singularadj.adv.n.

/ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə/

Forms: α. Middle English–1500s synguler, Middle English syngulere; Middle English–1600s singuler, Middle English singulere, Middle English–1500s singulier, Middle English singuleer; Middle English senguler(e. β. Middle English–1500s syngular, 1500s (chiefly Scottish) singulair, 1500s–1600s singulare; Middle English– singular.

Etymology: < Old French singuler, -eir, -ier, and singulaire, or < Latin singulāris , < singulī single adj. The form with -er from Old French continued in use till the 17th cent.

A. adj. (and adv.)

I. Senses characterized by singleness or unity.

†a. Living alone or apart from the herd.Only as a rendering of Latin singularis ferus in Psalm 80[79]:14, where singularis is in fact the noun (see sanglier n.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > by habits or actions > [adjective] > solitary

singularc1340

c1340 R. Rolle Psalter lxxix. 14 Þe bare of þe wod out~termyd it; and þe syngulere wildbest has etyn it.

1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxxix. 14 The bor of the wode outlawide it; and the singuler wilde beste destroȝide it.

a1400 Minor Poems from Vernon MS xxiii. 942 Hegge þou a-boute vr vyn-ȝard,..Þat woodnes us hurte ne make aferd Of þe wylde best singulere.

1610 Bible (Douay) II. Psalms lxxix. 14 The singular wilde beest hath eaten it.

b. Alone; away from others; solitary. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > condition of being alone > [adjective]

oneeOE

onlepyOE

onlyOE

alonec1175

single1340

soleinc1381

solitaire1382

singularc1384

solec1400

oddc1480

alonelya1513

uncompanieda1547

a-high-lone1565

bird-alone1572

self-one1602

insociate1606

unmated1615

lonesome1647

solo1727

uncompanioned1809

unfellowed1887

Pat Malone1937

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark iv. 10 And whenne he was singuler, or by hym silf, the twelue..axiden hym for to expowne the parable.

1728 J. Veneer tr. Compan. Sincere Penitent Pref. p. xi His way of living was singular and retired.

1787 W. Marshall Provincialisms in Rural Econ. Norfolk II. 388 Singular, lone or single; as a singular house, or farm.

a. One only; one and no more; single.In quot. 1377 probably with allusion to sense A. 3a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > only one > [adjective] > one and no more

singular1377

soleina1400

single1538

solitary1748

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ix. 35 He was synguler hym-self and seyde faciamus.

c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋14 Þe repentaunce of a singuler synne & nouȝt repente of alle his oþer synnes..may nouȝt auaile.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. liiij^v/1 This geaunte yssued oute of the towne, and demaunded synguler persone ayenst a persone.

1576 T. Newton tr. L. Lemnie Touchstone of Complexions i. ii. f. 14 Thus the Soule..although it be singuler,..yet bringeth forth sondry and manifolde actions.

a1586 in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 237 Thocht sewin ȝeir I war avysit..Ane singulare thing to put in dyte It suld with sum men be dispysit.

1625 R. Montagu Appello Cæsarem 147 Some of the antient Fathers..apply it unto one singular individuall man onely, and no otherwise.

1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cccxv. 338 Knit up in an high and mystick Knot Of simple singular Triplicitie.

1765–8 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. ii. vii. §1 He succeeds to that subject by a singular title.

†b. Exclusive; sole. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > special or private

sunderlyeOE

sundrilyeOE

singularc1380

private1526

alonely1567

sole1597

separate1673

exclusive1765

secluded1790

undivided1867

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 342 Oon mai seie þat he aloone is Cristis viker here in erþe, and he haþ power singuler to taxe gracis as him likiþ.

1395 J. Purvey Remonstr. (1851) 68 What auctorite is to the bisshop of Rome to appropre to hymsilf principal power, eithir singuler, of byndinge and assoilinge.

1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. b ij The masse was only oure singuler suffrage, To delivre the people from their synne.

1592 G. Harvey Foure Lett. iv. 55 The singuler marke, whereat euery Arte, & euery vertue is to leuell.

c. Forming the only one of the kind; unique, solitary, single. Also (with the), sole, only.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > only one > [adjective]

onlepyeOE

aefauldeOE

onlyOE

soleinc1369

solea1398

halea1400

seul1477

anerlyc1485

alonelya1513

allenarlya1525

singulara1555

fellowlessa1586

unfellowed1597

unique1601

lone1602

unical1605

single1633

solitarya1634

exclusive1790

one-off1934

one-of-a-kind1954

a1555 H. Latimer Frutefull Serm. (1572) ii. f. 162 Now I will shew you what man is of his own nature left vnto him selfe: but I will not speake of that singular sonne of man which was Christ.

a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 215 The Copy being singular, and none extant any where else.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 21 The arch whereof is..almost singular in its kind and architecture.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. Pref. 2 He was the singular instance in Scotland.

1756 G. Washington Let. in Writings (1889) I. 241 A laudable example this, and I hope not singular one.

a1790 B. Franklin Autobiogr. (1981) iii. 115 This..is perhaps a singular Instance in the History of Mankind.

1881 B. F. Westcott & F. J. A. Hort New Test. in Orig. Greek II. Introd. iii. 230 ‘Singular readings’, as they are usually called, which have no other direct attestation whatever.

1897 Daily News 28 Aug. 4/5 But the Reign of Terror is a singular event, and the Commune of 1871..is no parallel whatever.

†d. Of practice: Confined to one object. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [adjective] > confined to one object

singular1592

1592 G. Harvey Foure Lett. iv. 55 Singular practise the only singuler, and admirable woorkeman of the world.

a. Grammar. Denoting or expressing one person or thing. Chiefly in singular number (also used figuratively). Opposed to plural adj. 1.Latin singularis appears in this sense from the time of Varro onwards.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [adjective] > denoting one thing or person

singulara1387

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [adjective] > number > singular

singulara1387

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 17 Everiche in þe singuler nombre was i-cleped Anthiochus.

14.. Crowned King (Skeat) 46 To shewe you my sentence in singuler noumbre; To peynte it with pluralitee my prose wolde faile.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. p. xxvi Theyr synguler nombre hath a great meyny of dyvers terminations.

1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 21^v They simply vsed the singular name of God as if they were contented with one God alone.

1591 R. Percyvall Bibliotheca Hispanica Gram. sig. B3^v There are two numbers, the singular speaking of one, the plurall of moe.

1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Que An interrogatiue of the Singular Number.

a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1711) I. 258 Why, I believe, in the singular number?

a1831 J. Stoddart Gram. in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) I. 64/1 We call ‘I love’ singular, and ‘we love’ plural.

1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 99 Alms, eaves, riches, though treated as plurals, are singular in form.

1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 100 Summons is a singular form..and is usually treated as such, making the pl. summonses.

b. Logic. (See quots.)After various uses of Latin singularis in scholastic logic: cf. the note to B. 1d.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > [adjective] > of universal or particular propositions

universalc1450

particular1551

subaltern1566

subcontrary1566

singular1654

lemmatical1665

indefinite1773

indesignate1844

semi-definitea1856

1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 200 A singular accident, is [that] which cleaves to a singular substance.

1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck Monitio Logica ii. viii. 32 Singular syllogisms depend upon this maxim, whatever things agree in one single third, those also agree amongst themselves.

1724 I. Watts Logick i. iii. §3 That idea which represents one particular determinate thing to me, is called a singular idea.

1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) i. ii. §3 An individual or singular name is a name which is only capable of being truly affirmed, in the same sense, of one thing.

1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) i. iv. §4 The proposition is singular when the subject is an individual name.

1855 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought §74 A judgment about an intuition, as ‘Northumberland House is near Charing Cross’, is a Singular judgment.

1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic (1875) iii. 18 A singular term is one which can denote only a single object.

c. Mathematics. (See quots.) singular matrix (see quots. 1964, 1972); singular solution, a solution of a differential equation that cannot be obtained directly from the complete primitive; esp. a solution whose graph is the envelope of the graphs of the complete primitive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > algebra > [noun] > expression > equation > solution to

singular solutiona1832

complementary function1841

solution set1959

the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [noun] > array > matrix

matrix1850

unit matrix1861

adjugate1882

adjoint1889

submatrix1903

identity matrix1908

row matrix1936

transpose1937

singular matrix1964

a1832 A. De Morgan Theory Probab. in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) II. 370/1 There is..what we may call a singular solution for every particular form of θ, which deserves the attention of mathematicians.

1836 A. De Morgan Differential & Integral Calculus xi. 191 If there be a singular solution it is y = a... We have only found the singular solution from the primitive itself.

1859 G. Salmon Lessons Mod. Higher Algebra 45 We shall call those values which make all the differentials vanish, the singular roots of the quantic.

1867 W. T. Brande & G. W. Cox Dict. Sci., Lit. & Art (new ed.) III. 461/2 A singular solution of a differential equation..is a function of x and y [etc.].

1867 W. T. Brande & G. W. Cox Dict. Sci., Lit. & Art (new ed.) III. 462/1 The discovery of such solutions depends upon that of singular integrals of the differential equation under consideration.

1869 A. Cayley Coll. Math. Papers VII. 244 Certain forms of the singular curve.

1873 A. Cayley in Messenger of Math. II. 12 I consider the singular solution to be that given by the equation which belongs to the envelope-locus (viz. I do not recognise any singular solution which is not of the envelope species).

1886 A. Cayley Coll. Math. Papers XII. 395 The point x = a is in this case said to be a singular point in regard to the differential equation.

1957 L. Fox Numerical Solution Two-point Boundary Probl. i. 2 The most general solution of an ordinary differential equation of order n contains n arbitrary constants. This general solution is called the Complete Primitive, and a Particular Integral is obtained by giving specific values to these arbitrary constants. Non-linear equations may also have singular solutions, not obtainable from the complete primitive.

1964 N. N. Hancock Matrix Anal. Electr. Machinery ii. 18 A ‘singular’ matrix is one for which the determinant formed by the same array is of zero value.

1972 A. G. Howson Handbk. Terms Algebra & Anal. viii. 43 If there is no matrix B..such that AB = BA = I, then A is said to be singular.

4. Of persons:

†a. Holding no office; having no special position; private. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > [adjective] > holding no position

singularc1386

society > society and the community > social class > the common people > the common people of any group > [adjective] > having no office

singularc1386

private1437

unministerial1646

c1386 G. Chaucer Melibeus (Cambr.) ⁋40 Ryȝt as a senguler persone synnyth in takynge vengeaunce of a-nothir man, righ[t] so synnyth the Iuge ȝif he do no vengeaunce.

c1400 Brut ccx. 242 Þat fro þis day afterward ȝe shulle nouȝt be cleymede Kyng,..but..shul bene holde a singuler man of all þe peple.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Cii^v As moche as is in me, I forbede all singular persons from the studyeng of this treatise.

1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. L4 You would not haue anie priuate or singuler man of what degree soeuer, to haue the patronage..of anie ecclesiasticall liuing.

b. Scots Law. singular successor, one who acquires feudal property by a single title (usually that of purchase) as distinguished from an heir, who succeeds by a general or universal title.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > transfer of property > [noun] > one who acquires land by a single title

purchasera1400

takerc1450

singular successora1646

a1646 T. Hope Minor Practicks (1726) 138 The Assignation will not be valid against a singular Successor who acquires a real..Right with the Liferent.

1747 Act 20 Geo. II c. 50 §12 The Methods of procuring Entry by Heirs, or Singular Successors, or Purchasers of lands in Scotland.

1797 A. F. Tytler Decisions Court of Sessions IV. 69 It was a fixed point, that general burdens are ineffectual against creditors and singular successors.

1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 957 He holds them as his inherent right,..of which he cannot be deprived..by the right of the vassal's heir or singular successor.

1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 9 Aug. 4/1 It is a quibble of the worst kind..first to tax them as singular successors and then to tax the heir when he succeeds to the family property.

†5. Of a fight or combat: = single adj. 15. Obsolete.From the 16th cent. chiefly in Scottish use.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > armed encounter > [adjective] > single combat or duel

singular1382

single1592

near-fighting1598

monomachica1610

duellary1612

close-handed1845

duellistic1852

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Sam. xvii. 8 Chesith of ȝou a man, and come he doun to a synguler strijf.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 331 Lucius Mallius callede a Frensche man to a singuler bataile.

1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 65 b/2 They shold chese a man to fight a synguler batail ayenst golyas.

1567 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 525 He had cowartlie refusit singular combat bayth of a Barroun and Gentilman undefamit.

1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 66 The singular fights or combats..happened evermore betweene enemies of contrary nations.

1678 G. Mackenzie Laws & Customes Scotl. i. 141 Wherein singular Combats are discharged, there is an exception made of such as are fought with His Higness licence.

1752 J. Louthian Form of Process (ed. 2) 22 Of old, the Party accused had his Election, whether to vindicate himself, by singular Combat, or be tried by an Inquest.

1826 W. Scott Woodstock II. ii. 29 Those in his high place fight no singular combats.

†6. Single in form or dimensions. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > [adjective] > single in form or dimensions

singular1452

1452 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 282 iij sengulere Principalls..in Scantlyon accordyng to the Principalls.

II. Senses characterized by separateness or individuality.

†7.

a. Separate, individual, single. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [adjective] > individual or single

oneOE

singularc1340

particulara1387

serea1400

serelepya1400

several1448

single?a1475

individual1593

numerical1643

versal1709

varsal1751

separate1907

c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7457 Þan bihoves þam,..For ilka syn þat þai dyd here, Have certayne payne singulere.

1414 Rolls of Parl. IV. 58/2 To be bounde to hem, and to othere persones,..in singuler obligacions.

c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 63 In whiche psalmes..in synguler lettris fyve, This blessid name Maria, there may he see.

1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclx^v Right as euerich hath thus singuler instrumentes by hemselfe, they han as wel dyuers aptes & dyuers maner vsinges.

1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 5 It is tyme we approche to the singular description of Bones.

1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis i. 4 This is the particular or singular inscription.

1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. xii. §7. 153 Hee equalled all others in the seuerall vertues, which in each of them were singular.

1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) i. xxviii. 68 The confusion and rupture as it were, of the singular determinate parts.

1701 J. Swift Disc. Contests Nobles & Commons v. 55 That because Clodius and Curio happen to agree with me in a few singular Notions, I must therefore blindly follow them in all.

1719 G. London & H. Wise J. de la Quintinie's Compl. Gard'ner (ed. 7) 135 Common Remarks for certain singular Cases relating to the Pruning of all manner of Trees.

†b. Esp. in singular man or person. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [noun] > an individual thing or person > person

singular man or person?c1400

individuala1500

particular1576

individuality1775

c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 442 Þe generalte of þis preyere lettes not oure Lord God to here syngulere personys, aftur þei ben worþi.

c1450 R. Pecock Bk. Faith i. vii. (1909) 89 Every singuler persoone of the same chirche.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxi. f. cxlii Lyke as one man is kynde of all synguler men, & in euery synguler man is y^e kynde of all mankynde.

1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxii. 260 Our subiectes, comons, colleges, vniuersities, or syngular personnes, what someuer they be.

1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 243 Not..for conseruation of the life of the indiuiduum or singular man, but for propagation of the whole species.

1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy (1647) 93 The succession therefore..was made by singular persons, not by a Colledge.

a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 110 Thus doth humane nature, being in each singular man, shew the existence of..its original authour and pattern.

c. each and singular, every one. Now archaic. all and singular: see all adj., pron., n., adv., and conj. Phrases 5f.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [noun] > the generality > each and every one thing

each oneOE

everya1250

still and boldc1300

all and somea1350

one and all (also all and one)a1400

all and sundry1428

all the sort of1535

every or each several?a1562

first and last1582

each and singular1668

all and singular1669

every man jack1807

1668 J. Dryden Secret-love i. i. 1 With both of 'em; with each and singular of 'em.

†8.

a. Of or pertaining to, connected with or affecting, the individual, in contrast to what is common or general; personal, private, one's own.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > relating to a person in his individual capacity > personal or private

singularc1340

personala1387

partial?a1439

familiar1569

domestical1586

home1650

domestic1707

vernacular1840

intime1857

intimate1884

c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 5 When I had takene my syngulere purpos and lefte þe seculere habyte.

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 509 Alle persones of what kynne privat sectis, or singuler religioun.

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 82 To seie þe pater noster þat crist made hym self, & not..singuler preieres made of vs self.

c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1908) 60 And for they wolde no singuler prerogatif thei kepten the comoun lawe as othere.

1475 Bk. Noblesse 7 The duc off Burgoyn..slow many thowsands..to revenge a synguler querel.

?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Ciiij^v Of lyberte wyll, and synguler pleasure..poore people they deuoure.

1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 92 b Not accordyng to the proportion of that singular righteousnesse whiche is of ourselves, and peculiar to every of us.

1651 N. Biggs Matæotechnia Medicinæ Praxeωs 18 Many truths, now of reverend esteem and credit, had their birth and beginning once from singular and private thoughts.

1702 R. L'Estrange tr. Josephus Jewish Antiq. iv. vi, in Wks. 87 Yours is a singular God, that's only to your selves.

†b. esp. Of profit, advantage, gain, etc. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame i. 310 That shal be take for delyte, Loo, or for synguler profite.

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 152 Anon for singulier beyete Drouh every man to his partie.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 95 For they entende to theyr synguler wele and prouffyt and not to the comyn.

a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 132 Sum Pryncis ther bene, that for thar owyn Synguler auauntage..takyn atte har talent trew men goodis.

1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 257^v One that preferred the dignitee..of the commenweale, before his owne singulare avauntage.

1581 W. Stafford Compend. Exam. Complaints (1876) ii. 61 For a time they gat much, and so abased the credite of theyr Predecessors to theyr singuler Luker.

1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Polit. Touch-stone (1674) 280 The Spaniards (whose proper nature it is, to reap singular profit from the fear in which they..have put..neighbouring Princes).

†c. Special; peculiar to one. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > belonging to a particular thing or person

specialc1230

proper1340

peculiara1475

specifical?a1475

singular?a1513

private1526

privy1560

personed1565

individual1570

particular1582

idiotical1655

specific1665

sacred1667

specific1667

specifiala1670

idiomatic1771

idiomatical1774

appropriate1796

exclusive1804

propriate1820

especial1854

dedicated1969

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 99 And to ȝour seruand singulair! Welcum, my awin lord thesaurair.

1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 2 The excellent effects of our peculiar and singular weapon the Long Bowe.

c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 266 Common Law which is singular to our nation.

III. Separate through pre-eminence, extraordinary, and related uses.

†9.

a. Separate from others by reason of superiority or pre-eminence. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > pre-eminence > [adjective]

firsteOE

headOE

highOE

greatc1350

upperestc1374

chief1377

singular1377

principala1382

royalc1425

cardinal1440

pre-eminenta1460

praisea1475

main1480

maina1525

primary1565

captain1566

arch1574

mistressa1586

capital1597

topless1609

primea1616

metropolitan1635

transeminent1660

whole1675

uppermost1680

primus inter pares1688

topping1694

Sudder1787

par excellence1839

banner1840

primatial1892

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xiii. 283 So syngulere by hym-self as to syȝte of þe poeple, Was none suche as hym-self.

?a1400 Morte Arth. 172 Twa knyghtes hym servede, Singulere sothely, as Arthure hym selvyne.

1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxi. 9 Are not wee..bound to honour that day which the Lorde himselfe hath honoured..to keepe it singular and inuiolable.

1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) ii. v. 31 Lucifer, that would have beene singular, and alone above all his fellow Angels.

†b. Of persons: Eminent, distinguished, notable.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [adjective]

mereeOE

athelOE

couthOE

brightOE

namecundc1175

outnumenc1175

noble?c1225

ketec1275

sheenc1275

tirfulc1275

glorious13..

losedc1305

of great renownc1330

glorifieda1340

worthly or worthy in wonea1350

clearc1374

nameda1382

solemna1387

renomeda1393

famous?a1400

renomé?a1400

renowneda1400

notedc1400

of (great, high, etc.) name?c1430

celebrate?1440

namely1440

famosec1449

honourable?c1450

notedc1450

parent?c1450

glorificatec1460

heroical?a1475

insignite?a1475

magnific1490

well-fameda1492

exemie1497

singular1497

preclare1503

magnificential1506

laureate1508

illustre?a1513

illustred1512

magnificent1513

preclared1530

grand1542

celebrated1549

heroicc1550

lustrantc1550

magnifical1557

illustrate1562

expectablec1565

ennobled1571

laurel1579

nominated1581

famosed1582

perspicuous1582

big1587

famed1595

uplifted1596

illustrious1598

celebrousc1600

luculent1600

celebrious1604

fameful1605

famoused1606

renownful1606

bruitful1609

eminent1611

insignious1620

clarousa1636

far-fameda1640

top1647

grandee1648

signalized1652

noscible1653

splendid1660

voiced1661

gloried1671

laurelled1683

distinguished1714

distinct1756

lustrious1769

trumpeted1775

spiry1825

world-famous1832

galactic1902

tycoonish1958

mega1987

1497 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) i. 1 A suppreme & a synguler mayster to teche you al thynge.

1554 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1822) III. App. xx. 58 If..ye neglect so singular a pilot in such a tempest of affairs.

1581 J. Marbeck Bk. Notes & Common Places 1 Common places..gathered out of the workes of diuers singular Writers.

1606 G. Chapman Monsieur D'Oliue i. i Her behaviour to it Is like a singular musitian To a sweete instrument.

1647 W. Lilly Christian Astrol. clxvi. 710 A late Minister of the Church of England, and a Singular Astrologian.

1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses I. 817 A great Linguist, a singular Grecian, and an exact Philologer.

†c. Used in forms of address, esp. to a person of title. Obsolete. (Common in the 16th cent.)In later use only with good: cf. A. 14.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [adjective]

goodeOE

liefc897

sweeta1225

beauc1300

gentlec1330

comelya1375

faira1375

reverentc1410

reverend1422

virtuous?1473

singular1485

lucky1568

respectable1749

1485 W. Caxton in tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. aij^v/1 To satysfye..my good synguler lordes..I haue enprysed..to reduce this..book in to our englysshe.

a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 483 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 110 My singuler souerane of saxonis ye wand.

?1535 H. Latimer Let. in Serm. & Remains (1845) (modernized text) II. 367 To the right honourable master, secretary to the king's grace, his singular good master.

1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. C5 To the right worshipfull and my singuler good Lady mother.

1616 W. Haig Let. in J. Russell Haigs of Bemersyde (1881) vii. 155 To the Right Honourable my singular good Lords, the Earl of Dunfermline [etc.].

1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients Ded. sig. A2 (heading) The Countesse of Arundell and Surrey, my singular good Ladie and Mistresse.

†d. Specially active in, or good at, something.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > at something spec.

goodeOE

great1552

singular1606

hot1845

a whale on1893

smoking1934

tasty1974

1606 in Lismore Papers (1887) 2nd Ser. I. 98 The humble affection we have to be singulare in your service.

1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iv. ii. 183 With Pathetick expressions, which he was singular at, the Manchegan could not choose but melt into pity.

10. Above the ordinary in amount, extent, worth, or value; especially good or great; special, particular. Common from c1500 to c1650; now rare.

a. Of immaterial things, qualities, etc.

ΚΠ

α.

a1340 R. Rolle Psalter lxxix. 14 Þe deuel..is þe wild best þat is of syngulere creulte.

a1340 R. Rolle Psalter p. 523 This blessid mayden..in synguler ioy..was glad in cryst.

1424 King Henry VI in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 99 The singulier diligence and the ful notable service that ye doon unto us.

1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 1 To gyue therfore synguler louynges & thankes.

?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce 110 The same is a singuler token and most plaine demonstration of his worde.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. ii. 1 b My Lady of Aramount of most feruent desire and singuler affection was attending her husbande.

β. c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) xvii. 152 And so þe kynge shall lese the offices, as ffor any syngular service he shall haue ffor hem.1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Aii ^v She was also of synguler easynes to be spoken vnto.1579 in W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue sig. A ij^v An euident declaration of the singular good will..of God towardes his creatures.1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxviii. 164 Offices, or any other singular marke of the Soveraigns favour.1665 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts (rev. ed.) sig. A4^v I find a singular Benefit hereby, in causing all my lowest to stand or sit together.1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 109 To our singular Satisfaction, we found the Water..ran..Eastward.1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V III. x. 219 For this, too, he found an expedient with singular art and felicity.1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §28. 104 The instance..is of singular significance in this matter.1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. i. iv. 56 A theory that has done singular mischief to the cause of recreation.

†b. Of remedies, medicines, etc.: Excellent; highly efficacious or beneficial. In predicative use frequently const. against or for. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]

faireOE

bremea1000

goodlyOE

goodfulc1275

noblec1300

pricec1300

specialc1325

gentlec1330

fine?c1335

singulara1340

thrivena1350

thriven and throa1350

gaya1375

properc1380

before-passinga1382

daintiful1393

principala1398

gradelya1400

burlyc1400

daintyc1400

thrivingc1400

voundec1400

virtuousc1425

hathelc1440

curiousc1475

singlerc1500

beautiful1502

rare?a1534

gallant1539

eximious1547

jolly1548

egregious?c1550

jellyc1560

goodlike1562

brawc1565

of worth1576

brave?1577

surprising1580

finger-licking1584

admirablea1586

excellinga1586

ambrosial1598

sublimated1603

excellent1604

valiant1604

fabulous1609

pure1609

starryc1610

topgallant1613

lovely1614

soaringa1616

twanging1616

preclarent1623

primea1637

prestantious1638

splendid1644

sterling1647

licking1648

spankinga1666

rattling1690

tearing1693

famous1695

capital1713

yrare1737

pure and —1742

daisy1757

immense1762

elegant1764

super-extra1774

trimming1778

grand1781

gallows1789

budgeree1793

crack1793

dandy1794

first rate1799

smick-smack1802

severe1805

neat1806

swell1810

stamming1814

divine1818

great1818

slap-up1823

slapping1825

high-grade1826

supernacular1828

heavenly1831

jam-up1832

slick1833

rip-roaring1834

boss1836

lummy1838

flash1840

slap1840

tall1840

high-graded1841

awful1843

way up1843

exalting1844

hot1845

ripsnorting1846

clipping1848

stupendous1848

stunning1849

raving1850

shrewd1851

jammy1853

slashing1854

rip-staving1856

ripping1858

screaming1859

up to dick1863

nifty1865

premier cru1866

slap-bang1866

clinking1868

marvellous1868

rorty1868

terrific1871

spiffing1872

all wool and a yard wide1882

gorgeous1883

nailing1883

stellar1883

gaudy1884

fizzing1885

réussi1885

ding-dong1887

jim-dandy1888

extra-special1889

yum-yum1890

out of sight1891

outasight1893

smooth1893

corking1895

large1895

super1895

hot dog1896

to die for1898

yummy1899

deevy1900

peachy1900

hi1901

v.g.1901

v.h.c.1901

divvy1903

doozy1903

game ball1905

goodo1905

bosker1906

crackerjack1910

smashinga1911

jake1914

keen1914

posh1914

bobby-dazzling1915

juicy1916

pie on1916

jakeloo1919

snodger1919

whizz-bang1920

wicked1920

four-star1921

wow1921

Rolls-Royce1922

whizz-bang1922

wizard1922

barry1923

nummy1923

ripe1923

shrieking1926

crazy1927

righteous1930

marvy1932

cool1933

plenty1933

brahmaa1935

smoking1934

solid1935

mellow1936

groovy1937

tough1937

bottler1938

fantastic1938

readyc1938

ridge1938

super-duper1938

extraordinaire1940

rumpty1940

sharp1940

dodger1941

grouse1941

perfecto1941

pipperoo1945

real gone1946

bosting1947

supersonic1947

whizzo1948

neato1951

peachy-keen1951

ridgey-dite1953

ridgy-didge1953

top1953

whizzing1953

badass1955

wild1955

belting1956

magic1956

bitching1957

swinging1958

ridiculous1959

a treat1959

fab1961

bad-assed1962

uptight1962

diggish1963

cracker1964

marv1964

radical1964

bakgat1965

unreal1965

pearly1966

together1968

safe1970

bad1971

brilliant1971

fabby1971

schmick1972

butt-kicking1973

ripper1973

Tiffany1973

bodacious1976

rad1976

kif1978

awesome1979

death1979

killer1979

fly1980

shiok1980

stonking1980

brill1981

dope1981

to die1982

mint1982

epic1983

kicking1983

fabbo1984

mega1985

ill1986

posho1989

pukka1991

lovely jubbly1992

awesomesauce2001

nang2002

bess2006

amazeballs2009

boasty2009

daebak2009

beaut2013

the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > efficacious > supremely effective

singulara1340

sovereign1377

magistral1574

maystrial1576

virtuous1582

prevalent1615

prevailing1706

(a)

a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 7 My lord; þat is remedy syngulere amange anguysses of þis warld.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. lxxiii. 1332 Buttre ytake into þe body is a singuler helpe aȝeins venyme.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 100 A syngular remedy for the sklendurnes of our polytyke body.

1615 G. Markham Countrey Contentments i. xvii Cast out all the mud and filth, which is a singular compost for Land, upon the bank.

1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden lvii It is a singular drink for the falling sicknesse.

1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. vii. 304/1 It is a singular thing against a Gonorrhœa.

(b)1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 55 Pimpernell..is singuler against the bytings of venemouse beasts.1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. xii. 70 In the paine of the hemorrhoides there is nothing more singular then the perfume made of shauings of iuorie.1657 S. Purchas Theatre Flying-insects 174 It [i.e. honey] is singular for gout and for the cure of all wounds.1712 J. Browne tr. P. Pomet et al. Compl. Hist. Druggs I. 4 It is singular for the Stone.

†c. Of persons. (Cf. A. 9b) Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > specifically of person

wenlichc1200

greatc1300

sovereignc1330

singular1485

supreme?1611

superstar1915

1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 46 Dere and specyal brother and synguler frende.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. I2 Sixe Sciences, all learned or singuler fauourers and Aduancers of learning.

1654 tr. M. Martini Bellum Tartaricum 132 One only City.., whose President was..my very singular friend.

1738 tr. S. Guazzo Art of Conversat. 6 A most able Physician and singular Friend.

11. Remarkable; extraordinary, unusual, uncommon. Hence, rare, precious.A common sense of singularis in classical Latin.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [adjective]

dearc888

dearworthc888

worthlyeOE

oughtsOE

worthfulOE

aughtOE

richa1225

gildenc1225

of pricea1325

worthya1325

of (‥) valourc1330

prow1340

dearworthyc1374

of value1395

pricefula1400

presc1400

singularc1400

goldena1425

well-foundc1475

valiant1481

prized1487

prowousa1500

valuable1567

prizable1569

valorous1592

suit-worth1594

bully1600

estimable1600

treasurable1607

treasurous?1611

treasured1675

pearly1770

at a premium1828

keep-worthy1830

good value1842

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adjective] > special, extraordinary, or unusual

sunderlepeOE

specialc1325

strangec1330

undeemousa1400

outragec1400

singularc1400

stravagant1565

unusual1582

extraordinarya1586

remarkable1593

exordinary1601

peculiar1608

stupendous1640

eccentricala1652

particular1665

out-of-the-way1675

uncommon1705

awfy1724

exceptionable1801

tremendous1831

exceptional1846

exceptive1849

exceptionary1850

spesh1874

heart-stopping1891

off-brand1929

wild1955

cracker1964

c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) v. v. 76 There I sawe a merueylous cerkle, of syngulere gretnesse.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. vi. 133 Boece whiche was..tresor of rychesses, singuler house of sapience.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii I shuld haue a singular iewel to bere in my bosom.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. vi. 117 [They] are much giuen to..vsing singular perfumes.

1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) 54 I could not chuse but say, it was the singularest, and superlative piece that hath been extant since the Creation.

a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) II. 5 A great Philosopher,..famous far and near, As one of singular Invention.

1766 M. A. Porny Elem. Heraldry (1777) v. 140 Had it not been for the singular conduct of this brave person, the King had then remained a prisoner.

1779 Mirror No. 62 This was a proof of his good-nature, as well as of his singular presence of mind in critical situations.

1812 R. Woodhouse Elem. Treat. Astron. xiii. 135 One or two theorems of singular geometrical elegance and beauty.

1853 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches (1873) II. i. i. 30 The Romans..admired the singular quality and workmanship of the wooden columns.

1863 A. P. Stanley Lect. Jewish Church I. i. 11 To refuse to do so would be to decline the use of..a singular gift of Providence.

†12. Differing from others in opinion; standing alone; peculiar in this respect. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > dissent or disagreement > [adjective] > differing from others or standing alone

singular1621

1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 152 Iarhi, you confesse, was of another minde; and thinke you, that Iarhi was therein singular from all the old Iewes?

1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler i. v Lest you will think him singular in this opinion, I will tell you, this seems to be believed by our learned Doctor Hakewill.

1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 25 The Vulgar thus through Imitation err; As oft the Learn'd by being Singular.

1754 B. Franklin Let. 30 Aug. in Wks. (1887) II. 343 I find the author has been led..to the same strange conclusion..in which I feared I should for some time have been singular.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1766 I. 276 Johnson: Sir, he must be very singular in his opinion, if he thinks himself one of the best of men.

13. Different from or not complying with that which is customary, usual, or general; strange, odd, peculiar.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > odd

quaintc1325

awkc1440

queer?a1513

odd1578

quaintish1594

odd-conceiteda1616

odd-ceited1652

whimsical1675

singulara1684

eccentric1685

oddish1705

rummish1709

comical1713

odd-like1718

rum1750

queerish1775

funny1793

quare1805

rummy1828

kinky1844

quirkish1848

quirky1873

odd-gates1906

funny-peculiar1916

antrin1925

off-brand1929

fanciful-

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1667 (1955) III. 481 Suitable to her extravagant humor & dresse, which was very singular.

a1684 R. Leighton Wks. (1835) I. 119 It is no Wonder that the Godly are by some called Singular and Precise.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth IV. 341 Its manner of procuring its prey, is one of the most singular in all natural history.

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. ix. 324 In one of my excursions..I overheard a singular conversation.

1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 155/2 He was called strange and singular long before he was acknowledged to be great.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. vii. 55 I clambered up among these singular terraces.

1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost vii. 189 Those who make themselves singular in their dress and manners are seldom free from vanity.

†14. quasi-adv. Singularly, especially, particularly. Obsolete. (Cf. A. 9c.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adverb]

hurec893

sunderlyeOE

highlyOE

namelya1200

sunderlepesa1200

sunderlepea1225

specialc1230

specially1340

serelya1375

principallyc1390

especially?a1400

rathestc1400

singularlyc1430

selfly1503

singular1530

enspecial1534

inespecially1557

nearly1560

peculiarly1561

inespecial1569

especial1591

speciouslya1616

nominately1641

chief1645

perpendicularly1658

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 270/2 Synguler pure thyng, chose deslite.

1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Visitacion of Sicke f. xxiii* That shall be to hym a singuler great coumforte.

1581 W. Stafford Compend. Exam. Complaints (1876) iii. 90 When a singuler good workeman in any mistery comes.

a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 62 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Hee proved a singular learned man.

a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 159 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The Realme of Ireland at this time was singular well governed.

1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour i. i. 6 A singular good principle.

B. n.

a. A single person; an individual. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > people > person > [noun] > individual person

headOE

polla1350

singular1420

specialc1450

individuala1500

particular1576

monad1855

1420 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1709) IX. 917 Tounes, Comunaltees and Singulers.

1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 Thess. iii. f. iiii^v So deare a singular and so necessarie a companion.

1619 W. Sclater Expos. 1 Thess. (1630) 15 Of Singulars, all we haue, is a probable conjecture.

a1637 B. Jonson Timber 1683 in Wks. (1640) III Eloquence would be but a poore thing, if wee should onely converse with singulars; speake, but man and man together.

1854 S. T. Dobell Balder xxiv. 158 This..I give To thee, and am no poorer; no, nor thou.., nor a singular of all Who ever shall possess it.

b. A single thing; a single point or detail.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [noun] > an individual thing or person

substance1340

individuum?a1425

individa1500

suppositum1593

supposite1612

singular1615

individuality1631

1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 700 All compound thinges are of greater force then Singulares.

1620 Horæ Subseciuæ 204 As for Epitomes..for one that meanes to goe through all the singulars; they seeme quite vnnecessary.

a1711 T. Ken Hymnarium 121 in Wks. (1721) II. The whole Creation heedfully survey, Each Singular minutely weigh.

c. Contrasted with a class or species.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [noun] > one thing > one of several

particular1592

unit1600

singular1640

1640 Canterburians Self-Conviction Postscr. 1 To make them but two singulars under one spece.

1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. I She..Calls kinds immortall, though their singulars do waste.

1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing 124 Every man..owns something, wherein none are like him: and these are as many, as humane nature hath singulars.

a1859 J. Austin Lect. Jurispr. (1879) II. 1037 A species; that is to say, a class consisting exclusively of mere individuals or singulars.

d. plural. Contrasted with universals.The use of Latin singulare, -aria, in contrast to universale, -alia, goes back to Boëthius.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [noun] > quality of being particular or not general > that which is

particular1551

singulars1643

1643 D. Digges Unlawfulnesse Subj. ii. 46 This notion of universall speculatively distinguished from singulars.

1669 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. I i. i. 4 His Universal Ideas..he makes to be the..great Exemplar and image of al singulars.

1690 C. Ness Compl. Hist. & Myst. Old & New Test. I. 29 Adam wisely understood all simples, singulars and universals.

1737 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 15/1 Think you, that God's Providence is..employ'd about Universals?..But if God takes care of Singulars [etc.].

1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic vii. 180 Their Knowledge being confined, as we have seen, to Intuitions,—to Singulars.

2. Grammar. The singular number; a word in its singular form.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [noun] > number > singular

singular1398

1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) (1495) xvii. cxxxiii Porrum is hoc Porrum in þe singuler & hii porri in þe plurel.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 127 Howe all maner participles forme theyr..plurel nombres out of theyr singulars.

a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xiii, in Wks. (1640) III The first [declension] maketh the Plurall of the Singular, by adding thereunto s.

1751 J. Harris Hermes i. viii. 154 The..Imperative has no first Person of the singular.

1799 Asiatic Researches (London ed.) 2 211 Their Feminine Singulars are used in the Persian as Participles.

1839 Penny Cycl. XIII. 313/1 The aspirate has taken the place of the τ or σ in the nominative singular.

1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 99 The plurals of some substantives differ in meaning from the singulars.

†3. Personal or private profit or gain. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > that which is obtained or acquired > personal or private

singular1419

singularity1426

particularityc1550

1419 in 26 Polit. Poems 71 For defaute of Iustice, and singulere to wynne, Þey were rebell.

†4. A single or ordinary rafter. Obsolete.Cf. the modern Somerset singler (Elworthy Word-bk. 671).

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam > rafter > common

sparc1340

singular1452

1452 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 282 Atte euery joynt of the Crest tre atte the Principalls and sengulers shalbe halff Angells. Also atte..euery end of the sengulers atte the Jowpye shalbe an Angel.

†5. = sanglier n. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Artiodactyla (cloven-hoofed animals) > [noun] > group Suiformes (hippos and pigs) > family Suidae (swine) > sus scrofa (wild boar and descendants) > wild boar > of specific age or size

sanglier?a1400

hog1486

singular1486

sounder1823

1486 Bk. St. Albans e iij A Synguler is he so: for a lone he will goo.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. 132/1 A Boar [of 5 years is] a Singuler, or more properly a Sanglier.

Compounds

singular-looking, singular-minded, singular-witted adjs.

ΚΠ

1610 J. Healey tr. J. L. Vives in tr. St. Augustine Citie of God viii. xii. 318 He was an admirable, singular witted man, inferior to none.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 21 This wild and singular-looking woman.

1831 W. Scott Count Robert vii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. I. 210 The survivors of these singular-minded men.

1878 S. Smiles Robert Dick iii [He] took up a singular-looking nut.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	singular
释义	singularadj.adv.n. /ˈsɪŋɡjʊlə/ Forms: α. Middle English–1500s synguler, Middle English syngulere; Middle English–1600s singuler, Middle English singulere, Middle English–1500s singulier, Middle English singuleer; Middle English senguler(e. β. Middle English–1500s syngular, 1500s (chiefly Scottish) singulair, 1500s–1600s singulare; Middle English– singular. Etymology: < Old French singuler, -eir, -ier, and singulaire, or < Latin singulāris , < singulī single adj. The form with -er from Old French continued in use till the 17th cent. A. adj. (and adv.) I. Senses characterized by singleness or unity. 1. †a. Living alone or apart from the herd.Only as a rendering of Latin singularis ferus in Psalm 80[79]:14, where singularis is in fact the noun (see sanglier n.). ΘΚΠ the world > animals > by habits or actions > [adjective] > solitary singularc1340 c1340 R. Rolle Psalter lxxix. 14 Þe bare of þe wod out~termyd it; and þe syngulere wildbest has etyn it. 1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxxix. 14 The bor of the wode outlawide it; and the singuler wilde beste destroȝide it. a1400 Minor Poems from Vernon MS xxiii. 942 Hegge þou a-boute vr vyn-ȝard,..Þat woodnes us hurte ne make aferd Of þe wylde best singulere. 1610 Bible (Douay) II. Psalms lxxix. 14 The singular wilde beest hath eaten it. b. Alone; away from others; solitary. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > condition of being alone > [adjective] oneeOE onlepyOE onlyOE alonec1175 single1340 soleinc1381 solitaire1382 singularc1384 solec1400 oddc1480 alonelya1513 uncompanieda1547 a-high-lone1565 bird-alone1572 self-one1602 insociate1606 unmated1615 lonesome1647 solo1727 uncompanioned1809 unfellowed1887 Pat Malone1937 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark iv. 10 And whenne he was singuler, or by hym silf, the twelue..axiden hym for to expowne the parable. 1728 J. Veneer tr. Compan. Sincere Penitent Pref. p. xi His way of living was singular and retired. 1787 W. Marshall Provincialisms in Rural Econ. Norfolk II. 388 Singular, lone or single; as a singular house, or farm. 2. a. One only; one and no more; single.In quot. 1377 probably with allusion to sense A. 3a. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > only one > [adjective] > one and no more singular1377 soleina1400 single1538 solitary1748 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ix. 35 He was synguler hym-self and seyde faciamus. c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋14 Þe repentaunce of a singuler synne & nouȝt repente of alle his oþer synnes..may nouȝt auaile. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. liiij^v/1 This geaunte yssued oute of the towne, and demaunded synguler persone ayenst a persone. 1576 T. Newton tr. L. Lemnie Touchstone of Complexions i. ii. f. 14 Thus the Soule..although it be singuler,..yet bringeth forth sondry and manifolde actions. a1586 in W. A. Craigie Maitland Folio MS (1919) I. 237 Thocht sewin ȝeir I war avysit..Ane singulare thing to put in dyte It suld with sum men be dispysit. 1625 R. Montagu Appello Cæsarem 147 Some of the antient Fathers..apply it unto one singular individuall man onely, and no otherwise. 1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cccxv. 338 Knit up in an high and mystick Knot Of simple singular Triplicitie. 1765–8 J. Erskine Inst. Law Scotl. ii. vii. §1 He succeeds to that subject by a singular title. †b. Exclusive; sole. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > special or private sunderlyeOE sundrilyeOE singularc1380 private1526 alonely1567 sole1597 separate1673 exclusive1765 secluded1790 undivided1867 c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 342 Oon mai seie þat he aloone is Cristis viker here in erþe, and he haþ power singuler to taxe gracis as him likiþ. 1395 J. Purvey Remonstr. (1851) 68 What auctorite is to the bisshop of Rome to appropre to hymsilf principal power, eithir singuler, of byndinge and assoilinge. 1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. b ij The masse was only oure singuler suffrage, To delivre the people from their synne. 1592 G. Harvey Foure Lett. iv. 55 The singuler marke, whereat euery Arte, & euery vertue is to leuell. c. Forming the only one of the kind; unique, solitary, single. Also (with the), sole, only. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > only one > [adjective] onlepyeOE aefauldeOE onlyOE soleinc1369 solea1398 halea1400 seul1477 anerlyc1485 alonelya1513 allenarlya1525 singulara1555 fellowlessa1586 unfellowed1597 unique1601 lone1602 unical1605 single1633 solitarya1634 exclusive1790 one-off1934 one-of-a-kind1954 a1555 H. Latimer Frutefull Serm. (1572) ii. f. 162 Now I will shew you what man is of his own nature left vnto him selfe: but I will not speake of that singular sonne of man which was Christ. a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 215 The Copy being singular, and none extant any where else. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 21 The arch whereof is..almost singular in its kind and architecture. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. Pref. 2 He was the singular instance in Scotland. 1756 G. Washington Let. in Writings (1889) I. 241 A laudable example this, and I hope not singular one. a1790 B. Franklin Autobiogr. (1981) iii. 115 This..is perhaps a singular Instance in the History of Mankind. 1881 B. F. Westcott & F. J. A. Hort New Test. in Orig. Greek II. Introd. iii. 230 ‘Singular readings’, as they are usually called, which have no other direct attestation whatever. 1897 Daily News 28 Aug. 4/5 But the Reign of Terror is a singular event, and the Commune of 1871..is no parallel whatever. †d. Of practice: Confined to one object. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [adjective] > confined to one object singular1592 1592 G. Harvey Foure Lett. iv. 55 Singular practise the only singuler, and admirable woorkeman of the world. 3. a. Grammar. Denoting or expressing one person or thing. Chiefly in singular number (also used figuratively). Opposed to plural adj. 1.Latin singularis appears in this sense from the time of Varro onwards. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [adjective] > denoting one thing or person singulara1387 the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [adjective] > number > singular singulara1387 a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 17 Everiche in þe singuler nombre was i-cleped Anthiochus. 14.. Crowned King (Skeat) 46 To shewe you my sentence in singuler noumbre; To peynte it with pluralitee my prose wolde faile. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. p. xxvi Theyr synguler nombre hath a great meyny of dyvers terminations. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 21^v They simply vsed the singular name of God as if they were contented with one God alone. 1591 R. Percyvall Bibliotheca Hispanica Gram. sig. B3^v There are two numbers, the singular speaking of one, the plurall of moe. 1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Que An interrogatiue of the Singular Number. a1708 W. Beveridge Thes. Theologicus (1711) I. 258 Why, I believe, in the singular number? a1831 J. Stoddart Gram. in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) I. 64/1 We call ‘I love’ singular, and ‘we love’ plural. 1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 99 Alms, eaves, riches, though treated as plurals, are singular in form. 1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 100 Summons is a singular form..and is usually treated as such, making the pl. summonses. b. Logic. (See quots.)After various uses of Latin singularis in scholastic logic: cf. the note to B. 1d. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > [adjective] > of universal or particular propositions universalc1450 particular1551 subaltern1566 subcontrary1566 singular1654 lemmatical1665 indefinite1773 indesignate1844 semi-definitea1856 1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 200 A singular accident, is [that] which cleaves to a singular substance. 1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck Monitio Logica ii. viii. 32 Singular syllogisms depend upon this maxim, whatever things agree in one single third, those also agree amongst themselves. 1724 I. Watts Logick i. iii. §3 That idea which represents one particular determinate thing to me, is called a singular idea. 1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) i. ii. §3 An individual or singular name is a name which is only capable of being truly affirmed, in the same sense, of one thing. 1846 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic (ed. 2) i. iv. §4 The proposition is singular when the subject is an individual name. 1855 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought §74 A judgment about an intuition, as ‘Northumberland House is near Charing Cross’, is a Singular judgment. 1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic (1875) iii. 18 A singular term is one which can denote only a single object. c. Mathematics. (See quots.) singular matrix (see quots. 1964, 1972); singular solution, a solution of a differential equation that cannot be obtained directly from the complete primitive; esp. a solution whose graph is the envelope of the graphs of the complete primitive. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > algebra > [noun] > expression > equation > solution to singular solutiona1832 complementary function1841 solution set1959 the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > numerical arrangement > [noun] > array > matrix matrix1850 unit matrix1861 adjugate1882 adjoint1889 submatrix1903 identity matrix1908 row matrix1936 transpose1937 singular matrix1964 a1832 A. De Morgan Theory Probab. in Encycl. Metrop. (1845) II. 370/1 There is..what we may call a singular solution for every particular form of θ, which deserves the attention of mathematicians. 1836 A. De Morgan Differential & Integral Calculus xi. 191 If there be a singular solution it is y = a... We have only found the singular solution from the primitive itself. 1859 G. Salmon Lessons Mod. Higher Algebra 45 We shall call those values which make all the differentials vanish, the singular roots of the quantic. 1867 W. T. Brande & G. W. Cox Dict. Sci., Lit. & Art (new ed.) III. 461/2 A singular solution of a differential equation..is a function of x and y [etc.]. 1867 W. T. Brande & G. W. Cox Dict. Sci., Lit. & Art (new ed.) III. 462/1 The discovery of such solutions depends upon that of singular integrals of the differential equation under consideration. 1869 A. Cayley Coll. Math. Papers VII. 244 Certain forms of the singular curve. 1873 A. Cayley in Messenger of Math. II. 12 I consider the singular solution to be that given by the equation which belongs to the envelope-locus (viz. I do not recognise any singular solution which is not of the envelope species). 1886 A. Cayley Coll. Math. Papers XII. 395 The point x = a is in this case said to be a singular point in regard to the differential equation. 1957 L. Fox Numerical Solution Two-point Boundary Probl. i. 2 The most general solution of an ordinary differential equation of order n contains n arbitrary constants. This general solution is called the Complete Primitive, and a Particular Integral is obtained by giving specific values to these arbitrary constants. Non-linear equations may also have singular solutions, not obtainable from the complete primitive. 1964 N. N. Hancock Matrix Anal. Electr. Machinery ii. 18 A ‘singular’ matrix is one for which the determinant formed by the same array is of zero value. 1972 A. G. Howson Handbk. Terms Algebra & Anal. viii. 43 If there is no matrix B..such that AB = BA = I, then A is said to be singular. 4. Of persons: †a. Holding no office; having no special position; private. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > [adjective] > holding no position singularc1386 society > society and the community > social class > the common people > the common people of any group > [adjective] > having no office singularc1386 private1437 unministerial1646 c1386 G. Chaucer Melibeus (Cambr.) ⁋40 Ryȝt as a senguler persone synnyth in takynge vengeaunce of a-nothir man, righ[t] so synnyth the Iuge ȝif he do no vengeaunce. c1400 Brut ccx. 242 Þat fro þis day afterward ȝe shulle nouȝt be cleymede Kyng,..but..shul bene holde a singuler man of all þe peple. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Cii^v As moche as is in me, I forbede all singular persons from the studyeng of this treatise. 1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. L4 You would not haue anie priuate or singuler man of what degree soeuer, to haue the patronage..of anie ecclesiasticall liuing. b. Scots Law. singular successor, one who acquires feudal property by a single title (usually that of purchase) as distinguished from an heir, who succeeds by a general or universal title. ΘΚΠ society > law > transfer of property > [noun] > one who acquires land by a single title purchasera1400 takerc1450 singular successora1646 a1646 T. Hope Minor Practicks (1726) 138 The Assignation will not be valid against a singular Successor who acquires a real..Right with the Liferent. 1747 Act 20 Geo. II c. 50 §12 The Methods of procuring Entry by Heirs, or Singular Successors, or Purchasers of lands in Scotland. 1797 A. F. Tytler Decisions Court of Sessions IV. 69 It was a fixed point, that general burdens are ineffectual against creditors and singular successors. 1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 957 He holds them as his inherent right,..of which he cannot be deprived..by the right of the vassal's heir or singular successor. 1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 9 Aug. 4/1 It is a quibble of the worst kind..first to tax them as singular successors and then to tax the heir when he succeeds to the family property. †5. Of a fight or combat: = single adj. 15. Obsolete.From the 16th cent. chiefly in Scottish use. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > armed encounter > [adjective] > single combat or duel singular1382 single1592 near-fighting1598 monomachica1610 duellary1612 close-handed1845 duellistic1852 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Sam. xvii. 8 Chesith of ȝou a man, and come he doun to a synguler strijf. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1871) III. 331 Lucius Mallius callede a Frensche man to a singuler bataile. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 65 b/2 They shold chese a man to fight a synguler batail ayenst golyas. 1567 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 525 He had cowartlie refusit singular combat bayth of a Barroun and Gentilman undefamit. 1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 66 The singular fights or combats..happened evermore betweene enemies of contrary nations. 1678 G. Mackenzie Laws & Customes Scotl. i. 141 Wherein singular Combats are discharged, there is an exception made of such as are fought with His Higness licence. 1752 J. Louthian Form of Process (ed. 2) 22 Of old, the Party accused had his Election, whether to vindicate himself, by singular Combat, or be tried by an Inquest. 1826 W. Scott Woodstock II. ii. 29 Those in his high place fight no singular combats. †6. Single in form or dimensions. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > [adjective] > single in form or dimensions singular1452 1452 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 282 iij sengulere Principalls..in Scantlyon accordyng to the Principalls. II. Senses characterized by separateness or individuality. †7. a. Separate, individual, single. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [adjective] > individual or single oneOE singularc1340 particulara1387 serea1400 serelepya1400 several1448 single?a1475 individual1593 numerical1643 versal1709 varsal1751 separate1907 c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7457 Þan bihoves þam,..For ilka syn þat þai dyd here, Have certayne payne singulere. 1414 Rolls of Parl. IV. 58/2 To be bounde to hem, and to othere persones,..in singuler obligacions. c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 63 In whiche psalmes..in synguler lettris fyve, This blessid name Maria, there may he see. 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclx^v Right as euerich hath thus singuler instrumentes by hemselfe, they han as wel dyuers aptes & dyuers maner vsinges. 1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 5 It is tyme we approche to the singular description of Bones. 1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis i. 4 This is the particular or singular inscription. 1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. xii. §7. 153 Hee equalled all others in the seuerall vertues, which in each of them were singular. 1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) i. xxviii. 68 The confusion and rupture as it were, of the singular determinate parts. 1701 J. Swift Disc. Contests Nobles & Commons v. 55 That because Clodius and Curio happen to agree with me in a few singular Notions, I must therefore blindly follow them in all. 1719 G. London & H. Wise J. de la Quintinie's Compl. Gard'ner (ed. 7) 135 Common Remarks for certain singular Cases relating to the Pruning of all manner of Trees. †b. Esp. in singular man or person. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [noun] > an individual thing or person > person singular man or person?c1400 individuala1500 particular1576 individuality1775 c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 442 Þe generalte of þis preyere lettes not oure Lord God to here syngulere personys, aftur þei ben worþi. c1450 R. Pecock Bk. Faith i. vii. (1909) 89 Every singuler persoone of the same chirche. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxi. f. cxlii Lyke as one man is kynde of all synguler men, & in euery synguler man is y^e kynde of all mankynde. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxii. 260 Our subiectes, comons, colleges, vniuersities, or syngular personnes, what someuer they be. 1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 243 Not..for conseruation of the life of the indiuiduum or singular man, but for propagation of the whole species. 1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy (1647) 93 The succession therefore..was made by singular persons, not by a Colledge. a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 110 Thus doth humane nature, being in each singular man, shew the existence of..its original authour and pattern. c. each and singular, every one. Now archaic. all and singular: see all adj., pron., n., adv., and conj. Phrases 5f. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > generality > [noun] > the generality > each and every one thing each oneOE everya1250 still and boldc1300 all and somea1350 all and somea1350 one and all (also all and one)a1400 all and sundry1428 all the sort of1535 every or each several?a1562 first and last1582 each and singular1668 all and singular1669 every man jack1807 1668 J. Dryden Secret-love i. i. 1 With both of 'em; with each and singular of 'em. †8. a. Of or pertaining to, connected with or affecting, the individual, in contrast to what is common or general; personal, private, one's own. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > relating to a person in his individual capacity > personal or private singularc1340 personala1387 partial?a1439 familiar1569 domestical1586 home1650 domestic1707 vernacular1840 intime1857 intimate1884 c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 5 When I had takene my syngulere purpos and lefte þe seculere habyte. c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 509 Alle persones of what kynne privat sectis, or singuler religioun. c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 82 To seie þe pater noster þat crist made hym self, & not..singuler preieres made of vs self. c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1908) 60 And for they wolde no singuler prerogatif thei kepten the comoun lawe as othere. 1475 Bk. Noblesse 7 The duc off Burgoyn..slow many thowsands..to revenge a synguler querel. ?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. Ciiij^v Of lyberte wyll, and synguler pleasure..poore people they deuoure. 1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 92 b Not accordyng to the proportion of that singular righteousnesse whiche is of ourselves, and peculiar to every of us. 1651 N. Biggs Matæotechnia Medicinæ Praxeωs 18 Many truths, now of reverend esteem and credit, had their birth and beginning once from singular and private thoughts. 1702 R. L'Estrange tr. Josephus Jewish Antiq. iv. vi, in Wks. 87 Yours is a singular God, that's only to your selves. †b. esp. Of profit, advantage, gain, etc. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame i. 310 That shal be take for delyte, Loo, or for synguler profite. 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 152 Anon for singulier beyete Drouh every man to his partie. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 95 For they entende to theyr synguler wele and prouffyt and not to the comyn. a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 132 Sum Pryncis ther bene, that for thar owyn Synguler auauntage..takyn atte har talent trew men goodis. 1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 257^v One that preferred the dignitee..of the commenweale, before his owne singulare avauntage. 1581 W. Stafford Compend. Exam. Complaints (1876) ii. 61 For a time they gat much, and so abased the credite of theyr Predecessors to theyr singuler Luker. 1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Polit. Touch-stone (1674) 280 The Spaniards (whose proper nature it is, to reap singular profit from the fear in which they..have put..neighbouring Princes). †c. Special; peculiar to one. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > belonging to a particular thing or person specialc1230 proper1340 peculiara1475 specifical?a1475 singular?a1513 private1526 privy1560 personed1565 individual1570 particular1582 idiotical1655 specific1665 sacred1667 specific1667 specifiala1670 idiomatic1771 idiomatical1774 appropriate1796 exclusive1804 propriate1820 especial1854 dedicated1969 a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 99 And to ȝour seruand singulair! Welcum, my awin lord thesaurair. 1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 2 The excellent effects of our peculiar and singular weapon the Long Bowe. c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 266 Common Law which is singular to our nation. III. Separate through pre-eminence, extraordinary, and related uses. †9. a. Separate from others by reason of superiority or pre-eminence. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > pre-eminence > [adjective] firsteOE headOE highOE greatc1350 upperestc1374 chief1377 singular1377 principala1382 royalc1425 cardinal1440 pre-eminenta1460 praisea1475 main1480 maina1525 primary1565 captain1566 arch1574 mistressa1586 capital1597 topless1609 primea1616 metropolitan1635 transeminent1660 whole1675 uppermost1680 primus inter pares1688 topping1694 Sudder1787 par excellence1839 banner1840 primatial1892 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xiii. 283 So syngulere by hym-self as to syȝte of þe poeple, Was none suche as hym-self. ?a1400 Morte Arth. 172 Twa knyghtes hym servede, Singulere sothely, as Arthure hym selvyne. 1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxi. 9 Are not wee..bound to honour that day which the Lorde himselfe hath honoured..to keepe it singular and inuiolable. 1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) ii. v. 31 Lucifer, that would have beene singular, and alone above all his fellow Angels. †b. Of persons: Eminent, distinguished, notable. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [adjective] mereeOE athelOE couthOE brightOE namecundc1175 outnumenc1175 noble?c1225 ketec1275 sheenc1275 tirfulc1275 glorious13.. losedc1305 of great renownc1330 glorifieda1340 worthly or worthy in wonea1350 clearc1374 nameda1382 solemna1387 renomeda1393 famous?a1400 renomé?a1400 renowneda1400 notedc1400 of (great, high, etc.) name?c1430 celebrate?1440 namely1440 famosec1449 honourable?c1450 notedc1450 parent?c1450 glorificatec1460 heroical?a1475 insignite?a1475 magnific1490 well-fameda1492 exemie1497 singular1497 preclare1503 magnificential1506 laureate1508 illustre?a1513 illustred1512 magnificent1513 preclared1530 grand1542 celebrated1549 heroicc1550 lustrantc1550 magnifical1557 illustrate1562 expectablec1565 ennobled1571 laurel1579 nominated1581 famosed1582 perspicuous1582 big1587 famed1595 uplifted1596 illustrious1598 celebrousc1600 luculent1600 celebrious1604 fameful1605 famoused1606 renownful1606 bruitful1609 eminent1611 insignious1620 clarousa1636 far-fameda1640 top1647 grandee1648 signalized1652 noscible1653 splendid1660 voiced1661 gloried1671 laurelled1683 distinguished1714 distinct1756 lustrious1769 trumpeted1775 spiry1825 world-famous1832 galactic1902 tycoonish1958 mega1987 1497 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) i. 1 A suppreme & a synguler mayster to teche you al thynge. 1554 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1822) III. App. xx. 58 If..ye neglect so singular a pilot in such a tempest of affairs. 1581 J. Marbeck Bk. Notes & Common Places 1 Common places..gathered out of the workes of diuers singular Writers. 1606 G. Chapman Monsieur D'Oliue i. i Her behaviour to it Is like a singular musitian To a sweete instrument. 1647 W. Lilly Christian Astrol. clxvi. 710 A late Minister of the Church of England, and a Singular Astrologian. 1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses I. 817 A great Linguist, a singular Grecian, and an exact Philologer. †c. Used in forms of address, esp. to a person of title. Obsolete. (Common in the 16th cent.)In later use only with good: cf. A. 14. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous forms of address or title > [adjective] goodeOE liefc897 sweeta1225 beauc1300 gentlec1330 comelya1375 faira1375 reverentc1410 reverend1422 virtuous?1473 singular1485 lucky1568 respectable1749 1485 W. Caxton in tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. aij^v/1 To satysfye..my good synguler lordes..I haue enprysed..to reduce this..book in to our englysshe. a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 483 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 110 My singuler souerane of saxonis ye wand. ?1535 H. Latimer Let. in Serm. & Remains (1845) (modernized text) II. 367 To the right honourable master, secretary to the king's grace, his singular good master. 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. C5 To the right worshipfull and my singuler good Lady mother. 1616 W. Haig Let. in J. Russell Haigs of Bemersyde (1881) vii. 155 To the Right Honourable my singular good Lords, the Earl of Dunfermline [etc.]. 1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients Ded. sig. A2 (heading) The Countesse of Arundell and Surrey, my singular good Ladie and Mistresse. †d. Specially active in, or good at, something. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > at something spec. goodeOE great1552 singular1606 hot1845 a whale on1893 smoking1934 tasty1974 1606 in Lismore Papers (1887) 2nd Ser. I. 98 The humble affection we have to be singulare in your service. 1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iv. ii. 183 With Pathetick expressions, which he was singular at, the Manchegan could not choose but melt into pity. 10. Above the ordinary in amount, extent, worth, or value; especially good or great; special, particular. Common from c1500 to c1650; now rare. a. Of immaterial things, qualities, etc. ΚΠ α. a1340 R. Rolle Psalter lxxix. 14 Þe deuel..is þe wild best þat is of syngulere creulte. a1340 R. Rolle Psalter p. 523 This blessid mayden..in synguler ioy..was glad in cryst. 1424 King Henry VI in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 99 The singulier diligence and the ful notable service that ye doon unto us. 1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 1 To gyue therfore synguler louynges & thankes. ?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce 110 The same is a singuler token and most plaine demonstration of his worde. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. ii. 1 b My Lady of Aramount of most feruent desire and singuler affection was attending her husbande. β. c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) xvii. 152 And so þe kynge shall lese the offices, as ffor any syngular service he shall haue ffor hem.1509 J. Fisher Mornynge Remembraunce Countesse of Rychemonde (de Worde) sig. Aii ^v She was also of synguler easynes to be spoken vnto.1579 in W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue sig. A ij^v An euident declaration of the singular good will..of God towardes his creatures.1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxviii. 164 Offices, or any other singular marke of the Soveraigns favour.1665 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts (rev. ed.) sig. A4^v I find a singular Benefit hereby, in causing all my lowest to stand or sit together.1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 109 To our singular Satisfaction, we found the Water..ran..Eastward.1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V III. x. 219 For this, too, he found an expedient with singular art and felicity.1841–8 F. Myers Catholic Thoughts II. iii. §28. 104 The instance..is of singular significance in this matter.1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. i. iv. 56 A theory that has done singular mischief to the cause of recreation. †b. Of remedies, medicines, etc.: Excellent; highly efficacious or beneficial. In predicative use frequently const. against or for. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] faireOE bremea1000 goodlyOE goodfulc1275 noblec1300 pricec1300 specialc1325 gentlec1330 fine?c1335 singulara1340 thrivena1350 thriven and throa1350 gaya1375 properc1380 before-passinga1382 daintiful1393 principala1398 gradelya1400 burlyc1400 daintyc1400 thrivingc1400 voundec1400 virtuousc1425 hathelc1440 curiousc1475 singlerc1500 beautiful1502 rare?a1534 gallant1539 eximious1547 jolly1548 egregious?c1550 jellyc1560 goodlike1562 brawc1565 of worth1576 brave?1577 surprising1580 finger-licking1584 admirablea1586 excellinga1586 ambrosial1598 sublimated1603 excellent1604 valiant1604 fabulous1609 pure1609 starryc1610 topgallant1613 lovely1614 soaringa1616 twanging1616 preclarent1623 primea1637 prestantious1638 splendid1644 sterling1647 licking1648 spankinga1666 rattling1690 tearing1693 famous1695 capital1713 yrare1737 pure and —1742 daisy1757 immense1762 elegant1764 super-extra1774 trimming1778 grand1781 gallows1789 budgeree1793 crack1793 dandy1794 first rate1799 smick-smack1802 severe1805 neat1806 swell1810 stamming1814 divine1818 great1818 slap-up1823 slapping1825 high-grade1826 supernacular1828 heavenly1831 jam-up1832 slick1833 rip-roaring1834 boss1836 lummy1838 flash1840 slap1840 tall1840 high-graded1841 awful1843 way up1843 exalting1844 hot1845 ripsnorting1846 clipping1848 stupendous1848 stunning1849 raving1850 shrewd1851 jammy1853 slashing1854 rip-staving1856 ripping1858 screaming1859 up to dick1863 nifty1865 premier cru1866 slap-bang1866 clinking1868 marvellous1868 rorty1868 terrific1871 spiffing1872 all wool and a yard wide1882 gorgeous1883 nailing1883 stellar1883 gaudy1884 fizzing1885 réussi1885 ding-dong1887 jim-dandy1888 extra-special1889 yum-yum1890 out of sight1891 outasight1893 smooth1893 corking1895 large1895 super1895 hot dog1896 to die for1898 yummy1899 deevy1900 peachy1900 hi1901 v.g.1901 v.h.c.1901 divvy1903 doozy1903 game ball1905 goodo1905 bosker1906 crackerjack1910 smashinga1911 jake1914 keen1914 posh1914 bobby-dazzling1915 juicy1916 pie on1916 jakeloo1919 snodger1919 whizz-bang1920 wicked1920 four-star1921 wow1921 Rolls-Royce1922 whizz-bang1922 wizard1922 barry1923 nummy1923 ripe1923 shrieking1926 crazy1927 righteous1930 marvy1932 cool1933 plenty1933 brahmaa1935 smoking1934 solid1935 mellow1936 groovy1937 tough1937 bottler1938 fantastic1938 readyc1938 ridge1938 super-duper1938 extraordinaire1940 rumpty1940 sharp1940 dodger1941 grouse1941 perfecto1941 pipperoo1945 real gone1946 bosting1947 supersonic1947 whizzo1948 neato1951 peachy-keen1951 ridgey-dite1953 ridgy-didge1953 top1953 whizzing1953 badass1955 wild1955 belting1956 magic1956 bitching1957 swinging1958 ridiculous1959 a treat1959 fab1961 bad-assed1962 uptight1962 diggish1963 cracker1964 marv1964 radical1964 bakgat1965 unreal1965 pearly1966 together1968 safe1970 bad1971 brilliant1971 fabby1971 schmick1972 butt-kicking1973 ripper1973 Tiffany1973 bodacious1976 rad1976 kif1978 awesome1979 death1979 killer1979 fly1980 shiok1980 stonking1980 brill1981 dope1981 to die1982 mint1982 epic1983 kicking1983 fabbo1984 mega1985 ill1986 posho1989 pukka1991 lovely jubbly1992 awesomesauce2001 nang2002 bess2006 amazeballs2009 boasty2009 daebak2009 beaut2013 the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > [adjective] > efficacious > supremely effective singulara1340 sovereign1377 magistral1574 maystrial1576 virtuous1582 prevalent1615 prevailing1706 (a) a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 7 My lord; þat is remedy syngulere amange anguysses of þis warld. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. lxxiii. 1332 Buttre ytake into þe body is a singuler helpe aȝeins venyme. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 100 A syngular remedy for the sklendurnes of our polytyke body. 1615 G. Markham Countrey Contentments i. xvii Cast out all the mud and filth, which is a singular compost for Land, upon the bank. 1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden lvii It is a singular drink for the falling sicknesse. 1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. vii. 304/1 It is a singular thing against a Gonorrhœa. (b)1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 55 Pimpernell..is singuler against the bytings of venemouse beasts.1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. xii. 70 In the paine of the hemorrhoides there is nothing more singular then the perfume made of shauings of iuorie.1657 S. Purchas Theatre Flying-insects 174 It [i.e. honey] is singular for gout and for the cure of all wounds.1712 J. Browne tr. P. Pomet et al. Compl. Hist. Druggs I. 4 It is singular for the Stone. †c. Of persons. (Cf. A. 9b) Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > specifically of person wenlichc1200 greatc1300 sovereignc1330 singular1485 supreme?1611 superstar1915 1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 46 Dere and specyal brother and synguler frende. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. I2 Sixe Sciences, all learned or singuler fauourers and Aduancers of learning. 1654 tr. M. Martini Bellum Tartaricum 132 One only City.., whose President was..my very singular friend. 1738 tr. S. Guazzo Art of Conversat. 6 A most able Physician and singular Friend. 11. Remarkable; extraordinary, unusual, uncommon. Hence, rare, precious.A common sense of singularis in classical Latin. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [adjective] dearc888 dearworthc888 worthlyeOE oughtsOE worthfulOE aughtOE richa1225 gildenc1225 of pricea1325 worthya1325 of (‥) valourc1330 prow1340 dearworthyc1374 of value1395 pricefula1400 presc1400 singularc1400 goldena1425 well-foundc1475 valiant1481 prized1487 prowousa1500 valuable1567 prizable1569 valorous1592 suit-worth1594 bully1600 estimable1600 treasurable1607 treasurous?1611 treasured1675 pearly1770 at a premium1828 keep-worthy1830 good value1842 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adjective] > special, extraordinary, or unusual sunderlepeOE specialc1325 strangec1330 undeemousa1400 outragec1400 singularc1400 stravagant1565 unusual1582 extraordinarya1586 remarkable1593 exordinary1601 peculiar1608 stupendous1640 eccentricala1652 particular1665 out-of-the-way1675 uncommon1705 awfy1724 exceptionable1801 tremendous1831 exceptional1846 exceptive1849 exceptionary1850 spesh1874 heart-stopping1891 off-brand1929 wild1955 cracker1964 c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) v. v. 76 There I sawe a merueylous cerkle, of syngulere gretnesse. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. vi. 133 Boece whiche was..tresor of rychesses, singuler house of sapience. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii I shuld haue a singular iewel to bere in my bosom. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. vi. 117 [They] are much giuen to..vsing singular perfumes. 1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) 54 I could not chuse but say, it was the singularest, and superlative piece that hath been extant since the Creation. View more context for this quotation a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) II. 5 A great Philosopher,..famous far and near, As one of singular Invention. 1766 M. A. Porny Elem. Heraldry (1777) v. 140 Had it not been for the singular conduct of this brave person, the King had then remained a prisoner. 1779 Mirror No. 62 This was a proof of his good-nature, as well as of his singular presence of mind in critical situations. 1812 R. Woodhouse Elem. Treat. Astron. xiii. 135 One or two theorems of singular geometrical elegance and beauty. 1853 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches (1873) II. i. i. 30 The Romans..admired the singular quality and workmanship of the wooden columns. 1863 A. P. Stanley Lect. Jewish Church I. i. 11 To refuse to do so would be to decline the use of..a singular gift of Providence. †12. Differing from others in opinion; standing alone; peculiar in this respect. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > dissent or disagreement > [adjective] > differing from others or standing alone singular1621 1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 152 Iarhi, you confesse, was of another minde; and thinke you, that Iarhi was therein singular from all the old Iewes? 1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler i. v Lest you will think him singular in this opinion, I will tell you, this seems to be believed by our learned Doctor Hakewill. 1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 25 The Vulgar thus through Imitation err; As oft the Learn'd by being Singular. 1754 B. Franklin Let. 30 Aug. in Wks. (1887) II. 343 I find the author has been led..to the same strange conclusion..in which I feared I should for some time have been singular. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1766 I. 276 Johnson: Sir, he must be very singular in his opinion, if he thinks himself one of the best of men. 13. Different from or not complying with that which is customary, usual, or general; strange, odd, peculiar. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > odd quaintc1325 awkc1440 queer?a1513 odd1578 quaintish1594 odd-conceiteda1616 odd-ceited1652 whimsical1675 singulara1684 eccentric1685 oddish1705 rummish1709 comical1713 odd-like1718 rum1750 queerish1775 funny1793 quare1805 rummy1828 kinky1844 quirkish1848 quirky1873 odd-gates1906 funny-peculiar1916 antrin1925 off-brand1929 fanciful- a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1667 (1955) III. 481 Suitable to her extravagant humor & dresse, which was very singular. a1684 R. Leighton Wks. (1835) I. 119 It is no Wonder that the Godly are by some called Singular and Precise. 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth IV. 341 Its manner of procuring its prey, is one of the most singular in all natural history. 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. ix. 324 In one of my excursions..I overheard a singular conversation. 1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 155/2 He was called strange and singular long before he was acknowledged to be great. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. vii. 55 I clambered up among these singular terraces. 1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost vii. 189 Those who make themselves singular in their dress and manners are seldom free from vanity. †14. quasi-adv. Singularly, especially, particularly. Obsolete. (Cf. A. 9c.) ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adverb] hurec893 sunderlyeOE highlyOE namelya1200 sunderlepesa1200 sunderlepea1225 specialc1230 specially1340 specially1340 serelya1375 principallyc1390 especially?a1400 rathestc1400 singularlyc1430 selfly1503 singular1530 enspecial1534 inespecially1557 nearly1560 peculiarly1561 inespecial1569 especial1591 speciouslya1616 nominately1641 chief1645 perpendicularly1658 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 270/2 Synguler pure thyng, chose deslite. 1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Visitacion of Sicke f. xxiii* That shall be to hym a singuler great coumforte. 1581 W. Stafford Compend. Exam. Complaints (1876) iii. 90 When a singuler good workeman in any mistery comes. a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 62 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Hee proved a singular learned man. a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 159 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The Realme of Ireland at this time was singular well governed. 1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour i. i. 6 A singular good principle. B. n. 1. a. A single person; an individual. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > people > person > [noun] > individual person headOE polla1350 singular1420 specialc1450 individuala1500 particular1576 monad1855 1420 in T. Rymer Fœdera (1709) IX. 917 Tounes, Comunaltees and Singulers. 1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 Thess. iii. f. iiii^v So deare a singular and so necessarie a companion. 1619 W. Sclater Expos. 1 Thess. (1630) 15 Of Singulars, all we haue, is a probable conjecture. a1637 B. Jonson Timber 1683 in Wks. (1640) III Eloquence would be but a poore thing, if wee should onely converse with singulars; speake, but man and man together. 1854 S. T. Dobell Balder xxiv. 158 This..I give To thee, and am no poorer; no, nor thou.., nor a singular of all Who ever shall possess it. b. A single thing; a single point or detail. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [noun] > an individual thing or person substance1340 individuum?a1425 individa1500 suppositum1593 supposite1612 singular1615 individuality1631 1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 700 All compound thinges are of greater force then Singulares. 1620 Horæ Subseciuæ 204 As for Epitomes..for one that meanes to goe through all the singulars; they seeme quite vnnecessary. a1711 T. Ken Hymnarium 121 in Wks. (1721) II. The whole Creation heedfully survey, Each Singular minutely weigh. c. Contrasted with a class or species. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [noun] > one thing > one of several particular1592 unit1600 singular1640 1640 Canterburians Self-Conviction Postscr. 1 To make them but two singulars under one spece. 1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. I She..Calls kinds immortall, though their singulars do waste. 1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing 124 Every man..owns something, wherein none are like him: and these are as many, as humane nature hath singulars. a1859 J. Austin Lect. Jurispr. (1879) II. 1037 A species; that is to say, a class consisting exclusively of mere individuals or singulars. d. plural. Contrasted with universals.The use of Latin singulare, -aria, in contrast to universale, -alia, goes back to Boëthius. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [noun] > quality of being particular or not general > that which is particular1551 singulars1643 1643 D. Digges Unlawfulnesse Subj. ii. 46 This notion of universall speculatively distinguished from singulars. 1669 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. I i. i. 4 His Universal Ideas..he makes to be the..great Exemplar and image of al singulars. 1690 C. Ness Compl. Hist. & Myst. Old & New Test. I. 29 Adam wisely understood all simples, singulars and universals. 1737 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 15/1 Think you, that God's Providence is..employ'd about Universals?..But if God takes care of Singulars [etc.]. 1864 F. C. Bowen Treat. Logic vii. 180 Their Knowledge being confined, as we have seen, to Intuitions,—to Singulars. 2. Grammar. The singular number; a word in its singular form. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [noun] > number > singular singular1398 1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) (1495) xvii. cxxxiii Porrum is hoc Porrum in þe singuler & hii porri in þe plurel. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 127 Howe all maner participles forme theyr..plurel nombres out of theyr singulars. a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xiii, in Wks. (1640) III The first [declension] maketh the Plurall of the Singular, by adding thereunto s. 1751 J. Harris Hermes i. viii. 154 The..Imperative has no first Person of the singular. 1799 Asiatic Researches (London ed.) 2 211 Their Feminine Singulars are used in the Persian as Participles. 1839 Penny Cycl. XIII. 313/1 The aspirate has taken the place of the τ or σ in the nominative singular. 1872 R. Morris Hist. Outl. Eng. Accidence 99 The plurals of some substantives differ in meaning from the singulars. †3. Personal or private profit or gain. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > that which is obtained or acquired > personal or private singular1419 singularity1426 particularityc1550 1419 in 26 Polit. Poems 71 For defaute of Iustice, and singulere to wynne, Þey were rebell. †4. A single or ordinary rafter. Obsolete.Cf. the modern Somerset singler (Elworthy Word-bk. 671). ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam > rafter > common sparc1340 singular1452 1452 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 282 Atte euery joynt of the Crest tre atte the Principalls and sengulers shalbe halff Angells. Also atte..euery end of the sengulers atte the Jowpye shalbe an Angel. †5. = sanglier n. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Artiodactyla (cloven-hoofed animals) > [noun] > group Suiformes (hippos and pigs) > family Suidae (swine) > sus scrofa (wild boar and descendants) > wild boar > of specific age or size sanglier?a1400 hog1486 singular1486 sounder1823 1486 Bk. St. Albans e iij A Synguler is he so: for a lone he will goo. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. 132/1 A Boar [of 5 years is] a Singuler, or more properly a Sanglier. Compounds singular-looking, singular-minded, singular-witted adjs. ΚΠ 1610 J. Healey tr. J. L. Vives in tr. St. Augustine Citie of God viii. xii. 318 He was an admirable, singular witted man, inferior to none. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 21 This wild and singular-looking woman. 1831 W. Scott Count Robert vii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. I. 210 The survivors of these singular-minded men. 1878 S. Smiles Robert Dick iii [He] took up a singular-looking nut. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < adj.adv.n.a1340
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