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单词 second
释义

secondn.1

Brit. /ˈsɛk(ə)nd/, U.S. /ˈsɛkənd/
Forms: Middle English, 1500s seconde, 1500s– second.
Etymology: < French seconde, < medieval Latin secunda , feminine of Latin secundus second adj., used elliptically for secunda minuta , lit. ‘second minute’, i.e. the result of the second operation of sexagesimal division; the result of the first such operation (now called ‘minute’ simply) being the ‘first’ or ‘prime minute’ or ‘prime’ (see prime n.2 2). The medieval Latin secunda is also represented by German sekunde, Dutch secunde (feminine) (whence Swedish sekund (masculine), Danish sekund). Medieval Latin had a neuter secundum (compare minūtum a minute), whence Spanish segundo, Portuguese segundo, Italian secondo.
1. Geometry (Astronomy, Geography, etc.) A sixtieth part of a minute, 1/ 3600th part of a degree. See minute n.1 5, degree n. 9.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > angle > [noun] > degree > second
minute of a minutec1392
secondc1400
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §8. 6 Thise degrees of signes ben euerich of hem considered of 60 Mynutes, & euery Minute of 60 secondes.
1599 E. Wright Certaine Errors Navigation sig. D2 Let the meridian (diuided into degrees, minutes, seconds, &c.) roule vpon a streight line.
1713 J. Ward Young Mathematician's Guide (ed. 2) 350 Every Circle is suppos'd to be divided into 360..Degrees; every Degree is sub-divided into 60 Parts call'd Minutes; and every Minute into 60 Seconds, &c.
1870 R. A. Proctor Other Worlds than Ours vii. 171 The star Alpha Centauri..exhibits..an annual parallax of one second.
2.
a. In measurement of time: The sixtieth part of a minute, 1/ 3600th of an hour. Now one of the base units of the International System of Units, and scientifically defined in terms of the frequency of a spectral transition of an isotope of cæsium (see quot. 1968).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > a second > [noun]
s.1387
second1588
moment1646
second minute1648
moment-hand1766
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. g viij Ye cowrse of ye sone, quhilk sence hes bene obserueit to be accompleseit in 365 dayes 5 houris 10 min: and 16 Secondis.
1695 W. Congreve Love for Love iii. i. 46 Fore. At Ten a Clock, punctually at Ten. Sir Samp. To a Minute, to a Second; thou shalt set thy Watch, and the Bridegroom shall observe it's Motions.
1762 W. Young Treat. Weights & Meas. 24 The pendulum which vibrates seconds at London, has been commonly esteemed 39,2 English inches.
1883 R. S. Ball in Encycl. Brit. XV. 668 [In the C.G.S. system] the unit of length is the centimetre, the unit of mass is the gramme, and the unit of time is the second.
1955 Sci. Amer. Mar. 52/2 Accordingly the International Committee is to define the second as: 1/31,556,925·975 of the tropical year 1900.
1968 Nature 16 Nov. 651/1 The basic unit of time in the International System of Units, formerly identical with the astronomical second of ephemeris time, is now based on a natural periodicity of the caesium atom and is defined in the following terms: ‘the second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom’.
1975 Oxf. Compan. Sports & Games 975/1 This reduced the previous world records by half a second, the biggest single advance in the history of the events.
b. Used vaguely for an extremely short time, an ‘instant’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > shortness or brevity in time > [noun] > moment or instant
hand-whileOE
prinkOE
start-while?c1225
twinkling1303
rese?c1335
prick1340
momenta1382
pointa1382
minutea1393
instant1398
braida1400
siquarea1400
twink14..
whip?c1450
movement1490
punct1513
pissing whilea1556
trice1579
turning of a hand1579
wink1585
twinklec1592
semiquaver1602
punto1616
punctilio of time1620
punctum1620
breathing1625
instance1631
tantillation1651
rapc1700
crack1725
turning of a straw1755
pig's whisper1780
jiffy1785
less than no time1788
jiff1797
blinka1813
gliffy1820
handclap1822
glimpsea1824
eyewink1836
thought1836
eye-blink1838
semibreve1845
pop1847
two shakes of a lamb's taila1855
pig's whistle1859
time point1867
New York minute1870
tick1879
mo?1896
second1897
styme1897
split-second1912
split minute1931
no-time1942
sec.1956
1897 Daily News 14 June 5/7 There was a second's panic in the crowd.
1906 C. Mansfield Girl & Gods xii Do you mind if I slip away for just two seconds and take off this frock?

Compounds

attributive and in other combinations.
second-foot n. a unit of the rate of flow of water, equal to one cubic foot per second.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of flowing > [noun] > unit of water flow measurement
water-inch1847
inch1858
miner's inch1865
second-foot1898
1898 U.S. Dept. Agric. Yearbk. 1897 640 Where water is abundant, the duty has been known to be as low as 50 acres..to the second-foot.
1914 H. Ries & T. L. Watson Engin. Geol. v. 250 The height of the black lines illustrates the relative quantity of water expressed in cubic feet per second, or second feet, occurring throughout the year.
1928 Manch. Guardian Weekly 31 Aug. 178/3 The assumption is that the main river, suitably fortified with levees, can carry rather less than 2,000,000 cubic feet of water per second (or 2,000,000 second feet as it is briefly described).
second-hand n. (also seconds-hand) a hand or pointer of a timepiece indicating seconds.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > part(s) of > hand(s)
pinOE
hand1563
teller1574
index1594
finger1603
palm1629
hour-hand1669
minute hand1720
index-hand1742
second-hand1760
moment-hand1766
little hand1829
big hand1849
set-hands1884
sweep hand1948
sweep second1948
1760 J. Pringle in Philos. Trans. 1759 (Royal Soc.) 51 250 Upon looking at a watch, which had a second-hand,..he stopped me when I had counted 13 seconds.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 41 Your watch..should be furnished with a seconds-hand.
1888 Ld. Grimthorpe in Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 398/1 In the chronograph watch there is, in addition to the centre seconds-hand, an independent seconds-hand which, when not in operation, stands at zero.
second-mark n. (also seconds-mark) Mathematics the character ″, denoting a second or seconds (either of angle or of time).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical notation or symbol > [noun] > collection or sequence of > other
vinculum1710
nabla1870
sign of inequality1875
second-mark1888
placeholder1928
tilde1958
1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 121 Seconds mark, a double acute accent is used for this purpose, thus ˝.
second-pendulum n. = seconds pendulum n.
ΚΠ
1765 P. Murdoch in Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 31 A second-pendulum at the equator would be 39·154 inches long.
second pivot n. (see quot. 1884).
ΚΠ
1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 233 Seconds Pivot, the prolongation of the fourth wheel arbor to which the seconds hand of a watch is fixed.
seconds pendulum n. a pendulum of such a length as to oscillate once every second; a pendulum ‘beating seconds’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > pendulum clock > pendulum
pendule1660
pendulum1660
simple pendulum1673
bob-pendulum1685
swing1696
quicksilver pendulum1726
pendle1741
gridiron pendulum1751
mercurial pendulum1786
gridiron1793
wanrest1794
seconds pendulum1795
conical pendulum1813
ticker1821
noddy1844
1795 C. Hutton Math. & Philos. Dict. II. 207 The length of a Pendulum, so measured..that it will perform each vibration in a second of time, thence called the second's Pendulum.
1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. II. 283 Determining the length of the seconds' pendulum in different latitudes.
second-watch n. (also seconds-watch) Obsolete a timepiece indicating seconds.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > particular types of watch
German watch1611
larum watch1619
clock-watch1625
minute watch1660
pendulum watch1664
watch1666
alarm watch1669
finger watch1679
string-watch1686
scout1688
balance-watch1690
hour-watch1697
warming-pan1699
minute pendulum watch1705
jewel watch1711
suit1718
repeater1725
Tompion1727
pendulum spring1728
second-watch1755
Geneva watch1756
cylinder-watch1765
watch-paper1777
ring watch1788
verge watch1792
watch lamp1823
hack1827
bull's-eye1833
vertical watch1838
quarter-repeater1840
turnip1840
hunting-watch1843
minute repeater1843
hunter1851
job watch1851
Geneva1852
watch-lining1856
touch watch1860
musical watch1864
lever1865
neep1866
verge1871
independent seconds watch1875
stem-winder1875
demi-hunter1884
fob-watch1884
three-quarter plate1884
wrist-watch1897
turnip-watch1898
sedan-chair watch1904
Rolex1922
Tank watch1923
strap watch1926
chatelaine watch1936
sedan clock1950
quartz watch1969
pulsar1970
1755 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1754 (Royal Soc.) 48 537 A third observed, by a seconds-watch, the time taken up in running these 357 feet.
1764 J. Short in Philos. Trans. 1763 (Royal Soc.) 53 329 Each observer had a Second-watch in his hand.

Draft additions January 2011

Originally U.S. ten (also three, five, etc.) second rule. Chiefly with the.
a.
(a) Originally Sport. A rule specifying the maximum period of time (in seconds) allowable for a particular action to be performed, or before a particular activity should resume.
ΚΠ
1884 Daily Gaz. & Bull. (Williamsport, Pa.) 22 Feb. 1/4 Thirty-five seconds elapsed before he came to the scratch again, which should have lost him the fight under the ten second rule.
1901 J. P. Paret Woman's Bk. Sports vi. 98 The three-second rule makes the forward decide at once and try quickly for the goal or pass the ball to her partner.
1928 N.Y. Times 19 Mar. 17/4 After receiving the ball..the pitcher will have twenty seconds in which to deliver it... If the twenty-second rule is violated the umpire will call a ball on the batter.
1968 Washington Post 11 Feb. b1/2 Persson..was closely guarded by Hugh Kilmartin and fell afoul of the new five-second rule governing lack of action.
1996 C. B. Baker et al. Rebuilding Children's Lives 98/1 We have one more suggestion... It's called the ‘five-second rule’. This rule means that other children must leave the area within five seconds.
1999 ‘Eurydice’ Satyricon USA 15 New Haven masons were warned to abide by a ‘five-second rule’: if they looked at a female colleague for more than five seconds, it could be sexual harassment.
2006 K. C. Heisler Fighting Irish 92 The three-second rule was meant to neutralize Krause's dominance in the [free-throw] lane.
(b) humorous. A notional rule which permits the retrieval and consumption of dropped food within the specified period of time.
ΚΠ
1995 B. A. Lewis Wanted: Rowing Coach 31 The twenty second rule was always in effect. Any food item that hit the floor was still considered edible if it was retrieved before twenty seconds had expired.
2002 R. Ebert Movie Yearbk. 2003 456/2 Frank follows the Ten-Second Rule, which teaches us that if food is dropped and stays on the ground less than ten seconds, it's still safe to eat.
2009 Herald-Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 31 Aug. a8/4 My children and grandchildren observe the five-second rule when dropping food on the floor.
b. A rule specifying the minimum period of time (in seconds) allowable before a particular action should be performed; spec. a rule of thumb for ensuring a minimum distance between vehicles (see quot. 1988).
ΚΠ
1968 Altoona (Pa.) Mirror 27 Mar. 48/5 The ‘second rule’..is a handy way to check your following distance because the same guide applies to your situation whether you're going 30 miles an hour or 60.
1988 Toronto Star (Nexis) 20 Aug. f4 It might be more helpful to explain the ‘three second rule’ to your readers. When the vehicle ahead passes a predetermined fixed point, the following vehicle should not reach that same point within three seconds.
1994 J. Main in C. E. Schneier et al. Training & Devel. Sourcebk. (ed. 2) 158/2 The Americans decided to give the Japanese more chance to talk by adopting the two-second rule: When someone else finishes talking, wait two seconds before speaking to give others a chance.
2006 S. Kaplan Be Elephant xx. 191 The ten-second rule. Make it a practice to pause for ten long seconds before you react to new information, whether positive or negative.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2021).

secondadj.n.2

Brit. /ˈsɛk(ə)nd/, U.S. /ˈsɛkənd/
Forms: Middle English–1600s secund(e, Middle English secounde, Middle English, 1500s seconde, Middle English–1500s secound, Middle English secownde, seycond, 1500s Scottish secunnd, sycond, Middle English– second.
Etymology: < French second = Provençal segon, Spanish segundo, Portuguese segundo, Italian secondo, < Latin secundus following (hence favourable, prosperous, primarily of a breeze), next, second, < root of sequī to follow. Old English had no proper ordinal for the number two (like German zweite , Dutch tweede , French deuxième ), the sense being expressed by óðer (see other adj.); this being ambiguous, the French word found early acceptance.
A. adj.
1.
a. Coming next after the first according to any contextually understood principle of enumeration (e.g. in order of time, position, rank, quality, conventional or arbitrarily adopted sequence): the ordinal numeral corresponding to the cardinal numeral two adj., n., and adv.
(a) with noun expressed; also predicatively.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adjective]
othereOE
afterOE
second1297
tothera1400
secondarya1425
two1586
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5724 In þe secunde ȝere þat he verst bissop was.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne i. 9787 The secunde sacrament, y vndyrstonde, Ys graunted of þe bysshop honde.
c1386 G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale 139 Euery secounde or þridde day sche faste.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 46 Here brekyst þou þe secunde tyme þe x. comaundementes.
1507 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1901) III. 290 The secund day of Maii.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) 4 Numa pompilius, the sycond kyng of rome.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. ii. 169 The first and second cause will not serue my turne. View more context for this quotation
1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 124 Youth, Health, and Ease, and most an amorous Mind, To second Nuptials had her Thoughts inclin'd.
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xi. 159 The Convertine, a Ship of the second Rank.
1872 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (ed. 3) lv. 15 You know, my Friends, with what a brave Carouse I made a Second Marriage in my house.
1884 Ld. Brabourne Lett. Jane Austen I. v. 87 Jane's picture of a clergyman is generally that of a second son who enters the profession in order to hold a family living.
(b) with ellipsis of the noun understood from the context.
ΚΠ
?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 115 Þe secunde [commandment] so is þis: Sundai wel þat ȝe holde.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 23 In Bretayn, beeþ many wondres... Þe firste is at Pectoun... Þe secounde is at Stonhenge by sides Salisbury.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 111 The fyrst writtyng was gross letter off bras, The secound gold, the thrid was siluir scheyne.
1636 T. Heywood Challenge for Beautie iv. sig. F4v If you, Would add a second to this curtesie.
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. xxxiv. 201 I liked her at first sight, and better at second.
1814 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Vision I. xviii. 76 Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe! None for the second waited, nor the third.
1858 Chambers's Jrnl. 20 Nov. 334/1 In the first of which objects, by the way, they have succeeded much better than in the second.
b. the second: appended to a personal name to designate the second bearer of the name in a succession of persons (chiefly sovereigns, or persons jocularly likened to sovereigns). Also (now rarely) used to designate one resembling the person to whom the name belongs (cf. A. 4 below).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [noun] > one who resembles another
the secondc1386
similitudec1405
likenessa1500
resembler1570
similar1653
resemblance1794
ringer1878
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second > as bearer of name
the secondc1386
c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale 261 O Sowdanesse, roote of iniquitee, Virago, thou Semyrame the secounde.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) III. 4 Henrie the secund rang into his steid, The emprice sone.
1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) (running title) Of Grysilde the Seconde. [Meaning Kath. of Aragon.]
1735 S. Johnson tr. J. Lobo Voy. Abyssinia 44 In the Reign of King John the Second.
1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xviii. 165 ‘Dick’ Tattersall, or Richard the Second, the grandson of the founder.
1891 S. Smiles Publisher & Friends I. 29 John Murray the Second—the ‘Anak of Publishers’, according to Lord Byron.
c. Grammar. In second person: see second person at person n. 8. Also in second declension, second conjugation, and in names of tenses, as second aorist, second future, second perfect, where the reference is to a conventional order of enumeration adopted by grammarians.By modern grammarians this method of designation has been almost entirely abandoned as regards tenses, and to a great extent as regards declensions and conjugations, descriptive terms being substituted for numerical.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [noun] > future > specific
second future1530
paulo-post-future1848
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > aspect > [noun] > perfect > specific
second perfect1530
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > conjugation > a conjugation > specific
second conjugation1530
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > declension > a declension > specific
second declensiona1637
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 31 Of the seconde conjugation.
?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Rii v The seconde future. I shuld knele.
1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Thirdly, the second perfect, j'ay aimé, I haue loued.
a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xiv, in Wks. (1640) III The second Declension formeth the Plurall from the Singular, by putting to n.
a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xviii, in Wks. (1640) III The second Conjugation.
1875 T. K. Arnold Henry's First Lat. Bk. 14 Verbs whose infinitive ends in ēre, are of the second conjugation.
d. absol. The person or thing that has been mentioned in the second place. So in Heraldry (see quot. 1866).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second
othereOE
tother1380
second1572
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > heraldic tincture > [noun] > first or second
first1562
second1572
1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie 114 b He beareth Argent, a fesse Gules, betwene three Eaglettes Sable, membred and beaked of the second.
1866 J. E. Cussans Gram. Heraldry 47 Never repeat a tincture twice in the same blazon. Should it occur again, it must be described as of the first (or field), of the second, of the last, &c., as the case may be.
2.
a. Next in rank, quality, importance, or degree of any attribute, to (a person or thing regarded as first). Hence, in negative and limiting contexts, Inferior (to none, only to…). [Compare Latin nulli secundus.]
ΚΠ
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 836 Troylus was neuere vn-to no wight As in his tyme in no degre secounde.
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 i. ii. 43 Ambitious woman as thou art, Art thou not second woman in this land.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 7 Of very reuerent reputation sir,..Second to none that liues heere in the Citie. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 409 Regardless of the Bliss wherein hee sat Second to thee, offerd himself to die For mans offence. View more context for this quotation
1757 T. Gray Ode I iii. ii, in Odes 10 Nor second He, that rode sublime Upon the seraph-wings of Extasy, The secrets of th' Abyss to spy.
1821 G. Canning Speech 2 Apr. (1828) IV. 306 Among the names he had missed one, now no more, never second in the zeal of his resistance.
1860 J. E. Tennent Story of Guns (1864) 233 In the search for improvement failures have a value second only to success.
1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Let. 17 May (1954) III. 414 I doing little else but feel eminently uncomfortable, for which..I have a faculty ‘second to none’.
1872 J. Yeats Growth Commerce 49 Miletus was scarcely second to Tyre in luxury and wealth.
1961 J. Heller Catch-22 (1962) xi. 112 He would stand second to none in his devotion to country.
b. With following superlative: Having only one superior in the specified attribute. Cf. second best adj.
ΚΠ
1533 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 41 My secunde gretest braspotte.
1880 W. F. Skene Celtic Scotl. III. 122 Dathi the second last of the pagan monarchs of Ireland.
1910 W. M. Raine Bucky O'Connor (1920) xx. 226 I'll agree to the second dearest in the world.
1959 J. Kirkup tr. S. de Beauvoir Mem. Dutiful Daughter ii. 116 She was..the second eldest daughter.
1977 Word 28 104 The second-youngest of the fluent speakers.
1979 Nature 15 Feb. 561/2 Secernosaurus is the second most primitive hadrosaur known.
c. In designations of office, denoting the lower of two, or the next to the highest of several persons holding the same office; e.g. second captain, second lieutenant (see quots.), second lord (of the Admiralty, etc.), second master, second mistress (in a school), second mate (also in Nautical slang phrases referring to measures of liquor), second officer (in a merchant ship).The French expression en second (quot. 1702) occurs sometimes in English official use in the 18th cent.; ‘officers en second’ are mentioned, e.g. in the London Gazette 1716–20. Cf. second v.2
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate
second mate1735
second greaser1888
society > education > teaching > teacher > schoolteacher or schoolmaster > [noun] > second master
surmastera1519
subhead1588
conrector1648
second master1866
co-rector1882
1702 Mil. Dict. (1704) Second Captain, or Lieutenant en Second, one whose Company has been broke, and he is joyn'd to another, to act and serve under the Captain or Lieutenant of it... There are also Second Captains and Lieutenants of the First Creation, that is, who were never so in the other Companies... Second Lieutenants are much us'd among the Foot in France.
1709 London Gaz. No. 4543/2 The second Lieutenant, and Mr. Lawrence,..were shot through the Body.
1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals III. 115 Mr. Eaton the second Mate of the Ship was the next Witness called.
1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 36/1 Second Lieutenant in the Artillery, is the same as an ensign in an infantry regiment,..and must assist the first lieutenant in the detail of the company's duty.
1843 J. F. Cooper Ned Myers II. ii. 61 Putting a second~mate's nip of brandy into my glass.
1853 ‘C. Bede’ Adventures Mr. Verdant Green i. 6 The second master..‘licked a feller’ for a false quantity.
1866 School Life at Winchester Coll. xiv. 177 The Roll which was published every November, giving a list of the entire establishment of the College, commencing with the Warden, Head master, (Informator,) Second master, (Hostiarius,) the ten fellows, three chaplains; the under masters [etc.].
1923 L. Magnus Jubilee Bk. Girls' Public Day School Trust iv. 58 Her retirement coincided with that of her Second Mistress, Mrs. Withiel.
1933 P. A. Eaddy Hull Down 99 He pulls a pint bottle out of the case, and drawing the cork pulls out a good Second Mate's four fingers.
1952 V. Noake Hist. Alice Ottley School Worcester xiii. 140 Miss Spurling's successor..was Miss Hilda M. Roden, second mistress of the Stamford High School, Stamford, Lincs.
1967 S. Waters Indentures Indorsed xxxv. 232 A couple of second mate's pegs was usually enough to set us all singing.
1976 C. Dexter Last seen Wearing xxx. 211 School masters, even experienced second masters, aren't all that highly recompensed.
d. Military. second in command: holding a position only subordinate to the chief commander of an army or one of its subdivisions. Often absol. quasi-n.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command
seconda1616
under-commander1617
second in command1776
1776 W. Howe Let. 7 June in 9th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (rev. ed.) App. iii. 35 in Parl. Papers 1910 (Cd. 5038) XXXV. 675 The seniority of his rank..would have placed him second in command in Canada had he not been previously employed to the southward.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. iii. 219 Poor Commandant Gouvion, watching at the Tuileries, second in National Command, sees several things hard to interpret.
1882 Manch. Guard. 6 Sept. 5 Baker Pasha will be appointed second in command and ‘adjoint’ of the Turkish Commander in-Chief.
1939 ‘C. S. Forester’ Captain Hornblower xvi. 173 On his first commission his second-in-command had taken advantages of lapses on his part.
1982 Observer 16 Apr. 14/6 His second-in-command is a Sierra Leonean major.
e. Music. Used to distinguish the next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence of a voice or instrument: Rendering such a part.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [adjective] > parts in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts
mean1597
inward1654
second1724
1724 Short Explic. Foreign Words Musick Bks. Violino Secondo, the Second Violin.
1746 W. Tans'ur New Musical Gram. 131 If you would set a Second Treble, or Cantus, Medius, or Counter, to any Piece of Musick that was before in Two Parts, to make Three Parts; let it begin from the Bass on some different Cord from the Tenor [etc.].
1771 D. Barrington in Philos. Trans. 1770 (Royal Soc.) 60 56 The parts for the first and second voice were written in what the Italians stile the Contralto cleff.
1836 Hickson Singing Master i. Pref. 4 The second parts will always be sung with most effect by boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen.
1885 W. S. Gilbert Mikado i. 15 Assuming the disguise of a Second Trombone, I joined the band in which you found me.
3. Having the degree of quality, fineness, etc. next to the best; of the second grade or class. Now only Commerce in certain customary uses.In some applications there is also the notion of being produced by a second operation, after the best has been already obtained.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best
next best1423
secondary1428
second best1439
secondc1440
secondar1474
second-rate1669
second line1797
second-class1837
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 482 And aftir oil secounde Is maad, that on a sadder mylle is grounde.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 184 The fragments of the Coame..heated, and strayned agayne, doo make a second Hony.
1618 in Archaeologia 44 411 Item for second bread 2 0 0.
1638 J. Penkethman Artachthos sig. Div When the second wheate (which is the Red being in meale) is sold for iiii l. the Quarter in the market.
1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 14 My coat..made of good second cloth.
1842 J. Bischoff Comprehensive Hist. Woollen Manuf. II. 124 We used to have a certain description of cloth for livery purposes, called second cloth, made of English wool.
1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 483 Each cow gives about 1 lb. per week of ‘second butter’, fetching 2d. per lb. less than the best.
1860 J. Newlands Carpenter & Joiner's Assist. Gloss. Second Bricks, bricks of a quality next to the finest mail stocks or cutters.
4.
a. Other, another; additional to that which has already existed, taken place, been mentioned, etc. Often qualifying a proper name, to designate one who equals or closely resembles the bearer of the name.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > different, other, or further
some otherc950
otherOE
anotherc1175
secondc1480
c1480 (a1400) St. Nicholas 1068 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 511 He tuk þe secund coupe in hand, & one þe altare fore offerand It set.
1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 177 Welcum, in were the secund Iulius, The prince of knightheyd and flour of cheualry.
1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) 30 A famous kynge [Hen. VII]..Called (in his tyme) the Seconde Salomon.
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. G2v And therewith her eyes distilled such abundance of teares, as..made her seeme a more than second Niobe.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lix. sig. E If their bee nothing new, but that which is, Hath beene before, how are our braines beguild, Which laboring for inuention beare amisse The second burthen of a former child? View more context for this quotation
1784 Rolliad (1795) viii. 49 Vansittart, thou, A second Hastings, if the Fates allow.
1806 W. Scott Lett. (1932) I. 325 Could any one bear the story of a second city being taken by a wooden horse?
1850 F. Madden Wycliffite Bible List of MSS. No. 28 The Ms...has been corrected throughout by a second, but nearly contemporary scribe.
b. Proverb: habit (or usage) is second nature. Hence (without allusion to the proverb) to be (come as, etc.) second nature (to one): to be as if natural or instinctive. Occasionally in elliptical constructions without a verb.The Latin form, consuetudo est altera (or secunda) natura, is found in St. Augustine and Macrobius, and approximately in Cicero (see Lewis & Short at Natura); the notion occurs in Aristotle (e.g. Probl. iv. xxvi, Eth. N. vii. x) and other Greek writers.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [noun] > accustomedness
usagec1485
accustomedness1595
assuetude1626
customariness1632
wontedness1649
habit (or usage) is second nature1662
inuredness1682
habituality1801
usedness1871
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 23 For in Phisique this I finde, Usage is the seconde kinde.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 89 That habit being as it were converted into a second nature.
a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xii. 254 Habits which..are become a kind of second Nature to him.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. vii. 113 Those to whom long practice has rendered them [sc. frivolous fopperies] a second nature.
1910 S. E. White in Sunset Apr. 421/1 Bob..rolled over twice with the rapid, vigorous twist second-nature to a seasoned half-back.
1944 Sun (Baltimore) 28 Nov. 8/2 Civilian air defense comes as second nature to them.
1954 T. S. Eliot Confidential Clerk iii. 96 I do feel more at ease when I'm behind a desk: It's second nature.
1967 R. Singha & R. Massey Indian Dances xviii. 159 They become second nature to her when she is dancing.
c. second self n. a friend who agrees absolutely with one's tastes and opinions, or for whose welfare one cares as much as for one's own.After Latin alter idem, Greek ἄλλος αὐτός and ἔτερος αὐτός (Arist. Eth. N. ix).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > second self or kindred spirit
another myself1526
alter ego1537
another I1539
self1557
second self1586
alter idema1618
himself1622
twin soul1868
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > [noun] > close
fellowa1225
loukec1386
second self1586
dear heart1669
pimple1700
fellow well met1730
hearty1880
sidekick1893
side-kicker1894
1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 150 The mightie and inuiolable bond of friendship, as of a second-selfe did constraine him to lend his eare to his friend.
1665 R. Brathwait Comment Two Tales Chaucer (1901) 93 I will offer to your choice two things, wherein please your self, and you shall please me who am your second self.
1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xxvi. 215 As to Miss Mirvan, she is my second self, and neither hopes nor fears but as I do.
1851 E. Bulwer-Lytton Not so Bad i. i. 6 Ha, Softhead! my Pylades—my second self!
in extended use.1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lxxiii. sig. E4 Blacke night..Deaths second selfe that seals vp all in rest. View more context for this quotation
5. ‘Helpful, lending assistance’ (Schmidt). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [adjective]
lastfuleOE
helpinga1300
helplya1300
helpfulc1384
assistanta1400
succourablec1400
helpyc1440
aidant1449
adjutoryc1475
subsiduous1490
aidable1509
aidinga1525
aidful1535
adjuvant1574
adjuvable1598
assistful1600
auxiliary1605
recureful1606
seconda1616
succouring1616
coadjuvanta1625
adjutant1645
adjutorious1657
assisting1659
subventive1674
relievablea1693
subventitious1693
affording1873
succourful1898
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) ii. iii. 27 Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me. View more context for this quotation
6.
a. quasi-adv. Secondly, in the second place (rare); as the second in succession. Also, †for the second time.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb]
secondlyc1374
second1382
secondary1455
secondarily1534
secondarly1543
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb] > for a second time, again
eftc825
eftersoonsc950
eftsoonc1000
yetOE
againOE
once morelOE
eft-sitha1300
againwardc1380
second1382
secondly1382
once againc1475
secondarilyc1475
secondarly1543
backwardly1552
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xxvii. 36 The riȝtis of my fyrst geting biforn he took a wey, and now secounde he hath vnder rauyshide my benysoun.
a1556 T. Cranmer Let. 26 Aug. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) III. 25 Seconde,..I shewed the people that this thynge ought no thynge to move theym, for it was [etc.].
1842 C. Whitehead Richard Savage (1845) II. vii. 271 I was confounded first, and incensed second.
a1859 T. De Quincey Posthumous Wks. (1891) I. 55 First, it was not to be too complete; second, even for this incompleteness it was not to be concentrated within a short time.
1911 N.E.D. at Second Mod. Mr. A. opened the debate. Mr. B. spoke second.
b. elliptically for second class n. (in travelling by rail, etc.).
ΚΠ
1912 R. Brooke Let. Jan. (1968) 334 The maids of the Ordinary Rich go second, with you and the normal me.
1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 80 As I'm not getting Travel Allowance for this trip, I'd decided to travel 2nd.
a1976 A. Christie Autobiogr. (1977) vi. i. 289 Ladies travelling alone would never have travelled third class... Even ladies' maids always travelled second.
B. n.2
I. One who or something which is second.
1. Elliptical uses of the adjective passing into quasi-n. (mostly admitting of plural).
a. second in blood, †second of kin (Scots Law): one related in the second degree of consanguinity.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > [noun] > relative of specific degree
third of kin1535
second in blood1567
1567 Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1814) III. 26/1 Item, Our Souerane Lord..declaris, that secundis in degreis of consanguinitie, and affinitie..may lauchfullie marie.
1582 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 481 Alexander Rutherfurd, alsua his sister sone, Alexander Chalmer, second and thriddis of kin to him.
1754 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. I. i. vi. 63 By seconds in blood are meant first cousins.
b. Grammar. Used elliptically for second person (only before singular or plural).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [noun] > person > second or third person
second1530
third1530
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 33 The seconde plurell endeth ever in EZ.
1841 R. G. Latham Eng. Lang. (1850) iv. xix. 298 The second singular of the preterite tense.
c. A place in the second class in an examination; one who takes such a place. Also, the competitor who comes next to the winner in a contest.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > educational administration > examination > [noun] > marks > specific marks
accessit1753
honour1774
credit1802
second class1810
firsta1830
first class1830
third class1844
Hons.1850
max1851
second1852
special mention1886
distinction?1890
A1892
E1892
pass mark1894
two-two1895
alpha1898
alpha plus1898
gamma1898
beta1902
delta1911
alpha minus1914
fourth1914
straight A1926
two-one1937
lower second1960
honourable mention2011
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > one who > one who wins > one who comes next to winner
proxime accessit1852
runner-up1859
proxime1889
second1892
1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University (ed. 2) 283 To take even a good Second in Classics, one must [etc.].
1892 Shearman in Eng. Illustr. Mag. Mar. 445 This [the silver O.U.A.C. medal], and this alone, the winners and seconds receive for their place in the Oxford Sports.
1907 ‘B. Burke’ Barbara goes to Oxf. 43 Miss Jones has a first-class and Miss Smith a second.
d. second of exchange: see exchange n. 5, and cf. first of exchange n. at first adj., adv., and n.2 Phrases 1f.
e. Chiefly Baseball. Used elliptically for second base n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball ground > [noun] > base
base1848
first base1848
second base1848
third base1848
second1861
first1864
bag1873
sack1914
1861 Sunday Mercury (N.Y.) 20 Oct. 5/5 ‘Dicky’ safely reached the second.
1900 G. Ade Fables in Slang 34 She believed that she could get away with any Topic that was batted up to her and then slam it over to Second in time to head off the Runner.
1976 Billings (Montana) Gaz. 6 July 1- c/5 Miquel Rodriquez was hurt while sliding into second on a wild pitch.
1977 New Yorker 19 Sept. 40/1 When he had fielded the soft-ball and his daughter was racing from first to second, he couldn't think what else to do.
f. to deal seconds (see quot. 1951). U.S.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card-sharping or cheating > [verb (intransitive)] > methods of cheating
swig1591
cog1592
slip1760
to top the deck1894
to deal seconds1951
1951 Amer. Speech 26 101/1 Seconds, to deal, to deal cards other than the top card on the deck. It is practically impossible to detect this if the dealer is clever enough.
1978 M. Puzo Fools Die xviii. 194 Not a top-notch mechanic but one who could easily deal seconds. That is, Cully could keep the top card for himself and deal the second card from the top.
2.
a. One next to another (considered as the first in a series) in rank, quality, etc. Also, †a second instance, a match to something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > [noun] > equal, counterpart, or equivalent
ylikeeOE
likea1200
make?c1225
fellow?a1425
proportion?a1425
countervailc1430
matcha1450
meetc1450
pareil?c1450
resemblant1484
equivalent1502
countermatch1587
second1599
parallel1600
equipollent1611
balancea1616
tantamount1637
analogy1646
analogate1652
form-fellow1659
equivalency1698
par1711
homologizer1716
peel1722
analogon1797
quits1806
correlate1821
analogue1837
representant1847
homologue1848
countertype1855
homologon1871
correlative1875
vis-à-vis1900
counterpart1903
1599 M. Drayton Idea in Englands Heroicall Epist. (new ed.) sig. Q7 And by all meanes, let foule vnkindnes proue, And shew the second to so pure a loue.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 354 That City, being then not only without equal in the country, but without second, had..exercised almost as great an influence on the politics of England as [etc.].
b. = second in command at sense A. 2d. (See A. 2d.)
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > person in second position
seconda1616
No. 21847
number two1952
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command
seconda1616
under-commander1617
second in command1776
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 130 And tis great pitty that the noble Moore Should hazard such a place, as his owne second, With one of an ingraft infirmity. View more context for this quotation
1800 Ld. Keith in Paget Papers (1896) I. 257 From my late second [Lord Nelson] I derived no advantage.
1954 W. Faulkner Fable 240 Company commanders and battalion seconds stained with the filth of front lines.
c. Printing. A pressman's assistant. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > printer > [noun] > pressman's assistant
second1683
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 319 The one [Pressman] they distinguish by the name of First, the other his Second, these call one another Companions: The First is he that has wrought longest at that Press.
d. = second gear n. at Compounds 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear
bottom gear?1865
high gear1889
low gear1895
fourth1900
second gear1902
first gear1907
second1907
first1909
second speed1912
high1914
low1914
1907 M. Pemberton Amateur Motorist vi. 45 I got the ‘second’ in that time with a clash as of subterranean wheels.
1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When changing gear up from first to second, or second to top, the clutch pedal should be pressed down.
1925 A. Huxley Along the Road i. 19 The Citroën went into second and remained there; slowly we puffed up the long ascent.
1932 News Chron. 10 Mar. 2/1 The Silent Second makes it pleasant to use your gears as you should.
1940 R. Stout in Mystery Book 400 The roadster whirred by in second.
1973 M. Woodhouse Blue Bone xii. 140 I slipped the transmission up into second and poured on the power.
e. Mountaineering. The second climber of a team.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > mountaineering or climbing > [noun] > mountaineer or climber
rock climber1767
rockman1798
cragsman1816
cliffsman1829
mountaineer1860
Alpestrian1861
alpinist1861
cliffer1861
glissader1861
ascensionist1863
alpenstocker1864
shin-scraper1869
hillmana1885
second1907
Munro-bagger1910
summiteer1926
middleman1968
rock jock1980
free soloist1984
1907 G. D. Abraham Compl. Mountaineer v. 67 A difficult overhanging pitch refused to yield to ordinary tactics; so I mounted on my second's shoulders.
1920 G. W. Young Mountain Craft v. 230 The leader or last man will not, by the nature of the case, require the support of a good second.
1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle i. 27 I'd planned to lead in rubbers. Seeing that my second's a beginner, and to be quite on the safe side.
1976 G. Moffat Over Sea to Death v. 53 She placed her slings, clipped in her rope and, watching it fall, caught her second's eye.
f. The second in command of a six or patrol in the Scouting and Guiding movement.
ΚΠ
1917 R. E. Philipps Patrol Syst. ii. 14 The Second is a boy selected by the Patrol Leader to be his assistant.
1949 W. Hillcourt Baden-Powell's Aids to Scoutmastership i. 41 In this council it is often found convenient to admit the Seconds (Assistant Patrol Leaders) also as members.
1958 R. Hazlewood Scoutmaster's Guide from A to Z 213 Originally called a ‘corporal’ the Second (No. 2 in the Patrol) is the P.L.'s assistant.
1969 Policy, Organisation & Rules of Girl Guides Assoc. (rev. ed.) 42 The Patrol is the group for work and play. It consists of not more than eight girls, including the Patrol Leader and Second.
3. plural = secundine n. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta
secundine1398
afterburden?a1450
second birtha1513
afterbirth1527
second1562
glean1601
bed1611
placenta1638
sooterkina1658
womb-cake1657
womb-liver1657
womb-pancake1663
1562 W. Turner Herball (1568) ii. 163 The seed of it [gelovers]..dryveth doune floures, secondes, and the byrthe.
1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden ii. 5 The Root..is good for Women in Child-bed, to purge their Seconds and Termes.
4. Music.
a. A term for the interval represented by 9/ 8; a tone two diatonic degrees above or below any given tone; the interval between any tone and a tone two diatonic degrees distant from it; the harmonic combination of two such tones.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > tone
whole note1574
second1597
tone1609
whole tone1636
note1762
deuce1829
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 71 All such as doe not make concord as a second, a fourth, a seuenth.
1610 T. Campion New Way Counter-point sig. B8v If the Base descends or falls, a second, third, or fourth.
1730 Short Treat. Harmony iii. 15 The Second or Ninth of the key.
1788 T. Cavallo in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 78 238 The second minor.
1873 W. A. Barrett Chorister's Guide 94 The whole of the successive notes or intervals making a scale are seconds, the tones being called major and the semitones minor seconds.
b. The next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence, a voice suitable to such a part.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [noun] > part in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts
mean?a1400
medius1563
seconda1774
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > singing voice > [noun] > second highest voice
second1840
a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 159 So that we see how injudiciously the performers on glasses manage, who play firsts, seconds, and sometimes a base altogether upon an instrument, whose only excellence depends, not on its strength, but its simplicity of tone.
1840 J. T. J. Hewlett Peter Priggins iii, in New Monthly Mag. [I] passed two or three pleasant hours standing over a pianoforte and a very fine girl, to whom I was well contented to sing second.
1905 J. Heywood Music in Churches 14 Some ladies persist in singing in thirds below the melody... This, I believe, is..called ‘putting in a second’.
5. plural. Commerce. A quality (of bricks, flour, etc.) second and inferior to the best. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > types of material generally > [noun] > inferior or cheap
seconds1609
mockado1619
ticky-tacky1962
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxxv. sig. H3 And take thou my oblacion, poore but free, Which is not mixt with seconds, knows no art. View more context for this quotation
1700 Acts Assembly Pennsylv. (1762) I. 11 If any Person..offer to Sale any Trash or Seconds, rotten or frost bitten Tobacco, or such [etc.].
1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 225 The finest kind of marls [bricks] called firsts... The next best called seconds.
1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 30 A weakness which is occasioned by the millers' grinding their corn too much, particularly white samples, nearly the whole whereof is brought to market as seconds and thirds.
1858 W. H. Skyring Builders' Prices 93 For seconds glass, up to 1 foot 7, deduct 1d.
1877 W. F. Woods Lett. Oyster Fisheries 19 From this cause the loss of ‘seconds’—i.e. oysters other than natives—..is very great.
1903 Daily Chron. 21 Apr. 2/6 Cork Butter.—Firsts, 86s; seconds, 80s; thirds, 78s.
1908 Sears, Roebuck Catal. No. 117. 349/2 We could sell seconds for less money than any of our competitors if we dealt in that class of merchandise.
1932 Sale Catal. Three knots selected seconds..artificial silk stockings.
1942 E. Paul Narrow Street iii. 20 This friend was able to sequester from the large department-store stock ‘seconds’ which had no detectable imperfections.
1952 Amer. Speech 27 264 Textile products which..do not come up to standard quality are referred to as imperfects, seconds, and run-of-the-mill.
1972 Accountant 17 Aug. 195/2 Garages could fit ‘seconds’ without being spotted, or even swop old tyres.
1976 E. Ward Hanged Man ii. 9 They listened to the patter act of a Manchester huckster selling tea-set seconds.
6. One-half. (On the analogy of third, fourth, etc.) Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > division into two > [noun] > division into two equal parts > a half
halfc950
halfendealc1000
half-part1398
half-deal1399
mediety?1440
moiety1444
demi1501
demi-parcela1592
single1592
second1594
tally1647
'arf1854
half-value1903
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. vii. f. 10 The Numerator is alwaies set aboue, and the denominator beneath, hauing a little line drawne betwixt them thus ½ which signifieth one second or one halfe.
1660 J. Moore Arithm. 5 As if the unite be conceived to be divided into two parts, the parts are called seconds or halves.
7. In systems of fractional numeration (or of weights or measures) having a constant modulus: The subdivision next but one below the unit, and next below the ‘prime’; the lower subdivisions being usually called ‘thirds’, ‘fourths’, etc.Cf. second n.1, which is a special case of the sense here defined, but is treated separately because it was taken from medieval Latin or Rom.; the uses below may be most conveniently regarded as applications of the English ordinal numeral suggested by second n.1
a. Scottish Troy Weight. The 576th part (1 ÷ 242) of a grain. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [noun] > unit or denomination of weight > smallest unit or grain > specific parts of grain
mitea1393
periot1564
fourth1594
minta1600
droit1601
prime1604
second1604
blank1680
1604 King James I Proclam. for Coynes 16 Nov. (table) Scottish Weights. Deniers 24. Graines 24. Primes 24. Seconds 24. Thirds 24. Fourths 24.
b. (a) Arithmetic. The quantity ·01 or 1/ 100. (b) Surveying. The 100th part of a perch, = 1·98 inches.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > hundred and over > [noun] > hundred > a hundredth
hundredth parta1300
centesm1483
second1619
cent1667
centesimal1677
hundredth1774
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > rod, pole, or perch > hundredth of perch
second1619
1619 H. Lyte Art of Tens 14 Euerie vnite of a prime being diuided into ten parts, are called seconds.
1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words A Second in surveying, is the tenth part of a prime, and contains one inch, and 49 of 50 parts of an inch.
1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions viii. 61 Primes, or Tenth Parts. Seconds, or Hundredth Parts. Thirds, or Thousandth Parts.
1766 C. Hutton Schoolmaster's Guide 55 The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, &c. places of decimals, counting from the left-hand towards the right, are denominated the places of primes, seconds, thirds, and fourths, &c. respectively.
c. Mathematics. In duodecimals (duodecimals n. at duodecimal n.), the twelfth part of a ‘prime’ or inch.Formerly (if quot. 1703 be correct), the 144th part of an inch, the 12th being called a ‘prime’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one hundred and forty-fourth of inch
second1703
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one twelfth of an inch
line1665
prime1703
scruple1802
second1842
1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 123 Inches by (12th) Parts, produce Seconds, or 12th Parts of the 12th Part of an Inch.
1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions 119 To multiply any Integers, Primes, Seconds, &c. by a Multiple of 12 Integers; first Multiply by 12 [etc.].
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. ii. i. 296 Feet and inches are marked with their initial letters, but twelfths or seconds by a double accent, thus 2″.
8. plural. A second helping of food at a meal; occasionally the second or sweet course. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > amounts of food > [noun] > portion of food > portion served > supplementary portion
seconds1792
follow1903
1792 D. O'Connell Corr. (1972) I. 4 We get very small portions at dinner; most of the lads..get what they call seconds, that is, a second portion every day.
1918 L. E. Ruggles Navy Explained 124 When there is not enough of the first issue of rations the mess cook is requested to go to the galley and get ‘seconds’.
1942 Yank 28 Oct. 8 We were more delighted than we can say to get a hamburger in a foreign land and went for seconds.
1960 ‘R. East’ Kingston Black xiv. 139 Kitty had served tinned fruit and farm cream for seconds.
1974 P. Gzowski Bk. about this Country 59/1 This dish has been served to hundreds of people over the years and requests for seconds (or even thirds) are usual.
1981 A. Price Soldier no More 121 Lexy scraped the frying pan... Would you like seconds, David darling?
II. A person who renders assistance.
9. One who or something which renders aid or support to another.
a. gen.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun] > that which or one who helps or means of help
redeeOE
helpc893
bootOE
friendOE
lithc1275
helpera1300
a helping handa1300
helpingc1330
bieldc1352
succour?a1366
supplementc1384
easementa1398
succourer1442
aid?1473
assister1535
assistant?1541
adminicle1551
mystery1581
second1590
auxiliatory1599
subsidium1640
suffragan1644
facilitation1648
adminiculary1652
auxiliary1656
auxiliar1670
ally1794
Boy Scout1918
assist1954
facilitator1987
1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 23 When those that giue the first charge begin to retire or wax colde, the great Officers command their seconds to the assaults.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 103 Ile be thy Second . View more context for this quotation
a1627 T. Middleton Women beware Women ii. ii, in 2 New Playes (1657) 126 We wish no better seconds in Society Then your discourses, Madam.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 355 But the gold was my best second,..[and] was my continuall vade Mecum.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. iii. 7 Glasses are but the seconds, which succeed on the Cupboard, when Plate the principall is otherwise disposed of.
1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 15 Mar. (1948) II. 514 People will not understand; I am a very good Second; but I care not to begin a Recommendation unless it be for an intimate Friend.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela IV. xiii. 74 She is very happy in Mrs. Jervis, who is an excellent Second to her admirable Lady.
b. spec. One who acts as representative of a principal in a duel, carrying the challenge, arranging locality and loading weapons. Similarly in a pugilistic contest.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > [noun] > champion or fighter in single combat > second
second1623
setter1648
friend1709
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > boxer's second
second1743
bottle holder1787
handler1879
corner1952
1623 J. Webster Deuils Law-case ii. i Erc. Shall's haue no Seconds? Con. None, for feare of preuention. Erc. The length of our weapons? Con. Weele fit them by the way.
1632 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 113 Indeed his second J. S. was acquitted, for that it appeared he knew not of the combatt before he came there.
1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 12 Dec. (1948) II. 578 Coll Hamilton who was sec [o] nd to D. Hamilton, is tryed to-day.
1743 Broughton's Rules in P. Egan Boxiana (1812–13) I. 51 In every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon the stage, except the principals and their seconds.
1818 W. Scott Chivalry in Encycl. Brit.: Suppl. to 4th–6th Eds. III. i. 126/1 It was usual to have more seconds, even to the number of five or six.
1841 F. L. Dowling Fistiana 63 That each man shall be attended to the ring by a second and a bottle-holder, the former provided with a sponge, and the latter with a bottle of water.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. xiv. 332 ‘There was no need for more seconds than one,’ said the Colonel, ‘and the Captain or Lord Warwick might easily withdraw.’
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 139/2 (Boxing) Seconds, men, generally professional boxers, appointed to attend on the contestants in the intervals between the rounds.
c. Assistance, aid, support. Also plural in the same sense. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun]
fultumeOE
help971
succour?c1225
abetc1330
succouringc1330
speedc1340
subsidya1387
rescousc1390
chevisancea1400
juvamentc1400
supply1420
aid1430
favour1434
supplying1436
suffrage1445
availa1450
boteningc1450
succurrancec1450
adjuvancea1460
assistance1495
meeda1500
subventiona1500
suppliancea1500
adjutory?a1513
sistancea1513
adminiculation1531
abetment1533
assisting1553
adjument1576
society1586
aidance1593
opitulation1598
secourse1598
second1605
suppeditation1605
assistency1642
auxiliation1657
adjutancy1665
adjuvancy1677
abettal1834
sustenance1839
constructiveness1882
1605 B. Jonson Sejanus ii. i. 381 This second (from his Mother) will well vrge Our late dissigne, and spur on Cæsars rage. View more context for this quotation
a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 12 I gave them no second till I might perceive those within had spent their ready powder in their furnitures.
a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 18 An officer with two hundred souldiers..came to their seconds.
1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes i. xix. 82 This blow so affrighted the enemy, that they had certainly retired to their trenches, if the Cariffe of Africca..had not..come into their second.

Compounds

C1. In syntactical combinations of a permanent nature or with special meaning (many of which are also used attributively or as adj., and are then written with hyphen). Also second best adj., second-class adj., second hand n. and adj., second-rate adj. and n., second sight n.
second Adam n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man
second manc1384
Man of Sorrows1577
second Adam1587
1587 Bible (Geneva) 1 Cor. xv. 45 (marginal gloss) To wit, with the Spirit of God, which descendeth from Christ the second Adam, into us.
1655 Bp. J. Taylor Vnum Necessarium vi. 362 Receiving more by the second Adam than we did lose by the first.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 383 The Tempter set Our second Adam in the Wilderness, To shew him all Earths Kingdomes and thir Glory. View more context for this quotation
1739 C. Wesley in J. Wesley & C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems ii. 208 Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in thy Love.
second advent n. Theology the expected Second Coming of Christ as Judge (see advent n. 2).
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > biblical events > Second Coming > [noun]
Second Comingc1400
return1550
advent1736
second advent1736
Parousia1781
1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 347/2 But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive The same reward.
second adventist n. = premillenarian adj.
second ballot n. a deciding ballot taken between the candidate who won a previous ballot without securing an absolute majority and the candidate with the next highest number of votes; also attributive of an electoral system using this.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > [noun] > second ballot
ballotage1869
run-off1902
second ballot1910
society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > right to vote at elections > [adjective] > type of electoral system
scot and lot1818
plural1839
preferential1870
uninominal1881
second ballot1910
first past the post1914
1910 Rep. Royal Comm. Electoral Syst. 3 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 5163) XXVI. 295 The Second Ballot.—A candidate, to be returned at the first election must receive an absolute majority of the valid votes cast. If no candidate obtains such a majority, a second election is held, at which (in the most usual form of the system) only the two candidates compete who received most votes at the first election.
1927 Observer Nov. 13/1 The Second Ballot means..a second election held a week or a fortnight after the first, whenever at the first election no candidate has secured an absolute majority of the votes.
1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 9/1 The electorate, at the second ballot, were left to choose between Hindenburg, Marx and Thaelmann.
1954 B. North & R. North tr. M. Duverger Polit. Parties ii. i. 239 There were variations of procedure in the simple-majority second-ballot system.
1976 J. Rogaly Parl. for People vi. 71 Two less satisfactory forms of preferential voting are the ‘second ballot’, used in France, and the ‘Alternative vote’.
second banana n. slang (originally U.S.) a supporting comedian (cf. top banana n.).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performance of jester or comedian > [noun] > jester or comedian > supporting
second banana1953
1953 N.Y. Times 24 May ii. 11/2 In television and radio, Mr. Carney has played second banana to many star comedy performers.
1974 N.Y. Times 28 Dec. 26/1 He [sc. Jack Benny] was often the butt of his second bananas, who devastated him with their barbs.
1977 Time 13 June 42/2 Their Yank allies, doubtless because they had second-banana roles in the original production 33 years ago, have dim, brief lives on the screen.
second birth n. (a) Theology = regeneration n. 2; (b) = secundine n. 1; (c) the entrance upon a new life after death.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > soul > regeneration > [noun]
again-begettingc1384
regenerationa1425
renovationa1425
reparation1447
second birtha1513
new birth1529
gain-birtha1557
regeneracy1620
reawakening1662
renewal1737
rebirth1837
reawakenment1886
rebirthing1969
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta
secundine1398
afterburden?a1450
second birtha1513
afterbirth1527
second1562
glean1601
bed1611
placenta1638
sooterkina1658
womb-cake1657
womb-liver1657
womb-pancake1663
the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [noun]
aristc885
risinga1200
uprisingc1250
upristc1250
arisnessa1300
uprisea1300
arising1340
uparising1340
again-risingc1384
uprasa1400
upraisingc1400
resuscitation?a1450
revive1553
gain-risinga1557
revivification1561
restorement1571
apotheosis1595
revival1608
reviviscencea1631
reanimation1633
second birth1643
reviviction1646
anastasis1647
reviviscency1654
rise1738
anabiosis1890
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. xxvii. sig. i.viii By the seconde byrthe..we haue regeneracyon.
1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. sig. Iv And then secondelye, [issueth] the foresayd after birth: & therefore it may be iustly called ye second byrth or secondyne.
1643 K. Digby Observ. Religio Medici 102 Assoone as Death hath played the Midwife to our second birth, our Soule shall then [etc.].
1749 C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems II. ii. 246 Plunge Her by a Second Birth Into the Depths of God.
second blessing n. originally U.S. an experience of God's grace subsequent to conversion, believed by some Christian groups to be the means of receiving the power to live a sanctified life.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > grace > [noun] > after conversion
second blessing1891
1891 B. Carradine Sanctification ii. 14 My soul was reaching out..for..what is properly called the second blessing.
1891 B. Carradine Sanctification iv. 33 This definition and explanation of entire sanctification, or the second blessing.
1940 Amer. Sociol. Rev. 5 741 The Pentecostal groups..believe further in the gift of tongues as an additional evidence of God's grace, awakened..by the ‘second blessing’.
1977 Christian 4 204 The call to Community has something of the aura of the conversion experience, or perhaps even more of the so called ‘second blessing’.
second bottom n. (a) U.S. the first terrace above the normal flood plain of a stream; (b) Australian a second stratum of gold-bearing material found by sinking below the bottom (bottom n. 6c).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [noun] > strata containing minerals
fuller's eartha1350
fulling eartha1399
fulling clay1647
second bottom1787
iron pan1811
ledge1847
blue lead1854
oil shale1866
oil sand1875
Cambridge coprolite1881
Cambridge greensand1882
gem-bed1886
the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > land near river > [noun] > flooded > above flood plain
second bottom1787
1787 J. Mathews Jrnl. 23 Aug. in S. P. Hildreth Pioneer Hist. (1848) vii. 184 Went to view the Indian works, which are about a mile from the fort. They extend for about half a mile on the second bottom.
1788 Massachusetts Spy 19 June 3/2 Next to these are what is called second bottoms, which are elevated plains, and gentle risings of the richest uplands.
1855 R. Caldwell Gold Era of Victoria x. 116 As regards the question of ‘second bottoms’, which has excited considerable discussion,.. all such attempts must..end in disappointment and loss to those engaged in them.
1862 J. A. Patterson Gold Fields Victoria vii. 80 There is no known reason why there should not be a second bottom on Bendigo Flat.
1905 T. C. Chamberlin & R. D. Salisbury Geol. iii. 195 (caption) Diagram illustrating a distinct terrace and a ‘second bottom’.., which may be regarded as a low terrace.
1924 Prof. Papers U.S. Geol. Surv. No. 126. 14/1 Bluffs 30 to 50 feet in height separate the flats of the gravel-covered terraces from the second bottoms.
second breakfast n. a light meal taken late in the morning or early in the afternoon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks
nuncheonc1260
morsela1382
refection?a1439
mixtumc1490
bever1500
banquet1509
collation1525
snatch1570
beverage1577
a little something1577
anders-meat1598
four-hours1637
watering1637
refreshment1639
snap1642
luncheona1652
crib1652
prandicle1656
munchin1657
baita1661
unch1663
afternooning1678
whet1688
nacket1694
merenda1740
rinfresco1745
bagging?1746
snack1757
coffee1774
second breakfast1775
nummit1777
stay-stomach1800
damper1804
eleven o'clock1805
noonshine1808
by-bit1819
morning1819
four1823
four o'clock1825
lunch1829
stay-bit1833
picnic meal1839
elevens1849
Tommy1864
picnic tea1869
dinnerette1872
merienda1880
elevenses1887
light bite1887
soldier's supper1893
mug-up1902
tray1914
café complet1933
nosha1941
namkeen1942
snax1947
snackette1952
chaat1954
ploughman's lunch1957
munchie1959
playlunch1960
short-eat1962
lite bite1965
munchie1971
ploughman1975
aperitivo2002
1775 J. Woodforde Diary 2 Jan. (1924) I. 144 We stayed at Whitney and made a second breakfast, we treated the maid at Whitney.
1802 M. Nugent Jrnl. 15 Jan. (1907) ii. 72 Had fruit for the children at 10; then second breakfast a little after 11.—Dined at 3.
1967 O. Hesky Time for Treason xi. 83 Barzilai..was regretting that he hadn't utilised this period..by having a ‘second breakfast’, a habit dear to the stomachs of those raised in certain parts of Europe.
second business n. (see quot. 1823).
ΚΠ
1823 Ann. Reg. 214* By the phrase second business is meant that sort of business in which the lead is given to the counsel who are not yet arrived at the dignity of a silk gown.
second car n. an additional family car.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [noun] > privately owned and used > additional family car
second car1966
1966 Guardian 16 May 5/3 We had been trying to choose an inexpensive ‘second car’ for my wife.
1981 L. Stephan Murder or Not xi. 87 The Subaru was a second car, used by Mr Cook to commute to his job.
second chamber n. in a legislature consisting of two chambers, the one which has chiefly the function of revising the measures prepared and passed by other; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [noun] > a chamber or house of > upper
lower house1523
upper house1532
upper chamber1753
senate1776
state senate1791
second chamber1828
1828 J. S. Mill in Westm. Rev. Apr. 282 In whichever way selected, this second chamber would have been..inveterately hostile to nearly every necessary reform.
1861 J. S. Mill Represent. Govt. xiii. 231 I set little value on any check which a Second Chamber can apply to a democracy otherwise unchecked.
second channel n. Radio = image n. 10; usually attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > signal > interference
cross-talk1887
static1905
X1906
statics1912
click1914
jam1914
grinder1922
hash1923
mush1924
echo1928
image1928
radio echo1928
harmonic interference1929
second channel1932
1932 C. L. Boltz Everyman's Wireless xv. 309 If the tuning circuit..is not sufficiently selective it is possible to receive..a signal whose frequency differs from that of the oscillator by the fixed intermediate frequency, but in the opposite direction... Such interference..is sometimes called ‘second channel’ interference.
1940 Amateur Radio Handbk. (ed. 2) 24/2 Interference is still likely to result from an incoming signal of such a frequency as to produce the correct intermediate frequency. This is known as ‘image’ or ‘second channel interference’.
1962 B.B.C. Handbk. 130 The selectivity of the receiver is improved and this reduces ‘second channel’, alternatively called ‘image’, interference. This is generally characterized by an irritating whistle of constantly changing pitch, sometimes accompanied by unwanted morse signals and programme modulation. Much of the interference experienced in the short-wave broadcast bands is due to such image effects.
1975 G. N. Patchett Radio Servicing III. ii. 11 It is essential to remove the second channel station before it reaches the frequency-changer or mixer.
second childishness n. behaviour typical of a person undergoing a ‘second childhood’ (see second childhood n. 2), esp. in later life.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood
second childhood1549
second childishnessa1616
second infancya1627
second childship1691
infancy1697
twichild1889
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 165 Last Scene of all..Is second childishnesse, and meere obliuion. View more context for this quotation
1760 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy II. xix. 161 There was not a stage in the life of man,..down to the lean and slipper'd pantaloon in his second childishness, but he had some favourite notion.
1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend (1865) 74 The old man doth not become a child by means of his second childishness.
1878 Mrs. H. Wood Pomeroy Abbey III. 255 The revelation made..by Naomi Rex in her second childishness.
1989 Times (Nexis) 16 Mar. The decline to second childishness..is traced from granny-sitters to alarming trips to hospital to a residential home to a mental hospital.
second childship n. Obsolete rare = second childhood n. 2.
ΚΠ
1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 646 Reduced to his second childship..his memory was quite decayed.
second chop n. (see chop n.5 4).
second cousin n. a child of a first cousin of either of one's parents; a cousin with whom one shares (typically) a pair of great-grandparents; (also more loosely) a child of one's first cousin, one's first cousin once removed; also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > cousin > [noun] > child of first cousin
cousin-german once removeda1513
second cousin1603
1603 A. Hartwell tr. L. Soranzo Ottoman i. §xv. f. 10 Halil Bassa, Generall of the Sea, second Cousin to the now liuing Grand-Turke, is of Bosna or else of Hungaria.
1736 Life Right Honourable George Ld. Carpenter Geneal. Acct. Thomas Carpenter..,having no Issue, left the Manor of the Homme to his Second Cousin.
1889 Harper's Mag. July 236/2 This excellent woman was the wife of Leonard Grogson, and was herself of the same blood; she was his second cousin.
1951 R. Firth Elements Social Organization iv. 142 The help is given as part of the reciprocities of kinship relations—to a second cousin, or uncle, or other member of an extended kin group.
2017 Eagle Eye (Lock Haven Univ.) (Nexis) 8 Mar. (A&E section) 1 My second cousin, who lives in Pittsburgh, was an art teacher in the public schools in Pittsburgh.
second cut adj. (a) (see quot. 1846); (b) Australian and New Zealand, (the mark of) a blow made to remove badly-cut fleece; a piece of short or inferior wool produced by this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > sheep-farming > sheep-shearing > [noun] > stroke of shears
second cut1846
blow1878
long blow1904
1846 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. II. 820 Double cut files..are thus respectively named by the Lancashire..makers:—1. Rough. 2. Middle-cut. 3. Bastard. 4. Second-cut. 5. Smooth. 6. Superfine.
1882 A. S. Armstrong & G. O. Campbell Austral. Sheep Husbandry xiv. 168 In shearing the first side of the sheep, each blow should be continued round until the back-bone is passed; this avoids the second cut caused by the blow up the back which should not be allowed, as the ‘cutting through’ which results considerably depreciates the value of the wool.
1897 D. McK. Wright Station Ballads & Other Verses 34 Mighty lot of wool you've lost! Second cuts? Well, that ain't my fault, you've his wrinkled hide to thank.
1900 A. Hawkesworth Austral. Sheep & Wool 180 A fleece is said to be fribby when a great number of second cuts or fribs fall out when it is shaken or in the process of rolling.
1929 H. B. Smith Sheep & Wool Industry Austral. & N.Z. (ed. 3) 209 Fribby, short locky pieces of wool such as second cuts and small black yolky locks from crutch and under fore-legs of sheep.
1950 N.Z. Jrnl. Agric. Oct. 311 An efficient shearer will not make many ‘second cuts’, but the presence of them among the fleeces in a bale will antagonize the wool buyer.
second day n. Obsolete in Quaker usage, Monday.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > a day or twenty-four hours > specific days > [noun] > Monday
MondayOE
shoemaker's holidayc1610
second day1691
1691 G. Fox Jrnl. (1911) II. 367 For the yearly second days Meeting in London.
1705 S. Sewall Diary 7 Dec. (1973) I. 535 I refer'd them to second-day Morning Decr 10. to meet at the Secretary's office.
second-degree n. Medicine used to designate burns that are sufficiently severe to cause blistering but not permanent scarring (see quot. 1972); see also degree n. 6d.
ΚΠ
1807 R. Morris & J. Kendrick Edinb. Med. & Physical Dict. I. at Burn Burns are attended with a degree of inflammation, greater or less, according to the violence of the injury; and, according to the different appearances they put on, they may be divided into four different classes, 1. When the burnt part is affected only with a sense of heat and inflammation; 2. When it is also accompanied with intense pain and vesication; 3. When the integuments are converted into an eschar; and, 4. When all the soft parts are scorched to the very bone.]
1930 Pack & Davis Burns iv. 20 Second Degree. Degree two is one of vesication.
1972 B. F. Miller & C. B. Keane Encycl. & Dict. Med. & Nursing 155/1 First-degree burns damage the epidermis; second-degree burns damage both epidermis and dermis; third-degree burns damage the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
second deliverance n. Law Obsolete (historical in later use) the restoration to or recovery by a person of goods or chattels distrained or confiscated, upon giving a surety to have the matter tried in a court of justice and to return the goods if the case is lost, following the failure of a first action of replevin; a second action of replevin.Also in writ of second deliverance.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > other types of writ
utrumc1290
quo warrantoa1325
writ of right closea1325
writ of oyer and terminer1414
writ of right1414
quare impedit?a1424
prohibition?1435
praecipec1440
supplicavita1450
replevy1451
ouster-le-main1485
praecipe in capitec1523
value1527
inhibition1532
rehabilitation1533
melius inquirendum1549
ne exeat regnum1559
quo minus1592
letters (or writ) of supplementc1600
inhibition1603
fair pleading1607
ingressu1607
ne exeat regno1607
account1622
associationa1625
ship-writ1640
cessavit1641
ne exeat1644
devastavit1651
right close1651
writ of second deliverance1652
fair pleader1655
beaupleader1700
proclamation writ1713
writ of inquiry1809
writ of intendence and respondence1881
1515 Act 7 Henry VIII c. 4 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 178 Every Advowaunt..that makyth avowre..to any oder person or persons in any replegiare secound delyveraunce for any rent custome or servyce.
1652 tr. A. Fitzherbert New Natura Brevium 174 The plaintiff may sue a Writ of second Deliverance.
1718 Methodical Treat. Replevins, Distresses, Avowries, &c. 32 A Replevin was of a Heifer, and a Second Deliverance of a Cow, yet held good... And so if the Replevin were of a Calf, for it may perhaps be a Heifer or a Cow at the Time of the Second Deliverance.
1832 Amer. Jurist & Law Mag. Jan. 50 A nonsuit in a replevin, is not a bar; but in a second deliverance it is.
1908 L. O. Pike Year Bks. 20 Edward III i. 6 The plaintiff had a writ of Second Deliverance out of the rolls, returnable now, and no writ is returned.
second division n. Civil Service (a) the lower grade of government clerks, admitted by a competitive examination of more limited range than that prescribed for the higher division; (b) (see division n. 10f).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > civil service > [noun] > civil servant > specific grades of British
permanent secretary1785
abstracter1857
abstractor1859
permanent under-secretary1859
principal1867
second division1897
abstractor clerk1901
permsec1908
secretary1932
Perm.S.1942
under-secretary1959
1897 Westm. Gaz. 27 July 3/2 The large body of Second Division clerks.
1898 Act 61 & 62 Vict. c. 41 § 6 Prisoners..not sentenced to penal servitude or hard labour, shall be divided into three divisions... Where a person is..sentenced to imprisonment without hard labour, the court may..direct that he be treated as an offender of the first division or as an offender of the second division. If no direction is given by the court, the offender shall, subject to the provisions of this section, be treated as an offender of the third division.
second feature n. the supporting feature in a cinema programme; also figurative and attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > a film > type of film > [noun] > short or supporting film
short film1908
short subject1908
one-reeler1916
filmlet1921
programme picture1922
second feature1927
short1929
programmer1932
programme movie1933
shorty1934
B1949
1927 Melody Maker May 515/1 It was quite an ordinary film. I should have only booked it as a second feature, and then only if there was nothing else available.
1959 C. MacInnes Absolute Beginners 61 ‘You're a romantic!’ she said. ‘A second feature Romeo!’
1970 J. Hansen Fadeout vi. 49 He..would sit up half the night..enchanted by the tired wisecracks..in forgotten RKO second features of the thirties.
second finger n. the finger next to the forefinger, the middle finger.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > digit > finger > [noun] > middle finger
middle fingereOE
long fingerc1300
longmanc1300
midsfinger1483
mid-finger1644
thimble-finger1796
second finger1860
1860 Man. Artillery Exercises (Army) 241 The cock resting against the knuckle-joint of the first finger; this and the second finger only resting on the small of the stock.
1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 8/6 Making the tips of his first and little fingers touch; then bringing the second finger smoothly under the arch thus formed.
second floor n. the floor or storey of a building next but one above the ground floor; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > floor or storey > upper floors
first floor1445
plancher1523
first storey1686
piano nobile1715
mezzaninec1720
entresol1726
attic storey1738
upstairs1781
attic1818
second floor1821
third floor1908
upper1968
1821 S. T. Coleridge Let. 20 Oct. (1858) 137 A house to the second-floor window of which I had been gazing.
1840 W. M. Thackeray Shabby Genteel Story vii Suddenly the second-floor window went clattering up, and Fitch's pale head was thrust out.
second front n. in the war of 1939–45, a front in Nazi-occupied Europe in addition to the Russian sector of fighting; also figurative and attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed encounter > battlefield > [noun] > front or front line
edge1535
front1665
firing line1859
Eastern Front1914
Western Front1914
line1916
second front1941
warfront1950
1941 W. S. Churchill Let. 4 Sept. in Second World War (1950) III. xxv. 407 There is no chance..of a second front being formed in the Balkans without the help of Turkey.
1942 New Statesman 3 Jan. 3/2 The key to victory is to open..that ‘second front in continental Europe’ for which Stalin has publicly called.
1944 M. Laski Love on Supertax ii. 24 He said he'd..make sure there were enough helpers handing out the Second Front leaflets.
1946 Life 11 Mar. 63/1 The Russians facetiously called Spam ‘the second front’.
1961 E. Waugh Unconditional Surrender i. i. 21 A scarred brick wall, on which..a zealous, arthritic communist had emblazoned the words, Second Front Now.
1963 A. Howard in M. Sissons & P. French Age of Austerity 30 The conservatives were waging what turned out to be a decisive second front.
second fronting n. [translating German zweite Aufhellung (K. Luick Historische Grammatik der englischen Sprache (1914) 164)] Philology a sound-change in varieties of Old English by which the vowels æ (produced by an earlier fronting) and a became e and æ respectively.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > sound changes > [noun] > second fronting
second fronting1939
1939 PMLA 54 19 The second raising and fronting of West Germanic a, which changed dæg to deg and dagas to dægas, must..have occurred, not during the fifth century, but during the eighth and early ninth.
1959 A. Campbell Old Eng. Gram. v. 64 Second fronting is not a general Merc[ian] change, for it is practically absent in Ru.1, and ME sources show that it was limited to a small part of the vast Midland area.
1972 E. J. Dobson Eng. Text Ancrene Riwle p. lxxvi The normal Mercian ĕ produced by indirect i-mutation followed by second fronting.
second gear n. the gear next above the lowest or bottom gear on a motor vehicle or bicycle.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear
bottom gear?1865
high gear1889
low gear1895
fourth1900
second gear1902
first gear1907
second1907
first1909
second speed1912
high1914
low1914
1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 204 If the calculated speed of the second gear is, say, eighteen miles per hour.
1925 Morris Owner's Man. 12 When descending very long steep hills, slow down at the top and engage the second or first gear.
1976 T. Heald Let Sleeping Dogs Die iii. 62 He..kept the car at fifteen miles an hour in second gear.
second girl n. U.S. an under-housemaid.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > domestic servant > [noun] > maid or housemaid > inferior
under-housemaid1796
second girl1872
1872 W. D. Howells Their Wedding Journey (1892) 32 The human wave is beginning to sprinkle the pavement with cooks and second-girls.
second greaser n. Nautical slang a second mate.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate
second mate1735
second greaser1888
1888 L. A. Smith Music of Waters 38 And who do you think was second greaser?
1916 F. W. Wallace Shack Locker 145 The second greaser paused and added ‘I didn't stop, sir.’
1934 C. Moore Twilight of Jibs & Topsails xiv. 227 It started in the mate's watch, and I was in that of the—called in nautical parlance—‘second greaser’, meaning, of course, the second mate.
second ground n. Painting Obsolete the middle distance (see middle n. 7).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > [noun] > a painting > part of > specific
tarage1439
field1555
sky1606
landscape1656
mass1662
incident1705
second ground1801
pick1836
negative space1949
1801 H. Fuseli Lect. Painting I. i. 14 The series of figures on the second or middle ground being described as placed above those on the foreground.
second growth n. (a) a crop of vegetation replacing one previously destroyed; also attributive; (b) the second category of growths (see growth n.1 1d) or qualities into which wines are divided; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > class or grade of wine > [noun] > second class
second growth1829
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > crop or crops > [noun] > aftercrop > second growth or fire-growth
regrowth1741
fireweed1764
second growth1829
burnt feed1848
1824 A. Henderson Hist. Wines ii. ii. 155 Among the secondary growths, those of Cramant, Avise, Oger, and Menil, are the most deserving of mention.]
1829 J. F. Cooper Wept of Wish-ton-wish I. ii. 26 Much of the surface of this opening..was now concealed by bushes of what is termed the second growth.
1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 110 The best wines are from the noirien grape, and the best of the first growths fetch sixty-six francs, and of the second growths forty-four francs.
1843 Penny Cycl. XXVII. 463/1 To the second and third growths the red wines of Roussillon, Bene Carlo from Spain, and brandy are added.
1864 H. W. Bates Naturalist on River Amazons (ed. 2) iv. 94 Tracts of second-growth woods.
1879 A. W. Tourgée Fool's Errand xliv. 327 With all her fearlessness as a horse-woman, she did not quite relish the idea of his bursting away through the low-branching second-growth to follow the pack.
1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 605/2 If..a first growth is vintaged a little too late and does not succeed so well as some second growths.
1920 G. Saintsbury Notes on Cellar-bk. iv. 53 It was customary..to lay down..hogsheads of the best reputed first or second growths.
1980 P. Ableman Shoestring's Finest Hour ii. 31 An admirable roast beef en croute..cheered down by a second-growth Pomerol of an excellent year.
second guard n. an additional guard on a sword hilt.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > side arms > sword > [noun] > guard
cross1470
guard1596
ward1634
shell1685
bow1701
basket1833
cross-guard1869
cross-piece1869
hilt-guard1869
second guard1869
tsuba1889
knuckle-bow1895
1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour ix. 173 Finally, there is the second guard (seconde garde), between the two extremities of the rings of the pas-d'âne.
second head n. Hunting (see quots. and cf. head n.1 Phrases 1g(b)); also allusively.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > in its fifth or sixth year
stag?c1185
second head1774
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 99 The old stags usually shed their horns first..; those of the second head, (namely, such as are between five and six years old) shed their horns about the middle..of March.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 316 The buck of the second-head, for a buck of the first-head he was not, had hitherto been slapping his boots with his switch-whip.
second home n. a second dwelling-place owned or supported in addition to the principal home; a home from home; also figurative and attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > [noun] > home > place like or as good as home
home (away) from home1866
second home1883
spiritual home1915
1883 Queen Victoria Let. 12 Dec. in R. Fulford Beloved Mama (1981) 153 Italy seems to be a second home. I expect you will settle there some day.
1915 F. Hardy Let. 17 July in R. Gittings Older Hardy (1978) xiii. 167 A second home for the people I like, and who have been good to me.
1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 79 The Saturday Club, which, since his wife's departure for England, is practically a second home to him.
1959 M. Gilbert Blood & Judgement xiii. 142 He was away from home a lot and..she began to think he'd set up a second home of his own somewhere.
1970 ‘E. Lathen’ Pick up Sticks (1971) x. 85 All this second-home building helps.
1980 Times 1 Aug. 13/7 Roll on the revolution when..we shall be entitled to substantial state pensions, preferential housing and second homes.
second homer n. the owner of a second home.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > possessor > [noun] > owner > home-owner > owner of a second home
second homer1976
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabitant > inhabitant by type of accommodation > [noun] > inhabitant of house > householder > owner of second home
second homer1976
1976 Local Council Rev. Summer 48 Bit by bit, house by house, the indigenous population is replaced by commuters or second-homers. The village becomes a suburb in the fields.
second honeymoon n. a holiday or trip, resembling a honeymoon, taken by a couple who have been married for some time.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > holiday-making or tourism > [noun] > type of holiday or tour
grand tour1678
villegiature1740
villeggiatura1742
honeymoon1791
wedding visit1794
honeymooning1832
wedding tour1847
wedding trip1855
second honeymoon1872
tourette1881
weekending1886
package holiday1959
fly-cruise1968
ski pack1969
ecotour1973
package1977
1872 Princess of Wales Let. 31 Jan. in G. Battiscombe Queen Alexandra (1969) viii. 118 This quiet time we two have spent here together now has been the happiest days of my life... It has been our second honeymoon.
1894 G. Du Maurier Trilby III. viii. 152 So Taffy and his wife have come for their second honeymoon, their Indian-summer honeymoon, alone.
1910 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 16 July 3/4 They acted as if they were on their second honeymoon.
1967 ‘M. Hunter’ Cambridgeshire Disaster xxi. 137 They began what he called an extended second honeymoon, driving where she liked.
second horse n. (see quot. 1827); also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > used in hunting > in particular aspects of
stalking-horse1519
cover-hack1788
second horse1827
1827 ‘Nimrod’ Chace (1852) 18 The ‘second-horse man’..rides the second horse, which is to carry his master with the hounds after his having had one..chace on the first.
1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Market Harborough 125 The second-horse men, notwithstanding their numbers, appeared to be all cut from the same pattern.
second infancy n. Obsolete second childhood (see second childhood n. 2).
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood
second childhood1549
second childishnessa1616
second infancya1627
second childship1691
infancy1697
twichild1889
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Old Law (1656) i. 2 Are there not..Churchmen, that even the second infancy Hath silenc'd.
second inquest n. Law Obsolete a petty jury.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > jury > [noun] > petty or trial jury
petty (or petit) jury1495
common jury1614
second inquest1681
trial jury1884
traverse jury1911
1681 Addr. Grand Jury Chester in London Gaz. No. 1657/4 We Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects of the second Inquest of the same County, at the same Assize, heartily and chearfully say Amen, and joyn with the Grand Jury in this Address.
Second Isaiah n. = Deutero-Isaiah n. at deutero- comb. form .
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > divisions of Old Testament > [noun] > Isaiah > author of
evangelical prophet1547
evangelic prophet1683
Deutero-Isaiah1844
Second Isaiah1881
trito-Isaiah1908
1881 T. K. Cheyne Prophecies of Isaiah II. 201 The present essay..relates exclusively to the last twenty-seven chapters: not as if chaps. i.–xxxix. constituted ‘the First Isaiah’, and chaps. xl.–lxvi. ‘the Second’.
1881 T. K. Cheyne in Encycl. Brit. XIII. 380/2 The honied rhetoric of him whom we are accustomed to call the Second Isaiah.
1888 M. Rosenthal Isaiah & Unity of his Prophecy ii. 57 Canon Cheyne..breaks up the so-called second Isaiah into several personages and various authorship... He thinks that second Isaiah was originally much shorter.
1977 G. W. H. Lampe God as Spirit i. 31 It was now, in his own time, and not in some remote future, that Second Isaiah believed that the herald was coming.
second language n. a language spoken in addition to one's native language; the first foreign language one learns.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > a language > [noun] > a foreign language
foreign language1555
uplandish1586
Welsh1598
outlandisha1626
lingo1659
second language1875
the bat1887
target language1965
foreign1971
1875 W. D. Whitney Life & Growth of Lang. ii. 25 We realize better in the case of a second or ‘foreign’, than in that of a first or ‘native’ language, that the process of acquisition is a never-ending one.
1876 C. M. Yonge Womankind vi. 40 The second language has been really and grammatically learnt.
1943 I. A. Richards Basic Eng. & its Uses 14 The history of the nationalist movement in India is an instructive instance. Its leaders and its chief supporters are speakers of English and sometimes use it rather as their first than as their second language.
1971 Guardian 23 June 7/3 Indians and Pakistanis..using a second language at school and their first language for many home activities.
second line n. Military (see quot. 1876); also attributive; also gen., any second row or series; frequently attributive or as adj., esp. designating persons or things that rank second in ability, value, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best
next best1423
secondary1428
second best1439
secondc1440
secondar1474
second-rate1669
second line1797
second-class1837
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > subordinate
collateralc1374
subalternate?a1425
subalternal1483
subaltern1578
subordinate1620
subordinatinga1635
subordinated1640
subalternated1659
subordinant1678
second line1797
subdominant1826
society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > part of army by position > [noun] > second line
help1490
support1761
second line1797
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 738/1 The first line ought to consist of 20 battalions, with..16 battalions in the second line.
1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 231 An army, when drawn up for battle, should be formed in three distinct lines; the first line to commence the battle, the second, to support it, and to fill up the gaps; the third..as a reserve.
1904 Westm. Gaz. 17 May 9/1 The main body of the investing force will be composed of fortress and second-line troops.
1912 C. Mackenzie Carnival (ed. 5) iv. 43 Lilli Vergoe, a second-line girl in the Corps de Ballet of the Orient Palace of Varieties.
1939 Russell & Smith in Ramsey & Smith Jazzmen 27 The funerals and parades always had a ‘second line’ which consisted of the kids who danced along behind.
1955 N. Shapiro & N. Hentoff Hear me talkin' to Ya iii. 39 I was a ‘second~line’ kid. That meant I'd follow the big bands down the streets, and..carry their cases while they played.
1969 Daily Tel. 6 Mar. 2 Numerous bright features also developed in the so-called second-line issues [of stock].
1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 The second line beat is the funky, calypso-like 2/4 cadence struck up by the bass drummer in a New Orleans funeral parade.
1975 Cricketer May 17/3 The Robins were still operating with their second-line bowlers.
1980 ‘J. Melville’ Chrysanthemum Chain 142 Those guys [sc. politicians] on your list are essentially second-line.
second-liner n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate
seconder1598
second-liner1958
second ranker1959
1958 C. Wilford in P. Gammond Decca Bk. of Jazz ii. 40 The improvisations of master executants..preserved on record, for ready imitation by a host of second-liners.
1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’.
1981 Times 24 Apr. 18/2 Other companies reporting provided some good rises, particularly among second-liners.
second-lining n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > other
imponderability1799
uninfluentiality1880
dispensability1883
eliminability1895
quotidianism1913
peripherality1935
tokenism1962
kitschiness1971
second-lining1972
1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’.
second man n. see second Adam n. above.
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secondman n. an assistant driver on a diesel or electric train, replacing the fireman on a steam train.
second man n. Theology titles given to Christ with reference to 1 Corinthians xv. 45, 47.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man
second manc1384
Man of Sorrows1577
second Adam1587
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xv. 47 The firste man of erthe, ertheli; the secunde man of heuene, heuenli.
1848 R. I. Wilberforce Doctr. Incarnation (1852) x. 233 Joined by supernatural union to that Second Man, the new Adam, Who is God's son by nature.
1963 Railway Gaz. 15 Mar. 289 If such a method of operation can be agreed the many problems of providing a second man when moving locomotives light over running lines, terminal movements, and tripping will be simplified.]
1964 Locomotive Jrnl. 77 205/2 Scores of Trainmen (Drivers, Firemen/2nd Men, and Guards) in the Sheffield Area have their normal diagrammed turns tampered with in an effort by the B.R.B. to scratch a few complete crews together.
1977 Mod. Railways Dec. 461/1 12 years' haggling from which the one significant gain was agreement to phase out the secondmen in freight and shunting locomotive cabs by attrition.
second messenger n. Physiology a substance whose release within a cell is promoted by a hormone or ‘first messenger’, and which brings about a response by the cell.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > substance > process stimulators or inhibitors > hormone > [noun] > second messenger
second messenger1965
1965 E. W. Sutherland et al. in Rec. Progress Hormone Res. 21 640 The hormone (the first messenger) interacts with a component of the cell membrane to initiate increased accumulation of a mediator (the second messenger), which then acts upon components of the effector cell.
1968 Circulation 37 300/1 Although cyclic AMP stands as the only well-established second messenger to date, data supporting such a role for cyclic GMP have been obtained.
1979 Sci. Amer. Sept. 127/1 The methylxanthine drugs, such as caffeine and theophylline, are thought to exert their effects by acting through the second-messenger system.
second minute n. Obsolete (see minute n.1 and cf. prime n.2 and etymological note to prime n.1 above).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > a second > [noun]
s.1387
second1588
moment1646
second minute1648
moment-hand1766
1648 Bp. J. Wilkins Math. Magick ii. v. 184 In an hower a man will need at least 360 respirations, betwixt every one of which there shall be 10 second minutes.
1694 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 18 67 A Temporaneous progressive motion of the parts of the Air at the rate of 276 Paces in a second Minute of time.
second moment n. Mathematics (see quot. a1879).
ΚΠ
a1879 W. K. Clifford Elem. Dynamic iv. (1887) 15 If the density of an area is proportional to the distance from a line in its plane, being reckoned positive on one side of the line and negative on the other,..the mass-centre of the area..is called the pole of the line in regard to the area; and the moment of it in regard to the line is called the second moment of the uniform area in regard to the line, or of the line in regard to the uniform area.
second mortgage n. a supplementary or puisne mortgage.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal obligation > bond or recognizance > requiring or giving legal security > [noun] > legal security > mortgage > new or supplementary
remortgage1830
second mortgage1959
1959 M. Shadbolt New Zealanders 13 Finally, in desperation, he took out a second mortgage on the farm to pay Mother's fare to New Zealand.
1974 Guardian 23 Jan. 11/6 Taking out a crippling second mortgage on their own house.
1977 M. Allen Spence in Petal Park xii. 56 One of the lines he offered was loans secured by a second mortgage.
second motion shaft n. Obsolete see second shaft n.
ΚΠ
1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 116 On the top speed the drive is direct, the second motion shaft then lying idle.
1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) v. 165 The two shafts in the gearbox are called respectively the first motion shaft and the second motion shaft.
second mourning n. Obsolete a style of dress allowed by etiquette to be worn when strict mourning is discarded; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific purpose > mourning > for second stage mourning
second mourning1693
half-mourning1820
1693 London Gaz. No. 2843/4 A dark Grey Second-Mourning Surtoot-Coat.
1712 T. Tickell Spectator No. 410. ⁋1 She was dressed..in an agreeable Second-Mourning.
1814 Sailor's Return i. iv, in J. Galt New Brit. Theatre II. 322 Enter Lady Growl and Lucy Delves, in conversation—Lucy in second mourning.
second nerve n. either of the second pair of cranial nerves; the optic nerve.
ΚΠ
1823 C. Bell Expos. Nerves Human Body (1824) 373 The first nerve..is..called olfactory nerve. The second [nerve] is the optic nerve.
second nobles n. Obsolete the lower nobility or gentry.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun]
gentle bloodc1300
genta1425
gentrya1525
gentility1583
gallantry1609
gentlery1609
second nobles1625
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 108 Kings haue to deale with..their Nobles; their Second-Nobles or Gentlemen [etc.].
second person n. (also second person of the Trinity) Theology the Son (see person n. 7).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun]
soneOE
godOE
son of manOE
Abraham's seedOE
King of kingsOE
Christ almightyOE
ChristOE
JesusOE
lordOE
Our LordOE
Jesus Christc1175
Christ Jesusc1330
second personc1380
holiesta1400
Son of Goda1425
Man of Sorrows1577
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 362 To þe secunde persone in trinyte..awnsweriþ þe state of þe clergy.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. viii. sig. c.vv A lorde..Ihesu the seconde persone in trynyte.
second price n. a charge lower than the highest for seats in a play-house.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [noun] > price lower than highest
second price1821
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > ticket > relating to prices
second price1821
1821 Ld. Byron Let. 4 Jan. (1978) VIII. 57 It is then for the Gallery—and second price boxes.
second ranker n. a member of the second rank, a second-liner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate
seconder1598
second-liner1958
second ranker1959
1959 Times 20 Oct. 19/3 Substantial two~way business in industrial shares partly reflected switching out of low-yield shares into higher yielding second rankers.
1977 Belfast Tel. 17 Jan. 4/1 A new account opened on an indecisive note with leaders keeping largely to Friday's levels. Among second-rankers Campari, 37p, Rotaprint, 24p.
second row n. Rugby the middle row of a team's pack; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > specific group of players
back row1881
pack1887
second row1892
scrum1898
1892 A. Budd in F. Marshall Football: Rugby Union Game ix. 124 Having obtained it [sc. the ball], the practice is to deposit it behind the first or second row of forwards.
1918 V. H. Cartwright in J. E. Raphael Mod. Rugby Football ix. 133 The two second row men..should be the strongest forwards on the side.
1960 E. S. Higham & W. J. Higham High Speed Rugby iv. 186 The 3-2-3 formation requires two second-row forwards with very strong backs.
second rower n. Australian a second-row forward.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > player or position
full back1875
goal kick1875
No. eight1876
goalkicker1879
three-quarter back1880
handler1888
three-quarter1889
heeler1892
scrum half1894
lock forward1898
standoff1902
five-eighth1905
hooker1905
threes1905
flying half1906
loose head1907
standoff1908
fly-half1918
fly1921
inside half1921
outside half1921
scrum1921
inside centre1936
flank forward1937
out-half1949
prop1950
prop forward1951
number eight1952
flanker1953
tight head1959
back-rower1969
second rower1969
striker1973
packman1992
1969 Australian 24 May 36/7 Owen Butler and Dick Millard, the two towering NSW Country second rowers, are specialist lineout jumpers.
second scent n. after second sight n.: cf quot.Apparently an isolated use.
ΚΠ
1817 T. Moore Lalla Rookh iii. 45 That keen, second-scent of death, By which the vulture snuffs his food In the still warm and living breath.
second-season n. used attributively to denote an animal, etc., in its second season.
ΚΠ
1876 Coursing Cal. 315 Conster, a second-season dog, went through the stake in good style.
second seer n. one who practises second sight n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the paranormal > [noun] > clairvoyance > clairvoyant
seer1583
second seer1826
clairvoyant1851
medium1851
second-sighter1897
paragnost1964
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > inspired prophecy > [noun] > second sight > one who possesses
seer1583
second seer1826
second-sighter1897
1826 Examiner 193/2 After reverting to the past, our second-seer makes bold to conjecture the future.
second service n. the Communion Service of the Church of England, as following Morning Prayer; (see also quot. 1844).
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrament > communion > [noun]
massOE
servicelOE
sacrament?c1225
table1340
commoningc1384
the Lord's Supperc1384
Eucharista1400
oblation?a1425
communion1440
sacrifice?1504
Lord's Table1533
Maundy1533
the Supper?1548
unbloody sacrifice1548
mystery1549
communication1550
banquet1563
liturgy1564
table service1593
synaxis1625
mysteriousness1650
second service1655
nagmaal1833
ordinance1854
table prayer1858
society > faith > worship > canonical hours > matins > [noun] > communion service following
second service1655
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 200 While the second-service was reading at the Communion Table..it was disturbed by a Psalme begun.
1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) 239 In the meanwhile that part of the Service which she [sc. the Church] uses may perhaps more fitly be called the Second Service then the Communion.
1844 J. C. Robertson How shall we Conform? (ed. 2) xii. 168 That part of the communion-office which is appointed to be used when there is no administration of the sacrament, and which..I shall, according to the custom of the seventeenth century, speak of as the ‘Second Service’.
1920 M. Webb House in Dormer Forest v. 56 On Sundays Solomon went once to church. Once a month he attended ‘the second service’.
1964 C. Mackenzie My Life & Times III. 33 Glorified morning prayer would have to be endured before the bisected so called second service was reached.
second shaft n. Obsolete = layshaft n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > intermediate
jackshaft1853
countershaft1864
layshaft1888
secondary shaft1888
second shaft1902
1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 202 Immediately above this shaft is a second shaft arranged parallel to it.
1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 132 With their well-cut and thoroughly hardened gear~teeth the second shaft runs noiselessly.
second sound n. Physics a form of longitudinal wave which has many properties in common with sound and is observed in superfluid helium (see quots. and cf. sound n.3).
ΚΠ
1944 F. Leib tr. E. Lifshitz in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 111/1 We look for the velocity vs..in the ‘first’ and ‘second’ sound waves.
1944 J. Smorodinsky tr. V. Peshkov in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 381/1 There must be in this liquid [sc. helium] two kinds of periodic motions: the ordinary sound..and the so-called ‘second sound’.
1964 New Scientist 18 June 744/2 Second sound..is not really sound at all, but a heat wave that combines two potentially useful properties of sound and heat.
1975 Nature 2 Oct. 359/3 M. B. Robin..has..detected the heat pulse from a non-radiative transition by means of the ‘second sound’ pulse propagated in super-fluid helium and recorded by a superconducting lead bolometer.
second speed n. = second gear n.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear
bottom gear?1865
high gear1889
low gear1895
fourth1900
second gear1902
first gear1907
second1907
first1909
second speed1912
high1914
low1914
1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 205 To obtain the second of the three speeds provided.]
1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 74 Second speed position.
1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 75 Moved to the left it [sc. the left-hand sleeve] gives the second speed.
1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When it has gained some headway, change into second speed.
1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 To do this again depress the clutch pedal, bring the gear lever into the neutral position, then swing it to the right and push it forward, when the second-speed gear will be engaged.
1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Autobook vi. 57/1 Remove the second-speed driving gear, ballbearing and shaft retaining plate and slide out the reverse shaft and gear.
second stature n. Obsolete ? medium height.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily height > [noun] > specific
second stature1632
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 296 The people..are commonly all of the second Stature.
second stop n. Cricket Obsolete = long-stop n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > fielder > fielders by position
middle wicket1772
long-stop1773
second stop1773
stop1773
long fieldsman1790
long field?1801
third man1801
outscout1805
leg1816
point1816
slip1816
backstop1819
long fielder1835
long leg1835
long field off1837
short leg1843
square leg1849
cover-point1850
long-stopper1851
middle-off1851
cover-slip1854
long off1854
left fielder1860
short square1860
mid-off1865
extra cover (point)1867
deep-fielder1870
mid-on1870
cover1897
leg trap1897
infield1898
deep field1900
slipper1903
slip fieldsman1906
midwicket1909
infieldsman1910
slip-catcher1920
infielder1927
leg slip1956
1773 Kentish Gaz. 10 July Mr. Lear, 2d stop.
1847 W. Denison Cricketer's Compan. 1846 p. xv The whole of this enormous quantity of ‘byes’ would seem to have been the result of inferior men having been appointed to the ‘second or long-stop’ situation.
second-story man n. (also second-storey man) North American Criminals' slang a cat burglar.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > cat-burglar
dancer1864
portico thief1870
porch climber1883
second-story man1886
climber1900
cat burglar1907
1886 T. F. Byrnes Professional Crim. of Amer. 182 Pickpocket, burglar and second-story man.
1916 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 27 July 6/3 Some well-intentioned citizens see a potential second-storey man or porch-climber in everyone who is not within doors after the stroke of midnight.
1965 Malcolm X Autobiogr. 46 Hustlers..sold ‘reefers’, or had just come out of prison, or were ‘second-story men’.
1978 J. Carroll Mortal Friends ii. iii. 169 You're nothing but a pack of second-story workers, milkbottle robbers, and doormat theives!
second strike n. a second, retaliatory attack conducted with weapons designed to withstand an initial nuclear attack or first strike; frequently attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > [noun] > counter-attack or retaliation
reprisal1641
counter-offensive1909
slap-back1931
massive retaliation1954
second strike1960
1960 Guardian 27 July 16/3 Rockefeller's plea for ‘all the money it takes’ to ensure the United States ‘the deterrent capability of a massive and superior second strike’.
1960 Guardian 12 Sept. 9/1 We would need superior reconnaissance and target acquisition systems... These would need to be supported by a secure second-strike capability to reduce the risk of being outflanked.
1963 Listener 31 Jan. 194/1 The Soviet Union almost certainly has a ‘second strike’ capacity too.
1976 Ld. Home Way Wind Blows x. 152 As a second-strike weapon it [sc. the Polaris submarine] was a real deterrent.
second substance n. [after post-classical Latin substantia secunda (from 12th cent. in British sources), itself after ancient Greek δευτέρα οὐσία (Aristotle Categories).] Philosophy The kind, type, or species to which an individual entity belongs; = secondary substance at secondary adj. 3f.
ΚΠ
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Cvj The first substance is called euery singuler persone or propre name... The second substance comprehendeth both the general worde, and the kinde also of euery singuler persone.
1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 129 The second substance: consisting in the Genus and Species.
1825 S. Turner Hist. Eng. Middle Ages (ed. 2) IV. xi. 543 Because the second substance is besides the operation of the intellect, it is not opposed to the first substance.
1903 W. Turner Hist. Philos. 133 The first substance (οὐσία πρώτη) is the individual, which can neither exist in another nor be predicated of another. Second substance is the universal, which, as such, does not exist in another, but may be predicated of another.
2007 H. Burkhardt in C. Kanzian & M. Legenhausen Substance & Attribute 11 Aristotle distinguished first from second substance, and he thought that individual or first substances are instantiations of second or universal substances.
second table n. (a) the second part of the decalogue, relating to moral duties, held to have occupied the second of the two stone tablets; hence attributive; (b) the servants' table at a meal; also spec. the senior of two servants' tables.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > [noun] > Mosaic dispensation > decalogue > division of
first tablec1405
second table1502
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dining table > servants' table
second table1814
trencher table1968
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) ii. viii. sig. kviv Also this fourth commaundement the whiche is the fyrst of the seconde table, conteyned in hym vertuously the .vij. werkes of mercy.
1560 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1843) III. ii. 249 Committing..adultery brekand the third command of the Second table.
1672 G. Newton in Life J. Alleine (1838) iv. 37 He was a second table man, a man of morals.
1720 (title) A discourse shewing..That the duties of the second table of the law are binding duties on Christians under the Gospel.
1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. x. 220 She was quite shocked when I asked her whether wine was allowed at the second table . View more context for this quotation
1857 C. M. Yonge Dynevor Terrace I. xiv. 227 Their servants gave them~selves airs..especially the butler, who played the guitar, and insisted on a second table.
1873 H. Rogers Superhuman Origin Bible i. 21 The great commands of the ‘Second Table’ are ultimately based on the relations in which all creatures stand to Him who demands our homage in the ‘First Table’.
1903 Jrnl. Biblical Lit. 22 204 If such a law had been inserted, it must logically have stood in the second table, along with theft and false witness.
a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) II. xiii. 311 A man..can go on up and up. But not for girls. Nothing doing but charity and pity and the second table and the back door.
1953 G. E. Fussell & K. R. Fussell Eng. Countrywoman v. 133 The new cook expected to dine in the housekeeper's room, at a second table set up there.
1993 Theol. Stud. (Nexis) 54 272 Scotus argues that the second table contains no goodness such as is necessarily prescribable for attaining the goodness of the ultimate end.
second tap n. Engineering (see quot. 1888).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > other specific machine tools > [noun] > machine for cutting screw-threads > taps
screw tap1678
tap1678
plug tap1815
tap-tool1874
bottoming tap1875
taper tapa1877
second tap1888
1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. 309 Second tap, a tap intermediate in size between a taper and a plug tap.
1906 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. s.v. Tap After the tapering tap has roughed out the thread in the hole, a Second Tap with somewhat less taper may be passed through.
1964 S. Crawford Basic Engin. Processes i. 24 If the hole being tapped is an open or through hole the second tap is quite suitable for finishing the thread.
second thigh n. the part of the rear leg of a quadruped that corresponds to the human calf.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > body and limbs > [noun] > limb > fore limb or leg > thigh > second thigh
second thigh1893
1893 M. H. Hayes Points of Horse iv. 40 The hock is extended, for the most part, by muscles which form the rear-most portion of the gaskin (‘second thigh’).
1933 L. E. Naylor Mod. Fox Terrier vi. 62 The worst possible form of hind-quarters consists of a short second-thigh and a straight stifle.
1972 Country Life 10 Feb. 332/1 He [sc. a foxhound] was first-rate in every requisite of the chase, remarkable for his muscular back and loins, buttocks and second thighs.
second thoughts n. ideas occurring subsequently; later and maturer consideration (usually in on or upon second thoughts); similarly first thoughts.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > reconsideration > [noun]
rethinking1579
second thoughts1581
recogitationc1591
reconsideration1606
after-wit1607
after-meditation1626
after-counsel1634
remeditation1642
afterthought1647
after-consideration1693
after-rumination1830
retake1922
rethink1958
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. i. f. 23v I finde verified the Prouerbe, Thar the second thoughtes are euer the best.
1642 King Charles I Message conc. Refusall to passe Bill 4 Second thoughts may present somewhat to your considerations which escaped you before.
1687 T. Cartwright in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 139 Are you..willing upon better and second thoughts to submit?
1707 G. Hickes Two Treat. ii. ii. 272 I desire you to send your second Thoughts, and Reflections upon it.
1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 164 I would not let Price go with me, on second thoughts, as many sad accidents might happen in this rough and desolate part of the world.
1838 J. H. Newman Parochial Serm. (1842) IV. ii. 41 It is often said that second thoughts are best; so they are in matters of judgment, but not in matters of conscience.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Sea Dreams 65 Is it so true that second thoughts are best? Not first, and third, which are a riper first?
1915 T. Bosanquet Let. 8 Dec. in H. James & E. Wharton Lett. (1990) App. B. 372 On second thoughts I don't think it will matter.
1966 J. R. T. Tolkien Let. 10 May (1995) 369 I feel much honoured, and so also does my daughter-in-law (the sculptress), by the Faculty's wish to place the bust of me in the English Library in some prominent position—if on second thoughts you do not think a storied urn would be better.
2004 Sunday Times Trav. Feb. 150/3 On our small motorboat.., the two of us were being buffeted by seas that would have given Captain Ahab second thoughts about leaving terra firma... All the while the rain sluiced down in sheets.
Second War n. short for Second World War n.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War
Hitler1930
Second World War1942
big one1960
WWII1960
Second War1964
1964 M. McLuhan Understanding Media xxxiii. 353 Multi-nationalisms had long deprived Europe of its economic unity. The Common Market came to it only with the Second War.
1975 P. Fussell Great War & Mod. Mem. vii. 247 The same principle of literary selection..is visible in a poem of the Second War by Herbert Corby.
second winding n. = secondary winding (see secondary adj. 3j(a)).
ΚΠ
1932 B.B.C. Year-bk. 435/1 When a varying direct current is passed through one winding of such a transformer an alternating current is induced in the second winding.
Second World n. [after Third World n.] (a) (following the outlook of the Chinese leadership) the developed countries apart from the two ‘superpowers’; (b) (possibly reflecting the original implication of the term Third World) the Communist bloc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > communist or Soviet bloc
Soviet block1919
communist bloc1922
Eastern bloc1922
Soviet bloc1924
Eastern block1938
communist block1941
Second World1974
the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > developed non-aligned
Second World1974
1974 Times 13 Apr. 5/7 Mr Teng announced that the ‘socialist camp’ no longer existed, and that the planet was divided into the First World, consisting of the two superpowers, the Second World, consisting of the other developed countries, and the Third World, which included the developing countries.
1974 Economist 18 May 66/1 The conventional image of recent years has been of a first world of developed market economies, a second world of ‘socialist’ states, and the ‘third world’ of the developing nations.
1975 Time (Canada ed.) 8 Sept. 20/2 The ‘Second World’ of the Socialist countries will make a show of complete support.
1978 Church Times 25 Aug. 4/2 The scene was dominated by the post-war tension between the First and Second Worlds.
1979 Dædalus Spring 124 In this approach, Europe would be seen as playing the role of what Chinese diplomacy likes to refer to as ‘the second world’.
1980 Sci. Amer. Sept. 107/2 The already industrialized countries of the capitalist and communist blocs (respectively the ‘first world’ and ‘second world’).
Second World War n. the war which began with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 and ultimately involved the majority of the nations of the world; hostilities ceased in Europe on 7 May 1945 and in the Far East on 12 September 1945.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War
Hitler1930
Second World War1942
big one1960
WWII1960
Second War1964
1930 H. G. Wells Autocracy Mr. Parham 257 (heading) Book the Fourth: The Second World War.]
1942 Polit. Sci. Q. Sept. 321 The economic developments associated with the second World War have restored to American railroads a volume of traffic comparable to that which they handled before the great depression.
1949 Radio Times 15 July 35/1 Professor W. K. Hancock..describes the plan for the series of Civil Histories of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.
1978 J. N. Ward Following Plough i. 17 My generation of theological students had to come to some sense of certainty about our vocation with minds much occupied by the imminence of the Second World War.
C2. Chiefly with participial adjectives and with quasi-adverb.
second brewed adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1721 N. Amhurst Terræ-filius No. 48. 257 Trap's second-brew'd balderdash runs thus [etc.].
second described adj.
ΚΠ
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 436 The sliding movement..in the second-described machinery.
second found adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises ii. f. 50v Subtract the arch of that quotient..and you shall haue the second found number.
second-ranking adj.
ΚΠ
1966 N. Nicolson in H. Nicolson Diaries & Lett. (1966) 29 In 1927 he joined the Embassy in Berlin as its second-ranking official.
second recited adj.
ΚΠ
1857 Act 20 & 21 Victoria c. 59 §2 The said second-recited Act.
C3. In verbs formed on syntactical combinations.
second-colour v. House painting transitive to cover with a second coat of paint.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > decorating and painting > decorate [verb (transitive)] > paint > apply coat of paint > paint with specific coat
second-colour1812
clear-cole1867
undercoat1953
1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 316 When the priming is quite dry..mix white lead, and a very small portion of red with linseed oil,..and second colour your work.
1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 317 This coat is technically called by painters second colouring old work.

Draft additions June 2017

second serve n. Tennis the second of two permitted attempts at serving, played if a fault is called on the first attempt; (also) a player's service delivery in this situation, considered as part of his or her repertoire of shots.
ΚΠ
1878 Stratford Times 7 Aug. The second serve is a poor stroke off which a steady return can generally be made.
1976 N.Y. Times 18 Apr. (Sports section) 7/3 If you have a reliable second serve, you won't be so tense on your first serve.
2003 O. Shine Lang. Tennis 109 About to hit a second serve against the greatest returner in the game.
2014 Daily Tel. 2 July (Sport section) 2/3 He..stepped in on Nadal's second serve and leathered a forehand return that the scrambling Nadal could not recover.

Draft additions September 2018

second unit n. Film and Television an auxiliary film crew chiefly responsible for shooting material that does not require the principal cast, such as location shots, crowd scenes, and stunt scenes; frequently attributive, esp. in second-unit director.In earliest use perhaps not a fixed collocation.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > filming unit or team > [noun] > specific department, engineer, or equipment
lightman1892
second unit1933
sounda1940
lighting1956
1933 Hollywood Filmograph 8 Apr. 7/1 While..the first unit of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer polar expedition filming ‘Eskimo’ are preparing to start interiors,..the second unit, remaining in the North, is undergoing fresh adventure.
1939 Washington Post 10 Sept. am1/7 Otto Brower, second-unit director, spent five months filming safari and battle sequences.
1978 Sight & Sound Fall 225/1 I had to rely on a second unit cameraman for support coverage.
1992 Independent (Nexis) 28 Feb. 14 [They] farmed out all the action scenes to second-unit directors.
2007 M. F. Blake Hollywood & O.K. Corral ix. 172 The second unit was responsible for staging stunt sequences.

Draft additions December 2021

second gentleman n. the husband of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the husband of the vice president of the United States.
ΚΠ
1976 Berkshire Sampler (Pittsfield, Mass.) 18 Jan. 8/3 With Betty [Ford] as vice president, Jerry Ford would be the Democratic vice president's spouse. He'd be the nation's—Second Gentleman.
2000 Africa News (Nexis) 20 May It [sc. a car] was passed on to Eng. Kazibwe in his capacity as the second gentleman.
2021 Hill (Nexis) 24 Mar. 13 It's super important that the president, the vice president, the first lady and the second gentleman are out there encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Draft additions December 2021

second lady n. the wife of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the wife of the vice president of the United States.
ΚΠ
1870 Detroit Free Press 12 June 6 In the matter of social etiquette the ladies of Washington have never been able to agree... We know who is first lady, and we know who is second lady—the wives of the President and Vice President have unquestionably these distinctions.
1972 Daily Rep. (Ontario-Upland, Calif.) 27 Feb. As second lady of California, the wife of Lt. Gov. Ed Reinecke thrives in the public limelight.
2007 Africa News (Nexis) 28 Nov. The Second Lady visited the area to campaign for her husband's bid to succeed President Kufour in the NPP flagbearership race.
2019 Guardian (Nexis) 13 June Trump, accompanied by the first lady, Melania Trump, the vice-president, Mike Pence and the second lady, Karen Pence, will hold a Make America Great Again rally.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

secondv.1

Etymology: < French seconder (Old French segonder ), †to come after (obsolete), to favour (= Provençal segondar , Spanish segundar , Portuguese segundar , Italian secondare ), < Latin secundāre to direct favourably, favour, further, < secundus following, favourable: see second adj. In some uses partly an independent English formation on the adjective.
1.
a. transitive. To support, back up, assist, encourage (a person, his or her actions, aims, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)]
shoveOE
to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1154
favour1362
abetc1380
sustainc1390
supportc1405
courage1470
comfort1481
friend1550
through-bear1554
countenance1568
foster1569
favourize1585
seconda1586
sidea1601
rally1624
feed1626
countenance1654
encourage1668
inserve1683
to go strong on1822
partake1861
sponsor1884
to hold a brief for1888
root1889
rah-rah1940
affirm1970
babysit1973
barrack-
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. i. sig. Ii6 Shall I (said she) second his boldnesse so farre, as to reade his presumptuous letters?
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iii. i. 29 Deci. Where is Metellus Cimber, let him go, And presently preferre his suite to Cæsar. Bru. He is addrest: presse neere, and second him. View more context for this quotation
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 148 He seconds that which he ought to withstand.
1719–20 J. Swift Let. to Young Gentleman (1721) 13 If in Company you offer something for a Jest, and no body seconds you in your own Laughter.
1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby I. iii. v. 311 His family had imbibed all his views and seconded them.
1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru II. iii. ix. 37 So eagerly did he press forward the work, and so well was he seconded by the multitude of laborers at his command.
1875 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xvi. 486 His efforts were seconded by a somewhat subservient parliament.
b. To act as a second or assistant to (a leader).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (transitive)] > help as subsidiary > act as assistant to
to hold a candle to another1550
second1588
associate1626
support1886
1588 W. Allen Admon. to Nobility & People 15 So jelous be all tyrants and vsurpers, of their state, and so lothe they are to be seconded by any other then of their owne creation.
1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 16 What other Officers ought to second their great Officers.
c. To follow, attend, accompany. In passive, to be accompanied (with). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > comparison > compare [verb (transitive)] > in competition
match1581
sample1592
second1600
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > accompany or associate with [verb (transitive)]
seeOE
to bear (a person) company (also fellowship, etc.)c1225
mella1300
fellowshipa1382
companya1400
accompany1461
to keep company (with)1502
encompanya1513
to keep (a person) company1517
to take repast1517
assist1553
to take up with1570
rempare1581
to go along with1588
amate1590
bear1590
to fall in1593
consort1598
second1600
to walk (also travel) in the way with1611
comitate1632
associate1644
enhaunt1658
join1713
assort1823
sit1828
companionize1870
to take tea with1888
to knock about with1915
tote1977
fere-
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique vii. xxv. 847 The horsemen appointed to waite vpon the companie, must alwaies second and keepe by the sides of the dogs.
1616 B. Jonson Poëtaster (rev. ed.) iii. iv, in Wks. I. 308 See, here's Horace, and old Trebativs, the great lawier, in his companie; let's auoid him, now: He is too well seconded.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ix. 381 The Bashaw went.., seconded with twelue followers.
d. To sing second to (a singer, song).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (transitive)] > sing specific part
bearc1405
second1595
treble1606
organizea1699
undertone1873
1595 L. B. in E. Spenser Astrophel sig. H2v With sobs and sighes I second will thy song.
1883 J. Hawthorne Dust I. 175 Lancaster would second Marion's soprano with his baritone.
e. Mountaineering. To act as a second (second adj. 2e) to (the leader of a climb) or on (a climb). Also absol.
ΚΠ
1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle ii. 49 He wants someone to second him up the north wall.
1968 P. Crew Encycl. Dict. Mountaineering 106/1 To second a climb is to do a climb as the second man on the rope.
1972 D. Haston In High Places i. 8 It's not hard to see why leading [on a rock climb] is that much more exciting than seconding.
2.
a. esp. To support, back up (a combatant, a body of troops) in attack or defence. Also, to act as second to (a pugilist).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > support
relievec1425
support1531
second1588
third1602
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > box [verb (transitive)] > act as second to
second1821
1588 Ld. Willoughby in State Papers Defeat Spanish Armada (1894) II. 32 Those that are taken here cry out upon the Duke of Parma, that they are betrayed by him, because they were not seconded according to their expectation.
1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 22 He deuides his troupes to second one the other, according to the widenes of the breach.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xi. 306 Hector..rusht with clamor on the king, right soundly seconded With troupes of Troians.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. vi. 56 Let him feele your Sword: Which we will second . View more context for this quotation
1645 R. Symonds Diary (1859) 258 A party of Arcall horse charged the persuers, and were seconded by part of Prince Maurice's life guard.
1797 H. Lee Canterbury Tales I. 22 A young cavalier..seconded him with so much spirit, that one of the villains was presently stretched upon the spot.
1821 John Bull 5 Mar. 89/3 The Black was seconded by Richmond and Paddington Jones.
c1850 Arabian Nights (Rtldg.) 470 Being seconded by his slaves, who all promised to be faithful, he attacked the negro.
1884 Manch. Examiner 13 Aug. 5/1 Griffiths..is said to have seconded Henry, and to have interfered to prevent the fight being stopped.
b. To reinforce with additional numbers.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > reinforce
enforce1340
stuffc1400
renforce?1473
relieve1487
supply1487
refreshc1500
ranforce1547
strengthen1548
re-enforce1579
reinforce1589
seconda1609
recrew1637
recruit1642
a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 5 In the mean time the enemie seconded their troops of shot with to the number of four or five hundred.
c. To take the place of, succeed (a combatant who is hors de combat). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > supplanting or replacement > supplant, replace [verb (transitive)]
fulfila1200
underplantc1200
supplanta1398
subplanta1425
recompense?a1439
supply1567
bestead1596
second1600
reimplace1611
transplace1621
displant1630
succenturiate1650
supersede1657
substitute1675
recruit1711
replace1753
displace1774
substitute1775
supplace1777
outplace1928
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. i. 271 And though we here fal downe, We haue supplies to second our attempt, If they miscarry, theirs shal second them. View more context for this quotation
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. v. iii. §17. 542 Being ouer-pressed on either side, they had a safe retrait vnto their foot; and one troupe seconding another by course, returned to charge.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. viii. 36 But now is Cade driuen backe, his men dispierc'd, And now is Yorke in Armes, to second him. View more context for this quotation
d. absol. and intransitive. To render aid; to side with. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (intransitive)]
help?c1225
to shove at the cart1421
supply1446
assist?1518
to lend a hand (or a helping hand)1598
to hold handc1600
to put to one's hand (also hands)1603
seconda1609
subminister1611
to give (lend) a lift1622
to lay (a) hand1634
to give a hand1682
to bear a hand1710
to chip in1872
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (intransitive)] > take someone's part
party1586
seconda1609
to take sides1719
(to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence1852
a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 11 A signall of drums, at which the first four troops should go to the assault; and another signall to the other four troops to second, if need required.
1654 T. Fuller Comment on Ruth 44 in 2 Serm. The mother, because her sonne is flesh of her flesh,..pleades it is right, that he should side and second with her.
3.
a. To support (a speaker, a proposition) in a debate or conference by speaking in the same sense; spec. to rise to support (a mover or motion) as a necessary preliminary to further discussion or to the adoption of the motion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or backing > support, side with, or back [verb (transitive)] > second or speak in favour of
support1583
second1597
1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 4 It is a good precept generally in seconding another: yet to adde somewhat of ones owne.
1685 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 444 Mr. Seamour made a bold speech against many Elections..but no body seconded him.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables xxvii. 26 The Motion was Seconded and Debated.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 109 This method was..diverted by other Propositions, which being seconded took much time, without pointing to any Conclusion.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. vii. ix. 119 Mrs. Charlton..instantly seconded the proposal.
1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 23 The noble lords who moved and seconded the address.
1837 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece IV. xxxiv. 331 Cheirisophus seconded this proposal, and they immediately proceeded to the election.
absolute.1802 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 496 Lord Lowther had been applied to to move the address... Lord Nelson was to second.
b. To support, back (a statement, opinion, a person in his or her opinion); to confirm, corroborate (a report). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > support, corroborate
fasteneOE
i-sothea925
sustainc1325
witness1362
approvec1380
confirmc1384
affirma1393
justifya1393
to bear outa1475
corrobore1485
uphold1485
nourisha1522
underpinc1522
to countenance outa1529
favoura1530
soothe1544
strengthen1548
comfort1593
second1596
accredit1598
evidencea1601
warrantise1600
compact1608
back1612
thickena1616
accreditate1654
shoulder1674
support1691
corroborate1706
carry1835
to give (also lend) colour1921
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or backing > support, side with, or back [verb (transitive)]
werea1300
to be abouta1400
support?a1439
to go with ——a1475
outbear1530
follow1548
subscribe1560
second1596
suffrage1614
to wait on ——1639
subjoin1810
suffrage1838
1596 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent (rev. ed.) 113 In which opinion, I am the more willing to dwell, bicause..I finde myselfe verie learnedly seconded by master Camden.
1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. i. sig. D2 I heard, last night, a most strange thing reported By some of my Lords followers, and I long To heare, how't will be seconded ! View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iv. vi. 64 The Slaues report is seconded . View more context for this quotation
a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 129 Whose affirmation..I intend to second with particular instances.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 278 Plato himself relates it as a Paradox; and no body that came after him, would second him in't.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 309 The Countess..run on in my Praise..and Lady Davers seconded her.
4. To further, assist the effect of, reinforce (a thing, activity, etc.). (With subject either a person or thing.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > furtherance > further [verb (transitive)]
furtherc888
to bring onc1230
advancea1250
speeda1300
nourishc1300
avaunt1393
promotec1433
pasture?a1439
advantage?1459
promove1475
preferc1503
conduce1518
to set forth1528
to set forward(s)1530
to take forth1530
fillip1551
help1559
farther1570
foster1571
shoulder1577
to put forward1579
seconda1586
foment1596
hearten1598
to put on1604
fomentate1613
succeed1613
expeditea1618
producea1618
maturate1623
cultivate1641
encourage1677
push1693
forward1780
progress1780
admove1839
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. xviii. sig. Ss5 Nowe seconding their terrible blowes with cunning labouring the horses.
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 127 Her froward husband..replyed with sharpe words seconded with such heavy blowes.
1665 W. Temple Lett. in Wks. (1731) II. 4 The Vigour of his Body does not second that of his Mind.
1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia II. xli. 108 Seconding every fall of rain with a due proportion of sunshine.
1858 A. P. Stanley Life of Dr. Arnold I. v. 203 Deeds must second words when needful.
5.
a. (With little or nothing of the idea of furthering or assisting.) To follow up or accompany with (or by) some second thing. In passive, to be followed, succeeded, or accompanied. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > accompaniment > accompany or attend [verb (transitive)]
followeOE
to be with1382
to stand with ——1384
fellowship?c1400
fellow1434
encompanya1513
to go with ——1523
to come with ——1533
accompany1543
associate1548
affellowship1559
to wait on ——1579
concomitate1604
second1609
companion1622
comitate1632
attend1653
waita1674
to keep (a person) company1849
1609 D. Tuvil Vade-mecum (1629) 139 The Wise Physition doth neuer minister a Potion..but hee seconds it with something that is more pleasing and Delicious to the taste.
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 54 This Proclamation was seconded by another, to the same purpose.
a1716 R. South Serm. Several Occasions (1744) XI. 220 After the overflowing of sin upon the whole earth, God in his justice seconds it with a deluge of waters.
1774 A. M. Toplady in Gospel Mag. Oct. 449/2I saw and lo!’, So sung the saints. Th' angelic train Second the anthem with a loud Amen.
b. To add a second to; to follow or succeed as a second. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > add to or follow as second [verb (transitive)]
second1655
1655 Earl of Norwich in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 304 I would haue agayne seconded my last to him after the receipt of his in answer to my former, but yt I feard [etc.].
1781 J. Bentham Corr. in Wks. (1843) X. 110 To-day, at dinner, I had the favour of yours of the 29th, as to my not seconding my last letter sooner.
c. To repeat (an action, esp. a blow). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > repeating > repeat (an action) [verb (transitive)]
renovela1325
reiterate?a1425
replicate?a1425
repeat?1440
iter1530
iterate?1548
redouble1580
redo1598
second1610
answer1613
renewa1616
ingeminate1625
reiter1634
double1645
reperform1651
rename1665
rehandle1697
retracta1699
rehearse1700
re-enact1819
1610 J. Healey tr. St. Augustine Citie of God v. vi. 204 Natures powre is such that a woman hauing once conceiued, cannot second any conception, vntil she bee deliuered of the first.
1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 102 He struck off two of the Fryers fingers, and had undoubtedly seconded another blow..had not the Indians interposed themselves.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 335 Hee..saw his guileful act By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded Upon her Husband. View more context for this quotation
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 125 Then Mr Great-heart seconded his blow, and smit the head of the Giant from his shoulders.
1737 S. Berington Mem. G. di Lucca 35 Before he could second his Shot, I gave him..a Stroke with my Broad Sword.
1831 W. Scott Count Robert ix, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. III. 178 The Count was in the act of again seconding his blow.
6. To match with a second instance. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. vii. xxv. 168 He left such a president behind him, as I forbid all men to match or second it.
1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 276 Our soueraigne Queene Elizabeth..is knowne to be in her owne high towring princely wisedome of as high a pitch..: in reach not to be seconded of any of these [kings and princes].
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xi. 177 Next Sebert them succeeds, Scarce seconded againe for sanctimonious deeds.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 369 [Fez] may rather second Grand Caire, than subioyne it selfe to Constantinople.
7. To come second to (in quality). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [verb (transitive)] > come second to
second1601
1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 374 The white [dogs] are best... The browne doth second them [Fr. les secondent].

Derivatives

ˈseconding n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun]
holtc1375
fastnessa1382
maintenance1384
supportc1391
suppowell1399
supportationc1405
subministrationa1425
conforturec1475
stay1532
back-stand1548
supportance1576
backing1598
voice1600
supportment1607
supporture1609
seconding1613
manutenency?1630
1613 G. Chapman Reuenge Bussy D'Ambois iii. sig. F2v Nay, we shall lay on hands of too much strength To neede your secondings.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. ii. v. 64 Which indeed, with such seconding as he had, one may reckon heroic.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

secondv.2

Brit. /sᵻˈkɒnd/, U.S. /səˈkɑnd/, /ˈsɛkənd/
Etymology: < French second in the phrase en second : see second adj. 2c.
Originally Military.
transitive. To remove (an officer) temporarily from his regiment or corps, for employment on the staff, or in some other extra-regimental appointment. Also transferred of employees in other occupations and employments.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > assign officer to staff duty
second1802
society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (transitive)] > temporarily transfer
second1920
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) Capitaine en Second..Lieutenant en Second..are officers whose companies have been reduced, but who do duty in others, and are destined to fill up the first vacancies. We have borrowed the expression and say, To be seconded. When an officer is seconded, he remains upon full pay, his rank goes on, and he may purchase the next vacant step, without being obliged to memorial in a manner that a half-pay officer must.
1833 Westm. Rev. Apr. 308 How to cut down an army of 300,000 men to one of 100,000, with the least subsequent expense of half-pay, is a problem that ought to be solved..; and the solution would be found in the obsolete practice of second-ing (or as the proper pronunciation in a mess-room is, segoond-ing).
1875 G. P. Colley in Encycl. Brit. II. 576/1 Officers holding certain appointments are ‘seconded’—that is, their place in the regiment is filled up, and they become supernumerary, their names being shown in italics in the Army List; but they still belong to the regiment, and rise in it in due course.
1897 Q. Rev. July 242 The officers in question had been..‘seconded’ for service in the forces of the Chartered Company.
1920 Westm. Gaz. 22 May 10/1 It was finally agreed that Lord Moulton should be seconded to the service of the Corporation and of the dye industry for..one year.
1955 Times 23 June 13/4 Mr. Mayne was seconded for special frontier duties, in the course of which he made many acquaintances and friends among the Pathans.

Derivatives

seˈconded adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > career > [adjective] > temporarily transferred
seconded1869
1869 Times 15 Apr. 9/3 As this officer was placed on the seconded list of the Royal Artillery..he will have to wait for a vacancy to occur.
1928 Times 21 July 13/3 They established an elaborate organization, under an important Minister, and manned by specially seconded Civil servants of high standing.
1977 News of World 17 Apr. 1/1 The Commission consisted of the chairman, deputy chairman, and 30 seconded civil servants.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

> as lemmas

second (third, etc. slip)
c. With qualifying words indicating the various positions in the slips, and the fieldsmen stationed there, as †extra slip, a man who stands outside second slip; third slip; first slip, the slip fielder who stands immediately to the right of the wicket-keeper (for a right-handed batter); his position; similarly, second (third, etc. slip), ranged in a line out from the wicket-keeper; leg slip: see leg slip n. 2; long slip: see long slip n. at long adj.1 and n.1 Compounds 4d; †middle slip, short third man; †short slip = first slip above. Also cover-slip n. 1 (Obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > fielder > fielders by position
middle wicket1772
long-stop1773
second stop1773
stop1773
long fieldsman1790
long field?1801
third man1801
outscout1805
leg1816
point1816
slip1816
backstop1819
long fielder1835
long leg1835
long field off1837
short leg1843
square leg1849
cover-point1850
long-stopper1851
middle-off1851
cover-slip1854
long off1854
left fielder1860
short square1860
mid-off1865
extra cover (point)1867
deep-fielder1870
mid-on1870
cover1897
leg trap1897
infield1898
deep field1900
slipper1903
slip fieldsman1906
midwicket1909
infieldsman1910
slip-catcher1920
infielder1927
leg slip1956
1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 40 Whichever of the Eleven can best be spared is placed between the first Slip, and the man at the point.
1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 43 The Long Slip to cover the Short Slip. This man must stand to save a run, about the same distance from the Wicket as the Long Stop, in a line with the Striker, between the Point and the Short Slip.
1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 43 This man should stand the same distance, playing between the man at the point and second slip.
1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field v. 75 A third man on, and a forward point,..with slow bowling, or an extra slip with fast, made a very strong field.
1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field x. 193 A third man up, or a middle slip, is at times very killing.
1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field xi. 222 A third slip up can hardly be spared.
1892 W. G. Grace in G. A. Hutchison Outdoor Games i. 26 Third man, who is, perhaps, rather a middle-slip, being long-slip placed in close enough to save the run.
1900 P. F. Warner Cricket in Many Climes iii. 45 I was missed at extra slip..when I had only made a few runs.
1921 P. F. Warner My Cricketing Life xii. 227 Jack was..a short slip of the same class as Tunnicliffe [, etc.].
1955 Times 4 July 3/3 He swung the ball both ways, supported by a hostile, close-set field, Holliday taking two sharp low catches at first slip.
1976 Times 23 July 9/4 After adding 43 with Murray, Rowe was out to a tumbling catch at first slip; when Snow took over from Ward, Murray was well caught at second slip; when Willis came on, Holder gave third slip a catch.
extracted from slipn.3
<
n.1c1400adj.n.21297v.1a1586v.21802
as lemmas
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