strangeadj.n.
/streɪn(d)ʒ/, U.S. /streɪndʒ/ A. adj.† 1. † b. Of a country or other geographical feature: Situated outside one's own land. Obsolete.† 3. Belonging to others; not of one's own kin or family. Obsolete.† 5. Added or introduced from outside, not belonging to the place or person where it is found, adventitious, external. In Surgery = foreign adj. 5.† 6. With from: Alien, far removed; diverse, different. Obsolete.† 8. Of a kind that is unfamiliar or rare; unusual, uncommon, exceptional, singular, out of the way. Obsolete. (Merged in sense A. 10.)† 11. Of persons: † c. Sparing of (one's favour). Obsolete.† d. to make oneself strange: to be distant or unfriendly. Obsolete.† e. to look strange: to look at a person as if one did not know him. Obsolete.
a. Of persons, language, customs, etc.: Of or belonging to another country; foreign, alien. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > [adjective] > foreign (of country or place) or situated abroad > of or relating to a foreign land
un-i-cundeeOE
althedisheOE
althedyOE
elelendisha1000
fremda1000
outlandishOE
strange1297
outenc1300
unkindc1300
outlandsc1330
foreign?1435
outland1488
peregrine1532
uncouth1533
forinsecal1539
exterior1540
extern1543
unnative1568
uplandish1586
external1587
tramontane1596
exotical1601
estranged1614
undenizened1635
extra-marine1639
outlanding1643
ultramarine1656
transmontane1727
forinsec service1728
foreigneering1806
trans-oceanic1827
vilayati1843
alienized1860
oversea1881
overwater1889
overseas1892
furrin1895
non-native1932
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 379 Þe king made him vroþ inou,..Þat strange men in is owe lond dude a such trespas.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 36 In Ingland neuer before was kynge lufed so wele, Ne of the folk strange non honourd so mykelle.
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. II. 159 Þe Flemmynges þat woneþ in þe weste side of Wales haueþ i-left her straunge speche and spekeþ Saxonliche i-now.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 151 They wold not haue the Iuste and true blood of egypte, but the strange blood whiche they shold take & make sacrefice therof.
1483 Cath. Angl. 367/2 Strawnge, alienus, barbarus.
1572 Abp. M. Parker Let. 13 Dec. in Corr. (1853) (modernized text) 411 To be first sent out to the reader, both English and strange.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. ii. 129 One mounsier Berowne, one of the strange Queenes Lordes.
1621 J. Taylor Superbiæ Flagellum sig. A6 Ancient Bards, and Poets in strange toungs.
1642 Rates Merchandizes 110 That if any English transport Coales in strange Bottoms, to pay strangers custome.
1755 N. Magens Ess. Insurances II. 236 If a strange Master, that never was on the River Elbe before, takes a Pilot on board in foreign Parts.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > [adjective] > foreign (of country or place) or situated abroad
althedyOE
strange1297
foreigna1393
outward1427
extern1543
abroad1559
external1587
stranger1593
tramontane1596
oversea1645
transmontane1727
trans-oceanic1827
overseas1892
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5838 Þat hii & al þat lond bineþe ssolde be ydo Þoru folc of strange londe.
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 35 Also ȝef ony broþer or sister deye in straunge cuntre, in cristendom or in hethenesse.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 466 She hadde passed many a straunge strem.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 13 And Palmeres for to seeken straunge strondes.
1568 in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) II. 322 Thre Kingis of strenge regionis To the ar cumin.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. vii. §5. 84 Long abode in a strange ayre, and want of supplie, had much enfeebled the Athenians.
1722 A. Philips Briton i. ii. 6 In a strange Land His Manes shall not wander, unappeas'd.
2. Belonging to some other place or neighbourhood; unknown to the particular locality specified or implied. Of a place or locality: Other than one's own.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > a land or country > part of country or district > [adjective] > other part or belonging to
strangec1290
c1290 St. Brendan 292 in S. Eng. Leg. 227 An straunge man eche daye it bringuth In-to ovre celere, i-wis.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 233 For whan a man mai redy finde His oghne wif, what scholde he seche In strange places to beseche To borwe an other mannes plouh.
1421 Coventry Leet Bk. 27 That no man throw ne cast at noo straunge man, ne skorn hym.
1487–8 in H. Littlehales Medieval Rec. London City Church (1905) 129 Item, Resseyued of Margarete Bull for þe buriall of a straunge childe, ij s.
1555 in T. Wright Churchwardens' Accts. Ludlow (1869) 65 Received of mr Whytlege for the beryalle of a straunge man in the churche, vj s. viij d.
1662 W. Kilburne in Extracts State Papers (Friends' Hist. Soc.) (1911) 2nd Ser. 148 Within these three weeks last past I have taken notice of many strange faces which frequent this meeting.
1732 J. Swift Exam. Abuses Dublin 9 A strange Dog happens to pass through a Flesh-Market.
1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Adam Bede II. vi. xlix. 208 There's all the sewing to be done, an' I must have a strange gell out o' Treddles'on to do it.
1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 760 The address should be given in full, as tourists in strange towns have otherwise difficulty in finding the place.
1894 J. Payn Gleams of Memory 9 Strange clergymen were much put out by it [sc. the old squire's snoring], and would make significant pauses in their discourse.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > [adjective] > not related
fremda1200
strange1338
remote1607
foreign1609
unrelated1657
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 87 Purchaced þing men gyues,..tille a man is strange for his seruise.
c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 196 Yet were me leuere þat houndes had me eten Than þat myn heritage sholde falle In straunge hand.
c1500 Robert Deuyll in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) I. 15 Ye to do justice upon hym [sc. your son] as on a straunge man.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1537) vi. f. 10 For perfyte knowlege of thynges,..it behoueth to haue strange aduyse, clere vnderstandynge, and propre experience.
4. strange woman n. a harlot. (With the, as denoting the class.)After many passages in the Book of Proverbs. The adjective renders two different Hebrew words, nokrīyāh and zārāh, both which have the sense ‘not one's own (wife)’ (see A. 3).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute
meretrixOE
whoreOE
soiled dovea1250
common womanc1330
putec1384
bordel womanc1405
putaina1425
brothelc1450
harlot?a1475
public womanc1510
naughty pack?1529
draba1533
cat1535
strange woman1535
stew1552
causey-paikera1555
putanie?1566
drivelling1570
twigger1573
punka1575
hackney1579
customer1583
commodity1591
streetwalker1591
traffic1591
trug1591
hackster1592
polecat1593
stale1593
mermaid1595
medlar1597
occupant1598
Paphian1598
Winchester goose1598
pagan1600
hell-moth1602
aunt1604
moll1604
prostitution1605
community1606
miss1606
night-worm1606
bat1607
croshabell1607
prostitute1607
pug1607
venturer1607
nag1608
curtal1611
jumbler1611
land-frigate1611
walk-street1611
doll-common1612
turn-up1612
barber's chaira1616
commonera1616
public commonera1616
trader1615
venturea1616
stewpot1616
tweak1617
carry-knave1623
prostibule1623
fling-dusta1625
mar-taila1625
night-shadea1625
waistcoateera1625
night trader1630
coolera1632
meretrician1631
painted ladya1637
treadle1638
buttock1641
night-walker1648
mob?1650
lady (also girl, etc.) of the game1651
lady of pleasure1652
trugmullion1654
fallen woman1659
girlc1662
high-flyer1663
fireship1665
quaedama1670
small girl1671
visor-mask1672
vizard-mask1672
bulker1673
marmalade-madam1674
town miss1675
town woman1675
lady of the night1677
mawks1677
fling-stink1679
Whetstone whore1684
man-leech1687
nocturnal1693
hack1699
strum1699
fille de joie1705
market-dame1706
screw1725
girl of (the) town1733
Cytherean1751
street girl1764
monnisher1765
lady of easy virtue1766
woman (also lady) of the town1766
kennel-nymph1771
chicken1782
stargazer1785
loose fish1809
receiver general1811
Cyprian1819
mollya1822
dolly-mop1834
hooker1845
charver1846
tail1846
horse-breaker1861
professional1862
flagger1865
cocodette1867
cocotte1867
queen's woman1871
common prostitute1875
joro1884
geisha1887
horizontal1888
flossy1893
moth1896
girl of the pavement1900
pross1902
prossie1902
pusher1902
split-arse mechanic1903
broad1914
shawl1922
bum1923
quiff1923
hustler1924
lady of the evening1924
prostie1926
working girl1928
prostisciutto1930
maggie1932
brass1934
brass nail1934
mud kicker1934
scupper1935
model1936
poule de luxe1937
pro1937
chromo1941
Tom1941
pan-pan1949
twopenny upright1958
scrubber1959
slack1959
yum-yum girl1960
Suzie Wong1962
mattress1964
jamette1965
ho1966
sex worker1971
pavement princess1976
parlour girl1979
crack whore1990
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prov. ii. B That thou mayest be delyuered also from the straunge woman [so later versions], and from her that is not thine owne.
1631 B. Jonson Bartholmew Fayre ii. iv. 23 in Wks. II If I can..but rescue this youth, here, out of the hands of the lewd man, and the strange woman.
1886 J. Ruskin Præterita I. xi. 346 No fear of my being tempted by the strange woman, for was I not in love?
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > extrinsicality or externality > [adjective] > coming or operating from outside or extraneous
strangec1386
alienate1533
extern1533
unnative1568
extrinsical1578
implanted1595
adventitious1603
intervenient1605
acquired1609
extrinsic1613
foreign1621
extraneous1638
adnate1642
acquisititiousa1652
external1651
adventual1656
forinsecal1658
adventine1755
extranate1856
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > growth or excrescence > [adjective] > foreign body
strangec1386
foreign1621
c1386 G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Tale 305 For gentillesse nys but renomee Of thyne auncestres for hire heigh bountee, Which is a strange thyng to thy persone.
a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 83 It haþe in it a vertue putrefactyue by which he putrefieþ straunge humours comyng to a wounde.
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull Repert. A j. Adulteringe womens heare with strange colours, &c. is controlinge of Gods handy worke.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iii. lxxxvi. 440 This is a strange plante, and not found in this Countrie, except in the gardens of some Herboristes.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xii. sig. Oo3 Yet his owne face was dreadfull, ne did need Straunge horrour, to deforme his greisly shade.
1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. 5/3 The strange thinges are ether externall,..or anye substance of our bodyes, as splinters or parcells of bones, which we esteme straunge, because they are noe more partakers of our lyfe.
1672 R. Wiseman Treat. Wounds ii. v. 30 Cleanse the Wound first from all strange Bodies.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective]
othereOE
otherkinseOE
unilicheOE
elseOE
otherways?c1225
diversc1250
diverse1297
unlikea1300
likelessa1325
sundrya1325
contrariousc1340
nothera1375
strangec1380
anothera1382
otherwisea1393
diversed1393
differenta1400
differing?c1400
deparayll1413
disparable1413
disparail1413
dissemblable1413
party?a1439
unlikeningc1450
indifferent1513
distinct1523
repugnant1528
far1531
heterogene?1541
discrepant1556
mislike1570
contrary1576
distincted1577
another-gainesa1586
dispar1587
another gate1594
dislike1596
unresembling1598
heterogeneana1601
anothergates1604
heterogeneal1605
unmatched1606
disparate1608
disparent?1611
differential1618
dissimilar1621
disparated1624
dissimilary1624
heterogeneous1624
unparallel1624
otherguess1632
anotherguise1635
incongenerous1646
anotherguess1650
otherguise1653
distant1654
unresemblant1655
distantial1656
allogeneous1666
distinguished1736
otherguised1768
unsimilar1768
insimilar1801
anotherkins1855
diff1861
distinctive1867
othergate1903
unalike1934
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > [adjective]
uncouthc1374
strangec1380
alienate1533
unconformable1593
disconformablec1600
inconformable1612
anomalous1646
unmodelled1650
disform1656
inconform1659
unattuned1792
unassimilating1796
anomalistic1802
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 431 Alle þes bodiliche signes ben straunge fro charite.
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 511 Þerfore no newe secte of religioun, straunge fro Cristis secte, shulde have begunne.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. iii. 91 A witty man tacth preued thyng, & change He macth, that lond from lond be not to strange.
a1525 ( Coventry Leet Bk. (1908) II. 294 To be estraunged from his Crafte..and to be reputed & holden as straunge from eny benyvolence of this Cite.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. vi. xxxii. 112 Beryllus..went about to establyshe forrayne and straunge doctrine from the fayth.
7. Unknown, unfamiliar; not known, met with, or experienced before. Const. to.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > that which is unknown > [adjective]
uncouthc897
neweOE
fremdc950
unknownOE
unseena1200
unketha1275
unkedc1275
strange13..
disguisyc1330
unknowedc1380
aliena1382
unhearda1382
unkenneda1400
ranishc1400
ignorant?a1475
unwittenc1485
unbekend1513
unacquainted1551
unkent1579
unwitted1582
unfamiliar1593
unsounded1594
incognite1609
ignote1623
in the urn1658
unfathomed1659
unexperienced1698
unknown-of1700
undiscovered1707
inaudite1708
darka1727
unascertained1751
unwist1757
unknownst1805
unbeknown1824
unbeknownst1848
unsampled1890
13.. K. Alis. 4817 Hy ledden hym..In the straungest peryl of Inde.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 252 In strange place and doun thei lihte And take a chambre.
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §17. 27 (heading) To knowe the verrey degree of any maner sterre straunge or vnstraunge after his longitude.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vii. iii. 45 As ȝow art careyt tyll ane strange cost [L. ignota ad litora vectum].
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. To Rdr. Straung paths ar not troden al truly at the first.
1568 (?a1513) W. Dunbar in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1928) II. 148 So nyce array, So strange to thair abbay.
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. Pref. ⁋5 Euen S. Hierome himselfe calleth the Hebrew tongue barbarous, belike because it was strange to so many.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. ii. 200 You know the Charracter I doubt not, and the Signet is not strange to you? View more context for this quotation
1655 T. Moffett & C. Bennet Healths Improvem. xviii. 169 Strange things are ever best liked.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued I. i. 256 For things so far out of the way of all former experience as that we cannot tell what to think of them appear strange and uncouth.
1830 C. C. F. Greville Mem. (1874) II. 29 The next Parliament..is besides very ill composed—full of boys and all sorts of strange men.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Morte d'Arthur in Poems (new ed.) II. 15 Among new men, strange faces, other minds.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Strange Sail, a vessel heaving in sight, of which the particulars are unknown.
1889 Universal Rev. 15 Feb. 251 One good jump on a strange horse shows standard horsemanship.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adjective] > special, extraordinary, or unusual
sunderlepeOE
specialc1325
strangec1330
undeemousa1400
outragec1400
singularc1400
stravagant1565
unusual1582
extraordinarya1586
remarkable1593
exordinary1601
peculiar1608
stupendous1640
eccentricala1652
particular1665
out-of-the-way1675
uncommon1705
awfy1724
exceptionable1801
tremendous1831
exceptional1846
exceptive1849
exceptionary1850
spesh1874
heart-stopping1891
off-brand1929
wild1955
cracker1964
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 116 And forsoth I couth noght So strange Inglis as þai wroght.
1340 R. Rolle Psalter Pref. 4 In this werke .i. seke na straunge ynglis, bot lyghtest and commonest.
c1374 G. Chaucer Anelida & Arcite 202 The kynde of mannes herte is to delyte In thing that straunge is.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 89 Strange aventures forto seche, He rod the Marches al aboute.
a1400 Coer de L. 268 Kyng Rychard gan hym dysguyse In a ful strange queyntyse.
1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy ii. 4187 The straunge metis, þe manere of þe seruyse, I haue noon englische al for to deuyse.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique iii. 86 This should first be learned, yt we neuer affect any straunge ynkehorne termes, but so speake as is commonly receiued.
1554–5 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 173 Verey fayer quaint and strange attier.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxv. 141 Skins of al sorts, of liuely colours, straunge and diuers aboue al..in the world.
1663 J. Heath Flagellum (1672) 24 And all by such uncouth and strang passes, such unexpected..contingency of things.
9.
a. Exceptionally great (in degree, intensity, amount, etc.), extreme. (Now tending to merge in sense A. 10.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > very great or extreme
strangec1380
overpassinga1382
passinga1387
most?c1430
extremec1460
horriblea1464
violenta1500
mainc1540
immortal?c1550
exquisite1552
sore1555
three-piled1598
thundering1618
devilish1639
shrewda1643
deadly1660
woundy1681
vast1696
monstrous1711
mortal1716
terrific1743
hell-fired1754
hellish1764
colossal1794
severe1805
awful1818
all-fired1829
terrible1829
quare and1847
ferocious1877
pluperfect1889
raging1889
giddy1896
utter1898
stiff1905
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 454 But þis abusioun were to straunge.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 26 Sea rages in winter, be suddenly straunge.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. xv. 50 The last [earthquake].. was so straunge and fearful for the space of xviii. dayes continually.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. ii. 162 I did not think to draw my Sword 'gainst Pompey, For he hath laid strange courtesies, and great Of late vpon me. View more context for this quotation
1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim xxvi The ensuing part of the road was very dangerous,..and of a strange length.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 265 His Eyes sparkled, and his Countenance discover'd a strange Eagerness.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 350 Taking Devilish long Strides, and shuffling along at a strange Rate.
1752 S. Foote Taste i. 4 I have a strange Mind to leave you to yourselves.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian viii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 207 Strange was the courage and address which he displayed in his pursuits.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Strange, great. ‘A strange deal.’
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 195 The fall of the Hydes had excited throughout England strange [1858 ed., extreme] alarm and indignation.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 33 The aspiration after good has often lent a strange power to evil.
b. quasi-adv., qualifying an adjective: Very, extremely. Also strange and —. Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adverb] > very
tooc888
swith971
wellOE
wellOE
fullOE
rightc1175
muchc1225
wellac1275
gainlya1375
endlyc1440
hard?1440
very1448
odda1500
great1535
jolly1549
fellc1600
veryvery1649
gooda1655
vastly1664
strange1667
bloody1676
ever so1686
heartily1727
real1771
precious1775
quarely1805
murry1818
très1819
freely1820
powerfula1822
gurt1824
almighty1830
heap1832
all-fired1833
gradely1850
real1856
bonny1857
heavens1858
veddy1859
canny1867
some1867
oh-so1881
storming1883
spanking1886
socking1896
hefty1898
velly1898
fair dinkum1904
plurry1907
Pygmalion1914
dinkum1915
beaucoup1918
dirty1920
molto1923
snorting1924
honking1929
hellishing1931
thumpingly1948
way1965
mega1966
mondo1968
seriously1970
totally1972
mucho1978
stonking1990
1667 A. Wood Life & Times (1892) II. 102 March 6,..began the strange cold weather with great winds.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 17 The Sea breaks strange and dangerous.
1888 G. M. Fenn Dick o' the Fens 133 I've got a straänge nice lot o' bait.
1888 G. M. Fenn Dick o' the Fens 160 I'm straänge and glad you've caught him.
10. absolute.1816 P. B. Shelley Alastor 9 Whatsoe'er of strange Sculptured on alabaster obelisk,..Dark Æthiopia in her desert hills Conceals.1839 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Frogs Introd. p. cvi (note) Æschylus..loved exceedingly the strange and the exciting.† b. to think (it) strange of (or concerning): to be surprised at. Obsolete.
a. Unfamiliar, abnormal, or exceptional to a degree that excites wonder or astonishment; difficult to take in or account for; queer, surprising, unaccountable.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > quality of inspiring wonder > [adjective] > with quality of strangeness
selcouthc888
uncouthc900
sellya1000
ferly?c1225
strangec1374
nicec1395
ferlifula1400
monsterfulc1460
portentous1553
miraculous1569
vengible1594
strangefula1618
phenomenous1743
phenomenala1850
very like a whale1859
weird and wonderful1859
fourth-dimensional1902
out of this world1941
unreal1965
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > strange > so as to excite wonder or surprise
selcouthc888
strangec1374
fremdc1385
particular1712
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 120 I wot yow þenketh straunge, No wonder is, for it is to yow newe, Thaqueyntaunce of þese Troians to chaunge For folk of Grece þat ye neuere knewe.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 24 Me thoghte I syh upon a Stage Wher stod a wonder strange ymage.
1461 J. Russe in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 247 The gyding of youre aduersary hath been in many causez ryght straunge.
1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. C.iiv And nowe I woulde aske a straunge question.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 27 Many straunge and wonderfull sightes were seene this present yere in the Skie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) v. i. 245 This is as strange a Maze, as ere men trod. View more context for this quotation
1620 I. C. Two Merry Milke-maids iv. i. sig. L3 But this is very strange. Fre. But not so strange as true, I am a witnesse of it.
1779 Mirror No. 57 They complained that I was a strange fellow, who hated company.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia II. iv. ii. 138 Will you not think me very strange if I should take the liberty to consult you upon some business?
1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XIV ci. 165 'Tis strange—but true; for Truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction.
1842 R. Browning Pied Piper of Hamelin in Bells & Pomegranates No. III: Dramatic Lyrics v ‘Come in!’—the Mayor cried, looking bigger: And in did come the strangest figure!
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xv. 103 It seemed strange that a man should be there alone.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues I. 180 The professors of education are strange beings.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > happen or move unexpectedly [verb (intransitive)] > feel surprised
to think wonder (also ferly)lOE
to have wondera1400
admirec1429
startle1562
to think (it) strange of (or concerning)1585
to come short?1611
strange1639
to think (it) much1669
admirize1702
to go (all) hot and cold1845
to take to1862
surprise1943
not to know (or to wonder) what hit one1961
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xvii. 19 b He had vnderstanding, that the Frigate..was of Malta, whereof he thought very straunge [Fr. ce qu'il trouuoit estrange & mauuais].
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Pet. iv. 12 Beloued, thinke it not strange [Gk. μὴ ξενίζεσθε] concerning the fiery triall, which is to try you. View more context for this quotation
c. strange to say, tell, etc., used parenthetically: cf. say v.1 and int. Phrases 3. Similarly strange enough.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > wonder, be astonished [phrase] > it is wonderful
it is a worldc1495
it is a world and (also a) wonder1600
mirabile dictua1634
it is to be wondered1654
strange to say, tell1697
strange enough1853
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas sig. F.jv Strange tale to tel: all officers be blynde.]
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 262 While I held my Son,..Strange to relate, from young Iulus Head A lambent Flame arose.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. (1856) xxii. 170 Strange enough, during the night, Captain Austin..entered the same indentation.
1859 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát Omar Khayyám lx. 13 And, strange to tell, among that Earthen Lot Some could articulate, while others not.
1862 M. E. Braddon Lady Audley's Secret I. viii. 132 Strange to say, George Talboys, who very seldom observed anything, took particular notice of this place.
d. quasi-int. ‘An expression of wonder’ (Johnson); ‘an elliptical expression for it is strange (W. 1828).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > exclamation of wonder [interjection]
ahaa1400
ocha1522
heydaya1529
ah1538
ah me!a1547
fore me!a1547
o me!a1547
gossea1556
ay me!1591
o (also oh) rare!1596
law1598
strangec1670
lack-a-day1695
stap my vitals1697
alackaday1705
prodigious1707
my word1722
(by) golly1743
gosh1757
Dear me!1805
Madre de Dios1815
Great Jove!1819
I snum1825
crikey1826
my eye1826
crackey1830
snakes1839
Great Scott1852
holy mackerel!1855
whoops1870
this beats my grandmother1883
wow1892
great balls of fire1893
oo-er1909
zowiec1913
crimes1929
yowa1943
wowee1963
Madre mia!1964
yikes1971
whee1978
chingas1984
c1670 E. Waller On St. James's Park in Poems (1722) 163 Strange! what Extremes shou'd thus preserve the Snow, High on the Alps, or in deep Caves below.
1694 J. Locke Two Treat. Govt. (ed. 2) i. xi. §147 Strange! that Fatherly Authority should be the only Original of government, and yet all Mankind not know it; and Stranger yet, that [etc.].
1725 Byrom Handel & Bononcini in Poems (1773) I. 344 Strange all this Difference should be, 'Twixt Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee!
e. Particle Physics. Epithet of those subatomic particles that have a non-zero value of the strangeness quantum number. So called originally because they had lifetimes much longer than was expected from their being produced by the strong interaction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > atomic physics > particle physics > quark > [adjective] > strange
strange1956
1956 M. Gell-Mann in Nuovo Cimento IV. Suppl. 850 We shall refer to the nucleon.., the antinucleon.., and the pion..as ‘ordinary particles’ to distinguish them from the ‘strange particles’, K-particles and hyperons.
1965 H. Muirhead Physics Elem. Particles i. 20 The discoveries of new particles have occurred sometimes as a result of a theoretical impetus and sometimes by accident. The strange particles fall into the latter category.
1973 L. J. Tassie Physics Elem. Particles vi. 51 A typical strange particle is the Λ°, an uncharged particle which decays with a mean lifetime of 2·5 × 10−10 s.
1974 H. Frauenfelder & E. M. Henley Subatomic Physics xiii. 358 To construct strange mesons and strange baryons, at least one strange quark is needed.
1975 Physics Bull. Apr. 177/1 There are two nonstrange quarks, u and d, a doublet under SU(2), and a strange quark which is a singlet under SU(2).
1977 Sci. Amer. Oct. 58/3 There must be a set of lightest strange particles, which have no states of lower mass to which they can give the s quark. These are the K mesons and the lambda baryon (Λ).
a. Unfriendly; having the feelings alienated.
b. Distant or cold in demeanour; reserved; not affable, familiar, or encouraging; uncomplying, unwilling to accede to a request or desire. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [adjective] > inflexible
ironOE
stour1303
strange1338
unmovablea1382
inflexible1398
stoutc1410
unpliablea1425
intreatable1509
stiff1526
stiff-necked1526
unpliant1547
stout-hearted1552
inexorable1553
obstinate1559
strait-laced1560
impersuasible1576
unflexiblea1586
hard-edged1589
adamantive1594
unyielding1594
adder-deaf1597
steeled1600
irrefragable1601
rigid1606
unpersuadable1607
imployable1613
unswayablea1616
uncompellable1623
inflexive?1624
over-rigid1632
unlimbera1639
seta1640
incomplying1640
uncomplying1643
stiff-girt1659
impersuadable1680
unbendinga1688
impracticable1713
unblendable1716
stiff-rumped1728
unconvinciblea1747
uncompounding1782
unplastic1787
unbending1796
adamant1816
uneasy1819
uncompromising1828
cast iron1829
hard-hitting1831
rigoristic1844
ramrod1850
pincé1858
anchylosed1860
unbendable1884
tape-bound1900
tape-tied1900
hard line1903
tough1905
absolutist1907
hard-arsed1942
go-for-broke1946
hardcore1951
hard-arse1966
hard-ass1967
hardball1974
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > [adjective] > not affable
strange1338
estrangec1374
formal?1518
cold1557
squeamish1561
icy1567
buckrama1589
repulsive1598
starched1600
unaffable1603
stiff1608
withdrawing1611
reserved1612
aloof1639
cool1641
uncordial1643
inaffable1656
staunch1659
standfra1683
distant1710
starcha1716
distancing1749
pokerish1779
buckramed1793
angular1808
easeless1811
touch-me-not1817
starchy1824
standoffish1826
offish1827
poker-backed1830
standoff1837
stiffish1840
chilly1841
unapproachable1848
hedgehoggy1866
sticky1882
hard-to-get1899
stand-away1938
princesse lointaine1957
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 50 Olaf in Norweie..bare him ouer strange to þe kyng Knoute.
?a1366 Romaunt Rose 1065 These losengers thorough flaterye Haue maad folk ful straunge be There hem ought be pryue.
1423 Kingis Quair cii And though I was vnto ȝour lawis strange, By ignorance, and noght by felonye.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xxxiv. 173 Be straunge unto hym, as ye knowe nothyng The perfite cause of his true commyng.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Addicion Auersus, straunge, vnacquaynted.
1568 A. Scott Poems (1896) xxi. 18 I fand hir of ane staffage kynd, Bath staitly, strange, and he.
a1593 C. Marlowe Edward II (1594) sig. E4v If he be straunge and not regarde my wordes.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. i. 144 I should haue bin strange I must confesse. View more context for this quotation
1633 Match at Mid-night iii. i. F 4 b I was strange, in the nice timerous temper of a Maid.
1700 W. Congreve Way of World iv. i. 57 Let us never Visit together, nor go to a Play together, But let us be very strange and well bred.
1761 C. Churchill Night 5 The strange reserve, the proud affected state Of upstart knaves grown rich and fools grown great.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [adjective]
argha1000
slowOE
unwillyc1200
sweera1300
unfain1338
loathc1374
dangerousc1386
eschewc1386
squeamous1387
obstinate?a1439
unpresta1500
ill-willing?1520
evil-willing1525
untowards1525
untowarda1530
unwilling1533
strange1548
ill-willed1549
dainty1553
relucting1553
squeamish?1553
nicea1560
loathful1561
coyish1566
coy1576
unhearty1583
costive1594
unready1595
tarrowinga1598
undisposed1597
involuntary1598
backward1600
retrograde1602
unpregnant1604
scrupulous1608
unprone1611
refractory1614
behindhanda1616
nilling1620
backwards1627
shya1628
retractable1632
reluctant1638
loughta1641
tendera1641
unapt1640
uninclinable1640
unbeteaming1642
boggling1645
averse1646
indisposed1646
aversant1657
incomposed1660
disinclined1703
unobliging1707
unconsenting1713
uninclined1729
tenacious1766
disinclinable1769
ill-disposed1771
unaffectioned1788
scruplesomec1800
back-handed1817
sweert1817
tharf1828
backward in coming forward1830
unvoluntary1834
misinclined1837
squeamy1838
balky1847
retractive1869
grudging1874
tharfish1876
unwishful1876
safety first1917
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward V f. iijv Some were reconsiled and growen into his fauoure, of the whiche he was neuer straunge, when it was with true herte demaunded.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > not be affable
to make oneself strange1390
to make (it) strangec1405
to make (it) strange1598
to wait one's distance1600
to wait one's distance1642
starch1698
prim1721
to cast snowballs1725
to put on the stranger1809
to show the cold shoulder1816
stiffen1864
to play hard to get1929
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 144 He [sc. Nebuchadnezzar] kneleth in his wise and braieth, To seche merci and assaieth His god, which made him nothing strange, Whan that he sih his pride change.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 195 And for he wolde his herte glade, He lihte and made him nothing strange.
1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. lii. f. 304v Myne aduise is, that by little and little, you doe make your self straunge, and vse no more your wonted grace vnto him.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > not be affable > refuse to recognize someone
to look strange1609
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lxxxix. sig. F3v I will acquaintance strangle and looke strange . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 296 Why looke you strange on me? you know me well. View more context for this quotation
12. Of a person: Unfamiliar or unacquainted with something (specified or implied); †inexperienced or unversed in; fresh or unaccustomed to; unpractised or unskilled at.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > unfamiliarity with, inexperience > [adjective]
unwistc1374
unknowna1393
ignorantc1475
imperfect1508
rawa1513
unskilfula1547
imperite?1550
illiterate1556
strange1561
unacquainted1565
green-headed1569
unacquainted1581
unacquaint1587
unfledged1603
inexperienced1626
guiltless1667
inexperient1670
unconversanta1674
unversed1675
uninitiated1678
a stranger to1697
uninitiate1801
inconversant1802
lay1821
griffish1836
wet behind the ears1851
neophytic1856
griffinish1860
experienceless1875
neophytish1897
wet-eared1967
the world > action or operation > ability > inability > unskilfulness > [adjective] > inexperienced > in something spec.
rudea1425
strange1561
unwitty1594
unexperimented1598
unversed1675
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer ii. sig. N.iiiiv And whan he hath it [promotion], let him not shew himself new or straunge in it.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 56 I know thee well: But in thy Fortunes am vnlearn'd, and strange . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. ii. 152 In Ephesus I am but two houres old, As strange vnto your towne, as to your talke. View more context for this quotation
1770 P. Luckombe Conc. Hist. Printing 323 An understanding Press-man knows..how to give a strange joyner and smith instructions to make a Press.
1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk. II. vi. 165 Though as strange at the work As fribble must be.
1911 Concise Oxf. Dict. (at cited word) [I] am strange to the work.
13. to make (it) strange: to make difficulties, refuse to assent or comply, be reluctant or unwilling; to hold back, keep a stand-off attitude; to be distant or unfriendly; to affect coyness; to pretend not to understand; to affect or feel surprise, dislike, indignation, etc. Const. of (= about) a matter, etc.; to (do something); also to make strange at.† a. to make it strange. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > not be affable
to make oneself strange1390
to make (it) strangec1405
to make (it) strange1598
to wait one's distance1600
to wait one's distance1642
starch1698
prim1721
to cast snowballs1725
to put on the stranger1809
to show the cold shoulder1816
stiffen1864
to play hard to get1929
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > separation or isolation > separate or isolate [verb (transitive)] > stand aloof from
to make it strangec1405
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Reeve's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 60 And straunge he made it of hir mariage.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 515 He made it straunge, and swoor so god hym saue Lasse than a thousand pound he wolde nat haue.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum xlix. 220 What! deer love, whi makest þow hit nowe so straunge to me?
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) lxxviii. sig. Tviv Though that she make it straunge & deny you at the fyrst, yet be not ashamed therwith & she shall loue you the better.
1575 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure (rev. ed.) I. lvi. f. 249v The husbande hearinge him saye so, commaunded his wyfe to kisse him, which she did although she made it straunge, either for the Lords desire or for husbands request to do the same.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) i. ii. 103 She makes it strange, but she would be best pleas'd To be so angred with another Letter. View more context for this quotation
b. to make strange. Also (esp. in earlier use) const. at, of. Now dialect and North American.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > present difficulties [verb (intransitive)] > make difficulties
to make (it) strange?1456
stickle1656
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > not be affable
to make oneself strange1390
to make (it) strangec1405
to make (it) strange1598
to wait one's distance1600
to wait one's distance1642
starch1698
prim1721
to cast snowballs1725
to put on the stranger1809
to show the cold shoulder1816
stiffen1864
to play hard to get1929
?1456 T. Howes in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 160 Whan he maket straunge to ley dowun the condempnacion.
1549 Duke of Somerset in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. ii. 102 If they shal make strange to have the same [treaty] so confirmed.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) v. vi. sig. H.iiijv Thei wer not angry then. M. M. Yes at first, & made strange.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Delicium Delicias facere, to make strange and dally, because he would be intreated.
1598 G. Chapman Blinde Begger of Alexandria sig. D2v Therefore beautious Ladie make not strange, To take a freind and adde vnto thy Ioyes.
1602 S. Rowlands Greenes Ghost 46 Maister Doctor at the first made strange of the matter, and seemed verie loth to deale in it.
1633 J. Ford 'Tis Pitty shee's Whore ii. sig. C4 v Sir now you know my house, pray make not strange.
1655 tr. C. Sorel Comical Hist. Francion ix. 18 This brown lasse did make a request to the Shepherd for her, but at the first he seemed to stand off, and to make strange thereat.
1727 D. Defoe Ess. Hist. Apparitions viii. 133 However, she made still strange of it.
1773 C. Dibdin Deserter i. vii. 17 How strange you make of this matter.
1904 Eng. Dial. Dict. V. 804/2 Strange... 1. adj...W[est] m[oreland]. Also said of one who professes to be in ignorance of some matters it is well known he understands. ‘Thoo's neea casion to makt seea strange, thoo knows o' t'time.’
1937 P. K. Devine Folklore of Newfoundland 33 To make strange, to be afraid or timid. ‘Don't make strange,’ said to a guest sitting down to eat.
1966 Amer. Speech 41 295 [Newfoundland] Don't make strange. Said to make a guest feel at home.
1974 P. Gzowski Bk. about this Country 173/1 The luxury of a babysitter is rare—besides, the baby makes strange, and no babysitter with knowledge aforehand would come near!
B. n.† 1. A strange person, stranger; in plural sense, strangers. Also rarely in plural form. Obsolete.Trevisa has straungene as genit. plural.† 2. plural. News. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > separation or isolation > [noun] > one who is separated or isolated > stranger or outsider
fremdc950
guestc950
althedyOE
allophyleOE
uncoutha1250
strangea1325
alienc1384
barbarc1384
barbarync1384
strangerc1385
barbaric1388
foreigna1399
outland?a1400
farandman14..
out-comelingc1400
foreigner1422
alienar1473
alienate1497
estrangec1503
new face?a1513
barbarianc1550
fremman1568
frenne1579
estranger1586
inmatea1600
outlier1606
outcomer1607
externc1610
exoteric1697
outner1721
outsider1800
unco1800
inconnu1807
outrigger1850
offcome1859
ringer1896
offcomer1898
shenzi1910
out-grouper1938
outworlder1948
a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) xiii. 67 Felonies idone to straunge.
c1325 Prose Ps. xciii. 6 Hij slowen wydowes and straunge.
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Campsall MS.) ii. 411 Allas what shulde straunge to me don When he þat for my best frend y wende [etc.].
1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. V. 321 In holy place I now reste in straungene londe.
c1400 Laud Troy Bk. 7182 Ȝe may ȝit kyng Thoas chaunge For on of oure or for som strange.
1477 in Engl. Miscell. (Surtees 1890) 27 Item William Panter..maid afray of ij stranghis.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 2975 Þou couet to se þat straunge, þat was stoute.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > news or tidings > [noun]
wordOE
tiding1069
messagec1325
sound1413
news1417
advicec1425
noveltya1450
novelsc1450
newel1484
strangesa1500
nouvellesc1500
uncouthsa1529
occurrent1583
actualité1840
a1500 Coventry Corpus Christi Plays ii. 4 Where nevis and strangis be cum of lately, Affermyng the seyng of old profecie.
Compounds
Combinations, forming adjectives. C1. Parasynthetic.
strange-plumaged adj.
ΚΠ
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise: Pt. III 75 Among strange-plumaged bird, Strange-fruited tree, and strange-clad maid.
strange-tongued adj.
C2. Prefixed as complement to present participles.
strange-looking adj.
ΚΠ
1814 W. Scott Diary 10 Aug. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1837) III. iv. 171 One of their boats comes off, a strange-looking thing without an entire plank in it.
strange-sounding adj.
ΚΠ
1843 G. Borrow Bible in Spain II. vii. 130 They were conversing with each other in a strange sounding dialect.
C3. adverbially (now rare), as strange-achieved, strange-composed, strange-digested, strange-moulded, etc.
ΚΠ
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) iii. xx. sig. S.iiii He may be a minstrell and make melodye you wote well, wyth some other instrument, some straunge fashioned peraduenture that neuer was sene before.
1549 J. Olde in M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Ephes. Prol. sig. .i So diligent to continue & aduaunce their popyshe pryuate masses & other straunge tounged seruice.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 201 For this they haue ingrossed and pilld vp, The cankred heapes of strange atcheeued gold.
1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. A3 Some strange digested fellow..Of ill-contented nature.
1607 T. Middleton Revengers Trag. i. sig. A3 Ile be that strange composed fellow.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. iii. 33 Indeed, it is a strange disposed time. View more context for this quotation
1627 T. May tr. Lucan Pharsalia (new ed.) i. B 1 Strange formed Meteors the thicke ayre had bred.
1756 J. Home Douglas ii. (1757) 28 The red moon..Cross'd and divided by strange-colour'd clouds.
1819 W. Irving Sketch Bk. ii. 156 Some strange-favoured being.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 188 Under the strange-statued gate.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise: Pt. III 75 Among strange-plumaged bird, Strange-fruited tree, and strange-clad maid.
1917 D. H. Lawrence Look! We have come Through! 135 Also she who is the other has strange-moulded breasts.
Draft additions 1993
As adv. In an unusual or peculiar manner; = strangely adv. 5. Cf. senses A. 9b, Compounds 3. dialect and colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adverb] > in a strange manner
uncouthlyc900
alangely1440
strangely1533
outlandishlikea1568
strangea1616
foreignly1654
unco-like1842
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 36 Ang. And she will speake most bitterly, and strange. Isa. Most strange: but yet most truely wil I speake. View more context for this quotation
1780 J. Woodforde Diary 28 Mar. (1924) I. 276 Sam talked rather strange to me before breakfast today.
1920 E. O'Neill Beyond Horizon I. ii. 36 What's come over Andy tonight, I wonder? He acts so strange.
1939 A. Huxley After Many a Summer ii. iii. 206 The Baby was acting strange... Acting for all the world like one of those advertisements for Sal Hepatica or California Syrup of Figs.
Draft additions 1997
strange attractor n. Mathematics an attractor (attractor n. 3) having the form of a fractal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > point > [noun] > attractor
attractor1947
strange attractor1971
Lorenz attractor1976
1971 Ruelle & Takens in Communications Math. Physics XX. 170 Going back to the vector field X, we have thus a ‘strange’ attractor which is locally the product of a Cantor set and a piece of two-dimensional manifold.
1987 Nature 23 Apr. 753/2 Self-determination may well be compatible with unpredictability and even with randomness, provided that the motions are unstable and possess what are, in modern chaos theory, called strange attractors.
1988 I. Peterson Math. Tourist vi. 146 Under certain conditions, however, nonlinear differential equations generate trajectories in phase space that form peculiar shapes, having none of the regularity associated with the previous examples of attractors. Such objects are called chaotic, or strange, attractors.
1991 Omni Feb. 24/4 Physicists..can reduce the turbulence of airflow over a helicopter blade to mathematical values that charted geometrically, settle into a..pattern..called a strange attractor.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† strangev.
Obsolete.
1. transitive. To remove, banish, keep apart from an accustomed place, condition, relations, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate [verb (transitive)] > separate from > cut off from
exilec1330
rob1340
privea1387
stop1398
privatec1425
strangec1430
interclude1569
intercept1576
circumcise1613
prescind1640
c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) iii. li. 162 Ye shulden now be me ful sweete and deere, ne were j so aloyned and straunged from yow.
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 216/2 He shuld be straunged from his high Presence, and from his Court.
c1450 Knt. de la Tour 58 And for that dede we were..straunged from gret ioye and blisse.
1547 tr. A. de Marcourt Bk. Marchauntes (new ed.) b j b The pore people ae so vndertrod, grawen, devoured, and so straunged for [= from] ye knowledge of God.
1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Mowbray xxi I that was exylde for aye, My enmy straunged but for a ten yeares daye.
2. To make strange or different, alter.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)]
wendeOE
braidOE
change?c1225
turnc1300
remue1340
varyc1369
flitc1386
strange1390
alter?a1425
degenerate1548
variate1605
commutatea1652
veer1670
mutate1818
reschedule1887
switch1906
to change up1920
the world > time > change > change [verb (transitive)]
wharvec897
wendOE
i-wendeOE
awendOE
aturn?c1225
biwrixle?c1225
changec1225
turnc1225
shifta1325
vary1340
inchangea1382
strange1390
altera1398
alterate?a1425
permute?a1425
difference1481
renewc1515
alienate1534
wrixlec1540
to chop and change1557
variate1566
palter1587
permutate1598
immute1613
unmake1616
unsame1632
chop1644
veer1647
variegatea1690
refract1700
mutabilatea1704
commute1825
stranger1863
switch1919
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 329 For anon after he was changed And from his oghne kinde stranged, A lappewincke mad he was.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 77 The See his propre kinde changeth, And al the world his forme strangeth.
1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. Aij By wittie composition Its excellente to heare. A knowne worde straunged hansumlye.
1638 R. Brathwait Barnabees Journall (new ed.) iv. sig. Bb6 Musing I should be so stranged, I resolv'd them, I was changed.
3.
a. To alienate in feeling or affection, estrange from (rarely of).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > quarrel or falling out > quarrel or fall at variance with [verb (transitive)]
alienc1350
strange1460
estrangea1513
alienate1531
avert1532
stranger1608
to set off1633
disaffect1641
disoblige1647
unfriend1659
rupture1815
split1835
1460 W. Worcester in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 203 That I schulde..sodenly haue departed in-to these parties,..and that I straunched me from sertein persones to moche.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 266/2 She lad the lyf of an heremyte and al Straunged fro the world.
c1500 Melusine (1895) xiii. 48 Are ye as now so straunged of vs that ye marye you without that we know therof tyl the day of weddyng?
1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Estrangé, stranged, alienated.
1623 J. Wodroephe Spared Houres Souldier 364 Vice and Laizinesse, which offuscate & diffame the Children of good Houses, stranging them from their God.
1641 J. Tombes Leaven of Pharisaicall Wil-worship (1643) 9 It strangeth the mindes of people and Ministers from learning, and studying Gods word.
a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 146 Did we love our Father in Heaven as children, could we strange our selves from his interest?
1691 A. Gavin Frauds Romish Monks 47 I might have had good reason to infer from their behaviour, that their Hearts were much stranged from the words of their Lips.
1707 tr. M.-C. d'Aulnoy Diverting Wks. 93 I thought him quite strang'd from me.
b. To make (a person) a stranger to (a sentiment).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > make emotionally unfeeling [verb (transitive)] > to something
strange1390
dead1612
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 190 Whan ther is lacke in hem above, The poeple is stranged to the love Of trouthe, in cause of ignorance.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 210 He which that wolde himselve strange To Pite, fond mercy so strange, That he withoute grace is lore.
4. ? To grudge (something valuable) to (a person); reflexive to refuse (to grant something).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > retaining > niggardliness or meanness > be niggardly of [verb (transitive)] > grudge
begrudgec1390
grutchc1400
strange1439
grudgec1500
envy1585
the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (reflexive)] > refuse (to grant something)
strange1439
1439 Rolls of Parl. V. 24/1 By cause of which Statuyt thus made, the Chaunceller of Englond for the tyme beyng, hath straunged hem oft tymes to graunt Licences.
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) 71 That sore lytyll that god hath lent me of goodes sholde not be straunged vnto hym by me, for he is worthy to haue mykel more.
5. intransitive. To depart, estrange oneself from; to be removed or become alienated from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separate, come, or go apart [verb (intransitive)] > become separated from something
strangec1380
parta1400
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 12 Crist shulde be our maister, and we shulden not strange from him.
c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 79 Men shulden speke her wordis as Goddis lawe spekiþ, and strange not in speche from undirstondinge of þe puple.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 6 Mi wittes changen And alle lustes fro me strangen.
6. To become strange or changed. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 264 And riht so as hir jargoun strangeth, In sondri wise hir forme chaungeth.
7.
a. To be surprised, wonder. Const. at, subordinate clause, or to and infinitive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > feel wonder, be amazed [verb (intransitive)]
wonderc888
awondera1250
amarvelc1330
muse1340
marvela1382
astone1393
ferlya1400
admirec1429
stun1533
marl1601
wonder-maze1603
strange1639
admirize1702
astony1850
mirate1893
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > happen or move unexpectedly [verb (intransitive)] > feel surprised
to think wonder (also ferly)lOE
to have wondera1400
admirec1429
startle1562
to think (it) strange of (or concerning)1585
to come short?1611
strange1639
to think (it) much1669
admirize1702
to go (all) hot and cold1845
to take to1862
surprise1943
not to know (or to wonder) what hit one1961
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. ii. 169 Whereat I should strange more, but that [etc.].
1648 J. Geree Ιππος Πυρρος 7 Strange not then at changes.
1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. i. 69 Thou wouldst not much strange that I doe before-hand conforme my selfe to the Ceremony.
1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. i. 2 Is't not enough to make one strange, That a mans fancy should ne'r change?
1671 R. McWard True Non-conformist 472 I strange you should accuse Henry the Eight of a civil Papacy, and so inconsequently acquit al his Successors.
a1691 G. Fox Jrnl. (1827) I. 80 I stranged at it.
1696 E. West Mem. (1865) 53 I stranged mightily what might be the reason that the mills were going.
1757 R. Griffith & E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances II. ccxcv. 283 —— is in this House, offered me his Company, and stranges much, as the Waiter phrases it, why I should chuse to be alone.
1788 A. Shirrefs Poems (1790) 164 I strange to hear ye speak in sic a stile.
1880 W. H. Patterson Gloss. Words Antrim & Down (at cited word) I strange very much that you didn't come.
b. transitive. To wonder at.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > feel wonder or astonishment at [verb (transitive)]
amarvelc1330
marvela1382
marvela1393
admirea1500
esmarvel1502
muse1530
wonder1535
muse1567
bewonder1610
strange1641
1641 R. Harris Abners Funerall Ep. Ded. Madam, Strange not my slownesse.
c. To surprise.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > surprise, astonish [verb (transitive)]
gloppena1250
abavea1400
ferlya1400
forferlya1400
supprisec1405
stonish1488
surprend1549
stagger1556
thunderbolta1586
admire1598
startle1598
thunderstrike1613
siderate1623
dumbfound1653
surprise1655
stammer1656
strange1657
astartlea1680
dumbfounder1710
knock1715
to take aback1751
flabbergast1773
to take back1796
stagnate1829
to put aback1833
to make (a person) sit up1878
to knock, lay (out), etc., cold1884
transmogrify1887
rock1947
to flip out1964
1657 J. Gaule Sapientia Justificata 74 It stranges me still, that [etc.].
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > [adjective] > changed
changeda1413
forchangeda1500
stranged1581
innovated1635
1581 T. Howell His Deuises sig. K.iijv What straunged sight hath me dismaide.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > feeling of wonder, astonishment > [noun] > act of wondering
stonyingc1315
astoningc1374
marvellinga1450
stonishingc1520
astonishing1530
stoyning1594
astonying1607
admiration1611
stranging1658
1658 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 2nd Pt. 456 This very thing made one of the Disciples ask Christ with no little stranging at it. Lord [etc.].
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1917; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.c1290
v.c1380