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单词 take
释义

taken.1

Brit. /teɪk/, U.S. /teɪk/
Forms: Middle English– take, 1500s tayke; Scottish pre-1700 taik, pre-1700 taike, pre-1700 teik, pre-1700 1700s– take.
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Perhaps also partly a borrowing from early Scandinavian. Etymon: take v.
Etymology: < take v. In some early uses perhaps also partly < early Scandinavian (compare Old Icelandic taka taking, seizure, capture, revenue, tenure: see tack n.2). Compare earlier tack n.2
1.
a. Chiefly Scottish and Irish English (northern). A lease of land or property; the duration of such a lease. Cf. tack n.2 2. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > hiring or renting > [noun] > taking on rent or lease > lease
take1392
farm1422
lease1483
hiregang1513
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > a legal holding > [noun] > leasehold land or tenement
tenantry1385
take1392
rent1422
tenantryc1450
tack?a1500
tenancy1579
tenanty1612
rentage1892
1392 in W. Fraser Lennox (1874) II. 46 Al maner of seruys of the forsayde landis avcht duyrande the terme of the forsayde take.
1511 in J. Raine Testamenta Eboracensia (1884) V. 24 I will that my wif & my childre have my take in my fermhold in Kendale.
1542 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 157 Also I give to my wif my take of yeres of the parsonadge of Kellyngton.
1599 in F. Collins Wills & Admin. Knaresborough Court Rolls (1902) I. 220 All the tayke of my farmehold to bringe up my children withall.
1633 in S. Ree Rec. Elgin (1908) II. 227 Johne Chalmber..who hes the take of the Chanerie kirkyarde.
?1688 Family Papers Earl of Galloway in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Tak n.1 To seight the samen [houses] both att the begineing and expyreing of this take.
1822 M. Edgeworth Let. 16 Mar. (1971) 371 Yesterday I engaged to take this house for another month..from the 26th March at which our present take finishes up to the 23rd of April.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 347/1 Take,..4 a lease.
b. English regional and Irish English (northern). Land which is leased; a holding. Also: an act of leasing land. Cf. tack n.2 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > hiring or renting > [noun] > taking on rent or lease
mailing1390
arrentationc1540
take1794
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > tenure and rights > [noun] > systems of tenure
stintagea1642
stintinga1642
take1794
tenantry1794
crofting1851
mezzadria1875
métayage1877
crofterization1907
crofterizing1908
1794 R. Fraser Gen. View Devon 49 In this [sc. 80,000 acres] are included, certain ancient tenements..which, with the new takes, claimed in right of these tenements, are estimated to amount to from six to ten thousand acres.
1796 European Mag. June 365/2 If their take is all grass, they can find no ground to dig, except perhaps where a hay-stack has been placed the preceding year.
1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. I. 80 The quantity of land he must till, would occupy so much of his time, that the take would..be injurious to him.
1896 Daily News 19 Sept. 2/5 A few new ‘takes’ have been at less money, but old tenants have had to be content with a 10, 5, and..1 per cent. allowance.
1905 W. Tuckwell Reminisc. Radical Parson xi. 157 He..will increase his take, build a cottage on it through a building society [etc.].
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 347/1 Take,..2 a holding, a small farm taken on lease. 3 specifically a communal holding or leasing of land.
2.
a. gen. The action or an act of taking something. rare except in give and take n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > [noun]
nimmingOE
takingc1230
betakingc1449
take1589
scavenge1978
1589 J. Lea tr. D. F. R. de M. Answer Vntruthes 9 In friendship, it is not for one friend alwaies to expect good turns of the other, but also to indevor to requite it: there should never be a (take) without a (regive:) and good deeds must result from both parts full of love.
1628 W. Folkingham Panala Medica v. 29 I hold it not amiss for a constant Man..to elect the mids of the first Quartile, and continue the take of the first infusion most part of the two next Quaternaries.
1885 Times 25 May 9 At each take there is a certain amount of waste.
2003 M. Truong Bk. Salt (2004) xix. 212 An even exchange. A fair trade. A give for a take.
b. Chess and Draughts. An act of capturing an opponent's piece. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1850 H. G. Bohn et al. Hand-bk. Games 407 When one party huffs the other, in preference to compelling the take, he does not replace the piece his adversary moved.
?1870 F. Hardy & J. R. Ware Mod. Hoyle 107 Such a dashing ‘take’ as this [in draughts] would not be likely to happen in actual play.
1903 Times, Lit. Suppl. 31 July 236/3 A good problem seldom commences with a check or take.
3.
a. Originally Scottish. An act of taking or capturing an animal, or (usually) a number of animals, esp. fish, at one time; the quantity so caught; a catch. Also occasionally: the activity or process of catching fish. Cf. tack n.2 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fish to be caught or as catch > [noun] > catch of fish
draughta1387
waithing1488
hale1572
tack1596
take1626
catch1792
haul1854
taking1855
fare1884
strike1887
voyage1897
shack1904
1626 in Act Bk. Kirkwall Sheriff Court (1939) 12 Quhatsomever persone..sall slay the erne or eagl sall have of the bailȝe..viij d. for everie teik within the parochine.
1753 Scots Mag. Aug. 422/1 There was a great take of herrings.
1789 W. Combe Anderson's Hist. Origin Commerce (rev. ed.) IV. 571 The take was so very great and the demand so small, that incredible numbers were thrown away.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour II. 60/1 The yearly ‘take’ of larks is 60,000.
1854 C. D. Badham Prose Halieutics 339 Of late years..greater takes have been effected off those of New England alone, than from the great fishery of Newfoundland itself.
1854 H. Miller Schools & Schoolmasters iii. 41 We..became knowing..about the take and curing of herrings.
1859 A. Bain Emotions & Will x. 189 The pleasure of each successful throw..rendering it easy [for the angler] to go on for a long time without a take.
1911 S. W. Mitchell John Sherwood ix. 111 We anchored in the lee of the island..and had a prosperous take of cod, haddock and rock flounders.
1976 M. Machlin Pipeline i. 8 Officially the Inupiat..had been limited to a take of three hundred bears a year.
2005 J. Diamond Collapse (2006) xii. 366 The annual take of wild fish in the Yangtze River has declined 75%.
b. Angling. The time when fish are rising to take food. Usually with on as complement. Also figurative. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > [noun]
visseþ1297
fishinga1400
piscation1620
riviationa1676
take1833
piscicapture1863
fish1880
1833 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. May 851/2 We beseech us to look at that—the take—the take is on—by all that is prolific, the surface of the water is crawling with noses and back-fins.
1858 Border Angler ii. 30 When the take is on—that is, when of a sudden the water begins to ‘bell’ with noses poked up to catch the drowning flies that suddenly come down the stream in myriads.
1881 A. Lang Library 11 The ‘take’, as anglers say, is ‘on’ from half-past seven to half-past nine a.m.
1912 J. Rogers Sport in Vancouver & Newfoundland v. 64 The take comes on quite unexpectedly.
1919 Amer. Angler Apr. 622/1 Full of hope that I would take trout when the take was on and often when there was no take.
4.
a. That which is taken or received in payment, or as the proceeds from a transaction or piece of business; (U.S. colloquial) one's personal income or earnings. Also: (in plural) takings.In quot. 1654: (perhaps) a charge, an impost.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > takings or receipts
receipta1325
receiptc1390
receptions1514
takings?1593
provenance1628
taking ins1644
take1850
encashment1861
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > [noun] > personal income or acquired wealth
yearningeOE
livelihooda1325
livingc1330
thrifta1350
fanging1493
thrive1592
stipend1605
censea1637
revenue1653
private income1725
establishment1726
take1937
1649 J. Cooke King Charls his Case 14 Those seven Acts of grace which the King past, were no more then his duty to do, nor halfe so much but giving the people a take of their own grists.
1654 in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 41 The take of 200,000 crownes is now sett, and the Emperor declared his present shallbe apart.
1850 N. Wiseman Let. 9 Dec. in Dublin Rev. (1919) Jan. 9 On Sunday the church was open... You may judge of the crowds when I tell you that the take was £94.
1891 Daily News 14 Sept. 2/1 Confident of large ‘takes’ for to-day and Sunday.
1905 Westm. Gaz. 15 June 11/1 The current [railway] returns include the long-distance Whitsuntide takes.
1937 Sun (Baltimore) 9 Feb. 11/2 There is the case of the checkroom girl in a hotel, who receives tips for each garment checked, but turns her ‘take’ over to the management.
1972 T. P. McMahon Issue of Bishop's Blood xiii. 152 The take in Las Vegas is on the order of eight and a half millions a week.
1978 Detroit Free Press 5 Mar. b7/6 Isley will have to make do with his take from the Tractor Pull.
1998 L. Morgan Good Time Girls iv. 89 The inmate of a house of ill fame there could clear twenty-five dollars a night after giving half her take to her madam.
b. Criminals' slang (chiefly North American). Money acquired by theft or fraud.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > stolen goods > [noun] > property acquired by theft or fraud
picking1749
plunder1790
weeding dues1819
loot1839
take1888
knock-off1963
1888 J. Greenwood Policeman's Lantern 69 A tidyish ‘take’ brought about by what he called the ‘sweetstuff lay’.
1927 C. F. Coe Me—Gangster xiii. 228 After the stick-up..Carrots..can watch the take till I send the porter over after it.
1934 Sun (Baltimore) 14 July 3/5 A self-confessed confidence man..testified that he always handed his take to Graham, who..kept fifteen per cent for providing police protection.
1963 Social Probl. 10 366/2 The multimillion-dollar ‘take’ of the hoodoo complex.
2011 D. O'Connor & M. O'Connor Montreal's Irish Mafia xiii. 135 He invested the take from his jewelry store scores by fronting money for other crooks.
c. U.S. colloquial. A percentage of a sum of money deducted for the payment of tax or other charges.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > tax > [noun] > amount deducted for
take1933
bite1946
tax bite1954
1933 Portsmouth (New Hampsh.) Herald 3 Oct. 6/3 The six and one-half percent mutuel take allowed the New Hampshire Breeders association by state law.
1942 Sun (Baltimore) 20 Mar. 14/2 What is the whole take of the Lewis dues collectors? How much of that take is a compulsory tribute through strong-arm imposition of closed-shop contracts?
1975 Lamp (Exxon Corporation) Winter 11/2 A recent act of Parliament imposes a special tax on revenues from British fields; combined with royalties and corporate income taxes, it raises total government ‘take’ to as much as 75 per cent, depending on the size of the field.
1997 V. Niederhoffer Educ. of Speculator ix. 203 Jockey fees, purse money,..taxes, and executive salary—all these come from the take, which runs from 15 percent to 25 percent of the money bet on each race.
5. Chiefly English regional. A sudden attack of illness or pain; (also) a seizure caused by magic or witchcraft. Cf. taking n. 4b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [noun] > spell
galderOE
lede-runec1000
sigalderc1000
craftOE
lede spelc1275
charma1300
conjurisonc1380
conjurationa1398
incantation1412
saunter1562
blessing1572
fascination1572
spell1579
lot1625
cantation1656
cantion1656
take1678
jynx1693
cantrip1719
pishogue1829
brujería1838
paternoster1880
goofer1887
runea1935
1678 Quacks Acad. 7 He has a Take upon him, or is Planet-struck.
1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words II Take,..(2) A vulgar name for the sciatica, mentioned in Aubrey's MS. Nat. Hist. Wilts, p. 10... (3) A sudden illness. Dorset.
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words Tyek, a take or sudden painful sensation, sometimes called a catch. ‘Aa've getten a tyek i' me side.’
†6. Captivating quality, charm. Cf. taking adj. 2. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attractiveness > [noun] > attractive quality or feature
lust1390
jollity1484
allure1534
Venus1540
attract1593
attraction1599
attractive1607
gold dust1690
charm1697
charmingness1727
take1794
charmfulness1842
style1897
appeal1916
pull factor1938
1794 A. M. Bennett Ellen IV. 179 Her face..had that kind of harmony and take in it, which when it has once pleased, will not cease to do so.
7.
a. Printing. A portion of copy taken at one time by a compositor for setting; = taking n. 7. Now historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > material to be printed > [noun] > portion to be set out at one time
taking1808
take1832
1832 R. Stevenson Examiner 8 Jan. 12 Take of copy, the portion of copy which a compositor makes use of.
1853 ‘M. Twain’ Let. 26 Oct. (1917) I. i. 26 When one [sc. a compositor] gets a good agate take, he is sure to make money.
1890 W. J. Gordon Foundry 192 In the small hours of the morning..the last speech is coming in on relays of flimsy telegrams, and the compositors are working short ‘takes’ of half a dozen lines apiece.
1922 The W. G. N.: Handbk. Newspaper Admin. (Chicago Tribune) 235 He also sets by linotype, at the top of each take, a ‘guide line’, bearing the name of the story and the number of the take.
1998 M. C. Ives George Meredith's Ess. ‘On Comedy’ & Other Publ. 348 The fact that the first take of the copy..is not attributed (no name appears in the margin at the beginning of the take) might indicate that it was set by a clicker.
b. An allotted period of time in which each of a staff of court or parliamentary reporters is required to record proceedings; the proceedings thus recorded.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > written record > [noun] > notes > making notes > amount taken down at one time
take1872
1872 J. S. Jeans Western Worthies 98 The ‘take’ of reporters became very much shortened, until they now seldom exceed a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes.
1909 J. R. Gregg Gregg Reporter i. 38 It is usually practicable to complete the transcript of a take and be ready to return to the court in one's regular turn in such time that no take will exceed ten minutes.
2008 G. J. Downey Closed Captioning i. iii. 112 Sometimes a deposition is held, and the reporter gets a good ‘take’ (records a substantial set of steno notes) but no transcript is ordered afterward.
8.
a. Agriculture and Horticulture. Growth of a crop after sowing or planting; germination of seeds; rooting and growth of a cutting; an instance of this. Cf. take v. 11a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > sowing > [noun] > germination
catch1798
take1921
1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 180 At such an interval they [sc. the effects of lime] are generally to be seen, especially in producing a better take of grass-seeds and a more nutritious pasture.
1852 Brit. Farmer's Mag. 22 418/1 Some sow grass seeds along with the flax, and undoubtedly the general result is a good take of clover.
1921 H. Guthrie-Smith Tutira xix. 165 Between the isolated plants of the miserable ‘take’ of seed there was ample space left for the germination of undesirables.
1959 H. I. Moore Crops & Cropping (ed. 5) 109 Fertilising often makes all the difference between a patchy ‘take’ and a good one.
1992 E. Kula Econ. Nat. Resources & Environment iii. 75 Beating-up, which is also called supplying or beating, is the replacement of plants that succumbed in the initial planting. In many plantations the take is so good that no beating is necessary.
2006 S. Lyle Ultimate Fruit & Nuts 285/1 Take cuttings of ripe wood [of medlar] in late autumn, but expect only a poor take.
b. Medicine. An instance of effective vaccination; a reaction, esp. a skin lesion, indicative of effective vaccination. Also: the efficacy or rate of success of vaccination or a vaccine. Cf. take v. 35d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > immunoprophylaxis > [noun] > immunization > inoculation or vaccination > successful
take1884
1884 Med. Brief 12 45/2 All of our primary vaccinations were successful, and we secured over fifty per cent of successful ‘takes’ in secondary cases.
1914 Q. Jrnl. Med. 7 284 Revaccination on an individual who has been vaccinated many years previously usually results in what might be termed a genuine ‘take’.
1967 Canad. Med. Assoc. Jrnl. 29 July 225/1 It is recognized that the presence of a take (intradermal method) or takes (multiple puncture method) can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination.
2011 Vaccine 29 6202/1 The immune response to the vector can decrease the take of the vaccine.
c. Successful formation of a union between a graft (of plant or animal tissue) and its recipient; an instance of this. Cf. take v. 11a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > transplanting and grafting operations > [noun] > acceptance
take1898
1898 Northwest Horticulturist, Agriculturist & Dairyman Sept. 136/2 In our first grafting when..our wood cost us a great deal, we had a very poor take.
1914 Proc. N.Y. Pathol. Soc. 14 123 The immunity developed by the former [sc. subcutaneous] route prevents the ‘take’ of the pulmonary graft.
1924 Surg., Gynecol. & Obstetr. 38 101/2 A temporary take [of grafted skin] occurred but did not thrive well.
1965 Nursing Times 5 Feb. 180/1 Persistent negative nitrogen balance results in..poor graft take.
1977 Scand. Jrnl. Plastic & Reconstructive Surg. 11 97 The ‘take’ and incorporation of two different autogenous bone grafts to an artificial defect in the rabbit mandibula was studied.
2011 T. W. Chiu Stone's Plastic Surg. Facts & Figures xi. 461 The take of skin grafts is traditionally described as consisting of four phases: adherence, plasmatic imbibition, revascularization and remodelling.
9.
a. Film and Television. A scene or sequence recorded in a single continuous period of filming; an instance of such filming. Frequently preceding a numeral to distinguish different versions of the same scene or sequence (also figurative and as int.).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > [noun] > a take or retake
retake1913
take1918
reshoot1930
1918 M. Turnbull Close-up vi. 71 Pell explained to Kate that the ‘takes’ of the same scene were marked ‘one’, ‘two’, and ‘three’.
1947 People 22 June 5/3 Micky and..Dave Crowley did the same fight 25 times before the final take was okayed.
1972 Listener 22 Dec. 852/1 Sequence of calls before a shot. Production Assistant: ‘Quiet. Going for a take.’.. First Assistant: ‘245, Take 5.’
1976 H. R. F. Keating Filmi, Filmi vi. 53 The scrawled chalk figures on the black board must indicate which scene and ‘take’ this was.
1991 Premiere Nov. 113/2 In between takes, Raul would look under the table and discuss with me how to play the scene as a real actor.
2001 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 10 Dec. a8/1 That is what these elections are about—it's Take 2 after a year of false starts.
2010 Daily Tel. 1 July 34/7 Hitchcock shot this in unusually long takes.
b. Film. The footage obtained after a period of filming; the filming itself. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > [noun]
camerawork1858
chronophotography1895
filming1909
motion photography1912
picturizing1916
shooting1920
take1920
shoot1929
lensing1942
1920 M. R. Rinehart in Amer. Mag. Oct. 76/3 After the day's take is completed, and the director is gradually becoming himself again.., the ‘take’ goes to the laboratory.
1922 Opportunities in Motion Picture Industry (Photoplay Research Soc.) 50 When the daily ‘take’ is handed in, does Mr. Director look for ‘action’; does the technical man look to see how his pet scene photographed?
1984 P. Beale Partridge's Dict. Slang (ed. 8) 503/1 Grief,..3. Rejected film cut from the day's take.
c. Sound Recording. A sequence of sound recorded in a single continuous period of recording; the act of making such a recording.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > recording or reproducing sound or visual material > sound recording and reproduction > [noun]
take1926
audio recording1928
retake1946
1926 P. Whiteman & M. M. McBride Jazz xii. 248 At 12, a rehearsal or phonograph take.
1946 R. Blesh Shining Trumpets ix. 209 The results are..a tribute to the recording engineer who supervised the ‘take’.
1972 Daily Tel. 17 Nov. (Colour Suppl.) 9/3 Barkworth once had a one-word voice-over: ‘Maltesers’, which required 42 takes. Listening to the playback of the tape, he got the giggles.
1994 Classic CD June 11/1 Like every recording artist Chailly hates short takes.
2007 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 15 Apr. vii. 11/3 Many of the songs were tracked in only one or two takes.
10. Originally and chiefly Theatre, Film, and Television. An actor's reaction or response to an action, statement, etc., typically manifested by a particular facial expression, esp. directed to camera or an audience.Often with modifying word specifying the particular type of reaction.Earliest in double take n.
ΚΠ
1938 Chatelaine Jan. 50/2 In case you aren't familiar with the ‘double-take’—it's an exaggerated reaction to surprise.
1939 N.Y. Times 9 Mar. 18 [Bob Hope], with his flip, precise way of throwing gags and his mastery of the bewildered ‘take’.., carries the show.
1965 Tulane Drama Rev. 10 192 (stage direct.) There is a long silence, then Vladimir and White do a take to the audience.
1979 Film Comment May–June 41/2 [The telethon presenter]..does a big ‘Do-you-hear-who-this-is?-Can-you-believe-this-man-is-actually-here?-Well-let's-hear-it-for-him!’ take to the audience and starts clapping loudly.
1984 T. Mason Levitation 22 (stage direct.) Joe does an astonished take, first to Arthur, then to Ada.
2009 D. Anderson Keep your Head Down 63 At certain points..she would do a take to the audience and wink.
11. Medicine (chiefly British). The admission of emergency cases to hospital; a period of such admissions; also attributive. Often (and in earliest use) in on take: responsible for the admission of emergency cases to hospital.
ΚΠ
1945 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 7 Apr. 479/2 The remaining 51 [patients] were admitted as emergencies on the days when the ward was ‘on take’.
1977 Injury 9 46/2 The registrar takes a 24-hour duty shift along with his consultant during their ‘take day’.
1988 I. Allen Doctors & their Careers xiv. 259 We could have some specialists who only do acute takes.
1994 Daily Tel. 12 Apr. 17/5 Such firms are ‘on take’ by rotation for 24 hours at a time.
2012 M. Stephenson Hands-on Guide Surg. Training ii. 52 Discuss all the patients who have been admitted during the take.
12. An individual's interpretation or assessment of a person, thing, or situation; a particular way of regarding or understanding something. Frequently with on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > [noun]
interpretation1387
intendment1390
sense1584
construction1592
reading1624
turn1688
construal1960
take1977
1977 L. Sanders Second Deadly Sin iii. 47 I'll have some questions on your reactions as we go along. For instance, what's your take on Maitland?
1983 N.Y. Times 15 Sept. c21 It is..something of an achievement to have produced in so short a time an exhibition that gives us what is now called ‘a new take’ on a city.
1996 BOMB Spring 53/3 That's just my take, from what I've observed.
1999 D. K. Simonton Origins Genius i. 22 They [sc. Shakespeare's plays] have..been adapted or transformed in an astonishing variety of ways, such as in Akira Kurosawa's take on King Lear in his movie Ran.
2014 Sun (Nexis) 27 Sept. (TV Mag. 3) The controversial comic offers his own unique take on the result of Scotland's referendum.

Phrases

slang (originally U.S.). on the take: in receipt of regular bribes or other illicit payments; corrupt.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [adjective] > of nature of bribe > able to be bribed
corrupt1393
wager1567
saleable1579
of sale1598
sale1604
vendible1609
shop-likea1637
emptitious1650
sellable1650
venal1670
bribable1724
on the take1930
1930 Liberty 29 Nov. 70/1 There are men and women ready to boost the thief's game. The steer guy finds him work, dicks on the take protect him.
1975 Listener 16 Jan. 67/1 No matter how many Government departments were on the take, it was also evident that..the law enforcers themselves were bent.
1980 R. L. Duncan Brimstone v. 90 ‘I'm not on the take,’ he said.
2004 D. Alper Trading Tatiana xv. 116 You've got dodgy hostel owners and landlords cashing in on the bonanza. Not all of them are on the take, of course, but plenty are.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

taken.2

A compositorial error for fake n.1In quot. 1658 (as in some later dictionaries) reflecting the use in quot. 1644.
ΚΠ
1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. 80 A Quoyle..is a Roape laid up-round, one Take over another... To Quoyle, is to lay the Takes of the Roape round, over one another, so that when occasion is, they may run out smooth without any kneekes.
1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words Quoyl,..a rope laid up round, one take over another. [Also in later dictionaries.]
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2015; most recently modified version published online December 2018).

takev.

Brit. /teɪk/, U.S. /teɪk/
Inflections: Past tense took /tʊk/; past participle taken /ˈteɪk(ə)n/;
Forms: 1. Present stem.

α. Old English tacan, late Old English tæcþ (3rd singular indicative), early Middle English tæce, early Middle English tacc ( Ormulum, imperative), early Middle English takenn ( Ormulum), Middle English tac, Middle English tack, Middle English takk, Middle English takke, Middle English thac (probably transmission error), Middle English (1600s in representations of Irish English) taake, Middle English 1600s tacke, Middle English–1600s tak, Middle English– take, late Middle English tate (transmission error), late Middle English tatel (plural, transmission error), late Middle English thake (probably transmission error), late Middle English tokeþe (imperative plural, probably transmission error), 1500s taik, 1500s taike, Middle English–1500s (1600s in representations of Irish English) taak; English regional 1700s– tak (chiefly northern and north midlands), 1800s te-ake (south-western), 1800s teayk (northern), 1800s theayk (northern), 1800s– taake, 1800s– taayke (Berkshire), 1800s– tack (chiefly northern and north midlands), 1800s– taik (Essex), 1800s– tak' (northern), 1800s– teak (northern), 1800s– teake (south-western), 1800s– teck (north-western), 1800s– teeak (northern), 1800s– tek (chiefly north-east midlands), 1800s– teyk (northern), 1800s– tyek (chiefly Northumberland), 1900s– taak (Lincolnshire), 1900s– taiuk (Kent), 1900s– tik (Dorset); U.S. regional 1800s tekky (in African-American usage), 1800s– teck (chiefly in African-American usage), 1900s– tek (chiefly in African-American usage), 1900s– tike; Scottish pre-1700 tacke, pre-1700 taick, pre-1700 taike, pre-1700 talke, pre-1700 tayk, pre-1700 teck, pre-1700 teik, pre-1700 1700s– tack, pre-1700 1700s– tak, pre-1700 1700s– take, pre-1700 1800s teake, pre-1700 1800s– takk, pre-1700 1900s– taik, pre-1700 1900s– tek, 1700s– tak', 1800s tauk, 1800s teak, 1800s teuk, 1800s tuk; also Irish English 1800s taake (Wexford), 1800s– tak, 1900s– tack, 1900s– tick (northern). OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1076 Ac se kyngc..hine let syððan tacan.lOE St. Nicholas (Corpus Cambr.) (1997) 91 Swa hwæt swa hit on tæcþ, þærrihtes hit eall forbærnð.?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 On þis gær wolde þe king Stephne tæcen Rodbert eorl of Gloucestre.., ac he ne myhte, for he wart it war.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 8355 Iosæp ris upp & tacc þe child & tacc þe childess moderr.c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 576 Tac þe to him treowliche.a1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 24 To þe, leuedi, mot i take.a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 3193 Þe comli quen þan takeþ meliors by þe hande. ▸ c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. x. 38 He that takith nat his crosse.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18358 Þou þat..fra þi folk þair sinnes takes [Gött. takis, Trin. Cambr. takest, c1460 Laud takyst].c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §77 Take reward of thy value.?c1450 (?a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 367 Þai schal taake no þinge ellis.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 85 To quhom takis thow this thing?1538 K. Bulkeley in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 230 He..will not taike my answere.1571 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxix. 41 The Duvill..tekis forme of Angell bryte.1573 J. Tyrie Refut. Ansuer Knox f. 4 He culd nocht tack tent to sic trifflis.1614 W. Alexander Doomes-day iii. 591 Those which to talke men did all snares allow.1786 R. Burns Poems 61 O wad ye tak a thought an' men'!1816 W. Scott Old Mortality xiv, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. IV. 294 Follow me.., but tak' tent to your feet.1885 T. Clarke et al. Specimens Westmorland Dial. (new ed.) iii. 6 Sooa a teeak em streck awae to Willie Hartley's.1912 B. W. Green Word-bk. Virginia Folk-speech (ed. 2) 441 How many did he teck?1988 R. Vettese Richt Noise 40 Mind me, tak tent.2014 Observer 10 Aug. (Mag.) 53/3 It's one of those non-meat dishes which takes ignorant meat-eaters by surprise.

β. (a) Middle English ta, Middle English taa, Middle English tan, Middle English tane, Middle English to (chiefly northern), Middle English too (north-east midlands), 1500s tay (archaic and poetic), 1700s ta'; English regional (chiefly northern and north midlands) 1800s ty, 1800s– ta, 1800s– tae, 1800s– taigh, 1800s– tay, 1800s– tee, 1900s– ta'e, 1900s– tey; Scottish pre-1700 tay, pre-1700 to, pre-1700 1900s– ta, 1800s taen; Irish English (northern) 1900s– tae; N.E.D. (1910) also records a form Middle English tae; (b) also 2nd singular, 3rd singular, and plural indicative and imperative (chiefly northern and north midlands) Middle English taas, Middle English tace, Middle English tas, Middle English tase, Middle English tasse, Middle English tath (south-eastern, 3rd singular indicative), Middle English tatȝ (north-west midlands), Middle English totȝ (north-west midlands); English regional 1800s ta'es (Derbyshire), 1800s tooneth (Yorkshire); Scottish pre-1700 tais, pre-1700 tays. c1300 Evangelie (Dulwich Coll.) 139 in Publ. Mod. Lang. Assoc. Amer. (1915) 30 553 Man schal ta ȝeme.c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) 333 Þe fairest hauke he gan ta [rhymes ga, ma].c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) 2954 Þe geaunt is my þralle, His liif þei y wil to [rhymes so, slo, þo].c1330 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 32 So mani tenes ou[s] tas Þurch fonding of fele fas. ▸ 1357 J. Gaytryge Lay Folks' Catech. (York Min.) (1901) l. 244 What thing so we gete, or tas. ▸ a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 48 He therof his part ne tath.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 1250 Hugat þu sal ta [Vesp. tak; Fairf., Trin. Cambr. take] þi right way.c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 735 Tatz to non ille Ȝif I mele a lyttel more.c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 413 Ta now þy grymme tole to þe.c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 1742 Thelaman..nold her not to his spouse tan.c1450 (c1420) J. Page Siege of Rouen (Galba) 406 Thanne Vmfreuyle, his leue he tace [rhyme space].c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 11 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 63 Sanct Andrew his way can tay.a1500 (?a1400) Morte Arthur (1903) l. 956 Sir Gawayne..to conselle he [sc. Arthur] tase [rhyme has].c1560 A. Scott Poems (S.T.S.) ii. 153 Quhen thay saw Sym sic curage ta.?c1570 in J. Redford Moral Play Wit & Sci. (1848) 91 Eche swete corde eche ere woolde tay [rhyme say].1728 C. Cibber Vanbrugh's Provok'd Husband ii. i. 27 We'st ta' the best care we can of 'um.1865 J. Sleigh Attempt at Derbyshire Gloss. 163/2 Hur ta'es on so.1865 E. Waugh Besom Ben vii Wheer are yo beawn to tay mo too?1901 F. E. Taylor Folk-speech S. Lancs. at Tak' To take. See Ta'e and Tay.1920 D. H. Lawrence Lost Girl xi. 280 Eh, tha can ta'e th' titty-bottle wi' thee.1928 Aberdeen Weekly Jrnl. 30 Aug. 6 Ta.

γ. U.S. regional 1800s– taken. 1869 C. H. Woods Woman in Prison 138 I'm sure she had the same as the rest if she had been a mind to taken it.1924 in C. H. Mathes Tall Tales from Old Smoky (1952) 40 I'm goin' to ax him to taken an' read this letter to you-uns.1941 M. L. Smith Going to God's Country 173 We decided we would taken another chance.

2. Past tense.

α. Old English–Middle English toc, early Middle English teoc (in prefixed forms), early Middle English toch (East Anglian), early Middle English toche (north-east midlands), early Middle English tog (before g), early Middle English tohc (south-west midlands), Middle English tek (perhaps transmission error), Middle English to, Middle English tock, Middle English toek, Middle English tooc, Middle English tuk (northern), Middle English tuke (northern), Middle English–1500s tok, Middle English–1600s tooke, Middle English 1600s touk, Middle English–1600s touke, Middle English–1700s toke, Middle English– took, late Middle English stok (transmission error), 1500s toike (Leicestershire), 1500s–1600s tuck, 1600s–1700s toock; English regional 1700s– tuke (northern), 1800s teukk (northern), 1800s tock (Cumberland), 1800s toke, 1800s– tek (Yorkshire), 1800s– teuk (northern), 1800s– tewk (Yorkshire), 1800s– tuck, 1800s– tuik (northern), 1800s– tuk, 1800s– tyuk (Northumberland), 1900s– tieuk (Yorkshire); U.S. regional 1800s– tuck (chiefly southern and south Midland), 1900s– toke (Virginia), 1900s– tuk (chiefly southern and south Midland); Scottish pre-1700 to, pre-1700 tocke, pre-1700 toik, pre-1700 tok, pre-1700 toke, pre-1700 toock, pre-1700 toocke, pre-1700 tooke, pre-1700 touik, pre-1700 touk, pre-1700 touke, pre-1700 towik, pre-1700 towk, pre-1700 tuc, pre-1700 tuike, pre-1700 tuyk, pre-1700 twik, pre-1700 twike, pre-1700 twilk, pre-1700 twk, pre-1700 twke, pre-1700 twyk, pre-1700 1700s– teuk, pre-1700 1700s– took, pre-1700 1700s– tuik, pre-1700 1700s– tuke, pre-1700 1800s tuick, pre-1700 1800s– tuk, pre-1700 1900s– tuck, 1700s tyuck, 1800s tyeuk; also Irish English 1800s– tuck, 1800s– tuk, 1900s– tuek (northern). OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1075 He..toc [lOE Laud nam] swilce gerihta swa he him gelagade.OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1076 & tocon þærinne mycele æhta.?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1135 Þa tocan þa oðre & helden her castles agenes him.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Pref. l. 9 Crist toc dæþ o rode tre.c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) 28 He..þe soþe word sette togedere, and þane hilke boc tock us to bisne.c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) 1084 Otuwel took of him hede.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16454 Quen þai þe fine gold forsoke, And to [Fairf. toke] þam to þe lede.c1450 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Rawl.) (1869) B xvi. l. 273 He softe ȝede, Þat he toek vs as tit.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 78 King Eduuard than it tuk in gret greuance.1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay sig. Dviiiv The sone..twik apone hyme our natur.1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 24 Lucilla..toke him by the hand.a1629 W. Hinde Faithfull Remonstr. (1641) xlviii. 156 A little before hee tooke his Chamber.1673 in Yorks. Dial. (E.D.S. No. 76) 112 Hee..tuke his Jerkin of o' th' Gresins.1766 T. Pennant Brit. Zool. i. 25 The Vertagus, or Tumbler..toke its prey by meer subtility.1776 J. Verrieul Let. 17 Apr. in F. Chase Hist. Dartmouth Coll. (1891) I. vi. 347 Ther was Ten Regt ordert to march for Newyoark, and I toock a notion to go with them.1835 W. Gale Let. 26 Aug. in T. Sokoll Essex Pauper Lett. (2001) 516 I toke a lawyer over to halstead.1848 W. T. Thompson Major Jones's Sketches Trav. 178 They tuck us down a steep hill to the steambote.1914 E. A. Powell Fighting in Flanders i. 18 Thompson took a running jump.1989 W. N. Herbert in J. Hendry Chapman 55–6 92 Eh tuke thi doag oot.2014 Daily Tel. 6 Feb. 18/3 Machines took away their strenuous jobs.

β. Middle English takede, Middle English takyd, Middle English–1700s (1800s– regional and nonstandard) taked, 1800s– teeak'd (English regional (Yorkshire)). c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1665 Þe we swa takede [c1300 Otho take] him on.1482 in H. E. Malden Cely Papers (1900) 131 The wyche y onderstond ye taked sor at yowre stomak.a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xiii. 367 I wold slepe, if I takyd Les to my hyere.a1500 J. Mirk's Festial (Royal) (1981) 53 No man taked hede vpon my payn.c1525 ( in N. J. Byrne Great Parchm. Bk. Waterford (2007) 100 That spoiled robbed or taked ony of the kynges liege men.1649 Perfect Occurrences Every Daies Iournall No. 143. 1324 He taked and turned againe upon him...at last the other taked and stood off.1798 H. Brand Adelinda ii. v, in Plays & Poems 286 Whan she first camed home, I taked har for a down-right fule-born hideot.1876 J. J. Wray Nestleton Magna 85 A sparro'-hawk com' doon..an' teeak'd lahtle thing away iv his claws.a1979 B. D'J. Pancake Trilobites (1992) 77 He taked me t' this room.2012 R. Parameswaran I am Executioner 85 The coppers they taked her away.

γ. late Middle English tokede; English regional 1800s teuk't (Cumberland), 1800s– tooked, 1800s– tookt (south-western), 1800s– took't (south-western); U.S. regional 1800s tucked, 1800s– tooked. c1450 (c1400) Julian of Norwich Revelations Divine Love: Shorter Version (1978) 43 Thus I tokede it for that tyme that our lorde Ihesu..walde schewe me comforthe. 1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Raddling Tookt us best part of a day.1893 W. S. Pasmore Stories Devon & Cornwall 7 At last Jeames took'd up 'e's wheel and trundled mun along.1997 J. Penwarden in J. Whinray Down 'long weth We 21 She..laided me in an' tookt off my hat.

δ. 1500s take (Scottish); English regional (northern) 1800s tack, 1800s– taaike, 1800s– tak, 1800s– take, 1800s– teaak, 1800s– teak, 1800s– teakk, 1800s– teeak, 1800s– tyak, 1900s– tæak, 1900s– tayk; U.S. regional 1900s– take. 1567 W. Powrie in B. Cusack Everyday Eng. 1500–1700 (1998) 116 Yan ye said erle..take his syde Ryding cloik about him.1860 C. J. D. Ingledew Ballads Yorks. 261 Heeame he wistlin' teak his way.1882 J. Lucas Stud. Nidderdale 73 I went back t'next day and taaike a pair o' pincers wi' me.a1919 W. B. Kendall Forness Word Bk. (Cumbria County Archives, Barrow) (transcript of MS) Tæak, took.1953 E. B. Atwood Surv. Verb Forms Eastern U.S. 24 Five informants (three Negro) use the uninflected take.

ε. English regional (midlands) 1800s– taken; U.S. regional (chiefly southern and south Midland) 1800s– taken. 1839 G. C. Lewis Gloss. Words Herefordshire 105 I taken it away.1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 325 The participle is frequently used for, or confounded with, the past tense, as, ‘I taken it.’1982 P. M. Ginns Snowbird Gravy & Dishpan Pie 22 She canned the apples, and then she taken the peelings and canned those.2000 D. L. Shores Tangier Island 248 Nonstandard forms showing past times are common:..taken or takened.

ζ. English regional (Yorkshire and north-west midlands) 1800s tade, 1800s– taed, 1800s– ta'ed, 1800s– taid, 1800s– tai'd, 1800s– tayed. 1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua 587 Tade him whoam.1883 T. Lees Easther's Gloss. Dial. Almondbury & Huddersfield Ta'ed (gl. tai'd), contraction from taked for took.

η. English regional (northern and north midlands) 1800s ta'en, 1800s– tane; Scottish 1800s ta'en, 1800s tane, 1800s– taen, 1800s– teen, 1900s– tain; Irish English (northern) 1800s– taen. 1848 A. B. Evans Leicestershire Words 96 I ta'en him.1864 W. D. Latto Tammas Bodkin xxx It tane me to stand an' behaud the twa o' them.1915 J. Wilson Lowland Sc. Lower Strathearn 224 Dhay tain a lik oot oa dhus weif's poak.1993 M. McIntosh in Chapman 74–5 113 She crulged ower him and taen the watter boattle frae him.

θ. U.S. regional (chiefly southern and south Midland) 1800s– takened. 1868 Wesleyan Juvenile Offering 2 111 I had a Bible, an' I love it, an' I takened it with me when I go to pray.1938 M. K. Rawlings Yearling xxiv. 310 He's been this-a-way ever since Oliver takened his gal away from him.1946 L. Lenski Blue Ridge Billy viii. 114 I takened a poke o' white flour.2000 D. L. Shores Tangier Island 248 Nonstandard forms showing past times are common:..taken or takened.

ι. English regional 1800s– tooken; U.S. regional 1800s tucken, 1900s– tooken. 1887 M. E. M. Davis in Wide Awake Nov. 377 Mars' Jay-bird he tucken sick.1897 F. T. Jane Lordship 21 He tooken off his coat.1927 E. C. L. Adams Congaree Sketches xvi. 36 Jube tooken sick, an' he cry like a chile.1996 New Yorker 19 Aug. 56/3 She tooken up for him even though her child needed correcting.

3. Past participle.

α. early Middle English ( Ormulum) 1500s takenn, Middle English itaken, Middle English itakin, Middle English itakyn, Middle English jtaken, Middle English takeyn, Middle English takon, Middle English takun, Middle English takynn, Middle English thaken (perhaps transmission error), Middle English ytaken, Middle English ytakun, Middle English ytakyn, Middle English–1500s takene, Middle English–1500s takenne, Middle English–1500s takin, Middle English–1500s takine, Middle English–1500s takyn, Middle English–1500s takyne, Middle English (1600s–1700s in representations of Irish English) taaken, Middle English– taken, late Middle English takykyne (transmission error), 1500s–1600s takne, 1700s taking, 1500s–1600s (1700s North American) tacken; English regional 1800s– takken (chiefly northern and north midlands), 1800s– tekken (northern and north midlands), 1800s– tek'n (Cornwall), 1900s– tack'n (Yorkshire); Scottish pre-1700 tackeine, pre-1700 tackin, pre-1700 tackne, pre-1700 tackyn, pre-1700 taiken, pre-1700 taikin, pre-1700 taikkyne, pre-1700 taikyn, pre-1700 takein, pre-1700 takene, pre-1700 takine, pre-1700 taking, pre-1700 takkin, pre-1700 takne, pre-1700 taknyne, pre-1700 takyn, pre-1700 takyne, pre-1700 tayken, pre-1700 teaken, pre-1700 teakin, pre-1700 1700s tacken, pre-1700 1700s– taken, pre-1700 1900s– takin, pre-1700 1900s– takken, 1800s– tekken, 1900s– taaken; also Irish English 1800s taking; also Manx English 1800s tak'n. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5948 He siþþenn takenn wass.a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 27 Þesne mon ic habbe itaken to mine aȝene bihosþe [read bihofþe].c1390 (?c1350) St. Bernard l. 612 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 51 Wiþ seknesse stronge He was itaken.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 4875 Qua-so ys takin wiþ stollyn þinge. ▸ c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 159 Weel takun of wise men.1554 D. Lindsay Dialog Experience & Courteour l. 5539 in Wks. (1931) I Quhilkis salbe taking, but warnyng.c1600 Wriothesley's Chron. Eng. (1875) I. 60 The sayd Halam was takne.1629 in P. H. Brown Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1901) 2nd Ser. III. 25 We..have taikin thame.1775 R. Dodge Let. 21 Aug. in G. Washington Papers (1985) Revolutionary War Ser. I. 342 I Have I[n] closed the minetes tacken By the Person a Pinted for that Purpos.1864 Ld. Tennyson Northern Farmer xiii A mowt 'a taäken Joänes.1907 Country Life 20 July 98/2 Thou'rt a bit takken to, poor lad.1983 P. Rowland Underwater Photographer's Handbk. i. 48 Staggering photos could be taken of the rich underwater colors.2003 R. Bean Honeymoon Suite 31 I bet this bed's tekken some hammer.

β. Middle English etake, Middle English itak, Middle English itake, Middle English jtake, Middle English taake, Middle English tak, Middle English ytak, Middle English ytake, Middle English–1500s (1600s archaic) take; U.S. regional 1900s– take, 1900s– tek (in African-American usage); Scottish pre-1700 taike, pre-1700 tak. c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 6 He wule carie for hire, þet ha haueð itake [a1250 Titus itaken] to.1348 in C. Welch Hist. Pewterers of London (1902) I. 4 If ani be take henforwarde bering or carying suche wareȝ to sel. ▸ ?1440 tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iii. l. 906 To graffe a quynce is diuers tyme ytake.a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xviii. 296 And his wif [was] also I-take.c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) cxciii Sche hath me tak, hir humble creature.1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Warwicke f. lxixv Shortly after was kyng Henry take, And put in pryson.1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxvij Mounsters shoulde be take in sondry places.c1613 (c1472) in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 26 One Richard of the Burgh that had take..certaine ky..was take and arested. 1922 A. E. Gonzales Black Border 332 Tek wid'um—taken with, pleased with him, her, it, them.1966 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (2012) V. 489/1 [He would be alive today if he hadn't] take so much chances.

γ. Middle English itan, Middle English tan, Middle English tanne, Middle English tayn, Middle English tene, Middle English ytan, Middle English ytane, Middle English–1500s tain, Middle English–1500s tayne, Middle English–1600s tane, 1500s teyne, 1500s–1600s taen, 1500s–1600s (1700s–1800s archaic and poetic) ta'en, 1500s–1700s ta'ne, 1600s taine, 1600s ta'n; English regional (chiefly northern and north midlands) 1700s–1800s taan, 1700s– taen, 1700s– tain, 1800s t'yan (north-eastern), 1800s– taa'en, 1800s– ta'en, 1800s– tan, 1800s– tane, 1800s– tayn, 1800s– tean, 1800s– teean, 1800s– teeann, 1800s– teenn, 1800s– teun (north-eastern), 1800s– tyen (north-eastern), 1900s– chun (north-eastern), 1900s– taaen, 1900s– taain, 1900s– ta-en, 1900s– tune (north-eastern), 1900s– tyun (north-eastern); Scottish pre-1700 ta (transmission error), pre-1700 taan, pre-1700 tayn, pre-1700 tayne, pre-1700 taynne, pre-1700 teine, pre-1700 thayn (perhaps transmission error), pre-1700 tyn, pre-1700 1700s taine, pre-1700 1700s tean, pre-1700 1700s–1800s tain, pre-1700 1700s– taen, pre-1700 1700s– tane, pre-1700 1800s tan, pre-1700 1800s teane, pre-1700 1900s– tein, 1700s– tae'n, 1700s– ta'en, 1900s– teen (north-eastern), 1900s– tin (Orkney); also Irish English (northern) 1800s– taen. In Middle English, northern and midlandsc1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1000 Now haþ tristrem y tan Oȝain moraunt to fiȝt.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16058 Þai him had tene [Gött. tane, Trin. Cambr. taken] al wit tresun.c1440 tr. R. Rolle Oleum Effusum (Thornton) in G. G. Perry Eng. Prose Treat. (1921) 1 Ihesu, the Worde of God, has tane manes kynde.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 400 Wallace..Apon the crag with his suerd has him tayne.c1520 M. Nisbet New Test. in Scots (1905) III. Acts i. 11 Quhilk is taan vp fra you into heuen.1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 189 The Prince hath tane it hence.c1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 197 Gif he had teine it.1630 M. Drayton David & Goliah in Muses Elizium 206 The sword, ta'n from the Gyants side.1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ v. xxv. 30 He hath taine such a habit of it.a1776 Sweet William's Ghost ix, in F. J. Child Eng. & Sc. Pop. Ballads (1885) II. iii. 230 Up she has tain a bright long wand.1875 Ld. Tennyson Queen Mary v. v. 272 The Holy Father Has ta'en the legateship from our cousin Pole.1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire 427 He's tayn th' prize at the cheese show.1917 in Sc. National Dict. (1965) VI. 361/1 Hei's tane guid mouter out o that.1993 New Shetlander Sept. 29 Hit's a notion shu's taen lately.

δ. chiefly northern and north midlands Middle English ton, Middle English tone, Middle English toyne; English regional (northern) 1800s tooan, 1800s– teun, 1800s– tune; Scottish pre-1700 tone, pre-1700 1800s ton. c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) 1484 His tong haþ he ton [rhymes ston, ichon, bon, don].c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 2159 To hym I haf me tone.a1450 Rule St. Benet (Vesp.) (1902) l. 2112 Þen sall þis rewel eft furth be ton [rhyme gon]. ▸ ?a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 104 That he..nocht in the feindis net be tone.a1600 ( W. Stewart tr. H. Boece Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) I. 13984 Thai decreittit ilkone That this ilk king in handis sould be tone.1859 J. G. Forster Song Solomon in Newcastle Dial. v. 6 Maw beluived had teun his-sel off.1887 D. Donaldson Jamieson's Sc. Dict. Suppl. Ton, Tan,..Taken.1896 F. M. T. Palgrave List Words & Phrases Hetton-le-Hole Tune or Teun, taken (always).

ε. Middle English takyd, Middle English–1700s (1800s– regional and nonstandard) taked. ▸ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Num. xxiii. 18 He taked to [emended in ed. to take-to] his parable [a1425 Corpus Oxf. takid to his parable; L.V. whanne his parable was takun; L. adsumpta parabola] seiþ, [etc.].c1450 (a1425) Metrical Paraphr. Old Test. (Selden) 201 When thei this frutt had takyd..Thei saw then thei wer nakyd.1480 W. Maryon Let. 19 Nov. in Cely Lett. (1975) 98 And Y had west that ye would a taked so sor.1512 Helyas in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) III. 24 My sonne..hath taked the quene Beatrice..to his wife.1581 B. Rich Farewell Mil. Profession (1846) 207 Till he had taked his firste fruites.1620 T. Granger Syntagma Logicum 67 The former may be added or taked away from the subiect.1732 tr. Chevalier De Piossens Mem. Regency Duke of Orleans (new ed.) 250 Such Crowns..should be taked..for three Livres eighteen Sols and nine Deniers.1864 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 24 Dec. 1/4 'E 'az ‘taked’ 'em.1987 Daily News (Los Angeles) 5 Feb. (L.A. Life section) 22/5 By then me and my boys will have taked over the scene completely.

ζ. late Middle English token, late Middle English tokyn, 1500s–1600s (1700s– regional) tooken; English regional (Cumberland) 1800s– tukkan, 1900s– tocken; U.S. regional (chiefly southern) 1800s tucken; Scottish pre-1700 tockin, pre-1700 tuikin, pre-1700 tukin, 1800s tucken, 1800s tukken, 1900s– tookin, 1900s– tuiken. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xlviii. 38 Tho that At thike table were these wardis to presomcioun token there.1454 in C. T. Clay Yorkshire Deeds (1923) 125 Wyth thame tokyn by the elecion of the sayd partys.1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. G3v If thou hadst tooken the paynes of quotations.1610 J. Donne Pseudo-martyr xii. 353 The Popes haue tooken order..to enact [etc.].1623 Rec. Perth Kirk Session 16 May Scho suld be tukin away.1721 R. Samber tr. A. de La Motte 100 New Court Fables 391 Chave tooken Opportunity hauld by the Vorelock, as the zaying is.1835 J. Hogg Tales Wars Montrose III. 83 The kurk and the steete hiv tucken them all untee their ein hunds.1878 W. Dickinson Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (ed. 2) Tukkan,..taken.1942 C. Porter Hey, Good-Lookin' in R. Kimball Compl. Lyrics C. Porter (1983) 230 Hey, good-lookin', if you're not already tooken, could you meet me soon?2004 N.Y. Times 22 Feb. ii. 10/4 It's all divided up... Between the takers and the ‘tooken.’

η. late Middle English toke, 1500s–1600s tooke, 1600s (1700s– regional and nonstandard) took; English regional 1800s– atook (south-western), 1800s– tuck, 1800s– tuk, 1800s– tuke; U.S. regional (chiefly southern and south Midland) 1800s– tuck, 1800s– tuk; Scottish 1700s teuk, 1800s tuk, 1900s– tuke; Irish English 1800s– tuck, 1800s– tuk; Manx English 1800s tuk. ?1457 J. Hardyng Chron. (Lansd.) in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 234 Had noght the kynge..toke thaym vp by gode inspeccioun. ▸ a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 139 The same pouere men wolde haue toke thair godes.?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda sig. E2v My brothers ghost[s]..would now haue tooke their rest.1633 P. Fletcher Piscatorie Eclogs v. ix. 30 in Purple Island Thus many a Nymph is took.a1667 Bp. J. Taylor Reverence due to Altar (1848) 18 God hath tooke seisure of it.1790 Coll. Voy. round World V. xi. 1808 Having took our departure from Prince William's Sound.1899 M. B. Betham-Edwards Lord of Harvest 155 Mr. Flindell..has took you up in his gig.1926 Amer. Speech 1 412 I'd tuk around, an' had turned ter come erlong back.1989 W. N. Herbert in J. Hendry Chapman 55–6 93 Huz in ma palice tuke hissel tae doss upo ma throne.2004 J. Needle Spithead Nymph v. 53 Half of them had been took as homeward-bounders.

θ. 1700s (Channel Islands) 1800s– (U.S. regional) takened. 1788 Petit. Jersey 74 To be takened into consideration.1857 M. Wickham Sea-spray 246 He's takened her away.1938 M. K. Rawlings Yearling xvii. 204 The one we cain't spare was the one was takened.1970 L. Armstrong Louis Armstrong & Jewish Family in New Orleans 1907 (MS, Louis Armstrong House Museum) 35 What he had takened.2003 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (2012) V. 488/2 This [photograph] was takened in Escambia County, FL.

ι. 1700s tooked (nonstandard); English regional (southern) 1800s– atookt (Somerset), 1800s– took'd, 1800s– tooked, 1800s– tookt; U.S. regional 1800s tookt, 1800s– tooked (chiefly in African-American usage). 1793 J. Thelwall Peripatetic III. 195 He war dead when you caus'd him to be tooked away.1799 M. Charlton Rosella II. 205 This poor dear sweet young lady, as has tooked on so much.1866 Old Guard 4 652 I done tooked de chances and I ain't dead yet.1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Piece-meal I've a-tookt the zix acres o' Mr. Baker.1959 P. O'Brian Unknown Shore iii. 86 Ye're the pairson wha's tookit yon pigwidgeon cabin.1997 J. Whinray Down 'long weth we 16 Ee wor took'd sum bad weth.

κ. Scottish 1800s taend, 1800s taned. 1810 R. H. Cromek Remains 252 If the intruder be caught on the hostile ground he is taend.1847 in R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes Scotl. (ed. 3) 261 The game is repeated and continued till all are taned.

λ. English regional (Shropshire) 1800s– taed. 1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. lv Taed.

Origin: A borrowing from early Scandinavian.
Etymology: < early Scandinavian (compare Old Icelandic taka to grasp, seize, catch, receive, accept, touch, reach, (with infinitive) to begin, Norn (Shetland) taga , Norwegian (Nynorsk) take , ta , (Bokmål) ta , Old Swedish taka , tagha (Swedish taga ), Old Danish taka , takæ (Danish tage ), all strong verbs (Class VI) in senses ‘to grasp, grip, seize, grab, take’); further cognate with West Frisian take to steal, to grab, take, to beat, Old Dutch takan (strong verb) to grab, seize, take (in past tense tok in a runic inscription; Middle Dutch tāken (weak) take, get, grab, seize, acquire, Dutch taken ), Middle Low German tacken (weak) to touch, and perhaps further (with different vocalism) with Gothic tēkan to touch; further etymology uncertain: perhaps an irregular development in Germanic from the Indo-European base seen also in classical Latin tangere to touch (see tangent adj. and n.), ancient Greek τεταγών having seized, and perhaps also Old English þaccian to stroke, pat, clap (see thack v.2).Borrowing into Old English. A strong verb of Class VI in early Scandinavian (compare Old Icelandic past tense tók , past participle tekinn ), the word was adopted into the corresponding class in Old English; compare past tense tōc and (early Middle English) past participle itaken (the past participle is not attested in Old English). A number of phrasal constructions first attested in Old English or early Middle English have parallels in Old Icelandic, and may be modelled on similar constructions in early Scandinavian: e.g. with to take on (see sense 81) compare Old Icelandic taka á to touch; with to take from , to take off (see sense 53a) compare Old Icelandic taka frá , taka af , both ‘to deprive’; with to take to (with infinitive: see sense 55) compare Old Icelandic taka at to begin, set about; with to take with —— at Phrasal verbs 2 compare Old Icelandic taka við to receive (compare (in different sense) later withtake v.); etc. Compare earlier attestation in Old English of the related wapentake n., also a Scandinavian borrowing. In late Old English the prefixed form oftacan oftake v. is also attested (first half of the 12th cent.). Quot. lOE1 for to take on —— at Phrasal verbs 2 has sometimes been taken as showing a prefixed verb *ontacan (compare on- prefix). Spread of the verb in Middle English. During the course of the Middle English period take v. gradually came to supersede the native verb nim v., firstly in (non-phrasal) senses such as ‘seize’ (compare branch I.) and ‘accept’ (compare branch II.). This process was completed earliest in the east midlands, the north-west midlands, and the north, and by the end of the 15th cent. the native verb had virtually been ousted from standard speech (on the survival of the inherited verb in a specific sense in 17th-cent. colloquial speech, see discussion at nim v.). For further discussion see A. Rynell Rivalry Scand. & Native Synonyms in Middle Eng. (1948), and more recently J. Wełna in Studia Anglica Posnaniensa 41 (2005) 53–69. On uses in Old English see also discussion in S. M. Pons-Sanz Lexical Effects Anglo-Scand. Ling. Contact on Old Eng. (2013). Form history. Middle English forms of the present stem and past participle showing loss of intervocalic k (see respectively Forms 1β. and 3γ. ) occur chiefly in northern and north midland texts, and are attested from around 1300. The reason for this phonological change, the chronology of its development within the inflectional paradigm, and its relationship with similar forms of make v.1, are all uncertain and disputed. Loss of the medial consonant in these forms of take v. has been attributed to use of the verb in low-stress positions, and it is often argued that it originated in the past participle, as tān , which then gave rise to the analogical present stem tā , with the influence of similar forms of make v.1 adduced as a motivating factor in this process. (For an alternative suggestion, hypothesizing misanalysis of word division in the collocation to take keep at keep n. 1, see J. J. Lamberts in Jrnl. Eng. & Germanic Philol. (1956) 55 550–5.) Development of specific senses. Sense 59 (to deliver, hand over) is not paralleled in the Scandinavian languages, and may ultimately reflect association with the inherited verb teach v. in the corresponding sense (see sense 3a at that entry). Many of the Middle English examples of take v. in this sense occur in passages where other manuscript versions have either teach v. (compare e.g. quot. a1400 at sense 59) or beteach v. (compare e.g. quot. c13002 at sense 59); compare similar patterns shown by betake v. On the correspondence of both take v. and betake v. in the Otho manuscript of Laȝamon's Brut with beteach v. in the Caligula manuscript, see A. Rynell Rivalry Scand. & Native Synonyms in Middle Eng. (1948) 239–40. French prendre to take (see prend v.) is attested in a similar range of senses, some of which appear to have influenced the semantic development of the English verb: e.g. in sense 11b in horticulture after Middle French, French prendre (of a scion) to become established on a root stock (1546 in the passage translated in quot. 1566 at sense 11b, or earlier; 1538 in prendre racine to take root). take v. also occurs in a large number of idiomatic phrases which correspond to (and in many cases are influenced by) parallel constructions in French with prendre. For further discussion see L. Iglesias-Rábade in D. A. Trotter Multilingualism in Later Medieval Brit. (2000) 93–130.
I. To seize, grasp, take hold, and related senses.
* To seize, grasp, or capture something.
1.
a. transitive. To gain possession of (a town, building, vessel, etc.) by force; to seize, capture, esp. in war; to win by conquest.See also to take by storm at storm n. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > catching or capture > catch or capture [verb (transitive)]
i-lecchec1000
fang1016
hentOE
takeOE
alatchlOE
catchc1275
wina1300
to take ina1387
attain1393
geta1400
overhent?a1400
restay?a1400
seizea1400
tachec1400
arrest1481
carrya1500
collara1535
snap1568
overgo1581
surprise1592
nibble1608
incaptivate1611
nicka1640
cop1704
chop1726
nail1735
to give a person the foot1767
capture1796
hooka1800
sniba1801
net1803
nib1819
prehend1831
corral1860
rope1877
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1076 [The Danish raiders] bræcon sancte Petres mynster, & tocon þærinne mycele æhta.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1127 Swa dide he: eall þet he mihte tacen wiðinnen & wiðuten.., swa he sende ouer sæ.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3913 Ðis folc him slog and his lond tok.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5894 Mi modir is of gret prowesse She hath tan many a fortresse.
a1500 (a1470) Brut (BL Add. 10099) 524 Þei londed & come to Sandwych..& toke the town, & ryfled & dispoyled it.
1584 W. Raleigh Let. Apr. (1999) 17 First she [sc. a ship] was taken by a piratt.
1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 184 Hauing quietly taken the other two gallions, they entred within the Porte.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 539 Servia..was taken by the Turke in 1438, and reduced into a Sangiak-ship.
1707 London Gaz. No. 4326/3 This Privateer had on Board eight Ransomers for Vessels taken in this Chanel.
1748 J. Sayer tr. S. von Pufendorf & B. de La Martinière Introd. Hist. Principal Kingdoms Europe I. v. 254 Bouloign, taken by Henry VIII. was ransomed, for a Sum of money.
1795 Gentleman's Mag. Sept. 794/2 Daniel Axtell, esq. colonel in the army which fought against King Charles the First, who..stormed and took the town of Kilkenny.
1812 tr. J. É. de Cérenville Mem. Prince Potemkin xvi. 235 He took the camp, and the town, which he reduced to ashes.
1854 J. S. C. Abbott Napoleon (1855) II. 372 I took two guns and retook two.
1917 Jrnl. Mil. Service Instit. U.S. 60 323 No difficulty was encountered in taking the trench, Sir Douglas Haig reports.
1958 Life 7 July 59 (caption) They had just stormed and taken another Spanish blockhouse on nearby Kettle Hill.
1988 L. Cohen First we take Manhattan (song) in Lyrics (2009) 53 First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin.
2004 Times 18 Feb. 12/3 Yesterday rebels took a second town on the Caribbean island, two weeks after the start of the revolt.
b. transitive. To seize and hold (a person) as a captive or prisoner, esp. in war.See also to take captive at captive adj. 1c, to take hostage at hostage n.1 Additions, to take prisoner at prisoner n.2 Phrases 1a.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > deprive of liberty by restraint [verb (transitive)] > take captive
takeOE
caitive1382
seizea1400
captivec1430
to take (a person) prisonera1475
to take captive1535
overthrallc1540
captivatea1575
stay1590
encaptive1592
capture1796
to hold captive1884
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1072 Se kyng nam heora scypa & wæpna,..& þa menn ealle he toc, & dyde of heom þæt he wolde [lOE Laud þa men he ateah swa swa he wolde].
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1076 Se kyngc let lihtlice of oð þæt he [sc. Walþeof] com to Englalande, & hine let syððan tacan.
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Te lundenissce folc hire [sc. Maud] wolde tæcen, & scæ fleh.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5948 & tatt he siþþenn takenn wass. All gilltelæs. & bundenn. & naȝȝledd upp o rodetre.
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 168 An Aungel..took þe dragon, þe olde serpent þat is cleped þe fende..& bonde hym for a þousande ȝer.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18553 Als prisun þai him tok for-þi.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. iv. f. iiijv When Iesus had herde that Ihon was taken, he departed into Galile.
1542 T. Elyot Bibliotheca at Cimbri They alwaye, as prisoners were taken, with naked swordes bete them to the grounde.
1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes i. viii. 154 All the Chinois Prisoners should pay ransom vnto particular men that took them.
1658 A. Cokayne Trappolin i. i, in Small Poems 425 He is your brothers prisoner..That in the wars of Mantoa was took.
1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough I. 180 The English took about 200 Prisoners.
1777 J. Baldwin Revolutionary Jrnl. 22 Mar. (1906) 95 He with 2 others..were Taken by Capt. McKoy with about 18 Cocknewago Indians.
1814 A. Jackson Let. 18 Apr. in J. Brannan Official Lett. Mil. & Naval Officers U.S. (1823) 327 Peter McQuin has been taken, but escaped; he must be taken again.
1890 Further Corr. Respecting Affairs Zululand 239 He killed the people of some kraals and took the women and children of others.
1903 L. M. Whitney Goldie's Inheritance xxix. 154 Arthur..was out alone, and was surprised and taken by a squad of the enemy.
1974 T. R. Fehrenbach Comanches iv. 329 One white woman—a Mrs. Webster, who had been taken with her son and infant daughter a year before during a raid..—stole a horse and escaped.
2004 W. H. Hardwick Down South i. 22 In the ground war that we fought, neither side took many prisoners.
c. transitive. To catch or capture (a wild beast, bird, fish, etc.). Also of an animal: to seize or catch (prey).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunt [verb (transitive)] > take or catch game
takec1175
getc1300
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 13504 Rihht alls an hunnte takeþþ der. Wiþþ hise ȝæpe racchess.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3323 Ðor migte euerilc man fugeles taken.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 15 Þai take wylde bestes riȝt wele.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxxi. 153 Wo worthe the beaute whiche toke me in snare.
1563 B. Googe Eglogs Epytaphes & Sonettes sig. F.iii By hydden hooke, The symple fole is tane.
1578 T. White Serm. Pawles Crosse 3 Nov. 1577 88 A Lion takes no lambes, as an Eagle takes no flies.
1611 Bible (King James) Ezek. xix. 4 He [sc. a young lion] was taken in their pit. View more context for this quotation
1648 Hunting of Fox 23 They keep packs of dogs, or Beagles, on purpose to take them by hunting.
a1722 J. Toland tr. Pliny in Coll. Several Pieces (1726) II. 69 Here in Tuscany, I both hunt and study..; yet to this hour am I not able to decide, whether it be more difficult to take any thing or to write.
1795 J. Sinclair Statist. Acct. Scotl. XVI. 516 A considerable quantity of lobsters and crabs..are taken, with trap-creels.
1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod i. ii. 33 The present methods of taking fish.
1892 Longman's Mag. Nov. 87 They are readily taken by nets.
1899 H. R. Haggard Swallow iii. 21 The women and the little ones..were taken by wild beasts.
1910 Encycl. Brit. II. 28/1 The other methods of taking trout..are spinning, live-baiting and worming.
1973 Nature 7 Sept. 52/1 There is evidence that the Komodo monitor can take prey as heavy as itself.
2004 Sporting Gun Mar. 33/3 Often he'll be out rabbiting or taking pheasants with a goshawk.
d. transitive. To deprive a person of or remove (something) unlawfully; to steal.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > steal [verb (transitive)]
pick?c1300
takec1300
fetch1377
bribec1405
usurpc1412
rapc1415
to rap and rendc1415
embezzle1495
lifta1529
pilfer1532
suffurate1542
convey?1545
mill1567
prig1567
strike1567
lag1573
shave1585
knave1601
twitch1607
cly1610
asport1621
pinch1632
snapa1639
nap1665
panyar1681
to carry off1684
to pick up1687
thievea1695
to gipsy away1696
bone1699
make1699
win1699
magg1762
snatch1766
to make off with1768
snavel1795
feck1809
shake1811
nail1819
geach1821
pull1821
to run off1821
smug1825
nick1826
abduct1831
swag1846
nobble1855
reef1859
snig1862
find1865
to pull off1865
cop1879
jump1879
slock1888
swipe1889
snag1895
rip1904
snitch1904
pole1906
glom1907
boost1912
hot-stuff1914
score1914
clifty1918
to knock off1919
snoop1924
heist1930
hoist1931
rabbit1943
to rip off1967
to have off1974
c1300 St. John Evangelist (Laud) l. 386 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 414 To holden up his folie smale þingues he nam, Aftur þe smale he tok þe grete and strong þef he bi-cam.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 2082 (MED) Þe synne ys nat forȝyuen þe man, But he restore þat he haue tan.
c1475 Mankind (1969) l. 716 (MED) Take þer monay, kytt þer throtys, thus ouerface þem.
1599 W. Perneby Direct. to Death 257 Restoring them..either to the owner thereof, if he be knowne; or to him from whom the former theefe tooke them.
1649 W. Prynne Legall Vindic. Liberties Eng. 30 As Theeves and Robbers take mens goods and Purses.
1699 Present State Europe Aug. 300 The two Thieves took..the Albs and Surplices in the Vestry.
1730 Proc. Oyer & Terminer for London 16–20 Jan. 17/1 Immediately comes up three Men, two of them clapt hold of me..and held me til the third took my Money.
1796 Evening Mail 4–7 Mar. 4/4 The thieves took every article of plate that was on the premises.
1846 J. Hines One Hundred Orig. Tales for Children xlvii. 150 No, ma'am, I did not see your watch, and I have not taken it. I never stole anything in all my life.
1871 J. S. Blackie Four Phases Morals i. 58 That when a thief takes your cloak you should thank him, like a benign Quaker, for his kindness.
1920 G. S. Hall tr. S. Freud Gen. Introd. Psychoanal. iii. 28 Let us suppose that some dark night I go past a lonely spot and am there assaulted by a rascal who takes my watch and purse.
1955 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. No. 24. 169 The thief takes money from the purses or handbags..carried by women.
1998 Washington Post (Nexis) 12 Feb. (Metro section) b6 I feel fortunate that nothing much was taken... The alarm has served us very well.
2012 J. M. Pollock Crime & Justice in Amer. (ed. 2) xii. 307/2 In 55% of the cases where someone was at home, the burglar took nothing.
e. transitive. To apprehend (a person charged with an offence); to arrest.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)]
at-holda1230
attacha1325
resta1325
takec1330
arrest1393
restay?a1400
tachec1400
seisinc1425
to take upa1438
stowc1450
seize1471
to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515
deprehend1532
apprehend1548
nipa1566
upsnatcha1566
finger1572
to make stay of1572
embarge1585
cap1590
reprehend1598
prehenda1605
embar1647
nap1665
nab1686
bone1699
roast1699
do1784
touch1785
pinch1789
to pull up1799
grab1800
nick1806
pull1811
hobble1819
nail1823
nipper1823
bag1824
lag1847
tap1859
snaffle1860
to put the collar on1865
copper1872
to take in1878
lumber1882
to pick up1887
to pull in1893
lift1923
drag1924
to knock off1926
to put the sleeve on1930
bust1940
pop1960
vamp1970
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 730 Whoso dede wiþ man vtrage Bot it were in wedloc In þilke time men hem tok Wiþ iuggement.
a1456 (a1402) J. Trevisa tr. Gospel of Nicodemus (BL Add.) f. 98 Tokeþe ye him, and demeþe ye him by youre owen lawe.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin i. 13 The Iuges made hir to be taken, and brought hir be-fore them.
?1577 J. Northbrooke Spiritus est Vicarius Christi: Treat. Dicing 103 Whosoeuer vsed Diceplaying, was taken..and holden as infamed persons.
a1634 E. Coke 3rd Pt. Inst. Laws Eng. (1644) vi. 44 A man was taken in Southwark..and was brought into the Kings Bench.
1674 Proc. Old Bailey 9 Sept. 4 And coming two days after to a Rag-Shop, being next Door, he was taken upon Suspicion.
1730 Compl. Coll. State-trials (ed. 2) V. 509 A Constable coming, they all but Jones dispers'd, who the Constable took, and carried before Sir Thomas Lane.
1854 Proc. Old Bailey 3 July 1030 I was on duty, and took the defendant—I said he was charged with throwing a bottle of ginger beer at the engineer's head.
1946 Independent Record (Helena, Montana) 25 Aug. 3/5 Police took the suspect at a local bus depot, as he was preparing to leave town.
2003 D. Matera FBI's 10 Most Wanted 297 Rudolph was taken by a police officer, and was not apprehended as the result of a citizen tip.
f. transitive. In chess, draughts, and other board games: to capture (an opponent's piece) so as to put it out of play. Also with the capturing piece as subject.
ΚΠ
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 1812 (MED) The next drauȝt aftir, he toke a roke for nauȝte.
a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 71 (MED) Whenne he [sc. the pawn at chess] goth aside, he takith anoþer.
1562 tr. Damiano da Odemira Pleasaunt Playe of Cheasts sig. Bivv Thou shalt take his knight with thy Quene.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits xiii. 219 The pawne which had made seuen draughts without being taken, should be made a queene.
1674 C. Cotton Compl. Gamester v. 68 You might take the piece clear, or get a better than that you lose to take it.
1735 J. Bertin Noble Game of Chess 55 The king takes the queen.
1840 Peter Parley's Ann. 263 A pawn takes the enemy angularly.
1879 Pop. Sci. Monthly June 233 In this low variety of lot-backgammon, the object is not to get one's own men home, but to take all the adversary's.
1900 J. Mason Social Chess 53 If the Bishop takes the Knight, Black retakes with Pawn.
1979 R. C. Bell Board & Table Games (rev. ed.) ii. 74 A man captures by the short jump forwards or sideways and may not take more than one piece in a turn of play.
1998 A. Hurry Psychoanal. & Developmental Therapy iii. 80 I noted his view of me as ‘killing’ him if I took a piece in Ludo.
2004 New Yorker 1 Mar. 89/2 He took an exposed pawn with his bishop.
g. transitive. Sport. To succeed in winning (a game, point, match, etc.).
ΚΠ
1823 Caledonian Mercury 22 Sept. 3/3 Dick took the race at both heats.
1891 Outing June 59/1 Herrick took the first set easily.
1909 Forest & Stream 4 Dec. 915/1 The visitors took the match by just two points, 218 to 216.
1953 Boys' Life Jan. 26/3 He couldn't let his adversary take the match this way. He had to attack soon!
1983 Washington Post 28 Mar. b1/1 Navratilova had started the match by taking the first game easily.
2005 J. Howard Rivals (2007) xi. 222 Jordan had so much respect for Evert, she barely celebrated when she took match point.
h. transitive. Criminals' slang. To break into (a building) in order to commit a burglary; to rob.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > burglary > burgle [verb (transitive)]
do1774
bust1859
burglarize1871
burgle1874
burglar1890
take1924
to rip off1972
tickle1976
1924 ‘Digit’ Confessions 20th Cent. Hobo iv. 46 Finding out the best place to take her, we proceeded there and waited.
1926 J. Black You can't Win xxi. 331 After gathering every scrap of information available, I was sure I could ‘take’ the spot if I got a fair break on the luck.
1930 D. Runyon in Liberty 8 Nov. 24/2 Someone takes a jewellery store in the town.
1940 Spider Mar. 54/1 That Damned Munro has struck again! He took a savings bank up town.
2012 W. Mittelstaedt Herman ‘Baron’ Lamm xi. 156 He could have taken the bank single-handed—but only after midnight.
2.
a. transitive. To grasp, lay hold of (a person or animal) by a particular part of the body or clothing. Cf. to take about the neck at Phrases 1c, to take (a person) by the hand at Phrases 1d.Frequently in figurative phrases, as to take by the balls at ball n.1 Phrases 5b(b), to take the bull by the horns at bull n.1 1c, to take by the sleeve at sleeve n. 2a, to take Time by the forelock at time n., int., and conj. Phrases 6g, to take by the throat at throat n. Phrases 3b(a), etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)]
holdc1000
takec1225
withhold1513
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) 683 (MED) Þe reue..rende hise claðes & toc him seolf bi þe top.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 6566 Yit dorste I nevere..Noght ones take hire be the kne.
c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 37 Whan this gallowus man toke hym by the skyrtis of his palle or mantyl he cryed vppon hym horriblely.
1508 Bk. Keruynge (de Worde) sig. B.ii Take the capon by the legges..& breke hym out.
1591 R. Greene Farewell to Folly sig. I Take time now by the forehead, she is bald behind.
1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 117 He tooke him by the sleeve, as they were in going over a stile.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 58 Lieutenant Prichard..taking me by the shoulder turned me aside.
1704 Dict. Rusticum at Eyess Casting your Hawk, take her by the Beak, and put the Needle through her Eye-lid.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VI. 375 The dexterous crabcatcher takes them by the hinder legs in such a manner, that its nippers cannot touch him.
1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci v. i. 80 We can escape even now, So we take fleet occasion by the hair.
1860 T. C. Haliburton Season-ticket viii. 223 He..takes his horse by the head, and makes room for me as civil as you please.
1916 Boys' Life Dec. 20/3 Any turtle, excepting the snapping turtle, may be safely handled. You would better take the snapper by the tail.
1920 Amer. Woman Aug. 3/1 So, all unguessed by him, Fate took him by the sleeve.
1974 M. Angelou Gather Together (1975) i. 6 If she said she was sorry one more time, I was going to take her by her sorry shoulders and shake a job out of her.
2004 S. Hall Electric Michelangelo 159 He took Cy by the elbow and leaned in.
b. transitive. To grasp (esp. a part of the body) with one's hands, to lay hold of. Cf. to take hold at hold n.1 Phrases.See also to take in (also into, †on) one's arms at Phrases 1b, to take a person's hand at hand n. Phrases 2p(c).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp
i-fangc888
gripc950
repeOE
befongOE
keepc1000
latchc1000
hentOE
begripec1175
becatchc1200
fang?c1200
i-gripea1225
warpa1225
fastenc1225
arepa1250
to set (one's) hand(s onc1290
kip1297
cleach?a1300
hendc1300
fasta1325
reachc1330
seizec1374
beclipc1380
takea1387
span1398
to seize on or upon1399
getc1440
handc1460
to catch hold1520
to take hold1530
to lay hold (up)on, of1535
grasple1553
to have by the backa1555
handfast1562
apprehend1572
grapple1582
to clap hold of1583
comprehend1584
graspa1586
attach1590
gripple1591
engrasp1593
clum1594
to seize of1600
begriple1607
fast hold1611
impalm1611
fista1616
to set (one's) hand to1638
to get one's hands on1649
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 147 To my Crist, whos riȝt hond I haue i-take.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2364 Ta loth þi broþer sun in hand, To chanaan ȝee most now drau.
?a1518 H. Watson Ualentyne & Orson (1555) lxvii. sig. Pp.v She toke his arme and lifte vp her head a hie makyng sygnes that she woulde hyte him.
1546 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. I. 30 In signe and takin herof my Lord Governour hes takyn baith thair handis.
1637 S. Marmion Morall Poem: Cupid & Psyche i. iii. 394 He took her wrist, And wrung it hard, and did her hands untwist.
1667 S. Woodford Paraphr. Psalms David cxliii. 417 I think of what Thy hand has done, And take Thy Arm to lean upon.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 310 As Mr. B. offer'd to take his Hand, he put 'em both behind him.
1754 S. Foote Knights 30 Upon which, what does me the King, but he takes his Arm thus..and so pushes him in.
1826 J. K. Paulding Merry Tales Three Wise Men of Gotham iii. 263 The doctor sidled up to me, and taking my elbow, drew me significantly out of the room.
1864 R. Browning Dramatis Personae 47 I took your arm And sillily smiled.
1916 Southwestern Reporter 179 64/1 Plaintiff just went down the steps and took the hand-rail with his right hand and stepped off backwards.
1963 D. Di Prima in A. Baraka Moderns 322 He takes her wrist, and gives her an indian burn.
1993 H. Jacobson Roots Schmoots ix. 203 More singing. We take the shoulders, or the waist, of the person on each side of us, and we rock together.
2007 N. Hornby Slam 27 She took my hand and led me right back to the sofa.
c. transitive. To grip, grasp, or hold with a part of the body other than the hands (esp. with the teeth). Cf. to have (also get, take, etc.) the bit between (also in) one's teeth at bit n.1 Phrases 1.
ΚΠ
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3299 Take with thy teeth the bridel faste.
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters i. xxii. f. xxix/2 Theye take the brydell in the teeth and renne forthe lyke a hed stronge horse.
1597 A. Hartwell tr. D. Lopes Rep. Kingdome of Congo ix. 66 The smaller trees they take between both their teeth, and so bowe them and plucke them downe, that they may feede vpon the leaues of them.
a1680 N. Wanley Hist. Man (1704) cvi. 451 He took a Knife with his Feet, cut Bread and Meat, and carried it to his Mouth with his Feet.
1722 R. Beverley Hist. Virginia (ed. 2) 263 He [sc. the snake]..took the Ears in his Mouth one after the other, working each apart in his Mouth as a Man does a Wafer to moisten it.
1799 M. Park Trav. Interior Districts Afr. xv. 237 I..pushed him [sc. the horse] headlong into the water; and then taking the bridle in my teeth, swam over to the other side.
1847 Lessons derived from Animal World Ser. 1 173 The elephant then took it [sc. the cloth] with her trunk, and spread it carefully upon the ground.
1897 A. L. Byron-Curtiss Life & Adventures Nat Foster iv. 44 Champ dismounted.., and taking his sword in his teeth and his pistol in his hand, plunged into the river.
1902 W. Payne On Fortune's Road iii. 109 She took a corner of her lip between her teeth and began addressing the envelopes rapidly.
1992 M. M. Vriends New Austral. Parakeet Handbk. 80 Platycercus and Barnardius species..can take food in the foot and raise it directly to the beak if necessary.
2006 F. Hill Get this Party Started! 58 This person must take the apple in his or her teeth, pass it to the next person without dropping it, and take a bite as it's passed.
†3. transitive. To take to task; to rebuke. Obsolete.Perhaps due to the translator's misapprehension of the equivalent word chosa ‘scolded’ in the French source as a form of Anglo-Norman choisir ‘to choose’, and hence not a genuine sense of the verb.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)]
threac897
threapc897
begripea1000
threata1000
castea1200
chaste?c1225
takec1275
blame1297
chastya1300
sniba1300
withnima1315
undernima1325
rebukec1330
snuba1340
withtakea1340
reprovec1350
chastisea1375
arate1377
challenge1377
undertake1377
reprehenda1382
repreync1390
runta1398
snapea1400
underfoc1400
to call to account1434
to put downc1440
snebc1440
uptakec1440
correptc1449
reformc1450
reprise?c1450
to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450
control1451
redarguec1475
berisp1481
to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522
checkc1530
admonish1541
nip1548
twig?1550
impreve1552
lesson1555
to take down1562
to haul (a person) over the coals1565
increpate1570
touch1570
school1573
to gather up1577
task1580
redarguate?1590
expostulate1592
tutor1599
sauce1601
snip1601
sneap1611
to take in tax1635
to sharp up1647
round1653
threapen1671
reprimand1681
to take to task1682
document1690
chapter1693
repulse1746
twink1747
to speak to ——1753
haul1795
to pull up1799
carpet1840
rig1841
to talk to1860
to take (a person) to the woodshed1882
rawhide1895
to tell off1897
to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900
to get on ——1904
to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908
strafe1915
tick1915
woodshed1935
to slap (a person) down1938
sort1941
bind1942
bottle1946
mat1948
ream1950
zap1961
elder1967
c1275 Kentish Serm. in J. Hall Select. Early Middle Eng. (1920) I. 219 Þo a ros up ure lord and tok þane wynd and to [read þo] see; and al so raþe hit was stille.
4.
a.
(a) transitive. Of an illness, sensation, or any other force or agency: to act on, affect, or attack (a person or animal), esp. suddenly; to take hold of; to seize. Also in later use of a notion, fancy, impulse, etc.In quot. c1400 with adjectival complement (cf. sense 4b(c)).intransitive in quot. 1603.See Phrases 2 for use in various exclamations and imprecations.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > operation upon something > have effect on [verb (transitive)]
rineOE
takec1300
concern1446
redound1460
work1487
touch1491
solicit1601
salutea1616
enact1616
affect1630
reach1637
attinge1640
act1655
influence1661
irradiate1668
vibrate1845
involve1847
inwork1855
to cut ice (with someone)1894
dent1931
impact1935
to make (also put) a dent in1942
the world > health and disease > ill health > cause to be ill [verb (transitive)] > affect or afflict
aileOE
takec1300
visitc1340
troublec1400
vex?c1425
surprise1485
vizy1488
attaintc1534
heart-burn?1537
molest1559
gar1614
possess1617
misaffect1618
corrept1657
invalid1803
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > affect with disease [verb (transitive)] > attack
ofseche?c1225
takec1300
smitea1325
strike1530
infest1542
assault1594
attack1665
grip1818
c1300 St. Mary Magdalen (Laud) l. 354 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 472 Ase þe Quiene on hire bedde lay, hire token ful strongue þrowes.
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) xlvii. 5 (MED) Hij ben trubled and stired, drede toke hem.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11823 Wit þe crache him tok the scurf [Trin. Cambr. Þe ȝicche toke him sikerly].
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 1158 Noþyng myȝt me dere To fech me bur and take me halte.
c1450 tr. Secreta Secret. (Royal) 31 Than mayst thou ete..as thyn appetit takith the.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 194 For a colyke that hath taken me in the ryght syde.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. f. 12v Moued by some sodaine toie which taketh them in the head.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. i. 144 Then no planet strikes [printed frikes], No Fairie takes [1604 takes, 1623 talkes], nor Witch hath powre to charme.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. iv. 31 He [sc. Herne the hunter] blasts the tree, and takes the cattle. View more context for this quotation
1661 A. Cowley Vision Cromwell 70 Now the freak takes him.
1713 J. Smith Poems upon Several Occasions 135 This grevious Ill Took Me perusing Quacking Bill.
1784 R. Burns Commonplace Bk. (1965) 17 One who spends the hours..with Ossian, Shakspeare,..&c. or as the maggot takes him, a gun, a fiddle, or a Song to make, or mend.
1827 W. Scott Two Drovers in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xiii. 300 Highland cattle are peculiarly liable to be taken, or infected, by spells and witchcraft.
1889 Temple Bar Dec. 451 An intense weariness of life took him.
1892 Cassell's Family Mag. Aug. 515/2 What in the name of wonder has taken the girl?
1893 National Observer 7 Oct. 542/2 He admired as the humour took him.
1929 C. Hume Dish for Gods xv. 165 Sometimes a sharp pain took her as she sat at table.
1954 M. Lott Last Hunt xi. 126 Exhaustion took him till he could hardly stand.
2004 S. Quigley Run for Home (2005) xii. 214 If that arsehole thinks he can swan back here whenever the fancy takes him, he can fucking well think again.
(b) transitive. Of fire or frost: to act on, affect, or attack (something); to seize, take hold of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack (of hostile agency)
besetOE
infighta1300
saila1300
seeka1300
visitc1340
beclipc1380
entainc1380
seizec1381
offendc1385
affectc1425
rehetea1450
take1483
attaintc1534
prevent1535
attach1541
attempt1546
affront1579
buffeta1593
to get at ——1650
assault1667
insult1697
to lay at1899
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. ccccxxjv/1 The fyre took the hows of the kynge and soo moche it grewe that the howses there aboute beganne to brenne fast.
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer ii. sig. T.ii The Polakes..kindled a great fire in the middest of the riuer (for to their seeminge that was the point wherto the voice came hott beefore the frost tooke it).
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 601 When the fire tooke any house, he would buy the house while it was a burning.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies vii. xxiii. 565 Fire tooke the Temple.
1689 E. Bohun Contin. Hist. iii. 72 in tr. J. Sleidane Gen. Hist. Reformation of Church Here the Fire took the next Houses.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 173 No Beast will eat sour Grass till the Frost hath taken it.
1745 J. Gibson Jrnl. Late Siege Ded. p. vi No sooner had the Fire took the Powder, but it tore up the Decks of the Ship.
1872 A. T. de Vere Legends St. Patrick 73 Fire takes the little cot beside the mere, And leaps upon the upland village.
1919 Garden & Home Builder July 229/1 A few plants had thrown up fresh spikes.., when a killing frost took the garden.
1990 C. Voight On Fortune's Wheel (1999) iv. 52 By the time she returned, he had lit the fire, and was watching the flames take the wood.
b.
(a) transitive (in passive). With with, by: to be seized or affected, esp. suddenly, with an illness, sensation, notion, etc. Cf. to be taken in love at love n.1 Phrases 2a.
ΚΠ
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 157 He was i-take with sikenesse [L. correptus] and deyde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8915 Sco es wode and wit warlagh tan [Trin. Cambr. wiþ fende I take].
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 261 Infectyn..as menne take wythe pestylence.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. iv. f. v All sicke people, that were taken with divers diseases and gripinges.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 609 The astonied members, or limmes taken with colde.
1607 T. Dekker & J. Webster West-ward Hoe v. sig. G4 O quickly, quickly, shees sicke and taken with an Agony.
1671 R. Head & F. Kirkman Eng. Rogue III. 18 I found a strange alteration in my body, being taken with pewkings, and Vomitings.
1681 J. Dryden Spanish Fryar iii. i. 30 I am taken on the sudden with a grievous swimming in my Head.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xliii. 434 He was taken with the numb palsy on one side.
1772 J. Gough tr. J. M. B. de la M. Guyon Life Lady Guion I. i. xv. 101 I was taken with a fluxion in my breast.
1865 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend II. iv. xiii. 267 Mrs. Boffin was then taken with a laughing fit of clapping her hands, and clapping her knees.
1888 ‘F. Warden’ Witch of Hills I. xiii. 273 I was going to be taken with a fit.
1904 A. Kenealy Marriage Yoke xl. 290 She was taken with an irresistible conviction that he ought to be told.
1921 Virginia Med. Monthly May 65/2 He was taken suddenly with an attack of severe pain in the right temporal region.
2001 D. Lessing Sweetest Dream (2002) 4 They were taken by occasional fits of ‘tidying up’ which it was hard to see made much difference.
(b) transitive (in passive). Without construction: to be affected by an attack of illness or pain; to suffer a seizure. Now regional.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > become diseased [verb (intransitive)] > have an attack
grudgea1513
take1530
tout1825
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) i. 29 Where the soule was take a non & sore tormented longe tyme togidre.
1568 W. Turner Herbal iii. 40 Good for membres that are num or taken.
1607 G. Markham Cavelarice vii. 24 A Horse that is taken our common Farriers say to be planet strooke.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 31 Others..standing stiff and starke..seeme as if they were taken in theire Joynts.
1734 S.-Carolina Gaz. 17 Aug. 3/1 A great number of people have fainted and fallen into Convulsions, and Several have died in a few Hours after they were taken.
1780 J. Birch Considerations Efficacy Electr. (ed. 2) 40 The last time she was out of order..she was taken in the natural way, and went her proper time, without any interruption to that course.
1832 London Lit. Gaz. 25 Aug. 530/3 Others were not taken in the head, but in the lungs.
1856 Bible Christian Mag. Oct. 389 From this time she sank rapidly, until the next day..when she breathed her last, just twenty-four hours after she was taken.
1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xxiv. 239 ‘Did anybody send 'em word?’ ‘Oh, yes; a month or two ago, when Peter was first took; because Peter said then that he sorter felt like he warn't going to get well this time.’
1918 G. M. Royce Note Bk. Amer. Parson in Eng. xviii. 204 The driver knew nothing about the nature of the clerical complaint. ‘All I know is that the vicar was took sudden,’ was his answer.
1977 Observer 29 May 33/3 I was taken sudden near Thursby. They got me back to Wigton, but word was sent the doctor couldn't come.
(c) transitive (in passive). With adjectival complement, as to be taken ill (also sick, blind, hoarse, lame, etc.): to be seized or struck with a specified illness or affliction. Also used with reference to something humorously considered to be equivalent to an illness or affliction (e.g. quot. 1839). Cf. sense 4c.Frequently regional when used with complements other than ill.See also to be taken bad at bad adj., n.2, and adv. Phrases 3.
ΚΠ
1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Popish Kingdome iv. f. 57v If any thing be stolne, or any taken lame.
1579 Detection Damnable Driftes sig. Bv The nexte daie the wife commyng out at the same doore, was taken sicke, and began to swell.
1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility i. 64 Being soon after taken blind.
1664 J. Wilson Cheats v. iii. 69 Being taken very ill of a sudden.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 96. ⁋2 Master Harry was taken very ill of a Fever.
1721 S. Clifford Sin Cause of God's Displeasure 26 They were took sick, and died, and were carried to the same Place themselves.
1776 L. Carter Diary 15 Mar. (1965) II. 1002 One of these sedentary half bit Students was taken ill.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 25 She was taken ill in the night.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxviii. 270 ‘Oh, charming!’ interrupted Kate's patroness, who was sometimes taken literary.
1891 Harper's Mag. Apr. 750/1 He was taken hoarse at the last moment.
1907 A. C. Coolidge Prophet of Peace xiv. 130 Do you know, the girl was taken crazy at a Twelfth-Night party.
1920 I. A. R. Wylie Holy Fire 98 There was my Aunt Sarah—very careful she was—but one day she walked under a ladder, and three days later she was took ill.
1952 A. Christie Mrs. McGinty's Dead iv. 28 Either the husband's taken queer, or the old mother, or the children have some foul disease or other.
2010 Daily Tel. 11 Feb. 17/1 Mrs Booth was taken ill months after she stopped taking the pills.
c. intransitive. With adjectival complement, as to take ill (also sick, lame, etc.): to be seized or struck with a specified illness or affliction. Also used with reference to something humorously considered to be equivalent to an illness or affliction (e.g. quot. 18902). Cf. sense 4b(c).Frequently regional when used with complements other than ill.See also to take bad at bad adj., n.2, and adv. Phrases 3.
ΚΠ
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 131 A woman..who took with child in the very fit of a Third Ague.
1782 W. Irvine Let. 12 Apr. in Fort Pitt & Lett. from Frontier (1892) 239 One of my horses took lame, and I was oblig'd to leave him about half-way.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry I. i. 55 My king of the Kickapoos..took sick by the way, and is dead.
1822 J. Hodgson in J. Raine Mem. J. Hodgson (1857) I. 400 My father-in-law took ill.
1890 J. Healy Insula Sanctorum 317 He took sick and died in the island.
1890 Illustr. London News 29 Nov. 686/3 Then, too, he took studious, and..pored over great tomes and learned things.
1903 Independent Rev. Dec. 409 Mr. William Pitt..took ill and died after Austerlitz.
1914 Stevens Point (Wisconsin) Daily Jrnl. 22 July When Jane took mad and died up at the asylum it sort of loosened me up.
1967 E. Bourne Woman in Levi's v. 60 No matter what you feed him, he'll take sick and die.
2009 Dunoon Observer & Argyllshire Standard 6 Mar. 8/1 When my neighbour suddenly took ill, I phoned for an ambulance.
5.
a. transitive. To strike, hit (a person); usually with preposition specifying the part of the body struck. Also: to strike, hit (a part of the body). Cf. catch v. 11.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike [verb (transitive)]
swingc725
slayc825
knockc1000
platOE
swengea1225
swipa1225
kill?c1225
girdc1275
hitc1275
befta1300
anhitc1300
frapa1330
lushc1330
reddec1330
takec1330
popc1390
swapa1400
jod?14..
quella1425
suffetc1440
smith1451
nolpc1540
bedunch1567
percuss1575
noba1586
affrap1590
cuff?1611
doda1661
buffa1796
pug1802
nob1811
scud1814
bunt1825
belt1838
duntle1850
punt1886
plunk1888
potch1892
to stick one on1910
clunk1943
zonk1950
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 3267 (MED) Euerich gan oþer wiþ launces take, Þat al to peces þai gun crake.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 175 As he glaid by aukwart he couth him ta.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 403 Wallas with it [sc. the poutstaff] fast on the cheik him tuk.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxxviii. 203 Vnto me than he came full softely And with his staffe he toke me on the breste.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 126v Ector turnet with tene toke hym on þe hed.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. iv. 151 Take him ouer the costard with the hilts of thy sword. View more context for this quotation
1654 M. Stevenson Occasions Off-spring 72 This is all but mirth, although perhaps He may conceit I take him on the Chaps.
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon ii. v. 201 He was..taken upon the head with a stone.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 52 The Blow taking my Side and Breast, beat the Breath as it were quite out of my Body.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson i. x. 104 A mountainous overgrown-sea took us upon our starboard-quarter.
1795 Hist. in Ann. Reg. 70/1 A masked battery took them in flank.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. vi. 107 The kick of a horse..took me across the ribs.
1891 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 150 651/2 When a sheep runs amuck, he is..a living catapult, that, if he took you fair, would knock the life out of you.
1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 3 June 350/1 The ball took him squarely between the eyes.
1919 A. B. Cunningham Singing Mountains ix. 167 Shaking with fury Ben lunged at the cowering figure, his fist taking him squarely on the jaw.
1922 E. R. Punshon Bittermeads Myst. iv. 35 More by good luck than intended aim, the blow took him on the point of the chin.
2010 C. Adams Siren Song xv. 258 I shot him. The bullet took him between the eyes.
b. transitive. With direct and indirect object: to give (a person) (a blow, slap, etc.). Frequently with on, in, specifying the part of the body struck. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1448 J. Gloys in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 28 He..toke his master on the hepe suyche a stroke that..brake his hepe.
a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. D2v Cursed be he that took Friar Sandelo a blow on the pate.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. iii. 36 This mad-brain'd bridegroome tooke him such a cuffe. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. i. 174 If he tooke you a box 'oth'eare. View more context for this quotation
1636 tr. J. Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin Ariana i. ii. 189 I tooke him a blow into the belly that made him dye in the very instant.
1725 New Canting Dict. I took him a Cut cross the Shoulders.
1781 C. Johnstone Hist. John Juniper II. 161 Taking him a blow full in the pit of his stomach.
1884 Fireman's Mag. May 273/2 Every time I failed to answer a question immediately a stuffed club took me an awful belt..in the rear.
1920 J. Farnol Black Bartlemy's Treasure vi. 53 He took me a blow in the mouth with some vile missile that set my very gums a-bleeding.
1934 ‘L. G. Gibbon’ Grey Granite iv. 252 You took him a smack in the face for that.
c. transitive. In Sport (chiefly Tennis): to hit (a ball, etc.), esp. at a particular point in its trajectory; to make a shot.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > bat [verb (transitive)] > hit > hit with specific stroke
take1578
stop1744
nip1752
block1772
drive1773
cut1816
draw1816
tip1816
poke1836
spoon1836
mow1844
to put up1845
smother1845
sky1849
crump1850
to pick up1851
pull1851
skyrocket1851
swipe1851
to put down1860
to get away1868
smite1868
snick1871
lift1874
crack1882
smack1882
off-drive1888
snip1890
leg1892
push1893
hook1896
flick1897
on-drive1897
chop1898
glance1898
straight drive1898
cart1903
edge1904
tonk1910
sweep1920
mishook1934
middle1954
square-drive1954
tickle1963
square-cut1976
slash1977
splice1982
paddle1986
1578 A. Golding tr. Seneca Conc. Benefyting ii. xxxii. sig. G.ii At Tennis it is somewhat too take the ball conningly and ridily, and yet he is not called a good player, unlesse he send it backe agein as fast and featly as he tooke it.
a1660 P. Skippon in F. Willughby Bk. of Games (2003) 107 If either..gamster take a ball before it comes to the ground it is termed Vollee.
1706 J. Stevens New Spanish Dict. i. at Falta So they call it a Fault in Spain.., to strike out of the Court, to take the Ball at the Second Rebound, to strike it twice, &c.
1849 Boy's Own Bk. (new ed.) 84 If you should decide upon stepping in, and afterwards change your mind, you cannot recover yourself sufficiently in time to take the ball on the back play.
1882 Ward & Lock's Home Bk. cxxix. 1027 The player who fails to take the shuttlecock served loses one point, and is out of the round.
1924 C. J. H. Tolley Mod. Golfer x. 149 If the ball is lying well, you can either play an ‘explosion’ or take the ball cleanly.
1969 E. Brown Badminton x. 115 If the return is a drive, try to take the shuttle early.
1987 H. Brody Tennis Sci. for Tennis Players vi. 97 You have to make the decision as to whether you want to..move up closer, take the ball earlier, and give your opponent less to work with.
2014 Times (Nexis) 12 Nov. (Sport section) 68 Federer responded by taking the ball on the up.
6.
a. transitive. To come upon (a person) in some action or situation; esp. to catch or detect in some fault or error. Frequently with in, †with.Now chiefly in to take off (one's) guard (with admixture of sense 6b).See also to take (a person) napping at nap v.1 2, to take (a person) tardy at tardy adj. 2a, to take in a trip at trip n.1 8.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > detect > detect (a person) in wrongdoing or predicament
finda1200
overtakea1325
takec1330
oftakea1382
overgoa1400
deprehenda1535
reprehend1538
to find out1545
surprise?1592
nail1766
pawl1859
bust1960
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 3183 Brengwain þretned ay To take hem in her dede.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Deprehensus est in sermone, He was taken in his wordes. Deprehensus est in scelere, He was taken with the faulte.
1573 G. Gascoigne Disc. Aduentures Master F. I. in Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 239 Immediatly taking him selfe in trip, he thought best to vtter no more of his conceipt.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. v. xii. 86 By reasoninge with this olde Apelles, I tooke him with many falsehoodes.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 95 In which fault you haue beene nowe thrise taken.
1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 331 The poore Astrologers: who had already been taken with so many lies.
1668 T. Shadwell Sullen Lovers i. 3 I am glad I've taken you within, I come on purpose to tell you the newes, d'ye hear it.
1715 L. Theobald tr. Aristophanes Plutus v. i. 54 Whenever I was taken napping in an Enormity, you never was so kind to bear a part of the Blows that were my certain Perquisite.
1834 Court Mag. 1 June 227/2 He had better keep a sharper lookout and not be taken napping.
1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife III. vii. ii. 236 The doctor was not easily taken off his guard; but he could hardly restrain an exclamation when his patient, turning round, came forward to greet him.
1921 E. M. Ingram Thing from Lake iii. 63 He reddened.., but his eyes were not those of a man taken in a lie.
1978 W. B. McCloskey Highliners (1980) xx. 256 The force took Hank off guard.
2001 Financial Times 15 Feb. 2/1 Labour may be hinting at a May 3 poll while secretly planning to take them off their guard and call a snap election much earlier than expected.
b. transitive. To come upon suddenly or unexpectedly; to catch unprepared.Now chiefly in certain phrases, as to take (a person) short at short adv. 5b, to take by surprise at surprise n. 2b, to take unawares at unawares adv. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > suddenly or violently
overgoOE
ofseche?c1225
catcha1275
henta1375
to come upon ——a1382
seizec1381
takea1382
to catch to ——c1400
overpass?a1513
re-encounter1523
to come over ——1726
to come on ——1850
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > suddenness > come upon suddenly [verb (transitive)]
to step on ——OE
takea1382
skey1539
sursault1598
bolt1779
to pounce on (or upon)1812
to burst upon1867
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. lix. 9 Longid oute is fro vs dom, and shal not take vs riȝtwisnesse [L. non adprehendet nos iustitia].
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 156 Or they coude be war..they wer among theim and toke [Fr. trouverent] theim out of arraye.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 210 A tempest toke them in the sea, that put them so farre out of their course.
1584 B. R. tr. Herodotus Famous Hyst. ii. f. 77v They were suddenly surprised and taken short by a company of little dwarfes.
1611 Bible (King James) Ecclus. xxxvi. 26 A man that..lodgeth wheresoeuer the night taketh him. View more context for this quotation
1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Deut. xxxii. 5) 145 They are preoccupated, taken at unawares.
1684 T. Short tr. Plutarch Philopœmen in T. Blomer et al. tr. Plutarch Lives II. 619 Taking them unexpectedly, disperss'd, and careless after their Victory, [He] Landed in the night, burnt their Camp, and kill'd of them a great number.
1796 F. Higgins Let. 11 Oct. in T. Bartlett Revolutionary Dublin (2004) 109 His Lordship took the church wardens by surprise and obtained the resolutions that were published.
1823 New Monthly Mag. 9 113/1 They may have been taken short by the climate before reaching the Pacific.
1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. II. xxi. 181 We were at breakfast when the first of the wind took us.
1906 C. M. Doughty Dawn in Brit. I. ii. 100 Being taken thus, at advantage, and unawares.
1924 M. W. Beckwith Jamaica Anansi Stories 94 Come in here; late night goin' tek you.
1998 E. Danticat Farming of Bones xxxix. 277 From time to time, life takes you by surprise.
c. transitive. slang. To deprive (a person) of something, esp. money, by extortion; to swindle, cheat. Frequently with for, specifying the thing extorted.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle
defraud1362
deceivec1380
plucka1500
lurch1530
defeata1538
souse1545
lick1548
wipe1549
fraud1563
use1564
cozen1573
nick1576
verse1591
rooka1595
trim1600
skelder1602
firk1604
dry-shave1620
fiddle1630
nose1637
foista1640
doa1642
sharka1650
chouse1654
burn1655
bilk1672
under-enter1692
sharp1699
stick1699
finger1709
roguea1714
fling1749
swindle1773
jink1777
queer1778
to do over1781
jump1789
mace1790
chisel1808
slang1812
bucket1819
to clean out1819
give it1819
to put in the hole1819
ramp1819
sting1819
victimize1839
financier1840
gum1840
snakea1861
to take down1865
verneuk1871
bunco1875
rush1875
gyp1879
salt1882
daddle1883
work1884
to have (one) on toast1886
slip1890
to do (a person) in the eye1891
sugar1892
flay1893
to give (someone) the rinky-dink1895
con1896
pad1897
screw1900
short-change1903
to do in1906
window dress1913
ream1914
twist1914
clean1915
rim1918
tweedle1925
hype1926
clip1927
take1927
gazump1928
yentz1930
promote1931
to take (someone) to the cleaners1932
to carve up1933
chizz1948
stiff1950
scam1963
to rip off1969
to stitch up1970
skunk1971
to steal (someone) blind1974
diddle-
1927 Vanity Fair Nov. 134/3 When a patron in a night club is ‘clipped’ he isn't punched, he's ‘taken’ or ‘gypped’ out of some currency or he is overcharged.
1930 D. Hammett Dain Curse (U.K. ed.) xii. 122 They landed Mrs Rodman... They took her for one of her apartment buildings.
1978 J. B. Hilton Some run Crooked ix. 86 It wasn't enough for Julie just to admit she'd been taken.
1982 ‘E. Lathen’ Green grow Dollars xiv. 112 ‘I told Mary to take them for every penny she could get,’ he said stoutly.
2004 Hotdog Apr. 76/2 The Wonderland Gang took Nash for over $1 million worth of drugs, cash, and jewellery.
d. transitive. Chiefly Motor Racing. To overtake (a competitor).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > racing with vehicles > motor racing > race motors [verb (transitive)] > overtake
take1967
1967 Observer 21 May 19/4 Bob Holt..padded in the footprints of the three-mile leader, John Thresher, and then took him in the last lap.
1977 Custom Car Nov. 14/2 Jimmy Smith..finally took Falcone, who had developed trouble, and stayed ahead to win the race.
2006 Boston Standard (Nexis) 19 Sept. I knew I had the measure of him so stayed with him, intending to take him on the last lap.
7.
a. intransitive. Chiefly of a hook, tooth, or similar component: to engage with or fit into a corresponding part; to catch, snag. Also: to pierce, penetrate. Frequently with into. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)] > penetrate
wade993
smitec1275
reachc1300
piercea1325
sinkc1330
enterc1350
soundc1374
thirl1398
racea1420
takea1425
penetrate1530
penetre?1533
ransack1562
strike1569
thread1670
raze1677
perforate1769
spit1850
riddle1856
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > come in due order or course [verb (intransitive)] > be connected or follow in proper order
takea1425
to hook on1885
a1425 (?c1350) Ywain & Gawain (1964) l. 2066 (MED) Als he fele his swerde outshoke; Þe pomel into þe erth toke, Þe poynt toke until his throte..Thorgh his armurs sone it smate, A litel intil hys hals it bate.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 1608 Sith he pullith at his croke, So fast in to the flesh it toke.
1624 J. Reynolds Vox Cœli 39 The second, I hope England shall shortly feele, at least, if all hookes take.
1730 J. T. Desaguliers in Philos. Trans. 1729–30 (Royal Soc.) 36 197 The Pall or Lever..does so communicate with the Catch, that..the Catch always takes.
1797 Encycl. Brit. IX. 9 The teeth of these four wheels take alternately into the teeth of four racks.
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 310 The next tooth of the pinion will take into the gap in the end of the rack.
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 513 These pins take into holes in the plate, made exactly to fit them.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. xxvi. 262 A floe, taking upon a tongue of ice.., began to swing upon it like a pivot.
1905 U.S. Patent 785,736 in Specif. & Drawings Patents Mar. 3541/1 Fast upon the driving shaft..are sprockets.., whose teeth take into the links of the chains in a well-understood manner.
b. transitive. Of a substance, tool, or component: to act upon by contact; to catch upon; to adhere to.
ΚΠ
1582 P. Levens Right Profitable Bk. All Disseases 183 Take vnslaked lime and sope, and mixe them together, & laye it vpon a parchment skinne..& lay it thereto halfe an hower vntill it take the barke or skinne.
1659 J. Leak tr. I. de Caus New Inventions Water-works 25 So as the Saws may take the said peece again.
1767 J. Priestley Hist. & Present State Electr. viii. iv. 615 I was surprised to find, not only that the electric matter would not take the surface, but that..the charge was very little dissipated.
1849 A. Pellatt Curiosities of Glass Making 94 The punty takes the flat end by adhesion.
1894 Harper's Mag. July 191/2 The blades no longer take the water together.
1903 T. J. Hains Strife of Sea 38 He could follow the anchor rope clear down until a cross showed where the hook took the ground.
1957 Pop. Mech. Apr. 212/2 If the threaded screw takes the tapped hole loosely, it may tend to cant sidewise when pressure is applied.
2006 Rowing News May 62/3 The first thing that happens when the blade takes the water is that the oncoming water starts pushing it forward and outward.
8.
a. transitive (in passive). Chiefly with with: to be attracted, charmed, or captivated by a person or thing. Frequently with intensifying adverb.
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Prov. vi. C Lest thou be taken with hir fayre lokes.
1569 T. Underdowne tr. Heliodorus Æthiop. Hist. v. f. 65 Him selfe was taken with her bewty, whiche appeared in her simple apparell.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 153 King James..taken by Perkins amiable and alluring behaviour..entertained him..as became the person of Richard Duke of Yorke.
1641 W. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 286 The King and Queen seemed to be much taken with..the entertainment.
1715 J. Browne & W. Oldisworth State Tracts II. 42 She..did observe the subtle Fox, Much taken with her goldy Locks.
1798 C. Smith Young Philosopher IV. 110 I was quite taken with the spirit and beauty of the young gentlewoman.
1848 Chambers Edinb. Jrnl. 2 Sept. 155/1 I remember being extremely taken by the manner of a lady from whom I often bought trifling things.
1867 T. Carlyle Reminisc. (1881) II. 23 He was much taken with my little Jeannie, as he well might be.
1904 H. H. Peerless Diary 25 June in Brief Jolly Change (2003) 79 Millie is much taken with the electric staircase.
1969 ‘E. Ferrars’ Skeleton Staff iii. 61 ‘Not enormously taken, are you?’ ‘Not bowled over.’
1992 R. J. Waller Bridges of Madison County i. 14 He'd never been to Iowa but was taken with the hills of the northeast part.
2003 Billboard 8 Feb. 25/3 The [record] labels were so taken with the idea that it became a purely commercial venture.
b. transitive. To excite a passion in (a person); to captivate, delight, charm. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > quality of causing joy or delight > make joyful or delighted [verb (transitive)]
blissa1000
faina1300
joy1303
delighta1382
rejoya1393
forblissa1400
gleea1400
rejoicec1425
blymc1440
delect1510
take?1553
gladden1558
oblectate1611
beglada1617
deliciate1633
delectate1647
to set (a person) cock-a-hoop1652
?1553 tr. Pope Pius II Hist. Ladye Lucres & Eurialus sig. B.iv Thy beautye hathe takenne me and the grace of godlye hede, wherein thou passest all othere, houldeth me.
1616 B. Jonson Epicœne i. i, in Wks. I. 532 Such sweet neglect more taketh me, Then all th' adulteries of art. View more context for this quotation
1623 B. Jonson in W. Shakespeare Comedies, Hist. & Trag. sig. A4v Those flights vpon the bankes of Thames, That so did take Eliza, and our Iames!
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. Polit. Touch-stone in tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso 449 With a readiness that much took all the Literati.
1686 W. de Britaine Humane Prudence (ed. 3) iv. 15 Take the Vulgar by your Civilities.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 546. ⁋1 He added very many Particulars not uncurious concerning the Manner of taking an Audience.
1741 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) X. 188/2 Some peculiar turn or unusual thought, to take the reader as well as convince him.
1830 Ld. Tennyson Poems 47 Thy tuwhoos..Which upon the dark afloat, So took echo with delight.
1890 F. Barrett Between Life & Death II. xxi. 78 You took the whole audience.
1901 R. W. Gilder Poems & Inscriptions 54 He does not..seek the truth, But, shrewdly guessing what may take the crowd, With tragic grimace, this he shouts aloud.
c. transitive. To catch (a person's eye or attention).See also to take (a person's) fancy at Phrases 3h, to take the eye at eye n.1 Phrases 2c(a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)]
exercisea1538
entertainc1540
replenish1548
rouse1583
catcha1586
amuse1586
detainc1595
attract1599
grope1602
concerna1616
take1634
stay1639
engage1642
meet1645
nudge1675
strike1697
hitcha1764
seize1772
interest1780
acuminate1806
arrest1835
grip1891
intrigue1894
grab1966
work1969
1634 R. Brathwait Anniv. upon Panarete sig. A8v No Cerusse cheeke, no azur'd brest laid bare, To take deluded eyes.
1695 H. Killigrew tr. Martial Epigrams 14 What is't that pleases then, and takes his Eye?
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa VI. xx. 58 A book, which, had there not been a preconcert, would not have taken his attention for one moment.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison V. i. 6 We..took the Bishop's eye. He came to us.
a1824 E. Robarts in Marquesan Jrnl. (1974) v. 135 Next [it] was a garden in the Quarter deck [that] took her notice.
1881 Scribner's Monthly 21 268/1 Some one took Horton's attention for a moment.
1889 Eng. Illustr. Mag. Dec. 268 My eye was taken by something bright.
1922 Youth's Compan. 14 Dec. p. iii/1 While that little domestic incident was taking my attention, Ganghi had risen and was preparing to address the crowd.
1961 P. G. Wodehouse Ice in Bedroom 41 Dolly Molloy unquestionably took the eye.
2011 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 10 Mar. 13 As I beavered away.., my attention was taken by a sudden stillness outside.
d. intransitive. To appeal to a person or group of people; to win favour, to gain acceptance; esp. to become popular, to ‘take off’. Cf. sense 13a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > be approved or gain acceptance [verb (intransitive)]
pass1405
to pass muster1573
serve1593
takea1635
take1639
resenta1646
1639 J. Saltmarsh Pract. Policie 117 If you bee to doe something of popular respect, and continue doubtfull how it will take, being there are many opinions to bee reconciled [etc.].
1641 Naunton's Fragmenta Regalia sig. A3v It tooke best with the people.
1655 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans (ed. 2) ii. Pref. sig. A4v Nothing takes (as they rightly phrase it) like a Romance.
1748 G. G. Beekman Let. 29 Mar. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 45 I cannot say how your Lottery will take with us but belive if it was advertize in our Papers it would ad much to the sale of your tickkits.
1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting I. vii. 139 The whim took; he repeated the practice.
1817 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) II. i. 4 The new melodrame..takes mightily.
1842 J. A. Kasson Let. 22 Nov. in Virginia Mag. Hist. & Biogr. (1948) 56 418 A person, male or female, that relishes society and can talk, will take well.
1892 Literary World 4 Nov. 358/1 We shall be curious to see if the fashion takes.
1914 in P. Farrer Confidential Corr. on Cross Dressing (1997) I. 82 Could you not introduce a series of tales in ‘New Fun’ about the adventures of a ‘boy’ Flapper? I'm sure they would take.
1963 Listener 14 Mar. 457/1 Jazz has ‘taken’ in Africa.
2005 M. D. Eisner Camp ii. 10 The idea took, and over the next half-century, permanent summer camps began to pop up.
†9. transitive (reflexive). To check or stop oneself in a course of action. Cf. to take up 11a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > continuity or uninterruptedness > discontinuity or interrupted condition > break the continuity of or interrupt [verb (transitive)]
discontinuea1398
breakc1400
interrupta1420
intermit1557
takea1586
interpellate1599
interfalk1621
snapa1790
fault1837
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) iv. sig. Mm3v And therewith taking himselfe..sayde he.
1637 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. xcviii. 251 But this is my infirmity. By His grace I take myself in these ravings.
1686 N. Tate et al. tr. Heliodorus Æthiopian Hist. ii. 80 Oh ho! said Knemon, and took himself in the manner, and so stopped his Speech.
10.
a. Cricket.
(a) transitive. to take a wicket: (esp. of a bowler or team) to succeed in dismissing a batter.
ΚΠ
1826 Manch. Guardian 5 Aug. Marsden..took the wicket of his old antagonist in the finest style of bowling.
1846 W. Denison Cricket: Sketches of Players 71 The greatest number of wickets he succeeded in taking in one match was 11.
1878 John Lillywhite's Cricketers' Compan. (ed. 34) 181 Having on one occasion taken six wickets in seven balls, thus performing the ‘hat-trick’ successfully.
1928 Daily Tel. 26 June 17/1 Jupp took four wickets for 37 runs.
1977 World of Cricket Monthly June 29/3 Raja took his third wicket through a slip-catch.
2007 I. Botham Head On i. 27 When I took my first wicket, he heard one of them say, ‘Ignore that. It was a fluke.’
2013 Mercury (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 31 Oct. 32 Colin Ingram's wicket off the second ball of the opening over was a signal of Pakistan's intent to take quick wickets.
(b) transitive. Chiefly in passive. To dismiss (a batter) by catching the ball after it strikes the bat and before it touches the ground.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > dismissal of batsman > put out [verb (transitive)]
to put out1735
take1828
to get out1833
remove1843
to send back1870
dismiss1875
out1899
get1901
1828 Sheffield Independent 13 Sept. Both Pilch and Beagley ought to have been taken by Vincent behind the wicket.
1883 Daily Tel. 15 May 2/7 He was..taken at cover-point by Woof.
1915 Amer. Cricketer Aug. 190/2 Maxwell was well taken at the wicket.
1958 Times 21 May 14/3 Carpenter..was taken by the wicketkeeper off the outside edge of the bat.
1980 Guardian 29 May 22/6 Willey had plodded to seven..when Richards took him in the gully off Marshall.
2013 Nation (Pakistan) (Nexis) 16 Sept. He..went for a similar expansive stroke next ball, and was taken at second slip.
b. transitive. Cricket and Baseball. To collect or complete (a catch) successfully, esp. so as to dismiss the batter or batter. Cf. hold v. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > dismissal of batsman > put out [verb (transitive)] > knock down wicket
to put down1727
rip1831
to throw down1833
take1836
rattle1840
spreadeagle1868
to break the wicket1875
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > fielding > field [verb (transitive)] > catch
to catch out1712
hold1752
catch1789
take1836
pouch1910
1836 Bell's Life in London 24 July 3/5 Had the catch been taken, it might have materially altered the game.
1888 R. A. H. Mitchell in A. G. Steel & R. H. Lyttelton Cricket (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xiii. 379 Teach them to take the catch opposite the upper part of the chest.
1912 Cornell Alumni News 19 June 440/3 Clute takes the catch and throws to Bills, who tags Young at second.
1967 M. Ali Cricket Delightful ix. 51 Mair, just behind Ryder towards fine leg, took a dolly catch.
1990 Films & Filming Jan. 49/2 Martin's butterfingers son at last takes a catch in the crucial stage of a baseball match.
2013 Herald Sun (Austral.) (Nexis) 15 July (Sport section) 52 Cook takes a screamer to remove Siddle, again off Anderson.
** To become established, to take hold, and related senses. Cf. sense 35.
11.
a. intransitive. Of a plant, cutting, seed, crop, etc.: to establish itself and begin to grow; to germinate; to take root (see root n.1 Phrases 1a). Cf. take n.1 8a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > root > plant defined by roots > have root [verb (intransitive)] > take root
to take roota1400
roota1425
take?1440
to take rooting1548
sprig1611
radicate1656
to strike root (also roots)1658
tap-root1769
to make root1856
fibre1869
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. l. 153 In reed erthe ek a vynis hard to take [L. comprehendere].
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 747/1 A yonge plante or sette begynneth to take whan it groweth up.
1658 J. Evelyn tr. N. de Bonnefons French Gardiner ii. ii. 158 In April you shall plant the Slips, having separated them from the Stem with as much root as you can, that they may take the more easily.
1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville Theory & Pract. Gardening 184 The Oak being in its own Nature very difficult to take again, by reason of its Tap-Root.
1805 Communications Board of Agric. 4 15 He..sowed it with oats, but the seeds did not take.
1892 Field 10 Dec. 883/3 We planted a thousand cedars of Lebanon, with shoots 6 in. high, and we have no doubt that they will take well.
1987 R. Rendell Talking to Strange Men i. iv. 24 Most of the fuchsia cuttings had taken and were looking good.
b. intransitive. Of a scion of a plant or a graft of animal tissue: to form a successful union with the recipient plant or animal; to establish itself on or †upon a stock or other recipient. Cf. take n.1 8c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > transplanting and grafting operations > transplant or graft [verb (intransitive)] > be accepted by recipient
take1566
1566 I. A. tr. Pliny Summarie Antiq. xii. sig. G.viiv The graftes of this tree will take in no other countrey [Fr. iamais lon nha peu faire prendre les greffes ailleurs].
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique iii. ix. 437 The best is to graft the same kindes together, although grafts and buds may take as well [Fr. peuuent aussi bien prendre] in trees of diuers kindes.
a1635 R. Sibbes Riches Mercie (1638) i. 102 We say of a graft, it is grafted to purpose, if it take, and bring forth fruite.
1758 P. Miller Let. 28 Aug. in J. Bartram Corr. (1992) 438 The Apple and Pear are..of different genera. They will not take upon each other either by buding or grafting.
1802 W. Forsyth Treat. Fruit-trees i. 2 The Cherry and Plum will never take upon each other..but the Apricot will take upon all sorts of Plums.
1836 Hort. Reg. 5 130 The common carpenters..will re-branch a polled tree in a very few minutes, receiving payment only for the grafts which take.
1875 Lancet 23 Jan. 124/3 The transplanted pieces of skin..were found to have ‘taken’ remarkably well.
1936 Anat. Rec. 64 167 Young donors supply material that is more likely to ‘take’.
1946 A. Nelson Princ. Agric. Bot. v. 101 Even between grafts of quite close relationship the union may be abortive. One variety of scion will not ‘take’ on a given stock on which another variety of the same kind does quite well.
1977 Time (Europe ed.) 7 Mar. 43/2 Odds that a transplanted cadaveric kidney will ‘take’ are usually no better than 50%.
12.
a. intransitive. To begin to act on a person or thing; to take hold; to set in.
ΚΠ
a1500 in G. Henslow Med. Wks. 14th Cent. (1899) 76 (MED) Of þe mone and of þe time whan þe seknesse took, and in wat sygne it be-gan.
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 110 Rottennesse takes sooner in apples, which are bruised.
1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical v. 52 When any Humour Takes in London.
1836 Q. Rev. Sept. 80 The establishment of a subscription ball was suggested... The fancy took, and..all London became mad to be admitted.
1847 Dublin Univ. Mag. Oct. 418/1 The madness took to such an extent, that..no less than ten thousand pilgrims..set off to bow before the feet of Narayun.
2007 S. Hunt Court of Air (2009) xi. 176 If a corruption takes and spreads, everything will be wiped out.
b. intransitive. spec. Of fire: to begin to act on a substance; to take hold.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > initiating or causing to begin > initiate [verb (intransitive)] > be or become established
morea1200
roota1382
to take roota1450
take1523
to take rooting1548
to be well warmed1565
seisin1568
to sit down1579
to come to stay1863
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or be on fire [verb (intransitive)] > catch fire or begin to burn > of fire: to catch
overtakea1400
take1523
catch1530
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. clviii. 192 All the base court was afyre, so that the fyre..toke into the couerynge of a great towre couered with rede.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. cxcii. f. ccxliii The heate of the fyre entred in to the flaxe (wherin if fyre take, there is no remedy).
a1661 W. Brereton Trav. (1844) 43 The fire first took in rape-oil.
1761 Authentic Mem. Portuguese Inquisition v. 64 The fire took in every part at once, accompanied with thick and ardent clouds of burning smoke.
1803 Ann. Rev. 2 189/1 The tinder was ready, and the spark took.
1937 S. Cloete Turning Wheels 137 As the fire took he added bigger pieces of dung and the..smoke..rose in a thick column.
2004 L. Fairstein Kills xxxiii. 306 I knelt on the granite hearth and placed a match..beneath the sturdy logs, watching the flames take and spread.
13.
a. intransitive. Of an action, plan, etc.: to have the intended effect; to turn out well; to succeed. Cf. sense 8d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > be efficacious [verb (intransitive)]
workOE
availa1400
makea1400
prevaila1400
to hit the nail upon (or on) the headc1450
effect1592
serve1593
to tickle it1601
take1611
executea1627
to have force (to do)1713
answer1721
to take place1789
to do the trick1819
to hit (also go to, touch, etc.) the spot1836
produce1881
to press (also push) the button1890
to come through1906
to turn the trick1933
to make a (also the) point1991
1611 T. Middleton & T. Dekker Roaring Girle iv. i. sig. H3 Am I alone so wretched That nothing takes? I'le put him to his plundge for't.
1646 H. Lawrence Of Communion & Warre with Angels 98 This temptation tooke.
1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome 356 The design took and the Fellow got away.
1787 A. Young Jrnl. 11 Sept. in Trav. France (1792) 183 I had it drawn into the street at Toulon, with a large label, written a vendre, and the price 25 louis: they had cost me at Paris 32. My plan took, and I sold them for 22.
1824 T. Campbell Theodric 123 The treachery took: she waited wild.
1867 L. Lancewood Louis Sinclair v. 57 He tried to make the boys about him laugh at Louis and Sidney, by nick-naming them. The attempt did not take.
1941 B. Schulberg What makes Sammy Run? xi. 203 She was married... The year she came out. But it didn't take.
1978 D. Bloodworth Crosstalk xv. 123 [Operation] Crosstalk can do no good whatsoever unless it takes, and..this move against Sviridov..shows it has taken.
2004 Kiplinger's Personal Finance July 14/1 I thought maybe my sign up didn't take, so I signed up again.
†b. intransitive. Without positive implication: to have a particular outcome; to turn out in a specified way. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > result [verb (intransitive)] > turn out
goOE
farec1230
to come to proofc1330
shape1338
afarec1380
achievea1393
falla1398
sort1477
succeed1541
lucka1547
to fall out1556
redound1586
to come off1590
light1612
takea1625
result1626
issue1665
to turn out1731
eventuate1787
to roll out1801
to come away1823
to work out1839
pan1865
a1625 J. Fletcher Humorous Lieut. iii. vii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Rrr3v/2 Did I not tell you how 'twould take?
1648 Countess Lindsey in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 309 My son Paston is in town about a match for his son; how it will take I know not.
1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 393 Had it took that way, which actually it did not, things afterwards so fell out, that in very high Probability of Reason, it must have met with..success.
14. intransitive. Of a medicine: to take effect, to prove effective. In later use also of a vaccination or inoculation: to produce a discernible reaction in the skin (now rare); to stimulate a protective immune response. Also figurative. Cf. sense 35d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > [verb (intransitive)] > take effect
takea1629
a1629 T. Goffe Orestes (1633) iv. viii. sig. G4 Egy. Pray God thy physique take. Ore. Yes, it shall take.
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes v. iii. 49 in Wks. II If all succeed well, and my simples take.
1853 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 14 i. 253 To see if the previous inoculation would still take.
1897 S. L. Hinde Fall Congo Arabs 61 The vaccine from Europe,—unfortunately none of it took.
1929 Lancet 22 June 1301/2 This child received four insertions [of vaccinal lymph], and all of them took well.
1951 G. Greene End of Affair v. iv. 201 ‘He did it there and then.’.. ‘Did what?’ ‘Baptized her a Catholic... I always had a wish that it would “take”. Like vaccination.’
2004 R. Lewis Flame Tree vii. 118 Malarial symptoms would present around now if the meds didn't take.
2011 Vaccine 29 6070/1 If, in contrast, vaccination took in some proportion of recipients, there would be no such difference between those at higher and lower risk.
15. intransitive. Of dye, ink, paint, etc.: to adhere to a surface successfully. Cf. sense 35b.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > writing materials > ink > [verb (intransitive)] > adhere to paper or writing surface
take1774
1774 tr. A.-J. Loriot Pract. Ess. Cement 33 All kinds of marne, well washed, in order to destroy that unctuousness of theirs, which might otherwise prevent their taking to other substances [Fr. qui peut résister au mêlange].
1791 W. Nicholson tr. J. A. C. Chaptal Elements Chem. III. ix. 385 This substance is more especially used in dying: its colour takes [Fr. prend] readily upon wool.
1883 R. Haldane Workshop Receipts 2nd Ser. 192/1 The use of ox-gall, which makes the ink ‘take’, has also the disadvantage of making it frequently ‘run’.
1952 G. M. Halpern Pressman's Ink Man. v. 66 It [sc. beeswax] helps the ink to ‘take’ after the surface has crystallized.
1986 J. Townshend in A. Limon et al. Home Owner Man. (ed. 2) vi. 846 Many modern paints take quite happily over old gloss paint.
16. intransitive. North American and English regional (Cheshire). Of ice: to begin to form, esp. on the surface of a lake or river. Cf. sense 35c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > ice > turn to ice [verb (intransitive)] > form
take1822
1822 Acts Legislature Vermont 83 Between the fifteenth day of April.., or ten days after the ice shall be dissolved in the lake.., and the twelfth day of December, or the time the ice takes in the lake so as to prevent safe passing.
1825 Kingston (Upper Canada) Chron. 4 Feb. 3/2 On Saturday night last, the ice took between Kingston and Long Island.
a1876 E. Leigh Gloss. Words Dial. Cheshire (1877) 206 ‘The ice is taking’ means it is beginning to freeze.
1881 Edmonton Bull. 28 Mar. 1/2 Ice took in the Saskatchewan on the 19th of November.
1931 G. L. Nute Voyageur 79 Seines were set in the water just before the ice ‘took’ on the lake or river.
1994 C. A. Wilson New Lease on Life ii. vii. 192 Only for about ten days each spring and fall, when the ice was ‘taking’, or breaking up, was communication with the mainland impossible.
17. intransitive. Of a lamb: to be accepted by a ewe in place of her own dead lamb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > sheep-farming > rear sheep [verb (intransitive)] > be accepted by foster ewe
take1874
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd I. xviii. 204 Mistress and man were engaged in the operation of making a lamb ‘take’, which is performed whenever an ewe has lost her own offspring, one of the twins of another ewe being given her as substitute.
2007 G. Fried (title) Making the new lamb take.
II. To take something given or offered; to receive, accept.
* To receive (willingly or unwillingly) what is given or bestowed.
18.
a. transitive. To receive (something given, bestowed, or administered); to have (an office, honour, degree, etc.) conferred upon one; to win or receive (a prize, award, etc.).In quot. c1384 intransitive with object implied. See also to take orders at order n. 2b, winner-take(s)-all at winner n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > something immaterial
takeOE
get1476
receive1546
contract1691
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)]
thiga864
takeOE
receivea1400
entertain1578
OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1075 He..toc [lOE Laud nam] swilce gerihta swa he him gelagade.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5378 Forr to takenn hæle att himm Off iwhillc unntrummnesse.
c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) l. 184 Mahoun mi god ich here for-sake Ȝef he sschal euere ordres take, Of ani oþer bisschopes hond, Bot of Corsouze mi gode brond.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xi. 24 For the Lord Jhesu..took breed, and doynge graces,..he brak, and seide, Take ȝe, and ete ȝe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 12755 In water baptist he alle þa, þat come til him baptim to ta.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 6412 (MED) Þar he toke tonsure brade.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 2168 And ye now will liston a stound How he toke armes of kyng Calomond.
1585 True Declar. Horrible Treasons W. Parry 48 He..was commended, againe confessed, tooke the Sacrament.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 29 In the house where the Doctors, and other Graduates take their degrees.
1689 T. Rymer View Govt. Europe 74 The Nations round about submitted and took Laws from him.
1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 31 The will is to be proved, and administration is to be taken.
1794 C. Smith Let. 30 Apr. (2003) 112 I have a new subject of heartache; my poor wounded boy has been persuaded to take orders.
1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel iv. xxiii. 114 Knighthood he took of Douglas' sword.
1830 Law Mag. 1 447 At Oxford he took a double-first class.
1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere I. i. iv. 95 I don't feel as if I should ever take Orders.
1930 Lima (Ohio) News 15 Apr. 12/5 I stopped at Charleston, S. C..and took second prize in a race there.
1948 K. Amis Let. 2 Mar. (2000) 162 I had supplicated for and been permitted to take the Degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts on the Saturday.
1974 Gramophone Nov. 956/1 The singing is characterful rather than beautiful, with the men taking the honours.
1989 C. Clark Amer. Wines of Northwest ii. ix. 285 Hogue's very first Cabernet Sauvignon..took Best of Show at the large Atlanta wine festival.
2005 J. Weyland Saving Kristen viii. 125 I think you should take the sacrament.
b. intransitive. To receive something from another, esp. habitually. Frequently contrasted with give. Cf. sense 37b.
ΚΠ
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. vii. 8 Eche that axith, takith.
1423–4 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1423 §56. m. 31 If thei fynde..that any of the seid persones, haven taken contraie to the lawes and ordinaunces afore made, that..he that is founden so takyng..have imprisonement of a moneth.
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. lix. sig. Piv It is better and more blyssyd to gyue than take.
1586 E. Pagitt tr. L. Lavater Bk. Ruth Expounded xxii. f. 131 This was an olde and vsual custome amongst the Israelites, when they did take, or giue, or redeeme or chaunge one with another.
1600 J. Weever Faunus & Melliflora sig. Fv She Faunus neuer shuns: He giues, she takes, and nothing is denide.
1622 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. VI. O.T. xvii. 260 It is dishonourable to take from equalls, and not to retribute.
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 68 Better give than take by a time. It may fall out that giving of a Gift, may do more Service than taking a Reward.
1858 Genesee (Rochester, N.Y.) Farmer Feb. 51/1 It is not right, either in morals or agriculture, to always take and never give.
1934 T. G. Joslin Hoover Off Rec. v. 56 Hoover took and gave with the others, putting everything he had into the game.
1980 M. McMullen My Cousin Death (1981) xiv. 166 It requires a good deal more generosity to take than to give.
2002 S. Horn Take Bully by Horns (2003) vi. 61 Their idea of give-and-take is for them to take, take, take while we give, give, give.
19. transitive. To receive (something inflicted); to have (something) done to one; to suffer, undergo, submit to.See also to take a beating at beating n. Additions, to take it on the chin at chin n.1 d, to take it in the neck at neck n.1 Phrases 2b, take that! at that pron.1, adj.1, adv., and n. Phrases 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > suffer mental pain [verb (transitive)]
thave835
i-dreeeOE
tholec897
underbearc950
adreeOE
dreeOE
driveOE
i-tholeOE
throwOE
underfoc1000
bearOE
takec1175
bidec1200
suffera1250
leadc1330
drinka1340
endure1340
wielda1375
underfong1382
receivec1384
sustain1398
finda1400
undergoa1400
underganga1470
ponder?a1525
tolerate1531
to go through ——1535
to feel the weight of?1553
enjoy1577
carry1583
abrook1594
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > endure patiently [verb (transitive)]
takec1175
dure1297
suffer1297
eata1382
to take in patiencec1385
to take awortha1387
endure1477
to go through ——1535
pocket1589
to sit down1589
hack1936
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Pref. l. 90 Þatt he toc dæþ o rode.
c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 2345 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 173 Of euerech Monek of þe hous he tok is discipline With a smart ȝeorde.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 12626 God graunte vs grace,..for oure synne swyche penaunce take, Þat we be neuer more a-teynt.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. liiij/1 To the ende that they shold not take deth that day.
a1566 R. Edwards Damon & Pithias (1571) sig. Eijv Then for an earnest penie, take this blow.
1581 B. Rich Farewell Militarie Profession sig. Cc.ivv I will not see her take a manifest wrong.
1607 T. Middleton Phoenix sig. H4v Is shee so voide of friendes thinke you? take that for thinking so: a Boxe.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. ii. 144 He took the blow on side and arm.
1713 J. England Funeral Serm. J. Derbie 15 He was an Upright, i. e. honest Man; fair in his Dealings, that would rather take than do Wrong.
1738 S.-Carolina Gaz. 16 Mar. 2/2 Elizabeth Davis..stands likewise indicted for Polygamy, and will take her Trial nest Sessions.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xii. 162 The mere senseless love of giving and taking blows without an object.
1875 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxxiv, in Monthly Packet May 501 He professed himself ready to take his trial.
1927 F. M. Thrasher Gang iii. xv. 289 Most boys prefer to take a beating rather than ‘stool’ on their associates.
1942 L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark Amer. Thes. Slang §158/8 Take that and see how you like it!
2001 My Business May 50/2 Be polite to helpdesk personnel—they take a lot of abuse.
20. transitive. To enter into the enjoyment of (rest, recreation, or some other pleasant activity).See also to take one's ease at ease n. 2a, to take a nap at nap n.3 Phrases.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [verb (transitive)] > enter into enjoyment of
takec1175
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12991 He þurrh haliȝ gast inn hemm, Himm wollde takenn resste.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2488 [Þei] hiȝed hem homward fast..& token redli here rest.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 6317 Þat niht he ȝede and tok his rest.
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 15 Þou takest in gardin with þi sistren bodily recreacioun commune.
1548 H. Latimer Notable Serm. sig. D.viv In the meane time the Prelates take theyr pleasures.
1597 T. Beard Theatre Gods Iudgements ii. xii. 282 Before any other should take tast thereof.
a1652 R. Brome City Wit i. i. sig. B, in Five New Playes (1653) So, now will I meditate, take a nap, and dreame out a few fancies.
1690 J. Dryden Don Sebastian iv. i. 72 Now Heart..Set ope thy Sluces,..Then, take thy rest within thy quiet Cell; For thou shalt drum no more.
1752 C. Lennox Female Quixote I. i. i. 3 Sometimes he took the Diversion of Hunting.
1779 Mirror No. 60 One of the company proposed that they should take a game at cards.
1807 tr. L. B. Proyart Life Madame Louise iv. 397 Princess Louisa..still would take her recreation with the Nuns.
1897 G. Allen Type-writer Girl x. 108 So perforce I took holiday.
1934 J. Stuart Man with Bull-tongue Plow 328 Under a thin blue moon they take their rest.
1979 Maclean's 24 Aug. 53/1 Farmers..tend livestock, houses and crops and even baby-sit while their customers take a vacation.
2010 H. Jacobson Finkler Question ii. 68 This, Julian, I repeat, is not healthy. Take a break. You should be on the town.
21. transitive. To be the recipient of (words, information, etc.) through hearing or listening to another; to hear. Frequently in imperative with the sense ‘let me tell you’. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > acceptance, reception, or admission > accept, receive, or admit [verb (transitive)]
yknowOE
knowc1175
takec1175
undergoc1315
receive1318
takea1333
allowc1350
accept1439
admitc1449
recognize1509
concedea1513
adhibit1542
allow1548
yieldc1571
acquiescatea1586
yield1590
gratify1662
society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > be informed of
hearc950
witc1000
haveOE
learnc1175
undergoc1290
takea1333
receivec1400
aherec1450
partakea1593
get1608
intelligence1637
to get wind of1809
to take away1839
a1333 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 21 Shou þat þou art moder one, And he vor þe take oure bone.
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 135 Þe erez..takeþ [L. apprehendunt] fantastic sownez, reynie, clarionyng, or hissyng & tynnyng.
?1551 J. Bale tr. B. Spagnuoli Lamentable Complaynt sig. B.viii For take this of me. If the sycke creatures which are at the poynt of deathe [etc.].
1609 T. Heywood Troia Britanica xii. lxiv After they had tooke and given the Time of Day.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) ii. i. 190 Take this of me, Kate of my consolation,..My selfe am moou'd to woo thee for my wife. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) i. i. 21 Then take my Kings defiance from my mouth. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1570 Then take the worst in brief, Samson is dead. View more context for this quotation
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. iii. ii. 161 He abhors to take the Lye but not to tell it.
1805 W. Scott Lay of Last Minstrel iv. xxiii. 114 Take our defiance loud and high.
1886 M. W. Hungerford Mental Struggle xv. 104 As you will have it [sc. an answer], then..take from my own lips—No!
1917 H. Oyen Gaston Olaf xxi. 147 That's a strong word, Taggart. Now you can take this from me: neither you nor any man can tell me where I can or can not live.
1982 M. Tax Rivington St. v. iii. 336 I wouldn't take the time of day from that husband of yours.
22. transitive. To attend or receive (a lesson); to embark on (a course of study). Also: to choose to study (a subject).
ΚΠ
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. 40 In þe firste lessoun þat I took Thanne I lerned a and be And oþir lettres by here names.
1579 T. Churchyard Gen. Rehearsall Warres sig. P.ii Thei were bounde twoo Monethes in the yere to plie their schole, and take a lesson at their Maisters handes.
1683 tr. G. Pierreville Relig. Cavalier 2 She took Lessons upon the Lute and Guittar from an Italian Master.
1775 J. Jekyll Let. 21 Nov. in Corr. (1894) ii. 62 An Englishman at Tours who took a lesson of whip-cracking every day from a postillion.
1820 T. Mitchell in tr. Aristophanes Comedies I. p. xxxv Olympus is generally represented, as a young man..taking lessons on the pan-pipe from Marsyas.
1855 ‘E. S. Delamer’ Kitchen Garden 143 The reader is strongly advised to take lessons in grafting and budding.
1935 C. Day Life with Father 183 In Father's childhood it was unusual for boys to take music lessons.
1985 J. Mortimer Paradise Postponed xviii. 214 Charlie was taking a new course in Social Administration at the London School of Economics.
1991 D. Dabydeen Intended (1992) 120 She was taking History, Literature and Religious Education for ‘A’ Levels.
2009 N.Y. Mag. 2 Mar. 15/4 All my friends have been taking hip-hop dance classes.
** To accept deliberately; not to refuse or reject.
23. transitive. To accept (something offered), esp. willingly; not to refuse or reject.See also to take it or leave it at Phrases 5a, not to take no for an answer at no adv.2 1c, to take the shilling at shilling n. 5c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > acceptance, reception, or admission > accept, receive, or admit [verb (transitive)]
yknowOE
knowc1175
takec1175
undergoc1315
receive1318
takea1333
allowc1350
accept1439
admitc1449
recognize1509
concedea1513
adhibit1542
allow1548
yieldc1571
acquiescatea1586
yield1590
gratify1662
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept
onfangeOE
fangOE
to take with ——lOE
takec1175
understandc1200
afangc1275
receivec1330
accepta1382
'lowa1382
except1393
to take up1570
to take a person up on (something)1807
to take up1810
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4828 Ȝiff þatt we takenn bliþeliȝ. Att godd all þatt iss sellþe.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 843 Holy watyr take of þe prestys hand, For anoylyng hyt wyl þe stande.
a1535 T. More Treat. Passion in Wks. (1557) 1281/1 Such as wil take the benefite.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 214 I..doe leaue the Reader to his free choice, to take or leaue the one, or the other.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 100 Take no repulse, what euer she doth say. View more context for this quotation
1697 in Notes & Queries (1908) 9 May 378/2 There was not one of the House of Commons but..would take a bribe.
1706 Ld. Godolphin Let. 22 Oct. in H. L. Snyder Marlborough–Godolphin Corr. (1975) II. 713 Madam..is very diverting for a while, to take and leave as one pleases, but terrible indeed to bee tyed to.
1787 W. Taylor Scots Poems 9 Some Parli'mentars may tak bribes.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 18 Gentleman says he'll not detain you a moment, sir, but he can take no denial.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxii. 191 She held out her hand with so frank and winning a grace, that Osborne could not but take it.
1904 S. J. Weyman Abbess of Vlaye I. iii. 105 There's a party ringing at the gate, my lord, and—and won't take no!
1947 E. Berridge Sel. Stories 42 He took the proffered cup with an embarrassed laugh.
1989 J. Conway Road from Coorain (1990) viii. 209 I took the job when offered, just to see whether people would actually pay me for what I looked like.
2003 Observer 1 June 20/1 It's a scenario familiar to parents everywhere: a tearful eight year old refuses to take no for an answer.
24.
a. transitive. To react to or regard (a statement, event, situation, etc.) in a specified way.See also to take it amiss at amiss adv., adj., and n. Phrases 1b, to take something hard at hard adv. Phrases 3, to take (a thing) personally at personally adv. 3c, to take (a person or thing) seriously at seriously adv.2 Phrases.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7390 Biforenn þa þatt takenn all. Onn hæþinng þatt we spellenn.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16396 (MED) Quen he sagh þat al his soigne þai tok it al to ill.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1171 To hym that taketh it in pacience.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 1049 Þir wordes cuthbert wysely toke.
a1555 H. Latimer Frutefull Serm. (1572) ii. f. 181v There is a common saying amongst vs.., Euery thing is (say they) as it is taken, which in deede is not so: for euery thing is as it is, howsoeuer it be taken.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 182v They take it ill, & presently leaue woorking.
1579 in W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue sig. Bij Take this brief..aunswere..in good part.
1638 W. Barwick tr. V. D'Audiguier Love & Valour 22 She told him, that her friends took it amisse, that one of his coate should so frequent her company.
1671 Lady M. Bertie Let. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 12th Rep. App. Pt. V: MSS Duke of Rutland (1889) 22 in Parl. Papers (C. 5889–II) XLIV. 393 I take it very ill that none of my nephews would drawe mee.
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. Pref. p. xxvi Multitudes of People..would take it in excessive Dudgeon to be thought unfashionable.
1739 Joe Miller's Jests 55 She had so plac'd herself in Disguise, as to be able to observe how he took the News.
1759 S. Johnson Let. 1 Mar. (1992) I. 184 I shall take it very kindly, if you..write to me.
1872 W. Black Strange Adventures Phaeton x. 145 The Lieutenant took the matter very coolly.
1888 L. Spender Kept Secret III. i. 15 I did not mean you to take me in earnest.
1927 Times of India 13 Dec. 10/2 It must be said to his credit that he took everything with great good humour.
1967 W. Murray Sweet Ride x. 168 He got busted last week and he don't take that too kindly.
2004 K. Fox Watching Eng. (2005) ii. 350 ‘They're just a bit of a joke,’ said one woman. ‘You can't really take it seriously.’
b. transitive. To accept without objection, opposition, or resentment; to be content with; to tolerate, put up with.Often used in set phrases to indicate the acceptance of both the good and bad elements of a situation, as to take the good with the bad, †to take the woe with the weal, etc.; cf. to take the rough with the smooth at rough n.1 Phrases 4.See also to take people as one finds them at Phrases 4a(b), to take (something) as it comes at Phrases 4a(a), to take it at Phrases 5d(a), to take a joke at Phrases 3i, to take no nonsense at nonsense n. 1b, take-no-shit adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > endure patiently [verb (transitive)] > bear with or tolerate
forbearc897
tholec950
bearOE
abidec1300
bidea1325
takec1330
suffer1340
wielda1375
to have patience with (also in, toward)c1384
supportc1384
to sit with ——c1400
sustainc1400
thulgec1400
acceptc1405
to away with1528
brook1530
well away1533
to bear with —1538
digest1553
to comport with1565
stand1567
purse?1571
to put up1573
well away1579
comport1588
fadge1592
abrook1594
to come away1594
to take up with1609
swallow1611
embracea1616
to pack up1624
concocta1627
to set down bya1630
to take with ——1632
tolerate1646
brook1658
stomach1677
pouch1819
c1330 Lai le Freine in Smith Coll. Stud. Mod. Langs. (1929) 10 iii. 4 (MED) Ȝete me is best take mi chaunce, & sle mi childe and do penaunce.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) III. 1171 Ye shall take the woo wyth the weall.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings xiv. 10 Take the prayse, and byde at home.
c1595 T. Maynarde Sir Francis Drake his Voy. (1849) 18 He resolved to departe, and to take the winde as God sent it.
1641 J. Lee Sunday a Sabbath xviii. 138 If Master Doctor like his owne resemblance, let him take the consequence of his odious comparison, which is, That [etc.].
1657 R. Sanderson 14 Serm. Pref. sig. A2v Now they are abroad, they must take their lot, as it falleth out.
1728 A. Boyer Royal Dict. (ed. 5) at Mauvais Il faut prendre le bon & le mauvais, one must take the Good with the Bad.
c1779 R. Cumberland in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 410 I take events as they fall without murmur or complaint.
1843 T. Carlyle Past & Present iv. vii. 392 Doggeries never so escutcheoned..continue Doggeries, and must take the fate of such.
1896 Law Times Rep. 73 689/1 If he does not conform to their law, he must take the consequences.
1903 W. D. Howells Lett. Home i. 6 They have rather fallen into the habit of taking the good with the bad.
1945 J. Kerouac in W. S. Burroughs & J. Kerouac And Hippos were boiled in their Tanks (2008) xiii. 143 The mate is a prick and none of us are gonna take any shit from him.
1967 B. Mason Delilah (song) in E. Carrabine et al. Criminol. (2004) 171 Forgive me Delilah I just couldn't take any more.
1971 Leader-Times (Kittanning, Pa.) 10 Apr. (TV Log section) 3/4 It is a completely new concept, taking life just as it happens, enjoying every moment.
1974 E. Ambler Dr. Frigo iii. 174 They weren't taking any nonsense from a pipsqueak foreign doctor.
2008 Total Politics Aug. 6/1 Rarely do politicians..admit that, yes, they got it wrong and are willing to take the consequences.
25.
a. transitive. To accept (a statement or assertion) as true or trustworthy; to believe (something told to one). Chiefly in to take a person's word at word n. and int. Phrases 4j(b).In quot. 1728: to be deceived or taken in by.See also take it from me at Phrases 5c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > accept as true, believe [verb (transitive)]
ylevec888
leve971
ween971
i-weneOE
takec1175
trowc1175
truth?c1250
thinka1275
believec1300
trustc1325
hold1340
trist1340
to give (one's) faith to (also unto)c1405
accept?c1430
admitc1449
credencea1529
to take a person at his (also her) word1535
credit1547
faith1576
to take a person's word1576
receive1581
creed1596
understand1751
Adam and Eve1925
buy1926
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2824 Forr þatt tu toc wiþþ trowwþe. Þatt word.
1538 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus Sarcerius Common Places of Script. f. ccviv To serue the lord wt feare, is to receyue & take his word.
1587 in W. M. Williams Ann. Worshipful Company Founders (1867) 69 He givinge his fayth promyse to Mr. Alderman... Mr. Alderman tooke his worde, and rose, and went his ways.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xx. 136 I would not take this from report. View more context for this quotation
1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir ii. sig. D2 We ha not bene idle, take it vpon my word.
1728 E. Haywood tr. M.-A. de Gomez Belle Assemblée (1732) II. 142 The King seeing that they had took the Feint, said at Night,..Ghent is invested, and we must go anon to raise the Siege.
1812 M. Edgeworth Absentee xii, in Tales Fashionable Life II. 222 Take it on my word, and believe me, sir; for I would not tell a lie.
1880 Rep. & Corr. Affairs in Damaraland (Cape of Good Hope House of Assembly) 33 I know Jan Afrikaaner very well. I don't take his word, as you know, but reading this.., I see there is much truth in it.
1908 S. J. Weyman Wild Geese xx. 304 Take my word for it, he's no man to bear malice!
2009 J. Ballentine Murder for Hire 174 Not a single one of them read the report and knew the facts. They just took her word and threw all their support behind her.
b. transitive. To accept and act upon (advice, instruction, a hint, a warning, an order, etc.).See also to take advice at advice n. Phrases 1(b). Cf. also sense 84b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)]
yieldc825
behold971
hold971
keepc1000
at-holdc1175
takec1300
spare1387
observec1391
to stand by ——c1405
to stick by ——a1530
to stand to ——1537
c1300 St. Margarete (Harl.) 136 in O. Cockayne Seinte Marherete (1866) 28 Goþ fram me anon; Anoþer consail ich haue itake, ich forsake ȝou echon.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4790 Þar of es god we ta consail.
c1475 Wisdom (Folger) (1969) 484 The Wyll of þe Soule hathe fre dominacyon..Yet þe nethyr parte to þis taketh sum instruccyon.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 207 The troiens full tite token his red.
a1555 J. Philpot in M. Coverdale Certain Lett. Martyrs (1564) 245 Take my aduice in thys your conflict, & be pacient what soeuer your aduersaryes can saye or do against you.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 293 They'l take suggestion, as a Cat laps milke. View more context for this quotation
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. Sept. (1965) I. 440 They..took the first hint of their dress from a fair sheep newly raddled.
a1745 J. Swift Misc. Pieces (1789) 232 Take this short lesson from the god of bayes, And let my friend apply it as he please.
1793 F. Reynolds Dramatist i. 15 Now do take my advice and write a play.
1874 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxix, in Monthly Packet Feb. 112 Would that France had taken to itself the teaching!
1892 Punch 29 Oct. 196/2 [He] begged others to take warning by his fate.
1899 Tit-bits 28 Oct. 109/2 ‘Come along, dear, take your call,’ said he, pulling back the heavy curtains.
1923 Child-welfare Mag. June 436/1 We shall do well to take suggestion where we find it.
1955 A. Atkinson Exit Charlie (1957) iv. 150 ‘Shall I make myself scarce?’.. ‘All right. I can take a hint.’ She walked perkily to the bar.
1965 H. MacInnes Double Image (1967) i. 14 ‘And they pleaded they were only taking orders?’ Craig asked in derision.
2005 M. Lewycka Short Hist. Tractors in Ukrainian xxviii. 292 She wouldn't take advice from anyone.
26.
a. transitive. To receive or accept (a specified amount of money) as payment, earnings, or takings; to receive or accept (payment or wages); to charge (a fee, interest, etc.).Sometimes with admixture of sense 23.See also to take its toll at toll n.1 2i.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > getting or making money > get or make money [verb (transitive)] > receive or take money
takec1300
perceivea1382
rear1418
draw1591
rake1601
to get up1627
touch1654
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 819 He..solde it wel..; Al þat he þer-fore tok, With-held he nouth a ferþinges nok.
1427–8 in H. Littlehales Medieval Rec. London City Church (1905) 68 Also for a carpenter iiij dayes..takyng vj d. & his mete a day.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 216 Straunge knyghtes that were come vnto hym to take wages.
1522 Worlde & Chylde (de Worde) (1909) sig. A.iii Whan I was seuen yere of age I was sent to the worlde to take wage And this seuen yere I haue ben his page.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 53 This olde miser askinge of Aristippus what hee would take to teach and bringe vp hys sonne.
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life Henry VIII (1649) 35 Promising that he would not onely give him meeting, but take pay under him.
a1677 J. Taylor Contempl. State Man (1684) i. vi. 67 What would he now take for all the Honours of this World.
1708 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1886) II. 83 For takeing greater interest..than by law is allow'd.
1795 R. Cumberland Henry IV. xi. iv. 135 To do eye-service to God, and take wages of Mammon, was to make a stalking-horse of religion.
1842 R. Browning Bells & Pomegranates No. III: Dramatic Lyrics 15/2 A thousand guilders! Come, take fifty!
1896 Act 59 & 60 Vict. c. 59 §2 (b) Provided always..that no money for admission be taken at the doors.
1927 Univ. Pennsylvania Law Rev. 75 703 The complainant who saw the defendant take passengers in his auto between certain towns, take money and solicit return passengers.
1970 A. K. Armah Fragments iii. 91 ‘Eighty pesewas,’ the driver said... ‘Will you take a dollar? I haven't changed my money.’ ‘Sure.’
1991 A. Unterman Dict. Jewish Lore & Legend 138/2 The mohel is not supposed to take payment for his services.
2002 Guardian 30 July 5/1 Spider-Man went straight into the charts at number one, taking £5.9m over its first weekend.
b. intransitive. U.S. Criminals' slang and Police slang. Esp. of a police officer: to accept a bribe or inducement. Cf. on the take at take n.1 Phrases.
ΚΠ
1935 D. Lamson We who are about to Die xi. 202 Suppose the cop is honest and won't take... Well, all the guy has to do is find somebody higher up that will take.
1968 ‘E. McBain’ Axe (new ed.) v. 62 You know that if somebody is taking, it is usually the senior man on the beat.
1998 G. P. Pelecanos Sweet Forever viii. 69 Kevin Murphy continued to take. Because once you started, you couldn't stop. There just wasn't any such thing as a ‘reformed’ cop.
2012 R. Zacks Island of Vice Epil. 365 The Island of Vice..has seesawed back and forth over the years between..cops who take and cops who don't.
27.
a. transitive. Of a person, esp. a woman: to allow oneself to be sexually penetrated by; to accept as a sexual partner; to have sexual intercourse with. Cf. sense 43.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > engage in sexual activity with [verb (transitive)] > have sexual intercourse with > specifically of a woman
takea1400
give1860
lay1956
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 1694 Also shal þe womman wonde To take here godmodrys husbonde.
c1450 (a1400) Chevalere Assigne l. 234 in W. H. French & C. B. Hale Middle Eng. Metrical Romances (1930) 868 She was sklawnndered on hyȝe þat she hadde taken howndes.
1659 J. Howells Παροιμιογραϕια 36 A whore takes all, no matter who nor where.
1664 T. Killigrew Parsons Wedding ii. vii in Comedies & Trag. 101 No, faith, Ned, though she should take him, it will not take away my stomack.
1932 W. Faulkner Light in August x. 212 There were white women who would take a man with a black skin.
1944 N. Mailer in E. Seaver Cross-section 324 When I take a man, and I may take him for a lot of reasons, in back of it all is the feeling..that that is something I can do better than any other woman.
2004 J. Hogan Business or Pleasure? ix. 145 She took him, all of him, took him gratefully, and loved that he filled her so completely.
b. transitive. Of a female animal: to allow herself to be mounted by (a male); to copulate with. Cf. accept v. 9.See also to take (the) horse at horse n. 1c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > sexual organs and reproduction > [verb (transitive)] > copulate with > permit copulation
take?1523
accept1857
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxv A melch cowe may haue to moche meate, for and she waxe fatte she woll the rather take ye bull, & gyue lasse mylke.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxi It is tyme to wayne theyr lambes whan they be .xvi. wekes olde, or .xviii. at ye farthest, & the better shall the ewe take the ramme agayn.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 127 If the Cowe wyl not take the Bull, you must stampe sea Onyons in water, and rubbe her vnder the tayle with it.
1669 J. Blagrave Epitome Art of Husbandry 85 It is better for the Husbandman to sell those Calves, then to rear them, because of the cost, and also for the profit of the Milk to his House, and the rather the Cow will take the Bull.
1759 R. Brown Compl. Farmer 65 Neither can they suckle their young, till they have taken buck.
1770 C. Varlo New Syst. Husbandry II. 297 Let the bull go with her, and she will soon take him.
1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 363 I..set down..the Ewes as they take the ram.
1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 i. 254 The number of hours during which they take the bull varies from 24 to 48.
1920 R. J. Evans Hogology i. 36 Some sows when in heat will not take the boar readily.
1952 Amer. Naturalist 86 311 Occasional females [sc. of mink] take the male at practically every opportunity within the breeding season.
2003 K. Kerr Snare 381 A stud will mount any mare in heat, and a mare in heat will take any stud.
28. transitive. To confront and attempt to pass (something that presents itself in one's way), or actually to do so; to clear (an obstacle, as a fence, ditch, etc.); to get round (a corner). Also in figurative contexts.See also to take in one's stride at stride n. 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > through or over obstacles
win1426
take1487
oversetc1540
strain1761
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > movement of vehicles > move or go along [verb (transitive)] > go round a corner
take1972
pitch1980
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. l. 646 Syne the Erll him-self perfay Wes the thrid man the wall can ta.
1534 T. Swinnerton in tr. Mustre of Scismatyke Bysshopes Prol. sig. A.iiv He can not moche erre excepte he wolde cause his mule to take the hedge.
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 912/2 To take hedge and ditch, and go on forwards through brambles and briers.
1632 P. Massinger & N. Field Fatall Dowry iv. sig. H2 I looke about, and neigh, take hedge and ditch.
1641 T. Fannant True Relation Parl. Richard II 17 The Duke of Ireland himselfe putting spurres to his Horse, tooke the River, and hardly escaped.
1727 tr. Plutarch Lives III. 393 The Tyrant's Horse was mettled and strong; and feeling the bloody Spurs in his Sides, ventur'd to take the Ditch.
1799 C. T. Smith What is She? ii. i. 13 'Twas delightful!—scoured the road, forded a river, took two hedges and a garden-gate, while all the male animals were left behind.
1838 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 1 139/2 The tendency to..friction in passing round curves, and the difficulty of taking the points.
1864 Good Words 5 628/1 His pony ‘takes timber’ without asking a question.
1881 E. W. Hamilton Diary 9 June (1972) I. 145 He clearly shewed himself to be a man of great parts, gave evident indication of statesmanship. He took all the fences in slashing style and altogether much impressed me.
1892 Graphic 9 Apr. 467/1 The proper course to steer is for Craven Cottage Point, which can be taken rather closely.
1923 Irish Times 2 Mar. 8/2 Clashing Arms took the final fence at the precise moment that Turkey Buzzard was jumping the one behind.
1955 G. Greene Quiet Amer. (1962) 103 Was it because of his sincerity that they so ran off the customary rails? His conversation never took the corners.
1972 M. Kenyon Shooting of Dan McGrew xxii. 184 He took the corner like a rally driver.
1976 ‘B. Shelby’ Great Pebble Affair 181 I took the lakeshore S curve designed for thirty mph at fifty-five.
2003 C. Bradley Pretender x. 105 She took the last few stairs at a bit of a run.
29.
a. transitive. Of a fish: to accept and seize (something offered as bait). Also in figurative contexts.With admixture of sense 1c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > fish > [verb (transitive)] > seize bait
take1565
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fish to be caught or as catch > take the bait [verb (transitive)] > take the bait
take1565
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Hamum vorat, meus est, he taketh the hooke, he is mine owne.
a1589 L. Mascall Bk. Fishing (1590) 12 He is free in byting, but a subtill byter after his manner, in nibling long ere he take the bayte.
1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes II. viii. 1660 Being a rauenous and foolish Fish, it takes the whited Hook, thinking it is a white little Fish.
1647 D. Dickson Brief Expos. Matthew xxviii. 353 He that taketh the bait of sin, will also swallow the hook.
1740 R. Brookes Art of Angling 10 As soon as the Pike takes the Bait,..the Line unwinds itself off the Trimmer.
1794 W. Hutchinson Hist. Cumberland I. 459 They [sc. salmon] will take a bait of roe, or small fish, while upon the rudd, or laying their spawn.
1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands & Islands II. iii. 33 A salmon..took the fly sportingly.
1867 F. Francis Bk. Angling iii. 60 Although somewhat of a nibbler,..the bream will almost always take the bait in the end.
1910 Encycl. Brit. II. 28/2 Grayling will take most small trout-flies.
1937 L. A. Walford Marine Game Fishes 65 As a game fish the rainbow runner ranks with the California yellowtail, and takes the same lures.
2002 Time 30 Dec. 91/3 Some White House aides tried to bait Bush..mentioning Powell's grandstanding. The President didn't take the hook.
2010 V. Braithwaite Do Fish feel Pain vii. 167 In places where fish are typically released after being caught, trout learn to stop taking artificial bait.
b. intransitive. Of a fish: to seize the bait; = bite v. 6a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > type or method of fishing > [verb (intransitive)] > take the bait
bite1653
take1653
1653 T. Barker Art of Angling 10 At night set some small weight, as may stay the Boy, as a Ship lyeth at Anchor, till the Fish taketh.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting vi. 205 They take admirably, but we have only crooked pins for hooks, and cannot catch many.
1867 F. Francis Bk. Angling v. 136 Sometimes fish rise quickly and take quickly.
1889 M. E. Kennard Landing Prize III. i. 6 Fish always take best after rain.
1919 R. Fedden Golden Days vi. 165 Usually the salmon takes well under water; the hooking part of the transaction he carries out for himself.
1977 Field & Stream Mar. 16/3 The fly reached the feeding fish. It took eagerly and after a few exciting minutes I had the pleasure of releasing a 16-inch rainbow.
2010 Aberdeen Evening Express (Nexis) 16 Dec. 40 Fishing was tremendous and trout were taking readily.
30. transitive. To accept (a bet or wager); to accept the bet or wager of (a person). Cf. to take up 17a(a) at Phrasal verbs 1.See also to take odds at odds n. 3a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > betting > bet on [verb (transitive)] > accept bet
take1602
1602 S. Rowlands Greenes Ghost 49 I take you, sayd one or two, and the wager being layd, awaie they went.
1636 R. Chamberlain Bk. Bulls 66 One of them..told the other he would lay his head against a calves head on't, to which the other replied, hee would not take that bet.
1658 G. Atwell Faithfull Surveyour iii. 20 He offered to wager five shillings, that I should not shut within five pole..I then offered to take his wager, to shut within a yard.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 124. ⁋1 If any Plumb in the City will lay me an Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds to Twenty Shillings..that I am not this fortunate Man, I will take the Wager.
1751 T. Warton New-Market 15 Tho' the grooms of Greece ne'er took the odds, They won no bets.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Nov. 678/2 I'll take ten to one on it.
1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. vi. 123 He bet me a sovereign... I took him.
1903 O. Wister Philosophy 4 iv. 51 I forgot I had a bet with John... He bet me five last night I couldn't find it, and I took him.
1977 M. Drabble Ice Age (1979) ii. 229 I'd take a bet that he'll drink himself into a blind fit for a month, then sober up and get back to work.
1999 Pop. Sci. Aug. 55 I'll take ten to one odds against anyone who says this is bogus. And I'll take all the money they care to offer.
31. transitive. Baseball. Of a batter: to refrain from swinging at (a pitch).
ΚΠ
1924 Sandusky (Ohio) Star-Jrnl. 14 Feb. 10/7 It is foolish to hope that he will go after a badly pitched ball. He..can take a pitch that is only a few inches shy of the plate without being the least interested.
1958 Boys' Life Aug. 47/1 He stretched, reared back, and let fly. Lou Renovo took the pitch. ‘Stuh-rike!’
1994 D. Halberstam October 1964 (1995) p. xiii A classic leadoff hitter who knew how to hit on the opposite field and how to take a lot of pitches and draw walks from pitchers.
2003 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 26 Oct. viii. 2/2 Whenever a hitter takes a close pitch with two strikes, Palermo instinctively punches him out.
*** To admit, absorb, include.
32.
†a. transitive. To include, comprise; to contain; = to take in 5b at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)]
holdc1000
takec1175
keep1340
harbour1362
containa1382
comprehend1393
comprise1483
carry1517
house1542
refrain1542
to fetch in1565
enharbour1596
inhold1614
reserve1614
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] > be able to contain
holdc1000
receivec1425
contain1526
takea1637
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 15076 Þa fetless tokenn seȝȝþ goddspell Twinne mett. oþerr þrinne.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 3 Kings viii. 27 If forsoþe heuene & heuenys of heuenes þee mown not taken [L. capere]: myche more þis hous þat I haue bilded to þee?
a1637 B. Jonson Under-woods i. iii. 10 in Wks. (1640) III Hee whom the whole world could not take,..Was now laid in a Manger.
b. transitive. Of water or another substance: to submerge (a person or animal) to (also up to, etc.) a specified part of the body. Also in figurative context. Now chiefly Scottish.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > wrap [verb (transitive)] > enfold or envelop > in a surrounding medium
belapc1175
take?a1300
wrapa1382
environa1393
enumberc1400
involvea1420
enfoldc1425
bewrapa1430
mantlec1450
envelop1474
enwrap1545
imply1590
circumvolve1607
circumfuse1608
becloaka1618
swathe1624
gird1645
wrap1656
velope1722
steep1798
bathe1816
cloak1818
impall1852
atmosphere1881
kirtle1888
?a1300 Vision St. Paul (Digby) l. 104 in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1879) 62 404/1 (MED) Hoe þat euere wedlak brekeþ, þe flod to heere nauele takeþ.
1610 A. Willet Hexapla in Danielem App. 514 So much blood was shedde..that in the pauement of the Temple, it tooke the horse vp to the knees.
1625 tr. G. B. Ramusio in S. Purchas Pilgrimes II. viii. 1503 They came vpon vs, at a Lake which was very ill to passe: so that the water tooke vs vp to the breast.
1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick To Rdr. sig. a7v Truths that before delug'd you, will take you now but up to the Ancles.
1735 tr. Viscomte de Turenne Memoirs in tr. A. M. Ramsay Hist. Visct. de Turenne II. iii. 146 Sometimes there came such a swell of water as took us up to the waist on the very bank, which we had cast up to keep it out.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy III. iii. 74 Mountain torrents, some of which took the soldiers up to the knees.
1878 R. De B. Trotter Galloway Gossip Sixty Years Ago (ed. 2) 15 The sea took him abune the knees.
1912 J. H. Worsham One of Jackson's Foot Cavalry xix. 175 We marched at once into the river and forded, the water taking us up to our breasts.
1970 in Sc. National Dict. (1974) IX. 201/2 If ye fa in there, it'll tak ye tae your oxters.
33.
a. transitive. To contract (an infectious disease or other illness); to experience (a bout of sickness, a seizure, or some other instance of ill health). Cf. sense 4c, catch v. 22. Now regional.See also to take cold at cold n. 5b.
ΚΠ
c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 3900 (MED) Saber gret sikenesse tok.
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 191 Þis is oon of þe siknes þat is contagious, for o man mai take it of anoþer [L. de uno transit ad alium].
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 747/2 I take colde, je me morfons.
1547 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. I. 78 Personis that..takis seikness in our Soverane Ladyis army.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. i. 69 As men take diseases one of another. View more context for this quotation
1690 S. Sewall Diary 11 Sept. (1973) I. 266 Sitting so near the out-side of the House causeth me in Winter-time to take cold in my head.
1718 A. Ramsay Lucky Spence's Last Advice 2 Ne'er stand to let the fumbling Wratch, een take the Pox.
1796 G. M. Woodward Eccentric Excurs. xv. 151 ‘How does your good family do?’—‘Pretty well,..except Miss Sophy, who took cold at Farmer Jones's christening.’
1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 559 Both sheep took the disease.
1885 E. Lynn Linton Autobiogr. Christopher Kirkland III. x. 309 A man who takes all the epidemics afloat.
1900 Occidental Med. Times 1 Mar. 72/2 A healthy place where no one had previously taken fever.
1941 E. Linklater Man on my Back xv. 215 I got a dog once, an Airedale that took fits.
2013 E. McBride Girl is Half-formed Thing (2014) ii. i. 33 She said he took a stroke.
b. transitive. To absorb or become impregnated with (something detrimental, as moisture); to be affected adversely by. Now rare.See also to take air at air n.1 8, to take fire at fire n. and int. Phrases 2l, to take wet at wet n.1 4, to take wind at wind n.1 8a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > cause or effect (harm) [verb (transitive)] > do harm or injury to > affect detrimentally > affect injuriously by
takea1387
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 109 Þe water..takeþ no defoul, but is clene i-now.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 23089 Of nakedhede quen i toke [Vesp. drogh] harm, ȝe gaf me clething wid to warm.
1513 Act 5 Hen. VIII c. 4 §1 (3) If the same Worsted..taketh any Wet, incontinent it will shew spotty and foul.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. iii. f. 16v The vytayles..corrupted by takynge water.
1639 N. N. tr. J. Du Bosc Compl. Woman ii. 22 That lampe of the Romans, which..went out as soone as it tooke Aire.
1695 J. Stevens tr. M. de Faria e Sousa Portugues Asia III. iv. vii. 378 It appeared the Steam of the Pepper which had taken wet killed them.
1712 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1889) III. 301 The Book hath taken wet, and the Letters..are hardly visible.
1768 Distrest Wife I. 133 The workmen brought some lime, and laying it against one part of the back-warehouse, it took wet by a storm of rain, and set fire to the whole.
1785 Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts & Sci. 1 526 Lute on a close cover, so as to prevent the cement taking flame and consuming.
1857 Farmer's Mag. Oct. 327/1 A quantity [of potato flour] made under my direction..remained for two years in the cellars..without decaying or taking mould.
1889 Jrnl. Bath & West of Eng. Soc. 20 140 The middle of these stacks will..answer a most excellent purpose for mixing with some of the hay made unsavoury by taking wet.
1903 Wood-worker July 23/2 Southern oaks..do not make good mill posts even when protected, as they take ‘dry rot’.
1917 G. C. Thomas Pract. Bk. Outdoor Rose Growing 120 Climbing Lady Ashtown... Requires heavy winter protection. Takes mildew more easily than most of this class.
c. transitive. To absorb or become impregnated with (a dye, colour, salt, or some other substance or quality); to admit the application of (varnish, polish, etc.); to receive (an impression).
ΚΠ
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xiii. iii. 653 Of þe place þat he [sc. a river] springeþ vp ynne, and of þe contre þat he passeþ by, he taketh sauour and colour.
a1475 (a1447) O. Bokenham Mappula Angliae in Englische Studien (1887) 10 33 Syche savour as þe newe shelle takithe, when hit is eldder hit kepythe.
1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount vi. f. 121v Some calcyne it with salte, or Talcum twelue or .xv. times, and more, to the intent to haue it..more commodious to take colour.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Ciiij His tendrer cheeke, receiues her soft hands print, As apt, as new falne snow takes any dint. View more context for this quotation
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxxv. vi. 529 It will take colour and be marked verie well.
a1642 W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) ii. 264/1 No Flesh in the Indies will take Salt.
1695 J. Collier Misc. upon Moral Subj. 115 To see the Cheeks take the Dye of the Passions thus naturally.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. xxii. 260 The Flesh was not so savoury..nor would it take Salt kindly.
1771 J. Hill Fossils 30 All the Colubrines cut easily, but will take no polish.
1798 Monthly Mag. 29 In half an hour [it] took the temperature of the mixture, that is to say, 17°.
1865 Reader 1 Apr. 371/2 It takes dyes admirably—much better than cotton.
1877 W. R. Cooper Short Hist. Egypt. Obelisks (1878) i. 3 A granite, or hard sandstone, capable of..taking a high polish.
1911 E. F. Stephenson Evol. & Cost of Human i. 38 Fine sand, clay, mud, etc..., takes the impression of anything that sinks down upon it.
1973 M. I. Faivre How to raise Rabbits i. 11 New Zealand White fur is in greatest demand by garment makers because it takes a variety of dyes successfully.
2004 Tool & Machinery Catal. 2005 (Axminster Power Tool Centre Ltd.) xvi. 47/1 The timber finishes moderately well, taking a deep rich colour when waxed or oiled.
34.
a. transitive. To admit (air or water) through a hole or crack, esp. with detrimental effects; to let in.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > let in
inletc1330
to take inc1330
admit1434
adhibit1542
take1555
to let in1558
to let into1596
intromitc1600
intermit1658
let1706
to sign in1934
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > take in
afangc1300
to take inc1330
sup1513
take1555
1555 R. Eden Disc. Vyage rounde Worlde in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 229v When in the Ilande of Mare, they perceaued that one of theyr shyppes leaked and toke water very sore.
1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount ii. f. 54 Let the Limbecke be a litle at one side, to the intente it maye take ayre, and alter not the fire.
1652 tr. L. Fiorovanti 3 Exact Pieces iii. xlix. 131 Keep it in a vessell of a glasse close stopped, that it take no aire.
1674 tr. P. M. de la Martinière New Voy. Northern Countries 27 A small hole in the Keel, which took a little water.
1749 Universal Mag. Nov. 221/2 Place a vessel above, made either of brass, tin, or clay, with a pipe in the middle of it, which reacheth into the water below, and so fastened as to takes [sic] no air.
1777 Weekly Misc. 10 Feb. 451 It [sc. a canoe] took water every where, and I was forced to lose two whole hours to repair it.
1831 New Eng. Farmer 14 Dec. 175/1 (heading) A recipe to prevent Boots from taking water.
1890 Temple Bar Mar. 371 The Anonyma..several times took more water than we liked.
1912 Mining & Sci. Press 3 Aug. 151/1 At first I thought the pump was taking air at the plungers.
1969 Guardian 24 Feb. 22/8 She [sc. a trawler] said she had been holed and was taking water rapidly.
2008 C. M. Paratore Funeral Director's Son xvi. 102 The waves got higher and higher, the boat was taking water, but they kept at it till the whole catch was in.
b. transitive. To receive (something fitted in); to admit the insertion of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] > admit into a receptacle
underfoa1100
receivea1400
entertain?1608
take1791
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §228 The cavities cut on the under side..to take the upper half of each cube.
1844 W. Barnes Poems Rural Life in Dorset Dial. 289 Bliake, a bar of wood..with holes to take the soles of a hurdle while the maker wreaths it.
1863 Artizan Dec. 269/2 The wheel rim is placed up on it, with one of its grooves taking the internal projection of the ring.
1921 Jrnl. Straits Branch Royal Asiatic Soc. Apr. 37 The staves were all hollowed out to take a tin made to size.
1989 Grattan Direct Catal. Spring 706/1 Beautiful hi-fi unit designed to take your midi system. Real wood veneer finish.
2001 J. Hill & E. Scott Working in Wood 137/3 Modern drawers are often side hung, so the drawer sides must be grooved to take the runners.
c. transitive. Of a machine, device, etc.: to admit and require the insertion of (a particular thing) in order to be able to operate.
ΚΠ
1895 Catal. 63rd Ann. Exhib. Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Soc. 6 Prepayment Gas Meters, to take pennies and half-pennies in same slot.
1905 Electrician 29 Dec. 436/1 A meter to take sixpenny pieces should not allow of farthings being inserted; one designed to take shillings must not have a slot capable of admitting halfpennies, and so on.
1957 Derrick (Oil City, Pa.) 22 Nov. 4/3 (advt.) Battery operated 35mm viewer... Takes 2 AA batteries. Not included.
1988 G. Jones Kairos ii. 14 It [sc. the vending machine] doesn't take fifty pence pieces.
2014 Irish Times (Nexis) 25 Oct. (Sat. Mag. section) 38 Being rechargeable could have been a final flourish: instead it [sc. the LED torch] takes three AAAs for about six hours use.
35.
a. intransitive. To catch fire; to ignite. Cf. sense 12b, to take fire at fire n. and int. Phrases 2l.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or be on fire [verb (intransitive)] > catch fire or begin to burn
quicka1225
kindle?c1225
tindc1290
atend1398
to catch fire (also afire, on fire)c1400
quickenc1425
enkindle1556
fire1565
to set on fire1596
take1612
catch1632
conflagrate1657
to fly on fire1692
to go up1716
deflagrate1752
flagrate1756
inflame1783
ignite1818
to fire up1845
1612 G. Chapman Widdowes Teares sig. D4v 'Twas a villanous inuention of thine, and had a swift operation, it tooke like sulphure.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) ii. i. 50 I can take [1600 talke], and Pistols cocke is vp, And flashing fire will follow. View more context for this quotation
1665 J. Phillips tr. P. Scarron Typhon iii. 73 No sooner had the Powder took, But instantly a mighty nook From Gyant Mimas monstrous snout Flew off.
1793 T. Hastings Regal Rambler 40 Our hero laid in a large cargo of fresh fuel, ready to touch and take like phosphorus.
1814 W. Irving in Analectic Mag. Aug. 161 Three times the tinder took, and as often went out again, either from dampness, or from my eagerness to blow it into a flame.
1916 W. H. Miller Boy's Bk. Hunting & Fishing iii. vii. 258 As soon as your tinder takes, blow hard and soon you have the flame.
2003 J. Stroud Last Siege (2004) vi. 95 One of the twigs began to glow... More twigs took. There was a barely perceptible crackling.
b. intransitive. Esp. of a ball for inking type: to become successfully coated with ink, paint, etc. Cf. sense 15. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > become mixed or blended [verb (intransitive)] > become impregnated with something
take1683
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 310 He trys if his Balls will Take, that is..: If he finds the Inck sticks to it equally all about.., it Takes.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 125 When the Balls are neither Grasie nor too Wet, the Ink will stick to them and distribute it self from one Ball to another, then it is said to Take Ink, else not to Take.
1928 H. Belloc Conversat. with Angel (1931) xxvii. 222 They [sc. pavement artists] mark the very moment the stones are dry enough to take.
c. intransitive. Canadian. Of a lake or river: to freeze. Also transitive (in passive). Cf. sense 16. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > be cold [verb (intransitive)] > become cold > freeze
it freezes971
congealc1400
gealc1440
frigitate1635
conglaciate1646
take1781
catch1879
1781 Quebec Gaz. 11 Jan. 2/1 It has not been known to take so early as the month of December.
1820 G. Simpson Jrnl. Occurr. in Athabasca Dept. (1938) 100 This is an unusual late season as the Lake usually takes from the 15th to the 20th Oct.
1830 J. Macmillan Let. 15 Dec. in G. P. T. Glazebrook Hargrave Corr. 1821–43 (1938) 58 We had a very mild fall. The river was not taken before 6th of Decr.
1898 T. C. Keefer Ice Floods & Winter Navigation Lower St Lawrence 11 The sudden, and often considerable, elevation of the field-ice..may be caused by a ‘shove’ before the river ‘takes’ in January.
1967 E. Vollmer Encycl. Hydraul., Soil & Found. Engin. 319 In Canada a river is said to ‘take’ when it gets frozen.
d. intransitive. Of a person: to have a positive reaction to vaccination. Cf. sense 14, and take n.1 8b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > immunoprophylaxis > immunize [verb (intransitive)] > inoculate or vaccinate > become inoculated
take1845
1845 C. Dickens Cricket on Hearth i. 30 Vaccinated just six weeks ago-o! Took very fine-ly!
1883 10th Ann. Rep. State Board Health Mich. 1882 193 As soon as I discovered the nature of the disease I vaccinated all the children, and they all took.
1901 Northwestern Lancet 21 348/1 During the month of February I vaccinated about 200 cases, and, with the exception of three, all of them took.
e. intransitive. Nautical. Of a sail: to catch the wind.
ΚΠ
1861 Harper's Mag. Oct. 652/2 The old fo'sail took an' cracked fore an' aft afore I could get her head on so's to run in.
1867 New Monthly Mag. Nov. 369 The head-sails took and filled at the very moment that the poop was nearly under water.
1999 T. Junkin Waterman xii. 126 As Jaydee's sails took, though, she seemed to go over too much, and then, in an overcorrection on the sheets, she bounced back too far.
36. transitive. Of a thing: to hold, accommodate, or contain (a particular quantity); to bear, withstand (a particular weight, load, etc.).
ΚΠ
1657 W. Morice Coena quasi Κοινὴ xiii. 175 A Pack-saddle, fitted onely for an Asses back..and fashioned to be capable to take any load or burden that may be laid on.
1737 Gentleman's Mag June 370/1 No Tilt-Boat or Row-Barge to take at one Time more than 37 Passengers.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xi. 80 Every ton of shipping in measurement will take a load of timber, 50 solid feet being reckoned to a load.
1815 J. Bouchette Topogr. Descr. Lower Canada 474 They [sc. the canoes] sometimes take as many as eight passengers besides the three or four men who work them.
1890 Philos. Trans. 1889 (Royal Soc.) A. 180 404 A second balance.., capable of taking a load of a kilogramme in each pan, was employed in weighing certain of the solutions experimented on.
1920 W. J. Lovett Appl. Naval Archit. xi. 471 A 6-in. diameter solid steel pillar with fixed ends can safely take a load of 170 tons, if the pillar is only 6 ft. in length.
1948 O. Ore Number Theory vi. 120 Two men have a full eight-gallon jug of wine and also two empty jugs taking five and three gallons.
1975 L. Nahum Shadow 81 ii. 23 The floor of the cabin must be able to take a load of sixty thousand pounds.
2008 Independent (Nexis) 18 Oct. (Information section) 4 Each box takes two full king size sets of bedding.
III. To bring into a specified position or relation.
* To get into one's possession; to bring to or into oneself.
37.
a. transitive. To transfer by one's own direct act into one's possession or keeping; to gain ownership of; to appropriate.In quot. ?a11601 intransitive with to [compare Old English feng tō (þǣm) rīce (see fang v.1 4)] .
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)]
nimeOE
haveeOE
atleada1000
latchc1000
take?a1160
takec1175
hentc1300
catcha1382
privea1387
nighc1400
betakec1420
fonc1425
prend1447
win1515
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)]
take?a1160
seizec1290
raima1325
to take in possessiona1325
to hent in (also upon) handa1350
occupya1382
to take possession?a1425
to take upc1425
uptakec1425
to take in1523
possess1526
master1826
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)]
noteOE
take?a1160
turnc1175
usec1300
to fare witha1340
benote1340
spenda1400
usea1400
weara1400
naitc1400
occupy1423
to put (also set) in work?a1425
practise?c1430
apply1439
employ?1473
to call upon ——1477
help1489
tew1489
handle1509
exercise1526
improvea1529
serve1538
feed1540
enure1549
to make (also take) (a) use of1579
wield1601
adoperate1612
to avail oneself ofa1616
to avail oneself ofa1616
prevail1617
to make practice of1623
ploy1675
occasion1698
to call on ——1721
subserve1811
nuse1851
utilize1860
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 & te eorl of Angæu wærd ded, & his sune Henri toc to þe rice.
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 He toc..al Peitou mid hire [sc. Eleanor of Aquitaine].
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 167 Þe deuel..þan toc his [sc. Job's] oȝen lichame and þer one brohte swo michel sicnesse..þat te lichame warð bretful of wunden.
a1350 (a1250) Harrowing of Hell (Harl.) (1907) 103 Heouene ant erþe tac to þe, Soules in helle lef þou me.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1906) ii. 416 To entre the forsaid tenement and to take and hold all maner of goodes and catallis I-founde in the same.
c1523 J. Rastell tr. Tenuris sig. B.iv/2 Yf ye lord be not seisid of the rent and seruyce and they be behynd and he dystrayn for them and the tenaunt take agayne the dystresse he shall not haue assise.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xix. D And the children of Dan..toke it in possession, & dwelt therin.
1611 Bible (King James) John x. 17 I lay downe my life that I might take it againe. View more context for this quotation
1683 in Pennsylvania Arch. (1852) I. 55 I desire thee take the towne of Salem into thy lott.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Nam, or Naam, in Law, the taking, or distraining another Man's moveable Goods.
1795 H. Summersett Fate of Sedley I. 189 If he dare to take a bone which they had given to their dogs.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) IV. 378 The question was, whether the heirs of S. Morris took any estate under this appointment.
1883 Law Times Rep. 49 155/1 The undertakers..had power to take lands compulsorily.
1930 Scotsman 10 Apr. 10/5 The legatee would take the legacy as though no condition had been attached.
2012 R. O'Neill Weight of Human Heart 12 There's nothing for you in the will, I'm afraid. The bank will take the house.
b. intransitive. To gain possession of things, esp. habitually, greedily, or acquisitively. Frequently contrasted with give. Cf. sense 18b.
ΚΠ
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 144 (MED) Þe grete lordynges of þis werlde..han oo conseil, þat is þe conseil of þis werlde, forto take [Fr. conquerre] wiþ riȝth & wiþ wrong of her vnderlynges & of her neiȝbours.
c1450 (?c1408) J. Lydgate Reson & Sensuallyte (1901) l. 6486 The hunger..gredy, and in-saturable Of wommen, for to Acroche and take.
1579 S. Gosson Ephemerides Phialo f. 8 It is hee which shoulde rather helpe, then hurte; rather giue, than take.
1664 J. Dryden Rival Ladies v. iii. 67 The Pride Of Noble minds, which is to give, not take.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 33 But if he gives, he takes too sometimes.
1803 W. Wordsworth Rob Roy's Grave 39 The good old rule..the simple plan, That they should take, who have the power, And they should keep who can.
1818 Analectic Mag. Aug. 144 If everyone were of his mind, those who had nothing would take where they could.
1905 Puck (N.Y.) 5 Mar. 4/2 Poor things—to be always taking and never giving must be an awful strain.
1968 V. Hamilton House of Dies Drear xvii. 204 But always he was a greedy boy, greedy to have and greedy to take.
1997 W. LaFeber Clash (1998) x. 311 Japanese always took but never gave, the ambassador complained.
c. intransitive. Law. To obtain legal possession of something.
ΚΠ
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. i. §52. 24 There is one named in the Lease who may take immediately.
a1733 Ld. Raymond Rep. Courts King's Bench & Common Pleas (1743) 1 206 It was the devisor's intent, that every issue male of Evers Armyn should take; but if the court construe this a purchase in the issue male, then a posthumous son of Evers Armyn cannot take.
1764 T. Cunningham New & Compl. Law-dict. I. at Devise It has been much doubted, whether a devise to an infant in ventre sa mere be good, because it is not in being to take at the time of the death of the devisor.
1806 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. VI. 280 The testator's intention to have been, that, upon the death of Francis without issue, the eldest son should take.
1894 Daily News 29 June 5/2 The will of December, 1888, they find, was duly executed... The Royal Academy therefore take.
1945 Univ. Chicago Law Rev. 13 308 Each successive heir or group of heirs would take not from his or their immediate ancestor but under the deed. They would take as successive purchasers of the income.
1989 Cambr. Law Jrnl. 48 512 The freedom of making trusts in favour of those not entitled to take under the provisions of the civil law was curtailed once the trust was granted legal recognition.
2008 D. A. Loose Estate Planning in Arizona ii. 58 The issue of a deceased sibling, i.e. nephews and nieces, take by representation.
38. transitive. Chiefly with †in, †to, into.
a.
(a) To accept (a person) as one's husband or wife; to enter into matrimony with; to marry. Also: to accept as a cohabiting partner; to enter into a long-term sexual relationship with.See also to take in marriage at marriage n. 1b, to take to matrimony at matrimony n. 2b, to take (in early use (i-)nim) to wife at wife n. Phrases 1b.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > action or fact of marrying > marry [verb (transitive)]
bewedc1000
bespousec1175
wieldc1275
marrish1340
wedc1380
geta1393
takea1400
espouse?1435
marry1441
couplec1540
contract1599
to take on1611
consort?1615
to take to one's bosom1881
nuptial1887
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 & te cuen of France..com to þe iunge eorl Henri, & he toc hire to wiue.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19593 Þatt tiss herode king..haffde takenn all wiþþ woh. Filippess wif hiss broþerr.
c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) 2196 Þat i ne toke neuer wif Boute ȝhe were maide clene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12667 (MED) A man in mariage hir tok, Hight alpheus.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Melibeus (Hengwrt) (2003) §586 If Anetherdes doghter..be riche; she may chese of a thousand men which she wol take to hir housbonde.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 131 That they sholde take eche other by mariage.
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) i. xvi. sig. D.iiiv [Solomon] taking to wife among other, such as were infidels.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Matrimonie f. xiiii* I N. take thee .N. to my wedded wife, to haue & to holde from this day forwarde.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxxvv They bidde him take a Leman, lest he attempt to defyle honest women.
1629 J. Maxwell tr. Herodian Hist. 252 He tooke to wife..Augusta, yet soone after diuorced her.
1687 Bp. G. Burnet Contin. Refl. Mr. Varillas's Hist. Heresies 77 He professed himself a Lutheran, and took a Wife.
1697 H. Prideaux True Nature Imposture in Life Mahomet 152 No Man should be allowed adulterously to take to Wife, her that is at the same time the Wife of another.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker II. 208 A young lady..who agreed to take me for better nor worse.
1825 Monthly Rev. Mar. 315 The laws of some antient states..gave the female the option of taking her violator in marriage or insisting on his death.
1891 Cornhill Mag. Dec. 664 He took unto himself a village maid, and settled in Lyndhurst.
1907 Living Age 5 Jan. 17/1 Literary women..were frequently taken in marriage by the highest and wisest in society.
1960 S. W. Mintz Worker in Cane iv. 48 After Tomasas took a husband, I never saw her walking for pleasure on the road of the village.
1989 I. Taylor George Eliot (1990) ix. 104 He decided that he and his wife were not suited and he was therefore justified in taking a mistress.
2007 New Yorker 3 Dec. 29/1 El Hadj..takes a third wife (to the great dismay of his other two).
(b) In passive. Of a person: to be involved in a romantic or sexual relationship (and therefore to be unavailable as a sexual or romantic partner); spec. to be married.Perhaps with humorous allusion to sense 64d.
ΚΠ
1912 N.Y. Times 1 Dec. v. 2/7 Possibly they are afraid that the women will fall in love with them and eventually break their poor hearts if not warned in the beginning that the men are already taken.
1937 Bee (Danville, Va.) 6 Mar. 4/4 Danville Man (to spinster friend)—You ought to get married. Spinster (sighing)—Its too late. All the good men are taken.
1971 Dauphin (Manitoba) Herald 18 Aug. 15/3 Rathgeb..likens Canada to the guy who on Saturday morning decides to go dancing but finds all the girls are taken.
1997 N.Y. Mag. 7 July 10/2 It turns out she's taken. For at least a year,..the 29-year-old Bartiromo has been dating one of her bosses.
2011 T. Kiely Murder Most Persuasive xv. 153 Most of the guys I know are taken. They're either happily married or happily divorced.., or they're gay.
b. gen. To receive (a person) into some state, condition, or relationship, esp. one involving trust, friendship, or favour. Frequently in to take into one's confidence: to confide in.See also to take to (also into) mercy at mercy n. 4c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take into association, service, or use
takea1225
assume1591
assumpt1595
quota1755
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > receive or accept as or into some relation
takea1225
to take in1432
have1833
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 27 (MED) Þesne mon ic habbe itaken to mine aȝene bihosþe [read bihofþe].
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 227 Stiward, tak nu here Mi fundlyng for to lere of þine mestere.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 219 He was i-take to norschynge and to lore to Benet Bisshop.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Psalms xxvi. 10 For my fadir and my modir han forsake me; but the Lord hath take me.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 22 The fair Myrro..toke Iason so in her good grace that vnto the deth she louyd him.
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) ii. xvi. sig. K.iiiiv Because he dispayred not of gods mercye. but wept and called vpon it, howe highly God tooke him into his fauour again.
a1540 (c1460) G. Hay tr. Bk. King Alexander 15107 The quene tuke Antegone into secre And tald him sum thing of hir privace.
1643 J. Burroughes Expos. Hosea (1652) 147 If God takes them to mercy we must be ready willingly to take them into brotherly society.
a1680 T. Goodwin Wks. (1692) III. i. 612 How canst thou think God should..take thee into..immediate Bosom-communion with himself?
?1727 Gulliver Decypher'd 2 The Grand Treasurer made him his pot-companion, and the chief Secretary took him into all his pleasures.
1744 R. North & M. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North 251 The good old Lady..took him into hugger mugger in her Closet, where she usually had some good Pye, or plumb Cake.
1832 W. Irving Alhambra I. 171 The king..like most superannuated monarchs, began to take physicians into great favour.
1878 Scribner's Monthly 16 135/1 He would freely take them into his confidence.
1902 G. E. Walsh Mysterious Burglar iv. 46 There is no special reason why he should take me into his secrets.
1924 Atlantic (Iowa) News-Telegraph 4 Feb. 2/2 Russia is to be taken into friendship with Great Britain providing she behaves herself.
2006 K. Richardson Greywalker xx. 210 If I take you into my confidence.., I cross a line most of my kind would find unforgivable.
c. To bring into one's service or employment.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ
hirec1000
i-bye10..
i-hirec1000
soldc1386
takea1400
retain1437
wage1465
conduct1476
fee1488
conduce1502
implya1533
entertain1572
enter1585
wager1592
to fill up1598
to take on1611
improve1640
to speak for ——a1688
employa1727
engage1753
ploy1871
to turn on1893
to book up1915
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5404 Land and lijth wit bodi we bede, þat þou vs tak in þin thainhede [Gött. bundhede].
1446 in R. R. Sharpe Cal. Let.-bks. London (1911) K. 317 That no maner man holdyng comone hostrie..take eny servaunt hostiler which that hath bene dwellyng afore tyme with eny persone occupying the said craft.
1508 W. Kennedy Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems W. Dunbar (1998) I. 215 Thare is na lorde that will in seruice tak the.
1531 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 34 The said abbott..was greaitly laborid to taike to service the said Roger.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries ii. f. 53v He farther gaue commission to take into pay the discharged Italians which serued the French king.
1654 Earl of Monmouth tr. G. Bentivoglio Compl. Hist. Warrs Flanders 54 Being then tane into pay by the Princes.
1684 T. Long Compend. Hist. Popish Plots 71 Sir John Winter was taken into imployment, and the arrears of his Rent gathered for him by Souldiers.
1728 Stamford Mercury 22 Feb. 59 Defraying the Expence of 12000 Hessians taken into his Majesty's Service for the Year 1728.
1783 Hibernian Mag. June 335/2 The master astonished at this took him into his employment, and gave him an hundred pounds for his secret.
1849 R. B. Paul tr. W. Pütz Handbk. Mediæval Geogr. & Hist. ii. i. 5 In order to subdue..the Low-German tribes..Drusus took whole German clans into his pay.
1898 Argosy Oct. 478 That man was a ‘rustler’—an outlaw—when he took him into his employ.
1954 Irish Times 12 Feb. 9/5 Thirty people have been taken into employment in a seaweed processing factory.
2006 A. H. Chambers tr. ‘U. Akinari’ Tales of Moonlight & Rain (2007) v. 205 He..allowed him to wear a sword, and took him into his service.
d. To admit (a person) into a society, institution, or organization.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > [verb (transitive)] > admit to membership of a society
receive1389
take?a1425
admit1713
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 0 My lordes leches..haþ taken me to felawship [L. associaui] in seruise of bisshopes of rome.
1450 in J. F. South & D. Power Memorials Craft of Surg. (1886) App. 323 The Maisters..shall not take, admitte, or resseiue eny persone into the bretherhede..of the same crafte Wythoute the common assent of the bretheren.
1572 J. Bridges tr. R. Gwalther Hundred, Threescore & Fiftene Homelyes vppon Actes Apostles xvii. 133 We be taken into the Church of God by baptisme, and are become professors of Christ.
1606 G. W. tr. Epit. Liues Emperors in tr. Justinus Hist. sig. Hh5v He became a souldior being but sixteene yeare old, and growing actiue and prompt, therin to offend the enimy, was taken in the Army.
1697 J. Wilmot Controv. Disc. Church i. 78 It was lawful to preach to the Gentils, and to take them into the Church.
1731 Magna Britannia VI. 100/1 He was taken into the Royal Society, and made one of the College of Physicians.
1794 in J. O. Payne Old Eng. Catholic Missions (1889) 14 Took into the Church William Fawcett Grange.
1875 New Eng. Freemason Apr. 181 His father..was taken into the Masonic Society while on a visit to his son.
1891 Alpha Phi Q. Feb. 48 Alice Berkefield, Gertrude Rieman, Ellen Royce, Sophia Williams, and Alice Margaret Battey were taken into the sisterhood of Alpha Phi.
1912 I. T. Johnson Story of My Life ix. 125 I baptized him and took him into the Methodist Church.
1978 Nagel's Encycl.-guide: China 316 Primary Schools take children from 7 to 13. For these six years, they learn little more than Chinese and arithmetic.
1995 Eng. Hist. Rev. 110 1129 Outsiders were generally taken into the guild only in years when few masters' sons were ready to matriculate.
39.
a. transitive. To perform a voluntary physical act by which one gets (something) into one's hand or hold; to transfer to oneself by one's own physical act.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)]
nimeOE
haveeOE
atleada1000
latchc1000
take?a1160
takec1175
hentc1300
catcha1382
privea1387
nighc1400
betakec1420
fonc1425
prend1447
win1515
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 135 He toc hiss recle fatt onn hand. & ȝede inn to þe temmple.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 77 Anoon as he hadde i-take þe knyf alle þe ymages gonne to grucche and to aryse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5646 Þar-for was moyses his nam, For he was o þe water tan.
1450 W. Lomner Let. 5 May in W. B. Scoones Four Cent. Eng. Lett. (1880) 4 And toke a rusty swerd, and smotte of his hedde.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) III. 1240 Sir Bedwere toke the kynge uppon hys bak and so wente with hym to the watirs syde.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 207 Take thy vyall, and geue vs a songe.
1577 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Islande Brit. i. xvi. f. 46/1, in R. Holinshed Chron. I He tooke the stone called the Regall of Scotland..and sent it to the Abbey of Westminster.
1599 Life Sir T. More in C. Wordsworth Eccl. Biogr. (1853) II. 17 He tooke a napkin..wherewith he blindfolded his own eies.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 6 If a Man take a Snake or a Serpent into his handling.
1611 Bible (King James) John xxi. 13 Iesus then commeth, and taketh bread, and giueth them. View more context for this quotation
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. J. Albert de Mandelslo 190 in Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors Over-reaching her self to take a flaggon that stood a little too far from her, she chanced to let a wind backwards.
1697 Countess D'Aunoy's Trav. (1706) 33 Although I had a Pasport..I was oblig'd to take a Billet from the Toll-House.
1706 P. A. Motteux Temple of Love iii. 37 (stage direct.) She takes a Leather Bottle and drinks.
1799 W. Wordsworth Lucy Gray vi He plied his work;—and Lucy took The lantern in her hand.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter I. ii. 30 He could take his hat and go.
1841 S. Warren Ten Thousand a-Year III. 10 He took his pen in his right hand with a fresh dip of ink in it.
1922 V. Tweedale Passing Storm xxiv. 304 He removed his glasses, and, taking his handkerchief, he began polishing them.
1946 Boys' Life Dec. 47/2 He slung one of his javelins in the loop behind his shoulder and took the other in his hand.
2004 K. Reid Paris Match xiv. 179 Taking a hairbrush, she brushes her hair into place.
b. transitive. In imperative, in a recipe or set of instructions: have ready to use; have to hand in preparation for some further action or operation.
ΚΠ
a1350 Recipe Painting in Archæol. Jrnl. (1844) 1 65 Tac argul, a thing that deyares deyet with, ant grint hit smal.
a1475 Liber Cocorum (Sloane) (1862) 37 Take fyggus quartle, and raysyns, þo Hole dates, almondes, rine hom also On broche of irne.
1513 Bk. Keruynge (de Worde) (new ed.) sig. Bjv Take a sarcell or a teele, and reyse his wynges.
1522 E. Betts Let. in B. Cusack Everyday Eng. 1500–1700 (1998) 228 Take..a good handfull of ffemetery halfe a handfull of mugwort [etc.].
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft xii. xviii. 273 Take a cup of cold water, and let fall thereinto three drops of the same bloud.
1601 L. W. C. Verie Perf. Disc. Horse sig. C2v For a Surfet Horse. Take a quart of Beere or Ale..& giue it him.
1685 R. Boyle Ess. Effects of Motion Postscr. 155 Take..of the Arsenical Loadstone well pulverised two ounces.
1723 J. Nott Cook's & Confectioner's Dict. sig. Gg3 Take a piece of fresh Salmon, either Tail or Middle-piece.
a1756 E. Haywood New Present (1771) 77 Take a quart of shrimps.
1824 A. B. Beauvilliers Art French Cookery 210 Take a quart of flour..an ounce of salt, a pound and a half of butter [etc.]
1866 Photogr. News 20 July 841/1 Take a piece of thin black paper.
1908 Montreal Med. Jrnl. 37 500 Take equal quantities of washed blood corpuscles, bacterial emulsion, and normal saline solution.
1950 E. David Bk. Mediterranean Food 137 Take about 1 lb. of chicken livers or mixed chicken, duck, pigeon or any game liver.
2003 Org. Gardening Sept. 43/1 Take a half pound each of marrow, onions and cucumber.
†c. transitive. To put (a garment) on or about oneself. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > put on
to do oneOE
graitha1375
puta1382
to take on1389
to let falla1400
takea1400
to put on?a1425
endow1484
addressa1522
to get on1549
to draw on1565
don1567
to pull on1578
dight1590
sumpterc1595
to get into ——1600
on with1600
array1611
mount1785
to cast on1801
endoss1805
endue1814
ship1829
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10419 (MED) Sco tok on hir cleþing o care.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9746 Fader, i sal on me for-þi, O thral tak clething sothfastli.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 746/2 Take this mantell aboute you, affullez ce manteau.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 89 Take thine owd cloke about thee.
40.
a.
(a) transitive. To consume, swallow (food or drink); to eat or drink (something); to partake of.See also to take one's mutton with at mutton n. Phrases 1a, to take something at something n. 1c, to take tea with at tea n.1 4b, to take wine at wine n.1 1f(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > [verb (transitive)]
brookc950
abiteOE
haveOE
afangOE
takec1175
notea1200
usec1300
spendc1380
consumec1400
partake1602
pree1680
discuss1751
tuck1784
to put down1795
to be (also go) at the ——1796
go1830
kill1833
to put away1839
down1852
to put over1880
to wrap (oneself) (a)round1880
shift1896
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > smoking > use as material for smoking [verb (transitive)] > inhale
takec1175
drink1601
drawa1774
pull1837
drag1919
inhale1933
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7545 Þatt tokenn aȝȝ wiþþ mikell mæþ & aȝȝ unnorne fode.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. lvi. 12 Cometh, take wee wyn, and be wee fulfild with drunkenesse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16762 + 16 He tast it with tonge, Bot þer-of toke he noght.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1690 After messe a [m]orsel he & his men token.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 103 Þe meyt comendiþ vs not to God,..but frely it may be tan, and frely left.
1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. xlviv Wyne ne ale hurteth no maner creature But sharpeth the wyt if it be take in kynde.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 27 The Daughters of Lysander..who with a droppe of wine tooke a spoonefull of water.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xx. iv. 40 The best way to take it [sc. the juice of the radish], is at the end of a meale with the last meat.
1656 Ld. Orrery Parthenissa V. iii. iv. 221 My Souldiers having..taken a little refreshment.
1784 Unfortunate Sensibility II. 70 To take a good drink of raw brandy.
1796 E. Darwin Zoonomia II. 599 He has gradually taken more custard every day,..and takes wine syllabub.
1807 R. Southey Lett. from Eng. II. 219 We took an early breakfast.
1835 Periscope Jan. in Medico-chirurg. Rev., & Jrnl. Pract. Med. 22 148/1 She had been confined in her bed upwards of three years, during which time she had never taken a mouthful of meat.
1893 Times 22 Apr. 7/5 The Queen..took tea at the Cabanon on the sea shore.
1912 Penny Illustr. Paper 8 June 717/1 The man who took a cup of coffee in the morning was better off than the man who didn't take one.
1968 G. Butler Coffin Following ix. 198 You will take tea? Will you have Indian or China?
2002 J. McGahern That they may face Rising Sun (2003) 82 Very few take rum except maybe one or two at Christmas.
(b) transitive. To use (something) as a flavouring or seasoning for food or drink, especially regularly or habitually. Chiefly with in, with.Now chiefly with reference to adding milk or sugar (or artificial sweetener) to tea or coffee.
ΚΠ
1686 W. Denton Let. in M. M. Verney Mem. (1899) IV. ix. 359 I could wish you would take sugar of roses with yr. asses' milke.
1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Islands Scotl. 285 One of them..being advis'd by me to take Salt with his Meat.
1783 C. Paval Idioms French Lang. lxxxii. 132 Don't the Chinese take cream with their tea?
1823 Asiatic Jrnl. & Monthly Reg. May 455/1 A Chief, being asked whether he would take milk with his tea, replied that he was not an infant.
1878 ‘J. T. Jones’ Cromaboo Mail Carrier iv. 25 Mrs. Hurst took sugar with her porridge, which Mrs. Paxton considered great extravagance as she took nothing but salt.
1912 P. Erskine Mountain Girl iii. 29 Likely you take milk in your coffee. I never thought to ask you.
1964 S. Elkin Boswell 222 A few cloudy drops fall into the tea. ‘Excuse me,’ he says, ‘I didn't even ask if you take lemon.’
1980 B. Pym Few Green Leaves (1981) x. 69 There was a slight feeling of guilt mingled with her enjoyment, for she had mislaid her saccharine tablets and taken two lumps of sugar in her coffee.
2003 Guardian (Nexis) 27 Jan. (Home Pages section) 3 98% of people in the UK take milk in their tea.
(c) transitive. To eat or drink (something) prepared or served in a particular way or flavoured with a specified ingredient, especially regularly or habitually.
ΚΠ
1751 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 2 May in Lett. to Son (1774) II. 138 Drink no chocolate, take your coffee without cream.
1861 L. Ernst Compl. Spanish Course l. 376/2 How do you take your coffee?
1905 Our Paper 1 Apr. 208/2 ‘How do you take your steak?’ asked the charitable housewife.
1932 R. E. Sloan Memories Arizona Judge v. 32 Both [men] took their whisky straight and did not limit the quantity.
1997 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 7 Feb. 16 Whether you take your porridge with salt or sugar depends upon which side of the Border you were born on, with Scots preferring salt.
2011 A. Mateer Wings of Dream xxxvi. 246 ‘Want milk in your tea, Mama?’ She'd told me long ago it was how the English took their tea.
b. transitive. To expose oneself to (the fresh air) for reasons of health or well-being. Chiefly and now only in to take the air at air n.1 5a.In quot. 1780 used humorously in to take the dust.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > gas > air > fresh air > [verb (reflexive)] > expose oneself to fresh air
takea1393
aira1616
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 1215 (MED) Diogenes..therinne sitte scholde And torne himself so as he wolde, To take their and se the hevene.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 1078 (MED) His seruands..Bare him with oute to take þe ayre.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) vi. 304 The kyng..of his basnet than had tane, To tak the air, for he wes hate.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. cvi. f. Cxixv We wyll go to Bayone or to Burdeux to take fresshe ayre.
1594 R. Barnfield Affectionate Shepheard i. xx. sig. Biv Abroad into the fields to take fresh ayre.
1649 Trav. Diary June in MS Rawl. D. 76 f. 25 Le Bois de Vincennes which is the Course of Paris where in the summer at the evening the nobility goes to take the air.
1685 W. Hedges Diary 18 Sept. (1887) I. 211 I went to see ye King of Persia, Sha Soliman, ride abroad to take ye aire.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 123. ¶1 As I was Yesterday taking the Air with my Friend Sir Roger.
1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal ii. ii. 17 Lady Bab Curricle..was taking the dust in Hyde Park.
1866 W. D. Howells Venetian Life 295 When the faire Venetians go out in their gondolas to ‘take the air’.
1890 Cornhill Mag. July 7 The English people hurry forth to take the morning air.
1901 B. Delannoy Margate Myst. i. 8 After eight o'clock in the evening she took the fresh air.
1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags i. 73 He crossed Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street, walking without any particular object except to take the air.
2006 M. Keyes Anybody out There? ii. 17 For half an hour or so we sat on the bench taking the air.
c. transitive. To receive (a medicine, drug, etc.) into one's body in order to produce a particular effect or sensation; to ingest willingly. Now frequently in to take drugs: to use illegal drugs, esp. regularly or habitually.Now rare when the object is tobacco or some other smokable drug; the more usual term is to smoke.See also to take a chill pill at chill pill n., to take one's medicine at medicine n.1 2b, to take a smoke at smoke n. 6, to take the whiff at whiff n.1 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > treatment by medicine or drug > treat with drugs [verb (transitive)] > take drug or medicine
takea1400
introsume1657
drop1966
a1400 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Ashm.) (1894) 339 A medicyn þat is taken bi þe mouþ.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 123 For goddes loue as taak som laxatif.
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 119 Afterward bloo or blac..or putrifying stynkeþ alsone, it is signified þat he toke venem.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. clxv. f. lxxxxiiiiv He toke a Pocion of a Physycion..whiche was Intoxicat, by meane of which Uenemous Pocion he dyed shortlye after.
1588 T. Hariot Briefe Rep. Virginia sig. C3 They vse to take the fume thereof by sucking it through pipes made of claie into their stomacke.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 46 He tooke Tobacco abundantly,..which I thinke preserved him from sicknes.
1647 S. Danforth Almanack 3 Freinds! would you live? some pils then take When head and stomack both doe ake.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. v. vii. 278 Those..who take his Physic.
1779 G. G. Beekman Let. 18 Aug. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) III. 1333 Youl please to Send me a Pott of your Compound Medesen With Directions how to Take it.
c1816 S. T. Coleridge Lett. (1959) IV. 674 I have..been unwittingly seduced into the dread necessity of taking narcotic and antispasmodic drugs.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 429 He died by taking poison.
1899 Chemist & Druggist 55 1010/2 Defendant entered the house to be cured of the habit of taking drugs, and it was alleged that he had absented himself without leave, and obtained cocaine for injection.
1904 F. Rolfe Hadrian VII xv. 285 Some took snuff perfunctorily, some customarily, others horribly.
1959 Daily Mail 17 Oct. 7/3 ‘Do you have the habit?’ He knew she meant ‘Do you take drugs?’
1972 Southerly 32 103 Somebody hands me a joint and I take a hit and hand it to Marlene who takes a hit.
1991 J. Sachs What Women should know about Menopause v. 57 Taken orally or transdermally, HRT therapy will reduce or eliminate hot flashes.
2000 Day (New London, Connecticut) 31 Dec. a6/3 Some users take Ecstasy in combination with the psychedelic drug LSD.
41.
a. transitive. To obtain (retribution, satisfaction, †punishment, †justice, etc.) for an injury or wrong sustained; to exact (vengeance). Frequently with †of, on, against.See also to take revenge at revenge n. Phrases 2, to take vengeance at vengeance n., adv., and adj. 1b, to take wreche at wreche n. 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > execute (justice, vengeance, etc.)
takec1300
dispensea1398
minister1426
administer1443
ministrate1496
execute1530
distributea1616
administrate1649
c1300 Evangelie (Dulwich Coll.) l. 469 in Publ. Mod. Lang. Assoc. Amer. (1915) 30 577 Of hire to take wreche.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6094 O þam mi wengeance sal i take.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 202 God toke wreke of Caym synne.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. i. ix. 52 Þat he mycht Iustlie tak punycioun of all þe Albane pepill.
1550 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet (new ed.) sig. Bi Let me take vengeance, saith the Lord, And I wyll quyte them all theyr hyre.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 161 His fellowes take punishment of him, and fall on him biting and rending his skinne.
1642 King of Denmarks Resol. sig. A3v The King were Resolved by force of Arms to take Justice against Sir Iohn Hotham, and the rest of those which would not obey His speciall Command.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso i. xxi. 40 [They] took publick revenge for subjugated liberty.
a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) II. xv. 117 The counsellor..had need of all his good sense to prevent him from taking immediate justice on a man, who sought to injure him so capitally.
1779 T. Forrest Voy. New Guinea 313 To take satisfaction..for the death of Fakymolano's brother at Ramis.
1855 Ld. Tennyson Maud iii, in Maud & Other Poems 12 Taking revenge too deep for a transient wrong.
a1889 H. W. Foote Thy Kingdom Come (1891) viii. 164 Even nations which call themselves Christian can often find no better method of giving or taking reparation for one injury than by inflicting another.
1925 B. Russell What I Believe ii. 36 Instinct has its rights, and if we do violence to it beyond a point it takes vengeance in subtle ways.
1977 T. Alford Prince among Slaves ii. 21 Sori determined to take retribution.
2004 Impact Aug. 79/3 The Triads return and take revenge on the younger man's family.
b. transitive. To receive, exact, or accept (a promise, oath, or other commitment) from another; (hence) to administer or witness (an oath). Frequently with of, from. Cf. sense 50b.See also to take the (also an) oath of at oath n. Phrases 1b, to take (a person) sworn at swear v. 10b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)] > administer an oath to a person
takec1300
to have, make, take (a person) swornc1400
administer1589
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 2313 Hwan he hauede manrede and oth Taken of lef and of loth, Vbbe dubbede him to knith.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 2288 He newe assuraunce toke Of his lordis and his liges alle.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin x. 140 Whan the two kynges hadde take the oth of these two.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lvv Then began he to take stipulation of them.
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece Argt. sig. A2v Shee first taking an oath of them for her reuenge, reuealed the Actor. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 366 My Lord of Burgundy wee'le take your Oath..for suretie of our Leagues. View more context for this quotation
a1630 D. Hume Hist. Houses Douglas & Angus (1644) 248 Taking a promise of the Nobilitie that they should not transport the King from Stirlin before his return.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 309 He took a solemn engagement of her, that, if scruples should arise in her mind, she would let him know them.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 128 A writ directed to the sheriff..commanding him to take sureties for the prisoner's appearance, usually called mainpernors, and to set him at large.
1833 Act 3 & 4 William IV c. 74 §82 [He] shall be competent to take the acknowledgment of any married woman wheresoever she may reside.
1873 Act 36 & 37 Victoria c. 66 §84 Commissioners to take oaths and affidavits in the Supreme Court.
1906 Manch. Guardian 27 Dec. 5/4 Many communes took an oath from their members that none of them would demand transference of the communal land to private ownership.
1962 Dalai Lama XIV My Land & my People ix. 160 The same mission took a promise from the Chinese that if the guerrillas laid down their arms, no action would be taken against them.
2010 P. D. Halliday Habeas Corpus i. i. 21 Justices of the peace..did everything: determining whether to hold accused criminals for trial; taking bonds to keep the peace from minor troublemakers.., [etc.].
42.
a. transitive. To purchase (something offered for sale); to buy.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)]
cheapc950
buyc1000
takea1382
purchasec1390
costa1400
coffc1425
redeem?1520
cope1570
fetch1605
shop1944
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) 2 Esdras v. 3 Oure feeldes & vynes & oure houses ley wee to & take wee whete in hungir.
1423–4 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1423 §55. m. 31 The strangeres..wold bryngge silver ynowe to the kyngges mynte for ther owen avauntage, if thei saught it shuld be take there to the verrey value.
1665 F. Roberts Clavis Bibliorum (ed. 3) 867 They should not take Wheat or Barley, but for a just price.
1730 Let. to Sir W. Strickland relating to Coal Trade 30 The Buyer..must take his Goods unseen on the Seller's Word.
1796 J. Bruce Rev. Events & Treaties v. 138 If the declared value appeared to the officer to be too low rated, he might take the goods on his own account.
1831 B. L. Oliver Law Summary vi. 69 The customer tells the shopkeeper, that he will take the article, and requests him to put it aside for him.
1880 Marriage à-la-Mode xviii. 247 I saw her enter a Salisbury carriage, and I immediately took a ticket for Salisbury also.
1912 Waterloo (Iowa) Evening Courier 19 Feb. 4/3 All right. I'll take the pink one. Here, wrap 'er up.
1967 Boys' Life Dec. 44/2 Ben grinned. ‘You've sold me—I'll take a dozen.’
1984 T. Erhard I saved Winter just for You 38 Yeah, lady, I'll take two Big Gulps. Make one a root beer and one a Coke.
2002 Observer (Nexis) 22 Dec. (Review section) 4 At this time of year, customers will ‘take whatever they can put their hands on’.
b. transitive. To secure beforehand by payment or contract; esp. to rent (a house, room, etc.).
ΚΠ
c1396 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 234 Þe chaumbre þat Will Auerey..tok of þe same priour & hys Couent.
?1461 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 521 In as myche as Stwkle had promysyd me to purvey for the londys for thys yer, I cownselyd my modyr þat he schuld not haue heme wyth-owt he wold tak hem for a longer terme.
1540 R. Taverner Princ. Lawes Customes & Estatutes Eng. f. 12 Yf after the deathe of her husband she taketh a lease for terme of lyfe of the same landes wherof she is indowable she losed her dower of the same.
1546 Supplication of Poore Commons sig. b.vii Al is lytle inough to pay the lordes rent, & to take the house anew at the ende of the yeres.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. vi. 223 Many Spaniardes..came thither to take mines.
1671 Lady M. Bertie Let. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 12th Rep. App. Pt. V: MSS Duke of Rutland (1889) 22 in Parl. Papers (C. 5889–II) XLIV. 393 My brother Norreys tooke a box and carryed my Lady Rochester and his mistresse and all us to.
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 8 I have within these few days taken a Lodging.
1743 J. Bulkeley & J. Cummins Voy. to South-seas 196 To take a House in the Country at our own Expence.
1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis 132 When a Streaming Tinner observes a place favourable in situation, he takes a lease..of the land owner or lord of the fee.
1803 Pic Nic No. 11. 3 She has now taken a thirty years lease of a house.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xli. 369 Colonel Crawley and his wife took a couple of places in the same old Highflyer coach.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Dec. 719/1 When he took his farm, it was well cultivated.
1905 D. Sladen & N. Lorimer More Queer Things about Japan viii. 59 If he is wealthy he does not take a box at the theatre.
1935 J. Buchan House of Four Winds 12 Mr. McCunn..accepted the consultant's prescription, and rooms were taken for him at the Rosensee kurhaus.
1946 Billboard 6 Apr. 51/3 They took offices in London's fashionable Bond Street.
1984 N. Levinson Room Upstairs iii. 50 By the following evening, all the rooms were taken.
2000 P. Moore Full Montezuma (2001) v. 60 We took a room in the heart of the city, just across from the market.
c. transitive. To regularly receive (something) in return for payment; esp. to regularly buy or subscribe to (a particular newspaper or periodical). Cf. to take in 9c at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)] > buy regularly
take1593
to take in1708
1593 Acct.-bk. W. Wray in Antiquary (1896) 32 119 May the 28 we begun to take milke of Ann Smith for a halfe penneworth of the day.
1715 Boston News-let. 21 Nov. 2/2 (advt.) Provided that those who do now Annually take the Intelligence..will and do agree for the ensuing Year..to pay one half more than now they do, for the said Annual Intelligence [etc.].
1798 J. Woodforde Diary 6 Jan. (1931) V. 92 Crouse's Norwich Paper which we used to take, did not arrive.
1808 E. Sleath Bristol Heiress III. 40 A morning paper, which Lady Harcourt constantly took.
1897 Notes & Queries 8th Ser. 12 354/1 In my boyhood I ‘took’ the Penny Magazine.
1912 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 2 Mar. 281/2 My principles have generally been described as Conservative, and I still take the Daily Mail.
1913 J. London Valley of Moon viii. 177 Mary Donahue, who had taken three pints a day from the milkman, now took one pint.
2003 G. Best & M. Knight Scoring at Half-time i. i. 7 All boys took the Dandy or Beano or both; a handful of the more studious kids bought the Eagle.
43. transitive. To gain sexual possession of (esp. a woman); to have sexual intercourse with; to penetrate sexually. Cf. sense 27, possess v. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > engage in sexual activity with [verb (transitive)] > have sexual intercourse with
mingeOE
haveOE
knowc1175
ofliec1275
to lie with (or by)a1300
knowledgec1300
meetc1330
beliea1350
yknowc1350
touchc1384
deala1387
dightc1386
usea1387
takec1390
commona1400
to meet witha1400
servea1400
occupy?a1475
engender1483
jangle1488
to be busy with1525
to come in1530
visitc1540
niggle1567
mow1568
to mix one's thigh with1593
do1594
grind1598
pepper1600
yark1600
tumble1603
to taste of1607
compressc1611
jumble1611
mix?1614
consort?1615
tastea1616
bumfiddle1630
ingressa1631
sheet1637
carnal1643
night-work1654
bump1669
bumble1680
frig?c1680
fuck1707
stick1707
screw1719
soil1722
to do over1730
shag1770
hump1785
subagitatec1830
diddle1879
to give (someone) onec1882
charver1889
fuckeec1890
plugc1890
dick1892
to make a baby1911
to know (a person) in the biblical sense1912
jazz1920
rock1922
yentz1924
roll1926
to make love1927
shtupa1934
to give (or get) a tumble1934
shack1935
bang1937
to have it off1937
rump1937
tom1949
to hop into bed (with)1951
ball1955
to make it1957
plank1958
score1960
naughty1961
pull1965
pleasurea1967
to have away1968
to have off1968
dork1970
shaft1970
bonk1975
knob1984
boink1985
fand-
c1390 King of Tars (Vernon) l. 383 in Englische Studien (1889) 11 43 (MED) Ful loþ were a cristene mon To ligge bi an heþene wommon..And as loþ was þulke soudan þulke maiden for to tan.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 69 Þou knowest þat for no lecherie I take my sister, but onliche þat þi name miȝte be blessid..wiþouten ende in þe fruyt þat schal come of us.
1509 H. Watson tr. S. Brant Shyppe of Fooles (de Worde) xiii. sig. D.v She was ryght angrye..saynge yt ypolytus wolde haue taken her by force.
1595 E. Spenser Epithalamion in Amoretti & Epithalamion sig. H4 Like vnto Maia, when as Ioue her tooke, In Tempe, lying on the flowry gras.
a1625 J. Fletcher Wit without Money (1639) v. i. sig. H5v Fran. Ha, tis a light, take her by the hand and Court her. Lan. Take her below the girdle, youle never speed else.
1687 R. L'Estrange tr. M. de Cervantes in Spanish Decameron 258 They both resolved to take her by force, and if she offer'd to cry out, they threatned to throw her into the River.
1737 Bayle's Dict. Hist. & Crit. (ed. 2) IV. 806/1 She said an old doctor had ta'en her by force; And I will have him hang'd, said she, Unless my husband he will be.
1915 D. H. Lawrence Rainbow i. 14 Whether he were going to take her out of inflamed necessity.
1930 A. Huxley Brief Candles 280 She kissed him again. ‘Take me.’
1962 I. Murdoch Unofficial Rose xiii. 122 ‘Well, it's up to you too, my queen,’ said Randall. ‘You want to be—taken, don't you?’
1981 T. C. Boyle Water Music (1983) i. 139 He'd..take her from the rear and use her upturned buttocks for an ashtray.
2003 ‘DBC Pierre’ Vernon God Little (2004) 54 Have you been taken up the ass yet by some lifer?
2010 L. DiPasqua Awakened by Kiss 77 I want your . . . cock inside me. I want you to take me again and again until we're sated.
44. transitive. To admit (a lodger, pupil, etc.) into one's home or establishment in return for payment.
ΚΠ
1684 tr. Proclam. City of Amsterdam for apprehending Divers Ruffians (single sheet) All Inn-keepers, Hosts, and all others that take Lodgers coming from abroad, shall de die in diem give notice of their Lodgers to the Captains.
a1715 W. Salkeld Rep. Cases King's Bench (1718) 2 Table One takes Lodgers to Lodge and Diet.
1793 Times 7 Sept. 1/4 (advt.) He..has taken pupils into his house to board, children of the town and vicinity to teach by day, [etc.].
1885 Law Times 80 6/2 None were allowed to let their rooms or take lodgers.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 120 He took pupils to increase his income.
1921 N. S. Lincoln Unseen Ear xiv. 200 Polly and her mother eked out a small and steadily shrinking income by taking ‘paying guests’.
1961 B. Pym No Fond Return of Love iii. 36 In spite of the come-down of having to take a lodger, she enjoyed his company.
1981 T. Kempinski Duet for One i. ii. 10 I've already started taking pupils, and I'm still advertising for more.
2001 Bks. Ireland Dec. 317/2 It was in the house on Frankfurt Avenue, where her mother took lodgers, that she met her future husband.
** To assume, adopt.
45.
a. transitive. To assume (a particular form, likeness, or character).See also to take flesh and blood at flesh and blood n. 1a, to take the form of at form n. 5a, to take shape at shape n.1 11.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > temporary state of mind, mood > be or become in a specific mood [verb]
takec1175
feelc1225
cheerc1425
vein1589
frame1763
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 85 He sennde uss..Hiss sune..To takenn ure mennisscleȝȝc.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 371 (MED) The liknesse Sche made him taken of an Hert.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14464 (MED) Þai said þat crist suld ta manhede Of a maiden and of þair sede.
?a1425 (a1415) Lanterne of Liȝt (Harl.) (1917) 35 Crist Iesu tooke fleische & blood, in þe maydens wombe, & was borne boþe God & man.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin v. 91 He hadde take the semblaunce of a moche olde man.
1591 R. Greene Farewell to Folly sig. f2 Mercurie for his pleasure tooke the forme of a cowe hearde.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. iv. 101 Take any shape but that, and my firme Nerues Shall neuer tremble. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 132 [They] take the Forms his Prescience did ordain. View more context for this quotation
1727 D. Turner Disc. conc. Fevers i. 27 The worst of them in the Beginning taking the appearance of the febris continens.
1798 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Southern Counties II. 256 It takes the form of a winding, riverlike estuary.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 105 The mountain mist took form and limb.
1872 Proc. Zool. & Acclimatisation Soc. Victoria 1 70 A protuberance which, in very old individuals, takes the appearance of an enormous nose.
1920 P. J. Fryer Insect Pests & Fungus Dis. Fruit & Hops xlii. 606 The injury to the fruit takes the form of a corky roughening of the skin.
1963 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 20 Sept. (1995) 335 The Ents were either souls sent to inhabit trees, or else that slowly took the likeness of trees.
2006 Daily Tel. 31 Oct. 31/3 Virtual organs are now taking shape inside microprocessors across the world.
†b. transitive. To follow or adopt (a law, custom, practice, or belief). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 7 Broþerr min..Þurrh þatt witt hafenn takenn ba. An reȝhell boc to follȝhenn.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 1314 He..thoghte he wolde be relieved Of Soule hele upon the feith Which he hath take.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19540 Quen þe apostels þan hard sai Samaritans had tan þair wai.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) ii. i. 21 The peple of tarante toke for a custome that the dronken men shold be puuysshyd.
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas xiv. 184 Hee that loveth, taketh the rule of lovinge his neighbour, first from himselfe.
1600 R. Churche tr. M. Fumée Hist. Troubles Hungarie viii. 301 The Count Palatin (who leauing the Confession of Ausbourg, had taken the religion of Geneua).
1699 J. Stevens tr. J. de Mariana Gen. Hist. Spain xi. x. 189 The Spaniards took the Custom of abstaining from Flesh upon Saturdays.
c. transitive. To assume the role, profession, or office symbolized by (a particular object or garment). Also: to adopt as a badge or emblem. to take the throne (also crown): to assume sovereignty; to take the habit: to become a monk or nun; to take the gown: to become a clergyman. See also to take the cross at cross n. 4c, to take silk at silk n. and adj. 2b, to take the veil at veil n.1 Phrases 1.
ΚΠ
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 8943 Uor to be siker of ire stat, þe abit of nonne heo tok.
c1390 (?c1350) St. Bernard l. 287 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 46 Whon Bernard hed taken his abyt.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 226 Sir Edward toke þe croice, for his fader to go.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 6620 (MED) Þe abyte he toke, as bede of him wryte.
c1475 Advice to Lovers in J. O. Halliwell Select. Minor Poems J. Lydgate (1840) 34 (MED) She wol perhappous maken hir avowe, That she wol take the mantle and the ryng.
a1525 Bk. Chess 1999 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1923) I Become a monk and tuke the habit tyte And kepit thair reull and maid ane end perfyte.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Cosmogr. Recap., in Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. sig. Diijv William ye bastard & concreour of Ingland tuk ye crown efter the slauchter of king Herald.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 161 Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster..took a red Rose to his devise.
a1625 J. Fletcher Valentinian v. v, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ddddddd/1 He must take the Fasces.
1657 S. Titus Killing noe Murder sig. A3v Hugh Capet, in taking the Crown, pretended to be admonish't to it in a dreame by St. Valery.
1765 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. I. iii. 215 These three princes..did not take the crown by hereditary right or descent.
a1773 A. Butler Lives Saints (1779) III. 38 She..took the habit of..the mitigated Clares, or Urbanists.
1784 J. Potter Virtuous Villagers II. 135 I have now taken the gown.
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre II. vii. 186 Eliza actually took the veil, and is at this day superior of the convent where she passed the period of her novitiate.
1855 R. Browning Protus 39 John the Pannonian..Came, had a mind to take the crown.
1924 Jrnl. Brit. Inst. Internat. Affairs 3 143 Otherwise King Peter would have abdicated, and his son would have taken the throne.
1953 W. S. Burroughs Let. 22 Apr. (1993) 160 Many of them [sc. Columbian priests] are former officers in Franco's army who took the cloth after a six week cramming course.
1991 M. Tully No Full Stops in India (1992) iii. 96 I think I will take the robe when I have finished with the police.
d. transitive. To adopt or assume (a particular name); to start calling oneself by (a particular name).
ΚΠ
1594 R. Ashley tr. L. le Roy Interchangeable Course f. 57v Pithagoras was the first, who by singular modestie tooke the name of a Philosopher, signifying a louer of wisedom.
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1953) VI. 336 He takes the name of the Son of a woman, and waives the glorious name of the Son of God.
1669 E. Chamberlayne Angliæ Notitia 78 The Britains or Welsh more lately civilized, did not take Surnames till of late years.
1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe Ep. Ded. sig. A2v Fools, as well as Knaves, take other names, and pass by an Alias.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Port-Royal All who adhered to that Party, took the Name of Port Royalists.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan III. 187 I took another name. I threw by that of my father.
1855 J. Fiske Let. 26 Apr. (1940) 7 Grandma Lewis came up to my room..and asked me if I wouldn't like to take my great-grandfather's name, John Fisk.
1900 Dict. National Biogr. LXI. 56/1 He was received as a novice on 26 May and took the name of Augustine.
1978 M. Ryan Biddy Early i. 8 She took her mother's surname.
1993 Independent 28 Jan. 12/5 In order to help her husband win the election as Governor of Arkansas, she took his name.
46.
a. transitive. To grant or give oneself (leave, permission, etc.), esp. presumptuously; to lay claim to (a freedom or right to do something).See also to take (one's) leave (of) at leave n.1 Phrases 2a(a), to take liberties at liberty n.1 Phrases 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > appropriate
ownOE
rimec1275
takec1300
appropre1366
to keep, take to or for one's own storec1385
to get awayc1480
proper1496
apprehenda1522
impropry1526
impropriate1567
carve1578
forestall1581
appropriate1583
propriate1587
pocket1597
impatronize1611
propertya1616
asself1632
appropriatea1634
swallow1637
to swallow up1654
sink1699
poucha1774
spheterize1779
sack1807
fob1818
to look back to1822
mop1861
annex1865
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 463 Horn tok his leue, For hit was neȝ eue.
a1425 (?c1350) Ywain & Gawain 235 Mi leve of mine ost toke I þare.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxxv. 177 I toke my leue and on my stede I lyght.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xxi. 46 Wherfore this Kyng Iohan toke tytell to make warr.
1560 J. Knox Answer Great Nomber Blasphemous Cauillations 241 Ye take libertie to lay to our charge what soeuer semeth good to you.
1620 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Phylaster i. 4 Kissing your white hand Mistresse I take leaue, to thanke your royall Father.
1659 R. Boyle Some Motives & Incentives to Love of God 9 This Love, I have taken the freedome to style Seraphick Love.
1703 N. Rowe Fair Penitent i. i. 6 I hastily took leave, and left the Nymph.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Sept. 564/1 Voltaire took all sorts of liberties with his mother tongue.
1860 United Presbyterian Mag. Nov. 498/1 Our vetturino had a young friend whom he got or took permission to carry to Florence.
1951 Spectator 11 May 628/1 I take leave to doubt that the ‘capture’ of Berlin by East German forces was ever ‘planned’ for the Whitsun of 1950.
2003 Hispanic Sept. 79/2 He can take the liberty to add some new ingredients to his dependable menu.
b. transitive. To appropriate (credit, glory, etc.) where, or as if, due.See also to take (the) credit for at credit n. 7c(d).
ΚΠ
a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) ii. f. cclxxxxviiv/1 Whan we take glorye wenyng to resyste it of our selfe he suffreth vs to falle in dyuerse maners of wyckednes.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke xxii. f. clxxv Neyther shall he take the laude and prayse vnto hymselfe, but refer the same entierly vnto god.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxxi. 98 Hamans thirst was Honour: Achitophel tooke the glory of his Counsell.
1793 Parl. Reg. Ireland XIII. 210 Do it openly; it may be a magnanimous act, and take the credit for your magnanimity.
1870 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Gleanings 2nd Ser. 93 He took credit to himself that..her son remained stanch.
1870 J. D. Cossar Leaf from Old Forest 66 The many different people Who take glory in their white skins, Or of others who, alikewise, Build their pride in skins of copper.
1918 D. Haig Diary 15 July in War Diaries & Lett. 1914–18 (2005) 430 If things go well, the Government take credit to themselves..: if badly, the Field Marshal will be blamed!
1995 J. P. Walsh Piece of Justice i. 4 Salt of the earth sort of people. Heads down sort of people, reluctant to take credit.
c. transitive. Chiefly of an employee: to lay claim to and enjoy (a period of leave, etc.). See also to take French leave at French leave n.
ΚΠ
1637 R. Monro Exped. Scots Regim. i. 34 The Lievetenant Colonell taking a fore-loofe, did go unto Holland.
1755 J. Wesley Lett. (1931) III. 127 I took a French leave this morning—that is left Leeds without telling either her or her husband.
1820 Republican 3 Nov. 352 I do think that I should have tried to scale my prison walls and have taken a leave of absence for two or three days!
1889 Macmillan's Mag. Nov. 147/2 It was the scrub that suggested to my mind the wisdom of Mulvaney taking a day's leave and going upon a shooting-tour.
1927 Washington Post 6 Aug. 18 She claimed pay for the period of from September 1, 1926, when she was reinstated after taking maternity leave, to March 2.
1961 J. S. Churchill Crowded Canvas viii. 173 I took compassionate leave from time to time to see him.
1988 Ariel (BBC staff newspaper) 20 July 2/2 When did the BBC first start to use ‘bisque’ in its special sense of a day's leave that can be taken at short notice?
2013 G. Kaufman Superdads ii. 43 Several fathers told me that they were unaware..that they could take paternity leave at all.
47. transitive. To support (a particular side or party in a contest, controversy, etc.); to range oneself on; to ally oneself with. Chiefly and now only with part or side(s) as object.See also to take against —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2, to take with —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2, to take the part of at part n.1 Phrases 3c(b), to take a person's side, to take (also †hold) sides at side n.1 Phrases 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > take someone's side or side with
favoura1375
to stand with ——1384
takec1400
to take (a) part witha1470
to hold sides1490
to take the part ofc1500
to stick with ——1523
partake1546
follow1548
to join issue1551
to make with ——1559
favourize1585
side1585
party1587
to take in1597
part1669
to fall in1709
to take for ——1770
to take up for1824
range1874
c1400 in J. P. Genet Four Eng. Polit. Tracts (1977) 18 (MED) Ȝyt þo fende moveþ rewmes to take his part stronge to emprisoun in religioun iche þat mayntenyd Cristis part.
1498 Interpr. Names Goddis & Goddesses (de Worde) sig. Bijv/1 Vertue was full heuy whan he se frewyll Take part wyth vyce.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 750/1 I take ones parte, I holde with hym in a mater, je prens partye.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. iii. 26 The milde Prince (Taking thy part) hath rushd aside the law. View more context for this quotation
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. xxxvi. 114 Shewed in derision to the people that had tooke part with him.
1691 T. Nourse Disc. Nat. & Reveal'd Relig. xxviii. 334 Charity, the very Bond of Perfection, inclines us to take side with Mercy.
a1734 R. North Examen (1740) ii. iv. §120 293 Great Ladies are more apt to take Sides with talking flattering Gossips than such a Shack as Fitzharris.
1751 E. Haywood Hist. Betsy Thoughtless II. xvii. 199 To take the party, which would best become his honour and reputation.
1820 L. Hunt Indicator 19 Jan. 118 No wonder that the Queen of France took part with the rebels against..her husband.
1880 Harper's Mag. June 111/2 Both young men had taken the side of the colonies.
1918 A. Bennett Pretty Lady xxvii. 177 I used to take their part against the works-manager.
1920 Investig. Affairs Mexico I. 1378 in Documents U.S. Senate (66th Congress, 2nd Sess.) IX. No. 285 Did you ever take side with any faction or promote any revolution?
1972 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 30 June (1995) 419 In all my works I take the part of trees as against all their enemies.
2005 Femina (S. Afr.) Feb. 52/2 It was difficult—any divorce is hard—but I tried not to take sides.
48. transitive. Grammar. Of a word, clause, or sentence: to have or require (a particular inflection, case, mood, etc.) as part of the appropriate construction.In quot. c1590 with to and reflexive pronoun.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > analyse grammatically [verb (transitive)] > be constructed with
takec1434
c1434 in D. Thomson Middle Eng. Grammatical Texts (1984) 72 (MED) Þese v nownys..takyn to here genitif case singuler ‘-simus’ and makyn here superlatiuis degreis, as ‘fortis, fortissimus’.
c1450 in D. Thomson Middle Eng. Grammatical Texts (1984) 5 How knos þu a uerbe actiue? For hyt endys in ‘–o’ and may tak ‘–r’ apon ‘O’ and mak of hym a passyue, as ‘amo, amor’.
c1590 J. Leech Certaine Gram. Questions ii. sig. fv Some verbes Newters haue the Passiue voyce, and he cannot take r to him and become a Passiue.
1612 J. Brinsley Posing of Parts f. 15 Cannot a Verbe Neuter take r, to make it a Passiue, as Actiues doe?
1749 B. Martin Lingua Britannica Reformata 106 Numeral nouns take the termination ty.
1799 R. Drummond Gram. Malabar Lang. i. 99 Sometimes these Verbs take an accusative.
1818 E. V. Blomfield tr. A. H. Matthiæ Copious Greek Gram. I. 208 Verbs..which are derived from compound adjectives, take the augment at the beginning.
1860 W. W. Goodwin Greek Moods & Tenses 220 Causal sentences regularly take the Indicative.
1881 H. W. Chandler Greek Accent. (ed. 2) §767 The following take the accent on the penultimate.
1905 N. Gale More Cricket Songs 22 I am sick to death of fractions, And of verbs that take the dative.
1950 Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 71 25 Other words sometimes took the accent on the ultima.
2001 M. Haag & H. P. Willis Choctaw Lang. & Culture i. x. 92 When these verbs take a direct object (a thing), they are very straightforward in their usage.
49. transitive. Mathematics. Of a function or other mathematical operation: to have (a particular value or set of values) forming part or all of its range (range n.1 15c).
ΚΠ
1816 J. F. W. Herschel in tr. S. F. Lacroix Elem. Treat. Differential & Integral Calculus 527 Denoting the value which the function..takes when x = 0.
1889 Q. Jrnl. Pure & Appl. Math. 24 116 The number of values taken by a function when all possible substitutions are applied to it is called the index of the group.
1941 Acta Mathematica 74 98 It takes every value four times in the interval (0, 2π).
1973 R. A. Silverman tr. G. E. Shilov Math. Anal. (1996) I. iv. 126 We now consider ‘vector functions’, namely, functions taking values in the n-dimensional real space.
2010 L. P. Lebedev et al. Tensor Anal. with Applic. in Mechanics iii. 68 As in ordinary calculus, we can introduce the notion of a function in one or many variables that takes values in a set of vectors or tensors.
*** To charge oneself with, undertake, discharge.
50.
a. transitive. To undertake to carry out (a function, role, responsibility, etc.); to assume (office); to enter into (service).See also to take on (also upon) one(self) at Phrases 1a, to take charge of at charge n. 13a, to take in hand at hand n. Phrases 2p(a), to take office at office n. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]
underfoc893
fandOE
onfangOE
undernimc1000
takec1175
to take tillc1175
to take toa1250
underfongc1330
undertakea1340
to take in (also on) handa1350
undertakec1385
attamec1386
to take in (also on) handc1390
embrace1393
emprisec1410
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to go upon ——c1450
enterprise?1473
to set (one's) hand to1477
go?a1500
accept1524
assume1530
to hent in (also upon) handc1540
to swallow up1544
to take to task1546
to go into ——?1548
to set in hand1548
to fare about1563
entertain1569
undergo1606
to set about ——1611
to take up1660
to come at ——1901
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10896 Sannt iohan..toc þatt wikenn þohh. Þa siþþenn whanne he wisste [etc.].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 12390 Trein beddes was he wont to make, And þar-for his seruis to take.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 4795 Lo I am al redy boun Oure aller nedes to take in place.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin i. 3 (MED) This feende that toke this enterprise ne taried not.
1534 G. Joye tr. U. Zwingli Dauids Psalter cix. f. 173v Let his tyme be shorte, and another redy to take his office.
1647 Bp. J. Taylor Θεολογία Ἐκλεκτική 193 That every man must take his adventure.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Hist. Rebellion (1702) iv. §124 Enforcing the ill consequence of his refusal to take the office.
1718 Faithful Reg. of Late Rebellion 5 He went to France and took service in the Irish Regiment of Foot.
1772 J. Gough tr. J. M. B. de la M. Guyon Life Lady Guion II. ii. v. 5 I had taken the office of Sacristan (or Vestry Nun) and the care of waking the Sisters at the hour they were to rise.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. iv. 79 I think..I would take it [sc. the post] on trial.
1863 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea I. vi. 88 The plan of taking engagements upon possible eventualities.
1890 S. Lane-Poole Barbary Corsairs i. xii. 124 He took service as a boy in the Turkish fleet.
1905 Daily Chron. 30 June 6/2 It is reported that..a Radical-Protectionist Government will take office.
1969 Harper's Mag. Jan. 42/1 Speaking for the White House—and I will take the responsibility of speaking for it in this matter—I am saying the reverse.
2005 H. Mantel Beyond Black (2006) iii. 48 She left the charity with excellent references, and took a post with a firm of event organizers.
b. transitive. To bind oneself by the terms of (an oath, vow, pledge, etc.). Cf. sense 41b.See also to take one's davy at davy n.2, to take one's dick at dick n.3 1, to take the pledge at pledge n. 2d, to take the test at test n.1 3, to take the vows at vow n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [verb (transitive)] > swear an oath or take an oath
takec1425
conceive1561
oatha1617
qualify1731
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 2851 Sche..made hym lowly..to take his othe.
1511 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 3 John Husscher wyll take a othe a pon a boke.
1553 R. Horne in tr. J. Calvin Certaine Homilies sig. B.ii He hym self have taken an othe that he is no whormonger.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. iii. 24 Ile take my oath on it. View more context for this quotation
1682 in Sc. Antiquary (1901) July 4 One of the late regentis..having demurred to take the test apoynted by act of parliament.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 435 A bill..requiring all members of either House..to take a test against Popery.
1785 T. Jefferson Notes Virginia xvi. 285 Non-jurors, or persons refusing to take the oath of fidelity to the state.
1803 Pic Nic No. 4. 5 She has taken the monastic vow.
1897 ‘S. Grand’ Beth Bk. xlvi. 476 I'll take my dick he'll not trouble us with a bill for the next six months.
1900 Amer. Hist. Rev. 5 451 The lords in parliament..were asked to take a personal oath to support the statute.
1952 C. Hamilton Men of Underworld i. 12 He took a solemn oath to renounce roguery—a vow he apparently kept.
2005 R. McInerny Blood Ties (2006) xiii. 96 Altar boys don't take a vow of celibacy, Marie.
51.
a. transitive. To make (an attack); to undertake (a battle); to make or instigate (strife, war). Now rare and somewhat archaic.See also to take battle at battle n. 11.
ΚΠ
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1443 (MED) Asaut to þat dragoun Tristrem toke þat tide.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xvi. l. 165 Cryst toke þe bataille, Aȝeines deth and þe deuel destruyed her botheres myȝtes.
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 595 Ffor which he tok with rome & Cesar stryf.
c1450 (a1400) Libeaus Desconus (Calig. A.ii) (1969) l. 293 (MED) Ho þat rydyȝt her day oþer nyȝt Wyth me he mot take fyȝt.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 41v Iupiter..toke warre agaynst hym [sc. Aesculapius] and slewe hym.
?1557 Deceyte Women sig. K.iv Hercules was very wroth, and tooke warre agaynst the kyng.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World v. iii. §21. 580 Being enioyned, as hee was..to take battaile with such disaduantage, he could worke no maruels.
1659 R. P. tr. D. Petau Hist. World viii. xx. 356 Having taken war against the Ligurians, and Lombards.., he often defeated their Armies.
1869 H. W. Beecher Serm. 2nd Ser. 372 No man is fit for any thing, as a soldier, if he can not stand out on the open plain and take fight in a manly way.
1970 P. Hackett Faded Elegance 156 I took battle against her sickness as fiercely as I could.
b. transitive. To undertake to carry out (a particular task); to conduct (a class, lesson, etc.); to undertake to perform (a part). Cf. to take part at part n.1 Phrases 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > an office or function
takec1350
execute1387
servea1450
acquitc1460
supply?a1475
discharge1542
undergo1609
fungify1650
sustain1700
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 52 (MED) Þes werkes Men takeþ after ihesu cryst, Wanne hy by-comeþ clerkes.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene iv. ix. 24 Each one taking part in others aide. View more context for this quotation
1649 Bp. J. Hall Humble Motion to Parl. 34 I tooke the duty of a Master to endeavour these two.
1747 Rules & Statutes Govt. Hertford Coll. 3 The Tutor, whose Turn it is to take a Class of Pupils, shall begin to do so on the First Day of Hilary Term.
1874 J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Parish Churches 60 Each priest..may take those parts of the service designed to him from time to time.
1885 M. Linskill Lost Son iv. 58 Will you favour us by taking the tenor?
1908 E. Phillpotts Human Boy Again i. 13 He could always tell which of the masters was taking ‘prep’ before he went into the room, by the sounds or silence.
1951 Spectator 9 Feb. 174/2 The chapel-goers arranged a memorial service for her while I was taking evensong in the church.
2005 M. Wolitzer Position ii. 35 She was an actress who..hadn't yet made it big. She took parts in plays that paid almost nothing.
c. transitive. To undertake or involve oneself in (trouble or exertions) in accomplishing or attempting something. Frequently with of and gerund or with infinitive clause. Now chiefly in to take pains at pain n.1 5b(a), to take (the) trouble at trouble n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)]
tillc897
stightlea1375
stretcha1375
wrestlea1382
to put it forthc1390
to put one's hand(s) to (also unto)a1398
paina1400
takea1400
to do one's busy pain (also care, cure, diligence)?a1430
to make great force?c1450
makec1485
to stir one's stumpsa1500
to bestir one's stumps1549
to make work1574
put1596
bestira1616
operate1650
to lay out1659
to be at pains1709
exerta1749
tew1787
maul1821
to take (the) trouble1830
to pull outc1835
bother1840
trouble1880
to buck up1890
hump1897
to go somea1911
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > bestow care and effort
to do one's (busy) curea1400
paina1400
to do one's busy pain (also care, cure, diligence)?a1430
take1528
to be at pains1709
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 4789 Loke quilk of ȝu sal take on hand, For vs all take þis trauaile.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxiii. 262 Ye shall not nede to take the laboure.
1528 Impeachm. Wolsey in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS (1868) I. 360 Whoo hathe þis matyr so playnly declaryd, or hathe the labowur Take.
1581 W. Raleigh Let. 1 May (1999) 9 I have taken the toyle in making it defencible.
1600 C. Tourneur Transformed Metamorph. sig. C6v But (knight) beleeue me, I haue t'ane much toile.
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ To Intelligent Rdr. The Author hath taken pains to retrench such redundant, unnecessary Letters in this Work.
1712 T. Harley Let. 15 Jan. in I. Newton Corr. (1975) V. 212 Take the trouble of Examining and Auditing the Accotts..And..Report to His Lop.
1794 Marquis of Buckingham Let. 2 Jan. in Hist. MSS Comm.: 14th Rep.: App. Pt. V: MSS J. B. Fortescure (1894) II. 489 in Parl. Papers (C. 7572) L. 1 I am sure you have taken every pains to do whatever you imagined might best forward my wishes.
1854 Country Gentleman 15 June 888/2 Like every good architect, he takes great pains to ensure a solid, durable foundation to his structure.
1868 G. MacDonald Robert Falconer II. 252 I didna think ye wad hae ta'en sae muckle fash.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. xviii. 420 His unlimited capacity for taking trouble.
1908 Rudder May 406/1 These letters in every instance have come from firms not advertising in any yachting magazine, as I took the labor to confirm.
1942 L. D. Rich We took to Woods viii. 216 We took such pains not to frighten him that he soon became very tame.
1992 Indian Express Sunday Mag. Aug. 3/8 If she had taken the trouble of glancing through the chapter.
2004 G. Woodward I'll go to Bed at Noon iii. 53 He took the trouble to explain to her his methods for increasing the alcoholic yields of his homebrews.
d. transitive. To sit or undergo (a test, examination, etc.).
ΚΠ
1837 Amer. Ann. Educ. & Instr. July 293 The scholars are not..obliged..to undergo their examination in all the requisite sciences at once..; but every one may, whenever he pleases, take his examination in any particular science that belongs to his class, and so advance to the next division.
1897 Amer. Monthly Rev. of Reviews Oct. 453/1 Under the present arrangement Oxford women may choose their own courses and may begin to specialize without taking the preliminary examinations.
1915 W. S. Maugham Of Human Bondage xciv. 497 At the end of his fourth year he would be able to take his examination in midwifery.
1955 E. H. Clements Discord in Air xi. 149 Mummy always drives. I haven't taken my test yet.
1984 S. Terkel Good War (1985) ii. iv. 275 I took one of those tests and I know I did well. We knew all our scores.
2012 N.Y. Times 22 Jan. (Educ. Life section) 30/2 It's midterms, but instead of taking the test during class with a No. 2 pencil, you..march over to the e-test center on campus.
e. transitive. To answer (a telephone call).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate with by telephone [verb (transitive)] > answer a telephone call
answer1880
take1899
1899 N.Y. Times Illustr. Mag. 11 June 12/1 (caption) A Thirty-eighth Street telephone girl taking a call.
1911 Washington Post 16 Mar. 13/3 (advt.) Young girl [wanted] to take telephone calls. Apply the People's Gardens of Washington.
1934 T. Slesinger Unpossessed ii. ii. 122 The telephone cut like a barbed wire through their unity... ‘I'll take it here,’ said Bruno grimly.
1976 G. Sims End of Web i. 13 ‘Sorry, I'll have to take it. Might be a friend I was trying to contact this morning.’.. He picked up the phone.
2007 L. Barnholdt Two-way Street 101 My cell phone rings... It's B. J. I hesitate... ‘Do you mind if I take this?’ I ask. ‘It's kind of important.’
IV. Senses relating to movement, conveyance, or removal.
* To convey, carry, conduct, remove.
52.
a. transitive. To accompany or guide (a person or animal) to or through a place; to conduct, lead, escort; to bring, convey. Also with over: to show (a person) around a building, garden, etc. Frequently with adverb or prepositional phrase, and with with indicating the agent.See also to take up 2c at Phrasal verbs 1, to take (someone) to the cleaners at cleaner n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)]
haveeOE
ferryOE
weighOE
bearOE
take?a1160
weve13..
carry1348
passa1350
tow1391
geta1393
convey1393
winc1400
transport1483
set1487
convoy1500
traduce1535
port1566
repair1612
vehiculate1628
transmute1683
transplant1769
gallant1806
transit1859
inveigh1878
waltz1884
sashay1928
conduct-
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > show a person (in, out, etc.)
showc1450
takea1827
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Þa þe king was ute, þa herde ðat sægen & toc his feord & besæt hire in þe tur.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 8355 Iosæp ris upp & tacc þe child, & tacc þe childess moderr.
c1330 Sir Orfeo (Auch.) (1966) l. 64 (MED) Þis ich quen, Dame Heurodis, Tok to maidens..& went..To play bi an orchard-side.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5117 Tas Ruben þan wit yow.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 4886 Syne tas he with him titly his twelue tried prince[s].
1589 R. Lane in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 739 He aduised me to take good store of men with mee, and good store of victuall.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. i. 36 Take the stranger to my house. View more context for this quotation
1665 T. Manley tr. H. Grotius De Rebus Belgicis 832 Taking through the marshy Fields of Cazant Twelve hundred Walloons and Irish with him.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 245 I takes my man Friday with me.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones V. xiv. ix. 186 Mr. Nightingale taking the old Gentleman with him up Stairs,..unbosomed himself as follows. View more context for this quotation
1789 G. Parker Life's Painter xv. 160 They..pick him up and take him to the above alehouse to jump him.
a1827 W. Hickey Mem. (1918) II. xix. 251 She..took me over the house, which was a complete a one as ever I saw.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlviii. 433 Being obliged to take four of us in his carriage to wait upon His Majesty.
1855 E. C. Gaskell North & South I. vii. 90 Her father took her through the entrance of the hotel.
1911 Rep. Labour & Social Conditions in Germany (Tariff Reform League) III. 166 [He] was able yesterday to take a small deputation..over the ‘Triumph’ works.
1920 S. Kaye-Smith Green Apple Harvest i. v. 17 He took the horses to the pond.
1949 Oak Leaves (Oak Park, Illinois) 24 Mar. 3/3 We were now taken by our guide down into some queer-looking chambers.
1991 Ornament Autumn 47/3 Her father, a hardware salesman, occasionally took her along while he worked.
2011 D. Richards Real Girl Next Door x. 231 My parents..took me to the doctor's office on the morning of the surgery.
b.
(a) transitive. To carry, bring, or convey (a material thing) to or through a place, or to a person (frequently with adverb or prepositional phrase, and with with indicating the agent). Also (with direct and indirect object): to bring (a thing) to (a person).See also to take up 2c at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
c1300 (c1250) Floris & Blauncheflur (Cambr.) (1966) l. 360 (MED) Grante him þat þu wilt so, And tak mid [c1330 Auch. nim wiȝ þe] amoreȝe suche two.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 3742 Was non of hem that he ne hath A pot of erthe, in which he tath A lyht brennende in a kressette.
c1440 (?a1400) Sir Perceval (1930) l. 478 He..Tuke with hym his schorte spere.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 85 Thow Scot, to quhom takis thow this thing?
1589 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt Principal Navigations 732 Hauing taken into them such victuals as the Countrey yeelded, they departed.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. iii. 21 Take thy face hence. View more context for this quotation
1669 E. Mico tr. N. Bacon Jrnl. Medit. 89 Take gifts with you, and go forth to meet him.
1749 G. G. Beekman Let. 16 Nov. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 93 They must have bin Put up Severall times but no bidders must take them home again.
1791 Lady's Mag. Nov. 573/2 And mistakes will happen in the best regulated families; I have taken my opera fan to church.
1821 Investig. Ilchester Gaol into Conduct W. Bridle 222/1 On what occasion did you take her those bed-clothes?
1891 Southwestern Reporter 15 307/1 I got Annie's breakfast and took it to her.
1946 Liberty 25 May 56/3 We'll take our sleeping bags and some grub and spend a couple of days.
1973 Texas Monthly Aug. 10 Take a picnic or buy chilidogs and Mexican food from concessions.
1993 I. Welsh Trainspotting (1994) 33 The kettle clicked off. Nina made another pot of tea and took it through.
2002 N. Basbanes Among Gently Mad ii. 36 I always take a notebook with me to these festivals.
(b) transitive. To bring (a message, news, etc.) to (a person); to convey or transmit (information, an idea, etc.) to a person or to or through a place.
ΚΠ
1787 J. Cobb First Floor i. 22 She is so closely watched—but I've engaged one..who will take any message to her for you.
1830 Lancet 4 Sept. 895/2 His wife was directed to take word to Mr. Ancell of any change in the symptoms.
1899 E. Watson tr. J. Valera in Universal Anthol. 31 52 The maid..takes messages back and forth, and keeps her [mistress] supplied with the latest news.
1910 S. A. Cox Dare Boys with Gen. Greene iii. 32 Hadn't you better let me take the news to General Greene, Dick?
1953 D. D. C. P. Mould Ireland of Saints 126 The round tower is not confined to Ireland, for the Irish took the idea across to Scotland.
1956 J. G. Barrett Sherman's March through Illinois xiii. 207 Horsemen took the news through drowsy camps, bellowing ‘Lee's surrendered!’
1980 Salina (Kansas) Jrnl. 30 Apr. 9/1 Johanna..realized she was going into labor. She flagged down a neighbor.., who..took word to Johanna's sister.
2007 C. Kummer 1001 Foods to die For i. 16/1 Italian migrants took the tradition with them to Argentina.
c.
(a) transitive. Of a road, way, journey, etc.: to be the means by which (a person) travels to or through a place. Chiefly with prepositional phrase.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > lead to [verb (transitive)]
takea1400
conduct1834
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 23814 Es þar na wai..Cun tak us better.
1785 G. Forster tr. A. Sparrman Voy. Cape Good Hope I. v. 221 From hence the road took us to the Breede-rivier..where there was a ferry-boat.
1859 A. K. Shepard Land of Aztecs vii. 137 A day's ride took us to Tustla.
1878 Scribner's Monthly 15 897/1 The second stage of the journey takes the traveler through Egypt.
1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 55 A yard or two further takes us to the N.E. corner.
1916 Cent. Mag. Sept. 712/1 The path took them between dark fir-trees to the farthest corner of the little park.
1973 Field & Stream Nov. 63/2 Our route took us out of sight, and we hoped this would calm the deer down.
2009 Sunday Independent (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 18 Jan. (Life section) 29 A 10-minute subway ride took me to the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica.
(b) transitive. Of a watercourse, pipe, wire, etc.: to be the means by which (a fluid, electric current, etc.) flows or is conducted to or through a place, body, etc.
ΚΠ
1653 F. G. tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Artamenes I. ii. i. 87 Two great trenches..took the water from the River above the town and let it into the Channel againe beneath.
1787 Scots Mag. 49 App. 633/1 Small trenches take the water from the carrier canals.
1843 M. Faraday Lect. on Light & Ventilation 13 Here is the main chimney which receives all the small tubes or chimneys..; each small tube taking the products from its own lamp.
1890 Indiana Democrat 19 June Then it [sc. water] passes into what is known as a reboiler from which pipes take it to the filter.
1931 Fortune Aug. 110/1 A..pipe line..designed to take natural gas from the Texas Panhandle 1,250 miles to Indianapolis.
1952 D. Knowles & J. K. S. St Joseph Monastic Sites from Air 214 From the eastern pond a conduit took a stream through the offices.
1998 National Assembly Official Rep. (Republic of Kenya) 4 Apr. 43 Most rural areas have no electricity, even though cables taking electricity to urban areas pass through them.
2014 C. Oxlade Circulatory Syst. 16 (caption) This microscope image shows a network of capillaries taking blood to cells.
d. transitive. figurative. With adverb or prepositional phrase: to induce (a person) to go to or from a place; to be the cause of (a person) going to or from a place. Cf. bring v. 1c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > attraction, allurement, or enticement > attract, allure, or entice [verb (transitive)] > to a place
allure1531
take1617
trysta1800
1617 R. Middleton Heauenly Progresse 187 Hee shall doe well euery houre (necessity not taking him away) whilst hee beholds any creature..to lift vp his heart vnto God.
1679 J. Dryden Troilus & Cressida iii. ii. 32 An urgent business takes me from the pleasure Your company affords me.
1772 R. Cumberland Fashionable Lover (new ed.) i. 6 Why, 'twas some plaguy business took him out.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lxvii. 621 ‘Particular business,’ she said, took her to Bruges.
1856 J. H. Newman Callista 89 What takes you into the city this morning?
1883 P. Greg Sanguelac II. xi. 223 What took you out so late?
1927 Princeton Alumni Weekly 18 Feb. 572/3 I never knew a man more passionately devoted to Princeton. This love took him home third-class and steerage to attend his class reunions.
1950 Pop. Photogr. Aug. 108/3 A magazine assignment took me to Stony Point Battleground.
2008 ‘Miasha’ Never Enough 102 What the hell took you to Hollywood?
e. transitive. Of a vehicle: to convey (a person or thing) to a place. Also in extended use. Frequently with prepositional phrase.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance by carrying > transport or convey by carrying [verb (transitive)]
carry1570
to carry along1582
take1738
1738 Gentleman's Mag. Oct. 546/2 His Chaise took her a little Way out of the City, where a Coach and Six with Flambeaux waited for them.
1793 tr. A. von Knigge German Gil Blas I. viii. 139 At nine o'clock he attended the prince's supper, after which a carriage took him to his wife.
1828 Crockford's (ed. 3) III. iv. 133 The coach took him to the neighbourhood of Clarges Street, where..he went for concealment.
1883 Cent. Mag. Nov. 130/2 Our locomotive proved unable to take us over a slight up-grade.
1896 Jrnl. Soc. Estate Clerks of Wks. 1 Oct. 156/2 They mixed the dry ashes with pail manure, and they had thirty trucks taking it to farmers.
1909 ‘Betty’ Real Lett. of Real Girl 6 A hansom took us to the boat, which we reached at three o'clock.
1954 I. Murdoch Under Net xii. 158 I went as far as my money would take me in a taxi and the rest of the way by bus.
1959 Southwest Times (Pulaski, Va.) 6 Oct. 2/7 (advt.) A helicopter takes you from Los Angeles Airport to Disneyland.
1988 Yankee July 105/1 After we land, taxi, and stop, wobbly legs take me..over to my wife.
2000 T. Clancy Bear & Dragon xxii. 318 The official delegation hopped out at the embassy, and the embassy cars took the newsies back to their hotels.
f. transitive. Scottish. With with, after, ahind: to close (a door) after one.
ΚΠ
1782 J. Sinclair Observ. Sc. Dial. i. 19 To tak' the door with one, is also made use of by the vulgar in Scotland, for, to shut the door after one.
1857 E. B. Ramsay Two Lect. 38 She went out and did not take the door with her.
1895 S. R. Crockett Bog-myrtle & Peat ii. iii. 202 She whisked away into the milk-house, taking the door after her as far as it would go.
1901 ‘G. Douglas’ House with Green Shutters v. 39 I just telled Gourlay what I thocht of him, and took the door ahint me.
1983 W. L. Lorimer & R. L. C. Lorimer New Test. in Scots Matthew vi. 11 Whan ye pray, gang intil your benmaist chaumer an tak the door wi ye.
g. transitive. To draw or pass (something) through a material or substance.
ΚΠ
1784 G. Adams Ess. Electr. 68 If the charge is not taken through the center, it will pass over and corrode the surface of the ball.
1855 E. Warren & M. M. Pullan Treasures in Needlework 142/1 The cotton is not threaded and taken through the velvet, but merely laid over.
1883 R. Haldane Workshop Receipts 2nd Ser. 227/1 Take [the yarn] through dilute sulphuric acid, and wash very well.
1903 Wilson's Photogr. Mag. July 313/2 White transfer-paper.., after being thoroughly dried, is taken through the solution of tannin.
1923 Boys' Life Feb. 52/3 The ground consisted of a similar piece of insulated wire taken through the floor to the water pipe.
2007 S. Whiting Crochet Bible 77/2 Take the needle back through the fabric at the edge of the sequin.
53.
a. transitive. With from, off: to carry away, to remove; to deprive a person or thing of.Frequently in fixed phrases, as to take one's eye off the ball at ball n.1 Phrases 1n, to take the bloom off at bloom n.1 4b, to take off the books at book n. Phrases 2k(a), to take off a person's hands at hand n. Phrases 1h(a), to take one's foot off the gas at gas n.2 Phrases 1b, to take a load off one's feet at load n. 3h, to take a load off one's mind at load n. 4a, to take the skin off a person's back at skin n. Phrases 3, to take off the table at table n. Phrases 4b(a), to take the weight off one's feet at weight n.1 11b, to take years off (also from) a person at year n. Phrases 4b(a), etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away
ateec885
withbreidec890
animOE
overbearOE
to do awayOE
flitc1175
reavec1175
takec1175
to have away?a1300
to draw awayc1300
weve13..
to wend awaya1325
withdrawa1325
remuec1325
to carry away1363
to take away1372
waive1377
to long awaya1382
oftakec1390
to draw offa1398
to do froa1400
forflitc1420
amove?a1425
to carry out?a1425
surtrayc1440
surtretec1440
twistc1440
abstract1449
ostea1450
remove1459
ablatea1475
araisea1475
redd1479
dismove1480
diminish?1504
convey1530
alienate1534
retire1536
dimove1540
reversec1540
subtractc1540
submove1542
sublate1548
pare1549
to pull in1549
exempt1553
to shift off1567
retract?1570
renversec1586
aufer1587
to lay offa1593
rear1596
retrench1596
unhearse1596
exemea1600
remote1600
to set off1600
subduct1614
rob1627
extraneize1653
to bring off1656
to pull back1656
draft1742
extract1804
reef1901
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4820 Drihhtin ȝaff me þiss..Drihhtin takeþþ itt fra me.
a1300 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 70 Al deþ hit wile from him take.
a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) i. 5 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 130 Als duste þat winde þerthe tas fra.
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) l. 29546 It takes [a1400 Vesp. steres] his cristendom him fra.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 19 Saying, that they should take the head from the body of hym.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms l[i]. 11 Take not thy holy sprete fro me.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 147 He fra me my Sin hes tane.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 73 He..tooke from the towne the benefit of their haven.
1655 E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 235 His decree is annulled and taken of ye file.
1772 W. Bollan Britannia Libera 31 The power was taken from masters of delivering their slaves as they thought fit to encounter wild beasts.
1792 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) III. 347 Congress would take it off your hands, in compliance with an ancient vote of that body.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 68 The doing so would..take the case from under the statute.
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 560 A plane, which takes a thin shaving off the surface of the wood.
1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset I. i. 2 John did take his eyes off his book.
1906 Hoosier Democrat (Flora, Indiana) 15 Sept. (Mag.) There's no denying the youthful effect of the short, puffed sleeves; they somehow take years off one's appearance.
1968 Sci. News 19 Oct. 391/1 The test involves..culturing skin cells taken from the forearm.
2001 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 26 Apr. 18/6 The Taiwanese owners of a Brisbane mansion..have taken the property off the market.
b. transitive. Esp. of God: to remove (a person, his or her soul, etc.) from the world by death. Also euphemistic: (in passive) to die. Frequently with from, or (with reference to God) to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (transitive)] > carry off by death
to take away1372
callc1390
take1424
weed1851
the world > life > death > [verb (passive)]
miscarryc1440
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
snatch1597
remove1832
take1920
1424–5 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 57 (MED) When Almyghty god list to take me oute of þis wreched world to his mercy, þan shall he be left faderles and moderles.
1552 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16279) Buriall sig. O.vii Forasmuche as it hath pleased almightie god of his great mercy to take vnto hymselfe the soule of our dere brother here departed, we therfore committe his body to the grounde.
1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 i. iv. 168 Hard-harted Clifford, take me from the world.
1616 S. Mountagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 247 God hath taken to himself my brother Walter Mountagu.
1632 T. Heywood Iron Age v. i. sig. K3v Since the Fates Haue tane him from vs.
1749 T. Gray Let. 7 Nov. in Corr. (1971) I. 325 He who has preserved her to you so many years..has taken her from us to himself.
1769 in Plymouth Church Rec. (1920) II. 332 Our dear Brother John May is taken from us by death who was our former Chorister.
1810 J. Porter Sc. Chiefs III. ii. 44 If all whom I love be lost to me here, take me then to thyself; and let my freed spirit fly to their embraces in heaven!
1864 Ld. Tennyson Northern Farmer: Old Style iii, in Enoch Arden, etc. 129 ‘The amoighty's a taäkin o' you to 'issén, my friend,’ a said.
1920 E. O'Neill Beyond Horizon ii. i. 69 It was God's will that he should be taken.
1977 B. Pym Quartet in Autumn i. 10 Old Snowy had long since died, ‘passed on’ or ‘been taken’, however one liked to put it.
2004 P. Jillette Sock xxv. 120 You begged for God to take you instead, just to save Willy.
c. intransitive. With from: to detract from; to diminish, lessen. Cf. to take away 3 at Phrasal verbs 1, to take off 2d at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > detract from [verb (transitive)]
to pull the feathers off (a person's fame)c1430
takec1475
spoil1553
to take away1779
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (transitive)] > detract from
takec1475
diminish?1504
derogate1556
to take off1639
to detract from1699
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 146 (MED) Ther can no man take awey from him that is vertuous.
1630 Wine, Beere, Ale, & Tobacco (ed. 2) sig. D2 Does it scruple your iudgement Mr. small beere that I say poets and Princes? I am not to learne their distinction, nor doth it take from any allegiance, they are both sacred names.
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts iv. i. sig. H4 Shall e're be sullied with one taint, or spot That may take from your innocence, and candor.
1697 J. Dryden Ded. Georgics in tr. Virgil Wks. sig. ¶2 It takes not from you, that you were born with Principles of Generosity and Probity.
1760 Voy. & Cruises Commodore Walker I. p. xiv Though this account may speak to the modesty of the gentleman himself, yet it is so far paradoxical, that it takes greatly from his merit.
1779 Mirror No. 63 The reverence with which I looked on him in the one character, never took from the tender and affectionate warmth [etc.].
a1849 H. Coleridge Ess. & Marginalia (1851) II. 159 There is an intense Kinginess about the elder Harry which takes from our sympathies with his sufferings.
1891 Temple Bar Oct. 254 It takes greatly from the pleasure.
1917 New-Church League Jrnl. Dec. 50/2 What does trouble me is the thought that those horrid letters of mine may have taken from your pleasure.
1974 J. B. Keane Lett. Love-hungry Farmer 58 I have a lady for you... It's fair to tell you that she has the false teeth, upper and lower but this don't take from her.
2002 H. Jacobson Who's Sorry Now? (2003) ii. 19 The scruffiness taking from the excitement, unless scruffiness happened to be what excited you.
d. transitive. With from, off: to subtract (a number or quantity) from another; to deduct. Cf. give or take at give v. Phrases 9c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > perform arithmetic or algebraic operations [verb (transitive)] > subtract
to do awayOE
drawc1392
to take out of ——a1398
to take offa1400
withdrawc1400
subtray?c1425
ydraw?c1425
surtretec1440
to take away?1537
rebate1543
subtract1543
subduct?1556
substra?1558
pull?a1560
subduce?a1560
substract1559
to pull back?1574
difference1658
take1798
minus1963
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. i. 42 If you take two from the number of the sides of a figure, the number of the sides remayning, is the number of the order of the figure.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. i. 54 This her Sonne, Cannot take two from twenty for his heart, And leaue eighteene. View more context for this quotation
1663 H. Walrond Arithm. Tables ii. 15 If you take two from 2 there will remain nothing.
1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Substract, to take one number from another.
1798 C. Hutton Course Math. I. 8 6 − 2, denotes that 2 is to be taken from 6.
1876 E. Jenkins Blot on Queen's Head 28 Every one took 50 per cent. off Bobby's expletives.
1890 Sat. Rev. 16 Aug. 192/1 Twopence in the pound was taken off the tea-duty.
1938 Motor Boating Apr. 88/2 He wondered how the miracle could be performed of taking ten from one and leaving a remainder of twenty.
2001 Guardian 27 Apr. 21/2 The 1p the chancellor took off income tax is costing £2.5bn a year.
54.
†a. transitive. To translate (a text) into another language. Also with to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > translation > translate [verb (transitive)]
setc888
wendeOE
turnc1175
writec1275
drawa1325
translatea1375
expound1377
takea1382
interpret1382
transpose1390
remue?a1400
renderc1400
put?a1425
to draw outa1450
reducec1450
compile1483
redige?1517
make1529
traducea1533
traduct1534
converta1538
do1561
to set out1597
transcribe1639
throw1652
metaphrase1868
versionize1874
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Esther Prol. 13 (MED) Þat ȝee mown knowen me..þe ebrue storie to han taken [L. tradidisse] to latyn tunge.
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) l. 25 A clerk itt in to latyn tooke Att hertford out of a booke.
b. transitive. With preposition, adverb, or adverbial phrase: to bring to a specified state or non-physical position; to raise or lower in degree, intensity, or status; to advance or put back. Cf. to take down 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.See also to take it to the bridge at bridge n.1 Phrases 10, to take it from the top at top n.1 and adj. Phrases 6r.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition
set971
haveOE
wendOE
to bring onc1230
teemc1275
putc1330
run1391
casta1400
laya1400
stead1488
constitute1490
render1490
takea1530
introduce1532
deduce1545
throw?1548
derive?c1550
turn1577
to work up1591
estate1605
arrive1607
state1607
enduea1616
assert1638
sublime1654
to run up1657
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. CCx Yf [he]..had taken his body to lyfe agayn, streyght after his expiracyon.
1589 J. Lyly Pappe with Hatchet To Father & two Sonnes. sig. A2 Now haue at you all my gaffers of the rayling religion, tis I that must take you a peg lower.
a1627 J. Hayward Life & Raigne Edward Sixt (1630) 86 They were all desirous that the Protectors greatnesse should be taken lower.
1664 P. Wyche tr. J. Freire de Andrade Life Dom John de Castro i. 11 As I will (though against my Custom) more largely relate, taking it higher, not to Disjoynt the History.
1755 Gentleman's & London Mag. Apr. 186/2 For the clearer apprehension of the matter, we must take things a little higher.
1771 J. Entick New Lat. & Eng. Dict. Contundo, to take one a pin lower, to repress, to tame, to mitigate.
1838 Musical World 17 May 55 Perhaps if she takes it lower on a future occasion, she will find reason to be satisfied with the original key.
1890 Field 24 May 750/3 By steady play the score was taken to 18.
1922 Science 3 Feb. 109/1 Renner has recently taken the subject of pollen analysis to a new level.
1942 W. T. Bartholomew Acoustics of Music iv. 187 They make the leading tone even more sensitive by taking it higher than its true pitch.
1945 C. E. Balleisen Princ. Firearms x. 105 When a gun which has been built at approximately 70 F is taken to such extreme temperatures, there will occur expansion or contraction of the metal.
1973 Guardian 19 Dec. 12/2 This process, together with world commodity prices, will take inflation to an annual rate above 20 per cent.
1995 P. Conroy Beach Music (1996) xxi. 340 He took his team to the brink of the championship.
2001 Sugar Feb. 61 It takes time to find the right boy, so don't despair if your crush doesn't want to take things further.
2006 A. Steffen et al. Worldchanging (2008) 25 Deciding to take your career in a new direction.
c. transitive. To draw or lead (a person's thoughts, mind, etc.) in a particular direction. Also: to lead (a person) away from or into a particular line of thought. Chiefly with from, off.See also to take (also get, draw, etc.) one's mind off (from) at mind n.1 14c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc.
withdraw1340
distractc1380
waive1390
wresta1400
to turn aside1535
avocate1543
detract1548
to turn off1573
take1574
swaya1593
to put out1616
to put off1631
sidetrack1887
to turn off1951
1574 J. Higgins 1st Pt. Mirour for Magistrates f. 2 Me thoughte nothing my minde from them could take So long as Somnus suffered me to wake.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 344 Your heart is full of something, that do's take Your minde from feasting. View more context for this quotation
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon ii. v. 238 An accident fell out that soon took the Duke off all thoughts of that Solemnity.
1711 R. Steele et al. Lucubrations Isaac Bickerstaff (rev. ed.) III. 93 A Mail from Holland, which brought me several Advices from Foreign Parts, and took my Thoughts off Domestick Affairs.
1742 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 4) I. 41 These deluded People are taken into an Approbation of indeed an Ignis fatuus.
1770 F. Warner Hist. Ireland I. iii. 213 It matters little, whether we suppose it to be real or fictitious history; because if only the latter, it serves to take the mind off from a scene of horror.
1857 C. Dickens Little Dorrit i. vi. 44 ‘The flies trouble you don't they my dear?’ said Mrs Bangham. ‘But p'raps they'll take your mind off of it, and do you good.’
1861 Welcome Guest No. 91. 310/1 It supplies a new interest to the man's mind, and takes him from thoughts which drove him mad in the first instance.
1948 D. Welch Brave & Cruel 245 Mary..had nothing to take her mind from the hideous picture of a breast pump, a whorish wife and an idiot baby.
1985 N. Sahgal Rich like Us xx. 213 He and the boy were working on a play..as a therapy for the boy as it took his thoughts off his pain.
2006 J. Russell Fortune & Power xvi. 125 You don't fancy going blackberrying do you?.. To take your mind off business.
d. transitive. Business. With adjective complement: to lead (a business, company, etc.) in a specified direction or into a particular state or condition.
ΚΠ
1971 N.Y. Times 7 Mar. (Business & Finance section) iii. 3/1 The stock market's been going up for nine months. Let's try to take the company public again!
1989 P. Lynch One up on Wall St. 287 The leverages buyout, or LBO, through which entire companies or divisions are ‘taken private’.
1996 S. K. Scott Millionaire's Notebk. ii. 36 We decided we wanted to take the company national, and I met with an investor on the East Coast.
2010 Irish Times (Nexis) 12 May (Finance section) 19 It is clear they have the financial fire-power to take the business global.
** To begin, to set about, to apply oneself.
55. intransitive. With infinitive as complement.
†a. To begin to do something; to set about doing something. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)]
beginc1000
take?a1160
comsea1225
gina1325
commencec1330
tamec1386
to take upa1400
enterc1510
to stand to1567
incept1569
start1570
to set into ——1591
initiate1604
imprime1637
to get to ——1655
flesh1695
to start on ——1885
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1135 Dauid king of Scotland toc to uuerrien him.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4772 Swa..þatt hiss bodiȝ toc To rotenn bufenn eorþe.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1000 (MED) Now haþ tristrem y tan Oȝain moraunt to fiȝt.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12029 Þan tok ioseph iesus to ledde, Maria and þai ham-ward yede.
1480 Table Prouffytable Lernynge (Caxton) (1964) 37 Laurence the masone Hath take to masone [Fr. a pris a machonner].
b. To devote or apply oneself to a habitual action. Cf. to take to —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)]
doeOE
followOE
holda1100
found1340
exercec1374
enhaunta1382
usea1398
proceed1399
apply?c1400
practise?c1430
exercise1467
takea1500
plya1513
enure1549
prosecute1567
inurea1577
manage1579
to stand on ——1599
to carry on1638
cultivate1654
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 86 (MED) Men that were feble of witte..toke in custome to wourship and pray to the ydoles.
1677 A. Yarranton England's Improvem. 157 Since the Welsh took to break up their Mountains, and sow them with Corn, they have Corn sufficient for themselves.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 182. ¶2 I had..so much Indignation and Resolution, as not to go upon the Town, as the Phrase is, but took to work for my Living in an obscure Place.
1736 in G. Lamoine Charges to Grand Jury (1992) 279 'Tis not these only..but your very Servants and Trades-folks, Men and Women, that have taken to drink these pernicious Liquors.
1839 Times 5 Oct. 4/2 He took to cultivate his genius by reading political economy.
1856 E. A. Freeman in W. R. W. Stephens Life & Lett. E. A. Freeman (1895) I. iv. 232 I have taken to write a little in a penny paper called the Star.
1890 Blackwood's Mag. 147 262/2 Their taking to smoke tobacco.
1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors III. xi. 233 She has taken to like him.
1908 E. M. Forster Room with View iii. 47 If Miss Honeychurch ever takes to live as she plays, it will be very exciting—both for us and for her.
1992 Philadelphia Tribune 29 Dec. 6 a/2 The ‘rebellion’, as African-American leaders have taken to call it.
†56. intransitive. With and and coordinate verb: to set about the action specified by the verb. Cf. sense 60c. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1135 Agenes him [sc. Stephen] risen sona þa rice men þe wæron swikes, alre fyrst Balduin de Reduers, & held Execestre agenes him, & te king it besæt, & siððan Balduin acordede. Þa tocan þa oðre & helden her castles agenes him.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 18883 & toc. & sennde an sanderrmann Þatt wass iohan ȝehatenn.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1751 He toc and wente and folwede on.
†57. transitive (reflexive). With infinitive as complement. To begin to do something; to set about doing something. Also: to devote or apply oneself to a habitual action. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 54 The duke Benes..toke hym selfe for to wepe strongly.
1628 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence (ed. 2) vi. 165 They tooke themselues first to rob vpon the sea coastes.
a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 83 A state..which they took themselves peculiarly to enjoy.
*** To deliver, give, commit.
58.
a. transitive (reflexive). To devote oneself to God, Christ, the Devil, etc., as an adherent or disciple. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake or apply oneself [verb (reflexive)] > commit oneself
takec1175
commit1774
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 356 Aȝȝ fra þatt adam godd forrlet. & toc himm to þe deofell.
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) 72 He..Forsaket ðore Satanas..; Takeð him to Iesu Crist, For he sal ben his mede.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 23046 Þat al þis werld welth for-sok, And anerli to godd þam tok.
c1565 Parl. Byrdes (new ed.) sig. B.iv The Hauke sayde I take me to my crede, Who so will spende with you he may speede.
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 941 I will forsaik Mahoun, and tak me to his micht.
a1658 J. Durham Clavis Cantici (1668) iv. 225 All the defects that abound in created excellencies, should necessitate the believer to take himself to Christ.
1905 N.Y. Observer 23 Nov. 684/1 Had Nehemiah and his laborers depended upon their own resources and undertaken the work in their own strength it would have come to naught, but they took themselves to God and found a defense against all their enemies.
b. transitive (reflexive). To apply oneself to a task, activity, or goal; to devote oneself to. Cf. to take to —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2.Recorded earliest in to take to rede at rede n.1 Phrases 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about > devote oneself to or take time for
takea1350
to give (also put, set, turn) one's mind toc1450
to give upa1616
to give into ——1692
invest1837
a1350 ( in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 21 Þe traytours of scotlond token hem to rede, þe barouns of engelond to brynge to dede.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4032 (MED) Þir breþer tuain þam tok to red To dele þair landes þam bi-tuixs.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 13429 Of wif forsoke he hondbonde And toke [Vesp. turnd] him to þe better honde.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1905) II. 350 (MED) He lefte all his gude & tuke hym to pouertie.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 749/1 I take me to relygyon, or any other Kynde of Lyvynge wherein I must contynue.
1570 T. Wilson in tr. Demosthenes 3 Orations Ep. Ded. sig. *jv Such are contented..to weare our Countrie cloth, and to take themselues to hard fare.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas sig. E.iiiiv Art thou a craftsman? take thee to thine arte.
1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick i. sig. B For then he tooke him-selfe to ease & rest.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 296 One of these Leaves..took it self to walking as soon as he touch'd it.
1742 Select Trials Old-Bailey (new ed.) III. 342 He..took himself to Black guarding, Picking, Stealing, Shop-lifting, Drinking, &c.
1888 S. Veitch Dean's Daughter I. viii. 155 I..took myself to the Chase.
1890 E. L. Arnold Wonderful Adventures Phra the Phœnician v. 75 She would not eat and would not speak, and at last took her to crying.
1906 Jrnl. Asiatic Soc. Bengal Feb. p. xxviii The most profitable course which a serious student of Indian antiquities may pursue is to take himself to the study of Tibetan.
1977 K. E. Woodiwiss Shanna xxiii. 542 If that Abe Hawkins wouldna taken himself to drinking his life away, she and her ma coulda had a lot more.
2000 M. Paldiel Saving Jews v. 133 Eichmann with his Hungarian accomplices immediately took themselves to the task of destroying the country's over 700,000 Jews.
†c. transitive (reflexive). To have recourse to one's heels, flight, or a similar means of protection or safety; = betake v. 4a. Cf. to take to —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (reflexive)] > run away
to flee one's wayc1275
take?a1425
to betake or smite oneself to flight1490
to set oneself in flight1625–6
?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1940) l. 20084 (MED) Sum rad, sum tok þam to þar fote.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 749/1 I take me to my legges, I flye a waye.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VII f. xlix So deceauyng his kepers [he] toke him to his heeles.
1580 T. Churchyard Plaine Rep. Daungerous Seruice sig. c.iiiv The Frier firste shotte of his peece, then he tooke him to his Pike or Halberte, and laste fell to his sworde.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. viii. 38 Which people perceiuing them selues entrapped..fearefully tooke them to their weapons.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 23 The Gyantes..tooke them to their heeles and so were ouercome.
1681 J. Lloyd Solomon's Song vi. 25 Overcome with the Surprizing Sight..I took me to my flight.
1759 Mod. Part Universal Hist. XIII. xvi. i. 511 The greater part took themselves to their heels, and fled into the high mountains of Judea.
1863 D. Ross Acct. Bot. Rambles 11 He speedily took himself to flight with a meandering motion, and was in a trice no more seen.
†d. intransitive. With into: to apply or devote oneself to; to take up. Cf. to take to —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)] > take up (a habit)
fall1541
approach1574
form1736
take1742
to take on1886
1742 R. North & M. North Life F. North 146 His Business formerly lay in the Chancery; but he took into the Treason Trade.
1756 J. Clubbe Misc. Tracts (1770) I. 105 Men had better read but few books at large, than take into this short and fallacious method of attaining..imperfect knowledge.
1765 J. Clubbe Let. Advice to Clergyman 6 Some Men taking into Life of Pleasure, others into an easy Chair of Sleep and Indolence.
1864 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia IV. xv. vi. 92 Taking deeply into tobacco.
†59. transitive. With indirect object or to: to deliver, hand over; to commit, entrust; to give. Cf. betake v. 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > give [verb (transitive)] > hand to or put before a person
i-taechec888
reacheOE
giveOE
takec1300
to hand over1652
c1300 St. Katherine (Laud) 254 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 99 To lhesu crist ich habbe al-so al min heorte i-take.
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1978) l. 11166 And ich wolle..to hostage take þe mine sone [c1275 Calig. biteche þe mine þreo sunen].
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 2027 Some sede þat him betere were take is neueu conan Þe kinedom of þis lond.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 323 Moyses..took his wif [L. uxori tradidit] þe ryng of forȝetnesse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 15411 (MED) In to ȝoure hondes I shal him take [Vesp. teche].
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xv. l. 575 Owre lorde wrote it hym-selue, In stone..And toke it moyses to teche men til Messye come.
1436 in T. Burton & J. Raine Hist. & Antiq. Parish of Hemingbrough (1888) 393 I writte no more..at this tyme, so I tak ȝow to þe Holy Trinite.
a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (BL Add. 9066) (1879) 183 Take me the Ryng, and I shall[e] kepe it as my lyf.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxvi. 226 Al that ye take me to kepe shalbe sauely kept to your behoue.
1533 T. More Answere Poysened Bk. i. xvi. f. lxxii When he toke them the bred and bode them eate it.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) i. v. sig. C.ijv Who tooke thee thys letter?
**** To take one's course, to go.
60.
a. transitive (reflexive). With adverb or preposition of direction: to make one's way, to proceed, to go. Cf. to take off 5e at Phrasal verbs 1.In later use with admixture of sense 52a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (reflexive)]
fersec1000
teec1275
voida1387
withdraw1390
takea1393
avoida1400
devoida1400
shifta1400
avyec1440
trussa1450
deferc1480
remove1530
convey1535
subtractc1540
subduce1542
retire?1548
substract1549
room1566
to take off1620
to make oneself scarce1809
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 1063 (MED) Thei..toke hem to the hihe See.
1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) i. viii. sig. avi He took hym to a strong towre with .V.C good men with hym.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xvi. 385 After all thyse wordes, they toke theym selfe on their waye.
1582 G. Whetstone Heptameron Ciuill Disc. sig. A.i I tooke me to a deepe beaten way, which promised a likelyhood to finde out some spedie Harbour.
a1614 J. Melville Black Bastel (1634) sig. A2 I took me to a caue where was some hay, The mouth whereof lay open to the Sun.
1685 R. Brady Compl. Hist. Eng. 239 Roger left him, and took himself to Caros-Castle, which was his Wives Inheritance, and there grew old and died.
1747 Biographia Britannica I. 200 He..took himself to wise Guanhumara, a lady descended from the Romans, of exquisite beauty.
1799 A. Plumptre tr. A. von Kotzebue Force of Calumny iv. x. 75 Will the gentleman be so good as to take himself to his chamber—this here is mine.
1822 Ld. Byron Werner i. i. 600 He will take himself to bed.
1866 A. Trollope Belton Estate III. viii. 210 I am to pack up, bag and baggage, and take myself elsewhere.
1904 Pict. Rev. Jan. 7/1 The sparrow..took himself on his way in stately silence.
1920 Mining & Sci. Press 24 July 126/1 Our mine promoter took himself down the working-shaft, and then into the old drift and cross-cut.
2005 T. Allen Gift of Game (2006) 205 I took myself to the hospital and this old doctor took some x-rays.
b. intransitive. To make one's way, to proceed, to go; = nim v. 2a, fang v.1 7. Chiefly with adverb or preposition of direction, and frequently with implications of prompt or forceful movement. Now chiefly regional.See also to take away 4 at Phrasal verbs 1, to take back 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, to take off 10a at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)]
nimeOE
becomec885
teec888
goeOE
i-goc900
lithec900
wendeOE
i-farec950
yongc950
to wend one's streetOE
fare971
i-wende971
shakeOE
winda1000
meteOE
wendOE
strikec1175
seekc1200
wevec1200
drawa1225
stira1225
glidea1275
kenc1275
movec1275
teemc1275
tightc1275
till1297
chevec1300
strake13..
travelc1300
choosec1320
to choose one's gatea1325
journeyc1330
reachc1330
repairc1330
wisec1330
cairc1340
covera1375
dressa1375
passa1375
tenda1375
puta1382
proceedc1392
doa1400
fanda1400
haunta1400
snya1400
take?a1400
thrilla1400
trace?a1400
trinea1400
fangc1400
to make (also have) resortc1425
to make one's repair (to)c1425
resort1429
ayrec1440
havea1450
speer?c1450
rokec1475
wina1500
hent1508
persevere?1521
pursuec1540
rechec1540
yede1563
bing1567
march1568
to go one's ways1581
groyl1582
yode1587
sally1590
track1590
way1596
frame1609
trickle1629
recur1654
wag1684
fadge1694
haul1802
hike1809
to get around1849
riddle1856
bat1867
biff1923
truck1925
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 13039 So hard þe parties togider toke þat alle þe valeie about schoke.
a1425 (?a1350) Gospel of Nicodemus (Galba) (1907) l. 1122 (MED) On þe morn furth gan þai pas, to þaire iorne þai ta.
a1450 Castle of Love (Bodl. Add.) (1967) 1686 (MED) In good tyme þe[y] wer ibor That to þat feste mowe takyn [Fr. purrunt venir], That God wole wiþ hem in heuyn makyn.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 224 Whan they were all mounted they toke on theyr way.
a1500 (c1400) St. Erkenwald (1977) 57 (MED) Tithynges token to þe toun of þe toumbe wonder.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 598 A lyty whyll be-fore the day, He toke in-to a Ryde-wey.
1533 Fabyans Cronycle (new ed.) I. v. cxviii. sig. lvv He sodenly lefte that towne, and with a certeyne of Brytons toke ouer Seuarne water, and so into walys.
c1557 R. Woodman in J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (1583) II. 1985 So I tooke downe a lane that was ful of sharpe synders, and they came running after, with a great crie.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. iii. 19 They tooke on their way to seeke a new place of habitation.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 193 Turning backe, we tooke vp the said streete to the West.
1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 282 They tooke downe through a groue of Alder trees.
c1645 I. Tullie Narr. Siege of Carlisle (1840) 5 Most of the fugatives took streight for Carlisle.
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 221 My Lord took along the edge of the Hills.
1798 Sporting Mag. Jan. 195/1 From thence being closely pressed, he took into a cottage near the end of Woburn town.
1801 ‘Gabrielli’ Mysterious Husband III. 74 I took across some fields for the nearest way.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting vi. 212 He [sc. the elephant] gave chase, and I took up the hill.
1892 Mrs. E. Stewart in A. E. Lee Hist. Columbus I. 264 A gang of wolves took after her.
a1926 G. Quarrie in W. W. Gill Manx Dial. (1934) ii. 127 Bill Brew..took across the fiel's home.
1943 J. Stuart Taps for Private Tussie 160 Then Mort Higgins and his wife Bell took down the road in a hurry. Dave Tussie, his wife and three youngins took out after Mort and Belle.
1961 W. Rawls Where Red Fern Grows x. 99 I knew it was time for him [sc. a raccoon] to take up a tree, and sure enough, I heard the deep voice of Old Dan telling the world he had a coon up a tree.
c. intransitive. With and and coordinate verb: to proceed to do the action specified by the verb; = go v. 30c. regional (chiefly U.S.) in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > bestir oneself > go and do something
goOE
take1795
1795 B. Dearborn Columbian Gram. 136 List of improprieties..I took and did it for I did it.
1836 Southern Lit. Messenger ii. 388/2 If you do so I will take and tell father.
1859 T. Hughes Scouring of White Horse vi. 129 This here..maypowl wur the last in all these parts..but..the Uffington chaps cum up, and tuk and carried 'un down ther'.
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer i. 23 I'll take and bounce a rock off'n your head.
1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 45 ‘She's gone,’ Cash says. ‘She taken and left us,’ pa says.
1977 ‘L. Egan’ Blind Search viii. 133 Poor soul, this awful cancer. She took and died inside of three months.
2006 J. B. Morton Soul Like River (2011) i. 26 I 'spect yo boy done took and got him some of them city ways by ni.
61. intransitive. With adverb or preposition of direction. Of a road, river, etc.: to extend, stretch; to have a specified course; = run v. 65a. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > extend in space [verb (intransitive)] > extend in a certain direction
liec1000
shootc1000
drawc1180
stretcha1387
streek1388
bear1556
trend1598
tend1604
take1610
to make out1743
to put out1755
trench1768
make1787
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 731 Where it [sc. the high road] taketh Northward, it leadeth by Caldwell and Aldburgh.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors iv. 123 The Wolga divides it self into two branches, whereof one, which takes into the Country on the left hand, goes a course contrary to that of the great River, taking towards East-North-East.
1794 N. Parry Jrnl. in Kentucky Hist. Soc. Reg. (1936) 34 388 The road took into the R[iver].
1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia V. xviii. ii. 29 [The river] Moldau..takes straight to northward again.
1894 S. R. Crockett Raiders 175 At this point the drove-road took over the Folds Hill.
1906 H. Speight Nidderdale from Nun Monkton to Wernside xxiii. 334 The Roman road..passed two other camps, at Castley and Horn Bank, Rigton, whence the road took over Pannal High Ash and Harlow Hill, forward to Ripley.
1929 R. L. Pemberton Hist. Pleasants County, W. Va. iii. 32 This road still is used.., following the top of the ridge..then down..to just below the mouth of Sharp's run, where it takes up the hill.
V. To select or use for a particular purpose.
62. transitive. To pick out (an individual person or thing) from a group; to select, choose.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > types of choice > choose in specific way [verb (transitive)] > choose or get by lot
takec1175
sort1513
draw1564
lot1617
ballot1785
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10273 Teȝȝ þa tokenn sanderrmenn, Off preostess. & off dæcness.
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) l. 6076 Ten þusend cnihtes tock Gracien forþrihtes [c1275 Calig. he chæs..ten þusend cnihten].
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 1 Kings xiv. 42 Saul seiþ, Leiþ lot betwen me & Jonathan my sone, & Jonathas is takyn.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 11013 Twey men were yn choys to take Oþer laurence, oþer Symake; hys felaus alle, Symakus chese.
1535 M. Coverdale 1 Sam. xiv. 42 Saul sayde: Cast the lot ouer me and my sonne Ionathas. So Ionathas was taken.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. f. 63v Take a number, as 11. and deuide it into two partes, namely, 7. and 4.
a1625 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Two Noble Kinsmen (1634) ii. iii. 75 [Peasant] Thou wilt not goe along. Arc. Not yet Sir. [P.] Well Sir Take your owne time.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 219 Good Commanders in the Warres, must be taken, be they neuer so Ambitious.
1746 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Satires i. iv. 65 Take me a Man, at venture, from the Croud.
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1769 I. 325 Johnson: I'll take you five children from London, who shall cuff five Highland children.
1843 J. S. Knowles Secretary iv. i. 42 Take your own time And opportunity. I shall expect to hear from you.
1852 A. Ryland Assay of Gold & Silver 83 Several coins are taken at random from a certain weigh.., and are assayed by the jury.
1914 Outlook 3 Jan. 4/1 A child taken from the crowd pushed a button, and a star blazed from the top of the great Christmas tree.
1980 C. S. French Computer Sci. xxii. 144 If you take a true relation and convert all ones to noughts, all noughts to ones..you will obtain the dual of the relation.
2007 E. Tyson Mutual Funds for Dummies (ed. 5) i. iii. 54 Take a number between 30..and 50..and add that to your child's age.
63.
a. transitive. To proceed to deal with mentally; to consider. Frequently used in imperative phrases to introduce a topic for consideration.See also to take together 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, to take into consideration at consideration n. 2c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)]
talec897
ween971
takec1175
weigha1200
deem?c1225
judge?c1225
guessc1330
reta1382
accounta1387
aretc1386
assize1393
consider1398
ponder?a1400
adjudgec1440
reckonc1440
peisec1460
ponderate?a1475
poisea1483
trutinate1528
steem1535
rate?1555
sense1564
compute1604
censure1605
cast1606
cense1606
estimate1651
audit1655
state1671
balance1692
esteem1711
appraise1823
figure1854
tally1860
revalue1894
lowball1973
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > consider, deliberate [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
showeOE
i-mune971
thinkOE
overthinkOE
takec1175
umbethinkc1175
waltc1200
bethinkc1220
wend?c1225
weighc1380
delivera1382
peisea1382
considerc1385
musec1390
to look over ——a1393
advise?c1400
debatec1400
roll?c1400
revert?a1425
advertc1425
deliberc1425
movec1425
musec1425
revolvec1425
contemplec1429
overseec1440
to think overc1440
perpend1447
roil1447
pondera1450
to eat inc1450
involvec1470
ponderate?a1475
reputec1475
counterpoise1477
poisea1483
traversec1487
umbecast1487
digest1488
undercast1489
overhalec1500
rumble1519
volve?1520
compassa1522
recount1526
trutinate1528
cast1530
expend1531
ruminate1533
concoct1534
contemplate1538
deliberate1540
revolute1553
chawa1558
to turn over1568
cud1569
cogitate1570
huik1570
chew1579
meditatec1580
discourse1581
speculate1599
theorize1599
scance1603
verse1614
pensitate1623
agitate1629
spell1633
view1637
study1659
designa1676
introspect1683
troll1685
balance1692
to figure on or upon1837
reflect1862
mull1873
to mull over1874
scour1882
mill1905
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > be approved or gain acceptance [verb (intransitive)]
pass1405
to pass muster1573
serve1593
takea1635
take1639
resenta1646
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 325 Tacc nu þiss streon þatt tuss wass sibb. Wiþþ preostess. & wiþþ kingess.
?1387 T. Wimbledon Serm. (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 116 Take þat Danyel haþ writen.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 541 If this present argument be take..into depe leiserful consideracioun.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xix. 191 For example ye may take these verses.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. ii. 186 He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not looke vpon his like againe.
a1635 R. Sibbes Heavenly Conf. (1656) 66 Take a good Christian at the worst, he is better than another at the best.
1709 J. Addison Let. (1941) 158 Which..will amount to Two Thousand five hundred ll. every yeare taking one yeare with another.
1747 Fool (1748) II. 319 Take one Man with another now in Prison.
1820 Examiner No. 615. 51/1 If the Chamber were to take the petitions into its consideration.
1836 W. T. Brande Man. Chem. (1841) 138 Let us take a fresh-water lake as an example.
1853 Law Jrnl. Rep. 31 iii. 120/2 Taking the second point first, the question is, whether [etc.].
1900 Pall Mall Gaz. 16 Feb. 4/3 There is..the development of the lager beer business to take into consideration.
1943 Scotsman 22 Dec. 4/6 This, taken with the possible saving of live-born infants, would represent a total saving of 5210 lives every year.
2001 N. M. Schulman Where Troubadours were Bishops ii. 40 The old joke, ‘Take my wife . . . no, take my wife!’ may go back very far indeed.
2005 C. Tudge Secret Life Trees xii. 288 Take, for example, the American tropics.., the most diverse ecosystem of all.
b. transitive. To use or utter (a person's name) in a particular way. Chiefly in to take (a person's name) in vain (see vain adj. and n. Phrases 2b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > treat or use (name)
takec1175
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4402 Þatt tu ne take nohht wiþþ skarn. Wiþþ hæþinng. ne wiþþ idell. Þe name off ure laferrd crist.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 89 (MED) Honury þou schelt enne god..Take nauȝt hys name in ydelschepe.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §596 Euery man that taketh goddes name in ydel. or falsly swereth with his mouth.
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) l. 25228 Þat we tak neuer þi name in vayn..bot honore it als es worthy.
a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 227 God seyth þat hoso take his name in veyn he schal nouȝt pasyn vnpunchid.
1509 S. Hawes Conuercyon Swerers (de Worde) 23 Ye dare not take their names in vanyte.
1645 J. Ussher Body of Divinitie 238 By saying in our common talke; O Lord, O God, O Jesus, &c...such foolish admirations, and taking Gods Name lightly upon every occasion is here condemned.
1691 Let. to Friend 1 I know a Prince that..has..taken God's Name in his Mouth, and in Vain, to colour over the Murthers he with his Armies, Judges, and Juries commits.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 99 Who's that takes my Name in vain?
1879 J. Hunter-Duvar Enamorado ii. iv. 74 Thus shall no patterers' pratings vex the court, Nor gossips' breath take noble names in vain.
1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 12 May 3/1 Tragedy is a name not to be taken in vain, least of all by a poet of Mr. Swinburne's calibre.
1919 Boston Sunday Globe 5 Oct. (Mag.) 10/2 [He] had threatened to punch the head of any correspondent who took his name lightly between the bars of his typewriter.
a1933 J. Galsworthy End of Chapter (1934) ii. xxvi. 530 Those candescent worlds, circled by little off-split planets—were their names taken in vain.
2007 Sunday Times (Nexis) 17 June (Style section) 54 Conran has always been vain about his name, and now a committee is taking his name in vain.
c. transitive. To proceed to deal with practically; to treat in a particular way; to take in hand, to tackle. Now frequently with it and adverb or adverbial phrase, as to take it easy at easy adv. 4a.See also to take at advantage at advantage n. Phrases 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with
entreat?a1450
overtakea1500
to go on ——1508
take1523
to go about ——?1533
to set upon ——1555
fall1589
to turn one's hand1628
to take to task1649
tackle1847
to take on1898
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xviii. 24 They wold haue ben slayn, or taken at auauntage.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. cxcviii. sig. Iviv To take thyne enemyes by wyles.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 418 This disease..if it be taken in any time it is easie to be holpen.
1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 62 They themselves will better take this difference among themselves.
1720 D. Manley Power of Love v. 281 Being taken at such disadvantage, his Valour would have signify'd little.
1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xx. 288 The Business is to take the Distemper in its first Stage.
1812 T. Jefferson Writings (1830) IV. 176 To fight two enemies at a time, rather than to take them by succession.
1896 Law Times 100 438/2 Admiralty Appeals with Assessors will be taken in Appeal Court I on Wednesday.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 110/2 Mixing cement is hard work but you can take it slow and easy so as not to overtax yourself.
1977 J. R. L. Anderson Death in City xi. 170 The Radio Officer handed me a telephone... ‘It's simplex, remember..you have to take it in turns to speak and listen.’
2010 Daily Tel. 4 Jan. 22/3 She sang Mimi with great warmth and beauty of tone, taking both her arias very slowly.
d. transitive. slang. To overpower, defeat; to kill. Also: to confront, attack (a person). Cf. to take out 1c at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)]
assail?c1225
to set on ——c1290
saila1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
to set against ——c1330
impugnc1384
offendc1385
weighc1386
checka1400
to lay at?a1400
havec1400
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
rehetea1450
besail1460
fray1465
tuilyie1487
assaulta1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
sturt1513
attempt1546
lay1580
tilt1589
to fall aboard——1593
yoke1596
to let into1598
to fall foul1602
attack1655
do1780
to go in at1812
to pitch into ——1823
tackle1828
vampire1832
bushwhack1837
to go for ——1838
take1864
pile1867
volcano1867
to set about ——1879
vampirize1888
to get stuck into1910
to take to ——1911
weigh1941
rugby-tackle1967
rugger-tackle1967
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or defeat
shendc893
overwinOE
overheaveOE
mate?c1225
to say checkmatea1346
vanquishc1366
stightlea1375
outrayc1390
to put undera1393
forbeat1393
to shave (a person's) beardc1412
to put to (also at, unto) the (also one's) worsec1425
adawc1440
supprisec1440
to knock downc1450
to put to the worsta1475
waurc1475
convanquish1483
to put out1485
trima1529
convince1548
foil1548
whip1571
evict1596
superate1598
reduce1605
convict1607
defail1608
cast1610
banga1616
evince1620
worst1646
conquer1655
cuffa1657
trounce1657
to ride down1670
outdo1677
routa1704
lurcha1716
fling1790
bowl1793
lick1800
beat1801
mill1810
to row (someone) up Salt River1828
defeat1830
sack1830
skunk1832
whop1836
pip1838
throw1850
to clean out1858
take1864
wallop1865
to sock it to1877
whack1877
to clean up1888
to beat out1893
to see off1919
to lower the boom on1920
tonk1926
clobber1944
ace1950
to run into the ground1955
1864 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 24 Dec. 1/4 I kant 'ear em [sc. dogs] anny moar. I'll lay my right eye tu a yaller gosseberry that 'e 'az ‘taked’ 'em.
1939 ‘E. Queen’ in Blue Bk. Oct. 17 Seems to me the champ ought to take this boy Koyle.
1956 E. L. Perry in A. Hitchcock Stories for Late at Night (1961) 270 Let's take him... That fat guy looks really loaded.
1965 I. Fleming Man with Golden Gun vii. 97 It had been damned fine shooting... How in hell was Bond going to take him?
1976 Publishers Weekly 1 Mar. 93/3 They broke their tie with the Giants and went on to take the Tigers in seven wild World Series games.
2007 J. Bannister Flawed xiv. 196 She eyed him sternly. ‘Daniel, I can take you in a fair fight any day of the week.’
64.
a. transitive. To proceed to occupy (a place or position). Cf. to take up 5b at Phrasal verbs 1.See also to take a back seat at back seat n., to take the chair at chair n.1 9a, to take the floor at floor n.1 4a, to take the lead at lead n.2 2a, to take the offensive at offensive n. 2a, take a pew at pew n.1 4, to take the place of at place n.1 13b, Phrases 1e, to take precedence at precedence n. 2, to take a seat at seat n. Phrases 2, to take one's stand at stand n.1 14a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > position or situation > [verb (transitive)] > take up (a position)
takec1275
to take up1523
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3977 He droh in ane hælue. & toc þan [c1300 Otho tock to] herberwe.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 548 This yonge Prince, as seith the bok, With hem his herbergage tok.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11443 (MED) Þai toke þair gesting in þe tun.
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) ix. l. 2141 The ground Itake of wilful pouerte.
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 55 The syde of some groue or highe woode, where she dothe ordinarily vse to pearch and take the stande.
1588 E. Aggas tr. F. de La Noue Politicke & Mil. Disc. 431 Horsemen and footemen..tooke their quarters else where.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xiii. 32 Thou robbed man of Iustice take thy place. View more context for this quotation
1682 J. Salgado Slaughter-house 10 Some Priest takes the Pulpit set up for the purpose, and in a Sermon extolls the holiness of the Inquisition.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 165. ¶5 They took Post behind a great Morass.
1753 T. Gray Long Story in Six Poems 21 She curtsies, as she takes her chair.
1807 Salmagundi 24 Feb. 67 The latter has taken his winter quarters..in the corner room opposite mine.
1844 New Monthly Mag. Jan. 131 Sir W——..was coming to town in a Hammersmith omnibus. Presently it stopped, and the vacant seat next to him was taken by Lord ——.
a1885 ‘H. Conway’ Cardinal Sin (1886) II. ii. 63 It was soon her turn to take the stage.
1887 Times (Weekly ed.) 9 Dec. 16/2 France cannot take the offensive, but she can paralyse Germany and Italy.
1907 Assembly Herald June 251/1 All the chairs were taken and many sat on the floor.
1919 Outing Mar. 307/1 Where some lumbermen had cut away the big timber.., I took my stand (or my seat) on one of these big stumps.
1953 P. G. Brewster Amer. Nonsinging Games 52 One player takes his position about midway between the two lines.
1974 ‘K. Royce’ Trap Spider ii. 30 Sit down, Spider. Take a pew.
1996 Q. Jrnl. Royal Astron. Soc. 37 609 After coffee, T. Clark took the chair for a session on the thermosphere.
†b. intransitive. To exist, occur; to come about. Cf. to take place (place n.1 Phrases 1e(e)). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > [verb (intransitive)] > come into existence
awakenc885
waxc888
arisec950
beOE
comeOE
aspringc1000
atspringOE
growOE
to come upOE
inrisea1300
breedc1385
upspringc1386
takec1391
to come in?c1430
engender?1440
uprise1471
braird?a1500
risea1513
insurde1521
insurge1523
spring1538
to start up1568
exsurge1578
upstart1580
become1605
born1609
c1391 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Bodl. 294) Prol. l. 90* (MED) Thus the prologe of my book After the world that whilom took, And eek somdel after the newe, I wol bygynne for to newe.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. l. 54 (MED) Thus I..Purpose forto wryte a bok After the world that whilom tok Long tyme in olde daies passed.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iv. l. 1562 And yf so be þat pes her-after take. As alday happeþ after anger game.
c. transitive. To be in charge of (the means of) steering, guiding, or piloting (a vessel or vehicle); (in extended use with helm, etc.) to take control of a situation.
ΚΠ
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 17 (MED) He wente into a boot..and took þe helme [L. clavum gubernaculi] in his hond, and was steresman.]
1607 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Serres in tr. Gen. Inuentorie Hist. France ii. 661 This Henry..whome wee shall see happily called from beyond the riuer of Loire, miraculously to take the helme of this estate.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis v. in tr. Virgil Wks. 360 The Ships, without thy Care, securely sail. Now steal an hour of sweet Repose; and I Will take the Rudder.
1733 Rev. Excise-scheme 60 No Man ever took the Helm in a Storm, from a Motive of Ambition.
a1773 P. D. Stanhope Misc. Wks. (1777) I. iv. 109 He [sc. Pulteney] thought, that by declining to take the rudder, he might have preserved his authority with the public, and his influence at court.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast ix. 74 The captain, who..‘knew the ropes’, took the steering oar.
a1890 F. Chase Hist. Dartmouth Coll. (1891) I. viii. 565 The condition of the College in its prudentials was such as might well have led any one to hesitate to take the helm.
1906 C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson Car of Destiny xxxiii Taking the wheel himself.., he backed the big, reddish-brown car off the barricade.
1930 A. Ransome Swallows & Amazons ii. 27 Will you take the tiller, mother, while I cast off?
1991 N.Y. Times Mag. 17 Nov. 43/2 While she has a driver in the city, she loves taking the wheel in the country.
2011 Guardian (Nexis) 17 Jan. (G2 section) 6 When he took the helm at the Daily Mirror he was still only 30.
d. transitive. In passive. Of an empty seat, space, etc.: to be reserved for or by someone.
ΚΠ
1840 Jrnl. Polite Lit. 31 Jan. 11/1 After I was seated..a servant..addressed me saying, ‘That seat is taken, sir.’ ‘I know it, because I am in it.’ ‘You must get down; that gentleman has taken it.’
1900 C. F. Pidgin Quincy Adams Sawyer xxviii. 306 He noticed that a lady sat near the window; when he reached it he raised his hat and leaning forward said politely, ‘Is this seat taken?’
1992 L. Bryan in First Fictions Introd. 11 63 ‘This seat taken?’ I ask Rose, plonking myself down on the only free chair in the room.
2012 L. Bacon Joshua Dread iv. 37 ‘Is this seat taken?’ She pointed to an empty seat beside me.
65.
a. transitive. To proceed along (a road, way, path, course, etc.). Also: to go through (a particular door). Frequently in figurative contexts.Sometimes with admixture of sense 62.See also course n., to take the high road at high road n. 1b, to take one's way at way n.1 and int.1 Phrases 1l(a), to take the way at way n.1 and int.1 Phrases 1l(b).
ΚΠ
a1350 (a1250) Harrowing of Hell (Harl.) (1907) 39 In godhed toke he þen way þat to helle gates lay.
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3152 Þus othere toke þat cors an haste.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17643 (MED) To ierusalem he tok þe strete.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) ii. 146 All him alane the way he tais.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vi. viii. 1 With all his speid fra thens he tuke the gait.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xxi. 63 I counsell you to take the long way.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A4v So many pathes,..That which of them to take, in diuerse doubt they been.
1684 E. Settle State of Eng. in Relation Popery 14 Any popish Crown'd Head in the World will..take that Path towards Popery.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 110 Pleas'd I am, no beaten Road to take . View more context for this quotation
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. x. 72 Which Way must we take ? View more context for this quotation
1768 A. Dow tr. M. Firishtah Hist. Hindostan I. iii. 168 But, being slain, his army took the way of infamy before them.
1796 H. Macneill Waes o' War iii. 20 Up he bang'd; and sair afflicted, Sad and silent took the road!
1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. I. iii. 123 Elizabeth had taken her line as to the Court of Rome.
1866 J. Robb Cottage, Bothy & Kitchen (ed. 2) 48 Coming out of the cow's drawing-room, we took the door on the opposite side of the passage and landed in her mistress's dining-room and bedroom.
1894 Pall Mall Mag. Sept. 151 A song about Lomond, of which I only remember—‘You tak the high road, and I'll tak the low road, And I'll be in Scotland afore you.’
1895 Law Times Rep. 73 22/1 The court..left the parties to take their own course.
1902 D. G. Hogarth Nearer East 222 The route taken by the Persian haj, after visiting the Euphratean shrines.
1963 Albuquerque (New Mexico) Tribune 13 Mar. b3/1 (advt.) When we are not sure what course we should take or what decision we should make, let us turn to God for help.
1987 R. Mistry Tales from Firozsha Baag (1992) 244 The elevator is not working because the power is out, so I take the stairs.
2003 I. Rankin Question of Blood (2004) viii. 153 Hogan's directions were to take the A711 west of Dumfries and head towards Dalbeattie.
b. transitive. To achieve the shelter or protection afforded by (a place); to gain, reach, repair to, or enter, esp. for refuge or safety; = to take to —— 1b at Phrasal verbs 2.Now chiefly in fixed phrases, as to take the field at field n.1 Phrases 5, to take one's inn at inn n. Phrases 1a(b), to take land at land n.1 Phrases 2a, to take refuge at refuge n. 1c, to take sanctuary at sanctuary n.1 6c, to take shelter at shelter n. 2a, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > esp. a place of refuge or safety
to take to ——c1300
take?a1400
to take up with1748
oasis1814
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > refuge or shelter > seek (refuge) [verb (transitive)]
take?a1400
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 5308 Hauen he toke at Porchestre.
c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 193 Þo þat might take þe brugge scapede.
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 10501 Thei token the toun with mychel spede–To saue her lyues.
1461 H. Windsor in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 251 The Duc of Excestre and th'Erle of Pembrok ar floon and taken the mounteyns.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Paris & Vienne (1957) 36 [He] took the ryuer wyth hys hors.
1512 Act 4 Hen. VIII c. 2 §2 If any murderer..hadde taken any Church or Churchyerd or murder.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. v. xiv. f. 169 Beinge vysited with sycknesse he toke his bedd.
1583 in D. H. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 600 Constraning him to tak his hous for the saifty of his lif.
1618 S. Rowlands Night-raven (1620) 12 A cruell Beare, which forc'd him take a tree.
1664 T. Killigrew Parsons Wedding v. iv in Comedies & Trag. 152 I counsel you to avoid the boys, and take shelter in the next house.
1723 Coll. Old Ballads 216 Then parted he..But past the Seas and took the Shore, And sped right well.
1773 M. Browne Angling Sports 44 A Company of Fishers, forced by bad Weather, take Harbour up a shady Creek, where they divert and refresh themselves.
1831 Examiner 443/2 Vipers occasionally take the water.
1852 R. F. Burton Falconry in Valley of Indus v. 61 The first falcon..caused the quarry to take the air.
1868 A. P. Stanley Hist. Mem. Westm. Abbey v. 364 But the right of asylum rendered the whole precinct a vast ‘cave of Adullam’ for all the distressed and discontented of the metropolis who desired, according to the phrase of the time, to ‘take Westminster’.
1954 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 4 Nov. (1995) 205 His armada that took haven at Umbar was so great..that Sauron's servants deserted him.
2001 Adventure Trav. July 45/1 The heavens opened and we were forced to take shelter from the torrential rain.
66.
a. To adopt or choose for a particular purpose or (with as, for) in a particular capacity; to have recourse to or to avail oneself of (a means, method, opportunity, etc.).See also to take (the) advantage at advantage n. Phrases 2, to take a chance or chances at chance n., adj., and adv. Phrases 5c, to take measures at measure n. 19a, to take occasion at occasion n.1 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > have beneficial use of
nitteeOE
brookOE
joyc1330
takea1400
enjoyc1460
to enjoy of?1521
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > take into use
takea1400
to fall upon ——1579
adopta1616
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)] > consider to be, account as
telleOE
talec897
seeOE
letc1000
holdc1200
reckon1340
aima1382
accounta1387
counta1387
judgec1390
takea1400
countc1400
receivec1400
existimatec1430
to look on ——?c1430
makec1440
reputea1449
suppose1474
treatc1485
determinea1513
recount?c1525
esteem1526
believe1533
estimate?1533
ascribe1535
consider1539
regard1547
count1553
to look upon ——1553
take1561
reck1567
eye?1593
censure1597
subscribe1600
perhibit1613
behold1642
resent1642
attributea1657
fancy1662
vogue1675
decount1762
to put down1788
to set down1798
rate1854
have1867
mean1878
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 29177 For a reule þis sal þou take.
1471 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 441 Thys next terme I hope to take on [= one] weye wyth hyre ore othere.
1484 Rolls of Parl.: Richard III (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1484 §18. m. 16 That suche exaccions..afore this tyme takyn be take for no example to make suche or any lyke charge..hereafter.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. ii. f. 143 Of which wordes the Apostle toke occasion to make this comparison.
1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 316 He taketh times and occasions at his pleasure.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. i. 23 We should haue else desir'd your good aduice..In this dayes Councell: but wee'le take to morrow. View more context for this quotation
1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all iii. 27 If thou wilt have a foolish word to lard thy lean discourse with, take an English one.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Coronation Solyman 122 in Trav. Persia He knew..how to take his Measures to the ruine of his Competitors.
1723 A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. (1724) 2 He wisely this white Minute took, And flang his Arms about her.
1729 Bp. Waddington Let. 14 Nov. in N. Lardner Wks. (1838) I. p. lxiii You have certainly took a very proper and christian way with him.
1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. Introd. 11 What special methods could be taken to stem the tide of immorality?
1820 Examiner No. 614. 39/1 That great genius is taken as the standard of perfection.
1867 W. D. Howells Ital. Journeys 118 We raised our sail, and took the gale that blew for Capri.
1890 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 148 442/2 Every possible means is now taken to conceal the truth.
1911 M. S. Gerry Heart & Chart vi. 200 She has got a shape dat look like you'd haf to take a hammer to make it bend!
1928 Lancaster (Ohio) Daily Eagle 5 Mar. 7/7 They were taking every chance to score and overcome the Delaware lead.
1965 J. C. Gardin in D. H. Hymes et al. Use of Computers in Anthropol. ii. 107 Among the symbolic data, we have distinguished between those which represent a ‘natural language’, studied for its own sake.., and those which correspond to ‘special codes’, taken as a means for the study of an encoded material.
2000 R. Harris in N. Hornby Speaking with Angel 3 A number of ministerial colleagues have urged me to take the first available opportunity to set the record straight.
b. transitive. With to. To proceed to use (one's hands, a tool, weapon, etc.) on a person or thing; esp. to beat or thrash a person or thing with (an object).Sometimes with admixture of sense 39a.See also to take a slipper to at slipper n. 1f.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use
travaila1382
to bring inc1384
employ1429
inveigh1547
innovate1548
to put into (also in) practice1553
to lay to1560
induct1615
produce1697
take1732
unlimber1867
phase1949
1732 H. Baker & J. Miller tr. Molière Miser iii. ii. 115 in Sel. Comedies I If I take a Stick to ye, I shall tan your Hide, with your Importance.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 25 There was no getting it open without pulling the cage to pieces—I took both hands to it.
1888 R. L. Stevenson Black Arrow iv. ii. 208 He had ta'en his belt to me, forsooth!
1889 ‘L. Carroll’ Sylvie & Bruno iv. 53 ‘Take a stick to him!’ shouted the Vice-Warden.
1913 M. Sinclair Combined Maze xxvi. 288 Why, you should have taken a stick to her.
1953 El Paso (Texas) Herald-Post 17 Feb. 6/6 [He] became so enraged when he found a strange automobile parked in the place where he usually parked his own car that he took a hammer to it.
1980 T. Ireland Catherine Loves xiii. 93 If either of you does anything like this again, I'll take my belt to the offender.
2010 T. French Faithful Place 23 It was locked, so I called Shay down and I got him to take a screwdriver to it.
67.
a. transitive. To use or spend (a specified amount of time) in an action, process, or activity; to require or allocate (a specified amount of time) (to do something). Also with direct and indirect object. Frequently with it as anticipatory subject and clause as complement.See also to take (the) time at Phrases 3f(a), to take one's (own) time at Phrases 3f(b), to take all day at all adj. 1e.
ΚΠ
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 585 (MED) Ȝet oþer þer werne þat toke more tom, Þat swange and swat for long ȝore.
c1450 (a1425) Metrical Paraphr. Old Test. (Selden) l. 13814 To tell of all þer toyle..wold take to long tym or all ware told.
a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) v. iii. f. cccxxxviiv/2 Seche no metes ouer delycyous ne delycatyf, & take none hour to ete.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes ii. f.331 Cato..would take an houre or twoo or three of the night to take some recreacion of mynde.
1577 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. Ephesians iv. xxxi. f. 218v Wee take too much leyzure too looke vppon other mens faultes, and in the meane whyle forget our owne.
1600 Earl Gowrie's Conspir. sig. A3 His answere was, that so farre as hee could take leisure to see of them, that they seemed to bee forraine..strokes of coyne.
1683 M. H. Young Cooks Monitor 48 It will take five hours to boyl it, then strain it out into a clean Earthen Pan through a hair Sieve.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Lime Lime-stone generally takes sixty hours in burning.
1793 J. Moser Lucifer & Mammon iv. 70 It took me two days to unpaper all the fringes and tassels, and uncase all the furniture.
1834 Monthly Repos. 8 560 It is very questionable whether these victories do not leave behind them a resentfulness and soreness which it takes years to efface.
1875 Guide Royal Porcelain Wks. 17 A china oven takes about forty hours to fire.
1911 Fortn. Rev. 1 Mar. 437 I doubt whether any single work of Bach's took more than the half of six months to compose.
1925 Boys' Life Sept. 22/2 Why, it takes years and years to learn to be a good detective.
1945 Seafarers' Log 13 July 6/4 Fred took a few minutes to call his family.
1985 J. Kelman Chancer (1987) 6 She's ben the room doing herself up... She takes ages.
1990 West Australian (Perth) 15 June 28/2 It takes eight weeks for the eggs to hatch after they go into the incubator.
b. transitive. To use or occupy (space, room, etc.); to use up (a specified amount of a material or resource). Cf. to take up 1a at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > using up, expending, or consuming > use up, expend, or consume [verb (transitive)] > cause or involve expenditure or consumption
take1556
to take upa1616
spend1616
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie lvii. 206 Better wende your ship a loofe: and take sea roome: Then roon here on rockes.
a1600 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 251 This scheip..tuik so mekill timber that scho waistit all the wodis in Fyfe.
1674 M. Hale Difficiles Nugæ 16 If the subsiding body be a Fluid, as Mercury, it will by sinking into the water drive up as much water as the room it takes.
1683 J. Pettus tr. L. Ercker ii. li. 226 in Fleta Minor i It is the best cleansing, only that it taketh much labour and somewhat longer time.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 239 At ye ffeete of the bed that tooke ye Length of the roome.
1774 E. Long Hist. Jamaica III. 634 The filling up this cavity took afterwards near 9000 ton of rubbish.
1858 G. Glenny Gardener's Every-day Bk. (new ed.) 134/1 They take less room on than off.
1893 National Observer 7 Oct. 541/2 The remainder of the Life will take two more volumes.
1911 C. B. Crane Rep. Campaign Sanitary & Sociologic Probl. Minnesota 195 The keeper informed me that it [sc. the furnace] had not been used for four or five years, ‘because it took so much fuel’!
1975 N. W. Braroe Indian & White ii. 14 I want to take some space now to give the reader an idea of my own approach.
2004 J. T. Sinclair eBay Smart Way (ed. 3) xvii. 331 Normal computer programs..take a lot of space on your hard disk.
c. transitive. With it as anticipatory subject and infinitive clause as complement: to need or require (a particular person or thing) to do or bring about something.See also it takes two to —— at Phrases 7a, it takes all sorts to make a world at sort n.2 11d.
ΚΠ
1788 R. Burns Let. 14 Mar. in Wks. (1895) IV. 338 It will take a strong effort to bring my mind into the routine of business.
1819 Q. Rev. Nov. 392/2 He's a comical fallow that fule, I'se warrant him..; it takes a wise man to be a fule.
1890 Field 8 Mar. 364/1 Any ignoramus can construct a straight line, but it takes an engineer to make a curve.
1916 F. O. Bartlett Wall St. Girl xxi. 197 It took a special kind of nerve to be alone and remain straight.
1961 J. Dawson Ha-ha (1962) 10 Mother would say that it took all types to make a world.
1985 P. Roazen Helene Deutsch ii. ix. 162 In those early days of psychoanalysis it took someone at odds with himself to be able to see the relevance of Freud.
2007 B. Jackson Slow Burn viii. 181 Men are slow about certain things, and it takes a woman, a strong confident women, to be bold enough to make the first move.
d. transitive. To require (a particular size of shoe, glove, or other garment) for a correct fit; to wear.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [verb (transitive)]
wearc893
weighc897
beareOE
haveOE
usea1382
to get on1679
sport1778
to stand up in1823
take1868
1868 Englishwoman's Domest. Mag. 1 Jan. 18/1 A well-cut glove will fit a dozen ladies who ‘take’ that size.
1890 Chambers's Jrnl. 4 Oct. 638/1 My feet aren't small, and in felts you have to take a size and a half larger than in ordinary boots.
1903 R. Marsh Magn. Girl ix. 96 ‘I take sevens.’ ‘Do you? Glad to hear it. Like a girl to have a good-sized hand.’
1952 Irish Times 28 May 5/7 Gargantua is a normal giant, with no glandular disabilities. He takes a 36-inch size in collars.
2007 F. Weldon Spa Decameron xiii. 123 Jerry Hall wears size elevens. My mother took a size four. She told me once the more breeding a woman has, the smaller her feet.
68.
a. transitive. To use as a means of transport; to board or mount for a journey. Frequently with adverb or preposition of direction. Cf. sense 65.Also without article preceding the object, as to take boat, to take coach, to take horse, to take post, to take ship: see the final element.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > mount (a horse or other animal)
to win upona1400
worthc1400
takea1438
mountc1540
to get upon ——1561
to get on ——1572
back1594
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > riding in a vehicle > ride a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > enter a vehicle
take1654
board1848
jump1875
hop1909
a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 60 (MED) Sche went to Ȝermowth..& þer sche toke hir schyp.
1440 R. Repps in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 22 He toke hys barge.
1517 R. Torkington Oldest Diarie Englysshe Trav. (1884) 46 We toke our assys at the Mownte Syon,..and rode the same nyght to Bethlem.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 751/1 I take shyppe or the see, je monte sur la mer... Where toke they shyppyng, ou est ce quilz monterent sur la mer.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. xxv Then certain lordes of Britain toke a bote, and came to the ship of the lorde Admirall.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 157 Thomas Becket..secretly tooke boate at Rumney.
1654 E. Wolley tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Curia Politiæ 19 If the Duke of Guise..had speedily taken post, and fled from Blois.
1672 Sir C. Lyttelton in E. M. Thompson Corr. Family of Hatton (1878) I. (Camden) 86 I am..just taking coach to give his Rll Highnesse ye paru bien after his late danger.
1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 235 I took the Packet-Boat, and came over to England.
1793 J. Lindley in Hist. Coll. Mich. Pioneer & Hist. Soc. (1890) 17 581 This afternoon, capt. Hendricks and myself took boat.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vii. 195 The Earl and his retinue took horse soon after.
1885 ‘F. Anstey’ Tinted Venus viii. 95 I've a good mind to take the tram to the Archway.
1892 Monthly Packet Apr. 444 They..took train to London.
1911 G. M. Trevelyan Garibaldi & Making of Italy vii. 165 The last of the Bourbons and his queen were..taking ship for Gaeta.
1924 J. Galsworthy White Monkey ii. ii. 135 Victorine..took the tube towards Chelsea.
1955 in Amer. Speech (1956) 31 85 Did you island-hop or did you take the plane directly?
2000 J. Goodwin Danny Boy vi. 124 We agreed we'd have to take a taxi back.
b. transitive. To travel by means of (one's limbs, feet, wings, etc.).Frequently in fixed phrases with the implication of escape or hasty departure, as to take one's heels, to take leg, to take wing: see the final element.See also to take to —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΚΠ
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes i. f. 127 When this Manes had taken his heeles and renne awaye from his maister.
a1606 Wily Beguiled (1623) sig. E2 Ile..come like some Hob-goblin..And like a Scarbabe make him take his legges.
1661 G. Cartwright Heroick-lover v. v. 67 D'you think a stranger, having taken foot, Will home return, without some other boot?
1704 London Gaz. No. 4056/5 Success, like Fame, has taken Wing.
1766 A. Nicol Poems Several Subj. 104 May be I might had quite miskend it, And smoor'd your wit; Our correspondence then had endit. E're it took foot.
1892 J. J. Aubertin Wanderings & Wonderings vii. 71 We crossed a rough plain to the left for a good mile, whence I had to take foot for another good mile.
1906 H. Chatfield-Taylor Molière v. 74 There was nothing to do but take foot to the journey's end.
1987 C. Ekwensi Jagua Nana ix. 50 I hope de rain no go fall because I wan' to take foot reach house. De night still young.
1992 D. Preston Cities of Gold (1999) 173 Wicks staggered about, mightily annoyed that we had allowed his payment to take hoof.
69. transitive. To begin afresh (esp. something left off, or begun by another); to resume; = to take up 19 at Phrasal verbs 1. Also intransitive.Recorded earliest in to take the word at word n. and int. Phrases 4j(a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > to begin to speak again or resume speaking
take1477
to tell on1535
respeak1621
continue1711
reassume1719
resume1801
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > again
renovela1325
renewa1387
resumec1400
renove?c1425
anewc1440
reassume1472
to take again1474
take1477
reprise1481
recommencea1513
renovate1535
to take up1587
rebegin1598
reopen1756
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 134 Mopsius toke the worde & sayde [etc.].
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 204 The kinge Yon toke the worde & sayd [etc.].
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxliii. 219/1 Than the duke of Bretayne toke the wordes, & sayd [etc.].
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 14 Now turne to our tale take þere we lefte.
a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Fourth Bk. Aeneas (1554) iv. sig. Bii Quene Juno then thus tooke her tale agayne.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 128 I must forsake This Task; for others afterwards to take . View more context for this quotation
a1750 A. Hill Wks. (1753) II. 104 Take, O Celia! muse divine! Take again the tragic tale.
1825 W. Scott Betrothed iii, in Tales Crusaders II. 75 Eveline remained silent. The Abbess took the word.
1866 H. J. Verlander Cross & Medal in Bride of Rougemont 223 Ere I take the tale again, That tells of my own joy and pain, One word I'll spend upon the dead.
1904 H. T. Knox Notes Early Hist. Dioceses Tuam, Killala & Achonry iii. 27 I now take the story again where it starts from Magh Finn.
2012 A. MacRae Murder Misdirected (Electronic ed.) xiv Kruger..continued the story when Cochran came to a stop... Cochran took the narrative again.
VI. To obtain from a source, to derive.
70.
a. transitive. Chiefly with from (also †of, †at): to obtain or derive (a material or immaterial thing) deliberately from a particular source; to copy or borrow (an illustration, passage of text, etc.) from the work of another; to base (a pattern, design, etc.) on a specified original.intransitive in quot. 1493.See also to take ensample (†at, by, of) at ensample n. 2b, to take example from (also by, †at, †of) at example n. Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain from a source or derive
takec1175
drawa1300
to take out of ——1483
suck1535
to suck out1546
derive1561
extract1596
to take up1610
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > follow a person as an example
followOE
suec1300
counterfeitc1374
to take witness by (also of)c1400
take1544
borrow1549
personate1612
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14470 Ȝiff þu bisne takenn willt. Off þise tweȝȝenn breþre.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17288 + 175 To haf mercy of synful men ensaumple at him he toke.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 5216 Þre þousand punde ilk a ȝere..of alle þe lond gadred & tan.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) Prol. l. 183 Rede in his Almageste and take it there.
a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 131 Þat we now serch how the kyng mey haue such livelod; but ffirst, off what comodites it mey best be take.
1493 Mirk's Festialis (Pynson) i. sig. mvv/1 He [sc. Luke] loked what Marke had wreten and mathewe, and soo toke at theym.
1544 J. Bale Brefe Chron. Syr J. Oldcastell in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) I. 269 Of them [sc. Annas & Caiaphas] onely haue ye taken it to iudge Chrystes members, as ye do.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie (new ed.) i. xxx. 47 What we haue written of the auncient formes of Poemes, we haue taken from the best clerks writing in the same arte.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. xxx. 101 Schollers which from him as their tuter had tane theyr practise.
1677 A. Behn Rover Post-script If the Play of the Novella were as well worth remembring as Thomaso, they might..have as well said, I took it from thence.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. iii. ix. 179 The Proportions of the three Grecian Orders were taken from the Humane Body.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvii. 179 All the ladies of the Continent would come over to take pattern from ours.
1818 New Bon Ton Mag. Oct. 344 Taking my text from the martyrdom of St. Stephen, I very modestly compared my sufferings with his.
1878 H. H. Gibbs Game of Ombre (ed. 2) 8 The Frontispiece..is taken from Seymour's ‘Compleat Gamester’.
1911 A. Bennett Old Wives' Tale (new ed.) ii. viii. 283 Into the shoulders of the smock she put a week's fancy-stitching, taking the pattern from an old book of embroidery.
1969 Harper's Mag. Mar. 102 There is an epigraph taken from The Bhagavad Gita.
1999 Art Room Catal. Spring 2/2 Its design is taken from the original advertising graphics for cigars on bar trays.
2003 Seattle Times (Nexis) 5 June d4 Many contemporary bands who take inspiration from the 1960s veer dangerously close to parody.
b. transitive. spec. To obtain (a raw material or agricultural product) from its natural source; to pluck, gather (plants, a crop, etc.); to extract (coal, stone, etc.) from a mine or quarry. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away > by plucking or picking > from a natural source
gatherOE
pluckOE
picka1393
take1477
cull1637
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 164 And thenne she was..born into alle the Regyons of the world Where she gadred and toke many herbes of dyuerce facions and condicions.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique i. f. 14 By a lawe, we liue, and take the fruites of the yearth.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. xi. 46 Mines whereof are taken great quantity of stone.
a1647 T. Hooker Covenant of Grace Opened (1649) 52 It was unlawfull for them to take the fruits of the ground untill they had first brought the two loaves to offer them a Wave-Offering unto the Lord.
1717 Blount's Law-Dict. (ed. 3) Calefagium, a Right to take fuel yearly.
1778 A. Wight Present State Husbandry in Scotl. I. ii. 181 They take crops of potatoes, beans, pease, kail, and other vegetables; which, with now and then crops of grain, is vastly beneficial for a tradesman's family.
1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 174 In taking the crop reaping is universal.
1908 W. T. Griswold Struct. Berea Oil Sand in Flushing Quadrangle (Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv. 342) 59 At Flemon Childer's, in a bank where coal has been taken for two or three years, the block coal is 3 feet 1 inch.
1969 E. L. Jones & S. J. Woolf Agrarian Change & Econ. Devel. 10 The corn scythe reduced the labour needed to take the harvest.
71. transitive. Chiefly with from, †of.
a. To derive (esp. a name, character, or attribute) from a particular source.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16340 Adam..Off whamm i toc min bodiȝ lich.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 14677 Brutaine hit wes ihaten of Brutten nom taken.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Psalms Prol. l. 10 It is also seid a sawteer, þe whiche name it tooc of a Musik instrument þat ebruly is clepid nablum.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 20085 He þat toke of hir his fless..Hang a tre þar nailed to.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. i. 77 We were first formed and toke our begynnyng of the erthe.
1540 R. Jonas tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. f. liii They that are borne after this fashion be called cesares, for because they be cut out of theyr mothers belly, whervpon also the noble Romane cesar the .j. of that name in Rome toke his name.
1586 W. Webbe Disc. Eng. Poetrie sig. F.ii Ryme, taken from the Greeke worde Ρυθμος.
1660 tr. H. Blum Bk. Five Collumnes Archit. (new ed.) sig. Aj The..Columnes called Dorica, taking beginning of Dorus, Prince of Achaia and Peloponnesus.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. xi. 228/1 This term recursant, is taken from the Latin word recurso, to turn backward.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Coracoides, a Process of the Shoulder-blade, which takes Name from its Figure resembling that of a Crow's Bill.
1772 W. Jones Ess. Poetry Eastern Nations in Poems 196 The Turks..took their numbers, and their taste for poetry from the Persians.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 776 No English title had ever before been taken from a place of battle lying within a foreign territory.
1875 T. H. Huxley & H. N. Martin Course Elem. Biol. v. 29 The whole plant is built up by the fissive multiplication of the simple cell in which it takes its origin.
1913 Rep. 10th Conf. World's Student Christian Federation 46 The kingdom takes its character from the type of its subjects, and..the subjects take their character from that of their sovereign.
1969 V. Bartlett Past of Pastimes xii. 151 Known as..tombola—taken from the Italian, but with the accent misplaced in the process—the game has been played on ships for many years.
2006 J. T. Costa Other Insect Societies xvii. 533 The rosy maple moth..takes its name from the adult's exquisite pink and cream coloration.
b. To infer, deduce; to obtain as a result or conclusion. Frequently with that-clause as object.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > process of inferring, inference > infer, conclude [verb (transitive)]
concludec1374
takec1400
to drive outc1443
drive1447
derive1509
reasona1527
deduce1529
include1529
infer1529
gather1535
deduct?1551
induce1563
pick1565
fetch1567
collect1581
decide1584
bring1605
to take up1662
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §25. 35 Adde thanne thilke declinacion to the altitude of the sonne at noon and tak ther the heuedes of aries & libra & thin Equinoxial.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 54 Of which..text thei taken that whoeuer is a persoon of saluacioun schal soone vndirstonde the trewe meenyng of Holi Scripture.
c1475 (a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 343 But hou shulde men take of þis to roune wiþ [MS wist] prestis & þus to be assoiled?
1531 W. Tyndale Expos. Fyrste Epist. St. Jhon iv. sig. G If a man wolde take of this, that a man might be so perfecte in this life, that he might not be perfecter, it wolde not folowe.
1738 Bayle's Hist. & Crit. Dict. (ed. 2) V. 261/1 The proof he takes from these words..does not appear to me a convincing one.
1896 Manch. Guardian 29 Apr. 3/8 ‘I received last Tuesday a telegram “Do not come to Forest Gate.”’ The defendant said he took from this that he was not wanted any more.
1969 Eng. Hist. Rev. 84 581 Who..would take from this that the entire table had been worked out by C. Pincin in 1962 and that it is merely being reprinted.
1998 B. Stableford Inherit Earth v. 58 Damon took the inference that Madoc had found Diana's sudden reintroduction into his life burdensome.
72.
a. transitive. To make (a measurement or scientific observation).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)] > take (measurements)
takea1325
a1325 (?c1300) Northern Passion (Cambr. Gg.1.1) 1257 Of þat tre þei gan marke take, þan was hit lenger þan þe make Bi four fet gret and more.
?1435 ( J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 639 (MED) Euclyde toke mesours be craffte off Gemetrye.
1520 R. Gresham Let. 14 Oct. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. I. 234 I have takyn the measures of xviij. Chambres at Hamton Cortte and have made a Boke of them.
1560 W. Painter tr. W. Fulke Antiprognosticon sig. D.iv Although they had taken their obseruation in as many as they coulde, yet were there manye mo.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iv. iii. 9 Euen now a'tailor cal'd me in his shop, And show'd me Silkes..And therewithall tooke measure of my body. View more context for this quotation
1661 R. Southwell in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) I. 459 I had the honour to be invited..to..see the observations they tooke with severall Prospective glasses, of Saturne.
1694 J. Collier Misc. iii. 17 The Taylor should take measure of their Quality, as well as of their Limbs.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Almacantar-staff A Mathematical Instrument..with an Arch of 15 Degrees, to take Observations of the Sun, at the times of its Rising and Setting.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §97 I made some progress in laying down to a scale, the measures taken upon paper.
1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery 91 With the aid of a few observations taken ‘in stays’ the remaining twelve points were likewise determined.
1893 F. C. Selous Trav. S.-E. Afr. 91 A few measurements of this particular animal, taken on the spot with a tape-line.
1933 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) A. 236 281 The anomalies for Port Erin Bay..are based on the observations taken at 4 p.m.
1985 T. Winton Scission 29 On the spine of a long granite-studded ridge they took compass readings.
2002 Brit. Jrnl. Hist. Sci. 35 122/1 The system was only as good as the operators who took the measurements.
b. To perform (an experiment, survey, etc.) in order to ascertain something. Cf. sense 83a.See also to take a muster at muster n.1 2a, to take soundings at sounding n.2 1b, to take a vote at vote n.1 Phrases 5.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > research > find out by investigation [verb (transitive)]
seekc900
seeOE
searcha1382
takea1382
inquire1390
undergrope?a1412
explore1531
to pry out1548
to scan out1548
to hunt out1576
sound1596
exquire1607
pervestigate1610
pump1611
trace1642
probe1649
to hunt up1741
to pick a person's brains (also brain)1770
verify1801
to get a load of1929
sus1966
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, examine [verb (transitive)] > conduct enquiry, etc.
takea1382
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Gen. xlii. 15 Now experyment of ȝou I schall take.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 5506 Alle þat þey take now to frest, Þerof shal God take a quest.
1460–1 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1460 §36. m. 8 By inquisicions tane uppon ychone of the same wyrtes.
1511–12 Act 3 Hen. VIII c. 21 Preamble An untrue Inquysicion taken before your Eschetoure in the seid Countie.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iv. i. 134 Let vs take a muster speedily. View more context for this quotation
1683 London Gaz. No. 1839/3 On Thursday last his Most Christian Majesty took a Review of the Cavalry.
1705 London Gaz. No. 4139/5 The King..took a Review of the Forces.
1797 W. Cobbett Bone to gnaw for Democrats 40 Let any man take a review of their conduct since the beginning of the present European war.
1809 T. D. Broughton Lett. Mahratta Camp (1892) xxiv. 198 Seendhiya has offered to take a muster of the troops, as a preliminary step to settling their accounts.
1890 Cornhill Mag. Sept. 276 Tests are taken to see if the cable has sustained any damage.
1918 Circular Alabama Agric. Exper. Station No. 38. 26 A farmer..who had been buying mixed fertilizers containing five per cent. potash was induced to take an experiment with cotton.
1941 Washington Post 20 July b7/1 Two weeks ago, newspapers in New York and Chicago were taking a poll on the question of going to war.
2001 A. Shakar Savage Girl (2002) 68 Excuse me.., I'm taking a survey... Do you have a couple of minutes?
73.
a. transitive. To ascertain by measurement or scientific observation.See also to take one's bearings at bearing n.1 14a(b), to take the pulse at pulse n.2 Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)] > ascertain by measurement
takec1392
c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 24 (MED) Tak thanne by thy large compas the distaunce by twixe centre aryn & the closere of the signes.
a1450 (?c1430) J. Lydgate Daunce Machabree (Huntington) (1931) l. 283 Come forthe, maister..With instrumentis of astronomy To take the grees & hight of eueri sterre.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Fox & Wolf l. 642 in Poems (1981) 28 But astrolab, quadrant, or almanak,..The mouing off the heuin this tod can tak.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 20v The height of Heauen, is taken by the staffe.
1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir iii. sig. G3v Misery taking the length of my foote, it bootes not me to sue for life.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. i. 10 For he by Geometrick scale Could take the size of Pots of Ale.
1705 F. Fuller Medicina Gymnastica 34 Take the Bearings of a Running Horse, that is, measure the Extent of his Stroaks.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. iii. 64 His Majesty's Mathematicians, having taken the Height of my Body..they concluded..that mine must contain at least 1,724 of theirs.
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iii. 54 In the afternoon the Princess rode to take The dip of certain strata to the North.
1887 W. Westall tr. ‘A. Laurie’ Capt. Trafalgar xviii. 236 Isn't it about time for taking the sun?..it is four days since we knew our position.
1900 E. C. E. Lückes Gen. Nursing (ed. 2) xii. 147 The temperature has to be taken every hour.
1952 F. J. Wylie Use of Radar at Sea viii. 121 Taking a radar bearing of the side of a prominent land feature.
2005 C. Cleave Incendiary 62 She took my temperature at 5 a.m. every morning.
b. To get (information, evidence, etc.) by inquiry, questioning, or examination. Also: to ascertain (a fact) by such methods.See also to take the examination of at examination n. 1b, to take the measure of at measure n. 12b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > assure, make certain [verb (transitive)] > establish as fact, ascertain
trowa901
lookc1175
take1469
ascertaina1513
certain1523
favoura1530
establish1533
try1542
try1582
tie1623
secure1630
to make sure1644
true1647
determine1650
determinate1666
authenticate1753
constatea1773
verify1801
validate1957
1469 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 547 Send downe..to some awdyter to take acomptys of Dawbneys byllys.
1568 tr. Edict French King conteining Prohibition sig. C We haue geuen forth commission to take information, and to doe Iustice vpon suche trespasses.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries i. f. 68v Information which was taken by the Inquisitours here aboutes.
1600 in C. M. Ingleby & L. T. Smith Shakespeare's Cent. Prayse (1879) 35 The examination of Sr Gelly merick Knyght taken the xvijth of Februarij, 1600.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. F2v A patent sent by the King..to Iustices appointed to take assises of novel disseisin, or of oyer and terminer, &c.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 141 Himself their Herdsman, on the middle Mount, Takes of his muster'd Flocks a just Account. View more context for this quotation
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. iv. 59 A commission of assise, directed to the judges and clerk of assise, to take assises; that is, to take the verdict of a peculiar species of jury called an assise.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. vii. 101 [The judge] takes information by hearing advocates on both sides, and thereupon forms his interlocutory decree or definitive sentence at his own discretion.
1817 M. Edgeworth Harrington & Ormond I. ii. 35 He ran down to the country to take the sense of his constituents.
1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. iii. vii. 698 He never disposes of any important preferments without taking the pleasure of the Crown.
1893 National Observer 7 Oct. 524/1 A Bill on which it dare not take the country's opinion.
1920 Mich. Alumnus Nov. 113/1 We have met here..to take an account of stock in the educational progress of the nation.
1971 Irish Times 6 Apr. 7/8 The mood of the country has been taken and the Government can now feel able to appeal directly..on measures resisted by the two opposition forces.
2007 A. Marr Hist. Mod. Brit. (2008) ii. 138 The committee..took evidence from Wildeblood among many others.
c. transitive. To measure off (a length or line) using a pair of compasses or some similar instrument.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)]
measurec1384
take1551
to set offa1647
to take off1658
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. sig. D.iij With my compas I take the length of. A. B. and set the one foote of my compas in C.
1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 10 The line AG might be taken with a pair of compasses.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. ii. 32 Take with your Compasses the Line C.
1721 E. Stone Descr. Sector 19 Take the Line given between your Compasses, and open the Sector, so as the Feet of the Compasses may stand in the Points of the Number given on each of the Lines of Lines.
1793 T. Sheraton Cabinet-maker & Upholsterer's Drawing-bk. I. i. 84 Take the line 2.2 from the plan, and place it on the parallel line 2 to 2, and so of all the rest.
1831 D. Brewster Treat. Optics iv. 38 From a scale on which hm is 1·500, take in the compasses ‘1’.
1883 M. Ion & C. J. Ion Mate's Compan. (ed. 2) 21 Take the line (A B) in the parallel rulers and carry it to (e), and draw the line again.
1905 H. S. Hall & F. H. Stevens Lessons Exper. & Pract. Geom. iv. 17 Take in your compasses any length that appears to you to be greater than half AB (say about 2½″).
1979 K. Austin Site Carpentry (1980) ii. 9/1 Taking the length ‘d’ in compasses, trammel, or radius stick, mark off from ‘m’ and ‘b’ to intersect and give the bevel required at ‘x’.
d. transitive. Mathematics. To calculate or obtain (a result such as a number, function, etc.) by carrying out a mathematical operation.
ΚΠ
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. sig. A5v And also to take the square root thereof, without the knowledge of which fractions, you can neuer calculate any thing trulie out of the Astronomicall Tables.
1658 J. Palmer Catholique Planisphær lxix. 141 If the places differ only in Latitude, and have one Longitude..then take their difference of Latitude, by subducting the less out of the greater, if the places have both North Latitude, or both South Latitude.
1743 W. Emerson Doctr. Fluxions 33 Then I take the Sum of the Terms..and set this Sum..underneath.
1798 C. Hutton Course Math. I. 99 To find an Arithmetical Mean..Add the two given extremes or terms together, and take half their sum.
1830 P. Hedderwick Treat Marine Archit. iii. 46 Cube the side of the given beam; double or triple it according as the strength is required, and then take the cube root of the sum for the side of the beam sought.
1874 Messenger Math. 134 The latter is found by taking the derivative.
1930 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 127 355 The expressions under the root sign are positive, and we shall agree to take the positive value of the square root.
1989 R. Penrose Emperor's New Mind (1991) ii. 68 The trigonometrical operation of taking the sine of an angle.
2010 S.-T. Yan & S. Nadis Shape Inner Space iii. 45 To analyze a wiggly (nonlinear) curve..we can take the derivative of that curve (or the function defining it) to get the tangents..at any point on the curve we want.
74.
a. transitive. To write down (esp. spoken words); to report in writing; to make (notes, a transcript, etc.). Cf. to take down 5a at Phrasal verbs 1.In early use sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 73b. to take a letter: to write a letter down in shorthand from another's dictation.See also to take notes at note n.2 15b.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > [verb (transitive)] > set down in writing
adighteOE
to set on writea900
dightc1000
writeOE
brevea1225
layc1330
indite1340
take1418
annote1449
printa1450
scribe1465
redact?a1475
reduce1485
letter1504
recite1523
to commit to writing (also paper)1529
pen1530
reduce?1533
token up1535
scripture1540
titulea1550
to set down1562
quote1573
to put down1574
paper1594
to write down1594
apprehend1611
fix1630
exarate1656
depose1668
put1910
society > communication > writing > manner of writing > copying or transcribing > copy or transcribe [verb (transitive)]
descrivea1382
copy1387
descrya1400
take1418
describea1513
exemplify1542
transcribe1552
escribe1558
copy1563
transcript1593
exscribe1608
transcrive1665
scriven1742
autograph1829
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > repeat in a copy
counterfeit1362
to take out1530
take1538
reduplicate1570
imitate1590
counter-make1595
ingeminate1625
replicate1661
recopy1684
takea1715
reproduce1838
duplicate1860
facsimile1862
carbon copy1914
society > communication > writing > system of writing > shorthand > write in shorthand [verb (intransitive)] > letter from dictation
take1943
1418 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1834) II. 240 (MED) We wol that ye see that theer be taaken dewe accomptes of the said John how many dayes he haath stande in oure said ambassiat and service.
c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. C.4/2 To gyue to hym power..to leuey a fyne or to take hys confession or hys answere or other examinacion as the matter reqreth.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. iii. 116 His confession is taken, and it shall bee read to his face. View more context for this quotation
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xv. 48 Taking an inventory of this prize.
1712 F. Tanner Plainest, Easiest, & Prettiest Method Short-hand p. vi 'Tis by Short-Hand that all Speeches, Homilies, Tryals, Sermons, &c. are..taken.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 309 He would not let me take a copy of it.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. iv. i. 207 To stand by,..and take Notes of all that passeth.
1830 R. Huish Mem. George III II. 68 We have been allowed to take a transcript of the following letter.
1883 M. D. Chalmers Local Govt. iii. 41 Minutes of the meeting must be taken.
1901 S. Paget Mem. Sir J. Paget (ed. 2) iii. 61 He had no clinical clerks, and his cases were not taken.
1943 K. Tennant Ride on Stranger x. 110 He seated himself at his table... ‘Will you take a letter, please?’.. Her pencil travelled quite speedily after his words.
1961 Times 7 June 2/5 Director of general publishing house..needs an assistant-cum-secretary. Will be expected to ‘take letters’.
1998 R. Price Freedomland iii. xxiv. 424 I just came from hearing her confession, taking her statement.
2007 T. Friend Third Domain ii. 55 I stopped taking notes and started using the tape recorder in my daypack.
b. transitive. To obtain (a picture, portrait, etc.) by drawing or painting; to make, execute (a picture, drawing, sketch, etc.). Also in extended use: to draw a likeness of; to portray, depict.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > repeat in a copy
counterfeit1362
to take out1530
take1538
reduplicate1570
imitate1590
counter-make1595
ingeminate1625
replicate1661
recopy1684
takea1715
reproduce1838
duplicate1860
facsimile1862
carbon copy1914
1538 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 120 To thentent he might..visite and see his daughter and also take her picture.
1597 F. Meres Gods Arithm. sig. D With such trimming and setting, and smoothing and correcting, as if yee meant immediately to haue your pictures taken.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 757 Another picture..which he tooke by another of these Cats in the possession of the Duke of Saxony.
1664 A. Wood Life & Times (1892) II. 20 I went to the castle [sc. Bampton]..and took the ruins thereof.
1751 T. Hollis in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 379 A Scheme for taking and publishing the Antiquities existing at Athens.
1767 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield (new ed.) I. xvi. 159 A limner, who travelled the country, and took likenesses for fifteen shillings a head.
1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 150 Her portrait..will not be found difficult to take.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. xv. 290 She must have his picture taken; and accordingly he was painted by Mr. Jervas.
1867 W. C. Hazlitt Mem. W. Hazlitt I. p. xvii His brother also took him in oils, three-quarter size, at the ages of nineteen and thirty.
1913 W. Grossmith From Studio to Stage xiii. 292 Hemsley spent hours there with me, taking careful drawings.
2006 Irish Times 26 Mar. 17/5 The National Gallery should dispatch an artist to the scene urgently to take sketches while the trauma is still vivid.
c.
(a) transitive. To capture an image with a camera in order to create (a photograph); to photograph (something).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > action of taking photograph > photograph [verb (transitive)]
photograph1839
take1839
photogenize1841
photographize1841
to fire off1860
photo1865
1839 Sheffield Independent 19 Jan. 3/5 M. Daguerre..has been able..to make a permanent chemical representation of the Louvre, taken from the Pont des Arts.
1839 Athenæum 26 Jan. 69/2 Some of his [sc. Daguerre's] last works have the force of Rembrandt's etchings. He has taken them in all weathers—I may say at all hours.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany 48 Mr. Taylor took the view three times before he quite satisfied himself as to the quality of the negative.
1889 W. H. Mallock Enchanted Island 230 I took a photograph of their church.
1908 J. S. Fletcher Paradise Court v. 148 She was holding the camera immediately in front of her and..in that very instant she took a snap-shot of us!
1913 Children's Friend Aug. 435 Carrie got accustomed to the click of the little camera, for Cousin Ethel took her dozens of times that week.
1956 S. Selvon Lonely Londoners 19 ‘He want to take photo,’ Tanty nudge Ma, ‘where all the children?’
2000 N.Y. Press 29 Mar. ii. 12/4 I am..wondering exactly when and where these naked pictures were taken of me.
(b) intransitive. colloquial. To appear in a photograph in a specified way; = photograph v. 1c. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > action of taking photograph > take photograph [verb (intransitive)] > be photographed
take1854
photograph1893
polyfoto1945
1854 Putnam's Monthly Feb. 213/1 I took a daguerreotype of this valley last summer..and..the background is really lovely, but the foreground is confused and did not take well at all.
1868 Flag of Our Union 2 May 274/2 She showed Mrs. Curzon his photograph, remarking: ‘He didn't take very well, because he was so fair; it doesn't hardly give you an idea of him.’
1889 B. Howard Open Door ix. 145 The photographers..say a woman ‘takes’ better standing.
1904 Pearson's Mag. Jan. 82/1 Nervous, self-conscious people, who ‘always take badly’ in the ordinary way, often take excellently in silhouette.
1933 M. Jenkins Gambler's Wife p. xv The photographer came out one day to take her picture. She had on a red dress—red doesn't take well.
d. transitive. To shoot (a film, scene, etc.) with a film or video camera; to film. Also intransitive. Cf. take n.1 9a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > film [verb (transitive)]
kinetograph1891
cinematograph1897
take1897
biograph1898
kinematograph1898
film1899
make1914
shoot1916
can1935
lens1942
1897 Denver Evening Post 20 Nov. 4/6 The biograph people came down from New York and took moving pictures of the ten-seater [bicycle].
1905 Westm. Gaz. 21 Jan. 3/2 A firm who took cinematograph films of his operations.
1917 N.Y. Times 25 Feb. 4/1 Two thousand persons participated in the coronation, which required two full days to ‘take’, despite the fact that it remains on the screen only three minutes.
1954 R. H. Cricks tr. N. Bau How to make 8mm. Films 99 (caption) Hold the camera absolutely steady while taking.
1954 R. H. Cricks tr. N. Bau How to make 8mm. Films 100 If you are taking a hand-held shot, hold the camera as steady as possible.
1974 Daily Tel. 2 May 3/4 Using a friend's projector and screen, he ran a short colour film taken at the wedding.
2003 Boys Toys Aug. 45/2 The optical zoom is much more important, since this refers to how much the camcorder can magnify the image in the lens before it takes a movie.
VII. To receive mentally, to conceive.
* To apprehend, to understand, consider.
75.
a. transitive. To grasp mentally; to apprehend, comprehend, understand. Now only with reference to the meaning of words. Cf. to take in 8b at Phrasal verbs 1.See also to take a point at point n.1 Phrases 3i.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] > reach understanding of > words or meaning
takec1175
understanda1225
intenda1400
conceive?1526
accept1587
construe1622
to catch a person's drift1821
comprehend1860
to get on to ——1880
read1956
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 18853 Heffness lihht bishineþþ all. Mann kinnne þessterrnesse. & þessterrnesse nohht ne toc, Acc all forrwarrþ þe leme.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John i. 5 And the liȝt schyneth in derknessis, and derknessis tooken [a1425 L.V. comprehendiden] not it.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 4656 Goddis wisdome þat none may take [L. incomprehensibilis].
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Oviiiv Thys kynde of learnynge..they toke so muche the souner.
1567 T. Harding Reioindre to M. Iewels Replie against Masse iii. f. 63v Making them to beleue, that this Sacrifice is to be vnderstanded only of Prayer, as he him selfe taketh Prayer.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 10 They themselves be overwearied, and made either unmeet or unwilling to follow their booke afresh and take their learning.
1666 S. Pepys Diary 30 July (1972) VII. 228 The girl doth take music mighty readily.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. vi. 278 The Reader will easily take the Meaning.
1768 R. Jago Labour, & Genius 8 Tho' it seems he said but little, He took his meaning to a Tittle.
1860 W. M. Thackeray in Cornhill Mag. Jan. 127 You take the allegory? Novels are sweets.
1893 National Observer 11 Mar. 413/2 An audience..quick to take his points.
1917 H. G. Wells Soul of Bishop iii. 63 As she took his drift, her relief and happiness were manifest.
2000 K. Michaels Can't take my Eyes off You xxiii. 202 ‘Oh, and make sure she has a good time,’ he added, winking. ‘If you take my meaning?’
b. transitive. To understand, comprehend (a person). Frequently in do you take me? and variants.
ΚΠ
1513 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid i. Prol. 318 Quha takis me nocht, go quhair thai haue ado.
1707 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Comical Wks. 405 Do you take me Sir.
1796 T. Holcroft Man of Ten Thousand ii. iii. 51 If I have fifty pieces at my Banker's, I am a cut-throat Kalmuck! Do you take me? Damme! Humph?
1810 G. Crabbe Borough x. 142 I spoke my Thought—you take me—what I think.
1830 E. Bulwer-Lytton Paul Clifford II. 221 ‘Do you leave us already?’ cried Tomlinson; ‘you are offended.’ ‘Surely not!’ answered Clifford, retreating to the door: ‘But an engagement elsewhere, you know!’ ‘Ay, I take you!’ said Tomlinson.
1882 R. L. Stevenson New Arabian Nights II. 64 I am not in this affair for him. You take me?
1972 N. Freeling Long Silence (1975) ii. 152 Lot of antique bric-a-brac which looks good but isn't if you take me—you'd never bother looking at it seriously.
1986 S. Raven Before Cock Crow 16 I don't quite see how you can both be here with us and abroad with Jeremy Morrison at the same time . . . if you take me.
76.
a. transitive. With adverb or adverbial phrase. To understand, apprehend, or interpret (something) in a specified way. Also: to understand (a person) in a specified way.In quot. a14002: (with in) to understand (something) to be meant by something else.See also to take amiss (amiss adv., adj., and n. Phrases 1a).
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11925 Forr þær he toc biforenn crist. All wrang þe bokess lare.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28974 (MED) Chastiyng o flexs foure fald to tak, In praier, fasting, wand, and wak.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 1379 (MED) Þe fader in cedre þou sal take, A tre of heght, þat has na make.
a1500 tr. La Belle Dame sans Mercy (Cambr.) l. 582 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 101 And so must he be take in euery place.
1552 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16280.5) Administr. Lordes Supper (Declar. on Kneeling) sig. O.iv Lest yet thesame knelyng might be thought, or taken otherwise.
1577 N. Breton Wks. Young Wyt sig. I.iv Take my meaning right, and I can easely show, how that a sheepe can not compare in goodnes with a shrow.
a1626 F. Bacon Advt. Holy Warre in Certaine Misc. Wks. (1629) 107 You take mee right, (Eupolis).
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. viii. §522. 228 So was the law taken in Anno 4. H. 3.
1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 155 If we take the Story of it right.
1752 G. G. Beekman Let. 6 June in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 143 I would have you in your next Letter to Make him some appoligy and tell him he takes the thing wrong.
1853 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 65 125 The author explained the theory of Dove, which, if we took him correctly, was, that the lustre of bodies [etc.].
1857 H. H. Bigelow Curse Entailed xi. 125 Be calm.., it is no more than what takes place, somewhere, every day. You will take the thing wrong if you make a fuss about it.
1914 J. G. Neihardt Life's Lure v. 44 A haughty smile lingered..on Drake's lips. ‘I hope you won't take me amiss,’ continued the proprietress.
1980 A. N. Wilson Healing Art iii. 29 His mother had taken it the wrong way and been rather shirty.
2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 16 Apr. 9/2 Such stories need not be taken literally.
†b. transitive. With simple complement: to suppose to be, to consider as. Obsolete.In quot. c1475: to understand to mean; = to take for —— 1b at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)] > consider to be, account as
telleOE
talec897
seeOE
letc1000
holdc1200
reckon1340
aima1382
accounta1387
counta1387
judgec1390
takea1400
countc1400
receivec1400
existimatec1430
to look on ——?c1430
makec1440
reputea1449
suppose1474
treatc1485
determinea1513
recount?c1525
esteem1526
believe1533
estimate?1533
ascribe1535
consider1539
regard1547
count1553
to look upon ——1553
take1561
reck1567
eye?1593
censure1597
subscribe1600
perhibit1613
behold1642
resent1642
attributea1657
fancy1662
vogue1675
decount1762
to put down1788
to set down1798
rate1854
have1867
mean1878
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28121 And titter wald i lesyng make þan man my worde vn-treu to take.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 35 Þo hous of God her is tane þe congregacoun of feiþful men.
1538 Treat. Byshops Rome Supremitie i. sig. Aiv In tymes past the bysshoppe of Constantinople toke hym selfe hyghest of all byshoppes.
1579 J. Knewstub Confut. Heresies f. 5 He proceedeth further in his titles, as not taking himselfe sufficiently commended hitherto.
1660 J. Milton Readie Way Free Commonw. (ed. 2) 6 They took themselves not bound by the light of nature or religion, to any former covnant.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 1. ⁋9 I take my self obliged in Honour to go on.
c. transitive. With it as anticipatory object and clause as complement, or (in early use) with clause as object: to suppose, to assume; to be of the opinion (that).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > hold an opinion [verb (transitive)]
ween971
holda1300
believec1325
judgec1325
feelc1380
supposea1387
conceivea1425
take1429
opinea1475
thinkc1480
supponea1500
esteem1507
opinion1555
intend?1577
meditate1585
opinionate1599
opiniate1624
arbitrate1637
apprehend1639
state1671
calculate1805
consider1830
fink1888
the mind > mental capacity > belief > supposition, surmise > taking for granted, presumption > assume, presuppose [verb (transitive)]
supposec1350
presumec1390
take1429
presupposec1443
takec1449
presupponec1475
supponea1513
subsume1562
foreprise1577
to take for granted1615
to give for granted1637
assume1660
foretake1674
premisea1706
predicate1718
dare say1749
pre-assume1789
1429–30 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1429 §30. m. 9 So take that the saide commonaltes been no commonaltes corporat.
a1500 (c1380) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 460 Cristenmen taken ouer [= moreover] þat petre was cristis viker, & suyde hym in maner of lif.
1538 T. Audley in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 240 I take it that your lordshypp ys at appoynt for me to have it.
1594 L. Lewkenor tr. O. de la Marche Resolued Gentleman f. 21v I take it, that by this studie he meaneth Contemplation.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice i. i. 63 I take it your owne busines calls on you. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. ii. 108 As I take it, it is almost day. View more context for this quotation
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. v. §354. 155 It is commonly taken, that if a wife run away from her husband..shee shall loose her dower.
1709 R. Steele & J. Addison Tatler No. 93. ¶4 Within this Height I take it, that all the fighting Men of Great-Britain are comprehended.
1748 G. G. Beekman Let. 23 Sept. in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 61 As You Sell your flour by the barrill I take it this flour sent You is Cheaper at 25/ per Cent.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Edwin Morris 43 I take it, God made the woman for the man, And for the good and increase of the world.
1885 Law Times 80 118/2 The learned counsel might take it that this court overruled the objection.
1911 J. Conrad Under Western Eyes i. 3 Being myself a quiet individual I take it that what all men are really after is..peace.
1966 National Assembly Official Rep. (Republic of Kenya) 10 2921 The people took it that this nullified or watered down all the good that had been done.
2000 M. Barrowcliffe Girlfriend 44 v. 150 He'd said something..by which I took it that he wasn't too happy about the prospect of impending domestic bliss.
d. transitive. With infinitive clause as complement: to consider, suppose, assume.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > supposition, surmise > taking for granted, presumption > assume, presuppose [verb (transitive)]
supposec1350
presumec1390
take1429
presupposec1443
takec1449
presupponec1475
supponea1513
subsume1562
foreprise1577
to take for granted1615
to give for granted1637
assume1660
foretake1674
premisea1706
predicate1718
dare say1749
pre-assume1789
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 145 To hem whiche token and helden tho ymagis to be her Goddis.
?1530 Questyon Tayled Lande in St. German's Dyaloge in Englysshe sig. r.iiii If suche a recouere be had of rent with a voucher ouer, then it shalbe taken to be of lyke effect.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. John f. 16v Men toke him to be mine inferiour.
1663 S. Butler Hudibras: First Pt. i. ii. 140 For Men he [sc. the Bear] alwayes took to be His friends, and Dogs the enemy.
a1677 I. Barrow Of Contentm. (1685) 157 He that taketh himself to have enough, what doth he need?
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 166 I take that Man to be a..Penitent.
1741 tr. Sulpicius in C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero II. viii. 187 I..could not bear the sight of the Senate; took myself, as the case in truth was, to have lost all the fruit of my industry.
1807 Proc. Old Bailey 28 Oct. 499/1 Q. From all you saw of his conduct, did you think him to be a man in his senses.—A. I always took him to be a man ramping mad.
1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 63 It may be taken roughly to represent one inch of rain.
1902 Ibis 2 90 There are a number of birds which I take to be Thrushes.
1973 Irish Times 23 Jan. 9/3 ‘Politics’ is a much wider term than ‘party politics’ although it is unfortunately often taken to mean the same thing.
2001 J. Wolcott Catsitters xlvi. 299 I could still hear the applause when I reached the lobby, which I took to be a good sign.
77.
a. transitive. To consider, regard, view as being something specified. Also: to estimate, reckon at a particular value or quantity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measure [verb (transitive)] > estimate measurement or amount > at so much
take1893
c1443 R. Pecock Reule of Crysten Religioun (1927) 228 (MED) We be takun as creaturis more worþi þan beestis and leding a lijf aboue þe lijf of beestis.
1531–2 Act 23 Hen. VIII c. 3 That any Utlarie..pleded or alleged..shalbe taken but as voide plee.
1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces i. sig. G.2 He was take as a gret & a famous man.
1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull xiii. f. ccxxxvv Make no more of an Image, but onelye take it as a representer to signifye, and to put you in remembraunce of the thinge that it is made after.
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 36 This is to be taken as a granted veritie.
1654 A. Johnston Diary (1919) II. 238 I took this as a warning and waking and alarum from the Lord to me.
1702 J. Flamsteed Let. 14 Dec. in Corr. (1997) II. 987 The convex part of the sphere on which tis described being exceeding small, may be taken as a perfect plane.
1776 J. Palmer Four Months Tour through France I. xv. 119 He did not appear to be sensible of any indignity offered him, but took it as a badinage.
1820 Examiner No. 620. 130/2 We are to take the word liberal..as a piece of irony.
1893 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 10 310/2 An average length of stroke may be taken at about six yards.
1932 H. R. James M. Wollstonecraft 160 This may be taken as a piece of analysis and self-criticism.
1966 Guardian 21 Apr. 6/4 The estimated population in 1965 showed an increase of some 1.2 million to 19,440,000. The population today may be taken at around 20 million.
2009 D. Knight Making Mod. Sci. xii. 272 Every crucial experient had confirmed that light was a wave motion. By 1900, it was taken as an established truth.
†b. transitive. In passive. With modifying adverb: to be regarded or thought of in a specified way. Cf. well-taken adj. 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > hold an opinion [verb (transitive)] > form an opinion > of a certain kind
regard?1518
take1518
contain1602
read1847
1518 in Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Chron. (1812) I. Pref. 17 Sir John Style..well beloued and well takyn in theis partes.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Rom. xvi. 7 Andronicus and Junia my cosyns..which are wele taken amonge the apostles.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judith xvi. 21 Iudith was..right honorably taken in all the londe of Israel.
1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 5 A thing ciuile, and well taken euen in Monarchies.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. v. 51 What somere he is He's brauely taken heere. View more context for this quotation
78. transitive. Mathematics. To regard (a variable or other abstract mathematical object) as having one or more particular properties; esp. to regard (a variable) as being equal to a particular value.
ΚΠ
1723 S. Cunn & J. Keill tr. Euclid's Elements vi. 167 Take BG a third Proportional to BC and EF; that is, let BC be to EF, as EF is to BG.
1758 B. Donne Math. Ess. xxxvii. 265 Now take x = 2.
1824 J. Ryan Elem. Treat. Algebra 427 By taking x = 0, we shall have b = b′.
1874 Analyst 1 6 Take OA = 1 and AB = 2 at right angles to OA.
1911 Amer. Math. Monthly 18 85 The principal ideal corresponding to the integer α + βw..may be put into canonic form by taking s as the norm of α + βw.
1989 D. S. Passman Infinite Crossed Products i. 9 We could just take S to be the purely transcendental extension of R generated by the ux.
2011 J. W. Arthur Understanding Geom. Algebra xiv. 274 We take x and y as being orthonormal so that x2 = y2 =1.
** To conceive and exercise.
79.
a. transitive. To begin to have or be affected by (a feeling or state of mind); to experience (a particular feeling or emotion).See also to take delight at delight n. Phrases 2, to take a fancy to at fancy n. 8a, to take fright at fright n. 1b, to take joy at joy n. 9c, to take offence at offence n. 4c, to take pleasure at pleasure n. Phrases 5, to take a shine to at shine n.2 4, to take umbrage at umbrage n. 8b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > emotional attitude > hold, entertain, or cherish (a feeling) [verb (transitive)]
haveOE
takec1175
feelc1225
makec1225
hoard1340
cherishc1385
harbour1393
nourisha1522
nurse1567
lodge1583
carry1586
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19558 Þatt tatt farisewisshe follc. Strang wraþþe takenn haffde.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 2937 Wherof the king gret hevynesse Hath take.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 448 Agains him [sc. God] he tok a pride.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 281 She toke suche sorow that she deyde.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxxvi. 31 Ye shal take displeasure at youre owne selues, by reason of youre synnes and abhominacions.
1588 R. Rogers Diary 9 Dec. in Two Elizabethan Puritan Diaries (1933) 82 I have otherwise taken likeinge of my present estat, for I have walked in my calleinge with much sweetnes.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 129 When they are at the baines or stouphes, taking a fancie and affection to some one above the rest.
1694 Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. Introd. 6 Upon some disgust taken at his Master.
1721 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. July (1966) II. 8 The ardent affection that Mrs. Harvey and her dear spouse took to me.
1773 Life N. Frowde 15 Persons to whom I had taken so much Dislike.
1805 J. Grahame Sabbath (ed. 2) 149 A child of about ten months old took sulk, and would not eat.
1888 H. F. Lester Hartas Maturin III. ii. 41 Women do take prejudices.
1938 A. Berkeley Not to be Taken iv. 81 That fellow Cyril Waterhouse, to whom, by the way, I've taken a strong dislike.
1975 S. Selvon Moses Ascending 146 ‘Don't think I have been blind to the going-ons in this house.’ ‘What do you mean?’ I say, taking umbrage.
2012 F. Ray When Morning Comes xix. 261 A man who made his life hell and took enjoyment in it while doing so.
†b. intransitive. To conceive an affection for a person or thing. Cf. to take to —— 3b at Phrasal verbs 2, to take with —— 3 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > take a fancy or liking [verb (intransitive)]
fancy1545
takec1600
c1600 J. Dymmok Treat. Ireland (1842) 6 They are quicke and capable, kind harted where they take.
80.
a. transitive. To conceive and exercise (courage, pity, †mercy, etc.); to form in the mind and exhibit in action.See also to take courage at courage n. 4d, to take heart at heart n., int., and adv. Phrases 3k(a), to take heart of grace (and variants) at heart of grace n. 1a, to take pity at pity n. 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > entertain (an intention)
haveOE
takec1175
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2637 Marȝe..Ne toc..nan modiȝleȝȝc. Off hire miccle sellþe.
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 4656 Now, sir, take þerof pite.
a1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (Caius) (1810) 5757 They wer bolde, her herte they tooke.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) ix. 23 Wherfore god took mercy on them.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xix. 13 Take a good corage vnto the, and let us quyte oure selues manly.
1593 R. Bancroft Daungerous Positions ii. vii. 54 They haue taken greater boldnesse, and growen more rebellious.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Chron. xv. 8 He tooke courage, and put away the abominable idoles. View more context for this quotation
1673 R. Head Canting Acad. 141 His wife..took heart a-grace.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 309 No Popish Priest had ever taken the confidence to speak to her of those matters.
a1734 R. North Examen (1740) ii. v. §10 321 The Loyallists began to chear up, and to take Heart-a-grace.
1838 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights (1839) I. ii. 104 He took courage, and entered.
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. III. i. 3 In a day or two, however, Tom began to take heart of grace.
1888 Times (Weekly ed.) 18 May 3/4 The Arabs would have taken fresh heart.
1912 J. W. Schultz With Indians in Rockies iv. 88 Take courage; don't be an afraid person.
1989 N.Y. Woman Oct. 44/1 But take heart. Now there's a cure for Mondays.
2000 K. Atkinson Emotionally Weird (2001) 103 He struggled to open the big doors of the building until a janitor finally took pity on him and yanked them open for him.
b. transitive. To apply (notice, care, heed, etc.) to a situation; to exercise or exert (a particular mental faculty).See also take care at care n.1 3c, to take heed at heed n. 1b, to take note at note n.2 11c, to take notice at notice n. 4, to take recognizance of at recognizance n. Phrases 1, to take thought at thought n. Phrases 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > conduct (an affair) > deal with (a matter)
takec1175
speedc1374
handc1440
to deal with1469
deduce1528
deal1586
wield1595
cope with1641
tractate1657
handlea1774
job1825
absorb1826
address1838
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 16988 Nicodem..Himm haffde takenn mikell gom. Off cristess miccle tacness.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Bodl.) (1981) 502 (MED) Nu þe deorre drihtin arew us ant toc read of ure alde dusischipes.
c1300 St. Swithun (Harl.) 47 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 44 He þoȝte on þat þe godspel saiþ, þat me takþ of lute hede.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 12592 (MED) Hamward þai went & to ihesu toke nane entent.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 27228 Ilk man þat will ta yeme.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 5729 Moyses þat time tok kepe, To his elde fadris schepe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 7937 Son he seide take good gome ȝyuen þou hast þin owne dome.
a1450 (c1370) G. Chaucer Complaint unto Pity (Tanner) (1871) l. 82 But ye rathyr take cure To breke that perelous alliaunce.
c1450 in T. Wright Songs & Carols (1856) 54 To here song than tok I intent.
1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 320 Quhairunto hir Hienes and hir Counsall mon tak ee and regard.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Ciiij Taking no notice that she is so nye. View more context for this quotation
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 507 We wil turne it finely off sir, we wil take some care. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 120 Giue order to my seruants, that they take no note at all of our being absent hence. View more context for this quotation
1695 J. Locke Let. 18 Feb. in J. Locke & E. Clarke Corr. (1927) 408 I writ the £5. 5s. 0d. down in my memorandums,..and so my memory, being discharged of it took no more care of it.
1716 M. Davies Athenæ Britannicæ II. 245 As for his being the Son, either Begotten or Unbegotten, the Sabellian Hypothesis took no Recognizance of.
1784 R. Bage Barham Downs I. 230 I took no concern about any of them.
1805 J. Malcolm Compend. Mod. Husb. II. 471 Taking especial care to keep them clean from weeds.
1837 Metrop. Mag. Dec. 371 He took thought with himself in vain. No alternative presented itself to him but submission or suicide.
1894 Daily News 26 July 3/3 He won the race so easily that little notice need be taken of the placings of the remainder of the field.
1935 Textile World 85 1860/2 Formation of the patches is a danger signal..and should be taken heed of at once if serious trouble is to be avoided.
1951 ‘C. S. Forester’ Randall & River of Time (U.K. ed.) xvii. 247 He took almost no note of his surroundings; few memories remained of those days.
2000 Daily Tel. 21 June 22/1 Brushing the hair with a clean, soft-bristled brush will also help, but take care not to scratch the skin.
c. transitive. To conceive and adopt (a purpose, resolution, estimate, point of view, etc.); to form and hold in the mind.Sometimes with admixture of sense 83a.
ΚΠ
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 1194 For-þi he token anoþer red Þat þei sholden þenne fle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11151 (MED) He..tok his redd al for to fle, Priuelik and latt hir be.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 143 He..left purpos that he had tane.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid v. i. 10 The Troianis in thare breistis tuk ane ges Quharfor it was.
1589 R. Lane in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 740 I tooke a resolution with my selfe..to enter presently so farre into that Riuer [etc.].
1639 Declinatour & Protestation Pretended Bishops 8 Appellations of laick patrons were ordained by act of Parliament to end and take decision at the generall Assembly.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 37 A conclusion [was] taken to refer all to their several Princes.
1714 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements (rev. ed.) Pref. I took a Resolution to make use of most of the Schemes of the said Book.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. ii. 12 Having taken a Resolution to leave the Country. View more context for this quotation
1803 H. Card Hist. Revol. Russia 64 The Polovtsi took the imprudent resolution of observing a strict neutrality.
1891 Law Times 90 462/2 We do not take the alarmist view of our correspondent.
1904 Wabash Dec. 141/2 We naturally take the conclusion that the latter is a broader expression of the former.
1940 New Statesman 21 Dec. 650/1 He took a different view of the Nazis.
1945 D. Cooper Diary 12 Nov. (2005) 393 Bidault had been unable to persuade de Gaulle to take any decision at present.
2005 Guardian 20 Sept. ii. 8/2 The forecasters..can take a guess at how good their forecasts might be.
†VIII. To touch.
81. transitive. To touch (a person or thing). Cf. to take on —— at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touch [verb (transitive)]
arinec1000
atrinec1000
rineOE
trinec1200
reachc1225
takec1275
touchc1300
entouch1426
atouch1483
salutea1616
attinge1656
c1275 Kentish Serm. in J. Hall Select. Early Middle Eng. (1920) I. 218 Ure lord him seide and spredde his hond, and tok his lepre.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) 1305 Þe kniȝt him aslepe lay..Horn him gan to take & sede: ‘kniȝt, awake.’
c1400 Life St. Anne (Minn.) (1928) l. 533 Iosep..lened hym on hys croch, For who hys yhered wald tak & tuch, Þerof gayf he ryght noȝt.
IX. To make, do, or perform.
82.
a. transitive. To arrange, agree upon (a fight, truce, alliance, etc.); to make (peace). Now chiefly in to take treaty. [Compare Old French, Middle French prendre treve (13th cent.).]
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > make an agreement with [verb (transitive)] > make conclude or seal (an agreement)
binda1300
smitec1330
takec1330
ratify1357
knitc1400
enter1418
obligea1522
agree1523
conclude1523
strike1544
swap1590
celebrate1592
rate?1611
to strike up1646
form1736
firm1970
c1330 (?c1300) Amis & Amiloun (Auch.) (1937) l. 865 (MED) Þan was atvix hem take þe fiȝt & sett þe day a fourtenniȝt.
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 8474 (MED) It was seyde to the Emperoure..How ffight was taken hem be-twene.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiv. 96 Quhill trewis at the last tuk thai.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 333 With thair consent Wallace this pes has tayn,..till x moneth war gayn.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xxxiii. 48 So yt they wolde take no peace, nor truse, with ye kyng of Englande.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 139 The Troiens to the tenttes tristy men send ffor a treu to be tan.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xlvii. sig. D2v Betwixt mine eye and heart a league is tooke . View more context for this quotation
1656 S. Holland Don Zara iii. v. 194 Having taken a Truce with his Enemy, he would not be the first should break it.
a1724 D. Manley in A. Pope Lit. Corr. (1735) III. 65 Methinks it is unreasonable to impose the continued Slavery of Writing: I assure you, I shall take Truce with it till at my Journey's End.
1875 A. C. Swinburne Songs of Two Nations 65 They took truce with tyrants and grew tame.
1885 C. P. Mulvany Hist. North-west Rebellion xv. 118 Big Bear was the last to take treaty.
1908 R. A. S. Macalister tr. Story of Eagle-boy in Two Irish Arthurian Romances 149 When the vagabonds saw that they had no chance of slaughtering the flesh for their supper, they took a truce of combat till the morning.
1994 S. Butala Perfection of Morning vi. 107 For the most part, the Cree leaders had refused to take treaty.
†b. transitive. To appoint (a day or time) for doing something; to arrange (a meeting). Obsolete.See also to take day (also days) at day n. Phrases 5d.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association for a common purpose > meeting or assembling for common purpose > meet or assemble for common purpose [verb (intransitive)] > make appointment for meeting
take?a1400
appoint1509
to give a person (the, a) meeting1565
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 51 (MED) Harald was fulle, a lone [read loue] day he toke To here what þe barons þam boþe wild loke.
1411 Rolls of Parl.: Henry IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1411 §13. m. 14 A loveday taken bytwen the same parties by William Gascoigne chief justice of the forsaid benche.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. iv. f. xxxiiiv Nothing nowe remayned, but to take a tyme and place, to begynne and enter his preachyng.
a1626 L. Andrewes XCVI Serm. (1629) 219 We see, His will is, we should doe it; and take a time to doe it we will, and when is that?
1700 J. Brome Trav. i. 2 As these were the Reasons which occasion'd our Journey, so we took a time in which it was agreeable to make one.
83.
a. transitive. To make, do, perform (an act, action, movement, etc.); to carry out.Often take forms with the object a phrase which is a periphrastic equivalent of the cognate verb: e.g. to take a leap is equivalent to to leap, to take a look to to look, to take one's departure to to depart, etc.See also to take action at action n. Phrases 2, to take aim at aim n. Phrases 1, you pays your money and you takes your choice at money n. Phrases 3h, to take pause at pause n. Phrases 1, to take a peek at peek n.1 1, to take one's pick at pick n.3 8b, to take a punt at punt n.5, to take a shit at shit n. 1c, to take a shufti at shufti n., to take steps at step n.1 6d, to take strides at stride n. 1b, to take a walk at walk n.1 Phrases 1, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > do [verb (transitive)]
i-wurchec888
i-dreeeOE
doeOE
dightc1000
workOE
haveOE
fet1297
takec1380
gara1400
playc1410
practisec1475
bedrive1481
fetch1530
perpetrate1535
act1590
exert1662
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 4029 (MED) To-morwe let ous our iorne take, Hamward aȝen to ryde.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 156 At whiche men mowe lawȝe and take bourde for her symplenes.
a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Harl. 4866) (1897) l. 3400 (MED) The kyng took a laghtre, and wente his way.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 1 I determyned me to take that voyage.
?1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton i. sig. cviv Thou oughtest not to stryue ne take noyse wyth them that ben ful of superfluous wordes.
1491 in J. M. Cowper Accts. Churchwardens St. Dunstan's, Canterbury (?1886) 16 They tooke an axion ageynst the executores of Wyllyam Belser.
1556 in J. G. Nichols Chron. Grey Friars (1852) 13 Thys yere the kynge..toke his viage towarde Normandy.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xi. sig. Nn7v Like a winged horse he [sc. Neptune] tooke his flight.
1617 Acct.-bk. W. Wray in Antiquary (1896) 32 214 King James..tooke his progresse towards Scotland.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 43 How many steps have I took in vain. View more context for this quotation
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 6 You might take a survey of the Rarities.
1711 E. Budgell Spectator No. 77. ¶1 We took a turn or two more.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 312 Without measuring the Windings and Turnings it takes.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ix. 137 My wife, my daughter, and herself, were taking a walk together.
1845 M. Pattison in Christian Remembrancer Jan. 82 When Queen Brunchilde took her departure from Rouen.
1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xxiv. 323 I came to-day to beg you to take a trip somewhere, by sea or land.
1889 M. E. Kennard Landing Prize III. viii. 148 The salmon took a great leap.
1893 J. Ashby-Sterry Naughty Girl vii. 67 I'll just take a turn down to the club and see what's going on.
1933 Punch 16 Aug. 181/1 While they were hard-and-fast aground, James took a dekko, or look around.
1937 W. S. Maugham Theatre i. 7 After all, with all the exercise I take I can eat anything I like.
1954 V. Randolph Pissing in Snow (1976) lix. 90 Soon as the soldiers woke him up, he says ‘Excuse me, I got to take a piss,’ and he went outside.
2004 Independent 1 Jan. (Review section) 10/4 Take a stroll around the men's designer collections in any department store.
b. transitive. To suffer (a fall, tumble, etc.).Chiefly in fixed phrases, which are more fully dealt with elsewhere, as to take a fall at fall n.2 Phrases 2a(a), to take a tumble at tumble n. 2d.
ΚΠ
?1515 Hyckescorner (de Worde) sig. A.vv At tyburne..Some take a fall that maketh theyr neck lame.
1599 N. Breton Miseries Mavillia sig. Dd3 If the hilding..had runne padling out of my sight, and by chaunce spotted any of her cloathes, or taken a fall.., I was..rated like a Dogge.
1620 T. Matthew in tr. St. John of Avila Audi Filia Pref. sig. ***2 Being no lesse sollicitous, to guide him [sc. the reader] straight, then a tender mother..to lead her only child, by the sleeues or armes, for feare least otherwise he might take a fall.
1664 K. Philips Poems lx. 176 Who from the top of his Prosperities Can take a fall.
a1752 R. Erskine Serm. (1796) VII. cxxii. 374 The kind nurse lets the forward child take a fall, to make it look to its feet, and prevent a worse danger.
1849 C. G. F. Gore Dowager liii. 131/2 ‘Why you look so spruce. I should recommend your taking a tumble every day.’ Lord Mount-Trevor made a grimace, to insinuate perhaps that he did not care to hear any allusions to his disaster.
1895 Trenton (New Jersey) Times 29 July 1/3 Enoch Mountford took a bad spill in the run and ride race, but was not hurt much.
1903 Fores's Sporting Notes & Sketches 20 49 The ground was rough, and, about half-way, Gassy took a header and rolled over.
1958 S. J. Perelman Most of S. J. Perelman 35 I took a rather nasty fall over a wastebasket.
1989 A. Fine Bill's New Frock (1990) ii. 23 He'd look a bit daft if he took a tumble, he decided.
2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. v. 152 This is ma mobile phone. Ma son Colin bought it for me—in case I should take a fall or that.
c. transitive. With at. To aim or attempt (a shot, swing, punch, etc.); also figurative.Chiefly in fixed phrases: see to take a pop at at pop n.1 Phrases 3, to take a swing at at swing n.2 7b, to take a swipe at at swipe n.2 Additions, to take a whack at at whack n. 1b.
ΚΠ
1766 Monthly Rev. Apr. 326 Daniel Burges..seldom or never concluded a sermon till he had taken ‘a whack at the pope’ as he himself expressed it.
1777 I. Jackman All World's Stage i. 8 Bring me the short blunderbuss that's hanging in the hall, and I'll take a pop at the whole covey.
1814 W. Scott Let. 17 June (1932) III. 451 I should be tempted to take a long shot at him [sc. Buonaparte] in his retreat to Elba.
1871 Cornhill Mag. Dec. 717 A ‘shy’ means the right to take a shot at the goal with the football.
1908 G. B. McCutcheon Man from Brodney's 217 Don't you think it is rather a poor time to talk breach of promise with the guns of an enemy ready to take a pop at us at any moment?
1957 Sheboygan (Wisconsin) Press 19 June 31/4 You either take a swing at the ball no matter where it is..or else you decide that it's ‘unplayable’ and tack two strokes onto your score.
1989 R. M. Wilson Ripley Bogle 37 The other kids queued up to take a punch or two at my objectionable noggin.
2013 Sunday Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 28 Apr. (Sport section) 11 New recruit Taz broke his arm when he was tackled as he took a shot at goal.
84.
†a. intransitive. To decide, deliberate that. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > give advice [verb (intransitive)] > consult or take advice
redeeOE
to take (in early use (i-)nim) redeOE
rulea1387
advisea1393
takec1450
take1480
resolve1591
preconsult1606
to have (also take) under advisement1735
c1450 (c1400) Emaré (1908) l. 799 (MED) Grete lordes toke hem be-twene That þey wolde exyle þe qwene.
b. transitive. To enter into (deliberation or consultation).Chiefly in fixed phrases: see to take advice at advice n. Phrases 1(a), to take advisement at advisement n. Phrases 1b, to take counsel at counsel n. 1a. Cf. also sense 25b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > give advice [verb (intransitive)] > consult or take advice
redeeOE
to take (in early use (i-)nim) redeOE
rulea1387
advisea1393
takec1450
take1480
resolve1591
preconsult1606
to have (also take) under advisement1735
1480 Cronicles Eng. (Caxton) cxcvii. sig. l8 The barons..token counceill bitwene hem.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin v. 95 Assembled the barons and the prelates of the cherche, and toke counseile.
?1538 tr. St. Martinus Rule of Honest Lyfe sig. A.vv Let your cogytacyons be stedfast stable and suer, whether it doth delyberate & take aduysement, whether it doth inquyre & serche, or whether it doth contemplate and studye, let it not swerue from the trueth.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxxxixv After he had paused & taken deliberation.
1633 Battle of Lutzen in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) IV. 197 [The Polonians] took counsel of the pillow, and..concluded to come to a treaty.
1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) xiii. 1067 When they had a while taken deliberation about it, they both agreed upon this, that the next night they would change their host.
1754 T. Birch Mem. Reign Queen Elizabeth II. xi. 295 It was expected, that he would presently return to Paris to take advice with his council how to dispose of his troubled affairs.
1799 G. Houston tr. P. H. T. d'Holbach Ecce Homo! ix. 131 He acted wisely; for the naughty doctors went immediately, and took counsel with the officers of Herod.
1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Hist. Eng. xxxvi. 359 She took counsel with witches and magicians.
1903 Fabrics Fancy Goods & Notions Mar. 65/1 ‘We can likely do something with them,’ the visiting agent says to her chief when they take advice together.
1978 M. Barber Trial of Templars ii. 46 The king..took consultation with his council of prelates and barons.
2007 Third Way Summer 4/3 The negotiations have taken some time—it was over a year ago that the trustees first began to take counsel on the idea.
85. transitive. To raise, put forth, make (an exception, objection, distinction, etc.).See also to take (an) exception (†exceptions) against at exception n. 7c, to take objection at objection n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (transitive)]
strivea1400
objectc1443
repugna1513
controlc1525
to lay something in a person's light1530
pass1534
take1542
to think (it) much1548
challenge?1577
except1577
except1597
to formalize upon1597
formalize1599
scruple1627
demur1827
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > modify, qualify [verb (transitive)]
qualify1533
temperatea1540
take1542
season1604
disbend1607
condition1629
tinge1673
temper1711
shade1817
colour1882
1542 King Henry VIII Declar. Scots 204 The Scottis wyl take exception to the homages of theyr prynces.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Yy4v Non sane memorie..is an exception taken to any act declared by the plaintife or demaundant to be done by another, wherupon he groundeth his plaint or demaund.
a1680 J. Bargrave Pope Alexander VII (1867) i. vii. 15 They took exceptions of the quality of Illustrissimo.
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph III. 193 I..thought in my humble station I should not be too quick at taking exceptions.
1789 W. Brown Rep. High Court Chancery 2 111 In the civil law, there is a distinction taken between a demonstrative legacy.., and a taxative legacy.
1830 J. H. Monk Life R. Bentley x. 237 They do not pronounce; but instead of so doing, they take a dilemma, and intimate their belief, that either by the old statutes, or by the 40th of Elizabeth's, the Master is subject to the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Ely.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. x. 556 The distinction which they took was..ingenious.
1874 S. Wilberforce Speeches on Missions 46 I know well the objections men can take.
1910 Catholic World July 545 The work of the translator is well done, though an exception may be taken against the use of the word ‘policy’..to express the art of government.
1972 Jrnl. Law & Econ. 15 60 The Illinois courts purport to take a distinction between ‘special’ and ‘general’ benefits, and they allow only special benefits to be taken into account.
2000 Times of India 1 Nov. 20/5 His erstwhile employers, Central Railway, took an objection over the circumstances in which he left them.

Phrases

P1. Phrases with prepositional phrase complement.
a. to take on (also upon) one(self).
(a) transitive. To undertake, to take on (an office, duty, or responsibility); to make oneself responsible for. Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > a duty, office, or role
enterc1425
to take on (also upon) one(self)1432
fall1589
assume1591
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 210 Twa þinges beoð þet god haueð edholden to him seoluen. Þet beoð wurchipe & wrake..hwase eauer onhim seolf takeð ouðer of þeos twa he robbeð god.
1397–8 Rolls of Parl.: Richard II (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1397 Pleas §7. m. 4 I..restreyned my lord of his fredom, and toke upon me amonge other power real.
1432 in Paston Lett. (1904) II. 36 The said Erle hath take upon him the governance of the Kinges persone.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vi. l. 355 Be-caus we wait he is a gentill man, Cum in my grace and I sall saiff him than. As for his lyff I will apon me tak.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xliii. 143 He wyll take on hym this bateyll ayenst the gyant.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iii. viii. 79 Happy were England, would this gracious prince Take on himselfe the souerainty thereon.
1611 Bible (King James) Num. xvi. 7 Yee take too much vpon you [1535 Coverdale make to moch a doo], ye sonnes of Leui. View more context for this quotation
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life Henry VIII (1649) 225 He should perswade her to enter a Monastery, and take on her a Religious life.
1728 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1886) II. 86 Occasioned by..Mr. Hughes's taking upon him the office of Mayor.
1790 W. Bligh Narr. Mutiny on Bounty 86 When there was a doubt about supplying me with money..he chearfully took it upon himself.
1844 J. B. Fraser Dark Falcon I. xi. 278 ‘Have we no guide, then, amongst us?’ asked Osman;—‘Well, then, I must take the office on myself.’
1883 Cent. Mag. 26 608/1 Helen took the blame upon herself.
1916 Biblical World Oct. 209/1 Education societies took upon themselves the task of raising funds for these schools.
1949 D. Sinclair Secret Riders Farm vi. 53 Rex, thereupon, took upon himself the rôle (as he put it) of ‘carrying the can as usual’.
2005 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 22 Sept. 22/1 Writing letters of condolence was just one of the duties that Whitman took upon himself as a Soldiers' Missionary.
(b) transitive. With infinitive clause as object, or (in later use) with it as anticipatory object and infinitive clause as complement: to undertake (to do something); (with negative connotations) to presume, make bold (to do something).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake or set oneself to do [verb (intransitive)]
found12..
to take on (also upon) one(self)a1300
assay1330
study1340
to put (also lay, set, etc.) one's hand to the ploughc1384
intendc1385
pressc1390
to put oneself in pressc1390
gatherc1400
undertakec1405
sayc1425
to fall in hand with (also to do (something))c1450
setc1485
obligea1500
essay?1515
attend1523
supprise1532
to set in foot1542
enterprise1547
address1548
to set in hand1548
prove1612
to make it one's businessa1628
engage1646
embark1647
bend1694
to take hold1868
a1300 Passion our Lord 619 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 54 (MED) Vre louerd him tok on To schewen his apostles þet he wes god and mon.
1449 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1449 §22. m. 7 Daren not take uppon hem to labour ayenst suche felons.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxii. 481 I shall take vpon me to make amendes for hym.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cclxxv. 411 To desyre him to take on him to be the Constable of France.
1561 T. Becon Pomaunder of Prayer (new ed.) f. 62 He took vpon him to suffer ye cros, nailes and dart.
1649 F. Thorpe Charge York Assizes 26 If any Person take upon him to be a Badger of Corn.
1662 E. Martin Opinion ii. 23 I should condemn any man..that should take upon himself to give another leave to speak, or write.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 248 I took upon me..to go to Leeds.
1746 T. Salmon Mod. Hist. (new ed.) III. vii. 439/1 He took upon him to parcel out the lands of the Indians among the English without their leave.
1837 H. Hallam Introd. Lit. Europe I. i. 106 Some took on them to imitate what they read.
1885 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 14 825 The judgment, which the plaintiff has taken upon himself to sue out and to enter, is wrong.
1902 G. A. Henty To Herat & Cabul iv. 74 He..had him..carried to their lodging, taking on himself to send an order to the wuzeer's own medical attendant to go there at once.
1951 N. Monsarrat Cruel Sea (1953) i. v. 22 The nearest he had ever come to a clash with Grace was when her mother had taken it on herself to rearrange all the furniture in their sitting-room.
2004 S. Hall Electric Michelangelo 251 He did not want to risk leaving the vicinity in case she took it upon herself to choose that exact moment to come.
†(c) transitive. With clause as object: to profess, claim (to do something); to assert, claim (that something is the case), with the connotation that the claim or assertion is unwarranted. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 3028 (MED) He takeþ on hym to seyn what schal be-falle.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 128 [No man] wold take vpon him that thei had any souereyne power aftir that thei vndirstoode any parte of the Deite.
1546 Wycklyffes Wycket sig. A.vv Hypocrites that take on them to make oure Lordes bodye.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxixv As thoughe I toke vpon me, that I could not erre.
1605 J. Dove Confut. Atheisme 4 They which insinuate them-selues into Noble-mens houses, and Princes Courts, taking upon them to be the great Polititians of the worlde.
1653 T. Gataker Vindic. Annot. Jer. 10.2 31 The time whereof both of them, contrary to our Saviors avouchment take upon them to determine.
1784 Intrepid Mag. No. 1. (Divinity) 31/2 Dr. Baylis took upon himself to be able to give the highest instance possible of the legality of swearing in a court of justice. He said, that Jesus Christ himself is recorded to have taken an oath before a magistrate.
1846 J. F. Cooper Redskins II. iii. 42 I will not take on myself that any man of decency could really use such irreverent language about a body so truly eminent.
1868 H. W. Longfellow John Endicott ii. ii, in New Eng. Trag. 319 Quakers, Who take upon themselves to be commissioned Immediately of God.
†(d) intransitive. To assume authority or importance, to assert oneself; esp. (with negative connotations) to behave presumptuously or haughtily, to give oneself airs. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > overweening or presumption > be or become presumptuous [verb (intransitive)]
overween1340
to take on (also upon) one(self)?1435
presumea1450
the mind > emotion > courage > bravery or boldness > act bravely [verb]
to take on (also upon) one(self)?1435
brave1884
?1435 in C. L. Kingsford Chrons. London (1905) 80 (MED) Yt was thought to my lorde off Wynchestre that my seyd lorde off Gloucestre toke vpon himsylff fferrer thanne his auctorite stretched vnto.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 43 Wallace so weill apon him tuk that tide Throw the gret preys he maid a way full wide.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 747/1 I take apon me, lyke a lord or mayster, je fais du grant.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) ii. f. 109v It shalbe the part of a straunger, being in another mans house, not to take vpon him presumptuously.
1637 T. Morton New Eng. Canaan iii. xxi. 158 This man..tooke upon him infinitely: and made warrants in his owne name.
1667 S. Pepys Diary 3 June (1974) VIII. 249 But Lord, to see how Duncomb doth take upon him is an eysore.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 229 I found it was time to take upon me a little.
1782 Novelist's Mag. 7 163/2 When I reflected upon what I was, by taking upon me, I ran a risk of being one day or other ridiculed for my affectation.
(e) transitive. To assume (a particular form, likeness, character, or name); to adopt (a law, custom, or practice). Cf. senses 45a, 45b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself
teec897
assume1447
to take on (also upon) one(self)c1515
assumpt1572
undertake1596
satchel1839
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xlv. 151 He thretenethe to slee me by cause I wyll not take on me his law.
1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede iii. f. 51 The seconde persone, which toke fleshe vpon hym: is verye man of his mother and very god of god.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Celebr. Holye Communion f. xii Almyghtye God whiche haste geuen vs thy onlye begotten sonne to take our nature vpon hym.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 112 He had taken on him a little before, the lyuery of the crosse.
1611 G. Chapman May-day ii. iv. 30 Ioue for his loue tooke on him the shape of a Bull.
1656 J. Smith Myst. Rhetorique Unvail'd 130 He made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made like unto men.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 35. ¶4 Several Imposters..who take upon them the Name of this young Gentleman.
1752 C. Lennox Female Quixote I. ii. v. 107 Who would have thought, that, under the Name of Alcippus..Alexander..took upon himself that mean Condition for the sake of seeing his adored Princess?
1844 Fraser's Mag. 30 532/2 Liddy was really taking the woman upon her in earnest, since she had attained the matronly age of seventeen.
1886 A. J. Church Story of Carthage i. i. 7 She causes her son Cupid, or Love, to take upon him the shape of Ascanius, the young son of Æneas.
1928 Boys' Life Feb. 41/1 The brave little soldier Marco who took upon himself the name of thief so Giovanni might carry the flag.
1953 Christian Scholar 36 13 God has shown his will toward us by taking upon himself the form of bondage in his creation.
2003 Etnofoor 16 58 The women took the name upon themselves.
†(f) transitive. With clause as object: to affect, feign, pretend. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, dissemble [phrase]
makec1275
to make wise1447
make as though?c1450
to let fare1483
to make a show ofa1500
to set a face1560
to take on (also upon) one(self)?1560
to make (a) miena1657
to make believe1773
to put it on1888
to play (the) fox1894
?1560 T. Norton Orations of Arsanes sig. K.iiij He fayneth hym selfe werry of warres with Christians, he taketh vpon him to be greued with the wast of his people.
?1571 tr. G. Buchanan Detectioun Marie Quene of Scottes sig. Ejv Though thay tuke upon tham as if thay regardit nat these thynges, yet sometyme the rumors..nerely prickit them to the quick.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. ii. 106 How comes that (saies he) that takes vppon him not to conceiue. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida i. ii. 135 Shee takes vpon her to spie a white heare on his chinne. View more context for this quotation
b. to take in (also into, †on) one's arms: to lift and enfold in one's arms; to embrace.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (transitive)]
clipc950
freeOE
beclipc1000
windc1175
fang?c1200
yokec1275
umgripea1300
to take in (also into, on) one's armsc1300
umbefold14..
collc1320
lapc1350
bracec1375
embracec1386
clapa1400
folda1400
halsea1400
umbeclapa1400
accollc1400
fathomc1400
halchc1400
haspc1400
hoderc1440
plighta1450
plet?a1500
cuddlec1520
complect1523
umbfoldc1540
clasp1549
culla1564
cully1576
huggle1583
embosom1590
wrap1594
collya1600
cling1607
bosom1608
grasp1609
comply1648
huddlea1650
smuggle1679
inarm1713
snuggle1775
cwtch1965
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 430 Horn..tok hire on his armes two.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 2912 Bot þou com, rescous to make, neuer in armes salle me take.
1518 H. Watson tr. Hystorye Olyuer of Castylle lxix. sig. P.iv He toke his two chyldren in his armes and lapped them in a clothe all blody.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) iii. sig. Gg2v He..tooke her in his armes, and rocking her too and fro [etc.].
1655 E. Elys Dia Poemata 42 Your Babes Departed are not Dead... Their Saviour takes them in His Armes.
1677 G. Keith Way cast Up xv. 182 Will not a Father take his little dated Davie in his armes, and carry him over a ditch or a mire?
1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid II. 326 She took me in her Arms..declaring an entire Confidence in me.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 53 I could have taken her into my arms, and cherished her.
1824 Summary View of Amer. x. 137 He kissed one, took another in his arms.
1890 F. Barrett Between Life & Death III. 106 He took her in his arms.
1917 E. Wharton Summer vii. 106 She had known exactly what she would feel if Harney should take her in his arms.
2010 J. Kwok Girl in Transl. i. 21 She took me in her arms and squeezed so hard that I gasped.
c. to take about the neck (also †swire): to put one's arms around the neck of (a person), esp. before a kiss; to embrace. Now rare.
ΚΠ
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 404 Heo makede him faire chere & tok him abute þe swere.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 4357 (MED) She toke him aboute þe necke wiþ þis And profered hir mouþ to kis.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1905) II. 337 (MED) He tuke hym abowte þe nekk & kyssyd hym.
1561 T. Paynell tr. N. Hanapus Ensamples Vertue & Vice viii. sig. D.viiiv He kyssed Tobye, and wepynge toke hym aboute the necke and sayd, Gods blessinge haue thou my sonne.
a1638 J. Mede Apostasy Latter Times (1641) 119 She took a Monk about the neck and kissed him.
1687 T. Brockbank Jrnl. Dec. (1930) 6 He took his Mother about ye neck wth his pocky arm, and Kist her wth his scabbed lips.
1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid II. viii. 222 I was so pleas'd to hear him talk thus, that, if I had durst, I would have taken him about the Neck.
1782 Hibernian Mag. Sept. 485/1 Her father's servants saw her in her own bed room take the captain about the neck and kiss him.
1847 Godey's Lady's Bk. Mar. 151/2 The fond damsel bounded to her friend, and took her about the neck with as much fervency as if all the blood from her heart had gone into her arms.
1879 E. Marshall Stories Cathedral Cities Eng. 143 She hastened to him in spite of the crowd, and embraced him fervently, taking him about the neck and kissing him.
1910 F. J. Ziegler tr. A. Strindberg Creditor 69 (stage direct.) Taking her about the neck and kissing her.
d. to take (a person) by the hand: to grasp the hand of (a person), esp. in order to lead him or her somewhere. Also figurative.
ΚΠ
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 3193 Þe comli quen þan takeþ meliors by þe hande.
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xxii. l. 170 Crist..took thomas by þe hand.
?1511 Treat. Joseph of Armathy (de Worde) sig. A.iv He toke me by the hande and soo ledde me in myn house.
1571 T. Fortescue tr. P. Mexia Foreste ii. v. f. 62 If he gaue affirmatiue aunswere, then should they take eche other by the hande immediatly, in token of assured faith.
1651 tr. F. de Quintana Hist. Don Fenise 40 She took Felix by the hand, and put him in estate to come to the point of his desires.
1709 R. Steele & J. Addison Tatler No. 114. ⁋1 He took me by the Hand.
1777 S. J. Pratt Liberal Opinions V. cxv. 164 I at length took by the hand my friend Mr. Green.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xxxiii. 277 The historian takes the friendly reader by the hand.
1897 B. Stoker Dracula xviii. 252 I took him by the hand and raised him up.
1919 ‘E. M. Delafield’ Consequences i. 11 Barbara taking little Archie by the hand and leading him to the door.
1985 M. Gibson Dancing with Mermaids (1986) xxxix. 171 He took the somnambulist by the hand and led her into the empty yard.
2002 Sawubona (S. Afr. Airways In-flight Mag.) July 78/2 Burly, bearded miners..would take each other by the hand of a Friday night—and cut a rug until dawn.
†e. to take it on (also upon) one's death, etc.: (with subordinate clause) to assert emphatically that something is the case. Also to take it on one's honour, to take something upon one's soul (rare). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1904) I. l. 1242 (MED) Vppon my Sowle to taaken this thing, but jn alle my lyf..herde j nevere of swich thing spoken ore.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxlvi Roger Bolyngbroke was drawen & quartered at tiborne, takyng vpon his death, that there was neuer no suche thyng by theim ymagened.
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor ii. ii. 13 I tooked [1623 took't] on my ho[nour] thou hadst it not.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) i. i. 110 Vpon his death-bed he..tooke it on his death That this my mothers sonne was none of his. View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 379 Guiltlesse of any offence..as he tooke it vpon his death.
1720 D. Manley Power of Love v. ii. 283 I will take it upon my Death, I saw him come in with nothing but his Gown on.
1778 H. Brooke Charitable Assoc. i. ix, in Coll. Plays & Poems IV. 230 I would take it, on my death, that she, herself, does not know who is the father of the child—poor soul!
f. to take in (also on) one's way: to visit (a person or place) during a journey; to include in one's route. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1548 W. Patten Exped. Scotl. sig. M.i My lords grace rowed vp the Fryth.., and took in his way an Iland thear called sainct Coomes Ins.
1589 R. Lane in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 745 I..sent Pemisapan word..that I was going to Crotoan, and ment to take him in the way.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. C4v Towards Uenice we progrest, & tooke Roterdam in our waie.
1676 A. Wood Life & Times (1892) II. 342 Wee went home and took Pershore in the way.
1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome vi. 85 He did not take Rome in his way.
1777 S. Johnson Let. 29 Sept. (1992) III. 79 Boswel..took Chatsworth in his way home.
1837 J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott IV. viii. 275 Scott..asked me to walk home with him, taking Ballantyne's printing office in our way.
1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Silas Marner viii. 128 I had to go to Flitton, and I thought I might as well take you in my way.
1910 M. Haile Life R. Pole xiii. 247 Pole took Carpentras on his way, so as to see his old friend Cardinal Sadoleto.
g. With with.
†(a) to take (a thing) with one: to bear in mind, to keep in remembrance, to take note of. Obsolete.In quot. 1577: to listen to (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > retention in the mind > retain in the memory [verb (transitive)]
i-mune971
to have (also bear, keep, hold, etc.) in minda1200
withholdc1200
membera1382
treasure1382
demeanc1460
mindc1460
retain1474
keep1574
to take (a thing) with one1577
carry1583
weara1586
1577 R. Stanyhurst Treat. Descr. Irelande ii. f. 5v/1, in R. Holinshed Chron. I I pray you, clip not my tale, sayth Ireneus, but take me with you.
1585 T. Bilson True Difference Christian Subiection ii. 261 Take with you this limitation..which S. Paul giueth euen in the same chap. & infer what you can.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 715 Yet take here with you, that which William Newbrigensis..writeth.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Old Law (1656) ii. 24 Oh y'are to hot sir! Pray coole your selfe and take September with you.
1714 R. Steele Englishman No. 46. 297 You must take along with you, that before he begins to foam, he has named the Whigs.
1746 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 23 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) III. 752 Take this along with you, that the worst authors are always the most partial to their own works.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth v, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 120 Take it with you that I will never listen to them.
1841 J. Baillie Rep. Proc. Gen. Assembly Church of Scotl. 126 You must take it along with you, that there must be one and the same definite construction for all things.
†(b) to take (a person) with one: to speak so that (a person) can follow one's meaning; to enable (a person) to understand one; to be explicit. Usually in imperative. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > expound, explain [verb (transitive)]
arecchec885
unloukOE
overrunOE
sutelec1000
trahtnec1000
unfolda1050
belayc1175
openc1175
onopena1200
accountc1300
undo?a1366
remenea1382
interpret1382
unwrap1387
exploitc1390
enlumine1393
declarec1400
expoundc1400
unplait?c1400
enperc1420
planea1425
clearc1440
exponec1440
to lay outc1440
to give (also carry) lightc1449
unwind1482
expose1483
reducea1500
manifest1530
explicate1531
explaina1535
unlock?1536
dilucidate1538
elucidate1538
illustrate1538
rechec1540
explicate1543
illucidate1545
enucleate1548
unsnarl1555
commonstrate1563
to lay forth1577
straighten1577
unbroid1577
untwist1577
decipherc1586
illuminate1586
enlighten1587
resolvec1592
cipher1594
eliquidate1596
to take (a person) with one1599
rivelc1600
ravel1604
unbowel1606
unmist1611
extricate1614
unbolta1616
untanglea1616
enode1623
unperplexa1631
perspicuate1634
explata1637
unravel1637
esclarea1639
clarify1642
unweave1642
detenebrate1646
dismystery1652
undecipher1654
unfork1654
unparadox1654
reflect1655
enodate1656
unmysterya1661
liquidatea1670
recognize1676
to clear upa1691
to throw sidelight on1726
to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon)1731
eclaircise1754
irradiate1864
unbraid1880
predigest1905
to get (something) straight1920
disambiguate1960
demystify1963
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. v. 141 Soft take me with you, take me with you wife. View more context for this quotation
1695 W. Congreve Love for Love v. i. 83 Aye, but pray take me along with you, Sir.
(c) to take (a person or thing) with one: to include (a person or thing) in one's own downfall or demise; to ensure that (a person or thing) is damaged or destroyed along with oneself.
ΚΠ
1816 Mem. O. Cromwell & Children I. 51 I do not fall unrevenged, but have taken my enemies with me.
1915 Hearst's Mag. Sept. 199/3 Now, listen, you try to double-cross me, and I'll take you with me. I'll swear we're partners, see?
1940 W. L. Rodgers Naval Warfare under Oars vi. 72 The gallant Dane or Norwegian thought his life was well spent if he took his enemy with him.
1995 Forbes 16 Jan. 117/2 Everybody worried that the overpriced Tokyo market would tank and take us all with it.
2009 Toronto Star (Nexis) 21 Mar. (Editorial section) a22 The great concern now is that Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and his militants plan to go down fighting, taking the civilians with them in a final, defiant bloodbath.
(d) colloquial. you can't take it with you and variants: used to refer to the impossibility of benefiting from earthly wealth after death.
ΚΠ
1822 R. Morrison Dict. Chinese Lang.: Pt. III 376/3 When a man dies he cannot take it with him.
1841 F. Marryat Masterman Ready II. ii. 22 He was very fond of money; but that they said was all the better, as he could not take it away with him when he died.
1923 G. Arthur Let. 16 Sept. in Further Lett. from Man of No Importance (1932) 153 Mr. Gladstone, when a dead millionaire was held up for his admiration because he had left large sums for charities, said, ‘Thank him for nothing; he was obliged to leave it somewhere as he couldn't take it with him.’
1937 G. S. Kaufman & M. Hart (title) You can't take it with you.
1952 A. Christie Mrs. McGinty's Dead vii. 48 ‘They inherited a little money when Mrs. McGinty died.’.. ‘Well, that's natural enough... You can't take it with you.’
1977 J. Porter Who the Heck is Sylvia? x. 87 You're not short of the odd penny... And you can't take it with you, can you?
2002 J. McGahern That they may face Rising Sun (2003) 64 You have gathered a sight of money. What do you think you'll do with it? You can't take it with you.
h. to take a person at his (her, etc.) offer (also proposal) and variants: to accept a person's offer or proposal. Cf. to take a person at his (also her) word at word n. and int. Phrases 1b(d). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > consent > consent to [verb (transitive)] > accept or embrace
embracec1399
tenderc1430
accept1524
to take a person at his offer1592
to lean into1941
1592 R. Greene Blacke Bookes Messenger sig. C4v Hee takes you at your offer, and promiseth to husband it so for you, that you shall spend with the best.
1659 P. Heylyn Parable Tares Ep. Ded. sig. Bv Had they took me at my offer, certain I am, it might have redounded very much to the clearing of my reputation.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 292 I was for taking him at that Proposal.
1793 W. Young New Latin-Eng. Dict. (new ed.) at Eurytus Hercules took him at his offer, and got the better, but was refused the prize.
1828 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. June 826/1 Taking him at his offer, I was conveyed on shipboard that same night.
1900 Med. World Nov. 413/2 He will probably take you at your offer.
2006 Spokesman Rev. (Spokane, Washington) (Nexis) 1 July e3 Jesus..promises to bear our burdens for us. What a relief, and a joy, it is to take him at his offer.
†i. to take on oneself: to show great agitation or distress; = to take on 5 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > excitement > nervous excitement > be in state of nervous excitement [verb (intransitive)]
to take ona1450
seethe1609
trepidate1623
to take on oneself1632
flutter1668
pother1715
to be upon the nettle (also in a nettle)1723
to be nerve all over1778
to be all nerve1819
to be (all) on wires1824
to break up1825
to carry on1828
to be on (occasionally upon or on the) edge1872
faff1874
to have kittens1900
flap1910
to be in, get in(to), a flap1939
to go sparec1942
to keep (also blow, lose) one's cool1964
faffle1965
to get one's knickers in a twist1971
to have a canary1971
to wet one's pants1979
tweak1981
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 121 The Prince,..because he found him not, tooke on him like a mad man.
j. to take a person up on (something).
(a) To challenge, question, or rebuke (a person's assertion, comment, remark, etc.). Cf. to take up 11a at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept
onfangeOE
fangOE
to take with ——lOE
takec1175
understandc1200
afangc1275
receivec1330
accepta1382
'lowa1382
except1393
to take up1570
to take a person up on (something)1807
to take up1810
1807 War without Disguise 9 By this, it is not meant to be insinuated that every American is a dirty fellow, therefore I pray none will take me up on this score.
1890 W. McAllister Society as I have found It xiii. 169 Later on, at another dinner, when I made this assertion, the Duke of Beaufort took me up on this point.
1904 J. P. Anderson Angelic Wisdom xviii. 308 We will now take you up on this. Who are now guarding our wives and daughters directly? You say the men... Let me now tell you that our wives and daughters have no protection whatever.
1955 Times 21 July 8 The Soviet Prime Minister is also taken up on his remark that Russia was strong enough not to require guarantees and assurances.
1985 R. Ingalls I see Long Journey 10 She could take her mother-in-law up on a point in conversation and make her back down.
2007 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 14 May (Sport section) 25 I must take you up on your editorial comment in your letters section... You state that you devote more space to ‘minority’ sports - but why do you treat Scottish rugby as one?
(b) To accept (a person's offer, invitation, etc.).
ΚΠ
1856 E. R. Torrey Theognis iv. 274 For one penny I'll show it to you. Do you dare to take me up on that?
1914 S. Lewis Our Mr. Wrenn v. 63 ‘We'll go Dutch to a lodging-house.’.. ‘All right, sir; all right. I'll take you up on that.’
1974 ‘E. Ferrars’ Hanged Man's House xv. 149 I'll go over to see Mrs Bayne and take her up on her invitation to lunch.
1979 B. Parvin Deadly Dyke xxiv. 134 I must be going. I'll take you up on that coffee later.
2005 M. Lewycka Short Hist. Tractors in Ukrainian iii. 26 Dozens of replies came pouring in from dodgy-sounding ‘relatives’ who wanted to take him up on his offer.
k. to take the battle to the enemy and variants: to go on the offensive; to pursue one's opponent aggressively.Cf. to carry the war into the enemy's camp at carry v. Phrases 10.
ΚΠ
1861 P. H. Fitzgerald Rom. Candles xiii. 156 A good hard-hitting title of a satirical character, taking the war into the enemy's camp.
1936 Oshkosh (Wisconsin) Northwestern 17 Sept. 6/3 People seem to like a speaker better when he pounds the table with his fist, defies the skies and all the powers that be and ‘takes the battle to the enemy’.
1958 Times 14 Nov. 19/1 They [sc. the rugby team] continued to take the battle to the foe for the first part of the second half.
1974 S. Van Dyck in C. Shields Racing with Cornelius Shields & Masters (rev. ed.) xvii. 188 Take the fight to the competition by acting first, offensively.., or by being at the line in the best spot at the start.
1984 D. Lewis & H. Wallace Policies into Pract. i. 25 Bolstered by what appeared to be the Secretary of State's sympathy for their cause, the governors..took the war to the enemy's camp.
2014 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 23 Apr. 16 He has picked a younger team that will take the battle to the enemy at the 2015 election.
l. you can take (a person) out of ——, but you can't take —— out of (a person) and variants: the influence of a particular place or situation on the character of a person or thing cannot be eradicated by removing the person or thing from the place or situation in question.
ΚΠ
1915 Washington Post 21 Mar. 3/2 Williams says you can take the man out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the man.
1921 Chicago Defender 30 Apr. 16/3 You can take the man out of the South, but you cannot take the South out of the man.
1942 Amer. Weekly 4 Jan. 5/4 You can take the girl out of the chorus but you can't take the chorus out of the girl, because..nothing ever really satisfied her but the Broadway circuit.
1964 J. O'Hara Hat on Bed 98 ‘I think we stay the same.’.. ‘Of course we do... You know the old saying, you can take the boy out of Ohio but you can't take Ohio out of the boy.’
1997 Times 19 Sept. 33/1 While you can take Björk out of Iceland, it seems you cannot take Iceland out of Björk's music.
2013 A. S. Nathan Glass Wives xxiii. 249 People don't change. She's proof of that... You can take the girl out of the trailer park, but you can't take the trailer park out of the girl.
m. slang. to take it up (also in) the arse (ass, bum, butt, etc.) and variants: to be (willing to be) penetrated anally in sexual intercourse (cf. Phrases 5d(b)). Also figurative: to submit to unfair or humiliating treatment.
ΚΠ
1934 ‘J. M. Hall’ Anecdota Americana 2nd Ser. 197 Sodomy or pederasty or taking or giving it in the ass.
1967 J. Orton Diary 16 May (1986) 167 Kenneth said they wanked each other. K. having a psychological (or physical) block about taking it up the bum.
1983 G. Petievich To die in Beverly Hills 93 There's a lady lawyer at the end of the bar that likes to take it in the ass.
1992 G. Vidal Live from Golgotha xiv. 147 A nance is..a guy who takes it in the rear.
2000 J. J. Connolly Layer Cake 85 Being joes who take it up the arse from the City cartels anyway, they'll go along with the swindle.
2008 S. Dublanica Waiter Rant i. 2 I don't take it up the butt... But your wife does. Tell her I said hi.
n. to take it from there: to take over or continue from the point or situation described.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)] > from a specific point or stage
to take it from there1936
1936 Washington Post 1 Nov. 2/4 Now we show a boy and a girl sitting inside a big cake of ice. It recedes and we show a big warehouse full of these big ice cubes, each with a boy and girl inside... Now, Bill—take it from there!
1959 Internat. Celebrity Reg. 430/1 Miss Shearer informed the studio of her find. They took it from there.
1975 N. Luard Travelling Horseman vi. 167 I'd tell him what I'd found out and he could take it from there.
2000 I. Edward-Jones My Canapé Hell (2001) xiii. 330 She'd said she'd take me back to the farm and we'd have a quiet week together and we'd more or less take it from there.
P2. Phrases with a name for the devil or a disease as subject, used in various exclamations and imprecations to express hatred, annoyance, etc.See also (the) deuce take it! at deuce n.2 b, the devil take you at devil n. Phrases 1b(a), the devil (Satan, hell) take the hindmost at hindmost adj. 1b, (the) dickens take you (also him, her, it, etc.) at dickens n. 2, a mischief take ——! at mischief n. Phrases 2a, pize take at pize n.1, a plague take—— at plague n. 5, a pox take at pox n. 2a, shame take at shame n. Phrases 9a(a), sorrow take—— at sorrow n. 5a(b), etc.
ΚΠ
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 446 Þe deuel of helle him sone take!
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 192 Mahounde take his soule!
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) iv. iii. sig. F.iijv A mischiefe take his tokens.
a1566 R. Edwards Damon & Pithias (1571) sig. Hiij A plague take Damon and Pithias.
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 iii. i. 307 Then a shame take all.
1601 P. Holland in tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 296 (margin) The Deuill take thee, or, the Rauens peck out thine eies, or I had rather see thee Pie pekt.
1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer i. i. 2 The Deuce take me if there were three good things said.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. iv. 295 Some said, ‘a Pox take the House of Commons, let them be Hanged’.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. xii. 94 The Devil take my Father for sending me thither.
1806 J. Davis Post-Captain xxviii. 194 Devil take me!..there is not a girl in the Strand that I would touch with my gloves on.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. 17 298/1 Here he comes again!—deuce take him.
1926 People's Home Jrnl. Feb. 42/3 ‘Oh, deuce take that clock!’ The clock that he anathematized was striking twelve.
1947 P. Larkin Let. 11 Oct. in Sel. Lett. (1992) 141 They have children who scream about the yard or bang on the piano... Pox take 'em all.
2003 J. Fforde Well of Lost Plots xii. 130 ‘The devil take them!’ she muttered.
P3. Phrases with noun phrase as object.
a. : to take a person's life: to deprive a person of life, to kill a person. Also to take the life of (also †fro). to take one's (own) life: to kill oneself, to commit suicide.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
the world > life > death > killing > suicide > [verb (intransitive)]
to commit suicide1712
suicide1840
to end it (all)1911
to take one's (own) life1920
to drink the Kool-Aid1978
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2954 (MED) Þe geaunt is my þralle, His liif þei y wil to.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 25831 Hijs lijf þan sal be fra him tane.
1555 J. Wilkinson tr. L. de Avila y Cuñiga Comm. Wars in Germany sig. K.iii Hauing pite vpon so great a prince come vnto so miserable fortune, and not to conclude vpon the first determinacion, which was to take his life.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iii. i. 22 Thou layd'st a Trap to take my Life . View more context for this quotation
1669 R. Stapylton Trag. Hero & Leander iii. 26 Who takes his own Life, merits not my Pen.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 97. ⁋2 A Prince could not revive a Dead Man by taking the Life of him who killed him.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. xi. 174 You imagine, perhaps, that a contempt for your own life, gives you a right to take that of another.
1850 Ld. Tennyson Princess (ed. 3) v. 123 Take not his life: he risk'd it for my own.
1895 J. Conrad Almayer's Folly ix. 184 A man who..took the lives of innocent men to escape the punishment he deserved for breaking the law.
1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xv. 211 It was not a question of taking one's life—she would never kill herself.
1981 Daily Tel. 18 June 19/2 A note left by them made it clear that they wanted to take their own lives and also wished to be buried in the same grave.
2005 N.Y. Times 12 Feb. a4/3 A yearlong..offensive in southern Colombia has taken the lives of as many as 1,000 soldiers.
†b. to take beginning: to begin, start, commence. Cf. sense 71a. Obsolete. [Compare Old Icelandic taka upphaf to begin.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > beginning > begin [verb (intransitive)]
beginc1000
comsea1225
gin?c1225
becomsea1375
commencec1380
to take beginninga1400
enterc1425
to start up1568
initiatea1618
inchoate1654
dawn1716
to take in1845
to take up1846
to set in1848
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12887 (MED) Þe ald testament hir-wit nu slakes, And sua þe neu bigining takes.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xiii. 771 This doctrine tooke beginning in Germanie in the countrey of Saxonie, by the preachinges of Martin Luther.
c1600 Diurnal of Remarkable Occurrents (1833) 61 Vpoun the first day of August, the Parliament tuke begyning.
1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 10 We must all beleeue..that time tooke beginning with the world.
1716 G. Crawfurd Peerage Scotl. 427/2 The Family of Rothes took Beginning in the Reign of King Robert I.
1884 Glasgow Herald 10 Nov. 9/8 It might be a matter of discretion to say whether the matter should not take beginning and run its course in this court, and be finally finished there.
c. to take possession.
(a) To get something by one's own act into one's possession; (with of) to take into one's possession, to become the possessor or owner of, to appropriate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)]
take?a1160
seizec1290
raima1325
to take in possessiona1325
to hent in (also upon) handa1350
occupya1382
to take possession?a1425
to take upc1425
uptakec1425
to take in1523
possess1526
master1826
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession [verb (intransitive)]
occupyc1475
to take possession1852
?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 211 (MED) Loue is entrid for to take possessioun of þat hous.
?1456 Duke of York in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 100 To take possession and saisine, in the name and to þe vse of our ful worshipful nepueu th'Erl of Warrewic.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Kings xxi. 15 Vp, and take possession of the vynyarde of Naboth the Iesraelite.
?1555 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Treat. Death i. vi. 18 So the deuels compace the soule of man wyth violence and subtiltie, to take possession of the pore soule.
1598 R. Hakluyt tr. W. Camden in Princ. Navigations (new ed.) I. 10 Godred..tooke possession of the South part of the Island.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) v. iv. 128 Take but possession of her, with a Touch. View more context for this quotation
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) i. 21 They entred upon, and took possession of the Land of Promise.
1711 J. Cunningham in C. Lockyer Acct. Trade India iv. 91 The Cochinchinese took Possession of the Fort.
1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia I. x. 65 Or whether..the first writers took possession of the most striking objects for description.
1839 F. Marryat Diary in Amer. II. 75 Squatting, that is taking possession of land belonging to government and cultivating it.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xxxiv. 207 Then he came, the cursed wretch! he came to take possession.
1902 Strand Mag. Feb. 154/2 There is the true North-country determination in the way he takes possession of the ball.
1970 Sunday Mail (Brisbane) 15 Mar. 4 Police took possession of a huge quantity of cannabis, opium, L.S.D., omnopon..and cocaine.
2009 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 30 Mar. a22/3 Banks are quietly declining to take possession of properties at the end of the foreclosure process.
(b) With of. Of an idea, attitude, feeling, etc.: to take hold of (a person, faculty, or part of the body); to affect or influence strongly and persistently; to dominate, control.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > bring to belief, convince [verb (transitive)] > of idea, etc.: dominate
possessc1460
to take possession1567
1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello Certaine Tragicall Disc. f. 206 The sensuall appetit, whyche once taking possession of our inwarde partes, god knoweth what frutes it bringes furth, formyng vs in a frame of brutalitie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iv. i. 32 His words do take possession of my bosome. View more context for this quotation
1677 Ld. Guildford Philos. Ess. Musick 22 Generally speaking, a Tune must begin and conclude in the Key Note, because that Note takes possession of the Ear.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 463. ¶2 These several amusing Thoughts having taken Possession of my Mind.
1766 S. Fisher Doctr. Spirit's Indwelling 19 Sin..having taken possession of the Human Soul, has impaired the judgement.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 63 Another fatal delusion had taken possession of his mind.
1884 Expositor Feb. 87 Querulousness and the captiousness of despair took possession of them.
1909 Chatterbox 3/1 Then a little fit of spite against her pretty pinafore took possession of Maggie.
1964 J. A. M. Meerloo Hidden Communion vi. 112 The stage of extreme meditative selfishness in which the darkness of evil and unreason can take possession of the soul.
2011 Daily Tel. 14 July 21/3 It's as if at some point this talent took possession of him, rather than the other way round.
(c) Of a plant, animal, or other organism: to take over; to become dominant in a particular area; to overrun.
ΚΠ
1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Muscari Once these roots have taken Possession of a Garden, they are scarcely ever eradicated afterward.
1790 S. Deane New-Eng. Farmer 26/1 When that [hive] is full, let them find another beneath it; they will take possession of the lowermost.
1851 Ann. Rep. Commissioner Patents 1850: Agric. 8 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (31st Congr., 2nd Sess.: U.S. House of Representatives Executive Doc. 32, Pt. 2) VI. Blue-grass takes possession of the ground and destroys the wheat.
1880 T. H. Huxley Crayfish vi. 335 The time at which the Potamobine and the Parastacine stocks respectively began to take possession of the rivers.
1920 Biol. Bull. 39 137 [The bacteria]..take possession of the adipocytes and render them functionless as fat cells.
1970 Life 11 Sept. 56 c/2 The most powerful alphas..each took possession of an end pen.
2008 P. E. Murray Life in Paradox i. §7.32 Ivy took possession of several dormitories, whose gothic touches stoically testified to the college's original mission.
d. In expressions of leave-taking.
(a) to take adieu (also farewell): to bid farewell, to say goodbye; to take one's leave of. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use formal courtesy in act or expression [verb (intransitive)] > bid farewell
to take leavelOE
to latch one's ease, one's leave1377
to take congee1377
fangc1400
adieua1500
to get one's leave?a1513
to take adieu (also farewell)1539
to shake hands1546
congeea1616
to give congeea1645
farewell1930
sayonara1949
1539 T. Elyot Bankette of Sapience f. 34 My bloode taketh begynnyng at me, and thy blode at the now taketh her farewell.
1617 J. Taylor Three Weekes Observ. (1872) 2 We all went to the Christopher where we took a Bacchanalian farewell one of another.
1665 S. Pepys Diary 28 Aug. (1972) VI. 205 I think to take Adieu today of London streets.
1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 232 Last he drew A piteous Sigh; and took a long Adieu.
1774 D. Graham Impartial Hist. Rebellion (ed. 3) xi. 129 The gen'ral..gave her leave, on the next day, Of her friends to go and take farewel.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vii. 173 Thus saying, he took a final farewell.
1840 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VII. 195 [He] besought Demosthenes to forgive his temporary estrangement,..and took a last farewell of him.
1909 M. M. Mulhall Explorers in New World xxvi. 208 He gave one long, bitter gaze round the hall, and then took his adieu of public life.
1938 Appleton (Wisconsin) Post-Crescent 15 July 15/6 Her weeping friends and family..were..making her feel that they were taking a last farewell.
2001 D. Wilson In Lion's Court ix. 117 It was a weeping Princess who took a clinging farewell of her brother on 30 September.
†(b) Scottish. to take good night: to say good night; to take one's leave of at night. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus ii. f. 19 He tuke gude nicht and on his wayis went.
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages Prol. sig. A.ijv [I] tuke gude nicht, and said gude schirs adew.
1637 R. Monro Exped. Scots Regim. ii. 26 Taking good night of her husband, she strucke herselfe with a knife in the body.
1685 W. Clark Grand Tryal iii. xxvi. 214 When he inclines To rest, and takes good-night.
1828 Edinb. Ann. Reg. 1826 19 ii. 96/1 Heard McMenemy and him go out together, and take good night.
†e. to take one's death: to stake one's life, to swear. Also with on, upon. Cf. to take death at death n. Phrases 3. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)] > stake one's life
to take one's death1563
?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 393 (MED) This pope..hade mony adversaryes..whiche hade ordeynede to have brente his werkes after his dethe, but that Petre his diacon affermede theym to be made by the instinccion of the Holy Goste, takenge his dethe in to testimony.]
1563 T. Becon Reliques of Rome (rev. ed.) f. 59 He tooke hys death thereon, that he was neuer giltye.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) ii. iii. 94 I will take my death, I neuer meant him any ill. View more context for this quotation
1650 M. Moore Wonderful News 10 I would take my death that Mrs. Dorothy Swinow was the death of the Lady Hambleton.
1833 Dublin Univ. Mag. Jan. 79/2 I'll take my death upon it, that a better natured or a better behaved boy never was in the world.
f. With time as object.
(a) to take (the) time: to allow oneself sufficient time (to do something); not to hurry over something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [phrase]
to take (the) time1567
1567 J. Jewel Def. Apol. Churche Eng. vi. vii. 630 Hereafter, M. Harding, ye maie take time, to studie for somme better quarel.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 83 Take time to pawse. View more context for this quotation
1696 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) Temporize..also, to delay, to take time to consider.
1713 G. Berkeley Three Dialogues Hylas & Philonous i. 40 I will take time to solve your Difficulty.
1782 E. Pendleton Let. 29 Oct. in Lett. & Papers (1967) II. 418 The Court took time..to declare their opinions, and then delivered them Sereatim upon the whole case.
1818 Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 33 714 We cannot cut the knot: we must, therefore, take time to untie it.
1850 A. Gray Lett. (1893) 367 I dislike to take the time to study out laboriously and guessingly..these things which are mostly well known to botanists.
1881 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. July 57/1 I am too much in earnest to care that you should decide all at once. Take time over it.
1904 M. W. Pickthall Enid xxxix. 337 Christmas took refuge in dignified silence while he finished his drink, taking time over it to show them he was at ease.
1953 Jet 4 June 58 The officers said that after breaking into the apartment, Warwick took time for a hot bath.
1988 R. Turnbull Fisher's World: Canada 92 Anyone who takes the time to examine Toronto's coat-of-arms sees a shield with three lions passant.
2005 GQ Sept. 178/2 Take time to check out the house rules too.
(b) to take one's (own) time: to allow oneself sufficient time to do something; not to hurry over something; (hence) to take too long to do something; to tarry, dawdle.See also to take one's own sweet time at sweet adj. 8d.
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
a1602 W. Perkins Cloud of Faithfull Witnesses (1607) 195 They will make a pause at the matter, and take their owne time.
1673 J. Dryden Amboyna iii. 24 He do's well to take his time.
1718 J. Breval Play is Plot ii. 18 Take your own time, Madam.
1788 W. Cowper Let. 18 Aug. (1982) III. 198 I took my own time to return, and did not reach home till after one.
1796 F. Burney Camilla II. iii. i. 23 Pray take your own time. I am not in any haste.
1873 T. Hardy Pair of Blue Eyes III. i. 21 I don't press you for an answer now, darling... Take your time.
1880 M. E. Corbet Pleasure Trip to India viii. 150 The train took its time terribly. The country was mostly flat and dreary.
1912 W. B. Yeats Land of Heart's Desire (ed. 7) 11 It's precious wine, so take your time about it.
1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 252 ‘Let him take his time,’ I said. ‘He ain't as spry as you, remember.’
1981 ‘E. Ferrars’ Experiment with Death iv. 68 Emma suggested that Sam had probably gone to the lavatory. ‘If so, he's taking his time,’ Roger said.
2011 I. Johansen Quinn ii. 30 Eve threw open the door before he could ring the bell. ‘You took your time. Come in.’
g. to take an oar: to begin to row.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > propelling boat by oars, paddle, or pole > propel boat by oars, paddle, or pole [verb (transitive)] > row (a boat) > make a stroke
to take an oar1600
strike1725
row1769
scull1875
1600 S. I. Harrington in R. Allott Englands Parnassus 360 Some take an oare, some at the pumpe take paine, And powre the sea, into the Sea againe.
1798 G. Vancouver Voy. Discov. N. Pacific Ocean II. iv. ii. 285 He took an oar, and earnestly advised those who were unwell..to use their utmost exertions in pulling.
1860 All Year Round 28 July 384 ‘Take an oar, sir,’ said Philip.
1919 Cent. Mag. Mar. 589/1 I'll show you who's in command here, sir. Take an oar. Take an oar by God! before I break you in two pieces.
2010 T. Barrett King of Ithaka xiv. 131 I took an oar while she called down directions that guided us into the sheltered cove.
h. to take (a person's) fancy: to appeal to (a person); to please, attract. Cf. fancy n. 8, to tickle the fancy at tickle v.1 5a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (transitive)]
skenta1250
solace1297
comfort1303
gamec1330
disportc1374
mirtha1400
solancea1400
playa1450
recreate1531
pastime1577
sport1577
entertain1593
to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631
divertise1651
to take the fancy of1653
divert1662
amuse1667
tickle1682
1653 Cloria & Narcissus 259 Whether his person or his fame have most taken her fancy I will not say.
1672 R. B. Journey to Jerusalem 24 Having presented us the Patterns of abundance of Prints, every one took his Fancy.
1759 C. Cibber Diss. Theatres I. 49 It's a pretty Attitude forsooth, he caught it perhaps, from a French Print..it took his Fancy probably.
1793 Lady's Mag. Feb. 72/1 All on a sudden she breaks in on her husband's discourse. My friend—my dear friend—an idea takes my fancy!
1827 W. Clarke Every Night Bk. 73 The cock which takes your fancy..is..to all appearance, right-thorough bred.
1830 M. R. Mitford Our Village IV. 165 Tom..had had the good luck..to take the fancy of a rich relation, a grand-aunt.
1921 Living Age 26 Feb. 534/2 At the beginning of the next year Lady Windermere's Fan at once took the fancy of London.
1995 C. Bateman Cycle of Violence xiv. 233 Banana on toast. Beans on toast. Cornflakes. Whatever takes your fancy.
2007 Irish Times 12 Feb. 13/4 A..reader..contacted us to complain about the price of a car which had recently taken his fancy.
i. to take a joke: (usually with can or be able) to receive humorous remarks, practical jokes, etc., without offence; to bear teasing or amusement at one's expense. Chiefly in negative constructions.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > laughter > causing laughter > cause laughter [verb (intransitive)] > take a joke
to take a joke1734
1630 R. Brathwait Eng. Gentleman 275 They are provided of a disposition, equally tempered to give a jest, and take a jest.]
1734 H. Fielding Don Quixote in Eng. iii. xiv. 58 Lookye, Madam, I can take a Joke, or so, but if you are in earnest—.
1780 J. Woodforde Diary 28 Mar. (1924) I. 276 Poor Sam cant take a Joke. I forgot what I said to disoblige him.
1838 C. Fox Jrnl. 4 Apr. in Mem. Old Friends (1882) iv. 27 Speaking of Dr. [John] Dalton, he said he could not take a joke at all.
1863 M. B. Chesnut Diary 14 Dec. in C. V. Woodward Mary Chesnut's Civil War (1981) xx. 505 When he saw how angry I was, he said, ‘Can't you take a joke?’
1921 E. O'Neill Diff'rent i. 223 Mrs. Crosby... Shet up your foolin', Jack. Jack... Nobody in this house kin take a joke.
1972 D. Delman Sudden Death (1973) ii. 59 It was a joke. Hell with anybody who can't take a joke.
1996 V. Stallwood Oxford Fall iv. 56 I was only having a bit of fun. You should learn to take a joke.
2002 M. Wynne Warrior in Shadows i. viii 61 Screw them all if they can't take a joke.
j. to take delivery: to receive something (esp. goods purchased) formally into one's legal possession or custody. Frequently with of or on. Cf. delivery n. 1.
ΚΠ
1757 Ld. Kames Statute Law Scotl. 438 The power then given..is not..to dispense with delivery upon the spot; but barely to dispense with a repetition of the same solemnity upon every particular portion of land, by making it sufficient to take delivery at any one place contained in the charter.
1766 Under-sheriff i. 38 The new sheriff is not bound to take delivery of a prisoner but in the common gaol of the county.
1801 Morning Post & Gazetteer 5 Feb. 3/2 The goods..were placed in a wharf, and never taken delivery of by the defendant.
1871 Fraser's Mag. Mar. 400/1 In our country, when goods are sold inferior in quality to the samples, instead of the buyers being called upon to take delivery, the sellers are heavily fined.
1923 Sioux City (Iowa) Jrnl. 1 June 16/2 Cash interests were the largest buyers and took delivery on the grain.
1980 InfoWorld 4 Aug. 9/3 For years it has been routine for buyers to order everything from three or four different suppliers..[and] to take delivery from the supplier who shipped first, cancelling the other orders.
2008 J. Nicholson I want my Mummy Back v. 57 In the meantime, I took delivery of a car that I had ordered some weeks before.
k. Cricket. to take the ball.
(a) Of a fielder, typically the wicketkeeper: to catch a ball that has travelled past the batter, or has been thrown in by a fielder.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (transitive)] > put in to bowl
to take the ball1832
to put on1845
to bring on1860
bowl1862
1832 Chambers' Edinb. Jrnl. 23 June 167/2 No player should take the ball before the wicket-keeper, provided it be coming straight to him.
1891 W. G. Grace Cricket xi. 335 He earned a great reputation as a wicket-keeper; taking the ball with equal ease and certainty on both sides of the wicket.
1927 Times 12 Jan. 6/4 Hunter took the ball so accurately that his hands showed little sign of the amount of work that they had done.
1984 K. Andrew Skills of Cricket iv. 105/1 Taking the ball cleanly on the leg-side is a hallmark of the good wicket-keeper.
2014 Observer (Nexis) 13 July (Sport section) 2 This has been a difficult surface..for wicketkeepers. It is hard for them to know where to stand and they are constantly taking the ball at ankle height.
(b) Of a bowler: to come on to bowl; to begin a spell of bowling. Now esp. in to take the new ball: to begin bowling with the new ball (new ball n.); spec. to open the bowling.
ΚΠ
1862 Notts. Guardian 20 June 7/6 Lockyer came, and Jackson took the ball at Wootton's end.
1883 Daily Tel. 15 May 2/7 The champion took the ball, vice Penn.
1962 Times 24 May 4/3 Graveney was caught off the first ball after tea. It was a loosener from Platt before he took the new ball.
2002 India Weekly 26 Apr. 48/2 The match seemed to be slipping away from the home side when skipper Carl Hooper took the new ball and the trick worked.
2013 J. Astill Great Tamasha viii. 225 The fielders then jogged into new fielding positions, and Irfan Pathan took the ball.
l. to take one's drink and variants: (with can or be able) to consume (a large amount of) alcohol without becoming excessively drunk, or without suffering a hangover or other ill effects. Chiefly in negative constructions.
ΚΠ
1887 Med. Temperance Jrnl. Oct. 40/2 A Scotch judge, who made it a point to observe the personal habits and qualities of rising advocates, used to say of some of them—‘A good young fellow, but he'll no do much; he can't take his drink.’
1912 N. Melbourne Courier 17 May 2/3 Many of the young fellows..take more than is good for them. There is still the ancient idea about that a soldier..should be able to ‘take his grog’.
1965 Times 28 Jan. 8/7 It is an embarrassment..to admit that one cannot take one's drink.
1968 K. Roberts Pavane 36 He lay back again with a grunt, feeling drunk but queerly wide awake. He couldn't take his beer any more; he'd had the horrors.
1995 S. Beckett Animals xxiii. 167 ‘Who can't take her ale then?’.. ‘Oh shut up and leave her alone. We all know you can drink like a fish.’
2008 J. Jauncey Reckoning 61 He was right out of order. Can't take his drink, can you, Sean? Says things he shouldn't.
m. to take a message: to accept a message (esp. over the telephone) for someone who is absent or otherwise unable to receive it in person. Also of an answering machine, voicemail system, etc.: to answer and record an incoming telephone call for subsequent playback.
ΚΠ
1904 N.Y. Times 23 Nov. 16/2 (advt.) Wanted—In a doctor's family, English speaking, good housekeeper..; must be able to answer 'phone and take messages.
1922 A. G. Belding Business Corr. & Procedure xxiv. 340 In taking a message there are a number of things to remember.
1959 W. Fienburgh No Love for Johnnie xvi. 165 Your phone rang and rang, so I came down and took a message... It was Mr. Drake.
1962 Jrnl. Royal Inst. Brit. Archit. Feb. 58/3 The telephone answering machine takes messages..on Saturday mornings.
1999 New Straits Times (Malaysia) (Nexis) 22 Jan. 11 After office hours, a voicemail system will take messages.
2011 L. Douglas Secrets between Us xxiii. 163 ‘Could I speak to Alexander?’ ‘I'm sorry, he's not here at the moment... Can I take a message?’
n. colloquial (originally U.S. Mining). to take five (also ten) and variants: to have a break of five (or ten) minutes; to have a short rest; to relax.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > [verb (transitive)] > take a break (from doing something)
to take five (also ten)1916
1916 Mining & Engin. World 1 Apr. 660/2 When your candle goes out in the draft And you find your matches all wet..; Take five! Old Trapper, take five!
1918 Engin. & Mining Jrnl. 9 Mar. 462/1 If he can save a little time at the beginning and the end of the shift and not ‘take five’ too often, it would be quite possible for him to increase his output by four cars.
1929 Amer. Speech 5 147 If the miner craves a rest while on the job, he takes five, a long enough period for a smoke.
1943 Yank 7 May 3 Six members of a reconnaissance group ‘take 10’ at a railroad station.
1961 G. T. Simon Feeling of Jazz 30 Man, I'm glad they said to take five, because this next arrangement looks rough.
1971 D. Wells & S. Dance Night People ix. 128 Honey Coles, the stage manager, told us to take fifteen.
1973 W. Sheed People will always be Kind vi. 60 ‘Could you go a little faster, Fatman?’.. It was difficult making jokes... ‘O.K. Fatstuff, take five, I was only kidding.’
2002 C. Williams Sugar & Slate 111 Occasionally, drained of energy by the heat, I might stop to buy a coke or a Banks and a packet of biscuits before reaching his veranda; take a five sitting on the bottom shelf of the two tier bench.
2012 Psychologies (U.K. ed.) Apr. 143/2 What stops us taking 10? Guilt, first and foremost—and worry that we're ‘doing nothing’.
o. to take a question: to accept and undertake to answer a question. to take questions: to invite questions from an audience, esp. after and with reference to a preceding speech, debate, statement, etc.
ΚΠ
1931 Dáil Éireann: Parl. Deb. (Electronic ed.) 25 June 967 I am not prepared to take any more questions on the practice now.
1962 Guardian 2 Oct. 1/2 Dr Beeching.., leaning back..to take a question from the floor.
1966 L. B. Johnson in Public Papers Presidents U.S. (1967) ii. cxxiv. 310/2 Secretary McNamara spoke at some length and took questions.
1989 Federal News Service (Nexis) 31 Oct. Congressman Gray will take a question.
1992 Business Mag. Summer 13/2 If you plan to take questions, plant one or two beforehand so there is no awkward silence when you call for them.
2013 G. Hogg Codename Wolf viii. 66 I want to show you..film which details some of our operations and I will take questions afterwards.
P4. Phrases with object and adverbial clause expressing the manner in which something is taken.
a.
(a) to take (something) as it comes: to deal with (an event or occurrence) as it arises, without undue fuss or worry. Frequently in to take things as they come, to take it as it comes.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > be patient [verb (intransitive)]
to take (something) as it comesc1350
patient1561
patience1596
to turn the buckle of the girdle1606
thole1674
c1350 in London Mediaeval Stud. (1951) 2 45 (MED) Þen Is hyt wisdam to worchen as þe wyse and take þe wedur as hit cometz, cloudi and clere.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 60 The time muste be taken as hit cometh, is hit hard or softe.
1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. cclxvi That man folowes hye wysdome Whiche takys all thynges lyke as they come.
1611 J. Davies Scourge Folly 170 Take all things as they come, and bee content. So many whores do, and yet pay their Rent.
1645 D. North Forest of Varieties i. 83 Wee must doe herein as by the weather, pray for good and take it as it comes.
1700 C. Hickman 14 Serm. vi. 167 Every provident Man is contented with that allay, and takes it as it comes.
1766 A. Nicol Poems Several Subj. 97 He took his lot just as it came, Nor fate nor fortune did he blame.
1811 M. Leadbeater Cottage Dialogues Irish Peasantry xxxvi. 188 We must only take the weather as it comes, and be satisfied with what is sent us.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. I. 95 Accustomed to take things as they came, and to make the best of a bad job.
1863 ‘Ouida’ Held in Bondage I. ix. 203 The true secret is to take things as they come.
1926 E. M. Dell Black Knight i. x ‘I try to take things as they come.’.. ‘And when the bottom falls out of everything—what do you do then?’
1979 V. Kelleher Voices from River iii. 34 I was trying not to think... I kept telling myself, take it as it comes.
1992 R. Gunesekera Monkfish Moon 65 I have to take each day as it comes with liver salts and iodine.
2002 Independent 27 May 15/7 We are a feet-on-the-ground sort of people who take things as they come.
(b) to take a person as one finds him (her, etc.): to judge a person without preconceptions; to accept a person as he or she is, esp. by expecting no special preparations for one's arrival, entertainment, etc. Similarly to take people as one finds them, to take things as one finds them, to take it as one finds it, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > be patient [verb (intransitive)] > be forbearing or tolerant
to take a person as one finds him (her, etc.)?a1439
forbeara1616
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) vi. l. 198 (MED) Men must at lepis take me [sc. Fortune] as thei fynde.
1580 A. Munday Zelauto sig. H2v In the meane whyle, take as you finde.
1596 J. Harington New Disc. Aiax Prol. sig. B4v Wee must nowe take him as we finde him, with all his faults.
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. v. 241 But reall externall deeds doe take things in grosse as they find them, not separating things which in reality are joyned together.
1689 Murmurers Pref. sig. A For my Poem, take it as you find it. The Subject wou'd have born much better, and I'm sure you have read much worse.
1711 A. Pope Let. 21 Dec. in Wks. (1871) VI. 130 Take it as you find it, the production of half an hour t'other morning.
1775 R. H. Lee in J. Sparks Corr. Amer. Revol. (1853) I. 65 We must be content, however, to take human nature as we find it.
a1817 J. Austen Watsons in Wks. (1954) VI. 351 I am one of those who always take things as they find them. I hope I can put up with a small apartment for two or three nights.
1825 H. Wilson Mem. I. 147 I could have been a little romantic about you, it is true; but I always take people as I find them.
1868 C. Dickens in Our Young Folks May 260 We have but a simple joint..but if you will take us as you find us it will be so kind!
1912 A. Lang Shakespeare, Bacon & Great Unknown xii. 247 I am only taking Ben as I find him and as I understand him.
1943 K. Tennant Ride on Stranger vi. 49 All these go by wearing the peevish expression of a housewife who, not having time to make the beds, grumbles: ‘You must take us as you find us.’
1980 T. Barling Goodbye Piccadilly vii. 129 ‘Do we phone ahead in the name of protocol?’ ‘Hell, no. We take them as we find them.’
2011 A. Rickloff Earl of Darkness iv. 45 Geordie had a nonchalant outlook on life—take it as you find it.
b. to take (a thing) where (also wherever) one can find (or get) it (and variants): to use every available opportunity to obtain something; used as an exhortation to derive any advantage one can from a situation without being too fastidious.
ΚΠ
a1642 J. Suckling Lett. Divers Eminent Personages 55 in Fragmenta Aurea (1646) I would not have you deny your self the little things..rather..tast all... You must be content to take it where you can get it.
1704 J. Ozell tr. Molière Monsieur de Pourceaugnac ii. ii. 29 I must have a Patient, and I'll take him where I can find him.
1761 tr. C. Batteux Course Belles Lettres II. ii. iii. xi. 97 A skilful poet..will never be at the labor and pains to confine himself to creating rational beings. No, he will take his matter wheresoever he finds it.
1800 Anti-Jacobin Rev. Apr. 470 You may & ought to take it where you can find it—Necessity must not observe a law in these dayes.
1856 C. Dickens Little Dorrit (1857) i. xiii. 113 You take it where you can find it. You an't nice as to situation—not you.
1922 R. F. Pettigrew Triumphant Plutocracy xviii. 274 He was seeking political capital and he was willing to take it where he found it, without paying too much attention to nice questions of principle.
1950 Life 24 July 14/1 (advt.) It's nice to take your fun where you find it. But sometimes it's not so easy if you've got Tomorrow on your mind.
1988 R. M. Solow in A. Klamer et al. Consequences Econ. Rhetoric (1990) iii. 32 Opportunism is the only hope. We need all the help we can get and on the whole we take it wherever we get it.
2010 Irish Times (Nexis) 6 Mar. (Weekend Suppl.) 11 The message of the book..is that love hangs out in the most unlikely of places and you should take it where you find it.
P5. Phrases with (chiefly non-referential) it or an indefinite pronoun or clause as object.
a. to take it or leave it and variants: used to express indifference as to whether something, esp. an offer, is accepted or rejected. Frequently used imperatively to indicate that an offer one has made is not negotiable and that one is indifferent to another’s reaction to it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > types of choice > choice [phrase] > expression of indifference
to take it or leave it?1555
?1555 M. Coverdale tr. Hope of Faythful Pref. ☛.iiiv Who knoweth but ye flesh in this lyfe, why shold he not thinke, as good take it as leaue it.
1589 J. Thorie tr. B. Filippe Counseller 54 It is the propertie of counsaile, that he who asketh it, may take it or leaue it.
1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. ii. sig. E2 Sixe crownes is the price; and lesse, in curtesie, I know you cannot offer mee: take it, or leaue it . View more context for this quotation
1675 V. Alsop Anti-Sozzo 678 Really it must be so, Reader; take it, or leave it.
?1709 tr. Laws Hanse Towns in A. Justice Gen. Treat. Dominion of Sea (new ed.) 205 The Owners may take it or leave it at the Price it was apprais'd at, as they think fit.
1762 J. Wesley Let. 21 May (1931) IV. 182 As to that particular expression, ‘Dying at the feet of mercy’, I have only farther to add, I do not care as it is not a scriptural phrase, whether anyone takes or leaves it.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. x. 169 I will give forty [pistoles] at a word; take them or leave them!
1898 W. S. Churchill in R. S. Churchill Winston S. Churchill (1967) I. Compan. ii. 917 The tremendous & unchallenged power of the Trust—enabled it to dictate wages to its workmen & prices to its customers. ‘Take it or leave it’ it said ‘This is a free country.’ Thereat the oil-mechanic had to accept the offered wage or find another trade and the customer to buy the oil at the offered price or wait in the dark.
1930 D. H. Lawrence Assorted Articles 75 The hen knows she is unanswerable... There it is, take it or leave it!
1953 A. Upfield Murder must Wait xi. 105 I cock a snook at you... You can take it or leave it.
1977 P. G. Winslow Witch Hill Murder ii. xv. 206 I didn't want to..say I'd gotten married and he could take it or leave it, because I was afraid he'd leave it.
2003 J. Murray Jazz iii. 49 An off-duty policeman offered him either a broken cigarette or a kick up the arse, take it or leave it.
b. to take what one can get (also find) and variants: to derive any advantage one can from a situation or opportunity; to accept what one is given, or what is available, as the best one can hope for.
ΚΠ
1583 G. Babington Very Fruitfull Expos. Commaundem. viii. 386 That euerie souldier should bee his owne caruer and take what he can get.
1614 S. Latham Falconry i. ii. 41 If there be none of those [sc. young pigeons] to be had, then you must be content to take what you can get.
1634 T. Heywood & R. Brome Late Lancashire Witches v. sig. L2v This little Demigorgon Constable..is able..to stave off the grand Divell for doing any of you good till you come to his Kingdome to him, and there take what you can finde.
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 63 Be still taking and tarrowing. Take what you can get, though not all that is due.
1773 O. Goldsmith She stoops to Conquer v. 55 Don't be a fool. If she gives you the garnets, take what you can get.
1846 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag Dec. 746/1 Men so weak and imbecile..that they would let bygones be bygones, take what they could get and be grateful, without troubling themselves about accounts, or claiming arrears.
1867 Rep. Commissioners Recruiting for Army 63/2 in Parl. Papers XV. 1 My fear is that do what you will you must take what you can find, whether it is exactly what you wish or not.
1903 Daily Chron. 25 June 4/1 In this ill-adjusted world men have to take what they can get.
1943 E. Ginzberg Unemployed i. i. 16 With little specific preparation for mechanical or commercial work, they had to take what they could find.
1989 P. D. Zuelke Cash or Credit? i. 7 She had proven she was interested in taking what she could get and contributing nothing back.
2014 Brisbane News (Nexis) 21 May 4 I won the sack race, the egg-and-spoon race and the threelegged race. Not exactly Olympic sports, I know, but you take what you can get.
c. take it from me and variants: ‘take my word for it’, ‘I can assure you’, ‘believe me’. Cf. sense 21.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > convince someone [phrase] > solicit belief
experto crede1579
take it from me1607
1607 G. Markham Cavelarice iii. vii. 37 Take it from mee for a generall rule, whensoeuer you see any man vse spices to a hunting horse..he is neither good keeper, nor can giue anye good reason for his dooings.
1672 W. Wycherley Love in Wood Ded. sig. A2v Madam, take it from me, no man..is more dreadful than a Poet.
1739 H. Baker & J. Miller tr. Molière Man-hater iii. vii, in Wks. X. 89 You may take it from me, that in two considerable Places you were yesterday extoll'd by People of great Consequence.
1785 in T. P. Camelford Narr. & Proofs App. p. lxxiv Take it from me, that I do not deserve either Mr. W.'s, Mrs. S.'s, or Mrs. P's enmity.
1829 G. Griffin Collegians I. v. 101 Who should walk in the doore to him, only his dead wife..! Take it from me he didn't stay long where he was.
1889 F. C. Philips & C. J. Wills Fatal Phryne II. iii. 76 You may take it from me that the pot means what it says.
1902 H. James Wings of Dove i. 20 You may take it from me once for all that I won't hear of any one of whom she won't.
1938 A. Christie Death on Nile ii. xvii. 178 I think you must take it from me, Mr. Pennington, that we have examined all the possibilities very carefully.
1957 D. Robins Noble One xix. 177 You can take it from me that I don't believe a word of it.
2011 J. Jabaley Crush Control v. 60 Listen, Willow, take it from me: Girlfriends and boyfriends come and go.
d. to take it.
(a) Usually with can or be able: to endure punishment, affliction, or torment.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > be constant or steadfast [verb (intransitive)] > endure without giving way > be able to
to take it1827
1827 Western Mag. & Rev. May 31 I will take it, like a saint, and get good from my enemies.
1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 387/2 That first flogging made me ripe. I said to myself, ‘I can take it like a bullock.’
1914 O. W. Holmes Let. 24 Sept. in Pollock–Holmes Lett. (1942) I. 222 I value everything that shows the quiet unmelodramatic power to stand and take it in your people.
1942 W. S. Churchill Unrelenting Struggle 190 If the storm is to renew itself, London will be ready, London will not flinch, London can take it again.
1952 Chambers's Jrnl. Apr. 196/2 But as soon as I hadn't got Derek—well, I just couldn't take it.
1976 C. Bermant Coming Home i. vi. 87 A slogan, like ‘Britain can take it’.
1986 A. Bennett Diary 24 Sept. in Writing Home (2003) 207 One must take it like a man. Which means that one must take it like a woman—i.e. without complaint.
2005 R. J. Sawyer Mindscan iii. 31 I just—I just can't take it any longer... It's tearing me apart.
(b) slang. Of a man: to be or to prefer to be the partner penetrated in homosexual intercourse.Cf. to take it up (also in) the arse (ass, bum, butt, etc.) at Phrases 1m.
ΚΠ
1910 Jahrbuch für sexuelle Zwischenstufen 11 40 To take it, passive Päderastie ausüben [‘to practise passive anal intercourse’].
1949 ‘Swasarnt Nerf’ in H. Hagius Gay Guides for 1949 (2010) 68 For the passive partner, to ‘take it’ the prime prerequisite is the ability to relax at will.
1967 J. Orton Diary 19 May (1986) 1986 ‘You like to be fucked or fuck?’ he said. ‘I like to fuck, wherever possible,’ I said. He leaned across and said in a confidential tone: ‘I take it.’
2001 A. Beaton Feelgood ii. ii. 97 What did you do, fuck him..? or do you prefer taking it?
2005 M. Todd Blowing Whistles i. iii. 62 You go on Gaydar and all they wanna know is how big your cock is, if you give it or take it and if there's a tube stop near your house.
e. slang. not to be taking any and variants: not to be receptive to a particular scheme or suggestion; to feel disinclination. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1898 Sketch 18 May 172/1 It is clear that the public ‘is not taking any’, so far as Klondyke mining ‘booms’ are concerned.
1900 Daily News 10 Mar. 2/1 In the language of the hour, ‘nobody was taking any’.
1907 H. Belloc Cautionary Tales 38 But hardly had he said the word When Murmurs of Dissent were heard. The King of Iceland's Eldest Son Said, ‘Thank you! I am taking none!’
1921 M. Corelli Love of Long Ago 98 ‘Well, now, if I tell you it's no use!—and that I'm not taking any, what will you say?’ ‘Not taking any?’ he queried, smiling. ‘That's slang!’
f. colloquial (originally U.S.). to have (got) what it takes and variants: to possess the necessary attributes or qualities for success.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > succeed or be a success [verb (intransitive)] > achieve success (of persons) > have necessary qualities for success
to have (got) what it takes1912
1912 Daily Times Enterprise (Thomasville, Georgia) 8 Aug. 1/4 Those boys have got what it takes to catch flies, whether they be up against the back fence or right over short stops head.
1933 F. Baldwin Innocent Bystander ix. 186 Angela, who has plenty of what it takes, is the White Hope of the arty crowd which gathers at her penthouse.
1944 M. Laski Love on Supertax iv. 49 Only maturity's got what it takes.
1956 ‘B. Holiday’ & W. Dufty Lady sings Blues iv. 51 Sometimes I wonder how we survived. But we did. If we didn't have what it took at the beginning, we picked it up along the way.
1972 J. Wambaugh Blue Knight (1973) xiii. 225 He's got everything it takes but guts.
1977 Zigzag Apr. 26/1 They've got the right idea and what it takes.
2000 U.S. News & World Rep. 3 Apr. 20/3 Some voters are worried about whether Bush has what it takes to run the government.
g. take it away!: ‘go ahead!’, ‘it's over to you’, used as an imperative exhortation to begin a speech, performance, or other action. Also used in printed text to introduce reported speech.Originally with reference to (a segment of) a radio broadcast.
ΚΠ
1928 Radio Broadcast Apr. 431/3 The operators used to yell, ‘You're on the air!’ when handing the program over to studio or to the field forces. This phrase has changed. ‘Take it away!’ is now de rigueur.
1941 B. Veiller Bait for Tiger (1943) xvii. 116 ‘This broadcast is unrehearsed... It now gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Conrad Galbraith... Take it away, Mr. Galbraith.’ And then a masculine voice: ‘Galbraith speaking.’
1965 Sunday Gaz.-Mail (Charleston, W. Va.) 13 June 2 b/1 There are some further surveys made on the highly interesting series... Take it away, Mr. Eanes: ‘Some statistics which are brought out during this series [etc.].’
1984 Sounds 29 Dec. 15/1 This is the quiz..so take it away punters.
2009 I. Cass Nobody's Angels xxxiv. 221 ‘Nobody's Angels!’ the celebrity compère was shouting from centre stage. ‘Take it away, girls!’
P6. Phrases with adverbs.
a. to take in and out: to be able to be taken in and out; to be removable. Cf. to take out 2b at Phrasal verbs 1. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. ii. ii. 53 A Brass pair of Compasses..and four Steel Points to take in and out.
1743 C. Leadbetter Royal Gauger (new ed.) i. x. 34 The middle Joint is made with a Socket to take in and out.
1783 W. Ellis Authentic Narr. Voy. Capt. Cook & Capt. Clerke (ed. 2) I. xv. 243 They are pointed with a piece of bone near four inches long, which readily takes in and out.
1845 J. Pycroft Collegian's Guide viii. 162 The bars of the window near the gate of Exeter College were also loosened, and made to take in and out.
1885 Dental Rec. 5 204 The pin of this hinge will take in and out.
1900 Strand Mag. Nov. 599/2 This frame takes in and out, and over it is calico strained tightly.
b. to take on and off: to be able to be taken on and off; to be removable. Cf. to take off 1d at Phrasal verbs 1. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1745 Gentleman's Mag. July 353/2 It is fixed in a frame, made to take on and off from the Back-heaver.
1785 Ann. Agric. 3 241 The only considerable wear is at the heel and point, on which account..the point..takes on and off also for repairing with steel.
1821 Gentleman's Mag. July 26/2 Some statues have this appendage in marble, which takes on and off.
1865 Jrnl. Gas Lighting 26 Dec. 917/2 The main cock, by which the gas was turned on and off, was about six feet from the floor, and the handle of it took on and off.
1939 Irish Times 1 Dec. 3/4 The exquisite, golden-haired doll with the clothes that take on and off, and with eyes that open and shut.
P7. Phrases with non-referential it or interrogative pronoun as subject.
a. it takes two to —— and variants: more than one person must be willing to take part in a specified activity for it to happen; (hence) all parties involved in an action or situation are equally responsible. Frequently in it takes two to tango at tango v. b. Cf. sense 67c.
ΚΠ
1812 L. Dow Journey Babylon to Jerusalem 41 It takes two to make a bargain.
1836 Boston Morning Post 1 Jan. 2/4 It takes more than one to make a bargain, or pick a pocket well.
1867 Children's Hour Nov. 159/2 It takes two to make a quarrel, And two to make fast friends.
1928 A. Huxley Point Counter Point xii. 209 It takes two to make a murder. There are born victims, born to have their throats cut, as the cut-throats are born to be hanged.
1955 Billboard 26 Feb. 52/3 It takes a pair to make a loving couple.
1970 B. Conacher Hockey in Canada (1972) x. 116 Despite all the problems I had had with Imlach, and believe it or not I realize it takes two to tango, I wouldn't have missed playing in the best league in the world.
1988 E. B. Visher & J. S. Visher Old Loyalties, New Ties xi. 219 Since it takes two to fight, the power struggle cannot continue if one household will decide to back off from the conflict.
2006 Cosmo Girl (U.K. ed.) July 13/3 It takes two to stay together so don't let yourself think you're bad at relationships.
b. what took you (so long)? and variants: ‘what delayed you?’ used (often rhetorically) to suggest that a person has taken an unexpectedly long time to arrive, or to do something that is expected of him or her.
ΚΠ
1898 E. P. Lyle Don Swashbuckler xiii. 214 ‘What took you so long?’ ‘We had to fight for it,’ replied Starboy.
1919 H. Oyen Big Flat viii. 55 Where you been all this time..? What took you so long?
1960 Times of India 13 June 6/5 Mother! What took you so long?
1986 K. Sutcliffe Desire & Surrender (1998) 61 The newcomer..entered Stephen Austin's tent. Austin looked up. ‘What took you?’
2000 P. Ruditis in How I survived my Summer Vacation 260 ‘What took you?’ the propmaster asked. ‘Costume emergency,’ he replied.
2010 Lowell (Mass.) Sun (Nexis) 11 Jan. Seven months later, he proposed. ‘What took you so long?’ was her answer.
c. (it) takes one to know one: only a person with a given personality, characteristic, etc., is able to identify that quality in someone else. Typically used as a retort by a person who has been criticized or insulted, to suggest that the criticism or insulting remark applies equally to the person who made it.
ΚΠ
1935 Motor Boating July 111/1 Some people don't like me because they say I am a show-off. Applying the old saying, ‘it takes one to know one,’ I am personally inviting you..to participate... Let's put on a show!
1946 G. Vidal Williwaw ii. 45 ‘I've got a bad egg,’ said Bervick... He pushed the plate away from him... He left. ‘It takes one to know one,’ said the Chief.
1969 D. Petersen Does Tiger wear Necktie? 11 Ponti Whatya say, Pete, he's a homo, ain't he? Winters Takes one to know one, Ponti.
1986 Irish Times 17 July 10/4 It is..notoriously difficult to portray genius in fiction, doubtless because it takes one to know one truly.
2010 J. Fielding Wild Zone ix. 101 ‘I say you're a no-good son of a bitch, that's what I say.’ ‘Takes one to know one.’
P8. In various idiomatic phrases (besides those mentioned under the senses to which they belong). to take aboard: see aboard adv. and prep. Phrases 2. to take account of: see account n. Phrases 2g(a). to take into account: see account n. Phrases 2g(c). to take under advisement: see advisement n. Phrases 2. to take alarm: see alarm int., n., and adv. Phrases 3. to take arms: see arms n. Phrases 1b. to take a bath: see bath n.1 Phrases. to take the biscuit: see biscuit n. and adj. Phrases. to take on board: see board n. 14e. to take a leaf out of a person's book: see book n. Phrases 2j. to take breath: see breath n. Phrases 4. to take the chill off: see chill n. 3a. to take comfort: see comfort n. 10. to take effect: see effect n. 1a. to take at face value: see face value n. at face n. Compounds 2. to take the Fifth (Amendment): see fifth adj. 1d. go take a flying fuck: see flying fuck n. at flying adj. Additions. to take a hand: see hand n. Phrases 2p(d). to take hold: see hold n.1 Phrases. to take the initiative: initiative n. 1b. to take issue: see issue n. Phrases 2b. to take the law into one's own hands: see law n.1 8b. to take lying down: see to lie down 4 at lie v.1 Phrasal verbs. to take like a man: see man n.1 9c. give him an inch and he'll take a mile: see mile n.1 Phrases 2b. to take to pieces: see piece n. Phrases 2b. to take the plunge: see plunge n. 6a. to take in possession: see possession n. 1a. to take potluck: see potluck n. 1. to take pride in: see pride n.1 5. to take the rap: see rap n.2 Phrases 2c. to take a rain check: see rain check n. 2. to take the register: see register n.1 5c. to take for a ride: see ride n.2 Phrases 5. to take the road: see road n. Phrases 9. to take roost: see roost n.1 Phrases 1c. to take the money and run: see run v. Phrases 1f. to take up the slack: see to take up the slack at slack n.3 4a. to take stock of: see stock n.1 56b. to take the strain: see strain n.2 9c. to take to task: see task n. Phrases 2. to take time out: see time n., int., and conj. Phrases 2f(a). to take a trick: see trick n. 12. to take on trust: see trust n. 1c. to take turns: see turn n. Phrases 1a(d). to take the long view, to take a dim view: see view n. Phrases 5. to take the waters: see water n. Phrases 2k(b). to take the wraps off: see wrap n. 4.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to take aback
1. transitive (in passive). Nautical. Of a sail: to be suddenly pressed back against the mast or filled from the opposite side, preventing forward progress. Of a sailing vessel or its crew: to have one's progress hindered in this way. Cf. aback adv. 3.A sail may be taken aback either through bad steering or a change in the wind.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > support (an amount of) sail [verb (intransitive)] > have sails caught by contrary wind
to take aback1730
1730 W. Webster tr. P. Hoste Compend. Course Pract. Math. III. 111 The fore-top sail may be taken aback [Fr. le petit hunier prenne vent devant].
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. vii. 215 We were obliged to ply on and off..and were frequently taken aback.
1796 in Ld. Nelson Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. p. xxxix At ¼ past 8 taken flat aback with a strong wind and a high sea from the N.E.b.E.
1836 W. N. Glascock Naval Service I. 184 Should the wind head, or neglect on the part of the helmsman cause the ship to be taken aback..a musket should be immediately fired from abaft.
1870 Daily News Sept. 16 This proves to my mind that the Captain was taken as flat aback as could be by a squall striking her from starboard.
1956 P. O'Brian Golden Ocean xi. 176 A manta the size of a billiard-table planed out of the sea and fell with a slap like a mainsail taken aback.
2006 T. Grundner Midshipman Prince i. 7 They were cruising along on topsails, but by turning directly into the wind, the sails would be taken aback.
2. transitive (chiefly in passive). To surprise, to shock; to discomfit.Originally a figurative use of sense 1.
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
1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle I. ii. 14 Some of those little fellows that hold their heads high, would be taken all aback, as the saying is.
1829 F. Marryat Naval Officer I. ix. 266 I was so taken aback with the sudden appearance and address of this beautiful vision, that I knew not what to say.
1844 J. T. J. Hewlett Parsons & Widows III. liii. 262 I never saw a man appear much more ‘taken aback’, as the sailors say.
1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat xvii. 282 When I saw that whopper on the end of my line, blest if it didn't quite take me aback.
1932 H. Ashton Bricks & Mortar iii. 67 Letty herself looked taken aback, but not so shaken as he was.
1990 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) Oct. 250/1 But when I hear it now, it takes me aback and I go, Oh, they're talking about the old me.
2005 Independent 1 Mar. (Review section) 8/5 While the results did not surprise Weinstock..a few of his colleagues were taken aback.
 to take about
transitive. To guide or escort (a person) around a place.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > accompany as a guide > strangers or tourists
cicerone1789
to show round1819
to take about1823
ciceronize1832
to show around ——1839
to show around1847
1823 P. Panam Mem. Young Greek Lady 117 If you wish for any thing speak to him; he will take you about everywhere.
1894 E. Fawcett New Nero Proem 8 He..took him about for almost an hour, showing him a good many places.
1903 A. W. Patterson Schumann 113 He seems to have taken the Laidlaw ladies about a good deal.
1990 N. E. Gallagher Egypt's Other Wars iii. 43 He was taken about by Amina Sidqi, who was making a survey of the needs of malaria victims.
† to take again
Obsolete (Scottish in later use).
transitive. To withdraw, take back; to retract.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > again
renovela1325
renewa1387
resumec1400
renove?c1425
anewc1440
reassume1472
to take again1474
take1477
reprise1481
recommencea1513
renovate1535
to take up1587
rebegin1598
reopen1756
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take again or back > take back
resume1404
to take again1474
revoke1526
reclaim1530
to fetch again1535
to take back1568
reducec1595
reassume1609
revicta1656
reassert1704
pull1985
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. i. 78 He began to take agayn his vertuous werkis and requyred pardoun and so retorned to god agayn.
1642 J. Row Red-shankes Serm. sig. A4v Remember your owne proverb in buying and selling (an Aberden man may recant his first bargaine if he please) therefore let me advise you to play Aberden mens parts, and take your word againe.
1724 A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. (new ed.) I. 64 Be frank, my Lassie, lest I grow fickle, And take my Word and Offer again.
 to take apart
1. transitive. To take (a person) aside in order to speak privately. Now rare.
ΚΠ
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Shipman's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 256 At after dyner daun Iohn sobrely This chapman took a part.
1503 Star Chamber Proc. in Trans. Royal Hist. Soc. (1902) 16 153 Walter Robardes tooke this Alexr apart.
1597 R. Tofte tr. L. Ariosto Two Tales ii. sig. N Yet for to know the certaintie more rife,..To the Nurse he goes, and taketh her apart.
1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times i. 11 Cleander taking Lisander apart, and discoursing to him his businesse at Court, let him presently know, that he knew nothing of theirs.
1686 tr. D. Bouhours Life St. Ignatius ii. 96 Taking him one day apart, he told him with freedom, that the Life he lead was a dishonor to the Illustrious Family of Loyola.
1717 Mem. James Duke of Hamilton 25 The King took him apart, and unravel'd to him all the Villainous Story.
1796 F. Burney Camilla III. v. iv. 53 After mildly representing the indecorum of detaining any one she was to receive by appointment, he took her apart, and putting a packet into her hand [etc.].
1836 W. Dunlap 30 Years Ago 6 His father took him apart, and bestowed on him a roll of hard dollars.
1881 H. L. Williams in Amer. Standard Dict. 469 Taking one apart.—‘I took my friend apart to converse with him.’ Say ‘I took him aside’, and avoid a ludicrous suggestion.
1900 Messenger Sacred Heart Jesus May 416/1 She was taken apart and told that her hand had been asked in marriage by the noble gentleman.
1914 Smart Set Aug. 7/2 The retired official had taken him apart to tell him that it was a pity Bismarck was not alive to deal with the Social Democrats.
2. transitive. To separate or detach (one thing) from another. Also figurative with immaterial object.
ΚΠ
1605 R. Mason Reasons Academie 71 This is against corrupt nature: as much as to sunder & take apart wines from water, after it is once mingled.
1838 Farmers' Reg. 1 Sept. 322/2 This being effected, I would recommend that the mould be taken apart from the wall.
1902 Proc. 24th. Ann. Conv. Minnesota Dairyman's Assoc. 149 You put the curd in the hoops [sc. circular moulds]... Then you take it apart from the hoops and put it in a tub of salty water.
1965 U.S. Patent 3,195,587 2 The filling valve..consists of several sections which can be taken apart from each other.
1999 I. Graham et al. Sci. Encycl. i. 37 Atoms in the molecules of one substance can be taken apart from each other, then reassembled to form molecules of a new, different substance.
2012 E. F. Isin Citizens without Frontiers vi. 174 For centuries..we have been living under..the nation-state. What we are experiencing now..is that the state is being taken apart from the nation.
3.
a.
(a) transitive. To separate into constituent parts; to dismantle, disassemble. Also figurative with immaterial object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > separation > separation or breaking up into constituent parts > separate into constituents [verb (transitive)] > take apart
to-lithec1000
unjoinc1400
joint1530
unpart1536
disjoin1579
disjoint1587
untruss?1605
untack1641
ravela1658
disartuate1660
to take apart1744
demount1756
disarticulate1808
dismount1859
disassemble1881
destructure1951
deconstruct1973
1744 S. Fielding Adventures David Simple I. vi. 195 Let a Machine, of any kind, be joined together by an ingenious Artist, and I dare say, he will be best able to take it apart again.
1774 T. Skaife Key Civil Archit. xxii. 140 In this state put in the pannels, and after smooth all off together; then take it apart, and stick the bead.
1826 N.Y. Reflector 28 Oct. 39/1 Having arrived with the engine at its place of safe keeping..to be informed that..the engine must be taken apart.
1897 G. E. Vincent Social Mind & Educ. p. viii It is..important to direct and systematize the process of analysis, i.e., to aid the pupil in taking apart the vague unity of his life experiences.
1936 C. Sandburg People, Yes 60 Let's take it apart to see how it ticks.
1969 J. A. McPherson in A. Chapman New Black Voices (1972) 163 They took the seniority clause apart word by word, trying to figure a way to get at Doc. But they had it written airtight.
2000 P. Vincent Mountain Bike Maintenance 30/2 The advantage with a freewheel type hub is that the components can be taken apart to replace the bearings.
(b) intransitive. To be able to be dismantled or disassembled; to be designed to be taken to pieces and reassembled.
ΚΠ
1782 Hibernian Mag. Oct. 546/2 A curious ancient golden cross was found... It takes apart, and has a hollow recess, which was filled with earth and fibres of roots.
1862 W. De La Rue Bakerian Lect. on Total Solar Eclipse 3 A new cast-iron pedestal composed of several pieces which took apart for the convenience of carriage.
1913 Hardware Dealers' Mag. Aug. 393/1 They call it the Conqueror Automobile Spade. It takes apart by means of an adjustable thumb nut screw.
1999 Field & Stream May 50 The entire gun takes apart easily and without tools.
b. transitive. To beat or thrash severely; to subject to severe or brutal criticism; to demolish (literal and figurative).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > beating or repeated striking > beat [verb (transitive)] > specifically a person
to-beatc893
threshOE
bustc1225
to lay on or upon?c1225
berrya1250
to-bunea1250
touchc1330
arrayc1380
byfrapc1380
boxc1390
swinga1400
forbeatc1420
peal?a1425
routa1425
noddlea1450
forslinger1481
wipe1523
trima1529
baste1533
waulk1533
slip1535
peppera1550
bethwack1555
kembc1566
to beat (a person) black and blue1568
beswinge1568
paik1568
trounce1568
canvass1573
swaddle?1577
bebaste1582
besoop1589
bumfeage1589
dry-beat1589
feague1589
lamback1589
clapperclaw1590
thrash1593
belam1595
lam1595
beswaddle1598
bumfeagle1598
belabour1600
tew1600
flesh-baste1611
dust1612
feeze1612
mill1612
verberate1614
bethumpa1616
rebuke1619
bemaul1620
tabor1624
maula1627
batterfang1630
dry-baste1630
lambaste1637
thunder-thump1637
cullis1639
dry-banga1640
nuddle1640
sauce1651
feak1652
cotton1654
fustigate1656
brush1665
squab1668
raddle1677
to tan (a person's) hide1679
slam1691
bebump1694
to give (a person) his load1694
fag1699
towel1705
to kick a person's butt1741
fum1790
devel1807
bray1808
to beat (also scare, etc.) someone's daylights out1813
mug1818
to knock (a person) into the middle of next week1821
welt1823
hidea1825
slate1825
targe1825
wallop1825
pounce1827
to lay into1838
flake1841
muzzle1843
paste1846
looder1850
frail1851
snake1859
fettle1863
to do over1866
jacket1875
to knock seven kinds of —— out of (a person)1877
to take apart1880
splatter1881
to beat (knock, etc.) the tar out of1884
to —— the shit out of (a person or thing)1886
to do up1887
to —— (the) hell out of1887
to beat — bells out of a person1890
soak1892
to punch out1893
stoush1893
to work over1903
to beat up1907
to punch up1907
cream1929
shellac1930
to —— the bejesus out of (a person or thing)1931
duff1943
clobber1944
to fill in1948
to bash up1954
to —— seven shades of —— out of (a person or thing)1976
to —— seven shades out of (a person or thing)1983
beast1990
becurry-
fan-
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > criticize [verb (transitive)] > severely
to be sharp upon1561
crossbite1571
scarify1582
canvass1590
maul1592
slasha1652
fib1665
to be severe on (or upon)1672
scalp1676
to pull to (or in) pieces1703
roast1710
to cut up1762
tomahawk1815
to blow sky-high1819
row1826
excoriate1833
scourge1835
target1837
slate1848
scathe1852
to take apart1880
soak1892
pan1908
burn1914
slam1916
sandbag1919
to put the blast on (someone)1929
to tear down1938
clobber1944
handbag1952
rip1961
monster1976
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or defeat > soundly
threshc1384
to knock the socks offa1529
thump1597
thrash1609
thwacka1616
capot1649
to beat to snuff1819
to knock into a cocked hat1830
to —— (the) hell out of1833
sledgehammer1834
rout1835
whop1836
skin1838
whip-saw1842
to knock (the) spots off1850
to make mincemeat of1853
to mop (up) the floor with1875
to beat pointless1877
to lick into fits1879
to take apart1880
to knock out1883
wax1884
contund1885
to give (a person) fits1885
to wipe the floor with1887
flatten1892
to knock (someone) for six1902
slaughter1903
slather1910
to hit for six1937
hammer1948
whomp1952
bulldozer1954
zilch1957
shred1966
tank1973
slam-dunk1975
beast1977
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin
spillc950
fellOE
to cast downc1230
destroy1297
to turn up?c1335
to throw down1340
to ding downc1380
to break downa1382
subverta1382
underturn1382
to take downc1384
falla1400
to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400
voida1400
brittenc1400
to burst downc1440
to pull downc1450
pluck1481
tumble1487
wreck1510
defacea1513
confound1523
raze1523
arase1530
to beat downc1540
ruinate1548
demolish1560
plane1562
to shovel down1563
race?1567
ruin1585
rape1597
unwall1598
to bluster down16..
raise1603
level1614
debolish1615
unbuilda1616
to make smooth work of1616
slight1640
to knock down1776
squabash1822
collapse1883
to turn over1897
mash1924
rubble1945
to take apart1978
1880 Lippincott's Mag. Mar. 356/1 She (coolly)... You can take him apart and tell him so. He (vindictively). If I took him apart he'd never get put together again!
1918 Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen & Enginemen's Mag. 15 June 37/2 You-all pull that stunt just once more and I shorely romp over here and take you apart a heap!
1942 N. Balchin Darkness falls from Air v. 94 Supposing I went round and took him apart?
1963 Listener 21 Feb. 350/3 The Labour Party's new leader was taken apart with the sort of cheerful and dedicated venom hitherto reserved for Tory Cabinet ministers.
1976 Birmingham Post 16 Dec. 12/2 League leaders Liverpool were taken apart by the speed, skill and determination of the entire Villa side.
1978 M. Puzo Fools Die xv. 161 The new kids were wilder and started taking everything apart.
2004 M. Crichton State of Fear 435 Standing up in Professor Whitson's con law class, his legs shaking, while old Whitson took him apart.
c. transitive. colloquial. To search (a place) thoroughly. Frequently with the implication of causing damage or disorder.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > search for or seek [verb (transitive)] > search a place or receptacle thoroughly
asearch1382
searcha1387
ransacka1400
ripea1400
upripe?a1400
riflec1400
ruffle1440
gropea1529
rig1572
rake1618
rummage1621
haul1666
fish1727
call1806
ratch1859
to turn over1859
to go through ——1861
rifle1894
rancel1899
to take apart1920
fine-tooth comb1949
1920 Rudder Nov. 16/2 Art lost his cap behind a desk in Chris. Smith's room and proceeded to take the room apart in order to find it.
1958 M. Allingham Hide my Eyes xv. 150 I am going to take this shed apart if it costs me my ticket.
1974 D. Seaman Bomb that could Lip-read xxiv. 243 There is going to be one God-awful search for the man... They will take this hamlet apart.
2001 Guardian 11 Aug. (Weekend Suppl.) 5/3 A cocaine taker on a jag who's convinced that they've got another gram somewhere and takes their house apart looking for it.
 to take away
1. transitive.
a. To remove; to take elsewhere; to deprive a person of.See also to take a person's breath away at breath n. Phrases 9.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (transitive)] > carry off by death
to take away1372
callc1390
take1424
weed1851
the mind > possession > loss > taking away > take away [verb (transitive)]
atbraidOE
benimOE
fornimOE
to reach upOE
reaveOE
bilacchea1325
to take away1372
stealc1374
privea1387
beneme1387
reach?a1400
deprivec1400
subduce1434
embezzle1469
pluckc1475
fortakea1500
raima1500
devest1538
rig1573
imbolish1592
exact1660
drain1673
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away
ateec885
withbreidec890
animOE
overbearOE
to do awayOE
flitc1175
reavec1175
takec1175
to have away?a1300
to draw awayc1300
weve13..
to wend awaya1325
withdrawa1325
remuec1325
to carry away1363
to take away1372
waive1377
to long awaya1382
oftakec1390
to draw offa1398
to do froa1400
forflitc1420
amove?a1425
to carry out?a1425
surtrayc1440
surtretec1440
twistc1440
abstract1449
ostea1450
remove1459
ablatea1475
araisea1475
redd1479
dismove1480
diminish?1504
convey1530
alienate1534
retire1536
dimove1540
reversec1540
subtractc1540
submove1542
sublate1548
pare1549
to pull in1549
exempt1553
to shift off1567
retract?1570
renversec1586
aufer1587
to lay offa1593
rear1596
retrench1596
unhearse1596
exemea1600
remote1600
to set off1600
subduct1614
rob1627
extraneize1653
to bring off1656
to pull back1656
draft1742
extract1804
reef1901
1372 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 86 Mi bodi deyȝet for mannis sake, Senful soules in helle lake—To hem i go awey to take.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 3 Kings xv. 12 He tooc awei þe wommanysch maad men of þe lond.
1415 in 43rd Ann. Rep. Deputy Keeper Public Rec. (1882) App. i. 583 in Parl. Papers (C. 3425) XXXVI. 1 A sefenneghte after that Murdok of Fyche was take away.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 38 To cut the vynes, & take awey the euil branches therof.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xliv. 215 Do not I tyme take his lyfe away.
1550 T. Paynell Piththy & Notable Sayinges Script. f. xiv Yf ye shall saye vnto this mountayn, take thy selfe awaye and caste thy selfe into the sea, it shalbe done.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xxxiii. 156 To take away or mittigate some of [these laws].
c1600 Timon (1980) iii. i. 41 Yee theeues restore what yee haue tane away.
1697 J. Vanbrugh Provok'd Wife iii. 25 Here; take away the things: I expect Company.
1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough I. 131 It pleased God to take away His Majesty.
1779 N. W. Wraxall Let. 2 Feb. in Mem. Courts (1799) II. 133 Human ingenuity and mercy could not perhaps devise a mode of taking away life, at once so lenient and so instantaneous.
1809 J. Parkins Culpepper's Eng. Physician Enlarged 385 How to take away little red pimples from the face.
1886 A. Sergeant No Saint ix. 117 It took away his appetite.
1910 Racine (Wisconsin) Daily Jrnl. 30 May 7/2 I am firmly convinced that Madeleine Van Norman did not strike the blow that took away her life.
1920 J. O. Curwood Valley of Silent Men xii. 142 He had just finished his dinner, and Carter had taken the dishes away, when Father Layonne returned.
1985 N.Y. Times 29 Oct. c14 The essence of Whitney Houston..might be summed up in two lines from one of her signature songs..: ‘No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity.’
2006 P. Rusesabagina & T. Zoellner Ordinary Man p. ix Nobody was beaten. Nobody was taken away and made to disappear.
b. To subtract (a number or quantity) from another in order to ascertain the remainder. Usually with from. Also intransitive. Cf. sense 53d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > perform arithmetic or algebraic operations [verb (transitive)] > subtract
to do awayOE
drawc1392
to take out of ——a1398
to take offa1400
withdrawc1400
subtray?c1425
ydraw?c1425
surtretec1440
to take away?1537
rebate1543
subtract1543
subduct?1556
substra?1558
pull?a1560
subduce?a1560
substract1559
to pull back?1574
difference1658
take1798
minus1963
?1537 R. Benese Bk. Measurynge Lande sig. D.iiiv Take away. xxvi. from. llllxx. and ther dothe remayne but .liiii. acres.
?a1560 L. Digges Geom. Pract.: Pantometria (1571) ii. xvii. sig. Oij Square the sides..and the productes seuerally multiplie in the number of perches to bee taken away, the surmountyng summes diuide by the Area of the whole triangle.
1679 R. Chamberlain Arithmetick xxi. 257 Take away the two figures towards the right hand, or else make a separation between them, and then it will be 74 l. and 21 hundred parts.
1779 Monthly Mag. Dec. 880/1 The scholar is not taught a false principle; he is not taught to take a number away from another less than itself, that is to perform an impossibility.
1859 Mag. for Young Oct. 346 Showing her how to count, or to add and take away.
1890 Jrnl. Educ. June 341/1 Take away 4 cows from 17 cows.
1922 B. Atkey Winnie O'Wynn & Wolves xxii. 246 Get his best offer, double it, multiply by two, take away the number you first thought of, put it in black an' white, and consult an expert before signing it.
1977 F. X. Castellanos & V. D. Anderson tr. J. Piaget et al. Epistemol. & Psychol. of Functions vi. 81 We take away 11 from 29 and divide by 2 which gives us 9.
2012 C. Beveridge Basic Maths Pract. Probl. for Dummies ix. 156 Take away the start time minutes from the end time minutes.
c. To commit to or confine in an institution; = to put away 2f at put v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > drive mad [verb (transitive)] > certify or commit
to take away1834
certify1877
to put away1938
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)] > put into confinement
fling1591
to take away1834
1834 2nd Rep. Select Comm. Inns of Court 257 in Parl. Papers (H.C. 555) XVIII. 331 He was taken away for insanity of mind, but it was only considered to be from liquor.
1866 S. R. Moore in E. P. W. Packard Marital Power Exemplified 28 I did not think it strange conduct that she changed her views; and never said so. This was in the spring before the June when they took her away.
1919 E. O'Neill Where Cross is Made in Moon of Caribbees (1923) 16 They say for his own good he must be taken away.
1970 J. Cooper How to survive from Nine to Five 7 ‘I'm a seagull,’ he said after a few minutes, ‘and I shall fly around and do it on anybody I don't like.’.. Later in the day, a plain van came to take him away.
2007 T. Myers Hell hath No Curry xxvii. 171 I have half a mind to call the men in white coats to come take you away.
†2. intransitive. To clear the table after a meal; = to take off 3 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > serving food > removal of dishes > [verb (intransitive)] > clear table
to draw the boardc1330
to draw the clothc1330
to draw the tablec1330
to take awaya1475
to take up the tablea1513
to take off1599
to clear away1711
clear1914
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 820 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 326 Whenne þay haue wasshen and grace is sayde, Away he takes at a brayde.
1607 T. Heywood Woman Kilde with Kindnesse sig. D2v Enter 3. or 4. seruingmen, one with a Voyder and a Woodden knife, to take away.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 117 Mon Dieu! said La Fleur,—and took away.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. xi. v. 290 The servants..had taken away and left us to ourselves.
1872 S. Butler Erewhon viii. 64 She returned in about an hour to take away.
3. intransitive. To detract from; = sense 53c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > detract from [verb (transitive)]
to pull the feathers off (a person's fame)c1430
takec1475
spoil1553
to take away1779
1779 Remembrancer 8 225/2 Such gasconade productions take away from that character of wisdom and serious fortitude, which America hath hitherto supported.
1875 E. A. Freeman Sketch Subj. Lands Venice (1881) 257 The slight touch of Renaissance in some of the capitals..in no sort takes away from the general purity of the style.
1889 R. L. Stevenson Master of Ballantrae iv. 123 This takes away from the merit of your generosity.
1974 Sight & Sound Spring 102/1 It is certainly not to take away from his achievement to suggest that he learned a good deal from Godard.
2002 V. Coren & C. Skelton Once more, with Feeling xii. 99 Nothing wrong in watching it... Or does watching it take away from the sanctity of the act?
4. intransitive. To go off; to depart quickly or suddenly; = to take off 10a at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. sense 60b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]
wendeOE
i-wite971
ashakec975
shakeOE
to go awayOE
witea1000
afareOE
agoOE
atwendOE
awayOE
to wend awayOE
awendOE
gangOE
rimeOE
flitc1175
to fare forthc1200
depart?c1225
part?c1225
partc1230
to-partc1275
biwitec1300
atwitea1325
withdrawa1325
to draw awayc1330
passc1330
to turn one's (also the) backc1330
lenda1350
begonec1370
remuea1375
voidc1374
removec1380
to long awaya1382
twinc1386
to pass one's wayc1390
trussc1390
waive1390
to pass out ofa1398
avoida1400
to pass awaya1400
to turn awaya1400
slakec1400
wagc1400
returnc1405
to be gonea1425
muck1429
packc1450
recede1450
roomc1450
to show (a person) the feetc1450
to come offc1475
to take one's licence1475
issue1484
devoidc1485
rebatea1500
walka1500
to go adieua1522
pikea1529
to go one's ways1530
retire?1543
avaunt1549
to make out1558
trudge1562
vade?1570
fly1581
leave1593
wag1594
to get off1595
to go off1600
to put off1600
shog1600
troop1600
to forsake patch1602
exit1607
hence1614
to give offa1616
to take off1657
to move off1692
to cut (also slip) the painter1699
sheera1704
to go about one's business1749
mizzle1772
to move out1792
transit1797–1803
stump it1803
to run away1809
quit1811
to clear off1816
to clear out1816
nash1819
fuff1822
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
mosey1829
slope1830
to tail out1830
to walk one's chalks1835
to take away1838
shove1844
trot1847
fade1848
evacuate1849
shag1851
to get up and get1854
to pull out1855
to cut (the) cable(s)1859
to light out1859
to pick up1872
to sling one's Daniel or hook1873
to sling (also take) one's hook1874
smoke1893
screw1896
shoot1897
voetsak1897
to tootle off1902
to ship out1908
to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909
to push off1918
to bugger off1922
biff1923
to fuck off1929
to hit, split or take the breeze1931
to jack off1931
to piss offa1935
to do a mick1937
to take a walk1937
to head off1941
to take a hike1944
moulder1945
to chuff off1947
to get lost1947
to shoot through1947
skidoo1949
to sod off1950
peel1951
bug1952
split1954
poop1961
mugger1962
frig1965
1793 Sporting Mag. Apr. 36/1 He most gallantly took away over the immense tract of open country called Cæsar's Camp.
1838 C. Waterton Ess. Nat. Hist. p. xxv After eluding him in cover for nearly half an hour, being hard pressed, I took away down a hedgerow.
1850 R. Gordon-Cumming Five Years Hunter's Life S. Afr. II. xxiv. 163 They set the dogs after him, when he took away up the river.
1912 W. S. Dixon Hunting in Olden Days xxiii. 314 It is a very different matter when hounds take away over a country which is fairly level.
5. transitive. To receive and remember (a lesson, idea, impression, etc.) from a given source or experience. Also: to infer, deduce, or conclude that something is the case. Cf. takeaway n. 6.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > be informed of
hearc950
witc1000
haveOE
learnc1175
undergoc1290
takea1333
receivec1400
aherec1450
partakea1593
get1608
intelligence1637
to get wind of1809
to take away1839
1839 G. Mogridge Old Humphrey's Addr. 14 You cannot hinder me from taking away the lesson they have taught me.
1892 J. A. Bellows in Tributes to Memory Rev. T. Hill 34 I took away the impression that life at Antioch..was one long festival of brightness.
1928 Amer. Weekly 23 Sept. 9/1 Graduating with honours, he also took away the idea that a man of his education, polish, and intelligence could rise higher and faster in crime than any other profession.
1933 Manch. Guardian 30 Jan. 8/3 Whatever else his students took away from Saintsbury's lectures.., they could at least take away..the conviction that in the kingdom of letters there were many mansions.
1987 N.Y. Times 30 Dec. a11/5 The good thing that people can take away from this is that at the beginning of the year we were losing games..because we lacked confidence.
2009 T. Bird & J. Cassell Brilliant Selling xxii. 228 What do you want them to take away from your presentation? If there is one core message, what is it?
6. transitive (as infinitive of purpose) and intransitive. To take (food or drink) from a restaurant or shop where it has been prepared, for consumption off the premises; = to take out 2f at Phrasal verbs 1. Opposed to to eat in vb. b at eat v. Additions. Cf. to go at go v. Phrases 3i, takeaway n. 3.
ΚΠ
1894 Daily World (Lawrence, Kansas) 13 Sept. The same persons who came when it was first opened are still among the number to be seen there, either procuring food to take away or getting it at the long counters to eat at the room.
1937 Fitchburg (Mass.) Sentinel 11 Sept. 3/6 At the cafe nearby they will cook the fish for you to eat there or to take away as part of your picnic luncheon.
1969 D. Davin in Landfall Mar. 19 The barman was calling time. Men were buying their last-minute bottles to take away.
1994 N.Y. Times Bk. Rev. 6 Mar. 25/1 More body bits turn up in the vicinity of Dave's Fish and Chip Bar (‘Eat Here or Take Away’).
2005 Olive Mar. 103/4 Delicious, low fat handmade Indian food served in dinky tiffin boxes to eat in or take away.
 to take back
1. transitive.
a. To retake possession of, to reclaim.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take again or back > take back
resume1404
to take again1474
revoke1526
reclaim1530
to fetch again1535
to take back1568
reducec1595
reassume1609
revicta1656
reassert1704
pull1985
1568 H. Baker Well Spryng Sci. iii. x. f. 133 The first layed in the first of Ianuary 100 li. and the firste of April he hath taken backe againe 20 .li.
1632 W. Struther Looking Glasse for Princes & Popes in Looking Glasse for Princes & People 179 They tooke back their lent feathers, and left her naked.
1678 T. Porter French Conjurer ii. 11 Why did my fate this pleasing Scene begin? Just shew me bliss, then take it back agen!
a1771 T. Gray tr. Dante in Wks. (1884) I. 159 Take back, what once was yours.
1825 C. Lamb in London Mag. Apr. 514 Ravenscroft..in silence took back the refunded treasure.
1892 J. R. Joy Grecian Hist. x. 171 Pericles was no tyrant, and the vote of the assembly might at any time take back the power which it had given him.
1926 M. Moore Let. 1 May in Sel. Lett. (1997) 226 When you are ready to take back the Editorship, it will be I who am ‘happy’.
1965 Daily Kennebec Jrnl. (Augusta, Maine) 25 Aug. 4/3 Few [Republicans] claim they can take back the White House in '68.
1988 D. Allison Trash 147 Maybe they'll let her do some posters for the Take Back the Night Campaign.
2005 M. Odom Lord of Libraries xii. 186 I only saw fit to take back what they had stolen from my father.
b. To withdraw or retract (a statement, utterance, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] > recant or retract
to call againc1390
repealc1390
revokec1390
replyc1425
renounce1446
renayc1450
unsay1483
manswear1502
to let loose1530
to call back1533
recant1534
retract1538
unswear1591
unwish1591
swallow1597
to take back1599
retractate1600
reclaim1615
unspeak1615
recede1655
renege1679
unnotify1738
unpronounce1745
withdraw1793
palinode1892
1599 T. Bilson Effect Certaine Serm. 353 Take back, Sir Refuter, your false and vnsauerie glozes that corrupt the text.
1619 W. Cowper Pathmos 21 Cotterius giues him great praise, but takes it backe againe too suddenly to himselfe.
1671 J. Dryden Evening's Love iv. 70 Take back your oathes and protestations..take 'em..for the use of your next Mistress.
1740 S. Richardson Pamela I. 258 If it be not what you think will please me, said he, dear Girl, take it back again, and reconsider it.
1775 A. Adams in J. Adams & A. Adams Familiar Lett. (1876) 86 I had..made some complaints of you, but I will take them all back again.
1857 Peterson's Mag. Sept. 206/2 Pray let me take the promise back, it was only given in a moment of—of confusion.
1873 M. Collins Squire Silchester I. ix. 131 I shall take back my yes if you are troublesome.
1920 G. B. McCutcheon West Wind Drift vi. 76 He might apologize until he was black in the face and still be unable to take back the words he had uttered.
1962 W. Inge Summer Brave i. 5 You take that back. No one calls me that and gets away with it.
2010 T. Rayburn Siren (2011) xv. 224 Good morning to you my dear... Actually, I take that back. It's not good. It's quite the opposite.
c. Of a shop, etc.: to accept the return of (goods purchased and subsequently found to be faulty or otherwise unsatisfactory), typically in exchange for a refund or replacement. Also: to accept the return of (goods purchased on a sale-or-return basis and subsequently unsold).
ΚΠ
1703 tr. S. von Pufendorf Of Law of Nature & Nations iii. iv. 215/2 Though the Buyer should now find that he has no occasion for his Purchase, yet he cannot force the Seller to refund the Price, and to take back his Horses, unless this Condition was expressly mention'd in the Agreement.
1807 S. Comyn Treat. Law Contracts & Agreements II. iii. i. 78 The plaintiff objected that the horse was..unsound, and tendered back the horse, and demanded his money: the defendant..denied the unsoundness, and refused to take back the horse or return the money.
1877 Pennsylvania State Rep. 83 322 A witness for the plaintiff said, at the time the broker sold these goods, he stated he would take back the defective cans.
1912 Dry Goods Reporter 1 June 51/1 I flatly refused to take back the garment, as it had been worn on the street, and being a conspicuous garment, was no doubt recognized by some of our customers.
1963 Soviet Stud. 14 332 The seller must..replace them, or..take the goods back and refund the buyer his money.
1995 F. Bradley Marketing Managem. xviii. 797 (list) The supplier's readiness to take back defective goods and resupply quickly.
2013 Star (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 29 July 6 The shop won't take back used goods and, because the phone isn't defective, the Consumer Protection Act doesn't compel them to.
2. intransitive. To go back, return (to a place or activity). Now U.S. regional.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)]
to wend againeOE
i-cherrec1000
again-chareOE
again-comeOE
again-fareOE
again-goOE
eft-sithec1175
to turn againc1175
returna1325
attournec1386
turnc1390
recovera1393
repair?c1400
recourse?a1425
to go backc1425
resortc1425
revertc1475
renew1488
retour?1505
to make return1534
to turn back1538
retend1543
to come short home1548
regress1552
rejourna1556
revolt1567
revolve1587
repeal1596
recur1612
rewend1616
revene1656
to get back1664
to take back1674
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge To Rdr. Being quite lost in a wilde and a frightful on and on, I e'en took back again where I was.
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. xviii. f. 44 Reward her therewith, and by this means she will learn to give over the Fowl that rakes out, and take back to the River again.
1716 B. Church Entertaining Passages Philip's War i. 40 Concluding that if they headed him and beat him back, that he would take back in his own Track.
1889 R. L. Stevenson Master of Ballantrae xi. 284 Having..forgot my presence, he took back to his singing.
1918 F. Whitaker Hist. Corporal Fess Whitaker 11 I took back down the road huntin' for my sack of corn.
1990 A. Wilson Piano Lesson in O. L. Guernsey & J. Sweet Theater Yearbk. 1989–90 326 Now she had her piano... She took back to playing it and played on it right up till the day she died.
3. transitive.
a. To accept (a partner, spouse, etc.) again after a period of estrangement.
ΚΠ
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. xli. 55 When a Man hath divorced his Wife..he cannot, if he would, take her again, till first she hath been Married to another Man, and then he may take her back.
1738 Bayle's Gen. Dict. Hist. & Crit. (new ed.) VI. 756/2 It might be said he took his wife back only by constraint, and against his will.
1779 Hist. Mod. Europe I. vii. 92 Nicholas..attempted to force the king to take back his first wife.
1835 Legal Observer 28 Mar. 419/1 Having separated.., the husband afterwards refuses to take her back, except upon conditions which he has no right to impose.
1888 H. R. Haggard Col. Quaritch III. v. 79 You are my lawful husband, and I calls on you to cease living as you didn't oughter and to take me back.
a1961 E. Hemingway Garden of Eden (1987) iii. xv. 135 No. I did it on purpose. Will you take me back? I'm all over the bitchiness.
1983 P. Brown & S. Gaines Love you Make xx. 422 People gossiped constantly about whether or not John would ever take her back.
2013 Hoosier Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 10 Nov. (Herald-Times ed.) f6/3 My brother-in-law cheated on my sister two years ago... My sister took him back and has been trying to be ‘the good wife’.
b. To accept (a person) again as an employee or student, typically after a period of suspension or dismissal; to re-employ or re-enrol.
ΚΠ
1799 Edinb. Advertiser 10 Dec. 382/3 Holmes was with him for 15 or 16 months as an apprentice... He had no doubt of his honesty, and would take him back if acquitted of this charge.
1844 Rep. Supreme Courts Scotl. 16 318/1 They [sc. the employers] told him, that if they were to take him back, it must be on different terms.
1857 N. W. T. Root School Amusem. 163 The parents..say that their son is as good a boy as others; but I am firm, and refuse to take him back.
1904 in Minutes of Evid. Royal Comm. Trade Disputes (1906) 62/1 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 2826) LVI. 137 The men were told..that if they struck and left their employment they would never be taken back; and they were not taken back.
1975 Sc. Trades Union Congr.: 78th Ann. Rep. 316 It was..essential that schools take back pupils after a short period of suspension.
1985 P. M. Levitt & E. S. Guralnick You can make it Back 177 Engage a first-rate lawyer to write your employer..a thoroughly nonthreatening letter that may nonetheless unnerve him so he'll take you back without a fight.
2013 Dominion Post (Wellington, N.Z.) (Nexis) 6 June 3 The..school is refusing to take [the boy] back, fearing his return will put staff and pupils in danger.
4. transitive. To cause (a person) to remember or think of the past; to induce nostalgia in (a person). Frequently with to, specifying what is called to mind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > look back on [verb (transitive)]
refera1398
to look back1579
review1597
retrospect1664
retrace1686
to take back1796
reverie1961
1796 F. Burney Camilla IV. viii. xi. 401 Her conscience..pointed beyond the present moment; it took her back to her imprudence with Sir Sedley Clarendel.
1822 Vindic. Gospels Matt. & Luke 350 The period of his conversion to Christianity..takes us back to the time of Justin.
1889 W. H. Mallock Enchanted Island 251 These churches took me back to the crusaders.
1900 Myrtle 9 June 90/3 The question had taken her back many years.
1964 Newfoundland Q. Summer 12/3 The Journal takes us back to pioneer days in Labrador and Newfoundland.
1995 A. de Botton Kiss & Tell (1996) v. 92 Isabel was splashed by a paddling infant, who made her wipe water away from her eyes and remark, ‘God, that takes me back.’
2004 County Wedding Mag. 55/1 It took me right back to slow dancing with Tim..under a revolving disco ball in 1987.
5. transitive (chiefly in passive). To surprise, to shock; to discomfit; = to take aback 2 at Phrasal verbs 1.
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
1796 T. W. Tone Jrnl. 4 Nov. in Life (1826) II. 226 Colonel Shee seemed a little taken back with this anecdote.
1829 J. Emerson Lett. from Ægean x. 190 I was somewhat taken back with the reverence with which his proceedings were gazed on by the crew.
1887 Mrs. C. Reade Maid o' Mill II. xxvii. 112 You took me back a bit at first, Miss Spry, I own.
1915 Amer. Catholic Q. Rev. Oct. 664 I must say that I was rather taken back by his remark.
1953 Times 20 June 7/4 They were a little taken back..when the gallery struck through the general acclaim a disconcerting note of dissent.
1994 P. Baker Blood Posse v. 57 We rode along in silence. Dave was clearly taken back by the draft call-up.
6. transitive. To return (goods purchased and subsequently found to be faulty or otherwise unsatisfactory) to the seller or place of purchase, typically in exchange for a refund or replacement.
ΚΠ
1876 Independent 23 Nov. 25/1 There ain't no use in a fellow having a pair of rubber boots if he can't wear them. Mother might just as well take them back to the store again.
1947 N.Y. Times 3 Oct. 10/5 If, when you buy a new hat, your wife should say, ‘That's terrible-looking; take it back to the store!’..you know what happens.
1971 M. McCarthy Birds of Amer. 29 He wanted the little violin which Hans..took back to the store.
1994 CompuServe Mag. Mar. 27/2 Take the monitor back to the store and buy the same one with the vendor's antiglare coating on the screen.
2011 Independent 5 Nov. (Mag.) 63/4 Two colleagues were given the same attitude when taking back bikes so poorly assembled they posed a health risk.
 to take down
1. transitive.
a. To pull down, demolish (esp. a building); to take to pieces, to dismantle. Also: to fell (a tree).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin
spillc950
fellOE
to cast downc1230
destroy1297
to turn up?c1335
to throw down1340
to ding downc1380
to break downa1382
subverta1382
underturn1382
to take downc1384
falla1400
to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400
voida1400
brittenc1400
to burst downc1440
to pull downc1450
pluck1481
tumble1487
wreck1510
defacea1513
confound1523
raze1523
arase1530
to beat downc1540
ruinate1548
demolish1560
plane1562
to shovel down1563
race?1567
ruin1585
rape1597
unwall1598
to bluster down16..
raise1603
level1614
debolish1615
unbuilda1616
to make smooth work of1616
slight1640
to knock down1776
squabash1822
collapse1883
to turn over1897
mash1924
rubble1945
to take apart1978
the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > lumbering > [verb (transitive)] > fell timber
fellOE
hewc1000
hewc1175
cutc1300
falla1325
stockc1440
to take down1818
droop1819
society > communication > printing > post-printing processes > [verb (transitive)] > distribute type
distribute1615
dis1899
to take down1909
c1384 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 230 Also the seyd Richard Wyllesdon Schall..take don All maner of hosyng.
1537 in T. Wright Three Chapters Lett. Suppression Monasteries (1843) 165 As concerninge the rasing and takyn down the howse.
1548 in E. Green Somerset Chantries (1888) 116 One of theis ij churches maye well be spared and taken downe.
1633 Proclam. in R. Sanderson Rymer's Fœdera (1732) XIX. 446/1 All mosing Mills shall be taken down before Midsomer next.
a1653 H. Binning Wks. (1840) III. 72 It taketh down the tabernacle of mortality.
1751 C. Labelye Descr. Westm. Bridge 81 I received Orders..to proceed next to take down the two damaged Arches.
1818 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 573 Taking down three trees.
1840 J. Allies Anc. Brit., Rom., & Saxon Antiq. Worcs. 14 He declared that he was at St. Clement's Church when it was being taken down, and..one of the workmen discovered the coin in question among the ruins.
1909 R. Renwick in J. D. Marwick Edinb. Guilds Pref. 6 The printers, seeing no early prospect of the release of their type.., took it down.
2006 Build It May 46/1 The wall was taken down so a stonemason could repair it step-by-step.
b. To remove from a higher to a lower position; to lower; to carry down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > take down
to do downc1175
to take downa1400
reach1483
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11664 ‘Ioseph,’ sco said, ‘fain wald I rest.’.. Son he stert and tok hir dun.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 1426 (MED) I Rede, we take down sayle & Rowe.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 504 Recovering the Jade on all foure againe, he desir'd to be taken down.
a1701 H. Maundrell Journey Aleppo to Jerusalem (1703) 73 Took down the feigned Body from the Cross.
1787 Lady's Mag. Aug. 413/2 My eldest son..made a sign to Lubin to take down the violins. They played alternately some country airs.
1808 E. Hamilton Cottagers of Glenburnie (ed. 2) ix. 200 Mrs MacClarty then took down a bottle of runnet.
1886 Troy (U.S.) Daily Times 2 Jan. 1/3 A boat's crew..was taken down by a whale near the Cape Verde islands.
1920 Amer. Woman Aug. 4/2 As she took down the receiver, she dropped it, but picked it up again.
1975 W. Kennedy Legs (1983) 222 Jack had taken a rifle down from the hall closet.., and thrown it on the back seat.
2004 S. Hall Electric Michelangelo 124 Take your trousers down. Come on, you'll not be sorry.
2. transitive.
a. To lower the opinion of (a person) as to his or her own status or ability; to humble, to humiliate. Also: to check (a person's pride, arrogance, etc.) in this way.In quot. 1562: (perhaps) to rebuke, reprimand.See also to take (a person) down a peg (or two) at peg n.1 3a, to take a person down a buttonhole at buttonhole n. Phrases.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > humility > humiliation > humiliate [verb (transitive)]
anitherOE
fellOE
lowc1175
to lay lowc1225
to set adownc1275
snuba1340
meekc1350
depose1377
aneantizea1382
to bring lowa1387
declinea1400
meekenc1400
to pull downc1425
avalec1430
to-gradea1440
to put downc1440
humble1484
alow1494
deject?1521
depress1526
plucka1529
to cut (rarely to cast down) the comb of?1533
to bring down1535
to bring basec1540
adbass1548
diminish1560
afflict1561
to take down1562
to throw down1567
debase1569
embase1571
diminute1575
to put (also thrust) a person's nose out of jointc1576
exinanite1577
to take (a person) a peg lower1589
to take (a person) down a peg (or two)1589
disbasea1592
to take (a person) down a buttonhole (or two)1592
comb-cut1593
unpuff1598
atterr1605
dismount1608
annihilate1610
crest-fall1611
demit1611
pulla1616
avilea1617
to put a scorn on, upon1633
mortify1639
dimit1658
to put a person's pipe out1720
to let down1747
to set down1753
humiliate1757
to draw (a person's) eyeteeth1789
start1821
squabash1822
to wipe a person's eye1823
to crop the feathers of1827
embarrass1839
to knock (also take, etc.) (a person) off his or her perch1864
to sit upon ——1864
squelch1864
to cut out of all feather1865
to sit on ——1868
to turn down1870
to score off1882
to do (a person) in the eye1891
puncture1908
to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908
to cut down to size1927
flatten1932
to slap (a person) down1938
punk1963
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)]
threac897
threapc897
begripea1000
threata1000
castea1200
chaste?c1225
takec1275
blame1297
chastya1300
sniba1300
withnima1315
undernima1325
rebukec1330
snuba1340
withtakea1340
reprovec1350
chastisea1375
arate1377
challenge1377
undertake1377
reprehenda1382
repreync1390
runta1398
snapea1400
underfoc1400
to call to account1434
to put downc1440
snebc1440
uptakec1440
correptc1449
reformc1450
reprise?c1450
to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450
control1451
redarguec1475
berisp1481
to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522
checkc1530
admonish1541
nip1548
twig?1550
impreve1552
lesson1555
to take down1562
to haul (a person) over the coals1565
increpate1570
touch1570
school1573
to gather up1577
task1580
redarguate?1590
expostulate1592
tutor1599
sauce1601
snip1601
sneap1611
to take in tax1635
to sharp up1647
round1653
threapen1671
reprimand1681
to take to task1682
document1690
chapter1693
repulse1746
twink1747
to speak to ——1753
haul1795
to pull up1799
carpet1840
rig1841
to talk to1860
to take (a person) to the woodshed1882
rawhide1895
to tell off1897
to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900
to get on ——1904
to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908
strafe1915
tick1915
woodshed1935
to slap (a person) down1938
sort1941
bind1942
bottle1946
mat1948
ream1950
zap1961
elder1967
1562 in F. J. Furnivall Child-marriages, Divorces, & Ratifications Diocese Chester (1897) 112 She had spoken to the said Custance, and taken her downe for the same.
1593 G. Peele Famous Chron. King Edward the First sig. F2v Ile take you downe a botton hole.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 228 For reuenge & taking downe the pride of this young man.
1672 A. Marvell Rehearsal Transpros'd i. 123 So he might take down our Grease and Luxury, and keep the English courage in breath and exercise.
1765 tr. A. Goudar Chinese Spy II. lxviii. 221 [Should] a literato..rise above the common knowledge, he would soon be taken down, and made to keep within the general ignorance.
1796 M. Robinson Angelina II. 27 He seems to experience..satisfaction in what he calls taking me down.
1857 F. D. Maurice Epist. St. John i. 4 Whatever takes down a young man's conceit must be profitable to him.
a1872 F. Murdock Davy Crockett v, in America's Lost Plays (1940) IV. 148 Mother, that boy's getting a deal too pert. He'll have to be took down.
1935 Princeton Alumni Weekly 26 Apr. 597/3 [He] writes a cheerful note..upon becoming a grandfather. Will I take down his pride if I tell him that we now have 57 grandfathers in the class?
2007 C. Anderson Sun Kissed vi. 87 She's uppity. Long fingernails and oh, so fancy... All us gals have decided she needs to be taken down a couple of notches.
b. To lower in degree or intensity; to reduce the strength of; to diminish, weaken.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)]
littleeOE
anitherOE
wanzelOE
lessc1225
slakea1300
littenc1300
aslakec1314
adminisha1325
allayc1330
settle1338
low1340
minisha1382
reprovea1382
abatea1398
rebatea1398
subtlea1398
alaskia1400
forlyten?a1400
imminish14..
lessenc1410
diminish1417
repress?a1425
assuagec1430
scarcec1440
small1440
underslakec1440
alessa1450
debate?c1450
batec1460
decreasec1470
appetisse1474
alow1494
mince1499
perswage?1504
remita1513
inless?1521
attenuate1530
weaken1530
defray1532
mitigate1532
minorate1534
narrow?1548
diminuec1550
extenuate1555
amain1578
exolve1578
base1581
dejecta1586
amoinder1588
faint1598
qualify1604
contract1605
to pull down1607
shrivel1609
to take down1610
disaugment1611
impoverish1611
shrink1628
decoct1629
persway1631
unflame1635
straiten1645
depress1647
reduce1649
detract1654
minuate1657
alloy1661
lower?1662
sinka1684
retreat1690
nip1785
to drive down1840
minify1866
to knock down1867
to damp down1869
scale1887
mute1891
clip1938
to roll back1942
to cut back1943
downscale1945
downrate1958
slim1963
downshift1972
1610 R. Tofte tr. N. de Montreux Honours Acad. iv. 166 As strong and lustie in bodie as he was, before Love had so much weakened and taken him downe.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 102 As for the Females,..Take down their Mettle, keep 'em lean and bare. View more context for this quotation
a1717 E. Baynard Health (1719) 22 By Degrees take down your Heat.
1731 J. Tull New Horse-houghing Husbandry 167 When that rich Land..is grown too vigorous and resty, they may soon take down its Mettle, by Sowing it a few Years in their Old Husbandry.
1805 C. Lamb Let. 14 June in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1976) II. 169 I now am calm, but sadly taken down, & flat.
1811 J. Parkins Young Man's Best Compan. 539 Olive colours..are first put in green, and taken down again with soot.
1877 G. Fraser Wigtown 311 A fresh supply of the Bladnoch [sc. whisky] had been lately added to his establishment, requiring of course to be ‘taken down’ to the proper strength.
1968 D. S. Douglas in O. L. Austin Antarctic Bird Stud. 169/2 The doors of the laboratory hut were opened.., and the temperature was taken down to that of an average summer day outdoors.
2007 M. Scott Death reins In xxxv. 207 You gonna have to take it down a notch, hon, and explain to me what this is all about.
c. In passive. With with: to be struck down, or brought low, by illness. ​In later use regional (now chiefly U.S.).
ΚΠ
1813 Adviser (Vermont) July 216/1 On the Friday morning of the week, when he was taken down with his last illness, he read the 23d Psalm.
a1856 W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) I. xviii. 342 Taken down with a bilious fever.
1903 Cincinnati Lancet-Clinic 24 Oct. 438/1 Two individuals were taken down with influenza and two others with typhoid.
1947 Billboard 4 Jan. 29/2 An out-all-winter midwayite was suddenly taken down with the flu.
2013 J. Walls Silver Star viii. 55 [She] had three children to look after but had been taken down with meningitis.
3. transitive. Falconry. To cause (a hawk) to fly down back to the hand.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hawking > [verb (transitive)] > cause to fly down
to take down1575
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie ii. 93 Alwaies prouided of some Pigeon, or other quick thing, to take hir downe the more easily.
1619 E. Bert Approved Treat. Hawkes ii. x. 77 Neuer offer to take him downe, but let him be as neere the Tarsell as may be, who when hee the hawke remoueth, by his voyce he may giue you knowledge thereof.
1686 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 3) ii. 18 When at any time you fly any one of these black or tawny Hawks, and she stoops foul and falls in her flight, you must take her down with some living thing.
1792 W. Osbaldiston Brit. Sportsman 384/2 If you have not a quick duck, take her down with the dry lure, and let her plume a pullet.
1828 J. S. Sebright Observ. Hawking (new ed.) 36 They are always taken down after having flown unsuccessfully at their game.
1900 E. B. Mitchell Art & Pract. of Hawking xiv. 200 Then taking down your merlin, and giving her a tiring to amuse her, go and pick out the lark from the straw.
1936 G. Blaine Falconry ix. 123 After putting a rook into cover from which he cannot be quickly ejected, a hawk must be taken down to the lure at once.
2013 gyrcross.blogspot.co.uk 8 Oct. (O.E.D. Archive) The young Peregrine did not return and I looked back to Nelson intending to take him down to the lure.
4. transitive. To swallow, imbibe. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > [verb (transitive)] > swallow
swallowc1000
overswallowa1400
engluta1492
slup1598
deglute1599
to take down1603
glut-glut1650
quilta1658
to get down1662
regurgitate1670
reswallow1792
to take on board1813
glutch1825
down1852
deglutate1867
1603 J. Hayward Answer Conf. conc. Succession ii. 43 You wil make a sower face at this; it will go very much against your stomackes; but there is no remedie, you must take it down.
1607 B. Jonson Volpone iii. vii. sig. H I will take downe poyson, Eate burning coales, do any thing. View more context for this quotation
1667 N. Fairfax in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 2 549 Mr. Morley..was advised by some to take down a spoonfull of good English Honey.
1741 Chambers's Cycl. (ed. 4) Gula, in anatomy, the oesophagus or gullet; that conduit by which animals take down food into the stomach.
1780 F. Okely tr. H. Engelbrecht Divine Visions I. i. 55 My not being able to take down into my Stomach a single Drop of any Thing liquid, or so much as the least Morsel of any Thing solid.
1861 G. W. Henry Tell Tale Rag I. ii. 27 She was compelled to take down the idea that she never had a child that she could truly call her own.
1879 Sci. News (Salem, Mass.) 1 Sept. 332/2 He [sc. a snake] tried to take it down tail first, but could not get it into the pharynx.
1907 Irish Bee Jrnl. 18/2 May They would not take down food as I wished them to, in fact I thought they would starve.
2008 D. Johnson Air between Us (2009) xii. 151 His wife would..sit beside him like a good mama, watching while he took his medicine [sc. bourbon] down.
5. transitive.
a. To write down (spoken words); to take a written report or notes of. Also: to write down the words of (a person), to take dictation from.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > written record > record in writing [verb (transitive)]
writeeOE
awriteeOE
markOE
titlea1325
record1340
registera1393
accordc1450
chronicle1460
to write upa1475
calendar1487
enrol1530
prickc1540
scripture1540
to set down1562
report1600
reservea1616
tabulatea1646
to take down1651
actuate1658
to commit to writing (also paper)1695
to mark down1881
slate1883
society > communication > writing > manner of writing > [verb (transitive)] > write from dictation
to take down1883
1651 H. Whitfield Light Appearing To Rdr. 39 I took down the particulars in writing, as followeth.
1712 W. Rogers Cruising Voy. 248 I took down the Names of those that had any.
1793 Trans. Soc. Arts (ed. 2) 5 121 The precision with which you took down their answers.
1803 Lett. Miss Riversdale I. 319 The Prince took down the notes in pencil..and promised to ink them over for Lady Belfont.
1883 W. R. Morfill Slavonic Lit. iii. 48 These ballads had been taken down about the middle of the eighteenth century.
1883 ‘M. Twain’ Life on Mississippi xxii. 247 I enlisted a poet for company, and a stenographer to ‘take him down’.
1914 G. B. Shaw Pygmalion i, in Everybody's Mag. Nov. 579/2 What did you take down my words for? How do I know whether you took me down right?
1923 Musical Times 64 272/2 The classic warning that ‘anything you say will be taken down and may be used as evidence against you’.
1971 G. L. Curtis Election Campaigning Japanese Style iv. 125 While Satō talked his secretary took down the names and addresses of everyone in attendance.
2002 M. Holroyd Wks. on Paper 23 He [sc. Boswell] was a considerable menace, going round taking down actual conversations at dinner parties and in his club.
b. Politics. To record (a contentious statement made in a legislative assembly) with a view to invoking disciplinary procedure.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > procedure of parliament or national assembly > [verb (transitive)] > record contentious statement
to take down1783
1783 Scots Mag. 45 App. 710/1 Earl Temple moved, that the words be taken down. The Earl of Carlisle said, it was usual where words were ordered to be taken down, for the bar to be cleared.
1784 Universal Mag. Jan. 45/1 Gen Conway said that he was ready to maintain what he had said. Let the right hon. gentleman move to take down his words, and he would make his charge.
1831 Mirror of Parl. (2nd Portion, 1st Sess., 9th Parl.) 696/1 In the speech of the Noble Lord opposite a threat was held out, but not of such a nature, I allow, as would admit of any Honourable Member calling upon the Clerk to take down the Noble Lord's words.
1863 Illustr. Times 20 June 422/2 On Monday Mr. Ormsby Gore rose and denounced these words as ‘scandalous and unfounded’. Whereupon Sir Robert Jackes Clifton jumped up and moved that the words were taken down.
1934 Sun (Baltimore) 3 May 1/4 Representative Pettingill..threatened to invoke disciplinary procedure against Mr. Britten by means of what is known in the House as ‘taking down’ his words.
1949 Times 6 Apr. 6/5 I think the rule is that remarks of that kind cannot be taken down after there have been intervening proceedings in this case.
2005 Washington Times (Nexis) 19 Nov. a1 Two dozen Democrats shot to their feet and demanded her words be ‘taken down’, a precursor to House punishment, because she insulted Mr. Murtha.
†6. transitive. Politics. To cause (a speaker in Parliament) to stop speaking and sit down. Cf. to call down 3 at call v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > refrain from uttering [verb (transitive)] > silence or prevent from speaking
to stop a person's mouthc1175
stilla1225
to keep ina1420
stifle1496
to knit up1530
to muzzle (up) the mouth1531
choke1533
muzzle?1542
to tie a person's tongue1544
tongue-tiea1555
silence1592
untongue1598
to reduce (a person or thing) to silence1605
to bite in1608
gaga1616
to swear downa1616
to laugh down1616
stifle1621
to cry down1623
unworda1627
clamour1646
splint1648
to take down1656
snap1677
stick1708
shut1809
to shut up1814
to cough down1823
to scrape down1855
to howl down1872
extinguish1878
hold1901
shout1924
to pipe down1926
1656 T. Burton Diary (1828) I. 45 Captain Hatsel was speaking to have the debate put off till Monday, but Colonel Purefoy took him down.
1723 E. Knatchbull Diary 14 Feb. in Parl. Diary (1963) (modernized text) 13 In the middle of his speech the Speaker took him down and said that he must give that young gentleman a caution not to take those liberties in that assembly.
7. transitive. British Law. To remove (a prisoner) from (the dock of a courtroom), spec. in order to start a prison sentence after conviction; chiefly in imperative as a formulaic command given by a judge after passing sentence.With reference to the prisoner being escorted down the staircase leading from the dock to the cells below.
ΚΠ
1819 Statesman 3 Nov. Take him down, and let him be flogged, and then discharged.
1884 Christian Union 24 July 95/2 ‘Let some one else take the prisoner down,’ said the Court to the sergeant. ‘Finn is excused.’
1919 H. A. Cody Touch of Abner xvi. 151 ‘Sergeant, you may take the prisoner down,’ he added, turning to the officer who had been standing quietly by during this interview.
1953 R. T. Paget & S. S. Silverman Hanged—& Innocent? 102 When Bentley had been taken down, he [sc. the judge] turned to Craig and said: ‘I can only sentence you to be detained until Her Majesty's Pleasure is known.’
1995 Times 23 Nov. 1/1 If attention is paid to what I think, you will never be released. Take her down.
2012 J. Jenkins Little Bones xiv. 279 The judge looked grave and Jane's head was swimming, until all she heard was, ‘Take the prisoner down.’
8. transitive. Of a man: to escort (a female guest) into dinner. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > take (a lady) to dinner
to take down1834
to take out1853
to take in1863
1834 Athenæum 23 Aug. 629/3 A footman, if put into the situation of a gentleman, would know what to do if told to give his arm to a lady and take her down to dinner.
1840 M. Edgeworth Let. 30 Dec. (1971) 573 Sir John Campbell took me down to dinner and I was seated of course beside him.
1887 Mrs. J. H. Perks From Heather Hills II. xviii. 308 A quiet dinner-party, with a nice, sensible man to take you down.
1916 Woman's Home Compan. Nov. 18/1 It was Mr. Gerald that took me down, and we all went into that beautiful room.
2011 J. Feather Wedding Wager xvi. 331 Marriane surreptitiously consulted the paper Serena had drawn up decreeing who was to take whom down to dinner. ‘Mr Sutton, you will take down Lady Mountjoy.’
†9. transitive. In a school: to outperform (another student) in class; to cause (another student) to move down the class rankings. Cf. trap v.1 1c. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > [verb (transitive)] > outstrip in learning
outlearn1632
to take down1843
1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) xix. 240 I took him down once, six boys, in the arithmetic class.
1844 H. Mann 7th Ann. Rep. Secretary Board of Educ. (Boston, Mass.) 65 If a pupil is not prompt at the moment, and if the teacher means to insist on an answer from him, he exclaims.., ‘Come away,’..—and if the first does not answer and the next does, he directs the latter to pass above the former by the conventional phrase, ‘Take him down’.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) v. 34 Dobbin..was ‘taken down’ continually by little fellows.
10. transitive. slang (chiefly Australian). To cheat, trick, swindle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle
defraud1362
deceivec1380
plucka1500
lurch1530
defeata1538
souse1545
lick1548
wipe1549
fraud1563
use1564
cozen1573
nick1576
verse1591
rooka1595
trim1600
skelder1602
firk1604
dry-shave1620
fiddle1630
nose1637
foista1640
doa1642
sharka1650
chouse1654
burn1655
bilk1672
under-enter1692
sharp1699
stick1699
finger1709
roguea1714
fling1749
swindle1773
jink1777
queer1778
to do over1781
jump1789
mace1790
chisel1808
slang1812
bucket1819
to clean out1819
give it1819
to put in the hole1819
ramp1819
sting1819
victimize1839
financier1840
gum1840
snakea1861
to take down1865
verneuk1871
bunco1875
rush1875
gyp1879
salt1882
daddle1883
work1884
to have (one) on toast1886
slip1890
to do (a person) in the eye1891
sugar1892
flay1893
to give (someone) the rinky-dink1895
con1896
pad1897
screw1900
short-change1903
to do in1906
window dress1913
ream1914
twist1914
clean1915
rim1918
tweedle1925
hype1926
clip1927
take1927
gazump1928
yentz1930
promote1931
to take (someone) to the cleaners1932
to carve up1933
chizz1948
stiff1950
scam1963
to rip off1969
to stitch up1970
skunk1971
to steal (someone) blind1974
diddle-
1865 Leaves from Diary Celebrated Burglar 113/2 I was pleased with the idea of taking down a ‘starchy’ tight fisted swaggerer.
1895 Argus (Melbourne) 5 Dec. 5/2 [The defendant] accused him of having ‘taken him down’, stigmatised him as a thief and a robber.
1898 Western Champion (Barcaldine, Queensland) 11 Jan. 4/5 He..took a man down for 23s. by ‘ringing-in a grey’ (a two-tailed penny) on him.
1908 Truth (Sydney) 3 May 1/4 It was alleged that he had been taken down in a gay house for $22 worth.
1972 R. Magoffin Chops & Gravy 21 A swiftie is something a bloke gets away with when he cons you, takes you down, takes you for a ride, puts one over you, or just plain has you.
2007 J. Blee Gold iii. 24 Sensible diggers avoided the rooming houses where they were likely to be taken down by a profusion of conmen offering all manner of services.
11. transitive. To wrestle, drag, or otherwise force (a person or animal) physically to the ground; to tackle or bring down aggressively or violently.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or overwhelm > completely or overthrow > specifically a thing
allayOE
vanquishc1380
breaka1400
quealc1530
quail1533
ruin1585
to wrestle down?1611
to take down1889
to beat down-
1889 C. A. J. Farrar Up North Branch xviii. 302 Wingate..noticed this dark body shooting through the air, and saw it take the deer down.
1924 Irish Times 6 Oct. 4/3 Millin had a great run, and was only taken down on the line by Crawford.
1956 S. H. Bell Erin's Orange Lily ii. 31 The bouncing hare she did her best Upon that frosty ground When that great dog from Killileagh Brave Rattler took her down.
1984 G. R. Parulski Compl. Bk. Judo ii. 16/1 When he resists the push, pull him in the direction of his resistance and take him down.
2015 Sc. Sun (Nexis) 8 Feb. (Sport section) 35 [The team] quickly recovered with Michael Finnis levelling from the penalty spot..after Daniel MacLennan was taken down just inside the box by Liam Forbes.
12. transitive. colloquial (chiefly North American, originally Police slang and Criminals' slang) To take (a person) into custody; to arrest or apprehend (a person).
ΚΠ
1893 Sunday Advocate (Newark, Ohio) 10 Sept. 8/4 The officers detailed to ‘take the prisoner down’ had great difficulty in forcing their company upon the man.
1949 W. R. Burnett Asphalt Jungle xxii. 165 Throw that crooked-eared bastard in the wagon. We're taking him down.
1954 J. O. Killens Youngblood iv. vii. 523 ‘Don't lose no more time with these biggedy niggers, Lieutenant,’ another officer of the law said. ‘Take all of them down.’
1996 G. Sikes 8 Ball Chicks iii. 196 You don't know how big this is. You ain't taking me down for this.
2013 Times (Nexis) 16 Aug. (T2 section) 7 The screenplay skims over the thorny issue of whether money stolen at gunpoint could ever be used as evidence to take down a drug lord.
13. transitive. slang. To kill (a person); to defeat or dispose of (an opponent, rival, etc.). Also: to destroy or disable (an object, esp. a military target). Cf. to take out 1c at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
1967 N. Mailer Why are we in Vietnam? x. 193 D.J. would kiss LBJ on the petoons just to have a rifle to take down Griz 2 and see how he look when he die.
1985 Associated Press (Nexis) 11 Dec. The key is to get the right firepower at the right place at the time to be able to take down the enemy.
1992 Stars & Stripes 26 Aug. 14 a/1 Whether you take down an enemy soldier in combat or somebody who is threatening to kill a hostage in civilian life, it's still the same thing.
1998 New Yorker 20 July 80/1 The Prez lies about running around on his lady and you want to take him down for it? That's cold, dude.
2003 New Yorker 17 Nov. 85/1 The first strikes would take down the Serb air-defense system.
2007 J. Armstrong et al. Thick of It: Scripts Episode 3. 89 Next time I want a rematch and I'm going to take you down, motherfucker. I'm gonna take you down.
2012 Independent 31 Aug. 16/5 Innuendo and insult will never be enough to ‘take down’ a reasoned argument.
14. transitive. To remove (a website, web page, file, etc.) from the internet, esp. in response to a formal request, demand, or injunction.
ΚΠ
1995 Calgary (Alberta) Herald 27 Aug. c1/1 The people who run the server where the page resides..took the material down to reassess the situation.
1998 Computer Lawyer Mar. 11 [The bill] is intended to..establish online service providers' responsibility to ‘take down’ infringing material upon notification from the copyright holder.
2005 Indianapolis Monthly Feb. 143/3 It was about that time I decided to take my online profile down.
2014 E. R. Leggett Digitization & Digital Archiving xiii. 170 The host is required by law to take down the offending web page and to notify the owner of the violation.
 to take forth
1. transitive. To bring or lead forth; to take out of a receptacle, to produce. Also: to further, to advance.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > show (the way) [verb (transitive)] > lead away or forth
forthleadOE
to take forthc1300
deduct1549
deduce1578
flock1599
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > furtherance > further [verb (transitive)]
furtherc888
to bring onc1230
advancea1250
speeda1300
nourishc1300
avaunt1393
promotec1433
pasture?a1439
advantage?1459
promove1475
preferc1503
conduce1518
to set forth1528
to set forward(s)1530
to take forth1530
fillip1551
help1559
farther1570
foster1571
shoulder1577
to put forward1579
seconda1586
foment1596
hearten1598
to put on1604
fomentate1613
succeed1613
expeditea1618
producea1618
maturate1623
cultivate1641
encourage1677
push1693
forward1780
progress1780
admove1839
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)]
unteeOE
to take out of ——c1175
forthdraw?a1300
out-takea1350
to take outa1382
excludec1400
dischargec1405
to get outc1432
tryc1440
extraya1450
out-have1458
to take fortha1550
extract1570
reave1640
eliciate1651
roust1658
uncork1740
to put out of ——1779
to break out1840
c1300 (c1250) Floris & Blauncheflur (Cambr.) (1966) l. 1 (MED) Heo tok forþ a wel fair þing, Of hire finger a riche ryng.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2693 Abram tok for[th] his men.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 748/1 I take forthe a man, I avaunce hym.
a1550 (?a1475) Battle of Otterburn (1959) l. 143 The letters fayre furth hath he tayne.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 520 Take it forth, and scrape from it the mouldinesse or vinewing that doth furre or gather about it.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 153/1 Take forth your Granade. Shut your pouch. Vncase your fuse.
1745 Jrnl. Life James Dickinson 17 They took me forth also, and kept us a little Time, but suffered us to go into the Meeting again.
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise: Pt. IV 42 And from the ark at last did take Meal forth for porridge and for cake.
1890 W. Besant Demoniac xv. 179 He saw before him such a time as Damien expected when he was taken forth to have his flesh wrenched off with red-hot pincers.
1914 Boys' Life Aug. 10/1 He shot a lightning glance at Isvolsky Sahib, and taking forth three balls..began to juggle with them.
1951 Times 5 Sept. 5/6 A centre where both clergy and laymen..may take forth with them the knowledge, the inspiration, and the faith to bring the full Christian way of life to the notice of even those to whom..the word ‘God’ is meaningless.
2002 E. Haydon Requiem for Sun xvi. 248 From his pocket he took forth a gleaming purple oval.
2.
a. transitive. to take forth one's way (also journey, road, etc.): to proceed on one's way; to go forth. Cf. sense 65a. Now rare (archaic in later use).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)]
outgoeOE
to come outOE
forthcomeOE
to go outOE
to go outOE
ishc1330
to take forth one's way (also journey, road, etc.)a1375
proceedc1380
getc1390
exorta1400
issue?a1400
precedec1425
purgea1430
to come forthc1449
suea1450
ushc1475
to call one's way (also course)1488
to turn outa1500
void1558
redound1565
egress1578
outpacea1596
result1598
pursue1651
out1653
pop1770
to get out1835
progress1851
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1781 To me tended þei nouȝt, but tok forþ here wey wilfulli to sum wildernesse.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. x. 10 On the iiii. day they toke forth theyr way.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. xii. sig. Oo4v His way he forth did take.
a1813 A. Wilson Poems & Literary Prose (1876) II. 275 One morn, as forth they took their early road.
1869 H. E. H. King Aspromonte 15 In the cold, damp darkness, Between the night and day.., Forth we take our way.
1917 T. Hardy Moments of Vision & Misc. Verses 92 The coffin of my friend there, Turning to the road from his green, To take his last journey forth.
†b. intransitive. To go forth, proceed. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)] > set out
forthfarec888
foundOE
seta1000
to go forthOE
to fare forthc1200
partc1230
to pass forthc1325
to take (the) gatec1330
to take the wayc1330
to take one's waya1375
puta1382
treunt?a1400
movec1400
depart1490
prepare?1518
to set forth1530
to set forward(s)1530
busklea1535
to make out1558
to take forth1568
to set out1583
sally1590
start1591
to go off1600
to put forth1604
to start outa1626
intend1646
to take the road1720
to take one's foot in one's hand1755
to set off1774
to get off1778
to set away1817
to take out1855
to haul out1866
to hit the trail (less commonly the grit, pike, road, etc.)1873
to hit, split or take the breeze1910
hop1922
1568 W. Fulwood Enimie Idlenesse iii. 107 If thou wilt that thy mother liue, take forth with thy penne and write, to comfort hir.
1673 J. Eachard Some Opinions Mr Hobbs Considered 22 'Twill go but just the rounds, and never take forth of its own accord.
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 187 We shall take forth to our last.
†3. transitive. Cf. to take out 5 at Phrasal verbs 1.
a. To learn (a lesson). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > [verb (transitive)]
learnc900
undernimc1000
lerec1220
knowc1390
apprehenda1398
geta1400
learna1400
to take forth1530
to take out1550
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 748/1 I take forthe, as a childe, or a scoler dothe a newe lesson, je apprens.
1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie 5th Serm. sig. Oiii I wold the Iudges woulde take forth theyr lesson, that there myght be no more iniquitye vsed.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. ii. 102 Taught by ill masters, hee tooke foorth [L. didicit] a bad lesson.
1631 J. Shirley Schoole of Complement ii. iii. 35 'Tis well, you shall take forth a new lesson, sit downe and breathe.
a1693 W. Sancroft Occas. Serm. (1694) 101 In plain English, when we have nothing else to do, or can do nothing else; then wee'l take forth this Lesson;—Learn Righteousness.
b. With direct and indirect object: to teach (a lesson) to (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > teach (a thing)
to teach a thing971
learnc1175
kena1225
informa1393
showa1400
informc1400
precept?a1475
instruct?1520
to take forth1530
to take out1586
grind1815
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 748/1 Take hym forthe a newe lesson.
1533 T. More Apologye xlviii. f. 274v Home goeth the tynkar agayne merely for that tyme, and taketh forth hys scolars a newe lesson.
a1607 A. Dent Opening of Heauen Gates (1610) 66 What pretend we thereby, but to set the Lord to Schoole, and to take him forth a lesson of our owne mother wit?
 to take in
1. transitive. To draw or receive in; to take inside or on board; to swallow or inhale; to absorb.intransitive in quot. ?a1600: (of a ship) to let in water, to leak.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > tributary > receive as tributary [verb (transitive)]
to take inc1330
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > let in
inletc1330
to take inc1330
admit1434
adhibit1542
take1555
to let in1558
to let into1596
intromitc1600
intermit1658
let1706
to sign in1934
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > take in
afangc1300
to take inc1330
sup1513
take1555
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > inhale [verb (transitive)]
to suck inc1220
drawa1300
inbreathea1382
to draw ina1398
to take in1495
inhaust1547
fetch1552
fet1556
imbreathe1574
to breathe in1576
attract1582
suck?1614
inspirate1615
imbibe1621
inspire1666
redistend1684
inhale1725
embreathe1867
indraw1883
the world > food and drink > food > consumption of food or drink > [verb (transitive)] > ingest
receivec1400
to take in1568
assume1620
ingest1620
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > put or take on board
put to shippinga1300
ship13..
board1542
emboat1542
embark1550
to get aboard1577
to take in1585
imbarge1604
inship1615
to take on1877
the world > matter > liquid > liquid which has been emitted > action or process of leaking > leak, of liquid [verb (intransitive)] > let in through a leak
leak1513
to take in?a1600
c1330 St. Mary Magdalene (Auch.) l. 336 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 167 Þan miȝt þai for hard nouȝt On non wise graue maken, Hir bodi in for to taken.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6066 (MED) Siþen sal ilk hus in-take A clene he lambe, wit-vten sake.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 4 It takes in to him xl. oþer ryuers.
1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) xvii. ii. sig. niv/2 Full of holys to take in ayre.
1568 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Dial Princes (rev. ed.) iv. f. 163v For a litel pleasure, & delight, wee take in the sweete tast of those deinty meates.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. x. f. 12v We took in fresh water out of a wel.
?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. Pref. 350 He lattis his scheip tak in at luife and lie.
1637 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. (new ed.) i. 547 The River Trent..taking in the River Soure from the field of Leicester.
1677 G. Miege New Dict. French & Eng. i. sig. *Kkkk3/2 La teinture penetre les draps, cloth takes in the dye.
1694 P. A. Motteux tr. F. Rabelais Pantagruel's Voy.: 4th Bk. Wks. iv. xxiv. 102 Have some winter Boots made of it, they'le never take in a drop of Water.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. v. 103 The first of these takes in their Nourishment by their external..Absorbent Vessels.
1777 A. Hamilton Let. 6 July in Papers (1961) I. 282 The Ships are taking in water and provisions for two months.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxii. 67 Having discharged her cargo and taken in ballast.
1892 Harper's Mag. Sept. 596/2 It..readily takes in and yields moisture.
1907 B. P. Colton Physiol. vi. 97 The amount of air taken in at an ordinary breath is from 20 to 30 cubic inches.
1975 J. McPhee Survival of Bark Canoe i. 93 His canoe is showing trouble—taking in more water than before.
1998 H. Mulkerns in S. Champion & D. Scannell Shenanigans (1999) vii. 127 I rush out to the washing line to take in the damned sheets.
†2. transitive. To seize, capture (a person or place); to take prisoner; to conquer in war. Cf. sense 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > catching or capture > catch or capture [verb (transitive)]
i-lecchec1000
fang1016
hentOE
takeOE
alatchlOE
catchc1275
wina1300
to take ina1387
attain1393
geta1400
overhent?a1400
restay?a1400
seizea1400
tachec1400
arrest1481
carrya1500
collara1535
snap1568
overgo1581
surprise1592
nibble1608
incaptivate1611
nicka1640
cop1704
chop1726
nail1735
to give a person the foot1767
capture1796
hooka1800
sniba1801
net1803
nib1819
prehend1831
corral1860
rope1877
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 285 [Leo] wente to Seynt Peter..wiþ þe letayne, and was i-take in, [and] his eyȝen i-put out, and his tonge i-kut of.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xlix. 1 Why hath youre kynge then taken Gad in?
1600 C. Edmondes Obseruations Fiue Bks. Caesars Comm. xv. 38 Caesar..made al the haste he could to take in the towne, & left a strong garrison in the same.
1684 Scanderbeg Redivivus v. 109 His Majesty took in Raskaw, a Considerable place on the Deinster.
1713 H. Felton Diss. Reading Classics 13 Open Places are easily taken in.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier i. 112 The Army having left the Siege of Ingolstat, proceeds to take in the rest of Bavaria.
3. transitive.
a. To receive as an ally, colleague, pupil, etc.; to employ the services of; to engage, take on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > receive or accept as or into some relation
takea1225
to take in1432
have1833
1432 in Paston Lett. (1904) II. 35 It is agreed, so that he take in noon of the iiij. knightes ne squyers..without th'advis of my Lord of Bedford.
1591 G. Fletcher Of Russe Common Wealth xi. f. 35 These three are accounted to bee of greater birth then wisedome taken in..rather to furnish the place with their honours and presence, then with their aduise or counsell.
1602 Ld. Mountjoy Let. in F. Moryson Itinerary (1617) ii. 214 By the generall aduice of the Counsell, I tooke in Turlogh mac Henry.
1606 J. Marston Wonder of Women ii. i. sig. C Her father..on suddain shall take in Revolted Syphax.
1715 J. Barker Exilius ii. i. 11 They were willing to take me in as a Probationer, in order to become one of their holy Fraternity.
1796 T. Holcroft Man of Ten Thousand i. iii. 13 For 500 l. I am to be taken in, as a sleeping partner.
1898 Outlook 1 Jan. 16/1 The proposal is..to take in an apprentice who has already a claim on our consideration.
1905 Imperial & Asiatic Q. Rev. 20 145 Anyone possessing the slightest knowledge of the language at once sets up an establishment and takes in pupils.
1954 N.Y. Times 16 Dec. 39/1 [They] expanded this year and took in another partner.
2004 P. Biskind Down & Dirty Pictures i. 53 The brothers..preferred to hire young and hire cheap, took in kids off the street or just out of college.
b. To admit (esp. a person in difficulties) into one's home for an extended period of time; to receive as a lodger, guest, patient, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > let in > let in a person
to let inc1000
receivea1382
to take inc1450
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 23 (MED) Þis Abbot forgaff hur..& tuke hur in & garte putt hur vnto al maner of vile occupasions.
1539 Bible (Great) Matt. xxv. 35 I was herbourlesse, and ye toke me in [ Wyclif herboriden me: Tindale, Geneva, lodged me].
1562 J. Mountgomery in Archaeologia (1882) 47 231 Hospitalles..then the poore souldior..shoulde be taken yn, cured,..and healed.
1653 J. Lee Considerations Common Fields iv. 9 I would have them left to the owners discretion, when they..imploy them otherwise, or to take in new Tenants, if they see good.
1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane iv. i. 48 Why stand thy..Doors still open, To take the Wretched in?
1781 T. Pasley Jrnl. 18 Aug. in Private Sea Jrnls. (1931) 181 Here, at the Cape, they all take in Lodgers.
1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 265 Invalid horses are taken in..and treated at the hospital.
1879 E. S. Phelps Sealed Orders 340 And he could n't stir nor change her. And she took me in.
1916 W. Hewlett Introducing William Allison iv. 41 Finding her husband's stipend incommensurate with their joint requirements, she supplemented it by taking in paying guests.
1951 Math. Teacher 44 69/2 John and Dorothea..already had five children of their own when they took in the homeless baby.
1991 M. Tully No Full Stops in India (1992) x. 315 Digvijay's wife had found the servant living on the streets many years ago and had taken him in. He was now fiercely loyal to her.
2003 B. Wagner Still Holding ii. 148 Viv..does this maternal thing where she likes to take in sick puppies.
c. To lead or conduct into a building or room. In later use: spec. (of a man) to escort (a female guest) into dinner (now archaic).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > bring in > a person into a house, room, or vessel
admit1434
showc1450
to take in?a1475
enter1523
inducea1535
to show ina1640
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > take (a lady) to dinner
to take down1834
to take out1853
to take in1863
?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 252 Take hym in, serys, be þe honde.
1530 Bible (Tyndale) Gen. xii f. xvv Pharaos lordes sawe hir also, and praysed hir vnto Pharao: So that she was taken in to Pharaos house.
1583 P. Stubbes Anat. Abuses sig. H7v Others.., hauing beene..deposed vppon a booke to put away their whores, haue put them foorth at one doore, and taken them in at the other.
1611 B. Jonson Catiline ii. sig. E When you might better haue done it, at the gate, To take me in at the casement. View more context for this quotation
1684 E. Ravenscroft Dame Dobson iii. iii. 28 She took me in to show me her Closet, otherwise I had been gone and mist seeing you.
1770 Proc. Old Bailey 30 June 216/1 I took her in at half an hour after ten at night to my room; she left me about three in the morning.
1794 J. Ritson Scotish Song I. xxxvi. 268 She took me in, and set me down, and heght to keep me lawing free.
1863 A. J. Munby Diary 3 June in D. Hudson Munby (1972) 165 The new Lord of the Admiralty..and his wife: whom I took in to supper.
1887 M. Monkswell Jrnl. 25 May in Victorian Diarist (1944) 132 We dined with the Dean [of Hereford] that very evening. He took me in.
1907 Secret Service 25 Oct. 27/2 Of course the dinner is given for Miss Purdy, but I can't let you take her in, because you never will take the trouble to be agreeable except to a pretty woman.
1991 New Internationalist Mar. 29/1 Jeanie, my Inuit host and guide, took me in to meet the family.
1995 A. McCall Smith Heavenly Date 87 He followed her..to the spare bedroom. Mutely, she took him in and closed the door behind them.
d. colloquial (originally U.S.). Of a police officer: to take (a person) into custody, to arrest. Cf. to pull in at pull v. Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)]
at-holda1230
attacha1325
resta1325
takec1330
arrest1393
restay?a1400
tachec1400
seisinc1425
to take upa1438
stowc1450
seize1471
to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515
deprehend1532
apprehend1548
nipa1566
upsnatcha1566
finger1572
to make stay of1572
embarge1585
cap1590
reprehend1598
prehenda1605
embar1647
nap1665
nab1686
bone1699
roast1699
do1784
touch1785
pinch1789
to pull up1799
grab1800
nick1806
pull1811
hobble1819
nail1823
nipper1823
bag1824
lag1847
tap1859
snaffle1860
to put the collar on1865
copper1872
to take in1878
lumber1882
to pick up1887
to pull in1893
lift1923
drag1924
to knock off1926
to put the sleeve on1930
bust1940
pop1960
vamp1970
1878 W. E. Barnes Serpent & Dove (Reader's Coll., Copyright Office Drama Deposits, 1863–1928, Libr. of Congress) iv. ii. 21 I remember vonce I got me arrested in dot New York—I vos drunk und dot cop took me in—dey searched me.
1900 Secret Service 20 July 25/1 Take him in. He's a murderer!
1972 ‘F. W. Dixon’ Sinister Signpost xi. 83 ‘I'm taking you in!’ the officer declared. Tempson turned pale. ‘You—you can't arrest me!’ he stammered. ‘I ain't done nothing!’
1979 J. van de Wetering Maine Massacre iii. 26 You're not taking me in, sheriff.
2009 R. Dasgupta Solo 52 The police took him in and strangled him in a basement.
4. transitive.
a. Nautical. To roll up, or otherwise manipulate (a section of sail) so as to reduce the area exposed to the wind; = reef v.1 1a. Also: to furl (a sail).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > reduce sail by reefing
to take in?1518
reef1670
?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. C.j Mayne corse toke in a refe byforce.
1578 G. Best True Disc. Passage to Cathaya 14 Some of the Shippes..did take in their Sayles, and there lay adrift.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 153 But I must contract my selfe, and take in this saile of speech.
1648 Earl of Westmorland Otia Sacra 162 To take in Cloth, and in a word, Unlade, and cut the Mast by bord.
1712 W. Rogers Cruising Voy. 107 I wore after her, and came as near as I could to 'em, expecting when they had gotten their Main-Sail stow'd they would take another Reef in.
1782 W. Cowper tr. Horace in Poems 334 If Fortune fill thy sail..Take half thy canvass in.
1797 Encycl. Brit. VII. 338/1 Those on board a ship that take in the top-sails..bowse, trice, and take their turn at the helm.
1841 R. H. Dana Seaman's Man. i. ix. 46 (heading) Making and taking in sail.
1874 Shipwrecked Mariner Jan. 55/1 The crew were so exhausted..that they were unable to take in canvas when she approached the harbour.
1951 Rudder Jan. 84/1 On the last leg there was a thunder squall with rain and both yachts took in some sail.
2002 G. Bernardin Sailing around World i. ii. 11 We then had to take in a reef to reduce the amount of sail.
b. To reduce the size or extent of; esp. to alter (a garment) so as to make it fit more closely.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > reduce in size or extent [verb (transitive)]
thinc900
narroweOE
smalleOE
slakea1300
adminisha1325
minisha1382
reduce?c1400
diminish1417
littlea1500
extenuate1555
enstraiten1590
scantle1596
scant1599
bedwarfa1631
epitomize1630
dwarf1638
retrench1640
stunt1659
to take in1700
belittle1785
dwarfify1816
reduct1819
micrify1836
clip1858
downsize1977
1700 B. H. Fables Young Aesop (ed. 4) 39 We take in our Belts a Hole every time we go to Stool.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ix. 87 Strapping a buckle here, and taking in a link there.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xliii. 391 Sure every one of me frocks must be taken in—it's such a skeleton I'm growing.
1897 Outing 30 255/1 Take in leaders when about a team's length from corner; then take in wheelers a bit.
1920 F. Villiers Villiers: his Five Decades of Adventure I. xiv. 263 I give my pony a drink of water, lit my pipe, took in my belt an inch or two, and set my face desertward.
1971 Gastonia (N. Carolina) Gaz. 29 May b6/1 Once I lost 30 pounds and expected my life to change magically. All that happened was that I had to take in all my dresses.
2007 D. Rupp S.E.W.: Sew Everything Workshop 4 I'd move hems, repair seams, take in waistlines (or bustlines, sigh).
5. transitive.
a. To take (land) into possession; to enclose (common land or wasteland) for cultivation, grazing, etc.; to annex.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)]
take?a1160
seizec1290
raima1325
to take in possessiona1325
to hent in (also upon) handa1350
occupya1382
to take possession?a1425
to take upc1425
uptakec1425
to take in1523
possess1526
master1826
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > lay out land [verb (transitive)] > enclose land > enclose land
enclose1503
to take in1523
impasture1649
paddock1873
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivate or till [verb (transitive)]
begoc890
workOE
tillc1200
exercise1382
dightc1400
labourc1400
manure1416
cultive?1483
tilth1496
culture1510
trim1517
dress1526
subdue1535
toil1552
use1558
farm1570
cultivate1588
tame1601
husbandize1625
culturate1631
to take in1845
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > annex
annex1449
adject?a1475
to eat up1616
to take in1893
1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng viii. f. viiiv To take in newe intackes or closes out of the commens, payeng to their lordes more rent therfore.
c1539 in G. J. Aungier Syon Mon. (1840) 131 To dyche in and take in our comyn.
1633 G. Herbert Sunday in Temple vi Christ hath took in this piece of ground, And made a garden there.
1697 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 288 Others have a design to take in some Commons near Mosse Lake.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 171 Every Plantation had a great Addition of Land to take in, if they found Occasion.
1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 301 Numerous waste patches along the sides of wide roads have been taken in.
1893 National Observer 5 Aug. 290/2 France is determined to take in all Siam.
1897 Windsor Mag. Jan. 278/1 A new alcove [has been] formed by taking in one of the..landings.
1914 Pop. Sci. Oct. 378 The process of taking in the waste lands stopped, and much of the land already farmed fell back from arable to cheaper pasture.
1948 Manch. Guardian 2 Apr. 6/3 An extension of the area used for war-time training by taking in land on the seaward side of the Scarborough–Whitby main road.
2010 A. Castle John Muir Trail (rev. ed.) 24/1 In 1940 General Grant National Park took in land around the South Fork Kings river.
b. To include, comprise, embrace. Also: to take into account or consideration.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > incorporation or inclusion > incorporate or include [verb (transitive)]
beclipc1230
beshut1340
contain1340
comprehendc1374
continue1377
begripe1393
close1393
incorpor1398
conceive?c1400
includec1475
engrossa1500
complect1523
conclude?1523
employ1528
to take in1534
retain1577
surmise1578
imprehend1590
immerse1605
comprise1651
involve1651
complexa1657
embrace1697
incorporate1824
embody1847
cover1868
1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede ii. f. 31 This same faythe, by the spirite of Christe, doth make vs to be chosen and taken into the noumbre of the sonnes of god.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Iiv Take into this numbre also their seruauntes.
1647 H. Hammond Of Power of Keyes iii. 23 He..hath taken in all the antient Church-writers into his catalogue.
1697 K. Chetwood Life Virgil in J. Dryden tr. Virgil Wks. sig. *2 Virgil was a great Mathematician, which, in the Sense of those times, took in Astrology.
1742 D. Hume Ess. Moral & Polit. II. ii. 18 In the former Case, many Circumstances must be taken in.
1870 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) I. App. 712 Writers who..did not understand that his jurisdiction took in Kent.
1879 J. Lubbock Addresses, Polit. & Educ. iii. 55 Attention will be concentrated on the four subjects taken in.
1916 Printers' Ink 16 Oct. 121/2 The catalogue, taking in a limited line, has been relatively small.
1960 N.Y. Times 5 Mar. 20/6 Mr. Warren's repertory took in all of the leading roles in the Verdi operas.
2012 M. Van Dussen From Eng. to Bohemia 5 Part of my discussion takes in diplomatic correspondence and otherwise official modes of communication.
c. Chiefly North American. To visit or attend as part of a trip; to include in an itinerary; to go to see.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > visit a place > in the course of travel
to fetch in1565
to take in1622
dropa1634
stop1905
1622 M. Drayton 2nd Pt. Poly-olbion xxiv. 99 Then Tetta in we take, at Winburne on our way.
1755 S. Curwen Jrnl. 12 June in Essex Inst. Hist. Coll. (1916) 52 80 In our way by the Skuylkill rd took in ye proprs Gardens.
1880 ‘M. Twain’ Tramp Abroad iii. 42 An owl that come from Nova Scotia..took this thing in on his way back.
1883 E. M. Bacon Dict. Boston, Mass. 359 The out-of-towner who fails to take-in a trip to Taft's.
1940 ‘N. Shute’ Landfall 26 He might pick up Matheson or Hooper and take in a movie.
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 17 Feb. 32 (advt.) Even take in breakfast at Le Drugstore..and head home again on the return flight.
1977 D. Bagley Enemy i. 12 We took in more theatres, an opera, a couple of ballets.
2005 J. M. Coetzee Slow Man xxviii. 232 We could buy a camper van and tour the continent taking in the sights.
†6. intransitive. With at: to go in, enter. Cf. to put in 4a at put v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)]
to go ineOE
ingoc900
to come inOE
incomec1000
infarec1000
enterc1325
enderc1330
ingressc1330
entera1382
to fall inc1384
usha1400
to get ina1425
to step in1534
to set (or put) (a) footing1567
invade1590
to take in1595
to hop in (also out)1914
1595 T. I. World of Wonders sig. E4v The fellow left not till he saw the hare take in at one mother Atkins house, knowen to be a notorious witch.
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 88 Taking in at a Cooks shop where he supt.
1677 Mr. Johnson Let. 16 Apr. in J. Ray Corr. (1848) 127 Great shoals of salmon, which often take in at the mouths of our rivers.
1760 London Mag. Aug. 436/1 He took in at the back door of one Mr. Squires, for protection, but was soon discovered.
†7. intransitive. To side with, make common cause with. Also: to agree with. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)]
seeOE
drawc1275
mella1300
meeta1325
fellow1340
usec1384
conjoinc1386
joinc1390
knitc1400
accompany1461
enfellowship1470
frequent1477
haunt1477
mixa1513
encompanya1533
combinea1535
contract1548
to take with ——1562
associate1581
to have a saying toa1593
cope1594
sort1594
to take in1597
consort1600
herd1606
factionate1611
to keep company (with)a1616
accost1633
solder1641
converse1649
walk1650
consociate1653
coalite1734
to get with ——a1772
forgather1786
unionize1810
to go rounda1867
to mix in1870
cop1940
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > take someone's side or side with
favoura1375
to stand with ——1384
takec1400
to take (a) part witha1470
to hold sides1490
to take the part ofc1500
to stick with ——1523
partake1546
follow1548
to join issue1551
to make with ——1559
favourize1585
side1585
party1587
to take in1597
part1669
to fall in1709
to take for ——1770
to take up for1824
range1874
1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 11v It is commonly seene that men once placed, take in with the contrarie faction to that by which they enter.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. vii. 27 Justinian many yeares after, tooke in with Hippocrates and reversed the Decree. View more context for this quotation
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 83 Kings doubting to loose their game, tooke in with the weaker.
a1734 R. North Lives of Norths (1826) I. 3 If he had acted in these mens measures, and betraying his master, took in with them.
8. transitive.
a. To perceive by sight, esp. with one glance; to notice, observe.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > perceive [verb (transitive)]
acknowOE
keepc1000
feelOE
findOE
seeOE
yknowc1275
apperceivec1300
descrivec1300
knowc1300
perceivec1330
taste1340
tellc1390
catcha1398
scenta1398
devisea1400
kena1400
concernc1425
descrya1450
henta1450
apprehend1577
scerne1590
to take in1637
discreevec1650
recognize1795
absorb1840
embrace1852
cognizea1856
cognosce1874
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > glance at > perceive at a glance
to take in1637
with half an eye1651
1637 J. Shirley Young Admirall iv. sig. H4v She may deserve it by this story, tis Her character, my eyes, take in new horrour. (he reades).
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Eye The eye is placed chiefly to look forwards; but withal so order'd, as to take in nearly the Hemisphere before it.
1796 F. Burney Camilla III. vi. iv. 192 The Major was holding the hand of Camilla, and his eye could take in no more.
1831 Metropolitan 1 187 The eagle's vision cannot take it in.
1878 Scribner's Monthly Feb. 583/2 We..turned our heads from side to side,..the better to take in the full force of the effect.
1915 W. Cather Song of Lark vi. vii. 437 Her glassy eye took in the fact that Fred was playing from memory.
1991 J. Keenan Putting on Ritz (1992) ii. 21 His eyes, which were cornflower blue, took in the scene.
2005 T. Umrigar Space between Us (2007) iv. 31 She took in his clean fingernails.., the well-trimmed hair.
b. To assimilate into one's own knowledge; to comprehend, understand, grasp.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
1646 J. Saltmarsh Smoke in Temple 69 Men, who take in Truths by spiritual reasoning as well as revelation.
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) i. i. 12 A created Understanding can never take in the fulness of the Divine Excellencies.
1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Matt. xiii. 18–19 By not understanding is meant also, Not considering it to take it in.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 79. ⁋5 There is no end of Affection taken in at the Eyes only.
1796 F. Burney Camilla I. ii. iv. 202 O, I take in the full force of your metaphor!
1810 Countess Granville Lett. (1894) I. 16 She plays..on the pianoforte, and takes in science kindly from Mr. Smart.
1887 S. Baring-Gould Gaverocks III. li. 140 Sluggish minds..require time to take in new notions.
1902 W. B. Yeats Let. 24 Mar. (1994) III. 164 I know you told me about it but I did not take it in.
1946 Eng. Jrnl. 35 542/1 Each student while he is learning is not merely taking in information; he himself is growing.
1982 Observer 23 Feb. 33/7 I wonder if they took in the full significance of the message.
2007 G. Woodward Curious Earth xxii. 225 She explained so quickly that Aldous couldn't take any of it in.
c. colloquial. To believe or accept unquestioningly. Cf. swallow v. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > bring to belief, convince [verb (transitive)] > be convinced, swallow
feela1200
to take on trust1590
swallow1594
to take up1617
to take upon content1646
to take in1823
1823 ‘J. Bee’ Slang 169 ‘I cannot take it in’—not swallow a lie.
1864 Spectator 4 June 640/1 The undergraduates took it all in, and cheered Lord Robert Cecil as their future representative with all the flaming Toryism of boyhood.
1888 B. L. Farjeon Miser Farebrother II. xiii. 169 Jeremiah listened and took it all in.
1905 Broadway Mag. Apr. 61/2 Some read it [sc. a newspaper made up of stories from Shakespeare] and took it in without question.
1959 G. Slatter Gun in my Hand 184 You could kid those Pongos up a gum tree. Told them I had a big cattle ranch back in Enzed. Told them me mother had the Shacklock Range and they took it all in.
2005 R. Lanning Invisible Fog 70 We all knew it was bullshit except Frank who was taking it all in.
9. transitive.
a. To receive in payment. Also: to make (a sum of money).
ΚΠ
1642 True Relation Passages Town of Portsmouth 7 The man appointed by his Majestie to take in money and plate on his Majesties behalfe.
1699 E. Millington Bibliotheca Skinneriana & Hampdeniana sig. A2v Subscriptions are taken in by John Hartley, over-against Gray's-Inn in Holborn.
1721 Acts Parl. Building Fifty New Churches Contents sig. N3v Receivers may take in Money before they receive their Books.
1755 G. A. Stevens Birth-day of Folly 4 He..has taken in subscription-money for a translation of Plautus into English.
1892 Idler June 547 He was taking in more money than he had ever taken in before.
1907 N.Y. Evening Post (Semi-weekly ed.) 11 Feb. 4 A company..will take in exactly as much money if the whole lot pay fare at two cents flat.
1983 W. Goldman Adventures in Screen Trade 13 Cabaret starred Liza Minelli and was a big hit. Fiddler on the Roof starred Topol and took in twice as much money.
2006 Indianapolis Star 25 Aug. (State ed.) a12/4 The IRS..took in $990,249,000,000 in 2005 personal income taxes.
b. To support oneself by doing (another's washing, sewing, ironing, etc.) in one's home as a paid service.to take in one another's washing: see washing n. 8a.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (transitive)] > undertake work at home
to take in1668
1668 J. Jackson Index Biblicus sig. C/1 (heading) Tobit leaveth his meat to bury the dead, and becometh blinde. His wife taketh in work to get her living.
1750 Proc. King's Comm. of Peace 116/1 I take in washing; I lost these three gowns on the 28th of June out of my ground.
1771 A. Wall Life of Lamenther v. 175 I asked what I was to do for a Living, and received for Answer, I must take in plain Work.
1832 Examiner 403/1 She took in washing only for her amusement.
1889 M. E. Kennard Landing Prize II. xii. 209 We supported ourselves..by taking in plain needle-work.
1922 Ohio Bull. Charities & Correction Dec. 86 She..lived there earning a rather uncertain livelihood by taking in mending and plain sewing.
1994 Jrnl. Canad. Hist. Assoc. 71 Women could often earn cash selling baskets, taking in laundry, or ‘working out’ as domestics.
2011 F. Kuffel Eating Ice-cream with my Dog 87 To make a narrow income go further, Ida took in ironing at a dollar an hour.
c. To regularly buy or subscribe to (a particular newspaper or periodical); = sense 42c. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)] > buy regularly
take1593
to take in1708
1708 Brit. Apollo 26–31 Mar. This Paper is taken in by many more People of Quality than any other.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 488. ¶2 Their Father having refused to take in the Spectator.
1779 Mirror No. 2. ⁋3 A coffee-house, where it is..taken in for the use of the customers.
1820 Brit. Critic Nov. 546 There is a more certain market for jacobinism and infidelity..among those who can afford to take in newspapers and subscribe to magazines.
1891 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 150 704/1 Many of them take in the French paper just as they buy ‘Punch’.
1914 in P. Farrer Confidential Corr. on Cross Dressing (1997) I. 76 I have taken in ‘New Fun’ for over two years, and I think the Correspondence Page the best feature in the paper.
1955 Brit. Jrnl. Sociol. 6 42 Twenty-five of the sample took in newspapers or magazines in the English language.
2002 P. D. G. Thomas George III i. 17 It was the practice of taverns and coffee-houses to take in newspapers for the benefit of their customers.
10. transitive. Stock Market. To accept (stocks or shares) as security for a loan; (of a seller) to receive contango (contango n.) on (stocks or shares). Opposed to to give on 2 at give v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (transitive)] > specific operations
subscribe1618
to take up1655
to sell out1721
to take in1721
to take up1740
pool?1780
capitalize1797
put1814
feed1818
to vote (the) stock (or shares)1819
corner1836
to sell short1852
promote1853
recapitalize1856
refund1857
float1865
water1865
margin1870
unload1870
acquire1877
maintain1881
syndicate1882
scalp1886
pyramid1888
underwrite1889
oversubscribe1891
joint-stock1894
wash1895
write1908
mark1911
split1927
marry1931
stag1935
unwind1958
short1959
preplace1966
unitize1970
bed and breakfast1974
index-link1974
warehouse1977
daisy-chain1979
strip1981
greenmail1984
pull1986
1721 Hist. Reg. No. 24. 279 He does not remember he did sell or take in any Stock for any Person in the Administration.
1832 Rep. Comm. Secrecy Bank of Eng. Charter 154 in Parl. Papers 1831–2 (H. C. 722) VI. 1 We lent it by every possible means, and in modes that we never had adopted before; we took in stock as security, we purchased exchequer bills, [etc.].
1875 Bankers' Mag. May 365 If the bargain is a sale, the stock is said to be ‘taken in’, and if the bargain is a purchase the stock is said to be ‘given on’.
1893 R. Bithell Counting-house Dict. (rev. ed.) 292 The term [sc. ‘taken in stock’] is applied solely to stocks taken in for fortnightly or monthly loans on the Stock Exchange.
1912 Q. Rev. July 102 The dealer says that he will ‘take them in’, which means that he will lend the money until the settlement following that for which the original bargain was effected.
1934 F. E. Armstrong Bk. Stock Exchange vi. 108 When no ‘takers’ can be found someone has to provide the cash, and firms known as money brokers frequently agree to ‘take in’ the securities purely as a money-lending proposition.
1955 Beginners, Please (Investors' Chron.) ii. 44 In normal market conditions it is probably easier to ‘take-in’ shares, i.e., carry over a sale to the next settlement, than to ‘give on’ shares, i.e., carry over a purchase. This is because generally there are more bulls than bears. Under such conditions the ‘giver’ pays a rate of interest to the ‘taker’ for the accommodation provided.
11. transitive. colloquial. To deceive, fool, trick. Frequently in passive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > deceive [verb (transitive)]
aschrenchc885
blendc888
swikec950
belirtOE
beswike971
blencha1000
blenka1000
belieOE
becatchc1175
trokec1175
beguile?c1225
biwrench?c1225
guile?c1225
trechec1230
unordainc1300
blink1303
deceivec1320
feintc1330
trechetc1330
misusea1382
blind1382
forgo1382
beglose1393
troil1393
turnc1405
lirt?a1425
abuse?a1439
ludify1447
amuse1480
wilec1480
trump1487
delude?a1505
sile1508
betrumpa1522
blear1530
aveugle1543
mislippen1552
pot1560
disglose1565
oversile1568
blaze1570
blirre1570
bleck1573
overtake1581
fail1590
bafflea1592
blanch1592
geck?a1600
hallucinate1604
hoodwink1610
intrigue1612
guggle1617
nigglea1625
nose-wipe1628
cog1629
cheat1637
flam1637
nurse1639
jilt1660
top1663
chaldese1664
bilk1672
bejuggle1680
nuzzlec1680
snub1694
bite1709
nebus1712
fugle1719
to take in1740
have?1780
quirk1791
rum1812
rattlesnake1818
chicane1835
to suck in1842
mogue1854
blinker1865
to have on1867
mag1869
sleight1876
bumfuzzle1878
swop1890
wool1890
spruce1917
jive1928
shit1934
smokescreen1950
dick1964
1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid I. 130 The Griparts were never taken in yet, and what's more, never will.
1745 H. Fielding True Patriot 31 Dec. 1/3 They are fairly taken in, and imposed upon to believe we have..as much Money as ever.
1754 E. Moor in World No. 96. III. 234 I am almost of opinion that (in the fashionable phrase) he is ‘taking me in’.
1843 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Feb. 209 Nobody shall ever take me in again to do such an absurd and wicked thing.
1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 473 The Plaintiff has..been taken in and misled.
1926 D. L. Sayers Clouds of Witness viii. 165 I'd been taken in, you see—made a fool of by a common sharper.
1989 A. Stevenson Better Flame vii. 142 She is shown as delighting in duplicity, Having people on, taking them in, putting them off.
2002 N. Nicolson Fanny Burney i. 11 Johnson was not a man to be taken in by an ambitious scamp.
12. transitive. Cards. To add (a card) to one's hand from the pack. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics
to hold up?1499
decardc1555
to turn up1580
discard1591
pulla1625
to sit out1659
face1674
to make out1680
to lay out1687
to throw away1707
lead1739
weaken1742
carry1744
to take in1744
force1746
to show down1768
throw1866
blank1884
block1884
cover1885
unblock1885
pitch1890
1744 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Piquet ii. 21 By taking in the Ace of Diamonds you have seven Tricks certain, which cannot happen by taking in the King of Clubs.
1879 ‘Cavendish’ Card Ess. 69 The holder of the ace of trumps ruffed, i.e. he put out four cards and took in the stock.
1891 Field 28 Nov. 843/1 If the non-dealer takes in the king, he ought..to lead it.
1962 Washington Post 16 Jan. b17/4 East took in the ace and returned a diamond.
2010 N. Monaghan Starfishing 157 The way their eyes widen slightly..as they take in decent cards.
13. intransitive. North American regional and Scottish. Esp. of a school: to open, begin, start; = to take up 4d at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > beginning > begin [verb (intransitive)]
beginc1000
comsea1225
gin?c1225
becomsea1375
commencec1380
to take beginninga1400
enterc1425
to start up1568
initiatea1618
inchoate1654
dawn1716
to take in1845
to take up1846
to set in1848
1845 D. Powers Gram. on Entirely New Syst. 73 The school takes in at one o'clock. I cannot tarry longer for the bell is ringing.
1853 Bizarre 3 Dec. 143/1 The phrase, ‘takes in’, so common at the South, as, for instance, ‘Church takes in at 11 o'clock’; ‘school takes in at 9’, is neither more nor less than a literal translation of the Latin, incipit.
1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer xx. 162 She could hardly wait for school to ‘take in’.
1889 J. Wright Janet Hamilton 47 The church takes in at ‘twal' hoors’.
1942 Post (Morgantown, W. Va.) 14 Sept. 4 An obligation..upon drivers to be careful of children, esp. in the hours that school takes in and lets out.
1956 W. R. Bird Off-trail in Nova Scotia iii. 99 One girl turned to me and declared she had seen him with it before school took in.
1996 Aiken (S. Carolina) Standard 29 Mar. a8/2 No marchers had assembled when school took in this morning.
†14. transitive. Oxford University. Of an undergraduate: to offer (a classical author) as a subject for examination in honours. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > educational administration > examination > examine a candidate [verb (transitive)] > offer a subject
to take in1848
1848 Reply Suggestions Improvem. Exam. Statute 14 They gave indeed six Greek and Latin authors instead of the nine usually taken in by candidates for the first honours.
1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University I. 188 A student sends in a list of the books, i. e. authors on which he will be examined—twelve I have understood to be a sufficient number for a First Class, though of course it is possible to take in more than this and only get a third.
a1890 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey (1893) I. 20 The poets and historians who, at that time, were taken in by candidates for Classical Honours at Oxford.
 to take off
1.
a. transitive. To remove or detach (something positioned or situated on something else); to cause to be no longer on something; to pull or lift off; to take away, deduct.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > perform arithmetic or algebraic operations [verb (transitive)] > subtract
to do awayOE
drawc1392
to take out of ——a1398
to take offa1400
withdrawc1400
subtray?c1425
ydraw?c1425
surtretec1440
to take away?1537
rebate1543
subtract1543
subduct?1556
substra?1558
pull?a1560
subduce?a1560
substract1559
to pull back?1574
difference1658
take1798
minus1963
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away > from the position of being on
latcha1225
off-wevec1300
to take offa1400
to get off1577
to lay offa1593
daff1609
off1826
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14318 (MED) He bad..Of þe tumb tak of þe lidd.
?1560 H. Rhodes Bk. Nurture (new ed.) sig. A.iiv With your trenchour knife take of suche fragmentes.
1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxxix. 226 The skaly Mange, which..taketh off the skinne where it goeth.
1644 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1826) (modernized text) II. 199 He took off all her commodities, but not at so good rates as they expected.
1682 Art & Myst. of Vintners 50 Take off the skim, and beat it together with 6 Eggs.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 5 A Cannon Ball took off his Head.
1780 W. Coxe Acct. Russ. Discov. 267 M. Engel..takes off twenty-nine degrees from the longitude of Kamtchatka, as laid down by the Russians.
1852 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 13 i. 80 Repeated crops of hay are taken off without any return.
1895 T. Ellwood Lakeland & Iceland 78 A plough which was used..for taking off the surface or top sod from the turf.
1901 E. Arnold Voy. Ithobal 53 We take off what we may of store and gear; Fling overboard what might be spared.
1916 Pacific Printer Jan. 15/1 During these three months we took in 73 new subscribers, which a little more than offsets the names taken off in the same length of time.
2012 Wall St. Jrnl. 27 Oct. d4/2 Use a peeler to take off a strip of orange peel.
b. transitive. To remove (an item of clothing or something worn) from the person; to divest oneself or another of. Opposed to to put on 2a(a) at put v. Phrasal verbs 1; cf. to take on 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.See also to take the gloves off at glove n. 1f, to take off one's hat at hat n. Phrases 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > undressing or removing clothing > undress or remove clothing [verb (transitive)] > take off clothing
to do offeOE
to lay downc1275
to weve offc1290
stripc1320
doffa1375
loose1382
ofdrawa1393
casta1400
to take offa1400
warpa1400
to cast offc1400
to catch offc1400
waivec1400
voidc1407
to put off?a1425
to wap offc1440
to lay from, offc1480
despoil1483
to pull offc1500
slip1535
devest1566
to shift off1567
daff1609
discuss1640
to lay off1699
strip1762
douse1780
shuffle1837
derobe1841
shed1858
skin1861
peel1888
pull1888
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9070 ‘Tas of’, he said, ‘mi kinges croun.’
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 8116 Wiþ þis þe king tok of his gloue.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. lj/1 He..took of hys clothes.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxxiiii He toke of hys cappe, and made a low and solempne obeysance.
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 134 Sometymes also take off hir hoode, and put it on againe..for rebuking hir.
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron II. viii. iii. f. 63 He tooke off his large painting Apron, which he fastened with his girdle in the manner of a sacke.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 140 A little Cap like a Callotte..they never take off.
1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough III. 422 The Armour was taken off.
1784 A. Adams Let. 6 July (1848) 157 Not one of us could make her own bed, put on or take off her shoes, or even lift a finger.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Aug. 465/1 She took off her shawl.
1891 Murray's Mag. Apr. 531 He never takes off his boots and spurs.
1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger iv. ix. 638 ‘Bless me!’ exclaimed Mrs. Orgreave, taking off her eye-glasses and wiping them.
1926 S. T. Warner Lolly Willowes i. 15 He took off her slippers and chafed her feet.
1982 M. Welsh Tales from Human Warehouse 22 Annette..had taken her shoes off, and I wrapped her feet up in a blanket.
2003 New Yorker 17 Mar. 155/3 Frank..has a tendency to take his clothes off at parties.
c. transitive. To remove or convey (a person) from land on to a vessel, or from a vessel on to land or another vessel.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > put off or discharge (from) a ship
landa1300
uncharge13..
dischargec1384
lightc1400
unladec1436
unshipa1450
loss1482
disbark1552
defreight1555
unbark1555
disload1568
inshore1577
unfreight1580
disembark1582
to bring aboarda1600
unload1599
dislade1609
shore?1615
unliver1637
debark1655
to take offa1688
a1688 J. Wallace Descr. Orkney (1693) iv. 27 If a Man go upon it..the Sea will instantly swell in such a Tempestuous way, that no boat can come near to take him off.
1777 Scots Mag. Aug. 450/1 A ship..sent a boat on shore..but the weather being boisterous next day, prevented the boat coming again to take them off.
1883 R. Buchanan Love me for Ever v. ii. 261 He had arranged..to be taken off one night, and to sail with them right away.
1889 Eng. Illustr. Mag. Dec. 267 I might be able to support life on board of her until the Ruby took me off.
1923 J. Conrad Rover v. 54 As the man seemed alone and the shore was within range of the ship's guns, a boat was sent to take him off.
2008 Daily Tel. 1 Feb. 15/1 The ferry was at one stage listing 60 degrees and passengers had to be taken off.
d. intransitive. To be able to be removed or detached. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1766 G. Colman & D. Garrick Clandestine Marriage i. 11 This pair of ear-rings! set transparent!—here, the tops, you see, will take off to wear in a morning.
1810 E. D. Clarke Trav. Var. Countries I. iii. 42 The kibitki is the old Scythian waggon. In some parts of Tartary the top takes off, and at night becomes a tent.
1892 St. James's Gaz. 8 Feb. 6/2 Yours [i.e. hair] takes off at night.
1947 Punch 22 Jan. 88/2 The back [of the clock] takes off easily..so that it is simple..to unscrew it every night.
2.
a. transitive. To remove or do away with (something imposed on a person); to cancel or lift (a restriction, tax, etc.). Now somewhat rare.
ΚΠ
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. iii. 134 Oh God oh God that ere this tong of mine That laid the sentence..should take it off againe.
1664 N. Ingelo Bentivolio & Urania: 2nd Pt. vi. 259 You think to take off this Inconvenience.
1726 ‘ Philalethes’ in J. Ker Mem. p. iii If he would agree to the taking off the Penal Laws.
1737 Gentleman's Mag. Mar. 172/1 To give immediate Ease to his Majesty's Subjects, by taking off some of the Taxes which are most burthensome to the Poor.
1840 Penny Cycl. XVII. 399/2 The ecclesiastical courts may..take off the penance.
1879 M. J. Guest Lect. Hist. Eng. xiv. 127 He pleased the people greatly by taking off a heavy tax.
1889 ‘M. Gray’ Reproach of Annesley II. iii. ii. 4 The three months' embargo was now taken off.
1906 Outlook 1 Sept. 15/2 When the Psalmist says ‘Pardon my iniquity; for it is great,’ he does not mean, Because my sin deserves so great a punishment, take off the punishment altogether.
1939 Guardian 23 June 6/1 Anyone who asked the Chancellor to take off the tax on tobacco was asking for something which would be bad for the State.
1993 Washington Post 1 Nov. a14/4 If you take off the sanctions, I think the violence will die down right away.
b. transitive. To remove or do away with (a quality, condition, etc.); to alleviate the effect of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > annul, cancel, revoke [verb (transitive)]
fordoOE
allayOE
withdrawc1290
withclepe13..
again-callc1390
to call againc1390
repealc1390
revokec1400
unmakec1400
rive1415
annulc1425
abroge1427
uncommandc1430
discharge?a1439
retreatc1443
retract1501
cancela1513
abrogate?1520
dissolve1526
extinct1531
rescind1531
abrenounce1537
infringe1543
recall1565
unwrite1577
extinguish1590
exauctorate1593
relinquish1594
unact1594
to strike off1597
undecide1601
unpass1606
to take off1609
to draw back1610
reclaim1615
to put back1616
abrenunciate1618
unrip1622
supersedeate1641
to set off1642
unassure1643
unorder1648
to ask away1649
disdetermine1651
unbespeak1661
undecree1667
reassumea1675
off-break1702
circumduct1726
raise1837
resiliate1838
denounce1841
disorder1852
pull1937
1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles xv. 14 That monster Enuie..Marinas life Seeke to take off by treasons knife. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. ii. 2 The heauinesse and guilt within my bosome, Takes off my manhood. View more context for this quotation
1652 J. French York-shire Spaw x. 90 They..should take the water a little warm'd first..the cold being just taken off.
1691 H. Consett Pract. Spiritual Courts (1700) To Rdr. Which thing..may..take off the Edge of Detraction.
1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xxvi. 387 One or two Purges will take off the Running at his Mouth.
1755 J. Higgs Pract. Ess. 27 It is also a good Anti-Emetic, and..will take off Vomiting and Sickness at the Stomach.
1854 N.-Y. Daily Times 9 June 4/1 The freshness of the news has been taken off by the telegraphic summary..published yesterday and the day before.
1885 E. Lynn Linton Autobiogr. Christopher Kirkland II. vi. 189 The smartest and prettiest kind of cap..took off the severity of her smoothly braided hair.
1911 Times 14 June 26/3 It became necessary to employ an anti-vibration holder to take off the abruptness of the shock.
1953 W. S. Burroughs Junkie 14 Nembutal is a barbiturate used by junkies ‘to take the edge off’ when they can't get junk.
1960 L. Davidson Night of Wenceslas i. 19 We were at the seat now. ‘Like to take the weight off?’ I said.
1991 Mid-Atlantic Game & Fish Apr. 35/1 A Thermos of hot coffee can do wonders to take the chill off and keep your spirits high.
†c. transitive. To remove or do away with (an objection); to disprove, refute (an argument). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > refutation, disproof > refute, disprove [verb (transitive)]
answerOE
bitavelena1225
allayc1275
confoundc1384
concludea1400
conclusea1400
forblenda1400
gainsaya1400
rejag1402
to bear downc1405
redarguea1425
repugn?a1425
reverse?c1430
improvec1443
reprovea1513
dissolve1529
revince1529
convince1530
confute1533
refel1534
refute1545
void1570
evict1583
infringe1590
reprehend1597
revert1598
evince1608
repel1613
to take off1618
unbubblea1640
invalid1643
invalidate1649
remove1652
retund1653
effronta1657
dispute1659
unreason1661
have1680
demolish1691
to blow sky-high1819
1618 N. Byfield Cure Feare of Death xi. 123 Such meditations, as take off the obiections, which are in the hearts of men.
1682 T. Creech in tr. Lucretius De natura rerum Notes 22 After that I shall take off his exceptions against Providence.
1695 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. III. xii. 478 To take off this seeming Argument.
1716 A. Pope in tr. Homer Iliad II. v. Observ. 411 Which Homer, to take off all objection to his valor, tells us happen'd because Priam had an animosity to him, tho' he was one of the bravest of the Army.
1825 Q. Theol. Rev. Dec. 109 His opponents tried to take off the argument..by saying that these were only the sentiments of a particular individual.
1841 T. C. Morgan & Lady Morgan Bk. without Name II. 42 Aristotle himself could not take off the argument.
1861 Lancaster Guardian 16 Feb. 6/4 The fact that a definite interest is to be paid..will take off the main objection to Government meddling.
d. intransitive. With from: to detract from; to diminish, lessen; = sense 53c. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (transitive)] > detract from
takec1475
diminish?1504
derogate1556
to take off1639
to detract from1699
1639 T. Sheafe Vindiciæ Senectutis i. ii. 80 (margin) It is a glory to Old-age that it takes off from pleasure.
1652 J. Paulet tr. P. Le Moyne Gallery Heroick Women 125 She learnt all these Exercises..without taking off from sweetness.
1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome 264 This gradual Advancement took off from the Obscurity of his Birth.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Sal A defect or flaw, which took off very much from the value of the gem.
1773 J. Richardson in tr. C. M. Wieland Hist. Agathon I. Pref. p. xiv There are many allusions in it to modern customs..which take off in a great measure from the antique cast.
1817 W. Hazlitt Round Table I. xxiii. 211 The very wit, however, takes off from the offensiveness of the satire.
1882 Archaeol. Jrnl. 39 474 These are not serious faults, and take off rather from the symmetry than from the real value of the book.
1906 Bohemian Jan. 11 There was a certain heaviness to the jaw and chin that took off somewhat from the nobleness of the upper countenance.
†3. intransitive. To clear the table after a meal; = to take away 2 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > serving food > removal of dishes > [verb (intransitive)] > clear table
to draw the boardc1330
to draw the clothc1330
to draw the tablec1330
to take awaya1475
to take up the tablea1513
to take off1599
to clear away1711
clear1914
1599 J. Minsheu Percyvall's Dict. Spanish & Eng. 24/2 Take off, boy, rid the table, and bring those fritters.
1828 J. T. Smith Nollekens I. 91 Nor do I think wine was even mentioned until the servants were ordered to ‘take off’.
4. transitive. To drink to the bottom, or in one draught; to down (a drink). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [verb (transitive)] > drink up or off
swap?1507
swingea1529
drink1535
uphalec1540
toss1568
trill off?1589
snapa1592
to toss offa1592
to turn down1593
to top off1598
drain1604
to take off1613
outdrinka1631
whip1639
swoop1648
epote1657
to fetch off1657
ebibe1689
fetch1691
to tip off1699
to sweep off1707
tip1784
to turn over1796
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage iii. xv. 271 She dranke to him a cup of poysoned liquor: and hauing taken off almost halfe, she reached him the rest.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 83 Many Muscovian women took off their Cups as smartly as they [sc. their husbands] did.
1710 E. Ward Tipling Philosophers 30 Ædesius, that minder of Dreams, By which he would often Divine, Altho' he would pray by extreams, Yet still he would take off his Wine.
1730 A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. (ed. 5) 102 See that shining Glass of Claret..; Take it aff, and let's have mair o't.
1850 N. Hawthorne Scarlet Let. iv. 87 And, that thou mayest live, take off this draught.
1873 Ulula Nov. 82 All simultaneously, with regimental precision, take off a pint of beer, after which they resume their seats.
1908 J. Blyth Rubina ix. 132 Can any one on ye take off a pint better'n that?
1922 McClure's Mag. Aug. 98/1 Cristobal poured out a glass of wine and handed it to him. He took the drink off.
5. transitive.
a. To lead away (from a pursuit or occupation); to dissuade; to divert, distract. Also: (with from) †to rid (a person) of something (obsolete). Cf. sense 54c. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > demotivation > demotivate [verb (transitive)] > discourage
remove?a1425
discourage1437
revoke1447
disporta1450
to take offa1616
to work off1627
to put off1631
dishearten1634
disinvitea1641
to put or set (anyone) by1768
eyebrow1876
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)]
fortogglea1300
to call away1529
scatter1530
forhale1579
to draw away1586
diffuse?1587
to call off1606
divert1609
to put out1616
avoke1623
disjoint1628
to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631
to draw off1646
divertise1648
to take off1670
dissipate1684
to turn off1741
to throw out1821
to turn away1848
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 32 It makes him, and it marres him; it sets him on, and it takes him off . View more context for this quotation
a1626 F. Bacon New Atlantis (1900) 24 And hee..in great Courtesie tooke us off, and descended to aske us Questions of our Voyage and Fortunes.
1670 H. Stubbe Plus Ultra 11 This Philosophy..taking us off from the Pedantism of Philology.
1677 Compl. Servant-maid 63 You must endeavour to take off your Mistress from all the care you can.
1701 tr. J. Le Clerc Lives Primitive Fathers 27 Having not undertaken to take them off from this Opinion.
1760 Biographia Britannica V. 3306 He civilly refused the Archdeaconry of Huntingdon, which was offered him, lest it should take him off too much from his cure.
1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot I. vii. 173 It seemed strange, but the conversation took off his attention, and he thought no more of it.
1921 J. Galsworthy To Let vi. 176 Anything that would take his mind off for a few minutes!
b. Esp. of a disease or other cause of death: to kill, to ‘carry off’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > eradicate or extirpate
fornimOE
to put awaya1382
outroot?a1425
unroot?a1425
out-razec1425
to pluck up1484
avell1530
sweep1560
depopulate1576
ruina1586
assoil1596
to lay aside1596
untop1598
displant1603
float1606
to take off1619
amolish1624
uproota1639
eradicate1647
to lay by1681
to polish off1827
uprend1911
to zero out1951
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. 336 Himselfe taken off by sudden death.
1684 Bp. G. Burnet in tr. T. More Utopia Pref. sig. A7 The hiring of Assassinates to take off Enemies.
1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome ii. 487 Diseases..took off very many of them.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives V. 81 Ptolemy of Cyprus..took himself off by poison.
1832 Examiner 6/2 Up to the 20th of November about thirty people had been taken off by cholera.
1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 258 The mangold-wurzel was..taken off early by the fly.
1932 N.Y. Times 8 Oct. 17/3 (headline) Genial press agent of old school dies. ‘Yours Merrily’ Rogers taken off at the age of 92, a week after being hit by auto.
1966 D. Shannon With Vengeance vi. 82 Sure I knew him, cop. I don't know nothing about how he got took off.
2005 M. J. Staples Ups & Downs viii. 89 Mr Plumstead had been a bus driver for years until pneumonia took him off at the age of forty-four.
c. To lead or convey (a person) away, esp. summarily or by force.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (reflexive)]
fersec1000
teec1275
voida1387
withdraw1390
takea1393
avoida1400
devoida1400
shifta1400
avyec1440
trussa1450
deferc1480
remove1530
convey1535
subtractc1540
subduce1542
retire?1548
substract1549
room1566
to take off1620
to make oneself scarce1809
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > lead away
abgregate1623
to take off1894
1620 I. C. Two Merry Milke-maids i. ii. sig. B4 Dor. I am glad thou art come to take off thy Brother. Iul. Take him off, why he is not so fierce, me thinkes.
1783 Double Conspiracy v. iii. 82 I told my relations, they was going to take me off to head quarters;—they told me not to be concern'd about it; for they'd not let 'em take me off.
1823 Ann. Reg. 1822 (Otridge ed.) Chron. 63/2 The party, who took her off, repeatedly fired on the police.
1894 C. H. H. Parry Stud. Great Composers: Schubert 230 In dread of being taken off as a soldier.
1916 Munsey's Mag. Nov. 345/1 She says she's getting sleepy, so you can take her off to bed.
1955 Life 15 Aug. 36 [He] was taken off to jail in such a hurry that, in the rush, he seemed in imminent danger of losing his pants.
2010 J. Powell New Machiavelli xi. 268 The young men were taken off and never seen again.
†d. To bribe or corrupt (a political opponent); to buy off. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > illegal payment or exaction > [verb (transitive)] > bribe
meedOE
underorna1325
corrump1387
forbuy1393
hirec1400
wage1461
fee1487
under-arearc1503
bribe1528
grease1528
money1528
corrupt1548
budc1565
to feed with money1567
to put out a person's eyes with (a gift, bribe, etc.)1580
sweeten1594
to grease the fist or (one) in the fist1598
over-bribe1619
to buy off1629
palter1641
to take off1646
buy1652
overmoneya1661
bub1684
to speak to ——1687
to tickle in the palm1694
daub1699
overbuy1710
touch1752
palm1767
to get at ——1780
fix1790
subsidize1793
sop1837
to buy over1848
backsheesh1850
nobble1856
square1859
hippodrome1866
see1867
boodleize1883
boodle1886
to get to ——1901
reach1906
straighten1923
lubricate1928
to keep (someone) sweet1939
sling1939
to pay off1942
bung1950
1646 T. Edwards Gangræna: Pt. 1 Pref. sig. B4v No gold shall bribe me, nor preferments take me off; no lack of supplies shall dishearten me.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 268 The chief men that promoted this were taken off, (as the word then was for corrupting members).
1763 London Chron. 29 Jan. 107/2 When any man of the opposite party became troublesome, you took care, as the phrase is, to take him off.
e. reflexive. To go away, to leave; to take off (sense 10a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]
wendeOE
i-wite971
ashakec975
shakeOE
to go awayOE
witea1000
afareOE
agoOE
atwendOE
awayOE
to wend awayOE
awendOE
gangOE
rimeOE
flitc1175
to fare forthc1200
depart?c1225
part?c1225
partc1230
to-partc1275
biwitec1300
atwitea1325
withdrawa1325
to draw awayc1330
passc1330
to turn one's (also the) backc1330
lenda1350
begonec1370
remuea1375
voidc1374
removec1380
to long awaya1382
twinc1386
to pass one's wayc1390
trussc1390
waive1390
to pass out ofa1398
avoida1400
to pass awaya1400
to turn awaya1400
slakec1400
wagc1400
returnc1405
to be gonea1425
muck1429
packc1450
recede1450
roomc1450
to show (a person) the feetc1450
to come offc1475
to take one's licence1475
issue1484
devoidc1485
rebatea1500
walka1500
to go adieua1522
pikea1529
to go one's ways1530
retire?1543
avaunt1549
to make out1558
trudge1562
vade?1570
fly1581
leave1593
wag1594
to get off1595
to go off1600
to put off1600
shog1600
troop1600
to forsake patch1602
exit1607
hence1614
to give offa1616
to take off1657
to move off1692
to cut (also slip) the painter1699
sheera1704
to go about one's business1749
mizzle1772
to move out1792
transit1797–1803
stump it1803
to run away1809
quit1811
to clear off1816
to clear out1816
nash1819
fuff1822
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
mosey1829
slope1830
to tail out1830
to walk one's chalks1835
to take away1838
shove1844
trot1847
fade1848
evacuate1849
shag1851
to get up and get1854
to pull out1855
to cut (the) cable(s)1859
to light out1859
to pick up1872
to sling one's Daniel or hook1873
to sling (also take) one's hook1874
smoke1893
screw1896
shoot1897
voetsak1897
to tootle off1902
to ship out1908
to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909
to push off1918
to bugger off1922
biff1923
to fuck off1929
to hit, split or take the breeze1931
to jack off1931
to piss offa1935
to do a mick1937
to take a walk1937
to head off1941
to take a hike1944
moulder1945
to chuff off1947
to get lost1947
to shoot through1947
skidoo1949
to sod off1950
peel1951
bug1952
split1954
poop1961
mugger1962
frig1965
1657 W. Greenwood Απογραϕὴ Στοργῆς sig. I If you be already tainted with these charmes, unloose your selves, stoutly take your selves off, dispute not any longer with your passions; flie from it.
1662 S. Clarke Coll. Lives Ten Eminent Divines 192 He was fain to take himself off, lest it should have hindred him from more serious studies.
1781 London Mag. Oct. 459/2 I must take myself off; this is a d—d vulgar place, where they keep no claret.
1797 M. Robinson Walsingham III. 306 So you had better be moving..take yourself off—go it—budge.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 7 Here, No. 924, take your fare, and take yourself off.
1838 C. Dickens Oliver Twist II. xxiv. 68 He..took himself off on tiptoe.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Oct. 609/1 The guilty parties had taken themselves off.
1918 Times 3 Aug. 8/2 The former had taken himself off to the United States after resigning his Privy Councilship.
1958 J. Cannan And be Villain iii. 49 He took himself off to deal with a case of indecent exposure on the tow-path.
2008 P. Hensher Northern Clemency iv. 452 Some people thought she was taking herself off to think about strategy.
6. transitive.
a. To obtain (an impression) from something; to make (a copy); to print off. Also figurative. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > printing > [verb (transitive)]
imprint1477
impress1508
print1511
stamp1555
press1579
pull1653
to take off1707
to throw off1720
strike1759
typefy1856
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > repeat in a copy > take a cast of
mould1698
to take off1825
1631 tr. Suppressing Assembly Pretended Shee-Iesuites 13 When the Copies shall be taken off, re-printed, and distributed abroad.
1660 tr. M. Amyraut Treat. conc. Relig. iii. viii. 489 Those [languages] which live..take off better the impression and graces of the language of the Prophets.
1707 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1885) I. 320 The Stationers were obliged..to take off 200 Copies of any Book.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Printing Rolling-Press-Printing, is employ'd in taking off Prints, or Impressions from Copper-Plates engraven, or etch'd.
1817 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 19 He had an impression of 500 taken off.
1825 New Monthly Mag. 15 234/1 The expedient..of taking off an impression in some soft substance.
1890 Home Missionary Apr. 536 Take off copies by laying on your sheets, one by one... Work rapidly. Take off 75 copies in thirty minutes.
1967 Jrnl. Libr. Hist. 2 102 Ximinez had only 600 copies taken off, and each copy though consisting of six folios, cost only six and a half ducats.
b.
(a) To measure off; to determine or mark the position of; to take (a measurement) from a chart, plan, etc. Cf. sense 73c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > measure (off) a length or distance [verb (transitive)]
measurec1384
take1551
to set offa1647
to take off1658
1658 J. Collins Sector on Quadrant 43 It is onely placed there in readinesse to take off any Arke from it, according to the accustomed manner of taking off lines from the Limbe to any assigned Radius.
1667 W. Leybourn Line of Proportion iv. 21 When the Compasses are opened to a very large extent, you can neither take off any distance exactly, nor give so a good estimate of any parts required.
1749 T. Salmon New Geogr. & Hist. Gram. 18 Upon Maps there always is a Scale of Miles, so that any Distances may be taken off with Compasses.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §97 In this way I took off 35..of the most remarkable points,..These 35 primary points having been determined as above.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 22 With another pair of compasses take off 24 miles; place the parallel ruler on the centre of the circle and on dot 1.
1901 H. J. Spooner Elem. Geom. Drawing vii. 85 Dimensions can be readily taken off with the dividers... Thus, to take off 2′ 9″, place one leg of the dividers on point 2′, and the other on 9″.
1920 W. Sheppard Pract. Navigation 15 The navigator..takes off the necessary measurements in minutes of latitude or nautical miles.
1954 Math. Mag. 27 206 The fundamental scale for this purpose is on side A, and is marked ‘L’: from this dividers take off ‘lines’, or as we should say, distances.
(b) To extract (an item of data) from a table, plan, etc.; esp. to calculate (quantities of materials required for a building project) from a plan; = to take out 4b at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1835 Archit. Mag. Sept. 403 The surveyor should then take off the quantities, that he may be able to detect if any descriptions of the works are omitted in the specification.
1887 Sanitary Engineer & Constr. Rec. 11 June 41/2 To diminish the labor of taking off the logarithms, two tables are presented on different sheets.
1920 Amer. Archit. 14 Apr. 476/1 If the quantities were taken off under the supervision of the architect.., the quantities then would be more likely to correspond with what is expected by the architect.
1954 Manch. Guardian 6 May 12/1 (advt.) Applicants must have experience in taking quantities off structural drawings.
2002 J. Broome Procurem. Routes for Partnering iv. 99 If it is the contractor that..takes off the quantities, then the contractor is legally responsible for any errors in them.
c. To make a copy of (something) by drawing or modelling; to draw a likeness of; to portray. Cf. sense 74b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > representation > [verb (transitive)]
depaint?c1225
paintc1275
figurec1380
resemblea1393
portraya1398
represent?a1425
impicture1523
portrait1548
shadow1553
to paint forth1558
storize1590
personate1591
limn1593
propound1594
model1604
table1607
semble1610
rendera1616
to paint out1633
person1644
present1649
to figure out1657
historize1668
to fancy out1669
to take off1680
figurate1698
refer1700
display1726
depicture1739
depict1817
actualize1848
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > representation in art > represent in art [verb (transitive)]
workOE
shapea1375
express1382
marka1393
resemblea1393
portraya1398
devisea1400
makea1400
represent?a1425
counterfeitc1440
to set on write1486
porturea1500
emporturea1529
story1532
portrait1548
show1565
decipher1567
portraiture1581
to set forth1585
emblazea1592
stell1598
defigure1599
infigure1606
effigiate1608
deportract1611
deportray1611
rendera1616
image1624
configure1630
exiconize1641
effigies1652
to take off1680
mimic1770
paraphrase1961
1680 R. Nightingale tr. R. Waring Effigies of Love 5 I am oblig'd to Nature that she hath afforded me a smooth Table, from whence to take off so much of your likeness, as to delight both her self and you too.
1685 tr. N. Lémery Mod. Curiosities of Art & Nature Contents sig. b4 To take off any Design without Pricking or Pointing, which is called Tracing.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 321 Take off all their Models in Wood.
1792 Abbé Adams tr. Abbé Bonamici Easy Rules taking Likeness 49 It is necessary to all who attempt to take off a likeness, to divide the face into different parts.
1838 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker 2nd Ser. xviii. 269 A native artist of great promise..that is come to take us off.
1854 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes (1855) II. vi. 64 Then Clive proposed..to take his head off; and made an excellent likeness in chalk of his uncle.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 182 A young lady who could take off a horse like that—the dead image of him—could do anything.
1900 Forest & Stream 3 Feb. 93/1 She [sc. a boat] was hauled out and her model taken off frequently, her rig copied exactly, but still her imitators were never able to equal her.
d. colloquial. To mimic or imitate, esp. in a mocking manner; to make the subject of parody; to mock, caricature.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > ridicule or mockery by specific means > ridicule or mock by specific means [verb (transitive)] > ridicule or mock by imitation
mocka1616
buffoon1638
mimic1671
burlesque1676
parody1733
caricature1749
to take off1750
travesty1825
grotesque1875
cartoon1884
spoof1927
to send up1931
1750 Ld. Chesterfield Lett. (1792) III. 85 He has since been taken off by a thousand authors: but never really imitated by any one.
1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 239 He so perfectly counterfeited, or took off, as they call it, the real Christian, that many looked to see him..taken alive into heaven.
1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 240 At the hazard of being taken off and held up for a laughing-stock.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. ii. vii. 281 I can take off a cat to the life: suppose I was to mew a certain number of times?
1826 T. Hood Faithless Nelly Gray in Whims & Oddities 140 She made him quite a scoff; And when she saw his wooden legs, Began to take them off!
1879 W. Minto Defoe 40 One of the pamphlets which he professed to take off in his famous squib.
1928 A. E. Pease Dict. Dial. N. Riding Yorks. 135/1 He tak him off tiv a T.
1981 Times 28 Feb. 16 Like most modern impressionists, he ‘took off’ stars of stage, screen and radio.
2012 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 15 Sept. (Good Weekend section) 29 She was a brilliant, fearless mimic, taking off Princess Anne and Kate Bush.
7. transitive.
a. To remove from office or some other position; to cause to stand down; to dismiss. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > removal from office or authority > remove from office or authority [verb (transitive)]
outOE
deposec1300
remuec1325
to put out1344
to set downc1369
deprivec1374
outputa1382
removea1382
to throw outa1382
to put downc1384
privea1387
to set adowna1387
to put out of ——?a1400
amovec1425
disappoint1434
unmakec1475
dismiss1477
dispoint1483
voidc1503
to set or put beside (or besides) the cushion1546
relieve1549
cass1550
displace1553
unauthorize1554
to wring out1560
seclude1572
eject1576
dispost1577
decass1579
overboard1585
cast1587
sequester1587
to put to grass1589
cashier1592
discompose1599
abdicate1610
unseat1611
dismount1612
disoffice1627
to take off1642
unchair1645
destitute1653
lift1659
resign1674
quietus1688
superannuate1692
derange1796
shelve1812
shelf1819
Stellenbosch1900
defenestrate1917
axe1922
retire1961
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself > to expel or remove from office
to put out of ——?a1400
eject1576
to take off1745
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (transitive)] > remove bowler
to take off1851
to take off1851
1642 W. Brookes Exceeding Happy Newes Ireland sig. A3 Your Sonne Robert hath been a Trooper in Warres, and none so forward as he but I took him off, by reason that I wanted him aboard.
1676 M. Nedham Pacquet Advices 2 When they had taken off some of the Persons, then they next devised how to diminish their Power.
1745 J. Ward Let. 15 Aug. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 369 Whom the Emperor had appointed governour..but afterwards..designed to have taken him off.
1768 J. Byron Narr. Patagonia 189 The centinel was taken off, and we were allowed to look about us a little.
1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 144 My early calves..I allow to suck the cows for a fortnight, then take them off.
1903 Day (New London, Connecticut) 29 Aug. 7 The rain fell without cessation all night and the guard was taken off, but was kept at guard quarters.
b. To withdraw (a coach, bus, or other form of public transport) from service.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > public passenger transport > travel on (public vehicle) [verb (transitive)] > supply with public transport > withdraw a service
to take off1836
1836 Hull Packet 21 Oct. As the Goole Steam Packet Company have taken off their Coaches, this is now the only Direct Conveyance from Hull to the above-named places.
1892 Field 28 May 779/3 The coaches..will be taken off for one or more days.
1946 Scotsman 3 Dec. 5/2 It is not known yet if certain trains will be taken off during the Christmas period, but it is quite possible.
1967 Fond du Lac (Wisconsin) Commonw. Reporter 15 Dec. 2/2 She felt it was ‘ridiculous’ to talk about urban renewal and new shopping centers and then take off the buses so that the people can't get there.
c. Cricket. To remove and replace (a bowler) after a spell of bowling.A bowler who has been taken off will assume a position in the field.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (transitive)] > remove bowler
to take off1851
to take off1851
1851 W. Bolland Cricket Notes iv. 75 Do not..refuse to bowl any more; neither grumble nor growl if you are taken off.
1921 G. R. C. Harris Few Short Runs xi. 280 Don't turn sulky because after bowling five consecutive maidens you are taken off.
1977 Times 17 Jan. 7/1 When Greig took him off after 95 minutes his figures for the morning were 10-5-7-1.
2013 J. D. Barrow Mathletics iv. 8 Anderson gets some early wickets but is taken off after a long spell of very economical bowling.
d. Sport. Of a team's coach or manager: to withdraw (a player) from the field of play during a game, esp. to replace him or her with a substitute.
ΚΠ
1884 Friends' Rev. 13 Dec. 301/2 At a recent match between Yale and Princeton, two players were taken off the field almost dead.]
1890 N.Y. Times 26 Oct. 3/7 Newman was taken off and Packard substituted.
1905 Scotsman 27 Mar. 10/5 Before the close Campbell was injured and had to be taken off.
1980 E. Batty Soccer Coaching European Way ix. 220 At the first sign of a knock we would take the injured player off to prevent aggravation of the injury.
2011 Express (Nexis) 10 Jan. (Sport section) 53 Saints' England hooker Dylan Hartley was taken off in the second half after a series of lost lineouts.
8. intransitive. To grow less; to decrease in strength or intensity; (of rain) to cease. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)]
littleOE
setc1000
wanzec1175
lessc1225
allayc1275
wane1297
slaken1303
disincreasec1374
slakec1380
decrease1382
debatea1400
unwaxa1400
wastea1400
adminishc1400
lessenc1400
imminish14..
aslakec1405
minish?a1425
assuagec1430
shrinkc1449
to let down1486
decay1489
diminish1520
fall1523
rebate1540
batea1542
to come down1548
abate1560
stoop1572
pine1580
slack1580
scanten1585
shrivel1588
decrew1596
remit1629
contract1648
subside1680
lower1697
relax1701
drop1730
to take off1776
to run down1792
reduce1798
recede1810
to run off1816
to go down1823
attenuatea1834
ease1876
downscale1945
1776 J. Cook in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 66 447 I judged it was about high water, and that the tides were taking off, or decreasing.
1854 H. Miller My Schools & Schoolmasters (1858) xxi. 463 No sooner had it [sc. the hurricane] begun to take off than I set out for the scene of its ravages.
1878 R. L. Stevenson Inland Voy. 20 The rain took off near Laeken.
1899 F. T. Bullen Log of Sea-waif 93 The breeze now began to take off a bit, and more sail was made.
1938 N. M. Gunn Off in Boat xix. 318 The rain had taken off and the freshness of the nether world was very vivid.
2012 S. T. Russell Take, burn or Destroy xx. 351 The wind had taken off considerably during the darkness.
9. intransitive.
a. To commence a jump or leap. Opposed to land v. 8b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > leap, spring, or jump [verb (intransitive)] > take off for a leap
to set off1768
to take off1781
1781 London Courant 14 Feb. A horse of Sir Harry Featherstone's..in taking off at a leap, broke his shoulder, and was obliged to be killed on the spot.
1814 Sporting Mag. 43 287 The spot where the horse took off to where he landed, is above eighteen feet.
1889 Boy's Own Paper 7 Sept. 780/3 Competitors should be encouraged to take-off with accuracy.
1912 H. Bindloss Long Portage xvii. 193 Though Lisle felt the hoofs slide as the beast took off, they were over [the hedge] and flying faster than ever over a long, wet field.
1952 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 5 Apr. 763/2 Account should be taken of the manner of mounting a horse, a bicycle, a ladder, or again of taking off for a jump.
2002 Guardian 14 Nov. i. 6/1 Long jump contenders took off from a standing position.
2004 Toronto Star 27 Nov. k13/2 A double sided jump where a rider/skier can take off and land on either side.
b. Esp. of a pilot or aeroplane: to commence flight, to become airborne. Opposed to land v. 8b.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > specific flying operations or procedures > [verb (intransitive)] > take off
to take off?1849
lift1879
unstick1912
to get unstuck1913
the world > animals > birds > flight > [verb (intransitive)] > become airborne
risea1398
tower1799
to burst on the wing1809
to take off1973
?1849 G. Cayley Let. in C. H. Gibbs-Smith Sir George Cayley's Aeronautics (1962) xlii. 136 It is absolutely necessary that the tail be securely braced up a little, and that the centre of gravity be made to act steadily on the bulk of the surfaces so that when weighed up to the weight of the person trying the wings—should it take off, they would skim and not either rise up hill or sink down hill.
1908 Autocar 4 July 19/1 It would appear, however, as if engines would be at all events required in starting the machine, unless the glider takes off from a certain height.
1914 Engineering 20 Nov. 626/3 A serious disadvantage under which the sea-going aeroplane at present labours..is that its speed is essentially limited by the fact that it has to alight and take off from the water.
1927 C. A. Lindbergh ‘We’ ii. 19 I taxied to one end of the field, opened the throttle and started to take off.
1936 G. B. Shaw Simpleton ii. 69 All I [sc. an angel] want is a parapet to take off from.
1958 Times Rev. Industry Aug. 39/2 The Rotodyne takes off vertically and climbs away as a helicopter.
1973 Sci. Amer. Dec. 102/1 If the birds are pursued, they take off, but they do not fly far before they land again.
2011 Guardian 26 May 11/1 ‘Underflying’ rules that will allow planes to take off and land if a dense volcanic cloud is covering airspace at cruising altitude.
c. Esp. of prices or costs: to rise steeply or suddenly.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (intransitive)] > rise (of prices) > suddenly or rapidly
starta1661
zoom1928
soar1929
rocket1931
to take off1935
to go through the roof1958
shoot1968
1935 Barron's 10 June 3/1 The instant the dollar was devalued, the country held up its hands and raced for tangibles. Prices took off for high places, and they have not come down.
1963 J. N. Harris Weird World Wes Beattie (1964) xv. 184 Minerva took off, as we say, on a famous Friday the thirteenth... The stock rose from nineteen cents to over a dollar in the last half-hour of trading.
1976 Physics Bull. Sept. 401/1 Production and salary costs ‘took off’.
1983 Times 20 Jan. 15/3 Sales of existing properties have taken off during the last few months.
2005 National Petroleum News Apr. 10/1 Ever since September 2004, diesel fuel prices have taken off.
d. To become popular, successful, or well-established.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > prosper or flourish [verb (intransitive)] > prosper or be successful > specifically of a scheme or project
to take off1953
1953 Billboard 7 Mar. 49/2 Record took off this week and hit retail and juke box charts.
1957 Daily Mirror 8 Aug. 10 The Ames Brothers, a skilled vocal group, big in America, have never really taken off here.
1968 Skiing Feb. 3 Ideas have a way of catching peoples' imagination and this year Lange Boots have really taken off.
1981 Church Times 10 Apr. 9/5 Frank Scuffham has hopes of his committee, but acknowledges that it has not taken off yet.
2000 A. Calcutt Brit Cult 40/1 It was during the Rigg-McNee partnership that The Avengers took off in the USA.
2001 Independent 3 Mar. 11/2 Daffodil breeding didn't really take off until the mid late 19th century.
10. intransitive.
a. To depart quickly or suddenly; to run away; to go off. Cf. sense 60b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > go away suddenly or hastily
fleec825
runOE
swervea1225
biwevec1275
skip1338
streekc1380
warpa1400
yerna1400
smoltc1400
stepc1460
to flee (one's) touch?1515
skirr1548
rubc1550
to make awaya1566
lope1575
scuddle1577
scoura1592
to take the start1600
to walk off1604
to break awaya1616
to make off1652
to fly off1667
scuttle1681
whew1684
scamper1687
whistle off1689
brush1699
to buy a brush1699
to take (its, etc.) wing1704
decamp1751
to take (a) French leave1751
morris1765
to rush off1794
to hop the twig1797
to run along1803
scoot1805
to take off1815
speela1818
to cut (also make, take) one's lucky1821
to make (take) tracks (for)1824
absquatulize1829
mosey1829
absquatulate1830
put1834
streak1834
vamoose1834
to put out1835
cut1836
stump it1841
scratch1843
scarper1846
to vamoose the ranch1847
hook1851
shoo1851
slide1859
to cut and run1861
get1861
skedaddle1862
bolt1864
cheese it1866
to do a bunkc1870
to wake snakes1872
bunk1877
nit1882
to pull one's freight1884
fooster1892
to get the (also to) hell out (of)1892
smoke1893
mooch1899
to fly the coop1901
skyhoot1901
shemozzle1902
to light a shuck1905
to beat it1906
pooter1907
to take a run-out powder1909
blow1912
to buzz off1914
to hop it1914
skate1915
beetle1919
scram1928
amscray1931
boogie1940
skidoo1949
bug1950
do a flit1952
to do a scarper1958
to hit, split or take the breeze1959
to do a runner1980
to be (also get, go) ghost1986
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > going swiftly on foot > go swiftly on foot [verb (intransitive)] > run > start running
to take head1674
to take off1815
break1834
1815 W. Williams & J. Eagles Jrnl. Llewellin Penrose III. xxx. 200 One of our dogs took off up the hill at full speed.
1825 C. Waterton Wanderings in S. Amer. iii. iv. 265 The Indian took off into the woods.
1905 Washington Post 8 Oct. 10/2 Bunny dashed out.., and took off across the cornfield with the swiftness of a deer.
1968 Listener 19 Dec. 809/3 I'm not stopping here,..no matter what they say or do... I'm taking off tonight.
1978 M. Duffy Housespy vii. 178 Danny Oldfield's taken off. I'll let you know when I find her.
2006 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 21 May v. 17 We rented a 4x4, and every day we took off into the mountains.
b. Of a river, road, etc.: to branch off from a larger river, road, etc. Cf. sense 61.In the 19th and 20th centuries, chiefly in South Asian contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > divergence > diverge [verb (intransitive)] > ramify or branch > branch off or out
issuec1515
branchc1540
disbranch1622
to go off1728
to take off1831
outbranch1835
offset1853
rib1856
1831 Gleanings in Sci. June 189 The most navigable outlets, such as the Chundna, are extremely serpentine, and take off from the main river, many miles lower down than the others.
1888 19th Cent. Jan. 44 The second [headwater of the Hugli] takes off from the Ganges about forty miles eastward from the Bhagirathi.
1896 Indian Forester Apr. 126 Canals..take off from the river here to irrigate inland tracts.
1908 Imperial Gazetteer India (new ed.) XXI. 2 A few miles below Kyaiklat the Gonnyindan stream takes off from the Kyaiklat river.
1911 A. C. Yate Proposed Trans-Persian Railway 11 The Trans-Persian Railway, then, will take off from a point on the Baku-Tifflis line.
1927 Times 3 Nov. 13/2 It will pass close where the road up to the Gurkha cantonment..takes off from the main road.
2005 W. H. Skelton Cherokee National Forest Hiking Guide (ed. 2) 161 There are a large number of side roads that take off from the main trail.
c. Croquet. To croquet a ball so as to send one's own ball in the direction in which the mallet is aimed, the croqueted ball staying almost stationary or moving from the struck ball at a right angle. With from, specifying the croqueted ball. Cf. take-off n. 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > croquet > play croquet [verb (intransitive)] > types of play or stroke
to knock the balls about1864
to take off1872
cut1874
finesse1874
shoot1874
peel1960
1872 R. C. A. Prior Notes on Croquet 48 It were an improvement..to tether a ball in the centre of the ground, which at starting should be hit by the players from a spot in the middle of the left-hand boundary. Taking off from this tethered ball, they might go to any part of the lawn.
1874 J. D. Heath Compl. Croquet-player ii. 56 Red and Yellow are close together, and Blue, by taking off from Black to them.., can rush it in any direction he likes.
1903 Country Life 11 July 64/2 After roqueting her partner, black, took off from her, and hitting red, sent it rolling towards the boundary.
2010 J. Hawkins Compl. Croquet iv. 45/1 The classical model for break play relies extensively on taking off from the pivot ball at the peg.
11. transitive. To take down or obtain (a message transmitted by telegraph or telephone). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telegraphy > telegraph a message [verb (transitive)] > record message
to take off1862
record1873
tick-off1934
1862 Notts. Guardian 18 Apr. 6/3 By this means a telegraph clerk, in taking off a message, writes it himself without being obliged to raise his eyes from the paper.
1916 ‘B. Cable’ Action Front 175 When he had sent that message, he took off and wrote down one or two others from the signalling station.
1935 E. Bagnold National Velvet xiii. 240 Back in the fog a voice had spoken into a telephone... And in that very second in the offices of the Associated Press in New York, men had taken off the message.
12. transitive. To claim or regard (a period of time) as leave or rest from work or some other activity (also with from). Cf. earlier day off n. at day n. Phrases 3c, time off at time n., int., and conj. Phrases 2e.
ΚΠ
1868 Clinton Republican (Wilmington, Ohio) 9 Jan. 1/6 He [sc. a compositor] works when he pleases, simply having to put a ‘sub’ on his frame when he desires to ‘take a day off’.]
1883 Ave Maria 10 Nov. 881/2 I guess I owe myself a spree.., and I'll take off a week and spend it in Austin.
1894 L. B. Walford Ploughed 244 New Year's Day coming on a Monday, and my forcing the lad to take the day off to-day as well, has given us just the very chance.
1914 Inland Printer Aug. 732 If he will..take an hour off from worrying..he will feel much better.
1943 Greeley (Colorado) Daily Tribune 25 June 3/6 (advt.) Thanks to laundries, women working in war plants can stay on the job every day, instead of taking off a day a week to do their family washing.
1980 Black Enterprise Dec. 22/3 Hardy had to take a month off from work.
2011 B. Wiseman et al. Amish Wedding 183 Please tell her I hope she feels better soon. She can take tomorrow off too.
13. intransitive. Chiefly U.S. regional (southern). To absent oneself from work or school; to take the day off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > absence > be absent [verb (intransitive)] > absent oneself
to turn awaya1400
absenta1425
to play truant1560
truant1580
to take (a) French leave1751
to trig it1796
to play hookey1848
submarine1915
to take off1930
bunk1949
1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 118 You take off and stay in the house today.
1936 W. Greene Death in Deep South (1937) 61 She thought she'd be off in the afternoon and she said she'd take off anyway if she wasn't.
2008 A. McPartlin Apart from Crowd (rev. ed.) (end matter) Some days I'll work all day, some days I'll work half the day, and some days I'll take off and instead work throughout the night.
14. transitive. U.S. slang. To steal (a thing); to rob, hold up (a person or place). Cf. to rip off 3 at rip v.1 Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > rob [verb (transitive)]
reaveeOE
benima1325
berob1340
pelfa1400
distress1490
derob1546
heave1567
shrive1630
strubc1680
spung1719
to do over1785
strong-arm1896
make1926
heist1930
to take off1937
hit1955
to knock off1960
1937 E. H. Sutherland Professional Thief i. 14 As soon as he takes off a score, he leaves the store, plants it, and goes back for another.
1968 N. Heard Howard Street v. 71 We gon' git enough fightin' tryin' to take off some of these chumps' money.
1972 J. Hudson in T. Kochman Rappin' & Stylin' Out 413 I can't go no place expecting to take off some fat sucker if I look like a greaseball.
1973 Black World Jan. 56/1 He and Cecil B were to take off a supermarket in San Jose.
2000 E. Bunker Educ. of Felon xii. 225 An old professional thief named Jerry and I took off a cocktail lounge in the Rampart district.
 to take on
†1. transitive (with infinitive as object) and intransitive. To begin (to do something); to commence. Cf. sense 55a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)]
beginc1000
onginOE
aginOE
ginc1175
to go tillc1175
to take onc1175
comsea1225
fanga1225
to go toc1275
i-ginc1275
commencec1320
to get (also get down, go, go adown, set, set down) to workc1400
to lay to one's hand(sc1405
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to set toc1425
standa1450
to make to1563
to fall to it1570
to start out1574
to fall to1577
to run upon ——1581
to break off1591
start1607
to set in1608
to set to one's hands1611
to put toa1616
to fall ona1625
in1633
to fall aboard1642
auspicatea1670
to set out1693
to enter (into) the fray1698
open1708
to start in1737
inchoate1767
to set off1774
go1780
start1785
to on with1843
to kick off1857
to start in on1859
to steam up1860
to push off1909
to cut loose1923
to get (also put) the show on the road1941
to get one's arse in gear1948
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11260 Ȝiff þu takesst onn att an. & tellesst forþ till fowwre.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2553 Ȝho toc onn full aldeliȝ. To fraȝȝnenn godess enngell.
†2. intransitive. To act or behave in a specified manner; to proceed. Also transitive (reflexive) in same sense. Obsolete.In quot. c12753 with dative of person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave, conduct, or bear oneself [verb (intransitive)]
i-bereeOE
workeOE
makeOE
fere1154
walka1200
steera1250
to take onc1275
fare1340
to fare with oneself1340
containa1375
to let latesa1400
usea1400
dealc1400
rulea1425
act1593
comport1616
carry1650
deport1667
demean1678
behave1721
conduct1754
to carry on1828
the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave or conduct oneself [verb (reflexive)]
wieldOE
leadc1175
bear?c1225
steera1250
to take onc1275
contain1297
to shift one's handa1300
demeanc1320
guyc1325
govern1340
keep1362
havec1390
rulec1390
guide14..
conceivea1425
maintain?a1425
maynea1425
behavec1440
disporta1450
orderc1487
use1497
handle?1529
convey1530
gesture1542
treat1568
carry1584
deport1598
bestow1606
comport1616
mienc1680
conduct1706
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15784 Whæt Penda king hafueð iseid. and hu he wulle taken on.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15314 On alle wissen he toc [c1300 Otho tok] him on swulc he weore a chepmon.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1665 Ȝef ferrene kinges hiherde þa tidinde. þe we swa takede [c1300 Otho take] him on.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2789 Þat word com to Belinne..heo he hauede itaken on.
c1300 Pilate (Harl.) 149 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 115 Ou liþere man,..haþ he itake on so, Assentede he to þe gywes?
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. iii. 76 For toke þei on trewely þei timbrede not so hye.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lvi. l. 505 And thus these lyowns Gonnen On to take Til the tyme that Cam Lawncelot de lake.
a1500 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Douce) 287 So queyntliche þey token on Þat noman wyste whedur þey were gon.
1634 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World (new ed.) I. ii. lxxx. 38 In a narrow way it [sc. a terrible noise] taketh on with a more slender and whistling noise.
3. transitive.
a. To put on (an item of clothing); to don. Opposed to to take off 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. Now somewhat rare.In later use frequently in figurative contexts with robe; cf. sense 8a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > put on
to do oneOE
graitha1375
puta1382
to take on1389
to let falla1400
takea1400
to put on?a1425
endow1484
addressa1522
to get on1549
to draw on1565
don1567
to pull on1578
dight1590
sumpterc1595
to get into ——1600
on with1600
array1611
mount1785
to cast on1801
endoss1805
endue1814
ship1829
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 56 Ye den xal warn [alle ye] gylde breyeren yt be in toune, for to takyn on here hodis..and comen to [messe].
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiii. 494 Thenne they went, & toke on the beste clothyng that they had.
1555 W. Waterman tr. Josephus in tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions sig. X.v Before that she (being tonsed, and hauing taken on her mourning wiede) haue bemoned her kinsfolke.
?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 389 On a gray bonnet he tackis.
1610 J. Healey tr. J. L. Vives in tr. St. Augustine Citie of God iii. xxi. 140 He tooke on his gowne of man-state.
1790 Edinb. Mag. Sept. 185/2 She would instantly be arrested, unless she would quickly take on the robe of his order, which he brought her.
1889 J. K. Bangs Mephistopheles ii. iii. 57 The beggar doth take on the robes of Kings.
1910 J. Baldwin & M. Baldwin Last Word i. 40 With the ultimate Truth, Science throws off her rags of humility and takes on the robes of assured Philosophy.
2011 J. Astley Look of Love (2012) xv. 332 Taking clothes on and off all day..was surprisingly tiring.
†b. Scottish. To take up (arms). Obsolete.See also note at sense 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > arming or equipping with weapons > arm or equip [verb (transitive)] > take up (arms)
to take on1565
shoulder1594
1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 355 Thair rebellis ar planelie conspyrit togidder, takin on arms.
1567 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 524 Thai have takin on armes to puneis the authouris of the said cruell murthour.
c. Esp. of an animal: to develop (additional flesh, fat, or muscle); to put on (weight).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily shape or physique > broad shape or physique > [verb (transitive)] > fat or plump
farce14..
alarda1425
plum1561
enseam1562
lard1579
engross1587
impinguate1620
to put on1626
rotund1650
pinguedinize1656
bloat1677
to take ona1750
round1830
pinguefy1893
a1750 W. Gibson New Treat. Dis. Horses (1751) ii. 123 It is no less necessary to bleed Horses at grass, when the purgation is over, that they begin to take on flesh.
1803 Farmer's Mag. May 219 No description of pasturing animals will take on flesh more speedily than the horse.
1850 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 11 600 The animal being thus gradually prepared to take on that increased amount of muscle and fat.
1917 Poultry Tribune Sept. 9/1 Discard the hen that shows a tendency to take on fat.
1919 Physical Training Nov. 166 Some will take on muscle—some will not.
2004 K. Kamler Surviving Extremes 203 People in temperate climates often take on weight during the winter and lose it during the summer.
d. To take on board; to receive (passengers or cargo).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > put or take on board
put to shippinga1300
ship13..
board1542
emboat1542
embark1550
to get aboard1577
to take in1585
imbarge1604
inship1615
to take on1877
1808 Trial J. Whitelocke 89/2 Q. On what ground did it appear to you probable that the army would return? A. In consequence of not being able to take on provisions.
1877 Scribner's Monthly 15 14/1 He took on the passengers who stood clustered on the wharf.
1920 Country Life Apr. 69/1 Wharf facilities are extended to boatmen who desire to take on coal, water, ice, or stores.
1961 N.Y. Times 27 Aug. xx. 1/2 (caption) Bush airline planes take on cargo and passengers at a remote base in Canada.
2004 S. Coonts Deep Black: Biowar xiv. 75 At the edge of the terminal was a bus, just taking on passengers.
e. Chiefly Printing. To transfer (an impression) on to something; to obtain or receive (an impression, ink, etc.).
ΚΠ
1833 London Jrnl. Arts & Sci. Conjoined Ser. 2 61 The ink or colour..is..laid on the types and blocks.., and the impressions taken on to thick drawing paper by means of a suitable press.
1840 A. Ure Dict. Arts (ed. 2) 780 The more polished it [sc. the paper] is, the better does it take on the ink in fine lines.
1911 Inland Printer Jan. 596/2 I have tried the test of putting Prussian blue on the back of the mold and taking an impression on to the pot mouthpiece.
2008 S. Hecker in R. Panzanelli Ephemeral Bodies 136 Wax can take on an impression and is easily receptive to form.
†4. intransitive. With preposition (chiefly with or against). To become angry or hostile (either physically or verbally); to show reproach (also in reflexive construction). Obsolete.In early quots. perhaps merely a contextual use of sense 2.In quot. c1400 perhaps a transmission error for toke on armys and if so an earlier example of sense 3b.
ΚΠ
c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) f. 102v If he toke on amys aȝeynȝ him anoþer tyme þat he wolde destroie him for euer-more.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 76 (MED) Indignacyoun..is whan þou hast dysdeyn of symple folk..& hareiously takyst on wyth hem.
1534 Prymer in Eng. sig. f.iiiiv Ye shal se the vngodly so furiously take on with me, that then a swerd will seme vnto you..necessary.
1581 J. Derricke Image Irelande sig. H.iii Here Rorie Ogge taketh on with himself for refusing the pardone, & acknowledgeth hym self an asse.
1626 R. Bolton Some Gen. Direct. for Comfortable Walking with God (ed. 2) 97 Such as these are extremely troubled, and take on to themselues, if they haue not the chiefe place..at meetings.
1666 J. Sergeant Let. of Thanks 37 Who would not bee angry, fume and take on against a Discourse?
5. intransitive. To speak or act madly or excitedly; to make a great fuss, outcry, or uproar; to show great agitation or distress. Now colloquial and regional.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > excitement > nervous excitement > be in state of nervous excitement [verb (intransitive)]
to take ona1450
seethe1609
trepidate1623
to take on oneself1632
flutter1668
pother1715
to be upon the nettle (also in a nettle)1723
to be nerve all over1778
to be all nerve1819
to be (all) on wires1824
to break up1825
to carry on1828
to be on (occasionally upon or on the) edge1872
faff1874
to have kittens1900
flap1910
to be in, get in(to), a flap1939
to go sparec1942
to keep (also blow, lose) one's cool1964
faffle1965
to get one's knickers in a twist1971
to have a canary1971
to wet one's pants1979
tweak1981
the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > lament or express grief [verb (intransitive)] > greatly
to take ona1450
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) l. 5200 That yondre knight on the white stede Taketh on as a deuel in dede.
1472 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 582 My modyr wepyth and takyth on meruaylously.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 750/1 I take on lyke a madde man, je menraige.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Num. xiv. A Then the whole congregacion toke on, and cryed, and the people wepte.
1577 T. Kendall Trifles f. 24v, in tr. Politianus et al. Flowers of Epigrammes He stamps, he stares, he taketh on: he knowes not what to doe.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. ii. xxvii. 61 All this while Appius raged and tooke on, inveying bitterly against the nicetie and popularitie of his brother Consul.
1668 S. Pepys Diary 8 Apr. (1976) IX. 157 Her mother and friends take on mightily.
1737 H. Baker tr. Catullus in Medulla Poetarum Romanorum I. 252 Does the fair Bride Love's Contest really dread That she takes on so, when she's put to Bed?
1767 P. Gibbes Woman of Fashion I. 157 You'll make me cry too, if you take on in this Manner.
1830 J. Galt Lawrie Todd I. i. ix. 68 He took on like a demented man.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. i. 11 She took on sadly about her husband.
1931 Ladies' Home Jrnl. Feb. 127/2 In the last few months of the war,..I was surprised to find my father bitterly opposed my going; he took on madly, pleaded with me not to enlist.
1952 A. Christie Mrs. McGinty's Dead vii. 45 ‘Don't you take on so, mother,’ that's what the sergeant said to me.
2004 H. Strachan Make Skyf, Man! iii. 31 He seems really worried. I wonder why he takes on so.
6. transitive.
a. To undertake; to begin to handle or deal with; to tackle. Also: to assume responsibility for.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with
entreat?a1450
overtakea1500
to go on ——1508
take1523
to go about ——?1533
to set upon ——1555
fall1589
to turn one's hand1628
to take to task1649
tackle1847
to take on1898
1567 R. Sempill Deeclaratioun Lordis Iust Quarrell (single sheet) It dois merwell me, Quhat causit hes the Lordis of Scotland Tak on ane enterpryse of sic folie.
?1574 C. Vitell tr. H. Niclaes Dicta xiv. sig. D4 The Man which turneth himself to the gracious Woord..shall not enterprise or take-on anye-thing, besides the Woord and his Seruice.
1635 D. Dickson Short Explan. Paul v. 77 The Excellencie of his person exempted him not from suffering, having once taken on our debt.
1659 J. Fergusson Brief Expos. Epist. Paul to Galatians & Ephesians (new ed.) iv. 258 He hath sufficiently provided how a part of their burden may be taken on by others.
a1732 T. Boston Illustr. Doctr. Christian Relig. (1773) II. 78 He took on the debt of elect sinners, and he paid it to the utmost farthing.
a1743 J. Cannon Chrons. (2010) I. 103 And now returning from Bassetsberry I took on my business being about 7 weeks from it, & found everybody glad on my recovery.
1898 Daily News 10 Mar. 7/1 We cannot take on both jobs.
1900 Daily News 12 Nov. 3/4 I had taken on a task, and I was bound to see it through.
1951 Billboard 20 Oct. 71/2 They have enough trouble teaching their employees to avoid simple mistakes without taking on the tricky problems of machine operation.
1983 Daily Tel. 28 Mar. 1/7 A ‘task group’..to see how Lloyd's can tighten still further the rules to prevent ‘over-writing’—taking on excessive commitments.
2001 I. J. Deary Intelligence ii. 28 Some psychologists have taken on the challenge of doing longitudinal studies.
b. To take into one's employment; to engage, employ. Also: to enter into marriage with; to receive into fellowship.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > action or fact of marrying > marry [verb (transitive)]
bewedc1000
bespousec1175
wieldc1275
marrish1340
wedc1380
geta1393
takea1400
espouse?1435
marry1441
couplec1540
contract1599
to take on1611
consort?1615
to take to one's bosom1881
nuptial1887
society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ
hirec1000
i-bye10..
i-hirec1000
soldc1386
takea1400
retain1437
wage1465
conduct1476
fee1488
conduce1502
implya1533
entertain1572
enter1585
wager1592
to fill up1598
to take on1611
improve1640
to speak for ——a1688
employa1727
engage1753
ploy1871
to turn on1893
to book up1915
1611 G. Blundell in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 97 If Holland take any companies on.
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts ii. iii. sig. E4 I'le not giue her the aduantage,..To..say she was forc'd To buy my wedding clothes, and tooke me on With a plaine Riding-suite, and an ambling Nagge.
1671 C. Wase tr. B. Priolo Hist. France iii. 115 The Queen by order of her deceased Husband, had taken him on to sustain part of her cares.
1727 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman II. v. 137 They won't take on more Workfolk when..they had rather too many before.
1743 in C. J. Fèret Fulham (1900) I. 63 It was agreed to take on Mr. Haines (tollman) again.
1826 Examiner 631/1 The large manufacturers are about taking on a considerable number of hands.
1893 Chicago Advance 20 July A number of catechumens were taken on during the year.
1918 Munsey's Mag. Nov. 237/2 I don't expect you to take on a wife you don't like.
1979 G. Wagner Barnardo ii. 18 All the service industries took on extra labour at the beginning of the season.
2012 C. Hilliard Eng. as Vocation 5 First he was taken on as a supervisor, then appointed director of studies.
c. To undertake the management of (a business or other concern), esp. in succession to a predecessor or former owner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take over
to take toa1250
to take over1618
to take on1849
society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > assume control and possession of
to take over1618
adopt1803
to take on1849
1849 Brit. Farmer's Mag. 14 420/1 You mentioned that the incoming tenant took his stock and furniture, and the young man, when he came to take on the farm, would not take the stock or the furniture?
1861 Temple Bar 3 474 When I was twenty-two, my father died, and I took on the farm.
1892 Cornhill Mag. Oct. 346 It will be quite impossible for me to take on the lease again.
1900 Harper's Monthly Mag. 1 Dec. 622/2 A curious soft look suddenly flashed into the tailor's eyes. ‘Will you take on the business after I'm gone?’ he asked.
1984 Guardian 7 Dec. 22/2 Betty took on the business when her father died suddenly in 1962.
2000 A. Birnbaum & P. Gabriel tr. H. Murakami Underground i. 204 It'll be easier if I just stay on here and take on the family farm.
d. To engage (a person, organization, etc.) in a fight, contest, argument, etc.; to undertake to confront or oppose.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > carry on (a contest, fight, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > engage in contention with
tangle1535
to make with ——1548
bucklea1605
to take on1866
to take tea with1888
to have on1939
1866 Jamaica Disturbances 447 in Parl. Papers XXX. 1 Joseph Williams was in blood. Napier said, ‘Take them on,’ and he turned back with them. I saw Matthew Ford beating Williams.
1885 Graphic 3 Jan. 11/3 He..so frightened the other..cowards that..they did not care to ‘take him on’.
1896 To-day 22 Aug. 69 (caption) His [sc. a cyclist's] only pleasure consists..of ‘taking someone on and giving them a dusting’.
1915 E. Corri Thirty Years Boxing Referee 150 Instead of going for what the boxers call the ‘easy money’, Basham took on Matt Wells.
1976 Morecambe Guardian 7 Dec. 8/3 Micky Taylor earned the spotlight with a brilliant, cheeky dribble in which he took on and beat four men.
2000 Guardian 19 Sept. 10/5 It is liberating to know that you can take on the world and win.
2011 L. Spinella Beautiful Disaster vi. 54 He did tons of pro bono work, taking on big corporations with bad habits.
†7. transitive. With clause as object.
a. To assert, esp. strongly or emphatically; to affirm. Cf. Phrases 1e. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [verb (transitive)]
vowc1330
anferme1340
affirma1382
willa1382
threapc1386
avow1393
to make oneself strongc1425
maintain?c1430
protest1440
traverse1491
assure1509
ferma1525
verc1540
profess1542
enforce1579
justify1579
aver1582
to take on1583
asserta1604
will1614
assevera1618
positive1656
autume1661
declare1709
obtesta1722
predicate1782
asseveratea1847
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. E1v Yet will they sweare, protest, and take on woonderfully, that it is very new, fresh, and tender.
a1649 T. Shepard Parable Ten Virgins (1660) xi. 109 I have known in experience, and seen it in Scripture, many of Gods people and others have taken on that God hides his face.
1702 tr. G. Boccaccio Il Decamerone I. xli. 220 Then she took on immoderately, that God would not permit her to die.
1714 D. Turner De Morbis Cutaneis ii. xii. 339 I found the good Woman taking on that the Child would bleed to Death.
b. To pretend, to affect. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)]
mitheeOE
bipechec1000
huec1000
feigna1300
unlikena1382
counterfeitc1400
pretend1402
dissimulec1430
dissimule1483
simule?a1500
semble1530
counterfeit1534
dissemblea1538
suppose1566
countenance1590
mock1595
assume1604
to put on1625
assimulate1630
personate1631
to take on1645
simulate1652
forge1752
sham1775
possum1850
to turn on1865
fake1889
1645 J. Lightfoot Comm. Acts i. 153 Tiberius not so guilty indeed of such a taxation of being a foole, as ready to take on to bee guilty..personated the matter to himselfe.
1667 R. Steele Antidote Against Distractions vi. 71 The heart of man takes on to be very willing to prayer..but ere we have stept twenty sentences into our work, this deceitful heart turns us aside.
1840 C. Dickens Sketches Young Couples 62 Nobody knows all this better than Mr. Chirrup, though he rather takes on that he don't.
1858 C. Dickens et al. in Househ. Words Extra Christmas No., 7 Dec. 20/1 This gent took on not to know me.
1868 W. Collins Moonstone I. i. xvii. 282 The Sergeant, with his devilish cunning, took on not to have noticed them at all... Mr Franklin instantly took on not to have noticed the girls either.
8. transitive.
a. To assume (a particular form, appearance, or quality); to begin to perform (an action, role, or function); to be affected by.See also to take on a life of its own at life n. Phrases 14c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself > an attribute or quality
to take on?1591
assume1667
?1591 R. Bruce Serm. Sacrament v. sig. P6 He maks his sonne to come downe,..to take on our flesh, to take on the likenes of sinne.
a1599 R. Rollock Lect. Hist. Passion (1616) vi. 57 He made Himselfe of no reputation, by taking on the forme of a servant.
1613 W. B. tr. S. Michaelis Admirable Hist. Penitent Woman Table sig. Ss6 Asmodee tempteth Eue taking on the shape of a girle.
1684 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 775 Yew and holly..were..in many places so discouraged..that it is to be feared they will never take on their pristine splendour and verdure.
1762 London Chron. 10 Aug. 146/3 These inequalities [in the plain surface], advancing a few steps more, take on the appearance of pillars.
1799 E. Kentish in T. Beddoes Contrib. Physical & Med. Knowl. 258 He took on that peevish irratibility [sic] so unhappy for the individual.
1862 A. Meadows Man. Midwifery v. ii. 181 They are apt to take on afterwards unhealthy inflammation.
1869 G. Lawson Dis. Eye (1874) 41 The ulcer..took on a healing action, and soon cicatrized.
1893 ‘M. Gray’ Last Sentence iii. v. 237 The deep, mysterious eyes would take on a deeper charm.
1926 World's Work Sept. 567/2 These men were out for a month's vacation and the whole trip took on the rollicking aspects of an outdoor lark.
1989 S. J. Leonardi Dangerous by Degrees iv. 98 Harriet's writing of popular fiction thus takes on several functions here.
2001 Daily Tel. 27 Aug. 16/8 Michael Portillo..is keen to take on a role promoting the arts to the masses.
b. To adopt, embrace (an opinion, belief, etc.).
ΚΠ
a1677 T. Manton Sermons (1684) II. xvi. 107 Religion is but taken on as a matter by the by, as you give way to a servant to go upon his own errand.
1890 Pict. World 4 Sept. 298/2 That belonged to the days before its author ‘took on religion’, as the Methodists term it.
1893 National Observer 23 Sept. 472/2 He is prepared to throw over all his convictions pretty much as he took them on.
1922 H. Ford My Life & Work 3 Most of the present acute troubles of the world arise out of taking on new ideas without first carefully investigating to discover if they are good ideas.
1990 New Scientist 9 June 65/2 Taking on the ideas of their positivist mentors, the New Archaeologists developed the same tone of voice.
2010 Irish Times 19 June (Weekend Review section) 7/1 He took on the religion of neither of his parents.
†c. Of a dog: to pick up (a scent). Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1822 D. Johnson Sketches Field Sports India iii. 45 I have heard the natives assert that they take on the scent of deer many hours after they have passed.
†9. intransitive. To assume airs; to behave proudly or haughtily; to take liberties. Cf. Phrases 1a(d). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > be proud [verb (intransitive)] > behave proudly
swella1250
to make it stoutc1315
to bear oneself stout1338
bridlea1475
to make it prouda1500
strut1518
to set up one's bristles1529
strut?c1570
square1584
square1590
swagger1600
to take on1603
puff1633
fluster1698
to hold one's head high1707
crest1713
to set out the shin1719
straddle1802
1603 J. Davies Microcosmos 206 Yet all take on, as if all were their owne, So tis, all thinke, or few know otherwise.
1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling vi. 143 If a worm should take on, lift up it self, and be proud, then any thing may be proud.
1851 Beck's Florist 180 ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall’. I began to take on; and if the squire gave me any orders, I did not take 'em as I ought to have done.
1884 Handy Compan. for Constant Use 79 A drunken fellow thus addressed the full moon: ‘You needn't take on and look so proud. Guess you're full only once a month, and I'm full every night.’
10. intransitive.
a. To take employment, esp. as a soldier; to enter into service; to enlist.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (intransitive)] > take service with an employer
to take on1650
engage1766
1650 Edinb. Estates Parl. Consideration Running Away of Souldiers (single sheet) Many of the foot souldiers are in use to run away from their Collors, and to take on with others to be horsemen.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1851) II. 335 Diuerss daylie took on [to serve in the army].
1698 E. D'Auvergne Hist. Campagne Flanders 1697 81 They persecuted and oppressed them to make them take on with the late King's Officers.
1750 T. Smollett Roderick Random (ed. 3) I. xvi. 108 If you take on to be a soldier.
a1777 S. Foote Trip to Calais (1778) iii. 88 I am engaged to take on with Miss Lydy.
1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Mar. 336 At the end of their term of enlistment [they] would refuse to ‘take on’ again in D Troop.
1892 Field 7 May 698/3 ‘Then,’ replied one of the men, ‘I will take on at 4s.’
1917 Pahasapa Q. Feb. 52/2 I've had my fill of the Border... I've done my bit and stand to quit, And never take on again.
1973 J. Wood North Beat xiii. 163 Korea came and went. Tug had the option of taking on for a further seven years.
b. With with. To associate or begin to keep company with; to form a relationship with; = to take up 18a at Phrasal verbs 1. Also: to adopt as a practice. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)] > take up (a habit)
fall1541
approach1574
form1736
take1742
to take on1886
1688 J. Renwick Testimony 30 They so far take on with the enemy as to Address him, and accept of his favours.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. i. 51 Such a Drake has been more used to a Hen when he was young, and..will the sooner take on with her when he grows older.
1844 Fraser's Mag. 30 104/1 The misthress is going to take on with Mister Jowles the praacher.
1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland I. i. i. 11 I liked Charlie Judkins well enough before he took on with this love-nonsense.
1908 Bystander 22 Jan. 190/1 Do you not know, my dear Ronnie, that it is easy to take on with a woman, but difficult to shake her off?
1920 J. Ayscough Abbotscourt vi. 167 She was refusing to listen to my advice—that she couldn't do better than take on with you.
11. transitive and intransitive. Scottish. To buy (something) on credit.Apparently now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > buy [verb (transitive)] > buy on credit
to take on1787
1787 J. Elphinston Propriety Ascertained II. iii. ii. 112 To' take on—iz to' take on tic.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor vii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 197 Auld Caleb can tak the wyte of whatever is taen on for the house.
1866 J. H. Wilson Our Father in Heaven (1869) 180 I have heard of young people..going to shops and ‘taking on’ things, as it is called.
1877 J. Smith Canty Jock 39 There wasna a single shop where I was kent but she took on in my name.
1920 D. H. Edwards Muirside 253 Paying the auld, an' takin' on the new.
1939 J. Lee Tomorrow is New Day 69 She..asked if she could be allowed to ‘take on’.
12. intransitive. colloquial. To become popular, to catch on; = sense 8d.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > [verb (intransitive)] > catch on
to take on1897
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > popularity > become popular [verb (intransitive)]
to take on1897
1897 ‘Ouida’ Massarenes xvii. 214 He saw how greatly these musical entertainments ‘took on’.
1901 Ice & Cold Storage Dec. 314/2 There is every likelihood of the idea taking on in London.
a1918 ‘Gunner Fowler’ in N. Boyack Behind Lines (1989) iv. 130 That is the worst of being a digger, you seem to take on with the girls. Of course who could resist us.
1964 Guardian 29 Jan. 8/3 I am beginning to believe that stripes are really taking on again at last.
1996 Courier Mail (Queensland) (Nexis) 14 Sept. (Weekend section) 6 Noodles are taking on in a big way.
 to take out
1. transitive.
a. To leave out, omit; to subtract.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being exclusive > exclude [verb (transitive)] > except
to take outc1175
out-takec1390
outnima1400
excludec1400
outcepta1470
reserve1523
except1530
exempt1548
to put by1594
abate1598
exemea1600
bate1619
rescinda1687
to tell out1812
to tell out of ——1812
exception1845
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (transitive)] > exclude (from a total)
to take outc1175
omit1439
except1530
suppress1697
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 8601 Þatt ȝer þatt he wass takenn ut. Þurrh drihhtin godd fra manne.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 20 Þat [read þaȝ] he ne toke iudas out, Þe worste man on erþe.
1598 T. Bastard Chrestoleros ii. xxxvii. 49 Sutton this losse thou well mayst recompense, Taking out wordes and putting in some sense.
1650 T. Grantham Oct. 22 1649 2 The Grammers..were some of them almost as bigge as a Church-Bible, if you take out the Apocrypha and Common-Prayer.
1699 tr. J. Le Clerc Refl. Lotteries 51 This was not the thing They meant by it, as will quickly appear, if we take out the Word Fortune, and substitute that of Providence in its stead.
1703 Law of Errors & Writs of Errors iii. 11 Go with it to the Clerk of the Errors, who will take out the Judgment with the Debt and Costs of Suit, in his Book of remembrance for Bail.
1757 L. Carter Diary 28 Aug. (1965) I. 171 By the weight of a bushel of wheat ground yesterday without any toll taken out I found only 37 pounds clear of bran.
1832 Leigh Peerage II. 65 Did you not state before the Attorney General that entries of marriages had been taken out?
1878 Homœopathic World July 312 Let him take out the chapters on Diseases of Infants and Children and publish them separately.
1916 Copper Curb & Mining Outlook 20 Sept. 22/3 Last week's cleanup averaged $2½ a ton profit, even after taking out the overhead costs.
1955 N. Mailer Let. 25 Aug. in N.Y. Rev. Bks. (1999) 26 Feb. 22/3 Whenever a publisher wants you to take out something, it always ends up being the most important thing in the book.
1994 Washington Post 4 Oct. 11/1 Even if you took out those parts that dealt with issues such as medical education.., it would still have been a very complex bill.
b. To remove (a stain, mark, or other undesirable feature); to get rid of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > efface, obliterate [verb (transitive)] > by rubbing > mark, stain, etc.
laga1300
to take out1560
emaculatea1648
spot1915
1560 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli 2nd Pt. Secretes Alexis of Piemont 8 (heading) To take out the wrinkles of the face.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 47 The decoction will..take out any stain in cloths, euen the very iron-mole.
1698 Æsop return'd from Tunbridge i. 2 Not the fam'd Waters they were at, Cou'd e're take out the Stain.
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. ix. 12 Money..is the true Fuller's Earth for Reputations, there is not a Spot or a Stain but what it can take out.
1743 E. Moxon Eng. Housewifry (new ed.) 47 Take five or six salt Herrings, wash them very well, lay them in a pretty Quantity of Water all Night to take out the saltness.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder 329 If the work be so smoothed as to take out the marks of the tools by which the stones were first cut, it is called plane-ashlar.
1864 Dental Q. Dec. 81 Press the foil into all the depressions, taking out the wrinkles.
1909 A. Ben-Yûsuf Art Millinery xiv. 220 Hair and tuscan braids can be cleaned with ivory soap and water only, and stains taken out with oxalic acid.
1980 Laurence (Kansas) Jrnl.-World 2 Oct. 4/5 You can't use the chemical they supply for your laundry to take out rust because it can't be used on colors.
1992 J. Mowry Way Past Cool 77 Lyon combed long fingers gently through Curtis' dreads to take out the tangles.
c. slang. To dispose of (a troublesome or unwanted person or thing); to destroy or obliterate (a specific target); to kill, murder; to knock out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > annihilate or blot out of existence
dilghec897
defacec1386
annul1395
anientec1400
refer?c1400
extinct1484
annihil1490
delete1495
out-terma1500
perspoil1523
extaintc1540
extinguish1555
blot1561
wipe1564
to cut the throat of1565
annihilate1567
dissipatea1575
annihilate1586
nullify1609
nullize1615
expunge1628
nothing1637
null1647
extramund1654
be-nothing1674
erase1728
obliterate1798
simoom1821
to tear to shreds1837
snuff1852
mop1859
to take out1900
napoo1915
naught1958
the world > life > death > killing > man-killing or homicide > murder or assassination > murder or assassinate [verb (transitive)]
amurderOE
murderc1175
homicidec1470
murdresc1480
murtrish1490
manquell1548
slaughter1582
massacre1591
assassinate1600
remove1609
assassin1620
to do the business for a person1759
Septembrize1794
croak1823
square1888
shift1898
to take out1900
to bump off1907
bump1914
to do in1914
to put out1917
to knock off1919
terminate1920
to give (a person) the works1929
scrag1930
snuff1932
wash1941
waste1964
wipe1968
to terminate with extreme prejudice1969
neutralize1970
snuff1973
stiff1974
1900 C. L. Cullen Tales of Ex-tanks ii. 45 The squat man..made a punching bag of the lanky chap from the start of the ten-round go, and the gang was shouting all the time, ‘Take him out!’
1939 R. Chandler Big Sleep ii. 26 I'll take him out... He'll think a bridge fell on him.
1955 Times 28 June 4/4 The purpose of the attack was to ‘take out’—as the strategist's jargon has it—the docks.
1967 J. M. Fox Dead Pigeon 170 ‘He took out two people who could have involved him.’.. ‘Took out? You mean he killed them?’
1975 B. Dylan Hurricane (song) in Lyrics (2006) 356 Rubin could take a man out with just one punch.
1993 Coloradoan (Fort Collins) 20 June a7/2 Helicopters..were called on to take out the worst sniper nests.
2002 Focus May 26/1 We've all seen spy movies where the assassin takes out his target with a single shot.
2.
a. transitive. To remove from a receptacle or enclosed space; to extract, withdraw; to pull out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)]
unteeOE
to take out of ——c1175
forthdraw?a1300
out-takea1350
to take outa1382
excludec1400
dischargec1405
to get outc1432
tryc1440
extraya1450
out-have1458
to take fortha1550
extract1570
reave1640
eliciate1651
roust1658
uncork1740
to put out of ——1779
to break out1840
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms lxviii. 15 Tac me out fro clei, that I be not inficchid.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 20564 I toke þaim vte on [c1450 BL. Add. with] mi right hand.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin i. 1 Whan that oure lorde..had take oute Adam and Eve, and other [from hell].
1530 Bible (Tyndale) Exod. iv. f. vi He thrust his hande in to his bosome and toke it out. And beholde, his hand was leporous.
1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxxii. 196 You may take them out aliue with your holdfasts or clampes.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 334 Their stings and teeth newly tane out. View more context for this quotation
1696 Whole Duty of Woman (ed. 2) x. 172 Put it into a moderate hot Oven, and when the Icing begins to rise, take it out.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 94. ¶9 He had only dipped his Head into the Water, and immediately taken it out again.
1796 Hull Advertiser 24 Sept. 4/3 When the curd is come..take it out with a soil-dish altogether.
1806 ‘Ignotus’ Culina (ed. 3) 182 Stew it till quite tender... When sufficiently tendered, take out the bones.
1889 F. M. Crawford Greifenstein II. xx. 280 Rex took out his purse and gave him a gold piece.
1908 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables xiv. 137 I've moved the bureau and I've taken out the drawers and I've looked in every crack and cranny.
1955 A. C. Smith Speaking Eye iii. 33 He took out a pocket comb and ran it through his dark wavy hair.
2004 S. Quigley Run for Home (2005) iii. 56 She opened a drawer and took out a small clear plastic bag.
b. intransitive. To be able to be removed or detached. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xiv. 237 The Stop-screw, to take out when the Hollow Axis moves in the Moving Collar.
1748 Gentleman's Mag. Mar. 121/1 The upper part of the loops..is made to take out.
1834 Hobart Town Mag. Apr. 93 Mind and wait till all is quiet. You know the window, Fellows—it takes out easily.
1842 Examiner 15 Jan. 40/2 The nozzle takes out easily, and is effectually cleaned by a short immersion in hot water.
1908 Poultry Keeper Dec. 331/2 The canvas opening is..made to take out in summer time.
c. transitive. To borrow (a book) from a library.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > borrowing > borrow [verb (transitive)]
apprompt1548
mutuate1548
prest1548
to take out1753
promote1918
nip1919
bot1921
rabbit1943
borrow-
1753 R. Masters Hist. Coll. Corpus Christi Cambr. i. 41 The Master and Fellows..usually met as directed once in a year to choose Keepers and to take out such Books as they wanted for their reading.
1775 2nd Pt. Catal. Bks. Libr. Company Philadelphia 4 If the book or books should belong to a set, then such person shall deposit treble the value of the volume or volumes which he shall so take out.
1827 Mechanics' Mag. 16 June 375/1 Any member paying the sum of ten shillings..shall be exempt from the deposit of five shillings on taking out a book from the library.
1871 Harper's Mag. Dec. 136/2 Mrs. Reed and her family undoubtedly took out the new novel from Mudie's, and sympathized in a fat, sentimental way with the sufferings of the young governess [sc. Jane Eyre].
1890 Library Dec. 466 During the year ending the 30th of last month, 3,303 volumes had been taken out, and it was to be hoped read.
1922 H. N. Morse Country Church in Industr. Zones v. 44 Any one is permitted to take out books, but a membership fee of fifty cents a year is desired.
2004 J. C. Oates I am No One you Know ii. 128 Every Saturday she'd return books to the library and take out more books.
d. transitive. To carry (an object) outside with the intention of making use of it in an activity which is implied or understood.
ΚΠ
1757 A. G. Impetuous Lover I. v. 82 Mr. Charles..promised them to take out his gun, and make their house in his way.
1830 L. Lloyd Field Sports North of Europe I. xxi. 370 The angling is not remarkably good... From personal experience, however, I can say but little, as I never took out my rod on more than one occasion.
1877 In Memoriam H.M.M.S. 13 Nina was betrayed into a rather unusual fit of temper because the maid rather abruptly prevented her taking out her hoop.
1919 W. D. Croft Three Years with 9th (Scottish) Div. vii. 102 In order to keep warm every platoon took out a football and every man in the battalion had to play.
1951 Pop. Photogr. Jan. 51/2 When good ideas come to you.., jot them down so you won't forget the next time you take out your camera.
1986 K. Miles Bullet Hole vii. 159 I drew up a mental list of people to see and questions to ask next day, then took out my clubs. Two hours of practising in the field helped to rid my mind of fear and confusion.
1998 B. Malone Learning from Land vii. 58 In Wisconsin, you..don't take out your sled or hockey stick in July or your roller blades in January.
e. transitive. Cricket. to take out one's bat: (of a batter) to finish an innings not out. Also with for, specifying the batter's score at the end of the innings. Cf. to carry out one's bat at carry v. Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > bat [verb (intransitive)] > be not out
to bring out one's bat1833
to carry one's bat1833
to carry out one's bat1834
to take out one's bat1838
to carry one's bat through1839
1838 Bell's Life in London 23 Sept. E. Napier and C. Taylor Esqrs., making an excellent stand, the former scoring 30, taking out his bat.
1840 Observer 6 July 1/4 Mr Taylor taking out his bat after obtaining 35 in beautiful style.
1890 Standard 9 May 3/8 He was batting nearly four hours and eventually took out his bat for 90.
1910 Scotsman 13 July 14/5 Hardinge..took his bat out for 41, getting his runs in neat style.
1976 N. S. Ramaswami Indian Cricket vi. 47 Nazar Mohammed was prominent.., taking out his bat for 124 after spending 517 minutes at the crease.
2011 Kent & Sussex Courier (Nexis) 15 July 70 Sam Stickler added an unbroken 58 with Cooper, who took out his bat after a memorable display of pyrotechnics.
f. transitive (as infinitive of purpose) and intransitive. Chiefly North American. To take (food or drink) from a restaurant or shop where it has been prepared, for consumption off the premises; = to take away 6 at Phrasal verbs 1. Opposed to to eat in vb. b at eat v. Additions. Cf. to go at go v. Phrases 3i, takeout adj. 3.
ΚΠ
1919 Jrnl. Industr. Hygiene Sept. 239/1 There was a cafeteria not far from the works, where they could go for lunch or could get food to take out.
1934 Fresno (Calif.) Bee 1 Dec. 7/3 (advt.) Chow mein—Eat here or take out.
1974 Los Angeles Times 31 Oct. (Centinela South Bay section) vii. 7/6 Businessmen's luncheons and family dinners... Eat in or take out, they invite.
1995 A. Hardy Where to eat in Canada 69 The soups..are great and so are the cheese twists, which you can buy to take out.
2012 M. Stewart Home for Summer 248 I stopped in for coffee to take out, but I saw Clay here and decided to stay and help him eat his breakfast.
3. transitive.
a. To have the benefit of (something) in another form; to receive (what one is owed) in another form. Now chiefly in to take it out in trade: to be paid in kind.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > exchange > exchange, change for [verb (transitive)] > get in exchange
recovera1413
to take outa1529
a1529 J. Skelton Ware Hawke in Certayne Bks. (?1545) sig. B.viiv Of the spirituall law They made but a gew gaw And toke it outen drynke.
1602 Extremities Vrging Sir F. Veare to Anti-parle 11 They did not forbeare eating fish, eggs, and such ionkets..taking out in Clarret wine what they lacked in meate.
1631 T. Heywood Fair Maid of West: 1st Pt. ii. 17 Because of the old proverbe, What they want in meate, let them take out in drinke.
1735 H. Jacob Wks. 123 When Tom, your Butler, brought the Wine, You meant it, to inrich my Brain, And take it out in Rhimes again.
1764 S. Foote Mayor of Garret i. 14 When he frequented our town of a market-day, he has taken out a guinea in oaths.
1828 Examiner 794/1 [He] has no objection, when a poor tradesman cannot advance the fee, to take it out in goods.
1891 Rev. of Reviews 15 Sept. 236/2 The prize was one guinea, which had to be taken out in books.
1909 N.Y. Observer 7 Jan. 14/1 ‘Give us a bottle o' that pop water and take the rest out in apples,’ said one man, handing me a yen note.
1922 McClure's Mag. Nov. 51/1 ‘You owe me..$12.75.’ ‘All right.., but you'll have to take it out in trade.’
2012 J. A. Jance Left for Dead ii. 16 Chico owed me money. Quite a bit of money, and I agreed to take it out in trade.
b. To get (the full amount of) (one's sleep or rest). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [verb (transitive)] > enter into enjoyment of > enjoy or revel in
savoura1400
delighta1425
fain1483
to have, take felicity in or to1542
forage1593
batten1604
taste1605
to take out1609
to have a gust of1658
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. xxiv. i. 240 Iulianus..when he had taken out his rest and sleepe in the night, commaundeth the trumpets to sound the march.
1631 J. Mabbe tr. F. de Rojas Spanish Bawd 217 I will goe downe and stand at the doore, that my Master may take out his full sleepe.
1690 T. Shadewell Amorous Bigotte v. ii. 43 Bern. Why sirrah, are you in a dead sleep? Diego Oh, oh, I was, Sir, till you were pleas'd to call me to life, but to a wearisome one, if you will not suffer me to take out my sleep.
1720 A. Ramsay Poems 118 Lawrie he took out his Nap Upon a Mow of Pease.
1762 T. Smollett Adventures Sir Launcelot Greaves I. v. 107 The good woman of the house persuaded his antagonist to take out his nap.
1824 J. G. Lockhart Hist. Matthew Wald xxvii. 316 Having no concern with the judicial business, I took my sleep out.
1874 Volunteer Jan. 101 We were told you had been riding around the country all day, so we agreed to let you take your nap out.
1919 Windsor Mag. June 49/1 Up early every morning and..messing about in the fields when I want to take my sleep out, like the gentleman I am.
c. colloquial (chiefly Australian). to take it out: to accept a punishment, esp. by spending time in prison. Also with in, specifying the form of punishment.
ΚΠ
1838 Cornwall Chron. (Launceston, Austral.) 1 Sept. 3 James Smith was fined 5s. for being drunk, and not paying, he was ordered to take it out in wood [i.e. to be put in the stocks].
1888 Bungendore Mirror 27 June 2 A woman was awarded a month's jail for obtaining goods under false pretences... She goes to Goulburn to ‘take it out’.
1908 Amador (Calif.) Ledger 21 Aug. 5/4 Both pleaded guilty, and were fined $20 each or 20 days in jail. They are both taking it out in jail.
1943 K. Tennant Ride on Stranger xvi. 176 George Benson told her briefly he would see her husband had a lawyer. He would probably get a month at the most and he'd better ‘take it out’.
1965 E. C. Fry Tom Barker & I.W.W. 16 We wouldn't pay fines on principle; we always took it out in the nick.
d. colloquial. With on: to relieve (frustration, anger, etc.) by attacking or mistreating a person or thing not responsible for such feelings. Frequently in to take it out on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > [verb (transitive)] > wreak or give vent to anger > on or against someone > specific on innocent person or thing
to take it out on1840
1840 H. Cockton Life Valentine Vox xxi. 158 P'r'aps you'd like to take it out on me, 'cos if yer would, yer know, why ony say so.
1873 Old & New Sept. 296/2 He must be a mean old critter that devil of hers, to take it out on the baby.
1903 ‘C. E. Merriman’ Lett. from Son vi. 72 Milligan..came around to take your cussing of him out on me.
1958 Daily Sketch 2 June 12/6 You may be irritable at work, but don't take it out on your colleagues.
1967 Listener 11 May 611/2 The country took out its frustrations on Congress.
1994 E. Danticat Breath, Eyes, Memory iv. xxviii. 182 I was having an anxiety attack and I took it out on those clothes.
2001 H. Holt Delay of Execution (2002) xi. 123 I shouldn't have taken it out on you when it was all Felicity's fault!
e. Australian and New Zealand. To receive (a prize or award); to win.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > punishment > [verb (transitive)] > submit to or receive punishment
underliec960
suffera1250
coupc1300
payc1384
get?a1513
drink1677
to take out1910
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > make a success of [verb (transitive)] > win (any contest or prize) > win (a prize, etc.)
to bear awayc1325
getc1330
winc1330
to go away with1489
to carry away1565
carry1570
to bear off?1615
to carry off1680
to take out1976
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > award token of victory or supreme excellence [verb (transitive)] > receive (a prize)
get1857
to take out1976
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > make a success of [verb (transitive)] > win (any contest or prize)
win1338
vanquisha1400
to bear away?1506
obtain1530
conquer1676
gain1725
ice1908
to take out1977
1910 Evening News (Sydney) 3 Jan. 2/2 Eric at the distance looked like taking out the prize.
1976 Australian 15 July 2 Helen Morse..takes out the Australian Film Institute's top actress award tomorrow night.
1977 N.Z. Herald 8 Jan. i. 6/8 The Games we play..can't..end, till Someone takes them out.
1984 Canberra Times 18 Dec. 9 She also took out prizes for leadership, academic performance, peace administration, military skills and military history.
2013 Timaru (N.Z.) Herald (Nexis) 30 Jan. 7 Bell is the first female New Zealand-born artist to take out the award and joins a prestigious roll of winners.
4. transitive.
a. To copy (a piece of writing, a design, etc.), to make (a copy of something); esp. to extract (a passage of text) from a larger work, to excerpt. Now Indian English.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > imitation > imitate [verb (transitive)] > repeat in a copy
counterfeit1362
to take out1530
take1538
reduplicate1570
imitate1590
counter-make1595
ingeminate1625
replicate1661
recopy1684
takea1715
reproduce1838
duplicate1860
facsimile1862
carbon copy1914
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 750/1 I take out a writyng, I coppy a mater of a boke, je copie.
1558 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli Secretes Alexis of Piemount vi. f. 116v The mouldes beynge colde, take out handsomelye the medalles.
1573 Treat. Arte of Limming 11 A pretie deuise to take out the true forme & proporcion of any letter, knott, flower, Image, or other worke.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iii. 300 I am glad I haue found this napkin,..I'le ha the worke taine out. View more context for this quotation
1699 A. Boyer Royal Dict. at Extract To abstract, or take out a writing..Extraire, prendre, ou tirer quelque chose d'un écrit.
1711 in J. Lauder Decisions Lords of Council (1761) II. 693 They ordained the bonds to be given in to the register, and either party to take out extracts on their own charges.
1792 Viner's Gen. Abridgm. Law & Equity (ed. 2) XII. 123 The copy which the defendant had taken out was given in evidence, for it is plain that the plaintiff knew the agreement, he having taken a copy thereof.
1835 Rep. Cases High Court of Chancery Ireland (1863) 370 This seems to assume the right of the officer to have an office copy taken out.
1884 J. A. H. Murray in Trans. Philol. Soc. 1883–4 516 The reading of all books over again, with the instructions, ‘Take out quotations for all words that do not strike you as rare, peculiar, or peculiarly used,’ would be of enormous service to us.
1907 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 12 533 The book of Genesis..is constructed by taking out passages from earlier books, and piecing these excerpts together like newspaper clippings.
1975 Times of India 14 Sept. 1/4 In many courts lawyers are supplying paper in order to take out copies of the record of evidence and judgment.
1997 S. S. Gadkari Office Managem. for Public Admin. xv. 103 The matter to be duplicated has either to be typed on a stencil or etched with a pointed pen when one has to take out copies of a figure or a diagram.
b. To extract (an item of data) from a table, plan, etc.; esp. to calculate (quantities of materials required for a building project) from a plan.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > action of informing > give (information) [verb (transitive)] > retrieve information
to take out?1775
retrieve1957
?1775 S. Horsely in B. Donne Ess. Trigonom. iv. i. 62 Take out the Logarithms of the Heights of the Barometer..from a Table which has them to 7 decimal Places.
1787 J. Bettesworth Syst. Naval Math. 195 Proceed with the differences to take out the quantities from the small table.
1881 Times 10 Nov. 4/2 The surveyor employed..to take out the quantities on the architect's plan—that is, to estimate the quantities of materials and labour which will be required to carry out the proposed plans.
1896 Daily News 5 Aug. 9/5 The plans of the buildings..will be now submitted to the quantity surveyor, with a view to the quantities being taken out.
1904 Builder 8 Oct. 371/3 Messrs. Fowler and Hugman were appointed to take out the quantities of the proposed additional buildings at Tooting Bec Asylum.
1920 Jrnl. Soc. Archit. Sept. 428 In certain districts it is an admitted practice for Architects who take out the quantities themselves to be paid for them through the builder.
2009 A. Jennings Old Rectory i. vii. 121 When he built his first house he took out the quantities himself and took satisfaction in having only two bricks left on completion.
†5. transitive. Cf. to take forth 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.
a. To learn (a lesson). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > [verb (transitive)]
learnc900
undernimc1000
lerec1220
knowc1390
apprehenda1398
geta1400
learna1400
to take forth1530
to take out1550
1550 R. Sherry Treat. Schemes & Tropes sig. K.iiiv He shuld..take out that whiche they taught well.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Eng. 31/2 in Chron. I He must turne the leafe, and take out a new lesson.
1629 J. Earle Micro-cosmogr. (ed. 5) xxix. sig. F6v He hath taken out as many lessons of the world, as dayes.
1665 R. Boyle Disc. ii. ii, in Occas. Refl. sig. C1v From Ethical or Theological Composures, to take out Lessons that may improve the Mind.
1728 H. Bridges tr. M. de Cervantes Coll. Select Novels vi. 319 Tho' the Day began to break, Lewis would take out a Lesson not to loose Time.
b. With direct and indirect object: to teach (a lesson) to (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > teaching > [verb (transitive)] > teach (a thing)
to teach a thing971
learnc1175
kena1225
informa1393
showa1400
informc1400
precept?a1475
instruct?1520
to take forth1530
to take out1586
grind1815
1586 S. Bredwell Detection E. Glouers Hereticall Confection 120 Your teacher since that hath taken you out a contrarie lesson, if you marke it well.
1607 F. Beaumont Woman Hater iii. iii. sig. H I dare doe more then this, if a bee a the true Court cut; Ile take him out a lesson worth the learning.
1642 Strangling Great Turk in Harl. Misc. (1745) IV. 37 The Discipline of War must take you out other Lessons of Fury.
6. transitive.
a. To conduct (a partner) from a group of people in order to dance; to dance with (a chosen partner). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > ball or dance > take part in ball [verb (transitive)] > lead out partner
to take out1604
to take out1604
to lead out1859
1604 S. Daniel Vision 12 Goddesses sig. A9 The Graces againe sang to the Musicke of the Temple, and prepared to take out the Lords to daunce.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. iv. 98 I were vnmannerly to take you out, And not to kisse you. View more context for this quotation
1665 S. Pepys Diary 13 Apr. (1972) VI. 79 When the company begin to dance, I came away, lest I should be taken out.
1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison IV. xvi. 127 The Earl took me out: But we had hardly done, when..he and all but my cousins and Emily, called out for Sir Charles to dance with me.
1772 Town & Country Mag. Jan. 15/2 A gentleman was taken with her figure, took her out to dance, and..hinted an inclination to be more particularly acquainted with her.
1822 R. Edridge Scrinium II. 32 The little thing is so set up now she has been led about the room by my Lord, that she thinks no untitled hand worthy to take her out.
1866 Catholic World Mar. 819/2 He tould me, Miss Winny, that he was to take you out for the first dance yourself.
1903 Pall Mall Mag. July 312/2 ‘Monsieur de Boduel, you shall lead me to dance if you will.’ ‘Madam, I shall.’ He took her out with no more ceremony, and acquitted himself gaily.
1952 M. Laski Village ii. 41 Delighted to see you honouring our festivities, young lady. May I ask your permission to take you out for the first dance.
b.
(a) To take (a person) to a public place for purposes of pleasure or entertainment. Also: to take (an animal) outside for exercise.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > ball or dance > take part in ball [verb (transitive)] > lead out partner
to take out1604
to take out1604
to lead out1859
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > outing or excursion > take on outing or excursion [verb (transitive)]
to take out1726
maroon1855
1652 C. Cotterell tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Cassandra i. ii. 37 She would have absolutely discovered her self, if Prince Artaxerxes..had not come to take her out to daunce; or if when he brought her back to her place, he had not sate discoursing with them all the rest of that Evening.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. iv. 71 Her Governess frequently took her out to see the Town or go among the Shops.
1788 E. Inchbald Such Things Are iii. i. 37 Do you mean to take him out to dinner with us?
1811 J. Austen Let. 29 May (1995) 187 Mrs Welby takes her out airing in her Barouche.
1877 Scribner's Monthly 15 65/1 He had even promised to take her out on the ice.
1893 J. Ashby-Sterry Naughty Girl ii. 23 It was awfully good of you to take the children out, Charlie.
1908 Law Times 17 Oct. 580/1 It is the barman's duty to take the dog out for a morning walk and to tie it up on his return.
1983 J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses (1999) I. 3rd Ser. Episode 6. 182 Let's say I take you out and buy you a big slap up meal, eh?
2001 Cosmopolitan Dec. 148/1 After a nasty breakup, some friends took me out to drown my sorrows.
(b) Chiefly of a man: to go on a date with (a person); (also) to be seeing (a person) regularly as a romantic partner. Cf. to go out 2i at go v. Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1894 H. G. Wells in Monticello (Iowa) Express 4 Oct. 3/3 I had eaten nothing all day, and a little chap taking his girl out gave me a sixpence to show off. Thank heaven for vanity!
1905 Longman's Mag. June 151 Taking a girl out comes expensive.
1944 Life 3 July 71/3 About 10 days went by before he took Mary out, and then he got two other fellows to take their wives along as cover-up for his embarrassment and uneasiness.
1970 R. Thorp & R. Blake Music of their Laughter 113/1 Some of the girls give me grief, like one girl I was talking about, that I was taking out like for a month.
2009 K. Shaw Romance Backstage iv. 27 I'd like to take you out again, sometime.
†c. To challenge (a person) to a duel. Cf. to call out 4a at call v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > fight (a battle, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > challenge to single combat or duel
appealc1400
becallc1400
bid1487
challenge1598
to call out1671
to take out1749
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. xiii. 113 When a Matter can't be made up, as in Case of a Blow, the sooner you take him out the better.
1798 Scots Mag. July 341/2 A person had reduced his pistol to so great a certainty, that at the distance of ten yards he could snuff his candle: this, however, did not prevent a very bulky man from taking him out.
1862 H. Kingsley Ravenshoe II. xxi. 253 I have fought a duel, too. A Yankee Doodle got it into his head that he might be impertinent to Adelaide; so I took him out and shot him.
d. Of a man: to escort (a female guest) into dinner. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > take (a lady) to dinner
to take down1834
to take out1853
to take in1863
1853 Peterson's Mag. Oct. 196/2 Supper was announced, and Philip took me out.
1880 A. Trollope Duke's Children ii. xx. 240 It was of course contrived at dinner that Lord Popplecourt should take out Lady Mary.
1905 J. H. Choate Let. 27 Jan. in E. S. Martin Life J. H. Choate (1920) II. viii. 272 The King took Mama out to dinner.
1913 in C. Seymour Intimate Papers Col. House (1926) I. vii. 188 He considered taking a duchess or royalty out to dinner was hard sledding.
7. transitive. To get (a licence, writ, or summons) issued; to apply for and obtain (a document or service).In quot. 1607 with direct and indirect object.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal document > [verb (transitive)] > issue officially > obtain document
purchasea1325
to take out1607
1607 T. Middleton Phoenix sig. F No, no I say, if it bee for defect of Apparance, take me out a speciall Significauit.
1633 (title) A proclamation restraining the abusive venting of tobacco.., that retailers must take out a license.
1673 in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 93 Ye vacating their charter, & forcing them to take out a new one.
1687 Bp. G. Burnet Contin. Refl. Mr. Varillas's Hist. Heresies 76 The Bishops were obliged to take out new Commissions from the King..for holding their Bishopricks.
1726 G. Berkeley Let. 27 Jan. in Wks. (1871) IV. 123 I have not yet taken out letters of administration.
1792 Times 15 Mar. 2/1 No person should sell Wines of any kind by retail, to be drank in his own house, unless he took out a License for selling Ale and Beer.
1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 iii. 351 Patents have been recently taken out for supposed improvements.
1892 Sat. Rev. 30 Apr. 497/1 [He] took out a summons against him.
1930 B.B.C. Year-bk. 1931 25 During the summer period.., the average number of new licences taken out each month..was in excess of 20,000.
1967 A. Djoleto Strange Man i. 9 He had no bank account... Therefore he couldn't ask for an overdraft or take out a loan.
1991 Which? May 279/2 In general we wouldn't recommend taking out a deferred-interest mortgage.
2004 S. Townsend Adrian Mole & Weapons of Mass Destr. (2005) 163 I'm currently being harassed by swans. Is it possible to take an injunction out against them?
†8. transitive.
a. To utter, give vent to. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)] > give expression to
sayOE
talkc1275
soundc1386
outc1390
shedc1420
utterc1445
conveya1568
discharge1586
vent1602
dicta1605
frame1608
voice1612
pass?1614
language1628
ventilate1637
to give venta1640
vend1657
clothe1671
to take out1692
to give mouth to1825
verbalize1840
to let out1853
vocalize1872
1692 J. Dryden All for Love (new ed.) Pref. sig. b3v He took out his laughter which he had stiffled.
b. To read or expound (a text) in church. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > publishing or spreading abroad > publish or spread abroad [verb (transitive)]
sowc888
blowc1275
dispeple1297
to do abroadc1300
fame1303
publyc1350
defamea1382
publisha1382
open?1387
proclaima1393
slandera1400
spreada1400
abroachc1400
throwc1400
to give outa1425
promote?a1425
noisec1425
publicc1430
noisec1440
divulgea1464
to put outc1475
skail1487
to come out witha1500
bruit1525
bruita1529
to bear out1530
divulgate1530
promulgate1530
propale?1530
ventilate1530
provulgate1535
sparple1536
sparse1536
promulge1539
disperse1548
publicate1548
forthtell1549
hurly-burly?1550
propagate1554
to set abroada1555
utter1561
to set forth1567
blaze1570
evulgate1570
scatter1576
rear?1577
to carry about1585
pervulgate1586
celebrate?1596
propalate1598
vent1602
evulge1611
to give forth1611
impublic1628
ventilate1637
disseminate1643
expose1644
emit1650
to put about1664
to send abroad1681
to get abroad1688
to take out1697
advertise1710
forward1713
to set abouta1715
circulate1780
broadcast1829
vent1832
vulgate1851
debit1879
float1883
1697 G. Burghope Disc. Relig. Assemblies 6 This sort seldom frequent the Church, if there be no Sermon, nor care they for the Prayers at all..; but they will take care to come before the Text is taken out, hear as Criticks, and Judges of what is said; and then they go home and Repeat, Censure and Comment, as they think the Preacher deserves.
9. intransitive. U.S.
a. To go away, make off, start out. Cf. to take off 10a at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)] > set out
forthfarec888
foundOE
seta1000
to go forthOE
to fare forthc1200
partc1230
to pass forthc1325
to take (the) gatec1330
to take the wayc1330
to take one's waya1375
puta1382
treunt?a1400
movec1400
depart1490
prepare?1518
to set forth1530
to set forward(s)1530
busklea1535
to make out1558
to take forth1568
to set out1583
sally1590
start1591
to go off1600
to put forth1604
to start outa1626
intend1646
to take the road1720
to take one's foot in one's hand1755
to set off1774
to get off1778
to set away1817
to take out1855
to haul out1866
to hit the trail (less commonly the grit, pike, road, etc.)1873
to hit, split or take the breeze1910
hop1922
1855 in Contrib. Hist. Soc. Montana (1940) X. 137 I took out in order to give them the slip.
1896 ‘M. Twain’ in Harper's Mag. Aug. 355/1 Out jumps four men and took out up the road as tight as they could go.
1929 W. Faulkner Sound & Fury 310 They'll have to hitch up and take out to get home by midnight.
1938 M. K. Rawlings Yearling i. 11 How come you to take out such a fur piece?
2008 J. A. Smith Assassination Arrow xii. 84 Clovis took out up the hill as fast as he could go.
b. to take out after: to pursue, especially with hostile intent; to go after.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] > pursue
followOE
driveOE
to go after ——OE
to come after——c1275
pursuec1300
suec1300
catcha1325
chasec1330
enchasec1380
to pursue aftera1387
ensuea1513
subsecute1548
prosecute1549
jass1577
course1587
to make after ——a1592
scorse1596
chevya1825
to take out after1865
shag1913
1865 ‘M. Twain’ in N.Y. Sat. Press 18 Nov. 249/3 He set the frog down and took out after that feller, but he never ketched him.
1923 Boys' Life Sept. 16/3 Suppose those men take out after us, they can catch up with us, easy.
1954 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald-Jrnl. 8 Dec. 30/2 The soon to be eclipsed Senator..took out after the President personally. The senator feels the President is personally responsible for his troubles.
1990 P. Matthiessen Killing Mister Watson (1991) 269 She screeched at Cox for a yeller-bellied dog, and Cox grabbed up his gun and took out after her.
2012 Washington Post (Nexis) 12 June a17 The sort of mass law-breaking not seen since Richard Nixon took out after commies, liberals..and, of course, leakers.
10. transitive and intransitive. Bridge. To remove (one's partner) from a particular situation by bidding a different suit or no trumps (frequently with into, specifying the new suit); to respond to (a partner's double) in this way. Cf. to take out of —— 8 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics
declare1895
promote1899
to lead up to1911
to take out1918
squeeze1926
push1927
spread1929
cash1934
overtake1939
underlead1945
finesse1960
1918 E. Bergholt Royal Auction Bridge (ed. 2) 88 How am I to know..whether you are taking me out from strength or from weakness?
1933 San Marino (Calif.) Tribune 3 Feb. 4/1 If you take out into another suit, take out as low as possible.
1956 V. Mollo & N. Gardener Bridge for Beginners vii. 75 Responder may have a feeble five or six-card suit and nothing else. Then he takes out the double.
1977 Homes & Gardens Feb. 14 Most players would take their partners out into Four Hearts on both of these hands.
2008 B. Seagram & L. Lee Beginning Bridge ix. 146 We don't want to penalize the opponents; rather, we want partner to ‘take out’ the double by bidding another suit or notrump.
 to take over
1. transitive.
a. To convey across; to carry over; to transport.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > across
overcarrya1382
to set overc1540
to put over1569
to take over1573
traject1635
put1636
cross1804
to pass over1832
to get across1909
1573 T. Twyne in T. Phaer & T. Twyne tr. Virgil Whole .xii. Bks. Æneidos vi. sig. Pv Sibylla had refused to take him ouer vnto the farther shore, which he requested.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 584/1 Hee tooke ouer with him inestimable treasure as it was reported, in golde, syluer, and iewels.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxx. 771 The Romane Commissioners should take over with them into Affricke unto Scipio two hundred of those captives.
1698 D. Jones Theatre of Wars 26 He raised most of his Horse in France; he took over with him his Son the Prince of Wales, then but 15 years Old.
1766 S. R. Scott Hist. Sir George Ellison II. ii. 144 Mr. Ellison had desired Mr. Maningham to take over one or two assistants with him.
1792 T. Holcroft Anna St. Ives II. xx. 24 Sir Arthur took over his own carriage; otherwise this first of inns in the universe would not have furnished him with one, but on condition of its being purchased.
1806 M. J. Young Mem. Mrs. Crouch 168 Among the many introductory letters which Mr. and Miss Phillips took over with them to persons of consequence in Dublin, was one from the celebrated Doctor Johnson.
1891 Oakland (Calif.) Daily Evening Tribune 25 Apr. 1/6 The presidential party will be taken over on a special boat.
1932 W. E. Johns Camels are Coming ii. 35 Agents..are usually taken over by aircraft; sometimes they drop by parachute and sometimes we land them.
1955 G. Grigson Englishman's Flora 328 Either for medicine or still for brewing, or both, Alehoof was taken over to New England.
2011 E. Cook Wishes for Beginners vi. 44 We'll pack up a box of cupcakes you can take over with you.
b. To adopt (an idea, practice, etc.) from a person, place, or thing; spec. to borrow (a word or phrase) from a foreign language.
ΚΠ
1842 T. Marshall Dutch Gram. 2 These letters..are only met with in some proper names or words taken over from other languages.
1891 J. Moorhouse Dangers of Apostolic Age 120 The Phrygians..took over ideas and influences from the hot South of a terribly demoralizing character.
1897 F. E. Warren Liturgy & Ritual Ante-Nicene Church iv. 239 The practice was taken over from the Jewish Church.
1922 Musical Times 1 Aug. 545/1 In his time methods taken over from the trumpet were applied to the horn.
1931 Jrnl. Eng. & Germanic Philol. 30 148 Such a form glīsis can come from an older form glēas if we assume that the Letts took the word over from the Goths.
1958 A. Hauser Social Hist. Art vii. 1 The idea of publishing a novel in serial form..comes from Véron... Buloz takes the idea over from him.
1993 Philos. Issues 4 21 Aristotle..took this approach over from Plato.
2009 P. Heather Empires & Barbarians ii. 74 Amber is one of few loan words taken over from Germanic languages into Latin.
2.
a. transitive. To assume control or ownership of (something) from or after another. Also in extended use: to dominate, overrun.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take over
to take toa1250
to take over1618
to take on1849
society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > assume control and possession of
to take over1618
adopt1803
to take on1849
1618 J. Wilkinson Treat. Statutes conc. Coroners & Sherifes ii. f. 5 A Sherife..must take ouer from the old Sheriffe his predecessor, all his prisoners, and writs.
1789 G. Craufurd Enq. Situation of East India Company 31 Taking over the Company's forts and territories in India.
1884 A. Forbes Chinese Gordon ii. 36 The army whose command he took over in its headquarters.
1890 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Suspense I. viii. 166 Brenda took over all the smaller household duties.
1904 Daily Chron. 16 July 7/3 The operating company is to take over the tunnel before the end of the month.
1974 J. Wainwright Evid. I shall Give xxiv. 120 Whitby... A fishing community, taken over by day-trippers.
1983 B. A. K. Rider Insider Trading i. 45 Harris & Sheldon's lift division was subsequently taken over by Otis Elevator Company.
2004 N.Y. Mag. 9 Aug. 33/1 The more ideological among them believe that when the Cold War ended, it was America's duty to take over the world.
b. intransitive. To assume control or ownership of something; to prevail, predominate. Frequently in to take over from: to take the place of, relieve, succeed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > substitute [verb (transitive)] > at work
relieve?1576
spell1595
to give a spell1750
to keep or take spell1828
to take over from1916
1867 Irish Times 6 Dec. 3/9 A small party of the 2nd Battalion..arrived yesterday at Ship street Barracks, from Belfast, for the purpose of taking over on their being vacated by the 48th regiment.
1883 J. W. Buxton Elem. Mil. Admin. iii. 117 The Commissariat officer and the officer taking over on behalf of the Commanding Officer compare previously prepared inventory boards.
1916 ‘B. Cable’ Action Front 234 Riley..explained the position to the subaltern who took over from him.
1946 D. C. Peattie Road of Naturalist (U.K. ed.) i. 20 A ranker, branching dandelion took over from the desert dandelions.
1967 Spectator 14 July 53/2 Permanent homes are no longer necessities and a bed-sit mentality has taken over.
1994 P. Baker Blood Posse ii. 15 We just can't let them roll in and take over, right?
2007 Independent 26 Feb. (Extra section) 5/2 He was one of two executives battling to take over from the current Citigroup chief executive.
c. transitive. Business. To gain control of (a company); to buy out, acquire.
ΚΠ
1874 Money Market Rev. 31 Oct. 507/2 He contributed much, by his energy, to gain for the proprietors that large amount of compensation they received when the Company was taken over by the Government.
1926 Times 15 July 27/5 The British Broadcasting Corporation..would take over the British Broadcasting Company as a going concern with all its assets.
1965 J. F. Bradley Admin. Financial Managem. xxviii. 577 If Company A and Company B are to merge, Company A might take over Company B.
1990 J. K. Galbraith Financial Euphoria (1993) ii.20 In the 1980s..corporate raiders..issued bonds in great volume against the credit of the companies being taken over.
2010 Independent 20 Apr. 2/3 The ‘firm’, as it [sc. Goldman Sachs] has become known, is usually the first port of call for any company contemplating taking over a rival.
 to take through
intransitive. Chiefly with to. To conduct or carry (an enterprise, undertaking, etc.) successfully to completion or on to the next level.
ΚΠ
1893 I. Atwater Hist. Minneapolis xiii. 321 [The men]..came into the enterprise at a critical point in its life, and are taking it through to a grand conclusion.
1922 Printers' Ink 27 July 101/2 It is better to drive ahead with one central theme, taking it through to its conclusion without deviations and side excursions, than to split up attention into various small zones.
1987 P. Angadi Highly Flavoured Ladies (1989) xxii. 251 Things were on an even keel now, and should be taken through from there.
2012 Sunday Times (Nexis) 26 Feb. (Business section) 5 This arrangement has allowed it [sc. the company] to..spend more time scouring universities and smaller biotech firms for novel technology that it can license and take through to launch.
 to take till
Obsolete.
transitive. To undertake, begin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]
underfoc893
fandOE
onfangOE
undernimc1000
takec1175
to take tillc1175
to take toa1250
underfongc1330
undertakea1340
to take in (also on) handa1350
undertakec1385
attamec1386
to take in (also on) handc1390
embrace1393
emprisec1410
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to go upon ——c1450
enterprise?1473
to set (one's) hand to1477
go?a1500
accept1524
assume1530
to hent in (also upon) handc1540
to swallow up1544
to take to task1546
to go into ——?1548
to set in hand1548
to fare about1563
entertain1569
undergo1606
to set about ——1611
to take up1660
to come at ——1901
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 17246 Tær iss þa þatt illke mann..wharrfedd. Fra flæsh till gast..& takeþþ till wiþþ bliþe mod. Gastlike lif to ledenn.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14114 (MED) O mani thing sco [sc. Mary] tok til an, Wit-vten quam es beute nan.
 to take to
1. transitive. To take in hand, to take charge of; esp. to undertake the care of (a child). Now rare (English regional (west midlands and southern) in later use).In some quots., use with the adverb to is not readily distinguishable from an equivalent use with the preposition to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]
underfoc893
fandOE
onfangOE
undernimc1000
takec1175
to take tillc1175
to take toa1250
underfongc1330
undertakea1340
to take in (also on) handa1350
undertakec1385
attamec1386
to take in (also on) handc1390
embrace1393
emprisec1410
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to go upon ——c1450
enterprise?1473
to set (one's) hand to1477
go?a1500
accept1524
assume1530
to hent in (also upon) handc1540
to swallow up1544
to take to task1546
to go into ——?1548
to set in hand1548
to fare about1563
entertain1569
undergo1606
to set about ——1611
to take up1660
to come at ——1901
the mind > possession > taking > take [verb (transitive)] > take over
to take toa1250
to take over1618
to take on1849
a1250 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Titus) (1940) 49 He wile carien for hire þat ha haued itaken to of al þat hire biheoueð.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xxvi.10 My fader and my moder forsoken me; the Lord forsothe hath take me to [L. collegit me].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 5639 Þis wommon bleþely toke þer-to [Vesp. it vnder-fang] & fedde hit [sc. the child].
?a1425 in D. Knoop & G. P. Jones Mediæval Mason (1933) 262 (MED) That the mayster take to no prentysse, But he have good seuerans to dwelle Seven ȝer with hym.
1863 C. Kingsley Water-babies v. 199 All the little children whom the good fairies take to, because their cruel mothers and fathers will not.
1890 S. S. Buckman John Darke's Sojourn in Cotteswolds ii. 9 Very good it wur o' the parson to take to the child.
1896 G. F. Northall Warwickshire Word-bk. 235 I'm gooin' to tek to Sarah's little boy, now the father's dead.
†2. transitive. To assume, take up. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > adopt as one's own
to take toa1382
to take up?c1425
adoptate1560
adopt1586
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1959) Gen. xxxviii. 14 Þe which þe cloþeȝ of wydowhede don down, toke to [L. assumpsit] a roket.
a1425 (c1384) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) Ezek. iv. 6 Thou shalt take to [L.V. take; L. assumes] the wickidnes of the hows of Juda.
3. transitive (in passive). English regional. To be taken aback; to be put out of countenance.
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
1862 Mrs. H. Wood Channings III. v. 68 ‘You will have to do it, though, sir,’ thundered Mr. Galloway... Mr Roland, somewhat taken to, dropped his head and the wafer-box together.
1872 Argosy Sept. 183 Mr. T. might possibly have been slightly taken to.., but there was no symptom of it in his voice.
1881 Time June 270 I was that took to when the gentleman looked so stern..that I told him the whole truth.
1907 Country Life 20 July 98/2 Thou'rt a bit takken to, poor lad.
1914 Living Age 2 May 281/1 He had looked a bit ‘takken-to’..when he saw how ‘undone’ she was. But it was Alty's turn to look ‘takken-to’ when she encountered Royton.
 to take together
†1. transitive. To summon up, gather (one's strength or some other inner resource). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > gather together [verb (transitive)]
somnec825
heapc900
gathera975
samc1000
to set togetherc1275
fang1340
assemblec1374
recueilc1380
drawa1393
to draw togethera1398
semblea1400
congatherc1400
congregatec1400
to take together1490
recollect1513
to gather togetherc1515
to get together1523
congesta1552
confer1552
collect1573
ingatherc1575
ramass1586
upgather1590
to muster upa1593
accrue1594
musterc1595
compone1613
herd1615
contract1620
recoil1632
comporta1641
rally1643
rendezvous1670
purse1809
adduct1824
to round up1873
reeve1876
to pull together1925
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xix. 429 But he toke togyder his strengthes, & stode vpryghte.
2. transitive. To consider (two or more things) together or as a whole. Cf. sense 63a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)] > view in a certain way > consider together
to take together1623
1623 E. Culverwell Treat. Faith iii. 295 Faith, trust and hope (which three..bee vsually contained one within another, and so we will take them together).
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iv. 258 Plato in his Cratylus taking these Two Words, Ζήνα and Διά, both together, etymologizeth them as one.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela IV. xv. 107 Numps, his Son, is a Character, take it all together, quite out of Nature and Probability.
1767 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 48/2 If Mr. Locke's whole definition of prerogative is taken together and fairly expounded, it will be found he perfectly agrees with what other sound constitutionalists have said.
1850 W. C. Fowler Eng. Gram. vi. x. 568 The two sentences taken together constitute a co-ordinate compound sentence.
1862 C. S. Calverley Verses & Transl. 80 And I think, take all together, John, I won't be on with you.
a1933 J. A. Thomson Biol. for Everyman (1934) II. 1307 The cerebellum and the pons taken together form the hind-brain.
1977 Science 30 Sept. 1341/2 Taking all features together it seems that the Falkland Island wolf was either a relic of a domesticated form of Dusicyon or a feral hybrid.
2001 J. Coe Rotters' Club (2002) 39 Today, taken together, the scribbled message and this putrid leaflet served to depress him profoundly.
 to take up
1. transitive.
a. To take (something) out of the ground or from a settled position in order to remove it; to pull or tear up.In quot. 1633 used intransitively in the progressive with passive meaning: (of a meal) to be cleared away.
ΚΠ
c1300 Holy Cross (Laud) l. 235 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 8 Huy [sc. þreo smale ȝerdene] stoden longue þare, and euere-more grene..; he tok hem op with gret honour and in faire cloþe heom wond.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xvi With his rake and his sickle taketh vp the barley or otes and layeth them vpon the bande.
1543 More's Hist. Richard III in Chron. J. Hardyng f. lxxxiv Some saie that kyng Rychard caused ye preest to take theim vp & close..theim in a coffine.
1566 in Trans. Leics. Archit. & Archaeol. Soc. (1874) 3 232 Certaine grave stonnes which wee were faine to take up of our church flower, and when the alters were taken downe we paved theim againe.
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts i. ii. sig. B4v 'Tis not twelue a clocke yet, Nor dinner taking vp.
1636 E. Pagitt Christianographie (ed. 2) iii. 93 To take up the body of Edith..and to shrine it.
1663 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders 98 Rogues have taken up the causey or pavement before a doore.
1712 J. Henley tr. F. Vacca in tr. B. de Montfaucon Trav. Italy xiii. 203 Workmen..took up a Marble Table Stone, which stuck to the Wall in the nature of casing.
1797 Communications to Board of Agric. I. iii. xv. 189 The greatest part of the turnpike road, two and a half miles in length, has been taken up, new modelled, and repaved.
1808 C. Vancouver Gen. View Agric. Devon i. 58 A slate formerly taken up at East Alwington, and exported under the name of Holland blues.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. II. 328 The carpet was taken up.
1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 ii. 229 The turnips were taken up and carted.
1912 D. Knoop Princ. & Methods Munic. Trading ii. 44 The laying down of wires, where the underground system was adopted, necessitated taking up the streets.
1937 Proc. Royal Irish Acad. 1935–7 C. 43 88 The body..was taken up and reburied in this chamber.
2000 J. Barnes Love, Etc. (2002) xvii. 187 Nothing they like better than breaking down your front door at five in the morning and taking up the floorboards.
b. To lift or raise from the ground or any low position; to pick up. Also: to lift or raise (something hanging down). Now somewhat archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > make to go up or cause to rise [verb (transitive)] > lift or take up
aheaveeOE
to reach upOE
to draw upOE
bearc1225
upnimc1290
to take upc1330
upholda1400
lutchc1400
hovec1480
upweigha1593
lift1596
poise1689
to up with1825
c1330 Sir Orfeo (Auch.) (1966) l. 550 (MED) Adoun he fel aswon to grounde; His barouns him tok vp in þat stounde.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John v. 9 The man is maad hool, and took vp his bed, and wandride.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3064 (MED) Drightin has herd þi barn cri, Rise and tak it up for-þi.
c1425 (c1400) Prymer (Cambr.) (1895) 9 Þi riȝthond took me vp.
1526 W. Bonde Rosary sig. Ciii The chyldren..take vp stones and clay, and dyd throwe them.
?1537 T. Elyot Castell of Helthe ii. xxxiii. f. 50 Stoupynge and rysynge often tyme, or lyftynge great weightes, takynge up plummettes or other lyke..these do exercyse the backe and loines.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 278[287] The Garter..which fell from her as shee daunced, and the King tooke up from the floore.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. iii. 35 The Priest let fall the booke, And as he stoop'd againe to take it vp [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1686 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Staffs. viii. 294 He only took him up by the wastband of his breeches, and hung him upon one of the hooks in the shambles.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 94 Ten Men with Poles took up one of the Canoes, and made nothing to carry it.
1794 R. Fitzpatrick Occas. Prol. 4 Here the Iron Curtain is taken up, and discovers the Statue of Shakspeare.
1844 Hood's Mag. May 414 Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care.
1871 Tichborne Romance (ed. 2) 373 When she took up her veil, did you then say, ‘It is my aunt Nangle’?
1890 Universal Rev. Feb. 232 Martin..had taken up a stone to throw at him.
1915 W. Cather Song of Lark ii. iv. 192 He..took up the nut-crackers and a Brazil nut.
1958 P. G. Wodehouse Cocktail Time xxi. 174 He took up the receiver... ‘I hear you've been trying to get me. What's your trouble?’
2010 E. George This Body of Death xvii. 349 The book he picked up and opened. A card fell out and he bent to take it up from the floor.
c. To raise or lift (a part of one's body). Now rare (in later use frequently of a horse or other animal).
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by speed or gait > [verb (transitive)] > lift up (feet)
to take up1740
throw1827
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 15227 Vp he toke his holy hond: & ȝaf þe benesoun.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 249 Rycharde that lay a grounde thus wounded..toke up his hede, and sayd [etc.].
?1530 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry (rev. ed.) f. viv Whan thou takest vp thy ryght fote than cast thy pees fro the all abrode.
1566 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure I. ix. f.24v The poore man..ranne to a Riuer called Cyrus, & taking vp bothe his handes full of water, spake to the kyng in this wise [etc.]
1616 G. Markham Cheape & Good Husbandry (rev. ed.) i. ii. 30 Taking vp his fore-legs from the ground both together, and bringing his hinder feete into their place.
1688 London Gaz. No. 2353/4 He takes up his Legs behind when he walks, as if he had the String-halt.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. ii. 73 He steps boldly, and takes up his Fore-Feet pretty high.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones II. ix. ii. 297 He therefore took up his Legs, which were at Liberty, and walked off thro' the Wood. View more context for this quotation
1829 A. Jamieson Dict. Mech. Sci. (new ed.) I. 160/2 When he gallops, he takes up his feet one by one, and sets them down one by one.
1850 S. T. Rand Short Statem. Facts Micmac Tribe of Indians i. 16 A woman must never step across them. ‘Take up your feet,’ she will say to him when she wishes to pass.
1980 Res. Afr. Lit. 11 177 The deer was full of ticks, and a tick bit him. He stopped, took up his hind leg, and scratched his head.
d. In extended use with reference to the function of the object taken up: to begin to make use of, to employ. to take up one's pen: to begin or proceed to write. to take up a book: to begin or proceed to read.See also to take (up) arms at arms n. Phrases 1b, to take up the cudgels at cudgel n. 2, to take up the hatchet at hatchet n. Phrases 2b.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > [verb (intransitive)] > begin writing
to put (also set) pen to paper1532
to take up one's pen1621
c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 355 Þay waged batayle & cast doun her gloues; & þanne þey were take vp and seled.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccci. 445 Caste downe your gage in that quarell, and ye shall fynde him that shall take it vp.
1578 T. Cooper Thesaurus (new ed.) Librum aut aliud aliquid colligere, to take vp a booke.
1621 T. W. in tr. S. Goulart Wise Vieillard sig. Aijv I tooke up my Pen againe, and at starts and tymes finished it.
a1632 T. Taylor God's Judgem. (1642) i. i. vii. 15 So..foolish hardy as to take up armour.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 514. ⁋1 Not finding my self inclined to sleep, I took up Virgil to divert me.
1745 E. Haywood Female Spectator IV. xxiv. 383 They will needs have us take up the Pen again, and promise to furnish us with a Variety of Topics yet untouched upon.
1824 R. Southey Life (1850) v. 177 Taking up a book for five or ten minutes.
1867 ‘G. Greenwood’ Stories of Many Lands 182 I lived in ease and plenty, never taking up a spade but for devarsion.
1882 J. Stirling tr. E. Zola Mad Love ix. 141 She..was so tired at night that she had not the courage to take up a needle.
1965 Newsweek 4 Oct. 80/1 It has all been enough to drive the homeowner to take up the paintbrush and the plunger himself.
1976 Early Music 4 382 Those chemists, doctors, and income tax inspectors who at leisure took up their lutes, viols, recorders and crumhorns to participate in consort music.
2007 J. D. Houston Bird of Another Heaven (2008) 289 When at last she took up her pen again, her writing had begun to change.
†e. To abandon (a siege) by withdrawing the besieging forces; = raise v.1 29a. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > action or state of siege or blockade > besiege or blockade [verb (transitive)] > abandon (siege) > raise (siege)
removea1387
remue?a1400
raise1490
to take up1490
araisea1500
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiii. 493 Charlemagne..receyved theim honourably, and toke vp his siege, and went agen to parys.
†f. to take up the table: to remove the board forming the top of a table (see table n. 6c); (hence) to clear the table after a meal. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > serving food > removal of dishes > [verb (intransitive)] > clear table
to draw the boardc1330
to draw the clothc1330
to draw the tablec1330
to take awaya1475
to take up the tablea1513
to take off1599
to clear away1711
clear1914
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. xvi. sig. f.iv The mynysters were redy, theyr offyce to fulfyll To take vp the tables, at theyr lordes wyll.
c1565 Adambel Clym of Cloughe & Wyllyam of Cloudesle (Copland) sig. C.iiv Take vp the table anone he bad For I may eate no more.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxi. f. 27 The table being taken vp, the Ambassador..entred into the pauilion.
1612 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes Don-Quixote: Pt. 1 i. iv. vi. 358 Dinner being ended, and the table taken vp.
2. transitive.
a. In Christian contexts: to cause to ascend into heaven; to convey to heaven. Cf. assume v. 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > deity > heaven > [verb (transitive)] > convey to or place in
ravishc1330
to take upc1384
reavea1400
rap1599
ensphere1615
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark xvi. 19 Lord Jhesu..is takun vp in to heuene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17547 Þat helias, in ald dais, Was taken up als vnto heuen.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts i. 9 Whyll they behelde he was taken vp, and a cloude receaued hym vp out of their sight.
1572 J. Bridges tr. R. Gwalther Hundred, Threescore & Fiftene Homelyes vppon Actes Apostles vi. 46 Eusebius in his Chronicles sayth, she was assumpted or taken vp into heauen.
1601 S. I. Certaine Godlie & Learned Serm. f. 128v Hee whom no man regarded in his life, the Angels tooke him vppe after death.
1656 R. Baxter Reformed Pastor 21 To take us up into heaven,..while we think of no such matter, but are routing in the earth.
1742 J. Wesley & C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems ii. 158 He removes the Flaming Sword, Calls us back, from Eden driven, To His Image here restor'd, Soon He takes us up to Heaven.
1856 Catholic Layman 18 Jan. 2/2 Elijah.., whom God took up into heaven in a chariot of fire.
1879 M. E. Braddon Vixen II. xii. 220 He has been with you an age. Mortals who are taken up to Paradise seldom stay so long.
1957 Novum Testamentum 2 21 For this he was taken up to eternal glory by extraordinary means.
2003 W. Berg & M. Harris Polarity Magic xiii. 341 Galahad,..whose useless piety soon had him quit the quagmire of earth to be taken up by God to the marbled halls of heaven.
b. To bring (a horse or other animal) from pasture into a stable or stall, esp. for the winter. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > herding, pasturing, or confining > [verb (transitive)] > place in house, stall, etc.
stall1390
to take up1482
to put up1607
cote1630
shed1850
lair1890
1482 R. Cely Let. 26 Sept. in Cely Lett. (1975) 177 Lette hym [sc. a horse] ron in a parke tyll Hallontyd, and then take hym wpe and ser hym, and lette hym stand in the dede of whyntter.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 128 Choose you a fayre day for the purpose, and taking them [sc. steers] vp, bring them into the stable.
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries f. 118v They were commaunded to take vp all their horses out of the medowes, and stable them in the Towne.
1674 C. Cotton Compl. Gamester xxxvi. 195 As soon as he is taken up, let him..stand all that night in some convenient dry place to empty his body.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xix. 184/2 Take vp your horse, is to take him from grasse to be kept in the stable.
1758 T. Hale et al. Compl. Body Husbandry (ed. 2) II. v. 21 At the approach of winter it is the custom to take up the horses, because the grass becomes short, and the season cold.
1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 75 Calves..are taken up at night about the latter end of October.
1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 394 Sixteen polled beasts..were taken up.
1904 Atlantic Reporter 56 315/2 A black stripe had been painted over the yellow stripe after the snow came and the sheep were taken up for the winter.
c. To lead, conduct, or carry to a higher place or position; spec. to take upstairs.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > to a higher place
sty1511
to take up1576
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance by carrying > transport or convey by carrying [verb (transitive)] > convey by carrying (of person)
carryc1400
to take up1576
tote1677
porter1791
1576 H. Gilbert Disc. Discov. New Passage Cataia To Rdr. sig. ¶¶ij He curteously tooke me vp into his Studie, and there shewed me sundrie profitable and verie commendable exercises.
1644 R. Vaughan Psalter of David cxxx. 353 Let the height of thy mercy take us up from the deep abysse of sin and misery.
1668 J. Jackson Index Biblicus Tobit sig. C/2 I start up, and took him up into a room, until the going down of the sun.
1730 Compl. Coll. State-trials (ed. 2) IV. 715/2 He took me up into his Chamber, and told me he believed they should ride out in some little Time.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. viii. 219 The taking up oysters from great depths..by Negro slaves.
1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece II. xiii. 165 When the victim was to be offered to the supreme God, it was taken up to the top of the highest hill.
1878 F. H. Hart Sazerac Lying Club 77 We took the fruit up to my cabin, and the boys got around and we divided them squar and even.
1915 H. L. Wilson Ruggles of Red Gap (1917) xvi. 282 I had the chink take him up about a gallon of strong tea.
1919 H. L. Wilson Ma Pettengill ii. 46 She took me up to her little bedroom to lay my things off and then down to the parlour.
1985 G. Barker Prehistoric Farming in Europe v. 114 The pigs remained here, whilst the rest of the stock were taken up to the alp for the summer.
1991 P. Grescoe Flesh Wound (1993) xvi. 157 Mr. O'Malley wanted to have some flowers to brighten up the room... Will you make sure a bellman takes them up immediately?
d. Of a pilot: to cause (an aeroplane) to become airborne; to fly (an aircraft).
ΚΠ
1910 N.Y. Times 16 Aug. 4/2 He hopes to take an aeroplane up before the end of the week.
1946 Flight & Aircraft Engineer 3 Oct. 354/1 The general public..are apt to think of him [sc. the test pilot]..as a dare-devil young man who takes his life in his hands every time he takes an aircraft up.
1989 A. Dillard Writing Life vii. 94 Each pilot took up his or her plane and performed a batch of tricks.
2010 D. Hollis Knifemaking with Bob Loveless 10/1 He wasn't about to let a fourteen-year-old kid take a plane up on his own.
3. transitive. To take (a person) into one's protection, patronage, or company; to adopt as a protégé.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > patronage > act as patron to [verb (transitive)]
to take upc1384
patronage1587
patronize1593
empatron1609
patron?1624
to take in tow1790
Maecenas1837
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > make friends with [verb (transitive)] > accept (a person) as a friend > receive or admit (someone) to society or friendship
underfo924
underfonga1175
to take upc1384
adopt1757
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke i. 54 He [MS And], hauynge mynde of his mercy, took vp Israel, his child.
1483 tr. Adam of Eynsham Reuelation xiv That worshipfull olde fader the whiche..had take me vp to be a felow with him of his wey.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 751/2 I take up, as a man taketh up his frende that maketh hym curtesye.
1641 Naunton's Fragmenta Regalia sig. B4 The blow falling on Edward the late Earle of Hartford, who to his costs tooke up the divorced Lady, of whom the Lord Beauchampe was borne.
1703 D. Defoe True-born Englishman (new ed.) ii, in True Coll. Writings 36 B—well..First took me up, and furnish'd me with Bread.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair li. 451 When the Countess of Fitz-Willis..takes up a person, he or she is safe.
1892 Black & White 10 Dec. 679/1 A great art patron took him up and he became ‘the fashion’.
1924 Sunday at Home Feb. 258/1 I am going to take you up and save you from frumpiness and spinsterhood.
1985 S. Hastings Nancy Mitford viii. 180 Nancy was mesmerised by Diana, who now took her up and into her innermost circle.
2001 Times 24 Nov. (Play section) 25/2 Anna has been taken up by a rich man and Claire has fallen for a younger woman.
4.
a. transitive. To begin to sing (a song, esp. a psalm or hymn); spec. (Scottish) to lead the singing of (a psalm) in church.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (transitive)] > begin to sing
to take upc1390
raise1595
mount1601
rear1785
society > faith > worship > church music > [verb (transitive)] > sing or chant > lead singing
set?c1450
to take up1577
line1853
hist1857
society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (transitive)] > precent
set?c1450
to take up1577
precent1639
tune1667
line1853
hist1857
c1390 in C. Horstmann Minor Poems Vernon MS (1892) i. 97 (MED) We han taken vp þe song Of Iubilacion.
c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) lxiv (MED) The birdis everichone Tuke vp an othir sang full loud and clere.
1531 G. Joye tr. Prophete Isaye xiv. sig. D.viiv Thou shalte take vp this lamentable songe agenste ye kinge of Babylon.
1577 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1882) IV. 60 The oulklie pentioun of ten schillingis appoynttit to Edwerd..Hendersoun, for all the dayis of his lyfe for taikin vp of the spalmes.
1610 Bible (Douay) II. Ezek. xxvi. 32 They shal take vp a mournful song vpon thee, and shal lament thee.
1637 in W. Cramond Ann. Cullen (1888) 39 To read in the kirk and take up the psalm every Sabbath.
1742 P. Delany Hist. Acct. Life & Reign David II. x. 128 Take up the song, and sing the same words, in a more tuneful and elaborate harmony.
1755 Scots Mag. July 359/2 Two or three shrill-voiced boys..had the boldness..to take up..a different tune from what they knew the precentor and the rest of the congregation were to sing.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Tak up ‘He tuke up the psalm in the kirk’, he acted as precentor.
1857 Evangelical Christendom 1 Oct. 361/1 The enemies of the Church..were preparing themselves to take up a song of triumph over its grave.
1909 W. V. Moody Faith Healer ii. 62 The shrill soprano of a negro woman is faintly heard, taking up a hymn.
1922 J. P. Peters Psalms as Liturgies i. 79 Then a precentor, inviting the people with a hallelu-yah, took up Psalms 135 and 136.
2009 J. E. Woods tr. I. Schulze New Lives 464 The throng had now taken up a hymn and formed a procession, with the reliquary carried solemnly before it.
b. transitive. To begin or commence (an action); esp. to begin to utter or express (laughter, lamentation, etc.). Now rare.In quot. 1689 with infinitive as object.See also to take up (one's) parable at parable n. Phrases.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)]
beginc1000
take?a1160
comsea1225
gina1325
commencec1330
tamec1386
to take upa1400
enterc1510
to stand to1567
incept1569
start1570
to set into ——1591
initiate1604
imprime1637
to get to ——1655
flesh1695
to start on ——1885
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > begin an action or fall to doing something
fangc888
goOE
fallc1175
to fall upon ——a1398
to take upa1400
fall?c1450
to fall out ina1555
get1751
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 15990 (MED) Þe cok toke vp his fliȝt.
c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 131 (MED) The Kyng his hondes lifte vp an hye and a grete laughter toke op.
a1500 Merchant & Son l. 103 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 139 The goste toke up a gresely grone, with fendys awey he glode.
1580 H. Gifford Posie of Gilloflowers sig. H The Gentlemen and other that were by, for the rarenes of the sight, tooke vp a great laughter.
a1610 J. Healey tr. Theophrastus Characters (1636) 70 Then hee would take up a great laughter, as if some prodigy or ominous thing had happened.
1689 J. Aubrey Brief Lives (1898) I. 150 [2nd Ld. Falkland] 'Twas not long before he tooke-up to be serious.
1869 E. Taylor Braemar Highlands ii. 18 ‘Shall I rejoice?’ he inquires, ‘or take up a lament?’
2000 B. Bell Stacking in Rivertown iv. 58 When I was little, sometimes I'd scare myself listening like that and take up crying.
c. transitive. Originally Scottish (now chiefly U.S. regional). To begin teaching (a class or school); to establish or reopen (a school). Now frequently in passive.
ΚΠ
a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 50 Mr. Piter Blackburn..tuk upe the first clas.
1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. viii. 489 He heard Theophrastus who had taken up the School of Aristotle.
1700 in H. Paton Penninghame Parish Rec. (1933) I. 50 The school is to be taken up the next week.
1834 Fraser's Mag. Aug. 158/1 She consulted Mrs. Psalmody, the minister's wife, about taking up a school to earn her crumb.
1925 Carroll (Iowa) Times 17 Dec. iii. 1/5 Following the Christmas vacation, school will be taken up on January 4.
1955 Daily Facts-Rev. (Freeport, Texas) 19 Dec. 3/3 The bell had donged... School had been taken up for 15 minutes.
1988 S. E. Houston & A. Prentice Schooling & Scholars in 19th-cent. Ontario ii. 92 Tidey reluctantly decided to leave home temporarily that winter and take up a school.
d. intransitive. Chiefly U.S. regional. Esp. of a school: to open, begin, start; = to take in 13 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > beginning > begin [verb (intransitive)]
beginc1000
comsea1225
gin?c1225
becomsea1375
commencec1380
to take beginninga1400
enterc1425
to start up1568
initiatea1618
inchoate1654
dawn1716
to take in1845
to take up1846
to set in1848
society > education > educational administration > [verb (intransitive)] > have a term > begin (of term)
to take up1846
1846 N. Butler Introd. Lessons. Eng. Gram. (rev. ed.) 67 ‘School takes up at nine o'clock’ Correction: ‘School begins at nine o'clock.’
1865 St Andrews Gaz. 7 Jan. On Wednesday our schools took up.
1871 E. Eggleston Hoosier School-master xii. 104 Meetin's took up.
1878 Scribner's Monthly 15 653/1 Meanwhile the ‘animal show’ at the appointed time ‘took up’, as the country people expressed it.
1885 Wanganui (N.Z.) Herald 31 Jan. School takes up at 9 o'clock on Monday.
1949 ‘J. Nelson’ Backwoods Teacher 51 Four other children..trooped in, having belatedly heard that school was taking up today.
1961 M. Beadle These Ruins are Inhabited (1963) iii. 46 Red's school took up in two days.
2000 M. Arnold Year Full Moons xx. 350 It was about half an hour before school took up, dim but not dark.
5.
a. transitive. To hire or secure (lodgings); = sense 42b. Now rare.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 5b.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > buying > hiring or renting > hire [verb (transitive)] > rent
to take upc1400
mail1425
farm1435
rent1530
rental1640
c1400 Bk. Vices & Virtues (Simeon) f. 111/1 Whon ariche mon schal come in to a toun, or a cite, he seendeþ bifore his messagers to take vp a good herborwe for him, and elles he miȝte ofte fayle of a good herborwe.
1454 in Paston Lett. (1904) II. 297 The Duke of Somersetes herbergeour hath taken up all the loggyng that may be goten nere the Toure.
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge i. ii. sig. Bv Twere best you tooke some lodging vp, And lay in priuate till the soile of griefe Were cleard your cheeke.
1636 D. Featley Clavis Mystica iii. 31 They..send their Harbingers before to take up lodgings, and Martials to make way.
1709 J. Strype Ann. Reformation xv. 188 The Bp. of London's palace, and the Dean of Paul's house,..were taken up for the French ambassadors.
1921 W. Boecher v. Southern Boulevard Railroad Company (Supreme Court N.Y.: Appellate Div.: 1st Dept.) 25 And you agreed to take up an apartment and live together?
b. transitive. To proceed to occupy (a place or position); to station or place oneself in; = sense 64a.Frequently in established phrases as, to take up one's inn, to take up one's lodging, to take up one's quarters, to take up (one's) residence, to take up one's station, etc.: see the final element.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (transitive)] > establish (residence)
planteOE
to take up1523
settle1562
enter1603
fix1638
the world > space > place > position or situation > [verb (transitive)] > take up (a position)
takec1275
to take up1523
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccxxiii. f. ccc There entred [into a town] the frenche men and bretons, and euery man toke vp their lodgynge as they came.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. iii. x. f. 86 Taking vpp his inne, and finding the neighbours of the parish at feast with the oste.
1606 P. Holland tr. Suetonius Hist. Twelve Caesars 17 He passed directly from the Stage by the Orchestra, to take up his place among the Knights.
a1672 A. Wood Life (1891) I. 109 When they were going to their..beds, two or 3 houres after he had taken up his rest.
1736 J. Wesley Jrnl. 24 Feb. in Extract Jrnl. (1740) 12 Mr. Delamotte and I took up our Lodging with the Germans.
1841 London Standard Jrnl. 25 Sept. 149/2 Hatherton sought his way back to Aberdeen, where he took up a house in a respectable quarter of the town.
1893 H. D. Traill Social Eng. Introd. 15 We may take up a position from which we can survey the entire array.
1908 W. M. Beauchamp Past & Present Syracuse & Ondonga County lxi. 533 Upon the opening of the new Court House in 1907, the Board of Education took up rooms in that building.
1983 R. Sutcliff Bonnie Dundee (1985) xxiii. 173 The minister in his black gown with an open book in his hands took up his place.
2010 S. Junger War ii. v. 141 Four of these trucks had taken up positions to support a foot patrol.
c. transitive. Originally and chiefly Scottish. to take up house: †to take or rent a house (obsolete); to set up house; to become a householder.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting a type of place > inhabit type of place [verb (intransitive)] > inhabit house
to hold or keep householdc1425
housec1440
to keep house1523
to take up housec1600
c1600 D. Moysie Mem. Affairs Scotl. (1830) 79 Quwhairvpon the Kingis Majestie..immediatlie tuik vp house in Leithe.
1606 Haddington Burgh Rec. 3 Jan. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Plant The multitude of beggars..dois..incress..be incoming of pure folkis..& takin up hows & planting thame selfis as inhabitants of the toun.
1612 Shetland Act in Scotsman 29 Jan. (1886) 7/2 It sall not be lesum for servile persones not worth..72 punds Scottis to tak up houssis.
1761 tr. Frederician Code I. i. iii. iv. 239 When children, happening to marry, or take up house, shall separate themselves from their father with his consent, he shall deliver to them their fortune.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 13/1 He was unwilling to incur the expense of taking up house.
1876 S. Smiles Life Sc. Naturalist i. 2 John Edward and his wife ‘took up house’ in the Green, one of the oldest quarters of the city.
1923 Times 5 Mar. 15/3 She returned to the Highlands when a comparatively old woman, and took up house in Tomonie, five miles from Fortwilliam.
1978 A. Fenton Northern Isles xx. 160 There was a shortage of servants at this period, partly caused by their getting married and taking up house with nothing to live on.
2010 Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois) 16 Apr. 10 Birds and other small animals often take up house in chimneys, and this may go unnoticed by the human residents.
†d. intransitive. To stop or stay somewhere temporarily; to lodge; = to put up 1d(b) at put v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [verb (intransitive)] > at the house of another, an inn, etc.
gesten?c1225
innc1390
host?c1450
bait1477
to be (or lie) at hosta1500
hostela1500
sojourn1573
to take up1607
guest?1615
to set upa1689
to keep up1704
to put up1706
lodge1749
room1809
hotel1889
dig1914
motel1961
1607 J. Marston What you Will i. sig. B2v My Riotous sir..abandons home, and spends and spends Till stock be melted, then sir takes vp heere Takes vp there, till no where ought is left.
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes iv. ii. 160 in Wks. II How much 'twere better, that my Ladies Grace, Would here take vp Sir, and keepe house with you.
1662 S. Pepys Diary 14 Oct. (1970) III. 223 To Cambrige..whither we came at about 9 a-clock and took up at the ‘Beare’.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 15 I was..forced to take up at a little Village.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop xvi. 179 If you're wanting a place to stop at.., I should advise you to take up at the same house with us.
6. transitive.
a. To take into one's possession, to acquire; spec. (a) to purchase wholesale, to buy up; (b) to borrow (money) at interest.See also to take up a commodity at commodity n. 6a(a), to take up savings at saving n. 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)]
wieldeOE
haveeOE
ofgoOE
oweOE
addlec1175
winc1175
avela1200
to come by ——a1225
covera1250
oughtc1275
reachc1275
hentc1300
purchasec1300
to come to ——c1330
getc1330
pickc1330
chevise1340
fang1340
umbracec1350
chacche1362
perceivea1382
accroacha1393
achievea1393
to come at ——a1393
areach1393
recovera1398
encroach?a1400
chevec1400
enquilec1400
obtainc1422
recurec1425
to take upc1425
acquirea1450
encheve1470
sortise1474
conques?a1500
tain1501
report1508
conquest1513
possess1526
compare1532
cough1550
coff1559
fall1568
reap1581
acquist1592
accrue1594
appurchasec1600
recoil1632
to get at ——1666
to come into ——1672
rise1754
net1765
to fall in for1788
to scare up1846
access1953
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)]
take?a1160
seizec1290
raima1325
to take in possessiona1325
to hent in (also upon) handa1350
occupya1382
to take possession?a1425
to take upc1425
uptakec1425
to take in1523
possess1526
master1826
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 1192 Thelephus..commaundinge..His puruyours..to cerchyn euery coste To take up vitaille for þe Grekis host.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 40 (MED) And þou apeyryst & lessyst þat tythe in takyng vp þi cost, here þou makyst þe cherche thrall.
a1525 (?1421) Coventry Leet Bk. (1907) I. 29 Þat no maner of fresche fysher by, ne take up, no maner of fresche fysche of men of the contrey by way of regratry.
1528 Bill in R. G. Marsden Sel. Pleas Court Admiralty (1894) I. 41 I Thomas Thorne..have taken up by exchange of Thomas Fuller merchaunt..the sum of lxli sterling.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xii. 141 He that standes in the market way, and takes all vp before it come to the market in grosse and sells it by retaile.
a1640 P. Massinger City-Madam (1658) i. iii. 27 Built with other mens moneys Took up at Interest.
1655 tr. C. Sorel Comical Hist. Francion iv. 23 I must buy me a Cloak lined with plush, or take one up at the Brokers.
1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 259 He took up all the money he could, at any interest.
1791 W. Lempriere Tour from Gibraltar ix. 216 Sidi Mahomet became himself a merchant, took up goods from Europeans, and obliged the Jews to pay him five times their value for them.
1838 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Clouds 6 Strepsiades had for the purchase taken up money with two usurers, Pasias and Amynias.
1889 Academy 14 Dec. 386/1 The whole edition..was taken up by the booksellers on the day of publication.
1920 Rubber Age 25 Dec. 237/1 The great surpluses built up during the early days of the present business depression are being rapidly taken up by retailers and automobile owners.
2013 Press & Jrnl. (Aberdeen) (Nexis) 16 Jan. 26 The shortfall [in oil reserves] will be met by taking up supplies from world markets.
b. To take possession of (land) for occupation; to claim (unoccupied land).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take (land) into occupation
occupya1382
to take up1478
to file upon1871
1478 in Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes (1839) I. 6/1 He occupijt [&] tuke vp sa mekle of þe said landis of þe ȝeris forsaide.
1530 Bible (Tyndale) Gen. xli. f. lxv Let Pharao make officers ouer the lande, and take vp the fyfte parte of the land of Egipte in the vij. plenteous yeres.
1682 S. Wilson Acct. Province Carolina 16 Rent to commence in two years after their taking up their Land.
1746 T. Salmon Mod. Hist. (new ed.) III. ix. 465/1 Each servant has then also a right to take up fifty acres of land where he can find any unpatented.
1860 S. Butler First Year Canterbury Settl. (1863) v. 66 My companion and myself have found a small piece of country, which we have just taken up.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 76 Persons..could ‘take up’, that is merely mark out and occupy, as much land as they pleased.
1920 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 126/1 In Kentucky he took up two counties which are now known to be underlain with the Elkhorn seam of coal.
1946 J. G. Eastwood More about Cairns 39 The land that I took up was 160 acres bordering on Janetta Creek, selected before survey.
2013 Countryman (W. Austral.) (Nexis) 25 Apr. 16 Narembeen, where his brother Clarence and then youngest brother James took up land.
c. To accept or pay (a bill of exchange); to advance money on (a mortgage or other loan); to pay off.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (transitive)] > specific operations
subscribe1618
to take up1655
to sell out1721
to take in1721
to take up1740
pool?1780
capitalize1797
put1814
feed1818
to vote (the) stock (or shares)1819
corner1836
to sell short1852
promote1853
recapitalize1856
refund1857
float1865
water1865
margin1870
unload1870
acquire1877
maintain1881
syndicate1882
scalp1886
pyramid1888
underwrite1889
oversubscribe1891
joint-stock1894
wash1895
write1908
mark1911
split1927
marry1931
stag1935
unwind1958
short1959
preplace1966
unitize1970
bed and breakfast1974
index-link1974
warehouse1977
daisy-chain1979
strip1981
greenmail1984
pull1986
society > trade and finance > financial dealings > types of money-dealing > [verb (transitive)] > use bills of exchange
protest1479
retire1610
imprest1617
to take up1655
honour1664
discount1671
indulge1766
dishonour1811
cover1866
sight1866
protect1884
society > trade and finance > financial dealings > moneylending > lend (money) [verb (transitive)] > lend on security
to lend on mortgagea1393
advance1529
to take up1888
1655 F. Osborne Advice to Son iii. xxiv. 79 The Bils you have taken up may perhaps be discharged as to the Merchant.
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 300 He intended to take up the Mortgage of his Estate, the Time being almost expir'd.
1785 European Mag. Dec. 430/1 Mrs. Macleod punctually paid him the sum borrowed and took up the bill.
1832 Examiner 283/1 It was not convenient for her husband to take up the bill.
1888 H. R. Haggard Col. Quaritch xi. 84 I am disposed to try and find the money to take up these mortgages.
1916 Proc. National Conf. Charities & Correction 431 We took up his loan and he is paying $9 a month to the Credit Union, and in a year will have canceled his debt.
1998 H. H. Hickam Rocket Boys xxi. 277 Reverend Lanier..lost his job when the Methodists took up the mortgage on his church.
d. To subscribe for (stocks, shares, or a loan) at the original issue.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (transitive)] > specific operations
subscribe1618
to take up1655
to sell out1721
to take in1721
to take up1740
pool?1780
capitalize1797
put1814
feed1818
to vote (the) stock (or shares)1819
corner1836
to sell short1852
promote1853
recapitalize1856
refund1857
float1865
water1865
margin1870
unload1870
acquire1877
maintain1881
syndicate1882
scalp1886
pyramid1888
underwrite1889
oversubscribe1891
joint-stock1894
wash1895
write1908
mark1911
split1927
marry1931
stag1935
unwind1958
short1959
preplace1966
unitize1970
bed and breakfast1974
index-link1974
warehouse1977
daisy-chain1979
strip1981
greenmail1984
pull1986
1740 W. Douglass Disc. Currencies Brit. Plantations in Amer. 12 They who take up this Loan Money are called Sharers.
1869 Bradshaw's Railway Man. 21 402 Of 100,000 new 10l. shares..84,837 have been taken up.
1891 Harper's Mag. Nov. 946/2 He persuaded the citizens to take up the Queen's loans themselves.
1952 T. Armstrong Adam Brunskill ix. 295 Yes, no harm in putting out a feeler. Though why ever I were such a dafthead as to take up fifty shares.
1995 R. Mangal Introd. Company Law in Commonw. Caribbean ix. 82 A public company can only offer its shares to the public subject to certain provisions designed for the protection of those taking up shares.
e. Originally Scottish and U.S. To solicit money for (a collection). Also in figurative contexts.
ΚΠ
1813 Churchman's Mag. Sept. 378 After Sermon, a collection was taken up for the purpose of purchasing Bibles for the use of the poor.
1849 E. Davies Amer. Scenes 42 While they were singing Brother such-a-one would ‘take up the collection’.
1880 ‘M. Twain’ Tramp Abroad ix. 88 She became a sort of contribution box. This dear young thing in the theatre had been sitting there unconsciously taking up a collection [of fleas].
1908 Daily Chron. 21 Dec. 4/7 The tambourine..still serves its notable purpose for ‘taking up’, as the Scotch say, a collection.
1976 R. Condon Whisper of Axe i. xxii. 144 A collection was taken up to present him with a quartz clock.
1996 F. McCourt Angela's Ashes (1997) ii. 54 The guards in the barracks have taken up a collection to pay our train fares to Limerick.
†7.
a. transitive. To raise (troops); to recruit (a person) to a military force. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > enlistment or recruitment > enlist (soldiers) [verb (transitive)]
wagec1330
musterc1425
to take upc1425
prest1481
to call up1523
conscribe1548
enrol1576
matriculate1577
press1600
in list1604
list1643
recruita1661
enlist1699
crimp1789
to muster into service1834
book1843
induct1934
to read in1938
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 1591 (MED) With gret stuf þus he gan to ride, Takyng vp men fro euery cost, Til he hym made a ful myȝti host.
1545 Ld. Russell Let. 10 July in State Papers Henry VIII (1830) I. ii. 792 Master Hugh Stuycklye..hathe..laid owt certen summes of monye for the conduyt and prest monye of such maryners as he towke up to go to Portesmouthe.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxixv He toke vp all that were able to weare armure.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. i. 188 You are to take souldiers vp In Counties as you go. View more context for this quotation
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 91 He was taken vp as a souldier.
1671 H. Herbert Narr. in Camden Misc. (1990) XXX. 296 He raised 500 men, in his choise..taking up plow men, Newgatemen, and day labourers.
b. intransitive. To enter into military service; to enlist. Cf. to take on 10a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > enlistment or recruitment > enlist [verb (reflexive)]
enrol1576
list1643
to take up1689
enlist1750
1689 T. Shadwell Bury-Fair i. ii. 8 The top of their Fortune is to take up in some Troop.
8. transitive.
a. To assume (a particular attitude or appearance); to become interested or engaged in (a study, profession, or pastime); to adopt (a practice, notion, purpose, etc.) (without the idea of its having been taken directly from another).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > assume (behaviour or a part)
ontakec1300
playa1425
to take up?c1425
make1559
sustain1560
support1693
the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > adopt as one's own
to take toa1382
to take up?c1425
adoptate1560
adopt1586
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]
underfoc893
fandOE
onfangOE
undernimc1000
takec1175
to take tillc1175
to take toa1250
underfongc1330
undertakea1340
to take in (also on) handa1350
undertakec1385
attamec1386
to take in (also on) handc1390
embrace1393
emprisec1410
to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410
to go upon ——c1450
enterprise?1473
to set (one's) hand to1477
go?a1500
accept1524
assume1530
to hent in (also upon) handc1540
to swallow up1544
to take to task1546
to go into ——?1548
to set in hand1548
to fare about1563
entertain1569
undergo1606
to set about ——1611
to take up1660
to come at ——1901
?c1425 (c1412) T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum (Royal 17 D.vi) (1860) 19 There may no lord take up a newe gise, But that a knave shalle the same up take.
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 64 She wolde not take hede to abyde unto her neygheboures..haue taken up the guyse or array that she wold haue.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. xi. sig. lv They of late yeares haue taken this pastime vp among them.
1611 M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. to Rdr. sig. A5v To haue the Scriptures in the mother-tongue is not a quaint conceit lately taken vp.
1660 tr. M. Amyraut Treat. conc. Relig. ii. ii. 163 He seem'd to have took up a resolution of trampling upon those superstitions.
1712 J. Arbuthnot Law is Bottomless-pit iv. 9 Lewis Baboon had taken up the Trade of Clothier.
1776 G. Colman Spleen ii. 26 These are all new fancies, taken up in the evening of your life; the twilight of the understanding.
1821 R. Southey in Q. Rev. 25 289 Whatever part indeed Cromwell took up would be well maintained.
1890 Sat. Rev. 20 Sept. 355/1 Those parts of the Ethics which they are obliged to take up for ‘Greats’.
1905 F. Hume Secret Passage iv. 46 Jennings is a gentleman... But he ran through his money and took up the detective business.
1998 Independent 10 July i. 16/6 An effort to dissuade young people from taking up smoking.
2008 R. Bellamy Citizenship iii. 53 The decision to take up golf is a matter of choice, and even dedicated golfers can probably manage to play regularly without belonging to a club.
b.
(a) To proceed to deal with (a matter or question); to espouse, embrace (a cause, course of action, etc.); to adopt (a practice, idea, etc.) from someone else.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > a cause, principle, etc. > give support to a cause or principle
beclipc1380
to take up1502
to stick to ——?1531
espouse1595
spouse1603
wed1626
1502 Star Chamber Proc. in Home Counties Mag. (1906) 8 264 The said late Shireffes..caused two of her frendes to take up this haynouse matier betuix theym as arbitrours.
1543 Chron. J. Hardyng f. xviii Richard duke of Gloucestre as one that should take vp this matter, firste spake with the duke priuely in his eare.
1604 S. Hieron Preachers Plea 250 Paul tooke vp the question among the Galathians, touching the vse of Christian libertie.
1690 R. Ottee Christ set Forth 155 He who is higher than the Heavens, should condescend so low, as to take up the cause of poor sinners.
1726 E. Thomas Poems Several Occasions 209 Some mercenary Quill, Discov'ring equal Want of Love, and Skill, Takes up th' afflicted Cause, with vain Pretence.
1771 Mrs. Harris Let. 19 Mar. in 1st Earl of Malmesbury Lett. (1870) I. 221 This [sc. conflict with the City] was taken up yesterday in the House; the Speaker gave a detail of the fact.
1879 Buffalo 16 Jan. 3/3 The great scheme of a technical university now being taken up by the City companies, was first started by Buffs.
1892 Law Times 93 459/2 Mr. Bros..suggested that the Public Prosecutor should take the matter up.
1938 Encycl. Brit. Bk. of Year 248/2 ‘Shocking Pink’, introduced by Schiaparelli in Feb. 1937, then taken up by other designers.
1972 Jrnl. Mod. Lit. 2 459 I would like to take up the vexed question of the notes to the poem and Eliot's use of ‘sources’.
1999 S. Broughton et al. World Music: Rough Guide I. i. 219/2 It [sc. the polonaise] was taken up by the aristocracy from a slow walking dance.
2011 M. Irvine Nucl. Power ii. 29 Many took up the cause of nuclear disarmament.
(b) To pursue (a matter, question, case, etc.) with a person or organization. Now frequently with it as object.
ΚΠ
1821 Ld. Byron Let. 27 Sept. (1978) VIII. 225 I sent..a longish poem upon the Irishism of your countrymen in their reception of * * * [the King]... As you could not well take up the matter with Paddy (being of the same nest), I have.
1838 G. P. R. James Life & Times Louis XIV I. iv. 249 The Duke..was speedily stimulated..to take up the question with De Retz in a very high tone.
1895 Railway Engineer Apr. 100/1 If this had occurred in any other country in South America, the British Minister would have taken up the case with the government.
1923 Manch. Guardian 27 Mar. 9/6 The Ulster Unionist members of the Imperial Parliament are taking the matter up with the Government with a view to having the decision altered.
1988 N.Y. Times 7 Jan. a24/1 If my wife thinks I've been lying to her she can take it up with me.
2005 J. van de Ruit Spud 198 I told him that, in total, our dormitory had lost over twenty-four pairs of underpants... My prefect studied me once more and said ‘I'll take it up with the relevant authorities.’
c. To undertake (a task); to begin to hold or fulfil (a specific post, role, or position of employment).
ΚΠ
1606 L. Bryskett Disc. Ciuill Life 278 I will not say [I was]..betrayed by M. Spencer, but surely cunningly thrust in, to take vp this taske, whereby he might shift himselfe from that trouble.
1659 R. Baxter Five Disputations of Church-government iii. iv. 315 Let them not be Lay Elders: but authorized to all Pastoral administrations..; and not comming in without Ordination, nor yet taking up the Office only pro tempore.
1688 J. Dryden tr. D. Bouhours Life St. Francis Xavier i. 24 Xavier.., having again taken up his Post in the Hospital of the Incurable.., resum'd his Offices of Charity.
1825 W. Scott in Edinb. Ann. Reg. 1824 17 ii. 266 You're..a mob—And..I, as the Sheriff, must take up the job; and..read you the Riot Act, and bid you disperse!
1843 E. Thornton Hist. Brit. Empire in India IV. xxiv. 315 Lieutenant Ross..had taken up a post with special reference to this [sc. diplomatic intrigue] amongst other objects.
1917 Overland Monthly June 517 It is fitting that I contribute this article about her.., but I take the task up with misgivings.
1920 Norwalk (Ohio) Reflector-Herald 22 Jan. 8/3 John W. McEnroe has..taken up a position with the Monroeville Piano Co.
2003 G. S. Eckersley Teen Angel i. 25 Sarah..was just about to take up a job a long way from the family home.
9. transitive.
a. To seize by legal authority; to arrest, apprehend.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)]
at-holda1230
attacha1325
resta1325
takec1330
arrest1393
restay?a1400
tachec1400
seisinc1425
to take upa1438
stowc1450
seize1471
to lay (also set, clap, etc.) (a person) by the heels?1515
deprehend1532
apprehend1548
nipa1566
upsnatcha1566
finger1572
to make stay of1572
embarge1585
cap1590
reprehend1598
prehenda1605
embar1647
nap1665
nab1686
bone1699
roast1699
do1784
touch1785
pinch1789
to pull up1799
grab1800
nick1806
pull1811
hobble1819
nail1823
nipper1823
bag1824
lag1847
tap1859
snaffle1860
to put the collar on1865
copper1872
to take in1878
lumber1882
to pick up1887
to pull in1893
lift1923
drag1924
to knock off1926
to put the sleeve on1930
bust1940
pop1960
vamp1970
a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 107 (MED) Þer wer non Englisch schepys þat myth seylen þedyr, for þei wer arestyd & takyn up for þe kyng.
?1457 J. Hardyng Chron. (Lansd.) in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 234 The kynge than..toke thaym vp by gode inspeccioun That friste bygan that insurreccioun.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 112 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Though the Sheriffe have this authority..to take up all such stragglers, and imprison them.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia ii. xxiv. 251 To presse, and take up any the Boats, or Vessels, that are or shall bee within the compasse of your command.
1682 A. Wood Life & Times (1894) III. 31 Duke of York hath brought an action against one Arrowsmith..upon the statute of Scandalum magnatum, who is taken up for it.
1714 in Acts Gen. Assembly Province of New-Jersey (1776) xl. 21 An Act for regulating of white Servants, and taking up Soldiers and Seamen deserting Her Majesty's Service.
1797 R. Southey Lett. from Spain xxiv. 392 The Alcayde took up all the inhabitants of the village where it happened.
1853 Bentley's Misc. 34 143 Proctors were always taking me up on suspicion, and discharging me with apologies.
1861 Temple Bar June 358 [He] was taken up for sacrilege, and brought before a magistrate.
1903 Proc. Old Bailey 16 Nov. 72 After he was taken up on Tuesday or Wednesday..his sister promised that if I would not give evidence.., the money would be forthcoming.
1943 ‘H. Green’ Caught 75 When the rich get taken up they bring the doctor to say they're sick.
2004 J. Vance Lurulu i. 20 What if you are taken up by the police and dragged off to jail?
†b. To summon as a witness. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > call to witness
to take witness of1390
vouchc1412
record1590
attest1609
to swear downa1616
appeal1645
to take up1821
invoke1851
1821 J. Galt Ann. Parish xii. 117 It was thought she would have been taken up as an evidence in the Douglas cause.
10. transitive.
†a. Chiefly in passive.
(a) to take up for hawks: (apparently) to seize and slaughter (an old or useless horse) as meat for hawks; (hence) to ruin, destroy (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > animal food > [verb (transitive)] > slaughter (old or useless horse) as meat for hawks
to take up for hawks1471
1471 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 565 I beseche yow, and my horse..be not takyn vp for the Kyngys hawkys, that he may be had hom and kept in your plase.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) iii. iii. sig. E.ij Ye were take vp for haukes, ye were gone, ye were gone.
(b) to take up for hawks' meat: to ruin, destroy (a person). Hence in similar phrases. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > [adjective] > destroyed
forwroughta1325
lorna1400
destroyedc1440
perishedc1440
shentc1440
defeatc1540
spiltc1540
dissolved?1541
interempt1561
baned1568
mischievedc1570
defeated1578
ruined1585
downcast1592
gone1598
collapsed1610
to take up for hawks' meat1612
naughta1616
blasted1747
wreckeda1821
butchered1839
fucked-up1863
kaput1895
piled-up1906
shambled1940
1612 T. Dekker O per se O sig. O Seruing-men..who like Free-booters are so hungry of flesh, that a Doxie (if shee haue a smug face) cannot peepe out, but shee is taken vp for Hawkes-meate.
1615 E. Hoby Curry-combe i. 67 Were old Bishop Longland his Confessor now aliue, he would take vp Iabal for Hawks-meate.
1632 R. Brome Northern Lasse i. iv. sig. A4 Slid Ile marry out o' the way; tis time I thinke: I shall bee tane vp for whores meat else.
?c1640 W. Rowley et al. Witch of Edmonton (1658) iii. 37 There's my Rival taken up for Hang-man's meat.
1697 T. Oates Εἰκων Βασιλικη IV. 188 They have applied to wrong Persons, and made use of wrong Methods; by which means they are taken up for Hawks meat, and are hanged.
†b. Chess and Backgammon. To capture (a piece); = sense 1f. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [verb (transitive)] > tactics
to shut up1474
to take upc1475
neck1597
catch1674
to discover check1688
attack1735
retreat1744
fork1745
pin1745
retake1750
guard1761
interpose1761
castle1764
retract1777
to take (a pawn) en passant1818
capture1820
decline1847
cook1851
undouble1868
unpin1878
counter1890
fidate1910
sacrifice1915
fianchetto1927
c1475 Treat. Chess (Ashm. 344) lf. 5 Then he takith hym vpp with his knight.
a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Harl. 7333) (1879) 71 (MED) Þe rook..holdith length & brede, and takith vp what so is in his way.
1644 D. Featley Sacra Nemesis xiii. 69 Is it not better playing a game at tables on the christian sabbath, wherin a wooden man is taken up without any losse or hurt?
c. Falconry. To restrain (a young hawk) in order to begin training. Now rare.Hawks are typically taken up when they have begun to hunt their own prey in preference to using the hack (hack n.3).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hawking > [verb (transitive)] > bring under restraint
to take up1826
1826 J. S. Sebright Observ. Hawking 8 When..[Hawks] have omitted to come for their food at the accustomed hour, for two or three successive days,..it will be necessary to take them up, or they would in a short time go away altogether.
1881 E. B. Michell in Macmillan's Mag. Nov. 40 An experienced falconer will ‘take up’ a young merlin from hack and have him trained in three or four days.
1901 Country Life Illustr. 25 May 652/1 Young falcons just taken up from hack have had no necessity for acquiring..the peculiar and well known ‘stoop’.
1936 G. Blaine Falconry iv. 53 Tiercels..are generally more precocious and have often to be taken up from hack before the falcons.
11.
a. transitive. To check (a person) in speaking; to interrupt sharply, esp. with an expression of dissent or disapproval; to rebuke, reprove, or reprimand. Also: to check (a person) in any course of action. Frequently in to take up short (see short adv. 5b(b)). Cf. Phrases 1j(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to > suddenly or abruptly (an action or person)
break1330
to break offc1340
to take up1530
to cut off1576
stunt1603
to cut up short1607
to cut short1611
pawl1797
to sew up1837
to stop short1837
burst1842
to pull up1861
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > check (in) a course of action
stanchc1315
arrestc1374
checka1400
stem?c1450
stay1525
to take up1530
rebate1532
suspend1565
nip1575
countercheck1590
to nip in the bud1590
to clip the wings ofa1593
to nip in (also by, on) the head (also neck, pate)1594
trasha1616
to scotch the wheels of1648
spike1687
spoke1854
to pull up1861
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] > severely
dressc1405
wipe1523
to take up1530
whip1530
to shake upa1556
trounce1607
castigatea1616
lasha1616
objurgate1616
thunderstrike1638
snub1672
drape1683
cut1737
rowa1798
score1812
to dress down1823
to pitch into ——1823
wig1829
to row (a person) up1838
to catch or get Jesse1839
slate1840
drop1853
to drop (down) to or on (to)1859
to give (a person) rats1862
to jump upon1868
to give (a person) fits1871
to give it to someone (pretty) stiff1880
lambaste1886
ruck1899
bollock1901
bawl1903
scrub1911
burn1914
to hang, draw, and quarter1930
to tear a strip off1940
to tear (someone) off a strip1940
brass1943
rocket1948
bitch1952
tee1955
fan-
the mind > language > speech > interruption > interrupt (speech) [verb (transitive)] > interrupt (a person)
to fang upa1400
interrupt1413
interpel1541
catch1670
to take up1885
to draw up1905
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 750/1 It pityed my herte to here howe he toke hym up.
?1573 L. Lloyd Pilgrimage of Princes f. 158 His wife Xantippe beganne to take her housbande vp, with tauntyng and opprobrious wordes.
a1625 J. Fletcher Chances iii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Bbbv/2 Thou tookst me up at every word I spoke, As I had been a Mawkin, a flurt Gillian.
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments To Rdr. 7 I haue beene taken vp in diuers Churches by the Churchwardens..and not suffered to write the Epitaphs.
1645 T. Coleman Hopes Deferred 2 [He] rebukes him sharply, takes him up roundly.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 34. ¶3 Sir Andrew Freeport took him up short.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued I. i. 199 Those who would find fault with us for attributing colour heat and cold to inanimate bodies take us up before we were down.
a1885 ‘H. Conway’ Living or Dead (1886) III. iii. 68 She wondered why the master took her up so short when she had mentioned his name.
1885 ‘F. Anstey’ Tinted Venus i. 14 ‘You do take one up so,’ he complained! ‘I never intended nothing of the sort.’
1915 F. Harris Contemp. Portr. i. 12 ‘Perhaps you didn't know Darwin?’ ‘Indeed, and I knew him well,’ he replied, taking me up shortly.
1963 J. B. Hilton Mr. Fred iii. 23 I remember Lilian taking her to task for that apostrophe. My mother rounded on her. It was not for a child to take up an elder.
1993 F. Collymore There's always Angels 69 He took me up rather sharply. ‘That depends, my dear fellow, that depends.’
2007 J. Rose Blackest Bird (2008) 323 The scene he encountered in the sitting room took Old Hays up short.
†b. intransitive. To check or restrain oneself; to mend one's ways; to reform. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > virtue > righteousness or rectitude > reform, amendment, or correction > reform [verb (intransitive)]
risec1175
amenda1275
menda1400
reform1582
reclaim1625
to turn down a leaf1633
to take up1661
repair1748
mend1782
to go straight1888
to straighten up1891
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue vii. sig. Kv Euery good thyng, Thou lettest euen slyp, like a wag halter slypstryng. But take vp in tyme, or els I protest, All be not abedde, that shall haue yll rest.
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Captaine iv. iii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Hh4v/1 Take up quickly; Thy witt will founder of all foure else wench, If thou hold'st this pace; take up when I bid thee.
1661 S. Pepys Diary 13 Nov. (1970) II. 213 My expenseful life..will undo me I fear..if I do not take up.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew at Oats One that has sown his wild Oats,..begins to take up and be more Staied.
1713 in Poems & Transl. (1714) 18 Here the Poet chides himself for his Fool-hardy Undertaking in the first Part; and begins to take up.
1832 Examiner 611/1 She longs to make her fortune by her trade, that she may ‘take up and live godly’.
1868 J. C. Atkinson Gloss. Cleveland Dial. Tak' up,..to reform one's ways.
c. intransitive. Of weather: to improve, to pick up, to become clement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > fine weather > [verb (intransitive)] > improve
to take up1600
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xl. 1080 The Celtiberians..having passed over the rivers (when the raine gave over and the weather tooke up) came to Contrebia.
1634 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World (new ed.) II. xviiii. xxxv. 613 If you perceiue those tops of mountaines cleare without moist or cloud, the weather will soone take vp and turne to be faire.
1749 T. Short Gen. Chronol. Hist. Air I. 151 In the End of Harvest, the Weather took up, and so much of this rotten Crop was got very late, as did much Good.
1787 W. Marshall Rural Econ. Norfolk I. 338 The weather took up; and the last ten days or a fortnight have been extremely fine and summer-like.
1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 570 The weather took up immediately afterwards.
1889 J. A. Froude Two Chiefs Dunboy xiv. 210 On the second evening the weather began to take up.
1908 Financial Times 4 Mar. 6/4 During the last week the weather has taken up.
2007 Irish Times (Nexis) 13 July 2 He asked farmers to work as safely as possible when the weather took up.
d. Mechanics and Nautical.
(a) intransitive. Of a leak of water, steam, etc.: to stop, esp. spontaneously. Cf. sense 20c. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1835 J. Braithwaite Suppl. Capt. Sir J. Ross's Narr. 15 Every high-pressure boiler leaks more or less until worked for some time, when the leaks (to use a technical expression) ‘take up’.
1901 L. Becke By Rock & Pool on Austral Shore 199 The leak has taken up, and you can go on deck and see your husband working at the pumps.
1902 Trans. Manch. Assoc. Engin. (1903) 192 Whenever the furnace door was open and an east wind happened to be blowing, all the tubes in the tube-plate to the furnace started leaking; which leaks took up again immediately the cold air was excluded.
(b) transitive. To stop or staunch (a leak). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > fact of being still or not flowing > cause to be or become still or without flow [verb (transitive)] > staunch
stint1398
constrainc1400
stanch1481
constaunch1485
stem1488
to take up1889
1889 Sydney Mail 13 July 84/3 Caulking was again tried, and this took up the leak a little, enabling the ship to be kept on her course.
1922 Plumbers’ Trade Jrnl. 73 247/3 (advt.) Whiz Boiler Stop Leak takes up small leaks in the joints when the plant goes into operation, saving time, bother and costs of disconnecting and repairing.
1938 US Patent 2,126,726 1/2 [The springs] will yieldingly hold the material to any uneven surface or floor, thus taking up any leaks under the door when the device is closed.
e. intransitive. U.S. Of a horse: to slacken its pace; to stop short, to pull up. Also of a rider: to rein in one's horse.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > rein in
reina1525
to draw rein1725
to take up1912
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > engage in horse racing [verb (intransitive)] > actions of rider
rope1874
to take up1912
scrub1958
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > engage in horse racing [verb (intransitive)] > actions of horse
to carry weight1734
to get up1840
screw1840
to come again1841
to set to1856
to wait off1856
romp1869
to answer the question1875
compound1876
to gallop to a standstill1892
nick1898
to take up1912
rate1920
1912 Salt Lake Tribune 28 July 2/1 No Quarter had bad racing luck, was forced to take up sharply when Lady Stalwart began to stop so suddenly in front of him.
1942 Sun (Baltimore) 20 Oct. 15/1 Fogoso..cut sharply in front of Sunset Boy, causing Jimmy Berger to take up.
1946 Sun (Baltimore) 2 Oct. 15/2 Red Tag ran into tight corners at the head of the stretch and was forced to take up.
2001 N.Y. Post (Nexis) 25 Feb. 71 Boodles..was rallying up rail in deep stretch when he suddenly took up sharply.
12. transitive.
a. To occupy fully or exclusively (space or time); to fill, use up. Cf. sense 67.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > completely
fillc1000
containc1374
replenish?a1425
comprise1489
to take up1538
pack1567
1538 tr. Erasmus Prepar. to Deathe sig. Bviv Infancy is not felt, chyldhod slyppeth away er we be ware, youth is taken vp with sondry cares, age crepeth vpon vs er we perceyue it.
1591 W. Garrard & R. Hitchcock Arte of Warre ii. 108 So shall you occupie more hands then the quadrant battaile doth, taking vp lesse ground in marching, then the other battaile.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke Annot. sig. *v If the lesse mood were likewise perfect, then did euery one of those long restes take vp three spaces.
1601 W. Cornwallis Ess. II. xlvi. sig. li4 They [sc. satirists] chide vice, &..take vp more time, then knowne, they are worth.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 633 It tooke up in compasse aboue a mile.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 69 The men take them [sc. the public baths] up in the morning, and in the afternoone the women.
1640 S. D'Ewes Let. 14 Dec. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 167 Some petitions..tooke upp our time a great parte of the morning.
1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xxii. 490 The Sixteen Red Cliffs, which take up in all about three Miles in length.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 84 The 7th..I took wholly up to make me a Chair.
1825 New Monthly Mag. 14 392 The first quatrain..is taken up with a list of rivers.
1885 E. Lynn Linton Autobiogr. Christopher Kirkland II. ix. 274 It took up his time and bored him.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 168/3 These shelves add charm, take up no space, and are most usable.
1958 E. T. Gilliard Living Birds of World 224/1 The Bee hummingbird..seems smaller [than a bee] because the bill and tail take up more than half of its total length.
2005 H. Mantel Beyond Black ix. 290 Anyway, Al, I won't take up your morning, let's cut to the chase.
b. To occupy (a road, way, or other space) so as to cause an inconvenience or obstruction; to obstruct, block.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > fill > to obstruction
cumberc1394
encumberc1400
cloy1548
pester1548
accumberc1571
clog1586
to take up1587
lumber1642
over-clog1660
crowd1741
jama1865
1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1576/2 An huge trunke of a tree..was cumbersome by taking vp their accustomed passage.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. ii. 116 My throat of Warre be turn'd..into a Pipe.., and Schoole-boyes Teares take vp The Glasses of my sight. View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 11 Tombes are made so huge great, that they take vp the Church, and hinder the people from diuine Seruice.
a1717 W. Diaper tr. Oppian Halieuticks (1722) ii. 69 Born on the struggling Floods that broad-back'd Ray Unwieldy lolls, and takes up all the Way.
1792 Lord Mayor's Day 27 Then Grocers carr'ages took up the way, A tedious string, and hir'd for all the day.
1866 H. L. Hammond in Househ. Reading (1867) 151 Some of the negro-haters told her to go away, for she was obstructing the sidewalk. ‘I don't take up much room. It's the people that take up the sidewalk. Make them go away.’
1895 Outing Aug. 374/2 At the end of a long curve..we saw ahead in the dim light two four-horse mountain wagons passing each other and taking up the entire road.
1937 J. T. Farrell Fellow Countrymen 180 A man in a hurry bumped into him, and hastening on, snottily suggested that he quit taking up the whole sidewalk.
2012 M. Magnuson Bike Tribes 170 Hey, assholes! Quit taking up the road. Use the goddam bike lane!
c.
(a) To keep busy, engage, occupy (a person, the mind, attention, etc.). Chiefly in passive with with or (occasionally) in.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > hold attention, absorb
swallowc1330
deepc1380
dare1547
suspend1561
preoccupy1567
devour1568
to swallow up1581
enwrap1589
invest1601
steep1603
to take up1603
spell1646
possess1653
enchain1658
engross1661
absorb1749
fix1752
rivet1762
fascinate1782
spell-bind1808
arrest1814
mesmerize1862
to turn on1903
get1913
consume1999
1603 R. Rogers Seuen Treat. i. iv. 30 [They] regard not when God speaketh vnto them out of his word, their minds being taken vp about other matters.
a1617 P. Baynes Lectures 201 in Comm. First & Second Chapters Colossians (1634) To take our selves up with some behoofefull duty.
1630 P. Massinger Renegado iv. i. sig. H4 I am so wholy taken vp with sorrow.
1712 E. Budgell Spectator No. 301. ⁋8 I was wholly taken up in these Reflections.
1786 T. Twining Let. 10 July in F. Burney Court Jrnls. & Lett. (2011) I. App. 325 I fear you will be so taken up with your courtly attendance, that you will have no leisure.
1832 H. Martineau Hill & Valley v. 76 She is taken up with making her husband comfortable.
1892 Mrs. H. Ward David Grieve II. 32 I think he feels he must make his way first. His business takes him up altogether.
1900 S. J. Weyman Story Francis Cludde (new ed.) xvi. 180 Master Lindstrom also felt troubled..at seeing me taken up with a trifle at such a time.
1963 London Mag. Dec. 21 She had so many things to take up her attention.., that she found it harder and harder to correspond with him.
2001 H. Holt Delay of Execution (2002) viii. 79 Their thoughts were largely taken up with last-minute revision and exams.
(b) Chiefly Scottish and English regional (northern). to be taken up with: to have an engrossing interest in; to be charmed or attracted by; to be taken with.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > become interested in
to take up in1665
enter1694
to take up1751
to turn on1954
1751 Universal Mag. Nov. 232/2 Entirely taken up with her darling Innocence, she flies towards her, and would willingly have thrown herself into her arms.
1824 W. Carr Horæ Momenta Cravenæ 19 Thouz seea bobberous an keckahoop wi' thy twelve groats, and seea ta'en up wi' thy quality, at thouz quite an clear forgotten t'lile whipper snapper window-peeper.
1827 London Lit. Gaz. 24 Nov. 755/1 Wha are yon twa bonnie young folk that seem sae taen up wi ane anither.
1885 J. Ruskin Præterita I. vi. 174 I was extremely taken up with the soft red cushions of the armchairs.
1911 J. Bone Edinb. Revisited iv. 152 She said they were ‘a' very ta'en up wi' the picture’. He (her husband) liked to look at it, and she had moved his bed that he could see it.
1992 C. M. Fraser Stranger on Rhanna i. ii. 23 Once, when Auld Biddy had to give him an enema, he was that taken up wi' all the wee tubes it was all she could do to make him leave them alone so that should do what had to be done wi' them.
1999 in Sc. National Dict. New Suppl. (Electronic text) (at cited word) Fair taen up wi the new bairn.
d. To use up (esp. a commodity or resource); to consume.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > using up, expending, or consuming > use up, expend, or consume [verb (transitive)] > cause or involve expenditure or consumption
take1556
to take upa1616
spend1616
a1616 J. Smith Poore Penitent 96 in Essex Dove (1629) Because that Faith and Repentance bee the maine pillars in building the spiritual house of God in our consciences, it is no maruell if they take vp more labour and time then all the rest.
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. viii. 142 The Framing work will take up more labour.
1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville Theory & Pract. Gardening 121 You may fill up the Holes to the Level of the Ground.., to take up the Earth that may possibly remain to be disposed of.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 79 The prodigious deal of Time and Labour which it took me up to make a Plank or Board.
1863 Fraser's Mag. Sept. 400/2 When..poems were written by hand..they would take up very much labour.
1940 Portsmouth (New Hampsh.) Herald 12 Apr. 4/2 I buy a nice farm in Stratham and it takes up my money.
1969 N.Y. Times 1 Dec. 58 I know I must be [big] because my dresses take up a lot of fabric.
2012 Bristol Post (Nexis) 5 Nov. 10 Bats..are warm blooded mammals and they need to eat lots to keep warm and besides, flying takes up lots of energy!
†13. transitive. To impel or urge on (a horse) to greater speed. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > impel or drive [verb (transitive)] > impel or drive animates
sendc950
driveOE
chacche138.
chasec1400
teisec1400
to take up1542
gar1587
urge1594
herd1883
shoo1903
1542 T. Elyot Bibliotheca Equus citatus, a horse taken vp.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. v. vi. f. 158 But when I sawe them take their horses vppe with the spurres [L. concitatis..equis].
14.
a. transitive. To take (a person) into a boat, car, or other mode of transport; to pick up (a passenger).
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Proboscidea (elephants) > [verb (transitive)] > take person from ground onto back
to take up1553
society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > pick up
to take up1689
to pick up1839
uplift1961
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. iv. f. 38v The Tirians..did so beate them on the handes, as they were swymming, that for werenes they were glad to be taken vp into their boates.
1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas sig. H3 They..sent two of their fellowes in the long boat to fetch mee, who rowing to mee, tooke mee vp..& carried mee aboord with them.
1609 B. Rich Roome for Gentleman f. 5 Those women, that a man would thinke they were made all of vertue..they will notwithstanding hold them company, take them vp into their Coaches.
1689 London Gaz. No. 2511/4 A Hackney-Coachman took up 3 Persons at Mark-Lane-end.
1710 London Gaz. No. 4735/4 A Hackney Coach..that took up his Fair in Southwark.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. x. 341 The postillions stopped at the convent..to take up Blanche.
1831 W. Scott Count Robert ii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. II. 20 We should not criticise the animal [sc. an elephant] which kneels to take us up.
1890 G. Meredith Let. 14 Apr. (1970) II. 997 I am promised a steam-yacht to take me up at Oban.
1893 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 10 257/2 Our coach..duly took us up, and set us down.
1909 Bradshaw's Railway Guide Aug. 21 Stops to take up 1st class Passengers for London.
1928 R. A. Knox Footsteps at Lock x. 100 Leyland..found the taxi driver who took up a fare close to Carfax and put him down at the Gudgeon.
2009 Maribyrnong (Melbourne) Leader (Nexis) 5 May 11 If drivers..stop to let down or take up passengers or goods they will be issued with an infringement notice.
b. intransitive. Of a coach, train, or other vehicle: to pick up passengers. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1793 H. R. Morres Let. 29 Oct. in Crisis (1794) xl. 219 If coachmen were obliged to take up and set down universally, at public places, with the door of the house on the whip hand, many of the embarrassments at our theatres, &c. would be avoided.
1857 A. Trollope Barchester Towers I. x. 146 Carriages..were desired to take up at a quarter before one.
1898 Westm. Gaz. 27 June 10/1 All carriages will take up on the Embankment and Savoy-hill.
1909 Bradshaw's Railway Guide Aug. 21 Stops to take up for Reading or beyond.
†15. transitive.
a. To settle, arrange amicably (a dispute, quarrel, etc.). Obsolete.In quot. 1666: to settle temporarily, to patch up.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > settle (a dispute)
peasec1330
reconcilea1393
compone1523
compromit1537
compound1546
atone1555
to take up1560
compose1570
gree1570
accommodate1609
concoct1620
even1620
sopite1628
to make up1699
liquidate1765
resolve1875
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxjv He had done as much as lay in him that the matter might be taken vp.
1605 London Prodigall sig. D If you come to take vp the matter betweene my maister and the Deuen-shyre man.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) v. iv. 96 I knew when seuen Iustices could not take vp a Quarrell. View more context for this quotation
1666 S. Pepys Diary 24 Oct. (1972) VII. 340 The thing is not accommodated, but only taken up.
b. To make good (something lost or wanting). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > make equal [verb (transitive)] > compensate or make up for
restorea1325
to make good1389
boot1393
rewarda1398
supplya1398
to make up1472
upset1513
to fetch again1535
redeem1590
balance1594
pay1596
unpay1600
to make out1610
requitea1613
to pay home1625
encourage1628
compensate1646
compensate1656
reprise1662
to take up1662
to fetch up1665
to pay off1717
indemnify1750
to bring up arrears1788
equalize1866
reparate1956
1662 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 3rd Pt. 302 If you be hindred of your rest one Night by business, you will take it up the next.
16.
a. transitive. To lift up (a vein or other blood vessel) by passing a ligature, needle, or other instrument under it, esp. as an initial step in performing phlebotomy or ligation; (also) to ligate or otherwise obliterate (a blood vessel). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > stopping haemorrhage > stop haemorrhage [verb (transitive)] > close vein or artery > by ligature
to take up1566
religate1598
ligate1599
ligature1716
to tie off1903
1566 T. Blundeville Order curing Horses Dis. clxxx. f. 116 (heading) , in Fower Offices Horsemanshippe The order of taking vp vaynes, and wherefore it is good.
1639 T. de Gray Compl. Horseman ii. xx. 347 Take up the Shackle-veynes.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. i. 41 The Absurdity of taking up the Veins for the Cure of Spavins.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting ix. 375 I bled one, and tried to take up the vein with a thorn in lieu of a pin; but it broke in the night, the vein burst open again, and the ox bled to death.
1903 F. Treves Man. Operative Surg. (new ed.) II. xiii. i. 683 He passes the needle through the mucous membrane in such a way as to take up the vessel in question.
1928 S. Vestal Old Santa Fe Trail ii. 21 The whetted knife quickly opened the arm to the bone;..the white-hot bolt seared the raw stump, taking up the arteries more swiftly than ligatures could have done.
b. transitive. To make fast or reincorporate (a dropped stitch). Also in figurative contexts. Now rare.See also to take up a stitch at stitch n.1 7.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > sew > other
to take up1620
fell1758
cross-stitch1794
strand1894
prick-stitch1895
stab-stitch1917
lockstitch1919
1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes 2nd Pt. Don Quixote ii. 14 The Knights say, they would not have your poore Squires bee ranked with them, that clout their owne shooes, and take vp a stitch in their owne blacke stockings with greene silke.
a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Spanish Gipsie (1653) ii. sig. C4 A stich in a mans stocken not taken up in time ravells out all the rest.
a1639 J. Stoughton XI. Choice Serm. (1640) 60 Other Criticks pride themselves in restoring some obliturated monuments, stopping some gaps in old Manuscripts, taking up some stitches let fal in a Poet [etc.].
1775 Hist. Old Fring'd Petticoat 12 If ye take up one stitch the old d—l will set you about more of her work, and make us her drudges.
1804 M. Edgeworth To-morrow v, in Pop. Tales III. 341 This operation of taking up a stitch..is one of the slowest.
1881 Times 16 July 11/2 The Committee..will be enabled to take up the stitches dropped in the process [of examining the bill].
1904 Iowa City Daily Press 9 May A busy woman..at a moment's notice is ready to take up a dropped stitch in her young son's mittens.
c. transitive. To pull (a belt, strap, etc.) up or in, so as to tighten or shorten.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > longitudinal extent > shortness > make short(er) [verb (transitive)]
short1398
shorten1530
stump1596
snub1615
to take up1624
1624 W. Browne His Fiftie Yeares Pract. i. 5 Take a good stirrop Leather, and make it full of holes, to take vp and let out at your pleasure.
1677 J. Phillips tr. J.-B. Tavernier Persian Trav. iii. xiii. 132 in tr. J.-B. Tavernier Six Voy. (1678) They abate him of his Meat and Drink as in the first eight days, and every day take up the Girt a hole shorter.
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 102 Though she was very tall, yet the Ways being very foul, I found it needful, as soon as I was out of Town, to alight, and take up the Stirrups.
1780 J. Hope Thoughts 69 When you follow the Hounds, I would advise you to take up your Stirrups a few Holes.
1891 M. M. Dowie Girl in Karpathians iii. 33 Each girth was altered to its last hole, the stirrup-leather taken up half a yard, but nowhere could it grip the little beast.
1892 Field 8 Oct. 545/3 The direction to the groom would be ‘take up’ (or ‘let down’, as the case may be) the near-side horse's coupling rein.
1921 Med. Pickwick Jan. 19/2 He sees Doc strip down to the undershirt and trousers, take up his belt a few notches and start to wash up.
1990 ‘M. Twelveponies’ Starting Colt viii. 43 In saddling the colt, initially take the back cinch up slightly loose and tug on it several times the same as you do on the front cinch.
d. transitive. To make (a further hole) in order to shorten a strap; to tighten a belt or strap by (a hole or notch).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > longitudinal extent > shortness > make short(er) [verb (transitive)] > in working length
shorten1597
to take up1818
1818 C. Brown Let. 7 Aug. in J. Keats Lett. (1958) I. 361 I must have another hole taken up in the strap of my Knapsack.
1898 Outing Feb. 485/2 A hole taken up in a belt may serve for a meal during summer.
1929 Boys' Life Feb. 17/1 I've got to take up a hole on this strap.
1973 New Scientist 22 Feb. 438/1 Any trouble a female footballer met from ‘unhealthy agitation’ could simply be cured by taking up another notch in her bra-strap.
2000 Racing Post (Nexis) 7 Jan. His [sc. a horse's] views on life include objections to having his girths tightened in the stable. ‘We have get on him with them loose and slowly take up a hole at a time,’ says Mrs Bailey.
†e. intransitive. Nautical. Of a rope: to shrink through immersion in water. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > become reduced in size or extent [verb (intransitive)] > contract or shrink
shrimc1000
shrinkc1275
to draw togethera1398
gather1577
coact1578
to fall together1583
draw1615
contract1648
to run up1838
to take up1860
1860 A. H. Alston Seamanship §385 Log lines should be wetted before marking..to allow them to take up, as they are always wet when in use.
1868 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 4) 197 The longer the rope the more it takes up.
f. transitive. To shorten or tighten a garment by hemming or tucking (the fabric); to alter (a garment) in this way.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > alter
to turn upa1586
tuck1626
to let out1791
fashionize1824
to piece down1863
to make down1877
to let down1890
to take up1902
1902 Anaconda (Montana) Standard 26 Jan. 35/2 It [sc. a skirt]..may have the fullness at the back taken up in an inverted box-plait or gathers.
1914 Farm, Stock & Home 15 Apr. 339/2 If loose at this part take up the front and back, an equal portion, unless the fullness seems to be only on the front, in which case take up all that is necessary, only on the front, at the underarm seam.
1937 P. H. Richards Dress Creation xiii. 113 The quantity taken up in the tucks should amount in all to the distance between A and C.
1972 A. Ross London Assignment 28 The trousers were a fraction long, and would need to be taken up.
2003 C. Black What's it all About? (2004) xv. 172 It was a ruby-red, high-waisted velvet dress, and to make it look more fashionable, I took up the hem.
17. transitive.
a.
(a) To accept (a bet or challenge); to accept the bet or challenge of (a person). Cf. sense 30 and Phrases 1j(b).See also to take up the gauntlet at gauntlet n.1 1c, to take up the glove at glove n. 1d.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept
onfangeOE
fangOE
to take with ——lOE
takec1175
understandc1200
afangc1275
receivec1330
accepta1382
'lowa1382
except1393
to take up1570
to take a person up on (something)1807
to take up1810
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 418/2 He chalenged Henry..at the barriers, to be tryed at Northampton. But that chalenge was taken vp, least some farther inconuenience might haue risen therof.
1661 G. Wharton Select & Choice Poems 74 Pluto takes up the wager, and makes shew Of paints and varnishes both old and new.
1662 F. Kirkman Wits 68 Smirk thou shalt take him up, I'le wager on thy side.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 126. ¶9 Notwithstanding he was a very fair Bettor, no Body would take him up.
1764 F. C. Sheridan Dupe v. vi. 68 Take up his bett, Friendly, and I'll go your halves.
1880 G. Meredith Tragic Comedians II. x. 159 Marko..had taken up Alvan's challenge.
1893 Temple Bar Jan. 21 It don't concern you who takes up the bets.
1910 ‘R. Dehan’ One Braver Thing xxix. 226 Nobody took up the bet, fortunately for the sportsman.
1986 R. Sproat Stunning the Punters 82 Only four of us took him up, me included. Bare-knuckle fighting, not Queensberry rules, but fair enough fights.
2006 Independent 15 Apr. 39/1 A growing army of wordsmiths is taking up a challenge to craft six-line verses that obey the disciplines of the so-called Fibonacci sequence.
(b) To accept (an offer, invitation, etc.); (also) to accept the offer or invitation of (a person).
ΚΠ
1679 J. Davies tr. Appian Hist. i. vii. 197 Scipio..said that..if any one of riper Years, would accept the command, he was ready to yield it to him. But none taking up the offer, he went with greater admiration and applause to this War.
a1766 J. Ronald Reality & Efficacy Work Spirit of God (1767) 70 Did you take up the offer of Christ, and salvation through him, as made particularly to yourself?
1860 J. H. Williams Let. 11 Mar. in J. K. Folmar This State of Wonders (1986) ii. 71 Brown may continue his offer as I did not take him up at once.
1893 N.Y. Times 4 May 8 The New-York and New-Jersey Telephone Company offered to take its men back at the old wages..but nobody took the offer up.
1943 D. J. Manners Under Running Laughter 209 I guess you'll be wantin' to take up their invite to go to stay at the lake pretty soon.
1989 P. Dally Elizabeth Barrett Browning iv. 33 Elizabeth did not take up his reiterated invitation to visit him.
2002 Sun 16 July 26/2 (advt.) Take up this offer and you can choose a second free gift.
†b. To accept (a statement, idea, etc.) on trust; to believe without proof. Chiefly with upon credit, upon trust. Cf. sense 6a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > act of convincing, conviction > bring to belief, convince [verb (transitive)] > be convinced, swallow
feela1200
to take on trust1590
swallow1594
to take up1617
to take upon content1646
to take in1823
1617 C. A. Monsigr. Fate Voi 4 To take vp in great, all that he saith, vpon the courtesy of his Readers credit.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §34 It is strange how the ancients took up experiments upon credit, and yet did build great matters upon them.
1653 J. Howell German Diet sig. C2v Caesar..never entred into the bowells of the Land, and what he delivers he took up in trust by confused rumors.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. iv. §8 Greek writers..took up things upon trust as much as any people in the world did.
1703 N. Battely Somner's Antiq. Canterbury (rev. ed.) i. 44 Thus others have told them, and they think they may take it up upon trust, and say as much after them.
1854 A. Gilchrist Life William Etty I. 347 Loose old-fashioned notions, taken up on trust.
c. To take notice of and repeat (a story, rumour, etc.).
ΚΠ
1773 F. Grose Antiq. Eng. & Wales III. Alnwick Castle Pl. ii The very words of the deed of infeoffment..confute a report too hastily taken up by some historians.
1856 C. R. Kennedy in tr. Demosthenes Orations App. v. 264 The story was taken up by the poets, and is embodied in the famous..drinking song of Callistratus, written about a century after the event.
1888 Scotsman 5 Mar. 6/4 Mrs Gordon Baillie is the heroine of the hour. Her wonderful adventurous story has been taken up by some of the London Newspapers.
1920 S. W. Bassett Taming of Zenas Henry xiii. 242 Promptly the town took up the gossip. ‘The Brewsters are all goin' to pieces!’ they whispered among themselves.
2012 C. Fitzgerald Namesake (2013) xxxiv. 207 The national newspapers took up the story, and reporters swarmed the streets.
d. To accept or receive (something offered); to claim (a benefit, grant, etc.). Cf. take-up n. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [verb (transitive)] > claim
challengea1240
claimc1320
pretend?a1425
vouch1488
to lay claim to1584
assert1649
vindicate1680
to take up1810
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept
onfangeOE
fangOE
to take with ——lOE
takec1175
understandc1200
afangc1275
receivec1330
accepta1382
'lowa1382
except1393
to take up1570
to take a person up on (something)1807
to take up1810
1810 W. P. Taunton Rep. Court Common Pleas 1 165 The Defendant having no claim against the Plaintiff, had no interest in taking up the award.
1892 Sat. Rev. 8 Oct. 403/2 Mr. Stanley (on taking up the freedom of Swansea) spoke very vigorously on the subject of Uganda.
1927 Times 24 Feb. 20/2 Adequate provision has been made for those who, leaving our service, automatically take up State benefits and make State contributions.
1971 Guardian 15 Apr. 1/1 A major campaign to persuade people to take up their welfare and social security benefits has been launched by the Government.
1977 Skateboard Special Sept. 2/1 If you want to take up our super Swap-Shop offer now's your chance.
1999 What Investm. Mar. 124/2 If you have not taken up this year's PEP allowances you could ‘bed-and-PEP’.
18. intransitive. to take up with.
a. To begin to associate or keep company with, esp. with a view to a romantic or sexual relationship; to become friendly with; to form a relationship with. Cf. to take with —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > make friends with [verb (transitive)]
workOE
friend1483
to make friends (with, of, to)1561
to take up with1570
to pal up (also around, out, etc.)1889
to get next to1896
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > accompany or associate with [verb (transitive)]
seeOE
to bear (a person) company (also fellowship, etc.)c1225
mella1300
fellowshipa1382
companya1400
accompany1461
to keep company (with)1502
encompanya1513
to keep (a person) company1517
to take repast1517
assist1553
to take up with1570
rempare1581
to go along with1588
amate1590
bear1590
to fall in1593
consort1598
second1600
to walk (also travel) in the way with1611
comitate1632
associate1644
enhaunt1658
join1713
assort1823
sit1828
companionize1870
to take tea with1888
to knock about with1915
tote1977
fere-
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1392/2 The Maior aunswered, what come ye to me? You are taken vp with the kynges counsaile.
1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. B4v Are you therefore my superiour because you are taken vp with Gentlemen, and I with the yeomanrie?
a1625 J. Fletcher Wit without Money (1639) i. sig. B1 He's taken up with those that wooe the Widdow.
1690 T. Brown Reasons Mr. J. Hains Conversion 25 Having got drunk, I took up with a common Wench in the streets, and have met with a Clap.
1693 Humours & Conversat. Town 28 The man of Mode takes up with a damn'd Jilt.
1709 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 12 Nov. (1965) I. 19 These wars make men so violent scarce, that these good ladies take up with the shadows of them.
a1777 S. Foote Maid of Bath (1778) 55 A garson of your antient famille to take up with a pauvre petite bourgoise?
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. xi. 173 To see his daughter taking up with their son.
1887 E. E. Money Little Dutch Maiden (1888) 329 If you cannot marry her, you won't care to take up with another.
a1914 H. Miles Brief Sketch of Life (1924) 58 He has taken up with that lot, and been to their chapel, and become a Methodist, and joined that narrow-minded people.
1957 R. Hoggart Uses of Literacy iii. 76 The woman he ‘took up with’ was likely enough to be married herself and of roughly the same age as his own wife.
1963 Australasian Post (Melbourne) 14 Mar. 44/1 Miss Dolly has ‘taken up’ with a poor but respectable cabinet-maker and his wife... She sells her stolen nag to help them out.
2000 M. Barrowcliffe Girlfriend 44 xvii. 437 I wondered how desperate she was that she had taken up with this bloke.
†b. To be satisfied with; to content oneself with; to put up with, tolerate. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > contentment or satisfaction > be content or satisfied with [verb (transitive)]
restc1300
to take in (good) wortha1382
sufficec1390
to have (also accept, bear, etc.) in wortha1456
stay1549
to take up with1609
to settle for1959
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > endure patiently [verb (transitive)] > bear with or tolerate
forbearc897
tholec950
bearOE
abidec1300
bidea1325
takec1330
suffer1340
wielda1375
to have patience with (also in, toward)c1384
supportc1384
to sit with ——c1400
sustainc1400
thulgec1400
acceptc1405
to away with1528
brook1530
well away1533
to bear with —1538
digest1553
to comport with1565
stand1567
purse?1571
to put up1573
well away1579
comport1588
fadge1592
abrook1594
to come away1594
to take up with1609
swallow1611
embracea1616
to pack up1624
concocta1627
to set down bya1630
to take with ——1632
tolerate1646
brook1658
stomach1677
pouch1819
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > absence of resistance > accept without resistance [verb (transitive)] > put up with or become reconciled to
bear1540
reconcile1543
to take up with1609
to come to terms1860
to live with ——1937
1609 P. Holland tr. Ammianus Marcellinus Rom. Hist. 394 Never doe wee find that he tooke up with any mild correction and punishment.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 395 I will not take up with the old and meane buildings of my Ancestors.
1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. xiv. 276 Nature teaches and inclines us to take up with our Lot.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. viii. 282 The unsatisfactory Nature of the Evidence, with which we are obliged to take up.
1825 New Monthly Mag. 13 588 The book-sellers..buy all the good books, and the joint stock company must take up with the refuse of the market.
1839 London & Paris Observer 24 Mar. 185/3 Our jeweller persisted..in affirming his first valuation; and I rather think Sir Thomas was obliged, after all, to take up with his lot.
1875 J. G. Holland Sevenoaks iv. 43 ‘If you can take up with what we've got,’ said Mrs. Buffum suggestively. ‘In course,’ responded Jim, ‘an' I can take up with what ye haven't got.’
c. To adopt, espouse, agree with (an idea, belief, etc.); to become interested or engaged in (a profession or pastime). Cf. sense 8a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assent > [verb (transitive)]
cordc1380
to give handsa1425
to fall to ——a1450
agree1472
to go into ——1540
astipulate1548
subscribe1560
seal1579
suffragate1606
give1621
assent1637
homologate1644
to take up with1673
affirmative1775
chorus1836
yea-say1887
yes1915
1673 W. Wycherley Gentleman Dancing-master v. i. 94 You must have your great, gilt, fine, painted Coaches, I'm sure they are grown so common already amongst you, that Ladies of Quality begin to take up with Hackneys agen.
1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. ii. 27 I could as easily take up with that senseless assertion of the Stoics.
1724 A. Collins Disc. Grounds Christian Relig. 275 Taking up with all manner of false proofs in behalf of Christianity.
1762 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy V. xvi. 76 As he could not have the honour of it, in the literal sense of the doctrine—he took up with the allegory of it.
1825 R. H. Froude in Remains (1838) I. 178 My lately having taken up with reading sermons.
1885 J. Martineau Types Ethical Theory I. 127 We take up at once with the belief that the space around us is empty.
1905 Secret Service 19 May 18/1 He felt that he had made as bad a break as ever before since he took up with the detective business.
a1941 V. Woolf Haunted House (1967) 79 A readiness to take up with something new—whatever it may be that comes next to hand.
1998 J. Skinner in Bk. of Margery Kempe 5 It is easy to imagine that once Margery took up with the idea of becoming a pilgrim, her lifestyle changed into a continual traipse from one holy site to the next.
†d. To repair or retire to (a bed, couch, etc.); = to take to —— 1b at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > esp. a place of refuge or safety
to take to ——c1300
take?a1400
to take up with1748
oasis1814
1748 L. Pilkington Mem. II. 128 As I could not take up with her Bed, I was obliged to sit up all Night.
1760 S. Fielding Ophelia I. iv. 24 At night he again took up with his Couch.
19. transitive. To begin afresh (something left off, or begun by another); to resume, recommence. Also intransitive. Cf. to take up the threads at thread n. 8.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > again
renovela1325
renewa1387
resumec1400
renove?c1425
anewc1440
reassume1472
to take again1474
take1477
reprise1481
recommencea1513
renovate1535
to take up1587
rebegin1598
reopen1756
1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 158 Good Eccho shew me thy good will, is no man here but thou and I: Take vp my tale as I lament.
1656 Ld. Orrery Parthenissa V. iii. iv. 250 With Atafernes I joyfully took up our way to the Camp.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 465. ¶5 Soon as the Evening Shades prevail, The Moon takes up the wondrous Tale.
1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 33 I will write my Time away, and take up my Story where I left off, on Sunday Afternoon.
1833 H. Martineau Manch. Strike (new ed.) i. 5 When at last she lost her voice..he took up the word.
1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Aug. 482/2 Mr. Ward's diary takes up the history..just where Lord Malmesbury's memoirs leave it.
1902 O. Wister Virginian xxxii. 421 We took up our journey, and by the end of the forenoon we had gone some distance.
1961 C. Beaton Diary in Self Portrait with Friends (1979) xxiii. 340 We immediately took up where we had left off.
2003 Guardian 23 Apr. (Society section) 2 ‘They said there was nothing they could do for him,’ says his mother, taking up the story after her son has left the room.
20.
a. transitive. Of a substance or body: to absorb (a fluid, moisture, etc.); to interact with and retain (a gas or other substance); to dissolve (a solid).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > action or process of absorbing > absorb [verb (transitive)]
to suck up1530
haust1542
soakc1555
to take up1597
absorb1604
imbibe1651
inhale1836
sop1888
1597 J. Gerard Herball iii. cxxxii. 1327 A liquor, which being taken vp with a spunge, or a little wooll, is dried.
1656 tr. Marnettè Perfect Eng. Cooke 3 in Perfect Cook Roul your eggs, meat and herbs till your meat hath taken it up; then take sweet butter and fry your meat in.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. v. 105 Nutritive Juices, taken up by the absorbent Vessels.
1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 47 An acid cannot take up above such a certain proportion thereof as is sufficient to saturate it.
1805 W. Saunders Treat. Mineral Waters (ed. 2) 29 Water, at a moderate temperature, will readily take up its own bulk of carbonic acid gas.
1840 P. H. Gosse Canad. Naturalist xvi. 251 This mass of tubes is elastic, and capable of taking up and holding a large quantity of water, like a sponge.
1877 Scribner's Monthly 15 141/2 The elastic roller thus takes up the color from the pores of the wood.
1892 Cornhill Mag. Sept. 257 Water will take up 2 lb. 10 oz. of salt to the gallon.
1910 Pop. Mech. Mar. 322/2 The alkali takes up the carbonic acid gas of the respired breath and forms an alkaline carbonate.
1978 B. S. Beckett Illustr. Biol. xxxi. 62/1 As root hairs take up water their cell sap is diluted.
2011 I. Fraser & P. Marsack Bush Capital Year 133 The fungus too takes up food via its network of mycelial threads.
b. transitive. Engineering. To accept, absorb, or assimilate (power, motion, etc.), esp. by gearing.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > wheel > furnish with wheel(s) [verb (transitive)] > assimilate power by changing gear
to take up1847
1847 Railway Reg. 5 203 The amount of surface of float to take up the power of the engine, with the particular build and speed of the vessel.
1871 Ann. Rep. Amer. Inst. N.Y. 1870–1 981 in Docs. Assembly State N.Y. (94th Session, Doc. No. 111) IX Sufficient to take up the power of the steam at the beginning of the stroke and give it off at the close.
1921 Conquest Oct. 510/2 It appears to have solved the problem generally of how gradually and smoothly to take up and transmit the power of a prime mover or motor.
1966 Listener 24 Nov. 773/1 These slight irregularities help the colours to engage with each other,..rather as the slightly abrasive surface of a clutch-plate takes up the transmission.
2007 J. Zurschmeide High-performance Subaru Builder’s Guide vi. 67/3 (caption) These bevel gears can freely rotate around each other to take up the motion when your tires rotate at different speeds.
c. intransitive. Of a boat, its timbers, or its seams: to expand (and hence become watertight) through immersion in water. Cf. sense 11d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > action or process of absorbing > absorb [verb (intransitive)]
to take up1902
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > [verb (intransitive)] > of timber: expand by absorbing water
to take up1902
1902 Macmillan's Mag. Apr. 407/1 The carpenter's patches had leaked badly; and..the boat was towing astern to allow the new seams to ‘take up’.
1951 Motor Boating May 36/2 Daylight could be seen through her seams.., and..she made a little water when launched so we left her afloat for a few days to take up.
1960 E. L. Delmar-Morgan Cruising Yacht Equipm. & Navigation vii. 86 The planks and timbers will dry out... When they are once again waterborne they will leak until the wood ‘takes up’.
2012 Boat Repair Bible 274 Another simple solution is to relaunch the boat and allow the wooden planks to take up (swell).
†21. transitive. To engage (a person) in a fight or battle; to take on. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight with [verb (transitive)]
fightOE
strugglec1386
wrestle1398
cope witha1467
undertake1470
to set one's foot by1536
skirmc1540
make1542
to break blows, words with1589
combata1592
to take up1600
warsle1606
stoush1924
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. iii. 73 His diuisions..And in three heads, one power against the French, And one against Glendower perforce a third Must take vp vs.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 243 Corio. On faire ground, I could beat fortie of them. Mene. I could my selfe take vp a Brace o'th' best of them. View more context for this quotation
1643 R. Baker Chron. Kings of Eng. iii. 5 King Henry..in June kept a solemne Just at Greenwich, where he and Sir Charles Brandon took up all cummers.
1739 J. Kelly Peruvian Tales III. lxvi. 66 Malacou, rising up, entreated the King to suffer him to take up the Challenger.
22. transitive.
a. To apprehend with the senses, to perceive. Frequently in to take up the scent at scent n. Phrases 1.Sometimes with admixture of sense 19.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > [verb (transitive)]
fredec888
haveeOE
yfeeleOE
feelc1175
perceivec1330
comprehendc1374
find?a1425
perceiver1495
to take up1607
sensatea1652
percept1652
to suck ina1661
sense1661
appreciate1787
absorb1840
sensize1861
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 585 Presently the wilde beastes take it [sc. the scent] vp, and follow it withall speede they can.
a1675 J. Lightfoot Wks. (1684) II. 509 He rather presented an object of his own framing, than the eyes of Christ took up the sight of these Kingdoms as they really were.
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. 71 Others there are that can't keep the Scent, but wander up and down and hunt Counter, taking up any false Scent.
1770 Oxf. Mag. Feb. 80 He [sc. a fox] leap'd down a lime kiln, and crept out at the eye, where the dogs took up the scent again.
1837 ‘N. Polson’ Subaltern's Sick Leave 136 He became aware of a lion following his spoor, that is taking up his trail of footsteps, a common habit of the lion when hungry.
1888 Times 16 Oct. 10/5 The hound..took up the stale trail..without a fault.
1901 Badminton Mag. Feb. 123 The pack come up and take up the scent with a good cry.
1937 C. Birkby Zulu Journey 251 The people of the place must take up the trail and either trace the missing beast or compensate the owner.
2009 Times (Nexis) 3 Jan. 16 The police take up the scent and their hunt..leads them to Ethan's gallery.
†b. To obtain (ideas, conclusions, etc.) from a source; to adopt, borrow; to deduce, infer. Also intransitive. Cf. sense 17b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain from a source or derive
takec1175
drawa1300
to take out of ——1483
suck1535
to suck out1546
derive1561
extract1596
to take up1610
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > process of inferring, inference > infer, conclude [verb (transitive)]
concludec1374
takec1400
to drive outc1443
drive1447
derive1509
reasona1527
deduce1529
include1529
infer1529
gather1535
deduct?1551
induce1563
pick1565
fetch1567
collect1581
decide1584
bring1605
to take up1662
1610 D. Price Def. of Truth i. viii. 207 You read Coccius & Bellarmine, beleeved them, and preached them, and tooke vp from them, vpon trust, but not vpon truth.
1628 J. Earle Micro-cosmogr. ii. sig. B3 Notes of Sermons, which taken vp at St. Maries, hee vtters in the Country.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. ii. §5 That the general conclusions of reason..were taken up from the observation of things as they are at present in the world.
1700 J. Dryden Fables Pref. sig. *Bv I find I have anticipated already, and taken up from Boccace before I come to him.
c. To comprehend, understand, grasp (a person's words, meaning, etc.). Also with the person as object. Frequently Scottish in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
1617 Bruce's Way to True Peace & Rest xvi. 364 He must take heede to the meaning of the Author, that he take vp his true meaning so neare as he can.
1667 Guthrie's Christian's Great Interest (ed. 4) 58 A man may take up his gracious state by his faith, and the acting thereof on Christ.
1701 tr. A. Dacier Wks. Plato Abridg'd I. 158 Do you not understand me, do you take me up, and do you agree with what I say?
1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. vi. 101 A Student should never satisfy himself with bare Attendance on the Lectures of his Tutor, unless he clearly takes up his Sense and Meaning.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Tak up He taks up a thing before ye have half said it.
1867 N. Macleod Starling I. v. 55 ‘I do not take you up, sir,’ replied the Sergeant.
1913 A. M. Chisholm Desert Conquest vii. 98 He took up her meaning with extraordinary quickness.
1939 New Statesman & Nation 1 July 13/1 I was astonished to notice how quickly jokes were taken up by the gallery. I do not intend this as any reflection on the gallery—my surprise, I mean—for it is often the most intelligent part of theatre.
1972 in Sc. National Dict. (1974) IX. 199/3 [Aberdeen and Perth] Na, na, ye've teen me up wrang.
2009 B. Dare in S. Davidson & S. Carber Taking PYP Forward vi. 78 An ideal starting point for ESL students is to provide contexts where they can take up the meaning of the words and wordings you use because they are context embedded.
†d. To contract (a disease). Cf. sense 33b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > cause to be ill [verb (transitive)] > catch illness
catcha1393
enticec1400
engender1525
get1527
to take up1629
to come down1837
to pick up1889
start1891
to go down1895
1629 R. M. Micrologia sig. B4 Hee [sc. a Player] is one seldome takes care for old Age; because ill Diet and Disorder, together with a Consumption or some worse disease, taken vp in his full Careere; haue onely chalked out his Catastrophe but to a Colon.
a1657 R. Loveday Lett. Domest. & Forrein (1659) 269 As if we had left London on purpose to come and take up diseases in the Countrey.
1848 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 9 ii. 360 We can conceive that an animal..should take up the disease, and afterwards communicate it to others.
†e. To be accorded (honour, trust, esteem, etc.). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > be given
underfoc888
afangOE
underfongc1175
getc1300
latchc1300
undertake1393
receivea1400
to take up1639
to come into ——1672
to fall in for1788
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre v. xxvi. 274 A Chronologer of such credit, that he may take up more belief on his bare word then some other on their bond.
1718 R. Blackmore Coll. Poems Var. Subj. 215 They take up Honour on their Father's Grant, While Merit, not their own, th' Usurpers vaunt.
†23. intransitive. to take up in: to concern oneself with, to have reference to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > become interested in
to take up in1665
enter1694
to take up1751
to turn on1954
1665 J. Spencer Disc. Vulgar Prophecies 120 Hath not the World out-grown the follies of Auguries..and took up in the resolves of Reason, as the best Oracle to consult in a civil business?
1679 R. South Serm. Several Occasions 262 The former Articles, that took up Chiefly in Speculation and Belief.
24. transitive. Bee-keeping. To remove the honey from (a hive), esp. by killing the bees with sulphur fumes; to kill (bees) in this way. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1790 S. Deane New-Eng. Farmer 26/1 When a hive is taken up, there is no need of murdering the poor insects with fire and brimstone, as has been the usual practice.
1885 C. A. Stephens Adventures of Six Young Men 101 There were numerous bumble-bees' nests in the grass and about the old stumps. We ‘took up’ not less than ten that forenoon.
1907 Brit. Bee Jrnl. 19 Sept. 377/2 In this district, at least, the skeppists are sufficiently educated to ‘take up’ the swarms with their new combs and their old queens.
1922 Amer. Bee Jrnl. Mar. 92/1 The rural skeppist ‘takes up’ his surplus stocks... Knowing no better way or quicker way of honey taking than by killing the bees, he places the heaviest hives at dusk over a pit of lighted sulphur.
25. intransitive. U.S. to take up for: to stand up for; to support, side with. Cf. to take for —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > take someone's side or side with
favoura1375
to stand with ——1384
takec1400
to take (a) part witha1470
to hold sides1490
to take the part ofc1500
to stick with ——1523
partake1546
follow1548
to join issue1551
to make with ——1559
favourize1585
side1585
party1587
to take in1597
part1669
to fall in1709
to take for ——1770
to take up for1824
range1874
1824 C. M. Sedgwick Redwood II. xvi. 220 It is not needful the brethren should know that I take up for you.
1878 Scribner's Monthly 15 769/2 To Amanda's surprise her father took up for Mark.
1936 M. Mitchell Gone with the Wind xii. 234 I knew you were doing it just to take up for me.
1977 New Yorker 6 June 85/1 ‘Wouldn't it embarrass you, hearing that your daddy spent a night in jail?’ And Henry said no, it wouldn't—not if he knew his daddy had been taking up for someone.
2006 L. Howard Drop Dead Gorgeous iv. 48 ‘If she says it was a Buick, it's a Buick,’ said Dad, taking up for me, and Wyatt nodded.
PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to take after ——
intransitive. To follow the example of, to imitate; (hence) to resemble (a parent, ancestor, predecessor, etc.) in appearance, character, or behaviour.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > be like, resemble, or take after
to bear a resemblance toa1225
semblec1330
resemble1340
to look likec1390
representa1398
belikec1475
assemble1483
express1483
to take after ——1553
figure1567
assimilate1578
besib1596
imitate1601
resemblance1603
respect1604
favour1609
image1726
mirror1820
facsimile1839
turn after ——1848
picture1850
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique f. 60v If the Nurse be of a naughtie nature, the childe muste take thereafter.
1563 R. Reynolds Foundacion of Rhetorike f. xviiiv Pithagoras recited to them, the fall and ruine of many regions, and mightie kingdomes, whiche tooke after those vices.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. F4v It seemeth the children of time doe take after the nature and malice of the father. View more context for this quotation
1627 J. Carter Plaine Expos. Serm. in Mount 3 This propertie every one is most liquorish [i.e. desirous] of, taking after their great grand-mother Eve.
1657 P. Heylyn Ecclesia Vindicata Gen. Pref. His Followers all take after him in this particular.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 6 Men take strangely after this their first Imployment; and give as much as they can into this natural Bent and Inclination: Every one is desirous to have a Garden.
1757 P. Bacon Moral Quack 1 He was observed, by a particular elongation of the muscles of his face, to be likely to take after his father.
1800 M. Edgeworth Castle Rackrent 12 The new man did not take at all after the old gentleman.
1892 Good Words Nov. 784/2 I take after my mother's family.
1951 L. P. Hartley My Fellow Devils x. 89 Daddy's an old-fashioned agnostic and I suppose I take after him.
1984 B. MacLaverty Cal (new ed.) 113 He must take after his mother because Shamie was no oil painting.
1994 Barbados Advocate 10 Aug. 21/1 The BWIA airline attendant is taking after his big brother, Errol, who was also in the line-up.
 to take again —— (now chiefly in form to take agin ——)
English regional, archaic or affected in later use.
intransitive. To oppose; to begin to dislike, often for no strong or obvious reason; = to take against —— at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)]
withgo743
to go again ——OE
withsayc1175
again-goc1275
withsitc1300
thwarta1325
to go against ——a1382
counter1382
repugnc1384
adversea1393
craba1400
gainsaya1400
movec1400
overthwart?a1425
to put (also set) one's face againsta1425
traversea1425
contrairc1425
to take again ——c1425
contraryc1430
to take against ——a1450
opposec1485
again-seta1500
gain?a1500
oppone1500
transverse1532
to come up against1535
heave at1546
to be against1549
encounter1549
to set shoulder against1551
to fly in the face of1553
crossc1555
to cross with1590
countermand1592
forstand1599
opposit1600
thorter1608
obviate1609
disputea1616
obstrigillate1623
contradict1632
avert1635
to set one's hand against1635
top1641
militate1642
to come across ——1653
contrariate1656
to cross upon (or on)1661
shock1667
clash1685
rencounter1689
obtend1697
counteract1708
oppugnate1749
retroact?1761
controvert1782
react1795
to set against ——1859
appose-
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 5262 (MED) I deme hym..wers þan wod, þat durste..preswme To take ageyn vs.
a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 15312 (MED) For Englische mennes sake, Ageyn þe oughte we to take [?a1400 Petyt ageyn vs auh to take].
1851 M. Howitt Heir of Wast-Wayland iv. 69 I can't think what makes you take agen Richard so.
1898 R. Blakeborough Wit N. Riding Yorks. 458 Ah've ta'en agaan her, an' Ah' s' nivver tak up wiv her na mair.
1959 Punch 18 Mar. 394/1 The first food-reformers tended to take agin' foods without any carefully reasoned dietetic arguments.
1987 Guardian 8 July 11/7 I take agin tribalism everywhere.
2008 H. Browne Little Lady Agency & Prince 175 Roger had taken agin Nicky about as badly as Nelson had.
 to take against ——
1. intransitive. To oppose, side against.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)]
withgo743
to go again ——OE
withsayc1175
again-goc1275
withsitc1300
thwarta1325
to go against ——a1382
counter1382
repugnc1384
adversea1393
craba1400
gainsaya1400
movec1400
overthwart?a1425
to put (also set) one's face againsta1425
traversea1425
contrairc1425
to take again ——c1425
contraryc1430
to take against ——a1450
opposec1485
again-seta1500
gain?a1500
oppone1500
transverse1532
to come up against1535
heave at1546
to be against1549
encounter1549
to set shoulder against1551
to fly in the face of1553
crossc1555
to cross with1590
countermand1592
forstand1599
opposit1600
thorter1608
obviate1609
disputea1616
obstrigillate1623
contradict1632
avert1635
to set one's hand against1635
top1641
militate1642
to come across ——1653
contrariate1656
to cross upon (or on)1661
shock1667
clash1685
rencounter1689
obtend1697
counteract1708
oppugnate1749
retroact?1761
controvert1782
react1795
to set against ——1859
appose-
a1450 Pater Noster Richard Ermyte (Westm. Sch. 3) (1967) 38 (MED) Gretly he wraþþiþ God & aȝeyns hym takiþ þat wole not leue for soþ þat he to hym seiþ.
1568 C. Watson tr. Polybius Hystories f. 93 If you take agaynst him, there is nothing so hurtfull or noysome, which he wyll not assay.
1692 O. Walker Greek & Rom. Hist. ii. xxiv. 315 The Army took against him, baffled, and would have killed him.
1892 Longman's Mag. Mar. 558 ‘You are not taking against me?’ he exclaimed suspiciously.
1907 E. L. R. de la Pasture Lonely Lady of Grosvenor Square xxii. 360 Of course, she've been and took against the match now there's an heir turned up.
1990 M. Booth Triads i. 8 Quite why the White Lotus Society finally took against the full-blooded Chinese Ming dynasty..is not known for certain.
2004 S. Walker Reunion xxxvii. 218 You know he phoned me up the other day and told me that his mother had openly taken against him, siding with the wife!
2. intransitive. To begin to dislike, often for no strong or obvious reason. Cf. to take again —— at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΚΠ
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd xv, in Cornhill Mag. Apr. 390 Ye be very badly used, shepherd.., I think she's took against ye—that I do.
1897 R. M. Gilchrist Peakland Faggot 182 First thing hoo did..were to tek against childern. Hoo'd always bin' very fond o' 'em afore.
1934 K. Burdekin Proud Man 303 She was only ill a week. And Mr. Gilbert, the poor little boy, he took against her and wouldn't go to her.
1956 A. L. Rowse Early Churchills 383 She either took to a person or she took against them.
1986 K. Amis Old Devils iii. 76 I've taken against the house white. Horrid little ninny of a wine.
2002 B. Norman And why Not? 211 Diana took against him at once—and a day later was to take against him even more violently.
 to take for ——
1. transitive.
†a. To include in the meaning or conception of; to count as. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19029 Tacc nu þe sawle forr þatt mann. Þatt cumeþþ her to manne.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 2818 Alle þir four stedes..for helle þai may alle be tane, Of whilk four purgatory es ane.
c1425 Castle of Love (Egerton) (1967) l. 106 (MED) Worschip thi fader and thi moder..And whoso is thi warldly lord or thi kyng Is taken for thi fadir in this byddyng.
†b. To understand to mean; to interpret as. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]
yknoweOE
acknowOE
anyeteOE
latchc1000
undernimc1000
understandc1000
underyetec1000
afindOE
knowOE
seeOE
onfangc1175
takec1175
underfindc1200
underfonga1300
undertakea1300
kenc1330
gripea1340
comprehend1340
comprendc1374
espyc1374
perceivea1387
to take for ——?1387
catcha1398
conceivea1398
intenda1400
overtakea1400
tenda1400
havec1405
henta1450
comprise1477
skilla1500
brook1548
apprend1567
compass1576
perstanda1577
endue1590
sound1592
engrasp1593
in1603
fathom1611
resent1614
receivea1616
to take up1617
apprehend1631
to take in1646
grasp1680
understumblec1681
forstand1682
savvy1686
overstand1699
uptake1726
nouse1779
twig1815
undercumstand1824
absorb1840
sense1844
undercumstumble1854
seize1855
intelligize1865
dig1935
read1956
?1387 T. Wimbledon Serm. (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 116 (MED) Now preueþ þis doctour þat a day mot be take here for a ȝeer, boþe by auctorite of holy writ..and also by resoun.
1596 J. Harington New Disc. Aiax sig. C2 Which word..many of the simple hearers, & readers, take for a precious stone.
1664 J. Evelyn Acct. Archit. in tr. R. Fréart Parallel Antient Archit. 126 Otherwhiles again it [sc. the astragal] is taken for the Cincture or Coller next the Hypotrachelium.
1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie 126 In Astronomy, a Radius or Ray is taken for the Aspect or Configuration of two Stars.
1684 J. Phillips tr. N. A. de La Framboisière Art of Physick iii. 95 Generally the Word Aposteme is taken for any Tumor which is preternatural.
1792 W. Osbaldiston Brit. Sportsman 395 The word heel is taken for the spur itself; hence they say..‘he knows the heels; he obeys the heels [etc.].’
1834 R. B. Paul Antiq. Greece (ed. 2) i. v. v. 152 The principal aliment of the Greeks was bread, called ἄρτος: hence this word is taken sometimes for food in general.
c.
(a) To suppose or assume to be; esp. to suppose (something) to be (what it is not); to mistake for. Also: †to esteem or repute as (obsolete).See also to take for gospel at gospel n. 4, to take for granted at granted adj. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > appraise, estimate [verb (transitive)] > view in a certain way
findOE
telllOE
to take for ——a1393
receivec1400
notec1440
reputec1475
esteem1532
read1591
estimate1609
relish1617
set1648
resent1649
view1715
contemplate1785
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 844 To peise now with that beforn, The chaf is take for the corn.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 81 That Holi Writt mai be take for the outward lettris writun and schapun vnder dyuerse figuris in parchemyn or in velim.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 1333 Gret lordys..for a doughty knyght hym tase.
?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. B.iv A man wolde take hym for a shrewe I trowe.
1579 S. Gosson Apol. Schoole of Abuse in Ephemerides Phialo f. 82 I am not so childishe to take euery bushe for a monster.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ix. 396 An Eagle taking his bald pate for a white rocke, let a shell-fish fall on it.
1693 N. Tate tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires xv. 303 So soft his Tresses..You'd doubt his Sex, and take him for a Girl.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 289. ¶1 I have been sometimes taken..for a Parish Sexton.
1770 Trial W. Wemms 100 I heard a bell ring, which I took at first for nine o'clock.
1881 H. Brazenor Ivy Cranbourne ix. 55 Had a stranger seen Jenny on this memorable Whitsun morn, they would scarcely have taken her for a peasant's child.
1889 R. L. Stevenson Master of Ballantrae x. 267 Do you take me for a fool?
1924 Amer. Midland Naturalist May 139 One of the party discovered by the roadside a plant which at first was taken for a Silphium.
1979 G. MacEwan Pat Burns, Cattle King (1981) vi. 45 The good people of that city took him for a foreign missionary home on furlough.
2005 R. Thomson Divided Kingdom (2006) 158 At first I took it for a coin, but then I bent closer and saw that it was a ring.
(b) what (also who, whom) do you take me for?: said as a challenge to a derogatory implication, as of foolishness, dishonesty, etc.
ΚΠ
a1625 J. Fletcher Wild-goose Chase (1652) ii. iii. 23 What do you take me for, Sir?
1684 E. Ravenscroft Dame Dobson iv. ii. 50 How! Profit! who do you take me for? There is no deceit Sir in what I perform.
1793 Sporting Mag. Oct. 55/2 Come, none of your winking, fellow, what do you take me for?
1847 A. S. Mayhew & H. Mayhew Greatest Plague of Life vii. 87 I wanted to ask her who the dickens she took me for.
1861 Mrs. H. Wood East Lynne II. ix. 136 ‘Whom do you take me for?—what do you take me for?’ she repeated, rising in her bitter mortification.
1892 R. Kipling & W. Balestier Naulahka xvii. 202 ‘You won't get the chance,’ said Tarvin unshakenly... ‘What do you take me for?’
1912 C. Mackenzie Carnival xxx. 293 ‘What do you take me for?’ enquired Irene. ‘I take you for what you are—a rotter.’
1927 W. S. Maugham Constant Wife iii. 186 But, my poor John, whom do you take us for? Am I so unattractive that what I'm telling you is incredible?
1983 ‘R. B. Dominic’ Flaw in Syst. xx. 129 What do you take me for? A simp?
2005 C. H. Vaite Frangipani 99 ‘Everyone?’ she says, ‘who do you take me for?.. I only told two people.’
†2. intransitive. To support, side with. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] > take someone's side or side with
favoura1375
to stand with ——1384
takec1400
to take (a) part witha1470
to hold sides1490
to take the part ofc1500
to stick with ——1523
partake1546
follow1548
to join issue1551
to make with ——1559
favourize1585
side1585
party1587
to take in1597
part1669
to fall in1709
to take for ——1770
to take up for1824
range1874
1770 S. Foote Lame Lover ii. 31 A wise man should well weigh which party to take for.
† to take on ——
intransitive. To touch (a person or thing). Cf. sense 81. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > touch and feeling > touching > touch [verb (intransitive)]
to take on ——lOE
lOE St. Nicholas (Corpus Cambr.) (1997) 91 Þæt ilce ele is swa mihtig & swa strangc, þæt swa hwæt swa hit on tæcþ, þærrihtes hit eall forbærnð.
lOE St. Nicholas (Corpus Cambr.) (1997) 92 Sona swa þæt ele toc [L. tetigit] on þæt wæter, þa aras þær upp swiðe mycel fyr.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3456 Abute ðis munt ðu merke ma[k]e; If erf or man ðor-one take, It dead ðolen.
 to take off ——
1. transitive. To cause (esp. a person) to stop performing a given task, activity, duty, etc.; to dismiss, release, or withdraw from.
ΚΠ
1648 G. Winstanley Saints Paradise v. 95 It is..his delight to be taken off his work of burning and consuming the devill.
1654 R. Baxter Apol. against T. Blake & G. Kendall 88 You take them off the work that their master hath set them on.
1749 Case of Charles Moore 4 50 Coopers..who were capable to hoop 500 Butts per Day, all were taken off their Work by the Foreman.
1827 Albion 7 July 25/3 The Commander..changed Thompson's route, and took him off the infernal duty to which he had previously ordered him.
1849 Minutes Evid. Sel. Comm. Darlinghurst Gaol 59 in Votes & Proc. Legislative Council New S. Wales II. 287 By whose order was he taken off hard labor?
1901 Times of India 22 Aug. 6/5 I was transferred to H.M.S. ‘Pembroke’. She had just been taken off active service.
1926 Hamilton (Ohio) Daily News 9 Jan. 8/1 His lavish expenditure of money appalled the producers and they took him off the job.
1987 J. Fisher Lindbergh Case x. 123 Why was an outstanding law enforcement man like Irey being taken off the case?
2013 P. Beasley Disempowered xxviii. 306 The..doctor sent him a recommendation, after I've been working there all these years, to take me off kitchen duty.
2. transitive.
a. To cause (an animal) to stop feeding solely or principally on a particular food; to cease to restrict (esp. a person) to a particular diet or cause to stop consuming a particular food.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to
astintc700
stathea1200
atstuntc1220
to put an end toa1300
to set end ofa1300
batec1300
stanch1338
stinta1350
to put awayc1350
arrestc1374
finisha1375
terminec1390
achievea1393
cease1393
removec1405
terminate?a1425
stop1426
surceasec1435
resta1450
discontinue1474
adetermine1483
blina1500
stay1525
abrogatea1529
suppressa1538
to set in or at stay1538
to make stay of1572
depart1579
check1581
intercept1581
to give a stop toa1586
dirempt1587
date1589
period1595
astayc1600
nip1600
to break off1607
snape1631
sist1635
to make (a) stop of1638
supersede1643
assopiatea1649
periodizea1657
unbusya1657
to put a stop to1679
to give the holla to1681
to run down1697
cessate1701
end1737
to choke off1818
stopper1821
punctuate1825
to put a stopper on1828
to take off ——1845
still1850
to put the lid on1873
on the fritz1900
to close down1903
to put the fritz on something1910
to put the bee on1918
switch1921
to blow the whistle on1934
1845 Ohio Cultivator 1 June 84/1 The sheep should not be taken off fodder, till the grass has a good start.
1879 Penal Servitude Acts Comm.: Rep. II. 181 in Parl. Papers 1878–9 (C. 2368–I) XXXVII. 67 The instant that the medical officer sees that his [sc. a prisoner's] health is failing he sends me an official form, ‘I recommend that this man should be taken off bread and water.’
1902 J. Haas Hogology 35 Pigs should be taken off green feed and given more liberal allowances of..nitrogenous feeds.
1915 J. W. Lane-Claypon Milk xi. 193 The children were taken off milk when an attack of diarrhoea supervened.
1964 Agric. Decisions (U.S. Dept. Agric.) 23 645 The complainant breached the contract by taking the steers off ensilage and putting them on hay and water.
1974 Washington Post 19 Mar. b4/3 This doctor..took him off all liquids in the late afternoon and evening.
2014 J. Morgan From Needles to Natural 231 I always recommend itchy pets be taken off dry food.
b. To cause (esp. a person) to stop taking a particular drug or course of therapy. Also in later use: to disconnect (a patient) from an artificial respirator, life-support system, etc.
ΚΠ
1897 Med. & Surg. Reporter 20 Feb. 250/1 [Some] arsenic-eaters..have shown signs of..poisoning only when..suddenly taken off the drug when they have been in the habit of taking it medicinally or as an indulgence.
1920 N.Y. State Jrnl. Med. 20 116/2 Any form of cure can take an addict off his drug provided this is done promptly.
1968 Guardian 25 July 7/4 Your wife is much improved. We took her off the respirator last night.
1973 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 20 Oct. 157/1 Patients..with a poor prognosis will be taken off the treatment.
1997 R. Hursthouse in R. Crisp & M. Slote Virtue Ethics xi. 219 One might opt for taking her father off the life-support machine and the other for leaving her father on it.
2007 G. Keillor Pontoon xxii. 207 He was near death when he arrived and they took him off antibiotics and he bounced back, and got up and started walking around.
 to take out of ——
1. transitive.
a. To remove or withdraw from (literal and figurative).See also to take the words (also †tales) out of a person's mouth at mouth n. Phrases 1g, to take the wind out of the sails of at wind n.1 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)]
unteeOE
to take out of ——c1175
forthdraw?a1300
out-takea1350
to take outa1382
excludec1400
dischargec1405
to get outc1432
tryc1440
extraya1450
out-have1458
to take fortha1550
extract1570
reave1640
eliciate1651
roust1658
uncork1740
to put out of ——1779
to break out1840
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 209 To takenn ut off helle wa. Þa gode sawless alle.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 133 [While] he dwellede longe in Fraunce..Chedde was i-take out of his abbay of Lestynge.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 16442 Þe monsleer þat barabas: was take out of prisoun.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 660 [He] Out of the erth his deid bodie hes tone.
1563 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments 283/2 Afterwarde this worde relapse was taken out of the conclusiones and in stede therof this word prolapse put in.
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) 423 Being come to a paste, take it out of the mortar, and rowle it forth into verie thin cakes.
1659 T. Burton Diary (1828) IV. 451 Take heed you take not the thorn out of another's foot, and put it in your own wholly.
1678 M. Lewis Large Model of Bank 9 Whoever takes Money out of the Bank, (which all men may do at any time) they know it must be put in again upon such and such conditions.
1744 S. Lane Jrnl. 30 Sept. in C. L. Hanson Jrnl. for Years 1739–1803 (1937) 31 He..took mr Leavit out of ye Pulpit, which occasioned Law Business in Town.
1758 Universal Mag. June 291/1 To refund the money, taken out of the Exchequer.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §237 The mason took the mortar out of the bucket.
1837 R. Huish Female's Friend 686/2 Take the gown out of the alum, and give it a slight rinse in cold water.
1882 M. E. Braddon Mt. Royal III. iv. 59 He took the cartridges out of the case himself.
1937 K. A. Porter Let. 6 June (1990) iii. 148 Education must be taken out of the hands of rich illiterates, third rate politicians, and put where it belongs: in the care of scholars.
1974 Greenville (S. Carolina) News 23 Apr. 8/5 Seaver was taken out of the game after being tagged for hits by the first two batters in the Pittsburgh sixth.
2004 H. Blumenthal Family Food 24 This is a meshed spoon or spatula which is very useful for taking things like pasta and vegetables out of hot water.
b. To remove (a stain or mark) from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > cleaning of stains or marks > clean stains or marks (from) [verb (transitive)]
to take out of ——1573
unspot1598
unscore1621
unstain1639
spot1869
1573 Treat. Arte of Limming 10 To take grease out of parchement or paper: Take shepes burres and burne them to pouder, etc.
1596 W. Phillip tr. Bk. Secrets i. sig. Biv To take Inke out of paper or parchment.
1602 H. Plat Delightes for Ladies (new ed.) sig. G9 To take staines out of ones hands presently.
a1756 E. Haywood New Present (1771) 246 To take Ink out of Linen.
1772 tr. P.-J. Buc'hoz Toilet of Flora sig. 4v An expeditious Method to take Stains out of Scarlet, or Velvet of any other Colour.
1857 S. J. Hale Mrs. Hale's Receipts for Million 15 To take Iron-stains out of Marble. An equal quantity of fresh spirit of vitriol and lemon-juice..mixed in a bottle.
1919 L. R. Balderson Housewifery 277 Stripes are saved by streaking the adjoining stripes with soap or borax..; for example, in taking ink out of a white stripe among colors.
2000 Pop. Sci. Mar. 83/2 An errant splash of bleach can ruin your jeans with white splotches, but it can also take soup stains out of your expensive white shirt.
2. transitive. To subtract or deduct from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > perform arithmetic or algebraic operations [verb (transitive)] > subtract
to do awayOE
drawc1392
to take out of ——a1398
to take offa1400
withdrawc1400
subtray?c1425
ydraw?c1425
surtretec1440
to take away?1537
rebate1543
subtract1543
subduct?1556
substra?1558
pull?a1560
subduce?a1560
substract1559
to pull back?1574
difference1658
take1798
minus1963
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxvi. 1366 If þou takest oon out of an euene nombre [L. si de paritate vnitatem dempseris], anoon þou makest an odde nombre.
?c1425 Crafte Nombrynge in R. Steele Earliest Arithm. in Eng. (1922) 12 Take 4 out of 2; it wyl not be; þerfore borro one of þe next figure.
1571 R. Grafton Treat. Tables & Rules Pref. sig. Avv The whiche nomber take out of this present yere of our Lord. 1571. and then resteth. 70.
1593 T. Fale Horologiographia f. 14 I take the complement of the Elevation, which is 38d. out of the reclination of the plat which is 55d., and there remain 17d.
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vii. 131 A setting off of 8 Foot broad and 10 Foot long taking out of the Yard.
1730 H. Fielding Temple Beau v. xv. 71 Take six out of seven, and there remains one.
1750 D. Fenning Young Algebraist's Compan. (ed. 2) iii. 40 Suppose the Numerator of the Fraction to be subtracted be larger than the other Fraction, where can I take it out of then, and how must I proceed in such a Case?
1851 Appleton's Mechanic's Mag. 1 Mar. 161/2 As the engine does 264000 units of work every minute, therefore as many times as we can take this number out of 2284800, so many minutes will be taken in raising one tonne.
1939 Far Eastern Surv. 8 169/2 If these figures are taken out of the total, the balance with ‘third countries’ becomes adverse to the extent of M¥44.6 million.
2007 Monthly Labor Rev. Nov. 35/2 First, the population of children younger than 16 years is taken out of the total resident population.
3. transitive. To get, derive, or obtain from.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain from a source or derive
takec1175
drawa1300
to take out of ——1483
suck1535
to suck out1546
derive1561
extract1596
to take up1610
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. lxviijv/1 Here foloweth how Dauid regned after Saul, & gouerned Israhel, shortly taken out of the bible the most historyal maters.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope v. ix. f. lxxxv Now he taketh your fysshes oute of the Ryuer, and ete them.
1508 Almanacke for xii. yere (de Worde) This almanacke and table..is taken out of the grete ephymerides or almanacke of .xxx. yere.
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue sig. Biv Out of their knowledge, whiche they take out of the Scriptures.
1614 T. Gentleman Englands Way to win Wealth (title page) Wealth that is yearely taken out of his Maiesties seas, by the Hollanders, by their..busses, pinkes, and line-boates.
1650 J. French tr. Paracelsus Of Nature of Things 17 in tr. M. Sędziwóg New Light of Alchymie Any flint taken out of River water.
1701 F. Atterbury Additions to 1st Ed. Rights Eng. Convocation App. 16 Evil and Seditious Persons infected..with Fantastical and Erroneous Opinions taken out of such Books.
1791 W. Marshall Minutes in Rural Econ. W. Eng. (1796) II. 269 Rode to the head of ‘Plymouth Leat’. This artificial brook is taken out of the river mew, towards its source.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. i. 23 There were as good spitchcock'd eels on the board as ever were ta'en out of the Isis.
a1845 R. H. Barham Brothers of Birchington in Ingoldsby Legends (1847) 3rd Ser. 257 A metaphor..taken out of an ethical work by the Stagyrite.
1921 Amer. Artisan 21 May 31 Get business magazines and take ideas out of them.
1946 A. H. Reed Farthest North 45 Hundreds of diggers were camped hereabouts, and..took out of the ground some four hundred tons of gum annually.
2007 N.Y. Times 29 June a1/4 His goal is to make cells that might take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and produce methane.
4. transitive. to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.): to cause a person to transcend his or her worldly concerns; to distract, divert, or occupy a person.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (transitive)]
skenta1250
solace1297
comfort1303
gamec1330
disportc1374
mirtha1400
solancea1400
playa1450
recreate1531
pastime1577
sport1577
entertain1593
to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631
divertise1651
to take the fancy of1653
divert1662
amuse1667
tickle1682
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)]
fortogglea1300
to call away1529
scatter1530
forhale1579
to draw away1586
diffuse?1587
to call off1606
divert1609
to put out1616
avoke1623
disjoint1628
to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631
to draw off1646
divertise1648
to take off1670
dissipate1684
to turn off1741
to throw out1821
to turn away1848
1631 Earl of Manchester Contemplatio Mortis 119 Rapture..eleuates mans soule to God, as it takes him out of himselfe, to liue aboue himselfe.
1671 A. Woodhead tr. Life St. Teresa i. xxiv. 165 There came a Rapt upon me, so sudden, that it took me, as it were, out of myself.
1796 M. Wollstonecraft Lett. Sweden, Norway & Denmark xviii. 197 I cannot recollect any pleasurable sensations they excited; or that any object, produced by nature or art, took me out of myself.
1848 G. E. Jewsbury Let. 4 Oct. in Sel. Lett. to J. W. Carlyle (1892) 257 There are no bothering algebraical calculations as far as I went, but glimpses, as it were, into the ‘everlasting universe of things’, till one is taken out of oneself completely.
1890 Murray's Mag. 7 65 Love..took her out of herself, and soothed her sorrows.
1929 J. B. Priestley Good Compan. ii. iii. 301 I haven't enjoyed anything so much, I don't know when..they're so good they've taken me right out of myself.
1941 A. Christie Evil under Sun xii. 218 Poirot had..dwelt on the advantage it would be to Linda to have something to take her out of herself.
1974 R. Rendell Face of Trespass ii. 26 What you need..is some outside interest, something to take you out of yourself.
2003 J. M. Coetzee Elizabeth Costello (2004) v. 146 See if you can take him out of himself a bit.
5. transitive.
a. To deprive (a person or thing) of (a particular quality or characteristic).See also to take the shine out of at shine n.1 4d, to take the stuffing out of at stuffing n. 2e, to take the sting out of at sting n.2 5b.
ΚΠ
1726 R. Houstoun Hist. Ruptures 221 On these pour as much Water as will take the Strength out of both, which you'll soon know by the Water's being Tasteless.
1799 Morning Post 9 Sept. The knowing ones laid their heads together how they should take the conceit out of Mr. Pardy and his friends.
1812 Sporting Mag. 39 138 Which ultimately took the fight out of him.
1858 N. Hawthorne French & Ital. Note-bks. II. 68 Rome..takes the splendor out of all this sort of thing elsewhere.
1884 H. Smart From Post to Finish II. xvii. 274 Now you say you cannot come, and all the salt is taken out of my holiday.
1914 R. Brooke Let. Aug. (1968) 607 The general uneasiness and tension of mind seems to take all the strength out of me.
1989 W. Dalrymple In Xanadu (1990) iv. 143 The learned overkill that has taken the joy out of so much Western art.
2007 Park Home & Holiday Caravan Jan. 17/2 An excellent bus service..takes the hassle out of commuting and shopping.
b. to take it (also a lot, too much, etc.) out of (a person): to exhaust, fatigue (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > types or manners of hindrance > hinder in specific manner [verb (transitive)] > by depriving of vigour or energy
flag1622
to take it out of1817
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > weariness or exhaustion > weary or exhaust [verb (transitive)]
wearyc897
tirea1000
travailc1300
forwearya1325
taryc1375
tarc1440
matec1450
break1483
labour1496
overwearya1500
wear?1507
to wear out, forth1525
fatigate1535
stress1540
overtire1558
forwaste1563
to tire out1563
overwear1578
spend1582
out-tire1596
outwear1596
outweary1596
overspend1596
to toil out1596
attediate1603
bejade1620
lassate1623
harassa1626
overtask1628
tax1672
hag1674
trash1685
hatter1687
overtax1692
fatigue1693
to knock up1740
tire to death1740
overfatigue1741
fag1774
outdo1776
to do over1789
to use up1790
jade1798
overdo1817
frazzlea1825
worry1828
to sew up1837
to wear to death1840
to take it (also a lot, too much, etc.) out of (a person)1847
gruel1850
to stump up1853
exhaust1860
finish1864
peter1869
knacker1886
grind1887
tew1893
crease1925
poop1931
raddle1951
1817 Ld. Byron Let. 3 Mar. (1831) 58 My malady is a sort of lowish fever, originating from what my ‘pastor and master’, Jackson, would call ‘taking too much out of one's self’.
1847 S. Wilberforce in A. R. Ashwell Life S. Wilberforce (1880) I. 402 There is so much of interest in a Confirmation, that it takes a great deal out of one.
1890 B. J. L. Adams Louis Draycott I. ii. i. 107 The sort of day that takes it out of a man.
1924 Times 5 Feb. 14/1 (advt) High-spirited children..‘take too much out of themselves’, and that is why they need the special nourishment that Virol alone provides.
1971 ‘G. Charles’ Destiny Waltz ix. 374 The last five weeks had taken it out of her. She looked very thin.., with deep black circles under her eyes.
2010 J. Powell Breaking of Eggs (2011) i. 2 I had needed to work harder and more rapidly than for a long time and I am sure it took a lot out of me.
6. transitive. Law. To remove from the scope or jurisdiction of (an act or statute).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legislation > make (laws) or establish as law [verb (transitive)] > remove from jurisdiction of (a statute)
to take out of ——1755
1755 J. Strange Rep. Adjudged Cases 2 (Table of the Principal Matters) Frauds and Statute of frauds... A letter referring to a verbal promise is sufficient to take the case out of the statute of frauds.
1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 810 The burthen of taking the case out of the Statute of Limitations rests on the Appellant.
1891 Law Times 92 105/2 All lawyers are familiar with the doctrine of part performance to take a case out of the statute.
1941 Yale Law Jrnl. 50 787 It was, of course, clear to anyone..that some means had to be found..whereby to take the case out of the Act.
2007 Times 19 Dec. 55/4 In distinguishing oral promises as either guarantees or indemnities..the classic criterion relying on interest in the transaction was not to be taken literally; not every interest in the transaction took the promise out of the statute.
7. transitive. To take (something) from (a person) in compensation. Frequently in to take it out of: to beat or otherwise assault (a person) as retribution for a wrong done.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > revenge > execute (vengeance) [verb (transitive)] > exact retribution > exact satisfaction from
to take out of ——1823
1823 ‘J. Bee’ Slang 169 To ‘take it out of him’—to beat one enough to counterbalance his offence.
1845 C. Griffith Present State Port Philip ix. 138 He should endeavour to get his passage on fair terms, but not screw down too low, as even the best captains, if you do so, will take it out of you in some way or other.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 31/2 I take it out of him on the spot. I give him a jolly good hiding.
1888 J. McCarthy & R. C. Praed Ladies' Gallery I. iv. 91 What we have to miss in sight-seeing we try to take out of the people in the cars.
1901 Scotsman 29 Nov. 8/2 In the olden days the villages ‘took it out’ of each other with club and spear.
1922 C. E. Montague Disenchantment x. 186 Scrofulous minds at home had long been itching..to bomb German women and children from aeroplanes, and to ‘take it out of’ German prisoners of war.
2009 B. Herbert & K. J. Anderson Winds of Dune 179 ‘I'll take it out of your wages!’ ‘You're not even paying us wages,’ Bronso countered. ‘Then I'll find some other way to take it out of you!’
8. transitive. Bridge. To remove (one's partner) from (a particular situation) by bidding a different suit or no trumps. Cf. to take out 10 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics > bid > types of bid
double1894
redouble1894
respond1901
overbid1908
underbid1908
to take out of ——1909
rebid1914
rescue1921
jump1927
overcall1927
pre-empt1928
cue-bid1932
psych1937
1909 C. S. Street Outl. Auction Bridge 17 You must remember that in making some higher bid to take your partner out of his two Spade make, it is better to show a short Ace-King suit.
1914 W. Dalton Royal Auction Bridge (ed. 2) vii. 101 Some people..have a perfect mania for taking their partners out of an original call.
2002 P. Mendelson Bridge for Compl. Beginners (2008) xi. 75 When it comes around to your partner's turn to bid, he will then take you out of the Double by choosing one of those remaining suits.
 to take through——
transitive. To guide (a person) step by step through a process, account, explanation, etc.
ΚΠ
1803 Trial E. M. Despard for High Treason 51 Perhaps it will not be inconvenient to take you through the case of one of our witnesses by way of illustrating what I mean.
1856 Minutes Proc. Inst. Civil Engineers 1855–6 15 257 I propose..first to take you through the process of multiplication; and I begin with that rule because it is the basis of all calculations.
1884 Illinois School Jrnl. May 332/2 After dinner Supt. Reed took the class through a drill in reading, bringing out prominently the points of accent, emphasis, and inflection.
1919 New Outlook 22 Jan. 157/2 (advt.) We are going to take you through the ‘works’ of a Waltham watch... We are going to strip away theory and show you facts—every part from the frame to the dial, hands and case.
1947 ‘P. Wentworth’ Wicked Uncle xxxiii. 226 He took her through it, getting her angle on what had already been very accurately described by Miss Maud Silver.
1984 PC 26 June 411/1 PC will take you through the steps of building your own micro.
2014 Gloucestershire Echo (Nexis) 24 July (Homebuyer section) 2 To qualify for the Low Cost Homes scheme contact the sales office who will take you through the procedure.
† to take till ——
Obsolete.
intransitive. To attach oneself to, to become an adherent or follower of.
ΚΠ
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 96 Þe maistres of þe portes for gyftes tille him toke, þe kyng & his force for Roberd þei forsoke.
 to take to ——
1. intransitive.
a. To have recourse to (a means of transport or progression). Also: to avail oneself of (a means of protection, safety, or subsistence). Cf. senses 68b and 58c.See also to take to flight at flight n.2 2, to take to one's feet (or †foot) at foot n. and int. Phrases 3c, to take to one's heels at heel n.1 and int. Phrases 2d(b), to take to one's legs at leg n. Phrases 3l, to take to wing at wing n. Phrases 2c(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to [verb (transitive)]
fang855
runOE
to take to ——?c1225
seeka1300
goc1390
to have (one's or a) recourse toc1405
recourse?a1425
suit1450
to take (also make or make one's) recourse to (also into)c1456
repairc1475
to fall to ——1490
recur1511
to take unto ——1553
flee1563
betake1590
retreat1650
to call on ——1721
devolve1744
to draw upon ——1800
to draw on ——a1817
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 81 Ga sech wið uten þe frakele worldes froure...Tac þerto & leaf me hwenne þe is swa leouere.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 11821 He hit wende. þat Arður hit wolde for-saken and nawiht to þan fehte taken.
c1450 (?a1400) Sege Melayne (1880) l. 1148 At þe laste þay tuke to flyinge.
a1500 (?a1400) Morte Arthur (1903) l. 1380 Madame, how may thou to us take?
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades viii. 144 Hector he, doth chace his enimies, Who leaue the field, and take to flight.
1614 T. Danett's tr. P. de Commynes's Hist. (new ed.) i. xii. 32 The King tooke to barge [earlier edd. tooke barge] and returned to Paris.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. i. 40 Haue you any thing to take to? Val. Nothing but my fortune. View more context for this quotation
1693 J. Dryden in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires xiv. 280 The callow Storks..soon as e're to Wing they take, At sight those Animals for Food pursue.
1708 London Gaz. No. 4453/2 They took to their Oars, and got from us.
1739 H. Baker & J. Miller tr. Molière Princess of Elis i. ii, in Molière Wks. X. 79 At this terrible Sight I took to my Arms; but the false hearted Beast without any fear, came strait up to me.
1786 S. Henley tr. W. Beckford Arabian Tale 163 They all, without ceremony, took to their heels.
1823 in G. M. Theal Rec. South-Eastern Afr. (1903) IX. 18 Our bugle and drum put the enemy to flight, and they took to boats to escape to the main.
1873 J. G. Holland Arthur Bonnicastle i. 19 I should have alighted and taken to my feet.
1917 Information Q. Jan. 522/2 The crew had time to take to the lifeboats.
1938 Brit. Birds 32 93 The alarm call was a single note repeated several times before the bird took to wing.
2007 Independent 6 Feb. (Motoring section) 14/1 The..aim for Cycling England is..to ensure more children take to their bikes.
b. To repair, resort, or retire to (a place); to take refuge in. Also: to enter. Cf. senses 65b and 60b.Frequently in fixed phrases, as to take to one's bed at bed n. Phrases 10, to take to the highway at highway n. 1c, to take to the road at road n. Phrases 11, to take to the streets at street n. and adj. Phrases 7.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (transitive)]
setOE
trinec1200
to take to ——c1300
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > esp. a place of refuge or safety
to take to ——c1300
take?a1400
to take up with1748
oasis1814
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) 3977 He droh to on oþe[r] half and tock to herboreȝe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 2832 (MED) No dwellyng here þat ȝe make Til ȝe þe ȝondir feld to take.
1621 M. Wroth Countesse of Mountgomeries Urania ii. 151 They took to the Sea, & so toward St. Maura.
1682 tr. G. F. Loredano Novells viii. 118 She took to her Bed, leaving the Physicians little hopes of her recovery.
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 211 Take to the Mountains on the right.
1766 D. Garrick Let. 6 Sept. (1963) II. 426 I received before I took to my bed a letter from Mr Murray.
a1851 D. M. Moir Poet. Wks. (1852) I. 204 The rabbit, scared, Took to its hole under the hawthorn's root.
1879 R. L. Stevenson Trav. with Donkey 180 Those who took to the hills..had all gloomy and bedevilled thoughts.
1914 E. R. Burroughs Tarzan of Apes xxvi. 359 The ape-man threw the warm carcass of Numa across his shoulders and took to the trees once more.
1978 Detroit Free Press 16 Apr. (Parade Suppl.) 13/1 Increasingly, vacationing Americans are taking to the woods, mountains, deserts and seashores.
2006 R. B. Woods LBJ vii. 149 With..the polls showing him last, an overwrought Johnson took to his sickbed.
c. To go to (a place) or begin to use (a given object) in order to engage in a particular activity which is implied or understood.Chiefly with nouns used metonymically to denote particular activities or professions.
ΚΠ
1641 R. Codrington tr. Queen Margaret of Valois Memorialls iii. 210 The Marshall of Biron finding his opportunity, took to the field, seizing on, and plundering all the little Townes which held for the Huguenots.
1740 Apol. Life Mr. T— C—, Comedian iii. 23 (heading) The Author's several Chances for the Church, the Court, and the Army.—Design'd for the University.—Took to the Stage.
1831 Museum of Foreign Lit. Jan. 5/2 Hereupon he [sc. Bunyan] took to the pulpit, where, if his own word can be taken, he turned out not inferior to any preacher of that time.
1891 J. F. Nisbet Insanity of Genius vii. 177 Fuseli was..filled with..untameable enthusiasm, which, before he took to the easel, found vent through literary..channels.
1939 V. Woolf Diary 6 Sept. (1984) V. 235 Suddenly one can take to the pen with relish.
1997 Total Sport Mar. 105 Sports stars are taking to the catwalk almost as often as they do the field of play.
2009 D. Liss Devil's Company xv. 167 When you were young and penniless, you took to the ring.
d. To have recourse to (a medium of mass communication) in order to convey a message, promote a cause, express one's opinion, etc.In later use frequently with reference to social media websites and applications.
ΚΠ
1843 Polit. Examiner 23 Sept. 593/2 Mr Upshur took to the columns of the Times to give Sir Robert Peel precisely the assurance he wanted.
1934 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 19 Dec. 16/1 From 7 to 7:30 tonight, the fathers of the children will take to the airwaves..and give Santa Claus his instructions.
1951 N. Annan Leslie Stephen ii. 52 If Stephen wished to air his agnosticism he had to take to the pages of Fraser's Magazine.
1993 Guardian 15 Nov. 9/3 Backers and opponents..took to the talk shows to continue where..Al Gore and..Ross Perot left off in their live television debate.
2005 Boards (Nexis) 1 Nov. 4 Vonk took to the blogosphere and spoke out against her friend.
2013 L. Jepson Harry Styles viii. 179 She took to Twitter to deny there was anything between them.
2. intransitive. To attach oneself to, to become an adherent or follower of. Now rare.
ΚΠ
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 14566 Crist seolue he for-soc and to þan Wursen he tohc.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Cambr.) (1901) l. 66 Bute hi here laȝe asoke & to here toke.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 17533 (MED) Raþer shulde þei to vs take þen to ihesu for oure sake.
c1450 (?a1400) T. Chestre Sir Launfal (1930) l. 316 (MED) Yf þou wylt truly to me take, And alle wemen for me forsake, Ryche i wyll make þe.
a1622 N. Byfield Comm. 2nd Chapter of 1st Epist. St. Peter (1623) 129 Now, it is our part to take to Christ, and renounce the world, and forgo the pleasures of sinne.
1832 Figaro in London 4 Feb. 34/1 The disappointed minions who have lately lost their places have now taken to the Opposition.
1891 B. Carradine Sanctification xix. 187 Do the best people, the prominent people, take to Christ and follow him?
1999 Res. Afr. Lit. 30 147 Shimanko..takes to the opposition with the intention of democratically overthrowing his adversary.
3. intransitive.
a. To react, respond, or adapt oneself in a specified way to. Frequently in to take kindly to at kindly adv. Phrases 4.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 8436 Þen was þis childe sette to boke ful wele I wis þer-to [Vesp. þar-wit] he toke.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 34 Thinking they will take best to that, which they haue most Minde to.
1655 S. Rutherford Covenant of Life Opened vii. 45 We should not take ill to obey & serve God, who hath so noble servants.
1757 T. Hale et al. Compl. Body Husbandry (new ed.) II. vii. iii. 454 When any Creature the Farmer has a Mind to feed with the Turnip, does not take kindly to it at first, the Way is to boil it.
1766 J. W. Baker in Compl. Farmer at Turnip [The bullock] took kindly to the turnips.
1820 Examiner No. 637. 413/2 A tree which is late transplanted seldom takes well to the soil.
1885 Manch. Weekly Times 6 June 5/5 The new members may not take kindly to the work.
1919 W. De Morgan Old Madhouse 457 His mind took kindly to the interruption of this young man's nuptials with an American millionheiress of startling beauty.
1955 Times 22 June 11/6 Once we found a peccary which, though tame, did not take readily to transport in a canoe and nearly tipped us into the river.
2010 R. Skloot Immortal Life Henrietta Lacks (2011) xviii. 163 We don't take kindly to scientists telling us who to reproduce with.
b. To form a liking for (a person or (occasionally) thing), esp. within a short space of time; to conceive an affection for.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > liking or favourable regard > have liking for [verb (transitive)] > take a liking to
fain1483
fancy1545
conceit1589
to take kindly to1733
to take to ——1748
to take a shine to1839
tumble1887
to cotton on to1907
1748 H. Walpole Corr. (1837) II. 239 I took to him for his resemblance to you.
1796 C. Lamb Let. 3 Oct. in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1975) I. 50 They, as the saying is take to her very extraordinaryily [sic.].
1844 Lady G. C. Fullerton Ellen Middleton (ed. 2) I. i. 46 To use a familiar expression, we took to each other instantaneously.
1885 Manch. Examiner 22 July 3/2 When first the idea was suggested, Doré did not take to it.
1929 Sandusky (Ohio) Reg. 5 Mar. 4/4 The lad rushed to Jolson, taking to him immediately, holding out his little arms and saying ‘I like you.’
1978 L. Meynell Papersnake x. 132 He took to you... He took a shine to you.
2007 K. Flynn Forgotten Dreams 322 She didn't take to young Merle when the older girl first joined the company, but over the summer they grew real close.
4. intransitive. To devote or apply oneself to; to adopt or take up as a practice, business, habit, or something habitual. Cf. sense 55b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (reflexive)] > become addicted to
yield?a1366
to take to ——1834
?a1425 in D. Knoop & G. P. Jones Mediæval Mason (1933) 269 Aȝayn to the craft they schul neuer take.
?1535 Lanterne of Lyght xii. f. xlivv Moch better it is to take to lawe [?a1425 Harl. take hede to þe lawe] than to offre ye fatnes of rammes.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 692 Clothing (a trade which they tooke to).
?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 59 On a sudden he left off his soldiering, and must needs take to managing a wooden horse.
1707 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Comical Wks. 370 If you take to Begging, I will take to give nothing.
1792 J. Woodforde Diary 21 Feb. (1927) III. 337 I had of late drank Tea for breakfast but this morning left it of again and took to Sasafras.
1834 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pilgrims of Rhine vi. 88 He has since taken to drinking!
1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. ii. 199 In Madrid..the men have taken to..Parisian paletos.
1893 Scribner's Mag. Aug. 227/2 She has taken to society as a duck takes to water.
1907 A. F. Pollard Factors in Mod. Hist. ii. 43 Younger sons of nobles never took to trade; that would be dishonourable.
1938 A. J. Liebling Back where I came From 48 The men on the Bowery..had taken to hanging around saloons, drinking on empty stomachs.
1976 M. Engel Bear i. 13 Miss Bliss had long ago taken to drink.
1990 Times 25 Apr. 23/3 They both began balding at a young age and took to wearing toupees.
5. intransitive. colloquial (originally New Zealand). To attack; to set upon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)]
assail?c1225
to set on ——c1290
saila1300
to turn one's handc1325
lashc1330
to set against ——c1330
impugnc1384
offendc1385
weighc1386
checka1400
to lay at?a1400
havec1400
to set at ——c1430
fraya1440
rehetea1450
besail1460
fray1465
tuilyie1487
assaulta1500
enterprise?1510
invade1513
sturt1513
attempt1546
lay1580
tilt1589
to fall aboard——1593
yoke1596
to let into1598
to fall foul1602
attack1655
do1780
to go in at1812
to pitch into ——1823
tackle1828
vampire1832
bushwhack1837
to go for ——1838
take1864
pile1867
volcano1867
to set about ——1879
vampirize1888
to get stuck into1910
to take to ——1911
weigh1941
rugby-tackle1967
rugger-tackle1967
1911 ‘Kiwi’ On the Swag iii. 9 Take to him, Bill.
1960 N. Hilliard Maori Girl ii. xiv. 159 When we got home he really took to me. That was when I lost a lot of my teeth.
1974 A. Wendt Flying-fox in Freedom Tree 45 Pastor Laau took to him with a thick guava branch and grandfather nearly took to Pastor Laau with his thick fists.
2007 R. Cook More Dangerous Ground iii. 88 When confronted, the man took to me with an iron bar.
† to take unto ——
Obsolete.
intransitive. To have recourse to; to attach or direct oneself to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to [verb (transitive)]
fang855
runOE
to take to ——?c1225
seeka1300
goc1390
to have (one's or a) recourse toc1405
recourse?a1425
suit1450
to take (also make or make one's) recourse to (also into)c1456
repairc1475
to fall to ——1490
recur1511
to take unto ——1553
flee1563
betake1590
retreat1650
to call on ——1721
devolve1744
to draw upon ——1800
to draw on ——a1817
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique iii. f. 110v How then cometh he..hauyng so litle to take vnto by all outwarde apparaunce, and spendyng so liberally, and owyng no man a grote in all the world?
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. 1132 Gentius..had so demeaned himselfe, that he was suspected of the Romanes; yet was hee not fully resolved which side to take unto.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 67 If it [sc. goodness] issue not towards Men, it will take vnto Other Liuing Creatures.
 to take with ——
†1. intransitive. To receive, accept; = sense 23. Obsolete.In quot. lOE with the preposition in postmodifying position.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > accept
onfangeOE
fangOE
to take with ——lOE
takec1175
understandc1200
afangc1275
receivec1330
accepta1382
'lowa1382
except1393
to take up1570
to take a person up on (something)1807
to take up1810
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1127 Se kyng of France brohte þone eorles sunu Willelm of Normandi & iæf hine þone eorldom, & þet landfolc him wið toc.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1516 Hu wel he takeþþ aȝȝ wiþþ þa. Þatt sekenn godess are.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 104 To ȝarrkenn follc onn ȝæness crist. To takenn wiþþ hiss lare.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 820 For-þi yett wald he wit him tak.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5977 Vr lauerd wil tak na wirscip wit, þat man him dos in cursd kyth.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 64 The barnis..will nocht tak with the doctryne of the faderis.
?1547 J. Bale Trag. Chefe Promyses of God sig. Aiiv Yet shall they not with hym take.
1628 W. Struther Christian Observ. & Resol. xxv. 69 Happie is the man, whom God dismounteth in that euil way, & more happie is he, who taketh with that stay, and turneth his course to heauen.
†2. intransitive. To take up with; to have to do with. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)]
seeOE
drawc1275
mella1300
meeta1325
fellow1340
usec1384
conjoinc1386
joinc1390
knitc1400
accompany1461
enfellowship1470
frequent1477
haunt1477
mixa1513
encompanya1533
combinea1535
contract1548
to take with ——1562
associate1581
to have a saying toa1593
cope1594
sort1594
to take in1597
consort1600
herd1606
factionate1611
to keep company (with)a1616
accost1633
solder1641
converse1649
walk1650
consociate1653
coalite1734
to get with ——a1772
forgather1786
unionize1810
to go rounda1867
to mix in1870
cop1940
1562 A. Brooke tr. M. Bandello Tragicall Hist. Romeus & Iuliet f. 12v And whilst I take with him, hym self he hath exylde, Out of him self (as seemed me) ne was I sure begylde.
a1563 J. Bale King Johan (1969) ii. 1560 I myght take with the Pope soner than with yow.
1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 5 It is better to take with the more passable, then with the more able.
3. intransitive. To be satisfied with; to content oneself with; to put up with, tolerate. Cf. sense 79b, to take up 18b at Phrasal verbs 1. Now Scottish. Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) records this sense as still in use in 1972.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > patience > endure patiently [verb (transitive)] > bear with or tolerate
forbearc897
tholec950
bearOE
abidec1300
bidea1325
takec1330
suffer1340
wielda1375
to have patience with (also in, toward)c1384
supportc1384
to sit with ——c1400
sustainc1400
thulgec1400
acceptc1405
to away with1528
brook1530
well away1533
to bear with —1538
digest1553
to comport with1565
stand1567
purse?1571
to put up1573
well away1579
comport1588
fadge1592
abrook1594
to come away1594
to take up with1609
swallow1611
embracea1616
to pack up1624
concocta1627
to set down bya1630
to take with ——1632
tolerate1646
brook1658
stomach1677
pouch1819
1632 S. Rutherford Lett. (1863) I. 97 The silly stranger, in an uncouth country, must take with a smoky inn and coarse cheer.
1638 R. Brathwait Barnabees Journall (new ed.) ii. sig. I2 Thence to Ridgelay, where a Black-smith, Liquor being all hee'd take with, Boused with me.
1760 G. Baretti Dict. Eng. & Ital. Lang. I. at Sofferire One must take with the weather as it is more conformable to the season.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. (at cited word) Tak with, ‘How does the laddie like the wark?’ ‘Indeed..he taks unco ill wi't’.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 609 In a little time she [sc. a ewe] will take with both [sc. twin lambs].
1896 W. Harvey Kennethcrook vi. 238 Ye mauna bother yersel sae muckle wi' thae books, Davie.., ye'll tak' ill wi't for a wee while, but ye maun juist tak' things easy.
1903 ‘W. Gairdner’ Auld Drainie iv. 32 Ye see, I'm auld masel' noo, an though I ken the new's best, I canna tak' wi' thae changes ava.
†4. intransitive. To side or agree with. Cf. to take against —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > agreement, concurrence, or unanimity > agree with [verb (transitive)]
to go ineOE
cordc1380
consentc1386
covin1393
condescend1477
agree1481
correspond1545
concur1590
to fall in1602
suffrage1614
to hit it1634
colour1639
to take with ——1646
to be with1648
to fall into ——1668
to run in1688
to think with1688
meet1694
coincide1705
to go in1713
to say ditto to1775
to see with ——1802
sympathize1828
1646 S. Marshall Two-edged Sword 14 They can see nothing but ruine attend them who take with this side.
1654 J. Bramhall Let. in R. Parr Life J. Usher (1686) Coll. ccxciii. 612 Those of the King's Party asking some why they took with the Parliament's side.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth vi, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. III. 119 I would MacGillie Chattachan would take [later edd. agree] with me..instead of wasting our best blood against each other.
5. intransitive. To admit, acknowledge. Scottish in later use.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > acknowledgement, avowal, or confession > acknowledge, avow, or confess [verb (transitive)]
kenc975
kithec1000
acknowOE
anyetec1175
knowledgec1225
beknowc1325
avow1330
granta1400
acknowledge1481
recognize1509
confess1526
profess1526
testify1526
reacknowledge1550
avouch1606
to take with ——a1653
upgivea1776
the mind > language > statement > acknowledgement or recognition > acknowledge or recognize [verb (transitive)]
yknowOE
knowc1175
yatec1175
knowledgec1225
vow1338
granta1387
kenc1400
admit1415
reknowledgec1450
acknowledge?1526
agnize1535
recognize1537
recognoscea1550
justify1600
granta1620
to take with ——a1653
recognizance1657
agnite1694
recognizate1799
a1653 H. Binning Wks. (1840) III. 290 Few of you will take with this, that ye seek to be justified by your own works.
?1771 Whole Proc. Jocky & Maggy ii. 11 I bid you had ye're tongue, and no even ye're bastarts to my bairn, for he'll ne'er tak wi't.
1786 A. Gib Καινα και Παλαια: Sacred Contempl. i. vii. i. 157 A person is therefore brought to see and take with this sin, only when his conviction issues in conversion.
1827 Rep. Trial M. Gillespie & G. S. Edwards 16 They taul' me to say that I had signed it fan I wiz drunk, and hadna mindet on't, an' to take' wi' it.
1914 G. B. Thomson in G. Greig Folk-song of North-east II. cxxxviii. 2/1 I wis kyrsnt John, an' tho' I wid tak' wi' Jock, Johnny wis a name I widna stan' fae unco folk.
1983 W. L. Lorimer & R. L. C. Lorimer New Test. in Scots Matt. xxvi. 55 Anither servan-lass saw him an said.., ‘This chiel wis wi yon Nazarean Jesus.’ Again, Peter wadna tak wi it, but said wi an aith, ‘I kenna the man!’
†6. intransitive. Scottish and English regional (northern). To become affected by (fire, water, etc.). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1721 J. Kelly Compl. Coll. Scotish Prov. 222 Spoken when our Companions, beginning to take with the Drink, begin to speak Latin.
1822 J. Galt Steam-boat xvi. 347 The kill took low, and the mill likewise took wi't,..and nothing was left but the bare wa's.
1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 ii. 380 When it [sc. the flax] begins to ferment, or ‘take with the water’, the latter becomes turbid and discoloured.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2015; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.11392n.21644v.OE
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