blue ribbonn.adj.

Brit.

/ˌbluː ˈrɪb(ə)n/, U.S.

/ˈˌblu ˈˌrɪbən/

Forms:

α. see blue adj. and n. and riband n.

β. see blue adj. and n. and ribbon n.

Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: blue adj., riband n., ribbon n.

Etymology: In α. forms < blue adj. + riband n. In β. forms < blue adj. + ribbon n. Compare blue adj. 6. Compare also blue cordon at cordon n. 6 and French cordon bleu (see cordon bleu at cordon n. 6). With sense A. 3 perhaps compare also blue law n. (and perhaps also the biblical reference to the wearing of blue ribbons in Numbers 15:37).The following earlier example shows use of the expression with literal reference to a blue ribbon, in explaining the (supposed) origin of the ribbon worn by members of the Order of the Garter:1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. iii. iv. 103/2 in R. Holinshed Chron. I He [sc. Edward III] sayde to such as stoode about him: you my maisters doe make small account of this blew garter... I will make the prowdest of you all to reuerence the like: and euen vpon this slender occasion he gaue himselfe to the deuising of this order. [Note] Peraduenture it was but a blew Ribbon.In quots. 1607 at sense A. 1aα. , 1651 at sense A. 1aβ. apparently with reference to the blue ribbon on which the cross was worn by members of the Order of the Holy Spirit in France (see blue cordon at cordon n. 6).

A. n.

a. A blue ribbon worn as a badge of honour; esp. the broad dark blue ribbon, originally made of silk, worn by members of the Order of the Garter.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > symbol of rank > [noun] > insignia of order > specific insignia of knightly order

the Garterc1350

collar1488

star1602

blue ribbon1607

yellow ribbon1651

red ribbon1652

string1660

green ribbon1672

crossa1684

glory1693

cordon1727

O.M.1903

M.B.E.1917

OBE1917

α.

1607 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Serres in tr. Gen. Inuentorie Hist. France ii. 981 Iustice hath no eyes to regard a Dukes Crowne, a Marshal of France his Staffe, nor a blew Riband.

a1699 W. Temple Ess. Health & Long Life in Miscellanea: 3rd Pt. (1701) 110 A White Staff will not help gouty Feet..nor a Blue Ribband bind up a Wound so well as a Fillet.

1789 E. Butler Jrnl. 26 Mar. in E. M. Bell Hamwood Papers (1930) 192 I am told he [sc. the King] says Pitt must have a Blue Ribband.

1805 R. B. Sheridan Let. 3 Jan. (1966) III. 240 Addington is certainly to be a Peer, and it is said with the blue Ribband.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 615 He stopped a moment to mount a fresh horse and to hide his blue riband and his George.

1993 S. Friar & J. Ferguson Basic Heraldry v. 120 Charles II introduced a broad blue riband, worn over the left shoulder.

β. 1651 Let. from France in Proc. in Parl. No. 116. 1800 The Queen [of France] hath sent to the Count of Doignion..promising him the staffe of the Marshall of France, and of a blew Ribbon.1665 Bp. H. King Serm. 24 He hoped to see the time That a faithful blue Apron should be as good as a Blue Ribbon.1733 Gentleman's Mag. June 304/1 He had the Honour of the Blue Ribbon whilst a Commoner.1867 J. Morley Burke 56 Rising to thunderous denunciations of ‘the noble lord in the blue ribbon.’1987 J. Epstein Once more around Block 56 The maréchal de Choiseul was so immensely pleased by being permitted by Louis XIV to become a member of the order that allowed him to wear a blue ribbon over his coat.1999 Western Morning News (Plymouth) (Nexis) 25 Jan. The Queen..dazzling the populace in her coronation gown, with diamond tiara and the blue ribbon of the Star of the Garter.

b. A blue ribbon awarded to the winner of a contest or competition.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > [noun] > prize > other specific prize

glaivec1380

cupc1640

pewter1814

banner1840

presentation cup1844

blue ribbon1860

ribbon1860

shield1868

special1872

wager-cup1878

presentation bowl1896

rose bowl1970

quaich1971

1860 Janesville (Wisconsin) Daily Gaz. 6 Sept. After the trial, the blue ribbon, the first premium, was placed on the black horse owned by H. E. Pattison.

1891 Forest & Stream 23 Apr. 275/1 In his last appearance in the ring this grand collie was able to carry off the blue ribbon.

1927 Life 13 Oct. 8/3 Our gal won the blue ribbon at the beauty contest!

1981 Cook's Mag. Nov. 48/2 Her two daughters..have won blue ribbons for cooking..at the county fair.

2006 H. Higginson Keeker & Horse Show Show-off 22 Keeker practiced her acceptance speech, for when she would be awarded the blue ribbon.

a. figurative. The greatest distinction available; the most distinguished place, position, etc. Also: the best or highest quality of its type. Frequently with of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > [noun] > prize > first

first prize1550

agonism1592

blue ribbon1770

1770 W. Hooper tr. J. F. von Bielfeld Elements Universal Erudition II. xxv. 411 To be admitted to the honour of being a member of a renowned academy, is to be crowned with the laurels of Apollo: it is to obtain the blue ribbon in the republic of letters.

1799 Gentleman's Mag. May 396/1 Being elected a Curator of the British Museum, that blue ribbon of a scholar.

1852 B. Disraeli Ld. G. Bentinck xxvi. 539 ‘You do not know what the Derby is,’ he moaned out. ‘Yes, I do; it is the blue ribbon of the turf.’

1875 E. Poste tr. Gaius Institutionum Iuris Civilis (ed. 2) i. §7. 37 The blue ribbon of the profession should never be conferred on any lawyer who had antiquarian notions of constitutional law.

1883 Standard 21 May 2/1 The Blue Riband of the Turf is destined to go to Heath House.

1910 F. Galton Let. 8 Oct. in K. Pearson Life, Lett., & Labours F. Galton (1930) III. 611 It [sc. the Copley Medal] is the ‘blue ribbon’ of the scientific world, and I am of course deeply gratified.

1993 World Cup 7s Official Guide May 2/1 Here in Melrose the sport day..is now considered to be the Blue Riband of club tournaments.

b. Usually in form blue riband. Also with capital initials. An unofficial accolade bestowed upon an ocean liner which makes the fastest crossing of the Atlantic on a regular commercial voyage. Now chiefly historical.In later use associated with the Hales Trophy, donated by British MP Harold Hales in 1933. Prior to this, the fastest ship would sometimes display a blue pennant.

ΚΠ

1853 N.-Y. Daily Times 11 July 4/2 The Arabia has proved herself, in point of speed, the Eclipse of the ocean. She has fairly won the blue ribbon of the sea.

1891 Manufacturer & Inventor 21 Sept. 179/3 Steamship companies are on the qui vive to gain and hold the ‘blue ribband’ of the Atlantic.

1930 Economist 4 Oct. 606/1 Merely to win back the blue riband of the Atlantic would not..have been a sufficient reason, for the blue riband, though it may have some advertising value, is not a dividend-payer.

1960 Pop. Sci. May 73/2 She [sc. the ship United States] can produce around 158,000 hp. and she snatched the blue ribbon from the Queen Mary in 1952.

2008 K. Zimmermann Ocean Liners ii. 28/2 The French Line expressed no interest in speed and the Blue Riband, preferring to emphasize luxury.

3. Originally U.S. A blue ribbon worn as a sign that a person has taken a pledge of temperance, or that he or she belongs to a temperance movement. Also in to take the blue ribbon: to take a pledge of temperance; to join a temperance movement. Frequently attributive (cf. Blue Ribbon Army n. at Compounds). Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstinence society > sign of

blue ribbon1843

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [verb (intransitive)] > totally abstain from alcohol

abstain1784

to put (also keep) in the pin1827

to take (also sign, keep) the pledge1833

teetotal1883

to take the blue ribbon1884

teetotalize1898

1843 Jrnl. Amer. Temperance Union Aug. 124/1 The Washingtonian Temperance Society moves in procession, all wearing the appropriate badge of the Society, a plain blue ribbon.

1878 Sunday School Chron. 3 May 228/3 Thus the population of Great Barrington is 4,320, while there are 2,100 blue-ribbon men.

1884 Graphic 9 Aug. 134/2 At an hotel it might be supposed that most people have taken the Blue Ribbon.

1907 Life & Light for Woman Mar. 109 One after another came up, spoke his or her testimony and took the blue ribbon.

1979 E. West Saloon on Rocky Mountain Mining Frontier vi. 136 The Murphy ‘blue ribbon’ movement also stressed the voluntary reformation of drinkers.

2003 J. S. Blocker et al. Alcohol & Temperance in Mod. Hist 107/2 By the mid-1880s, millions had taken the temperance pledge and donned the blue ribbon.

B. adj.

attributive. Of the highest quality, first-class; comprising, designed for, or characteristic of an elite; (also) designating people of the highest standing or calibre in a particular area or field.See also blue-ribbon jury n., blue-ribbon panel n. at Compounds.

ΘΚΠ

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

highestOE

bestOE

firstlOE

greatest?c1225

of the besta1350

premiera1500

paramount1530

supremec1550

supreme1571

primer1589

top1647

nulli secundus1742

bestest1751

first class1819

beatemest1831

par excellence1839

première1844

first rate1853

beatenest1860

blue ribbon1860

optimum1885

optimal1890

class A1906

all-star1908

grade A1911

five-star1931

mostest1936

tip-topmost1937

the end1950

the most1953

1860 Bell's Life in London 26 Aug. Suppl. 1/1 In the blue ribbon event he [sc. Imp Glencoe, a racehorse] was about where Umpire got.

1937 E. H. Sutherland Professional Thief 235 Blue-ribbon.., characteristic of persons of education and social standing.

1938 Encycl. Brit. Bk. of Year 100/1 The 31st Tour de France race was won by Roger Lapebie of France..with 98 of Europe's blue-ribbon cyclists participating.

1947 C. Amory Proper Bostonians (1948) vii. 144 A Boston Family which..has never been known to carry off any blue-ribbon honours for civility.

1965 Mrs. L. B. Johnson Diary 3 Oct. (1970) 323 It was a blue ribbon gathering—the Nelson Rockefellers, Speaker and Mrs McCormack, [etc.].

1972 C. Buchanan Maiden iii. 41 That had been a blue-ribbon idea.

1992 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) (Nexis) 8 Aug. The men's 100 metres is the blue ribbon event of the Olympics, deciding which man is really the fastest in the world.

2003 New Yorker 21 Apr. 114 (advt.) Blue-ribbon travellers not only expect the best, but they also expect mind-reading from the travel industry.

2006 Wired Dec. 46/1 Companies often wonder: Should we consult a broad opinion poll or a blue-ribbon committee?

Compounds

Blue Ribbon Army n. now historical a group of people who have taken the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); spec. (the name of) an English temperance society whose members wear the blue ribbon.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstinence society

temperance association1831

temperance society1831

teetotal1834

Band of Hope1847

Good Templary1872

Blue Ribbon Army1877

W.C.T.U.1888

1877 Logansport (Indiana) Jrnl. 4 July 4/2 Fifty-eight persons took the pledge and were enrolled in the Blue Ribbon army.

1878 Christian 16 May (heading) Gospel-Temperance in Hoxton—A ‘Blue Ribbon Army.’

2004 Herald Express (Torquay) (Nexis) 21 Sept. 26 She..later became a supporter of the Temperance cause and even attended meetings of the Blue Ribbon Army.

blue-ribbon jury n. (a) U.S. Law a jury selected for the intellectual and professional abilities of its members in cases of particular complexity or specialization; (b) North American a jury of experts on a particular subject who preside over the giving of an award or prize.

ΚΠ

1900 N.Y. Times 15 July 7/6 (heading) Verdict of the ‘blue ribbon jury’ set aside in Wilkesbarre.

1935 News-Palladium (Benton Harbour, Mich.) 28 Nov. 8/1 All were selected after spirited competition by a blue ribbon jury—35 sports editors..and 50 widely known coaches and officials.

1948 U.S. Rep. (Supreme Court) 332 264 In a state court in New York County, a special or so-called ‘blue-ribbon’ jury..convicted petitioners of extortion and conspiracy to extort.

1993 Stanford Law Rev. 46 81 If we were to establish blue ribbon juries, courts would need the authority to compel their use at trial.

2006 Ottawa Citizen (Nexis) 15 Mar. (Food section) c1 A blue-ribbon jury of cheese experts from across Canada has selected 41 of the 189 cheeses entered by cheese makers as finalists to qualify for the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix.

blue-ribbon panel n. (a) U.S. Law = blue-ribbon jury n. (a); (b) North American a panel of experts on a particular subject.

ΚΠ

1925 N.Y. Suppl. 208 190 The jury was a special one, known as a ‘blue-ribbon’ panel; everyone..had signed affidavits in regard to their qualifications.

1947 Mich. Law Rev. 46 262 Defendants objected to the ‘blue ribbon’ panel on grounds of denial of due process and equal protection.

1969 Wall St. Jrnl. 3 July 10/2 The announced formation of blue-ribbon panel to study the Defense Department is both timely and potentially promising.

1987 Tennis July 101/2 He immediately appointed a blue-ribbon panel of 23 members of the tennis community, people representing the game at many levels.

2009 Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald 12 Jan. a1/1 A blue-ribbon panel of 15 nanotechnology experts warned the federal government last summer that action is ‘urgently’ needed to assess the potential risks of these tiny particles.

Derivatives

blue ˈribboner n. originally U.S. (now historical) (also with capital initials) a person who belongs to a temperance movement, the members of which wear the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); (more generally) a person who abstains from alcohol; a teetotaller.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer

water-drinker1440

abstainerc1475

Rechabite1637

drink-watera1641

hydropotist1678

hydropot1727

teetotal1834

teetotaller1834

teetotalist1840

Washingtonian1842

Good Templar1853

teetotalleress1854

blue-ribbonist1858

nephalist1861

total abstainer1862

blue-ribbonite1867

totec1870

Templar1874

blue ribboner1878

total abstinent1882

water butt1882

white ribboner1886

non-drinker1910

pioneer1912

T.T.1922

1878 Daily Rocky Mountain News (Denver) 5 Mar. 4/5 The meeting place of the blue ribboners never looked more cosy or comfortable than last evening.

1935 K. L. Roberts in K. Roberts Reader (2002) xi. 174 American undergraduates are almost blue-ribboners by comparison with Oxford's clubmen and undergraduate drinkers when they let themselves go.

1991 G. Rainbow in C. Macdonald et al. Bk. N.Z. Women 523 She was a member of the Wellington Ladies' Christian Association..and a Blue Ribboner.

blue-ˈribbonism n. now historical (also with capital initials) the beliefs and practices of those temperance movements whose members wear the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); (more generally) temperance, teetotalism.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence

total abstinence1831

teetotalism1834

Rechabitism1841

Good Templarism1859

nephalism1860

blue-ribbonism1867

total abstention1880

temperance1887

Templarism1888

1867 Wrexham & Denbighshire Advertiser 6 July 6/4 Blue Ribbonism says that it is better to enter into life maimed than into death whole.

1920 Unpartizan Rev. Oct. 295 There were occasional periods of blue-ribbonism, during which his voice was raucous in denunciation of the devil that lurked in the glass.

1984 P. Barnes Barnes Ancestry xix. 60 By 1883 we find him espousing the cause of Total Abstinence from liquor, or Blue Ribbonism as it was then called.

blue-ˈribbonist n. now rare (also with capital initials) = blue ribboner n.In quot. 1858: a person who adheres mechanically to official rules and formalities.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer

water-drinker1440

abstainerc1475

Rechabite1637

drink-watera1641

hydropotist1678

hydropot1727

teetotal1834

teetotaller1834

teetotalist1840

Washingtonian1842

Good Templar1853

teetotalleress1854

blue-ribbonist1858

nephalist1861

total abstainer1862

blue-ribbonite1867

totec1870

Templar1874

blue ribboner1878

total abstinent1882

water butt1882

white ribboner1886

non-drinker1910

pioneer1912

T.T.1922

1858 Liverpool Mercury 5 Mar. It may be well to remind the red-tapists or blue-ribbonists of the Foreign Office that, even from their point of view, Parliamentary control over diplomatic business would not be without a certain convenience.

1882 Knowledge 29 Sept. 300/1 I am no ‘Blue Ribbonist’, but I do think that there is no state of man where alcohol is really essential.

1961 J. M. S. Baljon Mod. Muslim Koran Interpr. (1968) i. 1 He [sc. a Christian] may be a blue-ribbonist, despite an undeniable appreciation of wine by the Bible.

blue-ˈribbonite n. British (now rare) (also with capital initials) = blue ribboner n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer

water-drinker1440

abstainerc1475

Rechabite1637

drink-watera1641

hydropotist1678

hydropot1727

teetotal1834

teetotaller1834

teetotalist1840

Washingtonian1842

Good Templar1853

teetotalleress1854

blue-ribbonist1858

nephalist1861

total abstainer1862

blue-ribbonite1867

totec1870

Templar1874

blue ribboner1878

total abstinent1882

water butt1882

white ribboner1886

non-drinker1910

pioneer1912

T.T.1922

1867 Wrexham & Denbighshire Advertiser 6 July 6/3 This rising port upon the ‘wizard Dee’ was invaded by a pic-nic party of the ‘Llanfynydd Blue Ribbonites’, upwards of a hundred strong, on Tuesday last.

1934 W. W. Gill Manx Dial. ii. 99 Ewan Christian, the revivalist and blue-ribbonite.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	blue ribbon
释义	blue ribbonn.adj. Brit. /ˌbluː ˈrɪb(ə)n/, U.S. /ˈˌblu ˈˌrɪbən/ Forms: α. see blue adj. and n. and riband n. β. see blue adj. and n. and ribbon n. Origin: Formed within English, by compounding. Etymons: blue adj., riband n., ribbon n. Etymology: In α. forms < blue adj. + riband n. In β. forms < blue adj. + ribbon n. Compare blue adj. 6. Compare also blue cordon at cordon n. 6 and French cordon bleu (see cordon bleu at cordon n. 6). With sense A. 3 perhaps compare also blue law n. (and perhaps also the biblical reference to the wearing of blue ribbons in Numbers 15:37).The following earlier example shows use of the expression with literal reference to a blue ribbon, in explaining the (supposed) origin of the ribbon worn by members of the Order of the Garter:1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. iii. iv. 103/2 in R. Holinshed Chron. I He [sc. Edward III] sayde to such as stoode about him: you my maisters doe make small account of this blew garter... I will make the prowdest of you all to reuerence the like: and euen vpon this slender occasion he gaue himselfe to the deuising of this order. [Note] Peraduenture it was but a blew Ribbon.In quots. 1607 at sense A. 1aα. , 1651 at sense A. 1aβ. apparently with reference to the blue ribbon on which the cross was worn by members of the Order of the Holy Spirit in France (see blue cordon at cordon n. 6). A. n. 1. a. A blue ribbon worn as a badge of honour; esp. the broad dark blue ribbon, originally made of silk, worn by members of the Order of the Garter. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > symbol of rank > [noun] > insignia of order > specific insignia of knightly order the Garterc1350 collar1488 star1602 blue ribbon1607 yellow ribbon1651 red ribbon1652 string1660 green ribbon1672 crossa1684 glory1693 cordon1727 O.M.1903 M.B.E.1917 OBE1917 α. 1607 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Serres in tr. Gen. Inuentorie Hist. France ii. 981 Iustice hath no eyes to regard a Dukes Crowne, a Marshal of France his Staffe, nor a blew Riband. a1699 W. Temple Ess. Health & Long Life in Miscellanea: 3rd Pt. (1701) 110 A White Staff will not help gouty Feet..nor a Blue Ribband bind up a Wound so well as a Fillet. 1789 E. Butler Jrnl. 26 Mar. in E. M. Bell Hamwood Papers (1930) 192 I am told he [sc. the King] says Pitt must have a Blue Ribband. 1805 R. B. Sheridan Let. 3 Jan. (1966) III. 240 Addington is certainly to be a Peer, and it is said with the blue Ribband. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 615 He stopped a moment to mount a fresh horse and to hide his blue riband and his George. 1993 S. Friar & J. Ferguson Basic Heraldry v. 120 Charles II introduced a broad blue riband, worn over the left shoulder. β. 1651 Let. from France in Proc. in Parl. No. 116. 1800 The Queen [of France] hath sent to the Count of Doignion..promising him the staffe of the Marshall of France, and of a blew Ribbon.1665 Bp. H. King Serm. 24 He hoped to see the time That a faithful blue Apron should be as good as a Blue Ribbon.1733 Gentleman's Mag. June 304/1 He had the Honour of the Blue Ribbon whilst a Commoner.1867 J. Morley Burke 56 Rising to thunderous denunciations of ‘the noble lord in the blue ribbon.’1987 J. Epstein Once more around Block 56 The maréchal de Choiseul was so immensely pleased by being permitted by Louis XIV to become a member of the order that allowed him to wear a blue ribbon over his coat.1999 Western Morning News (Plymouth) (Nexis) 25 Jan. The Queen..dazzling the populace in her coronation gown, with diamond tiara and the blue ribbon of the Star of the Garter. b. A blue ribbon awarded to the winner of a contest or competition. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > [noun] > prize > other specific prize glaivec1380 cupc1640 pewter1814 banner1840 presentation cup1844 blue ribbon1860 ribbon1860 shield1868 special1872 wager-cup1878 presentation bowl1896 rose bowl1970 quaich1971 1860 Janesville (Wisconsin) Daily Gaz. 6 Sept. After the trial, the blue ribbon, the first premium, was placed on the black horse owned by H. E. Pattison. 1891 Forest & Stream 23 Apr. 275/1 In his last appearance in the ring this grand collie was able to carry off the blue ribbon. 1927 Life 13 Oct. 8/3 Our gal won the blue ribbon at the beauty contest! 1981 Cook's Mag. Nov. 48/2 Her two daughters..have won blue ribbons for cooking..at the county fair. 2006 H. Higginson Keeker & Horse Show Show-off 22 Keeker practiced her acceptance speech, for when she would be awarded the blue ribbon. 2. a. figurative. The greatest distinction available; the most distinguished place, position, etc. Also: the best or highest quality of its type. Frequently with of. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > [noun] > prize > first first prize1550 agonism1592 blue ribbon1770 1770 W. Hooper tr. J. F. von Bielfeld Elements Universal Erudition II. xxv. 411 To be admitted to the honour of being a member of a renowned academy, is to be crowned with the laurels of Apollo: it is to obtain the blue ribbon in the republic of letters. 1799 Gentleman's Mag. May 396/1 Being elected a Curator of the British Museum, that blue ribbon of a scholar. 1852 B. Disraeli Ld. G. Bentinck xxvi. 539 ‘You do not know what the Derby is,’ he moaned out. ‘Yes, I do; it is the blue ribbon of the turf.’ 1875 E. Poste tr. Gaius Institutionum Iuris Civilis (ed. 2) i. §7. 37 The blue ribbon of the profession should never be conferred on any lawyer who had antiquarian notions of constitutional law. 1883 Standard 21 May 2/1 The Blue Riband of the Turf is destined to go to Heath House. 1910 F. Galton Let. 8 Oct. in K. Pearson Life, Lett., & Labours F. Galton (1930) III. 611 It [sc. the Copley Medal] is the ‘blue ribbon’ of the scientific world, and I am of course deeply gratified. 1993 World Cup 7s Official Guide May 2/1 Here in Melrose the sport day..is now considered to be the Blue Riband of club tournaments. b. Usually in form blue riband. Also with capital initials. An unofficial accolade bestowed upon an ocean liner which makes the fastest crossing of the Atlantic on a regular commercial voyage. Now chiefly historical.In later use associated with the Hales Trophy, donated by British MP Harold Hales in 1933. Prior to this, the fastest ship would sometimes display a blue pennant. ΚΠ 1853 N.-Y. Daily Times 11 July 4/2 The Arabia has proved herself, in point of speed, the Eclipse of the ocean. She has fairly won the blue ribbon of the sea. 1891 Manufacturer & Inventor 21 Sept. 179/3 Steamship companies are on the qui vive to gain and hold the ‘blue ribband’ of the Atlantic. 1930 Economist 4 Oct. 606/1 Merely to win back the blue riband of the Atlantic would not..have been a sufficient reason, for the blue riband, though it may have some advertising value, is not a dividend-payer. 1960 Pop. Sci. May 73/2 She [sc. the ship United States] can produce around 158,000 hp. and she snatched the blue ribbon from the Queen Mary in 1952. 2008 K. Zimmermann Ocean Liners ii. 28/2 The French Line expressed no interest in speed and the Blue Riband, preferring to emphasize luxury. 3. Originally U.S. A blue ribbon worn as a sign that a person has taken a pledge of temperance, or that he or she belongs to a temperance movement. Also in to take the blue ribbon: to take a pledge of temperance; to join a temperance movement. Frequently attributive (cf. Blue Ribbon Army n. at Compounds). Now historical. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstinence society > sign of blue ribbon1843 the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [verb (intransitive)] > totally abstain from alcohol abstain1784 to put (also keep) in the pin1827 to take (also sign, keep) the pledge1833 teetotal1883 to take the blue ribbon1884 teetotalize1898 1843 Jrnl. Amer. Temperance Union Aug. 124/1 The Washingtonian Temperance Society moves in procession, all wearing the appropriate badge of the Society, a plain blue ribbon. 1878 Sunday School Chron. 3 May 228/3 Thus the population of Great Barrington is 4,320, while there are 2,100 blue-ribbon men. 1884 Graphic 9 Aug. 134/2 At an hotel it might be supposed that most people have taken the Blue Ribbon. 1907 Life & Light for Woman Mar. 109 One after another came up, spoke his or her testimony and took the blue ribbon. 1979 E. West Saloon on Rocky Mountain Mining Frontier vi. 136 The Murphy ‘blue ribbon’ movement also stressed the voluntary reformation of drinkers. 2003 J. S. Blocker et al. Alcohol & Temperance in Mod. Hist 107/2 By the mid-1880s, millions had taken the temperance pledge and donned the blue ribbon. B. adj. attributive. Of the highest quality, first-class; comprising, designed for, or characteristic of an elite; (also) designating people of the highest standing or calibre in a particular area or field.See also blue-ribbon jury n., blue-ribbon panel n. at Compounds. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective] highestOE bestOE firstlOE greatest?c1225 of the besta1350 premiera1500 paramount1530 supremec1550 supreme1571 primer1589 top1647 nulli secundus1742 bestest1751 first class1819 beatemest1831 par excellence1839 première1844 first rate1853 beatenest1860 blue ribbon1860 optimum1885 optimal1890 class A1906 all-star1908 grade A1911 five-star1931 mostest1936 tip-topmost1937 the end1950 the most1953 1860 Bell's Life in London 26 Aug. Suppl. 1/1 In the blue ribbon event he [sc. Imp Glencoe, a racehorse] was about where Umpire got. 1937 E. H. Sutherland Professional Thief 235 Blue-ribbon.., characteristic of persons of education and social standing. 1938 Encycl. Brit. Bk. of Year 100/1 The 31st Tour de France race was won by Roger Lapebie of France..with 98 of Europe's blue-ribbon cyclists participating. 1947 C. Amory Proper Bostonians (1948) vii. 144 A Boston Family which..has never been known to carry off any blue-ribbon honours for civility. 1965 Mrs. L. B. Johnson Diary 3 Oct. (1970) 323 It was a blue ribbon gathering—the Nelson Rockefellers, Speaker and Mrs McCormack, [etc.]. 1972 C. Buchanan Maiden iii. 41 That had been a blue-ribbon idea. 1992 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) (Nexis) 8 Aug. The men's 100 metres is the blue ribbon event of the Olympics, deciding which man is really the fastest in the world. 2003 New Yorker 21 Apr. 114 (advt.) Blue-ribbon travellers not only expect the best, but they also expect mind-reading from the travel industry. 2006 Wired Dec. 46/1 Companies often wonder: Should we consult a broad opinion poll or a blue-ribbon committee? Compounds Blue Ribbon Army n. now historical a group of people who have taken the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); spec. (the name of) an English temperance society whose members wear the blue ribbon. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstinence society temperance association1831 temperance society1831 teetotal1834 Band of Hope1847 Good Templary1872 Blue Ribbon Army1877 W.C.T.U.1888 1877 Logansport (Indiana) Jrnl. 4 July 4/2 Fifty-eight persons took the pledge and were enrolled in the Blue Ribbon army. 1878 Christian 16 May (heading) Gospel-Temperance in Hoxton—A ‘Blue Ribbon Army.’ 2004 Herald Express (Torquay) (Nexis) 21 Sept. 26 She..later became a supporter of the Temperance cause and even attended meetings of the Blue Ribbon Army. blue-ribbon jury n. (a) U.S. Law a jury selected for the intellectual and professional abilities of its members in cases of particular complexity or specialization; (b) North American a jury of experts on a particular subject who preside over the giving of an award or prize. ΚΠ 1900 N.Y. Times 15 July 7/6 (heading) Verdict of the ‘blue ribbon jury’ set aside in Wilkesbarre. 1935 News-Palladium (Benton Harbour, Mich.) 28 Nov. 8/1 All were selected after spirited competition by a blue ribbon jury—35 sports editors..and 50 widely known coaches and officials. 1948 U.S. Rep. (Supreme Court) 332 264 In a state court in New York County, a special or so-called ‘blue-ribbon’ jury..convicted petitioners of extortion and conspiracy to extort. 1993 Stanford Law Rev. 46 81 If we were to establish blue ribbon juries, courts would need the authority to compel their use at trial. 2006 Ottawa Citizen (Nexis) 15 Mar. (Food section) c1 A blue-ribbon jury of cheese experts from across Canada has selected 41 of the 189 cheeses entered by cheese makers as finalists to qualify for the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix. blue-ribbon panel n. (a) U.S. Law = blue-ribbon jury n. (a); (b) North American a panel of experts on a particular subject. ΚΠ 1925 N.Y. Suppl. 208 190 The jury was a special one, known as a ‘blue-ribbon’ panel; everyone..had signed affidavits in regard to their qualifications. 1947 Mich. Law Rev. 46 262 Defendants objected to the ‘blue ribbon’ panel on grounds of denial of due process and equal protection. 1969 Wall St. Jrnl. 3 July 10/2 The announced formation of blue-ribbon panel to study the Defense Department is both timely and potentially promising. 1987 Tennis July 101/2 He immediately appointed a blue-ribbon panel of 23 members of the tennis community, people representing the game at many levels. 2009 Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald 12 Jan. a1/1 A blue-ribbon panel of 15 nanotechnology experts warned the federal government last summer that action is ‘urgently’ needed to assess the potential risks of these tiny particles. Derivatives blue ˈribboner n. originally U.S. (now historical) (also with capital initials) a person who belongs to a temperance movement, the members of which wear the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); (more generally) a person who abstains from alcohol; a teetotaller. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer water-drinker1440 abstainerc1475 Rechabite1637 drink-watera1641 hydropotist1678 hydropot1727 teetotal1834 teetotaller1834 teetotalist1840 Washingtonian1842 Good Templar1853 teetotalleress1854 blue-ribbonist1858 nephalist1861 total abstainer1862 blue-ribbonite1867 totec1870 Templar1874 blue ribboner1878 total abstinent1882 water butt1882 white ribboner1886 non-drinker1910 pioneer1912 T.T.1922 1878 Daily Rocky Mountain News (Denver) 5 Mar. 4/5 The meeting place of the blue ribboners never looked more cosy or comfortable than last evening. 1935 K. L. Roberts in K. Roberts Reader (2002) xi. 174 American undergraduates are almost blue-ribboners by comparison with Oxford's clubmen and undergraduate drinkers when they let themselves go. 1991 G. Rainbow in C. Macdonald et al. Bk. N.Z. Women 523 She was a member of the Wellington Ladies' Christian Association..and a Blue Ribboner. blue-ˈribbonism n. now historical (also with capital initials) the beliefs and practices of those temperance movements whose members wear the blue ribbon (sense A. 3); (more generally) temperance, teetotalism. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence total abstinence1831 teetotalism1834 Rechabitism1841 Good Templarism1859 nephalism1860 blue-ribbonism1867 total abstention1880 temperance1887 Templarism1888 1867 Wrexham & Denbighshire Advertiser 6 July 6/4 Blue Ribbonism says that it is better to enter into life maimed than into death whole. 1920 Unpartizan Rev. Oct. 295 There were occasional periods of blue-ribbonism, during which his voice was raucous in denunciation of the devil that lurked in the glass. 1984 P. Barnes Barnes Ancestry xix. 60 By 1883 we find him espousing the cause of Total Abstinence from liquor, or Blue Ribbonism as it was then called. blue-ˈribbonist n. now rare (also with capital initials) = blue ribboner n.In quot. 1858: a person who adheres mechanically to official rules and formalities. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer water-drinker1440 abstainerc1475 Rechabite1637 drink-watera1641 hydropotist1678 hydropot1727 teetotal1834 teetotaller1834 teetotalist1840 Washingtonian1842 Good Templar1853 teetotalleress1854 blue-ribbonist1858 nephalist1861 total abstainer1862 blue-ribbonite1867 totec1870 Templar1874 blue ribboner1878 total abstinent1882 water butt1882 white ribboner1886 non-drinker1910 pioneer1912 T.T.1922 1858 Liverpool Mercury 5 Mar. It may be well to remind the red-tapists or blue-ribbonists of the Foreign Office that, even from their point of view, Parliamentary control over diplomatic business would not be without a certain convenience. 1882 Knowledge 29 Sept. 300/1 I am no ‘Blue Ribbonist’, but I do think that there is no state of man where alcohol is really essential. 1961 J. M. S. Baljon Mod. Muslim Koran Interpr. (1968) i. 1 He [sc. a Christian] may be a blue-ribbonist, despite an undeniable appreciation of wine by the Bible. blue-ˈribbonite n. British (now rare) (also with capital initials) = blue ribboner n. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > thirst > abstention from drinking > [noun] > total abstinence > total abstainer water-drinker1440 abstainerc1475 Rechabite1637 drink-watera1641 hydropotist1678 hydropot1727 teetotal1834 teetotaller1834 teetotalist1840 Washingtonian1842 Good Templar1853 teetotalleress1854 blue-ribbonist1858 nephalist1861 total abstainer1862 blue-ribbonite1867 totec1870 Templar1874 blue ribboner1878 total abstinent1882 water butt1882 white ribboner1886 non-drinker1910 pioneer1912 T.T.1922 1867 Wrexham & Denbighshire Advertiser 6 July 6/3 This rising port upon the ‘wizard Dee’ was invaded by a pic-nic party of the ‘Llanfynydd Blue Ribbonites’, upwards of a hundred strong, on Tuesday last. 1934 W. W. Gill Manx Dial. ii. 99 Ewan Christian, the revivalist and blue-ribbonite. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2013; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.adj.1607
随便看	to set aside on side to set astray to set asunning to set asunshining to set at to set at a jar to set at a pease, at a pie's heel, at a pin's fee to set at bay to set at cinque and sice to set at contempt to set at debate to set at defiance to set at difference to set at ease, at rest, to rest, in or at peace to set at fault to set at flow to set at gaze to set at jars to set at large to set at leisure to set at liberty to set at light to set at little to set at little store to set at much store