 Feb. 19/4 Cockling gangs have been a serious public nuisance in Morecambe Bay for some time. society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > specific operations or arrangements > share-issuing activities 1854 29 Mar. 8/5 This continued advance could be avoided by a public offer of the stocks at the then current market price. 1889 2 Mar. 16/2 The capital taken up has been almost exclusively subscribed by customers, no previous public offer having been made. 1968 23 614 The predominate use of the public offer can be, in part, attributed to the federal regulation of securities issued by interstate utility companies under which a public offering of new security issues is required. 2005 30 Aug. d6 Maybank Fortis will subsequently make a public offer for the remaining shares after completion of the deal. society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > specific operations or arrangements > share-issuing activities 1889 16 June 7/5 The advancing price of..Railroad stock has been one of the events of the week,..the lowest public offering being at 50. 1962 R. F. Mikesell ix. 236 Joint operations with the World Bank involving public offerings of bonds in the U.S. private capital market totalled $236 million. 2002 P. Augar & J. Palmer iii. 55 He had been assigned to the image management of a firm that had undergone a high profile public offering. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > local government body > [noun] > local government offices 1481 tr. Cicero (Caxton) sig. d4v Some olde men ben so feble that they shuld not mowe execute nor doo ony publique office of dignyte [L. ut nullum offici aut omnino vitae munus exsequi possint]. 1696 T. Sprat 67 Towards the obtaining which Blessed Ends, you can never think of any better..Means than..in your public Office, by defending and supporting the Church. 1792 c. 53 §3 A certain Publick Office within the Liberty of Westminster known by the Name of The Public Office in Bow Street. 1891 2 Mar. 7/8 Birmingham Public Office. First Court.—Saturday. 1996 L. Al-Hafidh et al. (ed. 3) ii. ix. 454 A spacious pedestrian precinct containing the standard cocktail of high-rise luxury hotels, public offices, boxlike flats, [etc.]. 2000 2 June 9/5 Helping out one's friends is a fine thing in private life, but to use public office for that purpose is unacceptable. the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > public opinion 1615 N. Byfield iv. 199 Some thinke the Laodiceans wrote to the Apostle, and propounded their doubts,..this is the most publike opinion. 1631 T. May tr. J. Barclay vi. 204 There is a great and publike opinion of their cruelty. 1735 Visct. Bolingbroke (ed. 2) Ded. p. xxxi Let them stand, or fall in the publick Opinion, according to their Merit. 1892 29 Nov. 5/1 When the court has pronounced its decision, then let it be freely commented upon; but until then parties must not attempt to influence public opinion. 1900 ‘M. Twain’ 298 A Government cannot satisfy all these public opinions; it can only go through the motions of trying. 1935 24 Oct. 34/4 The subjects, contacted in the public opinion poll, were asked the question: What part of the Government spending would you like to see abandoned? 2003 3 Apr. 23/3 We must look at how the law is framed to ensure it ties with public opinion. 1846 July 23 In no nation..would a government dare to perform any acts that implied public ownership of the whole country. 1919 A. M. Todd (title) Public ownership of railroads. 1995 13 Feb. 23/2 His solution is socialism without public ownership, and ‘republicanism’ without removing the monarchy. the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > garden > [noun] > large ornamental grounds > public park 1822 J. C. Loudon iii. iv. 1186 Public Parks, or Equestrian Promenades, are valuable appendages to large cities. 1903 XXXI. 765 An Act To set apart certain lands in the State of South Dakota as a public park to be known as the Wind Cave National Park. 1975 2 Jan. 38/3 In 1963 Cypress was given to the City of Charleston as a public park. ?1556 E. P. in tr. T. Cranmer Pref. sig. C.iiii (margin) Priuate commodite, and Popishe sutteltie ouercame good publike policie and brought in tirannye. 1689 N. Bacon x. 57 I will not touch upon every particular, but onely upon two, which reflect somewhat upon the publick Policy; the one touching the course of Inheritance.., the other touching pleading in the Courts of Civil Justice. 1770 G. Wilson 1 230 This court constantly sets aside such bargains, upon the principles of public policy. 1846 Suppl. II. 457/2 There are contracts which ought to be declared void for reasons of public policy, or, to use a more correct expression.., reasons of public utility. 1973 I. M. Sinclair v. 110 The gradual establishment in common law jurisdictions of the principle that certain types of contract are, by their very nature, injurious to society and therefore contrary to public policy. 1998 13 Jan. i. 16/2 A new ‘affluence test’, under which women at work might lose their maternity pay unless they could prove that they need it, would introduce an extraordinary and dangerous new principle into public policy. 1951 15 Oct. 24/2 Is the future of metropolitan transit to be public ownership, perhaps by an authority? Or shall we..through public–private partnership encourage expanded service? 1992 D. Morgan iii. x. 176 The Central Valley Project added a new element to California's mixed public-private economy. 2002 4 Nov. 6/4 Many Labour MPs think the so-called public-private finance initiative is a failure where it has been introduced into the health service. society > law > legal profession > lawyer > [noun] > state or public law officers > state or public prosecutor society > law > legal profession > lawyer > [noun] > state or public law officers > state or public prosecutor > in Scotland 1750 T. Nugent tr. C.-L. de S. de Montesquieu II. xxviii. xxxvi. 304 The Roman law had popular forms for the prosecution of crimes, which were inconsistent with the office of a public prosecutor [Fr. Le Droit Romain avoit des formes populaires pour la poursuite des crimes, qui ne pouvoient s'accorder avec le Ministère d'une Partie publique]. 1771 G. Johnstone 40 The necessity of a public prosecutor is so evident, that the wonder will rather arise that there has not been one already appointed. 1809 9 May 1/2 The Public Prosecutor was intitled to insist on having the dogs in question destroyed. 1877 VI. 590/2 The distinguishing feature of Scotch criminal law is the existence of a public prosecutor. 1919 M. M. Steyn 280 We had a proper jury, usher, policeman, counsel for the prisoner,..and public prosecutor. 1996 4 Feb. (Review section) 5/5 Several of the lawyers had red bow-ties, and the public prosecutor had an impressive sweep of brilliantined hair. the world > action or operation > advantage > expediency > expedience > [noun] > as ground of action 1667 J. Milton iv. 389 Public reason just..compels me now To do what else..I should abhorre. View more context for this quotation 1838 c. 94 §8 As soon as conveniently may be after the Appointment of a Deputy Keeper of the Records.., a Public Record Office shall be established under the Direction of the Master of the Rolls. 1887 Dec. 140 In the public record Office are the compotures of the Embassy. 1977 A. J. P. Taylor Let. 21 Feb. in (1991) 332 I am writing on Marquand's life of MacDonald... MacDonald's papers are not open and can be seen at the Public Record Office. 1999 (Nexis) 8 Feb. 10 The document forms part of a collection of material deposited in Victoria's Public Record Office. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > reception room 1617 F. Moryson 154 [The friars] haue no beds, but sleep vpon straw, and eat priuately In their owne Celles, only eating together in the publique roomes on the feast dayes. 1658 No. 152. 16 The Officers of his Highness Army attending him here in one of the publick Rooms, His Highness delivered his mind to them in a most pious and affectionate Speech. 1686 Bp. G. Burnet iii. 144 They [sc. nuns] receive much company: but that which I saw was in a publick Room, in which there were many grills for several Parlors. 1762 in A. M. Earle (1893) 247 At the Public Room of the above Inn will be delivered a series of Moral Dialogues. 1898 J. Conrad Let. 12 Oct. in E. Garnett (1956) 147 If the public room on 1st floor is crowded retain the cabinet—if not, retain a table good for three. 1965 14 June 8 House contains 2 public rooms, 2 bedrooms, boxroom, scullery and bathroom. 1978 ‘D. Rutherford’ 121 They paid admission to the Casino and..strolled through the public rooms. society > occupation and work > business affairs > [noun] > public 1934 F. V. Field in v. 295 The basic reason for this increase [in the share of the national income] in the public sector is the utilization of large masses of labour in the industrial and collectivized agricultural development. 1995 12 Jan. 2/5 Merseyside Development Corporation (MDS) cost the public sector and local businesses more than £1m. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > civil service > [noun] > civil servant 1598 I. D. tr. L. Le Roy ii. v. 91 Hee [sc. Plato] seemeth..by the establishment of such lawes to make the City small, if all Craftsmen shall bee publicke seruants [Fr. si les artisans sont publiques], and not comprised within the corporation of the Citie. 1671 J. Milton 1616 Immediately Was Samson as a public servant brought, In thir state Livery clad. 1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer i. 307 Talthybius and Eurybates..Two public servants of the king were these. 1842 C. Dickens I. viii. 301 The Presidential housemaids have..an ample amount of ‘compensation:’ which is the American word for salary, in the case of all public servants. 1942 E. Paul xxii. 189 She is an ideal public servant, having all the minor ailments possible, a fiendish disposition,..and a healthy dislike for mankind. 1979 8 Feb. 8/2 Bilingual public servants will speak in one official language as a protest against the federal Government's proposal to withdraw bilingualism bonuses. 2003 14 Apr. i. 7/1 He will return to the Middle East and Iraq next month as the incumbent of one of the toughest and most uncharted overseas jobs any public servant can imagine. the mind > language > speech > speech-making > [noun] > one who makes a speech or speeches 1646 3 Let some course be taken and charge given to the publique speakers, that they..divert the streame of their discourses against the uglinesse of vice. 1712 J. Brightland (ed. 2) 189 Those Things which are peculiar to a public Speaker. 1837 T. Carlyle II. v. ii. 283 Most mellifluous yet most impetuous of public speakers. 1998 20 Sept. 8/1 Morel..became a radical, round-the-clock journalist and public speaker. the mind > language > speech > speech-making > [noun] 1587 J. Bridges ix. 660 How Caluine digresseth hereupon from Womens publique speaking to their publike gouernment, and with what hard tearmes he concludes against it. 1759 W. Smith 221 This attention to public speaking, which is begun here [i.e. in the College of Philadelphia] with the very rudiments of the mother-tongue, is continued down to the end. 1837 T. Carlyle I. vi. v. 329 Nor has public speaking declined, though Lafayette and his Patrols look sour on it. 1923 38 450 When there was need for some public speaking to be done he could rely upon the oratorical abilities of the mellifluent Depew. 2004 D. Cosper i. 21 I am very much less than fond of public speaking..in a subzero kind of way. society > society and the community > social attitudes > public-spiritedness > [noun] 1643 D. Cawdrey 24 All these considered, you will hardly find a man of so publicke a spirit in all Scripture.] 1649 W. Prynne 105 There was no man of publick Spirit that engaged with, contributed towards, or took up Arms in the Parliaments service or Cause at first. 1712 R. Steele No. 294. ⁋1 The greatest Instances of publick Spirit the Age has produced. 1803 Sept. 107 I am not influenced by motives of private revenge, but by a public spirit. 1914 H. H. Peerless Diary 30 May in (2003) 176 John Kyrle distinguished himself by his philanthropy and public spirit, lending a helping-hand to all sundry. 1999 (Nexis) 31 Mar. 8 Congratulations for your public spirit in saving the Holst Birthplace Museum from closure. society > authority > rule or government > a or the state > [noun] 1546 T. Langley tr. P. Vergile f. xlv Aboute thre hundreth yere after the buildyng of Rome ye publike state was transferred from the consulshyp vnto the rule of tenne called decem viri. a1628 F. Greville Inquis. Fame & Honour in (1633) 54 It therefore much concernes each publike State, To hoyse these costlesse sayles vp to the skye. 1651 T. Hobbes iv. xlvi. 376 And this private measure of Good, is a Doctrine, not onely Vain, but also Pernicious to the Publique State. 1781 H. Downman tr. Voltaire ii. ii. 253 The lure of subtle policy to arm My discontent against the public state. 1800 26 Apr. 1/4 Speculations which, if greatly acted upon, would subvert the whole economy of the Public State; would viciate and defame all the classes of Society. 1908 47 669 Astrology..concerned itself in Babylonia and Assyria with the general welfare and the public state. 1985 75 69 (heading) The public state and the common good. society > law > types of laws > [noun] > affecting community at large 1572 J. Bridges tr. R. Gwalther xxviii. 895 It was a thing of it selfe daungerous among the Romanes, to professe the Christian faithe and Religion, which during the raigne of Tiberius..was condemned by publike statute and decree. 1659 P. Heylyn 290 I represented many passages in it, disagreeable to the Laws of God and his Church, and repugnant to the publick Statutes of Parliament.] 1739 J. Cay (title) An abridgment of the publick statutes in force and use from Magna Charta..to the eleventh year of his present Majesty King George II. inclusive. 1856 L. S. Cushing 818 The preamble of a public statute recites the inconvenience which proposes to remedy. 1910 I. 828/1 The public statutes of the United States are to be found in the Revised Statutes of 1873. 2004 (Nexis) 2 Apr. 16 According to a 1993 decision in another commons case, rights over land could not be acquired by conduct prohibited by public statute. 1965 7 Oct. 23/2 A high speed half duplex data transmission terminal..will work on-line into its Manchester Atlas computer over the G.P.O. public switched telephone network using the G.P.O. Datel Set 1A. 1993 Winter 22/3 Dial tone carries with it connotations of the flexibility of the entire public switched telephone network (PSTN): the ability to call anywhere in the world, at any time, for any purpose. 2005 (Nexis) 5 Apr. 27 VoIP transmits your voice from one phone to another using the internet..at a fraction of the cost of using the public switched telephone network. the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > communal or public meal 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin i. vi. f. 12v At length that by continual proceding of doctrine, the trueth suruiuing in al ages might stil remaine in the world, the same oracles which he had left with the fathers, his pleasure was to haue as it were enrolled in publike tables [L. quasi publicis tabulis; Fr. comme en dépost]. 1631 P. Heylyn ii. ii. 147 For besides the Consuls Ordinarie, appointed for the yeare, whose names onely occurre in the publicke Tables: there was another sort of Consuls, call'd Consuls honourarie, appointed onely for a Moneth. 1695 R. South 301 The time of which [sc. his taking the oath] was fairly intimated by a Friend of his at a Publick Table at Oxon, about three months before he took it. 1742 Lady M. W. Montagu 23 May (1966) II. 281 Nothing is cheaper than living in an Inn in a Country Town in France they being oblig'd to ask..25 sous for dinner and 30 for supper and lodging of those that eat at the public Table. 1872 ‘G. Eliot’ II. xxxix. 313 He had..returned later than usual, having given himself the rare treat of dining at the public table of the Blue Bull. society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [noun] > telephone booth 1889 22 Jan. 7/2 In New York..news agency ‘tickers’, messenger calls, private as well as public telephones, burglar and fire alarms,..are to be found in all well appointed offices. 1893 1 394/2 There were even days when the Joneses questioned whether they were not running a public telephone, so often did the bell ring. 1971 R. Busby v. 74 A public telephone stood in one corner of the discreetly lit foyer. society > authority > rule or government > a or the state > [noun] a1450–1500 ( (1926) l. 912 (MED) This was his laboure for the publique thinge. 1483 J. Russell in J. G. Nichols (1854) p. xliii The fyrst institucion of the thynge public there made by Romulus. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > public 1895 6 Nov. 1/3 The men's public toilet was in a similar condition to that of a public toilet at a railroad station. 1967 16 July 28/4 To save gas she washes in public toilets, and if she feels like a drink she has a swig from a wino's bottle at South Brisbane. 2005 I. Sansom xii. 187 Something should be done about the state of the public toilets. society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > public passenger transport > [noun] 1853 7 July 437/1 For the introduction of this cheap mode of public transit [sc. the omnibus] we are indebted to the enterprise of Mr. Shillibeer. 1941 16 Dec. 39/6 (headline) Use cars less, save rubber... Motorists asked to use public transit when possible. 2003 3 Apr. 10/1 Our deep yearnings for clean air, uncongested streets and cheap, reliable public transit. society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > public passenger transport > [noun] 1859 29 Jan. 172/1 The removal of any difficulties which stand in the way of entire success in this system of public transport. 1955 B. Pym x. 126 The vague but confident tone of one who never has to worry about getting to places or to rely on the uncertainties of public transport. 1961 E. Waugh i. i. 23 I'll drop you back at your office. Can't have you using public transport on your birthday. 1997 Nov. 171/3 If we all start using public transport when the arteries become blocked, anarchy will descend. society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > public passenger transport > [noun] 1851 18 June Foreseeing the ultimate permanent success of this new description of public transportation, Alyan Adams, of Boston started another express on the same route. 1947 G. Greer xi. 201 From and to the suburb you are obliged to travel under conditions resembling a nightmare, whether you drive your car or use public transportation. 2000 D. Adebayo (2001) ii. 13 My street was quiet, apart from a few worker bees scurrying to the safety of their vehicles or the public transportation. the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > [noun] > useful thing > to the public or community the mind > possession > supply > [noun] > providing a service > provision of public utilities > a public service 1895 H. L. Call iii. 50 The private control of transportation and other public utilities. 1915 May 106 Now coal mining is a ‘public-utility’ industry. 1928 9 Aug. 7/2 Crops have been destroyed and communications and public utilities have been crippled. 1976 H. Tracy xvii. 129 Public utilities worked with the servicemen with an impressive coherence. 1992 Aug. 52/3 Not everyone supported the private ownership of public utilities. 1909 Public-voiced. 1970 24 444 A loud-spoken public-voiced narrator. 1992 S. S. Lanser iii. 47 Practices of overt authoriality opened women novelists to the same charges..leveled at women writing in other public-voiced genres. 1599 tr. sig. B2v She walked foorth, & falling down in the very publique walke amongst the whole rous..she brought foorth her first begotten.] 1651 T. Hobbes iv. xlvi. 368 Every Master took some place for that purpose. Plato in certain publique Walks called Academia. 1733 Let. in (1735) No. 79. 182 The prisoner was conducted from the Gate of the Palace..in the Midst of a Concourse of so many people in a publick Walk. 1841 C. Dickens ii. xliv. 37 In the public walks and lounges of a town, people go to see and to be seen. 1999 56 542 The center of the Federal City was organized by two principal poles... These were placed on extensive public squares and linked by..a public walk. society > authority > rule or government > a or the state > [noun] the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public a1470 T. Malory (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 185 The Emperour Lucius, Procurour of the publyke wele of Rome. 1576 R. Robinson tr. F. Patrizi Ep. Ded. For the continual conseruation of the publique weale therof universally. 1737 R. Glover vii. 255 Ye vile deserters of the public weal,..that mingled with the heaps Of those, who perish in their country's cause. 1823 Ld. Byron 9 Oct. (1981) XI. 43 Various attempts made to extract my monies, but to these I demur, until sure that they are to be applied to the public weal. 1995 25 Oct. 3/2 The moral high-roaders at CBC television take seriously their self-imposed task as guardians of journalistic integrity and public weal. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public 1541 M. Coverdale tr. H. Bullinger xi. f. xxvi Bringe vp children vnto the prayse of God, and to the publik welth, profit and counfort of thy selfe and other thy neyghbours [Ger. dir und deinen Nächsten zum Nutzen und Frommen]. 1660 W. Davenant 5 No more shall publick wealth on Spies be spent. a1700 J. Dryden tr. Boccace in (1885) XI. 506 The governor and government are gone; The public wealth to foreign parts conveyed. 1828 I. D'Israeli II. i. 2 Charles the First has never been accused of a wanton profusion of the public wealth. 1954 F. R. Scott in R. Brown & D. Bennett (1982) 353 The bold commands of monopoly, big with machines, Carving its kingdoms out of the public wealth. 2002 (Nexis) 3 Mar. 20 This contribution from those in commerce is an enormous contribution to the public wealth of the country. the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > general or public 1579 T. Rogers tr. J. Habermann 75 They rule not for their owne cause, but for the publike welfare. 1652 L. S. x. 18 In such particulars..as are not momentous to the impairing of the publick welfare. 1759 A. Smith iv. §i. 351 The same principle..serves to recommend those institutions, which tend to promote the public welfare. 1858 M. Arnold 119 Let us a union found..Bas'd on pure public welfare. 1901 Apr. 378 The chief trustee of public welfare is, in this country, Parliament. 2000 3 Apr. 16/2 It's not important to the public welfare whether you secure convictions or not. society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute c1510 H. Watson tr. sig. B.iiij In the stede of the clothe of golde that I was wonte for to were, I am as a woman publyke ful of iniuryes and vytupere commytted & aourned. 1655 tr. A. Semedo i. vi. 30 The women of the better quality use gold and silver, the Courtesans, or publique women are not suffered to weare them. 1749 P. Annet iii. 93 If dealing with public women be thought a sin against posterity, by not promoting it; so is matrimony, when ill. 1862 14 June 160/1 He ordered that all women guilty of such conduct should be treated as public women. 1994 28 221 (heading) Public virtue and public women: prostitution in Revolutionary Paris. 1587 A. Fleming et al. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1549/2 (margin) A great furtherer of all publike works. 1600 P. Holland tr. Livy i. 37 Being now earnestly bent and busily occupied about laying the foundations of the Temple, and folowing other publike works in the citie. 1676 in E. D. Neill (1886) 361 For haveing upon specious preferences of publique works raised great unjust taxes [etc.]. 1783 B. Franklin Let. 27 July in (1840) IX. 547 What bridges, Aqueducts, new Roads, and other public Works, Edifices, and Improvements..might have been obtained by spending those millions. 1891 R. Wallace xxxviii. 488 No public-works undertaking can be made economically to suit any purpose whatever when that purpose has only been named without being formulated. 1961 B. Crump 65 He was working in a Public Works road gang, clearing slips off roads and digging drains and things. C2. Compounds of the noun. 1999 Nov. 85 The British Library..is a public-facing organisation that receives in excess of 500,000 visits a year. 2010 (Nexis) 20 May 8 We get a lot of demand from broadcasters and businesses looking to do something with video either for their employees or for public-facing websites. 2017 K. A. File & N. Wilson in D. Van Der Mieroop & S. Schnurr xvii. 317 In addition to these duties that coaches perform within a team, they can also have a public-facing role in which they represent the team to the outside world, via televisual media. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online June 2022). publicv. Inflections: Present participle publicking; past tense and past participle publicked; Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: public adj. Etymology: < public adj. Compare Middle French publiquer , publicquer (late 14th cent. in past participle publiqué ; c1300 in Old French as pullyquer ). Compare earlier publish v., and the foreign-language forms cited at that entry. Originally Scottish. rare after early 17th cent. society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publish or spread abroad [verb (transitive)] c1430 (1844) I. 327/2 The fyndar forsuth of that best aw that to public at the cheff maner place in the stedis on ilka syde about. 1487 (1814) II. 179/1 That nane of þame tak apoune hand..to public or vse ouþer bullis or processis purchest or to be purchest. 1542 (1814) II. 424*/2 To publicte þis constitutioune. 1570 P. Levens sig. Kiii/2 To Publike, publicare. 1611 T. Tuke tr. St. Vincent of Lérins xxiii. f. 43 The bookes, which are publiked vnder his [sc. Origen's] name, are a great temptation. 1939 J. Joyce i. 160 A barefooted rubber with my supersocks pulled over his face which I publicked in my bestback garden. 1950 J. K. M. McCaffrey 10 It is this Hemingway which must have produced his widely publicked nickname ‘Papa’. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  adj.n.1394 v.c1430 |
