turnn.

Brit.

/təːn/, U.S.

/tərn/

Forms: Middle English tvrn, Middle English–1500s torn, Middle English–1500s torne, Middle English–1600s tourn, Middle English–1600s tourne, Middle English–1600s turne, Middle English– turn, 1500s terne, 1600s towrn; English regional 1700s–1800s torn, 1800s ton (Yorkshire and Lincolnshire), 1900s tarn (Norfolk); Scottish pre-1700 torn, pre-1700 torrin, pre-1700 tourn, pre-1700 tourne, pre-1700 towrne, pre-1700 turne, pre-1700 turnn, pre-1700 twrne, pre-1700 1700s– turn, 1700s torne. See also tourn n.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French torn.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman torn, turn, tourn, turne, tourne, variant of Anglo-Norman and Old French tur, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French tor, tour (French tour tour n.) feat, exploit (c1100), opportunity or obligation to do something that comes in succession or rotation (early 11th cent.), return (early 12th cent.), limits (a1134), rotation (first half of the 12th cent.), form, shape, circumference (all c1130), circuit, journey (both c1170), circumstance, situation (c1175), winch, curve (both c1176), round trip (c1180), character, style, appearance (a1184), circular movement, direction, ruse, trick, time, instance of a repeated or recurring action, place or point at which a road or river turns (all second half of the 12th cent.), tour of inspection, visit, solution, contour (all early 13th cent.), turn of phrase (1214), digression (1216), means, manner, procedure, solution (1221), period of action, change for worse (both 13th cent.), time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next (c1275), circular movement by a dancer (1288), opportunity (c1292), turning-lathe (second half of the 13th cent.), pair of millstones (a1300), circular route around something (1342), potter's wheel (1349), movement, change of position (c1365), spinning wheel (1369), something that surrounds or wraps (1373), wheel (1551), spool (1603), walk, promenade (1640), round in a game (1690), in Anglo-Norman also sheriff's tourn (c1260), throw in wrestling (late 13th cent. in a translation of the source cited in quot. ?c1225 at sense 2), partly (in other senses) < Old French, Middle French torner , tourner (see turn v.), and partly (in senses relating to rotating tools and mechanisms) < classical Latin tornus (in post-classical Latin also turnus ) turning-lathe, in post-classical Latin also occasion that comes in succession or rotation (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), crossbow winch, official tour, circuit (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), round trip (13th cent. in a British source) < ancient Greek τόρνος carpenter's tool for drawing a circle, turning-lathe < the Indo-European base of ancient Greek τείρειν to rub (see Teredo n.) + the Indo-European base of ancient Greek -νος . Compare tour n. and tourn n.Compare Old Occitan torn time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next (12th cent.), ring to which a bird of prey is tied (1220), return, journey (both 13th cent.), winch (14th cent.), spool (15th cent.), spinning wheel (16th cent.), Catalan torn turning-lathe, potter's wheel, rotating mechanism, opportunity or obligation to do something that comes in succession or rotation (14th cent.), Spanish torno turning-lathe, potter's wheel, drill, winch (c1200), Portuguese torno turning-lathe, winch, peg (14th cent.), Italian torno potter's wheel (13th cent.), rotation, revolution (14th cent.). The form turne in the following quot., taken by N.E.D. to represent an otherwise unattested use of this word in the sense of top n.² 1a, is more probably a printer's error for turnep (see turnip n.):1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball vi. vi. 664 It is almost like to a litle Turne [Fr. naueau] or Peare, brode beneath, and narrow aboue.

I. Senses denoting actions or occasions.

* An action of a particular kind, duration, or importance.

1. A cunning device; a trick, a wile, a stratagem; a prank. Now Scottish. Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) records the phrase to take the turn out o, ‘to trick, befool’ as still in use in Shetland and Perthshire in 1973.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [noun] > a wile or cunning device

wrenchc888

craftOE

turnc1225

ginc1275

play?a1300

enginec1300

wrenkc1325

forsetc1330

sleightc1340

knackc1369

cautel138.

subtletya1393

wilea1400

tramc1400

wrinkle1402

artc1405

policy?1406

subtilityc1410

subtiltyc1440

jeopardy1487

jouk1513

pawka1522

frask1524

false point?1528

conveyance1534

compass1540

fineness1546

far-fetch?a1562

stratagem1561

finesse1562

entrapping1564

convoyance1578

lift1592

imagine1594

agitation1600

subtleship1614

artifice1620

navation1628

wimple1638

rig1640

lapwing stratagem1676

feint1679

undercraft1691

fly-flap1726

management1736

fakement1811

old tricka1822

fake1829

trickeration1940

swiftie1945

shrewdie1961

c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 22 Ure alre ehnen demeð hire unmihti onont hire seoluen to etstonden wið his turnes & deð ase þe wise.

c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 393 Low þullich is al þet ȝe þencheð to weorrin me wið to dei, homeres motes, ant aristotles turnes, esculapeies creftes, & gallienes grapes, phistiliones flites, ant platunes bokes.

c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 43 Ure strengðe..toȝein þe deofles turnes & his fondunges.

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 796 Y warne þe of a torn..Y leuede ȝond on a buchyment sarasyns wonder fale.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxiv. 221 I thynke to playe hym a tourne.

1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse v. 95 Come, no equivocations; no Roman turns upon us.

1720 D. Waterland 8 Serm. Divinity of Christ Pref. 30 The unlearned Reader..may be easily imposed upon by little Turns, and Fallacies.

1822 H. Ainslie Pilgrimage to Land of Burns 89 He had a pour o' unca cliver turns about him when he likit.

1899 Shetland News 21 Jan. Dat wis a bonnie turn fir young men ta dü.

2. A movement or trick by which a wrestler attempts to throw his or her opponent; a throw. Now rare (chiefly regional).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > [noun] > manoeuvres

swengOE

turn?c1225

castc1400

trip1412

fall?a1425

foil1553

collar1581

lock1598

faulx1602

fore-hip1602

forward1602

inturn1602

mare1602

hug1617

disembracement1663

buttock1688

throw1698

back-lock1713

cross-buttock1713

flying horse1713

in holds1713

buttocker1823

chip1823

dogfall1823

cross-buttocker1827

hitch1834

bear hug1837

backfall1838

stop1840

armlock1841

side hug1842

click1846

catch-hold1849

back-breaker1867

back-click1867

snap1868

hank1870

nelson1873

headlock1876

chokehold1886

stranglehold1886

hip lock1888

heave1889

strangle1890

pinfall1894

strangler's grip1895

underhold1895

hammer-lock1897

scissor hold1897

body slam1899

scissors hold1899

armbar1901

body scissors1903

scissors grip1904

waist-hold1904

neck hold1905

scissors1909

hipe1914

oshi1940

oshi-dashi1940

oshi-taoshi1940

pindown1948

lift1958

whip1958

Boston crab1961

grapevine1968

powerbomb1990

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 206 & sech hu feole þe grimme wrestlere of helle braid upon his hupe & weorp wið þe hanche turn into galnesse.

c1300 St. Michael (Laud) l. 176 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 304 He pleyde with þe fallingue tourn so wel he couþe hine do.

a1400 (c1300) Northern Homily: Archbishop & Nun (Coll. Phys.) in Middle Eng. Dict. at Casten Sinful man gers him [sc. the devil] oft schurine, And castis him wit his awen turne.

c1440 Prose Life Alexander (Thornton) (1913) 31 (MED) Þe firste man þat come in his hande, at the first tourne he threwe hym wide open.

1555 J. Heywood Two Hundred Epigrammes with Thyrde sig. D.iii^v He is cast in his owne turne, that is lykly And yet in all turnes he turnth wonders quikly.

1775 J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang. Tornis, a turn in wrestling.

1891 S. Baring-Gould Urith li. 372 Now let us finish the weary game with a final turn and a fair back.

1902 Pall Mall Mag. Sept. 54 ‘By gum, but yon turn was nar!’ ‘Why, t'collier's nobbut ut grup en fair.’

1933 W. Holtby Mandoa, Mandoa! iii. vii. 347 In his struggle with Talal, a struggle so unequal that it involved little but one deft wrestling turn by the Mandoan, he had dislocated his shoulder.

†a. A period of action; a spell or bout; a stint; (in early use sometimes) spec. a spell of wrestling (cf. sense 2); (also) a contest (in quot. 1829). In later use merging with sense 8. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > spell or bout of action

turnc1230

heatc1380

touch1481

pluck?1499

push?1560

bout1575

yoking1594

pull1667

tirl1718

innings1772

go1784

gamble1785

pop1839

run1864

gang1879

inning1885

shot1939

c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 26 (MED) Þe þridde tene adun & up o þe elbohen riht to þer eorðe. Þe feorðe þe elbohen o degre oðer o bench..þe fifte tene stondinde, ant eft biginne þe turn as i þe frumðe.

c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 2931 Ich wile ȝow helpe..Aȝen þemperur to fiȝt. While þow dost þis ilche tourne [a1500 Chetham stoure], Þe leuedi schel wiþ me soiurne.

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 335 Þov hast y dremed of venesoun þov mostest drynke a torn.

c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 2276 I wald..now wirstill a turne.

1591 (?a1425) Shepherds (Huntington) in R. M. Lumiansky & D. Mill Chester Myst. Cycle (1974) I. 135 A torne to take have I tight with my masters.

1653 in C. H. Firth Clarke Papers (1899) III. 9 Yesterday wee had another turne in the House.

1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. ii. 46 We have seen..so many turns betwixt York and Lancaster.

1877 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXIII. 643 You young people, I like to see you run, and I am glad to take a turn at it myself.

1882 F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills Ded. 8 Since I first saw the Boxes and their contents at Doctors' Commons,..I always meant to have a turn at them.

1918 ‘B. MacNamara’ Valley of Squinting Windows (1976) 38 You need never do a turn with your hands?

b. Chiefly Scottish and Irish English (northern). A stroke or spell of work; a piece of work; a task, a job.See also hand's turn n.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > duties > [noun] > piece of work or task

workOE

notec1400

turnc1480

piece of work1533

job1557

employment1579

task1597

spot of work1689

day job1798

number1928

c1480 (a1400) St. Theodora 121 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 102 Of sorcery scho cuth do, & as scho mycht did turne & chare.

1572 R. Sempill Lament. Commounis Scotl. (single sheet) Thay..brocht thair butter and egges To Edinburgh Croce and did na vther turne.

1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem ii. xli. 36 b The over-lord sall doe all the turnis and affairs perteining to the heire.

1791 J. Learmont Poems Pastoral 331 My turns are lying to do.

1949 People's Jrnl. 12 Nov. His 92-year-old mother is still alive and doing her ‘ain turn’.

1988 T. K. Pratt Dict. Prince Edward Island Eng. 160/2 When children came home from school they would have their turns to do.

1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 367/2 Turn, a piece of work; specifically (a) odd turns, odd jobs; (b) turns of the house, housework, routine tasks in the home.

c. Originally: †a fit of anger, terror, etc. (obsolete). Subsequently: an attack of illness; (now) a brief feeling of illness, as in a funny turn. Cf. sense 28.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > [noun] > bout or attack of

onfalleOE

cothec1000

bitc1175

accessc1300

attacha1400

shota1400

swalma1400

storm1540

excess?1541

accession1565

qualm1565

oncome1570

grasha1610

attachment1625

ingruence1635

turn1653

attack1665

fit1667

surprise1670

drow1727

tossa1732

irruption1732

sick1808

tout1808

whither1808

spell1856

go1867

whip1891

1653 F. G. tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Artamenes I. ix. 27 And Elibesis also having her turn of anger, did upon a sudden leave him, and so they both parted very ill satisfied with each other.

?1721 A. Hill Fatal Extravagance 43 Alas! She faints—This sudden Turn of Terror, Rushes too strong, to be withstood by Nature.

1745 J. Hempstead Diary 27 May (1901) 443 My Daughter Minor hath had a very Sharp Turn of ye Colick.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Merlin & Vivien 519 in Idylls of King Not so much from wickedness, As some wild turn of anger, or a mood Of overstrain'd affection.

1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations I. ii. 22 Joe..was made to swallow that [sc. a dose of tar water]..‘because he had had a turn’.

1909 H. James Let. 13 Dec. in H. James & E. Wharton Lett. (1990) ii. 129 I..have a turn of gout again.

1913 E. Wharton Custom of Country i. ii Her mother..sat in a drooping attitude, her head sunk on her breast, as she did when she had one of her ‘turns’ [of palpitation].

2011 H. Pool Stranger in Taiwan 77 I began to have another one of my funny turns.

d. Chiefly U.S. A menstrual period. Frequently in plural. Now historical and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > menses > [noun]

monthlyeOE

menstruuma1398

flowerc1400

menstrue?a1425

women's evilc1450

menstruosity1503

courses1563

monthly time1564

reds1568

month courses1574

purgation1577

women's courses1577

month1578

menses1597

menstruals1598

flourish1606

nature1607

fluors1621

mois1662

period1690

catamenia1764

turn1819

visitor1980

1819 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. & Surg. 8 317 Her turns continued monthly, and for nearly a week at a time.

1851 Nelson's Northern Lancet & Amer. Jrnl. Med. Jurispr. Oct. 26 They should be used freely at the time of the expected menstrual turn.

1905 Rec. & Briefs U.S. Supreme Court, No. 119 57 On the 3d of March, he asked me if I had my turns, and I said ‘No’.

1981 A. Keller Scandalous Lady 58 Was she residing there for the purpose of consulting about her monthly turns?

a. An act that does good or harm to another; a (good, ill, etc.) service. Almost always with modifying word. good turn: a helpful or beneficial act. bad turn, evil turn, ill turn: a harmful act. Usually following to do, as in to do someone a good (also bad, ill, evil) turn. Cf. to do the turn at Phrases 1c(a).shrewd turn: see shrewd adj. 5a.Also in proverb one good turn deserves another; cf. one good turn asks another at ask v. 23a(b).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [noun] > action of causing disadvantage > an act of

evil turna1375

misservice1587

disservice1611

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [noun] > graciousness > favour or grace > instance or act of

douthOE

wel-dedeOE

gooddeedOE

boonc1175

fordeedc1230

gracec1300

good turna1375

gratitude?a1513

gratuity1523

favour1605

vouchsafement1629

veniality1655

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [verb (transitive)] > do one a bad turn

mis-serve1340

to do someone a good (also bad, ill, evil) turnc1450

serve1887

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > harm, injury, or wrong > [noun] > action > a bad turn

shrewd turn1464

office1575

disservice1611

disoffice1624

evil turn1647

diskindness1678

bad turn1886

a shot in the eye1897

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 148 He wold ȝif he miȝt wayte hire sum wicked torn what bi-tidde after.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4330 Sco [sc. Potiphar's wife] waited him wit a werr turn.

c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 43 I hafe y[it] in my mynde a little gude turn at þou did me.

a1635 T. Randolph Amyntas v. vi. 106 in Poems (1638) See, Mopsus, see, here comes your Fairy brother, Hark you, for one good turne deserves another.

1647 H. More Cupid's Confl. xlv He..Requiteth evil turns with hearty love.

1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 256 Ready..to do us any ill Turn.

1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 113 Thou mayst do the Smith a kind turn, an thou takest this matter the right way.

1875 H. Rink Tales & Trad. Eskimo 120 With this he rubbed certain parts of a seal he intended to treat his friend with, in order to do him an evil turn on his arrival.

1886 G. R. Sims Ring o' Bells vii. 198 I did the lass a bad turn when I took her away.

1908 R. S. S. Baden-Powell Scouting for Boys i. i. 49 He must Be Prepared at any time to save life, or to help injured persons. And he must do a good turn to somebody every day.

1954 J. R. R. Tolkien Two Towers iv. i. 222 But you must help us, if you can. One good turn deserves another.

2000 N.Y. Press 5 Apr. ii. 8/2 I've heard truckers talking in low voices how Glad is known to have murdered a few drivers that did his boys a bad turn.

2014 Radio Times 26 July (South/West ed.) 51/2 Little wonder no one in the capital ever does anyone a good turn.

†b. An act of some (usually positive) significance, a deed; a deed of valour, a feat, an exploit. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > courage > valour > deed of valour > [noun] > heroic feat

chivalry1297

bountyc1330

vassalagec1330

feata1400

turnc1400

pointc1440

valiance1470

valiantise1513

valiancy1627

gallantry1652

heroism1740

heroics1873

c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 192 In þe Creatores cort com never more, Ne never see hym with syȝt for such sour tornez.

1415 T. Hoccleve Addr. to Sir John Oldcastle l. 505 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 24 Was no knyghtly turn no where, Ne no manhode shewid in no wyse, But Oldcastel wolde, his thankes, be there.

1590 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1881) 1st Ser. IV. 560 He had done greitar turnis nor to ding oute all thair harnis.

1638 D. Dickson in W. K. Tweedie Select Biogr. (1847) II. 23 Jesus Christ our Lord, in his manhead, had never done, nor could never doe, a turne but of necessitie, and nothing of frie-will.

†5. An event, circumstance, or occurrence. In quot. 1719: a series or course of events (cf. sense 3). Obsolete or merged in other senses.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 26.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [noun] > occurring or happening

chance1297

befallingc1374

betidingc1374

occasionc1390

happening1431

turna1475

event1601

cadence1603

turning up1628

eveniencya1646

cadency1647

coming1651

occurrence1725

eventuation1728

encounter1870

occurrency1920

a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 21605 (MED) Somwhyle, whan the tourn doth varye, The world they fynde to hem contrarye.

1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 853/1 Beside the losse of our time, there is a worse turne followeth it, and more deadly.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. x. sig. Hh3^v The shepheard..Broke his bag-pipe quight, And made great mone for that vnhappy turne .

1709 S. Centlivre Busie Body v. i. 62 Pox on 't, this is an unlucky Turn. What shall I say?

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 292 To bring this long Turn of our Affairs to a Conclusion.

†6. Scottish. A matter requiring to be dealt with or resolved; a piece of business. Also: (in plural) a person's affairs. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1590 in C. Innes Registrum Honoris de Morton (1853) I. 170 The turne betuix ȝow and the M^r Lewingstoune mon ather be dealt furth be sum vther men that can lyk ȝou beyth or ellis mon continew quhill I returne.

1590 in C. Innes Registrum Honoris de Morton (1853) I. 170 Being myndfull till haif spokin with the Erll of Huntlie heir in sic turnis of my awin as I wreit of to your Lordship affoir.

1607 J. Maidment Lett. & State Papers Reign James VI (1838) 107 I dowt nocht bott ȝour moist sacreid maiestie will swa settill thatt turne, as heirefter thay be na cawisse of gruge on ather syd.

1612 Edinb. Test. XLVII. f. 62^v in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) As concerning his warldlie turnis he nominatis..his twa bairnes to be his only executoris.

1629 in W. Fraser Mem. Maxwells of Pollok (1863) II. 202 As to my Lord of Nidisdeillis awin turneis, sua far as I can larne, thay go hardle.

a1650 D. Calderwood Hist. Kirk Scotl. (1843) IV. 712 I have learned..that yee..make your advantage of all turnes that come in your maniement.

** The occasion at which an action happens or is required to happen.

7. The time at which something happens, a point in time, a particular occasion; spec. a season. Usually modified by this or that. Cf. sense 26. Now rare (English regional and Scottish).

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > particular time > [noun] > time of occurrence

sitheOE

seasona1400

turna1400

datec1400

when1616

nick1645

whenabouts1898

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19445 He sagh him croised þat ilk turn þat he for staning suld not skurn.

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 3803 Richard at þat turne gaf him a faire iuelle.

1653 G. Kendall Vindic. Doctr. Reformed Churches xviii. 148 Whether you..mention it only to serve your self of it against us at this turn.

1695 Refl. XXVIII Propositions Doctr. Trinity 13/2 But I suppose he will say at this turn, as he does in his second Defence,..Well, suppose this!

1765 J. Edwards Acct. Life D. Brainerd 235 But so it was ordered in divine providence, that the strength of nature held out through this great conflict, so as just to escape the grave at that turn.

a1870 D. Thomson Musings among Heather (1881) 42 Try it on the priestcraft trade, Its guile an' fraud, its licht and shade, At antrin turns.

1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) Turn, season; time; bout. ‘Any arringes to-dee?’ ‘Noo, not this turn, thanky.’

1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire 412 Turn, season. So and So has made a jell o' money this turn... Yander feyld was sown wi' wuts last turn.

1948 M. Carbery & E. Grey Herts. Heritage 148 Turn, time, occasion: ‘I cyant do it this turn.’

a. An opportunity or obligation to do something or to have something done, that comes successively to each of several persons or things. Almost always with possessive and frequently as object of take, as in nurses take their turn being on call (see also to take turns at Phrases 1a(d)). Often in adverbial phrases: see Phrases 1a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > frequency > [noun] > recurrence > turn

charec1000

lotc1175

throwc1275

tourc1320

wheel1422

turnc1425

tourney1523

course1530

vice1637

rubbera1643

rote1831

whet1849

journey1884

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 2031 (MED) For euery man, whan it cometh aboute, Mote take his turne, as hir pleye requereþ.

1448 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) App. 138 (MED) The tenauntes of the seide Bysshop..shal keepe theire nyghte wacche of the seide Citee for theire torne wt other citizeins.

1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 ii. ii. 105 Then twas my turne to flee, but now tis thine.

1642 J. Denham Sophy Prol. sig. A2 His turne will come, to laugh at you agen.

1719 E. Young Paraphr. Job 1 At length Misfortunes take their Turn to reign, And Ills on Ills Succeed.

1778 T. Jones Hoyle's Games Improved 79 If..the last Player plays out of his Turn.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 553 It was Northumberland's turn to perform this duty.

1885 Manch. Examiner 12 Feb. 5/3 The manufacturers have had their share [of protection]; now it is the turn of the corn growers and cattle breeders.

1976 J. Snow Cricket Rebel 51 Each bowler taking a turn at bowling with the wind at his back.

2017 J. Fierro Gypsy Moth Summer ii. 26 Eva was standing in a circle of children around the balloon-animal guy, her voice one of many. ‘Me! Me next! My turn!’

b. Originally Theatre. A short performance, especially one of a number given by different performers in succession; an item in a variety entertainment; an act. Also: a person giving such a performance.See also star turn n.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > [noun] > a performance > item in

turn1715

act1828

routine1866

number1908

shtick1948

1715 D. Ryder Diary 19 Sept. (1939) (modernized text) 101 There was rope dancing and tumbling... There were now and then some good humorous turns came in that made us laugh with a just pleasure.

1861 E. Cowell Diary 16 Apr. in M. W. Disher Cowells in Amer. (1934) 293 Mr. Odgen, not appreciated and evidently uncomfortable, would not sing a second ‘turn’.

1889 G. B. Shaw in Star 18 Oct. 4/1 Five out of six of the ‘turns’ are of the deadliest dulness.

1905 Daily News 15 July 8 An animal ‘turn’ new to England will be seen at the Palace Theatre... Kern and his Mimic Dog have been drawing crowded houses..in Paris.

1907 Times 30 Jan. 6/6 Under the barring clause the gentleman, who is not a big turn, did not appear.

2010 Daily Herald (Chicago) 28 May a30/4 A first-rate supporting cast, which includes Anthony Turnis' kinetic, very funny turn as the acerbic Speed.

c. The time during which one worker or body of workers is at work in alternation with another or others; a shift. Cf. sense 3b. Now chiefly British Police slang, esp. in early turn.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > spell of work or duty

trick1669

time1696

stem1778

turn1793

tour of duty1800

spell1804

shift1809

steek1889

go-in1890

steek1895

stag1931

wink1937

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §230 I proposed to visit each company..once in each company's turn, if wind and weather should permit.

1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Turn, the hours during which coals, &c., are being raised from the mine.

1897 Worc. County Express 3 Apr. In the turn's work, six hours, Potts would have been able to make 1½ dozen shades.

1948 G. Frost Flying Squad i. 8 After my R.F.C. life I did not in the least mind taking the early turn. I should explain that this common phrase in our language comes from the division of police duties into ‘turns’ starting at 6 a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m.

1985 J. Edwards Talk Tidy 40 Turn, a shift at work; ‘Steady feller, he is!—he hasn't lost a turn this ages.’

2009 I. Blair Policing Controv. v. 115 I arrived at Hackney at about 5.30am and met the shifts of officers who changed over at 6am, the departing night duty and the arriving early turn.

†9. A requirement or need at a particular time; purpose, use, convenience. Chiefly in special phrases: see Phrases 1b. Obsolete.Recorded earliest in to serve a person's turn at Phrases 1b(a).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > need or want > [noun] > need for use

turn1538

use1596

1538 R. Morison tr. J. Sturm Epist. Cardynalles sig. Av Also suche men haue come to it, as wolde not plainly expresse such fautes as they knew, but rather serued his turne, vnto whom they aknowlege them selfis greatly to be bound.

1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 1053 This commaundement of the Lorde..was not a commaundement of the lawe, but a particular commaundement declared to Saule by Samuel. An especiall commaundement (saith he) for that turne.

1602 W. S. True Chron. Hist. Ld. Cromwell sig. B4^v We hardly shall finde such a one as he, To fit our turnes.

1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (xviii. 5 Annot.) 99/2 Ropes or cords are proper for that turne.

1754 J. Scott Pocket Compan. & Hist. Free-masons Pref. p. vii. Had Dr. Plot discovered the Secrets of the Fraternity, he should have enjoyed his Discoveries for ever undisturbed; he knew that would neither answer his Turn, nor be believed.

1788 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 354 Such persons as his turn and time might render desirable.

1881 C. E. L. Riddell Alaric Spencely I. 285 You will answer my turn..as well as another.

II. Rotation, and connected senses. (Cf. turn v. I.)

10. The action (typically of a wheel) of turning about an axis or centre; rotation, revolution.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > rotation as a wheel

turna1325

weltering1423

wheeling1483

circumduction1578

revolution1592

circumgyration1603

circumrotation1656

wheelerya1845

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 79 On walkenes turn, wid dai and nigt Of foure and twenti time rigt.

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5470 Froward fortune..Whanne high estatis she doth reuerse And maketh hem to tumble doune Or with [1532 Thynne Of] hir whele with sodeyn tourne.

a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) l. 1134 (MED) Entrechaunge euery ȝere they shal: The ton descendeth [read ascendeth], that other haþ a fal; They most obeye of hert and take it wel, lich as the tourn resorteþ of the whel.

1568 in J. Kinsley Poems W. Dunbar (1979) 64 Fortoun sa fast hir quheill dois cary Na tyme bot turne can tak rest.

1682 E. Hickeringill 2nd Pt. Hist. Whiggism 46 Fortunes-wheel..is alwayes..upon the Turn.

1879 J. Martineau Hours of Thought (1880) II. i. 6 You may expect a prize from the turn of a lottery.

2009 M. Simkins Detour de France (2010) 102 The perception of Gallic temperament is of..the readiness to stake all on the turn of a wheel, content in the knowledge that win or lose, life and love will go on.

11. An act or instance of turning about an axis; a movement of rotation (total or partial); esp. a single revolution (typically of a wheel).See also Phrases 2.figurative in quot. c1380.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > rotation as a wheel > an act of

turnc1380

revolutions1835

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 1811 Þe nayles þow scholdest him ȝelde aȝeyn & eke þe croune of þorn..elles þow gest a torn... He wol þe chacy as ys fo & werche þe sorwe.

a1400 in C. B. Hieatt & S. Butler Curye on Inglysch (1985) 86 Þe plouere ne schall haf bot two & thrytty torne be þe ryght assys.

1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde iii. viii. sig. k5^v The sonne..gooth euery yere aboute the heuen one torne.

1596 J. Davies Orchestra lxviii. sig. B6 A gallant daunce,..With loftie turnes and capriols.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 35 He darts his Zagaye..with a turn of hand that doubles the force of it.

1760 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1759 (Royal Soc.) 51 157 The turns of the sails in a given time will be as the square of the velocity of the wind.

a1861 A. H. Clough Dipsychus ii. ii, in Lett. & Remains (1865) 171 And hear the soft turns of the oar!

1872 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera (1896) I. xix. 370 In a few turns of the hands of the..clock.

1937 Amer. Home Apr. 81/1 (advt.) Abundant hot water flows at the turn of the faucet, day or night.

2006 Medicine Hat (Alberta) News 11 May (Wheels section) 14/2 The Fit remains settled and stable even when the driver gives the wheel a sharp turn or two.

12. An apparatus or device that operates by turning or spinning round.

a. A rotating device used in spinning thread or yarn; a spinning wheel; either the wheel or the spindle forming part of this. Now historical and rare (regional in later use).In quot. a1425: a bobbin, spool, or spindle.See also spinning-turn n. at spinning n. Compounds 1b(a).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture of thread or yarn > [noun] > spinning > spinning wheel

spinning-wheel1404

turna1425

wheel1467

a1425 Direct. Laces in B. Rowland Chaucer & Middle Eng. Stud. in Honour R. H. Robbins (1974) 97 (MED) To make a lace condrak departyd..loke þu knytte þe ende of þe lace to a turne þt hyt may turne abowte.

1538 T. Elyot Dict. Rhombus,..also a spynnynge wheele or tourne.

c1564 in J. Noake Worcs. Relics (1877) 10 A spynynge turne and a spolynge turne.

1870 R. S. Hawker Footprints Former Men Cornwall 88 The mother stood by her turn or wheel, and span.

1979 in G. L. Pocius Textile Trad. Eastern Newfoundland 14 [She] can remember the older people referring to the spinning wheel as a ‘turn’.

b. A lathe; (in later use chiefly) spec. a type of small dead-centre lathe, typically hand-powered and used in watchmaking (usually in plural denoting the adjustable or interchangeable components of this, esp. in a pair of turns).Cf. turn-bench n. , turn-lathe n. at turn- comb. form .

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > lathe > [noun]

turn?c1475

brake?1577

lare1611

lathe1611

throw1657

turn-lathe1665

turn-tool1665

turning-lathe1794

turning-looma1805

turning-engine1889

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > one who or that which > stand

turn1668

?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 132 A Turne of a turnour, tornus, tornabilis.

1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Vu tour.., a turne, as boule faite au tour, a boule made at the turne.

1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Tournoir, a Turne, turning wheele, or Turners wheele, called a Lathe or Lare.

1668 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 3 795 An Artist, that polishes Optick-Glasses on a Turn.

1867 Eng. Mechanic & Mirror of Sci. 29 Mar. 19/3 I have a set of watchmakers' turns, and wish to be informed how to use them for turning small screws.

1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 121 The wheel..is put in a pair of turns.

1917 B. E. Jones Clock Cleaning & Repairing xv. 115 To undertake the job with any chance of success, a small good lathe, or a large pair of clock turns or clockmaker's ‘throw’.

1992 A. Kurzweil Case of Curiosities xii. 89 There were lathes and turns, two wheel-cutting engines, one driven by treadle, the other by hand.

†c. A windlass (windlass n.¹ 1a). Obsolete.Cf. turn-beam n. , (earlier) turn-tree n. at turn- comb. form .

ΚΠ

1643–4 Reg. Tulliallan Coal Wks. in J. U. Nef Rise Brit. Coal Industry (1932) I. iv. i. 377 (note) For shering of the turne of the trap heads of the new sinke.

1662 Dr. Power in T. Birch Hist. Royal Soc. (1756) I. 135 Sometimes it [sc. fiery damp]..has thrown the turn quite away from the mouth of the pit; which is a great cylinder of wood, of a great weight.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 342/1 An Engine called a Turne, or the Turne Engine..by which great Weights are lifted up.

d. A rotating compartment set into a wall and open on one side, used for the discreet passing of food or other things from one side to the other. Now historical.Cf. turning-box n., turntable n. 2a.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > wall of building > [noun] > rotating box or disc in wall

turning-box1611

turn1670

turning-table1839

turntable1887

1670 S. Wilson Lassel's Voy. Italy ii. 71 There is also a grate towards the street, where litttle [sic] infants are put into a square hole of a Turn, & so turned in by night by their unlawful mothers.

1808 Lady Jerningham Lett. (1896) I. 321 Her victuals were put in a turn, like at a Convent.

1932 G. F.-H. Berkeley & J. Berkeley Italy in Making I. xviii. 268 At suitable points were inset ‘turns’, similar to those used in convents, so as to enable the servants to hand in food for both the cardinals and their attendants, without themselves entering the isolated wing.

1966 M. C. Lorang Footloose Scientist in Mayan Amer. 90 Food was passed into the dining room through a ‘turn’..—a hollow roller set into the wall so that when one side is open, the other side is closed.

†13. Any of various diseases, esp. of livestock, characterized by unsteadiness on the legs or the tendency to walk in circles; spec. the disease of sheep caused by the presence of larvae of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps in the brain (= gid n.¹). Occasionally also: an animal affected by such a disease (rare). Obsolete.Cf. turn-sick n., turnabout n. 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of cattle, horse, or sheep > [noun] > staggers or gid

turn?1523

sturdiness1552

turn-sick1566

sturdy1570

dazy1577

stavers1597

(to have) the staggers1599

gid1601

giddy1603

turnabout1605

stacker1610

turning-evil1614

megrims1639

blind staggers1784

the goggles1793

dazing1799

stomach-staggers1831

turn-sick1834

turn-side1845

phalaris staggers1946

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxvii^v The tourne, and remedy therfore.

1553 H. Llwyd tr. Pope John XXI Treasury of Healthe (new ed.) sig. c.vi These heale the turne or daselynge in the head & eyes.

1658 in Court Leet Rec. Manch. (1887) IV. 243 Sellinge parte of a Turne which was not Markettable.

1673 M. Harward Herds-man's Mate 45 The turn, or Thurning Disease. This disease is well known, yet not to all by this name, for some call it the giddy, some the sturdy, others call them mazed beasts.

1718 F. Hutchinson Hist. Ess. conc. Witchcraft ix. 128 Twirl like a Calf that hath the Turn.

1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. II. 1168 The Turn or Giddy is a disorder with which these animals [sc. sheep] are often seized.

14. A movement round something, a single act or instance of looping something around something else; (Nautical) an act of passing a rope once round a mast or other object.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement in circle or curve > [noun] > movement in circle > movement round something

turn1585

round1616

1585 J. Banister Wecker's Compend. Chyrurg. iv. i. 514 With a sauft firme rowle, wonde vp at both endes, and wet in water and viniger. fetche iij. or iiij. turnes about the fracture.

1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes III. iii. xiii. 565 (note) A Bitter, is a turne of the Cable about the Bitts, for when they come to Anchor, they take a turne with it about the Bitts.

1699 tr. de La Vauguion Compl. Body Chirurg. Operations xxvii. 292 Next there must be three Compresses applied..the third to be laid on the extremity of the Stump, making a turn round the Leg.

1743 J. Bulkeley & J. Cummins Voy. to South-seas 115 All Hands haul'd, took a Turn round the Main-Mast, and went aft.

1881 C. Whitehead Hops 35 The young bines only take short turns, and cannot lay hold of supports which are stout at the base.

1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 256 The blocks..act like a sailor's ‘turn and a half’.

1938 Amarillo (Texas) Sunday News-Globe 14 Aug. a26/4 Somehow when he gave the rope a turn around his saddle horn his billowing shirt-tail caught in it.

1990 T. Cunliffe Easy on Helm xiv. 121 Your mate hops off with the rope and catches a turn round a cleat or bollard.

15. The condition or manner of being twisted or convoluted. Hence: a portion or length of something which has a convoluted or twisted form, corresponding to one whole revolution; a (single) coil or twist; a round (typically, of coiled rope); (Nautical) a twist of rope round a mast, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [noun]

rundlec1300

waif1513

enwrapping1543

convolution1545

entrail?a1549

wreath1555

roundness1572

spire1572

rolling1576

enfold1578

infold1578

obvolution1578

gyre1590

whorl1592

enfoldment1593

twine1600

turn1625

volume1646

volution1752

swirl1786

coil1805

swirling1825

convolute1846

whirl1862

enfolding1873

snaking1888

society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > ropes or chains other than rigging or cable > [noun] > twist of rope round something

turn1886

1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes III. iii. xiii. 565 (note) A Bitter, is a turne of the Cable about the Bitts, for when they come to Anchor, they take a turne with it about the Bitts.

1669 J. Ray in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 4 1011 Observations Concerning the odd Turn of some Shell-snailes..The Turn of the wreaths is from the right hand to the left.

1678 London Gaz. No. 1269/4 A dapple gray Mare,..a feather under the mane, two turns in the forehead.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VII. 32 Its convolutions are more numerous. The garden snail has but five turns at the most; in the sea snail the convolutions are sometimes..ten.

1827 D. Johnson Sketches Indian Field Sports (ed. 2) 83 Wound round with a few turns of fine silk.

1884 F. Krohn tr. G. Glaser de Cew Magneto- & Dynamo-electr. Machines 214 We can..calculate the length..of the turns wound on a magnetic core, if we divide the length of the coil by the number of turns.

1886 R. Brown Spunyarn & Spindrift vii. 91 I..jumped to let go of the main-sheet. But Lord! we was in the white water almost before I could cast the turns off.

1930 Sea Breezes 13 74 Brushing off the snow and hammering gasket turns warmed my hands.

2013 W. L. Crothers American-built Packets & Freighters of 1850s xix. 246/1 The type of chamfer shown automatically forced a turn of rope downward toward the bottom of the chamfer.

16. Music. A melodic ornament consisting of a group of three, four, or five notes, comprising the principal note (on which it is performed) and the notes one degree above and below it.In a turn the note above precedes, and the one below follows, the principal note (this was formerly also called †common turn or †direct turn); in an inverted turn (formerly also called back-turn: see back-turn n.), the note below precedes and the one above follows; in either case, the principal note returns to complete the turn, and can also precede the start of it.A trill may also end with a turn (also called in this context ‘termination’), which then consists of just the principal note of the trill, the note below and a return to the principal note; cf. quot. 1881 at shake n.¹ 5.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > section of piece of music > ornament > [noun] > turn or group

gruppo1664

group1728

turn1740

back-turn1801

gruppetto1842

1740 J. Grassineau tr. S. De Brossard Musical Dict. 102 (captions) The graces are to be treated of, which according to Mr Lambert are these... The Turn, thus marked And the Shake, turned thus.

1818 T. Busby Gram. Music 143 Full, or Double Turn. Partial Turn. Inverted Turn.

1830 J. Jousse Vocal Primer xviii. 42 Q. How is the direct turn performed? A. It begins from the note above.

1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk. I. i. 63 Clavecinist debarred his instrument, He yet thrums—shirking neither turn nor trill,..on dumb table-edge.

1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett Dict. Musical Terms 443/1 The common turn..takes a higher note first in the change... The back-turn taking a lower note first in the change.

1917 C. Baermann Method for Clarinet iv. 7 As a rule the trill closes with a turn, consisting of the tone one degree below the principal tone, immediately followed by the principal tone.

1944 F. J. Horwood Basis Music v. 29 Inverted turns follow the above rules with the notes in reverse order.

2008 Musical Q. 91 382 Bach employs turns, trills, grace notes, and mordents that resemble the heavy ornaments of Couperin's compositions.

III. Change of direction or course, and connected senses.

* Physical change of direction or course. Cf. turn v. II., III., IV.

17.

a. An act of turning or facing another way; a change of direction or posture.See also about-turn n. 1, left turn n. 2a, right turn n. 2a, three-point turn at three-point adj. 5, twists and turns at twist n.¹ 20.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > [noun] > changing to face different direction or turning

turning1303

turnc1390

circumversion1578

conversion1594

head1607

versation1656

wheela1660

slewc1860

the world > space > direction > [noun] > straight or constant direction > deviation from > a turn

crookingc1380

turnc1390

bightc1400

crook1486

turnagain1545

creek1596

creeking1610

return1610

sinuositya1774

bend1879

c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 309 (MED) Whon þe hermyte hire seih, To hire feet he fel..heo was a frayed of þis torne.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 3273 Fortunys variaunce..And sodeyn torn of hir false visage.

1596 J. Davies Orchestra lxviii. sig. B6 With loftie turnes and capriols in the ayre.

1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison IV. xxxii. 224 Her..half-saucy turns upon him.

1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. xv. 339 Shooting a glance at his..companion by a turn of the eye.

1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iv. 84 She..made a sudden turn As if to speak.

1919 Outing Mar. 310/1 Suddenly he made a turn at right angles and came plowing right under the boat before we could anticipate the trick.

2012 J. Manu Illicit Happiness of Other People iii. 124 She..looks away with a quick turn of her head, like a sparrow.

†b. Execution by hanging (with allusion to the turning of the victim off the ladder: cf. to turn off 4a at turn v. Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun]

hanginga1300

hangmentc1440

gallows1483

gibbet1502

Tyburn checka1529

Tyburn stretch1573

caudle of hempseed1588

hempen caudle1588

swinging1591

rope law1592

rope-leap1611

cording1619

turn1631

nubbing1673

cravatting1683

gibbetation1689

topping1699

Tyburn jig1699

noosing1819

scragging1819

Tyburn tie1828

Newgate hornpipe1829

dance upon nothing1841

drop1887

suspension1909

1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 49 What man will venture a turne at the Gallows, for a little small siluer chalice?

1781 Union Song-bk. 219 Let him take a turn Upon Tyburn tree.

c. The roll or throw of a dice, etc.; (hence) the outcome indicated by this.

ΚΠ

1654 A. Errington Catechistical Disc. xii. 703 Our liues are as the turne of a dy, subiect to many vncertaintys, and soe is our repentance.

1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 110 Few people chose to venture a hundred guineas upon the turn of a straw.

1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 284 Florence and her dowry therefore were lost..by a turn of the dice.

1992 Winnipeg Free Press 21 Nov. (Games Room Store section) 18 (caption) This dice based board game uses the turn of the dice to determine the amount won by each player.

d. Cards.

(a) Faro. The dealing or inversion of two cards. See also to call the turn at Phrases 3j.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > games of chance played with cards > [noun] > faro > dealing or inversion of two cards

turn1856

1856 M. Reid Quadroon II. xxvi. 275 Where one player loses to the bank, another may win from it by the very same turn, and this of course checks the dealer from drawing the cards falsely.

1901 H. James Sacred Fount 44 The face of Guy Brissenden, as recognizable at a distance as the numbered card of a ‘turn’.

1964 A. Wykes Gambling vii. 169 When three [cards] are left (the ‘last turn’), players bet on the order of their appearance.

2015 J. Morrow Galapagos Regained 220 It was obvious they'd made foolish bets on the next turn of the cards.

(b) Poker. With the. In Hold 'Em and Omaha: the dealing of the fourth of the five community cards; the card itself (also turn card). Cf. flop n.¹ Additions.

ΚΠ

1971 A. D. Livingston Poker Strategy viii. 71 The turn card was a 6, making 4-6-7-6 in the widow and giving the pro a full house.

1990 San Diego Poker in rec.gambling (Usenet newsgroup) 21 Feb. Four people stayed in (two high pairs and two calling stations) which was just fine with me when the turn brought the case 4.

1999 J. May Shut Up & Deal i. 48 I win a monster pot with a king-jack when I make a straight on the turn, and all of the sudden I'm ahead in the game.

2002 A. Bellin Poker Nation i. 5 The up cards are revealed in the following pattern: the first three at once (known as the flop), then the fourth alone (called the turn card), and then the last (the river card).

2004 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 12 Sept. iii. 16/4 The turn and river both came 9s.

e. Cricket. The (intentional) deviation of a ball on pitching; = break n.¹ 5.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > [noun] > a ball bowled > motion of ball > specific

curl1833

screw1840

devil1845

rise1845

work1846

break1851

spin1851

hang1866

bump1867

fire1888

leg-spin1888

air break1900

turn1900

underspin1901

off-spin1904

finger spin1905

swing1906

back-spin1916

outswing1921

inswing1927

away swing1936

wrist-spin1960

1900 P. F. Warner Cricket in Many Climes 190 The Newlands ground is the most difficult to make runs on in the whole of South Africa, the bowlers always being able to get considerable turn on the ball.

1977 Observer 30 Jan. 23/8 A deficit of even 50 runs..could pose problems for England because the spinners have already begun to extract a lot of turn.

1999 Cricketer Mar. 24/2 Playing the sweep against the prodigious turn of MacGill at the SCG was silly, given the variable bounce.

†18. An act of turning aside from one's course; a roundabout course, a detour. Also: (occasionally) the action of turning aside, deviation. Also figurative. Obsolete.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 17a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > [noun] > (a) deviation from straight course

blenching1398

turna1400

misdrawing?a1425

swerving1545

digression1552

sklenting1568

excursion1603

diverting1611

diversion1626

deflection1646

deflexure1656

prevarication1672

deviation1675

evagation1692

departurea1694

swerve1736

twist1798

out-throw1855

throw1858

turnaway1922

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > [noun] > deviation from straight course

turna1400

circuit1483

circumferencea1549

wrying1592

extravagation1611

extravagancya1616

extravagance1644

deviation1646

outstepping1656

left1675

detour1738

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4323 Qua folus lang, wit-outen turn, Oft his fote sal find a spurn.

a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxx. 95 Þen he shulde make a longe turne and vmbicaste aboute by somme wayes, or by pathes.

a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) lxxiiii. sig. Sv And..some behelde the hye tournes & tournynges of the sakers & gerfawcons.

1686 E. Stillingfleet Serm. (1698) III. i. 13 True Repentance is the turn of the whole Soul from the Love, as well as the Practice of Sin.

1690 W. Temple Ess. Heroick Virtue v. 112 in Miscellanea: 2nd Pt. The Arians..made easie turns to the Mahumetan Doctrines, that professed Christ to have been so great and so Divine a Prophet.

1874 G. J. Whyte-Melville Uncle John xxiii To follow him through the many turns and windings of his wearisome..chase.

1892 W. W. Greener Breech-loader 231 The woodcock..is one of the most difficult birds to bag;..its turn to right and left being most erratic.

†19.

a. A journey; a tour; a course (of travel). Obsolete. Cf. sense 23a.See also tourn n.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun]

forec900

wayOE

farec1000

sitheOE

gangOE

journey?c1225

gatea1300

pilgrimagec1300

voyage1338

wending1340

raik?c1350

turna1400

repairc1425

went1430

reisea1450

progressionc1450

progressa1460

race1513

peregrination1548

travel1559

passance1580

dogtrot1856

trek1895

ulendo1921

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14170 Þai praid him..þat he til him a turn [a1400 Trin. Cambr. Trauaile] wald mak.

1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Piv^v/2 Turne,..cursus.

1665 King Charles II in J. M. Cartwright Madame (1894) 224 I am goeing to make a little turne into dorset sheere for 8 or 9 dayes.

1734 H. Walpole Let. Oct. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 254 His design to take a turn into England.

b. Hunting. The mating of roe deer. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > types of deer > [noun] > genus Capreolus (roe deer) > mating

turnc1475

c1475 in R. Hands Eng. Hawking & Hunting (1975) 180 At Seynt Iame day..Þen shal þe Ro buk engendre with þe ro..Then he is called a Robukke going in his turne.

1632 Guillim's Display of Heraldrie (ed. 2) iii. xiv. 176 You shall say Roe goeth to his Towrns [printed Towrus].

20.

a. A place or point at which a road, river, passageway, etc., turns, or turns off; a bend, curve, or angle. Also: a curved or bent part of something such as an arm or coastline (rare).

ΚΠ

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 1367 Thoruȝ many halle and many riche tour, By many tourn and many diuerse way.

1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid ix. vii. 26 The horsmen than prekis, and fast furth sprentis To weil beknawin pethis, and turnys[and] wentis.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iv. xi. 438/2 Annoynted..in..the breast, betweene the shoulders, in the Joynts, and turne of the Armes.

1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 163 There are two turns; and be so good as to take the second.

1816 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto III lv. 32 The river nobly..flows,..And all its thousand turns disclose Some fresher beauty.

1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. xxiii. 286 They..walked around the turn of the cape.

1933 Rep. Departmental Comm. Traffic Signs (Min. of Transport) v. 55 Advance warning signs should not be provided unless owing to a turn in the road, or for some other reason, signals are not visible at a distance of at least 100 yards.

1982 Colorado Springs Gaz. Tel. 29 Aug. f3/2 She wore a tight-fitting jacket and Joan Crawford shoes, and as she went by me I could see the turn of her ankle—out of sight!

2008 I. M. Banks Matter iii. 41 A small castle poised on a low cliff overlooking a turn in the river.

b. Mining. English regional (Derbyshire). A deep pit excavated downwards from a drift; an internal shaft in a mine. Cf. winze n.¹ Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > passage > horizontal > pit sunk in

turn1681

1681 T. Houghton Rara Avis in Terris (new ed.) Explan. Terms sig. F4^v Turn is a Pit sunk in some part of a Drift; If the Mine be deep, there is many of these Turns one below another.

1824 J. Mander Derbyshire Miners' Gloss. (at cited word) Eight, ten, or twelve fathoms is [a depth] common for a Turn; and note, that a vein which is wrought ninety or a hundred fathoms must have divers Turns.

a1828 Mineral Terms in MS BL Add. 6685 174 A Turn it goes below the shaft down in the vein and there is more or fewer of them according to the depth of the vein.

1998 J. H. Rieuwerts Gloss. Derbyshire Lead Mining Terms 159/2 Turn, an internal shaft, the original meaning denoting something deeper than a sump.

†c. Mining. A curved plate rail used on a bend or junction in a tramway in or leading from a mine. Obsolete.In quot. 1886: (apparently) the whole apparatus associated with a bend or angle in a tramway.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road laid with parallel planks, slabs, or rails > [noun] > laid with rails > turning apparatus

turn-frame1789

turn-rail1793

turning-plate1797

turn1836

1836 Durham Chron. 9 Sept. 1/6 To be sold by auction..about 600 Yards of Waggon-way Rails, with Chairs, &c.; and a quantity of Tram Plates, Tram Turns, Screens, Brattice, Crabs, and other requisites for the working of a Colliery.

1886 J. Barrowman Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms 69 Turn,..the arrangement of rails, sleepers and pulleys at a curve on a haulage road.

1910 Trans. Inst. Mining Engineers 39 p. v (advt.) Points and Crossings, also Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Reversible Tram Turns, Forgings and Castings of every description.

d. Golf. The point in the course (after the ninth hole) at which the players begin the return journey.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > golf course > [noun] > turning point of course

turn1870

1870 C. MacArthur Golfer's Ann. 1869–70 135 Fergusson and Park being 1 ahead at the turn [at St Andrews].

1889 Golfing Ann. 2 115 He also started badly, by taking an eight for the Hole o'cross, and his score at the turn was 48.

1930 Cambr. Daily News 24 Sept. 7/3 Compston, who went out in 37 and was five up at the turn, won by seven and five.

1998 Courier-Jrnl. (Louisville, Kentucky) 24 Oct. d4/7 Sigel, 54, made the turn at the 6,590-yard Kaanapali North Golf Club course on Maui at 29, putting together six birdies without a bogey.

21.

a. The act of turning so as to face about or go in the opposite direction; reversal of position or course, turnaround; turning back. Also figurative, esp. in turn of the tide n. at Phrases 3d.In literal use, perhaps now simply a spec. use of sense 17a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [noun] > turning back or reversal of course

charec1220

gainturna1225

gain-charingc1275

reverting1540

turn1575

reflectiona1616

reversal1648

turning1806

turnaround1959

1575 T. Cartwright Second Replie agaynst Dr. Whitgiftes Second Answer P. cccclxvii He hauing not made half a turne from Poperie vnto the gospell: might by all likelihood think, that those were Clementes epistles.

1690 C. Ness Compl. Hist. & Myst. Old & New Test. I. 271 The round turn from sin to Christ.

1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. vii. ix. 140 Whether we shall go on, or take a turn back?

1796 F. Burney Camilla V. x. xiv. 540 Such turns in the tide of fortune.

1896 Polit. Sci. Q. 11 472 A reduction in wages may cause a strike, disorganization of his labor force, loss of business connections and inability to take advantage of any turn in the tide.

1964 A. Nin Collages 24 Every now and then, like a waltzer, it took a complete turn in the middle of the river.

2003 S. Coonts & J. DeFelice Deep Black lxxxiv. Rubens buzzed the driver, who took a turn back toward the government buildings.

b. Swimming. A manoeuvre used to change direction at the end of a swimming length, esp. during a race.

ΚΠ

1878 Bell's Life in London 2 Nov. 5/6 Winter and Watson were level half way up the [swimming] bath, the others being all close together, and 10 yards in the rear, where they made the first turn.

1893 A. Sinclair & W. Henry Swimming (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xii. 376 Not only must the turn be made smartly, but the ‘push off’ must be vigorous.

1918 F. J. Sullivan Swimming 27 Many a race is lost or won on the turn.

1968 Times 22 Oct. 11/6 Spitz was close enough behind the blond Russell..but it was 6ft, 2in. Russell who came out of the turn first.

2008 Guardian (Nexis) 14 Aug. 9 With his goggles full of water from the final turn, Phelps had to call on every ounce of will to hang on.

22. Coursing. The act, by a hare when closely pursued, of suddenly turning and making off more or less in the opposite direction, or at a considerable angle from the direction of pursuit. Also in to give the hare a turn: (of a hound) to force the hare to turn through more than 90 degrees.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > action of game > [noun]

rusec1425

rusingc1425

trasoning1575

turn1575

wile1692

the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (intransitive)] > other actions of hounds

to be at bayc1515

blemish1575

to give the hare a turn1575

wrench1686

lurch1824

meuse1827

stream1849

smeuse1851

water1855

to run into shot1884

the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (intransitive)] > hunt in particular way

to give the hare a turn1575

to run mute1677

flemish1857

the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) > [noun] > family Leporidae > genus Lepus (hares) > lepus europaeus (hare) > movement of

risea1425

turn1575

whid1786

1575 G. Gascoigne Short Obseruation Coursing with Greyhoundes in Noble Arte Venerie 246 A Cote is when a Greyhounde goeth endways by his fellow & giueth the Hare a turne (which is called setting a Hare aboute).

1694 Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. 30 A Greyhound..gave Chase to one of them, and at last gave her a turn.

1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports i. iii. viii. 212/1 It is a Turn if the hare is forced more than 45 degrees, and one point is to be scored.

1975 Financial Times 3 Apr. 33/4 Points are awarded for technical accomplishments such as a ‘turn’ (when a dog forces a hare to turn through more than 90 degrees).

23.

a. An act of walking or riding around or about a limited area, such as a park, garden, or sequence of streets; a short walk or ride out and back, esp. by a different route; a stroll.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > [noun] > walking for exercise or recreation > an act of > short

turn1581

sidewalk1598

1581 C. Thimelthorpe Short Inuentory Certayne Idle Inuentions f. 35 You haue entred..into the verye same path wherein I my self had determined to walke before a turn or two.

a1591 H. Smith Wks. (1866) I. 185 Go now and walk in thy galleries, fetch one turn more before thou be turned out of door.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 162 A turne or two, Ile walke To still my beating minde.

1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 160. ⁋2 I took several Turns about my Chamber.

1715 London Gaz. No. 5336/1 He..has..taken a Turn on Horse~back on the Isle.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward I. Introd. p. xxxv This circumstance of explanation and remark..occupied us during two or three turns upon the long terrace.

1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset xlvii I will take a turn round the garden.

2015 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 17 Apr. 22 Louis XIV, who likes to take a turn through the palace grounds.

†b. Knitting. Two rows in the same kind of stitch. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > knitted fabric > stitches > two rows of

turn1837

1837 Miss Watts Ladies' Knitting & Netting Bk. 55 A comfortable Comforter. Cast on 50 stitches; knit 44 turns plain knitting, [etc.].

1893 E. Rosevear Text-bk. Needlework 406 A Turn is used for two rows in the same stitches backwards and forwards.

†24. Architecture. The curved side of an arch, between the keystone and the foot; the haunch or flank. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > parts of

coin1350

pendant1359

voussoir1359

springer1435

spandrel1477

spring?1553

pitch1615

kneeler1617

gimmalsa1652

face1664

of the third point1672

turn1677

sweep1685

hance1700

skew-back1700

summering1700

springing1703

tympan1704

hip1726

reins1726

rib1726

third point1728

quoin1730

archivolt1731

opening1739

soffit1739

shoulder1744

extrados1772

intrados1772

haunch1793

arch-stone1828

twist1840

coign1843

architrave1849

escoinçon1867

pulvino1907

pin1928

1677 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Oxford-shire ix. 238 The middle column i, which ascending into the turn of the Arch, and returning not again, is received into hidden pipes provided for that purpose.

1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 53/2 An Arch is..a conjunction..of wedges, whereof some..are call'd the foot.., those in the middle above, the Key.., and those on the sides.., the Turn, or Ribs of the Arch.

1890 N.Y. Times 9 Nov. 13/4 We wish architects were half as solicitous about ventilation as they are about the turn of an arch or the groove of a pillar.

1913 C. S. Burgess in Archit., Town Planning & Community (2005) iii. 39 This is best done with small stones so that the turn of the arch is worked gradually round stone-by-stone.

25. Printing. A reversal of type in composing; (concrete) a type turned face downwards so as to produce a rectangular black mark on the proof, in place of a missing letter. Now rare.Usually with reference to ‘turning for sorts’, the practice of using a type in this way so that it can be easily noticed and replaced with a type of the required sort later.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > types, blocks, or plates > relating to type > composed type > [noun] > reversed type

turn1887

1836 C. S. Van Winkle Printer's Guide 235 Turn for sorts—It often happens when matter runs upon particular sorts.., that the compositor wants that sort the matter runs on... Then, instead of that letter or sort he turns a letter of the same thickness, with the foot of the shank upward, and the bottom downward.]

1887 T. B. Reed Hist. Old Eng. Letter Foundries Introd. Chapter 11 The whole of the last reference-line is put in upside down... A ‘turn’ of this magnitude could hardly have occurred if the letters had been set in the forme type by type.

1983 F. J. M. Wijnekus Elsevier's Dict. Printing & Allied Industries (ed. 2) 325/2 Take out turns, to replace turned-for-sorts letter by proper letter in set forme.

** Non-physical change. Cf. turn v. V.See also sense 32.

26.

a. A change in affairs, conditions, or circumstances; vicissitude; esp. a change for better or worse, or the like, at a critical point. Hence: (sometimes) the time at which such a change takes place. Frequently and now chiefly in phrases, such as to take a turn for the worse, to take a turn for the better, etc.: see Phrases 3e; see also turn of events at Phrases 3f.In quot. c1425, perhaps a figurative use of sense 10.

ΚΠ

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 2636 (MED) Fortunys turne with mvtabilite Hath tauȝt me, pleinly..In worldly Ioie is no sikernesse.

1457 in R. R. Sharpe Cal. Let.-bks. London (1911) K. 388 (MED) Allas, we have a shrewde turn, for nowe is our purpos broken & retted by þe Mair & Shirrefz and I wote not howe it come oute.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iv. iv. 12 Oh World, thy slippery turnes! Friends now fast sworn..shall within this houre..breake out To bitterest Enmity.

1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 217 The State of Christendome might by this late Accident haue a turne.

1725 B. Higgons Hist. & Crit. Remarks Burnet's Hist. 103 Why the Republicans..made so little Opposition to a Turn of State [sc. the Restoration] which must infallibly be their Ruin.

1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xviii. 120 The engagement..was maintained with various and singular turns of fortune.

1842 Ld. Tennyson Two Voices in Poems (new ed.) II. 120 Some turn this sickness yet might take.

1892 W. Ramage Last Words 65 Two turns are possible in a crisis: the issue may be favourable or fatal.

1924 Pittsburgh Courier 31 May 5/6 The case took a serious turn when Jones failed to return home that night.

2012 J. C. Wright Hermetic Millennia iv. iv. 137 Good thing I was wearing armor and had a bad guy lying atop me. I guess that was a lucky turn.

b. The action, or an act, of changing; change, alteration, modification (in a particular thing). See also on the turn at Phrases 3b. Somewhat rare. In quot. 1901: change of colour.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > [noun]

wendingeOE

changing?c1225

stirringa1240

wrixlinga1240

changec1325

variancec1340

transmutationc1380

varyingc1380

whileness1382

translationc1384

alterationa1398

mutationa1398

removinga1425

revolutiona1425

shiftingc1440

changementc1450

muance1480

commutation1509

altry1527

transition1545

turning1548

novation1549

immutation?c1550

alterance1559

alienation1562

turn?1567

vicissitude1603

refraction1614

fermentationa1661

diabasis1672

parallax1677

motion1678

aliation1775

transience1946

?1567 Def. Priestes Mariages (new ed.) 216 By sodaine tourne of maners, the tender myndes might sone bee exasperated.

1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. xxxviii. 75 An admirable facilitie which musique hath to expresse..the turnes and varieties of all passions.

1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 3/2 Sudden Turns and Changes in the Air, from Hot to Cold, and from Cold to Hot.

1802 E. Forster tr. Arab. Nights II. 348–9 One..wished to give a turn to these melancholy ideas by singing a little air to her lute.

1901 ‘L. Malet’ Hist. Richard Calmady iii. ii The turn of the leaf was very brilliant.

2006 L. Coulter Gardening with Heirloom Seeds 263 If you are lucky enough to have a shed with a tin roof..you've got a built-in warning system for the turn of the weather.

c. The time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next; usually followed by an of-phrase indicating the period.See also turn of the century n., turn of the year n. at Phrases 3c.

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

1697 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Fortune in her Wits 14 Upon the turn of the Hour he had gone halfway through his Jargon.

1799 Oriental Coll. II. 212 The Scath or Sath, the turn of night; for the ancients divided the day into certain parts.

1934 J. C. Powys Autobiogr. vii. 300 How well I remember watching out the turn of the centuries—the nineteenth becoming the twentieth—in the little dining-room at Court House.

1968 A. M. Farrer Interpr. & Belief (1976) 190 It was as a doctrine of free will that Neo-Platonism was embraced by St Augustine at the turn of the fourth to the fifth century.

1970 H. Braun Parish Churches i. 22 At the turn of the millennium the monastic churches were quite enormous.

2008 Wire Feb. 35/3 Luomo did more than perhaps any artist of the turn of the decade to set the tone for noughties romanticism.

d. Business. A (favourable or unfavourable) change in market or trading conditions. Cf. turn of the market at Phrases 3g(b).

ΚΠ

1732 Proposal prevent Smugling of Wool 23 Such a Turn of Trade..must greatly add to the Ballance in Trade in our Favour.

1824 5th Rep. Select Comm. Artizans & Machinery 394 in Parl. Papers (H.C. 51) V. 1 When there was a favourable turn in the market, the manufacturers, in order to get their work done, would endeavour to advance the mean's wages some trifle.

1963 Financial Analysts Jrnl. 19 80/1 Sometimes even the cyclical elements are missing and the mystery of the sudden turn may not be solved until long after the event.

1994 Independent on Sunday 11 Dec. (Business section) 4/1 The majority of these big institutional investors are bearish, with most holding large cash positions as they wait for markets to turn. Some believe the ‘turn’ when it comes will be very big and prolonged.

27. Stock Market. A change in the price of a stock or commodity; the difference between the buying and selling prices of a stock or commodity. Also: the profit made by this; (more generally) profit. Cf. turn of the market at Phrases 3g(a).

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > prices of stocks and shares > change or difference in price

difference1718

turn1796

touch1933

society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > profit > [noun] > other types of profit

improvement?1449

mesne profitsa1558

intromissionc1650

emergencya1662

trading profit1717

building-rent1776

turn1796

sturt1850

redemption yield1921

hidden reserve1930

1796 C. Hales Bank Mirror 17 The stock is bought..and the Broker who has bought, or the Broker who has sold, puts perhaps what is called a turn into his pocket (turn of the market) that is, an eighth, which the simple principal knows nothing of.

1870 J. K. Medbery Men & Myst. Wall St. 78 This neat profit is called a ‘turn’.

1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 23 May 5/2 Brokers coming together without paying exorbitant ‘turns’ to the middleman—that is, the jobber.

1991 Banker Sept. 39/2 Persistent low prices are squeezing these producers' margins. But lenders that really know their markets are still making a turn financing mining exploration or export cargoes.

28. colloquial. A momentary shock caused by sudden alarm, fright, or the like. Cf. sense 3c.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > feeling of surprise

startc1330

sit-up1483

glopa1500

stonishment1594

startle1603

surprisal1652

surprise1686

shock1705

turn1845

jolt1884

1845 C. Dickens Cricket on Hearth ii. 78 What a hard-hearted monster you must be, John, not to have said so, at once, and saved me such a turn!

1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss I. i. vii. 120 Mrs Tulliver gave a little scream as she saw her, and felt such a ‘turn’ that she dropt the large gravy-spoon into the dish.

1932 P. Hamilton Siege of Pleasure ii. 62 in Twenty Thousand Streets under Sky (1935) ‘My word!’ said Violet. ‘You didn't half give me a turn.’

2002 G. Duncan I, Lucifer (2003) 104 Gave him quite a turn.

IV. A character or tendency imparted to something or adopted by someone.

29.

a. Character, style; esp. style of language or arrangement of words. Cf. turn v. 5a.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > [noun]

writingc1350

mannerc1375

pena1387

langue?a1400

indite1501

rate1517

conveyance?1521

composition1532

turn1533

set1535

tune1537

style1577

composure1601

way1612

language1699

rhetoricity1921

the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun]

wayeOE

costOE

wise971

gatec1175

custc1275

form1297

guise13..

mannerc1300

kindc1330

assizea1375

plighta1393

makea1400

fashionc1400

reason?c1400

method1526

voye1541

how1551

way1563

garb1600

quality1600

mould1603

quomodo1623

modus1648

mode1649

turn1825

road1855

gait1866

methodology1932

stylee1982

1533 Earl of Northumberland Let. May in Camden Misc. (1992) XXXI. 99 Looke what fashion your coates be made and mine shalbe of the same turne.

1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D3 Doubtlesse, this Gallants tongue has a good turne, when he sleepes.

1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. Pref. sig. A4^v A Purity of Language, and a beautiful turn of Words, so little understood by Modern Writers.

1718 Free-thinker No. 80. 1 Her Turn of Wit was gentle, polite, and insinuating.

1825 M. M. Sherwood Young Forester i. 5 Such a turn of behaviour as enabled him to conceal much roguery under a smooth appearance.

1869 W. E. Gladstone Juventus Mundi i. 15 A careful comparison..between the Odyssey and Iliad, and of a number of particulars of turn and manner.

1905 E. Wharton House of Mirth ii. ix. 443 The adroit feminine hand which should give the right turn to her correspondence.

1994 Amer. Hist. Rev. 99 172/1 The whole is written with a graceful turn of language and sensitivity to the lives of her subjects.

b. A modification of phraseology for a particular effect, or as an ornament or embellishment; a special point or detail of style or expression in speech or writing. Formerly also in extended use in art, etc. Now chiefly with of and noun such as expression, phrasing, etc.; see also turn of phrase at Phrases 4a.Dryden (cf. quots. 1685, 1693) uses the word turn numerous times in his literary criticism, sometimes in ways that are difficult to pin down exactly: see further H. J. Jensen Gloss. Dryden's Critical Terms (1969) 118-119.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > [noun] > mode of expression > turn of phrase

express1644

expression1646

turn1685

tour1686

façon de parler1804

tournure1815

rephrasing1881

1685 J. Dryden Sylvæ Pref. sig. A7^v The turns of his Verse, his breakings, his propriety, his numbers, and his gravity, I have as far imitated, as the poverty of our Language, and the hastiness of my performance wou'd allow.

1693 J. Dryden Disc. conc. Satire in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires p. l Had I time, I cou'd enlarge on the Beautiful Turns of Words and Thoughts; which are as requisite in this, as in Heroique Poetry.

1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 121 There is a Turn in the Third Verse that we lose by not knowing the Circumstances.

1738 Earl of Oxford in Hist. MSS Comm.: Rep. MSS Duke of Portland (1901) VI. 178 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 676) XXXVI. i. 1 The dress of this person..gives a turn and life to the other figures... He is leading her up and has one foot upon the step, which gives a fine turn.

1868 M. E. Grant Duff Polit. Surv. 4 His felicitous turns of expression.

1991 Eng. Today Apr. 36 Certain formulaic clichés and pompous turns of expression..and politeness strategies from the Indian Muslim culture are also used by the lower bureaucracy.

2001 G. S. de Anda Heartfelt Affectations viii. 166 And they both expressed themselves in similar turns of phrasing, imagery, quirkiness, their voices mellifluous and deep.

30.

a. Natural inclination, disposition, bent; aptitude, capacity for something. Usually followed by for (formerly also †to), or with specifying adjective (now rare). Cf. turn v. 5b.See also turn of mind at Phrases 4b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun]

heartOE

erda1000

moodOE

i-mindOE

i-cundeOE

costc1175

lundc1175

evena1200

kinda1225

custc1275

couragec1300

the manner ofc1300

qualityc1300

talentc1330

attemperancec1374

complexionc1386

dispositiona1387

propertyc1390

naturea1393

assay1393

inclinationa1398

gentlenessa1400

proprietya1400

habitudec1400

makingc1400

conditionc1405

habitc1405

conceitc1425

affecta1460

ingeny1477

engine1488

stomach?1510

mind?a1513

ingine1533

affection1534

vein1536

humour?1563

natural1564

facultyc1565

concept1566

frame1567

temperature1583

geniusa1586

bent1587

constitution1589

composition1597

character1600

tune1600

qualification1602

infusion1604

spirits1604

dispose1609

selfness1611

disposure1613

composurea1616

racea1616

tempera1616

crasisc1616

directiona1639

grain1641

turn1647

complexure1648

genie1653

make1674

personality1710

tonea1751

bearing1795

liver1800

make-up1821

temperament1821

naturalness1850

selfhood1854

Wesen1854

naturel1856

sit1857

fibre1864

character structure1873

mentality1895

mindset1909

psyche1910

where it's (he's, she's) at1967

1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 6 That he might watch a time to midwife out some ungracious Toleration for his own turne.

1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane Ded. That happy Turn which your Lordship has to Business.

1749 J. Wesley Acct. School at Kingswood 3 They..learn, (those who have a Turn for it) to make Verses.

a1763 W. King Polit. & Lit. Anecd. (1819) 67 Ladies..who have a fine understanding and a turn to poetry.

1812 H. Davy Elements Chem. Philos. 15 He [sc. Roger Bacon] was a man of a truly philosophical turn, desirous of investigating nature.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. xi. 278 But Flibbertigibbet..hath that about him which may redeem his turn for mischievous frolic.

1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity II. iv. i. 25 The rude and simple Arab had..no turn to or comprehension of metaphysical subtlety.

1871 G. H. Napheys Prevention & Cure Dis. i. ii. 58 Persons of a dyspeptic turn.

1898 J. J. H. Burgess Tang vii She would be a great help to you, being of a particular turn with bairns.

1936 D. L. Sayers Gaudy Night (1968) ii. 47 A lady with a turn for invective remarkable even in an age when few mouths suffered from mealiness.

2015 M. Bradley & J. John Reading & Victorians Intro. 5 A good many critics—particularly those with a turn for deconstruction—did not share a sense of ‘belief’, or of Tillichian assent, to the material they read.

†b. In extended use. Something to which society at a particular time is disposed, the fashion. Cf. the fashion at fashion n. 10, rage n. 5g. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > fashionableness > [noun] > the or a prevailing fashion

gentryc1400

the fashion1569

mainstream1599

the trim1603

mood1646

mode1649

vogue1649

beauty1653

à la mode1654

turn1695

the kick1699

goût1717

thing1734

taste1739

ton1769

nick1788

the tippy1790

twig1811

latest1814

dernier mot1834

ticket1838

kibosh1880

last cry1887

le (or the) dernier cri1896

flavour of the month (or week)1946

vague1962

1695 Lett. Relig. & Vertue lxiv. 77 Amuse your self no longer with the present Turn of the Age, and the Fashion of your Sex, but conform your self to the Wisdom of your Baptism.

1709 J. Swift Project Advancem. Relig. 49 This is not to be accomplished..but by introducing Religion as much as possible to be the Turn and Fashion of the Age.

†c. Apparently: talent. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > ability or talent

enginea1393

virtuea1425

kindnessc1425

part1561

vogue1590

disposition1600

talent1602

genio1612

genius1649

turn1721

aptitude1793

1721 C. Cibber Refusal i. 15 Honest Witling is not to be put out of humour, I see. Gran. No, faith, nor out of countenance—Wit. Not I, Faith..and a Man of Turn may say any thing to me.

†d. A particular element of a person's disposition; a characteristic. In quot. 1745: a characteristic act. Obsolete.With quot. 1729 compare turn of mind at Phrases 4b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] > distinguishing feature

thewc888

qualitya1400

vein1536

trick1608

idiosyncrasy1661

personality1710

turn1729

trait1752

character trait1792

1729 W. Law Serious Call vi. 84 Some turn of mind, which every good christian is called upon to renounce.

1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 313 A true French turn, and not unlike old Lewis le Grand's singing Te Deum for being defeated.

1764 L. Sterne Let. in Lett. 1739–64 (2009) 369 This amiable turn of his character.

†31. Form, mould, or cast of a material object. Cf. turn v. 5c. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > [noun]

hue971

shapec1050

form1297

casta1300

entailc1320

fashionc1320

featurec1325

tailc1325

suitc1330

figuringc1385

figure1393

makinga1398

fasurec1400

facea1402

makec1425

proportionc1425

figuration?a1475

protracture1551

physiognomy1567

set1567

portraiturea1578

imagerya1592

model1597

plasmature1610

figurature1642

scheme1655

morphosis1675

turn1675

plasma1712

mould1725

format1936

1675 N. Noel tr. Circle iii. 63 She had a good head of hair, and flaxen coloured, the Eyes black and fair..and the turn of her Visage round.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋8 The Turn of Faces he meets as soon as he passes Cheapside-Conduit.

a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. ii. 485 The Roman poets, in their descriptions of a beautiful man, so often mentioning the Turn of his Neck and Arms.

1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. iii. 325 For..rollers..the body of the coco-nut tree was..extremely well fitted;..its smoothness and circular turn..suited it to the purpose.

32. A change from the original intention of something; a particular construction or interpretation put on an action, statement, etc. Usually with give and to (the thing affected).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > [noun]

interpretation1387

intendment1390

sense1584

construction1592

reading1624

turn1688

construal1960

take1977

1688 E. Gee Primitive Fathers No Papists 21 He had got pretty well rid of the severe accusation by the sleight and art of pleading guilty, and giving a knackish turn to the whole Matter.

1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 141 His best actions [are] thrown by and lessen'd by false turns.

1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. v. 30 For Heaven's Sake, Sir,..do not give so cruel a Turn to my Silence.

1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. x. 108 You are giving it a turn which that gentleman did by no means intend.

1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 92 The turn which they have given to the story differs altogether from what I conceive to be the real significance.

2005 Iowa Rev. Fall 152 These poets question the easy correlation of identity and biography, and create poetry as alternative autobiography, using convention but giving it a writerly turn.

33. The way which affairs, thoughts, discussion, etc., take; direction, tendency, trend. Cf. turn v. 23.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > tendency > [noun] > course or direction

current1607

generalitiesa1628

bent1649

duct1650

turn1690

run1699

movement1789

swim1869

trend1884

1690 Brief Hist. Rise Popery 22 On June the 18th. [1687] came forth ‘The grateful Acknowledgement of the People called Quakers of Scotland’ Proclaiming God's wonderful Providence, who made the King's retiring into their Country give an happy turn to His Affairs, to the Defeating the Designs of His Enemies.

1704 M. Henry Communicant's Compan. iv, in Wks. (1853) I. 312/1 If this blessed turn be given to the bent of my soul.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 156 Providence gave a..happy Turn to all this.

1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. vii. 255 I know no Pretence for saying, the general Turn of them [sc. prophecies] is capable of any other [application].

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 181 ‘What turn did your conversation take?’ said Glossin.

1845 J. Coulter Adventures Pacific xiii. 180 Four days after, I discovered what gave my thoughts a new turn.

2012 Law & Hist. Rev. 30 326 Thus transformed, the civil liberties movement finally attracted widespread public support, paving the way for a pluralistic turn in politics as well as personal morality.

V. A measure or amount.

34. A measure of various commodities, etc. [Perhaps (at least in some senses) the quantity dealt with at one ‘turn’ or stroke of work: compare sense 3b.]

†a. Scottish. A measure of an estimated amount of grain to be produced, as a multiple of the amount of seed sown. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1597 Crail Burgh Court 27 Apr. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Sawin in the ground thrie firlottis twa pekis quheit estimat to the thrid turne.

1627 Brechin Test. 13 Aug. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Sawin nyne bollis aitis estimat to the thrid turne extendinge to tuentie sewin bollis aitis.

†b. A quantity or measure by which some fish are sold. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > seafood > [noun] > fish > quantity of fish

stickOE

mease1332

warp1436

bind1477

wisp1521

cast1587

strikea1690

turna1690

cran1797

toss1851

swill1894

a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 66 Soles. In 1 Turn 4.

1875 All Year Round 27 Nov. 208/1 Plaice [are sold] sometimes by the ‘Hull turn’. This last is a kind of double-tiered basket, neatly packed with plaice round the top, and weighing ten stone—of fourteen pounds avoirdupois.

1895 Times 7 Jan. 3/5 Haddocks,..25s. to 30s. per turn.

c. An amount of water that can be carried or distributed at one time. Now North American regional.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > liquid > water > [noun] > drained from land > amount drawn or distributed

turn1731

1731 tr. E. Le Noble Winter Evening Tales xiii. 192 He went to the Woman, and proposed to her to engage her Husband to let him carry a Turn of Water [Fr. voie d'eau] to that House.

1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. II. 923 Turn of Water.—As much as can be distributed at a single operation by the management of the hatches within the reach of the labourers employed.

1862 M. D. Colt Went to Kansas vii. 99 Have just been to the spring for my turn of water.

1966 A. R. Scammell My Newfoundland 36 Now take the small buckets and bring me a few turns o' water.

1981 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. lxviii. 48 Turn of water.., a container in each hand.

d. Chiefly North American. A load of some dry commodity, esp. wood.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > lumbering > [noun] > quantity of timber

sheaf1534

turn1792

cunit1953

the world > relative properties > measurement > the scientific measurement of volume > measure(s) of capacity > amount defined by capacity > [noun] > a load as a quantity

load?c1225

tod1530

carriage1597

turn1792

burn1855

1792 G. Cartwright Jrnl. Resid. Coast Labrador III. 24 Thou mayest take up thy turn of firewood and go home about thy business.

1800 W. Tatham Hist. & Pract. Ess. Tobacco 25 A turn signifies such a quantity [sc. of tobacco plants] as each person respectively can carry upon his shoulder or in his arms.

1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) Turn of meal, a quantity of grist sent to mill. Tennessee.

1888 J. C. Harris in Harper's Mag. Apr. 704/2 Sometimes he would bring a ‘turn’ of wood, sometimes a bag of meal or potatoes.

1893 Daily News 9 Jan. 5/7 Another has slipped while carrying a ‘turn’ of deal upon his shoulders.

1896 O. P. Read Jucklins xiii. 173 The next day I took a ‘turn’ of corn to the water-mill.

1948 Z. N. Hurston Seraph on Suwanee (1991) viii. 101 I'm a'going out there and get me a turn of wood.

2000 L. Windsor Maire xvi. 198 Longer than it took to fetch a turn of wood for the fire.

†e. Fur Trade. A bundle of sixty skins. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > skin or hide > skin with hair attached or fur > [noun] > bundle or quantity

timbera1150

mantle1420

tavelin1439

pane1612

turn1891

1891 Cent. Dict. Turn, in furriery, a bundle of five dozen skins.

1897 19th Cent. Nov. 737 A turn means sixty skins and the rate of pay is 11^d per turn.

f. Forestry. Two or more logs joined together for hauling to the point of transit.

ΚΠ

1905 Terms Forestry & Logging (Bull. U.S. Dept. Agric., Bureau Forestry, No. 61) 52 Turn,..2. Two or more logs coupled together end to end for hauling.

1942 R. Haig-Brown Timber (1993) i. 7 A turn of logs is several logs being hauled out of the woods on a long wire cable by the donkey engine—sometimes just one or two, sometimes half a dozen; depends on how many chokers there are on the cable.

2006 Ukiah (Calif.) Daily Jrnl. 13 Oct. a5/2 The operators of these machines then navigate the skid trails, cable corridors or the air to bring the turn of logs to the log landing.

†35.

a. The amount of some commodity turned out or produced: = turn-out n. 9. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > manufacture or production > [noun] > amount produced or manufactured

produce1650

supply1744

make1749

output1841

turn1870

production1878

turn-out1879

throughput1884

run1926

1870 Trans. Midland Inst. Mining Engineers 1869–70 1 69 Each stall was 22 yards in length, and sent out about 20 tons of coal per day, so that to meet a daily turn of 400 tons, about 20 stalls were required.

1875 R. F. Martin tr. J. Havrez On Recent Improvem. Winding Machinery 9 The steel cages..had worked for four years, with a daily ‘turn’ of 637 tons (coal and dirt together).

b. Mining. The number of cars filled by a miner during a turn or shift. Cf. sense 8c. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1883 6th Ann. Rep. Bureau Labor Statistics Ohio 1882 75 What are termed pillar men are also allowed ‘free turns’ of cars in a great many mines, which enables them in some instances to make double the amount of money that room men will make, although they work side by side.

1922 H. H. Stoek Study of Coal Mine Haulage in Illinois (University of Illinois Engineering Experiment Station) Bull. No. 132 101 If the ‘turn’ runs four cars per loader, 75 loaders will furnish 300 cars from each of four districts or 300 loaders will be required for the total.

Phrases

P1. In senses of Branch I.

(a) in one's turn: in one's due order in a series (often used rhetorically to indicate an act duly or naturally following a similar act on the part of another party, but without the notion of pre-arranged succession).

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > alternation > rotation > [adverb]

aboutOE

whilemeala1382

by whiles1382

in coursea1400

in turna1500

circularly1648

in rotation1771

round-by-round1933

rotationally1950

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > in order, sequence, or succession [phrase] > out of place in a series

out of turn1888

a1500 tr. A. Chartier Quadrilogue (Rawl.) (1974) 138 (MED) Euery man in his turne and aftir his ordir chaungith, rebateth [c1475 Univ. Oxf. all erthly lordshippes..ben chaunged, enlowed], or subuertith from the happy fortunes and grete brute of realmys.

1574 J. Baret Aluearie T 377 By course or euery man in his turne, alternis.

1710 W. King Heathen Gods & Heroes (1722) xi. 44 Argus..had a hundred Eyes, two of which sleeping in their Turns, the rest continu'd waking.

1781 W. Cowper Charity 74 To see the oppressor in his turn oppressed.

1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 A committee..in which every Hanse Town was in its turn represented, according to a fixed cycle.

1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire iv. 62 Germany became in her turn the instructress of the neighbouring tribes.

2008 Times Higher Educ. Suppl. (Nexis) 27 Mar. (Books) 44 An endless cycle whereby one people or society displaces another, only to be displaced in its turn.

(b) by turns: one after another in regular succession (also †by turn); = in turn at Phrases 1a(c)(i); successively, periodically.

ΚΠ

1538 T. Elyot Dict. Vicissatim, by tymes, by tournes. Vicissim, by tourne, nowe one, nowe an nother.

1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. D ii By turnes atwixe them selues thei shuld sometime erre, sometime flatter, sometimes wincke for the nones, & now & than coumfort theyr bittred tast with some hony of foolisshenesse.

1641 T. Beedome Poems sig. C7^v The winged birds..Each one by turne did sing his rounde-lay.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 508. ⁋3 He is by turns outrageous, peevish, froward and jovial.

1802 E. Forster tr. Arab. Nights III. 135 They slept only by turns, in order to guard against wild beasts.

1910 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 12 Nov. 1530/1 The Queen suffered considerable pain..and was by turns feverishly hot and shivering with cold.

1974 F. L. Cross & E. A. Livingstone Oxf. Dict. Christian Church (ed. 2) 524/2 The Blessed Sacrament is exposed..for a period of c. forty hours, and the faithful pray before it by turns throughout this time.

2015 New Yorker 18 May 61/3 The top firms cooperate and compete by turns.

(c) in turn.

(i) One after another in regular succession. Also †in turns (obsolete).

ΚΠ

1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum xiv. 16 Either by course or by lot ech man in turne might be receaued to beare rule and haue his part of the honour.

1688 M. Prior Ode Exod. iii. 14 v Why does each consenting Sign With prudent Harmony combine In Turns to move?

1807 S. Turner Hist. Anglo-Saxons (ed. 2) II. 407 Of the harp, Bede mentions, that in all festive companies it was handed round, that every one might sing in turn.

1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 303 The daughters in turn riding on pillion-seat.

2012 K. Smith Jammy Dodger 46 He shook hands with each of us in turn.

(ii) In one's due order in a series (often used to convey that an action, process, or situation is the result of a previous one); = in one's turn at Phrases 1a(a).

ΚΠ

1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. I4^v, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) The next & last in turne, are those Letters Familiar.

1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. II. 203 From being attacked, the French now in turn became the aggressors.

1832 Ld. Tennyson Palace of Art Ded., in Poems (new ed.) 69 He that shuts Love out, in turn shall be Shut out from Love.

1946 National Geographic Mag. July 119/1 Edgerton devised an ingenious combination of a beam of light playing on a photoelectric cell which in turn activated a relay.

2016 C. O'Neil Weapons Math Destr. ii. 42 The dollars in turn created confidence in the products.

(d) to take turns: (of two or more people) to alternate in doing something, typically so that each person does or has his or her fair share.With the activity or task implied by the context or specified by a following gerund, infinitive, or prepositional phrase.

ΚΠ

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage ii. vii. 115 [They] tooke turnes by course, in perfourming of the same.

1633 T. James Strange Voy. 79 Our young lustiest men tooke turnes, to goe into the water.

1726 A. Boyer Polit. State Great Brit. Oct. 344 That..the Vestry do take Turns in Visiting the Work-house once a Week.

1775 London Mag Nov. 575/1 The girls of her acquaintance took turns to be with her night and day.

1838 E. Beecher Narr. Riots at Alton vi. 101 It was agreed that the company should be divided into sections of six, and take turns on successive nights.

1871 S. D. Nickerson Bread-winners xv. 163 We take turns going home early.

1950 C. E. Goode Yarns of Yilgarn 88 We all took turns to work below.

1985 T. O'Brien Nucl. Age ix. 184 Down on the beach, taking turns, we pitched grenades at mock enemy bunkers.

2015 P. Hawkins Girl on Train 54 She and her friends take turns cooking each other dinner.

(e)

(i) turn about: (adverbially) in turn, by turns, alternately, successively (†formerly sometimes preceded by possessive (obsolete); cf. in one's turn at Phrases 1a(a)). Also as a modifier: †performed in turn, mutual, reciprocal (obsolete rare).Also in the proverb turnabout is fair play and variants, indicating that taking alternating or reciprocal turns at something fosters or represents fairness; cf. also quot. 1861 at Phrases 1a(e)(ii).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > correlation > [adjective] > mutual or reciprocal

evena1425

interchangeablec1450

relativea1500

reciprocativea1504

mutual1513

reciproque?1533

reciprocous1567

requiteda1586

intermutual1595

alternate1600

commutual1604

vicissitudinary1629

reciprocal1632

reflexivea1635

reciprocated1663

related1671

mutuous1683

turn about1802

interdependent1817

interrelated1827

reciprocating1827

reciprocate1833

transmutuala1834

reflective1839

interpendent1855

interradiating1858

two-way1950

1650 Earl of Monmouth tr. J. F. Senault Man become Guilty 357 Being weary of obeying, they fain would command their turn about.

1709 T. Robinson Vindic. Mosaick Syst. 94 in Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland The Cock..Sitting upon the Eggs his turn about.

1755 D. Bradstreet Life & Uncommon Adventures 338 We would make them know, Turn about was fair Play, and that two and three made five, though many Words did not fill a Bushel.

1802 H. Martin Helen of Glenross II. 14 To complete the turn~about good offices, Frances can marry your cast-off Sedley.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. iii. 40 Fit to sit low at the board, carve turn about with the chaplain.

1929 N. O. Solum & O. E. Rølvaag tr. O. E. Rølvaag Peder Victorious iv. ii. 287 From near the house came the squeak, squeak of an ice-cream freezer. John Baardsen and one of the boys were taking turn about at the crank.

2005 N.Y. Times 24 July viii. 2/2 But turnabout being fair play, the Red Sox obtained Roberts on July 31 last year, and it was his stolen base two and a half months later that marked the beginning of the end of the Yankees.

(ii) turn and turn about: the action of doing something in turn; alternate or successive turns at doing something; (hence adverbially) in turn, by turns, alternately (frequently in to take it turn and turn about). Also †turn and turn (obsolete rare).

ΚΠ

1811 Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 24 Apr. 998 It is only turn and turn about. He drew the French after him; well, and the French are now drawing him after them.

1834 S. Smith Sel. Lett. Major Jack Downing lxxi. 205 When one gits drunk, tother keeps sober, and so they take turn and turn about.

1840 E. E. Napier Scenes & Sports Foreign Lands II. v. 174 We took it turn and turn to send out [etc.].

1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton I. ix. 164 We took it turn and turn about to sit up and rock it.

1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 135/2 Turn and turn about's fair play. Billy, now it's your turn.

2005 J. Banville Sea 193 The Colonel..wielded his condiment bottles turn and turn about like a spot-the-pea artist.

2012 J. Tolan Skills in Person-centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (ed. 2) x. 121 Does one of you always initiate contact, or do you take it turn and turn about?

(f)

(i) out of turn: out of one's due order or place in a series; also (and apparently in earliest use) in extended use (now chiefly with reference to ill-advised or tactless speech; cf. to speak out of turn at Phrases 1a(f)(ii)). Also (now rare) out of one's turn.

ΚΠ

1646 H. Mill 2nd Pt. Nights Search xx. 108 Thou beg'st out of turn; nor canst thou cry With dolefull tones, to move the Passers by To draw their bounty.

1788 in J. Stevenson Observ. Coal-trade Port of Newcastle upon Tyne (1789) 45 Admits that, by the present law, the fitter, loading a ship out of its turn, is liable to a prosecution; has not heard any complaints of small ships loading out of turn till within this year and a half.

1888 Rules of Golf 5 Playing out of turn.

1969 P. Roth Portnoy's Complaint 14 I voluntarily and out of my turn set the table.

1995 G. Kamani Junglee Girl (1996) 159 I'm sorry, that was out of turn. I'm being insensitive and making a bigger mess of all of this.

2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 65 Have I said something out of turn?

(ii) to speak (also talk) out of turn: (originally) to speak when not given permission to do so; (subsequently) to say more than one ought to say, to speak inadvisedly or tactlessly. Also (now rare) to speak (also talk) out of one's turn.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > speak tactlessly

to speak (also talk) out of turn1823

1744 J. Ralph Hist. Eng. I. 631/1 College vehemently deny'd, that the Conspiracy was prov'd; and receiv'd a Reprimand from the Bench for speaking out of Turn.

1823 A. Bell Man. Instr. Conducting Schools (ed. 7) p. viii This (like other faults) is prevented by the boys, who speak out of turn, forfeiting a place.

1930 ‘Sapper’ Finger of Fate 186 Well, old boy, our Lady Carrington was talking a little out of her turn. I don't blame her—it's a bit disconcerting to lose a thing like that.

1939 I. Baird Waste Heritage vi. 79 Easy, Eddy, I shouldn't have spoken out of turn there.

1978 P. Van Greenaway Man called Scavener ix. 123 I'm going to talk out of turn and you'll be welcome to tell me I should mind my own business.

2012 N. Hawley Good Father (2013) 376 My daddy used to hit me and my brother. It was expected back then. Normal. You spoke out of turn, you got the belt.

(g) to take it in turns: to take turns at doing a shared task or activity; usually followed by infinitive.Rare in North American use.

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1697 tr. M.-C. d'Aulnoy Ingenious Lett.: Trav. Spain (ed. 4) xii. 220 The Number of these Gentlemen is great, there are Forty of those for Service, which take it in turns [Fr. servent tour à tour] every day, and for the most part they are Grandees of Spain.

a1790 S. Grubb Acc. Ackworth School in L. Murray Some Acct. Life & Relig. Labours Sarah Grubb (1792) 259 The eldest girls take it in turns, one or two at a time, to assist the mantua-maker, who is supplied with plenty of work.

1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxxv They would take it in turns to sleep.

1987 J. Curran K2 (1989) ii. xi. 132 We all took it in turns with a large pair of binoculars trained on the South-South-West Ridge.

2002 N. Dhami Bend it like Beckham 142 At last we filed into the temple, taking it in turns to bow to the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book.

(a) to serve a person's turn.

(i) Of a thing, or occasionally a person: to answer a person's purpose or requirement; to suffice for or satisfy a need; to be useful or helpful at need; to suit, serve. Also in passive, as in he wants his turn to be served by it. Now somewhat rare or archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > expediency > expedient or advisable [phrase] > serve the purpose

to serve one's (also one's own) turn1538

1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus ii. iii. sig. Liij^v Loke thou serue my tourne, what so euer I saye [L. Fac uerbis meis subseruias].

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 52 The turns both of Pope and King were competently served.

1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xiii. 82 Nothing would serve the Fellow's Turn but Tea.

a1859 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. (1861) V. 72 Pipes he could not obtain; but a cow's horn perforated served his turn.

1913 Connoisseur Mar. 176 If the aim of the pictures was..realistic, then a photograph would have better served our turn.

2010 Times Lit. Suppl. 20 Aug. 13 Cook, bottle-washer, errand-boy I care not—any station, high or low, Should serve your turn.

†(ii) To satisfy a person's sexual needs. Obsolete.Often humorously punning on Phrases 1b(a)(i).

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1575 J. Awdely Fraternitye of Vacabondes (new ed.) sig. A.ii^v He may also commaund any of their women, which they cal Doxies, to serue his turne.

1665 C. Cotton Scarronnides 2 For which she did so scald and burn That none but he could serve her turn.

1714 A. Pope Chaucer's Wife of Bath in R. Steele Poet. Misc. 19 I pawn'd my Honour and ingag'd my Vow, If e'er laid my Husband in his Urn, That he, and only he, shou'd serve my Turn.

a1743 Ld. Hervey Mem. Reign George II (1848) (modernized text) II. xxvi. 150 Others, in very coarse terms, would ask if he must have a mistress whether England could furnish never a one good enough to serve his turn.

(b) to serve the turn: to fulfil a purpose or requirement; to satisfy a need; to suffice, be adequate. Now somewhat rare.In early use sometimes specifically with reference to sexual needs; see quot. 1611 and cf. Phrases 1b(a)(ii).

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1550 J. Harington tr. Cicero Bk. Freendeship f. 15^v All other thynges, that are desired, eache one to eache man serueth the tourne, as richesse for vse, wealth for worship [etc.].

1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley ii. sig. E I knew when euery gallant had his man. But now a twelpenny weekely Landresse, Will serue the turne to halfe a dosen of them.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 131 A cloake as long as thine will serue the turne ?

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. Advt. C iij b Where the Fear of God is not, no Art can serve the turn.

1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Wine A little Yeast,..or even a little new Wine may serve the Turn.

1922 J. R. Seeley Growth Brit. Policy I. i. ix. 249 She founded what may be called a nation-church. It was a solution that served the turn.

2006 Shakespeare Q. 57 261 But even some mysterious actor-turned-playwright who had taken Shakespearean roles would not serve the turn, since it is probable that no Shakespeare play listed above was written before Arden of Faversham.

†(c) to serve one's (also one's own) turn: (of a person) to further one's own purposes; to provide for one's own need. Cf. Phrases 1b(a). Also to serve one's turn upon (also by): to act upon (another person) in order to gain one's end; to make use of (a person) for one's own purposes.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > lack of magnanimity or noble-mindedness > self-interest > seek or look after one's own interest [verb (intransitive)]

to shift for oneselfa1513

to lick one's fingers1530

to lick the trencher1542

to serve one's (also one's own) turn1560

to have an eye to (also for) the main chance1584

to look (also have an eye, etc.) to the main chance1592

squint1642

to mind, provide for, be careful of the main chance1645

to fish for oneself1647

to scratch for oneself1850

to play politics1860

1560 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli 2nd Pt. Secretes Alexis of Piemont 73 And by like meane maie you make oile of Lauander, and serue your turne with it in many thinges [Fr. seruir en plusieurs choses].

1581 R. Mulcaster Positions v. 32 Necessitie caught hold of it, to serue her owne tourne.

1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie iii. 13 Although Iethro was an heathen man: yet did God serue his owne turne by him [Fr. Dieu s'est servi de luy] in this behalfe.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 42 I follow him to serue my turne vpon him.

1650 Mercurius Pragmaticus (for King Charls II) No. 42. sig. Tt3 Nor will they use the Scripture in any other sence then the Devill did to serve his owne turne.

1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. ii. 76 If the Dev'l, to serve his turn, Can tell Truth.

(d) to serve a (also †such a, †that, etc.) turn: to serve a particular purpose. Now rare.

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1565 W. Alley Πτωχομυσεῖον ii. ii. f. 56^v The vprightnes of their liuing was such, that the swoorde not being vsed, was eaten with rust, & nothing mete to serue that turne.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 10 It serueth other turnes beside.

1586 in Eng. Hist. Rev. Jan. (1914) 117 The lord chauncellor should have a serjant at armes..and hathe none,..his gentleman ussher sarvethe that torne.

a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1634) 17 All the fish in the Sea should be..little enough to serve such a turne.

1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 114 Changing a plain Reading against the Authority of three MSS,..purely to serve a turn.

a1774 A. Tucker Light of Nature (1834) II. 328 Their very existence is mere hypothesis, trumped up to serve a turn.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 208 Those slanderers who had accused him of affecting zeal for religious liberty merely in order to serve a turn.

1942 Gettysburg (Pa.) Times 24 Nov. 7/1 Knavery may serve a turn, but honesty is best in the end.

†(e) to serve turn: to serve the purpose stated, to fulfil the requirements; (also with infinitive) to serve to do something. Obsolete.

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1565 J. Hall Anat. v. 24 in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. So is it muche commodious in the handye woorke Chirurgerye, to vnderstande howe number and store of euery sorte of members, is geuen to eache parte of the bodye, to serue turne accordinge to nede.

a1638 J. Mede Wks. (1672) 68 To say the Ark was brought thither upon this occasion, will not serve turn.

1667 M. Poole Dialogue between Popish Priest & Protestant 201 This may serve Turn, to let you see, that I had warrant to say, That [etc.].

1773 D. Garrick Chances iv. 45 Bid her make haste; we come to see no stranger—a night-gown will serve turn.

†(f) to serve the turn of: to perform the functions of, do instead of. Obsolete.

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the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > be a substitute [verb (intransitive)]

to stand for ——OE

to stand in a person's stead?a1515

to be in any one's coat1530

walk1558

to serve the turn of1565

succenturiate1647

commute1653

to hand the saw1654

substitute1675

surrogate1681

to be in (another person's) shoes1767

substitute1888

pinch-hit1911

1565 T. Hall in J. Hall Expositiue Table To Rdrs. in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. sig. .iii^v But how shall I knowe that Mandragora will serue the turne of Papauer, or Lactuca of Solanum..if I first know them not all?

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 223 As if there werena men aneugh in the castle, or as if I couldna serve the turn of ony o' them that are out o' the gate.

a1876 H. Martineau Autobiogr. (1877) I. 57 Life is a long, hard, unrelieved working-day to us, who hear, or see, only by express effort, or have to make other senses serve the turn of that which is lost.

†(g) for one's turn: (suitable) for one's requirement or purpose. Obsolete.

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1578 W. Gace tr. M. Luther Special & Chosen Serm. 190 If I loue him, which is for my turne, and may doe me a pleasure, and which esteemeth well of me.

1625 J. Ussher Let. 2 May in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 132 For my turne he is altogether unfit.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 279 When..I could find a Ship for my Turn.

1840 G. L. Craik Pict. Hist. Eng. III. viii. i. 719/1 Upon conversation with these men, he found they were not men for his turn.

(h) to serve its turn: (of an idea, belief, activity, etc.) to do useful service, help to do a particular task (frequently with the implication of no longer being useful).

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1694 C. Leslie Querela Temporum 12/2 I cannot find that there is any now, who insist longer upon that common Place of the Inclinations of the People of Scotland: It, like some other Stories has serv'd its Turn.

1768 D. Watson Hist. Catechism vii. 70 As soon as the Jews themselves became fixed in the belief of One God and his providence, the scheme of keeping them in their own land had in a good measure served its turn.

1819 N. Amer. Rev. Sept. 322 Probably the secrecy was a mere matter of sport, and that after it had served its turn, they cared little whether they were known or not.

1991 Times 16 Oct. 16/1 For most Americans of Irish origin, the equation ‘Irish equals anti-British’ has served its turn.

2003 E. K. Brathwaite in G. Heuman & J. Walvin Slavery Reader xvii. 382 The story is no doubt apocryphal, but it serves its turn.

†c.

(a) Scottish. to do the turn: to fulfil a purpose, to satisfy a need; = to serve the turn at Phrases 1b(b) (cf. sense 4a). Also to do the turn of: to perform the functions of, do instead of; = to serve the turn of at Phrases 1b(f). Obsolete.

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1592 in J. Maidment Analecta Scotica (1837) II. 171 You of your stipends will not want one stuir, Ye cry for kirks for furnishing of your luir, Not takeing tent how men may do the tourne.

a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 318 The forces that war reposit on to do the turn.

a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 605 Imputed righteousness comes in as a covering over the man's nakedness, and doth the turn of perfect inherent holiness.

a1668 J. Renwick Choice Coll. Serm. (1776) 345 We are called to use ordinary means, but when ordinary means will not do the turn, then they may look for something extraordinary.

1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 79 Nor will sick aff setts do the turn wi' me.

1817 J. Hogg Tales (1874) 155 I'll find them on the bride's part that will do a' the turn.

(b) Scottish. to do a person's turn: to serve a person's purpose; = to serve a person's turn at Phrases 1b(a). Obsolete.

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1596–7 in J. Stuart Misc. Spalding Club (1841) I. 92 Ther was na wind to window ony malt, and thow said thow suld get wind anuch to do thi turnn.

1806 J. Cock Simple Strains 109 For siller ye's nae want, Enough to do your turn.

1899 C. M. Thomson Drummeldale 197 Oo have eneuch to dae oor turn.

d. turn of duty: a period of time spent on duty occurring in rotation with others; cf. tour of duty at tour n. 1.

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1743 Hist. & Proc. House of Lords VIII. 83 To keep any Regiment at Portmahon longer than their Turn of Duty requires, I must look on as a Sort of Punishment.

1821 M. Graham Jrnl. 28 Sept. in Captain's Wife (1993) 22 The militia are better dressed, and are now employed in regular turn of duty with the royal troops, who are going over to the patriots daily.

1989 T. M. Albert Tales Ulster Detective 16 The young Constable had drawn the short straw in the guarding of this bridge in that the Sergeant had inadvertently forgotten about him giving him a three week evening turn of duty instead of the usual week.

P2. In senses of Branch II.

turn of the screw n. an additional degree of pressure or hardship added to a situation that is already extremely difficult to bear.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > cause of mental pain or suffering > exacerbation of suffering > [noun]

exacerbation1625

acerbation1793

turn of the screw1796

1796 G. Walpole in B. Edwards Proc. Maroon Negroes 19 All this will..prove to your lordship the impropriety of holding forth more harsh conditions..: Should there be any person so dull..as to think that another turn of the screw would be better, ask him this question.

1898 H. James Turn of Screw in Two Magics 4 If the child [in a ghost story] gives the effect another turn of the screw, what do you say to two children?

1940 Manch. Guardian Weekly 1 Mar. 175 Even more far-reaching schemes of increasing direct taxation..are certain to be realised..whenever the psychological ground is favourable for this further turn of the screw.

1995 K. Toolis Rebel Hearts (1996) iv. 212 The RUC's strategy was just a further turn of the screw for a community already racked by paramilitary violence.

b. (roasted, done, etc.) to a turn: (cooked) exactly to the proper degree, precisely right.Probably originally in reference to the turns of a cooking spit.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > cooking > [adverb] > well-cooked

enoughOE

enowa1382

(roasted, done, etc.) to a turn1686

1686 C. Frazer tr. Plutarch Life Marcus Antonius in J. Dryden et al. tr. Plutarch Lives V. 176 The Cook..told him there was not above twelve to sup, but that every Dish was to be served up just roasted to a turn.

1780 Mirror No. 93. ⁋12 The beef was roasted to a turn.

1864 D. G. Mitchell Seven Stories 11 The chops were done to a turn.

2001 Independent 6 Jan. (Time Off section) 2/8 Wonderful fresh sardines, grilled to a turn, very good baked fishes, chicken, pork and goat.

c. turn of the scale(s): (with reference to selling items by weight on a scale or balance) the slight advantage given to the buyer by which the article sold overbalances the weight and brings down the scale pan, but is sold as the weight purchased. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > a small quantity or amount > a very small amount

shredc1000

farthingsworthc1325

pennyworthc1330

incha1350

sliverc1374

chipa1393

gnastc1440

Jack1530

spoonful1531

crumba1535

spark1548

slight1549

pin's worth1562

scruple1574

thought1581

pinch1583

scrap1583

splinter1609

ticket1634

notchet1637

indivisible1644

tinyc1650

twopence1691

turn of the scale(s)1706

enough to swear by1756

touch1786

scrimptiona1825

infinitesimal1840

smidgen1841

snuff1842

fluxion1846

smitchel1856

eyelash1860

smidge1866

tenpenceworth1896

whisker1913

tidge1986

1706 Origine & Antiq. Eng. Weights & Meas. Discover'd 3 The half Pound is taken from the Hundred, and added to it again in the over-weight or Turn of the Scale, called Draught; For which half a Pound in the Hundred seems to have been the ancient Allowance.

1936 Mail (Adelaide) 21 Nov. 8/2 Remember the old Irishwoman who always bought her tea by the ounce, because in that way she got the turn of the scale 16 times to the pound.

†d. a turn: (used adverbially) by a very slight degree or amount, by a very little. Obsolete.Perhaps implying ‘just enough to turn the scale’: cf. turn v. Phrases 1m(a).

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1826 W. Scott Woodstock I. iii. 70 We might, it may be, crack a broad jest, or pledge a friendly cup a turn too often, but it was in mirth and good neighbourhood.

1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 218 All that's a turn too good for making slaughter-yard bacon, does for the Chinamen.

e. the turn of a hair: a close chance, a ‘narrow shave’. Now rare.Cf. not to turn a hair at hair n. Phrases 14.

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1861 llustr. London News 20 Apr. 369/1 It was the turn of a hair between Klarikoff and Asteroid last year, and the latter was only just beaten.

1888 Cent. Mag. May 127/1 It was the turn of a hair that they hadn't buried him alive.

1935 San Antonio (Texas) Light 24 Nov. Glover had won the contract by the turn of a hair.

P3. In senses of Branch III.

a. at every turn: at every change of circumstance (cf. sense 26); (hence) on every occasion, constantly, continually.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case

alwayeOE

aldayOE

everOE

by night and (by) daylOE

ayc1175

algatea1200

alwaysc1225

everylikec1225

stillc1297

evermorea1300

algatesa1325

alikec1330

early and latec1330

at all assaysc1360

universallya1398

likec1400

continuallyc1460

tidely1482

ay-whenc1485

from time to (formerly unto) timea1500

at all seasons1526

at once1563

at every turn1565

throughout1567

still still1592

still1594

still and anona1616

still an enda1616

every stitch-while1620

everlastingly1628

constantly1651

everywhen1655

eternally1670

allus1739

any day (of the week)1759

everly1808

allers1833

every time1854

toujours1902

all (the way) down the line1975

1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. xvi. f. 274 Therfore to stoppe their waye at euery turne, and bicause they taulke so fast of scripture, full fayne woulde I heare what scriptures they haue.

1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 481 One or both..being used by Men, almost at every turn, to elude the Precept.

1735 G. Berkeley Reasons not replying to Mr. Walton's Answer 5 Should he at every turn say such uncouth things.

1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay II. ix. 131 Compelled to disgust his supporters at every turn.

1967 Listener 26 Jan. 143/1 The only role of the abominable no-men of Whitehall was to frustrate him at every turn.

2013 N.Y. Times 6 Oct. (Late ed.) (T: N.Y. Times Style Mag.) 104/1 One imagines, at every turn, the darting movements of the hidden people..among the crags.

b. on the turn.

(a) In or close to the act of turning, at the turning point. Formerly also †upon the turn.Often in extended metaphors relating to the tide; cf. figurative uses of turn of the tide n.

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1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor iii. i. sig. Iij Salute fairly on the front, and wish 'hem hangd vpon the turne.

1669 R. Fleming Fulfilling Script. 197 Antichrist should be at his height, and his Kingdome upon the turn.

1862 R. H. Patterson Ess. Hist. & Art 329 Fine Art is at a low ebb. But..the tide is on the turn.

1997 T. Mackintosh-Smith Yemen (1999) vi. 163 Yet again the tide is on the turn for Aden's trade.

(b) Of the weather or the season: at the point of changing.

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1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. 606/1 The day's on the turn, the days are beginning to lengthen.

1864 W. B. Rands Lilliput Levee 76 Blow, blow, south wind, the year's on the turn.

1996 M. Flaws & G. Lamb Orkney Dict. 75/2 The days is on the turn, daylight is lengthening.

2018 Press (Christchurch, N.Z.) (Nexis) 3 Oct. 17 Daylight saving's here and the weather's on the turn so get the garden prepped for outdoor entertaining.

(c) Of food: at the point of spoiling; (esp. of milk) turning sour.

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1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 360 ‘On the turn’, curdling or approaching to a state of acidity; the effect of natural or artificial heat on milk, beer, &c.

1960 N. Hilliard in C. K. Stead N.Z. Short Stories (1966) 2nd Ser. 164 The room smelt of boiled-over milk, meat on the turn, burnt fat.

1996 E. A. Proulx Accordion Crimes (1997) 508 The milk must be on the turn.

turn of the year n. (originally) the end of winter and the beginning of spring; (now usually) the beginning of the calendar year.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > period > year > season > [noun] > end of winter or beginning of spring

turn of the year1637

1637 S. Rutherford Let. 16 June in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 66 We may sing upon lucks head before hand, even in our winter-storme, in the expectation of a summer-sun at the turn of the yeer.

1851 R. S. Surtees Soapey Sponge's Sporting Tour lxxi, in New Monthly Mag. Apr. 484 Who doesn't know the chilling feel of an English spring, or rather of a day at the turn of the year before there is any spring?

1947 W. H. Lewis in C. S. Lewis Ess. presented to C. Williams 140 If they reached the port at the turn of the year,..the galleys, stripped to their hulls, would be emerging from their winter hibernation.

1961 I. Murdoch Severed Head xiii. 120 I brought to mind that it was New Year's eve. Some nearer bells took up the peal... Soon it would be the turn of the year.

2006 Jrnl. (Newcastle) (Nexis) 29 Dec. 22 Alistair Anderson..and Mike Tickell (vocals) join rapper dancers and choirs to celebrate the turn of the year.

turn of the tide n. the point at which the tide changes from ebb to flow, or the reverse; (figurative) a reversal in human affairs, esp. an advantageous reversal of fortune (cf. tide n. 9).

ΚΠ

1646 Answer Commissioners of Navie 22 As if the Navie were to be altered upon every turn of the Tide.

1654 C. Feake Oppressed Close Prisoner 34 I looked on it as the first great turn of the Tide, whereby we were carried so fast toward the Sea of Rome.

1678 J. Warner Anti-Haman xxviii. 248 In case he be involved in common, or private suffrings, he ought to beare it patiently, & expect the turne of the Tyde.

1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Kedge, a small anchor, used to keep a ship steddy whilst she rides in a harbour or river, particularly at the turn of the tide.

1905 A. T. Mahan Sea Power in Relations to War of 1812 I. viii. 389 They marked that turn of the tide in European affairs which overthrew one of the most important factors in the political and military anticipations of the United States Administration.

1995 G. Brown Mate of Caprice xiv. 53 Setting full sail to get as far down the river before the turn of the tide and stemmed the flood tide as long as possible.

2004 G. Brooks tr. M. Griehl Luftwaffe over Amer. xiii. 245 New weapons which would finally bring the turn of the tide for Germany's abysmal fortunes.

(a) to take a turn for the worse and variants: to (start to) worsen or deteriorate, esp. suddenly. Frequently (and in early use chiefly) with reference to health. Cf. for the worse at worse adj. and n. Phrases 3a and sense 26a.

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1730 T. Dale tr. J. Freind Two Epist. Small-pox 106 in tr. J. Freind Nine Comm. Fevers Every thing took a turn for the worse, the Pustules sunk in;..then succeeded an involuntary Emission.

1773 J. Sims Observ. Epidemic Disorders ii. 19 The disorder afterwards took a turn for the worse.

1863 L. M. Alcott Hosp. Sketches iv. 51 [His] wound-fever had taken a turn for the worse.

1875 Photogr. News 5 Mar. 117/1 A man who had been doing a flourishing business for some time found his affairs suddenly take a turn for the worse.

1921 D. Lloyd George Let. 24 Nov. (1973) viii. 195 The Irish negotiations have taken a turn for the worse.

1989 Spy (N.Y.) Mar. 108/1 Personal-bankruptcy statistics took a turn for the worse.

2002 O. Figes Natasha's Dance (2003) v. v. 345 His long illness from tuberculosis had taken a sudden and dramatic turn for the worse.

(b) to take a turn for the better and variants: to (start to) improve or get better, esp. suddenly. Cf. for the better at better adj., n.¹, and adv. Phrases 7.

ΚΠ

1730 T. Dale tr. J. Freind Two Epist. Small-pox 33 in tr. J. Freind Nine Comm. Fevers The other Symptoms took a turn for the better.

1785 Aerostatic Spy II. vii. 166 From that time his affairs began to take a turn for the better.

1838 Caledonian Mercury 7 June 1/6 Prices have taken a turn for the better.

1897 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 10 Apr. 912/2 Even under the most adverse conditions patients apparently moribund may suddenly take a turn for the better.

1921 Southern Lumberman 24 Dec. 64/2 There is a feeling..that business conditions generally will take a turn for the better.

1982 B. Beaumont Thanks to Rugby iii. 34 Life took a sharp turn for the better after that initial hiccup.

2013 Wall St. Jrnl. 27 Apr. d2/2 Golf fashion has taken a turn for the better.

(c) Hence with other adjectives, in to take a turn for the ——: to (start to) become ——, esp. suddenly.

ΚΠ

1931 Washington Post 18 Jan. a5/1 Fashion having definitely taken a turn for the more sophisticated, the woman of 35 and thereafter can just about take her choice from the Paris collections.

1958 Observer 8 June 6/4 The annual Eton magazine..had suddenly taken a turn for the serious.

1987 W. McPherson Sargasso Sea (1988) ii. 77 The weather had taken a turn for the dismal.

2015 Daily Star (Nexis) 14 Feb. Things take a turn for the weird when it is revealed that the young girl is actually a vampire.

f. turn of events: a change in the expected sequence of events; a development.

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1734 J. Adams Misc. Poems 74 Strange Turn of Events! could so great an Act Araign it's Author for so foul a Fact?

1792 J. W. Newman Lounger’s Common-place Bk. I. 52/1 In the usual fortuitous turn of events, which often throws property into the lap of those who have the least occasion for it; he inherited the vast wealth of his uncle.

1895 Argosy Nov. 130/2 The boy, bewildered by the turn of events, followed his supposed Croesus into the street.

2017 Daily Tel. 18 Apr. 18/4 No unforeseen turn of events will stand in the way of their regular bridge night.

g. turn of the market.

†(a) Stock Market. A change in the price of a stock or commodity; the difference between the buying and selling prices of a stock or commodity. Also: the profit made by this. Obsolete.

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1761 T. Mortimer Every Man his own Broker iv. 106 When by this means you have found a seller, you will still be frequently obliged to give the turn of the market; that is, if it is a doubt whether the market-price is exactly that which he asks, or rather inclined to fall ¹/ ₈ beneath it, you must give the turn of the scale to get your business done.

1795 C. Hales Bank Mirror 17 The stock is bought..and the Broker who has bought, or the Broker who has sold, puts perhaps what is called a turn into his pocket (turn of the market) that is, an eighth, which the simple principal knows nothing of.

1882 R. Bithell Counting-house Dict. Turn of the Market. The ‘turn of the market’, or the ‘jobbers' turn’, is the difference between the two prices quoted in the official lists for stocks, shares, &c...Consols are quoted 99³/ ₄ to ⁷/ ₈, and it means that the jobber, when asked the price of Consols at that moment, was prepared to give 99³/ ₄ for them, or to sell them at 99⁷/ ₈. The difference between the two is the compensation to the jobber.

(b) Business. A (favourable or unfavourable) change in market conditions.

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1791 C. Hamilton tr. Hedàya IV. xliv. 115 The usual practice of merchants in keeping up their commodities, and watching the turns of the market, in order to sell to the greatest advantage.

1852 J. Caird Eng. Agric. 1850–51 xxxv. 300 The advantage of being able to thrash any quantity to meet a favourable turn of the market.

2013 R. D. Edwards et al. Techn. Anal. Stock Trends (ed. 10) xlii. 499 There was one period of 10 months between the actual turn of the market and the Dow Signal for a Reversal of the Primary Trend.

turn of life n. now historical the menopause; cf. change of life n. at change n. Phrases 2.

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the world > people > person > middle-aged person > [noun] > middle age > menopause or change of life

change of life1761

turn of life1772

menopause1852

climacterium1876

time of life1971

the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > reproductive cycle > [noun] > menstrual cycle > menopause

change of life1761

turn of life1772

pausimenia1846

menopause1852

1772 in W. Cadogan Ess. Nursing (Boston ed. 10) (advt.) They [sc. stomach pills] are also the best Physic for pale Complexions, and at the turn of Life.

1828 M. Ryan Man. Midwifery 30 When menstruation is about to cease, the period is called ‘the change or turn of life’, and many important changes take place in the constitution.

1928 C. S. Whitehead & C. A. Hoff Ethical Sex Relations (new ed.) i. vii. 275 The functions of the uterine organs cease at a certain age, and this period is known as the Meno-pause, or, more commonly, as ‘the change’ or ‘turn of life’.

1992 L. Banner In Full Flower viii. 278 The negative term ‘dangerous age’ was one turn-of-century term for menopause. But there was also the neutral ‘turn-of-life’, or ‘change of life’.

turn of the bilge n. Nautical the part of a ship's hull where the bottom curves upwards to become the side.

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1813 Hull Packet 29 June The Hull of a New Brig,..planked with 3-inch plank under the binds in mid-ships to the turn of the bilge.

1938 Mariner's Mirror 24 265 The ‘floor-head’, the bilge stringer or strake, which is placed at the turn of the bilge.

2012 J. Ruthven-Tyers Phoenix from Ashes ii. 31 In the tightest curves, at the turn of the bilge, we used planks that were 1 inch (25mm) square.

j. to call the turn.

(a) Faro. To guess the order of the last three cards in the pack. Also to call the last turn. Cf. sense 17d(a).

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1864 W. B. Dick Amer. Hoyle 204 ‘Calling the last turn’, that is..guessing the order in which the cards will appear.

1874 C. Sutton N.Y. Tombs xxxix. 543 The world seems to..regard her as a sort of American Becky Sharp, who, in the faro game of the grand passion, knew how to ‘call the turn’ properly.

1889 Cent. Dict. at Faro The showing of two cards constitutes a ‘turn’. After each turn new bets are made for another, down to the last three cards of the pack; the only betting allowed after this is on ‘calling the turn’, or guessing which will show first.

1999 M. Braun Gentleman Rogue iii. 26 Lowe called the turn. By ten o'clock, Lady Luck deserted Courtright at the faro table.

(b) U.S. slang. To make an informed guess about the future; to make an accurate prediction.

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1914 R. W. Lardner in Sat. Evening Post 25 July 17/2 When you guys bought Smitty and didn't get Fogarty I called the turn. Some o' the boys figured they..might keep it up when they was separated; but I knowed different. And that's why I made the bet.

1939 Street & Smith's Western Story Mag. 14 Mar. 81/2 I don't know how you done it, but you called the turn. But don't tell Curly on me!

2006 K. Carlson Oregon State Football ii. 37/2 Swede Larson..called the turn between halves at Durham when he said ‘you can see that Duke is being hit harder and keener than at any time during the season’.

P4. In senses of Branch IV.

a. turn of phrase: a particular or characteristic manner of expression.

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1688 J. Phillips tr. Du Vignau Turkish Secretary 5 With these Selams one cannot act so freely in the search of some quaint turn of Phrase, or of some new Expression which the Wit and Hearts of Lovers may Suggest.

?1779 B. Franklin Let. in Paris, 1776–85 934 A new version [of the Bible], in which, preserving the sense, the turn of phrase and manner of expression should be modern.

1888 Church Times 20 Apr. 341/3 Parodies of his [sc. Matthew Arnold's] most studied turns of phrase.

1986 R. E. Harris Silent Shore (1989) xviii. 184 I really do look forward to your letters. They're so vivid; you have a nice turn of phrase and the dialogue's superb.

2017 Prospect Oct. 88/1 One has to admire a catchy turn of phrase delivered off the cuff.

b. turn of mind: a particular way of thinking; an attitude; an outlook.Usually with modifying word, as in philosophical turn of mind, practical turn of mind, scientific turn of mind, serious turn of mind.

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1701 J. Dennis Advancem. & Reformation Mod. Poetry i. ix. 53 As every man has a different form of face, he has a different turn of mind, and consequently a different cast of thought.

1844 A. Smith Adventures Mr. Ledbury I. i. 4 Mr. Ledbury was of an inquiring turn of mind.

1951 Chambers's Jrnl. Aug. 455/1 Even the gardener, if he be of a botanical turn of mind, recognises many weeds as the progenitors of modern fruits, flowers, and vegetables.

2005 R. K. Emmerson Key Figures Medieval Europe (2006) 399/1 His legal turn of mind..was coupled with a traditionalist viewpoint.

c. turn of speed: capacity for speed or acceleration, ability to run or go fast; (also) an instance of moving fast.Now frequently with modifying word, esp. expressing approval, as in fine turn of speed, good turn of speed, great turn of speed.

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the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > [noun] > capacity for swift movement

volatility1797

turn of speed1830

1830 Standard 12 July The horse has a turn of speed in him, and is likely to be the favourite, the distance being short.

1867 in Sir M. G. Gerard Leaves fr. Diaries iii. 65 Showing an unexpected turn of speed.

1894 J. D. Astley Fifty Years of my Life I. 35 I discovered that I possessed a fair turn of speed.

1938 Amer. Home June 70/3 The modern cruiser has a good turn of speed and can be driven at it economically.

2009 Independent 29 Aug. (Mag.) 9/4 The small wheels make the machine extremely manoeuvrable in traffic, and the racing version proves you can enjoy quite a turn of speed.

Compounds

C1. General use in various types of compound, as in †turn-keeping n. and adj., turn frequency, turn movement.See also turn-serving n. and adj., turn toll at toll n.¹ 2g.

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1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 195 A rocke about whose foote the tides turne-keeping play.

1708 Constitutions Company Watermen & Lightermen xxxiii. 38 The Country-Watermen shall have equal Privilege and Turn keeping with the Towns-men.

1908 Installation News 2 14 The switch has a turn movement worked from the outside.

1996 V. A. Nepomnyashchikh & V. A. Gremyatchikh in From Animals to Animats 4 174/2 The fishes' behavior was not always a stationary process: the turn frequency tended to increase during the first minutes of observation.

C2.

turn-based adj. designating a game, esp. a computer game, in which players take alternating turns; of or relating to such a game.

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1989 rec.games.programmer 6 Oct. (Usenet newsgroup, accessed 5 Apr. 2018) Turn-based games aren't as much fun for me.

1995 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 4 July Jagged Alliance is a turn-based strategy game in the same vein as X-Com.

1998 Pi Mag. Nov. 21/1 The game..is controlled via a turn based move system.

2012 K. Burgun Game Design Theory (2013) iv. 106 Video games take inspiration largely from board games and D&D—both of which are turn-based.

† turn-claimer n. Coal Mining Obsolete a miner entitled to claim a turn at filling a tub.

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1894 Gloss. Terms Evid. Royal Comm. Labour 84/1 in Parl. Papers 1893–4 (C. 7063–VC) XXXVIII. 411 Turn-claimers, the persons occupied in a coal-mine who possess the privilege of claiming a ‘ben’.., that is a tub to fill in turn.

turns ratio n. (also turn ratio) the ratio of the number of turns on the primary and secondary windings of a transformer (see transformer n. 2), which determines the ratio of the voltage change between them.Usually expressed with the larger number first, corresponding to the higher voltage.

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the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > transformer > [noun] > ratio of turns

turns ratio1913

1913 Gen. Electr. Rev. 16 288/2 The voltage ratio was very close to turn ratio.

1922 Radio News Dec. 1221 (advt.) ‘All-American’ Transformers. Perfected, first, from the stand-point of correct engineering, by proper turns ratio, impedance and shielding.

1976 J. D. Ryder & C. M. Thomson Electronic Circuits & Syst. xii. 286 A loudspeaker of 4 Ω can be made to appear as 400 Ω on the primary side if we use a transformer with the turns ratio a = √(⁴⁰⁰/ ₄) =..10.

1976 A. J. Pansini Basic Electr. Power Transformers ii. 45 The primary coil sometimes has taps which permit changes in the turn ratio or ratio of transformation.

turn-taking n. the action or fact of taking turns (see to take turns at Phrases 1a(d)); spec. with reference to the structure of a typical conversation, in which participants speak one at a time.

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1895 Phonetic Jrnl. 26 Jan. 51/2 Mrs Humphry Ward..makes a curious assumption with reference to turn-taking in the House of Commons.

1936 A. F. Raper Pref. to Peasantry xv. 277 Turn-taking is the general practice at most places of business. Automobiles are served according to their turn at the filling stations.

1972 Lang. in Society 1 7 Norms as to turn-taking, permissible length of pause [in a conversation], and the like.

1995 Mother & Baby June 60/2 Turn-taking games now change from simple copying to genuinely taking it in turns to act and respond.

2004 M. F. McTear Spoken Dialogue Technol. iii. 59 Many of the processes observable in dialogue, such as turn-taking and conversational grounding, make sense only in terms of a collaborative model.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2022).

turnv.

Brit.

/təːn/, U.S.

/tərn/

Forms:

α. Old English tyrnan, early Middle English tuyrne (south-western), Middle English teorne (south-west midlands and south-western), Middle English tern, Middle English terne, Middle English teurne (south-western), Middle English tyrn (north-west midlands, in a late copy), Middle English tyrne.

β. Old English turnian, early Middle English torn (past tense, probably transmission error), early Middle English torne (past tense, probably transmission error), early Middle English turdest (2nd singular present indicative, transmission error), early Middle English turnȝe, early Middle English turrnenn ( Ormulum), Middle English tne (transmission error), Middle English toned (past participle, transmission error), Middle English torn (past participle, probably transmission error), Middle English torne (past participle, in a late copy, probably transmission error), Middle English torni (southern), Middle English tornnyd (past participle), Middle English torune (in a late copy, perhaps transmission error), Middle English towrn, Middle English tur (transmission error), Middle English turaned (past tense, perhaps transmission error), Middle English turde (past tense, transmission error), Middle English turden (past tense plural, transmission error), Middle English turm (transmission error), Middle English turnne, Middle English twrne, Middle English–1500s torne, Middle English–1500s tourn, Middle English–1600s torn, Middle English–1600s tourne, Middle English–1600s tvrne, Middle English–1700s turne, Middle English– turn, late Middle English toned (past tense, transmission error), late Middle English turd (past tense, transmission error), late Middle English turne (past participle, probably transmission error), late Middle English twyne (transmission error), 1500s yturnde (past participle, archaic), 1900s– torm (Welsh English); English regional 1800s to'n (northern and north midlands), 1800s toorn (northern), 1800s torn (northern), 1800s–1900s ton (northern), 1900s tarn (Devon), 1900s– tu'n; Scottish pre-1700 tern- (inflected form), pre-1700 torn, pre-1700 torne, pre-1700 tourn, pre-1700 tourne, pre-1700 towrn, pre-1700 turne, pre-1700 turnne, pre-1700 twrn, pre-1700 twrne, pre-1700 twrnne, pre-1700 1700s– turn, 1800s– tirn.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin tornāre; French tourner.

Etymology: Partly a merging of two distinct but closely related verbs, (i) an Old English weak verb of Class I (tyrnan : see α. forms) and (ii) an Old English weak verb of Class II (turnian : see β. forms), both < classical Latin tornāre to turn in a lathe, round off, in post-classical Latin (also as turnare) also to overturn (8th cent.), to spin (11th cent.), to knead (11th cent.), to turn (one's head) (12th cent.), to give back (12th cent.), to cause to face in a particular direction (12th cent. in a British source), to rotate (from 13th cent. in British sources), to convert (14th cent. in a British source), to cause to deteriorate (14th cent. in a British source), (reflexive) to turn away (7th cent.), to go back, go home (11th cent.), to move round (14th cent. in a British source) < tornus turning-lathe (see turn n.), perhaps after ancient Greek τορνεύειν to turn in a lathe; and partly (iii, in β. forms) < Anglo-Norman tornir, tournir, Anglo-Norman and Old French turner, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French torner, tourner, Old French tornier, Middle French tournier (French tourner) to direct one's thought or action to something, to change one's opinion or approach (both late 11th cent.), to rotate something, to direct one's course, to turn around (all c1100), to go away (c1137), to change (1162), to translate (1165), to transform (1170), to change direction (1174), to come back (early 12th cent.), to be found to be (second half of the 12th cent.), to divert, to revolve (both late 12th cent.), to convert or be converted to a different religious faith, to joust (all early 13th cent.), to give shape, to fashion (1227), to shape on a lathe (c1235), to turn back, to make someone change their opinion (both 13th cent.), to plough (late 13th cent.), (of milk or wine) to become sour (c1300), to recover from injury or illness (c1300), to give back or in return, to pay back (1312), (of an egg) to go rotten (1393), to take sides (late 14th cent.), to attack (early 15th cent.), to conduct oneself (c1450), to address (mid 15th cent.), to tour, journey around (second half of the 15th cent.), to cease (late 15th cent.), to arrange words or ideas (16th cent.) < classical Latin tornāre.Parallels in other languages. Compare Old Occitan tornar to direct one's course, to turn back, to return, to redo, to repeat (c1140), Catalan tornar to come back, to give back, to put back, to attack in response, to transform, (reflexive) to become (14th cent.), Spanish tornar to come back, to give back, to transform, to shape, to redo, (reflexive) to become (c1140), Portuguese tornar to come back, to return to a previous position or state, to give back, to translate, to respond, to resume, to appeal for help, (also reflexive) to become, to transform (13th cent.), Italian tornare to turn aside from a path (c1158), to turn around, to turn back to the place of origin (a1321), to change (13th cent.), to rotate something (early 14th cent.), to return to one's true identity (mid 14th cent.), to turn out to be right (a1642). Compare also Old High German turnen to direct one's course (probably < Old French) and Old Icelandic turna to turn (probably < English). History of borrowing in Old English. The stem vowel of Old English tyrnan shows i-mutation of short u (caused by the suffix of the weak Class I verb), and thus indicates that the verb had been borrowed into English by the time that sound change occurred. The stem vowel u in turnian has been interpreted in conflicting ways, as supporting either an early date of borrowing (as for tyrnan ) or a later date. The vowel u as a reflex of classical Latin o is explicable either as an (early) development within English or as a development within post-classical Latin; compare post-classical Latin turnare . Note on forms. Middle English β. forms partly continue west midland reflexes of Old English α. forms. Specific senses. With use in the context of doors and the like (see senses 1, 2b(a)) compare Old English tyrngeat , probably in sense ‘turnstile’ (compare gate n.¹). With use with reference to the shaping of rounded things (see sense 4) compare isolated use of Old English tyrning turning n. with reference to the employment of curling tongs in hairdressing. With use with reference to the action of deceiving (see sense 12b) compare isolated use of turning n. in Old English in sense ‘deceit, cunning behaviour’ and in Middle English of the phrase false turning in sense ‘deception’; compare also turn n. 1. Prefixed forms. In Old English weak Class I tyrnan is also attested in prefixed form as getyrnan (compare y- prefix) in the rare sense ‘to return (something) to someone's possession’; compare early Middle English i-turnen to transform (a person) into something else, to lead to (a result), (of thought) to change. Early Middle English prefixed past participles such as i-turnd should in most instances probably be interpreted as representing the unprefixed verb, but may occasionally represent the prefixed verb. Compare also Old English betyrnan beturn v., efttyrnan to turn (something) around (compare eft adv.), ymbtyrnan to turn (something) around, to surround (compare umbe- prefix).

I. To rotate or revolve, and derived senses.

* To rotate or revolve.

a. intransitive. To move round on an axis or about a centre; (of a wheel, planet, meat on a spit, etc.) to rotate, revolve. Also: (of a door on hinges, a key in a lock, etc.) to move partly round in this way.See also to turn about 1a, to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.In quot. OE¹ in the Old English phrase turnian on ymbhwyrfte translating Latin ambulare in circuitu, literally ‘to walk around in a circle (or circles)’, but here used figuratively to describe futile behaviour. Cf. later sense 21a.

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the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)]

wharvec888

turnOE

runOE

to turn aboutOE

to turn roundc1450

to go roundc1460

revolute1553

gyre1598

veer1605

to come about1607

circumvolve1626

circumgyre1634

to turn around1642

roll1646

revolve1660

circulate1672

twist1680

circumgyrate1683

rotate1757

gyrate1830

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn (as) on a pivot or swing round

turnOE

revirec1485

virec1485

circumlate1578

swing1769

slew1823

swivel1846

pivot1883

jib1891

OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) xxxiv. 472 Se cwyrnstan þe tyrnð singallice & nænne færeld ne þurhtihð getacnað woruldlufe þe on gedwyldum hwyrftlað & nænne stæpe on godes wege ne gefæstnað, be swylcum cwæð se witega, ða arleasan turniað on ymbhwyrfte.

OE Ælfric De Temporibus Anni (Cambr. Gg.3.28) (2009) ix. 92 Se firmamentum went on ðam twam steorrum, swa swa hweowul tyrnð on exe.

c1325 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 56 Fortune is boþe frend and fo..No triste no man to þis wele, þe whel it turnet so.

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 1449 Nykeres..bring schipmen..to som suelhu, to turne or steke.

c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 299 (MED) Summe begynne to vse penaunce, and after þei fayle, & faryn as a wedirkok þat turnyth wyth iche wynd.

1560 Bible (Geneva) Prov. xxvi. 14 As the dore turneth vpon his henges.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. xi. 81 The Roundell or Spheare..is..most voluble and apt to turne.

1698 J. Keill Exam. Theory Earth (1734) 109 Jupiter..turns round his own Axis in..ten hours.

1796 F. Burney Camilla I. ii. vi. 259 A little boy..turning head over heels.

1843 T. B. Macaulay Horatius lxix The kid turns on the spit.

1890 B. J. L. Adams Louis Draycott iii. ii The key turned and grated in the lock.

1932 B. G. Elliott & E. L. Consoliver Gasoline Automobile (ed. 4) xviii. 479 The engine crankshaft turns at a slower speed than the propeller shaft.

2004 Marketing 12 Feb. 18/2 As a salesperson, Simon thinks marketing is all about a long line of customers waiting to pay and a turnstile continually turning.

b. intransitive. figurative. Originally: (of time, a person's life, etc.) to come round cyclically. In later use: (chiefly of the head or brain) to have a sensation as of whirling; to be affected with dizziness; to reel. Cf. sense 33b.

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the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > vertigo > have vertigo [verb (intransitive)]

turnOE

swimblea1400

whirl1561

wheel1593

whim1700

reel1701

swim1702

swirl1818

spin1819

giddy1845

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] > whirl

turnOE

whirlc1384

hurlc1400

reelc1400

whirligig1687

vertiginate1814

wirble1848

OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xii. 122 Seo burh Iericho mid hire seofon weallum getacnode þas ateorigendlican woruld þe tyrnð on seofon dagum.

OE Aldhelm Glosses (Brussels 1650) in L. Goossens Old Eng. Glosses of MS Brussels, Royal Libr. 1650 (1974) 449 Rotante [anni circulo] : tyrnende.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3641 All þiss middell ærdess þing Aȝȝ turrneþþ her & wharrfeþþ..swa summ þe wheol.

c1400 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 158 Riches tornyþ as a ball.

a1475 tr. Gilbertus Anglicus Pharmaceutical Writings (Wellcome) (1991) 7 (MED) When þey bowen hem doun, her brayn turneþ, þat is to seie, hem semeþ þat þo þingis þat lien stille rennen aboute.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 144 The tyme of the tru turnyd to end.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xx. 23 How feareful And dizi tis to cast ones eyes so low... Ile looke no more, Least my braine turne .

1846 C. J. Hempel tr. S. Hahnemann Chronic Dis. II. 71 Towards evening, she feels sick at the stomach, and her head turns, with constant palpitation of the heart and great anxiety.

1853 M. Arnold Requiescat 9 Her life was turning, turning, In mazes of heat and sound.

1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker vi. 93 I looked at the handbill, and my head turned.

2008 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 28 Dec. 4 c/4 You think my head was turning after playing Florida and all those guys?

a. transitive. To cause (a wheel, spit, handle, etc.) to move round on an axis or about a centre; to cause to rotate or revolve.See also to turn about 1b, to turn round 2b at Phrasal verbs 1.

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the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)]

turnOE

trillc1386

gyrec1420

rote?1533

tirl1543

to turn round1555

revolve1559

circumvert1578

circumgyre1635

circumrote1635

circumgyrate1647

circumvolve1647

veera1649

twist1769

rotate1777

sphere1820

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] > as (on) a wheel

turnOE

swinga1225

wheelc1374

to turn abouta1382

overwhelmc1440

swinge1548

OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1881) I. 312 Þa tyrndon þa hæðenan hetelice þæt hweowl, ac hit sona tobærst.

c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 556 Fowre of hise cnihtes forte turnen þet hweol wið hondlen imaket þron o þet eadi meiden se swiðe as ha mahten.

c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 22 Torne softely thi compas til þat the moeuable point towche the lyne of the aux of saturne.

c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 163 Crepanum haþ a blad scherynge on boþe sidis as a swerd, þat if a man turne þe haft bitwixe hise hondis it persiþ þe brayn panne.

a1500 ( Chron. H. Knighton (1895) II. 138 Iakke Mylner asketh help to turne hys mylne aright; He hath grounden small small.

1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. i. 237 She would haue made Hercules haue turnd spit.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant ii. 38 There were two Boys.., one turning a wheel by the handle, to grind the Coffee, and the other boyling it.

1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 334 Waters turning busy mills.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. ix. 210 Preparing paste, and turning rolling-pins.

1986 A. Olcott tr. S. Markish Erasmus & Jews v. 110 The Romans forbade the slaves who turned the stones in mills to eat the grain.

1998 N. Lawson How to Eat (1999) 304 I use my mother's rusted-up old Moulinex herb mill; I hold it over the bowl of jelly and just turn the handle till I think I've got enough.

(a) transitive. Originally: to cause (a door, gate, etc.) to move round over a limited path (now rare). Now chiefly: to cause (a manual instrument or control) to move partly round on its axis, esp. so as to open, close, or operate something; to give a turn to (a key, tap, door handle, screw, knob, etc.).

ΚΠ

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xxvi. 14 As a dore is turned in his heeng.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16906 Þe prince o preistes..sperd it wit a mikel stan, to turn i-nogh had tuent.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. iii. 35 Giue me leaue that May turne the key, That no man enter.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 231 He..turned all the cocks that were then open, and stopt the water.

1830 Sheffield Independent 30 Jan. The congregation..were involved in darkness for a short time. Some mischievous person turned the gas tap which is placed behind the entrance door.

1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot III. xiv. 192 She softly turned the handle of the door.

1935 C. J. Smith Intermediate Physics (ed. 2) v. xxxvi. 612 A small condenser..operated by turning the knob B.

2001 C. Chapman et al. Eureka! iii. 30 The further away from the pivot you are, the less force you need to turn the door around the pivot.

2014 H. Thorpe Soldier Girls iv. iii. 331 Desma slowed to a crawl and turned the [steering] wheel.

(b) transitive. To start, stop, increase, decrease, etc., (the output of a device, such as gas, heat, sound, etc.) by operating a control (typically one that rotates); to operate a control on (a device, such as a gas pipe, lamp, radio, etc.) in order to start, stop, increase, decrease, etc., its output. Chiefly with adverbs (e.g. low, high) and adverbial phrases, esp. in to turn down 5b, to turn off 9a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn on 1a(a) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down 5b at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 18 at Phrasal verbs 1.Recorded earliest in to turn off 9a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1822 J. Murray in London Jrnl. Arts & Sci. 3 91 Tie over a gas jet pipe, (¹/ ₂ to ³/ ₄inch diameter,) a piece of muslin gauze; place in the centre a chip of phosphorus, then turn off the gas and ignite it.

1880 P. Greg Errant III. xi. 158 The lamp was turned very low.

1976 Coll.: Cookbk. (Junior League of Austin) 77 When eggs are almost cooked, add cheese and turn heat to lowest setting.

1991 Sports Illustr. 4 Mar. 84/2 His boom box for once was turned to news instead of music.

2005 C. Cleave Incendiary 26 My husband switched on the stereo and he turned the volume to max.

c. transitive. To perform (a somersault, cartwheel, etc.). Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > cause to jump [verb (transitive)] > cause to turn somersaults > perform (a somersault or cartwheel)

turn1702

throw1773

1702 J. Floyer Anc. Ψυχρολουσία Revived Postscr. 303 After his Face had entertain'd him with turning the Somerset a while, he by degrees broke up his Grimace.

1825 N.-Y. Lit. Gaz. 26 Nov. 191/2 The state of New-York turned another political somerset, at which both parties rubbed their eyes.

1860 All Year Round 25 Aug. 480 It took off its hat and turned a somersault at Lambert's feet.

1881 E. J. Worboise Sissie xxiv I have seen that boy put down his basket of medicine and turn ‘Catherine wheels’ in the street.

1938 Life 4 Apr. 29/2 (caption) A tightwire act is the specialty of the Chinese Naitto Troupe. Above, Ala Naitto stands on her sister Nio who can perform the rare feat of turning backflips on a wire.

2008 Daily Tel. 14 May 20/1 A flash of turquoise gusset as a forty-something mum turned a cartwheel.

3. transitive. figurative. To consider in different aspects; to revolve in the mind. See also to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1.Cf. quot. 1725 for to turn about 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. A.vii He set in houour, and rowme of excellence Oftyme reuoluynge, and tournynge in his mynde The caduke honoures, belongynge to mankynde.

1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 98 Turn these things in your mind.

1891 Strand Mag. 2 483/2 I pondered over it, and turned it every way in my mind.

1942 Bluefield (W. Va.) Daily Tel. 11 Mar. 7/3 He hesitated for a moment, as if turning something in his mind.

1999 J. Rogers Island ix. 90 I listened to the story and I turned it in my mind.

** To form or shape by rotation, and derived senses.

a. transitive. To shape (wood, metal, etc., or an artefact), esp. into a rounded form, by rotating it in a lathe against a cutting tool; to form, work, or make (an object) by means of a lathe. Also intransitive: to work with a lathe. Cf. turner n.¹ 1a.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > work with tools or equipment [verb (transitive)] > shaping tool

behewc1314

turn?c1335

chisel1517

hew1617

axe1700

rout1818

block1831

swage1831

jigsaw1873

router1890

hot-press1947

society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > machine

turn?c1335

mill1677

to rough down1829

broach1846

spin1853

plane1875

straddle mill1898

profile1905

jig-bore1939

spark-erode1960

society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > build or construct with wood [verb (transitive)] > turn wood

turn?c1335

throw1440

therm1788

society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > work with tools or equipment [verb (intransitive)] > other tools or equipment

filec1230

to blow the bellowsc1440

pump1508

vice1612

plane1678

shovel1685

turn1796

brake1862

pestle1866

chisel1873

roll1881

slice1893

leverage1937

monkeywrench1993

?c1335 (a1300) Land of Cokaygne l. 68 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 146 Þe pilers of þat cloistre [emended in ed. to cloister] alle Beþ iturned of cristale.

Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 507 Turnon, or throwe treyne vessel [?a1475 Winch.:Way trene vessel], torno.

1493 in J. Blair & N. Ramsay Eng. Medieval Industries (1991) v. 88 [The York founder William Wynter left] the lathe that he tornys in.

1504 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 101 I wyll that my sonne..shall haue..also ij cheyres, on turnyd and the other closse.

1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. v. 253 Such as turne wooden vessels.

1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 222 A famous turner.., and he turns things in ivory that would exceed beleif.

1796 J. Austen Let. 1 Sept. (1995) 6 Frank..enjoys himself here very much, for he has just learnt to turn.

1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal (Cabinet Cycl.) II. 140 In turning..metals..and even wood, much depends upon the proper management of the tools.

1996 E. Conover Turning for Furnit. i. 18 A keen edge and the correct angle are the most important factors in learning to turn and turning well thereafter.

2012 Oxf. Mail (Nexis) 19 May I turn wooden bowls on the treadle lathe.

†b. transitive. Building. To form or build (an arched or vaulted structure). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build or construct [verb (transitive)] > construct arches or vaults

turn1577

1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius iv. xxx in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 484 Vnto these sollars there are porches of pillours whose tops are likewise wrought & turned with litle arches.

1663 G. Richards tr. A. Palladio 1st Bk. Archit. xxxv. 147 It is very secure to turn Arches over Doores and Windowes, which Arches do discharge and hinder that the Doores and Windowes be not pressed with too much waight.

1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 18 You may turn Arches over those insufficient places,..and..Arches inversed, or upside down.

1828 J. Elmes Metrop. Improvem. 88 The arches for the coal-cellars [were] turned.

1922 Glass Worker 2 Sept. 9/1 To determine the number and kind of brick required to turn an arch: See Russell Engineering Co. Bulletin.

†c. transitive. Cookery. To pare off the rind or peel of (an orange, lemon, etc.) round and round in a long narrow thin strip; to stone (an olive) in this way. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparing fruit and vegetables > prepare fruit and vegetables [verb (transitive)] > pare

parec1300

zest1702

turn1706

core1736

1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Turning (among Confectioners) a..manner of paring..Oranges and Lemons when the..Rind..is par'd off very thin and narrow..; turning it [sc. the knife] round about the Fruit, so as the Peel may be extended to a very great length.

1846 A. Soyer Gastron. Regenerator 43 Turning or peeling mushrooms is an art that practice alone can attain.

1904 Daily Chron. 6 June 8/5 Soak the olives in cold water.., drain thoroughly and proceed to ‘turn’ them... This means to peel them very evenly..so that it unfolds..in one strip, which will close up again..without the stone in the centre when done.

d. transitive. Knitting and Lacemaking. To shape (a curved part of a garment, esp. a heel of hosiery).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [verb (transitive)] > make lace

braid1393

turn1846

tress1904

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [verb (transitive)] > knit > processes involved in

purla1825

rib1837

to cast on1840

increase1840

slip1840

turn1846

toe1856

to knock over1875

to cast off1880

land1885

rep1951

raschel1970

1846 Amer. Agriculturist Aug. 257/1 Who ever saw a group of genuine knitters, rattling their needles, and..heard their pitying comments upon those who could not ‘turn a heel’, or ‘shape a stocking’.

1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 504/2 To Turn a Scallop: work across to the inside..but instead of completing the edge, work back with the same pair of Bobbins [etc.]... Repeat until the scallop has been rounded.

1902 R. Bagot Donna Diana viii. 93 She was always knitting, and appeared to be in a perpetual state of turning the heel of a stocking.

2010 J. Eaton Knitting School xiv. 107 Turning a heel is actually shaping using a short row technique.

a. transitive. To express elegantly, compose carefully (a piece of writing, compliment, etc.); to render (a tune) melodiously.Cf. earlier well-turned adj. 2.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > elegance > compose elegantly [verb (transitive)]

turn1568

round1721

1568 E. Dering Sparing Restraint ii. 65 O if maister Harding had such a vauntage, how would he turne his phrases?

a1637 B. Jonson Timber 2443 in Wks. (1640) III Cast not away the Quills..; but bring all to the forge, and file, againe; tourne it a newe.

1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1754 I. 139 Some studied compliments, so finely turned, that [etc.].

1849 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. ix. 86 If I could turn a tune, I even think I should sing.

1849 W. Irving Oliver Goldsmith (rev. ed.) xv. 161 Turning a couplet.

1984 J. Updike Hugging Shore (1985) p. xvi Brief essays turned to oblige a friend.

1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 367/2 Turn a tune, render a tune, frequently He or she can't turn a tune, he or she has no ear for music.

2015 T. D. Sharpley-Whiting Bricktop's Paris p. xiii I'd also like to acknowledge Karen E. Fields, who knows how to turn a phrase.

†b. transitive. In past participle. Of a person (or the mind, etc.): naturally adapted or fitted for some pursuit. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1681 Marquis of Halifax Seasonable Addr. Houses of Parl. conc. Succession 12 He is a man of extraordinary Parts; but..they are all fitted and turn'd for confounding and amusing, but not for extricating out of difficulties.

1729 J. Swift Jrnl. Dublin Lady 2 By nature turn'd to play the Rake.

1731 tr. W. Temple Let. in W. Temple Wks. II. 247 I..find I am better turned for making a good Gard'ner than an able Minister.

1767 P. Gibbes Woman of Fashion I. 41 A Genius like her's, is little turn'd to Business.

1813 C. Buck Pract. Expositor 258 Being not well turned for a court, though otherwise of considerable learning and genteel education, he either could not, or would not, stoop to the humour of the times.

c. transitive. To shape or form (a material object) attractively or gracefully, usually in a rounded form. Chiefly in past participle.Cf. earlier well-turned adj. 3.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > shape or give shape to [verb (transitive)] > artistically or gracefully

turn1695

1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur iv. 95 He turn'd their Orbs, and polish'd all the Stars.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋3 His whole Person is finely turned, and speaks him a Man of Quality.

1741 T. Boreman Hist. & Descr. St. Paul's I. i. ii. 43 The whole building is encompassed with strong iron palisades, all curiously turn'd, about five and twenty hundred in number.

1807 La Belle Assemblée Oct. 226/1 The fronts of dresses are generally cut to fit the form; and where the bust is finely turned, we know not of any fashion which can be more advantageous.

1855 W. M. Thackeray in Yates' Recoll. (1884) I. 280 The T of the signature..is [not] near so elegant as my ordinary T's are;..my attention was drawn off just as I was turning it.

1984 A. Carter Nights at Circus i. ii. 21 An arm as finely turned as the leg of the sofa.

II. To change or reverse position.

* Senses denoting change of position.

a. intransitive. To change position by a rotary motion (cf. branch I.) or by movement through an angle; esp. to shift the body from side to side, esp. in bed (often coupled with toss).to make a person turn in his or her grave: see grave n.¹ 1d.In quot. OE² with mid: to move (the specified body part) into a different posture; cf. sense 7.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction

turnOE

the world > movement > bodily movement > move the body or a member [verb (intransitive)] > shift one's place or position

turnOE

remuea1393

removea1400

hitch1618

OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xxxiv. 292 He ealle gefæstnode heora fet to eorðan... Hi tyrndon mid bodige gebigedum sceancum, and heora fotwylmas awendan ne mihton.

OE Monasteriales Indicia (1996) xi. 24 Ðonne þu tropere haban wille, þonne wege þu þine swiran hand, and tyrn mid þinum swiþran scytefingre ofer þine breost foreweard swilce þu notian wille.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2289 Scipen þer sunken... in þa teonfulle sæ. torneden sæiles.

c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza Guy of Warwick (1891) 634 Þe four wyndes began to blowe, Þe se gan tornen & to þrowe.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. iii. 1113 If scheep beþ wiþ lombe and heereþ þe þonder sche casteþ hire lombe for drede..and chaungeþ and torneth fro syde to syde in slepynge.

a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 196 God wot she slepeth softe For loue of þe whan þou tornest ofte.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 109 I walk, I turne, sleip may I nocht.

1681 J. Dryden Spanish Fryar iii. 37 I turn'd, and try'd each corner of my Bed, To find if Sleep were there, but Sleep was lost.

1827 W. Scott Chron. Canongate v Turning to the other side to enjoy his slumbers.

1880 W. S. Gilbert Pirates of Penzance ii. 35 I lay upon my sleepless bed, And tossed and turned and groaned.

1999 C. Creedon Passion Play xviii. 141 Brenda turns in her bed, for some reason the night-cap isn't kicking in.

b. intransitive. Esp. of a vehicle: to move circularly or as if pivoted so as to face in all directions successively, or so as ultimately to face in the opposite direction. Cf. senses 1, 9.

ΚΠ

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 259 On thair conscience..May turne aucht oxin and ane wane.

c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 107 Capable to containe an hundred Coaches to turne commodiously.

1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 28 Jan. 50/2 She veered as if she would turn within her own length.

1944 L. D. Kitchin Road Transport Law 9/2 Every p.s.v. [= public service vehicle], except those first registered on or before January 1, 1932, must be capable of turning in a circle not exceeding 60ft.

2017 I. Simpson Murder in 4th Round 97 There were lawns on both sides of the driveway before it widened into a space for cars to turn.

c. intransitive. Of the scale or beam of a balance, or of the balance itself: to move up or down from the horizontal position. Also (and now chiefly) in figurative contexts with reference to a change in fortune, opinion, etc. Cf. Phrases 1b, Phrases 1m.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > operations of weighing apparatus [verb (intransitive)] > move (of scale or balance)

turn1600

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 327 If the scale doe turne but in the estimation of a hayre.

1654 E. Wolley tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Curia Politiæ 59 To weigh in the Scales and not discern how the Beam turnes.

1842 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. (ed. 3) ii. 25 Another balance..turning with about one-half or one-third of a grain.

1859 Harper's Mag. May 819/2 Some people are vacillating, and one hardly knows which way the scale will turn.

1917 Nature 23 Aug. 518/1 If in an infected live space the scale turns in favour of the microbes, there is still a chance of the balance being redressed.

1992 D. Lessing Afr. Laughter 392 There is a point in political feelings when some invisible balance turns and thereafter people don't want to be told about it.

a. transitive. To change the position or posture of (an object) by a rotary motion or by movement through an angle; to move (a thing or person) into a different posture.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > cause to have specific position or arrangement [verb (transitive)] > alter the relative position of

turnc1225

rout1841

c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 349 (MED) Al þet fule delit is wið fulðe aleid as þu turnest þin hond.

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xvii. l. 183 Vnfolden or folden my fuste & myn paume, Al is but an hande [= one hand] how so I torne it.

?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 127 in Middle Eng. Dict. (at cited word) Þen turne þe pacient..fro side to side and þen make hym to lye..so þat þe forseid decoccioun of wyne mowe renne oute.

a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (1998) I. l. 6575 Þe tunge þe mete turneþ al Vnder þe teeþ þat it chewe shal.

1578 J. Banister Hist. Man v. f. 64^v Some partes of the skinne are wholly immouable, and resistant to turne.

1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. O3^v A fidler cannot turne his pin so soone, as he would turn a man of the ladder.

1644 S. Kem Messengers Preparation 22 He speaks too late..for a reprieve, when the ladder is turned.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 120. ¶14 When she [sc. a Hen] has laid her Eggs.., what Care does she take in turning them frequently.

1720 I. Watts Sluggard in Divine & Moral Songs i As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head.

1843 R. J. Graves Syst. Clin. Med. ix. 100 He cannot be lifted up or even turned in bed, without having a tendency to faint.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay iv. 63 He took up a paper-knife, which he turned restlessly to and fro.

2004 Appeal-Democrat (Marysville–Yuba City, Calif.) 28 Feb. c4/2 The battery-operated device..is capable of lifting and turning a patient of up to 800 pounds.

†b. transitive (reflexive). To move circularly, so as to face all ways successively, or so as ultimately to face in the opposite direction; to shift the body (as on an axis) from side to side; = senses 6a, 6b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

turnc1330

to turn abouta1400

to turn round1449

convertc1572

c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4414 Þat lane was so narw..He ne Arondel, is stede, Ne miȝte him terne.

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Ecclus. xxiii. 16 Of merciful men alle þese thingis shul ben don awei: & in giltis þei shul not ofte turnen þem.

c1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Fairf. 16) (1879) Prol. l. 144 Vpon the braunches..In hire delyt, they turned hem ful ofte.

1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xvi. 75 I myght not lye styll On euery syde I tourned me full ofte.

c. transitive. To twist (an ankle) out of position, esp. by landing awkwardly; to wrench or sprain.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders affecting muscles > affect with muscular disorder [verb (transitive)] > sprain or strain

wrench1530

wrestc1550

strain1612

sprain1622

wrincha1625

rick1638

subluxate1743

turn1758

throw1790

wramp1808

vert1883

stave1887

crink1888

wrick1904

pull1908

1758 E. Carter tr. Epictetus Wks. iv. xv. 269 You may be thrown into a Ditch, dislocate your Arm, turn your Ankle..and, after all, lose the Victory.

1868 L. M. Alcott Little Women I. iii. 51 It's nothing; I turned my foot a little,—that's all.

1951 E. Paul Springtime in Paris (U.K. ed.) xv. 286 Busse..leaped quickly, hit the lower level of the street pavement on a slant, and almost turned his ankle.

1983 ‘E. Peters’ Devil's Novice x. 133 He had turned an ankle and foot under him in falling, and would find it difficult and painful to put any weight upon it for some time.

a. transitive. To fold (a cloth or part of one, a sheet of metal, etc.). Chiefly with adverbs, esp. in to turn back 4 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 5b(b) at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)]

foldc888

lapa1300

plya1393

turna1400

doublec1430

plaitc1430

overfold?1440

plet?a1500

flipe1530

upfold1600

enfold1605

plicate1654

tuck1835–6

a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 1153 [He] bade hym take A sak..And..turne hyt tweyfolde..And ley hyt on hys fadyr for colde.

1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2799/2 Wiring-machine,..a machine turning the edge of a tin-pan over a stiffening-wire.

1922 M. Ashmun Including Mother vii. 130 She..turned the hem and ran it with two rows of darning-stitch.

2005 C. Mendelson Laundry ii. xvii. 258 There are other ways of hemming than simply turning under the raw edge and stitching it down.

†b. transitive. To give a curved or crooked form to, to twist or bend (an object); to form (an artefact) by twisting (in quot. 1665) or bending (in quot. 1827²). Also with round indicating encirclement (in quot. 1821). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [verb (transitive)] > twist spirally

writheOE

wethe1398

wind1398

withe1398

turna1450

cralla1475

twirk1599

twirla1625

twire1628

twist1714

wisp1753

twistle1788

twizzle1788

screw1834

twistify1835

a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) (1988) 113 (MED) Þe clarioun is croked and bowyd bakwarde to þe visage of hym þat blowiþ, and summe ben torned and retorned as double croked.

c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 28 Wiþ þe..hyndere extremitees..beþ bounden togidere extremitees of þe neþere chekebonys..And also a crokid additament þat comeþ of þe same chekis is meene þe which is turned in a turtuous and crokide hole þat is proporcional to þe selue chekis.

1665 R. Hooke Micrographia xxvii. 149 Let all the sides of this Box be turned of Basket-work.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. ii. 24 A bonnet..encircled with a gold chain turned three times round it.

1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. xv. 353 His mustachoes were turned and curled.

1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xiv. 301 Those [tubes] which are turned or bent, and soldered with gold, will not bear the high temperature.

(a) transitive. To bend back (the edge of a sharp instrument) so as to blunt it or make it useless for cutting. Also figurative. Now rare.to turn edge: see Phrases 1f.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > bluntness > make blunt [verb (transitive)]

blunta1398

dullc1440

rebate1468

obtusec1487

bate1535

abate1548

turn1560

unedgea1625

retund1691

dead1719

1560 Bible (Geneva) Psalms lxxxix. 43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sworde, and hast not made him to stande in the battel.

a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 4^v Quicke wittes are..like ouer sharpe tooles, whose edges be verie soone turned.

1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 ii. i. 192 This newes I thinke hath turnde your weapons point.

1675 N. Grew Compar. Anat. Trunks ii. vii. 75 It turns not the edg of their Knives.

1714 R. Fiddes Pract. Disc. (ed. 2) II. 82 A difficulty sufficient to turn the edge of the finest wit.

1879 J. C. Shairp Robert Burns viii. 193 When the caustic wit is beginning to get too biting, the edge of it is turned by a touch of kindlier humour.

1930 Burnet (Texas) Bull. 21 Aug. Then at about the third post from the south gate he struck something so hard that it turned the edge of his spade.

†(b) intransitive. Of the edge or blade of a sharp instrument: to assume a curved form, to bend; to become blunted by bending. Cf. earlier to turn again at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)]

to turn edge1578

to turn again1579

rebate1587

turn1633

blunt1684

1633 E. Grimeston tr. Polybius Hist. ii. 79 Their Swords as we haue sayd, were only fit to giue one blow; but afterwards their length grew crooked, and the edge turned by reason of the breadth.

1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art I. 4 If..it be too soft,..the edge will turn or bend.

1920 N. Amer. Rev. Aug. 256 He tried to cut it apart with his knife, but the blade turned and blunted.

** Senses denoting reversal of position.

a. transitive. To reverse the position or posture of; to move into the contrary position, so that the upper side becomes the underside, or the front the back; to turn upside down, to invert.See also to turn about 2a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn over 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. to turn (something) on its head: see head n.¹ Phrases 6c. to turn turtle: see turtle n.² 2. to turn upside down: see upside down adv. 1.Quot. OE shows equivalent use of prefixed efttyrnan (see note in etymology).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn the reverse or wrong way

turna1200

misturna1350

overturna1382

reversec1400

revertc1440

inturn1573

retrograde1582

renversec1586

retrovert1782

roll1918

the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > be contrary to [verb (transitive)] > invert

turna1200

invert?1536

OE Prudentius Glosses (Corpus Cambr. 223) in Anglia (1979) 97 39 Circumflectit [equum] : æftyrnde.]

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 103 Wi list þu turnd on þe eorðe; aris.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 443 (MED) Þe wombe and þe bowels were i-slitte and y-turned to seche gold wiþ ynne.

c1450 Recipes (Douce 55) f. 15^v Folde vppe the cake..& turne it onys in the panne.

a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Gloucester) (1971) 769 He ordeyned by law þat non schuld turne þe plaes in þe dyshe.

1533 J. Heywood Mery Play Iohan Iohan sig. A.iv^v It were tyme for to torne The pye for ywys it doth borne.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 45^v The Grasse being cutte, must be well tedded and turned.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 268 They turn a half minute Sand-Glass.

1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Literal Fault When a Letter is..transpos'd or turn'd.

1773 J. Boswell Jrnl. 3 Oct. in Jrnl. Tour Hebrides (1785) 344 When he turned his cup at Aberbrothick, where we drank tea.

1868 C. M. Yonge Pupils of St. John vii. 97 He turned his horse, and was about to flee.

1875 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera V. liii. 117 Her..fine legerdemain in turning pancakes.

1977 N.Z. Woman's Weekly 10 Jan. 54/1 The spatula normally used for turning girdle scones or pikelets.

2004 Vanity Fair July 119/1 Freshmen turn their speakers to face the courtyard and blast music.

†b. transitive. figurative. To invert the order of, to reverse (components of a name); to convert (the subject and predicate of a proposition). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > conversion of a proposition > convert [verb (transitive)]

convert1638

turn1654

reconvert1849

contrapone1864

infinitate1864

contraposit1880

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 391 My modir..commaunded..that whan I was crystened they sholde crystyn me Trystrames. And because I wolde nat be knowyn in this contrey I turned my name and let calle me Tramtryste.

?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 104 (MED) Here þis name ‘Eva’ is turnyd ‘Aue’.

a1569 A. Kingsmill Viewe Mans Estate (1580) 20 Christe tourned Water into Wine. Turne not his miracle, make not, I meane, water of wine.

1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 114 These..are not to be turned; Christ is a vine; Bread is Christs body.

10. In specific uses.

a. transitive. To reverse (a page of a book) in order to read or write on the other side or on the next page. Formerly also: †to reverse each of the pages of (a book) in succession, to read or search through (obsolete). See also to turn over 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. page turner n.In quot. c1830: to find and open at the place in (the service books) for the organist and choir; cf. to turn up at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)]

readOE

turnc1300

see1379

revolve1485

peruse1532

supervise1541

c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) l. 24 Laweman þes bokes bieolde. an þe leues tornde [c1275 Calig. wende].

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. iii. l. 337 Had ȝe [emended in ed. to she] loked þat other half and þe lef torned.

c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Fifteen Joys l. 6 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 268 (MED) Turnyng the book, I fond A meditacioun which first cam to myn hond.

1597 J. Payne Royall Exchange 25 Better..ys a short and diligent readinge..then to turn manie leaves with small regard and less apprehention.

1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 3 When we haue all the learned volumes turnd.

1688 S. Penton Guardian's Instr. 73 Able to read Greek, and turn the Lexicon upon occasion.

a1774 R. Fergusson Poems Var. Subj. (1779) II. 126 While youth studentious turn thy folio page.

c1830 G. Elvey in Bumpus's Cathedrals, Canterbury (1906) 36 Going down..to turn the books for the service one morning.

1935 G. Blake Shipbuilders (1986) xi. 381 He sat at an oak table and turned the leaves of a periodical called Punch.

2016 Church Times 16 Sept. 18/3 Most readers turn the page to find something less grim to read.

b. transitive. To plough or dig (soil) so as to bring the underparts to the surface. Also intransitive.In quot. 1844: to bring (seed) under by doing this.See also to turn in at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn over 2c at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 4a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over

turnc1425

to turn up1523

trench1573

to turn over1580

whelm1652

invert1712

c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 1052 He toke hem [sc. oxen] be the hornes long..And ladde hem thanne vnto the plow, And ȝoked hem and dede hem drawe, And turned that lond.

1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 108 Thou shalt yoke hem and make hem to tourne foure rodd of londe.

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. ii^v Howe these plowes shulde be tempred to plowe & turne clene.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 100 Starting, with a bound He turns the Turf, and shakes the solid Ground.

1799 H. Lee Canterbury Tales (ed. 2) I. 392 The earth has been newly turned.

1825 Mirror 5 278/2 He..when turning peats walked..fearlessly among the Hags of Lochar Moss.

1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 i. 62 The seed being sown on the surface, and turned under by a shallow furrow with the plough.

1892 Sat. Rev. 11 June 671/1 The first sod of the..Railway was turned on Tuesday.

1990 Jrnl. Appl. Ecol. 27 898 A small mechanical rotary cultivator..was used to break up and turn the turf, cultivating to about 15 cm depth.

c. transitive. To reverse (a garment, etc.) so that the inner side becomes the outer, to turn inside out. Hence: to alter or remake (a garment) by putting the worn outer side on the inside.See also to turn one's coat at Phrases 1d.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > repair or renovate

turn?c1475

translate1503

spetch1828

mend1836

clobber1851

reviver1852

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn inside out

turn?c1475

evert1578

to turn outa1585

invert1598

flipe1788

?c1475 [implied in: Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 131^v A Turnyd clothe, interpola, interpolus. (at turned adj. 6c)].

a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Diiii Trymme at her tayle or a man can turne a socke.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 44 A paire of olde breeches thrice turn'd .

1680 V. Alsop Mischief Impositions Ep. Ded. Like an old Livery new turn'd and fresh trim'd up.

1834 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) I. 10 I am now turning my pelisse.

1893 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 11 Feb. 774/2 A way of turning an old frock.

1943 Beaver (Winnipeg) Sept. 37 In skinning, a pelt was turned, or ‘cased’, much as one turns a sock.

1976 Reader's Digest Compl. Guide to Sewing 81 To turn a dress, pull each back through each shoulder, then flip the front to the back.

11.

a. transitive. To cause (the stomach) to be nauseated. Also figurative. Usually in to turn (a person's) stomach: to nauseate (a person), to disgust extremely. In quots. 1749, 1818 in extended use.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > unsavouriness > disgust [verb (transitive)]

accloy1519

to turn (a person's) stomach1549

distaste1611

disseason1625

disgust1650

to gross out1966

the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > disgust > disgust or excite repugnance [verb]

to turn (a person's) stomach1549

revolt1834

to make a person turn in his or her grave1888

to turn off1966

1549 J. Ponet tr. B. Ochino Tragoedie Unjuste Usurped Primacie sig. Cc.iiii We also knowe that the gospell is a moste swete and pleasant medecine to the chosen of god, although it turne the stomake of suche, as be reiected.

1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 355 I may not giue it a worse word, for feare of turning thy stomake.

1738 A. Pope One Thousand Seven Hundred & Thirty Eight Dialogue II 12 This filthy Simile..Quite turns my Stomach.

1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. i. i. 5 The one provokes..the most languid Appetite, the other turns and palls that which is..keenest.

1818 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto IV lxxvi. 41 The daily drug which turn'd My sickening memory.

1892 Temple Bar Sept. 35 Questions that would turn the stomach of a school inspector.

2014 J. Reynolds & B. Kiely All Amer. Boys 300 The smell of mint suddenly turned my stomach.

b. intransitive. Of the stomach: to be affected with nausea.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (intransitive)] > of person: feel nausea > of stomach

overcast?a1513

wamblea1529

walter?1544

turn1570

1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Popish Kingdome iv. f. 56 He farre in noyse exceedes them all, and eke in drinking drie The cuppes, a prince he is, and holdes their heades that speewing lie, And that with such attendaunce good, that often therewithall His stomacke turnes [L. ima quoad stomachi fundamina uertit].

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 84 Their Stomachs turn'd at this Sight.

1978 ‘J. Gash’ Gold from Gemini vi. 53 He offered to brew up but my stomach turned.

2015 S. Crossan One 206 The sight of the peppered chicken..makes my stomach turn.

III. To change or reverse course.In the senses in this branch the emphasis is on changing a current course to a different one, with indication of the resultant direction or destination absent or secondary. For senses in which the notion of direction or destination is primary, see branch IV.

* Senses denoting change of course or direction.

12.

a. transitive. figurative. To divert or deflect (a person) from a course of action, purpose, thought, etc. (now somewhat rare); to alter the course of (something immaterial). Formerly sometimes also: †to direct (a document, a law, etc.) to a wrong use, misapply (with admixture of sense 22) (obsolete).See also to turn aside at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14240 Swa to turrnenn all þe boc. Till þeȝȝre grediȝnesse.

c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 698 Ne mei me nowðer teone ne tintreo turnen from mi leoue monnes luue.

c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 61 To gete goodes and richesses longith mych bisines and trauayle, and..such besinesses may torne a man fro the geting of worschip.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 95 How torne they the lawe and statutes at their pleasir.

a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xvii. §41. 66 I sall noght be turnyd fra that entent.

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Prophetesse iii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Eeee3/1 It is not in thy power to turn this destiny.

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ix. 136 No submissions can turn our severe master.

1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xvi. 273 I..turned the conversation to something else.

1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. I. v. 55 These thirty-six votes turned the election.

1998 R. Gordon Ailments through Ages 6 Washington endured false teeth more philosophically than toothache, but found they made him mumble, which turned him from public speaking.

2004 Brownsville (Texas) Herald 19 Sept. e3/2 They said it turned the election because after that, the Democrat could not get any attention.

†b. transitive. To mislead, beguile, cheat (a person). Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > deceive [verb (transitive)]

aschrenchc885

blendc888

swikec950

belirtOE

beswike971

blencha1000

blenka1000

belieOE

becatchc1175

trokec1175

beguile?c1225

biwrench?c1225

guile?c1225

trechec1230

unordainc1300

blink1303

deceivec1320

feintc1330

trechetc1330

misusea1382

blind1382

forgo1382

beglose1393

troil1393

turnc1405

lirt?a1425

abuse?a1439

ludify1447

amuse1480

wilec1480

trump1487

delude?a1505

sile1508

betrumpa1522

blear1530

aveugle1543

mislippen1552

pot1560

disglose1565

oversile1568

blaze1570

blirre1570

bleck1573

overtake1581

fail1590

bafflea1592

blanch1592

geck?a1600

hallucinate1604

hoodwink1610

intrigue1612

guggle1617

nigglea1625

nose-wipe1628

cog1629

cheat1637

flam1637

nurse1639

jilt1660

top1663

chaldese1664

bilk1672

bejuggle1680

nuzzlec1680

snub1694

bite1709

nebus1712

fugle1719

to take in1740

have?1780

quirk1791

rum1812

rattlesnake1818

chicane1835

to suck in1842

mogue1854

blinker1865

to have on1867

mag1869

sleight1876

bumfuzzle1878

swop1890

wool1890

spruce1917

jive1928

shit1934

smokescreen1950

dick1964

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Tale (Ellesmere) (1875) l. 1171 Hym to bigile he thoghte..Til he had terned hym, he koude nat blynne.

†c. transitive (reflexive). To change one's course of action. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xxiv. E Yf ye forsake the Lorde,..then shall the Lorde turne him, and do you euell.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xc. 13 Turne the agayne (o Lorde) at the last, and be gracious vnto thy seruauntes.

13.

†a. transitive. To transfer (a person) to a different post, office, or allegiance; to hand over (land or property) to a different owner. Also intransitive with passive sense. Cf. to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (English regional (Yorkshire) in later use).In later literary use chiefly with allusion to Lamentations 5:2 (King James Version); cf. quot. 1535.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another

i-taechec888

outreacheOE

sellc950

beteacha1000

areachc1000

turnc1175

handsellc1225

betakec1250

deliverc1300

beken1330

yielda1382

disposec1384

resigna1387

livera1400

to turn overa1425

deputea1440

overgive1444

quit?c1450

surrend1450

surrender1466

renderc1480

to give over1483

despose1485

refer1547

to pass over1560

to set over1585

behight1590

tip1610

consign1632

delegate1633

skink1637

to hand over1644

delate1651

to turn off1667

to turn in1822

the mind > possession > relinquishing > make relinquishment [verb (intransitive)] > hand over to another

turn1400

surrender1651

to come across with1895

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 9363 Ne munn denn þeȝȝ nohht habbenn mihht..To turrnenn hemm all till hiss hannd. To follȝhenn all hiss lare.

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 185 He dude his wille þar-offe. Swo ich wile mine nu hit [sc. property] is to me iturnd.

c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 243 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 113 Þis holi Man was i-torned fram þe office of holi churche To a gret office of þe worlde.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 301 Þe abbot was i-chaunged and i-torned [L. translatus est] fro [emended in ed. to to] his owne abbay in Normandie.

1400 in Ancestor (1904) July 14 Yef it so be that Sir Nicholl deye..I wil that the fornseyd place wyth alle the portenans torne to Anneys Nook myn servant.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Lament. v. 2 Oure enheritaunce is turned to the straungers.

1587–8 Protocol Bk. J. Inglis 7 Feb. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Comperit Margaret Reid..with..assent of Johne Forbeis hir spous..turnand & transferand thair haill reycht & titill of reycht..in the handis..of..Thomes & his foirsaidis.

1689 J. Whittel Exact Diary Late Exped. Prince of Orange 8 Our necks being under oppression by Popish Governours, our Inheritance turn'd to Strangers, and our Houses to Aliens.

1753 Earnest Persuasive & Exhort. Jews 7 Your inheritance turned to strangers, your houses to aliens.

1905 C. C. Robinson in Eng. Dial. Dict. VI. 273/1 [West Yorkshire] When you have done with it, turn it to him.

b. transitive. Originally: to cause (money or commodities) to circulate; frequently in turn and wind at wind v.¹ 11e (obsolete). Hence: (colloquial) to earn as profit (a sum of money).See also to turn over 6a(a) at Phrasal verbs 1 and to turn a profit at Phrases 1l. to turn the penny, to turn an honest penny: see penny n. Phrases 1b.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade

to turn over1585

turn1598

to turn and wind1598

wind1598

return1677

handle1889

1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. iv. 93 By turning and winding base marchandise in Affrica and Sicilia, he gayned his liuing.

1607 B. Jonson Volpone i. i. sig. B^v I turne no moneys, in the publike banke.

1680 W. Temple Ess. Advancem. Trade Ireland in Miscellanea 119 Hide, Tallow, Butter..yield the readiest Money of any [commodities] that are turned in this Kingdom.

1833 F. Chamier Life Sailor I. xiii. 267 The few commission merchants who were sent out to die, or to turn a dollar, could hardly constitute society.

1863 D. G. Mitchell My Farm of Edgewood 214 The shopkeeper, who turns his capital three or four times in a year.

1978 J. Mortimer Rumpole of Bailey 7 Hoping to turn a bob or two which won't be immediately grabbed by the taxman.

2010 New Yorker 9 Aug. 8/1 Warhol spurned no weak idea—dollar signs, diamond-dust shoes—that might turn a buck.

c. intransitive. Of a commodity: to be sold and replaced, be turned over. U.S.

ΚΠ

1898 Printers' Ink 19 Jan. 18/2 The house furnishing stock ought to turn more frequently and quickly.

1928 Publishers' Weekly 30 June (inset) Your Star Dollar Series is the fastest turning merchandise that we have ever had in our store.

2004 N. Barham Dis/Connected 248 There are deliveries going on twenty hours a day. They cannot get it out on the floor quick enough. The stock turns so fast.

14.

a. transitive. To alter the course of (travel); to cause (a ship, vehicle, horse, stream, etc.) to go another way; to divert, deflect.Cf. to turn aside at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. to turn house: (Mining) to change the direction of excavation (see quot. 1778).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course

charec1000

wrencha1200

turnc1275

to turn againc1330

swerve1390

wrya1400

reflectc1425

traverse1438

to turn aside1535

deduce1541

divert1548

to turn off1573

wrig1582

react1599

deflect1615

slent1639

decline1646

deviate1660

to wind off1677

sway1678

warp1814

switch1861

baffle1883

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2042 He turnde his fare & ferd feorh-riht to Wales.

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7930 Her stedes þai gun terne..Þai þurth perced þo Sarraȝin.

1372 in E. Wilson Descriptive Index Lyrics John of Grimestone's Preaching Bk. (1973) 43 (MED) He bad hem turnen here gate.

a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 4624 As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer.

a1475 (?a1350) Seege Troye (Harl.) (1927) l. 94 (MED) Þei shuld seyle Swythe a-geyn..They turned her shep and cast abought.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. i. 132 You shal haue Trent turnd .

a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 33 His rod over the left eare of his horse, which he is to vse for turning him euery way.

a1680 S. Charnock Several Disc. Existence of God (1682) 453 As if you..see a..sight of Birds..turn wing another way.

1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis 99 If they are working or driving from east to west,..and perceive the Lode is gone,..they..turn house as they call it, or, in other words, they drive north or south.

1794 Act for inclosing South Kelsey 12 Such..Path so stopped up or turned.

1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel II. 48 They turn'd the winding rivulet's course.

1887 R. Hunt Brit. Mining (ed. 2) 914/1 Turn-house, altering the direction of the workings.

1923 G. W. Reed Hist. Sacramento County xviii. 143/1 This danger [of flood] was minimized by turning the course of the American River.

2018 B. B. Reinke Race Cars on the Go 7 The steering wheel turns the car. Foot pedals make the car stop and go.

b. transitive. To arrest the forward motion of (a blow or thrust); to cause (an advancing person or animal) to go aside or retreat (cf. sense 18b); to throw off, keep out (wet).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > deflect

turn?1624

?1624 G. Chapman tr. Βατραχομυομαχια in tr. Crowne Homers Wks. 14 Casting, his keene lance Off at Troxartes; whose shield turn'd th'aduance The sharpe head made.

1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 404 Like an vnruly Coult..; no ground will hold him, no fence turne him.

a1658 J. Cleveland On Inundation of River Trent in Wks. (1687) 292 We whose unliquor'd Hides will turn no wet.

1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 51 Spreading thorns that turn'd a summer shower.

1843 T. B. Macaulay Horatius xliv With shield and blade Horatius Right deftly turned the blow.

1891 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 9 153 The snapping of a dry stick is not sufficient to turn the tiger.

2014 J. McCain & M. Salter Thirteen Soldiers iii. 79 Several batteries, including Bragg's, pounded the attackers and turned the advance.

c. Cricket.

(a) intransitive. Of the ball: to break or turn in its course after pitching. Cf. break v. 32b.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (intransitive)] > motion of ball

to make haste?a1475

twist?1801

cut1816

shoot1816

curl1833

hang1838

work1838

break1847

spin1851

turn1851

bump1856

bite1867

pop1871

swerve1894

to kick up1895

nip1899

swing1900

google1907

move1938

seam1960

to play (hit, etc.) across the line1961

1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field vii. 103 While the bat is descending on the ball, the ball may rise or turn, to say nothing of the liability of the hand to miss.

1909 W. G. Grace W. G.'s Little Bk. iii. 33 I don't know the moment he delivers the ball which way it will turn on pitching.

1930 Morning Post 16 July 11/6 The bowlers were making the ball turn more than before luncheon.

2018 Observer (Nexis) 22 Sept. (Sport section) Playing three spinners will be a serious option. If the ball turns from the start, then the contribution of the finger-spinners becomes decisive.

(b) transitive. Of the bowler: to cause (the ball) to break. Also intransitive.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (transitive)] > bowl in specific manner

twist1816

overthrow1833

to bowl over the wicket1851

overpitch1851

bump1869

york1882

to break a ball1884

flog1884

to bowl round (or formerly outside) the wicket1887

turn1898

flick1902

curl1904

spin1904

volley1909

flight1912

to give (a ball) air1920

tweak1935

move1938

overspin1940

swing1948

bounce1960

cut1960

seam1963

dolly1985

1898 G. Giffen With Bat & Ball iii. 47 There are very few men bowling at Mac's pace who can turn the ball on the Adelaide Oval.

1920 P. F. Warner Cricket (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) (new ed.) vi. 231 J. M. Blanckenberg bowled very well, turning the ball both ways by orthodox finger work.

1955 Times 16 Aug. 3/3 He flighted and turned from leg just enough on what had previously seemed to be an easy paced surface.

2018 Dumfries & Galloway Standard (Nexis) 10 Aug. 56 Leg spinner Hammad caused a lot of problems to the batsmen as he turned the ball an unbelievable distance for this level of cricket.

15.

a. intransitive. Of the wind: to shift, so as to blow from a different quarter.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > blow (of the wind) [verb (intransitive)] > blow from a particular quarter > change direction

wendc1275

turnc1300

waw1496

shift1661

whiffle1697

tack1727

haul1769

to come around1797

c1300 St. Brendan (Harl.) (1844) 24 Tho turnde the wynd into the north and south-ward hem drof faste.

c1475 (c1450) P. Idley Instr. to his Son (Cambr.) (1935) ii. B. l. 142 (MED) Lordis woll now hate and now loue, As the wynde turneth now Est and now Weste.

1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Britain i. 587 Unlesse the winde turne from West into the South.

1702 T. Marwood Diary in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1909) 7 121 After Noon the Wind turned, and it rayned a little.

1843 Fraser's Mag. 28 713 The wind turned perversely a-head the third day out.

2000 C. D. Whiteman Mountain Meteorol. v. 60 Terrain channeling can force the wind to turn and blow along the axis of a valley.

b. intransitive. To change one's current course, so as to go in a different direction; to deviate. Usually with adverb or prepositional phrase (esp. expressing direction or destination; cf. branch IV.). Also figurative.See also to turn aside 1 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn away 3b at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down 3a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn in 3 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 5 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 3 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)]

charec1000

stintc1330

turnc1330

to turn awaya1382

windc1385

casta1475

rebatea1500

strike1576

to cast about1591

veer1769

to come around1797

twist?1801

vert1859

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction > of a person

turnc1330

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off

turnc1330

to turn asidea1382

to turn in1535

to wave one's way1548

strike1576

to turn off1605

c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 3669 Out of þe way ȝhe gan terne, Ase ȝhe wolde do hire dedes derne.

c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 305 (MED) When a chare is rewled redely..how it torneþ we beholden well.

1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 106 Quhen þai þe king..Saw sua behind his mengne rid, And saw him torne sa mony tid.

1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 23^v He runnes far that neuer turnes.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 292 Imminent miserie,..(they say) together with the almes, turneth from them to the poore man.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 370 Turning a little down we came to another Piazza.

1697 J. Dryden Ded. Æneis in tr. Virgil Wks. sig. d1^v Virgil..turns short on the sudden into some similitude, which diverts..your attention from the main Subject.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 2 As they turned into the Strada di Toledo he had nearly lost them.

1827 W. Scott Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xii. 232 He..turned from the road, and descended the path towards the hut.

1943 National Geographic Mag. Dec. 758/1 We turned off the highway on a dirt road.

2002 P. Collins Men from Boys 173 He turned up the ginnel that led past a small private reservoir.

c. intransitive. Of a road, path, line, etc.: to change direction, typically at a bend or curve; (also) to branch off at an angle from the main road or line.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction > turn or bend

turn1535

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xix. C Their border..goeth out vnto Iordane, and turneth westwarde to Asnoth Thabor.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. i. 11 Following the smith down a lane which turned to the left hand towards the river.

1892 Harper's Mag. May 907/2 Railways turn and curve through the valleys.

1999 D. Horan Oxford (2002) iv. 70 The road turns at right-angles to open into one of Oxford's most perfect and evocative scenes.

2012 Independent 21 Jan. (Traveller section) 39/4 We crossed the river below the bungalow where..the road turns left.

†d. intransitive. Nautical. To beat to windward; to tack. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > luff or turn to windward > in tacking

turn1589

to turn up1589

to heave (the ship) in stays1726

1589 J. Sparke in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 533 With contrary windes blowing, whereby for feare of the shore we were faine to hale off to haue anker hold, sometimes a whole day and a night turning vp and downe.

1633 T. James Strange Voy. 93 We turned amongst this Ice, staying the Ship.

1706 London Gaz. No. 4215/3 The Wind being at North-East, they turned all that day.., but could not fetch Torbay.

16.

a. transitive. To alter one's course so as to get to the other side of (a corner, a bend, etc.); to go or pass round. to turn the corner: see corner n.¹ 2b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > through or over obstacles > pass round an obstacle or corner

turn1677

1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iv. i. 39 Sir Arth. Is he gone? Dorr. Yes Sir—just turn'd the corner of the street in so hasty and discompos'd a manner, that it argues him plotting some business of importance.

1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. i. 6 To turn with kindling wheels the goal.

1807 J. Johnson Oriental Voy. 54 They make most excellent drivers, and think nothing of turning short corners.

1820 G. Belzoni Narr. Egypt & Nubia iii. 318 With the expectation, that on turning the next angle, I should have the glorious sight.

1841 Sporting Rev. Aug. 107 We had turned the bend of the stream; were off in a different direction, with a swift rushing current, beyond the danger of pursuit.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 493 Before Columbus had crossed the Atlantic, before Gama had turned the Cape.

1932 Pop. Mech. Sept. 443/1 The center of mass must be so disposed that the side thrust created in turning corners, presses downward on the outside wheels, thus increasing traction.

2012 M. Harss tr. C. Comencini When the Night xiii. 148 I wanted to see his face, but as we turned the bend he was no longer illuminated.

b. transitive. Military. To get round (an enemy's position). Also figurative. See also to turn the flank of at Phrases 1g.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military operations > manoeuvre > [verb (transitive)] > outflank

overwing1623

outwing1648

turn1762

outflank1766

1762 tr. Frederick II of Prussia Mil. Instr. xxii. 116 An axiom in the art of war, is to secure your rear and flanks, and endeavour to turn those of the enemy.

1846 R. C. Trench Christ Desire of All Nations i. 13 Not so much anxiously defending our own position, as confidently turning theirs.

1861 J. S. Mill Utilitarianism v. 84 These are difficulties;..and many devices have been invented to turn rather than to overcome them.

1892 Black & White 19 Mar. 371/2 The skill of the attack in turning the Russian defences.

1904 R. P. Dunn-Pattison in Cambr. Mod. Hist. VIII. xiv. 437 Its [sc. Switzerland's] occupation by the Allies would have allowed them to turn the rear of the Army of the Rhine.

1992 A. W. Eckert Sorrow in our Heart viii. 477 The hidden left wing of the army..would drive to the attack and attempt to turn the right flank.

2010 G. Corrigan Second World War xviii. 52 Trying to turn the German defences by a flanking movement through the mountains to the east.

c. transitive. Sport (esp. Association Football). To get round (an opponent at close quarters) by making it necessary for him or her to change direction.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > association football > play association football [verb (transitive)] > actions to player

rob1882

book1959

turn1973

card1986

yellow card1996

1973 E. Dunphy Diary 21 Oct. in Only a Game? (1976) iv. 121 He turns full backs, he does unusual things on the ball, he creates unusual situations.

1980 Times 3 Apr. 13/2 Francis..turned Buchan and sent in a stinging shot.

2014 Hull Daily Mail (Nexis) 21 May (Sport section) 2 Arnold skillfully turned her defender to shoot and after the ball was parried by the keeper, Escreet pounced to slide it into the net.

17.

a. transitive. In past participle. In predicative use: having passed (a particular age or, less commonly, time); more than, past. Formerly also followed by of and a specified age or time.

ΚΠ

1683 J. Barnard Theologo-historicus 83 For such Persons to live unto extraordinary years, and keep up their wonted Parts, moft Vigorously after they are turned Sixty, which is the deep Autumne of Man's Life.

1700 W. Congreve Way of World iii. i. 39 I hear he is turn'd of Forty.

1702 G. Farquhar Inconstant i. i. 1 D. Sirrah, what's a Clock? P. Turn'd of eleven, Sir.

1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 21 The little knot of unmarried females turned fifty.

1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot I. i. 84 I'm nineteen,..and you are turned twenty.

1892 Harper's Mag. Aug. 450/2 I was young then—only just turned of two-and-twenty. And now,..I am turned of forty-five!

1935 R. A. Knox Barchester Pilgrimage (1996) i. 21 Johnny is got hold of by the Socinians before he is turned twenty-one.

1994 M. R. Katz tr. I. Turgenev Fathers & Sons 46 He was also ‘youngish’, that is, recently turned forty, but already aspiring to an important government position.

b. transitive. To pass, get beyond (a particular age or, less commonly, time). Formerly also: †to surpass (an amount) (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > continuance or tenacity of life > continue in life [verb (transitive)] > survive age or stage in life

passc1350

overgoa1400

surmounta1530

out-pitch1627

turn1716

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 > time > particular time > [verb (transitive)] > pass or get beyond a particular time

turn1893

1716 J. Evans Funeral Serm. Daniel Williams 49 As he had turn'd the Age of Man; so Bodily Disorders greatly imbitter'd Life.

1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 90 Let a man once turn sixty..and his natural heirs are sure of him.

1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands & Islands II. xx. 272 I had turned my fourteenth year.

1893 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 10 June 524/3 It had turned a quarter past one.

1899 Q. Rev. Jan. 194 The vast ‘Coleccion de documentos inéditos’ is turning the hundred in the numbering of its volumes.

1995 N. Hornby High Fidelity (1996) xxiv. 171 It's just turned twelve, so I can buy some beer.

2013 New Yorker 3 June 23/1 Gordon turned sixty in April.

** Senses denoting reversal of course or direction.

18.

a. intransitive. To reverse one's, or its, course; to begin to go, or to tend, in the opposite direction; to be reversed; spec. (of the tide) to change from flood to ebb, or from ebb to flood. Now esp. figurative, denoting reversal in one's fortune or circumstances. Cf. to turn back 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course

turnc1275

to turn aboutc1330

repeata1382

to turn againc1384

to turn backc1425

re-turn1483

resore1486

to turn the backc1540

to turn round1560

to set back1803

resile1887

to break back1933

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)]

awendOE

recommence1481

relieve?1510

turn1594

remigrate1601

to cast back1622

recounter1630

regress1650

retrovert1782

to turn round1802

retrogress1860

to turn back1886

U-turn1973

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3762 He..turnde to flæme [c1300 Otho tornde to flende].

a1400 Cato's Distichs (Fairf.) l. 170 in R. Morris Cursor Mundi (1878) III. p. 1671 Quen þi hap turnis baft and logh þou lise.

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. E4^v My vncontrolled tide Turnes not, but swels the higher by this let.

1689 London Gaz. No. 2518/3 About four in the Afternoon the Tide turn'd.

1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xiv. 288 Stocks fell..the exchange turned—money became scarce.

1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife iii. iv I fancied..the luck would turn.

1924 J. Buchan Three Hostages xvi. 227 That's life, my dear. We've got to go on to the finish anyhow, trusting that luck will turn.

1983 A. Scholefield Sea Cave ii. vi. 214 ‘What time are the tides today?’ ‘I don't know, but it looks as if it's already turned.’

2010 Cathedral Music May 6 The Church of England is not highly regarded..and until that particular tide turns, all the marketing in the world will make little difference.

b. transitive. figurative. To reverse the course of (fortune, esp. figured as the tide; cf. tide n. 9). Cf. to turn back 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. rare. to turn the dice: (in quot. 1700) to reverse the luck.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of

reverse?a1439

to turn back?1531

return?1542

retrograde1582

tergiverse1602

turn1665

to roll back1695

revert1814

1665 R. Howard & J. Dryden Indian-queen ii, in R. Howard Four New Plays 150 Till this strange man had power to turn the tide, And carry conquest unto any side.

1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 251 But see how Fortune can confound the Wise, And when they least expect it, turn the Dice.

1905 C. Squire Mythol. Brit. Isles ix. 113 This blinding of the terrible Balor turned the fortunes of the fight.

2015 Swimming Times Apr. 47/1 Wright turned the tide, helped..by the club's link with Edinburgh swim school SwimEasy.

†19.

a. intransitive. To go or come back; to return. Cf. to turn again 1 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)]

to wend againeOE

i-cherrec1000

again-chareOE

again-comeOE

again-fareOE

again-goOE

eft-sithec1175

to turn againc1175

returna1325

attournec1386

turnc1390

recovera1393

repair?c1400

recourse?a1425

to go backc1425

resortc1425

revertc1475

renew1488

retour?1505

to make return1534

to turn back1538

retend1543

to come short home1548

regress1552

rejourna1556

revolt1567

revolve1587

repeal1596

recur1612

rewend1616

revene1656

to get back1664

to take back1674

c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 246 Heo demede sone þorwh hire Merci þat þe soule to þe bodi schulde tornen and don penaunce.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11526 Þai had in wil þat ilk night To torn be herods.

c1440 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Thornton) l. 284 Turne þou to tuskayne.

a1500 Let. Alexander l. 483 in Mediaeval Stud. (1979) 41 141 (MED) Alisaunder..thow shalt be lord of al the world, but alive into thi cuntrey shaltow never more torne.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iv. iv. 185 Eeare from this war thou turne a conqueror.

b. intransitive. Of property: to return to the former possessor; to revert. Cf. to turn again 3 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)]

reverta1325

to turn againc1325

turn1500

to fall in1784

1500 in J. B. Paul Registrum Magni Sigilli Scotorum (1882) II. 537/1 Landis..To be haldin to the said Patrik and hys airis maill.., the quhilkis failyeand turnand to me..and my airis.

c. transitive. To give or send (something) back; to return. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > giving back or restitution > give back [verb (transitive)]

yieldc897

agiveOE

again-setOE

restorec1325

acquitc1330

to pay outa1382

refundc1386

to give againa1400

quita1400

restituec1400

reliver1426

surrend1450

redeliver1490

refer1496

render1513

rebail1539

re-present1564

regive1575

to give backa1586

to turn back1587

relate1590

turn1597

returna1632

to hand back1638

redonate1656

reappropriate1659

re-cede1684

revert1688

replace1776

restitute1885

to kick back1926

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iv. i. 38 I will turne thy falshoode to thy heart, Where it was forged with my rapiers point.

a1637 B. Jonson Sad Shepherd i. vii. 11 in Wks. (1640) III Shee'll turne us thanks.

IV. To change or reverse course with direction or destination indicated.See note at branch III.

20. With reference chiefly to the direction taken.See also uses with adverbs in Phrasal verbs 1.

†a. transitive (reflexive). To direct one's course, head, set oneself to go, in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); = sense 21a. See also Phrases 2d. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn to face a direction

turnc1175

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12730 Crist himm turrnde towarrd hemm & sahh hemm baþe.

c1300 St. Mary of Egypt (Laud) l. 187 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 266 Þis womman tornede hire estward.

?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 72 When a man turnez him to þe est.

c1480 (a1400) St. Mary of Egypt 265 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 303 I ma nocht me turne to þe.

1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxvii^v Then shall the Priest..turne hym to the people.

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 137 Turne you where your Lady is.

1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey I. iii. 603 The Monarch turns him to his royal guest.

1812 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Paradiso xxii. 2 To the guardian of my steps I turn'd me.

1909 L. Binyon England 84 And if I turn me to my kin And if I stay the Northmen's hand, What will Harold give to my friend this day?

b. transitive. To move (a part of the body, a weapon) so as to face or be directed towards or away from a specified person or thing, or in a specified direction. Also in extended use.

ΚΠ

c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 234 Ah aȝein lecherie þu most turne þe rug [= back].

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 10307 Turnden [c1300 Otho tornde] heo heore ordes. stikeden & sloȝen al þat heo neh comen.

c1330 Roland & Vernagu (Auch.) (1882) l. 341 An image..Stode on a roche... Þe face of him was turned souþe riȝt.

?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 45 (MED) As she loked in a mirrour..the deuell turned to her his ars.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxii. 254 He tournyd his face to her warde.

1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Hj ^v You are so wetherwise, turninge your tayle into euery wynde.

1693 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Fable Acis, Polyphemus & Galatea in Examen Poeticum 91 Plumbs to tempt you, turn their glossy side.

1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 205 The armies upon which the eyes of all Europe are turned.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. xiii. 319 D'Hymbercourt turned two culverins on the gate.

1880 L. Stephen Alexander Pope vi. 157 A soured man prefers to turn his worst side outwards.

2004 P. Southern Craze xxxvii. 257 Azad..turned his eyes on the street.

c. intransitive. To change one's position so as to face towards or away from a specified person or thing; to direct oneself; to face (with implied change of direction). See also Phrases 2d.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction

turnc1330

convertc1384

to bear one's (also the, a) face (also head)c1400

beturn1594

swerve1607

face1623

orientate1848

to front about1886

orient1896

c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 435 For toward hem he wole turne Boþe wraþful and eke sterne.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 11711 Iesu turned to þat tre.

c1470 tr. R. D'Argenteuil's French Bible (Cleveland) (1977) 79 (MED) Vaspasian..made there furthwith to dresse up his standard and sette themperial baner aboue with the dragon of gold..this dragon turnid toward the cuntre and remeued him not tille themperoure had wonne the cuntre.

a1500 (c1400) St. Erkenwald (1977) l. 177 (MED) Then he turnes to þe toumbe and talkes to þe corce.

1602 J. Harington Let. 27 Dec. (1930) 97 To turne askante from her condition withe tearlesse eyes.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) i. i. 190 Turne this way Henry, and regard them not.

1757 T. Gray Ode I i. iii, in Odes 7 Where'er she turns the Graces homage pay.

1824 Lit. Magnet 2 49 But coldly she turns from their gaze and weeps.

1890 A. Gissing Village Hampden II. xiii. 273 All faces turned towards him as he rose.

2017 M. W. Sexton Kind of Freedom 117 ‘I've always eaten them,’ Evelyn said, turning toward her mother.

†d. intransitive. To have a specified direction or aspect; to face (without a change of direction). Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > have specific aspect

beholda1382

look?1440

stand?1473

turn1535

prospect1555

spect1585

face1638

point1859

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xliii. 1 He brought me to y^e dore, that turneth towarde the east.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iii. xxi. 188 In places whereas the land..turnes from the shadow of the mountaines.

21.

a. intransitive. To direct one's course, head, set oneself to go, in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); sometimes almost synonymous with ‘go’ or ‘come’ with special reference to destination. Cf. sense 15.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)]

thinkeOE

bowa1000

seta1000

scritheOE

minlOE

turnc1175

to wend one's wayc1225

ettlec1275

hieldc1275

standc1300

to take (the) gatec1330

bear?c1335

applyc1384

aim?a1400

bend1399

hita1400

straighta1400

bounc1400

intendc1425

purposec1425

appliquec1440

stevenc1440

shape1480

make1488

steera1500

course1555

to make out1558

to make in1575

to make for ——a1593

to make forth1594

plyc1595

trend1618

tour1768

to lie up1779

head1817

loop1898

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6596 & tatt ta kingess turrndenn efft. Till þeȝȝre rihhte weȝȝe.

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 139 He turnde ut of þe burh into wilderne.

c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1978) l. 8746 In-to Alemayne he com..and torn [de] [c1275 Calig. com] eft to þis londe, in-to Norþhumbre þare he harmes wrohte.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 191 (MED) He torned to þe citee þat hatte ciuitas Crotoniorum, þat was al out of rule..and tauȝte þere vertues.

c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 431 (MED) Schall I..turne into Tuschayne..Ryde all þas rowme landes..Byde hy[m] make reschewes..And mette me..in þase mayne landes.

1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aii The king turnit on ane tyde towart tuskane.

a1631 J. Donne Poems (1650) 58 Turne thou ghost that way, and let me turne this.

1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler i. 38 I thought we had wanted three miles of the thatcht House..but now we are at it, we'l turn into it.

1893 Cornhill Mag. Nov. 474 Thither their footsteps turn.

1983 R. Sutcliff Bonnie Dundee (1985) xxv. 188 I went out through the gate and turned towards the head of the glen, and my next dawn's tryst with Balthazar.

2005 J. K. Rowling Harry Potter & Half-blood Prince xxv. 517 They turned out of the gates into the twilit, deserted lane to Hogsmeade.

†b. transitive (reflexive). To set oneself to go in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); = sense 21a. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)]

turnc1175

stretcha1225

bowc1275

steer1399

straighta1400

ready?a1425

purposec1425

address1436

applya1450

shape1480

make1488

aima1500

bound1821

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)] > change one's course

turnc1175

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6568 Þatt ta þreo kingess turrndenn hemm. Vt off þe rihhte weȝȝe. & forenn till herode.

c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 24 Al þet hird..turneð ham treowliliche to wit hare lauerd.

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 4071 (MED) If y me thus turne in-to fraunce Wyþ-oute takynge of vengeance, Hit is to me gret schame.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2391 Abram turned him to þe south.

?1482 J. Kay tr. G. Caoursin Siege of Rhodes And thenne they tourned theyme in the see toward Rhodes.

1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 306 We turned our selves to a River.

1867 J. B. Rose tr. Virgil Æneis 342 Turn thee hither, turn thee.

a1918 I. Rosenberg Coll. Poems (1977) 11 Shall I turn me to this tavern And so rest me from the sultriness?

†c. transitive. To cause or induce (a person, etc.) to take a particular course; to direct the course of (events, fortune, etc.) Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > guide

wieldeOE

steera1000

wisc1000

wiseOE

turnc1175

kenc1200

conduec1330

dressc1330

govern1340

addressc1350

guidea1400

conducec1475

conduct1481

rectifya1500

besteer1603

helm1607

engineer1831

beacon1835

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7442 Þa kingess..þurrh dwallkennde lare. Tahhtenn & turrndenn lawedd follc. To lefenn wra[n]g o criste.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 2138 The king he torneth at his wille, And makth him forto dreme.

c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 380 Wel hath Fortune yturned thee the dys.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iii. i. 15 Great Apollo Turne all to th' best.

d. transitive. To direct the course of (a person's way, (now chiefly) steps, etc.); to set going in a particular direction.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)]

stretcha1225

turnc1275

ready?a1400

seta1400

incline?c1400

apply?a1425

raika1500

rechec1540

make1548

address1554

frame1576

bend1579

to shape one's course1593

intend1596

tend1611

direct1632

steer1815

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6498 He walde to his londe & turnde riht þene wæi þe in-to Winchæstre lai.

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 3114 Þo þe seruise ydon was To mete þai turned her pas.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 13476 If þai..turn ham [= home] þair wai, Bi þe wai son faile sal þai.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xlix In whiche..iust quarel al good persons shal rather set bothe theyr feete forwarde, then once to turne theyr one heale backward.

a1644 F. Quarles Solomons Recantation (1645) vii. 33 The wise mans sober heart is always turning His wary footsteps to the house of mourning.

1891 New Rev. Oct. 347 He then turned his steps towards the south.

2005 A. Eaton Nightpeople xxvii. 310 She thought about turning her steps dayward, back across the plains towards the valley, and home.

22.

a. transitive. To put (something) to a specified use or purpose (now esp. a person's advantage); to make use of, employ (a thing). With to (formerly also †in, †into, †till, †unto).See also to turn one's hand at Phrases 1h, to turn to account at Phrases 2b(b).In quot. ?c1225: †to dedicate to a saint (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)]

noteOE

take?a1160

turnc1175

usec1300

to fare witha1340

benote1340

spenda1400

usea1400

weara1400

naitc1400

occupy1423

to put (also set) in work?a1425

practise?c1430

apply1439

employ?1473

to call upon ——1477

help1489

tew1489

handle1509

exercise1526

improvea1529

serve1538

feed1540

enure1549

to make (also take) (a) use of1579

wield1601

adoperate1612

to avail oneself ofa1616

prevail1617

to make practice of1623

ploy1675

occasion1698

to call on ——1721

subserve1811

nuse1851

utilize1860

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14240 Teȝȝ didenn all þe follc. Flæshlike tunnderrstanndenn. All þeȝȝre laȝhe..swa to turrnenn all þe boc. Till þeȝȝre grediȝnesse.

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 18 To þe haleȝen þet ȝe habbeð to þurh luue iturnd ouwer weouedes.

1398 in C. Innes Liber Sancte Marie de Melros (1837) 489 To be distreignede..and in[to] þaire profite to be turnide.

1445 in J. D. Marwick & R. Renwick Charters rel. Glasgow (1906) II. 440 A certane sowm..beforehand..payit be the said Davy and in myne use turnit.

?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) i. iv. f. 3^v (MED) Men þat han þis knowynge and turne hit in to prede and veyne glorie of hem selfe..sume of hem fallen eiþer in to errurs and heresyes ore in to oþer open synnes.

a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 54 (MED) Ye woll vyolently vsurpe to exercise the divine office, and turne it vnto pryve glorye and to your plesaunce and profight suche as is stablischid to the honour of God.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. B4 Virgill, turning his penne to the aduantage of his Countrey.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 251. ¶2 I..would willingly turn my Head to any thing for an honest Livelihood.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vi. 144 I trust that what I have spoken..will not be turned to my ruin?

1873 M. Oliphant Innocent II. iii. 33 An old house..which she had turned to a great many uses.

1970 Melody Maker 12 Sept. 34 Only in a capitalist society could art be turned to profit.

2018 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 11 Aug. (Weekend section) Rather than being cowed by the exposure, Madonna shrewdly turned it to her advantage, reinventing herself again to best capitalise on this new turn of events.

b. transitive. To set (a person) to perform a task or activity, achieve a goal, etc.In quot. 1781: (Nautical) = to turn up 17 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > seafaring life > [verb (transitive)] > summon crew on deck

turn1603

to turn up1752

1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 647 To persuade him to forbeare to vse his forces any farther against the Christians, ouer whom he had sufficiently alreadie triumphed, and to turne them vpon the Persians.

1781 Lieut. Archer Let. 30 June in Naval Chron. (1804) 11 283 Turn all hands! make sail!

1869 T. Hughes Alfred the Great xii. 139 The whole manhood of the kingdom might have been..turned upon this work.

1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 204/2 To turn the whole country on a deserter, and so take him dead or alive.

1978 W. B. McCloskey Highliners (2013) 189 He then turned them to scrubbing the boat, topside and cabins, as the cannery gang unloaded.

23.

a. transitive (reflexive). To direct one's thoughts, will, attention, etc., to or from a person or thing; = sense 23c. Now rare or archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > direct one's attention [verb (reflexive)]

turnc1175

convertc1430

advertisec1450

the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (reflexive)]

turnc1175

tightc1300

castc1386

bethink1387

ettlec1440

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6586 He þatt turrneþþ himm fra crist..Forrleoseþþ sawless soþe lihht.

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 61 Turneð giu to me, and ich wile turne me to giu.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. xii. 77 Þey [sc. angels] neuer turneth hem to vanite but alwey to þe hiȝest god.

c1480 (a1400) St. Agnes 242 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 353 Men sal..twrne þaim to þe cristine fay.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxxii. 12 O turne the from the fearcenesse of thy wrath.

1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Eviii^v Ynough for hym, yea and more then he can well turne hym to.

1832 Examiner 92/1 They were compelled to turn themselves to other employments.

1997 Prairie Schooner Spring 239 He came home..and turned himself to writing and to his literary cronies.

b. transitive. To direct (one's thought, desire, speech, action, (now esp.) attention, etc.) towards (or away from) something. Usually followed by to, formerly also †on, †upon.In quot. 1659: to direct, refer (a person) to something (cf. to turn to —— at Phrasal verbs 2).

ΘΚΠ

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

the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > direct actions, speech, etc., towards

fasteneOE

turna1200

redressa1393

intend?1504

convert1533

level1576

terminate1599

style1608

colline1674

intent1695

beam1956

target1964

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 59 We and ure heldrene habbæð ben turnd fro him [sc. God] eure siððen þe deuel com on neddre liche to adam.

a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 23 Eue biheold oþen uorbodene eppele..& turnde hire lust ðer touward & nom & et þerof.

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6824 Þe luþer men of denemarch..To hor olde luþerhede iturnd adde hor þoȝt.

c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Miller's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 6 Al his fantasie Was turned for to leere Astrologie.

1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxii. 90 Moche merueylled the neyghbours how she had tourned her herte to loue suche a pryour.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccccxx^v Tourning his talke to him.

1659 H. Thorndike Epil. Trag. Church of Eng. i. 175 Those, who..turn simple..Christians to that translation of the Bible which they like.

1732 True & Faithful Narr. in J. Swift Misc. III. ii. 263 His mind was wholly turn'd upon Spiritual Matters.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. i. 7 He turned his thoughts from this subject of reflection.

1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island iv. xviii. 143 We..turned our attention to poor Tom.

1912 ‘Saki’ Unbearable Bassington vii. 127 The opportunity for turning the talk more directly on him..was too good to be missed.

2016 S. Janmohamed Generation M i. 21 People are turning their attention to how to invest their values into their production and consumption cycles.

(a) intransitive. To direct one's thoughts, desire, or will to or from some person, thing, or action. Also (now chiefly): (of the heart, mind, understanding, etc.) to be directed towards (someone or something).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > be attentive, pay attention to [verb (intransitive)]

lookeOE

reckOE

heedOE

turna1200

beseec1200

yeme?c1225

to care forc1230

hearkenc1230

tendc1330

tentc1330

hangc1340

rewarda1382

behold1382

convert1413

advertc1425

lotec1425

resortc1450

advertise1477

mark1526

regard1526

pass1548

anchor1557

eye1592

attend1678

mind1768

face1863

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 61 We turnen ofte to him, and fro him.

c1300 St. John Evangelist (Laud) l. 383 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 413 He..turnde to lecherie And bi-cam an holer strong.

c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 5 Þaȝ he torni to senne aȝen.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. viii. 71 He [sc. angel] is in al wise inflexibil and stabil, and turneþ neuer..to þinges þat beþ wiþouten hym.

a1450 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) (1984) 13 (MED) He turned to himself and byhelde hou he had mysspended his lyf.

a1500 (?a1475) Guy of Warwick (Cambr. Ff.2.38) l. 7392 (MED) Now turne we ageyne and speke of Gye, As we fynde in owre storye.

1539 Bible (Great) Exod. xxxii. 12 Turne from thy fearse wrath.

1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 173 Turnand till Goddis infinite.

1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. i. 39 Ideas..make not deep Impressions..till the Understanding turn inwards upon its self, and reflect on its own Operations.

1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 2 Where'er I roam..My heart untravell'd fondly turns to thee.

1891 ‘M. Maartens’ Old Maid's Love II. iii. 46 She turned from the thought of scandal with impatience.

1978 W. F. Buckley Stained Glass xv. 147 He found it irresponsible that his thoughts should turn to skiing.

2004 H. Kunzru Transmission (2005) 90 He found his mind turning to Papaji.

(b) intransitive. spec. To direct one's attention to a different subject; to begin to speak or think of something else.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > direct conversation to a subject

turna1413

to lead on1891

a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 688 Now lat vs stynte of Troylus..and late vs tourne [c1430 Cambr. Gg.4.27 turne, c1450 Harl. 2280 torne] faste Vn-to Criseyde.

c1480 (a1400) St. Clement 622 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 391 Off þis matere now no mare I tel, bot to þe story twrne I sel of sancte clement.

1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 48 Whippet, turne to a new lesson, and strike wee vp Iohn for the King.

1718 S. Switzer Ichnographia Rustica I. vii. 193 But if these should be thought the Strains of Poets born in Countries much hotter than ours, let us turn to the sublime Thoughts of our Northernly Bards on this Subject.

1836 W. Irving Astoria III. lvi. 188 It is with a feeling of momentary relief we turn to something of a more pleasing complexion.

1939 E. D. Laborde tr. E. de Martonne Shorter Physical Geogr. (rev. ed.) xii. 170 Let us now turn to limestone topography, taking the Causses region in the south of the Central Highlands of France as our example.

2008 Atlantic Monthly Apr. 66/1 We turned to the subject of nuclear smuggling via Georgia and its breakaway territories.

(c) intransitive. To direct one's attention to a practical activity; to apply oneself to or take up an occupation or pursuit.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (transitive)] > take up a profession

to go into ——a1400

turn1667

embrace1768

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > direct attention, thought, etc.

lookeOE

i-thenchec897

to look to ——OE

send?c1420

to look upon ——c1515

to look unto ——1526

face1630

turn1842

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 630 Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn .

1842 Ld. Tennyson Locksley Hall in Poems (new ed.) II. 102 What is that which I should turn to..? Every door is barr'd with gold, and opens but to golden keys.

1891 Sat. Rev. 26 Dec. 730/1 He turned next to log-splitting.

1955 ‘P. Dennis’ Auntie Mame iii. 39 This little bundle of energy turns to making hooked rugs and woven place mats and patchwork quilts and the money just never stops rolling in.

2004 M. J. Coyner & D. Anderson Race to Reach Out 47 Team members turned to lunch with the rest of the church staff.

d. intransitive. To resort or have recourse to (a person, a group, etc.); to appeal to for help or support.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke

halsec825

askOE

witnec1200

halsenc1290

calla1325

incalla1340

to speak to ——1362

interpel1382

inclepec1384

turnc1384

becallc1400

ethec1400

peala1425

movec1450

provoke1477

adjure1483

invoke1490

conjurea1500

sue1521

invocatea1530

obtest1548

obtestate1553

to throw oneself on (or upon)1592

obsecrate1598

charm1599

to cry on ——1609

behight1615

imprecate1643

impray1855

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xiii. 46 We turnen to gidere to hethene men.

c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 51 (MED) It is seide to the good knyghte that he trust his answeris for his helthe..if he haue nede, he to tourne to lechis and phisiciens and not to Circes.

a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 416 (MED) Ȝif þis wole not moue þe puple to ȝyue hym þingis þat ben nedeful, turne þis prelat to oþer puple..or ellis lyue he on his bodily trauel or oþere mennus almes as poul dide.

1633 P. Heylyn Hist. St. George (ed. 2) i. ii. 24 To forsake the living God, and turne to Baal.

1869 A. W. Ward tr. E. Curtius Hist. Greece II. iii. iii. 472 The Milesians were unable to maintain themselves in Priene and turned to Athens.

1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. i. 20 You are the one man..that I should turn to in such a time.

1912 Jrnl. Friends' Hist. Soc. 9 204 Once more we have to turn to a German writer for information.

2014 Atlantic Apr. 36/2 She'll find readers eager to turn to philosophers for help in thinking about the meaning of life.

†e. intransitive. To tend, have a tendency to something. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > tendency > tend or incline [verb (intransitive)]

wryc888

driveOE

drawc1175

rine?c1225

soundc1374

tendc1374

lean1398

clinea1400

movec1450

turnc1450

recline?a1475

covet1520

intend?1521

extenda1533

decline?1541

bow1562

bend1567

follow1572

inflecta1575

incline1584

warpa1592

to draw near1597

squint1599

nod1600

propend1605

looka1616

verge1664

gravitate1673

set1778

slant1850

trend1863

tilt1967

c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 365 Tale tende we non þat turneþ to harme.

?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 386 Whairto it turnes I can no^t tell.

24.

a. To induce or persuade (a person) to adopt a (different) religious faith (usually with implication of its truth or excellence), or a religious or godly (instead of an irreligious or ungodly) life; to convert. Also occasionally with pejorative connotation: to cause (a person) to abjure or abandon a religious faith (cf. sense 12).

(a) transitive. Followed by to, †into, or from.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (transitive)]

turnc1175

convert1340

illuminec1340

convertise1483

revolt1560

salvationize1927

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 169 He shall turrnenn mikell flocc..till þe rihhte læfe.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6355 Heo þencheð..to..turne [c1300 Otho teorne] to heðenesse þa hæȝe & þa læsse.

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 4956 Seint birin þe bissop..Þat in to þis lond..ysend was To turne þe king of west sex, kingilf to cristendom.

c1390 (?c1350) Joseph of Arimathie (1871) l. 11 In þe nome of þe fader Ioseph him folewede, And hedde I-turned to þe feyþ fifti with him-seluen.

a1425 (?c1400) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 107 (MED) We scholde nouȝt tarye to be yturned to God.

c1475 Antichrist & Disciples in J. H. Todd Three Treat. J. Wycklyffe (1851) p. cxxii (MED) Þei shal..bowe a wey from trewþe & ben turned in to fables.

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 39/1 But if grace turne him to wisedom.

1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue Brief Descr. sig. ☞.iij^v Who sought to peruert and turne from the truth xii godly Christians.

1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. sig. Eee2 The main Body of their Nation being turned to Christianity.

?1835 Missionary Rec. China, Burmah, Ceylon, &c. ix. 236 His relations charged the missionaries with giving him medicine, which had turned him to christianity.

1905 Bible Student & Teacher Mar. 227/1 It was no logical argument that turned him from atheism, but the influence of a true and reverent believer's prayer.

2020 J. E. Woods in C. Melville Timurid Cent. 90 He [sc. Abivardi] engages in dialogues with Christians and Jews in an effort to turn them to Islam.

†(b) transitive. Without complement. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1300 St. Swithun (Harl.) l. 10 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 43 Seint berin her bi weste wende And turnde þe king kenewold as oure louerd him grace sende.

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 3 Kings viii. 47 Caytif weren lad in to þe lond of enemys..& turned han preied in þeir caiftyuete seiynge, wee han synned.

c1450 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Rawl.) (1869) B. xv. l. 540 Many miracles he wrouȝte man for to turne.

1539 Bible (Great) Jer. xxxi. 19 As soone as thou turnest me, I shall refourme my selfe.

c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta iv. i Why, brother, you converted Abigail..One [friar] turn'd my daughter, therefore he shall die.

1692 J. Locke Toleration ii, in Wks. (1727) II. 266 The two Reynold's (..one a Protestant, the other a Papist) who upon the exchange of Papers between them, were both turn'd.

b. To adopt a different religion (usually with implication of its truth or excellence), or a godly life; to be converted.

(a) intransitive. Followed by to.In later use in to turn to God (also Christ), perhaps a specific application of sense 23.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (intransitive)]

turnc1225

converta1400

to come through1708

to get religion1772

to see the light1812

to experience religion1837

vert1888

to find religion (also Christ, God, Jesus, etc.)1957

c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Bodl.) (1934) 52 Turnden þa þurh þis to Crist swiðe monie.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 22119 If þai wil noȝte turne til his lare, He sal taim sla wiþoutin spare.

?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 323 (MED) As ofte as a man offendiþ, if he wil turne to me in his liif, he schal euere fynde parfiȝt satisfaccioun.

c1590 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Coll. Oxf. 64(2)) (1884) lxxxvi. 3 Thai resceyf sinfull men that will torune [perhaps read torne] to me.

a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. B4 Abiure this Magicke, turne to God againe.

1891 Temple Bar Dec. 599 It is never too late to turn to God.

1984 B. MacLaverty Cal (new ed.) 36 It told of Matt Talbot, who after a decade of drunkenness in Dublin turned to Christ.

2013 N. Solomons Gallery Vanished Husbands 242 Lots of teenagers turned to God for a year or two.

(b) intransitive. Without complement. To be converted to another faith. Also: to repent. Now chiefly Scottish and Irish English.

ΚΠ

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16762 + 148 Mony þat stode & saȝe..Torned & wore baptized.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xviii. f. xxiiij^v Except ye tourne, and become as children.

1679 Established Test 45 So would they say to all Protestants,..Turn, or burn.

1876 W. Arnot Anchor of Soul 333 If..the lost shall turn, they will get life in the Lord.

1938 F. Urquhart Time will Knit (1988) 287 She didn't want me to marry a Catholic. She knew he wouldn't turn, and she was determined that I wouldn't turn.

1998 T. P. Dolan Dict. Hiberno-Eng. (1999) 278/2 Turn, to convert to another faith. ‘That family must have turned’ (Kerry).

(a) intransitive. To go over to another side or party; to desert. Often followed by to.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles

declinec1374

starta1450

revert?a1525

to fall away1535

to turn (one's) tippet1546

revolt1549

shrink1553

to turn one's coat1565

to come over1576

apostate1596

to change (one's) sides1596

defect1596

renegade1611

to change foot1618

to run over1643

to face about1645

apostatize1648

tergiverse1675

tergiversate1678

desert1689

apostasize1696

renegado1731

rat1810

to cross the floor1822

turncoat1892

to take (the) soup1907

turn1977

c1300 St. Augustine (Laud) l. 65 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 25 Ich graunti also þat alle þulke þat wollez to eov torne, Guode leue ich man [emended in ed. to Guode leue ich ȝiue ech man], for i-nelle no man weorne.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 177 (MED) Þanne Farnaces þe þridde sone took ensample of his breþeren, and was aferde..and made þe oost torne to hym.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15137 All þis werld es turnand Til him.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 110 Erle Patrik than..Till our fa turnd and harmyng did us mast.

a1500 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Rawl.) (1896) 79 (MED) Thay wolde turne to har enemys agaynes hame.

1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 i. i. 152 All will reuolt from me and turne to him.

1777 in T. Evans Old Ballads 90 Whan' thi haf o' the Gordones desertit, An' turnit wi' Murray in a crack.

1923 Aberdeen Jrnl. 5 Dec. 3/7 Ex-service men, who, disappointed with the after-war conditions, have turned to Labour.

2014 R. A. Reis US Congr. for Kids vii. 72/2 Many white voters in the South, angry over the civil rights laws..turned to the Republican Party.

(b) intransitive. Of a criminal: to become an informer, to ‘grass’.

ΘΚΠ

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

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles

declinec1374

starta1450

revert?a1525

to fall away1535

to turn (one's) tippet1546

revolt1549

shrink1553

to turn one's coat1565

to come over1576

apostate1596

to change (one's) sides1596

defect1596

renegade1611

to change foot1618

to run over1643

to face about1645

apostatize1648

tergiverse1675

tergiversate1678

desert1689

apostasize1696

renegado1731

rat1810

to cross the floor1822

turncoat1892

to take (the) soup1907

turn1977

1977 Chicago Tribune 2 Oct. i. 24/3 Like many other informants, Bompensiero ‘turned’ in order to avoid jail.

1982 Times 27 Aug. 2 (heading) Pressures that lead a man to ‘turn’.

2015 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 2 Feb. 4 To inform is to betray former friends. Often informers begin reluctantly, but once they turn they become enthusiastic about their new role.

d. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy or informer.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor

traitor16..

quislingize1940

turn1963

to turn around1963

to turn round1966

1963 ‘J. le Carré’ Spy who came in from Cold xiv. 138 He was their man; they turned him, they caught him.

1971 C. Egleton Last Post for Partisan xvi. 162 ‘How did they turn you?’ ‘I was shopped... They said I could save my neck if I helped them, and so I agreed.’

1982 Times 27 Aug. 2/4 Several have been ‘turned’ only after being shown evidence from another ‘supergrass’.

2001 C. Cumming Spy by Nature (2007) xv. 131 Given Das Kapital to read in his prison cell, Blake became a disciple of Marxism, and the KGB turned him after he offered to betray SIS.

25.

a. intransitive. To change one's position so as to face in a different or the opposite direction; to face about.Also Military in infantry drill commands: see about-turn v., left turn int., right turn int., right about adv.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction

turnc1225

bewenda1300

to turn aboutc1330

returna1470

wheel1639

face1644

to turn on one's heel1669

to turn around1756

to turn round1787

about-face1896

about-turn1927

U-turn1931

U1971

c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 258 (MED) Hwet bid hare anes song ant efter godd hare anes ȝong, hwiderse he eauer turneð.

c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1978) l. 13264 Þo tornden hii sone..and ech his sweord swiþe droh.

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) John i. 38 Jhesu turnede, and say hem suynge hym.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 205 Whan they aprochyd nere, Huon sodenly tournyd.

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. viii. 5 Turne slaue and fight.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 507 Seeing me, she turn'd .

1780 C. Simeon in W. Carus Mem. Life C. Simeon (1847) 19 Turning at the Creed, [I] saw the table covered.

1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) ii. 16 He..turned upon his heel, and walked out.

1890 A. Gissing Village Hampden II. iv. 72 He recognised her figure, but never turned to look behind.

2016 H. Bourne How Hard can Love Be? i. 9 ‘You know what? I can't be arsed with this.’ I turned and stormed off into the security queue.

b. transitive. To change the direction of (something, esp. the head or a part of it); to direct (esp. the eyes or face) another way, or different ways alternately. Formerly sometimes also: †to avert (= to turn away 1a at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete). Also: to cause (something such as a horse's head) to face in the opposite direction (= to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1).See also to turn the other cheek at cheek n. Phrases 3, to turn a deaf ear at deaf adj. 2, to turn a blind eye at eye n.¹ Phrases 2t.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction

i-wendeOE

wendOE

turnc1300

convertc1384

avirec1440

kyr1448

twine1600

wheel1805

to put about1832

c1300 St. Margarete (Harl.) l. 128 in O. Cockayne Seinte Marherete (1866) 28 Þe justise..nolde loke þerto Ac bihuld abac & tournde his eȝen.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 457 (MED) Good is to hiere Such thing wherof a man may lere..And toward al the remenant Good is to torne his Ere fro.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4311 Fleand turn þou noght þin ei.

a1450 York Plays (1885) 211 (MED) I crye; he heris me noȝt; He turnes his herre.

a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. iii. 39 For Iak nor for Gill Will I turne my face, Till I haue..Spon a space On my rok.

1583 R. P. tr. P. de la Sierra Second Pt. Myrror of Knighthood ii. xxiv. f. 292 This new knight turned his head, & looked on him with..wrath & anger.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 106 Often he turns his Eyes, and..Surveys the pleasing Kingdoms.

1767 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy IX. i. 4 As he turned his head, he met her eye.

1842 Ld. Tennyson Day-dream in Poems (new ed.) II. 149 Turn your face, Nor look with that too-earnest eye.

1903 G. B. Shaw Man & Superman i. 40 Tavy will kiss; and you will only turn the cheek.

2011 P. Gregory Lady of Rivers (2013) 68 He swings back into his own saddle, and we turn the horses' heads for home.

c. transitive (reflexive). To change one's position (or course) so as to face (or go) another way; = sense 25a. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (reflexive)]

turnc1350

umbebraidc1400

c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 7 (MED) I tourned me to see þe voice þat spaak to me & I seiȝ seuen Candelstickes.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17288 + 224 Scho tourned hir and saȝe our lord stand nere.

?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 273 They þat ben wickid, whateuere syde þou turne þee..in what maner of kynde þei stonden ynne, euere þou schalt fynde synne and offencis.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 167 Turnes yow full tyte & taries a while.

1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. i. 64 Turne thee Benuolio, looke vpon thy death.

1849 M. Arnold Strayed Reveller, & Other Poems 43 Turning him quickly to go in.

1967 S. Marshall Fenland Chron. (1998) i. i. 6 The weight o' the sails broke through the castings so as she coul'n't luff herself, that is, so as she coul'n't turn herself to face the wind.

26.

a. transitive. To direct or bring to bear (something) in (active) opposition to a person; to cause (something) to recoil upon (also on) a person; to proceed to use (something) against a person.Recorded earliest in to turn one's hand at Phrases 1h.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > set in opposition > direct in the way of opposition

turn1538

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6070 Suan þe duc of denemarch bigan to turne is hond & after þat he adde destrued þe souþhalf of þis lond He wende & robbede of þis lond al þe norþ side.

1538 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 125 By this meane their owne craft..shalbe torned into their owne neckes.

a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) iii. 184 To wrest his weapon out of his hands, and turne it upon himselfe.

1687 F. Atterbury Answer Considerations Spirit Luther 48 Luther's Conscience..turn's these very reasonings upon him.

1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 ii. 569 He has sufficient security that the disclosure will not be turned against himself.

1912 Pearson's Mag. Sept. 122/2 [They] turned their guns on the men above them on the hill.

1999 New Yorker 23 Aug. 44 Medical researchers, with the best intentions, create super-intelligent sharks, which then turn their teeth on the scientists.

2018 Jrnl. Speculative Philos. 32 191 Trump has not just taken propaganda from the professionals; he has turned it against them.

†b. intransitive. Followed by again, into, on, upon. To recoil on a person; to fall on a person with disastrous effect; to have an adverse tendency or result. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xviii. l. 359 Now bygynneth þi gyle ageyne þe to tourne.

a1425 (?c1384) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 351 Certis synne of siche children turneþ into heed of þer fadir.

a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 47 (MED) The punycion of the synne ought to turne vpon them that be abusers and nat to hym that gave it to a good vse.

1550 J. Coke Deb. Heraldes Eng. & Fraunce sig. Eiij^v Thus your bostes syr heralde, turne vpon your heles.

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 111 The destruction of Demetrius, Sonne to Philip the Second, of Macedon, turned vpon the Father, who died of Repentance.

1660 Exact Accompt Trial Regicides 24 Court. There is nothing you can say, but Guilty, or Not guilty. All other discourses turn upon your self.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 248 The Dutch war had turned so fatally on the King.

1881 S. R. Gardiner & J. B. Mullinger Introd. Study Eng. Hist. i. viii. 153 It turns upon those who attempt it, as the Florentine people turned upon Savonarola.

27.

a. transitive. To cause or command (a person) to go; to send, drive; (chiefly, and now only, with adverb or adverbial phrase) to send away, order to go away, dismiss (a person).See also to turn away 2a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out 3b(a) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out 3b(b) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out of —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss

congeec1330

turnc1330

putc1350

dismitc1384

refusea1387

repel?a1439

avyec1440

avoida1464

depart1484

license1484

to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513

demit1529

dispatcha1533

senda1533

to send a grazing1533

demise1541

dimiss1543

abandon1548

dimit1548

discharge1548

dismiss1548

to turn off1564

aband1574

quit1575

hencea1586

cashier1592

to turn away1602

disband1604

amand1611

absquatulize1829

chassé1847

to send to the pack1912

c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) l. 1694 Otuwel..warende fore a non þo Roulond & oliuer bo..Þat king garsie was tornd to fliȝt.

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Jer. xxx. 3 I shal turnen hem to þe lond þat I ȝaf to þe faders of hem.

a1400 Complaint Our Lady (Pepys) (1987) 87 (MED) He haþ done þe folk knowe wiþ his techinges & turnend [v.r. turnyd] hem fram out of þe londe of Galile vnto þis stede.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Heb. xi. 34 [They] turned to flyght the armees of the alientes.

1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. S1^v, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) They are turned at the last quite foorth by the elbows.

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iii. i. 15 Push him out of dores..turne him going.

a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1853) II. 267 A vessel..was fallen into the hands of D'Aulnay, who had made prize of her, and turned the men upon an island.

1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. viii. iv. 223 You will not..turn me from your door.

1891 ‘L. Keith’ Halletts II. ii. 37 He would turn me adrift without the smallest consideration.

1918 H. R. Haggard Moon of Israel xii. 199 Therefore, perhaps, although..she may be wise to stay in the house of Seti, he..may be wise to turn her from his doors.

2014 W. Taylor Development Stud. 289 Some traditional farmers are being turned off their land to make way for huge commercial plantations.

b. transitive. To put, cast, or convey (a person or (more usually) a thing) into a receptacle or (in earlier use) a new channel (cf. sense 14), or (now also) on to a dish, plate, etc.; now esp. by inverting the original containing vessel (cf. sense 9).In quot. a1616 turn into is used to mean ‘put into’ (a different set of clothes), but with admixture of the sense ‘change’ (branch V.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > insertion or putting in > insert or put in [verb (transitive)]

to do ineOE

to put ina1300

insetc1374

to throw ina1382

inducec1420

intriec1420

to set ina1425

tryc1440

enter1489

insert1529

turn1544

insere1557

infer1572

input1593

intromitc1600

introduce1695

to run in1756

1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. sig. I.v Where the water is so depe, that neyther fotemen ne yet horsemen dare venture ouer: best it is to turne the water into dyches out of the wont course.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 247 But first Ile turne yon fellow in [= into] his graue.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) v. v. 197 I knew of your purpose: turn'd my daughter into white.

1824 M. Randolph Virginia House-wife 185 When stiff, turn them into a deep dish, and put raspberry cream around them.

1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 i. 107 The sewers..may be cleansed by turning some water into them out of a large pond.

1901 T. J. Alldridge Sherbro ii. 15 A common method to detect bad kernels is to turn them into great casks containing water.

1971 Fishless Days, Angling Nights (2012) 106 Fill only one leg of the waders and check it, then turn the water into the other leg, and finally into the seat.

2017 Church Times 13 Jan. 17/1 Turn on to a serving plate, and dredge with a little sugar.

c. transitive. To drive or put out (animals) to pasture. Formerly also †figurative: see to turn to grass at grass n.¹ Phrases 2a.See also to turn out 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1566 T. Blundeville Arte of Rydynge (rev. ed.) iii. lxxiv. 50 in Fower Offices Horsemanshippe If it be in Sommer, turne him to grasse, if in Winter, lette him be kept warme, and giue hym now and then a little sodden wheate.

1602 2nd Pt. Returne fr. Parnassus i. ii. 268 Clap a lock on their feete, and turne them to commons.

1765 Museum Rusticum 4 183 Let the grass take head for about..three weeks, before you turn your sheep upon it.

1835 D. P. Thompson Adventures Timothy Peacock viii. 80 He had that morning turned the horse into the oat-field instead of the pasture.

1997 R. B. Outhwaite Scandal in Church iii. 49 Whilst the Rector was away, the farmer turned his sheep upon the crop.

2004 E. B. Hall Promised Land iv. 81 Tomorra we might as well turn the cows on it to get what there is.

†d. intransitive. To be released or lifted off. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1801 Naval Chron. 6 76 At the top of the tide she turned off the stocks.

†e. transitive. To turn loose, discharge (see to turn loose at Phrases 2a). Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy xiii Five six-shooters were turned into the ceiling.

28.

a. intransitive. Followed by on or upon: to attack someone suddenly or violently (in action or speech). Also: (followed by against, on, or upon) become hostile or antagonistic towards a person, group, etc. (usually implying a change from previous friendliness). Also: (without complement) to take up an attitude of opposition.See also to turn again 5 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.With expressions with worm as subject, cf. worm n. 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > take up attitude of opposition to

turnc1330

rebela1382

the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition

to turn againc1330

to join issue1583

to turn tail1611

turn1887

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 1810 Þer was þousandes mani on Opon Fortiger þai turned anon.

a1350 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 10 Hue turnden hem aȝeynes wiþ suerd & wiþ launce.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 285 Boþe wifes torned aȝenst hym and chidde wiþ oon assent.

1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 36^v Be not gladde of the euill fortune of another, for thou knowest not howe the worlde may tourne ayenst the.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 ii. v. 272 Should I turne vpon the true prince?

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 152 Pompey turned vpon him againe, and..bad him be quiet.

1629 J. Gaule Practique Theories Christs Predict. 11 Lo how the vildest Earth-Worme now turnes against thee!

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. iii. 62 Turning upon him with a fierce and haughty look.

1804 A. Duncan Mariner's Chron. II. 241 At this place, Mr. Hamilton met with a large seal, or sea-lion, and fired a brace of balls into him, upon which the animal turned upon him open-mouthed.

1854 W. M. Thackeray Rose & Ring iii These people who are following you will be the first to turn against you.

1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake II. xiii. 211 The king turned on his courtiers, glad to ease his own conscience by cursing them.

1887 F. W. Robinson In Bad Hands I. 33 The impudence of some people..would make a worm turn.

1996 White Dwarf Sept. 91/1 Khârn is known as the betrayer due to his berserk fury, which is so all-consuming that he has been known to turn upon his own followers when all others lie dead before him.

2001 A. Dangor Bitter Fruit (2004) xvii. 184 Yes, he'll come to a bad end, Silas said in agreement, only to have her turn on him.

2012 New Yorker 28 May 60/1 Philip Agee, a former C.I.A. officer who turned against the agency.

b. transitive. To make (a person) hostile or antagonistic towards a person; to imbue (a person) with hatred or dislike. Followed by against.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > hatred > hate inwardly or intensely [verb (transitive)] > imbue with hatred or dislike

envenom1533

turn1579

inviper1598

empoison1599

inviperate1672

sharpena1715

1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xvi. 922 The Princes of Italy will neuer enter vnitie with the gouernment of Fraunce, knowing that it remayneth alwayes in your hand, setting the kinge at libertie, not onely to seperate him but also to turne him against them.

1831 Examiner 722/2 The hearts of the poor were turned in bitterness against the rich.

1881 E. Lynn Linton My Love xi Not even Papa could turn me against Cyril.

1996 S. Nye Best of Men behaving Badly (2000) 5th Ser. Episode 3. 210/2 You've turned him against me. You've brought dishonour upon me.

V. To bring about or undergo change.

†29.

a. intransitive. Followed by to (also till, until). To lead to something as a consequence; to become the cause of; to result in, bring about. Obsolete.See also to turn to account at Phrases 2b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > end in

to stand to ——OE

turnc1175

end?c1225

to come to ——c1475

sort1548

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 18 Þu þohhtesst tatt itt mihhte wel. Till mikell frame turrnenn.

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 7711 Þe vnriȝt ido to poueremen to such mesaunture turnde.

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 1082 That repentith me that my name ys knowyn, for I am sure hit woll turne untyll angir.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlij Fearynge lest this broile..would tourne to his vtter destruction.

1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iii. § 93. 355 Their plots turned to their owne damage.

a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 147 To deduce any general theory that shall turn to public benefit.

b. transitive. To result in or bring about trouble, harm, good, etc., for (a person). With phrase specifying the (good or bad) outcome introduced by to, (occasionally) in. Obsolete.Originally intransitive with dative of person; afterwards taken as transitive with the person as direct object.

ΚΠ

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 150 Ȝiff þeȝȝ all forrwerrpenn itt Itt turrneþþ hemm till sinne.

c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 65 Serue godd ane, & alle þing schule þe turne to gode.

c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 898 Wiþ him he wald iusti, It turned him to vilani [c1475 Caius And therof hym befelle grete vilanye].

1463 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) A1463/10/1 That occupatioune and use that I sal have of the said landis..sal turn yow na youre successowriz in na prejudice.

1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxlii. 537 It shall tourne hym to moche blame.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) v. v. 16 All the trouble thou hast turn'd me to .

a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 285 A word or two, The which shall turne you to no further harme, Then so much losse of time.

1694 C. Gildon Misc. Lett. & Ess. 208 Neither they, nor any other Cause can be Powerful enough to turn me to any thing that should diminish my Value and Esteem for you.

†30.

a. transitive. To change (a text, word, etc.) from one language to another; to translate. Also occasionally: to change (a text) from one form of expression to another, to paraphrase. Also intransitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > translation > translate [verb (transitive)]

setc888

wendeOE

turnc1175

writec1275

drawa1325

translatea1375

expound1377

takea1382

interpret1382

transpose1390

remue?a1400

renderc1400

put?a1425

to draw outa1450

reducec1450

compile1483

redige?1517

make1529

traducea1533

traduct1534

converta1538

do1561

to set out1597

transcribe1639

throw1652

metaphrase1868

versionize1874

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 129 & tær fore hafe icc turrnedd itt. Inn till ennglisshe spæche.

c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Royal) l. 5 Þet is of latin iturnd into englisch.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21108 Godspell he turnd in tung of ind.

a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 430 (MED) Siþen þe paternoster is part of matheus gospel, as clerkis knowen, why may not al be turnyd to engliȝsch trewely, as is þis part?

1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. F.iij Picea is called in greeke as Theodore Gaza turneth, pitys.

1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 69 Others vntruly turne it [Robert] Red-beard.

1700 J. Dryden Fables Pref. sig. *A^v I..resolv'd to put their Merits to the Trial, by turning some of the Canterbury Tales into our Language, as it is now refin'd.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 39. ¶6 If the Writer laid down the whole Contexture of his Dialogue in plain English, before he turned it into Blank Verse.

1734 A. Pope Epist. to Arbuthnot 180 The Bard..Who turns a Persian Tale for half a crown.

1879 M. Pattison Milton vii. 90 In 1648 he turned nine psalms, and..in 1653, ‘did into verse’ eight more.

b. transitive. To alter the phrasing of (a sentence, or other piece of text or speech); to word differently. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 170 (MED) Antecristes prophetes shullen regnen & comen more & more & corrumpen goddes lawȝe & tournen it after her libbyng.

a1443 Early Chancery Proc. (P.R.O.: C 1/9/424) They made as well the seid record As the condicioun of the same obligacioun of the seid bysecher to be rasode and by that rasur changeode and turnode the seid recorde in substance.

a1500 (?a1400) Firumbras (1935) l. 1266 (MED) Ricer was queynte and torned hys langage, ‘We beȝt marchauntes of aragoun to passe thy passage..To honour oure mahound and oure mamotrye’.

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. L1^v Shee..turn'd it thus, it cannot be I find, But such a face should beare a wicked mind.

1869 R. Browning Ring & Bk. IV. xii. 225 How he dares reprehend both high and low? Else had he turned the sentence ‘God is true And every man a liar—save the Pope’.

1895 M. A. North & A. E. Hillard Latin Prose Composition (1901) 24 The English has to be turned; e.g. ‘The Greeks, having captured Troy, burnt it’, cannot go straight into Latin, because Latin has no Perfect Participle Active.

31. Followed by into or to, indicating the result of a change.

(a) transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to become something else; to change, transform, or convert into something.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)]

wendOE

forshapeOE

workOE

awendOE

makec1175

turna1200

forwenda1325

change1340

shape1362

transmewc1374

transposec1380

puta1382

convertc1384

exchangea1400

remue?a1400

makea1425

reduce?a1425

removec1425

resolvea1450

transvertc1450

overchangec1480

mew1512

transmutea1513

wring1524

reduct1548

transform1556

innovate1561

metamorphose1576

transume1579

metamorphize1587

transmove1590

transchangea1599

transfashion1601

deflect1613

fordo1624

entail1628

transmutate1632

distila1637

to make much (also little, something, nothing, etc.) of1637

transqualify1652

unconvert1654

simulate1658

spend1668

transverse1687

hocus-pocus1774

mutate1796

fancy1801

to change around1871

metamorphosize1888

catalyse1944

morph1996

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 45 Þanne is here foshipe turnd al to frendshipe.

c1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 18 Þu ne hauest her blisce daies þre, ac al þi ioie is turned on wouge.

a1300 Passion our Lord l. 10 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 37 He..turnde water to wyne.

1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope xi. f. cxxxj The goddes..haue torned my douggter in to this catte.

a1500 ( Pilgrimage of Soul (Egerton) (1953) iv. xxx. f. 72^v The floure is forfaded and al the beaute þerof turned to noght.

1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 433 This religious house is now turned into an Hospitall.

1765 T. Gray Shakespeare in Corr. Gray & W. Mason (1853) 340 11 May not honey's self be turn'd to gall?

1853 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches (1873) II. i. ii. 63 A river overflows and turns a fruitful plain into a marsh.

1978 A. J. P. Taylor Let. 14 Mar. in Lett. to Eva (1991) 389 Do not hope to turn me into a Communist, not even into a Titoite.

2015 N.Y. Mag. 20 Apr. 62/1 Most brewers dispose of their spent grains, turning them into compost or animal feed.

(b) intransitive. To change into something; to be changed, transformed, or converted; to become something else.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > be transformed [verb (intransitive)]

wortheOE

awendOE

golOE

turnc1275

changec1300

runc1384

to run into ——c1384

fare1398

writhea1400

transmewc1400

returnc1475

transume1480

convert1549

transform1597

remove1655

transeate1657

transmute1675

make1895

metamorphose1904

shapeshift1927

metamorphize1943

metamorphosize1967

morph1992

c1275 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 156 Feir weder turneð ofte into reine.

?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 83 To erþe me sul þe lede; Þan ssal þi liȝt turn in to niȝte.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 27 Yf þe trees of þat wode falle into a water oþer grounde..and lye þere alle aȝere, þe trees torneþ [v.r. teorneþ] into stones.

c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xiv. l. 19 Al hus sorwe to solas þorgh þat songe turnede.

c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross Middle Eng. Serm. (1940) 129 (MED) Be þe vertew of þe wordes þat þe preest seis at þe masse, þat þe bred turneþ in-to Goddes [flesh] and is blode.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. aiiii Lest our yre tourne to enuy, & our enuy to hate.

1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 5 These rocks, by custom, turn to beds of down.

1892 Monthly Packet May 532 The monkeys did not turn into men, the men turned into monkeys.

1955 R. M. Pearl How to know Minerals & Rocks i. 13 Petrified wood is a good example, the original wood having turned to stone.

2018 S. Graham-Felsen Green ix. 235 It turned into a cocoon and eventually burst out and spread its..butterfly wings.

(a) transitive. To change (something) into, cause (something) to have, a specified nature, shape, colour, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > cause to be or become

seta1000

workOE

makeOE

puta1382

turna1393

yieldc1430

breedc1460

rendera1522

devolve1533

cause1576

infer1667

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 5939 Echon of hem..Was torned into briddes kinde.

?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 13 He schall turne þat damysell in to hir riȝt schappe.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxi. l. 74 (MED) Owther fowl man Oþer fowl womman Into Grete bewte he cowde torne than.

1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 36 She [sc. Truth] turns herself into all shapes.

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxv. 132 Then is the Counsell turned into the nature of a Command.

1858 Graham's Illustr. Mag. July 52/1 A real old dum fish..that is turned to the color of mahogany is very good.

1910 T. Roosevelt Afr. Game Trails x. 278 Geraniums and red-hot pokers, which in places turned the glades to a fire color.

1993 Sci. Fiction Age Jan. 21/3 In order to assimilate and function on the planet, he takes on a humanoid shape, but he can turn himself into any shape he likes.

2003 T. Belton in P. S. Belton & T. Belton Food, Sci. & Society v. 91 Some European countries have been publicising this knowledge and attempting to turn it into a form that is easily applied in practice.

(b) intransitive. To change into, come to have, a specified nature, shape, or (esp.) colour.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > be transformed [verb (intransitive)] > in shape

turna1425

shift1607

taurize1727

transfigure1840

metamorphose1927

a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 369 (MED) Ȝif þe spatle appere gros in begynnynge..& son efter þat turn to thyk..it sais þat þe mater is obedient or ellys þat kynd is strange & myȝty.

c1450 Mandeville's Trav. (Coventry) (1973) l. 1940 (MED) There springeth out a fair welle..And as offt as it chaungith coloure, Hit turneth into dyuers sauoure.

a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 1850 (MED) Siluer to Azure sone broght wil be..wherfore it turnyth to hevynly colour fayre.

1678 J. Phillips tr. J.-B. Tavernier Indian Trav. ii. xxii. 155 in tr. J.-B. Tavernier Six Voy. The milk will turn to the colour of an Apostemated matter.

1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 482 Black cattle have been observed to turn..to a dun colour.

1939 T. L. Green Pract. Animal Biol. iv. 257 Add 5 drops of Millon's solution to 5 ccs. of white of egg which will form a white coagulum; on warming this will turn to a reddish colour.

2008 T.-R. Hsu MEMS & Microsystems xi. 438 A torch heats the wire tip to about 400◦C, at which temperature the wire tip turns into the shape of a ball.

c. transitive. To exchange (something) for something else; to get something else instead of (a thing). Formerly also: †to substitute something else for (a thing) (obsolete). Cf. convert v. 15.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > exchange > exchange, change for [verb (transitive)]

changec1225

truck?c1225

interchangec1374

permutec1400

wrixlec1400

turnc1449

wissel1487

chaffer1530

niffer1540

bandy1589

to chaffer words1590

swap1590

barter1596

counterchange1598

commute1633

trade1636

countercambiate1656

ring1786

rebarter1845

trade1864

swop1890

permutate1898

interconvert1953

c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 557 Eer than he haue turnede or chaungid the iewelis into money.

?1537 R. Benese Bk. Measurynge Lande sig. Fiv^v Ye must turne the perches in to pence.

c1593 Trag. Rich. II ii. iii. 23 My iewells and my plaite are turnd to coyne.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 32 Thy Marble Statue shall be turn'd to Gold.

1827 T. Jarman Powell's Ess. Learning of Devises (ed. 3) II. 97 He laid some stress upon the fact of the real estate being turned into personal.

1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 ii. 557 [They] turned their little stock into Cash.

2013 Oldie Apr. 26/1 You can legitimately turn some of your pension savings into cash.

32.

a. transitive. To change, alter, make different, or transmute (something); to substitute something else (of the same kind) for (a thing). Now only in to turn (†one's) colour at Phrases 1e, to turn sides at Phrases 1n, or as associated with other senses.Use in this sense with a prepositional phrase or complement, as in senses 31a(a), 36b(a), is much more usual.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (transitive)]

wharvec897

wendOE

i-wendeOE

awendOE

aturn?c1225

biwrixle?c1225

changec1225

turnc1225

shifta1325

vary1340

inchangea1382

strange1390

altera1398

alterate?a1425

permute?a1425

difference1481

renewc1515

alienate1534

wrixlec1540

to chop and change1557

variate1566

palter1587

permutate1598

immute1613

unmake1616

unsame1632

chop1644

veer1647

variegatea1690

refract1700

mutabilatea1704

commute1825

stranger1863

switch1919

c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 115 Godd ne scheop hit neauer swuch Ah adam & eue turnden hit to beo swuch, þurh hare sunne.

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7248 (MED) Merlin him turned flesche and liche And was bicomen a garsoun.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10434 Mend þi mode and turn þi chere.

?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 57 An aungel helde Iacob stille & turned his name & cleped him Israel.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) vii. 170 Whan the barons sawe reynawde & bayarde so torned, they began to laughe.

1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. cvi Schir gawane tretit the knight to turn his entent.

1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 244 Some deere friend dead, else nothing in the world could turne so much the constitution of any constant man.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 437 Orus writeth, that there is a fishe of this name which turneth sexe.

1892 Temple Bar Jan. 144 Suddenly she turned the subject.

b. intransitive. To undergo change or alteration; to become different, to change (now chiefly of the weather, the season, etc.).Use in this sense with a prepositional phrase or complement, as in senses 31a(b), 36a, is much more usual.In quot. 1599: to be fickle or inconstant.Quot. a1225 shows equivalent use of prefixed i-turnen.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)]

wendeOE

braidOE

change?c1225

turnc1300

remue1340

varyc1369

flitc1386

strange1390

alter?a1425

degenerate1548

variate1605

commutatea1652

veer1670

mutate1818

reschedule1887

switch1906

to change up1920

a1225 ( Ælfric's Homily In Die Sancto Pentecosten (Lamb. 487) in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 91 Þa þet folc þis iherde þa iturne [perhaps read iturnde] heore mod.]

c1300 St. Eustace (Laud) l. 37 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 394 Þis knyȝth liet is name tuyrne and liet him cleopie Eustas.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Hosea ii. 9 This womman wiste not, for Y ȝaue to hir wheet, wijne, and oyle... Therfore Y shal turne, and shal take my wheet in hys tyme, and my wijn in his tyme.

c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B xv. l. 509 For coueityse of þat crosse, men of holykirke Shul tourne as templeres did.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 3507 Þe peple..loke & wondre & deme what hem liste..Þey ofte varie and torne to and fro..Þe comoun peple chaungeth as a phane.

1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 98 Whan fortune torneth and perisshith ther abideth not to hym one frende.

a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Cambr.) l. 1283 + 47 Al his þouȝt bygan to tern.

1599 W. Shakespeare et al. Passionate Pilgrime (new ed.) sig. B She bad loue last, and yet she fell a turning.

1733 A. Pope Of Use of Riches 19 Things change their titles as our manners turn.

1894 C. H. H. Parry Stud. Great Composers: Schubert 226 How to make the form turn and vary.

1984 A. Swinfen In Def. of Fantasy vi. 142 The terror and awe of man reaches a similar peak, until the season turns, light gains the ascendance, and hope returns to the world.

1997 J. Coe House of Sleep (1998) xi. 204 The weather had turned: flecks of rain speckled the window.

33.

a. transitive. To disturb or overthrow the mental balance of, impair the power of judgement of (a person's mind); to make mad or crazy. Formerly also with a person as object.See also to turn a person's brain at brain n. Phrases 2a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > drive mad [verb (transitive)]

turn1372

mada1425

overthrow?a1425

to go (also fall, run) mada1450

deferc1480

craze1503

to face (a person) out ofc1530

dement1545

distemper1581

shake1594

distract1600

to go (also run, set) a-madding (or on madding)1600

unwita1616

insaniate?1623

embedlama1628

dementate1628

crack1631

unreason1643

bemad1655

ecstasya1657

overset1695

madden1720

maddle1775

insanify1809

derange1825

bemoon1866

send (someone) up the wall1951

1372 in E. Wilson Descriptive Index Lyrics John of Grimestone's Preaching Bk. (1973) 17 (MED) Dred and loue, hate an good Turnen mannis with and maken him wod.

c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine (Arun. 396) (1893) Prol. l. 109 (MED) The preest is stoyned, as thow he turned were.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxxvj^v Albeit they did not chaunge him wholy,..yet did they turne him & confounde him.

a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 206 The Hebrew, Chaldee, and the Syriac Do, like their Letters, set Mens Reason back; and turns their Wits, that strive to understand it.

1709 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1886) II. 300 It quite turn'd him, and destroy'd his Memory.

1901 F. Norris Octopus (1964) ii. viii. 396 I'm afraid it is going to turn his wits, sir.

2015 K. Linley ‘King Lear’ in Context xiii. 255 Lear's anger, fierce disappointment and longing for revenge..have now completely turned his wits, triggered by Tom's pretended insanity.

b. intransitive. Of a person's head: to become deranged or distracted; (in weakened sense) to become bewildered. Cf. sense 1b. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > perplexity, bewilderment > be or become confused [verb (intransitive)]

wonder1297

confusec1350

maskera1375

studya1375

to annoy of?c1400

muse?c1430

marc1440

manga1450

puzzle1605

dunce1611

quandary1616

wavera1625

wilder1658

to scratch one's head1712

maffle1781

to strike up1844

turn1852

to fall over oneself1889

fuzz1930

to get the lines crossed1973

the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > misjudgement > judge wrongly [verb (intransitive)] > become impaired (of judgement)

turn1852

1852 M. Arnold Empedocles on Etna, & Other Poems 205 So many books thou readest,..That thy poor head almost turns.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay xi. 174 I trust the poor man's head hasn't turned with all his troubles.

2012 D. Harkness Shadow of Night 95 ‘Walter said we were going to Saint-Malo,’ I said, my head turning in consternation.

†34.

a. transitive. To bring (a person or thing) into a specified condition, as in to turn into madness ‘to cause to become mad, to make mad’. Obsolete.In quot. a1470: turned into helpynge (perhaps) ‘brought into a condition of recovery’, ‘getting better’. In quot. c1540: to turn on fire ‘to set on fire’.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] > in character or function

reduce?a1425

convert1557

resolve?a1560

transnature1567

transnaturalize1631

transmutate1632

transdignify1655

process1881

denaturate1895

denature1907

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark iii. 21 Thei seiden, for he is turnyd in to wodenesse [L. in furorem versus est].

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 886 He asked sir Melyas how hit stood with hym. Than he seyde he was turned into helpynge [1485 Caxton torned vnto helpyng], God be thanked.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 110 The Troiens þaire tore shippis hade turnyt on ffyre.

1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 152 Dionisius,..beeing turned by Iuno into madnes.

1664 S. Melish England's Warning 3 Then I saw that fiery Rod..turned into fire, and two other Fires, on both sides, ascending upward in the midst of the Sky.

b. intransitive. To get into a specified condition, as in to turn into ire ‘to become angry’. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become > get into specified condition

becomec888

fallOE

turnc1540

change1583

to get into ——1657

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 185 Þen Thelamon was tenfull & turnyt into yre.

35. transitive. Followed by into or to. To make (a person or thing) the subject of praise, mockery, etc. Now only in to turn into (also to) ridicule at ridicule n.¹ 2. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > deride, ridicule, or mock [verb (transitive)] > make ridiculous

to make (a) mock ofc1475

ridiculize?1615

turn1673

ridicule1684

to make a hare of1830

farcify1834

guy1854

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 143 He wolde torne [c1400 Tiber. teurne; L. fecit] hit to bourde and [to] lawȝhynge.

1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay sig. Biii^v Thay that..twrnis the halie writ to lichtlines and scorne.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. v. 197 It cannot but turn him into a notable contempt.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. i. 21 Her Father..may..be a little angry..: but my Mother..shall turne all into my commendations.

1673 J. Dryden Marriage a-la-Mode iii. i. 35 Methinks I'm to be turn'd into ridicule by all that see me.

1964 P. P. Wiener Nakamura's Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples xxxiv. 406 The Japanese turn into ridicule indiscriminately a Buddha, the Seven Deities of Good Luck, or whatever else is transplanted from abroad.

36.

a. To change so as to be ——, to become ——.

(a) intransitive. With adjective complement.In quot. a1400 with adverb phrase, implying anaphoric reference to an adjective.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become

yworthOE

worthOE

goOE

becomec1175

come?a1200

waxc1220

charea1225

aworthc1275

makea1300

fallc1300

breedc1325

grow1340

strikea1375

yern1377

entera1382

turna1400

smitec1400

raxa1500

resolvea1500

to get into ——?1510

waxen1540

get1558

prove1560

proceed1578

befall1592

drop1654

evade1677

emerge1699

to turn out1740

to gain into1756

permute1864

slip1864

a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 6584 With wykked man, þou turnest as he.

1450 J. Gresham in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 51 Þerwith he turned pale colour.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. ciij Saiyng: that God was turned Englishe, and the deuill would not helpe Fraunce.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §851 Cygnets from Gray turne White.

1758 R. Brown Compl. Farmer (1759) 111 When..the stalk begins to die, and to turn brown.

1861 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 22 i. 48 The milk is apt to turn sour.

1916 A. E. A. Jacobs Let. 1 Apr. in L. Housman War Lett. Fallen Englishmen (2002) 154 Should Fritz turn nasty and send a few woolly bears over, I have only to dive..into the commodious funk hole.

1991 G. Ehrlich Islands, Universe, Home vi. 71 The nights have turned cold.

2016 BBC Wildlife July 47/3 This substance turns red on exposure to sunlight.

(b) intransitive. With noun complement (usually without article).Frequently in to turn traitor or with a noun denoting religious affiliation as complement; cf. sense 24b.

ΚΠ

1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xxxvii. f. 90^v Although hee were a Gentile & a straunger, yet he came vnto our Fleete, with intent to turne Christian.

a1594 Edmond Ironside (1991) iii. v. 98 Whye sir, you [will] not turne wiseman will you?

1600 W. Cornwallis Ess. I. xxiii. sig. M8 Alas they haue deliuerd Prisoners that haue turnd Traitours, and instantly betrayed them to Derision.

1660 T. Fuller Mixt Contempl. i. vi. 11 The remedy turned the Malady of the Land.

1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. xvii. 531 A mother must turn monster if she does not love her babe.

1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton My Novel II. v. ix. 47 Did not you turn..a common stage-player, sir?

1879 E. Dowden Southey vi. 178 Under such strokes a courageous heart may turn coward.

1957 in Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) Ye're turnin a big boy.

1991 Filmfax Dec. 89 (advt.) A hilarious spy-exploitation film about a Japanese orphan, raised in America, who turns traitor and helps plot the invasion of California.

2012 B. A. O'Reilly Grace under Pressure xxiii. 288 Did the whole family willfully ‘turn Catholic’ or just the priests?

(c) intransitive. In past participle with noun complement, forming a phrase modifying a preceding noun. Frequently in poacher turned gamekeeper at poacher n.¹ 1b.

ΚΠ

1612 R. Daborne (title) A Christian turn'd Turke: or, the tragicall liues and deaths of the two famous pyrates, Ward and Dansiker.

1672 E. Ravenscroft (title) The citizen turn'd gentleman: a comedy.

a1849 E. Elliott in J. Searle Life E. Elliott (1850) iii. 140 I could imagine them to represent four important scenes in the life of a Tailor: first, the Tailor turned gentleman; second, the Tailor going a picturesquing; [etc.].

1891 Times 26 Feb. 7/5 The poacher turned gamekeeper could not be more fully alive to the responsibilities of his position than Mr. Wyndham in the character of [etc.].

1964 Eng. Stud. 45 382 Their Scandinavian conquerors-turned-neighbors.

2003 N.Y. Mag. 9 June 91/1 (advt.) Shy, sweet, sexy musician turned rabbi turned LA corporate lawyer.

(a) transitive. With adjective or (occasionally) noun complement. To cause (a person or thing) to become ——; to make (a person or thing) ——; to render.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition

set971

haveOE

wendOE

to bring onc1230

teemc1275

putc1330

run1391

casta1400

laya1400

stead1488

constitute1490

render1490

takea1530

introduce1532

deduce1545

throw?1548

derive?c1550

turn1577

to work up1591

estate1605

arrive1607

state1607

enduea1616

assert1638

sublime1654

to run up1657

1577 J. Frampton tr. N. Monardes Ioyfull Newes f. 78 It is greene beyng freshe, the Sunne doeth ripen it, and doeth turne it blacke.

?1608 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Of Wisdome i. xvi. 67 Touching the Soule: it makes a man to lose his vnderstanding, his knowledge, iudgement; it turnes him foole and mad-man.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 493 It almost turnes my dangerous Nature wilde.

1727 E. Strother tr. P. Hermann Materia Medica I. i. 60 Its Salt is demonstrated by its præcipitating Vitriol out of Water, and turning it black.

1744 A. Pope Epist. to Several Persons i. 15 That gay Free-thinker,..What turns him now a stupid silent dunce?

1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 23 His fears would turn him chill.

1849 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 10 i. 177 It turns the fibre black.

1904 S. J. Weyman Abbess of Vlaye xiv With a..shock of the mind that turned her hot.

1995 K. Smith Moss Side Massive 194 This time they were going to turn him informer.

2016 L. Kessler Haunt Me (2017) 325 ‘Tell us a secret that you have never told anyone!’ Her question turns me cold inside.

(b) transitive. Usually with adjective complement. To cause (a person) to change their sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. (so as to become ——). Also (and in earliest use) intransitive: to change one's sexual orientation, gender identity, etc., so as to become ——. It is now frequently disputed whether it is possible for such a change to occur.

1922 B. Hollander Psychol. Misconduct, Vice, & Crime viii. 142 Companions in self-abuse are likely to turn homosexual.

1983 N.Y. Mag. 17 Jan. 31/2 She began hugging and kissing her in the parking lot. Diane had turned lesbian, her friends remarked.

1999 R. T. Davies Queer as Folk: Scripts Episode 3. 74 All those pretty boys, you watch yourself. They'll try and turn you!

2022 @wintersong 6 Apr. in twitter.com (accessed 13 June 2022) Telling kids LGBTQ folk exist doesn't turn them queer or trans.

37.

a. transitive. Originally: †to curdle (milk) (obsolete). Subsequently: to cause (milk or fermented liquor) to sour or go off. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [verb (transitive)] > curdle

curd?1440

turn1548

curdle1585

shill1691

whig1835

the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > perform general preparation processes [verb (transitive)] > sour

turn1548

quarl1607

1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Coagulum..a courde or creame, the ruen of a beaste, wherewith mylke is tourned.

1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 164 A Hogshead..of white wine Lees, not yet turned and sowr.

1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada ii. iii. i. 100 Love..'Tis soon made sowr, and turn'd by Jealousie.

1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 162 This..turn'd the very blood within my Veins.

1887 M. B. Betham-Edwards Next of Kin Wanted II. x. 130 A thunderstorm to-night might turn the syllabub.

2008 Daily Mirror (Nexis) 10 Oct. 15 Zac has also been traipsing round the promotional TV and radio interview circuit with a face that could turn milk.

b. intransitive. Originally: †(of milk) to become curdled (obsolete). Subsequently: (of milk or fermented liquor) to become sour, to go off; (of meat) to tend towards decomposition, to start to spoil. Also in extended use and figurative. Cf. on the turn at turn n. Phrases 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [verb (intransitive)] > curdle or become curdled

runeOE

loppera1300

curda1398

to run togethera1398

quaila1425

trout1483

lop1570

turn1577

quar1578

curdle1586

caille1601

to set together1608

set1736

whig1756

shill1876

clabber1880

the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > [verb (intransitive)] > sour

turn1577

quarl1607

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 147 Some vse to put into the bottome of theyr payles, the greene kernelles of the Pine apple, and milking into them, doo cause it so to turne.

1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie ii. v. sig. D3 If it thunder, though all the Ale and Beere in the towne turne, it will be constant.

1624 P. Massinger Bond-man i. iii. sig. C3 The blood turnes.

1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Chocolate If you would have Milk Chocolate, take as much Milk as you do Water,..and take care it does not turn.

1823 M. Eaton Cook & Housekeeper's Dict. 291/2 They [sc. rabbits] keep a good while by proper care, and are best when rather beginning to turn, if the inside is preserved from being musty.

1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 602 A thunderstorm sometimes destroys the coagulating power in the whole laminæ at once; or causes the glue to turn on the nets, in the language of the manufacturer.

2013 H. Cobb Heart of Tiger iv The meat had begun to turn. You know, rot.

2018 Observer (Nexis) 18 Jan. (Life & Style section) We mutter to ourselves ‘something must be done’ with the kind of sigh we usually reserve for discovering the milk has turned.

38.

a. intransitive. Of fruit, leaves, hair, etc.: to change colour, become a different colour. Cf. earlier to turn colour at Phrases 1e.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour [verb (intransitive)]

turn1568

chameleonize1599

to turn (one's) colour1604

discolour1612

colour1667

stir1792

1568 W. Turner Herbal ii. f. 3 This kynde hath manye longe rootes writhen one by an other, whiche beyng somthynge yelow turn toward a black.

1841 J. R. Willis Carleton II. xiv. 213 The leaves were beginning to turn, for the two or three cold nights, that had occurred within the preceding week, had nipped a few upon almost every tree and bush.

1888 W. D. Howells Annie Kilburn iv When her hair had begun to turn.

1893 Argosy Jan. 71 Really some ripe strawberries?.. Ours are not turning yet.

1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey Wodds & Doggerybaw: Lincs. Dial. Dict. 322/1 Turn/Turnin', to ripen. Ripening. A reference to fruit changing colour. ‘Them termarters is turnin' nicely. Us'll let 'em smoor a piece mooãre an' they'll be ready be termorrer er the day atter...’

2012 Sunday Times (Nexis) 14 Oct. 33 The leaves are turning nicely, helped by the longer, chillier nights and sunny days.

b. transitive. To change the colour of (a substance, a leaf, etc.). Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour of [verb (transitive)]

mewa1425

transcolour1658

strike1664

turn1791

transcolorate1823

wry1866

1791 W. Hamilton tr. C.-L. Berthollet Elements Art of Dyeing II. ii. iii. ix. 233 The silk being distributed on the rods.., lemon-juice..is poured into the bath, till it is of a fine cherry colour. This is called turning (virer) the bath.

1867 A. Sartoris Week in Fr. Country-house i. 17 Poplars, already turned by the season.

1949 J. M. Myers Silverlock xix. 216 Frost had turned the leaves, but the temperature was that of an Indian summer.

Phrases

P1. With noun as object or complement.

(a) to turn one's (also †the) back: to change one's position so that one's back faces a person, a place, etc.; (also figurative) to stop looking at or monitoring the behaviour of a person; (formerly also) to flee, take flight; cf. to turn tail at Phrases 1o (obsolete). Cf. earlier to turn the ridge at ridge n.¹ 1b. [Compare Anglo-Norman, Old French, Middle French, French tourner le dos to flee (1100).]

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]

wendeOE

i-wite971

ashakec975

shakeOE

to go awayOE

witea1000

afareOE

agoOE

atwendOE

awayOE

to wend awayOE

awendOE

gangOE

rimeOE

flitc1175

to fare forthc1200

depart?c1225

part?c1225

partc1230

to-partc1275

biwitec1300

atwitea1325

withdrawa1325

to draw awayc1330

passc1330

to turn one's (also the) backc1330

lenda1350

begonec1370

remuea1375

voidc1374

removec1380

to long awaya1382

twinc1386

to pass one's wayc1390

trussc1390

waive1390

to pass out ofa1398

avoida1400

to pass awaya1400

to turn awaya1400

slakec1400

wagc1400

returnc1405

to be gonea1425

muck1429

packc1450

recede1450

roomc1450

to show (a person) the feetc1450

to come offc1475

to take one's licence1475

issue1484

devoidc1485

rebatea1500

walka1500

to go adieua1522

pikea1529

to go one's ways1530

retire?1543

avaunt1549

to make out1558

trudge1562

vade?1570

fly1581

leave1593

wag1594

to get off1595

to go off1600

to put off1600

shog1600

troop1600

to forsake patch1602

exit1607

hence1614

to give offa1616

to take off1657

to move off1692

to cut (also slip) the painter1699

sheera1704

to go about one's business1749

mizzle1772

to move out1792

transit1797–1803

stump it1803

to run away1809

quit1811

to clear off1816

to clear out1816

nash1819

fuff1822

to make (take) tracks (for)1824

mosey1829

slope1830

to tail out1830

to walk one's chalks1835

to take away1838

shove1844

trot1847

fade1848

evacuate1849

shag1851

to get up and get1854

to pull out1855

to cut (the) cable(s)1859

to light out1859

to pick up1872

to sling one's Daniel or hook1873

to sling (also take) one's hook1874

smoke1893

screw1896

shoot1897

voetsak1897

to tootle off1902

to ship out1908

to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909

to push off1918

to bugger off1922

biff1923

to fuck off1929

to hit, split or take the breeze1931

to jack off1931

to piss offa1935

to do a mick1937

to take a walk1937

to head off1941

to take a hike1944

moulder1945

to chuff off1947

to get lost1947

to shoot through1947

skidoo1949

to sod off1950

peel1951

bug1952

split1954

poop1961

mugger1962

frig1965

society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)]

to come awayeOE

wendeOE

i-wite971

ashakec975

shakeOE

to go awayOE

witea1000

afareOE

agoOE

awayOE

dealc1000

goOE

awendOE

rimeOE

to go one's wayOE

flitc1175

depart?c1225

partc1230

to-partc1275

atwitea1325

withdrawa1325

to turn one's (also the) backc1330

lenda1350

begonec1370

remuea1375

removec1380

to long awaya1382

twinc1386

to pass one's wayc1390

trussc1390

to turn awaya1400

returnc1405

to be gonea1425

recede1450

roomc1450

to come offc1475

to take one's licence1475

issue1484

walka1500

to go adieua1522

pikea1529

avaunt1549

trudge1562

vade?1570

discoast1571

leave1593

wag1594

to go off1600

troop1600

hence1614

to set on one's foota1616

to pull up one's stumps1647

quit1811

to clear out1816

slope1830

to walk one's chalks1835

shove1844

to roll out1850

to pull out1855

to light out1859

to take a run-out powder1909

to push off (also along)1923

c1330 Simonie (Auch.) (1991) l. 348 He wole take xl pans for to do doun his hod And speke for þe a word or to and don þe litel god, I trouwe. And haue he turned þe bak, he makeþ þe a mouwe.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 264 (MED) Furious and wroth, Tornynge þe bak, oute anon he goth.

a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 8486 When þey wer sondred, þey tur [n] d þe bak.

1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. D4 When I craued a finall resolution to my fatall passions, shee filde her..eyes full of furie, turned her backe, and shooke me off with a Non placet.

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. i. 130 The shame Of those that turnd their backes .

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. x. 9 When he had turned his backe to go from Samuel.

c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 99 If you turn your backs and refuse to..hearken.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 108. ¶4 Sir Roger's Back was no sooner turn'd but honest Will. began.

1858 Atlantic Monthly Nov. 764/1 Sensible mothers..know enough to throw his trash out of the window as soon as he turns his back.

2004 Ashmolean Summer 2 The sea-god Poseidon, trident in hand, turns his back in disgust at the heroes' action, while the walls of Troy rear in the background.

(b) to turn one's (also the) back to (also †unto): = to turn one's back on at Phrases 1a(c). Formerly also (with indirect object) †to turn (a person) the back.

ΚΠ

c1400 Prickynge of Love (Harl.) (1983) 22 (MED) Good ihesu..I..for-ȝete þe..and turne my bak to-þe-ward.

a1425 in M. L. Arntz Richard Rolle & Gratia Dei (1981) 100 In þe tyme of prayere..mene sall noght turne God þe bake & speke with othire.

a1500 (a1400) Ipomedon (Chetham) (1889) l. 4797 (MED) He tornyde hym the bake þat tyde..Vnder his dent he durste not byde.

c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) vi (MED) Fortune the bak him turnyt.

1574 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Job (new ed.) sig. ¶¶.ij. The wicked hath tourned vnto me the backe, and not the face.

1698 F. Grant Sadducismus Debellatus 6 Thou turn'st thy Back to me, when I am telling thee truth; if I were reading a Story-Book..thou would'st hear that.

1755 W. Emerson Navigation i. 6 Then turning the back to the sun, and looking through the vanes C and A, raise or settle the Instrument.

1899 S. Crane in McClure's Mag. Feb. 335 The situation demanded that he face the sea and turn his back to the Spanish bullets.

2006 S. Kenyon Dark Side of Moon xi. 186 He turned his back to her as if nothing had happened. But even so she could sense his unrest.

(c) to turn one's back on (also upon): to change one's position so that one's back faces (a person, a place, etc.); (in extended and figurative use) to depart from, abandon, desert, refuse contact with (a person, place, etc.).

ΚΠ

a1425 in M. L. Arntz Richard Rolle & Gratia Dei (1981) 100 For velany it were grete..if a mane stode before þe pape or þe kyng to say his nedis, if he turne his bak on þos lords þe whils he spekes with þaim of his nedfull thynges to iangill with othire about hym with wayne wordes.

c1480 (a1400) St. Placidus 303 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 78 Forton..turnyt hyr bak one hym wrathly.

1537 M. Coverdale tr. M. Luther Expos. Psalm xxii sig. Biii^v Thus speaketh a sure and constant fayth, which turneth her back vpon euery thynge that is temporall & transitory.

1581 Earl of Morton in Cal. State Papers Scotl. (1910) VI. 14 I was purposed to have..turned my backe upon Scotland while I had sene further.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear i. 165 To turne thy hated backe Vpon our kingdome.

1740 C. Davies Life & Adventures ii. 28 He answered with a Pish only, and turning his back on me, said to a Captain, you see the Fruits of making mean People familiar.

1866 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighb. (1878) xxx. 522 I never turned my back on my leader yet.

1912 E. Sidgwick Herself vii. 99 The story went of him that on a gala opera-night..he had begun by turning his back on the stage.

1987 R. Hall Kisses of Enemy (1990) iii. lii. 300 He wears his nose rather too high in the air and is given to turning his back upon persons attempting to be pleasant to him.

2013 C. Johnson Serpent's Tooth 31 The keys are hanging in the holding cell, but I wouldn't turn my back on him for an instant.

b. to turn the balance (also †beam): to have greater weight or importance; to preponderate: = to turn the scale at Phrases 1m. Cf. beam n.¹ 6.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > predominance or preponderance > [verb (intransitive)]

to turn the balance (also beam)1600

to turn the scale1815

1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream v. i. 313 A moth will turne the ballance; which Pyramus, which Thisby is the better.

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. v. 158 Thy madnes shall be payd with weight Tell our scale turne the beame.

1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature iii. 59 When there is nothing in the opposite Scale..this [probability] in the course of nature must turn the beam.

1841 D. W. Jobson Hist. French Revol. v. 199 The intelligence of Dumouriez's disasters turned the beam in favour of the Jacobins, whose energy in moments of peril invariably triumphed over the irresolution of the others.

1892 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 10 36 A straw will often suffice to turn the balance.

2014 Australian (Nexis) 1 Nov. (Review section) 16 Dingos..turned the balance of Australian fauna in favour of carnivores.

c. to turn (†one's) bridle: to turn one's horse and ride back; (of a rider) to retreat. Also figurative. Now rare and archaic.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > turn back

to turn (one's) bridlec1330

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 4937 Gaheriet þo turned his bridel And swiþe wald oȝain ride Ac þe paiems about him come And wold him han ynome.

a1450 (a1400) Athelston (1951) l. 546 (MED) Þe bysschop..turnys hys brydyl and wendes agayn..Vnto þe Brokene-Cros off ston.

1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Persian Wars ii. 60 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian The Persians..drave them out of the fastnesses, and then turn'd bridle.

1825 W. Scott Betrothed xiii, in Tales Crusaders I. 242 Were I you, my Lady Eveline,..I would turn bridle yet; for this old dungeon seems little likely to afford food or shelter to Christian folks.

1920 Shanghai Gaz. 28 Jan. 3/5 The moment they had passed me they turned bridle to accompany me to my destination.

2014 A. W. Field Prelude to Waterloo ix Some individuals attacked the guns and caused some disorder and casualties before turning bridle and rallying with their units.

d. to turn one's coat: to change sides, to desert one's party or principles. Cf. turncoat n. 1a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > in conduct

to turn one's coat1565

convert?1575

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles

declinec1374

starta1450

revert?a1525

to fall away1535

to turn (one's) tippet1546

revolt1549

shrink1553

to turn one's coat1565

to come over1576

apostate1596

to change (one's) sides1596

defect1596

renegade1611

to change foot1618

to run over1643

to face about1645

apostatize1648

tergiverse1675

tergiversate1678

desert1689

apostasize1696

renegado1731

rat1810

to cross the floor1822

turncoat1892

to take (the) soup1907

turn1977

1565 R. Shacklock tr. S. Hozjusz Hatchet of Heresies 74 Howe many tymes Melancthon hath turned his cote in this one opinion.

1577 J. Grange Garden in Golden Aphroditis sig. Oiij^v Now must I turne my coate and cleaue vnto my God, Desiring pardon for my crime.

1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ix. 196 That all the Protestants would either turn their Coats, Copies, arms, or fly away.

1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose ix, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 210 Sir John Urrie, a soldier..who had already changed sides twice during the Civil War, and was destined to turn his coat a third time before it was ended.

1946 G. Millar Horned Pigeon ix. 130 Like good policemen all over the world, they were only too willing to turn their coats (to keep law and order, of course).

2002 Philadelphia Weekly 17 Apr. 15/2 The mass mailing sent to GOP backers across the state had local voter-registration officials telling the Inquirer that a few thousand locals have turned their coats.

e. to turn (†one's) colour: to change colour, become a different colour; (of a person) to become pale or red in the face (now rare).Cf. quot. 1450 at sense 36a(a).

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > skin > complexion > paleness > [verb (intransitive)] > become or turn pale

blakea1225

fallowa1250

blokec1275

bloknec1315

bleykec1327

blikena1400

falla1450

to paint pale (also white)a1529

blemish1530

appale1534

to turn (one's) colour1548

wan1582

bleak1605

whiten1775

blench1813

etiolate1882

the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour [verb (intransitive)]

turn1568

chameleonize1599

to turn (one's) colour1604

discolour1612

colour1667

stir1792

the world > life > the body > skin > complexion > [verb (intransitive)] > change colour

to change (one's) huec1380

to change coloura1387

to change countenance (also face)c1425

change1600

to turn (one's) colour1604

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxxiv It maie euidently appere, that the blacke Ethyopian, or the blacke coloured rauen, wil soner turne their colours.

?1567 M. Parker Def. Priestes Mariages 129 And knittyng his browes, he laied his hande on his dagger, and set his countenaunce in suche sorte, that the Frenche hardie Ambassadour, tourned coloure wonderfully.

1589 J. Banister Antidotarie Chyrurg. 273 Let them boyle till they turne colour.

1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 522 Looke where he has not turnd his cullour, and has teares in's eyes.

1720 D. Manley Power of Love vi. 346 She turned Colour, and was much surprized to see so great a Company.

1899 Tit-Bits 19 Aug. 420/2 [These] buttons..do not turn colour.

1965 M. Allingham Mind Readers (2008) xii. 123 It was a friendly question but the Deputy Commander laughed abruptly and turned colour.

1988 T. Vennum Wild Rice & Ojibway People Pref. p. vii. The crisp early autumn day, with clear, deep blue sky and sugar maples beginning to turn color, was reflected from the lake.

2016 C. L. Tan Sarong Party Girls vii. 86 Ah Beng became damned angry. After his face turned color a bit, he turned around and used his finger to signal his friends to come over.

†f. to turn edge: (of a sharp instrument) to have the edge bent so as to make it useless for cutting, to become blunt. Also figurative. Cf. sense 8c(a). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)]

to turn edge1578

to turn again1579

rebate1587

turn1633

blunt1684

1578 A. Golding tr. Seneca Conc. Benefyting i. iv. f. 4^v Yet a Greek, whose sharpnes of wit being ouer thin, is soone blunted and oftentymes turneth edge.

1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre v. iii. 234 How-ever at this time they might turn edge, they had formerly been true blades for his Holinesse.

1675 W. Okeley Eben-Ezer Upon this Bk. Had but some Monk this History to Dress, He would have made the Iron-Teeth of th' Press Turn Edge, and grin, to chew the stuff and stile.

g. Military. to turn the flank of: to enable an attack from the side or behind by getting round the flank of (an opposing army, etc.); (figurative) to circumvent or outwit (a person). Cf. sense 16b.

ΚΠ

1759 tr. Frederick II of Prussia in Mem. House of Brandenburg (ed. 4) 169 His Cavalry's extending upon their Right towards the Village of Vischell; making a Shew, as if they intended to turn the Enemy's left Flank, and take them in the Rear.

1795 W. Belsham Mem. Reign George III III. 214 An attempt was made to turn the flank of the Americans, and to surround the continental troops.

1813 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1838) X. 596 Sir Lowry Cole..retired..because his right flank was turned.

1841 R. W. Emerson Circles in Ess. 1st Ser. (London ed.) 311 There is not a piece of science, but its flank may be turned to-morrow.

1963 G. A. Williams Medieval London vii. 209 The aldermen tried to organize a boycott, but Mansel turned their flank. He summoned a Folkmoot.

1987 H. W. Pfanz Gettysburg: First Day xix. 264 Just as Avery's brigade turned the flank of the 134th New York on Coster's right, so Hays's brigade turned the flank of the 27th Pennsylvania on Coster's left.

h. to turn one's hand.

(a) To make an attack; to bring about hardship. Chiefly followed by against, upon. Cf. sense 26a. Now archaic and rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)]

greetc893

overfallOE

riseOE

assail?c1225

to lay on or upon?c1225

onseekc1275

to set on ——c1290

infighta1300

saila1300

to go upon ——c1300

to turn one's handc1325

lashc1330

annoyc1380

impugnc1384

offendc1385

to fall on ——a1387

sault1387

affrayc1390

to set upon ——1390

to fall upon ——a1398

to lay at?a1400

semblea1400

assayc1400

havec1400

aset1413

oppressa1425

attachc1425

to set at ——c1430

fraya1440

fray1465

oppugn?a1475

sayc1475

envaye1477

pursue1488

envahisshe1489

assaulta1500

to lay to, untoa1500

requirea1500

enterprise?1510

invade1513

assemblec1515

expugn1530

to fare on1535

to fall into ——1550

mount1568

attack?1576

affront1579

invest1598

canvass1599

to take arms1604

attempt1605

to make force at, to, upon1607

salute1609

offence1614

strikea1616

to give a lift at1622

to get at ——1650

insult1697

to walk into ——1794

to go in at1812

to go for ——1838

to light on ——1842

strafe1915

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)]

assail?c1225

to set on ——c1290

saila1300

to turn one's handc1325

lashc1330

to set against ——c1330

impugnc1384

offendc1385

weighc1386

checka1400

to lay at?a1400

havec1400

to set at ——c1430

fraya1440

rehetea1450

besail1460

fray1465

tuilyie1487

assaulta1500

enterprise?1510

invade1513

sturt1513

attempt1546

lay1580

tilt1589

to fall aboard——1593

yoke1596

to let into1598

to fall foul1602

attack1655

do1780

to go in at1812

to pitch into ——1823

tackle1828

vampire1832

bushwhack1837

to go for ——1838

take1864

pile1867

volcano1867

to set about ——1879

vampirize1888

to get stuck into1910

to take to ——1911

weigh1941

rugby-tackle1967

rugger-tackle1967

a1425 (a1382) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) 2 Kings xxiv. 17 I biseche, be thin hoond turned [L. vertatur..manus tua] aȝens me, and aȝens the hows of my fader.

1694 J. Owen Englands Warning 14 By our obstinacy and continuance in impenitency and disobedience, we have caused him to turn his Hand against us.

1839 J. Yeowell Anc. Brit. Church (1847) x. 107 Her cruel masters turned their ruthless hands against every thing and person that had a religious character.

1877 Queen's Printers' Bible-Aids 134 David..entreating him [sc. God] to spare the innocent people, and to turn his hand upon himself.

1906 Jewish Era 15 Jan. 171/1 The prophet intimates that when God has finished the chastisement of Judah He will then turn His hand upon those nations and punish them.

2010 K. M. Saxegaard Character Complexity in Bk. of Ruth viii. 199 She complains about God who has turned his hand against her.

(b) Followed by to: to apply oneself to, set to work at, take up as an occupation. Frequently in such expressions as they can turn their hands to anything. Formerly also †without possessive. Cf. sense 22.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with

entreat?a1450

overtakea1500

to go on ——1508

take1523

to go about ——?1533

to set upon ——1555

fall1589

to turn one's hand1628

to take to task1649

tackle1847

to take on1898

1628 T. Taylor Man in Christ 95 How mightily did Gods power manifest it selfe in ouercomming all difficulties in that Creation? no finite power could turne hand to it.

1703 R. Steele Tender Husband ii. i A good Servant should turn his Hand to every thing in a Family.

1847 T. De Quincey Spanish Mil. Nun in Wks. (1863) III. 11 She could turn her hand to anything.

1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 358 [He] can turn his own hand to the plough when wanted.

1867 S. Smiles Huguenots Eng. & Ireland ii. 24 [He] was ready to turn his hand to anything that might enable him to earn a living.

1951 M. Lambert & E. Marx Eng. Pop. Art iii. 48 In the nineteenth century the pargeter sometimes turned his hand to making plaques for inn signs.

2014 Times (Nexis) 4 Oct. 57 My father had the gift of the gob—he could turn his hand to selling anything.

†(a) to turn head: to turn and face an enemy; to present a bold opposing front. Cf. to turn tail at Phrases 1o. Obsolete. [Compare French tourner tête (1640 or earlier in this sense).]

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > defence > holding out or making stand > hold out or make stand [verb (intransitive)] > resist

werec1175

to turn head1575

to turn to bay1700

1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxxix. 240 When they haue eyther earthed a vermine, or brought a Deare, Bore, or suche lyke, to turne head agaynst them, then we say They Baye.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. ii. 102 He..Turnes head against the lions armed iawes.

1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 125 'Twas to no Purpose to turn Head, no Man would stand by us.

1819 A. Rees Cycl. XXX. at Rut At this time they will turn head, and furiously make at any living creature.

(b) to turn a person's head: to make a person incapable of thinking sensibly; to make a person conceited or infatuated. [Compare French tourner la tête à quelqu'un to inspire admiration (1713), to make a person conceited or infatuated (1740), to make someone make an unwise choice (a1798).]

ΚΠ

1663 A. Cowley Cutter of Coleman-St. v. xiii. 68 You turn my Head, you dizzie me.

1705 R. Steele Tender Husband ii. i. 17 Alack a day, Cousin Biddy, these Idle Romances have quite turn'd your Head.

1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. III. ii. 29 You have been making serious love to Patty, and have turned the poor girl's head.

1974 J. B. Keane Lett. of Love-Hungry Farmer in Celebrated Lett. (1996) 195 She is a fine ball of a woman with a noble stand and a head of red hair that would turn a man's head.

2005 M. Atwood Penelopiad xi. 76 People had praised her so often and lavished her with so many gifts and adjectives that it had turned her head.

(c) to turn heads (and variants): (of a person or thing) to cause people to turn and look, typically by being strikingly attractive, stylish, etc.; to catch the eye or attract attention; cf. head-turner n. 2.

ΚΠ

1878 Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis) 16 Jan. 2/3 She turned heads and won hearts as lightly as she toyed with her perfumed fan.

1894 A. G. Stephens Queenslander's Travel-notes ii. 12 The Samoan belles are really belles, and would turn many a head in Collins street.

1936 N.Y. Times 14 Apr. 5/2 (advt.) An original by Russeks Design Studio... Be the first to wear one and turn heads wherever you go.

1970 Guardian 21 Apr. 11/6 I have seen three women who would turn heads in London with their elegance.

1993 New Mexico Daily Lobo 21 Sept. 3/1 PageMaker 5.0 is turning the heads of professionals throughout the world.

2002 BusinessWeek 4 Mar. 53/2 Nissan wants this car to turn heads... That explains five new colors, ranging from paprika orange to lima-bean green.

j. to turn a person's heart: to direct a person's attention, affection, or loyalty to or from someone or something; to change a person's inclination or attitude.

ΚΠ

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 163 Ðe tilien..mid here wise word turneden mannes herte fram eorðeliche þankes to heuenliche þanke.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 20842 Þat lijf, ne dede, ne wele, ne wa, Mai neuer turn mi hert þe fra, Bot hald it hold in þi seruis.

1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. ii. xii. f. 117 Y^e haly spreit..be his grace lythis & turnis our hart to God.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. vi. 59 Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts?

1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 3 I hope he will turn your Heart from this Way of thinking.

1833 Court Jrnl. 14 Dec. 841/2 So felt the dying girl: exquisite sorrow but turned her heart more intensely to God.

1997 J. M. Scott in Exile 197 If he cannot turn his face he must turn his heart.

2011 R. Rienow When they turn Away vi. 87 If we desire to turn our hearts toward our children, we need to commit ourselves to forgiving them.

k. to turn a (new) page: to make a fresh start or new beginning, esp. after a difficult or troubled period. Similarly to turn the page (on something): to put the past behind one, to move on from the preceding era or events.Cf. to turn over a new leaf at leaf n.¹ Phrases 2b.

ΚΠ

1888 Church at Home & Abroad Apr. 400/1 The school has entered upon a new era... We turn a new page in our school history.

1913 C. F. Holder Quakers in Great Brit. & Amer. iv. 77 It is well to turn the page on the crimes and manias which have held under the guise of religion.

1977 Newsweek (Nexis) 9 May 71 Next season we will do nine new ballets... You have to turn the page.

1989 Summary of World Broadcasts Pt. 2: Eastern Europe (B.B.C.) 23 Dec. EE/0647/B1 Political goodwill..[and] maximum tactfulness..are needed in order to turn a new page in the Bulgaro-Turkish dialogue.

1995 Espace Summer 5/2 The retrospective allows me to ‘turn the page’ on a number of things... I would like this to be..a spring-board towards new places.

2014 Cycle Sport Mag. Aug. 7/1 We're doing everything that we can to show that cycling has turned a page and it's not like it was in the past.

l. to turn a profit: to earn or make a profit.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > getting or making money > get or make money [verb (intransitive)] > make profit

win1340

to wind the penny1546

vantage1563

to turn a profit1843

to do well out of1857

1843 Ainsworth's Mag. 3 236 He boasted of being foremost—of having turned a profit of fifteen shillings while the clock was striking nine!

1969 Time 21 Jan. 44 Partly because of the competition from IBM it is unlikely to turn a profit before 1970.

2013 B. Stone Everything Store iv. 134 Amazon had turned a profit by both controversial pro forma accounting standards and conventional methods.

m. to turn the scale.

(a) To cause one scale of a balance to descend; said of an additional weight, usually a slight or just sufficient one. Now frequently with at: to weigh (slightly more than) a specified amount.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > ascertain weight [verb (intransitive)] > weigh (a specific amount)

weighc1000

peisea1382

weighc1386

poise1389

ponder?a1425

to turn the scale1600

ponderize1634

heft1851

avoirdupois1854

scale1862

to tip the scales1884

to weigh in1909

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > ascertain weight [verb (intransitive)] > turn the scales

weigh?1566

to turn the scale1600

preponderate1623

prepond1836

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. iv. 255 The weight of a haire wil turne the scales between their haber de poiz.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. ii. 28 You waigh equallie: a feather will turne the Scale .

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis x, in tr. Virgil Wks. 520 A single Soul's too light to turn the Scale.

1844 Bell's Life in London 16 Aug. 4/4 Amos had the advantage in height and weight, being 10st 6lb, while Haggerty only turned the scale at 10st.

1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat 283 He had weighed it carefully..and it turned the scale at thirty-four pounds.

1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 883 A case containing a ¼-plate camera..turning the scale at 6 lbs.

2015 Western Advocate (Bathurst, New S. Wales) (Nexis) 18 Aug. 8 Later some of the larger hail stones were weighed and they turned the scale at five and six ounces.

(b) figurative. To be a crucial factor in determining the success or superiority of one of two opposing parties or sides.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > predominance or preponderance > [verb (intransitive)]

to turn the balance (also beam)1600

to turn the scale1815

1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. x. 94 And if my words in weight shall fail, This ponderous sword shall turn the scale.

1874 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. I. x. 311 The scale was turned in favour of strong measures by the voice of the native troops.

2015 Dominion Post (Wellington, N.Z.) (Nexis) 24 June (Sport section) 16 That could have turned the scales in the All Blacks' favour.

n. to turn sides: to change sides, go over from one side to the other.

ΚΠ

1735 R. Challoner Short Hist. Protestant Relig. vi. 71 This Queen was no sooner dead, but he turn'd Sides once more.

1871 A. P. Brotherhead Himself his Worst Enemy xxxiv. 236 He is unanimously admitted to the House, where—to every body's surprise and possibly his own—he turns sides and becomes as violent a Whig as before he was a Tory.

2015 M. C. Planck Gold Throne in Shadow 21 I offered my sword to your Church..when I turned sides against my fellows.

o. to turn tail.

(a) Originally Falconry. To turn and flee; to run away, retreat. Formerly also: †to turn one's back (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > hunting > hawking > action of hawk > [verb (intransitive)] > fly away from quarry

to rake out (also away, off)1575

to turn tail1575

to turn taila1586

check1615

to fly at check1667

the mind > emotion > fear > cowardice or pusillanimity > be cowardly or show signs of cowardice [verb (intransitive)] > yield in a cowardly manner > run away as a coward

to fly the pita1568

to turn tail1575

1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 126 Moste commonly if a yong hawke be let flee at olde game, shee will turne tayle.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. iv. sig. Q2 Would she..turne taile to the Heron, & flie quite out another way.

1587 R. Greene Euphues sig. E To cast out no lure to such a haggarde as would turne taile to a full fist.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxiv. 246 Such as retire from the Princes presence, do not by & by turne tayle to them as we do, but go backward or sideling for a reasonable space.

1611 G. Markham Countrey Contentm. (1668) i. v. 34 Short winged Hawks..will many times neither kill their Game, nor flie their mark; but will give it over..and (as Faulconers term it) turn tail to it.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 358 The Wolves turn'd Tail.

1841 B. Hall Patchwork II. vii. 139 As soon as my companion turned tail..I was compelled..to run for it likewise.

1891 G. D. Galton La Fenton v He turned tail and fled.

2001 R. B. Parker Potshot (2002) 85 So you turned tail and ran... I didn't know you were that sensible.

†(b) To turn in opposition or defiance. Obsolete.Only in a proverbial phrase relating to worm n. 3b; cf. sense 28a, to turn again 5 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition

to turn againc1330

to join issue1583

to turn tail1611

turn1887

1611 T. Middleton & T. Dekker Roaring Girle sig. D2 Tread vpon a worme they say twill turne taile.

1641 G. Raleigh Albania 28 There is not the least Worme, but being trodden upon will turne taile.

(c) Followed by on, upon (formerly also †against). To abandon, forsake.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > avoid or shun > turn aside from

swerve1390

to depart from1535

to turn tail1624

nesh1881

dingo1930

1624 F. Quarles Iob Militant v. 4 As a Truant-Scholler..turnes speedy tayle Upon his tedious booke.

1680 J. Rushworth Hist. Coll.: Second Pt. II. 899 For him to turn tail against my Lord Deputy, must needs be a foul fault.

1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun II. 128 Ashamed to avow that you are going to turn tail on your former principles.

1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. ii. 30 [They] have turned tail upon their former faith.

1996 Times 13 Nov. 29/1 Edgar Bronfman Jr...has turned tail on the dog-eat-dog world of business.

†p. to turn one's tale: to change the way in which one speaks about or to a person; (also) to tell a different story. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)]

wendOE

divert1430

to turn one's tale1525

relent1528

revolt1540

resile?a1597

crinkle1612

to throw in (or up) one's cards1688

to box the compass1714

to turn round1808

crawfish1848

to back down1849

duff1883

back-pedal1891

punk1920

back-track1947

to back off1961

1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xcvi. f. cx^v/1 He fayned hymselfe and tourned his tale and sayde: God saue you good man.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxvii. 23 Whan thou art present, he shal..prayse thy wordes: but at the last he shall turne his tayle [1560 tale] and slaunder thy sayenge.

1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 13 Then they all turned their tales, and began to deride poor Christian behind his back.

1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 94 He did not seem glad to have me undervalue his Plantations; so I turn'd my tale; I told him I had good reason not to desire to go there to live.

q. to turn a wheel: (of a vehicle) to move or be set in motion; figurative (of a person or thing) to move forward, to make progress, to begin working (chiefly North American regional). Usually in negative constructions, as can't turn a wheel, won't turn a wheel, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > set in motion

to turn a wheel1849

to set on1855

the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)] > make progress or advance (of action or operation)

fremec1000

furtherc1200

profit1340

to go onc1449

grow1487

to commence to, intoa1500

framea1529

to get ground?1529

movec1540

work1566

promove1570

advance1577

devolve1579

to come on1584

progress1612

to gain ground1625

germinate1640

proceed1670

to gather ground1697

march1702

to make its way1711

to come forward1722

develop1744

to turn a wheel1864

shape1865

come1899

1849 Rep. Deb. & Proc. Convent. for Revision Constit. State of Kentucky 833/2 The old carriage that..has not turned a wheel for years, is taxed just as much as that which is running in all the splendor of novelty.

1864 N. Y. Times 19 Mar. 1/1 Your Convention assembled can do nothing more toward realizing the end in view than your Legislature or your Governor can accomplish. It can't turn a wheel.

1920 F. Lynde Girl, Horse & Dog ix. 158 You said a minute ago that I couldn't turn a wheel without your consent. You can't turn a wheel at all—without money.

1967 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (online ed., accessed 6 May 2021) at Turn Was it the first of June it started raining? We didn't turn a wheel for almost three weeks.

2001 Leader-Post (Regina, Sask.) (Nexis) 21 Jan. a11 He is a proponent of the ‘farm sabbatical’ program that is now calling on farmers in both Canada and the United States to simply not plant a crop in 2001... ‘We won't turn a wheel,’ he said. ‘Everything will shut down.’

2009 Classic Tractor Sept. 81/1 I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that one day I'll stumble across the ultimate barn-find—a low-hour 7000 [tractor] that hasn't turned a wheel for 20 years.

r. to turn the cat in the pan: see cat n.¹ 12. to turn the other cheek: see cheek n. Phrases 3. to turn the corner: see corner n.¹ 2b. to turn a deaf ear: see deaf adj. 2. to turn King's (also Queen's, State's) evidence: see evidence n. 5b. to turn a blind eye: see eye n.¹ Phrases 2t. to turn (a person) round one's finger: see finger n. Phrases 4i. not to turn a hair: see hair n. Phrases 14. to turn over a new leaf: see leaf n.¹ Phrases 2b. to turn (a person) round one's little finger: see little finger n. Phrases 1. to turn a penny: see penny n. Phrases 1b. to turn the tables: see table n. Phrases 2. to turn (one's) tippet: see tippet n. 1e. to turn a trick: see trick n. 5b, trick n. 10. to turn turtle: see turtle n.² 2. to turn (the) wind: see wind n.¹ 3b.

P2. With adjective or adverbial phrase (consisting of preposition + noun, etc.) as complement.

a. to turn loose (also to turn aloose).

(a) To set free (an animal) so that it is allowed to go loose; (in extended and figurative use) to free (a person or thing) from restraint, to allow (a person or thing) to go where, or do as, he or she will. Also followed by on, upon (indicating the area of free activity).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > releasing hold > let go (something held or grasped) [verb (transitive)]

beleavea1250

leta1325

to let goc1384

to leave hold1556

to turn loose?1566

quita1586

unhand1603

relinquish1651

unseize1663

unfist1692

to leave go1776

unclasp1868

to loose hold1875

society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > from confinement

unbindc950

to let freec1000

aletOE

to let out1154

loosea1225

slakec1374

loosen1382

to let goc1384

releasec1384

unloosec1400

unlockc1410

dissolvec1420

relievec1450

unloosen?a1475

to set at liberty1509

enlargea1513

to let at large1525

to let loose1530

to turn loose?1566

enfranchise1569

to turn up1573

enfranch1581

unkennel1589

unwind1596

to cast loosec1600

disimmure1611

disimprison1611

unhamper1620

to let abroad1633

unfold1633

disencloister1652

disencage1654

discagea1657

disincarcerate1665

eliminate1745

unspherea1806

unmew1818

unbottle1821

uncage1837

unbag1854

bust1921

?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce f. 35 (side-note) Horsses and mares turned loose togither.

1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor ii. i. 172 Should he loue my wife, I faith Ide turne her loose to him.

1679 J. Dryden Troilus & Cressida i. ii. 8 He's the ablest man for judgment in all Troy, you may turn him loose i' faith.

1765 Treat. Domest. Pigeons 77 He braces a letter under the wings of a Pigeon,..and..turns it loose.

1891 Virginia Med. Monthly July 327 To..turn aloose once more upon the community scores and hundreds of persons..who are simply able to hide their ignorance from the people.

1892 Sat. Rev. 9 Jan. 40/2 They are turned loose to graze on the succulent grasses.

1918 H. H. Knibbs Tang of Life xiii. 136 I busted into the jail and turned that hobo loose.

1958 Managem. Sci. 4 480 Suboptimums were computed first over nearly independent sets of vectors before the computer was turned loose on the full problem.

2006 A. M. Foley Having my Say ii. 10 In that part of the county—what's called Down Below—cows used to be turned loose to graze.

(b) U.S. To discharge, fire off (a bullet, a firearm, etc.). Also without object, followed by on (often figurative).

ΚΠ

1846 Niles' National Reg. 7 Nov. 155/2 We rushed up..driving the Mexicans down the other side and taking a 9-pounder brass cannon, ready loaded with grape, but the load intended for us was turned loose on them.

1874 J. W. Long Amer. Wild-fowl Shooting xxvi. 269 When they are coming to your decoys down-wind..as they double back to alight, ‘turn it loose’ at the middle of the cluster.

1887 Harper's Mag. June 160/1 ‘Death loves a shining mark’, and she hit a dandy when she turned loose on Jim.

1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy x The chief could not speak a word of English..; when I turned loose on him in Spanish, he..signed back to his band.

1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy xiii Somebody..turned his gun loose into the air.

1998 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 14 June i. 1/1 Barry entered Frontier Middle School..and turned his guns loose on fellow ninth graders.

2004 A. Tonken King of Cons v. 67 She turned loose on me, cussing me out good.

(c) U.S. regional (southern and Midland). To let go of, leave hold of (a person or thing). Also followed by of (with object), and with no object.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > releasing hold > let go [verb (intransitive)]

to hang off1600

to loose hold1865

to turn aloose1935

1888 Southeastern Reporter 6 223 It was customary with the hands using these poles, after adjusting them to tender and cars, to turn them loose; but, when the accident occurred, Jackson held onto the push-pole. When he put the pole there, he said, ‘All right’, but didn't turn it loose.

1929 W. Faulkner Sound & Fury 199 He turned my hands loose.

1935 T. Wolfe Of Time & River xlii. 376 You git his other hand, Jim, an' try to make him turn a-loose.

a1938 T. Wolfe Web & Rock (1947) 34 ‘You turn loose of me,’ the captive panted, ‘I'll show you who's the cry-baby!’

1966 R. Price Generous Man (1967) i. 63 ‘Safe! We're in awful danger. Turn loose, old fool!’ He turned loose and lay flat, small on the ground.

a2009 E. Kelton Texas Standoff (2010) 275 ‘Turn aloose of me,’ Daggett cried.

b. to turn to account.

†(a) To result in profit or advantage; to be profitable, to ‘pay’. Formerly also with object expressing the person benefited. Cf. sense 29 and account n. 4. Obsolete.Where there is an object of the verb this was originally an indirect object indicating the beneficiary, but was probably often taken as a direct object; cf. sense 29b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial [verb (intransitive)] > result in (adequate) advantage

to turn to accounta1632

pay1774

to bear fruit1889

to pay out1909

to pay off1946

a1632 I. Wake Three Fold Help Polit. Observ. (1655) iii. 100 Although he doth somtimee turn banquerupt, when it doth turn him to account; yet he doth alwayes finde mony for his own occasions.

1647 Declar. Congregationall Societies City of London 8 If all things were common unto all, there would be no place left for any such difference as is between giving and receiving, or if there were, both the one and the other would turne to the same account.

a1677 I. Barrow Serm. Several Occasions (1678) 38 Any of us may..throughly compass and carry it on; which will exceedingly turn to account.

1697 J. Pollexfen Disc. Trade & Coyn 20 Bullion or Coyn will turn them to a better Account.

1729 J. Swift Modest Proposal 6 They will not yield above three Pounds..which cannot turn to Account either to the Parents or the Kingdom.

1743 R. Pococke Descr. East I. 134 Of late the West India coffee..has sold so cheap, that it does not turn to account to send it to England.

1829 New Eng. Farmer 13 Nov. 133/2 We had large quantities of hemp upon the ground. It turned to good account.

(b) To make use of (something) for one's advantage or profit; to employ (something) profitably. Cf. sense 22.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] > take advantage of > turn to account

lucrify1564

improve1604

to turn to account1679

to make much (also little, something, nothing, etc.) of1707

avail1785

to make a good thing of (also out of)1800

utilize1807

exploiter1818

to make capital out of1840

capitalize1869

1679 H. Sheeres Let. 20 Oct. in Disc. Tanger (1680) 30 This Constructive, or rather equivocal Freedom, as I may call it, which we have hitherto been under, can never turn the Place to account.

1826 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) I. vii. 267 Whether I shall ever find time..to turn to account the instructions of Neukomm.

1870 J. Tyndall Lect. Electr. §20 Others have turned to account mechanically the attraction exerted by electro-magnetic cores on bars of iron.

1921 Printers' Ink 24 Nov. 151 Provided, you turn your introspection and retrospection to account in planning for the future.

2006 Irish Times (Nexis) 20 Nov. (Sport section) 9 Our forwards got a lot of ball but could not turn it to account. We found it very difficult to score into the wind.

c. to turn to bay: to turn and defend oneself, to set oneself at bay (cf. bay n.⁴ 3); also figurative. Now rare and archaic.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > defence > holding out or making stand > hold out or make stand [verb (intransitive)] > resist

werec1175

to turn head1575

to turn to bay1700

1700 G. Farquhar Constant Couple v. 53 Come, Madam, you know that you're discover'd, and being sensible, you can't escape, you wou'd now turn to Bay.

1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake i. 11 The stag must turn to bay, Where that rude rampart barred the way.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 137 The colonists turned to bay with the stubborn hardihood of their race.

1965 D. Dalby Lexicon Mediaeval German Hunt 22/2 The quarry turns to bay when the hounds are almost upon it.

a1991 N. Frye Notebooks on Renaissance Lit. (2006) 142 In late manifestations of nationalism which are anachronistic & deficient..it shows some self-consciousness in turning to bay.

d. not to know which way to turn (also †turn oneself), and similar phrases: not to know what course to take, to be at a loss what to do (partly literal and partly figurative: cf. sense 23c(c)).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > perplexity, bewilderment > be or become confused [verb (intransitive)] > be at a loss

not to know which way to turn (also turn oneself)c1400

stound1531

stick1534

confute1672

to be stuck for1861

not to know whether one is coming or going1899

c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 146 He hade so miche to done wiþ þe Erl Randulf..& wiþ Hugh Bigot..þat he ne wist whider to turne.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xxi. f. cxj^v They shall not tell which waye to turne them selves.

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. Advt. C iij b We have been at our wits end, and knew not which way in the World to turn our selves.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 239 They knew not which Way to turn themselves.

1885 Sir W. V. Field in Law Times Rep. 52 651/1 She did not know which way to turn to find means.

1960 Observer 20 Mar. 40 The surgeon did not know which way to turn in order to save the child.

2012 Daily Tel. 1 Oct. 25/6 Elvira..doesn't know which way to turn.

e. to turn in and out: see in and out adv. 2. to turn inside out: see inside n.¹ 4. to turn on a dime: see dime n. Additions. to turn on a sixpence: see sixpence n. Additions. to turn top over tail: see top n.¹ and adj. Phrases 3b. to turn topsy-turvy: see topsy-turvy adv. to turn upside down: see upside down adv.

P3. With another verb. to turn and wind (also occasionally to wind and turn).

a. To turn this way and that; to go or move in a winding course. Formerly also †to turn and wind oneself. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > move in winding course

to turn and winda1398

wreathea1500

twine1553

indent1567

virea1586

crank1594

to dance the hay or hays1600

maze1605

serpent1606

to indent the way1612

cringlea1629

indenture1631

circumgyre1634

twist1635

glomerate1638

winda1682

serpentine1767

meander1785

zigzag1787

zag1793

to worm one's way1822

vandyke1828

crankle1835

thread the needle1843

switchback1903

rattlesnake1961

zig1969

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. cxv. 1264 Þe worme..torneþ and wyndeþ toward many sydes and draweþ him to contrary sydes. For þe worme crepeth nouȝt nouþer glideþ as serpentes doþ.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6540 He ne wist queþer it bettur war To turn or winde him forþar mare.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 20 In Mæanders [the dancers] turne and winde themselues.

1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iv. 50 Turn and wind Like Foxes in a storme.

c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 462 We see how all things wind and turn and work together, till they accomplish the end for which they were designed.

1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet I. iv. 54 A tall man, well mounted on a strong black horse, which he caused to turn and wind like a bird in the air.

1993 S. D. Gosvāmī From Imperfection, Purity 60 Just to get through the traffic congestion, past the park with the fountain, up the side of the mountain, turning and winding to this place.

†b. To turn (a ship, a horse) one way and then another; (figurative) to manage (a person or thing) as one likes, to do what one will with. Cf. to turn (a person) round one's little finger at little finger n. Phrases 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > have complete control over

windc1374

to bring (a person) above the thumb1469

to have to mastery1480

to have at one's beck1530

to turn and wind1557

to bring any one to, or have him at, one's bent1575

to turn over the thumb1603

to lead in a stringc1616

to hold at school1647

to wind (a person, etc.) round one's (little) finger1698

to twirl (a person) round one's finger1748

to twist (a person) round one's finger1780

to play with ——1827

to have (one) on toast1886

to have (got) by the balls1918

to have the wood onc1926

1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull xiii. f. ccxvi^v A ship, though it be very great and vnweldi..yet with a litle sterne it may be turned & wynded as the maister y^t holdeth the helme list.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iv. i. 110 To turne and wind a fiery Pegasus.

1606 G. Chapman Sir Gyles Goosecappe i. sig. C^v Wee will turne her, and winde her, and make her so plyant that we will drawe her thorugh a wedding ring yfaith.

1673 J. Milton True Relig. 13 An ordinary Protestant, well read in the Bible, may turn and wind their Doctors.

1849 tr. Sacred Hist. World 174 Being men of parts and address, they turned and winded the passions of the multitude which way they pleased.

†c. To put (money or goods) in circulation, circulate, cause to be exchanged; = to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. sense 13b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade

to turn over1585

turn1598

to turn and wind1598

wind1598

return1677

handle1889

society > trade and finance > money > circulation of money > put into circulation [verb (transitive)]

utterc1483

to put forth1572

pass1579

to turn and wind1598

wind1598

vent1629

to put outa1719

expose1751

mobilize1864

monetarize1952

1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. iv. 93 By turning and winding base marchandise in Affrica and Sicilia, he gayned his liuing.

1686 tr. J. Chardin Coronation Solyman 92 in Trav. Persia All the money that we turn and wind is the Kings.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to turn about

a. intransitive. To move circularly on an axis; to rotate, revolve; = to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. Also figurative.to turn around and to turn round are now the more common expressions in this sense.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)]

wharvec888

turnOE

runOE

to turn aboutOE

to turn roundc1450

to go roundc1460

revolute1553

gyre1598

veer1605

to come about1607

circumvolve1626

circumgyre1634

to turn around1642

roll1646

revolve1660

circulate1672

twist1680

circumgyrate1683

rotate1757

gyrate1830

OE Ælfric De Temporibus Anni (Cambr. Gg.3.28) (2009) v. 86 Seo firmamentum tyrnð symle onbutan us under ðyssere eorðan & bufon... Feower & twentig tida beoð agane.., ær ðan ðe heo beo æne ymbtyrnd, & ealle ða steorran þe hire on fæste sind turniað onbutan mid hire.

OE Ælfric Hexameron (Hatton 115) 51 Steorran..þa ðe on ðam rodere standað tyrnað æfre abutan mid ðam bradan rodere on ymbhwyrfte þære eorðan.

c1300 St. Katherine (Laud) l. 223 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 98 Four ȝweles of Iren he let fullen with rasores..And with ginne heom makede tuyrne a-boute.

a1350 Holy Cross (Ashm.) l. 379 in R. Morris Legends Holy Rood (1871) 48 Þer-aboute he let do Þe fourme of sonne and mone and of sterres also Scyne as it hem-sulf were and turne aboute vaste.

a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 12210 (MED) I..sawh a whel..By vyolence tourne aboute.

1539 Bible (Great) Prov. xxvi. 14 Lyke as the dore turneth aboute vpon the thresholde.

1609 Bible (Douay) I. Num. xxviii. 14 Through al monethes, that succede one another as the yeare turneth about.

1706 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 25 2253 The Wheel may turn about upon the Pin.

1966 T. Drange Type Crossings vii. 148 Gears and wheels turn about inside his head.

b. transitive. To cause to rotate or revolve; = main sense 2. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] > as (on) a wheel

turnOE

swinga1225

wheelc1374

to turn abouta1382

overwhelmc1440

swinge1548

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Isa. xliv. 13 Þe crafti man tree werkere straȝte out þe rewle: & formede it in a grauyng iren, he made it in corneres & in a cumpas turnede it aboute [a1425 L.V. turnede it in cumpas].

a1425 Dialogue Reason & Adversity (Cambr.) (1968) 31 (MED) Here proper werkyng is to turne her wheel a bowte.

1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxx. 100 [They] made hym to tourne aboute a mylle as a blynde hors.

1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 348/1 They..doe but turne about the pot.

1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. 34 The other Foot [of the compasses] being turned about, will..touch the Line AG.

1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxxiv. 328 ‘Here's flesh!’ cried Squeers, turning the boy about... ‘Here's firmness, here's solidness!’

1853 A. Ure Dict. Arts (ed. 4) I. 652 The inside of pipes is enamelled..by pouring the above body composition through them while the pipe is being turned about.

1995 S. Barry White Woman Street i, in Plays: One (1997) 136 They put a pole through the boar and set her up across the fire. Blakely turns it about and about.

(a) transitive. To alter or reverse the position of; to put into a different, or the opposite, position by a rotatory motion; = to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1.to turn around and to turn round are now the more common expressions in this sense.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

to turn rounda1560

to bring about1680

round1890

a1300 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 3 Mine uet an mine honden nailed beth to þe rode..turn mi bodi abuten, oueral þu findest blod.

c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4071 ‘Fro whanne komeþ þis fair deistrer?..Which is þe kroupe? terne aboute!’ Aboute he ternde þe deistrer.

?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 98^v (MED) Þe necessarie þyngez preparate to þe reduccioun..a corde hyngyng aboue þe bed or som oþer þing for to lene one or suppowell & help hymselfe when he wil sege or raise hym vp or be turned about.

1652 Mercurius Phreneticus No. 2. 10 Being hotly pursu'd by some of the English Hors-men, he turned about his starched face, and most religiously did expostulate.

1925 H. C. Booth tr. F. Auerbach Mod. Magnetics (U.K. ed.) ix. 215 Turning the bar about so that its under-side comes uppermost.

1992 Evening News (Edinb.) 20 Apr. 1/5 The gang were turned about and marched back to the railway station.

(b) transitive (reflexive). To turn oneself so as to face or go in the opposite direction; = sense 2b.With quot. 1826 cf. note at to turn round 1c at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

turnc1330

to turn abouta1400

to turn round1449

convertc1572

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn to face a direction > to opposite direction

to turn aboutc1330

face1824

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (reflexive)] > turn back or reverse course

to turn againa1300

to turn abouta1400

re-turn1483

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15951 Iesus þan turnd him a-bute.

c1550 Song Sir A. Barton iii, in Surtees Misc. (1888) 65 King Henry was stout, and turnd hime about.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iii. sig. P4^v So [she] turned her about, and fled.

1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 308 Let me turn myself about, and I'll be up with you, never fear, Madam.

1826 F. Reynolds Life & Times I. 174 Give me only time to turn myself about, and something must soon turn up trumps.

1898 H. C. Porter tr. E. Strasburger et al. Text-bk. Bot. 258 A torsion must..occur when a geotropic organ, which has become curved over toward its parent axis, turns itself about so as to face outwards (exotropism).

1995 J. Banville Athena 115 Draggingly I turned myself about, a stone statue turning on its plinth, and walked with granite tread to where the pictures were stacked.

b. intransitive. To reverse one's position or course; to turn so as to face or go in the opposite direction: = to turn round 1a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction

turnc1225

bewenda1300

to turn aboutc1330

returna1470

wheel1639

face1644

to turn on one's heel1669

to turn around1756

to turn round1787

about-face1896

about-turn1927

U-turn1931

U1971

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course

turnc1275

to turn aboutc1330

repeata1382

to turn againc1384

to turn backc1425

re-turn1483

resore1486

to turn the backc1540

to turn round1560

to set back1803

resile1887

to break back1933

c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4070 ‘Fro whanne komeþ þis fair deistrer?..Which is þe kroupe? terne aboute!’ Aboute he ternde þe deistrer.

a1425 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Bodl.) l. 8868 Whan we turned aboute, On a womman myn ye y caste... Þe dekene loked at þe next turnyng: She was aweye—he sagh no þyng.

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 271 He smote his horse on the nose, that he turned aboute.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) John i. f. cxx Iesus turned about, and sawe them folowe.

1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe v. 66 The Morning, as mistaken, turns about, And all her early fires again go out.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 355 They began to retire, and turn about.

1804 Man in Moon 28 Jan. 191 I turned about and went to sleep again.

1868 W. Morris Earthly Paradise 146 He..turned about and left him there.

2010 Dunoon Observer & Argyllshire Standard 9 Apr. 19/1 Our ship turned about, aldis lamps flashing messages.

a. transitive. To turn (a person or thing) this way and that; to move or push about. Also: (figurative) to consider and reconsider (an idea, etc.); = to turn over 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn this way and that

to turn aboutc1440

the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > think about, consider [verb (intransitive)]

thinkOE

bethinka1200

umthinka1300

to have mind ofc1300

casta1340

studya1375

delivera1382

to chew the cudc1384

to take advisementa1393

stema1400

compassc1400

advisec1405

deliberc1405

to make it wisec1405

to take deliberationc1405

enter?a1413

riddlec1426

hovec1440

devise?c1450

to study by (also in) oneself?c1450

considerc1460

porec1500

regard1523

deliberate1543

to put on one's thinking or considering cap1546

contemplate1560

consult1565

perpend1568

vise1568

to consider of1569

weigh1573

ruminate1574

dascanc1579

to lay to (one's) heart1588

pondera1593

debate1594

reflect1596

comment1597

perponder1599

revolvea1600

rumine1605

consider on, upon1606

to think twice1623

reflex1631

spell1645

ponderatea1652

to turn about1725

to cast a thought, a reflection upon1736

to wake over1771

incubatea1847

mull1857

fink1888

c1440 St. Christopher (Thornton) l. 371 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 459/1 Þe water bygane to bolne & rowte And ofte-tyms hym turnede abowte.

?a1475 Noble Bk. Cookry in Middle Eng. Dict. at Rennen Tak eggs and drawe them through a strener and temper grated bread and eggs and stirre it to gedure till they be ronn..and when yt begynnythe to boille, tak out the pot stik and turn the curd about with a scomer.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. ii. 112 'Prethee doe not turne me about, my stomacke is not constant.

1725 I. Watts Logick ii. iv. §3 Turn these Ideas about in your Mind.

2013 C. Todiwala & T. Singh Incredible Spice Men 113 Gently transfer them to the hot roasting tin, turn them about in the hot oil and sprinkle with salt.

b. intransitive. To turn this way and that; to move oneself about.

ΚΠ

1835 Penny Cycl. III. 166/2 When the animal oat is ripe it falls out of its glumes, and in warm dry weather may be seen rolling and turning about.

1947 P. Larkin Girl in Winter ii. iv. 126 Once she felt that her feet were no longer glued down and she could turn about as she pleased, it became much easier.

1991 R. Ferguson Henry Miller vii. 141 As they turned about to get comfortable a sudden twanging of springs announced that they had broken it.

to turn again

1. intransitive. To return, go back; = main sense 19. Now archaic.Familiar in modern English from the legend of Dick Whittington (cf. quot. 1612).

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)]

to wend againeOE

i-cherrec1000

again-chareOE

again-comeOE

again-fareOE

again-goOE

eft-sithec1175

to turn againc1175

returna1325

attournec1386

turnc1390

recovera1393

repair?c1400

recourse?a1425

to go backc1425

resortc1425

revertc1475

renew1488

retour?1505

to make return1534

to turn back1538

retend1543

to come short home1548

regress1552

rejourna1556

revolt1567

revolve1587

repeal1596

recur1612

rewend1616

revene1656

to get back1664

to take back1674

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6499 Till herode king onn ȝænn he þeȝȝm forrbæd to turrnenn.

a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 87 Ihc wile turnen agen to mine huse.

c1300 St. Michael (Laud) l. 21 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 300 He nam one aruwe envenimed..And schet to þis selie bole..Ake þis Arewe tornede euene a-ȝein to him þat hire schet, And smot him.

c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 872 Naked out of my fadres hous quod she I cam and naked moot I turne agayn.

?c1510 tr. Newe Landes & People founde by Kynge of Portyngale sig. Diij Then make we them to tourne ageyne unto there owne lande.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ruth i. 11 But Naemi sayde: Turne agayne my doughters, why wolde ye go with me?

1612 R. Johnson Crowne-Garland Goulden Roses sig. Bv^v London bells sweetly rung... Euermore sounding so, turne againe Whittington: For thou in time shalt grow, Lord Maior of London.

1667 S. Pepys Diary 2 Sept. (1974) VIII. 416 I took a coach and went homeward; but then turned again and to White-hall.

2014 C. Rimmer Earl's Pregnant Bride 49 She turned again for the castle, emerging a few minutes later into the open space where the crenellated ruin loomed against the sky.

a. transitive (reflexive). To turn or face the other way (usually in order to go back); = senses 2b, 1. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (reflexive)] > turn back or reverse course

to turn againa1300

to turn abouta1400

re-turn1483

a1300 Passion our Lord l. 653 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 55 Hi turnden heom ayeyn..to iherusalem.

c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3394 (MED) Roland tornd hym þanne aȝeyn..Toward þe tour..as harde as þe hors may go.

a1450 St. Edith (Faust.) (1883) l. 1739 When þe messagers seyen herre so stedfaste..Þey tur [n] den hem aȝeyne.

1539 Bible (Great) Psalms xc. 13 Turne the agayne (O Lorde) at the last, and be gracious.

1892 C. E. Norton tr. Dante Divine Comedy III. v. 29 Beatrice..all desireful turned herself again to that region.

1987 J. I. McEnerney tr. Cyril of Alexandria Lett. 1-50 iv. 38 I shall now turn myself again to what most becomes me.

†b. intransitive. To turn to face the other way (usually in order to go back); = to turn back at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course

turnc1275

to turn aboutc1330

repeata1382

to turn againc1384

to turn backc1425

re-turn1483

resore1486

to turn the backc1540

to turn round1560

to set back1803

resile1887

to break back1933

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. ix. 13 Al this yuel came vpon vs, and we preyeden not thi face, Lord oure God, that we shulden turne aȝein fro oure wickidnessis, and shulden thinke thi trewthe.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12594 At þe vte-cuming o þe yatte He turnd again.

?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 13 Scho turned agayne with a hidous crie.

c1450 (a1400) Libeaus Desconus (Calig. A.ii) (1969) l. 464 (MED) Þef, turne agayn and fyȝt, Wyth þe we denkeþ roune!

1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 5 Come then, Neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home.

1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. viii. 156 Few turned again to take a few minutes voluntary exercise.

†3. intransitive. To return to a former condition (or possessor); to revert. Obsolete.In later use difficult to distinguish from simple uses with again in temporal sense, indicating a repeated action.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] > to former state or condition

to turn againc1325

returnc1405

resorta1438

revert?a1513

to pass and repass1548

refall1570

relapse1593

unhappen1805

react1841

involute1904

relax1934

reset1946

society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)]

reverta1325

to turn againc1325

turn1500

to fall in1784

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3562 Þis luþer false men in þe se come & tornde aȝen to suikedom.

1375 in L. Morsbach Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1923) 1 (MED) In cas þat hit so by-ful, þat non heires ne com by-twuxte þe forseide john and jhone, þe forseide londes turne agayn to sir Renaud of Remmebury and to his heires for euermore.

a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 5232 To leue hys synne..And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace.

?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 12 Þan sall scho turne agayne to hir awen kynde and be a womman.

a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 198 Aftur þe deceasse of þe foreseyde..þe foreseyde mansyon with hys pertinences shulde turne holly & fully a-geyne to þe foreseyde abbas & couent.

a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 82 (MED) Þou art but eskys, and to eskys þou schalt aȝeyne turne.

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 162 His bigge manly voice, Turning againe toward childish trebble pipes, And whistles in his sound.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 140 'Till..he turns agen To his true Shape.

†4. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to turn back; to drive back, repel (a person) (cf. main senses 18b, 27); (figurative) to convert (cf. main sense 24). Also: to avert (cf. main sense 14b). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course

charec1000

wrencha1200

turnc1275

to turn againc1330

swerve1390

wrya1400

reflectc1425

traverse1438

to turn aside1535

deduce1541

divert1548

to turn off1573

wrig1582

react1599

deflect1615

slent1639

decline1646

deviate1660

to wind off1677

sway1678

warp1814

switch1861

baffle1883

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > drive away > repel

recoil?c1225

to turn againc1330

to put awayc1350

rebukec1380

to put abacka1382

to put againa1382

again-puta1400

rebut?a1425

repeal?a1425

retroylc1425

rebatea1475

repel?a1475

repulse?a1475

to put backa1500

refel1548

revert1575

rembar1588

to beat back1593

rebeat1595

reject1603

repress1623

rambarrea1630

stave1631

refringe1692

slap-back1931

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 992 (MED) Þo þat child ycristned was Blasi turned oȝain his pas.

c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) l. 1464 Traitours, tourneþ aȝein þe berd [emended in ed. to herd]..& we wole make þe freinche fle.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 233 By his witte and sleiþe þe Hunnes were i-torned aȝen.

c1400 J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 288 To turnen aȝen þis þondir þat is [read it] persiþ noȝt.

?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) (1881) 397 To Turne agayn to gudnes,..conuertere.

a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xx. 320 (MED) After shall we go..to turneyen a-gein these sarazins that this londe do werryen.

†5. intransitive. To turn in opposition or defiance. Also: to recoil on (as in quot. c1400), against; cf. senses 26b, 28a. Obsolete.With expressions with worm as subject, cf. worm n. 3b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition

to turn againc1330

to join issue1583

to turn tail1611

turn1887

c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 6871 Þe Sarraȝins turned oȝen On king Vrien.

c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xxi. l. 402 Now by-gynneþ thi gyle a-gayn on þe turne.

?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 260 (MED) I do as a stoon, þe which whanne it is smyte, it resceyueth no strook ne hirt of hem, but it turneþ aȝein aȝeins þe smyter.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxcix What worme is touched, and will not once turne again?

1641 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) I. 199 A worme will turne agayne if it be trod on.

†6. intransitive. Of the edge of a weapon or implement: to bend back so as to become blunted; = main sense 8c(b). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)]

to turn edge1578

to turn again1579

rebate1587

turn1633

blunt1684

1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Feb. 203 The Axes edge did oft turne againe.

a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Lovers Progres ii. iii in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) Kkk3/2 And try then if your Sword will bite, it cannot, The edge will turne againe, asham'd, and blunted.

to turn around

Generally more common in North American English than to turn round in equivalent senses; see note at around adv. and prep.

a. transitive. To turn (a person or thing) so as to be in the opposite position or facing the opposite direction, to reverse. Also reflexive: to turn so as to face in the opposite direction. Cf. to turn round 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > reverse the direction of

reverse?a1439

return1483

to turn back1579

alternate1595

re-enverse1603

retrovert1637

obvert1646

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

turnc1330

to turn abouta1400

to turn round1449

convertc1572

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. viii. sig. H The light-foot Squyre her quickly turnd around.

a1676 T. Wadsworth Remains (1680) 213 What rudder turns those Pinnaces around?

1788 Calcutta Chron. 14 Feb. I've broke your spell And made you tumble! In peacock pride then turn'd himself around, And left the critics prostrate on the ground.

1865 in B. P. Poore Conspiracy Trial for Murder of President 198 As he ran, I could not get out of his way; so he hit me on the leg and turned me around, and made two cuts at me.

1925 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby ix. 208 He opened it at the back cover and turned it around for me to see.

2014 J. Longo Six Feet over It i. 18 I..watch as they turn the van around and head back out.

b. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the opposite direction; to reverse one's position or course; to face about. Cf. to turn round 1c at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction

turnc1225

bewenda1300

to turn aboutc1330

returna1470

wheel1639

face1644

to turn on one's heel1669

to turn around1756

to turn round1787

about-face1896

about-turn1927

U-turn1931

U1971

1756 London Mag. Nov. 517/1 This overpowered the brave man's heart, and obliged him to turn around, to prevent the tears that stood ready to gush from his eyes.

1879 Harper's Mag. Nov. 889/1 Passages gradually narrowing until but one animal can pass, and he, as he cannot turn around, can be easily branded.

1919 E. O'Neill Moon of Caribbees 114 Smitty does not turn around.

2014 K. O'Brien Tell Me You're Sorry iii. 48 The smart thing to do would be to turn around and tear ass back home.

c. transitive. To prepare (a ship, aircraft, etc.) for its return journey. Cf. to turn round 1d at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > prepare a vehicle for return journey

to turn round1917

to turn around1943

1943 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 263 351/2 The men earned what they received, and turned a ship around in six days of bustling activity.

1962 Mil. Rev. Apr. 3/1 We were working 18 to 20 hours daily getting ships unloaded and turned around.

2001 N.Y. Times Mag. 21 Jan. 52/2 Yowell's crew did the job, turning the plane around in 26 minutes. While they were working outside, Captain Walker was crawling around the cabin, helping the flight attendants clean up.

d. transitive. To reverse (a decline, an unflattering image, a poorly performing company, etc.). Cf. to turn round 1e at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1963 R. A. Smith Corporations in Crisis Concl. 206 It takes three to five years of blood, sweat, and tears to get a company ‘turned around again’ after a crisis.

1978 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 16 May 5/1 The Ontario Government has announced a..campaign to turn around the image Ontarians have gained as boorish and unfriendly hosts to foreign visitors.

2016 Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City) (Nexis) 13 Apr. A campaign to strategize ways to turn around the decades-long decline of coal-based economies.

e. transitive. To process (a product, order, etc.) from the beginning to completion or delivery; to dispatch (an order), produce (a manufactured item).

ΚΠ

1977 Computerworld 17 Oct. 36/2 We have improved customer service to the point where over 85% of incoming orders are turned around the same day or the next morning.

2005 Uncut June 20/1 The new album was turned around in just two weeks during March of this year.

2010 South Afr. 6 Apr. 14/4 All internet orders are turned around as quickly as possible with product packed individually for each order.

a. intransitive. To rotate or revolve. Also: to face in all directions successively. Cf. to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)]

wharvec888

turnOE

runOE

to turn aboutOE

to turn roundc1450

to go roundc1460

revolute1553

gyre1598

veer1605

to come about1607

circumvolve1626

circumgyre1634

to turn around1642

roll1646

revolve1660

circulate1672

twist1680

circumgyrate1683

rotate1757

gyrate1830

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] > twirl

twirl1598

to turn around1642

mirla1838

1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. L2 Thus in each starry globe all parts may tend Unto one point, and mean time turn around.

1700 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Meleager & Atalanta in Fables 112 Now while the tortur'd Salvage turns around, And flings about his Foam, impatient of the Wound, The Wounds great Author close at Hand; provokes His Rage, and plyes him with redoubled Strokes.

1881 F. Young Every Man his own Mechanic i. iv. 103 The angular borer turning clear around without stopping to ratchet.

1999 Fiddlehead Summer 109 She began to turn around, once, twice, faster, until she was spinning now, twirling with her arms out like a helicopter skimming the tops of the seats, the skirt carouselling out all around her.

b. transitive. To cause (something) to revolve or rotate. Cf. to turn round 2b at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)]

turnOE

trillc1386

gyrec1420

rote?1533

tirl1543

to turn round1555

revolve1559

circumvert1578

circumgyre1635

circumrote1635

circumgyrate1647

circumvolve1647

veera1649

twist1769

rotate1777

sphere1820

1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xiii. 812 From Death he flies, And turns around his apprehensive Eyes.

1757 J. Dyer Fleece iii. 86 Whether ye turn-around the spacious wheel.

1859 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang 98 Spin-em-rounds, a street game consisting of a piece of brass, wood, or iron, balanced on a pin and turned quickly around on a board, when the point, arrow shaped, stops at a number and decides the bet one way or the other.

2014 M. Sciavocampo THINspired xii. 202 While she is deeply engaged in some toy, turning it around and around, inspecting every detail.

3. intransitive. colloquial. To express an opposing, uncompromising, or combative point of view, esp. abruptly, unexpectedly, or in contrast to a view previously expressed. Frequently in to turn around and say (something).Cf. to turn round 5 at Phrasal verbs 1.

1838 Methodist Mag. & Q. Rev. Jan. 50 Mr. Scott turns around and says that Mr. Winans held that slavery was a divine institution, always right, and perpetually established.

1852 H. H. Paul Dashes Amer. Humour 19 [She]..has no more turn for singin' than a cart-wheel, but she's so stuck up and saasy that if Jinny Lind even wuz to tell her she had no voice, du you know I 'bleve she'd turn around and tell her she had.

1902 Critique (Denver) Jan. 39 I can't do anything with that girl of mine... I told her not to eat lemons with that medicine she is taking, because it would salivate her, and she just turned around and said: ‘Wouldn't that make you spit?’

1941 Congress. Rec. 87 iii. 2866/1 When a man running for the Presidency of the United States advocates certain policies, and then..turns around and says, ‘Well, what I said prior to the election was just so much campaign oratory’, how can anyone expect the American people to have faith in a party that nominates men of that kind?

1981 Smash Hits 11 June 6/2 The music business..went through a period..of saying: ‘You're going to pay five pounds for a piece of plastic that's worth 50p with no cover to speak of and no lyrics.’ And the kids just turned around and said ‘no’.

2022 @LadyofLeisure78 13 June in twitter.com (accessed 27 June 2022) If I worked out everytime my mom said no when I asked her if she needs help in the kitchen on a morning instead of going back to sleep, I'd be one fit mofo. Yet she turns around and says I don't help her in the house.

4. transitive. U.S. colloquial. In past participle as turned around: confused so as to lose one's sense of direction, disorientated; also figurative.

ΚΠ

1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xv. 126 That was somebody else's whoop, or else I was turned around.

1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xiv. 315 When he sat up he found that the sun..now shone upon him from the opposite direction. At first he believed that he was merely turned around. Then he realised that it was now evening.

1971 Black World Mar. 54/1 I felt so sorry for them and they wuz so turned around that one day over to Tony's crib I got high wid em.

2011 T. Foster Asleep on Bicycle i. 39 I got so turned around, I accidentally ended up in the maternity ward.

a. transitive. To induce (a person) to take an opposite course or view; to change (a person, a person's life, etc.), esp. in a way regarded as an improvement. Cf. to turn round 3b at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > change of opinion > change one's mind [verb (transitive)] > cause change

convert1814

to carry over1855

to turn around1888

1888 Let. Secretary Interior transmitting Rep. opening Part of Sioux Reservation 275 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (50th Congr. 2nd Sess.: Senate Executive Doc. 17) I. We are a little afraid now that the opposition has gained a hold on these young men and turned them around on the other side.

1971 Sci. News 13 Feb. 108 Children..with severe behavioral problems..are treated in a ‘family’ situation... An innovative school program helps ‘turn youngsters around’.

1992 M. Medved Hollywood vs. Amer. iii. ix. 151 The courage and gumption he needs to turn his life around at a decisive moment.

2010 S. Junger War i. i. 12 He went to reform school for assault... A shop teacher named George started counseling him... George got him turned around.

b. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his or her country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy; = to turn round 3c at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. main sense 24d.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor

traitor16..

quislingize1940

turn1963

to turn around1963

to turn round1966

1963 J. Joesten They call it Intelligence i. iv. 45 A spy..caught..usually is given a chance to switch sides..such a helpless foreign agent is being ‘turned around’.

1967 Traffic in Opium & Other Dangerous Drugs (U.S. Treasury Dept. Bureau of Narcotics) 45 This technique, which has come to be known as ‘turning corrupt officers around’, was considered unthinkable in the past.

2000 N. DeMille Lion's Game lvii. 665 There were two possibilities regarding Mr. Khalil's disappearance—one, he'd made it back to Tripoli, two, the CIA had him and were turning him around, trying to convince the Lion that certain Libyans tasted better than Americans.

to turn aside

1. intransitive. To go or veer off to one side; to change one's direction of travel. Also: to turn oneself so as to face to one side. Also figurative: to abandon a course of action, an allegiance, etc. Cf. senses 6, 15, 23.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > diverge from course

bowa1000

swervec1330

wrya1350

crookc1380

to turn asidea1382

depart1393

decline14..

wryc1400

divert1430

desvoy1481

wave1548

digress1552

prevaricate1582

yaw1584

to turn off1605

to come off1626

deviate1635

sag1639

to flinch out1642

deflect1646

de-err1657

break1678

verge1693

sheera1704

to break off1725

lean1894

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off

turnc1330

to turn asidea1382

to turn in1535

to wave one's way1548

strike1576

to turn off1605

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 4 Kings iv. 8 He turnede aside to hir þat he ete bred, þe whiche seide to hir man, I parceyue þat þis is an holy man þat ofte siþes passeþ bi vs.

c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2383 Beryn..gan to turn a-side, on-to þe see stronde, And the cripill aftir, & wan oppon hym londe.

1560 Bible (Geneva) Exod. iii. 3 I wil turne aside now, and se this great sight.

1560 Bible (Geneva) Psalms xl. 4 Blessed is the man, that..regardeth not the proude, nor suche as turne aside to lies.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. iii. 76 I prythee turne aside, and weepe for her.

1844 Ld. Brougham Albert Lunel II. v. 119 The Baron turned not aside from his argument.

1891 Temple Bar Dec. 581 He turned aside and crept in at the open door.

1964 E. Taylor Soul of Kindness (1993) i. 7 Towards the end of the bridegroom's speech, the bride turned aside and began to throw crumbs of wedding cake through an opening in the marquee to the doves outside.

2006 New Yorker 29 May 78/2 It is self-evident..tripe that could not conceivably cause a single member of the flock to turn aside from the faith.

2. transitive. To cause (someone or something) to face or move to one side. Also figurative: to cause (a person or thing) to abandon a course of action; to thwart; to avert. Cf. main senses 14, 12.In quot. a1450 reflexive: = sense 1; cf. main sense 7b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (reflexive)] > deviate from course

to turn asidea1450

diverta1575

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course

charec1000

wrencha1200

turnc1275

to turn againc1330

swerve1390

wrya1400

reflectc1425

traverse1438

to turn aside1535

deduce1541

divert1548

to turn off1573

wrig1582

react1599

deflect1615

slent1639

decline1646

deviate1660

to wind off1677

sway1678

warp1814

switch1861

baffle1883

the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc.

withdraw1340

distractc1380

waive1390

wresta1400

to turn aside1535

avocate1543

detract1548

to turn off1573

take1574

swaya1593

to put out1616

to put off1631

sidetrack1887

to turn off1951

a1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (Caius) (1810) l. 355 The baroun turnyd hym asyde.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xliv. D Folishnesse of herte hath turned them a syde.

a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 58 Lieutenant Prichard..taking me by the shoulder turned me aside.

1718 Free-thinker No. 52. 2 The Gods were beseeched to turn aside the Event.

1892 Cornhill Mag. May 478 He had never been turned aside from the execution of his purpose.

1911 F. H. Burnett Secret Garden xvii. 181 The nurse turned her head aside to hide the twitching of her mouth.

2010 Ideal Home May 140/1 The pivoting head of the simple tap can be turned aside for easy face-washing.

to turn away

a. transitive. To avert (one's face, head, etc.), typically so as not to pay attention. Also more generally: to place or turn (something) so as to face in the opposite direction.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn away

awendOE

to turn awaya1225

wryc1400

reversec1540

evert1569

avert1578

nurture1627

a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 53 Swa sone se hi beoð iturnd awey from heom.

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xii. 1 Lord,..hou longe thou turnest awei thi face fro me?

?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 8 His preiere is cursid..þat turneþ a wey his eris.

a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 276 (MED) Whan ȝe schul lyfte up ȝour hondys to me Y schal turnyn myn eyne awey from ȝou.

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 147 Each turne away his face.

1782 W. Cowper Anti-Thelypthora 87 She saw,—and turn'd her rosy cheek away.

1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 322 In filling the fresh jar with water its mouth is to be turned away from the gas jars.

1889 F. M. Peard Paul's Sister v She..turned away her head.

2017 I. Zoboi Amer. Street xiii. 129 I turn my head away from him each time he comes closer to whisper something in my ear or kiss me.

b. intransitive. To turn so as to face or move away from a person or thing; to avert one's face. Also figurative: to abandon a person. Cf. main senses 20c, 23, 25a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn away

abowOE

hieldc1275

to turn awayc1300

to hide one's facea1382

wrenka1400

awherfc1400

avert1483

to turn the backc1540

twine1600

averse1652

c1300 (c1250) Floris & Blauncheflur (Cambr.) (1966) l. 744 Al wepinge he turnde away.

c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 127 Þurw swiche wicke mourning [emended in ed. to þurw swiche mourninge] Wanhope beginneþ for to spring [emended in ed. to springe], Þat, bote man turne awey þerfro, Sauued worþ he neuere mo.

c1425 Concordance Wycliffite Bible f. 109 (MED) Pheletus turnyde awey fro me.

1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) xiii. viii. sig. Nvii The kyng tourned awey and myghte not speke for wepynge.

1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 iii. ii. 74 What doest thou turne away and hide thy face?

1653 T. Nicols Arcula Gemmea 51 It will make her in her sleep, if she be faithfull to her husband, to cast her self into his embraces; but if she be an adulteresse, to turn away from him.

1831 G. P. R. James Philip Augustus I. ii. 32 Either I have strangely forgotten my native land, or your surly squire has led us wrong, and we are turning away from the Puy to the valleys of Dome.

1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxii. 59 ‘Oh, very well—if you're in a huff,’ cried Miggs, turning away.

1958 B. Nichols Sweet & Twenties 200 Miss Tempest always ‘upstaged’ her—..she slowly pushed her chair to the rear so that..Miss X was obliged to turn away from the audience.

2017 ‘C. Lauren’ Autoboyography xvii. 297 He..turns away, jaw ticcing in anger.

†c. transitive (reflexive). To turn so as to face away from a person or thing. Also: to leave the straight course; to deviate. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn away

to turn awaya1382

avert1541

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Baruch ii. 33 Thei shul turnen awei themself..fro ther cursidhedus.

a1425 (c1384) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) Ezek. xviii. 24 If a iust man shal turne hym a wei fro his riȝtwisnes.

1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 167 [He] turnyt him in wreth away.

a. transitive. To send away, dismiss (a person); spec. to dismiss (a worker or servant) from employment (now rare); (now frequently) to refuse admission to (an applicant, customer, etc.). Cf. main sense 27.In quot. c1540: (perhaps) to take away, carry off (a person).See also to turn money away at money n. Phrases 2a(f).

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge

to put awaya1387

discharge1428

dismiss1477

to put out of wages1542

discard1589

to turn away1602

to put off1608

disemploy1619

to pay off1648

to pay off1651

to turn out1667

to turn off1676

quietus1688

strip1756

trundle1794

unshop1839

shopc1840

to lay off1841

sack1841

drop1845

to give (a person) the shoot1846

bag1848

swap1862

fire1879

to knock off1881

bounce1884

to give (a person) the pushc1886

to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888

bump1899

spear1911

to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911

terminate1920

tramp1941

shitcan1961

pink slip1966

dehire1970

resize1975

to give a person his jotters1990

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss

congeec1330

turnc1330

putc1350

dismitc1384

refusea1387

repel?a1439

avyec1440

avoida1464

depart1484

license1484

to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513

demit1529

dispatcha1533

senda1533

to send a grazing1533

demise1541

dimiss1543

abandon1548

dimit1548

discharge1548

dismiss1548

to turn off1564

aband1574

quit1575

hencea1586

cashier1592

to turn away1602

disband1604

amand1611

absquatulize1829

chassé1847

to send to the pack1912

1370–2 in Medium Ævum (1985) 54 38 Y wende neuer so sone sum tyme ha be forsake of on þat y mest truste…bote tyd ȝwen y was turned awey..anoþer heo con take.

a1450 R. Spaldyng Katereyn in Anglia (1907) 30 545 (MED) Turne a-way al traytures..þat towchyn vs with turmentys of tene & of tray.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 131^v He was takon full & turnyt away.

1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor i. iii. 4 I must turne away some of my followers.

1689 R. Milward Selden's Table-talk 29 The Master of the House may turn away all his Servants.

1793 T. Hastings Regal Rambler 17 The footman..was turned away without wages or warning.

a1865 E. C. Gaskell Wives & Daughters (1866) I. xxiii. 264 He has turned away all the men off the new works.

1901 W. R. H. Trowbridge Lett. Mother to Elizabeth vii We were lucky to get rooms.., for they are turning people away.

2017 London Rev. Bks. 21 Sept. 33/4 I couldn't draw the conclusion, from the tiny samples available, that women were being turned away en masse.

†b. intransitive. To go away, depart; to vanish. Cf. main sense 21a. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)]

wendeOE

i-wite971

ashakec975

shakeOE

to go awayOE

witea1000

afareOE

agoOE

atwendOE

awayOE

to wend awayOE

awendOE

gangOE

rimeOE

flitc1175

to fare forthc1200

depart?c1225

part?c1225

partc1230

to-partc1275

biwitec1300

atwitea1325

withdrawa1325

to draw awayc1330

passc1330

to turn one's (also the) backc1330

lenda1350

begonec1370

remuea1375

voidc1374

removec1380

to long awaya1382

twinc1386

to pass one's wayc1390

trussc1390

waive1390

to pass out ofa1398

avoida1400

to pass awaya1400

to turn awaya1400

slakec1400

wagc1400

returnc1405

to be gonea1425

muck1429

packc1450

recede1450

roomc1450

to show (a person) the feetc1450

to come offc1475

to take one's licence1475

issue1484

devoidc1485

rebatea1500

walka1500

to go adieua1522

pikea1529

to go one's ways1530

retire?1543

avaunt1549

to make out1558

trudge1562

vade?1570

fly1581

leave1593

wag1594

to get off1595

to go off1600

to put off1600

shog1600

troop1600

to forsake patch1602

exit1607

hence1614

to give offa1616

to take off1657

to move off1692

to cut (also slip) the painter1699

sheera1704

to go about one's business1749

mizzle1772

to move out1792

transit1797–1803

stump it1803

to run away1809

quit1811

to clear off1816

to clear out1816

nash1819

fuff1822

to make (take) tracks (for)1824

mosey1829

slope1830

to tail out1830

to walk one's chalks1835

to take away1838

shove1844

trot1847

fade1848

evacuate1849

shag1851

to get up and get1854

to pull out1855

to cut (the) cable(s)1859

to light out1859

to pick up1872

to sling one's Daniel or hook1873

to sling (also take) one's hook1874

smoke1893

screw1896

shoot1897

voetsak1897

to tootle off1902

to ship out1908

to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909

to push off1918

to bugger off1922

biff1923

to fuck off1929

to hit, split or take the breeze1931

to jack off1931

to piss offa1935

to do a mick1937

to take a walk1937

to head off1941

to take a hike1944

moulder1945

to chuff off1947

to get lost1947

to shoot through1947

skidoo1949

to sod off1950

peel1951

bug1952

split1954

poop1961

mugger1962

frig1965

society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)]

to come awayeOE

wendeOE

i-wite971

ashakec975

shakeOE

to go awayOE

witea1000

afareOE

agoOE

awayOE

dealc1000

goOE

awendOE

rimeOE

to go one's wayOE

flitc1175

depart?c1225

partc1230

to-partc1275

atwitea1325

withdrawa1325

to turn one's (also the) backc1330

lenda1350

begonec1370

remuea1375

removec1380

to long awaya1382

twinc1386

to pass one's wayc1390

trussc1390

to turn awaya1400

returnc1405

to be gonea1425

recede1450

roomc1450

to come offc1475

to take one's licence1475

issue1484

walka1500

to go adieua1522

pikea1529

avaunt1549

trudge1562

vade?1570

discoast1571

leave1593

wag1594

to go off1600

troop1600

hence1614

to set on one's foota1616

to pull up one's stumps1647

quit1811

to clear out1816

slope1830

to walk one's chalks1835

shove1844

to roll out1850

to pull out1855

to light out1859

to take a run-out powder1909

to push off (also along)1923

the world > space > place > absence > be absent [verb (intransitive)] > absent oneself

to turn awaya1400

absenta1425

to play truant1560

truant1580

to take (a) French leave1751

to trig it1796

to play hookey1848

submarine1915

to take off1930

bunk1949

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 22472 Whenne alle þinge shul turne away.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 516 Naked..I cam Hyder..And naked I sal turne away.

c. transitive. Horse Riding. To remove (a horse) temporarily from being ridden or raced.

ΚΠ

1897 Trans. Highland & Agric. Soc. Scotl. 9 214 The mares are turned away on the fells in the autumn like sheep, and take their chance in much the same way.

1976 Horse & Hound 10 Dec. 70/1 (advt.) After being broken in the summer, she was turned away, and is now ready to prepare for next season.

2007 Horse & Rider Oct. 156 (caption) Professionally backed and ridden, then turned away to mature. Needs experienced home.

3. figurative.

a. transitive. To divert (a happening, an experience, one's thoughts, etc.); to avert (a catastrophe). Cf. main senses 12, 23b.In quot. 1848: to divert attention from (an awkward question).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > obviate > prevent the occurrence of or avert

werec925

withsitc1300

shun1338

to turn awaya1382

forfend1382

declinec1430

stopa1538

divert1548

refract1563

withturn1563

antevert1583

avert1586

pervert1594

deprive1627

averruncate1663

stave1664

to stop off1891

the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)]

fortogglea1300

to call away1529

scatter1530

forhale1579

to draw away1586

diffuse?1587

to call off1606

divert1609

to put out1616

avoke1623

disjoint1628

to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631

to draw off1646

divertise1648

to take off1670

dissipate1684

to turn off1741

to throw out1821

to turn away1848

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms liii. 7 Turne awei euelis to myn enemys.

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Psalms lxxvii. 38 And he dide greetli, to turne awei his yre; and he kyndelide not al his ire.

?a1450 in C. von Nolcken Middle Eng. Transl. Rosarium Theol. (1979) 87 (MED) Schewe it noȝt to hym ne speike it noȝt þat he be turned away fro his wicked way and luffe.

a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xiii. 10 When oure lord has turned away the caitife of his folke.

c1591 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 79 To turne awaie the peoples likinge from him.

1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man v. §5. 112 Deprecation,..when we pray to God to turn away some evil from us.

1708 W. Kennett Excellent Daughter 18 The Children in our Schools are wean'd from this Brutishness, are taught to hold their Peace and be still, not answering again for Strife, but giving soft Words to turn away Wrath.

1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs xxvi. 100 Which question Lady Hawbuck turned away with a sudden query regarding her..daughters.

1933 N. O. Solum tr. O. Rölvaag Boat of Longing i. xiii. 73 He prayed, he bemoaned, he implored..that God in His mercy..would turn the thought of the boy away from his folly.

2000 I. Goldenberg & H. Goldenberg Family Therapy (ed. 5) xiii. 318 The narrative therapist might ask: ‘When was the last time you were able to turn Sadness away?’

b. intransitive. Usually with from. To depart from or abandon a practice, course of action, experience, etc. Also: (of an experience) to be averted. Cf. main sense 15.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)]

charec1000

stintc1330

turnc1330

to turn awaya1382

windc1385

casta1475

rebatea1500

strike1576

to cast about1591

veer1769

to come around1797

twist?1801

vert1859

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xxxiii. 15 Turne awei fro euel, and do good.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xviii. 24 Yf the rightuous turne awaye from his rightuousnes.

1611 Bible (King James) Gen. xxvii. 45 Vntill thy brothers anger turne away from thee.

1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies ii. 186 Instead of trying to do this, you turn away from it.

1949 Archivum Linguisticum 1 i. 42 Philologists are beginning to turn away from phonetics to speech-acoustics.

1997 W. Self Great Apes vi. 113 It doesn't surprise me, he has turned away from the path of righteousness.

to turn back

a. intransitive. To reverse one's position so as to face or go in the opposite direction; to turn and go back. Also figurative. Cf. main senses 18a, 20c, 21a, 25a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course

turnc1275

to turn aboutc1330

repeata1382

to turn againc1384

to turn backc1425

re-turn1483

resore1486

to turn the backc1540

to turn round1560

to set back1803

resile1887

to break back1933

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

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)]

awendOE

recommence1481

relieve?1510

turn1594

remigrate1601

to cast back1622

recounter1630

regress1650

retrovert1782

to turn round1802

retrogress1860

to turn back1886

U-turn1973

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 4128 (MED) Hir liste nat onys for to tourne bake..she hade of hym no drede But riȝt proudly gan to neiȝen nere.

c1450 tr. G. Boccaccio De Claris Mulieribus (1924) l. 1089 (MED) Hir host gan turne bak and fle, Vpon horsbake as fast as they myght flynge.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cxiii[i]. 5 Whatayled the..thou Iordan that thou turnedst backe?

1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. i. 2 Shall I goe forward and my heart is here? Turne backe dull earth and finde thy Center out.

1816 W. Scott Antiquary I. vii. 154 ‘Turn back! turn back!’ exclaimed the vagrant.

1829 T. Carlyle in Edinb. Rev. June 458 Not in turning back,..but only in resolutely struggling forward, does our life consist.

1886 E. Lynn Linton Paston Carew II. x. 217 He had put his hand to the plough, and he was not the man to turn back.

1973 C. Bonington Next Horizon v. 90 Eventually they had turned back before even reaching the foot of the climb proper.

2014 S. Jones Yolo 132 Well, it's too late to turn back now... And anyway..YOLO [= you only live once], right?

b. transitive. To reverse the forward movement of (a person or thing); to make (a person or thing) go back. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 18b.See also to turn the clock back at clock n.¹ and adv. Phrases 5.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of

reverse?a1439

to turn back?1531

return?1542

retrograde1582

tergiverse1602

turn1665

to roll back1695

revert1814

?1531 W. Tyndale tr. Prophet Ionas sig. B.iiij So am I sure that greate wrath will folow, excepte repentaunce turne it Backe agayne and cease it.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xxi. 4 I will turne backe the weapens..wherwith ye fight agaynst the kinge of Babilon.

1657 R. Tomlinson tr. J. de Renou Physical Inst. i, in Medicinal Dispensatory sig. D3^v Apuleius..asserts, that by a magical susurration..rivers are turned back.

1872 J. Morley Voltaire vi. 298 The man who turned the tide back.

1880 R. Mackenzie 19th Cent. iii. ix. 448 To arrest and turn back the mightiest power.

1941 M. Lowry Let. 15 Jan. in Sursum Corda! (1995) I. 370 When I set off in September 1939 to see Margie in the U.S...I was turned back at the American border as without proof that I would not be a public charge.

2018 J. Cassara House Impossible Beauties 17 She wished that she could turn back time.

†a. intransitive. To come back or go back to one's former place; to return. Cf. main sense 19a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)]

to wend againeOE

i-cherrec1000

again-chareOE

again-comeOE

again-fareOE

again-goOE

eft-sithec1175

to turn againc1175

returna1325

attournec1386

turnc1390

recovera1393

repair?c1400

recourse?a1425

to go backc1425

resortc1425

revertc1475

renew1488

retour?1505

to make return1534

to turn back1538

retend1543

to come short home1548

regress1552

rejourna1556

revolt1567

revolve1587

repeal1596

recur1612

rewend1616

revene1656

to get back1664

to take back1674

1538 T. Elyot Dict. Illuc quaeso redi, quo coepisti, I beseche the tourne backe agayne, where thou begannest.

1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxliii. sig. I2^v Turne back to me.

1611 Bible (King James) 2 Kings i. 5 When the messengers turned backe vnto him, he said.., Why are ye now turned backe?

1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 37 We turned back again into Persia.

b. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to go back to its former place; to send or give (something) back, to return. Cf. main sense 19c. Now U.S.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > giving > giving back or restitution > give back [verb (transitive)]

yieldc897

agiveOE

again-setOE

restorec1325

acquitc1330

to pay outa1382

refundc1386

to give againa1400

quita1400

restituec1400

reliver1426

surrend1450

redeliver1490

refer1496

render1513

rebail1539

re-present1564

regive1575

to give backa1586

to turn back1587

relate1590

turn1597

returna1632

to hand back1638

redonate1656

reappropriate1659

re-cede1684

revert1688

replace1776

restitute1885

to kick back1926

1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1537/1 An easterlie great wind would remooue and driue it from that coast, and consequentlie from the pierre, which then would lie naked as before, vntill the south and westerne wind turned it backe againe.

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. i. 34 Sir Iohn Vmfreuile turnd me backe With ioyfull tidings.

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida ii. ii. 69 We turne not backe the silkes vpon the marchant When we haue soild them.

1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal ii. 15 These insolent Raskals have turn'd 'em all back upon my hands again.

1927 Publishers' Weekly 12 Feb. 610 We felt that the only course open to us in view of the authors' feelings in the matter was to offer to turn back the book to them, subject to their disposal.

1993 Newsweek 19 Apr. 27/3 The odds of that happening are about the same as a lottery winner turning back the money because he doesn't need it.

a. transitive. To cause (something) to face backwards or in the previous direction; to reverse the direction of; to direct backwards; cf. main senses 20b, 25bIn quot. 1579: = to turn bridle at Phrases 1c.In quot. 1845: to expose by reversing; = to turn over 2c at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > reverse the direction of

reverse?a1439

return1483

to turn back1579

alternate1595

re-enverse1603

retrovert1637

obvert1646

the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn backwards

returna1450

reverse1523

to turn back1579

retort1583

reverta1657

1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 731/2 If there bee but one man that turneth backe the bridle [Fr. qui aura tourné bride], wee seeme to seeke such occasions to become wicked and lewde.

1585 T. Wilcox Expos. vppon Bk. Canticles vi. 173 Though thou bee past, yet turne thine eyes backe againe, that thou maiest beholde mee.

1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim (1687) xxxiv. 417 They heard the noise of an horses heels behind them. Which causing them to turn their eyes back [etc.].

1743 Gen. Syst. Horsemanship II. 107/2 Quadratus Labiorum. The last are the Abducents. They rise from the Occiput, and are inserted in the fore Part of the Ear, which they turn back.

1825 W. Scott Talisman ii, in Tales Crusaders III. 40 It were better..to turn back thy horse's head towards the camp of thy people.

1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 344 Both heaps [of potatoes] have now been turned back, and none are diseased.

2015 A. Leigh Fortune's June Bride 51 Jeanne Marie turned her eyes back on Galen. ‘Where's your father?’

b. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the backwards or in the previous direction; figurative to give attention again to something.

ΚΠ

1831 T. C. Grattan Jacqueline of Holland II. ii. 48 My mind turned back to early days, when I have seen you serve the altar and sing the saint's litany.

1912 E. Wharton Reef xxvii. 345 She turned back to her letters and her glance lit on an envelope inscribed in Owen's hand.

1968 Listener 26 Dec. 859/3 The indigenists, who relied mainly on a European form, the novel, turned back to the study of Voodoo.

2017 M. W. Sexton Kind of Freedom 117 But her mother just turned back to her paper, flipped through it.

4. transitive. To fold or double back or over (part of a garment, etc.) Formerly also †in past participle with with: turned up with (see to turn up 5b(a) at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > back

replyc1425

replicate1649

to turn back1683

retroflex1954

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down

tuckc1440

tirve1482

to turn upa1586

to turn back1683

to turn down1841

1683 A. Snape Anat. Horse i. vi. 11 The fleshy Membrane likewise turn'd back, with a little sprinkling of Fat on its inside.

a1837 E. C. Knight Autobiogr. (1861) I. v. 61 The constable's were the last, with their mantles turned back with gold stuff.

1869 H. S. Leigh Carols of Cockayne 166 He turn'd back his cuffs, and he put back his hair.

1913 Play Pictorial No. 130. 18/2 A gown of green paon broché crêpe de chine, draped..with tulle,..turned back with handsome cream guipure.

2007 A. Barrett Air We Breathe 28 Her sleeves were turned back to expose her wrists, her apron was fresh and neatly ironed.

† to turn by

Obsolete.

transitive. To set aside, reject (a candidate, petitioner, etc.). Cf. by adv. 2a.

ΘΚΠ

society > education > educational administration > examination > examine a candidate [verb (transitive)] > fail a candidate

to turn by1653

pluck1713

flunk1843

plough1854

spin1860

fail1884

pill1908

pip1908

zap1961

1653 J. Rogers Sagrir iii. 75 Shee (poor heart!) must be turned by (for all her tears) most hard-heartedly, and bid to go to the Law.

1705 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 7 Dec. (1885) I. 119 When he stood for orders [he] was turn'd by for Deficiency.

1826 O. W. Holmes Life & Lett. 15 Aug. (1896) I. 56 O—— was turned by for the year and has entered the class below me.

to turn down

1. transitive. To turn (something) so as to have a particular surface facing down, to turn upside down; esp. to invert (a glass), to turn (a card) face downwards. Cf. sense 9 and down adv. 6a. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)]

to-wendc893

whelvec1000

to turn down?c1335

to turn up?c1335

whelmc1340

overturna1382

to turn overa1400

wholve14..

inverse?a1425

reverse?a1425

overwhelvec1450

overvolvea1522

transverse1557

evert1566

topsy-turn1573

topsy-turve1603

invert1610

upturn1610

whave1611

topsy-turvy1626

whemmel1684

cant1850

upend1868

flip-flop1924

?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 128 Turne him uppe, turne him doune, þi swete lemman: Ouer al þou findist him blodi oþer wan.

1629 J. Parkinson Paradisi in Sole ii. lvii. 529 Cut off the stalke, and turne it downe, that the Syrupe may drayne forth.

1763 Brit. Mag. 4 117 Sometimes she turns down my cup herself, after the first dish, because..tea is nervous.

1859 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát Omar Khayyám lxxv. 16 Turn down an empty Glass!

1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot III. viii. 115 The played cards were solemnly turned down.

1912 Senator from Illinois (Proc. before Comm. U.S. Senate) Abstract of Hearings 9347 With that she turned the message down—face down. She turned it over.

1950 Oxf. Junior Encycl. IX. 114/1 Cards which do not make pairs are turned down again, and the players must remember where they are.

1991 P. Marshall Daughters (1992) ii. v. 173 An open-shelved larder over in a corner with a few flowered glasses turned down on top.

†2. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to descend or fall down; to throw down. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Deut. xii. 2 Torne ȝe doun alle placys in þe whiche þe gentyls..han heried here goddys opon hyȝe monteyns.

1577 M. Hanmer tr. Evagrius Scholasticus i. xvii in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 421 Many turretts within the pallace were turned downe to the grounde.

1684 I. Mather Ess. for Recording Illustrious Providences v. 145 A great stone..was thrown upon the mans stomach, and he turning it down upon the floor, it was once more thrown upon him.

a. intransitive. To incline one's course downwards while changing direction; to turn aside and go down. Cf. main sense 15.

ΚΠ

a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 366 (MED) When þe fumosite is of þe bath styand up to þe rof, becaus þat þai may not haf þare essew owt abovyn, þai turn doun agayn.

1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iii. iv. f. lij Thenne sawe I a wonderfull engyne of a grete whele..it roos oute of a litel dore, & torned doun at another.

1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) xv. f. 194 My horses..beeing greatly flayghted with the monster in theyr eye, Turnd downe too sea.

c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 29 Commaundinge him that they shoulde..turne downe unto the other carvell.

1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter I. i. 15 Opposite the limekilns, as you turn down to the Duke's Head near the turnpike.

1887 P. McNeill Blawearie 88 Long before the men in general began to turn down, he had every box in the pit-bottom filled.

1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. x. [Wandering Rocks] 231 Better turn down here. Make a detour.

2002 J. McGahern That they may face Rising Sun (2003) 261 ‘That Madden is unseemly,’ he said as they turned down towards the lake.

b. intransitive. Of business or economic activity: to decline, worsen. Cf. downturn n. 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > adversity > be in adversity [verb (intransitive)] > fall from prosperous or thriving condition

afalleOE

wanec1000

fallOE

ebba1420

to go backward?a1425

to go down?1440

decay1483

sink?a1513

delapsea1530

reel1529

decline1530

to go backwards1562

rue1576

droop1577

ruina1600

set1607

lapse1641

to lose ground1647

to go to pigs and whistles1794

to come (also go) down in the world1819

to peg out1852

to lose hold, one's balance1877

to go under1879

toboggan1887

slip1930

to turn down1936

society > occupation and work > business affairs > [verb (intransitive)] > of business activity: fall off

slack1609

slacken1725

to turn down1936

downshift1974

1936 Daily Mail 10 Feb. 3/2 Is business activity turning down ‘for a spell’, and if so, for how long?

1960 Economist 8 Oct. 261/1 Wall Street has shown an impressive record of moving ahead of business activity. In the recession of 1957–58..it turned down in July, one month before the index of industrial production; and turned up again in December, four months before production did.

1980 Daily Tel. 23 July 19 Unemployment is rising fast in all the major economies, partly because the economic cycle is turning down.

2002 N.Y. Times 28 Apr. 41/5 Companies are slow to lay people off when the economy turns down.

a. transitive. To cause (something) to be directed or point downwards; to direct (something, esp. the head or eyes) down.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > turn (eyes) downwards

to turn downa1425

deject1612

lower1721

the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn downwards

to turn downa1425

downturn1909

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 7214 Þe hevedes..salle be turned doune, And þe fete upward fast knytted.

c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 209 (MED) If ye eftsones turne doun youre sight Into þis foule wrecched erthely dell.

1555 E. Bonner Homelies (new ed.) f. 50 Crowned with a crowne of martirdome, his heade being turned downe to the grounde.

1583 Iniunctions Dioces of Saincte Dauides sig. A.ii. All the Seruice shalbe saied by the Minister, in his owne seate or Pulpit, with his face turned downe towardes the people.

1710 W. Salmon Botanologia I. lx. 85/1 The Flowers grow in long Tufts or Spikes, small at the ends and turning down their Heads, and yielding cornered Seed.

1840 Peter Parley's Ann. 364 The grenadier turned down his bayonet, and skewered him to the ground.

1986 F. Stella Working Space 102/1 I glanced at the painting, then quickly turned my head down and away, averting my eyes.

2014 M. Watson Hotel Alpha ix. 213 In his face I saw such utter abjection that I had to turn my eyes down to the blankets in front of me.

b. transitive. To fold or double down (part of one's clothing, such as a collar or sleeve) or the covers of (a bed: see also down adv. 6c); to bend downwards, fold over (the corner of a page: see also to turn down a leaf at leaf n.¹ Phrases 2a). Cf. main sense 8.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > up, down, or in

tuckc1440

to turn down1533

to turn in1721

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down

tuckc1440

tirve1482

to turn upa1586

to turn back1683

to turn down1841

1533 T. Elyot Pasquil the Playne f. 3^v The tirfe of the cappe tourned downe afore lyke a pentise hathe a meruaylous good grace.

1583 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (ed. 4) II. 1941/1 They..searched..not onely in the bed turning it downe past all honest humanitie, but also vnder the bed behynd the painted clothes.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 324 Is not the Leafe turn'd downe Where I left reading?

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §273 The cramps..were turned down at each end.

1828 H. D. Best Italy 128 The beds..were all, in the housewife's phrase, turned down.

1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond vii Nothing could make him..refrain from wearing his collars turned down.

2013 Sunday Tel. (Nexis) 15 Sept. 29 The troublemakers..skulk the corridors, rolling their eyes at staff who order them to turn down their sleeves.

c. intransitive. To bend or curve downwards. Cf. sense 8c(b).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (intransitive)] > downwards

to turn down1584

stoop1681

1584 J. Astley Art of Riding viii. 58 Bow your fist, so as your thombe maie turne downe toward the mane of the horsse, as therby you may see the full backe of your hand.

1661 S. Morgan Sphere of Gentry ii. i. 13 That doth circumflex and turn down like a Flower de Lice.

1856 Godey's Lady's Bk. May 449/2 The Pamela hat is made of Leghorn or straw, quite flat; the brim broad, and slightly turning down over the forehead.

1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife iii. ii The corners of his mouth began to turn down in an ominous fashion.

2002 New Yorker 3 June 101/2 Grant stares blankly, his mouth turning down in panic.

†a. transitive. To lower (someone or something) by turning a device (such as a compass, winch, or screw). 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)] > lower or let down > by mechanical means

to turn down1551

parbuckle1768

to strike down1778

to hoist down1794

to jack down1893

to wind down1961

1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. sig. C^v Stay the one foot of the compas in one of the endes of that line, turning the other vp or doun at your will, drawyng the arche of a circle against the midle of the line.

1573 J. Sanford tr. L. Guicciardini Garden of Pleasure f. 13 If she [sc. Fortune] continued to make hir wonted compasse, she wold turne him downe to the bottom.

1610 A. Hopton Baculum Geodæticum i. i. 3 So that..this said screw peece B beeing turned downe hard, and wrested thereunto, may stay ye peece of brasse, that he cannot mooue any way.

1929 D. H. Lawrence Pansies 82 My father was a working man And a collier was he, At six in the morning they turned him down And they turned him up for tea.

b. transitive. To lower the output of (a lamp, gas) by turning a handle, tap, etc.; to lower the temperature of (an electrical appliance, heating system, etc., and (in extended use) that which it heats or cooks), originally by turning a knob or switch; to reduce the volume of sound from (a radio or other audio device) by operating a control; to lower (volume) in this way. Also: to operate (a control) so as to reduce the temperature, volume of sound, etc. Cf. main sense 2b, to turn up 18 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > turn down, close, or switch off

to turn down1855

to shut off1904

the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > dimness or absence of brightness > make dim [verb (transitive)] > reduce the brightness of

to turn down1855

to dim out1942

the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)]

to turn on1824

disconnect1826

to turn down1855

switch1881

to put on1892

to turn off1892

key1929

the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > operation of electronic devices > [verb (transitive)] > initiate change

to turn on1824

key1929

trip1936

trigger1937

to turn down1941

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > make cold [verb (transitive)] > cool > lower the temperature of

to turn down1950

1855 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 5 Mar. She walked into the supper room, where the gas had been turned down and gave vent to her wearied spirit by ejaculating, ‘thank Good, they are all stuffed and gone’.

1868 M. E. Braddon Dead-Sea Fruit xix Love's torch..flames anew before we turn it down for ever.

1892 Harper's Mag. Jan. 283/2 She..turned the lamps down low.

1941 N. Marsh Death & Dancing Footman xv. 313 ‘To get back to the wireless.’.. ‘I turned it down.’.. ‘You turned it turned it down... Not off. Down.’.. ‘I turned it down, and five minutes later somebody turned it up.’

1950 B. Pym Some Tame Gazelle x. 111 The beef..would be roasted to a cinder by now, unless Emily had had the sense to turn down the oven.

1961 J. Stroud Touch & Go v. 48 ‘Excuse me if I just turn my liver down?’.. She hustled back into the kitchen.

1969 ‘D. Rutherford’ Gilt-edged Cockpit vi. 93 Could you turn that transistor down a bit?

1970 J. Porter Dover strikes Again ii. 30 Old Mr Revel..switched on the television set. Miss Kettering..turned the volume control right down.

1975 Guardian 21 Jan. 5/1 Turn down your heating a couple of degrees.

2014 Church Times 10 Jan. 15/1 Once the pan has reached the boil, turn it down and give the pudding a brisk stir.

6. transitive. To put down, send to a lower position in an order or ranking (as in a class at school, a competition, etc.; also figurative): cf. main sense 27. Now U.S.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > degrading or debasement > degrade [verb (transitive)]

vile1297

supplanta1382

to bring lowa1387

revilea1393

gradea1400

villain1412

abject?a1439

to-gradea1440

vilifyc1450

villainy1483

disparage1496

degradea1500

deject?1521

disgraduate1528

disgress1528

regrade1534

base1538

diminute1575

lessen1579

to turn down1581

to pitch (a person) over the bar?1593

disesteem1594

degender1596

unnoble1598

disrank1599

reduce1599

couch1602

disthrone1603

displume1606

unplume1621

disnoble1622

disworth?1623

villainize1623

unglory1626

ungraduate1633

disennoble1645

vilicate1646

degraduate1649

bemean1651

deplume1651

lower1653

cheapen1654

dethrone1659

diminish1667

scoundrel1701

sink1706

demean1715

abjectate1731

unglorifya1740

unmagnify1747

undignify1768

to take the shine out of (less frequently from, U.S. off)1819

dishero1838

misdemean1843

downgrade1892

demote1919

objectify1973

1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 69 You beyng ignoraunt what difference is betwixt an affirmative, & a negative proposition, must be turned doune agayne behinde the Schoolehouse doore.

1693 J. Dryden Examen Poeticum Ded. sig. A5 Julius Scaliger, wou'd needs turn down Homer, and Abdicate him.

1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer vi. 71 He took his place..in the spelling class, and got ‘turned down’, by a succession of mere baby words.

1946 G. Wilson Fidelity Folks 136 We had regular places in the line and turned down those who could not spell a word.

1999 L. S. DeRosier Creeker 55 While I did not win the spelling bee, I turned down about two dozen of Oil Springs' and Flat Gap's finest spellers.

†7.

a. transitive. colloquial. To drink down, ‘toss off’. Obsolete.

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

1593 ‘P. Foulface’ Bacchus Bountie sig. C After these came young Cicero, who, for the large loose that he had in turning downe his liquor, was called Bicongius.

a1625 J. Fletcher Womans Prize iii. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ooooo3/2 Out upon her, How she turn'd down the Bragget [printed Bagget]?

1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 239 Asking for a flask of champaign, [he] turned it down without taking it once from his head.

1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands & Islands II. xix. 270 We turned down a second tumbler.

b. transitive. Brewing. To put (liquor) into a vat to ferment. Cf. main sense 27b. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1826 D. Booth Art of Brewing (ed. 2) 109 Turned down 28 barrels of liquor, at 158 deg.

a. transitive. Originally U.S. slang. Originally: †to rebuke, snub, put down (a person) (obsolete). Now: to refuse to grant (a person) his or her request; to reject (an applicant, aspirant, candidate, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > humility > humiliation > humiliate [verb (transitive)]

anitherOE

fellOE

lowc1175

to lay lowc1225

to set adownc1275

snuba1340

meekc1350

depose1377

aneantizea1382

to bring lowa1387

declinea1400

meekenc1400

to pull downc1425

avalec1430

to-gradea1440

to put downc1440

humble1484

alow1494

deject?1521

depress1526

plucka1529

to cut (rarely to cast down) the comb of?1533

to bring down1535

to bring basec1540

adbass1548

diminish1560

afflict1561

to take down1562

to throw down1567

debase1569

embase1571

diminute1575

to put (also thrust) a person's nose out of jointc1576

exinanite1577

to take (a person) a peg lower1589

to take (a person) down a peg (or two)1589

disbasea1592

to take (a person) down a buttonhole (or two)1592

comb-cut1593

unpuff1598

atterr1605

dismount1608

annihilate1610

crest-fall1611

demit1611

pulla1616

avilea1617

to put a scorn on, upon1633

mortify1639

dimit1658

to put a person's pipe out1720

to let down1747

to set down1753

humiliate1757

to draw (a person's) eyeteeth1789

start1821

squabash1822

to wipe a person's eye1823

to crop the feathers of1827

embarrass1839

to knock (also take, etc.) (a person) off his or her perch1864

to sit upon ——1864

squelch1864

to cut out of all feather1865

to sit on ——1868

to turn down1870

to score off1882

to do (a person) in the eye1891

puncture1908

to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908

to cut down to size1927

flatten1932

to slap (a person) down1938

punk1963

1870 Daily Atlanta Intelligencer 27 Feb. Eighteen months ago his political enemies thought they had turned him down, and sealed his fate.

1897 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 14 Jan. 7/6 Secretary Olney was turned down by the Senate..in his effort to have the vote on the extradition treaties..reconsidered.

1905 R. E. Beach Pardners 82 We were liable to get turned down cold if we didn't have some story.

1913 E. Wharton Custom of Country ii. xvi The Ararat investigation had been..quashed,..and Elmer Moffatt ‘turned down’.

1979 R. Jaffe Class Reunion i. vii. 70 A lot of attractive, eligible men kept asking Annabel for dates, and she didn't like having to turn them down.

2013 Observer 24 Nov. 17/2 We live in an era of hyper-branding, where..job applicants are turned down for not having enough Twitter followers.

b. transitive. Originally North American. To reject, refuse, decline (an offer, request, suggestion, etc.); to ignore, fail to take (an opportunity).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (transitive)] > decline to receive or accept

forsakea800

refusec1400

renayc1400

repelc1443

reject1532

disavow1579

balk1587

deny1590

disaccept1647

to pass up1896

to turn down1900

1900 Gazette (Montreal) 3 Mar. 2/7 [Denmark] turns down America's offer.

1927 A. Conan Doyle Case-bk. Sherlock Holmes x. 261 A quarter's rent..in advance and no arguing about terms. In these times a poor woman like me can't afford to turn down a chance like that.

1951 Sport 7 Jan. 17/1 Many of our suggestions are turned down.

1958 P. Gibbs Curtains of Yesterday xxvii. 214 Many nations..put forward plans for a gradual process of disarmament, and each plan was turned down by the other delegations.

2015 New Yorker 2 Nov. 29/2 The charge that Clinton had personally turned down requests from Ambassador Stevens for more security.

9. transitive. Shooting and Hunting. To put (game, etc.) in a place to stock it. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > lay in a supply of

to fet ina1556

to lay in1662

store1719

to get in1869

to turn down1891

1891 Field 26 Dec. 963/3 Foxes..are turned down in order that the supply may be kept up.

1892 Field 19 Nov. 793/3 I would urge all farmers to turn down some Indian game cocks in their yards.

1936 Manch. Guardian 26 Sept. 9/4 Pheasants are reared in large numbers for turning down in coverts.

to turn in

a. transitive. To send or drive in (a person or (now chiefly) livestock). Now rare. Cf. main senses 27a, 27b, 27c.In quot. c1300: (reflexive) to go in; = sense 3.

ΚΠ

c1300 St. Brendan (Harl.) (1844) 22 Ther cam out a grislich wiȝt..Thurf suart and berning al his eȝen upe hem he caste, And turnde him in anon.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 480 He turned in amongst them some of his foresaid children.

1666 J. Yonge Jrnl. (1963) (modernized text) 93 When they opened the door and I saw so many nasty and lousy prisoners..my heart was ready to break, but..we were turned in among them.

1727 R. Bradley Compl. Body Husbandry xv. 160 Every tenant..has a right to turn in a certain number of horses, cows or sheep for summer food, only if it [sc. common land] be in grass.

1796 T. W. Tone Writings (2009) II. 140 The Government had a design, before anything more serious were attempted, to turn in a parcel of renegades..into Ireland in order to distress and embarrass the Government there.

1890 Rev. of Tariff: Hearings before Comm. Ways & Means (U.S. House of Representatives, 51st Congr. 1st Sess.) 1333 As soon as the corn is out of the roasting-ear you can turn the sheep in.

1923 W. Perry et al. Sheep Farming in N.Z. vi. 73 The ewes should also be dagged..before turning the rams in.

2011 S. L. Turner Up from Ashes iv. 42 He had sent riders ahead to let down the fence and help us turn the cattle in on the lush grass.

b. transitive. To hand (something, especially an item required by or owned by another party) in or over; to trade (something) in exchange for something else.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)]

monga1250

corsec1440

coss14..

merchant1511

chafferc1535

merchandise1538

mart1589

trade1589

broke1598

factor1611

handle1638

commercea1641

chop1645

chaffera1657

job1701

truck1715

to turn in1822

monger1928

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another

i-taechec888

outreacheOE

sellc950

beteacha1000

areachc1000

turnc1175

handsellc1225

betakec1250

deliverc1300

beken1330

yielda1382

disposec1384

resigna1387

livera1400

to turn overa1425

deputea1440

overgive1444

quit?c1450

surrend1450

surrender1466

renderc1480

to give over1483

despose1485

refer1547

to pass over1560

to set over1585

behight1590

tip1610

consign1632

delegate1633

skink1637

to hand over1644

delate1651

to turn off1667

to turn in1822

1822 Documents Relative to Investig. Official Conduct Amos Binney 57 I accepted their offer, paid them the cash, and turned it in to Mr. Howe, and charged it to him in my account with him.

1840 Catal. 557 Lots of Land South Cove 4 The stockholders who shall thus turn in their shares, shall be required to acknowledge upon their certificates the receipt of ‘the first dividend’ on their stock.

1903 N.Y. Evening Post 29 Oct. 3 The ex-policeman who turned in his shield in September.

1904 Bull. National Metal Trades Assoc. Mar. 123/2 We were requested to turn in a claim... This we did, and set the amount at $10,000.

1919 in F. A. Pottle Stretchers (1930) 359 Tomorrow we will turn in what few articles of equipment we have not left at Merritt.

1938 F. A. Pottle Boswell & Girl from Botany Bay 17 Bligh published a book..and Edwards turned in a report to the Admiralty.

1952 L. Durrell Let. 4 Nov. in Spirit of Place (1969) 114 I've turned in my resignation and we are clearing off in December.

1958 Listener 13 Nov. 777/1 They didn't have to pay anything really [sc. for a new car];..they've turned in their old one..and that only left a £50 balance.

1998 Chicago Tribune 7 Dec. i. 3/2 About 100 people turned in their guns for gift certificates during a weekend exchange program.

2014 J. Charbonneau Independent Study xiii. 255 Now, since I'm here, do you want me to look at the assignments you have to turn in tomorrow?

†c. transitive. Australian. To return (a convict who is in service to a private individual) to official custody (more fully to turn in to government). Obsolete (historical in later use).

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)] > hand over to police custody

to turn in1826

in charge (of)1887

1826 Colonial Times (Hobart, Austral.) 1 Dec. If he finds what he gets are no better than those he had before, we ask, is it unreasonable in him to turn them in?

1830 R. Dawson Present State Austral. v. 201 I asked him..the reason of his having been ‘turned in’, as they call it, to government.

1835 Cornwall Chron. (Launceston, Austral.) 18 Apr. 2 As a last resource, to prevent ourselves being further taxed with the support of a saucy servant, we ‘turn him in’.

1902 Australasian (Melbourne) 18 Oct. 51/3 If any of you jib at the job, let me know like men, and I'll turn you in and get others.

d. transitive. colloquial (originally Australian, now chiefly Australian, New Zealand, and British). To give up, to stop (an activity). Frequently with non-referential it as object.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > quit or give up

to give offa1616

quita1642

to tie up1760

that'll be the day1916

to turn in1918

to go through1933

to walk away1950

the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)]

aswikec975

linOE

beleavec1175

forletc1175

i-swikec1175

restc1175

stutte?c1225

lina1300

blinc1314

to give overc1325

to do wayc1350

stintc1366

finisha1375

leavea1375

yleavec1380

to leave offa1382

refuse1389

ceasec1410

resigna1413

respite?a1439

relinquish1454

surcease1464

discontinue1474

unfill1486

supersede1499

desist1509

to have ado?1515

stop1525

to lay aside1530

stay1538

quata1614

to lay away1628

sist1635

quita1642

to throw up1645

to lay by1709

to come off1715

unbuckle1736

peter1753

to knock off1767

stash1794

estop1796

stow1806

cheese1811

to chuck itc1879

douse1887

nark1889

to stop off1891

stay1894

sling1902

can1906

to lay off1908

to pack in1934

to pack up1934

to turn in1938

to break down1941

to tie a can to (or on)1942

to jack in1948

to wrap it up1949

1918 Warwick (Queensland) Examiner & Times 13 May 3/1 ‘Why don't you turn it in?’ his mates would ask. ‘You look nearly dead. Go and see the quack. He'd send you away.’

1938 ‘R. Hyde’ Godwits Fly xi. 169 Fancy turning in a smoke for a bint.

1948 C. Day Lewis Otterbury Incident iii. 23 ‘I'll kill myself, then.’ ‘Turn it in, Nick!’ Ted punched him in a friendly way.

1950 N.Z. Listener 3 Mar. 8 ‘Turning the job in?’ said Bill. ‘No, Bill. Just a day in town.’

1965 Western Herald (Bourke, New S. Wales) 5 Nov. 4/2 Some other members wanted to turn it in after nine, but after many glasses of stimulant they carried on.

2000 J. Goodwin Danny Boy v. 120 We'd been at it for hours, and it was probably time to turn it in.

e. transitive. Originally U.S. To achieve or produce (a result, a particular score, a performance of a specified kind, etc.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > produce a performance of specific kind

to turn in1920

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performer > perform [verb (transitive)] > register type of performance

to turn in1947

1920 U.S. Air Service Dec. 14/1 Lieut. A. Laverents..at the helm of a Vought E.7 with a Wright 180 H. P. motor, turned in a remarkable performance with a time only eleven minutes behind that of the..winner.

1931 Randolph Enterprise (Elkins, W. Va.) 9 July 5/3 Boyles turned in the star catch of the day by racing..to pull down a line drive with one hand.

1947 A. Huxley Let. 27 July (1969) 573 Jessica Tandy..is a first-rate actress and seems to be likely to turn in a performance which will make most of the more celebrated Hollywood stars look merely silly.

1958 Listener 23 Oct. 632/2 This company, in common with many others, turned in a sizeable loss.

1979 SLR Camera Mar. 53/3 At full aperture the 75mm f2.8 optic turned in a surprisingly good performance.

2012 Independent 11 Dec. 55/4 A more representative company is Bellway..although it too turned in a creditable result.

f. transitive. Originally U.S. To report, betray, or surrender (a person) to the police or other authorities.

ΚΠ

1920 War Expenditures: Hearings before Subcomm. No. 3 of Comm. Expenditures War Dept. (U.S. House of Representatives, 66th Congr., 1st & 2nd Sess., Serial 4) I. 1130 It was always their object to try to put a man to doing something that one man could not do, so that then they could turn him in and prefer charges against him.

1926 J. Black You can't Win vii. 85 If either of you gets grabbed..and thinks he can get a light jolt by turning me in, he's wrong.

1998 Muscle News No. 33. 2/6 As a lot of it is sold from friend to friend, no one is going to turn in a mate, or grass him up.

2015 S. Tromly Trouble is Friend of Mine xviii. 152 The team honor code... He's got to turn them in if he sees them doing substances..so he doesn't want to see them.

2. transitive. Agriculture. To bury or cover (weeds, stubble, manure, etc.) by turning the soil over in digging or ploughing; to dig or plough (something) into the ground. Formerly also with the ground as object (obsolete). Cf. senses 10b, 27b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over > cover by turning over

to turn in1532

underturn1600

to trench down1799

ridge1819

point1828

1532 G. Hervet tr. Xenophon Treat. House Holde f. 51^v Loke whan the grounde hath most comforte of the ayre with wete and moystnes, if the corne be grene newly risen out of the erthe, if he styrre and turne it in ageyne, it is as if it were a sustinance to the grounde.

1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 3 The Gardens..should be..both well digged and turned in with dung.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 22 In the Spring the ground being mellowe,..the weedes are then best turned in.

1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 526 Not to turn in the wheat-stubble much before Christmas.

1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 528 The clover-lands that I have just turned in for roots.

1866 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2nd Ser. 2 i. 170 Loamy land is ploughed a second time before winter, and the manure turned in.

2012 South Wales Echo (Nexis) 11 Feb. 7 I am glad that I had finished turning in my green manure and these large clumps of earth could be attacked by these frosts.

3. intransitive. To turn aside and go in (to a place, house, room, etc.): cf. main senses 15, 21a.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off

turnc1330

to turn asidea1382

to turn in1535

to wave one's way1548

strike1576

to turn off1605

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judges iv. 18 Iael wente forth to mete Sissera, & sayde..: Turne in my lorde.

1655 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans (ed. 2) ii. 83 Sin..quickly will Turn in, if not obstructed still.

1658 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 2nd Pt. 257 Even they sometimes turne in at the fairest signe.

1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xv. 23 Hearing your stable clock strike as I turned in at your gate.

1936 Helena (Montana) Independent 30 Apr. 5/6 (advt.) Whenever your dropping gauge bids you to turn in for gasoline.

2000 W. Ihimaera Uncle's Story (2005) i. 5 I turned in at the gate and across the cattlestop, put my foot down and roared the car over the rise.

a. transitive. To bend or fold (something, esp. fabric) inwards. Cf. main sense 8.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (transitive)] > curve inwards

to turn in?1537

incurve1610

incurvate1822

the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > up, down, or in

tuckc1440

to turn down1533

to turn in1721

?1537 T. Elyot Castell of Helthe ii. viii. f. 24^v All be it Scariole callyd whyte Endyue, hauynge the toppes of the leaues tourned in, and layde in the erthe..and couered, becommeth whyte and crispe.

1572 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 159 White Rownde plates turnde in with a crest.

1721 J. Swift George-Nim-Dan-Dean's Answer 18 Thus a wise tailor is not pinching, But turns at every seam an inch in.

1776 W. Withering Brit. Plants (1796) IV. 201 Pileus pale yellow,..edge turned in, 1 ½ to 2 inches over.

1869 Manch. Weekly Times 18 Dec. Suppl. 407/3 Not an edge was visible in the white silk lining, each being turned in and run together.

1991 Toronto Star (Nexis) 1 Aug. d2 Turn in the sleeve edges and topstitch them to match the neck.

b. transitive. Nautical. To fasten the end of a rope to (a deadeye or heart). Cf. dead-eye n. 1, heart n. 29.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > bind or fasten

to turn in?1537

frap1548

reeve1627

seize1644

nip1670

marl1704

marline1706

clinch1780

nipper1794

clench1803

to turn in1834

1834 C. Martelli Naval Officer's Guide 35 When the dead eye is turned in, in a loft, the shroud is hove round with a tackle, when on the mast-head, as above.

1882 Daily Tel. 12 Sept. 2/1 Dead-eyes to turn in, chafing gear to look after, reef-knots to point.

1947 H. Wyllie Let. in Mariner's Mirror (1948) 34 230 The nature of the rope..has greatly increased the difficulty of turning in the deadeyes and hearts.

a. intransitive. To have an inward direction, point inwards. Cf. senses 20c, 20d.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have inward direction

to turn in1597

1597 J. Gerard Herball ii. 922 Little leaues which grow togither and make one hollowe flower, hauing a taile or spur at the ende, turning in like the spur of Toade flaxe.

1876 G. O. Harlan Horse-owner's Guide 34 The toes turning in or out too much.

1994 Dog World June 54/1 When the hocks turn in and pasterns drop straight to the ground and move parallel to one another.

2012 Tampa Bay (Florida) Times (Nexis) 6 Oct. 10 As they [sc. bunions] grow, they cause the toe to turn in, toward the second toe.

b. transitive. To cause (something, esp. one's toes) to point or face inwards. Cf. main senses 7, 20b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn inwards

invert1609

to turn in1693

1693 T. Southerne Maids Last Prayer i. 4 Why, they said Riding too much wou'd teach me to turn in my Toes, and spoil my Dancing.

1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 200/2 I gives 'em..the bandy jig, that's dancing with my toes turned in.

1865 Morning Star 27 Jan. To turn the tallies in. That is to put the tallies against the wall, so that they should not be seen.

1870 Daily News 19 July 6 Go-ahead, a good mare..turns in her toes a little.

2015 Irish Daily Mail (Nexis) 20 Oct. 35 I tried acupuncture and homeopathy..tried doing my pelvic floor exercises with my toes turned in: all useless.

6. intransitive. colloquial (originally Nautical). To go to bed.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)]

to go to (one's) resteOE

to take (one's) restc1175

to go to bedc1275

to lie downc1275

reposec1485

down-lie1505

bed1635

to turn in1695

retire1696

lay1768

to go to roost1829

to turn or peak the flukes1851

kip1889

doss1896

to hit the hay1912

to hit the deck1918

to go down1922

to bunk down1940

to hit the sack1943

to sack out1946

to sack down1956

1695 W. Congreve Love for Love iii. i. 54 Mrs. F. I believe it's late. B... An you think so, you had best go to Bed... I mean to toss a Can..a-fore I turn in.

1837 T. Hook Jack Brag II. iv. 147 Jack ‘turned in’, as the sailors say.

1891 N. Gould Double Event 218 It's late..and quite time we turned in.

2014 ‘R. Galbraith’ Silkworm (2015) v. 33 He did not feel quite ready to turn in yet, not after a large lamb biryani and a pint of beer.

a. intransitive. To change course and go inwards. Formerly also: †(of an eruption on the skin, etc.) to disappear (opposed to to break out 3 at break v. Phrasal verbs) (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > process of healing of an injury, etc. > of injury, etc.: heal [verb (intransitive)] > of eruption: disappear

to turn in1746

1746 Eng. Traveller III. 266 The Shore turns in so much to the South, that it forms a large Bay.

a1776 R. James Diss. Fevers (1778) 29 Small-pox..which turned in the seventh day of the eruption and went off in the most desirable manner.

1832 S. Thomson New Guide Health (ed. 3) Suppl. 148 When it had. flatted down to the vitals, it turned in, and one died, and the other, it left in a miserable state of health; the pits hard and blue, like other poison sores.

1862 J. Pycroft Cricket Tutor 35 Spinning bowling is always liable to turn in or to break away contrary to all expectation.

1882 Trans. Asiatic Soc. Japan 10 44 The river, after making a bend round some rice flats, turns in and sweeps right under the high bank.

1958 ‘N. Shute’ Rainbow & Rose ii. 57 I..flew out to sea..on the reciprocal course, and then turned in again and flew towards the coast on 110°.

2012 Sun (Nexis) 20 Nov. 52 Prayan Ojha finally beat Alastair Cook with a ball that turned in, kept low and bowled the captain.

b. transitive. figurative. to be turned in on oneself: to have one's attention or interests directed to oneself or one's inner life and away from external concerns and relationships; to be or become self-involved. Similarly intransitive in to turn in on oneself.

ΚΠ

1851 Amer. Temperance Mag. 161 The Destroyer sometimes seizes hold of the powers of the mind, while in full activity and strength, and so distorts them from right purposes, that they are turned in on themselves and fall victims to their own violence.

1873 Brit. Q. Rev. Oct. 335 But Rothe, turning in on himself and discarding theology, could say, ‘Thank God I am a Christian!’

1911 Jrnl. Mental Sci. 57 382 All these patients are in a high degree autistic, by which term Bleuler means turned in on themselves.

1971 A. G. Kenwood & A. L. Lougheed Growth Internat. Econ. xxi. 309 Countries..turned in on themselves in order to deal with their economic problems.

1998 R. Gunesekera Sandglass ii. 33 From an early age he turned in on himself and showed no interest in the Vatunas plots that Esra puffed over.

2014 L. E. Tushnet Gay & Catholic vi. 79 Don't get stuck in your rut, turned in on yourself and isolated.

to turn off

†1. transitive. To strip off, peel off (clothing, or a layer of some substance, esp. skin). Also: (intransitive) to be peeled off. Cf. main sense 4c. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > uncovering > uncover or remove covering from [verb (transitive)] > strip or make bare > strip off (a covering)

shredc1000

tirvec1300

to turn offc1390

stripc1430

tirr1584

tirl1603

skin1659

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > uncovering > become uncovered [verb (intransitive)] > be lost as an outer layer

slip1669

shell1676

to turn off1737

decorticate1805

exfoliate1807

c1390 Charter Abbey Holy Ghost (Vernon) in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1895) I. 359 (MED) Þei duden on him a strayt selkene cloþ..And whom þei hedden so I-do, þei tornede of þe cloþ of selk, & for hit heng faste to his bodi þei drowen a-wey wiþ-al muchel of his skyn.

a1500 Treat. Hunting (Cambr. Ll.1.18) (1987) 55 He turnez off þe huyde..and þan gederez þe suet & þan vnpaunchet hym.

1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xi. 184 The Crystalline..becomes White, and turns off in..Laminae..like unto the Coats of an Onion.

1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xi. 185 We cut this..thin Membrane, and turn off..one or more of the Laminae of the Crystalline Humour.

1880 Pop. Lessons on Cookery 20 Draw the skin off the body carefully to the shoulders; turn the skin off the fore legs, as you did the hind, chopping them off also at the first joint.

2. transitive. To send away, order to go away, dismiss (a person); spec. to dismiss (a worker or servant) from employment (now rare). Cf. to turn away 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.In quot. 1841: = to turn loose at Phrases 2a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss

congeec1330

turnc1330

putc1350

dismitc1384

refusea1387

repel?a1439

avyec1440

avoida1464

depart1484

license1484

to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513

demit1529

dispatcha1533

senda1533

to send a grazing1533

demise1541

dimiss1543

abandon1548

dimit1548

discharge1548

dismiss1548

to turn off1564

aband1574

quit1575

hencea1586

cashier1592

to turn away1602

disband1604

amand1611

absquatulize1829

chassé1847

to send to the pack1912

society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge

to put awaya1387

discharge1428

dismiss1477

to put out of wages1542

discard1589

to turn away1602

to put off1608

disemploy1619

to pay off1648

to pay off1651

to turn out1667

to turn off1676

quietus1688

strip1756

trundle1794

unshop1839

shopc1840

to lay off1841

sack1841

drop1845

to give (a person) the shoot1846

bag1848

swap1862

fire1879

to knock off1881

bounce1884

to give (a person) the pushc1886

to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888

bump1899

spear1911

to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911

terminate1920

tramp1941

shitcan1961

pink slip1966

dehire1970

resize1975

to give a person his jotters1990

1564 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge xi. f. 128 If any deuout person require to be partetaker with the priest,..he is not tourned of, but with all gentlenes admitted.

a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) v. iii. 223 You that haue turn'd off a first so noble wife.

1676 Earl of Essex in C. E. Pike Essex Papers (1913) II. 73 It not being reasonable to turne off an old servant without some provision.

1768 O. Goldsmith Good Natur'd Man i. 4 Pay him his wages, and turn him off.

1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 ii. 152 His unshod cattle..were turned off to regale themselves upon the neighbouring waste.

1892 Temple Bar Mar. 321 A packer had been turned off for carelessness.

1959 ‘L. Bruce’ Our Jubilee is Death 25 Lillianne had bought him his farm..and kept the ownership of it while letting him farm it. She had it all tied up so that she could turn him off at a minute's notice.

2011 A. Myers Classic in Barn viii The barn is officially on the land that Guy rents..but I doubt if he'll turn us off.

†a. transitive. To cause (something) to change course; to divert, deflect (literal and figurative); to head off. Cf. main senses 12, 14. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course

charec1000

wrencha1200

turnc1275

to turn againc1330

swerve1390

wrya1400

reflectc1425

traverse1438

to turn aside1535

deduce1541

divert1548

to turn off1573

wrig1582

react1599

deflect1615

slent1639

decline1646

deviate1660

to wind off1677

sway1678

warp1814

switch1861

baffle1883

the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc.

withdraw1340

distractc1380

waive1390

wresta1400

to turn aside1535

avocate1543

detract1548

to turn off1573

take1574

swaya1593

to put out1616

to put off1631

sidetrack1887

to turn off1951

1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes xvii. 330 One if, as is aforesayd, for an Oliuer to his Rouland, set against his first if, if we be not in misbeleefe, had turned off al the other ifs.

1716 J. Addison Freeholder No. 34. ⁋6 To turn off the Thoughts of the People from busying themselves in Matters of State.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 165 He turn'd off the Discourse to the rest.

1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough III. 75 To turn off the Waters of the River..which made the Inundations.

1846 H. G. Robinson Odes of Horace ii. xvii Had Faunus not turn'd off the stroke.

b. transitive. To give a different turn to (something); to divert attention from, or alter the effect of (a remark, an action, etc.). Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)]

fortogglea1300

to call away1529

scatter1530

forhale1579

to draw away1586

diffuse?1587

to call off1606

divert1609

to put out1616

avoke1623

disjoint1628

to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631

to draw off1646

divertise1648

to take off1670

dissipate1684

to turn off1741

to throw out1821

to turn away1848

1741 J. Ozell tr. P. de B. de Brantôme Spanish Rhodomontades 18 He turn'd it off with a Laugh, which was only Teeth outwards.

1886 G. Gissing Isabel Clarendon viii Ada seemed about to rise, but turned it off in an arrangement of her dress.

1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 88/2 That's all very fine;..you may turn it off in that way, but the fact remains.

1973 Kingsport (Tennessee) News 5 May When my wife brought up the question, I simply turned it off as a joke and made fun of it.

a. transitive. To hang (a person) on a gallows. Now rare (historical).Perhaps originally short for to turn (a person) off the ladder (cf. quot. 1594 at sense 7a and ladder n. 1b).

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

1581 True Rep. Late Murther by William Sherwood sig. A.vii^v The hangman was enforced to vndoo the Halter which he had fastened to the Iibbet, and to put it about his neck belowe, and so by little and little to draw him vp. Where resting, after many perswasions by the Shriefe and the Preacher, and no profit in the middest of his Lattine Pater noster, was turned off to the mercy of God.

1680 C. Ness Compl. Church-hist. 143 His own mule..as it were, turns him off the ladder..he turns himself off when he had tyed his halter.

1715 J. Chappelow Right Way to be Rich 48 The Executioner has him upon the Ladder..and turns him off in an Instant.

1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms I. i. 8 You can have..anything you like..you unfortunate young beggar, until you're turned off.

2004 R. Bartlett Hanged Man v. 45 In contrast to William Cragh, Trahaearn was not ‘turned off’, but pulled up by a rope cast over the crossbeam.

b. transitive. To marry (a person) to another, join (two people) in marriage. Now rare (archaic).Probably humorous and figurative from sense 4a: cf. to tie the knot at tie v. 2.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > action or fact of marrying > marry [verb (transitive)] > join in marriage

wedOE

join1297

spousec1325

bind1330

couplea1340

to put togethera1387

conjoin1447

accouple1548

matea1593

solemnize1592

espouse1599

faggot1607

noose1664

to give (also conjoin, join, take) in (also to, into) marriage1700

rivet1700

to tie the knot1718

buckle1724

unite1728

tack1732

wedlock1737

marry1749

splice1751

to turn off1759

to tie up1894

1759 H. Walpole Let. 16 May in Corr. (1941) IX. 236 Lord Weymouth is to be married on Tuesday, or as he said himself, to be turned off.

1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple III. i. 2 They will be turned off next Friday, and I only wish..you were here to dance at the weddings.

1891 S. Mostyn Curatica 157 I sent a reply..wishing her every happiness and consenting ‘to turn her off’.

1982 ‘J. Melville’ Painted Castle vi. 148 So we married..were ‘turned off’, as David put it.

5. intransitive. To turn away or aside from the direct road; to take a turning off a road, esp. a main road; cf. turn-off n. 1. Also: (of a road or path) to branch off. Cf. senses 15b, 15c.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > diverge from course

bowa1000

swervec1330

wrya1350

crookc1380

to turn asidea1382

depart1393

decline14..

wryc1400

divert1430

desvoy1481

wave1548

digress1552

prevaricate1582

yaw1584

to turn off1605

to come off1626

deviate1635

sag1639

to flinch out1642

deflect1646

de-err1657

break1678

verge1693

sheera1704

to break off1725

lean1894

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off

turnc1330

to turn asidea1382

to turn in1535

to wave one's way1548

strike1576

to turn off1605

society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > junction of roads, paths, or tracks > meet another road or path [verb (intransitive)] > turn off

to turn off1776

1605 C. Cotton tr. J. Calvin Comm. Epist. Hebrewes xii. 300 If wee once fall to dissemble, and bethinke vs not of a remedie, wee shall at the last with the time turne farre off from God.

1687 J. Norris To his Muse in Coll. Misc. iv Where with noise the waters creep Turn off with Care, for treacherous rocks are nigh.

1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 517 The vulgar herd turn off to roll with Hogs.

1776 Pennsylvania Evening Post 27 June 320/2 A road that turns off on the left hand.

1819 W. Irving Sketch Bk. i. 33 He turned off, through a gate, into some ornamented grounds.

1892 Leisure Hour Jan. 188/1 I took a wrong turning, or kept straight on when I ought to have turned off.

1990 River News-Herald (Rio Vista, Calif.) 21 Nov. 1/1 The..intersection would be reworked to allow large trucks to turn off.

†6. transitive. With to. To give over, resign, consign. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)]

forsakec893

forlet971

to reach upOE

agiveOE

yield?c1225

uptake1297

up-yield1297

yield1297

deliverc1300

to-yielda1375

overgivec1384

grant1390

forbeara1400

livera1400

forgoc1400

upgive1415

permit1429

quit1429

renderc1436

relinquish1479

abandonc1485

to hold up?1499

enlibertyc1500

surrender1509

cess1523

relent1528

to cast up?1529

resignate1531

uprender1551

demit1563

disclaim1567

to fling up1587

to give up1589

quittance1592

vail1593

enfeoff1598

revoke1599

to give off1613

disownc1620

succumb1632

abdicate1633

delinquish1645

discount1648

to pass away1650

to turn off1667

choke1747

to jack up1870

chuck up (the sponge)1878

chuckc1879

unget1893

sling1902

to jack in1948

punt1966

to-leave-

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another

i-taechec888

outreacheOE

sellc950

beteacha1000

areachc1000

turnc1175

handsellc1225

betakec1250

deliverc1300

beken1330

yielda1382

disposec1384

resigna1387

livera1400

to turn overa1425

deputea1440

overgive1444

quit?c1450

surrend1450

surrender1466

renderc1480

to give over1483

despose1485

refer1547

to pass over1560

to set over1585

behight1590

tip1610

consign1632

delegate1633

skink1637

to hand over1644

delate1651

to turn off1667

to turn in1822

1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety i. 10 We are not so wholly turned off to that reversion, as to have no supplies for the present.

1674 Govt. Tongue x. 185 The murmurer seems to be turn'd off to the company of those doleful Creatures..which were to inhabit the ruines of Babylon.

1707 J. Lacy Warnings Eternal Spirit: 2nd Pt. 30 All the Mysteries hitherto, and all I have hitherto display'd in the Word, in the Revelation of St. John, they turn it off to Popery.

†7. transitive. To cause (a furrow) to lie away from a ridge; to turn the soil so as to form (a furrow). Also: to turn (soil) away from a furrow. Obsolete.In quot. 1858: to round off (a corner) in ploughing.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > plough (land) [verb (transitive)] > other systems of ploughing

hent?a1605

to throw down1620

size1707

bout1733

to turn off1754

back-furrow1855

1754 J. Eliot Contin. Ess. Field-husbandry in New-Eng.: Fifth Pt. 13 Thus take off a Furrow from each Side of every Ridge till all is ploughed; let it lye in this State a Fortnight or three Weeks, then with the Plough turn up the two Furrows to the Ridge; stay about as long as before, and turn the two Furrows off from the Ridge again.

1819 F. Butler Farmer's Man. 66 When you weed your corn at the first hoeing, turn off the furrows from the hills with your plough; this will leave a ridge of light loose earth between the rows.

1842 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3 i. 11 Admiring..its [sc. the Scotch plough's] apparent facility in cleaving and turning off the furrow.

1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 ii. 277 One plough goes and turns off the corners.

1922 E. B. Kirk Pilgrimage to Coué xii. 56 He throws off weariness as lightly as the plow turns off the sod from the furrow.

†8. intransitive. Of a thing: to decline in quality, deteriorate, change for the worse; (of a person) to decline in health. Also: (of food, etc.) to become sour or bad. Also with adjective as complement. Obsolete (English regional (south-western) in later use).

ΚΠ

1797 Monthly Mag. 3 489 The Rye-Grass and Clovers are expected..to turn off light.

1813 J. Austen Let. 3 Nov. (1995) 248 The Day turned off..& we came home in some rain.

1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 ii. 380 My ash-leaf potatoes..looked healthy; they, however, turned off sickly in June... The Shaw[s]..were short in the haulm, and turned off by the middle of July.

1870 H. M. G. Smythies Acquitted I. xvi. 156 Lord Derwent's turned off sickly, and aint like to live.

1889 Devonshire Provinc. in Eng. Dial. Dict. (at cited word) I think the chutney's turned off, sir.

a. transitive. To stop the flow of (water, gas, electric current, etc.) by turning a tap, valve, or control (cf. main sense 2b); to shut off; to turn out (a light). Also with the tap or control as object. In extended use: to switch off (a powered device, an electrical appliance, a recording or broadcast, a computer program, etc.). Cf. to turn on —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > stop course or flow of something

stinta1330

stop1393

intercept1545

blench1602

hain1636

screen1657

to break off1791

to turn off1822

to break one's fall1849

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > control(s) > control by another device [verb (transitive)] > furnish with valve(s) > cut off by closing valve

to turn off1822

to shut off1824

the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light)

aquenchc1000

quenchOE

to do outa1425

extinct1483

to put outa1500

out-quencha1522

dout1526

pop1530

extinguish1551

to put forth1598

snuff1688

douse1753

douse1780

smoor1808

to turn out1844

outen1877

to turn off1892

to black out1913

the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)]

to turn on1824

disconnect1826

to turn down1855

switch1881

to put on1892

to turn off1892

key1929

the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to > cause (a thing) to cease action > specific electricity or a motor

kill1886

to cut out1910

to turn off1921

cut1938

1824 Mechanic's Mag. 31 Jan. 354/1 F is a leaden pipe..to which is fixed a stop-cock at K, to turn off the steam at pleasure.

1886 Law Times Rep. 53 676/1 The gas is turned off at eleven o'clock.

1892 Black & White 23 Jan. 116/2 The electric lights..were turned off.

1892 Monthly Packet Dec. 656 When the water is running away one must hurry up and turn off the tap.

1921 Collier's 30 Apr. 22/2 After a few minutes, turn off the engine, close the petcock, couple up the hose connection tightly, and wait until the engine cools.

1959 N. Mailer Advts. for Myself (1961) 153 She has shut the window and neglected to turn off the radiator. The room is stifling.

1969 J. Gaskell Sweet Sweet Summer 70 Or for the water and electric to stay on all the time, instead of being turned off after midnight.

1971 Radio Times 18 Nov. 80 I wonder how many viewers turned off the play, as we did.

2015 Herald-Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 27 Mar. a4/1 More than 7,000 cities around the globe are expected to participate by turning off nonessential lights and other appliances.

b. transitive. To put a stop or end to (something); to cut off or terminate (an activity).

ΚΠ

1897 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 13 Nov. 515/2 Dickens..made desperate efforts to take his assorted heroines quite seriously by resolutely turning off the fun.

1967 B. Patten Little Johnny's Confession 33 Until death comes and turns me off.

1977 I. Shaw Beggarman, Thief i. viii. 101 School was a big part of his life and he couldn't just turn it off because it would be unimportant to grown-ups at this time.

2004 9/11 Commission Rep. (National Comm. Terrorist Attacks upon U.S.) iv. 126 CIA officers told the tribals that the plan.., which had been ‘turned off’ three months earlier, was back on.

c. intransitive. To stop operating; to switch itself off, to be turned off.

ΚΠ

1902 W. E. Barton Old World in New Cent. xxv. 422 When one is turned on the other turns off automatically.

1921 Amer. Woman Jan. 14/4 (advt.) Kerogas Burner—fits any stove. Burns kerosene... Quickly lighted; turns off by valve.

1984 A. Maupin Babycakes (1989) xv. 105 The automatic turn-off whatsit on the stereo does not turn off automatically.

2021 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 7 Mar. (Front section) 3/3 I use smart plugs to program a bunch of small tasks. I schedule a grow light for my homegrown vegetables to turn off after 16 hours.

d. transitive. Originally colloquial. To cause (a person) to feel bored, disgusted, or repelled; to cause (a person) to lose interest, esp. sexually; to put (a person) off. Cf. to turn on 3a at Phrasal verbs 1, turn-off n. 4.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > hatred > feeling against or a settled dislike > impulse of aversion > turn away from or regard with aversion or reject [verb (transitive)] > repel

resist1609

repulse1816

to put off1909

to turn off1951

off-put1970

the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > disgust > disgust or excite repugnance [verb]

to turn (a person's) stomach1549

revolt1834

to make a person turn in his or her grave1888

to turn off1966

1951 D. Cusack & F. James Come in Spinner 288 I don't want to turn the popsies off when they come cantering along to put their faces on.

1966 P. Willmott Adolescent Boys E. London iii. 51 You can always get a bit if you want it, with the girls with the big mouths... But that sort of thing turns you off after a while.

1979 Financial Rev. 24 Oct. 10/1 Many voters were turned off by a strike in the last moment of the campaign.

2013 Smith Jrnl. Autumn 101/1 A lot of people are turned off by opera, but I think it's because they haven't heard Maria Callas.

10. transitive. To complete and send off (a piece of work); to produce (work) with skill or facility; = to turn out at Phrasal verbs 1. Now chiefly U.S. regional.In quot. 1841 punning on sense 4a.In quot. 1897: to complete (a distance) swiftly.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth > with ease, speed, or success, or in large quantities

whip1611

to work off1653

to hit off1700

dispatchc1710

to throw off1724

to run off1759

to turn off1825

to turn out1847

to run out1872

to churn out1912

proliferate1912

slug1925

whomp1955

gurgitate1963

1825 Christian Spectator Nov. 578/1 It was surprising to see with what neatness and despatch they [sc. blind workers] would turn off work.

1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxxix. 162 When I [sc. the hangman] look at that hand..and remember the helegant bits of work it has turned off.

1879 M. Pattison Milton ix. 108 Turning off 300 pages of fluent Latin.

1897 Outing 30 242/2 We [cyclists] rode on through Harrisonburg and turned off the twenty-five miles to..Staunton.

1955 Miami (Okla.) Daily News-Record 6 Nov. 17/1 She says regretfully that she ‘isn't able to turn off work like I used to.’

1999 Foxfire 11 191 Course his health hadn't gone so bad on him at that time, and he was still turning off work pretty fast.

11. transitive. Genetics. To block the operation of (a genetic element); to suppress (the expression of a gene). Cf. to turn on 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1959 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 45 1459 Conceivably this length of the chromosome is ‘functionally turned off’ by a histidine-nucleic acid repressor.

1991 Economist 13 July 105/2 One way to turn genes off is to plaster molecules called methyl groups all over the DNA from which the gene is made.

2010 R. Skloot Immortal Life Henrietta Lacks (2011) xxvii. 243 HPV inserted its DNA into the long arm of her eleventh chromosome and essentially turned off her p53 tumor suppressor gene.

to turn on

(a) transitive. To start a flow of (water, steam, gas, electric current, etc.) by turning a tap, valve, or control (cf. main sense 2b); to switch on. Also with a tap or control (formerly also a sluice) as object. In extended use: to switch on (a powered device, an electrical appliance, a recording or broadcast, a computer program, etc.).In quot. 1877 referring to piped music.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > cause an artificial light to burn

light?a1160

to light up?a1425

enlighten?1591

to turn on1824

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > cause to begin to act or operate > specific water, gas, or electricity

to turn on1824

the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)]

to turn on1824

disconnect1826

to turn down1855

switch1881

to put on1892

to turn off1892

key1929

the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > operation of electronic devices > [verb (transitive)] > initiate change

to turn on1824

key1929

trip1936

trigger1937

to turn down1941

1824 Chemist 25 Sept. 5/2 In order to set this engine in action, nothing more is necessary than to turn on the gas by stop-cocks, and light it.

1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 ii. 403 The steam being turned on.

1877 Punch's Almanack for 1878 14 Dec. 3/1 Now, recollect, Robert, at a quarter to nine turn on ‘Voi che sapete’ from Covent Garden.

1884 Law Times 13 Sept. 331/2 The electric light was turned on, but refused to burn with any kind of steadiness.

1891 Rev. of Reviews 14 Nov. 523/2 The electric lamp that glows..when the current is turned on.

1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 79/2 A sluice might be turned on to flood a certain meadow.

1930 A. P. Herbert Water Gipsies iii. 23 They had the wireless, which they turned on often for the ‘jazz’ bands.

1945 H. Channon Diary 10 Aug. in R. R. James Chips (1967) iv. 10 Terry..said (he is a wireless addict)—‘Turn on the news’; and we did, as we sipped our pre-prandial cocktails.

1961 Which? Oct. 250/1 One cooker..had an automatic oven timer. This..had a clockwork mechanism, which turned the oven on and off after a pre-set time.

1994 N. Baker Fermata xiv. 203 Outside, she turned the stopcock on..and toured her side yard, sending a frolicsome misty spray from her mobile water-source over the grass.

2003 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 27 Mar. d7/5 My husband did want to tap into his playlists of MP3 files without having to turn on a computer.

2017 A. Silvera Hist. is All you left Me 196 He turns on the radio, blasting the first..station that comes on.

(b) transitive. figurative. to turn the tap(s) on: to start weeping. Cf. to turn on the main at main n.¹ Phrases 3, to turn on the waterworks at waterwork n. 5b(a).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > weeping > weep [verb (intransitive)] > burst or dissolve into tears

to burst a-weepc1275

distilc1374

still1412

to burst (out, forth) on weeping1564

dissolve1608

to melt to (also in, into) tears1609

to burst into tears1717

burst a-crying1825

blurt1830

to burst out crying1863

to break into weeping1866

to turn the tap(s) on1883

1883 Daily Tel. 8 Feb. 3/2 When she had finished her song she fell a crying... She can turn the taps on at a moment's notice.

1900 F. S. Brereton With Rifle & Bayonet i. 15 So you've been blubbing again, have you? Why, you are always turning the taps on. We shall have a flood soon.

2005 S. Harrison Next Room xvii. 177 She was as close to tears as I'd ever seen her, but for some reason this enraged me even more. To turn the taps on now, over some perceived minor impropriety.

(a) transitive. To initiate or put on (behaviour, an action, a performance, etc.), especially artificially; to make an effort to display (charm, flattery, etc.).to turn on the heat: see heat n. 12b(b).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)]

mitheeOE

bipechec1000

huec1000

feigna1300

unlikena1382

counterfeitc1400

pretend1402

dissimulec1430

dissimule1483

simule?a1500

semble1530

counterfeit1534

dissemblea1538

suppose1566

countenance1590

mock1595

assume1604

to put on1625

assimulate1630

personate1631

to take on1645

simulate1652

forge1752

sham1775

possum1850

to turn on1865

fake1889

1865 ‘M. Twain’ in Californian 18 Nov. 9/2 There was a good deal of honest snickering turned on this time.

1892 Black & White 21 May 674/2 A woman who turned on her smiles as we do the electric light.

1895 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 1 June 726/2 The inevitable stale, puerile love scene is turned on to shew off that ‘voix céleste’ stop which Madame Bernhardt, like a sentimental New England villager with an American organ, keeps always pulled out.

1969 B. Cobb Scandal at Scotland Yard xvi. 154 He was ready to turn on the smarm with the ‘Kiss and be friends again’ talk.

1999 H. Redknapp & D. McGovern 'Arry (new ed.) iv. 63 My first game as a fully-fledged manager..was a roaring success, that we went to the League leaders, turned on a champagne performance.

2004 C. Bateman Driving Big Davie xxi. 214 He could stay as long as he liked. It would give me time to turn on my cheeky-chappie Irish charm.

(b) transitive. to turn it on: to make a particular effort, esp. to be charming.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > be affected or act affectedly [verb (intransitive)] > adopt an air > with particular effort

to turn it on1944

the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)] > make a special effort

to turn it on1966

1944 L. Glassop We were Rats xxviii. 160 You ought to see the Jerries turn it on... They come straight down through the harbour barrage.

1966 Listener 24 Nov. 779/1 Thomas could turn it on and brilliantly, when he wanted to.

1981 T. Heald Murder at Moose Jaw xii. 144 She used to be some looker... And she could turn it on. But not any more.

2015 J. Kaat & G. Jennings If These Walls Could Talk ii. 68 When the Yanks reached the World Series that year against the Padres, he really turned it on, hitting .471 with six RBIs.

c. intransitive. To start operating; to switch itself on, to be turned on.In extended use in quot. 1890.

ΚΠ

1890 M. W. Hungerford Born Coquette I. xiii. 131 A moon..warranted to last for eight hours, and to turn on at any moment.

1936 Pop. Mech. Oct. 537/2 The pilot light turns on when the bright lights are turned off.

1989 Byte Aug. 145/1 The individual pixels in LCDs are electrochemical devices that require an appreciable fraction of a second to turn on or off.

2018 J. Miles Anat. Miracle xvi. 231 The beam of Damarkus's grin was like another lamp turning on in the room, and Euclide felt happy for the swerve.

†2. transitive. British colloquial. To set (a person) to do something, or to an activity; to employ (a person). Cf. sense 22b. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ

hirec1000

i-bye10..

i-hirec1000

soldc1386

takea1400

retain1437

wage1465

conduct1476

fee1488

conduce1502

implya1533

entertain1572

enter1585

wager1592

to fill up1598

to take on1611

improve1640

to speak for ——a1688

employa1727

engage1753

ploy1871

to turn on1893

to book up1915

1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 8 July 419/2 Ainsworth had turned him on to assist him in ‘doing’ the theatres.

1916 J. Buchan Greenmantle ix. 117 Because the German mercantile marine was laid on ice till the end of the war, they had turned him on to this show.

1916 V. Bell Sel. Lett. (1993) 197 Barbara Hyles..is just becoming a gardener.., so she is useful here and can be turned on to weed, etc.

1929 Air Wonder Stories Aug. 140/1 We made Gardiner Bay before six o'clock, and turned all hands on to unloading the new engines.

3. slang (originally U.S.).

(a) transitive. To excite or stimulate the interest or enthusiasm of (a person), esp. sexually.Quot. 1903 is an isolated occurrence; subsequent use appears to be an extension of sense 3a(b).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual desire > cause sexual excitement in [verb (transitive)]

to turn on1903

eroticize1914

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > hold attention, absorb

swallowc1330

deepc1380

dare1547

suspend1561

preoccupy1567

devour1568

to swallow up1581

enwrap1589

invest1601

steep1603

to take up1603

spell1646

possess1653

enchain1658

engross1661

absorb1749

fix1752

rivet1762

fascinate1782

spell-bind1808

arrest1814

mesmerize1862

to turn on1903

get1913

consume1999

the mind > emotion > excitement > pleasurable excitement > affect with pleasurable excitement [verb (transitive)] > give thrill of pleasurable excitement to

dirl1513

slay1863

razzle-dazzle1886

to turn on1903

panic1920

wow1924

kill1938

to knock out1942

fracture1946

gas1947

stoke1963

1903 H. James Ambassadors ix. xxii. 307 One of his sisters..had observed her somewhere with me. She had spoken to her brother—turned him on.

1963 Jet 25 Apr. 44 The torrid little ‘Lolita’..opened up his nose, then turned him on every Wednesday night on the back seat of his car for five dollars, cash on delivery.

1965 Harper's Bazaar Apr. 173 Bach really turns me on.

1967 J. Hayes Deep End 16 The excitement in her eyes deepened. ‘You turn me on, man.’

1993 R. Shell iCED 54 I could see from the snaky hugeness crowded into his shorts that I was turning him on.

2013 R. Yancey 5th Wave li. 260 He's still smiling. Like something about this doomsday scenario turns him on.

(b) transitive. To get (a person) under the influence of a drug, provide (a person) with drugs; to introduce (a person) to drugs. Now somewhat dated.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drugging a person or thing > drug [verb (transitive)] > introduce to drugs

to turn on1952

1952 J. Kerouac Let. 10 May in Sel. Lett. 1940–56 (1995) 349 He was reading ‘The Book of the Dead’, was reclined in a sumptuous couch with furnishings and turned us on.

1953 W. S. Burroughs Junkie ii. 31 We kept the weed in Marian's apartment, turned her on for all she could use, and gave her a 50 per cent commission on sales.

1966 Guardian 18 Apr. 13/4 Police in New York said that they had seized enough of the drug LSD to ‘turn on’ the entire population of New York if it was put in the water supply.

2013 W. Hjortsberg Jubilee Hitchhiker xxvi. 279 He had not seen Richard with marijuana since the time he turned him on in Big Sur a decade earlier.

b. intransitive. To place oneself under the influence of a drug or other narcotic substance, alcohol, etc.; (hence) to seek or achieve an altered or enhanced state of consciousness through drugs or meditation. Now somewhat dated.The use in quot. 1948 is probably a coded reference to marijuana. turn on, tune in, and drop out and variants: used as a slogan advocating a change of lifestyle by Timothy Leary (1920–96), psychologist and advocate of psychedelic drugs, who attributed the coinage to Marshall McLuhan (see McLuhanism n.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > take drugs [verb (intransitive)]

sleigh-ride1845

drug1893

dope1909

to hit the gong, gow, stuff1933

use1951

to get down1952

to turn on1954

goof1962

joy-pop1962

to drop acid1966

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > become interested in

to take up in1665

enter1694

to take up1751

to turn on1954

1948 ‘B. Gonzales’ Be-bop Dict. Turn on, to smoke cigarettes.]

1954 J. Blake Let. 15 June in Joint (1971) 54 We turned on and, in local idiom, ‘made the scene’.

1966 East Village Other 15 Apr. 9/1 Later on stage, after a standing, cheering ovation when he was introduced, he [sc. Timothy Leary] spoke about the younger generation and ended by advising them to, ‘Turn on, tune in, and drop out.’

1967 Sunday Truth (Brisbane) 2 Apr. 63/2 According to Dr. Timothy Leary, the avowed leader of the LSD set, you can turn-on without using drugs.

1970 New Scientist 12 Nov. 314/1 Young people who turn on by sniffing the vapour of airplane glue..sometimes..drop dead.

1979 R. Jaffe Class Reunion iii. iii. 242 She walked in while I was turning on so I offered her some [marijuana].

2001 A. Morton Madonna 41 Both brothers started dabbling in drugs and taking part in clandestine drinking sessions, eventually becoming, in effect, fully paid-up members of the ‘tune in, turn on, drop out’ generation.

(a) transitive. With to. To cause (a person) to become strongly interested or involved in something, esp. drugs; to introduce (a person) to something new (see also sense 3a(b)).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drugging a person or thing > drug [verb (transitive)] > introduce to drugs

to turn on1952

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > observe, note [verb (transitive)] > bring to notice

to lay in (a person's) lap1531

submit1560

introduct1570

confer1586

introduce1766

1965 B. Took & M. Feldman Round the Horne (transcribed from radio programme) 1st Ser. Episode 7 Like, what I mean is, he, he was my connection, you know—he, he like turned me on to the salt beef sandwiches, like—until it become like an addiction, dig?

1967 Melody Maker 29 July 10/6 There is a compulsive beat so maybe even the nation's half-wits may be turned on to Lloyd.

1990 Daily Star 23 Oct. 5/4 Harriet Stowe told how her mother's death from cancer had turned her on to drugs.

2012 N. Hawley Good Father (2013) 258 He said a girl he knew in Austin had turned him on to Russian novelists.

(b) intransitive. With to. To become strongly interested in or excited by something.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > excitement > be or become excited [verb (intransitive)]

stira1000

resea1250

to move one's blood (also mood)c1330

fluster1613

fever1632

foment1646

ferment1671

animate1779

self-excite1832

effervesce1850

to turn on1966

1966 A. Ginsberg in Paris Rev. Spring 27 I smoked a lot of marijuana and went to the basement of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and looked at his water colors and that's where I began really turning on to space in Cézanne.

1999 M. Silcott Rave Amer. i. 23 Much of America's urban Black underground was turning on to the burgeoning street sounds of rap and electro.

2003 Daily Tel. 24 Sept. 17/7 Women have always turned on to boys and, historically, older women were expected to introduce boys to the refinement and excitement of sex with the older woman.

4. transitive. Genetics. To activate (the expression of a gene). Cf. to turn off 11 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1961 Amer. Naturalist 95 265 The operator element responds in some yet unknown manner to changes in degree of effective action of the repressor substance by ‘turning on’ or ‘turning off’ the action of the structural gene in accordance with such changes.

1994 N.Y. Times 11 Jan. c1/1 (caption) Once turned on, these genes make proteins that give neighboring cells signals telling them their position and roles in forming a leg, wing or fin.

2009 J. A. Coyne Why Evol. is True iii. 71 We can see..whether the ‘control’ regions responsible for turning on a gene have been inactivated.

to turn out

1. transitive. To put, take, or pull out by a rotary movement (in quot. 1892, on a lathe); to roll out. Formerly also: †to bore or gouge out (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > maiming or mutilation > maim or mutilate [verb (transitive)] > put out eyes

to turn outc1450

to scratch out?1527

to put forth1534

poach1608

gouge1785

gouge1800

deoculate1816

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Judith xiii. 10 She turnede out his bodi beheueded.

c1450 St. Erasmus in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 202 Þe turmentours..turnyng oute his ien withe wymbles.

1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 416/2 They lefte hym not tyll they hadde cutte and tourned out his braynes and strowed them aboute vppon the Churche pauement.

1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 286 Extending frame and reversing back mitred, keyed and glued up; the front turned out for circular disc.

1954 Techn. Man. No. 5-5399-1 (U.S. Dept. Army) vi. 124 Then turn the screw out or counterclockwise, until the engine runs smoothly.

2003 Old-house Jrnl. Jan. 92/1 (advt.) X-out^tm bites on to the head of the screw and turns the screw out.

†2. transitive. Perhaps: to change (a person) from his or her normal condition, to ‘put out’; or (perhaps) to divert (a person) from his or her course. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) l. 1213 In wonhope weore his disciples..Ac þou weore studefast..Ne miȝte þe no þing tornen out.

†a. intransitive. To turn aside and go out; to go away, depart, get out (usually under compulsion). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)]

outgoeOE

to come outOE

forthcomeOE

to go outOE

ishc1330

to take forth one's way (also journey, road, etc.)a1375

proceedc1380

getc1390

exorta1400

issue?a1400

precedec1425

purgea1430

to come forthc1449

suea1450

ushc1475

to call one's way (also course)1488

to turn outa1500

void1558

redound1565

egress1578

outpacea1596

result1598

pursue1651

out1653

pop1770

to get out1835

progress1851

a1500 Warkworth's Chron. (1839) 18 A prest that turnyd oute at his messe and the sacrament in his handys, whanne Kynge Edwarde came with his swerde into the chirche.

1649 R. Baxter Saints Everlasting Rest (new ed.) iii. x. §4 If there be but one gap open..how ready are we to..turn out at it?

1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical iii. 21 Turn out there you Country Put, says a Bully with a Sword two Yards long.

b. To cause (a person) to go or come out.

(a) transitive. To send away, drive out, or expel (a person) from a place, often someone's abode. Cf. sense 27a. Now somewhat rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > be on the outside of [verb (transitive)] > put outdoors

to put outa1350

to turn out1546

output1588

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel > specific people from a place, position, or possession

outshoveOE

to do out of ——OE

shovec1200

to put out of ——c1225

to cast out1297

void13..

usurpa1325

to put outa1350

outputa1382

outrayc1390

excludea1400

expulse?a1475

expel1490

to shut forth1513

to put forth1526

to turn out1546

depel?1548

disseisin1548

evict1548

exturb1603

debout1619

wincha1626

disseise1627

out-pusha1631

howster1642

oust1656

out1823

purge1825

the bum's rush1910

outplace1928

1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. x. sig. Liii^v He turnde hir out at durs.

1613 F. Beaumont Knight of Burning Pestle iii. sig. G3^v Open the doore, and turne me out those mangy companions.

1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal ii. 17 If they heard us whisper, they'l turn us out.

1832 Examiner 418/1 If he ever turned out a tenant for voting against him.

1894 S. Baring-Gould Queen of Love I. viii. 86 ‘Turn him out!’ was shouted from the further side of the hall.

1993 H. Greenfeld Hidden Children iv. 56 They no longer wanted to keep the children, but they were afraid to turn them out.

2012 H. Phillips Epidemics v. 142 Some families, horrified by the stigma of having an HIV+ member in their midst.., turned them out or abandoned them.

(b) transitive. To dismiss or eject (a person, a party, etc.) from office or employment.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge

to put awaya1387

discharge1428

dismiss1477

to put out of wages1542

discard1589

to turn away1602

to put off1608

disemploy1619

to pay off1648

to pay off1651

to turn out1667

to turn off1676

quietus1688

strip1756

trundle1794

unshop1839

shopc1840

to lay off1841

sack1841

drop1845

to give (a person) the shoot1846

bag1848

swap1862

fire1879

to knock off1881

bounce1884

to give (a person) the pushc1886

to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888

bump1899

spear1911

to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911

terminate1920

tramp1941

shitcan1961

pink slip1966

dehire1970

resize1975

to give a person his jotters1990

1588 J. Udall State Church of Eng. sig. D3^v Neither wil the Church euer bee in quiet vntil you be all turned out.

1667 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 41 The..Captain hath..turned out some of his said Company that have refused to compound for lesse than the King's pay.

1708 Constitutions Company Watermen & Lightermen xviii If any..of the Rulers or Auditors shall happen to dye, or be turned out for Corruption.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ii. 22 I am very sorry he lost the election... It was the radical mining people that turned him out.

1918 Congress. Rec. 56 xi. 11434/1 The Civil Service Commission wants to turn out all of these men, who are doing splendid work, and make them stand a civil-service examination.

1981 Guardian Weekly 26 July 5/3 The slashing of the Conservative vote..must have reflected a large measure of tactical voting as Warrington Tories..came to see that they had a chance at last of turning out Labour.

2005 M. Lawson Enough is Enough (2006) xi. 122 That election-day headline..had encouraged the voters to turn out the Conservatives four years ago.

4. transitive. To drive or put out (animals) to pasture or into the open, or (pheasants, etc.) into a covert: cf. sense 27c. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > herding, pasturing, or confining > [verb (transitive)] > pasture

leasowc950

feed1382

pasturec1400

to put to grass1471

grassc1500

to turn out?1523

graze1564

impasture1614

put1620

depasture1713

run1767

to run out1851

the world > food and drink > hunting > hunt [verb (transitive)] > drive into a covert

to turn out1802

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxix^v For and she be rydden vpon and set vp hote: or tourned out and take colde she woll cast her fole.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclx^v The cattel, which the townes men daily turned out into the pasture.

1679 J. Goodman Penitent Pardoned ii. iv. 222 He hath now like Nebuchadnezzar, been turned out to grass.

1802 G. Montagu Ornithol. Dict. at Pheasant—Ring Lord Caernarvon..turned out several [ring pheasants] at his seat at Highclere.

1853 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 14 i. 64 The colts were turned out on the open commons.

1969 Field & Stream Aug. 153/1 As fast as they could get stock, officials and sportsmen began turning out pheasants in a grand release that still hasn't stopped.

2014 Western Horseman Mar. 34/1 Martin decided to turn out the gelding barefoot.

5. transitive. To alter the position of (the inside of a garment, a pocket, etc.) so as to bring it to the outside.In quot. 1608 figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn inside out

turn?c1475

evert1578

to turn outa1585

invert1598

flipe1788

a1585 P. Hume Flyting with Montgomerie (Tullibardine) vi. 46 in Poems A. Montgomerie (2000) I. 164 With laidlie lippis and lynning syd turnd out.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xvi. 9 He..told me I had turnd the wrong side out .

1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals I. 444 Upon turning the Pocket out, he found only a Thread Paper, a Housewife, and a Crown piece.

1891 M. M. Dowie Girl in Karpathians 148 When it rained he turned the furry side out..when it faired, he..reversed it.

1932 M. Major in J. F. Dobie Tone Bell Easy (1965) 168 He turned the woolly side out and the skinny side in.

2001 J. Ellroy Cold Six Thousand xlvi. 240 Pete turned out his pockets.

a. transitive. To clear (a receptacle, room, house, etc.) of its contents; to empty (a container), usually in order to examine or rearrange the contents.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > absence > fact of being unoccupied > leave unoccupied [verb (transitive)] > empty

emptyOE

emptOE

avoida1382

to shake out1382

devoida1400

evacuec1400

void1506

toom?a1513

unburden1538

disgarboil1567

inanitea1598

unbowel1597

unfill1607

to turn out?1609

unteemc1635

evacuatea1652

vacuate1651

unempt1798

disglut1800

eviscerate1834

the world > space > place > absence > fact of being unoccupied > leave unoccupied [verb (transitive)] > empty > empty (contents)

avoida1398

teemc1440

voida1475

empty1532

toom1535

empt1555

unload1603

to turn out?1609

dismaw1620

unvessel1633

to pack out1969

?1609 J. Healey tr. Bp. J. Hall Discouery New World vii. 202 Downe lies hee in a sleepe, yee may turne the house out at the windowe, (if yee can) and neuer awake him.

1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas III. vii. xi. 148 The enraged marquis..turning her whole house out at window.

1887 E. F. Byrrne Heir without Heritage III. iii. 66 I will go to my room..and turn my drawers out.

1894 H. Caine Manxman 211 She overhauled the linen; turned out every room twice a week.

1928 J. Galsworthy Swan Song i. iii. 19 Turning out his suit-case, he began to dress.

1995 V. Glendinning Electricity (1996) vii. 92 Mother and Aunt Susannah, being northern women, had set ideas about the way to ‘turn out’ a room, and they taught Jane and me their ways.

b. transitive. To put (something) out of a house, room, or receptacle; to empty (contents) out by sloping or inverting the containing vessel. Formerly also: (U.S.) to pour out (tea) (obsolete). Also: (intransitive) to admit of being emptied out.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)] > put out

outdoc1300

to do out of ——a1325

to put outa1350

outset?1533

output1588

to turn out1654

1654 J. Cooper Art of Cookery 42 Filling the glasse with the jelly when it is warme, it being cold turne it out on the glasse plate.

1666 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 255 My hous is not yet burnt, but all I have turn'd out.

1714 M. Kettilby Coll. above 300 Receipts 75 Let the Cups you pour it into be dip'd in clean Water; for if they are dry, it will not turn out well.

1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xvi. 414 The small quantity of fluid remaining..is to be turned out, by inclining the tube.

1864 S. Jex-Blake in M. G. Todd Life (1918) xiii. 170 They [in America] ask if they shall ‘turn out the tea’.

1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 190/1 I shall turn out all your furniture.

1965 P. Wayre Wind in Reeds xiv. 194 She [sc. a bear]..invariably went straight to the sink and turned out the contents of the garbage pail underneath.

2011 M. Swift & L. Thomas Primrose Bakery Bk. 87 Turn the dough out onto a large, well-floured surface.

a. To come or go out for a purpose.

(a) intransitive. To come out from or leave one's house, quarters, etc., for a specific purpose.Perhaps originally an extended use of sense 3a.

ΚΠ

1670 J. Dryden & W. Davenant Shakespeare's Tempest i. 2 Turn out, turn out all hands to Capstorm?

1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals II. 285 Whenever Evening drew on he was very assiduous for her to turn out (as they phrase it) that is to go upon the Street-walking Account, picking up Fellows.

1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) II. 9 To run into danger with delight, turning out to a man, at the first mention of the matter.

1811 Gen. Regulations & Orders Army 15 The Line turns out without arms whenever any part of the Royal Family..comes along the Front of the Camp.

1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars ii. 86 When the Friars came into a village,..the whole population would turn out to listen.

1943 Sun (Baltimore) 16 June 8/6 For retreat formations the battalion turns out in dress blouses with buttons shining.

2012 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 27 Sept. a12/3 Only three girls turned out for Castleford's girls' squad, one too few to field a formal team.

†(b) intransitive. To leave one's home or employment and adopt a different (esp. an outside) occupation; (Australian slang) to become a bushranger. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > bestir oneself > and go outside

to turn out1793

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > brigandage or freebooting > be or act like brigand or freebooter [verb (intransitive)]

freeboot1592

Tory1651

freebooter1659

buccaneer1787

filibuster1853

to turn out1862

1793 Earl of Dundonald Descr. Estate Culross 42 He had two sons..ready to turn out in the sea line.

1862 Western Post 24 Sept. 2/2 He was immediately told by the robber they ought to turn out.

1871 W. Phillips Labor Question 17 He becomes a railway conductor. If that doesn't suit him, he turns out, and becomes the agent of an insurance office.

1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xxii What lay we're going upon and whether we're all greed in our mind to turn out.

1891 ‘L. Keith’ Halletts x She may have to turn out and be a governess.

1910 J. X. A. Cameron Spell of Bush 131 [The bush] had been his home; for even before he had ‘turned out’, four walls had never held Michael Moran for long.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > participate in labour relations [verb (intransitive)] > strike

strike1769

to turn out1795

to strike work, tools1803

stick1823

to come out1841

to go out1850

to down tools1855

to hit the bricks1931

1795 J. Oakes Diary 8 June in Oakes Diaries (1990) I. 313 Bricklayers & Labourers all turnd out for Advance of wages.

1801 Morning Post 8 July Thirty-eight bakers' boys, of Saltzburgh, lately turned out against their masters, and were for their insubordination conducted to the frontier.

1885 Manch. Examiner 23 June 5/1 It is expected that the whole of the operatives will turn out against the reduction.

1985 Financial Times 12 Feb. 10 The single largest picket was at Emley pit..where an estimated 350 demonstrators turned out.

†(d) intransitive. colloquial. To get out of bed. Cf. to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)] > get up or rise

arisec950

riseOE

risec1175

uprisea1400

to dress upc1400

rouse1577

to get up1583

up1635

unroost1751

to turn out1801

to show a leg1818

to roll out1884

to hit the deck1918

1801 J. J. Moore Brit. Mariner's Vocab. (at cited word) To turn out, is to get up or out of bed.

1805 W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864) I. 154 The next morning on turning out, I had the first glimpse of old England.

1875 F. J. Gillen Diary 6 May in R. S. Gillen F. J. Gillen's First Diary (1995) 54 Turned out about 8, found all hands had had Breakfast.

b. transitive. To fetch or summon out, to muster (a body of people, such as a military unit or a team).Now uncommon in U.S. usage.

ΚΠ

1727 H. Bland Treat. Mil. Discipline (ed. 2) xii. 175 The Serjeant is to turn out the Guard immediately, drawing up the Men in good Order with shoulder'd Arms.

1832 A. M. Hall Buccaneer III. v. 94 Below there!—turn out the guard, and encircle the ruins!

1903 R. B. Smith in 19th Cent. Mar. 436 One raven..managed more than once to ‘turn out’ the guard, who thought they were summoned by the sentinel.

1996 Lacrosse Talk Oct. 22/1 Two thirds of clubs are one team clubs, not always certain to turn out a full squad each week.

2018 Alpine Observer (Victoria, Austral.) 9 May 1/4 This will prevent any 000 calls and turning out the fire brigade unnecessarily.

a. intransitive. Of a part of the body: to bend or be directed outwards.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have outward direction

to turn out1676

1676 R. Wiseman Severall Chirurg. Treat. vii. x. 498 The Ancle-bone is apt to turn out on either side, by..Relaxation of the Tendons.

1859 I. Warren Househ. Physician 481 The conjunctiva..next becomes intensely scarlet, and so much swelled, at times, that the lids turn out.

2000 Callaloo 23 1184 Leroy's toes turned out just a bit and he leaned slightly back, his shoulders held straight, his face and eyes all over the place.

b. transitive. To direct or cause (a part of the body) to point outwards.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn outwards

extrovert1671

to turn out?1697

?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 12 Turning out his toes.

1813 J. C. Prichard Res. Physical Hist. Mankind (1837) II. 138 The lips are thick without being turned out.

1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 5 Nov. 270/3 Do not reject a nag, though he may turn out his toes a little.

1990 Big Spring (Texas) Herald 24 June (Rodeo Time Suppl.) 12 Only by spurring effectively, remaining in control, turning out his toes and exposing himself to the full power of the horse will a rider score respectably.

a. intransitive. With adverb, adverbial phrase, or †as. To come about in the end in a particular way; to result, eventuate; to come out (well, badly, etc.). Formerly also †without complement (cf. to turn up at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete rare).

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > result [verb (intransitive)] > turn out

goOE

farec1230

to come to proofc1330

shape1338

afarec1380

achievea1393

falla1398

sort1477

succeed1541

lucka1547

to fall out1556

redound1586

to come off1590

light1612

takea1625

result1626

issue1665

to turn out1731

eventuate1787

to roll out1801

to come away1823

to work out1839

pan1865

1731 S. Croxall tr. Æsop Fables (ed. 3) lx. 108 Reynard said, let Things turn out ever so bad, he did not care, for he had a thousand Tricks for them yet.

1735 H. Walpole Let. 19 Oct. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 264 As things have fortunately turn'd out.

1786 A. M. Bennett Juvenile Indiscretions III. 85 Who knows what may turn out?

1830 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) I. ix. 353 Our expedition up Vesuvius turned out very well.

1891 Law Times 90 460/2 A speculator..whose transactions..had turned out disastrously to himself.

1994 Amer. Spectator Aug. 14/3 They frivol with the deepest human passions and then are astounded when things turn out badly.

2013 L. Miller Parallel iii. 56 ‘What a great picture!’.. ‘Since it turned out so well,..I..am having it matted and framed.’

b. intransitive. With complement. To come to be (and be found or known to be); to become ultimately.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become

yworthOE

worthOE

goOE

becomec1175

come?a1200

waxc1220

charea1225

aworthc1275

makea1300

fallc1300

breedc1325

grow1340

strikea1375

yern1377

entera1382

turna1400

smitec1400

raxa1500

resolvea1500

to get into ——?1510

waxen1540

get1558

prove1560

proceed1578

befall1592

drop1654

evade1677

emerge1699

to turn out1740

to gain into1756

permute1864

slip1864

1740 W. Douglass Disc. Currencies Brit. Plantations in Amer. 28 When Returns in Ship Building..Naval Stores, &c. turn out well at Home, Silver and Exchange here suffer a small Fall.

1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 98 She has turned out a very undutiful Child.

1769 Lady M. Coke Jrnl. 13 May (1892) III. 70 The day has turned out better then I expected it.

1883 W. E. Norris No New Thing vii What a pretty girl Nellie..has turned out!

1940 K. Roberts Oliver Wiswell lix. 524 If you send Nathan to an English school, he'll in all likelihood turn out a snob, a toady or a rake.

1999 J. Arnott Long Firm i. 24 Still, it's a shame my only son turned out a gonnif.

c. intransitive. To be ultimately found or known to be, to prove to be (without implication of becoming). Usually followed by infinitive; also with complement (cf. sense 9b). Also with non-referential it as subject and followed by a that-clause, often (colloquial) with ellipsis of it: e.g. Turns out I wasn't the only one.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (intransitive)] > be proved to be

provec1300

verifya1387

approve1587

improve1612

bear1710

to turn up1756

to turn out1780

wash1849

1780 J. Williams Let. 16 Nov. in B. Franklin Papers (1998) XXXIV. 9 The method in which they have measured the Ship is different from what I expected..but I shall not object if it turns out that the King freights in that manner.

1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ ii. §1 We have that time turning out, upon examination, to be in all the same.

1818 Morning Chron. 12 May If it shall turn out that the rates which the Companies state to have been in existence for nearly a hundred years are not sufficient to remunerate them for their service of water to the Public.

1853 T. De Quincey Autobiogr. Sketches in Select. Grave & Gay I. 207 These propositions—not..seeming to be true and turning out false, but..wearing an air of falsehood and turning out true.

1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xxi That he should turn out to be the son of my old schoolfellow.

1907 J. H. Patterson Man-eaters of Tsavo App. i. 331 His photograph..unfortunately turned out a failure.

1968 A. Young in A. Chapman New Black Voices (1972) 147 Turns out he was half-smashed and half-drunk because he'd smoked some dope when he got up that morning.

1995 Guardian 29 July (Outlook section) 23/8 Davies, a high-flying barrister and an Islington Person to boot, turns out to have had a shady past as a poll-tax refusnik.

2017 E. Batuman Idiot i. 63 It turned out that..what they needed was people to teach high school equivalency math.

10. transitive. To put (land) out of cultivation. Now U.S. historical.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivate or till [verb (transitive)] > throw out of cultivation

to turn out1801

1801 Trans. Dublin Soc. 1800 2 76 Three successive crops of oats, or perhaps one of barley and two of oats, and then turning out the land to rest, as it is called, is the method almost universally pursued.

1887 G. Vasey Grasses of South (U.S. Dept. Agric. Bull. No. 3) 55 Almost no remedies have been attempted in the past, except throwing brush in the washes and turning out the land to common when it has so far lost its soil and become filled with gullies as to be no longer profitable for cultivation.

1989 J. S. Otto Southern Frontiers, 1607–1860 ii. 22 When old fields no longer bore grains, Chesapeake planters turned out the land to long-term fallow.

11. transitive. Usually with modifying adverb. To provide with clothes, trappings, etc., of a specified quality; to equip (well, nicely, etc.). Chiefly in passive.

ΚΠ

1812 [implied in: P. Hawker Diary (1893) I. 46 Their ‘turns-out’ of horses and harness are beggarly. (at turn-out n. 7a)].

1833 [implied in: T. Hook Snowdon xii, in Love & Pride III. 228 The best turned-out equipage that rattled through its streets. (at turned-out adj. at turned adj. Compounds)].

1876 Rep. Comm. Certain Questions Yeomanry Cavalry (House of Commons) 165/2 Are most of them able to equip their horses and turn them out well themselves?—They turn them out very well themselves. Our officers give them encouragement to do so by offering prizes.

1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xli. 354 At either of these places the visitor may be sure of being turned out ‘one of the best-dressed men in London’.

2013 S. Grafton W is for Wasted 401 He was nicely turned out; fresh shirt, a sport coat only slightly threadbare along the cuffs.

†12. transitive. To refer to, look up; = to turn up 16a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > find in a book or paper

looklOE

to look out?1496

to turn to ——1568

to look upa1632

to turn up1710

to turn out1834

1834 Tracts for Times No. 29. 8 To turn out for him the texts he had referred to.

1895 H. Rashdall Univ. Europe in Middle Ages II. 329 Turning out the word..in the indices of..chroniclers.

13. transitive. Originally: to stop the flow of (gas) by turning a tap. Subsequently: to turn off (a heater, lamp, etc.), to put out, switch off (a light).

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light)

aquenchc1000

quenchOE

to do outa1425

extinct1483

to put outa1500

out-quencha1522

dout1526

pop1530

extinguish1551

to put forth1598

snuff1688

douse1753

douse1780

smoor1808

to turn out1844

outen1877

to turn off1892

to black out1913

1844 Mrs. A. Cochrane Flights of Fancy 10 There's aunty bawling ‘Come to bed, And mind you turn the gas out right, And don't be sitting up all night.’

1884 Punch 27 Dec. 310/2 Then the gas was turned out.

1905 E. Glyn Vicissitudes Evangeline 237 She..was turning out the light.

2002 Herald (Glasgow) 10 Aug. (Mag.) 14/3 From my hiding place I watched Grannie's little black shoon tottering around the room as she turned out a gas fire here, a light there.

2015 L. Williamson Art of being Normal (2016) xxii. 153 ‘Enjoy!’ Becky sing-songs as she slams the door shut and turns out the light.

14. transitive. To complete and send off (a piece of work); to dispose of (something) as a finished product; to produce (work), typically with rapidity, facility, or skill; = to turn off 10 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth > with ease, speed, or success, or in large quantities

whip1611

to work off1653

to hit off1700

dispatchc1710

to throw off1724

to run off1759

to turn off1825

to turn out1847

to run out1872

to churn out1912

proliferate1912

slug1925

whomp1955

gurgitate1963

1847 L. Hunt Men, Women, & Bks. II. vi. 86 Books were books in those days, not batches, by the baker's dozen, turned out every morning.

1878 W. Besant & J. Rice By Celia's Arbour I. xv. 219 No place..could..turn out more splendid ships' figure-heads.

1913 E. H. D. Sewell in Daily Graphic 26 Mar. 14/2 La Touche..is one of the best half-backs Sedbergh has ever turned out.

2014 Wall St. Jrnl. 13 Sept. d8/2 Cooks turn out the restaurant's nightly quota of..pappardelle and stringozzi entirely by hand.

to turn over

a. transitive. To turn (something) from its position on to one side, or from one side to the other, or upside down; to invert, reverse; to knock over, overturn, upset. Also reflexive (now rare) = sense 1b. Cf. main senses 7, 9, and over adv. 2c, 7c.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)]

to-wendc893

whelvec1000

to turn down?c1335

to turn up?c1335

whelmc1340

overturna1382

to turn overa1400

wholve14..

inverse?a1425

reverse?a1425

overwhelvec1450

overvolvea1522

transverse1557

evert1566

topsy-turn1573

topsy-turve1603

invert1610

upturn1610

whave1611

topsy-turvy1626

whemmel1684

cant1850

upend1868

flip-flop1924

the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin

spillc950

fellOE

to cast downc1230

destroy1297

to turn up?c1335

to throw down1340

to ding downc1380

to break downa1382

subverta1382

underturn1382

to take downc1384

falla1400

to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400

voida1400

brittenc1400

to burst downc1440

to pull downc1450

pluck1481

tumble1487

wreck1510

defacea1513

confound1523

raze1523

arase1530

to beat downc1540

ruinate1548

demolish1560

plane1562

to shovel down1563

race?1567

ruin1585

rape1597

unwall1598

to bluster down16..

raise1603

level1614

debolish1615

unbuilda1616

to make smooth work of1616

slight1640

to knock down1776

squabash1822

collapse1883

to turn over1897

mash1924

rubble1945

to take apart1978

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 8611 Þe toþer womman childe ho hent..ho turned hir ouer wiþ hit in arme.

?1530 J. Rastell Pastyme of People sig. *D.i.^v The Englisshemen bete them so with arowes that they turned ouer bothe hors and man.

a1635 R. Sibbes Heavenly Conf. (1656) 12 We must..turn over every stone,—use all kind of means, till we find him.

1710 J. Addison Tatler No. 243. ⁋3 He turned himself over hastily in his Bed.

1897 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 4 Jan. 1/2 The ‘Blue Goose’ saloon, which is situated in the middle of the river, was turned over by the flood.

1923 Hosp. Corps Handbk. U.S. Navy (U.S. Bureau Med. & Surg.) iii. 89 Turn the patient over, face downward, place the hands under the abdomen, one on either side, and lift the patient.

1937 H. Jennings et al. May 12th Mass-observ. Day-surveys (1987) ii. 143 He asks you to select the queen, turns the card over and when you draw out the queen it is an eight.

2015 A. Silvera More Happy than Not 99 Brendan turns over the bucket, and all the..rocks fall to the ground.

b. intransitive. To turn on to one side, or from one side to the other, or upside down; to reverse itself; to be upset, fall over, capsize; to roll about. Cf. sense 1a and main sense 6.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert or turn over [verb (intransitive)]

invert1801

to turn over1845

roll1929

1541 R. Whitford Dyuers Holy Instrucyons & Teachynges f. 59 For concience moueth hym to ryse when he waketh, and sluggyshnes causeth hym to walowe, and turne ouer in hys bedde.

a1661 R. Bargrave Trav. Diary (1999) 98 W. stands on her head in the mids of them, & falling with her britch on two of their faces, heavs up her britch again by turning over backwards.

1804 W. Clark Jrnl. 21 July in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1986) II. 403 The Indians pass this river in Skin Boats which is flat and will not turn over.

1845 J. Coulter Adventures Pacific vii. 87 [The whale] died, and turned over in a few minutes.

1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 17 Dec. 486/1 They cannot turn over if pushed, but must right themselves immediately.

1895 B. M. Croker Village Tales (1896) 88 I had watched the big rohu turning lazily over in the river.

2014 N. Brooks Indecent Acts 28 Lights out he says and turns over on his side.

a. transitive. To reverse (a leaf or page, or the successive leaves or pages, of a book) in order to read on further or write more. Also intransitive (cf. P.T.O. n.). Also: to read or search through, peruse (a book) by doing this (now rare). Cf. main sense 10a. to turn over a new leaf: see leaf n.¹ Phrases 2a.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > turn pages

to turn overc1405

revolve1485

volve1523

toss1555

verse1606

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn over a book

to turn over1821

versate1887

c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Miller's Tale (Hengwrt) (1870) Prol. l. 3177 I moot reherse Hir tales alle be they bet or werse..ther-fore who so list it noght yhere Turne ouer the leef and chese another tale.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke iv. B And whan he had turned ouer [L. euoluit] the boke, he founde the place where it is wrytten.

1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Evi^v If I sely man should..wylle them to turne ouer the leafe, and learne a newe lesson.

1635 in E. B. Sainsbury Cal. Court Minutes E. India Co. (1907) 16 The Company were surprized..when the Voyages were turned over.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 75. ⁋2 Turning over the Leaves, she reads alternately, and speaks.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. x. 239 The Countess..turning over such rare volumes as would now make the fortune of twenty retail booksellers.

1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ii. 27 ‘I must read it again,’ said Glynn..as he turned over the pages.

1957 Saltire Rev. Winter 17 She quartered her pie, dipped it in tomato sauce, and turned over an old Weldons. Gallant picture-book boys stared at her, and little girls with Dorothy bags and sashes.

1977 B. MacLaverty Secrets (1990) 41 She..always blew on the fine tissuey pages to separate them before turning over with her trembling fingers.

2001 Heat 17 Nov. 64/1 I turned over the page and it said: ‘Extras, 150.’

b. transitive. To reverse and shift successively (papers or other articles lying flat in a heap) for the purpose of examining those that are beneath.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn over things in a flat pile

to turn over1580

1580 T. N. tr. P. Mexía Pleasaunt Dialogue Ep. Ded. sig. A.iii^v And now of late I chaunced to turne ouer my Papers, amonge the which I found this little Dialogue.

1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 405 In turning over his papers.., Sir Edward laid his hand on the will.

1887 E. F. Byrrne Heir without Heritage III. iii. 66 She..began to turn over the linen and examine it.

1991 D. Johnson Resuscitation Hanged Man 161 He turned over the few papers on the desktop, a couple of errand lists in Ray Sands's small, square hand, several bills with the payment vouchers torn away.

c. transitive. To reverse or shift (soil, hay, etc.) so as to expose the underparts, or different parts successively. Cf. main sense 10b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over

turnc1425

to turn up1523

trench1573

to turn over1580

whelm1652

invert1712

1580 M. Outred tr. M. Cope Godly & Learned Expos. Prouerbes Solomon (xiv. 4) f. 257 Euen as the oxen doe drawe the plough for to breake vp and turne ouer the earth.

1613 G. Markham Eng. Husbandman: 1st Pt. i. sig. B3 If you turne ouer your ground againe in Ianuary, it will be much better, for these sands can neuer haue too much plowing.

1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved iv. 41 The same Ground has not been turned over for a Hundred Years.

1842 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3 i. 43 The trench-plough..turns over from 10 to 18 inches of clean soil.

1862 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 23 51 Turn over and lighten up the hay.

1932 Discovery Jan. 12 With a modern tractor and multiple plough the farmer can turn over the soil at the rate of almost an acre an hour.

2015 D. Tyler Uncommon Ground 209/2 Thirty or forty people with forks were wandering in the low-tide shallows, turning over the muddy sand.

†d. intransitive. To be transferred, to shift. Cf. sense 3a. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > change place or position

flitc1175

passa1387

changec1390

skifta1400

shift1530

transmigrate1611

reshift1629

transfer1646

to turn over1851

reposition1947

translocate1975

1851 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 12 i. 287 The embankment has been made on that portion which is not liable to ‘turn over’ [i.e. be shifted by the tide].

a. transitive. To transfer, hand over, make over, assign, commit (a person or thing); usually followed by to. Formerly also: spec. to transfer (an apprentice) to another master (cf. turn-over n.² 2), to transfer (a sailor) to another ship (obsolete).In quot. a1425: to transfer (a boundary marker) to another place.In quot. 1632²: to convert (something) to a different use.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > transference > [verb (transitive)]

remuea1325

movea1382

translatea1382

transfer1382

transfigurec1384

removea1387

to turn overa1425

transume1483

to carry about1496

traduce1546

transplant1555

transact1621

transmigrate1635

hand1642

to make over1713

recover1719

to carry over1850

the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another

i-taechec888

outreacheOE

sellc950

beteacha1000

areachc1000

turnc1175

handsellc1225

betakec1250

deliverc1300

beken1330

yielda1382

disposec1384

resigna1387

livera1400

to turn overa1425

deputea1440

overgive1444

quit?c1450

surrend1450

surrender1466

renderc1480

to give over1483

despose1485

refer1547

to pass over1560

to set over1585

behight1590

tip1610

consign1632

delegate1633

skink1637

to hand over1644

delate1651

to turn off1667

to turn in1822

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Deut. xix. 14 Thou schalt not take, and turne ouer [E.V. a1382 Bodl. 959 ouerbere; L. transferes] the termes of thi neiȝbore, which the formere men settiden in thi possessioun.

1548 R. Crowley Confut. N. Shaxton sig. Ciiii. He that lyueth not accordeynge to the knowledge that he hath in Goddes open worde of hys commaundementes..: shal be depriued of that he hath, and turned ouer into blyndnes of ignoraunce.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. xvii. sig. L3^v He excusing himselfe, and turning ouer the fault to Fortune.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 91 [He] was turned ouer to the new Captaine for fiue yeares more.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 273 That house..is turned ouer for a shelterage to sheepe.

1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 41 Our Ship was condemned, and the Men turned over, some on board the Breda, and some to the Ipswich.

1795 Lupton's Thous. Notable Th. xiv. 254 The chamberlain of London attends..to enrol and turn over apprentices.

1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell i She would..turn over to her all the sewing.

1925 W. L. Cross Life Sterne I. 175 Robert Dodsley had just turned over the management of his business to his brother.

1930 Publishers' Weekly 5 Apr. 1917 Columbia University has just come into possession of the famous collection of works on economics which Professor E. R. A. Seligman..has turned over..for a price of one-half, or less.

1930 Harper's Mag. July 196 My German instinct to care for my own child kept me from turning her over to someone else.

2016 Hoosier Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 10 Apr. (Herald-Times ed.) e2/5 The vehicles automatically turned control over to a human being.

b. transitive (originally Criminals' slang). To report or betray (a person, esp. an associate or accomplice) to the police or other authorities. Also intransitive: to inform on or betray a person.

ΘΚΠ

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

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

1890 N. Gould With Tide xxx, in Referee (Sydney) 19 Feb. 7/4 ‘He's turned mouse, has he?’.. ‘What's up now?’.. ‘He's turned us over.’

1939 I. Baird Waste Heritage iii. 40 I don't know whether I ought to apologise to you or turn you over to the cops.

1967 ‘Iceberg Slim’ Pimp 46 I didn't ‘turn over’ on my roommate. I didn't break the code.

1990 S. Morgan Homeboy 21 When they get Rooski he'll turn over in a heartbeat.

2007 C. Stross Halting State (2008) 114 He might have been snooping on phone calls for the Russian mafiya... I can't tell because whoever turned him over wiped all the media.

4. transitive. To agitate or revolve (a matter) in the mind, go through and examine (something) mentally, consider and reconsider (something). Cf. main sense 3.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > consider, deliberate [verb (transitive)]

i-thenchec897

showeOE

i-mune971

thinkOE

overthinkOE

takec1175

umbethinkc1175

waltc1200

bethinkc1220

wend?c1225

weighc1380

delivera1382

peisea1382

considerc1385

musec1390

to look over ——a1393

advise?c1400

debatec1400

roll?c1400

revert?a1425

advertc1425

deliberc1425

movec1425

musec1425

revolvec1425

contemplec1429

overseec1440

to think overc1440

perpend1447

roil1447

pondera1450

to eat inc1450

involvec1470

ponderate?a1475

reputec1475

counterpoise1477

poisea1483

traversec1487

umbecast1487

digest1488

undercast1489

overhalec1500

rumble1519

volve?1520

compassa1522

recount1526

trutinate1528

cast1530

expend1531

ruminate1533

concoct1534

contemplate1538

deliberate1540

revolute1553

chawa1558

to turn over1568

cud1569

cogitate1570

huik1570

chew1579

meditatec1580

discourse1581

speculate1599

theorize1599

scance1603

verse1614

pensitate1623

agitate1629

spell1633

study1659

designa1676

introspect1683

troll1685

balance1692

to figure on or upon1837

reflect1862

mull1873

to mull over1874

scour1882

mill1905

1568 W. Turner Herbal (rev. ed.) Ep. Ded. sig. *ii After longe turninge this matter ouer in my mind, it came to my memorye that in all the hole realme of England, that there were none more fit to be Patronesse of my Booke.

1730 A. Campbell Disc. proving Apostles no Enthusiasts (ed. 2) Pref. p. xxiv I turn the matter over and over, I consider it in every light.

1819 W. Irving Sketch Bk. iii. 180 After closing the volume, he turns its contents over in his mind.

1902 V. Jacob Sheep-stealers x Turning over in his mind what possible pretext he could invent for an early visit.

2011 T. Ronald Becoming Nancy (2012) iii. 41 I've been turning things over in my mind for a while.

†5. transitive. To hang (a person) on a gallows; = to turn off 4a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (historical or archaic in later use).

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

1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1017/2 He with a loude voyce cryed out Iesus, Iesus. Then the hangman turned hym ouer: and hee agayne for a certaine space, cryed Iesus, Iesus, and so ioyfully yelded vp hys spirite.

1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. ii. 128 As Criminals condemn'd to suffer, Are blinded first, and then, turn'd over.

1882 J. Taylor Sc. Covenanters 37 Just before he was turned over, the..intrepid sufferer lifted the napkin from his face and exclaimed, [etc.].

1913 J. K. Hewison Covenanters II. xxix. 452 When he began to address the bystanders thus, ‘My faint zeal for the Protestant religion has brought me to this end’, the drums rolled, and the hangman turned him over.

(a) transitive. Business. Originally: to pass or hand over (money or goods) in commercial transactions. Subsequently: to invest and realize (a sum of money), to utilize for business purposes; to sell or dispose of goods to the amount of (a specified sum) in a particular period of time. Cf. main sense 13b and turn-over n.² 6a.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade

to turn over1585

turn1598

to turn and wind1598

wind1598

return1677

handle1889

1585 S. Robson Choise of Change sig. M.ij It is an easy matter to turne ouer money by exchange, but a hard matter to come out of debt.

1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley i. B iv b Some hundred bookes..I haue Turnd ouer..But that is nothing for a studient. Or a Stationer: they turne them ouer too.

1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 336/1 3000l. yearly is the average receipt of each—or, as it is most frequently expressed, that sum is ‘turned over’ by the swag-shop keepers yearly.

1863 H. Fawcett Man. Polit. Econ. ii. x. 280 Under a ready money system, the same capital may perhaps be turned over twenty times in the course of the year.

1893 Good Words Mar. 187/1 Thousands of dollars were being turned over hourly.

2016 Daily Tel. 17 Aug. 34/4 The business..now turns over £57m a year, selling eyewear in more than 50 countries.

(b) transitive. Of an organism, tissue, etc.: to synthesize and degrade or replace (a substance) in a given time. Cf. turn-over n.² 6b.

ΚΠ

1943 Jrnl. Gen. Physiol. 26 326 Turnover rate..is the amount of the substance that is turned over by that tissue per unit of time.

1971 Nature 24 Dec. 483/2 Sminthopsis crassicaudata turns over water at about three times the rate of Dasycercus cristicauda.

1999 N. E. Lane Osteoporosis Bk. (2001) i. 10 Bone tissue is constantly replaced, or turned over, by removal of old tissue and replacement with new tissue.

b. intransitive. To pass through a process from acquisition to disposal; (of commercial stock) to be sold and replaced at a given rate; (of staff) to be employed and subsequently leave; (of a constituent of an organism) to be synthesized and replaced.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > newness or novelty > produce something new [verb (intransitive)] > renew itself

to turn over1920

1920 Upholsterer Aug. 77/1 Carry stuff that turns over quickly.

1956 Planning 22 155 The entire research staff has turned over on an average about every three years as the various studies have been completed.

1971 J. Z. Young Introd. Study Man xii. 151 The body..has some parts that turn over very little..while others turn over so efficiently that we do not normally think of them as suffering wear.

2001 Business Week 20 Aug. 49/3 Our products are turning over extremely well, even in a challenging time.

2013 Freshwater Sci. 32 507/2 In algae-based fresh water ecosystems, biomass accumulation rates are very difficult to measure because the biomass turns over rapidly.

†7. transitive. To drink off, swallow at one draught. Cf. to turn down 7a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [verb (transitive)] > drink up or off

swap?1507

swingea1529

drink1535

uphalec1540

toss1568

trill off?1589

snapa1592

to toss offa1592

to turn down1593

to top off1598

drain1604

to take off1613

outdrinka1631

whip1639

swoop1648

epote1657

to fetch off1657

ebibe1689

fetch1691

to tip off1699

to sweep off1707

tip1784

to turn over1796

1796 Hist. Ned Evans (Dublin ed.) I. xiii. 115 He turned over a full bumper to the toast.

a. transitive. Originally Criminals' slang. Of police: to search (a suspect or area); (of a criminal) to ransack (a place) usually in order to commit robbery.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > search for or seek [verb (transitive)] > search a place or receptacle thoroughly

asearch1382

searcha1387

ransacka1400

ripea1400

upripe?a1400

riflec1400

ruffle1440

gropea1529

rig1572

rake1618

rummage1621

haul1666

fish1727

call1806

ratch1859

to turn over1859

to go through ——1861

rifle1894

rancel1899

to take apart1920

fine-tooth comb1949

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > rob [verb (transitive)] > search with a view to robbing

ransacka1325

mousec1580

ranshackle1605

to turn over1859

ramshack1893

rat1906

1859 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang 112 Turned over, to be stopped and searched by the police.

1925 N. Lucas Autobiogr. Crook vii. 105 Crooks go ‘drumming’ in pairs, dressed as clerks or messengers... Should they find an office left unoccupied during the lunch hour they quickly and skilfully ‘turn it over’.

1960 Observer 25 Dec. 7/6 The drummers, those squalid daytime operators who turn over empty semi-detached villas while the housewives are out shopping.

1971 It 2–16 June 5/1 Heath orders Habershon of Barnet CID to ‘turn London over’. And he does exactly that..with 500 goons and a score of specially trained dogs.

2001 I. Sinclair Landor's Tower (2002) iii. iii. 334 The police had turned the place over, tipping out all his papers.

b. transitive. Criminals' slang. To examine or cross-question (a prisoner) severely. rare.

ΚΠ

1930 Daily Express 6 Nov. 1/3 That night a surprise visit was paid to the draughtsman's cell. He was ‘turned over’, in prison slang.

9. transitive. colloquial (chiefly British). To distress, upset (a person); to affect (a person) with nausea. Cf. to turn up 8 at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > upset or perturb [verb (transitive)]

to-wendc893

mingeOE

dreveOE

angerc1175

sturb?c1225

worec1225

troublec1230

sturble1303

disturbc1305

movea1325

disturblec1330

drubblea1340

drovec1350

distroublec1369

tempestc1374

outsturba1382

unresta1382

stroublec1384

unquietc1384

conturb1393

mismaya1400

unquemea1400

uneasec1400

discomfita1425

smite?a1425

perturbc1425

pertrouble?1435

inquiet1486

toss1526

alter1529

disquiet1530

turmoil1530

perturbate1533

broil1548

mis-set?1553

shake1567

parbruilyiec1586

agitate1587

roil1590

transpose1594

discompose1603

harrow1609

hurry1611

obturb1623

shog1636

untune1638

alarm1649

disorder1655

begruntlea1670

pother1692

disconcert1695

ruffle1701

tempestuate1702

rough1777

caddle1781

to put out1796

upset1805

discomfort1806

start1821

faze1830

bother1832

to put aback1833

to put about1843

raft1844

queer1845

rattle1865

to turn over1865

untranquillize1874

hack1881

rock1881

to shake up1884

to put off1909

to go (also pass) through a phase1913

to weird out1970

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (transitive)] > nausea > cause nausea

to turn up1578

stomach1796

to turn over1865

1865 C. Dickens Dr. Marigold's Prescriptions: To be Taken for Life in All Year Round Extra Christmas No., 7 Dec. 47/2 The discovery turned me over.

1962 N. Streatfeild Apple Bough ix. 126 Proper turned me over, you did. I don't want to lose my old man yet.

2004 J. Burchill Sugar Rush (2005) 30 She shuddered. ‘It still turns me over just thinking about it!’

10.

a. transitive. To move or operate the rotating parts of (an engine), esp. the crankshaft; to cause (the rotating parts of an engine, propeller, etc.) to revolve, esp. in preparation for its continuous operation.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > operate engine [verb (transitive)] > cause to revolve

to turn over1881

1881 Northwestern Miller 7 Jan. 1/1 Turn the engine over by hand to see that everything is free, then open the throttle valve and allow the engine to run for a few minutes.

1927 C. A. Lindbergh ‘We’ v. 75 Learning how to turn the propellers over in starting the engine.

1946 Cosmopolitan Oct. 74/1 A self-starter wouldn't have stood a chance of turning over a recalcitrant Model-T engine anyhow.

2013 Master Detective Apr. 6/1 Sighing deeply, she inserted the ignition key, and turned the engine over.

b. intransitive. Of an engine: to undergo one or more rotations of its revolving parts (esp. the crankshaft) without running continuously, or in preparation for doing so.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > of an engine: operative [verb (intransitive)] > revolve

to turn over1893

1893 Engineer (N.Y.) 5 Aug. 27/2 If the engine starts or turns over hard, block open the safety valve, and keep using the naphtha pump; this allows the pressure to go through the engine.

1905 Motor Nov. 100/3 The best plan..is to switch off the spark and open the compression cocks, letting the motor turn over a few times before unclutching.

1943 M. Millar Wall of Eyes (1989) xvii. 205 The ignition key wouldn't fit the lock and when it did the engine wouldn't turn over.

2011 C. Taylor Londoners 419 I suppose it sounds like an old chugger, an old banger, it's just a diesel engine turning over.

11. transitive. Printing. To carry over (a letter, part of a word, etc.) to the next line.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > move to next line or page

overrun1683

to turn over1904

1904 J. H. Murray & H. Bradley Hart's Rules for Compositors (ed. 18) 61 Mute syllables may be turned over to the next line, thus: ils mar-quent, les hom-mes.

1925 Hart's Rules for Compositors & Readers (ed. 27) 64 In most divisions it is the consonantal letter that should be turned over.

1981 I. A. Gordon in N.Z. Listener 14–20 Feb. The fragmented word is ‘turned over’ into the following line.

12. transitive. Sport (originally North American). To lose possession of (the ball or puck) to the opposing team; to give away (possession) in this way.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > characteristics of team ball games > play team ball games [verb (transitive)] > actions or manoeuvres

pass1865

to throw in1867

work1868

centre1877

shoot1882

field1883

tackle1884

chip1889

feed1889

screen1906

fake1907

slap1912

to turn over1921

tip-in1958

to lay off1965

spill1975

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > play American football [verb (transitive)] > actions to ball

return1884

snap1887

drive1889

centre1895

to turn over1921

convert1932

lateral1932

snag1942

shovel pass1948

bootleg1951

squib1966

to take a (also the) knee1972

spike1976

1921 Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Sunday Leader 13 Nov. 2/2 One side or the other had to turn the ball over for not making their downs.

1979 Honolulu Advertiser 8 Jan. c4/1 We turned over the ball and we just didn't score.

1994 M. Kane Minor in Name Only xv. 156 The Bears were trying to get Laforest off for an extra attacker, but turned the puck over to Merkosky, who sent Shank in.

1997 Observer 9 Feb. (Sport section) 7/2 They'd turned over possession to the opposition on 16 occasions.

2017 Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 3 Jan. d1 Austin Rivers turned the ball over to Bledsoe, whose long pass downcourt resulted in an easy basket.

13. intransitive. Originally and chiefly British and Irish English. To change the channel on a radio or television set; to change to a different channel, station, or programme.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > broadcasting > putting on or producing broadcast > put on or produce broadcast [verb (intransitive)] > switch channel

switch1937

to turn over1958

zap1983

graze1986

1958 Irish Times 18 Aug. 6/6 You can..listen to a symphony concert on the radio without Small Brother nagging you to turn over to Radio Luxembourg.

1960 Spectator 8 Apr. 508/2 A viewer may decide to turn over to ITV.

1987 Guardian 6 May 13/7 Nurse turns over when the..news comes on—too violent for us to watch apparently.

2005 Yorks. Evening Post (Nexis) 1 Aug. My morning routine started off by tuning into Radio 2 and Wogan, then at nine o' clock I turned over to Radio Leeds and John Boyd.

2007 Esquire Oct. 104/1 A number of viewers would have turned over—some of them in disgust, and some of them just because they wanted to watch Wimbledon.

to turn round

a. transitive (reflexive). To reverse one's position, turn to face the opposite way; = sense 1c.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

turnc1330

to turn abouta1400

to turn round1449

convertc1572

J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes (1916) l. 1436 The dragon..turnyd hym round With gapyng mouthe.

1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxxii. sig. O3 That Philosopher..turn'd him round, and vanisht.

1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xliii. 66 If such a dreamy touch should fall, O turn thee round, resolve the doubt.

1991 S. Constantine Hermetech 284 He turned himself round again and propped himself up in the bed.

b. transitive. Originally: to cause (a person or thing) to face in a different direction. Subsequently: to put into the opposite position or direction, to reverse. Also figurative. Cf. main senses 9a, 9b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn round

bewendc1000

beturn?c1225

to turn rounda1560

to bring about1680

round1890

a1560 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Nyne Fyrst Bks. Eneidos (1562) viii. Cci^v She turning round her neck: now one, now one, them swetely lyckt reforming soft their limmes, & soft wt tong them smothly stryckt.

1654 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 2nd Pt. iii. ii. 142 He lifted up his head, which all this time he had hung downe as low as his Saddle bow, and turning his eyes round..Let us goe, said he.

1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 51 Turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in.

1858 J. Martineau Stud. Christianity 40 The Prophets, whom we shall very imperfectly understand, if we suppose them mere historians, for whom God had turned round time the other way.

1866 Rural Almanac & Sportsman's Illustr. Cal. 50/1 To Dress The Horse. Turn the horse round in the stall with a common halter on.

1887 Times (Weekly ed.) 11 Nov. 4/3 He has..turned it right round and made it say exactly the opposite of what it does say.

1981 J. Halliday & J. Halliday in K. Thear & A. Fraser Compl. Bk. Livestock & Poultry (1988) iv. 91/1 If the presentation is breech (i.e. hind end first), there is no need to turn the kid round in the womb.

2013 Daily Tel. 11 Jan. 23/5 This process is akin to turning round a supertanker, but we are making progress in clearing up Labour's toxic legacy.

c. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the opposite direction; to reverse one's position or course; to face about. Cf. main senses 6, 25a.Also figurative in such phrases as time to turn round: time to get into the proper position or condition for doing something required; time to get ready (frequently in negative constructions, e.g. not to have time to turn round).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course

turnc1275

to turn aboutc1330

repeata1382

to turn againc1384

to turn backc1425

re-turn1483

resore1486

to turn the backc1540

to turn round1560

to set back1803

resile1887

to break back1933

the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction

turnc1225

bewenda1300

to turn aboutc1330

returna1470

wheel1639

face1644

to turn on one's heel1669

to turn around1756

to turn round1787

about-face1896

about-turn1927

U-turn1931

U1971

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)]

awendOE

recommence1481

relieve?1510

turn1594

remigrate1601

to cast back1622

recounter1630

regress1650

retrovert1782

to turn round1802

retrogress1860

to turn back1886

U-turn1973

1560 J. Jewel & H. Cole True Copies Lett. sig. n.iiii^v The Priest must turne rounde at the midst of the aulter.

1591 W. Garrard & R. Hitchcock Arte of Warre 228 The troopes of horsemen in retyring or turning round, do often disorder and break their own infanterie.

1787 ‘G. Gambado’ Acad. Horsemen 24 If his horse has stopt and turned round five thousand times with him.

1802 F. Burdett Let. 18 Aug. in H. Maxwell Creevey Papers (1903) I. i. 3 I have scarcely time to turn round, but will not defer sending a line in answer to your very kind letter.

1830 Debates in Congress 29 Mar. App. 105 Payment is..suffered to lie occasionally until the bank can turn round.

1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. iv. 137 We see persons turn round in their sleep.

1886 Lesterre Durant vi She turned round to where her brother stood.

1911 A. Bennett Hilda Lessways (ed. 2) iii. ii. 226 He simply walked out of the office!.. Didn't give me time to turn round.

1983 M. Crosland tr. E. Guillaumin Life of Simple Man 74 The work on the land had to be done.., so you may well believe that I didn't have time to turn round.

2010 N. Shukla Coconut Unlimited iv. 91 I turned round to find Nishant spinning and twirling.

d. transitive. To prepare (a ship, aircraft, etc.) for its return journey. Cf. turn-round n. 1. Also intransitive (of a ship that has reached a port) to make ready for the outward voyage.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > prepare a vehicle for return journey

to turn round1917

to turn around1943

1917 L. George in Daily Mail 17 Aug. 3/6 By better loading, by concentrating ships on shorter voyages, by ‘turning round’ ships more quickly..the Shipping Controller had..succeeded.

1928 Britain's Industr. Future (Liberal Industr. Inq.) i. i. § 5. 11 The increased speed of merchant ships, and better port facilities which enable ships to turn round more quickly.

1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 16 May 13 Cleanliness also shortens the time it takes to turn a ship round.

1972 Nature 21 Apr. 363/1 Is there..a chance that supersonic aircraft can be turned round at international airports with the speed that will be necessary if operators are to make..the fullest use of their capital investment?

2003 D. Wragg Malta: Last Great Siege ix. 135 The ground-crews had been rehearsed in what to do, turning the aircraft round so that many were back in the air in less than thirty-five minutes.

e. transitive. To reverse the previously poor performance of (an organization, a country, etc.). Also intransitive: (of an organization, its finances, etc.) to recover from poor performance.

ΚΠ

1973 Times 12 Apr. 25/3 Since his arrival at LKL, Allen..has turned the company round from a reported £71,000 loss last year.

1981 Times 21 July 24/7 Stroud Riley Drummond has turned round from losses of £62,000 to a record £609,000 pretax profit for the year to March 31.

1990 P. Melville Shape-shifter (1991) 163 There is so much to do here to turn this country round.

2014 Daily Tel. 14 Feb. 8/5 A project that will allow high-performing NHS trust chief executives to be promoted to become ‘superheads’ to turn round failing hospitals.

a. intransitive. To move round on an axis or centre; to revolve, rotate, or appear to do this. Formerly also figurative: †(of the brain or head) to be affected with giddiness (obsolete). Cf. main senses 1a, 1b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)]

wharvec888

turnOE

runOE

to turn aboutOE

to turn roundc1450

to go roundc1460

revolute1553

gyre1598

veer1605

to come about1607

circumvolve1626

circumgyre1634

to turn around1642

roll1646

revolve1660

circulate1672

twist1680

circumgyrate1683

rotate1757

gyrate1830

c1450 J. Metham Physiognomy in Wks. (1916) 125 Q[w]an the ballys off the eyn turne rownde in the hed as a qwele, yt muste be lokyd qwydyr thei meue bothe one wey.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 9 Hir Ene as a trendull turned full rounde ffirst on hir ffader..And sethyn on þat semely.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 20 He that is giddie thinks the world turns round .

1676 A. Marvell Mr. Smirke sig. C2 As it fares with those whose Brain turnes round.

1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 54 Making a leap,..they fall a turning round with their naked feet.

1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 31 Oct. (1948) I. 77 I had a fit of giddiness: the room turned round for about a minute.

1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well III. x. 250 The strangeness of the news..made Mowbray's head turn round.

1932 E. Le Gallienne & F. Friebus Alice in Wonderland ii. 101 Are you a child or a teetotum?..You'll make me giddy soon, if you go on turning round like that.

2009 A. S. Byatt Children's Bk. (2010) 98 Pig felt that the whole kitchen was turning round and round.

b. transitive. To cause (something) to revolve or rotate (cf. main sense 2). Also: to cause (something) to face in all directions successively.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)]

turnOE

trillc1386

gyrec1420

rote?1533

tirl1543

to turn round1555

revolve1559

circumvert1578

circumgyre1635

circumrote1635

circumgyrate1647

circumvolve1647

veera1649

twist1769

rotate1777

sphere1820

1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions vi. sig. F.ii^v Their houses are made of wickers, and withes, wrought aboute trees..in suche sorte that they may tourne them rounde every waye.

1645 J. Milton Arcades in Poems 54 Those that hold the vital shears, And turn the Adamantine spindle round.

1731 A. Pope Epist. to Earl of Burlington 11 In Books, not Authors, curious is my Lord; To all their dated Backs he turns you round.

1823 H. J. Brooke Familiar Introd. Crystallogr. 28 If we now turn round the circle with its attached crystal.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 40 The maiden..robed herself, Helped by the mother's careful hand and eye,..Who, after, turn'd her daughter round, and said, She never yet had seen her half so fair.

1940 R. S. Woodworth Psychol. (ed. 12) xi. 364 A mechanical counter shows the number of times the animal's running has turned the wheel round.

2002 Daily Mail (Nexis) 14 Dec. 5 Mr Millar's reaction was to brake and turn his steering wheel round, and he spun out of control.

a. intransitive. To change to the opposite opinion, state of mind, etc.; esp. to change from a friendly to a hostile attitude. Frequently with on or upon: to assail suddenly, esp. verbally (cf. sense 28a). Now somewhat rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > change of opinion > change one's opinion [verb (intransitive)]

bowa1000

forthinkc1380

to think again1493

recogitate1603

deflect1612

wheel1632

to turn round1808

to flop (over)1884

budge1930

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)]

wendOE

divert1430

to turn one's tale1525

relent1528

revolt1540

resile?a1597

crinkle1612

to throw in (or up) one's cards1688

to box the compass1714

to turn round1808

crawfish1848

to back down1849

duff1883

back-pedal1891

punk1920

back-track1947

to back off1961

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)]

to fall from ——a1425

waivec1450

forthink1483

to leave up1523

unresolve1608

startle1612

betray1614

recant1648

recede1650

to turn round1808

to unmake one's mind1848

unwill1871

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack with hostile words or measures > suddenly

to turn round1808

to round on1880

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)] > suddenly

to turn round1808

to round on1880

1808 Courier 12 Jan. Now the Talents turn round upon him and accuse him of ‘a culpable levity and a marked disregard to the public interests’.

1822 Examiner 7 July 427/1 The Alderman being absent, our schemer turns round, and personates the Alderman.

1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) v. 38 You're a good little thing..; and yet you turn round on me, because there's nobody else.

1863 C. Kingsley Water-babies v. 181 Now he turned round and abused it.

1966 Winnipeg Free Press 6 Dec. 23/6 During the arguments..some of his usual right-wing supporters in the cabinet are said to have turned round on him.

b. transitive. To induce (a person) to take an opposite course or view; to change the outlook, feelings, etc., of (a person).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > motivation > persuasion > persuade (a person) [verb (transitive)] > persuade or prevail upon > to do something > to take an opposite course or view

to turn round1860

1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss II. iii. viii. 121 The utter impossibility of ever ‘turning Mr Tulliver round’.., or getting him to hear reason.

2005 N. Hornby Long Way Down 138 OK. You've turned me round, Sharpy.

2012 R. Aldous Reagan & Thatcher vii. 180 She left Camp David thinking that Britain had secured major concessions..from Reagan... ‘She really turned him round.’

c. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his or her country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy; = main sense 24d.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor

traitor16..

quislingize1940

turn1963

to turn around1963

to turn round1966

1966 New Statesman 6 May 657/2 SOE's intrigues included..‘turning round’ captured agents.

1974 ‘J. le Carré’ Tinker, Tailor xxi. 180 All right. The Russians have turned Tarr round... What sort of plant can he be when we don't believe a word he says?

1990 Times 15 Sept. 76/4 The use of double agents: that is, enemy spies who had been detected, apprehended, and turned round.

4. transitive. colloquial (chiefly U.S.). In past participle as turned round: confused so as to lose one's sense of direction, disorientated; = turned around at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

1858 Michigan Farmer May 149/1 A friend writes us that ‘when at Niles, we or the points of the compass must have got turned round...’ We have reason to believe that the points of the compass remain steady in their old places, it must have been ‘we’ who ‘got turned round’.

1875 Youth's Compan. 1 Apr. 97/3 It was cloudy, you know, but I had not felt ‘turned round’, nor anything of the sort, till I started to come back to camp.

1929 Boys' Life Aug. 22/3 I must have got turned round and walked in a circle.

2021 L. Clark Dreaming in Quantum (e-book ed.) They just got turned round and ended up in a disused clearing.

5. intransitive. colloquial (chiefly British). To adopt a confrontational, combative, or difficult attitude, typically suddenly or unexpectedly. Frequently in to turn round and say (something).

ΚΠ

1867 Maidstone & Kentish Jrnl. 29 Apr. 6/3 The commissioners never went to the directors and asked them to explain their reason for increasing the price of gas, but instead..turned round and said ‘You must take the same price as you did last year.’

1922 K. Tynan Wandering Years 151 When he began to praise you up..I just turned round and told him what you said about him when you came back from visitin' him.

1996 D. Brimson & E. Brimson Everywhere we Go iii. 41 My mate turns round and says, ‘Well, you should get him a life, then, the sad little git,’ to which this bloke, and his wife, took great exception.

2003 Independent on Sunday 19 Oct. (Review Suppl.) 27/2 I went for a job last week, it was warehousing, and the guy turned round and said: ‘I've handed out 400 applications, why should I give you one?’

to turn to

1. intransitive. Now chiefly Nautical. To apply oneself to some task or occupation, to set to work; to come on duty. Cf. main sense 23c(c).

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)] > begin working

to fall to work1523

fall1589

to go out1660

to put (also set) to work1694

to turn to1799

1799 European Mag. Apr. 262/2 The ice-boats were hoisted in again, and all hands turned to, to shore the ship.

1814 R. Southey in Courier 23 June But then the Russians they turn'd to, All on the road to Moscow.

1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast iii. 19 The morning commences with the watch..‘turning-to’ at day-break and washing down, scrubbing, and swabbing the decks.

1957 Life 13 May 40/2 The heartened farmers turned to. They were ordering from the seed houses again.

2010 P. Gegg Weeping & Rejoicing (ed. 2) iv. 81 That's up to you lad, so long as you turn to at eight o'clock in the morning.

2. transitive. Nautical. To set (a person) to work. Cf. main sense 22b.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > [verb (transitive)] > set (person) to work

setc1175

put1608

to put on1822

to turn to1836

1836 Knickerbocker Mar. 170/2 When the hands were turned to, he was lowered down—laid upon a plank at the gangway—examined by the surgeon, and canted into the sea.

1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xii. 27 We were turned-to upon the rigging.

1933 M. Lowry Ultramarine i. 50 He kept me under winches right through the Red Sea. And he sent me up the funnel before I'd learnt how to knot a bosun's chair properly. And he turned me to, this afternoon when I was knocked off.

1991 J. Allaway Hero of Upholder x. 71 I went to turn the hands to at 0800.

to turn up

a. transitive. To direct or bend (something, esp. a part of the body) upwards. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 8. to turn up one's nose: to incline one's face upwards so that the nose is raised, often as a contemptuous gesture (frequently in figurative use: see to turn up one's nose (at) at nose n. Phrases 1c(b)).to turn up one's toes: see toe n. 5j. to turn up one's heels: see heel n.¹ and int. Phrases 2c(a). to turn up a person's heels: see heel n.¹ and int. Phrases 2c(b). to turn up the whites of one's eyes: see white adj. and n. Phrases 4a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn upwards

to turn up?c1335

arrecta1529

upturn1667

spire1839

the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (transitive)] > upwards

to turn up?c1335

?c1335 (a1300) Land of Cokaygne l. 136 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 148 Whan þe abbot him iseeþ Þat is monkes fram him fleeþ, He takeþ [a] maidin of þe route And turniþ vp hir white toute And betiþ þe taburs wiþ is hond, To make is monkes liȝt to lond.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xiii. xxvi. 677 Many ryuer fysshes may noȝt taste saltnesse of þe see, for ȝif he caccheþ [emended in ed. to tasteþ] salt water he deieþ sodeyneliche, and turneþ vp þe wombe.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 1464 (MED) Whan Thelamoun herkned had his tale..from his face avalid was þe blood..With lok askoyn, & tornyd vp þe white [of the eyes], Of hiȝe disdeyn.

?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. b.v He exhorted them to turne vp their myndes to loue god.

1607 E. Sharpham Fleire (1610) v. H ij A Puritane [damn'd] for saying Grace without turning vp the white of his eyes.

1682 New-years-gift for Towzer 3 He is given to play too much of one Tune Forty One which he squeeks out with a hideous noyse and turning up his nose like a Bull after he has smell to the tayle of a Cow.

1779 F. Burney Let. 20 Oct. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 393 Mr. Thrale..turned up his Nose with an expression of contempt.

1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose Introd., in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 136 The right side of his head a little turned up, the better to catch..the clergyman's voice.

1831 Lancet 5 Mar. 744/2 A flexible splint... This may be turned up at the end.

1957 L. Durrell Justine iii. 168 A flame-swallower with his face turned up to the sky, spouting a column of flame from his mouth.

1992 C. Tóibín Heather Blazing (1993) xi. 144 She squirmed and turned up her nose and smiled and said that she was glad she was in the hospital and not having to smell the mussels.

b. intransitive. To bend or point upwards; to have an upward direction. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 8c(b).

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have upward direction

to go upOE

to turn up1608

the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (intransitive)] > upwards

upbendc1440

to turn up1608

the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)]

forthwaxa900

wax971

growOE

risec1175

anhigh1340

upwax1340

creasec1380

increasec1380

accreasea1382

augmenta1400

greata1400

mountc1400

morec1425

upgrowc1430

to run up1447

swell?c1450

add1533

accresce1535

gross1548

to get (a) head1577

amount1583

bolla1586

accrue1586

improve1638

aggrandize1647

accumulate1757

raise1761

heighten1803

replenish1814

to turn up1974

1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 117 The tayle is very long, at the end and turning vp like a Vipers tayle.

1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 245. ⁋2 Nose very broad at bottom, and turning up at the end.

1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xvi. 410 The apparatus delivering gas should always be made to turn up at the end.

1974 Nature 22 Feb. 514/2 Lillie presented preliminary evidence that the zodiacal light spectrum turns up below 2,500 Å.

1977 Evening Post (Nottingham) 27 Jan. 4/5 The rate of inflation has turned up again and we must expect to see some further deterioration in the next few months.

2015 C. Camp Pleasured 364 The land comes down as it goes along and the path turns up a bit, so that it actually comes out atop the cliff.

a. transitive. To turn (something) upside down, invert (esp. in order to examine what is beneath); also in figurative contexts. Formerly also: †to overthrow, demolish; figurative to upset, throw into disorder (obsolete). Cf. main sense 9. Now chiefly U.S.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)]

to-wendc893

whelvec1000

to turn down?c1335

to turn up?c1335

whelmc1340

overturna1382

to turn overa1400

wholve14..

inverse?a1425

reverse?a1425

overwhelvec1450

overvolvea1522

transverse1557

evert1566

topsy-turn1573

topsy-turve1603

invert1610

upturn1610

whave1611

topsy-turvy1626

whemmel1684

cant1850

upend1868

flip-flop1924

the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin

spillc950

fellOE

to cast downc1230

destroy1297

to turn up?c1335

to throw down1340

to ding downc1380

to break downa1382

subverta1382

underturn1382

to take downc1384

falla1400

to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400

voida1400

brittenc1400

to burst downc1440

to pull downc1450

pluck1481

tumble1487

wreck1510

defacea1513

confound1523

raze1523

arase1530

to beat downc1540

ruinate1548

demolish1560

plane1562

to shovel down1563

race?1567

ruin1585

rape1597

unwall1598

to bluster down16..

raise1603

level1614

debolish1615

unbuilda1616

to make smooth work of1616

slight1640

to knock down1776

squabash1822

collapse1883

to turn over1897

mash1924

rubble1945

to take apart1978

?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 128 Turne him uppe, turne him doune, þi swete lemman: Ouer al þou findist him blodi oþer wan.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 673 (MED) What es man in shap bot a tre Turned up þat es doun..Of whilk þe rotes þat of it springes, Er þe hares þat on þe heved hynges.

c1475 (a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 307 (MED) Ȝif heere loue be ficchid on worldliche þingis more þen on heuenliche þingis, þe rote is turned up, and þei ben drye, wiþoute fruyt.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxxxvij^v No doubt, but kyng Charles, and the whole publique wealthe of Fraunce, had been turned vp, and cleane ouerthrowen.

1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades iv. 71 You should haue seene them [the walls of Thebes] torne, & turned vp from the rout.

1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 27 Turn these tables vp .

1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 58 in Sylva Turn up your Bee-hives, and sprinkle them.

1843 E. Miall in Nonconformist 3 209 Men who turn up words that they may see the ideas that lie under them.

1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) vii. 59 The chairs are turned up heads and tails along the walls.

2007 A. L. Kane Cost of Living 151 The bus boys were beginning to scrub down tables and turn up the chairs.

b. transitive. To turn (a playing card) face upwards; esp. to do this in dealing to determine the trump suit. Cf. turn-up n. 3.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics

to hold up?1499

decardc1555

to turn up1580

discard1591

pulla1625

to sit out1659

face1674

to make out1680

to lay out1687

to throw away1707

lead1739

weaken1742

carry1744

to take in1744

force1746

to show down1768

throw1866

blank1884

block1884

cover1885

unblock1885

pitch1890

1580 S. Bird Friendlie Dialogue betweene Paule & Demas sig. G.v If the ace of hearts be turned vp, when he that is to make, maketh this for it, then doth a meruailous controuersie arise, whether he that turneth it vp should win the set, or he that winneth fiue tricks.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. iii. 2 The most coldest that euer turn'd vp Ace.

1709 Brit. Apollo 25–27 May D...turns up the last Card for Trump.

1891 Field 28 Nov. 842/3 The card turned up by the second hand is the king.

2005 Online Gambler No. 3. 26/1 Once you're decided, the dealer turns up the second and final community card and, if you've successfully made a poker hand, calculates how much you've won.

3. intransitive. To turn aside and go up; (of a person) to make one's way up. Cf. main sense 15.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > rise or go up [verb (intransitive)] > make one's way up

to turn upa1375

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > travel in upward direction

to turn upa1375

ascend1382

mount1440

hilla1552

upturn1818

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2907 Sche went..to þe castel, & turned vp to þe heiȝest tour.

a1450 York Plays (1885) 47 (MED) Trowes þou þat I wol leue þe harde lande And tourne vp here on toure deraye?

c1500 (a1473) Syon Additions Sisters (Arundel) in J. Hogg Rewyll Seynt Sauioure (1980) IV. xxv. 123 Alle seruyse ended..they schal echone turne vp into ther stalles, and say..knelynge fyftene Aues.

1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 115 I turned up to a sorry kind of an inn.

1844 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. III. 635/2 That part which was called by the Wenzels glomus, where the choroid plexus turns up from the inferior cornu into the horizontal portion of the lateral ventricle [of the brain].

1993 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald Amer. 4 Apr. a12 So we just went off and turned up towards Burger King and kept going towards home.

a. transitive. To turn (soil, etc.) so as to bring up the underparts to the surface by digging or ploughing, or (of an animal) with the snout or paws; to dig or plough up (a feature such as a path or ridge). Also: to bring (something buried) to the surface by digging, ploughing, etc. Cf. main sense 10b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over

turnc1425

to turn up1523

trench1573

to turn over1580

whelm1652

invert1712

the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > find by other specific means

to look out?1496

to turn up1523

to bolt out1553

quafer1694

peep1819

poke-out1874

1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xxv. f. 44 With a Carte a wayne or a sleyde cary awaye therthe that the ploughe tourneth vp.

1563 2nd Tome Homelyes sig. Ssss.ii^v They do wickedly, whiche doe turne vp the auncient terries of the fieldes.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 44 Take heede of Swyne, that spoyle and turne vp the grounde ilfauouredly.

a1609 J. Dennys Secrets of Angling (1613) ii. xlvii. sig. D2^v Yealow bobs turnd vp before the Plough.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 213 The vast..Abyss Outrageous as a Sea,..Up from the bottom turn'd by furious windes.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VI. 226 The neck is furnished with very strong muscles, which enable it the readier to turn up the sand.

1833 J. Davidson Brit. & Rom. Remains Axminster 27 A man digging a hole for a gate-post,..turned up a golden ornament.

1843 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 4 ii. 116 Turn up the earth with a trowel.

1967 Boys' Life Feb. 41/2 Here my plow turned up the roots of fern, sawbriar and white knotty lumps of greenbriar roots.

2006 Hays (Kansas) Daily News 26 Apr. a3/2 Residents were giddy as each new round of the rototiller turned up fresh soil.

b. intransitive. With specifying phrase or complement. Of soil: to have a specified consistency as the result of ploughing.

ΚΠ

1726 J. Laurence New Syst. Agric. i. iv. 43 In some Places where the Land turns up with great Clots, they make Use of the Harrow to break them.

1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 i. 176 Such soils turn up as a fine mould.

1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 i. 197 The soil..will turn up raw and stubborn.

1933 M. J. Edwards & J. K. Ableiter Soil Surv. Morton County, N. Dakota (Bull. U.S. Dept. Agric., Bureau Chemistry & Soils No. 28) (1951) 95 If plowed when too dry, the soil turns up in large chunks that are difficult to work into a satisfactory seedbed unless it is plowed in the fall and allowed to slake or crumble during the winter.

1983 Trans. Amer. Soc. Agric. Engineers Mar.–Apr. 445/1 Farmers refer to the plow ‘scouring’ so soil does not stick to the moldboard, if the soil moisture level is satisfactory; or they say this soil is turning up ‘slick’, if it is too wet.

a. transitive. To fold or bend up (the projecting part or border of something, such as a collar or hat brim). Frequently in past participle.In quot. 1707: to have (a part) bent or directed upwards.

ΚΠ

?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxvii^v Ley a clene wasshen shete vpon the stole and than holde the small ende of the hyue downwarde & shake the bees in to the hyue and shortly set it vpon the stole and tourne vp the corners of the shete ouer the hyue.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. vj^v Bootes with pykes turned vp.

1623 W. Gouge Serm. Extent God's Provid. §15 A red cap, over a white linnen one turned up about the brimmes.

1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) I. 259 A sort of Duck that turns up the Bill more than the common kind.

1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xv. 12 He even..turned up the collar of his morning coat.

1960 C. W. Cunnington et al. Dict. Eng. Costume 185/1 Rubens hat.., a hat with a high crown and brim turned up on one side.

2014 T. C. Boyle in New Yorker 17 Mar. 60/1 My best friend, Zach Rolands,..turned up his shirt collars and wore his hair in a..pompadour.

(a) transitive. In past participle: (of a garment) having the border turned or folded over and covered with some ornamental material. Now chiefly historical.

ΚΠ

1538 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 72 My mariage gowne of russet damaske, with the sleves turneupe [perhaps read turnedupe] with russet velvet.

1714 London Gaz. No. 5270/7 A..Cap of Crimson Velvet, turn'd up with Ermine.

1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Dec. 749/1 A green blouse turned up with red.

1955 Jefferson City (Missouri) Post-Tribune 30 Aug. 3/2 The ensemble's predominance is a cue to the new elegance, often turned up with fur inside or out.

2007 M. Hayward Dress at Court King Henry VIII (2017) xi. 205/2 Black damask for a gown turned up with the same damask.

(b) transitive. To fold over (a garment or part of one) so as to shorten it; to shorten (a garment or part of one) by increasing the width of the hem or by making a hem. Also: to increase the width of (a hem). Formerly also: †to fold or pull up the garments of (a person) for the purpose of a beating (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > alter

to turn upa1586

tuck1626

to let out1791

fashionize1824

to piece down1863

to make down1877

to let down1890

to take up1902

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down

tuckc1440

tirve1482

to turn upa1586

to turn back1683

to turn down1841

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. i. f. 88 My well-waiting eyes espied my treasure, With sleeues turnde vp, loose haire, and brest enlarged.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 375 They turn up their sleeves above the Elbow.

1764 J. Gill Expos. Old Test. II. 376/2 Which seems to account for the reason of her uncovering his feet, or turning up the skirt of his garment that was upon them.

1807 London Rev. Dec. 489/1 He swore if she repeated her injurious practice, he would lay her on his knee, turn her up, and whip her; and this, from the additional provocation of her calling him a baboon, he actually did, in the presence of several persons of both sexes.

1843 C. E. Beecher Treat. on Domest. Econ. (rev. ed.) xxx. 329 Nice flannel, for infants, can be ornamented, with very little expense of time, by turning up the hem, on the right side, and making a little vine at the edge, with saddler's silk.

1896 A. J. C. Hare Story of my Life I. ii. 136 If any of the children behaved ill during the service, they were turned up and soundly whipped then and there.

1918 E. Wallbank & M. Wallbank Dress Cutting & Making xiv. 89 To turn up the skirt to the required length, a skirt gauge..may be used.

1958 M. Johnson Sewing the Easy Way (1960) 127 Turn up the hem, matching seam upon seam.

1976 J. Tate tr. A. Bodelsen Operation Cobra xi. 54 Margrethe had borrowed a skirt from her mother and was busy turning it up.

2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. ii. 56 (stage direct.) Winston is dressed for the summer—trousers turned up, Jesus sandals, open-necked short-sleeved shirt.

c. transitive. Bookbinding. To flatten the back of (a book, its spine, or its fore-edge) with trindles (see trindle n. 4), in preparation for cutting the fore-edge.

ΚΠ

1835 [implied in: ‘J. A. Arnett’ Bibliopegia 208 Turning up, an operation of flattening the back previous to putting the book in the press to cut the fore-edge, whereby a groove is formed on the edge, when the back resumes its circular form.].

1890 J. W. Zaehnsdorf Art of Bookbinding (ed. 2) xv. 64 He must leave the boards loose, cut the head and tail, then draw the boards in, and turn up and cut the foredge.

1981 New Bookbinder 1 65/1 Further considerations: It is normally satisfactory for brace width to be set so that, with the spine turned-up, the flanges act only on the width of the backing shoulders... The amount of swell used in the bracing alters the amount of gradient imposed..in much the same way, but in a more controlled manner, as does proximity of the tight textblock strap to the spine, when using trindles.

a. transitive. To give up, renounce, abandon, cast off, discard (an associate). Now rare (slang in later use).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)]

to let awaya1000

forcast?c1225

to lay downc1275

forthrow1340

flita1375

removea1382

to cast away1382

understrewc1384

castc1390

to lay awaya1400

to lay asidec1440

slingc1440

warpiss1444

to lay from, offc1480

way-put1496

depose1526

to lay apart1526

to put off1526

to set apart1530

to turn up1541

abandonate?1561

devest1566

dispatch1569

decarta1572

discard1578

to make away1580

to fling away1587

to cast off1597

doff1599

cashier1603

to set by1603

moult1604

excuss1607

retorta1616

divest1639

deposit1646

disentail1667

dismiss1675

slough1845

shed1856

jettison1869

shake1872

offload1900

junk1911

dump1919

sluff1934

bin1940

to put down1944

shitcan1973

1541 ‘J. Sawtry’ Def. Mariage Preistes sig. Bvi^v What plesure it is to haue so miche change of whores, that when they be weary of one, thei may turne hir vp & take another.

1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy iii. iv. ii. i. 765 He..married wiues, and turned them vp as he thought fit.

1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. xii. 1) 101 Many follow God..as a dog doth his master, till he meet with carrion; and then turn him up.

1789 G. Parker Life's Painter xv. 171 Now another drop genius is planted upon you, to turn you up, as they call it.

1830 P. Egan Finish Adventures Tom, Jerry, & Logic ix. 253 The judgment of Tom often proved incorrect, and he was frequently compelled to turn-up his street acquaintances.

1923 E. Gepp Essex Dial. Dict. (ed. 2) 118 They took all she had, and then turned her up, pore owd dear.

1930 J. Lait Put on Spot xvii. 132 Goldie would have turned him up at the slightest rebellion.

b. transitive. slang (chiefly British). To give up, abandon (an activity). Formerly also intransitive: †to throw up or abandon one's work, to give up (obsolete). Now only in imperative as turn it up: used as a warning to desist, esp. from objectionable talk; ‘shut up’, ‘come off it’.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (intransitive)] > vacate an office or position > resign

resign1395

resignate1531

to go out1642

to lay down1682

to swear off1698

to turn up1819

to pull the pin1860

to send in one's papers1872

to step down1890

to snatch it or one's time1941

the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > leave off! or stop it!

to do waya1325

stay1601

go and eat coke1669

to leave off1785

whoa1838

drop it!1843

cut1859

turn it up1867

to come off ——1896

to chuck it1901

knock it off!1902

cut it out1903

nix1903

break it down1941

to shove it1941

leave it out!1969

1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. at Turn up To desist from, or relinquish, any particular habit or mode of life, or the further pursuit of any object you had in view, is called turning it up.

1867 Era 20 Oct. 6/4 Mr Vance, in the character of the ‘Chickaleary Bloke’, called the gentleman in the gallery a ‘yob’, and..advised him to ‘turn it up’.

1887 Punch 30 July 45/2 Let us turn up this barney, and toddle ashore for some grub.

1904 A. Griffiths Fifty Years Public Service xiii. 173 Smith..‘turned up’ one day, in other words refused to labour on the works.

1925 E. Jervis Twenty-five Years in Six Prisons i. 22 He has done twenty-five years in prison. But five or six years ago he ‘turned the game up’.

1945 J. B. Priestley Three Men in New Suits i. 6 Turn it up, will you... You're arguing with yourself.

1991 J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses (2000) II. 7th Ser. Episode 4. 204/1 Del. Wait a minute. Maybe Trigger organised this! Boycie. Oh turn it up, Del Boy. Trigger couldn't organise a prayer in a mosque.

2001 H. Collins No Smoke vii. 103 Barney blushes, bowing his head boyishly—‘Aw turn it up, Maw. Godsakes, man,’ he jokes—‘A plastic raincoat in summer?’

7. transitive. Originally: to set free, turn loose (a person or animal). Subsequently: to discharge or release (a prisoner). Cf. main sense 27. Now rare (in later use slang).

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > from confinement

unbindc950

to let freec1000

aletOE

to let out1154

loosea1225

slakec1374

loosen1382

to let goc1384

releasec1384

unloosec1400

unlockc1410

dissolvec1420

relievec1450

unloosen?a1475

to set at liberty1509

enlargea1513

to let at large1525

to let loose1530

to turn loose?1566

enfranchise1569

to turn up1573

enfranch1581

unkennel1589

unwind1596

to cast loosec1600

disimmure1611

disimprison1611

unhamper1620

to let abroad1633

unfold1633

disencloister1652

disencage1654

discagea1657

disincarcerate1665

eliminate1745

unspherea1806

unmew1818

unbottle1821

uncage1837

unbag1854

bust1921

1573 G. Gascoigne Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 368 Now hath he learnd to keepe no more but Sim him sonne and he, His wyfe and Mawde his mayde, a boy to pitche the carte, And turne him vp at Hallontyde, to feele the wynters smarte.

1653 H. More Antidote against Atheisme iii. ii. §2 The Horse..for his unserviceableness..was fain to be turned up loose in the pasture.

1715 London Gaz. No. 5368/4 Which said..Gelding was turned up by the said Rogues.

1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. (at cited word) A person acquitted by a jury, or discharged by a magistrate..is said to be turned up.

1865 Leaves from Diary Celebrated Burglar 12/1 Lloyd was tried at the Old Bailey, along with Tommy Sales, for the murder of Mr. Bellchambers. Lloyd got ‘turned up’, but Sale [sic] was convicted, and executed.

1904 A. Griffiths Fifty Years Public Service xxiii. 354 They are not brothers, only brother convicts, who ‘did time’ together.., were ‘turned up’ together.

1940 D. Clemmer Prison Community 336/2 Turn up, to discharge from court.

8. transitive. To turn the stomach of, nauseate (a person). Also (and in earliest use) with the stomach or guts as object. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 11.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (transitive)] > nausea > cause nausea

to turn up1578

stomach1796

to turn over1865

1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball xxviii. 355 The seede of Palma Christi turneth vp the stomacke.

1892 Chambers's Jrnl. 11 June 375/2 Men who have never known what sea-sickness is..get thoroughly ‘turned up’ with the awful motion and vibration.

1919 V. Marshall World of Living Dead 62 There wuz wunst a time, boy, when a fit o' spewin' used to scare 'em into cuttin' short the count, and so we got chewin' chunks o' soap ter turn our guts up. Then some pimp puts the pot on.

1932 S. Gibbons Cold Comfort Farm xii. 178 Turns you up, don't it, seein' ter-day's dinner come in 'anging round someone's neck?

1965 G. Jones Island of Apples i. i. 11 I hated what he was doing to his father, it turned my stomach up even to think about it.

2005 H. Mantel Beyond Black iv. 109 Wash your face, you're all running in sweat, you bloody turn me up.

†9. transitive. Perhaps: to excite, rouse. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect with emotion [verb (transitive)] > cause or give rise to an emotion

rearOE

arear?c1225

annoyc1300

movea1325

excite1393

raisea1400

lighta1413

stirc1430

provokec1450

provocate?a1475

rendera1522

to stir upc1530

excitate?1549

inspire1576

yield1576

to turn up1579

rouse1589

urge1594

incense1598

upraisea1600

upreara1600

irritate1612

awakena1616

recreate1643

pique1697

arouse1730

unlull1743

energize1753

evocate1827

evoke1856

vibe1977

1579 S. Gosson Ephemerides Phialo f. 3 I shall please the wise, though the malicious turne vpp their gall.

10. intransitive. Nautical. To beat up to windward; to tack. Formerly also †transitive with it as object (obsolete). Cf. main sense 15d.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > luff or turn to windward > in tacking

turn1589

to turn up1589

to heave (the ship) in stays1726

1591 Hortop's Trauailes Eng. Man (rev. ed.) 17 His intente was to haue turned vp, and to haue laide the wethermost shippe of the Spanish fleet aboord, and fyred his shippe in hope therewith to haue set on fire the Spanish fleet.

1682 W. Hedges Diary 19 July (1887) I. 31 We..bore down about 2 or 3 miles to 2 sloops which could not turn it up to us.

1702 J. Cunningham in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 23 1201 We were forced to turn it up against Wind and Current all the way.

1711 J. Littleton Let. 13 Aug. in London Gaz. No. 4906/3 We turn'd up to Windward, as far as Donna Maria Bay.

1988 Cruising World May 96/1 The wind is steady and the sea is calm, yet the boat continually turns up toward the wind.

2015 A. Evans Singlehanded Sailing i. 7/2 I was about 3 minutes from the rocks, but because the spinnaker was half out, I could not turn up.

†11. transitive. Nautical. To cause (a place) to appear above the horizon; to come in sight of; = raise v.¹ 24b. Also in extended use. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > come in sight of

raise1589

to turn up1613

1613 R. Harcourt Relation Voy. Guiana Pref. sig. B4 Guiana being seated in the head of the Brises, and to the wind-ward of al the Spanish Indies, the current also of the Sea setting to the West, maketh it impossible for any Shipping to turne it vp from the forenamed places towards vs.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 82 I was sent to Surat. In a week's time we turned it up.

1859 G. A. Sala Twice round Clock (1861) 25 Keep struggling; and..you will eventually turn up Printing House Square.

†12. transitive. To have illicit sexual relations with (a woman). Also intransitive: (of a woman) to engage in illicit sexual relations, prostitute oneself. Cf. turn-up n. 1. Obsolete.In quot. ?1616 as part of a humorous name.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [verb (intransitive)] > of woman: make herself available

to turn up?1616

to put out1928

slut1946

tart1949

lay1955

?1616 W. Goddard Mastif Whelp xvi. sig. B^v Nay neuer begger hath ever curst the stocks. As Captayne Turn-hir-vp hath done the ——.

1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. Epil. sig. I3 Fame is false to all that keep her long; And turns up to the Fop that's brisk and young.

1682 N. Tate & J. Dryden 2nd Pt. Absalom & Achitophel 12 'Tis a Leading-Card to make a Whore, To prove her Mother had turn'd up before.

1685 Catologue Contented Cuckolds (single sheet) And I leave him to turn up my wife the mean while.

13.

a. transitive. To lay (a person or animal) on the back; to turn (an animal) belly upwards; (hence) to kill (an animal, esp. a whale: cf. sense 13b).

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

to take down1967

wax1968

trash1973

ace1975

1642 Relation of Terrible Monster 1 The head and eyes, when it lyes upon its belly, doe perfectly resemble a Toad. But here lyes the wonder, turne him up, or but a little raise his head, and you shall behold the perfect breast and chest of a man.

1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid I. 60 Go your ways or I'll turn you up as I would a Hare.

1832 P. Hawker Diary (1893) II. 46 I turned up two [geese] with the first barrel, and the other with the second.

1838 in Wisconsin Mag. Hist. (1936) Mar. 350 After the Boats were down the Larboard Boat first made fast to one and with the Waist and Starboard Boats soon turned up their Whale.

1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 95 You will have to turn him up, as it is termed; that is, the sheep is set upon his rump with his back down and his hind-feet pointing upwards and outwards.

1850 H. T. Cheever Whale & his Captors 311 After Captain Hosmer had succeeded in ‘turning up’ his whale.

1989 D. J. Stewart in J. R. Egerton et al. Footrot & Foot Abscess of Ruminants i. 24 Sheep handlers facilitate easy inspection of all feet and avoid the back-breaking labor of turning up sheep and lifting them into cradles.

†b. intransitive. Of a whale: to turn belly upward in death. Cf. quots. 1838, 1850 for 13a and 1845 for to turn over 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1857 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2 Nov. The whale made toward the ship, ran round and round a few times, and turned up fin out and head sunwards.

1885 Firemen's Mag. Aug. 462/2 When a whale is struck, the boat-steerer is relieved by the header, and he mans the steering until the whale turns up; when a whale dies his belly turns uppermost.

14.

(a) intransitive. To make its or one's appearance; to present itself or oneself casually or unexpectedly; to occur, appear, be discovered or encountered (as if exposed by turning something over, by turning a card face upwards, by turning the leaves of a book, etc.).Apparently sometimes a figurative use of a transitive sense, such as 2a, 2b, 4a.See also a bad penny always turns up at bad penny n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself

to make (one's) muster1419

presenta1425

to come fortha1535

to come forwards1550

to turn up1663

to come forward1683

report1815

to show up1827

show1848

to show the flag1937

the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself > casually or unexpectedly

to turn up1663

1663 H. Savage Dew of Hermon xiv. 59 They do as good as say, Let them look to it, for trump may turn up on our side again, which if it does, the same rigour which they use to us, shall we use towards them.

1679 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Reformation: 1st Pt. iii. 353 As he was led to the place of Execution.., he..prayed to this purpose; that..some place might turn up to him, that might comfort him in his last passage:..he opened the Book at a venture, in which these words of St. Iohns Gospel turned up.

1755 Monitor No. 10. I. 82 They must watch..the..occasions, which in the whirl of time will turn up.

1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. vi. 75 It seems incredible that Raphael should turn up in such a guise!

1824 W. Whewell in J. M. Douglas Life & Corr. W. Whewell (1881) 97 Leaving directions to have the thing sent after me if it should turn up.

1849 C. Dickens David Copperfield (1850) xi. 121 ‘And then,’ said Mr. Micawber,..‘I shall, please Heaven, begin to be beforehand with the world,..if—in short, if anything turns up.’

1937 M. Hillis Orchids on your Budget iv. 71 When an out-of-town cousin turns up, you undoubtedly entertain her more lavishly.

2014 Guardian 11 Aug. (G2 section) 2/3 This year both large and scarce tortoiseshell butterflies turned up.

(b) intransitive. Originally colloquial. To arrive or present oneself when expected or directed to do so; to put in an appearance; frequently (and in earliest use) in negative contexts.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach a point or place [verb (intransitive)] > arrive

comeOE

to come to townOE

yworthOE

lend11..

lightc1225

to come anovenonc1275

wina1300

'rivec1300

repaira1325

applyc1384

to come ina1399

rede?a1400

arrivec1400

attainc1400

alightc1405

to come to handc1450

unto-comec1450

apport1578

to be along1597

to drop in1609

to come ona1635

to walk in1656

land1679

engage1686

to come along1734

to get in1863

to turn up1870

to fall in1900

to lob1916

to roll up1920

to breeze in1930

to rock up1975

1870 Appleton's Jrnl. 14 May 535/1 I went about on my usual round, but he didn't turn up. I asked some of the other fellows, but none of them had seen him.

1903 E. Œ. Somerville & ‘M. Ross’ All on Irish Shore 18 And if you'll believe me, the two chaps there had never turned up at all.

1913 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 162 764/1 All the employees on trams who at present get in turn a holiday on Saturday will have to turn up to work, on account of the increased number of passengers.

1939 G. B. Shaw Geneva iii. 52 The judge himself hasnt turned up.

1979 J. Cooper Class iv. 84 At prep schools they insist you turn up [at sports days] and then ignore you.

1985 Times 26 Aug. 8/3 Occasions when luggage is checked onto a flight and the passenger fails to turn up.

2016 Church Times 22 Apr. 22/3 Persuading teenagers to turn up to church on a Sunday morning has never been easy.

(a) intransitive. With complement. To appear or present itself or oneself in a specified character; to be found to be. Cf. to turn out 9c at Phrasal verbs 1. Now rare. to turn up rough: to become angry or quarrelsome (cf. to cut up rough at cut v. Phrasal verbs). to turn up trumps: see trump n.² 2a. With to turn up rusty cf. rusty adj.³ 3.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (intransitive)] > be proved to be

provec1300

verifya1387

approve1587

improve1612

bear1710

to turn up1756

to turn out1780

wash1849

the mind > emotion > anger > [verb (intransitive)] > become angry

wrethec900

wrothc975

abelghec1300

to move one's blood (also mood)c1330

to peck moodc1330

gremec1460

to take firea1513

fumec1522

sourdc1540

spitec1560

to set up the heckle1601

fire1604

exasperate1659

to fire up1779

to flash up1822

to get one's dander up1831

to fly (occasionally jump, etc.) off (at) the handle1832

to have (also get) one's monkey up1833

to cut up rough, rusty, savage1837

rile1837

to go off the handle1839

to flare up1840

to set one's back up1845

to run hot1855

to wax up1859

to get one's rag out1862

blow1871

to get (also have) the pricker1871

to turn up rough1872

to get the needle1874

to blaze up1878

to get wet1898

spunk1898

to see red1901

to go crook1911

to get ignorant1913

to hit the ceiling1914

to hit the roof1921

to blow one's top1928

to lose one's rag1928

to lose one's haira1930

to go up in smoke1933

hackle1935

to have, get a cob on1937

to pop (also blow) one's cork1938

to go hostile1941

to go sparec1942

to do one's bun1944

to lose one's wool1944

to blow one's stack1947

to go (also do) one's (also a) dingerc1950

rear1953

to get on ignorant1956

to go through the roof1958

to keep (also blow, lose) one's cool1964

to lose ita1969

to blow a gasket1975

to throw a wobbler1985

society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > quarrel [verb (intransitive)] > be quarrelsome > become quarrelsome

to cut up rough, rusty, savage1837

to turn up rough1872

1756 Monitor No. 39. I. 374 A great deal of waste land and timber.., which by care and cultivation, must in time turn up a great thing.

1866 ‘G. Eliot’ Felix Holt (new ed.) I. xi. 199 Company that's got no more orders to give, and wants to turn up rusty to them that has, had better be making room than filling it.

1872 Judy 29 May 59/2 Have the ornaments [= handcuffs] handy, in case he should turn up rough.

1911 Times 17 Mar. 14/7 There were many moments in which people could ‘turn up rusty’, but it was realized that any dispute or friction would mean a certain amount of harm to the institution.

2016 Economist 24 Dec. 61/2 Plenty of ales turned up ‘sour’ in India—the pungent hoppiness went some way to disguising the problem.

(b) intransitive. colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.). to turn up missing: to be found to be missing, be unable to be found.

ΚΠ

1856 Knickerbocker Dec. 614 Nothing, however, ever turned up missing, except Mr. Wytles himself.

1869 ‘M. Twain’ Let. 11 Oct. (1992) III. 371 I sunk shafts till I broke through the roof of perdition, but those extensions turned up missing every time.

1957 Sat. Evening Post 19 Oct. 78/2 Well, not only did the insect house burn down... The curator turns up missing.

1993 Time (Internat. ed.) 25 Jan. 10/1 U.S. Marine Private Domingo Arroyo, on a foot patrol that comes under attack.., turns up missing at a head count and is later found dead.

†15. transitive. To roll up, twist up in a wrapper. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > wrap [verb (transitive)] > as a parcel

to turn up1701

to do up1806

1701 London Gaz. No. 3741/4 A painted Fan..turned up in a white Paper.

16.

a. transitive. To find (a passage) in a book, newspaper, etc., or (a document) in a set of papers, etc.; to look up (notes), refer to (a writer). Cf. sense 10a. N.E.D. (1915) quotes Canon J. T. Fowler as saying: ‘In the Durham Cathedral Choir to turn up means to look out and place ready the music for the organist and singers’.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > find in a book or paper

looklOE

to look out?1496

to turn to ——1568

to look upa1632

to turn up1710

to turn out1834

1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 179 When I turn up some Masterly Writer to my Imagination.

1806 in T. B. Howell Compl. Coll. State Trials (1816) XX. 32 But the noble earl there, with his Bible, I am sure will have the goodness to help me out and turn up the passage for me.

1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 161 She then turned up the ritual.

1891 Pop. Sci. Monthly Aug. 524 I turned up the article ‘Schwein’ in Riehm's standard Handwörterbuch.

1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 7 May 267/2 I have not time now to turn up my old notes on the subject.

1921 T. S. Eliot Let. 9 May (1988) I. 451 I do not know whether you can easily turn up a copy of that letter, but it was one for which I was very grateful.

1992 G. Hancock Sign & Seal iii. xi. 241 I had turned up an intriguing reference to another people—a people known as the Qemant.

b. transitive. Of a person: to discover, locate (something sought for); (of an event, an investigative procedure, etc.) to uncover, reveal (something of interest or importance).Perhaps in some uses an extension of sense 4a.

ΚΠ

1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 28 May 5 We cannot turn up the originals [of these stories]..so we must take the rehandlings.

1934 D. Hammett Thin Man (1974) xxx. 179 We'd give it the once-over before and hadn't turned up nothing.

1951 M. McLuhan Mech. Bride 42/1 Vocational-guidance investigation has turned up the curious fact that executives..do show an aptitude for words.

1971 R. E. Pfadt Fund. Appl. Entomol. (ed. 2) xii. 367 Use of synthetic sex attractant, hexalure, in traps did not turn up any native adults of pink bollworm.

1975 W. Kennedy Legs (1983) 175 When the police went through Jack's house.., somebody turned up a piece of plaster, one side covered with the old-time mattress ticking wallpaper.

2015 N.Y. Mag. 9 Mar. 92/5 A quick Google of monthly car leases in Manhattan turns up tantalizing rates around $500.

17. transitive. Nautical. To summon (the crew) on deck. Now chiefly historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon

lathec900

hightOE

clepec1000

ofclepeOE

ofsendOE

warna1250

callc1300

summonc1300

incalla1340

upcallc1340

summonda1400

becallc1400

ofgredec1400

require1418

assummonc1450

accitec1475

provoke1477

convey1483

mand1483

whistle1486

vocatec1494

wishc1515

to call up1530

citea1533

convent1540

convocate1542

prorogate1543

accersit1548

whistle for1560

advocatea1575

citate1581

evocate1639

demand1650

to warn in1654

summons1694

invoke1697

to send for1744

to turn up1752

requisition1800

whip1857

society > travel > travel by water > seafaring life > [verb (transitive)] > summon crew on deck

turn1603

to turn up1752

1752 Narr. Proc. James Lowrey 13 I turned all Hands up, and tax'd them with their Ill behaviour towards me.

1805 in Ld. Nelson Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. 164 (note) Ceased firing and turned the hands up to clear the wreck.

1940 C. S. Forester in Winnipeg Free Press 4 May (Mag.) 5/5 Captains who turned up all hands at every bell, night and day.

2011 M. Cohn Prize of War 58 He raced below as Mr. McLeod turned up all hands.

18. transitive. To increase the flow of (gas) to an appliance by turning a tap, handle, etc., originally so as to make a lamp burn more brightly; to increase the brightness of (a lamp); to raise the temperature of (an electrical appliance, heating system, etc., and (in extended use) that which it heats or cooks), originally by turning a knob or switch; to increase the volume of sound from (a radio or other audio device) by operating a control; to increase (volume) in this way. Also: to operate (a control) so as to increase the temperature, volume of sound, etc. Cf. to turn down 5b at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > trim or turn up

mend?1518

trim1557

to turn up1860

the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)] > increase temperature, volume, etc.

to build up1936

to turn up1962

1860 F. H. Ludlow in Harper's New Monthly Mag. Mar. 502/1 Turn the gas up a little higher! All the three rush around to the side of the bed and turn down the corner of the quilt from his face—it is he!

1889 C. Smith Repentance Paul Wentworth II. v. 105 He..turned up his reading lamp.

1941 N. Marsh Death & Dancing Footman xv. 313 ‘To get back to the wireless.’.. ‘I turned it down.’.. ‘You turned it... Not off. Down.’.. ‘I turned it down, and five minutes later somebody turned it up.’

1962 A. Nisbett Technique Sound Studio 259 The volume can be turned up louder.

1971 M. Lee Dying for Fun ix. 53 The producer of the radio magazine programme turned up his loudspeaker.

1976 W. Corlett Dark Side of Moon ii. 85 It is colder... I must turn up the central heating.

1985 G. Keillor Lake Wobegon Days 97 It's time to go home and turn up the pot roast and get the peas out of the freezer.

1996 D. Glass How can you tell if Spider is Dead? 73 If you turn up the gas all the way under a saucepan of boiling water.

2015 Radio Times 4 Apr. (South/West ed.) 19/4 Once the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat.

†19. transitive. To bring up (a person) by means of winding gear. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > make to go up or cause to rise [verb (transitive)] > raise by mechanical instrument > with a winch, crank, etc.

to wind upc1275

winch1529

upwind1600

parbuckle1768

crank1883

whorl1886

to turn up1911

1911 D. H. Lawrence in Eng. Rev. June 415 The winding-engine rapped out its little spasms. The miners were being turned up.

1929 D. H. Lawrence Pansies 82 My father was a working man And a collier was he, At six in the morning they turned him down And they turned him up for tea.

PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to turn about ——

intransitive. To travel, walk , sail or fly round. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > travel about

environc1384

to turn about ——c1440

perambulate1607

c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 115 (MED) He..is liche a botirflie, he torneth so ofte aboute þe fire of þe lampe þat he brenneth his wingis.

1550 T. Nicolls tr. Thucydides Hist. Peloponnesian War iii. xi. f. lxxxix. They dyd caste them selfe into a roundenes, and sailled tourninge aboute the ennemyes trusting to put them in disorder.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xxi. 110 b They goe turning seuen times about a fouresquare towre.

1642 A. J. Tasman Jrnl. in Acct. Several Late Voy. (1694) i. 135 In turning about this Island there appeared very few Men.

2011 J. Deveraux Heartwishes 10 She turned about the room, looking at everything.

turn after ——

intransitive. English regional (south-western) and Newfoundland. Of offspring: to become like, resemble, or take after.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > be like, resemble, or take after

to bear a resemblance toa1225

semblec1330

resemble1340

to look likec1390

representa1398

belikec1475

assemble1483

express1483

to take after ——1553

figure1567

assimilate1578

besib1596

imitate1601

resemblance1603

respect1604

favour1609

image1726

mirror1820

facsimile1839

turn after ——1848

picture1850

1848 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 9 ii. 256 Where one parent is sound and the other diseased the progeny may turn after the former; but then it is just as likely to turn after the latter.

1866 T. R. Higham Dialogue between Tom Thomas & Bill Bilkey 21 He do turn after Betsy 'bout the feet.

1901 Longman's Mag. Aug. 335 I spose the boy turns arter 'ee.

1961 in G. M. Story et al. Dict. Newfoundland Eng. (1999) (online ed.) (at cited word) They turns right after their father.

to turn on ——

单词	turn
释义	turnn. Brit. /təːn/, U.S. /tərn/ Forms: Middle English tvrn, Middle English–1500s torn, Middle English–1500s torne, Middle English–1600s tourn, Middle English–1600s tourne, Middle English–1600s turne, Middle English– turn, 1500s terne, 1600s towrn; English regional 1700s–1800s torn, 1800s ton (Yorkshire and Lincolnshire), 1900s tarn (Norfolk); Scottish pre-1700 torn, pre-1700 torrin, pre-1700 tourn, pre-1700 tourne, pre-1700 towrne, pre-1700 turne, pre-1700 turnn, pre-1700 twrne, pre-1700 1700s– turn, 1700s torne. See also tourn n. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French torn. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman torn, turn, tourn, turne, tourne, variant of Anglo-Norman and Old French tur, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French tor, tour (French tour tour n.) feat, exploit (c1100), opportunity or obligation to do something that comes in succession or rotation (early 11th cent.), return (early 12th cent.), limits (a1134), rotation (first half of the 12th cent.), form, shape, circumference (all c1130), circuit, journey (both c1170), circumstance, situation (c1175), winch, curve (both c1176), round trip (c1180), character, style, appearance (a1184), circular movement, direction, ruse, trick, time, instance of a repeated or recurring action, place or point at which a road or river turns (all second half of the 12th cent.), tour of inspection, visit, solution, contour (all early 13th cent.), turn of phrase (1214), digression (1216), means, manner, procedure, solution (1221), period of action, change for worse (both 13th cent.), time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next (c1275), circular movement by a dancer (1288), opportunity (c1292), turning-lathe (second half of the 13th cent.), pair of millstones (a1300), circular route around something (1342), potter's wheel (1349), movement, change of position (c1365), spinning wheel (1369), something that surrounds or wraps (1373), wheel (1551), spool (1603), walk, promenade (1640), round in a game (1690), in Anglo-Norman also sheriff's tourn (c1260), throw in wrestling (late 13th cent. in a translation of the source cited in quot. ?c1225 at sense 2), partly (in other senses) < Old French, Middle French torner , tourner (see turn v.), and partly (in senses relating to rotating tools and mechanisms) < classical Latin tornus (in post-classical Latin also turnus ) turning-lathe, in post-classical Latin also occasion that comes in succession or rotation (frequently from 12th cent. in British sources), crossbow winch, official tour, circuit (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), round trip (13th cent. in a British source) < ancient Greek τόρνος carpenter's tool for drawing a circle, turning-lathe < the Indo-European base of ancient Greek τείρειν to rub (see Teredo n.) + the Indo-European base of ancient Greek -νος . Compare tour n. and tourn n.Compare Old Occitan torn time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next (12th cent.), ring to which a bird of prey is tied (1220), return, journey (both 13th cent.), winch (14th cent.), spool (15th cent.), spinning wheel (16th cent.), Catalan torn turning-lathe, potter's wheel, rotating mechanism, opportunity or obligation to do something that comes in succession or rotation (14th cent.), Spanish torno turning-lathe, potter's wheel, drill, winch (c1200), Portuguese torno turning-lathe, winch, peg (14th cent.), Italian torno potter's wheel (13th cent.), rotation, revolution (14th cent.). The form turne in the following quot., taken by N.E.D. to represent an otherwise unattested use of this word in the sense of top n.² 1a, is more probably a printer's error for turnep (see turnip n.):1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball vi. vi. 664 It is almost like to a litle Turne [Fr. naueau] or Peare, brode beneath, and narrow aboue. I. Senses denoting actions or occasions. * An action of a particular kind, duration, or importance. 1. A cunning device; a trick, a wile, a stratagem; a prank. Now Scottish. Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) records the phrase to take the turn out o, ‘to trick, befool’ as still in use in Shetland and Perthshire in 1973. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > cunning > [noun] > a wile or cunning device wrenchc888 craftOE turnc1225 ginc1275 play?a1300 enginec1300 wrenkc1325 forsetc1330 sleightc1340 knackc1369 cautel138. subtletya1393 wilea1400 tramc1400 wrinkle1402 artc1405 policy?1406 subtilityc1410 subtiltyc1440 jeopardy1487 jouk1513 pawka1522 frask1524 false point?1528 conveyance1534 compass1540 fineness1546 far-fetch?a1562 stratagem1561 finesse1562 entrapping1564 convoyance1578 lift1592 imagine1594 agitation1600 subtleship1614 artifice1620 navation1628 wimple1638 rig1640 lapwing stratagem1676 feint1679 undercraft1691 fly-flap1726 management1736 fakement1811 old tricka1822 fake1829 trickeration1940 swiftie1945 shrewdie1961 c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 22 Ure alre ehnen demeð hire unmihti onont hire seoluen to etstonden wið his turnes & deð ase þe wise. c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 393 Low þullich is al þet ȝe þencheð to weorrin me wið to dei, homeres motes, ant aristotles turnes, esculapeies creftes, & gallienes grapes, phistiliones flites, ant platunes bokes. c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 43 Ure strengðe..toȝein þe deofles turnes & his fondunges. c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 796 Y warne þe of a torn..Y leuede ȝond on a buchyment sarasyns wonder fale. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxiv. 221 I thynke to playe hym a tourne. 1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse v. 95 Come, no equivocations; no Roman turns upon us. 1720 D. Waterland 8 Serm. Divinity of Christ Pref. 30 The unlearned Reader..may be easily imposed upon by little Turns, and Fallacies. 1822 H. Ainslie Pilgrimage to Land of Burns 89 He had a pour o' unca cliver turns about him when he likit. 1899 Shetland News 21 Jan. Dat wis a bonnie turn fir young men ta dü. 2. A movement or trick by which a wrestler attempts to throw his or her opponent; a throw. Now rare (chiefly regional). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > [noun] > manoeuvres swengOE turn?c1225 castc1400 trip1412 fall?a1425 foil1553 collar1581 lock1598 faulx1602 fore-hip1602 forward1602 inturn1602 mare1602 hug1617 disembracement1663 buttock1688 throw1698 back-lock1713 cross-buttock1713 flying horse1713 in holds1713 buttocker1823 chip1823 dogfall1823 cross-buttocker1827 hitch1834 bear hug1837 backfall1838 stop1840 armlock1841 side hug1842 click1846 catch-hold1849 back-breaker1867 back-click1867 snap1868 hank1870 nelson1873 headlock1876 chokehold1886 stranglehold1886 hip lock1888 heave1889 strangle1890 pinfall1894 strangler's grip1895 underhold1895 hammer-lock1897 scissor hold1897 body slam1899 scissors hold1899 armbar1901 body scissors1903 scissors grip1904 waist-hold1904 neck hold1905 scissors1909 hipe1914 oshi1940 oshi-dashi1940 oshi-taoshi1940 pindown1948 lift1958 whip1958 Boston crab1961 grapevine1968 powerbomb1990 ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 206 & sech hu feole þe grimme wrestlere of helle braid upon his hupe & weorp wið þe hanche turn into galnesse. c1300 St. Michael (Laud) l. 176 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 304 He pleyde with þe fallingue tourn so wel he couþe hine do. a1400 (c1300) Northern Homily: Archbishop & Nun (Coll. Phys.) in Middle Eng. Dict. at Casten Sinful man gers him [sc. the devil] oft schurine, And castis him wit his awen turne. c1440 Prose Life Alexander (Thornton) (1913) 31 (MED) Þe firste man þat come in his hande, at the first tourne he threwe hym wide open. 1555 J. Heywood Two Hundred Epigrammes with Thyrde sig. D.iii^v He is cast in his owne turne, that is lykly And yet in all turnes he turnth wonders quikly. 1775 J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang. Tornis, a turn in wrestling. 1891 S. Baring-Gould Urith li. 372 Now let us finish the weary game with a final turn and a fair back. 1902 Pall Mall Mag. Sept. 54 ‘By gum, but yon turn was nar!’ ‘Why, t'collier's nobbut ut grup en fair.’ 1933 W. Holtby Mandoa, Mandoa! iii. vii. 347 In his struggle with Talal, a struggle so unequal that it involved little but one deft wrestling turn by the Mandoan, he had dislocated his shoulder. 3. †a. A period of action; a spell or bout; a stint; (in early use sometimes) spec. a spell of wrestling (cf. sense 2); (also) a contest (in quot. 1829). In later use merging with sense 8. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > [noun] > spell or bout of action turnc1230 heatc1380 touch1481 pluck?1499 push?1560 bout1575 yoking1594 pull1667 tirl1718 innings1772 go1784 gamble1785 pop1839 run1864 gang1879 inning1885 shot1939 c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 26 (MED) Þe þridde tene adun & up o þe elbohen riht to þer eorðe. Þe feorðe þe elbohen o degre oðer o bench..þe fifte tene stondinde, ant eft biginne þe turn as i þe frumðe. c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 2931 Ich wile ȝow helpe..Aȝen þemperur to fiȝt. While þow dost þis ilche tourne [a1500 Chetham stoure], Þe leuedi schel wiþ me soiurne. c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 335 Þov hast y dremed of venesoun þov mostest drynke a torn. c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 2276 I wald..now wirstill a turne. 1591 (?a1425) Shepherds (Huntington) in R. M. Lumiansky & D. Mill Chester Myst. Cycle (1974) I. 135 A torne to take have I tight with my masters. 1653 in C. H. Firth Clarke Papers (1899) III. 9 Yesterday wee had another turne in the House. 1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. ii. 46 We have seen..so many turns betwixt York and Lancaster. 1877 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXIII. 643 You young people, I like to see you run, and I am glad to take a turn at it myself. 1882 F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills Ded. 8 Since I first saw the Boxes and their contents at Doctors' Commons,..I always meant to have a turn at them. 1918 ‘B. MacNamara’ Valley of Squinting Windows (1976) 38 You need never do a turn with your hands? b. Chiefly Scottish and Irish English (northern). A stroke or spell of work; a piece of work; a task, a job.See also hand's turn n. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > duties > [noun] > piece of work or task workOE notec1400 turnc1480 piece of work1533 job1557 employment1579 task1597 spot of work1689 day job1798 number1928 c1480 (a1400) St. Theodora 121 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 102 Of sorcery scho cuth do, & as scho mycht did turne & chare. 1572 R. Sempill Lament. Commounis Scotl. (single sheet) Thay..brocht thair butter and egges To Edinburgh Croce and did na vther turne. 1609 J. Skene tr. Regiam Majestatem ii. xli. 36 b The over-lord sall doe all the turnis and affairs perteining to the heire. 1791 J. Learmont Poems Pastoral 331 My turns are lying to do. 1949 People's Jrnl. 12 Nov. His 92-year-old mother is still alive and doing her ‘ain turn’. 1988 T. K. Pratt Dict. Prince Edward Island Eng. 160/2 When children came home from school they would have their turns to do. 1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 367/2 Turn, a piece of work; specifically (a) odd turns, odd jobs; (b) turns of the house, housework, routine tasks in the home. c. Originally: †a fit of anger, terror, etc. (obsolete). Subsequently: an attack of illness; (now) a brief feeling of illness, as in a funny turn. Cf. sense 28. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > [noun] > bout or attack of onfalleOE cothec1000 bitc1175 accessc1300 attacha1400 shota1400 swalma1400 storm1540 excess?1541 accession1565 qualm1565 oncome1570 grasha1610 attachment1625 ingruence1635 turn1653 attack1665 fit1667 surprise1670 drow1727 tossa1732 irruption1732 sick1808 tout1808 whither1808 spell1856 go1867 whip1891 1653 F. G. tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Artamenes I. ix. 27 And Elibesis also having her turn of anger, did upon a sudden leave him, and so they both parted very ill satisfied with each other. ?1721 A. Hill Fatal Extravagance 43 Alas! She faints—This sudden Turn of Terror, Rushes too strong, to be withstood by Nature. 1745 J. Hempstead Diary 27 May (1901) 443 My Daughter Minor hath had a very Sharp Turn of ye Colick. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Merlin & Vivien 519 in Idylls of King Not so much from wickedness, As some wild turn of anger, or a mood Of overstrain'd affection. 1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations I. ii. 22 Joe..was made to swallow that [sc. a dose of tar water]..‘because he had had a turn’. 1909 H. James Let. 13 Dec. in H. James & E. Wharton Lett. (1990) ii. 129 I..have a turn of gout again. 1913 E. Wharton Custom of Country i. ii Her mother..sat in a drooping attitude, her head sunk on her breast, as she did when she had one of her ‘turns’ [of palpitation]. 2011 H. Pool Stranger in Taiwan 77 I began to have another one of my funny turns. d. Chiefly U.S. A menstrual period. Frequently in plural. Now historical and rare. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretions > menses > [noun] monthlyeOE menstruuma1398 flowerc1400 menstrue?a1425 women's evilc1450 menstruosity1503 courses1563 monthly time1564 reds1568 month courses1574 purgation1577 women's courses1577 month1578 menses1597 menstruals1598 flourish1606 nature1607 fluors1621 mois1662 period1690 catamenia1764 turn1819 visitor1980 1819 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. & Surg. 8 317 Her turns continued monthly, and for nearly a week at a time. 1851 Nelson's Northern Lancet & Amer. Jrnl. Med. Jurispr. Oct. 26 They should be used freely at the time of the expected menstrual turn. 1905 Rec. & Briefs U.S. Supreme Court, No. 119 57 On the 3d of March, he asked me if I had my turns, and I said ‘No’. 1981 A. Keller Scandalous Lady 58 Was she residing there for the purpose of consulting about her monthly turns? 4. a. An act that does good or harm to another; a (good, ill, etc.) service. Almost always with modifying word. good turn: a helpful or beneficial act. bad turn, evil turn, ill turn: a harmful act. Usually following to do, as in to do someone a good (also bad, ill, evil) turn. Cf. to do the turn at Phrases 1c(a).shrewd turn: see shrewd adj. 5a.Also in proverb one good turn deserves another; cf. one good turn asks another at ask v. 23a(b). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [noun] > action of causing disadvantage > an act of evil turna1375 misservice1587 disservice1611 the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [noun] > graciousness > favour or grace > instance or act of douthOE wel-dedeOE gooddeedOE boonc1175 fordeedc1230 gracec1300 good turna1375 gratitude?a1513 gratuity1523 favour1605 vouchsafement1629 veniality1655 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [verb (transitive)] > do one a bad turn mis-serve1340 to do someone a good (also bad, ill, evil) turnc1450 serve1887 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > harm, injury, or wrong > [noun] > action > a bad turn shrewd turn1464 office1575 disservice1611 disoffice1624 evil turn1647 diskindness1678 bad turn1886 a shot in the eye1897 a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 148 He wold ȝif he miȝt wayte hire sum wicked torn what bi-tidde after. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4330 Sco [sc. Potiphar's wife] waited him wit a werr turn. c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 43 I hafe y[it] in my mynde a little gude turn at þou did me. a1635 T. Randolph Amyntas v. vi. 106 in Poems (1638) See, Mopsus, see, here comes your Fairy brother, Hark you, for one good turne deserves another. 1647 H. More Cupid's Confl. xlv He..Requiteth evil turns with hearty love. 1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 256 Ready..to do us any ill Turn. 1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 113 Thou mayst do the Smith a kind turn, an thou takest this matter the right way. 1875 H. Rink Tales & Trad. Eskimo 120 With this he rubbed certain parts of a seal he intended to treat his friend with, in order to do him an evil turn on his arrival. 1886 G. R. Sims Ring o' Bells vii. 198 I did the lass a bad turn when I took her away. 1908 R. S. S. Baden-Powell Scouting for Boys i. i. 49 He must Be Prepared at any time to save life, or to help injured persons. And he must do a good turn to somebody every day. 1954 J. R. R. Tolkien Two Towers iv. i. 222 But you must help us, if you can. One good turn deserves another. 2000 N.Y. Press 5 Apr. ii. 8/2 I've heard truckers talking in low voices how Glad is known to have murdered a few drivers that did his boys a bad turn. 2014 Radio Times 26 July (South/West ed.) 51/2 Little wonder no one in the capital ever does anyone a good turn. †b. An act of some (usually positive) significance, a deed; a deed of valour, a feat, an exploit. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > courage > valour > deed of valour > [noun] > heroic feat chivalry1297 bountyc1330 vassalagec1330 feata1400 turnc1400 pointc1440 valiance1470 valiantise1513 valiancy1627 gallantry1652 heroism1740 heroics1873 c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 192 In þe Creatores cort com never more, Ne never see hym with syȝt for such sour tornez. 1415 T. Hoccleve Addr. to Sir John Oldcastle l. 505 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 24 Was no knyghtly turn no where, Ne no manhode shewid in no wyse, But Oldcastel wolde, his thankes, be there. 1590 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1881) 1st Ser. IV. 560 He had done greitar turnis nor to ding oute all thair harnis. 1638 D. Dickson in W. K. Tweedie Select Biogr. (1847) II. 23 Jesus Christ our Lord, in his manhead, had never done, nor could never doe, a turne but of necessitie, and nothing of frie-will. †5. An event, circumstance, or occurrence. In quot. 1719: a series or course of events (cf. sense 3). Obsolete or merged in other senses.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 26. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [noun] > occurring or happening chance1297 befallingc1374 betidingc1374 occasionc1390 happening1431 turna1475 event1601 cadence1603 turning up1628 eveniencya1646 cadency1647 coming1651 occurrence1725 eventuation1728 encounter1870 occurrency1920 a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 21605 (MED) Somwhyle, whan the tourn doth varye, The world they fynde to hem contrarye. 1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 853/1 Beside the losse of our time, there is a worse turne followeth it, and more deadly. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. x. sig. Hh3^v The shepheard..Broke his bag-pipe quight, And made great mone for that vnhappy turne . View more context for this quotation 1709 S. Centlivre Busie Body v. i. 62 Pox on 't, this is an unlucky Turn. What shall I say? 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 292 To bring this long Turn of our Affairs to a Conclusion. †6. Scottish. A matter requiring to be dealt with or resolved; a piece of business. Also: (in plural) a person's affairs. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1590 in C. Innes Registrum Honoris de Morton (1853) I. 170 The turne betuix ȝow and the M^r Lewingstoune mon ather be dealt furth be sum vther men that can lyk ȝou beyth or ellis mon continew quhill I returne. 1590 in C. Innes Registrum Honoris de Morton (1853) I. 170 Being myndfull till haif spokin with the Erll of Huntlie heir in sic turnis of my awin as I wreit of to your Lordship affoir. 1607 J. Maidment Lett. & State Papers Reign James VI (1838) 107 I dowt nocht bott ȝour moist sacreid maiestie will swa settill thatt turne, as heirefter thay be na cawisse of gruge on ather syd. 1612 Edinb. Test. XLVII. f. 62^v in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) As concerning his warldlie turnis he nominatis..his twa bairnes to be his only executoris. 1629 in W. Fraser Mem. Maxwells of Pollok (1863) II. 202 As to my Lord of Nidisdeillis awin turneis, sua far as I can larne, thay go hardle. a1650 D. Calderwood Hist. Kirk Scotl. (1843) IV. 712 I have learned..that yee..make your advantage of all turnes that come in your maniement. ** The occasion at which an action happens or is required to happen. 7. The time at which something happens, a point in time, a particular occasion; spec. a season. Usually modified by this or that. Cf. sense 26. Now rare (English regional and Scottish). ΘΚΠ the world > time > particular time > [noun] > time of occurrence sitheOE seasona1400 turna1400 datec1400 when1616 nick1645 whenabouts1898 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19445 He sagh him croised þat ilk turn þat he for staning suld not skurn. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) ii. l. 3803 Richard at þat turne gaf him a faire iuelle. 1653 G. Kendall Vindic. Doctr. Reformed Churches xviii. 148 Whether you..mention it only to serve your self of it against us at this turn. 1695 Refl. XXVIII Propositions Doctr. Trinity 13/2 But I suppose he will say at this turn, as he does in his second Defence,..Well, suppose this! 1765 J. Edwards Acct. Life D. Brainerd 235 But so it was ordered in divine providence, that the strength of nature held out through this great conflict, so as just to escape the grave at that turn. a1870 D. Thomson Musings among Heather (1881) 42 Try it on the priestcraft trade, Its guile an' fraud, its licht and shade, At antrin turns. 1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) Turn, season; time; bout. ‘Any arringes to-dee?’ ‘Noo, not this turn, thanky.’ 1887 T. Darlington Folk-speech S. Cheshire 412 Turn, season. So and So has made a jell o' money this turn... Yander feyld was sown wi' wuts last turn. 1948 M. Carbery & E. Grey Herts. Heritage 148 Turn, time, occasion: ‘I cyant do it this turn.’ 8. a. An opportunity or obligation to do something or to have something done, that comes successively to each of several persons or things. Almost always with possessive and frequently as object of take, as in nurses take their turn being on call (see also to take turns at Phrases 1a(d)). Often in adverbial phrases: see Phrases 1a. ΘΚΠ the world > time > frequency > [noun] > recurrence > turn charec1000 lotc1175 throwc1275 tourc1320 wheel1422 turnc1425 tourney1523 course1530 vice1637 rubbera1643 rote1831 whet1849 journey1884 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 2031 (MED) For euery man, whan it cometh aboute, Mote take his turne, as hir pleye requereþ. 1448 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) App. 138 (MED) The tenauntes of the seide Bysshop..shal keepe theire nyghte wacche of the seide Citee for theire torne wt other citizeins. 1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 ii. ii. 105 Then twas my turne to flee, but now tis thine. 1642 J. Denham Sophy Prol. sig. A2 His turne will come, to laugh at you agen. 1719 E. Young Paraphr. Job 1 At length Misfortunes take their Turn to reign, And Ills on Ills Succeed. 1778 T. Jones Hoyle's Games Improved 79 If..the last Player plays out of his Turn. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 553 It was Northumberland's turn to perform this duty. 1885 Manch. Examiner 12 Feb. 5/3 The manufacturers have had their share [of protection]; now it is the turn of the corn growers and cattle breeders. 1976 J. Snow Cricket Rebel 51 Each bowler taking a turn at bowling with the wind at his back. 2017 J. Fierro Gypsy Moth Summer ii. 26 Eva was standing in a circle of children around the balloon-animal guy, her voice one of many. ‘Me! Me next! My turn!’ b. Originally Theatre. A short performance, especially one of a number given by different performers in succession; an item in a variety entertainment; an act. Also: a person giving such a performance.See also star turn n. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > [noun] > a performance > item in turn1715 act1828 routine1866 number1908 shtick1948 1715 D. Ryder Diary 19 Sept. (1939) (modernized text) 101 There was rope dancing and tumbling... There were now and then some good humorous turns came in that made us laugh with a just pleasure. 1861 E. Cowell Diary 16 Apr. in M. W. Disher Cowells in Amer. (1934) 293 Mr. Odgen, not appreciated and evidently uncomfortable, would not sing a second ‘turn’. 1889 G. B. Shaw in Star 18 Oct. 4/1 Five out of six of the ‘turns’ are of the deadliest dulness. 1905 Daily News 15 July 8 An animal ‘turn’ new to England will be seen at the Palace Theatre... Kern and his Mimic Dog have been drawing crowded houses..in Paris. 1907 Times 30 Jan. 6/6 Under the barring clause the gentleman, who is not a big turn, did not appear. 2010 Daily Herald (Chicago) 28 May a30/4 A first-rate supporting cast, which includes Anthony Turnis' kinetic, very funny turn as the acerbic Speed. c. The time during which one worker or body of workers is at work in alternation with another or others; a shift. Cf. sense 3b. Now chiefly British Police slang, esp. in early turn. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > spell of work or duty trick1669 time1696 stem1778 turn1793 tour of duty1800 spell1804 shift1809 steek1889 go-in1890 steek1895 stag1931 wink1937 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §230 I proposed to visit each company..once in each company's turn, if wind and weather should permit. 1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Turn, the hours during which coals, &c., are being raised from the mine. 1897 Worc. County Express 3 Apr. In the turn's work, six hours, Potts would have been able to make 1½ dozen shades. 1948 G. Frost Flying Squad i. 8 After my R.F.C. life I did not in the least mind taking the early turn. I should explain that this common phrase in our language comes from the division of police duties into ‘turns’ starting at 6 a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m. 1985 J. Edwards Talk Tidy 40 Turn, a shift at work; ‘Steady feller, he is!—he hasn't lost a turn this ages.’ 2009 I. Blair Policing Controv. v. 115 I arrived at Hackney at about 5.30am and met the shifts of officers who changed over at 6am, the departing night duty and the arriving early turn. †9. A requirement or need at a particular time; purpose, use, convenience. Chiefly in special phrases: see Phrases 1b. Obsolete.Recorded earliest in to serve a person's turn at Phrases 1b(a). ΘΚΠ the mind > will > necessity > condition of being necessary > need or want > [noun] > need for use turn1538 use1596 1538 R. Morison tr. J. Sturm Epist. Cardynalles sig. Av Also suche men haue come to it, as wolde not plainly expresse such fautes as they knew, but rather serued his turne, vnto whom they aknowlege them selfis greatly to be bound. 1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes 1053 This commaundement of the Lorde..was not a commaundement of the lawe, but a particular commaundement declared to Saule by Samuel. An especiall commaundement (saith he) for that turne. 1602 W. S. True Chron. Hist. Ld. Cromwell sig. B4^v We hardly shall finde such a one as he, To fit our turnes. 1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (xviii. 5 Annot.) 99/2 Ropes or cords are proper for that turne. 1754 J. Scott Pocket Compan. & Hist. Free-masons Pref. p. vii. Had Dr. Plot discovered the Secrets of the Fraternity, he should have enjoyed his Discoveries for ever undisturbed; he knew that would neither answer his Turn, nor be believed. 1788 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) II. 354 Such persons as his turn and time might render desirable. 1881 C. E. L. Riddell Alaric Spencely I. 285 You will answer my turn..as well as another. II. Rotation, and connected senses. (Cf. turn v. I.) 10. The action (typically of a wheel) of turning about an axis or centre; rotation, revolution. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > rotation as a wheel turna1325 weltering1423 wheeling1483 circumduction1578 revolution1592 circumgyration1603 circumrotation1656 wheelerya1845 a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 79 On walkenes turn, wid dai and nigt Of foure and twenti time rigt. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5470 Froward fortune..Whanne high estatis she doth reuerse And maketh hem to tumble doune Or with [1532 Thynne Of] hir whele with sodeyn tourne. a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) l. 1134 (MED) Entrechaunge euery ȝere they shal: The ton descendeth [read ascendeth], that other haþ a fal; They most obeye of hert and take it wel, lich as the tourn resorteþ of the whel. 1568 in J. Kinsley Poems W. Dunbar (1979) 64 Fortoun sa fast hir quheill dois cary Na tyme bot turne can tak rest. 1682 E. Hickeringill 2nd Pt. Hist. Whiggism 46 Fortunes-wheel..is alwayes..upon the Turn. 1879 J. Martineau Hours of Thought (1880) II. i. 6 You may expect a prize from the turn of a lottery. 2009 M. Simkins Detour de France (2010) 102 The perception of Gallic temperament is of..the readiness to stake all on the turn of a wheel, content in the knowledge that win or lose, life and love will go on. 11. An act or instance of turning about an axis; a movement of rotation (total or partial); esp. a single revolution (typically of a wheel).See also Phrases 2.figurative in quot. c1380. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > rotation as a wheel > an act of turnc1380 revolutions1835 c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 1811 Þe nayles þow scholdest him ȝelde aȝeyn & eke þe croune of þorn..elles þow gest a torn... He wol þe chacy as ys fo & werche þe sorwe. a1400 in C. B. Hieatt & S. Butler Curye on Inglysch (1985) 86 Þe plouere ne schall haf bot two & thrytty torne be þe ryght assys. 1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde iii. viii. sig. k5^v The sonne..gooth euery yere aboute the heuen one torne. 1596 J. Davies Orchestra lxviii. sig. B6 A gallant daunce,..With loftie turnes and capriols. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 35 He darts his Zagaye..with a turn of hand that doubles the force of it. 1760 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1759 (Royal Soc.) 51 157 The turns of the sails in a given time will be as the square of the velocity of the wind. a1861 A. H. Clough Dipsychus ii. ii, in Lett. & Remains (1865) 171 And hear the soft turns of the oar! 1872 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera (1896) I. xix. 370 In a few turns of the hands of the..clock. 1937 Amer. Home Apr. 81/1 (advt.) Abundant hot water flows at the turn of the faucet, day or night. 2006 Medicine Hat (Alberta) News 11 May (Wheels section) 14/2 The Fit remains settled and stable even when the driver gives the wheel a sharp turn or two. 12. An apparatus or device that operates by turning or spinning round. a. A rotating device used in spinning thread or yarn; a spinning wheel; either the wheel or the spindle forming part of this. Now historical and rare (regional in later use).In quot. a1425: a bobbin, spool, or spindle.See also spinning-turn n. at spinning n. Compounds 1b(a). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture of thread or yarn > [noun] > spinning > spinning wheel spinning-wheel1404 turna1425 wheel1467 a1425 Direct. Laces in B. Rowland Chaucer & Middle Eng. Stud. in Honour R. H. Robbins (1974) 97 (MED) To make a lace condrak departyd..loke þu knytte þe ende of þe lace to a turne þt hyt may turne abowte. 1538 T. Elyot Dict. Rhombus,..also a spynnynge wheele or tourne. c1564 in J. Noake Worcs. Relics (1877) 10 A spynynge turne and a spolynge turne. 1870 R. S. Hawker Footprints Former Men Cornwall 88 The mother stood by her turn or wheel, and span. 1979 in G. L. Pocius Textile Trad. Eastern Newfoundland 14 [She] can remember the older people referring to the spinning wheel as a ‘turn’. b. A lathe; (in later use chiefly) spec. a type of small dead-centre lathe, typically hand-powered and used in watchmaking (usually in plural denoting the adjustable or interchangeable components of this, esp. in a pair of turns).Cf. turn-bench n. , turn-lathe n. at turn- comb. form . ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > lathe > [noun] turn?c1475 brake?1577 lare1611 lathe1611 throw1657 turn-lathe1665 turn-tool1665 turning-lathe1794 turning-looma1805 turning-engine1889 the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > [noun] > one who or that which > stand turn1668 ?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 132 A Turne of a turnour, tornus, tornabilis. 1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Vu tour.., a turne, as boule faite au tour, a boule made at the turne. 1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Tournoir, a Turne, turning wheele, or Turners wheele, called a Lathe or Lare. 1668 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 3 795 An Artist, that polishes Optick-Glasses on a Turn. 1867 Eng. Mechanic & Mirror of Sci. 29 Mar. 19/3 I have a set of watchmakers' turns, and wish to be informed how to use them for turning small screws. 1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 121 The wheel..is put in a pair of turns. 1917 B. E. Jones Clock Cleaning & Repairing xv. 115 To undertake the job with any chance of success, a small good lathe, or a large pair of clock turns or clockmaker's ‘throw’. 1992 A. Kurzweil Case of Curiosities xii. 89 There were lathes and turns, two wheel-cutting engines, one driven by treadle, the other by hand. †c. A windlass (windlass n.¹ 1a). Obsolete.Cf. turn-beam n. , (earlier) turn-tree n. at turn- comb. form . ΚΠ 1643–4 Reg. Tulliallan Coal Wks. in J. U. Nef Rise Brit. Coal Industry (1932) I. iv. i. 377 (note) For shering of the turne of the trap heads of the new sinke. 1662 Dr. Power in T. Birch Hist. Royal Soc. (1756) I. 135 Sometimes it [sc. fiery damp]..has thrown the turn quite away from the mouth of the pit; which is a great cylinder of wood, of a great weight. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 342/1 An Engine called a Turne, or the Turne Engine..by which great Weights are lifted up. d. A rotating compartment set into a wall and open on one side, used for the discreet passing of food or other things from one side to the other. Now historical.Cf. turning-box n., turntable n. 2a. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > wall of building > [noun] > rotating box or disc in wall turning-box1611 turn1670 turning-table1839 turntable1887 1670 S. Wilson Lassel's Voy. Italy ii. 71 There is also a grate towards the street, where litttle [sic] infants are put into a square hole of a Turn, & so turned in by night by their unlawful mothers. 1808 Lady Jerningham Lett. (1896) I. 321 Her victuals were put in a turn, like at a Convent. 1932 G. F.-H. Berkeley & J. Berkeley Italy in Making I. xviii. 268 At suitable points were inset ‘turns’, similar to those used in convents, so as to enable the servants to hand in food for both the cardinals and their attendants, without themselves entering the isolated wing. 1966 M. C. Lorang Footloose Scientist in Mayan Amer. 90 Food was passed into the dining room through a ‘turn’..—a hollow roller set into the wall so that when one side is open, the other side is closed. †13. Any of various diseases, esp. of livestock, characterized by unsteadiness on the legs or the tendency to walk in circles; spec. the disease of sheep caused by the presence of larvae of the tapeworm Taenia multiceps in the brain (= gid n.¹). Occasionally also: an animal affected by such a disease (rare). Obsolete.Cf. turn-sick n., turnabout n. 2. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of cattle, horse, or sheep > [noun] > staggers or gid turn?1523 sturdiness1552 turn-sick1566 sturdy1570 dazy1577 stavers1597 (to have) the staggers1599 gid1601 giddy1603 turnabout1605 stacker1610 turning-evil1614 megrims1639 blind staggers1784 the goggles1793 dazing1799 stomach-staggers1831 turn-sick1834 turn-side1845 phalaris staggers1946 ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxvii^v The tourne, and remedy therfore. 1553 H. Llwyd tr. Pope John XXI Treasury of Healthe (new ed.) sig. c.vi These heale the turne or daselynge in the head & eyes. 1658 in Court Leet Rec. Manch. (1887) IV. 243 Sellinge parte of a Turne which was not Markettable. 1673 M. Harward Herds-man's Mate 45 The turn, or Thurning Disease. This disease is well known, yet not to all by this name, for some call it the giddy, some the sturdy, others call them mazed beasts. 1718 F. Hutchinson Hist. Ess. conc. Witchcraft ix. 128 Twirl like a Calf that hath the Turn. 1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. II. 1168 The Turn or Giddy is a disorder with which these animals [sc. sheep] are often seized. 14. A movement round something, a single act or instance of looping something around something else; (Nautical) an act of passing a rope once round a mast or other object. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement in circle or curve > [noun] > movement in circle > movement round something turn1585 round1616 1585 J. Banister Wecker's Compend. Chyrurg. iv. i. 514 With a sauft firme rowle, wonde vp at both endes, and wet in water and viniger. fetche iij. or iiij. turnes about the fracture. 1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes III. iii. xiii. 565 (note) A Bitter, is a turne of the Cable about the Bitts, for when they come to Anchor, they take a turne with it about the Bitts. 1699 tr. de La Vauguion Compl. Body Chirurg. Operations xxvii. 292 Next there must be three Compresses applied..the third to be laid on the extremity of the Stump, making a turn round the Leg. 1743 J. Bulkeley & J. Cummins Voy. to South-seas 115 All Hands haul'd, took a Turn round the Main-Mast, and went aft. 1881 C. Whitehead Hops 35 The young bines only take short turns, and cannot lay hold of supports which are stout at the base. 1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 256 The blocks..act like a sailor's ‘turn and a half’. 1938 Amarillo (Texas) Sunday News-Globe 14 Aug. a26/4 Somehow when he gave the rope a turn around his saddle horn his billowing shirt-tail caught in it. 1990 T. Cunliffe Easy on Helm xiv. 121 Your mate hops off with the rope and catches a turn round a cleat or bollard. 15. The condition or manner of being twisted or convoluted. Hence: a portion or length of something which has a convoluted or twisted form, corresponding to one whole revolution; a (single) coil or twist; a round (typically, of coiled rope); (Nautical) a twist of rope round a mast, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [noun] rundlec1300 waif1513 enwrapping1543 convolution1545 entrail?a1549 wreath1555 roundness1572 spire1572 rolling1576 enfold1578 infold1578 obvolution1578 gyre1590 whorl1592 enfoldment1593 twine1600 turn1625 volume1646 volution1752 swirl1786 coil1805 swirling1825 convolute1846 whirl1862 enfolding1873 snaking1888 society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > ropes or chains other than rigging or cable > [noun] > twist of rope round something turn1886 1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes III. iii. xiii. 565 (note) A Bitter, is a turne of the Cable about the Bitts, for when they come to Anchor, they take a turne with it about the Bitts. 1669 J. Ray in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 4 1011 Observations Concerning the odd Turn of some Shell-snailes..The Turn of the wreaths is from the right hand to the left. 1678 London Gaz. No. 1269/4 A dapple gray Mare,..a feather under the mane, two turns in the forehead. 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VII. 32 Its convolutions are more numerous. The garden snail has but five turns at the most; in the sea snail the convolutions are sometimes..ten. 1827 D. Johnson Sketches Indian Field Sports (ed. 2) 83 Wound round with a few turns of fine silk. 1884 F. Krohn tr. G. Glaser de Cew Magneto- & Dynamo-electr. Machines 214 We can..calculate the length..of the turns wound on a magnetic core, if we divide the length of the coil by the number of turns. 1886 R. Brown Spunyarn & Spindrift vii. 91 I..jumped to let go of the main-sheet. But Lord! we was in the white water almost before I could cast the turns off. 1930 Sea Breezes 13 74 Brushing off the snow and hammering gasket turns warmed my hands. 2013 W. L. Crothers American-built Packets & Freighters of 1850s xix. 246/1 The type of chamfer shown automatically forced a turn of rope downward toward the bottom of the chamfer. 16. Music. A melodic ornament consisting of a group of three, four, or five notes, comprising the principal note (on which it is performed) and the notes one degree above and below it.In a turn the note above precedes, and the one below follows, the principal note (this was formerly also called †common turn or †direct turn); in an inverted turn (formerly also called back-turn: see back-turn n.), the note below precedes and the one above follows; in either case, the principal note returns to complete the turn, and can also precede the start of it.A trill may also end with a turn (also called in this context ‘termination’), which then consists of just the principal note of the trill, the note below and a return to the principal note; cf. quot. 1881 at shake n.¹ 5. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > piece of music > section of piece of music > ornament > [noun] > turn or group gruppo1664 group1728 turn1740 back-turn1801 gruppetto1842 1740 J. Grassineau tr. S. De Brossard Musical Dict. 102 (captions) The graces are to be treated of, which according to Mr Lambert are these... The Turn, thus marked And the Shake, turned thus. 1818 T. Busby Gram. Music 143 Full, or Double Turn. Partial Turn. Inverted Turn. 1830 J. Jousse Vocal Primer xviii. 42 Q. How is the direct turn performed? A. It begins from the note above. 1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk. I. i. 63 Clavecinist debarred his instrument, He yet thrums—shirking neither turn nor trill,..on dumb table-edge. 1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett Dict. Musical Terms 443/1 The common turn..takes a higher note first in the change... The back-turn taking a lower note first in the change. 1917 C. Baermann Method for Clarinet iv. 7 As a rule the trill closes with a turn, consisting of the tone one degree below the principal tone, immediately followed by the principal tone. 1944 F. J. Horwood Basis Music v. 29 Inverted turns follow the above rules with the notes in reverse order. 2008 Musical Q. 91 382 Bach employs turns, trills, grace notes, and mordents that resemble the heavy ornaments of Couperin's compositions. III. Change of direction or course, and connected senses. * Physical change of direction or course. Cf. turn v. II., III., IV. 17. a. An act of turning or facing another way; a change of direction or posture.See also about-turn n. 1, left turn n. 2a, right turn n. 2a, three-point turn at three-point adj. 5, twists and turns at twist n.¹ 20. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > [noun] > changing to face different direction or turning turning1303 turnc1390 circumversion1578 conversion1594 head1607 versation1656 wheela1660 slewc1860 the world > space > direction > [noun] > straight or constant direction > deviation from > a turn crookingc1380 turnc1390 bightc1400 crook1486 turnagain1545 creek1596 creeking1610 return1610 sinuositya1774 bend1879 c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 309 (MED) Whon þe hermyte hire seih, To hire feet he fel..heo was a frayed of þis torne. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 3273 Fortunys variaunce..And sodeyn torn of hir false visage. 1596 J. Davies Orchestra lxviii. sig. B6 With loftie turnes and capriols in the ayre. 1753 S. Richardson Hist. Sir Charles Grandison IV. xxxii. 224 Her..half-saucy turns upon him. 1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. xv. 339 Shooting a glance at his..companion by a turn of the eye. 1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iv. 84 She..made a sudden turn As if to speak. 1919 Outing Mar. 310/1 Suddenly he made a turn at right angles and came plowing right under the boat before we could anticipate the trick. 2012 J. Manu Illicit Happiness of Other People iii. 124 She..looks away with a quick turn of her head, like a sparrow. †b. Execution by hanging (with allusion to the turning of the victim off the ladder: cf. to turn off 4a at turn v. Phrasal verbs 1). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] hanginga1300 hangmentc1440 gallows1483 gibbet1502 Tyburn checka1529 Tyburn stretch1573 caudle of hempseed1588 hempen caudle1588 swinging1591 rope law1592 rope-leap1611 cording1619 turn1631 nubbing1673 cravatting1683 gibbetation1689 topping1699 Tyburn jig1699 noosing1819 scragging1819 Tyburn tie1828 Newgate hornpipe1829 dance upon nothing1841 drop1887 suspension1909 1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 49 What man will venture a turne at the Gallows, for a little small siluer chalice? 1781 Union Song-bk. 219 Let him take a turn Upon Tyburn tree. c. The roll or throw of a dice, etc.; (hence) the outcome indicated by this. ΚΠ 1654 A. Errington Catechistical Disc. xii. 703 Our liues are as the turne of a dy, subiect to many vncertaintys, and soe is our repentance. 1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 110 Few people chose to venture a hundred guineas upon the turn of a straw. 1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 284 Florence and her dowry therefore were lost..by a turn of the dice. 1992 Winnipeg Free Press 21 Nov. (Games Room Store section) 18 (caption) This dice based board game uses the turn of the dice to determine the amount won by each player. d. Cards. (a) Faro. The dealing or inversion of two cards. See also to call the turn at Phrases 3j. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > games of chance played with cards > [noun] > faro > dealing or inversion of two cards turn1856 1856 M. Reid Quadroon II. xxvi. 275 Where one player loses to the bank, another may win from it by the very same turn, and this of course checks the dealer from drawing the cards falsely. 1901 H. James Sacred Fount 44 The face of Guy Brissenden, as recognizable at a distance as the numbered card of a ‘turn’. 1964 A. Wykes Gambling vii. 169 When three [cards] are left (the ‘last turn’), players bet on the order of their appearance. 2015 J. Morrow Galapagos Regained 220 It was obvious they'd made foolish bets on the next turn of the cards. (b) Poker. With the. In Hold 'Em and Omaha: the dealing of the fourth of the five community cards; the card itself (also turn card). Cf. flop n.¹ Additions. ΚΠ 1971 A. D. Livingston Poker Strategy viii. 71 The turn card was a 6, making 4-6-7-6 in the widow and giving the pro a full house. 1990 San Diego Poker in rec.gambling (Usenet newsgroup) 21 Feb. Four people stayed in (two high pairs and two calling stations) which was just fine with me when the turn brought the case 4. 1999 J. May Shut Up & Deal i. 48 I win a monster pot with a king-jack when I make a straight on the turn, and all of the sudden I'm ahead in the game. 2002 A. Bellin Poker Nation i. 5 The up cards are revealed in the following pattern: the first three at once (known as the flop), then the fourth alone (called the turn card), and then the last (the river card). 2004 Chicago Tribune (Midwest ed.) 12 Sept. iii. 16/4 The turn and river both came 9s. e. Cricket. The (intentional) deviation of a ball on pitching; = break n.¹ 5. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > [noun] > a ball bowled > motion of ball > specific curl1833 screw1840 devil1845 rise1845 work1846 break1851 spin1851 hang1866 bump1867 fire1888 leg-spin1888 air break1900 turn1900 underspin1901 off-spin1904 finger spin1905 swing1906 back-spin1916 outswing1921 inswing1927 away swing1936 wrist-spin1960 1900 P. F. Warner Cricket in Many Climes 190 The Newlands ground is the most difficult to make runs on in the whole of South Africa, the bowlers always being able to get considerable turn on the ball. 1977 Observer 30 Jan. 23/8 A deficit of even 50 runs..could pose problems for England because the spinners have already begun to extract a lot of turn. 1999 Cricketer Mar. 24/2 Playing the sweep against the prodigious turn of MacGill at the SCG was silly, given the variable bounce. †18. An act of turning aside from one's course; a roundabout course, a detour. Also: (occasionally) the action of turning aside, deviation. Also figurative. Obsolete.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 17a. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > [noun] > (a) deviation from straight course blenching1398 turna1400 misdrawing?a1425 swerving1545 digression1552 sklenting1568 excursion1603 diverting1611 diversion1626 deflection1646 deflexure1656 prevarication1672 deviation1675 evagation1692 departurea1694 swerve1736 twist1798 out-throw1855 throw1858 turnaway1922 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > [noun] > deviation from straight course turna1400 circuit1483 circumferencea1549 wrying1592 extravagation1611 extravagancya1616 extravagance1644 deviation1646 outstepping1656 left1675 detour1738 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4323 Qua folus lang, wit-outen turn, Oft his fote sal find a spurn. a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxx. 95 Þen he shulde make a longe turne and vmbicaste aboute by somme wayes, or by pathes. a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) lxxiiii. sig. Sv And..some behelde the hye tournes & tournynges of the sakers & gerfawcons. 1686 E. Stillingfleet Serm. (1698) III. i. 13 True Repentance is the turn of the whole Soul from the Love, as well as the Practice of Sin. 1690 W. Temple Ess. Heroick Virtue v. 112 in Miscellanea: 2nd Pt. The Arians..made easie turns to the Mahumetan Doctrines, that professed Christ to have been so great and so Divine a Prophet. 1874 G. J. Whyte-Melville Uncle John xxiii To follow him through the many turns and windings of his wearisome..chase. 1892 W. W. Greener Breech-loader 231 The woodcock..is one of the most difficult birds to bag;..its turn to right and left being most erratic. †19. a. A journey; a tour; a course (of travel). Obsolete. Cf. sense 23a.See also tourn n. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] forec900 wayOE farec1000 sitheOE gangOE journey?c1225 gatea1300 pilgrimagec1300 voyage1338 wending1340 raik?c1350 turna1400 repairc1425 went1430 reisea1450 progressionc1450 progressa1460 race1513 peregrination1548 travel1559 passance1580 dogtrot1856 trek1895 ulendo1921 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14170 Þai praid him..þat he til him a turn [a1400 Trin. Cambr. Trauaile] wald mak. 1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Piv^v/2 Turne,..cursus. 1665 King Charles II in J. M. Cartwright Madame (1894) 224 I am goeing to make a little turne into dorset sheere for 8 or 9 dayes. 1734 H. Walpole Let. Oct. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 254 His design to take a turn into England. b. Hunting. The mating of roe deer. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > types of deer > [noun] > genus Capreolus (roe deer) > mating turnc1475 c1475 in R. Hands Eng. Hawking & Hunting (1975) 180 At Seynt Iame day..Þen shal þe Ro buk engendre with þe ro..Then he is called a Robukke going in his turne. 1632 Guillim's Display of Heraldrie (ed. 2) iii. xiv. 176 You shall say Roe goeth to his Towrns [printed Towrus]. 20. a. A place or point at which a road, river, passageway, etc., turns, or turns off; a bend, curve, or angle. Also: a curved or bent part of something such as an arm or coastline (rare). ΚΠ c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 1367 Thoruȝ many halle and many riche tour, By many tourn and many diuerse way. 1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid ix. vii. 26 The horsmen than prekis, and fast furth sprentis To weil beknawin pethis, and turnys[and] wentis. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iv. xi. 438/2 Annoynted..in..the breast, betweene the shoulders, in the Joynts, and turne of the Armes. 1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 163 There are two turns; and be so good as to take the second. 1816 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto III lv. 32 The river nobly..flows,..And all its thousand turns disclose Some fresher beauty. 1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. xxiii. 286 They..walked around the turn of the cape. 1933 Rep. Departmental Comm. Traffic Signs (Min. of Transport) v. 55 Advance warning signs should not be provided unless owing to a turn in the road, or for some other reason, signals are not visible at a distance of at least 100 yards. 1982 Colorado Springs Gaz. Tel. 29 Aug. f3/2 She wore a tight-fitting jacket and Joan Crawford shoes, and as she went by me I could see the turn of her ankle—out of sight! 2008 I. M. Banks Matter iii. 41 A small castle poised on a low cliff overlooking a turn in the river. b. Mining. English regional (Derbyshire). A deep pit excavated downwards from a drift; an internal shaft in a mine. Cf. winze n.¹ Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > passage > horizontal > pit sunk in turn1681 1681 T. Houghton Rara Avis in Terris (new ed.) Explan. Terms sig. F4^v Turn is a Pit sunk in some part of a Drift; If the Mine be deep, there is many of these Turns one below another. 1824 J. Mander Derbyshire Miners' Gloss. (at cited word) Eight, ten, or twelve fathoms is [a depth] common for a Turn; and note, that a vein which is wrought ninety or a hundred fathoms must have divers Turns. a1828 Mineral Terms in MS BL Add. 6685 174 A Turn it goes below the shaft down in the vein and there is more or fewer of them according to the depth of the vein. 1998 J. H. Rieuwerts Gloss. Derbyshire Lead Mining Terms 159/2 Turn, an internal shaft, the original meaning denoting something deeper than a sump. †c. Mining. A curved plate rail used on a bend or junction in a tramway in or leading from a mine. Obsolete.In quot. 1886: (apparently) the whole apparatus associated with a bend or angle in a tramway. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road laid with parallel planks, slabs, or rails > [noun] > laid with rails > turning apparatus turn-frame1789 turn-rail1793 turning-plate1797 turn1836 1836 Durham Chron. 9 Sept. 1/6 To be sold by auction..about 600 Yards of Waggon-way Rails, with Chairs, &c.; and a quantity of Tram Plates, Tram Turns, Screens, Brattice, Crabs, and other requisites for the working of a Colliery. 1886 J. Barrowman Gloss. Sc. Mining Terms 69 Turn,..the arrangement of rails, sleepers and pulleys at a curve on a haulage road. 1910 Trans. Inst. Mining Engineers 39 p. v (advt.) Points and Crossings, also Cast Iron and Wrought Iron Reversible Tram Turns, Forgings and Castings of every description. d. Golf. The point in the course (after the ninth hole) at which the players begin the return journey. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > golf course > [noun] > turning point of course turn1870 1870 C. MacArthur Golfer's Ann. 1869–70 135 Fergusson and Park being 1 ahead at the turn [at St Andrews]. 1889 Golfing Ann. 2 115 He also started badly, by taking an eight for the Hole o'cross, and his score at the turn was 48. 1930 Cambr. Daily News 24 Sept. 7/3 Compston, who went out in 37 and was five up at the turn, won by seven and five. 1998 Courier-Jrnl. (Louisville, Kentucky) 24 Oct. d4/7 Sigel, 54, made the turn at the 6,590-yard Kaanapali North Golf Club course on Maui at 29, putting together six birdies without a bogey. 21. a. The act of turning so as to face about or go in the opposite direction; reversal of position or course, turnaround; turning back. Also figurative, esp. in turn of the tide n. at Phrases 3d.In literal use, perhaps now simply a spec. use of sense 17a. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [noun] > turning back or reversal of course charec1220 gainturna1225 gain-charingc1275 reverting1540 turn1575 reflectiona1616 reversal1648 turning1806 turnaround1959 1575 T. Cartwright Second Replie agaynst Dr. Whitgiftes Second Answer P. cccclxvii He hauing not made half a turne from Poperie vnto the gospell: might by all likelihood think, that those were Clementes epistles. 1690 C. Ness Compl. Hist. & Myst. Old & New Test. I. 271 The round turn from sin to Christ. 1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. vii. ix. 140 Whether we shall go on, or take a turn back? 1796 F. Burney Camilla V. x. xiv. 540 Such turns in the tide of fortune. 1896 Polit. Sci. Q. 11 472 A reduction in wages may cause a strike, disorganization of his labor force, loss of business connections and inability to take advantage of any turn in the tide. 1964 A. Nin Collages 24 Every now and then, like a waltzer, it took a complete turn in the middle of the river. 2003 S. Coonts & J. DeFelice Deep Black lxxxiv. Rubens buzzed the driver, who took a turn back toward the government buildings. b. Swimming. A manoeuvre used to change direction at the end of a swimming length, esp. during a race. ΚΠ 1878 Bell's Life in London 2 Nov. 5/6 Winter and Watson were level half way up the [swimming] bath, the others being all close together, and 10 yards in the rear, where they made the first turn. 1893 A. Sinclair & W. Henry Swimming (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xii. 376 Not only must the turn be made smartly, but the ‘push off’ must be vigorous. 1918 F. J. Sullivan Swimming 27 Many a race is lost or won on the turn. 1968 Times 22 Oct. 11/6 Spitz was close enough behind the blond Russell..but it was 6ft, 2in. Russell who came out of the turn first. 2008 Guardian (Nexis) 14 Aug. 9 With his goggles full of water from the final turn, Phelps had to call on every ounce of will to hang on. 22. Coursing. The act, by a hare when closely pursued, of suddenly turning and making off more or less in the opposite direction, or at a considerable angle from the direction of pursuit. Also in to give the hare a turn: (of a hound) to force the hare to turn through more than 90 degrees. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > action of game > [noun] rusec1425 rusingc1425 trasoning1575 turn1575 wile1692 the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (intransitive)] > other actions of hounds to be at bayc1515 blemish1575 to give the hare a turn1575 wrench1686 lurch1824 meuse1827 stream1849 smeuse1851 water1855 to run into shot1884 the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > hound > [verb (intransitive)] > hunt in particular way to give the hare a turn1575 to run mute1677 flemish1857 the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > order Lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) > [noun] > family Leporidae > genus Lepus (hares) > lepus europaeus (hare) > movement of risea1425 turn1575 whid1786 1575 G. Gascoigne Short Obseruation Coursing with Greyhoundes in Noble Arte Venerie 246 A Cote is when a Greyhounde goeth endways by his fellow & giueth the Hare a turne (which is called setting a Hare aboute). 1694 Narbrough's Acct. Several Late Voy. 30 A Greyhound..gave Chase to one of them, and at last gave her a turn. 1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports i. iii. viii. 212/1 It is a Turn if the hare is forced more than 45 degrees, and one point is to be scored. 1975 Financial Times 3 Apr. 33/4 Points are awarded for technical accomplishments such as a ‘turn’ (when a dog forces a hare to turn through more than 90 degrees). 23. a. An act of walking or riding around or about a limited area, such as a park, garden, or sequence of streets; a short walk or ride out and back, esp. by a different route; a stroll. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > going on foot > [noun] > walking for exercise or recreation > an act of > short turn1581 sidewalk1598 1581 C. Thimelthorpe Short Inuentory Certayne Idle Inuentions f. 35 You haue entred..into the verye same path wherein I my self had determined to walke before a turn or two. a1591 H. Smith Wks. (1866) I. 185 Go now and walk in thy galleries, fetch one turn more before thou be turned out of door. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iv. i. 162 A turne or two, Ile walke To still my beating minde. View more context for this quotation 1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 160. ⁋2 I took several Turns about my Chamber. 1715 London Gaz. No. 5336/1 He..has..taken a Turn on Horse~back on the Isle. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward I. Introd. p. xxxv This circumstance of explanation and remark..occupied us during two or three turns upon the long terrace. 1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset xlvii I will take a turn round the garden. 2015 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 17 Apr. 22 Louis XIV, who likes to take a turn through the palace grounds. †b. Knitting. Two rows in the same kind of stitch. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > knitted fabric > stitches > two rows of turn1837 1837 Miss Watts Ladies' Knitting & Netting Bk. 55 A comfortable Comforter. Cast on 50 stitches; knit 44 turns plain knitting, [etc.]. 1893 E. Rosevear Text-bk. Needlework 406 A Turn is used for two rows in the same stitches backwards and forwards. †24. Architecture. The curved side of an arch, between the keystone and the foot; the haunch or flank. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > parts of coin1350 pendant1359 voussoir1359 springer1435 spandrel1477 spring?1553 pitch1615 kneeler1617 gimmalsa1652 face1664 of the third point1672 turn1677 sweep1685 hance1700 skew-back1700 summering1700 springing1703 tympan1704 hip1726 reins1726 rib1726 third point1728 quoin1730 archivolt1731 opening1739 soffit1739 shoulder1744 extrados1772 intrados1772 haunch1793 arch-stone1828 twist1840 coign1843 architrave1849 escoinçon1867 pulvino1907 pin1928 1677 R. Plot Nat. Hist. Oxford-shire ix. 238 The middle column i, which ascending into the turn of the Arch, and returning not again, is received into hidden pipes provided for that purpose. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 53/2 An Arch is..a conjunction..of wedges, whereof some..are call'd the foot.., those in the middle above, the Key.., and those on the sides.., the Turn, or Ribs of the Arch. 1890 N.Y. Times 9 Nov. 13/4 We wish architects were half as solicitous about ventilation as they are about the turn of an arch or the groove of a pillar. 1913 C. S. Burgess in Archit., Town Planning & Community (2005) iii. 39 This is best done with small stones so that the turn of the arch is worked gradually round stone-by-stone. 25. Printing. A reversal of type in composing; (concrete) a type turned face downwards so as to produce a rectangular black mark on the proof, in place of a missing letter. Now rare.Usually with reference to ‘turning for sorts’, the practice of using a type in this way so that it can be easily noticed and replaced with a type of the required sort later. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > types, blocks, or plates > relating to type > composed type > [noun] > reversed type turn1887 1836 C. S. Van Winkle Printer's Guide 235 Turn for sorts—It often happens when matter runs upon particular sorts.., that the compositor wants that sort the matter runs on... Then, instead of that letter or sort he turns a letter of the same thickness, with the foot of the shank upward, and the bottom downward.] 1887 T. B. Reed Hist. Old Eng. Letter Foundries Introd. Chapter 11 The whole of the last reference-line is put in upside down... A ‘turn’ of this magnitude could hardly have occurred if the letters had been set in the forme type by type. 1983 F. J. M. Wijnekus Elsevier's Dict. Printing & Allied Industries (ed. 2) 325/2 Take out turns, to replace turned-for-sorts letter by proper letter in set forme. Non-physical change. Cf. turn v. V.See also sense 32. 26.** a. A change in affairs, conditions, or circumstances; vicissitude; esp. a change for better or worse, or the like, at a critical point. Hence: (sometimes) the time at which such a change takes place. Frequently and now chiefly in phrases, such as to take a turn for the worse, to take a turn for the better, etc.: see Phrases 3e; see also turn of events at Phrases 3f.In quot. c1425, perhaps a figurative use of sense 10. ΚΠ c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 2636 (MED) Fortunys turne with mvtabilite Hath tauȝt me, pleinly..In worldly Ioie is no sikernesse. 1457 in R. R. Sharpe Cal. Let.-bks. London (1911) K. 388 (MED) Allas, we have a shrewde turn, for nowe is our purpos broken & retted by þe Mair & Shirrefz and I wote not howe it come oute. a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iv. iv. 12 Oh World, thy slippery turnes! Friends now fast sworn..shall within this houre..breake out To bitterest Enmity. 1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 217 The State of Christendome might by this late Accident haue a turne. 1725 B. Higgons Hist. & Crit. Remarks Burnet's Hist. 103 Why the Republicans..made so little Opposition to a Turn of State [sc. the Restoration] which must infallibly be their Ruin. 1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xviii. 120 The engagement..was maintained with various and singular turns of fortune. 1842 Ld. Tennyson Two Voices in Poems (new ed.) II. 120 Some turn this sickness yet might take. 1892 W. Ramage Last Words 65 Two turns are possible in a crisis: the issue may be favourable or fatal. 1924 Pittsburgh Courier 31 May 5/6 The case took a serious turn when Jones failed to return home that night. 2012 J. C. Wright Hermetic Millennia iv. iv. 137 Good thing I was wearing armor and had a bad guy lying atop me. I guess that was a lucky turn. b. The action, or an act, of changing; change, alteration, modification (in a particular thing). See also on the turn at Phrases 3b. Somewhat rare. In quot. 1901: change of colour. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > [noun] wendingeOE changing?c1225 stirringa1240 wrixlinga1240 changec1325 variancec1340 transmutationc1380 varyingc1380 whileness1382 translationc1384 alterationa1398 mutationa1398 removinga1425 revolutiona1425 shiftingc1440 changementc1450 muance1480 commutation1509 altry1527 transition1545 turning1548 novation1549 immutation?c1550 alterance1559 alienation1562 turn?1567 vicissitude1603 refraction1614 fermentationa1661 diabasis1672 parallax1677 motion1678 aliation1775 transience1946 ?1567 Def. Priestes Mariages (new ed.) 216 By sodaine tourne of maners, the tender myndes might sone bee exasperated. 1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. xxxviii. 75 An admirable facilitie which musique hath to expresse..the turnes and varieties of all passions. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 3/2 Sudden Turns and Changes in the Air, from Hot to Cold, and from Cold to Hot. 1802 E. Forster tr. Arab. Nights II. 348–9 One..wished to give a turn to these melancholy ideas by singing a little air to her lute. 1901 ‘L. Malet’ Hist. Richard Calmady iii. ii The turn of the leaf was very brilliant. 2006 L. Coulter Gardening with Heirloom Seeds 263 If you are lucky enough to have a shed with a tin roof..you've got a built-in warning system for the turn of the weather. c. The time or period of transition from one specified period of time to the next; usually followed by an of-phrase indicating the period.See also turn of the century n., turn of the year n. at Phrases 3c. 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 1697 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Fortune in her Wits 14 Upon the turn of the Hour he had gone halfway through his Jargon. 1799 Oriental Coll. II. 212 The Scath or Sath, the turn of night; for the ancients divided the day into certain parts. 1934 J. C. Powys Autobiogr. vii. 300 How well I remember watching out the turn of the centuries—the nineteenth becoming the twentieth—in the little dining-room at Court House. 1968 A. M. Farrer Interpr. & Belief (1976) 190 It was as a doctrine of free will that Neo-Platonism was embraced by St Augustine at the turn of the fourth to the fifth century. 1970 H. Braun Parish Churches i. 22 At the turn of the millennium the monastic churches were quite enormous. 2008 Wire Feb. 35/3 Luomo did more than perhaps any artist of the turn of the decade to set the tone for noughties romanticism. d. Business. A (favourable or unfavourable) change in market or trading conditions. Cf. turn of the market at Phrases 3g(b). ΚΠ 1732 Proposal prevent Smugling of Wool 23 Such a Turn of Trade..must greatly add to the Ballance in Trade in our Favour. 1824 5th Rep. Select Comm. Artizans & Machinery 394 in Parl. Papers (H.C. 51) V. 1 When there was a favourable turn in the market, the manufacturers, in order to get their work done, would endeavour to advance the mean's wages some trifle. 1963 Financial Analysts Jrnl. 19 80/1 Sometimes even the cyclical elements are missing and the mystery of the sudden turn may not be solved until long after the event. 1994 Independent on Sunday 11 Dec. (Business section) 4/1 The majority of these big institutional investors are bearish, with most holding large cash positions as they wait for markets to turn. Some believe the ‘turn’ when it comes will be very big and prolonged. 27. Stock Market. A change in the price of a stock or commodity; the difference between the buying and selling prices of a stock or commodity. Also: the profit made by this; (more generally) profit. Cf. turn of the market at Phrases 3g(a). ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > prices of stocks and shares > change or difference in price difference1718 turn1796 touch1933 society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > profit > [noun] > other types of profit improvement?1449 mesne profitsa1558 intromissionc1650 emergencya1662 trading profit1717 building-rent1776 turn1796 sturt1850 redemption yield1921 hidden reserve1930 1796 C. Hales Bank Mirror 17 The stock is bought..and the Broker who has bought, or the Broker who has sold, puts perhaps what is called a turn into his pocket (turn of the market) that is, an eighth, which the simple principal knows nothing of. 1870 J. K. Medbery Men & Myst. Wall St. 78 This neat profit is called a ‘turn’. 1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 23 May 5/2 Brokers coming together without paying exorbitant ‘turns’ to the middleman—that is, the jobber. 1991 Banker Sept. 39/2 Persistent low prices are squeezing these producers' margins. But lenders that really know their markets are still making a turn financing mining exploration or export cargoes. 28. colloquial. A momentary shock caused by sudden alarm, fright, or the like. Cf. sense 3c. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > surprise, unexpectedness > [noun] > feeling of surprise startc1330 sit-up1483 glopa1500 stonishment1594 startle1603 surprisal1652 surprise1686 shock1705 turn1845 jolt1884 1845 C. Dickens Cricket on Hearth ii. 78 What a hard-hearted monster you must be, John, not to have said so, at once, and saved me such a turn! 1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss I. i. vii. 120 Mrs Tulliver gave a little scream as she saw her, and felt such a ‘turn’ that she dropt the large gravy-spoon into the dish. 1932 P. Hamilton Siege of Pleasure ii. 62 in Twenty Thousand Streets under Sky (1935) ‘My word!’ said Violet. ‘You didn't half give me a turn.’ 2002 G. Duncan I, Lucifer (2003) 104 Gave him quite a turn. IV. A character or tendency imparted to something or adopted by someone. 29. a. Character, style; esp. style of language or arrangement of words. Cf. turn v. 5a. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > [noun] writingc1350 mannerc1375 pena1387 langue?a1400 indite1501 rate1517 conveyance?1521 composition1532 turn1533 set1535 tune1537 style1577 composure1601 way1612 language1699 rhetoricity1921 the world > action or operation > manner of action > [noun] wayeOE costOE wise971 gatec1175 custc1275 form1297 guise13.. mannerc1300 kindc1330 assizea1375 plighta1393 makea1400 fashionc1400 reason?c1400 method1526 voye1541 how1551 way1563 garb1600 quality1600 mould1603 quomodo1623 modus1648 mode1649 turn1825 road1855 gait1866 methodology1932 stylee1982 1533 Earl of Northumberland Let. May in Camden Misc. (1992) XXXI. 99 Looke what fashion your coates be made and mine shalbe of the same turne. 1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D3 Doubtlesse, this Gallants tongue has a good turne, when he sleepes. View more context for this quotation 1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. Pref. sig. A4^v A Purity of Language, and a beautiful turn of Words, so little understood by Modern Writers. 1718 Free-thinker No. 80. 1 Her Turn of Wit was gentle, polite, and insinuating. 1825 M. M. Sherwood Young Forester i. 5 Such a turn of behaviour as enabled him to conceal much roguery under a smooth appearance. 1869 W. E. Gladstone Juventus Mundi i. 15 A careful comparison..between the Odyssey and Iliad, and of a number of particulars of turn and manner. 1905 E. Wharton House of Mirth ii. ix. 443 The adroit feminine hand which should give the right turn to her correspondence. 1994 Amer. Hist. Rev. 99 172/1 The whole is written with a graceful turn of language and sensitivity to the lives of her subjects. b. A modification of phraseology for a particular effect, or as an ornament or embellishment; a special point or detail of style or expression in speech or writing. Formerly also in extended use in art, etc. Now chiefly with of and noun such as expression, phrasing, etc.; see also turn of phrase at Phrases 4a.Dryden (cf. quots. 1685, 1693) uses the word turn numerous times in his literary criticism, sometimes in ways that are difficult to pin down exactly: see further H. J. Jensen Gloss. Dryden's Critical Terms (1969) 118-119. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > [noun] > mode of expression > turn of phrase express1644 expression1646 turn1685 tour1686 façon de parler1804 tournure1815 rephrasing1881 1685 J. Dryden Sylvæ Pref. sig. A7^v The turns of his Verse, his breakings, his propriety, his numbers, and his gravity, I have as far imitated, as the poverty of our Language, and the hastiness of my performance wou'd allow. 1693 J. Dryden Disc. conc. Satire in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires p. l Had I time, I cou'd enlarge on the Beautiful Turns of Words and Thoughts; which are as requisite in this, as in Heroique Poetry. 1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 121 There is a Turn in the Third Verse that we lose by not knowing the Circumstances. 1738 Earl of Oxford in Hist. MSS Comm.: Rep. MSS Duke of Portland (1901) VI. 178 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 676) XXXVI. i. 1 The dress of this person..gives a turn and life to the other figures... He is leading her up and has one foot upon the step, which gives a fine turn. 1868 M. E. Grant Duff Polit. Surv. 4 His felicitous turns of expression. 1991 Eng. Today Apr. 36 Certain formulaic clichés and pompous turns of expression..and politeness strategies from the Indian Muslim culture are also used by the lower bureaucracy. 2001 G. S. de Anda Heartfelt Affectations viii. 166 And they both expressed themselves in similar turns of phrasing, imagery, quirkiness, their voices mellifluous and deep. 30. a. Natural inclination, disposition, bent; aptitude, capacity for something. Usually followed by for (formerly also †to), or with specifying adjective (now rare). Cf. turn v. 5b.See also turn of mind at Phrases 4b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] heartOE erda1000 moodOE i-mindOE i-cundeOE costc1175 lundc1175 evena1200 kinda1225 custc1275 couragec1300 the manner ofc1300 qualityc1300 talentc1330 attemperancec1374 complexionc1386 dispositiona1387 propertyc1390 naturea1393 assay1393 inclinationa1398 gentlenessa1400 proprietya1400 habitudec1400 makingc1400 conditionc1405 habitc1405 conceitc1425 affecta1460 ingeny1477 engine1488 stomach?1510 mind?a1513 ingine1533 affection1534 vein1536 humour?1563 natural1564 facultyc1565 concept1566 frame1567 temperature1583 geniusa1586 bent1587 constitution1589 composition1597 character1600 tune1600 qualification1602 infusion1604 spirits1604 dispose1609 selfness1611 disposure1613 composurea1616 racea1616 tempera1616 crasisc1616 directiona1639 grain1641 turn1647 complexure1648 genie1653 make1674 personality1710 tonea1751 bearing1795 liver1800 make-up1821 temperament1821 naturalness1850 selfhood1854 Wesen1854 naturel1856 sit1857 fibre1864 character structure1873 mentality1895 mindset1909 psyche1910 where it's (he's, she's) at1967 1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 6 That he might watch a time to midwife out some ungracious Toleration for his own turne. 1702 N. Rowe Tamerlane Ded. That happy Turn which your Lordship has to Business. 1749 J. Wesley Acct. School at Kingswood 3 They..learn, (those who have a Turn for it) to make Verses. a1763 W. King Polit. & Lit. Anecd. (1819) 67 Ladies..who have a fine understanding and a turn to poetry. 1812 H. Davy Elements Chem. Philos. 15 He [sc. Roger Bacon] was a man of a truly philosophical turn, desirous of investigating nature. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. xi. 278 But Flibbertigibbet..hath that about him which may redeem his turn for mischievous frolic. 1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity II. iv. i. 25 The rude and simple Arab had..no turn to or comprehension of metaphysical subtlety. 1871 G. H. Napheys Prevention & Cure Dis. i. ii. 58 Persons of a dyspeptic turn. 1898 J. J. H. Burgess Tang vii She would be a great help to you, being of a particular turn with bairns. 1936 D. L. Sayers Gaudy Night (1968) ii. 47 A lady with a turn for invective remarkable even in an age when few mouths suffered from mealiness. 2015 M. Bradley & J. John Reading & Victorians Intro. 5 A good many critics—particularly those with a turn for deconstruction—did not share a sense of ‘belief’, or of Tillichian assent, to the material they read. †b. In extended use. Something to which society at a particular time is disposed, the fashion. Cf. the fashion at fashion n. 10, rage n. 5g. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > fashionableness > [noun] > the or a prevailing fashion gentryc1400 the fashion1569 mainstream1599 the trim1603 mood1646 mode1649 vogue1649 beauty1653 à la mode1654 turn1695 the kick1699 goût1717 thing1734 taste1739 ton1769 nick1788 the tippy1790 twig1811 latest1814 dernier mot1834 ticket1838 kibosh1880 last cry1887 le (or the) dernier cri1896 flavour of the month (or week)1946 vague1962 1695 Lett. Relig. & Vertue lxiv. 77 Amuse your self no longer with the present Turn of the Age, and the Fashion of your Sex, but conform your self to the Wisdom of your Baptism. 1709 J. Swift Project Advancem. Relig. 49 This is not to be accomplished..but by introducing Religion as much as possible to be the Turn and Fashion of the Age. †c. Apparently: talent. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > ability or talent enginea1393 virtuea1425 kindnessc1425 part1561 vogue1590 disposition1600 talent1602 genio1612 genius1649 turn1721 aptitude1793 1721 C. Cibber Refusal i. 15 Honest Witling is not to be put out of humour, I see. Gran. No, faith, nor out of countenance—Wit. Not I, Faith..and a Man of Turn may say any thing to me. †d. A particular element of a person's disposition; a characteristic. In quot. 1745: a characteristic act. Obsolete.With quot. 1729 compare turn of mind at Phrases 4b. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun] > distinguishing feature thewc888 qualitya1400 vein1536 trick1608 idiosyncrasy1661 personality1710 turn1729 trait1752 character trait1792 1729 W. Law Serious Call vi. 84 Some turn of mind, which every good christian is called upon to renounce. 1745 P. Thomas True Jrnl. Voy. South-Seas 313 A true French turn, and not unlike old Lewis le Grand's singing Te Deum for being defeated. 1764 L. Sterne Let. in Lett. 1739–64 (2009) 369 This amiable turn of his character. †31. Form, mould, or cast of a material object. Cf. turn v. 5c. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > [noun] hue971 shapec1050 form1297 casta1300 entailc1320 fashionc1320 featurec1325 tailc1325 suitc1330 figuringc1385 figure1393 makinga1398 fasurec1400 facea1402 makec1425 proportionc1425 figuration?a1475 protracture1551 physiognomy1567 set1567 portraiturea1578 imagerya1592 model1597 plasmature1610 figurature1642 scheme1655 morphosis1675 turn1675 plasma1712 mould1725 format1936 1675 N. Noel tr. Circle iii. 63 She had a good head of hair, and flaxen coloured, the Eyes black and fair..and the turn of her Visage round. 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋8 The Turn of Faces he meets as soon as he passes Cheapside-Conduit. a1719 J. Addison Dialogues Medals in Wks. (1721) I. ii. 485 The Roman poets, in their descriptions of a beautiful man, so often mentioning the Turn of his Neck and Arms. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. iii. 325 For..rollers..the body of the coco-nut tree was..extremely well fitted;..its smoothness and circular turn..suited it to the purpose. 32. A change from the original intention of something; a particular construction or interpretation put on an action, statement, etc. Usually with give and to (the thing affected). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > particular interpretation, construction > [noun] interpretation1387 intendment1390 sense1584 construction1592 reading1624 turn1688 construal1960 take1977 1688 E. Gee Primitive Fathers No Papists 21 He had got pretty well rid of the severe accusation by the sleight and art of pleading guilty, and giving a knackish turn to the whole Matter. 1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 141 His best actions [are] thrown by and lessen'd by false turns. 1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. v. 30 For Heaven's Sake, Sir,..do not give so cruel a Turn to my Silence. View more context for this quotation 1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. x. 108 You are giving it a turn which that gentleman did by no means intend. View more context for this quotation 1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 92 The turn which they have given to the story differs altogether from what I conceive to be the real significance. 2005 Iowa Rev. Fall 152 These poets question the easy correlation of identity and biography, and create poetry as alternative autobiography, using convention but giving it a writerly turn. 33. The way which affairs, thoughts, discussion, etc., take; direction, tendency, trend. Cf. turn v. 23. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > tendency > [noun] > course or direction current1607 generalitiesa1628 bent1649 duct1650 turn1690 run1699 movement1789 swim1869 trend1884 1690 Brief Hist. Rise Popery 22 On June the 18th. [1687] came forth ‘The grateful Acknowledgement of the People called Quakers of Scotland’ Proclaiming God's wonderful Providence, who made the King's retiring into their Country give an happy turn to His Affairs, to the Defeating the Designs of His Enemies. 1704 M. Henry Communicant's Compan. iv, in Wks. (1853) I. 312/1 If this blessed turn be given to the bent of my soul. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 156 Providence gave a..happy Turn to all this. 1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. ii. vii. 255 I know no Pretence for saying, the general Turn of them [sc. prophecies] is capable of any other [application]. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 181 ‘What turn did your conversation take?’ said Glossin. 1845 J. Coulter Adventures Pacific xiii. 180 Four days after, I discovered what gave my thoughts a new turn. 2012 Law & Hist. Rev. 30 326 Thus transformed, the civil liberties movement finally attracted widespread public support, paving the way for a pluralistic turn in politics as well as personal morality. V. A measure or amount. 34. A measure of various commodities, etc. [Perhaps (at least in some senses) the quantity dealt with at one ‘turn’ or stroke of work: compare sense 3b.] †a. Scottish. A measure of an estimated amount of grain to be produced, as a multiple of the amount of seed sown. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1597 Crail Burgh Court 27 Apr. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Sawin in the ground thrie firlottis twa pekis quheit estimat to the thrid turne. 1627 Brechin Test. 13 Aug. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Sawin nyne bollis aitis estimat to the thrid turne extendinge to tuentie sewin bollis aitis. †b. A quantity or measure by which some fish are sold. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > seafood > [noun] > fish > quantity of fish stickOE mease1332 warp1436 bind1477 wisp1521 cast1587 strikea1690 turna1690 cran1797 toss1851 swill1894 a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 66 Soles. In 1 Turn 4. 1875 All Year Round 27 Nov. 208/1 Plaice [are sold] sometimes by the ‘Hull turn’. This last is a kind of double-tiered basket, neatly packed with plaice round the top, and weighing ten stone—of fourteen pounds avoirdupois. 1895 Times 7 Jan. 3/5 Haddocks,..25s. to 30s. per turn. c. An amount of water that can be carried or distributed at one time. Now North American regional. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > liquid > water > [noun] > drained from land > amount drawn or distributed turn1731 1731 tr. E. Le Noble Winter Evening Tales xiii. 192 He went to the Woman, and proposed to her to engage her Husband to let him carry a Turn of Water [Fr. voie d'eau] to that House. 1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. II. 923 Turn of Water.—As much as can be distributed at a single operation by the management of the hatches within the reach of the labourers employed. 1862 M. D. Colt Went to Kansas vii. 99 Have just been to the spring for my turn of water. 1966 A. R. Scammell My Newfoundland 36 Now take the small buckets and bring me a few turns o' water. 1981 Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc. lxviii. 48 Turn of water.., a container in each hand. d. Chiefly North American. A load of some dry commodity, esp. wood. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > lumbering > [noun] > quantity of timber sheaf1534 turn1792 cunit1953 the world > relative properties > measurement > the scientific measurement of volume > measure(s) of capacity > amount defined by capacity > [noun] > a load as a quantity load?c1225 tod1530 carriage1597 turn1792 burn1855 1792 G. Cartwright Jrnl. Resid. Coast Labrador III. 24 Thou mayest take up thy turn of firewood and go home about thy business. 1800 W. Tatham Hist. & Pract. Ess. Tobacco 25 A turn signifies such a quantity [sc. of tobacco plants] as each person respectively can carry upon his shoulder or in his arms. 1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) Turn of meal, a quantity of grist sent to mill. Tennessee. 1888 J. C. Harris in Harper's Mag. Apr. 704/2 Sometimes he would bring a ‘turn’ of wood, sometimes a bag of meal or potatoes. 1893 Daily News 9 Jan. 5/7 Another has slipped while carrying a ‘turn’ of deal upon his shoulders. 1896 O. P. Read Jucklins xiii. 173 The next day I took a ‘turn’ of corn to the water-mill. 1948 Z. N. Hurston Seraph on Suwanee (1991) viii. 101 I'm a'going out there and get me a turn of wood. 2000 L. Windsor Maire xvi. 198 Longer than it took to fetch a turn of wood for the fire. †e. Fur Trade. A bundle of sixty skins. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > skin or hide > skin with hair attached or fur > [noun] > bundle or quantity timbera1150 mantle1420 tavelin1439 pane1612 turn1891 1891 Cent. Dict. Turn, in furriery, a bundle of five dozen skins. 1897 19th Cent. Nov. 737 A turn means sixty skins and the rate of pay is 11^d per turn. f. Forestry. Two or more logs joined together for hauling to the point of transit. ΚΠ 1905 Terms Forestry & Logging (Bull. U.S. Dept. Agric., Bureau Forestry, No. 61) 52 Turn,..2. Two or more logs coupled together end to end for hauling. 1942 R. Haig-Brown Timber (1993) i. 7 A turn of logs is several logs being hauled out of the woods on a long wire cable by the donkey engine—sometimes just one or two, sometimes half a dozen; depends on how many chokers there are on the cable. 2006 Ukiah (Calif.) Daily Jrnl. 13 Oct. a5/2 The operators of these machines then navigate the skid trails, cable corridors or the air to bring the turn of logs to the log landing. †35. a. The amount of some commodity turned out or produced: = turn-out n. 9. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > manufacture or production > [noun] > amount produced or manufactured produce1650 supply1744 make1749 output1841 turn1870 production1878 turn-out1879 throughput1884 run1926 1870 Trans. Midland Inst. Mining Engineers 1869–70 1 69 Each stall was 22 yards in length, and sent out about 20 tons of coal per day, so that to meet a daily turn of 400 tons, about 20 stalls were required. 1875 R. F. Martin tr. J. Havrez On Recent Improvem. Winding Machinery 9 The steel cages..had worked for four years, with a daily ‘turn’ of 637 tons (coal and dirt together). b. Mining. The number of cars filled by a miner during a turn or shift. Cf. sense 8c. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1883 6th Ann. Rep. Bureau Labor Statistics Ohio 1882 75 What are termed pillar men are also allowed ‘free turns’ of cars in a great many mines, which enables them in some instances to make double the amount of money that room men will make, although they work side by side. 1922 H. H. Stoek Study of Coal Mine Haulage in Illinois (University of Illinois Engineering Experiment Station) Bull. No. 132 101 If the ‘turn’ runs four cars per loader, 75 loaders will furnish 300 cars from each of four districts or 300 loaders will be required for the total. Phrases P1. In senses of Branch I. a. (a) in one's turn: in one's due order in a series (often used rhetorically to indicate an act duly or naturally following a similar act on the part of another party, but without the notion of pre-arranged succession). ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > alternation > rotation > [adverb] aboutOE whilemeala1382 by whiles1382 in coursea1400 in turna1500 circularly1648 in rotation1771 round-by-round1933 rotationally1950 the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > in order, sequence, or succession [phrase] > out of place in a series out of turn1888 a1500 tr. A. Chartier Quadrilogue (Rawl.) (1974) 138 (MED) Euery man in his turne and aftir his ordir chaungith, rebateth [c1475 Univ. Oxf. all erthly lordshippes..ben chaunged, enlowed], or subuertith from the happy fortunes and grete brute of realmys. 1574 J. Baret Aluearie T 377 By course or euery man in his turne, alternis. 1710 W. King Heathen Gods & Heroes (1722) xi. 44 Argus..had a hundred Eyes, two of which sleeping in their Turns, the rest continu'd waking. 1781 W. Cowper Charity 74 To see the oppressor in his turn oppressed. 1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 A committee..in which every Hanse Town was in its turn represented, according to a fixed cycle. 1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire iv. 62 Germany became in her turn the instructress of the neighbouring tribes. 2008 Times Higher Educ. Suppl. (Nexis) 27 Mar. (Books) 44 An endless cycle whereby one people or society displaces another, only to be displaced in its turn. (b) by turns: one after another in regular succession (also †by turn); = in turn at Phrases 1a(c)(i); successively, periodically. ΚΠ 1538 T. Elyot Dict. Vicissatim, by tymes, by tournes. Vicissim, by tourne, nowe one, nowe an nother. 1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. D ii By turnes atwixe them selues thei shuld sometime erre, sometime flatter, sometimes wincke for the nones, & now & than coumfort theyr bittred tast with some hony of foolisshenesse. 1641 T. Beedome Poems sig. C7^v The winged birds..Each one by turne did sing his rounde-lay. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 508. ⁋3 He is by turns outrageous, peevish, froward and jovial. 1802 E. Forster tr. Arab. Nights III. 135 They slept only by turns, in order to guard against wild beasts. 1910 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 12 Nov. 1530/1 The Queen suffered considerable pain..and was by turns feverishly hot and shivering with cold. 1974 F. L. Cross & E. A. Livingstone Oxf. Dict. Christian Church (ed. 2) 524/2 The Blessed Sacrament is exposed..for a period of c. forty hours, and the faithful pray before it by turns throughout this time. 2015 New Yorker 18 May 61/3 The top firms cooperate and compete by turns. (c) in turn. (i) One after another in regular succession. Also †in turns (obsolete). ΚΠ 1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum xiv. 16 Either by course or by lot ech man in turne might be receaued to beare rule and haue his part of the honour. 1688 M. Prior Ode Exod. iii. 14 v Why does each consenting Sign With prudent Harmony combine In Turns to move? 1807 S. Turner Hist. Anglo-Saxons (ed. 2) II. 407 Of the harp, Bede mentions, that in all festive companies it was handed round, that every one might sing in turn. 1908 E. Fowler Between Trent & Ancholme 303 The daughters in turn riding on pillion-seat. 2012 K. Smith Jammy Dodger 46 He shook hands with each of us in turn. (ii) In one's due order in a series (often used to convey that an action, process, or situation is the result of a previous one); = in one's turn at Phrases 1a(a). ΚΠ 1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. I4^v, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) The next & last in turne, are those Letters Familiar. 1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. II. 203 From being attacked, the French now in turn became the aggressors. 1832 Ld. Tennyson Palace of Art Ded., in Poems (new ed.) 69 He that shuts Love out, in turn shall be Shut out from Love. 1946 National Geographic Mag. July 119/1 Edgerton devised an ingenious combination of a beam of light playing on a photoelectric cell which in turn activated a relay. 2016 C. O'Neil Weapons Math Destr. ii. 42 The dollars in turn created confidence in the products. (d) to take turns: (of two or more people) to alternate in doing something, typically so that each person does or has his or her fair share.With the activity or task implied by the context or specified by a following gerund, infinitive, or prepositional phrase. ΚΠ 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage ii. vii. 115 [They] tooke turnes by course, in perfourming of the same. 1633 T. James Strange Voy. 79 Our young lustiest men tooke turnes, to goe into the water. 1726 A. Boyer Polit. State Great Brit. Oct. 344 That..the Vestry do take Turns in Visiting the Work-house once a Week. 1775 London Mag Nov. 575/1 The girls of her acquaintance took turns to be with her night and day. 1838 E. Beecher Narr. Riots at Alton vi. 101 It was agreed that the company should be divided into sections of six, and take turns on successive nights. 1871 S. D. Nickerson Bread-winners xv. 163 We take turns going home early. 1950 C. E. Goode Yarns of Yilgarn 88 We all took turns to work below. 1985 T. O'Brien Nucl. Age ix. 184 Down on the beach, taking turns, we pitched grenades at mock enemy bunkers. 2015 P. Hawkins Girl on Train 54 She and her friends take turns cooking each other dinner. (e) (i) turn about: (adverbially) in turn, by turns, alternately, successively (†formerly sometimes preceded by possessive (obsolete); cf. in one's turn at Phrases 1a(a)). Also as a modifier: †performed in turn, mutual, reciprocal (obsolete rare).Also in the proverb turnabout is fair play and variants, indicating that taking alternating or reciprocal turns at something fosters or represents fairness; cf. also quot. 1861 at Phrases 1a(e)(ii). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > correlation > [adjective] > mutual or reciprocal evena1425 interchangeablec1450 relativea1500 reciprocativea1504 mutual1513 reciproque?1533 reciprocous1567 requiteda1586 intermutual1595 alternate1600 commutual1604 vicissitudinary1629 reciprocal1632 reflexivea1635 reciprocated1663 related1671 mutuous1683 turn about1802 interdependent1817 interrelated1827 reciprocating1827 reciprocate1833 transmutuala1834 reflective1839 interpendent1855 interradiating1858 two-way1950 1650 Earl of Monmouth tr. J. F. Senault Man become Guilty 357 Being weary of obeying, they fain would command their turn about. 1709 T. Robinson Vindic. Mosaick Syst. 94 in Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland The Cock..Sitting upon the Eggs his turn about. 1755 D. Bradstreet Life & Uncommon Adventures 338 We would make them know, Turn about was fair Play, and that two and three made five, though many Words did not fill a Bushel. 1802 H. Martin Helen of Glenross II. 14 To complete the turn~about good offices, Frances can marry your cast-off Sedley. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. iii. 40 Fit to sit low at the board, carve turn about with the chaplain. 1929 N. O. Solum & O. E. Rølvaag tr. O. E. Rølvaag Peder Victorious iv. ii. 287 From near the house came the squeak, squeak of an ice-cream freezer. John Baardsen and one of the boys were taking turn about at the crank. 2005 N.Y. Times 24 July viii. 2/2 But turnabout being fair play, the Red Sox obtained Roberts on July 31 last year, and it was his stolen base two and a half months later that marked the beginning of the end of the Yankees. (ii) turn and turn about: the action of doing something in turn; alternate or successive turns at doing something; (hence adverbially) in turn, by turns, alternately (frequently in to take it turn and turn about). Also †turn and turn (obsolete rare). ΚΠ 1811 Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 24 Apr. 998 It is only turn and turn about. He drew the French after him; well, and the French are now drawing him after them. 1834 S. Smith Sel. Lett. Major Jack Downing lxxi. 205 When one gits drunk, tother keeps sober, and so they take turn and turn about. 1840 E. E. Napier Scenes & Sports Foreign Lands II. v. 174 We took it turn and turn to send out [etc.]. 1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton I. ix. 164 We took it turn and turn about to sit up and rock it. 1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 135/2 Turn and turn about's fair play. Billy, now it's your turn. 2005 J. Banville Sea 193 The Colonel..wielded his condiment bottles turn and turn about like a spot-the-pea artist. 2012 J. Tolan Skills in Person-centred Counselling & Psychotherapy (ed. 2) x. 121 Does one of you always initiate contact, or do you take it turn and turn about? (f) (i) out of turn: out of one's due order or place in a series; also (and apparently in earliest use) in extended use (now chiefly with reference to ill-advised or tactless speech; cf. to speak out of turn at Phrases 1a(f)(ii)). Also (now rare) out of one's turn. ΚΠ 1646 H. Mill 2nd Pt. Nights Search xx. 108 Thou beg'st out of turn; nor canst thou cry With dolefull tones, to move the Passers by To draw their bounty. 1788 in J. Stevenson Observ. Coal-trade Port of Newcastle upon Tyne (1789) 45 Admits that, by the present law, the fitter, loading a ship out of its turn, is liable to a prosecution; has not heard any complaints of small ships loading out of turn till within this year and a half. 1888 Rules of Golf 5 Playing out of turn. 1969 P. Roth Portnoy's Complaint 14 I voluntarily and out of my turn set the table. 1995 G. Kamani Junglee Girl (1996) 159 I'm sorry, that was out of turn. I'm being insensitive and making a bigger mess of all of this. 2014 T. McCulloch Stillman 65 Have I said something out of turn? (ii) to speak (also talk) out of turn: (originally) to speak when not given permission to do so; (subsequently) to say more than one ought to say, to speak inadvisedly or tactlessly. Also (now rare) to speak (also talk) out of one's turn. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > be discourteous [verb (intransitive)] > speak tactlessly to speak (also talk) out of turn1823 1744 J. Ralph Hist. Eng. I. 631/1 College vehemently deny'd, that the Conspiracy was prov'd; and receiv'd a Reprimand from the Bench for speaking out of Turn. 1823 A. Bell Man. Instr. Conducting Schools (ed. 7) p. viii This (like other faults) is prevented by the boys, who speak out of turn, forfeiting a place. 1930 ‘Sapper’ Finger of Fate 186 Well, old boy, our Lady Carrington was talking a little out of her turn. I don't blame her—it's a bit disconcerting to lose a thing like that. 1939 I. Baird Waste Heritage vi. 79 Easy, Eddy, I shouldn't have spoken out of turn there. 1978 P. Van Greenaway Man called Scavener ix. 123 I'm going to talk out of turn and you'll be welcome to tell me I should mind my own business. 2012 N. Hawley Good Father (2013) 376 My daddy used to hit me and my brother. It was expected back then. Normal. You spoke out of turn, you got the belt. (g) to take it in turns: to take turns at doing a shared task or activity; usually followed by infinitive.Rare in North American use. ΚΠ 1697 tr. M.-C. d'Aulnoy Ingenious Lett.: Trav. Spain (ed. 4) xii. 220 The Number of these Gentlemen is great, there are Forty of those for Service, which take it in turns [Fr. servent tour à tour] every day, and for the most part they are Grandees of Spain. a1790 S. Grubb Acc. Ackworth School in L. Murray Some Acct. Life & Relig. Labours Sarah Grubb (1792) 259 The eldest girls take it in turns, one or two at a time, to assist the mantua-maker, who is supplied with plenty of work. 1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxxv They would take it in turns to sleep. 1987 J. Curran K2 (1989) ii. xi. 132 We all took it in turns with a large pair of binoculars trained on the South-South-West Ridge. 2002 N. Dhami Bend it like Beckham 142 At last we filed into the temple, taking it in turns to bow to the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book. b. (a) to serve a person's turn. (i) Of a thing, or occasionally a person: to answer a person's purpose or requirement; to suffice for or satisfy a need; to be useful or helpful at need; to suit, serve. Also in passive, as in he wants his turn to be served by it. Now somewhat rare or archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > expediency > expedient or advisable [phrase] > serve the purpose to serve one's (also one's own) turn1538 1538 R. Morison tr. J. Sturm Epist. Cardynalles sig. Av Also suche men haue come to it, as wolde not plainly expresse such fautes as they knew, but rather serued his turne, vnto whom they aknowlege them selfis greatly to be bound. 1540 J. Palsgrave tr. G. Gnapheus Comedye of Acolastus ii. iii. sig. Liij^v Loke thou serue my tourne, what so euer I saye [L. Fac uerbis meis subseruias]. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 52 The turns both of Pope and King were competently served. 1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xiii. 82 Nothing would serve the Fellow's Turn but Tea. View more context for this quotation a1859 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. (1861) V. 72 Pipes he could not obtain; but a cow's horn perforated served his turn. 1913 Connoisseur Mar. 176 If the aim of the pictures was..realistic, then a photograph would have better served our turn. 2010 Times Lit. Suppl. 20 Aug. 13 Cook, bottle-washer, errand-boy I care not—any station, high or low, Should serve your turn. †(ii) To satisfy a person's sexual needs. Obsolete.Often humorously punning on Phrases 1b(a)(i). ΚΠ 1575 J. Awdely Fraternitye of Vacabondes (new ed.) sig. A.ii^v He may also commaund any of their women, which they cal Doxies, to serue his turne. 1665 C. Cotton Scarronnides 2 For which she did so scald and burn That none but he could serve her turn. 1714 A. Pope Chaucer's Wife of Bath in R. Steele Poet. Misc. 19 I pawn'd my Honour and ingag'd my Vow, If e'er laid my Husband in his Urn, That he, and only he, shou'd serve my Turn. a1743 Ld. Hervey Mem. Reign George II (1848) (modernized text) II. xxvi. 150 Others, in very coarse terms, would ask if he must have a mistress whether England could furnish never a one good enough to serve his turn. (b) to serve the turn: to fulfil a purpose or requirement; to satisfy a need; to suffice, be adequate. Now somewhat rare.In early use sometimes specifically with reference to sexual needs; see quot. 1611 and cf. Phrases 1b(a)(ii). ΚΠ 1550 J. Harington tr. Cicero Bk. Freendeship f. 15^v All other thynges, that are desired, eache one to eache man serueth the tourne, as richesse for vse, wealth for worship [etc.]. 1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley ii. sig. E I knew when euery gallant had his man. But now a twelpenny weekely Landresse, Will serue the turne to halfe a dosen of them. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. i. 131 A cloake as long as thine will serue the turne ? View more context for this quotation 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. Advt. C iij b Where the Fear of God is not, no Art can serve the turn. 1731 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. I. at Wine A little Yeast,..or even a little new Wine may serve the Turn. 1922 J. R. Seeley Growth Brit. Policy I. i. ix. 249 She founded what may be called a nation-church. It was a solution that served the turn. 2006 Shakespeare Q. 57 261 But even some mysterious actor-turned-playwright who had taken Shakespearean roles would not serve the turn, since it is probable that no Shakespeare play listed above was written before Arden of Faversham. †(c) to serve one's (also one's own) turn: (of a person) to further one's own purposes; to provide for one's own need. Cf. Phrases 1b(a). Also to serve one's turn upon (also by): to act upon (another person) in order to gain one's end; to make use of (a person) for one's own purposes. ΘΚΠ society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > lack of magnanimity or noble-mindedness > self-interest > seek or look after one's own interest [verb (intransitive)] to shift for oneselfa1513 to lick one's fingers1530 to lick the trencher1542 to serve one's (also one's own) turn1560 to have an eye to (also for) the main chance1584 to look (also have an eye, etc.) to the main chance1592 squint1642 to mind, provide for, be careful of the main chance1645 to fish for oneself1647 to scratch for oneself1850 to play politics1860 1560 W. Ward tr. G. Ruscelli 2nd Pt. Secretes Alexis of Piemont 73 And by like meane maie you make oile of Lauander, and serue your turne with it in many thinges [Fr. seruir en plusieurs choses]. 1581 R. Mulcaster Positions v. 32 Necessitie caught hold of it, to serue her owne tourne. 1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie iii. 13 Although Iethro was an heathen man: yet did God serue his owne turne by him [Fr. Dieu s'est servi de luy] in this behalfe. a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 42 I follow him to serue my turne vpon him. View more context for this quotation 1650 Mercurius Pragmaticus (for King Charls II) No. 42. sig. Tt3 Nor will they use the Scripture in any other sence then the Devill did to serve his owne turne. 1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. ii. 76 If the Dev'l, to serve his turn, Can tell Truth. (d) to serve a (also †such a, †that, etc.) turn: to serve a particular purpose. Now rare. ΚΠ 1565 W. Alley Πτωχομυσεῖον ii. ii. f. 56^v The vprightnes of their liuing was such, that the swoorde not being vsed, was eaten with rust, & nothing mete to serue that turne. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 10 It serueth other turnes beside. 1586 in Eng. Hist. Rev. Jan. (1914) 117 The lord chauncellor should have a serjant at armes..and hathe none,..his gentleman ussher sarvethe that torne. a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1634) 17 All the fish in the Sea should be..little enough to serve such a turne. 1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 114 Changing a plain Reading against the Authority of three MSS,..purely to serve a turn. a1774 A. Tucker Light of Nature (1834) II. 328 Their very existence is mere hypothesis, trumped up to serve a turn. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xii. 208 Those slanderers who had accused him of affecting zeal for religious liberty merely in order to serve a turn. 1942 Gettysburg (Pa.) Times 24 Nov. 7/1 Knavery may serve a turn, but honesty is best in the end. †(e) to serve turn: to serve the purpose stated, to fulfil the requirements; (also with infinitive) to serve to do something. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1565 J. Hall Anat. v. 24 in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. So is it muche commodious in the handye woorke Chirurgerye, to vnderstande howe number and store of euery sorte of members, is geuen to eache parte of the bodye, to serue turne accordinge to nede. a1638 J. Mede Wks. (1672) 68 To say the Ark was brought thither upon this occasion, will not serve turn. 1667 M. Poole Dialogue between Popish Priest & Protestant 201 This may serve Turn, to let you see, that I had warrant to say, That [etc.]. 1773 D. Garrick Chances iv. 45 Bid her make haste; we come to see no stranger—a night-gown will serve turn. †(f) to serve the turn of: to perform the functions of, do instead of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > be a substitute [verb (intransitive)] to stand for ——OE to stand in a person's stead?a1515 to be in any one's coat1530 walk1558 to serve the turn of1565 succenturiate1647 commute1653 to hand the saw1654 substitute1675 surrogate1681 to be in (another person's) shoes1767 substitute1888 pinch-hit1911 1565 T. Hall in J. Hall Expositiue Table To Rdrs. in tr. Lanfranc Most Excellent Woorke Chirurg. sig. .iii^v But how shall I knowe that Mandragora will serue the turne of Papauer, or Lactuca of Solanum..if I first know them not all? 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor viii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 223 As if there werena men aneugh in the castle, or as if I couldna serve the turn of ony o' them that are out o' the gate. a1876 H. Martineau Autobiogr. (1877) I. 57 Life is a long, hard, unrelieved working-day to us, who hear, or see, only by express effort, or have to make other senses serve the turn of that which is lost. †(g) for one's turn: (suitable) for one's requirement or purpose. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1578 W. Gace tr. M. Luther Special & Chosen Serm. 190 If I loue him, which is for my turne, and may doe me a pleasure, and which esteemeth well of me. 1625 J. Ussher Let. 2 May in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 132 For my turne he is altogether unfit. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 279 When..I could find a Ship for my Turn. 1840 G. L. Craik Pict. Hist. Eng. III. viii. i. 719/1 Upon conversation with these men, he found they were not men for his turn. (h) to serve its turn: (of an idea, belief, activity, etc.) to do useful service, help to do a particular task (frequently with the implication of no longer being useful). ΚΠ 1694 C. Leslie Querela Temporum 12/2 I cannot find that there is any now, who insist longer upon that common Place of the Inclinations of the People of Scotland: It, like some other Stories has serv'd its Turn. 1768 D. Watson Hist. Catechism vii. 70 As soon as the Jews themselves became fixed in the belief of One God and his providence, the scheme of keeping them in their own land had in a good measure served its turn. 1819 N. Amer. Rev. Sept. 322 Probably the secrecy was a mere matter of sport, and that after it had served its turn, they cared little whether they were known or not. 1991 Times 16 Oct. 16/1 For most Americans of Irish origin, the equation ‘Irish equals anti-British’ has served its turn. 2003 E. K. Brathwaite in G. Heuman & J. Walvin Slavery Reader xvii. 382 The story is no doubt apocryphal, but it serves its turn. †c. (a) Scottish. to do the turn: to fulfil a purpose, to satisfy a need; = to serve the turn at Phrases 1b(b) (cf. sense 4a). Also to do the turn of: to perform the functions of, do instead of; = to serve the turn of at Phrases 1b(f). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1592 in J. Maidment Analecta Scotica (1837) II. 171 You of your stipends will not want one stuir, Ye cry for kirks for furnishing of your luir, Not takeing tent how men may do the tourne. a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 318 The forces that war reposit on to do the turn. a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 605 Imputed righteousness comes in as a covering over the man's nakedness, and doth the turn of perfect inherent holiness. a1668 J. Renwick Choice Coll. Serm. (1776) 345 We are called to use ordinary means, but when ordinary means will not do the turn, then they may look for something extraordinary. 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 79 Nor will sick aff setts do the turn wi' me. 1817 J. Hogg Tales (1874) 155 I'll find them on the bride's part that will do a' the turn. (b) Scottish. to do a person's turn: to serve a person's purpose; = to serve a person's turn at Phrases 1b(a). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1596–7 in J. Stuart Misc. Spalding Club (1841) I. 92 Ther was na wind to window ony malt, and thow said thow suld get wind anuch to do thi turnn. 1806 J. Cock Simple Strains 109 For siller ye's nae want, Enough to do your turn. 1899 C. M. Thomson Drummeldale 197 Oo have eneuch to dae oor turn. d. turn of duty: a period of time spent on duty occurring in rotation with others; cf. tour of duty at tour n. 1. ΚΠ 1743 Hist. & Proc. House of Lords VIII. 83 To keep any Regiment at Portmahon longer than their Turn of Duty requires, I must look on as a Sort of Punishment. 1821 M. Graham Jrnl. 28 Sept. in Captain's Wife (1993) 22 The militia are better dressed, and are now employed in regular turn of duty with the royal troops, who are going over to the patriots daily. 1989 T. M. Albert Tales Ulster Detective 16 The young Constable had drawn the short straw in the guarding of this bridge in that the Sergeant had inadvertently forgotten about him giving him a three week evening turn of duty instead of the usual week. P2. In senses of Branch II. a. turn of the screw n. an additional degree of pressure or hardship added to a situation that is already extremely difficult to bear. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > cause of mental pain or suffering > exacerbation of suffering > [noun] exacerbation1625 acerbation1793 turn of the screw1796 1796 G. Walpole in B. Edwards Proc. Maroon Negroes 19 All this will..prove to your lordship the impropriety of holding forth more harsh conditions..: Should there be any person so dull..as to think that another turn of the screw would be better, ask him this question. 1898 H. James Turn of Screw in Two Magics 4 If the child [in a ghost story] gives the effect another turn of the screw, what do you say to two children? 1940 Manch. Guardian Weekly 1 Mar. 175 Even more far-reaching schemes of increasing direct taxation..are certain to be realised..whenever the psychological ground is favourable for this further turn of the screw. 1995 K. Toolis Rebel Hearts (1996) iv. 212 The RUC's strategy was just a further turn of the screw for a community already racked by paramilitary violence. b. (roasted, done, etc.) to a turn: (cooked) exactly to the proper degree, precisely right.Probably originally in reference to the turns of a cooking spit. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > cooking > [adverb] > well-cooked enoughOE enowa1382 (roasted, done, etc.) to a turn1686 1686 C. Frazer tr. Plutarch Life Marcus Antonius in J. Dryden et al. tr. Plutarch Lives V. 176 The Cook..told him there was not above twelve to sup, but that every Dish was to be served up just roasted to a turn. 1780 Mirror No. 93. ⁋12 The beef was roasted to a turn. 1864 D. G. Mitchell Seven Stories 11 The chops were done to a turn. 2001 Independent 6 Jan. (Time Off section) 2/8 Wonderful fresh sardines, grilled to a turn, very good baked fishes, chicken, pork and goat. c. turn of the scale(s): (with reference to selling items by weight on a scale or balance) the slight advantage given to the buyer by which the article sold overbalances the weight and brings down the scale pan, but is sold as the weight purchased. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > a small quantity or amount > a very small amount shredc1000 farthingsworthc1325 pennyworthc1330 incha1350 sliverc1374 chipa1393 gnastc1440 Jack1530 spoonful1531 crumba1535 spark1548 slight1549 pin's worth1562 scruple1574 thought1581 pinch1583 scrap1583 splinter1609 ticket1634 notchet1637 indivisible1644 tinyc1650 twopence1691 turn of the scale(s)1706 enough to swear by1756 touch1786 scrimptiona1825 infinitesimal1840 smidgen1841 snuff1842 fluxion1846 smitchel1856 eyelash1860 smidge1866 tenpenceworth1896 whisker1913 tidge1986 1706 Origine & Antiq. Eng. Weights & Meas. Discover'd 3 The half Pound is taken from the Hundred, and added to it again in the over-weight or Turn of the Scale, called Draught; For which half a Pound in the Hundred seems to have been the ancient Allowance. 1936 Mail (Adelaide) 21 Nov. 8/2 Remember the old Irishwoman who always bought her tea by the ounce, because in that way she got the turn of the scale 16 times to the pound. †d. a turn: (used adverbially) by a very slight degree or amount, by a very little. Obsolete.Perhaps implying ‘just enough to turn the scale’: cf. turn v. Phrases 1m(a). ΚΠ 1826 W. Scott Woodstock I. iii. 70 We might, it may be, crack a broad jest, or pledge a friendly cup a turn too often, but it was in mirth and good neighbourhood. 1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) 218 All that's a turn too good for making slaughter-yard bacon, does for the Chinamen. e. the turn of a hair: a close chance, a ‘narrow shave’. Now rare.Cf. not to turn a hair at hair n. Phrases 14. ΚΠ 1861 llustr. London News 20 Apr. 369/1 It was the turn of a hair between Klarikoff and Asteroid last year, and the latter was only just beaten. 1888 Cent. Mag. May 127/1 It was the turn of a hair that they hadn't buried him alive. 1935 San Antonio (Texas) Light 24 Nov. Glover had won the contract by the turn of a hair. P3. In senses of Branch III. a. at every turn: at every change of circumstance (cf. sense 26); (hence) on every occasion, constantly, continually. ΘΚΠ the world > time > frequency > [adverb] > always or in every case alwayeOE aldayOE everOE by night and (by) daylOE ayc1175 algatea1200 alwaysc1225 everylikec1225 stillc1297 evermorea1300 algatesa1325 alikec1330 early and latec1330 at all assaysc1360 universallya1398 likec1400 continuallyc1460 tidely1482 ay-whenc1485 from time to (formerly unto) timea1500 at all seasons1526 at once1563 at every turn1565 throughout1567 still still1592 still1594 still and anona1616 still an enda1616 every stitch-while1620 everlastingly1628 constantly1651 everywhen1655 eternally1670 allus1739 any day (of the week)1759 everly1808 allers1833 every time1854 toujours1902 all (the way) down the line1975 1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. xvi. f. 274 Therfore to stoppe their waye at euery turne, and bicause they taulke so fast of scripture, full fayne woulde I heare what scriptures they haue. 1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 481 One or both..being used by Men, almost at every turn, to elude the Precept. 1735 G. Berkeley Reasons not replying to Mr. Walton's Answer 5 Should he at every turn say such uncouth things. 1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay II. ix. 131 Compelled to disgust his supporters at every turn. 1967 Listener 26 Jan. 143/1 The only role of the abominable no-men of Whitehall was to frustrate him at every turn. 2013 N.Y. Times 6 Oct. (Late ed.) (T: N.Y. Times Style Mag.) 104/1 One imagines, at every turn, the darting movements of the hidden people..among the crags. b. on the turn. (a) In or close to the act of turning, at the turning point. Formerly also †upon the turn.Often in extended metaphors relating to the tide; cf. figurative uses of turn of the tide n. ΚΠ 1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor iii. i. sig. Iij Salute fairly on the front, and wish 'hem hangd vpon the turne. 1669 R. Fleming Fulfilling Script. 197 Antichrist should be at his height, and his Kingdome upon the turn. 1862 R. H. Patterson Ess. Hist. & Art 329 Fine Art is at a low ebb. But..the tide is on the turn. 1997 T. Mackintosh-Smith Yemen (1999) vi. 163 Yet again the tide is on the turn for Aden's trade. (b) Of the weather or the season: at the point of changing. ΚΠ 1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. 606/1 The day's on the turn, the days are beginning to lengthen. 1864 W. B. Rands Lilliput Levee 76 Blow, blow, south wind, the year's on the turn. 1996 M. Flaws & G. Lamb Orkney Dict. 75/2 The days is on the turn, daylight is lengthening. 2018 Press (Christchurch, N.Z.) (Nexis) 3 Oct. 17 Daylight saving's here and the weather's on the turn so get the garden prepped for outdoor entertaining. (c) Of food: at the point of spoiling; (esp. of milk) turning sour. ΚΠ 1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 360 ‘On the turn’, curdling or approaching to a state of acidity; the effect of natural or artificial heat on milk, beer, &c. 1960 N. Hilliard in C. K. Stead N.Z. Short Stories (1966) 2nd Ser. 164 The room smelt of boiled-over milk, meat on the turn, burnt fat. 1996 E. A. Proulx Accordion Crimes (1997) 508 The milk must be on the turn. c. turn of the year n. (originally) the end of winter and the beginning of spring; (now usually) the beginning of the calendar year. ΘΚΠ the world > time > period > year > season > [noun] > end of winter or beginning of spring turn of the year1637 1637 S. Rutherford Let. 16 June in Joshua Redivivus (1664) 66 We may sing upon lucks head before hand, even in our winter-storme, in the expectation of a summer-sun at the turn of the yeer. 1851 R. S. Surtees Soapey Sponge's Sporting Tour lxxi, in New Monthly Mag. Apr. 484 Who doesn't know the chilling feel of an English spring, or rather of a day at the turn of the year before there is any spring? 1947 W. H. Lewis in C. S. Lewis Ess. presented to C. Williams 140 If they reached the port at the turn of the year,..the galleys, stripped to their hulls, would be emerging from their winter hibernation. 1961 I. Murdoch Severed Head xiii. 120 I brought to mind that it was New Year's eve. Some nearer bells took up the peal... Soon it would be the turn of the year. 2006 Jrnl. (Newcastle) (Nexis) 29 Dec. 22 Alistair Anderson..and Mike Tickell (vocals) join rapper dancers and choirs to celebrate the turn of the year. d. turn of the tide n. the point at which the tide changes from ebb to flow, or the reverse; (figurative) a reversal in human affairs, esp. an advantageous reversal of fortune (cf. tide n. 9). ΚΠ 1646 Answer Commissioners of Navie 22 As if the Navie were to be altered upon every turn of the Tide. 1654 C. Feake Oppressed Close Prisoner 34 I looked on it as the first great turn of the Tide, whereby we were carried so fast toward the Sea of Rome. 1678 J. Warner Anti-Haman xxviii. 248 In case he be involved in common, or private suffrings, he ought to beare it patiently, & expect the turne of the Tyde. 1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Kedge, a small anchor, used to keep a ship steddy whilst she rides in a harbour or river, particularly at the turn of the tide. 1905 A. T. Mahan Sea Power in Relations to War of 1812 I. viii. 389 They marked that turn of the tide in European affairs which overthrew one of the most important factors in the political and military anticipations of the United States Administration. 1995 G. Brown Mate of Caprice xiv. 53 Setting full sail to get as far down the river before the turn of the tide and stemmed the flood tide as long as possible. 2004 G. Brooks tr. M. Griehl Luftwaffe over Amer. xiii. 245 New weapons which would finally bring the turn of the tide for Germany's abysmal fortunes. e. (a) to take a turn for the worse and variants: to (start to) worsen or deteriorate, esp. suddenly. Frequently (and in early use chiefly) with reference to health. Cf. for the worse at worse adj. and n. Phrases 3a and sense 26a. ΚΠ 1730 T. Dale tr. J. Freind Two Epist. Small-pox 106 in tr. J. Freind Nine Comm. Fevers Every thing took a turn for the worse, the Pustules sunk in;..then succeeded an involuntary Emission. 1773 J. Sims Observ. Epidemic Disorders ii. 19 The disorder afterwards took a turn for the worse. 1863 L. M. Alcott Hosp. Sketches iv. 51 [His] wound-fever had taken a turn for the worse. 1875 Photogr. News 5 Mar. 117/1 A man who had been doing a flourishing business for some time found his affairs suddenly take a turn for the worse. 1921 D. Lloyd George Let. 24 Nov. (1973) viii. 195 The Irish negotiations have taken a turn for the worse. 1989 Spy (N.Y.) Mar. 108/1 Personal-bankruptcy statistics took a turn for the worse. 2002 O. Figes Natasha's Dance (2003) v. v. 345 His long illness from tuberculosis had taken a sudden and dramatic turn for the worse. (b) to take a turn for the better and variants: to (start to) improve or get better, esp. suddenly. Cf. for the better at better adj., n.¹, and adv. Phrases 7. ΚΠ 1730 T. Dale tr. J. Freind Two Epist. Small-pox 33 in tr. J. Freind Nine Comm. Fevers The other Symptoms took a turn for the better. 1785 Aerostatic Spy II. vii. 166 From that time his affairs began to take a turn for the better. 1838 Caledonian Mercury 7 June 1/6 Prices have taken a turn for the better. 1897 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 10 Apr. 912/2 Even under the most adverse conditions patients apparently moribund may suddenly take a turn for the better. 1921 Southern Lumberman 24 Dec. 64/2 There is a feeling..that business conditions generally will take a turn for the better. 1982 B. Beaumont Thanks to Rugby iii. 34 Life took a sharp turn for the better after that initial hiccup. 2013 Wall St. Jrnl. 27 Apr. d2/2 Golf fashion has taken a turn for the better. (c) Hence with other adjectives, in to take a turn for the ——: to (start to) become ——, esp. suddenly. ΚΠ 1931 Washington Post 18 Jan. a5/1 Fashion having definitely taken a turn for the more sophisticated, the woman of 35 and thereafter can just about take her choice from the Paris collections. 1958 Observer 8 June 6/4 The annual Eton magazine..had suddenly taken a turn for the serious. 1987 W. McPherson Sargasso Sea (1988) ii. 77 The weather had taken a turn for the dismal. 2015 Daily Star (Nexis) 14 Feb. Things take a turn for the weird when it is revealed that the young girl is actually a vampire. f. turn of events: a change in the expected sequence of events; a development. ΚΠ 1734 J. Adams Misc. Poems 74 Strange Turn of Events! could so great an Act Araign it's Author for so foul a Fact? 1792 J. W. Newman Lounger’s Common-place Bk. I. 52/1 In the usual fortuitous turn of events, which often throws property into the lap of those who have the least occasion for it; he inherited the vast wealth of his uncle. 1895 Argosy Nov. 130/2 The boy, bewildered by the turn of events, followed his supposed Croesus into the street. 2017 Daily Tel. 18 Apr. 18/4 No unforeseen turn of events will stand in the way of their regular bridge night. g. turn of the market. †(a) Stock Market. A change in the price of a stock or commodity; the difference between the buying and selling prices of a stock or commodity. Also: the profit made by this. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1761 T. Mortimer Every Man his own Broker iv. 106 When by this means you have found a seller, you will still be frequently obliged to give the turn of the market; that is, if it is a doubt whether the market-price is exactly that which he asks, or rather inclined to fall ¹/ ₈ beneath it, you must give the turn of the scale to get your business done. 1795 C. Hales Bank Mirror 17 The stock is bought..and the Broker who has bought, or the Broker who has sold, puts perhaps what is called a turn into his pocket (turn of the market) that is, an eighth, which the simple principal knows nothing of. 1882 R. Bithell Counting-house Dict. Turn of the Market. The ‘turn of the market’, or the ‘jobbers' turn’, is the difference between the two prices quoted in the official lists for stocks, shares, &c...Consols are quoted 99³/ ₄ to ⁷/ ₈, and it means that the jobber, when asked the price of Consols at that moment, was prepared to give 99³/ ₄ for them, or to sell them at 99⁷/ ₈. The difference between the two is the compensation to the jobber. (b) Business. A (favourable or unfavourable) change in market conditions. ΚΠ 1791 C. Hamilton tr. Hedàya IV. xliv. 115 The usual practice of merchants in keeping up their commodities, and watching the turns of the market, in order to sell to the greatest advantage. 1852 J. Caird Eng. Agric. 1850–51 xxxv. 300 The advantage of being able to thrash any quantity to meet a favourable turn of the market. 2013 R. D. Edwards et al. Techn. Anal. Stock Trends (ed. 10) xlii. 499 There was one period of 10 months between the actual turn of the market and the Dow Signal for a Reversal of the Primary Trend. h. turn of life n. now historical the menopause; cf. change of life n. at change n. Phrases 2. ΘΚΠ the world > people > person > middle-aged person > [noun] > middle age > menopause or change of life change of life1761 turn of life1772 menopause1852 climacterium1876 time of life1971 the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > reproductive cycle > [noun] > menstrual cycle > menopause change of life1761 turn of life1772 pausimenia1846 menopause1852 1772 in W. Cadogan Ess. Nursing (Boston ed. 10) (advt.) They [sc. stomach pills] are also the best Physic for pale Complexions, and at the turn of Life. 1828 M. Ryan Man. Midwifery 30 When menstruation is about to cease, the period is called ‘the change or turn of life’, and many important changes take place in the constitution. 1928 C. S. Whitehead & C. A. Hoff Ethical Sex Relations (new ed.) i. vii. 275 The functions of the uterine organs cease at a certain age, and this period is known as the Meno-pause, or, more commonly, as ‘the change’ or ‘turn of life’. 1992 L. Banner In Full Flower viii. 278 The negative term ‘dangerous age’ was one turn-of-century term for menopause. But there was also the neutral ‘turn-of-life’, or ‘change of life’. i. turn of the bilge n. Nautical the part of a ship's hull where the bottom curves upwards to become the side. ΚΠ 1813 Hull Packet 29 June The Hull of a New Brig,..planked with 3-inch plank under the binds in mid-ships to the turn of the bilge. 1938 Mariner's Mirror 24 265 The ‘floor-head’, the bilge stringer or strake, which is placed at the turn of the bilge. 2012 J. Ruthven-Tyers Phoenix from Ashes ii. 31 In the tightest curves, at the turn of the bilge, we used planks that were 1 inch (25mm) square. j. to call the turn. (a) Faro. To guess the order of the last three cards in the pack. Also to call the last turn. Cf. sense 17d(a). ΚΠ 1864 W. B. Dick Amer. Hoyle 204 ‘Calling the last turn’, that is..guessing the order in which the cards will appear. 1874 C. Sutton N.Y. Tombs xxxix. 543 The world seems to..regard her as a sort of American Becky Sharp, who, in the faro game of the grand passion, knew how to ‘call the turn’ properly. 1889 Cent. Dict. at Faro The showing of two cards constitutes a ‘turn’. After each turn new bets are made for another, down to the last three cards of the pack; the only betting allowed after this is on ‘calling the turn’, or guessing which will show first. 1999 M. Braun Gentleman Rogue iii. 26 Lowe called the turn. By ten o'clock, Lady Luck deserted Courtright at the faro table. (b) U.S. slang. To make an informed guess about the future; to make an accurate prediction. ΚΠ 1914 R. W. Lardner in Sat. Evening Post 25 July 17/2 When you guys bought Smitty and didn't get Fogarty I called the turn. Some o' the boys figured they..might keep it up when they was separated; but I knowed different. And that's why I made the bet. 1939 Street & Smith's Western Story Mag. 14 Mar. 81/2 I don't know how you done it, but you called the turn. But don't tell Curly on me! 2006 K. Carlson Oregon State Football ii. 37/2 Swede Larson..called the turn between halves at Durham when he said ‘you can see that Duke is being hit harder and keener than at any time during the season’. P4. In senses of Branch IV. a. turn of phrase: a particular or characteristic manner of expression. ΚΠ 1688 J. Phillips tr. Du Vignau Turkish Secretary 5 With these Selams one cannot act so freely in the search of some quaint turn of Phrase, or of some new Expression which the Wit and Hearts of Lovers may Suggest. ?1779 B. Franklin Let. in Paris, 1776–85 934 A new version [of the Bible], in which, preserving the sense, the turn of phrase and manner of expression should be modern. 1888 Church Times 20 Apr. 341/3 Parodies of his [sc. Matthew Arnold's] most studied turns of phrase. 1986 R. E. Harris Silent Shore (1989) xviii. 184 I really do look forward to your letters. They're so vivid; you have a nice turn of phrase and the dialogue's superb. 2017 Prospect Oct. 88/1 One has to admire a catchy turn of phrase delivered off the cuff. b. turn of mind: a particular way of thinking; an attitude; an outlook.Usually with modifying word, as in philosophical turn of mind, practical turn of mind, scientific turn of mind, serious turn of mind. ΚΠ 1701 J. Dennis Advancem. & Reformation Mod. Poetry i. ix. 53 As every man has a different form of face, he has a different turn of mind, and consequently a different cast of thought. 1844 A. Smith Adventures Mr. Ledbury I. i. 4 Mr. Ledbury was of an inquiring turn of mind. 1951 Chambers's Jrnl. Aug. 455/1 Even the gardener, if he be of a botanical turn of mind, recognises many weeds as the progenitors of modern fruits, flowers, and vegetables. 2005 R. K. Emmerson Key Figures Medieval Europe (2006) 399/1 His legal turn of mind..was coupled with a traditionalist viewpoint. c. turn of speed: capacity for speed or acceleration, ability to run or go fast; (also) an instance of moving fast.Now frequently with modifying word, esp. expressing approval, as in fine turn of speed, good turn of speed, great turn of speed. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > [noun] > capacity for swift movement volatility1797 turn of speed1830 1830 Standard 12 July The horse has a turn of speed in him, and is likely to be the favourite, the distance being short. 1867 in Sir M. G. Gerard Leaves fr. Diaries iii. 65 Showing an unexpected turn of speed. 1894 J. D. Astley Fifty Years of my Life I. 35 I discovered that I possessed a fair turn of speed. 1938 Amer. Home June 70/3 The modern cruiser has a good turn of speed and can be driven at it economically. 2009 Independent 29 Aug. (Mag.) 9/4 The small wheels make the machine extremely manoeuvrable in traffic, and the racing version proves you can enjoy quite a turn of speed. Compounds C1. General use in various types of compound, as in †turn-keeping n. and adj., turn frequency, turn movement.See also turn-serving n. and adj., turn toll at toll n.¹ 2g. ΚΠ 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 195 A rocke about whose foote the tides turne-keeping play. 1708 Constitutions Company Watermen & Lightermen xxxiii. 38 The Country-Watermen shall have equal Privilege and Turn keeping with the Towns-men. 1908 Installation News 2 14 The switch has a turn movement worked from the outside. 1996 V. A. Nepomnyashchikh & V. A. Gremyatchikh in From Animals to Animats 4 174/2 The fishes' behavior was not always a stationary process: the turn frequency tended to increase during the first minutes of observation. C2. turn-based adj. designating a game, esp. a computer game, in which players take alternating turns; of or relating to such a game. ΚΠ 1989 rec.games.programmer 6 Oct. (Usenet newsgroup, accessed 5 Apr. 2018) Turn-based games aren't as much fun for me. 1995 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 4 July Jagged Alliance is a turn-based strategy game in the same vein as X-Com. 1998 Pi Mag. Nov. 21/1 The game..is controlled via a turn based move system. 2012 K. Burgun Game Design Theory (2013) iv. 106 Video games take inspiration largely from board games and D&D—both of which are turn-based. † turn-claimer n. Coal Mining Obsolete a miner entitled to claim a turn at filling a tub. ΚΠ 1894 Gloss. Terms Evid. Royal Comm. Labour 84/1 in Parl. Papers 1893–4 (C. 7063–VC) XXXVIII. 411 Turn-claimers, the persons occupied in a coal-mine who possess the privilege of claiming a ‘ben’.., that is a tub to fill in turn. turns ratio n. (also turn ratio) the ratio of the number of turns on the primary and secondary windings of a transformer (see transformer n. 2), which determines the ratio of the voltage change between them.Usually expressed with the larger number first, corresponding to the higher voltage. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > electrical engineering > transformer > [noun] > ratio of turns turns ratio1913 1913 Gen. Electr. Rev. 16 288/2 The voltage ratio was very close to turn ratio. 1922 Radio News Dec. 1221 (advt.) ‘All-American’ Transformers. Perfected, first, from the stand-point of correct engineering, by proper turns ratio, impedance and shielding. 1976 J. D. Ryder & C. M. Thomson Electronic Circuits & Syst. xii. 286 A loudspeaker of 4 Ω can be made to appear as 400 Ω on the primary side if we use a transformer with the turns ratio a = √(⁴⁰⁰/ ₄) =..10. 1976 A. J. Pansini Basic Electr. Power Transformers ii. 45 The primary coil sometimes has taps which permit changes in the turn ratio or ratio of transformation. turn-taking n. the action or fact of taking turns (see to take turns at Phrases 1a(d)); spec. with reference to the structure of a typical conversation, in which participants speak one at a time. ΚΠ 1895 Phonetic Jrnl. 26 Jan. 51/2 Mrs Humphry Ward..makes a curious assumption with reference to turn-taking in the House of Commons. 1936 A. F. Raper Pref. to Peasantry xv. 277 Turn-taking is the general practice at most places of business. Automobiles are served according to their turn at the filling stations. 1972 Lang. in Society 1 7 Norms as to turn-taking, permissible length of pause [in a conversation], and the like. 1995 Mother & Baby June 60/2 Turn-taking games now change from simple copying to genuinely taking it in turns to act and respond. 2004 M. F. McTear Spoken Dialogue Technol. iii. 59 Many of the processes observable in dialogue, such as turn-taking and conversational grounding, make sense only in terms of a collaborative model. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2022). turnv. Brit. /təːn/, U.S. /tərn/ Forms: α. Old English tyrnan, early Middle English tuyrne (south-western), Middle English teorne (south-west midlands and south-western), Middle English tern, Middle English terne, Middle English teurne (south-western), Middle English tyrn (north-west midlands, in a late copy), Middle English tyrne. β. Old English turnian, early Middle English torn (past tense, probably transmission error), early Middle English torne (past tense, probably transmission error), early Middle English turdest (2nd singular present indicative, transmission error), early Middle English turnȝe, early Middle English turrnenn ( Ormulum), Middle English tne (transmission error), Middle English toned (past participle, transmission error), Middle English torn (past participle, probably transmission error), Middle English torne (past participle, in a late copy, probably transmission error), Middle English torni (southern), Middle English tornnyd (past participle), Middle English torune (in a late copy, perhaps transmission error), Middle English towrn, Middle English tur (transmission error), Middle English turaned (past tense, perhaps transmission error), Middle English turde (past tense, transmission error), Middle English turden (past tense plural, transmission error), Middle English turm (transmission error), Middle English turnne, Middle English twrne, Middle English–1500s torne, Middle English–1500s tourn, Middle English–1600s torn, Middle English–1600s tourne, Middle English–1600s tvrne, Middle English–1700s turne, Middle English– turn, late Middle English toned (past tense, transmission error), late Middle English turd (past tense, transmission error), late Middle English turne (past participle, probably transmission error), late Middle English twyne (transmission error), 1500s yturnde (past participle, archaic), 1900s– torm (Welsh English); English regional 1800s to'n (northern and north midlands), 1800s toorn (northern), 1800s torn (northern), 1800s–1900s ton (northern), 1900s tarn (Devon), 1900s– tu'n; Scottish pre-1700 tern- (inflected form), pre-1700 torn, pre-1700 torne, pre-1700 tourn, pre-1700 tourne, pre-1700 towrn, pre-1700 turne, pre-1700 turnne, pre-1700 twrn, pre-1700 twrne, pre-1700 twrnne, pre-1700 1700s– turn, 1800s– tirn. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Partly a borrowing from French. Etymons: Latin tornāre; French tourner. Etymology: Partly a merging of two distinct but closely related verbs, (i) an Old English weak verb of Class I (tyrnan : see α. forms) and (ii) an Old English weak verb of Class II (turnian : see β. forms), both < classical Latin tornāre to turn in a lathe, round off, in post-classical Latin (also as turnare) also to overturn (8th cent.), to spin (11th cent.), to knead (11th cent.), to turn (one's head) (12th cent.), to give back (12th cent.), to cause to face in a particular direction (12th cent. in a British source), to rotate (from 13th cent. in British sources), to convert (14th cent. in a British source), to cause to deteriorate (14th cent. in a British source), (reflexive) to turn away (7th cent.), to go back, go home (11th cent.), to move round (14th cent. in a British source) < tornus turning-lathe (see turn n.), perhaps after ancient Greek τορνεύειν to turn in a lathe; and partly (iii, in β. forms) < Anglo-Norman tornir, tournir, Anglo-Norman and Old French turner, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French torner, tourner, Old French tornier, Middle French tournier (French tourner) to direct one's thought or action to something, to change one's opinion or approach (both late 11th cent.), to rotate something, to direct one's course, to turn around (all c1100), to go away (c1137), to change (1162), to translate (1165), to transform (1170), to change direction (1174), to come back (early 12th cent.), to be found to be (second half of the 12th cent.), to divert, to revolve (both late 12th cent.), to convert or be converted to a different religious faith, to joust (all early 13th cent.), to give shape, to fashion (1227), to shape on a lathe (c1235), to turn back, to make someone change their opinion (both 13th cent.), to plough (late 13th cent.), (of milk or wine) to become sour (c1300), to recover from injury or illness (c1300), to give back or in return, to pay back (1312), (of an egg) to go rotten (1393), to take sides (late 14th cent.), to attack (early 15th cent.), to conduct oneself (c1450), to address (mid 15th cent.), to tour, journey around (second half of the 15th cent.), to cease (late 15th cent.), to arrange words or ideas (16th cent.) < classical Latin tornāre.Parallels in other languages. Compare Old Occitan tornar to direct one's course, to turn back, to return, to redo, to repeat (c1140), Catalan tornar to come back, to give back, to put back, to attack in response, to transform, (reflexive) to become (14th cent.), Spanish tornar to come back, to give back, to transform, to shape, to redo, (reflexive) to become (c1140), Portuguese tornar to come back, to return to a previous position or state, to give back, to translate, to respond, to resume, to appeal for help, (also reflexive) to become, to transform (13th cent.), Italian tornare to turn aside from a path (c1158), to turn around, to turn back to the place of origin (a1321), to change (13th cent.), to rotate something (early 14th cent.), to return to one's true identity (mid 14th cent.), to turn out to be right (a1642). Compare also Old High German turnen to direct one's course (probably < Old French) and Old Icelandic turna to turn (probably < English). History of borrowing in Old English. The stem vowel of Old English tyrnan shows i-mutation of short u (caused by the suffix of the weak Class I verb), and thus indicates that the verb had been borrowed into English by the time that sound change occurred. The stem vowel u in turnian has been interpreted in conflicting ways, as supporting either an early date of borrowing (as for tyrnan ) or a later date. The vowel u as a reflex of classical Latin o is explicable either as an (early) development within English or as a development within post-classical Latin; compare post-classical Latin turnare . Note on forms. Middle English β. forms partly continue west midland reflexes of Old English α. forms. Specific senses. With use in the context of doors and the like (see senses 1, 2b(a)) compare Old English tyrngeat , probably in sense ‘turnstile’ (compare gate n.¹). With use with reference to the shaping of rounded things (see sense 4) compare isolated use of Old English tyrning turning n. with reference to the employment of curling tongs in hairdressing. With use with reference to the action of deceiving (see sense 12b) compare isolated use of turning n. in Old English in sense ‘deceit, cunning behaviour’ and in Middle English of the phrase false turning in sense ‘deception’; compare also turn n. 1. Prefixed forms. In Old English weak Class I tyrnan is also attested in prefixed form as getyrnan (compare y- prefix) in the rare sense ‘to return (something) to someone's possession’; compare early Middle English i-turnen to transform (a person) into something else, to lead to (a result), (of thought) to change. Early Middle English prefixed past participles such as i-turnd should in most instances probably be interpreted as representing the unprefixed verb, but may occasionally represent the prefixed verb. Compare also Old English betyrnan beturn v., efttyrnan to turn (something) around (compare eft adv.), ymbtyrnan to turn (something) around, to surround (compare umbe- prefix). I. To rotate or revolve, and derived senses. * To rotate or revolve. 1. a. intransitive. To move round on an axis or about a centre; (of a wheel, planet, meat on a spit, etc.) to rotate, revolve. Also: (of a door on hinges, a key in a lock, etc.) to move partly round in this way.See also to turn about 1a, to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.In quot. OE¹ in the Old English phrase turnian on ymbhwyrfte translating Latin ambulare in circuitu, literally ‘to walk around in a circle (or circles)’, but here used figuratively to describe futile behaviour. Cf. later sense 21a. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] wharvec888 turnOE runOE to turn aboutOE to turn roundc1450 to go roundc1460 revolute1553 gyre1598 veer1605 to come about1607 circumvolve1626 circumgyre1634 to turn around1642 roll1646 revolve1660 circulate1672 twist1680 circumgyrate1683 rotate1757 gyrate1830 the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn (as) on a pivot or swing round turnOE revirec1485 virec1485 circumlate1578 swing1769 slew1823 swivel1846 pivot1883 jib1891 OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) xxxiv. 472 Se cwyrnstan þe tyrnð singallice & nænne færeld ne þurhtihð getacnað woruldlufe þe on gedwyldum hwyrftlað & nænne stæpe on godes wege ne gefæstnað, be swylcum cwæð se witega, ða arleasan turniað on ymbhwyrfte. OE Ælfric De Temporibus Anni (Cambr. Gg.3.28) (2009) ix. 92 Se firmamentum went on ðam twam steorrum, swa swa hweowul tyrnð on exe. c1325 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 56 Fortune is boþe frend and fo..No triste no man to þis wele, þe whel it turnet so. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 1449 Nykeres..bring schipmen..to som suelhu, to turne or steke. c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 299 (MED) Summe begynne to vse penaunce, and after þei fayle, & faryn as a wedirkok þat turnyth wyth iche wynd. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Prov. xxvi. 14 As the dore turneth vpon his henges. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. xi. 81 The Roundell or Spheare..is..most voluble and apt to turne. 1698 J. Keill Exam. Theory Earth (1734) 109 Jupiter..turns round his own Axis in..ten hours. 1796 F. Burney Camilla I. ii. vi. 259 A little boy..turning head over heels. 1843 T. B. Macaulay Horatius lxix The kid turns on the spit. 1890 B. J. L. Adams Louis Draycott iii. ii The key turned and grated in the lock. 1932 B. G. Elliott & E. L. Consoliver Gasoline Automobile (ed. 4) xviii. 479 The engine crankshaft turns at a slower speed than the propeller shaft. 2004 Marketing 12 Feb. 18/2 As a salesperson, Simon thinks marketing is all about a long line of customers waiting to pay and a turnstile continually turning. b. intransitive. figurative. Originally: (of time, a person's life, etc.) to come round cyclically. In later use: (chiefly of the head or brain) to have a sensation as of whirling; to be affected with dizziness; to reel. Cf. sense 33b. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > vertigo > have vertigo [verb (intransitive)] turnOE swimblea1400 whirl1561 wheel1593 whim1700 reel1701 swim1702 swirl1818 spin1819 giddy1845 the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] > whirl turnOE whirlc1384 hurlc1400 reelc1400 whirligig1687 vertiginate1814 wirble1848 OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xii. 122 Seo burh Iericho mid hire seofon weallum getacnode þas ateorigendlican woruld þe tyrnð on seofon dagum. OE Aldhelm Glosses (Brussels 1650) in L. Goossens Old Eng. Glosses of MS Brussels, Royal Libr. 1650 (1974) 449 Rotante [anni circulo] : tyrnende. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 3641 All þiss middell ærdess þing Aȝȝ turrneþþ her & wharrfeþþ..swa summ þe wheol. c1400 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 158 Riches tornyþ as a ball. a1475 tr. Gilbertus Anglicus Pharmaceutical Writings (Wellcome) (1991) 7 (MED) When þey bowen hem doun, her brayn turneþ, þat is to seie, hem semeþ þat þo þingis þat lien stille rennen aboute. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 144 The tyme of the tru turnyd to end. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xx. 23 How feareful And dizi tis to cast ones eyes so low... Ile looke no more, Least my braine turne . View more context for this quotation 1846 C. J. Hempel tr. S. Hahnemann Chronic Dis. II. 71 Towards evening, she feels sick at the stomach, and her head turns, with constant palpitation of the heart and great anxiety. 1853 M. Arnold Requiescat 9 Her life was turning, turning, In mazes of heat and sound. 1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker vi. 93 I looked at the handbill, and my head turned. 2008 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 28 Dec. 4 c/4 You think my head was turning after playing Florida and all those guys? 2. a. transitive. To cause (a wheel, spit, handle, etc.) to move round on an axis or about a centre; to cause to rotate or revolve.See also to turn about 1b, to turn round 2b at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] turnOE trillc1386 gyrec1420 rote?1533 tirl1543 to turn round1555 revolve1559 circumvert1578 circumgyre1635 circumrote1635 circumgyrate1647 circumvolve1647 veera1649 twist1769 rotate1777 sphere1820 the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] > as (on) a wheel turnOE swinga1225 wheelc1374 to turn abouta1382 overwhelmc1440 swinge1548 OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1881) I. 312 Þa tyrndon þa hæðenan hetelice þæt hweowl, ac hit sona tobærst. c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Bodl.) l. 556 Fowre of hise cnihtes forte turnen þet hweol wið hondlen imaket þron o þet eadi meiden se swiðe as ha mahten. c1392 Equatorie of Planetis 22 Torne softely thi compas til þat the moeuable point towche the lyne of the aux of saturne. c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 163 Crepanum haþ a blad scherynge on boþe sidis as a swerd, þat if a man turne þe haft bitwixe hise hondis it persiþ þe brayn panne. a1500 ( Chron. H. Knighton (1895) II. 138 Iakke Mylner asketh help to turne hys mylne aright; He hath grounden small small. 1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. i. 237 She would haue made Hercules haue turnd spit. View more context for this quotation 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant ii. 38 There were two Boys.., one turning a wheel by the handle, to grind the Coffee, and the other boyling it. 1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 334 Waters turning busy mills. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. ix. 210 Preparing paste, and turning rolling-pins. 1986 A. Olcott tr. S. Markish Erasmus & Jews v. 110 The Romans forbade the slaves who turned the stones in mills to eat the grain. 1998 N. Lawson How to Eat (1999) 304 I use my mother's rusted-up old Moulinex herb mill; I hold it over the bowl of jelly and just turn the handle till I think I've got enough. b. (a) transitive. Originally: to cause (a door, gate, etc.) to move round over a limited path (now rare). Now chiefly: to cause (a manual instrument or control) to move partly round on its axis, esp. so as to open, close, or operate something; to give a turn to (a key, tap, door handle, screw, knob, etc.). ΚΠ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xxvi. 14 As a dore is turned in his heeng. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16906 Þe prince o preistes..sperd it wit a mikel stan, to turn i-nogh had tuent. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. iii. 35 Giue me leaue that May turne the key, That no man enter. View more context for this quotation a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 231 He..turned all the cocks that were then open, and stopt the water. 1830 Sheffield Independent 30 Jan. The congregation..were involved in darkness for a short time. Some mischievous person turned the gas tap which is placed behind the entrance door. 1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot III. xiv. 192 She softly turned the handle of the door. 1935 C. J. Smith Intermediate Physics (ed. 2) v. xxxvi. 612 A small condenser..operated by turning the knob B. 2001 C. Chapman et al. Eureka! iii. 30 The further away from the pivot you are, the less force you need to turn the door around the pivot. 2014 H. Thorpe Soldier Girls iv. iii. 331 Desma slowed to a crawl and turned the [steering] wheel. (b) transitive. To start, stop, increase, decrease, etc., (the output of a device, such as gas, heat, sound, etc.) by operating a control (typically one that rotates); to operate a control on (a device, such as a gas pipe, lamp, radio, etc.) in order to start, stop, increase, decrease, etc., its output. Chiefly with adverbs (e.g. low, high) and adverbial phrases, esp. in to turn down 5b, to turn off 9a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn on 1a(a) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down 5b at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 18 at Phrasal verbs 1.Recorded earliest in to turn off 9a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1822 J. Murray in London Jrnl. Arts & Sci. 3 91 Tie over a gas jet pipe, (¹/ ₂ to ³/ ₄inch diameter,) a piece of muslin gauze; place in the centre a chip of phosphorus, then turn off the gas and ignite it. 1880 P. Greg Errant III. xi. 158 The lamp was turned very low. 1976 Coll.: Cookbk. (Junior League of Austin) 77 When eggs are almost cooked, add cheese and turn heat to lowest setting. 1991 Sports Illustr. 4 Mar. 84/2 His boom box for once was turned to news instead of music. 2005 C. Cleave Incendiary 26 My husband switched on the stereo and he turned the volume to max. c. transitive. To perform (a somersault, cartwheel, etc.). Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > leaping, springing, or jumping > cause to jump [verb (transitive)] > cause to turn somersaults > perform (a somersault or cartwheel) turn1702 throw1773 1702 J. Floyer Anc. Ψυχρολουσία Revived Postscr. 303 After his Face had entertain'd him with turning the Somerset a while, he by degrees broke up his Grimace. 1825 N.-Y. Lit. Gaz. 26 Nov. 191/2 The state of New-York turned another political somerset, at which both parties rubbed their eyes. 1860 All Year Round 25 Aug. 480 It took off its hat and turned a somersault at Lambert's feet. 1881 E. J. Worboise Sissie xxiv I have seen that boy put down his basket of medicine and turn ‘Catherine wheels’ in the street. 1938 Life 4 Apr. 29/2 (caption) A tightwire act is the specialty of the Chinese Naitto Troupe. Above, Ala Naitto stands on her sister Nio who can perform the rare feat of turning backflips on a wire. 2008 Daily Tel. 14 May 20/1 A flash of turquoise gusset as a forty-something mum turned a cartwheel. 3. transitive. figurative. To consider in different aspects; to revolve in the mind. See also to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1.Cf. quot. 1725 for to turn about 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ ?1518 A. Barclay Fyfte Eglog sig. A.vii He set in houour, and rowme of excellence Oftyme reuoluynge, and tournynge in his mynde The caduke honoures, belongynge to mankynde. 1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 98 Turn these things in your mind. 1891 Strand Mag. 2 483/2 I pondered over it, and turned it every way in my mind. 1942 Bluefield (W. Va.) Daily Tel. 11 Mar. 7/3 He hesitated for a moment, as if turning something in his mind. 1999 J. Rogers Island ix. 90 I listened to the story and I turned it in my mind. ** To form or shape by rotation, and derived senses. 4. a. transitive. To shape (wood, metal, etc., or an artefact), esp. into a rounded form, by rotating it in a lathe against a cutting tool; to form, work, or make (an object) by means of a lathe. Also intransitive: to work with a lathe. Cf. turner n.¹ 1a. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > work with tools or equipment [verb (transitive)] > shaping tool behewc1314 turn?c1335 chisel1517 hew1617 axe1700 rout1818 block1831 swage1831 jigsaw1873 router1890 hot-press1947 society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > machine turn?c1335 mill1677 to rough down1829 broach1846 spin1853 plane1875 straddle mill1898 profile1905 jig-bore1939 spark-erode1960 society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > build or construct with wood [verb (transitive)] > turn wood turn?c1335 throw1440 therm1788 society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > work with tools or equipment [verb (intransitive)] > other tools or equipment filec1230 to blow the bellowsc1440 pump1508 vice1612 plane1678 shovel1685 turn1796 brake1862 pestle1866 chisel1873 roll1881 slice1893 leverage1937 monkeywrench1993 ?c1335 (a1300) Land of Cokaygne l. 68 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 146 Þe pilers of þat cloistre [emended in ed. to cloister] alle Beþ iturned of cristale. Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 507 Turnon, or throwe treyne vessel [?a1475 Winch.:Way trene vessel], torno. 1493 in J. Blair & N. Ramsay Eng. Medieval Industries (1991) v. 88 [The York founder William Wynter left] the lathe that he tornys in. 1504 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 101 I wyll that my sonne..shall haue..also ij cheyres, on turnyd and the other closse. 1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus Geogr. Hist. Afr. v. 253 Such as turne wooden vessels. 1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 222 A famous turner.., and he turns things in ivory that would exceed beleif. 1796 J. Austen Let. 1 Sept. (1995) 6 Frank..enjoys himself here very much, for he has just learnt to turn. 1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal (Cabinet Cycl.) II. 140 In turning..metals..and even wood, much depends upon the proper management of the tools. 1996 E. Conover Turning for Furnit. i. 18 A keen edge and the correct angle are the most important factors in learning to turn and turning well thereafter. 2012 Oxf. Mail (Nexis) 19 May I turn wooden bowls on the treadle lathe. †b. transitive. Building. To form or build (an arched or vaulted structure). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build or construct [verb (transitive)] > construct arches or vaults turn1577 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius iv. xxx in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 484 Vnto these sollars there are porches of pillours whose tops are likewise wrought & turned with litle arches. 1663 G. Richards tr. A. Palladio 1st Bk. Archit. xxxv. 147 It is very secure to turn Arches over Doores and Windowes, which Arches do discharge and hinder that the Doores and Windowes be not pressed with too much waight. 1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 18 You may turn Arches over those insufficient places,..and..Arches inversed, or upside down. 1828 J. Elmes Metrop. Improvem. 88 The arches for the coal-cellars [were] turned. 1922 Glass Worker 2 Sept. 9/1 To determine the number and kind of brick required to turn an arch: See Russell Engineering Co. Bulletin. †c. transitive. Cookery. To pare off the rind or peel of (an orange, lemon, etc.) round and round in a long narrow thin strip; to stone (an olive) in this way. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparing fruit and vegetables > prepare fruit and vegetables [verb (transitive)] > pare parec1300 zest1702 turn1706 core1736 1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Turning (among Confectioners) a..manner of paring..Oranges and Lemons when the..Rind..is par'd off very thin and narrow..; turning it [sc. the knife] round about the Fruit, so as the Peel may be extended to a very great length. 1846 A. Soyer Gastron. Regenerator 43 Turning or peeling mushrooms is an art that practice alone can attain. 1904 Daily Chron. 6 June 8/5 Soak the olives in cold water.., drain thoroughly and proceed to ‘turn’ them... This means to peel them very evenly..so that it unfolds..in one strip, which will close up again..without the stone in the centre when done. d. transitive. Knitting and Lacemaking. To shape (a curved part of a garment, esp. a heel of hosiery). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [verb (transitive)] > make lace braid1393 turn1846 tress1904 the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [verb (transitive)] > knit > processes involved in purla1825 rib1837 to cast on1840 increase1840 slip1840 turn1846 toe1856 to knock over1875 to cast off1880 land1885 rep1951 raschel1970 1846 Amer. Agriculturist Aug. 257/1 Who ever saw a group of genuine knitters, rattling their needles, and..heard their pitying comments upon those who could not ‘turn a heel’, or ‘shape a stocking’. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 504/2 To Turn a Scallop: work across to the inside..but instead of completing the edge, work back with the same pair of Bobbins [etc.]... Repeat until the scallop has been rounded. 1902 R. Bagot Donna Diana viii. 93 She was always knitting, and appeared to be in a perpetual state of turning the heel of a stocking. 2010 J. Eaton Knitting School xiv. 107 Turning a heel is actually shaping using a short row technique. 5. a. transitive. To express elegantly, compose carefully (a piece of writing, compliment, etc.); to render (a tune) melodiously.Cf. earlier well-turned adj. 2. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > elegance > compose elegantly [verb (transitive)] turn1568 round1721 1568 E. Dering Sparing Restraint ii. 65 O if maister Harding had such a vauntage, how would he turne his phrases? a1637 B. Jonson Timber 2443 in Wks. (1640) III Cast not away the Quills..; but bring all to the forge, and file, againe; tourne it a newe. 1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson anno 1754 I. 139 Some studied compliments, so finely turned, that [etc.]. 1849 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. ix. 86 If I could turn a tune, I even think I should sing. 1849 W. Irving Oliver Goldsmith (rev. ed.) xv. 161 Turning a couplet. 1984 J. Updike Hugging Shore (1985) p. xvi Brief essays turned to oblige a friend. 1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 367/2 Turn a tune, render a tune, frequently He or she can't turn a tune, he or she has no ear for music. 2015 T. D. Sharpley-Whiting Bricktop's Paris p. xiii I'd also like to acknowledge Karen E. Fields, who knows how to turn a phrase. †b. transitive. In past participle. Of a person (or the mind, etc.): naturally adapted or fitted for some pursuit. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1681 Marquis of Halifax Seasonable Addr. Houses of Parl. conc. Succession 12 He is a man of extraordinary Parts; but..they are all fitted and turn'd for confounding and amusing, but not for extricating out of difficulties. 1729 J. Swift Jrnl. Dublin Lady 2 By nature turn'd to play the Rake. 1731 tr. W. Temple Let. in W. Temple Wks. II. 247 I..find I am better turned for making a good Gard'ner than an able Minister. 1767 P. Gibbes Woman of Fashion I. 41 A Genius like her's, is little turn'd to Business. 1813 C. Buck Pract. Expositor 258 Being not well turned for a court, though otherwise of considerable learning and genteel education, he either could not, or would not, stoop to the humour of the times. c. transitive. To shape or form (a material object) attractively or gracefully, usually in a rounded form. Chiefly in past participle.Cf. earlier well-turned adj. 3. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > shape or give shape to [verb (transitive)] > artistically or gracefully turn1695 1695 R. Blackmore Prince Arthur iv. 95 He turn'd their Orbs, and polish'd all the Stars. 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 75. ⁋3 His whole Person is finely turned, and speaks him a Man of Quality. 1741 T. Boreman Hist. & Descr. St. Paul's I. i. ii. 43 The whole building is encompassed with strong iron palisades, all curiously turn'd, about five and twenty hundred in number. 1807 La Belle Assemblée Oct. 226/1 The fronts of dresses are generally cut to fit the form; and where the bust is finely turned, we know not of any fashion which can be more advantageous. 1855 W. M. Thackeray in Yates' Recoll. (1884) I. 280 The T of the signature..is [not] near so elegant as my ordinary T's are;..my attention was drawn off just as I was turning it. 1984 A. Carter Nights at Circus i. ii. 21 An arm as finely turned as the leg of the sofa. II. To change or reverse position. * Senses denoting change of position. 6. a. intransitive. To change position by a rotary motion (cf. branch I.) or by movement through an angle; esp. to shift the body from side to side, esp. in bed (often coupled with toss).to make a person turn in his or her grave: see grave n.¹ 1d.In quot. OE² with mid: to move (the specified body part) into a different posture; cf. sense 7. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction turnOE the world > movement > bodily movement > move the body or a member [verb (intransitive)] > shift one's place or position turnOE remuea1393 removea1400 hitch1618 OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xxxiv. 292 He ealle gefæstnode heora fet to eorðan... Hi tyrndon mid bodige gebigedum sceancum, and heora fotwylmas awendan ne mihton. OE Monasteriales Indicia (1996) xi. 24 Ðonne þu tropere haban wille, þonne wege þu þine swiran hand, and tyrn mid þinum swiþran scytefingre ofer þine breost foreweard swilce þu notian wille. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2289 Scipen þer sunken... in þa teonfulle sæ. torneden sæiles. c1330 (?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch.) in J. Zupitza Guy of Warwick (1891) 634 Þe four wyndes began to blowe, Þe se gan tornen & to þrowe. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. iii. 1113 If scheep beþ wiþ lombe and heereþ þe þonder sche casteþ hire lombe for drede..and chaungeþ and torneth fro syde to syde in slepynge. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 196 God wot she slepeth softe For loue of þe whan þou tornest ofte. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 109 I walk, I turne, sleip may I nocht. 1681 J. Dryden Spanish Fryar iii. 37 I turn'd, and try'd each corner of my Bed, To find if Sleep were there, but Sleep was lost. 1827 W. Scott Chron. Canongate v Turning to the other side to enjoy his slumbers. 1880 W. S. Gilbert Pirates of Penzance ii. 35 I lay upon my sleepless bed, And tossed and turned and groaned. 1999 C. Creedon Passion Play xviii. 141 Brenda turns in her bed, for some reason the night-cap isn't kicking in. b. intransitive. Esp. of a vehicle: to move circularly or as if pivoted so as to face in all directions successively, or so as ultimately to face in the opposite direction. Cf. senses 1, 9. ΚΠ a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 259 On thair conscience..May turne aucht oxin and ane wane. c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1644 (1955) II. 107 Capable to containe an hundred Coaches to turne commodiously. 1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 28 Jan. 50/2 She veered as if she would turn within her own length. 1944 L. D. Kitchin Road Transport Law 9/2 Every p.s.v. [= public service vehicle], except those first registered on or before January 1, 1932, must be capable of turning in a circle not exceeding 60ft. 2017 I. Simpson Murder in 4th Round 97 There were lawns on both sides of the driveway before it widened into a space for cars to turn. c. intransitive. Of the scale or beam of a balance, or of the balance itself: to move up or down from the horizontal position. Also (and now chiefly) in figurative contexts with reference to a change in fortune, opinion, etc. Cf. Phrases 1b, Phrases 1m. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > operations of weighing apparatus [verb (intransitive)] > move (of scale or balance) turn1600 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 327 If the scale doe turne but in the estimation of a hayre. View more context for this quotation 1654 E. Wolley tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Curia Politiæ 59 To weigh in the Scales and not discern how the Beam turnes. 1842 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. (ed. 3) ii. 25 Another balance..turning with about one-half or one-third of a grain. 1859 Harper's Mag. May 819/2 Some people are vacillating, and one hardly knows which way the scale will turn. 1917 Nature 23 Aug. 518/1 If in an infected live space the scale turns in favour of the microbes, there is still a chance of the balance being redressed. 1992 D. Lessing Afr. Laughter 392 There is a point in political feelings when some invisible balance turns and thereafter people don't want to be told about it. 7. a. transitive. To change the position or posture of (an object) by a rotary motion or by movement through an angle; to move (a thing or person) into a different posture. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > cause to have specific position or arrangement [verb (transitive)] > alter the relative position of turnc1225 rout1841 c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 349 (MED) Al þet fule delit is wið fulðe aleid as þu turnest þin hond. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xvii. l. 183 Vnfolden or folden my fuste & myn paume, Al is but an hande [= one hand] how so I torne it. ?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 127 in Middle Eng. Dict. (at cited word) Þen turne þe pacient..fro side to side and þen make hym to lye..so þat þe forseid decoccioun of wyne mowe renne oute. a1475 Sidrak & Bokkus (Lansd.) (1998) I. l. 6575 Þe tunge þe mete turneþ al Vnder þe teeþ þat it chewe shal. 1578 J. Banister Hist. Man v. f. 64^v Some partes of the skinne are wholly immouable, and resistant to turne. 1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. O3^v A fidler cannot turne his pin so soone, as he would turn a man of the ladder. 1644 S. Kem Messengers Preparation 22 He speaks too late..for a reprieve, when the ladder is turned. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 120. ¶14 When she [sc. a Hen] has laid her Eggs.., what Care does she take in turning them frequently. 1720 I. Watts Sluggard in Divine & Moral Songs i As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head. 1843 R. J. Graves Syst. Clin. Med. ix. 100 He cannot be lifted up or even turned in bed, without having a tendency to faint. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay iv. 63 He took up a paper-knife, which he turned restlessly to and fro. 2004 Appeal-Democrat (Marysville–Yuba City, Calif.) 28 Feb. c4/2 The battery-operated device..is capable of lifting and turning a patient of up to 800 pounds. †b. transitive (reflexive). To move circularly, so as to face all ways successively, or so as ultimately to face in the opposite direction; to shift the body (as on an axis) from side to side; = senses 6a, 6b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 turnc1330 to turn abouta1400 to turn round1449 convertc1572 c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4414 Þat lane was so narw..He ne Arondel, is stede, Ne miȝte him terne. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Ecclus. xxiii. 16 Of merciful men alle þese thingis shul ben don awei: & in giltis þei shul not ofte turnen þem. c1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Fairf. 16) (1879) Prol. l. 144 Vpon the braunches..In hire delyt, they turned hem ful ofte. 1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xvi. 75 I myght not lye styll On euery syde I tourned me full ofte. c. transitive. To twist (an ankle) out of position, esp. by landing awkwardly; to wrench or sprain. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > diseases of tissue > disorders affecting muscles > affect with muscular disorder [verb (transitive)] > sprain or strain wrench1530 wrestc1550 strain1612 sprain1622 wrincha1625 rick1638 subluxate1743 turn1758 throw1790 wramp1808 vert1883 stave1887 crink1888 wrick1904 pull1908 1758 E. Carter tr. Epictetus Wks. iv. xv. 269 You may be thrown into a Ditch, dislocate your Arm, turn your Ankle..and, after all, lose the Victory. 1868 L. M. Alcott Little Women I. iii. 51 It's nothing; I turned my foot a little,—that's all. 1951 E. Paul Springtime in Paris (U.K. ed.) xv. 286 Busse..leaped quickly, hit the lower level of the street pavement on a slant, and almost turned his ankle. 1983 ‘E. Peters’ Devil's Novice x. 133 He had turned an ankle and foot under him in falling, and would find it difficult and painful to put any weight upon it for some time. 8. a. transitive. To fold (a cloth or part of one, a sheet of metal, etc.). Chiefly with adverbs, esp. in to turn back 4 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 5b(b) at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] foldc888 lapa1300 plya1393 turna1400 doublec1430 plaitc1430 overfold?1440 plet?a1500 flipe1530 upfold1600 enfold1605 plicate1654 tuck1835–6 a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 1153 [He] bade hym take A sak..And..turne hyt tweyfolde..And ley hyt on hys fadyr for colde. 1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2799/2 Wiring-machine,..a machine turning the edge of a tin-pan over a stiffening-wire. 1922 M. Ashmun Including Mother vii. 130 She..turned the hem and ran it with two rows of darning-stitch. 2005 C. Mendelson Laundry ii. xvii. 258 There are other ways of hemming than simply turning under the raw edge and stitching it down. †b. transitive. To give a curved or crooked form to, to twist or bend (an object); to form (an artefact) by twisting (in quot. 1665) or bending (in quot. 1827²). Also with round indicating encirclement (in quot. 1821). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [verb (transitive)] > twist spirally writheOE wethe1398 wind1398 withe1398 turna1450 cralla1475 twirk1599 twirla1625 twire1628 twist1714 wisp1753 twistle1788 twizzle1788 screw1834 twistify1835 a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) (1988) 113 (MED) Þe clarioun is croked and bowyd bakwarde to þe visage of hym þat blowiþ, and summe ben torned and retorned as double croked. c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 28 Wiþ þe..hyndere extremitees..beþ bounden togidere extremitees of þe neþere chekebonys..And also a crokid additament þat comeþ of þe same chekis is meene þe which is turned in a turtuous and crokide hole þat is proporcional to þe selue chekis. 1665 R. Hooke Micrographia xxvii. 149 Let all the sides of this Box be turned of Basket-work. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. ii. 24 A bonnet..encircled with a gold chain turned three times round it. 1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. xv. 353 His mustachoes were turned and curled. 1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xiv. 301 Those [tubes] which are turned or bent, and soldered with gold, will not bear the high temperature. c. (a) transitive. To bend back (the edge of a sharp instrument) so as to blunt it or make it useless for cutting. Also figurative. Now rare.to turn edge: see Phrases 1f. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > bluntness > make blunt [verb (transitive)] blunta1398 dullc1440 rebate1468 obtusec1487 bate1535 abate1548 turn1560 unedgea1625 retund1691 dead1719 1560 Bible (Geneva) Psalms lxxxix. 43 Thou hast also turned the edge of his sworde, and hast not made him to stande in the battel. a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 4^v Quicke wittes are..like ouer sharpe tooles, whose edges be verie soone turned. 1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 ii. i. 192 This newes I thinke hath turnde your weapons point. 1675 N. Grew Compar. Anat. Trunks ii. vii. 75 It turns not the edg of their Knives. 1714 R. Fiddes Pract. Disc. (ed. 2) II. 82 A difficulty sufficient to turn the edge of the finest wit. 1879 J. C. Shairp Robert Burns viii. 193 When the caustic wit is beginning to get too biting, the edge of it is turned by a touch of kindlier humour. 1930 Burnet (Texas) Bull. 21 Aug. Then at about the third post from the south gate he struck something so hard that it turned the edge of his spade. †(b) intransitive. Of the edge or blade of a sharp instrument: to assume a curved form, to bend; to become blunted by bending. Cf. earlier to turn again at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)] to turn edge1578 to turn again1579 rebate1587 turn1633 blunt1684 1633 E. Grimeston tr. Polybius Hist. ii. 79 Their Swords as we haue sayd, were only fit to giue one blow; but afterwards their length grew crooked, and the edge turned by reason of the breadth. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art I. 4 If..it be too soft,..the edge will turn or bend. 1920 N. Amer. Rev. Aug. 256 He tried to cut it apart with his knife, but the blade turned and blunted. ** Senses denoting reversal of position. 9. a. transitive. To reverse the position or posture of; to move into the contrary position, so that the upper side becomes the underside, or the front the back; to turn upside down, to invert.See also to turn about 2a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn over 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. to turn (something) on its head: see head n.¹ Phrases 6c. to turn turtle: see turtle n.² 2. to turn upside down: see upside down adv. 1.Quot. OE shows equivalent use of prefixed efttyrnan (see note in etymology). ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn the reverse or wrong way turna1200 misturna1350 overturna1382 reversec1400 revertc1440 inturn1573 retrograde1582 renversec1586 retrovert1782 roll1918 the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > be contrary to [verb (transitive)] > invert turna1200 invert?1536 OE Prudentius Glosses (Corpus Cambr. 223) in Anglia (1979) 97 39 Circumflectit [equum] : æftyrnde.] a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 103 Wi list þu turnd on þe eorðe; aris. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 443 (MED) Þe wombe and þe bowels were i-slitte and y-turned to seche gold wiþ ynne. c1450 Recipes (Douce 55) f. 15^v Folde vppe the cake..& turne it onys in the panne. a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (Gloucester) (1971) 769 He ordeyned by law þat non schuld turne þe plaes in þe dyshe. 1533 J. Heywood Mery Play Iohan Iohan sig. A.iv^v It were tyme for to torne The pye for ywys it doth borne. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 45^v The Grasse being cutte, must be well tedded and turned. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 268 They turn a half minute Sand-Glass. 1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Literal Fault When a Letter is..transpos'd or turn'd. 1773 J. Boswell Jrnl. 3 Oct. in Jrnl. Tour Hebrides (1785) 344 When he turned his cup at Aberbrothick, where we drank tea. 1868 C. M. Yonge Pupils of St. John vii. 97 He turned his horse, and was about to flee. 1875 J. Ruskin Fors Clavigera V. liii. 117 Her..fine legerdemain in turning pancakes. 1977 N.Z. Woman's Weekly 10 Jan. 54/1 The spatula normally used for turning girdle scones or pikelets. 2004 Vanity Fair July 119/1 Freshmen turn their speakers to face the courtyard and blast music. †b. transitive. figurative. To invert the order of, to reverse (components of a name); to convert (the subject and predicate of a proposition). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > conversion of a proposition > convert [verb (transitive)] convert1638 turn1654 reconvert1849 contrapone1864 infinitate1864 contraposit1880 a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 391 My modir..commaunded..that whan I was crystened they sholde crystyn me Trystrames. And because I wolde nat be knowyn in this contrey I turned my name and let calle me Tramtryste. ?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 104 (MED) Here þis name ‘Eva’ is turnyd ‘Aue’. a1569 A. Kingsmill Viewe Mans Estate (1580) 20 Christe tourned Water into Wine. Turne not his miracle, make not, I meane, water of wine. 1654 Z. Coke Art of Logick 114 These..are not to be turned; Christ is a vine; Bread is Christs body. 10. In specific uses. a. transitive. To reverse (a page of a book) in order to read or write on the other side or on the next page. Formerly also: †to reverse each of the pages of (a book) in succession, to read or search through (obsolete). See also to turn over 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. page turner n.In quot. c1830: to find and open at the place in (the service books) for the organist and choir; cf. to turn up at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] readOE turnc1300 see1379 revolve1485 peruse1532 supervise1541 c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) l. 24 Laweman þes bokes bieolde. an þe leues tornde [c1275 Calig. wende]. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. iii. l. 337 Had ȝe [emended in ed. to she] loked þat other half and þe lef torned. c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Fifteen Joys l. 6 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 268 (MED) Turnyng the book, I fond A meditacioun which first cam to myn hond. 1597 J. Payne Royall Exchange 25 Better..ys a short and diligent readinge..then to turn manie leaves with small regard and less apprehention. 1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 3 When we haue all the learned volumes turnd. 1688 S. Penton Guardian's Instr. 73 Able to read Greek, and turn the Lexicon upon occasion. a1774 R. Fergusson Poems Var. Subj. (1779) II. 126 While youth studentious turn thy folio page. c1830 G. Elvey in Bumpus's Cathedrals, Canterbury (1906) 36 Going down..to turn the books for the service one morning. 1935 G. Blake Shipbuilders (1986) xi. 381 He sat at an oak table and turned the leaves of a periodical called Punch. 2016 Church Times 16 Sept. 18/3 Most readers turn the page to find something less grim to read. b. transitive. To plough or dig (soil) so as to bring the underparts to the surface. Also intransitive.In quot. 1844: to bring (seed) under by doing this.See also to turn in at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn over 2c at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 4a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over turnc1425 to turn up1523 trench1573 to turn over1580 whelm1652 invert1712 c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 1052 He toke hem [sc. oxen] be the hornes long..And ladde hem thanne vnto the plow, And ȝoked hem and dede hem drawe, And turned that lond. 1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 108 Thou shalt yoke hem and make hem to tourne foure rodd of londe. ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. ii^v Howe these plowes shulde be tempred to plowe & turne clene. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 100 Starting, with a bound He turns the Turf, and shakes the solid Ground. View more context for this quotation 1799 H. Lee Canterbury Tales (ed. 2) I. 392 The earth has been newly turned. 1825 Mirror 5 278/2 He..when turning peats walked..fearlessly among the Hags of Lochar Moss. 1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 i. 62 The seed being sown on the surface, and turned under by a shallow furrow with the plough. 1892 Sat. Rev. 11 June 671/1 The first sod of the..Railway was turned on Tuesday. 1990 Jrnl. Appl. Ecol. 27 898 A small mechanical rotary cultivator..was used to break up and turn the turf, cultivating to about 15 cm depth. c. transitive. To reverse (a garment, etc.) so that the inner side becomes the outer, to turn inside out. Hence: to alter or remake (a garment) by putting the worn outer side on the inside.See also to turn one's coat at Phrases 1d. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > repair or renovate turn?c1475 translate1503 spetch1828 mend1836 clobber1851 reviver1852 the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn inside out turn?c1475 evert1578 to turn outa1585 invert1598 flipe1788 ?c1475 [implied in: Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) f. 131^v A Turnyd clothe, interpola, interpolus. (at turned adj. 6c)]. a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Diiii Trymme at her tayle or a man can turne a socke. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 44 A paire of olde breeches thrice turn'd . View more context for this quotation 1680 V. Alsop Mischief Impositions Ep. Ded. Like an old Livery new turn'd and fresh trim'd up. 1834 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) I. 10 I am now turning my pelisse. 1893 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 11 Feb. 774/2 A way of turning an old frock. 1943 Beaver (Winnipeg) Sept. 37 In skinning, a pelt was turned, or ‘cased’, much as one turns a sock. 1976 Reader's Digest Compl. Guide to Sewing 81 To turn a dress, pull each back through each shoulder, then flip the front to the back. 11. a. transitive. To cause (the stomach) to be nauseated. Also figurative. Usually in to turn (a person's) stomach: to nauseate (a person), to disgust extremely. In quots. 1749, 1818 in extended use. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > unsavouriness > disgust [verb (transitive)] accloy1519 to turn (a person's) stomach1549 distaste1611 disseason1625 disgust1650 to gross out1966 the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > disgust > disgust or excite repugnance [verb] to turn (a person's) stomach1549 revolt1834 to make a person turn in his or her grave1888 to turn off1966 1549 J. Ponet tr. B. Ochino Tragoedie Unjuste Usurped Primacie sig. Cc.iiii We also knowe that the gospell is a moste swete and pleasant medecine to the chosen of god, although it turne the stomake of suche, as be reiected. 1622 J. Mabbe tr. M. Alemán Rogue ii. 355 I may not giue it a worse word, for feare of turning thy stomake. 1738 A. Pope One Thousand Seven Hundred & Thirty Eight Dialogue II 12 This filthy Simile..Quite turns my Stomach. 1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. i. i. 5 The one provokes..the most languid Appetite, the other turns and palls that which is..keenest. View more context for this quotation 1818 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto IV lxxvi. 41 The daily drug which turn'd My sickening memory. 1892 Temple Bar Sept. 35 Questions that would turn the stomach of a school inspector. 2014 J. Reynolds & B. Kiely All Amer. Boys 300 The smell of mint suddenly turned my stomach. b. intransitive. Of the stomach: to be affected with nausea. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (intransitive)] > of person: feel nausea > of stomach overcast?a1513 wamblea1529 walter?1544 turn1570 1570 B. Googe tr. T. Kirchmeyer Popish Kingdome iv. f. 56 He farre in noyse exceedes them all, and eke in drinking drie The cuppes, a prince he is, and holdes their heades that speewing lie, And that with such attendaunce good, that often therewithall His stomacke turnes [L. ima quoad stomachi fundamina uertit]. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 84 Their Stomachs turn'd at this Sight. 1978 ‘J. Gash’ Gold from Gemini vi. 53 He offered to brew up but my stomach turned. 2015 S. Crossan One 206 The sight of the peppered chicken..makes my stomach turn. III. To change or reverse course.In the senses in this branch the emphasis is on changing a current course to a different one, with indication of the resultant direction or destination absent or secondary. For senses in which the notion of direction or destination is primary, see branch IV. * Senses denoting change of course or direction. 12. a. transitive. figurative. To divert or deflect (a person) from a course of action, purpose, thought, etc. (now somewhat rare); to alter the course of (something immaterial). Formerly sometimes also: †to direct (a document, a law, etc.) to a wrong use, misapply (with admixture of sense 22) (obsolete).See also to turn aside at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14240 Swa to turrnenn all þe boc. Till þeȝȝre grediȝnesse. c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) l. 698 Ne mei me nowðer teone ne tintreo turnen from mi leoue monnes luue. c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 61 To gete goodes and richesses longith mych bisines and trauayle, and..such besinesses may torne a man fro the geting of worschip. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 95 How torne they the lawe and statutes at their pleasir. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xvii. §41. 66 I sall noght be turnyd fra that entent. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Prophetesse iii. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Eeee3/1 It is not in thy power to turn this destiny. 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ix. 136 No submissions can turn our severe master. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xvi. 273 I..turned the conversation to something else. 1888 J. Bryce Amer. Commonw. I. v. 55 These thirty-six votes turned the election. 1998 R. Gordon Ailments through Ages 6 Washington endured false teeth more philosophically than toothache, but found they made him mumble, which turned him from public speaking. 2004 Brownsville (Texas) Herald 19 Sept. e3/2 They said it turned the election because after that, the Democrat could not get any attention. †b. transitive. To mislead, beguile, cheat (a person). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > deceive [verb (transitive)] aschrenchc885 blendc888 swikec950 belirtOE beswike971 blencha1000 blenka1000 belieOE becatchc1175 trokec1175 beguile?c1225 biwrench?c1225 guile?c1225 trechec1230 unordainc1300 blink1303 deceivec1320 feintc1330 trechetc1330 misusea1382 blind1382 forgo1382 beglose1393 troil1393 turnc1405 lirt?a1425 abuse?a1439 ludify1447 amuse1480 wilec1480 trump1487 delude?a1505 sile1508 betrumpa1522 blear1530 aveugle1543 mislippen1552 pot1560 disglose1565 oversile1568 blaze1570 blirre1570 bleck1573 overtake1581 fail1590 bafflea1592 blanch1592 geck?a1600 hallucinate1604 hoodwink1610 intrigue1612 guggle1617 nigglea1625 nose-wipe1628 cog1629 cheat1637 flam1637 nurse1639 jilt1660 top1663 chaldese1664 bilk1672 bejuggle1680 nuzzlec1680 snub1694 bite1709 nebus1712 fugle1719 to take in1740 have?1780 quirk1791 rum1812 rattlesnake1818 chicane1835 to suck in1842 mogue1854 blinker1865 to have on1867 mag1869 sleight1876 bumfuzzle1878 swop1890 wool1890 spruce1917 jive1928 shit1934 smokescreen1950 dick1964 c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Tale (Ellesmere) (1875) l. 1171 Hym to bigile he thoghte..Til he had terned hym, he koude nat blynne. †c. transitive (reflexive). To change one's course of action. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xxiv. E Yf ye forsake the Lorde,..then shall the Lorde turne him, and do you euell. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xc. 13 Turne the agayne (o Lorde) at the last, and be gracious vnto thy seruauntes. 13. †a. transitive. To transfer (a person) to a different post, office, or allegiance; to hand over (land or property) to a different owner. Also intransitive with passive sense. Cf. to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (English regional (Yorkshire) in later use).In later literary use chiefly with allusion to Lamentations 5:2 (King James Version); cf. quot. 1535. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another i-taechec888 outreacheOE sellc950 beteacha1000 areachc1000 turnc1175 handsellc1225 betakec1250 deliverc1300 beken1330 yielda1382 disposec1384 resigna1387 livera1400 to turn overa1425 deputea1440 overgive1444 quit?c1450 surrend1450 surrender1466 renderc1480 to give over1483 despose1485 refer1547 to pass over1560 to set over1585 behight1590 tip1610 consign1632 delegate1633 skink1637 to hand over1644 delate1651 to turn off1667 to turn in1822 the mind > possession > relinquishing > make relinquishment [verb (intransitive)] > hand over to another turn1400 surrender1651 to come across with1895 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 9363 Ne munn denn þeȝȝ nohht habbenn mihht..To turrnenn hemm all till hiss hannd. To follȝhenn all hiss lare. a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 185 He dude his wille þar-offe. Swo ich wile mine nu hit [sc. property] is to me iturnd. c1300 St. Thomas Becket (Laud) l. 243 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 113 Þis holi Man was i-torned fram þe office of holi churche To a gret office of þe worlde. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 301 Þe abbot was i-chaunged and i-torned [L. translatus est] fro [emended in ed. to to] his owne abbay in Normandie. 1400 in Ancestor (1904) July 14 Yef it so be that Sir Nicholl deye..I wil that the fornseyd place wyth alle the portenans torne to Anneys Nook myn servant. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Lament. v. 2 Oure enheritaunce is turned to the straungers. 1587–8 Protocol Bk. J. Inglis 7 Feb. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (at cited word) Comperit Margaret Reid..with..assent of Johne Forbeis hir spous..turnand & transferand thair haill reycht & titill of reycht..in the handis..of..Thomes & his foirsaidis. 1689 J. Whittel Exact Diary Late Exped. Prince of Orange 8 Our necks being under oppression by Popish Governours, our Inheritance turn'd to Strangers, and our Houses to Aliens. 1753 Earnest Persuasive & Exhort. Jews 7 Your inheritance turned to strangers, your houses to aliens. 1905 C. C. Robinson in Eng. Dial. Dict. VI. 273/1 [West Yorkshire] When you have done with it, turn it to him. b. transitive. Originally: to cause (money or commodities) to circulate; frequently in turn and wind at wind v.¹ 11e (obsolete). Hence: (colloquial) to earn as profit (a sum of money).See also to turn over 6a(a) at Phrasal verbs 1 and to turn a profit at Phrases 1l. to turn the penny, to turn an honest penny: see penny n. Phrases 1b. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade to turn over1585 turn1598 to turn and wind1598 wind1598 return1677 handle1889 1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. iv. 93 By turning and winding base marchandise in Affrica and Sicilia, he gayned his liuing. 1607 B. Jonson Volpone i. i. sig. B^v I turne no moneys, in the publike banke. View more context for this quotation 1680 W. Temple Ess. Advancem. Trade Ireland in Miscellanea 119 Hide, Tallow, Butter..yield the readiest Money of any [commodities] that are turned in this Kingdom. 1833 F. Chamier Life Sailor I. xiii. 267 The few commission merchants who were sent out to die, or to turn a dollar, could hardly constitute society. 1863 D. G. Mitchell My Farm of Edgewood 214 The shopkeeper, who turns his capital three or four times in a year. 1978 J. Mortimer Rumpole of Bailey 7 Hoping to turn a bob or two which won't be immediately grabbed by the taxman. 2010 New Yorker 9 Aug. 8/1 Warhol spurned no weak idea—dollar signs, diamond-dust shoes—that might turn a buck. c. intransitive. Of a commodity: to be sold and replaced, be turned over. U.S. ΚΠ 1898 Printers' Ink 19 Jan. 18/2 The house furnishing stock ought to turn more frequently and quickly. 1928 Publishers' Weekly 30 June (inset) Your Star Dollar Series is the fastest turning merchandise that we have ever had in our store. 2004 N. Barham Dis/Connected 248 There are deliveries going on twenty hours a day. They cannot get it out on the floor quick enough. The stock turns so fast. 14. a. transitive. To alter the course of (travel); to cause (a ship, vehicle, horse, stream, etc.) to go another way; to divert, deflect.Cf. to turn aside at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. to turn house: (Mining) to change the direction of excavation (see quot. 1778). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course charec1000 wrencha1200 turnc1275 to turn againc1330 swerve1390 wrya1400 reflectc1425 traverse1438 to turn aside1535 deduce1541 divert1548 to turn off1573 wrig1582 react1599 deflect1615 slent1639 decline1646 deviate1660 to wind off1677 sway1678 warp1814 switch1861 baffle1883 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 2042 He turnde his fare & ferd feorh-riht to Wales. c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7930 Her stedes þai gun terne..Þai þurth perced þo Sarraȝin. 1372 in E. Wilson Descriptive Index Lyrics John of Grimestone's Preaching Bk. (1973) 43 (MED) He bad hem turnen here gate. a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 4624 As a shyppe þat ys turned with þe roþer. a1475 (?a1350) Seege Troye (Harl.) (1927) l. 94 (MED) Þei shuld seyle Swythe a-geyn..They turned her shep and cast abought. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. i. 132 You shal haue Trent turnd . View more context for this quotation a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 33 His rod over the left eare of his horse, which he is to vse for turning him euery way. a1680 S. Charnock Several Disc. Existence of God (1682) 453 As if you..see a..sight of Birds..turn wing another way. 1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis 99 If they are working or driving from east to west,..and perceive the Lode is gone,..they..turn house as they call it, or, in other words, they drive north or south. 1794 Act for inclosing South Kelsey 12 Such..Path so stopped up or turned. 1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel II. 48 They turn'd the winding rivulet's course. 1887 R. Hunt Brit. Mining (ed. 2) 914/1 Turn-house, altering the direction of the workings. 1923 G. W. Reed Hist. Sacramento County xviii. 143/1 This danger [of flood] was minimized by turning the course of the American River. 2018 B. B. Reinke Race Cars on the Go 7 The steering wheel turns the car. Foot pedals make the car stop and go. b. transitive. To arrest the forward motion of (a blow or thrust); to cause (an advancing person or animal) to go aside or retreat (cf. sense 18b); to throw off, keep out (wet). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > deflect turn?1624 ?1624 G. Chapman tr. Βατραχομυομαχια in tr. Crowne Homers Wks. 14 Casting, his keene lance Off at Troxartes; whose shield turn'd th'aduance The sharpe head made. 1627 R. Sanderson Ten Serm. 404 Like an vnruly Coult..; no ground will hold him, no fence turne him. a1658 J. Cleveland On Inundation of River Trent in Wks. (1687) 292 We whose unliquor'd Hides will turn no wet. 1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 51 Spreading thorns that turn'd a summer shower. 1843 T. B. Macaulay Horatius xliv With shield and blade Horatius Right deftly turned the blow. 1891 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 9 153 The snapping of a dry stick is not sufficient to turn the tiger. 2014 J. McCain & M. Salter Thirteen Soldiers iii. 79 Several batteries, including Bragg's, pounded the attackers and turned the advance. c. Cricket. (a) intransitive. Of the ball: to break or turn in its course after pitching. Cf. break v. 32b. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (intransitive)] > motion of ball to make haste?a1475 twist?1801 cut1816 shoot1816 curl1833 hang1838 work1838 break1847 spin1851 turn1851 bump1856 bite1867 pop1871 swerve1894 to kick up1895 nip1899 swing1900 google1907 move1938 seam1960 to play (hit, etc.) across the line1961 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field vii. 103 While the bat is descending on the ball, the ball may rise or turn, to say nothing of the liability of the hand to miss. 1909 W. G. Grace W. G.'s Little Bk. iii. 33 I don't know the moment he delivers the ball which way it will turn on pitching. 1930 Morning Post 16 July 11/6 The bowlers were making the ball turn more than before luncheon. 2018 Observer (Nexis) 22 Sept. (Sport section) Playing three spinners will be a serious option. If the ball turns from the start, then the contribution of the finger-spinners becomes decisive. (b) transitive. Of the bowler: to cause (the ball) to break. Also intransitive. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (transitive)] > bowl in specific manner twist1816 overthrow1833 to bowl over the wicket1851 overpitch1851 bump1869 york1882 to break a ball1884 flog1884 to bowl round (or formerly outside) the wicket1887 turn1898 flick1902 curl1904 spin1904 volley1909 flight1912 to give (a ball) air1920 tweak1935 move1938 overspin1940 swing1948 bounce1960 cut1960 seam1963 dolly1985 1898 G. Giffen With Bat & Ball iii. 47 There are very few men bowling at Mac's pace who can turn the ball on the Adelaide Oval. 1920 P. F. Warner Cricket (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) (new ed.) vi. 231 J. M. Blanckenberg bowled very well, turning the ball both ways by orthodox finger work. 1955 Times 16 Aug. 3/3 He flighted and turned from leg just enough on what had previously seemed to be an easy paced surface. 2018 Dumfries & Galloway Standard (Nexis) 10 Aug. 56 Leg spinner Hammad caused a lot of problems to the batsmen as he turned the ball an unbelievable distance for this level of cricket. 15. a. intransitive. Of the wind: to shift, so as to blow from a different quarter. ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > blow (of the wind) [verb (intransitive)] > blow from a particular quarter > change direction wendc1275 turnc1300 waw1496 shift1661 whiffle1697 tack1727 haul1769 to come around1797 c1300 St. Brendan (Harl.) (1844) 24 Tho turnde the wynd into the north and south-ward hem drof faste. c1475 (c1450) P. Idley Instr. to his Son (Cambr.) (1935) ii. B. l. 142 (MED) Lordis woll now hate and now loue, As the wynde turneth now Est and now Weste. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Britain i. 587 Unlesse the winde turne from West into the South. 1702 T. Marwood Diary in Publ. Catholic Rec. Soc. (1909) 7 121 After Noon the Wind turned, and it rayned a little. 1843 Fraser's Mag. 28 713 The wind turned perversely a-head the third day out. 2000 C. D. Whiteman Mountain Meteorol. v. 60 Terrain channeling can force the wind to turn and blow along the axis of a valley. b. intransitive. To change one's current course, so as to go in a different direction; to deviate. Usually with adverb or prepositional phrase (esp. expressing direction or destination; cf. branch IV.). Also figurative.See also to turn aside 1 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn away 3b at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn down 3a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn in 3 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 5 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn up 3 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] charec1000 stintc1330 turnc1330 to turn awaya1382 windc1385 casta1475 rebatea1500 strike1576 to cast about1591 veer1769 to come around1797 twist?1801 vert1859 the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction > of a person turnc1330 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off turnc1330 to turn asidea1382 to turn in1535 to wave one's way1548 strike1576 to turn off1605 c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 3669 Out of þe way ȝhe gan terne, Ase ȝhe wolde do hire dedes derne. c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 305 (MED) When a chare is rewled redely..how it torneþ we beholden well. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 106 Quhen þai þe king..Saw sua behind his mengne rid, And saw him torne sa mony tid. 1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 23^v He runnes far that neuer turnes. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 292 Imminent miserie,..(they say) together with the almes, turneth from them to the poore man. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 370 Turning a little down we came to another Piazza. 1697 J. Dryden Ded. Æneis in tr. Virgil Wks. sig. d1^v Virgil..turns short on the sudden into some similitude, which diverts..your attention from the main Subject. 1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 2 As they turned into the Strada di Toledo he had nearly lost them. 1827 W. Scott Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xii. 232 He..turned from the road, and descended the path towards the hut. 1943 National Geographic Mag. Dec. 758/1 We turned off the highway on a dirt road. 2002 P. Collins Men from Boys 173 He turned up the ginnel that led past a small private reservoir. c. intransitive. Of a road, path, line, etc.: to change direction, typically at a bend or curve; (also) to branch off at an angle from the main road or line. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > change direction > turn or bend turn1535 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Josh. xix. C Their border..goeth out vnto Iordane, and turneth westwarde to Asnoth Thabor. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. i. 11 Following the smith down a lane which turned to the left hand towards the river. 1892 Harper's Mag. May 907/2 Railways turn and curve through the valleys. 1999 D. Horan Oxford (2002) iv. 70 The road turns at right-angles to open into one of Oxford's most perfect and evocative scenes. 2012 Independent 21 Jan. (Traveller section) 39/4 We crossed the river below the bungalow where..the road turns left. †d. intransitive. Nautical. To beat to windward; to tack. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > luff or turn to windward > in tacking turn1589 to turn up1589 to heave (the ship) in stays1726 1589 J. Sparke in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 533 With contrary windes blowing, whereby for feare of the shore we were faine to hale off to haue anker hold, sometimes a whole day and a night turning vp and downe. 1633 T. James Strange Voy. 93 We turned amongst this Ice, staying the Ship. 1706 London Gaz. No. 4215/3 The Wind being at North-East, they turned all that day.., but could not fetch Torbay. 16. a. transitive. To alter one's course so as to get to the other side of (a corner, a bend, etc.); to go or pass round. to turn the corner: see corner n.¹ 2b. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > through or over obstacles > pass round an obstacle or corner turn1677 1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iv. i. 39 Sir Arth. Is he gone? Dorr. Yes Sir—just turn'd the corner of the street in so hasty and discompos'd a manner, that it argues him plotting some business of importance. 1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes (new ed.) I. i. i. 6 To turn with kindling wheels the goal. 1807 J. Johnson Oriental Voy. 54 They make most excellent drivers, and think nothing of turning short corners. 1820 G. Belzoni Narr. Egypt & Nubia iii. 318 With the expectation, that on turning the next angle, I should have the glorious sight. 1841 Sporting Rev. Aug. 107 We had turned the bend of the stream; were off in a different direction, with a swift rushing current, beyond the danger of pursuit. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xx. 493 Before Columbus had crossed the Atlantic, before Gama had turned the Cape. 1932 Pop. Mech. Sept. 443/1 The center of mass must be so disposed that the side thrust created in turning corners, presses downward on the outside wheels, thus increasing traction. 2012 M. Harss tr. C. Comencini When the Night xiii. 148 I wanted to see his face, but as we turned the bend he was no longer illuminated. b. transitive. Military. To get round (an enemy's position). Also figurative. See also to turn the flank of at Phrases 1g. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > manoeuvre > [verb (transitive)] > outflank overwing1623 outwing1648 turn1762 outflank1766 1762 tr. Frederick II of Prussia Mil. Instr. xxii. 116 An axiom in the art of war, is to secure your rear and flanks, and endeavour to turn those of the enemy. 1846 R. C. Trench Christ Desire of All Nations i. 13 Not so much anxiously defending our own position, as confidently turning theirs. 1861 J. S. Mill Utilitarianism v. 84 These are difficulties;..and many devices have been invented to turn rather than to overcome them. 1892 Black & White 19 Mar. 371/2 The skill of the attack in turning the Russian defences. 1904 R. P. Dunn-Pattison in Cambr. Mod. Hist. VIII. xiv. 437 Its [sc. Switzerland's] occupation by the Allies would have allowed them to turn the rear of the Army of the Rhine. 1992 A. W. Eckert Sorrow in our Heart viii. 477 The hidden left wing of the army..would drive to the attack and attempt to turn the right flank. 2010 G. Corrigan Second World War xviii. 52 Trying to turn the German defences by a flanking movement through the mountains to the east. c. transitive. Sport (esp. Association Football). To get round (an opponent at close quarters) by making it necessary for him or her to change direction. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > association football > play association football [verb (transitive)] > actions to player rob1882 book1959 turn1973 card1986 yellow card1996 1973 E. Dunphy Diary 21 Oct. in Only a Game? (1976) iv. 121 He turns full backs, he does unusual things on the ball, he creates unusual situations. 1980 Times 3 Apr. 13/2 Francis..turned Buchan and sent in a stinging shot. 2014 Hull Daily Mail (Nexis) 21 May (Sport section) 2 Arnold skillfully turned her defender to shoot and after the ball was parried by the keeper, Escreet pounced to slide it into the net. 17. a. transitive. In past participle. In predicative use: having passed (a particular age or, less commonly, time); more than, past. Formerly also followed by of and a specified age or time. ΚΠ 1683 J. Barnard Theologo-historicus 83 For such Persons to live unto extraordinary years, and keep up their wonted Parts, moft Vigorously after they are turned Sixty, which is the deep Autumne of Man's Life. 1700 W. Congreve Way of World iii. i. 39 I hear he is turn'd of Forty. 1702 G. Farquhar Inconstant i. i. 1 D. Sirrah, what's a Clock? P. Turn'd of eleven, Sir. 1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 21 The little knot of unmarried females turned fifty. 1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot I. i. 84 I'm nineteen,..and you are turned twenty. 1892 Harper's Mag. Aug. 450/2 I was young then—only just turned of two-and-twenty. And now,..I am turned of forty-five! 1935 R. A. Knox Barchester Pilgrimage (1996) i. 21 Johnny is got hold of by the Socinians before he is turned twenty-one. 1994 M. R. Katz tr. I. Turgenev Fathers & Sons 46 He was also ‘youngish’, that is, recently turned forty, but already aspiring to an important government position. b. transitive. To pass, get beyond (a particular age or, less commonly, time). Formerly also: †to surpass (an amount) (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > continuance or tenacity of life > continue in life [verb (transitive)] > survive age or stage in life passc1350 overgoa1400 surmounta1530 out-pitch1627 turn1716 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 > time > particular time > [verb (transitive)] > pass or get beyond a particular time turn1893 1716 J. Evans Funeral Serm. Daniel Williams 49 As he had turn'd the Age of Man; so Bodily Disorders greatly imbitter'd Life. 1789 H. L. Piozzi Observ. Journey France I. 90 Let a man once turn sixty..and his natural heirs are sure of him. 1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands & Islands II. xx. 272 I had turned my fourteenth year. 1893 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 10 June 524/3 It had turned a quarter past one. 1899 Q. Rev. Jan. 194 The vast ‘Coleccion de documentos inéditos’ is turning the hundred in the numbering of its volumes. 1995 N. Hornby High Fidelity (1996) xxiv. 171 It's just turned twelve, so I can buy some beer. 2013 New Yorker 3 June 23/1 Gordon turned sixty in April. Senses denoting reversal of course or direction. 18.** a. intransitive. To reverse one's, or its, course; to begin to go, or to tend, in the opposite direction; to be reversed; spec. (of the tide) to change from flood to ebb, or from ebb to flood. Now esp. figurative, denoting reversal in one's fortune or circumstances. Cf. to turn back 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course turnc1275 to turn aboutc1330 repeata1382 to turn againc1384 to turn backc1425 re-turn1483 resore1486 to turn the backc1540 to turn round1560 to set back1803 resile1887 to break back1933 the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] awendOE recommence1481 relieve?1510 turn1594 remigrate1601 to cast back1622 recounter1630 regress1650 retrovert1782 to turn round1802 retrogress1860 to turn back1886 U-turn1973 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 3762 He..turnde to flæme [c1300 Otho tornde to flende]. a1400 Cato's Distichs (Fairf.) l. 170 in R. Morris Cursor Mundi (1878) III. p. 1671 Quen þi hap turnis baft and logh þou lise. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. E4^v My vncontrolled tide Turnes not, but swels the higher by this let. View more context for this quotation 1689 London Gaz. No. 2518/3 About four in the Afternoon the Tide turn'd. 1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xiv. 288 Stocks fell..the exchange turned—money became scarce. 1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife iii. iv I fancied..the luck would turn. 1924 J. Buchan Three Hostages xvi. 227 That's life, my dear. We've got to go on to the finish anyhow, trusting that luck will turn. 1983 A. Scholefield Sea Cave ii. vi. 214 ‘What time are the tides today?’ ‘I don't know, but it looks as if it's already turned.’ 2010 Cathedral Music May 6 The Church of England is not highly regarded..and until that particular tide turns, all the marketing in the world will make little difference. b. transitive. figurative. To reverse the course of (fortune, esp. figured as the tide; cf. tide n. 9). Cf. to turn back 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. rare. to turn the dice: (in quot. 1700) to reverse the luck. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of reverse?a1439 to turn back?1531 return?1542 retrograde1582 tergiverse1602 turn1665 to roll back1695 revert1814 1665 R. Howard & J. Dryden Indian-queen ii, in R. Howard Four New Plays 150 Till this strange man had power to turn the tide, And carry conquest unto any side. 1700 J. Dryden Chaucer's Cock & Fox in Fables 251 But see how Fortune can confound the Wise, And when they least expect it, turn the Dice. 1905 C. Squire Mythol. Brit. Isles ix. 113 This blinding of the terrible Balor turned the fortunes of the fight. 2015 Swimming Times Apr. 47/1 Wright turned the tide, helped..by the club's link with Edinburgh swim school SwimEasy. †19. a. intransitive. To go or come back; to return. Cf. to turn again 1 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)] to wend againeOE i-cherrec1000 again-chareOE again-comeOE again-fareOE again-goOE eft-sithec1175 to turn againc1175 returna1325 attournec1386 turnc1390 recovera1393 repair?c1400 recourse?a1425 to go backc1425 resortc1425 revertc1475 renew1488 retour?1505 to make return1534 to turn back1538 retend1543 to come short home1548 regress1552 rejourna1556 revolt1567 revolve1587 repeal1596 recur1612 rewend1616 revene1656 to get back1664 to take back1674 c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 246 Heo demede sone þorwh hire Merci þat þe soule to þe bodi schulde tornen and don penaunce. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11526 Þai had in wil þat ilk night To torn be herods. c1440 (a1400) Awntyrs Arthure (Thornton) l. 284 Turne þou to tuskayne. a1500 Let. Alexander l. 483 in Mediaeval Stud. (1979) 41 141 (MED) Alisaunder..thow shalt be lord of al the world, but alive into thi cuntrey shaltow never more torne. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iv. iv. 185 Eeare from this war thou turne a conqueror. View more context for this quotation b. intransitive. Of property: to return to the former possessor; to revert. Cf. to turn again 3 at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] reverta1325 to turn againc1325 turn1500 to fall in1784 1500 in J. B. Paul Registrum Magni Sigilli Scotorum (1882) II. 537/1 Landis..To be haldin to the said Patrik and hys airis maill.., the quhilkis failyeand turnand to me..and my airis. c. transitive. To give or send (something) back; to return. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > giving back or restitution > give back [verb (transitive)] yieldc897 agiveOE again-setOE restorec1325 acquitc1330 to pay outa1382 refundc1386 to give againa1400 quita1400 restituec1400 reliver1426 surrend1450 redeliver1490 refer1496 render1513 rebail1539 re-present1564 regive1575 to give backa1586 to turn back1587 relate1590 turn1597 returna1632 to hand back1638 redonate1656 reappropriate1659 re-cede1684 revert1688 replace1776 restitute1885 to kick back1926 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iv. i. 38 I will turne thy falshoode to thy heart, Where it was forged with my rapiers point. View more context for this quotation a1637 B. Jonson Sad Shepherd i. vii. 11 in Wks. (1640) III Shee'll turne us thanks. View more context for this quotation IV. To change or reverse course with direction or destination indicated.See note at branch III. 20. With reference chiefly to the direction taken.See also uses with adverbs in Phrasal verbs 1. †a. transitive (reflexive). To direct one's course, head, set oneself to go, in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); = sense 21a. See also Phrases 2d. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn to face a direction turnc1175 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12730 Crist himm turrnde towarrd hemm & sahh hemm baþe. c1300 St. Mary of Egypt (Laud) l. 187 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 266 Þis womman tornede hire estward. ?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 72 When a man turnez him to þe est. c1480 (a1400) St. Mary of Egypt 265 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 303 I ma nocht me turne to þe. 1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Svpper of the Lorde f. cxxvii^v Then shall the Priest..turne hym to the people. 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 137 Turne you where your Lady is. View more context for this quotation 1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey I. iii. 603 The Monarch turns him to his royal guest. 1812 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Paradiso xxii. 2 To the guardian of my steps I turn'd me. 1909 L. Binyon England 84 And if I turn me to my kin And if I stay the Northmen's hand, What will Harold give to my friend this day? b. transitive. To move (a part of the body, a weapon) so as to face or be directed towards or away from a specified person or thing, or in a specified direction. Also in extended use. ΚΠ c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 234 Ah aȝein lecherie þu most turne þe rug [= back]. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 10307 Turnden [c1300 Otho tornde] heo heore ordes. stikeden & sloȝen al þat heo neh comen. c1330 Roland & Vernagu (Auch.) (1882) l. 341 An image..Stode on a roche... Þe face of him was turned souþe riȝt. ?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 45 (MED) As she loked in a mirrour..the deuell turned to her his ars. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxii. 254 He tournyd his face to her warde. 1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Hj ^v You are so wetherwise, turninge your tayle into euery wynde. 1693 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Fable Acis, Polyphemus & Galatea in Examen Poeticum 91 Plumbs to tempt you, turn their glossy side. 1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) vii. 205 The armies upon which the eyes of all Europe are turned. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward III. xiii. 319 D'Hymbercourt turned two culverins on the gate. 1880 L. Stephen Alexander Pope vi. 157 A soured man prefers to turn his worst side outwards. 2004 P. Southern Craze xxxvii. 257 Azad..turned his eyes on the street. c. intransitive. To change one's position so as to face towards or away from a specified person or thing; to direct oneself; to face (with implied change of direction). See also Phrases 2d. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction turnc1330 convertc1384 to bear one's (also the, a) face (also head)c1400 beturn1594 swerve1607 face1623 orientate1848 to front about1886 orient1896 c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 435 For toward hem he wole turne Boþe wraþful and eke sterne. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 11711 Iesu turned to þat tre. c1470 tr. R. D'Argenteuil's French Bible (Cleveland) (1977) 79 (MED) Vaspasian..made there furthwith to dresse up his standard and sette themperial baner aboue with the dragon of gold..this dragon turnid toward the cuntre and remeued him not tille themperoure had wonne the cuntre. a1500 (c1400) St. Erkenwald (1977) l. 177 (MED) Then he turnes to þe toumbe and talkes to þe corce. 1602 J. Harington Let. 27 Dec. (1930) 97 To turne askante from her condition withe tearlesse eyes. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) i. i. 190 Turne this way Henry, and regard them not. View more context for this quotation 1757 T. Gray Ode I i. iii, in Odes 7 Where'er she turns the Graces homage pay. 1824 Lit. Magnet 2 49 But coldly she turns from their gaze and weeps. 1890 A. Gissing Village Hampden II. xiii. 273 All faces turned towards him as he rose. 2017 M. W. Sexton Kind of Freedom 117 ‘I've always eaten them,’ Evelyn said, turning toward her mother. †d. intransitive. To have a specified direction or aspect; to face (without a change of direction). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > have specific aspect beholda1382 look?1440 stand?1473 turn1535 prospect1555 spect1585 face1638 point1859 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xliii. 1 He brought me to y^e dore, that turneth towarde the east. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iii. xxi. 188 In places whereas the land..turnes from the shadow of the mountaines. 21. a. intransitive. To direct one's course, head, set oneself to go, in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); sometimes almost synonymous with ‘go’ or ‘come’ with special reference to destination. Cf. sense 15. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] thinkeOE bowa1000 seta1000 scritheOE minlOE turnc1175 to wend one's wayc1225 ettlec1275 hieldc1275 standc1300 to take (the) gatec1330 bear?c1335 applyc1384 aim?a1400 bend1399 hita1400 straighta1400 bounc1400 intendc1425 purposec1425 appliquec1440 stevenc1440 shape1480 make1488 steera1500 course1555 to make out1558 to make in1575 to make for ——a1593 to make forth1594 plyc1595 trend1618 tour1768 to lie up1779 head1817 loop1898 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6596 & tatt ta kingess turrndenn efft. Till þeȝȝre rihhte weȝȝe. a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 139 He turnde ut of þe burh into wilderne. c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1978) l. 8746 In-to Alemayne he com..and torn [de] [c1275 Calig. com] eft to þis londe, in-to Norþhumbre þare he harmes wrohte. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 191 (MED) He torned to þe citee þat hatte ciuitas Crotoniorum, þat was al out of rule..and tauȝte þere vertues. c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 431 (MED) Schall I..turne into Tuschayne..Ryde all þas rowme landes..Byde hy[m] make reschewes..And mette me..in þase mayne landes. 1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aii The king turnit on ane tyde towart tuskane. a1631 J. Donne Poems (1650) 58 Turne thou ghost that way, and let me turne this. 1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler i. 38 I thought we had wanted three miles of the thatcht House..but now we are at it, we'l turn into it. View more context for this quotation 1893 Cornhill Mag. Nov. 474 Thither their footsteps turn. 1983 R. Sutcliff Bonnie Dundee (1985) xxv. 188 I went out through the gate and turned towards the head of the glen, and my next dawn's tryst with Balthazar. 2005 J. K. Rowling Harry Potter & Half-blood Prince xxv. 517 They turned out of the gates into the twilit, deserted lane to Hogsmeade. †b. transitive (reflexive). To set oneself to go in a particular direction (usually with implied change of course); = sense 21a. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)] turnc1175 stretcha1225 bowc1275 steer1399 straighta1400 ready?a1425 purposec1425 address1436 applya1450 shape1480 make1488 aima1500 bound1821 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)] > change one's course turnc1175 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6568 Þatt ta þreo kingess turrndenn hemm. Vt off þe rihhte weȝȝe. & forenn till herode. c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 24 Al þet hird..turneð ham treowliliche to wit hare lauerd. c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 4071 (MED) If y me thus turne in-to fraunce Wyþ-oute takynge of vengeance, Hit is to me gret schame. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 2391 Abram turned him to þe south. ?1482 J. Kay tr. G. Caoursin Siege of Rhodes And thenne they tourned theyme in the see toward Rhodes. 1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 306 We turned our selves to a River. 1867 J. B. Rose tr. Virgil Æneis 342 Turn thee hither, turn thee. a1918 I. Rosenberg Coll. Poems (1977) 11 Shall I turn me to this tavern And so rest me from the sultriness? †c. transitive. To cause or induce (a person, etc.) to take a particular course; to direct the course of (events, fortune, etc.) Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > guide wieldeOE steera1000 wisc1000 wiseOE turnc1175 kenc1200 conduec1330 dressc1330 govern1340 addressc1350 guidea1400 conducec1475 conduct1481 rectifya1500 besteer1603 helm1607 engineer1831 beacon1835 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7442 Þa kingess..þurrh dwallkennde lare. Tahhtenn & turrndenn lawedd follc. To lefenn wra[n]g o criste. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 2138 The king he torneth at his wille, And makth him forto dreme. c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 380 Wel hath Fortune yturned thee the dys. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iii. i. 15 Great Apollo Turne all to th' best. View more context for this quotation d. transitive. To direct the course of (a person's way, (now chiefly) steps, etc.); to set going in a particular direction. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)] stretcha1225 turnc1275 ready?a1400 seta1400 incline?c1400 apply?a1425 raika1500 rechec1540 make1548 address1554 frame1576 bend1579 to shape one's course1593 intend1596 tend1611 direct1632 steer1815 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6498 He walde to his londe & turnde riht þene wæi þe in-to Winchæstre lai. c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 3114 Þo þe seruise ydon was To mete þai turned her pas. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 13476 If þai..turn ham [= home] þair wai, Bi þe wai son faile sal þai. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry V f. xlix In whiche..iust quarel al good persons shal rather set bothe theyr feete forwarde, then once to turne theyr one heale backward. a1644 F. Quarles Solomons Recantation (1645) vii. 33 The wise mans sober heart is always turning His wary footsteps to the house of mourning. 1891 New Rev. Oct. 347 He then turned his steps towards the south. 2005 A. Eaton Nightpeople xxvii. 310 She thought about turning her steps dayward, back across the plains towards the valley, and home. 22. a. transitive. To put (something) to a specified use or purpose (now esp. a person's advantage); to make use of, employ (a thing). With to (formerly also †in, †into, †till, †unto).See also to turn one's hand at Phrases 1h, to turn to account at Phrases 2b(b).In quot. ?c1225: †to dedicate to a saint (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] noteOE take?a1160 turnc1175 usec1300 to fare witha1340 benote1340 spenda1400 usea1400 weara1400 naitc1400 occupy1423 to put (also set) in work?a1425 practise?c1430 apply1439 employ?1473 to call upon ——1477 help1489 tew1489 handle1509 exercise1526 improvea1529 serve1538 feed1540 enure1549 to make (also take) (a) use of1579 wield1601 adoperate1612 to avail oneself ofa1616 to avail oneself ofa1616 prevail1617 to make practice of1623 ploy1675 occasion1698 to call on ——1721 subserve1811 nuse1851 utilize1860 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 14240 Teȝȝ didenn all þe follc. Flæshlike tunnderrstanndenn. All þeȝȝre laȝhe..swa to turrnenn all þe boc. Till þeȝȝre grediȝnesse. ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 18 To þe haleȝen þet ȝe habbeð to þurh luue iturnd ouwer weouedes. 1398 in C. Innes Liber Sancte Marie de Melros (1837) 489 To be distreignede..and in[to] þaire profite to be turnide. 1445 in J. D. Marwick & R. Renwick Charters rel. Glasgow (1906) II. 440 A certane sowm..beforehand..payit be the said Davy and in myne use turnit. ?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) i. iv. f. 3^v (MED) Men þat han þis knowynge and turne hit in to prede and veyne glorie of hem selfe..sume of hem fallen eiþer in to errurs and heresyes ore in to oþer open synnes. a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 54 (MED) Ye woll vyolently vsurpe to exercise the divine office, and turne it vnto pryve glorye and to your plesaunce and profight suche as is stablischid to the honour of God. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. B4 Virgill, turning his penne to the aduantage of his Countrey. View more context for this quotation 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 251. ¶2 I..would willingly turn my Head to any thing for an honest Livelihood. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vi. 144 I trust that what I have spoken..will not be turned to my ruin? 1873 M. Oliphant Innocent II. iii. 33 An old house..which she had turned to a great many uses. 1970 Melody Maker 12 Sept. 34 Only in a capitalist society could art be turned to profit. 2018 Belfast Tel. (Nexis) 11 Aug. (Weekend section) Rather than being cowed by the exposure, Madonna shrewdly turned it to her advantage, reinventing herself again to best capitalise on this new turn of events. b. transitive. To set (a person) to perform a task or activity, achieve a goal, etc.In quot. 1781: (Nautical) = to turn up 17 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > seafaring life > [verb (transitive)] > summon crew on deck turn1603 to turn up1752 1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 647 To persuade him to forbeare to vse his forces any farther against the Christians, ouer whom he had sufficiently alreadie triumphed, and to turne them vpon the Persians. 1781 Lieut. Archer Let. 30 June in Naval Chron. (1804) 11 283 Turn all hands! make sail! 1869 T. Hughes Alfred the Great xii. 139 The whole manhood of the kingdom might have been..turned upon this work. 1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 204/2 To turn the whole country on a deserter, and so take him dead or alive. 1978 W. B. McCloskey Highliners (2013) 189 He then turned them to scrubbing the boat, topside and cabins, as the cannery gang unloaded. 23. a. transitive (reflexive). To direct one's thoughts, will, attention, etc., to or from a person or thing; = sense 23c. Now rare or archaic. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > direct one's attention [verb (reflexive)] turnc1175 convertc1430 advertisec1450 the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (reflexive)] turnc1175 tightc1300 castc1386 bethink1387 ettlec1440 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6586 He þatt turrneþþ himm fra crist..Forrleoseþþ sawless soþe lihht. a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 61 Turneð giu to me, and ich wile turne me to giu. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. xii. 77 Þey [sc. angels] neuer turneth hem to vanite but alwey to þe hiȝest god. c1480 (a1400) St. Agnes 242 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 353 Men sal..twrne þaim to þe cristine fay. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxxii. 12 O turne the from the fearcenesse of thy wrath. 1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Eviii^v Ynough for hym, yea and more then he can well turne hym to. 1832 Examiner 92/1 They were compelled to turn themselves to other employments. 1997 Prairie Schooner Spring 239 He came home..and turned himself to writing and to his literary cronies. b. transitive. To direct (one's thought, desire, speech, action, (now esp.) attention, etc.) towards (or away from) something. Usually followed by to, formerly also †on, †upon.In quot. 1659: to direct, refer (a person) to something (cf. to turn to —— at Phrasal verbs 2). ΘΚΠ 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 the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > direct actions, speech, etc., towards fasteneOE turna1200 redressa1393 intend?1504 convert1533 level1576 terminate1599 style1608 colline1674 intent1695 beam1956 target1964 a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 59 We and ure heldrene habbæð ben turnd fro him [sc. God] eure siððen þe deuel com on neddre liche to adam. a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 23 Eue biheold oþen uorbodene eppele..& turnde hire lust ðer touward & nom & et þerof. c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6824 Þe luþer men of denemarch..To hor olde luþerhede iturnd adde hor þoȝt. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Miller's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 6 Al his fantasie Was turned for to leere Astrologie. 1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxii. 90 Moche merueylled the neyghbours how she had tourned her herte to loue suche a pryour. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccccxx^v Tourning his talke to him. 1659 H. Thorndike Epil. Trag. Church of Eng. i. 175 Those, who..turn simple..Christians to that translation of the Bible which they like. 1732 True & Faithful Narr. in J. Swift Misc. III. ii. 263 His mind was wholly turn'd upon Spiritual Matters. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. i. 7 He turned his thoughts from this subject of reflection. 1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island iv. xviii. 143 We..turned our attention to poor Tom. 1912 ‘Saki’ Unbearable Bassington vii. 127 The opportunity for turning the talk more directly on him..was too good to be missed. 2016 S. Janmohamed Generation M i. 21 People are turning their attention to how to invest their values into their production and consumption cycles. c. (a) intransitive. To direct one's thoughts, desire, or will to or from some person, thing, or action. Also (now chiefly): (of the heart, mind, understanding, etc.) to be directed towards (someone or something). ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > be attentive, pay attention to [verb (intransitive)] lookeOE reckOE heedOE turna1200 beseec1200 yeme?c1225 to care forc1230 hearkenc1230 tendc1330 tentc1330 hangc1340 rewarda1382 behold1382 convert1413 advertc1425 lotec1425 resortc1450 advertise1477 mark1526 regard1526 pass1548 anchor1557 eye1592 attend1678 mind1768 face1863 a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 61 We turnen ofte to him, and fro him. c1300 St. John Evangelist (Laud) l. 383 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 413 He..turnde to lecherie And bi-cam an holer strong. c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 5 Þaȝ he torni to senne aȝen. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ii. viii. 71 He [sc. angel] is in al wise inflexibil and stabil, and turneþ neuer..to þinges þat beþ wiþouten hym. a1450 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) (1984) 13 (MED) He turned to himself and byhelde hou he had mysspended his lyf. a1500 (?a1475) Guy of Warwick (Cambr. Ff.2.38) l. 7392 (MED) Now turne we ageyne and speke of Gye, As we fynde in owre storye. 1539 Bible (Great) Exod. xxxii. 12 Turne from thy fearse wrath. 1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 173 Turnand till Goddis infinite. 1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding ii. i. 39 Ideas..make not deep Impressions..till the Understanding turn inwards upon its self, and reflect on its own Operations. 1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 2 Where'er I roam..My heart untravell'd fondly turns to thee. 1891 ‘M. Maartens’ Old Maid's Love II. iii. 46 She turned from the thought of scandal with impatience. 1978 W. F. Buckley Stained Glass xv. 147 He found it irresponsible that his thoughts should turn to skiing. 2004 H. Kunzru Transmission (2005) 90 He found his mind turning to Papaji. (b) intransitive. spec. To direct one's attention to a different subject; to begin to speak or think of something else. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse [verb (intransitive)] > direct conversation to a subject turna1413 to lead on1891 a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 688 Now lat vs stynte of Troylus..and late vs tourne [c1430 Cambr. Gg.4.27 turne, c1450 Harl. 2280 torne] faste Vn-to Criseyde. c1480 (a1400) St. Clement 622 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 391 Off þis matere now no mare I tel, bot to þe story twrne I sel of sancte clement. 1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 48 Whippet, turne to a new lesson, and strike wee vp Iohn for the King. 1718 S. Switzer Ichnographia Rustica I. vii. 193 But if these should be thought the Strains of Poets born in Countries much hotter than ours, let us turn to the sublime Thoughts of our Northernly Bards on this Subject. 1836 W. Irving Astoria III. lvi. 188 It is with a feeling of momentary relief we turn to something of a more pleasing complexion. 1939 E. D. Laborde tr. E. de Martonne Shorter Physical Geogr. (rev. ed.) xii. 170 Let us now turn to limestone topography, taking the Causses region in the south of the Central Highlands of France as our example. 2008 Atlantic Monthly Apr. 66/1 We turned to the subject of nuclear smuggling via Georgia and its breakaway territories. (c) intransitive. To direct one's attention to a practical activity; to apply oneself to or take up an occupation or pursuit. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (transitive)] > take up a profession to go into ——a1400 turn1667 embrace1768 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] > direct attention, thought, etc. lookeOE i-thenchec897 to look to ——OE send?c1420 to look upon ——c1515 to look unto ——1526 face1630 turn1842 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 630 Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn . View more context for this quotation 1842 Ld. Tennyson Locksley Hall in Poems (new ed.) II. 102 What is that which I should turn to..? Every door is barr'd with gold, and opens but to golden keys. 1891 Sat. Rev. 26 Dec. 730/1 He turned next to log-splitting. 1955 ‘P. Dennis’ Auntie Mame iii. 39 This little bundle of energy turns to making hooked rugs and woven place mats and patchwork quilts and the money just never stops rolling in. 2004 M. J. Coyner & D. Anderson Race to Reach Out 47 Team members turned to lunch with the rest of the church staff. d. intransitive. To resort or have recourse to (a person, a group, etc.); to appeal to for help or support. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke halsec825 askOE witnec1200 halsenc1290 calla1325 incalla1340 to speak to ——1362 interpel1382 inclepec1384 turnc1384 becallc1400 ethec1400 peala1425 movec1450 provoke1477 adjure1483 invoke1490 conjurea1500 sue1521 invocatea1530 obtest1548 obtestate1553 to throw oneself on (or upon)1592 obsecrate1598 charm1599 to cry on ——1609 behight1615 imprecate1643 impray1855 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xiii. 46 We turnen to gidere to hethene men. c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 51 (MED) It is seide to the good knyghte that he trust his answeris for his helthe..if he haue nede, he to tourne to lechis and phisiciens and not to Circes. a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 416 (MED) Ȝif þis wole not moue þe puple to ȝyue hym þingis þat ben nedeful, turne þis prelat to oþer puple..or ellis lyue he on his bodily trauel or oþere mennus almes as poul dide. 1633 P. Heylyn Hist. St. George (ed. 2) i. ii. 24 To forsake the living God, and turne to Baal. 1869 A. W. Ward tr. E. Curtius Hist. Greece II. iii. iii. 472 The Milesians were unable to maintain themselves in Priene and turned to Athens. 1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. i. 20 You are the one man..that I should turn to in such a time. 1912 Jrnl. Friends' Hist. Soc. 9 204 Once more we have to turn to a German writer for information. 2014 Atlantic Apr. 36/2 She'll find readers eager to turn to philosophers for help in thinking about the meaning of life. †e. intransitive. To tend, have a tendency to something. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > tendency > tend or incline [verb (intransitive)] wryc888 driveOE drawc1175 rine?c1225 soundc1374 tendc1374 lean1398 clinea1400 movec1450 turnc1450 recline?a1475 covet1520 intend?1521 extenda1533 decline?1541 bow1562 bend1567 follow1572 inflecta1575 incline1584 warpa1592 to draw near1597 squint1599 nod1600 propend1605 looka1616 verge1664 gravitate1673 set1778 slant1850 trend1863 tilt1967 c1450 (c1350) Alexander & Dindimus (Bodl.) (1929) l. 365 Tale tende we non þat turneþ to harme. ?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlv. 386 Whairto it turnes I can no^t tell. 24. a. To induce or persuade (a person) to adopt a (different) religious faith (usually with implication of its truth or excellence), or a religious or godly (instead of an irreligious or ungodly) life; to convert. Also occasionally with pejorative connotation: to cause (a person) to abjure or abandon a religious faith (cf. sense 12). (a) transitive. Followed by to, †into, or from. ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (transitive)] turnc1175 convert1340 illuminec1340 convertise1483 revolt1560 salvationize1927 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 169 He shall turrnenn mikell flocc..till þe rihhte læfe. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6355 Heo þencheð..to..turne [c1300 Otho teorne] to heðenesse þa hæȝe & þa læsse. c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 4956 Seint birin þe bissop..Þat in to þis lond..ysend was To turne þe king of west sex, kingilf to cristendom. c1390 (?c1350) Joseph of Arimathie (1871) l. 11 In þe nome of þe fader Ioseph him folewede, And hedde I-turned to þe feyþ fifti with him-seluen. a1425 (?c1400) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 107 (MED) We scholde nouȝt tarye to be yturned to God. c1475 Antichrist & Disciples in J. H. Todd Three Treat. J. Wycklyffe (1851) p. cxxii (MED) Þei shal..bowe a wey from trewþe & ben turned in to fables. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 39/1 But if grace turne him to wisedom. 1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue Brief Descr. sig. ☞.iij^v Who sought to peruert and turne from the truth xii godly Christians. 1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. sig. Eee2 The main Body of their Nation being turned to Christianity. ?1835 Missionary Rec. China, Burmah, Ceylon, &c. ix. 236 His relations charged the missionaries with giving him medicine, which had turned him to christianity. 1905 Bible Student & Teacher Mar. 227/1 It was no logical argument that turned him from atheism, but the influence of a true and reverent believer's prayer. 2020 J. E. Woods in C. Melville Timurid Cent. 90 He [sc. Abivardi] engages in dialogues with Christians and Jews in an effort to turn them to Islam. †(b) transitive. Without complement. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1300 St. Swithun (Harl.) l. 10 in F. J. Furnivall Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 43 Seint berin her bi weste wende And turnde þe king kenewold as oure louerd him grace sende. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 3 Kings viii. 47 Caytif weren lad in to þe lond of enemys..& turned han preied in þeir caiftyuete seiynge, wee han synned. c1450 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Rawl.) (1869) B. xv. l. 540 Many miracles he wrouȝte man for to turne. 1539 Bible (Great) Jer. xxxi. 19 As soone as thou turnest me, I shall refourme my selfe. c1592 C. Marlowe Jew of Malta iv. i Why, brother, you converted Abigail..One [friar] turn'd my daughter, therefore he shall die. 1692 J. Locke Toleration ii, in Wks. (1727) II. 266 The two Reynold's (..one a Protestant, the other a Papist) who upon the exchange of Papers between them, were both turn'd. b. To adopt a different religion (usually with implication of its truth or excellence), or a godly life; to be converted. (a) intransitive. Followed by to.In later use in to turn to God (also Christ), perhaps a specific application of sense 23. ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (intransitive)] turnc1225 converta1400 to come through1708 to get religion1772 to see the light1812 to experience religion1837 vert1888 to find religion (also Christ, God, Jesus, etc.)1957 c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Bodl.) (1934) 52 Turnden þa þurh þis to Crist swiðe monie. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 22119 If þai wil noȝte turne til his lare, He sal taim sla wiþoutin spare. ?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 323 (MED) As ofte as a man offendiþ, if he wil turne to me in his liif, he schal euere fynde parfiȝt satisfaccioun. c1590 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Coll. Oxf. 64(2)) (1884) lxxxvi. 3 Thai resceyf sinfull men that will torune [perhaps read torne] to me. a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. B4 Abiure this Magicke, turne to God againe. 1891 Temple Bar Dec. 599 It is never too late to turn to God. 1984 B. MacLaverty Cal (new ed.) 36 It told of Matt Talbot, who after a decade of drunkenness in Dublin turned to Christ. 2013 N. Solomons Gallery Vanished Husbands 242 Lots of teenagers turned to God for a year or two. (b) intransitive. Without complement. To be converted to another faith. Also: to repent. Now chiefly Scottish and Irish English. ΚΠ a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16762 + 148 Mony þat stode & saȝe..Torned & wore baptized. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xviii. f. xxiiij^v Except ye tourne, and become as children. 1679 Established Test 45 So would they say to all Protestants,..Turn, or burn. 1876 W. Arnot Anchor of Soul 333 If..the lost shall turn, they will get life in the Lord. 1938 F. Urquhart Time will Knit (1988) 287 She didn't want me to marry a Catholic. She knew he wouldn't turn, and she was determined that I wouldn't turn. 1998 T. P. Dolan Dict. Hiberno-Eng. (1999) 278/2 Turn, to convert to another faith. ‘That family must have turned’ (Kerry). c. (a) intransitive. To go over to another side or party; to desert. Often followed by to. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles declinec1374 starta1450 revert?a1525 to fall away1535 to turn (one's) tippet1546 revolt1549 shrink1553 to turn one's coat1565 to come over1576 apostate1596 to change (one's) sides1596 defect1596 renegade1611 to change foot1618 to run over1643 to face about1645 apostatize1648 tergiverse1675 tergiversate1678 desert1689 apostasize1696 renegado1731 rat1810 to cross the floor1822 turncoat1892 to take (the) soup1907 turn1977 c1300 St. Augustine (Laud) l. 65 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 25 Ich graunti also þat alle þulke þat wollez to eov torne, Guode leue ich man [emended in ed. to Guode leue ich ȝiue ech man], for i-nelle no man weorne. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 177 (MED) Þanne Farnaces þe þridde sone took ensample of his breþeren, and was aferde..and made þe oost torne to hym. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15137 All þis werld es turnand Til him. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) i. l. 110 Erle Patrik than..Till our fa turnd and harmyng did us mast. a1500 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Rawl.) (1896) 79 (MED) Thay wolde turne to har enemys agaynes hame. 1595 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 i. i. 152 All will reuolt from me and turne to him. 1777 in T. Evans Old Ballads 90 Whan' thi haf o' the Gordones desertit, An' turnit wi' Murray in a crack. 1923 Aberdeen Jrnl. 5 Dec. 3/7 Ex-service men, who, disappointed with the after-war conditions, have turned to Labour. 2014 R. A. Reis US Congr. for Kids vii. 72/2 Many white voters in the South, angry over the civil rights laws..turned to the Republican Party. (b) intransitive. Of a criminal: to become an informer, to ‘grass’. ΘΚΠ 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 the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles declinec1374 starta1450 revert?a1525 to fall away1535 to turn (one's) tippet1546 revolt1549 shrink1553 to turn one's coat1565 to come over1576 apostate1596 to change (one's) sides1596 defect1596 renegade1611 to change foot1618 to run over1643 to face about1645 apostatize1648 tergiverse1675 tergiversate1678 desert1689 apostasize1696 renegado1731 rat1810 to cross the floor1822 turncoat1892 to take (the) soup1907 turn1977 1977 Chicago Tribune 2 Oct. i. 24/3 Like many other informants, Bompensiero ‘turned’ in order to avoid jail. 1982 Times 27 Aug. 2 (heading) Pressures that lead a man to ‘turn’. 2015 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 2 Feb. 4 To inform is to betray former friends. Often informers begin reluctantly, but once they turn they become enthusiastic about their new role. d. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy or informer. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor traitor16.. quislingize1940 turn1963 to turn around1963 to turn round1966 1963 ‘J. le Carré’ Spy who came in from Cold xiv. 138 He was their man; they turned him, they caught him. 1971 C. Egleton Last Post for Partisan xvi. 162 ‘How did they turn you?’ ‘I was shopped... They said I could save my neck if I helped them, and so I agreed.’ 1982 Times 27 Aug. 2/4 Several have been ‘turned’ only after being shown evidence from another ‘supergrass’. 2001 C. Cumming Spy by Nature (2007) xv. 131 Given Das Kapital to read in his prison cell, Blake became a disciple of Marxism, and the KGB turned him after he offered to betray SIS. 25. a. intransitive. To change one's position so as to face in a different or the opposite direction; to face about.Also Military in infantry drill commands: see about-turn v., left turn int., right turn int., right about adv. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction turnc1225 bewenda1300 to turn aboutc1330 returna1470 wheel1639 face1644 to turn on one's heel1669 to turn around1756 to turn round1787 about-face1896 about-turn1927 U-turn1931 U1971 c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 258 (MED) Hwet bid hare anes song ant efter godd hare anes ȝong, hwiderse he eauer turneð. c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1978) l. 13264 Þo tornden hii sone..and ech his sweord swiþe droh. a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) John i. 38 Jhesu turnede, and say hem suynge hym. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 205 Whan they aprochyd nere, Huon sodenly tournyd. 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. viii. 5 Turne slaue and fight. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 507 Seeing me, she turn'd . View more context for this quotation 1780 C. Simeon in W. Carus Mem. Life C. Simeon (1847) 19 Turning at the Creed, [I] saw the table covered. 1843 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit (1844) ii. 16 He..turned upon his heel, and walked out. 1890 A. Gissing Village Hampden II. iv. 72 He recognised her figure, but never turned to look behind. 2016 H. Bourne How Hard can Love Be? i. 9 ‘You know what? I can't be arsed with this.’ I turned and stormed off into the security queue. b. transitive. To change the direction of (something, esp. the head or a part of it); to direct (esp. the eyes or face) another way, or different ways alternately. Formerly sometimes also: †to avert (= to turn away 1a at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete). Also: to cause (something such as a horse's head) to face in the opposite direction (= to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1).See also to turn the other cheek at cheek n. Phrases 3, to turn a deaf ear at deaf adj. 2, to turn a blind eye at eye n.¹ Phrases 2t. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction i-wendeOE wendOE turnc1300 convertc1384 avirec1440 kyr1448 twine1600 wheel1805 to put about1832 c1300 St. Margarete (Harl.) l. 128 in O. Cockayne Seinte Marherete (1866) 28 Þe justise..nolde loke þerto Ac bihuld abac & tournde his eȝen. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 457 (MED) Good is to hiere Such thing wherof a man may lere..And toward al the remenant Good is to torne his Ere fro. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4311 Fleand turn þou noght þin ei. a1450 York Plays (1885) 211 (MED) I crye; he heris me noȝt; He turnes his herre. a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. iii. 39 For Iak nor for Gill Will I turne my face, Till I haue..Spon a space On my rok. 1583 R. P. tr. P. de la Sierra Second Pt. Myrror of Knighthood ii. xxiv. f. 292 This new knight turned his head, & looked on him with..wrath & anger. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 106 Often he turns his Eyes, and..Surveys the pleasing Kingdoms. View more context for this quotation 1767 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy IX. i. 4 As he turned his head, he met her eye. 1842 Ld. Tennyson Day-dream in Poems (new ed.) II. 149 Turn your face, Nor look with that too-earnest eye. 1903 G. B. Shaw Man & Superman i. 40 Tavy will kiss; and you will only turn the cheek. 2011 P. Gregory Lady of Rivers (2013) 68 He swings back into his own saddle, and we turn the horses' heads for home. c. transitive (reflexive). To change one's position (or course) so as to face (or go) another way; = sense 25a. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (reflexive)] turnc1350 umbebraidc1400 c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 7 (MED) I tourned me to see þe voice þat spaak to me & I seiȝ seuen Candelstickes. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17288 + 224 Scho tourned hir and saȝe our lord stand nere. ?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 273 They þat ben wickid, whateuere syde þou turne þee..in what maner of kynde þei stonden ynne, euere þou schalt fynde synne and offencis. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 167 Turnes yow full tyte & taries a while. 1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. i. 64 Turne thee Benuolio, looke vpon thy death. View more context for this quotation 1849 M. Arnold Strayed Reveller, & Other Poems 43 Turning him quickly to go in. 1967 S. Marshall Fenland Chron. (1998) i. i. 6 The weight o' the sails broke through the castings so as she coul'n't luff herself, that is, so as she coul'n't turn herself to face the wind. 26. a. transitive. To direct or bring to bear (something) in (active) opposition to a person; to cause (something) to recoil upon (also on) a person; to proceed to use (something) against a person.Recorded earliest in to turn one's hand at Phrases 1h. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > set in opposition > direct in the way of opposition turn1538 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6070 Suan þe duc of denemarch bigan to turne is hond & after þat he adde destrued þe souþhalf of þis lond He wende & robbede of þis lond al þe norþ side. 1538 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 125 By this meane their owne craft..shalbe torned into their owne neckes. a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) iii. 184 To wrest his weapon out of his hands, and turne it upon himselfe. 1687 F. Atterbury Answer Considerations Spirit Luther 48 Luther's Conscience..turn's these very reasonings upon him. 1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 ii. 569 He has sufficient security that the disclosure will not be turned against himself. 1912 Pearson's Mag. Sept. 122/2 [They] turned their guns on the men above them on the hill. 1999 New Yorker 23 Aug. 44 Medical researchers, with the best intentions, create super-intelligent sharks, which then turn their teeth on the scientists. 2018 Jrnl. Speculative Philos. 32 191 Trump has not just taken propaganda from the professionals; he has turned it against them. †b. intransitive. Followed by again, into, on, upon. To recoil on a person; to fall on a person with disastrous effect; to have an adverse tendency or result. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xviii. l. 359 Now bygynneth þi gyle ageyne þe to tourne. a1425 (?c1384) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 351 Certis synne of siche children turneþ into heed of þer fadir. a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 47 (MED) The punycion of the synne ought to turne vpon them that be abusers and nat to hym that gave it to a good vse. 1550 J. Coke Deb. Heraldes Eng. & Fraunce sig. Eiij^v Thus your bostes syr heralde, turne vpon your heles. 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 111 The destruction of Demetrius, Sonne to Philip the Second, of Macedon, turned vpon the Father, who died of Repentance. 1660 Exact Accompt Trial Regicides 24 Court. There is nothing you can say, but Guilty, or Not guilty. All other discourses turn upon your self. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 248 The Dutch war had turned so fatally on the King. 1881 S. R. Gardiner & J. B. Mullinger Introd. Study Eng. Hist. i. viii. 153 It turns upon those who attempt it, as the Florentine people turned upon Savonarola. 27. a. transitive. To cause or command (a person) to go; to send, drive; (chiefly, and now only, with adverb or adverbial phrase) to send away, order to go away, dismiss (a person).See also to turn away 2a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn off 2 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out 3b(a) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out 3b(b) at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn out of —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss congeec1330 turnc1330 putc1350 dismitc1384 refusea1387 repel?a1439 avyec1440 avoida1464 depart1484 license1484 to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513 demit1529 dispatcha1533 senda1533 to send a grazing1533 demise1541 dimiss1543 abandon1548 dimit1548 discharge1548 dismiss1548 to turn off1564 aband1574 quit1575 hencea1586 cashier1592 to turn away1602 disband1604 amand1611 absquatulize1829 chassé1847 to send to the pack1912 c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) l. 1694 Otuwel..warende fore a non þo Roulond & oliuer bo..Þat king garsie was tornd to fliȝt. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Jer. xxx. 3 I shal turnen hem to þe lond þat I ȝaf to þe faders of hem. a1400 Complaint Our Lady (Pepys) (1987) 87 (MED) He haþ done þe folk knowe wiþ his techinges & turnend [v.r. turnyd] hem fram out of þe londe of Galile vnto þis stede. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Heb. xi. 34 [They] turned to flyght the armees of the alientes. 1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. S1^v, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) They are turned at the last quite foorth by the elbows. a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iii. i. 15 Push him out of dores..turne him going. View more context for this quotation a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1853) II. 267 A vessel..was fallen into the hands of D'Aulnay, who had made prize of her, and turned the men upon an island. 1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. viii. iv. 223 You will not..turn me from your door. 1891 ‘L. Keith’ Halletts II. ii. 37 He would turn me adrift without the smallest consideration. 1918 H. R. Haggard Moon of Israel xii. 199 Therefore, perhaps, although..she may be wise to stay in the house of Seti, he..may be wise to turn her from his doors. 2014 W. Taylor Development Stud. 289 Some traditional farmers are being turned off their land to make way for huge commercial plantations. b. transitive. To put, cast, or convey (a person or (more usually) a thing) into a receptacle or (in earlier use) a new channel (cf. sense 14), or (now also) on to a dish, plate, etc.; now esp. by inverting the original containing vessel (cf. sense 9).In quot. a1616 turn into is used to mean ‘put into’ (a different set of clothes), but with admixture of the sense ‘change’ (branch V.). ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > insertion or putting in > insert or put in [verb (transitive)] to do ineOE to put ina1300 insetc1374 to throw ina1382 inducec1420 intriec1420 to set ina1425 tryc1440 enter1489 insert1529 turn1544 insere1557 infer1572 input1593 intromitc1600 introduce1695 to run in1756 1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. sig. I.v Where the water is so depe, that neyther fotemen ne yet horsemen dare venture ouer: best it is to turne the water into dyches out of the wont course. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 247 But first Ile turne yon fellow in [= into] his graue. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) v. v. 197 I knew of your purpose: turn'd my daughter into white. 1824 M. Randolph Virginia House-wife 185 When stiff, turn them into a deep dish, and put raspberry cream around them. 1844 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 5 i. 107 The sewers..may be cleansed by turning some water into them out of a large pond. 1901 T. J. Alldridge Sherbro ii. 15 A common method to detect bad kernels is to turn them into great casks containing water. 1971 Fishless Days, Angling Nights (2012) 106 Fill only one leg of the waders and check it, then turn the water into the other leg, and finally into the seat. 2017 Church Times 13 Jan. 17/1 Turn on to a serving plate, and dredge with a little sugar. c. transitive. To drive or put out (animals) to pasture. Formerly also †figurative: see to turn to grass at grass n.¹ Phrases 2a.See also to turn out 4 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1566 T. Blundeville Arte of Rydynge (rev. ed.) iii. lxxiv. 50 in Fower Offices Horsemanshippe If it be in Sommer, turne him to grasse, if in Winter, lette him be kept warme, and giue hym now and then a little sodden wheate. 1602 2nd Pt. Returne fr. Parnassus i. ii. 268 Clap a lock on their feete, and turne them to commons. 1765 Museum Rusticum 4 183 Let the grass take head for about..three weeks, before you turn your sheep upon it. 1835 D. P. Thompson Adventures Timothy Peacock viii. 80 He had that morning turned the horse into the oat-field instead of the pasture. 1997 R. B. Outhwaite Scandal in Church iii. 49 Whilst the Rector was away, the farmer turned his sheep upon the crop. 2004 E. B. Hall Promised Land iv. 81 Tomorra we might as well turn the cows on it to get what there is. †d. intransitive. To be released or lifted off. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1801 Naval Chron. 6 76 At the top of the tide she turned off the stocks. †e. transitive. To turn loose, discharge (see to turn loose at Phrases 2a). Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy xiii Five six-shooters were turned into the ceiling. 28. a. intransitive. Followed by on or upon: to attack someone suddenly or violently (in action or speech). Also: (followed by against, on, or upon) become hostile or antagonistic towards a person, group, etc. (usually implying a change from previous friendliness). Also: (without complement) to take up an attitude of opposition.See also to turn again 5 at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 3a at Phrasal verbs 1.With expressions with worm as subject, cf. worm n. 3b. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > take up attitude of opposition to turnc1330 rebela1382 the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition to turn againc1330 to join issue1583 to turn tail1611 turn1887 c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 1810 Þer was þousandes mani on Opon Fortiger þai turned anon. a1350 in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 10 Hue turnden hem aȝeynes wiþ suerd & wiþ launce. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 285 Boþe wifes torned aȝenst hym and chidde wiþ oon assent. 1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 36^v Be not gladde of the euill fortune of another, for thou knowest not howe the worlde may tourne ayenst the. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 ii. v. 272 Should I turne vpon the true prince? View more context for this quotation 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 152 Pompey turned vpon him againe, and..bad him be quiet. 1629 J. Gaule Practique Theories Christs Predict. 11 Lo how the vildest Earth-Worme now turnes against thee! 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. iii. 62 Turning upon him with a fierce and haughty look. 1804 A. Duncan Mariner's Chron. II. 241 At this place, Mr. Hamilton met with a large seal, or sea-lion, and fired a brace of balls into him, upon which the animal turned upon him open-mouthed. 1854 W. M. Thackeray Rose & Ring iii These people who are following you will be the first to turn against you. 1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake II. xiii. 211 The king turned on his courtiers, glad to ease his own conscience by cursing them. 1887 F. W. Robinson In Bad Hands I. 33 The impudence of some people..would make a worm turn. 1996 White Dwarf Sept. 91/1 Khârn is known as the betrayer due to his berserk fury, which is so all-consuming that he has been known to turn upon his own followers when all others lie dead before him. 2001 A. Dangor Bitter Fruit (2004) xvii. 184 Yes, he'll come to a bad end, Silas said in agreement, only to have her turn on him. 2012 New Yorker 28 May 60/1 Philip Agee, a former C.I.A. officer who turned against the agency. b. transitive. To make (a person) hostile or antagonistic towards a person; to imbue (a person) with hatred or dislike. Followed by against. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > hatred > hate inwardly or intensely [verb (transitive)] > imbue with hatred or dislike envenom1533 turn1579 inviper1598 empoison1599 inviperate1672 sharpena1715 1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xvi. 922 The Princes of Italy will neuer enter vnitie with the gouernment of Fraunce, knowing that it remayneth alwayes in your hand, setting the kinge at libertie, not onely to seperate him but also to turne him against them. 1831 Examiner 722/2 The hearts of the poor were turned in bitterness against the rich. 1881 E. Lynn Linton My Love xi Not even Papa could turn me against Cyril. 1996 S. Nye Best of Men behaving Badly (2000) 5th Ser. Episode 3. 210/2 You've turned him against me. You've brought dishonour upon me. V. To bring about or undergo change. †29. a. intransitive. Followed by to (also till, until). To lead to something as a consequence; to become the cause of; to result in, bring about. Obsolete.See also to turn to account at Phrases 2b. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > end in to stand to ——OE turnc1175 end?c1225 to come to ——c1475 sort1548 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 18 Þu þohhtesst tatt itt mihhte wel. Till mikell frame turrnenn. c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 7711 Þe vnriȝt ido to poueremen to such mesaunture turnde. a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 1082 That repentith me that my name ys knowyn, for I am sure hit woll turne untyll angir. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlij Fearynge lest this broile..would tourne to his vtter destruction. 1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iii. § 93. 355 Their plots turned to their owne damage. a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 147 To deduce any general theory that shall turn to public benefit. b. transitive. To result in or bring about trouble, harm, good, etc., for (a person). With phrase specifying the (good or bad) outcome introduced by to, (occasionally) in. Obsolete.Originally intransitive with dative of person; afterwards taken as transitive with the person as direct object. ΚΠ c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 150 Ȝiff þeȝȝ all forrwerrpenn itt Itt turrneþþ hemm till sinne. c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 65 Serue godd ane, & alle þing schule þe turne to gode. c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 898 Wiþ him he wald iusti, It turned him to vilani [c1475 Caius And therof hym befelle grete vilanye]. 1463 in Rec. Parl. Scotl. to 1707 (2007) A1463/10/1 That occupatioune and use that I sal have of the said landis..sal turn yow na youre successowriz in na prejudice. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxlii. 537 It shall tourne hym to moche blame. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) v. v. 16 All the trouble thou hast turn'd me to . View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iii. i. 285 A word or two, The which shall turne you to no further harme, Then so much losse of time. View more context for this quotation 1694 C. Gildon Misc. Lett. & Ess. 208 Neither they, nor any other Cause can be Powerful enough to turn me to any thing that should diminish my Value and Esteem for you. †30. a. transitive. To change (a text, word, etc.) from one language to another; to translate. Also occasionally: to change (a text) from one form of expression to another, to paraphrase. Also intransitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > translation > translate [verb (transitive)] setc888 wendeOE turnc1175 writec1275 drawa1325 translatea1375 expound1377 takea1382 interpret1382 transpose1390 remue?a1400 renderc1400 put?a1425 to draw outa1450 reducec1450 compile1483 redige?1517 make1529 traducea1533 traduct1534 converta1538 do1561 to set out1597 transcribe1639 throw1652 metaphrase1868 versionize1874 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 129 & tær fore hafe icc turrnedd itt. Inn till ennglisshe spæche. c1225 (?c1200) St. Juliana (Royal) l. 5 Þet is of latin iturnd into englisch. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21108 Godspell he turnd in tung of ind. a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 430 (MED) Siþen þe paternoster is part of matheus gospel, as clerkis knowen, why may not al be turnyd to engliȝsch trewely, as is þis part? 1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. F.iij Picea is called in greeke as Theodore Gaza turneth, pitys. 1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 69 Others vntruly turne it [Robert] Red-beard. 1700 J. Dryden Fables Pref. sig. A^v I..resolv'd to put their Merits to the Trial, by turning some of the Canterbury Tales* into our Language, as it is now refin'd. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 39. ¶6 If the Writer laid down the whole Contexture of his Dialogue in plain English, before he turned it into Blank Verse. 1734 A. Pope Epist. to Arbuthnot 180 The Bard..Who turns a Persian Tale for half a crown. 1879 M. Pattison Milton vii. 90 In 1648 he turned nine psalms, and..in 1653, ‘did into verse’ eight more. b. transitive. To alter the phrasing of (a sentence, or other piece of text or speech); to word differently. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 170 (MED) Antecristes prophetes shullen regnen & comen more & more & corrumpen goddes lawȝe & tournen it after her libbyng. a1443 Early Chancery Proc. (P.R.O.: C 1/9/424) They made as well the seid record As the condicioun of the same obligacioun of the seid bysecher to be rasode and by that rasur changeode and turnode the seid recorde in substance. a1500 (?a1400) Firumbras (1935) l. 1266 (MED) Ricer was queynte and torned hys langage, ‘We beȝt marchauntes of aragoun to passe thy passage..To honour oure mahound and oure mamotrye’. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. L1^v Shee..turn'd it thus, it cannot be I find, But such a face should beare a wicked mind. View more context for this quotation 1869 R. Browning Ring & Bk. IV. xii. 225 How he dares reprehend both high and low? Else had he turned the sentence ‘God is true And every man a liar—save the Pope’. 1895 M. A. North & A. E. Hillard Latin Prose Composition (1901) 24 The English has to be turned; e.g. ‘The Greeks, having captured Troy, burnt it’, cannot go straight into Latin, because Latin has no Perfect Participle Active. 31. Followed by into or to, indicating the result of a change. a. (a) transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to become something else; to change, transform, or convert into something. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] wendOE forshapeOE workOE awendOE makec1175 turna1200 forwenda1325 change1340 shape1362 transmewc1374 transposec1380 puta1382 convertc1384 exchangea1400 remue?a1400 makea1425 reduce?a1425 removec1425 resolvea1450 transvertc1450 overchangec1480 mew1512 transmutea1513 wring1524 reduct1548 transform1556 innovate1561 metamorphose1576 transume1579 metamorphize1587 transmove1590 transchangea1599 transfashion1601 deflect1613 fordo1624 entail1628 transmutate1632 distila1637 to make much (also little, something, nothing, etc.) of1637 transqualify1652 unconvert1654 simulate1658 spend1668 transverse1687 hocus-pocus1774 mutate1796 fancy1801 to change around1871 metamorphosize1888 catalyse1944 morph1996 a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 45 Þanne is here foshipe turnd al to frendshipe. c1275 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 18 Þu ne hauest her blisce daies þre, ac al þi ioie is turned on wouge. a1300 Passion our Lord l. 10 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 37 He..turnde water to wyne. 1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope xi. f. cxxxj The goddes..haue torned my douggter in to this catte. a1500 ( Pilgrimage of Soul (Egerton) (1953) iv. xxx. f. 72^v The floure is forfaded and al the beaute þerof turned to noght. 1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 433 This religious house is now turned into an Hospitall. 1765 T. Gray Shakespeare in Corr. Gray & W. Mason (1853) 340 11 May not honey's self be turn'd to gall? 1853 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches (1873) II. i. ii. 63 A river overflows and turns a fruitful plain into a marsh. 1978 A. J. P. Taylor Let. 14 Mar. in Lett. to Eva (1991) 389 Do not hope to turn me into a Communist, not even into a Titoite. 2015 N.Y. Mag. 20 Apr. 62/1 Most brewers dispose of their spent grains, turning them into compost or animal feed. (b) intransitive. To change into something; to be changed, transformed, or converted; to become something else. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > be transformed [verb (intransitive)] wortheOE awendOE golOE turnc1275 changec1300 runc1384 to run into ——c1384 fare1398 writhea1400 transmewc1400 returnc1475 transume1480 convert1549 transform1597 remove1655 transeate1657 transmute1675 make1895 metamorphose1904 shapeshift1927 metamorphize1943 metamorphosize1967 morph1992 c1275 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 156 Feir weder turneð ofte into reine. ?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 83 To erþe me sul þe lede; Þan ssal þi liȝt turn in to niȝte. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 27 Yf þe trees of þat wode falle into a water oþer grounde..and lye þere alle aȝere, þe trees torneþ [v.r. teorneþ] into stones. c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xiv. l. 19 Al hus sorwe to solas þorgh þat songe turnede. c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross Middle Eng. Serm. (1940) 129 (MED) Be þe vertew of þe wordes þat þe preest seis at þe masse, þat þe bred turneþ in-to Goddes [flesh] and is blode. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. aiiii Lest our yre tourne to enuy, & our enuy to hate. 1764 O. Goldsmith Traveller 5 These rocks, by custom, turn to beds of down. 1892 Monthly Packet May 532 The monkeys did not turn into men, the men turned into monkeys. 1955 R. M. Pearl How to know Minerals & Rocks i. 13 Petrified wood is a good example, the original wood having turned to stone. 2018 S. Graham-Felsen Green ix. 235 It turned into a cocoon and eventually burst out and spread its..butterfly wings. b. (a) transitive. To change (something) into, cause (something) to have, a specified nature, shape, colour, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > cause to be or become seta1000 workOE makeOE puta1382 turna1393 yieldc1430 breedc1460 rendera1522 devolve1533 cause1576 infer1667 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 5939 Echon of hem..Was torned into briddes kinde. ?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 13 He schall turne þat damysell in to hir riȝt schappe. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxi. l. 74 (MED) Owther fowl man Oþer fowl womman Into Grete bewte he cowde torne than. 1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 36 She [sc. Truth] turns herself into all shapes. 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxv. 132 Then is the Counsell turned into the nature of a Command. 1858 Graham's Illustr. Mag. July 52/1 A real old dum fish..that is turned to the color of mahogany is very good. 1910 T. Roosevelt Afr. Game Trails x. 278 Geraniums and red-hot pokers, which in places turned the glades to a fire color. 1993 Sci. Fiction Age Jan. 21/3 In order to assimilate and function on the planet, he takes on a humanoid shape, but he can turn himself into any shape he likes. 2003 T. Belton in P. S. Belton & T. Belton Food, Sci. & Society v. 91 Some European countries have been publicising this knowledge and attempting to turn it into a form that is easily applied in practice. (b) intransitive. To change into, come to have, a specified nature, shape, or (esp.) colour. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > be transformed [verb (intransitive)] > in shape turna1425 shift1607 taurize1727 transfigure1840 metamorphose1927 a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 369 (MED) Ȝif þe spatle appere gros in begynnynge..& son efter þat turn to thyk..it sais þat þe mater is obedient or ellys þat kynd is strange & myȝty. c1450 Mandeville's Trav. (Coventry) (1973) l. 1940 (MED) There springeth out a fair welle..And as offt as it chaungith coloure, Hit turneth into dyuers sauoure. a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) l. 1850 (MED) Siluer to Azure sone broght wil be..wherfore it turnyth to hevynly colour fayre. 1678 J. Phillips tr. J.-B. Tavernier Indian Trav. ii. xxii. 155 in tr. J.-B. Tavernier Six Voy. The milk will turn to the colour of an Apostemated matter. 1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 482 Black cattle have been observed to turn..to a dun colour. 1939 T. L. Green Pract. Animal Biol. iv. 257 Add 5 drops of Millon's solution to 5 ccs. of white of egg which will form a white coagulum; on warming this will turn to a reddish colour. 2008 T.-R. Hsu MEMS & Microsystems xi. 438 A torch heats the wire tip to about 400◦C, at which temperature the wire tip turns into the shape of a ball. c. transitive. To exchange (something) for something else; to get something else instead of (a thing). Formerly also: †to substitute something else for (a thing) (obsolete). Cf. convert v. 15. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > exchange > exchange, change for [verb (transitive)] changec1225 truck?c1225 interchangec1374 permutec1400 wrixlec1400 turnc1449 wissel1487 chaffer1530 niffer1540 bandy1589 to chaffer words1590 swap1590 barter1596 counterchange1598 commute1633 trade1636 countercambiate1656 ring1786 rebarter1845 trade1864 swop1890 permutate1898 interconvert1953 c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 557 Eer than he haue turnede or chaungid the iewelis into money. ?1537 R. Benese Bk. Measurynge Lande sig. Fiv^v Ye must turne the perches in to pence. c1593 Trag. Rich. II ii. iii. 23 My iewells and my plaite are turnd to coyne. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 32 Thy Marble Statue shall be turn'd to Gold. 1827 T. Jarman Powell's Ess. Learning of Devises (ed. 3) II. 97 He laid some stress upon the fact of the real estate being turned into personal. 1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 ii. 557 [They] turned their little stock into Cash. 2013 Oldie Apr. 26/1 You can legitimately turn some of your pension savings into cash. 32. a. transitive. To change, alter, make different, or transmute (something); to substitute something else (of the same kind) for (a thing). Now only in to turn (†one's) colour at Phrases 1e, to turn sides at Phrases 1n, or as associated with other senses.Use in this sense with a prepositional phrase or complement, as in senses 31a(a), 36b(a), is much more usual. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (transitive)] wharvec897 wendOE i-wendeOE awendOE aturn?c1225 biwrixle?c1225 changec1225 turnc1225 shifta1325 vary1340 inchangea1382 strange1390 altera1398 alterate?a1425 permute?a1425 difference1481 renewc1515 alienate1534 wrixlec1540 to chop and change1557 variate1566 palter1587 permutate1598 immute1613 unmake1616 unsame1632 chop1644 veer1647 variegatea1690 refract1700 mutabilatea1704 commute1825 stranger1863 switch1919 c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 115 Godd ne scheop hit neauer swuch Ah adam & eue turnden hit to beo swuch, þurh hare sunne. c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 7248 (MED) Merlin him turned flesche and liche And was bicomen a garsoun. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10434 Mend þi mode and turn þi chere. ?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 57 An aungel helde Iacob stille & turned his name & cleped him Israel. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) vii. 170 Whan the barons sawe reynawde & bayarde so torned, they began to laughe. 1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. cvi Schir gawane tretit the knight to turn his entent. 1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. ii. 244 Some deere friend dead, else nothing in the world could turne so much the constitution of any constant man. View more context for this quotation 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 437 Orus writeth, that there is a fishe of this name which turneth sexe. 1892 Temple Bar Jan. 144 Suddenly she turned the subject. b. intransitive. To undergo change or alteration; to become different, to change (now chiefly of the weather, the season, etc.).Use in this sense with a prepositional phrase or complement, as in senses 31a(b), 36a, is much more usual.In quot. 1599: to be fickle or inconstant.Quot. a1225 shows equivalent use of prefixed i-turnen. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] wendeOE braidOE change?c1225 turnc1300 remue1340 varyc1369 flitc1386 strange1390 alter?a1425 degenerate1548 variate1605 commutatea1652 veer1670 mutate1818 reschedule1887 switch1906 to change up1920 a1225 ( Ælfric's Homily In Die Sancto Pentecosten (Lamb. 487) in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 91 Þa þet folc þis iherde þa iturne [perhaps read iturnde] heore mod.] c1300 St. Eustace (Laud) l. 37 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 394 Þis knyȝth liet is name tuyrne and liet him cleopie Eustas. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Hosea ii. 9 This womman wiste not, for Y ȝaue to hir wheet, wijne, and oyle... Therfore Y shal turne, and shal take my wheet in hys tyme, and my wijn in his tyme. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B xv. l. 509 For coueityse of þat crosse, men of holykirke Shul tourne as templeres did. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 3507 Þe peple..loke & wondre & deme what hem liste..Þey ofte varie and torne to and fro..Þe comoun peple chaungeth as a phane. 1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. iii. 98 Whan fortune torneth and perisshith ther abideth not to hym one frende. a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Cambr.) l. 1283 + 47 Al his þouȝt bygan to tern. 1599 W. Shakespeare et al. Passionate Pilgrime (new ed.) sig. B She bad loue last, and yet she fell a turning. 1733 A. Pope Of Use of Riches 19 Things change their titles as our manners turn. 1894 C. H. H. Parry Stud. Great Composers: Schubert 226 How to make the form turn and vary. 1984 A. Swinfen In Def. of Fantasy vi. 142 The terror and awe of man reaches a similar peak, until the season turns, light gains the ascendance, and hope returns to the world. 1997 J. Coe House of Sleep (1998) xi. 204 The weather had turned: flecks of rain speckled the window. 33. a. transitive. To disturb or overthrow the mental balance of, impair the power of judgement of (a person's mind); to make mad or crazy. Formerly also with a person as object.See also to turn a person's brain at brain n. Phrases 2a. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > mental health > mental illness > drive mad [verb (transitive)] turn1372 mada1425 overthrow?a1425 to go (also fall, run) mada1450 deferc1480 craze1503 to face (a person) out ofc1530 dement1545 distemper1581 shake1594 distract1600 to go (also run, set) a-madding (or on madding)1600 unwita1616 insaniate?1623 embedlama1628 dementate1628 crack1631 unreason1643 bemad1655 ecstasya1657 overset1695 madden1720 maddle1775 insanify1809 derange1825 bemoon1866 send (someone) up the wall1951 1372 in E. Wilson Descriptive Index Lyrics John of Grimestone's Preaching Bk. (1973) 17 (MED) Dred and loue, hate an good Turnen mannis with and maken him wod. c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine (Arun. 396) (1893) Prol. l. 109 (MED) The preest is stoyned, as thow he turned were. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxxvj^v Albeit they did not chaunge him wholy,..yet did they turne him & confounde him. a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 206 The Hebrew, Chaldee, and the Syriac Do, like their Letters, set Mens Reason back; and turns their Wits, that strive to understand it. 1709 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1886) II. 300 It quite turn'd him, and destroy'd his Memory. 1901 F. Norris Octopus (1964) ii. viii. 396 I'm afraid it is going to turn his wits, sir. 2015 K. Linley ‘King Lear’ in Context xiii. 255 Lear's anger, fierce disappointment and longing for revenge..have now completely turned his wits, triggered by Tom's pretended insanity. b. intransitive. Of a person's head: to become deranged or distracted; (in weakened sense) to become bewildered. Cf. sense 1b. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > perplexity, bewilderment > be or become confused [verb (intransitive)] wonder1297 confusec1350 maskera1375 studya1375 to annoy of?c1400 muse?c1430 marc1440 manga1450 puzzle1605 dunce1611 quandary1616 wavera1625 wilder1658 to scratch one's head1712 maffle1781 to strike up1844 turn1852 to fall over oneself1889 fuzz1930 to get the lines crossed1973 the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > misjudgement > judge wrongly [verb (intransitive)] > become impaired (of judgement) turn1852 1852 M. Arnold Empedocles on Etna, & Other Poems 205 So many books thou readest,..That thy poor head almost turns. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay xi. 174 I trust the poor man's head hasn't turned with all his troubles. 2012 D. Harkness Shadow of Night 95 ‘Walter said we were going to Saint-Malo,’ I said, my head turning in consternation. †34. a. transitive. To bring (a person or thing) into a specified condition, as in to turn into madness ‘to cause to become mad, to make mad’. Obsolete.In quot. a1470: turned into helpynge (perhaps) ‘brought into a condition of recovery’, ‘getting better’. In quot. c1540: to turn on fire ‘to set on fire’. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] > in character or function reduce?a1425 convert1557 resolve?a1560 transnature1567 transnaturalize1631 transmutate1632 transdignify1655 process1881 denaturate1895 denature1907 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Mark iii. 21 Thei seiden, for he is turnyd in to wodenesse [L. in furorem versus est]. a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 886 He asked sir Melyas how hit stood with hym. Than he seyde he was turned into helpynge [1485 Caxton torned vnto helpyng], God be thanked. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 110 The Troiens þaire tore shippis hade turnyt on ffyre. 1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 152 Dionisius,..beeing turned by Iuno into madnes. 1664 S. Melish England's Warning 3 Then I saw that fiery Rod..turned into fire, and two other Fires, on both sides, ascending upward in the midst of the Sky. b. intransitive. To get into a specified condition, as in to turn into ire ‘to become angry’. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become > get into specified condition becomec888 fallOE turnc1540 change1583 to get into ——1657 c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 185 Þen Thelamon was tenfull & turnyt into yre. 35. transitive. Followed by into or to. To make (a person or thing) the subject of praise, mockery, etc. Now only in to turn into (also to) ridicule at ridicule n.¹ 2. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > deride, ridicule, or mock [verb (transitive)] > make ridiculous to make (a) mock ofc1475 ridiculize?1615 turn1673 ridicule1684 to make a hare of1830 farcify1834 guy1854 a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1872) IV. 143 He wolde torne [c1400 Tiber. teurne; L. fecit] hit to bourde and [to] lawȝhynge. 1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay sig. Biii^v Thay that..twrnis the halie writ to lichtlines and scorne. a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. v. 197 It cannot but turn him into a notable contempt. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. i. 21 Her Father..may..be a little angry..: but my Mother..shall turne all into my commendations. View more context for this quotation 1673 J. Dryden Marriage a-la-Mode iii. i. 35 Methinks I'm to be turn'd into ridicule by all that see me. 1964 P. P. Wiener Nakamura's Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples xxxiv. 406 The Japanese turn into ridicule indiscriminately a Buddha, the Seven Deities of Good Luck, or whatever else is transplanted from abroad. 36. a. To change so as to be ——, to become ——. (a) intransitive. With adjective complement.In quot. a1400 with adverb phrase, implying anaphoric reference to an adjective. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become yworthOE worthOE goOE becomec1175 come?a1200 waxc1220 charea1225 aworthc1275 makea1300 fallc1300 breedc1325 grow1340 strikea1375 yern1377 entera1382 turna1400 smitec1400 raxa1500 resolvea1500 to get into ——?1510 waxen1540 get1558 prove1560 proceed1578 befall1592 drop1654 evade1677 emerge1699 to turn out1740 to gain into1756 permute1864 slip1864 a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 6584 With wykked man, þou turnest as he. 1450 J. Gresham in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 51 Þerwith he turned pale colour. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. ciij Saiyng: that God was turned Englishe, and the deuill would not helpe Fraunce. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §851 Cygnets from Gray turne White. 1758 R. Brown Compl. Farmer (1759) 111 When..the stalk begins to die, and to turn brown. 1861 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 22 i. 48 The milk is apt to turn sour. 1916 A. E. A. Jacobs Let. 1 Apr. in L. Housman War Lett. Fallen Englishmen (2002) 154 Should Fritz turn nasty and send a few woolly bears over, I have only to dive..into the commodious funk hole. 1991 G. Ehrlich Islands, Universe, Home vi. 71 The nights have turned cold. 2016 BBC Wildlife July 47/3 This substance turns red on exposure to sunlight. (b) intransitive. With noun complement (usually without article).Frequently in to turn traitor or with a noun denoting religious affiliation as complement; cf. sense 24b. ΚΠ 1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. xxxvii. f. 90^v Although hee were a Gentile & a straunger, yet he came vnto our Fleete, with intent to turne Christian. a1594 Edmond Ironside (1991) iii. v. 98 Whye sir, you [will] not turne wiseman will you? 1600 W. Cornwallis Ess. I. xxiii. sig. M8 Alas they haue deliuerd Prisoners that haue turnd Traitours, and instantly betrayed them to Derision. 1660 T. Fuller Mixt Contempl. i. vi. 11 The remedy turned the Malady of the Land. 1758 S. Hayward Seventeen Serm. xvii. 531 A mother must turn monster if she does not love her babe. 1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton My Novel II. v. ix. 47 Did not you turn..a common stage-player, sir? 1879 E. Dowden Southey vi. 178 Under such strokes a courageous heart may turn coward. 1957 in Sc. National Dict. (at cited word) Ye're turnin a big boy. 1991 Filmfax Dec. 89 (advt.) A hilarious spy-exploitation film about a Japanese orphan, raised in America, who turns traitor and helps plot the invasion of California. 2012 B. A. O'Reilly Grace under Pressure xxiii. 288 Did the whole family willfully ‘turn Catholic’ or just the priests? (c) intransitive. In past participle with noun complement, forming a phrase modifying a preceding noun. Frequently in poacher turned gamekeeper at poacher n.¹ 1b. ΚΠ 1612 R. Daborne (title) A Christian turn'd Turke: or, the tragicall liues and deaths of the two famous pyrates, Ward and Dansiker. 1672 E. Ravenscroft (title) The citizen turn'd gentleman: a comedy. a1849 E. Elliott in J. Searle Life E. Elliott (1850) iii. 140 I could imagine them to represent four important scenes in the life of a Tailor: first, the Tailor turned gentleman; second, the Tailor going a picturesquing; [etc.]. 1891 Times 26 Feb. 7/5 The poacher turned gamekeeper could not be more fully alive to the responsibilities of his position than Mr. Wyndham in the character of [etc.]. 1964 Eng. Stud. 45 382 Their Scandinavian conquerors-turned-neighbors. 2003 N.Y. Mag. 9 June 91/1 (advt.) Shy, sweet, sexy musician turned rabbi turned LA corporate lawyer. b. (a) transitive. With adjective or (occasionally) noun complement. To cause (a person or thing) to become ——; to make (a person or thing) ——; to render. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > bring (a person or thing) into a state or condition set971 haveOE wendOE to bring onc1230 teemc1275 putc1330 run1391 casta1400 laya1400 stead1488 constitute1490 render1490 takea1530 introduce1532 deduce1545 throw?1548 derive?c1550 turn1577 to work up1591 estate1605 arrive1607 state1607 enduea1616 assert1638 sublime1654 to run up1657 1577 J. Frampton tr. N. Monardes Ioyfull Newes f. 78 It is greene beyng freshe, the Sunne doeth ripen it, and doeth turne it blacke. ?1608 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Of Wisdome i. xvi. 67 Touching the Soule: it makes a man to lose his vnderstanding, his knowledge, iudgement; it turnes him foole and mad-man. a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 493 It almost turnes my dangerous Nature wilde. View more context for this quotation 1727 E. Strother tr. P. Hermann Materia Medica I. i. 60 Its Salt is demonstrated by its præcipitating Vitriol out of Water, and turning it black. 1744 A. Pope Epist. to Several Persons i. 15 That gay Free-thinker,..What turns him now a stupid silent dunce? 1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 23 His fears would turn him chill. 1849 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 10 i. 177 It turns the fibre black. 1904 S. J. Weyman Abbess of Vlaye xiv With a..shock of the mind that turned her hot. 1995 K. Smith Moss Side Massive 194 This time they were going to turn him informer. 2016 L. Kessler Haunt Me (2017) 325 ‘Tell us a secret that you have never told anyone!’ Her question turns me cold inside. (b) transitive. Usually with adjective complement. To cause (a person) to change their sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. (so as to become ——). Also (and in earliest use) intransitive: to change one's sexual orientation, gender identity, etc., so as to become ——. It is now frequently disputed whether it is possible for such a change to occur. Π 1922 B. Hollander Psychol. Misconduct, Vice, & Crime viii. 142 Companions in self-abuse are likely to turn homosexual. 1983 N.Y. Mag. 17 Jan. 31/2 She began hugging and kissing her in the parking lot. Diane had turned lesbian, her friends remarked. 1999 R. T. Davies Queer as Folk: Scripts Episode 3. 74 All those pretty boys, you watch yourself. They'll try and turn you! 2022 @wintersong 6 Apr. in twitter.com (accessed 13 June 2022) Telling kids LGBTQ folk exist doesn't turn them queer or trans. 37. a. transitive. Originally: †to curdle (milk) (obsolete). Subsequently: to cause (milk or fermented liquor) to sour or go off. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [verb (transitive)] > curdle curd?1440 turn1548 curdle1585 shill1691 whig1835 the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > perform general preparation processes [verb (transitive)] > sour turn1548 quarl1607 1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Coagulum..a courde or creame, the ruen of a beaste, wherewith mylke is tourned. 1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 164 A Hogshead..of white wine Lees, not yet turned and sowr. 1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada ii. iii. i. 100 Love..'Tis soon made sowr, and turn'd by Jealousie. 1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 162 This..turn'd the very blood within my Veins. 1887 M. B. Betham-Edwards Next of Kin Wanted II. x. 130 A thunderstorm to-night might turn the syllabub. 2008 Daily Mirror (Nexis) 10 Oct. 15 Zac has also been traipsing round the promotional TV and radio interview circuit with a face that could turn milk. b. intransitive. Originally: †(of milk) to become curdled (obsolete). Subsequently: (of milk or fermented liquor) to become sour, to go off; (of meat) to tend towards decomposition, to start to spoil. Also in extended use and figurative. Cf. on the turn at turn n. Phrases 3b. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > dairy produce > [verb (intransitive)] > curdle or become curdled runeOE loppera1300 curda1398 to run togethera1398 quaila1425 trout1483 lop1570 turn1577 quar1578 curdle1586 caille1601 to set together1608 set1736 whig1756 shill1876 clabber1880 the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > general preparation processes > [verb (intransitive)] > sour turn1577 quarl1607 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 147 Some vse to put into the bottome of theyr payles, the greene kernelles of the Pine apple, and milking into them, doo cause it so to turne. 1594 J. Lyly Mother Bombie ii. v. sig. D3 If it thunder, though all the Ale and Beere in the towne turne, it will be constant. 1624 P. Massinger Bond-man i. iii. sig. C3 The blood turnes. 1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Chocolate If you would have Milk Chocolate, take as much Milk as you do Water,..and take care it does not turn. 1823 M. Eaton Cook & Housekeeper's Dict. 291/2 They [sc. rabbits] keep a good while by proper care, and are best when rather beginning to turn, if the inside is preserved from being musty. 1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 602 A thunderstorm sometimes destroys the coagulating power in the whole laminæ at once; or causes the glue to turn on the nets, in the language of the manufacturer. 2013 H. Cobb Heart of Tiger iv The meat had begun to turn. You know, rot. 2018 Observer (Nexis) 18 Jan. (Life & Style section) We mutter to ourselves ‘something must be done’ with the kind of sigh we usually reserve for discovering the milk has turned. 38. a. intransitive. Of fruit, leaves, hair, etc.: to change colour, become a different colour. Cf. earlier to turn colour at Phrases 1e. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour [verb (intransitive)] turn1568 chameleonize1599 to turn (one's) colour1604 discolour1612 colour1667 stir1792 1568 W. Turner Herbal ii. f. 3 This kynde hath manye longe rootes writhen one by an other, whiche beyng somthynge yelow turn toward a black. 1841 J. R. Willis Carleton II. xiv. 213 The leaves were beginning to turn, for the two or three cold nights, that had occurred within the preceding week, had nipped a few upon almost every tree and bush. 1888 W. D. Howells Annie Kilburn iv When her hair had begun to turn. 1893 Argosy Jan. 71 Really some ripe strawberries?.. Ours are not turning yet. 1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey Wodds & Doggerybaw: Lincs. Dial. Dict. 322/1 Turn/Turnin', to ripen. Ripening. A reference to fruit changing colour. ‘Them termarters is turnin' nicely. Us'll let 'em smoor a piece mooãre an' they'll be ready be termorrer er the day atter...’ 2012 Sunday Times (Nexis) 14 Oct. 33 The leaves are turning nicely, helped by the longer, chillier nights and sunny days. b. transitive. To change the colour of (a substance, a leaf, etc.). Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour of [verb (transitive)] mewa1425 transcolour1658 strike1664 turn1791 transcolorate1823 wry1866 1791 W. Hamilton tr. C.-L. Berthollet Elements Art of Dyeing II. ii. iii. ix. 233 The silk being distributed on the rods.., lemon-juice..is poured into the bath, till it is of a fine cherry colour. This is called turning (virer) the bath. 1867 A. Sartoris Week in Fr. Country-house i. 17 Poplars, already turned by the season. 1949 J. M. Myers Silverlock xix. 216 Frost had turned the leaves, but the temperature was that of an Indian summer. Phrases P1. With noun as object or complement. a. (a) to turn one's (also †the) back: to change one's position so that one's back faces a person, a place, etc.; (also figurative) to stop looking at or monitoring the behaviour of a person; (formerly also) to flee, take flight; cf. to turn tail at Phrases 1o (obsolete). Cf. earlier to turn the ridge at ridge n.¹ 1b. [Compare Anglo-Norman, Old French, Middle French, French tourner le dos to flee (1100).] ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] wendeOE i-wite971 ashakec975 shakeOE to go awayOE witea1000 afareOE agoOE atwendOE awayOE to wend awayOE awendOE gangOE rimeOE flitc1175 to fare forthc1200 depart?c1225 part?c1225 partc1230 to-partc1275 biwitec1300 atwitea1325 withdrawa1325 to draw awayc1330 passc1330 to turn one's (also the) backc1330 lenda1350 begonec1370 remuea1375 voidc1374 removec1380 to long awaya1382 twinc1386 to pass one's wayc1390 trussc1390 waive1390 to pass out ofa1398 avoida1400 to pass awaya1400 to turn awaya1400 slakec1400 wagc1400 returnc1405 to be gonea1425 muck1429 packc1450 recede1450 roomc1450 to show (a person) the feetc1450 to come offc1475 to take one's licence1475 issue1484 devoidc1485 rebatea1500 walka1500 to go adieua1522 pikea1529 to go one's ways1530 retire?1543 avaunt1549 to make out1558 trudge1562 vade?1570 fly1581 leave1593 wag1594 to get off1595 to go off1600 to put off1600 shog1600 troop1600 to forsake patch1602 exit1607 hence1614 to give offa1616 to take off1657 to move off1692 to cut (also slip) the painter1699 sheera1704 to go about one's business1749 mizzle1772 to move out1792 transit1797–1803 stump it1803 to run away1809 quit1811 to clear off1816 to clear out1816 nash1819 fuff1822 to make (take) tracks (for)1824 mosey1829 slope1830 to tail out1830 to walk one's chalks1835 to take away1838 shove1844 trot1847 fade1848 evacuate1849 shag1851 to get up and get1854 to pull out1855 to cut (the) cable(s)1859 to light out1859 to pick up1872 to sling one's Daniel or hook1873 to sling (also take) one's hook1874 smoke1893 screw1896 shoot1897 voetsak1897 to tootle off1902 to ship out1908 to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909 to push off1918 to bugger off1922 biff1923 to fuck off1929 to hit, split or take the breeze1931 to jack off1931 to piss offa1935 to do a mick1937 to take a walk1937 to head off1941 to take a hike1944 moulder1945 to chuff off1947 to get lost1947 to shoot through1947 skidoo1949 to sod off1950 peel1951 bug1952 split1954 poop1961 mugger1962 frig1965 society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)] to come awayeOE wendeOE i-wite971 ashakec975 shakeOE to go awayOE witea1000 afareOE agoOE awayOE dealc1000 goOE awendOE rimeOE to go one's wayOE flitc1175 depart?c1225 partc1230 to-partc1275 atwitea1325 withdrawa1325 to turn one's (also the) backc1330 lenda1350 begonec1370 remuea1375 removec1380 to long awaya1382 twinc1386 to pass one's wayc1390 trussc1390 to turn awaya1400 returnc1405 to be gonea1425 recede1450 roomc1450 to come offc1475 to take one's licence1475 issue1484 walka1500 to go adieua1522 pikea1529 avaunt1549 trudge1562 vade?1570 discoast1571 leave1593 wag1594 to go off1600 troop1600 hence1614 to set on one's foota1616 to pull up one's stumps1647 quit1811 to clear out1816 slope1830 to walk one's chalks1835 shove1844 to roll out1850 to pull out1855 to light out1859 to take a run-out powder1909 to push off (also along)1923 c1330 Simonie (Auch.) (1991) l. 348 He wole take xl pans for to do doun his hod And speke for þe a word or to and don þe litel god, I trouwe. And haue he turned þe bak, he makeþ þe a mouwe. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 264 (MED) Furious and wroth, Tornynge þe bak, oute anon he goth. a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. l. 8486 When þey wer sondred, þey tur [n] d þe bak. 1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. D4 When I craued a finall resolution to my fatall passions, shee filde her..eyes full of furie, turned her backe, and shooke me off with a Non placet. 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. i. 130 The shame Of those that turnd their backes . View more context for this quotation 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Sam. x. 9 When he had turned his backe to go from Samuel. View more context for this quotation c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 99 If you turn your backs and refuse to..hearken. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 108. ¶4 Sir Roger's Back was no sooner turn'd but honest Will. began. 1858 Atlantic Monthly Nov. 764/1 Sensible mothers..know enough to throw his trash out of the window as soon as he turns his back. 2004 Ashmolean Summer 2 The sea-god Poseidon, trident in hand, turns his back in disgust at the heroes' action, while the walls of Troy rear in the background. (b) to turn one's (also the) back to (also †unto): = to turn one's back on at Phrases 1a(c). Formerly also (with indirect object) †to turn (a person) the back. ΚΠ c1400 Prickynge of Love (Harl.) (1983) 22 (MED) Good ihesu..I..for-ȝete þe..and turne my bak to-þe-ward. a1425 in M. L. Arntz Richard Rolle & Gratia Dei (1981) 100 In þe tyme of prayere..mene sall noght turne God þe bake & speke with othire. a1500 (a1400) Ipomedon (Chetham) (1889) l. 4797 (MED) He tornyde hym the bake þat tyde..Vnder his dent he durste not byde. c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) vi (MED) Fortune the bak him turnyt. 1574 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Job (new ed.) sig. ¶¶.ij. The wicked hath tourned vnto me the backe, and not the face. 1698 F. Grant Sadducismus Debellatus 6 Thou turn'st thy Back to me, when I am telling thee truth; if I were reading a Story-Book..thou would'st hear that. 1755 W. Emerson Navigation i. 6 Then turning the back to the sun, and looking through the vanes C and A, raise or settle the Instrument. 1899 S. Crane in McClure's Mag. Feb. 335 The situation demanded that he face the sea and turn his back to the Spanish bullets. 2006 S. Kenyon Dark Side of Moon xi. 186 He turned his back to her as if nothing had happened. But even so she could sense his unrest. (c) to turn one's back on (also upon): to change one's position so that one's back faces (a person, a place, etc.); (in extended and figurative use) to depart from, abandon, desert, refuse contact with (a person, place, etc.). ΚΠ a1425 in M. L. Arntz Richard Rolle & Gratia Dei (1981) 100 For velany it were grete..if a mane stode before þe pape or þe kyng to say his nedis, if he turne his bak on þos lords þe whils he spekes with þaim of his nedfull thynges to iangill with othire about hym with wayne wordes. c1480 (a1400) St. Placidus 303 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 78 Forton..turnyt hyr bak one hym wrathly. 1537 M. Coverdale tr. M. Luther Expos. Psalm xxii sig. Biii^v Thus speaketh a sure and constant fayth, which turneth her back vpon euery thynge that is temporall & transitory. 1581 Earl of Morton in Cal. State Papers Scotl. (1910) VI. 14 I was purposed to have..turned my backe upon Scotland while I had sene further. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear i. 165 To turne thy hated backe Vpon our kingdome. View more context for this quotation 1740 C. Davies Life & Adventures ii. 28 He answered with a Pish only, and turning his back on me, said to a Captain, you see the Fruits of making mean People familiar. 1866 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighb. (1878) xxx. 522 I never turned my back on my leader yet. 1912 E. Sidgwick Herself vii. 99 The story went of him that on a gala opera-night..he had begun by turning his back on the stage. 1987 R. Hall Kisses of Enemy (1990) iii. lii. 300 He wears his nose rather too high in the air and is given to turning his back upon persons attempting to be pleasant to him. 2013 C. Johnson Serpent's Tooth 31 The keys are hanging in the holding cell, but I wouldn't turn my back on him for an instant. b. to turn the balance (also †beam): to have greater weight or importance; to preponderate: = to turn the scale at Phrases 1m. Cf. beam n.¹ 6. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > predominance or preponderance > [verb (intransitive)] to turn the balance (also beam)1600 to turn the scale1815 1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream v. i. 313 A moth will turne the ballance; which Pyramus, which Thisby is the better. 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. v. 158 Thy madnes shall be payd with weight Tell our scale turne the beame. 1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature iii. 59 When there is nothing in the opposite Scale..this [probability] in the course of nature must turn the beam. 1841 D. W. Jobson Hist. French Revol. v. 199 The intelligence of Dumouriez's disasters turned the beam in favour of the Jacobins, whose energy in moments of peril invariably triumphed over the irresolution of the others. 1892 Eng. Illustr. Mag. 10 36 A straw will often suffice to turn the balance. 2014 Australian (Nexis) 1 Nov. (Review section) 16 Dingos..turned the balance of Australian fauna in favour of carnivores. c. to turn (†one's) bridle: to turn one's horse and ride back; (of a rider) to retreat. Also figurative. Now rare and archaic. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > turn back to turn (one's) bridlec1330 c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 4937 Gaheriet þo turned his bridel And swiþe wald oȝain ride Ac þe paiems about him come And wold him han ynome. a1450 (a1400) Athelston (1951) l. 546 (MED) Þe bysschop..turnys hys brydyl and wendes agayn..Vnto þe Brokene-Cros off ston. 1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Persian Wars ii. 60 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian The Persians..drave them out of the fastnesses, and then turn'd bridle. 1825 W. Scott Betrothed xiii, in Tales Crusaders I. 242 Were I you, my Lady Eveline,..I would turn bridle yet; for this old dungeon seems little likely to afford food or shelter to Christian folks. 1920 Shanghai Gaz. 28 Jan. 3/5 The moment they had passed me they turned bridle to accompany me to my destination. 2014 A. W. Field Prelude to Waterloo ix Some individuals attacked the guns and caused some disorder and casualties before turning bridle and rallying with their units. d. to turn one's coat: to change sides, to desert one's party or principles. Cf. turncoat n. 1a. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > in conduct to turn one's coat1565 convert?1575 the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles declinec1374 starta1450 revert?a1525 to fall away1535 to turn (one's) tippet1546 revolt1549 shrink1553 to turn one's coat1565 to come over1576 apostate1596 to change (one's) sides1596 defect1596 renegade1611 to change foot1618 to run over1643 to face about1645 apostatize1648 tergiverse1675 tergiversate1678 desert1689 apostasize1696 renegado1731 rat1810 to cross the floor1822 turncoat1892 to take (the) soup1907 turn1977 1565 R. Shacklock tr. S. Hozjusz Hatchet of Heresies 74 Howe many tymes Melancthon hath turned his cote in this one opinion. 1577 J. Grange Garden in Golden Aphroditis sig. Oiij^v Now must I turne my coate and cleaue vnto my God, Desiring pardon for my crime. 1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. ix. 196 That all the Protestants would either turn their Coats, Copies, arms, or fly away. 1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose ix, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 210 Sir John Urrie, a soldier..who had already changed sides twice during the Civil War, and was destined to turn his coat a third time before it was ended. 1946 G. Millar Horned Pigeon ix. 130 Like good policemen all over the world, they were only too willing to turn their coats (to keep law and order, of course). 2002 Philadelphia Weekly 17 Apr. 15/2 The mass mailing sent to GOP backers across the state had local voter-registration officials telling the Inquirer that a few thousand locals have turned their coats. e. to turn (†one's) colour: to change colour, become a different colour; (of a person) to become pale or red in the face (now rare).Cf. quot. 1450 at sense 36a(a). ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > skin > complexion > paleness > [verb (intransitive)] > become or turn pale blakea1225 fallowa1250 blokec1275 bloknec1315 bleykec1327 blikena1400 falla1450 to paint pale (also white)a1529 blemish1530 appale1534 to turn (one's) colour1548 wan1582 bleak1605 whiten1775 blench1813 etiolate1882 the world > matter > colour > change of colour > change colour [verb (intransitive)] turn1568 chameleonize1599 to turn (one's) colour1604 discolour1612 colour1667 stir1792 the world > life > the body > skin > complexion > [verb (intransitive)] > change colour to change (one's) huec1380 to change coloura1387 to change countenance (also face)c1425 change1600 to turn (one's) colour1604 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxxiv It maie euidently appere, that the blacke Ethyopian, or the blacke coloured rauen, wil soner turne their colours. ?1567 M. Parker Def. Priestes Mariages 129 And knittyng his browes, he laied his hande on his dagger, and set his countenaunce in suche sorte, that the Frenche hardie Ambassadour, tourned coloure wonderfully. 1589 J. Banister Antidotarie Chyrurg. 273 Let them boyle till they turne colour. 1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 522 Looke where he has not turnd his cullour, and has teares in's eyes. View more context for this quotation 1720 D. Manley Power of Love vi. 346 She turned Colour, and was much surprized to see so great a Company. 1899 Tit-Bits 19 Aug. 420/2 [These] buttons..do not turn colour. 1965 M. Allingham Mind Readers (2008) xii. 123 It was a friendly question but the Deputy Commander laughed abruptly and turned colour. 1988 T. Vennum Wild Rice & Ojibway People Pref. p. vii. The crisp early autumn day, with clear, deep blue sky and sugar maples beginning to turn color, was reflected from the lake. 2016 C. L. Tan Sarong Party Girls vii. 86 Ah Beng became damned angry. After his face turned color a bit, he turned around and used his finger to signal his friends to come over. †f. to turn edge: (of a sharp instrument) to have the edge bent so as to make it useless for cutting, to become blunt. Also figurative. Cf. sense 8c(a). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)] to turn edge1578 to turn again1579 rebate1587 turn1633 blunt1684 1578 A. Golding tr. Seneca Conc. Benefyting i. iv. f. 4^v Yet a Greek, whose sharpnes of wit being ouer thin, is soone blunted and oftentymes turneth edge. 1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre v. iii. 234 How-ever at this time they might turn edge, they had formerly been true blades for his Holinesse. 1675 W. Okeley Eben-Ezer Upon this Bk. Had but some Monk this History to Dress, He would have made the Iron-Teeth of th' Press Turn Edge, and grin, to chew the stuff and stile. g. Military. to turn the flank of: to enable an attack from the side or behind by getting round the flank of (an opposing army, etc.); (figurative) to circumvent or outwit (a person). Cf. sense 16b. ΚΠ 1759 tr. Frederick II of Prussia in Mem. House of Brandenburg (ed. 4) 169 His Cavalry's extending upon their Right towards the Village of Vischell; making a Shew, as if they intended to turn the Enemy's left Flank, and take them in the Rear. 1795 W. Belsham Mem. Reign George III III. 214 An attempt was made to turn the flank of the Americans, and to surround the continental troops. 1813 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1838) X. 596 Sir Lowry Cole..retired..because his right flank was turned. 1841 R. W. Emerson Circles in Ess. 1st Ser. (London ed.) 311 There is not a piece of science, but its flank may be turned to-morrow. 1963 G. A. Williams Medieval London vii. 209 The aldermen tried to organize a boycott, but Mansel turned their flank. He summoned a Folkmoot. 1987 H. W. Pfanz Gettysburg: First Day xix. 264 Just as Avery's brigade turned the flank of the 134th New York on Coster's right, so Hays's brigade turned the flank of the 27th Pennsylvania on Coster's left. h. to turn one's hand. (a) To make an attack; to bring about hardship. Chiefly followed by against, upon. Cf. sense 26a. Now archaic and rare. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] greetc893 overfallOE riseOE assail?c1225 to lay on or upon?c1225 onseekc1275 to set on ——c1290 infighta1300 saila1300 to go upon ——c1300 to turn one's handc1325 lashc1330 annoyc1380 impugnc1384 offendc1385 to fall on ——a1387 sault1387 affrayc1390 to set upon ——1390 to fall upon ——a1398 to lay at?a1400 semblea1400 assayc1400 havec1400 aset1413 oppressa1425 attachc1425 to set at ——c1430 fraya1440 fray1465 oppugn?a1475 sayc1475 envaye1477 pursue1488 envahisshe1489 assaulta1500 to lay to, untoa1500 requirea1500 enterprise?1510 invade1513 assemblec1515 expugn1530 to fare on1535 to fall into ——1550 mount1568 attack?1576 affront1579 invest1598 canvass1599 to take arms1604 attempt1605 to make force at, to, upon1607 salute1609 offence1614 strikea1616 to give a lift at1622 to get at ——1650 insult1697 to walk into ——1794 to go in at1812 to go for ——1838 to light on ——1842 strafe1915 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] assail?c1225 to set on ——c1290 saila1300 to turn one's handc1325 lashc1330 to set against ——c1330 impugnc1384 offendc1385 weighc1386 checka1400 to lay at?a1400 havec1400 to set at ——c1430 fraya1440 rehetea1450 besail1460 fray1465 tuilyie1487 assaulta1500 enterprise?1510 invade1513 sturt1513 attempt1546 lay1580 tilt1589 to fall aboard——1593 yoke1596 to let into1598 to fall foul1602 attack1655 do1780 to go in at1812 to pitch into ——1823 tackle1828 vampire1832 bushwhack1837 to go for ——1838 take1864 pile1867 volcano1867 to set about ——1879 vampirize1888 to get stuck into1910 to take to ——1911 weigh1941 rugby-tackle1967 rugger-tackle1967 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6070 Suan þe duc of denemarch bigan to turne is hond & after þat he adde destrued þe souþhalf of þis lond He wende & robbede of þis lond al þe norþ side. a1425 (a1382) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) 2 Kings xxiv. 17 I biseche, be thin hoond turned [L. vertatur..manus tua] aȝens me, and aȝens the hows of my fader. 1694 J. Owen Englands Warning 14 By our obstinacy and continuance in impenitency and disobedience, we have caused him to turn his Hand against us. 1839 J. Yeowell Anc. Brit. Church (1847) x. 107 Her cruel masters turned their ruthless hands against every thing and person that had a religious character. 1877 Queen's Printers' Bible-Aids 134 David..entreating him [sc. God] to spare the innocent people, and to turn his hand upon himself. 1906 Jewish Era 15 Jan. 171/1 The prophet intimates that when God has finished the chastisement of Judah He will then turn His hand upon those nations and punish them. 2010 K. M. Saxegaard Character Complexity in Bk. of Ruth viii. 199 She complains about God who has turned his hand against her. (b) Followed by to: to apply oneself to, set to work at, take up as an occupation. Frequently in such expressions as they can turn their hands to anything. Formerly also †without possessive. Cf. sense 22. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with entreat?a1450 overtakea1500 to go on ——1508 take1523 to go about ——?1533 to set upon ——1555 fall1589 to turn one's hand1628 to take to task1649 tackle1847 to take on1898 1628 T. Taylor Man in Christ 95 How mightily did Gods power manifest it selfe in ouercomming all difficulties in that Creation? no finite power could turne hand to it. 1703 R. Steele Tender Husband ii. i A good Servant should turn his Hand to every thing in a Family. 1847 T. De Quincey Spanish Mil. Nun in Wks. (1863) III. 11 She could turn her hand to anything. 1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 358 [He] can turn his own hand to the plough when wanted. 1867 S. Smiles Huguenots Eng. & Ireland ii. 24 [He] was ready to turn his hand to anything that might enable him to earn a living. 1951 M. Lambert & E. Marx Eng. Pop. Art iii. 48 In the nineteenth century the pargeter sometimes turned his hand to making plaques for inn signs. 2014 Times (Nexis) 4 Oct. 57 My father had the gift of the gob—he could turn his hand to selling anything. i. †(a) to turn head: to turn and face an enemy; to present a bold opposing front. Cf. to turn tail at Phrases 1o. Obsolete. [Compare French tourner tête (1640 or earlier in this sense).] ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > defence > holding out or making stand > hold out or make stand [verb (intransitive)] > resist werec1175 to turn head1575 to turn to bay1700 1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxxix. 240 When they haue eyther earthed a vermine, or brought a Deare, Bore, or suche lyke, to turne head agaynst them, then we say They Baye. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. ii. 102 He..Turnes head against the lions armed iawes. View more context for this quotation 1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 125 'Twas to no Purpose to turn Head, no Man would stand by us. 1819 A. Rees Cycl. XXX. at Rut At this time they will turn head, and furiously make at any living creature. (b) to turn a person's head: to make a person incapable of thinking sensibly; to make a person conceited or infatuated. [Compare French tourner la tête à quelqu'un to inspire admiration (1713), to make a person conceited or infatuated (1740), to make someone make an unwise choice (a1798).] ΚΠ 1663 A. Cowley Cutter of Coleman-St. v. xiii. 68 You turn my Head, you dizzie me. 1705 R. Steele Tender Husband ii. i. 17 Alack a day, Cousin Biddy, these Idle Romances have quite turn'd your Head. 1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. III. ii. 29 You have been making serious love to Patty, and have turned the poor girl's head. 1974 J. B. Keane Lett. of Love-Hungry Farmer in Celebrated Lett. (1996) 195 She is a fine ball of a woman with a noble stand and a head of red hair that would turn a man's head. 2005 M. Atwood Penelopiad xi. 76 People had praised her so often and lavished her with so many gifts and adjectives that it had turned her head. (c) to turn heads (and variants): (of a person or thing) to cause people to turn and look, typically by being strikingly attractive, stylish, etc.; to catch the eye or attract attention; cf. head-turner n. 2. ΚΠ 1878 Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis) 16 Jan. 2/3 She turned heads and won hearts as lightly as she toyed with her perfumed fan. 1894 A. G. Stephens Queenslander's Travel-notes ii. 12 The Samoan belles are really belles, and would turn many a head in Collins street. 1936 N.Y. Times 14 Apr. 5/2 (advt.) An original by Russeks Design Studio... Be the first to wear one and turn heads wherever you go. 1970 Guardian 21 Apr. 11/6 I have seen three women who would turn heads in London with their elegance. 1993 New Mexico Daily Lobo 21 Sept. 3/1 PageMaker 5.0 is turning the heads of professionals throughout the world. 2002 BusinessWeek 4 Mar. 53/2 Nissan wants this car to turn heads... That explains five new colors, ranging from paprika orange to lima-bean green. j. to turn a person's heart: to direct a person's attention, affection, or loyalty to or from someone or something; to change a person's inclination or attitude. ΚΠ a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 163 Ðe tilien..mid here wise word turneden mannes herte fram eorðeliche þankes to heuenliche þanke. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 20842 Þat lijf, ne dede, ne wele, ne wa, Mai neuer turn mi hert þe fra, Bot hald it hold in þi seruis. 1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. ii. xii. f. 117 Y^e haly spreit..be his grace lythis & turnis our hart to God. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. vi. 59 Will nothing turne your vnrelenting hearts? 1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 3 I hope he will turn your Heart from this Way of thinking. 1833 Court Jrnl. 14 Dec. 841/2 So felt the dying girl: exquisite sorrow but turned her heart more intensely to God. 1997 J. M. Scott in Exile 197 If he cannot turn his face he must turn his heart. 2011 R. Rienow When they turn Away vi. 87 If we desire to turn our hearts toward our children, we need to commit ourselves to forgiving them. k. to turn a (new) page: to make a fresh start or new beginning, esp. after a difficult or troubled period. Similarly to turn the page (on something): to put the past behind one, to move on from the preceding era or events.Cf. to turn over a new leaf at leaf n.¹ Phrases 2b. ΚΠ 1888 Church at Home & Abroad Apr. 400/1 The school has entered upon a new era... We turn a new page in our school history. 1913 C. F. Holder Quakers in Great Brit. & Amer. iv. 77 It is well to turn the page on the crimes and manias which have held under the guise of religion. 1977 Newsweek (Nexis) 9 May 71 Next season we will do nine new ballets... You have to turn the page. 1989 Summary of World Broadcasts Pt. 2: Eastern Europe (B.B.C.) 23 Dec. EE/0647/B1 Political goodwill..[and] maximum tactfulness..are needed in order to turn a new page in the Bulgaro-Turkish dialogue. 1995 Espace Summer 5/2 The retrospective allows me to ‘turn the page’ on a number of things... I would like this to be..a spring-board towards new places. 2014 Cycle Sport Mag. Aug. 7/1 We're doing everything that we can to show that cycling has turned a page and it's not like it was in the past. l. to turn a profit: to earn or make a profit. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > management of money > income, revenue, or profit > getting or making money > get or make money [verb (intransitive)] > make profit win1340 to wind the penny1546 vantage1563 to turn a profit1843 to do well out of1857 1843 Ainsworth's Mag. 3 236 He boasted of being foremost—of having turned a profit of fifteen shillings while the clock was striking nine! 1969 Time 21 Jan. 44 Partly because of the competition from IBM it is unlikely to turn a profit before 1970. 2013 B. Stone Everything Store iv. 134 Amazon had turned a profit by both controversial pro forma accounting standards and conventional methods. m. to turn the scale. (a) To cause one scale of a balance to descend; said of an additional weight, usually a slight or just sufficient one. Now frequently with at: to weigh (slightly more than) a specified amount. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > ascertain weight [verb (intransitive)] > weigh (a specific amount) weighc1000 peisea1382 weighc1386 poise1389 ponder?a1425 to turn the scale1600 ponderize1634 heft1851 avoirdupois1854 scale1862 to tip the scales1884 to weigh in1909 the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > ascertain weight [verb (intransitive)] > turn the scales weigh?1566 to turn the scale1600 preponderate1623 prepond1836 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. iv. 255 The weight of a haire wil turne the scales between their haber de poiz. a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. ii. 28 You waigh equallie: a feather will turne the Scale . View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis x, in tr. Virgil Wks. 520 A single Soul's too light to turn the Scale. 1844 Bell's Life in London 16 Aug. 4/4 Amos had the advantage in height and weight, being 10st 6lb, while Haggerty only turned the scale at 10st. 1889 J. K. Jerome Three Men in Boat 283 He had weighed it carefully..and it turned the scale at thirty-four pounds. 1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 883 A case containing a ¼-plate camera..turning the scale at 6 lbs. 2015 Western Advocate (Bathurst, New S. Wales) (Nexis) 18 Aug. 8 Later some of the larger hail stones were weighed and they turned the scale at five and six ounces. (b) figurative. To be a crucial factor in determining the success or superiority of one of two opposing parties or sides. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > predominance or preponderance > [verb (intransitive)] to turn the balance (also beam)1600 to turn the scale1815 1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. x. 94 And if my words in weight shall fail, This ponderous sword shall turn the scale. 1874 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. I. x. 311 The scale was turned in favour of strong measures by the voice of the native troops. 2015 Dominion Post (Wellington, N.Z.) (Nexis) 24 June (Sport section) 16 That could have turned the scales in the All Blacks' favour. n. to turn sides: to change sides, go over from one side to the other. ΚΠ 1735 R. Challoner Short Hist. Protestant Relig. vi. 71 This Queen was no sooner dead, but he turn'd Sides once more. 1871 A. P. Brotherhead Himself his Worst Enemy xxxiv. 236 He is unanimously admitted to the House, where—to every body's surprise and possibly his own—he turns sides and becomes as violent a Whig as before he was a Tory. 2015 M. C. Planck Gold Throne in Shadow 21 I offered my sword to your Church..when I turned sides against my fellows. o. to turn tail. (a) Originally Falconry. To turn and flee; to run away, retreat. Formerly also: †to turn one's back (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > hunting > hawking > action of hawk > [verb (intransitive)] > fly away from quarry to rake out (also away, off)1575 to turn tail1575 to turn taila1586 check1615 to fly at check1667 the mind > emotion > fear > cowardice or pusillanimity > be cowardly or show signs of cowardice [verb (intransitive)] > yield in a cowardly manner > run away as a coward to fly the pita1568 to turn tail1575 1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 126 Moste commonly if a yong hawke be let flee at olde game, shee will turne tayle. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. iv. sig. Q2 Would she..turne taile to the Heron, & flie quite out another way. 1587 R. Greene Euphues sig. E To cast out no lure to such a haggarde as would turne taile to a full fist. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxiv. 246 Such as retire from the Princes presence, do not by & by turne tayle to them as we do, but go backward or sideling for a reasonable space. 1611 G. Markham Countrey Contentm. (1668) i. v. 34 Short winged Hawks..will many times neither kill their Game, nor flie their mark; but will give it over..and (as Faulconers term it) turn tail to it. 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 358 The Wolves turn'd Tail. 1841 B. Hall Patchwork II. vii. 139 As soon as my companion turned tail..I was compelled..to run for it likewise. 1891 G. D. Galton La Fenton v He turned tail and fled. 2001 R. B. Parker Potshot (2002) 85 So you turned tail and ran... I didn't know you were that sensible. †(b) To turn in opposition or defiance. Obsolete.Only in a proverbial phrase relating to worm n. 3b; cf. sense 28a, to turn again 5 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition to turn againc1330 to join issue1583 to turn tail1611 turn1887 1611 T. Middleton & T. Dekker Roaring Girle sig. D2 Tread vpon a worme they say twill turne taile. 1641 G. Raleigh Albania 28 There is not the least Worme, but being trodden upon will turne taile. (c) Followed by on, upon (formerly also †against). To abandon, forsake. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > avoid or shun > turn aside from swerve1390 to depart from1535 to turn tail1624 nesh1881 dingo1930 1624 F. Quarles Iob Militant v. 4 As a Truant-Scholler..turnes speedy tayle Upon his tedious booke. 1680 J. Rushworth Hist. Coll.: Second Pt. II. 899 For him to turn tail against my Lord Deputy, must needs be a foul fault. 1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun II. 128 Ashamed to avow that you are going to turn tail on your former principles. 1853 G. P. R. James Agnes Sorel I. ii. 30 [They] have turned tail upon their former faith. 1996 Times 13 Nov. 29/1 Edgar Bronfman Jr...has turned tail on the dog-eat-dog world of business. †p. to turn one's tale: to change the way in which one speaks about or to a person; (also) to tell a different story. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] wendOE divert1430 to turn one's tale1525 relent1528 revolt1540 resile?a1597 crinkle1612 to throw in (or up) one's cards1688 to box the compass1714 to turn round1808 crawfish1848 to back down1849 duff1883 back-pedal1891 punk1920 back-track1947 to back off1961 1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xcvi. f. cx^v/1 He fayned hymselfe and tourned his tale and sayde: God saue you good man. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxvii. 23 Whan thou art present, he shal..prayse thy wordes: but at the last he shall turne his tayle [1560 tale] and slaunder thy sayenge. 1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 13 Then they all turned their tales, and began to deride poor Christian behind his back. View more context for this quotation 1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 94 He did not seem glad to have me undervalue his Plantations; so I turn'd my tale; I told him I had good reason not to desire to go there to live. q. to turn a wheel: (of a vehicle) to move or be set in motion; figurative (of a person or thing) to move forward, to make progress, to begin working (chiefly North American regional). Usually in negative constructions, as can't turn a wheel, won't turn a wheel, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > set in motion to turn a wheel1849 to set on1855 the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)] > make progress or advance (of action or operation) fremec1000 furtherc1200 profit1340 to go onc1449 grow1487 to commence to, intoa1500 framea1529 to get ground?1529 movec1540 work1566 promove1570 advance1577 devolve1579 to come on1584 progress1612 to gain ground1625 germinate1640 proceed1670 to gather ground1697 march1702 to make its way1711 to come forward1722 develop1744 to turn a wheel1864 shape1865 come1899 1849 Rep. Deb. & Proc. Convent. for Revision Constit. State of Kentucky 833/2 The old carriage that..has not turned a wheel for years, is taxed just as much as that which is running in all the splendor of novelty. 1864 N. Y. Times 19 Mar. 1/1 Your Convention assembled can do nothing more toward realizing the end in view than your Legislature or your Governor can accomplish. It can't turn a wheel. 1920 F. Lynde Girl, Horse & Dog ix. 158 You said a minute ago that I couldn't turn a wheel without your consent. You can't turn a wheel at all—without money. 1967 in Dict. Amer. Regional Eng. (online ed., accessed 6 May 2021) at Turn Was it the first of June it started raining? We didn't turn a wheel for almost three weeks. 2001 Leader-Post (Regina, Sask.) (Nexis) 21 Jan. a11 He is a proponent of the ‘farm sabbatical’ program that is now calling on farmers in both Canada and the United States to simply not plant a crop in 2001... ‘We won't turn a wheel,’ he said. ‘Everything will shut down.’ 2009 Classic Tractor Sept. 81/1 I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that one day I'll stumble across the ultimate barn-find—a low-hour 7000 [tractor] that hasn't turned a wheel for 20 years. r. to turn the cat in the pan: see cat n.¹ 12. to turn the other cheek: see cheek n. Phrases 3. to turn the corner: see corner n.¹ 2b. to turn a deaf ear: see deaf adj. 2. to turn King's (also Queen's, State's) evidence: see evidence n. 5b. to turn a blind eye: see eye n.¹ Phrases 2t. to turn (a person) round one's finger: see finger n. Phrases 4i. not to turn a hair: see hair n. Phrases 14. to turn over a new leaf: see leaf n.¹ Phrases 2b. to turn (a person) round one's little finger: see little finger n. Phrases 1. to turn a penny: see penny n. Phrases 1b. to turn the tables: see table n. Phrases 2. to turn (one's) tippet: see tippet n. 1e. to turn a trick: see trick n. 5b, trick n. 10. to turn turtle: see turtle n.² 2. to turn (the) wind: see wind n.¹ 3b. P2. With adjective or adverbial phrase (consisting of preposition + noun, etc.) as complement. a. to turn loose (also to turn aloose). (a) To set free (an animal) so that it is allowed to go loose; (in extended and figurative use) to free (a person or thing) from restraint, to allow (a person or thing) to go where, or do as, he or she will. Also followed by on, upon (indicating the area of free activity). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > releasing hold > let go (something held or grasped) [verb (transitive)] beleavea1250 leta1325 to let goc1384 to leave hold1556 to turn loose?1566 quita1586 unhand1603 relinquish1651 unseize1663 unfist1692 to leave go1776 unclasp1868 to loose hold1875 society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > from confinement unbindc950 to let freec1000 aletOE to let out1154 loosea1225 slakec1374 loosen1382 to let goc1384 releasec1384 unloosec1400 unlockc1410 dissolvec1420 relievec1450 unloosen?a1475 to set at liberty1509 enlargea1513 to let at large1525 to let loose1530 to turn loose?1566 enfranchise1569 to turn up1573 enfranch1581 unkennel1589 unwind1596 to cast loosec1600 disimmure1611 disimprison1611 unhamper1620 to let abroad1633 unfold1633 disencloister1652 disencage1654 discagea1657 disincarcerate1665 eliminate1745 unspherea1806 unmew1818 unbottle1821 uncage1837 unbag1854 bust1921 ?1566 W. P. tr. C. S. Curio Pasquine in Traunce f. 35 (side-note) Horsses and mares turned loose togither. 1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor ii. i. 172 Should he loue my wife, I faith Ide turne her loose to him. 1679 J. Dryden Troilus & Cressida i. ii. 8 He's the ablest man for judgment in all Troy, you may turn him loose i' faith. 1765 Treat. Domest. Pigeons 77 He braces a letter under the wings of a Pigeon,..and..turns it loose. 1891 Virginia Med. Monthly July 327 To..turn aloose once more upon the community scores and hundreds of persons..who are simply able to hide their ignorance from the people. 1892 Sat. Rev. 9 Jan. 40/2 They are turned loose to graze on the succulent grasses. 1918 H. H. Knibbs Tang of Life xiii. 136 I busted into the jail and turned that hobo loose. 1958 Managem. Sci. 4 480 Suboptimums were computed first over nearly independent sets of vectors before the computer was turned loose on the full problem. 2006 A. M. Foley Having my Say ii. 10 In that part of the county—what's called Down Below—cows used to be turned loose to graze. (b) U.S. To discharge, fire off (a bullet, a firearm, etc.). Also without object, followed by on (often figurative). ΚΠ 1846 Niles' National Reg. 7 Nov. 155/2 We rushed up..driving the Mexicans down the other side and taking a 9-pounder brass cannon, ready loaded with grape, but the load intended for us was turned loose on them. 1874 J. W. Long Amer. Wild-fowl Shooting xxvi. 269 When they are coming to your decoys down-wind..as they double back to alight, ‘turn it loose’ at the middle of the cluster. 1887 Harper's Mag. June 160/1 ‘Death loves a shining mark’, and she hit a dandy when she turned loose on Jim. 1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy x The chief could not speak a word of English..; when I turned loose on him in Spanish, he..signed back to his band. 1903 A. Adams Log of Cowboy xiii Somebody..turned his gun loose into the air. 1998 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 14 June i. 1/1 Barry entered Frontier Middle School..and turned his guns loose on fellow ninth graders. 2004 A. Tonken King of Cons v. 67 She turned loose on me, cussing me out good. (c) U.S. regional (southern and Midland). To let go of, leave hold of (a person or thing). Also followed by of (with object), and with no object. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > releasing hold > let go [verb (intransitive)] to hang off1600 to loose hold1865 to turn aloose1935 1888 Southeastern Reporter 6 223 It was customary with the hands using these poles, after adjusting them to tender and cars, to turn them loose; but, when the accident occurred, Jackson held onto the push-pole. When he put the pole there, he said, ‘All right’, but didn't turn it loose. 1929 W. Faulkner Sound & Fury 199 He turned my hands loose. 1935 T. Wolfe Of Time & River xlii. 376 You git his other hand, Jim, an' try to make him turn a-loose. a1938 T. Wolfe Web & Rock (1947) 34 ‘You turn loose of me,’ the captive panted, ‘I'll show you who's the cry-baby!’ 1966 R. Price Generous Man (1967) i. 63 ‘Safe! We're in awful danger. Turn loose, old fool!’ He turned loose and lay flat, small on the ground. a2009 E. Kelton Texas Standoff (2010) 275 ‘Turn aloose of me,’ Daggett cried. b. to turn to account. †(a) To result in profit or advantage; to be profitable, to ‘pay’. Formerly also with object expressing the person benefited. Cf. sense 29 and account n. 4. Obsolete.Where there is an object of the verb this was originally an indirect object indicating the beneficiary, but was probably often taken as a direct object; cf. sense 29b. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial [verb (intransitive)] > result in (adequate) advantage to turn to accounta1632 pay1774 to bear fruit1889 to pay out1909 to pay off1946 a1632 I. Wake Three Fold Help Polit. Observ. (1655) iii. 100 Although he doth somtimee turn banquerupt, when it doth turn him to account; yet he doth alwayes finde mony for his own occasions. 1647 Declar. Congregationall Societies City of London 8 If all things were common unto all, there would be no place left for any such difference as is between giving and receiving, or if there were, both the one and the other would turne to the same account. a1677 I. Barrow Serm. Several Occasions (1678) 38 Any of us may..throughly compass and carry it on; which will exceedingly turn to account. 1697 J. Pollexfen Disc. Trade & Coyn 20 Bullion or Coyn will turn them to a better Account. 1729 J. Swift Modest Proposal 6 They will not yield above three Pounds..which cannot turn to Account either to the Parents or the Kingdom. 1743 R. Pococke Descr. East I. 134 Of late the West India coffee..has sold so cheap, that it does not turn to account to send it to England. 1829 New Eng. Farmer 13 Nov. 133/2 We had large quantities of hemp upon the ground. It turned to good account. (b) To make use of (something) for one's advantage or profit; to employ (something) profitably. Cf. sense 22. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > be advantageous or beneficial to [verb (transitive)] > take advantage of > turn to account lucrify1564 improve1604 to turn to account1679 to make much (also little, something, nothing, etc.) of1707 avail1785 to make a good thing of (also out of)1800 utilize1807 exploiter1818 to make capital out of1840 capitalize1869 1679 H. Sheeres Let. 20 Oct. in Disc. Tanger (1680) 30 This Constructive, or rather equivocal Freedom, as I may call it, which we have hitherto been under, can never turn the Place to account. 1826 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) I. vii. 267 Whether I shall ever find time..to turn to account the instructions of Neukomm. 1870 J. Tyndall Lect. Electr. §20 Others have turned to account mechanically the attraction exerted by electro-magnetic cores on bars of iron. 1921 Printers' Ink 24 Nov. 151 Provided, you turn your introspection and retrospection to account in planning for the future. 2006 Irish Times (Nexis) 20 Nov. (Sport section) 9 Our forwards got a lot of ball but could not turn it to account. We found it very difficult to score into the wind. c. to turn to bay: to turn and defend oneself, to set oneself at bay (cf. bay n.⁴ 3); also figurative. Now rare and archaic. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > defence > holding out or making stand > hold out or make stand [verb (intransitive)] > resist werec1175 to turn head1575 to turn to bay1700 1700 G. Farquhar Constant Couple v. 53 Come, Madam, you know that you're discover'd, and being sensible, you can't escape, you wou'd now turn to Bay. 1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake i. 11 The stag must turn to bay, Where that rude rampart barred the way. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vi. 137 The colonists turned to bay with the stubborn hardihood of their race. 1965 D. Dalby Lexicon Mediaeval German Hunt 22/2 The quarry turns to bay when the hounds are almost upon it. a1991 N. Frye Notebooks on Renaissance Lit. (2006) 142 In late manifestations of nationalism which are anachronistic & deficient..it shows some self-consciousness in turning to bay. d. not to know which way to turn (also †turn oneself), and similar phrases: not to know what course to take, to be at a loss what to do (partly literal and partly figurative: cf. sense 23c(c)). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > perplexity, bewilderment > be or become confused [verb (intransitive)] > be at a loss not to know which way to turn (also turn oneself)c1400 stound1531 stick1534 confute1672 to be stuck for1861 not to know whether one is coming or going1899 c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 146 He hade so miche to done wiþ þe Erl Randulf..& wiþ Hugh Bigot..þat he ne wist whider to turne. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xxi. f. cxj^v They shall not tell which waye to turne them selves. 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. Advt. C iij b We have been at our wits end, and knew not which way in the World to turn our selves. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 239 They knew not which Way to turn themselves. 1885 Sir W. V. Field in Law Times Rep. 52 651/1 She did not know which way to turn to find means. 1960 Observer 20 Mar. 40 The surgeon did not know which way to turn in order to save the child. 2012 Daily Tel. 1 Oct. 25/6 Elvira..doesn't know which way to turn. e. to turn in and out: see in and out adv. 2. to turn inside out: see inside n.¹ 4. to turn on a dime: see dime n. Additions. to turn on a sixpence: see sixpence n. Additions. to turn top over tail: see top n.¹ and adj. Phrases 3b. to turn topsy-turvy: see topsy-turvy adv. to turn upside down: see upside down adv. P3. With another verb. to turn and wind (also occasionally to wind and turn). a. To turn this way and that; to go or move in a winding course. Formerly also †to turn and wind oneself. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > move in winding course to turn and winda1398 wreathea1500 twine1553 indent1567 virea1586 crank1594 to dance the hay or hays1600 maze1605 serpent1606 to indent the way1612 cringlea1629 indenture1631 circumgyre1634 twist1635 glomerate1638 winda1682 serpentine1767 meander1785 zigzag1787 zag1793 to worm one's way1822 vandyke1828 crankle1835 thread the needle1843 switchback1903 rattlesnake1961 zig1969 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. cxv. 1264 Þe worme..torneþ and wyndeþ toward many sydes and draweþ him to contrary sydes. For þe worme crepeth nouȝt nouþer glideþ as serpentes doþ. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6540 He ne wist queþer it bettur war To turn or winde him forþar mare. 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 20 In Mæanders [the dancers] turne and winde themselues. 1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iv. 50 Turn and wind Like Foxes in a storme. c1680 W. Beveridge Serm. (1729) I. 462 We see how all things wind and turn and work together, till they accomplish the end for which they were designed. 1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet I. iv. 54 A tall man, well mounted on a strong black horse, which he caused to turn and wind like a bird in the air. 1993 S. D. Gosvāmī From Imperfection, Purity 60 Just to get through the traffic congestion, past the park with the fountain, up the side of the mountain, turning and winding to this place. †b. To turn (a ship, a horse) one way and then another; (figurative) to manage (a person or thing) as one likes, to do what one will with. Cf. to turn (a person) round one's little finger at little finger n. Phrases 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > have complete control over windc1374 to bring (a person) above the thumb1469 to have to mastery1480 to have at one's beck1530 to turn and wind1557 to bring any one to, or have him at, one's bent1575 to turn over the thumb1603 to lead in a stringc1616 to hold at school1647 to wind (a person, etc.) round one's (little) finger1698 to twirl (a person) round one's finger1748 to twist (a person) round one's finger1780 to play with ——1827 to have (one) on toast1886 to have (got) by the balls1918 to have the wood onc1926 1557 R. Edgeworth Serm. very Fruitfull xiii. f. ccxvi^v A ship, though it be very great and vnweldi..yet with a litle sterne it may be turned & wynded as the maister y^t holdeth the helme list. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iv. i. 110 To turne and wind a fiery Pegasus. View more context for this quotation 1606 G. Chapman Sir Gyles Goosecappe i. sig. C^v Wee will turne her, and winde her, and make her so plyant that we will drawe her thorugh a wedding ring yfaith. 1673 J. Milton True Relig. 13 An ordinary Protestant, well read in the Bible, may turn and wind their Doctors. 1849 tr. Sacred Hist. World 174 Being men of parts and address, they turned and winded the passions of the multitude which way they pleased. †c. To put (money or goods) in circulation, circulate, cause to be exchanged; = to turn over at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. sense 13b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade to turn over1585 turn1598 to turn and wind1598 wind1598 return1677 handle1889 society > trade and finance > money > circulation of money > put into circulation [verb (transitive)] utterc1483 to put forth1572 pass1579 to turn and wind1598 wind1598 vent1629 to put outa1719 expose1751 mobilize1864 monetarize1952 1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. iv. 93 By turning and winding base marchandise in Affrica and Sicilia, he gayned his liuing. 1686 tr. J. Chardin Coronation Solyman 92 in Trav. Persia All the money that we turn and wind is the Kings. Phrasal verbs PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to turn about 1. a. intransitive. To move circularly on an axis; to rotate, revolve; = to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. Also figurative.to turn around and to turn round are now the more common expressions in this sense. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] wharvec888 turnOE runOE to turn aboutOE to turn roundc1450 to go roundc1460 revolute1553 gyre1598 veer1605 to come about1607 circumvolve1626 circumgyre1634 to turn around1642 roll1646 revolve1660 circulate1672 twist1680 circumgyrate1683 rotate1757 gyrate1830 OE Ælfric De Temporibus Anni (Cambr. Gg.3.28) (2009) v. 86 Seo firmamentum tyrnð symle onbutan us under ðyssere eorðan & bufon... Feower & twentig tida beoð agane.., ær ðan ðe heo beo æne ymbtyrnd, & ealle ða steorran þe hire on fæste sind turniað onbutan mid hire. OE Ælfric Hexameron (Hatton 115) 51 Steorran..þa ðe on ðam rodere standað tyrnað æfre abutan mid ðam bradan rodere on ymbhwyrfte þære eorðan. c1300 St. Katherine (Laud) l. 223 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 98 Four ȝweles of Iren he let fullen with rasores..And with ginne heom makede tuyrne a-boute. a1350 Holy Cross (Ashm.) l. 379 in R. Morris Legends Holy Rood (1871) 48 Þer-aboute he let do Þe fourme of sonne and mone and of sterres also Scyne as it hem-sulf were and turne aboute vaste. a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 12210 (MED) I..sawh a whel..By vyolence tourne aboute. 1539 Bible (Great) Prov. xxvi. 14 Lyke as the dore turneth aboute vpon the thresholde. 1609 Bible (Douay) I. Num. xxviii. 14 Through al monethes, that succede one another as the yeare turneth about. 1706 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 25 2253 The Wheel may turn about upon the Pin. 1966 T. Drange Type Crossings vii. 148 Gears and wheels turn about inside his head. b. transitive. To cause to rotate or revolve; = main sense 2. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] > as (on) a wheel turnOE swinga1225 wheelc1374 to turn abouta1382 overwhelmc1440 swinge1548 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Isa. xliv. 13 Þe crafti man tree werkere straȝte out þe rewle: & formede it in a grauyng iren, he made it in corneres & in a cumpas turnede it aboute [a1425 L.V. turnede it in cumpas]. a1425 Dialogue Reason & Adversity (Cambr.) (1968) 31 (MED) Here proper werkyng is to turne her wheel a bowte. 1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxx. 100 [They] made hym to tourne aboute a mylle as a blynde hors. 1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 348/1 They..doe but turne about the pot. 1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. i. 34 The other Foot [of the compasses] being turned about, will..touch the Line AG. 1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxxiv. 328 ‘Here's flesh!’ cried Squeers, turning the boy about... ‘Here's firmness, here's solidness!’ 1853 A. Ure Dict. Arts (ed. 4) I. 652 The inside of pipes is enamelled..by pouring the above body composition through them while the pipe is being turned about. 1995 S. Barry White Woman Street i, in Plays: One (1997) 136 They put a pole through the boar and set her up across the fire. Blakely turns it about and about. 2. a. (a) transitive. To alter or reverse the position of; to put into a different, or the opposite, position by a rotatory motion; = to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1.to turn around and to turn round are now the more common expressions in this sense. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 to turn rounda1560 to bring about1680 round1890 a1300 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 3 Mine uet an mine honden nailed beth to þe rode..turn mi bodi abuten, oueral þu findest blod. c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4071 ‘Fro whanne komeþ þis fair deistrer?..Which is þe kroupe? terne aboute!’ Aboute he ternde þe deistrer. ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 98^v (MED) Þe necessarie þyngez preparate to þe reduccioun..a corde hyngyng aboue þe bed or som oþer þing for to lene one or suppowell & help hymselfe when he wil sege or raise hym vp or be turned about. 1652 Mercurius Phreneticus No. 2. 10 Being hotly pursu'd by some of the English Hors-men, he turned about his starched face, and most religiously did expostulate. 1925 H. C. Booth tr. F. Auerbach Mod. Magnetics (U.K. ed.) ix. 215 Turning the bar about so that its under-side comes uppermost. 1992 Evening News (Edinb.) 20 Apr. 1/5 The gang were turned about and marched back to the railway station. (b) transitive (reflexive). To turn oneself so as to face or go in the opposite direction; = sense 2b.With quot. 1826 cf. note at to turn round 1c at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 turnc1330 to turn abouta1400 to turn round1449 convertc1572 the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn to face a direction > to opposite direction to turn aboutc1330 face1824 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (reflexive)] > turn back or reverse course to turn againa1300 to turn abouta1400 re-turn1483 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 15951 Iesus þan turnd him a-bute. c1550 Song Sir A. Barton iii, in Surtees Misc. (1888) 65 King Henry was stout, and turnd hime about. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iii. sig. P4^v So [she] turned her about, and fled. 1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 308 Let me turn myself about, and I'll be up with you, never fear, Madam. 1826 F. Reynolds Life & Times I. 174 Give me only time to turn myself about, and something must soon turn up trumps. 1898 H. C. Porter tr. E. Strasburger et al. Text-bk. Bot. 258 A torsion must..occur when a geotropic organ, which has become curved over toward its parent axis, turns itself about so as to face outwards (exotropism). 1995 J. Banville Athena 115 Draggingly I turned myself about, a stone statue turning on its plinth, and walked with granite tread to where the pictures were stacked. b. intransitive. To reverse one's position or course; to turn so as to face or go in the opposite direction: = to turn round 1a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction turnc1225 bewenda1300 to turn aboutc1330 returna1470 wheel1639 face1644 to turn on one's heel1669 to turn around1756 to turn round1787 about-face1896 about-turn1927 U-turn1931 U1971 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course turnc1275 to turn aboutc1330 repeata1382 to turn againc1384 to turn backc1425 re-turn1483 resore1486 to turn the backc1540 to turn round1560 to set back1803 resile1887 to break back1933 c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) l. 4070 ‘Fro whanne komeþ þis fair deistrer?..Which is þe kroupe? terne aboute!’ Aboute he ternde þe deistrer. a1425 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Bodl.) l. 8868 Whan we turned aboute, On a womman myn ye y caste... Þe dekene loked at þe next turnyng: She was aweye—he sagh no þyng. a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 271 He smote his horse on the nose, that he turned aboute. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) John i. f. cxx Iesus turned about, and sawe them folowe. 1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe v. 66 The Morning, as mistaken, turns about, And all her early fires again go out. 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 355 They began to retire, and turn about. 1804 Man in Moon 28 Jan. 191 I turned about and went to sleep again. 1868 W. Morris Earthly Paradise 146 He..turned about and left him there. 2010 Dunoon Observer & Argyllshire Standard 9 Apr. 19/1 Our ship turned about, aldis lamps flashing messages. 3. a. transitive. To turn (a person or thing) this way and that; to move or push about. Also: (figurative) to consider and reconsider (an idea, etc.); = to turn over 4 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn this way and that to turn aboutc1440 the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > think about, consider [verb (intransitive)] thinkOE thinkOE bethinka1200 umthinka1300 to have mind ofc1300 casta1340 studya1375 delivera1382 to chew the cudc1384 to take advisementa1393 stema1400 compassc1400 advisec1405 deliberc1405 to make it wisec1405 to take deliberationc1405 enter?a1413 riddlec1426 hovec1440 devise?c1450 to study by (also in) oneself?c1450 considerc1460 porec1500 regard1523 deliberate1543 to put on one's thinking or considering cap1546 contemplate1560 consult1565 perpend1568 vise1568 to consider of1569 weigh1573 ruminate1574 dascanc1579 to lay to (one's) heart1588 pondera1593 debate1594 reflect1596 comment1597 perponder1599 revolvea1600 rumine1605 consider on, upon1606 to think twice1623 reflex1631 spell1645 ponderatea1652 to turn about1725 to cast a thought, a reflection upon1736 to wake over1771 incubatea1847 mull1857 fink1888 c1440 St. Christopher (Thornton) l. 371 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 459/1 Þe water bygane to bolne & rowte And ofte-tyms hym turnede abowte. ?a1475 Noble Bk. Cookry in Middle Eng. Dict. at Rennen Tak eggs and drawe them through a strener and temper grated bread and eggs and stirre it to gedure till they be ronn..and when yt begynnythe to boille, tak out the pot stik and turn the curd about with a scomer. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. ii. 112 'Prethee doe not turne me about, my stomacke is not constant. View more context for this quotation 1725 I. Watts Logick ii. iv. §3 Turn these Ideas about in your Mind. 2013 C. Todiwala & T. Singh Incredible Spice Men 113 Gently transfer them to the hot roasting tin, turn them about in the hot oil and sprinkle with salt. b. intransitive. To turn this way and that; to move oneself about. ΚΠ 1835 Penny Cycl. III. 166/2 When the animal oat is ripe it falls out of its glumes, and in warm dry weather may be seen rolling and turning about. 1947 P. Larkin Girl in Winter ii. iv. 126 Once she felt that her feet were no longer glued down and she could turn about as she pleased, it became much easier. 1991 R. Ferguson Henry Miller vii. 141 As they turned about to get comfortable a sudden twanging of springs announced that they had broken it. to turn again 1. intransitive. To return, go back; = main sense 19. Now archaic.Familiar in modern English from the legend of Dick Whittington (cf. quot. 1612). ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)] to wend againeOE i-cherrec1000 again-chareOE again-comeOE again-fareOE again-goOE eft-sithec1175 to turn againc1175 returna1325 attournec1386 turnc1390 recovera1393 repair?c1400 recourse?a1425 to go backc1425 resortc1425 revertc1475 renew1488 retour?1505 to make return1534 to turn back1538 retend1543 to come short home1548 regress1552 rejourna1556 revolt1567 revolve1587 repeal1596 recur1612 rewend1616 revene1656 to get back1664 to take back1674 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6499 Till herode king onn ȝænn he þeȝȝm forrbæd to turrnenn. a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 87 Ihc wile turnen agen to mine huse. c1300 St. Michael (Laud) l. 21 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 300 He nam one aruwe envenimed..And schet to þis selie bole..Ake þis Arewe tornede euene a-ȝein to him þat hire schet, And smot him. c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 872 Naked out of my fadres hous quod she I cam and naked moot I turne agayn. ?c1510 tr. Newe Landes & People founde by Kynge of Portyngale sig. Diij Then make we them to tourne ageyne unto there owne lande. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ruth i. 11 But Naemi sayde: Turne agayne my doughters, why wolde ye go with me? 1612 R. Johnson Crowne-Garland Goulden Roses sig. Bv^v London bells sweetly rung... Euermore sounding so, turne againe Whittington: For thou in time shalt grow, Lord Maior of London. 1667 S. Pepys Diary 2 Sept. (1974) VIII. 416 I took a coach and went homeward; but then turned again and to White-hall. 2014 C. Rimmer Earl's Pregnant Bride 49 She turned again for the castle, emerging a few minutes later into the open space where the crenellated ruin loomed against the sky. 2. a. transitive (reflexive). To turn or face the other way (usually in order to go back); = senses 2b, 1. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (reflexive)] > turn back or reverse course to turn againa1300 to turn abouta1400 re-turn1483 a1300 Passion our Lord l. 653 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 55 Hi turnden heom ayeyn..to iherusalem. c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 3394 (MED) Roland tornd hym þanne aȝeyn..Toward þe tour..as harde as þe hors may go. a1450 St. Edith (Faust.) (1883) l. 1739 When þe messagers seyen herre so stedfaste..Þey tur [n] den hem aȝeyne. 1539 Bible (Great) Psalms xc. 13 Turne the agayne (O Lorde) at the last, and be gracious. 1892 C. E. Norton tr. Dante Divine Comedy III. v. 29 Beatrice..all desireful turned herself again to that region. 1987 J. I. McEnerney tr. Cyril of Alexandria Lett. 1-50 iv. 38 I shall now turn myself again to what most becomes me. †b. intransitive. To turn to face the other way (usually in order to go back); = to turn back at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course turnc1275 to turn aboutc1330 repeata1382 to turn againc1384 to turn backc1425 re-turn1483 resore1486 to turn the backc1540 to turn round1560 to set back1803 resile1887 to break back1933 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Dan. ix. 13 Al this yuel came vpon vs, and we preyeden not thi face, Lord oure God, that we shulden turne aȝein fro oure wickidnessis, and shulden thinke thi trewthe. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 12594 At þe vte-cuming o þe yatte He turnd again. ?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 13 Scho turned agayne with a hidous crie. c1450 (a1400) Libeaus Desconus (Calig. A.ii) (1969) l. 464 (MED) Þef, turne agayn and fyȝt, Wyth þe we denkeþ roune! 1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 5 Come then, Neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home. View more context for this quotation 1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. viii. 156 Few turned again to take a few minutes voluntary exercise. †3. intransitive. To return to a former condition (or possessor); to revert. Obsolete.In later use difficult to distinguish from simple uses with again in temporal sense, indicating a repeated action. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] > to former state or condition to turn againc1325 returnc1405 resorta1438 revert?a1513 to pass and repass1548 refall1570 relapse1593 unhappen1805 react1841 involute1904 relax1934 reset1946 society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] reverta1325 to turn againc1325 turn1500 to fall in1784 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 3562 Þis luþer false men in þe se come & tornde aȝen to suikedom. 1375 in L. Morsbach Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1923) 1 (MED) In cas þat hit so by-ful, þat non heires ne com by-twuxte þe forseide john and jhone, þe forseide londes turne agayn to sir Renaud of Remmebury and to his heires for euermore. a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 5232 To leue hys synne..And turne aȝen to lyfe and grace. ?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 12 Þan sall scho turne agayne to hir awen kynde and be a womman. a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 198 Aftur þe deceasse of þe foreseyde..þe foreseyde mansyon with hys pertinences shulde turne holly & fully a-geyne to þe foreseyde abbas & couent. a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 82 (MED) Þou art but eskys, and to eskys þou schalt aȝeyne turne. a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 162 His bigge manly voice, Turning againe toward childish trebble pipes, And whistles in his sound. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 140 'Till..he turns agen To his true Shape. View more context for this quotation †4. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to turn back; to drive back, repel (a person) (cf. main senses 18b, 27); (figurative) to convert (cf. main sense 24). Also: to avert (cf. main sense 14b). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course charec1000 wrencha1200 turnc1275 to turn againc1330 swerve1390 wrya1400 reflectc1425 traverse1438 to turn aside1535 deduce1541 divert1548 to turn off1573 wrig1582 react1599 deflect1615 slent1639 decline1646 deviate1660 to wind off1677 sway1678 warp1814 switch1861 baffle1883 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > drive away > repel recoil?c1225 to turn againc1330 to put awayc1350 rebukec1380 to put abacka1382 to put againa1382 again-puta1400 rebut?a1425 repeal?a1425 retroylc1425 rebatea1475 repel?a1475 repulse?a1475 to put backa1500 refel1548 revert1575 rembar1588 to beat back1593 rebeat1595 reject1603 repress1623 rambarrea1630 stave1631 refringe1692 slap-back1931 c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 992 (MED) Þo þat child ycristned was Blasi turned oȝain his pas. c1330 Otuel (Auch.) (1882) l. 1464 Traitours, tourneþ aȝein þe berd [emended in ed. to herd]..& we wole make þe freinche fle. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1874) V. 233 By his witte and sleiþe þe Hunnes were i-torned aȝen. c1400 J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 288 To turnen aȝen þis þondir þat is [read it] persiþ noȝt. ?c1475 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 15562) (1881) 397 To Turne agayn to gudnes,..conuertere. a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xx. 320 (MED) After shall we go..to turneyen a-gein these sarazins that this londe do werryen. †5. intransitive. To turn in opposition or defiance. Also: to recoil on (as in quot. c1400), against; cf. senses 26b, 28a. Obsolete.With expressions with worm as subject, cf. worm n. 3b. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (intransitive)] > take up opposition to turn againc1330 to join issue1583 to turn tail1611 turn1887 c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 6871 Þe Sarraȝins turned oȝen On king Vrien. c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. xxi. l. 402 Now by-gynneþ thi gyle a-gayn on þe turne. ?a1425 tr. Catherine of Siena Orcherd of Syon (Harl.) (1966) 260 (MED) I do as a stoon, þe which whanne it is smyte, it resceyueth no strook ne hirt of hem, but it turneþ aȝein aȝeins þe smyter. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxcix What worme is touched, and will not once turne again? 1641 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) I. 199 A worme will turne agayne if it be trod on. †6. intransitive. Of the edge of a weapon or implement: to bend back so as to become blunted; = main sense 8c(b). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > bluntness > become blunt [verb (intransitive)] to turn edge1578 to turn again1579 rebate1587 turn1633 blunt1684 1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Feb. 203 The Axes edge did oft turne againe. a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger Lovers Progres ii. iii in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) Kkk3/2 And try then if your Sword will bite, it cannot, The edge will turne againe, asham'd, and blunted. to turn around Generally more common in North American English than to turn round in equivalent senses; see note at around adv. and prep. 1. a. transitive. To turn (a person or thing) so as to be in the opposite position or facing the opposite direction, to reverse. Also reflexive: to turn so as to face in the opposite direction. Cf. to turn round 1a at Phrasal verbs 1, to turn round 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > reverse the direction of reverse?a1439 return1483 to turn back1579 alternate1595 re-enverse1603 retrovert1637 obvert1646 the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 turnc1330 to turn abouta1400 to turn round1449 convertc1572 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. viii. sig. H The light-foot Squyre her quickly turnd around. a1676 T. Wadsworth Remains (1680) 213 What rudder turns those Pinnaces around? 1788 Calcutta Chron. 14 Feb. I've broke your spell And made you tumble! In peacock pride then turn'd himself around, And left the critics prostrate on the ground. 1865 in B. P. Poore Conspiracy Trial for Murder of President 198 As he ran, I could not get out of his way; so he hit me on the leg and turned me around, and made two cuts at me. 1925 F. S. Fitzgerald Great Gatsby ix. 208 He opened it at the back cover and turned it around for me to see. 2014 J. Longo Six Feet over It i. 18 I..watch as they turn the van around and head back out. b. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the opposite direction; to reverse one's position or course; to face about. Cf. to turn round 1c at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction turnc1225 bewenda1300 to turn aboutc1330 returna1470 wheel1639 face1644 to turn on one's heel1669 to turn around1756 to turn round1787 about-face1896 about-turn1927 U-turn1931 U1971 1756 London Mag. Nov. 517/1 This overpowered the brave man's heart, and obliged him to turn around, to prevent the tears that stood ready to gush from his eyes. 1879 Harper's Mag. Nov. 889/1 Passages gradually narrowing until but one animal can pass, and he, as he cannot turn around, can be easily branded. 1919 E. O'Neill Moon of Caribbees 114 Smitty does not turn around. 2014 K. O'Brien Tell Me You're Sorry iii. 48 The smart thing to do would be to turn around and tear ass back home. c. transitive. To prepare (a ship, aircraft, etc.) for its return journey. Cf. to turn round 1d at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > prepare a vehicle for return journey to turn round1917 to turn around1943 1943 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 263 351/2 The men earned what they received, and turned a ship around in six days of bustling activity. 1962 Mil. Rev. Apr. 3/1 We were working 18 to 20 hours daily getting ships unloaded and turned around. 2001 N.Y. Times Mag. 21 Jan. 52/2 Yowell's crew did the job, turning the plane around in 26 minutes. While they were working outside, Captain Walker was crawling around the cabin, helping the flight attendants clean up. d. transitive. To reverse (a decline, an unflattering image, a poorly performing company, etc.). Cf. to turn round 1e at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1963 R. A. Smith Corporations in Crisis Concl. 206 It takes three to five years of blood, sweat, and tears to get a company ‘turned around again’ after a crisis. 1978 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 16 May 5/1 The Ontario Government has announced a..campaign to turn around the image Ontarians have gained as boorish and unfriendly hosts to foreign visitors. 2016 Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City) (Nexis) 13 Apr. A campaign to strategize ways to turn around the decades-long decline of coal-based economies. e. transitive. To process (a product, order, etc.) from the beginning to completion or delivery; to dispatch (an order), produce (a manufactured item). ΚΠ 1977 Computerworld 17 Oct. 36/2 We have improved customer service to the point where over 85% of incoming orders are turned around the same day or the next morning. 2005 Uncut June 20/1 The new album was turned around in just two weeks during March of this year. 2010 South Afr. 6 Apr. 14/4 All internet orders are turned around as quickly as possible with product packed individually for each order. 2. a. intransitive. To rotate or revolve. Also: to face in all directions successively. Cf. to turn round 2a at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] wharvec888 turnOE runOE to turn aboutOE to turn roundc1450 to go roundc1460 revolute1553 gyre1598 veer1605 to come about1607 circumvolve1626 circumgyre1634 to turn around1642 roll1646 revolve1660 circulate1672 twist1680 circumgyrate1683 rotate1757 gyrate1830 the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] > twirl twirl1598 to turn around1642 mirla1838 1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. L2 Thus in each starry globe all parts may tend Unto one point, and mean time turn around. 1700 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Meleager & Atalanta in Fables 112 Now while the tortur'd Salvage turns around, And flings about his Foam, impatient of the Wound, The Wounds great Author close at Hand; provokes His Rage, and plyes him with redoubled Strokes. 1881 F. Young Every Man his own Mechanic i. iv. 103 The angular borer turning clear around without stopping to ratchet. 1999 Fiddlehead Summer 109 She began to turn around, once, twice, faster, until she was spinning now, twirling with her arms out like a helicopter skimming the tops of the seats, the skirt carouselling out all around her. b. transitive. To cause (something) to revolve or rotate. Cf. to turn round 2b at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] turnOE trillc1386 gyrec1420 rote?1533 tirl1543 to turn round1555 revolve1559 circumvert1578 circumgyre1635 circumrote1635 circumgyrate1647 circumvolve1647 veera1649 twist1769 rotate1777 sphere1820 1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xiii. 812 From Death he flies, And turns around his apprehensive Eyes. 1757 J. Dyer Fleece iii. 86 Whether ye turn-around the spacious wheel. 1859 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang 98 Spin-em-rounds, a street game consisting of a piece of brass, wood, or iron, balanced on a pin and turned quickly around on a board, when the point, arrow shaped, stops at a number and decides the bet one way or the other. 2014 M. Sciavocampo THINspired xii. 202 While she is deeply engaged in some toy, turning it around and around, inspecting every detail. 3. intransitive. colloquial. To express an opposing, uncompromising, or combative point of view, esp. abruptly, unexpectedly, or in contrast to a view previously expressed. Frequently in to turn around and say (something).Cf. to turn round 5 at Phrasal verbs 1. Π 1838 Methodist Mag. & Q. Rev. Jan. 50 Mr. Scott turns around and says that Mr. Winans held that slavery was a divine institution, always right, and perpetually established. 1852 H. H. Paul Dashes Amer. Humour 19 [She]..has no more turn for singin' than a cart-wheel, but she's so stuck up and saasy that if Jinny Lind even wuz to tell her she had no voice, du you know I 'bleve she'd turn around and tell her she had. 1902 Critique (Denver) Jan. 39 I can't do anything with that girl of mine... I told her not to eat lemons with that medicine she is taking, because it would salivate her, and she just turned around and said: ‘Wouldn't that make you spit?’ 1941 Congress. Rec. 87 iii. 2866/1 When a man running for the Presidency of the United States advocates certain policies, and then..turns around and says, ‘Well, what I said prior to the election was just so much campaign oratory’, how can anyone expect the American people to have faith in a party that nominates men of that kind? 1981 Smash Hits 11 June 6/2 The music business..went through a period..of saying: ‘You're going to pay five pounds for a piece of plastic that's worth 50p with no cover to speak of and no lyrics.’ And the kids just turned around and said ‘no’. 2022 @LadyofLeisure78 13 June in twitter.com (accessed 27 June 2022) If I worked out everytime my mom said no when I asked her if she needs help in the kitchen on a morning instead of going back to sleep, I'd be one fit mofo. Yet she turns around and says I don't help her in the house. 4. transitive. U.S. colloquial. In past participle as turned around: confused so as to lose one's sense of direction, disorientated; also figurative. ΚΠ 1884 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Huckleberry Finn xv. 126 That was somebody else's whoop, or else I was turned around. 1932 W. Faulkner Light in August xiv. 315 When he sat up he found that the sun..now shone upon him from the opposite direction. At first he believed that he was merely turned around. Then he realised that it was now evening. 1971 Black World Mar. 54/1 I felt so sorry for them and they wuz so turned around that one day over to Tony's crib I got high wid em. 2011 T. Foster Asleep on Bicycle i. 39 I got so turned around, I accidentally ended up in the maternity ward. 5. a. transitive. To induce (a person) to take an opposite course or view; to change (a person, a person's life, etc.), esp. in a way regarded as an improvement. Cf. to turn round 3b at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > change of opinion > change one's mind [verb (transitive)] > cause change convert1814 to carry over1855 to turn around1888 1888 Let. Secretary Interior transmitting Rep. opening Part of Sioux Reservation 275 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (50th Congr. 2nd Sess.: Senate Executive Doc. 17) I. We are a little afraid now that the opposition has gained a hold on these young men and turned them around on the other side. 1971 Sci. News 13 Feb. 108 Children..with severe behavioral problems..are treated in a ‘family’ situation... An innovative school program helps ‘turn youngsters around’. 1992 M. Medved Hollywood vs. Amer. iii. ix. 151 The courage and gumption he needs to turn his life around at a decisive moment. 2010 S. Junger War i. i. 12 He went to reform school for assault... A shop teacher named George started counseling him... George got him turned around. b. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his or her country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy; = to turn round 3c at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. main sense 24d. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor traitor16.. quislingize1940 turn1963 to turn around1963 to turn round1966 1963 J. Joesten They call it Intelligence i. iv. 45 A spy..caught..usually is given a chance to switch sides..such a helpless foreign agent is being ‘turned around’. 1967 Traffic in Opium & Other Dangerous Drugs (U.S. Treasury Dept. Bureau of Narcotics) 45 This technique, which has come to be known as ‘turning corrupt officers around’, was considered unthinkable in the past. 2000 N. DeMille Lion's Game lvii. 665 There were two possibilities regarding Mr. Khalil's disappearance—one, he'd made it back to Tripoli, two, the CIA had him and were turning him around, trying to convince the Lion that certain Libyans tasted better than Americans. to turn aside 1. intransitive. To go or veer off to one side; to change one's direction of travel. Also: to turn oneself so as to face to one side. Also figurative: to abandon a course of action, an allegiance, etc. Cf. senses 6, 15, 23. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > diverge from course bowa1000 swervec1330 wrya1350 crookc1380 to turn asidea1382 depart1393 decline14.. wryc1400 divert1430 desvoy1481 wave1548 digress1552 prevaricate1582 yaw1584 to turn off1605 to come off1626 deviate1635 sag1639 to flinch out1642 deflect1646 de-err1657 break1678 verge1693 sheera1704 to break off1725 lean1894 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off turnc1330 to turn asidea1382 to turn in1535 to wave one's way1548 strike1576 to turn off1605 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 4 Kings iv. 8 He turnede aside to hir þat he ete bred, þe whiche seide to hir man, I parceyue þat þis is an holy man þat ofte siþes passeþ bi vs. c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2383 Beryn..gan to turn a-side, on-to þe see stronde, And the cripill aftir, & wan oppon hym londe. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Exod. iii. 3 I wil turne aside now, and se this great sight. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Psalms xl. 4 Blessed is the man, that..regardeth not the proude, nor suche as turne aside to lies. a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. iii. 76 I prythee turne aside, and weepe for her. View more context for this quotation 1844 Ld. Brougham Albert Lunel II. v. 119 The Baron turned not aside from his argument. 1891 Temple Bar Dec. 581 He turned aside and crept in at the open door. 1964 E. Taylor Soul of Kindness (1993) i. 7 Towards the end of the bridegroom's speech, the bride turned aside and began to throw crumbs of wedding cake through an opening in the marquee to the doves outside. 2006 New Yorker 29 May 78/2 It is self-evident..tripe that could not conceivably cause a single member of the flock to turn aside from the faith. 2. transitive. To cause (someone or something) to face or move to one side. Also figurative: to cause (a person or thing) to abandon a course of action; to thwart; to avert. Cf. main senses 14, 12.In quot. a1450 reflexive: = sense 1; cf. main sense 7b. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (reflexive)] > deviate from course to turn asidea1450 diverta1575 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course charec1000 wrencha1200 turnc1275 to turn againc1330 swerve1390 wrya1400 reflectc1425 traverse1438 to turn aside1535 deduce1541 divert1548 to turn off1573 wrig1582 react1599 deflect1615 slent1639 decline1646 deviate1660 to wind off1677 sway1678 warp1814 switch1861 baffle1883 the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc. withdraw1340 distractc1380 waive1390 wresta1400 to turn aside1535 avocate1543 detract1548 to turn off1573 take1574 swaya1593 to put out1616 to put off1631 sidetrack1887 to turn off1951 a1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (Caius) (1810) l. 355 The baroun turnyd hym asyde. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xliv. D Folishnesse of herte hath turned them a syde. a1648 Ld. Herbert Life (1976) 58 Lieutenant Prichard..taking me by the shoulder turned me aside. 1718 Free-thinker No. 52. 2 The Gods were beseeched to turn aside the Event. 1892 Cornhill Mag. May 478 He had never been turned aside from the execution of his purpose. 1911 F. H. Burnett Secret Garden xvii. 181 The nurse turned her head aside to hide the twitching of her mouth. 2010 Ideal Home May 140/1 The pivoting head of the simple tap can be turned aside for easy face-washing. to turn away 1. a. transitive. To avert (one's face, head, etc.), typically so as not to pay attention. Also more generally: to place or turn (something) so as to face in the opposite direction. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn away awendOE to turn awaya1225 wryc1400 reversec1540 evert1569 avert1578 nurture1627 a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 53 Swa sone se hi beoð iturnd awey from heom. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xii. 1 Lord,..hou longe thou turnest awei thi face fro me? ?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 8 His preiere is cursid..þat turneþ a wey his eris. a1500 (c1410) Dives & Pauper (Hunterian) (1976) i. 276 (MED) Whan ȝe schul lyfte up ȝour hondys to me Y schal turnyn myn eyne awey from ȝou. 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 147 Each turne away his face. View more context for this quotation 1782 W. Cowper Anti-Thelypthora 87 She saw,—and turn'd her rosy cheek away. 1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xv. 322 In filling the fresh jar with water its mouth is to be turned away from the gas jars. 1889 F. M. Peard Paul's Sister v She..turned away her head. 2017 I. Zoboi Amer. Street xiii. 129 I turn my head away from him each time he comes closer to whisper something in my ear or kiss me. b. intransitive. To turn so as to face or move away from a person or thing; to avert one's face. Also figurative: to abandon a person. Cf. main senses 20c, 23, 25a. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn away abowOE hieldc1275 to turn awayc1300 to hide one's facea1382 wrenka1400 awherfc1400 avert1483 to turn the backc1540 twine1600 averse1652 c1300 (c1250) Floris & Blauncheflur (Cambr.) (1966) l. 744 Al wepinge he turnde away. c1330 (?c1300) Speculum Guy (Auch.) (1898) l. 127 Þurw swiche wicke mourning [emended in ed. to þurw swiche mourninge] Wanhope beginneþ for to spring [emended in ed. to springe], Þat, bote man turne awey þerfro, Sauued worþ he neuere mo. c1425 Concordance Wycliffite Bible f. 109 (MED) Pheletus turnyde awey fro me. 1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) xiii. viii. sig. Nvii The kyng tourned awey and myghte not speke for wepynge. 1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 iii. ii. 74 What doest thou turne away and hide thy face? 1653 T. Nicols Arcula Gemmea 51 It will make her in her sleep, if she be faithfull to her husband, to cast her self into his embraces; but if she be an adulteresse, to turn away from him. 1831 G. P. R. James Philip Augustus I. ii. 32 Either I have strangely forgotten my native land, or your surly squire has led us wrong, and we are turning away from the Puy to the valleys of Dome. 1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxii. 59 ‘Oh, very well—if you're in a huff,’ cried Miggs, turning away. 1958 B. Nichols Sweet & Twenties 200 Miss Tempest always ‘upstaged’ her—..she slowly pushed her chair to the rear so that..Miss X was obliged to turn away from the audience. 2017 ‘C. Lauren’ Autoboyography xvii. 297 He..turns away, jaw ticcing in anger. †c. transitive (reflexive). To turn so as to face away from a person or thing. Also: to leave the straight course; to deviate. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn away to turn awaya1382 avert1541 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Baruch ii. 33 Thei shul turnen awei themself..fro ther cursidhedus. a1425 (c1384) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) Ezek. xviii. 24 If a iust man shal turne hym a wei fro his riȝtwisnes. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) i. 167 [He] turnyt him in wreth away. 2. a. transitive. To send away, dismiss (a person); spec. to dismiss (a worker or servant) from employment (now rare); (now frequently) to refuse admission to (an applicant, customer, etc.). Cf. main sense 27.In quot. c1540: (perhaps) to take away, carry off (a person).See also to turn money away at money n. Phrases 2a(f). ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge to put awaya1387 discharge1428 dismiss1477 to put out of wages1542 discard1589 to turn away1602 to put off1608 disemploy1619 to pay off1648 to pay off1651 to turn out1667 to turn off1676 quietus1688 strip1756 trundle1794 unshop1839 shopc1840 to lay off1841 sack1841 drop1845 to give (a person) the shoot1846 bag1848 swap1862 fire1879 to knock off1881 bounce1884 to give (a person) the pushc1886 to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888 bump1899 spear1911 to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911 terminate1920 tramp1941 shitcan1961 pink slip1966 dehire1970 resize1975 to give a person his jotters1990 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss congeec1330 turnc1330 putc1350 dismitc1384 refusea1387 repel?a1439 avyec1440 avoida1464 depart1484 license1484 to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513 demit1529 dispatcha1533 senda1533 to send a grazing1533 demise1541 dimiss1543 abandon1548 dimit1548 discharge1548 dismiss1548 to turn off1564 aband1574 quit1575 hencea1586 cashier1592 to turn away1602 disband1604 amand1611 absquatulize1829 chassé1847 to send to the pack1912 1370–2 in Medium Ævum (1985) 54 38 Y wende neuer so sone sum tyme ha be forsake of on þat y mest truste…bote tyd ȝwen y was turned awey..anoþer heo con take. a1450 R. Spaldyng Katereyn in Anglia (1907) 30 545 (MED) Turne a-way al traytures..þat towchyn vs with turmentys of tene & of tray. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 131^v He was takon full & turnyt away. 1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor i. iii. 4 I must turne away some of my followers. 1689 R. Milward Selden's Table-talk 29 The Master of the House may turn away all his Servants. 1793 T. Hastings Regal Rambler 17 The footman..was turned away without wages or warning. a1865 E. C. Gaskell Wives & Daughters (1866) I. xxiii. 264 He has turned away all the men off the new works. 1901 W. R. H. Trowbridge Lett. Mother to Elizabeth vii We were lucky to get rooms.., for they are turning people away. 2017 London Rev. Bks. 21 Sept. 33/4 I couldn't draw the conclusion, from the tiny samples available, that women were being turned away en masse. †b. intransitive. To go away, depart; to vanish. Cf. main sense 21a. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] wendeOE i-wite971 ashakec975 shakeOE to go awayOE witea1000 afareOE agoOE atwendOE awayOE to wend awayOE awendOE gangOE rimeOE flitc1175 to fare forthc1200 depart?c1225 part?c1225 partc1230 to-partc1275 biwitec1300 atwitea1325 withdrawa1325 to draw awayc1330 passc1330 to turn one's (also the) backc1330 lenda1350 begonec1370 remuea1375 voidc1374 removec1380 to long awaya1382 twinc1386 to pass one's wayc1390 trussc1390 waive1390 to pass out ofa1398 avoida1400 to pass awaya1400 to turn awaya1400 slakec1400 wagc1400 returnc1405 to be gonea1425 muck1429 packc1450 recede1450 roomc1450 to show (a person) the feetc1450 to come offc1475 to take one's licence1475 issue1484 devoidc1485 rebatea1500 walka1500 to go adieua1522 pikea1529 to go one's ways1530 retire?1543 avaunt1549 to make out1558 trudge1562 vade?1570 fly1581 leave1593 wag1594 to get off1595 to go off1600 to put off1600 shog1600 troop1600 to forsake patch1602 exit1607 hence1614 to give offa1616 to take off1657 to move off1692 to cut (also slip) the painter1699 sheera1704 to go about one's business1749 mizzle1772 to move out1792 transit1797–1803 stump it1803 to run away1809 quit1811 to clear off1816 to clear out1816 nash1819 fuff1822 to make (take) tracks (for)1824 mosey1829 slope1830 to tail out1830 to walk one's chalks1835 to take away1838 shove1844 trot1847 fade1848 evacuate1849 shag1851 to get up and get1854 to pull out1855 to cut (the) cable(s)1859 to light out1859 to pick up1872 to sling one's Daniel or hook1873 to sling (also take) one's hook1874 smoke1893 screw1896 shoot1897 voetsak1897 to tootle off1902 to ship out1908 to take a (run-out, walk-out, etc.) powder1909 to push off1918 to bugger off1922 biff1923 to fuck off1929 to hit, split or take the breeze1931 to jack off1931 to piss offa1935 to do a mick1937 to take a walk1937 to head off1941 to take a hike1944 moulder1945 to chuff off1947 to get lost1947 to shoot through1947 skidoo1949 to sod off1950 peel1951 bug1952 split1954 poop1961 mugger1962 frig1965 society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart, leave, or go away [verb (intransitive)] to come awayeOE wendeOE i-wite971 ashakec975 shakeOE to go awayOE witea1000 afareOE agoOE awayOE dealc1000 goOE awendOE rimeOE to go one's wayOE flitc1175 depart?c1225 partc1230 to-partc1275 atwitea1325 withdrawa1325 to turn one's (also the) backc1330 lenda1350 begonec1370 remuea1375 removec1380 to long awaya1382 twinc1386 to pass one's wayc1390 trussc1390 to turn awaya1400 returnc1405 to be gonea1425 recede1450 roomc1450 to come offc1475 to take one's licence1475 issue1484 walka1500 to go adieua1522 pikea1529 avaunt1549 trudge1562 vade?1570 discoast1571 leave1593 wag1594 to go off1600 troop1600 hence1614 to set on one's foota1616 to pull up one's stumps1647 quit1811 to clear out1816 slope1830 to walk one's chalks1835 shove1844 to roll out1850 to pull out1855 to light out1859 to take a run-out powder1909 to push off (also along)1923 the world > space > place > absence > be absent [verb (intransitive)] > absent oneself to turn awaya1400 absenta1425 to play truant1560 truant1580 to take (a) French leave1751 to trig it1796 to play hookey1848 submarine1915 to take off1930 bunk1949 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 22472 Whenne alle þinge shul turne away. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 516 Naked..I cam Hyder..And naked I sal turne away. c. transitive. Horse Riding. To remove (a horse) temporarily from being ridden or raced. ΚΠ 1897 Trans. Highland & Agric. Soc. Scotl. 9 214 The mares are turned away on the fells in the autumn like sheep, and take their chance in much the same way. 1976 Horse & Hound 10 Dec. 70/1 (advt.) After being broken in the summer, she was turned away, and is now ready to prepare for next season. 2007 Horse & Rider Oct. 156 (caption) Professionally backed and ridden, then turned away to mature. Needs experienced home. 3. figurative. a. transitive. To divert (a happening, an experience, one's thoughts, etc.); to avert (a catastrophe). Cf. main senses 12, 23b.In quot. 1848: to divert attention from (an awkward question). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > obviate > prevent the occurrence of or avert werec925 withsitc1300 shun1338 to turn awaya1382 forfend1382 declinec1430 stopa1538 divert1548 refract1563 withturn1563 antevert1583 avert1586 pervert1594 deprive1627 averruncate1663 stave1664 to stop off1891 the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] fortogglea1300 to call away1529 scatter1530 forhale1579 to draw away1586 diffuse?1587 to call off1606 divert1609 to put out1616 avoke1623 disjoint1628 to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631 to draw off1646 divertise1648 to take off1670 dissipate1684 to turn off1741 to throw out1821 to turn away1848 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms liii. 7 Turne awei euelis to myn enemys. a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Psalms lxxvii. 38 And he dide greetli, to turne awei his yre; and he kyndelide not al his ire. ?a1450 in C. von Nolcken Middle Eng. Transl. Rosarium Theol. (1979) 87 (MED) Schewe it noȝt to hym ne speike it noȝt þat he be turned away fro his wicked way and luffe. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xiii. 10 When oure lord has turned away the caitife of his folke. c1591 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 79 To turne awaie the peoples likinge from him. 1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man v. §5. 112 Deprecation,..when we pray to God to turn away some evil from us. 1708 W. Kennett Excellent Daughter 18 The Children in our Schools are wean'd from this Brutishness, are taught to hold their Peace and be still, not answering again for Strife, but giving soft Words to turn away Wrath. 1848 W. M. Thackeray Bk. Snobs xxvi. 100 Which question Lady Hawbuck turned away with a sudden query regarding her..daughters. 1933 N. O. Solum tr. O. Rölvaag Boat of Longing i. xiii. 73 He prayed, he bemoaned, he implored..that God in His mercy..would turn the thought of the boy away from his folly. 2000 I. Goldenberg & H. Goldenberg Family Therapy (ed. 5) xiii. 318 The narrative therapist might ask: ‘When was the last time you were able to turn Sadness away?’ b. intransitive. Usually with from. To depart from or abandon a practice, course of action, experience, etc. Also: (of an experience) to be averted. Cf. main sense 15. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] charec1000 stintc1330 turnc1330 to turn awaya1382 windc1385 casta1475 rebatea1500 strike1576 to cast about1591 veer1769 to come around1797 twist?1801 vert1859 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Psalms xxxiii. 15 Turne awei fro euel, and do good. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xviii. 24 Yf the rightuous turne awaye from his rightuousnes. 1611 Bible (King James) Gen. xxvii. 45 Vntill thy brothers anger turne away from thee. View more context for this quotation 1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies ii. 186 Instead of trying to do this, you turn away from it. 1949 Archivum Linguisticum 1 i. 42 Philologists are beginning to turn away from phonetics to speech-acoustics. 1997 W. Self Great Apes vi. 113 It doesn't surprise me, he has turned away from the path of righteousness. to turn back 1. a. intransitive. To reverse one's position so as to face or go in the opposite direction; to turn and go back. Also figurative. Cf. main senses 18a, 20c, 21a, 25a. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course turnc1275 to turn aboutc1330 repeata1382 to turn againc1384 to turn backc1425 re-turn1483 resore1486 to turn the backc1540 to turn round1560 to set back1803 resile1887 to break back1933 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 the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] awendOE recommence1481 relieve?1510 turn1594 remigrate1601 to cast back1622 recounter1630 regress1650 retrovert1782 to turn round1802 retrogress1860 to turn back1886 U-turn1973 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 4128 (MED) Hir liste nat onys for to tourne bake..she hade of hym no drede But riȝt proudly gan to neiȝen nere. c1450 tr. G. Boccaccio De Claris Mulieribus (1924) l. 1089 (MED) Hir host gan turne bak and fle, Vpon horsbake as fast as they myght flynge. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms cxiii[i]. 5 Whatayled the..thou Iordan that thou turnedst backe? 1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. i. 2 Shall I goe forward and my heart is here? Turne backe dull earth and finde thy Center out. View more context for this quotation 1816 W. Scott Antiquary I. vii. 154 ‘Turn back! turn back!’ exclaimed the vagrant. 1829 T. Carlyle in Edinb. Rev. June 458 Not in turning back,..but only in resolutely struggling forward, does our life consist. 1886 E. Lynn Linton Paston Carew II. x. 217 He had put his hand to the plough, and he was not the man to turn back. 1973 C. Bonington Next Horizon v. 90 Eventually they had turned back before even reaching the foot of the climb proper. 2014 S. Jones Yolo 132 Well, it's too late to turn back now... And anyway..YOLO [= you only live once], right? b. transitive. To reverse the forward movement of (a person or thing); to make (a person or thing) go back. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 18b.See also to turn the clock back at clock n.¹ and adv. Phrases 5. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > cause to move back [verb (transitive)] > turn back or reverse the course of reverse?a1439 to turn back?1531 return?1542 retrograde1582 tergiverse1602 turn1665 to roll back1695 revert1814 ?1531 W. Tyndale tr. Prophet Ionas sig. B.iiij So am I sure that greate wrath will folow, excepte repentaunce turne it Backe agayne and cease it. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. xxi. 4 I will turne backe the weapens..wherwith ye fight agaynst the kinge of Babilon. 1657 R. Tomlinson tr. J. de Renou Physical Inst. i, in Medicinal Dispensatory sig. D3^v Apuleius..asserts, that by a magical susurration..rivers are turned back. 1872 J. Morley Voltaire vi. 298 The man who turned the tide back. 1880 R. Mackenzie 19th Cent. iii. ix. 448 To arrest and turn back the mightiest power. 1941 M. Lowry Let. 15 Jan. in Sursum Corda! (1995) I. 370 When I set off in September 1939 to see Margie in the U.S...I was turned back at the American border as without proof that I would not be a public charge. 2018 J. Cassara House Impossible Beauties 17 She wished that she could turn back time. 2. †a. intransitive. To come back or go back to one's former place; to return. Cf. main sense 19a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)] to wend againeOE i-cherrec1000 again-chareOE again-comeOE again-fareOE again-goOE eft-sithec1175 to turn againc1175 returna1325 attournec1386 turnc1390 recovera1393 repair?c1400 recourse?a1425 to go backc1425 resortc1425 revertc1475 renew1488 retour?1505 to make return1534 to turn back1538 retend1543 to come short home1548 regress1552 rejourna1556 revolt1567 revolve1587 repeal1596 recur1612 rewend1616 revene1656 to get back1664 to take back1674 1538 T. Elyot Dict. Illuc quaeso redi, quo coepisti, I beseche the tourne backe agayne, where thou begannest. 1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxliii. sig. I2^v Turne back to me. 1611 Bible (King James) 2 Kings i. 5 When the messengers turned backe vnto him, he said.., Why are ye now turned backe? View more context for this quotation 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 37 We turned back again into Persia. b. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to go back to its former place; to send or give (something) back, to return. Cf. main sense 19c. Now U.S. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > giving > giving back or restitution > give back [verb (transitive)] yieldc897 agiveOE again-setOE restorec1325 acquitc1330 to pay outa1382 refundc1386 to give againa1400 quita1400 restituec1400 reliver1426 surrend1450 redeliver1490 refer1496 render1513 rebail1539 re-present1564 regive1575 to give backa1586 to turn back1587 relate1590 turn1597 returna1632 to hand back1638 redonate1656 reappropriate1659 re-cede1684 revert1688 replace1776 restitute1885 to kick back1926 1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1537/1 An easterlie great wind would remooue and driue it from that coast, and consequentlie from the pierre, which then would lie naked as before, vntill the south and westerne wind turned it backe againe. 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. i. 34 Sir Iohn Vmfreuile turnd me backe With ioyfull tidings. 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida ii. ii. 69 We turne not backe the silkes vpon the marchant When we haue soild them. View more context for this quotation 1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal ii. 15 These insolent Raskals have turn'd 'em all back upon my hands again. 1927 Publishers' Weekly 12 Feb. 610 We felt that the only course open to us in view of the authors' feelings in the matter was to offer to turn back the book to them, subject to their disposal. 1993 Newsweek 19 Apr. 27/3 The odds of that happening are about the same as a lottery winner turning back the money because he doesn't need it. 3. a. transitive. To cause (something) to face backwards or in the previous direction; to reverse the direction of; to direct backwards; cf. main senses 20b, 25bIn quot. 1579: = to turn bridle at Phrases 1c.In quot. 1845: to expose by reversing; = to turn over 2c at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > reverse the direction of reverse?a1439 return1483 to turn back1579 alternate1595 re-enverse1603 retrovert1637 obvert1646 the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn backwards returna1450 reverse1523 to turn back1579 retort1583 reverta1657 1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 731/2 If there bee but one man that turneth backe the bridle [Fr. qui aura tourné bride], wee seeme to seeke such occasions to become wicked and lewde. 1585 T. Wilcox Expos. vppon Bk. Canticles vi. 173 Though thou bee past, yet turne thine eyes backe againe, that thou maiest beholde mee. 1663 S. Patrick Parable of Pilgrim (1687) xxxiv. 417 They heard the noise of an horses heels behind them. Which causing them to turn their eyes back [etc.]. 1743 Gen. Syst. Horsemanship II. 107/2 Quadratus Labiorum. The last are the Abducents. They rise from the Occiput, and are inserted in the fore Part of the Ear, which they turn back. 1825 W. Scott Talisman ii, in Tales Crusaders III. 40 It were better..to turn back thy horse's head towards the camp of thy people. 1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 344 Both heaps [of potatoes] have now been turned back, and none are diseased. 2015 A. Leigh Fortune's June Bride 51 Jeanne Marie turned her eyes back on Galen. ‘Where's your father?’ b. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the backwards or in the previous direction; figurative to give attention again to something. ΚΠ 1831 T. C. Grattan Jacqueline of Holland II. ii. 48 My mind turned back to early days, when I have seen you serve the altar and sing the saint's litany. 1912 E. Wharton Reef xxvii. 345 She turned back to her letters and her glance lit on an envelope inscribed in Owen's hand. 1968 Listener 26 Dec. 859/3 The indigenists, who relied mainly on a European form, the novel, turned back to the study of Voodoo. 2017 M. W. Sexton Kind of Freedom 117 But her mother just turned back to her paper, flipped through it. 4. transitive. To fold or double back or over (part of a garment, etc.) Formerly also †in past participle with with: turned up with (see to turn up 5b(a) at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > back replyc1425 replicate1649 to turn back1683 retroflex1954 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down tuckc1440 tirve1482 to turn upa1586 to turn back1683 to turn down1841 1683 A. Snape Anat. Horse i. vi. 11 The fleshy Membrane likewise turn'd back, with a little sprinkling of Fat on its inside. a1837 E. C. Knight Autobiogr. (1861) I. v. 61 The constable's were the last, with their mantles turned back with gold stuff. 1869 H. S. Leigh Carols of Cockayne 166 He turn'd back his cuffs, and he put back his hair. 1913 Play Pictorial No. 130. 18/2 A gown of green paon broché crêpe de chine, draped..with tulle,..turned back with handsome cream guipure. 2007 A. Barrett Air We Breathe 28 Her sleeves were turned back to expose her wrists, her apron was fresh and neatly ironed. † to turn by Obsolete. transitive. To set aside, reject (a candidate, petitioner, etc.). Cf. by adv. 2a. ΘΚΠ society > education > educational administration > examination > examine a candidate [verb (transitive)] > fail a candidate to turn by1653 pluck1713 flunk1843 plough1854 spin1860 fail1884 pill1908 pip1908 zap1961 1653 J. Rogers Sagrir iii. 75 Shee (poor heart!) must be turned by (for all her tears) most hard-heartedly, and bid to go to the Law. 1705 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 7 Dec. (1885) I. 119 When he stood for orders [he] was turn'd by for Deficiency. 1826 O. W. Holmes Life & Lett. 15 Aug. (1896) I. 56 O—— was turned by for the year and has entered the class below me. to turn down 1. transitive. To turn (something) so as to have a particular surface facing down, to turn upside down; esp. to invert (a glass), to turn (a card) face downwards. Cf. sense 9 and down adv. 6a. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] to-wendc893 whelvec1000 to turn down?c1335 to turn up?c1335 whelmc1340 overturna1382 to turn overa1400 wholve14.. inverse?a1425 reverse?a1425 overwhelvec1450 overvolvea1522 transverse1557 evert1566 topsy-turn1573 topsy-turve1603 invert1610 upturn1610 whave1611 topsy-turvy1626 whemmel1684 cant1850 upend1868 flip-flop1924 ?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 128 Turne him uppe, turne him doune, þi swete lemman: Ouer al þou findist him blodi oþer wan. 1629 J. Parkinson Paradisi in Sole ii. lvii. 529 Cut off the stalke, and turne it downe, that the Syrupe may drayne forth. 1763 Brit. Mag. 4 117 Sometimes she turns down my cup herself, after the first dish, because..tea is nervous. 1859 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát Omar Khayyám lxxv. 16 Turn down an empty Glass! 1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot III. viii. 115 The played cards were solemnly turned down. 1912 Senator from Illinois (Proc. before Comm. U.S. Senate) Abstract of Hearings 9347 With that she turned the message down—face down. She turned it over. 1950 Oxf. Junior Encycl. IX. 114/1 Cards which do not make pairs are turned down again, and the players must remember where they are. 1991 P. Marshall Daughters (1992) ii. v. 173 An open-shelved larder over in a corner with a few flowered glasses turned down on top. †2. transitive. To cause (a person or thing) to descend or fall down; to throw down. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1961) Deut. xii. 2 Torne ȝe doun alle placys in þe whiche þe gentyls..han heried here goddys opon hyȝe monteyns. 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Evagrius Scholasticus i. xvii in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. 421 Many turretts within the pallace were turned downe to the grounde. 1684 I. Mather Ess. for Recording Illustrious Providences v. 145 A great stone..was thrown upon the mans stomach, and he turning it down upon the floor, it was once more thrown upon him. 3. a. intransitive. To incline one's course downwards while changing direction; to turn aside and go down. Cf. main sense 15. ΚΠ a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 366 (MED) When þe fumosite is of þe bath styand up to þe rof, becaus þat þai may not haf þare essew owt abovyn, þai turn doun agayn. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iii. iv. f. lij Thenne sawe I a wonderfull engyne of a grete whele..it roos oute of a litel dore, & torned doun at another. 1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) xv. f. 194 My horses..beeing greatly flayghted with the monster in theyr eye, Turnd downe too sea. c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 29 Commaundinge him that they shoulde..turne downe unto the other carvell. 1833 T. Hook Parson's Daughter I. i. 15 Opposite the limekilns, as you turn down to the Duke's Head near the turnpike. 1887 P. McNeill Blawearie 88 Long before the men in general began to turn down, he had every box in the pit-bottom filled. 1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. x. [Wandering Rocks] 231 Better turn down here. Make a detour. 2002 J. McGahern That they may face Rising Sun (2003) 261 ‘That Madden is unseemly,’ he said as they turned down towards the lake. b. intransitive. Of business or economic activity: to decline, worsen. Cf. downturn n. 2. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > adversity > be in adversity [verb (intransitive)] > fall from prosperous or thriving condition afalleOE wanec1000 fallOE ebba1420 to go backward?a1425 to go down?1440 decay1483 sink?a1513 delapsea1530 reel1529 decline1530 to go backwards1562 rue1576 droop1577 ruina1600 set1607 lapse1641 to lose ground1647 to go to pigs and whistles1794 to come (also go) down in the world1819 to peg out1852 to lose hold, one's balance1877 to go under1879 toboggan1887 slip1930 to turn down1936 society > occupation and work > business affairs > [verb (intransitive)] > of business activity: fall off slack1609 slacken1725 to turn down1936 downshift1974 1936 Daily Mail 10 Feb. 3/2 Is business activity turning down ‘for a spell’, and if so, for how long? 1960 Economist 8 Oct. 261/1 Wall Street has shown an impressive record of moving ahead of business activity. In the recession of 1957–58..it turned down in July, one month before the index of industrial production; and turned up again in December, four months before production did. 1980 Daily Tel. 23 July 19 Unemployment is rising fast in all the major economies, partly because the economic cycle is turning down. 2002 N.Y. Times 28 Apr. 41/5 Companies are slow to lay people off when the economy turns down. 4. a. transitive. To cause (something) to be directed or point downwards; to direct (something, esp. the head or eyes) down. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > turn (eyes) downwards to turn downa1425 deject1612 lower1721 the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn downwards to turn downa1425 downturn1909 a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 7214 Þe hevedes..salle be turned doune, And þe fete upward fast knytted. c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 209 (MED) If ye eftsones turne doun youre sight Into þis foule wrecched erthely dell. 1555 E. Bonner Homelies (new ed.) f. 50 Crowned with a crowne of martirdome, his heade being turned downe to the grounde. 1583 Iniunctions Dioces of Saincte Dauides sig. A.ii. All the Seruice shalbe saied by the Minister, in his owne seate or Pulpit, with his face turned downe towardes the people. 1710 W. Salmon Botanologia I. lx. 85/1 The Flowers grow in long Tufts or Spikes, small at the ends and turning down their Heads, and yielding cornered Seed. 1840 Peter Parley's Ann. 364 The grenadier turned down his bayonet, and skewered him to the ground. 1986 F. Stella Working Space 102/1 I glanced at the painting, then quickly turned my head down and away, averting my eyes. 2014 M. Watson Hotel Alpha ix. 213 In his face I saw such utter abjection that I had to turn my eyes down to the blankets in front of me. b. transitive. To fold or double down (part of one's clothing, such as a collar or sleeve) or the covers of (a bed: see also down adv. 6c); to bend downwards, fold over (the corner of a page: see also to turn down a leaf at leaf n.¹ Phrases 2a). Cf. main sense 8. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > up, down, or in tuckc1440 to turn down1533 to turn in1721 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down tuckc1440 tirve1482 to turn upa1586 to turn back1683 to turn down1841 1533 T. Elyot Pasquil the Playne f. 3^v The tirfe of the cappe tourned downe afore lyke a pentise hathe a meruaylous good grace. 1583 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (ed. 4) II. 1941/1 They..searched..not onely in the bed turning it downe past all honest humanitie, but also vnder the bed behynd the painted clothes. a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 324 Is not the Leafe turn'd downe Where I left reading? View more context for this quotation 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §273 The cramps..were turned down at each end. 1828 H. D. Best Italy 128 The beds..were all, in the housewife's phrase, turned down. 1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond vii Nothing could make him..refrain from wearing his collars turned down. 2013 Sunday Tel. (Nexis) 15 Sept. 29 The troublemakers..skulk the corridors, rolling their eyes at staff who order them to turn down their sleeves. c. intransitive. To bend or curve downwards. Cf. sense 8c(b). ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (intransitive)] > downwards to turn down1584 stoop1681 1584 J. Astley Art of Riding viii. 58 Bow your fist, so as your thombe maie turne downe toward the mane of the horsse, as therby you may see the full backe of your hand. 1661 S. Morgan Sphere of Gentry ii. i. 13 That doth circumflex and turn down like a Flower de Lice. 1856 Godey's Lady's Bk. May 449/2 The Pamela hat is made of Leghorn or straw, quite flat; the brim broad, and slightly turning down over the forehead. 1885 ‘L. Malet’ Col. Enderby's Wife iii. ii The corners of his mouth began to turn down in an ominous fashion. 2002 New Yorker 3 June 101/2 Grant stares blankly, his mouth turning down in panic. 5. †a. transitive. To lower (someone or something) by turning a device (such as a compass, winch, or screw). 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)] > lower or let down > by mechanical means to turn down1551 parbuckle1768 to strike down1778 to hoist down1794 to jack down1893 to wind down1961 1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. sig. C^v Stay the one foot of the compas in one of the endes of that line, turning the other vp or doun at your will, drawyng the arche of a circle against the midle of the line. 1573 J. Sanford tr. L. Guicciardini Garden of Pleasure f. 13 If she [sc. Fortune] continued to make hir wonted compasse, she wold turne him downe to the bottom. 1610 A. Hopton Baculum Geodæticum i. i. 3 So that..this said screw peece B beeing turned downe hard, and wrested thereunto, may stay ye peece of brasse, that he cannot mooue any way. 1929 D. H. Lawrence Pansies 82 My father was a working man And a collier was he, At six in the morning they turned him down And they turned him up for tea. b. transitive. To lower the output of (a lamp, gas) by turning a handle, tap, etc.; to lower the temperature of (an electrical appliance, heating system, etc., and (in extended use) that which it heats or cooks), originally by turning a knob or switch; to reduce the volume of sound from (a radio or other audio device) by operating a control; to lower (volume) in this way. Also: to operate (a control) so as to reduce the temperature, volume of sound, etc. Cf. main sense 2b, to turn up 18 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > turn down, close, or switch off to turn down1855 to shut off1904 the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > dimness or absence of brightness > make dim [verb (transitive)] > reduce the brightness of to turn down1855 to dim out1942 the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)] to turn on1824 disconnect1826 to turn down1855 switch1881 to put on1892 to turn off1892 key1929 the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > operation of electronic devices > [verb (transitive)] > initiate change to turn on1824 key1929 trip1936 trigger1937 to turn down1941 the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > make cold [verb (transitive)] > cool > lower the temperature of to turn down1950 1855 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 5 Mar. She walked into the supper room, where the gas had been turned down and gave vent to her wearied spirit by ejaculating, ‘thank Good, they are all stuffed and gone’. 1868 M. E. Braddon Dead-Sea Fruit xix Love's torch..flames anew before we turn it down for ever. 1892 Harper's Mag. Jan. 283/2 She..turned the lamps down low. 1941 N. Marsh Death & Dancing Footman xv. 313 ‘To get back to the wireless.’.. ‘I turned it down.’.. ‘You turned it turned it down... Not off. Down.’.. ‘I turned it down, and five minutes later somebody turned it up.’ 1950 B. Pym Some Tame Gazelle x. 111 The beef..would be roasted to a cinder by now, unless Emily had had the sense to turn down the oven. 1961 J. Stroud Touch & Go v. 48 ‘Excuse me if I just turn my liver down?’.. She hustled back into the kitchen. 1969 ‘D. Rutherford’ Gilt-edged Cockpit vi. 93 Could you turn that transistor down a bit? 1970 J. Porter Dover strikes Again ii. 30 Old Mr Revel..switched on the television set. Miss Kettering..turned the volume control right down. 1975 Guardian 21 Jan. 5/1 Turn down your heating a couple of degrees. 2014 Church Times 10 Jan. 15/1 Once the pan has reached the boil, turn it down and give the pudding a brisk stir. 6. transitive. To put down, send to a lower position in an order or ranking (as in a class at school, a competition, etc.; also figurative): cf. main sense 27. Now U.S. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > degrading or debasement > degrade [verb (transitive)] vile1297 supplanta1382 to bring lowa1387 revilea1393 gradea1400 villain1412 abject?a1439 to-gradea1440 vilifyc1450 villainy1483 disparage1496 degradea1500 deject?1521 disgraduate1528 disgress1528 regrade1534 base1538 diminute1575 lessen1579 to turn down1581 to pitch (a person) over the bar?1593 disesteem1594 degender1596 unnoble1598 disrank1599 reduce1599 couch1602 disthrone1603 displume1606 unplume1621 disnoble1622 disworth?1623 villainize1623 unglory1626 ungraduate1633 disennoble1645 vilicate1646 degraduate1649 bemean1651 deplume1651 lower1653 cheapen1654 dethrone1659 diminish1667 scoundrel1701 sink1706 demean1715 abjectate1731 unglorifya1740 unmagnify1747 undignify1768 to take the shine out of (less frequently from, U.S. off)1819 dishero1838 misdemean1843 downgrade1892 demote1919 objectify1973 1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 69 You beyng ignoraunt what difference is betwixt an affirmative, & a negative proposition, must be turned doune agayne behinde the Schoolehouse doore. 1693 J. Dryden Examen Poeticum Ded. sig. A5 Julius Scaliger, wou'd needs turn down Homer, and Abdicate him. 1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer vi. 71 He took his place..in the spelling class, and got ‘turned down’, by a succession of mere baby words. 1946 G. Wilson Fidelity Folks 136 We had regular places in the line and turned down those who could not spell a word. 1999 L. S. DeRosier Creeker 55 While I did not win the spelling bee, I turned down about two dozen of Oil Springs' and Flat Gap's finest spellers. †7. a. transitive. colloquial. To drink down, ‘toss off’. Obsolete. 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 1593 ‘P. Foulface’ Bacchus Bountie sig. C After these came young Cicero, who, for the large loose that he had in turning downe his liquor, was called Bicongius. a1625 J. Fletcher Womans Prize iii. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ooooo3/2 Out upon her, How she turn'd down the Bragget [printed Bagget]? 1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 239 Asking for a flask of champaign, [he] turned it down without taking it once from his head. 1844 W. H. Maxwell Wanderings in Highlands & Islands II. xix. 270 We turned down a second tumbler. b. transitive. Brewing. To put (liquor) into a vat to ferment. Cf. main sense 27b. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1826 D. Booth Art of Brewing (ed. 2) 109 Turned down 28 barrels of liquor, at 158 deg. 8. a. transitive. Originally U.S. slang. Originally: †to rebuke, snub, put down (a person) (obsolete). Now: to refuse to grant (a person) his or her request; to reject (an applicant, aspirant, candidate, etc.). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > humility > humiliation > humiliate [verb (transitive)] anitherOE fellOE lowc1175 to lay lowc1225 to set adownc1275 snuba1340 meekc1350 depose1377 aneantizea1382 to bring lowa1387 declinea1400 meekenc1400 to pull downc1425 avalec1430 to-gradea1440 to put downc1440 humble1484 alow1494 deject?1521 depress1526 plucka1529 to cut (rarely to cast down) the comb of?1533 to bring down1535 to bring basec1540 adbass1548 diminish1560 afflict1561 to take down1562 to throw down1567 debase1569 embase1571 diminute1575 to put (also thrust) a person's nose out of jointc1576 exinanite1577 to take (a person) a peg lower1589 to take (a person) down a peg (or two)1589 disbasea1592 to take (a person) down a buttonhole (or two)1592 comb-cut1593 unpuff1598 atterr1605 dismount1608 annihilate1610 crest-fall1611 demit1611 pulla1616 avilea1617 to put a scorn on, upon1633 mortify1639 dimit1658 to put a person's pipe out1720 to let down1747 to set down1753 humiliate1757 to draw (a person's) eyeteeth1789 start1821 squabash1822 to wipe a person's eye1823 to crop the feathers of1827 embarrass1839 to knock (also take, etc.) (a person) off his or her perch1864 to sit upon ——1864 squelch1864 to cut out of all feather1865 to sit on ——1868 to turn down1870 to score off1882 to do (a person) in the eye1891 puncture1908 to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908 to cut down to size1927 flatten1932 to slap (a person) down1938 punk1963 1870 Daily Atlanta Intelligencer 27 Feb. Eighteen months ago his political enemies thought they had turned him down, and sealed his fate. 1897 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 14 Jan. 7/6 Secretary Olney was turned down by the Senate..in his effort to have the vote on the extradition treaties..reconsidered. 1905 R. E. Beach Pardners 82 We were liable to get turned down cold if we didn't have some story. 1913 E. Wharton Custom of Country ii. xvi The Ararat investigation had been..quashed,..and Elmer Moffatt ‘turned down’. 1979 R. Jaffe Class Reunion i. vii. 70 A lot of attractive, eligible men kept asking Annabel for dates, and she didn't like having to turn them down. 2013 Observer 24 Nov. 17/2 We live in an era of hyper-branding, where..job applicants are turned down for not having enough Twitter followers. b. transitive. Originally North American. To reject, refuse, decline (an offer, request, suggestion, etc.); to ignore, fail to take (an opportunity). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (transitive)] > decline to receive or accept forsakea800 refusec1400 renayc1400 repelc1443 reject1532 disavow1579 balk1587 deny1590 disaccept1647 to pass up1896 to turn down1900 1900 Gazette (Montreal) 3 Mar. 2/7 [Denmark] turns down America's offer. 1927 A. Conan Doyle Case-bk. Sherlock Holmes x. 261 A quarter's rent..in advance and no arguing about terms. In these times a poor woman like me can't afford to turn down a chance like that. 1951 Sport 7 Jan. 17/1 Many of our suggestions are turned down. 1958 P. Gibbs Curtains of Yesterday xxvii. 214 Many nations..put forward plans for a gradual process of disarmament, and each plan was turned down by the other delegations. 2015 New Yorker 2 Nov. 29/2 The charge that Clinton had personally turned down requests from Ambassador Stevens for more security. 9. transitive. Shooting and Hunting. To put (game, etc.) in a place to stock it. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > lay in a supply of to fet ina1556 to lay in1662 store1719 to get in1869 to turn down1891 1891 Field 26 Dec. 963/3 Foxes..are turned down in order that the supply may be kept up. 1892 Field 19 Nov. 793/3 I would urge all farmers to turn down some Indian game cocks in their yards. 1936 Manch. Guardian 26 Sept. 9/4 Pheasants are reared in large numbers for turning down in coverts. to turn in 1. a. transitive. To send or drive in (a person or (now chiefly) livestock). Now rare. Cf. main senses 27a, 27b, 27c.In quot. c1300: (reflexive) to go in; = sense 3. ΚΠ c1300 St. Brendan (Harl.) (1844) 22 Ther cam out a grislich wiȝt..Thurf suart and berning al his eȝen upe hem he caste, And turnde him in anon. 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 480 He turned in amongst them some of his foresaid children. 1666 J. Yonge Jrnl. (1963) (modernized text) 93 When they opened the door and I saw so many nasty and lousy prisoners..my heart was ready to break, but..we were turned in among them. 1727 R. Bradley Compl. Body Husbandry xv. 160 Every tenant..has a right to turn in a certain number of horses, cows or sheep for summer food, only if it [sc. common land] be in grass. 1796 T. W. Tone Writings (2009) II. 140 The Government had a design, before anything more serious were attempted, to turn in a parcel of renegades..into Ireland in order to distress and embarrass the Government there. 1890 Rev. of Tariff: Hearings before Comm. Ways & Means (U.S. House of Representatives, 51st Congr. 1st Sess.) 1333 As soon as the corn is out of the roasting-ear you can turn the sheep in. 1923 W. Perry et al. Sheep Farming in N.Z. vi. 73 The ewes should also be dagged..before turning the rams in. 2011 S. L. Turner Up from Ashes iv. 42 He had sent riders ahead to let down the fence and help us turn the cattle in on the lush grass. b. transitive. To hand (something, especially an item required by or owned by another party) in or over; to trade (something) in exchange for something else. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] monga1250 corsec1440 coss14.. merchant1511 chafferc1535 merchandise1538 mart1589 trade1589 broke1598 factor1611 handle1638 commercea1641 chop1645 chaffera1657 job1701 truck1715 to turn in1822 monger1928 the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another i-taechec888 outreacheOE sellc950 beteacha1000 areachc1000 turnc1175 handsellc1225 betakec1250 deliverc1300 beken1330 yielda1382 disposec1384 resigna1387 livera1400 to turn overa1425 deputea1440 overgive1444 quit?c1450 surrend1450 surrender1466 renderc1480 to give over1483 despose1485 refer1547 to pass over1560 to set over1585 behight1590 tip1610 consign1632 delegate1633 skink1637 to hand over1644 delate1651 to turn off1667 to turn in1822 1822 Documents Relative to Investig. Official Conduct Amos Binney 57 I accepted their offer, paid them the cash, and turned it in to Mr. Howe, and charged it to him in my account with him. 1840 Catal. 557 Lots of Land South Cove 4 The stockholders who shall thus turn in their shares, shall be required to acknowledge upon their certificates the receipt of ‘the first dividend’ on their stock. 1903 N.Y. Evening Post 29 Oct. 3 The ex-policeman who turned in his shield in September. 1904 Bull. National Metal Trades Assoc. Mar. 123/2 We were requested to turn in a claim... This we did, and set the amount at $10,000. 1919 in F. A. Pottle Stretchers (1930) 359 Tomorrow we will turn in what few articles of equipment we have not left at Merritt. 1938 F. A. Pottle Boswell & Girl from Botany Bay 17 Bligh published a book..and Edwards turned in a report to the Admiralty. 1952 L. Durrell Let. 4 Nov. in Spirit of Place (1969) 114 I've turned in my resignation and we are clearing off in December. 1958 Listener 13 Nov. 777/1 They didn't have to pay anything really [sc. for a new car];..they've turned in their old one..and that only left a £50 balance. 1998 Chicago Tribune 7 Dec. i. 3/2 About 100 people turned in their guns for gift certificates during a weekend exchange program. 2014 J. Charbonneau Independent Study xiii. 255 Now, since I'm here, do you want me to look at the assignments you have to turn in tomorrow? †c. transitive. Australian. To return (a convict who is in service to a private individual) to official custody (more fully to turn in to government). Obsolete (historical in later use). ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > arrest > [verb (transitive)] > hand over to police custody to turn in1826 in charge (of)1887 1826 Colonial Times (Hobart, Austral.) 1 Dec. If he finds what he gets are no better than those he had before, we ask, is it unreasonable in him to turn them in? 1830 R. Dawson Present State Austral. v. 201 I asked him..the reason of his having been ‘turned in’, as they call it, to government. 1835 Cornwall Chron. (Launceston, Austral.) 18 Apr. 2 As a last resource, to prevent ourselves being further taxed with the support of a saucy servant, we ‘turn him in’. 1902 Australasian (Melbourne) 18 Oct. 51/3 If any of you jib at the job, let me know like men, and I'll turn you in and get others. d. transitive. colloquial (originally Australian, now chiefly Australian, New Zealand, and British). To give up, to stop (an activity). Frequently with non-referential it as object. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > quit or give up to give offa1616 quita1642 to tie up1760 that'll be the day1916 to turn in1918 to go through1933 to walk away1950 the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] aswikec975 linOE beleavec1175 forletc1175 i-swikec1175 restc1175 stutte?c1225 lina1300 blinc1314 to give overc1325 to do wayc1350 stintc1366 finisha1375 leavea1375 yleavec1380 to leave offa1382 refuse1389 ceasec1410 resigna1413 respite?a1439 relinquish1454 surcease1464 discontinue1474 unfill1486 supersede1499 desist1509 to have ado?1515 stop1525 to lay aside1530 stay1538 quata1614 to lay away1628 sist1635 quita1642 to throw up1645 to lay by1709 to come off1715 unbuckle1736 peter1753 to knock off1767 stash1794 estop1796 stow1806 cheese1811 to chuck itc1879 douse1887 nark1889 to stop off1891 stay1894 sling1902 can1906 to lay off1908 to pack in1934 to pack up1934 to turn in1938 to break down1941 to tie a can to (or on)1942 to jack in1948 to wrap it up1949 1918 Warwick (Queensland) Examiner & Times 13 May 3/1 ‘Why don't you turn it in?’ his mates would ask. ‘You look nearly dead. Go and see the quack. He'd send you away.’ 1938 ‘R. Hyde’ Godwits Fly xi. 169 Fancy turning in a smoke for a bint. 1948 C. Day Lewis Otterbury Incident iii. 23 ‘I'll kill myself, then.’ ‘Turn it in, Nick!’ Ted punched him in a friendly way. 1950 N.Z. Listener 3 Mar. 8 ‘Turning the job in?’ said Bill. ‘No, Bill. Just a day in town.’ 1965 Western Herald (Bourke, New S. Wales) 5 Nov. 4/2 Some other members wanted to turn it in after nine, but after many glasses of stimulant they carried on. 2000 J. Goodwin Danny Boy v. 120 We'd been at it for hours, and it was probably time to turn it in. e. transitive. Originally U.S. To achieve or produce (a result, a particular score, a performance of a specified kind, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > execute, perform, or carry out [verb (transitive)] > produce a performance of specific kind to turn in1920 society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performer > perform [verb (transitive)] > register type of performance to turn in1947 1920 U.S. Air Service Dec. 14/1 Lieut. A. Laverents..at the helm of a Vought E.7 with a Wright 180 H. P. motor, turned in a remarkable performance with a time only eleven minutes behind that of the..winner. 1931 Randolph Enterprise (Elkins, W. Va.) 9 July 5/3 Boyles turned in the star catch of the day by racing..to pull down a line drive with one hand. 1947 A. Huxley Let. 27 July (1969) 573 Jessica Tandy..is a first-rate actress and seems to be likely to turn in a performance which will make most of the more celebrated Hollywood stars look merely silly. 1958 Listener 23 Oct. 632/2 This company, in common with many others, turned in a sizeable loss. 1979 SLR Camera Mar. 53/3 At full aperture the 75mm f2.8 optic turned in a surprisingly good performance. 2012 Independent 11 Dec. 55/4 A more representative company is Bellway..although it too turned in a creditable result. f. transitive. Originally U.S. To report, betray, or surrender (a person) to the police or other authorities. ΚΠ 1920 War Expenditures: Hearings before Subcomm. No. 3 of Comm. Expenditures War Dept. (U.S. House of Representatives, 66th Congr., 1st & 2nd Sess., Serial 4) I. 1130 It was always their object to try to put a man to doing something that one man could not do, so that then they could turn him in and prefer charges against him. 1926 J. Black You can't Win vii. 85 If either of you gets grabbed..and thinks he can get a light jolt by turning me in, he's wrong. 1998 Muscle News No. 33. 2/6 As a lot of it is sold from friend to friend, no one is going to turn in a mate, or grass him up. 2015 S. Tromly Trouble is Friend of Mine xviii. 152 The team honor code... He's got to turn them in if he sees them doing substances..so he doesn't want to see them. 2. transitive. Agriculture. To bury or cover (weeds, stubble, manure, etc.) by turning the soil over in digging or ploughing; to dig or plough (something) into the ground. Formerly also with the ground as object (obsolete). Cf. senses 10b, 27b. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over > cover by turning over to turn in1532 underturn1600 to trench down1799 ridge1819 point1828 1532 G. Hervet tr. Xenophon Treat. House Holde f. 51^v Loke whan the grounde hath most comforte of the ayre with wete and moystnes, if the corne be grene newly risen out of the erthe, if he styrre and turne it in ageyne, it is as if it were a sustinance to the grounde. 1563 T. Hill Arte Gardening (1593) 3 The Gardens..should be..both well digged and turned in with dung. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 22 In the Spring the ground being mellowe,..the weedes are then best turned in. 1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 526 Not to turn in the wheat-stubble much before Christmas. 1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 528 The clover-lands that I have just turned in for roots. 1866 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2nd Ser. 2 i. 170 Loamy land is ploughed a second time before winter, and the manure turned in. 2012 South Wales Echo (Nexis) 11 Feb. 7 I am glad that I had finished turning in my green manure and these large clumps of earth could be attacked by these frosts. 3. intransitive. To turn aside and go in (to a place, house, room, etc.): cf. main senses 15, 21a. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off turnc1330 to turn asidea1382 to turn in1535 to wave one's way1548 strike1576 to turn off1605 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Judges iv. 18 Iael wente forth to mete Sissera, & sayde..: Turne in my lorde. 1655 H. Vaughan Silex Scintillans (ed. 2) ii. 83 Sin..quickly will Turn in, if not obstructed still. 1658 W. Gurnall Christian in Armour: 2nd Pt. 257 Even they sometimes turne in at the fairest signe. 1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xv. 23 Hearing your stable clock strike as I turned in at your gate. 1936 Helena (Montana) Independent 30 Apr. 5/6 (advt.) Whenever your dropping gauge bids you to turn in for gasoline. 2000 W. Ihimaera Uncle's Story (2005) i. 5 I turned in at the gate and across the cattlestop, put my foot down and roared the car over the rise. 4. a. transitive. To bend or fold (something, esp. fabric) inwards. Cf. main sense 8. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (transitive)] > curve inwards to turn in?1537 incurve1610 incurvate1822 the world > space > relative position > folding or folded condition > fold [verb (transitive)] > up, down, or in tuckc1440 to turn down1533 to turn in1721 ?1537 T. Elyot Castell of Helthe ii. viii. f. 24^v All be it Scariole callyd whyte Endyue, hauynge the toppes of the leaues tourned in, and layde in the erthe..and couered, becommeth whyte and crispe. 1572 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 159 White Rownde plates turnde in with a crest. 1721 J. Swift George-Nim-Dan-Dean's Answer 18 Thus a wise tailor is not pinching, But turns at every seam an inch in. 1776 W. Withering Brit. Plants (1796) IV. 201 Pileus pale yellow,..edge turned in, 1 ½ to 2 inches over. 1869 Manch. Weekly Times 18 Dec. Suppl. 407/3 Not an edge was visible in the white silk lining, each being turned in and run together. 1991 Toronto Star (Nexis) 1 Aug. d2 Turn in the sleeve edges and topstitch them to match the neck. b. transitive. Nautical. To fasten the end of a rope to (a deadeye or heart). Cf. dead-eye n. 1, heart n. 29. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > bind or fasten to turn in?1537 frap1548 reeve1627 seize1644 nip1670 marl1704 marline1706 clinch1780 nipper1794 clench1803 to turn in1834 1834 C. Martelli Naval Officer's Guide 35 When the dead eye is turned in, in a loft, the shroud is hove round with a tackle, when on the mast-head, as above. 1882 Daily Tel. 12 Sept. 2/1 Dead-eyes to turn in, chafing gear to look after, reef-knots to point. 1947 H. Wyllie Let. in Mariner's Mirror (1948) 34 230 The nature of the rope..has greatly increased the difficulty of turning in the deadeyes and hearts. 5. a. intransitive. To have an inward direction, point inwards. Cf. senses 20c, 20d. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have inward direction to turn in1597 1597 J. Gerard Herball ii. 922 Little leaues which grow togither and make one hollowe flower, hauing a taile or spur at the ende, turning in like the spur of Toade flaxe. 1876 G. O. Harlan Horse-owner's Guide 34 The toes turning in or out too much. 1994 Dog World June 54/1 When the hocks turn in and pasterns drop straight to the ground and move parallel to one another. 2012 Tampa Bay (Florida) Times (Nexis) 6 Oct. 10 As they [sc. bunions] grow, they cause the toe to turn in, toward the second toe. b. transitive. To cause (something, esp. one's toes) to point or face inwards. Cf. main senses 7, 20b. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn inwards invert1609 to turn in1693 1693 T. Southerne Maids Last Prayer i. 4 Why, they said Riding too much wou'd teach me to turn in my Toes, and spoil my Dancing. 1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 200/2 I gives 'em..the bandy jig, that's dancing with my toes turned in. 1865 Morning Star 27 Jan. To turn the tallies in. That is to put the tallies against the wall, so that they should not be seen. 1870 Daily News 19 July 6 Go-ahead, a good mare..turns in her toes a little. 2015 Irish Daily Mail (Nexis) 20 Oct. 35 I tried acupuncture and homeopathy..tried doing my pelvic floor exercises with my toes turned in: all useless. 6. intransitive. colloquial (originally Nautical). To go to bed. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)] to go to (one's) resteOE to take (one's) restc1175 to go to bedc1275 to lie downc1275 reposec1485 down-lie1505 bed1635 to turn in1695 retire1696 lay1768 to go to roost1829 to turn or peak the flukes1851 kip1889 doss1896 to hit the hay1912 to hit the deck1918 to go down1922 to bunk down1940 to hit the sack1943 to sack out1946 to sack down1956 1695 W. Congreve Love for Love iii. i. 54 Mrs. F. I believe it's late. B... An you think so, you had best go to Bed... I mean to toss a Can..a-fore I turn in. 1837 T. Hook Jack Brag II. iv. 147 Jack ‘turned in’, as the sailors say. 1891 N. Gould Double Event 218 It's late..and quite time we turned in. 2014 ‘R. Galbraith’ Silkworm (2015) v. 33 He did not feel quite ready to turn in yet, not after a large lamb biryani and a pint of beer. 7. a. intransitive. To change course and go inwards. Formerly also: †(of an eruption on the skin, etc.) to disappear (opposed to to break out 3 at break v. Phrasal verbs) (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > process of healing of an injury, etc. > of injury, etc.: heal [verb (intransitive)] > of eruption: disappear to turn in1746 1746 Eng. Traveller III. 266 The Shore turns in so much to the South, that it forms a large Bay. a1776 R. James Diss. Fevers (1778) 29 Small-pox..which turned in the seventh day of the eruption and went off in the most desirable manner. 1832 S. Thomson New Guide Health (ed. 3) Suppl. 148 When it had. flatted down to the vitals, it turned in, and one died, and the other, it left in a miserable state of health; the pits hard and blue, like other poison sores. 1862 J. Pycroft Cricket Tutor 35 Spinning bowling is always liable to turn in or to break away contrary to all expectation. 1882 Trans. Asiatic Soc. Japan 10 44 The river, after making a bend round some rice flats, turns in and sweeps right under the high bank. 1958 ‘N. Shute’ Rainbow & Rose ii. 57 I..flew out to sea..on the reciprocal course, and then turned in again and flew towards the coast on 110°. 2012 Sun (Nexis) 20 Nov. 52 Prayan Ojha finally beat Alastair Cook with a ball that turned in, kept low and bowled the captain. b. transitive. figurative. to be turned in on oneself: to have one's attention or interests directed to oneself or one's inner life and away from external concerns and relationships; to be or become self-involved. Similarly intransitive in to turn in on oneself. ΚΠ 1851 Amer. Temperance Mag. 161 The Destroyer sometimes seizes hold of the powers of the mind, while in full activity and strength, and so distorts them from right purposes, that they are turned in on themselves and fall victims to their own violence. 1873 Brit. Q. Rev. Oct. 335 But Rothe, turning in on himself and discarding theology, could say, ‘Thank God I am a Christian!’ 1911 Jrnl. Mental Sci. 57 382 All these patients are in a high degree autistic, by which term Bleuler means turned in on themselves. 1971 A. G. Kenwood & A. L. Lougheed Growth Internat. Econ. xxi. 309 Countries..turned in on themselves in order to deal with their economic problems. 1998 R. Gunesekera Sandglass ii. 33 From an early age he turned in on himself and showed no interest in the Vatunas plots that Esra puffed over. 2014 L. E. Tushnet Gay & Catholic vi. 79 Don't get stuck in your rut, turned in on yourself and isolated. to turn off †1. transitive. To strip off, peel off (clothing, or a layer of some substance, esp. skin). Also: (intransitive) to be peeled off. Cf. main sense 4c. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > uncovering > uncover or remove covering from [verb (transitive)] > strip or make bare > strip off (a covering) shredc1000 tirvec1300 to turn offc1390 stripc1430 tirr1584 tirl1603 skin1659 the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > uncovering > become uncovered [verb (intransitive)] > be lost as an outer layer slip1669 shell1676 to turn off1737 decorticate1805 exfoliate1807 c1390 Charter Abbey Holy Ghost (Vernon) in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1895) I. 359 (MED) Þei duden on him a strayt selkene cloþ..And whom þei hedden so I-do, þei tornede of þe cloþ of selk, & for hit heng faste to his bodi þei drowen a-wey wiþ-al muchel of his skyn. a1500 Treat. Hunting (Cambr. Ll.1.18) (1987) 55 He turnez off þe huyde..and þan gederez þe suet & þan vnpaunchet hym. 1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xi. 184 The Crystalline..becomes White, and turns off in..Laminae..like unto the Coats of an Onion. 1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved xi. 185 We cut this..thin Membrane, and turn off..one or more of the Laminae of the Crystalline Humour. 1880 Pop. Lessons on Cookery 20 Draw the skin off the body carefully to the shoulders; turn the skin off the fore legs, as you did the hind, chopping them off also at the first joint. 2. transitive. To send away, order to go away, dismiss (a person); spec. to dismiss (a worker or servant) from employment (now rare). Cf. to turn away 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.In quot. 1841: = to turn loose at Phrases 2a. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > send away or dismiss congeec1330 turnc1330 putc1350 dismitc1384 refusea1387 repel?a1439 avyec1440 avoida1464 depart1484 license1484 to give (a person) his (also her, etc.) leave?a1513 demit1529 dispatcha1533 senda1533 to send a grazing1533 demise1541 dimiss1543 abandon1548 dimit1548 discharge1548 dismiss1548 to turn off1564 aband1574 quit1575 hencea1586 cashier1592 to turn away1602 disband1604 amand1611 absquatulize1829 chassé1847 to send to the pack1912 society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge to put awaya1387 discharge1428 dismiss1477 to put out of wages1542 discard1589 to turn away1602 to put off1608 disemploy1619 to pay off1648 to pay off1651 to turn out1667 to turn off1676 quietus1688 strip1756 trundle1794 unshop1839 shopc1840 to lay off1841 sack1841 drop1845 to give (a person) the shoot1846 bag1848 swap1862 fire1879 to knock off1881 bounce1884 to give (a person) the pushc1886 to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888 bump1899 spear1911 to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911 terminate1920 tramp1941 shitcan1961 pink slip1966 dehire1970 resize1975 to give a person his jotters1990 1564 T. Harding Answere to Iuelles Chalenge xi. f. 128 If any deuout person require to be partetaker with the priest,..he is not tourned of, but with all gentlenes admitted. a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) v. iii. 223 You that haue turn'd off a first so noble wife. View more context for this quotation 1676 Earl of Essex in C. E. Pike Essex Papers (1913) II. 73 It not being reasonable to turne off an old servant without some provision. 1768 O. Goldsmith Good Natur'd Man i. 4 Pay him his wages, and turn him off. 1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 ii. 152 His unshod cattle..were turned off to regale themselves upon the neighbouring waste. 1892 Temple Bar Mar. 321 A packer had been turned off for carelessness. 1959 ‘L. Bruce’ Our Jubilee is Death 25 Lillianne had bought him his farm..and kept the ownership of it while letting him farm it. She had it all tied up so that she could turn him off at a minute's notice. 2011 A. Myers Classic in Barn viii The barn is officially on the land that Guy rents..but I doubt if he'll turn us off. 3. †a. transitive. To cause (something) to change course; to divert, deflect (literal and figurative); to head off. Cf. main senses 12, 14. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement of [verb (transitive)] > cause to deviate from course charec1000 wrencha1200 turnc1275 to turn againc1330 swerve1390 wrya1400 reflectc1425 traverse1438 to turn aside1535 deduce1541 divert1548 to turn off1573 wrig1582 react1599 deflect1615 slent1639 decline1646 deviate1660 to wind off1677 sway1678 warp1814 switch1861 baffle1883 the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] > from a purpose, etc. withdraw1340 distractc1380 waive1390 wresta1400 to turn aside1535 avocate1543 detract1548 to turn off1573 take1574 swaya1593 to put out1616 to put off1631 sidetrack1887 to turn off1951 1573 J. Bridges Supremacie Christian Princes xvii. 330 One if, as is aforesayd, for an Oliuer to his Rouland, set against his first if, if we be not in misbeleefe, had turned off al the other ifs. 1716 J. Addison Freeholder No. 34. ⁋6 To turn off the Thoughts of the People from busying themselves in Matters of State. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 165 He turn'd off the Discourse to the rest. 1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough III. 75 To turn off the Waters of the River..which made the Inundations. 1846 H. G. Robinson Odes of Horace ii. xvii Had Faunus not turn'd off the stroke. b. transitive. To give a different turn to (something); to divert attention from, or alter the effect of (a remark, an action, etc.). Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > lack of concentration, distraction > distract [verb (transitive)] fortogglea1300 to call away1529 scatter1530 forhale1579 to draw away1586 diffuse?1587 to call off1606 divert1609 to put out1616 avoke1623 disjoint1628 to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631 to draw off1646 divertise1648 to take off1670 dissipate1684 to turn off1741 to throw out1821 to turn away1848 1741 J. Ozell tr. P. de B. de Brantôme Spanish Rhodomontades 18 He turn'd it off with a Laugh, which was only Teeth outwards. 1886 G. Gissing Isabel Clarendon viii Ada seemed about to rise, but turned it off in an arrangement of her dress. 1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 88/2 That's all very fine;..you may turn it off in that way, but the fact remains. 1973 Kingsport (Tennessee) News 5 May When my wife brought up the question, I simply turned it off as a joke and made fun of it. 4. a. transitive. To hang (a person) on a gallows. Now rare (historical).Perhaps originally short for to turn (a person) off the ladder (cf. quot. 1594 at sense 7a and ladder n. 1b). 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 1581 True Rep. Late Murther by William Sherwood sig. A.vii^v The hangman was enforced to vndoo the Halter which he had fastened to the Iibbet, and to put it about his neck belowe, and so by little and little to draw him vp. Where resting, after many perswasions by the Shriefe and the Preacher, and no profit in the middest of his Lattine Pater noster, was turned off to the mercy of God. 1680 C. Ness Compl. Church-hist. 143 His own mule..as it were, turns him off the ladder..he turns himself off when he had tyed his halter. 1715 J. Chappelow Right Way to be Rich 48 The Executioner has him upon the Ladder..and turns him off in an Instant. 1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms I. i. 8 You can have..anything you like..you unfortunate young beggar, until you're turned off. 2004 R. Bartlett Hanged Man v. 45 In contrast to William Cragh, Trahaearn was not ‘turned off’, but pulled up by a rope cast over the crossbeam. b. transitive. To marry (a person) to another, join (two people) in marriage. Now rare (archaic).Probably humorous and figurative from sense 4a: cf. to tie the knot at tie v. 2. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > action or fact of marrying > marry [verb (transitive)] > join in marriage wedOE join1297 spousec1325 bind1330 couplea1340 to put togethera1387 conjoin1447 accouple1548 matea1593 solemnize1592 espouse1599 faggot1607 noose1664 to give (also conjoin, join, take) in (also to, into) marriage1700 rivet1700 to tie the knot1718 buckle1724 unite1728 tack1732 wedlock1737 marry1749 splice1751 to turn off1759 to tie up1894 1759 H. Walpole Let. 16 May in Corr. (1941) IX. 236 Lord Weymouth is to be married on Tuesday, or as he said himself, to be turned off. 1834 F. Marryat Peter Simple III. i. 2 They will be turned off next Friday, and I only wish..you were here to dance at the weddings. 1891 S. Mostyn Curatica 157 I sent a reply..wishing her every happiness and consenting ‘to turn her off’. 1982 ‘J. Melville’ Painted Castle vi. 148 So we married..were ‘turned off’, as David put it. 5. intransitive. To turn away or aside from the direct road; to take a turning off a road, esp. a main road; cf. turn-off n. 1. Also: (of a road or path) to branch off. Cf. senses 15b, 15c. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > change of direction of movement > change direction of movement [verb (intransitive)] > diverge from course bowa1000 swervec1330 wrya1350 crookc1380 to turn asidea1382 depart1393 decline14.. wryc1400 divert1430 desvoy1481 wave1548 digress1552 prevaricate1582 yaw1584 to turn off1605 to come off1626 deviate1635 sag1639 to flinch out1642 deflect1646 de-err1657 break1678 verge1693 sheera1704 to break off1725 lean1894 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > change course or turn off turnc1330 to turn asidea1382 to turn in1535 to wave one's way1548 strike1576 to turn off1605 society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > junction of roads, paths, or tracks > meet another road or path [verb (intransitive)] > turn off to turn off1776 1605 C. Cotton tr. J. Calvin Comm. Epist. Hebrewes xii. 300 If wee once fall to dissemble, and bethinke vs not of a remedie, wee shall at the last with the time turne farre off from God. 1687 J. Norris To his Muse in Coll. Misc. iv Where with noise the waters creep Turn off with Care, for treacherous rocks are nigh. 1742 A. Pope New Dunciad 517 The vulgar herd turn off to roll with Hogs. 1776 Pennsylvania Evening Post 27 June 320/2 A road that turns off on the left hand. 1819 W. Irving Sketch Bk. i. 33 He turned off, through a gate, into some ornamented grounds. 1892 Leisure Hour Jan. 188/1 I took a wrong turning, or kept straight on when I ought to have turned off. 1990 River News-Herald (Rio Vista, Calif.) 21 Nov. 1/1 The..intersection would be reworked to allow large trucks to turn off. †6. transitive. With to. To give over, resign, consign. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] forsakec893 forlet971 to reach upOE agiveOE yield?c1225 uptake1297 up-yield1297 yield1297 deliverc1300 to-yielda1375 overgivec1384 grant1390 forbeara1400 livera1400 forgoc1400 upgive1415 permit1429 quit1429 renderc1436 relinquish1479 abandonc1485 to hold up?1499 enlibertyc1500 surrender1509 cess1523 relent1528 to cast up?1529 resignate1531 uprender1551 demit1563 disclaim1567 to fling up1587 to give up1589 quittance1592 vail1593 enfeoff1598 revoke1599 to give off1613 disownc1620 succumb1632 abdicate1633 delinquish1645 discount1648 to pass away1650 to turn off1667 choke1747 to jack up1870 chuck up (the sponge)1878 chuckc1879 unget1893 sling1902 to jack in1948 punt1966 to-leave- the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another i-taechec888 outreacheOE sellc950 beteacha1000 areachc1000 turnc1175 handsellc1225 betakec1250 deliverc1300 beken1330 yielda1382 disposec1384 resigna1387 livera1400 to turn overa1425 deputea1440 overgive1444 quit?c1450 surrend1450 surrender1466 renderc1480 to give over1483 despose1485 refer1547 to pass over1560 to set over1585 behight1590 tip1610 consign1632 delegate1633 skink1637 to hand over1644 delate1651 to turn off1667 to turn in1822 1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety i. 10 We are not so wholly turned off to that reversion, as to have no supplies for the present. 1674 Govt. Tongue x. 185 The murmurer seems to be turn'd off to the company of those doleful Creatures..which were to inhabit the ruines of Babylon. 1707 J. Lacy Warnings Eternal Spirit: 2nd Pt. 30 All the Mysteries hitherto, and all I have hitherto display'd in the Word, in the Revelation of St. John, they turn it off to Popery. †7. transitive. To cause (a furrow) to lie away from a ridge; to turn the soil so as to form (a furrow). Also: to turn (soil) away from a furrow. Obsolete.In quot. 1858: to round off (a corner) in ploughing. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > plough (land) [verb (transitive)] > other systems of ploughing hent?a1605 to throw down1620 size1707 bout1733 to turn off1754 back-furrow1855 1754 J. Eliot Contin. Ess. Field-husbandry in New-Eng.: Fifth Pt. 13 Thus take off a Furrow from each Side of every Ridge till all is ploughed; let it lye in this State a Fortnight or three Weeks, then with the Plough turn up the two Furrows to the Ridge; stay about as long as before, and turn the two Furrows off from the Ridge again. 1819 F. Butler Farmer's Man. 66 When you weed your corn at the first hoeing, turn off the furrows from the hills with your plough; this will leave a ridge of light loose earth between the rows. 1842 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3 i. 11 Admiring..its [sc. the Scotch plough's] apparent facility in cleaving and turning off the furrow. 1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 ii. 277 One plough goes and turns off the corners. 1922 E. B. Kirk Pilgrimage to Coué xii. 56 He throws off weariness as lightly as the plow turns off the sod from the furrow. †8. intransitive. Of a thing: to decline in quality, deteriorate, change for the worse; (of a person) to decline in health. Also: (of food, etc.) to become sour or bad. Also with adjective as complement. Obsolete (English regional (south-western) in later use). ΚΠ 1797 Monthly Mag. 3 489 The Rye-Grass and Clovers are expected..to turn off light. 1813 J. Austen Let. 3 Nov. (1995) 248 The Day turned off..& we came home in some rain. 1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 ii. 380 My ash-leaf potatoes..looked healthy; they, however, turned off sickly in June... The Shaw[s]..were short in the haulm, and turned off by the middle of July. 1870 H. M. G. Smythies Acquitted I. xvi. 156 Lord Derwent's turned off sickly, and aint like to live. 1889 Devonshire Provinc. in Eng. Dial. Dict. (at cited word) I think the chutney's turned off, sir. 9. a. transitive. To stop the flow of (water, gas, electric current, etc.) by turning a tap, valve, or control (cf. main sense 2b); to shut off; to turn out (a light). Also with the tap or control as object. In extended use: to switch off (a powered device, an electrical appliance, a recording or broadcast, a computer program, etc.). Cf. to turn on —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > stop course or flow of something stinta1330 stop1393 intercept1545 blench1602 hain1636 screen1657 to break off1791 to turn off1822 to break one's fall1849 society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > control(s) > control by another device [verb (transitive)] > furnish with valve(s) > cut off by closing valve to turn off1822 to shut off1824 the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light) aquenchc1000 quenchOE to do outa1425 extinct1483 to put outa1500 out-quencha1522 dout1526 pop1530 extinguish1551 to put forth1598 snuff1688 douse1753 douse1780 smoor1808 to turn out1844 outen1877 to turn off1892 to black out1913 the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)] to turn on1824 disconnect1826 to turn down1855 switch1881 to put on1892 to turn off1892 key1929 the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease or put a stop to > cause (a thing) to cease action > specific electricity or a motor kill1886 to cut out1910 to turn off1921 cut1938 1822 J. Murray in London Jrnl. Arts & Sci. 3 91 Tie over a gas jet pipe, (¹/ ₂ to ³/ ₄inch diameter,) a piece of muslin gauze; place in the centre a chip of phosphorus, then turn off the gas and ignite it. 1824 Mechanic's Mag. 31 Jan. 354/1 F is a leaden pipe..to which is fixed a stop-cock at K, to turn off the steam at pleasure. 1886 Law Times Rep. 53 676/1 The gas is turned off at eleven o'clock. 1892 Black & White 23 Jan. 116/2 The electric lights..were turned off. 1892 Monthly Packet Dec. 656 When the water is running away one must hurry up and turn off the tap. 1921 Collier's 30 Apr. 22/2 After a few minutes, turn off the engine, close the petcock, couple up the hose connection tightly, and wait until the engine cools. 1959 N. Mailer Advts. for Myself (1961) 153 She has shut the window and neglected to turn off the radiator. The room is stifling. 1969 J. Gaskell Sweet Sweet Summer 70 Or for the water and electric to stay on all the time, instead of being turned off after midnight. 1971 Radio Times 18 Nov. 80 I wonder how many viewers turned off the play, as we did. 2015 Herald-Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 27 Mar. a4/1 More than 7,000 cities around the globe are expected to participate by turning off nonessential lights and other appliances. b. transitive. To put a stop or end to (something); to cut off or terminate (an activity). ΚΠ 1897 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 13 Nov. 515/2 Dickens..made desperate efforts to take his assorted heroines quite seriously by resolutely turning off the fun. 1967 B. Patten Little Johnny's Confession 33 Until death comes and turns me off. 1977 I. Shaw Beggarman, Thief i. viii. 101 School was a big part of his life and he couldn't just turn it off because it would be unimportant to grown-ups at this time. 2004 9/11 Commission Rep. (National Comm. Terrorist Attacks upon U.S.) iv. 126 CIA officers told the tribals that the plan.., which had been ‘turned off’ three months earlier, was back on. c. intransitive. To stop operating; to switch itself off, to be turned off. ΚΠ 1902 W. E. Barton Old World in New Cent. xxv. 422 When one is turned on the other turns off automatically. 1921 Amer. Woman Jan. 14/4 (advt.) Kerogas Burner—fits any stove. Burns kerosene... Quickly lighted; turns off by valve. 1984 A. Maupin Babycakes (1989) xv. 105 The automatic turn-off whatsit on the stereo does not turn off automatically. 2021 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 7 Mar. (Front section) 3/3 I use smart plugs to program a bunch of small tasks. I schedule a grow light for my homegrown vegetables to turn off after 16 hours. d. transitive. Originally colloquial. To cause (a person) to feel bored, disgusted, or repelled; to cause (a person) to lose interest, esp. sexually; to put (a person) off. Cf. to turn on 3a at Phrasal verbs 1, turn-off n. 4. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > hatred > feeling against or a settled dislike > impulse of aversion > turn away from or regard with aversion or reject [verb (transitive)] > repel resist1609 repulse1816 to put off1909 to turn off1951 off-put1970 the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > disgust > disgust or excite repugnance [verb] to turn (a person's) stomach1549 revolt1834 to make a person turn in his or her grave1888 to turn off1966 1951 D. Cusack & F. James Come in Spinner 288 I don't want to turn the popsies off when they come cantering along to put their faces on. 1966 P. Willmott Adolescent Boys E. London iii. 51 You can always get a bit if you want it, with the girls with the big mouths... But that sort of thing turns you off after a while. 1979 Financial Rev. 24 Oct. 10/1 Many voters were turned off by a strike in the last moment of the campaign. 2013 Smith Jrnl. Autumn 101/1 A lot of people are turned off by opera, but I think it's because they haven't heard Maria Callas. 10. transitive. To complete and send off (a piece of work); to produce (work) with skill or facility; = to turn out at Phrasal verbs 1. Now chiefly U.S. regional.In quot. 1841 punning on sense 4a.In quot. 1897: to complete (a distance) swiftly. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth > with ease, speed, or success, or in large quantities whip1611 to work off1653 to hit off1700 dispatchc1710 to throw off1724 to run off1759 to turn off1825 to turn out1847 to run out1872 to churn out1912 proliferate1912 slug1925 whomp1955 gurgitate1963 1825 Christian Spectator Nov. 578/1 It was surprising to see with what neatness and despatch they [sc. blind workers] would turn off work. 1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxxix. 162 When I [sc. the hangman] look at that hand..and remember the helegant bits of work it has turned off. 1879 M. Pattison Milton ix. 108 Turning off 300 pages of fluent Latin. 1897 Outing 30 242/2 We [cyclists] rode on through Harrisonburg and turned off the twenty-five miles to..Staunton. 1955 Miami (Okla.) Daily News-Record 6 Nov. 17/1 She says regretfully that she ‘isn't able to turn off work like I used to.’ 1999 Foxfire 11 191 Course his health hadn't gone so bad on him at that time, and he was still turning off work pretty fast. 11. transitive. Genetics. To block the operation of (a genetic element); to suppress (the expression of a gene). Cf. to turn on 4 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1959 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 45 1459 Conceivably this length of the chromosome is ‘functionally turned off’ by a histidine-nucleic acid repressor. 1991 Economist 13 July 105/2 One way to turn genes off is to plaster molecules called methyl groups all over the DNA from which the gene is made. 2010 R. Skloot Immortal Life Henrietta Lacks (2011) xxvii. 243 HPV inserted its DNA into the long arm of her eleventh chromosome and essentially turned off her p53 tumor suppressor gene. to turn on 1. a. (a) transitive. To start a flow of (water, steam, gas, electric current, etc.) by turning a tap, valve, or control (cf. main sense 2b); to switch on. Also with a tap or control (formerly also a sluice) as object. In extended use: to switch on (a powered device, an electrical appliance, a recording or broadcast, a computer program, etc.).In quot. 1877 referring to piped music. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > cause an artificial light to burn light?a1160 to light up?a1425 enlighten?1591 to turn on1824 the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin or enter upon (an action) [verb (transitive)] > cause to begin to act or operate > specific water, gas, or electricity to turn on1824 the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > device to open or close circuit > connect or disconnect [verb (transitive)] to turn on1824 disconnect1826 to turn down1855 switch1881 to put on1892 to turn off1892 key1929 the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electronics > electronic devices or components > operation of electronic devices > [verb (transitive)] > initiate change to turn on1824 key1929 trip1936 trigger1937 to turn down1941 1824 Chemist 25 Sept. 5/2 In order to set this engine in action, nothing more is necessary than to turn on the gas by stop-cocks, and light it. 1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 ii. 403 The steam being turned on. 1877 Punch's Almanack for 1878 14 Dec. 3/1 Now, recollect, Robert, at a quarter to nine turn on ‘Voi che sapete’ from Covent Garden. 1884 Law Times 13 Sept. 331/2 The electric light was turned on, but refused to burn with any kind of steadiness. 1891 Rev. of Reviews 14 Nov. 523/2 The electric lamp that glows..when the current is turned on. 1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 79/2 A sluice might be turned on to flood a certain meadow. 1930 A. P. Herbert Water Gipsies iii. 23 They had the wireless, which they turned on often for the ‘jazz’ bands. 1945 H. Channon Diary 10 Aug. in R. R. James Chips (1967) iv. 10 Terry..said (he is a wireless addict)—‘Turn on the news’; and we did, as we sipped our pre-prandial cocktails. 1961 Which? Oct. 250/1 One cooker..had an automatic oven timer. This..had a clockwork mechanism, which turned the oven on and off after a pre-set time. 1994 N. Baker Fermata xiv. 203 Outside, she turned the stopcock on..and toured her side yard, sending a frolicsome misty spray from her mobile water-source over the grass. 2003 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 27 Mar. d7/5 My husband did want to tap into his playlists of MP3 files without having to turn on a computer. 2017 A. Silvera Hist. is All you left Me 196 He turns on the radio, blasting the first..station that comes on. (b) transitive. figurative. to turn the tap(s) on: to start weeping. Cf. to turn on the main at main n.¹ Phrases 3, to turn on the waterworks at waterwork n. 5b(a). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > sorrow or grief > lamentation or expression of grief > weeping > weep [verb (intransitive)] > burst or dissolve into tears to burst a-weepc1275 distilc1374 still1412 to burst (out, forth) on weeping1564 dissolve1608 to melt to (also in, into) tears1609 to burst into tears1717 burst a-crying1825 blurt1830 to burst out crying1863 to break into weeping1866 to turn the tap(s) on1883 1883 Daily Tel. 8 Feb. 3/2 When she had finished her song she fell a crying... She can turn the taps on at a moment's notice. 1900 F. S. Brereton With Rifle & Bayonet i. 15 So you've been blubbing again, have you? Why, you are always turning the taps on. We shall have a flood soon. 2005 S. Harrison Next Room xvii. 177 She was as close to tears as I'd ever seen her, but for some reason this enraged me even more. To turn the taps on now, over some perceived minor impropriety. b. (a) transitive. To initiate or put on (behaviour, an action, a performance, etc.), especially artificially; to make an effort to display (charm, flattery, etc.).to turn on the heat: see heat n. 12b(b). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > pretend, simulate, feign [verb (transitive)] mitheeOE bipechec1000 huec1000 feigna1300 unlikena1382 counterfeitc1400 pretend1402 dissimulec1430 dissimule1483 simule?a1500 semble1530 counterfeit1534 dissemblea1538 suppose1566 countenance1590 mock1595 assume1604 to put on1625 assimulate1630 personate1631 to take on1645 simulate1652 forge1752 sham1775 possum1850 to turn on1865 fake1889 1865 ‘M. Twain’ in Californian 18 Nov. 9/2 There was a good deal of honest snickering turned on this time. 1892 Black & White 21 May 674/2 A woman who turned on her smiles as we do the electric light. 1895 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 1 June 726/2 The inevitable stale, puerile love scene is turned on to shew off that ‘voix céleste’ stop which Madame Bernhardt, like a sentimental New England villager with an American organ, keeps always pulled out. 1969 B. Cobb Scandal at Scotland Yard xvi. 154 He was ready to turn on the smarm with the ‘Kiss and be friends again’ talk. 1999 H. Redknapp & D. McGovern 'Arry (new ed.) iv. 63 My first game as a fully-fledged manager..was a roaring success, that we went to the League leaders, turned on a champagne performance. 2004 C. Bateman Driving Big Davie xxi. 214 He could stay as long as he liked. It would give me time to turn on my cheeky-chappie Irish charm. (b) transitive. to turn it on: to make a particular effort, esp. to be charming. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > affected behaviour or affectation > be affected or act affectedly [verb (intransitive)] > adopt an air > with particular effort to turn it on1944 the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)] > make a special effort to turn it on1966 1944 L. Glassop We were Rats xxviii. 160 You ought to see the Jerries turn it on... They come straight down through the harbour barrage. 1966 Listener 24 Nov. 779/1 Thomas could turn it on and brilliantly, when he wanted to. 1981 T. Heald Murder at Moose Jaw xii. 144 She used to be some looker... And she could turn it on. But not any more. 2015 J. Kaat & G. Jennings If These Walls Could Talk ii. 68 When the Yanks reached the World Series that year against the Padres, he really turned it on, hitting .471 with six RBIs. c. intransitive. To start operating; to switch itself on, to be turned on.In extended use in quot. 1890. ΚΠ 1890 M. W. Hungerford Born Coquette I. xiii. 131 A moon..warranted to last for eight hours, and to turn on at any moment. 1936 Pop. Mech. Oct. 537/2 The pilot light turns on when the bright lights are turned off. 1989 Byte Aug. 145/1 The individual pixels in LCDs are electrochemical devices that require an appreciable fraction of a second to turn on or off. 2018 J. Miles Anat. Miracle xvi. 231 The beam of Damarkus's grin was like another lamp turning on in the room, and Euclide felt happy for the swerve. †2. transitive. British colloquial. To set (a person) to do something, or to an activity; to employ (a person). Cf. sense 22b. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ hirec1000 i-bye10.. i-hirec1000 soldc1386 takea1400 retain1437 wage1465 conduct1476 fee1488 conduce1502 implya1533 entertain1572 enter1585 wager1592 to fill up1598 to take on1611 improve1640 to speak for ——a1688 employa1727 engage1753 ploy1871 to turn on1893 to book up1915 1893 Chambers's Jrnl. 8 July 419/2 Ainsworth had turned him on to assist him in ‘doing’ the theatres. 1916 J. Buchan Greenmantle ix. 117 Because the German mercantile marine was laid on ice till the end of the war, they had turned him on to this show. 1916 V. Bell Sel. Lett. (1993) 197 Barbara Hyles..is just becoming a gardener.., so she is useful here and can be turned on to weed, etc. 1929 Air Wonder Stories Aug. 140/1 We made Gardiner Bay before six o'clock, and turned all hands on to unloading the new engines. 3. slang (originally U.S.). a. (a) transitive. To excite or stimulate the interest or enthusiasm of (a person), esp. sexually.Quot. 1903 is an isolated occurrence; subsequent use appears to be an extension of sense 3a(b). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual desire > cause sexual excitement in [verb (transitive)] to turn on1903 eroticize1914 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > hold attention, absorb swallowc1330 deepc1380 dare1547 suspend1561 preoccupy1567 devour1568 to swallow up1581 enwrap1589 invest1601 steep1603 to take up1603 spell1646 possess1653 enchain1658 engross1661 absorb1749 fix1752 rivet1762 fascinate1782 spell-bind1808 arrest1814 mesmerize1862 to turn on1903 get1913 consume1999 the mind > emotion > excitement > pleasurable excitement > affect with pleasurable excitement [verb (transitive)] > give thrill of pleasurable excitement to dirl1513 slay1863 razzle-dazzle1886 to turn on1903 panic1920 wow1924 kill1938 to knock out1942 fracture1946 gas1947 stoke1963 1903 H. James Ambassadors ix. xxii. 307 One of his sisters..had observed her somewhere with me. She had spoken to her brother—turned him on. 1963 Jet 25 Apr. 44 The torrid little ‘Lolita’..opened up his nose, then turned him on every Wednesday night on the back seat of his car for five dollars, cash on delivery. 1965 Harper's Bazaar Apr. 173 Bach really turns me on. 1967 J. Hayes Deep End 16 The excitement in her eyes deepened. ‘You turn me on, man.’ 1993 R. Shell iCED 54 I could see from the snaky hugeness crowded into his shorts that I was turning him on. 2013 R. Yancey 5th Wave li. 260 He's still smiling. Like something about this doomsday scenario turns him on. (b) transitive. To get (a person) under the influence of a drug, provide (a person) with drugs; to introduce (a person) to drugs. Now somewhat dated. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drugging a person or thing > drug [verb (transitive)] > introduce to drugs to turn on1952 1952 J. Kerouac Let. 10 May in Sel. Lett. 1940–56 (1995) 349 He was reading ‘The Book of the Dead’, was reclined in a sumptuous couch with furnishings and turned us on. 1953 W. S. Burroughs Junkie ii. 31 We kept the weed in Marian's apartment, turned her on for all she could use, and gave her a 50 per cent commission on sales. 1966 Guardian 18 Apr. 13/4 Police in New York said that they had seized enough of the drug LSD to ‘turn on’ the entire population of New York if it was put in the water supply. 2013 W. Hjortsberg Jubilee Hitchhiker xxvi. 279 He had not seen Richard with marijuana since the time he turned him on in Big Sur a decade earlier. b. intransitive. To place oneself under the influence of a drug or other narcotic substance, alcohol, etc.; (hence) to seek or achieve an altered or enhanced state of consciousness through drugs or meditation. Now somewhat dated.The use in quot. 1948 is probably a coded reference to marijuana. turn on, tune in, and drop out and variants: used as a slogan advocating a change of lifestyle by Timothy Leary (1920–96), psychologist and advocate of psychedelic drugs, who attributed the coinage to Marshall McLuhan (see McLuhanism n.). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > take drugs [verb (intransitive)] sleigh-ride1845 drug1893 dope1909 to hit the gong, gow, stuff1933 use1951 to get down1952 to turn on1954 goof1962 joy-pop1962 to drop acid1966 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > become interested in to take up in1665 enter1694 to take up1751 to turn on1954 1948 ‘B. Gonzales’ Be-bop Dict. Turn on, to smoke cigarettes.] 1954 J. Blake Let. 15 June in Joint (1971) 54 We turned on and, in local idiom, ‘made the scene’. 1966 East Village Other 15 Apr. 9/1 Later on stage, after a standing, cheering ovation when he was introduced, he [sc. Timothy Leary] spoke about the younger generation and ended by advising them to, ‘Turn on, tune in, and drop out.’ 1967 Sunday Truth (Brisbane) 2 Apr. 63/2 According to Dr. Timothy Leary, the avowed leader of the LSD set, you can turn-on without using drugs. 1970 New Scientist 12 Nov. 314/1 Young people who turn on by sniffing the vapour of airplane glue..sometimes..drop dead. 1979 R. Jaffe Class Reunion iii. iii. 242 She walked in while I was turning on so I offered her some [marijuana]. 2001 A. Morton Madonna 41 Both brothers started dabbling in drugs and taking part in clandestine drinking sessions, eventually becoming, in effect, fully paid-up members of the ‘tune in, turn on, drop out’ generation. c. (a) transitive. With to. To cause (a person) to become strongly interested or involved in something, esp. drugs; to introduce (a person) to something new (see also sense 3a(b)). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > drugging a person or thing > drug [verb (transitive)] > introduce to drugs to turn on1952 the mind > attention and judgement > attention > notice, observation > observe, note [verb (transitive)] > bring to notice to lay in (a person's) lap1531 submit1560 introduct1570 confer1586 introduce1766 1965 B. Took & M. Feldman Round the Horne (transcribed from radio programme) 1st Ser. Episode 7 Like, what I mean is, he, he was my connection, you know—he, he like turned me on to the salt beef sandwiches, like—until it become like an addiction, dig? 1967 Melody Maker 29 July 10/6 There is a compulsive beat so maybe even the nation's half-wits may be turned on to Lloyd. 1990 Daily Star 23 Oct. 5/4 Harriet Stowe told how her mother's death from cancer had turned her on to drugs. 2012 N. Hawley Good Father (2013) 258 He said a girl he knew in Austin had turned him on to Russian novelists. (b) intransitive. With to. To become strongly interested in or excited by something. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > excitement > be or become excited [verb (intransitive)] stira1000 resea1250 to move one's blood (also mood)c1330 fluster1613 fever1632 foment1646 ferment1671 animate1779 self-excite1832 effervesce1850 to turn on1966 1966 A. Ginsberg in Paris Rev. Spring 27 I smoked a lot of marijuana and went to the basement of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and looked at his water colors and that's where I began really turning on to space in Cézanne. 1999 M. Silcott Rave Amer. i. 23 Much of America's urban Black underground was turning on to the burgeoning street sounds of rap and electro. 2003 Daily Tel. 24 Sept. 17/7 Women have always turned on to boys and, historically, older women were expected to introduce boys to the refinement and excitement of sex with the older woman. 4. transitive. Genetics. To activate (the expression of a gene). Cf. to turn off 11 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1961 Amer. Naturalist 95 265 The operator element responds in some yet unknown manner to changes in degree of effective action of the repressor substance by ‘turning on’ or ‘turning off’ the action of the structural gene in accordance with such changes. 1994 N.Y. Times 11 Jan. c1/1 (caption) Once turned on, these genes make proteins that give neighboring cells signals telling them their position and roles in forming a leg, wing or fin. 2009 J. A. Coyne Why Evol. is True iii. 71 We can see..whether the ‘control’ regions responsible for turning on a gene have been inactivated. to turn out 1. transitive. To put, take, or pull out by a rotary movement (in quot. 1892, on a lathe); to roll out. Formerly also: †to bore or gouge out (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > maiming or mutilation > maim or mutilate [verb (transitive)] > put out eyes to turn outc1450 to scratch out?1527 to put forth1534 poach1608 gouge1785 gouge1800 deoculate1816 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1965) Judith xiii. 10 She turnede out his bodi beheueded. c1450 St. Erasmus in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 202 Þe turmentours..turnyng oute his ien withe wymbles. 1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 416/2 They lefte hym not tyll they hadde cutte and tourned out his braynes and strowed them aboute vppon the Churche pauement. 1892 Photogr. Ann. II. 286 Extending frame and reversing back mitred, keyed and glued up; the front turned out for circular disc. 1954 Techn. Man. No. 5-5399-1 (U.S. Dept. Army) vi. 124 Then turn the screw out or counterclockwise, until the engine runs smoothly. 2003 Old-house Jrnl. Jan. 92/1 (advt.) X-out^tm bites on to the head of the screw and turns the screw out. †2. transitive. Perhaps: to change (a person) from his or her normal condition, to ‘put out’; or (perhaps) to divert (a person) from his or her course. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) l. 1213 In wonhope weore his disciples..Ac þou weore studefast..Ne miȝte þe no þing tornen out. 3. †a. intransitive. To turn aside and go out; to go away, depart, get out (usually under compulsion). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)] outgoeOE to come outOE forthcomeOE to go outOE to go outOE ishc1330 to take forth one's way (also journey, road, etc.)a1375 proceedc1380 getc1390 exorta1400 issue?a1400 precedec1425 purgea1430 to come forthc1449 suea1450 ushc1475 to call one's way (also course)1488 to turn outa1500 void1558 redound1565 egress1578 outpacea1596 result1598 pursue1651 out1653 pop1770 to get out1835 progress1851 a1500 Warkworth's Chron. (1839) 18 A prest that turnyd oute at his messe and the sacrament in his handys, whanne Kynge Edwarde came with his swerde into the chirche. 1649 R. Baxter Saints Everlasting Rest (new ed.) iii. x. §4 If there be but one gap open..how ready are we to..turn out at it? 1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical iii. 21 Turn out there you Country Put, says a Bully with a Sword two Yards long. b. To cause (a person) to go or come out. (a) transitive. To send away, drive out, or expel (a person) from a place, often someone's abode. Cf. sense 27a. Now somewhat rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > be on the outside of [verb (transitive)] > put outdoors to put outa1350 to turn out1546 output1588 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel > specific people from a place, position, or possession outshoveOE to do out of ——OE shovec1200 to put out of ——c1225 to cast out1297 void13.. usurpa1325 to put outa1350 outputa1382 outrayc1390 excludea1400 expulse?a1475 expel1490 to shut forth1513 to put forth1526 to turn out1546 depel?1548 disseisin1548 evict1548 exturb1603 debout1619 wincha1626 disseise1627 out-pusha1631 howster1642 oust1656 out1823 purge1825 the bum's rush1910 outplace1928 1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. x. sig. Liii^v He turnde hir out at durs. 1613 F. Beaumont Knight of Burning Pestle iii. sig. G3^v Open the doore, and turne me out those mangy companions. 1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal ii. 17 If they heard us whisper, they'l turn us out. 1832 Examiner 418/1 If he ever turned out a tenant for voting against him. 1894 S. Baring-Gould Queen of Love I. viii. 86 ‘Turn him out!’ was shouted from the further side of the hall. 1993 H. Greenfeld Hidden Children iv. 56 They no longer wanted to keep the children, but they were afraid to turn them out. 2012 H. Phillips Epidemics v. 142 Some families, horrified by the stigma of having an HIV+ member in their midst.., turned them out or abandoned them. (b) transitive. To dismiss or eject (a person, a party, etc.) from office or employment. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss or discharge to put awaya1387 discharge1428 dismiss1477 to put out of wages1542 discard1589 to turn away1602 to put off1608 disemploy1619 to pay off1648 to pay off1651 to turn out1667 to turn off1676 quietus1688 strip1756 trundle1794 unshop1839 shopc1840 to lay off1841 sack1841 drop1845 to give (a person) the shoot1846 bag1848 swap1862 fire1879 to knock off1881 bounce1884 to give (a person) the pushc1886 to give (a person) the boot or the order of the boot1888 bump1899 spear1911 to strike (a medical practitioner, etc.) off the register1911 terminate1920 tramp1941 shitcan1961 pink slip1966 dehire1970 resize1975 to give a person his jotters1990 1588 J. Udall State Church of Eng. sig. D3^v Neither wil the Church euer bee in quiet vntil you be all turned out. 1667 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 41 The..Captain hath..turned out some of his said Company that have refused to compound for lesse than the King's pay. 1708 Constitutions Company Watermen & Lightermen xviii If any..of the Rulers or Auditors shall happen to dye, or be turned out for Corruption. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ii. 22 I am very sorry he lost the election... It was the radical mining people that turned him out. 1918 Congress. Rec. 56 xi. 11434/1 The Civil Service Commission wants to turn out all of these men, who are doing splendid work, and make them stand a civil-service examination. 1981 Guardian Weekly 26 July 5/3 The slashing of the Conservative vote..must have reflected a large measure of tactical voting as Warrington Tories..came to see that they had a chance at last of turning out Labour. 2005 M. Lawson Enough is Enough (2006) xi. 122 That election-day headline..had encouraged the voters to turn out the Conservatives four years ago. 4. transitive. To drive or put out (animals) to pasture or into the open, or (pheasants, etc.) into a covert: cf. sense 27c. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > herding, pasturing, or confining > [verb (transitive)] > pasture leasowc950 feed1382 pasturec1400 to put to grass1471 grassc1500 to turn out?1523 graze1564 impasture1614 put1620 depasture1713 run1767 to run out1851 the world > food and drink > hunting > hunt [verb (transitive)] > drive into a covert to turn out1802 ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxix^v For and she be rydden vpon and set vp hote: or tourned out and take colde she woll cast her fole. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclx^v The cattel, which the townes men daily turned out into the pasture. 1679 J. Goodman Penitent Pardoned ii. iv. 222 He hath now like Nebuchadnezzar, been turned out to grass. 1802 G. Montagu Ornithol. Dict. at Pheasant—Ring Lord Caernarvon..turned out several [ring pheasants] at his seat at Highclere. 1853 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 14 i. 64 The colts were turned out on the open commons. 1969 Field & Stream Aug. 153/1 As fast as they could get stock, officials and sportsmen began turning out pheasants in a grand release that still hasn't stopped. 2014 Western Horseman Mar. 34/1 Martin decided to turn out the gelding barefoot. 5. transitive. To alter the position of (the inside of a garment, a pocket, etc.) so as to bring it to the outside.In quot. 1608 figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn inside out turn?c1475 evert1578 to turn outa1585 invert1598 flipe1788 a1585 P. Hume Flyting with Montgomerie (Tullibardine) vi. 46 in Poems A. Montgomerie (2000) I. 164 With laidlie lippis and lynning syd turnd out. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xvi. 9 He..told me I had turnd the wrong side out . View more context for this quotation 1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals I. 444 Upon turning the Pocket out, he found only a Thread Paper, a Housewife, and a Crown piece. 1891 M. M. Dowie Girl in Karpathians 148 When it rained he turned the furry side out..when it faired, he..reversed it. 1932 M. Major in J. F. Dobie Tone Bell Easy (1965) 168 He turned the woolly side out and the skinny side in. 2001 J. Ellroy Cold Six Thousand xlvi. 240 Pete turned out his pockets. 6. a. transitive. To clear (a receptacle, room, house, etc.) of its contents; to empty (a container), usually in order to examine or rearrange the contents. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > absence > fact of being unoccupied > leave unoccupied [verb (transitive)] > empty emptyOE emptOE avoida1382 to shake out1382 devoida1400 evacuec1400 void1506 toom?a1513 unburden1538 disgarboil1567 inanitea1598 unbowel1597 unfill1607 to turn out?1609 unteemc1635 evacuatea1652 vacuate1651 unempt1798 disglut1800 eviscerate1834 the world > space > place > absence > fact of being unoccupied > leave unoccupied [verb (transitive)] > empty > empty (contents) avoida1398 teemc1440 voida1475 empty1532 toom1535 empt1555 unload1603 to turn out?1609 dismaw1620 unvessel1633 to pack out1969 ?1609 J. Healey tr. Bp. J. Hall Discouery New World vii. 202 Downe lies hee in a sleepe, yee may turne the house out at the windowe, (if yee can) and neuer awake him. 1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas III. vii. xi. 148 The enraged marquis..turning her whole house out at window. 1887 E. F. Byrrne Heir without Heritage III. iii. 66 I will go to my room..and turn my drawers out. 1894 H. Caine Manxman 211 She overhauled the linen; turned out every room twice a week. 1928 J. Galsworthy Swan Song i. iii. 19 Turning out his suit-case, he began to dress. 1995 V. Glendinning Electricity (1996) vii. 92 Mother and Aunt Susannah, being northern women, had set ideas about the way to ‘turn out’ a room, and they taught Jane and me their ways. b. transitive. To put (something) out of a house, room, or receptacle; to empty (contents) out by sloping or inverting the containing vessel. Formerly also: (U.S.) to pour out (tea) (obsolete). Also: (intransitive) to admit of being emptied out. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > removal or displacement > extraction > extract [verb (transitive)] > put out outdoc1300 to do out of ——a1325 to put outa1350 outset?1533 output1588 to turn out1654 1654 J. Cooper Art of Cookery 42 Filling the glasse with the jelly when it is warme, it being cold turne it out on the glasse plate. 1666 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 255 My hous is not yet burnt, but all I have turn'd out. 1714 M. Kettilby Coll. above 300 Receipts 75 Let the Cups you pour it into be dip'd in clean Water; for if they are dry, it will not turn out well. 1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xvi. 414 The small quantity of fluid remaining..is to be turned out, by inclining the tube. 1864 S. Jex-Blake in M. G. Todd Life (1918) xiii. 170 They [in America] ask if they shall ‘turn out the tea’. 1892 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 151 190/1 I shall turn out all your furniture. 1965 P. Wayre Wind in Reeds xiv. 194 She [sc. a bear]..invariably went straight to the sink and turned out the contents of the garbage pail underneath. 2011 M. Swift & L. Thomas Primrose Bakery Bk. 87 Turn the dough out onto a large, well-floured surface. 7. a. To come or go out for a purpose. (a) intransitive. To come out from or leave one's house, quarters, etc., for a specific purpose.Perhaps originally an extended use of sense 3a. ΚΠ 1670 J. Dryden & W. Davenant Shakespeare's Tempest i. 2 Turn out, turn out all hands to Capstorm? 1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals II. 285 Whenever Evening drew on he was very assiduous for her to turn out (as they phrase it) that is to go upon the Street-walking Account, picking up Fellows. 1763 C. Johnstone Reverie (new ed.) II. 9 To run into danger with delight, turning out to a man, at the first mention of the matter. 1811 Gen. Regulations & Orders Army 15 The Line turns out without arms whenever any part of the Royal Family..comes along the Front of the Camp. 1888 A. Jessopp Coming of Friars ii. 86 When the Friars came into a village,..the whole population would turn out to listen. 1943 Sun (Baltimore) 16 June 8/6 For retreat formations the battalion turns out in dress blouses with buttons shining. 2012 Galveston (Texas) Daily News 27 Sept. a12/3 Only three girls turned out for Castleford's girls' squad, one too few to field a formal team. †(b) intransitive. To leave one's home or employment and adopt a different (esp. an outside) occupation; (Australian slang) to become a bushranger. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > beginning action or activity > begin action or activity [verb (intransitive)] > bestir oneself > and go outside to turn out1793 the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > brigandage or freebooting > be or act like brigand or freebooter [verb (intransitive)] freeboot1592 Tory1651 freebooter1659 buccaneer1787 filibuster1853 to turn out1862 1793 Earl of Dundonald Descr. Estate Culross 42 He had two sons..ready to turn out in the sea line. 1862 Western Post 24 Sept. 2/2 He was immediately told by the robber they ought to turn out. 1871 W. Phillips Labor Question 17 He becomes a railway conductor. If that doesn't suit him, he turns out, and becomes the agent of an insurance office. 1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xxii What lay we're going upon and whether we're all greed in our mind to turn out. 1891 ‘L. Keith’ Halletts x She may have to turn out and be a governess. 1910 J. X. A. Cameron Spell of Bush 131 [The bush] had been his home; for even before he had ‘turned out’, four walls had never held Michael Moran for long. (c) intransitive. To abandon one's work as a protest; to go out on strike. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > participate in labour relations [verb (intransitive)] > strike strike1769 to turn out1795 to strike work, tools1803 stick1823 to come out1841 to go out1850 to down tools1855 to hit the bricks1931 1795 J. Oakes Diary 8 June in Oakes Diaries (1990) I. 313 Bricklayers & Labourers all turnd out for Advance of wages. 1801 Morning Post 8 July Thirty-eight bakers' boys, of Saltzburgh, lately turned out against their masters, and were for their insubordination conducted to the frontier. 1885 Manch. Examiner 23 June 5/1 It is expected that the whole of the operatives will turn out against the reduction. 1985 Financial Times 12 Feb. 10 The single largest picket was at Emley pit..where an estimated 350 demonstrators turned out. †(d) intransitive. colloquial. To get out of bed. Cf. to turn off 3a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)] > get up or rise arisec950 riseOE risec1175 uprisea1400 to dress upc1400 rouse1577 to get up1583 up1635 unroost1751 to turn out1801 to show a leg1818 to roll out1884 to hit the deck1918 1801 J. J. Moore Brit. Mariner's Vocab. (at cited word) To turn out, is to get up or out of bed. 1805 W. Irving in Life & Lett. (1864) I. 154 The next morning on turning out, I had the first glimpse of old England. 1875 F. J. Gillen Diary 6 May in R. S. Gillen F. J. Gillen's First Diary (1995) 54 Turned out about 8, found all hands had had Breakfast. b. transitive. To fetch or summon out, to muster (a body of people, such as a military unit or a team).Now uncommon in U.S. usage. ΚΠ 1727 H. Bland Treat. Mil. Discipline (ed. 2) xii. 175 The Serjeant is to turn out the Guard immediately, drawing up the Men in good Order with shoulder'd Arms. 1832 A. M. Hall Buccaneer III. v. 94 Below there!—turn out the guard, and encircle the ruins! 1903 R. B. Smith in 19th Cent. Mar. 436 One raven..managed more than once to ‘turn out’ the guard, who thought they were summoned by the sentinel. 1996 Lacrosse Talk Oct. 22/1 Two thirds of clubs are one team clubs, not always certain to turn out a full squad each week. 2018 Alpine Observer (Victoria, Austral.) 9 May 1/4 This will prevent any 000 calls and turning out the fire brigade unnecessarily. 8. a. intransitive. Of a part of the body: to bend or be directed outwards. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have outward direction to turn out1676 1676 R. Wiseman Severall Chirurg. Treat. vii. x. 498 The Ancle-bone is apt to turn out on either side, by..Relaxation of the Tendons. 1859 I. Warren Househ. Physician 481 The conjunctiva..next becomes intensely scarlet, and so much swelled, at times, that the lids turn out. 2000 Callaloo 23 1184 Leroy's toes turned out just a bit and he leaned slightly back, his shoulders held straight, his face and eyes all over the place. b. transitive. To direct or cause (a part of the body) to point outwards. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn outwards extrovert1671 to turn out?1697 ?1697 J. Lewis Mem. Duke of Glocester (1789) 12 Turning out his toes. 1813 J. C. Prichard Res. Physical Hist. Mankind (1837) II. 138 The lips are thick without being turned out. 1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 5 Nov. 270/3 Do not reject a nag, though he may turn out his toes a little. 1990 Big Spring (Texas) Herald 24 June (Rodeo Time Suppl.) 12 Only by spurring effectively, remaining in control, turning out his toes and exposing himself to the full power of the horse will a rider score respectably. 9. a. intransitive. With adverb, adverbial phrase, or †as. To come about in the end in a particular way; to result, eventuate; to come out (well, badly, etc.). Formerly also †without complement (cf. to turn up at Phrasal verbs 1) (obsolete rare). ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > result [verb (intransitive)] > turn out goOE farec1230 to come to proofc1330 shape1338 afarec1380 achievea1393 falla1398 sort1477 succeed1541 lucka1547 to fall out1556 redound1586 to come off1590 light1612 takea1625 result1626 issue1665 to turn out1731 eventuate1787 to roll out1801 to come away1823 to work out1839 pan1865 1731 S. Croxall tr. Æsop Fables (ed. 3) lx. 108 Reynard said, let Things turn out ever so bad, he did not care, for he had a thousand Tricks for them yet. 1735 H. Walpole Let. 19 Oct. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 264 As things have fortunately turn'd out. 1786 A. M. Bennett Juvenile Indiscretions III. 85 Who knows what may turn out? 1830 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) I. ix. 353 Our expedition up Vesuvius turned out very well. 1891 Law Times 90 460/2 A speculator..whose transactions..had turned out disastrously to himself. 1994 Amer. Spectator Aug. 14/3 They frivol with the deepest human passions and then are astounded when things turn out badly. 2013 L. Miller Parallel iii. 56 ‘What a great picture!’.. ‘Since it turned out so well,..I..am having it matted and framed.’ b. intransitive. With complement. To come to be (and be found or known to be); to become ultimately. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become yworthOE worthOE goOE becomec1175 come?a1200 waxc1220 charea1225 aworthc1275 makea1300 fallc1300 breedc1325 grow1340 strikea1375 yern1377 entera1382 turna1400 smitec1400 raxa1500 resolvea1500 to get into ——?1510 waxen1540 get1558 prove1560 proceed1578 befall1592 drop1654 evade1677 emerge1699 to turn out1740 to gain into1756 permute1864 slip1864 1740 W. Douglass Disc. Currencies Brit. Plantations in Amer. 28 When Returns in Ship Building..Naval Stores, &c. turn out well at Home, Silver and Exchange here suffer a small Fall. 1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 98 She has turned out a very undutiful Child. 1769 Lady M. Coke Jrnl. 13 May (1892) III. 70 The day has turned out better then I expected it. 1883 W. E. Norris No New Thing vii What a pretty girl Nellie..has turned out! 1940 K. Roberts Oliver Wiswell lix. 524 If you send Nathan to an English school, he'll in all likelihood turn out a snob, a toady or a rake. 1999 J. Arnott Long Firm i. 24 Still, it's a shame my only son turned out a gonnif. c. intransitive. To be ultimately found or known to be, to prove to be (without implication of becoming). Usually followed by infinitive; also with complement (cf. sense 9b). Also with non-referential it as subject and followed by a that-clause, often (colloquial) with ellipsis of it: e.g. Turns out I wasn't the only one. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (intransitive)] > be proved to be provec1300 verifya1387 approve1587 improve1612 bear1710 to turn up1756 to turn out1780 wash1849 1780 J. Williams Let. 16 Nov. in B. Franklin Papers (1998) XXXIV. 9 The method in which they have measured the Ship is different from what I expected..but I shall not object if it turns out that the King freights in that manner. 1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ ii. §1 We have that time turning out, upon examination, to be in all the same. 1818 Morning Chron. 12 May If it shall turn out that the rates which the Companies state to have been in existence for nearly a hundred years are not sufficient to remunerate them for their service of water to the Public. 1853 T. De Quincey Autobiogr. Sketches in Select. Grave & Gay I. 207 These propositions—not..seeming to be true and turning out false, but..wearing an air of falsehood and turning out true. 1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xxi That he should turn out to be the son of my old schoolfellow. 1907 J. H. Patterson Man-eaters of Tsavo App. i. 331 His photograph..unfortunately turned out a failure. 1968 A. Young in A. Chapman New Black Voices (1972) 147 Turns out he was half-smashed and half-drunk because he'd smoked some dope when he got up that morning. 1995 Guardian 29 July (Outlook section) 23/8 Davies, a high-flying barrister and an Islington Person to boot, turns out to have had a shady past as a poll-tax refusnik. 2017 E. Batuman Idiot i. 63 It turned out that..what they needed was people to teach high school equivalency math. 10. transitive. To put (land) out of cultivation. Now U.S. historical. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivate or till [verb (transitive)] > throw out of cultivation to turn out1801 1801 Trans. Dublin Soc. 1800 2 76 Three successive crops of oats, or perhaps one of barley and two of oats, and then turning out the land to rest, as it is called, is the method almost universally pursued. 1887 G. Vasey Grasses of South (U.S. Dept. Agric. Bull. No. 3) 55 Almost no remedies have been attempted in the past, except throwing brush in the washes and turning out the land to common when it has so far lost its soil and become filled with gullies as to be no longer profitable for cultivation. 1989 J. S. Otto Southern Frontiers, 1607–1860 ii. 22 When old fields no longer bore grains, Chesapeake planters turned out the land to long-term fallow. 11. transitive. Usually with modifying adverb. To provide with clothes, trappings, etc., of a specified quality; to equip (well, nicely, etc.). Chiefly in passive. ΚΠ 1812 [implied in: P. Hawker Diary (1893) I. 46 Their ‘turns-out’ of horses and harness are beggarly. (at turn-out n. 7a)]. 1833 [implied in: T. Hook Snowdon xii, in Love & Pride III. 228 The best turned-out equipage that rattled through its streets. (at turned-out adj. at turned adj. Compounds)]. 1876 Rep. Comm. Certain Questions Yeomanry Cavalry (House of Commons) 165/2 Are most of them able to equip their horses and turn them out well themselves?—They turn them out very well themselves. Our officers give them encouragement to do so by offering prizes. 1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xli. 354 At either of these places the visitor may be sure of being turned out ‘one of the best-dressed men in London’. 2013 S. Grafton W is for Wasted 401 He was nicely turned out; fresh shirt, a sport coat only slightly threadbare along the cuffs. †12. transitive. To refer to, look up; = to turn up 16a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > find in a book or paper looklOE to look out?1496 to turn to ——1568 to look upa1632 to turn up1710 to turn out1834 1834 Tracts for Times No. 29. 8 To turn out for him the texts he had referred to. 1895 H. Rashdall Univ. Europe in Middle Ages II. 329 Turning out the word..in the indices of..chroniclers. 13. transitive. Originally: to stop the flow of (gas) by turning a tap. Subsequently: to turn off (a heater, lamp, etc.), to put out, switch off (a light). ΘΚΠ the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light) aquenchc1000 quenchOE to do outa1425 extinct1483 to put outa1500 out-quencha1522 dout1526 pop1530 extinguish1551 to put forth1598 snuff1688 douse1753 douse1780 smoor1808 to turn out1844 outen1877 to turn off1892 to black out1913 1844 Mrs. A. Cochrane Flights of Fancy 10 There's aunty bawling ‘Come to bed, And mind you turn the gas out right, And don't be sitting up all night.’ 1884 Punch 27 Dec. 310/2 Then the gas was turned out. 1905 E. Glyn Vicissitudes Evangeline 237 She..was turning out the light. 2002 Herald (Glasgow) 10 Aug. (Mag.) 14/3 From my hiding place I watched Grannie's little black shoon tottering around the room as she turned out a gas fire here, a light there. 2015 L. Williamson Art of being Normal (2016) xxii. 153 ‘Enjoy!’ Becky sing-songs as she slams the door shut and turns out the light. 14. transitive. To complete and send off (a piece of work); to dispose of (something) as a finished product; to produce (work), typically with rapidity, facility, or skill; = to turn off 10 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > produce or bring forth > with ease, speed, or success, or in large quantities whip1611 to work off1653 to hit off1700 dispatchc1710 to throw off1724 to run off1759 to turn off1825 to turn out1847 to run out1872 to churn out1912 proliferate1912 slug1925 whomp1955 gurgitate1963 1847 L. Hunt Men, Women, & Bks. II. vi. 86 Books were books in those days, not batches, by the baker's dozen, turned out every morning. 1878 W. Besant & J. Rice By Celia's Arbour I. xv. 219 No place..could..turn out more splendid ships' figure-heads. 1913 E. H. D. Sewell in Daily Graphic 26 Mar. 14/2 La Touche..is one of the best half-backs Sedbergh has ever turned out. 2014 Wall St. Jrnl. 13 Sept. d8/2 Cooks turn out the restaurant's nightly quota of..pappardelle and stringozzi entirely by hand. to turn over 1. a. transitive. To turn (something) from its position on to one side, or from one side to the other, or upside down; to invert, reverse; to knock over, overturn, upset. Also reflexive (now rare) = sense 1b. Cf. main senses 7, 9, and over adv. 2c, 7c. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] to-wendc893 whelvec1000 to turn down?c1335 to turn up?c1335 whelmc1340 overturna1382 to turn overa1400 wholve14.. inverse?a1425 reverse?a1425 overwhelvec1450 overvolvea1522 transverse1557 evert1566 topsy-turn1573 topsy-turve1603 invert1610 upturn1610 whave1611 topsy-turvy1626 whemmel1684 cant1850 upend1868 flip-flop1924 the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin spillc950 fellOE to cast downc1230 destroy1297 to turn up?c1335 to throw down1340 to ding downc1380 to break downa1382 subverta1382 underturn1382 to take downc1384 falla1400 to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400 voida1400 brittenc1400 to burst downc1440 to pull downc1450 pluck1481 tumble1487 wreck1510 defacea1513 confound1523 raze1523 arase1530 to beat downc1540 ruinate1548 demolish1560 plane1562 to shovel down1563 race?1567 ruin1585 rape1597 unwall1598 to bluster down16.. raise1603 level1614 debolish1615 unbuilda1616 to make smooth work of1616 slight1640 to knock down1776 squabash1822 collapse1883 to turn over1897 mash1924 rubble1945 to take apart1978 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 8611 Þe toþer womman childe ho hent..ho turned hir ouer wiþ hit in arme. ?1530 J. Rastell Pastyme of People sig. D.i.^v The Englisshemen bete them so with arowes that they turned ouer bothe hors and man. a1635 R. Sibbes Heavenly Conf.* (1656) 12 We must..turn over every stone,—use all kind of means, till we find him. 1710 J. Addison Tatler No. 243. ⁋3 He turned himself over hastily in his Bed. 1897 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 4 Jan. 1/2 The ‘Blue Goose’ saloon, which is situated in the middle of the river, was turned over by the flood. 1923 Hosp. Corps Handbk. U.S. Navy (U.S. Bureau Med. & Surg.) iii. 89 Turn the patient over, face downward, place the hands under the abdomen, one on either side, and lift the patient. 1937 H. Jennings et al. May 12th Mass-observ. Day-surveys (1987) ii. 143 He asks you to select the queen, turns the card over and when you draw out the queen it is an eight. 2015 A. Silvera More Happy than Not 99 Brendan turns over the bucket, and all the..rocks fall to the ground. b. intransitive. To turn on to one side, or from one side to the other, or upside down; to reverse itself; to be upset, fall over, capsize; to roll about. Cf. sense 1a and main sense 6. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert or turn over [verb (intransitive)] invert1801 to turn over1845 roll1929 1541 R. Whitford Dyuers Holy Instrucyons & Teachynges f. 59 For concience moueth hym to ryse when he waketh, and sluggyshnes causeth hym to walowe, and turne ouer in hys bedde. a1661 R. Bargrave Trav. Diary (1999) 98 W. stands on her head in the mids of them, & falling with her britch on two of their faces, heavs up her britch again by turning over backwards. 1804 W. Clark Jrnl. 21 July in Jrnls. Lewis & Clark Exped. (1986) II. 403 The Indians pass this river in Skin Boats which is flat and will not turn over. 1845 J. Coulter Adventures Pacific vii. 87 [The whale] died, and turned over in a few minutes. 1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 17 Dec. 486/1 They cannot turn over if pushed, but must right themselves immediately. 1895 B. M. Croker Village Tales (1896) 88 I had watched the big rohu turning lazily over in the river. 2014 N. Brooks Indecent Acts 28 Lights out he says and turns over on his side. 2. a. transitive. To reverse (a leaf or page, or the successive leaves or pages, of a book) in order to read on further or write more. Also intransitive (cf. P.T.O. n.). Also: to read or search through, peruse (a book) by doing this (now rare). Cf. main sense 10a. to turn over a new leaf: see leaf n.¹ Phrases 2a. ΘΚΠ society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > turn pages to turn overc1405 revolve1485 volve1523 toss1555 verse1606 the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn over a book to turn over1821 versate1887 c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Miller's Tale (Hengwrt) (1870) Prol. l. 3177 I moot reherse Hir tales alle be they bet or werse..ther-fore who so list it noght yhere Turne ouer the leef and chese another tale. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke iv. B And whan he had turned ouer [L. euoluit] the boke, he founde the place where it is wrytten. 1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Evi^v If I sely man should..wylle them to turne ouer the leafe, and learne a newe lesson. 1635 in E. B. Sainsbury Cal. Court Minutes E. India Co. (1907) 16 The Company were surprized..when the Voyages were turned over. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 75. ⁋2 Turning over the Leaves, she reads alternately, and speaks. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. x. 239 The Countess..turning over such rare volumes as would now make the fortune of twenty retail booksellers. 1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay ii. 27 ‘I must read it again,’ said Glynn..as he turned over the pages. 1957 Saltire Rev. Winter 17 She quartered her pie, dipped it in tomato sauce, and turned over an old Weldons. Gallant picture-book boys stared at her, and little girls with Dorothy bags and sashes. 1977 B. MacLaverty Secrets (1990) 41 She..always blew on the fine tissuey pages to separate them before turning over with her trembling fingers. 2001 Heat 17 Nov. 64/1 I turned over the page and it said: ‘Extras, 150.’ b. transitive. To reverse and shift successively (papers or other articles lying flat in a heap) for the purpose of examining those that are beneath. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] > turn over things in a flat pile to turn over1580 1580 T. N. tr. P. Mexía Pleasaunt Dialogue Ep. Ded. sig. A.iii^v And now of late I chaunced to turne ouer my Papers, amonge the which I found this little Dialogue. 1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 405 In turning over his papers.., Sir Edward laid his hand on the will. 1887 E. F. Byrrne Heir without Heritage III. iii. 66 She..began to turn over the linen and examine it. 1991 D. Johnson Resuscitation Hanged Man 161 He turned over the few papers on the desktop, a couple of errand lists in Ray Sands's small, square hand, several bills with the payment vouchers torn away. c. transitive. To reverse or shift (soil, hay, etc.) so as to expose the underparts, or different parts successively. Cf. main sense 10b. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over turnc1425 to turn up1523 trench1573 to turn over1580 whelm1652 invert1712 1580 M. Outred tr. M. Cope Godly & Learned Expos. Prouerbes Solomon (xiv. 4) f. 257 Euen as the oxen doe drawe the plough for to breake vp and turne ouer the earth. 1613 G. Markham Eng. Husbandman: 1st Pt. i. sig. B3 If you turne ouer your ground againe in Ianuary, it will be much better, for these sands can neuer haue too much plowing. 1737 H. Bracken Farriery Improved iv. 41 The same Ground has not been turned over for a Hundred Years. 1842 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3 i. 43 The trench-plough..turns over from 10 to 18 inches of clean soil. 1862 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 23 51 Turn over and lighten up the hay. 1932 Discovery Jan. 12 With a modern tractor and multiple plough the farmer can turn over the soil at the rate of almost an acre an hour. 2015 D. Tyler Uncommon Ground 209/2 Thirty or forty people with forks were wandering in the low-tide shallows, turning over the muddy sand. †d. intransitive. To be transferred, to shift. Cf. sense 3a. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > move [verb (intransitive)] > change place or position flitc1175 passa1387 changec1390 skifta1400 shift1530 transmigrate1611 reshift1629 transfer1646 to turn over1851 reposition1947 translocate1975 1851 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 12 i. 287 The embankment has been made on that portion which is not liable to ‘turn over’ [i.e. be shifted by the tide]. 3. a. transitive. To transfer, hand over, make over, assign, commit (a person or thing); usually followed by to. Formerly also: spec. to transfer (an apprentice) to another master (cf. turn-over n.² 2), to transfer (a sailor) to another ship (obsolete).In quot. a1425: to transfer (a boundary marker) to another place.In quot. 1632²: to convert (something) to a different use. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > transference > [verb (transitive)] remuea1325 movea1382 translatea1382 transfer1382 transfigurec1384 removea1387 to turn overa1425 transume1483 to carry about1496 traduce1546 transplant1555 transact1621 transmigrate1635 hand1642 to make over1713 recover1719 to carry over1850 the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)] > hand over to another i-taechec888 outreacheOE sellc950 beteacha1000 areachc1000 turnc1175 handsellc1225 betakec1250 deliverc1300 beken1330 yielda1382 disposec1384 resigna1387 livera1400 to turn overa1425 deputea1440 overgive1444 quit?c1450 surrend1450 surrender1466 renderc1480 to give over1483 despose1485 refer1547 to pass over1560 to set over1585 behight1590 tip1610 consign1632 delegate1633 skink1637 to hand over1644 delate1651 to turn off1667 to turn in1822 a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Deut. xix. 14 Thou schalt not take, and turne ouer [E.V. a1382 Bodl. 959 ouerbere; L. transferes] the termes of thi neiȝbore, which the formere men settiden in thi possessioun. 1548 R. Crowley Confut. N. Shaxton sig. Ciiii. He that lyueth not accordeynge to the knowledge that he hath in Goddes open worde of hys commaundementes..: shal be depriued of that he hath, and turned ouer into blyndnes of ignoraunce. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. xvii. sig. L3^v He excusing himselfe, and turning ouer the fault to Fortune. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 91 [He] was turned ouer to the new Captaine for fiue yeares more. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 273 That house..is turned ouer for a shelterage to sheepe. 1744 M. Bishop Life Matthew Bishop 41 Our Ship was condemned, and the Men turned over, some on board the Breda, and some to the Ipswich. 1795 Lupton's Thous. Notable Th. xiv. 254 The chamberlain of London attends..to enrol and turn over apprentices. 1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell i She would..turn over to her all the sewing. 1925 W. L. Cross Life Sterne I. 175 Robert Dodsley had just turned over the management of his business to his brother. 1930 Publishers' Weekly 5 Apr. 1917 Columbia University has just come into possession of the famous collection of works on economics which Professor E. R. A. Seligman..has turned over..for a price of one-half, or less. 1930 Harper's Mag. July 196 My German instinct to care for my own child kept me from turning her over to someone else. 2016 Hoosier Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 10 Apr. (Herald-Times ed.) e2/5 The vehicles automatically turned control over to a human being. b. transitive (originally Criminals' slang). To report or betray (a person, esp. an associate or accomplice) to the police or other authorities. Also intransitive: to inform on or betray a person. ΘΚΠ 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 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 1890 N. Gould With Tide xxx, in Referee (Sydney) 19 Feb. 7/4 ‘He's turned mouse, has he?’.. ‘What's up now?’.. ‘He's turned us over.’ 1939 I. Baird Waste Heritage iii. 40 I don't know whether I ought to apologise to you or turn you over to the cops. 1967 ‘Iceberg Slim’ Pimp 46 I didn't ‘turn over’ on my roommate. I didn't break the code. 1990 S. Morgan Homeboy 21 When they get Rooski he'll turn over in a heartbeat. 2007 C. Stross Halting State (2008) 114 He might have been snooping on phone calls for the Russian mafiya... I can't tell because whoever turned him over wiped all the media. 4. transitive. To agitate or revolve (a matter) in the mind, go through and examine (something) mentally, consider and reconsider (something). Cf. main sense 3. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > consider, deliberate [verb (transitive)] i-thenchec897 showeOE i-mune971 thinkOE overthinkOE takec1175 umbethinkc1175 waltc1200 bethinkc1220 wend?c1225 weighc1380 delivera1382 peisea1382 considerc1385 musec1390 to look over ——a1393 advise?c1400 debatec1400 roll?c1400 revert?a1425 advertc1425 deliberc1425 movec1425 musec1425 revolvec1425 contemplec1429 overseec1440 to think overc1440 perpend1447 roil1447 pondera1450 to eat inc1450 involvec1470 ponderate?a1475 reputec1475 counterpoise1477 poisea1483 traversec1487 umbecast1487 digest1488 undercast1489 overhalec1500 rumble1519 volve?1520 compassa1522 recount1526 trutinate1528 cast1530 expend1531 ruminate1533 concoct1534 contemplate1538 deliberate1540 revolute1553 chawa1558 to turn over1568 cud1569 cogitate1570 huik1570 chew1579 meditatec1580 discourse1581 speculate1599 theorize1599 scance1603 verse1614 pensitate1623 agitate1629 spell1633 view1637 study1659 designa1676 introspect1683 troll1685 balance1692 to figure on or upon1837 reflect1862 mull1873 to mull over1874 scour1882 mill1905 1568 W. Turner Herbal (rev. ed.) Ep. Ded. sig. ii After longe turninge this matter ouer in my mind, it came to my memorye that in all the hole realme of England, that there were none more fit to be Patronesse of my Booke. 1730 A. Campbell Disc. proving Apostles no Enthusiasts* (ed. 2) Pref. p. xxiv I turn the matter over and over, I consider it in every light. 1819 W. Irving Sketch Bk. iii. 180 After closing the volume, he turns its contents over in his mind. 1902 V. Jacob Sheep-stealers x Turning over in his mind what possible pretext he could invent for an early visit. 2011 T. Ronald Becoming Nancy (2012) iii. 41 I've been turning things over in my mind for a while. †5. transitive. To hang (a person) on a gallows; = to turn off 4a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete (historical or archaic in later use). 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 1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1017/2 He with a loude voyce cryed out Iesus, Iesus. Then the hangman turned hym ouer: and hee agayne for a certaine space, cryed Iesus, Iesus, and so ioyfully yelded vp hys spirite. 1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. ii. 128 As Criminals condemn'd to suffer, Are blinded first, and then, turn'd over. 1882 J. Taylor Sc. Covenanters 37 Just before he was turned over, the..intrepid sufferer lifted the napkin from his face and exclaimed, [etc.]. 1913 J. K. Hewison Covenanters II. xxix. 452 When he began to address the bystanders thus, ‘My faint zeal for the Protestant religion has brought me to this end’, the drums rolled, and the hangman turned him over. 6. a. (a) transitive. Business. Originally: to pass or hand over (money or goods) in commercial transactions. Subsequently: to invest and realize (a sum of money), to utilize for business purposes; to sell or dispose of goods to the amount of (a specified sum) in a particular period of time. Cf. main sense 13b and turn-over n.² 6a. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > [verb (transitive)] > cause to circulate by trade to turn over1585 turn1598 to turn and wind1598 wind1598 return1677 handle1889 1585 S. Robson Choise of Change sig. M.ij It is an easy matter to turne ouer money by exchange, but a hard matter to come out of debt. 1611 L. Barry Ram-Alley i. B iv b Some hundred bookes..I haue Turnd ouer..But that is nothing for a studient. Or a Stationer: they turne them ouer too. 1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 336/1 3000l. yearly is the average receipt of each—or, as it is most frequently expressed, that sum is ‘turned over’ by the swag-shop keepers yearly. 1863 H. Fawcett Man. Polit. Econ. ii. x. 280 Under a ready money system, the same capital may perhaps be turned over twenty times in the course of the year. 1893 Good Words Mar. 187/1 Thousands of dollars were being turned over hourly. 2016 Daily Tel. 17 Aug. 34/4 The business..now turns over £57m a year, selling eyewear in more than 50 countries. (b) transitive. Of an organism, tissue, etc.: to synthesize and degrade or replace (a substance) in a given time. Cf. turn-over n.² 6b. ΚΠ 1943 Jrnl. Gen. Physiol. 26 326 Turnover rate..is the amount of the substance that is turned over by that tissue per unit of time. 1971 Nature 24 Dec. 483/2 Sminthopsis crassicaudata turns over water at about three times the rate of Dasycercus cristicauda. 1999 N. E. Lane Osteoporosis Bk. (2001) i. 10 Bone tissue is constantly replaced, or turned over, by removal of old tissue and replacement with new tissue. b. intransitive. To pass through a process from acquisition to disposal; (of commercial stock) to be sold and replaced at a given rate; (of staff) to be employed and subsequently leave; (of a constituent of an organism) to be synthesized and replaced. ΘΚΠ the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > newness or novelty > produce something new [verb (intransitive)] > renew itself to turn over1920 1920 Upholsterer Aug. 77/1 Carry stuff that turns over quickly. 1956 Planning 22 155 The entire research staff has turned over on an average about every three years as the various studies have been completed. 1971 J. Z. Young Introd. Study Man xii. 151 The body..has some parts that turn over very little..while others turn over so efficiently that we do not normally think of them as suffering wear. 2001 Business Week 20 Aug. 49/3 Our products are turning over extremely well, even in a challenging time. 2013 Freshwater Sci. 32 507/2 In algae-based fresh water ecosystems, biomass accumulation rates are very difficult to measure because the biomass turns over rapidly. †7. transitive. To drink off, swallow at one draught. Cf. to turn down 7a at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > [verb (transitive)] > drink up or off swap?1507 swingea1529 drink1535 uphalec1540 toss1568 trill off?1589 snapa1592 to toss offa1592 to turn down1593 to top off1598 drain1604 to take off1613 outdrinka1631 whip1639 swoop1648 epote1657 to fetch off1657 ebibe1689 fetch1691 to tip off1699 to sweep off1707 tip1784 to turn over1796 1796 Hist. Ned Evans (Dublin ed.) I. xiii. 115 He turned over a full bumper to the toast. 8. a. transitive. Originally Criminals' slang. Of police: to search (a suspect or area); (of a criminal) to ransack (a place) usually in order to commit robbery. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > search for or seek [verb (transitive)] > search a place or receptacle thoroughly asearch1382 searcha1387 ransacka1400 ripea1400 upripe?a1400 riflec1400 ruffle1440 gropea1529 rig1572 rake1618 rummage1621 haul1666 fish1727 call1806 ratch1859 to turn over1859 to go through ——1861 rifle1894 rancel1899 to take apart1920 fine-tooth comb1949 the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > robbery > rob [verb (transitive)] > search with a view to robbing ransacka1325 mousec1580 ranshackle1605 to turn over1859 ramshack1893 rat1906 1859 J. C. Hotten Dict. Slang 112 Turned over, to be stopped and searched by the police. 1925 N. Lucas Autobiogr. Crook vii. 105 Crooks go ‘drumming’ in pairs, dressed as clerks or messengers... Should they find an office left unoccupied during the lunch hour they quickly and skilfully ‘turn it over’. 1960 Observer 25 Dec. 7/6 The drummers, those squalid daytime operators who turn over empty semi-detached villas while the housewives are out shopping. 1971 It 2–16 June 5/1 Heath orders Habershon of Barnet CID to ‘turn London over’. And he does exactly that..with 500 goons and a score of specially trained dogs. 2001 I. Sinclair Landor's Tower (2002) iii. iii. 334 The police had turned the place over, tipping out all his papers. b. transitive. Criminals' slang. To examine or cross-question (a prisoner) severely. rare. ΚΠ 1930 Daily Express 6 Nov. 1/3 That night a surprise visit was paid to the draughtsman's cell. He was ‘turned over’, in prison slang. 9. transitive. colloquial (chiefly British). To distress, upset (a person); to affect (a person) with nausea. Cf. to turn up 8 at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being upset or perturbed > upset or perturb [verb (transitive)] to-wendc893 mingeOE dreveOE angerc1175 sturb?c1225 worec1225 troublec1230 sturble1303 disturbc1305 movea1325 disturblec1330 drubblea1340 drovec1350 distroublec1369 tempestc1374 outsturba1382 unresta1382 stroublec1384 unquietc1384 conturb1393 mismaya1400 unquemea1400 uneasec1400 discomfita1425 smite?a1425 perturbc1425 pertrouble?1435 inquiet1486 toss1526 alter1529 disquiet1530 turmoil1530 perturbate1533 broil1548 mis-set?1553 shake1567 parbruilyiec1586 agitate1587 roil1590 transpose1594 discompose1603 harrow1609 hurry1611 obturb1623 shog1636 untune1638 alarm1649 disorder1655 begruntlea1670 pother1692 disconcert1695 ruffle1701 tempestuate1702 rough1777 caddle1781 to put out1796 upset1805 discomfort1806 start1821 faze1830 bother1832 to put aback1833 to put about1843 raft1844 queer1845 rattle1865 to turn over1865 untranquillize1874 hack1881 rock1881 to shake up1884 to put off1909 to go (also pass) through a phase1913 to weird out1970 the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (transitive)] > nausea > cause nausea to turn up1578 stomach1796 to turn over1865 1865 C. Dickens Dr. Marigold's Prescriptions: To be Taken for Life in All Year Round Extra Christmas No., 7 Dec. 47/2 The discovery turned me over. 1962 N. Streatfeild Apple Bough ix. 126 Proper turned me over, you did. I don't want to lose my old man yet. 2004 J. Burchill Sugar Rush (2005) 30 She shuddered. ‘It still turns me over just thinking about it!’ 10. a. transitive. To move or operate the rotating parts of (an engine), esp. the crankshaft; to cause (the rotating parts of an engine, propeller, etc.) to revolve, esp. in preparation for its continuous operation. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > operate engine [verb (transitive)] > cause to revolve to turn over1881 1881 Northwestern Miller 7 Jan. 1/1 Turn the engine over by hand to see that everything is free, then open the throttle valve and allow the engine to run for a few minutes. 1927 C. A. Lindbergh ‘We’ v. 75 Learning how to turn the propellers over in starting the engine. 1946 Cosmopolitan Oct. 74/1 A self-starter wouldn't have stood a chance of turning over a recalcitrant Model-T engine anyhow. 2013 Master Detective Apr. 6/1 Sighing deeply, she inserted the ignition key, and turned the engine over. b. intransitive. Of an engine: to undergo one or more rotations of its revolving parts (esp. the crankshaft) without running continuously, or in preparation for doing so. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > engine > of an engine: operative [verb (intransitive)] > revolve to turn over1893 1893 Engineer (N.Y.) 5 Aug. 27/2 If the engine starts or turns over hard, block open the safety valve, and keep using the naphtha pump; this allows the pressure to go through the engine. 1905 Motor Nov. 100/3 The best plan..is to switch off the spark and open the compression cocks, letting the motor turn over a few times before unclutching. 1943 M. Millar Wall of Eyes (1989) xvii. 205 The ignition key wouldn't fit the lock and when it did the engine wouldn't turn over. 2011 C. Taylor Londoners 419 I suppose it sounds like an old chugger, an old banger, it's just a diesel engine turning over. 11. transitive. Printing. To carry over (a letter, part of a word, etc.) to the next line. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > move to next line or page overrun1683 to turn over1904 1904 J. H. Murray & H. Bradley Hart's Rules for Compositors (ed. 18) 61 Mute syllables may be turned over to the next line, thus: ils mar-quent, les hom-mes. 1925 Hart's Rules for Compositors & Readers (ed. 27) 64 In most divisions it is the consonantal letter that should be turned over. 1981 I. A. Gordon in N.Z. Listener 14–20 Feb. The fragmented word is ‘turned over’ into the following line. 12. transitive. Sport (originally North American). To lose possession of (the ball or puck) to the opposing team; to give away (possession) in this way. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > characteristics of team ball games > play team ball games [verb (transitive)] > actions or manoeuvres pass1865 to throw in1867 work1868 centre1877 shoot1882 field1883 tackle1884 chip1889 feed1889 screen1906 fake1907 slap1912 to turn over1921 tip-in1958 to lay off1965 spill1975 society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > play American football [verb (transitive)] > actions to ball return1884 snap1887 drive1889 centre1895 to turn over1921 convert1932 lateral1932 snag1942 shovel pass1948 bootleg1951 squib1966 to take a (also the) knee1972 spike1976 1921 Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Sunday Leader 13 Nov. 2/2 One side or the other had to turn the ball over for not making their downs. 1979 Honolulu Advertiser 8 Jan. c4/1 We turned over the ball and we just didn't score. 1994 M. Kane Minor in Name Only xv. 156 The Bears were trying to get Laforest off for an extra attacker, but turned the puck over to Merkosky, who sent Shank in. 1997 Observer 9 Feb. (Sport section) 7/2 They'd turned over possession to the opposition on 16 occasions. 2017 Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 3 Jan. d1 Austin Rivers turned the ball over to Bledsoe, whose long pass downcourt resulted in an easy basket. 13. intransitive. Originally and chiefly British and Irish English. To change the channel on a radio or television set; to change to a different channel, station, or programme. ΘΚΠ society > communication > broadcasting > putting on or producing broadcast > put on or produce broadcast [verb (intransitive)] > switch channel switch1937 to turn over1958 zap1983 graze1986 1958 Irish Times 18 Aug. 6/6 You can..listen to a symphony concert on the radio without Small Brother nagging you to turn over to Radio Luxembourg. 1960 Spectator 8 Apr. 508/2 A viewer may decide to turn over to ITV. 1987 Guardian 6 May 13/7 Nurse turns over when the..news comes on—too violent for us to watch apparently. 2005 Yorks. Evening Post (Nexis) 1 Aug. My morning routine started off by tuning into Radio 2 and Wogan, then at nine o' clock I turned over to Radio Leeds and John Boyd. 2007 Esquire Oct. 104/1 A number of viewers would have turned over—some of them in disgust, and some of them just because they wanted to watch Wimbledon. to turn round 1. a. transitive (reflexive). To reverse one's position, turn to face the opposite way; = sense 1c. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 turnc1330 to turn abouta1400 to turn round1449 convertc1572 J. Metham Amoryus & Cleopes (1916) l. 1436 The dragon..turnyd hym round With gapyng mouthe. 1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xxxii. sig. O3 That Philosopher..turn'd him round, and vanisht. 1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xliii. 66 If such a dreamy touch should fall, O turn thee round, resolve the doubt. View more context for this quotation 1991 S. Constantine Hermetech 284 He turned himself round again and propped himself up in the bed. b. transitive. Originally: to cause (a person or thing) to face in a different direction. Subsequently: to put into the opposite position or direction, to reverse. Also figurative. Cf. main senses 9a, 9b. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction > turn round bewendc1000 beturn?c1225 to turn rounda1560 to bring about1680 round1890 a1560 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Nyne Fyrst Bks. Eneidos (1562) viii. Cci^v She turning round her neck: now one, now one, them swetely lyckt reforming soft their limmes, & soft wt tong them smothly stryckt. 1654 R. Loveday tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 2nd Pt. iii. ii. 142 He lifted up his head, which all this time he had hung downe as low as his Saddle bow, and turning his eyes round..Let us goe, said he. 1782 W. Cowper John Gilpin 51 Turning round his head, he saw Three customers come in. 1858 J. Martineau Stud. Christianity 40 The Prophets, whom we shall very imperfectly understand, if we suppose them mere historians, for whom God had turned round time the other way. 1866 Rural Almanac & Sportsman's Illustr. Cal. 50/1 To Dress The Horse. Turn the horse round in the stall with a common halter on. 1887 Times (Weekly ed.) 11 Nov. 4/3 He has..turned it right round and made it say exactly the opposite of what it does say. 1981 J. Halliday & J. Halliday in K. Thear & A. Fraser Compl. Bk. Livestock & Poultry (1988) iv. 91/1 If the presentation is breech (i.e. hind end first), there is no need to turn the kid round in the womb. 2013 Daily Tel. 11 Jan. 23/5 This process is akin to turning round a supertanker, but we are making progress in clearing up Labour's toxic legacy. c. intransitive. To turn so as to face in the opposite direction; to reverse one's position or course; to face about. Cf. main senses 6, 25a.Also figurative in such phrases as time to turn round: time to get into the proper position or condition for doing something required; time to get ready (frequently in negative constructions, e.g. not to have time to turn round). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > turn back or reverse course turnc1275 to turn aboutc1330 repeata1382 to turn againc1384 to turn backc1425 re-turn1483 resore1486 to turn the backc1540 to turn round1560 to set back1803 resile1887 to break back1933 the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction > turn to opposite direction turnc1225 bewenda1300 to turn aboutc1330 returna1470 wheel1639 face1644 to turn on one's heel1669 to turn around1756 to turn round1787 about-face1896 about-turn1927 U-turn1931 U1971 the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] awendOE recommence1481 relieve?1510 turn1594 remigrate1601 to cast back1622 recounter1630 regress1650 retrovert1782 to turn round1802 retrogress1860 to turn back1886 U-turn1973 1560 J. Jewel & H. Cole True Copies Lett. sig. n.iiii^v The Priest must turne rounde at the midst of the aulter. 1591 W. Garrard & R. Hitchcock Arte of Warre 228 The troopes of horsemen in retyring or turning round, do often disorder and break their own infanterie. 1787 ‘G. Gambado’ Acad. Horsemen 24 If his horse has stopt and turned round five thousand times with him. 1802 F. Burdett Let. 18 Aug. in H. Maxwell Creevey Papers (1903) I. i. 3 I have scarcely time to turn round, but will not defer sending a line in answer to your very kind letter. 1830 Debates in Congress 29 Mar. App. 105 Payment is..suffered to lie occasionally until the bank can turn round. 1856 B. Brodie Psychol. Inq. (ed. 3) I. iv. 137 We see persons turn round in their sleep. 1886 Lesterre Durant vi She turned round to where her brother stood. 1911 A. Bennett Hilda Lessways (ed. 2) iii. ii. 226 He simply walked out of the office!.. Didn't give me time to turn round. 1983 M. Crosland tr. E. Guillaumin Life of Simple Man 74 The work on the land had to be done.., so you may well believe that I didn't have time to turn round. 2010 N. Shukla Coconut Unlimited iv. 91 I turned round to find Nishant spinning and twirling. d. transitive. To prepare (a ship, aircraft, etc.) for its return journey. Cf. turn-round n. 1. Also intransitive (of a ship that has reached a port) to make ready for the outward voyage. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > transport or convey in a vehicle [verb (transitive)] > prepare a vehicle for return journey to turn round1917 to turn around1943 1917 L. George in Daily Mail 17 Aug. 3/6 By better loading, by concentrating ships on shorter voyages, by ‘turning round’ ships more quickly..the Shipping Controller had..succeeded. 1928 Britain's Industr. Future (Liberal Industr. Inq.) i. i. § 5. 11 The increased speed of merchant ships, and better port facilities which enable ships to turn round more quickly. 1942 R.A.F. Jrnl. 16 May 13 Cleanliness also shortens the time it takes to turn a ship round. 1972 Nature 21 Apr. 363/1 Is there..a chance that supersonic aircraft can be turned round at international airports with the speed that will be necessary if operators are to make..the fullest use of their capital investment? 2003 D. Wragg Malta: Last Great Siege ix. 135 The ground-crews had been rehearsed in what to do, turning the aircraft round so that many were back in the air in less than thirty-five minutes. e. transitive. To reverse the previously poor performance of (an organization, a country, etc.). Also intransitive: (of an organization, its finances, etc.) to recover from poor performance. ΚΠ 1973 Times 12 Apr. 25/3 Since his arrival at LKL, Allen..has turned the company round from a reported £71,000 loss last year. 1981 Times 21 July 24/7 Stroud Riley Drummond has turned round from losses of £62,000 to a record £609,000 pretax profit for the year to March 31. 1990 P. Melville Shape-shifter (1991) 163 There is so much to do here to turn this country round. 2014 Daily Tel. 14 Feb. 8/5 A project that will allow high-performing NHS trust chief executives to be promoted to become ‘superheads’ to turn round failing hospitals. 2. a. intransitive. To move round on an axis or centre; to revolve, rotate, or appear to do this. Formerly also figurative: †(of the brain or head) to be affected with giddiness (obsolete). Cf. main senses 1a, 1b. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (intransitive)] wharvec888 turnOE runOE to turn aboutOE to turn roundc1450 to go roundc1460 revolute1553 gyre1598 veer1605 to come about1607 circumvolve1626 circumgyre1634 to turn around1642 roll1646 revolve1660 circulate1672 twist1680 circumgyrate1683 rotate1757 gyrate1830 c1450 J. Metham Physiognomy in Wks. (1916) 125 Q[w]an the ballys off the eyn turne rownde in the hed as a qwele, yt muste be lokyd qwydyr thei meue bothe one wey. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 9 Hir Ene as a trendull turned full rounde ffirst on hir ffader..And sethyn on þat semely. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 20 He that is giddie thinks the world turns round . View more context for this quotation 1676 A. Marvell Mr. Smirke sig. C2 As it fares with those whose Brain turnes round. 1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 54 Making a leap,..they fall a turning round with their naked feet. 1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 31 Oct. (1948) I. 77 I had a fit of giddiness: the room turned round for about a minute. 1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well III. x. 250 The strangeness of the news..made Mowbray's head turn round. 1932 E. Le Gallienne & F. Friebus Alice in Wonderland ii. 101 Are you a child or a teetotum?..You'll make me giddy soon, if you go on turning round like that. 2009 A. S. Byatt Children's Bk. (2010) 98 Pig felt that the whole kitchen was turning round and round. b. transitive. To cause (something) to revolve or rotate (cf. main sense 2). Also: to cause (something) to face in all directions successively. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in specific manner > revolution or rotation > revolve or rotate [verb (transitive)] turnOE trillc1386 gyrec1420 rote?1533 tirl1543 to turn round1555 revolve1559 circumvert1578 circumgyre1635 circumrote1635 circumgyrate1647 circumvolve1647 veera1649 twist1769 rotate1777 sphere1820 1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions vi. sig. F.ii^v Their houses are made of wickers, and withes, wrought aboute trees..in suche sorte that they may tourne them rounde every waye. 1645 J. Milton Arcades in Poems 54 Those that hold the vital shears, And turn the Adamantine spindle round. 1731 A. Pope Epist. to Earl of Burlington 11 In Books, not Authors, curious is my Lord; To all their dated Backs he turns you round. 1823 H. J. Brooke Familiar Introd. Crystallogr. 28 If we now turn round the circle with its attached crystal. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 40 The maiden..robed herself, Helped by the mother's careful hand and eye,..Who, after, turn'd her daughter round, and said, She never yet had seen her half so fair. 1940 R. S. Woodworth Psychol. (ed. 12) xi. 364 A mechanical counter shows the number of times the animal's running has turned the wheel round. 2002 Daily Mail (Nexis) 14 Dec. 5 Mr Millar's reaction was to brake and turn his steering wheel round, and he spun out of control. 3. a. intransitive. To change to the opposite opinion, state of mind, etc.; esp. to change from a friendly to a hostile attitude. Frequently with on or upon: to assail suddenly, esp. verbally (cf. sense 28a). Now somewhat rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > change of opinion > change one's opinion [verb (intransitive)] bowa1000 forthinkc1380 to think again1493 recogitate1603 deflect1612 wheel1632 to turn round1808 to flop (over)1884 budge1930 the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] wendOE divert1430 to turn one's tale1525 relent1528 revolt1540 resile?a1597 crinkle1612 to throw in (or up) one's cards1688 to box the compass1714 to turn round1808 crawfish1848 to back down1849 duff1883 back-pedal1891 punk1920 back-track1947 to back off1961 the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] to fall from ——a1425 waivec1450 forthink1483 to leave up1523 unresolve1608 startle1612 betray1614 recant1648 recede1650 to turn round1808 to unmake one's mind1848 unwill1871 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > attack with hostile words or measures > suddenly to turn round1808 to round on1880 the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)] > suddenly to turn round1808 to round on1880 1808 Courier 12 Jan. Now the Talents turn round upon him and accuse him of ‘a culpable levity and a marked disregard to the public interests’. 1822 Examiner 7 July 427/1 The Alderman being absent, our schemer turns round, and personates the Alderman. 1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) v. 38 You're a good little thing..; and yet you turn round on me, because there's nobody else. 1863 C. Kingsley Water-babies v. 181 Now he turned round and abused it. 1966 Winnipeg Free Press 6 Dec. 23/6 During the arguments..some of his usual right-wing supporters in the cabinet are said to have turned round on him. b. transitive. To induce (a person) to take an opposite course or view; to change the outlook, feelings, etc., of (a person). ΘΚΠ the mind > will > motivation > persuasion > persuade (a person) [verb (transitive)] > persuade or prevail upon > to do something > to take an opposite course or view to turn round1860 1860 ‘G. Eliot’ Mill on Floss II. iii. viii. 121 The utter impossibility of ever ‘turning Mr Tulliver round’.., or getting him to hear reason. 2005 N. Hornby Long Way Down 138 OK. You've turned me round, Sharpy. 2012 R. Aldous Reagan & Thatcher vii. 180 She left Camp David thinking that Britain had secured major concessions..from Reagan... ‘She really turned him round.’ c. transitive. To induce or persuade (a person) to act against his or her country, former associates, etc., esp. as a spy; = main sense 24d. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > undutifulness > treachery > be a traitor to [verb (transitive)] > induce to become a traitor traitor16.. quislingize1940 turn1963 to turn around1963 to turn round1966 1966 New Statesman 6 May 657/2 SOE's intrigues included..‘turning round’ captured agents. 1974 ‘J. le Carré’ Tinker, Tailor xxi. 180 All right. The Russians have turned Tarr round... What sort of plant can he be when we don't believe a word he says? 1990 Times 15 Sept. 76/4 The use of double agents: that is, enemy spies who had been detected, apprehended, and turned round. 4. transitive. colloquial (chiefly U.S.). In past participle as turned round: confused so as to lose one's sense of direction, disorientated; = turned around at Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ 1858 Michigan Farmer May 149/1 A friend writes us that ‘when at Niles, we or the points of the compass must have got turned round...’ We have reason to believe that the points of the compass remain steady in their old places, it must have been ‘we’ who ‘got turned round’. 1875 Youth's Compan. 1 Apr. 97/3 It was cloudy, you know, but I had not felt ‘turned round’, nor anything of the sort, till I started to come back to camp. 1929 Boys' Life Aug. 22/3 I must have got turned round and walked in a circle. 2021 L. Clark Dreaming in Quantum (e-book ed.) They just got turned round and ended up in a disused clearing. 5. intransitive. colloquial (chiefly British). To adopt a confrontational, combative, or difficult attitude, typically suddenly or unexpectedly. Frequently in to turn round and say (something). ΚΠ 1867 Maidstone & Kentish Jrnl. 29 Apr. 6/3 The commissioners never went to the directors and asked them to explain their reason for increasing the price of gas, but instead..turned round and said ‘You must take the same price as you did last year.’ 1922 K. Tynan Wandering Years 151 When he began to praise you up..I just turned round and told him what you said about him when you came back from visitin' him. 1996 D. Brimson & E. Brimson Everywhere we Go iii. 41 My mate turns round and says, ‘Well, you should get him a life, then, the sad little git,’ to which this bloke, and his wife, took great exception. 2003 Independent on Sunday 19 Oct. (Review Suppl.) 27/2 I went for a job last week, it was warehousing, and the guy turned round and said: ‘I've handed out 400 applications, why should I give you one?’ to turn to 1. intransitive. Now chiefly Nautical. To apply oneself to some task or occupation, to set to work; to come on duty. Cf. main sense 23c(c). ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)] > begin working to fall to work1523 fall1589 to go out1660 to put (also set) to work1694 to turn to1799 1799 European Mag. Apr. 262/2 The ice-boats were hoisted in again, and all hands turned to, to shore the ship. 1814 R. Southey in Courier 23 June But then the Russians they turn'd to, All on the road to Moscow. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast iii. 19 The morning commences with the watch..‘turning-to’ at day-break and washing down, scrubbing, and swabbing the decks. 1957 Life 13 May 40/2 The heartened farmers turned to. They were ordering from the seed houses again. 2010 P. Gegg Weeping & Rejoicing (ed. 2) iv. 81 That's up to you lad, so long as you turn to at eight o'clock in the morning. 2. transitive. Nautical. To set (a person) to work. Cf. main sense 22b. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > [verb (transitive)] > set (person) to work setc1175 put1608 to put on1822 to turn to1836 1836 Knickerbocker Mar. 170/2 When the hands were turned to, he was lowered down—laid upon a plank at the gangway—examined by the surgeon, and canted into the sea. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xii. 27 We were turned-to upon the rigging. 1933 M. Lowry Ultramarine i. 50 He kept me under winches right through the Red Sea. And he sent me up the funnel before I'd learnt how to knot a bosun's chair properly. And he turned me to, this afternoon when I was knocked off. 1991 J. Allaway Hero of Upholder x. 71 I went to turn the hands to at 0800. to turn up 1. a. transitive. To direct or bend (something, esp. a part of the body) upwards. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 8. to turn up one's nose: to incline one's face upwards so that the nose is raised, often as a contemptuous gesture (frequently in figurative use: see to turn up one's nose (at) at nose n. Phrases 1c(b)).to turn up one's toes: see toe n. 5j. to turn up one's heels: see heel n.¹ and int. Phrases 2c(a). to turn up a person's heels: see heel n.¹ and int. Phrases 2c(b). to turn up the whites of one's eyes: see white adj. and n. Phrases 4a. ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > direct or turn upwards to turn up?c1335 arrecta1529 upturn1667 spire1839 the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (transitive)] > upwards to turn up?c1335 ?c1335 (a1300) Land of Cokaygne l. 136 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 148 Whan þe abbot him iseeþ Þat is monkes fram him fleeþ, He takeþ [a] maidin of þe route And turniþ vp hir white toute And betiþ þe taburs wiþ is hond, To make is monkes liȝt to lond. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xiii. xxvi. 677 Many ryuer fysshes may noȝt taste saltnesse of þe see, for ȝif he caccheþ [emended in ed. to tasteþ] salt water he deieþ sodeyneliche, and turneþ vp þe wombe. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. l. 1464 (MED) Whan Thelamoun herkned had his tale..from his face avalid was þe blood..With lok askoyn, & tornyd vp þe white [of the eyes], Of hiȝe disdeyn. ?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. b.v He exhorted them to turne vp their myndes to loue god. 1607 E. Sharpham Fleire (1610) v. H ij A Puritane [damn'd] for saying Grace without turning vp the white of his eyes. 1682 New-years-gift for Towzer 3 He is given to play too much of one Tune Forty One which he squeeks out with a hideous noyse and turning up his nose like a Bull after he has smell to the tayle of a Cow. 1779 F. Burney Let. 20 Oct. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 393 Mr. Thrale..turned up his Nose with an expression of contempt. 1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose Introd., in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. III. 136 The right side of his head a little turned up, the better to catch..the clergyman's voice. 1831 Lancet 5 Mar. 744/2 A flexible splint... This may be turned up at the end. 1957 L. Durrell Justine iii. 168 A flame-swallower with his face turned up to the sky, spouting a column of flame from his mouth. 1992 C. Tóibín Heather Blazing (1993) xi. 144 She squirmed and turned up her nose and smiled and said that she was glad she was in the hospital and not having to smell the mussels. b. intransitive. To bend or point upwards; to have an upward direction. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 8c(b). ΘΚΠ the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have upward direction to go upOE to turn up1608 the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [verb (intransitive)] > upwards upbendc1440 to turn up1608 the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)] forthwaxa900 wax971 growOE risec1175 anhigh1340 upwax1340 creasec1380 increasec1380 accreasea1382 augmenta1400 greata1400 mountc1400 morec1425 upgrowc1430 to run up1447 swell?c1450 add1533 accresce1535 gross1548 to get (a) head1577 amount1583 bolla1586 accrue1586 improve1638 aggrandize1647 accumulate1757 raise1761 heighten1803 replenish1814 to turn up1974 1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 117 The tayle is very long, at the end and turning vp like a Vipers tayle. 1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 245. ⁋2 Nose very broad at bottom, and turning up at the end. 1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. xvi. 410 The apparatus delivering gas should always be made to turn up at the end. 1974 Nature 22 Feb. 514/2 Lillie presented preliminary evidence that the zodiacal light spectrum turns up below 2,500 Å. 1977 Evening Post (Nottingham) 27 Jan. 4/5 The rate of inflation has turned up again and we must expect to see some further deterioration in the next few months. 2015 C. Camp Pleasured 364 The land comes down as it goes along and the path turns up a bit, so that it actually comes out atop the cliff. 2. a. transitive. To turn (something) upside down, invert (esp. in order to examine what is beneath); also in figurative contexts. Formerly also: †to overthrow, demolish; figurative to upset, throw into disorder (obsolete). Cf. main sense 9. Now chiefly U.S. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > inversion > invert [verb (transitive)] to-wendc893 whelvec1000 to turn down?c1335 to turn up?c1335 whelmc1340 overturna1382 to turn overa1400 wholve14.. inverse?a1425 reverse?a1425 overwhelvec1450 overvolvea1522 transverse1557 evert1566 topsy-turn1573 topsy-turve1603 invert1610 upturn1610 whave1611 topsy-turvy1626 whemmel1684 cant1850 upend1868 flip-flop1924 the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break down, demolish, or ruin spillc950 fellOE to cast downc1230 destroy1297 to turn up?c1335 to throw down1340 to ding downc1380 to break downa1382 subverta1382 underturn1382 to take downc1384 falla1400 to make (a building, etc.) plain (with the earth)a1400 voida1400 brittenc1400 to burst downc1440 to pull downc1450 pluck1481 tumble1487 wreck1510 defacea1513 confound1523 raze1523 arase1530 to beat downc1540 ruinate1548 demolish1560 plane1562 to shovel down1563 race?1567 ruin1585 rape1597 unwall1598 to bluster down16.. raise1603 level1614 debolish1615 unbuilda1616 to make smooth work of1616 slight1640 to knock down1776 squabash1822 collapse1883 to turn over1897 mash1924 rubble1945 to take apart1978 ?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 128 Turne him uppe, turne him doune, þi swete lemman: Ouer al þou findist him blodi oþer wan. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 673 (MED) What es man in shap bot a tre Turned up þat es doun..Of whilk þe rotes þat of it springes, Er þe hares þat on þe heved hynges. c1475 (a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 307 (MED) Ȝif heere loue be ficchid on worldliche þingis more þen on heuenliche þingis, þe rote is turned up, and þei ben drye, wiþoute fruyt. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cxxxvij^v No doubt, but kyng Charles, and the whole publique wealthe of Fraunce, had been turned vp, and cleane ouerthrowen. 1581 A. Hall tr. Homer 10 Bks. Iliades iv. 71 You should haue seene them [the walls of Thebes] torne, & turned vp from the rout. 1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 27 Turn these tables vp . View more context for this quotation 1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 58 in Sylva Turn up your Bee-hives, and sprinkle them. 1843 E. Miall in Nonconformist 3 209 Men who turn up words that they may see the ideas that lie under them. 1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) vii. 59 The chairs are turned up heads and tails along the walls. 2007 A. L. Kane Cost of Living 151 The bus boys were beginning to scrub down tables and turn up the chairs. b. transitive. To turn (a playing card) face upwards; esp. to do this in dealing to determine the trump suit. Cf. turn-up n. 3. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics to hold up?1499 decardc1555 to turn up1580 discard1591 pulla1625 to sit out1659 face1674 to make out1680 to lay out1687 to throw away1707 lead1739 weaken1742 carry1744 to take in1744 force1746 to show down1768 throw1866 blank1884 block1884 cover1885 unblock1885 pitch1890 1580 S. Bird Friendlie Dialogue betweene Paule & Demas sig. G.v If the ace of hearts be turned vp, when he that is to make, maketh this for it, then doth a meruailous controuersie arise, whether he that turneth it vp should win the set, or he that winneth fiue tricks. a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. iii. 2 The most coldest that euer turn'd vp Ace. View more context for this quotation 1709 Brit. Apollo 25–27 May D...turns up the last Card for Trump. 1891 Field 28 Nov. 842/3 The card turned up by the second hand is the king. 2005 Online Gambler No. 3. 26/1 Once you're decided, the dealer turns up the second and final community card and, if you've successfully made a poker hand, calculates how much you've won. 3. intransitive. To turn aside and go up; (of a person) to make one's way up. Cf. main sense 15. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > rise or go up [verb (intransitive)] > make one's way up to turn upa1375 society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] > travel in upward direction to turn upa1375 ascend1382 mount1440 hilla1552 upturn1818 a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2907 Sche went..to þe castel, & turned vp to þe heiȝest tour. a1450 York Plays (1885) 47 (MED) Trowes þou þat I wol leue þe harde lande And tourne vp here on toure deraye? c1500 (a1473) Syon Additions Sisters (Arundel) in J. Hogg Rewyll Seynt Sauioure (1980) IV. xxv. 123 Alle seruyse ended..they schal echone turne vp into ther stalles, and say..knelynge fyftene Aues. 1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xvi. 115 I turned up to a sorry kind of an inn. 1844 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. III. 635/2 That part which was called by the Wenzels glomus, where the choroid plexus turns up from the inferior cornu into the horizontal portion of the lateral ventricle [of the brain]. 1993 Syracuse (N.Y.) Herald Amer. 4 Apr. a12 So we just went off and turned up towards Burger King and kept going towards home. 4. a. transitive. To turn (soil, etc.) so as to bring up the underparts to the surface by digging or ploughing, or (of an animal) with the snout or paws; to dig or plough up (a feature such as a path or ridge). Also: to bring (something buried) to the surface by digging, ploughing, etc. Cf. main sense 10b. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > break up land [verb (transitive)] > turn over turnc1425 to turn up1523 trench1573 to turn over1580 whelm1652 invert1712 the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > find by other specific means to look out?1496 to turn up1523 to bolt out1553 quafer1694 peep1819 poke-out1874 1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xxv. f. 44 With a Carte a wayne or a sleyde cary awaye therthe that the ploughe tourneth vp. 1563 2nd Tome Homelyes sig. Ssss.ii^v They do wickedly, whiche doe turne vp the auncient terries of the fieldes. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 44 Take heede of Swyne, that spoyle and turne vp the grounde ilfauouredly. a1609 J. Dennys Secrets of Angling (1613) ii. xlvii. sig. D2^v Yealow bobs turnd vp before the Plough. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 213 The vast..Abyss Outrageous as a Sea,..Up from the bottom turn'd by furious windes. View more context for this quotation 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VI. 226 The neck is furnished with very strong muscles, which enable it the readier to turn up the sand. 1833 J. Davidson Brit. & Rom. Remains Axminster 27 A man digging a hole for a gate-post,..turned up a golden ornament. 1843 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 4 ii. 116 Turn up the earth with a trowel. 1967 Boys' Life Feb. 41/2 Here my plow turned up the roots of fern, sawbriar and white knotty lumps of greenbriar roots. 2006 Hays (Kansas) Daily News 26 Apr. a3/2 Residents were giddy as each new round of the rototiller turned up fresh soil. b. intransitive. With specifying phrase or complement. Of soil: to have a specified consistency as the result of ploughing. ΚΠ 1726 J. Laurence New Syst. Agric. i. iv. 43 In some Places where the Land turns up with great Clots, they make Use of the Harrow to break them. 1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 i. 176 Such soils turn up as a fine mould. 1855 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 16 i. 197 The soil..will turn up raw and stubborn. 1933 M. J. Edwards & J. K. Ableiter Soil Surv. Morton County, N. Dakota (Bull. U.S. Dept. Agric., Bureau Chemistry & Soils No. 28) (1951) 95 If plowed when too dry, the soil turns up in large chunks that are difficult to work into a satisfactory seedbed unless it is plowed in the fall and allowed to slake or crumble during the winter. 1983 Trans. Amer. Soc. Agric. Engineers Mar.–Apr. 445/1 Farmers refer to the plow ‘scouring’ so soil does not stick to the moldboard, if the soil moisture level is satisfactory; or they say this soil is turning up ‘slick’, if it is too wet. 5. a. transitive. To fold or bend up (the projecting part or border of something, such as a collar or hat brim). Frequently in past participle.In quot. 1707: to have (a part) bent or directed upwards. ΚΠ ?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxvii^v Ley a clene wasshen shete vpon the stole and than holde the small ende of the hyue downwarde & shake the bees in to the hyue and shortly set it vpon the stole and tourne vp the corners of the shete ouer the hyue. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. vj^v Bootes with pykes turned vp. 1623 W. Gouge Serm. Extent God's Provid. §15 A red cap, over a white linnen one turned up about the brimmes. 1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) I. 259 A sort of Duck that turns up the Bill more than the common kind. 1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xv. 12 He even..turned up the collar of his morning coat. 1960 C. W. Cunnington et al. Dict. Eng. Costume 185/1 Rubens hat.., a hat with a high crown and brim turned up on one side. 2014 T. C. Boyle in New Yorker 17 Mar. 60/1 My best friend, Zach Rolands,..turned up his shirt collars and wore his hair in a..pompadour. b. (a) transitive. In past participle: (of a garment) having the border turned or folded over and covered with some ornamental material. Now chiefly historical. ΚΠ 1538 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 72 My mariage gowne of russet damaske, with the sleves turneupe [perhaps read turnedupe] with russet velvet. 1714 London Gaz. No. 5270/7 A..Cap of Crimson Velvet, turn'd up with Ermine. 1850 Tait's Edinb. Mag. Dec. 749/1 A green blouse turned up with red. 1955 Jefferson City (Missouri) Post-Tribune 30 Aug. 3/2 The ensemble's predominance is a cue to the new elegance, often turned up with fur inside or out. 2007 M. Hayward Dress at Court King Henry VIII (2017) xi. 205/2 Black damask for a gown turned up with the same damask. (b) transitive. To fold over (a garment or part of one) so as to shorten it; to shorten (a garment or part of one) by increasing the width of the hem or by making a hem. Also: to increase the width of (a hem). Formerly also: †to fold or pull up the garments of (a person) for the purpose of a beating (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > tailoring or making clothes > tailor or make clothes [verb (transitive)] > alter to turn upa1586 tuck1626 to let out1791 fashionize1824 to piece down1863 to make down1877 to let down1890 to take up1902 the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > providing with clothing > provide with clothing [verb (transitive)] > adjust or arrange > turn or fold over, back, up, or down tuckc1440 tirve1482 to turn upa1586 to turn back1683 to turn down1841 a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. i. f. 88 My well-waiting eyes espied my treasure, With sleeues turnde vp, loose haire, and brest enlarged. 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 375 They turn up their sleeves above the Elbow. 1764 J. Gill Expos. Old Test. II. 376/2 Which seems to account for the reason of her uncovering his feet, or turning up the skirt of his garment that was upon them. 1807 London Rev. Dec. 489/1 He swore if she repeated her injurious practice, he would lay her on his knee, turn her up, and whip her; and this, from the additional provocation of her calling him a baboon, he actually did, in the presence of several persons of both sexes. 1843 C. E. Beecher Treat. on Domest. Econ. (rev. ed.) xxx. 329 Nice flannel, for infants, can be ornamented, with very little expense of time, by turning up the hem, on the right side, and making a little vine at the edge, with saddler's silk. 1896 A. J. C. Hare Story of my Life I. ii. 136 If any of the children behaved ill during the service, they were turned up and soundly whipped then and there. 1918 E. Wallbank & M. Wallbank Dress Cutting & Making xiv. 89 To turn up the skirt to the required length, a skirt gauge..may be used. 1958 M. Johnson Sewing the Easy Way (1960) 127 Turn up the hem, matching seam upon seam. 1976 J. Tate tr. A. Bodelsen Operation Cobra xi. 54 Margrethe had borrowed a skirt from her mother and was busy turning it up. 2006 F. Kiernan & G. Hemphill Still Game: Scripts I. ii. 56 (stage direct.) Winston is dressed for the summer—trousers turned up, Jesus sandals, open-necked short-sleeved shirt. c. transitive. Bookbinding. To flatten the back of (a book, its spine, or its fore-edge) with trindles (see trindle n. 4), in preparation for cutting the fore-edge. ΚΠ 1835 [implied in: ‘J. A. Arnett’ Bibliopegia 208 Turning up, an operation of flattening the back previous to putting the book in the press to cut the fore-edge, whereby a groove is formed on the edge, when the back resumes its circular form.]. 1890 J. W. Zaehnsdorf Art of Bookbinding (ed. 2) xv. 64 He must leave the boards loose, cut the head and tail, then draw the boards in, and turn up and cut the foredge. 1981 New Bookbinder 1 65/1 Further considerations: It is normally satisfactory for brace width to be set so that, with the spine turned-up, the flanges act only on the width of the backing shoulders... The amount of swell used in the bracing alters the amount of gradient imposed..in much the same way, but in a more controlled manner, as does proximity of the tight textblock strap to the spine, when using trindles. 6. a. transitive. To give up, renounce, abandon, cast off, discard (an associate). Now rare (slang in later use). ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] to let awaya1000 forcast?c1225 to lay downc1275 forthrow1340 flita1375 removea1382 to cast away1382 understrewc1384 castc1390 to lay awaya1400 to lay asidec1440 slingc1440 warpiss1444 to lay from, offc1480 way-put1496 depose1526 to lay apart1526 to put off1526 to set apart1530 to turn up1541 abandonate?1561 devest1566 dispatch1569 decarta1572 discard1578 to make away1580 to fling away1587 to cast off1597 doff1599 cashier1603 to set by1603 moult1604 excuss1607 retorta1616 divest1639 deposit1646 disentail1667 dismiss1675 slough1845 shed1856 jettison1869 shake1872 offload1900 junk1911 dump1919 sluff1934 bin1940 to put down1944 shitcan1973 1541 ‘J. Sawtry’ Def. Mariage Preistes sig. Bvi^v What plesure it is to haue so miche change of whores, that when they be weary of one, thei may turne hir vp & take another. 1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy iii. iv. ii. i. 765 He..married wiues, and turned them vp as he thought fit. 1650 J. Trapp Clavis to Bible (Gen. xii. 1) 101 Many follow God..as a dog doth his master, till he meet with carrion; and then turn him up. 1789 G. Parker Life's Painter xv. 171 Now another drop genius is planted upon you, to turn you up, as they call it. 1830 P. Egan Finish Adventures Tom, Jerry, & Logic ix. 253 The judgment of Tom often proved incorrect, and he was frequently compelled to turn-up his street acquaintances. 1923 E. Gepp Essex Dial. Dict. (ed. 2) 118 They took all she had, and then turned her up, pore owd dear. 1930 J. Lait Put on Spot xvii. 132 Goldie would have turned him up at the slightest rebellion. b. transitive. slang (chiefly British). To give up, abandon (an activity). Formerly also intransitive: †to throw up or abandon one's work, to give up (obsolete). Now only in imperative as turn it up: used as a warning to desist, esp. from objectionable talk; ‘shut up’, ‘come off it’. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > lack of work > [verb (intransitive)] > vacate an office or position > resign resign1395 resignate1531 to go out1642 to lay down1682 to swear off1698 to turn up1819 to pull the pin1860 to send in one's papers1872 to step down1890 to snatch it or one's time1941 the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > leave off! or stop it! to do waya1325 stay1601 go and eat coke1669 to leave off1785 whoa1838 drop it!1843 cut1859 turn it up1867 to come off ——1896 to chuck it1901 knock it off!1902 cut it out1903 nix1903 break it down1941 to shove it1941 leave it out!1969 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. at Turn up To desist from, or relinquish, any particular habit or mode of life, or the further pursuit of any object you had in view, is called turning it up. 1867 Era 20 Oct. 6/4 Mr Vance, in the character of the ‘Chickaleary Bloke’, called the gentleman in the gallery a ‘yob’, and..advised him to ‘turn it up’. 1887 Punch 30 July 45/2 Let us turn up this barney, and toddle ashore for some grub. 1904 A. Griffiths Fifty Years Public Service xiii. 173 Smith..‘turned up’ one day, in other words refused to labour on the works. 1925 E. Jervis Twenty-five Years in Six Prisons i. 22 He has done twenty-five years in prison. But five or six years ago he ‘turned the game up’. 1945 J. B. Priestley Three Men in New Suits i. 6 Turn it up, will you... You're arguing with yourself. 1991 J. Sullivan Only Fools & Horses (2000) II. 7th Ser. Episode 4. 204/1 Del. Wait a minute. Maybe Trigger organised this! Boycie. Oh turn it up, Del Boy. Trigger couldn't organise a prayer in a mosque. 2001 H. Collins No Smoke vii. 103 Barney blushes, bowing his head boyishly—‘Aw turn it up, Maw. Godsakes, man,’ he jokes—‘A plastic raincoat in summer?’ 7. transitive. Originally: to set free, turn loose (a person or animal). Subsequently: to discharge or release (a prisoner). Cf. main sense 27. Now rare (in later use slang). ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of subjection > freedom or liberty > liberation > set free [verb (transitive)] > from confinement unbindc950 to let freec1000 aletOE to let out1154 loosea1225 slakec1374 loosen1382 to let goc1384 releasec1384 unloosec1400 unlockc1410 dissolvec1420 relievec1450 unloosen?a1475 to set at liberty1509 enlargea1513 to let at large1525 to let loose1530 to turn loose?1566 enfranchise1569 to turn up1573 enfranch1581 unkennel1589 unwind1596 to cast loosec1600 disimmure1611 disimprison1611 unhamper1620 to let abroad1633 unfold1633 disencloister1652 disencage1654 discagea1657 disincarcerate1665 eliminate1745 unspherea1806 unmew1818 unbottle1821 uncage1837 unbag1854 bust1921 1573 G. Gascoigne Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 368 Now hath he learnd to keepe no more but Sim him sonne and he, His wyfe and Mawde his mayde, a boy to pitche the carte, And turne him vp at Hallontyde, to feele the wynters smarte. 1653 H. More Antidote against Atheisme iii. ii. §2 The Horse..for his unserviceableness..was fain to be turned up loose in the pasture. 1715 London Gaz. No. 5368/4 Which said..Gelding was turned up by the said Rogues. 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. (at cited word) A person acquitted by a jury, or discharged by a magistrate..is said to be turned up. 1865 Leaves from Diary Celebrated Burglar 12/1 Lloyd was tried at the Old Bailey, along with Tommy Sales, for the murder of Mr. Bellchambers. Lloyd got ‘turned up’, but Sale [sic] was convicted, and executed. 1904 A. Griffiths Fifty Years Public Service xxiii. 354 They are not brothers, only brother convicts, who ‘did time’ together.., were ‘turned up’ together. 1940 D. Clemmer Prison Community 336/2 Turn up, to discharge from court. 8. transitive. To turn the stomach of, nauseate (a person). Also (and in earliest use) with the stomach or guts as object. Also figurative. Cf. main sense 11. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > digestive disorders > have digestive disorder [verb (transitive)] > nausea > cause nausea to turn up1578 stomach1796 to turn over1865 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball xxviii. 355 The seede of Palma Christi turneth vp the stomacke. 1892 Chambers's Jrnl. 11 June 375/2 Men who have never known what sea-sickness is..get thoroughly ‘turned up’ with the awful motion and vibration. 1919 V. Marshall World of Living Dead 62 There wuz wunst a time, boy, when a fit o' spewin' used to scare 'em into cuttin' short the count, and so we got chewin' chunks o' soap ter turn our guts up. Then some pimp puts the pot on. 1932 S. Gibbons Cold Comfort Farm xii. 178 Turns you up, don't it, seein' ter-day's dinner come in 'anging round someone's neck? 1965 G. Jones Island of Apples i. i. 11 I hated what he was doing to his father, it turned my stomach up even to think about it. 2005 H. Mantel Beyond Black iv. 109 Wash your face, you're all running in sweat, you bloody turn me up. †9. transitive. Perhaps: to excite, rouse. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect with emotion [verb (transitive)] > cause or give rise to an emotion rearOE arear?c1225 annoyc1300 movea1325 excite1393 raisea1400 lighta1413 stirc1430 provokec1450 provocate?a1475 rendera1522 to stir upc1530 excitate?1549 inspire1576 yield1576 to turn up1579 rouse1589 urge1594 incense1598 upraisea1600 upreara1600 irritate1612 awakena1616 recreate1643 pique1697 arouse1730 unlull1743 energize1753 evocate1827 evoke1856 vibe1977 1579 S. Gosson Ephemerides Phialo f. 3 I shall please the wise, though the malicious turne vpp their gall. 10. intransitive. Nautical. To beat up to windward; to tack. Formerly also †transitive with it as object (obsolete). Cf. main sense 15d. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > luff or turn to windward > in tacking turn1589 to turn up1589 to heave (the ship) in stays1726 1589 J. Sparke in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations iii. 533 With contrary windes blowing, whereby for feare of the shore we were faine to hale off to haue anker hold, sometimes a whole day and a night turning vp and downe. 1591 Hortop's Trauailes Eng. Man (rev. ed.) 17 His intente was to haue turned vp, and to haue laide the wethermost shippe of the Spanish fleet aboord, and fyred his shippe in hope therewith to haue set on fire the Spanish fleet. 1682 W. Hedges Diary 19 July (1887) I. 31 We..bore down about 2 or 3 miles to 2 sloops which could not turn it up to us. 1702 J. Cunningham in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 23 1201 We were forced to turn it up against Wind and Current all the way. 1711 J. Littleton Let. 13 Aug. in London Gaz. No. 4906/3 We turn'd up to Windward, as far as Donna Maria Bay. 1988 Cruising World May 96/1 The wind is steady and the sea is calm, yet the boat continually turns up toward the wind. 2015 A. Evans Singlehanded Sailing i. 7/2 I was about 3 minutes from the rocks, but because the spinnaker was half out, I could not turn up. †11. transitive. Nautical. To cause (a place) to appear above the horizon; to come in sight of; = raise v.¹ 24b. Also in extended use. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > be or make visible [verb (transitive)] > come in sight of raise1589 to turn up1613 1613 R. Harcourt Relation Voy. Guiana Pref. sig. B4 Guiana being seated in the head of the Brises, and to the wind-ward of al the Spanish Indies, the current also of the Sea setting to the West, maketh it impossible for any Shipping to turne it vp from the forenamed places towards vs. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 82 I was sent to Surat. In a week's time we turned it up. 1859 G. A. Sala Twice round Clock (1861) 25 Keep struggling; and..you will eventually turn up Printing House Square. †12. transitive. To have illicit sexual relations with (a woman). Also intransitive: (of a woman) to engage in illicit sexual relations, prostitute oneself. Cf. turn-up n. 1. Obsolete.In quot. ?1616 as part of a humorous name. ΘΚΠ society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > [verb (intransitive)] > of woman: make herself available to turn up?1616 to put out1928 slut1946 tart1949 lay1955 ?1616 W. Goddard Mastif Whelp xvi. sig. B^v Nay neuer begger hath ever curst the stocks. As Captayne Turn-hir-vp hath done the ——. 1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada i. Epil. sig. I3 Fame is false to all that keep her long; And turns up to the Fop that's brisk and young. 1682 N. Tate & J. Dryden 2nd Pt. Absalom & Achitophel 12 'Tis a Leading-Card to make a Whore, To prove her Mother had turn'd up before. 1685 Catologue Contented Cuckolds (single sheet) And I leave him to turn up my wife the mean while. 13. a. transitive. To lay (a person or animal) on the back; to turn (an animal) belly upwards; (hence) to kill (an animal, esp. a whale: cf. sense 13b). 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 1642 Relation of Terrible Monster 1 The head and eyes, when it lyes upon its belly, doe perfectly resemble a Toad. But here lyes the wonder, turne him up, or but a little raise his head, and you shall behold the perfect breast and chest of a man. 1740 tr. C. de F. de Mouhy Fortunate Country Maid I. 60 Go your ways or I'll turn you up as I would a Hare. 1832 P. Hawker Diary (1893) II. 46 I turned up two [geese] with the first barrel, and the other with the second. 1838 in Wisconsin Mag. Hist. (1936) Mar. 350 After the Boats were down the Larboard Boat first made fast to one and with the Waist and Starboard Boats soon turned up their Whale. 1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 95 You will have to turn him up, as it is termed; that is, the sheep is set upon his rump with his back down and his hind-feet pointing upwards and outwards. 1850 H. T. Cheever Whale & his Captors 311 After Captain Hosmer had succeeded in ‘turning up’ his whale. 1989 D. J. Stewart in J. R. Egerton et al. Footrot & Foot Abscess of Ruminants i. 24 Sheep handlers facilitate easy inspection of all feet and avoid the back-breaking labor of turning up sheep and lifting them into cradles. †b. intransitive. Of a whale: to turn belly upward in death. Cf. quots. 1838, 1850 for 13a and 1845 for to turn over 1b at Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1857 Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2 Nov. The whale made toward the ship, ran round and round a few times, and turned up fin out and head sunwards. 1885 Firemen's Mag. Aug. 462/2 When a whale is struck, the boat-steerer is relieved by the header, and he mans the steering until the whale turns up; when a whale dies his belly turns uppermost. 14. a. (a) intransitive. To make its or one's appearance; to present itself or oneself casually or unexpectedly; to occur, appear, be discovered or encountered (as if exposed by turning something over, by turning a card face upwards, by turning the leaves of a book, etc.).Apparently sometimes a figurative use of a transitive sense, such as 2a, 2b, 4a.See also a bad penny always turns up at bad penny n. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself to make (one's) muster1419 presenta1425 to come fortha1535 to come forwards1550 to turn up1663 to come forward1683 report1815 to show up1827 show1848 to show the flag1937 the world > space > place > presence > be present [verb (intransitive)] > present oneself or itself > casually or unexpectedly to turn up1663 1663 H. Savage Dew of Hermon xiv. 59 They do as good as say, Let them look to it, for trump may turn up on our side again, which if it does, the same rigour which they use to us, shall we use towards them. 1679 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Reformation: 1st Pt. iii. 353 As he was led to the place of Execution.., he..prayed to this purpose; that..some place might turn up to him, that might comfort him in his last passage:..he opened the Book at a venture, in which these words of St. Iohns Gospel turned up. 1755 Monitor No. 10. I. 82 They must watch..the..occasions, which in the whirl of time will turn up. 1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. vi. 75 It seems incredible that Raphael should turn up in such a guise! 1824 W. Whewell in J. M. Douglas Life & Corr. W. Whewell (1881) 97 Leaving directions to have the thing sent after me if it should turn up. 1849 C. Dickens David Copperfield (1850) xi. 121 ‘And then,’ said Mr. Micawber,..‘I shall, please Heaven, begin to be beforehand with the world,..if—in short, if anything turns up.’ 1937 M. Hillis Orchids on your Budget iv. 71 When an out-of-town cousin turns up, you undoubtedly entertain her more lavishly. 2014 Guardian 11 Aug. (G2 section) 2/3 This year both large and scarce tortoiseshell butterflies turned up. (b) intransitive. Originally colloquial. To arrive or present oneself when expected or directed to do so; to put in an appearance; frequently (and in earliest use) in negative contexts. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach a point or place [verb (intransitive)] > arrive comeOE to come to townOE yworthOE lend11.. lightc1225 to come anovenonc1275 wina1300 'rivec1300 repaira1325 applyc1384 to come ina1399 rede?a1400 arrivec1400 attainc1400 alightc1405 to come to handc1450 unto-comec1450 apport1578 to be along1597 to drop in1609 to come ona1635 to walk in1656 land1679 engage1686 to come along1734 to get in1863 to turn up1870 to fall in1900 to lob1916 to roll up1920 to breeze in1930 to rock up1975 1870 Appleton's Jrnl. 14 May 535/1 I went about on my usual round, but he didn't turn up. I asked some of the other fellows, but none of them had seen him. 1903 E. Œ. Somerville & ‘M. Ross’ All on Irish Shore 18 And if you'll believe me, the two chaps there had never turned up at all. 1913 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 162 764/1 All the employees on trams who at present get in turn a holiday on Saturday will have to turn up to work, on account of the increased number of passengers. 1939 G. B. Shaw Geneva iii. 52 The judge himself hasnt turned up. 1979 J. Cooper Class iv. 84 At prep schools they insist you turn up [at sports days] and then ignore you. 1985 Times 26 Aug. 8/3 Occasions when luggage is checked onto a flight and the passenger fails to turn up. 2016 Church Times 22 Apr. 22/3 Persuading teenagers to turn up to church on a Sunday morning has never been easy. b. (a) intransitive. With complement. To appear or present itself or oneself in a specified character; to be found to be. Cf. to turn out 9c at Phrasal verbs 1. Now rare. to turn up rough: to become angry or quarrelsome (cf. to cut up rough at cut v. Phrasal verbs). to turn up trumps: see trump n.² 2a. With to turn up rusty cf. rusty adj.³ 3. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > prove, demonstrate [verb (intransitive)] > be proved to be provec1300 verifya1387 approve1587 improve1612 bear1710 to turn up1756 to turn out1780 wash1849 the mind > emotion > anger > [verb (intransitive)] > become angry wrethec900 wrothc975 abelghec1300 to move one's blood (also mood)c1330 to peck moodc1330 gremec1460 to take firea1513 fumec1522 sourdc1540 spitec1560 to set up the heckle1601 fire1604 exasperate1659 to fire up1779 to flash up1822 to get one's dander up1831 to fly (occasionally jump, etc.) off (at) the handle1832 to have (also get) one's monkey up1833 to cut up rough, rusty, savage1837 rile1837 to go off the handle1839 to flare up1840 to set one's back up1845 to run hot1855 to wax up1859 to get one's rag out1862 blow1871 to get (also have) the pricker1871 to turn up rough1872 to get the needle1874 to blaze up1878 to get wet1898 spunk1898 to see red1901 to go crook1911 to get ignorant1913 to hit the ceiling1914 to hit the roof1921 to blow one's top1928 to lose one's rag1928 to lose one's haira1930 to go up in smoke1933 hackle1935 to have, get a cob on1937 to pop (also blow) one's cork1938 to go hostile1941 to go sparec1942 to do one's bun1944 to lose one's wool1944 to blow one's stack1947 to go (also do) one's (also a) dingerc1950 rear1953 to get on ignorant1956 to go through the roof1958 to keep (also blow, lose) one's cool1964 to lose ita1969 to blow a gasket1975 to throw a wobbler1985 society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > quarrel [verb (intransitive)] > be quarrelsome > become quarrelsome to cut up rough, rusty, savage1837 to turn up rough1872 1756 Monitor No. 39. I. 374 A great deal of waste land and timber.., which by care and cultivation, must in time turn up a great thing. 1866 ‘G. Eliot’ Felix Holt (new ed.) I. xi. 199 Company that's got no more orders to give, and wants to turn up rusty to them that has, had better be making room than filling it. 1872 Judy 29 May 59/2 Have the ornaments [= handcuffs] handy, in case he should turn up rough. 1911 Times 17 Mar. 14/7 There were many moments in which people could ‘turn up rusty’, but it was realized that any dispute or friction would mean a certain amount of harm to the institution. 2016 Economist 24 Dec. 61/2 Plenty of ales turned up ‘sour’ in India—the pungent hoppiness went some way to disguising the problem. (b) intransitive. colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.). to turn up missing: to be found to be missing, be unable to be found. ΚΠ 1856 Knickerbocker Dec. 614 Nothing, however, ever turned up missing, except Mr. Wytles himself. 1869 ‘M. Twain’ Let. 11 Oct. (1992) III. 371 I sunk shafts till I broke through the roof of perdition, but those extensions turned up missing every time. 1957 Sat. Evening Post 19 Oct. 78/2 Well, not only did the insect house burn down... The curator turns up missing. 1993 Time (Internat. ed.) 25 Jan. 10/1 U.S. Marine Private Domingo Arroyo, on a foot patrol that comes under attack.., turns up missing at a head count and is later found dead. †15. transitive. To roll up, twist up in a wrapper. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > wrapping > wrap [verb (transitive)] > as a parcel to turn up1701 to do up1806 1701 London Gaz. No. 3741/4 A painted Fan..turned up in a white Paper. 16. a. transitive. To find (a passage) in a book, newspaper, etc., or (a document) in a set of papers, etc.; to look up (notes), refer to (a writer). Cf. sense 10a. N.E.D. (1915) quotes Canon J. T. Fowler as saying: ‘In the Durham Cathedral Choir to turn up means to look out and place ready the music for the organist and singers’. ΘΚΠ society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > find in a book or paper looklOE to look out?1496 to turn to ——1568 to look upa1632 to turn up1710 to turn out1834 1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 179 When I turn up some Masterly Writer to my Imagination. 1806 in T. B. Howell Compl. Coll. State Trials (1816) XX. 32 But the noble earl there, with his Bible, I am sure will have the goodness to help me out and turn up the passage for me. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian vi, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 161 She then turned up the ritual. 1891 Pop. Sci. Monthly Aug. 524 I turned up the article ‘Schwein’ in Riehm's standard Handwörterbuch. 1892 Illustr. Sporting & Dramatic News 7 May 267/2 I have not time now to turn up my old notes on the subject. 1921 T. S. Eliot Let. 9 May (1988) I. 451 I do not know whether you can easily turn up a copy of that letter, but it was one for which I was very grateful. 1992 G. Hancock Sign & Seal iii. xi. 241 I had turned up an intriguing reference to another people—a people known as the Qemant. b. transitive. Of a person: to discover, locate (something sought for); (of an event, an investigative procedure, etc.) to uncover, reveal (something of interest or importance).Perhaps in some uses an extension of sense 4a. ΚΠ 1885 Pall Mall Gaz. 28 May 5 We cannot turn up the originals [of these stories]..so we must take the rehandlings. 1934 D. Hammett Thin Man (1974) xxx. 179 We'd give it the once-over before and hadn't turned up nothing. 1951 M. McLuhan Mech. Bride 42/1 Vocational-guidance investigation has turned up the curious fact that executives..do show an aptitude for words. 1971 R. E. Pfadt Fund. Appl. Entomol. (ed. 2) xii. 367 Use of synthetic sex attractant, hexalure, in traps did not turn up any native adults of pink bollworm. 1975 W. Kennedy Legs (1983) 175 When the police went through Jack's house.., somebody turned up a piece of plaster, one side covered with the old-time mattress ticking wallpaper. 2015 N.Y. Mag. 9 Mar. 92/5 A quick Google of monthly car leases in Manhattan turns up tantalizing rates around $500. 17. transitive. Nautical. To summon (the crew) on deck. Now chiefly historical. ΘΚΠ society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon lathec900 hightOE clepec1000 ofclepeOE ofsendOE warna1250 callc1300 summonc1300 incalla1340 upcallc1340 summonda1400 becallc1400 ofgredec1400 require1418 assummonc1450 accitec1475 provoke1477 convey1483 mand1483 whistle1486 vocatec1494 wishc1515 to call up1530 citea1533 convent1540 convocate1542 prorogate1543 accersit1548 whistle for1560 advocatea1575 citate1581 evocate1639 demand1650 to warn in1654 summons1694 invoke1697 to send for1744 to turn up1752 requisition1800 whip1857 society > travel > travel by water > seafaring life > [verb (transitive)] > summon crew on deck turn1603 to turn up1752 1752 Narr. Proc. James Lowrey 13 I turned all Hands up, and tax'd them with their Ill behaviour towards me. 1805 in Ld. Nelson Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. 164 (note) Ceased firing and turned the hands up to clear the wreck. 1940 C. S. Forester in Winnipeg Free Press 4 May (Mag.) 5/5 Captains who turned up all hands at every bell, night and day. 2011 M. Cohn Prize of War 58 He raced below as Mr. McLeod turned up all hands. 18. transitive. To increase the flow of (gas) to an appliance by turning a tap, handle, etc., originally so as to make a lamp burn more brightly; to increase the brightness of (a lamp); to raise the temperature of (an electrical appliance, heating system, etc., and (in extended use) that which it heats or cooks), originally by turning a knob or switch; to increase the volume of sound from (a radio or other audio device) by operating a control; to increase (volume) in this way. Also: to operate (a control) so as to increase the temperature, volume of sound, etc. Cf. to turn down 5b at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [verb (transitive)] > trim or turn up mend?1518 trim1557 to turn up1860 the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)] > increase temperature, volume, etc. to build up1936 to turn up1962 1860 F. H. Ludlow in Harper's New Monthly Mag. Mar. 502/1 Turn the gas up a little higher! All the three rush around to the side of the bed and turn down the corner of the quilt from his face—it is he! 1889 C. Smith Repentance Paul Wentworth II. v. 105 He..turned up his reading lamp. 1941 N. Marsh Death & Dancing Footman xv. 313 ‘To get back to the wireless.’.. ‘I turned it down.’.. ‘You turned it... Not off. Down.’.. ‘I turned it down, and five minutes later somebody turned it up.’ 1962 A. Nisbett Technique Sound Studio 259 The volume can be turned up louder. 1971 M. Lee Dying for Fun ix. 53 The producer of the radio magazine programme turned up his loudspeaker. 1976 W. Corlett Dark Side of Moon ii. 85 It is colder... I must turn up the central heating. 1985 G. Keillor Lake Wobegon Days 97 It's time to go home and turn up the pot roast and get the peas out of the freezer. 1996 D. Glass How can you tell if Spider is Dead? 73 If you turn up the gas all the way under a saucepan of boiling water. 2015 Radio Times 4 Apr. (South/West ed.) 19/4 Once the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat. †19. transitive. To bring up (a person) by means of winding gear. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > upward movement > raising > make to go up or cause to rise [verb (transitive)] > raise by mechanical instrument > with a winch, crank, etc. to wind upc1275 winch1529 upwind1600 parbuckle1768 crank1883 whorl1886 to turn up1911 1911 D. H. Lawrence in Eng. Rev. June 415 The winding-engine rapped out its little spasms. The miners were being turned up. 1929 D. H. Lawrence Pansies 82 My father was a working man And a collier was he, At six in the morning they turned him down And they turned him up for tea. PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses. to turn about —— intransitive. To travel, walk , sail or fly round. rare. ΘΚΠ society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > travel about environc1384 to turn about ——c1440 perambulate1607 c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 115 (MED) He..is liche a botirflie, he torneth so ofte aboute þe fire of þe lampe þat he brenneth his wingis. 1550 T. Nicolls tr. Thucydides Hist. Peloponnesian War iii. xi. f. lxxxix. They dyd caste them selfe into a roundenes, and sailled tourninge aboute the ennemyes trusting to put them in disorder. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xxi. 110 b They goe turning seuen times about a fouresquare towre. 1642 A. J. Tasman Jrnl. in Acct. Several Late Voy. (1694) i. 135 In turning about this Island there appeared very few Men. 2011 J. Deveraux Heartwishes 10 She turned about the room, looking at everything. turn after —— intransitive. English regional (south-western) and Newfoundland. Of offspring: to become like, resemble, or take after. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > be like, resemble, or take after to bear a resemblance toa1225 semblec1330 resemble1340 to look likec1390 representa1398 belikec1475 assemble1483 express1483 to take after ——1553 figure1567 assimilate1578 besib1596 imitate1601 resemblance1603 respect1604 favour1609 image1726 mirror1820 facsimile1839 turn after ——1848 picture1850 1848 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 9 ii. 256 Where one parent is sound and the other diseased the progeny may turn after the former; but then it is just as likely to turn after the latter. 1866 T. R. Higham Dialogue between Tom Thomas & Bill Bilkey 21 He do turn after Betsy 'bout the feet. 1901 Longman's Mag. Aug. 335 I spose the boy turns arter 'ee. 1961 in G. M. Story et al. Dict. Newfoundland Eng. (1999) (online ed.) (at cited word) They turns right after their father. to turn on —— See also main sense 28a. 1. intransitive. To have as the critical factor; to hinge on, depend on. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > be caused by or result from [verb (transitive)] > depend on to stand in ——OE to lie inc1374 to stand upon ——a1393 to turn on ——a1413 to stand by ——a1450 lie1590 set1597 suspend1638 to turn upon ——1652 condition1868 ride1950 a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 1347 After þat þese dees turnede on chaunces, So was he outher glad or seyde allas. 1748 J. Wesley Let. 10 Dec. (1931) II. 166 But it is hurtful; and that is enough. The question does not turn on the degree of hurtfulness. 1810 M. R. Mitford Let. 20 Sept. in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) I. iv. 108 The dénouement of ‘Marmion’ and that of ‘The Lay of the Last Minstrel’ both turn on the same discovery. 1955 A. A. Hill in Q. Jrnl. Speech 41 255 The old concept of the phoneme turned on individual speech, the idiolect. 2010 New Yorker 3 May 21/2 The case turns on whether Goldman had a legal obligation to disclose Paulson's involvement. 2. intransitive. Usually of discourse, debate, etc.: to have as its subject, be about or concerned with, relate to. Now somewhat rare.Apparently originally a development of sense 1, but often associated with other senses: cf. main sense 23. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)] > make reference to to shoot atc1407 mean1513 to have respect to1542 to intend at1572 eye1594 to turn upon ——1697 to turn on ——1765 1765 Public Ledger 20 July Tom had..ingratiated himself so far into the old gentleman's favour, that..at last the subject turned on the beauty and good sense of the identical Miss ——. 1789 J. Povoleri tr. C. M. Dupaty Sentimental Lett. Italy I. 102 Our conversation soon turned on Locke and Condillac; on the advantages of metaphysical enquiries, which alone can lead to the knowledge of truth; and of the analytic mind, that alone can find it. 1808 T. Ashe Trav. Amer. 1806 II. 287 The conversation..turned on the serpent tribe and we called the following at least to our recollection.., Brown Snake, Ribbon ditto. 1879 M. Pattison Milton xiii. 203 The Dutch drama turns entirely on the revolt of the angels. 1986 Star (Harvey, Illinois) 26 June 1/1 Much of the debate turned on providing an attorney for Genius. to turn out of —— 1. a. transitive. To drive, send, or put (a person) out of (a place), or dismiss (a person) from (a position or office), forcibly or peremptorily; to expel or eject (a person) from. Formerly (and in earliest use) more widely: †to put or take (something) out of in any way; (figurative) to bring (a person) out of, deliver (a person) from; to dissuade (a person) from. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > motivation > demotivation > demotivate [verb (transitive)] > dissuade > persuade against to turn out of ——c1300 dissuade1576 unsell1960 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > expel afferreOE warpc1000 outdriveOE wreakc1100 to cast out1297 to cast fortha1382 out-chasec1395 flecchea1400 to shoot forth, out, awaya1400 propel?1440 expulse?a1475 scour1488 out-thrust1532 to catch forthc1540 propulse1548 pulsec1550 unplant1552 to turn out of ——1562 extrude1566 detrude?1567 eliminate1568 deturbate1570 detruse1571 unroost1598 to put by1600 deturb1609 bolt1615 run1631 disembogue1632 out of1656 expel1669 rout1812 to manage (a person) out of1907 c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 154 He [= they]..preyden cristes hore, Þat he [wolde] turnen him [sc. Athelwold] Vt of þat yuel. c1390 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 149 Ȝif þei talke of tales vn-trewe, Þou torn hem out of þat entent. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iii. l. 1500 Ȝe be so depe In-with myn herte graue, That þough I wold it turne out of my þought..I kowde nowght. 1562 in F. J. Furnivall Child-marriages, Divorces, & Ratifications Diocese Chester (1897) 104 The said Roger turnid the said mare out of the Close. 1581 B. Gilpin Godly Serm. 51 As for turning poore men out of their holdes, they take for no offence... They turne them out of their shrouds as thicke as mice. 1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Britain i. 518 His dead corps was..turned out of his graue. 1690 E. Gee Jesuit's Mem. Introd. 2 He was..turned out of his Fellowship. 1715 M. Davies Εἰκων Μικρο-βιβλικὴ 172 Vorstius, whom he [sc. James I] desir'd the States to turn out of his Professorship. 1890 F. M. Crawford Cigarette-maker's Rom. v He turned me out of the house. 1902 G. S. Whitmore Last Maori War xi. 185 Others..were turned out of the force pitilessly without notice. 2002 M. McGrath Silvertown (2003) ii. 20 The labourer's family would be turned out of its tied cottage and left to fend for itself. b. transitive. to turn out of service: to dispense with the services of (someone), to dismiss; also figurative. Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > service > servant > in or into service [phrase] > out of service to turn out of service1568 service1978 1568 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Dial Princes (rev. ed.) iv. viii. f. 130^v Let him beware also hee doo not take into his saruice any leud persones..quarellers or hooremongers: if hee find that hee haue any such in his house, let him turne him out of saruice straight. 1604 T. Bilson Suruey Christs Sufferings 29 You flash out the fire of hell as a fable, and turne out of seruice the rest of the torments there. 1749 Hist. Tom Jones in Married State ii. vii. 151 His Education had very much weakened his Conscience, which he entirely wore out by Practice: So that at last he turned it out of Service, as having no more Occasion for its Dictates. 1869 Western Times 17 Aug. 2/3 She had been turned out of service for ‘speaking to Walter’. 1932 Pittsburgh Courier 1 Oct. ii. 2/4 At the close of the war, he was turned out of service like an eagle with no home or place to rest his head. †2. transitive. To translate (a text, a word, etc.) from one language into another. Cf. main sense 30a. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 93 Afterward kyng Alredes turned alle in fere out of Latyn in to Saxon speche. c1425 Castle of Love (Egerton) (1967) p. 320 (heading) This romance turned Munk of Sallay out of a Frenche romance. 1538 Bible (Coverdale) Ded. + ij b As though al were not as nye the truth to translate the scripture out of other languages, as to turne it out of the Latyn. 1662 J. Stileman Peace-offering xii. 219 It is..with confidence avouched..That Our Common-Prayer-Book is wholly taken out of the Popish Mass-Book; and that it is nothing else but that Mass-Book turned out of Latine into English. †3. transitive. To change (someone or something) from. Cf. main sense 31. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1450 Mandeville's Trav. (Coventry) (1973) l. 860 Take any metal..And laie it in þat sande..Hit shal be turned out of his kynde, For clere glas þou shalt it fynde. a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. Clxxx Whiche worde Aue was turned out of Eua, & made Aue, & that not without great mistery. 1534 tr. Erasmus Bellum Erasmi f. 10 What sorceresse hath thus tourned hym oute of his kyndely shappe? †4. transitive. To do (a person) out of, deprive or strip (a person) of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > loss > taking away > take away [verb (transitive)] > deprive (of) benimc890 to do of ——eOE bedealc1000 disturbc1230 bereavec1275 reave?a1300 acquitc1300 benemec1300 deprivec1330 privea1382 subvertc1384 oppressc1395 abridgea1400 to bate of, from1399 lessa1400 nakena1400 dischargea1425 privatec1425 to bring outa1450 abatec1450 sever?1507 spulyie?1507 denude1513 disable1529 distrain1530 destituec1540 destitutec1540 defalk1541 to turn out of ——1545 discomfit1548 wipe1549 nude1551 disannul?a1556 bereft1557 diminish1559 benoom1563 joint1573 uncase1583 rid1585 disarm1590 visitc1592 ease1600 dispatch1604 unfurnisha1616 rig1629 retrench1640 unbecomea1641 disentail1641 cashier1690 twin1722 mulct1748 fordo1764 to do out of ——1796 to cut out1815 bate1823 deprivate1832 devoid1878 1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 40^v They..turned so many oute of theyr Iackes. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lvi To torne you out of your weapons. 1753 W. Douglass Brit. Settlem. N. Amer. 280 People forceably turned them out of Possession of their Lands: this they call clubing them out. 5. transitive. To put or empty (a substance, esp. cooked food) out of (a vessel) by inverting it. ΚΠ 1617 J. Murrell Daily Exercise for Ladies & Gentlewomen sig. F2 When it is colde turne it out of your moulde, and drie it with a faire cloath. 1791 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 25/1 Like a pudding turned out of a bason. 2002 Baker's Catal. Jan. 12/1 Turn the loaf out of the basket onto a peel or baking sheet, and bake. 6. intransitive. To get out of or leave (a place, esp. one's bed). Cf. to turn out 7a(d) at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > departure, leaving, or going away > depart from or leave [verb (transitive)] leaveeOE beleavea1250 devoidc1325 voidc1330 to pass out ofa1398 roomc1400 departa1425 avoid1447 ishc1450 part1496 quita1568 shrink1594 shifta1642 to turn out of ——1656 refraina1723 blow1902 1656 W. D. tr. Paracelsus Dispensatory & Chirurgery viii. 214 Oft-times it falls out, that a swelling, caused by inflammation over night, may be lessened before morning; so the binding slacks, and the Bone turns out of its right place. 1817 Trials J. Brandreth & Others I. 146 I turned out of the ranks and stood a little distance from the men, and Brandreth came to me and ordered me into the ranks again. 1860 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in All Year Round 26 May 155/2 My last special feat was turning out of bed at two, after a hard day. 1920 Biblical World 54 469/1 As one child turned out of bed the other turned in. 2014 J. Hart Skookum Summer iii. 14 I turned out of bed early on Friday morning, downed a cup of coffee, and walked up the street to the county courthouse. to turn to —— See also main sense 31. intransitive. To refer to, look up, consult (a book, list, table, page, etc.).In early use, a specific application of sense 23c. Now often as an extension of sense 10a. ΘΚΠ society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > find in a book or paper looklOE to look out?1496 to turn to ——1568 to look upa1632 to turn up1710 to turn out1834 1568 T. Harding Detection Sundrie Foule Errours v. xvi. f. 410 You referre your Reader thereunto in 14. mo places of this your pretensed Defence, as it shal appeare to him, that wil take the paines to turne to these pages here truely quoted. 1693 J. Locke Some Thoughts conc. Educ. §172 Helvicus's Tables may be..turned to on all occasions. 1850 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 11 ii. 400 To their reports the reader must turn for accurate information. 1886 K. S. Macquoid Sir J. Appleby II. viii. 111 He took up a local paper and turned to the list of visitors. 2014 Teen Now May 66/2 Just turn to page 29, Sarah!.. Have an All-In-One Company voucher. to turn upon —— See also main sense 28a. †1. intransitive. To verge upon or shade off into (a different colour). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iii. lxxix. 428 In the middle of the sayde flowers are many smal hearie threddes..turning vpon yellowe. 2. intransitive. To have as the critical factor; to hinge on, depend on; = to turn on —— 1 at Phrasal verbs 2. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > effect, result, or consequence > be caused by or result from [verb (transitive)] > depend on to stand in ——OE to lie inc1374 to stand upon ——a1393 to turn on ——a1413 to stand by ——a1450 lie1590 set1597 suspend1638 to turn upon ——1652 condition1868 ride1950 1652 R. Williams Bloody Tenent yet More Bloody Pref. sig. A3^v Your Honours will find.., that all violence to Conscience turns upon these two Hinges. First, of Restraining from that worshipping of a God or Gods, which the Consciences of men in their respective worships (all the world over) believes to be true. Secondly, of Constraining to the practising or countenancing of that whereof their Consciences are not perswaded. 1711 J. Swift Conduct of Allies 32 Great Events often turn upon very small Circumstances. 1823 Examiner 268/2 The plot..turns upon the secret marriage of Claudio. 1995 S. E. Grace in M. Lowry Sursum Corda! I. 533 Shakespeare's late romance The Tempest (1611)..turns upon the metaphors of alchemical theatre and marriage. 2009 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 14 May 50/1 Determining the constitutionality of the program would turn upon submissions to the Intelligence Court by the attorney general. 3. intransitive. Usually of discourse, debate, etc.: to have as its subject, be about or concerned with, relate to; = to turn on —— 2 at Phrasal verbs 2. Now rare.Apparently originally a development of sense 2, but often associated with other senses: cf. main sense 23. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)] > make reference to to shoot atc1407 mean1513 to have respect to1542 to intend at1572 eye1594 to turn upon ——1697 to turn on ——1765 1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse ii. 36 The Conversation of all the Vertuous Women in the Town, turns upon that and new Cloaths. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 119. ¶7 As the two Points of Good Breeding, which I have..insisted upon, regard Behaviour and Conversation, there is a third which turns upon Dress. 1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. iv. 72 That the Conversation might turn upon somewhat instructive. 1884 Manch. Examiner 26 May 4/7 The debate..did not turn upon any..practical proposition. 1932 Punch 23 Nov. 561/1 The soul-shaking story which is to run through a projected film of the Post Office has not been selected; but..it will not turn upon the passionate crisis created by the non-delivery of a letter. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2022; most recently modified version published online December 2022). > see also also refers to : turn-comb. form < n.c1225v.OE see also
随便看	every stick every stick and etc every stick and stock every stick and stone every stick and stower every stitch every stitch-while every stitchwhile every stob every the least every time every tub let every tub stand on its own bottom every tub must stand on its own bottom every way every which every which way every while every whip-stitch every whipstitch every whit every whitherward every —— in the book every-coloured every-day-world every-hued

turnn.

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turnv.

Phrases

Phrasal verbs

> see also