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单词 tread
释义

treadn.

Brit. /trɛd/, U.S. /trɛd/
Forms: Middle English (plural) treden, treoden; Middle English trede, tredd, (Middle English–1600s Scottish) tred; 1500s Scottish treade, 1800s northern dialect treed, s.e. dial. trade, 1500s– tread.
Etymology: Early Middle English trede (plural treden ), < stem of Old English tredan to tread v. Cognate with Middle Dutch trēde masculine and feminine, Middle Low German trēde , tret (masculine), Middle High German trit , German tritt step, footstep, path, etc.; compare also, from same root, trade n. and adv., between which and tread in their earlier senses there is a close parallelism; see also trod n.The word is not common in Middle English, and is apparently unattested thereafter until the end of the 16th cent.; in some senses (in branch I.) it was probably independently re-formed directly < tread v. The Scots forms (and associated quots.) treated here by N.E.D. (1914) are now thought to show trade n. and will be found there (see discussion at that entry). As a consequence, quot. 1817 at sense 9 is now the only relic of N.E.D.'s branch II. (comprising former senses 5–7).
I. Senses relating to the action or result of treading or stepping.
1. A footprint; the mark made in treading. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun] > left by the passage of something > of a person or animal > track of footprints > footprint
trod946
lastOE
foot sporeOE
tread?c1225
stepc1290
footstepa1300
solec1325
tracta1547
footprint1552
traces1552
footing1563
foot track1600
accub1623
vestigating1634
vestige1656
seal1686
sign1692
footmark1756
stabble1863
pelmatogram1890
paw print1894
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 279 Ach þe dunes under uoð þe treoden [a1250 Titus trodes] of him seoluen.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 278 [He] schaweð inham his achne treoden. þet me trudde him in ham.
c1230 Hali Meid. 15 He[e] seð þe folhen hire treoden. Meiden gan as heo dude.
1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Animal An Otter's Tread is almost like that of a Badger, saving that his Toes..are longer one than another.
†2. A line of footsteps; the track or trail left by the steps or passage of a person or animal: = trade n. 1. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animals hunted > trail > [noun]
feutea1375
treadc1400
fewea1425
racka1467
train1568
foiling1575
slot1575
trail1590
fuse1611
piste1696
spoor1823
sign1851
slotting1909
society > communication > indication > marking > a mark > trace or vestige > [noun] > left by the passage of something > of a person or animal
sleuthc1175
footstepa1300
feutea1375
treadc1400
fewea1425
foil1575
trail1590
carriage1600
sign1692
piste1696
spoor1823
worm-track1859
met1914
c1400 Laud Troy Bk. 1006 When he was comen to that stede, Ther he saw the schepes trede.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Piste The Track, or Tread, which a Horse makes upon the Ground he goes over.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 23 He passed a solitary house, towards which the horseman..had apparently turned up, for his horse's tread was evident in that direction.
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. ix. 240 I tracked the knight's horse-tread as far as near to the ford.
†3.
Thesaurus »
a. A trodden or beaten way, a path, a track. Obsolete exc.
b. figurative path or way (of life or action).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > way of life > [noun]
lifeeOE
lifewayOE
livelihoodOE
livingc1350
dietc1460
tradec1485
use1488
daily life1516
way of living1516
governmenta1616
way of lifea1616
tread1628
mode1758
14.. Bone Flor. 1882 Sche fonde a tredd and forthe ys gon..To a noonre.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xiii. sig. K2 We wander in the tread of seuerall paths.
a1711 T. Ken Psyche iii, in Wks. (1721) IV. 229 When Jesus journy'd too and fro,..The Female Vot'ries by you lead [= led] Still follow'd his instructive Tread.
a1862 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. (1869) III. iii. 132 Conditions which determine the tread and destiny of nations.
†c. Those who are on the ordinary way; the common ‘run’ of passers. Cf. trade n. 2b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > [noun] > one going on foot > foot-traffic
tread?1615
foot traffic1843
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xvii. 748 That the bread, Which now he begg'd amongst the common tread.
4.
a. The action or an act of treading or trampling; a step.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [noun] > stepping > a step, pace, or tread
stepsc1000
pacea1350
treadc1400
footstepc1440
treadingsc1440
footing1567
traces1613
footfalla1616
c1400 Laud Troy Bk. 13440 Thei drow him fro her hors tred.
1640 R. Chamberlain in R. Brome Antipodes To Author sig. A4 On th' Antipodes..tis thus, Their feet do tread against the tread of us.
1673 J. Flavell Fountain of Life v. 53 The least tread awry, may ingulph us in the bogs of error.
1733 W. Ellis Chiltern & Vale Farming 15 The tread of the Sheep makes this Ground turn before the Plow in a clotty Substance.
1812 J. Wilson Isle of Palms ii. 379 Thy noiseless tread..Fell soft as snow on snow.
1823 J. F. Cooper Pioneers II. xix. 273 Louisa was startled by the low, cracking, but cautious treads, of some one approaching through the bushes.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. i. 38 That incessant tread of feet wearing the rough stones smooth and glossy.
1843 J. Smith Forest Trees 64 He gives a tread with his foot to render it firm.
1878 M. A. Brown tr. J. L. Runeberg Nadeschda 18 She followed with her ears his tread.
b. Manner of treading; hence, style of walking.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > [noun] > manner of walking
stepOE
gangOE
pacec1300
goinga1382
gait1509
motion1531
gature?1548
walk1567
gait-trip1582
tread1609
go1635
démarche1658
1609 Old Meg of Hereford-shire sig. Cv Howe doe you like this Morris-daunce of Hereford-shire?.. Haue they not the right footing? the true tread?
1727 A. Pope Several Copies Verses Mr. Gulliver's Trav. 15 How wert thou wont to walk with cautious Tread.
1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. lxxiv. 45 The ground, with cautious tread, is travers'd o'er.
1840 R. S. Hawker Cornish Ballads (1908) 89 Pause and move onward with obedient tread.
1844 E. B. Barrett Dead Pan in Poems II. 266 Where O Juno, is the glory Of thy regal look and tread?
1881 M. E. Herbert Edith 7 She had the tread of an Empress.
c. transferred. The quality or kind of the thing trodden upon; the sensation produced by treading on something (considered as an attribute of the thing). rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > ground > [noun] > condition for movement
rideability1793
tread1820
going1823
underfooting1948
runnability1982
1820 J. Keats Lamia i, in Lamia & Other Poems 13 A sloping green of mossy tread.
II. Something that treads or steps, and related uses.
5.
a. Farriery. A bruise or wound of the coronet of a horse's foot, caused by setting one foot upon the other, or by over-reaching.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of horses > [noun] > disorders of feet or hooves
pains1440
mellitc1465
false quarter1523
gravelling?1523
founder1547
foundering1548
foot evil1562
crown scab1566
prick1566
quittor bone1566
moltlong1587
scratches1591
hoof-bound1598
corn1600
javar1600
frush1607
crepance1610
fretishing1610
seam1610
scratchets1611
kibe1639
tread1661
grease1674
gravel1675
twitter-bone1688
cleft1694
quittor1703
bleymes1725
crescent1725
hoof-binding1728
capelet1731
twitter1745
canker1753
grease-heels1753
sand-crack1753
thrush1753
greasing1756
bony hoof1765
seedy toe1829
side bone1840
cracked heel1850
mud fever1872
navicular1888
coronitis1890
toe-crack1891
flat-foot1894
1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia 62 The skinne wrapped about a horse's foot, that hath a tread, helpeth the same.
1753 J. Bartlet Gentleman's Farriery xxxix. 292 A quittor..arises often from treads and bruises.
1830 J. Baxter Libr. Agric. & Hort. Knowl. 295 Quittor..a severe tread, which the horse accidentally inflicts upon itself in its endeavours to avoid falling upon its side.
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words at Treed When a horse has injured himself by setting one foot on another he is said to have ‘getten a treed’.
b. An act of treadling or pedalling a machine.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > lever > [noun] > operated by foot > operation of
tread1680
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. x. 188 Keeping exact time in Treads,..the Workman gives a quick Tread upon the Treddle.
1790 A. Wilson Poems 54 Whene'er the smooth tread I apply, My Shopmates deplore how I've sped.
6.
a. The action of the male bird in coition.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [noun] > copulation
tread1674
treading1675
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 124 An egg,..a thing that sprang from the impetus of the tread,..to be what 'tis, after laid by the Hen.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique (at cited word) A Hen..will lay Eggs without the Tread of the Cock, but these Eggs..are good for nothing to hatch.
1765 Treat. Domest. Pigeons 23 She will squat, and readily receive his tread, by which she is rendered prolific.
b. The cicatricula or chalaza of an egg; = treadle n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > reproductive substances or cells > [noun] > ovum or ootid > yolk > tread
strainc1305
cock treading1573
kenning1585
tread1593
cock's tread1647
gallature1650
treadle1658
cicatricula1664
strind1671
gemma1692
chalaza1704
segmentation cavity1888
1593 R. Southwell St. Peter's Complaint 51 Kill bad Chickins in the tread.
1647 Husbandmans Plea against Tithes 40 Whether the Cocks tread.. be in every egge.
1747 H. Glasse Art of Cookery xv. 139 Strain off your Eggs from the Treds.
1871 T. H. Huxley Man. Anat. Vertebr. Animals (1882) 9 A patch of primary tissue;..the so-called cicatricula, or ‘tread’, which is observable in the new-laid egg, is of this nature.
7. Various technical senses.
a. The flat under side of the foot or of a shoe, which comes into contact with the ground in treading; the sole.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > sole
solec1440
under-solingc1440
undershoea1500
underlaying1611
treadc1720
tap1844
outsole1862
tap-piece-
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > extremities > foot > [noun] > sole
solec1325
foot solea1382
planta1382
step1382
palmc1450
plat1574
treadc1720
baby sole1864
c1720 W. Gibson Farriers New Guide i. v. 87 The..Plantaris, or Muscle of the Soal or Tread.
1898 J. Hutchinson in Archives Surg. 9 337 The symptom..was pain under the tread of his left foot.
b. A wheel track, a rut (dialect); the transverse distance between the two wheels of a cart or other vehicle; also, the width between the pedals of a bicycle or tricycle; the outer surface of a wheel, tire, or sledge runner; spec. the thick moulded surface of a pneumatic tyre, which runs in contact with the ground (as opposed to the sidewalls); cf. retread n. 1 also, the rail surface on which the wheel bears.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > wheel > distance between right and left
tread1735
track1850
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicle propelled by feet > [noun] > cycle > parts and equipment of cycles > pedals and parts > width between pedals
tread1735
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > wheel > rim > tread
trade1553
tread1735
trod1797
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > wheel > rubber or pneumatic tyre > parts of
tread1735
cover1898
sidewall1901
tyre-cover1903
tire-cover1905
cuirass band1906
cuirass1907
power bar1948
belt1964
undertread1968
1735–6 S. Pegge Alphabet of Kenticisms Tread, a wheel-tread, rut, tract [i.e. track].
1765 Museum Rusticum 4 lix. 248 It would be less material what breadth the wheels themselves were of, so that their tread be flat.
1765 Museum Rusticum 4 lix. 249 If carts were to have the distance of their [wheels] either equal to the greatest or least tread of the waggons, it would generally help to preserve and commode the roads.
1797 J. Curr Coal Viewer 25 Plain turn plates. Used for going round a turn. The trod or tread of these [tram-]plates are 4 inches broad.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm III. 1163 This standard..has..been fixed at 4 feet 4 inches between the tread of the wheels.
1875 W. D. Parish Dict. Sussex Dial. at Trades ‘You will never get your carriage down that laine, for it can't take the trades’.
1887 Viscount Bury & G. L. Hillier Cycling (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xiii. 346 To keep ‘the tread’ of the machines, i.e. the width from pedal to pedal as narrow as possible.
1897 Cyclists' Touring Club Gaz. Sept. 399 A large hob~nail..in the middle of the tread [of a pneumatic tire].
1902 C. L. Freeston in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) 237 The Collier…this type is provided with an unusually stout tread.
1913 Sci. Amer. 11 Jan. 53/1 The tread is made up independently of the tire by laying up narrow strips of rubber..in such a way that the center of the tread is thicker than the edges.
1929 Rubber & Tyre Rev. Jan. 148/1 On pneumatic tyres for buses an average of 6,000 miles per 1/ 8 in. tread thickness can be safely assumed.
1964 Amer. Speech 39 275 Tread, n., the outer, final component of the assembled tire. It is made up of the cap which contacts the road surface and the sidewall.
1982 M. Russell Rainblast iv. 28 People come along fast... The treads find they've a little extra to do.
c. A shaped plate of iron worn under the hollow of the shoe to protect it in digging; a tramp.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > protective studs or plates > to protect when digging
foot iron1741
tramp1825
tread1842
tramp-clog1894
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 133 To save the shoes of the operator, a plate of iron about two inches broad, with leather straps, called a tread, is tied to his shoe.
d. Shipbuilding: see quot. 1850.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > parts of vessels > body of vessel > bottom or part under water > [noun] > keel and kelson > keel > straight length of
tread1850
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 156 Tread of the keel, the whole length of the keel upon a straight line.
e. The projecting foot-rest or step of a stilt ( Encycl. Dict. 1888).
f. The upper side of the bed of a lathe between the headstock and back-centre (E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. 1877).
8.
a. The horizontal upper surface of a step in a stair; also, the width of this from front to back; also, each of the rungs of a ladder.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > stairs > [noun] > step > tread
tread1712
flat1793
step-board1823
treader1881
stair-tread1919
society > occupation and work > equipment > ladder > [noun] > rung or step
stepc1000
gangOE
stavec1175
tine?c1225
ladder stalea1250
degreec1290
rungc1300
staffc1325
stairc1400
ladder stavec1440
scalec1440
roundc1450
stakec1450
sprang1527
staver1534
rundle1565
rave1566
roundel1585
rondel1616
ladder rung1620
rowel1652
spokea1658
stower1674
stale1714
rim1788
tread1838
through1899
step iron1912
1712 J. James tr. A.-J. Dézallier d'Argenville Theory & Pract. Gardening 125 Each Step may have 15 or 16 Inches Tread, to five or six Inches Rise.
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §72 There was but one flat or tread of a step above the center of the house.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §239 One inch and a quarter oak treads with rounded nosings.
1838 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 1 268/1 Ladders were of..rude construction..formed of two uprights with nailed treads or rounds on the face.
1884 Internat. Health Exhib. Official Catal. 49/1 Terra Cotta steps, with patent silicon treads.
1884 F. T. Hodgson Stair-building 12 Wall strings are the supporters of the ends of the treads and risers.
b. Fortification. A terrace at the back of a parapet, on which the defenders stand to fire over the parapet.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > earthwork or rampart > [noun] > parapet > firing platform
foot bench?1575
foot bank1618
banquette1629
step1672
tread1834
firing step1899
fire-step1915
1834 J. S. Macaulay Treat. Field Fortification 3 The tread of the banquette..is made 3 feet wide, when the parapet is to be defended by a single rank.
1853 J. H. Stocqueler Mil. Encycl. 289/2 Tread, of a banquette, the upper and flat surface on which the soldier stands whilst firing over the parapet.
c. Geomorphology. The approximately horizontal part of each of the step-like parts of a glacial stairway or similar landform.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > ledge or terrace > [noun] > tread or riser
tread1904
riser1911
1904 Jrnl. Geol. (Chicago) 12 570 The tread of the steps in the long stairway..greatly lengthened in down-canyon order.
1930 F. E. Matthes Geol. Hist. Yosemite Valley 95/2 Rock structure, or, more broadly, rock resistance,..determines in large measure at what points in a given canyon the individual sills and treads shall develop.
1954 Jrnl. Glaciol. 2 421 Fig. 2..shows a roche moutonnée of step-like form... The contrast between the smoothed upper tread and the irregular ‘plucked’ riser can be seen.
1968 R. W. Fairbridge Encycl. Geomorphol. 467/1 Where the overdeepened treads are undrained, there are rock-cut depressions or partly moraine-dammed pools... They are known as paternoster lakes.
†III. A customary or habitual action.
9. A habitual course of action; a custom or practice; = trade n. 3b. Obsolete. rare. 12.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [noun] > a habit or practice
thewc888
customa1200
wonec1200
moursc1250
usec1384
usancea1393
usagea1400
stylec1430
practice1502
commona1525
frequentation1525
ordinary1526
trade?1543
vein1549
habit1581
rut1581
habitude1603
mores1648
tread1817
dastur1888
1817 G. Chalmers Life T. Churchyard in T. Churchyard Chips conc. Scotl. 14 Three years..he saw the Emperor's wars: then homeward drew, as was his wonted tread [1593 trade].

Compounds

C1. General attributive.
a. (In sense 4.)
tread-mire n.
ΚΠ
1888 G. M. Hopkins Poems (1967) 105 Stanches, starches Squadroned masks and manmarks treadmire toil there Footfretted in it.
b. (In sense 7b.)
tread cover n.
ΚΠ
1908 Westm. Gaz. 16 Nov. 5/3 As regards the round and square tread covers their imperviousness to cutting by flints [etc.].
tread rubber n.
ΚΠ
1909 Westm. Gaz. 1 June 4/2 The rubber used in their non-skid is not ordinary ‘tread’ rubber.
tread surface n.
ΚΠ
1896 Godey's Mag. Apr. 347/1 The tread surface of the canvas tube was covered with two or three layers of the sheet rubber.
C2. See treadmill n., tread-wheel n.
† tread-behind n. Obsolete a doubling; an evasion, artifice, shift.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > [noun] > a trick, deception
wrenchc888
swikec893
braida1000
craftOE
wile1154
crookc1175
trokingc1175
guile?c1225
hocket1276
blink1303
errorc1320
guileryc1330
sleightc1340
knackc1369
deceitc1380
japec1380
gaudc1386
syllogism1387
mazec1390
mowa1393
train?a1400
trantc1400
abusionc1405
creekc1405
trickc1412
trayc1430
lirtc1440
quaint?a1450
touch1481
pawka1522
false point?1528
practice1533
crink1534
flim-flamc1538
bobc1540
fetcha1547
abuse1551
block1553
wrinklec1555
far-fetch?a1562
blirre1570
slampant1577
ruse1581
forgery1582
crank1588
plait1589
crossbite1591
cozenage1592
lock1598
quiblin1605
foist1607
junt1608
firk1611
overreach?1615
fob1622
ludification1623
knick-knacka1625
flam1632
dodge1638
gimcrack1639
fourbe1654
juggle1664
strategy1672
jilt1683
disingenuity1691
fun1699
jugglementa1708
spring1753
shavie1767
rig?1775
deception1794
Yorkshire bite1795
fakement1811
fake1829
practical1833
deceptivity1843
tread-behind1844
fly1861
schlenter1864
Sinonism1864
racket1869
have1885
ficelle1890
wheeze1903
fast one1912
roughie1914
spun-yarn trick1916
fastie1931
phoney baloney1933
fake-out1955
okey-doke1964
mind-fuck1971
1844 S. Naylor Reynard the Fox 20 His tricks and traps and tread-behinds.
tread-board n. the tread of a step = sense 8; also, each of the steps in a treadmill.
† tread-fowl n. Obsolete the male bird; cf. 6a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > [noun] > male
cock1324
tread-fowlc1386
cock bird1600
Tom1840
c1386 G. Chaucer Monk's Prol. 57 Thou woldest han been a tredefowel aright.
tread plate n. (a) a footplate or runner which forms or protects the step on a vehicle; (b) (see quot. 1967).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > sanitation > privy or latrine > [noun] > water-closet or lavatory > W.C. appliances > tread-plate
tread plate1949
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > parts and equipment of motor vehicles > [noun] > body or bodywork > foot-board
running-board1906
tread plate1949
1949 Automobile & Carriage Builders' Jrnl. 104 59 (heading) P-G-P aluminium tread~plate.
1967 Gloss. Sanitation Terms (B.S.I.) 57 Tread plate. 1. Glazed ceramic, or other hard wearing, edging to the floor finish adjacent to the channel of a urinal. 2. Glazed ceramic, or other hard wearing, non-slip footrests on each side of a squatting W.C. pan.
tread-road n. dialect see quot.; cf. tread-way n.
ΚΠ
1894 R. O. Heslop Northumberland Words Treed-road, a beaten path.
treadsman n. = treader n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > wine-making > [noun] > grape-treader
treaderc1384
stampera1425
treadsman1519
1519 W. Horman Vulgaria xxviii. f. 237 The iewest..that the tredisman,..brouseth out of the grapis.
† treadsole n. Obsolete a door-sill.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > parts of door > [noun] > threshold or door-step
thresholdeOE
hirst1513
groundsel1523
treadsole1543
door-sill1570
sill1600
step-stone1605
doorstep1810
1543 G. Joye George Ioye confuteth Winchesters Articles f. iij The treadsole or growndsole where vpon..the dore is turned and returned.
tread-steps n. carriage-steps with flat treads.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > parts of > step
foot iron1741
carriage step1799
step1816
footplate1833
tread-steps1837
1837 W. B. Adams Eng. Pleasure Carriages 87 Tread Steps, for the coachman to mount by.
tread-trap n. Archaeology a wooden device for trapping an animal by the foot.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > equipment > trap or snare > [noun]
grinc825
trapa1000
snarea1100
swikea1100
granea1250
springec1275
gina1300
gnarea1325
stringc1325
trebuchet1362
latch?a1366
leashc1374
snarlc1380
foot gina1382
foot-grina1382
traina1393
sinewa1400
snatcha1400
foot trapa1425
haucepyc1425
slingc1425
engine1481
swar1488
frame1509
brakea1529
fang1535
fall trap1570
spring1578
box-trapa1589
spring trapa1589
sprint1599
noosec1600
springle1602
springe1607
toil1607
plage1608
deadfall1631
puppy snatch1650
snickle1681
steel trap1735
figure (of) four1743
gun-trap1749
stamp1788
stell1801
springer1813
sprent1822
livetrap1823
snaphance1831
catch pole1838
twitch-up1841
basket-trap1866
pole trap1879
steel fall1895
tread-trap1952
conibear trap1957
conibear1958
1952 J. G. D. Clark Prehist. Europe ii. 51 A type of tread-trap..appearing for the first time in the Late Bronze Age..symbolizes the part still played by trapping in the closing stages of European prehistory.
† tread-way n. Obsolete a roadway, thoroughfare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road > [noun]
road1580
roadway1600
tread-waya1636
via1673
open road1764
roadie1768
audax1937
a1636 T. Westcote View Devonshire 1630 (1845) ii. xxiii. 187 For whose more christian-like burial there is (in a spacious large tread-way near the place of execution) a plot of ground enclosed with strong stone walls.

Derivatives

ˈtreaded adj. [-ed suffix2] of a tyre: having or furnished with a moulded tread.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [adjective] > fitted with tyres > attributes of tyres
steel-studdeda1400
white-walled1720
punctured1896
sidewall1901
beaded-edge1902
treaded1906
low-profile1922
whitewall1930
run-flat1941
whitewall1957
bald1958
bias-ply1964
cross-ply1965
studded1966
treadless1968
1906 Westm. Gaz. 6 Mar. 4/2 The substitution of single pneumatic tyres for the present double-treaded ones.
1973 ‘D. Rutherford’ Kick Start vi. 139 The bike canting at a steep angle, we were holding on to the road surface by the treaded edge of the competition tyre.
treadless adj. [-less suffix] having no tread or treads (esp. of tyres).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [adjective] > fitted with tyres > attributes of tyres
steel-studdeda1400
white-walled1720
punctured1896
sidewall1901
beaded-edge1902
treaded1906
low-profile1922
whitewall1930
run-flat1941
whitewall1957
bald1958
bias-ply1964
cross-ply1965
studded1966
treadless1968
1968 A. Diment Great Spy Race x. 186 The treadless tyres teetered on tiptoe across the road.
1974 Observer 3 Nov. (Colour Suppl.) 27/2 Wearing treadless shoes, [we] were let into a dusty attic with a forged key. Another prisoner followed us, replacing anything we might move.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

treadv.

Brit. /trɛd/, U.S. /trɛd/
Inflections: Past tense trod /trɒd/, (archaic) trode /trəʊd/; Past participle trodden /ˈtrɒd(ə)n/, trod /trɒd/;
Forms: 1. Present stem Old English trædan, Old English tredan, Middle English tradde, Middle English tredde, Middle English trede, Middle English treden, Middle English tredyn, Middle English–1600s tred, 1500s–1700s treade, 1500s– tread; also inflected Old English trædað, Old English trides, Old English trideð, Middle English tredeth, 1500s treddis. c825 Vesp. Psalter xc. 13 Ðu..trides leon & dracan.OE Riddle 84 30 Hio..grundbedd trideþ.OE Beowulf 1964 Gewat him ða se hearda..sæwong tredan.OE Riddle 7 1 Hrægl min swigað, þonne ic hrusan trede.OE Riddle 57 5 Tredað bearonæssas.a1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) lv[i]. 1 Miltsa me, Drihten, forðon me man tredeð.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 11946 Godess þeowwess gan onn himm. & tredenn himm wiþþ fote.a1340 R. Rolle Psalter vii. 5 Þe enmy..tred [L. conculcet] in erth my lyf.c1386 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 2160 The harde stoon..on which we trede and goon.a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Rom. xvi. 20 God of pees tredde Sathanas vndur ȝoure feet. c1440 [see sense 11]. ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xiiiv Let hym beware that he trede nat to moch vpon the corne.1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xl. 7 Treade all the vngodly vnder thy fete.1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 108 Thow sall..tred on the cruell Cocketrice.1567 Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1814) III. 41 Þame þat treddis hairis in þe snaw.1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Riv/1 To Treade, go, gressus ponere.1583 G. Babington Very Fruitfull Expos. Commaundem. viii. 399 Vntoothsome is that trueth euer, that treadeth downe my liking.1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ix. sig. Gg6 Which..vnder foot doth tread [rhyme dread] The mightie ones. 2. Past tense. a. Strong.

α. Old English træd, Middle English trad, Middle English tradd, Middle English tradde, Middle English trade. OE Beowulf 1881 Beowulf þanan..græsmoldan træd.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2561 Forr ȝho tradd deofell unnderr fot.a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Ecclus. xxiv. 11 Y trad bi vertu on the neckis of all excelent men.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xix. iv. 778 His hors..trade his [own] guttes..vnder his feet.1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 99 The wulf trade forth to the foxe in grete wrath.1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. xx The oxe..thradde and thrested her [the frog] with his fote.1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xxiv. 89 The grasse wher vpon he trad.

β. 1500s tred (Scottish), 1700s tread. 1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 37 With feit [scho] it tred.1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews ii. ix, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 54 Moses..tread upon it with his feet.

γ. 1500s trodd, 1500s–1800s trode, 1500s– trod. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings xiv. 9 A wylde beest..ran ouer ye hawthorne and trode it downe. [So 2 Chron. xxv. 18.]1599 T. Heywood 2nd Pt. King Edward IV sig. R3 Pittie that ere awry she trode her shooe.a1771 T. Gray tr. T. Tasso in Wks. (1814) II. 90 Against the stream the waves secure he trod.1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto VI cxi. 56 The way in which he trode.1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. iii. 67 One of the bravest and most noble gentlemen who ever trode a court.

δ. (plural) Old English trǽdon, Middle English trād, Middle English trāden, Middle English trêden, Middle English treeden, Middle English trōden, Middle English– 1800s trode, 1500s trood, 1500s– trod. ?a1300 Debate of Body & Soul 423 Ther alle þe fendes fet it trode [rhyme brode].1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xi. 347 Some [birds] troden hir makes and on trees bredden [C. xiv. 166 And some treden..and on trees bredden].1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 2 Kings ix. 33 The hors houes that treden [a1425 L.V. to tredden] hyre.c1420 Chron. Vilod. 2940 & nyst neuer where þey wenton ny trede.1483 W. Caxton in tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 173 b/2 They trad the corne in the feldes doun.1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xii. f. xcvj In so moche that they trood won another.1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings vii. 17 The people trode [ Wycl. trade] vpon him, so that he dyed.a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 33 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) The Irish..trode not upon Scottish soile.1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xv. 412 The wond'ring Crowds the downward Level trod.1850 N. Hawthorne Scarlet Let. Introd. 9 Trode the unworn street.

b. Weak Middle English treddede, Middle English tredden (plural), Middle English trediden (plural), Middle English treyde, 1900s treaded (only in phr. treaded water: see sense 7). 1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 2 Kings xiv. 9 The beestis..passiden, and tredden [v.r. treteden] doun the cardue.a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Luke xii. 1 So that thei treden [v.rr. treeden, traden, trediden; 1382 troden] ech on othir.?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1879) VII. 9 His feete..with whom he treyde [L. pulsaverat] the tumbe of blissede Odo.1944 Stars & Stripes (London ed.) 1 May 3 While Huie and four crewmen clambered into the liferaft, three others treaded water for three hours before succeeding in blowing up another raft by lung power.1947 H. E. Bates Purple Plain x. 113 He treaded water for a moment or two.1974 J. Irving 158-Pound Marriage viii. 193 He said nothing; he treaded water. 3. Past participle. a. Strong.

α. Old English–Middle English treden, Middle English i-trede, Middle English y-tredde, 1500s tredd, 1500s tredde, 1500s tredden, 1500s–1600s tred (Scottish), 1600s tread. a900 tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (1890) iii. xvi. [xxii.] 224 Utworpen..&.fotum treden [e] & in eorðan gehwyrfde wæron.c1315 Shoreham Poems i. 821 Namore ne greueþ hyt ihesus Þane sonne [? stone] itrede in felþe.a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxiv If ye se it [the lair] gret and brode and wele ytredde.1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. ccxixv They under fote ar tred.c1520 M. Nisbet New Test. in Scots (1905) III. Rev. xiv. 20 The lake was treddin [1388 Wyclif, troddun] without the citee.1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. Rom. xi. f. xxxi Lye they on the grounde and are tredde vnderfoote.1580 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David xxxi. vi Like a broken pott, in myer tredd.1600 J. Hamilton Facile Traictise Ded. sig. ★4 Brocht in contempt and tred vnderfut.1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 39 The Water-neppe..which vnder-foote is tread [rhyme bed].1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant ii. 86 Being trampled and tread upon.

β. Middle English troddun, Middle English–1600s troden, 1500s– trodden. a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 42 Þai sall be troden vndire my luf.a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 3402 Wit here horse troden.1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 821 The Percies with it troden under foot.1614 T. Adams in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1870) I. Ps. xiii. 5 Are trodden down by the poor. Middle English i-trode, Middle English–1800s trode, Middle English– trod, 1600s troad, 1600s troade. ▸ a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 379 Hym semede þat he [a cross] was nouȝt worþy to be trode [ Caxton, trede] wiþ his feet.1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VIII. 113 His baner was i-trode in þe fen.1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 298 Hens do lay Egges being not trode by a Cocke.1614 W. Alexander Doomes-day iii. lxxx. sig. K4v Their emptie Channells may be tread on dry.1621 R. Montagu Diatribæ Hist. Tithes 359 To haue..trod vnder foot the Law of God.1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey II. v. 124 By mighty Jove's command..have I trod this pleasing land.1774 J. Beattie Minstrel: 2nd Bk. vi. 4 Which heretofore his foot had never trode.

b. Weak Middle English trēdedd ( Ormulum). c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5728 Be trededd dun.
Etymology: Old English tredan (past tense træd, plural trǽdon, past participle treden); Middle English treden (trad, trêden, treden); a Common Germanic strong verb, = Old Frisian treda (trad, tred, trêd-, treden), Old Saxon tredan (trad, trâd-un, treden); Middle Dutch, Middle Low German trēden, Dutch, Low German trēden, Old High German tretan (trat, trâtun; gi-tretan), Middle High German, German treten; Danish træde, Swedish träda, Norwegian treda; Old Germanic *tređ-; *trađ-, plural *træ̂đ-; tređ-, of which a weak grade truđ- gave Gothic trudan (*traþ, *trêdum, trudans), and Old Norse troða (trað, tráðum; troðinn). Not certainly known outside Germanic. In the 14th cent. (in Hampole a1340), either under Norse influence, or by assimilation to verbs of Class IV (brecan, bræc, brocen), the past participle troden (later trodden, trode, trod) began to be substituted for the original treden, although the latter in its shortened form tred(e, tread survived with some to the 17th cent., and is still in dialect use. In the end of the 14th cent. troden is found in the plural of the past tense, and from the 16th cent. trode, trod also in the singular. Ormin has a weak past participle trededd for treden, and a weak past tense tredide, tredde appears in the later Wyclifite version. Compare Old English treddian, Old High German trettôn, Old Norse treðja, Old Germanic type *trađjan, perhaps originally intensive, but subsequently mixed up with the primary strong verb.
Signification.
1.
a. transitive. To step upon; to pace or walk on (the ground, etc.); to walk in (a place); hence, to go about in (a place, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > traverse on foot [verb (transitive)]
treadOE
walka1400
overwalk1533
pad1553
stroll1693
cruise1948
OE2 [see ].
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. x. 101 Selden Moseþ þe Marbelston þat men ofte treden.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Deut. xi. 24 Eche place that ȝoure foot tredith, shal be ȝour.
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxiv If ye se it gret and brode and wele ytredde [MS. Reg. ytrodde].
1591 Troublesome Raigne Iohn i. sig. C2 Treading my Confines with thy armed Troupes.
1594 1st Pt. Raigne Selimus sig. C2 Then let our winged coursers tread the winde.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 112 He, who treads the bleak Meotian Strand. View more context for this quotation
1729 G. Adams tr. Sophocles Oedipus Coloneus i. v, in tr. Sophocles Trag. II. 102 The Goddesses..whose Ground you have trod.
1802 W. Wordsworth Here, on our Native Soil in Sonn. to Liberty 'Tis joy enough and pride For one hour's perfect bliss, to tread the grass Of England once again.
1823 T. Chalmers Serm. I. 397 As hardy adventurers as ever trode the desert in quest of novelty.
1837 W. Irving Adventures Capt. Bonneville II. 53 The trapper stands..and gazes upon a promised land which his feet are never to tread.
b. Phrases. to tread the stage (the boards), to act upon the stage, to follow the profession of an actor (also figurative to write stage-plays). to tread †clay, this earth, shoe leather, to be alive, to live; to tread the deck, to be on board ship, be a sailor; to tread the ground, to walk.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)]
stepOE
bistepa1250
to set footc1300
treada1400–50
foota1425
trade1547
stride1596
ambulate1598
purmeinea1614
walka1628
conculcate1657
to tread the ground1691
toddle1819
sashay1878
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > acting > act [verb (intransitive)]
playa1450
to play (also act) a (also one's) part1540
representa1547
act1598
interlude1608
personate1623
to tread the stage (the boards)1691
perform1724
to go on1769
theatricalize1794
histrionize1851
play-act1856
society > travel > travel by water > [verb (intransitive)] > be on board ship
to tread the deck1748
the world > life > source or principle of life > [verb (intransitive)]
liveeOE
aliveeOE
ylivec950
won971
goc1225
movea1325
breathea1382
reigna1400
to pass on earth (also mould)c1400
to draw (one's) breath?1570
exist1578
respire1619
to tread clay, this earth, shoe leather1789
to grab on1861
to store the kin1866
1691 G. Langbaine Acct. Eng. Dram. Poets 465 Shakespear by him reviv'd now treads the Stage.
1700 J. Dryden Flower & Leaf in Fables 390 Methought she trod the Ground with greater Grace.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 22. ⁋2 One that never trod the Stage before.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. xiii. 274 As skilful seamen as ever trod a deck.
1789 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 491 She is a dainty Chuckie, As e'er tread clay!
1825 W. Scott Talisman xi, in Tales Crusaders IV. 220 The steeds..chafed on the bit, and trod the ground more proudly.
a1833 J. T. Smith Bk. for Rainy Day (1845) 251 A better man never trod shoe-leather.
1858 E. Bulwer-Lytton What will he do with It? i. viii She had never then trod the boards.
1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. viii. 164 No man that ever trod this earth was ever endowed with greater natural gifts.
2.
a. To step or walk upon or along; to follow, pursue (a path, track, or road); also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > follow (a path or course)
treadOE
followOE
embrace1639
solicit1694
pursue1788
to strike a line (also path1867
track1888
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > have as purpose or object
followeOE
studylOE
turna1200
pursuea1382
purposec1384
to shoot atc1407
ensue1483
proponea1500
studyc1503
prick1545
tread1551
suit1560
to go for ——1568
to set (up) one's rest1572
expect1578
propose1584
propound1596
aima1616
scope1668
to set up1691
aim1821
to go in for1835
to be out for1887
to be flat out for1930
target1966
shoot1967
OE Beowulf 1352 On weres wæstmum wræclastas træd.
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. To Rdr. I will not cease..treading the paths of labour.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 138 The downward track he treads . View more context for this quotation
1754 Earl of Chatham Lett. to Nephew (1804) vi. 40 Those who have trod the paths of the world before them.
1841 G. P. R. James Brigand xix I never forget a path I have once trodden.
1884 W. H. White Mark Rutherford's Deliverance (1892) viii. 111 Yet he treads his path undisturbed.
b. †to tread a person's steps (figurative), to walk in the steps of, follow the example of (obsolete); to tread back one's steps (figurative), to retrace one's steps (now rare or obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > retrospection, reminiscence > look back, retrospect [verb (intransitive)] > return to a topic
returnc1405
resortc1425
relent?c1500
recur1620
remountc1740
to tread back one's steps1777
hark back1829
society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or retrace one's steps
charec1000
i-cherrec1000
again-wendOE
again-turna1375
to turn backc1425
reflect1608
redambulate1623
to tread back one's steps1777
back track1802
to try back1816
back-track1904
back-trail1907
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue f. 100 To..tread the steppes of Gods sonne.
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper ii. 117 S. Philip..was fastened to the Crosse, and stoned to death, treading the steps both of his Master, and of Stephen.
a1704 T. Brown Ess. Women in 4th Vol. Wks. (1709) i. 36 They tread the Steps of their Parents, meerly by instinct.
1752 S. Foote Taste Ded. p. v In the following Sheets her Steps have been trod with an indeviating Simplicity.
1777 J. Priestley Disquis. Matter & Spirit i. 1 The means of inducing the philosophical part of the world to tread back their steps.
1831 D. E. Williams Life Sir T. Lawrence I. 243 We must tread back our steps.
†c. to tread the feet of, to trace the footprints of. Scottish. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow [verb (transitive)] > follow (a track or trail) > follow track or trail of
troda1250
tracec1440
track1565
train1575
tract1577
hunt1579
foot1581
trail1590
to tread the feet of1596
insist1631
pad1861
sleuth1905
back-trail1907
back-track1925
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 350 To schue thrie suofte horses backward, that..the persewer..mycht not find how to tred the horses fute rycht.
d. to tread a measure, †a dance, etc., to go through a dance in a rhythmic or stately manner; to go through in dancing; so to tread a march. archaic and poetic.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > [verb (intransitive)]
frikec1000
sail1297
dancec1300
sault1377
tripc1386
balea1400
hopc1405
foota1425
tracec1425
sallyc1440
to dance a fita1500
fling1528
to tread a measure, a dance1577
trip1578
traverse1584
move1594
to shake heels1595
to shake it1595
firk1596
tripudiate1623
pettitoe1651
step1698
jink1718
to stand up1753
bejig1821
to toe and heel (it)1828
morris1861
hoof1925
terp1945
1577 J. Grange Golden Aphroditis sig. Mijv After these came Silenus..treadyng the hornpype.
1580 H. Gifford Posie of Gilloflowers ii. sig. P.3 Thrice happy is their chaunce, That never knew to treade the lover's daunce.
a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. Aivv That did but Venus tread a daintie step.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. H Teaching decrepit age to tread the measures. View more context for this quotation
1808 W. Scott Marmion v. xii. 259 ‘Now tread we a measure!’ said young Lochinvar.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake ii. 54 The proud march which victors tread.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany iii. 30 The favoured one who should tread a measure with her Imperial Majesty.
3.
a. intransitive. To walk, go, pace; to set down the feet in walking; to step. Also said of the foot.In quot. c897 rendering Latin terere of the Vulgate.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > go on foot [verb (intransitive)]
treadc897
stepc900
goeOE
gangOE
walka1375
wanderc1380
foota1425
to take to footc1440
awalkc1540
trade1547
beat it on the hoof1570
pad1610
to be (also beat, pad) upon the hoofa1616
trample1624
to pad (also pad upon) the hoof1683
ambulate1724
shank1773
stump it1803
pedestrianize1811
pedestrianate1845
tramp it1862
ankle1916
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk, tread, or step [verb (intransitive)]
stepOE
bistepa1250
to set footc1300
treada1400–50
foota1425
trade1547
stride1596
ambulate1598
purmeinea1614
walka1628
conculcate1657
to tread the ground1691
toddle1819
sashay1878
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xlvii. 357 Aworpen mon..bicneð mid ðæm eagum, & trit mid ðæm fet, & spricð mid ðæm fingre.
a1400–50 Alexander 1515 All þe brade stretis..þar he trede sulde.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 99 The wulf trade forth to the foxe in grete wrath.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Deut. xi. D All the places that the soles of youre fete treade vpon, shalbe yours.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xliii. D Ye Leuites that..treade before me to do me seruyce.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) iv. vii. 138 As arrant a villaine and a Iacke sawce, as euer his blacke shoo trodd vpon Gods ground.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. i. 25 As proper men as euer trod vpon Neats Leather. View more context for this quotation
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. i. 22 I haue trod foure seuerall times from end to end of it.
1748 J. Thomson Castle of Indolence ii. xxxv An honest sober beast, that..full softly trode.
1816 Ld. Byron Prisoner of Chillon xi Avoiding only, as I trod, My brothers' graves without a sod.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxi. 149 I crossed the glacier, treading with the utmost caution along the combs of ice.
b. intransitive. In phrases, esp. in figurative sense. to tread on air, to walk buoyantly or jubilantly; cf. walk v.; to tread on eggs, on delicate ground, on thin ice: see the nouns.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > face danger [verb (intransitive)] > be in danger > be at risk or in a precarious position
stacker1402
periclitate1581
to stand on a rolling stone1581
to lie upon the wager1590
tottera1616
concern1659
to tread on eggs, on delicate ground, on thin icea1734
tremblea1862
to skate over (or on) thin ice1897
to teeter on the brink1937
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > rejoicing or exultation > rejoice or exult [verb (intransitive)] > walk jubilantly
to tread on air1796
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > be joyful or delighted [verb (intransitive)] > be elated
to walk on (also upon, in) air1632
to tread on air1874
1481 W. Caxton tr. Hist. Reynard Fox (1970) 110 Eueriche of them tredeth in the foxes path, and seketh his hole.
1580 Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David xxv. vi He doth..teach the humble how to tread.
1668 J. Denham Poems 147 Sense, her Vassal, in her footsteps treads.
1694 F. Bragge Pract. Disc. Parables xi. 381 Misery, and shame, and repentance, always tread close at the heels of wickedness.
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 36 Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread [rhyme dead].
a1734 R. North Lives of Norths (1826) I. 266 He had his jury to deal with, and if he did not tread upon eggs, they would conclude sinistrously.
1796 R. M. Roche Children of Abbey I. viii. 154 Such were the ideas of the innocent and romantic Amanda; ideas, which made her seem to tread on air.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) II. xi. 223 If Wednesday should ever come!.. It came—it was fine—and Catherine trod on air.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. vi. 560 On the principal ground, however, the parliament..trode nearly blindfold.
1839 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Frogs 452 (note) Was the author treading upon still more delicate ground than the Scholiast has imagined?
1874 G. J. Whyte-Melville Uncle John xxii Leaving the gaol..Mr. Lexley seemed to tread on air.
4.
a. intransitive. To step on (something in one's way); to put the foot down upon accidentally or intentionally, esp. so as to press upon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > walking > walk upon or tread [verb (transitive)]
to step (up)on ——OE
beatOE
treadc1384
betread1495
overwalk1533
foot1557
walk1574
trample1595
reiterate1648
to step foot in1864
pound1890
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > strike with specific thing [verb (transitive)] > with the foot > downwards
tripc1380
treadc1384
stride1581
recalcate1623
c1384 [see sense 4b].
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xiv. 49 His courser..tradd vpon one of his armes.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 274 He will come..to think it vnlawfull..to treade vpon a strawe lying a crosse.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 77 The poore Beetle that we treade vpon. View more context for this quotation
a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 89 Finding my bare feet hurt by the Stones I trod on.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin II. xx. 34 A body can't set their foot down without treading on 'em.
1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Æneid ii, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 126 When a traveller..Treads on a snake unseen.
b. Phrase. to tread on any one's heels or toes (also figurative); see the nouns.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > order of movement > following behind > follow behind [verb (intransitive)] > follow closely
to tread on any one's heels or toesc1384
hang?a1513
dog1519
tag1676
to be on someone's tail1925
to be on someone's wheel1941
the mind > emotion > suffering > displeasure > be displeased with [verb (transitive)] > displease
mislikeeOE
ofthinkeOE
misquemeOE
likec1175
forthinka1225
mispay?c1225
annoyc1300
there glads (also gains, games) him no gleec1300
unpay1340
offenda1382
to be displeasedc1386
to step or tread on the toes ofc1394
mispleasea1400
unlikea1425
edgec1450
injurea1492
discontenta1513
disdain1530
to set (a person's) teeth on edge1535
displeasure1541
mis-set?1553
dislike1578
to tread on any one's heels or toes1710
flisk1792
unentrance1834
to tread on any one's cornsa1855
umbragea1894
c1384 G. Chaucer Hous of Fame iii. 1063 Tho behynde begunne vp lepe And clamben vp on other fast..And troden [v.r. treden] fast on other heles.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 15 To come so neere as to tread upon their heeles.
1710 J. Addison Tatler No. 250. ⁋11 If asking Pardon is an Attonement for treading upon ones Toes?
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 153. ⁋1 The Cocking young Fellow who treads upon the Toes of his Elders.
1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk. I. iii. 210 He could not turn about Nor take a step i' the case and fail to tread On someone's toe.
1879 ‘G. Eliot’ Theophrastus Such vi. 119 A man who uses his balmorals to tread on your toes with much frequency.
1896 Sir W. Walrond in Libr. Mag. Dec. 504 If they legislated too much they were bound to tread on somebody's toes.
c. to tread on one's own tail (figurative): to injure oneself in striking at others.
ΚΠ
1901 Kynoch Jrnl. Oct.–Nov. 9/1 We consider any criticism..coming from the American side as rather of the nature of treading on your own tail.
d. to tread on the gas: see gas n.2
5. transitive.
†a. To step or walk with pressure on (something) esp. so as to crush, beat down, injure, or destroy it; to trample. Obsolete (except as in 5b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > cause bad condition in [verb (transitive)] > cause to waste away > wear away or down > by treading or trampling
treadc825
trample1530
foil1649
to beat up-
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > pressing, pressure, or squeezing > press or squeeze [verb (transitive)] > crush > trample down
treadc825
oftreadeOE
fortreadc1000
overrunOE
treadc1000
fulla1400
trample1530
trachlec1550
betrample1567
hobnail1875
to plough down1877
steamroll1900
steamroller1913
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > strike with specific thing [verb (transitive)] > with the foot > downwards > trample
treadc825
overtreadOE
to tread down, under foot, in the mire, to the ground, to piecesc1175
defoulc1290
foil13..
to-treada1382
foula1400
fulyie1488
overgo1488
trample1530
tramp1533
conculcate1570
trample1577
overtrample1589
tramp1596
inculcate1598
stramplea1610
calcate1623
scrunch1861
c825 [see ]. a900 [see α. forms].
a1000 Ags. Ps. (1835) xc. 113 Þu..miht..bealde nu basiliscan tredan.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxiv. 1 Wha sa ligges þare in, þe deuel tredis him.
a1387 [see β. forms].
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke xii. 1 There were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, in so much that they trode one another.
1580 Baret's Aluearie (rev. ed.) V 23 Treade a worme on the taile, and it turneth againe.
1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iv. xxvii. 151 He was found amongst the dead, so trodden, and tumbled..that he was hard to be known.
1712 J. Browne tr. P. Pomet et al. Compl. Hist. Druggs I. 160 To make 'em tight..they imploy Men to tread them [raisins] with their Feet.
b. With adverbial complement, as to tread down, under foot, in the mire, to the ground, to pieces, etc.; to tread to death, to kill by trampling.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > oppression > oppress [verb (transitive)]
ofsiteOE
forthringOE
overlayOE
ofsetOE
to tread down, under foot, in the mire, to the ground, to piecesc1175
overseta1200
defoulc1300
oppressa1382
overpressa1382
overchargec1390
overleadc1390
overliea1393
thringa1400
overcarkc1400
to grind the faces (occasionally face) ofa1425
press?a1425
downthringc1430
vicea1525
tread1526
to hold (also keep, bring, put) one's nose to the grindstonea1533
tyrannizea1533
wring1550
downpress1579
bepress1591
defoil1601
ingrate1604
crush1611
grinda1626
macerate1637
trample1646
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > strike with specific thing [verb (transitive)] > with the foot > downwards > trample
treadc825
overtreadOE
to tread down, under foot, in the mire, to the ground, to piecesc1175
defoulc1290
foil13..
to-treada1382
foula1400
fulyie1488
overgo1488
trample1530
tramp1533
conculcate1570
trample1577
overtrample1589
tramp1596
inculcate1598
stramplea1610
calcate1623
scrunch1861
the world > life > death > killing > killing by specific method > kill [verb (transitive)] > by crushing or treading
crowd1598
to tread to death1726
Juggernaut1830
slosh1918
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2248 Alle þa Þatt tredenn dun. & cwennkenn. All þatt tatt iss onn ȝæness godd.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 206/207 Þe deoulene ornen opon hem and treden heom to þe grounde.
14.. Sir Beues 1195 (MS. M.) He..tredith hym vnder his fete In the dirte.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccxxii. 739 In the thicke of the prease, they..were troden vnder fote to dethe.
1556 J. Olde tr. R. Gwalther Antichrist f. 99v The B. of Rome..is not ashamed to treade ye Lordes anointed neckes under his abominable feet.
1652 C. B. Stapylton tr. Herodian Imperiall Hist. xix. 159 Some he kils and some he treads to Jelly.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 79 He thought he should be..troden down like mire in the Streets. View more context for this quotation
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. viii. 139 Being trod to Death like a Frog or a young Puppy.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. vi. 141 The wild boar of the forest, which treadeth down with his hoofs, and rendeth with his tusks.
c. figurative. To crush, to oppress; to treat with contemptuous cruelty.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > oppression > oppress [verb (transitive)]
ofsiteOE
forthringOE
overlayOE
ofsetOE
to tread down, under foot, in the mire, to the ground, to piecesc1175
overseta1200
defoulc1300
oppressa1382
overpressa1382
overchargec1390
overleadc1390
overliea1393
thringa1400
overcarkc1400
to grind the faces (occasionally face) ofa1425
press?a1425
downthringc1430
vicea1525
tread1526
to hold (also keep, bring, put) one's nose to the grindstonea1533
tyrannizea1533
wring1550
downpress1579
bepress1591
defoil1601
ingrate1604
crush1611
grinda1626
macerate1637
trample1646
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Giv Tredyng vnder fote & vtterly despisyng all worldly pleasure & peyne.
1652 in W. M. Williams Ann. Founders' Co. (1867) 32 For manie years extreamly trodden and kept under foote by the power and will of the Master.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. x. 161 The luxuriant great ones of the world shall no more tread us to the earth.
1775 S. J. Pratt Liberal Opinions (1783) II. xlviii. 66 In the city, the spirit of humanity is too often trod under feet by the spirit of trade.
1857 J. G. Holland Bay-path xxix Her memory..trodden under feet by malice, prejudice, and superstition.
1889 F. E. Gretton Memory's Harkback 163 In his early days the masses were a good deal trodden down.
d. intransitive for passive. To be trampled down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > strike with specific thing [verb (intransitive)] > with the foot > be trampled on
tread1837
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. III. ii. i. 104 The Gironde..has trodden on it, and yet not trodden it down... It is a well-spring, as we said, this black-spot; and will not tread down.
6. intransitive. To trample on or upon. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > pressing, pressure, or squeezing > press or squeeze [verb (transitive)] > crush > trample down
treadc825
oftreadeOE
fortreadc1000
overrunOE
treadc1000
fulla1400
trample1530
trachlec1550
betrample1567
hobnail1875
to plough down1877
steamroll1900
steamroller1913
c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Corpus Cambr.) x. 19 Ic sealde eow anweald to tredenne ofer næddran & snacan.
c1330 Amis & Amil. 2096 He..trad [MS. drad] on him in the slough.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke x. 19 I have ȝouun to ȝou power of defoulinge, othir tredinge, on serpents...and on al the vertu of the enemy.
c1450 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi iii. xiv. 82 Þat al men mowe goo over þee, and trede vppon the as vppon myre of the streete.
1590 C. Marlowe Tamburlaine: 2nd Pt. sig. H4v Tread vpon his captiye necke, And treble all his fathers slaueries.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 225 The sygne of the croce..vpon the ground, quhairthrouche feit mychte haue occasione to tred or tramp thairvpon.
1683 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 79 James Kilner Trode upon him on board the Ship.
1734 H. Fielding Don Quixote in Eng. ii. i. 21 Each Man rises to Admiration by treading on Mankind.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy III. xii. 343 A hatred as intense..as if my foot trode on your neck.
1884 D. Pae Eustace 79 Was he a worm to be trod on thus without turning?
7. transitive. To press (something) downwards with the foot or feet treadling or pedalling. to tread water, in swimming, to move the feet as in walking upstairs, while the body is kept erect and the head above water; also figurative, to withhold oneself from progressive action, to ‘mark time’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or control > [verb (transitive)] > by the feet
tread1680
pedipulate1886
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > move in or on water [verb (intransitive)] > swim > use specific stroke
to tread water1800
breaststroke1864
trudge1904
breast-stroke1909
dog-paddle1910
crawl1911
scissor-kick1921
freestyle1935
doggy-paddle1958
the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (intransitive)]
geleOE
studegieOE
abideOE
to do in or a (= on) fristc1175
dwellc1175
demurc1230
targec1250
dretcha1325
tarrya1375
sojourn1377
defer1382
letc1385
hinderc1386
blina1400
delay?a1400
honea1400
litea1400
overbidea1400
prolongc1425
supersede1433
hoverc1440
tarrowc1480
sunyie1488
stay?a1500
sleep1519
slack1530
protract1540
linger1548
procrastinate1548
slackc1560
slug1565
jauk1568
temporize1579
detract1584
longering1587
sit1591
prorogue1593
to time it out1613
to lie out1640
crastinate1656
taigle17..
to hang fire1782
to hold off1790
to hang it on1819
prevaricate1854
to lie over1856
to tread water1942
to drag one's feet1946
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xii. 209 The nearer the Fore-end of the Treddle you Tread, the easier you bring down the Pole.
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xii. 209 Tread the Treddle nimbly down.
1800 Hull Advertiser 15 Nov. 4/3 I always raised myself by treading water.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. (1856) xxxviii. 343 Seal breast-high, were treading water with their horizontal tails.
1942 J. Lees-Milne Ancestral Voices (1975) 46 Although they miscalculated in assuming that the campaign would be over before last winter, they have been treading water since then, and merely keeping up their line.
1967 Guardian 24 May 9 In the absence of the Secretary-General, the UN delegations were treading water.
1980 N. Marsh Photo-finish vi. 180 I am really..treading water until the police arrive.
8.
a. Of the male bird: To copulate with (the hen). Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (transitive)] > copulate with
treada1250
a1250 Owl & Nightingale 501 Sone so þu hauest itrede Ne myht þu leng a word iqueþe.
1377 [see δ. forms].
c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale (Ellesm.) 358 He..fethered Pertelote twenty tyme And trad [14.. Lansd. MS. trade hire] as ofte.
1599 T. Moffett Silkewormes 24 Before the hardie Cocke Beganne to tread, or brooding henne to clocke.
1614 G. Markham Cheape & Good Husb. (1623) 143 If your Henne be trodden with a carryon Crow, or Rooke,..it is mortall and incurable.
1695 H. Killigrew tr. Martial Epigrams 78 I' th' Yards are seen, Cocks treading Rhodian Hens.
1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 78 It is common for Cock Pheasants to tread the Hens of common Poultry.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 165 It matters not much whether she be trodden by the cock or no; she will continue to lay.
1910 A. Platt tr. Aristotle De Generatione iii. viii. 751 When once the hens have been trodden, they all continue to have eggs almost without intermission.
b. absol. Of birds: To copulate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > actions or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > mate or copulate
cauk1377
tread1486
mate1581
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Hawking a ij We shall say that they [Hawks] trede.
a1659 F. Osborne Queries in Wks. (1673) 612 I my Self have seen both Swallowes and Hobbies build and tread upon their first Appearance.
1774 G. White Let. 28 Sept. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 181 The fact that I would advance is, that swifts tread, or copulate, on the wing.
†c. transitive with out: To engender, beget (offspring). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > multiply or reproduce [verb (transitive)] > beget
sowc1250
getc1300
begeta1325
engenderc1330
conceivec1350
makea1382
wina1400
fathera1425
rutc1450
tread1594
sirea1616
engraff1864
1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie i. i. sig. A2 As your Worship being wise begot a foole, so he beeing a foole may tread out a wise man.
9.
a. transitive. To thresh (corn) by trampling it on a threshing-floor: said of the oxen, etc. or of one using them; also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation of grain > [verb (transitive)] > thresh
threshOE
tread1382
stampa1425
berry1483
fine1579
thrash1594
to beat out1611
flack1743
cob1796
flail1821
scutch1844
strip1861
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Deut. xxv. 4 Thow shalt not bynde the mouth of the oxe tredinge thi fruytis in the flore.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 42v Corne..in some place they..lyke to tread it out with Oxen.
1787 A. Young Jrnl. 24 July in Trav. France (1792) i. 31 This universal one of treading out the corn, with which all the towns and villages in Languedoc are now alive.
1801 Farmer's Mag. Aug. 313 I was long, and greatly prejudised against treading wheat.
b. To press out the juice of (grapes) by trampling them in a vat.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > wine-making > [verb (transitive)] > tread or press grapes
stampc1450
empress1532
tread1871
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xvi. 10 Wyn in the presse he shal not trede, that to treden was wont; the vois of the trederes I toc awey.
1446 J. Lydgate Two Nightingale Poems ii. 155 It is [I], quod he, that trade it al alone. Withouten felawe I gan the wyne out-presse.
1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust II. i. ii. 24 Who wine desires, let him the ripe grapes tread.
c. To tramp (clothes) in washing; see tramp v.1 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > washing > washing clothes and textile articles > wash clothes [verb (transitive)] > by tramping
tramp1798
tread1848
post1896
1848 A. H. Clough Bothie of Toper-na-Fuosich ii. 126 The clothes that they trod in the wash-tub!
10. To make or form by the action of the feet in walking; esp. to beat (a path or track). Const. out.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > track, trail, or path > [verb (transitive)] > beat a path
treada1425
to beat a path1589
path1642
a1425Wele ytredde [see α. forms].
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Tread out, exculco, as.
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes sig. Ssss.iiv The auncient terries of the fieldes, that old men before tyme with great paynes dyd treade out.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 117v He that diggeth the garden, is to be considered, though he cannot treade the knottes.
1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. I. i. 51 Paths trodden by the footsteps of ages.
1860 Ld. Tennyson Sea Dreams 117 But she with her strong feet up the steep hill Trod out a path.
1865 Visct. Milton & W. B. Cheadle N.-W. Passage by Land (1867) viii. 114 A track would require to be trodden out with snow-shoes to enable the dogs to travel.
11. Horticulture. To beat down and consolidate (soil) by treading; also with plants, etc. as object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > planting > plant plants [verb (transitive)] > heel or tread in
treadc1440
sheugh17..
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. ii. 256 Sette hem depe..And tradde hem fast aboue.
1693 J. Evelyn tr. J. de La Quintinie Compl. Gard'ner ii. vi. iii. 149 The first layer being thus compleated..the Gard'ner proceeds to lay the second, third, &c. beating them with the back of his Fork, or else treading them with his Feet.
1842 J. C. Loudon Suburban Horticulturist 661 The ground should be previously trodden or rolled.
1845 Florist's Jrnl. 6 31 The whole should be gently trod with the feet.
12. intransitive. Of land ( tread loose, hence elliptically tread): To yield or give to the tread (? as after frost). dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > ground > [verb (intransitive)] > be in condition for movement
ride1835
tread loose1847
1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 73 When the soil treads loose in the spring, it is very important to use the heavy roller, or some other means of consolidating the soil.
1891 W. J. Malden Tillage 49 When once the land ‘treads’ the horses are best in the furrow.
1891 W. J. Malden Tillage Gloss. s.v. Land is said to tread when it puddles or poaches under the feet of the horses employed upon it.
13.
a. transitive. With adverbs: To get or put into or out of some position or condition by treading; esp. to put out (fire) by treading. (See also 5b, 2c) to tread up (partridges), to flush them by walking up to the covey (? in contrast to the practice of using dogs).
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > extinguishing fire > extinguish (fire) [verb (transitive)] > by trampling
to trample out1574
tread1602
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > hunt birds [verb (transitive)] > cause birds to rise
flush1450
to set up1496
spring1531
to tread up1808
walk1847
1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 3 The fire..would breake out (if not troade out in time) of it selfe.
c1682 J. Collins Salt & Fishery 121 The Meat is..pack'd or trodden into Cask..with Salt betwixt every Lane or Lay.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 80 Trample with thy Feet, and tread it in. View more context for this quotation
1745 J. Swift Direct. to Servants 52 Throw the [candle] Snuff on the Floor, then tread it out to prevent stinking.
1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) i. 30 One of them asked..'Would I have my toes trode off?' ‘Is your toes trode off?’ said I.
1808 P. Hawker Diary (1893) I. 13 I trod up the whole covey.
1847 W. C. L. Martin Ox 168/1 Buried deep..with quick lime, and covered up with earth closely trodden down.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 149 The flame of civil war..was trodden out before it had time to spread.
1888 J. Inglis Tent Life Tigerland 8 The cattle had trod down all the dried leaves.
b. to tread one's shoe awry (the shoe, one's foot, amiss, etc.), to fall from chastity. See also awry adv. 2c ? Obsolete. So to tread one's shoes straight, to conduct oneself circumspectly, to walk warily (dialect).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > loss of chastity > fall from chastity (of woman) [verb (intransitive)]
to tread (her) shoe awry (rarely amiss)c1422
to go wrong?1507
falla1616
to tread one's shoe awry (the shoe, one's foot, amiss, etc.)1642
to take a stone (up) in the ear1691
to sprain one's ankle1785
c1422 T. Hoccleve Min. Poems xxiv. 66 No womman..But swich oon as hath trode hir shoo amis.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) clxxxi. 2 Farewell all my wellfare, My shue is trode awry.
1599 T. Heywood 2nd Pt. King Edward IV sig. R4v King Edwards children not legitimate..Their mother hapt to tread the shoe awry.
c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) vi. 2542 Due pennance thou deservst to doe For tredding thus awry thy slippery shoe.
1642 J. Eaton Honey-combe Free Justific. 110 If she chance to tread her foot a little awry.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Staff. 41 He would not stick to tell where he trod his holy Sandals awry.
1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh I. 112 They mun tread their shoes very straight or there'll be a row with our Squire.

Derivatives

ˈtreading adj.
ΚΠ
1562 J. Heywood Sixt Hundred Epigrammes lxxxiii, in Wks. sig. Ddiiiv There be mo treadyng cockes then one.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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