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单词 top
释义

topn.1adj.

Brit. /tɒp/, U.S. /tɑp/
Forms: Old English top, Old English toppa, Middle English toop, Middle English–1500s tope, Middle English–1600s topp, Middle English–1600s toppe, Middle English– top, late Middle English tot (transmission error), late Middle English trop (transmission error); English regional 1800s tap (Berkshire and Devon); Scottish pre-1700 tape, pre-1700 tope, pre-1700 topp, pre-1700 toppe, pre-1700 1700s– tap, pre-1700 1700s– top; also Irish English (northern) 1800s– tap.
Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old Frisian top (West Frisian top ), Middle Dutch top (Dutch top ), Middle Low German top , Old High German zoph (Middle High German zopf , German Zopf ) , Old Icelandic toppr , Old Swedish topper (Swedish topp ), Old Danish, Danish top , in a range of senses ‘tuft, lock of hair, forelock of a horse, crest, plume, top of the head, crown of a tree, top of a plant, topmost part, pinnacle, masthead, topmast, tip, end’, further origin unknown; perhaps < an ablaut variant of the same base as tip n.1 and tap n.1, although the similarity in sound and sense may be purely accidental.For borrowings of the Germanic word into Romance see toupet n. and toppet n.1 In Old English apparently attested as weak masculine (toppa ) in sense A. 1a, but as strong (probably) masculine (top ) in sense A. 3a. However, few attestations are extant in Old English for either sense. The following apparent attestation of a strong form topp with reference to a shape made by celestial fire, sometimes interpreted as an extended use in sense A. 1a, seems more likely to be a transmission error for torr (see α. forms at tower n.1):OE tr. Felix St. Guthlac (Vesp.) (1909) xx. 167 He þær geseah fyrene topp [L. turremque velut igneam] up of þære eorþan to heofones heannysse. Specific senses. With sense A. 1a compare post-classical Latin toppus lini top of flax (12th cent.). In senses A. 7b, A. 19a(b), A. 26, A. 36 short for top edge n. 1, top boot n., top button n. 1, top gear n. 2 respectively. With sense A. 16 compare earlier topcastle n. With senses A. 39 and A. 40 compare earlier top v.1 19a and 22 respectively.
A. n.1
I. A tuft of hair or wool and related senses.
1.
†a. A tuft or handful of wool, flax, or other fibre; spec. an amount of fibre (esp. flax) which may be spun at one time. In later use (chiefly in tap o' tow) Scottish, Irish English (northern), and English regional (northern). Obsolete.See also to take one's tap in one's lap at Phrases 6k.In quot. OE rendering post-classical Latin pensa portion of wool to be spun, (also) thread (cf. pensum n.).
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > [noun] > tuft of
lockeOE
topa1250
flockc1440
OE Aldhelm Glosses (Cambr. Gg.5.35) in A. S. Napier Old Eng. Glosses (1900) 192/2 Serica pensa : seoloken toppa.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) l. 428 (MED) Ne roȝte he þeȝ flockes were Imeind bi toppes & bi here.
a1325 Gloss. W. de Bibbesworth (Arun.) (1857) 144 E serencez du lyn le toup [glossed] hekele, a top of flax.
a1500 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 696/3 Hoc lapsum, a top of lin.
1558 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 25 Into vi nighte cappes & toppes of turkes headdes peces.
1681 S. Colvil Mock Poem i. 258 A Top of Lint for his Panash.
1792 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum IV. 362 Gae spin your tap o' tow!
1827 A. Rodger Peter Cornclips 69 The fire was brisk—up flew the low, Quick as a kindled tap o' tow.
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words Top, in spinning, the quantity of flax put on the ‘rock’ at a time.
b. spec.
(a) A bundle of combed wool in long fibres ready for spinning. Chiefly in plural (or in plural form with collective sense).
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the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > treated or processed textiles > [noun] > wool > carded > bundle of
top1637
1637 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 169 I owe John Brightall for combeing of ten skore poundes and ten of tops.
1759 Overseers' Acct. Holy Cross, Canterbury To 1 Top of wool for worsted deliver'd to Mrs. Hawley..0. 2. 0.
1819 A. Rees Cycl. 38 at Worsted Manufacture In this state, combed wool is called tops or Jersey, and is sold to the spinners in the country, and in cottages, who spin it into worsted-thread.
1844 G. Dodd Textile Manuf. Great Brit. iv. 129 The wool generally comes to the factories in narrow bundles or ‘tops’, about eighteen inches long, and weighing about a pound and a half or two pounds each.
1928 Commerce Rep. 13 Feb. 435/1 As returned to the census office, the total production of tops in Great Britain in 1924 was less by about 6 per cent than in 1912.
2002 L. Hunter in W. S. Simpson & G. H. Crawshaw Wool: Sci. & Technol. vi. 174 Recombing was originally introduced for dyed tops, in order to separate and align fibres which became entangled during dyeing.
(b) In singular as a mass noun.
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1843 Penny Cycl. XXVII. 554/1 When the combing is completed, the ‘top’ or combed worsted is taken off by a boy or girl in a continuous sliver from the upper part of the wheel, while the ‘noils’ or uncombed part is removed by another boy.
1972 E. M. Pohle et al. Physical Properties Grease Mohair & related Mill Products (U.S. Dep. Agric.: Marketing Res. Rep. No. 954) 4/2 All of the grease mohair lots were processed into finished top.
2002 Spin-off Winter 67/1 The technique..is almost identical to spinning worsted wool yarns from combed top using the English-style short draft.
2.
a. The hair on the crown or uppermost part of the head; (also) the hair on the head more generally. Now rare (Scottish in later use).Cf. foretop n. 2a, topping n.1 1a, topknot n. 1c, topple n.1Recorded earliest in to take by the top at Phrases 6a.
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the world > life > the body > hair > hair of head > [noun]
lockeOE
faxc900
hairc1000
hairc1000
headOE
topc1275
toppingc1400
peruke1548
fleece1577
crine1581
head of hair1587
poll1603
a fell of haira1616
thatcha1634
maidenhair1648
chevelure1652
wool1697
toupet1834
nob-thatch1846
barnet1857
toss1946
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 684 (MED) Þe reue..rende hise claðes & toc him seolf bi þe top.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (1868) l. 590 His tope [c1415 Corpus Oxf. toppe, c1430 Cambr. Gg.4.27 top] was dokked lyk a preest byforn.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 496 Top, or fortop [a1500 King's Cambr. top of the hed], aqualium.
a1643 W. Cartwright Ordinary (1651) ii. ii. 25 This white top writeth my much years.
1860 A. Whamond James Tacket 78 My hair was kept close cut all round by my Auntie Tibbie except a small tuft in front which she called a beau tap.
1936 Huntly Express 2 Oct. 7 She gied his lang tap a bit rug.
b. The crest, feathers, etc., on the uppermost part of the head of an animal (esp. a bird).Cf. topping n.1 1a, topknot n. 1c, topple n.1 See also tappit hen n. 2.Recorded earliest in to take by the top at Phrases 6a.
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the world > animals > birds > parts of or bird defined by > [noun] > head > feathers on
cop1483
top1578
copple1600
copple-crowna1635
topping1694
mufty1829
muff1850
ear tab1851
calotte1874
aigrette1917
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > covering or skin > [noun] > coat > hair, wool, or fur > crest or forelock
topa1225
cresta1387
toppingc1400
tuft1598
foretop1607
fore-topping1683
forelock1711
antiae1874
c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Bodl.) (1934) 28 Margarte..toc him [sc. the dragon] bi þet eateliche top.
1584 King James VI & I Ess. Prentise Poesie sig. H Euen so, had Nature,..Giuen her [sc. the phœnix] ane tap, for to augment her grace.
1650 Earl of Monmouth tr. J. F. Senault Man become Guilty 353 We deck ourselves with birds feathers, the tops of herons, and peacocks tails serve to adorn our heads.
1883 Boston Investigator 26 Dec. 8/1 ‘What do you call these two nice birds with tops on their heads?’ ‘They are pewits.’
2021 J. L. Porter Planet Claire (e-book ed.) It's a pretty bird, milk chocolate head and shoulders, with grayish wings and tails, lemon-yellow underbelly, and a crested top.
II. The highest or uppermost part or surface of something, and related senses.With reference to the hair on the upper part of the head see sense A. 2 (cf. sense A. 4a, referring to the head itself).
3.
a. The highest part or point of a physical object or structure; the surface of an object that faces upwards and would be seen if looking down from directly above.See also counter-top n., desktop n. 1, tabletop n. 1, worktop n., etc.
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the world > space > relative position > high position > [noun] > highest point or top
headOE
copa1000
heightOE
topc1000
highestlOE
crest1382
coperounc1400
summita1425
summity?a1425
toppet1439
altitude?a1475
upperest1484
principala1533
pitcha1552
supremity1584
culm1587
period1595
spire1600
upward1608
cope1609
fastigium1641
vertex1641
culmen1646
supreme1652
tip-top1702
peak1785
helm1893
altaltissimo1975
OE Sedulius Glosses (Adv. 18.7.7) in H. D. Meritt Old Eng. Glosses (1945) 41/1 [Ubi regia fuluis emicat aula] tolis : top.
OE Antwerp-London Gloss. (2011) 89 Apex, summitas galeae, helmes top.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 5658 (MED) Merlin bar her gomfanoun, Opon þe top stode a dragoun.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (1868) l. 2915 Heigh labour and greet apparaillynge Was at the seruyce and the fyr makynge That with his grene tope [c1415 Corpus Oxf. top] the heuene raughte.
c1470 tr. R. D'Argenteuil's French Bible (Cleveland) (1977) 78 (MED) An egle was made standing vpon a gret bolle of fine gold in the toppe of the pauylon.
1691 J. Hartcliffe Treat. Virtues 229 This Sentence should be writ on our Houses Tops.
1754 W. Borlase Observ. Antiq. Cornwall iii. vi. 179 Sometimes we find Stones erected, and others lying horizontally on the tops of them, making as at Stonehenge, &c. so many Portals.
1825 W. Scott Talisman i, in Tales Crusaders III. 7 The flat top of his cumbrous cylindrical helmet was unadorned with any crest.
1873 J. Richards On Arrangem. Wood-working Factories 116 Everything about the top of a bench must be strong and simple.
1989 A. Aird 1990 Good Pub Guide 184 A 1940s atmosphere, with..elaborate gas-type wall lamps, a piano with placards perched along its top, and dark panelling.
2012 L. Erdrich Round House ii. 41 I swept out his small office, spray-wiped the glass top of his wooden desk.
b. The higher or upper part of something considered in relation to its entire height (e.g. the upper part of a hill or slope, etc.); the section of an object near to or immediately below its highest point or uppermost surface.figurative in quot. a1695.
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the world > space > relative position > high position > [noun] > highest point or top > of a slope
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 671 He hihte hondlien kablen teon seiles to toppa [c1300 Otho toppe].
c1400 (?a1300) Kyng Alisaunder (Laud) (1952) l. 1415 Þe maryneres..drawen sayl to top of mast.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. liiijv Reaching from Thuringe..vnto the toppe of the Alpes.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 74 The Door is made..with an opening at the Top.
a1695 Marquis of Halifax Char. Charles II (1750) 91 It is in a disorderly Government as in a River, the lightest Things swim at the top.
1787 M. Cutler Jrnl. 14 July in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) I. 278 In this rock a flight of steps is cut,..from the road to the top of the hill.
1821 M. Wilmot Jrnl. 26 Oct. in More Lett. (1935) 134 Went to the top of the tower to see the view of all Venice.
1871 M. Collins Marquis & Merchant I. viii. 236 Iron fencing..with fearsome spikes at the top.
1919 Outing Mar. 293/1 A cabin..stood halfway to the top of the ridge among the thick spruce.
2019 T. K. Madden Long live Tribe Fatherless Girls 33 I hear Lee click open the front door for her friend Paula. We stand at the top of the stairs to say Hello.
c. The uppermost interior part of a container, hollow object, bag, etc.; the highest part of the space in a container, etc.
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1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. G5v You shall haue some that sending corne to the market to be sould, they will put good corne in the top or mouth of the bag, to seeme faire to the eie.
1727 S. J. Vineyard 80 All the foul, ropey Dregs will presently rise to the Top of the Bottle, along with the Froth.
1864 Med. Times & Gaz. 10 Sept. 274/1 As ice contains a considerable amount of air, this air, as the ice melts, accumulates at the top of the bag.
1908 Life 5 Nov. 502/1 Replacing the jewels in the top of the drawer, he closed it, leaving everything as he had found it.
2012 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 31 Mar. (National ed. 1) Whenever I'm preparing for a trip to Santander, I always pack my swimsuit at the top of my suitcase because I know that the first thing I'll want to do when I get there is run into the waves.
d. In plural. The peaks or summits of a mountain range; the highest part of a mountain or high hill; (sometimes) spec. high moorland.
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the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > [noun]
downlandeOE
downOE
highlandOE
high country1445
wold1472
high ground1489
upland1566
hill-country1582
Chiltern1627
downs country1791
altitude1853
upwold1875
top-land1877
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > hill or mountain > [noun] > summit
knollc888
knapc1000
copc1374
crest?a1400
head?a1425
summit1481
summitya1500
mountain topa1522
hilltop1530
stump1664
scalp1810
bald1838
van1871
dod1878
berg-top1953
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 1275 The mountaine Athos..riseth to a most conspicuous height; where the broad plaines and high tops are proportionate to it selfe in every waie.
1725 J. Stevens tr. A. de Herrera Tordesillas Gen. Hist. Amer. II. ii. iv. iii. 286 The Waters run to the Southward, having their Source on the high Tops.
1893 Macmillan's Mag. Nov. 42/1 To our dismay we suddenly became aware that a heavy mist had gathered on the tops above and was steadily creeping downwards.
1930 L. G. D. Acland Early Canterbury Runs 1st Ser. viii. 190 A wedge-shaped block of ninety thousand acres of high tops, mostly bush-bound.
1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle ii. 45 Cathy saw the great Welsh tops at last..four great blue mountains grouped at its farther end.
1999 Birdwatch Apr. 35/2 Ptarmigan is a specialist grouse of the high tops in central Scotland.
e. Esp. in the context of the First World War (1914–18): the uppermost part of a trench. Frequently (and in earliest use) in to go over the top (see over the top adv. 1).
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society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > trench > other parts of trench
traverse1767
bay1916
1915 First Eastern Gen. Hosp. Gaz. 6 July 120 Then the Captain gave the order to charge, at the same time mounting the parapet, and over the top we went, the Captain shouting ‘Come on.’
1918 National Mag. Jan. 64/1 We vaulted up on the top and, taking a deep breath, I..rushed wildly and insanely away from the trench.
1985 W. Carr Time to leave Ploughshares iii. 59 At about ten o'clock the Colonel and I went up to the top for a last look round. We stood behind the parapet staring out into the dark night.
2013 M. Hadley Raiffe & Angels of Mons xx. 169 Ideally, the trench was to be at least five feet deep with a fire step to the front... Usually the top was complimented by sandbags with loopholes.
4.
a. The head of a person or animal; the crown of the head.Now chiefly in phrases; see from top to toe at Phrases 2a, off one's top at Phrases 6m, to blow one's top at blow v.1 24i, to do one's top at Phrases 6s.
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the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > [noun]
nolleOE
headOE
topa1225
copc1264
scalpa1300
chiefc1330
crownc1330
jowla1400
poll?a1400
testea1400
ball in the hoodc1400
palleta1425
noddle?1507
costard?1515
nab?1536
neck1560
coxcomb1567
sconce1567
now1568
headpiece1579
mazer1581
mazardc1595
cockcomb1602
costrel1604
cranion1611
pasha1616
noddle pate1622
block1635
cranium1647
sallet1652
poundrel1664
nob1699
crany?1730
knowledge box1755
noodle1762
noggin1769
napper1785
garret1796
pimple1811
knowledge-casket1822
coco1828
cobbra1832
coconut1834
top-piece1838
nut1841
barnet1857
twopenny1859
chump1864
topknot1869
conk1870
masthead1884
filbert1886
bonce1889
crumpet1891
dome1891
roof1897
beanc1905
belfry1907
hat rack1907
melon1907
box1908
lemon1923
loaf1925
pound1933
sconec1945
nana1966
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > top of head > [noun]
nolleOE
mouldOE
shodec1000
topa1225
patea1325
polla1325
hattrelc1330
skullc1380
foretop1382
pommelc1385
summita1425
sconce1567
vertex1634
cantle1822
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 561 Ouer al & from þe top to þe tan.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 229 Tyd by top and bi to þay token hym synne.
a1500 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Trin. Dublin) l. 752* And toton owt of hys top als tyndis of hornes.
c1500 Debate Carpenter's Tools in Rev. Eng. Stud. (1987) 38 459 Me thinke gode ale is in ȝour tope.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 356 Soft hoa, what truncke is heere? Without his top ? View more context for this quotation
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. ix. 227 The pains I have bestowed on the top and bottom of..Dickie, whom I have painfully made to travel through the accidens.
1974 Waves (York Univ., Toronto) 3 75 The American habit of keeping their hats on their tops indoors.
2021 @b3108 28 Dec. in twitter.com (accessed 5 Jan. 2022) Two bandanas—one to keep neck warm, one to keep my bald top warm.
†b. The uppermost branch of each of a deer's antlers. Frequently in phrases indicating the size and complexity of the antlers, as in two upon top, three on top, etc. Obsolete.
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the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > body and parts > antler > branch > third or uppermost
surroyala1400
susreala1425
top1486
tray1812
?a1425 in Neuphilol. Mitteilungen (1969) 70 115 (MED) Whan he hath in þe top thre evyn of selve, Þan shal ȝe call hym trochid an hert evyn of twelve. And aftirward whan four in his top bene, Þan shal ȝe call hym sowmet.
1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. ejv When he hath Awntelere with owt any lett Ryall and Surriall also there Isett And that in the toppe so.
1862 C. P. Collyns Notes on Chase of Wild Red Deer 211 A fine stag was killed after a good run of three hours, having the top of one horn shot off, the remaining horn had three on top with all his rights.
1886 Wellington (Somerset) Weekly News 19 Aug. A large, heavy deer, with two upon top on each side.
1922 Times 28 Aug. 14/5 The harbourer is able to tell the age and pretty accurately the ‘head’ and ‘points’ of his deer, which very often he will be able to describe as carrying ‘brow, bay, and trey, and two if not three [crockets] on top’.
5.
a. The growing tip of a branch, twig, plant, etc., (usually the highest and most slender part); (hence) the narrower end of something tapering; the point, tip. Now usually with reference to the fingers.
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the world > space > relative position > end or extremity > [noun] > slender
tipc1440
top1538
tip-end1680
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iv. l. 544 A top, iij braunched thende, Of ij yeer age or iij, toward the sonne Icutte & sette..is wonne.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Sagitta, an arow, also the top of a twygge or rodde.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie T 252 The sharpnesse of the toppe, or tippe of the nose... The toppes or tippes of the fingars.
1614 G. Meriton Christian Mans Assuring House 8 That Surgion deserueth praise who lightly presseth the wound, and handleth it cleuerlie, with the tops of his fingers.
1754 J. Shebbeare Marriage Act I. xv. 94 My Lord stept off lightly,..on the Tops of his Toes.
1880 Pop. Lessons Cookery 108 Scald and skin the feet [of the chicken], cut off the tops of the claws, place the fowl breast upwards [etc.].
1882 Indian Forester July 48 The young twigs are then layered down in the ground... They are then covered with earth three inches thick, leaving only the tops of the twigs out of the ground.
1913 J. Vaizey Unknown Lover xxiii. 285 ‘Prance? Who's prancing?’ Katrine turned an indignant face, but suddenly discovering herself perched on the tops of her toes, abandoned the attempt at dignity, and laughed.
2020 Oxf. Mail (Nexis) 20 Sept. Charlotte had an accident with a blender which sliced off the top of her finger.
b. In plural. The smaller branches and twigs of a tree, as distinct from the timber. Chiefly in tops and lops (or tops, lops, and bark) and variants: waste branches cut from trees felled for timber, esp. when regarded as a commodity in their own right. Also as a mass noun in top and lop and variants. Cf. lop n.3 1.
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the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > [noun] > pruning or lopping > prunings or loppings
shreddingc950
trouse978
stickc1175
rammelc1250
spray1297
brush1330
shriding1340
shridels1399
lopc1420
shraggingc1440
shroud1475
tops1485
polling1557
brutting1577
lopping1589
pruning1658
toppings1668
scorel1671
loppage1683
lop-wood1693
shrouding1725
cropping1768
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iii. l. 921 Men graffeth of theyr toppes & their treynes.
1485–6 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 98 Recepta. 16s. pro corticibus et Toppys in Silva de Rylley.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xliiiv Yf thou haue any wood to sell..sell the toppes as they lye.
1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ (1681) 92 A certain gentleman..obtained a parcel of Elm-trees lops and tops.
1840 Bristol Mercury 6 June 4/5 1 Wych Elm, No. 2, with the Lops Tops, and Crops, to the same.
1858 P. L. Simmonds Dict. Trade Products 233/2 In a sale of standing timber trees they are advertised with their ‘lop, top, and bark’.
1876 Bill of Sale in W. H. Cope Gloss. Hampshire Words (1883) (at cited word) Oak-trees and clean oak flitterns with their tops, lops, and bark.
1991 Financial Times (Nexis) 13 Feb. 11 The ‘top and lop’ (waste branches) and any other waste from every tree processed is converted into chips of varying size and quality.
2017 Pioneer (India) (Nexis) 2 Oct. The lops and tops obtained on removal of firewood species of trees will be handed over..for use of free of cost firewood in public crematoriums of Delhi.
6. Chiefly in plural. The part of a plant which grows above the ground, as distinct from the root; esp. the leaves of a root vegetable used as fodder, or eaten as greens or salad. Also: the tender tips of branches or shoots.See also swede tops n., turnip-tops.
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the world > plants > part of plant > head or heart > [noun] > head or top
cropa700
top?1523
head1577
headlet1577
come1578
pome1658
cyma1706
cyme1725
capitulum1791
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xvi Than he taketh the barley or otes by the toppes.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Toppe of an herbe, capillamentum.
1639 O. Wood Alphabet. Bk. Physicall Secrets 10 Take the young tops of Rosemary, Marigolds, Plantine, and young Bay leaves..and boyle them in the posset Ale.
1725 I. Watts Logick i. vi. §3 If the Buds are made our Food, they are called Heads, or Tops; so Cabbage-Heads, Heads of Asparagus, and Artichoaks.
1833 G. B. Wood & F. Bache Dispensatory U.S.A. 374 The fruit and tops of juniper are the only officinal parts.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 5 Tops of turnips make good feeding at the beginning of the season.
1985 Gourmet Oct. 180/2 I stand in my Western kitchen trying to prolong Afghan emotions by making bouloni. This is a kind of wheaten pancake stuffed with green vegetable tops.
2019 Advertiser (Austral.) (Nexis) 25 Sept. 31 Select radishes that are firm, with tops that look nice and fresh (you can eat the tops).
7.
a. The part of a page, image, etc., which is highest when viewed upright, or furthest from the viewer when viewed flat.
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1555 T. Cottesford in tr. U. Zwingli Rekening & Confession Faith sig. *4 (Fautes escaped) Before thou reade it ouer wyth thy penne mende the fautes escaped, begynnynge with the cyphers on the toppe of the pages.
1681 S. Fell in Jrnl. Friends' Hist. Soc. (1912) 9 136 You may see at ye Topp of every leafe, which Meetings testimonies followes.
1779 Mirror No. 9 Those same Latin scraps,..which you sometimes hang out by way of sign-post inscription at the top of your paper.
1887 Photogr. News 9 Sept. 563/1 This movement of the plate throws the top and bottom of the picture out of focus.
1953 E. Lynam Mapmakers' Art ii. 48 All early maps were oriented with the East at the top.
2021 S. Wise Fragile Earth ii. 22 She sat on the sofa, pulling her laptop towards her, flipping the lid...The icon at the top of the screen read twenty per cent.
b. Bookbinding. The upper edges of the pages in a book collectively, esp. when having a decorative gilt or coloured finish. Cf. top edge n. 1. Now historical and rare.
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1828 Times 18 Nov. 1/2 (advt.) Butler's Hudibras and Remains with Notes, large paper, half-bound morocco, uncut, gilt top, 4 vols.
1922 Bookseller 1 Dec. 17/2 The books are octavos, bound in scarlet cloth, printed on excellent paper with uncut edges and red tops.
1935 Publishers' Weekly 30 Mar. 1373/1 Harvard Classics. Vol. 12. Collier. Blue cloth; marbled top.
2007 A. McCleery in D. Finkelstein & A. McCleery Edinb. Hist. Bk. in Scotl. ii. 114 Today, gilt top and marbled edges are rare, as are headbands at the top of spines which were an integral part of hand binding.
8.
a. chiefly British. The furthest part or point of something (e.g. a street, valley, etc.) considered as extending horizontally from a person's position or usual point of entry, along a person’s line of sight, etc.With reference to terrain, not always clearly distinguishable from sense A. 3b.
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the world > space > relative position > end or extremity > [noun] > upper end
headeOE
chiefc1400
fining?1448
beginning1483
uppermost1628
top1783
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. i. 35 Himselfe well neere dead, with certaine of his courtiers and traine, breathlesse also for feare, made speed, and retired towards his pallace, as farre as to the top of Cyprius street.
1782 London Mag. June 260/2 Her grace hobbled up stairs as fast as the gout permitted, and entered the drawing-room...She majestically tottered to the top of the room.
1783 H. Cowley Which is the Man? v. ii. 49 Comes down from the top [of the room], addressing the Company.
1790 J. Macdonald Trav. Europe, Asia, & Afr. 197 At the top of the valley were the hot wells, surrounded by the mountains.
1811 T. Wilson Country Dancing (ed. 2) 129 The top of the Dance or Set..is known thus:—the Ladies will always have the top of the Set on their right hands, and the Gentlemen on their left.
1849 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) II. 41 In the omnibus to the top of Sloane Street.
1974 R. Ludlum Rhinemann Exchange xlii. 438 He replaced the pillow at the top of the bed and pulled the blanket partially over it.
1975 P. Lively Going Back (1991) i. 3 I walked up the grass path to the top of the kitchen garden.
2013 A. Gibbons Raining Fire ix. 111 We drove to the top of the road and hung a left.
b. The position at a table (usually at one end) occupied by the person presiding over a meal or other event, or by the person regarded as most honoured or important. Also (with no reference to the status of the occupant): the position at the end of a table.
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1614 T. Overbury et al. Characters in Wife now Widdow (4th impr.) sig. Dv Her lightnesse gets her to swim at top of the Table, where her wry little finger, bewrayes caruing.
1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Adam Bede II. iii. xxiii. 165 It stands to sense..as old Mr. Poyser, as is th' oldest man i' the room, should sit at top o' the table.
1887 A. Beale Courtleroy I. viii. 155 Mr. and Mrs. Leste sat at the top and bottom of the table, he energetically cutting bread, she pouring out the tea.
1912 C. de Pratz France from Within vii. 200 Never before had there been as many as six people round Camille's small table! Camille sat at the top and served the soup.
2015 TVEyes (transcript of TV programme) (Nexis) 7 Nov. We have been told the two leaders are sitting down at a round table for dinner tonight so as to avoid any uncomfortable conversations about who gets to sit at the top of the table.
c. Billiards, Snooker, etc. The area of the table at the opposite end from balk (balk n.1 9a), in which the red spot (in billiards) or black spot (in snooker) is located. See also top-of-the-table adj. 1.
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1840 Bell's Life in London 29 Mar. A's ball being under the cushion at the top of the table: B does not try to score, but merely separates the balls.
1985 M. Wildman in P. Arnold Bk. Games 224/3 The more foolproof way to the ‘top’ is to use the basic in-off game to lay the path.
2020 Hindustan Times (Nexis) 29 Jan. (Pune ed.) An early cannon attempt reaped the desired rewards for Kothari as he got into a really comfortable position with all three balls at the top of the table.
9. The upper reaches of a river, stream, etc.; the head or source of a watercourse; (also) the part of an estuary where a river meets the sea. Also: the end of a lake or other body of water at which a river or stream enters it; the head of a lake.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > lake > [noun] > part of
reach1362
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > system > [noun] > head or source
headeOE
wellspringOE
springOE
uptaking1241
head wella1325
wellheadc1330
sourcec1386
headspringa1398
headstreama1398
risinga1398
surge1523
springhead?a1560
head fountain1563
water head1567
fountainhead1585
headwater1612
fill1622
water source1651
urn1726
vomica1838
sponge-swamp1901
1612 W. Symonds Proc. Eng. Colonie Virginia 35 in J. Smith Map of Virginia He retired himself to a place in the deserts at the top of the riuer Chickahamania.
1789 J. Clarke Surv. Lakes Cumberland (ed. 2) 33 The top of the Lake is universally allowed to be the finest part of it.
1875 J. Clay New World Notes viii. 64 Near the top of the stream the canon widens into a valley.
1906 A. Werner Natives Brit. Central Afr. xii. 282 They..went on to the north, and round the top of the lake.
1974 J. Barrett Life on Sea Shore v. 145 Somewhere at the top of the estuary the influence of seawater finally disappears.
2020 Watford Observer (Nexis) 29 Sept. Affinity Water also announced..that they will be closing two pumping stations at the top of the River Chess.
10.
a. Mining. A layer of coal that remains after undercutting to form the roof of a tunnel or chamber. Now chiefly historical.
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1708 J. C. Compl. Collier 11 in T. Nourse Mistery of Husbandry Discover'd (ed. 3) Leave perhaps about a Foot thick of the Coal top for a Roof.
1830 T. Wilson Pitman's Pay (1843) 13 For if maw ‘top’ comes badly down.
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words Top, in mining, the portion of coal that has been kirved and nicked, and is ready to be blasted or wedged down.
1991 J. Still Wolfpen Notebks. (2009) 106 Our boss at the mine fired us. The reason is the top fell in along the passage we worked yesterday.
†b. The upper interior surface of a room; a ceiling. Obsolete (English regional (northern) in later use).
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society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > roof > ceiling > [noun]
roofeOE
firstOE
first-roofOE
silour1424
siling1483
ceiling1535
loftingc1540
loft1596
floor1600
plafond1664
top1709
ceil1840
planchment1874
laquearia1922
overhead1942
1709 J. Swift Baucis & Philemon 5 The Kettle to the Top was hoist, And there stood fastned to a Joist.
1889 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. (ed. 2) Top, the ceiling, as ‘th' room top’, ‘th' kitchen top’.
†11. Mining. A blue flame glowing faintly above the ordinary flame of a candle or lamp when firedamp (flammable gas) is present; = show n.1 14. Obsolete.Earliest in candle top.
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1816 Ann. Philos. 8 416 There is one other circumstance which has been employed as a criterion, though..it seems to be a very hazardous one—what is called the candle top.
1849 G. C. Greenwell Gloss. Terms Coal Trade Northumberland & Durham 47 The pale blue ‘top’, or lambent flame, which appears above the ordinary flame of a candle, when it is burning in an atmosphere mixed with fire-damp.
1896 Royal Comm. Coal-mining Regulation Bill, Minutes Evid. 2 in Votes & Proc. Legislative Assembly New S. Wales 1896 III. How do you know there is gas? You notice the gas by a small blue top on the light, and by the smell.
12.
a. A small amount of wine which is poured first when the bottle is opened. rare.
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1859 J. Lang Wanderings in India 388 ‘Order a fresh bottle of our wine for him, Blade’, said the Colonel, ‘and let him taste the top of it’.
1961 H. Williamson Innocent Moon v. 103 The waiter came with a bottle... He held it to the gaze of the sculptor, to show the label; then presented the cork, before pouring the top of the wine into a glass.
b. Chiefly British. The cream that rises to the top of non-homogenized milk; = top of the milk n. at Phrases 5b.
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the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [noun] > cream > other types of cream
whig1528
tuftaffety cream1661
whey-cream1742
coffee cream1868
crème fraîche1936
1946 M. Dickens Happy Prisoner iv. 55 It's apple charlotte, with the top off the milk.
1953 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 298 1094/1 I would say that the Socialists of this country have taken the top off the milk and left the people with the skim.
1996 Sunday Post (Glasgow) 30 June 26/2 And have you noticed the pinta on your doorstep no longer has that gorgeous creamy top?
13. The upper part of a cut gemstone above the girdle (widest point); = crown n. 28c.
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1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2597/1 Top,..5. That portion of a cut gem which is between the girdle, or extreme margin, and the table or flat face.
1967 Lapidary Jrnl. Oct. 867/1 These cracks can appear black when viewed from the top or crown of the gem.
1998 J. E. Shigley & T. Moses in Nature of Diamonds xii. 247 (caption) The table has been polished and eight facets have been polished on the pavilion, or bottom, and 16 facets on the crown, or top.
14. In plural. Darts. The double-twenty segment at the top of a dartboard; a throw into this area, or a score of forty made with such a throw. Cf. double top n.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > darts > [noun] > score
double top1936
finish1936
madhouse1936
ton1936
outshot1992
1979 L. Rees & D. Lanning On Darts vi. 39 Double 20, tops, is the next best choice.
2008 J. Irwin Murder on Darts Board xii. 268 I had another chance to win a leg—but this time with the much easier ‘tops’, my favourite, and the double that I had practiced more than any other.
2018 Sun (Scotl. ed.) (Nexis) 6 Apr. (Sport section) 54 A clinical 75 finish in two darts from Cross gave him a two leg cushion but a tops from Ando kept him in the clash at 5-4.
III. A piece fitted to something, and forming its upper part; a lid, cap, or other covering, and related senses.
15.
a.
(a) A lid, cap, stopper, or other device which fits on to something, esp. a container, to close or protect it.In quot. 1610: the cap of a hollow staff used in surveying.cap is more usual in some contexts in North American usage.See also bottle top, screw top n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > closure for a vessel, tube, etc.
stopple139.
prop1513
vice1530
stopper1667
tank top1862
top1862
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > closure for a vessel, tube, etc. > lid
lidc1000
coverclec1384
lampc1386
cover1459
covertil1463
coverturea1475
covering1479
cure1502
shed1612
bred1808
top1958
1415 in E. F. Jacob & H. C. Johnson Reg. Henry Chichele (1937) II. 47 (MED) Item, a gilt pot..and an oþer playn with a knap of silver on þe toppe.
1459 Inventory Fastolf's Wardrobe in Paston Lett. (1904) III. 187 Pottis of sylver,..enamelyd on the toppys withe hys armys.
1610 A. Hopton Baculum Geodæticum i. i. 3 You must haue a fine top to goe on with a screw in maner of an Aqua vitae bottell.
1799 F. Lathom Men & Manners II. vii. 35 Rachel gave him her smelling bottle. He unscrewed the top, and returned it into her hand; and..kept the bottle to his nose.
1889 Internat. Ann. Anthonys Photogr. Bull. 361 Whenever this top is a little unscrewed the liquid can come out of the bottle by drops.
1983 W. Goldman Adventures in Screen Trade 95 I took the top off the pen and prepared to write.
1989 V. Glendinning Grown-ups (1990) vi. 67 Martha never put the top back on the toothpaste tube.
2003 Centralian Advocate (Austral.) (Nexis) 29 July 2 The top came off her drink and she managed to spill diet coke and ice cubes..all over the cinema foyer's immaculately buffed floor.
(b) spec. Chiefly British. A lid used to seal a milk bottle, esp. a foil or (later) plastic lid, the colour of which usually indicates the type of milk. Frequently in gold top, silver top, or green top, referring, respectively, to milk from Jersey or Guernsey cows, whole milk, or unpasteurized milk (originally as modifiers).Gold Top is a proprietary name in the United Kingdom.
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1930 Essex Newsman 1 Feb. 1/6 Another useful gadget was a celluloid milk-bottle top, in the concave side of which was fixed a tiny spear for piercing and removing the cardboard stopper.
1972 ‘C. Fremlin’ Appointment with Yesterday xii. 93 ‘Everything goes down the waste-disposal!’ But not dead matches. Or milk-bottle tops.
1980 S. J. Gould Panda's Thumb (1982) vii. 81 Several species of tits learned to pry the tops off English milk bottles and drink the cream within.
1980 Daily Mirror Feb. 1/1 The retail price of a pint of ordinary silver top milk goes up from 15p to 16½p.
1984 Guardian (Nexis) 1 Aug. I was amazed at the amount of bumf delivered..each morning with the daily paper and the pint of gold top.
1999 Daily Tel. 21 Jan. 2/7 Annual £90 hygiene checks must..be held on the 400 farms producing ‘green top’.
2011 Express & Echo (Exeter) (Nexis) 18 Aug. 15 We can now collect drinks bottle tops, milk tops, and other plastic bottle tops at our shops..and have them recycled.
†b. An inverted tumbler used as a cap to cover a carafe. Only in carafe and top. Obsolete.
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1878 Evening Tel. (Dundee) 16 Apr. (advt.) Crystal Decanters, from 6d Each. Carafes and Tops, from 6d upwards.
1921 Connoisseur June p. xxxvi (advt.) One Soap Dish, one Brush Vase, one Sponge Bowl, one Carafe and top.
16. Nautical.
a. A platform and framework near the head of each of the lower masts of a sailing ship, designed to extend the rigging of the topmast, and used as a standing place; spec. such a platform in a warship, fortified and used as a position for archers, riflemen, etc.; = topcastle n. (now historical). Later: an armoured platform on a short mast carrying guns, signalling, and other equipment.Cf. fighting-top n. military top n.See also foretop n. 4a, maintop n., mizzen-top n., round top n.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast
topc1420
scuttle1597
bowl1627
round top1661
crow's nest1818
hurricane-house1818
bird's nest1851
1419–22 Naval Acct. in B. Sandahl Middle Eng. Sea Terms (1958) II. 107 (MED) Solut' Johanni Rendyng de Suthampton..pro pictura del Toppe et le sterne eiusdem Balingere.
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 639 Ffrom the top doun comyth the grete stonys.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cvii. 360 He caused one of the maryners to mounte vp into the toppe to se yf he myght se any lond.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World vii. 208 We saw the light in the Admirals top, which continued about half an hour.
1765 R. Veicht in Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 291 Neither did it touch..the top, or round scaffolding on the mast, and in this ship it was 18 feet broad.
1859 All Year Round 20 Aug. 399 We literally raced for the lubber's hole, through which we crept, and then stood in the top to survey the scene.
1900 Notes Naval Progr. (U.S. Office Naval Intelligence: Gen. Information Ser. No. 19) ii. 68 Seven 47-millimeter rapid-fire guns in the tops and on the superstructure available for boat armament.
1990 C. Mendenhall Submarine Diary (e-book ed.) Later in the afternoon sonar heard pinging, and immediately afterward the tops of a destroyer were sighted about ten miles behind the convoy.
2006 P. O'Kelley Unwaried Patience & Fortitude 40 Longer planks were set up along the walls to stop any musket fire from the marines located in ship's tops.
†b. A sail set on a ship's topmast; = topsail n. Obsolete.Chiefly in phrases: see top and topgallant at Phrases 6c, to pull down one's top at Phrases 6e.
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > topsail
topsail1390
tall-saila1450
top1513
1694 P. A. Motteux tr. F. Rabelais Pantagruel's Voy.: 4th Bk. Wks. iv. lxiv. 256 A fresh gale..began to fill the Main-course, Misen-sail, Fore-sail, Tops, and Top-gallants.
†17. A piece (perhaps a socket) fitted to the upper end of the staff of a torch. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1453–5 in J. T. Fowler Memorials Church SS. Peter & Wilfrid, Ripon (1888) III. 162 Pro faccione ij torchearum novarum et pro ij toppes magn. torch.
18. Angling. In older styles of fishing rod: the endmost joint. Cf. tip n.1 2c, bottom n. 15.See also fly-top n.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > fishing > fishing-tackle > rod > [noun] > top part of rod
cropa1450
top1676
fly-top1706
tip1891
1591 R. Percyvall Bibliotheca Hispanica sig. Z3/1 Veleta, a fan for the wind, the toppe of a fishing rodde.
1676 C. Cotton Compl. Angler xii. 101 Though I have taken with the Angle..some thousands of Trouts..my top never snapt, though my Line still continued fast.
1706 R. Howlett Anglers Sure Guide 79 The Stock [of the Rod] bored no wider than to carry a Ground-top therein, or a Flie-top.
1855 W. Blacker Art Fly Making 217 A light general rod with spare tops for fly fishing.
1920 A. R. Matthews Freshwater Fishing xvii. 145 The specification of a useful pike spinning rod is as follows:—Butt and middle joint best selected East India cane, two tops (one long and one short) of powerful greenheart well seasoned.
1998 G. Thomas Malice in Highlands vi. 82 Later in the day..the top section of his beloved cane rod snapped off. He had a spare top back at the hotel.
19.
a.
(a) The uppermost part of the leg of a high boot, esp. when widened out or turned over to form a cuff. Later usually: a broad band of leather or other material around the uppermost part of a boot (esp. a hunting or riding boot) which is of a different colour, finish, etc., to the main body and gives the appearance of a turned-over cuff.Cf. boot-top n. 1, top boot n. 1.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > upper > types of
top1629
boot-top1771
sock1851
boot-uppera1877
1604 T. Middleton Father Hubburds Tales sig. C3 That which struck vs most into admiration, vpon those fantasticall Bootes, stood such huge and wide tops.
1704 I. Sharpe Animadversions E. Calamy's Abridgm. R. Baxter's Hist. 10 Spanish-Leather Boots with large Lawn Tops.
1873 R. E. Egerton-Warburton Hunting Songs (new ed.) 167 Above the boots' jet polish Was a top of tender stain, Nor brown nor white, but a mixture light, Of rose-leaves and champagne.
1920 Leather & Shoes 16 Oct. 37/2 Blue kid boots with suede tops, ‘Aztec’ brown, with suede tops, and black kid with grey suede tops.
2010 J. Neuharth Kill (e-book ed.) Male hunt members who have earned colors..may wear a scarlet coat, white breeches, and black leather boots with brown tops.
†(b) In plural. A high boot, esp. a hunting or riding boot, having a broad band of leather or other material around the uppermost part which is of a different colour, finish, etc., to the main body; = top boot n. Cf. sense A. 19a(a). Obsolete.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > shoe or boot > boot > [noun] > high or long > boots
stand-ups1590
Hessian1806
pipe1819
butcher boots1860
1831 Satirist 19 June 87/3 The regiment of top-boots, all new for the occasion, would have gladdened the heart of the Cordwainers' Company, had they seen them; for out of 190 gentlemen present, 169 wore tops.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) x. 94 Mr. Samuel Weller happened to be..engaged in burnishing a pair of painted tops.
1900 Baily's Mag. Jan. 21/1 There have been good sportsmen who eschewed tops altogether for hunting dress. Lord Henry Bentinck..always hunted his hounds in Napoleons.
b. The part which forms the opening of a garment such as a sock or glove, esp. when of a different material, colour, pattern, etc.; spec. the part of a glove which covers the wrist or lower arm; the upper part of a sock (which is sometimes turned down when worn).
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for hands > [noun] > glove > parts of > gauntlet
top1819
gauntlet1882
1615 Edinb. Test. XLVIII. 214 in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at top [Gluiffis]... Thretteine pair of wesching orinche topis at sexteine schillingis the pair..fourtie sex pair orenge topis at sex pundis the dosone.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose ii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 168 A pair of gauntlets..the tops of which reached up to his elbow.
1933 Daily Mail (Hull) 30 May 1/6 His cycling stockings were fawn, with..diamonds on the turned-down tops.
1960 Financial Times 28 June 18/3 Stockings with lace tops in lingerie colours.
1991 S. A. Counter North Pole Legacy (e-book ed.) A beautiful pair of handmade, traditional sealskin hunter's mittens with polar bear fur tops.
c. The part of a boot or shoe above the sole; = upper n.1 1a.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > upper
upper leather1528
upper1789
1836 Rep. Inspectors Prisons Great Brit.: II. Northern District 56 in Parl. Papers XXXV. 1 The men are taught to make shoes, with leather tops and wooden bottoms, used in the prison.
1892 Royal Comm. Labour: Digest of Evid. before Group C II. Gloss. 123 in Parl. Papers (C. 6795-III) Makers, the workmen who receive the tops and then complete the making of hand-sewn boots and shoes.
1961 F. G. Cassidy Jamaica Talk vi. 114 Tennis shoes with rubber soles and canvas tops.
2000 Daily News Record (U.S.) (Nexis) 21 Apr. Maine outdoorsman Leon Leonwood Bean created a new kind of boot that combined lightweight leather tops with waterproof rubber bottoms.
20.
a. The cover or hood of a carriage. Later also (originally U.S.): the roof of a motor vehicle, sometimes one that can be retracted or removed. Frequently with preceding modifying word indicating the type.Cf. hardtop n. 1a, soft-top n. 1. See also Compounds 1a(b).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > parts of > roof or hood
top1617
head1768
mantle1794
calash1844
imperial1870
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > body or bodywork > roof
top1910
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. ii. i. 54 The top of the Coaches is made with round hoopes (couered with lether, or for the most part with black cloath) which are buckled together in the middest when it raines.
1774 S. Deane Let. Sept. in Lett. Delegates to Congr. (1976) I. 18 I went this Day to a Noted Coachmaker..and Asked his prices. A Sulky Thirty four pounds without a Top.
1845 J. H. Carleton Prairie Logbks. 26 May (1983) 185 The white canvass wagon-tops began to loom up through the mirage.
1896 S. O. Jewett Country of Pointed Firs (1981) 84 A long-bodied high wagon with a canopy-top.
1910 Sears, Roebuck Catal. 1143/2 Three-bow skeleton automobile top of heavy moroccoline.
2001 N.Y. Times 1 July v. 4/1 I'm not talking about the dull, straight shot up Interstate 5, but the slow meander (preferably in a red convertible with the top down) along back roads.
b. The roof of a coach, provided with seating for passengers travelling outside rather than inside the vehicle; (later, chiefly British) the upper level of a double-decker bus, tram, train, or other vehicle.
ΚΠ
1817 Chester Chron. 11 Apr. The axle-tree broke by one of the hinder wheels, and the passengers on the top were precipitated from their seats.
1837 Carlisle Jrnl. 9 Sept. On Tuesday morning at an early hour we were on the top of an omnibus, as rapidly on our way to Newhaven as a couple of sorry hacks could carry us.
1890 Otago Witness (Dunedin) 24 Apr. 35 These trams are all what we call double-deckers, and it is the fashion in Christchurch for the ladies to ride on the top instead of inside.
2002 Evening Standard (Nexis) 22 Mar. De Massy would travel around London..on the top of the Number 10 bus, often staring out of the window like a zombie.
21. Usually in plural. An earring having an upper part which fits close to the earlobe and a pendant beneath; frequently (and in earliest use) in †tops and drops. Sometimes also: such an earring consisting only of the upper part.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > jewellery worn on the ear > [noun]
earringOE
earlet1610
ear-bob1648
top1703
rose drop1707
ear-drop1720
snap1748
ear hoop1779
ear stud1817
ear-plug1820
girandole1825
stud1831
stud earring1873
ear-piercing1896
sleeper1896
pierced earring1914
earclip1940
keeper1960
1703 London Gaz. No. 3942/4 Stolen.., a pair of Diamond Ear-Rings, with 4 large Faucet Diamonds, (tops and drops).
1761 G. Colman in St. James's Chron. 27 June 1/2 To humour my Wife, little Tubal was ordered to furnish her with a Pair of Diamond Tops.
1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 79 In her ears hung pendent diamonds, top and drop.
1869 Ladies' Gaz. Fashion Sept. 67/1 Round tops and drops of amethyst, crystal, and amber, are also fashionable.
2020 DNA (Nexis) 26 Sept. For a more formal look, just putting on a jacket or a shrug over a shirt should seal the deal with a pair of studs or simple pearl tops and a sleek nicely done hair-bun.
†22. A women's high hairstyle, wig, or headdress fashionable in the eighteenth cent. Cf. head n.1 5b, high head n.2, topping n.1 1b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun]
headc1450
coiffure1633
tiff1703
cock1768
top1780
Madonna style1818
Madonna front1849
hairstyle1871
Madonna coiffure1890
haircut1895
do1918
hairdo1932
?1725 G. Fox Five Strange Wonders of World 6 Foolish things in Request...Young Men to wear perriwigs down to their Bums, wenches high tops on their heads.
1780 M. Delany Autobiogr. & Corr. (1862) 2nd Ser. II. 524 Rows upon rows of fine ladies with towering tops.
23. In plural. Chiefly Scottish. A rack or framework which fits on to a cart to increase its carrying capacity. Cf. cart-ladder n., load-tree n., shelving n.1 3.Recorded earliest in hay-tops. Sc. National Dict. (at Tap) records this sense as still in use in Perthshire and Fife in 1972.
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1814 Gen. Rep. Agric. State & Polit. Circumstances Scotl. I. v. 240 Sometimes the close or coup-carts have a light frame, or what is called hay-tops, occasionally fixed upon them, and are very convenient for carrying corn, hay, straw, or any bulky light articles.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm III. 1087 The common cart..mounted with a framing called tops, is used in some parts of the country.
1879 Brechin Advertiser 15 Apr. 4 I hae a guid box cart wi' tops.
1901 Courier & Argus (Dundee) 19 Sept. 3/6 Attempting to turn into Roods Street, the tops of the cart caught the building at the corner.
24. A top card in a carding machine (see top card n. at Compounds 2a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > treating or processing textile materials > [noun] > combing > machine > card or comb
carder1800
comber1831
top1845
top-card1874
1825 J. Nicholson Operative Mechanic & Brit. Machinist 380 (note) The cotton is taken in by the feeding rollers, and is carried up by the main cylinder and passed between it and the tops or flats, whose teeth lie in an opposite direction to those of the main cylinder.
1835 New Statist. Acct. Scotl. No. 7. 147 In 1815 Mr. Smith constructed a carding-engine, having the flats or tops moveable on hinges.
1851 L. D. B. Gordon Art Lett. & Jrnls. Illustr. Catal. p. iv**/2 The large card-drum is generally surmounted by urchin or squirrel cards instead of tops.
1965 W. G. Byerley et al. Man. Cotton Spinning III. vi. 97 A few lost points on the edges of a top are not disadvantageous.
2015 J. McLoughlin et al. in R. Paul Denim ii. 22 The carding process can be carried out using revolving flat carding action, stationary tops, and roller and clearer systems.
25.
†a. Printing. A number of printed sheets taken from each signature of a work which are placed at the top of a stack when storing the sheets, thereby enabling advance pages to be provided or inspected without the need to extract them from the stack itself. Obsolete.
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1841 W. Savage Dict. Art of Printing 797 Tops, in piling the printed sheets of a work away, after they have been dried and taken from the poles, the warehouseman takes a few sheets of each signature, and lays them at the top of the pile: these are called Tops.
1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 142 Tops. In stacking work as printed off, the warehouseman places a few sheets of each signature on the top, so that they may be at hand if a set of advanced sheets are asked for, thereby obviating the lifting of a quantity of work.
b. With reference to a document produced with carbon copies: the original typed or handwritten sheet, as distinct from a copy; = top copy n.
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society > communication > printing > typing > [noun] > typewritten material > top copy
ribbon copy1893
top copy1919
1965 Irish Times 14 June 13/7 (advt.) Top and Copies It's that simple with Scribe portable register.
1967 L. Meynell Mauve Front Door vii. 89 If you could possibly do a top and two carbons of these notes.
2004 B. W. Aldiss in D. Salwak Living with Writer xiii. 95 The top and four carbon copies of the manuscript.
†26. A metal button with a gilt or silvered face; = top button n. 1. Obsolete.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > fastenings > button > types of
hair-button1593
frog1635
bar-button1685
frost button1686
sleeve-button1686
berry-button1702
stud1715
pearl button1717
breast button1742
bell-button1775
shell button1789
red button1797
olivet1819
bullet-buttons1823
basket-button1836
all-over1838
top1852
olive1890
pearly1890
nail head1892
1844 Penny Mag. Suppl. Nov. 468/2 The gilt buttons are, in the odd but concise language of the workmen, called ‘all-overs’ or ‘tops’, according as they are gilt all over, or only on the outer, exposed surface.
1852 C. Tomlinson Cycl. Useful Arts (1854) I. 264/2 The buttons [are] stirred about in the solution, for all-overs, or merely brushed on the face, for tops.
1874 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. I. 416/1 When the face only is gilt, the buttons are technically known as tops.
27. Originally U.S. A circus tent. Cf. big top n.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > circus performance > [noun] > circus arena > tent
big tent1843
big top1889
top1931
1889 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Evening Gaz. 31 Jan. 4/3 Just got up the tents, and was at the big top when the cyclone came. It blew the top in the lake.
1894 Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago) 23 Dec. 35/6 The tents are ‘tops’ to the circus men, and they are subdivided into the ‘big top’, the ‘animal top’, the ‘kid top’, the ‘candy top’, and so on indefinitely.
1942 D. Powell Time to be Born xii. 291 A perpetual rain cloud spread like a circus top.
2000 S. O'Nan Circus Fire 2 They played by the lake, their tops guyed out on the lot by Municipal Stadium.
28. Originally: an item of clothing for women worn on the upper body, and designed as part of a dress or gown in which the bodice is separate from the skirt. Later: a shirt, sweater, blouse, or similar garment worn on the upper body. Frequently with preceding modifying word indicating the style, colour, material, etc.See also crop top, football top, sun top n. 2, tank top n. 2, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > other
kirtlec893
viteroke?c1225
bleauntc1314
surcoata1330
paltock1353
courtepy1362
tunicle1377
gipona1387
juponc1400
petticoatc1425
wardecorpsc1440
placard1483
galbart1488
corsletc1500
truss1563
gippo1617
juste-au-corps1656
fore-belly1663
vest1666
justicoat1669
coat1670
amiculum1722
arba kanfot1738
slip1762
hap-warm1773
aba1792
Moldave1800
abaya1810
saya1811
tzitzit1816
cote-hardie1834
tobe1835
yelek1836
panties1845
cyclas1846
exomis1850
himation1850
jumper1853
blouse1861
peplum1866
exomion1875
confection1885
lammy1886
surquayne1887
bluey1888
fatigue-blouse1890
sling-jacket1900
top1902
sun top1934
sillapak1942
tank top1949
ao dai1961
tank1985
1900 Wellsboro (Pa.) Agitator 21 Nov. 2/2 A separate top gives an ungraceful line when it descends below the waist.
1949 N. Mitford Love in Cold Climate ii. i. 186 A jersey top, however Parisian, was obviously unacceptable for evening wear in high Oxford society.
1977 Daily Mail 17 Sept. 23/4 (advt.) For men, women & children Sportswell hooded top. Zip-fronted with drawstrings and pouch pockets.
1992 St. Petersburg (Florida) Times (Nexis) 4 May (City ed.) (Pasco Times section) 1 She wears a shocking pink sleeveless top and brightly colored, flowered shorts.
2001 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 18 Sept. 11/1 Hot colours, knitted tops, light dresses and black and white wear have emerged as the looks for this summer.
29. British. A small amount of one drink added to another, to modify the flavour; (now chiefly) a small amount of a soft drink, typically lemonade, added to lager or other beer. Also (with preceding word indicating the principal content): a drink made in this way, esp. in lager top.
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1907 Morpeth Herald 1 June 3/3 The Clerk: What do you mean by a dash?—Witness: A lemon dash...A small lemon with a top of beer on it.
1989 D. Holden in Soho Square 2 195 The next day at precisely eleven-fifteen I set a lager-top fizzing on the bar. By eleven-thirty it has gone flat.
2011 @Mr_Flipper 15 Oct. in twitter.com (accessed 1 Feb. 2022) The guy next to me at the bar is hitting it hard to night. Pint of fosters with a top of lemonade.
2018 @joeatslondon 29 Apr. in twitter.com (accessed 1 Feb. 2022) I'm staying on this balcony drinking white wine tops (white wine + tiniest splash S. Pellegrino) until those kids of mine wake up.
IV. A person or thing which is first in time, order, importance, excellence, etc.
30.
†a. The earliest part of a period of time; the beginning. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > [noun] > beginning or end of a period
terminusOE
springinga1398
topc1440
fresh1566
front1609
skirt1624
epoch1673
turn1697
terminus post quem1834
terminus ante quem1858
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) iii. l. 1000 In thende of October, or in [the] toppe [L. inicio] Of Nouember.
1669 J. Worlidge Systema Agriculturæ vi. 82 They..entertain a mellifluous Army of Bees, from the top of morning, till the cool and dark evening compels their return.
1825 W. Hone Every-day Bk. (1826) I. 403 The dawn is awakened by a cry in the streets of ‘Hot-cross-buns; one-a-penny buns..!’ This proceeds from some little ‘peep-o'-day boy’, willing to take the ‘top of the morning’ before the rest of his compeers.
b. Baseball and Softball. The first half of a particular inning, as in the top of the fifth (inning), the top of the eighth, etc. (cf. bottom n. 17). Also in extended use in other sports: the beginning or early part of the game or a period of play.
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1942 Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Amer. 30 Mar. 1/4 With the first Giant still at bat in the top of the first inning a cloudburst all but flooded the park.
1949 Michigan Alumnus 23 Apr. 353/2 In the top of the eighth Michigan knotted the count when Baker scored from third on Morrill's long fly.
1987 Courier-Mail (Austral.) (Nexis) 19 Oct. He saved five break points in a 14-minute game at the top of the second set.
2010 Wall St. Jrnl. 11 May d14/4 In the top of the ninth, Mr. Clark of the Yankees screeched a line drive into right field.
31.
a. The highest degree of something; the highest point of a person's state, condition, or performance; the peak, the height. Frequently in at the top of one's form, game, powers, etc.See also to the top of one's bent at bent n.2 9, at the top of one's voice at Phrases 6h.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] > quality or fact of being extreme > highest, utmost, or extreme degree
heightOE
perfectiona1398
utterestc1410
uttermosta1425
tiptoec1440
pinnaclec1450
utmost1472
outmostc1535
extremity1543
abyss1548
top1552
furthest, utmost stretch1558
summa summarum1567
superlative1573
strain1576
extreme1595
fine1596
last1602
yondmost1608
super-superlative1623
pitch1624
utmostness1674
pink1720
supreme1817
ultima Thule1828
peak1902
a1500 (?1451) tr. Petrarch Secretum (BL Add. 60577) (2018) 26 (MED) Whan the mynde hathe raught þe toppe of hyr wytt, and there wolde be fully fixed and knytt, come varyable cures and ouerthrowythe all.
1534 tr. Constit. Otho in Lyndewode's Constit. Prouincialles f. 123 The noble and famous realme of Englande, whyche of late dayes fell from the heygh top of his glorie in to the quenchynge and extinction of bothe powers as vnto the partes of Scotland, Ireland, and wales.
1552 Ordre Hospital S. Bartholomewes Pref. sig. A.vii What thyng at the first can atteyne to the toppe of perfectnesse.
1664 K. Philips Poems lx. 176 Who from the top of his Prosperities Can take a fall.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 32. ⁋2 High Shoulders, as well as high Noses, were the Top of the Fashion.
1740 H. Bracken Farriery Improv'd (ed. 2) II. vi. 195 Let him be kept to the Top of his Speed.
a1879 A. R. Ashwell Life S. Wilberforce (1880) I. Introd. p. xxii Bishop Wilberforce could go on working at the top of his power hour after hour through the day and the night.
1933 A. Powell From View to Death iii. 89 He was not feeling at the top of his form.
2004 Time 26 July 56/3 I want to beat Michael when he's at the top of his game.
b. A person who or thing which represents the pinnacle of a particular state or condition; the most perfect example or type of something.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > standard or type of
idea1586
quintessence1590
top1593
ideal1796
ideal case1813
beau-ideal1820
1593 Queen Elizabeth I tr. Boethius De Consolatione Philosophiæ in Queen Elizabeth's Englishings (1899) 80 All such referd to greatest good, as to the top of Natures best.
1594 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. II. 570 His goodnesse, bountie, grace, and fauour towardes vs, which is the toppe of happinesse.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. ii. 78 How would you be, If he, which is the top of Iudgement, should But iudge you, as you are? View more context for this quotation
1707 G. Hickes Two Treat. ii. i. 192 The Episcopat is the top of all the Honours among Men.
1886 C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David VII. Ps. cxxx. 8 Redemption is the top of covenant blessings.
1940 Brethren Missionary Herald 13 July 4/1 Each nation feels it is the top of perfection in all ways.
2015 Financial Times 14 Nov. (Companies section) 9 Asked what he saw in the Modigliani, he replied: ‘This nude is the top of all’.
32.
a. A person who or thing which occupies the highest or foremost place in a ranking, list, class, etc., or the highest level of a scale or hierarchy. Formerly also: †the head of a family, lineage, etc. (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > rule or government of family or tribe > head of family, tribe, or clan > [noun]
alderOE
patriarchc1200
prince?c1225
chief1587
top1615
chieftain1837
1556 J. Standish Triall Supremacy sig. Evii Origen saith let none saye Iohn was greatter then Peter which both is called and is the top of al other.
1602 M. Sutcliffe Challenge conc. Romish Church (rev. ed.) ii. 47 As Ignatius said sometime, antiquitas mea Christus est, so we may say, that Christ is the top of our ancestry.
1615 J. Day Festivals 27 Adam the Top of our kin.
1695 J. Edwards Disc. conc. Old & New-Test. III. vii. 332 Lastly Man, the Top and Glory of the Creatures.
1741 W. Oldys et al. Betterton's Hist. Eng. Stage vi. 116 He looks upon himself as the Top of his Family.
1856 C. J. Lever Martins of Cro' Martin xxxviii. 390 They barred out the master to make ‘the head usher’, top of the school.
2010 Daily Times-Call (Longmont, Colorado) (Nexis) 2 Dec. Lewis said police began investigating and arrested five people within the local organization, which led police to Madrigal...‘He is the top of the organization,’ he said.
b. The highest or foremost place in a ranking, list, class, etc.; the highest level of a scale or hierarchy; the head.See also at the top at Phrases 6g, top of the tree n. at Phrases 5a(b), top of the class at class n. and adj. Phrases 1, top of the pops n. at pop n.8 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > surpassing excellence > [noun]
pricea1275
sovereigntyc1340
primacyc1384
sublimityc1429
vassalagec1430
precellence?a1439
pre-excellencec1450
pre-eminencec1460
superexcellencec1475
chief1519
pre-eminency1523
greaterness1540
precellency1557
superexcellency?1563
divinenessa1586
superancya1586
sublimenessa1599
pre-excellency1603
especialness1614
transcendencea1616
transcendency1615
transcendentness1625
top1627
antecellency1657
quality1665
transcendingness1730
transcendentalism1841
surpassingness1879
transcendentality1881
1566 T. Stapleton Returne Vntruthes Jewelles Replie iv. f. 50 Iustinian first calleth the Pope of Rome Head of all Holy Churches: and then confesseth him to occupie the Toppe of the highest Bishoprike.
1627 G. Hakewill Apologie Pref. sig. C3 By vertue and piety..being come to the top, they lost it againe by vice and irreligion.
a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 187 We, who are placed in the top of nature.
1780 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting (ed. 2) IV. i. 12 Between..the dearth of good masters, and a fashionable reputation, Jervas sat at the top of his profession.
1856 Sat. Rev. 2 214/2 A new religious hierarchy, in which readiness to pronounce one or two commonplace Shibboleths shall send a man to the top of the scale.
1885 W. S. Gilbert Mikado 1 I'm right at the top of the school.
1979 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 24 Dec. Liverpool and United are bracketed at the top of the league, six points clear of the nearest challenger.
2021 New Yorker 8 Mar. 6/1 This..documentary quickly shot to the top of Netflix's most-watched list when it débuted, last month.
c. U.S. Military slang. In the U.S. Army or Marine Corps: the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a company or equivalent unit; first sergeant. Also as a form of address. Short for top sergeant n. at Compounds 2a.Cf. topper n.1 5b.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > sergeant-major
first sergeant1776
sergeant-major1802
company sergeant major1813
S.M.1890
top1898
top sergeant1898
major1901
RSM1913
top cutter1917
top kick1918
Sar-Major1919
top soldier1926
Sarn't-major1946
1896 Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) 7 Nov. 23/5 They..handed in their names for leave to the ‘top’, or first sergeant, during the afternoon.
1930 T. Fredenburgh Soldiers March! ii. 12 The Top says he'll pass the word along.
1970 W. Just Military Men iii. 95 Don't worry, Top.
2003 Philadelphia Inquirer Mag. 27 Apr. 16/4 Our platoon sergeant came over and he looked at us, and he said, ‘All right, Moore, Carp, you get up there on point.’ I said, ‘Hey, Top, I just found out I'm short. I'm going home!’
d. Journalism and Broadcasting. The part of a news bulletin, newspaper, etc., reserved for the most important or significant news, typically being the first part of a broadcast, or the headline or front page of a newspaper, etc. Also: an article or item occupying this position.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > journalism > journal > parts and layout of journals > [noun] > column > top of
top1948
1948 Sunday Jrnl. & Star (Lincoln, Nebraska) 14 Nov. 10- b/1 The age-old, eternal question of what to do about China is again at the top of the news. The fact is that the same situation has been in the top of the news periodically since about 2,000 B. C.
1959 Economist 5 Sept. 710/2 The record of what he did, even to his practice swings on the lawn at Chequers, made the top of the news.
1960 R. St. John Foreign Correspondent x. 195 I..dictated a new ‘top’ for Sunday papers.
1973 L. Heren Growing up Poor in London vi. 163 The first flashes were coming through on the attempt to get an abandoned ship in tow somewhere in the Atlantic... The story rated a top.
2000 Scotl. on Sunday 17 Dec. t17 I was driving home from doing a speech at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, and at the top of the news was a story about the Beeb losing the TV rights to Formula One.
33.
a. Music. The highest part of the range of notes used by a singer, instrument, or group of instruments; the soprano end of a range or scale. Cf. top note n. 1.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Hamlet (1623) iii. ii. 355 From my lowest Note, to the top of my Compasse.
1789 C. Burney Gen. Hist. Music IV. vi. 515 In her songs the greatest efforts she made amounted to little more than a shriek, except about three notes at the top of her compass.
1866 H. S. Edwards Three Louisas III. xxi. 208 Her happy manner of touching a few stoccato notes at the top of the voice threw the audience..into ecstasies of delight.
1922 Etude Music Mag. Mar. 213/1 Unlike the flute and the clarinet, it [sc. the oboe] is loudest at the bottom instead of the top.
2012 J. Richardson Eye for Music iv. 162 Bai possesses a rich low register, reaching up to more nasal tones as she pushes to the top of her range.
b. The high-frequency component of (esp. transmitted or reproduced) sound. Cf. treble n. Additions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > science of sound > vibration > [noun] > high frequency
highs1845
treble1930
top1940
1930 Wireless World 12 Feb. 166/1 The bottom and middle register reproduction is good, the upper middle register fair and the top definitely present.
1976 Gramophone Dec. 1083/1 To a surprising degree the precision and clarity of violin tone with a suspicion of excessive top.., the nice balancing of woodwind..presented a consistent sound.
2011 J. Henriques Sonic Bodies 285 Many domestic music systems only need a single bass speaker, but retain stereo for the mid and top.
34.
a. The best or finest part of something; the very best of a group of people or things; the pick of something. Frequently in collocation with cream or flower.See also top of the morning at Phrases 6j.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [noun] > best thing or person
highesteOE
bestOE
greatest?c1225
pridec1330
crestc1400
primrosea1450
outrepass1477
A per sea1500
primrose peerless1523
prisec1540
prime1579
surquidry1607
excellency1611
nonsuchc1613
crown jewel1646
top1665
patriarch1700
pièce de résistance1793
number one1825
business1868
resistance piece1870
star1882
mostest1889
koh-i-noor1892
best-ever1905
flagship1933
the end1950
endsville1957
Big Mac1969
mack daddy1993
1620 T. Matthew tr. St. Augustine Confessions ix. x. 442 We sighed profoundly, and left there, confined, the very top and flower of our soules, and spirits [L. primitias spiritus].
1668 Bp. E. Hopkins Vanity of World 90 The Soul, next to Angels, is the very top and cream of the whole Creation.
1757 W. Thompson Royal Navy-men's Advocate 44 Which their very good Friends, the top of the Physical Faculty can verify.
1883 Builder 3 Mar. 266/2 The latter [sc. painting and sculpture] are the top and flower of art, but the demand for them is limited.
1934 C. Porter You're the Top in R. Kimball Compl. Lyrics C. Porter (1983) 120 You're the top! You're a Waldorf salad. You're the top! You're a Berlin ballad.
1994 W. D. Campbell Stem Jesse (1995) xiii. 105 Sam Oni was the favorite of American missionaries to break the color barrier. Cecil Dewberry had demonstrated that he could make it in higher education. They were the top, the cream of the crop.
b. Originally Scottish. Usually in plural. The highest quality sheep or lambs in a flock.
ΚΠ
1831 P. Sellar County of Sutherland 80 in Farm-rep. The tops (the most choice and best breed) possess the outskirts of the ewe herding.
1886 C. Scott Pract. Sheep-farming 19 When a lot of sheep are drafted, they are assorted. The best lot are called ‘tops’.
1914 T. Shaw Managem. & Feeding Sheep xxi. 459 The ewe lambs to be retained should, of course, be the tops of the flock.
1970 Scotsman 16 Sept. 19 5000 Blackface Wedder and Ewe Lambs, mostly ‘Tops’.
c. In plural. People belonging to the highest social class; upper class people. Now historical and rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > [noun] > member of > collectively
top people1752
tip-top1753
top1887
1870 Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly 18 June 7/3 Now do permit me to give you a scrap of truth concerning the fashionable tops of London? The pretty creatures have gotten over the poodle-dog mania; they don't carry the pets in their manly arms any longer.
1887 Pall Mall Gaz. 24 Aug. 11/1 Here..were given the dances when a party of London ‘Tops’ were invited to spend the Christmas holidays or to enjoy a week's shooting.
1999 Scotsman (Nexis) 8 Apr. 17 They were the tops of society..all very glamorous. They came to London to be debutantes although they had Irish ancestors, and would do the season here.
†d. In plural. Grain of a higher quality, as distinct from tails (tail n.1 7b). Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1906 J. Paterson Wamphray vii. 193 It threshes, separates ‘tops from tails’, bags each separately, and bundles the straw.
35. The culminating point in a process, activity, sequence of events, etc.; a high or peak point. top of the tide: the point at which the tide is highest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [noun] > state of or advanced condition > highest point
prickOE
heighta1050
full1340
higha1398
pointc1400
roofa1500
top-castle1548
ruff1549
acmea1568
tip1567
noontide1578
high tide1579
superlative1583
summity1588
spring tide1593
meridian1594
period1595
apogee1600
punctilio1601
high-water mark1602
noon1609
zenith1610
auge1611
apex1624
culmination1633
cumble1640
culmen1646
climax1647
topc1650
cumulus1659
summit1661
perigeum1670
highest1688
consummation1698
stretch1741
high point1787
perihelion1804
summary1831
comble1832
heading up1857
climacteric1870
flashpoint1878
tip-end1885
peak1902
noontime1903
Omega point1981
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 341 Grevous to the people, now in top of harvest.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 299 It was just at the Top of High-Water when these People came on Shore.
1759 W. H. Dilworth Life of Pope 131 The hackney scribblers seizing the top of the market, had quite run down the subject.
1852 J. Wiggins Pract. Embanking Lands 25 This part of the bank will have to sustain but a transient stress from the top of the tide.
1921 Mich. Manufacturer & Financial Rec. 2 Apr. 3/3 Speculative buyers went in at the top of the market and, in many cases, are sufferers thereby.
1953 Variety 4 Nov. 4/2 With three pictures starting this week, another next week and three currently in work, United Artists has reached the top of its activity for 1953.
1992 Angling Times 22 Apr. 28/3 Flounder returning from spawning made up most of the weight, with most fish coming from the Turf lock stretch at the top of the tide.
36. British colloquial. The highest gear of a motor vehicle; = top gear n. 2a. Frequently with prepositions forming adverbial phrases, as in in (or into) top (formerly also on (the) top).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > transmission > specific gear
top1906
top-drive1909
overdrive1921
underdrive1929
N1937
park1963
1906 Westm. Gaz. 21 Aug. 4/2 It was only found necessary twice during the journey to change to the second speed, most of the run being done on the ‘top’.
1909 Westm. Gaz. 30 Nov. 5/2 In this machine the driving is..always done on top.
1932 S. Gibbons Cold Comfort Farm xvi. 217 They heard him change into top.
1953 E. Hawks Cassell Bk. Austin A 40 (ed. 2) ii. 35 In changing down from top to third, and third to second, proceed as follows.
1958 Times 19 Aug. 11/6 The three-speed gearbox with a comparatively low second gear which encourages the driver to stay in top.
2004 Penrith (Austral.) Press (Nexis) 27 Apr. The SRi..has superb torque making it responsive from just about any speed. Whip it into top and you can pretty well stay there most of the time.
37. Bridge.
a. A high card; the highest card in a suit in a player's hand.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > types of card
card of re-entry1870
master card1872
singleton1876
entry1884
control1892
stopper1900
raiser1912
long card1913
loser1917
X1920
minor1927
top1929
side entry1937
penalty card1958
master1962
1912 J. B. Gleason Auction 25 The practice of a player who says—You may be certain that I have tops, or as good as an ace, if such a thing can be, in any suit 1 bid, is a strong position.
1929 M. C. Work Compl. Contract Bridge Gloss. 246 Tops, Aces and Kings.
1958 Listener 23 Oct. 669/2 To ask whether, at match points, East-West should try for Seven Hearts is like asking whether a golfer should play for a birdie or a bogey: it all depends on the state of the game. If they need a ‘top’ they take the chance.
2001 J. Rubens Bridge World's Test your Play (2002) 78 West is likely to continue diamonds, after which you can clear the remaining red-suit tops.
b. The highest score achieved in the play of a particular hand.
ΚΠ
1945 ‘S. J. Simon’ Why you lose at Bridge ix. 103 As the Clubs didn't break, and he took the Heart finesse to try and save something from the wreck, he went six down. A cold top for us.
1977 Hongkong Standard 12 Apr. 10/3 Romik was able to claim all 13 tricks for an outright ‘top’ on the hand.
2012 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 16 Apr. c4/6 Kreijns took one spade, three hearts, two diamonds and five clubs for a tied top.
38.
a. The person having the dominant role in BDSM (BDSM n.) activities. Cf. bottom n. 18(b).
ΚΠ
1980 P. Califia Sapphistry viii. 123 She will probably need reassurance that her top is going to be careful, respect her limits, and really want to take the power she is given.
1999 Sunday Sport 3 Oct. 17/3 Rimming. Giving a rimjob...More common than you might think in vanilla sex; in BDSM it may be as a form of service performed on a top by a bottom.
2008 T: N.Y. Times Style Mag. 17 Aug. 218/3 As Opie says about her S-and-M practice today: ‘I've worn out any desire for being a bottom. If I play now, I'm the top.’
b. The partner who has or prefers the penetrating role in sexual intercourse between gay men. Cf. bottom n. 18(a).
ΚΠ
1982 Advocate (Los Angeles) 18 Mar. (Classifieds Suppl.) 6/2 New Jersey Bottom W/m—34, 5'7″, 135 lbs—seeks top.
1991 D. Johnson Resuscitation Hanged Man 252 ‘I keep telling you, I'm not gay’, English said. ‘A good top is hard to find’, Jimmy reminded him kindly. ‘Don't pass it up’.
2001 P. Burston Shameless x. 146 Not everyone conforms to your pathetic view of gay relationships, Neil. Not everyone chooses to be either a top or a bottom. Some of us pride ourselves on being versatile.
V. Senses relating to physical actions.
†39. Dice. With the. A method of cheating in gambling games, in which a player secretly retains one or more of the dice between the fingers while shaking the rest in the box (box n.2 2c). Cf. top v.1 19a, topping n.1 9. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > dice-playing > [noun] > cheating
cogc1555
coggingc1555
slura1643
knapa1658
topping1663
petard1664
prick-penny1664
knapping1671
palming1671
gammoning1700
top1709
eclipse1711
peep1711
waxing1726
sightingc1752
1709 Tatler No. 68 There is lately broke loose from the London Pack, a very tall dangerous Biter... His Manner of Biting is new, and call'd the Top.
1711 J. Puckle Club 22 (note) Supposing both box and dice fair, gamesters have the top, the peep, eclipse, thumbing.
40. Golf. A stroke in which the ball is inadvertently struck above the centre, usually failing to produce the desired distance, height, etc. Cf. top v.1 22.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > [noun] > types of shot or stroke
putta1754
like1790
drive1829
tee-shot1850
gobble1857
push shot1865
iron shot1870
push stroke1873
drive-off1884
slice1886
raker1888
foozle1890
hook1890
iron1890
top1890
sclaff1893
brassy shot1894
run1894
chip shot1899
chip1903
pull1903
skimmer1903
draw shot1904
brassy1906
pitch-and-run1908
windcheater1909
air shot1920
chip-in1921
explosion1924
downhiller1925
blast1927
driver1927
shank1927
socket1927
recovery1937
whiff1952
pinsplitter1961
comebacker1965
bump-and-run1981
1890 H. G. Hutchinson in H. G. Hutchinson et al. Golf (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 314 As long as we do not make an egregious top into the burn.
1938 Times 1 Jan. 4/7 May we..play them [sc. good shots] till we are weary of them and long for a top or a fluff!
1977 J. Hardy in Golf Mag. Aug. 38/3 There are in fact three separate and distinct kinds of tops..the ‘shallow top’.., the ‘steep top’ and the ‘missed-radius top’.
2009 Hoosier Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 26 July (Herald-Times ed.) b1/3 I could have been down five after seven holes. I had a top, a chunk and a blade all on one hole.
41. Billiards, Snooker, etc. Topspin imparted to the cue ball by striking it above the centre, causing it to continue to travel forwards after striking the object ball. Also more generally in other sports: = topspin n.Cf. topside n. 3, top twist n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > [noun] > motion of ball
twist1857
rebound1894
top1901
overspin1904
stuff1905
undercut1920
top-twist-
1901 Westm. Gaz. 13 Aug. 2/3 A vertical twist given by friction against the ground analogous with ‘top’ on a billiard ball.
1903 D. L. A. Jephson in H. G. Hutchinson Cricket iv. 88 A ball that..has every appearance of being intended for a leg break, but which in reality is simply propelled with a large quantity of ‘top on’.
1917 P. A. Vaile Mod. Lawn Tennis (ed. 2) 78 This puts modified top on the ball, makes it keep low and dive sharply across court.
2012 @asacooke 30 Apr. in twitter.com (accessed 1 Nov. 2021) I seem to be able pot balls when hitting the cue ball centrally, or with top and screw. As soon as I add side I start missing pots. Do you need to aim differently?
VI. Other uses.
42. Particle Physics. A variety of unstable quark, distinguished by a characteristic flavour (flavour n. 5) and having a relatively large mass and an electric charge of +⅔. Also: this flavour (cf. topness n. 2). Frequently as a modifier, esp. and earliest in top quark. Symbol t.Also (now less frequently) called truth. [The names of the top quark and its counterpart the bottom quark (see bottom n. 29) were chosen to reflect the names of the up and down quarks (see up adj. 6 and down n.6) and to begin with letters that had not already been used as symbols in particle physics. Compare truth n. 13 and beauty n. 7, and see the note at the former entry.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > atomic physics > particle physics > quark > [noun] > differentiating property > top or truth
truth1976
top1977
t1978
1975 H. Harari in Physics Lett. B. 57 265/2 (caption) The ordinary u(up), d(down), s(singlet) quarks and the proposed heavy t(top), b(bottom), r(right) quarks.
1984 N.Y. Times 5 July a12/1 [European] laboratory confirms existence of top quark.
2007 Sci. Amer. (U.K. ed.) Mar. 10/2 Such weakly made tops, however, could come without their antitop companion.
2012 S. Carroll Particle at End of Universe iii. 50 Quarks..come in six different flavors: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom.
B. adj.
1. Of, relating to, or located at the top; highest in physical position in space, or relative to total height.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > [adjective] > in highest position
highestOE
umestOE
overesta1325
upperestc1374
overmosta1382
supremec1487
upmost1488
uppermostc1500
highermost1593
top1595
topmost1697
headmost1758
culminant1849
tip-topmost1937
1578 M. Tyler tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Mirrour Princely Deedes ii. xxxix. f. 117 In the body of this tree there are many braunches..from whome the toppeboughes keepe of the comforte both of Sunne and showers.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 112 Trasery, is the working of the top part of a Window to several forms and fashions.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) II. 139 An Herb whose top Leaves are a Sallet of themselves.
1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter I. vii. 126 A five pound fish..had snapped off the top joint of his four guinea rod.
1888 H. Morten Sketches Hosp. Life 46 There were two doors on the top landing.
1952 A. Christie Mrs. McGinty's Dead vii. 48 She stretched up to a top shelf for notepaper and envelopes.
1965 G. Jones Island of Apples ii. iii. 106 I was exploring the top end of this valley, a place of ashes and cinders in great mounds.
2017 O. Sudjic Sympathy xviii. 256 Her apartment was on the top floor of a building with an elevator and a concierge.
2. Forming or constituting the uppermost exterior surface or layer of something; upper, outer.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adjective] > forming the upper surface
upper1583
top1603
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. ii. xii. 285 A light stroke that dooth scarse the top-skinne wound.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) II. 384 Take away some of the Top exhausted Earth.
1838 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 1 97/2 Walls of rubble,..which support a top covering of flat stones.
a1878 B. Taylor Stud. German Lit. (1879) 38 Hollow spaces cut in the top-slab of his tombstone.
1919 Concrete Products Aug. 63/1 This hardener..combines chemically with the cement making the top layer of the floor hard and wear-resisting.
2016 P. Wadhams Farewell to Ice (2017) vi. 72 A group of scientists was busy measuring the top surface of the ice.
3.
a. Of a person or group: having the highest rank or position in a particular hierarchy, organization, etc.; most eminent; most capable or high-achieving.figurative in quot. 1647.See also top people n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important
mosteOE
foremostc1000
headOE
headlyOE
nexta1200
umest1513
primary1565
headest1577
ruling1590
forward1591
capital1597
of the first magnitude1643
palmary1646
top1647
prepondering1651
headmost1661
home1662
life-and-death1804
palmarian1815
bada1825
key1832
première1844
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [adjective]
highestOE
bestOE
firstlOE
greatest?c1225
of the besta1350
premiera1500
paramount1530
supremec1550
supreme1571
primer1589
top1647
nulli secundus1742
bestest1751
first class1819
beatemest1831
par excellence1839
première1844
first rate1853
beatenest1860
blue ribbon1860
optimum1885
optimal1890
class A1906
all-star1908
grade A1911
five-star1931
mostest1936
tip-topmost1937
the end1950
the most1953
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [adjective]
mereeOE
athelOE
couthOE
brightOE
namecundc1175
outnumenc1175
noble?c1225
ketec1275
sheenc1275
tirfulc1275
glorious13..
losedc1305
of great renownc1330
glorifieda1340
worthly or worthy in wonea1350
clearc1374
nameda1382
solemna1387
renomeda1393
famous?a1400
renomé?a1400
renowneda1400
notedc1400
of (great, high, etc.) name?c1430
celebrate?1440
namely1440
famosec1449
honourable?c1450
notedc1450
parent?c1450
glorificatec1460
heroical?a1475
insignite?a1475
magnific1490
well-fameda1492
exemie1497
singular1497
preclare1503
magnificential1506
laureate1508
illustre?a1513
illustred1512
magnificent1513
preclared1530
grand1542
celebrated1549
heroicc1550
lustrantc1550
magnifical1557
illustrate1562
expectablec1565
ennobled1571
laurel1579
nominated1581
famosed1582
perspicuous1582
big1587
famed1595
uplifted1596
illustrious1598
celebrousc1600
luculent1600
celebrious1604
fameful1605
famoused1606
renownful1606
bruitful1609
eminent1611
insignious1620
clarousa1636
far-fameda1640
top1647
grandee1648
signalized1652
noscible1653
splendid1660
voiced1661
gloried1671
laurelled1683
distinguished1714
distinct1756
lustrious1769
trumpeted1775
spiry1825
world-famous1832
galactic1902
tycoonish1958
mega1987
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 22 Bishops, who are now..the very top-flowers of wisdome and learning.
1698 J. Collier Short View Immorality Eng. Stage iv. 142 These Sparks generally Marry up the Top Ladys.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Physiognomy Baptista Porta and Robert Fludd are the top modern Authors on Physiognomy.
1774 J. Hawley Let. 25 July in J. Adams Wks. (1854) IX. 345 Our top Tories here give out..that he will certainly be taken up before the Congress.
1794 W. Godwin Caleb Williams III. xiii. 227 The vicar, the apothecary, the lawyer, and the rest of the persons who..had been regarded as the top gentry of the place.
1863 S. Guppy Mary Jane 125 It is very pleasant to belong to an old corporation... You visit the top families; your wife has an air of exclusiveness and superiority about her.
1939 Supervision Feb. 1/1 The whole related circle which reaches from top management down to the worker.
1989 R. Kenan Visitation of Spirits (1996) 141 The top seeds on the tennis teams went on to do well at East Carolina and State.
2011 S. Iñiguez de Onzoño Learning Curve i. 15 If we look at the published diaries of top executives, we see long working days of up to 17 hours.
b. Of a quality, activity, achievement, etc.: first in importance or excellence; principal, chief.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important > of things
principalc1300
principal1417
supremec1550
capital1597
hegemonic1656
vital1810
big time1914
high-level1947
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > very excellent or first-rate
gildenc1225
prime1402
rare1483
grand1542
holy1599
pre-excelling1600
paregal1602
classic1604
of (the) first rate1650
solary1651
first rate1674
superb1720
tip-top1722
tip-top-gallant1730
swell1819
topping1822
of the first (also finest, best, etc.) water1826
No. 11829
brag1836
A11837
A No. 11838
number one1839
awful1843
bully1851
first class1852
class1867
champion1880
too1881
tipping1887
alpha plus1898
bonzer1898
grade A1911
gold star1917
world-ranking1921
five-star1936
too much1937
first line1938
vintage1939
supercolossal1947
top1953
alpha1958
fantabulous1959
beauty1963
supercool1965
world-class1967
primo1973
1649 F. Roberts Clavis Bibliorum (ed. 2) 292 The flourishing or Top-glory of Israels Kingdome under K. Solomon.
1653 R. Austen Spirituall Vse of Orchard 40 in Treat. Fruit-trees This is the top-Priviledg of beleivers.
1713 R. Steele Englishman No. 40. 261 When they grow up, Dancing is the top Accomplishment.
1819 J. Keats Let. in Daily Chron. 26 Mar. (1904) 9/2 Fine writing is, next to fine doings, the top thing in the world.
c1926 ‘Mixer’ Transport Workers' Song Bk. 65 And I never strike a top-job That the other fellows get, For I'm out upon my ‘lonesome’, And not in the running yet.
1958 Observer 3 Aug. 5/1 Grouse-shooting, it must be conceded, is the top sport.
2008 S. Wales Evening Post (Nexis) 11 Oct. 22 Curry is my top choice for a solo supper when my husband, who dislikes spicy food, is out.
c. Designating the first or highest position in a competition, ranking, etc. Also (frequently in predicative use): in this position.
ΚΠ
1862 Bell's Life in Sydney 11 Oct. The betting market up to Tuesday had not presented any material change. Archer and Mormon held the top places, and these horses were freely backed at 2 to 1.
1930 Centralia (Washington) Daily Chron. 1 May 2/4 A win for Rochester would place the Berriers in a tie for first place, thus granting them the chance to land in top position.
1947 Econ. Jrnl. 57 12 He was top in the English Essay.., second in a rather ‘Oxford’ paper on philosophy.
1978 Dumfries Courier 20 Oct. 5/1 Lochar Amateurs, with a comfortable 5–2 win over Abbey Vale, regained the top spot.
1984 K. Lillington Isabel's Double (1994) 7 I was pretty average at most subjects, but I usually came top in art.
1992 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 7 Nov. d3/4 Mr. Bouchard's Bloc Québécois has been holding onto the top position in the polls.
2005 Independent on Sunday 31 July (Review Suppl.) 47/4 Britain came 37th out of 90 countries in a recent international survey of life satisfaction—Denmark, Malta and Switzerland came top.
d.
(a) Preceding a numeral, designating a number of people or things constituting the highest end of a scale or ranking when considered in particular terms, such as excellence, wealth, ability, importance, etc.In later use sometimes influenced by sense B. 3d(b) (see e.g. quot. 1960).
ΚΠ
1885 Launceston (Tasmania) Examiner 2 Nov. The top ten men for the two contests are Richardson, Golding, Tinker; Bowden, [etc.].
1960 News Chron. 7 May 3/5 Buxton will have to change..to make the tourist top ten.
1987 W. Greider Secrets of Temple i. i. 39 Families in the top 2 percent owned 30 percent of all liquid assets.
1999 BBC Vegetarian Good Food May 94/2 (advt.) It is..probably rated amongst the top hundred restaurants in London.
2003 N.Y. Mag. 9 June 33/1 In traditional, upper-echelon private schools, teachers teach to the top third of the class—even the top quarter in the most challenging schools.
(b) Music. top ten (also twenty, forty, etc.); also as top 10, 20, 40, etc.: the ten, twenty, etc., most popular songs or recordings in the popular music charts at a particular time (see chart n. 3c).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > recording or reproducing sound or visual material > sound recording and reproduction > a sound recording > [noun] > list of popular records
top ten1958
chart1963
1958 J. Asman in P. Gammond Decca Bk. Jazz xiv. 174 Traditional jazz records vie with the accepted ‘pop’ Top Ten in selling power.
1965 Billboard 5 June 1/3 Billboard this week introduces the ‘Top 40 Easy Listening’ chart.
1978 Sunday Times 29 Jan. 43/1 A record by two Jamaican girls is currently No. 2 in the BBC's top twenty pop singles.
1992 M. Eliot Down Thunder Road ii. xv. 234 The River..gave Springsteen his first national Top 10 hit—‘Hungry Heart’.
2015 Guardian 5 Dec. (Guide Suppl.) 33/2 A good number of grime tracks have recently hit the UK top 40, and this should have been one of them!
4. Of the highest degree or greatest amount; very high; very great.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > greatest in quantity, amount, or degree
mosteOE
utmosta1325
uttermore1382
utterestc1386
uttermost1429
outmost1447
utter1513
supreme1571
summoperous1647
top1714
mostest1882
1680 J. Alexander Jesuitico-Quakerism Examined 80 The Commandments to repent, believe, fear, and love God..are repealed, and then we may do what we please, and follow the Light within at the top-speed.
1714 G. Lockhart Mem. Affairs Scotl. 229 Oblig'd to go off at a top Gallop.
1736 Duchess of Portland in M. Delany Autobiogr. & Corr. (1861) I. 563 The Speaker was in top good humour.
1869 R. Chambers Hist. Rebellion 1745–6 (new ed.) xx. 262 About five in the morning..he reached the house ‘in a top-sweat’.
1956 Science 3 Feb. 196/3 (advt.) Scientific journals wanted. Sets, Runs and Volumes bought at top prices.
1962 R. P. Jhabvala Get Ready for Battle ii. 97 There was music blaring out of various radios, sweet-sad music played at top volume.
2022 Business Mirror (Philippines) (Nexis) 20 Mar. The convoy moved off at top speed.
5. colloquial (chiefly British, Australian and New Zealand). Excellent, great, fantastic. Cf. tops adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
1947 Sun (Sydney) 7 Oct. 13/3 It was a fair time since they had met, but Tom was still a top bloke.
1993 T. Parker May Lord in His Mercy be Kind to Belfast (1994) i. 8 I think it's brilliant in Belfast, it's a real top place to live.
2001 C. Glazebrook Madolescents 25 The black scoop-neck sweater looks totally top over a balcony bra.
2020 Daily Star (Nexis) 9 Feb. (Sport section) 13 The atmosphere was amazing, the mood was top and I think the engagement from my team..was very good.
6.
a. Designating the partner who takes or prefers the penetrating role in sexual intercourse between gay men; (also) designating this role. Cf. bottom adj. 3.
ΚΠ
1966 Drum (Philadelphia) Sept. 49/2 In a few minutes, the top man got off, wrapped his towel around his waist and disappeared down the tier as quietly as he had arrived. Even before he left the cell, his position has been taken by the next in line; then the next; and then the last.
1971 Detroit Gay Liberator Mar. 8/2 He'll probably ask..if you're the ‘passive’ or ‘active’ partner (or ‘the top man’ or ‘the bottom man’), and other questions of that nature.
1991 G. Lehne in C. Silverstein Gays, Lesbians, & their Therapists xii. 158 His preferred partner was a middle-aged man who would play the top role.
2001 D. Anderson Sex Tips for Gay Guys viii. 101 The whole tops-and-bottoms issue can be thorny, especially with people who buy into the myth that top guys are somehow more manly than bottoms.
b. Designating the person having the dominant role in BDSM (BDSM n.) activities; (also) designating this role. Cf. bottom adj. 3.
ΚΠ
1971 Advocate (Los Angeles) 8 Dec. 38/2 (advt.) Hairy Master Sought. Hndsm, rugged w/m, 37, role-switcher, looking for masterful leader who can remain top man thru pain, pleasure, humiliation sessions.
1980 E. White in L. Michaels & C. Ricks State of Lang. 244 ‘Sadist’ and ‘masochist’ have become ‘top man’ and ‘bottom man’.
2004 F. Jarman-Ivens in S. Fouz-Hernández & F. Jarman-Ivens Madonna's Drowned Worlds v. 85 Madonna's ‘top’ role in Body of Evidence may..present some challenges to her apparent tendency towards the uncritical playing-out of hetero-centric S/M stereotypes.
2019 R. Barrett in L. Gottzén et al. Routledge Internat. Handbk. Masculinity Stud. (e-book ed.) Bottoms who were partnered wore locked collars to mark them as ‘slaves’ (with their top partner possessing the key to the collar).

Phrases

P1.
a. on top.
(a) Also at (or †in) top: at the highest point, or on the uppermost part or surface.
ΚΠ
OE Prudentius Glosses (Corpus Cambr. 223) in Anglia (1979) 97 39 In altum : on top.
1502 Descrypcyon of Englonde sig. Civ/2 in Cronycle of Englonde (new ed.) These hylles on top [perhaps read on cop; a1387 J. Trevisa tr. in þe cop, 1480 Caxton on coppe] beres Two grete fysshe weares.
1600 J. Taverner Certaine Exper. conc. Fish & Fruite 35 Many couet to haue their trees sixe or seuen foote high before they branch out in top.
1645 D. Papillon Pract. Abstr. Fortification & Assailing vi. 16 The top of the Brest-work is..alwayes twenty foot broad at top to be of Cannon-proof.
1669 J. Glanvill Let. 16 June in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1969) VI. 51 In ye summer the Baths purge up a green scumm on top.
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters ii. 125 The magistrates use the figure of the front of this building for a seal to the waters, they export,..with this inscription, at top, Spa, underneath Pouhon.
1889 ‘J. S. Winter’ Mrs. Bob (1891) 77 A Pompadour stick with a big silver knob on top.
1939 M. B. Picken Lang. Fashion 113/2 Accordion-like plaits that are narrow at top and wider at the bottom.
2005 Food & Trav. Feb. 43/2 Fill both glasses with ice, pour half the vodka in each, then add the Kahlua... Place the ice cream on top.
(b) On the upper part of the head.Chiefly with reference to baldness in men, e.g. in thin on top.
ΚΠ
1836 U.S. Tel. (Washington City) 2 Aug. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high, 40 to 45 years of age, reddish hair very thin on top.
1916 W. Lewis in Egoist Apr. 62/1 His face was very dark and slick, bald on top, pettily bearded, rather unnecessarily handsome.
1981 B. Cleary Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1988) viii. 146 ‘Daddy, you're getting thin on top!’ she cried out, shocked.
1987 St. Petersburg (Florida) Times (Nexis) 7 Jan. (Sports section) 6 A ‘whitewall’ cut..leaves short hair on top but none around the sides.
2000 N. Barr Deep South (2001) ix. 159 His hair was thinning on top, a circle reminiscent of a monk's tonsure.
(c) In a leading or dominant position. Frequently in to come out on top: to come out of a situation in a dominant or winning position; to win.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [adverb] > supreme or dominant
on top1879
1879 Southern Law Jrnl. Apr. 174 The Communist, Kearney, is preaching a crusade against the profession, and the worst charge that he can find to bring against them is, that ‘the lawyers are always on top.’
1886 Rep. Select Comm. Interstate Commerce 1197 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (49th Congr., 1st Sess.: Senate Rep. 46, Pt. 2) III. It is enough for us to have to fight the Chicago market...If a man can do that and come out on top, he is pretty smart.
1977 U.S. News & World Rep. (Nexis) 3 Oct. 17 The President now faces a mass of other problems. His strategy: Move fast, tighten up, get back on top.
1994 Sunday Times 6 Mar. viii. 8/5 The BBC say it is a question of getting out while you are on top.
2009 Halesowen News (Nexis) 26 Mar. The U16 girls met Perrywoods from the Central Warwick League in a friendly match and came out on top 2-0.
(d) In addition.
ΚΠ
1923 Western Times (Exeter) 3 Aug. 11/3 They wanted pretty considerable negotiation fees on top.
1995 Christian Sci. Monitor (Nexis) 7 Mar. 6 There was bad weather, drought, and everything else on top.
1999 Financial Times 9 Oct. (FT Weekend section) p. XX/2 Plenty of studios in Chelsea sell for around £120,000 with a service charge on top.
b. on top of.
(a) Also †at (or †in) top of: at the highest point of, or on the uppermost part or surface of.The use with at is now colloquial or regional.
ΚΠ
?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. a.v On toppe of the chymnaye, there is an hepe of snowe.
1561 J. Heywood tr. Seneca Hercules Furens i. sig. C3 In top of bow doth sit with chauntyng song,..The nightingale.
1656 A. Cowley Davideis iii. 89 in Poems Some lead the groaning waggons, loaded high, With stuff, on top of which the Maidens ly.
1727 A. Motte Treat. Mech. Powers ii. 141 In common Jacks used for dressing Meat, there is added a Fly at top of the Spindle.
1870 D. Rock Textile Fabrics (S. Kensington Mus.) Introd. p. cxliii At top of and all along the travers ran the minstrel-gallery.
1895 Westm. Gaz. 2 Mar. 9/2 There was not a mountain in Scotland on top of which he had not been.
1958 I. Vaughan Diary 7 There are big houses with gardens..they are the only ones getting watter in a furrow from the big dam at top of the street.
2002 J. Mercurio Bodies (2003) 30 I lie on top of the bedcovers but I can't sleep.
(b) Also with the in on the top of: so as to add to; in addition to (esp. with reference to unwelcome tasks, events, misfortunes, etc., added to an existing burden).
ΚΠ
1796 F. Burney Camilla II. iii. iii. 62 One thing heaped o'top of t'other.
1824 M. Wilmot Let. 5 Feb. (1935) 207 I came home hungry, took some hot tea on the top of a cold ice which I got there, got an indigestion.
1886 St. Stephen's Rev. 13 Mar. 11/2 Two heavy falls in a week, and a bad cold on the top of them.
1926 People's Home Jrnl. Feb. 33/2 I will help get him work and do anything I can for him..but I cannot give him money on top of the million he has thrown away.
1968 Listener 4 July 5/1 On top of all this there are the continuing constitutional negotiations.
1981 Sunday Express Mag. 2 Aug. /33 Lord Mackan has had a busy programme of special ceremonial events on top of his normal Household chores.
2000 R. Doyle in N. Hornby Speaking with Angel 163 So, I suppose, on top of everything else, my tiredness, the rows with the eldest—I suppose I'm just getting old, really.
(c) In very close proximity to; too close to.Frequently with reference to crowded living conditions (see quot. 1947).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > in/into one place, company, or mass [phrase] > crowded together
in pressa1450
as thick as hops1590
1841 Morning Post 13 July In the Court the ruffian mob, crowded on top of one another, amused themselves groaning, hooting, and cheering.
1947 A. L. Rowse Tudor Cornwall xvi. 434 There was little privacy, for they lived on top of one another.
1955 M. Allingham Beckoning Lady iv. 55 None of us saw her until she was right on top of us.
1977 M. Allen Spence in Petal Park xxxiii. 158 He still lives in Downsea. Near enough for me to babysit but not so close that we're on top of him.
1994 Philadelphia Inquirer (Nexis) 3 Apr. (Final ed.) b7 After living on top of the Garden State Parkway with cars whizzing by and all the noise, I thought this would be a nice change.
2014 Western Morning News (Nexis) 30 Nov. There was a huge roaring fire, leather sofas, and a dining area that was just cosy enough to be friendly, but not so you felt on top of each other.
(d) In control of a person or thing; in the position of being able to manage or deal with something, esp. a difficult or overwhelming situation.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > control > in control or charge [phrase]
to be in the saddle1581
in the driver's seat1860
in the driving seat1947
1899 G. A. Etchison tr. L. Marholm Stud. Psychol. Women 285 She has a certain practical, coarse ability for keeping on top of life.
1952 M. Allingham Tiger in Smoke x. 167 This time there was..no faltering. He was on top of himself and them.
1977 ‘A. York’ Tallant for Trouble vi. 87 He really felt he was getting on top of the situation.
2002 P. Augar & J. Palmer Rise Player Manager vi. 122 I was on top of every practical problem in the team.
(e) on top of a person: difficult or burdensome for a person. Chiefly in to get on top of a person: to overwhelm a person; to cause a person to feel stressed, harassed, or unable to cope.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being harassed > harass [verb (transitive)]
tawc893
ermec897
swencheOE
besetOE
bestandc1000
teenOE
baitc1175
grieve?c1225
war?c1225
noyc1300
pursuec1300
travailc1300
to work (also do) annoyc1300
tribula1325
worka1325
to hold wakenc1330
chase1340
twistc1374
wrap1380
cumbera1400
harrya1400
vexc1410
encumber1413
inquiet1413
molest?a1425
course1466
persecutec1475
trouble1489
sturt1513
hare1523
hag1525
hale1530
exercise1531
to grate on or upon1532
to hold or keep waking1533
infest1533
scourge1540
molestate1543
pinch1548
trounce1551
to shake upa1556
tire1558
moila1560
pester1566
importune1578
hunt1583
moider1587
bebait1589
commacerate1596
bepester1600
ferret1600
harsell1603
hurry1611
gall1614
betoil1622
weary1633
tribulatea1637
harass1656
dun1659
overharry1665
worry1671
haul1678
to plague the life out of1746
badger1782
hatchel1800
worry1811
bedevil1823
devil1823
victimize1830
frab1848
mither1848
to pester the life out of1848
haik1855
beplague1870
chevy1872
obsede1876
to get on ——1880
to load up with1880
tail-twist1898
hassle1901
heckle1920
snooter1923
hassle1945
to breathe down (the back of) (someone's) neck1946
to bust (a person's) chops1953
noodge1960
monster1967
the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > make dejected [verb (transitive)]
drearya1300
discomfortc1325
batec1380
to cast downa1382
to throw downa1382
dullc1386
faintc1386
discomfita1425
discourage1436
sinkc1440
mischeera1450
discheerc1454
amatea1500
bedowa1522
damp1548
quail1548
dash1550
exanimate1552
afflict1561
dank1565
disanimate1565
sadden1565
languish1566
deject1581
dumpc1585
unheart1593
mope1596
chill1597
sour1600
disgallant1601
disheart1603
dishearten1606
fainten1620
depress1624
sullen1628
tristitiate1628
disliven1631
dampen1633
weigh1640
out-spirit1643
dispirit1647
flat1649
funeralize1654
hearta1658
disencourage1659
attrist1680
flatten1683
dismalizec1735
blue-devil1812
out-heart1845
downweigh1851
to get down1861
frigidize1868
languor1891
downcast1914
neg1987
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > types or manners of hindrance > [phrase] > burdensome to
on top of a person1915
1915 A. T. Hemingway How to make Good i. 13 Excessive fatigue must be avoided. Under it you cannot have good self-control...Do not let your work get ‘on top of you’.
1928 Lockhart (Texas) Post-Reg. 5 Jan. I really felt..things were getting on top of me.
1972 M. Barnes & J. Berke Two Accts. Journey through Madness i. 28 Isolated, overcome, and unable to cope, I would feel everything was on top of me.
2021 Irish Daily Mail (Nexis) 10 Aug. 34 I'm not, by nature, a worrier. But other stresses were starting to get on top of me.
†c. upon the top of: a short time away from; on the brink of. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 394 Hee was vpon the top of his marriage.
P2. Phrases with toe.
a. from top to (also †into, †unto) toe and variants.Not common in North American usage.
(a) All over or throughout a person's body; from head to foot.Cf. from crown to toe at crown n. 19a, from head to toe at toe n. 5d, from top to tail at Phrases 3c, from top to bottom at Phrases 4a(a).
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 561 Ouer al & from þe top to þe tan.
a1450 Castle Perseverance (1969) l. 611 (MED) I holde þe trewe fro top to þe too.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. QQQiiiiv Thou art made abhominable, from the toppe to the too.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 267 After this follow fifteene other most faire Camels,..couered from top to toe with Silke.
1718 Ld. Lansdowne in M. Delany Autobiogr. & Corr. (1861) I. 45 Top-a-Toe, my dear Niece Your most affectionate, Faithful, humble servant, Lansdowne.
1916 E. Appleton Diary 13 May in R. Cowen Nurse at Front (2013) 135 We were absolutely drenched to the skin from top to toe.
2002 C. Slaughter Before Knife (2003) xv. 260 Dressed in black from top to toe.
(b) figurative and in extended use. Entirely; completely; (also) from beginning to end.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > thoroughly > from beginning to end or through and through
to the boneOE
through and throughc1225
out and outc1300
from top to tail1303
out and inc1390
(from) head to heel (also heels)c1400
(from) head to foot (also feet)c1425
from top to (into, unto) toec1425
to the skin1526
to one's (also the) finger (also fingers') ends1530
from first to last1536
up and down1542
whole out1562
to the pith1587
to the back1594
from A to (also until) Z1612
from clew to earing1627
from top to bottom1666
back and edge1673
all hollow1762
(all) to pieces1788
from A to Za1821
to one's (also the) fingertips1825
to one's fingernails1851
from tip to toe1853
down to the ground1859
to the backbone1864
right the way1867
pur sang1893
from the ground up1895
in and out1895
from soda (card) to hock1902
c1480 (a1400) Seven Sleepers 121 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 429 Malchus..tald þame fra tope to ta quhow decius þame socht to sla.
1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde Prol. B ij I..reuisying from top to too the sayde booke.
a1636 J. Rogers Godly Expos. First Epist. Peter (1650) i. 89 We must be now as much altered in our behavior, as our case, we hope, is altered from top to toe; as from being heirs of wrath, to be heirs of heaven.
1887 J. R. Lowell Democracy & Other Addr. 87 A manliness in its type English from top to toe.
2007 Sunday Tribune (Ireland) (Nexis) 23 Sept. (Sport section) 7 The World Cup has been a disaster from top to toe.
†b. neither top nor toe: nothing definite or intelligible. Obsolete.In quot. 1862 in to make neither top nor toe of: to make no sense of.Cf. not to make top or bottom of at Phrases 4a(c), not to make top nor tail of at Phrases 3d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > non-existence > [phrase] > nothing, no one, not any
never onec1175
never ac1300
never kinsc1300
no kinsc1350
for odd or evenc1425
never anyc1522
penny nor paternoster1528
never a one1534
not a soul1568
neither top nor toe1610
no flesh1663
neither horn nor hoof1664
no sort of‥1736
no nothing1815
1602 in R. Parsons Warn-word ii. xviii. f. 134 There was neyther head nor heele, top nor toe order nor coherence, but only a certayne loose inuectiue against all sort of Catholyke men and their religion.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Britain i. 269 There stood in old time a cittie, but now neither top nor toe, as they say remaineth of it.
1862 Birmingham Jrnl. 14 June 6/3 The chagrin engendered in the..Conservative body by inability to understand its wily and Protean-faced head; ever assuming a new aspect, whereof the spectator can make neither top nor toe.
P3. Phrases with tail.
a. top and tail.
(a)
†(i) As a whole; completely, absolutely; (also) from beginning to end; in its entirety. Obsolete.In quot. c1330: bodily.
ΚΠ
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 8126 (MED) Wawain..mani þousand ouerþrewe..Into þe water top and tail, Þat þai adreint.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 5416 Þarfor shul þey..Go to helle, boþe top and tayle.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 880 Toppe and taylle and euerydel..euery word that spoken ys.
?1550 J. Bale Apol. agaynste Papyst f. cviv It is in the whole, toppe and tayle, length and bredth, begynnynge and endynge.
1838 Metrop. Mag. Feb. 194 It all looked as if it was a show-boat, or a nobleman's yacht, top and tail, head and starn, rig and hull, than an old dog of a barkie.
(ii) the top and tail of something: all that can or need be said about something; the long and short of something.Cf. the top and bottom of something at Phrases 4a(d).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > consequently or as a result [phrase] > sum total or upshot
the shorta1500
summa summarum1567
the sum of sums1592
the long and the short of1622
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd II. xxvi. 329 The top and tail o't is this.
1967 G. M. Williams Man who had Power over Women 46 ‘She wasn't your bloody type, that's the top and tail of it,’ Val said, sagely.
2003 Liverpool Daily Echo (Nexis) 12 June 2 He will be an MP. That's the top and tail of it.
†(b) Chiefly hyphenated, in top-and-tail (also top-on-tail, †tail and top): (with reference to falling or tumbling) so as turn completely over; head over heels. Obsolete (English regional (south-western) in later use).Cf. top over tail at Phrases 3b.
ΚΠ
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos v. sig. N.jv Headlong down in dust he ouerturnyd tayle and topp.
1879 W. Pengelly 3rd Rep. Comm. Devonshire Verbal Provincialisms in Rep. & Trans. Devonshire Assoc. Advancem. Sci., Lit. & Art 11 144 Top-and-Tail (= Head-over-heels, or more properly, Heels-over-head). In a field near Sidmouth, one child said to another, ‘Now then, I'm going to turn top-and-tail’ when it proceeded to turn a somersault on the grass.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. at Top-and-tail The pony put his foot in a rabbit's hole and proper turned top-on-tail.
(c) With reference to the orientation of two or more people lying beside one another: with each person's head next to the adjacent person's feet; = top to tail adv.
ΚΠ
1849 Q. Rev. Sept. 427 They were lying, what in country parlance is termed ‘top and tail’.
1994 M. Gee Crime Story (1996) iii. 45 The..bed with..two of them in it, top and tail, his brother's feet digging under his chin all night long.
2012 Daily Disp. (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 23 July We tossed and turned before deciding to sleep top and tail.
b. top over tail (formerly also †tail over top): (with reference to falling or tumbling) so as turn completely over; head over heels. In later use chiefly Scottish, English regional (northern), or archaic.figurative in quot. 1602: topsy-turvy, upside down.Cf. top-and-tail at Phrases 3a(b), head over heels at head n.1 Phrases 3i(c).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > falling > [phrase] > head over heels
tail over top1303
top over tailc1330
heels over headc1400
tail and top1558
head over heels1678
over head and heels1678
heels over gowdy1751
head over tip1824
arse over tip1922
ass over tea-kettle1963
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2776 Þe hinde..top ouer tail tombled.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 1735 In to þe waise þam fro, he tombled top ouer taile.
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 16727 He bar him tayl ouer top, That he lay ther as a sop.
1602 ( D. Lindsay Satyre (Charteris) sig. Rv Bot this fals warld is turnit top ouir taill.
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) vii. xxii. 681 Hee [sc. the dog] shall..cast himselfe toppe ouer tayle backward, rather than by pressing forward an ynch endanger the springing of the game.
1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 200 Cam tumblin' tap-owr-tail.
1881 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. Suppl. Top o'er tail, head over heels—completely over.
1976 C. Darcy Regina (1977) xvii. 206 The fact was, his lordship was frank to admit, that he was top-over-tail in love.
2014 J. E. Nelson in H. Alexander & J. E. Nelson Countdown to Danger (2015) 117 One speeding ski made an X with the other, and in a split instant, she tumbled top over tail.
c. from top to (also †and) tail: from head to foot; all over. Frequently figurative: entirely, completely; (also) from beginning to end.Cf. from top to toe at Phrases 2a, from top to bottom at Phrases 4a(a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > thoroughly > from beginning to end or through and through
to the boneOE
through and throughc1225
out and outc1300
from top to tail1303
out and inc1390
(from) head to heel (also heels)c1400
(from) head to foot (also feet)c1425
from top to (into, unto) toec1425
to the skin1526
to one's (also the) finger (also fingers') ends1530
from first to last1536
up and down1542
whole out1562
to the pith1587
to the back1594
from A to (also until) Z1612
from clew to earing1627
from top to bottom1666
back and edge1673
all hollow1762
(all) to pieces1788
from A to Za1821
to one's (also the) fingertips1825
to one's fingernails1851
from tip to toe1853
down to the ground1859
to the backbone1864
right the way1867
pur sang1893
from the ground up1895
in and out1895
from soda (card) to hock1902
c1400 Life St. Anne (Minn.) (1928) l. 1782 (MED) Þe childre..Tald hym fra top to tayle.
a1425 (?c1375) Barlaam & Josaphat (Harl.) l. 228 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1875) 1st Ser. 141 (MED) He..tolde to him fro top and taile Als þai had gyffen him in counsaile.
?1567 M. Parker Def. Priestes Mariages 119 All the whole booke of D. Ponettes, from toppe to taile, bothe truthes, and those which he calleth vntruthes.
1575 T. Churchyard 1st Pt. Chippes f. 20 Her complexion was full pure. She was well made from toppe to taile.
1883 F. Marryat Peeress & Player II. iii. 86 She's upset from top to tail by your announcement.
1891 All Year Round 20 June 593/2 Would ye go befront of the ladies all muck from top to tail?
1902 Irish Times 25 Apr. 8/6 We have never seen a team match in which on both sides the character of the play was so well maintained from top to tail.
2002 Horticulture Nov. 43/1 The pasqueflower, Pulsatilla vulgaris..covered in fluff from top to tail.
d. top or tail (formerly also †top, tail, or mane (also root)): anything definite or intelligible. Chiefly in negative constructions with make, as in not to make top nor tail of, to make neither top nor tail of, etc.Cf. not to make top or bottom of at Phrases 4a(c), to make neither top nor toe of at Phrases 2b, (not) to make head nor tail of at head n.1 Phrases 3r(a).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > unintelligibility > depth, obscurity > offering nothing intelligible [phrase]
to have neither head nor foot (also feet)1567
(as) clear as mud1805
top or tail-
1727 P. Walker Remarkable Passages 62 His Sermon had neither Top, Tail, nor Mane.
1757 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) 364 Neither the writing nor the matter could he make top, taill or mane of.
1822 T. Carlyle Early Lett. (1886) II. 32 They will..make neither ‘top, tail, nor root out of it’.
1867 Orchestra 10 Aug. 313/3 Can anybody make top or tail of the following sentence?
1885 Manch. Courier 23 Nov. 6/2 There was no single human being who had been able to make top or tail of that manifesto, even after it had been explained by Mr. Gladstone.
1898 E. W. Hamilton Mawkin of Flow xi I canna make top tail nor mane of the bit song you been rhaming o'er.
?c1900 A. J. Armstrong Robbie Rankine's Visit Glasgow Exhib. 33 Hang me if I can mak' tap, tail, or root o' a' their falderals.
1946 Western Daily Press & Bristol Mirror 9 Nov. 5/7 The bewildered porter could make neither top nor tail of what they were doing in that part of the world.
2009 Sunday Tribune (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 8 Nov. 6 I couldn't make top nor tail of the language that the presenters were speaking in, but the music and singing..cut across all language barriers.
P4. Phrases with bottom.
a.
(a) (from) top to bottom (sometimes also from bottom to top): from the upper part to the lower, or from the lower part to the upper. Frequently figurative: entirely, completely; (also) from beginning to end.Cf. from top to toe at Phrases 2a, from top to tail at Phrases 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > thoroughly > from beginning to end or through and through
to the boneOE
through and throughc1225
out and outc1300
from top to tail1303
out and inc1390
(from) head to heel (also heels)c1400
(from) head to foot (also feet)c1425
from top to (into, unto) toec1425
to the skin1526
to one's (also the) finger (also fingers') ends1530
from first to last1536
up and down1542
whole out1562
to the pith1587
to the back1594
from A to (also until) Z1612
from clew to earing1627
from top to bottom1666
back and edge1673
all hollow1762
(all) to pieces1788
from A to Za1821
to one's (also the) fingertips1825
to one's fingernails1851
from tip to toe1853
down to the ground1859
to the backbone1864
right the way1867
pur sang1893
from the ground up1895
in and out1895
from soda (card) to hock1902
1559 J. Heywood tr. Seneca Troas iii. iii. sig. D.vv Will it all from toppe to bottom rende?
a1654 J. Murcot Several Wks. (1657) 62 Pry into every corner, turn every stone, use all means, search from bottom to top to find him.
1666 S. Pepys Diary 10 June (1972) VII. 160 The management..was bad from top to bottom.
1794 W. Anderson Piper of Peebles 13 The house from top to bottom shook.
1862 ‘K. Deene’ Dull Stone House II. ix. 232 I resolved to search the house from top to bottom before I left.
1989 G. Daly Pre-Raphaelites in Love iv. 179 He had studied the process of engraving until he understood it top to bottom.
1998 P. E. Ceruzzi Hist. Mod. Computing v. 143 Those who wished to compete in this business provided everything from bottom to top—hardware, peripherals, system and applications software, and service.
2013 L. Billings Five Billion Years Solitude vii. 154 An adjacent whiteboard was filled top to bottom with scribbled shorthand references to stellar flux.
(b) top to bottom (sometimes also bottom to top): in or into an inverted position; upside down; with the upper part lowermost.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inversion > [adverb]
upa1300
nevelinga1387
kew-kaw1399
overc1425
topsy-turvy1530
arsy-versy1545
upside down1569
overhand1579
bottom-up1598
downside up1603
top to bottom1624
inversely1657
invertedly1657
belly-up1749
topsy versy1767
topsy-turvily1886
1624 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy (ed. 2) ii. ii. iii. 211 Turned..top to bottome, or bottome to top.
1849 G. Glenny Gardening for Million (ed. 17) 7 Young gardeners are not always sufficiently dexterous to turn every spadeful exactly top to bottom.
1901 Musical Herald May 159/1 Sometimes the string sounds..nearly half a tone higher than the true octave. You then take it off, turn it top to bottom, put it on again..and then again play it.
1914 J. H. Dales Man. Mech. Drawing viii. 85 The bush may be turned bottom to top, when the bearing wears ‘down’.
2002 F. Close et al. Particle Odyssey x. 191 Like a mirror that switches an image not only from right to left, but also top to bottom and back to front.
(c) to make top or bottom of and variants: to make sense of. Chiefly in negative constructions, as in I couldn't make top or bottom of it, no one could make top or bottom of it, etc.Cf. to make head nor tail of at head n.1 Phrases 3r(a), to make neither top nor toe of at Phrases 2b, not to make top nor tail of at Phrases 3d.
ΚΠ
1852 Cork Examiner 13 Sept. 2/5 For bothering the heads of a Board of Guardians..by a batch of statistics, which would puzzle the actuary of the Bank of England to make top or bottom out of.
1878 ‘S. Mostyn’ Little Loo I. xvi. 208 I'm a bad hand at figures, and never could make top nor bottom of logarithms.
1891 Northampton Mercury 9 Jan. 3/4 Alderman Clarke said it was an extraordinary epistle; no one could make top or bottom of it.
1981 S. Rushdie Midnight's Children ii. 199 God knows what the poor man was babbling.., I couldn't make top or bottom of it.
2015 E. Lindsey Bloodforged viii. 69 I don't see how he's going to make top nor bottom of all this.
(d) the top and (the) bottom of something: all that can or need be said about something; the long and short of something.Cf. top and tail at Phrases 3a(a)(ii).
ΚΠ
1872 Sheffield Daily Tel. 23 Nov. 6/4 Defendant said he refused to sell the carcase, but let them have the skin, his concluding remarks being ‘that is the top and bottom of the matter’.
1877 Blackburn Standard 30 June 6/3 Mr. Walton, who appeared for the defendants, said the ‘top and bottom of it’ was the defendants were simply tossing for ‘drinks round’.
1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire 400 ‘That's the top an' the bottom on it’ corresponds to ‘that is the long and the short of it’.
1998 Racing Post (Nexis) 29 Aug. (Sports Betting section) 19 The top and the bottom of it is that we don't have any money for transfers and I think it only right I should tell the fans.
2018 Liverpool Echo (Nexis) 7 Mar. (Sport section) 45 Our main aim is to win the league. That is the top and bottom of it.
†b. tops and bottoms.
(a) Plain or slightly sweetened bread rolls which are sliced in half and rebaked, usually until crisp; rusks. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > toast > [noun]
frit14..
French toast1660
toast1735
tops and bottoms1765
fairy bread1874
Melba toast1913
eggy bread1983
1758 Lloyd's Evening Post 16–18 Aug. 167/3 Their common bread is rather black than brown, and so acid there is no eating it. They have another sort..; it is like tops and bottoms, and would be good eating if they did not load it with anniseeds.
1765 Universal Mag. 37 371/2 The biskets called tops and bottoms, or rusks.
1866 Routledge's Every Boy's Ann. 55 Hush! Hush! baby; sha'nt be sent away, but have some nice tops-and-bottoms for its supper.
1913 Evening Jrnl. (Adelaide) 11 Oct. 4/3 Tops and Bottoms.—These are not unlike soft rusks. They are much appreciated by invalids and other people who do not care for fancy cakes.
(b) (Small) amounts of drink consumed by someone from the glasses of various drinkers, being either a tasting taken from a drink before serving, together with what remains in the glass when the drinker has finished, or just the latter. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > dregs or lees in vessel or cask
drastc1000
drosenc1000
drega1300
lagsa1525
bottom1563
snuff1592
tilta1603
tilting1611
heeltap1753
dunder1774
tops and bottoms1905
1853 M. Parkyns Life in Abyssinia I. xxvii. 393 It may readily be imagined that at a large party all these tops and bottoms of glasses would form together a considerable quantity, and that the ‘asalafy’ would have as much as he could do to carry himself..were he to drink all that falls to his share.
1905 Daily Chron. 17 July 4/7 The labourers who board the steamers inquire anxiously for ‘tops and bottoms’—that is, everything that has been left undrunk in the passengers glasses.
P5. Noun and adjective phrases with of.
a.
(a) In various noun phrases, as in top of the heap, top of the pile, top of the ladder, etc., denoting the highest position or level within society, an organization, etc., or a person or thing occupying this position. Also forming adjectives (usually with hyphens), designating a person or thing occupying this position.
ΚΠ
1765 Public Reg. (Dublin) 16 Mar. 219/2 I shall give you some Rules, by attending to which the Knowing Ones will tell you, that it is fifty to one but you will soon reach the Top of the Ladder.
1884 Bangor (Maine) Daily Whig & Courier 24 Apr. 1/3 We are bound to keep up the top-of-the-heap reputation the popular Academy of Tonsorialism now bears.
1950 Changing Times Sept. 40/2 ‘Twenty Questions’, a top-of-the-pile quiz show.
1995 For Him Mag. Sept. 3 The funniest man in Britain gives us the low-down on his life at the top of the comedy ladder.
2001 Toronto Star 2 June g2/3 Honda has returned to the top of the heap in front-drive manual gearboxes.
(b)
top-of-the-basket adj. rare of high calibre; excellent; outstanding.
ΚΠ
1894 Westm. Gaz. 10 Apr. 2/3 A ‘top of the basket’ young lady, like Lady Anne, would have been married long before the curtain rises.
1959 Gleanings Bee Culture Oct. 610/2 One swarm came out, and it sure was a top-of-the-basket peacherino.
top-of-the-line adj. originally U.S. designating something, esp. a commercially produced commodity, that is of the best quality or among the most expensive of its kind.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > merchandise > [adjective] > types of goods > best selling or best in range
top-of-the-line1963
flagship1977
brand-leading1985
1953 Reno (Nevada) Evening Gaz. 29 Oct. 4/3 Offering a 235 horsepower V-8 engine in its top-of-the-line models..new 1954 Chryslers were on display today.
1981 Sci. Amer. Feb. 4/1 (advt.) The new, top-of-the-line HP 3000 Series 44 computer has up to double the throughput power and memory size of its predecessor.
2018 Daily Gleaner (New Brunswick) (Nexis) 4 May b3 When I met my husband, he dressed impeccably—suits, sharp sport coats, monogrammed shirts.., top-of-the-line leather shoes.
top-of-the-range adj. designating something, esp. a commercially produced commodity, that is of the best quality or among the most expensive of its kind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > very excellent or first-rate
gildenc1225
prime1402
rare1483
grand1542
holy1599
pre-excelling1600
paregal1602
classic1604
of (the) first rate1650
solary1651
first rate1674
superb1720
tip-top1722
tip-top-gallant1730
swell1819
topping1822
of the first (also finest, best, etc.) water1826
No. 11829
brag1836
A11837
A No. 11838
number one1839
awful1843
bully1851
first class1852
class1867
champion1880
too1881
tipping1887
alpha plus1898
bonzer1898
grade A1911
gold star1917
world-ranking1921
five-star1936
too much1937
first line1938
vintage1939
supercolossal1947
top1953
alpha1958
fantabulous1959
beauty1963
supercool1965
world-class1967
primo1973
society > trade and finance > merchandise > [adjective] > types of goods > best selling or best in range
top-of-the-line1963
flagship1977
brand-leading1985
1965 Daily Mail 29 Jan. 8/8 For those who want a big Ford..I pass on this bonus which I found when testing and studying the new top-of-the-range model.
1977 National Times (Austral.) 17 Jan. 36/6 $60,000..is expected to come from the proceeds of an art union for which Volvo has donated a top-of-the-range saloon, a boat and five outboard motors.
2016 Irish Examiner (Nexis) 18 Nov. She was Tánaiste in the last government, in which many ministers, and some in the current Cabinet, had attended top-of-the-range private schools.
top of the tree n. the highest level of a group, organization, hierarchy, etc.; also as adj. (usually with hyphens), designating a person or thing of the highest calibre or quality.
ΚΠ
a1777 S. Foote Cozeners (1778) i. 16 Master Moses is an absolute Proteus; in every elegance, at the top of the tree.
1826 Sporting Mag. 18 385 A neat horseman, and quite at the top of the tree amongst Northern jocks.
1925 Chemist & Druggist 21 Nov. (Suppl.) p. xiii/2 There's always room for a line that is, or can be developed into, a ‘top of the tree’ seller.
2004 Northern Territory News (Austral.) (Nexis) 23 Aug. 5 As a youngster Ms Prince didn't aspire to being a top-of-the-tree executive.
2021 Courier (Dundee) (Nexis) 27 Oct. (First ed.) He knew that, while he might not reach the top of the tree as a player, there was no reason why he couldn't use his football intelligence and knowledge to make a major impression as..a manager of genuine stature.
b.
top of mind adj. (also with hyphens) from or at the forefront of a person's thoughts, concerns, etc.; (also) impromptu, spontaneous.Used especially in marketing and advertising contexts with reference to awareness of a product, brand, etc.
ΚΠ
1959 Daily Independent-Jrnl. (San Rafael, Calif.) 9 May (Mag.) 13/3 Strange story collection of ‘top of mind’ writing.
1961 Jrnl. Marketing 25 30/2 Personal supervision is necessary to assure speed and ‘top-of-mind’ responses.
1995 G. Drabinsky Closer to Sun xix. 394 To create and maintain top-of-mind awareness, we varied our creative elements.
2016 Kiwi Mar. 53/1 Even though health concerns were top of mind, Jones didn't want to sacrifice style.
top-of-the-head adj. designating comments, judgements, etc., produced without careful thought or consideration, or anything done in a spontaneous or impromptu manner.
ΚΠ
1959 ‘E. McBain’ 'Til Death xiii. 169 The jokes..took on an ad lib quality, each prankster..coming up with top-of-the-head advice on the proper hotel-room behaviour.
2005 C. Tudge Secret Life Trees xii. 293 Bona fide scientific hypotheses—not just top-of-the-head speculations that may or may not be true.
top of the hour n. North American (originally and chiefly Broadcasting) (with the) the time at or around the beginning of the hour; also as a modifier (chiefly with hyphens), designating a programme broadcast at this time.With reference to the position of the minute hand on a clock.Cf. the bottom of the hour at bottom n. and adj. Phrases 11.
ΚΠ
1958 Morgantown (W. Va.) Post 11 Oct. 6/9 (advt.) Live news reports by our staff of experts at the top of the hour on NBC News on the hour..every hour.
1987 S. Barr & J. Poppy Flame xxi. 160 A..top-of-the-hour newscast from New York.
1990 J. Byrne Your Cheatin' Heart iii. 98/2 Five minutes to the top of the hour on the Dunky Chisholm show.
2019 CNN Newsroom (transcript of TV programme) (Nexis) 13 July We have live team coverage from Louisiana and we'll be bringing you updates at the top of the hour.
top of the milk n. the cream that rises to the top of non-homogenized milk.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [noun] > cream
reameOE
cream1332
raw creama1450
head1684
top of the milk1942
dairy cream1962
1839 A. Forbes California ii. vi. 267 The butter being made of the cream or top of the milk mixed with a large proportion of the sour coagulated part.
1940 R. A. Scammon Technique New Eng. Cook Bk. 21 Baked Oysters. 1 layer oysters in their juice... If you have not enough juice, add a little top of the milk.
1958 Listener 21 Aug. 287/2 Serve hot or cold, with cream or top of the milk.
2021 Wilts. Gaz. & Herald (Nexis) 30 Apr. In our house, it was a race to see who could get the ‘top of the milk’ to pour onto their corn flakes in the morning.
top-of-the-world adj. designating feelings of the greatest happiness or excitement.Sometimes also without hyphens.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > [adjective] > elated
jollyc1305
elated1615
elevateda1640
on (also upon) the high ropes (also rope)1672
high1695
elate1702
uppisha1704
vaudyc1720
in fine (also good, high) leg1808
exalté1831
in high snuff1840
bucked1907
thrilled1908
twitterpated1942
1924 Ukiah (Calif.) Republican Press 3 Dec. 5/5 (advt.) Going into a high-grade shoe store, with that top-of-the-world feeling, and suddenly discovering that you have—a hole in your sock.
1962 D. Francis Dead Cert vii. 79 His eyes were alight with that fantastic, top-of-the-world elation.
2018 Irish Independent (Nexis) 19 Nov. Irish soccer fans once knew that same top-of-the-world feeling. Right after the 1-0 win over Italy in the 1994 World Cup group, quite a few imagined us winning the tournament.
P6. Other phrases.
†a. to take by the top and variants: to seize (a person) by the hair; to take hold (of a person or animal) violently or forcibly. Also figurative: to seize (an opportunity, moment, etc.); to make the most of (cf. to take occasion by the foretop at foretop n. 2b). Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 684 (MED) Þe reue..rende hise claðes & toc him seolf bi þe top.
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) 28 Margarte..toc him [sc. the dragon] bi þet eateliche top.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 344 Bi þone toppe [c1300 Otho bi þe coppe] he hine nom al-swa he hine walde of-slean.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 5619 He..hente þis lof bi þe top & fram þe bord him drou.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Dan. xiv. 35 The aungel of the Lord took hym bi his top [E.V. c1384 Douce 369(2) in the poll of hym], and bar hym bi the heer of his heed.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) v. iii. 40 Let's take the instant by the forward top: For we are old. View more context for this quotation
1643 R. Baillie Let. 22 Sept. (1841) II. 88 To take that occasion by the tope to banish altogether church-buriall from among us.
1884 D. Grant Lays & Legends of North 21 Eppie got him by the tap..Quo' Davit then,..‘Lat go my puckle hair’.
†b.
(a) on (also in, upon) a person's top and variants: attacking someone physically or verbally; assailing someone, esp. from, or as if from, a position of superiority. In various expressions indicating that a person comes under attack in this way, as in to be on a person's top, to have a person on one's top, etc. Obsolete (chiefly Scottish in later use).Cf. in tops with at Phrases 6f.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > on the attack [phrase] > attacking a person from a superior position
(in), on, upon one's topa1513
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxiii. f. cliiiiv He..of Polycie suffered for a season, leste he hadde brought all in his toppe atones.
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria xii. f. 137 Euery man is in my toppe [L. omnibus sum infestus].
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxvv To styre vp cruell warres, and set one in an others toppe.
1570 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 8 Strait wais M. Nevil was on mi top.
1638 R. Baillie Let. 22 July (1841) I. 81 If he should irritat at this tyme, when so many are in his topps, his ruine seemed to be inevitable.
1680 Archdeacon Aleson in Cloud of Witnesses (1810) 46 Ye have Kirk and State upon your top.
1710 J. Wilson in Coll. Dying Testimonies (1806) 155 Who would have thought that these builders..would have so soon flown upon one anothers tops?
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Tap To be on one's Tap, to assault, literally; especially by flying at one's head, or attempting to get hold of the hair.
1888 in Sc. Leader 3 May 5/1 It's a most singular thing that Bailie Lawson is always on my top about paltry things of that sort.
(b) Scottish. never off a person's top: always harassing or criticizing a person. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1818 J. Hogg Brownie of Bodsbeck II. 193 I hae done naething ava that's wrang, sir; but she's never aff my tap.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Aff one's tap,..as, of a scolding wife, or one who is still making reflections, in regard to her conduct to her husband, it is said, ‘She's never aff his tap.’
†c. top and topgallant.
(a) As a noun: topsail and topgallant sail (cf. topgallant n. 2a). Frequently (and in earliest use) figurative, esp. in expressions referring to proud, self-important, or imposing behaviour or appearance. Obsolete.As a modifier in quot. 1593: designating a woman's headdress likened to the appearance of a ship in full sail.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [noun] > (an) ostentatious display
pompc1330
vaunterya1492
pomping pridec1503
braga1513
flaunt-a-flaunt1576
plume1580
affecting1584
top and topgallant1593
ruffle1609
parado1621
riota1649
flutter1667
show1713
sprunk1746
to make a splash1804
show-off1811
paraffle1816
shine1819
splurge1828
gaud1831
spludge1831
poppy-show1860
razzle1885
razzmatazz1917
foofaraw1933
showbiz1970
glitz1977
c1561 E. Underhill in J. G. Nichols Narr. Reformation (1859) 155 Att the coronasyone off kynge Edwarde I sawe Poles steple ly att ane anker, and now she wearithe toppe and toppe-gallantt.
1576 G. Pettie Petite Pallace 124 Where before shee sailed in ship with top and top gallant, setting out flag of defiance, now she was driuen to strik saile and vaile bonnet euen to her fathers enemy.
1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares f. 71 Theyr heads, with theyr top and top gallant Lawne-baby caps.
1662 J. Owen Animadversions Fiat Lux xiv. 282 They carry their top and top gallant so high, that they will go to Heaven without Christ.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby ii. 71 Top and top-gallant hoisted high,..The Dæmon-frigate braves the gale.
(b) As an adverbial phrase: with all sails set, in full sail. Also figurative: with as much speed or energy as possible. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swiftly [phrase] > at full speed
full speed1382
with topsailc1400
at spursa1500
on (also upon) the (spurs or) spur1525
amain1555
a main pace (also speed)1567
full tilt?a1600
upon full stretch1697
at full tilt1713
at (also on) full speed1749
(at) full split1836
full chisel1837
(at) full pelt1841
full swing1843
ventre à terre1848
full out1886
at full lick1889
hell-for-leather1889
all out1895
eyes out1895
flat out1932
1594 G. Peele Battell of Alcazar sig. D4 Captaines, he commeth hetherward amaine, Top and top gallant, all in braue araie.
1608 Merry Deuill of Edmonton sig. B Heele be here top and top-gallant presently.
1819 W. Scott Let. 4 Apr. (1933) V. 338 I did not lose my senses,..but I thought once or twice they would have gone overboard, top and top-gallant.
d. from the top down (also downwards).Cf. top-down adv. and adj.
(a) Starting at the upper end and proceeding downwards.
ΚΠ
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 461/2 The great Church of Lincolne was rent from the top downwards.
1669 J. Webb Hist. Ess. Lang. China 202 The Chinois draw their Characters from the top downwards.
1892 San Antonio (Texas) Daily Light 26 Aug. A stout woman should always clasp her corset from the top down, and a slender one reverse this mode.
1975 50 Counted Thread Embroidery Stitches (Coats Sewing Group) 51 This filling stitch is worked from the top downwards.
2012 Earthmovers Apr. 83/2 A number of test drills were made into the roof structure from the top down.
(b) From the highest to the lowest position in a group, organization, hierarchy, etc.
ΚΠ
1837 Tasmanian & Austral-Asiatic Rev. 10 Mar. 79/4 He wants the actual work of the Department as taken on the spot, thereby to see both the ability and industry of the workmen from the top downwards.
1892 Proc. 18th Convent. Amer. Bankers' Assoc. 23 It is a commonplace in education, that improvement comes from the top down and not from the bottom up.
1997 A. Barnett This Time 5 A fairer and more efficient society cannot be delivered from the top downwards.
2010 Daily Tel. 9 June 23/3 The NHS appears..to be led from the top down, rather than governed by the needs of patients.
(c) From the most complex elements to the simplest or most basic.
ΚΠ
1973 C. K. Phenicie & J. R. Lyons Tactical Planning Fish & Wildlife Managem. & Res. (U.S. Bureau Sport Fisheries & Wildlife Doc. No. 123) 15 Plan development is from the top down, from the complex to the less complex.
1995 H. A. Simon in J. Götschl Revolutionary Changes in understanding Man & Society ii. 56 Science can be built in layers in which we explain different phenomena at different layers of complexity, and, fortunately for us, science can sometimes be built from the top down.
†e. †to pull (also take down, vail) one's top and variants: (of a ship) to lower the topsails as a sign of submission or respect. Chiefly figurative: to submit or yield to someone or something. Obsolete.With to vail one's top cf. vail v.2 3b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > be irresolute or vacillate [verb (intransitive)] > give way or give in
benda1400
sink?a1513
to give over1530
to cry creak?1562
yield1576
to hold up1596
succumb1604
to give in1616
to hoist, lower, strike the topsaila1629
to cry cravena1634
to give up or cross the cudgels1654
incumb1656
to fall in1667
to knock under1670
to knock under board, under (the) table1692
to strike underc1730
knuckle down1735
to throw (also chuck) up the sponge1860
chuck up (the sponge)1864
to throw in one's hand1893
to sky the wipe (or towel)1907
to drop one's bundle1915
to throw (chuck, or toss) in the towel1915
to buckle up1927
1596 M. Drayton Mortimeriados sig. C2v That they perforce their high-borne top must vayle, This storme still blew so stifly on their sayle.
a1600 R. Hooker Learned Disc. (1612) 47 Let the Pope take downe his top, and captivate no more mens soules.
c1600 MS Sloane 1226 in A. Brunton Life Sir W. Wallace (1883) i. 54 All the shipis yeilded thame selvis, and, pulling down ther topis, did obeysance vnto the read Lyon.
1654 A. Burgess True Doctr. Justif. Asserted: Pt. 2 iv. xvii. 163 Though men may proudly and vainly dispute about the condignity of their works to Justification, yet when they come to die, and shall think of appearing before so holy a God, they will quickly pull down their top.
†f. Scottish. in tops with: in conflict or contention with. Obsolete.Cf. in a person's top at Phrases 6b(a).
ΚΠ
1637 S. Rutherford Let. 7 Sept. in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 88 This noble King Jesus, with whom the created Powers of the world are still in tops.
a1658 J. Durham Expos. Rev. (1680) xi. ii. 416 Fear to come in tops with this Word; it is a sword with two edges.
a1658 J. Durham Heaven upon Earth (1685) v. 79 It exceedingly heightned his exercise, that his godly friends should have been thus at difference and in tops with him.
g. at the top: in a position of power, authority, or dominance.Cf. sense A. 32b and room at the top at room n.1 and int. Phrases 9, it's tough at the top at Phrases 6q.In quot. 1641 as part of an extended metaphor.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > [phrase]
in powerc1325
in authoritya1475
at the top1936
up top1967
1641 J. Milton Of Reformation 13 Settling in a skinny congealment of ease and sloth at the top.
1844 R. W. Emerson Ess. 2nd Ser. iv. 85 A new class finds itself at the top, as certainly as cream rises in a bowl of milk.
1936 G. B. Shaw Millionairess i, in Simpleton, Six, & Millionairess 145 That's what keeps him at the top in the city.
2015 B. Stanley Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! (U.S. ed.) xlvii. 417 Madonna used the best young producers..to get to the top and stay at the top.
h. at the top of one's voice (also lungs, throat) and variants: as loudly as possible.
ΚΠ
1765 G. A. Stevens Celebrated Lect. on Heads (new ed.) iii. 19 Even as the cat upon the top of the house doth squall; even so, from the top of my voice, will I bawl.
1770 London Mag. Nov. 571/1 He began again, and read it through at the top of his voice.
1814 W. Scott Waverley I. viii. 100 The little white-headed varlet screaming all the while from the very top of his lungs a shrilly treble.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose iii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 50 Men..talking Earse at the top of their throats.
1881 W. Besant & J. Rice Chaplain of Fleet I. iv. 79 All the drivers were swearing at each other at the top of their voices.
1906 U. Sinclair Jungle xxvii. 343 She..bounded up the stairway, screaming at the top of her lungs: ‘Police! Police! We're pinched’!
1992 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 26 Oct. 11 Scene at a Stanley Cup hockey final in Canada: the ice is unscarred and the fans roar at the tops of their throats.
2011 B. Hembry Malayan Spymaster 152 He shouted at the top of his voice for us to keep quiet.
i. Shipbuilding. top and butt: a method of working long tapering planks together in pairs by positioning the narrower top part of one within a certain distance of the broader end of another. In earlier use also as adv.Cf. anchor stock fashion n. and adv., hook and butt n.; cf. butt n.5 1b.
ΚΠ
1805 Shipwright's Vade-mecum 139 Top and Butt, a method of working English plank so as to make good conversion...This is done by disposing the top-end of every plank within six feet of the butt end of the plank above or below it.
1805 Shipwright's Vade-mecum 235 In converting the transoms, let care be taken to work them top and butt.
1918 W. J. Thompson Wooden Shipbuilding i. 84 Touch, the broadest part of a plank worked top and butt.
2003 K. H. Marquardt Global Schooner v. 137/2 A third variation to top and butt was the hook and butt method.
j. Chiefly Irish English. (the) top of the morning: (used as a greeting) ‘good morning’. Cf. sense A. 30a.In later use chiefly used self-consciously or humorously as representing a stereotypically Irish expression.
ΚΠ
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering I. iv. 69 The top of the morning to you, sir.
1940 McCall's June 101/3 Top of the morning, Mrs. Weld!
2010 Irish Post (Nexis) 25 Aug. Haven't we all said: ‘Top o' the mornin' to ye’ to the odd tourist—just to give them value-for-money type of thing.
†k. Scottish. to take one's tap in one's lap and variants: to pack up one's belongings in order to leave. Obsolete. [Alternatively showing top n.2, with reference to the shape; compare quot. 1894 for top-maker n. at Compounds 2c.]
ΚΠ
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian i, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 9 ‘And does your Honour think,’ said Jeanie, ‘that will do as weel as I were to take my tap in my lap, and slip my ways hame again?’
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Tap To Tak one's Tap in one's Lap, and set aff, to turse up one's baggage, and be gone..from the practice of those females..accustomed to spin from a rock, [who] often carried their work with them to the house of some neighbour.
1891 J. M. Barrie Little Minister I. ix. 156 They had to up wi' their tap in their lap and march awa.
1923 G. Watson Roxburghshire Word-bk. 303 Ti take yin's tap in yin's lap (an' set off), to pack up (and depart).
l. U.S. colloquial. to keep (also have) one's top eye open and variants: to be on the lookout; to be vigilant.In quot. 2002 in a work of historical fiction.
ΚΠ
1828 Amer. Farmer 5 Oct. 230/1 Perhaps it would be as well to keep our top-eye open a little sharper toward those smaller items of family expenses.
1843 J. S. Robb Streaks Squatter Life 105 Keep your eye skinned for Ingins, 'cause ef we git deep in a yarn here, without a top eye open, the cussed varmints 'll pop on us unawars.
1851 Caution!! Colored People of Boston (single sheet) Keep a Sharp Look Out for kidnappers, and have top eye open.
2002 S. Pearsall Trouble don't Last iii. 10 Harrison cleared his throat loudly and said, ‘Sleep with your top eye open this evenin, you hear me, Samuel?’
m. colloquial (chiefly Australian). off one's top: out of one's mind, insane, crazy.Cf. off one's head at head n.1 Phrases 1h, off one's nut at nut n.1 12b, off one's trolley at trolley n. 2b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > be or become mad [verb (intransitive)]
dwelec900
wedec900
awedeeOE
starea1275
braidc1275
ravea1325
to be out of mindc1325
woodc1374
to lose one's mindc1380
madc1384
forgetc1385
to go out of one's minda1398
to wede (out) of, but wita1400
foolc1400
to go (also fall, run) mada1450
forcene1490
ragec1515
waltc1540
maddle?c1550
to go (also run, set) a-madding (or on madding)1565
pass of wita1616
to have a gad-bee in one's brain1682
madden1704
to go (also be) off at the nail1721
distract1768
craze1818
to get a rat1890
to need (to have) one's head examined (also checked, read)1896
(to have) bats in the belfryc1901
to have straws in one's hair1923
to take the bats1927
to go haywire1929
to go mental1930
to go troppo1941
to come apart1954
1899 Laverton (W. Austral.) Mercury 23 Sept. It is a wonder that Great Britain doesn't take the old Dutch clam [sc. Paul Kruger] by the coat-tails and wipe the floor of the Transvaal with him... He is evidently off his top.
1916 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentimental Bloke (new ed.) vi. 48 'E's fair orf 'is top wiv love.
1938 Northam (W. Australia) Advertiser 14 May 5/4 Dalton told the Magistrate that whenever he got drink he ‘went off his top’.
2020 @milakhano 23 Dec. in twitter.com (accessed 4 Oct. 2021) Tried to explain to dad how books make me happy; safe to say he prolly thinks I'm off my top.
n. on top of the world: at the peak of success; (also) experiencing the greatest happiness or excitement; delighted; euphoric. See also top-of-the-world adj. at Phrases 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > in prosperous condition [phrase] > at height of
in one's flower(sc1380
on the pig's back (also ear)1894
on top of the worldc1920
1912 Daily Mail 16 Sept. 6/2 Ganton tells his confidential secretary..that ‘To get on top of the world a man must think and act sy-mul-taneously.’
c1920 D. Hammett in W. F. Nolan Dashiell Hammett (1969) ii. 19 A Samuels diamond puts you on top of the world!
1991 Independent on Sunday 19 May 28/1 In 1986 he was on top of the world as a junior, winning the inaugural world title in Athens at 800 metres.
1998 R. Carr Brixton Bwoy iv. 80 When friends told him how good he looked he felt on top of the world.
o.
(a) off (also out of) the top of one's head and variants: without careful thought or consideration; (also) in a spontaneous or impromptu manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > unintentional or unplanned character > [adverb] > in unplanned manner
suddenly1340
of unwarninga1400
on, upon, rarely of, in (a) suddenty1469
casuallya1549
extemporea1556
of (upon) this sudden1572
extemporally1577
at (the or a) volley1578
on (or o') the volley1578
extrumpery1582
unpremeditately1607
extemporary1610
extempory1623
extemporarily1667
impromptu1669
ad aperturam libri1679
unpremeditatedly1694
impulsively1768
extemporaneously1791
promiscuously1791
spontaneously1799
on (also upon) the spur of the moment (or occasion, etc.)1801
spontaneous1810
promiscuous1826
improvisedly1851
off-handedly1876
at the first jet1878
off the cuff1927
off the top of one's head1939
off the wall1966
1913 ‘E. Mordaunt’ Lu of Ranges xxxiv. 222 ‘You're talking out of the top of your head, that's what you're doing!’ he drawled.
1939 H. L. Ickes Secret Diary (1954) II. 718 He was impetuous and inclined to think off the top of his head at times.
1967 Listener 20 Apr. 518/2 His [sc. Bertrand Russell's] political activities..are not something that is coming out of the top of his head, they are coming from his nature.
1977 W. J. Bate Samuel Johnson (1978) xi. 173 London..seems breezy, as if written off the top of the head..; it lacks the sublime moral elevation of the Vanity.
2001 Guardian 21 July (Weekend Suppl.) 22/1 Waterson..says that ‘maybe 35 %’ of male personal trainers take steroids: ‘Off the top of my head, I can think of 10, easily.’
(b) As an adjectival phrase (in attributive use), in off-the-top-of-the-head: designating comments, judgements, etc., produced without careful thought or consideration, or anything done in a spontaneous or impromptu manner. See also top-of-the-head adj. at Phrases 5b.
ΚΠ
1956 R. Hilsman Strategic Intelligence & National Decisions x. 181 An off-the-top-of-the-head judgment that is more reaction than it is thought.
2000–1 KMT Winter 86/3 Very hasty, off-the-top-of-the-head writing (without bothering to check the facts).
p. Originally U.S. off the top: (with reference to the deduction of a sum of money) from the original or total amount; before other costs are taken into account; from gross income.
ΚΠ
1919 Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia) 6 Dec. 13/6 After $1000 is taken out for the hall and Wilde is paid his money ‘off the top’ the Italian boy begins to share in the profits.
1944 Billboard 9 Dec. 15/4 Irving Berlin's deal..calls for the highest percentage off the top ever given any songwriter.
1974 N.Y. Mag. 16 Dec. 16/2 A good chunk of night-club money accrues to the owners as unreported income—money that's skimmed off the top from unreported liquor sales.
2015 Hamilton (Ont.) Spectator (Nexis) 16 Mar. (Business section) 12 The trite advice of paying yourself first works. Taking money off the top in a payroll deduction is very effective.
q. it's lonely (also tough, etc.) at the top and variants: used to emphasize the isolation and pressure felt by people in positions of power, responsibility, or pre-eminence.In early use perhaps not a fixed phrase: cf. at the top at Phrases 6g.
ΚΠ
1924 Woman's Home Compan. Mar. 85/1 My employers say I can go right to the top. But..won't it be lonely ‘at the top’, maybe, when I'm say about forty?
1935 R. Tucker in N.Y. Times Mag. 3 Feb. 9 The ‘V. P.’ wishes that he could take the floor again for a session of political fisticuffs... Mr. Garner has found that it is lonely at the top.
1995 I. Banks Whit (1996) xvii. 287 You all have him to turn to but he only has God. You know; tough at the top, and all that. Buck stops with him, sort of thing.
2020 Advertiser (Austral.) (Nexis) 23 June (Business section) 26 There's the saying that it's lonely at the top—you're the boss, you've got the responsibility for everyone.
r. Music colloquial (originally Jazz). from the top: from the beginning of a piece of music, typically for a second or subsequent time; also in extended use. Frequently in to take it from the top: to start (again) at the beginning.
ΚΠ
1936 Metronome Feb. 21/3 From the top down, playing an orchestration right through.]
1940 Gramophone Nov. 140/3 (title of song) Take it from the top.
1956 E. Condon & R. Gehman Treasury of Jazz 219 Let's do this one more time from the top, gentlemen.
2002 E. McBain Fat Ollie's Bk. 86 So I guess I'd better take it from the top, and tell you everything that happened.
2007 D. D. Phelps Vinyl Highway xxxvi. 327 My hands shook as I picked up the lyric sheet... ‘Let's take it from the top,’ Don Ralke said into our ear sets.
s. colloquial. to do one's top: to become extremely angry, agitated, or overexcited.Cf. to do one's nut at nut n.1 12c.
ΚΠ
1958 L. Bruce Dead Man's Shoes i. 6 Larkin nearly did his top. Quite threatening he got, too.
1977 Shoot 18 June 22 (caption) Always does his top when he scores, you know.
2000 Northern Territory News (Austral.) (Nexis) 16 Nov. 3 It's bloody awful—I did my top when I saw it.
t. colloquial (originally U.S.). at tops: at the most. Cf. tops adv.
ΚΠ
1958 Extension VA Housing Laws: Hearings before Comm. Veterans' Affairs (U.S. House of Representatives, 85th Congr., 2nd Sess.) 2505 The committee made a survey of every county in the United States and we found counties from 2 percent on up to about 50 or 60 percent at tops.
1988 G. Naylor Mama Day 191 Since they'd only played for nickels and dimes, the most you were going to lose was six or seven dollars. At tops, you'd be out ten.
2015 European Union News (Nexis) 10 Nov. Somewhat naively as it turned out, I thought we would be able to sort this out in a matter of weeks, perhaps a month at tops.
u. over the top: see over the top adj. 2.

Compounds

C1.
a.
(a) Modifying participles, with the sense ‘at or to the top’, as in top-draining, top lacing, top-pruning (nouns); top-filled, top-laden, top-mounted, top-opening, (adjectives), etc.Some of the more established compounds of this type are treated separately.
ΚΠ
1598 H. Petowe 2nd Pt. Hero & Leander C.iijv Griefes tearie chamber where sad care doth dwell, Where liquid teares, like top fil'd Seas doe flow.
1612 N. Field Woman a Weather-cocke iii. ii. E iv Oh good old woman, she is topshackeld.
1691 A. Gavin Observ. Journy to Naples 104 The Treasuries of their Churches are top fill'd with these kind of precious Relicks.
1833 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus in Fraser's Mag. Nov. 587/2 There, topladen,..rolls in the country Baron and his household.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 343 Ringing..may often serve as a substitute both for root pruning and top pruning.
1860 J. E. Worcester Dict. Eng. Lang. Top-draining, the act or the practice of draining the surface of land.
1902 Westm. Gaz. 5 July 2/3 Black crowns Of wind-worn pines..top-turned by gales that weighed Them eastward.
1925 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby i. 8 He seemed to fill those glistening boots until he strained the top lacing.
1963 Which? 6 Feb. 36/1 The chest top-opening freezer.
2006 Vanity Fair Nov. 314/1 Some of the Humvees were equipped with top-mounted machine guns.
(b) As a modifier, designating a carriage, wagon, etc., fitted with a top or cover, as in top-buggy, top-phaeton, top-wagon, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > types of carriage > light carriage > buggy
buggy1758
tray-buggy1890
hug-me-tight1901
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > [noun] > covered
covered wagon1745
wagon-tent1845
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > types of carriage > light carriage > four-wheeled
carryall1714
phaeton1740
pony phaeton1790
mail phaeton1852
1837 Globe (Washington, D.C.) 16 Dec. (advt.) A first rate Brass Mounted four wheeled and top Buggy, with a very fine Harness Horse.
1852 C. A. Bristed Upper Ten Thousand 208 I have a top-wagon.
1898 W. D. Howells Open-eyed Conspiracy 52 Buoyant top-phaetons and surreys, with their light-limbed horses.
1996 G. Smith Thomas Abthorpe Cooper xiv. 125 He brought a servant and two vehicles, a top chaise for himself and Mrs Jones and a curricle for his wife.
2016 Hutchinson (Kansas) News 19 Mar. 5/3 Amish top buggies, and even a surrey with the fringe on top, will begin selling by noon today.
b.
(a) Compounds of the adjective with nouns, chiefly used attributively, as in top-calibre, top-price, top-quality, top-rank, etc., (adjectives).See also top bracket adj., top class adj., top-end adj., top-grade adj., top-priority adj., etc.
ΚΠ
1823 Philanthropic Gaz. & Christian Reporter 13 Aug. 257/2 The top price Flour is 55s. per sack.
1886 Rocky Mountain News (Denver) 4 Dec. 3/3 Top quality goods of all kinds going at the lowest prices from now until January 1.
1948 J. Towster Polit. Power in U.S.S.R. iii. xiii. 318 ‘Stakhanovites’, that is, top-efficiency workers.
1959 Times 29 Oct. 2/2 Position calls for top-calibre executive with experience of marketing.
1961 Lancet 9 Sept. 598/1 We have very few top-rate managers.
1972 J. Aiken Butterfly Picnic x. 190 [He] is doing forty years in a top-security prison for handing over state secrets.
1982 Lakeland Echo 18 Mar. 6/4 Special attention has been paid to acoustics and lighting so that really top-rank artistes can be persuaded to play there.
1996 J. Morgan Debrett's New Guide Etiquette & Mod. Manners 232 The trial consists of top-standard cross-country, show jumping and dressage.
2004 Independent 19 Aug. (Review section) 16/1 (advt.) High quality, top value hardwood hangers—costing from as little as 65 pence each.
(b) Modifying participles and adjectives, with the sense ‘at the highest level’, as in top-paid, top-ranking, top-rated, etc., (adjectives).
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > [adjective] > exalted in rank
higheOE
stern of slatec1300
greatc1325
differentc1384
excellentc1400
haught1470
upper1477
elevate?1504
of sort1606
sublime1606
eminenta1616
exalted1623
elevated1665
uppish1797
ranking1847
high-up1848
high-ranking1850
superimposed1861
salt1868
top-ranking1936
1836 Manch. Times 18 June In the pitiless storm, were large numbers of passengers destined to wait nearly one hour before ‘relays’ of the top-priced conveyances were brought.
1936 Time 19 Oct. 67/1 Adapting a story which is to be played by four top-ranking film personalities.
1946 A. Koestler Thieves in Night 194 Turning to the urgent blue and so to the top-urgent red tray.
1975 Listener 17 July 69/1 Top-paid people should agree to limit their incomes.
1976 Billings (Montana) Gaz. 16 June 3- c/2 The victory by the third-rated Hurons left top-rated Arizona State one defeat from elimination.
1976 Scotsman 25 Nov. 14/5 Top-earning businessmen.
1978 N.Y. Times 30 Mar. d22/1 In a postponed first-round match, top seeded Vitas Gerulaitis..defeated Ray Moore.
2016 Guardian (Nexis) 31 July (Environment section) A top-rated energy-efficient fridge.
C2. Most of the formations below are compounds of the adjective, but some (for example top-hung adj., top-stocking n., top surgery n.) probably show compounds of the noun; both types of formation are treated together here for ease of reference.
a.
top-beam n. = collar-beam n. 1.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam
pan1284
roof-tree1321
wiverc1325
sile1338
wind-beam1374
bindbalkc1425
trave1432
purlin1439
side-waver1451
wind-balk1532
roof beam1551
post1567
crock1570
spercil1570
collar-beam1659
camber1679
top-beam1679
camber-beam1721
jack rafter1736
hammer-beam1823
tie-beam1823
spar-piece1842
viga1844
collar1858
spanner1862
cruck1898
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. viii. 147 Top-beam.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder Gloss. Top-beams, the collar-beam of a truss;..formerly called wind-beam or strut-beam, and now collar-beam.
top-binder n. ? a branch serving to bind the upper part of a hedge.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > hedging > [noun] > material for pleaching
yedder1512
eddering?1523
edder1573
pleach1670
ligger1828
pleacher1882
top-binder1883
1883 E. Pennell-Elmhirst Cream Leics. 402 A horse..will make short work of an ordinary topbinder when once the sap of the thorn has gone to the roots.
top-block n. see quot. (see also Compounds 2b(b)).ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > parts of cart or carriage > [noun] > cover or tilt > bow > part on which it rests when down
top-block1877
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2597/1 Top-block,..a projecting piece on which the bows of a carriage rest when down.
top board n. Chess the principal player of a team in a tournament.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > player > principal player
top board1910
1910 Brit. Chess Mag. 30 463 A top-board winning seven times successively might find himself temporarily or unjustly displaced in the ninth match.
1976 Milton Keynes Express 28 May 55/7 The competition was won..by county top board Norman Stephenson.
top box n. a storage compartment for luggage, helmets, etc., fitted behind the seat of a motorcycle or scooter.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motorcycle > [noun] > parts of
carrier1911
pillion1911
stand1918
drivetrain1938
kick-stand1947
twist grip1954
sissy bar1959
peg1965
hardtail1971
tank bag1974
top box1976
cockpit1993
1976 Eastern Daily Press (Norwich) 19 Nov. 5/6 (advt.) 1975 Yamaha FS1E, excellent condition, low mileage, winkers, topbox.
2005 Scootering June 28/2 A clubmate was looking over his bike; a pretty standard affair boasting little more than a white fairing and a matching top box.
top bracket adj. of or belonging to the highest category or level.
ΚΠ
1919 Canton (Ohio) Daily News 7 Apr. 12/5 The final of that competition meets the victory of the other top bracket clash.
1950 N.Y. Times 20 Apr. 1/3 Virtually every top bracket job..could be filled from the proposed register.
2014 Austral. Financial Rev. 29 July 5 Within this group of top-bracket taxpayers, 51 per cent were on incomes in excess of $500,000.
top breadth n. the breadth of the ship at the level of the top-timbers.ⓘ
ΚΠ
1846 [see top-breadth line n.].
top-breadth line n. a line in a plan showing the longitudinal curve of the ship's side at the level of the top-timbers.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > [noun] > shipbuilding > lines, sections, or elevations
middle line?c1400
sweep1627
lines1680
touch1711
waterline1750
station1754
sheer-draught1769
body plan1781
sheer-line1797
sheer-plan1797
touchline1797
water plane1798
centreline1806
buttock line1816
crown1830
scrieve1830
top-breadth line1846
wave-line1846
floor-plan1867
1846 A. Young Naut. Dict. 278 The Top-timber Line, or top-breadth Line, a curve describing the height of the top-timbers, which gives the sheer of the vessel.
top card n. a broad flat strip (originally of wood) covered with hooked teeth, set over the cylinder of a carding machine; cf. card n.1 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > treating or processing textile materials > [noun] > combing > machine > card or comb
carder1800
comber1831
top1845
top-card1874
1817 Repertory Arts, Manufactures, & Agric. 30 139 In engine-cards the top cards need have no grooves.
1823 Philos. Mag. 62 471 A certain improvement in machinery heretofore employed in spinning-mills in the carding of cotton and other wool, whereby the top cards are regularly stripped and kept clean by the operation of the machinery.
1960 E. H. Cameron Samuel Slater Father Amer. Manufactures ii. 54 Supposed to complete the final alignment of fibres as the teeth of the carder's cylinder dragged them forward against the stationary teeth of the top cards, the machine merely rolled them up into a mass of cotton.
top-cast n. [cast n. 18] = top-swarm n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabitant > migrant > [noun] > emigrant
transmigrant1622
transmigrator1743
emigrant1754
top-cast1827
emigrator1837
exodist1848
out-settler1852
little brother1925
out-migrant1936
emigré1955
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Hymenoptera > [noun] > suborder Apocrita, Petiolata, or Heterophaga > group Aculeata (stinging) > superfamily Apoidea (bees) > swarm of bees > first of season
top-swarm1690
top-cast1827
top-swarmer1856
1827 G. Higgins Celtic Druids ii. §37. 78 It seems reasonable to expect that from these great top casts, smaller ones should be found branching off to different countries.
top class adj. of the highest quality; excellent; that is at the highest level.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > quality of being the best > [noun]
bestness1548
preseance1591
presidency1608
primity1643
superlativenessa1649
supreme1681
optimism1797
1852 Dumfries & Galloway Standard 1 Sept. Fully half of the cheese made are of very secondary quality, while 80 per cent. of them fall short of a top class article.
1960 Times 12 July 13/4 It isn't only the field events that are a poor show at top-class athletics meetings.
2012 Enniscorthy (County Wexford) Guardian (Nexis) 13 Nov. The evening provided top class entertainment from the moment the first champagne cork was pulled.
top coal n. an important seam, which in the southern part of the Shropshire coalfield is the topmost.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > [noun] > stratum or bed > of coal > type of coal seam
foot coal1665
foot-rid1665
top coal1803
ten-yard coal1839
rider1840
ten-foot coal1855
top-hard1855
yard-coal1855
yard-seam1862
guide seam1867
main1867
bank1881
rearer1883
thick coal1883
thick seam1883
thin seam1883
1803 J. Plymley Gen. View Agric. Shropshire 56 Top-coal.
1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss.
1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. at Coal-field Top coal.
top-contact n. contact at the top or upper surface.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > distance > nearness > [noun] > contiguity > contact at top
top-contact1850
1850 D. J. Browne Amer. Poultry Yard 114 Artificial heat most ingeniously applied by ‘top contact’.
1850 D. J. Browne Amer. Poultry Yard 114 The difference..between top-contact heat and that received from radiation as applied to hatching.
top copy n. (with reference to a document produced with carbon copies) the original typed or handwritten sheet, as distinct from a copy; cf. sense A. 25b.
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society > communication > printing > typing > [noun] > typewritten material > top copy
ribbon copy1893
top copy1919
1891 Author Nov. 191/1 (advt.) Carbon Duplicates, each copy two thirds top copy.
1979 G. Mitchell Mudflats of Dead ii. xvi. 162 The bill is for typing a top copy and two carbons of a book.
2003 Gloucester Citizen (Nexis) 12 Dec. 5 An invoice is filled out with the top copy going to the customer and the bottom carbon copy going back to the office.
top-crop n. (a) see top fruit n.; (b) Mining an outcrop. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > [noun] > outcrop of vein or stratum
crop1686
gossan1778
iron hat1811
blossom1819
iron cap1823
blossom-rock1871
tailings1881
top-crop1889
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > crop or crops > [noun] > fruit crop
fruitage1578
fruitery1708
setting1731
fructuation1782
hit1800
top-crop1889
1889 Daily News 29 June 6/3 He foresees a corresponding depression in what he calls ‘the top crops’.
1895 G. Huntington in Chicago Advance 19 Dec. 910/3 And it ain't top-crop rock, anyhow.
top-cross n. Horse Riding a cross in which one parent is of pure or superior blood (U.S.).ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by breed > [noun] > thoroughbred horse > cross
top-cross1890
1890 Breeder's Gaz. (Chicago) 28 Mar. A filly with three top crosses or a horse with four top crosses can be registered [in the stud-book].
top-cut n. reduction of the strength of the higher-frequency components of a signal.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic phenomena > processes > [noun] > reduction of higher-frequency components
top-cut1957
1957 Pract. Wireless Dec. 706/1 Simple switched bass-boost and top-cut compensation is provided by S1 and S2 respectively.
1962 A. Nisbett Technique Sound Studio ii. 35 There is no worse microphone defect..for emphasizing any slight sibilance which may be present (and you cannot get rid of it by top cut if the emphasis lies in upper middle peaks).
top cutter n. U.S. Military slang = top sergeant n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > sergeant-major
first sergeant1776
sergeant-major1802
company sergeant major1813
S.M.1890
top1898
top sergeant1898
major1901
RSM1913
top cutter1917
top kick1918
Sar-Major1919
top soldier1926
Sarn't-major1946
1917 Editor 13 Jan. 33 Top cutter, first sergeant.
1930 T. Fredenburgh Soldiers March! 279 It's a damn good book. Lots of swell dope for Top Cutters in it.
top cymbal n. Music a ride cymbal (see ride n.2 5c).ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > percussion instrument > [noun] > cymbal
cymbalc825
chimea1300
chime-bellc1300
basinsa1350
target1696
zill1754
cymbalon1824
finger cymbal1845
crash cymbal1927
choke-cymbal1934
sock cymbal1936
sizzle cymbal1944
top cymbal1948
ride1956
splash cymbal1961
1948 Record Changer July 12/1 The top cymbal has become the main tool of the bebop drummer.
1956 M. W. Stearns Story of Jazz (1957) xviii. 234 Clarke made the single right-hand ‘ride’ or ‘top’ or ‘front’ cymbal the rhythmic center... The top cymbal was the only regular and continuous sound made by the drummer.
top dead centre n. (see quot. 1978).ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > internal-combustion engine > [noun] > distance of parts
top dead centre1924
TDC1938
1924 E. C. M. Shepherd Motor Car ii. 23 When a piston is at the top of its stroke..on the point of changing from an upward motion to a downward motion, it is said to have reached top dead centre.
1978 Vocab. Reciprocating Int. Combust. Engines (B.S.I.) (1979) 7 Top dead centre, dead centre when the piston is farthest from the crankshaft.
top deck n. see deck n.1 3d.ⓘ
top dish n. now historical a dish (typically consisting of meat or fish) which is placed at the top end of a table, and from which the food is cut and offered to all the diners; cf. bottom dish n.
ΚΠ
1747 H. Glasse Art of Cookery ii. 31 Either of these will do for a Top Dish of a First Course, or Bottom Dishes at a Second Course.
1809 J. Caird Compl. Confectioner iii. vi. 324 A large cod done thus is a handsome top dish for dinner.
2004 K. E. Harbury Colonial Virginia's Cooking Dynasty 53 According to Jane Carson the eighteenth-century dinner table was largely modeled after the French mode, whereby the hostess carved the ‘top dish’ while the host took responsibility for the ‘bottom dish’.
top-drive n. Mechanics = top gear n. 2a.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > transmission > specific gear
top1906
top-drive1909
overdrive1921
underdrive1929
N1937
park1963
1909 Westm. Gaz. 16 Nov. 5/2 The gear ratios are given as: 1st, 15 to 1; 2nd, 8.4 to 1; and on the top-drive 4.7.
top-end adj. of the highest quality; of, relating to, or associated with the more expensive section of the market for a particular product; sophisticated.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > merchandise > [adjective] > condition or quality of goods
middling1550
pedlaryc1555
shop-rid1620
shopworn1666
loyal1690
braided1721
country-damaged1847
shop-soiled1865
shoddy1882
as new1898
low-end1899
service weight1919
designer1940
high-end1956
loaded1968
market-leading1972
pound shop1989
1957 Sunday Times 21 Apr. 11/6 While the emphasis tended to be on the ‘top-end product’, the graduate in science and technology, the importance of primary and secondary education was overlooked.
1967 Salt Lake Tribune 19 May 16 a (advt.) Because much of this is top end merchandise Holiday House has been chosen as the retail outlet.
2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 136 She might have thought I was trying to impress her when I chose the black Audi A4 cabriolet from the top-end hire place in Miramar.
Top End n. Australian colloquial the Northern Territory of Australia; (sometimes) spec. the northern part of this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > named regions of earth > Australasia > [noun] > Australia > Northern Territory
Top End1933
1933 F. E. Baume Tragedy Track 93 She..left again for the more human..regions of the Top End, where at least one could drink fresh water occasionally.
1969 Northern Territory News (Darwin) (Focus '69 Suppl.) 81/1 Beef roads..will criss-cross the Top End with 665 miles of good bitumen.
2015 I. Campbell et al. Birds Austral. 354 Tawny Grassbird..is most common in the Top End (NT).
Top Ender n. Australian colloquial a native or inhabitant of the Northern Territory of Australia, or the northern part of this.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > nations > native or inhabitant of Antipodes > native or inhabitant of Australia > [noun] > parts of
bushboya1834
Melbournite1838
Melburnian1838
bushman1846
Vandemonian1852
scrubber1859
Queenslander1860
Victorian1862
Sydneysider1865
Centralian1875
Waler1880
Territorian1882
mutton-bird1892
bushy1896
sand-groper1896
tothersider1896
crow-eater1899
Bananalander1900
outbacker1900
Tassie1905
groper1924
Tasmanian1934
mutton-bird eater1941
Top-Ender1941
Kanakalander1945
1941 C. Barrett Coast of Adventure 14 The old Top-ender drank beer, which, to the men up there, is more desirable than iced nectar is to gods.
1961 T. Ronan Only a Short Walk 52 Any ‘Top-Ender’ who wanted..a tip for the races..went to Billy.
2017 Northern Territory News (Austral.) (Nexis) 2 Oct. 3 It was a sound unheard for 155 consecutive days but Top Enders have been treated to the first rainfall of the wet season.
top-feeding adj. (of a fish or other aquatic animal) that feeds at or just below the surface of a body of water; (also) designating this behaviour.
ΚΠ
1903 Red Cross Notes (Johnson & Johnson) No. 6. 130/2 In such places the larva is safe from fish of all kinds save top-feeding minnows, and may elude even these by its resemblance to bits of floating sticks or other vegetable matter.
1977 H. C. Coppel & J. W. Mertins Biol. Insect Pest Suppression iii. 119 The most desirable qualities of fish for mosquito suppression programs are the following: rapid breeders.., small adult size, top-feeding habits, [etc.]
2021 Financial Services Monitor Worldwide (Nexis) 11 June (advt.) Though silver carp is largely unknown at USA dinner tables, internationally it is a delicacy, and it is a clean top-feeding fish.
top fermentation n. Brewing fermentation during which the yeast cells tend to rise to the surface of the liquid, typically used at relatively high temperatures for the production of ales and some other styles of beer; contrasted with bottom fermentation n. at bottom n. and adj. Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > brewing > [noun] > rising of yeast
top fermentation1902
1863 H. Watts Dict. Chem. I. 530 The ordinary fermentation process is called top fermentation (Obergahrung), and the yeast which it produces top yeast (Oberhefe).
1905 J. L. Baker Brewing Industry 100 Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiæ) is divided into two classes, top fermentation and bottom fermentation yeast.
2011 West Austral. (Perth) (Nexis) 8 Sept. 7 After top fermentation with ale yeast, the brew is lagered for two weeks.
top-fermented adj. Brewing (of ale or beer) produced by top fermentation.
ΚΠ
1879 Brewers' Guardian 5 Aug. 248/2 This shows in all 56 per cent. of beer of low fermentation and 44 per cent. of top fermented beers.
1964 Factors Affecting U.S. Fruit Markets in Japan (U.S. Dept. Agric.) 26 Most of the United Kingdom's beer production is of the traditional ‘top fermented’ English beer which is not pasteurized and cannot be stored.
2010 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 11 Aug. d6/5 Among the drafts are Loreley's easy-drinking best seller, Gaffel Kölsch, a lightly perfumed, top-fermented beer from Cologne.
top-fermenting adj. Brewing designating strains of yeast (typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that tend to rise to the surface of the liquid during fermentation; (occasionally also) using or produced by top fermentation.
ΚΠ
1882 Amer. Chem. Rev. 2 24/2 To the liquid so obtained, sugar of some kind is added in sufficient quantity, and it is then caused to ferment by means of top fermenting yeast.
1903 Amer. Brewers’ Rev. Sept. 117/1 Yeast of top-fermenting breweries is but little exposed to infection by wild yeasts on account of the high fermenting temperatures.
1979 I. Foster Doctor Foster's Bk. of Beer ii. 24 Beer is brewed with top-fermenting yeasts.
2016 Southland Times (N.Z.) (Nexis) 30 Nov. 13 In this part of the world the term bitter once referred to a true, top-fermenting ale, but in recent times it has usually described a bronze coloured lager with an ostensibly bitter palate.
Categories »
top flask n. Founding the upper part of a moulder's flask when made in two parts; the ‘cope’ when a ‘drag’ is used ( Cent. Dict. Suppl. 1909).ⓘ
top-flat n. Spinning = top card n., flat n.3 8d.ⓘ
ΚΠ
1874 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. I. 470/1 These slats are called card-tops, top-cards, or top-flats.
top fruit n. chiefly British fruit which grows on trees, rather than on bushes or on the ground; cf. tree-fruit n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > part of plant > reproductive part(s) > fruit or reproductive product > plant that bears fruit > [noun] > top-fruit or bottom-fruit
soft fruit1695
small fruit1718
top-fruit1884
1868 Notts. Guardian 29 May (Suppl.) We have always protested against the standard trees for small gardens, and though some people may boast of their ‘top fruit’, we are quite convinced they take it at the cost of the under crop, and the ultimate profit of the garden.
1884 Pall Mall Gaz. 15 Aug. 2/1 (1) Top fruit, such as apples, pears, plums, cherries, medlars, and quinces; (2) bush fruit..; (3) ground fruit.
1998 Grocer 1 Aug. 20/5 Del Monte will expand availability beyond its traditional crops such as bananas and pineapples to include stone and top fruit, grapes,..and dried fruit.
top fuel adj. originally and chiefly U.S. of or relating to a class of drag racing in which the vehicles use ‘fuel’ (composed of nitromethane, usually with additions such as methanol, ethanol, or benzene) as opposed to gasoline.Burning nitromethane rather then gasoline makes a piston engine more powerful.
ΚΠ
1957 San Bernardino (Calif.) Daily Sun 24 June 9/7 Gene's Brake Shop was the top fuel eliminator and D. & J. Automotive of Los Angeles top gas eliminator during yesterday's drag races at Morrow Drag Strip.
1961 Daily Mail (Hagerstown, Maryland) 22 Nov. 28/1 (advt.) The 8 Eliminators: top, big, middle, little, street, top stock, top motorcycle and top fuel dragster, will each receive a turkey.
2018 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 4 June (Sports section) 5 Peter Lehman gave me my start and took me from forklift driver to Top Fuel driver, so it was pretty cool to have Peter here to watch us win.
top fuller n. a top tool (see top-tool n.) with a narrow rounded edge.
ΚΠ
1836 6th Rep. Comm. Managem. Post-office Dept. App. 178 (table) in Parl. Papers XXVIII. 145 Tools,..Top fullers..Bottom ditto.
1963 F. D. Jones & P. B. Schubert Engin. Encycl. (ed. 3) 526 Top fullers are fitted to wooden handles... Bottom fullers are made with shanks or stems to fit the hardie hole in the anvil.
2008 A. R. Gehring Back to Basics (ed. 3) v. 352/1 A top fuller is like a chisel with a rounded edge.
top-grade adj. of the highest quality; excellent; at the highest level.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > very excellent or first-rate
gildenc1225
prime1402
rare1483
grand1542
holy1599
pre-excelling1600
paregal1602
classic1604
of (the) first rate1650
solary1651
first rate1674
superb1720
tip-top1722
tip-top-gallant1730
swell1819
topping1822
of the first (also finest, best, etc.) water1826
No. 11829
brag1836
A11837
A No. 11838
number one1839
awful1843
bully1851
first class1852
class1867
champion1880
too1881
tipping1887
alpha plus1898
bonzer1898
grade A1911
gold star1917
world-ranking1921
five-star1936
too much1937
first line1938
vintage1939
supercolossal1947
top1953
alpha1958
fantabulous1959
beauty1963
supercool1965
world-class1967
primo1973
1872 N.Y. Times 17 Aug. 3/6 New York cattle market... Some choice top grade steers.
1950 Times 23 May 5/6 Time and again one reads..of top grade British films which will never be shown here at all.
2016 Daily Tel. (Austral.) (Nexis) 29 May 77 Tilly's Boy..came out of the boxes as if fired from a cannon and proceeded to demolish a top grade field by 10 lengths.
top-graft v. Horticulture (transitive) to insert scions into the branches or stem of (a stock plant), esp. to change the variety of fruit produced by a tree or vine; cf. top-work v.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > cultivation of fruit > cultivate fruit [verb (transitive)] > graft
top-graft1897
1846 Genesee Farmer (Rochester, N.Y.) Mar. 72/1 Trees that were top grafted last season, or previous ones, should be carefully examined.
1924 J. W. Lloyd Stud. Hort. xv. 165 The best time for top grafting trees is just as growth starts in the spring.
2014 Ottawa Citizen (Nexis) 30 Jan. d6 Many small trees have been made into standards, that is, top-grafted over a sturdy and straight trunk of the same species with a shrubby, often globe-shaped canopy.
top-grafting n. Horticulture a method of grafting in which scions are inserted into the branches or stem of the stock plant, used esp. to change the variety of fruit produced by a tree or vine.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > cultivation of fruit > [noun] > grafting
top-grafting1912
1836 Cultivator (Albany, N.Y.) Aug. 99/1 For top grafting, clay or cement of some kind is indispensable.
1912 F. A. Waugh Beginners' Guide Fruit Growing i. 13 Trees for top-grafting may be of almost any age.
1975 W. E. Shewell-Cooper Compost Fruit Grower viii. 118 Many of the trees consist of quite unsuitable varieties... It is, therefore, worth realising that top-grafting methods may be adopted which will convert one variety into another.
2005 Jrnl. Plant Pathol. 87 188/2 They [sc. pathogens] may have..spread and accumulated in a single tree by the use of infected budwoods, contaminated tools and top-grafting.
top hand n. North American colloquial a cowboy who is an experienced or first-rate ranch-worker; also figurative.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping of cattle > [noun] > herding of cattle > cowherd
cowherda1000
oxherd1281
geldherd1284
nowtherd1296
neatherd1301
drover1384
catcherc1400
caller?a1500
ox-boy1580
neatress1586
harrier1591
cowherdess1611
spurn-cow1614
neatherdess1648
cowgirl1753
herds-woman1818
oxman1820
ranchero1825
topsman1825
vaquero1826
herdsmaiden1829
overlander1841
cattle-herd1845
cowboy1849
buckaroo1852
stock-rider1862
pointer1869
night-herder1870
puncher1870
bull-puncher1872
outrider1872
cowpuncher1873
range man1875
cow-puncher1878
herd-boy1878
cow-girl1884
trail-herd1885
trail boss1890
nighthawk1903
point man1903
swing man1903
top hand1912
charro1926
waddy1927
cattle-puncher1928
cowpoke1928
paniolo1947
1912 ‘B. M. Bower’ in Pop. Mag. 15 Nov. 37/2 We can both safely consider ourselves top hands when it comes to lying.
1955 R. P. Hobson Nothing too Good for Cowboy i. 12 It will be impossible to line up enough top hands to carry on.
1972 T. A. Bulman Kamloops Cattlemen iii. 19 They were all top hands with either saddle or work horses.
top-hard n. (also top-hard coal) see quot. 1855, and cf. top coal n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > [noun] > stratum or bed > of coal > type of coal seam
foot coal1665
foot-rid1665
top coal1803
ten-yard coal1839
rider1840
ten-foot coal1855
top-hard1855
yard-coal1855
yard-seam1862
guide seam1867
main1867
bank1881
rearer1883
thick coal1883
thick seam1883
thin seam1883
1855 J. Phillips Man. Geol. 190 The thickest coal in the district, called the ‘top hard’, is the same bed as that called the thick or ten-foot coal in Yorkshire.
1867 W. W. Smyth Treat. Coal & Coal-mining 56 Cutting the top-hard coal at 510 yards deep.
top-head n. Mining see quot.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > passage > for escape or draining of gas
blower1822
piper1883
top-head1883
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Top Heads (S.S.), passages driven in the upper part of the Thick coal for draining off the gas.
top-heat n. Horticulture heat generated in a frame or greenhouse; cf. bottom heat n. at bottom n. and adj. Compounds 3.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > equipment and buildings > [noun] > greenhouse or glass-house > heat generated within
top-heat1842
greenhouse effect1905
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist iii. iii. 501 That lively heat within the frame, which is usually called top-heat.
† top-honours n. Obsolete the topsails of a ship, in reference to the custom of lowering them in token of respect.ⓘApparently an isolated use.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > topsail > collectively
top-honours1700
1700 M. Prior Carmen Sæculare 18 Let all the Naval World due Homage pay; With hasty Reverence their Top-Honours lower.
top-house n. Nautical a deckhouse.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > part of vessel above water > [noun] > deck superstructure > deckhouse
top-house1803
deck-house1856
1803 T. Netherton in Naval Chron. 15 220 Shipwrights employed in the capstern and top house.
top-hung adj. hung at or from the top of something; spec. (of a window or door) attached by hinges to the top of the surrounding frame.
ΚΠ
1895 Railroad Car Jrnl. May 84/3 We will now examine..the second plan, or top-hung door.
1939 Archit. Rev. 86 166 The windows have a side-hung casement and a long top-hung hopper window for night ventilation.
1995 M. Lawrence et al. Which? Guide Home Safety & Security ii. 96 Most of these locks can be used on top-hung, centre-mounted or bottom-hung wooden pivot windows.
2010 Ideal Home May 118/1 If you wish to fit top-hung doors, their weight will also need to be supported by the lintel.
top iron n. the upper iron in a carpenter's plane, adjusted so as to stiffen the cutter and turn up the shavings; the break-iron.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > shaping tools or equipment > plane > [noun] > blades
plane iron1582
plane-bit1804
top iron1815
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art I. 108 It is always necessary to make the top-iron fit the blade so correctly that no shaving can get between them.
top kick n. U.S. (originally and chiefly Military slang) (in the US Army or Marine Corps) the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a company or equivalent unit; cf. top sergeant n.; (later also more generally) the most important person in an organization, field of activity, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > sergeant-major
first sergeant1776
sergeant-major1802
company sergeant major1813
S.M.1890
top1898
top sergeant1898
major1901
RSM1913
top cutter1917
top kick1918
Sar-Major1919
top soldier1926
Sarn't-major1946
1918 J. E. Rendinell Diary 28 Mar. in One Man's War (1928) viii. 63 The old top-kick would make a running dive for the dugout.
1976 L. Deighton Twinkle, twinkle, Little Spy vii. 70 I was a gunner, nineteen—youngest top-kick in the group.
1979 Arizona Daily Star 22 July a8/1 The president's appointment of Hamilton Jordan as the White House topkick.
2018 MSNBC: Hardball (transcript of TV programme) (Nexis) 31 July The man who was once Donald Trump's top kick is now facing years in a U.S. prison.
top kicker n. = top kick n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1919 L. L. Lincoln et al. Company C, 11th Engineers 8 Veeder was our first top-kicker.
top kill n. (a) killing or death of the above-ground parts of plants, esp. when resulting from the use of herbicides which do not damage the root; an instance of this; (b) a procedure for sealing a leaking oil well in which large amounts of a material heavier than oil (such as heavy mud and rapid-setting concrete), are pumped into the top of the well.
ΚΠ
1931 Ann. Rep. 1930: Northern Region & Northern Rocky Mountain Forest Exper. Station (U.S. Dept. Agric.: Forest Service) 17 This compound gives a good top kill even though injected into only one top stalk.
1985 Financial Post (Toronto) (Nexis) 16 Feb. i. 12 If that attempt at a ‘top kill’ fails, Mobil can still attempt a ‘bottom kill’ by pumping mud and concrete into the bottom of the hole through the new relief well.
2013 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 19 Dec. b 3 An effort to stop the leak..in a procedure known as a top kill would most likely fail, largely because of the overwhelming amount of oil flowing out of the stricken well.
2021 D. A. McGranahan & C. L. Wonkka Ecol. Fire-Dependent Ecosystems (e-book ed.) viii Top-kill in dormant, dry seasons..increases resprouting rates and resprout growth rates.
top-land n. high or elevated land, highland.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > [noun]
downlandeOE
downOE
highlandOE
high country1445
wold1472
high ground1489
upland1566
hill-country1582
Chiltern1627
downs country1791
altitude1853
upwold1875
top-land1877
1877 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea (ed. 6) VI. vi. 71 The high..topland or spine of Mount Inkerman.
1877 A. W. Kinglake Invasion of Crimea (ed. 6) VI. vi. 446 The Inkerman toplands.
Categories »
top-latch n. regional the strap or thong used to fasten the hames together at the top.ⓘ
top lift n. (a) [compare lift n.2 5] , the uppermost working in a cutting, etc.; (b) the external layer of a boot or shoe heel; see also Compounds 2b(a). ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > uppermost working
top lift1842
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > heel > parts of
lift1677
heeltap1688
heel piece1841
top lift1842
heel lift1844
heel brace1859
heel breast1873
riser1928
1842 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 5 60/1 The ‘top lift’ was deposited in spoil bank.
1901 Daily Record (Glasgow) 28 Nov. 2 A new machine..will do heel-shaving, rough scouring, fine scouring, heel-edge blacking, top-lift blacking, heel-burnishing, top-lift burnishing, and breasting.
top loin n. the tender meat from the loin of an animal; spec. (U.S.) a cut of beef from the portion of loin immediately behind the ribs, usually cut into steaks.In British English, the usual term is sirloin.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > beef > [noun] > other cuts or parts
tild1342
ox foota1398
oxtaila1425
neat's foot?c1450
beef-flick1462
sticking piece1469
ox-tonguea1475
aitch-bone1486
fore-crop?1523
sirloin1525
mouse-piece1530
ox-cheek1592
neat's tongue1600
clod1601
sticking place1601
skink1631
neck beef1640
round1660
ox-heart1677
runner1688
sticking draught1688
brisket-beef1697
griskin1699
sey1719
chuck1723
shin1736
gravy beef1747
baron of beef1755
prime rib1759
rump and dozen1778
mouse buttock1818
slifta1825
nine holes1825
spauld-piece1828
trembling-piece1833
shoulder-lyar1844
butt1845
plate1854
plate-rand1854
undercut1859
silver-side1861
bed1864
wing rib1883
roll1884
strip-loin1884
hind1892
topside1896
rib-eye1926
buttock meat1966
onglet1982
1889 J. Whitehead Steward's Handbk. iv. 407/1 Steaks from the porterhouse cut of beef. They consist of a portion of the fillet or under-cut, a portion of the top loin.
1984 Christian Sci. Monitor (Nexis) 11 Apr. 35 Skillet-Braised Pork Chops, Italian-style 6 rib, top-loin, or loin pork chops, each cut about 1-inch thick.
2009 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 29 Apr. d7/2 The Delmonico was once a rib-eye, but now it can mean a cut from other spots on the same long muscle, including a slice of top loin or..a piece of chuck.
top minnow n. a small, often brightly coloured, fish belonging to the family Cyprinodontidæ or Poeciliidæ.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > fish > superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) > order Perciformes (perches) > order Atheriniformes > [noun] > member of family Poecilidae (guppy)
top minnow1884
millions1906
guppy1925
the world > animals > fish > superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) > order Perciformes (perches) > order Atheriniformes > [noun] > member of family Cyprinodontidae > member of genus Gambusia
gambusia1858
top minnow1884
pussel-gut1930
1884 Bull. U.S. National Mus. No. 27. 471 Gambusia patruelis..Top Minnow..Southern United States, from Virginia to Texas.
1962 K. F. Lagler et al. Ichthyol. vi. 180 The mouths are superior in most of the topminnows.
top-onion n. the Canada or tree onion (Allium Cepa proliferum), bearing a cluster of small green bulbs at the top of the stem, instead of flowers and seed.ⓘ
top pair n. Poker a hand containing the highest pair available; spec. (esp. in Texas Hold 'Em) a hand which contains the highest-value community card paired with one of a player's hole cards.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [noun] > type of hand > combinations of cards
triplet1864
royal flush1868
bobtailed flush1873
bobtail flush1875
skip1880
royal straight1883
four flush1887
skip straight1887
inside straight1934
1963 W. B. Gibson Hoyle's Simplified Guide Pop. Card Games 107 The top pair determines the winning hand, one with aces up rating higher than kings up.
1978 Times 18 Nov. 12/6 The first three cards of the flop gave him a second 8 which meant he had the top pair showing.
2015 B. Haxton Fading Hearts on River 206 The flop came K53, rainbow, leaving Isaac with the kings, top pair, with a better-than-average kicker, a four-to-one favorite against random opposition and a very favorable flop for Isaac.
top plate n. Watchmaking and Clockmaking a plate providing housing for the movement of a watch or clock, and which is visible when the back of the watch is opened; cf. pillar plate n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > parts of
barrel1591
motion1605
bezel1616
fusee1622
string1638
crown wheel1646
out-case1651
watch-box1656
nuck1664
watchwork1667
balance-wheel1669
box1675
dial wheel1675
counter-potence1678
pendulum-balance1680
watch-case1681
pillar1684
contrate teeth1696
pinion of report1696
watch-hook1698
bob-balance1701
half-cock1701
potence1704
verge1704
pad1705
movable1709
jewel1711
pendant1721
crystal1722
watch-key1723
pendulum spring1728
lock spring1741
watch-glass1742
watch-spring1761
all-or-nothing piece1764
watch hand1764
cylinder1765
cannon?1780
cannon1802
stackfreed1819
pillar plate1821
little hand1829
hair-spring1830
lunette1832
all-or-nothing1843
locking1851
slag1857
staff1860
case spring1866
stem1866
balance-cock1874
watch-dial1875
balance-spring1881
balance-staff1881
Breguet spring1881
overcoil1881
surprise-piece1881
brass edge1884
button turn1884
fourth wheel1884
fusee-sink1884
pair-case1884
silver bar1884
silver piece1884
slang1884
top plate1884
karrusel1893
watch-face1893
watch bracelet1896
bar-movement1903
jewel pivot1907
jewel bearing1954
1810 Brit. Patent 3342 (1856) 2 The inside of the movement [of the warning watch] is not different from a common watch, excepting a barrel, which is fixed with two screws on the under side of the top plate.
2012 Internat. Herald Tribune (Nexis) 21 Feb. 206 Jacques Vully, whose enameled watches used a specially designed movement with the balance mounted on the top plate.
top-priority adj. of the greatest importance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > most important
mosteOE
foremostc1000
headOE
headlyOE
nexta1200
umest1513
primary1565
headest1577
ruling1590
forward1591
capital1597
of the first magnitude1643
palmary1646
top1647
prepondering1651
headmost1661
home1662
life-and-death1804
palmarian1815
bada1825
key1832
première1844
1941 N.Y. Times 3 Dec. 1 There is the shortage of bottoms for transport, the consequence of labor disputes, late starts, and the many top-priority claimants of everything the Maritime Commission can produce.
1975 G. St. George Proteus Pact i. 36 An urgent matter, a top-priority project.
2013 J. Lanier Who owns Future? xvii. 217 Now the top-priority action item was perfecting one's mentality, one's perspective and self-confidence.
top-proud adj. proud to the highest degree.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > [adjective] > extremely or excessively proud
overproudOE
mad-proudc1450
Luciferine1543
Luciferousc1554
Luciferian?1570
top-proud1623
fastuose1674
as pleased (also proud, etc.) as Punch1796
as proud as Lucifer1839
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 151 This top-proud fellow..I doe know To be corrupt and treasonous. View more context for this quotation
top rail n. Joinery the uppermost horizontal piece in a framed construction such as a door, piece of furniture, banister, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > [noun] > wooden structures or wooden parts of > specific pieces of woodwork
top-rail1679
sea-brace1776
angle bead1799
staff1812
angle-staff1825
warping1833
lipping1963
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. viii. 147 Top-rail of the Balcony.
1765 W. Pain Builder's Compan. (ed. 3) *4 Common Five Bar Gates of Oak, the Head..and Top Rail sawed, the Slats cleft.
1823 P. Nicholson New Pract. Builder Gloss. Top-rail, the upper rail of a piece of framing or wainscotting.
1944 D. E. Warland Teach yourself Constructional Details vii. 99 Framed ledged and braced doors consist of two stiles and top rail the full thickness of the door.
2004 Herald Express (Torquay) (Nexis) 13 July 12 Victorian mahogany dining chairs with carved top rails and padded leather seats.
top-rider n. Shipbuilding see quot.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > [noun] > timbers of hull > frame > additional timbers strengthening
riderc1620
futtock-rider1769
fortification1820
top-rider1867
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Upper or top-rider futtocks, these timbers stand nearly the same as breadth-riders, and very much strengthen the topside.
† top-right adj. Obsolete upright, erect.ⓘApparently an isolated use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > vertical position > [adjective] > upright or erect
upstandingc1000
standing1180
erectc1386
upright1398
standard1538
top-right1562
steya1586
upstraight1598
struttinga1643
straight reacheda1649
surrect1692
stand-up1749
stick-up1808
to sit up and beg1869
a1560 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Nyne Fyrst Bks. Eneidos (1562) ix. sig. Ff.iiv His topright crest from crown downe battred falls.
top rock n. Coal Mining the uppermost stratum of (hard) rock.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > features of stratum or vein > [noun] > material above > above coal
roof1575
wark1707
top rock1803
wash1882
1803 J. Plymley Gen. View Agric. Shropshire 56 Top-rock 7 yds. 0 ft. 0 in.
1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. at Coal-field Soil,..Clay,..Loose Rock,..Coal,..Blue Clod,..Red Clunch,..Top Rock,..White Clod,..Brown Clunch.
top-roll n. some part of a bridle-bit.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > bit > parts of
cannon?1561
cheek?1561
port?1561
player1566
upset mouth1566
rowel1590
mouth1607
upset1607
liberty1667
mouthpiece1728
top-roll1728
cheekpiece1864
branch1884
bit-maker1902
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Bit The several Parts of a Bit, those of a Snaffle or Curb-Bit, are the..Trench, Top-roll, Flap, and Jeive.
top round adj. and n. North American (a) adj. designating a joint of beef or a steak cut from the inner side of the haunch; (b) n. a joint of this type (cf. round of beef).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > beef > [noun] > other cuts or parts
tild1342
ox foota1398
oxtaila1425
neat's foot?c1450
beef-flick1462
sticking piece1469
ox-tonguea1475
aitch-bone1486
fore-crop?1523
sirloin1525
mouse-piece1530
ox-cheek1592
neat's tongue1600
clod1601
sticking place1601
skink1631
neck beef1640
round1660
ox-heart1677
runner1688
sticking draught1688
brisket-beef1697
griskin1699
sey1719
chuck1723
shin1736
gravy beef1747
baron of beef1755
prime rib1759
rump and dozen1778
mouse buttock1818
slifta1825
nine holes1825
spauld-piece1828
trembling-piece1833
shoulder-lyar1844
butt1845
plate1854
plate-rand1854
undercut1859
silver-side1861
bed1864
wing rib1883
roll1884
strip-loin1884
hind1892
topside1896
rib-eye1926
buttock meat1966
onglet1982
1883 N.Y. Times 25 Mar. 13/2 Beef... Top round steak, 18 cents.
1943 N. Hawkins Let's Cook 156 For this dish buy a piece of top round, one and one-half to two and one-half inches thick. Bottom round can be used but it is not as good.
1995 Ital. Food & Wine Spring 5/1 Some of the specialties Middione will be dishing up are Farsumagru braised top round stuffed with quail eggs, ground pork, soppressata, Swiss chard and pecorino cheese.
2018 Dayton (Ohio) Daily News (Nexis) 12 July Delicious brown gravy, caramelized onions, shredded cheese and tender top round beef cover crispy French (Canadian) fries.
top saw n. the upper of a pair of circular saws, cutting down to meet the kerf of the lower.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > cutting tool > saw > [noun] > power saws > circular saws > upper of pair of
top saw1877
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2597/2 The top-saw is a little in advance or rear of the under one, to make the kerf complete without collision of the teeth of the respective saws.
top-score v. intransitive to achieve a higher score than other participants in a sporting event; esp. (Cricket) to make the highest score of the batters in a particular innings.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > bat [verb (intransitive)] > score highest number of runs
to get the score1862
top-score1960
1868 Birmingham Jrnl. 26 Sept. 8/2 After some very fair shooting, Private J. Beever proved the winner, with a score of 34; Lance-corporal Miller (a previous winner) again top-scoring with 42.
1899 Orange (New S. Wales) Leader & Millthorpe Messenger 11 Nov. W. James top-scored for Guyong with 49, while Weaver (20) and Norris (19) were the principal run-getters for Millthorpe.
1987 Times 22 July 42/3 Jim Melrose..top scored for Charlton Athletic with 17 goals last season.
2019 Western Daily Press (Nexis) 1 Feb. (Sport section) 48 Moeen Ali top-scored with 60 as England were bowled out for 187 on the first day of the second Test in the West Indies.
top scorer n. originally Cricket a person who achieves a higher score than other participants in a sporting event, or (more generally) another event in which scores or grades are awarded.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > batsman > types of batsman
sticker1832
short runner1833
punisher1846
slogger1850
blocker1851
cutter1851
swiper1853
top scorer1860
stick1863
left-hander1864
smiter1878
centurion1886
driver1888
pad-player1888
poker1888
spectacle-maker1893
back-player1897
hooker1900
under-runner1903
puller1911
square cutter1920
straight driver1925
stroke-maker1927
goose-gamer1928
stroke-player1935
flasher1936
sweeper1961
tonker1977
1852 Sydney Morning Herald 8 May Tester and Hunt were the top scorers—the former in his first innings making 17, the latter..in his second 13.
1983 Computerworld (Nexis) 14 Mar. 31 The awards are presented annually..to the top scorers in each of the five sections of the examination.
2000 Irish World 2 June 40/1 This match will always be remembered by many Munster followers as the day when the competition's top scorer Ronan O'Gara left his shooting boots at home.
top-scoring adj. that achieves a higher score than other participants in a sporting event, or (more generally) another event in which scores or grades are awarded.In early use, in the context of the Second World War (1939–45), designating the squadrons or pilots of fighter planes responsible for shooting down the greatest number of enemy aircraft.
ΚΠ
1940 Telegraph (Brisbane) 13 June The late Cobber Kain was top-scoring pilot of the Allied airmen until his untimely death in an accident.
1993 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 30 Mar. (Late ed.) (Good Living section) 29 This was the top-scoring wine in the varietal traminer class at this year's Sydney Wine Show.
2004 Globe &Mail (Toronto) 22 May s2/1 The Tigers were the top-scoring team in the league in the regular season, averaging 3.8 goals a game.
topscript n. [after postscript n.1] something written at the top of a letter.ⓘApparently an isolated use.
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society > communication > correspondence > letter > [noun] > antescript
topscript1731
antescript1767
1731 B. Germain Let. 4 Nov. in J. Swift Wks. (1841) II. 663 So much for your topscript, not postscript;..I heartily thank you for remembering me so often.
top secret adj. extremely confidential; existing or carried out in the utmost secrecy; (also more generally) designating something which a person does not wish to discuss or reveal.Sometimes as part of a classification system which restricts access to information (see quot. 1944).
ΚΠ
1942 Jefferson City (Missouri) Post-Tribune 12 Sept. 1/7 A meeting of his group which does spadework on America's top secret war plans.
1944 Amer. Notes & Queries July 54/1 Classified (Army usage), referring to the degree to which the use of a document of an intelligence nature is permitted (restricted, confidential, and top secret).
1988 Times 18 July 36/3 I played very well. How confident am I? That's top secret.
2003 Daily Tel. 16 June 9/1 They carried out top-secret spying missions during the Cold War.
top seller n. a commercial product which sells in greater numbers than others of the same kind.
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1913 H. S. Bunting Elem. Laws Advertising 104 This same company..took off premiums from a certain brand that had been a top-seller under premiums and space both and..saw it reel and fall.
1936 Publishers' Weekly 21 Nov. 1965/2 Publishers involved in recent top-seller crises.
1945 Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch 25 Oct. 12/1 The A-bomb has aroused so much interest a complex technical tome on that subject is now a top-seller.
2003 Sunday Mail (Brisbane) 30 Mar. 28/1 A new breed of all-wheel-drive wagon—bigger, more powerful and more expensive than today's top-sellers.
top-selling adj. (of a commercial product) selling in greater numbers than others of the same kind.
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1949 Times Lit. Suppl. 24 June 408/1 (advt.) 1949's top-selling novel.
2021 Manawatu (N.Z.) Standard (Nexis) 12 Mar. 19 The Toyota Hilux has regained its top spot as both New Zealand's top-selling ute and its top-selling vehicle overall.
top sergeant n. U.S. Military slang (in the U.S. Army or Marine Corps) the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a company or equivalent unit; first sergeant.See also sense A. 32c, top kick n., topper n.1 5b.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > sergeant-major
first sergeant1776
sergeant-major1802
company sergeant major1813
S.M.1890
top1898
top sergeant1898
major1901
RSM1913
top cutter1917
top kick1918
Sar-Major1919
top soldier1926
Sarn't-major1946
1890 Spokane Falls (Washington) Rev. 18 May 12/1 Then next to our breakfast, which is usually hash, For the truth I must tell you—we are hard up for cash. The list for fatigue, you would think it was urgent As you hear it read out by our top sergeant.
1969 I. Kemp Brit. G.I. in Vietnam vii. 150 My immediate superior was First (or Top) Sergeant Rutledge, a dour and somewhat autocratic professional soldier in his early forties.
top-sew v. (transitive) to hem by oversewing.ⓘ
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 > hem > in specific way
hem-stitcha1839
top-sew1876
1876 M. E. Braddon Joshua Haggard's Daughter I. ix. 292 The sheets and tablecloths we top-sewed when we were children.
top soldier n. U.S. Military slang = top sergeant n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > officer by rank > [noun] > sergeant-major
first sergeant1776
sergeant-major1802
company sergeant major1813
S.M.1890
top1898
top sergeant1898
major1901
RSM1913
top cutter1917
top kick1918
Sar-Major1919
top soldier1926
Sarn't-major1946
1926 M. Anderson & L. Stallings What Price Glory? i, in 3 Amer. Plays 10 I'm the new top soldier here.
1935 Our Army Nov. 39 Top Soldier Rawhide was sitting in the NCO club.
top-stocking n. a stocking with a top.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and feet > [noun] > stocking > types of > other
silk stocking1600
top-stocking1686
moggan1754
Derby rib1778
bootee1844
shank1871
sandal-foot1959
thigh-high1962
1686 London Gaz. No. 2126/4 Light-coloured Top-Stockings striped with black.
top story n. originally and chiefly North American the leading news story at a particular time.
ΚΠ
1938 Albuquerque (New Mexico) Jrnl. 26 Dec. 10 The top stories of 1938, as selected by Associated Press editors, were announced Sunday as: [etc.].
1940 Endicott (N.Y.) Daily Bull. 15 Jan. 1 The protests followed an official Russian news agency blast against Norway and Sweden which was the so-called ‘top story’ of the day in the Soviet press and radio.
1961 Army Information Digest Sept. 43/2 The top story of that first edition was good news to homesick, war-weary troops.
2015 Wall St. Jrnl. 30 May a5/1 (advt.) Download the WSJ app for Apple Watch. Get top stories you can't afford to miss right on your watch screen.
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top-string n. regional = top-latch n. ⓘ
top surgery n. colloquial (originally U.S.) any of various surgical procedures that may be performed on the chest as part of gender reassignment; esp. female-to-male chest reconstruction surgery, typically involving the removal of breast tissue to produce a masculine appearance of the chest; cf. bottom surgery n. at bottom n. and adj. Compounds 3.
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1992 Chrysalis Q. 1 iv. 44/3 In my case, the original estimate of time off for top surgery was two weeks.
2015 Sowetan (S. Afr.) (Nexis) 2 Nov. Top surgery for the transsexual man involves the removal of the breasts, and for the transsexual woman it involves getting implants.
2018 A. Stein Unbound vii. 194 After having top surgery, Angie wanted to keep their given name but live as a male..and go by the pronoun ‘they’.
top-swarm n. Scottish and English regional (northern) the first swarm of the season thrown off by a hive of bees; also figurative.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Hymenoptera > [noun] > suborder Apocrita, Petiolata, or Heterophaga > group Aculeata (stinging) > superfamily Apoidea (bees) > swarm of bees > first of season
top-swarm1690
top-cast1827
top-swarmer1856
1690 J. Wodrow in R. Wodrow Life J. Wodrow (1828) 112 Hi nuncupari possunt the Tap-swarm.
1905 Eng. Dial. Dict. VI. 194/1 Twea topswarms 'll mak' a strang hive.
top-swarmer n. a bee in a top-swarm.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Hymenoptera > [noun] > suborder Apocrita, Petiolata, or Heterophaga > group Aculeata (stinging) > superfamily Apoidea (bees) > swarm of bees > first of season
top-swarm1690
top-cast1827
top-swarmer1856
1856 T. Aird Poet. Wks. (new ed.) 404 The unfinished skep For June top-swarmers.
top-tail v. (intransitive) to turn the tail up and head down, as a whale in diving ( Cent. Dict.).ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by habits or actions > habits and actions > [verb (intransitive)] > turn tail up and head down
top-tail1839
1839 J. N. Reynolds in Knickerbocker May 385 ‘There she top-tails! there she blows!’ added he,..after taking a long look at the sporting shoal.
top-thrawn adj. (also tap-thrawn) Scottish perverse, obstinate, wrong-headed.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [adjective] > perverse
wharfedc1175
thwart-over?c1225
fromwardc1275
thwarta1325
wilgernc1325
contrariousa1340
froward1340
rebours1340
awaywarda1375
overthwartc1384
protervec1384
waywardc1384
arsewardc1386
wrawc1386
wrawfulc1386
crabbeda1400
ungraitha1400
wraweda1400
awklyc1400
perversec1425
awkc1440
perversiosec1475
crooked1508
wrayward1516
awkward1530
difficilec1533
peevish1539
protervous1547
overthwarting1552
untowardly1561
difficult1589
cross1594
cama1600
frowish1601
awkwardish1613
haggardly1635
pigheadeda1637
cross-grained1647
wry1649
crossfulc1680
thwarting1718
kim-kama1734
wronghead1737
piggish1742
witherly1790
top-thrawn1808
contrary1850
cussed1858
three-cornered1863
thwarteous1890
bloody-minded1935
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Tapthrawn, adj.,..having the..top or head distorted; or in allusion to the hair of the head lying in an aukward and unnatural manner.
1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 194 A tap-thrawn monk wi' roundit cap.
1924 Fife Free Press 6 Dec. 8/2 But hae your ain tap-thrawn way, And in your vain Utopia stay.
2015 G. McKay tr. W. Auld La Infana Raso 134 He maks weir agin the tap-thrawn.
top tip n. a small but particularly useful piece of practical advice.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > [noun] > hint or tip > particular types of
the straight tip1871
tool tip1962
1940 Emporia (Kansas) Gaz. 8 May 3/4 The top tip on where to find the gift for Mother is the Marlow Gift case at Eckdall & McCarty's.
1956 Daily Mail 25 Apr. 10/5 Top tip. Take your own wines along to Chanterelle.
2021 Sunday Times (Nexis) 11 Apr. My top tip is to triple-check dimensions before you buy. There is nothing worse than a sofa turning up that won't fit through the door.
top-tool n. any of various tools used from above or forming the lower part of a device; cf. bottom tool n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > metalworking equipment > [noun] > forging equipment > other forging equipment
fuller1587
burras-pipe1676
anvil1678
washer1678
porter1794
porter rod1839
top-tool1877
turn-bat1881
porter bar1887
1839 J. Millington Elem. Civil Engin. 329 The bottom tool is inserted in the hole in the anvil, the heated iron laid upon it, and the top tool held by a long handle, is placed over it.
1857 Newton's London Jrnl. Arts & Sci. 6 218 The top tool g, may be made to descend, and in its descent the tag-blanks would take the circular form of the groove i, in the bed tool.
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2597/2 Top-tool, a blacksmith's tool..used above the work, being struck by a hammer.
1964 French Techn. Bull. (Econ. Section French Embassy U.S.A.) 3 Drawback cylinders are also provided in the top tool for releasing the top halves of the dies.
top trail n. a trail at a higher elevation or higher up the country.ⓘ
ΚΠ
1924 A. J. Small Frozen Gold i. 30 He babbled..of the endless setbacks that had dogged him all the way down from the top-trails.
1929 Chambers's Jrnl. Aug. 529/1 Talking is a short suit with mushers of the lonely top-trails, bar when they're riled.
top tube n. the uppermost bar of a bicycle frame, esp. the horizontal bar of a diamond frame.
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society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicle propelled by feet > [noun] > cycle > parts and equipment of cycles > frame and parts of
frame1869
fork1871
headpiece1877
head1881
frameset1899
dropout1923
crossbar1966
1885 Bicycling World 13 Feb. 245/2 From the centre of the top tube..a large steel tube extends forward, sloping towards the ground at a considerable angle, and then with a graceful turn, curving up over the steering wheel and terminating with the steering centres of a Humber head.
1917 Cycling Man. 2 Diamond frame, with horizontal top tube.
2014 Cycle Sport Oct. 110/3 Further up the chain, bikes have morphed into more rideable machines. Top tubes have got shorter, head tubes have got longer.
top-turnip n. the turnip-cabbage, kohlrabi n. ( Cent. Dict. Suppl.).ⓘ
† top twist n. Billiards Obsolete a fast forward spinning motion imparted to the cue ball when struck, which serves to keep the cue ball moving after it strikes another ball; cf. A. 41, topspin n. 1, topside n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > [noun] > motion of ball
twist1857
rebound1894
top1901
overspin1904
stuff1905
undercut1920
top-twist-
1856 Chambers's Jrnl. 1 Nov. 283/1 The billiard professor, who knows..all the mysteries of chalking, and walking, and screwing—with the front twist,..the top twist, the bottom twist, [etc.].
1868 Manch. Weekly Times Suppl. 26 Apr. 183/1 The detection of the ‘top twist’ followed, and visitors in shoals flocked to Carr's rooms for the purpose of witnessing the curious effects of the novel and singular motion imparted to the balls.
top view n. a drawing, photograph, etc., depicting the top of something; a view of an object as projected on a horizontal plane; = plan view n.
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [noun] > view or scenery > from above
under-prospecta1586
despect1663
bird's eye view1755
lookdown1795
top view1895
airscape1921
1751 J. Burton Ess. New Syst. Midwifry ii. xxii. 278 Fig. 14. shews the Top-View of the End of the great Staff.
1895 T. S. Lawley Lessons in Woodwork Drawing 10 The top view of a penny..placed on a table will be a circle.
1953 A. C. Parkinson Pictorial Drawing for Engineers vi. 44/1 We commence by drawing a true-shape top view or plan view of the object.
2011 S. Lockhart Tutorial Guide to Auto CAD 2012: 2D vi. 259 To project information from the side view to the top view, draw vertical projection lines from the points in the side view.
top wall n. Mining see quot.ⓘ
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the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > features of stratum or vein > [noun] > material above
hanger1631
grass1672
overburden1821
top wall1881
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 144 Hanging-side or Hanging-wall, or Hanger, Corn[wall]. The wall or side over the vein... Top-wall. See Hanging-wall.
top weight n. Horse Racing the heaviest weight carried by a horse in a handicap race (see handicap n. 2a); (also) a horse carrying this weight.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > racing or race > horse racing > [noun] > horse by performance
lightweight1773
sticker1779
maiden1807
favourite1813
mile-horse1829
outsider1836
heavyweight1857
stayer1862
stoner1862
rank outsider1869
pick1872
pot1874
timer1881
resurrectionist1883
short head1883
pea1888
cert1889
stiffa1890
wrong 'un1889
on the mark1890
place horse1890
top-weight1892
miler1894
also-ran1895
selection1901
loser1902
hotpot1904
roughie1908
co-favourite1922
readier1922
springer1922
fav1935
scratch1938
no-hoper1943
shoo-in1950
scorer1974
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > racehorse > carrying specific weight
lightweight1773
heavyweight1857
stoner1862
top-weight1892
1827 Sporting Mag. Nov. 6/1 Lord Wharncliffe's Carthusian won it, carrying the top weight all but 4 lbs.
1841 Sporting Mag. Aug. 330 The deep state of the ground told visibly upon the top weights; in many instances, indeed, none of them could get through the dirt.
1997 Sporting Life 15 Feb. 11/2 The evergreen 11-year-old..outgunned topweight Lord Dorcet to win by 13 lengths.
2003 Daily Star 25 Mar. 46/6 Brockton Mist is back on ground that should suit and, even with top weight, may have too many guns for some pretty moderate opposition.
top yeast n. [compare German Oberhefe (1725 or earlier)] yeast that collects near the surface of a fermenting liquid; top-fermenting yeast.
ΚΠ
1735 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer I. ix. 44 He [sc. the private brewer] can skim off his top Yeast and leave his bottom Lees behind, which is what the great Brewer can't so well do.
1855 J. C. Morton Cycl. Agric. II. 1167/2 The bottom-yeast of Bavaria beer is not formed at a lower temperature than 32° Fah., nor at a higher than that of 48°; while the most beautiful Berlin top-yeast is formed at 77°.
1991 S. A. Matz Chem. & Technol. Cereals as Food & Feed (ed. 2) xviii. 613 The cells of top yeast gather in clumps and are carried to the top of the fermenting liquid while the cells of bottom yeast stay suspended in the bulk of the liquid or drift toward the bottom.
b. In senses A. 16a, A. 16b (top being also short for topsail n. or topmast n.).
(a)
top-bowline n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1764 W. Falconer Shipwreck (new ed.) ii. 46 The halyards, and top-bowlines, soon are gone.
top-sheet n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > rigging > [noun] > running rigging > sheet or brace
sheet1336
swing-rope1336
shoot1405
mainbrace1485
mainsheet1485
top-sheet1485
smite1494
tailing-rope1495
tail-rope1495
brace1626
stern-sheets1626
trimmers1630
fore-sheet1669
jib-sheet1825
boom-sheet1836
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 48 Toppe lyftes, ij. Toppe shetes, ij.
top-shroud n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > rigging > [noun] > fixed rigging > rigging supporting mast laterally > shrouds of topmast
puttock1298
top-shroud1485
futtock-shroud1769
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 48 Toppe mastes, j. Toppe shrowdes, vj.
top-stay n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1751 T. Smollett Peregrine Pickle IV. cvii. 245 Split my topstay-sail!
top-yard n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 48 Toppe mastes, j. Toppe shrowdes, vj. Toppe yerdes, j.
(b) See also topcastle n., topgallant n. and adj., topman n.1, topmast n., topsail n. and adv.
top-arming n. = top-armour n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast > embattled platform on warship > armour on
armour1466
top-armour1485
top-arming1486
top-armsc1599
1486 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 14 A Top Armyng of say.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Top-armings, hammocks stowed inside the rigging for the protection of riflemen.
top-armour n. see quots. a1625, 1867.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast > embattled platform on warship > armour on
armour1466
top-armour1485
top-arming1486
top-armsc1599
1485 in H. E. Malden Cely Papers (1900) 184 Item ij zerdes di rede..for the tope armer... Item an zerde of wyght for the same.
1514 Inv. Henri Grace de Dieu in M. Oppenheim Hist. Admin. Royal Navy (1896) I. 377 Top Armours..vii.
a1625 H. Mainwaring Nomenclator Navalis (MS BL Harl. 2301) Topparmors are the clothes which are tied aboute the Tops of the mastes for shewe and also for to hide menn in the Fight which lie there to fling fire-potts [etc.].
1823 G. Crabb Technol. Dict.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. at Top This top was formerly fenced on the afterside by a rail about three feet high, between the stanchions of which a netting was usually constructed, and stowed in action with hammocks. This was covered with red baize, or canvas painted red, and called the top-armour.
† †top-arms n. Obsolete (plural) = top-armour n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast > embattled platform on warship > armour on
armour1466
top-armour1485
top-arming1486
top-armsc1599
c1599 in J. Bree Cursory Sketch (1791) 217 For waste cloaths and top-arms.
top-block n. a large block suspended below the cap of the lower mast, used in hoisting or lowering topmasts (see also Compounds 2a).ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > tackle or purchase > [noun] > system of) pulley(s) > for raising or lowering topmast
top-block1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine at Block The top-block is used to hoist up or lower down the top-masts, and is for the purpose hooked in an eye-bolt driven into the cap.
top-brim n. see quot. 1794, and cf. top-rim n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > lower side or bottom > middle of on topsail
top-brim1730
1730 W. Wriglesworth MS Log-bk. ‘Lyell’ 30 Nov. Arm'd the fore Shrouds, Matted the Top-brims.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 90 Top-brim, a space in the middle of the foot of a topsail, containing one-fifth of the number of its cloths,..so called from..being near the fore part of the top,..when the sail is extended.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVII. 433/2 The holes for marling the clues of sails and the top-brims of topsails have grommets of log-line.
top-burton n. see quot. 1867 and burton n.1; also attributive.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > tackle or purchase > [noun] > other tackles
polancre1356
Breton tackle1495
burton1704
relieving tackle1717
Spanish burton1829
watch-tackle1840
pendant tackle1852
top-burtonc1860
cant-fall1867
coal-whipper1881
1860 H. Stuart Novice's or Young Seaman's Catech. (rev. ed.) 46 The topmen will hand out the top burtons.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Burton, a small tackle..generally used to set up or tighten the shrouds, whence it is frequently termed a top-burton tackle.
top-chain n. a chain used to sling the yards in action, in case the ropes by which they are hung should be shot away.ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > rigging > [noun] > running rigging > rope or chain by which yard is suspended
uptie1295
tie1465
tie-ropec1525
slinga1625
top-chain1698
tee1882
1790 Coll. Voy. round World VI. xv. 1989 The boats were moored with top-chains.
1905 MSS House of Lords III. 344 Being asked if the top-chains, davits and fishes were made use of to make a boom.
top-cloth n. see quot. and cf. top-armour n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > other equipment of vessel > [noun] > devices to protect ship from weather > covering of canvas or tarpaulin > covering for hammocks
netting-sail1627
hammock-cloth1804
top-cloth1815
waist-cloth1815
1815 W. Burney Falconer's New Universal Dict. Marine (rev. ed.) Top-Cloth, a large piece of canvas, used to cover the hammocks which are lashed in the top when prepared for action.
top-lantern n. see quot. 1867.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > other equipment of vessel > [noun] > external lanterns lights
poop lantern1651
pharol1660
poop-light1708
top-lantern1748
pharos1759
truck-light18..
riding lamp1825
battle-lantern1830
pilot light1846
sidelight1848
riding light1861
running light1863
position light1889
smoking-lamp1889
navigation light1909
steaming light1909
spreader light1939
fanal-
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson i. x. 98 The main top-sail shook so strongly in the wind, that it carried away the top lanthorn.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Top-lantern, or Top-light, a large signal lantern placed in the after-part of a top.
top lift n. see lift n.2 7 (see also Compounds 2a).ⓘ
ΚΠ
1485 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 48 Toppe yerdes, j. Toppe lyftes, ij.
top-lining n. topsail-lining: see quots.; also ‘a platform of thin board nailed upon the upper part of the cross-trees on a vessel's top’ (Smyth).ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > material of sails > piece of canvas strengthening sail > on topsail
top-lining1794
leech-lining1883
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 93 The toplining of topsails is of canvas, No. 6 or 7.
1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 11 Top lining.—Double part on the after side of a topsail, to take the chafe of the top, etc.
top-maul n. see quot. 1867.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > [noun] > fitting out or equipping ships > rigging a ship > tools
top-maul1726
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World vii. 214 The top mall, which being made fast to the head of the main-mast, was wash'd ashore.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Top-maul, a large hammer used to start the topmast fid, and to beat down the top, when setting up topmast-rigging.
† top-nail n. Obsolete ? = fid n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > topmast > support for
top-nail1337
cap1626
fid1644
1337–9 in B. Sandahl Middle Eng. Sea Terms (1958) II. 113 Pro quadam clau' ferri voc' Toppenaill pro eodem Mast... Et de ij.s. solutis pro factura C. toppenaill.
top-nettings n. (plural) see top-armour n. (quot. 1867 for top-arming n.).ⓘ
Categories »
top-pendant n. a pendant used in hoisting and lowering topmasts ( Cent. Dict. 1891).ⓘ
top-rail n. see quot. (also Compounds 2a).ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast > rail round
top-rail1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Transl. French Terms Cercles de hune, the top-rails, which formerly surrounded the tops, when circular.
top-rim n. = top-brim n. ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun] > mast > platform at top of mast > edge of
brim1769
top-rim1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine at Out-rigger It is then thrust out to its usual distance beyond the top-rim, where it is securely fastened.
† top-royal n. Obsolete short for topgallant royal n. at topgallant n. and adj. Compounds.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > sail > [noun] > royal sail(s)
topgallant royals1514
top-royal?a1535
royal sail1660
royal1769
?a1535 To City of London (Vitellius) in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) II. 277 Thy Ryuer..Where many a ship doth rest with toppe-royall.
† top-ship n. Obsolete a ship having tops; = topman n.1 1a.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel propelled by sail > [noun] > vessel with specific number of masts > vessel with topmasts
topman1513
top-ship1562
a1560 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Nyne Fyrst Bks. Eneidos (1562) viii. sig. Cc.iiv His crown coragious shynes wt garlond won from topships snowt.
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 718 Two and fifty religious structures, as many wind~mils, and as many toppe Ships in Dunwich.
top-tackle n. a tackle used in raising or lowering topmasts.ⓘ
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society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > tackle or purchase > [noun] > for raising or lowering topmasts
top-tackle1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine at Mast To the lower end of the top-rope is fixed the top-tackle.
c. In sense A. 1b.
top-dyeing n. ⓘ
top-maker n. ⓘ
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > treating or processing textile materials > treating or processing wool > [noun] > combing > one who > other
stock-carder1728
top-maker1888
1888 Daily News 16 Apr. 2/7 Merino tops are firm in price,..though top makers are said to have little margin for profit.
1894 Gloss. Terms Evid. Royal Comm. Labour 83/1 in Parl. Papers 1893–4 (C. 7063–VC) XXXVIII. 411 Some woolstaplers are also ‘top-makers’, i.e., woolcombers. In woolcombing the long smooth fibres are combed out into ‘tops’, so called from the form in which the ‘ribbon’ of wool is coiled upon its spindle being like a spinning top.
1896 Balme & Co. Wool Brokers Circular 15 May Long-stapled parcels which..were largely purchased by the Bradford Topmakers.
top-making n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1884 W. S. B. McLaren Spinning Woollen & Worsted (ed. 2) 116 Balling or Top-Making.—One other process follows combing..namely, balling, or making into ‘tops’.
top-master n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1902 Times 6 Nov. 10/5 Top-masters report a fair trade during the week at satisfactory prices.
tops-mill n. ⓘ
ΚΠ
1909 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 284 He was building the largest tops mill in the United States.

Draft additions December 2022

topsite n. Computing an FTP server used to distribute and store illegal or pirated material.Such servers typically have strict security measures in order to evade authorities.
ΘΠ
society > computing and information technology > network > [noun] > server
mainframe1957
host computer1966
server1969
file server1979
portal1990
2005 P. Craig et al. Software Piracy Exposed vii. 128 Speed is the key; ideally, a topsite receives every new release 5 minutes before it is officially released.
2021 M. P. Eve Warez (e-book, accessed 13 May 2022) Concl. 289 Legal efforts thus far have played a game of whack-a-mole with topsites and release groups, steadily infiltrating them only to cut off a single head before the whole thing starts up again.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022; most recently modified version published online December 2022).

topn.2

Brit. /tɒp/, U.S. /tɑp/
Forms: Also Middle English–1500s toppe, Middle English topp ( toop); (1600s– Scottish tap).
Etymology: A word of difficult history, found (apparently) in late Old English (c1060) as top, also c1325 in Walter de Bibbesworth (Anglo-Norman and English), and common from late 14th cent. onward. There are words coinciding in sense, and apparently related in form, both in German and French, but their phonological relations are not normal. Some would refer to this word ‘top of flax or wool’: see top n.1 2. The meaning of top in quot. c1060 at sense 1a is only inferential, as the Old English Apollonius here diverges from the Latin original, which contains no such terms as turbo , trochus or other word meaning ‘top’; but it is difficult to see what else the Old English word could mean. In quot. c1325 at sense 1a the sense is clear. On the continent, the name of the toy in Holland generally is now tol ; but top is used in East and West Flanders, Antwerp, and parts of Brabant; also in Friesland, Groningen, and Drente, in the North Netherlands; but this has not been found earlier than 1500. In Brussels, Mechlin, South Brabant generally, and Limburg, the form used is dop . Dop , doppe , was also the Middle Dutch form, occurring from 13th cent., and was the normal Low German equivalent of Old High German topfo , topf , Middle High German topfe , topf , German dialect topf (= German kreisel ) in this sense. Of this comparatively late substitution of top for dop in Flemish, etc., no explanation appears, and it does not help to account for the use of top in English in 1060 or even in 1325. The most that could be suggested would be that the word meaning turbo or trochus has in both cases run together in form with that meaning apex (top n.1). On the other hand, the use in 1325 of an Anglo-Norman toup (toop) in this sense seems to form a link with French toupie (also †topie) and its kindred words, Old French topet, or toupet2, ObsoleteFrench toupin, and the derivative verbs Old French topier or toupier, topiner or toupiner, and toupiller. But the etymology of toupie and its family is beset by as many difficulties as that of top; it does not answer in form to either Old High German topfo or Middle Low German doppe.
1.
a. A toy of various shapes (cylindrical, obconic, etc.), but always of circular section, with a point on which it is made to spin, usually by the sudden pulling of a string wound round it; the common whip- or whipping-top is kept spinning by lashing it with a whip.Other tops, as the peg-top, are spun in the same way, but not whipped; some are spun by the action of a spring. humming-top, a hollow top, usually of metal, with perforations, which makes a humming noise in spinning. parish top, town top, a large top kept for public use, which two players or parties whipped in opposite directions. See also quot. 1911.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > top > [noun]
top13..
spilquernc1375
prill1440
spilcockc1440
whirligigc1440
nun1585
nun-gig1615
Roaring Meg1632
totum1706
teetotum1720
spinner1799
spinning-top1821
jenny-spinner1824
diabolo1905
dreidel1916
society > leisure > entertainment > toy or plaything > top > [noun] > humming-top
top13..
castle-topa1774
humming-top1819
c1060 Apollonius of Tyre (Thorpe) 13 Mid gelæredre handa he swang þone top mid swa micelre swiftnesse, þæt þam cynge wæs geþuht swilce he of ylde to iuguðe gewænd wære.]
13.. K. Alis. 1756 Þe Top þat is rounde aboute, Signefieþ also saunz doute, Þat þe werlde þat þe rounde is, Shal be myne also I wys.
c1325 Gloss. W. de Bibbesw. (Cambr.) I. 39 En la rue iuez au toup [All Souls MS. a toop]; Gloss. All Souls [In the] strete plaies þe toop, Camb. MS. atte toppe, B.M. Arundel a top of tre.
13.. K. Alis. (Bodl.) 1727 Þere fore, ich habbe þee ysent, A top and scourge to present.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) iii. xvii. d iiij b/1 All þe lynes pt ben drawe fro all þe partyes of þe thynge þt is seen, make aperaunce, shapen as a toppe, and the poynt therof is in þe black of the eye, and the brode ende in þe thynge þt is seen, as in this fygure & shappe.
c1425 St. Christina xxiv, in Anglia VIII. 128/36 Whirlynge about as a scoprelle or a toppe Þat childer pleye with.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 496/2 Top, of chylderys pley, trochus.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 1624 Soche soteltie þai soght to solas hom with; The tables, the top, tregetre also.
1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. Biiijv The stoole ball, top, or camping ball If suche one should assaye.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions ix. 54 Fensing, and scourging the Top.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. iii. 40 A Coward and a Coystrill that will not drinke to my Neece. till his braines turne o'th toe, like a parish top . View more context for this quotation
1616–61 B. Holyday tr. Persius Satires (1673) iii. 311 For the scourgstick I did strive, That none his top with greater art might drive.
1628 G. Wither Britain's Remembrancer Pref. 209 Are no more worthy of my serious hopes, Then Ratles, Pot-guns, or the Schoole-boyes Tops.
1640 J. Fletcher & J. Shirley Night-walker i. sig. C1v He..dances like a Towne top: and reeles and hobbles.
1697 R. Pierce Bath Mem. i. x. 235 To play at Trap, and Top and Scourge, with the Boys.
1838–43 C. Knight Pict. Ed. Wks. Shakspere. Twelfth Night i. iii. (note) The town-top and the parish-top were one and the same. The custom..existed in the time of Elizabeth, and probably long before, of a large top being provided for the amusement of the peasants in frosty weather.
1851 D. Jerrold St. Giles & St. James (new ed.) iii, in Writings I. 18 Battledores, humming-tops.
1868 W. Lockyer & J. N. Lockyer tr. A. Guillemin Heavens (ed. 3) 457 The motion of our globe has often been compared..to that of a top.
1911 Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 47/2 Other kinds of tops are made as supports for coloured disks which on revolving show a kaleidoscopic variation of patterns. The top is also used in certain games of chance, when it is generally known as a ‘teetotum’.
b. As the type of a sound sleeper, in reference to the apparent stillness of a spinning top when its axis of rotation is vertical: cf. sleep v. 3c; esp. in to sleep like (as sound or as fast as) a top: cf. sleep v. 1e. †Rarely figurative = sound sleeper.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [noun] > one who sleeps or is asleep > deeply or soundly
top1621
1621 J. Fletcher et al. Trag. of Thierry & Theodoret v. i. sig. K2 I will assure you he can sleepe no more Then a hooded hawke, a centinell to him, Or one of the citty Constables are tops.
1693 W. Congreve Old Batchelour i. i. 8 'Tis but well lashing him, and he will sleep like a Top.
1711 A. Ramsay Elegy Maggy Johnstoun x I took a nap..As sound's a tap.
1763 F. Sheridan Discov. i. ii In two minutes I was as fast as a top.
1909 G. Tyrrell in Q. Rev. July 106 Its [a perfect life's] quiet is that of a sleeping top,—the ease of intense well-balanced activity.
2. A marine gastropod having a short conical shell; any species of the genus Trochus or family Trochidæ; a top-shell. In earliest use, sea top.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > class Gastropoda > [noun] > superorder Branchifera > order Prosobranchiata > section Holostomata > family Trochidae > member of genus Trochus
topa1682
whirl1708
shuttle1750
trochus1753
trochoid1839
silver buckie?1841
trochid1861
a1682 Sir T. Browne Acct. Fishes Norfolk in Wks. (1835) IV. 332 Also trochi, trochili, or sea tops, finely variegated and pearly.
1856 P. H. Gosse Man. Marine Zool. II. 118 Trochus (Linn.) Top. Shell pyramidal, nearly flat at the base.
1857 J. G. Wood Common Objects Sea Shore 25 Little shells, called Tops from their form... One of the most beautiful of these shells, the Livid Top (Trochus ziziphinus).
3. Rope-making. (Also laying-top.) See quots.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > rope-making equipment > [noun] > other rope-making equipment
warping-tree1404
throw-crook1557
warping-stock1588
spun-yarn winch1627
winch1640
woolder1750
register1793
top minor1793
laying-top1794
warping-block1794
whirl1794
reel1797
warping-post1797
whirl-hook1797
strand-hook1825
spreader1830
register plate1832
wimble1863
snugger1875
strop1875
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 58 Tops, to lay ropes,..are conical pieces of wood, with three or four grooves..from the butt to the end, for the strands to lie in, and form a triangle.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVI. 485/1 The top comes away from the swivel..and the line begins to lay.
1841 Penny Cycl. XX. 154/2 A piece of wood called a top, in the form of a truncated cone, being placed between the strands, and kept during the operation gently forced into the angle formed by the strands, where they are united by the closing or twisting of the rope.
1877 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. (at cited word) The top is forced as far as possible toward the sledge-hook, so as to allow the twist to commence at that end, the top giving way as the twist crowds it forward to the head end of the yarns.

Compounds

C1. General attributive. See also topman n.2
a.
top-fashion n.
top-shape n.
top-spinner n.
top-spinning n.
Π
1913 N.E.D. at Top sb.2 Top-spinning.
1964 Catal. National Mus. Kuala Lumpur 3/1 Dioramas present aspects of Malay dances, Kelantan top spinning, [etc.].
1979 Arizona Daily Star 5 Aug. b 5/3 For relaxation, the brothers have taken up juggling, motocross bike~riding and top-spinning.
top-string n.
Π
1855 E. C. Gaskell Lizzie Leigh & Other Tales 247 He had been the..Robin Good~fellow of the neighbourhood..whose top-strings were always hanging in nooses to catch the unwary.
b.
top-giddy adj.
ΚΠ
1824 J. Symmons tr. Æschylus Agamemnon 60 They vanish'd in deep night, Top-giddy, whirl'd about, or scatter'd wide.
top-like adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > curvature > curved three-dimensional shape or body > [adjective] > conical
pineatea1400
conical1570
conic1614
cone-like1665
sugar-loafed1702
top-like?1711
coniformc1790
extinguisher-shaped1840
cone-shaped1851
coned1878
extinguisher-like1881
piniform1890
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [adjective] > spinning
turbinated1665
spinning1854
top-like1895
?1711 J. Petiver Gazophylacii VII.–VIII. Table 65 A small Pyramidal or Toplike Shell.
1895 I. B. Richman Appenzell xi. 195 To execute..a series of top-like revolutions about the room.
top-shaped adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > curvature > curved three-dimensional shape or body > [adjective] > conical > obconic or pear-shaped
turbinated1615
turbinate1661
pyriform1717
pear-shaped1731
top-shaped1776
obconical1799
obconic1819
pear drop1865
pyriformed1874
1776 J. Lee Introd. Bot. (ed. 3) Explan. Terms 394 Turbinatum, top-shaped, like an obverse cone.
C2.
top minor n. Rope-making see quot. 1845.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > rope-making equipment > [noun] > other rope-making equipment
warping-tree1404
throw-crook1557
warping-stock1588
spun-yarn winch1627
winch1640
woolder1750
register1793
top minor1793
laying-top1794
warping-block1794
whirl1794
reel1797
warping-post1797
whirl-hook1797
strand-hook1825
spreader1830
register plate1832
wimble1863
snugger1875
strop1875
1793 J. D. Belfour Specif. Patent 1939 10 To prevent the strand from being twisted too quick, I have introduced an instrument which I call the top minor.
1845 Encycl. Metrop. VIII. 754/2 The yarns were all united..round the notches of an implement which he [J. D. Belfour] called a top minor.
top-shell n. = sense 2.
Π
?1711 J. Petiver Gazophylacii VII.–VIII. Table 70 The large Barbadoes Magpye Top-shell.
1885 C. F. Holder Marvels Animal Life 83 Usually a Top-shell (Trochus).
top-wise adv. like a top, in the manner of a top.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > curvature > curved three-dimensional shape or body > [adverb] > conically
top-wise1398
conically1660
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [adverb] > in a spinning manner
teetotumwise1881
top-wise1900
spinningly1923
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Tollem. MS.) (1495) iii. xvii Þe syȝte is nouȝt mad but by a piramys schape a top wise [L. per piramidem; 1535 shapen top wise] þt comeþ to þe ye.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum x. v In the moost ouermest poynt of his shappe that is a topwyse the flamme is moost hote.
1900 F. T. Bullen Idylls of Sea v. 27 The angry currents..whirling us topwise in defiance of wind and helm.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online December 2020).

† topn.3

Forms: Also Middle English toppe.
Etymology: < Middle Low German, Middle Flemish toppe, top (14–15th cent.) basket (as a measure of raisins, figs, etc.): compare Middle Low German top basket, as a measure of grapes (Walther-Lubben), Middle Dutch topkine (c1334), toppen (1486), top van vijghen basket of figs (Kilian); Old French (Picard) toppe (compare trois toppes ou vaisseaulx ). See also toppet n.2 and compare tap n.3, topnet , tapnet n.
Obsolete.
A basket, as a measure of grapes or figs.
ΘΠ
the world > food and drink > food > container for food > [noun] > basket > for fruit or vegetables
fraila1382
top1440
tapnet1524
fig-frail1608
flat1640
raisin frail1669
chip basket1758
pottle1771
sievea1800
punnet1822
trug1836
bodge1876
molly1883
handle1900
1440–1 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 78 It. in 2 sorttes ficuum et racemorum magnorum cum 8 toppes racemorum magnorum.
1530–1 in J. Raine Durham Househ. Bk. (1844) 44 7 fraylls ficuum et 1 tope racemorum magnorum.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online September 2021).

topv.1

Brit. /tɒp/, U.S. /tɑp/
Forms: Middle English–1600s toppe, Middle English– top, 1600s tope, 1600s topp.
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: top n.1
Etymology: < top n.1In branch I. perhaps originally in a sense ‘to pull by the hair’; compare top n.1 I. and top n.1 and adj. Phrases 6, and compare also Dutch toppen, tobben (1599 in Kilian in this sense) and German zupfen, †zopfen (16th cent. in this sense).
†I. To fight, argue, and related senses.
1. intransitive. To fight, wrestle; to struggle. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > contend [verb (intransitive)]
winc888
fightc900
flitec900
wraxlec1000
wrestlea1200
cockc1225
conteckc1290
strivec1290
struta1300
topc1305
to have, hold, make, take strifec1374
stightlea1375
debatec1386
batea1400
strugglec1412
hurlc1440
ruffle1440
warc1460
warslea1500
pingle?a1513
contend1529
repugn1529
scruggle1530
sturtc1535
tuga1550
broilc1567
threap1572
yoke1581
bustle1585
bandy1594
tilt1595
combat1597
to go (also shake, try, wrestle) a fall1597
mutiny1597
militate1598
combatizec1600
scuffle1601
to run (or ride) a-tilt1608
wage1608
contesta1618
stickle1625
conflict1628
stickle1647
dispute1656
fence1665
contrast1672
scramble1696
to battle it1715
rug1832
grabble1835
buffet1839
tussle1862
pickeer1892
passage1895
tangle1928
c1300 Pilate (Harl.) l. 15 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 111 Þat child..and pilatus also..to-gadere were ido As hi wexe hi toppede ofte, þer nas bituene hem no loue Ac þat child riȝt biȝute euer was aboue.
c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 149 Ac þo hy hedde ine heuene ytopped, Wy nedde hy be ine helle y-stopped For euere mo.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 496 Toppyn, or fechte be the nekke [1499 Pynson feightyn by the nek].
2. Scottish.
a. transitive. To oppose (something). Obsolete.
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-
1641 R. Baillie Lett. & Jrnls. (1841) I. 390 Whill Argyle topes this nomination, as of man unmeet, because of irresponsableness to the law for his debts.
b. intransitive. With with. To argue, dispute, or come into conflict with a person or group. Cf. in tops with. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1658 J. Durham Comm. Bk. Revelation 103 What may move men of judgement and parts (especially if they be conscientious) to top with magistrates? It's not like that self interests doth that.
a1722 J. Lauder Jrnls. (1900) 218 Who toped with the Colledge of Justice for the precedency and carried it from them, and who feared not to make open war with the greatest of them?
II. To remove the top of something, and related senses.
†3. transitive. To cut or shave off (a person's hair). Also with a person or the head as object. Also with off. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > beautify (the hair) [verb (transitive)] > cut
shearc897
shavec1320
topc1330
dockc1386
clipc1405
pollc1450
roundc1450
coll1483
cow?1507
not1530
trim1530
tonse1555
benotte1594
decurtate1599
scissora1625
to set upa1625
tonsure1793
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > beautify (the hair) [verb (transitive)] > cut > a person
dod?c1225
polla1325
topc1330
roundc1450
barb1587
unbeard1598
deplume1775
crop1858
Dartmoor-clip1932
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7715 (MED) For diol he topped of his hare And himself tobete and tare.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2917 Getith a peir sisours, sherith my berd..And aftirward lete top my hede.
1632 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 112 Lord Privy Seale..found great fault with his long ruffian-like haire, and would have topped him if the vote of the Court had been for it.
4.
a. transitive. To cut off the top of (a plant), e.g. to pollard (a tree), prune (a bush), or cut away or break off (the head of a flowering plant). Also in extended use and figurative. Also with off.See also summer top vb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > [verb (transitive)] > trees: prune or lop
sneda800
shredc1000
crop?c1225
purgec1384
parea1398
shear1398
shridea1425
dodc1440
polla1449
twist1483
top1509
stow1513
lop1519
bough?1523
head?1523
poll-shred1530
prune1547
prime1565
twig1570
reform1574
disbranch1575
shroud1577
snathe1609
detruncate1623
amputate1638
abnodate1656
duba1661
to strip up1664
reprune1666
pollard1670
shrub1682
log1699
switch1811
limb1835
preen1847
to cut back1871
shrig1873
brash1950
summer prune1980
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > cutting > cut [verb (transitive)] > cut off or away (with an instrument)
thwitea900
telwec1440
mowc1450
top1509
summer top1548
whittle1552
white1567
shave1605
1446 Lease Indenture (Brasenose Coll. Oxf. Archives) (Hurst Cal. of Munim. 7, Cropredy 88) The seid Steven' graunted by this dede that he shall toppe ne byhede Elme Asshe ne Oke.
1605 1st Pt. Jeronimo sig. F Ile top thy head for that ambitious word.
1637 Earl of Monmouth tr. V. Malvezzi Romulus & Tarquin 225 Hee tops off the heads of the highest flowers.
a1663 A. Cant Serm. preached June 1638 (1682) 12 The mountain must not be paired or topped.
1694 Philos. Trans. 1693 (Royal Soc.) 17 982 They top their Tobacco, that is, take away the little top-bud.
1768 tr. Marquise De Sévigné Lett. III. cc. 82 They have topped the trees that are before the gate.
1853 Hereford Jrnl. 21 Sept. They were doing what he believed to be topping the heads of the grain.
1987 I. Radforth Bushworkers & Bosses ix. 194 [They] came up with the ingenious idea of limbing and topping trees, using the standing tree as a structural support for equipment.
2021 Times Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) (Nexis) 25 Aug. A judge has granted an injunction against West Vancouver homeowners who topped a number of cedar trees on their neighbour's property.
b. transitive. In the same sense, in collocation with lop (lop v.1 1a), esp. in to lop and top. Also occasionally intransitive.Cf. lops and tops at top n.1 5b.
ΚΠ
1550 T. Cranmer Def. Sacrament Pref. sig. iii.v The rest is but branches and leaues, the cuttyng away wherof, is but like toppyng & loppyng of a tree, or cuttyng downe of weeds.]
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Detrunco To loppe and toppe a tree.
1657 M. Hawke Grounds Lawes Eng. 58 Tithe is not payable of Okes, Ash, and Elme, usually lopped, and topped, though it be every seven or eight years.
1732 Gentleman's Mag. May 745/1 So they lop and top till they leave the Government a Trunk naked.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge vii. 273 Those prejudices of society which lop and top from poor handmaidens all such genteel excrescences.
1950 Sudan Notes & Rec. 31 214 Forest land with the trees lopped and topped is preferred for sesame.
2002 Western Mail (Cardiff) (Nexis) 11 Oct. 7 [He] admitted that he topped and lopped the tree, which was the subject of a tree preservation order, in a manner likely to destroy it.
5. transitive. Originally: to remove the snuff from (a candle) by pinching or cutting it off; = snuff v.1 1a. Later: to extinguish (a candle) (cf. snuff v.1 2b). Cf. topper n.1 1a(a). British regional in later use.The verbal noun in quot. 1554 may refer to the removal of snuff, but reference to the provision of fresh tops for torches is more likely.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light) > snuff (a candle)
snota1425
snitec1440
snaste1561
top1594
snuff1688
snib1808
1554 in Mod. Lang. Rev. (1951) 46 329 For toppyng off the torchys xiiiid.]
1594 H. Plat Jewell House 50 Without giuing that offence to the eye which the Candle dooth by his present blaze after it is newlie topped.
1608 T. Middleton Your Fiue Gallants sig. A2 Top the candle sirrah.
1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue Top, the signal among taylors for snuffing the candles.
1840 F. Marryat Poor Jack xxii. 156 Let us top this glim a bit.
1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. 448 Jest top that candle,—it's got a wick as lung as a fortnit.
1982 B. G. Charles Eng. Dial. S. Pembrokeshire 50/2 Top, to snuff a candle with the fingers.
6. slang.
a. transitive. To execute (a person) by hanging. Cf. topsman n. 1. Quot. 1600 (in sense 4a) perhaps implies earlier currency of this sense.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > hang [verb (transitive)]
hangc1000
anhangOE
forhangc1300
to loll up1377
gallowa1400
twitchc1450
titc1480
truss1536
beswinga1566
trine1567
to turn over1570
to turn off1581
to turn (a person) on the toe1594
to stretch1595
derrick1600
underhang1603
halter1616
staba1661
noose1664
alexander1666
nub1673
ketch1681
tuck1699
gibbet1726
string1728
scrag1756
to hang up1771
crap1773
patibulate1811
strap1815
swing1816
croak1823
yardarm1829
to work off1841
suspercollatea1863
dangle1887
1600 N. Breton Pasquils Mad-cap 32 And tell the theeues that robbe without a feare, That Tiborne trees must once a month be topt.]
1614 S. Jerome Moses his Sight of Canaan 168 If the Theefe and the Seminarie feares Tyburne, they shall be topt there.
1718 C. Hitchin Regulator 14 He being known to be an old Practitioner, will certainly be cast and top'd, alias hang'd for the same.
1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 387/1 Thirty-six were cast for death, and only one was ‘topped’.
1904 A. Griffiths Fifty Years Public Service xxii. 337 [One] hoped the day would be fine when he was to be topped.
1999 E. Bunker Mr. Blue xiii. 337 Ninety-one men were topped on Folsom's gallows until California went to the gas chamber.
b. transitive. To kill (a person); to murder.
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
1865 Age (Melbourne) 5 Apr. He pulled her away again, and she and the other cabman called out to the prisoner some slang expression which he thought was, ‘top him, Jack’.
1962 R. Cook Crust on its Uppers iii. 41 He nearly topped a screw..with a mailbag needle when he was doing a three there for g.b.h.
1984 M. Litchfield See how they Run xvii. 157 That shooter..wasn't used to top Frost.
2007 S. Dunne Reaper (2009) xxvii. 422 I don't care one way or the other about this Annie Sewell. As far as I'm concerned, topping her is letting her off easy.
c. transitive (reflexive). To commit suicide; to kill oneself.Not in common use in the United States.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > suicide > [verb (reflexive)]
murderc1175
spill1390
spoil1578
to make away1581
massacre1591
misdo1599
self-murder1648
to lay violent hands on (or upon)1662
to make away with1667
to rip up1807
suicide1818
1912 Weekly Disp. 7 Apr. 13/2 As soon as our cells were opened the news spread that a man had 'topped' himself (hanged himself).
1990 I. Rankin Hide & Seek (1998) 171 Why had someone gone to the trouble of killing Ronnie? After all, the poor bugger would have topped himself given time.
2012 S. Townsend Woman who went to Bed for Year xxxvii. 241 The kids are terrified of him. But she would never leave him 'cause he threatened to top himself.
7. transitive. Watchmaking and Clockmaking. To shorten the teeth of (a cog or wheel).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [verb (transitive)] > use particular materials or procedures in watchmaking
jewel1764
bank1807
1866 Eng. Mechanic & Mirror of Sci. & Art 29 June 287/2 The balance wheel should be topped true, and the teeth filed up with a balance-wheel file.
1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 55 Very slightly top the wheel by holding a piece of Arkansas stone against the teeth.
1969 D. De Carle Pract. Watch Repairing (ed. 3) iv Topping the wheel may make a shallow depth at another part, but it will clear the part which binds.
1996 M. Watters Clock Repairer's Man. v. 48/1 After topping the wheel, it may be necessary to adjust the depth of the pallets.
III. To put a top on or form the top of something, and related senses.
8. transitive. To put a top on (something); to add an upper part, top layer, or covering to; (in early use) to provide (a building or other structure) with a roof or top; spec. to finish off (a haystack) with a pointed or ridged top as protection against the rain (cf. to top up 1a) (obsolete). Now often: to add a topping to (food). Frequently with with. Also intransitive.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from sense 9a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > set in a high position [verb (transitive)] > occupy or form the top of > furnish with a top
crownc1430
crestc1440
encrown1486
head1530
top1581
increst1611
?a1440 Hortus Vocab. in Trans. Bristol & Gloucs. Archaeol. Soc. (1923) 45 273 Culmino, to toppyn or howsyn.
1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades vii. 133 When as their towres they topt aloft, and rampires great did raise.
1587 R. Greene Euphues sig. B3v Achilles..tolde hir that the formost of azure bisse, topt with a Dragon, perced with a speare, was the pauilion of their Generall Agamemnon.
1679 O. Heywood Autobiogr., Diaries, & Event Bks. (1881) II. 188 To Roger Stocks, topping orchard wal.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 527 The little Notredame..topp'd with a Cupola.
1775 G. Harrison Agric. Delineated 151 The shortest and thinnest sheaves should be used in topping the stack, because it cannot be so conveniently drawn in and narrowed with long sheaves.
1864 J. H. Burton Scot Abroad I. v. 294 The practice..of topping the flanking round towers with conical roofs.
1866 Farmer's Mag. Oct. 275/1 In topping the stack, the last few sheaves can be inverted, which makes a very convenient and exceedingly serviceable thatch.
1892 Cornhill Mag. Oct. 363 One [governess] grounded and another topped.
1969 Los Angeles Times 15 May vi. 21 Spoon sauce over meat and top with cheese, carrots, lettuce, avocado and radish slices.
1987 R. Hall Kisses of Enemy (1990) ii. 281 Mama, seen as a brilliant green costume topped by vermilion headscarves, advanced with the stiff-hipped waddle of a parrot.
2021 Irish Times (Nexis) 8 May (Sat. Mag.) 7 We layered sheets of cardboard on top of the last of the lawn and topped it with a curving bark mulch path.
9.
a. To form or constitute the top of (something); to be positioned at the top of; to sit on top of.
(a) transitive. With reference to a physical object.In passive use often difficult to distinguish from sense 8.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > set in a high position [verb (transitive)] > occupy or form the top of
crownc1430
pinnaclea1525
surmount1610
cresta1616
top1615
head1638
coronate1707
cap1807
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 42 Rhodope still topt with snow.
1629 J. Wadsworth Eng. Spanish Pilgrime iii. 14 A Dormitory, which containes three long Galleries topping the house.
1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 12 The decent church that topt the neighbouring hill.
1842 Sporting Mag. Feb. 284 A weather-vane in the shape of a running fox, which topped the roof of a neighbouring stable.
1929 Condor 31 148 On many species of birds I have seen the wee tuft of oily feathers which top this nipple.
2018 Oxf. Times (Nexis) 2 Aug. There are homely inns, bakeries and good honest mountain outfitters—backed by jagged mountains, topped with snow and ice, even in mid-summer.
2022 Baltimore Sun (Nexis) 16 Jan. r6 The truly exotic mullet topping the head of Joe Exotic..during early pandemic Netflix binging.
(b) transitive. With reference to a person who or thing which is placed at the top of a list, poll, ranking, etc. Cf. to top the bill.
ΚΠ
1788 World 1 Aug. If perchance she had caught the breeze five minutes sooner, most likely would have headed the Dove..who tops the list, and bears the Laurel of the Day.
1861 W. H. Dixon Personal Hist. Ld. Bacon xii. §7 In character as in intellect Bacon tops the list.
1948 Jrnl. Econ. Hist. 8 63 In 1807, Sir Francis Burdett had topped the poll.
1994 Glastonbury 24–26 June: Official Programme 17 Chrissie Hynde has been there, done that and bought the T-shirt: written about the bands, written the hits, topped the charts, pulled through the tragedies.
2015 Western Mail (Nexis) 4 Feb. 12 Screen stars Jamie Dornan and Benedict Cumberbatch have topped a list of the world's sexiest men.
†b. transitive. figurative. To be in a pre-eminent or leading position with respect to (a quality or activity). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > pre-eminence > [verb (transitive)]
top?1683
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [verb (transitive)] > take the lead in
pioneera1821
?1683 E. M. Serm. Thanksgiving Delivery of Charles II 7 I will instance one point more wherein he tops the greatest vertue of a Prince.
1706 tr. J. B. Morvan de Bellegarde Refl. upon Ridicule 21 They kindle against such as will be Topping and Monopolizing the Conversation.
a1734 R. North Lives of Norths (1826) I. 46 His youthful habits were never gay, or topping the mode.
1802 J. West Infidel Father II. xvii. 208 It came in two winters ago for very high ladies to stand godmothers to the natural children of all their relations. Lady Random topped the fashion.
c. transitive. Of an act or performer: to have top billing or be the star attraction in (a show, venue, etc.); to be the headliner of. Cf. to top the bill, headline v. 3.
ΚΠ
1940 Sheboygan (Wisconsin) Press 25 July 25/8 Topping the Festival is ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ and in addition are ‘Ferdinand the Bull’, ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and several others.
1977 Sounds 9 July 4/4 Led Zeppelin remain favourites to top a one-day festival at Wrotham Park.
2016 Dubbo (Austral.) Daily Liberal (Nexis) 17 May 9 It's nice to have two solid rock bands topping the show.
10. transitive. To have sexual intercourse with (someone). Also, of a male animal: to copulate with (a female animal). Cf. cover v.1 6a, tup v.In use relating to people more commonly with a man as the subject of the verb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > sexual organs and reproduction > [verb (transitive)] > copulate with
entera1425
alignc1425
line1495
cover1535
serve1577
befilth1593
topa1616
back1658
strenea1728
mate1932
service1947
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > engage in sexual activity with [verb (transitive)] > have sexual intercourse with > specifically of a man
jape1382
overliec1400
swivec1405
foilc1440
overlay?a1475
bed1548
possess1592
knock1598
to get one's leg over1599
enjoy1602
poke1602
thrum1611
topa1616
riga1625
swingea1640
jerk1650
night-work1654
wimble1656
roger1699
ruta1706
tail1778
to touch up1785
to get into ——c1890
root1922
to knock up1934
lay1934
pump1937
prong1942
nail1948
to slip (someone) a length1949
to knock off1953
thread1958
stuff1960
tup1970
nut1971
pussy1973
service1973
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) v. ii. 145 She turn'd to folly, and she was a whore... Cassio did top her.
1633 J. Ford Loves Sacrifice iii. sig. F4v Oh for three Barbary stone horses to top three Flanders Mares?
a1687 Duke of Buckingham Misc. Wks. (1704) I. 41 So down into the Stygian Lake she [sc. Nell Gwynn] dropt, To meet the Prince she had so often topt.
1922 V. Randolph Pissing in Snow (1986) 99 One Sunday the miller stayed in bed late, because the mill was shut down, so he topped her three times before breakfast.
1959 W. Faulkner Mansion i. 14 My young bull topped her last week.
2021 L. Blake Submission Impossible (e-book, accessed 30 Mar. 2022) vi He hadn't acknowledged it—hadn't told her he wanted to top her—so she didn't say anything.
11.
a. transitive. To fill up or refill a partly full glass, container, etc.; = to top off 4 at Phrasal verbs, to top up 2a at Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > fill > bring up to capacity
to fill up1712
to top up1937
1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 328 Their business being to attend each ship, to top the vats, and to return an account of the coals measured.
1831 J. Banim & M. Banim Chaunt of Cholera 50 Well—top your glass, Sir Lily, Our parting one, our parting one—A bumper and a tilly.
1946 G. Blake Westering Sun x. 342 As well ask the foreman if he had made sure the trucks were topped with petrol, oil and water.
1958 Airman Feb. 6/3 B-47 medium jet bombers, B-52 heavy jet bombers.., and B36 propjet bombers squat on their ramps on 24-hour alert with tanks topped with fuel and weapons preloaded and ‘ready’.
2008 ‘Leopoldo’ Shadows of Lepers (e-book, accessed 22 Mar. 2022) 133 Abruzzi topped her glass with more cider.
b. transitive. Chiefly British. To put the largest and best fresh produce, esp. fruit, on the top of (a punnet, box, etc.) in order to give customers a favourable impression of its quality. Also with up and with the fruit as the object. Cf. topper n.1 11, topping n.1 7b.Chiefly in the use of market gardeners and greengrocers.
ΚΠ
1868 Freeman's Jrnl. (Dublin) 14 July I allude to the fraudulent custom of topping baskets of inferior small ones with a stone or two of the proper size for table use, and to which practice, I regret to say, most improper encouragement is given by many of the potato factors.
1891 Brit. Workman Aug. I mean..that you're a topper... You've been topping your punnets.
1896 Jrnl. Royal Hort. Soc. Nov. 209 A grower who does not top up his fruit deserves to be canonised.
2007 Bromsgrove Advertiser (Nexis) 22 June Hers was an important job not only to weigh the fruit, but to ensure the baskets and punnets were ‘topped’ with some of the best and ripest berries.
12. Dyeing.
a. transitive. To enhance or alter the effect of (a dye) by the application of another; to dye (a textile) with a final dye after the application of a preliminary dye. Also intransitive: to alter the effect of a dye in this way; to apply a second dye. Cf. to top off 2 at Phrasal verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > colouring > dyeing > dye [verb (transitive)] > processes or techniques
to dye in grainc1386
woad1463
madder1464
set1529
to dye in (the) wool, in grain1579
alum1598
rake1778
sumac1792
piece-dye1810
gall1822
dung1824
wince1839
winch1845
overdye1857
top1874
to wet out1882
vat1883
cross-dye1885
paddle1909
premetallize1948
spin-dye1948
1817 W. Tucker Family Dyer & Scourer 74 The deep rose colours are sometimes topped, or made fuller, by passing the silk through an old cochineal liquor.
1848 Sci. Amer. 15 July 344/1 There are two ways of dyeing dark shades, first by bottoming, as it is technically termed, with logwood and then dyeing with the prussiate of potass, or first dyeing with the prussiate and then topping with the logwood.
1874 W. Crookes Pract. Handbk. Dyeing 526 Such increase of oxalic acid is not recommended for topping blacks.
2020 P. Pandit et al. Recycling from Waste in Fashion & Textiles x. 228 Fabrics can be dyed using the extract of natural dye for various percentages of shades to achieve the compound effect of indigo topped with another natural dye.
†b. transitive. To dye the tips of the hairs on (a skin or fur), typically a darker colour or shade than the rest of the hair. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1877 Chem. News 29 Mar. 133/2 ‘Methyl-green’ is much used for topping skins which have been dyed green with extract of indigo.
1910 W. Parker in Encycl. Brit. XI. 352/2 The paler skins from all districts in Siberia are now cleverly coloured or ‘topped’, that is, just the tips of the hair are stained dark.
†13. transitive. Agriculture. To apply a layer of (top dressing or salt) to land. Cf. salt v.1 6b, top-dress v. 1.Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 i. 188 A friend of mine always tops from 1½ to 2 cwt. [of salt] per acre before ploughing the clover leys.
1876 in J. O. Adams Ann. Rep. Board Agric. (New Hampshire Agric. Board) 125 If I have land that is very rich, I top manure in the spring.
IV. To exceed in height, surpass, and related senses.
14.
a. transitive. To exceed (a person, animal, or thing) in height or size; to be taller than.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > be great in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > be greater than in quantity, amount, or degree
surmountc1374
passa1387
exceedc1400
to come over ——a1479
surpassa1555
outstrip1579
top1582
outnumber1598
over-reckona1635
turn1716
overgang1737
overspring1801
rise1838
overvault1851
override1867
better1873
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > vertical extent > make high(er) [verb (transitive)] > exceed in height
surmountc1374
overpassa1400
passc1400
overpeer1565
overcrop1567
overlook1567
overtop1578
top1582
superate1599
overtip?a1607
over-heighten?1611
out-topa1672
overtower1812
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 28 Two serpents..charg Laocoon..His neck eke chayning with tayls, hym in quantitye topping.
1686 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Staffs. ix. 380 When they come to top them, [they] will quickly shade, and so kill them.
1747 Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 589/1 The sea ran so high at Rotterdam, as to top two stories of many houses.
1760 R. Brown Compl. Farmer: Pt. 2 82 White oats..come up sooner, and top the weeds better than black.
1887 W. Besant World Went ix She was so tall that she topped her father..by a head.
1988 S. Grant Kerandraon Legacy iii. 35 The small woman drew herself up regally to her full height, which still left Christie topping her by several inches.
2011 J. Golding Deadlock: Bk. iii. v. 76 Though Hugo topped him by a head, Jake looked ready to take him on for her.
b. transitive. To surpass (a person, a previous achievement, etc.) in performance or success; to outdo.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > outdoing or surpassing > outdo or surpass [verb (transitive)]
overstyeOE
overshinec1175
overgoc1225
passc1225
surmountc1369
forpassc1374
overmatcha1375
overpassa1382
to pass overa1393
overcomec1400
outpass?a1425
exceedc1425
precedec1425
superexcelc1429
transcendc1430
precel?a1439
outcut1447
overgrowc1475
to come over ——a1479
excel1493
overleapa1500
vanquish1533
outweigh1534
prevent1540
better1548
preferc1550
outgo1553
surpassa1555
exsuperate1559
cote1566
overtop1567
outrun1575
outstrip1579
outsail1580
overruna1586
pre-excel1587
outbid1589
outbrave1589
out-cote1589
top1590
outmatch1593
outvie1594
superate1595
surbravec1600
oversile1608
over-height1611
overstride1614
outdoa1616
outlustrea1616
outpeera1616
outstrikea1616
outrival1622
antecede1624
out-top1624
antecell1625
out-pitch1627
over-merit1629
outblazea1634
surmatch1636
overdoa1640
overact1643
outact1644
worst1646
overspana1657
outsoar1674
outdazzle1691
to cut down1713
ding1724
to cut out1738
cap1821
by-pass1848
overtower1850
pretergress1851
outray1876
outreach1879
cut1884
outperform1937
outrate1955
one-up1963
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 1st Pt. sig. B5v But when you see his actions top his speech, Your speech will stay.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) ii. i. 20 Topping all others in boasting. View more context for this quotation
1787 E. Burke Corr. (1844) III. 55 A measure, if possible, to top the former.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. v. 132 [One] who for fun and humour seemed to top them all.
1942 Life 26 Jan. 6/1 He's topped them both in every department.
2021 Western Mail (Cardiff) (Nexis) 27 Oct. 45 ‘It tops everything in my career,’ said Price.
c. transitive. To exceed (an amount, level, or number); to be more than.
ΚΠ
1777 Town & County Mag. Sept. 494/1 Thus she who at night topped five feet and ten, In the morning to four can't parallel ken.
1819 Morning Post 12 Oct. The receipts last night topped eighty pounds.
1867 F. Francis Bk. Angling iii. 70 Many of them topped two and a half pounds.
1901 Daily Express 21 Mar. 5/4 Thames..topped the Trinity high water mark by 3½ feet.
1984 Daily Tel. 12 Sept. 22/5 Tea prices could well top the record levels reached early this year.
2017 Times of India (Nexis) 6 Sept. Xiaomi's India revenues top $1bn.
15.
a. transitive. To reach the summit or crest of (a hill or other elevation); (more generally) to ascend to the top of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > ascend (something) [verb (transitive)] > reach the top of
top1602
breast1718
crest1851
1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 75 Their harts were inflamed with flashes of conspiracies, how to top the highest place.
1668 J. Denham Poems 157 Wind about, till thou have topp'd the Hill.
1775 E. Burke Speech Resol. for Concil. Colonies 24 Already they have topped the Apalachian mountains.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. vi. 169 A pale yellow line, seen only as they topped a wave.
1886 J. S. Corbett Fall of Asgard I. 61 As they topped the crags that overhung the tarn.
1935 C. Yore Hard Country & Gold xxi. 290 They topped a ridge to see a widespread maze of hill crests and deep purple valleys beneath them.
2004 A. Bidulka Flight of Aquavit xiii. 171 I skulkingly topped the staircase and gazed about for something to use as a weapon.
2009 Bismarck (N. Dakota) Tribune (Nexis) 12 Nov. 1 c It wasn't long after they topped the crest I saw some movement coming out behind them.
†b. transitive. Originally Theatre. To give a performance that perfectly presents or brings out the fullest possibilities of (one's role); (also) to transcend the limitations of (the character one is playing). Later often in extended use: to play (one's part) in a particular situation by making an appropriate contribution or behaving in the expected manner. Usually in to top one's part. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (intransitive)] > in specific manner
to tear a (the) cat1600
to top one's part1672
to walk through ——1824
corpse1874
sketch1888
underplay1896
to play for laughs (also a laugh)1900
register1913
scene-steal1976
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > succeed or be a success [verb (intransitive)] > achieve success (of persons) > play a part successfully
to top one's part1786
1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal iii. 22 He does not hit me in't: he does not top his part.
1697 J. Dennis Plot & no Plot A iij But are you sure, Daughter, that you can act a fit of the Mother well?.. Ay, and top my part too, Mother.
1761 C. Churchill Rosciad 2 Palmer! Oh! Palmer tops the janty part.
1786 Earl of Malmesbury Diaries & Corr. II. 219 Warm as I am in wishing to see her [sc. England] once more topping her part on the Continent.
1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl VI. iv. 158 Delighted to be queen of the company where she might top the great personage.
1827 J. C. Hare & A. W. Hare Guesses at Truth (1848) 2nd Ser. 72 By diligently performing the part assigned to him, by topping it, as the phrase is.
1831 Examiner 177/1 The Opposition..are acting up to their character—nay, topping their parts.
1887 Aberdeen Jrnl. 26 Apr. 4/2 The Radicals, on the other hand, top the part politically of Meg Merrilees, and ‘Gape, sinner, and swallow!’ is the only grace they would allow the Tories.
16. transitive. To have or gain mastery or superiority over (someone or something); esp. to defeat, outdo, get the better of. Now chiefly Sport (originally U.S.). Also occasionally intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)]
overcomeeOE
forecomec1000
overwieldlOE
masterc1225
overmaistrie1340
overmatcha1375
overpassa1382
surmount1390
to have the fairer (of)c1400
maistriec1400
overmasterc1425
winc1440
overc1485
bestride1526
rixlec1540
overreach1555
control1567
overmate1567
govern1593
to give (a person) the lurch1598
get1600
to gain cope of1614
top1633
to fetch overa1640
down1641
to have the whip hand (of)1680
carberry1692
to cut down1713
to be more than a match for1762
outflank1773
outmaster1799
outgeneral1831
weather1834
best1839
fore-reach1845
to beat a person at his (also her, etc.) own game1849
scoop1850
euchrec1866
bemaster1871
negotiate1888
to do down1900
to get (someone) wetc1926
lick1946
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery, superiority, or advantage [verb (intransitive)]
risec1175
to have the higher handa1225
to have the besta1393
bettera1400
vaila1400
to win or achieve a checka1400
surmount1400
prevaila1425
to have (also get) the better handa1470
to go away with it1489
to have the besta1500
to have (also get, etc.) the better (or worse) end of the staff1542
to have ita1616
to have (also get) the laugh on one's side1672
top1718
beat1744
to get (also have) the right end of the stick1817
to have the best of1846
to go one better1856
1637 J. Shirley Gamester iii. sig. E3 Send my Nephew, he shall top him, And top him, and scourge him like a top too.
1682 E. Hickeringill Black Non-Conformist ii. 5 Legions of Lordly Priests and Cardinals that topt the whole World.
1718 W. Wright in R. Wodrow Corr. (1843) II. 353 But..the magistrates..were in as great danger as ever, for now the Cocceians begin to top.
a1859 J. Austin Lect. Jurispr. (1879) I. xxii. 462 Our aversion from the sanction tops the conflicting wish.
1951 Amer. Speech 26 230/2 Dartmouth tops Harvard.
1974 State (Columbia, S. Carolina) 27 Feb. 3- b/1 The Panthers demolished both, topping Duquesne, 82–65, and trouncing Davidson in Charlotte, 90–63.
2016 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 11 Mar. Occasionally the Auckland club has topped their rivals, notably in 2002, 2003 and 2011 but most of the time they have played second fiddle.
17.
a. transitive. To ascend or rise up higher than (the top of another thing); esp. (of the sun) to rise above (an object).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > ascend (something) [verb (transitive)] > rise above
overstyeOE
overgoc1350
surmountc1374
overspringc1395
overrisea1400
overmounta1425
surpassa1649
top1774
1678 N. Tate Brutus of Alba i. 7 We pass'd the Harpyan Strophades to gain Zacynthus Port, where having come t'a Road The Surges topt us.
1774 Ann. Reg. 1773 Poetry 233 Another bird, just flushing at the sound, Scarce tops the fence, then tumbles to the ground.
1807 J. Barlow Columbiad i. 31 The sun's blue ray Topt unknown cliffs and call'd them up to day.
1869 R. D. Blackmore Lorna Doone I. xviii. 210 My head topped the platform of rock.
1932 J. Galsworthy Flowering Wilderness ii. xxiv. 200 The sun topped some trees on the far side and shone on his face.
2009 Coffs Coast (New S. Wales) Advocate (Nexis) 12 Dec. 46 We left his village of Mougins just as the sun topped the terracotta rooftops giving the countryside a warm coppery glow.
b. transitive. Of a horse or rider: to jump over (a fence or other obstacle). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > cause to jump [verb (transitive)] > leap, spring, or jump over
leapc900
overleapeOE
freea1578
overjump1604
jump1609
overskip1629
fly1719
top1735
spring?a1775
clear1791
overbound1813
over1837
overspring1847
leap-frog1872
vault1884
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [verb (transitive)] > leap over obstacle
top1735
to take in one's stride1832
lark1834
1690 Royal Voy. iii. v. sig. F2v Their parties are come up, The Horse have top'd our Line, with loud Huzza's And Fagots all before 'em.
1735 W. Somervile Chace ii. 164 With Emulation fir'd They..top the barr'd Gate, O'er the deep Ditch exulting bound.
1826 Sporting Mag. 17 242 Topping a high paling, he makes play over the country.
1835 G. Stephen Adventures in Search of Horse xvi. 241 Many a little horse will top a fence that he cannot put his nose over.
1908 Nottingham Evening Post 1 Jan. 8/2 One of the smallest horses that ever ‘topped’ a hurdle.
1933 Lichfield Mercury 8 Dec. 9/4 He looked back as a tired fox will, and caught sight of the huntsman as he topped a fence in the distance.
18.
a. transitive. In sex between men: to penetrate (one's partner). Also: to take a dominant role over (one's partner) in bondage, domination, or sadomasochism.Quot. 1969 may imply earlier currency of the verb in this sense, but may show the related sense of the noun (top n.1 38b) or a (non-sexual) use of tops n.1 and adj.
ΚΠ
1969 Los Angeles Advocate Oct. 1 34/1 (advt.) Young athlete gives European rub for men. Tops!]
1975 Advocate 28 Feb. (Pullout section) 15/2 (advt.) Blond, beard, 30s, wants to be topped by groovy stud!
1980 Bay Area Reporter 4 Dec. (Bob's Bazaar section) 34/4 (personal advt.) Safe, sane genuine S&M for men who want to be topped by an expert.
2005 Gay Times Apr. 126/1 His boyfriend and I took turns topping him, until he begged for us both at the same time.
2008 Diva Apr. 49/2 I would enjoy topping him far more than the skin-deep butches I flipped within minutes.
b. intransitive. To take the role of the more dominant partner in bondage, domination, or sadomasochism. Also: to be the partner who penetrates the other in sex between men (often with the implication of being the more dominant or active partner). Frequently in to top from the bottom: (of the notionally more submissive or passive partner) to direct, or attempt to exert control over, a more dominant or active partner. Cf. top n.1 38.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > types of sexual behaviour > [verb (intransitive)] > sadism or masochism > take specific role
bottom1981
top1991
1991 alt.sex.bondage 21 June (Usenet newsgroup, accessed 11 May 2021) Not one who want's [sic] to top from the bottom, I ask you to use this as a starting point for a scene that you want to put together.
1997 A. Hollibaugh in L. Harris & E. Crocker Femme iii. 221 I have been..extraordinarily influenced by what I see in S/M communities, especially around HIV, around safer sex, around gender, around sexual play and who tops and who bottoms.
2005 R. Merritt Secrets of Gay Marine Porn Star xiii. 226 I would be in a scene with two guys. He wanted me to top.
2013 N.Y. Mag. 30 Sept. 74/2 She likes sex, but she's playing the long game, too, molding her man, topping from the bottom.
†V. To cheat, trick, and related senses.
19. slang.
a. intransitive. Originally (Dice): to cheat by secretly retaining one or more of the dice between the fingers while shaking the rest in the box (box n.2 2c). Later more widely: to play a trick or practise a deception. Cf. topping n.1 9. Obsolete.Frequently with the person tricked or cheated indicated in a prepositional phrase introduced with upon, as in he has topped upon me.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > deceive [verb (intransitive)]
swikec1000
fokena1275
beguilec1305
deceivec1340
sleight1530
cloyne?1548
cog?1577
sham1678
hocus-pocus1687
spruce1916
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > dice-playing > play at dice [verb (intransitive)] > cheat
cog1545
foist1545
to cog a die or the dice1564
top1663
1663 [implied in: Proposal to use no Conscience 3 Holding one or two Dice at the top of a Dice-Box, which we Gamesters call Topping. (at topping n.1 9)].
1664 G. Etherege Comical Revenge ii. iii. 27 How neatly I cou'd Top upon him!
1680 J. Dryden Kind Keeper iv. i. 39 I think in my Conscience he's Palming and Topping..before he comes into the World.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew What do you Top upon me? do you stick a little Wax to the Dice to keep them together, to get the Chance? He thought to have Topt upon me, he design'd to have..Sharpt me.
1859 G. W. Matsell Vocabulum 91 Top, to cheat; to trick.
b. intransitive. With upon. To insult (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrespect > insult > [verb (transitive)]
heanc950
to say or speak (one) shamec950
to say or speak shame of, on, byc950
affrontc1330
dispersona1400
to say language against1423
insautc1425
contumely1483
cag1504
to put (a person) to villainya1513
fuffle1536
to bring, drive to scorn1569
ascorn1570
affrent1578
injure?a1600
insult1620
to put a scorn on, upon1633
upbraid1665
topa1700
chopse1854
burn1914
rank1934
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Top, to Cheat, or Trick any one; also to Insult... He thought to have Topt upon me, he design'd to have..Sharpt me,..or Affronted me.
1785 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue Top, to insult; he thought to have topped upon me.
20.
a. intransitive. With upon. To impose or intrude upon someone; to interfere with; to take advantage of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come into [verb (transitive)] > in unwelcome or unwarranted manner
to trench into (unto)1621
top1664
trespass1720
barge1911
muscle1929
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > acting in another's business or intervention > intervene between [verb (transitive)] > intrude upon or interfere with
trespass1652
top1664
interlope1701
1676 T. Shadwell Virtuoso i. 8 Is there so great a Rascal upon earth as an Orator, that would slur and top upon our understandings, and impose his false conceits for true reasoning, and his florid words for good sense?
1689 J. Collier Moral Ess. conc. Pride 47 When a man finds his hopes disappointed, himself unsupported, and topp'd upon by Persons of meaner Pretences and Employments.
1709 J. Johnson Clergy-man's Vade Mecum: Pt. II p. lxxxvii Patriarchs..did, in the latter end of the 4th, and in the 5th century top upon the Metropolitans, and reduced many great Provinces with their Bishops under the direction of one.
b. transitive. With on, upon. To impose (an unwelcome or unwanted thing, situation, etc.) on a person; to foist (something) on. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > obedience > compulsion > compel [verb (transitive)] > force or impose something upon
to lay on11..
join1303
taxa1375
intruse?a1500
oversetc1500
beforcec1555
impose1581
threap1582
fasten1585
intrude1592
thrust1597
enforcea1616
forcea1616
entail1670
top1682
trump1694
push1723
coerce1790
press1797
inflict1809
levy1863
octroy1865
wish1915
1682 Heraclitus Ridens 20 June 2/1 'Tis but topping upon 'em a Sermon now and then about Mortification.
a1699 T. Comber Dial. Tithes in Compan. Temple (1702) II. 558 It is no less than Blasphemy, to Top a device of Men upon the People whom they were to lead into all Truth, as if it were a Law of Christ.
1712 in Coll. Scarce & Valuable Tracts (1815) XIII. 211 As to the topping a king upon the throne of Spain, so by the same reason the king of France by his power may top the Pretender on England.
1732 Compl. Coll. Rep., Lyes, & Stories ii. 63 The Pope and his Jesuits..were a going to top Popery and Slavery upon us in good earnest.
VI. Other uses describing actions relating to the top of an object other than removal or addition (cf. branches II., III.).
21. transitive. Criminals' slang. To move (an item one intends to steal from a victim's pocket) into a position from where it can be easily taken, typically by an accomplice.
ΚΠ
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 220 Top, to top a clout or other article (among pickpockets) is to draw the corner or end of it to the top of a person's pocket, in readiness for..taking out, when a favourable moment occurs.
1957 D. J. Campion & M. M. Stearns Crooks are Human Too in J. Coleman Hist. Cant & Slang Dicts. (2010) IV. 322 Topping a poke, straightening up a wallet in a victim's prat pocket so that a pickpocket can easily lift it out when the victim moves forward.
22. transitive. Golf. To strike (the ball) above the centre, resulting in a loss of distance or accuracy in the shot; to mishit (a shot) as a result of striking the ball in this way. Also in extended use in other sports. Also occasionally intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > play golf [verb (transitive)] > type of play or stroke
drive1743
draw1842
heel1857
hook1857
loft1857
founder1878
to top a ball1881
chip1889
duff1890
pull1890
slice1890
undercut1891
hack1893
toe1893
spoon1896
borrow1897
overdrive1900
trickle1902
bolt1909
niblick1909
socket1911
birdie1921
eagle1921
shank1925
explode1926
bird1930
three-putt1946
bogey1948
double-bogey1952
fade1953
1842 Chambers's Edinb. Jrnl. 8 Oct. 297/3 Mr Rowson has topped his ball; that is, he has hit it on the crown of its head.
1889 Sc. Leader 20 Apr. 6 He who never, or hardly ever, ‘tops’ a ball does not undergo the temptations to cast all his clubs into the whins.
1893 A. Lang in Longman's Mag. Apr. 652 My cleek seems merely made to top.
1894 Times 28 Apr. 13/3 Playing to the first hole Mr. L—— topped his drive, and Mr. B—— won the hole in 4 to 5.
1996 Independent (Nexis) 25 Feb. (Sport section) 26 He topped his conversion attempt from the touchline but still saw the ball stagger over.
2020 @edward_ditusa 25 Aug. in twitter.com (accessed 17 Mar. 2022) Topped my drive after two groups let us play though on Saturday. Then..from the fairway I absolutely juiced it over a creek and just short of the green. That's golf ['man shrugging' emoji]['face with tears of joy' emoji].

Phrases

P1. to top and tail.In inflected forms, usually with both top and tail inflected, but sometimes with only a single inflection at the end of the phrase; compare quot. 1883 with quot. 1824.
a. To remove the top and bottom of (a fruit or vegetable), esp. while preparing it for cooking or eating.Not in common use in North America.
ΚΠ
1708 H. Howard England's Newest Way Cookery (ed. 2) 89 Take French-beans..top and tail them.
1824 L.-M. Hawkins Mem. II. 52 A gentleman..was topping and tailing gooseberries for wine.
1883 N. Devon Jrnl. 4 Jan. 3/4 As soon as the turnip has done growing it should be lifted, top and tailed, and housed as carefully as may be.
1922 A. Jekyll Kitchen Ess. 24 They must not be hard, nor yet too ripe. Top and tail them and cut in halves straight across.
2007 BBC Good Food: Vegetarian Summer 62/2 Top and tail the beans and boil in salted water for 6 mins.
b. colloquial (chiefly British and Irish English).
(a) To wash the face and bottom of (a baby or small child).
ΚΠ
1924 H. de Sélincourt Cricket Match ii. 22 She topped and tailed each small boy with the same rubber sponge.
1964 Guardian 24 June 6/2 Freda showed me how to top and tail (which is done on the lap because these babies do not get enough cuddling).
1983 Woman's Weekly 8 Jan. 53/3 There is no need to bath your new baby more than twice a week, ‘topping and tailing’ on the other days.
2015 Irish Daily Mail (Nexis) 22 Aug. We put them into two cots. We top and tail them. They're happy out.
(b) Used as a modifier, as top-and-tail, designating a wash of this kind.
ΚΠ
1931 P. W. Yeomans Happy Motherhood vii. 61 5.50 to 6.20 p.m.—Top-and-tail wash, and feed baby.
2018 South Wales Echo (Nexis) 19 Sept. 26 A ‘top and tail’ bath is another way to clean your baby.
P2. to top it all: used to introduce the culminating moment in a series of (typically unpleasant or unfortunate) events or experiences. Also to top it all off.
ΚΠ
1863 Fun 28 Nov. 102/1 Accusations of the gravest description are bandied about with the greatest nonchalance, and to top it all one of the largest speculators withdraws without paying up.
1960 C. Isherwood Diary 15 Nov. in Sixties (2010) II. 26 Then, to top it all, we had tickets for The Threepenny Opera, and it was ugly and crude and dirty beyond belief.
1981 J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses (1999) I. 1st Ser. Episode 7. 65 Life's been pretty gutty for Earl quite recently... It's been like that between him and his missus (Moves hands up and down in balancing gesture) then to top it all his old man collapses in the Nag's Head right across the table.
2006 H. O'Neill Lullabies for Little Criminals 22 Then, to top it all off, he set his bed on fire with a cigarette when he was fifteen.
2018 M. Doyle Fug & Thumps (e-book ed.) ii I'm soaked through. And to top it all, my rucksack, with all the food and stuff, is soaking too.
P3. Phrases with particular nouns as the object of the verb.
a. to top the bill: (of an act or performer) to have top billing or be the star attraction in a show, venue, etc.; to be the star of a show. Also figurative: to be the leading or most popular person or thing in a particular context. Cf. sense 9c.In quot. 1823 ‘to top the evening's bill’ (sense 9a(b)).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performer > appear as performer [verb (intransitive)] > be star performer
star1815
co-star1896
to have (also get) one's name in lights1918
1823 London Mag. July 101/1 If the performer, whose name tops the bill for the night, do not promise some very rash folly in the course of the evening, he may as well keep his tickets to himself.]
1883 Era 22 Dec. 10/2 The Sisters Clarinder top the bill, and have been well received.
1910 P. G. Wodehouse Psmith in City 3 He is a man of hobbies... When I left the house this morning he was all for cricket... Cricket seems still to be topping the bill.
1959 T. S. Eliot Elder Statesman ii. 73 It's a very long time since the name of Maisie Mountjoy Topped the bill in revue.
1998 Grocer 1 Aug. 10/1 British speciality foods will top the bill at [the International Food & Drink Event].
2022 Bradford Tel. & Argus (Nexis) 17 Mar. Topping the bill on the main stage is Leeds DJ Tom Zanetti.
b. to top the deck: (in card-sharping) to manipulate which card appears on the top of the pack.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card-sharping or cheating > [verb (intransitive)] > methods of cheating
swig1591
cog1592
slip1760
to top the deck1894
to deal seconds1951
1894 J. N. Maskelyne ‘Sharps & Flats’ v. 83 [The cuff holdout] is a neat invention to top the deck.
1911 Washington Post 21 May (Miscellany section) 3/6 It is this move which gives the trick its name, topping the deck. As Light buys the first card, he naturally fills his straight.
2011 R. Williamson Frontier Gambling 223 The Ring Holdout, this simple device is a short watch-spring that is attached onto a finger ring. It enabled an unaccomplished sharper to steal a card off the top of the deck—called, ‘topping the deck’.
†c. Originally Nautical. to top the officer: to treat a person as one's inferior; to behave in a superior manner towards someone. Usually with over, introducing a prepositional phrase indicating the person treated in this way. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > pretension to superiority > pretend to superiority [verb (intransitive)]
to make it goodlyc1325
usurpc1400
to take state upon one1597
to come over ——1600
to gentilize it1607
to state it1625
to give oneself airs1701
to put on airs1715
to mount (also ride) the high horse1782
to put on (the) dog1865
to get (also have) notions1866
to put on side1870
to have a roll on1881
to put (or pile) on lugs1889
side1890
to put on the Ritz1921
1767 Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser 10 Sept. He also hopes the mates will not be allowed to top the officers over the mids so far as to wear rose buttons and lappels, which are a very handsome part of the Lieutenants uniform.
1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple III. xiv. 181 I've been hail-fellow well met with the ship's company so long, that I can't top the officer over them.
1873 Graphic 4 Jan. 5/2 As for his sister, she is a good sort of girl in the main, and; as it pleases her to ‘top the officer’ over her distinguished brother, why, he allows her the privilege.
†d. to top a saw: (U.S.) to fasten a strip along the top edge of a saw blade, either to stiffen it or to limit the depth of cut. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1891 Cent. Dict. Top,..3. To place and fasten upon the back margin of (a saw-blade) a stiffening piece, or a gage for limiting the depth of a kerf.

Phrasal verbs

With adverbs, in specialized senses. to top off
Originally U.S.
1.
a. transitive. To add the final element to the top of (a structure); (now) spec. to put the final, highest structural feature on (a building), typically as a ceremony marking the building's completion; = to top out 1 at Phrasal verbs. Cf. topping-off ceremony.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > high position > set in a high position [verb (transitive)] > occupy or form the top of > furnish with a top
crownc1430
crestc1440
encrown1486
head1530
top1581
increst1611
1787 M. Cutler Jrnl. 7 July in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) I. 231 Her hair in front is craped at least a foot high,..and topped off with a wire skeleton in the same form covered with black gauze.
1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville I. 162 The chiefs leading the van, the braves following in a long line, painted and decorated, and topped off with fluttering plumes.
1970 Micronesian Reporter 18 41/3 September 1965 to September 1966 was the big year for building; the administration building was topped off and the campus took its present form.
2017 @evanpetes 24 Aug. in twitter.com (accessed 31 Mar. 2022) The @Bucks president takes the podium and address[es] media and workers. Thanks crews for work. Get ready to top off the roof.
b. intransitive. colloquial. To finish or conclude something, esp. in a fitting, memorable or notable way. Frequently with with. Cf. to top it all off.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > completing > complete or conclude action [verb (intransitive)]
enda1340
finisha1400
conclude1526
to get through1589
get1594
dispatcha1616
to shut up1626
to wind up1631
finale1797
to top off1836
to top up1837
through1894
to roll up1963
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > be at an end [verb (intransitive)] > make an end, finish up, or conclude
have done!c1300
conclude1526
dispatcha1616
period1628
finale1797
to wind up1825
to wind (up) one's pirna1835
to top off1836
finish1878
finalize1922
to drop the flag1925
1815 Columbian Reg. (New Haven, Connecticut) 2 Oct. Fine breakfast—nothing wanting but a little pumpkin pye to top off with.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxv. 268 We had the usual south-easter entertainment,..and finally topped off with a drenching rain of three or four hours.
1870 Daily News 6 Oct. 6/3 Then you..find the inmates of another room topping off with chocolate or coffee.
1966 F. Leiber Night of Wolf 95 ‘Nothing like a few nuts to top off with,’ he said cheerfully.
2017 Guardian (Nexis) 13 June (Football section) We just want to top off with a win.
c. transitive. colloquial. To put the finishing touches to (something); spec. to provide a fitting or memorable conclusion to (a meal or other activity or process).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > completing > complete (an action or piece of work) [verb (transitive)] > put the finishing touch to
fine1387
crown1509
finish1551
to top out1834
top1892
1823 Christian Intelligencer June 114 Conversions or miraculous regenerations, Election and Reprobation, all topped off by the still more horrid..doctrine of the inconceivably great and never ending torments..of the whole family of Adam.
1872 O. W. Holmes Poet at Breakfast-table ii He has topped off his home training with a..foreign finish.
1927 Jrnl. Farm Econ. 9 212 I ate a good square meal and topped it off with as good a piece of raspberry pie as I ever ate.
2016 Time Out Hong Kong 18 May 39/2 For lunch, try the steamed dumpling delights or the deep-fried crab parcels, all topped off with a classic Chinese pancake with chestnut paste.
2018 York Press (Nexis) 1 Dec. To top the job off, Bobby persisted in his search through thick brambles and bracken, and found one of the suspects hiding.
2. transitive and intransitive. To enhance or alter the effect of (a dye) by the application of another; to supplement or finish (a dyeing process) with a particular dye.
ΚΠ
1854 T. Love Art of Cleaning, Dyeing, Scouring, & Finishing iv. 239 Top off the cinnamon with a little fustic liquor, and orchil (half a pint), heated to a hand-heat.
1916 L. A. Flemming Pract. Tanning (ed. 3) 208 Applying first fustic and logwood, then acid dyestuff and topping off with basic dye is one of the best methods of obtaining tan and golden-brown shades that can be used.
1942 P. I. Smith Princ. & Processes Light Leather Manuf. xi. 243 Some tanners top off the basic dye with a little acid dye and then use the bichromate. They claim that a faster and richer color results.
1989 Technol. & Culture July 619 It had always been thought that dyeing fast blacks by first dyeing the fabric with indigo, then topping off with a red and then a yellow, was a method that had been developed in late-17th-century France.
3. Chiefly North American.
a. transitive. To complete or fill up (a load, cargo, etc.). Cf. to top out 2 at Phrasal verbs.
ΚΠ
1881 Daily Evening Bull. (San Francisco) 18 Jan. 3/2 For an occasional hundred ton lot to top off cargo they have no alternative but to pay what may be asked.
1957 Aircraft Equipment Loans & Capital Gains: Hearings before Comm. Interstate & Foreign Commerce (U.S. House of Representatives, 85th Congr., 1st Sess.) 31 Operating at 100 percent load factor on good segments would involve standby passengers so as to top off loads.
2001 Guelph (Ont., Canada) Mercury (Nexis) 30 Jan. a8 We added one pallet load of pommelloes..five pallets of oranges and eight cases of mushrooms topped off our load.
b. intransitive. Of a ship, aircraft, etc.: to take on additional cargo or (less commonly) passengers in order to carry a full load. Frequently with with.Sometimes, esp. with aircraft, specifically with reference to the practice of a cargo carrier taking on passengers or vice versa (see quot. 1961, cf. top-off adj.).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > be transported by water [verb (intransitive)] > load > fill up or complete cargo
to top off1937
to top out1940
society > travel > air or space travel > transport by air > transport through the air [verb (intransitive)] > fill up or complete cargo
to top off1961
1908 Daily News Standard (Uniontown, Pa.) 17 Nov. 5/2 He made the common mistake of topping off with a cargo of rum.
1937 G. S. Doorly In Wake 22 A tramp steamer..called in to the Gulf to top-off with sugar.
1961 Aeroplane 100 761/2 Since the passenger carriers..‘top-off’ with cargo, it..seems fair and reasonable to permit the all-cargo carriers to carry cargo and to ‘top-off’ with passengers.
2010 Idaho Business Rev. (Nexis) 29 Nov. We try to top off when we can and we're a little more conservative with target windows in winter, maybe even delivering before they hit the reorder point.
4. transitive. U.S. colloquial. To fill up (a partly full tank) with fuel. Later also with reference to any partly full container, often a drinking vessel. Cf. to top up 2a.Sometimes also with the driver of a vehicle, person drinking from a glass, etc., as object (e.g. quot. 1943).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > fuel > chemical fuel > [verb (transitive)] > supply with liquid fuel
petrol1902
refuel1918
to tank up1933
to top off1943
lox1961
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > testing, servicing, and storage of motor vehicles > test, service and store motor vehicles [verb (transitive)] > supply with petrol
gas1918
refuel1973
to tank up1978
to top off1979
1929 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 24 Oct. 43/1 When ‘topping off’ the tank at the end of the loading period the ship's captain can telephone in to the gate house.
1943 F. J. Bell Condition Red 16 There'll be a fuel barge alongside some time tonight to top us off.
1979 Farmington (New Mexico) Daily Times 27 May 3 c/6 If everyone in New Mexico topped off their tank, that would use about 10 million gallons of gasoline.
1990 J. Wambaugh Golden Orange i. 15 Winnie sat at the bar topping off his giant thermos with Spoon's hot rum.
2018 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 10 Aug. (Auto section) 1 Expect an impressive range of 560 miles when fully charged and the 11.4-gallon tank topped off with regular, unleaded, 87-octane fuel.
5. intransitive. To reach an upper limit or greatest extent; = to top out 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)] > to highest degree > reach highest degree of increase
to grow to a head1579
to gather to a heada1616
to come to a head1655
culminatea1662
climax1882
to reach a crescendo1925
to top off1970
to top out1972
1936 Charleston (W. Virginia) Daily Mail 16 May 1/1 The two motor leaders act heavy and as if they had their rally and were topping off. Anaconda was also heavy. On the other hand United States Rubber issues were strong.
1970 Toronto Daily Star 24 Sept. 4/2 If wage rates show signs of topping off, the Cabinet can face Parliament.
1976 Survey Spring 60 The progressive character of the scale tops off at 3 per cent of earnings for any income over 300 R/mo.
2006 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 1 Oct. v. 14/1 Henley, Matilda and Althea are Babydolls, miniature sheep that top off at 2 feet.
 to top out
1. transitive. To add the final element to the top of (a structure); (now) spec. to put the final, highest structural feature on (a building), typically as a ceremony marking the building's completion. Cf. topping-out ceremony.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > completing > complete (an action or piece of work) [verb (transitive)] > put the finishing touch to
fine1387
crown1509
finish1551
to top out1834
top1892
the world > action or operation > completing > complete (an action or piece of work) [verb (transitive)] > put the finishing touch to > specific to a building
to top out1834
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > build or provide with specific parts [verb (transitive)] > roof > put finishing touches on roof
to top out1834
1828 N.-Y. Amer. 15 Mar. The house, we understand, was a log building, with a stone chimney topped out with boards, after the old fashion.
1834 W. Sewall Diary 22 Dec. (1930) 160 Topped out house chimney, and went to saw mill.
1962 Engineering 16 Nov. 640 The dome was ‘topped out’ on 2 November.
1979 Guardian 25 July 3/2 Britain's most expensive new homes in Knightsbridge, London, were ‘topped out’ at a champagne reception yesterday.
2014 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 1 Nov. (Real Estate section) 44 Brookfield Multiplex, the developer of the centre, recently ‘topped out’ the roof structure of the first stage of the expanded mall.
2. transitive. U.S. To complete or fill up (a load, cargo, etc.). Also intransitive with the ship as subject (cf. to top off 3b at Phrasal verbs). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > transport by water [verb (transitive)] > load or unload cargo > load a ship or a cargo > fill up or complete cargo
to top out1940
society > travel > travel by water > transportation by water > be transported by water [verb (intransitive)] > load > fill up or complete cargo
to top off1937
to top out1940
1854 Ohio Observer (Hudson, Ohio) 12 Apr. 112/3 Fill the box topping out with another peck of shorts and another half bushel turnips.
1905 Terms Forestry & Logging (Bull. U.S. Dept. Agric., Bureau Forestry, No. 61) 35 Double header, a place from which it is possible to haul a full load of logs to the landing, and where partial loads are topped out or finished to the full hauling capacity of teams.
1940 Sun (Baltimore) 16 Apr. 24/6 Preparations were being made to tow her into the stream to ‘top out’ a 12,500-ton cargo.
1941 Sun (Baltimore) 24 June 22/4 Every ship..‘topped out’ with scrap, if there was any room left.
1964 Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner 26 May 4/1 Topping out more than a shipload of building materials was an outright gift of an International crawler tractor.
3. intransitive. To reach the top of a hill or mountain; (Rock Climbing) to complete a route by ascending on to or over the top of the structure being climbed. Also occasionally transitive, with the route or structure as object. Cf. summit v.2 2.
ΚΠ
1918 R. Beach in Cosmopolitan Feb. 31/1 We'll top out before dark, if we hurry... It was a long pull back up the cañon-side.
a1948 A. Leopold Sand County Almanac (1949) ii. 123 In winter the top of the mountain was denied even to horsemen... Soon thereafter you could ‘top out’—if your horse had the heart to climb half a day.
1989 Guardian 1 Mar. 24/8 As Mr Reid and I top out from Coire an t-Sneachda's Red Gully climb, the blizzard screaming across the plateau prevents all conversation.
2004 Stanford Alpine Jrnl. 34 We topped out the route but did not summit the peak.
2006 Vertical Dec. 17/1 They then decided to sit it out under the stars on an unplanned bivi with no gear and topped out the following day.
4. intransitive. To reach an upper limit or greatest extent. Cf. to bottom out 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)] > to highest degree > reach highest degree of increase
to grow to a head1579
to gather to a heada1616
to come to a head1655
culminatea1662
climax1882
to reach a crescendo1925
to top off1970
to top out1972
1961 Financial Times 6 Mar. 17/6 The recession has stayed shallow partly because the boom topped out at a relatively early stage.
1972 Guardian 24 June 10/6 World population, he says, will probably top out at 10,000 millions sometime in the twenty-first century.
2015 N.Y. Times Mag. 15 Feb. 12/2 Most commercially available drones top out at about 15 or 20 minutes of flying time on a single charge. That air time diminishes significantly when a payload is attached.
 to top up
1.
a. transitive. To add the final or conclusive part or element to (something); to make complete or completely ready; spec. (a) to finish off (a haystack) by forming a rainproof top; (b) to fatten (livestock) for market. Now chiefly English regional (southern and midlands).See also sense 11b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > completing > complete (an action or piece of work) [verb (transitive)] > put the finishing touch to
fine1387
crown1509
finish1551
to top out1834
top1892
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 37 The other comminge behinde with a rake, to correckt, toppe up, and finish the cocke [of hay].
1644 J. Lightfoot Harmony Foure Evangelists: 1st Pt. 113 His bloodinesse which he [sc. Herod] had used all his life long, and topped up in the murder of these innocents.
1712 J. Morton Nat. Hist. Northants. i. 15 The After-Mart of some of their Pastures is of singular use for the Topping up their Oxen, as they term it, to the London-Markets.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 295 Steep, to top up or make up a rick.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Squatter's Dream 50 They were large and would make good wethers when topped up.
1918 M. Gyte Diary 13 July (1999) 181 They got six loads and raked and topped up the stack.
1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey Wodds & Doggerybaw: Lincs. Dial. Dict. 316/2 Top-up, to complete the roof of a haystack.
b. intransitive. colloquial. To bring something to an end; to finish off, conclude. Frequently with with. Cf. to top off 1b at Phrasal verbs. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > completing > complete or conclude action [verb (intransitive)]
enda1340
finisha1400
conclude1526
to get through1589
get1594
dispatcha1616
to shut up1626
to wind up1631
finale1797
to top off1836
to top up1837
through1894
to roll up1963
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > be at an end [verb (intransitive)] > make an end, finish up, or conclude
have done!c1300
conclude1526
dispatcha1616
period1628
finale1797
to wind up1825
to wind (up) one's pirna1835
to top off1836
finish1878
finalize1922
to drop the flag1925
1836 R. F. Wilson Let. 15 Apr. in J. H. Newman Lett. & Corr. (1891) II. 189 Before they would venture to top up with such a..startling enunciation.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs xxxix. 152 They absorb pale ale..and ‘top-up’ with glasses of strong waters.
1885 H. R. Haggard King Solomon's Mines i Everything went wrong that trip, and to top up with I got the fever badly.
1947 Gramophone Feb. 139/3 To top up with, a real novelty.
2. Originally British.Not in widespread use in the United States.
a. transitive. To fill up or refill (a partly full container); (more generally) to bring (something) up to full capacity; to replenish or recharge fully.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > galvanism, voltaism > voltaic or galvanic battery > charge [verb (transitive)]
recharge1774
to top up1937
trickle-charge1959
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > fill > bring up to capacity
to fill up1712
to top up1937
1885 Hull Packet & E. Riding Times 15 May 6/5 With two lifts of this fork Darby filled a manure cart, and topped it up with a third.
1937 Times 13 Apr. p. xxii/2 A combined acid-level indicator, vent plug and filler cup has been introduced, thus enabling the cells to be ‘topped up’ accurately and visibly.
1958 Times 1 Mar. 6/3 Liquid oxygen..to top up its [sc. a missile's] fuel tanks.
1965 Listener 18 Nov. 800/3 Tea is expensive..so you economize by topping up your mug with hot water.
2016 Straits Times (Singapore) (Nexis) 18 June I bought a pot of lemon balm from a supermarket, transferred it to a bigger pot and topped it up with a mix of sandy, loamy soil.
b. transitive. To increase the level or size of (something); esp. to make a payment in order to increase (an amount of money, credit, etc.) to a certain level.
ΚΠ
1900 Derbyshire Times 3 Feb. 2/4 A successful shot topped up the score for the Ripley men.
1968 Listener 27 June 835/3 They..topped up the Welfare State with plenty of money for its more exquisite and bizarre excrescences.
1976 Scotsman 27 Dec. 1/2 It proposes a Scottish Assembly of 100 members... An Assembly member elected for each of the 71 parliamentary constituencies, ‘topped up’ by 29 additional members.
1989 Which? Tax-saving Guide 16/1 You can also get tax relief on any additional voluntary contributions (AVCs) that you make to top up your employer's pension scheme.
2019 @Marlon_COD 30 Aug. in twitter.com (accessed 31 Mar. 2022) I went to top up my phone $11 but instead I got $111.
2020 Metro (Nexis) (Scotl. ed.) 4 Aug. 26 Making extra money to top up your student loan will be much trickier due to a potential drop in parttime jobs.
c. transitive. To provide (a person) with an additional or required amount of something; esp. to refill a glass or cup for (someone).
ΚΠ
1900 Horse & Hound 27 Oct. 654/2 We bucked him up with caviare on salt biscuits (try this, you epicures), and topped him up with improved shandy-gaff.
1963 Radio Times 18 July 4/1 Here, let me top you up.
1996 Press (Christchurch, N.Z.) (Nexis) 8 July These days he is given his medication in an injection, along with a few pills to top him up when needed.
2011 S. Hall Beautiful Indifference (2012) 110 Would you like me to top you up there? He gestured to my empty glass.
3. intransitive. Originally and chiefly British. To replenish or recharge one's supply of something; to get a top-up (top-up n. 1). Frequently with with.
ΚΠ
1885 W. E. Gladstone Let. 14 July in J. Morley Life Gladstone (1903) III. viii. xii. 217 I am disposed to ‘top up’, with a sea voyage, but this is No. 3—Nos. 1 and 2 being rest and then treatment.
1901 North-Western Advocate (Devonport, Tasmania) 31 Aug. Kittewa..left Newcastle for Kembla..to top up with fuel for Devonport and Burnie.
1960 ‘N. Shute’ Trustee from Toolroom ix. 237 We'll need water, and top up with diesel fuel.
2022 @Gemma66145838 29 Mar. in twitter.com (accessed 31 Mar. 2022) I've uninstalled and reinstalled the app yet it still hasn't updated my meter readings. I have no idea if I need to top up.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022; most recently modified version published online December 2022).

topv.2

Brit. /tɒp/, U.S. /tɑp/
Forms: 1500s toppe, 1500s– top.
Origin: Of uncertain origin. Perhaps formed within English, by conversion. Etymons: top n.1; top n.2
Etymology: Origin uncertain. In sense 1 perhaps partly (i) < top (in top over tail at top n.1 and adj. Phrases 3b), and partly (ii) < top n.2 (with both showing the idea of imbalance and rolling or rotating movement; compare topple v.). In sense 2 perhaps (iii) < top n.1 (compare senses 3 and 16 at that entry, and compare also top v.1). Compare later tope v.1With sense 2 compare Dutch toppen to tilt, to adjust (1671; perhaps < English), and also (probably < Dutch) German toppen (1702), Danish toppe (1808 in this sense). The sense of the following earlier instance (perhaps showing top v.1) is unclear:1497 in M. Oppenheim Naval Accts. & Inventories Henry VII (1896) 249 To Retourne the seid mastes to Portesmouth where they served to toppe the Regent in the dokke at euery tyde bothe ebbe & flowde.
†1.
a. intransitive. to top over tail: to perform somersaults. Cf. to topple over (also up) tail at topple v. Phrases. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > leap, spring, or jump [verb (intransitive)] > somersault
tumbc1000
tumble1303
to top over tail1545
somerset1599
pitch-pole1682
topple1802
somersault1858
sunfish1923
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > falling > fall [verb (intransitive)] > topple over
welt13..
tiltc1390
overfalla1400
waltc1400
tirvec1425
top over tervea1450
overtumble1487
overwelta1522
to fall over1541
top1545
topple1600
tramble1609
tope1796
tottle1830
overtopple1855
whemmel1895
pitch-pole1896
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 14v To tumble ouer and ouer, to toppe ouer tayle..may be also holesome for the body.
b. transitive. To topple or overturn (a person or thing). Also with over. Cf. topple v. 2, tope v.1 2, tip v.2 1. Obsolete.
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)] > bring to the ground/lay low > topple
overtopple1543
topple1598
top1662
1662 H. Hibbert Syntagma Theologicum 135 A little ship without ballast..is soon either dasht against the rocks, or topped over.
1854 Weekly Herald (N.Y.) 4 Feb. 34/3 This animal would frequently top me over its head of its own accord.
c1890 W. S. Pasmore Song of Press Gang 5 They took'd me up both neck and heels, And topped me into the zay.
2. Nautical.
a. transitive. To tilt or alter the position of (a yard, boom, etc.); (sometimes) spec. to raise (a yard, boom, etc.) so as to bring it parallel to the mast; = peak v.3 1a. Frequently with up (also down).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > tilt yard
topc1550
peak1626
speek1644
tope1669
cockbill1829
trip1840
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. v. 24 The Lifts are two ropes which belong to all yards armes, to top the yards; that is, to make them hang higher or lower at your pleasure.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xv. 51/1 Top the yards, that is make them hang euen.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Apiquer une vergue, to top a sail-yard, or peek it up.
1802 Eng. Encycl. VIII. 431/1 ‘Top the yard to port!’ the order to make the larboard extremity of a yard higher than the other.
1816 J. K. Tuckey Narr. Exped. River Zaire (1818) ii. 39 The Portuguese vessels putting themselves in mourning by topping their yards up and down.
1844 Hull Dock Act 91 No vessel shall enter..except the same have her yards topped up.
1982 T. Jones One Hand for Yourself, One for Ship (1990) 46 A topping lift is needed for topping up the boom when hove to.
b. intransitive. Of a boom, yard, etc.: to assume a slanting or inclined position; to tilt. Usually with up. Cf. tip v.2 9.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > incline or be oblique [verb (intransitive)] > slope > tilt
tilt1626
tip1666
cant1702
topc1860
trip1869
careen1883
1834 C. Martelli Naval Officer's Guide 134 The boom is supported almost entirely by the martingale; as the guys being considerably above the boom, and its always topping up when the sail is set on a wind, the more wind, the greater the strain on the martingale.
c1860 H. Stuart Novices or Young Seaman's Catech. (rev. ed.) 57 A martingale is sometimes used to prevent the davit from topping up.
1963 Introd. Sonar (ed. 2) 119 If the boom tops up, the BT can be brought aboard by one man hauling in on the topping lift.
1988 Nautical Q. (N.Y.) Autumn 14/3 Sails here are all rollaway furling; the mizzen boom tops up; and the boats swing out to clear the landing pad.

Phrases

colloquial (originally Navy slang). to top one's boom: to leave, depart; to make oneself scarce. Cf. sense 2a. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1815 News 17 Sept. 304/1 Upon this he said to himself, ‘It was time to top his boom,’ so he slipped his cable, meaning to run.
1836 F. Chamier Ben Brace II. vii. 179 The magistrate had topped his boom directly the scuffle began.
1880 ‘Nauticus’ Nauticus on his Hobby Horse 31 I did not care to wait all that time, so ‘topping my boom’ we went on to Tonbridge Wells by a hilly road.
1958 J. Masefield Let. in Lett. to Reyna (1983) 215 He kind of topped his boom from her to live among the cannibals.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022).

† topv.3

Etymology: Origin obscure: known 1598. Perhaps identical with top v.2, with the primary sense ‘to tip up into the mouth’, whence ‘to drink in large draughts’: compare tip , tip off , tip v.2 5. See also tope v.2, which is identical in sense, though, as in top v.2, the phonetic relation is difficult.
Obsolete.
1. transitive. = tope v.2 1; to top off, to drink off, quaff; cf. tip off (tip v.2 5).
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
1598 R. Bernard tr. Terence Adelphi i. ii, in Terence in Eng. 274 It's no heinous offence..for a young man to hunt harlots, to toppe of a canne roundly.
1690 T. D'Urfey Collin's Walk i. 41 This said, they top'd off t'other quart.
2. Only in past participle ( topt): Made tipsy, intoxicated, drunk. Cf. tip v.2 4.
ΚΠ
a1632 T. Taylor God's Judgem. (1642) vi. ii. 82 When she with her son were together topt with wine.
1637 T. Heywood Vulcan & Jupiter in Dial. in Wks. (1874) VI. 220 She leaps and capers, topt with rage divine.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2021).

topv.4

Etymology: < top n.2 3.
rare.
transitive. To lay (a rope) with a top: see top n.2 3.
ΚΠ
1825 [implied in: ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 438 The forward movement of the stranding, topping, and dragging sledges, is that slow progressive movement necessarily required..by the shortening or shrinking up of the strands in twisting,..and of the strands and cordage, either common or patent, whilst hardening and topping. (at topping n.3)].
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online September 2018).

† topprep.

Forms: In Middle English toppe.
Etymology: < top n.1: apparently either aphetic for atop prep., or elliptical for top of.
Obsolete. rare.
Above, beyond, more than.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > great in quantity, amount, or degree [preposition] > more than
top1340
passingc1370
abovea1398
atourc1475
beyond?a1500
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 6 Hi ssolden him..toppe all þinges louie.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 248 Þise uirtue me ssel loky toppe alle þinges.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online December 2020).

topv.5

Brit. /tɒp/, U.S. /tɑp/, Australian English /tɔp/, New Zealand English /tɒp/
Origin: Of uncertain origin. Perhaps a variant or alteration of another lexical item. Etymons: tip v.5; top v.1
Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps (i) an alteration of tip v.5 after top v.1 (perhaps compare sense 19 at that entry), or perhaps (ii) an extended use of top v.1 Compare top-off n.2
slang (Australian and New Zealand).
transitive and intransitive. To inform on (someone) to the police or other authority. Frequently with off (cf. top-off n.2).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > informing on or against > inform on or against [verb (intransitive)]
inform1588
peach1598
whistle1599
sing1612
whiddlec1661
squeak1690
wheedle1710
whittle1735
to blow the gab1785
snitch1801
rat1810
nose1811
sing1816
gnarl1819
split1819
stag1839
clype1843
squeal1846
blow1848
to round on1857
nark1859
pimp1865
squawk1872
ruck1884
to come or turn copper1891
copper1897
sneak1897
cough1901
stool1911
tattle-tale1918
snout1923
talk1924
fink1925
scream1925
sarbut1928
grass1929
to turn over1967
dime1970
society > communication > information > informing on or against > inform on or against [verb (transitive)]
wrayc725
meldeOE
bimeldena1300
forgabc1394
to blow up?a1400
outsay?a1400
detectc1449
denounce1485
ascry1523
inform1526
promote1550
peach1570
blow1575
impeach1617
wheedle1710
split1795
snitch1801
cheep1831
squeal1846
to put away1858
spot1864
report1869
squawk1872
nose1875
finger1877
ruck1884
to turn over1890
to gag on1891
shop1895
pool1907
run1909
peep1911
pot1911
copper1923
finger1929
rat1932
to blow the whistle on1934
grass1936
rat1969
to put in1975
turn1977
1931 Evening News (Rockhampton, Queensland) 27 May 3/1 Crooks are ‘topped off’ or ‘shelved’ when an informer secretly tells the police where the culprits are to be found.
1939 K. Tennant Foveaux 312 There was too much danger that a squarehead would top-off to the police.
1959 D. Niland Gold in Streets 94 I'll think up something and keep in her good books while I'm doing it..or she'll top me off.
1964 M. Davis Watersiders 31 ‘That flaming tally-clerk must have topped me,’ I heard Gaint groan.
1973 N.Z. Truth 9 Oct. 51 [He] said he would ‘do time rather than top on his mates’.
1990 V. Tupper & R. Wortley Anthol. Prison Slang Austral. (Pandora Archive, National Libr. Austral., 12 Feb. 2015) Top off, to betray or inform upon.

Compounds

top-off merchant n. [compare merchant n. 1b] a person who ‘tops off’ another; an informer.
ΚΠ
1944 L. Glassop We were Rats xxiii. 133 He pooled me with the Q.M. Just a top-off merchant, that's all he is.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2022).
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n.1adj.OEn.213..n.31440v.1c1300v.21545v.31598v.41825prep.1340v.51931
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