sickeradj.adv.
/ˈsɪkə/, U.S. /ˈsɪkər/, Scottish English /ˈsɪkər/ Now Scottish and northern dialect.
A. adj.
I. Free from danger; secure, reliable, and related uses.in extended use.1843 J. Ballantine Gaberlunzie's Wallet xii. 277 Time's a sicker master, an' we maun a' bend afore him.
1.
a. Free from danger or harm; secure, safe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure
sickerc897
safec1325
surec1330
safea1393
sover1396
traistya1400
exempta1420
undangeredc1460
surec1475
cocksurea1529
sound1535
jeopardless1549
dangerless?1555
secure1572
secure1576
defensible1581
unobnoxious?1609
unendangereda1658
rug1705
anchored1878
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care liv. 425 Gif we ðæt gedone mid nanum ðingum ne betað ne ne hreowsiað, ne bio we no ðæs sicore.
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 5 Þanne beð noman siker, ar he ihere þat lufliche word of ure louerd ihesu cristes swete muðe, venite benedicti [etc.].
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 227 Men were first naked and vnarmed, nouȝt siker aȝenst bestes, noþer aȝenst men.
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 3 Þat felynge of gostely fyer..in þe whilk þai knawe þame-self sekyr.
1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) ii. sig. Aij/2 The thyrde cause is for man sholde not holde hymselfe siker For grete trust of sikernes engendreth necligence.
b. Associated or attended with safety or security from danger, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure > associated or attended with security
sickerc1230
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 38 Halie alde ancres hit mahe don..ah hit nis nawt siker þing ne ne limpeð nawt to ȝunge.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 175 And see þeeves grevede and robbede al þe see, so þat þe Romayns..hadde no siker seillynge wiþ oute oþer socour.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 6764 Þar ware monkes..[who] Thoght þai stode in sykir case.
1582 S. Batman Vppon Bartholome, De Proprietatibus Rerum 405 The heart thereof [sc. of a vulture] maketh a man siker and safe that beareth it among Serpents and wilde beastes.
1894 S. R. Crockett Raiders xvii. 152 I'm as great on the side o' the law as it's siccar to be in thae uncertain times.
c. Of places or paths.
ΚΠ
c1275 Moral Ode 43 in Old Eng. Misc. Heo doþ heore ayhte in siker stude þat sendeþ hit to heoue-riche.
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 7065 Þise..leden hym, by siker paas, Al to þe gates of Caspyas.
c1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 111 Þe stede þat þou fightys on with þy aduersers, be it semynge euer more seker, ffor þarfore shal þyn hoste peyne hem mekyll more to fight.
?1507 W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in Poems (1998) I. 48 A lufsummar leid..That couth be secrete and sure..And sew bot at certane tymes and in sicir [a1586 secreit] placis.
1821 W. Scott Pirate I. iv. 70 Na na, he sall walk a mair siccar path, and be a dainty curate.
2. Proverb.c1440 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine ii. 250 It is more sekyr a byrd in your fest Than to haue iij. in þe sky a-boue.
a. That may be depended on; in which one can put reliance, confidence, or trust; certain, sure.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > reliability > [adjective]
sickerc1100
very1303
certainc1325
trustyc1390
soothfasta1400
surea1400
unfailingc1400
unfailablea1525
unfallible1529
infailable1561
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
faithful1611
infalliblea1616
well-proven1639
unfallida1641
indefailable1693
securea1729
pukka1776
c1100 in Anglia XI. 377 Swyðe sicore forgyfonnysse se mæig him biddan æt gode.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1268 Þo þe emperour hurde þis, he ne truste wel þer to Wiþ oute siker ostage such þing to do.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 7538 Seynt Poule techyþ vs..A sykyr fyght þat wyl nat fayle.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur vii. xviii. 240 Syker assuraunce and borowes ye shal haue.
1546 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 46 In the maist stratest forme, and sikrest still of obligatioun that can be devisit and maid.
1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem 86 He may attach him be sicker pledges, to enter and compeir in the Kings court.
1678 G. Mackenzie Laws & Customes Scotl. i. 51 Their goods should be put under sicker Burrows.
1837 R. Nicoll Poems (1843) 90 He was a carle in his day And siccar bargains he could mak.
b. Of persons.
ΚΠ
c1350 Leg. Rood (1871) 76 Seker men he sett to wake.
14.. in Q. Eliz. Acad. 85 A goode sykere frende is yuell to fynde.
1493 Festivall (1515) 40 A more syker attorney may noo man be than god is.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. ii. iv. 142 It is nocht facill to be declarit, nor ȝit Is It writtin be sekire authoris.
1658 J. Carstairs in J. Durham Comm. Bk. Revelation Pref. p. i The ablest, sickerest and most accomplished ministers.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 84 He was a sicker boy.
1878 W. Dickinson Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (ed. 2) (at cited word) He's a varra sicker body.
c. Of defensive armour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > affording safety or security > secure or reliable (of things)
tristy13..
trustyc1390
sickerc1400
society > armed hostility > military equipment > armour > [adjective] > qualities of armour
sickerc1400
pourpointed1824
squamous1845
c1400 Rowland & O. 354 Ane hawberke..Þat sekire was of Mayle.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 4465 I a siker shelde sall be.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 66 To theif and reiver he was ane sicker targe.
3. figurative.1877 R. W. Thom Jock o' Knowe 28 (E.D.D.) Resolve is sickerest when it's placed On a foundation wrought.† c. Of number: Fixed, definite. Obsolete. rare.
a. Having a firm foundation or support; firm, unshaken, fast.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable > firmly fixed
steadfast993
fastOE
rootfastlOE
sicker1297
sada1333
well-rooted1340
rooteda1393
surec1400
surefast1533
unremoved1551
fixed1577
implanted1595
firm1600
seateda1616
secure1675
tight1687
sitfast1837
locked1895
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2493 As moche place..Þat ich þeruppe mowe a siker bold rere.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 2230 Make we a sicure tour..þat may reyche vn-til heyuen.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum iv. 10 Þoȝ such perforacion be goode, and don for þat þe wall shuld be made moore sikir and stronger.
a1573 in J. Calderwood Hist. Kirk Scot. (1843) II. 272 I thinke not the ground so sicker, as that I durst build my conscience therupon.
1787 R. Burns Death & Dr. Hornbook v, in Poems (new ed.) 57 Setting my staff wi' a' my skill, To keep me sicker.
1858 M. Porteous Real Souter Johnny (ed. 2) 10 He wad hae stood right steeve and sicker And brav'd their dudgeon.
b. Not liable to be disturbed or unsettled; stable, assured, certain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective] > not liable to instability
sicker1340
fixc1374
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 78 Þet is þe uayriste lyf an þe zykeriste þet is ine þise wordle.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 22 The world stant evere upon debat, So may be seker non astat.
a1513 W. Dunbar Ballat Passioun in Poems (1998) I. 38 Grace become gyd and gouernour To keip the hous in sicker stait.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 430 Being some honest Curate, or some Vicker Content with little in condition sicker.
1857 H. S. Riddell Book of Psalms in Lowland Scotch xc. 17 Sete thou siccer the wark o' our han's apon us.
1886 ‘H. Haliburton’ Horace 41 (E.D.D.) Mak' your union siccar.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > describing particular qualities > fixed or restricted
sicker1377
denominate1579
contract1600
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xx. 254 Kynde wil ȝow teche, That in mesure god made alle manere thynges, And sette hem at a certeyne and at a syker noumbre.
d. Prudent, careful, especially with regard to money matters; wary, cautious.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [adjective] > prudent
prudenta1382
warea1400
discreetc1400
vertyc1425
canny1581
prudential1647
sickerc1662
advisive1663
discretionary1712
discretional1778
c1662 Livingstone in Sel. Biogr. (Wodrow Soc.) I. 208 He is a sicker man: he thinks he will only preach against Poprie, and not make with other controversies.
a1800 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads (1806) I. 292 There, couthie, and pensie, and sicker, Wonn'd honest young Hab o' the Heuch.
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. (at cited word) He, who is tenacious of his own rights or property, is said to be a sicker man.
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words Sicker, sly, inward minded. It is frequently prefixed by ‘gey’. ‘He's a gey sicker yen.’
4. † b. Genuine, good. Obsolete. rare.
a. That cannot be doubted; indubitable; absolutely certain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > absolute certainty > [adjective]
sickera1400
undoubtingc1400
undoubtablec1425
doubtlessc1440
unsoilablec1449
unwithsayablec1450
undoubtedc1460
indoubted?1467
indubitate1480
undubitate1482
unrepugnablea1500
infallible1526
questionless1532
insoluble1533
irrefragable1533
undoubtful1533
inexpugnablea1535
uncontrolleda1535
undeniable1541
indisputable1551
indoubtable1557
unsoluble1559
uncontrollable1577
infringible1581
irreprovable1581
ungainsaid1587
unquestionable1587
unquarrelled1588
peremptory1589
irrefragatea1592
unrefellable1593
unrefutable1594
controversiless1604
unquestioned1604
undisputable1605
impleadable1606
contradictless1607
unargued1609
unchallengeable1611
uncontroversable1617
ungainsayable1618
irrefutable1620
indeniable1621
undenied1621
incontradictable1624
indenied1624
indubious1625
indubitable1625
undisputeda1627
uncontroversed1634
unchallengeda1639
God-given1642
indisputed1643
unconfutable1643
undubitable1643
incontrollable1646
incontrovertible1646
unquarrellable1646
watertight1647
unquaerable1657
uncontrovertible1664
incontestable1673
inconfutable1679
uncontestable1681
uncontested1683
uncontradictory1698
uncontradictable1707
incontested1712
irrevinciblea1746
contestlessa1750
innegable1772
irrecusable1776
unrebuttable1804
unassailable1830
unimpugnable1832
irrebuttablea1834
unquibbled1860
inarguablea1875
automatic1877
inoppugnable1885
indiscussible1893
indiscutable1933
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 4134 Ful secure veniaunce god wil take.
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Mending of Life 105 Deed to vs is sykyr, þe owre of deed truly vnsikyr.
1567 G. Turberville tr. Ovid Heroycall Epist. 61 My handes displayde gaue siker signes and tokens of my paine.
1827 W. Scott Tales of Grandfather 1st Ser. viii ‘Do you leave such a matter to doubt?’ said Kirkpatrick, ‘I will make sicker’.
1881 Good Words 22 774/1 We made sicker than he was wi' you.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > foundation in fact, validity > [adjective] > genuine, real
soothc888
soothlyc888
soothfastc1175
germanec1384
truea1398
sickera1400
upright?a1500
uncounterfeita1542
righteous1543
legitimate1551
truepennya1556
arrant1570
uncounterfeited1571
real1573
current1578
genuinal1599
unforged1610
unpretended1611
legitime1614
unabusinga1628
Lubish1632
genuine1639
undissembled1651
undissimulate1652
ingenuine1661
infallacious1677
real live1684
unfalsified1688
unmistaken1694
pukka1776
undissimulated1776
unassumed1818
uncynical1824
Simon Pure1834
sure-enough1837
unsimulated1840
straight-out1848
true blue1852
veritable1862
really (and) truly1864
authentic1868
true-metal1868
kosher1896
twenty-four carat1900
honest to goodness1905
echt1916
dinky-di1918
McCoy1928
twenty-two carat1962
right1969
a1400–50 Alexander 1042 Sexti thousand þai him send of sekire besandis.
5. Certain of its effect; effective, sure.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adjective]
frameeOE
goodeOE
mightyOE
vailanta1325
sicker1338
mightful1340
suffisant1340
virtuousa1387
effectivea1398
effectuala1398
worthya1398
availingc1420
effectuous?a1425
operant?a1425
substantialc1449
virtual?a1475
substantious1483
available1502
efficacious1528
energial1528
working1532
operatory1551
operatoriousa1555
stately1567
feckful1568
efficace?1572
shifty1585
operative1590
instrumental1601
efficable1607
speeding1612
effectuating1615
officious1618
availsome1619
prevailable1624
valid1651
perficient1659
affectuous1664
implemental1676
virtual1760
efficient1787
sufficient1831
slick1833
roadworthy1837
practician1863
positive1903
performant1977
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 41 I salle ȝow say, For to saue ȝour lond wele, a fulle siker way.
c1400 Rowland & O. 1382 A sekere stroke was there sett.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 408 A seker straik drewe he.
1567 R. Sempill Deeclaratioun Lordis Iust Quarrell (single sheet) Thir Nobillis dois bot rycht, Gif thay the Quene keip still in sicker gaird.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 76 I..hes the tane into the sicker snair.
1710 in Coll. Dying Testimonies (1806) 152 Strive to make sicker work in time.
1818 G. Beattie John o' Arnha' (ed. 2) 23 The charm is firm and sicker.
6. Securely fastened or held.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > [adjective]
fastOE
sickera1400
branded1535
holdfast1567
firm1600
defixed1652
tight1687
anchored1789
well-reeved1812
hardfast1878
hand-tight1881
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 16905 Þe princes of prestis of þe lawe: went to þat monument And made hit sikur as hem þouȝt.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 95 Than art thow sicker in the snair.
1891 A. Gordon Folks o' Carglen v. 139 Aundrew stretchit his length on the grun', an' they had him siccar as a nail.
II. Having a sense of security or confidence.† 9. Assured of its object; confident, certain. Obsolete.† 10. Having a sense of security; confident. Obsolete.
7. † b. Having sure mastery of an art. Obsolete. rare.
a. Having assured possession or prospect of something. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > [adjective] > possessing > securely
sickera1200
surec1330
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > assured of possession
sickera1200
surec1330
firm1483
cocksure1520
safe1538
secure1605
a1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 51 Efter þan þe hie weren wuniende in ierusalem, and weren hole and sunde, and sikere of here giue.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4134 If yee do suilk an outrake Ful siker may yee be o wrake.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 32 He that wende to be siker of me, hath failed of his purpos.
1567 Gude & Godlie B. 130 Always sall he be sicker of this, That is neidful to want na thing.
1719 A. Ramsay Epist. to Hamilton iii. xi Sicker of thae, winter and simmer, Ye're well enough.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > masterly > having mastery of
sicker1488
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iv. l. 559 Few off thaim was sekyr of archary.
8. Having confident or certain knowledge; fully assured or convinced. With various constructions, as subordinate clause (usually with that), to with infinitive, of (for, in, on, with), or elliptical for these.
ΚΠ
(a)
(b)c1275 Moral Ode 40 in Old Eng. Misc. Þe mon þat wile syker beo to habbe godes blysse, Do wel him seolf þe hwile he may.c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 8559 Þai salle be þare syker and certayne To have endeles ioy.c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 7991 Make vs sekur, on the same wise, oure soile for to leue.(c)c1320 Cast. Love 952 Ne beo þou in wonhope non, Ac ful siker þou beo þer-on.1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xvi. 234 I am ful syker in soule þer-of.?1404–8 26 Pol. Poems v. 51 Be not to sykere of þyne hele.a1500 Songs, Carols, etc. (E.E.T.S.) 34 Ther-of thow art siker & sure.1876 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Words Whitby I'se sikker on't.(d)c1330 Arth. & Merlin 5551 (Kölbing) Ac arst ȝe schul me make siker.c1470 Dives & Pauper (1496) ii. vi. 115/1 Yf he be not syker, but only weneth to be syker, he shall not swere that it is so.1876 C. C. Robinson Gloss. Words Dial. Mid-Yorks. (at cited word) In idiomatic phrases, expressive of emphatic belief. ‘I'm sikker and sure.’c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4844 Be þu sikerr þatt he shall Þe ȝifenn eche blisse.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 7353 Siker þou be þou ne ssalt me finde in none hurne.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2067 Sir, siker ȝe be, Þi self schal se þat riȝt.
c1400 Laud Troy-bk. 10013 I am sicur be my dreme That I am lorn.
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. i. xi. f. 31 Thow suld be sikkar that the..matter quhilk thow confermis with ane eith is trew.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > [adjective] > strong
sickera1225
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
a1225 Leg. Kath. 1217 Þurh hwam we mahten habben sikere bileaue to arisen alle efter him.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 13 Ine zikere hope þet iesu crist godes zone ssolde come.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 257 Lyghtne oure sowles with seker hope.
1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay 29 The sekir faith..quhilk is in godis word and doctrine.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > confidence > [adjective]
sickera1340
confident1576
confidential1651
unhesitating1753
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter ii. 11 With quakynge, swa þat ȝoure ioy be noght ouere sykire.
c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 957 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 90 Be sikyr, douchtyr, and dred nocht!
B. adv.† 1. With security; safely; confidently. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adverb] > safely or securely
fasteOE
sickerc1275
sickerlyc1290
surelyc1330
surea1400
surefully1495
soverly1513
sover1575
secure1578
securely1587
snug1674
rug1714
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 7530 Dead is Vortimer þe king. & siker þu miht hider comen.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 14250 Ȝyt Arthur hadde lenger abiden, Þe sykerere myghte Moddred haue ryden.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 163 Forto go þe saveloker and þe sikerer to cruel bataille aȝenst Marius.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 267 Hem that remayne al sikur maystow sowe.
2.
a. Assuredly, certainly, without doubt.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > [adverb]
iwis?c1160
sickerlyc1175
wisc1175
wislyc1200
i-witterlic1275
sickerc1275
certc1300
hardilyc1300
hardlya1325
certain1330
tristilya1350
certainlya1375
redelya1375
redilya1375
surelyc1380
hand in handa1382
righta1393
assuredlya1400
surea1400
naturallyc1425
in certc1440
ascertainly1477
soverly1513
perqueer1568
really1604
assurelya1626
just1687
pos1710
besure1743
verdad1928
c1275 Passion our Lord 286 in Old Eng. Misc. 45 Siker þu ert myd him a galilewis mon.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 154 So seker as I have a lif, Thou scholdest thanne be my wif.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 6442 ‘Ȝis, Sikyr, lady!’ this womman gan seye.
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Apr. 159 Sicker I hold him for a greater fon.
1614 J. Davies Commend. Poems in Wks. (Grosart) II. 19 Now, siker (Wernocke) thou hast split the marke.
a1718 T. Parnell Poems Several Occasions (1721) 37 The Board was laid, And siker such a Feast was made As Heart and Lip desire.
b. With verbs of saying or affirming: As a certainty, as a fact.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adverb]
i-wislichec1000
wislyc1000
yernec1000
wellOE
wisc1175
sickera1275
without missa1275
redlyc1275
certainlya1375
sadc1380
confirmedlyc1449
certaina1500
undeceitfully1571
notionless1607
ascertainably1863
absotively1914
a1275 Prov. of Alfred 524 Siker ich it te saige, letet gif þe liket.
14.. Life St. Kath. (Halliw.) 8 Or ellys sekyr y telle the That thou schalt dedd bee!
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 265 Sicker I ȝow asseure, He rewlis weill that sa weill him can gyd.
3. Effectively, strongly, firmly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [adverb]
welleOE
sickerly1340
effectuallya1398
speedfully1398
effectuously1424
workingly?a1425
sickerc1450
trimly?a1513
trima1547
purposely1560
operatively1601
tightly1601
virtually1604
feckfullya1614
prevailingly1615
effectively1656
efficaciously1703
efficiently1828
tellingly1832
availingly1853
c1450 Gesta Romanorum xxv. 96 I put a gret stone aboute thi necke, & yit þou Rise; I triste now I shalle pley sikir with the.
17.. Laird of Wariston 22, in F. J. Child Eng. & Sc. Pop. Ballads (1890) IV. vii. 31/2 The nurice she knet the knot, And O she knet it sicker!
1792 A. Wilson On Men Sawing Timber Experience ne'er sae sicker tells us, As when she lifts her rung and fells us.
1821 A. Rodger Scotch Poetry 12 Lay't into our loof, We'll haud it sicker.
4. Securely; without risk of falling or shifting.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adverb] > in a stable manner > firmly (fixed)
stronglyeOE
fasteOE
stitha1000
hardOE
fastlyOE
steadfasta1300
stithlya1300
steevec1330
a-rootc1374
firmlyc1374
hard and fastc1380
sadc1380
sadlya1398
steadfastlya1400
stronga1400
stalworthlyc1440
solidatively?1541
hardfast1548
secure1578
sickera1586
solidly?1611
tighta1625
securely1642
steevely1790
inexcussably1816
tightly1866
a1586 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems v. 55 Ȝour feet ar not so sicker sett.
a1598 D. Fergusson Sc. Prov. (1641) sig. B4v He rides sicker that fell never.
17.. A. Ramsay Wyfe of Auchtermuchty iv They sicker raid that neir did faw.
1773 R. Fergusson Poems 110 Ye wha canna staun sae sicker.
1863 R. Quinn Heather Lintie (ed. 2) 201 Within oor hearts..Aye siccar shalt thou reign.
1867 G. W. Donald Poems 154 There's nae man sae sicker set But he may shift his stool.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1910; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sickerv.1
/ˈsɪkə/ Now rare or Obsolete.
1. transitive. To assure (a person) of safety.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > make safe or secure [verb (transitive)] > assure (a person) of safety
sicker1297
warrant1530
bail1587
the mind > language > statement > assurance, confirmation, or guarantee > assure, confirm, or guarantee [verb (transitive)] > a person
sicker1297
ensurec1385
behightc1386
promise1469
insurea1500
warranta1529
resolve1567
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 11323 In eiþer half to sikeri him freres him gonne lede.
a1400 Metr. Hom. (Vernon MS.) in Herrig's Archiv 57 287 Þou weore worþi for to dye..Bote for I er sikerde þe Schalt þou haue no skaþe for me.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 17 Oþer wis may not þe kirk bring a man out of synne, ne forȝef þe peyn, nor man siker.
2.
a. To assure (a person) of one's good faith by a pledge or formal promise.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > pledge or undertake to give or do > give one's word to
sicker1297
surec1400
ensure1413
aplighta1450
insurea1500
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 3155 A þousend pound..ichim wolde ȝiue anon,..& þat ich im wolde mid treuþe sikery him vaste an hond.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 53 Edward sikerd him wele, to mak William his heyre.
c1450 Erle Tolous 1030 Wolde ye sekyr me, wythowt fayle, For to holde trewe counsayle.
b. reflexive. To put one's trust in a person.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > trust [verb (reflexive)]
trowc950
tresta1250
affyc1350
grounda1387
sickera1400
traista1400
repose1539
stay1549
rest1574
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11868 Þat we ger get vs leches tuin, In quilk we mai siker vs in.
c. To betroth (a woman) to one.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > betrothal > betroth [verb (transitive)]
handfastlOE
spousea1225
spousec1300
truthc1330
sickerc1384
assure1393
ensurea1450
fiancea1450
affya1500
insure1530
affiance1531
promise1548
betroth1566
espouse1581
contract1599
engage1728
c1384 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Ariadne. 2128 Now be we duchessis bothe I & ȝe And sekerede to the regalys of Athenys.
3. To assure (one) of a fact.
ΚΠ
c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1908) xxvii. 144 Than he,..willynge that thei schulde no lenger be distourbeled and trauailled, sykerde hem of his presence.
c1480 (a1400) St. George 932 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 202 I sal be before þame bowne in-to þis sammyne aray..I sekyre ȝou.
4. To confirm by pledge or surety.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > pledge or deposit as security [verb (transitive)] > secure or confirm by pledge
sicker1338
earnesta1425
mortgage1588
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 69 Þerof he mad me skrite,..& for to sikere his dede, set þer to his seale.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1463 Sad seurte was sikered on boþe sides þanne, þat menskful mariage to make.
a1450 Le Morte Arth. 2331 A trews they sette and sekeryd thare.
5. To secure, make sure or certain of; to make fast, fix firmly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > assure, make certain [verb (transitive)]
certify1340
assure1393
surec1460
ascertain1490
recognosce1533
secure1602
sickera1693
vouch1780
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > make sure, secure [verb (transitive)]
fand1307
firm1530
to make sure1565
secure1601
warranta1616
assure1622
incertain1628
insure1686
sickera1693
ensure1744
seal1810
guarantee1820
ice1908
the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stabilize > fix firmly in place
morec1300
ficchec1374
firmc1374
fix14..
staplec1400
stithc1480
perplant1548
settle1560
stay1565
lock1590
haft1755
sicker1824
brace1849
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > make fast [verb (transitive)]
fastenOE
firmc1374
comforta1382
to make (something) fasta1400
anchor1425
defix?a1475
harden?1523
steeve1554
lock1590
confixa1616
secure1615
succour1688
belay1751
sicker1824
snackle1887
a1693 M. Bruce Good News in Evil Times (1708) 40 Sicker what ye will, if the main Chance be not sickered, I'll not give a gray Groat for you.
1824 J. Mactaggart Sc. Gallovidian Encycl. at Sned The runt must be siccard in the den, so that the [scythe-] blade may have a snanging sound.
Derivatives
ˈsickering n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > [noun] > a pledge or security
warrantisea1300
surancec1300
borrow-gage1303
suretyc1330
wage1338
wed1340
again-behotera1382
hostagec1400
sickeringa1450
gage1486
soverty1488
vadimonyc1503
pledge1526
slauntiagh1535
band1596
mortgage1598
ward and warsela1600
covenant1644
guaranty1697
security1711
guaranteeship1715
cautionment1815
guarantee1832
a1450 Le Morte Arth. 2322 That thay shall make me A sekerynge A trews to holde vs by-twene.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1910; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
sickerv.2
rare.
intransitive. Of water: To trickle; to ooze or leak.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)] > exude
syec893
sickerc897
weesec1000
bleedc1305
oozea1398
sweata1425
weeslea1555
sew1565
exude1574
outstreata1631
exudate1646
dew1658
suppurate1693
strain1707
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of flowing > flow [verb (intransitive)] > in small quantity
sickerc897
stilla1300
bleedc1305
distilc1400
trail1470
trinkle1513
trickle1526
gozle1650
run1786
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care lvii. 437 Swiðe lytlum sicerað ðæt wæter & swiðe degellice on ðæt hlece scip.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 318 Þare beoz ase it veynene weren onder eorþe mani on, Þat sikeriez [text sikeniez] out of þe se.
a1843 R. Southey Common-place Bk. (1850) 3rd Ser. 725/1 The water zighyrs away. A Cornish mining word for dribbling, or flowing in a small stream.
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 192 Zighyr, zigger, or sicker, to percolate, trickle or ooze.
1903 in Eng. Dial. Dict. (Lincolnshire).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1910; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
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adj.adv.c897
v.11297v.2c897