speakv.

Brit.

/spiːk/, U.S.

/spik/

Forms: 1. Infinitive.

α. Old English spræca, Old English spræcan, Old English spræcca, Old English -spreaca, Old English spreca (northern), Old English sprecan, Old English sprecca, Old English spreocan, Middle English sprecon. c825 Vesp. Hymns iv Nyllað gemonigfaldian spreocan.c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 89 [Hie] ne durron..sprecan.a900 in Old Eng. Texts 178 Hu meahte ic..her spræcan?c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. x. 19 Huætt ge spreca scilo.c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. x. 20 Huæt gie sprecca scilon.c1075 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 1070 Umbe þæt hi sprecan woldon.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1114 He wolde sprecon mid him.

β. Old English specan, Old English–Middle English spæcon, Old English–Middle English specen, Middle English spæcen, Middle English spæcken, Middle English spæken, Middle English specon, Middle English speken, Middle English spekenn ( Ormulum), Middle English spekyn, Middle English speoken. c1000 in Assmann Ags. Hom. xviii. 55 Hy..wið hi specan woldon.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xii. 46 Secende spæcon [c1160 Hatton spæcen] to him.c1120 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (MS. H) ann. 1113 Swa þæt hig uneaðe specon mihton.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 35 Ȝif he mihte speken.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 89 Heo..on~gunnen to speoken.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 7365 He wold spæcken heom wið.a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3400 ÐO cam ietro..To speken him.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 20025 I bigon hir worshepe speken.c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 468/1 Spekyn, loquor.

γ. Middle English spec, Middle English speck, Middle English speike, Middle English–1500s spek, Middle English–1500s speke, 1500s–1600s speake, 1500s–1700s speik (Scottish), 1500s– speak, 1700s–1800s spake (Irish English). a1250 Owl & Nightingale 261 Let me speke.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 24795 For to spek about sum pais.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 19176 Quilis þai suld samen speck.1483 Cath. Angl. 353/1 To Speke,..loqui.1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. lxvi. C The Iles..that haue not herde speake of me.c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 4976 By course for to speike.1586 Ld. Burghley in J. Bruce Leycester Corr. (1844) 450 Some spek of namyng the count Morrice.1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem 95 Na man sall speik.a1700 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 362 She could not speake french.1762 S. Foote Orators ii. 52 By my shoul, but I will spake.

2. Present indicative (early contracted forms). a. 2nd singular.

α. Old English sprycst, Old English–Middle English sprecst, Middle English spræcst. 971 Blickl. Hom. 183 Forhwon ne sprecst þu?c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) iv. 27 Hwæt sprycst [c1160 Hatton sprecst] þu wið hig?c1160 Hatton Gosp. John xix. 10 Hwi ne spræcst þu wið me.

β. Old English spycst, Middle English spæcst, Middle English spekst, Middle English spext. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xiii. 10 For hwig spycst [c1160 Hatton spæcst] þu..mid big-spellum?a1272 in Old Eng. Misc. 98 Hwat spekstu of eny stone.c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 128 Þov spext ase a fol.c1320 in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 265 Ȝef thou with dede mon spext.

b. 3rd singular.

α. Old English sprycð, Old English–Middle English sprecð, Old English–Middle English spricð, Middle English spræcð. c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 380 Ðæs monnes saul þe wel spricð.971 Blickl. Hom. 55 Se þa soþfæstnesse..sprecþ.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 18 Se þe be him sylium sprycð [c1160 Hatton spræcð].

β. Old English spycþ, Old English spycð, Middle English specd, Middle English spechð, Middle English specþ, Middle English specð, Middle English spekth, Middle English spekþ. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 26 Nu he spycþ openlice.c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 51 Dauid specð..sume of þe wordes.a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1072 Wel viht þat wel spekþ.1340 Ayenbite (1866) 126 Huanne he specþ of þise..uirtues.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 366 Solyns spekth of a wonder kinde.

3. Past tense. a. Singular.

α. Old English spræcc, Old English sprec, Old English–Middle English spræc, Middle English spreac. c825 Vesp. Psalter xcviii. 7 In syle wolcnes [he] sprec to him.a900 in Old Eng. Texts 178 He spræc to his liornæra sumum.c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke ix. 11 [He] spræcc him of ric godes.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1083 Þe abbot..spræc uppon þa munecas.1131 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1131 Se abbot..spreac mid þone kyng.

β. Old English–Middle English spæc, Middle English spec, Middle English speck, Middle English spek. a1000 Psalm l. 30 Dauid..ðus wordum spæc.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1046 Swegen..spec wið his feder.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 73 Of ileue spek ure drihten.a1225 Leg. Kath. 308 Hwil þet ha spek þus.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6315 He..of gode spæc swiðe wel.c1307 Elegy Death Edw. I vi The pope..spec a word of gret honour.13.. K. Horn 600 An hound.. spek wordes bolde.

γ. Middle English spac, Middle English spacc ( Ormulum), Middle English spacke, Middle English spakke, Middle English (1500s– Scottish and northern) spak, Middle English (1600s– Scottish and dialect) spack, 1800s spak' (Scottish). a1154 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1140 Þe biscop..spac wid Rodbert.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 224 Spacc he nohht wiþþ tunge.a1250 Owl & Nightingale 396 Ho spak boþe right & red.c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 312 Many þinges þat God spac not.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12005 Sum him..spack o prise.c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) i. xvi. 14 These wordys whiche..the juge..spack.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. xxi. 68 Thenne spak Igrayne.1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 84 Than spak that Virgin fre.c1614 W. Mure tr. Virgil Dido & Æneas i. in Wks. (1898) I. 467 Ne'er word she spak.1786 R. Burns Holy Fair iv, in Poems 42 Laughan as she spak.

δ. Middle English spæke, Middle English speek, Middle English speeke, Middle English speke. Properly representing the Old English forms sprǽce, spǽce.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16260 Þeȝȝ wenndenn. þatt he spæke..off þeȝȝre temmple.c1275 Laȝamon Brut 14316 Þe speche þat þe maide speke.c1320 Cast. Love 458 Pees..þus to hire Fader speek. ▸ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job ii. 10 As oon of the fool wymmen thou speeke.c1420 Sir Amadace (Camden) lx Thenne speke Sir Amadace so fre.

ε. Middle English spaak, Middle English– spake (now archaic, dialect, or poetic); also 2nd singular Middle English spakist, 1500s spakst, 1500s– spakest, 1600s spak'st (poetic). a1300 K. Horn 535 Do nu þat þu er of spake.c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 265 He spaak þes wordis.1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 1 Sam. xxviii. 21 Thi wordis, whiche thou spakist.1461 R. Calle in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 236 I..spake Richard Sothwell.1509 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. (1876) 103 That thou spake them to hym.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 444 I, ere thou spak'st, Knew [etc.].1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 238 They spake of him they loved. 1827 [see sense 1f]. 1848 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms Spake..is still heard occasionally from the pulpit, as well as in conversation.1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 31 Lancelot ever spake him pleasantly.

ζ. 1500s– spoke, 1600s spoak, 1600s spoake, 1600s spook, 1600s (1800s dialect) spok, 1700s–1800s spock (dialect); also 2nd singular 1800s spokest. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. xii. sig. Kk2^v He..Blasphemy spoke.1615 Cocks Diary (1883) I. 18 She spoake Spanish.1617 R. Cocks Diary 11 June (1883) I. 260 He spok to the Chinas.?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 50 A sweetness..that spoke the inner feelings.1773 O. Goldsmith She stoops to Conquer iii. 49 He spoke to me.1802 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 8 194 With whom I spoke here lately.1848 E. Bulwer-Lytton Harold I. i. iii. 53 Thou spokest of Harold.

b. Plural.

α. Old English spræcan, Old English spræcun, Old English sprecan, Old English sprecon, Old English sprecun, Old English–Middle English spræcon, Middle English spræcen. c825 Vesp. Psalter cxviii. 23 Aldermen..wið me sprecun.c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 95 Eall ðæt ðæt we ær spræcon.971 Blickl. Hom. 77 Hie..to Criste spræcan.971 Blickl. Hom. 99 Þa þe..him olyhtword sprecan.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xxiv. 36 Þa hig þis spræcon [c1160 Hatton spræcen].1123 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1123 Ða spræcon ða biscopas hem betwenan.

β. Old English–Middle English spæcon, Middle English spæcen, Middle English spæken, Middle English spækenn ( Ormulum), Middle English specon, Middle English speeke, Middle English speeken, Middle English spek, Middle English speke, Middle English speken, Middle English spekon, Middle English spekyn, Middle English spieke, Middle English spieken. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xxiv. 14 And hig spæcon him be~twynan.c1160 Hatton Gosp. Luke ix. 30 Ða spæken [v.r. spæcen] twegen weres wið hine.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 89 Þe apostles speken to þes folkes igederunge.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 4114 Þus þe cnihtes him spæken [c1300 Otho speke] wið.c1305 St. Dunstan 9 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 34 Hi speke ech to oþer.a1325 Prose Psalter xxxvii. 13 Hij..speken uanites.1382 J. Wyclif Psalms cxviii. 23 Aȝen me thei speeken.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 235 Therof spieken alle men.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 300 Togedre as thei tuo speeke.1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) 71 The most valiaunt knyght that men euere speke of.a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 25 The peple..assembleden, and speken of Vortiger.

γ. Middle English spaken, Middle English (1800s dialect) spak, Middle English–1500s spack (Scottish), 1600s spac, 1600s space, 1600s spake. a1300 E.E. Psalter lxxii. 8 Þai..spake quedenes vn~righte.a1325 Prose Psalter cviii. 2 Hij spaken to me.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 11990 Þei spake to Ioseph. ▸ c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 206 Whom prophetis bifore spaken Sauiour to come to the hous of Israel.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 284 Tha spack verie scharpe.1621 Cocks Diary 11 Nov. (1883) II. 218 Those 10 men they spake of.

δ. Middle English spoken, Middle English spokyn, Middle English spook, Middle English– spoke. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2913 Quanne he dat bodewurd spoken.a1325 Prose Psalter cxviii. 23 For princes..spoken oȝains me.1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ii. 225 Spiceres spoke with hym.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xvii. viii. 700 As they spoken thus.a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 16 That [way] they spoke of.

4. Past participle.

α. Old English gespecen, Old English gesprecen, Old English sprecen, Middle English i-spæcken, Middle English i-spæken, Middle English i-specken, Middle English i-speken, Middle English speken, Middle English sprecon, 1500s spaken, 1600s speaken. c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xviii. §1 Ða ðis þa gesprecen was.OE Beowulf 643 Þa wæs eft..þryðword sprecen.c1050 Ags. Hom. (Assmann) 183 Ða þa Tyrus hæfde þus gespecen.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 675 Swa swa ge hit sprecon hauen.c1200 Moral Ode (Trin. Coll. MS.) 9 Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6809 Ich habbe..ispæken him wið. ▸ c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 2369 Þat ich haue of ofte speken.c1590 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 159 I have spaken to Dollyne.1670 Edward Duke of York in 3rd Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1872) 421/1 Nor will it be speaken on..till next weeke.

β. Middle English i-speke, Middle English spek, Middle English speke, Middle English y-speke. a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1293 For þe hule swo ispeke hadde.c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 228 Þare nas neuere..yspeke..non oþur word.1340 Ayenbite (1866) 69 Uor þet hi habbeþ yspeke.a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4605 Til i speke haue.

γ. Middle English i-spoken, Middle English i-spokyn, Middle English spockyn, Middle English spokene, Middle English spokine (Scottish), Middle English spokun, Middle English y-spoken, Middle English (1500s Scottish) spokin, Middle English–1500s spokyn, Middle English– spoken, 1500s spokne (Scottish), 1500s (Scottish) 1800s (dialect) spocken, 1600s spoaken, 1600s spokn, 1800s spawken (dialect), 1800s spockin (dialect). a1300 Cursor Mundi 1757 Quen he his wil had with him spoken.a1325 Prose Psalter xi. 2 Ichon han i-spoken idel þynges.1450–80 tr. Secreta Secret. 13 Whan that this worthi lord hath þus..spokene.1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Whan they hadde spokyn..of the matter.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 88 We haue schortlie spokne.?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 364 Trowing the teallis befoir was spocken.1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies ii. ix. 102 Not so great as they had spoken.1817 Wilbraham in Archaeol. (1821) XIX. 38 Spocken, participle of the verb to speak.

δ. Middle English i-spoke, Middle English y-spoke, Middle English 1600s spok, Middle English–1800s spoke, 1600s spoak. ▸ a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 123 He hadde proudeliche i-spoke.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 60 As I have spoke.c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) i. xliv. 26 Whan Nature hadde þus yspoke.1461 C. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 199 I haue spok wyth John Rwsse.1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. O.iiii Not more..hath Sparta spoke.1622 J. Donne Serm. XV. Verse XX. Chap. Iudges 37 Neither is that spoak there.1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 2 He would not have spoke so doubtfully.a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) I. ix. 63 When she had spoke these last words.1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 178 Nothing was spoke of for some time.1843 S. R. Maitland Dark Ages (1890) xvi. 293 That I have..spoke the truth.

ε. 1500s–1600s spake, 1800s spak' (Scottish). c1500 Three Kings' Sons (1895) 61 That he had spake to hym.1616 W. Forde Serm. 17 He had no sooner spake the word.1632 P. Massinger & N. Field Fatall Dowry v. sig. K3^v Though spake by him That neuer brake his word.1812 P. Forbes Poems 34 (E.D.D.) Another chield that hadna spak'.

Etymology: Old English sprecan (past tense spræc, sprǽcon, past participle gesprecen), = Old Frisian spreka (West Frisian sprekke, North Frisian spreek, spreeg), Middle Dutch (and Dutch) spreken, Old Saxon sprekan (Middle Low German and Low German spreken), Old High German sprehhan (Middle High German and German sprechen); not recorded in Gothic, and absent in older Scandinavian, the obsolete Danish sprecke, sprække, Icelandic spreka, being adoptions < Low German.The later Old English specan became common in the 11th cent., and forms with r apparently did not survive in actual use beyond the middle of the 12th cent. A similar elision of the r appears very rarely in Middle Dutch speken, Old High German spehhan.

Signification.

I. intransitive.

a. To utter or pronounce words or articulate sounds; to use or exercise the faculty of speech; to express one's thoughts by words.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)]

matheleOE

speakc888

spellc888

yedc888

i-quethec900

reirdOE

meldOE

meleOE

quidOE

i-meleOE

wordOE

to open one's mouth (also lips)OE

mootOE

spellc1175

carpa1240

spilec1275

bespeakc1314

adda1382

mella1400

moutha1400

utter?a1400

lalec1400

nurnc1400

parlec1400

talkc1400

to say forthc1405

rekea1450

to say on1487

nevena1500

quinch1511

quetch1530

queckc1540

walk1550

cant1567

twang1602

articulate1615

tella1616

betalk1622

sermocinate1623

to give tongue1737

jaw1748

to break stillness1768

outspeaka1788

to give mouth1854

larum1877

to make noises1909

verbal1974

c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. iii. §3 Þa ongan he eft sprecan & cwæð to þan Mode.

OE Beowulf 1698 Ða se wisa spræc sunu Healfdenes—swigedon ealle.

c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xv. 31 Þa mænegu wundredon geseonde dumbe specende, healte gangende.

a1200 St. Marher. 16 Swuch farlac ich fele..þet speoken i ne dar nawt.

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xix. 126 For defe..to here & dombe speke he made.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19415 Þe hali spirit vte of him spak.

a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 209 He that hyryth the reysones of many men may lightyr well sayne, than he that erste spake.

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. f. 69^v Not to speake, while an other is in speaking,..before he which speaketh be thorowly understood.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 71 If but one of his pockets could speake, would it not say he lyes?

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 213 I had taught my Poll, as I noted before, to speak.

1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. xiv. 231 He spoke with great feeling on the subject for which I was summoned.

1897 W. E. Gladstone E. Crisis 6 It is time to speak with freedom.

in extended use.1611 Bible (King James) Prov. vi. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feete.

b. Said of the mouth, tongue, etc.

ΚΠ

c825 Vesp. Psalter xvi. 10 Muð heara spreocende wes in oferhygde.

c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) vi. 45 Soðlice se muð spycð [c1160 specð] swa seo heorte þencð.

1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxv. 14 My mouth spac in my tribulacioun.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Matt. xii. 34 For of y^e abundance of y^e hert y^e mouth speaketh.

1560 Bible (Geneva) Song of Sol. vii. 9 Which..causeth the lippes of the ancient to speake.

1611 Bible (King James) Isa. xxxii. 4 The tongue of the stammerers shall bee readie to speake plainely.

1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 10 Christ bids the dumbe tongue speake, it speakes.

1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 95 When I have cut off thy head, will it speak?

(a) To hold talk or discourse, to converse, with others or with each other. (Cf. to speak together at Phrasal verbs 2.) Also, in modern use, to be on speaking terms.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)]

yedc888

speak971

rounda1200

talka1225

tevela1225

intercommunec1374

fable1382

parlec1400

reason?c1425

communique?1473

devise1477

cutc1525

wade1527

enterparle1536

discourse1550

to hold one chat, with chat, in chat1573

parley1576

purpose1590

dialogue1595

commerce1596

dialoguize1596

communicate1598

propose1600

dialogize1601

converse1615

tella1616

interlocute1621

interparle1791

conversate1811

colloquize1823

conversationize1826

colloque1850

visit1862

colloquy1868

to make conversation1921

971 Blickl. Hom. 93 Seo eorþe on þæm norþ-ende & on þam east-ende sprecað him betweonum.

c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 32 Hi synt gelice cildum on stræte sittendum & specendum betwux him.

c1125 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1123 Se king..and se biscop..riden þær specende.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3389 Þa hirdess tokenn sone þuss. To spekenn hemm bitwenenn.

c1380 [see ε. forms].

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 208 Thus as they lihe abedde and spieke.

1582 Bible (Rheims) Acts xxvi. 31 Going a side, they spake among them selues, saying [etc.].

a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) i. iv. 4 They lye in view, but haue not spoke as yet.

1777 C. Reeve Champion of Virtue 54 While they were speaking, Oswald came to them, and said [etc.].

1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci v. i. 81 Even whilst we speak The ministers of justice wait below.

1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey I. ii. ii. 103 There is Courtown, but we do not speak.

1865 H. Kingsley Hillyars & Burtons III. xxiii. 240 Even their husbands did not speak for a fortnight.

(b) spec. To speak to another by means of a telephone; —— speaking (where —— is a speaker on a telephone), phrase used by the speaker to announce his identity.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate by telephone [verb (intransitive)]

telephone1877

call1879

phone1885

speak1885

ring1887

to call in1930

1885 List of Subscribers Exchange Syst. (United Telephone Co.) (ed. 6) p. xiv ‘Who speaks?’ came distinctly from the wires into the office. ‘2577,’ was the reply—it was the hotel number.

1925 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby ix. 200 But the connection came through as a man's voice, very thin and far away. ‘This is Slagle speaking.’.. ‘Yes?’ The name was unfamiliar.

1927 A. MacDonald (title) Dorty Speaking.

1933 ‘Sapper’ Knock-out i. 9 Standish..took the receiver from the other's hand. ‘Hullo! Sanderson,’ he said. ‘Yes—Standish speaking. What now?’

1973 J. Wainwright Pride of Pigs 166 ‘Quince?’ said the voice. ‘Speaking.’ Quince hooked his fingers through the carrying handle of the Trimphone, telephone hand set... He said: ‘Who's that?.. Who's speaking?’

1977 L. Meynell Hooky gets Wooden Spoon xiii. 151 C.I.D. here..who is it speaking, please?

d. In various phrases and proverbs.See also book n. Phrases 2 and card n.² 5c.

ΚΠ

a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1074 ‘Wel fiȝt þat wel specþ,’ seide Alured.

1381 in Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 139 Speke, spende and spede, quoth Jon of Bathon.

c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1065 I schal not spare for no curtesye To speke him harm, that wold us vilonye.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 23849 Euer to speke & not to spede Wastyng hit is of goddes sede.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) ii. i. 66 Mistake me not, I speake but as I finde.

1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 433 He only now-a-days, speaks like an Oracle, who speaks Tricks, and Ambiguities.

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. xx. 61 He always loved to speak as he found.

1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 482 I am speaking like a book.

e. With reflexive or ethical dative. rare.

ΚΠ

c1400 Anturs of Arth. l Bot than hym spake Gallerone to Gawayne þe gude.

1703 N. Rowe Ulysses i. i. 366 This Wife of him that was my Friend? Eur. Thou speak'st me well, of him that was thy Friend.

1848 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 3) 199 Thou speakest me of visions.

f. To deliver a speech or formal address; to express one's opinions or views in an assembly of any kind.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speech-making > make a speech [verb (intransitive)]

deliverc1400

repeat1579

speak1583

perore1594

perorate1603

oratorize1620

concionatea1641

speech1684

speechify1723

oration1764

orate1780

platform1859

elocutionize1883

1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum ii. ii. 40 The speaker hath no voice in the house, nor they will not suffer him to speake in any bill to moue or diswade it.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iii. ii. 85 Heere, vnder leaue of Brutus, and the rest..Come I to speake in Cæsars Funerall.

1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 59/2 That the members be allowed to speak oftner than twyce if it be done with discreatione.

1738 tr. S. Guazzo Art of Conversat. 115 Marius, being to speak before the People of Rome, said [etc.].

1827 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War II. 574 Lord Grenville spake in a similar temper.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 18 The Commons were summoned to the bar of the Lords; and the King spoke from the throne. His speech had been composed by himself.

g. spec. To propose marriage. Cf. to speak to —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > proposal of marriage > propose marriage [verb (intransitive)]

pop1573

offer1587

speaka1616

proposea1771

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 165 She thanked me, And bad me, if I had a friend that loued her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would wooe her. Vpon this heate I spake .

1803 G. Colman John Bull iii. i. 41 Lady C. Lard, Mr. Shuffleton!.. You never spoke anything to—that is, to justify such a—. Shuffleton. (Aside.) That's as much as to say, speak now.

1858 A. Trollope Dr. Thorne ii. vi. 81 I think you may speak now, Frank... She is very fond of you.

1904 H. James Golden Bowl I. i. xii. 213 He liked..to feel that he should be able to ‘speak’..the word itself being romantic.

1932 S. Gibbons Cold Comfort Farm xiv. 195 Flora did not dare to imagine what would happen if they returned from the ball and he had not spoken. He must speak!

1964 M. Laski in S. Nowell-Smith Edwardian Eng. iv. 198 An interval might have been found—perhaps in the conservatory, perhaps on a sofa in a dark nook under the stairs— when he had spoken and she accepted.

a. Followed by direct quotation of the words uttered.More commonly with insertion of ‘and said’.

ΚΠ

OE Beowulf 1168 Spræc ða ides Scyldinga: ‘Onfoh þissum fulle.’

c1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) lxiii. 4 Hi..sare sprecað, ‘Hwa gesyhð usic?’

a1325 Prose Psalter xxxviii. 5 Ich spak wyþ my tunge, ‘Make, Lord, knowen to me myn endyng’.

1375 in Horstmann Altengl. Leg. (1878) 127/1 Adam þo spak ful pitously: ‘A, deuel, wo þe be!’

1568 (?a1513) W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 250 Than spak the devill.., ‘Renunce thy God and cum to me’.

1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 30 For thou hes spoken..‘the bread quhilk I sal giue is my fleshe’.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 339 Again th' Almightie spake: Let there be Lights [etc.] .

1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 167 Well spake the prophet, let the desart sing.

1825 W. Scott Betrothed vi, in Tales Crusaders I. 109 He spoke again, and in anxious haste, ‘Daughter, we are betrayed!’

1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 30 Loudly spake the Prince, ‘Forbear: there is a worthier.’

b. In past tense used in narrative poetry (after Latin dixit) at the end of a speech. Cf. say v.¹ 11.

ΚΠ

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 663 He spake: and to confirm his words [etc.] .

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis v, in tr. Virgil Wks. 334 He spoke, and..at his stern he saw [etc.].

1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. v. 351 He spoke, and rising hurl'd his forceful Dart.

1757 T. Gray Ode II iii. iii, in Odes 21 He spoke, and headlong..plung'd to endless night.

a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury lxix, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 318 He spoke, and bound Stiff withy bands the infant's wrists around.

a. With adverbs and adverbial phrases, as so, thus, etc. (See also 4a.)Speak may also be accompanied by many different adverbs denoting either the tone of voice, the temper or intention of the speaker, or the character of the ideas expressed. For some special instances of these see evil adv. 1, fair adv. 2, false adj. 1, home adv. 4, low adv. 3, plain adv.¹ 2, 3, soft adv. 4, thick adv. 4, well adv. and n.⁴

ΚΠ

971 Blickl. Hom. 227 Þa he þa þus spræc, ða geseah he [etc.].

a1225 Leg. Kath. 312 He..feng on þus to speokene.

c1250 Kent. Serm. in Old Eng. Misc. 27 Herodes..swo spac te þo þrie kinges.

1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xix. 613 Thusgatis spekand, thai held thar way.

1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. Cc.iii If guile do guide your wit by silence so to speake.

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xviii. 24 On this manner spake Dauid.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 271 So Satan spake, and him Bëëlzebub Thus answer'd.

1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lvi. 218 While I spoke thus, she concealed her face with her fan.

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 255 Speak not so, my dear father.

1845 S. Judd Margaret i. xiv. 116 I have heard Hash speak so.

b. With adverbs of quantity, as less, little, more, much.With these words it is often difficult to distinguish between the intransitive and transitive uses of the verb.

ΚΠ

1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 77 Was noiþer more no lesse of þer penance spoken.

1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 2 Sam. xix. 29 What spekist thou more?

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19115 Þe apostels spekand þus and mar, þe preistes come.

c1400 Brut cxiii. 114 When þe Kyng herde speke so miche of here beaute.

1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 272 Mair the King spak nocht.

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. i. 112 I haue for barbarisme spoke more.

1702 Eng. Theophrastus 335 It is the character of your half witted fellows to speak much and say little.

1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel ii. xxxii. 57 Little he eat, and less he spoke.

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxiv. 306 Perhaps rather disappointed that the port wine had not made Jim speak more.

c. With adverbs denoting continuation, as away, on.

ΚΠ

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxvii. 12 Amonge soch as be wyse, speake on hardely.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iii. vii. 43 Speake on, but be not ouer-tedious.

1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd Song xvii Speak on,..and still my grief.

1781 C. Johnstone Hist. John Juniper II. 164 If stages were built for them to speak away upon.

1814 Family Politics v. iii, in J. Galt New Brit. Theatre II. 248 Speak away, girl: we shall halt here some time yet.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay i. 17 He wanted her to speak on.

d. With adverbs having reference to the use of a particular language or style of speech.

ΚΠ

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. vi. 128 ‘Thou speakest too well for one who hath lived always in thy filthy horde,’ said the Scot.

1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 164/1 Varlunga, a pastoral district, in which the people speak differently from both.

4. In various parenthetical and other phrases:

a. In the infinitive, esp. so to speak.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > phrases indicating mode of expression [phrase]

by language?c1450

so to speak1553

as they (etc.) speak1595

in a manner of speaking1890

(a)

1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 205 All goodnesse (to speake at a worde) goeth awaie.

a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 515 Or if you will, to speake more properly, I will enforce it easlie.

1629 J. Gaule Practique Theories Christs Predict. 232 Before Herod (to speake in few) they put vpon him a Fooles Note.

1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 494 There was no year, wherein he did not gain a thousand duckats, to speak with the least.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vii. 183 It would cost me nothing..to say yes—but to speak on the square, I must needs say no.

1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xl. 349 To speak by the book, ‘Mr. Gunter, cook, confectioner, and fruiterer’.

(b)1824 Longfellow Let. 2 Mar. in S. Longfellow Life H. W. Longfellow (1886) I. iii. 37 If this were not another building, I should have imagined I occupied the same chamber that you did in former times, for it seemed to be the very highest point of the dwelling, the very apogee, so to speak.1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. iii. 112 Notables are, so to speak, organned out.1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children v. 34 Pearl..was the leading spirit of the pair, and led Maud by the nose, so to speak.attributive and as noun.1874 Gentleman's Mag. July 126 In a so to speak unconscious manner.1874 R. Heath in Golden Hours Jan. 34/2 This statement of his..is not to be dismissed as a mere so-to-speak.

b. as they (etc.) speak, = as the phrase is.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > phrases indicating mode of expression [phrase]

by language?c1450

so to speak1553

as they (etc.) speak1595

in a manner of speaking1890

1595 in J. H. Pollen Acts Eng. Mart. (1892) vi. 101 Forthwith was found by the twelve billa vera, as they speak.

1665 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 1 80 By letting down shafts from the day (as Miners speak).

1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 35 Many of them became petrified, as they speak.

1846 J. Keble Serm. (1848) xiii. 335 The same saying fell accidentally (as men speak) on the eye of another rich young man.

c. In present participle with adverbs, as broadly, correctly, generally, humanly, properly, roughly, strictly, etc. (Frequently in modern use.)

ΚΠ

1699 T. Brown Let. 27 June in 4th Vol. Wks. (1711) 129 Misfortunes..of which I can, humanly speaking, see no End.

1826 D. Booth Art of Brewing (ed. 2) 90 Generally speaking, I am an advocate for malt and hops only.

1855 D. T. Ansted in Orr's Circle Sci.: Inorg. Nature 108 Strictly speaking also, there are no beds hitherto found lying above the chalk.

1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies ii. 161 Speaking broadly, a man ought to know any language or science he learns, thoroughly.

5. Of a writer, literary composition, etc.: To make a statement or declaration in words; to state or say.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (intransitive)] > of writer or literary composition

speakc1175

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 131 Seinte paul..speceð on þe halie pistle þe me ret to dei.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 37 Al swa þe boc spekeð þe he to bisne inom.

c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 4529 Þai sal be, als þe appocalips spekes, In..hayres cledde.

c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1908) 50 Herto accordynge speketh the apostle..in his pistle ad hebreos.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. ix. 42 b Strabo spake aright, where he sayeth [etc.].

1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 250 My old Anonimall Manuscrip speakes..to the like effect.

1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) I. 42 You are to observe that I speak in the general.

1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 265 It was admitted that the ancients spoke from justifiable data.

1869 T. C. Barker Aryan Civilization (1871) x. 31 A law of the Twelve Tables at Rome speaks to the same effect.

a. figurative. Of things: To be expressive or significant; to make some revelation or disclosure.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > expression > [verb (intransitive)]

speak1535

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Heb. xii. D The sprenklynge off bloude, that speaketh better then the bloude of Abel.

1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iv. sig. H^v His grief speakes in his slow-pac't steps.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 267 His words here ended, but his meek aspect Silent yet spake .

1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature i. 8 We read of feet, that speak; of a philosopher, who answerd an argument by only getting up and walking.

1814 Ld. Byron Corsair i. iii. 5 A sail!—a sail!.. Her nation—flag—how speaks the telescope?

1843 R. J. Graves Syst. Clin. Med. xiv. 153 His countenance now spoke promisingly.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate iv Never had her heart spoken before.

b. To take effect legally; to be valid.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > rule of law > [verb (intransitive)] > be or remain valid

runa1325

prescribe1445

attacha1626

speak1837

1837 Act 7 William IV & 1 Victoria c. 26 §24 That every Will shall be construed.. to speak and take effect as if it had been executed immediately before the Death of the Testator.

1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. x. 154 (margin) A will now speaks from the death of testator.

7. transferred.

a. Of musical instruments, etc.: To emit a sound; spec. to utter a full and proper note. Chiefly rhetorical or technical.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > thing heard > make sound [verb (intransitive)]

dinOE

sweyc1000

sounda1325

goa1450

speak1604

talk1793

to go off1810

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > sound [verb (intransitive)]

goc1405

playa1522

speak1604

peal1849

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet v. ii. 222 Let the kettle to the trumpet speake .

1676 T. Mace Musick's Monument 70 The String lying upon This only Round single Fret, cannot but speak Clear.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1674 (1955) IV. 48 He..made it [sc. a violin] speake like the Voice of a man; & when he pleased, like a Consort of severall Instruments.

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. v. 75 Horns and other instruments..spoke, in sweet response, to the harmony, that proceeded from the pavilion.

1843 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 6 108/1 By coupling the pedals with the keys, 87 pipes are made to speak with each pedal.

1884 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 833/2 This saves space in the interior [of the organ], and gives the large pipes room to speak.

b. Of natural forces, etc.: To emit noise, make a sound; to reverberate.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > resound [verb (intransitive)] > reverberate or echo

aqueathOE

again-sounda1382

replya1393

answera1425

rolla1522

rebellow1590

re-echo1590

redouble1595

surrebound?1611

speaka1616

rethunder1716

reverb1796

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. i. 5 Me thinkes the wind does speake aloud at land.

?1807–8 W. Wordsworth Somnambulist 4 How softly then Doth Aira-force..Speak from the woody glen!

1859 G. Meredith Ordeal Richard Feverel III. xi. 331 All at once the thunder spoke.

c. Of firearms: To emit a report on being fired.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > sudden or violent sound > explosive sound > [verb (intransitive)] > of guns or shells

speak1707

bark1853

crump1915

1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 67 He loves dearly to hear his Guns speak.

1875 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea V. vi. 229 The Coldstream..could not get their wet rifles to speak.

1896 Pall Mall Gaz. 8 Jan. 1/3 The news from the Transvaal, where the rifles have already spoken.

d. Of a hound: To give tongue; to bay.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (intransitive)] > make sound

openc1425

cry1486

yearn1523

chant1573

babble1575

to lead chawle1589

to spend the mouth1590

spend1602

to give tongue1737

to throw (its) tongue1742

speak1826

tongue1832

to give mouth1854

1826 Sporting Mag. Mar. 288/2 The hounds were speaking in the covert.

1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Quest The word is never used with hounds; they ‘give tongue’, ‘speak’, or ‘bay’.

e. Nautical. (See quot. 1833)

ΚΠ

1833 M. Scott Tom Cringle's Log I. viii. 216 The sharp little vessel began to speak, as the rushing sound through the water is called.

f. technical. (See quot. 1881.)

ΚΠ

1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 123 When the tool is of proper size the pinion will ‘speak’ (make a squeaking noise) as the red stuff is drying off.

II. transitive.

a. To articulate or utter (a word or words). to speak not a word of, to make no mention or suggestion of. to speak a (good) word for: see word n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)]

speakc825

queatheOE

forthdoc900

i-seggenc900

sayeOE

speak971

meleOE

quidOE

spella1000

forthbringc1000

givec1175

warpa1225

mootc1225

i-schirea1250

upbringa1250

outsay?c1250

spilec1275

talec1275

wisea1300

crackc1315

nevena1325

cast1330

rehearsec1330

roundc1330

spend1362

carpa1375

sermona1382

to speak outc1384

usea1387

minc1390

pronouncea1393

lancec1400

mellc1400

nurnc1400

slingc1400

tellc1400

wordc1400

yelpc1400

worka1425

utterc1444

outspeakc1449

yielda1450

arecchec1460

roose?a1475

cutc1525

to come forth with1532

bubble1536

prolate1542

report1548

prolocute1570

bespeak1579

wield1581

upbraid1587

up with (also mid) ——1594

name1595

upbrayc1600

discoursea1616

tonguea1616

to bring out1665

voice1665

emit1753

lip1789

to out with1802

pitch1811

go1836

to open one's head1843

vocabulize1861

shoot1915

verbal1920

be1982

971 Blickl. Hom. 31 Se forhwyrfda gast spræc forhwyrfedlice word.

OE Beowulf 341 Wlanc Wedera leod, word æfter spræc.

c1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) lvii. 3 Syððan..heo on life lyge-word spæcon.

c1200 Moral Ode (Trin. Coll. MS.) 9 Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4342 Ar i ga þou spek wit me a word or tua.

a1400–50 Alexander 243 Þou a wirschipfull worde has werpid & spoken.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xviii. xx. 761 There they fond..a poure man sittyng in the bargets ende and no word wold he speke.

1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes ii. f. 176 A sorte of the Grekes..spake many woordes of reproche by the kyng.

1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xix. 10 Why speake ye not a word of bringing the king backe?

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxii. 196 Though the mind be incapable of any Notion at all from the words spoken.

1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. 13 I will follow, when I have spoke a Word to one of the Millers.

1806 W. Wordsworth Horn Egremont Castle 87 Thou hast a dungeon, speak the word! And there he may be lodged, and thou be Lord.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ix. 138 Elsie followed her into the hall to speak some last words.

b. With cognate object: To utter, make, or deliver (a speech or statement).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speech-making > deliver (a speech) [verb (transitive)]

speakc888

preacha1382

pronounce1560

deliver1576

c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxv. §5 On ða ilcan spræce þe þu ær spræce.

c930 Laws Athelstane vi. viii. §8 (Liebermann I. 180/1) Manige men specað gemahlice spræce.

a1300 K. Horn 387 He spac faire speche.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 8864 When his speche was spokyn, & sped to þe last.

1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. i. 69 When you haue spoken your speech, enter into that Brake.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 261 One that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the Duke.

1712 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 24 May He desir'd that he might speak a speech publickly upon that occasion.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. i. 216 Speeches are spoken;..audible within doors and without.

1876 ‘L. Carroll’ Hunting of Snark iv. vii The rest of my speech..You shall hear when I've leisure to speak it.

c. Similarly with other objects denoting a word, sentence, speech, etc., uttered or recited. to speak one's piece: see to say (also speak) one's piece at piece n. 14g.

ΚΠ

a1300 Cursor Mundi 23945 Spell yeit i wald spek if i cuth.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 11616 Þe propheci..þat spokin was of þat childe dere.

c1400 Rom. Rose 7519 Thou spak a jape not long ago..Of a young man.

1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 169 Some will speake Oracles, that a manne can not tell whiche waie to take them.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. v. 70 After we had embrast,..& (as it were) spoke the prologue of our Comedy.

1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler 184 I will speak you a copy of verses.

1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 236 He made many quotations, and spoke them with propriety.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. ix. 231 The last sentence was spoken in a tone, which made all the counsellors tremble.

1861 F. A. Paley Æschylus' Choephori (ed. 2) 915 (note) Orestes..speaks two continuous verses.

1867 W. Morris Life & Death of Jason iii. 56 Whose name I speak not.

figurative.1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love ii. iii. sig. D4^v He speakes all creame, skimd. 1637 J. Milton Comus 27 As when the wrath of Iove Speaks thunder..To some of Saturns crew.

†d. To employ (the voice) in utterance. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [verb (transitive)] > utter > employ (voice) in utterance

speak1382

raisec1384

enhance1483

lilt1513

versea1533

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Rev. x. 3 And whan he hadde cried, seuene thundres spaken her voices.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xviii. iv Then thundred heav'nly sire, Then spake he his lowd voice.

a. To utter or say (something) by way of a remark or statement.The object is frequently a pronoun, as it, this, etc., or a relative clause introduced by that (which) or what.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe

speakc888

observe1605

observe1616

remark1666

c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxviii. §3 For oðrum ðincgum ic hit spræc get swiðor.

971 Blickl. Hom. 19 Eac is to geþencenne hwæt Drihten spræc.

OE Beowulf 531 Hwæt, þu worn fela..ymb Brecan spræce.

c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Mark (Corpus Cambr.) xiii. 11 Specað þæt eow on þære tide ge-seald bið.

a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1048 Eustatius..spæc wið hine þæt þæt he þa wolde.

c1160 Hatton Gosp. John xii. 50 Þa þing þe ic sprece ic speke swa se fader me saigde.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13411 Þis wes al þus ispeken.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark xiii. 11 Speke ȝe that thing that schal be ȝouen to ȝou in that our.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 19115 [Þ]e apostlis speckand þis and mare, þe preistes come.

a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 188 What is that, that thou spekyste.

1582 W. Allen Briefe Hist. Glorious Martyrdom sig. f4^v He was vrged..to speake what he thought of the said Bul of Pius Quintus.

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Spanish Curat v. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. G3/2 I dare tell you..what I have spoken Freely behind your back.

a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) 378 To speak the matter in a word.

1711 Spectator No. 192. ⁋6 The most indifferent thing has its Force and Beauty when it is spoke by a kind Father.

1780 Mirror No. 99 The account he gives of his own feelings..is evidently spoken in earnest.

1830 J. W. Warter tr. Aristophanes Acharnians 26 Grant me yet thy pardon, if..I have spoke or triflingly uttered anything.

1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems li. 2 He, if I dare speak it, ascends above them [the Gods].

b. With objective clause: To state or declare that, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)]

speakc900

sayOE

tell?a1160

to put forth?c1225

posea1325

allegec1330

declarec1330

exponec1380

to bring fortha1382

expounda1382

terminec1384

allaya1387

express1386

proport1387

purport1389

cough1393

generalize?a1425

deliverc1454

expremec1470

to show forth1498

promisea1500

term1546

to set forward1560

attribute1563

to throw out1573

quote1575

dictate1599

rendera1616

preport1616

enunciate1623

remonstrate1625

state1642

pronunciate1652

annunciate1763

present1779

enounce1805

report1842

constate1865

lodge1885

outen1951

c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) iii. ii. 156 Ða gehyrde he sumne þara broðra sprecan, þæt he wolde feran to þæm halgan Cristes mæle.

OE Beowulf 1595 Gomele ymb godne ongeador spræcon, þæt hig þæs æðelinges eft ne wendon.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclxix Murtherers..which spake it of theyr own mind, that Fernando Gonzage had waged them to slay Octauius.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 356 The ruine speakes, that sometime It was a worthy building.

1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 62 Experience speaks that as times change..prises may alter.

1766 Compl. Farmer at Surveying The farmer speaks loudly, that..no more should be measured..than the plow or scythe can go over.

c. With superlative adjectives as (one's) best, last.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > speak one's best or last

speaka1631

a1631 J. Donne Poems (1650) 59 Here dead men speake their last.

1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay II. ix. 132 In the set party fights..he did not speak his best.

10. To utter or express (truth, falsehood, etc.) in words or speech.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)]

speakc825

queatheOE

forthdoc900

i-seggenc900

sayeOE

speak971

meleOE

quidOE

spella1000

forthbringc1000

givec1175

warpa1225

mootc1225

i-schirea1250

upbringa1250

outsay?c1250

spilec1275

talec1275

wisea1300

crackc1315

nevena1325

cast1330

rehearsec1330

roundc1330

spend1362

carpa1375

sermona1382

to speak outc1384

usea1387

minc1390

pronouncea1393

lancec1400

mellc1400

nurnc1400

slingc1400

tellc1400

wordc1400

yelpc1400

worka1425

utterc1444

outspeakc1449

yielda1450

arecchec1460

roose?a1475

cutc1525

to come forth with1532

bubble1536

prolate1542

report1548

prolocute1570

bespeak1579

wield1581

upbraid1587

up with (also mid) ——1594

name1595

upbrayc1600

discoursea1616

tonguea1616

to bring out1665

voice1665

emit1753

lip1789

to out with1802

pitch1811

go1836

to open one's head1843

vocabulize1861

shoot1915

verbal1920

be1982

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > the truth, etc.

speakc825

c825 Vesp. Psalter v. 7 Ðu forspildes hie ða ða spreocað leasunge.

c825 Vesp. Psalter xxvii. 3 Ða ðe spreocað sibbe mid ðone nestan.

971 Blickl. Hom. 223 He a to æghwylcum soð & riht sprecende wæs.

OE Beowulf 2864 Þæt, la, mæg secgan se ðe wyle soð specan [etc.].

c1000 Lambeth Ps. cxliii. 8 Þara muð specende wæs idelnesse.

c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 44 Ful speche is as of leccherie..þet unweschene muðes speokeð oðerhwiles.

13.. Deo Gratias 68 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 126 Þenne i rede þou rule þe so Þat Men may speke worschupe bi þe.

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Jude 16 The mouth of hem spekith pride.

c1400 Rom. Rose 7514 For it is better stille be, Than for to speken harme.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur x. viii. 425 Alle knyghtes speken of hym worship.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Eph. iv. C Speake euery man the trueth vnto his neghboure.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 120 Beleeue it (Page) he speakes sence.

1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 85 O 'tis not Spanish, but 'tis heaven she speakes.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 35. ¶1 If they speak Nonsense, they believe they are talking Humour.

a1766 F. Sheridan Hist. Nourjahad (1767) 179 Nothing is more certain..than that Cozro has spoke the truth.

1816 W. Scott Black Dwarf xii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. I. 244 My cousin Ellieslaw, who speaks treason as if it were child's nursery rhymes.

1841 R. Browning Pippa Passes i, in Bells & Pomegranates No. I 5/2 Do you think I fear to speak the bare truth once for all?

11. With prepositions: To utter or direct (words, remarks, etc.) against, to (also †on, upon, etc.) a person. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > speak or direct words to, etc.

speakc825

mint1493

sling1874

speech1877–86

word1905

c825 Vesp. Psalter cviii. 20 Ða ðe spreocað yfel [L. mala] wið sawle minre.

c1000 Lambeth Ps. cviii. 20 Þa þe specaþ yfelu togeanes sawle mine.

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 13 Ne spec þu aȝein þine nexta nane false witnesse.

a1300 E.E. Psalter xxvii. 4 Þat spekes pees to neghburgh hisse.

1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 63 Forto..destroie þat kynde, þat ouht to him couth speke.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16495 Þai..sal on me tresun spek.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxiv. 8 He shal speake peace vnto his people.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cviii. 20 Those that speake euell agaynst my soule.

1547 Certain Serm. or Homilies Contention sig. T j b To suffre euery man to speake vpon me what thei list.

1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. i. 21 Men Can..speake comfort to that griefe, Which they themselues not feele.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 129 For certaine words he spake against your Grace In your retirment.

1821 W. Wordsworth Eccl. Sonn. iii. ii Last night..that Vision spake Fear to my Soul.

1838 I. Williams Cathedral 144 Love..Speaks peace to fall'n humanity.

12.

a. To declare in words: to make known by speech; to tell (of).to speak one's mind: see to speak one's mind at mind n.¹ 17c.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > information > intimation or making known > intimate or make known (something) [verb (transitive)]

speakc825

areadc885

meldeOE

sayOE

yknowa1225

warnc1275

bekena1300

wraya1300

signifyc1325

declarec1340

to speak outc1384

discuss1389

notifyc1390

bida1400

advertise1447

notice1447

detectc1465

render1481

minister1536

to set outa1540

summonc1540

intimate1548

acquaint1609

phrase1614

voice1629

denote1660

unlade1717

apprise1817

aira1902

c825 Vesp. Psalter xvi. 4 Ðætte..ne sprece muð min wirc monna.

c825 Vesp. Psalter lxxvii. 2 Ic spreocu foresetenisse from fruman weorulde.

c1000 Lambeth Ps. cxliv. 11 Wuldor rices þines hi cweðaþ..& mihte þine hi specaþ.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12965 Forr þatt he wollde beldenn hemm. To spekenn þeȝȝre nede.

a1300 Cursor Mundi 24074 Þat es na tung mai speke wit word..Hu þat vr stur was strang.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. ii. 7 We speken the wysdom of God, that is hid in mysterie.

1513 Bk. Keruynge A iv Than serue ye forth the table manerly, y^t euery man may speke your curtesy.

1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) ii. sig. D2 Here's one..saies hee is newly return'd from Ostend, and has some businesse of import to speake.

a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. ii. 39 What other harme haue I..done, But spoke the harme, that is by others done?

1693 M. Prior C'tess Exeter playing on Lute 17 Your Art no other Art can speak.

1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 117 You have, in a few words, spoke the whole of the matter.

1812 G. Crabbe Tales iv. 72 Speak then my fate.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. iii. 113 Bound to speak his opinion.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. ii. 32 I spoke my business.

b. To state or declare in writing, etc.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > writing > [verb (transitive)]

awriteeOE

writeOE

speak?c1225

paintc1400

conscribec1487

blecka1500

cipher1565

letter1570

characterize1581

character1589

bewrite1660

scriven1680

quill1768

screeve1851

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > in writing

writeeOE

speak?c1225

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 38 Þis is nu þe forme dale þet haueð ispeken hiderto of ouwer seruise.

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 51 The firste of the iij. opiniouns spoken and sett forth..in the first chapiter.

1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 4 Albeit the time be schort, sumthing of ȝour prais man we speik.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iii. iii. 127 Of the West, I cannot speake any thing certaine or generall.

1672 in E. B. Jupp Carpenters' Co. (1887) 305 The said Statute..makes no mencion at all nor speakes a tittle of a Joyner.

a1763 W. King Polit. & Lit. Anecd. (1819) 121 I speak this upon a supposition that Bing [sic] was justly put to death.

1849 D. Rock Church of our Fathers (1903) III. i. viii. 45 The monument itself, with its little chantry altar,..speaks what was his belief while here.

c. transferred. Of musical instruments: To announce, indicate, or proclaim by sound.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > sound (notes, etc.) [verb (transitive)]

speak1702

1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. i. 120 These Trumpets speak his Presence.

1781 W. Cowper Anti-Thelypthora 161 The trumpet now spoke Marmadan at hand.

1837 A. Tennent Force of Imag. 7 In mournful plaints of sorrow now It [sc. the pibroch] speaks the battle's close.

13. To use as a language; to talk.

ΚΠ

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 7539 Þe normans..speke french as hii dude atom.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 345 Þis Gaythelus kouþe speke many langages and tonges.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 21 [He] coude wele speke the langage of grece, and of latyne.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/1 They speke a pedlars frenche amongest them selfe.

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 596 Welsh and English speaking both languages.

1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 279 Can they speak Dutch?

1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 206 The collonell..has been over all Europe, and speaks all the languages.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 225 He knew no language but the English, as it was spoken by the common people.

1910 Haverfield in Encycl. Brit. IV. 587/1 By this time the town populations..spoke Latin.

†14.

a. To make mention of (a person); to speak of or mention in a certain way; to commend (one) to another. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of > in a certain way

speak1297

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2390 Princes oueral aboute of ech kinedom Speke him vuel & hated him.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12005 Sum him loued and spack o prise.

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 203 The King..whom the lesson of prophetis hath bifore spokun.

c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 975 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 91 For men will lichtly spek ye Ill.

1618 D. Carleton Lett. (1775) 259 Who they [the ambassadors] shall be, is not yet fully determined; but count Ernest of Nassau is chiefly spoken.

1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iv. ii. 32 Yet thus farre Griffith, giue me leaue to speake him, And yet with Charity.

a1657 R. Loveday Lett. (1663) 58 I pray speak me to her in the best Language of affection.

†b. To assign or dedicate. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > holiness > consecration > perform consecration [verb (transitive)]

hallow971

blessc1000

teemc1275

bensyc1315

sacrec1380

dediec1430

consecratea1464

dedify1482

sanctify1483

consacrea1492

speak1502

vow1526

dedicate1530

sequester1533

celebrate1584

devote1586

vow1600

to set apart1604

devout1615

devove1619

devow1626

inauguratea1639

behallow1648

sanctificatea1677

sanctize1691

mancipate1715

sacrate1755

sacrify1827

sacrament1829

sacralize1933

1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) i. ii. sig. b.i ^v All these thynges the whiche be spoken & consecrate vnto god.

c. To bespeak or order. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain or acquire in a certain way > by asking, entreaty, or importunity > by ordering

ordaina1393

speak1508

to speak of ——1600

steven1674

commission1790

tryst1825

order1836

to order up1843

indent1897

1508 J. Stanbridge Vulgaria (W. de W.) B v I haue spoken a payre of shone agaynst sondaye.

1936 J. Steinbeck In Dubious Battle vi. 97 If the bitch ever whelps, I'd like to speak a pup.

†d. To use as a term or phrase. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > linguistic unit > phrase > express in phrases [verb (transitive)]

haveeOE

phrasec1540

speak1579

1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Apr. 118 Gloss. A beauie of Ladyes, is spoken figuratively for a company or troupe.

15.

a. To indicate, denote, or betoken; to reveal, make known.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)]

tokenc888

sayOE

tellc1175

note?c1225

signifyc1275

notifyc1390

signc1390

ossc1400

testify1445

point1477

betoken1486

indike?1541

demonstrate1558

to give show of1567

argue1585

portend1590

speak1594

denotate1597

denote1597

evidence1610

instance1616

bespeak1629

resent1638

indict1653

notificate1653

indicate1706

exhibit1799

to body forth1821

signalize1825

to speak for ——1832

index1862

signal1866

1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 435 Lord Titus..Whose furie not dissembled speakes his griefes.

1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles iii. 14 His sealed Commission left in trust with mee, does speake sufficiently hee's gone to trauaile.

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. ii. §7 Two things speak much the wisdom of a Nation; good Laws, and a prudent management of them.

1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. x. 100 Some Porches and broken Pillars I have seen, that speak their ancient Grandeur.

1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 122 The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.

1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. lxxvi. 46 Loud bellowings speak his woes.

1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits iii. 40 The solidity of the structures..speaks the industry of ages.

reflexive.1850 T. Carlyle Latter-day Pamphlets v. 30 William the Silent spoke himself best in a country liberated.

b. Of the countenance, eyes, etc.: To indicate or manifest by expression.to speak daggers: see dagger n.¹ 3b.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > expression > [verb (transitive)]

abroachc1400

figure1475

express1549

unload1561

vent1602

speaka1616

extrinsicate1645

to set out1684

ventilate1823

exhibit1849

register1901

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. iii. 175 Thine eies See it so grosely showne in thy behauiours, That in their kinde they speake it.

1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 lxxiii. 19 His face spake hope, while deep his sorrows flow.

1792 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 667 And O her een, they spak sic things!

1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 51 If looks speak love-laws, I will drink her tears.

1859 J. Watson Living Bards of Border 78 Her look spoke affection.

†c. reflexive. Of things: To be self-evident. Obsolete. (Cf. to speak for —— 5 at Phrasal verbs 1.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > be self-evident [verb (intransitive)]

'pear1463

to answer for itself1570

speak1689

to speak for itself1779

show1901

1689 W. Popple tr. J. Locke Let. conc. Toleration 29 Let us apply the last Case..and the thing speaks it self.

1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires iii. 32 The Story of this Satyr speaks it self.

16.

a. To manifest or show (a person, thing, etc.) to be or do a certain thing, or to possess a certain quality or character. Const. with simple complement or with to be. Now archaic.

ΚΠ

(a)

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. iii. 160 Sundry Blessings hang about his Throne, That speake him full of Grace.

1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 xxiii. 7 Men quit the open air When thunder speaks the angry Gods abroad.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋3 His whole Person is finely turned, and speaks him a Man of Quality.

1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice II. v. 57 A sudden noise below seemed to speak the whole house in confusion.

(b)1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. viii. 79 Which speaks his judgement to be better then his invention.a1701 H. Maundrell Journey Aleppo to Jerusalem (1703) 136 This speaks it self to have been part of some very August Pile.1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 212 Each of which [varieties]..speaks the kind seldom to have mixed with any other.1808 ‘H. St. Victor’ Ruins of Rigonda II. 156 His graceful carriage..spoke him to be a person very different from what his plain garb might naturally denote.1821 W. Scott Pirate II. ix. 216 His acquaintance with the English language..plainly spoke him to be an Englishman.

b. To term or call; to describe as. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > call or give as name to > designate or style as

sayOE

calla1250

deemc1400

nevenc1425

qualify?1465

designa1500

expound1530

style1570

intenda1599

dub1607

instyle1607

phrase1607

enstyle1616

speaka1625

cognominate1632

determine1653

clapa1657

designate1669

intimate1799

nominate1799

bedub1884

tab1924

a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian v. viii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ddddddd2/2 Mays't thou live ever spoken our protector.

1825 W. Scott Talisman i, in Tales Crusaders IV. 9 Report speaks thee one unlikely to return thus from fight.

c. To describe (a person). Now archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)]

sayOE

devisec1300

readc1300

to make (a) showing ofc1330

counterfeitc1369

expressc1386

scrievec1390

descrya1400

scrya1400

drawa1413

representc1425

describec1450

report1460

qualify?1465

exhibit1534

perscribe1538

to set out1545

deline1566

delineate1566

decipher1567

denotate1599

lineate16..

denote1612

givea1616

inform?1615

to shape out1633

speaka1637

display1726

to hit off1737

a1637 B. Jonson Under-woods ii. viii. 30 in Wks. (1640) III Make accompt..(And that quickly) speake your Man.

1662 A. Cokayne Trag. Ovid iii. i. 53 in Poems You mistake me, I cannot speak her to her merit.

1703 N. Rowe Ulysses i. i But be it as it may; it speaks you well.

1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 460 How shall I speak thee, or thy pow'r address, Thou god of our idolatry, the press?

1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. ix. 221 Thou hast spoken the Jew..as the persecution of such as thou art has made him.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 155 To speak him true,..No keener hunter after glory breathes.

17. To express or signify. Now rare.to speak volumes: see volume n. 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)]

tokenc888

meaneOE

sayOE

bequeathc1175

signifya1382

beara1400

bemeana1400

soundc1400

designc1429

applyc1450

betoken1502

express1526

conveya1568

intend1572

carry1584

denotate1597

pronounce1610

to set out1628

implya1640

speak1645

denote1668

designate1741

describe1808

enunciate1859

1645 S. Rutherford Tryal & Trivmph of Faith (1845) 32 Ram~horns speak not taking of towns in an ordinary providence.

1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 200 And they were so ready to make World speak seculum, that where we give a much unlike meaning, they still hold to it.

1875 E. White Life in Christ (1878) ii. ix. 93 Men have compelled the narrative to speak a meaning contrary to its intention.

18.

a. To send to, to cause to pass or enter into (another state, condition, or position) by speaking. Also reflexive and with adjective complement.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > cause to become by speaking

bespeak1604

worda1629

speak1684

the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition > by talking, working, running, etc.

run1548

work1599

talk1600

look1611

whip1635

speak1684

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (reflexive)]

delivera1400

livera1500

enlarge1614

speak1833

1684 T. Brooks Precious Remedies 5 God can speak or nod you to hell in a moment.

1696 T. Brookhouse Temple Opened Pref. sig. Aiv So Now, the same word..comes to speak the Ataxy or Irregularities of the Four Monarchies into..an Harmonious Frame.

1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 256 He will be found..Too just to wink, or speak the guilty clear.

1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iv. xxii. 158 That glance, if guilty, would I dread More than the doom that spoke me dead!

1820 A. A. Watts in J. H. Wiffen Aonian Hours (ed. 2) p. x With gratitude thy bosom swelleth To him—who spoke them into birth!

1833 New Monthly Mag. 37 356 He spoke himself into the Common Council.

†b. To create by speaking. Obsolete. rare. (Cf. to speak out 3 at Phrasal verbs 3.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > create by speaking

to speak out1656

speak1736

1736 S. Wesley Poems 241 'Twas great to speak the World from nought, 'Twas greater to redeem.

III. To talk with or address, and related uses.

19.

a. To talk or converse with; to address.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——c825

speakc950

to speak with ——971

to speak unto ——c1386

entertain1553

to stand with ——1564

wissel1571

discourse1677

dialogue1681

converse1718

the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)]

speakc950

beclepec1220

enreason1297

saluec1300

calla1325

clepe1362

to speak on ——?1370

salutec1380

to call upon ——c1405

escry1483

assaya1522

treatc1540

accost1567

encounter1578

bespeaka1593

affront1598

parley1611

address1683

chin-chin1817

chat1898

c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. xii. 46 Soecende spreca him [L. loqui ei].

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3400 ÐO cam ietro to moysen To speken him and ðo kinnes-men.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail liv. l. 28 Welcome..ȝe be longe haue I desired ȝow to speken & se.

1561 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1843) III. ii. 290 He wald cum to þar chalmer and speik tham.

1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades viii. 140 Thus Hector comforts vp his mates, and speaks his horse.

a1699 J. Kirkton Secret & True Hist. Church Scotl. (1817) viii. 330 The two brethren went and spoke the Lord Stair.

1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 180 What do you want to speak with the Great Master? he can't be spoke with by you.

1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel vi. xxvi. 187 Like him of whom the story ran, Who spoke the spectre-hound in Man.

1852 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 5) 331 Speaking him In that instinctive Paradisal tongue.

b. To communicate with (a passing vessel) at sea, by signal, speaking-trumpet, etc. Cf. to speak with —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1792 M. Riddell Voy. Madeira 20 We spoke several East Indiamen.

1793 Ld. Nelson Let. 11 Oct. in Dispatches & Lett. (1844) I. 331 Yesterday I spoke a Ship from Gibraltar.

1816 J. K. Tuckey Narr. Exped. River Zaire (1818) i. 10 We saw several vessels, but spoke none.

1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxxv. 441 She hove-to for us, seeing that we wished to speak her.

1885 Times (Weekly ed.) 18 Sept. 14/2 A service of swift yawls..to run out and speak the fishing boats.

in extended use.1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxix. 386 Two or three stragglers..‘spoke him’—so the captain entered it—on the subject of spectacles.

20. With adverb: to address (a person) in a specified manner.Earliest in to speak (a person) fair at fair adv. 2a.

ΚΠ

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 6836 Speke ham faire wiþ þi mouþe.

1871 R. Browning Balaustion 95 If thou speak us ill, Many and true an ill thing shalt thou hear!

1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 31 Lancelot ever spake him pleasantly.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With prepositions, in more or less specialized uses. to speak about ——

(see about prep.¹ 7).

Cf. the common Old English sprecan ymb(e.

ΚΠ

a1300 Cursor Mundi 24795 For to spek abute sum pais.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. iii. 87 Were such things here, as we doe speake about ?

1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 263 He falls on speaking about the success of their business.

1737 [see to speak to —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1].

1843 J. H. Newman Lett. & Corr. (1891) II. 430 Sermons which speak more confidently about our position than I inwardly feel.

to speak again(st) ——

(see again prep. 6a and against prep. 2).

ΚΠ

c1000 Ælfric Numbers xxi. 7 We singodon swiðe, for þan þe we swa spræcon ongean god & þe.

a1250 Owl & Nightingale 678 Þar muþ shal speke ayeyn horte.

1388 J. Wyclif Psalms xlix. 20 Thou sittynge spakist aȝens thi brother.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2928 Þer aȝeyn durst he not speke.

1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 22 I speake not agaynst greate candelles, but agaynst lytle candels.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 398 Sith that both charge and danger Speakes gainst so great a number.

1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ I. (at cited word) If he go on to speak lavishly against me.

1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess vii. 148 On the other side Hortensia spoke against the tax.

1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvi. 339 Some regretted..that they spoke against her as an interloper.

to speak for ——

1. To make a speech or plea in place of or on behalf of (a person); in later use esp. to plead for. Also, to make representations concerning (a thing). speak for yourself: expressing a desire to dissociate oneself from what another has just said or the assumptions behind it.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > delegated authority > action or function of a delegate or deputy > act as deputy for [verb (transitive)] > speak for or on behalf of another

to speak for ——a1300

voice1886

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > bind by a promise

conjurec1290

to speak for ——a1300

avow1303

adjurea1425

surec1460

arrest1489

gage1489

insure1530

pledge1571

fiance1592

objure1609

sacrament1621

attest1685

the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > support or defend

to stand by ——OE

to speak for ——a1300

to stand for ——1384

maintainc1390

to stand up for1562

to stand out for?c1576

to stand to ——1582

patronize1595

stickle1632

to stick up for1792

championize1840

champion1844

to take up the cudgels1869

the mind > language > statement > dissent or disagreement > dissent or disagree [verb (intransitive)] > dissociate oneself

disclaim1578

speak for yourself1738

a1300 K. Horn 171 Hor[n] spak for hem alle.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxvi. 1 It is suffrid to thee, for to speke for thi silf.

1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 8 How grymbart the dasse..spack For reynart.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings iv. 13 Hast thou eny matter to be spoken for to the kynge?

a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 70 An impardonable fault, In soe much That noe man would speake for him.

1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ I. at Speak for If ever he do so again, I will never speak for him.

1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 16 Pray, Sir, speak for yourself.

1777 C. Reeve Champion of Virtue 102 Take courage and speak for yourself.

1778 J. Boswell in London Mag. Feb. 58/1 I remember hearing a late celebrated infidel tell that he was not at all pleased when the infidel wife of his friend, a poet of some eminence, addressed him in a company in London, ‘we Deists’.—Speak for yourself, Madam, said he abruptly.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xi. 214 ‘I say, speak not for her,’ replied Leicester.

1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet III. x. 292 ‘Speak for yourself, friend,’ said Peter, scornfully.

1858 H. W. Longfellow Courtship Miles Standish iii Why don't you speak for yourself, John?

1916 G. B. Shaw Androcles & Lion Prologue 3 Megaera: Everybody knows that the Christians are the very lowest of the low. Androcles: Just like us, dear. Megaera: Speak for yourself.

1946 L. P. Hartley Sixth Heaven ii. 46 ‘Speak for yourself,’ said Barbara defiantly.

1976 Times Lit. Suppl. 30 Apr. 508/4 We learn that ‘when viewing serials..we feel we know these characters well enough, for example, to say hello to in the street.’.. My reaction to this is to say: speak for yourself!

in extended use.a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 130 There Mutinies and Reuolts..spoke not for them. 1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. at Parler Ses Services parlent pour lui, his Services speak for him.1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) II. 664/2 He had a very engaging countenance, which spoke for him before he opened his lips.1859 Ld. Tennyson Merlin & Vivien 466 in Idylls of King She ceased,..and let her eyes Speak for her.

2. To beg or request; to ask for.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)]

yearnOE

bid971

seek971

askOE

beseechc1175

banc1275

yerec1275

cravec1300

desirec1330

impetrec1374

praya1382

nurnc1400

pleadc1400

require1400

fraynec1430

proke1440

requisitea1475

wishc1515

supply1546

request1549

implore?c1550

to speak for ——1560

entreat1565

impetratec1565

obtest?1577

solicit1595

invoke1617

mendicate1618

petition1621

imprecate1636

conjurea1704

speer1724

canvass1768

kick1792

I will thank you to do so-and-so1813

quest1897

to hit a person up for1917

1560 Bible (Geneva) Song of Sol. viii. 8 What shal we do for our sister..when she shalbe spoken for?

1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie i. iii. sig. B3 They giue vs pap with a spoon before we can speak, and when wee speake for that wee loue, pap with a hatchet.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear iv. 240 The shame it selfe doth speake for instant remedie.

3. To order; to bespeak; to engage.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)] > order

to speak for ——a1688

order1746

mail-order1968

society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ

hirec1000

i-bye10..

i-hirec1000

soldc1386

takea1400

retain1437

wage1465

conduct1476

fee1488

conduce1502

implya1533

entertain1572

enter1585

wager1592

to fill up1598

to take on1611

improve1640

to speak for ——a1688

employa1727

engage1753

ploy1871

to turn on1893

to book up1915

a1688 J. Bunyan Israel's Hope Encouraged in Wks. (1855) I. 583 As your great traders do with the goods that their chapmen have either bought or spoke for.

1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum at Bespeak To speak for something; to give order for it to be made.

1743 W. Ellis Suppl. to London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) 284 The next time he went to the Brew-house to speak for more.

1816 J. Austen Emma I. xv. 273 The bell was rung, and the carriages spoken for.

1859 H. B. Stowe Minister's Wooing xii. 115 Three months beforehand, all her days and nights are spoken for.

1943 Sun (Baltimore) 25 Feb. 6/1 (advt.) We hope to preserve even more food this year. But well over half of this season's pack is already spoken for by the Government.

1971 Petticoat 17 July 29/2 He's not married, but he's involved, as they say, spoken for, and has lived with his girlfriend in London for the last few years.

4. To indicate; to betoken.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)]

tokenc888

sayOE

tellc1175

note?c1225

signifyc1275

notifyc1390

signc1390

ossc1400

testify1445

point1477

betoken1486

indike?1541

demonstrate1558

to give show of1567

argue1585

portend1590

speak1594

denotate1597

denote1597

evidence1610

instance1616

bespeak1629

resent1638

indict1653

notificate1653

indicate1706

exhibit1799

to body forth1821

signalize1825

to speak for ——1832

index1862

signal1866

1832 Philol. Museum I. 335 The great mass of evidence that speaks for an intimate affinity between the Pelasgians and the Hellenes.

1852 D. M. Mulock Head of Family III. ii. 31 It may speak very ill for Mr. Græme's knowledge of the world, to confess..he had never been ‘behind the scenes’ of a theatre.

1910 Hirth in Encycl. Brit. VI. 191/1 This does not seem to speak for racial consanguinity.

5. to speak for itself, to be significant or self-evident. (Cf. 15c.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > mean [verb (intransitive)]

bea1200

understand?c1425

sense1564

interpret1614

magnify1712

to speak for itself1779

to add up to1873

mean1926

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > be self-evident [verb (intransitive)]

'pear1463

to answer for itself1570

speak1689

to speak for itself1779

show1901

1779 J. Warner in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1844) IV. 213 The letter was not from any of the family, she said, and that speaks for itself.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. viii. 211 But I need not detail them—the fact speaks for itself.

1869 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 2nd Ser. 127 The paragraph..will speak for itself.

to speak of ——

1. To mention, or discourse upon, in speech or writing. (See also to speak to —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of

to speak of ——c825

sayOE

besayc1200

talk ofc1230

to make mention ofc1300

readc1300

yminnea1325

nevenc1330

to make mindc1350

toucha1375

famea1400

minta1400

clepec1400

rehearsec1405

recitec1436

reckonc1480

mentionatec1525

mention1530

to speak upon ——1535

name1542

repeatc1550

voice1597

commemorate1599

to speak on ——1600

notice1611

quote1612

to make vent ofa1616

memorate1623

mensh1928

c825 Vesp. Psalter cxviii. 46 [Ic] sprec of cyðnissum ðinum in gesihðe cyninga.

c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke ix. 11 [He] spræcc him of ric godes.

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 73 Of þe halie fulht spec ure drihten on oðer stude.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6784 Goddspellboc ne spekeþþ nohht. Off all þatt oþerr genge.

c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 2683 Here es þe thred parte of þis buke spedde Þat spekes of þe dede.

1422 Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv. 203 Of this Spekyth the boke of Iudyth.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 I go nowe beyondsee, but if God send me lyfe you shall here speke of me.

1603 R. Parsons 2nd Pt. Treat. Conuersions in Treat. Three Conuersions Eng. I. viii. 481 I shall haue occasion to speake againe of these heretiks in the next chapter.

1730 A. Gordon tr. F. S. Maffei Compl. Hist. Anc. Amphitheatres 58 The Theatre..is spoke of by Martial.

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 95 ‘And speaking of red-game,’ said the young scape-grace, interrupting his father.

1884 B. Bosanquet et al. tr. H. Lotze Metaphysic 43 A common-place with every philosophy which spoke of Things at all.

in extended use.1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. iv. 61 Every object, on which her eye fixed, seemed to speak of the Marchioness.1833 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Loire 180 At Doulon every thing begins to speak of the neighbourhood of a city.1894 M. Pemberton Sea Wolves xi He..wore sea-boots to his hips, though they spoke of much service and of decay.

2. With adverbs, as evil, ill, well.

ΚΠ

c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Mark ix. 39 Seðe..mæge recone yfle spreca [L. male loqui] of mec.

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Jer. xl. 16 Fals forsothe thou spekist of Ismael.

1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxxvii. 19 And euele thei speken of God.

c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 83 Whan þou spekyst euyll of an-oþer mannys goodnesse.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Never speke yl of men behynde their backes.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxxvi. 23 My greate name..which amonge the Gentiles is euel spoken of.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 598 He was..well spoken of of all men.

1611 Bible (King James) Luke vi. 26 When all men shall speake well of you.

1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth Introd. 10 Howbeit her dayes haue beene ill spoken of.

1807 R. Southey Lett. from Eng. II. 263 The boys..spake well of their masters.

3. In the phrase to speak of (in later use = ‘worth mentioning’). Chiefly in negative constructions.Also (b) = ‘if mentioned or considered’.

ΚΠ

(a)

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. biij^v/1 Of hys strengthe is not a lytel thynge to speke of, For [etc.].

1582 T. Bentley et al. Monument of Matrones iii. 269 For that which I haue hitherto done, is nothing at all to speake of.

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 633 This Towne is not verie ancient to speake of.

1654 T. Gataker Disc. Apol. 47 None out-went me, few to speak of came neer me.

1694 A. Wood Life 23 Oct. No raine to speak of all Sept. and Oct.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering III. vi. 101 He had ridden the whole day..without tasting any thing ‘to speak of’.

1881 E. A. Freeman in W. R. W. Stephens Life & Lett. E. A. Freeman (1895) II. 244 To-day has come the first snow to speak of.

(b)1580 G. Harvey Let. to Spenser in E. Spenser Poet. Wks. (1912) 628/1 For the Romanes to speake of, are but verye Ciphars in this kinde.

†4. not to be spoken of, (to be) beyond all description. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > quality of inspiring wonder > [adjective] > beyond description

undeclarablec1449

not to be spoken of1600

phraseless1609

termless1609

unexpressivea1616

unexprimable1632

wingy1643

unfanciable1669

indescribable1785

unpicturable?1819

unportrayable1852

superinenarrable1873

1600 T. Nashe Summers Last Will in Wks. (Grosart) VI. 126 As for my Pease and my Fetches, they are famous, and not to be spoken of.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) v. ii. 43 Then haue you lost a Sight which was to bee seene, cannot bee spoken of.

†5. To bespeak; to order. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain or acquire in a certain way > by asking, entreaty, or importunity > by ordering

ordaina1393

speak1508

to speak of ——1600

steven1674

commission1790

tryst1825

order1836

to order up1843

indent1897

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. iv. 5 We haue not spoke vs yet of Torch-bearers.

6. With verbal nouns: To suggest, propose, hint at (doing something).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > influence by suggestion > suggest

sugger1502

suggest1526

to speak of ——1586

prompt1602

1586 Ld. Burghley in J. Bruce Leycester Corr. (1844) 450 Some spek of namyng the count Morrice.

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xxx. 6 The people spake of stoning him.

1792 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 667 Duncan..Spak o' lowpin' o'er a linn.

to speak on ——

†1. To address or talk to (a person). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)]

speakc950

beclepec1220

enreason1297

saluec1300

calla1325

clepe1362

to speak on ——?1370

salutec1380

to call upon ——c1405

escry1483

assaya1522

treatc1540

accost1567

encounter1578

bespeaka1593

affront1598

parley1611

address1683

chin-chin1817

chat1898

?1370 Robert Cicyle in J.O. Halliwell Nugæ Poeticæ (1844) 58 Lowde on hym he began to speke.

c1420 Sir Amadace (Camden) xxxvii So come a mon..And speke on him fulle hastely.

†2. = To speak of (see to speak of —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1, to speak of —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of

to speak of ——c825

sayOE

besayc1200

talk ofc1230

to make mention ofc1300

readc1300

yminnea1325

nevenc1330

to make mindc1350

toucha1375

famea1400

minta1400

clepec1400

rehearsec1405

recitec1436

reckonc1480

mentionatec1525

mention1530

to speak upon ——1535

name1542

repeatc1550

voice1597

commemorate1599

to speak on ——1600

notice1611

quote1612

to make vent ofa1616

memorate1623

mensh1928

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. ii. 57 I am well spoke on, I can heare it with mine owne eares.

1647 J. Saltmarsh Sparkles of Glory (1847) 28 The Baptism of Christ..is that one Baptism spoken on in Ephes. 4.

3. To discourse upon (a subject, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic)

talka1387

rolla1413

descant?1532

to speak to ——1610

to speak unto ——1639

to go into ——1697

cuff1746

to speak on ——1819

tongue1841

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor ii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 15 Mr. Haystone speaks on a subject on which you have long since agreed to give him a favourable hearing.

1876 Nature 7 Dec. 128 The Society..has invited Prof. Nordenskjöld to speak on the Kara Sea and Jenissei.

to speak past ——

To talk at cross-purposes with; to speak incomprehensibly to. Cf. German vorbeireden.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > misunderstand [phrase]

to take amissa1425

to walk wide in words1529

to have (also take, catch) the wrong pig by the ear (also tail)1536

to be out of the story1649

to be at cross-purposes1688

I beg your pardon1806

to lose track of1894

to get (someone) wrong1927

to speak past ——1952

to lose the thread1956

1952 G. Himmelfarb Lord Acton i. 2 This historian..ended his life..as a lecturer doomed to speak past his audience.

1975 United Church Observer Nov. 15/1 The most important issue..is whether we can speak together and converse together, not at each other or past each other.

to speak to ——

1. To address words or discourse to (a person); to talk to, converse with. to speak to (see quot. 1837), so as to have conversation or personal acquaintance with one. Frequently in the phr. ‘to know (one) to speak to’.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——c825

speakc950

to speak with ——971

to speak unto ——c1386

entertain1553

to stand with ——1564

wissel1571

discourse1677

dialogue1681

converse1718

c825 Vesp. Psalter xlix. 7 [Ic] sprecu to Israhela folce.

971 Blickl. Hom. 141 Heo spræc to þæm weorode & cwæþ [etc.].

OE Beowulf 1171 Þu on sælum wes..ond to Geatum spræc mildum wordum.

c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) x. 25 Ic spece [c1160 speke] to eow & ge ne gelyfað.

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 925 After ðis spac god to abram.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xiv. 3 He that prophecieth, spekith to men.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11964 Sai þou; i der noght til him speke.

c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) iv. xxiii. 69 I wold haue spoke to them but I ne myght nought.

1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. i iiij^v Thus to the Cardinall he spake.

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. f. 13^v If..you resalute not a friend, he will speake no more to you.

a1635 R. Sibbes Heavenly Conf. (1656) 15 When he speaks aloof to her, she answereth aloof to him.

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxv. 216 Commanded by a Voice, as one man speaketh to another.

1751 E. Haywood Hist. Betsy Thoughtless I. xiv. 165 What reply she made I do not know, being speaking to Wildly at the same time.

1837 J. R. Lowell Lett. (1894) I. 21 How I remember the first time I ever saw you ‘to speak to’.

1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvi. 342 It was too late that night to speak to her.

2. With of, on, or about (a matter, etc.).

ΚΠ

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10466 Þatt fir. Þatt sannt iohan bapptisste. Spacc offe to þa sanderrmenn.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 3204 What Scholen we don of this mateer That he to vs spak of now heer?

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/1 I speke to him of my busynes.

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. ix. 17 Behold the man whom I spake to thee of.

1737 Gentleman's Mag. Aug. 492/1 I have..spoke to the King of England..about your Friend.

1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) III. 234 They spake to me of the various Works of Nature.

1804 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 12 448 I also spoke to the principal surgeons..on the subject of vaccination.

1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children iv. 30 Whatever you wish for, you have only to speak to nurse here about it.

3. transferred or figurative; esp. to appeal to, to influence, affect, or touch.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect the emotions [phrase]

to speak to ——a1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. ii. 23 My demerrits, May speake vnbonnited to as proud a fortune As this.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. ii. 173 More vrgent touches Do strongly speake to vs.

1700 J. Astry tr. D. de Saavedra Fajardo Royal Politician I. 116 b Elogies inscribed on Tombs, speak not to the Dead, but to the Living.

1738 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) I. 269 To give a more lively idea of the greatness of the victory, by speaking in some measure to the eye.

1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. II. 231 How strongly it speaks to the heart.

1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xvi. 136 The actor had spoken to them in the eloquence of rhythmic gesture.

4. To apply to (a person) for a special purpose, esp. for help or service; to influence or bribe; spec. to propose marriage to. Cf. sense 1g.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke

halsec825

askOE

witnec1200

halsenc1290

calla1325

incalla1340

to speak to ——1362

interpel1382

inclepec1384

turnc1384

becallc1400

ethec1400

peala1425

movec1450

provoke1477

adjure1483

invoke1490

conjurea1500

sue1521

invocatea1530

obtest1548

obtestate1553

to throw oneself on (or upon)1592

obsecrate1598

charm1599

to cry on ——1609

behight1615

imprecate1643

impray1855

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [verb (transitive)] > bribe

meedOE

underorna1325

corrump1387

forbuy1393

hirec1400

wage1461

fee1487

under-arearc1503

bribe1528

grease1528

money1528

corrupt1548

budc1565

to feed with money1567

to put out a person's eyes with (a gift, bribe, etc.)1580

sweeten1594

to grease the fist or (one) in the fist1598

over-bribe1619

to buy off1629

palter1641

to take off1646

buy1652

overmoneya1661

bub1684

to speak to ——1687

to tickle in the palm1694

daub1699

overbuy1710

touch1752

palm1767

to get at ——1780

fix1790

subsidize1793

sop1837

to buy over1848

backsheesh1850

nobble1856

square1859

hippodrome1866

see1867

boodleize1883

boodle1886

to get to ——1901

reach1906

straighten1923

lubricate1928

to keep (someone) sweet1939

sling1939

to pay off1942

bung1950

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > proposal of marriage > propose marriage to [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——1840

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. v. 130 My Wyf..Spak to þe spinsters for to spinne hit softe.

1535 [see to speak for —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1].

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. i. 3 Good: Speake to th' Mariners.

1669 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 430 Their friends having spoke to me to speak for them to the King.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 26 If you would have a lodging room there, you must speak to the Porter of the Han.

1809 Ld. Granville Let. 14 Nov. in B. Askwith Piety & Wit (1982) iv. 64 I spoke to Harriet last night; she was very nervous and so was I... She consented to my speaking to the Duke [her father].

1840 W. M. Thackeray in Fraser's Mag. 22 230/1 ‘Will you marry me?’ In fact, this very speech had been taught him by cunning Gann, who saw well enough that Swigby would speak to one or other of his daughters.

c1860 Househ. Words (Flügel) When judges were corrupt,..and attorney generals were to be ‘spoken to’.

1863 E. C. Gaskell Dark Night's Work iv. 46 He had some discussion with himself as to whether he should speak to her, and so secure her promise.

1977 G. Butler Brides of Friedberg i. 12 Next day someone I would much rather have accepted spoke to me riding in the Row. But it was too late.

5. To treat of or deal with, to discuss or comment on, (a subject) in speech or writing.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic)

talka1387

rolla1413

descant?1532

to speak to ——1610

to speak unto ——1639

to go into ——1697

cuff1746

to speak on ——1819

tongue1841

society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > write treatise about or treat of [verb (transitive)]

writeOE

handleOE

treatc1325

treatc1374

entreatc1425

treatise1506

tract1529

pertract1542

overharl1568

entracta1572

to speak to ——1610

1610 J. Dove Advt. Seminaries 42 I desire them therefore..to speake to these foure points.

1637 P. Heylyn Briefe Answer Burton 78 For your charges,..I meane to take them..in order, and speake as briefely to them, as you would desire.

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. vi. §4 Though it be a subject little spoken to either by Jewish or Christian Writers.

1706 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels III. 555 Part of this Scripture hath already been spoken to.

1735 J. Swift Let. to Middleton in Wks. IV. 186 A Lawyer who speaks to a Cause, when the Matter hath been almost exhausted by those who spoke before.

1778 Earl of Malmesbury Diaries & Corr. I. 166 Unprepared as he was for such a proposition, he could not, he said, off-hand, speak to it accurately.

1869 Daily News 28 Apr. The report..was spoken to by the Most Rev. Chairman..and the Bishop of Derry.

1880 Daily News 19 Mar. 2/3 I wish to call your attention..to..that allegation, and I shall endeavour to speak to it.

6. To give (†or constitute) evidence regarding (a thing); to attest, bear testimony to.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > be or give evidence of

to show forth?c1225

witnessa1300

sustain?c1425

testify1445

showa1500

manifest?a1513

make1573

argue1585

evidence1610

attesta1616

citea1616

evince1621

to speak to ——1624

1624 R. Montagu Immediate Addresse 201 [These] speake indeed to the practise since it was in beginning.

1774 W. Mitford Ess. Harmony Lang. 195 From the antient Greeks I know of nothing speaking to the sound of the diphthong ου.

1776 Trial Maha Rajah Nundocomar for Forgery 65/2 I cannot speak to the motions of the army.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India III. vi. ii. 85 The witness was not allowed to speak to the consultation of that day.

1825 W. Hazlitt Spirit of Age 227 This is a nice criticism, and we cannot speak to its truth.

1888 Times (Weekly ed.) 2 Nov. 22/4 [He] asked that witnesses might be called to speak to his character.

7. To address with reproof; to admonish.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)]

threac897

threapc897

begripea1000

threata1000

castea1200

chaste?c1225

takec1275

blame1297

chastya1300

sniba1300

withnima1315

undernima1325

rebukec1330

snuba1340

withtakea1340

reprovec1350

chastisea1375

arate1377

challenge1377

undertake1377

reprehenda1382

repreync1390

runta1398

snapea1400

underfoc1400

to call to account1434

to put downc1440

snebc1440

uptakec1440

correptc1449

reformc1450

reprise?c1450

to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450

control1451

redarguec1475

berisp1481

to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522

checkc1530

admonish1541

nip1548

twig?1550

impreve1552

lesson1555

to take down1562

to haul (a person) over the coals1565

increpate1570

touch1570

school1573

to gather up1577

task1580

redarguate?1590

expostulate1592

tutor1599

sauce1601

snip1601

sneap1611

to take in tax1635

to sharp up1647

round1653

threapen1671

reprimand1681

to take to task1682

document1690

chapter1693

repulse1746

twink1747

to speak to ——1753

haul1795

to pull up1799

carpet1840

rig1841

to talk to1860

to take (a person) to the woodshed1882

rawhide1895

to tell off1897

to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900

to get on ——1904

to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908

strafe1915

tick1915

woodshed1935

to slap (a person) down1938

sort1941

bind1942

bottle1946

mat1948

ream1950

zap1961

elder1967

1753 J. Collier Art Tormenting (1811) i. ii. 67 Who, she hopes, on being spoke to, will do so no more.

1872 J. Ingelow Off Skelligs xix ‘Papa,’ he exclaimed, in a loud, plaintive voice,..‘will you speak to Giles?’

8. Cant. To rob (a person or place); to steal.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)] > steal from

picka1350

lifta1529

filch1567

purloinc1571

prowl1603

touch1631

pinch1632

to pick up1687

to speak with ——1725

knock1767

shab1787

jump1789

to speak to ——1800

shake1811

spice1819

sting1819

tap1879

to knock over1928

1800 Spirit of Public Jrnls. 3 353 Twenty-four highway and footpad robberies,..none of the parties spoke to on the road able to swear positively.

1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 208 To speak to a person or place is to rob them, and to speak to any article is to steal it.

9. slang. (See quot. 1819.)

ΚΠ

1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. at Spoke Upon any great misfortune befalling a man,..his friends will say, Poor fellow, I believe he's spoke to, meaning it is all over with him.

10. Of hounds: To give indications of (a fox, scent, etc.) by barking.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (transitive)] > indicate by barking

to speak to ——1845

the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (transitive)] > indicate prey by barking

yearn1523

to speak to ——1845

1845 W. Youatt Dog iii. 78 When a hound first speaks in cover to a fox.

1883 Standard 10 Aug. 2/1 The hounds could not speak to the line.

to speak unto ——

1. To speak to (= to speak to —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——c825

speakc950

to speak with ——971

to speak unto ——c1386

entertain1553

to stand with ——1564

wissel1571

discourse1677

dialogue1681

converse1718

c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale 586 In al his drede vnto the fox he spak.

c1400 Brut ccxviii. 258 He..spake vnto ham of þe Kyngus honour.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. xiv. 3 He that prophesieth, speaketh vnto men.

a1645 D. Featley in T. Fuller Abel Redevivus (1651) 548 His Majesty spake pleasantly unto him.

1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 26 [They were] spoke kindly unto by him.

1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 136 I speak unto the young, for I am of them.

†2. To discourse upon or deal with (a topic).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic)

talka1387

rolla1413

descant?1532

to speak to ——1610

to speak unto ——1639

to go into ——1697

cuff1746

to speak on ——1819

tongue1841

the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > be occupied with a topic [verb (intransitive)]

to be abouta1400

to run on ——a1400

to run upon ——c1443

to speak unto ——1639

to roll upon ——1702

to roll on ——1763

1639 G. Digby in G. Digby & K. Digby Lett. conc. Relig. (1651) 108 The precedency..is pretended due upon another ground also, which I have yet spoke little unto.

1668 J. Owen Nature Indwelling-sin x. 143 These and the like things,..which are commonly spoken unto, is the mind of a Believer obliged to attend..constantly unto.

to speak upon ——

to speak about, of, or on. (Cf. to speak on —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, 1c.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of

to speak of ——c825

sayOE

besayc1200

talk ofc1230

to make mention ofc1300

readc1300

yminnea1325

nevenc1330

to make mindc1350

toucha1375

famea1400

minta1400

clepec1400

rehearsec1405

recitec1436

reckonc1480

mentionatec1525

mention1530

to speak upon ——1535

name1542

repeatc1550

voice1597

commemorate1599

to speak on ——1600

notice1611

quote1612

to make vent ofa1616

memorate1623

mensh1928

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xix. D Who so doth but speake vpon it, shal put them in feare.

1550 J. Veron Godly Saiyngs sig. H.iv^v The doctrine of the gospell whyche we do professe, shal be euill spoken vpon.

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. xiii. 428 Remember, I do not promise ever to speak upon them.

to speak with ——

1. To converse with, talk to; to consult or confer with.In Old English and early Middle English similarly with mid.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——c825

speakc950

to speak with ——971

to speak unto ——c1386

entertain1553

to stand with ——1564

wissel1571

discourse1677

dialogue1681

converse1718

971 Blickl. Hom. 241 He þæt is se þe wið me spræc.

c1000 Ælfric Exodus xxxii. 23 Þa þu.. wið god spæce.

c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 85 Alse wise hire lerden, þanne hie wið hire speken.

a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1553 Ne mot no mon wiþ hire speke.

c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 811 Wiþ morgan speke wil y And spede.

c1426 J. Audelay Poems (1931) 17 Ȝe spekyn with Hym in spyrit.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. x. 48 They spak with the knyghtes & welcomed hem.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 He shalbe spoken with towchyng your cause.

1622 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1622–3 (1908) 10 They both retired themselves to there privacy, soe that wee could not then speake with them.

1675 City Mercury 18–25 Nov. 2/1 He [a Physician] is any time to be spoke with from eight in the Morning to four in the Afternoon.

1764 S. Foote Patron iii. 67 Not to be spoke with! Don't tell me, Sir; he must, he shall.

1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 140 Your uncle..has been spoken with, and declines visiting you.

1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess ii. 27 Not for three years to speak with any men.

figurative.1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xv. 134 When any temptation desires to speak with you, let the answer be ready that there is other company within.

2. Nautical. To hold communication with (another vessel). Cf. 19b.

ΚΠ

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 182 The expedition bearing vp to speak with vs, the ships fell foule.

1708 London Gaz. No. 4422/7 We made Signal to the Commanding Officer..that we would speak with him.

1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 24 On our speaking with her we found she had sprung her Fore-stay.

1775 B. Romans Conc. Nat. Hist. E. & W. Florida App. 6 I need not direct seamen how to proceed, in order to speak with any vessel they chance to see.

3. To communicate with (a place). rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > [verb (transitive)]

to speak with ——1659

to link up with1907

1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 275 In Greenland, and Nova Zembla, &c. which onely in Summer-time may bee spoke with.

†4. Cant. To have to do with; to steal or rob (cf. to speak to —— 8 at Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)] > steal from

picka1350

lifta1529

filch1567

purloinc1571

prowl1603

touch1631

pinch1632

to pick up1687

to speak with ——1725

knock1767

shab1787

jump1789

to speak to ——1800

shake1811

spice1819

sting1819

tap1879

to knock over1928

1725 New Canting Dict. (at cited word) I will never speak with any thing but Wedge or Cloy; I'll never steal, or have to do with any thing but Plate, or Money, &c.

1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (at cited word) I spoke with the cull on the cherry coloured prancer, I robbed the man on the black horse.

PV2. With adverbs in special uses. to speak out

(cf. to speak out at Phrasal verbs 3).

1. To talk in a loud voice, or so as to be heard distinctly.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > speak in a particular manner [verb (intransitive)] > speak loudly or angrily

thundera1340

raisec1384

to speak outc1515

jowlc1540

fulmine1623

to talk big1680

tang1686

to speak upa1723

to go ona1753

rip1828

whalea1852

yap1864

to rip and tear1884

megaphone1901

to pop off1914

foghorn1918

to sound off1918

loudmouth1931

woof1934

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxiii. 262 Speke out hyer that ye may the better be herde.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Speke out that a man may here you.

1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. To speake out alowd.

1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. To speak half out, or mumbling.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 266. ⁋2 A muttering Voice, as if between Soliloquy and speaking out.

1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert v. 44 Jim stared at him. ‘What did you say?’ he asked. ‘Oh, nothing! Did I speak out loud?’

2. To talk freely or unreservedly. to speak out in meeting (U.S.), to express one's opinions freely or openly (Thornton).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > without restraint

to wear one's heart on one's tongue (also in one's mouth)?1576

to speak out1694

to open up1884

to talk cold turkey1928

1694 T. Brown Lottery for Ladies in Wks. (1709) IV. i. 56 Is it not as modest to speak out, as to make broad Signs..?

1765 G. Williams in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) I. 396 Why do not you speak out as to Lord Gower? Is he to come in or not?

1809 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 21 150 But with all who have the courage to speak out, a difficulty remains.

1830 Massachusetts Spy 23 June 4/1 O dear, I spoke out in meeting.

1842 Ld. Tennyson Morte d'Arthur in Poems (new ed.) II. 11 Speak out: what is it thou hast heard, or seen!

1906 Springfield (Mass.) Weekly Republican 13 Sept. 8 I do not think the president will think any the less of me for speaking right out in meeting and saying that I am not for it.

3. To break into speech.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > begin to speak

upbreakc1275

to set spell on enda1300

gina1333

to take up (one's) parablea1382

braidc1400

to take up the word1477

begin1563

exordiate1594

to speak upa1723

to lug out1787

to speak out1792

upspeak1827

exordize1887

shoot1915

open1926

to come in1949

1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 377 Out spak a dame in wrinkled eild.

4. To be apparent or evident.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > manifestation > [verb (intransitive)]

seem1340

to prove wellc1387

showa1393

appearc1400

to stare (a person) in the face1510

sparkle1597

shinea1616

transpear1645

relate1663

it is visible1693

to speak out1846

notice1961

1846 R. C. Trench Christ Desire of All Nations iii. 50 The sense of this speaks out in every arrangement.

to speak over

† To say too much, to exaggerate. Obsolete. (Cf. overspeak v.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > exaggeration, hyperbole > exaggerate [verb (intransitive)] > in speech

to speak over1610

lavish1625

romance1653

overspeaka1656

1610 A. Cooke Pope Ioane 87 If you bring not some author for the proofe of this point, you must giue me leaue to thinke you speake ouer.

1626 R. Harris Hezekiah's Recov. 4 The Orator spake not over, when he intimated that Ingratitude was a kinde of Unjustice.

to speak together

To hold conference or consultation; to confer.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > confer, consult, or deliberate

roundc1275

to speak togetherc1275

to take counselc1290

counsel1297

treat1297

advisea1393

communea1393

to take deliberationc1405

common1416

to put (also bring, lay, set, etc.) their (also our, your) heads togetherc1425

janglec1440

bespeak1489

parliamenta1492

intercommonc1540

confer1545

parle1558

consult1565

imparl1572

break parle1594

handle1596

emparley1600

to confer notes1650

to compare notes1709

powwow1780

to get together1816

palaver1877

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1622 Þa i-lomp hit..þat þe Scottene king & þe duk speken to-gaðere.

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xv. 270 Monkes and mendynauntz..selden speken togideres.

c1400 New Test. (Paues) Acts xxvi. 31 [They] wente biside ande speke togider.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 3201 Thanne spoken they to-gederes hem be-twene.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II ii. iii. 29 He was not so resolude, When last we spake togither.

1764 Coles's Dict. Eng.-Lat. (ed. 17) To speak together, colloquor.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 21 While the Prince and Earl Yet spoke together.

to speak up

1. To speak strongly for (= on behalf of, in defence of) a person.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > intercession or influence on someone's behalf > intercede or use influence for [verb (transitive)]

entreata1425

mediate1578

to put ina1616

to speak up1705

1705 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 17 Oct. (O.H.S.) I. 57 I spoke up for him.

1844 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit xliv. 509 It's all very well for you to speak up for him... You'll get a fortune by him.

2. To raise the voice in speaking; to talk boldly or unreservedly; to break into speech.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > begin to speak

upbreakc1275

to set spell on enda1300

gina1333

to take up (one's) parablea1382

braidc1400

to take up the word1477

begin1563

exordiate1594

to speak upa1723

to lug out1787

to speak out1792

upspeak1827

exordize1887

shoot1915

open1926

to come in1949

the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > speak in a particular manner [verb (intransitive)] > speak loudly or angrily

thundera1340

raisec1384

to speak outc1515

jowlc1540

fulmine1623

to talk big1680

tang1686

to speak upa1723

to go ona1753

rip1828

whalea1852

yap1864

to rip and tear1884

megaphone1901

to pop off1914

foghorn1918

to sound off1918

loudmouth1931

woof1934

a1723 in Child Ballads III. 135/2 Speak up, jolly blade, never fear.

1863 Mrs. H. Wood Trevlyn Hold II. 226 Timid Mrs. Chattaway..spoke up to the rescue.

1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. i. 62 Out he stepped to your father's side, and spoke right up before the King.

1896 R. Kipling Seven Seas 24 Up spake the soul of a gray Gothavn 'speckshioner.

PV3. With adverbs in special senses. to speak forth

† To utter, declare, proclaim.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > information > announcing or proclaiming > announce or proclaim [verb (transitive)]

kithec725

i-bedea800

abedeeOE

bid971

deemOE

bodea1000

tellOE

clepec1275

to tell outa1382

denouncec1384

publishc1384

descryc1390

pronouncec1390

proclaima1393

sound1412

proclaim?a1425

renouncea1425

announcec1429

preconize?1440

announce1483

reclaim?1503

call1523

to speak forth1526

annunciate1533

protest1533

to breathe out1535

denouncec1540

enact1611

deblazon1621

deblaze1640

advise1647

apostolize1652

indigitatea1670

enounce1807

voice1850

norate1851

enunciate1864

post1961

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xiii. f. xviij^v I wyll..speake forth thinges whych have bene kepte secrete from the begynnynge off the worlde.

1611 Bible (King James) Acts xxvi. 25 I..speake foorth the words of trueth and sobernesse.

1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 191 It would not..more fully speak forth its boundlessness.

1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum at Utter To pronounce or speak forth.

to speak out

(cf. to speak out at Phrasal verbs 2).

1. To utter; to make known in words; to declare openly or clearly.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)]

speakc825

queatheOE

forthdoc900

i-seggenc900

sayeOE

speak971

meleOE

quidOE

spella1000

forthbringc1000

givec1175

warpa1225

mootc1225

i-schirea1250

upbringa1250

outsay?c1250

spilec1275

talec1275

wisea1300

crackc1315

nevena1325

cast1330

rehearsec1330

roundc1330

spend1362

carpa1375

sermona1382

to speak outc1384

usea1387

minc1390

pronouncea1393

lancec1400

mellc1400

nurnc1400

slingc1400

tellc1400

wordc1400

yelpc1400

worka1425

utterc1444

outspeakc1449

yielda1450

arecchec1460

roose?a1475

cutc1525

to come forth with1532

bubble1536

prolate1542

report1548

prolocute1570

bespeak1579

wield1581

upbraid1587

up with (also mid) ——1594

name1595

upbrayc1600

discoursea1616

tonguea1616

to bring out1665

voice1665

emit1753

lip1789

to out with1802

pitch1811

go1836

to open one's head1843

vocabulize1861

shoot1915

verbal1920

be1982

society > communication > information > intimation or making known > intimate or make known (something) [verb (transitive)]

speakc825

areadc885

meldeOE

sayOE

yknowa1225

warnc1275

bekena1300

wraya1300

signifyc1325

declarec1340

to speak outc1384

discuss1389

notifyc1390

bida1400

advertise1447

notice1447

detectc1465

render1481

minister1536

to set outa1540

summonc1540

intimate1548

acquaint1609

phrase1614

voice1629

denote1660

unlade1717

apprise1817

aira1902

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxvi. 25 I speke out the wordus of treuthe and sobrenesse.

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 468/1 Spekyn owte, exprimo.

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 339 That he meened so myche bi hise..wordis, thouȝ he not alle hem out spake.

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 524 Tis well, Ile haue thee speake out the rest of this soone.

1648 J. Beaumont Psyche ii. cxxiii. 22 I'le make him finde a tongue To speak out his imposture.

1676 A. Marvell Mr. Smirke 44 'Tis happy that some or other of this Few chances ever and anon to speak their minds out, to shew us plainly what they would be at.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. xii. 199 You will often hear it mentioned... I will, therefore, speak it out.

1855 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes II. xxi. 209 I have no right..to hear him speak out his heart, and tell it to any friend.

1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars i. 42 Henry..spoke out his mind and showed that he was not too well-pleased.

2. Of things: To declare, manifest, etc.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)]

uppec897

atewOE

sutelec1000

openOE

awnc1175

kithec1175

forthteec1200

tawnec1220

let witc1275

forthshowa1300

to pilt out?a1300

showa1300

barea1325

mythc1330

unfoldc1374

to open outc1390

assign1398

mustera1400

reyve?a1400

vouchc1400

manifest?a1425

outshowc1425

ostendc1429

explayc1443

objecta1500

reveala1500

patefy?1509

decipher1529

relieve1533

to set outa1540

utter1542

report1548

unbuckle1548

to set forth1551

demonstrate1553

to hold forth1560

testify1560

explicate1565

forthsetc1565

to give show of1567

denudec1572

exhibit1573

apparent1577

display?1578

carry1580

cipher1583

laya1586

foreshow1590

uncloud?1594

vision1594

explain1597

proclaim1597

unroll1598

discloud1600

remonstrate1601

resent1602

to bring out1608

palesate1613

pronounce1615

to speak out1623

elicit1641

confess1646

bear1657

breathe1667

outplay1702

to throw out1741

evolve1744

announce1781

develop1806

exfoliate1808

evince1829

exposit1882

pack1925

1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. iv. 137 If thy rare qualities..could speake thee out .

1675 T. Brooks Golden Key 249 Now what do all these things speak out, but the certainty and reality of Christ's Manhood.

1717 J. Chappelow Right Way to be Rich (ed. 2) 52 He is the highest Bidder, and this speaks him out to be the greatest Merchant.

3. poetic. To create by speaking. rare. (Cf. 18b.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > create by speaking

to speak out1656

speak1736

1656 A. Cowley Davideis i. 20 in Poems They sung how God spoke out the worlds vast ball.

1844 E. B. Barrett Drama of Exile 1055, in Poems I I am the spirit of the harmless earth. God spake me softly out among the stars.

4. To talk out (see talk v. 9).

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [verb (transitive)] > obstruct (business)

to talk out1873

block1884

to speak out1893

1893 Westm. Gaz. 30 Mar. 2/3 He spoke with the obvious intention of speaking out the Bill.

Compounds

speak-a-word room n. Scottish (see quots.).

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > best room

chamber1644

front room1679

best room1719

fore-room1728

spence1786

parlour1825

speak-a-word room1825

1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Speak-a-Word-Room, a parlour.

1839 W. Chambers Tour Holland 23/1 Then we were whirled down again into a little speak-a-word room.

speak-back n. = talk-back adj. and n.

ΚΠ

1940 Chambers's Techn. Dict. 788/1 Speak-back, the subsidiary microphone-amplifier-reproducer in a motion-picture studio, by which the remote recordist can speak to the director on the sound-stage.

1966 Illustr. London News 30 July 11 Kidbrooke has its own T.V. studio which incorporates a ‘speak-back’.

speak-box n. an intercom device by a (usually outside) door which allows a caller to speak to someone elsewhere in the building (cf. voice box n. 1b).

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > telecommunication > intercom > [noun] > intercom devices

dictating machine1878

dictograph1907

squawk box1954

entryphone1958

speak-box1962

voice box1968

1962 N. Freeling Love in Amsterdam ii. 106 The buzzer went, and he heard Sophia's voice on the speakbox.

1970 W. J. Burley To kill Cat ix. 152 He rang the bell. Almost at once he was startled by a woman's voice from close at hand. A speak-box which he hadn't expected. He found the little metal grille and spoke into it. ‘Come up, please.’

speak-out n. an occasion on which people can speak freely and unreservedly.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > [noun] > unrestrained or free speech > occasion for

speak-out1968

1968 Guardian 19 Aug. 14/5 Americans Abroad for McCarthy held a ‘speak out’ near the Speakers' Corner in a sunlit but swampy Hyde Park yesterday.

1977 Daily Tel. 25 Oct. 11/4 At the New York ‘speak out’, women were invited to tell anonymously of abuse suffered from promiscuous or sexually taunting male employers or superiors.

† speak-room n. Obsolete = speak-house n. 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > artefacts > monastic property (general) > monastery or convent > parts of monastery > [noun] > parlour

speech-housec1050

parlour?c1225

colloque1482

locutory1482

speak-housec1650

parlatory1651

locutorium1655

parloir1728

speak-room1756

fratry1874

1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) v. 144 The nuns..said they never wore it but when they came to the speak-room.

† speak-truth n. Obsolete one who tells the truth.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > one who speaks > [noun] > in specific ways

speakera1340

breatherc1384

boasterc1400

rattlerc1449

brawler1581

shredder1592

venter1611

speak-truth1614

ranter1649

bawler1656

yelper1673

mouther1746

spouter1759

oralist1867

mushmouth1868

loudmouth1870

megaphonist1906

1614 R. Tailor Hogge hath lost Pearle iv. sig. F3 But I do trouble thee too much, therfore good speak truth, farewel.

speak-your-weight machine n. a weighing machine which announces one's weight in spoken words.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > [noun] > a weighing apparatus > machine for weighing person

speak-your-weight machine1960

1960 Guardian 14 Apr. 8/3 His most recent hero..attempts to teach speak-your-weight machines to sing.

1966 L. Deighton Billion-dollar Brain xv. 146 His voice was..like a speak-your-weight machine.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	speak
释义	speakn. Brit. /spiːk/, U.S. /spik/, Scottish English /spik/ Forms: Middle English speke (Middle English spece), Middle English spek, Middle English Scottish speike (1800s speik), 1500s–1600s speake, 1700s– speak. Etymology: Partly the northern form of Middle English spēche (Old English spǽc , sprǽc ) speech n.¹; partly, in later use, < speak v.In Laȝamon 1971, Owl & N. 13, and Rob. Glouc. 8535, 8643, the forms speke and spek have obviously been miswritten for spech(e through being mistaken for parts of the verb. Chiefly Scottish and northern. †1. a. The action of speaking; also, manner of speaking. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > [noun] speechc725 spellc888 tonguec897 spellingc1000 wordOE mathelingOE redec1275 sermonc1275 leeda1300 gale13.. speakc1300 speaking1303 ledenc1320 talea1325 parliamentc1325 winda1330 sermoningc1330 saying1340 melinga1375 talkingc1386 wordc1390 prolationa1393 carpinga1400 eloquencec1400 utteringc1400 language?c1450 reporturec1475 parleyc1490 locutionc1500 talk1539 discourse1545 report1548 tonguec1550 deliverance1553 oration1555 delivery1577 parling1582 parle1584 conveying1586 passage1598 perlocution1599 wording1604 bursta1616 ventilation1615 loquency1623 voicinga1626 verbocination1653 loquence1677 pronunciation1686 loquel1694 jawinga1731 talkee-talkee?1740 vocification1743 talkation1781 voicing1822 utterancy1827 voicing1831 the spoken word1832 outness1851 verbalization1851 voice1855 outgiving1865 stringing1886 praxis1950 c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 946 Of alle men was he mest meke, Lauhwinde ay, and bliþe of speke. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 13260 He sermund wit his loueli spek. c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 1164 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 34 With þis of spek he mad ending. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 393 In spek sumdeill wlispyt he. a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 242 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 102 All apperit to ye pape..Salust his sanctitud with spirituale speike. †b. The power or faculty of speech. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > [noun] > faculty or power of speech speech?a1000 speaka1300 carpc1400 utterance1474 speakingc1480 discourse1609 languagea1616 verbalness1647 vocal1838 speechfulness1880 a1300 Cursor Mundi 24320 Als ded þai war, wit-vten speke. c1480 (a1400) Prol. 122 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 4 As to deff men gyfand herynge,..and spek till oþer at war dum. †c. A language. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > a language > [noun] speechc888 rounOE ledenc1000 tonguec1000 wordOE moalc1175 speaka1300 languagec1300 land-speecha1325 talea1325 lip1382 stevenc1386 languea1425 leed1513 public language1521 idiom1575 idiotism1588 lingua1660 lingua franca1697 receptive language1926 a1300 Cursor Mundi 2267 Þar war al þe speces delt Þat now ouer-alle þe werld er melt. 2. a. Talk, discourse, conversation. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > [noun] speechc900 talec1000 speaka1300 reasonc1300 speakinga1325 counsela1350 intercommuningc1374 dalliancec1400 communication1419 communancec1449 collocutiona1464 parlour?c1475 sermocination1514 commona1529 dialogue?1533 interlocutiona1534 discourse1545 discoursing1550 conference1565 purposea1572 talk1572 interspeech1579 conversationa1586 devising1586 intercourse1596 intercommunication1603 eclogue1604 commercing1610 communion1614 negocea1617 alloquy1623 confariation1652 gob1681 gab1761 commune1814 colloquy1817 conversing1884 cross-talk1887 bull session1920 rap1957 a1300 Cursor Mundi 2618 Wit hir sli spece gun he spell. c1480 (a1400) St. Paul 301 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 37 With wismen þare-of [Nero] had spek. 1886 A. D. Willock Rosetty Ends (1887) xii. 88 The affair caused a hantle o' speak. b. With a, the, this, etc., or possessive pronouns. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > [noun] > a, the, or this conversation speakc1300 dialoguec1450 speech1469 talk1548 colloquy1581 enterparlance1595 dialogism1603 colloquium1609 discourse1632 conversea1645 colloque1658 conversation1694 say1786 intercommune1820 tell1864 chin1877 conversation piece1936 rabbit1941 rabbit and pork1941 goss1983 c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 1065 Þoruth England yede þe speke [MS. speche], Hw he was strong, and ek meke. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12197 Ihesus þan folud on his speke, And þus began his resun eke. a1400–50 Alexander 3318 With þis speke at he spake þe sprete he ȝeldis. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 72 Thai all concordyt That all thar spek suld be recordyt Till Schyr Eduuard. 1780 Compl. Hist. Simple John 3 I maun hae..a quiet speak to hersel about it. 1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 247 Only foes to common sense Frae sic a speak can tak' offence. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 5 Notin' down within thy book Ilk motion, gesture, speik, and look. †c. a great speak, an important statement. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > that which is important > other a great speak1587 livera1616 event1794 strategic point1861 action1927 the mind > language > statement > [noun] > a statement or declaration > important a great speak1587 1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xxiv. 419 They think themselues to haue made a greate speake, and hard to be resolued. 3. A formal discourse; a speech. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speech-making > [noun] > a speech speakingc1275 cry1303 orisona1382 sermonc1385 exhortationc1450 oration?1504 prepositiona1513 declamation1523 concion1541 speak1567 set speech1573 speech1583 hortative1612 allocution1615 public addressa1639 address1643 presentation1714 speechification1809 speechment1826 1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. Avij^v A solemne speake mete for great things. 1576 G. Pettie Petite Pallace 89 b Before hym Aristotle..maketh a great speake, saying [etc.]. 1600 M. Sutcliffe Briefe Replie to Libel i. 9 Nor doth he applie his common place to his purpose, but leaueth it..without any coherence to the rest of his long speake. 1610 R. Davies Chesters Triumph sig. C3^v Is it not harsh to heare a Marmeset squeake Vpon a stage a most vnioynted speake? 1791 J. Learmont Poems Pastoral 30 Their unco speaks o' sax hours lang. 4. Cant. (See quot. 1811.) Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > [noun] > act or instance of robbinga1300 ravina1325 robberya1325 burgh-brechea1387 reif1533 hoist1714 jump1777 speak1811 trick1865 clean-up1928 heist1930 knock-off1969 hit1970 1811 Lexicon Balatronicum at Speak He has made a good speak; he has stolen something considerable. 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 208 Speak, committing any robbery, is called making a speak; and if it has been productive you are said to have made a rum speak. 5. = speakeasy n. slang. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tavern or public house > illegal drinking-house shebeenc1787 joint1821 kiddleywink1830 blind tiger1857 shanty1862 dive1871 blind-pig1887 speakeasy1889 shebeen1900 booze can1905 speak1930 speako1931 nip joint1936 1930 Bookman (U.S.) LXXII. 398/1 Better grade speaks in Times Square are dispensing with femme shills and hangers-out. 1952 E. O'Neill Moon for Misbegotten iii. 152 There'll be a speak open, and some drunk laughing. 1977 H. Fast Immigrants iv. 242 We're just lucky it happened in a speak, because maybe no one will bring any charges. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022). speakv. Brit. /spiːk/, U.S. /spik/ Forms: 1. Infinitive. α. Old English spræca, Old English spræcan, Old English spræcca, Old English -spreaca, Old English spreca (northern), Old English sprecan, Old English sprecca, Old English spreocan, Middle English sprecon. c825 Vesp. Hymns iv Nyllað gemonigfaldian spreocan.c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 89 [Hie] ne durron..sprecan.a900 in Old Eng. Texts 178 Hu meahte ic..her spræcan?c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. x. 19 Huætt ge spreca scilo.c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. x. 20 Huæt gie sprecca scilon.c1075 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker MS.) ann. 1070 Umbe þæt hi sprecan woldon.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1114 He wolde sprecon mid him. β. Old English specan, Old English–Middle English spæcon, Old English–Middle English specen, Middle English spæcen, Middle English spæcken, Middle English spæken, Middle English specon, Middle English speken, Middle English spekenn ( Ormulum), Middle English spekyn, Middle English speoken. c1000 in Assmann Ags. Hom. xviii. 55 Hy..wið hi specan woldon.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xii. 46 Secende spæcon [c1160 Hatton spæcen] to him.c1120 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (MS. H) ann. 1113 Swa þæt hig uneaðe specon mihton.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 35 Ȝif he mihte speken.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 89 Heo..on~gunnen to speoken.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 7365 He wold spæcken heom wið.a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3400 ÐO cam ietro..To speken him.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 20025 I bigon hir worshepe speken.c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 468/1 Spekyn, loquor. γ. Middle English spec, Middle English speck, Middle English speike, Middle English–1500s spek, Middle English–1500s speke, 1500s–1600s speake, 1500s–1700s speik (Scottish), 1500s– speak, 1700s–1800s spake (Irish English). a1250 Owl & Nightingale 261 Let me speke.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 24795 For to spek about sum pais.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 19176 Quilis þai suld samen speck.1483 Cath. Angl. 353/1 To Speke,..loqui.1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. lxvi. C The Iles..that haue not herde speake of me.c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 4976 By course for to speike.1586 Ld. Burghley in J. Bruce Leycester Corr. (1844) 450 Some spek of namyng the count Morrice.1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem 95 Na man sall speik.a1700 in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1911) 9 362 She could not speake french.1762 S. Foote Orators ii. 52 By my shoul, but I will spake. 2. Present indicative (early contracted forms). a. 2nd singular. α. Old English sprycst, Old English–Middle English sprecst, Middle English spræcst. 971 Blickl. Hom. 183 Forhwon ne sprecst þu?c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) iv. 27 Hwæt sprycst [c1160 Hatton sprecst] þu wið hig?c1160 Hatton Gosp. John xix. 10 Hwi ne spræcst þu wið me. β. Old English spycst, Middle English spæcst, Middle English spekst, Middle English spext. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xiii. 10 For hwig spycst [c1160 Hatton spæcst] þu..mid big-spellum?a1272 in Old Eng. Misc. 98 Hwat spekstu of eny stone.c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 128 Þov spext ase a fol.c1320 in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 265 Ȝef thou with dede mon spext. b. 3rd singular. α. Old English sprycð, Old English–Middle English sprecð, Old English–Middle English spricð, Middle English spræcð. c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 380 Ðæs monnes saul þe wel spricð.971 Blickl. Hom. 55 Se þa soþfæstnesse..sprecþ.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 18 Se þe be him sylium sprycð [c1160 Hatton spræcð]. β. Old English spycþ, Old English spycð, Middle English specd, Middle English spechð, Middle English specþ, Middle English specð, Middle English spekth, Middle English spekþ. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 26 Nu he spycþ openlice.c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 51 Dauid specð..sume of þe wordes.a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1072 Wel viht þat wel spekþ.1340 Ayenbite (1866) 126 Huanne he specþ of þise..uirtues.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 366 Solyns spekth of a wonder kinde. 3. Past tense. a. Singular. α. Old English spræcc, Old English sprec, Old English–Middle English spræc, Middle English spreac. c825 Vesp. Psalter xcviii. 7 In syle wolcnes [he] sprec to him.a900 in Old Eng. Texts 178 He spræc to his liornæra sumum.c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke ix. 11 [He] spræcc him of ric godes.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1083 Þe abbot..spræc uppon þa munecas.1131 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1131 Se abbot..spreac mid þone kyng. β. Old English–Middle English spæc, Middle English spec, Middle English speck, Middle English spek. a1000 Psalm l. 30 Dauid..ðus wordum spæc.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1046 Swegen..spec wið his feder.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 73 Of ileue spek ure drihten.a1225 Leg. Kath. 308 Hwil þet ha spek þus.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6315 He..of gode spæc swiðe wel.c1307 Elegy Death Edw. I vi The pope..spec a word of gret honour.13.. K. Horn 600 An hound.. spek wordes bolde. γ. Middle English spac, Middle English spacc ( Ormulum), Middle English spacke, Middle English spakke, Middle English (1500s– Scottish and northern) spak, Middle English (1600s– Scottish and dialect) spack, 1800s spak' (Scottish). a1154 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1140 Þe biscop..spac wid Rodbert.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 224 Spacc he nohht wiþþ tunge.a1250 Owl & Nightingale 396 Ho spak boþe right & red.c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 312 Many þinges þat God spac not.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12005 Sum him..spack o prise.c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) i. xvi. 14 These wordys whiche..the juge..spack.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. xxi. 68 Thenne spak Igrayne.1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 84 Than spak that Virgin fre.c1614 W. Mure tr. Virgil Dido & Æneas i. in Wks. (1898) I. 467 Ne'er word she spak.1786 R. Burns Holy Fair iv, in Poems 42 Laughan as she spak. δ. Middle English spæke, Middle English speek, Middle English speeke, Middle English speke. Properly representing the Old English forms sprǽce, spǽce.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16260 Þeȝȝ wenndenn. þatt he spæke..off þeȝȝre temmple.c1275 Laȝamon Brut 14316 Þe speche þat þe maide speke.c1320 Cast. Love 458 Pees..þus to hire Fader speek. ▸ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job ii. 10 As oon of the fool wymmen thou speeke.c1420 Sir Amadace (Camden) lx Thenne speke Sir Amadace so fre. ε. Middle English spaak, Middle English– spake (now archaic, dialect, or poetic); also 2nd singular Middle English spakist, 1500s spakst, 1500s– spakest, 1600s spak'st (poetic). a1300 K. Horn 535 Do nu þat þu er of spake.c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 265 He spaak þes wordis.1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 1 Sam. xxviii. 21 Thi wordis, whiche thou spakist.1461 R. Calle in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 236 I..spake Richard Sothwell.1509 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. (1876) 103 That thou spake them to hym.1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 444 I, ere thou spak'st, Knew [etc.].1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 238 They spake of him they loved. 1827 [see sense 1f]. 1848 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms Spake..is still heard occasionally from the pulpit, as well as in conversation.1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 31 Lancelot ever spake him pleasantly. ζ. 1500s– spoke, 1600s spoak, 1600s spoake, 1600s spook, 1600s (1800s dialect) spok, 1700s–1800s spock (dialect); also 2nd singular 1800s spokest. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. xii. sig. Kk2^v He..Blasphemy spoke.1615 Cocks Diary (1883) I. 18 She spoake Spanish.1617 R. Cocks Diary 11 June (1883) I. 260 He spok to the Chinas.?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 50 A sweetness..that spoke the inner feelings.1773 O. Goldsmith She stoops to Conquer iii. 49 He spoke to me.1802 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 8 194 With whom I spoke here lately.1848 E. Bulwer-Lytton Harold I. i. iii. 53 Thou spokest of Harold. b. Plural. α. Old English spræcan, Old English spræcun, Old English sprecan, Old English sprecon, Old English sprecun, Old English–Middle English spræcon, Middle English spræcen. c825 Vesp. Psalter cxviii. 23 Aldermen..wið me sprecun.c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care 95 Eall ðæt ðæt we ær spræcon.971 Blickl. Hom. 77 Hie..to Criste spræcan.971 Blickl. Hom. 99 Þa þe..him olyhtword sprecan.c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xxiv. 36 Þa hig þis spræcon [c1160 Hatton spræcen].1123 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1123 Ða spræcon ða biscopas hem betwenan. β. Old English–Middle English spæcon, Middle English spæcen, Middle English spæken, Middle English spækenn ( Ormulum), Middle English specon, Middle English speeke, Middle English speeken, Middle English spek, Middle English speke, Middle English speken, Middle English spekon, Middle English spekyn, Middle English spieke, Middle English spieken. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) xxiv. 14 And hig spæcon him be~twynan.c1160 Hatton Gosp. Luke ix. 30 Ða spæken [v.r. spæcen] twegen weres wið hine.c1175 Lamb. Hom. 89 Þe apostles speken to þes folkes igederunge.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 4114 Þus þe cnihtes him spæken [c1300 Otho speke] wið.c1305 St. Dunstan 9 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 34 Hi speke ech to oþer.a1325 Prose Psalter xxxvii. 13 Hij..speken uanites.1382 J. Wyclif Psalms cxviii. 23 Aȝen me thei speeken.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 235 Therof spieken alle men.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 300 Togedre as thei tuo speeke.1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) 71 The most valiaunt knyght that men euere speke of.a1500 (?c1450) Merlin ii. 25 The peple..assembleden, and speken of Vortiger. γ. Middle English spaken, Middle English (1800s dialect) spak, Middle English–1500s spack (Scottish), 1600s spac, 1600s space, 1600s spake. a1300 E.E. Psalter lxxii. 8 Þai..spake quedenes vn~righte.a1325 Prose Psalter cviii. 2 Hij spaken to me.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 11990 Þei spake to Ioseph. ▸ c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 206 Whom prophetis bifore spaken Sauiour to come to the hous of Israel.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 284 Tha spack verie scharpe.1621 Cocks Diary 11 Nov. (1883) II. 218 Those 10 men they spake of. δ. Middle English spoken, Middle English spokyn, Middle English spook, Middle English– spoke. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2913 Quanne he dat bodewurd spoken.a1325 Prose Psalter cxviii. 23 For princes..spoken oȝains me.1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. ii. 225 Spiceres spoke with hym.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xvii. viii. 700 As they spoken thus.a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 16 That [way] they spoke of. 4. Past participle. α. Old English gespecen, Old English gesprecen, Old English sprecen, Middle English i-spæcken, Middle English i-spæken, Middle English i-specken, Middle English i-speken, Middle English speken, Middle English sprecon, 1500s spaken, 1600s speaken. c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xviii. §1 Ða ðis þa gesprecen was.OE Beowulf 643 Þa wæs eft..þryðword sprecen.c1050 Ags. Hom. (Assmann) 183 Ða þa Tyrus hæfde þus gespecen.a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 675 Swa swa ge hit sprecon hauen.c1200 Moral Ode (Trin. Coll. MS.) 9 Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6809 Ich habbe..ispæken him wið. ▸ c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 2369 Þat ich haue of ofte speken.c1590 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 159 I have spaken to Dollyne.1670 Edward Duke of York in 3rd Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1872) 421/1 Nor will it be speaken on..till next weeke. β. Middle English i-speke, Middle English spek, Middle English speke, Middle English y-speke. a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1293 For þe hule swo ispeke hadde.c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 228 Þare nas neuere..yspeke..non oþur word.1340 Ayenbite (1866) 69 Uor þet hi habbeþ yspeke.a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4605 Til i speke haue. γ. Middle English i-spoken, Middle English i-spokyn, Middle English spockyn, Middle English spokene, Middle English spokine (Scottish), Middle English spokun, Middle English y-spoken, Middle English (1500s Scottish) spokin, Middle English–1500s spokyn, Middle English– spoken, 1500s spokne (Scottish), 1500s (Scottish) 1800s (dialect) spocken, 1600s spoaken, 1600s spokn, 1800s spawken (dialect), 1800s spockin (dialect). a1300 Cursor Mundi 1757 Quen he his wil had with him spoken.a1325 Prose Psalter xi. 2 Ichon han i-spoken idel þynges.1450–80 tr. Secreta Secret. 13 Whan that this worthi lord hath þus..spokene.1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Whan they hadde spokyn..of the matter.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 88 We haue schortlie spokne.?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 364 Trowing the teallis befoir was spocken.1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies ii. ix. 102 Not so great as they had spoken.1817 Wilbraham in Archaeol. (1821) XIX. 38 Spocken, participle of the verb to speak. δ. Middle English i-spoke, Middle English y-spoke, Middle English 1600s spok, Middle English–1800s spoke, 1600s spoak. ▸ a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 123 He hadde proudeliche i-spoke.1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 60 As I have spoke.c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) i. xliv. 26 Whan Nature hadde þus yspoke.1461 C. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 199 I haue spok wyth John Rwsse.1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. O.iiii Not more..hath Sparta spoke.1622 J. Donne Serm. XV. Verse XX. Chap. Iudges 37 Neither is that spoak there.1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 2 He would not have spoke so doubtfully.a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) I. ix. 63 When she had spoke these last words.1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 178 Nothing was spoke of for some time.1843 S. R. Maitland Dark Ages (1890) xvi. 293 That I have..spoke the truth. ε. 1500s–1600s spake, 1800s spak' (Scottish). c1500 Three Kings' Sons (1895) 61 That he had spake to hym.1616 W. Forde Serm. 17 He had no sooner spake the word.1632 P. Massinger & N. Field Fatall Dowry v. sig. K3^v Though spake by him That neuer brake his word.1812 P. Forbes Poems 34 (E.D.D.) Another chield that hadna spak'. Etymology: Old English sprecan (past tense spræc, sprǽcon, past participle gesprecen), = Old Frisian spreka (West Frisian sprekke, North Frisian spreek, spreeg), Middle Dutch (and Dutch) spreken, Old Saxon sprekan (Middle Low German and Low German spreken), Old High German sprehhan (Middle High German and German sprechen); not recorded in Gothic, and absent in older Scandinavian, the obsolete Danish sprecke, sprække, Icelandic spreka, being adoptions < Low German.The later Old English specan became common in the 11th cent., and forms with r apparently did not survive in actual use beyond the middle of the 12th cent. A similar elision of the r appears very rarely in Middle Dutch speken, Old High German spehhan. Signification. I. intransitive. 1. a. To utter or pronounce words or articulate sounds; to use or exercise the faculty of speech; to express one's thoughts by words. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] matheleOE speakc888 spellc888 yedc888 i-quethec900 reirdOE meldOE meleOE quidOE i-meleOE wordOE to open one's mouth (also lips)OE mootOE spellc1175 carpa1240 spilec1275 bespeakc1314 adda1382 mella1400 moutha1400 utter?a1400 lalec1400 nurnc1400 parlec1400 talkc1400 to say forthc1405 rekea1450 to say on1487 nevena1500 quinch1511 quetch1530 queckc1540 walk1550 cant1567 twang1602 articulate1615 tella1616 betalk1622 sermocinate1623 to give tongue1737 jaw1748 to break stillness1768 outspeaka1788 to give mouth1854 larum1877 to make noises1909 verbal1974 c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. iii. §3 Þa ongan he eft sprecan & cwæð to þan Mode. OE Beowulf 1698 Ða se wisa spræc sunu Healfdenes—swigedon ealle. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Matt. (Corpus Cambr.) xv. 31 Þa mænegu wundredon geseonde dumbe specende, healte gangende. a1200 St. Marher. 16 Swuch farlac ich fele..þet speoken i ne dar nawt. 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xix. 126 For defe..to here & dombe speke he made. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19415 Þe hali spirit vte of him spak. a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 209 He that hyryth the reysones of many men may lightyr well sayne, than he that erste spake. 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. f. 69^v Not to speake, while an other is in speaking,..before he which speaketh be thorowly understood. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 71 If but one of his pockets could speake, would it not say he lyes? View more context for this quotation 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 213 I had taught my Poll, as I noted before, to speak. 1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. xiv. 231 He spoke with great feeling on the subject for which I was summoned. 1897 W. E. Gladstone E. Crisis 6 It is time to speak with freedom. in extended use.1611 Bible (King James) Prov. vi. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feete. View more context for this quotation b. Said of the mouth, tongue, etc. ΚΠ c825 Vesp. Psalter xvi. 10 Muð heara spreocende wes in oferhygde. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) vi. 45 Soðlice se muð spycð [c1160 specð] swa seo heorte þencð. 1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxv. 14 My mouth spac in my tribulacioun. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Matt. xii. 34 For of y^e abundance of y^e hert y^e mouth speaketh. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Song of Sol. vii. 9 Which..causeth the lippes of the ancient to speake. 1611 Bible (King James) Isa. xxxii. 4 The tongue of the stammerers shall bee readie to speake plainely. View more context for this quotation 1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 10 Christ bids the dumbe tongue speake, it speakes. 1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 95 When I have cut off thy head, will it speak? c. (a) To hold talk or discourse, to converse, with others or with each other. (Cf. to speak together at Phrasal verbs 2.) Also, in modern use, to be on speaking terms. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] yedc888 speak971 rounda1200 talka1225 tevela1225 intercommunec1374 fable1382 parlec1400 reason?c1425 communique?1473 devise1477 cutc1525 wade1527 enterparle1536 discourse1550 to hold one chat, with chat, in chat1573 parley1576 purpose1590 dialogue1595 commerce1596 dialoguize1596 communicate1598 propose1600 dialogize1601 converse1615 tella1616 interlocute1621 interparle1791 conversate1811 colloquize1823 conversationize1826 colloque1850 visit1862 colloquy1868 to make conversation1921 971 Blickl. Hom. 93 Seo eorþe on þæm norþ-ende & on þam east-ende sprecað him betweonum. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) vii. 32 Hi synt gelice cildum on stræte sittendum & specendum betwux him. c1125 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1123 Se king..and se biscop..riden þær specende. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3389 Þa hirdess tokenn sone þuss. To spekenn hemm bitwenenn. c1380 [see ε. forms]. 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 208 Thus as they lihe abedde and spieke. 1582 Bible (Rheims) Acts xxvi. 31 Going a side, they spake among them selues, saying [etc.]. a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) i. iv. 4 They lye in view, but haue not spoke as yet. View more context for this quotation 1777 C. Reeve Champion of Virtue 54 While they were speaking, Oswald came to them, and said [etc.]. 1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci v. i. 81 Even whilst we speak The ministers of justice wait below. 1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey I. ii. ii. 103 There is Courtown, but we do not speak. 1865 H. Kingsley Hillyars & Burtons III. xxiii. 240 Even their husbands did not speak for a fortnight. (b) spec. To speak to another by means of a telephone; —— speaking (where —— is a speaker on a telephone), phrase used by the speaker to announce his identity. ΘΚΠ society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate by telephone [verb (intransitive)] telephone1877 call1879 phone1885 speak1885 ring1887 to call in1930 1885 List of Subscribers Exchange Syst. (United Telephone Co.) (ed. 6) p. xiv ‘Who speaks?’ came distinctly from the wires into the office. ‘2577,’ was the reply—it was the hotel number. 1925 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby ix. 200 But the connection came through as a man's voice, very thin and far away. ‘This is Slagle speaking.’.. ‘Yes?’ The name was unfamiliar. 1927 A. MacDonald (title) Dorty Speaking. 1933 ‘Sapper’ Knock-out i. 9 Standish..took the receiver from the other's hand. ‘Hullo! Sanderson,’ he said. ‘Yes—Standish speaking. What now?’ 1973 J. Wainwright Pride of Pigs 166 ‘Quince?’ said the voice. ‘Speaking.’ Quince hooked his fingers through the carrying handle of the Trimphone, telephone hand set... He said: ‘Who's that?.. Who's speaking?’ 1977 L. Meynell Hooky gets Wooden Spoon xiii. 151 C.I.D. here..who is it speaking, please? d. In various phrases and proverbs.See also book n. Phrases 2 and card n.² 5c. ΚΠ a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1074 ‘Wel fiȝt þat wel specþ,’ seide Alured. 1381 in Knighton's Chron. (Rolls) II. 139 Speke, spende and spede, quoth Jon of Bathon. c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 1065 I schal not spare for no curtesye To speke him harm, that wold us vilonye. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 23849 Euer to speke & not to spede Wastyng hit is of goddes sede. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) ii. i. 66 Mistake me not, I speake but as I finde. View more context for this quotation 1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 433 He only now-a-days, speaks like an Oracle, who speaks Tricks, and Ambiguities. 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. xx. 61 He always loved to speak as he found. 1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 482 I am speaking like a book. e. With reflexive or ethical dative. rare. ΚΠ c1400 Anturs of Arth. l Bot than hym spake Gallerone to Gawayne þe gude. 1703 N. Rowe Ulysses i. i. 366 This Wife of him that was my Friend? Eur. Thou speak'st me well, of him that was thy Friend. 1848 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 3) 199 Thou speakest me of visions. f. To deliver a speech or formal address; to express one's opinions or views in an assembly of any kind. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speech-making > make a speech [verb (intransitive)] deliverc1400 repeat1579 speak1583 perore1594 perorate1603 oratorize1620 concionatea1641 speech1684 speechify1723 oration1764 orate1780 platform1859 elocutionize1883 1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum ii. ii. 40 The speaker hath no voice in the house, nor they will not suffer him to speake in any bill to moue or diswade it. a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iii. ii. 85 Heere, vnder leaue of Brutus, and the rest..Come I to speake in Cæsars Funerall. View more context for this quotation 1689 in Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 59/2 That the members be allowed to speak oftner than twyce if it be done with discreatione. 1738 tr. S. Guazzo Art of Conversat. 115 Marius, being to speak before the People of Rome, said [etc.]. 1827 R. Southey Hist. Peninsular War II. 574 Lord Grenville spake in a similar temper. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 18 The Commons were summoned to the bar of the Lords; and the King spoke from the throne. His speech had been composed by himself. g. spec. To propose marriage. Cf. to speak to —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > proposal of marriage > propose marriage [verb (intransitive)] pop1573 offer1587 speaka1616 proposea1771 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 165 She thanked me, And bad me, if I had a friend that loued her, I should but teach him how to tell my story, And that would wooe her. Vpon this heate I spake . View more context for this quotation 1803 G. Colman John Bull iii. i. 41 Lady C. Lard, Mr. Shuffleton!.. You never spoke anything to—that is, to justify such a—. Shuffleton. (Aside.) That's as much as to say, speak now. 1858 A. Trollope Dr. Thorne ii. vi. 81 I think you may speak now, Frank... She is very fond of you. 1904 H. James Golden Bowl I. i. xii. 213 He liked..to feel that he should be able to ‘speak’..the word itself being romantic. 1932 S. Gibbons Cold Comfort Farm xiv. 195 Flora did not dare to imagine what would happen if they returned from the ball and he had not spoken. He must speak! 1964 M. Laski in S. Nowell-Smith Edwardian Eng. iv. 198 An interval might have been found—perhaps in the conservatory, perhaps on a sofa in a dark nook under the stairs— when he had spoken and she accepted. 2. a. Followed by direct quotation of the words uttered.More commonly with insertion of ‘and said’. ΚΠ OE Beowulf 1168 Spræc ða ides Scyldinga: ‘Onfoh þissum fulle.’ c1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) lxiii. 4 Hi..sare sprecað, ‘Hwa gesyhð usic?’ a1325 Prose Psalter xxxviii. 5 Ich spak wyþ my tunge, ‘Make, Lord, knowen to me myn endyng’. 1375 in Horstmann Altengl. Leg. (1878) 127/1 Adam þo spak ful pitously: ‘A, deuel, wo þe be!’ 1568 (?a1513) W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 250 Than spak the devill.., ‘Renunce thy God and cum to me’. 1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 30 For thou hes spoken..‘the bread quhilk I sal giue is my fleshe’. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 339 Again th' Almightie spake: Let there be Lights [etc.] . View more context for this quotation 1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 167 Well spake the prophet, let the desart sing. 1825 W. Scott Betrothed vi, in Tales Crusaders I. 109 He spoke again, and in anxious haste, ‘Daughter, we are betrayed!’ 1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 30 Loudly spake the Prince, ‘Forbear: there is a worthier.’ b. In past tense used in narrative poetry (after Latin dixit) at the end of a speech. Cf. say v.¹ 11. ΚΠ 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 663 He spake: and to confirm his words [etc.] . View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis v, in tr. Virgil Wks. 334 He spoke, and..at his stern he saw [etc.]. 1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. v. 351 He spoke, and rising hurl'd his forceful Dart. 1757 T. Gray Ode II iii. iii, in Odes 21 He spoke, and headlong..plung'd to endless night. a1822 P. B. Shelley Homer's Hymn to Mercury lxix, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 318 He spoke, and bound Stiff withy bands the infant's wrists around. 3. a. With adverbs and adverbial phrases, as so, thus, etc. (See also 4a.)Speak may also be accompanied by many different adverbs denoting either the tone of voice, the temper or intention of the speaker, or the character of the ideas expressed. For some special instances of these see evil adv. 1, fair adv. 2, false adj. 1, home adv. 4, low adv. 3, plain adv.¹ 2, 3, soft adv. 4, thick adv. 4, well adv. and n.⁴ ΚΠ 971 Blickl. Hom. 227 Þa he þa þus spræc, ða geseah he [etc.]. a1225 Leg. Kath. 312 He..feng on þus to speokene. c1250 Kent. Serm. in Old Eng. Misc. 27 Herodes..swo spac te þo þrie kinges. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xix. 613 Thusgatis spekand, thai held thar way. 1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. Cc.iii If guile do guide your wit by silence so to speake. 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xviii. 24 On this manner spake Dauid. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 271 So Satan spake, and him Bëëlzebub Thus answer'd. View more context for this quotation 1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lvi. 218 While I spoke thus, she concealed her face with her fan. 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe II. xiv. 255 Speak not so, my dear father. 1845 S. Judd Margaret i. xiv. 116 I have heard Hash speak so. b. With adverbs of quantity, as less, little, more, much.With these words it is often difficult to distinguish between the intransitive and transitive uses of the verb. ΚΠ 1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 77 Was noiþer more no lesse of þer penance spoken. 1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 2 Sam. xix. 29 What spekist thou more? a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19115 Þe apostels spekand þus and mar, þe preistes come. c1400 Brut cxiii. 114 When þe Kyng herde speke so miche of here beaute. 1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 272 Mair the King spak nocht. 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. i. 112 I haue for barbarisme spoke more. View more context for this quotation 1702 Eng. Theophrastus 335 It is the character of your half witted fellows to speak much and say little. 1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel ii. xxxii. 57 Little he eat, and less he spoke. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxiv. 306 Perhaps rather disappointed that the port wine had not made Jim speak more. c. With adverbs denoting continuation, as away, on. ΚΠ 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxvii. 12 Amonge soch as be wyse, speake on hardely. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iii. vii. 43 Speake on, but be not ouer-tedious. View more context for this quotation 1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd Song xvii Speak on,..and still my grief. 1781 C. Johnstone Hist. John Juniper II. 164 If stages were built for them to speak away upon. 1814 Family Politics v. iii, in J. Galt New Brit. Theatre II. 248 Speak away, girl: we shall halt here some time yet. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay i. 17 He wanted her to speak on. d. With adverbs having reference to the use of a particular language or style of speech. ΚΠ 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. vi. 128 ‘Thou speakest too well for one who hath lived always in thy filthy horde,’ said the Scot. 1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 164/1 Varlunga, a pastoral district, in which the people speak differently from both. 4. In various parenthetical and other phrases: a. In the infinitive, esp. so to speak. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > phrases indicating mode of expression [phrase] by language?c1450 so to speak1553 as they (etc.) speak1595 in a manner of speaking1890 (a) 1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 205 All goodnesse (to speake at a worde) goeth awaie. a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 515 Or if you will, to speake more properly, I will enforce it easlie. View more context for this quotation 1629 J. Gaule Practique Theories Christs Predict. 232 Before Herod (to speake in few) they put vpon him a Fooles Note. 1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 494 There was no year, wherein he did not gain a thousand duckats, to speak with the least. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vii. 183 It would cost me nothing..to say yes—but to speak on the square, I must needs say no. 1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xl. 349 To speak by the book, ‘Mr. Gunter, cook, confectioner, and fruiterer’. (b)1824 Longfellow Let. 2 Mar. in S. Longfellow Life H. W. Longfellow (1886) I. iii. 37 If this were not another building, I should have imagined I occupied the same chamber that you did in former times, for it seemed to be the very highest point of the dwelling, the very apogee, so to speak.1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. iii. 112 Notables are, so to speak, organned out.1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children v. 34 Pearl..was the leading spirit of the pair, and led Maud by the nose, so to speak.attributive and as noun.1874 Gentleman's Mag. July 126 In a so to speak unconscious manner.1874 R. Heath in Golden Hours Jan. 34/2 This statement of his..is not to be dismissed as a mere so-to-speak. b. as they (etc.) speak, = as the phrase is. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > phrases indicating mode of expression [phrase] by language?c1450 so to speak1553 as they (etc.) speak1595 in a manner of speaking1890 1595 in J. H. Pollen Acts Eng. Mart. (1892) vi. 101 Forthwith was found by the twelve billa vera, as they speak. 1665 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 1 80 By letting down shafts from the day (as Miners speak). 1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 35 Many of them became petrified, as they speak. 1846 J. Keble Serm. (1848) xiii. 335 The same saying fell accidentally (as men speak) on the eye of another rich young man. c. In present participle with adverbs, as broadly, correctly, generally, humanly, properly, roughly, strictly, etc. (Frequently in modern use.) ΚΠ 1699 T. Brown Let. 27 June in 4th Vol. Wks. (1711) 129 Misfortunes..of which I can, humanly speaking, see no End. 1826 D. Booth Art of Brewing (ed. 2) 90 Generally speaking, I am an advocate for malt and hops only. 1855 D. T. Ansted in Orr's Circle Sci.: Inorg. Nature 108 Strictly speaking also, there are no beds hitherto found lying above the chalk. 1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies ii. 161 Speaking broadly, a man ought to know any language or science he learns, thoroughly. 5. Of a writer, literary composition, etc.: To make a statement or declaration in words; to state or say. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (intransitive)] > of writer or literary composition speakc1175 c1175 Lamb. Hom. 131 Seinte paul..speceð on þe halie pistle þe me ret to dei. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 37 Al swa þe boc spekeð þe he to bisne inom. c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 4529 Þai sal be, als þe appocalips spekes, In..hayres cledde. c1400 N. Love tr. Bonaventura Mirror Life Christ (1908) 50 Herto accordynge speketh the apostle..in his pistle ad hebreos. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. ix. 42 b Strabo spake aright, where he sayeth [etc.]. 1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 250 My old Anonimall Manuscrip speakes..to the like effect. 1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) I. 42 You are to observe that I speak in the general. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 265 It was admitted that the ancients spoke from justifiable data. 1869 T. C. Barker Aryan Civilization (1871) x. 31 A law of the Twelve Tables at Rome speaks to the same effect. 6. a. figurative. Of things: To be expressive or significant; to make some revelation or disclosure. ΘΚΠ society > communication > expression > [verb (intransitive)] speak1535 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Heb. xii. D The sprenklynge off bloude, that speaketh better then the bloude of Abel. 1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iv. sig. H^v His grief speakes in his slow-pac't steps. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 267 His words here ended, but his meek aspect Silent yet spake . View more context for this quotation 1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature i. 8 We read of feet, that speak; of a philosopher, who answerd an argument by only getting up and walking. 1814 Ld. Byron Corsair i. iii. 5 A sail!—a sail!.. Her nation—flag—how speaks the telescope? 1843 R. J. Graves Syst. Clin. Med. xiv. 153 His countenance now spoke promisingly. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate iv Never had her heart spoken before. b. To take effect legally; to be valid. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > [verb (intransitive)] > be or remain valid runa1325 prescribe1445 attacha1626 speak1837 1837 Act 7 William IV & 1 Victoria c. 26 §24 That every Will shall be construed.. to speak and take effect as if it had been executed immediately before the Death of the Testator. 1845 J. Williams Princ. Law Real Prop. x. 154 (margin) A will now speaks from the death of testator. 7. transferred. a. Of musical instruments, etc.: To emit a sound; spec. to utter a full and proper note. Chiefly rhetorical or technical. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > thing heard > make sound [verb (intransitive)] dinOE sweyc1000 sounda1325 goa1450 speak1604 talk1793 to go off1810 society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > sound [verb (intransitive)] goc1405 playa1522 speak1604 peal1849 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet v. ii. 222 Let the kettle to the trumpet speake . View more context for this quotation 1676 T. Mace Musick's Monument 70 The String lying upon This only Round single Fret, cannot but speak Clear. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1674 (1955) IV. 48 He..made it [sc. a violin] speake like the Voice of a man; & when he pleased, like a Consort of severall Instruments. 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. v. 75 Horns and other instruments..spoke, in sweet response, to the harmony, that proceeded from the pavilion. 1843 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 6 108/1 By coupling the pedals with the keys, 87 pipes are made to speak with each pedal. 1884 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 833/2 This saves space in the interior [of the organ], and gives the large pipes room to speak. b. Of natural forces, etc.: To emit noise, make a sound; to reverberate. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > resonance or sonority > resound [verb (intransitive)] > reverberate or echo aqueathOE again-sounda1382 replya1393 answera1425 rolla1522 rebellow1590 re-echo1590 redouble1595 surrebound?1611 speaka1616 rethunder1716 reverb1796 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. i. 5 Me thinkes the wind does speake aloud at land. ?1807–8 W. Wordsworth Somnambulist 4 How softly then Doth Aira-force..Speak from the woody glen! 1859 G. Meredith Ordeal Richard Feverel III. xi. 331 All at once the thunder spoke. c. Of firearms: To emit a report on being fired. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > sudden or violent sound > explosive sound > [verb (intransitive)] > of guns or shells speak1707 bark1853 crump1915 1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 67 He loves dearly to hear his Guns speak. 1875 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea V. vi. 229 The Coldstream..could not get their wet rifles to speak. 1896 Pall Mall Gaz. 8 Jan. 1/3 The news from the Transvaal, where the rifles have already spoken. d. Of a hound: To give tongue; to bay. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (intransitive)] > make sound openc1425 cry1486 yearn1523 chant1573 babble1575 to lead chawle1589 to spend the mouth1590 spend1602 to give tongue1737 to throw (its) tongue1742 speak1826 tongue1832 to give mouth1854 1826 Sporting Mag. Mar. 288/2 The hounds were speaking in the covert. 1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Quest The word is never used with hounds; they ‘give tongue’, ‘speak’, or ‘bay’. e. Nautical. (See quot. 1833) ΚΠ 1833 M. Scott Tom Cringle's Log I. viii. 216 The sharp little vessel began to speak, as the rushing sound through the water is called. f. technical. (See quot. 1881.) ΚΠ 1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 123 When the tool is of proper size the pinion will ‘speak’ (make a squeaking noise) as the red stuff is drying off. II. transitive. 8. a. To articulate or utter (a word or words). to speak not a word of, to make no mention or suggestion of. to speak a (good) word for: see word n. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] speakc825 queatheOE forthdoc900 i-seggenc900 sayeOE speak971 meleOE quidOE spella1000 forthbringc1000 givec1175 warpa1225 mootc1225 i-schirea1250 upbringa1250 outsay?c1250 spilec1275 talec1275 wisea1300 crackc1315 nevena1325 cast1330 rehearsec1330 roundc1330 spend1362 carpa1375 sermona1382 to speak outc1384 usea1387 minc1390 pronouncea1393 lancec1400 mellc1400 nurnc1400 slingc1400 tellc1400 wordc1400 yelpc1400 worka1425 utterc1444 outspeakc1449 yielda1450 arecchec1460 roose?a1475 cutc1525 to come forth with1532 bubble1536 prolate1542 report1548 prolocute1570 bespeak1579 wield1581 upbraid1587 up with (also mid) ——1594 name1595 upbrayc1600 discoursea1616 tonguea1616 to bring out1665 voice1665 emit1753 lip1789 to out with1802 pitch1811 go1836 to open one's head1843 vocabulize1861 shoot1915 verbal1920 be1982 971 Blickl. Hom. 31 Se forhwyrfda gast spræc forhwyrfedlice word. OE Beowulf 341 Wlanc Wedera leod, word æfter spræc. c1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) lvii. 3 Syððan..heo on life lyge-word spæcon. c1200 Moral Ode (Trin. Coll. MS.) 9 Fele idel word ich habbe ispeken. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4342 Ar i ga þou spek wit me a word or tua. a1400–50 Alexander 243 Þou a wirschipfull worde has werpid & spoken. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xviii. xx. 761 There they fond..a poure man sittyng in the bargets ende and no word wold he speke. 1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes ii. f. 176 A sorte of the Grekes..spake many woordes of reproche by the kyng. 1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xix. 10 Why speake ye not a word of bringing the king backe? View more context for this quotation 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxii. 196 Though the mind be incapable of any Notion at all from the words spoken. 1755 B. Martin Mag. Arts & Sci. 13 I will follow, when I have spoke a Word to one of the Millers. 1806 W. Wordsworth Horn Egremont Castle 87 Thou hast a dungeon, speak the word! And there he may be lodged, and thou be Lord. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ix. 138 Elsie followed her into the hall to speak some last words. b. With cognate object: To utter, make, or deliver (a speech or statement). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speech-making > deliver (a speech) [verb (transitive)] speakc888 preacha1382 pronounce1560 deliver1576 c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxv. §5 On ða ilcan spræce þe þu ær spræce. c930 Laws Athelstane vi. viii. §8 (Liebermann I. 180/1) Manige men specað gemahlice spræce. a1300 K. Horn 387 He spac faire speche. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 8864 When his speche was spokyn, & sped to þe last. 1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. i. 69 When you haue spoken your speech, enter into that Brake. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 261 One that hath spoke most villanous speeches of the Duke. View more context for this quotation 1712 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 24 May He desir'd that he might speak a speech publickly upon that occasion. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. v. i. 216 Speeches are spoken;..audible within doors and without. 1876 ‘L. Carroll’ Hunting of Snark iv. vii The rest of my speech..You shall hear when I've leisure to speak it. c. Similarly with other objects denoting a word, sentence, speech, etc., uttered or recited. to speak one's piece: see to say (also speak) one's piece at piece n. 14g. ΚΠ a1300 Cursor Mundi 23945 Spell yeit i wald spek if i cuth. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 11616 Þe propheci..þat spokin was of þat childe dere. c1400 Rom. Rose 7519 Thou spak a jape not long ago..Of a young man. 1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 169 Some will speake Oracles, that a manne can not tell whiche waie to take them. a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. v. 70 After we had embrast,..& (as it were) spoke the prologue of our Comedy. View more context for this quotation 1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler 184 I will speak you a copy of verses. View more context for this quotation 1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 236 He made many quotations, and spoke them with propriety. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. ix. 231 The last sentence was spoken in a tone, which made all the counsellors tremble. 1861 F. A. Paley Æschylus' Choephori (ed. 2) 915 (note) Orestes..speaks two continuous verses. 1867 W. Morris Life & Death of Jason iii. 56 Whose name I speak not. figurative.1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love ii. iii. sig. D4^v He speakes all creame, skimd. View more context for this quotation1637 J. Milton Comus 27 As when the wrath of Iove Speaks thunder..To some of Saturns crew. †d. To employ (the voice) in utterance. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [verb (transitive)] > utter > employ (voice) in utterance speak1382 raisec1384 enhance1483 lilt1513 versea1533 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Rev. x. 3 And whan he hadde cried, seuene thundres spaken her voices. a1586 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David (1823) xviii. iv Then thundred heav'nly sire, Then spake he his lowd voice. 9. a. To utter or say (something) by way of a remark or statement.The object is frequently a pronoun, as it, this, etc., or a relative clause introduced by that (which) or what. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > remark or observe speakc888 observe1605 observe1616 remark1666 c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxviii. §3 For oðrum ðincgum ic hit spræc get swiðor. 971 Blickl. Hom. 19 Eac is to geþencenne hwæt Drihten spræc. OE Beowulf 531 Hwæt, þu worn fela..ymb Brecan spræce. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Mark (Corpus Cambr.) xiii. 11 Specað þæt eow on þære tide ge-seald bið. a1122 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) ann. 1048 Eustatius..spæc wið hine þæt þæt he þa wolde. c1160 Hatton Gosp. John xii. 50 Þa þing þe ic sprece ic speke swa se fader me saigde. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13411 Þis wes al þus ispeken. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark xiii. 11 Speke ȝe that thing that schal be ȝouen to ȝou in that our. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 19115 [Þ]e apostlis speckand þis and mare, þe preistes come. a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 188 What is that, that thou spekyste. 1582 W. Allen Briefe Hist. Glorious Martyrdom sig. f4^v He was vrged..to speake what he thought of the said Bul of Pius Quintus. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Spanish Curat v. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. G3/2 I dare tell you..what I have spoken Freely behind your back. a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) 378 To speak the matter in a word. 1711 Spectator No. 192. ⁋6 The most indifferent thing has its Force and Beauty when it is spoke by a kind Father. 1780 Mirror No. 99 The account he gives of his own feelings..is evidently spoken in earnest. 1830 J. W. Warter tr. Aristophanes Acharnians 26 Grant me yet thy pardon, if..I have spoke or triflingly uttered anything. 1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems li. 2 He, if I dare speak it, ascends above them [the Gods]. b. With objective clause: To state or declare that, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] speakc900 sayOE sayOE tell?a1160 to put forth?c1225 posea1325 allegec1330 declarec1330 exponec1380 to bring fortha1382 expounda1382 terminec1384 allaya1387 express1386 proport1387 purport1389 cough1393 generalize?a1425 deliverc1454 expremec1470 to show forth1498 promisea1500 term1546 to set forward1560 attribute1563 to throw out1573 quote1575 dictate1599 rendera1616 preport1616 enunciate1623 remonstrate1625 state1642 pronunciate1652 annunciate1763 present1779 enounce1805 report1842 constate1865 lodge1885 outen1951 c900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) iii. ii. 156 Ða gehyrde he sumne þara broðra sprecan, þæt he wolde feran to þæm halgan Cristes mæle. OE Beowulf 1595 Gomele ymb godne ongeador spræcon, þæt hig þæs æðelinges eft ne wendon. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclxix Murtherers..which spake it of theyr own mind, that Fernando Gonzage had waged them to slay Octauius. a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 356 The ruine speakes, that sometime It was a worthy building. View more context for this quotation 1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 62 Experience speaks that as times change..prises may alter. 1766 Compl. Farmer at Surveying The farmer speaks loudly, that..no more should be measured..than the plow or scythe can go over. c. With superlative adjectives as (one's) best, last. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > speak of or mention > speak one's best or last speaka1631 a1631 J. Donne Poems (1650) 59 Here dead men speake their last. 1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay II. ix. 132 In the set party fights..he did not speak his best. 10. To utter or express (truth, falsehood, etc.) in words or speech. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] speakc825 queatheOE forthdoc900 i-seggenc900 sayeOE speak971 meleOE quidOE spella1000 forthbringc1000 givec1175 warpa1225 mootc1225 i-schirea1250 upbringa1250 outsay?c1250 spilec1275 talec1275 wisea1300 crackc1315 nevena1325 cast1330 rehearsec1330 roundc1330 spend1362 carpa1375 sermona1382 to speak outc1384 usea1387 minc1390 pronouncea1393 lancec1400 mellc1400 nurnc1400 slingc1400 tellc1400 wordc1400 yelpc1400 worka1425 utterc1444 outspeakc1449 yielda1450 arecchec1460 roose?a1475 cutc1525 to come forth with1532 bubble1536 prolate1542 report1548 prolocute1570 bespeak1579 wield1581 upbraid1587 up with (also mid) ——1594 name1595 upbrayc1600 discoursea1616 tonguea1616 to bring out1665 voice1665 emit1753 lip1789 to out with1802 pitch1811 go1836 to open one's head1843 vocabulize1861 shoot1915 verbal1920 be1982 the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > the truth, etc. speakc825 c825 Vesp. Psalter v. 7 Ðu forspildes hie ða ða spreocað leasunge. c825 Vesp. Psalter xxvii. 3 Ða ðe spreocað sibbe mid ðone nestan. 971 Blickl. Hom. 223 He a to æghwylcum soð & riht sprecende wæs. OE Beowulf 2864 Þæt, la, mæg secgan se ðe wyle soð specan [etc.]. c1000 Lambeth Ps. cxliii. 8 Þara muð specende wæs idelnesse. c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 44 Ful speche is as of leccherie..þet unweschene muðes speokeð oðerhwiles. 13.. Deo Gratias 68 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 126 Þenne i rede þou rule þe so Þat Men may speke worschupe bi þe. 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Jude 16 The mouth of hem spekith pride. c1400 Rom. Rose 7514 For it is better stille be, Than for to speken harme. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur x. viii. 425 Alle knyghtes speken of hym worship. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Eph. iv. C Speake euery man the trueth vnto his neghboure. a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 120 Beleeue it (Page) he speakes sence. 1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 85 O 'tis not Spanish, but 'tis heaven she speakes. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 35. ¶1 If they speak Nonsense, they believe they are talking Humour. a1766 F. Sheridan Hist. Nourjahad (1767) 179 Nothing is more certain..than that Cozro has spoke the truth. 1816 W. Scott Black Dwarf xii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. I. 244 My cousin Ellieslaw, who speaks treason as if it were child's nursery rhymes. 1841 R. Browning Pippa Passes i, in Bells & Pomegranates No. I 5/2 Do you think I fear to speak the bare truth once for all? 11. With prepositions: To utter or direct (words, remarks, etc.) against, to (also †on, upon, etc.) a person. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > speak or direct words to, etc. speakc825 mint1493 sling1874 speech1877–86 word1905 c825 Vesp. Psalter cviii. 20 Ða ðe spreocað yfel [L. mala] wið sawle minre. c1000 Lambeth Ps. cviii. 20 Þa þe specaþ yfelu togeanes sawle mine. c1175 Lamb. Hom. 13 Ne spec þu aȝein þine nexta nane false witnesse. a1300 E.E. Psalter xxvii. 4 Þat spekes pees to neghburgh hisse. 1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 63 Forto..destroie þat kynde, þat ouht to him couth speke. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16495 Þai..sal on me tresun spek. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxiv. 8 He shal speake peace vnto his people. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cviii. 20 Those that speake euell agaynst my soule. 1547 Certain Serm. or Homilies Contention sig. T j b To suffre euery man to speake vpon me what thei list. 1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing v. i. 21 Men Can..speake comfort to that griefe, Which they themselues not feele. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 129 For certaine words he spake against your Grace In your retirment. View more context for this quotation 1821 W. Wordsworth Eccl. Sonn. iii. ii Last night..that Vision spake Fear to my Soul. 1838 I. Williams Cathedral 144 Love..Speaks peace to fall'n humanity. 12. a. To declare in words: to make known by speech; to tell (of).to speak one's mind: see to speak one's mind at mind n.¹ 17c. ΘΚΠ society > communication > information > intimation or making known > intimate or make known (something) [verb (transitive)] speakc825 areadc885 meldeOE sayOE yknowa1225 warnc1275 bekena1300 wraya1300 signifyc1325 declarec1340 to speak outc1384 discuss1389 notifyc1390 bida1400 advertise1447 notice1447 detectc1465 render1481 minister1536 to set outa1540 summonc1540 intimate1548 acquaint1609 phrase1614 voice1629 denote1660 unlade1717 apprise1817 aira1902 c825 Vesp. Psalter xvi. 4 Ðætte..ne sprece muð min wirc monna. c825 Vesp. Psalter lxxvii. 2 Ic spreocu foresetenisse from fruman weorulde. c1000 Lambeth Ps. cxliv. 11 Wuldor rices þines hi cweðaþ..& mihte þine hi specaþ. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12965 Forr þatt he wollde beldenn hemm. To spekenn þeȝȝre nede. a1300 Cursor Mundi 24074 Þat es na tung mai speke wit word..Hu þat vr stur was strang. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. ii. 7 We speken the wysdom of God, that is hid in mysterie. 1513 Bk. Keruynge A iv Than serue ye forth the table manerly, y^t euery man may speke your curtesy. 1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) ii. sig. D2 Here's one..saies hee is newly return'd from Ostend, and has some businesse of import to speake. a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. ii. 39 What other harme haue I..done, But spoke the harme, that is by others done? View more context for this quotation 1693 M. Prior C'tess Exeter playing on Lute 17 Your Art no other Art can speak. 1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 117 You have, in a few words, spoke the whole of the matter. 1812 G. Crabbe Tales iv. 72 Speak then my fate. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. iii. iii. 113 Bound to speak his opinion. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. ii. 32 I spoke my business. b. To state or declare in writing, etc. ΘΚΠ society > communication > writing > [verb (transitive)] awriteeOE writeOE speak?c1225 paintc1400 conscribec1487 blecka1500 cipher1565 letter1570 characterize1581 character1589 bewrite1660 scriven1680 quill1768 screeve1851 the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (transitive)] > in writing writeeOE speak?c1225 ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 38 Þis is nu þe forme dale þet haueð ispeken hiderto of ouwer seruise. c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 51 The firste of the iij. opiniouns spoken and sett forth..in the first chapiter. 1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 4 Albeit the time be schort, sumthing of ȝour prais man we speik. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iii. iii. 127 Of the West, I cannot speake any thing certaine or generall. 1672 in E. B. Jupp Carpenters' Co. (1887) 305 The said Statute..makes no mencion at all nor speakes a tittle of a Joyner. a1763 W. King Polit. & Lit. Anecd. (1819) 121 I speak this upon a supposition that Bing [sic] was justly put to death. 1849 D. Rock Church of our Fathers (1903) III. i. viii. 45 The monument itself, with its little chantry altar,..speaks what was his belief while here. c. transferred. Of musical instruments: To announce, indicate, or proclaim by sound. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > sound of instruments > sound (notes, etc.) [verb (transitive)] speak1702 1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane i. i. 120 These Trumpets speak his Presence. 1781 W. Cowper Anti-Thelypthora 161 The trumpet now spoke Marmadan at hand. 1837 A. Tennent Force of Imag. 7 In mournful plaints of sorrow now It [sc. the pibroch] speaks the battle's close. 13. To use as a language; to talk. ΚΠ 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 7539 Þe normans..speke french as hii dude atom. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 345 Þis Gaythelus kouþe speke many langages and tonges. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 21 [He] coude wele speke the langage of grece, and of latyne. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/1 They speke a pedlars frenche amongest them selfe. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 596 Welsh and English speaking both languages. 1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 279 Can they speak Dutch? 1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 206 The collonell..has been over all Europe, and speaks all the languages. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 225 He knew no language but the English, as it was spoken by the common people. 1910 Haverfield in Encycl. Brit. IV. 587/1 By this time the town populations..spoke Latin. †14. a. To make mention of (a person); to speak of or mention in a certain way; to commend (one) to another. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of > in a certain way speak1297 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2390 Princes oueral aboute of ech kinedom Speke him vuel & hated him. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12005 Sum him loued and spack o prise. c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 203 The King..whom the lesson of prophetis hath bifore spokun. c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 975 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 91 For men will lichtly spek ye Ill. 1618 D. Carleton Lett. (1775) 259 Who they [the ambassadors] shall be, is not yet fully determined; but count Ernest of Nassau is chiefly spoken. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iv. ii. 32 Yet thus farre Griffith, giue me leaue to speake him, And yet with Charity. View more context for this quotation a1657 R. Loveday Lett. (1663) 58 I pray speak me to her in the best Language of affection. †b. To assign or dedicate. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > holiness > consecration > perform consecration [verb (transitive)] hallow971 blessc1000 teemc1275 bensyc1315 sacrec1380 dediec1430 consecratea1464 dedify1482 sanctify1483 consacrea1492 speak1502 vow1526 dedicate1530 sequester1533 celebrate1584 devote1586 vow1600 to set apart1604 devout1615 devove1619 devow1626 inauguratea1639 behallow1648 sanctificatea1677 sanctize1691 mancipate1715 sacrate1755 sacrify1827 sacrament1829 sacralize1933 1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) i. ii. sig. b.i ^v All these thynges the whiche be spoken & consecrate vnto god. c. To bespeak or order. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain or acquire in a certain way > by asking, entreaty, or importunity > by ordering ordaina1393 speak1508 to speak of ——1600 steven1674 commission1790 tryst1825 order1836 to order up1843 indent1897 1508 J. Stanbridge Vulgaria (W. de W.) B v I haue spoken a payre of shone agaynst sondaye. 1936 J. Steinbeck In Dubious Battle vi. 97 If the bitch ever whelps, I'd like to speak a pup. †d. To use as a term or phrase. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > linguistic unit > phrase > express in phrases [verb (transitive)] haveeOE phrasec1540 speak1579 1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Apr. 118 Gloss. A beauie of Ladyes, is spoken figuratively for a company or troupe. 15. a. To indicate, denote, or betoken; to reveal, make known. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] tokenc888 sayOE tellc1175 note?c1225 signifyc1275 notifyc1390 signc1390 ossc1400 testify1445 point1477 betoken1486 indike?1541 demonstrate1558 to give show of1567 argue1585 portend1590 speak1594 denotate1597 denote1597 evidence1610 instance1616 bespeak1629 resent1638 indict1653 notificate1653 indicate1706 exhibit1799 to body forth1821 signalize1825 to speak for ——1832 index1862 signal1866 1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 435 Lord Titus..Whose furie not dissembled speakes his griefes. View more context for this quotation 1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles iii. 14 His sealed Commission left in trust with mee, does speake sufficiently hee's gone to trauaile. View more context for this quotation 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. ii. §7 Two things speak much the wisdom of a Nation; good Laws, and a prudent management of them. 1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. x. 100 Some Porches and broken Pillars I have seen, that speak their ancient Grandeur. 1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 122 The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind. 1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. lxxvi. 46 Loud bellowings speak his woes. 1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits iii. 40 The solidity of the structures..speaks the industry of ages. reflexive.1850 T. Carlyle Latter-day Pamphlets v. 30 William the Silent spoke himself best in a country liberated. b. Of the countenance, eyes, etc.: To indicate or manifest by expression.to speak daggers: see dagger n.¹ 3b. ΘΚΠ society > communication > expression > [verb (transitive)] abroachc1400 figure1475 express1549 unload1561 vent1602 speaka1616 extrinsicate1645 to set out1684 ventilate1823 exhibit1849 register1901 a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. iii. 175 Thine eies See it so grosely showne in thy behauiours, That in their kinde they speake it. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 lxxiii. 19 His face spake hope, while deep his sorrows flow. 1792 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 667 And O her een, they spak sic things! 1820 J. Keats Isabella in Lamia & Other Poems 51 If looks speak love-laws, I will drink her tears. 1859 J. Watson Living Bards of Border 78 Her look spoke affection. †c. reflexive. Of things: To be self-evident. Obsolete. (Cf. to speak for —— 5 at Phrasal verbs 1.) ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > be self-evident [verb (intransitive)] 'pear1463 to answer for itself1570 speak1689 to speak for itself1779 show1901 1689 W. Popple tr. J. Locke Let. conc. Toleration 29 Let us apply the last Case..and the thing speaks it self. 1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires iii. 32 The Story of this Satyr speaks it self. 16. a. To manifest or show (a person, thing, etc.) to be or do a certain thing, or to possess a certain quality or character. Const. with simple complement or with to be. Now archaic. ΚΠ (a) a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. iii. 160 Sundry Blessings hang about his Throne, That speake him full of Grace. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Dryden Annus Mirabilis 1666 xxiii. 7 Men quit the open air When thunder speaks the angry Gods abroad. 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋3 His whole Person is finely turned, and speaks him a Man of Quality. 1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice II. v. 57 A sudden noise below seemed to speak the whole house in confusion. View more context for this quotation (b)1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. viii. 79 Which speaks his judgement to be better then his invention.a1701 H. Maundrell Journey Aleppo to Jerusalem (1703) 136 This speaks it self to have been part of some very August Pile.1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 212 Each of which [varieties]..speaks the kind seldom to have mixed with any other.1808 ‘H. St. Victor’ Ruins of Rigonda II. 156 His graceful carriage..spoke him to be a person very different from what his plain garb might naturally denote.1821 W. Scott Pirate II. ix. 216 His acquaintance with the English language..plainly spoke him to be an Englishman. b. To term or call; to describe as. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > call or give as name to > designate or style as sayOE calla1250 deemc1400 nevenc1425 qualify?1465 designa1500 expound1530 style1570 read1590 intenda1599 dub1607 instyle1607 phrase1607 enstyle1616 speaka1625 cognominate1632 determine1653 clapa1657 designate1669 intimate1799 nominate1799 bedub1884 tab1924 a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian v. viii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ddddddd2/2 Mays't thou live ever spoken our protector. 1825 W. Scott Talisman i, in Tales Crusaders IV. 9 Report speaks thee one unlikely to return thus from fight. c. To describe (a person). Now archaic. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > describe [verb (transitive)] sayOE devisec1300 readc1300 to make (a) showing ofc1330 counterfeitc1369 expressc1386 scrievec1390 descrya1400 scrya1400 drawa1413 representc1425 describec1450 report1460 qualify?1465 exhibit1534 perscribe1538 to set out1545 deline1566 delineate1566 decipher1567 denotate1599 lineate16.. denote1612 givea1616 inform?1615 to shape out1633 speaka1637 display1726 to hit off1737 a1637 B. Jonson Under-woods ii. viii. 30 in Wks. (1640) III Make accompt..(And that quickly) speake your Man. 1662 A. Cokayne Trag. Ovid iii. i. 53 in Poems You mistake me, I cannot speak her to her merit. 1703 N. Rowe Ulysses i. i But be it as it may; it speaks you well. 1780 W. Cowper Progress of Error 460 How shall I speak thee, or thy pow'r address, Thou god of our idolatry, the press? 1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. ix. 221 Thou hast spoken the Jew..as the persecution of such as thou art has made him. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 155 To speak him true,..No keener hunter after glory breathes. 17. To express or signify. Now rare.to speak volumes: see volume n. 3b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)] tokenc888 meaneOE sayOE bequeathc1175 signifya1382 beara1400 bemeana1400 soundc1400 designc1429 applyc1450 betoken1502 express1526 conveya1568 intend1572 carry1584 denotate1597 pronounce1610 to set out1628 implya1640 speak1645 denote1668 designate1741 describe1808 enunciate1859 read1894 1645 S. Rutherford Tryal & Trivmph of Faith (1845) 32 Ram~horns speak not taking of towns in an ordinary providence. 1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 200 And they were so ready to make World speak seculum, that where we give a much unlike meaning, they still hold to it. 1875 E. White Life in Christ (1878) ii. ix. 93 Men have compelled the narrative to speak a meaning contrary to its intention. 18. a. To send to, to cause to pass or enter into (another state, condition, or position) by speaking. Also reflexive and with adjective complement. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > cause to become by speaking bespeak1604 worda1629 speak1684 the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition > by talking, working, running, etc. run1548 work1599 talk1600 look1611 whip1635 speak1684 the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (reflexive)] delivera1400 livera1500 enlarge1614 speak1833 1684 T. Brooks Precious Remedies 5 God can speak or nod you to hell in a moment. 1696 T. Brookhouse Temple Opened Pref. sig. Aiv So Now, the same word..comes to speak the Ataxy or Irregularities of the Four Monarchies into..an Harmonious Frame. 1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 256 He will be found..Too just to wink, or speak the guilty clear. 1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iv. xxii. 158 That glance, if guilty, would I dread More than the doom that spoke me dead! 1820 A. A. Watts in J. H. Wiffen Aonian Hours (ed. 2) p. x With gratitude thy bosom swelleth To him—who spoke them into birth! 1833 New Monthly Mag. 37 356 He spoke himself into the Common Council. †b. To create by speaking. Obsolete. rare. (Cf. to speak out 3 at Phrasal verbs 3.) ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > create by speaking to speak out1656 speak1736 1736 S. Wesley Poems 241 'Twas great to speak the World from nought, 'Twas greater to redeem. III. To talk with or address, and related uses. 19. a. To talk or converse with; to address. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——c825 speakc950 to speak with ——971 to speak unto ——c1386 entertain1553 to stand with ——1564 wissel1571 discourse1677 dialogue1681 converse1718 the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)] speakc950 beclepec1220 enreason1297 saluec1300 calla1325 clepe1362 to speak on ——?1370 salutec1380 to call upon ——c1405 escry1483 assaya1522 treatc1540 accost1567 encounter1578 bespeaka1593 affront1598 parley1611 address1683 chin-chin1817 chat1898 c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Matt. xii. 46 Soecende spreca him [L. loqui ei]. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3400 ÐO cam ietro to moysen To speken him and ðo kinnes-men. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail liv. l. 28 Welcome..ȝe be longe haue I desired ȝow to speken & se. 1561 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1843) III. ii. 290 He wald cum to þar chalmer and speik tham. 1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades viii. 140 Thus Hector comforts vp his mates, and speaks his horse. a1699 J. Kirkton Secret & True Hist. Church Scotl. (1817) viii. 330 The two brethren went and spoke the Lord Stair. 1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 180 What do you want to speak with the Great Master? he can't be spoke with by you. 1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel vi. xxvi. 187 Like him of whom the story ran, Who spoke the spectre-hound in Man. 1852 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 5) 331 Speaking him In that instinctive Paradisal tongue. b. To communicate with (a passing vessel) at sea, by signal, speaking-trumpet, etc. Cf. to speak with —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1792 M. Riddell Voy. Madeira 20 We spoke several East Indiamen. 1793 Ld. Nelson Let. 11 Oct. in Dispatches & Lett. (1844) I. 331 Yesterday I spoke a Ship from Gibraltar. 1816 J. K. Tuckey Narr. Exped. River Zaire (1818) i. 10 We saw several vessels, but spoke none. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxxv. 441 She hove-to for us, seeing that we wished to speak her. 1885 Times (Weekly ed.) 18 Sept. 14/2 A service of swift yawls..to run out and speak the fishing boats. in extended use.1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxix. 386 Two or three stragglers..‘spoke him’—so the captain entered it—on the subject of spectacles. 20. With adverb: to address (a person) in a specified manner.Earliest in to speak (a person) fair at fair adv. 2a. ΚΠ a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 6836 Speke ham faire wiþ þi mouþe. 1871 R. Browning Balaustion 95 If thou speak us ill, Many and true an ill thing shalt thou hear! 1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 31 Lancelot ever spake him pleasantly. Phrasal verbs PV1. With prepositions, in more or less specialized uses. to speak about —— (see about prep.¹ 7). Cf. the common Old English sprecan ymb(e. ΚΠ a1300 Cursor Mundi 24795 For to spek abute sum pais. a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. iii. 87 Were such things here, as we doe speake about ? View more context for this quotation 1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 263 He falls on speaking about the success of their business. 1737 [see to speak to —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1]. 1843 J. H. Newman Lett. & Corr. (1891) II. 430 Sermons which speak more confidently about our position than I inwardly feel. to speak again(st) —— (see again prep. 6a and against prep. 2). ΚΠ c1000 Ælfric Numbers xxi. 7 We singodon swiðe, for þan þe we swa spræcon ongean god & þe. a1250 Owl & Nightingale 678 Þar muþ shal speke ayeyn horte. 1388 J. Wyclif Psalms xlix. 20 Thou sittynge spakist aȝens thi brother. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2928 Þer aȝeyn durst he not speke. 1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 22 I speake not agaynst greate candelles, but agaynst lytle candels. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 398 Sith that both charge and danger Speakes gainst so great a number. View more context for this quotation 1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ I. (at cited word) If he go on to speak lavishly against me. 1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess vii. 148 On the other side Hortensia spoke against the tax. 1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvi. 339 Some regretted..that they spoke against her as an interloper. to speak for —— 1. To make a speech or plea in place of or on behalf of (a person); in later use esp. to plead for. Also, to make representations concerning (a thing). speak for yourself: expressing a desire to dissociate oneself from what another has just said or the assumptions behind it. ΘΚΠ society > authority > delegated authority > action or function of a delegate or deputy > act as deputy for [verb (transitive)] > speak for or on behalf of another to speak for ——a1300 voice1886 the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > bind by a promise conjurec1290 to speak for ——a1300 avow1303 adjurea1425 surec1460 arrest1489 gage1489 insure1530 pledge1571 fiance1592 objure1609 sacrament1621 attest1685 the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > support or defend to stand by ——OE to speak for ——a1300 to stand for ——1384 maintainc1390 to stand up for1562 to stand out for?c1576 to stand to ——1582 patronize1595 stickle1632 to stick up for1792 championize1840 champion1844 to take up the cudgels1869 the mind > language > statement > dissent or disagreement > dissent or disagree [verb (intransitive)] > dissociate oneself disclaim1578 speak for yourself1738 a1300 K. Horn 171 Hor[n] spak for hem alle. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxvi. 1 It is suffrid to thee, for to speke for thi silf. 1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 8 How grymbart the dasse..spack For reynart. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings iv. 13 Hast thou eny matter to be spoken for to the kynge? a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 70 An impardonable fault, In soe much That noe man would speake for him. 1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ I. at Speak for If ever he do so again, I will never speak for him. 1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 16 Pray, Sir, speak for yourself. 1777 C. Reeve Champion of Virtue 102 Take courage and speak for yourself. 1778 J. Boswell in London Mag. Feb. 58/1 I remember hearing a late celebrated infidel tell that he was not at all pleased when the infidel wife of his friend, a poet of some eminence, addressed him in a company in London, ‘we Deists’.—Speak for yourself, Madam, said he abruptly. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xi. 214 ‘I say, speak not for her,’ replied Leicester. 1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet III. x. 292 ‘Speak for yourself, friend,’ said Peter, scornfully. 1858 H. W. Longfellow Courtship Miles Standish iii Why don't you speak for yourself, John? 1916 G. B. Shaw Androcles & Lion Prologue 3 Megaera: Everybody knows that the Christians are the very lowest of the low. Androcles: Just like us, dear. Megaera: Speak for yourself. 1946 L. P. Hartley Sixth Heaven ii. 46 ‘Speak for yourself,’ said Barbara defiantly. 1976 Times Lit. Suppl. 30 Apr. 508/4 We learn that ‘when viewing serials..we feel we know these characters well enough, for example, to say hello to in the street.’.. My reaction to this is to say: speak for yourself! in extended use.a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 130 There Mutinies and Reuolts..spoke not for them. View more context for this quotation1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. at Parler Ses Services parlent pour lui, his Services speak for him.1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) II. 664/2 He had a very engaging countenance, which spoke for him before he opened his lips.1859 Ld. Tennyson Merlin & Vivien 466 in Idylls of King She ceased,..and let her eyes Speak for her. 2. To beg or request; to ask for. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] yearnOE bid971 seek971 askOE beseechc1175 banc1275 yerec1275 cravec1300 desirec1330 impetrec1374 praya1382 nurnc1400 pleadc1400 require1400 fraynec1430 proke1440 requisitea1475 wishc1515 supply1546 request1549 implore?c1550 to speak for ——1560 entreat1565 impetratec1565 obtest?1577 solicit1595 invoke1617 mendicate1618 petition1621 imprecate1636 conjurea1704 speer1724 canvass1768 kick1792 I will thank you to do so-and-so1813 quest1897 to hit a person up for1917 1560 Bible (Geneva) Song of Sol. viii. 8 What shal we do for our sister..when she shalbe spoken for? 1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie i. iii. sig. B3 They giue vs pap with a spoon before we can speak, and when wee speake for that wee loue, pap with a hatchet. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear iv. 240 The shame it selfe doth speake for instant remedie. View more context for this quotation 3. To order; to bespeak; to engage. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)] > order to speak for ——a1688 order1746 mail-order1968 society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ hirec1000 i-bye10.. i-hirec1000 soldc1386 takea1400 retain1437 wage1465 conduct1476 fee1488 conduce1502 implya1533 entertain1572 enter1585 wager1592 to fill up1598 to take on1611 improve1640 to speak for ——a1688 employa1727 engage1753 ploy1871 to turn on1893 to book up1915 a1688 J. Bunyan Israel's Hope Encouraged in Wks. (1855) I. 583 As your great traders do with the goods that their chapmen have either bought or spoke for. 1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum at Bespeak To speak for something; to give order for it to be made. 1743 W. Ellis Suppl. to London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) 284 The next time he went to the Brew-house to speak for more. 1816 J. Austen Emma I. xv. 273 The bell was rung, and the carriages spoken for. View more context for this quotation 1859 H. B. Stowe Minister's Wooing xii. 115 Three months beforehand, all her days and nights are spoken for. 1943 Sun (Baltimore) 25 Feb. 6/1 (advt.) We hope to preserve even more food this year. But well over half of this season's pack is already spoken for by the Government. 1971 Petticoat 17 July 29/2 He's not married, but he's involved, as they say, spoken for, and has lived with his girlfriend in London for the last few years. 4. To indicate; to betoken. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > [verb (transitive)] tokenc888 sayOE tellc1175 note?c1225 signifyc1275 notifyc1390 signc1390 ossc1400 testify1445 point1477 betoken1486 indike?1541 demonstrate1558 to give show of1567 argue1585 portend1590 speak1594 denotate1597 denote1597 evidence1610 instance1616 bespeak1629 resent1638 indict1653 notificate1653 indicate1706 exhibit1799 to body forth1821 signalize1825 to speak for ——1832 index1862 signal1866 1832 Philol. Museum I. 335 The great mass of evidence that speaks for an intimate affinity between the Pelasgians and the Hellenes. 1852 D. M. Mulock Head of Family III. ii. 31 It may speak very ill for Mr. Græme's knowledge of the world, to confess..he had never been ‘behind the scenes’ of a theatre. 1910 Hirth in Encycl. Brit. VI. 191/1 This does not seem to speak for racial consanguinity. 5. to speak for itself, to be significant or self-evident. (Cf. 15c.) ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > mean [verb (intransitive)] bea1200 understand?c1425 sense1564 interpret1614 magnify1712 to speak for itself1779 to add up to1873 mean1926 the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > evident certainty > be self-evident [verb (intransitive)] 'pear1463 to answer for itself1570 speak1689 to speak for itself1779 show1901 1779 J. Warner in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1844) IV. 213 The letter was not from any of the family, she said, and that speaks for itself. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. viii. 211 But I need not detail them—the fact speaks for itself. 1869 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 2nd Ser. 127 The paragraph..will speak for itself. to speak of —— 1. To mention, or discourse upon, in speech or writing. (See also to speak to —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1.) ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of to speak of ——c825 sayOE besayc1200 talk ofc1230 to make mention ofc1300 readc1300 yminnea1325 nevenc1330 to make mindc1350 toucha1375 famea1400 minta1400 clepec1400 rehearsec1405 recitec1436 reckonc1480 mentionatec1525 mention1530 to speak upon ——1535 name1542 repeatc1550 voice1597 commemorate1599 to speak on ——1600 notice1611 quote1612 to make vent ofa1616 memorate1623 mensh1928 c825 Vesp. Psalter cxviii. 46 [Ic] sprec of cyðnissum ðinum in gesihðe cyninga. c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke ix. 11 [He] spræcc him of ric godes. c1175 Lamb. Hom. 73 Of þe halie fulht spec ure drihten on oðer stude. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6784 Goddspellboc ne spekeþþ nohht. Off all þatt oþerr genge. c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 2683 Here es þe thred parte of þis buke spedde Þat spekes of þe dede. 1422 Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv. 203 Of this Spekyth the boke of Iudyth. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 I go nowe beyondsee, but if God send me lyfe you shall here speke of me. 1603 R. Parsons 2nd Pt. Treat. Conuersions in Treat. Three Conuersions Eng. I. viii. 481 I shall haue occasion to speake againe of these heretiks in the next chapter. 1730 A. Gordon tr. F. S. Maffei Compl. Hist. Anc. Amphitheatres 58 The Theatre..is spoke of by Martial. 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 95 ‘And speaking of red-game,’ said the young scape-grace, interrupting his father. 1884 B. Bosanquet et al. tr. H. Lotze Metaphysic 43 A common-place with every philosophy which spoke of Things at all. in extended use.1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho IV. iv. 61 Every object, on which her eye fixed, seemed to speak of the Marchioness.1833 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Loire 180 At Doulon every thing begins to speak of the neighbourhood of a city.1894 M. Pemberton Sea Wolves xi He..wore sea-boots to his hips, though they spoke of much service and of decay. 2. With adverbs, as evil, ill, well. ΚΠ c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Mark ix. 39 Seðe..mæge recone yfle spreca [L. male loqui] of mec. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Jer. xl. 16 Fals forsothe thou spekist of Ismael. 1382 J. Wyclif Psalms lxxvii. 19 And euele thei speken of God. c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 83 Whan þou spekyst euyll of an-oþer mannys goodnesse. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Never speke yl of men behynde their backes. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxxvi. 23 My greate name..which amonge the Gentiles is euel spoken of. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 598 He was..well spoken of of all men. 1611 Bible (King James) Luke vi. 26 When all men shall speake well of you. View more context for this quotation 1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth Introd. 10 Howbeit her dayes haue beene ill spoken of. 1807 R. Southey Lett. from Eng. II. 263 The boys..spake well of their masters. 3. In the phrase to speak of (in later use = ‘worth mentioning’). Chiefly in negative constructions.Also (b) = ‘if mentioned or considered’. ΚΠ (a) 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. biij^v/1 Of hys strengthe is not a lytel thynge to speke of, For [etc.]. 1582 T. Bentley et al. Monument of Matrones iii. 269 For that which I haue hitherto done, is nothing at all to speake of. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 633 This Towne is not verie ancient to speake of. 1654 T. Gataker Disc. Apol. 47 None out-went me, few to speak of came neer me. 1694 A. Wood Life 23 Oct. No raine to speak of all Sept. and Oct. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering III. vi. 101 He had ridden the whole day..without tasting any thing ‘to speak of’. 1881 E. A. Freeman in W. R. W. Stephens Life & Lett. E. A. Freeman (1895) II. 244 To-day has come the first snow to speak of. (b)1580 G. Harvey Let. to Spenser in E. Spenser Poet. Wks. (1912) 628/1 For the Romanes to speake of, are but verye Ciphars in this kinde. †4. not to be spoken of, (to be) beyond all description. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > quality of inspiring wonder > [adjective] > beyond description undeclarablec1449 not to be spoken of1600 phraseless1609 termless1609 unexpressivea1616 unexprimable1632 wingy1643 unfanciable1669 indescribable1785 unpicturable?1819 unportrayable1852 superinenarrable1873 1600 T. Nashe Summers Last Will in Wks. (Grosart) VI. 126 As for my Pease and my Fetches, they are famous, and not to be spoken of. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) v. ii. 43 Then haue you lost a Sight which was to bee seene, cannot bee spoken of. View more context for this quotation †5. To bespeak; to order. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain or acquire in a certain way > by asking, entreaty, or importunity > by ordering ordaina1393 speak1508 to speak of ——1600 steven1674 commission1790 tryst1825 order1836 to order up1843 indent1897 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice ii. iv. 5 We haue not spoke vs yet of Torch-bearers. View more context for this quotation 6. With verbal nouns: To suggest, propose, hint at (doing something). ΘΚΠ the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > influence by suggestion > suggest sugger1502 suggest1526 to speak of ——1586 prompt1602 1586 Ld. Burghley in J. Bruce Leycester Corr. (1844) 450 Some spek of namyng the count Morrice. 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. xxx. 6 The people spake of stoning him. View more context for this quotation 1792 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) II. 667 Duncan..Spak o' lowpin' o'er a linn. to speak on —— †1. To address or talk to (a person). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)] speakc950 beclepec1220 enreason1297 saluec1300 calla1325 clepe1362 to speak on ——?1370 salutec1380 to call upon ——c1405 escry1483 assaya1522 treatc1540 accost1567 encounter1578 bespeaka1593 affront1598 parley1611 address1683 chin-chin1817 chat1898 ?1370 Robert Cicyle in J.O. Halliwell Nugæ Poeticæ (1844) 58 Lowde on hym he began to speke. c1420 Sir Amadace (Camden) xxxvii So come a mon..And speke on him fulle hastely. †2. = To speak of (see to speak of —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1, to speak of —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of to speak of ——c825 sayOE besayc1200 talk ofc1230 to make mention ofc1300 readc1300 yminnea1325 nevenc1330 to make mindc1350 toucha1375 famea1400 minta1400 clepec1400 rehearsec1405 recitec1436 reckonc1480 mentionatec1525 mention1530 to speak upon ——1535 name1542 repeatc1550 voice1597 commemorate1599 to speak on ——1600 notice1611 quote1612 to make vent ofa1616 memorate1623 mensh1928 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. ii. 57 I am well spoke on, I can heare it with mine owne eares. View more context for this quotation 1647 J. Saltmarsh Sparkles of Glory (1847) 28 The Baptism of Christ..is that one Baptism spoken on in Ephes. 4. 3. To discourse upon (a subject, etc.). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic) talka1387 rolla1413 descant?1532 to speak to ——1610 to speak unto ——1639 to go into ——1697 cuff1746 to speak on ——1819 tongue1841 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor ii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 15 Mr. Haystone speaks on a subject on which you have long since agreed to give him a favourable hearing. 1876 Nature 7 Dec. 128 The Society..has invited Prof. Nordenskjöld to speak on the Kara Sea and Jenissei. to speak past —— To talk at cross-purposes with; to speak incomprehensibly to. Cf. German vorbeireden. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > misinterpretation > misunderstand [phrase] to take amissa1425 to walk wide in words1529 to have (also take, catch) the wrong pig by the ear (also tail)1536 to be out of the story1649 to be at cross-purposes1688 I beg your pardon1806 to lose track of1894 to get (someone) wrong1927 to speak past ——1952 to lose the thread1956 1952 G. Himmelfarb Lord Acton i. 2 This historian..ended his life..as a lecturer doomed to speak past his audience. 1975 United Church Observer Nov. 15/1 The most important issue..is whether we can speak together and converse together, not at each other or past each other. to speak to —— 1. To address words or discourse to (a person); to talk to, converse with. to speak to (see quot. 1837), so as to have conversation or personal acquaintance with one. Frequently in the phr. ‘to know (one) to speak to’. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——c825 speakc950 to speak with ——971 to speak unto ——c1386 entertain1553 to stand with ——1564 wissel1571 discourse1677 dialogue1681 converse1718 c825 Vesp. Psalter xlix. 7 [Ic] sprecu to Israhela folce. 971 Blickl. Hom. 141 Heo spræc to þæm weorode & cwæþ [etc.]. OE Beowulf 1171 Þu on sælum wes..ond to Geatum spræc mildum wordum. c1000 West Saxon Gospels: John (Corpus Cambr.) x. 25 Ic spece [c1160 speke] to eow & ge ne gelyfað. a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 925 After ðis spac god to abram. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xiv. 3 He that prophecieth, spekith to men. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11964 Sai þou; i der noght til him speke. c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) iv. xxiii. 69 I wold haue spoke to them but I ne myght nought. 1528 Rede me & be nott Wrothe sig. i iiij^v Thus to the Cardinall he spake. 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. f. 13^v If..you resalute not a friend, he will speake no more to you. a1635 R. Sibbes Heavenly Conf. (1656) 15 When he speaks aloof to her, she answereth aloof to him. 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxv. 216 Commanded by a Voice, as one man speaketh to another. 1751 E. Haywood Hist. Betsy Thoughtless I. xiv. 165 What reply she made I do not know, being speaking to Wildly at the same time. 1837 J. R. Lowell Lett. (1894) I. 21 How I remember the first time I ever saw you ‘to speak to’. 1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert xxvi. 342 It was too late that night to speak to her. 2. With of, on, or about (a matter, etc.). ΚΠ c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10466 Þatt fir. Þatt sannt iohan bapptisste. Spacc offe to þa sanderrmenn. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 3204 What Scholen we don of this mateer That he to vs spak of now heer? 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/1 I speke to him of my busynes. 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. ix. 17 Behold the man whom I spake to thee of. View more context for this quotation 1737 Gentleman's Mag. Aug. 492/1 I have..spoke to the King of England..about your Friend. 1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) III. 234 They spake to me of the various Works of Nature. 1804 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 12 448 I also spoke to the principal surgeons..on the subject of vaccination. 1888 ‘J. S. Winter’ Bootle's Children iv. 30 Whatever you wish for, you have only to speak to nurse here about it. 3. transferred or figurative; esp. to appeal to, to influence, affect, or touch. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect the emotions [phrase] to speak to ——a1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. ii. 23 My demerrits, May speake vnbonnited to as proud a fortune As this. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. ii. 173 More vrgent touches Do strongly speake to vs. View more context for this quotation 1700 J. Astry tr. D. de Saavedra Fajardo Royal Politician I. 116 b Elogies inscribed on Tombs, speak not to the Dead, but to the Living. 1738 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) I. 269 To give a more lively idea of the greatness of the victory, by speaking in some measure to the eye. 1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. II. 231 How strongly it speaks to the heart. 1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xvi. 136 The actor had spoken to them in the eloquence of rhythmic gesture. 4. To apply to (a person) for a special purpose, esp. for help or service; to influence or bribe; spec. to propose marriage to. Cf. sense 1g. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke halsec825 askOE witnec1200 halsenc1290 calla1325 incalla1340 to speak to ——1362 interpel1382 inclepec1384 turnc1384 becallc1400 ethec1400 peala1425 movec1450 provoke1477 adjure1483 invoke1490 conjurea1500 sue1521 invocatea1530 obtest1548 obtestate1553 to throw oneself on (or upon)1592 obsecrate1598 charm1599 to cry on ——1609 behight1615 imprecate1643 impray1855 society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [verb (transitive)] > bribe meedOE underorna1325 corrump1387 forbuy1393 hirec1400 wage1461 fee1487 under-arearc1503 bribe1528 grease1528 money1528 corrupt1548 budc1565 to feed with money1567 to put out a person's eyes with (a gift, bribe, etc.)1580 sweeten1594 to grease the fist or (one) in the fist1598 over-bribe1619 to buy off1629 palter1641 to take off1646 buy1652 overmoneya1661 bub1684 to speak to ——1687 to tickle in the palm1694 daub1699 overbuy1710 touch1752 palm1767 to get at ——1780 fix1790 subsidize1793 sop1837 to buy over1848 backsheesh1850 nobble1856 square1859 hippodrome1866 see1867 boodleize1883 boodle1886 to get to ——1901 reach1906 straighten1923 lubricate1928 to keep (someone) sweet1939 sling1939 to pay off1942 bung1950 society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > proposal of marriage > propose marriage to [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——1840 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. v. 130 My Wyf..Spak to þe spinsters for to spinne hit softe. 1535 [see to speak for —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1]. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) i. i. 3 Good: Speake to th' Mariners. View more context for this quotation 1669 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 430 Their friends having spoke to me to speak for them to the King. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 26 If you would have a lodging room there, you must speak to the Porter of the Han. 1809 Ld. Granville Let. 14 Nov. in B. Askwith Piety & Wit (1982) iv. 64 I spoke to Harriet last night; she was very nervous and so was I... She consented to my speaking to the Duke [her father]. 1840 W. M. Thackeray in Fraser's Mag. 22 230/1 ‘Will you marry me?’ In fact, this very speech had been taught him by cunning Gann, who saw well enough that Swigby would speak to one or other of his daughters. c1860 Househ. Words (Flügel) When judges were corrupt,..and attorney generals were to be ‘spoken to’. 1863 E. C. Gaskell Dark Night's Work iv. 46 He had some discussion with himself as to whether he should speak to her, and so secure her promise. 1977 G. Butler Brides of Friedberg i. 12 Next day someone I would much rather have accepted spoke to me riding in the Row. But it was too late. 5. To treat of or deal with, to discuss or comment on, (a subject) in speech or writing. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic) talka1387 rolla1413 descant?1532 to speak to ——1610 to speak unto ——1639 to go into ——1697 cuff1746 to speak on ——1819 tongue1841 society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > non-fiction > treatise or dissertation > write treatise about or treat of [verb (transitive)] writeOE handleOE treatc1325 treatc1374 entreatc1425 treatise1506 tract1529 pertract1542 overharl1568 entracta1572 to speak to ——1610 1610 J. Dove Advt. Seminaries 42 I desire them therefore..to speake to these foure points. 1637 P. Heylyn Briefe Answer Burton 78 For your charges,..I meane to take them..in order, and speake as briefely to them, as you would desire. 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. vi. §4 Though it be a subject little spoken to either by Jewish or Christian Writers. 1706 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels III. 555 Part of this Scripture hath already been spoken to. 1735 J. Swift Let. to Middleton in Wks. IV. 186 A Lawyer who speaks to a Cause, when the Matter hath been almost exhausted by those who spoke before. 1778 Earl of Malmesbury Diaries & Corr. I. 166 Unprepared as he was for such a proposition, he could not, he said, off-hand, speak to it accurately. 1869 Daily News 28 Apr. The report..was spoken to by the Most Rev. Chairman..and the Bishop of Derry. 1880 Daily News 19 Mar. 2/3 I wish to call your attention..to..that allegation, and I shall endeavour to speak to it. 6. To give (†or constitute) evidence regarding (a thing); to attest, bear testimony to. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > be or give evidence of to show forth?c1225 witnessa1300 sustain?c1425 testify1445 showa1500 manifest?a1513 make1573 argue1585 evidence1610 attesta1616 citea1616 evince1621 to speak to ——1624 1624 R. Montagu Immediate Addresse 201 [These] speake indeed to the practise since it was in beginning. 1774 W. Mitford Ess. Harmony Lang. 195 From the antient Greeks I know of nothing speaking to the sound of the diphthong ου. 1776 Trial Maha Rajah Nundocomar for Forgery 65/2 I cannot speak to the motions of the army. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India III. vi. ii. 85 The witness was not allowed to speak to the consultation of that day. 1825 W. Hazlitt Spirit of Age 227 This is a nice criticism, and we cannot speak to its truth. 1888 Times (Weekly ed.) 2 Nov. 22/4 [He] asked that witnesses might be called to speak to his character. 7. To address with reproof; to admonish. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] threac897 threapc897 begripea1000 threata1000 castea1200 chaste?c1225 takec1275 blame1297 chastya1300 sniba1300 withnima1315 undernima1325 rebukec1330 snuba1340 withtakea1340 reprovec1350 chastisea1375 arate1377 challenge1377 undertake1377 reprehenda1382 repreync1390 runta1398 snapea1400 underfoc1400 to call to account1434 to put downc1440 snebc1440 uptakec1440 correptc1449 reformc1450 reprise?c1450 to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450 control1451 redarguec1475 berisp1481 to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522 checkc1530 admonish1541 nip1548 twig?1550 impreve1552 lesson1555 to take down1562 to haul (a person) over the coals1565 increpate1570 touch1570 school1573 to gather up1577 task1580 redarguate?1590 expostulate1592 tutor1599 sauce1601 snip1601 sneap1611 to take in tax1635 to sharp up1647 round1653 threapen1671 reprimand1681 to take to task1682 document1690 chapter1693 repulse1746 twink1747 to speak to ——1753 haul1795 to pull up1799 carpet1840 rig1841 to talk to1860 to take (a person) to the woodshed1882 rawhide1895 to tell off1897 to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900 to get on ——1904 to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908 strafe1915 tick1915 woodshed1935 to slap (a person) down1938 sort1941 bind1942 bottle1946 mat1948 ream1950 zap1961 elder1967 1753 J. Collier Art Tormenting (1811) i. ii. 67 Who, she hopes, on being spoke to, will do so no more. 1872 J. Ingelow Off Skelligs xix ‘Papa,’ he exclaimed, in a loud, plaintive voice,..‘will you speak to Giles?’ 8. Cant. To rob (a person or place); to steal. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)] > steal from picka1350 lifta1529 filch1567 purloinc1571 prowl1603 touch1631 pinch1632 to pick up1687 to speak with ——1725 knock1767 shab1787 jump1789 to speak to ——1800 shake1811 spice1819 sting1819 tap1879 to knock over1928 1800 Spirit of Public Jrnls. 3 353 Twenty-four highway and footpad robberies,..none of the parties spoke to on the road able to swear positively. 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 208 To speak to a person or place is to rob them, and to speak to any article is to steal it. 9. slang. (See quot. 1819.) ΚΠ 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. at Spoke Upon any great misfortune befalling a man,..his friends will say, Poor fellow, I believe he's spoke to, meaning it is all over with him. 10. Of hounds: To give indications of (a fox, scent, etc.) by barking. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (transitive)] > indicate by barking to speak to ——1845 the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (transitive)] > indicate prey by barking yearn1523 to speak to ——1845 1845 W. Youatt Dog iii. 78 When a hound first speaks in cover to a fox. 1883 Standard 10 Aug. 2/1 The hounds could not speak to the line. to speak unto —— 1. To speak to (= to speak to —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 1). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——c825 speakc950 to speak with ——971 to speak unto ——c1386 entertain1553 to stand with ——1564 wissel1571 discourse1677 dialogue1681 converse1718 c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale 586 In al his drede vnto the fox he spak. c1400 Brut ccxviii. 258 He..spake vnto ham of þe Kyngus honour. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. xiv. 3 He that prophesieth, speaketh vnto men. a1645 D. Featley in T. Fuller Abel Redevivus (1651) 548 His Majesty spake pleasantly unto him. 1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 26 [They were] spoke kindly unto by him. View more context for this quotation 1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 136 I speak unto the young, for I am of them. †2. To discourse upon or deal with (a topic). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > discuss (a topic) talka1387 rolla1413 descant?1532 to speak to ——1610 to speak unto ——1639 to go into ——1697 cuff1746 to speak on ——1819 tongue1841 the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > topic, subject-matter > be occupied with a topic [verb (intransitive)] to be abouta1400 to run on ——a1400 to run upon ——c1443 to speak unto ——1639 to roll upon ——1702 to roll on ——1763 1639 G. Digby in G. Digby & K. Digby Lett. conc. Relig. (1651) 108 The precedency..is pretended due upon another ground also, which I have yet spoke little unto. 1668 J. Owen Nature Indwelling-sin x. 143 These and the like things,..which are commonly spoken unto, is the mind of a Believer obliged to attend..constantly unto. to speak upon —— to speak about, of, or on. (Cf. to speak on —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, 1c.) ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > mention or speak of to speak of ——c825 sayOE besayc1200 talk ofc1230 to make mention ofc1300 readc1300 yminnea1325 nevenc1330 to make mindc1350 toucha1375 famea1400 minta1400 clepec1400 rehearsec1405 recitec1436 reckonc1480 mentionatec1525 mention1530 to speak upon ——1535 name1542 repeatc1550 voice1597 commemorate1599 to speak on ——1600 notice1611 quote1612 to make vent ofa1616 memorate1623 mensh1928 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xix. D Who so doth but speake vpon it, shal put them in feare. 1550 J. Veron Godly Saiyngs sig. H.iv^v The doctrine of the gospell whyche we do professe, shal be euill spoken vpon. 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. xiii. 428 Remember, I do not promise ever to speak upon them. to speak with —— 1. To converse with, talk to; to consult or confer with.In Old English and early Middle English similarly with mid. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——c825 speakc950 to speak with ——971 to speak unto ——c1386 entertain1553 to stand with ——1564 wissel1571 discourse1677 dialogue1681 converse1718 971 Blickl. Hom. 241 He þæt is se þe wið me spræc. c1000 Ælfric Exodus xxxii. 23 Þa þu.. wið god spæce. c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 85 Alse wise hire lerden, þanne hie wið hire speken. a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1553 Ne mot no mon wiþ hire speke. c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 811 Wiþ morgan speke wil y And spede. c1426 J. Audelay Poems (1931) 17 Ȝe spekyn with Hym in spyrit. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. x. 48 They spak with the knyghtes & welcomed hem. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 He shalbe spoken with towchyng your cause. 1622 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1622–3 (1908) 10 They both retired themselves to there privacy, soe that wee could not then speake with them. 1675 City Mercury 18–25 Nov. 2/1 He [a Physician] is any time to be spoke with from eight in the Morning to four in the Afternoon. 1764 S. Foote Patron iii. 67 Not to be spoke with! Don't tell me, Sir; he must, he shall. 1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 140 Your uncle..has been spoken with, and declines visiting you. 1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess ii. 27 Not for three years to speak with any men. figurative.1665 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xv. 134 When any temptation desires to speak with you, let the answer be ready that there is other company within. 2. Nautical. To hold communication with (another vessel). Cf. 19b. ΚΠ 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 182 The expedition bearing vp to speak with vs, the ships fell foule. 1708 London Gaz. No. 4422/7 We made Signal to the Commanding Officer..that we would speak with him. 1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 24 On our speaking with her we found she had sprung her Fore-stay. 1775 B. Romans Conc. Nat. Hist. E. & W. Florida App. 6 I need not direct seamen how to proceed, in order to speak with any vessel they chance to see. 3. To communicate with (a place). rare. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > [verb (transitive)] to speak with ——1659 to link up with1907 1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 275 In Greenland, and Nova Zembla, &c. which onely in Summer-time may bee spoke with. †4. Cant. To have to do with; to steal or rob (cf. to speak to —— 8 at Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)] > steal from picka1350 lifta1529 filch1567 purloinc1571 prowl1603 touch1631 pinch1632 to pick up1687 to speak with ——1725 knock1767 shab1787 jump1789 to speak to ——1800 shake1811 spice1819 sting1819 tap1879 to knock over1928 1725 New Canting Dict. (at cited word) I will never speak with any thing but Wedge or Cloy; I'll never steal, or have to do with any thing but Plate, or Money, &c. 1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (at cited word) I spoke with the cull on the cherry coloured prancer, I robbed the man on the black horse. PV2. With adverbs in special uses. to speak out (cf. to speak out at Phrasal verbs 3). 1. To talk in a loud voice, or so as to be heard distinctly. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > speak in a particular manner [verb (intransitive)] > speak loudly or angrily thundera1340 raisec1384 to speak outc1515 jowlc1540 fulmine1623 to talk big1680 tang1686 to speak upa1723 to go ona1753 rip1828 whalea1852 yap1864 to rip and tear1884 megaphone1901 to pop off1914 foghorn1918 to sound off1918 loudmouth1931 woof1934 c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxiii. 262 Speke out hyer that ye may the better be herde. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 727/2 Speke out that a man may here you. 1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. To speake out alowd. 1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. To speak half out, or mumbling. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 266. ⁋2 A muttering Voice, as if between Soliloquy and speaking out. 1908 R. Bagot Anthony Cuthbert v. 44 Jim stared at him. ‘What did you say?’ he asked. ‘Oh, nothing! Did I speak out loud?’ 2. To talk freely or unreservedly. to speak out in meeting (U.S.), to express one's opinions freely or openly (Thornton). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > without restraint to wear one's heart on one's tongue (also in one's mouth)?1576 to speak out1694 to open up1884 to talk cold turkey1928 1694 T. Brown Lottery for Ladies in Wks. (1709) IV. i. 56 Is it not as modest to speak out, as to make broad Signs..? 1765 G. Williams in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1843) I. 396 Why do not you speak out as to Lord Gower? Is he to come in or not? 1809 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 21 150 But with all who have the courage to speak out, a difficulty remains. 1830 Massachusetts Spy 23 June 4/1 O dear, I spoke out in meeting. 1842 Ld. Tennyson Morte d'Arthur in Poems (new ed.) II. 11 Speak out: what is it thou hast heard, or seen! 1906 Springfield (Mass.) Weekly Republican 13 Sept. 8 I do not think the president will think any the less of me for speaking right out in meeting and saying that I am not for it. 3. To break into speech. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > begin to speak upbreakc1275 to set spell on enda1300 gina1333 to take up (one's) parablea1382 braidc1400 to take up the word1477 begin1563 exordiate1594 to speak upa1723 to lug out1787 to speak out1792 upspeak1827 exordize1887 shoot1915 open1926 to come in1949 1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 377 Out spak a dame in wrinkled eild. 4. To be apparent or evident. ΘΚΠ society > communication > manifestation > [verb (intransitive)] seem1340 to prove wellc1387 showa1393 appearc1400 to stare (a person) in the face1510 sparkle1597 shinea1616 transpear1645 relate1663 it is visible1693 to speak out1846 notice1961 1846 R. C. Trench Christ Desire of All Nations iii. 50 The sense of this speaks out in every arrangement. to speak over † To say too much, to exaggerate. Obsolete. (Cf. overspeak v.) ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > exaggeration, hyperbole > exaggerate [verb (intransitive)] > in speech to speak over1610 lavish1625 romance1653 overspeaka1656 1610 A. Cooke Pope Ioane 87 If you bring not some author for the proofe of this point, you must giue me leaue to thinke you speake ouer. 1626 R. Harris Hezekiah's Recov. 4 The Orator spake not over, when he intimated that Ingratitude was a kinde of Unjustice. to speak together To hold conference or consultation; to confer. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > confer, consult, or deliberate roundc1275 to speak togetherc1275 to take counselc1290 counsel1297 treat1297 advisea1393 communea1393 to take deliberationc1405 common1416 to put (also bring, lay, set, etc.) their (also our, your) heads togetherc1425 janglec1440 bespeak1489 parliamenta1492 intercommonc1540 confer1545 parle1558 consult1565 imparl1572 break parle1594 handle1596 emparley1600 to confer notes1650 to compare notes1709 powwow1780 to get together1816 palaver1877 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1622 Þa i-lomp hit..þat þe Scottene king & þe duk speken to-gaðere. 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xv. 270 Monkes and mendynauntz..selden speken togideres. c1400 New Test. (Paues) Acts xxvi. 31 [They] wente biside ande speke togider. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 3201 Thanne spoken they to-gederes hem be-twene. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II ii. iii. 29 He was not so resolude, When last we spake togither. View more context for this quotation 1764 Coles's Dict. Eng.-Lat. (ed. 17) To speak together, colloquor. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 21 While the Prince and Earl Yet spoke together. to speak up 1. To speak strongly for (= on behalf of, in defence of) a person. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > intercession or influence on someone's behalf > intercede or use influence for [verb (transitive)] entreata1425 mediate1578 to put ina1616 to speak up1705 1705 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 17 Oct. (O.H.S.) I. 57 I spoke up for him. 1844 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit xliv. 509 It's all very well for you to speak up for him... You'll get a fortune by him. 2. To raise the voice in speaking; to talk boldly or unreservedly; to break into speech. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > begin to speak upbreakc1275 to set spell on enda1300 gina1333 to take up (one's) parablea1382 braidc1400 to take up the word1477 begin1563 exordiate1594 to speak upa1723 to lug out1787 to speak out1792 upspeak1827 exordize1887 shoot1915 open1926 to come in1949 the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > speak in a particular manner [verb (intransitive)] > speak loudly or angrily thundera1340 raisec1384 to speak outc1515 jowlc1540 fulmine1623 to talk big1680 tang1686 to speak upa1723 to go ona1753 rip1828 whalea1852 yap1864 to rip and tear1884 megaphone1901 to pop off1914 foghorn1918 to sound off1918 loudmouth1931 woof1934 a1723 in Child Ballads III. 135/2 Speak up, jolly blade, never fear. 1863 Mrs. H. Wood Trevlyn Hold II. 226 Timid Mrs. Chattaway..spoke up to the rescue. 1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. i. 62 Out he stepped to your father's side, and spoke right up before the King. 1896 R. Kipling Seven Seas 24 Up spake the soul of a gray Gothavn 'speckshioner. PV3. With adverbs in special senses. to speak forth † To utter, declare, proclaim. ΘΚΠ society > communication > information > announcing or proclaiming > announce or proclaim [verb (transitive)] kithec725 i-bedea800 abedeeOE bid971 deemOE bodea1000 tellOE clepec1275 to tell outa1382 denouncec1384 publishc1384 descryc1390 pronouncec1390 proclaima1393 sound1412 proclaim?a1425 renouncea1425 announcec1429 preconize?1440 announce1483 reclaim?1503 call1523 to speak forth1526 annunciate1533 protest1533 to breathe out1535 denouncec1540 enact1611 deblazon1621 deblaze1640 advise1647 apostolize1652 indigitatea1670 enounce1807 voice1850 norate1851 enunciate1864 post1961 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xiii. f. xviij^v I wyll..speake forth thinges whych have bene kepte secrete from the begynnynge off the worlde. 1611 Bible (King James) Acts xxvi. 25 I..speake foorth the words of trueth and sobernesse. View more context for this quotation 1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 191 It would not..more fully speak forth its boundlessness. 1730 N. Bailey et al. Dictionarium Britannicum at Utter To pronounce or speak forth. to speak out (cf. to speak out at Phrasal verbs 2). 1. To utter; to make known in words; to declare openly or clearly. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] speakc825 queatheOE forthdoc900 i-seggenc900 sayeOE speak971 meleOE quidOE spella1000 forthbringc1000 givec1175 warpa1225 mootc1225 i-schirea1250 upbringa1250 outsay?c1250 spilec1275 talec1275 wisea1300 crackc1315 nevena1325 cast1330 rehearsec1330 roundc1330 spend1362 carpa1375 sermona1382 to speak outc1384 usea1387 minc1390 pronouncea1393 lancec1400 mellc1400 nurnc1400 slingc1400 tellc1400 wordc1400 yelpc1400 worka1425 utterc1444 outspeakc1449 yielda1450 arecchec1460 roose?a1475 cutc1525 to come forth with1532 bubble1536 prolate1542 report1548 prolocute1570 bespeak1579 wield1581 upbraid1587 up with (also mid) ——1594 name1595 upbrayc1600 discoursea1616 tonguea1616 to bring out1665 voice1665 emit1753 lip1789 to out with1802 pitch1811 go1836 to open one's head1843 vocabulize1861 shoot1915 verbal1920 be1982 society > communication > information > intimation or making known > intimate or make known (something) [verb (transitive)] speakc825 areadc885 meldeOE sayOE yknowa1225 warnc1275 bekena1300 wraya1300 signifyc1325 declarec1340 to speak outc1384 discuss1389 notifyc1390 bida1400 advertise1447 notice1447 detectc1465 render1481 minister1536 to set outa1540 summonc1540 intimate1548 acquaint1609 phrase1614 voice1629 denote1660 unlade1717 apprise1817 aira1902 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxvi. 25 I speke out the wordus of treuthe and sobrenesse. c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 468/1 Spekyn owte, exprimo. c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 339 That he meened so myche bi hise..wordis, thouȝ he not alle hem out spake. 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 524 Tis well, Ile haue thee speake out the rest of this soone. 1648 J. Beaumont Psyche ii. cxxiii. 22 I'le make him finde a tongue To speak out his imposture. 1676 A. Marvell Mr. Smirke 44 'Tis happy that some or other of this Few chances ever and anon to speak their minds out, to shew us plainly what they would be at. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. xii. 199 You will often hear it mentioned... I will, therefore, speak it out. 1855 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes II. xxi. 209 I have no right..to hear him speak out his heart, and tell it to any friend. 1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars i. 42 Henry..spoke out his mind and showed that he was not too well-pleased. 2. Of things: To declare, manifest, etc. ΘΚΠ society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] uppec897 atewOE sutelec1000 openOE awnc1175 kithec1175 forthteec1200 tawnec1220 let witc1275 forthshowa1300 to pilt out?a1300 showa1300 barea1325 mythc1330 unfoldc1374 to open outc1390 assign1398 mustera1400 reyve?a1400 vouchc1400 manifest?a1425 outshowc1425 ostendc1429 explayc1443 objecta1500 reveala1500 patefy?1509 decipher1529 relieve1533 to set outa1540 utter1542 report1548 unbuckle1548 to set forth1551 demonstrate1553 to hold forth1560 testify1560 explicate1565 forthsetc1565 to give show of1567 denudec1572 exhibit1573 apparent1577 display?1578 carry1580 cipher1583 laya1586 foreshow1590 uncloud?1594 vision1594 explain1597 proclaim1597 unroll1598 discloud1600 remonstrate1601 resent1602 to bring out1608 palesate1613 pronounce1615 to speak out1623 elicit1641 confess1646 bear1657 breathe1667 outplay1702 to throw out1741 evolve1744 announce1781 develop1806 exfoliate1808 evince1829 exposit1882 pack1925 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. iv. 137 If thy rare qualities..could speake thee out . View more context for this quotation 1675 T. Brooks Golden Key 249 Now what do all these things speak out, but the certainty and reality of Christ's Manhood. 1717 J. Chappelow Right Way to be Rich (ed. 2) 52 He is the highest Bidder, and this speaks him out to be the greatest Merchant. 3. poetic. To create by speaking. rare. (Cf. 18b.) ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > create by speaking to speak out1656 speak1736 1656 A. Cowley Davideis i. 20 in Poems They sung how God spoke out the worlds vast ball. 1844 E. B. Barrett Drama of Exile 1055, in Poems I I am the spirit of the harmless earth. God spake me softly out among the stars. 4. To talk out (see talk v. 9). ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [verb (transitive)] > obstruct (business) to talk out1873 block1884 to speak out1893 1893 Westm. Gaz. 30 Mar. 2/3 He spoke with the obvious intention of speaking out the Bill. Compounds speak-a-word room n. Scottish (see quots.). ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > room > room by type of use > [noun] > best room chamber1644 front room1679 best room1719 fore-room1728 spence1786 parlour1825 speak-a-word room1825 1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Speak-a-Word-Room, a parlour. 1839 W. Chambers Tour Holland 23/1 Then we were whirled down again into a little speak-a-word room. speak-back n. = talk-back adj. and n. ΚΠ 1940 Chambers's Techn. Dict. 788/1 Speak-back, the subsidiary microphone-amplifier-reproducer in a motion-picture studio, by which the remote recordist can speak to the director on the sound-stage. 1966 Illustr. London News 30 July 11 Kidbrooke has its own T.V. studio which incorporates a ‘speak-back’. speak-box n. an intercom device by a (usually outside) door which allows a caller to speak to someone elsewhere in the building (cf. voice box n. 1b). ΘΚΠ society > communication > telecommunication > intercom > [noun] > intercom devices dictating machine1878 dictograph1907 squawk box1954 entryphone1958 speak-box1962 voice box1968 1962 N. Freeling Love in Amsterdam ii. 106 The buzzer went, and he heard Sophia's voice on the speakbox. 1970 W. J. Burley To kill Cat ix. 152 He rang the bell. Almost at once he was startled by a woman's voice from close at hand. A speak-box which he hadn't expected. He found the little metal grille and spoke into it. ‘Come up, please.’ speak-out n. an occasion on which people can speak freely and unreservedly. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > [noun] > unrestrained or free speech > occasion for speak-out1968 1968 Guardian 19 Aug. 14/5 Americans Abroad for McCarthy held a ‘speak out’ near the Speakers' Corner in a sunlit but swampy Hyde Park yesterday. 1977 Daily Tel. 25 Oct. 11/4 At the New York ‘speak out’, women were invited to tell anonymously of abuse suffered from promiscuous or sexually taunting male employers or superiors. † speak-room n. Obsolete = speak-house n. 1. ΘΚΠ society > faith > artefacts > monastic property (general) > monastery or convent > parts of monastery > [noun] > parlour speech-housec1050 parlour?c1225 colloque1482 locutory1482 speak-housec1650 parlatory1651 locutorium1655 parloir1728 speak-room1756 fratry1874 1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) v. 144 The nuns..said they never wore it but when they came to the speak-room. † speak-truth n. Obsolete one who tells the truth. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > one who speaks > [noun] > in specific ways speakera1340 breatherc1384 boasterc1400 rattlerc1449 brawler1581 shredder1592 venter1611 speak-truth1614 ranter1649 bawler1656 yelper1673 mouther1746 spouter1759 oralist1867 mushmouth1868 loudmouth1870 megaphonist1906 1614 R. Tailor Hogge hath lost Pearle iv. sig. F3 But I do trouble thee too much, therfore good speak truth, farewel. speak-your-weight machine n. a weighing machine which announces one's weight in spoken words. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > [noun] > a weighing apparatus > machine for weighing person speak-your-weight machine1960 1960 Guardian 14 Apr. 8/3 His most recent hero..attempts to teach speak-your-weight machines to sing. 1966 L. Deighton Billion-dollar Brain xv. 146 His voice was..like a speak-your-weight machine. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022). > see also also refers to : -speaksuffix < n.a1300v.c825 see also
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speakn.

speakv.

Phrasal verbs

Compounds

> see also