big-brotherlyadj.
/ˌbɪɡˈbrʌðəli/, U.S. /ˌbɪɡˈbrəðərli/ 1. Characteristic or reminiscent of an elder brother.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > sibling > brother > relationship of brothers > [adjective] > elder brother
big-brotherly1868
1868 T. Wright Johnny Robinson I. 209 ‘What's your name, little 'un,’ he asked, coming up to me and laying his hand on my shoulder in a kindly, big-brotherly sort of way.
1932 Collier's 9 Jan. 13/2 He had always been in love with June, ever since he had played post office at her kids' parties and had kissed her with a big-brotherly air.
1947 Landfall 1 293 Lachlan was in splendid fettle..radiating big-brotherly goodwill.
2000 R. Williams in Granta Spring 244 Butler had been among them, his advice imparted in a big-brotherly way.
2. Frequently with capital initials. Of or relating to the monitoring of or control over peoples' lives by political and administrative authorities, esp. the State.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > [adjective] > benevolent but omnipotent government
big-brotherly1959
1959 Glasgow Herald 17 Apr. 8/5 One sight of that terrible big-brotherly finger and we will redouble our efforts to find a litter basket.
1975 Science 31 Oct. 447/3 The Big Brotherly implications which some see in Federal regulatory activities have so far caused little alarm in Washington.
1995 Wired Apr. 76/4 (caption) Could this be a precursor to a Big Brotherly ‘smart card’?
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1868