speculationn.
/spɛkjʊˈleɪʃən/ I. Senses relating to sight and vision.† 2. † b. Observation of the heavens, stars, etc. Obsolete.In some quots. with suggestion of sense 4.† c. top (also turret) of speculation, one from which a wide or extensive view is obtained. Obsolete.After Latin turris speculationis (Gregory Moral. xxxi. §85).† 3. † b. An observer or watcher; a spy. Obsolete. rare.
1. The faculty or power of seeing; sight, vision, esp. intelligent or comprehending vision. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > [noun]
i-sightc888
seneOE
lightOE
eyesightc1175
sightc1200
rewarda1382
seeingc1390
viewc1390
outwitc1400
starec1400
speculation1471
eyec1475
vision1493
ray1531
visive power1543
sightfulnessa1586
outsight1605
conspectuitya1616
visibility1616
optics1643
rock of eye1890
visuality1923
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > [noun]
i-witc888
anyitOE
understandinga1050
ferec1175
skillwisenessa1200
quaintisec1300
brainc1325
cunning1340
reder1340
cunningnessa1400
sentencec1400
intelligence?1435
speculation1471
ingeny1474
cunningheadc1475
capacity1485
pregnancyc1487
dexterity1527
pregnance?1533
shift1542
wittiness1543
ingeniousness1555
conceitedness1576
pate1598
conceit1604
ingeniosity1607
dexterousness1622
talent1622
ingenuousness1628
solertiousnessa1649
ingenuity1651
partedness1654
brightness1655
solerty1656
prettiness1674
long head1694
long lega1705
cleverness1755
smartness1800
cleverality1828
brain power1832
knowledgeability1834
braininess1876
cerebrality1901
1471 G. Ripley Compound of Alchymy in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 121 O Hygh Yncomprehensyble and gloryous Mageste, Whose Luminos Bemes obtundyth our Speculation.
1474 Cov. Leet Bk. 393 O splendent Creator! In all oure speculacion, More bryghter then Phebus!
1602 N. Breton Poste with Madde Packet Lett. I. sig. B4v Beleeue not your eyes, til they haue a better speculation.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. iv. 94 Thou hast no speculation in those eyes Which thou dost glare with. View more context for this quotation
1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cccxxvi. 338 Her Speculation fix'd its Eye Upon the Goodnesse of her Lord.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Ginevra in Posthumous Poems (1824) 234 Open eyes, whose fixed and glassy light Mocked at the speculation they had owned.
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. xi. 296 His horny eye had lost the power of speculation.
1861 J. C. H. Fane & Ld. Lytton Tannhäuser 84 Her eyes Wide open, fix'd into a ghastly stare That knew no speculation.
a. The exercise of the faculty of sight; the action, or an act, of seeing, viewing, or looking on or at; examination or observation. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > [noun]
eyesenea1225
lookinga1225
sight1297
eyesight?c1335
seeing1372
view?c1475
vision1493
speculation1509
discernment1614
ken1667
outsight1681
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) vii. 27 Her goodly chambre was set all about With depured myrrours of speculacion.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 274/1 Speculation, beholding, speculation.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) iv. ii. 31 Though we vpon this Mountaines Basis by, Tooke stand for idle speculation . View more context for this quotation
1648 R. Boyle Seraphic Love (1660) 13 Whilst they liv'd Exiles here on Earth, 'twas such a speculation..‘as seeing Him who is invisible’.
1693 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 17 691 The square Tower in the middle fitted with Holes for Speculation.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 3. ¶1 In one of my late Rambles, or rather Speculations, I looked into the great Hall where the Bank is kept.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1774 I. 439 Wales is so little different from England, that it offers nothing to the speculation of the traveller.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > cosmology > science of observation > [noun] > practice
speculation1538
observing1613
meteoroscopy1658
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Astrologia, the speculation and reasonyng concernyng the celestial or heuenly motions.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 597 But now to goe on still with our Astrologie and Speculation of Heaven as wee have begun.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 59 He [Tycho Brahe] had a little round house of great beauty, in which he did exercise his speculation.
1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 7 What difference betwixt a divine contemplation, and a Diviners speculation of the Heavens?
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > place where view obtained > [noun] > place where extensive view obtained
prospect1587
prospectivec1616
top (also turret) of speculation1653
outlook1667
observatory1695
panopticon1836
1653 R. Codrington Lloyd's Marrow of Hist. (new ed.) Ep. Ded. sig. A3 Here, as from a Turret of Speculation, you may look down upon the Vulgar.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 589 Let us descend now therefore from this top Of Speculation . View more context for this quotation
a. A spectacle or sight; a spectacular entertainment or show. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > a public show or spectacle > [noun]
spectaclea1340
speculationc1440
steracle14..
triumphc1503
show1565
sprank1568
ostentation1598
presentationa1616
exposition1649
gauds1652
raree-show1681
spectacle1749
exhibition1761
draw1881
spectacular1890
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) i. xxvi. 100 As ofte as a man goþe to the Iolytees of worldlye speculacions, & hathe delectacion in hem.
c1520 Mystery Resurr. in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) II. 151 It pleasid thi Godhed to tak but three To beholde and see the highe speculatioun, Of thy Godly majestye in thy transfyguratioun.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > one who sees > [noun] > spy or scout
showerOE
spierc1275
aspy1297
overlookerc1484
spial1548
scout1585
speculationa1616
spion1615
spotter1867
spot1893
a1616 W. Shakespeare King Lear (1623) iii. i. 15 Seruants,..Which are to France the Spies and Speculations Intelligent of our State.
II. Senses relating to contemplation and conjecture.† 7. A plan or scheme for some enterprise or undertaking. Obsolete. rare.A spurious sense in N.E.D. (1913) based on an editorial insertion in an earlier edition of the text cited in quot. a1684.figurative.1874 J. Parker Paraclete 390 Life itself is a high and solemn speculation.
4.
a. The contemplation, consideration, or profound study of some subject.Frequently in the 17th cent.; now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > study > [noun] > of something
studyc1300
speculationc1374
reverencea1393
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (1868) v. pr. ii. 153 Þe soules of men moten nedes ben more free whan þei loken hem in þe speculacioun or lokynge of þe deuyne þouȝt.
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) vi. 49 Ane rustic pastour..distitut of vrbanite and of speculatione of natural philosophe.
a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. B3 Ile liue in speculation of this Art, Til Mephastophilis returne againe.
1604 T. Wright Passions of Minde (new ed.) i. xi. 45 The motions of our Passions are hidde from our eyes... Yet for the Speculation of this matter, I thinke [etc.].
1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour iv. iv. 40 Sure it's a good Book, and only tends to the Speculation of Sin.
1788 T. Taylor in tr. Proclus Philos. & Math. Comm. I. Pref. The great object of ancient philosophy, was an accurate speculation of principles and causes.
b. Without const., or with in, into, concerning.
ΚΠ
1551 J. Bale Actes Eng. Votaryes: 2nd Pt. f. xxxv Other instructours he had..whych..were most connynge in that speculacyon.
1563 J. Shute First Groundes Archit. sig. Biiv Optica, is properly called perspectiue, and is of a furder speculacion, then therin can or nedeth to be exprest.
1636 T. Heywood Challenge for Beautie ii. sig. C3 Bona. That you may know it is not lust, but love, And the true speculation I have tane, In both these adjuncts, that proclaime you rare.
1669 Earl of Clarendon Ess. in Tracts (1727) 96 The end of this speculation into ourselves and conversation with ourselves.
1674 J. Playford Introd. Skill Musick (ed. 7) iii. 3 This kind of Counterpoint..may appear simple,..yet the right speculation may give much satisfaction even to the most skilful.
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iv. 416 Furthermore Aristotle declares, that this Speculation concerning the Deity, does constitute a Particular Science by it self.
1715 (title) The Prophecies of Michael Nostradamus... Made English for the Speculation of the Publick.
c. The conjectural anticipation of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > [noun]
to-hopec888
weenOE
hopea1225
thoughta1350
opiniona1425
attentc1430
looking1440
presume?a1500
beliefa1522
expectation1527
expection1532
looking for1532
looking after?1537
expecting1568
imagination1582
expectance1593
suppose1596
expect1597
expectancy1609
apprehensiona1616
contemplationa1631
prospect1665
supposition1719
speculationa1797
augury1871
preperception1871
a1797 E. Burke Thoughts on Scarcity (1800) 30 Continually in a state of something like a siege, or in the speculation of it.
5. † b. An aim, purpose, or intention. Obsolete.
a. An act of speculating, or the result of this; a conclusion, opinion, view, or series of these, reached by abstract or hypothetical reasoning.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > speculation > [noun] > act or instance of
speculation?a1475
theorism1785
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 27 Ptholomeus, a man nobly erudite in speculacions mathematicalle.
1575 T. Vautrollier tr. M. Luther Comm. Epist. to Galathians f. 16 There is nothing more daungerous then to wander with curious speculations in heauen.
1588 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (new ed.) iii. i. 328 These speculations of M. Marrowes reading, are like inough to fall in practise.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 512 Such are his speculations of these hidden fires, that he maketh them the causers of Windes [etc.].
1673 W. Temple Let. to Duke of Florence in Wks. (1720) II. 286 To make the Speculations of Strangers Abroad, part of your own Diversion at Home.
1708 J. Swift Sentiments Church of Eng.-man ii, in Misc. (1711) 145 It is not a bare Speculation that Kings may run into such Enormities as are abovementioned.
1769 E. Burke Let. to Marq. Rockingham in Corr. (1844) I. 219 Not that I rely much on this speculation of my own.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §344 In consequence of these speculations, I ordered a well to be sunk near the middle of the peninsula.
1821 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 239 The source of many mistaken speculations on the important subjects of Government and Education.
1881 Nature No. 618. 414 Speculations respecting their ultimate form or structure will have found a place in the science as soon as such speculations have helped to arrange the facts which are known.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > [noun] > intention or purpose
willeOE
highOE
thoughtOE
intent?c1225
achesounc1230
attenta1250
couragec1320
devicec1320
minda1325
studya1382
understanding1382
suggestionc1390
meaninga1393
i-minda1400
minta1400
tent1399
castc1400
ettlingc1400
affecta1425
advicec1425
intention1430
purposec1430
proposea1450
intendment1450
supposing?c1450
pretensionc1456
intellectionc1460
zeal1492
hest?a1513
minting?a1513
institute?1520
intendingc1525
mindfulness1530
cogitationa1538
fordrift1549
forecast1549
designing1566
tention1587
levela1591
intendiment1595
design1597
suppose1597
aim1598
regarda1616
idea1617
contemplationa1631
speculation1631
view1634
way of thinking1650
designation1658
tend1663
would1753
predetermination1764
will to art1920
1631 B. Jonson Divell is Asse ii. v. 21 in Wks. II They may..spend an houre; Two, three, or foure, discoursing with their shaddow: But sure they haue a farther speculation.
c. A conjectural consideration or meditation; an attempt to ascertain or anticipate something by probable reasoning.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > conjecture, guessing > [noun] > a conjecture, guess
guessc1330
aimc1450
conjecturea1527
guessing1535
foreguessing1548
fact1566
conjectural1579
surmise1593
speculation1796
shot1840
guesstimate1936
1796 S. Horsley Serm. (1811) 189 The populace that were witnesses of the miracle ‘wondered’: they wondered, and there was an end of their speculations upon the business.
1833 H. Martineau Brooke & Brooke Farm (ed. 3) xii. 135 Our annual speculations about how so much good cheer was to be consumed.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge i. 234 The subject of their speculations had done due honour to the house by calling for some drink.
6.
a. Without article: Contemplation of a profound, far-reaching, or subtle character; abstract or hypothetical reasoning on subjects of a deep, abstruse, or conjectural nature.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > [noun]
thoughta1387
consideration1388
contemplationc1390
meditationa1393
musinga1393
speculationa1450
studier1472
musea1500
recollection1576
contemplature1580
rumination1585
contemplating1587
amuse1606
meditating1609
theory1611
meditancea1625
amusement1694
cogitabundation1729
cogibundity1734
cogitabundity1744
think1834
recueillement1845
thunk1922
noodling1942
the mind > mental capacity > belief > speculation > [noun]
speculative1412
speculationa1450
theory1668
project1727
ideology1813
ideologizing1861
a1450 tr. De Imitatione iii. lx. 141 Neiþer þe ȝifte of prophecie, ner worching of myracles, ner speculacion, be it neuere so hye, is of eny estimacion wiþouten hir [i.e. grace].
?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Ddi v Abstynence of Danyell, speculation of Hely, experience of saynt Paule.
1565 T. Harding Confut. Apol. Church of Eng. i. f. 34 The scriptures haue nede of speculation (that is to witte, to be well studied and considered) to the ende the force and power of euery argument may be knowen.
1596 E. Spenser Fowre Hymnes 134 Thence gathering plumes of perfect speculation, To impe the wings of thy high flying mynd.
1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 252 Euen as sapience or wisedom is the guide and gouernesse of speculation.
1708 J. Swift Sentiments Church of Eng.-man ii, in Misc. (1711) 134 Because Slavery is of all Things the greatest Clog and Obstacle to Speculation.
1749 D. Hartley Observ. Man ii. i. §4. 17 Men of great Speculation and Refinement may desire to have this analogical Reasoning supported.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. i. 12 Philosophers or men of speculation, whose trade it is, not to do any thing, but to observe every thing. View more context for this quotation
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham I. xxxiv. 306 If I have any fault, it is too great a love for abstruse speculation and reflection.
1857 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. I. i. 5 Habits of speculation..are the essential condition of all real knowledge.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 25 The same desire to base speculation upon history..we find in the Critias.
b. As opposed to practice, fact, action, etc.
ΚΠ
1559 D. Lindsay Test. Papyngo l. 30 in Wks. (1931) I Boith in practick and speculatioun.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke iii. 153 Now..make a lesson as I haue done, and ioine practise with your speculation.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love ii. iii. sig. D3v Your Courtier Theorique, is he that..doth now know the Court rather by speculation, then practise.
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) 25 Usefulness in reference to Speculation or Knowledge, and Usefulness in relation to Practice or Exercise.
1777 J. Adams Wks. (1854) IX. 470 This is fact, and facts are stubborn things in opposition to speculation.
1801 Asiatic Ann. Reg. 1800 Hist. India 28/1 His talents were much more fitted for action than speculation.
c. In more or less disparaging use, usually with adjectives, as bare, mere, pure, etc.; also simply = conjecture, surmise.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > conjecture, guessing > [noun]
ettlingc1225
guessc1330
guessing1340
conjecting1382
cast1519
surmising1526
conjecturation1533
conjecture1535
foreguessing1548
speculation1575
estimation1598
conjecturing1643
guesswork1725
guesstimation1937
(a)
(b)1791 Ld. Auckland Corr. (1861) II. 396 There is some speculation here that he may look towards the fourth princess.1575 T. Vautrollier tr. M. Luther Comm. Epist. to Galathians f. 35 And that which he thinketh him selfe to know, he attaineth only by bare speculation.
1612 Bp. J. Hall in J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. Commend. Pref. sig. § Neither are these directions of meere speculation, whose promises are commonly as large, as the performance defectiue.
1665 T. Herbert Some Years Trav. (new ed.) 196 For that of Abulfæda..is no new discovery;..I know he has it onely by speculation.
1696 G. Stanhope tr. Thomas à Kempis Christian's Pattern (1711) 87 The reason why these things are seen with so useless speculation, is because our minds are not rightly disposed.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 450. ⁋1 [Partaking] more of the Invention of the Brain, or what is styled Speculation, than of sound Judgment or profitable Observation.
1780 Mirror No. 107 In every art and science, practitioners complain how often they are deceived by specious theories and delusive speculation.
1812 R. Woodhouse Elem. Treat. Astron. xiii. 135 The enquiry into the form, since the theory is complete without it, is one of pure curiosity and speculation.
1861 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 2) i. 13 The mere romantic speculation of political dreamers.
d. In matter (also object, subject, etc.) of speculation. Also elliptical for this.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > speculation > [noun] > that which rests on speculation
opinionative1660
matter (also object, subject, etc.) of speculation1665
speculative1877
(a)
(b)1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §111 The various Strata..would furnish speculation to the curious naturalist.1665 J. Glanvill Sciri Tuum: Authors Defense 75 in Scepsis Scientifica The little delight I have in matters that are not of very material speculation.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. Introd. p. iii This determines the Question, even in matters of Speculation.
1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) I. xii. 76 Let me..consider your character and conduct merely as a subject of curious speculation.
1788 J. Priestley Lect. Hist. v. xlix. 369 The progress of society, is one of the most..useful objects of speculation.
1810 W. Wilson Hist. Dissenting Churches iii. 63 Points of speculation, or party, he studiously avoided.
1832 D. Brewster Lett. Nat. Magic xiii. 340 They afford ground of curious speculation.
1847 A. Helps Friends in Council I. i. i. 4 It was a matter of frequent speculation with us, whether [etc.].
e. in speculation, in conjecture or theory; not actually or practically; also, under consideration, in contemplation or view.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > speculation > [adverb]
speculatively1570
in speculation1638
notionally1643
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > [adverb] > under consideration
in view?c1475
in one's eye?1567
in speculation1638
under consideration1652
on (upon) the tapis1690
on the carpet1726
in contemplation1773
on (also upon) the table1884
on the nail1886
(a)
(b)1815 J. Dodson Rep. High Court Admiralty 1 32 Operations against Buenos Ayres were entirely in speculation, and not finally decided upon.1638 J. Mede Wks. (1672) 154 This Faith is not barely Historical and in speculation, but a Faith in motion.
1645 J. Ussher Body of Divin. (1647) 37 Is God every where in speculation only?
1719 Free-thinker No. 90. 2 It avails nothing, that a projected Change is, in Speculation, for the Better.
1777 A. Hamilton Let. 5 Apr. in Papers (1961) I. 220 As to the notion.., I apprehend it will do better in speculation than in practice.
1793 S. Horsley Serm. Westm. 29 Whatever preference therefore, in speculation, he might give to the Republican form, he could not, with these principles, be practically an enemy to the Government of Kings.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > [noun] > a plan
redeeOE
devicec1290
casta1300
went1303
ordinancec1385
intentc1386
imaginationa1393
drifta1535
draught1535
forecast1535
platform1547
ground-plat?a1560
table1560
convoy1565
design1565
plat1574
ground-plota1586
plot1587
reach1587
theory1593
game1595
projectment1611
projecting1616
navation1628
approach1633
view1634
plan1635
systema1648
sophism1657
manage1667
brouillon1678
speculationa1684
sketch1697
to take measures1698
method1704
scheme1704
lines1760
outline1760
measure1767
restorative1821
ground plan1834
strategy1834
programme1837
ticket1842
project1849
outline plan1850
layout1867
draft1879
dart1882
lurk1916
schema1939
lick1955
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1667 (1955) III. 495 Came Sir Jo: Kiviet to article with me about his Brick-work.]
8.
a. The action or practice of buying and selling goods, land, stocks and shares, etc., in order to profit by the rise or fall in the market value, as distinct from regular trading or investment; engagement in any business enterprise or transaction of a venturesome or risky nature, but offering the chance of great or unusual gain. Also in combinations.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > financial dealings > types of money-dealing > [noun] > speculation
venturing1548
speculation1774
1774 H. Walpole Let. to H. Mann 1 May Next to gaming,..the predominant folly is pictures... Sir George Colbroke, a citizen, and martyr to what is called speculation, had his pictures sold by auction last week.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. x. 140 Sudden fortunes, indeed, are sometimes made in such places by what is called the trade of speculation . View more context for this quotation
a1817 T. Dwight Trav. New-Eng. & N.-Y. (1821) I. 218 The first cause..of this evil was, if I mistake not, what has been proverbially called in this country Speculation.
1834 Tait's Edinb. Mag. New Ser. 1 408/1 The evils produced by that species of gambling named speculation.
1897 Daily News 10 Apr. 5 The speculation-laden air of Johannesburg.
b. on speculation, on chance; on the chance of gain or profit. Cf. spec n.1 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [adverb] > on the off chance
on speculation1811
on spec1832
1811 L.-M. Hawkins Countess & Gertrude II. xxxii. 162 A distant relation who had married, at fifteen, in the East Indies, sent out on speculation.
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxvi. 273 Won't Mr. Dodson and Fogg be wild if the plaintiff shouldn't get it..when they do it all on speculation!
9. An act or instance of speculating; a commercial venture or undertaking of an enterprising nature, esp. one involving considerable financial risk on the chance of unusual profit. Cf. spec n.1 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > [noun] > trading venture or speculation
venturing1548
speculation1776
enterprise1847
society > trade and finance > financial dealings > types of money-dealing > [noun] > speculation > a speculation
adventure1548
venture1584
speculation1776
spec1794
operation1832
play1957
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. x. 140 A bold adventurer may sometimes acquire a considerable fortune by two or three successful speculations . View more context for this quotation
1787 M. Cutler Jrnl. 27 July in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) I. 305 We obtained..the remainder for a private speculation.
1825 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 19 Nov. 465 The talk about ‘speculations’; that is to say, adventurous dealings, or, rather, commercial gamblings..is the most miserable nonsense.
1841 W. Spalding Italy & Ital. Islands III. 393 The government was to undertake a certain part of the speculation, while the remainder of the capital might be given off in shares.
1880 Austr. Town & Country Jrnl. 14 Feb. 314/4 A young fellow who had a speculation in pigs on hand.
10. Cards. A round game of cards, the chief feature of which is the buying and selling of trump cards, the player who possesses the highest trump in a round winning the pool.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > other card games > [noun] > speculation
speculation1804
1804 J. Austen Watsons in J. E. Austen Leigh Mem. Jane Austen (1871) 357 ‘What's your game?’..‘Speculation I believe.’
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby ix. 83 They sat down to play speculation.
1868 G. F. Pardon Card Player 83 As a merry game for Christmas parties speculation is without a rival.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.c1374