suspensen.
/səˈspɛns/, U.S. /səˈspɛns/ a. (Chiefly Law.) in suspense, not being executed, fulfilled, rendered, paid, or the like; esp. to put in suspense, to defer or intermit the execution, payment, etc. of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [verb (transitive)] > stay or suspend proceedings
abatec1325
to put in suspense1421
stint1491
stay1525
bar1552
sist1635
stop1690
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)] > for later treatment or consideration
reservec1384
to put in suspense1421
resplait1447
to put in resplait1452
to leave over?c1475
sleep1519
refer1559
suspend1581
seposit1657
pigeonhole1840
shelve1847
table1849
pend1953
1421 T. Hoccleve Learn to Die 138 Whethir not changed may be this sentence; O lord, may it nat put been in suspense?
1492 Rolls of Parl. VI. 445 That by this same Act..the same Rentes and Services..be not extincted nor put in suspence.
1528–30 tr. T. Littleton Tenures (new ed.) f. xlv The tenaunt for terme of lyfe hath fee in the seruyces but the seruyces be put in suspence durynge hys lyfe.
1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 9 The same estatutes..shalbe in suspence and not to put in execucion duryng the saide tyme.
1576 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1878) 1st Ser. II. 522 That the saidis landis..remane in the menetyme in suspens un-mellit or intromettit with be ayther of the saidis partiis.
1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 313 Albeit during the couerture the seruices shal be put in suspence.
1804 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. IV. 242 It was a springing use, resting in suspense during his life.
(a) Temporary cessation, intermission, abeyance; = suspension n. 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > [noun]
steadc1000
leathc1175
abiding1340
broklinga1400
pausation1422
pausing1440
interceasingc1450
suspensing?1504
suspending1524
intermission1526
leathing1535
suspensationc1571
intercession1572
suspense1584
abeyance1593
suspension1603
recession1606
interruption1607
recess1620
intercision1625
intercessation1659
intermittency1662
pretermission1677
break1689
cess1703
intermittence1796
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > [noun] > temporary
suspensationc1571
suspense1584
suspension1603
1584 S. Cox in Nicolas Life Sir C. Hatton (1847) 396 The long suspense of your favor, hath bred an opinion..that [etc.].
1588 Holy Bull & Crusade Rome 36 Though it were so, that all the same or any of them, did containe any clause contrary to this suspence.
1710 J. Norris Treat. Christian Prudence v. 251 In natural Sleep the senses of the Body are bound up, so that there is a suspense of Sensation.
1717 A. Pope Eloisa to Abelard in Wks. 429 For thee the fates..ordain A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain.
1783 S. Johnson Let. 26 Aug. (1994) IV. 191 I hope this little journey will afford me at least some suspense of melancholy.
1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 533 That though, where a number of years directly constituted the term of suspense, property could not be prevented from vesting absolutely during 25 years, [etc.].
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > [noun]
longingeOE
bideOE
abodec1225
bodea1300
demura1300
dwella1300
litinga1300
delayc1300
delayingc1300
demurrancec1300
but honec1325
without ensoignec1325
abidec1330
dretchingc1330
dwellingc1330
essoinc1330
tarrying1340
litea1350
delaymenta1393
respitea1393
oversettinga1398
delayancea1400
delitea1400
lingeringa1400
stounding?a1400
sunyiea1400
targea1400
train?a1400
deferring14..
dilation14..
dayc1405
prolongingc1425
spacec1430
adjourningc1436
retardationc1437
prolongation?a1439
training1440
adjournment1445
sleuthingc1450
tarry1451
tarriance1460
prorogation1476
oversetc1485
tarriage1488
debaid1489
supersedement1492
superseding1494
off-putting1496
postponing1496
tract1503
dilating1509
sparinga1513
hafting1519
sufferance1523
tracking1524
sticking1525
stay1530
pause1532
protraction1535
tracting1535
protract of time1536
protracting1540
postposition1546
staying1546
procrastination1548
difference1559
surceasing1560
tardation1568
detract1570
detracting1572
tarryment1575
rejourning1578
detraction1579
longness1579
rejournment1579
holding1581
reprieving1583
cunctation1585
retarding1585
retardance1586
temporizing1587
by and by1591
suspensea1592
procrastinatinga1594
tardance1595
linger1597
forslacking1600
morrowing1602
recess1603
deferment1612
attendance1614
put-off1623
adjournal1627
fristing1637
hanging-up1638
retardment1640
dilatoriness1642
suspension1645
stickagea1647
tardidation1647
transtemporation1651
demurragea1656
prolatation1656
prolation1656
moration1658
perendination1658
offput1730
retardure1751
postponement1757
retard1781
traverse1799
tarrowing1832
mañana1845
temporization1888
procrastinativeness1893
deferral1895
traa dy liooar1897
stalling1927
heel-tapping1949
off-put1970
a1592 R. Greene Frier Bacon (1594) sig. F2 Edward I accept thee heere, Without suspence, as my adopted sonne.
1602 in F. Moryson Itinerary (1617) ii. 252 These vnreasonable Billes haue been looked into (and so some suspence of paiment made).
1669 W. Penn Innocency 5 This short Apology..,which had not been thus long retorted, if an expectation..had not required a suspence.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 284. ⁋2 Their whole Time is spent in suspense of the present Moment to the next.
2. The state of being suspended or kept undetermined (chiefly to hold, keep in suspense); hence, the action of suspending one's judgement; = suspension n. 5.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > [noun]
yea-and-nayc1384
vacillationc1400
titteringa1413
stackeringc1440
wondingc1440
fluctuationc1450
waver1519
mammering1532
uncertainty1548
wavering1548
to and fro1553
suspense1560
staggering1565
suspension1568
mammery1578
demur1581
branle1591
dilly-dally1592
hesitance1601
irresolution1601
uncertainness1601
undecision1611
waveringness1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unresolvednessa1626
doubleness of minda1628
wavinga1628
swagging1636
poise1637
mambling1640
stickagea1647
vacillancy1668
whifflinga1677
hovering1679
unresolve1679
irresoluteness1686
shilly-shally1755
indecisiona1763
undecisiveness1779
indecisiveness1793
oscillation1798
flexility1815
shilly-shallying1842
swaying1850
Hamletism1852
teeter1855
havering1866
off and on1875
dilly-dallying1879
double-mindedness1881
hesitatingness1890
dither1958
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun] > refraining from action or decision
suspense1560
suspension1568
fence-ridinga1859
fence-sitting1904
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xcixv To geue no credit vnto sclaunders,..but to keepe theyr iudgement in suspence, tyll [etc.].
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iv. xiv. 208 Suspence of iudgement and exercise of charitie.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. vi. 223 This will afford Matter of Exercise, for religious Suspense and Deliberation.
1795 W. Paley View Evidences Christianity (ed. 3) II. iii. iv. 314 The miracles did not..so compel assent, as to leave no room for suspense.
1892 B. F. Westcott Gospel of Life 216 Cases may arise in which it is our duty to hold our judgment in suspense.
1908 Westm. Gaz. 16 Jan. 2/2 The plea for a suspense of judgment until the facts are known.
3. † b. in suspense (const. clause, also of): undecided, doubtful, uncertain. Obsolete.† d. Doubt as to a person's character or conduct. Obsolete.
a. A state of mental uncertainty, with expectation of or desire for decision, and usually some apprehension or anxiety; the condition of waiting, esp. of being kept waiting, for an expected decision, assurance, or issue; less commonly, a state of uncertainty what to do, indecision: esp. in to keep (or hold) in (†great or †a great) suspense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [noun]
suspensec1440
hover1513
dispense1562
depending1616
suspension1635
hanging-up1638
cliff-hanging1945
the mind > emotion > fear > apprehension > [noun] > apprehension
doubta1225
feara1300
werea1300
suspiciona1340
doubtancea1400
suspectc1400
dwerec1440
suspensec1440
doubting1486
frayed1536
doubtfulness1576
pain1582
preapprehension1628
apprehension1656
alarm1733
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > keep in suspense [verb (transitive)]
to hold (also keep) (a person) in handa1400
to keep (or hold) in (great or a great) suspense1557
to hold (one) with his bill in the water1579
to hang by the eyelids1587
suspend1605
equipoise1887
to keep (a person) on the edge of his (also her) seat1897
c1440 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine iv. 1838 This putte þe puple in conceytes ful suspens.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. PPiiii Without drede or feare,..suspence and doutfulnesse of mynde.
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Luke xxiv. 28 (note) Christe wolde kepe them in suspens til his tyme came to manifest him self vnto him.
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 15 I praid him..that he wuld not suffer me to go in as great suspens as I cam.
1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. ii. vi. ii. 366 If he..be in suspition, suspence, or any way molested, satisfie his mind.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1569 Suspense in news is torture, speak them out. View more context for this quotation
1700 C. Nesse Antidote against Arminianism 47 Men wickedly think that God is such an One as themselves..hanging in pendulous Suspences.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 89 It was no less than four Days before our Boat came back, so that the poor Men were held in great Suspence.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) I. 73/1 An incredible silence reigned among the people, anxious for the event, and lost in suspense.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. xii. 281 All stood in a kind of suspense, waiting the event of the orders which the tyrant had issued.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 170 His opinions oscillated in a state of contented suspense between infidelity and popery.
1874 C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David IV. Ps. lxxxviii. 18 The ear remains in suspense; until the majestic lxxxixth[psalm] shall burst upon it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [adjective]
suspensec1440
suspensed1526
on hovec1540
ambiguous1550
staggeringa1577
suspended1576
in suspense1583
halting1585
suspensory1611
suspensive1614
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1828
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. B7v I stande in suspence whether hir like were euer borne.
1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 92 He stoode in suspence where he should passe.
1629 H. Burton Truth's Triumph 290 To hold their merchants in suspense of making any sauing trade.
1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. 141 'Tis certain too that Caesar had his Hazards, but..I'm in suspence whether he was ever much Wounded in all his Wars.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. ix. 230 They were lying upon their oars in suspence what to do.
c. Objectively, as an attribute of affairs, etc.: Doubtfulness, uncertainty, undecidedness. †in suspense: (of a question, etc.) undecided, doubtful.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > lack of confidence, distrust, suspicion > [noun]
ortrowthc1175
ortrowa1200
untrust?c1225
suspicion1303
suspectiona1340
mistrowa1375
overtrowa1375
misfaitha1382
jealousyc1385
suspectc1386
misdoubtingc1390
untrist1390
mistrowinga1393
mistrusta1393
mistrista1400
supposinga1400
untrestc1400
wantrustc1405
diffidencea1425
misdeemingc1450
untrustingc1450
discredence?a1475
surmise1509
suspensea1513
diffidency1537
distrust1548
distrusting1549
misdoubt1558
discredit1567
misgiving1582
scruple1597
disconfidence1620
inconfidence1627
disaffiance1631
non-fiance1643
defiance1662
suspiciencya1690
reservation1719
disfaith1870
méfiance1876
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > questionable state or quality > in dispute, in question [phrase]
at large1435
in suspensea1513
in issue1533
in suita1538
sub lite1766
at issue1768
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun]
studyinglOE
orrathnessc1175
doubta1225
balance1297
were1303
doubtancec1325
unsickernessc1340
wilsomenessa1400
wonda1400
scriple?a1425
ambiguityc1425
diswerec1440
dubitationc1450
variation?1473
incertainty1483
doubting1486
doubtfulness1526
scrupulousness1526
scruple1548
uncertainty1548
disputation1549
irresolution1592
swithering1597
hesitance1601
incertitude1601
unpersuadedness1612
inassurance1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unsatisfaction1643
unsatisfiedness1646
dubitancy1649
insecurity1649
dispersuasion1653
unassuredness1660
scrupling1665
unconfidencea1670
swither1719
dubietyc1750
mank1808
suspense1816
dubitating1837
doubtingness1840
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ciii. f. xlv Which innaturall Batayll hangynge in suspence to whether of theym the victory, shulde turne.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxlvi Meanynge thereby..in the meane season to let that matter be in suspence.
1593 J. Norden Speculum Brit.: Middlesex ii. 23 There is a free Schole for the towne, the stipend yet in suspence, the Fishmongers of London contribute twentie pound.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxii. 207 Leauing this in suspence as a thing not..certainely knowne.
1623 P. Massinger Duke of Millaine i. i. sig. B2v It being in suspence, on whose faire Tent, Win'gd [sic] victory wil make her glorious stand.
1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero I. v. 375 In this suspense of his affairs at Rome.
1816 J. Austen Emma III. iii. 39 Such events are very interesting, but the suspense of them cannot last long. View more context for this quotation
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People viii. §2. 461 The first twenty years of Elizabeth's reign were a period of suspense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun] > a doubt, scruple
were1338
doubtc1374
incertainty1483
scruple1534
dubitation1545
scrupulosity?a1562
irresolution1592
suspense1594
non liquet1656
nicety1694
reservation1719
hows and whys1726
dubiety1807
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. M4 Bring you me a princockes beardlesse boy..to call my name in suspense?
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. i. 140 'Tis my speciall hope, That you will cleare your selfe from all suspence.
4. = suspension n. 8. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [noun] > movement of parts > suspension, anticipation, etc.
resolution1721
preparation1728
postposition1730
retardation1730
suspense1737
suspension1786
anticipation1819
triple suspension1876
percussion1880
1737 tr. J.-P. Rameau Treat. Music xxxi. 106 The sounds A keep in Suspence those of B, which naturally ought to have been heard.
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche iii. xv. 33 Responsive rivalries, that, while they strove, Combined in full harmonious suspense, Entrancing wild desire, then fell at last Lulled in soft closes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > absence of support > [noun] > holding or being held up without support
suspension1646
balance1667
suspense1709
self-poisedness1848
1642 T. Fuller Holy State ii. xix.* 120* In a defensive warre, when his countrey is hostilely invaded, 'tis pity but his neck should hang in suspence with his conscience that doubts to fight.]
1709 J. Swift Baucis & Philemon 5 Doom'd ever in suspense to dwell; 'Tis now no Kettle, but a Bell.
1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature v. 99 Must clouds be so precipitated, or kept in suspence, as the case of a particular man or two requires?
Compounds
C1. attributive. Of popular literature, etc.: characterized by the capacity to arouse suspense, excitement, or apprehension, as suspense novel, suspense story, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > novel > [noun] > other types of novel
political novel1735
comic novel1787
epistolary1804
autobiographical novel1832
Robinsonade1837
roman1867
sea-book1867
roman à clef1882
roman expérimental1884
hill-top novel1895
saga1895
Bildungsroman1910
pulp fiction1931
American Gothic1938
Künstlerroman1941
suspense novel1952
nouveau roman1959
sword and sorcery1961
graphic novel1964
non-fiction novel1965
schlockbuster1966
dark fantasy1968
celebrity novel1969
swashbuckler1975
chick lit1988
splatterpunk1988
Aga saga1992
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > other fictional narrative > [adjective] > other specific types of fictional story
metamorphosic1782
locked-room1919
sealed room1939
suspense1952
procedural1956
Boy's Own1967
1952 Spectator 3 Oct. 452/2 Many of their ‘suspense’—as opposed to ‘detective’—novels are first-class.
1957 S. Beach in This Week's Stories of Mystery & Suspense 327 In the suspense story the focus..is fixed on the effort of a single individual to overcome danger.
1962 A. Lurie Love & Friendship xi. 220 It gave him a dissolute, suspense-movie look which Miranda rather liked.
1963 Listener 24 Jan. 158/2 Before compressionism could be taken seriously, suspense drama and the literature of confinement had to be brought together.
1972 J. Philips Vanishing Senator iii. iii. 150 You said yesterday I should be writing suspense novels. Well, maybe I've read too many of them.
1977 Amer. Notes & Queries 15 76/2 Norman Donaldson, an authority on suspense fiction, has written a new introduction for this edition.
1980 D. Bloodworth Trapdoor xxix. 175 Enemy agents in suspense thrillers who were programmed by post-hypnotic suggestion.
C2.
suspense account n. Book-keeping an account in which items are temporarily entered until their proper place is determined.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > account or statement of > [noun] > other types of accounts
calends of exchangec1374
scorea1400
pipe1455
mensalc1475
profit and loss1553
stock1588
bank account1671
lump-account1699
revenue account1703
profit and loss account1721
sundry1736
drawing account1737
stock account?1768
private account1772
trading account1780
Flemish account1785
capital account1813
embankment1813
cost account1817
cash-credit1832
current account1846
savings account1850
deposit account1851
suspense account1869
control account1908
checking account1923
ghost account1933
numbered account1963
budget account1969
ISA1975
MSA1993
1869 Bradshaw's Railway Man. 21 383 From this was deducted 31,383 l. transferred from suspense account.
1882 R. Bithell Counting-house Dict. (1893) 291.
1905 Westm. Gaz. 27 Nov. 11/1 There is the profit of £20,178 transferred to reduction of a suspense account.
suspense-laden adj. full of suspense.
ΚΠ
1963 Times Lit. Suppl. 24 May 374/4 Les Gommes..was conspicuous for..sharp characterization and suspense-laden plotting.
1964 Eng. Stud. 45 375 My chief reason for favoring four beats is therefore that the atmosphere seems more mysterious, suspense-laden, and, as it were, inhuman with four beats than with three.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1918; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
suspenseadj.
Now rare or Obsolete.† 1. Held in contemplation, attentive. (Cf. suspend v. 5a, suspension n. 7) Obsolete.† 3. Refraining from hasty decision or action; cautious, deliberate. Obsolete.† 5. Held back, restrained. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > earnest attention, concentration > [adjective]
intentivec1386
intendable1390
studiousa1400
diligentc1400
intendantc1440
suspensec1450
attent1482
heartbounda1586
searchful1594
intent1610
wist1615
wistful1616
intense1640
imminent1641
concentrative1725
well-attending1725
acuminated1786
spell-bound1799
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Gilbert vii In contemplacion [he was] mor suspense þan oþir men.
1556 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 245 In which talk he held men very suspense.
1582 Bible (Rheims) Luke xix. 48 All the people was suspense [L. suspensus erat; ἐξεκρέματο] hearing him.
2. † b. Objectively doubtful or uncertain; undetermined. Obsolete.
a. In a state of mental suspense; waiting for the issue; doubtful, uncertain; undecided.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > [adjective]
twiredec888
orrathc1175
twofoldc1175
twifoldc1200
waveringc1315
uncertain1382
suspensec1440
mammeringa1450
flowing?1504
floghtering1521
vacillant1521
in a mammering1532
double-minded1552
unstaid1561
unresolute1570
unresolved?1571
staggeringa1577
frittle1579
irresolute1579
cheverel1583
off and on1583
halting1585
unsettleda1593
unresolving1599
demurring1607
waving1611
suspensive1614
hoveringa1616
startling1619
irresolved1621
hesitating1622
indetermined1628
variousa1643
branling1645
hesitant1647
non-sincere1656
hesitatious1657
humdrum1660
shuttlecock1660
yea-and-nay1672
swaying1688
interpendent1708
undetermined1718
Squadronec1720
hesitatorya1734
volanta1734
shilly-shally1734
dilly-dally1749
niffy-naffy1765
wiggle-waggle1778
undecided1779
undecisive1780
indecisive1787
conflicted1789
hesitative1795
undeciding1802
vacillating1814
yea-nay1827
demurrant1836
willy-nilly1839
shilly-shallying1842
oscillative1852
Hamletish1854
vacillatory1854
dilly-dallying1879
thistledown1897
weak-principled1913
not-quite1920
off-again on-again1923
dithery1931
havering1975
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [adjective]
suspensec1440
suspensed1526
on hovec1540
ambiguous1550
staggeringa1577
suspended1576
in suspense1583
halting1585
suspensory1611
suspensive1614
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1828
c1440 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine v. 881 Thus haue this folkis at Kataryn taken her leue, Walkyng to chaunbre with hertes ful suspens; Keepyng this mater al clos in sylens.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Augustine (1910) 13 Thus lyued he with suspense mynde, in grete doute.
?1548 in tr. J. Calvin Faythfvl Treat. Sacrament sig. Aij Wt indiferente and suspense mynde.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. vi. sig. F5 Whose hart twixt doubtfull feare And feeble hope hung all this while suspence . View more context for this quotation
1660 J. Milton Readie Way Free Commonw. (ed. 2) 47 While all mindes are suspense with expectation of a new assemblie.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 418 Expectation held His look suspence, awaiting who appeer'd To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt. View more context for this quotation
1812 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Paradiso xxviii. 37 The guide beloved Saw me in anxious thought suspense [It. in cura Forte sospeso].
1851 C. L. Smith tr. T. Tasso Jerusalem Delivered vi. xlix This people and that other stay suspense At [It. incerto pende Da] spectacle so horrible and new.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > insecure knowledge, uncertainty > [adjective] > obscure, vague
cloudyc1400
indeterminatec1400
diffuse1430
diffused?1456
obscure?a1475
infinite1520
ambiguous1529
indistincta1530
nubilous1533
dark1557
undetermined1588
undefinite1589
undeterminate1603
indetermined1611
undefined1611
suspense1624
umbrageous1635
clouded1641
undeterminated1641
fuliginous1646
implicit1660
vague1690
diffusive1709
nubilose1730
foggy1737
unliquidated1780
hazy1781
indecisive1815
nebulous1817
penumbral1819
aoristic1846
scumbled1868
nubiform1873
out-of-focus1891
fuzzy1937
soft focus1938
1624 R. Montagu Gagg for New Gospell? viii. 64 That leaue it so suspence, without distinction.
1657 M. Hawke Killing is Murder & No Murder Pref. With his Suspence and involved Questions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [adjective] > prudent > duly deliberate (of persons)
howea950
deliberate?a1425
umbethoughta1500
suspense?1518
deliberating1561
considerate1581
deliberating1637
deliberative1742
chin-stroking1858
?1518 A. Barclay tr. D. Mancinus Myrrour Good Maners sig. Cii To callers importune, of wordes be suspence.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie Pref. 6 The selfe same orders allowed, but yet established in more warie and suspense maner.
1619 J. Hales Let. 7 Feb. 80 in Golden Remains (1659) Private meetings in my Lord Bishops Lodging; where upon Wednesday Morning were drawn certain Theses in very suspense and wary termes.
1684 tr. T. Bonet Guide Pract. Physician vi. 155 To proceed, to the great Remedies especially, with a suspense pace and slowly.
4. † b. Of a nose: Turned up. Obsolete. rare.
a. Hung, hung up, hanging; = suspended adj. 6.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > support > hanging or suspension > [adjective]
yhongeOE
uphunga1400
suspensec1440
hanging1483
uphanged1555
hung1663
suspended1796
swung1812
suspensive1827
overhung1868
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 500 The pament vnderthirled & suspense.
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. iii. 679 That they suspence aparti so may stonde.
1632 Guillim's Display of Heraldrie (ed. 2) iv. xv. 346 These Shields which we call Armes suspense.
1647 H. More Philos. Poems ii. iii. iii. xlviii Those higher stars They may as well in water hang suspense As do the Planets.
1647 H. More Notes Psychozoia 349 The imaginative operations of Psyche are more high, more hovering and suspense from immersion into the grosser spirits of this body.
1882 J. A. Symonds Animi Figura 138 Man The climax of earth's miracle, suspense On the last wave of being.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > nose > [adjective] > types of nose
cammed?c1350
camoisc1380
snatteda1387
camoisedc1515
flat1560
hawked1577
rising1606
simous1634
aquiline1646
Roman1665
snoutya1685
suspense1697
rhinocerical1710
rhinocerotic1755
Bardolphian1756
cock-up1763
bridgeless1772
retroussé1802
snubbed1802
snubbish1828
snubby1828
snipish1834
snub1843
pugged1847
puggisha1849
tip-tilted1872
saddleback1897
beak-sharp1933
spitzy1968
1697 J. Evelyn Numismata ix. 297 The Suspense [nose], subdolous and given to deride.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > [adjective] > restrained
bridled1567
retent1568
restrained1578
controlled1581
snubbed1583
retained1592
retentive1599
curbed1600
repressed1606
stifleda1643
suspense1667
light1740
reined-in1740
checked1793
reined-up1835
reticent1877
snaffled1877
directed1891
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 99 The great Light of Day..suspens in Heav'n Held by thy voice. View more context for this quotation
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1918; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† suspensev.
Obsolete.
1. transitive. To keep in abeyance; to defer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)]
forslowc888
eldc897
forsita940
gele971
lengOE
drilla1300
delayc1300
onfrestc1300
tarryc1320
jornc1330
dretchc1380
defer1382
forbida1387
to put offa1387
to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393
dilate1399
fordrawa1400
to put overc1410
latch?c1422
adjournc1425
prolongc1425
proloynec1425
rejournc1425
to put in respite1428
sleuthc1430
respitea1450
prorogue1453
refer1466
sleep1470
supersede1482
respectc1487
postpone1496
overseta1500
respett1500
enjourna1513
relong1523
retract1524
tarde1524
track1524
to fode forth1525
tract1527
protract1528
further1529
to make stay of1530
surcease1530
prorogate1534
to fay upon longc1540
linger1543
retard?1543
slake1544
procrastine1548
reprieve1548
remit1550
suspense1556
leave1559
shiftc1562
suspend1566
procrastinate1569
dally1574
post1577
to hold off1580
drift1584
loiter1589
postpose1598
to take one's (own) timea1602
flag1602
slug1605
elong1610
belay1613
demur1613
tardya1616
to hang up1623
frist1637
disjourn1642
future1642
off1642
waive1653
superannuate1655
perendinate1656
stave1664
detard1675
remora1686
to put back1718
withhold1726
protract1737
to keep over1847
to hold over1853
laten1860
to lay over1885
hold1891
back-burner1975
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie xi. 2 This reason dryueth vs now..Streight to your reason, before suspensed.
1629 L. Owen Speculum Iesuiticum (new ed.) 40 I would aduertise the gentle Reader to suspence his beleefe hereof, till hee haue some more credible witnesse.
2. = to dispense with at dispense v. Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or dispense with
forbearc900
forgoa1175
aspare1377
dispensec1420
missa1450
renouncec1480
sparea1525
afford?1560
free1561
egar1584
suspense1584
dispend1614
to dispense witha1616
waive1669
1584 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses (ed. 3) i. sig. Hviii As light & as easie as this punishment is, it may be, and is dayly suspensed withall for mony.
1596 R. Linche Dom Diego in Diella sig. E7v With sweete mouth'd Pytho I may not suspence.
1618 T. D. Canaans Calamitie sig. G3v Perhaps I may take pitty on your case: And graciously withall your faults suspence, And giue you pardon.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > state of uncertainty, suspense > [adjective]
suspensec1440
suspensed1526
on hovec1540
ambiguous1550
staggeringa1577
suspended1576
in suspense1583
halting1585
suspensory1611
suspensive1614
(to stand or sit) on or upon the fence1828
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. hv Thus they be in hert and wyll, eleuate & suspensed frome all thynges in heuyn and erthe.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 55 Bringing great comfort to the minds of the armies, and provinces that were suspensed and doubtful.
1594 R. Carew tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne ii. 58 Suspenst a while and not so sodaine led To wrath.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > [noun]
steadc1000
leathc1175
abiding1340
broklinga1400
pausation1422
pausing1440
interceasingc1450
suspensing?1504
suspending1524
intermission1526
leathing1535
suspensationc1571
intercession1572
suspense1584
abeyance1593
suspension1603
recession1606
interruption1607
recess1620
intercision1625
intercessation1659
intermittency1662
pretermission1677
break1689
cess1703
intermittence1796
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. xxxvi. 226 About the which [spiritual things] scarsly at any tyme we labour or thynke inwardly with suspensynge of our outwarde sensys.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1918; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
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n.1421
adj.c1440
v.?1504