calln.
/kɔːl/, U.S. /kɔl/, /kɑl/ I. Senses in which the primary meaning relates to a cry, shout, or other sound.† 4. Politics. In a parliamentary chamber, esp. the British House of Commons: the process of reading out names from a list to establish who is present; an instance of this. Frequently in call of the House. Cf. to call over 1 at call v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete.The call of the House was a formal procedure invoked in order to ensure full attendance for urgent business, as the announcement of a forthcoming call functioned as a summons. Members who were absent were liable to a fine or imprisonment.† 5. Something indicated by calling. Obsolete. rare.† 8. English regional (Yorkshire). In plural. Scolding; a telling-off. Cf. call v. 11. Obsolete.
1.
a. A loud vocal utterance made as a summons or to attract attention; a shout, a cry.
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the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > [noun] > call
clepingc975
callinga1300
calla1400
clamation1502
claim1596
inclamation1613
loud-hailing1943
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6790 I, for-soth, sall here þair call.
1569 E. Fenton tr. P. Boaistuau Certaine Secrete Wonders Nature xvi. f. 43 Nature..was not onely contente to gyue a voyce vnto rocks to send or returne certain cries and calles in maner of an Eccho.
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron I. ii. v. 43 With many other words, loude calles, and beatings vpon the doore without intermission.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 207 They gave but a call, and in came their Master. View more context for this quotation
1709 A. Pope Summer in Poet. Misc.: 6th Pt. vi. 736 But wou'd you sing..The moving Mountains hear the pow'rful Call.
1709 W. King Useful Trans. in Philos. Jan. 44 I must acknowledge my Happiness, who in a Manuscript found the following Verses,..Come with a Whoop, come with a Call, Come with a good will or not at all.
1798 T. Bellamy Sadaski II. xviii. 134 He heard, or thought he heard, a distant call of—‘Sadaski!’
1822 New Monthly Mag. 5 150 You are amused with the perpetual opening and shutting of box doors, and the audible calls of ‘Mrs. So and so's places’.
1885 St. Paul (Minnesota) Daily Globe 30 Nov. 8/1 Hobo is a call to attract attention, the same as Hello in the average citizen's vernacular.
1941 Boys' Life May 48/4 Suddenly Chuck himself let out a call.
1979 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 21 Sept. 13/4 Anne Murray ended her..performance at Carnegie Hall..to calls of ‘Annie, you're the best’, and ‘You're dynamite’.
2013 San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News (Nexis) 12 June I was awakened by a loud call from my wife.
b. The cry of an animal, esp. that of a bird. alarm call, food call, mating call, nesting call, etc.: see first element.
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the world > animals > by noises > voice or sound made by animal > [noun]
chirma800
songOE
chattera1250
cryc1300
languagec1350
notea1400
call1584
gabblea1616
clamour1719
call note1802
vocalization1829
dialect1921
the world > animals > birds > sound or bird defined by > [noun] > cry or call
gredingc1275
crowingc1386
call1584
note1594
ramage?1614
honking1844
bird call1880
1584 R. Greene Morando sig. B.ij The call of a Quaile continueth but one quarter.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. ii. 62 The Hen by her common call, gives no meat to her Chickens. View more context for this quotation
1774 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 63 250 The call of a bird, is that sound which it is able to make, when about a month old.
1833 Chambers' Edinb. Jrnl. 8 June 148/3 They can hear the call of their calves.
1879 R. Jefferies Wild Life 301 Neither redwing nor fieldfare sings during the winter; they of course have their ‘call’ and cry of alarm.
1914 Outlook 9 Dec. 833 How should the forest set its music free, Lacking the wood-thrush, with his silver call?
1921 F. S. Mathews Field Bk. Wild Birds & their Music (rev. ed.) 225 The commoner call of the bird is a short, unobtrusive tsip.
2005 Daily Tel. 28 Apr. 6/4 Birds learn the calls of their parents rather than inheriting them.
2. † d. A device placed in the mouth in order to produce the characteristic voice of Punch in a Punch and Judy show; = swazzle n. Obsolete.
a. A particular cry or sound used to attract an animal; spec. one used by hunters to attract birds.hog call, moose call, etc.: see the first element.
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the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > [noun] > call to animals or birds
call1530
calling1725
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 202/2 Call for quaylles, croquaillet.
1590 T. Lodge Rosalynde: Euphues Golden Legacie sig. K Aliena..smiled to see how Ganimede flew to the fist without anie call.
1596 W. Raleigh Discoverie Guiana (new ed.) 48 The Deere came..as if they had beene vsed to a keepers cal.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 19 They traine their cattell to such obedience, as with a Call or Whistle..a great Heard will follow them like dogges.
1698 J. W. Youths Safety v. 71 You..are in danger to be taken like a Bird listening to the Call of a Fowler, that has laid a Snare for it.
1773 H. Mackenzie Prince of Tunis iv. 60 He meets ere long Lions that rouse without the hunter's call.
1851 Illustr. London News 15 Feb. 127 The birds after answering to the call..at last darted off again.
1933 Washington Post 13 Nov. 6/6 Turkeys wouldn't come to the hunter's call if experience hadn't taught them the signal could be trusted.
1996 St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 28 Apr. f11 The calls to use in this case are aggressive cackling, clucking, yelping and other noises which the dominant hen will regard as a challenge.
2000 S. Brett Body on Beach (2001) ii. 12 One sharp call was enough to bring the dog to heel.
b. A whistle or other instrument used by hunters to imitate the sound of a particular animal, esp. a bird. Also: †a bird used by a hunter to attract other birds, a decoy bird (obsolete). In early use frequently figurative: a person who lures or entices others.bird-call, lark-call, moose call, quail call, etc.: see the first element.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > [noun] > luring by pipe
whistle-pipe1570
call1607
quailpiping1661
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > fowling equipment > [noun] > calls
quail-pipea1425
call1607
quail call1614
bird call1621
lark call1791
caller1845
yelper1884
turkey-yelper1895
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > wind instrument > pipe > [noun] > whistle > to imitate or attract birds
call1607
1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. v. sig. E4 You..fanne your fauours forth, To giue your hote Spectators satisfaction? What; was your Montebanke their call? their whistle? View more context for this quotation
1614 J. Saris Let. 17 Oct. in Voy. Japan (1900) App. A. 209 To his sonne..a boxe of all thinges as ar belonging to a faulconer, quayle calles, a mastife, a watter spaniell.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) iii. iv. 174 They would be as a Call To traine ten thousand English to their side. View more context for this quotation
1620 N. Rogers True Convert 56 Dealing like a cunning fowler, hauing his nettes and his call, and euery thing in a readinesse.
a1640 P. Massinger Parl. of Love (1976) iv. iii. 34 This fellow Has a pimpes face and lookes as if he weare Her call, her fetch.
1654 J. Bate Myst. Nature & Art (ed. 3) 73 They are known among some Shopkeepers by the name of Cals; and there are long white boxes of them, which are transported hither from France.
1704 Dict. Rusticum at Calls As for the Artificial Calls..they are best made of Box and Walnut-tree, or such hard Woods.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Lark Those live Birds tyed to the Packthreads are nam'd Calls.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. (at cited word) Different birds require different calls; but most of them are composed of a pipe or reed, with a little leathern bag, somewhat in the form of a bellows.
1892 A. Grimble Shooting & Salmon Fishing iii. 118 There are now wooden calls made which anyone can bring into play by merely blowing through them.
1919 Outing Mar. 307/1 ‘Your call's broke... Sounds awful funny to me,’ he said; ‘more than likely it might scare a turkey.’
1968 Pop. Mech. Oct. 125/1 These reed calls, which imitate the squalling of a terrified cottontail or jackrabbit, will bring foxes, coyotes, big cats and many other animals on the run.
1994 Ontario Out of Doors Sept. 72/1 Most hunters I know have at least one call tucked away in a parka pocket or a drawer.
c. A whistle or pipe used to sound a summons or other signal, esp. one used by a boatswain (see boatswain n. Compounds 1). Now rare.
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society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > [noun] > sounding of whistle > whistle
whistlec950
call1671
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > wind instrument > pipe > [noun] > whistle > call or boatswain's whistle
pipe1638
call1671
1671 J. Baltharpe Straights Voy. 10 Samuel Hatfield, is our Boatswain's Name... With Silver Call, on Deck he stands, Winds it, make haste, aloft more Hands.
1730 A. Bower Historia Litteraria (1731) 1 No. 5. 397 The Boatswain, or one of his Mates, who frequently wear their Calls, hanging at a blue Ribband.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (at cited word) The call can be sounded to various strains, each..appropriated to some particular exercise.
1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor iv, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. I. 91 She whistled on a small silver call which hung around her neck.
1963 Times 26 Feb. 12/6 The bo'sun's call is the object one sees..hanging on a chain round the neck of the sailor on duty at the gangway of a British warship.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > puppetry > [noun] > accessories
call1850
swazzle1942
1850 H. Mayhew in Morning Chron. 16 May 6/2 Speaking all day through the ‘call’ is werry trying.
1857 Few Odd Characters out of London Streets 47 It's very hard though to perwent swallowing on the call while you're a-speaking.
1926 D. C. Calthrop Punch & Judy v. 25 Nodier put the call in his mouth, but, not being used to it, nearly swallowed it every time he moved his tongue.
3. † b. Hunting. A particular sequence of notes, sounded on a horn to encourage the hounds. Obsolete.
a. A summons or signal sounded on a trumpet, drum, or other instrument.stable-call, trumpet-call, watering call, etc.: see the first element.
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society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > signalling with other sounding instruments > [noun] > signalling on bugle or trumpet > signal sounded on bugle or trumpet
call1555
trumpet-call1808
hallali1885
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. vii. sig. K.vi To this lesson assemble thei alwaie together, at the calle of a Trompette.
1581 T. Styward Pathwaie to Martiall Discipline i. 18 In sounding a march, a cal, ye charge..ye retrait.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xxiv. 115 Aske him his purposes why he appeares Vpon this call oth' trumpet. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 295 Armies at the call Of Trumpet..Troop to thir Standard. View more context for this quotation
1713 London Gaz. No. 5135/3 The Drums beating a Call.
1764 London Mag. Nov. 590/1 Nor mind the bell or trumpet's call, That summons them to prayers or hall.
1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust II. iv. iii. 335 The first clear call of bells is swept across the land.
1897 Connecticut Q. July 365/1 One day while we were at dinner, a post-horn sounded a call at the gate.
1924 Times of India 12 Nov. 9/4 The echoes woke to the ringing call of ‘Reveille’ and the service was continued.
1998 Daily Tel. 11 Nov. 29/4 Last Post is a call, not a tune: it is sounded, not played.
2005 R. M. Brown Hunt Ball (2006) 80 Shaker blew three quick notes in succession, waited a second, blew the call again. Hounds were away.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > signals > [noun] > signal on horn
forloinc1369
motec1400
strakea1425
rechasec1425
recopec1425
morta1500
seekc1500
death note1575
recheat1575
gibbet1590
wind1596
relief1602
call1677
stroke1688
gone away1827
rattle1889
society > leisure > the arts > music > type of music > music on specific instrument > [noun] > wind music > cadence or flourish on horn
blas?c1225
forloinc1369
windc1374
strakea1425
strakinga1425
rechasec1425
rechasingc1425
recopec1425
seekc1500
mort1555
recheat1575
gibbet1590
senneta1593
relief1602
horn-call1632
call1677
stroke1688
tantivy1785
tralira1801
tra-la-la1886
1677 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 18 The Call, a Lesson blowed on the Horn to comfort the Hounds. A Recheat, a Lesson likewise blown on the Horn.
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the mind > language > naming > [noun] > reading aloud of names
call1606
absence1753
mustering1769
bill1814
muster roll1834
call-over1863
1606 Orig. Jrnls. House of Commons 17 Apr. 5 f. 106v Wednesday sennight to call the house and to impose fynes upon such as were absent upon ye last call & shalbe then absent.
a1675 B. Whitelocke Memorials Eng. Affairs (1682) anno 1648 330/1 Order for a call of the House, and a Fine of twenty pound upon those absent.
1723 W. Nicolson Let. 10 Sept. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. IV. 332 On this topic the Commons were very warm yesterday; and their Debates ended in a Call of their Members, and the appointing a day..for the consideration of that particular.
1780 E. Burke Corr. (1844) II. 318 I think to make my motion as soon as possible after the call of the House.
a1832 J. Mackintosh Hist. Revol. Eng. (1834) ii. 45 The attendance was partly caused by a call of the House... On the call..it appeared that forty were either minors, abroad, or confined by sickness.
1879 T. E. May Treat. Law Parl. (ed. 8) vii. 217 The attendance of members is generally ample; and a call is of little avail in taking the sense of the house, as there is no compulsory process by which members can be obliged to vote. Hence calls of the house have long since ceased to find favour; and no call of the house has been enforced since 1836.
1900 New S. Wales Parl. Deb.: Legislative Assembly 18 July 1114/1 A call of the House is provided for under the standing orders.
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the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > [noun] > call > word or name
call1801
1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iv. ii. 296 The other calls at pleasure head or tail; if his call lies uppermost..he wins.
6. Chiefly North American. In square-dancing: a direction called to the dancers, announcing the next figure or set of steps. Cf. caller n. 1b.
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society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > square, figure, or set dance > [noun] > directions to dancers
call1841
1841 Ball-room Instructer 13 The words in small capitals, in the beginning of the lines, are the names of the figures called by the leader of the orchestra... To these calls all should pay particular attention.
1903 R. L. Richardson Colin of Ninth Concession ix. 57 I shall here present a few ‘calls’, as I remember hearing them from Goarden's lips at the famous dance that Dooley gave.
1952 Proc. Amer. Antiquarian Soc. 67 81 The prompter could and eventually did sing the calls, weaving rude rhymes, and filling out the calls with comments on the individuals present.
1989 N.Y. Times 6 Aug. (Westchester Weekly section) 10/6 On Friday at 8 p.m. swing your partner to the square-dance calls of Slim Sterling and a live country-western band.
2011 E. Nielsen Folk Dancing vii. 100 Some dancers grew frustrated, thinking that they had to memorize every new call in order to not embarrass themselves at a dance.
7. Cricket. A direction shouted by one batter to the other to indicate whether or not a run should be taken. Also: the responsibility for shouting such a direction.
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society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > batting > [noun] > call to partner
call1854
1854 J. Pycroft Cricket Field (ed. 2) x. 212 Let men run by some call[:] mere beckoning..leads to fatal errors... ‘Yes’, ‘no’, or ‘run’, ‘stop’ are the words.
1898 G. Giffen With Bat & Ball viii. 103 Murdoch..was run out through a bad call of Tom Garrett's.
1903 Boy's Own Paper 4 July 651/1 Flavell answered his partner's call as a true cricketer should.
1955 Times 15 July 3/3 Fellows Smith failed to scramble home after being sent back for a ridiculous call.
1983 Guardian 19 July 22/4 If the striker hits the ball in front of the wicket it is his call; if he hits it behind the wicket it is his partner's call.
2014 Whitsunday Coast (Queensland) Guardian (Nexis) 19 Nov. 27 Donald never heard the call and was run out by about 10 yards.
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the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > [noun] > scolding > instance of
Kyrie15..
Kyrie eleison1528
chide1538
wormwood lecture1640
rant1663
scold1726
trimming1763
blowing up1772
set-to1774
set-down1780
ragging1788
scouting1794
hurl?a1800
hearing1816
heckling1832
twisting1834
downsetting1842
going-over1843
shrewing1847
call1862
tongue-lashing1881
tongue-walking1888
telling-off1893
rousting1900
lumps1935
fourpenny one1936
rucking1958
1862 C. C. Robinson Dial. Leeds & Neighbourhood 262 Tha'll get thee cawals lad when tuh gets hoam.
1876 C. C. Robinson Gloss. Words Dial. Mid-Yorks. Call, to abuse... A sentence of interrogative and reprimand, such as is on the lips of mothers many times a day, is regarded as a ‘calling’ medium. This form becomes a substantive, and has often s added when directly signifying a scolding or abuse. So, too, with call, a children's substantive, which is heard as calls.
II. Senses in which the primary meaning relates to summoning, requesting, or announcing.
9. † b. A charge, an accusation; a summons to answer to a charge. Obsolete.
a. An order or request for someone to be present; a summons, an invitation. Also figurative.Cf. sense 1a, where the emphasis is on the sound made by the call.See also to be at the beck and call of at beck n.2 2, call to arms n. at arms n. Phrases 3e.
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society > authority > command > command or bidding > [noun] > summons or summoning
lathingc897
summonc1330
summoningc1375
summonds1385
calla1400
summation?1473
citing1485
sanda1513
whistlea1529
provocation1542
evocation1575
bidding1810
biddance1836
whip1879
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3022 Mete and drinc he gaue þam all þat wald cum al til his call.
c1475 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Caius) l. 1956 (MED) To bee redy in armes at euery call.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xvi. 195 Hayll, dughtyest of all! we are comen at youre call.
1593 W. Shakespeare Venus & Adonis sig. Fijv Tapsters answering euerie call . View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 378 Who first, who last..At thir great Emperors call..Came singly where he stood. View more context for this quotation
1683 J. Turner Serm. at Epsom 38 There are others partly at the call of Nature, and partly by the stroke of Justice, that are gone to their own place [i.e. dead].
1752 S. Johnson Rambler No. 204. ⁋5 His call was readily obeyed.
1798 Anti-Jacobin 16 Apr. 182/1 Six cock-tail'd Mice transport her to the Ball, And liveried Lizards wait upon her call.
1833 H. Martineau Briery Creek iv. 92 A call to devotion.
1876 R. W. Emerson Lett. & Social Aims 113 Men who lose their talents, their wit..at any sudden call.
1896 Harper's New Monthly Mag. 1 June 538 The clearest call that a man's heart hears..is the call of the sea, through the circling years A longing that may nor rest or tire.
1925 Eng. Rev. Nov. 642 He did not hesitate to..recall M. Caillaux from the political seclusion to which he had been consigned... M. Caillaux obeyed the call.
1967 N.Y. Times Mag. 16 July 15/2 He heard the call of the surf, quit his job, divorced his wife and went off to Hawaii.
1994 I. Botham My Autobiogr. x. 197 I had played in fewer than half our first-class games due to Test calls and a toe injury.
1997 M. Peters May Sarton viii. 113 This was a blow, as was Miutsie's unexpected call to England to care for her old mother.
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society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > [noun] > a charge, accusation, or allegation
crimec1384
calla1400
allegation1402
advocacya1413
allegeancea1430
objection1440
surmise1451
charge1477
ditement1502
crimination1534
allegement1594
appeach1628
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 19138 Þai..bad bring forþ þe apostles alle. for til ansquare to þaire calle.
1545 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Edinb. (1871) II. 116 Gif the defendare be reddy to ansuer at the call he [sc. the complainer] sall be vnlawet.
c. A summons, typically in the form of applause, made by an audience for an actor, director, speaker, etc., to appear on stage after a performance, typically in order to receive their approbation; the appearance of one or more actors, etc., in response to such a summons; spec. = curtain-call n. at curtain n.1 Compounds 3.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > [noun] > audience reaction
exsibilation1640
call1754
encore1763
goose1805
the big bird1825
recall1851
curtain1884
curtain-call1884
slow burn1936
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > applause > [noun] > summoning performer
call1887
1754 T. Sheridan Vindic. Conduct Late Manger Theatre-Royal 18 The Manager..refus'd to appear upon the Call of an Audience, through a groundless Apprehension that he might have had his Brains beat out.
1825 News 4 Sept. 286/1 Mr. Kean came forward, and addressed the audience... ‘It is impossible to withstand so gratifying a call.’
1887 Punch 12 Mar. 125/1 The enthusiastic..call that greeted him on the conclusion of his excellent work.
1921 ‘I. Hay’ Willing Horse viii. 129 Seven legitimate calls after the first act.
1955 A. Atkinson Exit Charlie (1957) iii. 55 It's the usual custom for the cast to line up and take a bow. They call it ‘the call’.
2005 Independent (Nexis) 17 Mar. (Features section) 11 Some directors would happily dispense with calls.
d. A summons for those involved in a play, film, or other performance to appear on the stage or on set; the time at which the cast and crew of a play, film, etc., are expected to be at the theatre or on set.Recorded earliest in call boy n. 1.band call, cue-call, photocall, etc.: see the first element.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > [noun] > call to attend rehearsal or performance
call1776
1776 J. Brownsmith Contrast 17 The want of only a Call-boy, that seemingly unimportant appendage, is an inconceivable detriment to the conduct of a Play.
?1780 G. Colman Manager in Distress i. 22 They were all drest, sitting ready for the call in the Green Room.
1876 Jennie of ‘The Princess’ 219 You are cast for Player Queen. Call is for eleven this morning.
1885 G. R. Sims in Referee 16 Feb. A ‘call’ is frequently made out for ‘supers and ladies and gentlemen’ when the principals are not required.
1933 P. Godfrey Back-stage i. 16 The call-boy leaves the stage to cry: ‘Overture beginners.’..As the call reaches them they take one last approving glance at their reflections.
1955 Times 19 Aug. 4/1 The schedule for to-morrow's work arrived with all its facts and figures about the crew call, the set, [etc.].
2001 A. Brevard Woman I was not born to Be x. 169 After my makeup session, I returned to my soundstage trailer to await my call.
2008 B. Dzyak What I really want to do on Set in Hollywood xi. 83 If there is a special makeup application or there are a lot of Extras that day, your call may be as early as 3.00 or 4.00 a.m.
e. figurative. A summons to die; a sign of impending death. Cf. last call n. 1. Now rare. to get one's (also the) call: Scottish to die, to be about to die.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
1839 Scotsman 12 Jan. 3/4 But wind, and weet, and snaw, They never mair can fear, Sin' they a' got the ca' In the fa' o' the year.
1856 Godey's Lady's Bk. Dec. 540/2 Fit emblem of that wond'rous sleep we know must come to all, A prelude to a longer life—a waiting for the call.
1884 D. Grant Lays & Legends of North 172 His wife, wi' his grainin' sae weary, Was fain to have seen him awa'... Hersel' was the first gat the ca'.
1889 Ld. Tennyson Demeter & other Poems 174 Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me!
1892 C. M. Yonge Old Woman's Outlook ii. 39 There came a little robin about the door. We knowed it was a call, and we thought it must be for granfer; so we put 'im to bed.
1915 J. Buchan Salute to Adventurers xxiii. 328 His breath laboured, and there was pain in his eyes. ‘I've got my call,’ he said faintly.
1949 Princeton Alumni Weekly 30 Sept. 32/2 They were hardly settled in their new home when his call came.
f. Originally: †a notification from an employer that (casual) work is available (obsolete). In later use: a meeting at which dockyard labourers are hired; = call-on n. at Compounds 1 (now historical).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [noun] > hiring market > of dockers
call1851
call-on1945
1851 Christian Socialist 16 Aug. 110/1 Members who come to seek employment have found a ready market for their labour. During the last twelve months there have been not less, on the average, than fifty calls per week.
1865 Printers' Jrnl. & Typographical Mag. 20 Feb. 30/1 Whenever a call is made, let it be posted up in the reading-room, so that any man can apply who thinks proper.
1885 H. Edie Charter of People 60 A ‘call’ may take place a dozen times a day at a dozen places within a mile.
1916 H. A. Mess Casual Labour at Docks 135 The severity of competition for work eased rapidly, though there was still often a surplus at a ‘call’.
1999 J. Foster Docklands 14 (caption) The stevedores began to assemble at six in the morning, in readiness for the ‘call’ at a quarter to eight.
10.
a. An appeal, request, or demand (for something). Also in extended use with reference to natural appetites.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > [noun] > demand > a demand
demandc1290
boonc1300
calla1400
requisition?a1450
plea1598
requiral1611
clarion call?1784
drafta1817
outcry1834
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 8704 Þe barne atte dede is nauþer of thayme. wille haue þer-til cal ne clayme.
1612 T. Taylor Αρχὴν Ἁπάντων: Comm. Epist. Paul to Titus (i. 15) 200 Those who watch not their abillitie, but breake out into superfluitie and excesse,..beyond the call of nature.
1699 J. Pollexfen Vindic. Assertions relating to Coin & Trade 174 It would be well for Land here, if a dearth abroad should occasion such a call for our Grain, as to bring it to that Price.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 206. ⁋1 There is a perpetual call upon mankind to value and esteem those who set a moderate price on their own merit.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 141. ⁋8 The call for novelty is never satisfied.
1832 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) II. 268 The Duke of Newcastle's call upon the anti-reformers to take up arms against the people.
1832 Athenæum 7 Jan. 19 The call of these times for cheap reprints.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. ix. 269 The calls of thirst And hunger having ceased.
1916 J. N. Hall Kitchener's Mob i. 1 The early days of August, 1914, when London hoardings were clamorous with the first calls for volunteers.
1965 Daily Mirror 10 June 1 Mr Nicholas bluntly rejected the repeated calls by Mr Cousins for the unconditional reinstatement of the strikers.
2009 Guardian 19 Dec. 41/3 There's a halal meat counter, but few heat 'n' eat curries: ‘There's no call for them, customers make their own.’
b. euphemistic. A need of the human body to defecate or urinate. Frequently with nature, natural, as in call of nature at nature n. 4d.See also to pay a call at Phrases 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > defecation or urination > [noun]
needOE
necessary1440
needinga1500
bodily function1655
occasion1670
toileting1793
call1815
voiding1926
1815 Eclectic Repertory & Analyt. Rev. 5 339 It is here [sc. the surface of the bladder] that is seated that sensibility which produces the natural call to urine.
1858 G. Rawlinson tr. Herodotus Hist. I. cxxxiii. 274 To vomit or obey natural calls in the presence of another, is forbidden among them.
1897 Northwestern Lancet 17 314/1 I felt a call, and seeing a lawyer-looking gent coming into the corridor, I asked him the way to the water closet.
1926 J. Galsworthy Escape i. i. 28 Warder. Where's your mate? Fellow Convict. 'Ad a call, sir... Went over to that wall.
1961 J. McCabe Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy (1962) i. 33 On the way there we became aware of Nature's urgent call.
2001 W. H. MacLeish Uphill with Archie 27 When Ada sensed that someone was feeling the call, she would get there first and sit snickering on the throne.
11.
a. A person's calling, vocation, or occupation.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > [noun] > regular occupation, trade, or profession > vocation
clepingc1384
vocationa1492
call1536
calling1704
mission1819
1536 T. Revel tr. F. Lambert Summe Christianitie i. f. 8 Byshopes nat content with theyr calle, but wolde be prynces and rulers.
1548 E. Gest Treat. againste Masse Ded. 3 We must al be busely occupied..eche man in his call accordyngly.
a1640 J. Fletcher et al. Beggers Bush ii. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kk3v/2 Which lives Uprightest in his call.
1780 M. Fletcher Jrnl. in H. Moore Life M. Fletcher (1817) I. iii. 161 Spending your time thus, for the bodies of the people. If that is your call, it is a mean call!
1869 Scotsman 30 Aug. 6/4 If in addition to their private interests they manifest any zeal beyond their immediate call in life, it is confined to politics.
1919 S. Atlantic Q. Apr. 147 This book made its author famous... Still Cable was not thoroughly convinced of his call as a man of letters.
2012 Times (Nexis) 18 Feb. 90 He decided that his main call in life should be to record his Holocaust experiences.
b. Originally: an occasion or ceremony at which a number of people are admitted to the profession of barrister or (formerly) serjeant-at-law (see sergeant n. 6); (hence) an intake of new barristers or serjeants-at-law. Later usually: admission to the profession of barrister; qualification as a barrister. Originally chiefly in †call of serjeants, later chiefly in call to the bar (see bar n.1 24).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal profession > [noun] > admission to bar
call to the bar1868
1618 E. Howes Abridgem. Eng. Chron. 441 In the last yeere, and last terme of Queene Elizabeth, there was a call of Sergeants at Law.
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 142 Vpon the sixteenth..was holden the Serieants-Feast, at Ely Place, there beeing nine Serieants of that Call.
a1643 T. Crisp Christ Alone Exalted (1646) III. iv. 195 He is anointed to be an Advocate, he hath a lawfull call to the Bar.
1700 W. Congreve Way of World iii. i. 46 In the Country, where great lubberly Brothers slabber and kiss one another when they meet, like a Call of Serjeants.
1784 L. MacNally Robin Hood iii. 48 Were you to appear in Westminster-hall, on a call of Serjeants, the judges might cry out, ‘I spy a brother!’
1851 Law Times 17 May 68/1 A further call to the bar..comprises the after-mentioned gentlemen.
1868 M. Pattison Suggestions Acad. Organisation v. 184 There shall be examinations and degrees required for the call to the Bar.
1878 R. H. Hutton Scott ii. 27 The day of his call to the bar.
1909 Law Notes Aug. 90/1 His own reports (King's Bench), covering the whole period from his call to his death.., show that his services were increasingly in demand.
1996 Ann. Rep. Gen. Council of Bar 1995 16/1 The JRC has continued with its accustomed business of considering a wide variety of applications from persons seeking Call to the Bar.
2000 Times 19 Dec. ii. 20/5 (advt.) Chambers wish to recruit established practitioners of 10 years' call and above.
c. A divine, spiritual, or inner prompting to devote oneself to the service of God, or (more generally) a particular course of life.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > [noun] > incitement or instigation > divine or spiritual
callinga1300
call1632
1632 S. Smith Ethiopian Eunuchs Conuersion 37 He sate downe as a man forlorne and out of heart, till now the Angell giues him a call, to preach the word to this man.
1650 P. Bulkley et al. Let. 31 Oct. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. ccc. 363 We came by a call of God to serve him here.
a1753 P. Drake Memoirs (1755) I. xi. 79 Proposals..to quit the World, and embrace that Course of Life, to which I told him I had no Call.
1790 M. Fletcher Jrnl. in H. Moore Life M. Fletcher (1817) II. vi. 121 I feel a call from the Lord to give my last testimony to his faithfulness.
1833 J. H. Newman in Brit. Mag. Oct. 424 From the time of his call he devoted his life and abilities to the service of Christ.
1863 A. P. Stanley Lect. Jewish Church I. xix. 427 It was a ‘call’, corresponding to the call of natural gifts, or inward movements of the Divine Spirit through the conscience.
1910 Herald of Gospel Liberty 3 Mar. 259/1 Every man and woman has a call from God to service.
1915 Bulletin (National Soc. Promotion Industr. Educ.) No. 20. 204 The woman comes into her natural human heritage of the joy of the working, as she hears the call to serve along the line to which her special talents lead her.
1988 Black Enterprise Oct. 90/1 For Dr. Clive O. Callender..the call to medicine came 44 years ago while he was seated beside his aunt in a pew.
1992 D. Allison Bastard out of Carolina x. 151 He cried out for all those who felt the ‘call’ to come forward.
d. In the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and some other Protestant churches: an invitation by a congregation for a person to undertake the office of pastor.See also to moderate in a call at moderate v. 3c.In quot. 1755 also employing sense 11c.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrament > order > vocation > [noun] > instance of
call1633
1633 J. Winthrop Jrnl. 2 Oct. (1996) 100 He was chosen by all the Congregation testifing their consent by erection of handes. then mr willson the Pastor demanded of him if he did accept of that call.
1666 J. Livingston Life in W. K. Tweedie Select Biogr. (1845) I. 136 I got ane joynt call of the parish and presbytery and the old minister and my Lord Tarphichen patron of the church..to be minister there.
a1704 T. Brown Dialogue Oxf. Schollars in Wks. (1707) I. i. 2 I shall receive a Call to be Pastor of, or Holderforth in some Congregation or other.
1755 J. Wesley Let. 31 Oct. in Wks. (1872) XIII. 208 Both an inward and an outward call are requisite.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian ii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. IV. 43 [The] presbyterians, who had united in a harmonious call to Reuben Butler to be their spiritual guide.
1859 J. Cunningham Church Hist. Scotl. II. x. 422 It was customary for the congregation to show their approbation of the person selected by the session, by giving him a formal call to be their minister.
1887 Troy (N.Y.) Daily Times 5 Nov. Plymouth Church has decided to extend a call to the Rev. Charles A. Berry.
1903 T. S. Griffiths Hist. Baptists in New Jersey xxix. 289 A call to be pastor was given to J. M. Hare in 1888.
1993 Eastern Synod Lutheran Oct. 2/3 The Rev. Paul Schult has accepted the call to St. Matthew's.
12. A short social or formal visit; an act of calling at a place. Frequently in to make (also receive) a call. Also as a mass noun: see house of call n. at house n.1 and int. Phrases 3n, port of call n. at port n.1 1c.Recorded earliest in to pay a call at Phrases 4.courtesy call, dinner-call, house call, morning call, party call, pop call, etc.: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > visit > [noun]
visitation1581
visitinga1586
visit1626
home visit1750
visitment1754
to give (someone) a look up1852
call1862
ceilidh1875
klatsch1953
1648 Mercurius Aulicus 3–10 Feb. sig. Bv I'le pay your tooth-less pipkin, you wizzend-chapt a call; and teach your leather eares prick-song.
1765 W. Cowper Let. 14 Aug. (1979) I. 110 Both Lady Hesketh and my Brother had apprized me of your Intention to give me a Call.
1785 W. Cowper Task i. 244 Dependant on the baker's punctual call.
1862 A. Trollope Orley Farm II. xv. 115 She had..made a morning call on Martha Biggs.
1868 Scott's Monthly Mag. May 281/1 My cousin spent the day receiving calls, and riding out.
1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust I. v. 108 We passed, without a call, to-day.
1912 Ambition Sept. 10/2 She should have made a final call at Plymouth for extra cargo.
1982 E. Dunlop Maze Stone xiv. 118 What is it you want, Fan? I don't suppose this is a social call.
2001 A. Cheuse Listening to Page 86 The doctor must first make a call at the neighboring village of Martinville-le-Sec.
13.
a. Finance (chiefly Stock Market). A demand for the payment of lent, pledged, or unpaid capital.Recorded earliest in at call at Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > insolvency > indebtedness > [noun] > a debt > arrears > demand for payment of
call1673
final demand1969
1673 W. Temple Observ. United Provinces vii. 230 Whoever has a Bill of any publique Debt, has so much ready money in his Coffers, being paid certainly at call, without charge or trouble.
1709 London Gaz. No. 4554/4 That..Two per Cent. on the Adventurers Stock be received in part of the said two Calls.
1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. ii. ii. 386 A call of fifteen per cent. View more context for this quotation
1847 C. G. Addison Treat. Law Contracts i. i. §2 The directors must provide funds by making calls on the shareholders.
1888 S. Austral. Law Rep.: Supreme Court 18 22 A limited company possessing a similar number of shares to this, some paid up to 10s. and others only to 2s., would have issued a call of 8s. per share on the unpaid shares.
1912 Scotsman 31 Oct. 3/7 The difficulties that have been experienced through non-payment of calls..deprived the company of capital to the extent of £6530, 7s. 3d.
1993 B. Farthing Internat. Shipping (ed. 2) v. 44 Should the club need further funds.., it makes an additional or supplementary call, expressed as a percentage of the advance call.
b. Stock Market. An option (option n. 6a) to buy assets at an agreed price on or before a particular date; = call option n. at Compounds 1. Cf. put n.1 4, put and call n.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > specific operations or arrangements
intromission1567
hedginga1631
retiring1681
partnership1704
put1718
time bargain1720
bargain for time1721
option1746
call1825
put and call1826
cornering1841
corner1853
raid1866
pooling1871
squeeze1872
call option1874
recapitalization1874
short squeeze1877
split-up1878
margin call1888
pyramid1888
profit taking1891
pyramiding1895
underwriting1895
melon-cutting1900
round turn1901
market-making1902
put-through1902
put and take1921
round trip1922
put and take1929
leverage1931
split-down1932
switching1932
give-up1934
mark to market1938
recap1940
rollover1947
downtick1954
stock split1955
traded option1955
leg1959
stock splitting1959
rollover1961
split1972
spread betting1972
unitization1974
marking-to-market1981
swap1982
telebroking1984
1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy II. 139 For the call or put.
1892 L. Daintrey Actæon xvii. 217 Today..the ninety-day calls bought by Greme came due.
1905 N.Y. Times 14 May 15/3 Dealing in calls is universally recognized as speculation pure and simple.
1966 H. Brean Traces of Merrilee xvii. 170 He claimed the best way to make money in the market was to deal in puts and calls.
1992 Investors Chron. 23 Oct. 24/1 My existing strategy is to hold the December 2450 calls (185p) unless the four-week moving average breaks.
c. Stock Market (originally U.S.). An auction of commodities. In later use (chiefly attributive): a brief trading session during which orders are assembled and a price determined that allows the greatest number of orders to be executed.
ΚΠ
1863 N.-Y. Times 19 Aug. 3/4 Harlem old stock..went down to 160@161 at the close of the call.
1886 Harper's New Monthly Mag. 1 June 213/2 The Call Room daily presents an impressive spectacle of the traffic in grain. The call lasts ten or fifteen minutes.
1988 N.Y. Times 26 June iii. 1/3 [The New York Stock Exchange] is weighing the use of call auctions whenever there are order imbalances that threaten to shut down trading in individual stocks.
2003 R. A. Schwartz et al. Call Auction Trading ii. 22 The Paris stock market has an electronic call.
2014 E. Banks Dark Pools (ed. 2) ii. 57 Buy and sell orders are gathered at discrete points during the day and are matched or exchanged according to particular rules during each call session.
14. † b. A reason or occasion to go to a place. Obsolete.
a. Reason, need, occasion. Frequently with for and in negative constructions, as there is no call for.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > [noun] > a duty or moral necessity
needOE
deedc1400
necessitya1500
office1534
work (also duty) of necessitya1602
incumbency?1608
remorsea1616
incumbence1684
call1704
commitment1837
calling1857
geis1965
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xiv. 377 He assured them..‘that they had a very lawful Call to take upon them the supreme Authority of the Nation’.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 275 What Call? What Occasion? much less, What Necessity I was in to go.
1779 J. Moore View Society & Manners France I. xvi. 132 There was no call for his interfering in the business.
1858 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xxii I don't know what call she had to blush so when she made her curtsey.
1895 K. Chopin Bayou Folk 44 I done said he did n' have no call to come heah, caperin' roun' Miss 'Phrasie.
1938 C. Muncaster Student's Bk. Water-colour Painting vi. 43 Since accidentals in reflections are much more concrete than in skies, the call for wet treatment is much less.
1951 S. H. Bell December Bride iii. vii. 259 Dammit, men, there's no call for that, no call at all.
1995 N. Blincoe Acid Casuals xxii. 173 He was still with her..although there was no call for him to be.
ΚΠ
1732 A. Pope Let. 5 Dec. in Corr. (1956) III. 335 I shall never see you now I believe; one of your principal Calls to England is at an end.
1732 Tricks of Town 38 A sober Citizen..happen'd to have a Call to the Town of Northampton to transact some Business of Importance to his Family.
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §324 Having a call to St. Ives in Cornwall.
15. Cards.
a. † (a) Whist. In long whist: an instance of asking one's partner if he or she holds an honour card so that the game will be won. See to call honours at call v. 20a. Obsolete (historical in later use).See also to have the call at Phrases 9b.
ΚΠ
1810 T. Matthews Advice Young Whist Player (ed. 4) 66 No one is obliged to answer to his partner's call, even though he has the other two honors in his hand.
1820 J. Chambers Biogr. Illustr. Worcs. 539 He looked in vain for his partner to finish the game by a call for honours.
1896 Oracle Encycl. V. 632/2 About the same date [sc. 1800] an important change took place, namely, the introduction of ‘Short W[hist]’ by reducing the winning score from ten to five, and abolishing the ‘call’ for honours when wanting two of a game.
(b) Whist and Bridge. More fully call for trumps. A signal made to one's partner by playing a particular type of card that he or she should lead with a trump. Cf. to call for trumps at call v. Phrasal verbs 2. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > whist > [noun] > actions or tactics > signal to partner
echo1862
call1865
sub-echo1885
1865 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 462/2 The hints he gives as to leads and the call for trumps are good.
1872 Westm. Papers Sept. 89 A game was actually lost very recently by a player throwing the eight instead of the seven. His partner, thinking it was a call for trumps, led them, drew them, and prevented his trumping a suit of which he had none.
1887 Temple-bar Mag. Apr. 551 My partner..will lead trumps on the first opportunity in obedience to my ‘call’.
1901 C. J. Melrose Bridge Whist 40 If on your partner's lead of a small card you play the ten and on the next round you drop the nine, it is a call.
1969 Amarillo (Texas) Globe-Times 22 Oct. 50/3 When East failed to answer the first call for trumps, declarer saw that his only chance was to establish North's club suit.
(c) Chiefly Bridge. A bid, double, redouble, or pass. Also: a player's turn to make such a bid or pass. Cf. overcall n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > actions or tactics > call
call1888
1888 A. S. Wilks & C. F. Pardon How to play Solo Whist 8 Abondance. (Abundance.) An independent call to make nine tricks.
1923 Harmsworth's Househ. Encycl. I. 531/1 Doubling..reopens the bidding and gives each player the chance of a fresh call.
1928 A. Waugh Nor Many Waters ii. 74 The man on my right suddenly cut into the bidding. ‘Well, it's my call,’ he said. ‘Three spades.’
1938 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 16 Apr. 32/1 A player may make a higher bid if he wishes..but he cannot raise his original bid on a subsequent round if no-one has made a higher call.
2001 Financial Times 17 Nov. (Weekend section) p. ii To bid no-trumps over an opponent's call, you normally require two stoppers in that suit.
b. Poker (originally U.S.). Cf. call v. 20c(b).
(a) The final stage of a hand, where all the players who are still active have bet an equal amount, and must show their cards in order to determine who has the best cards; the showdown. Also: a demand to see the cards of the other players by the last player to place a bet immediately before such a showdown.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [noun] > actions or tactics > show or call for show
sight1821
call1850
1850 ‘M. Tensas’ Odd Leaves from Louisiana Swamp Doctor 123 A gambler who has staked his whole pile, and found at the call that he has been bluffing up against a greenhorn with ‘three white aces’.
1885 Encycl. Brit. XIX. 283/1 When all the stakes are thus equal, it becomes a call.
1922 Official Rules of Card Games 82 When a call is made, each player must distinctly announce what he has.
2004 D. Kahn Reader of Gentlemen's Mail i. 3 A farmer literally bet the farm against a tent show and died of a heart attack at the call—though he held four aces and had won.
(b) An act or instance of an individual player matching the latest bet in a game in order to remain in play.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > [noun] > actions or tactics > bidding or staking
vie1533
revie1591
vieing1591
revying1610
paroli1688
raise1821
bid1880
bidding1880
sweetening1896
parlay1904
re-raise1910
call1968
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [noun] > actions or tactics
run-off1843
bluff1846
fill1866
call1968
slow-playing1979
slow roll1982
slow-rolling1982
1968 J. Rubens Win at Poker vi. 104 In a typical stud game there are a lot of calls on the first round.
1990 S. Wolpin Rules Neighborhood Poker Hoyle iii. 23 In Las Vegas, they take a half-hour between calls and raises because each bet is hundreds of thousands of dollars.
2005 D. Apostolico Tournament Poker & Art of War 141 Get in the habit of stating your intentions clearly as to whether it is a call or a raise.
16. U.S. Law. An object, feature, distance, bearing, etc., specified in a land survey or grant, in order that the land in question may be described and identified. Cf. to call for —— 4 at call v. Phrasal verbs 2.locative call: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > transfer of property > types of transfer > charter or deed conveying property > [noun] > charter or deed conveying land > object referred to in document
monument1651
call1812
1812 J. Marshall in W. Cranch Rep. Supreme Court U.S. 6 165 If a location have certain material calls sufficient to support it, and to describe the land, other calls less material and incompatible with the essential calls of the entry, may be discarded.
1817 H. Wheaton Rep. Supreme Court U.S. 2 211 If, after having reached the neighbourhood, the locative object cannot be found within the limits of the descriptive call, the entry is equally defective.
1953 Univ. Chicago Law Rev. 21 652 Unexpected bends in the river injected an ambiguity into the calls of the entry.
1969 C. M. Brown & W. H. Eldridge Evid. & Procedures Boundary Location ii. 52 The locative call, ‘set a stone’, is controlling, but, in the absence of the locative call, the passing calls have probative force.
1991 F. W. Cadle Georgia Land Surv. Hist. & Law xvi. 470 Calls such as ‘thence..to near a white oak tree’, ‘a point, approximately two (2) feet from Earl Ballew's garage’, ‘a stake on the Highway right of way line’, and ‘an agreed point’, without more, are insufficient.
17.
a. Sport. A decision or ruling made by an official in a sports contest; the spoken or gestured indication of such a decision. Frequently with preceding qualifying adjective, as bad, good, etc.
ΚΠ
1874 Rugby Union Football Ann. 1874–5 39 Glasgow were again compelled to touch the ball down before the call of ‘No-side’.
1937 L. A. Godfree & M. B. T. Wakelam Lawn Tennis xi. 165 The only call..is ‘Out’.
1969 New Yorker 14 June 47/1 You must expect four or five bad calls a match... A match can be won or lost on a bad call.
1997 Bloomington (Indiana) Herald-Times 18 Mar. b1/2 That was not such a good call there Mr. Referee.
2004 Daily Mirror 28 Oct. 71/1 Although officiating in 2002 was much improved, there were still some highly controversial calls.
b. Originally U.S. In non-sporting contexts: a decision, a judgement; a guess, a prediction. Frequently in good call (also as int., expressing approval, affirmation, or agreement).See also judgement call n. at judgement n. Compounds 3a.
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the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > [noun]
doomc950
redeOE
lookingc1300
assizec1314
judging1357
definitionc1384
man's dayc1384
termination1395
discretiona1400
discussiona1425
decidingc1443
judicial1447
decisionc1454
arbitry1489
determinationa1513
determining1530
decerninga1535
discuss1556
discussment1559
thought1579
decernment1586
arbitrage1601
dijudication1615
crisis1623
decidementa1640
determinatinga1640
discernment1646
syndication1650
judication1651
dijudicatinga1656
adjudicature1783
call1902
1902 ‘H. Somerville’ Racer of Illinois xiii. 203 It's your call. The bill will be reported ‘out’ to-morrow.
1970 D. Wakefield Going all the Way ii. iii. 155 Shee-it, man. A truly bad call. I was trying to play her own game, you see?
1996 J. Whedon in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Script Bk. (2000) 1st Season I. 20 Giles. Miss Summers. Buffy. Good call. I guess I'm the only new kid.
2002 P. Augar & J. Palmer Rise Player Manager v. 93 I made a couple of bad calls which the overall head of marketing and the CEO pulled me up on.
2011 Y. Edwards Cupboard Full of Coats v. 94 ‘Was I wrong?’ he asked. ‘I can't judge you,’ I answered. ‘It's not my call.’
18. Originally: an audible signal indicating that a person is trying to contact another by telephone. Subsequently: an instance of attempting to contact someone by telephone; an instance of speaking to someone on a telephone; a telephone conversation. Cf. Compounds 2.Originally a sense belonging to branch I., with the emphasis on the sound made by the signal, but the importance of this notion to the meaning was weakened or lost by the beginning of the 20th century.booty call, conference call, local call, national call, nuisance call, phone call, telephone call, trunk-call, etc.: see the first element.
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society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > [noun] > call or message
call1878
telephone call1878
telelogue1880
telepheme1882
ring1895
phone call1911
buzz1913
phone message1913
tinkle1921
phone1922
telephone1935
1878 Design & Work 4 306/3 Apparatus..to enable the sound of the voice while singing to be heard all over a room, and which I use as a ‘call’, instead of an electric bell.
1879 G. B. Prescott Speaking Telephone (new ed.) i. 23 It being necessary to keep the vibratory bells at each station in circuits, in order that the calls may be heard.
1884 Every Boy's Ann. 199/1 Before we follow the series of operations forming a complete call, let us examine the system of telephones used in the Broadway Office. This..allows these batteries to be used for the calls to the subscribers by means of ordinary electric bells.
1899 Post Office Guide July 533 This deposit is refunded if the call is not extended.
1929 Morning Post 11 Jan. 13 The charge for a three-minute call between London and Warsaw will be 15s. 3d.
1944 ‘N. Shute’ Pastoral ii. 22 Give me twopence for the call, and I'll give him a tinkle in the morning.
1953 R. Lehmann Echoing Grove 290 There was a call for you about a quarter of an hour ago. From London.
1982 M. Palin Diary 22 June in Halfway to Hollywood (2009) 179 I have only hand baggage so check quickly through and into the BA Executive Lounge for some coffee and another long call to RL.
2014 M. Lewis Flash Boys ii. 45 No one who had worked in high-frequency trading would return his calls.
19. A request or summons to provide a service, usually made by telephone; esp. one for assistance from an emergency service. Hence: a visit or journey made in response to such a request; the destination of such a journey.
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1908 Med. Rec. 9 May 795/1 The difficulty was that the Police Department never knew whether an ambulance was in or out; whether it had responded to a call, or when it returned.
1913 Ann. Rep. Board of Ambulance Service N.Y. 8 This provision, which makes it impossible for an ambulance to be sent out on a call except in charge of a qualified surgeon.
1940 Connellsville (Pa.) Daily Courier 28 Dec. 1/5 The danger to which the firemen are subjected on an unnecessary dash to the firebox and the hazards that confront motorists and pedestrians alike when the truck is speeding to a call.
1962 ‘F. W. Dixon’ Secret of Old Mill (rev. ed.) iv. 33 Chief Collig said, ‘I must go out on a call, boys. Thanks for bringing in this bill. If you come across any others like it, or clues that might help the police, let me know.’
1990 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 6 June c1 The driver politely explained that he was on a call but would ask his dispatcher to send a cab immediately.
2012 Contra Costa (Calif.) Times (Nexis) 22 May An ambulance made a call nearby, along with two fire trucks... You may be surprised to learn that the [fire] department makes approximately nine to 22 calls daily.
20. Computing. A command instructing a program to run a particular subroutine, function, etc.
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1962 Adv. in Automatic Programming 22 Some convention on subroutine calls within the nest must be undertaken since any subroutine has the potential to change the value of its arguments.
1981 S. Ciarcia Build Your Own Z80 Computer iv. 128 In between these operations there is a call to a subroutine that is just a return instruction.
2014 K. N. Anagnostopoulos Computational Physics v. 273 We should make a call to the function deallocate which returns the unused memory back to the system.
III. Scottish. Senses relating to driving (cf. call v. IV.).
21. Scottish. In forms ca, caa. An act of driving sheep, cattle, or whales to a particular place; a roundup, a drive. Cf. call v. 27a. Now Shetland and Orkney.
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1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess 16 I' the ca' nor cow nor ewe did spare.
1979 J. J. Graham Shetland Dict. at Caa A drive of sheep or whales. Wir hed a göd caa da day and gotten in maist o da sheep.
1993 R. Smith Whale Hunters vii. 67 The killing of ‘black dolphins’ has taken place in most bays in Orkney and Shetland at one time or another. Women as well as men took part in the caa.
2003 B. Smith in Shetland Sea Mammal Rep. 13 The strong impression we get about the normal Shetland caa is that it was chaotic.
Phrases
P1. at call.
a. Also at a person's call. Ready to answer a call or summons; (hence) immediately available, at a person's disposal. Cf. on call adv.
ΚΠ
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie lxxviii. sig. Ggiii My yong cosin spider was with me here:To cum to his father: my hunkle: at call.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie Pref. 34 To be alwayes at the call..of a number of mean persons.
1632 P. Massinger & N. Field Fatall Dowry iii. sig. G A true friend at a call.
1635 T. Heywood Hierarchie Blessed Angells vii. 419 There she was seated in a chaire of state, And Ladies readie at her call to wait.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xx. 542 Those that subscribed to be at all calls.
1759 J. Hanway Reasons for Augmentation of 12,000 Mariners iv. xxiv. 90 The keeping 15 or 20,000 seamen upon half pay..with condition to be ready at call.
1859 G. T. Robertson & J. R. Green Oxf. during Last Cent. 49/1 Shabbily-genteel toadeaters, ready at his call.
1885 Manch. Examiner 20 July 5/5 An unconscious desire to possess gold at call.
1952 T. Armstrong Adam Brunskill xii. 403 The room was warm and, tobacco jar at call and beer available when required, there was little disposition to face the keen easterly wind.
1992 R. Manning Swamp Root Chron. xvii. 285 A USIS photographer was at her call night and day to record the Johnson presidency.
2001 Australian (Nexis) 14 Nov. 35 What will happen to their dedicated staff who are always at call for discussion on assignments?
b. Finance. (a) Upon demand of repayment; on the understanding that money borrowed must be repaid on demand or at short notice; (b) attributive of or relating to money that is repayable or withdrawable on demand or at short notice.
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1673At call [see sense 13a].
1843 Monthly Commerc. Chron. 1 Jan. 78 Money..placed at call with well-known and substantial firms.
1857 F. W. Stevens Liability of Parties depositing Money ‘at Call’ 9 If it is legal for one Joint Stock Corporation to borrow Money ‘at Call,’ it is legal for another; and if so, what is to prevent the Great Northern Railway Corporation from borrowing Money ‘at Call?’
1952 H. Macmillan Diary 1 Mar. (2003) 148 To have nearly £3000m ‘at call’ and to have some of the huge debt by the Bank to its customers funded, is an impossible position.
1979 Amer. Banker (Nexis) 1 Aug. At-call deposits, normally with an initial term or a notice period of one month.
1988 Advertiser (Adelaide) (Nexis) 20 June They need money at call to provide flexibility in the case of an emergency.
2015 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 19 Aug. (Money section) 6 A growing number of customers are..putting their cash into at-call accounts that allow withdrawals at any time.
P2. within call: within hearing of a call or summons; near enough to be summoned by a call; (hence) nearby, within reach. Frequently in within call of: within hearing of a specified person's call or summons; near to.
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the world > space > distance > [phrase] > that may be reached > within hail or call
within calla1586
within cry of1632
within hail1697
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Astrophel & Stella (1591) 30 But thou Desire, because thou wouldst haue all: Now banisht art, but yet within my call.
1596 W. Raleigh Discoverie Guiana (new ed.) 54 We made after them, and ere they could land, came within call, and by our interpreter tolde them what we were.
1623 P. Massinger Duke of Millaine iv. iii. sig. K1v Be within call.
1690 J. Child Disc. Trade x. 201 It is our Interest..not only to have many Sea-men, but to have them..within call in time of danger.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 182. ⁋6 All the great Beauties we have left in Town, or within Call of it, will be present.
1792 T. Holcroft Anna St. Ives VII. cxxvi. 209 I have just risen to see if the little boy were within call, and find the door is locked upon me!
1832 Ld. Tennyson Dream Fair Women xxviii, in Poems (new ed.) 129 I saw a lady within call.
1921 Good Hardware Dec. 17/1 You have got to reach as many people within call of your shop as is possible.
1998 Irish Times 16 May 22/1 (advt.) A very pretty det[ached] family home if you want to live det[ached] from main stream but within call of Blackrock village amenities.
P3. out of call: too far away to hear a person's call or summons; (hence) distant, out of reach. Cf. out of earshot at earshot n.
ΚΠ
1634 M. Parker Lovers Teares (single sheet) ii Shee's out of sight or out of call, and will not heare me speake at all.
1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. iii. 74 The Devil is seldom out of call when he is wanted for any Mischief.
1823 T. Cosnett Footman's Direct. 194 Persons..can contrive to get an interview with the lady..; therefore never be out of call at such times.
1902 N.Y. Times 27 May 8 The haunts and gathering places of young street toughs are well known to the police, and in those quarters of the city officers of the law should never be out of call.
1995 Furrow June 351 With the [swimmer's] instructor out of call, the surrounding deep seemed overwhelming.
P4. to pay a call.
a. To make a brief visit. Frequently with on, at, or indirect object, specifying the person or place visited.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > defecation or urination > [verb (intransitive)]
to do one's business1596
to pluck a rose1613
to pay a call1648
to go backward1748
go1804
to do (one's) duty1935
to wash one's hands1938
to spend a penny1945
perform1963
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)]
seekc1200
to call in1573
call1597
to call upon ——1604
to call on ——a1616
visit1626
to make, or pay (also give) a visit1643
to pay a call1648
viz.1767
1648 Mercurius Aulicus 3–10 Feb. sig. Bv I'le pay your tooth-less pipkin, you wizzend-chapt a call; and teach your leather eares prick-song.
1847 A. Brontë Agnes Grey xi. 158 Miss Murray was gone in the carriage with her mamma to pay some morning calls.
1862 E. C. Gaskell Jrnl. Feb. in Fraser's Mag. (1864) Apr. 435/1 We went to-day along the Boulevard Sévastopol, Rive Gauche, to pay a call.
1921 Sat. Evening Post 16 Apr. 88/2 Let's pay her a call and thank her for the wallflowers.
1925 A. Loos Gentlemen prefer Blondes ii. 48 When I found out that girls like that paid calls on Mr. Jennings I had quite a bad case of histerics.
1974 Nation's Business Mar. 41/1 When a major underworld figure dies, FBI agents pay a call at the national headquarters of the Florists' Transworld Delivery Association.
2008 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 26 June 26/1 South Africa's president, Thabo Mbeki, paid a call on Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's beleaguered dictator.
b. British colloquial. To go to the toilet.
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1959 ‘O. Mills’ Stairway to Murder xv. 155 He'd had quite a bit of beer, and I'd an idea he might have to get up and pay a call.
1991 New Beacon (Royal National Inst. Blind) Jan. 27/1 After all this tea drinking I needed to pay a call!
2013 Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Nexis) 20 Aug. 20 After enjoying refreshments at the delightful little cafe next to the Fleece pub we all needed to pay a call.
P5. call to action.
a. Something that incites or provokes activity; a prompt or summons to act.
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1657 J. Tombes Anti-pædobaptism: 3rd Pt. liii. 357 A probability of doing or receiving good, is to me a call to action.
1797 Scots Mag. May 319/1 Both the kind and the degree of improvement which the mind acquires, is suited to the nature and force of the calls to action which our situation presents.
1837 Advocate of Moral Reform 1 May 255/3 When we look abroad throughout our land and see the prevalence of the sin of licentiousness, we think there is a call to action.
1987 R. F. Gorman Coping with Africa's Refugee Burden vii. 153 Sober reflection..should not lead us to a fatalistic passivity. Rather, these daunting problems should be treated as a call to action.
2011 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 25 Sept. (T Style Mag.) 34/2 For them, like so many, the Spanish Civil War was a call to action, putting cafe-table politics to the test.
b. Marketing. Within an advertisement: an instruction to carry out a specific act; a statement or offer designed to encourage consumers to buy a product, visit a shop, etc. Abbreviated CTA.
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1981 N.Y. Times 19 Aug. d18/1 Every advertisement directed at consumers should carry a call to action.
1997 InfoWorld 1 Dec. 87/4 Strong calls to action, such as ‘buy now’, or ‘special today for Internet shoppers only’, will grab the potential customer's attention.
2014 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 15 July When you do advertise, try to include a call to action.
P6. call of duty: that which is required of a person professionally, or in relation to a person's personal duties or moral obligations. Now frequently in (above and) beyond the call of duty: beyond what may reasonably be expected of a person.In early use not a fixed collocation; cf. figurative use of sense 9a.
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1660 Declar. Major Gen. & Officers Ireland (single sheet) Being therefore invited by the highest Call of Duty and Necessity, we resolved.., to restore the Authority of the Parliament.]
1715 I. Watts Guide to Prayer ii. 59 They have then Reason to hope for more special Assistance from the Spirit of God while they obey the Call of Duty.
1799 H. English Conversat. & Amusing Tales i. 28 His wife, the virtuous Sabina,..was ready to submit to the will of her husband, and to resign pleasure at the call of duty.
1875 Munic. Reg. (Taunton, Mass.) 27 The firemen of the city are justly entitled to the highest praise for..their prompt respondences to the call of duty.
1916 School & Home Educ. Jan. 149/1 To this clear call of duty—the duty of courage—no deaf ear would be turned.
1963 Charleston (W. Va.) Gaz. 26 June 14 It is a matter of gross injustice that Bonnie Prince Charlie,..may have received a caning instead of a medal for service to his country above and beyond the call of duty.
1984 P. Fitzgerald Charlotte Mew xiii. 129 Charlotte accordingly threw herself, beyond the call of duty, into house-hunting.
2008 N.Y. Times Mag. 20 Apr. 33/2 We do not compel anyone to rush into a burning building (although we esteem those who do). Such efforts are termed supererogatory, beyond the call of duty.
P7. Islam. call to prayer (also prayers) [ultimately after Arabic aḏān adhan n.] : a call to summon Muslims to worship which is intoned or proclaimed by the muezzin from the minaret or roof of a mosque at prescribed times of the day.In later use sometimes a recording of a muezzin is used.
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1706 tr. Arabian Nights Entertainm. IV. clxv. 145 I heard the last Call to Prayers, and made haste to set out; but the malicious Barber, jealous of my Intention, went with my Servants only within sight of the House.
1788 Edinb. Mag. Nov. 303/1 They repeat in a loud voice the Ezann, or call to prayer, which warns all devout Mussulmen to repair to the mosques, and perform the Namazs.
1815 M. Elphinstone Acct. Kingdom Caubul ii. v. 202 He..stopped the usual call to prayers, and suspended all the ceremonies of religion, as if the country were under an interdict.
1936 M. R. Anand Coolie iii. 86 A mosque with four minarets from which a green-turbaned, white-robed figure, whom he presumed to be a mullah, was bawling out the call to prayers.
1976 Bull. Brit. Soc. Middle Eastern Stud. 3 13 A new and ostentatious mosque, complete with a tape-recorded call to prayer.
2010 Independent Traveller (Nexis) 30 Oct. 4 The muezzin's calls to prayer therefore clash antiphonically with the cathedral's bells, sometimes at quite anti-social hours.
P8. call to quarters: a call, esp. as sounded by a bugle, summoning soldiers to their barracks.
ΚΠ
1823 J. F. Cooper Pilot I. xviii. 245 The drum of the Englishman was now, for the first time, heard, rattling across the waters, and echoing the call to quarters, that had already proceeded from the Ariel.
1944 Mississippi Valley Hist. Rev. 31 30 The call to quarters one hour after sundown was the signal for study until tattoo, which gave warning to prepare for sleep.
2011 G. Bethlenfalvay In Search of Amer. i. 27 The plaintive chords of a distant bugle call wafting through mild waves of dusking evening air. They are the call to quarters of the Seventh Infantry Battalion.
a. Of a commercial product: to be in the greatest demand; to be the most popular; to be the favourite. Frequently more fully in to have the call of the market. Also in extended use. Cf. sense 10a. Obsolete.
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the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > quality of being approvable or acceptable > be approved or gain acceptance [verb (intransitive)] > gain greatest acceptance
to have the call1834
1834 Morning Post 23 June 4/3 Very superfine hog wool evidently has the call of the market.
1840 Fraser's Mag. 22 674 Youth has the call.
1876 F. Francis Bk. Angling (ed. 4) i. 29 Boiled wheat has the call.
1885 Brit. Trade Jrnl. Monthly Consular Suppl. 1 July 6/1 They cost much less than the French products, and consequently have the call of the market.
1908 Engin. & Mining Jrnl. 14 Nov. 984/2 In finished material structural steel has the call.
1917 Amer. Florist 14 Apr. 689/1 Easter lilies had the call as usual. Roses and carnations were the least popular.
b. Whist. In long whist: to be in a position which entitles one to call honours. See call v. 20a. Obsolete.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > whist > play whist [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics
finesse1742
to cut in1760
to cut out1771
to save one's pomp1788
to have the call1863
peter1887
cross-ruff1958
1863 G. F. Pardon Hoyle's Games Modernized 18 The partners having eight points are said to have the call.
Compounds
C1. General compounds (for those relating to telephone calls see Compounds 2).† call belt n. Obsolete a belt for carrying a bugle or similar instrument.† call rocket n. Obsolete a rocket sent up as a signal, a signal rocket.
call bell n. a bell rung as a summons or signal.
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society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > ringing of bells as signal > [noun] > bell summoning attendance
call bell1673
table bell1708
annunciator1848
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > warning of imminent danger or evil > [noun] > warning arousing the unwary > device for sounding alarm > bell
larum bellc1453
warning bell1511
alarm bell1548
call bell1673
tocsin1842
1673–4 Acct. in 16th Vol. Wren Soc. (1939) 202 Bellfounder, Call Bell 119 lbs.
1838 R. Mainwaring Ann. of Bath 125 The call bell summoned the ringers to their respective steeples.
1883 Cassell's Family Mag. Dec. 59/2 The alarms enable the brigade to leave the station within a minute after the call-bell rings.
2011 Private Eye 23 Dec. 33/1 They were also found at fault for failing to ensure that call bells were working and in reach of all residents.
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the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for body or trunk (and limbs) > [noun] > belt or sash > types of > for specific purpose
call belt1686
hunger-belt1846
waist-scarf1853
suicide belt1974
1686 London Gaz. No. 2182/4 He had..an embroidered Buff Call Belt, and an Agat-handled Sword.
call bird n. (a) a decoy bird which attracts other birds with its call; (b) figurative a product placed in a shop window in order to attract customers.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > fowling equipment > [noun] > decoy bird
stalec1440
stall?a1500
chanterelle1601
staling1601
gig1621
fetcha1640
call bird1686
caller1725
stool1825
playbird1878
brace-bird1885
jacky-bird1897
society > trade and finance > merchandise > article(s) to be sold > [noun] > article as sales lure
catchpenny1705
draw-boy1864
leader1888
call bird1901
loss leader1922
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation iv. xxvii. 158/2 You must set two or three counterfeit Birds before the first Border, with a Lapwing or Call-Bird.
1768 T. Pennant Brit. Zool. (new ed.) II. 332 The bird-catchers contrive that their call-birds should moult before the usual time.
1833 Chambers' Edinb. Jrnl. 5 Jan. 392/2 Bird-lime..is sometimes used by smearing twigs, and enticing birds to settle on them by means of a call-bird, or decoy.
1901 Farm, Field & Fireside 13 Dec. 358/1 Frequently a man buys two or three couples of English spring chickens, and then has a case of eighty ‘Russians’ sent in. He uses the English as ‘call birds’ on his shop front and those few Surreys are the means of disposing of his whole case of Russians.
1958 Observer 5 Jan. 7/4 Certain shops are studying..women's response to the ‘call-bird’. That is the name they give to extraordinary bargains placed in the windows as lures for the sales-minded.
2000 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 11 Sept. 24 The trap is baited by a call bird which entices the magpies into a chamber.
call-board n. Theatre a noticeboard on which announcements for the cast and crew are posted.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > call-sheet or board
call-board1851
call sheet1907
1851 Amateur: Guide to Stage ii. 14 You will next look at the call board, ascertain what pieces are called for rehearsal.
1886 J. B. Howe Cosmopolitan Actor 134 I saw the cast of ‘Colleen Bawn’ still on the call-board.
2001 Cincinnati Mag. Sept. 148 The Marx Theater's latest call-board is only seven years old.
call-book n. †(a) a book containing a list of names, esp. those of the sailors in a ship's company (obsolete); (b) a book kept by a trade union in which the details of those offering and those seeking employment are recorded (now historical); (c) a book in which radio call signs are recorded.
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society > communication > record > list > [noun] > list of names or people > for checking presence
name bookeOE
roll1593
check-roll1599
call-book1663
band-roll1693
1663 S. Pepys Diary 15 Jan. (1971) IV. 15 To examine the proof of our new way of the Call-bookes.
1803 Naval Chron. 15 57 Are copies of the muster or call book sent to the Navy Board?
1865 Printers' Jrnl. 16 Jan. 13/1 To depend habitually upon the stray jobs obtainable from the call-book is but another name for slow starvation.
1893 Board of Trade, Labour Dept.: Rep. Unemployed 46 in Parl. Papers 1892–3 (C. 7182) LXXXII. 377 Call books are kept at the lodge-house for members out of work to sign.
1921 Youth's Compan. 29 Dec. 743/4 He looked in his call book; it was the destroyer G.
1994 J. Burnett Idle Hands iii. 113 The tramp was given..information about local jobs from the ‘call-book’.
2010 T. McCarthy C v. 64 Serge used to answer all CQs, noting each station's details in his call-book.
call button n. a button which summons a person when pressed, typically by causing a call bell to ring; (now frequently) a button for calling a lift.
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society > communication > indication > signalling > audible signalling > ringing of bells as signal > [noun] > bell summoning attendance > button for
call button1865
1865 Builder's & Contractor's Price-bk. xiii. 211 Call buttons for fixing in the different apartments.
1878 Telegr. Jrnl. 6 113/2 When the attention of either station has been called on its bells by pressing the call-button.
1966 J. Chamier Cannonball vi. 52 I..pressed the call button for the lift.
1991 High Life (Brit. Airways) May 83/1 This is also where you'll find your reading light switch and call button on Concorde.
1994 P. Baker Blood Posse vii. 81 Dave thumped the call button frantically when the lights stopped at the eighth floor.
call changes n. Campanology changes (change n. 9a) rung in response to spoken or written commands.
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society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > playing instruments > bell-ringing > [noun] > going through all the changes > changes > specific
set peal16..
grandsire1668
whole pull1668
bob1671
peal1671
course1677
set changes1677
single1684
single change1688
Plain Bob1702
Stedman1731
Superlative Surprise1788
touch1788
triple1798
triple bob major1809
maximus1813
royal1813
call changes1837
slam1854
cater1872
cinques1872
triple change1872
plain hunt1874
plain hunting1874
quarter peal1888
method1901
short course1904
1837 Musical World 3 Nov. 125 In the ordinary exercise of ringing what we believe are denominated ‘call-changes’, the case is different; for then the tenor-bell man proclaims the change.
1872 H. T. Ellacombe Bells of Church iii. 35 The ringing ‘rounds’, and ‘call-changes’ was a good deal cultivated, a very long time before the birth of half-pull change-ringing.
2014 Star (Sheffield) (Nexis) 23 Jan. Once I had mastered call changes, where the bells are called in a different order, I progressed to ringing before the Sunday morning service.
call day n. †(a) (in a parliamentary house, esp. the House of Commons) a day appointed for the reading out of members' names from a list in order to establish who is present (see sense 4) (obsolete); †(b) a day appointed for the yearly assembly of the Orphan's court (Orphan's court n. at orphan n. and adj. Compounds 2) (obsolete); (c) (in the English Inns of Court) a day on which a ceremony to call students to the bar is held (see sense 11b, to be called to the bar at bar n.1 24).
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the world > time > period > year > [noun] > specific days of the year
Candlemas1014
May Day1267
All Souls' Dayc1300
midsummer evena1400
firstc1400
Beltane1424
midsummer eve1426
quarter day1435
Beltane1456
mid-Sundaya1475
madding-day1568
Lord Mayor's day1591
Barnaby bright1595
Lammas-eve1597
All Saints' Night1607
Handsel Monday1635
distaff's day1648
long Barnabya1657
St. Valentine's eve1671
leet-day1690
All Fools' Day1702
Boxing Day1743
April Fool's Day1748
Royal Oak Day1759
box day1765
Oak-apple Day1802
All Souls' Eve1805
mischief night1830
Shick-shack Day1847
chalk-back day1851
call night1864
Nut-Monday1867
Arbor Day1872
April Fool's1873
Labour Day1884
Martinmas Sunday1885
call day1886
Samhain1888
Juneteenth1890
Mother's Day1890
Father's Day1908
Thinking Day1927
Punkie night1931
Tweede Nuwejaar1947
1647 Moderate Intelligencer No. 136. 1334 Divers Members who came not upon the Call day, reporting the cause, were excused of there twenty pound.
1691 G. Miege New State Eng. iii. xv. 114 This Court meets at Guildhall but once a Year, viz. on the Munday morning after Midlent Sunday, which is termed Call-Day.
1720 J. Strype tr. in Stow's Survey of London (rev. ed.) II. v. xxvii. 372/2 The Lord Maior and Court of Aldermen do meet at Guild-hall, and sit in the Orphans Court, once in every Year..to hear the Names of all Securities..called over; wherefore that Day is called Call-day.
1785 Morning Chron. 21 Feb. Pursuant to an order of that House, the names of the several defaulters on the last Call Day will be read over.
1843 Satirist 5 Mar. 2/3 Q. 5. What is a duces tecum? A. Bringing a friend to Hall on call day.
1886 Whitaker's Almanack 9 Inns of Court Law (Dining) Terms—Hilary begins 11 January, ends 1 February; Call Day, 26 January.
2006 Times 17 Oct. (Student Law section) 8/6 Call day: I'd made it! I got my BVC results... All that remained was to be Called.
call-down n. U.S. colloquial (now rare) a rebuke, a scolding, a ‘dressing down’; cf. to call down 4 at call v. Phrasal verbs 1.
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1893 Washington Post 8 Aug. 6/3 Uncle Anson was querulous and Umpire Hurst gave him a call down.
1908 Retail Clerks Internat. Advocate Jan. 16/1 The worse part about these call-downs was the fact that they occurred at a time when the house was crowded with customers.
1917 P. G. Wodehouse Man with Two Left Feet 121 The feller that tries to get gay with me is going to get a call-down that'll make him holler for his winter overcoat.
1957 J. Kerouac On the Road xi. 61 His girl Lee Ann had a bad tongue and gave him a calldown every day.
call duck n. a decoy duck, spec. one of a breed of domesticated bantam ducks; (also) the breed itself; a duck of this breed.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > fowling > fowling equipment > [noun] > decoy bird > decoy-duck
coy-duck1602
coy1629
coy-bird1639
decoy-duck1651
call duck1656
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso 186 The true de quois, or call-ducks.
1847 New Sporting Mag. Sept. 204 The peasants, who supply the markets, when they go out for shooting wildfowl by night, take..a basket of call-ducks.
1908 Scotsman 8 Sept. 6/6 At a mansion-house near this where call ducks—those near relatives of the mallard—are kept in the grounds several ducks have..assumed almost the full plumage of the drake.
2012 G. Drowns Storey's Guide to Raising Poultry (ed. 4) xiii. 189 Muscovies and Call ducks are the exception. Both breeds are able to fly from pen to pen.
call house n. †(a) a place for labourers to congregate for a call to work or for work instructions (obsolete); (b) (U.S.) a brothel, spec. one to which the prostitutes are summoned by telephone; cf. call girl n. 2 (now historical).
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society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > brothel
houseOE
bordelc1300
whorehousec1330
stew1362
bordel housec1384
stewc1384
stivec1386
stew-house1436
bordelryc1450
brothel house1486
shop?1515
bains1541
common house1545
bawdy-house1552
hothouse1556
bordello1581
brothela1591
trugging house1591
trugging place1591
nunnery1593
vaulting-house1596
leaping house1598
Pickt-hatch1598
garden house1606
vaulting-school1606
flesh-shambles1608
whore-sty1621
bagnioa1640
public house1640
harlot-house1641
warrena1649
academy1650
call house1680
coney burrow1691
case1699
nanny-house1699
house of ill reputea1726
smuggling-ken1725
kip1766
Corinth1785
disorderly house1809
flash-house1816
dress house1823
nanny-shop1825
house of tolerance1842
whore shop1843
drum1846
introducing house1846
khazi1846
fast house1848
harlotry1849
maison de tolérance1852
knocking-shop1860
lupanar1864
assignation house1870
parlour house1871
hook shop1889
sporting house1894
meat house1896
massage parlour1906
case house1912
massage establishment1921
moll-shop1923
camp1925
notch house1926
creep joint1928
slaughterhouse1928
maison de convenance1930
cat-house1931
Bovril1936
maison close1939
joy-house1940
rib joint1940
gaff1947
maison de passe1960
rap parlour1973
1680 St. Paul's Cathedral Building Accts. in 13th Vol. Wren Soc. (1936) 132 Takeing down the Call-house, and new setting up the same by the Passage gates.
1716 in Wren Soc. (1939) 16 124 Ordered..That this order be read to them [sc. the workers] in the Call-house by the Call-master.
1909 Juvenile Court Rec. Nov. 2/2 Hundreds of these girls..are summoned to the houses by telephone. The houses to which they are thus summoned are known as ‘call houses’.
1910 Royal Comm. Poor Laws: App. IX. 58/1 They have a call house, they sit there most of the week. When an employer wants an extra hand, he sends along to this call-house.
1929 W. R. Burnett Little Caesar vii. v. 270 Sometimes at night he would go to one of the call-houses on a nearby street and spend a couple of hours with one of the women.
1963 Arizona Republic 26 July 2/1 The sidewalk and call-house trade..has received a new spurt in recent months from an influx of shady characters from Algeria.
2009 J. Buntin L.A. Noir xii. 127 Stoker..asked him if he'd like to patronize Hollywood's most glamorous call house.
call letter n. a letter of the alphabet comprising (part of) a call sign (call sign n.).
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society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > radio codes and call-signs
call signal1853
call letter1876
call sign1896
ten signal1951
good buddy1956
Zulu1960
ten-code1969
twenty1975
1876 Telegr. Jrnl. 1 Jan. 8/1 As most sub-offices..communicate only with their own head offices, complication is unnecessary, hence, single call letters, viz.: D, G, K, O, R, S, &c.
1913 Year-bk. Wireless Telegr. 286 Combinations of ‘call-letters’ which are in turn allotted to ship and land stations.
1994 Billboard 11 June 87/1 Choice call letters may become a bit more scarce now that the FCC has modified its rules to allow low-power television stations to use standard broadcast call signs, instead of the present alphanumeric call signs (e.g. K23EF).
call loan n. a loan that has no final maturity and is repayable on demand.
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society > trade and finance > financial dealings > moneylending > [noun] > loan > other loans
precarium1681
call loan1848
home loan1851
personal loan1853
short-loan1865
student loan1889
subprime1975
1848 N.Y. Herald 20 Apr. 3/2 Call loans are very important, and in very desirable shape, when the banks themselves are watching the course of things.
1882 Pall Mall Gaz. 7 June 5/2 Recourse had more and more to ‘call’ loans.
1990 Globe & Mail (Canada) (Nexis) 6 Dec. We have been investing regularly in short-term call loans with several major brokerage firms.
call man n. (a) U.S. a firefighter who is summoned when needed, as opposed to being permanently employed (now historical); †(b) British a man responsible for summoning fog signalmen (fog signalman n. at fog signal n. Compounds) to duty (obsolete).
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the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > coldness > extinguishing fire > [noun] > fire-fighting > fire-brigade > man who calls fire-brigade for duty
call man1876
call boy1877
1876 Baltimore Underwriter 14 Sept. 170/2 In regard to number of permanent men, if any, or the proper number of call men, or the compensation to be allowed them, are all questions to be decided by the necessities of each city or town for itself.
1900 Railway Accidents 128/2 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 169) LXXV. 45 The delay in getting the fogmen was owing to the appointed call-man not being at home when sent for.
1905 Westm. Gaz. 19 Apr. 8/1 When instructions were sent to call-man Hills to order out all the fogmen.
2007 B. A. Doherty Milton Firefighting iv. 51 William J. Hicks joined the Milton Fire Department in 1899, serving as a call man until he was appointed a permanent fireman in 1916.
call meeting n. originally U.S. (now historical or Liberian English) a meeting convened for a special purpose, as opposed to one held regularly.
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1842 S. Carolina Temperance Advocate 24 Nov. 1/4 At a call meeting of the Mount Tabor Temperance Society, it was moved..that Mr. James M. Eppes..address the Society.
1904 W. N. Harben Georgians 31 That afternoon they held a call meeting of Republicans in the parlor.
1957 N.Y. Amsterdam News 13 Apr. 6 These demands were made..by a group of 100 parents who attended a call meeting of the Parents Committee for Better Education.
2008 Africa News (Nexis) 26 May [Liberia] The decision was taken at a call meeting last Saturday at the NPA head office on Bushrod Island.
call money n. (a) money demanded of shareholders holding shares in an insolvent company, used to pay the company's creditors (now rare); (b) money lent in the money market that is repayable on demand or at short notice; cf. time money n. at time n., int., and conj. Compounds 2.
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society > trade and finance > money > [noun] > ready money or cash
ready money1429
argent-contentc1540
bitec1555
present money1572
chink1580
cash1600
bit1607
real money1675
fob?c1680
Darby1682
ready1684
blunt1819
makeready1830
hardshells1840
ante1843
spot cash1855
call money1856
necessary1897
1856 Trewman's Exeter Flying Post 15 May 7/2 He was entrusted to pay £300. as call money upon a number of shares in a concern in process of winding up.
1859 Standard 16 July 5/4 The only alteration made by the National Discount Company is in call money, which in new transactions will be regulated at the rate of 1¾ instead of 2 per cent. as heretofore.
1885 Daily News 12 Feb. 7/2 Most of the banks affecting to consider call money as the same thing [as cash on hand].
1897 Law Times 20 Nov. 59/1 An injunction restraining the company..from taking proceedings to recover the amount of the alleged call which had been made, and from parting with any proceeds of the call money.
1958 Financial Times 4 July 5/4 (headline) S. African call money rate.
1992 Economist 4 July 89/1 Investments at the short end, ranging from call money to fixed deposits and medium-term bonds.
call night n. (in the English Inns of Court) a night on which a ceremony to call students to the bar is held (see sense 11b, to be called to the bar at bar n.1 24).
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the world > time > period > year > [noun] > specific days of the year
Candlemas1014
May Day1267
All Souls' Dayc1300
midsummer evena1400
firstc1400
Beltane1424
midsummer eve1426
quarter day1435
Beltane1456
mid-Sundaya1475
madding-day1568
Lord Mayor's day1591
Barnaby bright1595
Lammas-eve1597
All Saints' Night1607
Handsel Monday1635
distaff's day1648
long Barnabya1657
St. Valentine's eve1671
leet-day1690
All Fools' Day1702
Boxing Day1743
April Fool's Day1748
Royal Oak Day1759
box day1765
Oak-apple Day1802
All Souls' Eve1805
mischief night1830
Shick-shack Day1847
chalk-back day1851
call night1864
Nut-Monday1867
Arbor Day1872
April Fool's1873
Labour Day1884
Martinmas Sunday1885
call day1886
Samhain1888
Juneteenth1890
Mother's Day1890
Father's Day1908
Thinking Day1927
Punkie night1931
Tweede Nuwejaar1947
1864 Belfast News-let. 22 Nov. 4/1 It is questionable whether the joviality could have surpassed that of the memorable call night of Michaelmas Term, 1864.
1920 H. Johnston Mrs. Warren's Daughter (U.S. ed.) ix. 125 David was called to the Bar..with all the stately ceremonial of a Call night at the Inner Temple.
1997 Times 27 May 33/4 Lord Justice Staughton drew attention to the fact at the Inner Temple's call night.
call note n. the note or sound used by a bird or other animal in calling (as distinct from that of a bird song).
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the world > animals > by noises > voice or sound made by animal > [noun]
chirma800
songOE
chattera1250
cryc1300
languagec1350
notea1400
call1584
gabblea1616
clamour1719
call note1802
vocalization1829
dialect1921
1802 G. Montagu Ornithol. Dict. at Finch—Bul The call notes are simple, but more audible.
1883 Cent. Mag. Aug. 484/1 The European partridge and Bob White differ in their call-notes.
1920 Rules & Regulations 15 [Mantled ground squirrel] Voice.-—A call note is given like tseeup, or tseek.
2009 Independent 6 Jan. 15/4 The tawny owl..is also nocturnal but best known for its two call-notes.
call number n. originally U.S. a mark, esp. a number, on a library book, or listed in a library’s catalogue, indicating the book’s location in the library; a book's press mark or shelf mark.
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society > communication > book > library or collection of books > library, place, or institution > [noun] > press- or shelf-mark
press mark1792
shelf-mark1842
call number1876
1876 M. Dewey et al. in Public Libraries U.S.A.: Special Rep.: Pt. I (Dept. Interior, Bureau Educ.) xxviii. 626 Determining the character of any book simply from its call number.
1964 N. R. Ker Medieval Libraries (ed. 2) 225 No entry follows the call number of the book if the inscription is in the common ex dono or dedit form.
1991 Jrnl. Theol. Stud. 42 372 The fourteenth-century Salisbury antiphonal..was purchased by the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, where it has the call-number MS. 20541 E.
call-on n. now historical a meeting at which dockyard labourers are hired; cf. call time n. 1b.
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society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [noun] > hiring market > of dockers
call1851
call-on1945
1945 Manch. Guardian 31 Oct. 5/5 The average docker leaves home at, roughly, 6.30 a.m. He lines up at the ‘call on’, which at some places is like a cattle pen.
1955 Times 4 July 8/2 It was decided to hold another meeting..before the normal docks call-on time to-day.
1996 J. Phillips Great Alliance ii. 32 Port labour committees could punish absenteeism by withholding military exemption, and dockers attended the call-on far more assiduously as a result.
call option n. Stock Market an option to buy assets at an agreed price on or before a particular date.
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society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > specific operations or arrangements
intromission1567
hedginga1631
retiring1681
partnership1704
put1718
time bargain1720
bargain for time1721
option1746
call1825
put and call1826
cornering1841
corner1853
raid1866
pooling1871
squeeze1872
call option1874
recapitalization1874
short squeeze1877
split-up1878
margin call1888
pyramid1888
profit taking1891
pyramiding1895
underwriting1895
melon-cutting1900
round turn1901
market-making1902
put-through1902
put and take1921
round trip1922
put and take1929
leverage1931
split-down1932
switching1932
give-up1934
mark to market1938
recap1940
rollover1947
downtick1954
stock split1955
traded option1955
leg1959
stock splitting1959
rollover1961
split1972
spread betting1972
unitization1974
marking-to-market1981
swap1982
telebroking1984
1874 A. Crump Theory Stock Exchange Speculation i. 24 The ‘call’ option..is the option of claiming a specified amount of stock at a future fixed date, such date, together with the price, to be agreed upon at the time the option money is paid.
1961 K. S. Most How to make Money on Stock Exchange iii. 35 I may not have this money available..so I arrange to give the price of a call option, say, 5s. per share, for the right to buy 100 Woolworths' shares at any time during the next twelve weeks at a price of, say, 66s.
2002 D. Goleman et al. Business: Ultimate Resource 874/2 Nonetheless, the warrant provides value to the bond holder in the form of a call option on the company's equity.
call-over n. (a) British a roll-call (now historical); (b) Horse Racing a meeting held to determine the betting odds for a particular race, in which bets are placed on horses whose names are read out from a list (now rare).
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the mind > language > naming > [noun] > reading aloud of names
call1606
absence1753
mustering1769
bill1814
muster roll1834
call-over1863
1863 Uppingham School Mag. May 65 At call-over for Morning Church of course everyone was full of it.
1887 Charity Organ. Rev. June 245 A Saturday call-over at school.
1925 Illustr. London News 23 May 1016/2 As a result of the Derby call-over at the Victoria Club.., Mr. H. E. Morris's Manna..and Lord Astor's Cross Bow became joint favourites for the Derby at 11 to 2.
1927 Daily Tel. 8 Mar. 15/1 That all such bets transacted at the club's ‘calls-over’ would be free of tax to the backer.
1961 Glasgow Herald 9 May 6/6 Their prices remained on the same mark as at last Monday's call-over.
2001 F. Spalding Gwen Raverat vi. 96 Each morning she left for school at 7.28 in order to be at ‘call-over’ by 7.40.
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1875 Naut. Mag. June 536 The Marine Department of the Board of Trade have had manufactured for them..a new sort of rocket, which the department has named a ‘call’ rocket.
1891 Sailing Direct. West Coast Eng. (Admiralty Hydrographic Dept.) (ed. 4) iv. 84 The signal will be a Call rocket of great brilliancy, showing a magnesium flame in falling.
call room n. now historical (a) a room or kiosk containing a public telephone (now rare); (b) U.S., Australian, and New Zealand the room in a stock exchange where commodities are auctioned.
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society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [noun] > stock exchange > parts of
trading pit1878
call room1882
trading floor1882
trading post1890
settling room1902
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [noun] > telephone booth
call box1877
telephone box1878
call office1882
call room1882
pay station1888
telephone booth1888
public telephone1889
phone box1890
telephone kiosk1890
phone booth1904
coin-box1906
box1922
kiosk1928
booth1930
phone kiosk1955
paybox1975
1882 J. E. K. Telephone 33 Call-rooms have been established in different parts of London, in which are placed telephones connected with the Exchanges.
1886 Harper's Mag. July 213/1 The Call Room daily presents an impressive spectacle of the traffic in grain.
1936 Auckland Star 30 Sept. 4/1 A reception was held last evening to celebrate the opening of the new call room of the Auckland Stock Exchange.
1991 P. Young Person to Person iii. 33 The first [telephone] exchange in Norwich had a call room for use by subscribers.
1999 Hobart (Tasmania) Mercury (Nexis) 28 Feb. Starting as a quote recorder in the Melbourne call room, before the days of post trading, he rose to become managing director of the Melbourne exchange.
call sheet n. Theatre and Film a sheet specifying the times at which various members of the cast and crew are required to be at the theatre or on set.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > call-sheet or board
call-board1851
call sheet1907
1907 Evening Record (Traverse City, Mich.) 10 Oct. 6/1 A call sheet is put up in the back entrance and upon it you will find your name and the number of your dressing room.
1955 Times 25 Aug. 12/4 The rehearsal call-sheet lists animals side by side with ladies and gentlemen of the chorus.
2001 Premiere Sept. 99/1 You look at the call sheet for the next day and you're like, Aw, fuck! Half the day in blue screen.
call sign n. (a) a signal that a telephone call is being made (now rare); (b) a name or code used in radio communication to identify a person, ship, aircraft, or other transmitter, spec. a sequence of letters and numbers identifying a particular radio or television station.
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society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > radio codes and call-signs
call signal1853
call letter1876
call sign1896
ten signal1951
good buddy1956
Zulu1960
ten-code1969
twenty1975
1896 Electr. World 22 Aug. 218/2 The burning of this lamp serves the operator as the call sign.
1907 Economist 20 July 1214/2 Particulars of the locality, ‘call signs’, range and wave-lengths of the various stations.
1921 Glasgow Herald 4 Feb. 9 Shortly after two o'clock she was called, but did not answer her call-sign.
1937 Argus (Melbourne) 1 Dec. 3/4 From to-day the call sign of the short-wave station of the Australian Broadcasting Commission will be changed from VK3LR to VLR.
1981 Billboard 19 Dec. 13/3 KCBS-FM is changing its call sign to KRQR because of the ‘continuing marketing problem of confusion with KCBS-AM's news radio’.
1990 Vanity Fair Aug. 106/2 Brando has been known to transmit messages under a number of call signs, or ‘handles’.
2013 Navy News Nov. 9/1 Testing its defensive aid suite above HMS Dragon is the destroyer's helicopter, callsign Flametrap.
call signal n. (a) a signal, typically an audible one, that a telegraphic message has arrived, or that there is a telephone call to be answered (now rare); (b) = call sign n. (b).
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society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > radio codes and call-signs
call signal1853
call letter1876
call sign1896
ten signal1951
good buddy1956
Zulu1960
ten-code1969
twenty1975
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > [noun] > signals or tones
call signal1853
telephone call1878
tone1878
ring-off1885
busy tone1902
buzz1913
dialling tone1917
dial tone1920
ringtone1921
ringing tone1922
pip1929
pip-pip-pip1936
logatom1937
pay-tone1958
ringtone1984
1853 H. Mapple & D. M. Mapple Brit. Patent 2345 (1854) 359 The call signal or alarum consists in placing aney number of weights or balls at aney required heigth; an electric current sent from a distant station will act upon a lever, and release the weights or balls, wich, falling on aney sounding material,..will call attention.
1884 Every Boy's Ann. 120/2 This system can make a Bell telephone..speak loud enough to be heard throughout a room; and it comprises besides a call-signal within itself.
1912 in Year-bk. Wireless Telegr. (1913) 52 The call signals must be differentiated from one another, and each one must consist of a group of three letters.
1922 Pop. Radio Aug. 273/1 Suppose the Smith Manufacturing Co. enters an application for a radio license and asks for the allotment of a call signal for its station.
1961 Nation's Business Sept. 50 (advt.) Call signals and lights [on an intercom] can be soft and courteous, yet efficient.
2005 Occup. & Environmental Med. 62 761/2 The Registry..includes information on name, date of birth, job title, name and call signal of the ship.
call slip n. U.S. a slip on which a reader or borrower in a library enters details of the book or books required.
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society > communication > book > library or collection of books > library, place, or institution > [noun] > call-slip
call slip1877
1877 Amer. Libr. Jrnl. 31 Aug. 432/2 For a call slip for the use of either the public or attendants, the committee recommend unprinted paper 5 x 5 cm.
1951 M. Klausner in J. W. Perry & R. S. Casey Punched Cards xiv. 223 The book slip at this stage may serve as a call slip if the desired book is to be found in closed stacks.
2007 Washington Post (Nexis) 25 Oct. c5 As the library modernizes, one holdup is the system of paper call slips used in the main reading room.
call stack n. Computing a record containing information about each procedure, subroutine, etc., being run by a program.
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1966 J. H. Saltzer Traffic Control in Multiplexed Computer Syst. (Sc.D. thesis, Mass. Inst. Technol.) i. 5 The call stack may also be used for temporary storage needed by a procedure.
1992 InfoWorld 28 Sept. 76/1 Other windows let you examine the status of the call stack, breakpoints, environmental settings, and color.
2012 J. Adler R in Nutshell (ed. 2) viii. 104 Each time a new function is called, a new environment is pushed onto the call stack.
C2. Compounds relating to telephone calls (see sense 18).† call-disc n. Obsolete (in early telephone exchanges) a disc whose movement or appearance indicates a caller who wishes to be connected.
call barring n. chiefly British a telephone service which restricts usage of a particular telephone line by preventing the connection of calls made from or to specified numbers or dialling codes.
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1982 Financial Times 16 Mar. 8/3 The features include..call barring which prevents people ringing you.
1995 Kay & Co. (Worcester) Catal. Autumn 664/2 Audioline payphone..Design for future coinage as the payphone can learn a new coin/token..Call barring for international and premium calls.
2002 Which? Sept. 27/1 Not all will support BT's additional offers, such as ring back, call barring and call diversion.
call centre n. an office staffed and equipped to handle large numbers of telephone calls, using computer technology to assist in the management of calls, supply of information, etc.; esp. such an office providing the centralized customer contact and customer service functions of a large business or other organization.
ΚΠ
1975 Operating Section Proc. (Amer. Gas Assoc.) d84/3 The call is made on a toll-free WATS line to the Call Center in the Detroit area.
1983 Data Communications May 66/3 Each of these ‘call centers’ is staffed with agents who work with Honeywell intelligent terminals, enabling them to quote rates and compute discounts given to large users.
1993 Sat. Night (Toronto) June 55/2 (advt.) A computer-integrated call centre that combines the power of the computer with the flexibility of the telephone.
2010 Independent 17 Apr. 43/3 I try to behave decently with people in call centres..but when they start with ‘How are you?’, I immediately want to slam the receiver down.
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society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [noun] > exchange > exchange equipment
private line1852
bank1884
call-disc1884
howler1886
trunk1889
multiple switchboard1891
rack1893
line switch1898
heat coil1900
relay rack1902
multiple1905
listening key1906
telharmonium1906
wiper1906
preselector1912
line finder1922
rank1924
routiner1928
keysender1929
uniselector1930
wiper arm1933
1884 Every Boy's Ann. 124/2 The circles in the figure are the little windows at which the call-disc makes its appearance.
1889 Chambers's Jrnl. 16 Mar. 176/1 Every instant the call-discs are dropping, the connecting plugs are being thrust into their holes, and the girls are asking: ‘Hallo! Hallo!’
call diversion n. a telephone service which allows incoming calls to be automatically diverted to a different line or number; cf. call forwarding n.
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1970 Guardian 9 Mar. 12/4 This is also true of call diversion, whereby a person temporarily absent from his home may arrange for calls to be automatically diverted to another telephone number.
1980 Times 15 Apr. 18/4 Call diversion enables a subscriber to be ‘followed’ telephonically to another number, after the details have been keyed in by the subscriber concerned.
1995 Canberra Times 22 Nov. 7 Enhanced services such as call waiting, call diversion, itemised billing and advanced mail services.
call forwarding n. a telephone service which allows incoming calls to be transferred automatically to a different telephone line or number; cf. call diversion n.
ΚΠ
1963 Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) 2 Feb. When the subscriber returns to his original telephone, call forwarding can immediately be removed.
1996 A. Ghosh Calcutta Chromosome (1997) xvii. 115 He had voice mail at LifeWatch and call-forwarding when he was out.
2005 Time Out N.Y. 21 July 48/2 You can enable special features such as call blocking or call forwarding.
call handler n. a person employed in call handling.
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1980 Winnipeg Free Press 9 Sept. 7/2 Because CAD's civilian call handlers are less adept than district police at judging the seriousness of the calls, over-all quality of police protection has suffered, he said.
2011 Independent 10 Feb. 10/2 Patients would ring the Government's new 111 number and NHS Direct call handlers would give patients a range of options including booking an appointment at their practice.
call handling n. the way in which incoming telephone calls are dealt with, esp. by a business or other organization receiving a large number of calls.
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1970 D. J. Douglas Occup. & Therapeutic Contingencies of Ambulance Services in Metrop. Areas (PhD. Diss., Univ. of California) 302 The men in a central communications operation are usually more experienced and better trained in call handling..than the usual ‘pick-up’ dispatcher.
1985 Computerworld 21 Jan. 30/3 In advertising..proper call handling is extremely important. This is a service business, and success means, very simply, providing clients with the best possible service.
1998 Direct Apr. 8/3 The move mimics News International's ITS company, Broadsystem, which is now expanding into live operator call handling.
call history n. a function of a telephone or telephone system which enables the creation of a chronological record of incoming and outgoing calls; the record thus made.attributive in earliest use.
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1983 Computerworld 6 June 65 (advt.) Telephone management capabilities:..Call history file.
1985 Computerworld 13 May 119/2 (advt.) Easy-to-use communications features include speed calling, call history, call timer, and call notes.
2001 Contact May 9/1 Standard mobile phone functions (including caller ID, call history and speed-dial numbers).
2013 M. Zailckas Mother, Mother (2014) 39 ‘Your father and that goddamn phone!’.. ‘Have you checked his call history?’
call office n. an establishment where members of the public can make and receive telephone calls.
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society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [noun] > exchange
telephone exchange1878
local exchange1879
call office1882
central1883
exchange1887
private branch exchange1904
PBX1914
zone centre1934
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > telephone equipment > [noun] > telephone booth
call box1877
telephone box1878
call office1882
call room1882
pay station1888
telephone booth1888
public telephone1889
phone box1890
telephone kiosk1890
phone booth1904
coin-box1906
box1922
kiosk1928
booth1930
phone kiosk1955
paybox1975
1882 Manch. Guardian 13 May 12/6 The Company are prepared to consider the opening of call offices in any other district.
1895 Daily News 13 Sept. 5/3 The charge for conversations..within a distance of 25 kilometres from the call-office..has so far been 5d.
2006 Mexico (Lonely Planet) (ed. 10) 982/2 Locutorios and casetas de teléfono (call offices where an on-the-spot operator connects the call for you) are quite widespread.
call return n. a telephone service which gives details of or automatically dials the number of the last incoming call.
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1984 PR Newswire (Nexis) 13 Mar. CLASS features to be automatically available after PUC approval and requiring no additional customer equipment are: Selective Call Rejection; Customer Originated Trace; Automatic Call Return; [etc.].
1984 Orlando Sentinel 11 Nov. b7 (advt.) Call Return... Discover the call you just missed. Dial *69..to automatically dial the last person to have called you.
1994 Daily Mirror 28 Oct. 17 Most helplines have decided not to use Call Return or Caller Display, so calls remain completely confidential.
call station n. †(a) a centre where calls made by telegraph, esp. to summon police officers or firefighters, are received; a telegraph station (obsolete); (b) an establishment where members of the public can make and receive telephone calls; a telephone box or kiosk.
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1876 E. M. Shaw Fire Protection App. 46 Many other ‘Calls’..may be arranged for, all such being made..by the pressure of a button..telegraphically connected with the nearest ‘Call Station’ of the Company.
1881 Pall Mall Gaz. 24 Sept. 6/1 Since the practical abolition of the steam fire stations at Watling-street and Farringdon-street the entire City of London had not really anything to depend upon but the call station at Ludgate-circus.
1884 Bristol Mercury 23 Jan. 6/3 The connection of hospitals, cab stands, and public call stations with the central exchange.
1907 Lancet 27 July 240/2 The telephone call station.
1997 Security Mar. 74/2 Coming soon is a new solar powered call box locator light... It goes with our solar powered call station.
call waiting n. a telephone service whereby a person making or receiving a call is alerted to another incoming call on the same line, typically also allowing the first caller to be placed on hold while the second is answered.
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society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > [noun] > telephone services
answering service1904
information1910
speaking clock1934
talking clock1936
TIM1936
telebus1942
wake-up service1946
subscriber trunk dialling1952
freephone1959
telephone hotline1961
WATS1962
call waiting1963
night line1970
phone-in1970
telephone helpline1970
help-line1980
line1983
Cellnet1984
chat line1984
Vodafone1984
telepoint1987
callback1992
1963 Washington Post 16 Sept. a15/4 The system that enables you to butt in on a helpmate is called ‘Call Waiting’.
1987 A. Maupin Significant Others ix. 76 ‘Well, has he called?’ ‘How could he,’ Michael answered, ‘when you keep calling to find out if he's called?’ ‘Bullshit. You've got Call Waiting.’
1999 M. Bank Girls' Guide Hunting & Fishing 243 I'm getting the address of the party when my call waiting beeps... ‘Hi,’ I say, flustered. ‘I'm on another call.’
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
callv.
/kɔːl/, U.S. /kɔl/, /kɑl/ I. Senses in which crying out, declaring, or announcing is the primary meaning.
1.
a. To cry out loudly, forcibly, and distinctly, so as to be heard at a distance. Cf. to call out 2a at Phrasal verbs 1.
(a) intransitive. With prepositional phrase indicating where or to whom the call is directed.
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OE Battle of Maldon (1942) 91 Ongan ceallian þa ofer cald wæter Byrhtelmes bearn.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Margaret (Royal) (1934) 7 Ha bigon to cleopien & callen þus to Criste.
a1350 in G. L. Brook Harley Lyrics (1968) 53 (MED) To þe y clepie ant calle.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 3146 Upon hire knes sche gan doun falle..and to him calle.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 208 After his felawe he bigan to calle.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. xxvi. sig. i.vi Callynge to her, in the name of Jhesu.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. vi. sig. Z.viiiv Dauid called after hym, sayenge: whome pursuest thou noble prince.
1646 Vox Cœli to Eng. 4 A voice also day and night cried, and called to her, even to the interruption of her rest and sleep.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 205 Mr. Great-heart called after him, saying, so-ho, Friend, let us have your Company. View more context for this quotation
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 100 He calling earnestly after me.
1788 C. Dibdin Musical Tour xxxvi. 143 He called to one of the sailors to tell him what it was.
1833 N. Amer. Rev. Oct. 481 He called to the musicians to cease.
1876 ‘H. Stretton’ Michel Lorio's Cross (1877) 31 He plodded on westward, towards the tide, calling into the growing darkness.
1919 J. K. Jerome All Roads lead to Calvary xiii. 238 She called down the kitchen stairs to the landlady, but received no answer.
1974 W. Foley Child in Forest i. 124 She would call across the garden to Grancher..to ask him how his taters were comin' on.
1992 R. Graef Living Dangerously 15 I said ‘sorry’ and kept walking. But he and his mate called after me.
(b) intransitive. Without construction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > cry or shout [verb (intransitive)] > call
clepec825
grede?c1225
greeta1325
calla1400
glewc1400
lure1601
loud-hail1964
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 7341 Þan bigan þai cal and cri, þat godd o þam suld ha merci.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos ii. sig. F.ij In vain I cald and cald.
1573 G. Gascoigne tr. Ariosto Supposes v. v, in Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 64 Since the dore is open, I will neither knocke nor call, but we will be bolde to goe in.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. i. 74 Here is her fathers house, Ile call aloud. View more context for this quotation
1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all ii. 14 Do you hear, my Aunt calls.
1766 T. Amory Life John Buncle II. 390 She called, but no one came near to her relief.
1790 Trip to Weymouth I. 114 He's there—he calls—my Damon calls.
1848 S. Bamford Early Days (1849) vi. 63 I thereupon called as loudly as I could.
1887 F. Heermans Thirteen i. 21 She called again and waited for an answer, and again the hollow echoes mocked her.
1916 I. Davidson & C. T. Bryce Busy Brownies at Play iv. 110 ‘Mother is calling,’ said Tom. ‘Let us run and show her what we have found.’
a1963 S. Plath Ariel (1965) 17 The second time I meant To last it out and not come back at all. I rocked shut As a seashell. They had to call and call.
2011 M. Beaumont Man who cycled Americas 139 Quite a few men were on the roadside, waving their arms or pieces of clothing, calling loudly, beckoning.
b. intransitive. figurative. Of an inanimate thing: to make a sound likened to a call.
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1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xxiii. sig. Fvii She maketh therthe to calle & crye.
1600 Maydes Metamorphosis ii. sig. Cv There Morpheus doth dwell within the ground, No crowing Cocke, nor waking bell doth call, Nor watchfull dogge disturbeth sleepe at all.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms xlii. 7 Deepe calleth vnto deepe at the noyse. View more context for this quotation
1842 Ld. Tennyson Sea-fairies 9 Day and night to the billow the fountain calls.
1961 D. Keene tr. ‘M. Chikamatsu’ Uprooted Pine ii, in Four Major Plays (1964) 153 The unfeeling midnight winds calling to one another through the pines snap at the hems of her skirts.
2010 D. Poblocki Nightmarys xxv. 156 The thunder called again, its voice a low growl.
c. intransitive. To sound a call on a trumpet or other instrument. Also with the instrument as subject.
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society > authority > command > command or bidding > command or give orders [verb (intransitive)] > summon
summonc1460
whistle1560
call1590
whip1833
ring1847
1590 T. Fenne Hecubaes Mishaps in Frutes sig. Gg2 I ready am to fight the field when Grecian trumpets call.
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida i. iii. 274 Hector..will to morrow with his Trumpet call, To rouze a Grecian.
a1666 R. Fanshawe tr. A. Hurtado de Mendoza Querer por solo Querer (1670) i. 18 Fel. Let's call. Rif. Here hangs a Trumpet: Must we call? Gen. Blow't, Rifaloro, do.
1785 T. Dwight Conquest of Canäan i. 4 Hosts..That raptur'd fly, where shrilling trumpets call.
1827 T. Carlyle tr. F. H. K. de La Motte Fouqué in German Romance I. 329 The knights took their places; the trumpets called, the course began.
1921 A. Orbeck tr. H. Ibsen Olaf Liljekrans i. xiv, in Early Plays 170 Listen, he calls with his trumpet and horn! Farewell now, forest and flower and thorn!
2012 Courier Mail (Austral.) (Nexis) 29 Dec. 57 As the trumpet called and the light glowed I felt, somehow, a sort of joy.
2.
a. transitive. To utter loudly or distinctly; to shout out; to announce; to read out (a list of names, etc.). Also with direct speech as object. Cf. to call out 2b at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > utter loudly or angrily
yeiea1225
call?c1250
soundc1374
ringa1400
upcasta1400
barkc1440
resound?c1525
blustera1535
brawl1563
thunder1592
out-thunder?1611
peal1611
tonitruate1623
intonatea1631
mouth1700
rip1828
boom1837
explode1839
clamour1856
blare1859
foghorn1886
megaphone1901
gruff1925
loudmouth1931
woof1934
?c1250 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 112 Ofte ihc seke merci, þin swete name ich calle.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 411 He callez A prayer to þe hyȝe prynce, for pyne, on þys wyse.
c1450 in R. L. Greene Early Eng. Carols (1935) 289 (MED) Wher-fore Englonde may calle & cry, ‘Deo gracias’.
1521 tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Cyte of Ladyes iii. iii. sig. S.jv She made her prayer praynge..for theym that called her name in theyr trybulacyons that god myght be theyr helpe & socoure.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. vi. sig. R8v Him Atin spying, knew right well of yore, And lowdly cald, Help helpe, O Archimage.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Fff4/1 His office is to cause the clerk to call the names of such as are of that house when he seeth cause.
1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais 1st Bk. Wks. xlix. 219 The first thing Gargantua did after his return into the town, was to call the Muster-roll of his men.
1714 J. Gay Shepherd's Week vi. 56 Nor parish clerk who calls the psalm so clear.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. 530 How..should it come into his head that calling a psalm was more holy employment than sawing a board?
1855 W. M. Thackeray Newcomes II. xlii. 373 ‘Adsum!’..the word we used at school, when names were called.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 489 His duties were to call the odds when the Court played at hazard.
1895 R. Kipling in Pall Mall Gaz. 26 June 2/1 It is a curious thing that if you call his name aloud in public after an Englishman you make him hot and fretty.
1900 Machinery Nov. 84/2 Each called his number to the checking clerk who responded by repeating it and marking the line opposite the name as before.
1922 ‘R. Crompton’ Just—William i. 31 ‘William!’ she called. ‘It's your bedtime, dear.’
2002 D. Reynolds et al. in World Class Schools xii. 246 Mr Jones calls the register and instructs the class to get changed for games.
b. transitive. To utter (‘heads’ or ‘tails’) in predicting which way up a tossed coin will fall; to predict (heads or tails) in this way. Also intransitive. Cf. heads or tails n., adj., and int. at head n.1 Phrases 3r(b). to call the coin: to predict which way up a tossed coin will fall by uttering ‘heads’ or ‘tails’.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > types of choice > choose in specific way [verb (transitive)] > choose or get by lot > toss (a coin) > call heads or tails
call1796
1796 F. Reynolds Fortune's Fool ii. 26 Tossing up for guineas, he called tails, and it came heads twenty times following.
1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iv. ii. 296 The other calls at pleasure head or tail; if his call lies uppermost..he wins.
1896 H. M. Blossom Checkers viii. 171 On the first trial, two called ‘heads’, and two ‘tails’. ‘No business,’ said Checkers.
1931 P. A. Taylor Cape Cod Myst. viii. 120 I lost every bet I ever made in my life. If I called heads, it came tails.
1942 L. V. Berrey & M. Van den Bark Amer. Thes. Slang §754/10 Call the coin, to call heads or tails at the toss of a coin.
1957 ‘E. McBain’ Con Man iii. 27 ‘It's my turn to call, isn't it?’ Parsons asked. ‘Yes, yes,’ O'Neill said impatiently. ‘It's your goddamn turn to call.’ He flipped and covered his coin.
2014 T. Leonard SEAL's Holiday Babies iii. 42 Each of you will call heads or tails. The one who calls wrong wins the prize.
c. transitive. Theatre. To announce to the cast and crew (the part of a performance that is about to commence). Cf. sense 13g.
ΚΠ
1826 Universal Songster III. 69/1 Call the next scene. Mark, thunder and lightning.
1899 Ludgate June 173/1 He knew it was all up when the Stage-manager called his scene.
1908 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Apr. 460 The third act was called.
1938 N. Coward Operette ii. vii. 127 Duggie. Overture beginners, please... Dora. He's calling the overture.
2002 S. S. Tolan Surviving Applewhites (2004) xxi. 148 Fire's out. No real damage done. Call the next scene.
d. transitive. Originally U.S. Of a caller in square- or country dancing: to shout out or chant (the next figure or set of steps) to the dancers. Also: to shout out the figures of (a dance) in this way. Cf. call n. 6.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > square, figure, or set dance > square-dance [verb (transitive)] > announce next set of steps to dancers
call1832
1832 F. Trollope Dom. Manners Amer. I. 215 The figures are called from the orchestra in English.
1860 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in All Year Round 10 Mar. 464/2 ‘Tak' yah pardlers, jebblem, for 'um quad-rill’... As master of the ceremonies, he called all the figures.
1909 A. D. Cameron New North xviii. 319 It's hard to call it out without the fiddle. When yer playin' you just spit it out—the words come to you.
1918 C. J. Sharp & M. Karpeles Country Dance Bk. V. 19 Mr. Taylor, who ‘called’ the dance at Pine Mountain..gave out his directions in a high, falsetto monotone.
1950 Recreation Nov. 319/1 They are not satisfied with calling one figure, or even four, but yell out twelve... No caller can call these quick changes smoothly.
2005 W. Berger Puccini without Excuses ii. 133 They dance a quadrille, Marcello as the damsel, Rodolfo the gallant, Schaunard singing, and Colline calling the steps.
e. transitive. Bridge. To declare (one's bid). Also intransitive.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics > bid
call1886
1886 J. Collinson Biritch 2 The doubling of the last established value may go on until one side ceases to call a ‘sur’ to the previous ‘sur contreing’.
1906 A. Sutro Walls of Jericho 11 Duchess. I call no trumps. Tiny. Shall I play to no trumps, partner?
1923 Harmsworth's Househ. Encycl. I. 532/1 The best that you can do is to call one of the suit you want led in case B goes no trumps.
1928 A. Waugh Nor Many Waters ii. 74 I called, ‘Three No Trumps.’ And the man on my left doubled.
1958 Listener 11 Dec. 1012/1 West was the dealer and the opponents did not call.
2011 North Shore (Austral.) Times (Nexis) 16 Mar. 17 South pointed out it was her turn to call, and she did not accept East's bid out of turn.
f. transitive. Of a bookmaker: to announce (the odds) being offered on contenders in a race or competition; to offer (odds) on a particular winner or outcome. Cf. to shout the odds at odds n. 3b.
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1895 Rep. & Proc. Senate Comm. Police Dept. City of N.Y. in Documents Senate State of N.Y.: 118th Sess. XI. No. 63. iii. 2527 Just imagine that you are calling odds on the race course, and then we can all hear you.
1919 Manch. Guardian 22 Apr. 7/6 The first race was well over and the bookmakers were calling the odds on the second.
1930 N.Y. Times 8 Oct. 20/2 Their reckoning called the odds on the Cardinals to win the series 12 to 5.
1979 H. M. Petrakis Nick the Greek viii. 202 The barker, who had been calling odds of one to ten, almost choked.
2004 Personnel Today June 12/1 It is worth a bookmaker calling odds on what that will bring!
3. † b. intransitive. Bee-keeping. Of a queen honeybee: to make a distinctive sound before swarming. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. Of an animal, esp. a bird: to make a characteristic cry. Cf. call n. 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by noises > voice or sound made by animal > make sound [verb (intransitive)]
singOE
cry1398
clamourc1400
call1486
baya1525
jabberc1817
jabble1830
the world > animals > birds > sound or bird defined by > [verb (intransitive)] > cry or call
crowc1000
galec1275
pewa1425
call1486
hoota1500
1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. aij In the tyme of their loue they [sc. hawks] call. and not kauke.
1542 T. Elyot Bibliotheca Cacabo, to call lyke a partriche.
1550 T. Lever Serm. Thyrd Sonday in Lent sig. A.iiiiv The hen clocketh and calleth, spyeng the kyte houeryng ouer her chekyns.
1576 G. Pettie Petite Pallace 125 Doth not the Mare neigh to the Horse, doth not the Yeaw blea to the Ramme, doth not the Faulcon call to the tossell gentle?
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 1069 There be some..who nourish also peacocks and doves, yea and partridges, for to heare them cal and record unto them.
1674 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation i. 26 Being almost spent, it is painfull for them [sc. the hounds] to call.
1781 L. MacNally Sentimental Excursions 216 The hen had escaped, and joined the mate—the boys carried off their prey, the old birds calling in notes of distress.
1825 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 5 Nov. 344 The poor partridges..were calling all around us.
1847 H. W. Longfellow Evangeline i. v. 2 Cheerily called the cock to the sleeping maids of the farmhouse.
1911 Woman's Work May 102/2 We heard a gibbon calling in the forest not far from the village.
1986 E. Van Lustbader Shan i. 119 The dolphins..dove and leaped about, calling to each other in bursts of odd high piping which contrasted with the whales' low ululating dialogues.
2003 M. Ali Brick Lane i. 16 The mynah birds called from the trees.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Hymenoptera > [verb (intransitive)] > buzz or hum (of bees) > before swarming
call1609
1609 C. Butler Feminine Monarchie v. sig. F2 After the second swarm I haue heard a yong Lady-bee call.
1637 R. Remnant Disc. Bees i. ii. 8 The lesser noted Bee calls last, and is most shrill and earnest, and goeth away with the second swarme.
1704 Dict. Rusticum at Bees In the Morning before they Swarm, they approach near the Stool, where they call somewhat longer.
4. transitive. To decide and announce that (something) will happen or take place; to decree, declare. Cf. sense 14.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > announcing or proclaiming > announce or proclaim [verb (transitive)]
kithec725
i-bedea800
abedeeOE
bid971
deemOE
bodea1000
tellOE
clepec1275
to tell outa1382
denouncec1384
publishc1384
descryc1390
pronouncec1390
proclaima1393
sound1412
proclaim?a1425
renouncea1425
announcec1429
preconize?1440
announce1483
reclaim?1503
call1523
to speak forth1526
annunciate1533
protest1533
to breathe out1535
denouncec1540
enact1611
deblazon1621
deblaze1640
advise1647
apostolize1652
indigitatea1670
enounce1807
voice1850
norate1851
enunciate1864
post1961
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > ordain, prescribe, or appoint
asetc885
teachc897
deemc900
ashapea1000
i-demeOE
setc1000
shiftc1000
stevenOE
redeOE
willOE
lookc1175
showc1175
stablea1300
devise1303
terminea1325
shapec1330
stightlea1375
determinec1384
judgea1387
sign1389
assize1393
statute1397
commanda1400
decree1399
yarka1400
writec1405
decreetc1425
rule1447
stallc1460
constitute1481
assignc1485
institute1485
prescribec1487
constitue1489
destinate1490
to lay down1493
make?a1513
call1523
plant1529
allot1532
stint1533
determ1535
appointa1538
destinec1540
prescrive1552
lot1560
fore-appoint1561
nominate1564
to set down1576
refer1590
sort1592
doom1594
fit1600
dictate1606
determinate1636
inordera1641
state1647
fix1660
direct1816
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. cclxxx/1 Whan it came to the saturday in ye mornyng, the weder was fayre and clere & a holyday called in Bruges for that day of custome they made processyons.
1596 H. Holland Christian Exercise of Fasting 66 (margin) Call a feast day to restrain the people.
1647 in Sc. Pasquils (1868) 152 Might make the Pope a jubilee call.
1753 R. P. Virtue Triumphant I. xx. 279 Being arrived in view of the enemies out lines, Spark called a halt.
1789 E. Shiercliff Bristol & Hotwell Guide 40 The top couple, after calling one dance, shall retire to the bottom.
1859 G. A. Sala Twice round Clock 367 The newly made barristers ‘call’ carouse in Lincoln's Inn Hall.
1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay I. iii. 124 He could be angry as an opponent, but..knew when to call a halt.
1922 W. L. Huggins Labor & Democracy iii. 108 The president of the State Federation of Labor called a ‘holiday’ and advised all union men to quit work.
1976 Daily Tel. 20 July 2/2 The strike was called because we want to ensure that any future owners of the docks will take notice of what we say.
2002 E. Moloney Secret Hist. IRA (2003) xv. 419 The IRA was obliged to call a ceasefire.
5. Sport.
a. transitive. Of an official: to rule on or declare a decision on (an incident in play); spec. to impose (a penalty). Also: to officiate at (a match or game).
ΚΠ
1840 Bell's Life in London 28 June If the umpire called a wide ball before the bat touched the wicket, the striker is not out.
1887 N.Y. Times 11 Oct. 2/5 Two umpires officiated—Gaffrey calling strikes and Kelley base decisions on the Browns and then changing positions when Detroit was at bat.
1929 Amer. Lawn Tennis 20 Mar. 788/3 Cochet thought one or two serves that were not called were ‘lets’, but the net cord judge, Walter Anderson, did not agree with him.
1959 Tri-City Herald (Paso, Washington) 8 Nov. 15/4 A burly high school football player slugged an umpire after the official called a penalty during a game Friday night.
1996 E. Lovelace Salt iii. 32 He worked himself into the drama of the game, signalling boundaries.., redrawing the bowling crease, calling no-balls, turning down appeals.
2006 Officiating Wrestling (Amer. Sport Educ. Program) i. 11 At the high school level you neither bend the rules nor coach the wrestlers. You simply call the match fairly and authoritatively.
2009 M. Liner & D. Hensley It's not All Black & White iii. 39 They called everything that could possibly be called; it was an inordinate number of penalties.
b. transitive. Cricket. Of an umpire: to declare (a bowler) to have bowled a no-ball (no-ball n. 1).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > umpiring and scoring > umpire and score [verb (transitive)] > condemn bowler
call1850
no-ball1862
1850 Bell's Life in London 6 Oct. 6/4 It is a popular error to suppose... That any of the bowlers of the Marylebone Club ever so closely infringe on the law regarding height in delivery as to warrant the umpire in calling them.
1862 Baily's Monthly Mag. Oct. 201 He was getting high, and if he did not keep it down he should have to ‘call’ him.
1902 A. Shaw Reminisc. xvi. 168 Will Oscroft..bowled a wicket from outside the return crease, and as the umpire did not ‘call’ him he went down that path again..every wicket taken being illegal.
1959 Oxf. Mail 2 Feb. 8/6 His drag of the back foot was most noticeable but umpire McInnes, though watching him closely, did not ‘call’ him.
1999 Cricketer Mar. 5/1 Muralitharan was..‘called’ seven times in the Boxing Day Test.
2012 Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 24 Nov. (Sport section) 7 He was denied a wicket when he was called for overstepping.
c. transitive. North American (originally Baseball). Of an official: to end (a match) early, typically because of bad weather.
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1865 N.Y. Times 23 Aug. 3/2 The rain began falling at the close of the fifth innings, and when the sixth terminated, the game was called.
1889 Cent. Mag. Oct. 835/1 If the rain then continues for a half-hour he ‘calls’ the game, and if five complete innings or over have been played it stands as a game, otherwise not.
1941 R. Riskin Meet John Doe (typescript, N.Y. Public Library) 73 Don't wait till the game is over, is called on account of darkness!
1998 Washington Post 22 Oct. (Montgomery Weekly section) 6 Officials called the game in the fourth quarter due to poor conduct by Peppermill coaches.
d. Cricket. Cf. call n. 7.
(a) transitive. To direct (one's fellow batter) that a run should be taken.
ΚΠ
1870 Sydney Morning Herald 3 Mar. 5/2 He was actually run out, having called his partner, who did not leave his wicket, for an extremely hazardous run.
1896 Cambr. Rev. 15 Oct. 12/1 Foster came in and ran Warner out very badly, calling him for a hard cut straight to Hemingway at third man.
1905 Evening News 26 June 4/6 I immediately called him for a run. He replied, ‘No, go back,’ with the unfortunate result that I lost my wicket.
1971 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 30 July 40/7 Mankad called him for a run from a defensive prod and the bowler ran him out by a yard.
2015 AAP Newsfeed (Nexis) 4 Sept. (Sports news) Wade called him through for a quick single.
(b) intransitive. To direct one's fellow batter whether or not to run.
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1887 Port Adelaide News & Lefevre's Penninsular Advertiser (Austral.) 26 Aug. 5/2 The striker should call for hits in front of the wicket, the non-striker for those behind the striker's wicket.
1888 R. H. Lyttelton in A. G. Steel & R. H. Lyttelton Cricket (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) ii. 86 The batsman who calls ought to be he who runs the risk.
1930 N.Y. Amsterdam News 11 June 16/3 We played a fast leg swerve to deep cover-point and called for a single. The ball was misfielded and we attempted a second run.
1995 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 5 Dec. Half-way down the wicket, Wilson suddenly decided it wasn't on, called for Bacher to go back, and retreated himself.
2013 R. Maier & J. Stern Youth Cricket Coaching vi. 100 A batsman must..call for the run before setting off.
e. transitive. North American (chiefly American Football and Baseball). To instruct a player or team to execute (a particular manoeuvre, play, etc.); to do this throughout (a match or game).
ΚΠ
1909 Washington Post 15 Nov. 3/5 Before calling the plays Todd consulted the backs.
1920 Clearfield (Pa.) Progress 26 Oct. 1/5 Their quarterback called a punt formation as usual, which proved to be a trick play through our line.
1964 News Jrnl. (Mansfield, Ohio) 12 Nov. 39/1 He connected on nine of 12 passes for 104 yards and called a good game that sent Falcon backs charging through the Big Green line.
1987 S. Fiffer How to watch Baseball ii. 29 There are days when I'll start to wind up before the catcher has even given me the sign because I know he's gonna call what I want to throw.
2002 Observer 3 Nov. (Sport Monthly Suppl.) 59/2 You get to play at being an NFL head coach, calling offensive and defensive plays.
6. transitive. To provide the commentary for (a sporting event).rare in British use.
ΚΠ
1906 Gadfly (Adelaide) 20 June 14/1 When the sporting writer whose task it is to ‘call’ an important hockey match focuses his spectacles on the frenzied girls, he talks like a lunatic.
1973 Arizona Daily Sun 11 Oct. 10 I was trying to call the game as impartially as I could, but some of those officials' calls were just unbelievable.
1988 Canberra Times 29 Feb. (TV & Radio Guide) 4/1 Tony Campbell will be calling the races for the station.
1999 R. B. Parker Hush Money 1 Joe Castiglione and Jerry Trupiano were calling the game and struggling bravely to read all the drop-ins the station had sold.
7. transitive. Originally U.S. To predict the result of (a future event, esp. an election or contest). Frequently in too close to call.In too close to call perhaps originally with reference to bookmakers being unable to decide what odds to offer on a contest; cf. sense 2f.
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1932 Monroe (Louisiana) News Star 3 Nov. 7/6 For once the boys didn't have a ‘winner’. For once they admitted here was a fight too close to call.
1960 N.Y. Times 20 Oct. 23/1 The editor of an independent weekly called it for Mr. Nixon but said that the vote would be extremely close.
1994 Georgia State Univ. Law Rev. Jan. 311 (note) He has correctly called the outcome four weeks in a row and is willing to sell them the name of the next week's winner for $10,000.
2014 Yorks. Post (Nexis) 24 May The culture of complacency that has played into the hands of Ukip, and which leaves the outcome of next year's election too close to call.
8. transitive. Of a doctor or other medical professional: to announce (a patient's time of death), as a declaration that attempts to resuscitate the patient have finished or should be brought to an end. Often with it as object.
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?1981 M. Mathison Boy's Life (film script) in E.T.: From Concept to Classic (2002) ii. 134/2 Emergency Doctor #2. I think he's dead. Military Doctor. All right, I'm calling it. What time do you have? Female Nurse #1. Fifteen thirty-six.
1999 St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 1 Nov. (Everyday Mag.) e1 He [sc. the surgeon] steps back from his patient and he calls the time of death, because there is nothing more he can do, and he knows it.
2014 Northern Star (New S. Wales) (Nexis) 10 Oct. [The police officer] told the court he heard an ambulance officer say ‘I will call it. Time of death is 3.45 pm.’
II. To give a name or designation to.
9. transitive. With complement. To address or refer to (a person or thing) by a particular name or designation; to describe or characterize (a person or thing) as something; to consider to be.See also Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > call or give as name to > designate or style as
sayOE
calla1250
deemc1400
nevenc1425
qualify?1465
designa1500
expound1530
style1570
read1590
intenda1599
dub1607
instyle1607
phrase1607
enstyle1616
speaka1625
cognominate1632
determine1653
clapa1657
designate1669
intimate1799
nominate1799
bedub1884
tab1924
a1250 Wohunge ure Lauerd in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 271 (MED) Þu [sc. Christ]..art wisedom cald of þi fader in heuene.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 27541 Synnis..þat clerkis callin veniale.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §773 The Pope calleth hym-self seruant of the seruantz of god.
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) l. 25143 Þar calles him fader ful fele þat er noght to him suns lele.
1481 tr. Cicero De Senectute (Caxton) sig. e7 The poete Ennimis callid hym his swete hony.
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters iii. xi. f. lxxxiiv/2 In reproche of them we be so studyous, that neyther good nor bad passeth vnreproued... Yf they be sadde we call theym solempne. Yf they be mery we call theym madde.
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. sig. F.iijv That quadrate is called properly to be drawen in a circle, when all his fower angles doeth touche the edge of the circle.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. iii. 234 That thou hadst cald me all these bitter names. View more context for this quotation
1611 Bible (King James) Mal. iii. 15 Now we call the proud happy. View more context for this quotation
a1631 J. Donne Iuuenilia (1633) sig. A3v You can call it Pleasure to be beguild in troubles.
1683 J. Dalrymple Decisions Lords of Council & Session I. 552 Sir Iames did revile and threaten him, calling him a Liar and a Knave.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 1 The Woman, whom I was taught to call Mother.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. i. 17 That living Agent each Man calls himself.
1796 R. Southey Joan of Arc i. 29 Her parents mock at her and call her crazed.
1851 H. Melville Moby-Dick i. 1 Call me Ishmael.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues IV. 496 Would you not call a man able who could do that?
1921 H. R. Driggs Our Living Lang. i. 20 Call it a schooling in ‘the university of hard knocks’ if you will.
1946 R. P. Warren All King's Men ix. 414 He called me terrible things.
1950 N. Streatfeild Mothering Sunday 144 You keep calling me a criminal, darling, but that's where you aren't in the picture.
1988 A. Bennett Talking Heads 41 I never liked going to one church so I end up going to two. Geoffrey would call that the wonderful mystery of God. I call it bad taste.
2000 I. Pattison Stranger here Myself (2001) iv. 174 You calling me a shitebag, Nissie?
10. With complement.
a. transitive. To assign or give (a person or thing) a specified name or title; to name. Also without complement in to call by the name of. Frequently in passive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > give a name to [verb (transitive)] > call or give as name to
nemneOE
clepec1000
hightOE
sayOE
nameOE
yclepec1175
callc1300
nevena1400
deemc1400
christena1470
nominate1545
term1545
titulea1550
behight1579
benamea1586
inquire1590
nuncupate1609
indigitate1623
font1652
vocitate1653
express1659
appellate1768
nomenclature1824
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 745 So þat [hit] grimesbi calleth alle..And so shulen men callen it ay.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3686 Ðat stede beð cald ðor-for cabroth.
a1350 (a1250) Harrowing of Hell (Harl.) (1907) 184 Louerd crist, ich am þat þou calledest [?a1300 Digby clepedest] habraham.
1365–7 Hist. MSS Comm.: 10th Rep.: App. Pt. V: MSS Marquis of Ormonde &c. (1885) 292 in Parl. Papers 1884–5 (C. 4576-I) XLII. 1 The retailyng or salis of the commene wyne callid prisage.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 42 Ane erle in þe North, Uctred men kalde.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 1 The holy lond þat men callen the lond of promyssioun.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 1 A worshipful gentylmann callid lowys de Bretaylles.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xlviii. A O thou house of Iacob: ye yt are called by the name of Israel.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 81 The same yle..Cicill is calt.
1562 Certayn Serm. preached in Lincs. in H. Latimer 27 Serm. ii. f. 65v A certayne secte whyche were called Flagellarii.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. i. 5 God called the light, Day, and the darknesse he called Night. View more context for this quotation
1652 T. Nicols Lapidary iii. lxix. 216 This stone is found in a Countrey called Alabastria in Egypt.
1733 G. Berkeley Theory of Vision §xvi. 16 To call Things by their right Names.
1765 London Mag. Mar. 120/1 This child, which was a boy, was called James Viala, and was from his birth a strong lusty child.
1833 J. E. Gray in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 123 772 It has been proposed to call them by the name of the Nucleus of the shell.
1881 W. Westall Old Factory II. v. 46 My wife was brought to bed last night of a little lass as we are going to call Mabel.
1934 D. Hammett Thin Man xxix. 228 He did not remember having seen a book called The Grand Manner, but he was not a man you would expect to memorize book titles.
1968 G. Mitchell Three Quick & Five Dead i. 24 ‘Edward teaches history and something he calls R.K.’ ‘Religious Knowledge,’ said Laura. ‘They used to call it Scripture in my young days.’
1991 Times 30 Oct. 13/1 From April 1993 Television in the BBC will be organised on the basis of a system we are calling Producer Choice.
1999 R. Rendell Harm Done (2000) ii. 36 ‘What's she called and where's her home?’ ‘She's called Rachel Holmes, Oval Road, Stowerton.’
b. transitive. to call a person's name (something specified): to give the specified name to a person. archaic and regional in later use.
ΚΠ
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. clv/2 Marye was aferd of the salutacion of thangel, the whyche sayd Thou shalt..brynge forth a sone, And thou shalt calle hys name Ihesus.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Matt. i. 25 He..called his name Iesus.
1546 T. Langley tr. P. Vergil Abridgem. Notable Worke iv. vii. f. lxxxxiiiv One speciall prerogatyue and preuiledge of the byshop of Rome is that he may chaung his name, if it seme to him not very pleasaunt to his eares: As if it be a malefactoure he may call his name Bonefacius.
1594 C. Marlowe & T. Nashe Dido i. sig. A4v But what may I faire Virgin call your name?
1654 List Grand Blasphemers (single sheet) A Goldsmith that did live in the Strand, and after in the City, and then at Eltham; who called his name Theau au John Tany, the High Priest.
1683 J. Dunton Informer's Doom 50 These two when they came together, lived not long without this Son, and when he was born, they called his name Envy-good.
1707 S. Centlivre Platonick Lady i. 5 Belvil, I think they call his Name.
1773 Oxf. Mag. Apr. 147/1 She was delivered of a son, the fruit's of that night's acquaintance. She called his name Invention.
1836 N. Tucker Partisan Leader I. iii. 31 I don't just rightly know how you high larnt gentlemen call his name, but he is as ugly a varmint as you'd wish to see.
1856 E. B. Browning Aurora Leigh v. 168 We'll call her name Aurora Leigh, although She's changed since then!
1891 F. E. W. Harper Sketches Southern Life 12 Then we had another President,—What do you call his name? Well, if the colored folks forget him They would'nt be much to blame.
1916 J. B. More Great War Ballads & Myths from Ovid 132 They call my name Acœtes; and Mæonia is the land From whence I came.
2004 R. S. Ingermanson Retribution xv. 120 ‘What is your name called and why have you come?’.. ‘My name is called Rivka.’ Rivka's voice caught. She did not know why she had come.
c. transitive. colloquial (usually humorous). it's called ——: (as an ironic rejoinder, designed to bring into salutary focus some simple or obvious point that has gone unrecognized) ‘what we're really talking about is ——’, ‘think of it as ——’, ‘you must realize, it's ——’.
ΚΠ
1965 A. R. Ammons Tape for Turn of Year 109 Don't get in any trouble..Work your way up through a corporation... Sheez! It's called ‘coming to one's senses’.
1975 P. Larkin Let. 9 Jan. in Sel. Lett. (1992) 519 You remember my saying to my loaf-haired sec. years ago, when homoism became legal, that I hoped they'd get around now to making heteroism legal—‘But they have,’ she said, ‘haven't you heard? It's called marriage.’
1988 J. McInerney Story of my Life ix. 148 And Dean's like, whoa! Alison, cool out, it's called kidding.
1994 J. Galloway Foreign Parts xii. 186 It's ok to not give yourself a hard time every so often. It's called relaxing, Cassie.
2001 Heat 27 Oct. 120/1 It's called being generous. What's more, you don't have to be cashed-up.
11. transitive. British regional. To abuse, vilify; to scold, tell off. Cf. call n. 8, to call to naught at naught pron. 4.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)] > call names
miscallc1449
to call (a person) foulc1450
misname1528
to call (a person) names1638
becall1683
call1825
1825 J. T. Brockett Gloss. North Country Words Call, to abuse. They called one another!
1874 Isle of Axholme, Marshland & Crowle Advertiser 19 Dec. No child in the Band of the Cross must use bad language or call any one.
1879 G. F. Jackson Shropshire Word-bk. (at cited word) 'Er called 'im fur everythin'; the worst name as 'er could lay 'er tongue to wuz too good for 'im.
a1897 J.P. Kirk in Eng. Dial. Dict. (1898) I. 492/2 [South Nottinghamshire] 'E did call me, becos a were that bit late.
1979 J. J. Graham Shetland Dict. 10/1 Caa,..to abuse.
1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey Wodds & Doggerybaw: Lincs. Dial. Dict. 50/2 I 'aãte that owd beezum! She keeps callin' me beint me back an' I've nivver dun nowt to 'er!
III. Senses in which summoning, invoking, or requesting is the primary meaning.† 17. transitive. To bring a charge or accusation against (a person); to accuse of. Cf. call n. 9b. Obsolete.† 21. transitive. To bring up (a topic of conversation). Obsolete.† 23. transitive. U.S. Law. With infinitive as object. Of a land survey or grant: to set out or describe (the extent or boundaries of the land, as expressed by the infinitive). Cf. call n. 16, to call for —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
12. transitive. To demand or request (something); to call for; spec. (Scottish) to order (a drink). Now rare. Sc. National Dict. (at Ca') records the sense ‘to order (a drink)’ as still known to its informants in Caithness, Banff, Aberdeen, Angus, Fife, and Lanark in 1938.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > demand
calla1300
yeiec1320
to ask account?c1450
to call for ——1479
demand1484
inquirea1513
expostulate1548
advocatea1575
to stand upon ——1577
postulate1605
to stand on ——1606
bespeak1677
to put (also place, call, etc.) in (or into) requisition1831
requisition1874
a1300 (c1275) Physiologus (1991) 470 He remeð & helpe calleð.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1522 (MED) Þise lordes..gloryed on her falce goddes and her grace calles.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xxviii. 385 Whils I am werere of swylke, The longere mercy may I call.
1590 H. Roberts Defiance to Fortune sig. I2 Her maiden..left her not without calling help, and with al possible means sought to bring her to life.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 137 One that once had call'd Lucina's Aid. View more context for this quotation
1742 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Whist 10 If a Card in Dealing is turn'd up, it is in the Option of the adverse Party to call a new Deal.
1748 in R. Forbes Lyon in Mourning (1895) II. 95 He calld a dram, being the first article of a Highland entertainment, which being over he calld for meat.
1835 H. Harewood Dict. Sports 116/2 The adversary may demand the right card..for the trump, put the cards shown, or call a fresh deal.
1911 Jrnl. Amer. Med. Assoc. 18 Mar. 834/1 The prescriber is an advocate of specific remedies,..but he is broad-minded enough to call help from the outside, and so adds fifteen other remedies to the specific selected.
1934 London Mercury Sept. 401 Kenny..pushed open the door of the Jolly Miller and led the way over to a corner, where he called a drink.
13. † c. transitive. To receive (a guest); to welcome and entertain. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To summon (a person) with a shout or call; (hence, with no implication of shouting or calling out) to command or request the attendance of, to summon; to ask or invite (a person) to come and do something. Frequently with adverb or prepositional phrase indicating the place to (or from) which a person is summoned. Also in extended use. Also intransitive.
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
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) l. 2370 (MED) Hal hundred knithes dede he calle.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 269 (MED) To conseil he calleþ neiȝe Rohand, trewe so stan.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 19793 Þai þat war oute, in did he calle.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. iii. l. 3 The kyng called a clerke..To take Mede þe mayde.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 1254 She forto daunce called me.
c1500 Blowbols Test. 97 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 96 Whylis ye have your right memorie Calle unto you your owne secretory.
1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie sig. Biiijv They were not called to the feast.
1566 W. Adlington tr. Apuleius .XI. Bks. Golden Asse ix. xli. f. 94v Barbarus..returned incontinently home, & called his seruaunt Myrmex, commaunding him to deliuer ye slippers againe to ye right owner.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. iii. 54 Come away man, I was sent to call thee. View more context for this quotation
1687 P. Adair Let. 13 Jan. in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) VI. 208 I was likewise called lately to one who has been troubled, for some years, with an Empyem.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 264. ⁋1 The Bell which calls to Prayers twice a Day.
1753 Lady Luxborough Let. 12 Sept. in Lett. to W. Shenstone (1775) xcvi. 346 Adieu. The supper-bell calls; the company waits.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. xiii. 221 Soon after this we were called to a very genteel entertainment, which was drest by Mr. Thornhill's cook.
1819 G. Crabbe Tales of Hall I. ii. 33 While Richard's mind, that for awhile had stray'd, Call'd home its powers.
1850 Ld. Tennyson Princess (ed. 3) ii. 50 The chapel bells Call'd us.
1882 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. II. 11 Southampton was called before the Council.
1895 Pick-me-up 27 Apr. 55/1 After he had sung that song and had given a dance, the audience called him back, and he had to tell a funny story and then sing another song.
1904 Times 28 Jan. 9/3 He was called into Richards's private office and instructed to have all the stock priced up.
1959 H. P. Tritton Time means Tucker v. 39/1 He called us over to have a mug of tea and a hunk of brownie.
1990 Indian Express (Cochin) 24 Jan. 13 (advt.) Candidates belonging to SC/ST communities shall be paid single 2nd class fare as per rules when called for interview.
2007 U.S. News & World Rep. 12 Feb. 17 Bradley had been called to Capitol Hill to answer lawmakers' questions.
b. transitive. To invoke, appeal to. Now only in to call to witness at witness n. 6b. See also to call to record at record n.1 and adj. Phrases 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)]
speakc950
beclepec1220
enreason1297
saluec1300
calla1325
clepe1362
to speak on ——?1370
salutec1380
to call upon ——c1405
escry1483
assaya1522
treatc1540
accost1567
encounter1578
bespeaka1593
affront1598
parley1611
address1683
chin-chin1817
chat1898
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
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3237 Qvað god, ‘quor-at calles ðu me?’
a1400 Psalter (Vesp.) xlix. 16 in C. Horstmann Yorkshire Writers (1896) II. 182 In dai of drouinge kalle þou me.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1227 Ful pitously lucina gan she calle.
c1500 Melusine (1895) 1 In the begynnyng of all werkes, men oughten first of alle to calle the name of the creatour.
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (cxix. 145–6 Paraphr.) 609 Lord, in my distresses have I called and invoked thee, addrest my self to thee for thy seasonable rescue and deliverance.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Elaine in Idylls of King 215 To this I call my friends in testimony.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > hospitality > show hospitality to [verb (transitive)]
gestena1300
lodgec1325
cherishc1330
guestc1330
to give cheera1393
harbry14..
callc1430
uptakea1470
recueil1477
host1485
entertain1490
to set forth1526
harbour1534
retainc1540
treata1578
water1742
sport1826
have1868
hospitize1895
c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) 1126 Thus can this honurable quene hire gestis calle.
c1440 (?a1400) Sir Perceval (1930) l. 941 (MED) Full wele he couthe a geste calle.
c1440 Sir Degrevant (Thornton) (1949) l. 85 (MED) Of mete was he fre, Gestis redy for to calle.
a1500 (?a1475) Guy of Warwick (Cambr. Ff.2.38) l. 11444 (MED) Syþen he went into þe halle And fownde no man þat wolde hym calle.
d. transitive. To summon (a witness) into court to give evidence.
ΚΠ
c1460 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Oseney Abbey (1907) 131 And þe witnesses that Be i-called, if they þem-selfe for grace, hate, or drede, withdrawe them, By þe same censure..ȝe constrayne to Bare witnesse.
1592 M. Sutcliffe Answere to Libel 167 If the Iudge could not call witnesses before him, there would bee no triall nor proofe in matters of doubt.
1679 Tryals Sir G. Wakeman, W. Marshall, W. Rumley, & J. Corker 158/1 I have stuck to that very strictly, not to admit any witnesses that are not in the brief. We are totally in the judgement of the court, whether she shall be called or not.
1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals III. 115 Mr. Eaton the second Mate of the Ship was the next Witness called.
1850 String of Pearls 552 The Attorney-General called his first witness, who was examined by the Junior Counsel for the Prosecution.
1914 Washington Post 19 June 14 Clark..had been called as a character witness.
1974 Changing Times Nov. 30/2 All the witnesses, including you, are going to be excluded from the courtroom until their time to testify... You might be called fairly promptly or you might sit for days.
2009 J. G. Speight Scientist or Engineer as Expert Witness iii. 62 The court may..call witnesses, and all parties are entitled to cross-examine witnesses thus called.
e. transitive. To rouse (a person) from sleep, esp. at a prearranged time.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > state of being awake > wake or rouse [verb (transitive)] > summon or force to get out of bed
rearOE
raisec1175
call1570
to rouse out1825
to shout (a person) up, out of bed-
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. xii. 2308/2 The said Syr Garret..willed ye Lady his wife to call hym in ye mornyng one houre sooner then he was accustomed to rise.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. ii. 7 If thou canst awake by foure o' th' clock, I prythee call me. View more context for this quotation
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 132. ⁋1 The next Morning at Day-break we were all called.
1832 Ld. Tennyson May Queen i, in Poems (new ed.) 90 You must wake and call me early, call me early, mother dear.
1858 Mercantile Marine Mag. 5 306 The Captain..was called at 12.
1942 E. Waugh Put out More Flags ii. 101 Next morning Basil was called by Benson, who was the only manservant indoors.
1985 L. Whistler Laughter & Urn xiv. 130 He asked to be called at 9.30, and Edith sat with him while he had his breakfast.
f. transitive. To summon (a coach, taxi, ambulance, or other form of transport). In later use with admixture of sense 25a: to use a telephone to summon (a taxi or ambulance).
ΚΠ
1608 T. Middleton Your Fiue Gallants sig. C4v Go, call the Coach!
1654 T. Ivie Alimony Arraign'd 24 A Coach being call'd, my Wife, Mrs. Williamson, and the Maid went to Mr. Stepkins house, but neither found him.
1712 T. Tickell Spectator No. 410. ⁋1 Sir Roger's Servant was gone to call a Coach.
1792 Orlando & Lavinia II. xxxiv. 82 She..ordered one of the servants to have her carriage called.
1831 T. B. Macaulay Let. 30 Mar. in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. iv. 203 I called a cabriolet.
1844 G. P. R. James Arabella Stuart I. xiv. 267 He..called a boat, which soon bore him down the stream towards Woolwich.
1879 N.Y. Times 7 July 8/1 Patrolman Kearns..called an ambulance and had McKnight taken to Bellevue Hospital.
1891 ‘J. S. Winter’ Lumley xiii. 92 ‘Are you driving, or shall I call you a cab?’ ‘Oh, no; I'm driving, thanks.’
1933 ‘P. Cain’ Fast One vii. 236 They went into a drugstore on the corner and Kells drank a Coca Cola while Borg called a cab.
1959 G. Greene Complaisant Lover i. i. 20 One for the road. I insist. While I call a taxi.
1988 Washington Post 6 Oct. c21/1 Audrey may have saved his life by calling the ambulance as quickly as she did.
1999 A. Wheatle Brixton Rock 89 I've called a cab and it'll be here in a few minutes.
g. transitive. To inform (an actor) that he or she is required on the stage or on set. Cf. call n. 9d.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > perform [verb (transitive)] > call to attend rehearsal or performance
call1834
1834 New Monthly Mag. May 53 The call-boy..saw Shylock standing ready at the place at which he was to make his entrance; as in duty bound, the young functionary said ‘You're called, Sir.’
1859 E. Winstanley Shifting Scenes Theatr. Life xii. 123 ‘The maiden!’ shouted he, thrusting his head into the green-room. An old lady rose, and followed Pops to the stage. ‘Well; what do you want Miss Mendham?’ asked the manageress... ‘I was called.’
1864 Punch July 49/1 Three of whom..shall have the privilege of pulling up the curtain and calling the actors.
1920 Forum Jan. 26 We chatted with an actor who was waiting to be called for a scene on one of the distant sets.
1962 Listener 25 Jan. 162/1 He was called for the last act.
2011 ‘M. Walsh’ Gypsy Boy on Run xxv. 283 As the audience settled in the pews, we stood in the wings, waiting to be called.
14.
a. transitive. To convene (a group of people) for a meeting or other gathering; to announce or decide that (a meeting, assembly, or other gathering) is to be held.In later use with admixture of sense 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association for a common purpose > meeting or assembling for common purpose > hold (a meeting) [verb (transitive)] > call or arrange (meeting)
calla1375
appoint1594
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1460 Þemperour calde his cunseil for to knowe here wille.
a1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Tanner) (1879) l. 1864 And Brutus..lete the peple calle And openly the tale he tolde hem alle.
c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Minor Poems (1934) ii. 782 (MED) The roial lioun leete calle a parlement.
1504 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VII (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1504 §5. m. 5 His highness is not mynded..to calle and somone a newe parliament.
1551 J. Bale Actes Eng. Votaryes: 2nd Pt. ii. f. c Pope Alexandre was compelled to call a generall counsell at Rome, of .CCC and .x. byshoppes.
1611 Bible (King James) Joel i. 14 Call a solemne assembly. View more context for this quotation
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iv. 386 Cicero the Consull, calling a Senate, made an oration.
1653 Perfect Acct. Intelligence Armies & Navy No. 118. 941 The Augustine Friers who likewise desired leave to call a National Synod for the settling of Church affairs.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 85 National, or General Assemblies should be call'd only by the King's Authority.
1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. I. iii. 269 After these preliminary steps, Mary ventured to call a meeting of Parliament.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 252 It might be necessary to call a Parliament.
1885 Act 48 Vict. xvi. §12 The notice calling the meeting.
1902 C. W. Brown Ethan Allen vi. 72 A County Congress was called.
1986 Griffitti (Brisbane) Sept. 9/1 [Friends of the Earth] called a rally to march on the Labor Party state conference.
2004 Q Sept. 108/1 The record company called a meeting to discuss ways to make them appear more interesting.
b. transitive. To announce or decide that (a trial) is to be held; to announce that (a court case) is ready to be heard.Perhaps originating as a spec. use of sense 12, ‘to demand, request’.
ΚΠ
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 236 The Trial must be call'd over again.
1875 D. Y. Overton Annotated Code Civil Pract. Wisconsin & Iowa xxxii. 592/1 A justice of the peace loses jurisdiction by calling a trial at a place different from that fixed in the notice.
1890 Jrnl. Jurispr. 34 283 After a reasonable pause, their Lordships ordered the next case to be called.
1908 Amer. & Eng. Annotated Cases 8 938/2 No special term of court was called for the purpose, but at the time and place appointed the judge called the case for trial.
1973 E. L. Konigsburg Proud Taste for Scarlet & Miniver ii. 114 I was ready to call a trial when I was visited by none other than the merchant's bishop.
1998 D. Baldacci Simple Truth vi. 42 After..the ceremonial swearing in of new Supreme Court Bar members, the first of the day's two morning cases would be called.
15.
a. transitive. To summon (a person) from the world of the living to God, heaven, the afterlife, etc. Usually with God as subject or in passive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (transitive)] > carry off by death
to take away1372
callc1390
take1424
weed1851
c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 271 (MED) Euer til Ihu wolde hem bye, Called hem to hym wiþ Marterie.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Dvii Somtyme he taketh chyldren..and calleth them to his glory.
1540 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. II. 157 Wher it hath pleased Allmyghty Godde to call my naturall father to his fatall end.
a1639 Earl of Monmouth Mem. (1759) 139 I did assure myselfe it was neither unjust nor unhonest for me to do for myselfe, if God at that time should call her to his mercy.
1687 tr. G. P. Marana Lett. Turkish Spy I. iii. ix. 226 I am ready to dye; afflict not thy self, if God calls me to him.
1798 T. Morton Secrets Worth Knowing v. ii. 54 But, doctor, are you sure now I shall not be suddenly called to heaven?
1840 F. Prandi tr. A. Andryane Mem. Prisoner of State II. xxviii. 367 Her trials were now ended. It pleased God to give her the reward of them, by calling her to Heaven after a long and painful illness.
1849 J. Tobin Serm. on Death Rev. Thomas Byrth 14 Within a few minutes after he had concluded his ministration in the sanctuary, God called him to his rest.
1910 Christian Advocate 15 Sept. 1311/1 Together, hand in hand, they have walked down the years, till God called him to the heavenly home.
1998 M. Gold God, Love, Sex, & Family xiii. 190 The Talmud teaches that when we are called to the next world, we must give an account for every legitimate pleasure we denied ourself in this world.
b. transitive. Without construction. To summon (a person) to the afterlife. Usually in passive: to be summoned to the afterlife; (hence) to be close to death, to die.
ΚΠ
1614 E. Grimeston tr. P. Matthieu Hist. Lewis XI x. 88 Thus behold three Kings imbarked almost at one instant in the shippe of Death, onely God knowes the port whereunto they are arriued: hee did call at the same time, the Lady Iane of France.
1635 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Donzella Desterrada iii. 220 The good are called before their time, for ridding them out of the hands of the wicked.
1830 Ld. Tennyson Poems 93 We are called—we must go.
1886 Frank Leslie's Pop. Monthly May 611/2 All the doctors in Christendom..can't save him. He's called.
1932 J. T. Farrell Judgment Day (1939) i. 9 If he would be called before sixty, it meant more than half of it [sc. his life] was already spent.
1994 Weekly World News 15 Mar. 41 The nurse told Spencer people are often called before their time.
16.
a. transitive. To summon (a person) to an office, role, or duty; esp. to prompt or inspire (a person) to serve God or the church. Frequently with to, specifying the office, role, or duty.In passive use sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 19.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrament > order > ordination > ordain [verb (transitive)] > nominate to office
callc1390
c1390 MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 259 Þauh we be cald To Religiun, not forþi May we no[t] wite sikerly wheþer we beo chosun in blisse to beo.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 572 For mony ben calle [emended in ed. to called], þaȝ fewe be mykeȝ.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Rom. viii. 30 Whom he hath called, them hath he also made righteous.
1587 T. Newton tr. L. Lemnius Herbal for Bible xxxv. 184 The Prophet Amos: who being..but a plaine herdman, and a Countrie hinde, was extraordinarily called by God to a propheticall function.
1611 Bible (King James) Acts xiii. 7 Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. i. 29 What, is my Lord of Winchester..call'd vnto a Cardinalls degree? View more context for this quotation
1652 J. Jones Every Mans Case 19 The best man Physician called by God to that vocation, and gifted accordingly, is to be honoured before many.
1713 Examiner 29 June The Vertues and Endowments required in those, who are call'd to the Execution of our Laws, and the Administration of Justice.
1733 J. Glas Right of Christian People 13 No people have right to elect any whom God has not called, or to reject these whom he calls.
1779 S. Johnson Halifax in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets IV. 6 He rose fast into honours and employments, being made one of the commissioners of the treasury, and called to the privy council.
1807 Monthly Mag. Nov. 413/1 At the first meeting of the house he was called unanimously to the chair.
1873 J. N. Murphy Terra Incognita xxv. 313 She seems to have been predestined, from the cradle, for the holy life to which God called her.
1935 E. L. Sabin Kit Carson Days (rev. ed.) II. lvi. 812 One hesitates to rank him as a great man among the great men of history, for he was not called to the rôle of greatness in public service.
1972 J. Gathorne-Hardy Rise & Fall Brit. Nanny iv. 114 Vocations—that is, occupations to which people feel called because of some special skill or need.
2015 Gannon Knight (Nexis) 29 Jan. 1 If you think God might be calling you to the priesthood, please call the Diocese of Erie Vocations Department.
b. transitive. With prepositional phrase. To enjoin to enter into or depart from a particular state or condition; to bring to or out of a particular state or condition.See also to call into being at Phrases 3f.
ΚΠ
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19594 To call men vnto amendment.
?a1475 (a1396) W. Hilton Scale of Perfection (Harl. 6579) ii. xxviii. f. 99v (MED) Þese soules þat are þus called fro synne & þus riȝted..schul be glorified.
?1544 T. Becon Gouernans Vertue f. 79 Christ came not to call the Justiciaryes, but synners to repentaunce.
1577 W. Gace tr. N. Hemmingsen Learned Comm. Epist. Iames the Apostle v. f. 90 That one call another from the errour of his way, that is, of doctrine and of life.
a1660 H. Hammond Serm. (1664) xviii. 304 Though Saul were..called from the depth of sin to regeneracy and salvation.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 92 The torturing houre Calls us to Penance. View more context for this quotation
1720 J. Bingham Origines Ecclesiasticæ VII. xvi. vii. 386 The Lord Jesus by that Commination called the Jews to Repentance.
?1748 S. Hume Exhort. Inhabitants South-Carolina 47 That System being..calculated to subdue and regulate the Passions and Affections of the Mind, by calling us to a Life of Self-denial.
1845 Christian Rev. Feb. 41 May he..devote himself to the most lofty and practical objects of our existence, in calling men from error to truth.
1865 D. Wise Sidney De Grey ii. 29 The cousins were called to sobriety of speech and spirit by Uncle Joe's serious manner of saying grace.
1922 Commerc. & Financial Chron. 25 Nov. 2331/2 There are, after all, two Germanys. There is the Germany which is a democratic Germany, which I think could, more easily at least, be called to reason.
1995 Home & School (Canada) Apr. 13/1 Students and parents..are being called to action over the minister of education's view.
c. transitive. With infinitive. To bid, command, or enjoin (a person) to do something. Frequently with reference to a divine prompting or inner urge.In passive use sometimes difficult to distinguish from sense 19.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > demand
bid971
ofgoOE
askOE
cravec1025
to call after ——?a1300
requirea1382
callc1430
protest1459
to call for ——1479
demand1489
speer1493
command1576
to put (also place, call, etc.) in (or into) requisition1831
requisition1874
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > call on to do something
summonc1300
to call up1389
requirec1425
callc1430
repeal1585
demand1632
c1430 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1871) l. 524 I Iuge on euery folk men shul on calle To seyn the verdit for yow foulys alle.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Cor. i. A Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
1541 ‘J. Sawtry’ Def. Mariage Preistes sig. Bvv Criste had called them to preche, to baptyze & to breke ye brede.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie C 20 They began to call Hortensius to plead in good matters.
1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World vi. xxix. §5. 616/1 Some were therefore called to open the Basilick vein.
1756 J. Wesley Let. 3 Sept. in Wks. (1872) XIII. 200 I am called to preach the Gospel both by God and man.
1769 W. Robertson View State of Europe Proofs in Hist. Charles V I. 321 The subject of my inquiries does not call me to write a history of the progress of science.
1853 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings Old Test. v. 80 The king believes that he is called to build a temple.
1882 Good Words Apr. 263 One may be specially ‘called’ to shelter the homeless.
1935 Z. N. Hurston Mules & Men i. ii. 38 Now, Lawd, if you don't pick me up and chunk me on de other side of dis log, Ah know you done called me to preach.
2007 S. Estes Ask & Tell ix. 229 Gay and lesbian service personnel have been called to serve in every one of these conflicts.
d. transitive. In the Presbyterian, Lutheran, and some other Protestant churches: (of a congregation) to invite (a person) to undertake the office of pastor.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrament > order > vocation > call [verb (transitive)]
call1560
1560 J. Knox et al. Buke Discipline in J. Knox Wks. (1848) II. 189 In a Kirk reformed..none aucht [to] presume eather to preache, eather yit to minister the Sacramentis, till that ordourlie thai be callit to the same.
1593 R. Bancroft Daungerous Positions iii. xiv. 118 When they call a man, that is not already a Minister: then having used the order before-mentioned, they commaund him to goe to the Bishops.
1658 Protesters No Subverters 34 If the major part of a Presbyterie conspire for keeping out a godly man from the Ministery, that is lawfully called by the Congregation and rightly qualified,..its no breach upon the being and essentials of the Government, if he receive his Ordination and Admission to the Ministery from a neighbouring Presbyterie.
a1699 J. Kirkton Hist. J. Welsh (1703) 27 [He] was speedily called to the Ministry, first in one Village, then another.
1762 Petition of William Wardrobe & Other Heritors Parish of Whitburn 23 Nor is there any Thing contrary to either Law or Reason, that a Minister should be called by a Majority of those who have their fixed Residence within the Bounds of the Parish.
1841 T. McCrie Sketches Sc. Church Hist. I. 137 The Church to which he was afterwards called.
1862 J. Macfarlane Life G. Lawson 53 In due time he was unanimously called to be Mr. Moir's successor.
1914 T. P.'s Weekly 15 May 621/2 He preached there as a student and the congregation decided to call him.
1998 J. H. Yeakel in S. B. Stephenson Medit. on Holy Spirit of God p. vii United Methodist pastors are appointed to their churches, not called by the congregation.
2005 Ukiah (Calif.) Daily Jrnl. 11 Mar. a9/6 First Presbyterian Church, Ukiah, has called a new pastor.
e. transitive. To admit (a person) to the profession of barrister. Chiefly in passive: to qualify as a barrister, to be called to the bar (see bar n.1 24).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal profession > practice law [verb (transitive)] > admit as barrister
call1652
1652 J. Cook Vindic. of Law 42 But are all Barristers able to practise? I hope the objector will be well advised before he question the judgment of the learned benchers of every house who call and approve them.
1666 W. Dugdale Origines Juridiciales lvii. 159/1 A Barrister newly called, is to attend the six next long Vacations, the Exercise of the House.
1733 Act 7 George II in Statutes at Large Parl. Ireland (1765) VI. 15 Every barrister to be called or admitted..shall take the said oath in one of the said courts.
1827 New Monthly Mag. 19 105 It does not frequently happen that more than one or two Roman Catholics are called in any single term.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. II. 114 A barrister?—he was not called.
1910 Encycl. Brit. IV. 562/1 Blue bags are those with which barristers provide themselves when first called, and it is a breach of etiquette to let this bag be visible in court.
2002 Times 21 May (Law section) 3/1 In my year, 1976, only 16 per cent of the people being called were women.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > charge, accuse, or indict [verb (transitive)]
wrayc725
forwrayOE
beclepec1030
challenge?c1225
indict1303
appeachc1315
aditea1325
appeal1366
impeachc1380
reprovea1382
arraigna1400
calla1400
raign?a1425
to put upa1438
present?a1439
ditec1440
detectc1449
articlec1450
billc1450
peach1465
attach1480
denounce1485
aret1487
accusea1500
filea1500
delate1515
crimea1550
panel1560
articulate1563
prosecute1579
impleada1600
to have up1605
reprosecute1622
tainta1625
criminatea1646
affect1726
to pull up1799
rap1904
run1909
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26948 (MED) He was cald and ouer tane þat he hade his broþer slayn.
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) III. 1215 Now ye be called uppon treson, hit ys tyme for you to styrre!
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 566 Telle me, constans, false traytour, why dyde ye calle my fader of treyson.
18. transitive. Falconry. To summon or recall (a hawk) to one's hand or the lure. Frequently in to call to the lure (also hand, fist, etc.).
ΚΠ
?a1450 Percy Poem on Falconry (Yale) l. 492 in Studier i Modern Språkvetenskap (1968) 3 26 When ȝe calle her & she comys, cast the lure away.
1483 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 89074) (1881) 52 To Calle a hawke, stupare.
?1530 Dialoges Creatures Moralysed lv. sig. R.iv The knyght..caught the Cocke and kyllyd him lyghtlye, and shewyd a legge of him to the faulcon & callyd him therwith, to his honde.
1573 G. Gascoigne Hundreth Sundrie Flowres 341 I fond foole with emptie hand must call, The gorged Hauke, which likes no lure at all.
1614 S. Latham Falconry Explan. Wordes sig. ¶2 Faulconers call their young Hawkes by casting it vp in the aire, being made of feathers and leather in such wise that in the motion it lookes not vnlike a fowle.
1615 G. Markham Countrey Contentments i. viii. 89 Short-winged Hawkes are sayd to be called and not lured.
1620 N. Rogers True Convert 92 Not like a tame bird that may againe be caught by running after, nor like a Hawke that may be called to the lure.
1778 T. Tyrwhitt Canterbury Tales of Chaucer V. 123 Lure, a device used by falconers for calling their hawks.
1859 G. E. Freeman & F. H. Salvin Falconry vi. 83 The falconer has only to call the hawk to his fist by a ‘tiring’, or well-picked leg or wing of a rook.
1900 E. B. Michell Art & Pract. Hawking ix. 133 She must constantly be called to the fist.
1951 T. H. White Goshawk i. 38 In the end he was to come a distance of at least a hundred yards, the moment he was called.
2014 H. Macdonald H is for Hawk (2015) xiv. 134 I had called so many hawks before, but calling Mabel was different.
19. transitive and intransitive. Of a circumstance, obligation, feeling, etc.: to impel or draw (a person) to a particular place; (of an object, place, etc.) to exert an influence or attraction on (a person).See also duty calls at duty n. Additions.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > attraction, allurement, or enticement > attract, allure, or entice [verb (transitive)]
teec888
tightc1000
drawc1175
tollc1220
till?c1225
ticec1275
bringc1300
entice1303
win1303
wina1340
tempt1340
misdrawa1382
wooa1387
lure1393
trainc1425
allurea1450
attract?a1475
lock1481
enlure1486
attice1490
allect1518
illect?1529
wind1538
disarm1553
call1564
troll1565
embait1567
alliciate1568
slock1594
enamour1600
court1602
inescate1602
fool1620
illure1638
magnetize1658
trepana1661
solicit1665
whistle1665
drill1669
inveigh1670
siren1690
allicit1724
wisea1810
come-hither1954
1564 A. Golding tr. Justinus Hist. Trogus Pompeius xviii. f. 89 At the last she answered she would goo whether as her owne destiny, and the destiny of her Citye called her.
1678 R. L'Estrange tr. Seneca's Morals: Of Benefits xii. 76 Whensoever my duty calls me.
1736 A. Hill tr. Voltaire Alzira iii. 34 I go, where Honour calls me.
1752 D. Hume Polit. Disc. viii. 138 Necessity calls, fear urges, reason exhorts.
1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. i. 513 Whenever duty calls, provided all possible care and consideration be taken to know its voice, no man need fear that he shall be a loser by answering the call.
1866 B. Taylor My Mission in Poems 256 Where the fairest blossoms call.
1888 M. B. Anderson & E. P. Anderson tr. J. Simon Victor Cousin ii. 41 Great curiosity and a proper pride called him to Germany.
1903 H. MacGrath Grey Cloak xvii. 242 If your Excellency will excuse me now, I will sleep. I am an old man, and sleep calls to me often.
1951 L. Bertrand tr. S. Bolivar Sel. Writings II. 690 Meanwhile, I shall carry on, resolved to go wherever danger or necessity call me.
2015 A. Flournoy Turner House 60 The longer Francis stayed away and kept sending such little money, the more the fields called her. It was either that or housework for white folks.
20. Cards.† a. intransitive. Whist. In long whist: to ask one's partner if he or she holds an honour card (see honour n. 8a). Also transitive in to call honours. Obsolete.In long whist, if one side had eight points, then a member of that side who held two honour cards could call honours. If his or her partner did hold an honour card then their combined score was ten and the game was won. Cf. can you (also ye)? at can v.1 Phrases 6.
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1674 C. Cotton Compl. Gamester xi. 116 If he forgets to call after playing a trick, he loseth the advantage of Can-ye for that deal.
1709 Brit. Apollo 27–29 July If either A. or B. have Honours they are at Liberty to Call.
1744 E. Hoyle Artificial Memory 26 If your Partner calls at the Point of Eight, before his time, you are to trump to him.
1770 Lady's Mag. Nov. 171/1 [They] happened to be eight, a number well known to entitle the party to call honours.
1820 J. Chambers Biogr. Illustr. Worcs. 539 He looked in vain for his partner to finish the game by a call for honours. What, then, was his surprise afterwards, to see his partner play two honours which he held! ‘Why did you not call,’ said the astonished Swift.
1876 ‘Cavendish’ Laws & Princ. Whist (ed. 11) 51 Early in this century, the points of the game were altered from ten to five, and calling honours was abolished.
b. transitive. Quadrille. Of the player designated ‘ombre’ (ombre n.1 2): to name (a king not held in one's own hand), with the result that the player holding that king automatically becomes one's partner. Also: (of a player holding all four kings) to name (a queen) in this way. Also intransitive. Now historical and rare.Occasionally a player may call a king from his or her own hand, with the result that he or she plays the hand without a partner.
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?1720 Game of Quadrille ii. 11 He who has the four Kings may call the Queen of either of his Kings, except of that which is Trumps; and he who has several Kings may call one of those he has in his own Hand.
1739 J. Swift Verses on Death Dr. Swift: Nov. 1731 11 I wish I knew what King to call.
1744 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Quadrille iii. 23 You are to Call to your strongest Suit, except, you have a Queen guarded.
1768 tr. Abbé Bellecour Acad. Play 47 It is a general rule..that when you call a King, you should have three sure Tricks in your Hand.
2008 C. Bebris Matters at Mansfield (2010) iv. 40 ‘We won another vole!’ Lord Sennex exclaimed. ‘You may call my king again anytime.’
c. Poker (originally U.S.).
(a) intransitive. Originally: to get other players to show their cards in order to see who has the best hand, by placing a bet which means all active players have an equal stake in the pot, with no one else left to act. Later more generally: to match the bet of another player in order to remain in play, at any stage of a hand.Apparently originally short for to call a sight: see sight n.1 5e.In quot. 1814 in the context of brag, a game very similar to poker.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play at cards [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics > demand show of cards
call1814
1814 Hoyle's Games Improved (Boston ed.) 169 If he calls a sight the cards must be shown in rotation, the player who calls showing last, and the best hand shown wins the pool.
1844 J. Cowell Thirty Years among Players 94/2 The young lawyer..looked at the money staked..and, lingeringly, put his wallet on the table and called.
1883 Longman's Mag. Sept. 499 When the bet goes round to the last player..and he does not wish to go better, he may simply ‘see it’ and ‘call’.
1912 Washington Post 28 May 5/2 John Gates had simply ‘called’, and it was up to Davy to show his hand.
1922 Official Rules of Card Games 73 The last person to ‘see’ without raising ‘calls’.
1977 Operations Res. 25 552 By bluffing before the draw, one forces opponents to call with many hands that they would ordinarily drop.
2002 A. Bellin Poker Nation v. 82 Once..it is his turn to call, he surprises his opponent by making a raise instead.
(b) transitive. To match the bet of (another player) in order to remain in play, or (esp. in earlier use) in order to get other players to show their hands to determine who has the best cards. Also with the bet or hand of cards as object. Cf. see v. 28a.
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society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > poker > [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics
see1804
to make good1821
call1840
bluff1846
straddle1864
fill1865
to cash in1884
stack1896
slow-play1967
slow-roll1996
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play a card [verb (transitive)] > actions or tactics > bid or stake > increase or equal stakes
revie1577
see1599
raise1814
call1840
sweeten1896
up1915
1840 Spirit of Times 4 Jan. 524/3 As I never back out, I shall have to call you, and bet one hundred more.
1846 Spirit of Times 18 Apr. 88/3 ‘I have bet twenty thousand,’ said the young man firmly, ‘you can call it or not, just as you choose.’
1872 ‘M. Twain’ Roughing It 332 I reckon I can't call that hand.
1901 Waterloo (Iowa) Daily Courier 19 June 2/5 After he and Dodson had staked everything I ‘called’ them and won the pot again—fair and square enough this time.
1978 Sun (Alvin, Texas) 8 Jan. 2/4 My husband refused to let me see his cards just because I chickened out and folded rather than calling his bet.
1980 A. J. Jones Game Theory 259 Now the last person to raise is being called by the remaining players, and a showdown takes place.
2006 J. Vorhaus Killer Poker Online 2 v. 49 Call him on the flop, raise him on the turn..and take down a pot.
(c) transitive. figurative and in figurative contexts. To accept (a person's) challenge or offer; to challenge (a person) to fulfil a declared intention. Also with the challenge or intention as object. Cf. to call one's (or the) bluff at bluff n.2 3a .
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1841 Spirit of Times 18 Dec. 498/1 Is not this the subscriber who ‘called us’ after we went our entire pile better ‘on Boston vs. Gano?’
1896 Congr. Rec. 23 May 5634/1 I do not know how great the amount of our savings might be if..[he] should consult all of his..colleagues on this floor. Mr. Cannon..do you think we had better ‘call’ him?
1897 Dubuque Daily Herald 1 Dec. 8/3 The suggestion finds favor with democrats generally, that it will be well to call Mr. Bonson's hand and give Mr. Duggan the benefit that Andrews hopes to reap.
1956 News-Palladium (Benton Harbour, Mich.) 17 Sept. 1/1 I have not heard whether my opponent has agreed to attend. Perhaps he will feel some compulsion to do so now that someone has called him on his bluff and bluster.
1994 Wall St. Jrnl. 19 Dec. (Eastern ed.) a16 He specifically endorsed the president's call for making college tuition payments tax deductible. ‘We'll take his tax cuts, call his bet and raise him.’
1998 C. McCarthy Cities of Plain 25 He looked her straight in the eye and told her he didnt drink... Of course she called his hand on it. Said she knew for a fact he drank.
2012 Boxoffice June 36/1 Since Damon had told producers he wouldn't appear as Bourne without Greengrass, the director's detraction called him on his bluff and now Damon's off the project until the reinstatement of his director pal.
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1682 ‘T. Rationalis’ New News from Bedlam 29 Come, come Jack P. let us call a new Cause.
1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins I. xviii. 176 I had talked too much of her Country already, so we called a new Cause.
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph II. 271 But let us call another subject.—When did you hear from Mr. Faulkland?
1809 E. Thomas Monte Video III. xii. 170 She called a fresh topic of conversation, and, by stealing the mind of her young friend from the images which heavily oppressed it, by degrees restored her to composure.
1879 E. C. Wood Youth on Prow I. ii. 28 ‘Has your maid been long with you?’ asked Abigail, calling a fresh subject.
22. transitive. Esp. of a hunter: to attract or try to attract (an animal) by imitating its natural call, or that of another animal.
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1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Bird-call They have also an Instrument wherewith to call Deer, Foxes, &c.
1846 R. G. A. Levinge Echoes from Backwoods I. viii. 229 The Emperor of China amused himself by ‘calling’ deer much in the manner practised by the Indians in Nova Scotia.
1885 Outing Oct. 65/2 He resumed his position, and again began to call turkeys.
1904 C. G. D. Roberts Watchers of Trails 315 With a heart that throbbed in mingled exultation and terror, the boy realized that he had called a bull-moose.
1973 Amer. Antiq. 38 13 Most carnivores can be called by imitating the cry of an injured rabbit.
2003 Field & Stream Nov. 80/1 You can call deer at any time of the season, but your odds improve dramatically when the rut is on.
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1812 J. Marshall in W. Cranch Rep. Supreme Court U.S. 6 164 Powell's entry, therefore, calls to run from the river with Massie's line.
1839 W. B. Turley in R. J. Meigs Rep. Supreme Court Tennessee 1838–9 217 This grant calls to lie on both sides of the two main forks of Duck river.
1922 Southwestern Reporter 239 414/2 The entry calls to begin on the northeast corner of a 35-acre entry in the name of Wm. Duggin.
24. transitive. Stock Market. Of an issuer: to redeem (a stock, bond, or other security) before the maturity date. Cf. call n. 13b, put v. 34.
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1816 ‘Practical Jobber’ Art of Stock Jobbing Explained (ed. 4) 93 For the Call.—Buying to call more at 1/ 8 or 1/ 4 above the price, if the buyer chooses, on a certain day, if the price goes in his favour.
1860 Acts. Gen. Assembly Kentucky II. cmxxviii. 557 Said company may organize, proceed to business, and assess and call the stock, upon the subscription or taking up of any number of shares less than the whole.
1889 Investors' Suppl. Commerc. & Financial Chron. 30 Nov. 4 Notice of the bonds to be paid must be advertised in New York and Boston, and if whole issue is called six months' notice must be given.
1942 Columbia Law Rev. 42 1131 A five million dollar open account claim..arose out of an advance to Derby..to enable it to call a bond issue in the same amount.
2002 Jrnl. Financial & Quantitative Anal. 37 705 The well-known rule in a perfect capital market is to call a bond as soon as its market value first reaches the call price.
25.
a. transitive. To contact or attempt to contact (a person, organization, building, etc.) by telephone; to connect with (a number) in this way; to phone. Also: to contact or attempt to contact (a person) by radio. Cf. ring v.1 14a.See also to call back 5 at Phrasal verbs 1, to call up 7 at Phrasal verbs 1.
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society > communication > telecommunication > [verb (transitive)]
call1879
get1890
raise1929
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate with by telephone [verb (transitive)]
telephone1877
call1879
ring1880
to call up1882
phone1889
to give a ring1895
buzz1914
to give (a person) a tinkle1921
to dial up1924
1879 tr. T. A. L. Du Moncel Telephone 257 Pressure on the sending push serves to call the corresponding station.
1889 ‘M. Twain’ Connecticut Yankee xxxvii. 478 In the telegraphic line..I said:..‘Lively, now! Call Camelot.’
1913 Times 28 Nov. 6/1 The operator was instructed to call my private number in the West-end.
1921 Glasgow Herald 4 Feb. 9 Shortly after two o'clock she was called, but did not answer her call-sign.
1936 N. Coward Hands across Sea 23 Clare (at telephone):..All right, darling—call me in the morning.
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 17 Feb. 45 (advt.) For more information, call Jud Newell 485–9191.
1989 Which? Sept. 443/2 (caption) He can't call Freephone numbers..from his car.
1992 B. Geist Little League Confidential ii. 22 She called the office to tell me the baby had just chucked a piece of Waterford across the dining room.
2008 S. Toltz Fraction of Whole v. 532 He called me on the phone. ‘What the hell are you doing?’ he said when I picked up.
b. intransitive. To make a telephone call (usually to a particular party identified by the context); to phone. Cf. ring v.1 14c.
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society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate by telephone [verb (intransitive)]
telephone1877
call1879
phone1885
speak1885
ring1887
to call in1930
1879 M. D. Connolly et al. U.S. Patent 222,458 4/1 We run a branch line from the line of the station calling, to a suitable terminal, x.
1882 J. E. K. Telephone 19 The means by which the Exchange operator knows which subscriber is calling is very ingenious and very simple.
1928 B. Hecht & C. MacArthur Front Page ii. 72 Endicott (into phone): Endicott calling. Gimme a rewrite man.
1952 W. R. Burnett Vanity Row (1953) xiii. 90 ‘Where you calling from?’ ‘A pay-phone.’
1982 A. Tyler Dinner at Homesick Restaurant (1983) vi. 178 She called frantically, day after day, often letting the phone ring thirty or forty times.
2009 P. Stanger & L. J. Mandell Become your own Matchmaker iv. 134 If you find a guy who calls when he says he will and takes you out on a regular basis,..nab him!
26. transitive. Computing. To cause (a subroutine) to be executed. Also: to activate or invoke (a program). Formerly with in.
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society > computing and information technology > programming language > programme execution > run or execute [verb (transitive)]
run1946
call1951
invoke1961
1951 M. V. Wilkes et al. Prepar. Programs for Electronic Digital Computer i. iv. 34 There are in the library a number of subroutines which, when called in, execute series of operations according to sets of parameters in the store.
1978 Sci. Amer. Oct. 73/2 (advt.) Subprograms can be written in assembly language and called in basic programs.
1990 PC Mag. 29 May 410/2 Whenever paraview needs to display the rows.., it calls the function pxredisplay.
2006 InfoWorld 11 Sept. 38/2 The server copy..is provisioned to users automatically when they call the application.
2011 C. Schmitt & K. Simpson HTML5 Cookbk. viii. 170 The JavaScript below..calls the Google API to geocode the address.
IV. Scottish. To drive, move, and related senses.† 28. transitive. to call one's way (also course): to make one's way; to proceed. Also to call the way. Obsolete.† 30. intransitive. To let fly a weapon at a person. Obsolete. rare.
27. † e. transitive. To hunt (an animal). Obsolete. rare.
a. transitive. To drive or direct (a cart, wagon, or plough); to drive (sheep, cattle, or whales) to a particular place; to urge forward. Cf. call n. 21.
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society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > drive a vehicle [verb (transitive)]
driveOE
call1487
convoy1667
bend1747
herd1954
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) x. 223 Than bwnnok..callit his wayn toward the peill.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) x. l. 24 Thir cartaris..callyt furth the cartis weill.
a1522 G. Douglas in tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) viii. Prol. l. 42 The cadgyar callis furth his capill with crakkis wail cant.
a1585 A. Montgomerie Flyting with Polwart (Tullibardine) in Poems (2000) I. 141 Mony ȝeld ȝow thow cald fra ane know.
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 141 Scarss men wes left to hold and to call the pleughe.
1754 R. Forbes Shop Bill in tr. Ovid Ajax his Speech (new ed.) 33 The porter, car-man, or servant lad, That ca's the beast wi' fup or gad.
1786 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 146 Some ca' the pleugh.
1794 R. Burns (title) Ca' the yowes to the knowes.
1841 A. Laing in Whistle-Binkie 3rd Ser. 30 My father wad lead wi' a bairn, But wadna be ca'd for the de'il.
1872 A. Wanless Poems & Songs 24 Adown the bank they ca' the sheep and kye To where the burnie laves out owre the rocks.
1907 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Oct. 529 It's a third for the laird, and two-thirds for the men that ca' the whales ashore.
1979 A. P. Cohen in S. Wallman Social Anthropol. of Work 261 The skipper of the massively capitalized and sophisticated purse-trawler..will also be see..caa'in his few hill sheep for dipping.
1996 M. Flaws & G. Lamb Orkney Dict. 10 Caa the kye oot o the aets.
2000 J. Robertson Fanatic 70 There's a tide amang the folk that's cawin her on.
2005 A. Fenton Buchan Words & Ways ii. 37 He'd a lot o drovers, an caain em [sc. the cattle] doon tae the Station, ye see, an he met a man on e road wi a horse an cairt.
b. intransitive. To go, proceed, carry on. Also: (of an animal) to be driven. Also with away. Now chiefly in to call canny at canny adv. 1b.
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the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > be cautious or take care [verb (intransitive)] > proceed with caution
to make it wisec1405
to feel (out) one's waya1450
to beat the bush1526
to beat about the bush1572
callc1650
to call canny1814
go-easy1860
to plough around1888
pussyfoot1902
to play it by ear1922
c1650 J. Spalding Memorialls Trubles Scotl. & Eng. (1850) I. 64 Sic bestis as wold not call thay cruellie killit, and left thame behind lying on the ground.
1717 R. Wodrow Corr. (1843) II. 246 I regret your want of health, and fear you may be calling off from an ill time to the joy of your Lord.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess i. 63 I mounts an' wi' them aff what we cud ca'.
1790 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum III. 297 When Jockey's owsen hameward ca'.
1803 in W. Scott Minstrelsy Sc. Border (ed. 2) I. 199 There will never a nail ca' right for me.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Call That beast winna caw, for a' that I can do.
1901 N. Munro Doom Castle xxxvii. 357 Ay, ay! caw awa' wi' yer chanter, Sim.
1920 D. Rorie Auld Doctor 1 O' a' the jobs that sweat the sark Gie me a kintra doctor's wark, Ye ca' awa' frae dawn till dark.
1998 Aberdeen Evening Express 4 Dec. 11 She could run one up in about half-an-hour cawing away like a thing possessed on her old pedal Singer machine.
2021 Eiks an Ens Newslet. (Scots Lang. Soc.) Dec. 2 In spite o aathin, we cawed awaa—sae we’re no deid yet!
c. transitive. To cause (an object) to move or go; to set (something) in motion; to turn (a wheel, handle, skipping rope, etc.). Frequently with about. Also intransitive.
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1726 in A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. II. 83 If that her Tippony chance to be sma', We'll tak a good Scour o't, and ca't awa'.
1737 A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. IV. 169 We ca'd the Bicker aft about.
1773 R. Fergusson Poems 89 She has na ca'd about a wheel the year.
1790 A. Shirrefs Poems 214 Syne ca'd about the nappy cup, to keep their wanton spirits up.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. xiii. 298 Even if he were a puir ca-the-shuttle body [i.e. a weaver].
1863 J. Nicholson Kilwuddie 128 Ca' aboot the mill wheel.
1888 N.E.D. at Call Mod. Will you come and ca'? i.e. drive a skipping-rope.
1889 A. Lang in Scots Observer 4 May 665/2 I socht a kirk, a bonny kirk, Wi' teind, an' glebe, an' a', A bonny yaird to feed a stirk, An' links to ca' the ba'!
1904 ‘H. Foulis’ Erchie iii. 14 Some puir pick-up that never ca'd the handle o' a kirk bell in his life afore.
1990 J. Faley Up oor Close iii. 54 One time my mother says, ‘Charlie, I want ye tae caw this wringer.’ I says, ‘All right.’... An' I was cawing away an' the roller blew off!
1992 J. Torrington Swing Hammer Swing! xxxiv. 315 Lucas began to caw the spool rewinder.
2008 A. Owens Compl. Short Stories 306 Ca'ing the rope had been more exciting for you had to be quick on your feet to play it.
d. transitive. To knock, to push. Frequently with adverb, as down, over.
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the world > movement > impact > striking > striking in specific manner > strike in specific manner [verb (transitive)] > strike with pushing action
drivec1380
thrustc1410
call1729
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low > knock down
to smite (a person or thing) to the groundc1250
weve13..
pallc1390
to knock downc1450
nolpc1540
call1729
1729 Trial J. Carnegie 107 The Deponent saw Mr. Thomas Lyon with his Sword ca' Finhaven's Sword out of his Hand.
a1774 R. Fergusson Poems Var. Subj. (1779) 27 Take tent case Crummy tak her wonted tids, And ca' the laiglen's treasure on the ground.
1880 W. T. Dennison Orcadian Sketch-bk. 77 I fell i' the loch, hid's true, bit I'me no' sae seur that I wur ca'd i' hid.
1917 J. L. Robertson Petition to Deil 91 But the Cock o' John Tamson had sherpness an' wecht, An' he ca'd the invader doun.
1931 E. Albert Herrin' Jennie 161 You could have ca'd her ower wi' a feather.
1979 J. J. Graham Shetland Dict. 10/1 Watch an no caa dee head ida door as du gengs in.
1995 Orcadian 16 Feb. 19 So long as I step carefully over it, and do not ca' me tae in it, it is effective in keeping the wind out.
2005 Sc. National Dict. New Suppl. in Dict. Scots Lang. (Electronic text) at Ca' [Edinburgh] Ah just cawd him ower wi a dunt.
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the world > food and drink > hunting > hunt [verb (transitive)]
huntc1000
chasec1330
teisec1400
work1568
drive1622
call1768
rattle1829
shikar1882
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess iii. 118 We never thought it wrang to ca' a prey.
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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
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iv. l. 52 The hors thai tuk for awentur mycht befall, Laid on thar sowme, syne furth the way couth call.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 70 Ca' your wa', The door it stands wide open.
1844 W. Jamie Muse of Mearns 61 She on this lonely moor, 'tis said, Her course does nightly ca'.
29. transitive. To fix or fasten by hammering; to drive in (esp. a nail) by hammering. Also with on, in, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with tools or equipment > work with tools or equipment [verb (transitive)] > driving or beating tools
strike1340
hammerc1430
maul?1440
riveta1450
calla1522
peena1522
peck1533
mallet1594
beetle1608
pickaxe1800
sledge1816
sledgehammer1834
tack-hammer1865
pin1875
pile-drive1894
staple gun1960
a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid (1959) viii. vii. 174 In euery place sevin ply thai well and call.
1558–9 in R. Adam Edinb. Rec. (1899) I. 279 Small irne wedges to call in the bred wechtis.
1633 in J. Imrie & J. G. Dunbar Accts. Masters of Wks. (1982) II. 375 Aught scheipe skines for demipeices..; ic taketis to call them on the spounge heides.
a1698 W. Row Contin. in R. Blair Life (1848) (modernized text) 504 Cawed in the boots by the hangman.
1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherdess ii. 79 Yet to the head, the nail ye manna ca'.
1776 C. Keith Farmer's Ha' 4 Into their brogs they ca' the nails.
1789 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) I. 472 He has couper'd and ca'd a wrang pin in.
1796 R. Gall Tint Quey in Twa Cuckolds & Tint Quey 14 To ca' some tackets i' his shoon.
1881 G. MacDonald Warlock o' Glenwarlock vii. 75 Catch yer naig an' pu' his tail: In his hin' heel ca' a nail.
1904 R. Ford Children's Rhymes, Children's Games (ed. 2) 11 Ca' a nail into the tae, To gar the pownie climb the brae.
1938 D. Rorie in Sc. National Dict. (1941) II. at Ca' [Fife] ‘Bile your heid an' ca' tackets in't’, a contemptuous phrase.
1979 J. J. Graham Shetland Dict. 10/1 Jöst du caa twartree nails ithin him an he micht hadd for a start.
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1669 Hist. Sir Eger 39 His spear before him could he fang..And called right fast at sir Gray-steel..And Gray-steel called at sir Grahame.
31.
a. transitive. To search (a place) by going through it thoroughly. Now rare. Sc. National Dict. (at Ca') records this sense as still known to its informants in Banff, Aberdeen, and Angus in 1938.
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
1806 J. Cock Simple Strains 133 He thought nae shame ilk hole to ca, Peat stack and yard.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. at Call I'll caw the haill town for't, or I want it.
1880 Brechin Advertiser 21 Sept. 3/2 [We] ca'd the road frae side to side.
b. transitive. To travel round (a place) begging. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1835 R. Nicoll Poems & Lyrics 172 Nae walth had they; but something still They spared whan ane forlorn—The puir auld beggar bodie—ca'd The toon whar' I was born.
1938 D. Rorie in Sc. National Dict. (1941) II. at Ca' He'd ca'ed the kintraside for 'ears.
V. Senses in which visiting or paying a call is the primary meaning.† 33. transitive. To pay a short visit to (a person); to call on. Obsolete.
32.
a. intransitive. To make a visit to a house or premises; to pay a call. Frequently with at specifying the house or premises visited; also with by, round.Originally probably including the notion of calling aloud at a person's door to make one's presence known (cf. sense 1a(a)), and in early use sometimes limited in reference to speaking to a person who answers a call, knock, ring, etc., without entering the premises (the notion of entering being originally encompassed by to call in 3a at Phrasal verbs 1).rare in North American use.See also to call on —— 3 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)]
seekc1200
to call in1573
call1597
to call upon ——1604
to call on ——a1616
visit1626
to make, or pay (also give) a visit1643
to pay a call1648
viz.1767
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II ii. ii. 94 To day as I came by I called there. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. iii. 41 You are to cal at all the alehouses. View more context for this quotation
1601 G. de Malynes Treat. Canker Englands Commonw. iii. 123 The which calling at the Bakers house, & finding any fault, he may take..al the bread then exstant at the Bakers house as forfeited.
1652 E. Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum 483 Being setled againe at Mortclack, the Queene used to call at his House to visit him.
1676 T. Overbury True Acct. Exam. Joan Perry 1 Mr. Harrison call'd at his House the Evening before, in his return from Charringworth, but stayed not.
1717 W. Taverner Artful Husband (new ed.) iv. 50 Hark'e, Fellow, call at the Jeweller's to Morrow, and bid him make me a Necklace of twice the value of that your Master bespoke.
1787 W. Cowper Let. 14 Jan. (1982) III. 15 A young Gentleman called here yesterday who came 6 miles out of his way to see me.
1831 T. P. Thompson in Westm. Rev. Jan. 204 If she is obliged to call again.
1834 W. C. Macready Reminisc. I. 420 Called at the Literary Fund office, and saw..the secretary.
1881 C. E. L. Riddell Alaric Spencely II. iii. 65 She thought of calling in Banner Square.
1912 M. Annesley My Parisian Year xxii. 272 The postman calls with the letters containing the returned forms and the money orders.
1932 A. Bell Cherry Tree viii. 107 You'd better call round when he's sold his white clover seed.
1980 Canberra Times 20 Oct. 11 Mr M. said he had called at the shop and received his refund.
1981 G. Masterton Man of Destiny iv. 170 Will you call by later and tell me how Hannah is?
2005 R. Tope Cotswold Killing xxi. 307 A team of police officers showed up and crawled around the garden pond for a while, but did not call at the house.
b. intransitive. Chiefly with at. Of a ship, a traveller, etc.: to make a (brief) stop at a town, port, country, etc., during the course of a longer journey or route; (of a train, bus, or other form of public transport) to make a scheduled stop at a specified station or other location on a particular route.rare in North American use.See also to call in 3b at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > go on a journey > break one's journey
call1642
to lay over1817
to stop over1855
to break one's journey1880
society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > journey [verb (intransitive)] > make a break in a journey
call1642
to call in1643
halt1656
stop1743
off-saddle1823
to stop over1855
night-stop1951
1642 H. Peters True Rel. Voy. Ireland 11 The Raph was sent backe to fetch Zachory's ship, and to call at Ralph-Barry.
1646 E. Drapes Plain Discov. Beame in Master Edwards Eye 22 The Captaine peaceably departed out of the Towne, and went to the Army; having dispatched their businesse there, they returned, and called at Newport, as they came back.
1655 J. Lightfoot Harmony New-Test. ii. 152 In which journey..he was to call at Corinth, and to take Mark along with him, who was there.
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon ii. viii. 378 His Majesty continuing his way through Guienne, took occasion to call at Blaye.
1751 W. Beawes Lex Mercatoria Rediviva 267 Where the Vessel was to have Liberty to call, in her Way down, for a Pilot.
1799 Ld. Nelson in Dispatches & Lett. (1845) III. 147 Captain Blackwood..calls at Minorca in his way down.
1799 Ld. Nelson in Dispatches & Lett. (1845) III. 352 Direct the Ships to call off here, but not to anchor.
1847 Times 11 Nov. 4/2 The return ships of the West India merchant are now to be allowed to call at such ports of the African coast as are free from the slave trade.
1867 Standard 3 Jan. 1/1 Cannon-street, and Charing-cross Trains call at this Station about every 20 minutes throughout the day.
1935 Railway Wonders of World I. 655/3 A fast train which called at several of the principal stations.
2007 Park Home & Holiday Caravan Jan. 25/3 There are regular community buses that call at the park and pick up residents to take them to various shopping centres.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)] > into a house, etc., for communication
to call upon ——1604
calla1616
to call on ——a1616
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (transitive)]
seekc893
visit13..
vizyc1425
to go to (also and) see1548
to call upon ——1604
calla1616
paya1616
vis1754
to look up1827
to visit with1850
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. ii. 50 Wee'l call thee at the Cubiculo. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. iv. 14 Ile call you at your house. View more context for this quotation
1664 T. Killigrew Thomaso i. ii, in Comedies & Trag. 319 I would willingly call Arrigo, at the Embassadors.
1684 Tryal L. Braddon & H. Speke 47 Mr. Braddon called me at the Shop, as I stood at the Door, and ask'd me if I was busie, or would go with him?
1728 C. Cibber Vanbrugh's Provok'd Husband iii. 54 You will call me at Lady Revel's?
1853 E. C. Gaskell Cranford xv. 299 One morning, within a week after I arrived, I went to call Miss Matty, with a little bundle of flannel in my arms.
Phrases
P1. Phrases relating to declaring or announcing (see branch I.).† a. Politics. to call the House: to read out the names of the members of a parliamentary house, senate, etc., to establish who is present; = to call over the House at Phrasal verbs 1. Cf. call of the House at call n. 4. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1606 Orig. Jrnls. House of Commons 17 Apr. f. 106v Wednesday sennight to call the house and to impose fynes upon such as were absent upon ye last call & shalbe then absent.
a1650 S. D'Ewes Jrnls. Parl. Queen Elizabeth anno 1581 (1682) 283/1 This day also it was ordered that the House should be called on Wednesday next..that so it might appear who diligently intend the business of the House, and who did negligently absent themselves.
1764 B. Franklin Remarks Protest against Appointment 5 The Governor can call the House when he pleases.
1838 Jrnl. 37th Gen. Assembly Ohio 12 Any number of members shall have the power to adjourn; five to call the House and send for absent members.
b. colloquial (originally U.S.). to call it like (also as) one sees it: (a) Sport (of an umpire or similar official) to make or declare a decision honestly and self-confidently, based on one's view of the action; (b) (figurative and in extended use) to make decisions or judgements self-confidently; to express oneself in a manner true to one's own viewpoint or opinions; to be unsparingly frank or candid; cf. like (also as) one sees it at see v. Phrases 28. Also (and earliest) in to call them as (also like) one sees them.
ΚΠ
1895 Cincinnati (Ohio) Enquirer 14 July 2/1 No umpire is infallible, and Galvin was plainly ‘calling them as he saw them’.
1904 Shreveport (Louisiana) Times 21 May 5/3 George may see balls and strikes and some close decisions differently from those sitting at the far end of the stand, but he certainly is calling them as he sees them.
1922 Oakland (Calif.) Tribune 25 Feb. 15/4 Maybe he [sc. the referee] erred in not concedin' the little Morgan boy a tie, but he called it like he saw it, an' you can't get any better service than that.
1932 W. Rogers in El Paso (Texas) Herald-Post 17 Dec. 4/6 Now I read Politics, talk Politics... I'm going to be like an umpire, or referee. I am going to keep on doing the same as I have in the past. I am going to call em like I see em.
1939 Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) 26 May a11/2 Their leader [i.e. of the Senate Republicans], Charles L. McNary.., is a shrewd political opportunist who would rather call them as he sees them than worry about issues, principles and programs.
1979 Crisis Apr. 132/2 The artist..‘lives in the present and calls it as he sees it’.
1993 D. DeVenzio There's Only One Way to Win vii. 56 He simply did what every good referee tries to do: he calls 'em as he sees 'em.
2015 P. Slevin Michelle Obama xii. 258 [Michelle Obama] doesn't sugarcoat her perspective or dance around the issues. She just calls it like she sees it.
P2. Phrases relating to naming or designating (see branch II.).
a. to call (a thing) one's own: to lay claim to; to regard as belonging to oneself (alone).See also to call one's soul one's own at soul n. Phrases 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > owning > own [verb (transitive)] > regard as one's own
to call (a thing) one's own1517
1517 R. Fox tr. Rule Seynt Benet xxxiii. sig. E.i All thynges must be vnto them incommune,..Nother any of theym shall call, any thynge hir owne, or presume or suppose anye thynge to be hir owne [L. ne quisquam suum aliquid dicat vel praesumat].
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. ii. 149 Nothing can we call our owne, but death: And that small modle of the barren earth, Which serues as paste, and couer to our bones. View more context for this quotation
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 455 My Robe, And my Integrity to Heauen, is all, I dare now call mine owne . View more context for this quotation
1683 Dutch Rogue 89 Not only to be brought to the Condition of a Slave,..but at the same time to be deprived of all he could call his own in the World.
1729 B. Franklin in Amer. Weekly Mercury 18 Feb. 1/2 I have all the Trouble and Pesterment of Children, without the Pleasure of—calling them my own.
1761 E. Gibbon Jrnl. 11 Jan. (1929) 21 I had hardly a moment I could call my own.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. iv. 93 She daren't call her soul her own.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days i. v. 104 The first place which he could call his own.
1930 A. Huxley Let. 18 Oct. (1969) 343 I've really had very little time to call my own.
1977 ‘J. le Carré’ Honourable Schoolboy iii. 53 Not a friend in Whitehall or Washington to call his own.
1999 L. Morris & V. Rauseo Room with View in Best of Frasier 111 All I ever asked for was one room. A little corner I could call my own.
b. to call cousins (also †sisters, †brothers, etc.): to address or refer to each other as ‘cousin’ (also ‘sister’, ‘brother’, etc.) as a sign of close friendship or kinship; to claim kinship with.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > cousin > be a cousin [verb (intransitive)] > call each other cousin
to call cousins1598
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > sibling > sister > be a sister [verb (intransitive)] > call each other sister
to call sisters1598
1598 G. Chapman Blinde Begger of Alexandria sig. Dv Eli. Giue me the place acording to my calling. Mar. What skill for places, do we not all call sisters, Eli. Noe by my fayth I am a countesse now.
1609 Lives 19 Late Pyrates sig. B4v My first meeting with Captaine Iennings, who at sea together did call brothers.
1613 J. Marston & W. Barksted Insatiate Countesse i. sig. B We two that any time these fourteene yeeres haue called sisters.
a1632 T. Middleton & J. Webster Any Thing for Quiet Life (1662) ii. sig. C4 So neer I am to him, we must call Cousins.
1668 G. Etherege She wou'd if she Cou'd i. i. 6 Sir Joslin Jolly, A Kinsman of my Wifes, and my Neighbour in the Country; we call Brothers, he came up to Town With me, and lodgeth in the same house.
1715 D. Defoe Family Instructor I. ii. i. 194 After..the two Youths had contracted an Intimacy, so that it was grown up to a kind of Affection between them, they agreed in the first Place to call Brothers.
1751 H. Walpole Corr. (1837) I. 156 Pray do you call cousins.
1808 W. Scott Autobiogr. in J. G. Lockhart Mem. Life Scott (1839) 6 My father used to call cousin, as they say, with the Campbells of Blythswood.
1876 B. C. Curteis In Marsh i. 20 Though many people would have now liked to call kin with Miss Philly, Miss Philly would call kin with nobody.
1939 E. Marsh Number of People vi. 126 My only discovery of the faintest interest was that Wilfrid Blunt could call cousins with Shelley through a common Sussex ancestress.
1986 Jrnl. Afr. Hist. 27 576 The Lagosians can still ‘call cousins’ with members of similar élite groups as far up the West Coast as The Gambia.
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 51/1 Call cousins, regard one another, perhaps loosely, as cousins.
c. to call a person out of his or her name and variants: to call a person by a name other than his or her given one; (hence) to call a person an abusive name, to insult a person. Similarly in to call a thing out of its name. Now regional and in African-American usage.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > naming > give a name [verb (intransitive)] > address by wrong name
to call a person out of his or her name1606
1606 T. Heywood 2nd Pt. If you know not Me sig. A3v I neuer cal'd her out of name, by this hand Vncle, to my remembrance.
1639 J. Lilburne Come out of Her 30 You William Laud, Prelate of Canterburie, for so I call you, and will not in the least revile your person, by calling you out of your name.
1664 R. Venning Beauty of Holines 20 in Things worth thinking On I need not call it [sc. sin] out of its Name, for a worse cannot be given it.
1786 J. Johnstone Disbanded Officer iii. iii. 34 Pardon me, if I call you out of your name.
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) ii. 12 Perhaps if she was to be called out of her name, it would be considered in the wages.
1885 C. M. Yonge Two Sides of Shield I. iii. 38 She had rather not be called out of her name.
1924 C. Greer-Petrie Angeline gits Eyeful 7 That old werman is li'ble to call anything out of hits name. She's awful furgitful and is alluz gittin' her words tangled up.
1970 L. Meriwether Daddy was Number Runner viii. 121 It was the second time today somebody had called me out of my name..and I was getting sick of it.
1987 T. Wolfe Bonfire of Vanities v. 114 ‘He called me out of my name!’ ‘I explained this to you, Mr. 92X. The clerk is bound by a legal requirement. But in view of your evident intention to change your name,..the court is content to refer to you as Herbert 92X for the purpose of these proceedings.’
1996 C. I. Macafee Conc. Ulster Dict. 51/2 Call someone out of his or her name, verbally abuse, scold someone; call someone abusive names.
2003 ‘Zane’ Nervous xx. 124 ‘Oh, never mind, I already know your name. Bitch!’ ‘That's not very ladylike, calling me out of my name.’
d. to call (a person) names: to address (a person) with abusive or insulting names; to insult (a person) verbally. Also to call names: to make verbal insults; to engage in name-calling.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > invective or abuse > abuse [verb (transitive)] > call names
miscallc1449
to call (a person) foulc1450
misname1528
to call (a person) names1638
becall1683
call1825
1638 J. Ford Fancies iii. 43 He pinched me, called me names, most filthy names.
1652 G. Fidge Great Eater Grayes-Inne 11 The woman having found out the Deceit, was cursing him deeply, and calling him all the names that could be.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World v. 117 They..content themselves with standing aloof, threatning and calling names.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 274. ⁋1 Calling Names does no Good.
1766 B. Martin App. Descr. & Use Globes i. 30 I should have taken in very good Part all his Plagiarism.., if he had not been so ungenerous as to call me names for it.
1797 N.-Y. Mag. Mar. 250/2 Unable to resist, he called them names in broad Scotch, and ordered them to desist, and be gone.
1854 H. Miller Schools & Schoolmasters xxii. 461 He replied to my jokes by calling names.
1884 Times (Weekly ed.) 5 Sept. 3/1 They were not in the habit of calling one another names.
1917 A. C. H. Rice Calvary Alley xv. 182 Now that Nance was too old to stick out her tongue and call names, she found her power of repartee seriously interfered with.
1962 Jet 8 Mar. 28 I just wanted to shoot him. I'm tired of him pushing me around and calling me names.
2008 E. J. Sun in A. Pung Growing up Asian in Austral. 336 Like most emotionally retarded eight-year-old boys, the only way I could communicate with her was by calling her names.
e.
(a) North American. to call it half a day: to cease working earlier than usual and consider the work done to constitute half a day; (hence) to abandon a task which is proving thankless or unsatisfactory; to give up. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1834 D. Crockett Narr. Life vii. 90 Poor Thimblerig was obliged to break off conjuring for want of customers, and call it half a day.
1843 Spirit of Times 4 Mar. 1/2 When a thing isn't ‘worth a fig’, one ‘might as well call it half a day and quit’.
1889 ‘M. Twain’ Connecticut Yankee xxii. 272 It would have been best..for Merlin to..quit and call it half a day.
1914 M. C. Fraser & H. Fraser Seven Years on Pacific Slope xxi. 379 ‘I reckon,’ said the bridegroom to the Texan, ‘that we might as well call it half a day’.
1931 N.Y. Times 23 July 21/5 He was at his office at 9 o'clock yesterday morning, went out to lunch at 1 o'clock, came back at 1:45 and decided to ‘call it half a day’ a little after 2.
(b) Originally North American. to call it a day: to stop doing something, esp. working; to finish for the day; to give up.
ΚΠ
1886 Current 23 Jan. 2/1 In the East, when they get their paper full, they go home and call it a day.
1919 P. G. Wodehouse Damsel in Distress ix. 116 Albert rose, not unwilling to call it a day.
1957 J. Braine Room at Top xiii. 129 We'll call it a day... Don't think badly of me.
2001 R. Hill Dialogues of Dead (2002) xii. 133 He said resignedly, ‘OK. I think we'd better call it a day. Thanks for all your hard work. You did well.’
(c) Originally North American. to call it a night: to decide or agree at a certain point in the night to stop doing something; to finish for the night.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease activity [verb (intransitive)] > desist from effort or exertion
restOE
to hang up one's hatcheta1350
to call it a night1912
that'll be the day1916
1912 Portsmouth (New Hampsh.) Herald 29 Nov. 6/4 It was well into this morning before the Vets were willing to call it a night.
1934 ‘J. Spenser’ Limey breaks In xi. 180 There were at least sixty pounds there, and I quickly collared the lot and called it a night.
1968 K. Weatherly Roo Shooter 55 At length, when he had about half a ton of meat on the Rover, he decided to call it a night.
2008 J. Matthews Last Known Position 18 ‘Anything?’ Danny said... ‘Nah, man, they called it a night, packed up, and went home.’
P3. Phrases relating to summoning or bringing (see branch III.).
a. to call to mind (also memory, remembrance): to recollect, recall; to cause to be remembered; to bring to mind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > call to mind, recollect [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
bethinkOE
mingOE
thinkOE
monelOE
umbethinkc1175
to draw (also take) into (or to) memorya1275
minc1330
record1340
revert1340
remembera1382
mindc1384
monishc1384
to bring to mindc1390
remenec1390
me meanetha1400
reducec1425
to call to mind1427
gaincall1434
pense1493
remord?1507
revocate1527
revive1531
cite1549
to call back1572
recall1579
to call to mind (also memory, remembrance)1583
to call to remembrance1583
revoke1586
reverse1590
submonish1591
recover1602
recordate1603
to call up1606
to fetch up1608
reconjure1611
collect1612
remind1615
recollect1631
rememorize1632
retrieve1644
think1671
reconnoitre1729
member1823
reminisce1829
rememorate1835
recomember1852
evoke1856
updraw1879
withcall1901
access1978
1427–8 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1427 §25. m. 5 We lordes..calle to mynde, howe þat in þe first parlement [etc.].
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) ix. l. 1438 Requeryng you in this consistorie, O citeseyn[e]s that heer present bee, To remembre and calle to memorie How this famous imperial cite Hath ay be redi to doon equite.
c1475 (c1450) P. Idley Instr. to his Son (Cambr.) (1935) i. l. 1045 (MED) This tendirly calle to Remembraunce.
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters Pref. f. iv/1 Fyndyng oure treatye so dyuerse and so long..that my self could not wythout labour call it orderly to mind.
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. B1v I cannot call your name to remembrance.
1611 Bible (King James) Mark xiv. 72 Peter called to minde the word that Iesus said vnto him. View more context for this quotation
1682 T. Otway Venice Preserv'd v. 59 Nay, do not call to memory My disobedience, but let pity enter Into your heart.
1701 Earl Clarendon Let. 27 May in S. Pepys Diary & Corr. (1879) VI. 207 Whose name I cannot call to mind.
1752 H. Fielding Amelia II. iv. ii. 19 She presently called to Remembrance some Stories which she had imperfectly heard.
1833 C. Darwin Let. 23 May in Corr. (1985) I. 315 There is nothing on board the Beagle which can call to mind our evenings in Cambridge.
1834 F. Marryat Jacob Faithful II. vii. 163 Calling to mind what had occurred.
1871 R. H. Hutton Theol. Ess. I. 3 It is necessary to call to mind a very obvious but a strangely-forgotten truth.
1918 A. E. H. Barr Paper Cap vi. 127 When he called to remembrance the events between the rejection of the first Reform Bill and its present struggle, he was really amazed that people could think or talk of any other thing.
1953 J. M. Cohen tr. J.-J. Rousseau Confessions ix. 407 I have never called it to memory without being moved.
1993 R. Walser Running with Devil 125 The framing scenes of this video call to mind culture critics' debates about class and resistance in popular culture.
2010 N.Y. Times 3 Jan. (Educ. Life section) 10/2 Those tip-of-the-tongue times when you know something but can't quite call it to mind.
b. to call to account and variants: to summon (a person) to answer for his or her conduct; to require (a person or institution) to explain poor conduct or performance; to bring to justice; cf. account n. 6. Also: †to summon (a person) to provide a financial statement of account (account n. 5) (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > interrogation > question, interrogate [verb (transitive)] > call to account
areasonc1250
arraignc1360
to do (also put, set) to reasona1400
reasona1400
to call to account1434
hale1587
try1970
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > accusation, charge > make accusation [phrase] > call to account
to call to account1434
to call into (also in) question1534
to bring to book1786
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)]
threac897
threapc897
begripea1000
threata1000
castea1200
chaste?c1225
takec1275
blame1297
chastya1300
sniba1300
withnima1315
undernima1325
rebukec1330
snuba1340
withtakea1340
reprovec1350
chastisea1375
arate1377
challenge1377
undertake1377
reprehenda1382
repreync1390
runta1398
snapea1400
underfoc1400
to call to account1434
to put downc1440
snebc1440
uptakec1440
correptc1449
reformc1450
reprise?c1450
to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450
control1451
redarguec1475
berisp1481
to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522
checkc1530
admonish1541
nip1548
twig?1550
impreve1552
lesson1555
to take down1562
to haul (a person) over the coals1565
increpate1570
touch1570
school1573
to gather up1577
task1580
redarguate?1590
expostulate1592
tutor1599
sauce1601
snip1601
sneap1611
to take in tax1635
to sharp up1647
round1653
threapen1671
reprimand1681
to take to task1682
document1690
chapter1693
repulse1746
twink1747
to speak to ——1753
haul1795
to pull up1799
carpet1840
rig1841
to talk to1860
to take (a person) to the woodshed1882
rawhide1895
to tell off1897
to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900
to get on ——1904
to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908
strafe1915
tick1915
woodshed1935
to slap (a person) down1938
sort1941
bind1942
bottle1946
mat1948
ream1950
zap1961
elder1967
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > levy or mobilize
make?a1160
host1297
arear1366
araisec1386
raisea1425
to call to account1434
rearc1450
levyc1500
riga1513
erect1520
leave1590
to call to arms1592
compound1614
re-embody1685
mobilize1853
remobilize1886
1434 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1835) IV. 264 (MED) For þe whiche he is now called to accountes in our seid eschequier and rigorous processe maad ayens hym.
1472–3 Rolls of Parl.: Edward IV (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1472 1st Roll §41. m. 14 Nor that eny of the same commissioners..be compelled or called to eny accompt by reason of eny of the forseid commissions.
1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. Oii The dome..of the heighest, and most rightfull kyng of all, hangeth ouer his head, who soone after will call hym to accoumpte for the least faulte he hath doen.
1575 T. Tymme tr. A. Marlorat Catholike & Eccles. Expos. Iohn iv. 125/2 No man shall presume to call him to account, although he carrye with him infinite numbers of soules vnto hel.
a1618 W. Raleigh Prerogatiue Parl. (1628) 28 Call your observation to accompt, & you shall find it as I say.
1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius Gothick Warre iii. 76 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian Calling the Italians to accompt, who never toucht the Emperour monies.
1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding i. iii. 6 A God..who..has..power enough to call to account the proudest offender.
1727 M. Davys Accomplish'd Rake 37 When the Beginning of our Days are called to Account by the Middle Part of them, we generally answer with a Blush.
1750 F. Warner Syst. Divinity & Morality IV. xcviii. 254 And would we daily call ourselves to an account, carefully examine our hearts and consciences; and then devoutly and affectionately implore God's pardon and forgiveness for the breaches of our duty.
1833 H. Martineau Manch. Strike (new ed.) v. 61 This ‘mob’ declared their intention of calling Wentworth to account.
1871 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues I. 134 He who transgresses them is to be corrected, or, in other words, called to account.
1942 ‘M. Fitt’ Requiem for Robert (1948) ii. 38 I felt a trace of triumph..in seeing Richard called to account in his turn.
1963 E. C. Black Association iv. 144 When Sir Lawrence Dundas took his seat in parliament.., John Wilkes called him to account.
1995 Economist 16 Sept. 127/2 At long last the European Union's dilatory, double-charging banks are being called to account.
2007 Vanity Fair Nov. 234/2 A War Profiteering Prevention Act, which would make it much easier to investigate corrupt contractors and call them to account.
c. to call into (also in) question. Cf. to bring into question at question n. Phrases 1a.† (b) To summon (a person) for questioning; to subject (a person) to judicial examination. Obsolete.
(a) To cast doubt upon; to challenge, dispute. Also: †to examine, inquire into (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > enquiry > investigation, inspection > investigate, examine [verb (transitive)]
underseekc897
speerc900
lookeOE
askOE
seeOE
teem witnessc1200
seeka1300
fand13..
inquirec1300
undergoc1315
visit1338
pursuea1382
searcha1382
examinec1384
assay1387
ensearchc1400
vesteyea1425
to have in waitc1440
perpend1447
to bring witnessc1475
vey1512
investigate?1520
recounta1530
to call into (also in) question1534
finger1546
rip1549
sight1556
vestigatea1561
to look into ——1561
require1563
descry?1567
sound1579
question1590
resolve1593
surview1601
undersearch1609
sift1611
disquire1621
indagate1623
inspect1623
pierce1640
shrive1647
in-looka1649
probe1649
incern1656
quaeritate1657
inquisite1674
reconnoitre1740
explore1774
to bring to book1786
look-see1867
scrutate1882
to shake down1915
sleuth1939
screen1942
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)] > call in question
to bring (also put) into question1390
to make (no) question1447
to call into (also in) question1534
to call into (also in) doubt?1535
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > accusation, charge > make accusation [phrase] > call to account
to call to account1434
to call into (also in) question1534
to bring to book1786
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > trying or hearing of cause > try or hear cause [verb (transitive)] > put on or bring to trial
to call into (also in) question1534
to bring (a person or cause) to trial1838
to put (a person) on his trial1885
1534 G. Joye Subuersion Moris False Found. f. liiij When all other wordis..maye be douted of, and called into question: yet shall this wryten worde of God stande stil vndouted of.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 38v That.., I shoulde call in question the demeanour of all.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iv. ii. 217 Now sit we close about this Taper heere, And call in question our necessities. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) v. ii. 5 Neither call the giddinesse of it in question. View more context for this quotation
1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 248 For private men..to call in question the decency or expediency of the things so established,..is it self indeed the most indecent and inexpedient thing.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Amazon The existence of the Amazons was called in question by Strabo.
1768 T. Pownall Admin. Colonies (ed. 4) p. ix A right to call into question some particular exertions of power.
1844 W. M. Thackeray Barry Lyndon ii. iii, in Fraser's Mag. Dec. 682 For calling the honour of his mother in question.
1855 D. Brewster Mem. Life I. Newton (new ed.) I. xiii. 371 This opinion..has only recently been called in question.
1928 C. S. Whitehead & C. A. Hoff Ethical Sex Relations (new ed.) i. iv. 138 France does not call the legitimacy of a child into question who has been born three hundred days after the death or absence of the legal parent.
1972 Sci. Amer. May 33/1 The insentience of muscles has often been called in question and probably cannot be regarded as universally accepted even today.
2004 Independent 17 Nov. 33/1 The judgement of the party leader would have been called into question had he not acted decisively.
ΚΠ
1573 T. Bedingfield tr. G. Cardano Comforte iii. sig. N.iiii But for tryall hereof let Sephalus or Spurinna be called in question, of whome we may enquire, whether old age not abused be better then lustye youth.
1611 Bible (King James) Acts xix. 40 We are in danger to be called in question for this dayes vprore. View more context for this quotation
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 59 Socrates..was called into question, and had sentence of death pronounced against him.
1647 J. Carter Nail & Wheel 78 Presently he was..called in question as a delinquent.
1712 L. Howel View of Pontificate 126 This Trial must imply a superior Power in some Person or Persons else, who must judge him, or at least call him in Question, and oblige him to clear himself.
1862 Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 2 Apr. 226/2 When he came to Jerusalem, the disciples called him in question for his conduct.
1895 S. R. Crockett Men of Moss-hags xxiv. 179 The townsfolk stood about, but not too near, being careful and cautious lest they should be called in question for compliance with the deed.
1906 Proc. before Comm. Privileges & Elections IV. 105 in U.S. Congress. Serial Set (59th Congr., 1st Sess.: Senate Doc. 486 Pt. IV) XXVII The piece was written, and in a little less than six weeks they were called in question in Salt Lake City in the old tabernacle.
d. to call into (also in) doubt: to cast doubt upon; to dispute. Cf. to call into question at Phrases 3c.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)] > call in question
to bring (also put) into question1390
to make (no) question1447
to call into (also in) question1534
to call into (also in) doubt?1535
?1535 Treat. Diuers Constit. Prouync. & Legantines xxiii. sig. Fv A man may nat call in to dout the auctoritye of the same decrees decretals or Constitucyons.
1581 T. Wilcox tr. B. de Loque Treatie Churche v. 29 When they demaunded of heretikes, from whence they came,..&c. they meant not to speake of their vocation or calling, which they neuer called into doubte or question.
1618 P. Holderus tr. J. van Oldenbarneveld Barneuel's Apol. sig. B3 They called into doubt, whether the States of Holland, and West-Frisland, had so much autoritie left them, as might warrant them to enioine the performance of the tribute and contributions imposed.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 43 Let me not rashly call in doubt Divine Prediction. View more context for this quotation
1731 E. Aspinwall Apology iii. 96 A judicious and impartial reader..is not overhasty in calling into doubt the truth of the fact itself, because the date of it seems differently related.
1781 Earl of Malmesbury Let. 24 Mar. in Diaries & Corr. (1844) I. 407 No one can call in doubt the authenticity of these productions.
1822 S. E. Brydges Polyanthea 100 The following words..call its existence into doubt.
a1852 H. B. Wallace Art, Scenery & Philos. (1855) 16 Modern society..has not thought of calling in doubt its own ability to display the powers of Art.
1911 Reform Advocate 25 Nov. 525/1 Their right to representative position none could call into doubt.
1962 Furrow 13 492 He could entrench himself behind traditional positions, calling in doubt the theories of modern critics and the validity of their methods.
1996 Guardian 23 Nov. 22/6 The Channel Tunnel's future had been called into doubt.
e. to call a person to his or her feet (also †legs) and variants: to ask or order a person to stand up; spec. to ask a person to rise and speak, propose a toast, sing, etc.
ΚΠ
1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed 17 They which heard S. Peter call a lame man unto his legs.
1775 Morning Post 1/4 After the common business of reports, messages, and members sworn, was over, Sir George Young was called upon his legs.
1873 A. H. Alston Ready, O Ready! xv. 185 For once in my life I felt glad to be called to my legs.
1883 R. L. Stevenson in Longman's Mag. May 85 A sudden cry called him to his feet.
1936 N.Y. Times 27 Sept. n4/3 He held the audience spellbound and on the termination of the program called the musicians to their feet to share in the tribute.
2008 S. Longley Hartlepool Monkey xvi. 241 A sharp injunction from the clerk calls us all to our feet to mark the judge's departure.
f. to call into being (also existence): to give life to; to cause to exist; to create.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)]
creea1400
createc1405
naturate1576
to call into being (also existence)1668
1668 J. Austin Devotions 126 When we, alas! lay buried in the abyss of nothing; his own free goodnes first cal'd us into Being.
1734 J. Hunt Ess. Hist. & Revelations of Script. 18 A long train of descendants springing from this first pair, by the manner of their being called into existence, came under the strongest obligations that can be conceived to maintain mutual affection.
1754 T. Sherlock Several Disc. preached at Temple Church I. ii. 76 To call Men from the Grave into Being.
1826 Liverpool Mercury 22 Dec. 194/1 I called the new world into existence to redress the balance of the old.
1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. x. 501 It was no small work to call into being that mighty Abbey.
1873 F. M. Müller Sci. Relig. 29 By which a canon of sacred books is called into existence.
1920 Mod. Med. Dec. 833/1 Children should..be told the truth in a plain manner that will cause them to have a wholesome respect for that which called them into being—the reproductive impulse.
1968 B. Mazlish Riddle of Hist. viii. 256 Man, in seeking to realize his potentialities and purpose, calls into existence new purposes.
1994 W. Shaw Spying in Guru Land (1995) p. x He still lives locally in the small cottage which became the headquarters of the mysterious millenarian cult he called into being.
g. to call attention to: to direct attention towards; to point out; to cause people to notice.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > direct attention
signalize1698
to call attention to1729
1729 T. Bradbury Jesus Christ the Brightness of Glory iv. 68 I shall call your attention to the arrow that flies at noon-day.
1795 Monthly Rev. Feb. 183 The work before us is an attempt to call the public attention to this subject.
1827 P. Cunningham Two Years New S. Wales I. xii. 204 To call their attention to the procuring of this valuable medicine.
1834 F. Marryat Jacob Faithful II. x. 227 To which I shall soon have to call the attention of the House.
1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 484 It is not necessary to call attention to the evidence.
1939 C. Morley Kitty Foyle (1940) xxxii. 332 It's good to have a person call your attention to something you're so used to you almost forgot thinking about it.
1959 J. W. Krutch Human Nature & Human Condition vi. 110 People sometimes spend money merely in order to call attention to the fact that they have it to spend.
2013 E. Laybourne Sky on Fire viii. 78 Niko wouldn't let us use them [sc. flashlights]. He said he was afraid we might call attention to ourselves.
h. colloquial (originally U.S.). don't call us, we'll call you and variants: used to imply that further approaches or attempts on the part of the person addressed would be unwelcome or futile. Also shortened as don't call us.Probably introduced as a clichéd way of dismissing unsuccessful candidates at theatrical auditions (cf. quot. 1952).
ΚΠ
1948 Lima (Ohio) News 3 Mar. 11/6 The Czechs now get a solid hour of the American viewpoint [on the radio]..that leaves 23 for Moscow monologs. They have been promised time of their own when something opens up. The way Stalin left it was ‘don't call us..we'll call you’.
1952 East Liverpool (Ohio) Rev. 29 Oct. 12/2 Hollywood has a word—or two—for it... Everyone has heard the brushoff line: ‘Don't call us. We'll call you.’
1958 B. Wilder & I. A. L. Diamond Some like it Hot (film script) (O.E.D. Archive) 137 First Henchman. Room 413—we'll be in touch. Jerry (coyly) Don't call us—we'll call you.
1971 Evening Standard 19 Aug. 3/4 The Labour Exchange never seems to have a job and the ones you do manage to go after almost always say ‘don't call us, we'll call you’.
1993 F. Cooper I believe in Angels 80 I'd conjured a rather camp Major Sager... I felt like a jaded casting director as I banished him to the wastepaper bin. Don't call us, old chap.
1998 Computerworld 12 Jan. 60 You could clearly see the disappointment that I was over 60. Invariably, I got the ‘Don't call us, we'll call you’ routine.
2014 Louisiana Weekly 12 May 20 I would send Marvel an email, like every four to five months. I was calling saying, ‘I'll work for free.’ About two years ago they sent me a letter saying, ‘Don't call us, we'll call you.’
i. to call in a favour and variants: to request that the recipient of a past favour now provides help or assistance in turn. Cf. to call in 4 at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1976 Jrnl. News (Hamilton, Ohio) 13 Mar. 4/1 The agents will always be there, looking over the lawmakers' shoulders, calling in a favor here, promising a campaign contribution there.
1992 Spy July 49/2 Calling in a favor, Prescott Sr. got him [sc. George Bush] appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
1996 Time Out 17 Jan. 26/1 Carleen Anderson calls in the favours for ‘Stanley Road’ by roping in Paul Weller for a couple of tracks on her second solo work.
2011 T. Bower No Angel 138 ‘I owe you a favour, big time,’ Shaw had said... ‘I'm calling in that favour,’ Archer told Shaw.
P4. Phrases relating to branch IV.
a. to call the crack: to talk together, to converse. Cf. crack n. 5a. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1786 R. Burns Poems 196 On Fasteneen we had a rockin, To ca' the crack and weave our stockin.
1799 A. McNight Poems 126 Some kiss and clap the lass they like, With words most kind they to them speak, An' tak a course a' through the street, To ca' the crack some mair complete.
1858 M. Porteous Real Souter Johnny (ed. 2) 13 While Souter Johnnie ca'd the crack.
1883 W. Jolly Life J. Duncan xviii. 189 There his advent caused his friends to flock to the weaving shop and the shoemaker's, ‘to hear the news and ca' the crack’.
1904 S. R. Crockett Raiderland 131 A kirk is never quite commodious and cheery without monuments to read, and ‘thruchs’ upon which to sit and ‘ca' the crack’.
1962 Scots Mag. Oct. 37/1 The minister was introduced, and while Tam ‘ca'd the crack’ the guidwife turned the kettle on the ‘swee’.
b. to call the clash (also to call clashes): to spread a rumour or piece of gossip. Cf. clash n. 6a. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > rumour > [verb (transitive)] > bear tales or rumours
bearOE
scandalize1490
tattle1593
gossip1611
to give abouta1715
to call the clash1825
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. To caw clashes, to spread malicious or injurious reports..q[uasi] to carry them about from one place to another, like one who hawks goods.
1920 A. Gray Songs & Ballads 20 They ca'ed the clash aboot me, And eh! they were muckle grieved! They ca'ed me a ne'er-do-weel callant, And a' they said, you believed.
P5. to call to arms: see arms n. Phrases 1i. to be called to the bar: see bar n.1 24. to call one's bluff: see bluff n.2 3. to call over the coals: see coal n. Phrases 5. Earth calling ——: see earth n.1 10c. to call in evidence: see evidence n. 4a. call no man happy till he dies: see happy adj. and n. Phrases 2. to call (all) to naught: see naught pron. 4. to call into play: see play n. 3c. the pot calls the kettle black: see pot n.1 Phrases 8. to call it quits: see quits adj. 2b. to call to record: see record n.1 and adj. Phrases 1b. to call the register: see register n.1 5c. to call the shots: see shot n.1 7i. to call shotgun: see shotgun n. Additions. to call a spade a spade: see spade n.1 2. to call to surety: see surety n. Phrases 3a. to call time: see time n., int., and conj. Phrases 4b. to call time out: see time n., int., and conj. Phrases 2f(b). to call a truce: see truce n. 1. to call the tune: see tune n. 2a(b). to call white black: see white adj. and n. Phrases 2b. to call to witness: see witness n. 6b.
Phrasal verbs
PV1. With adverbs in specialized senses. to call again to call away to call back † 4. intransitive. Esp. of a farm animal of a particular breed: to exhibit or reproduce the characteristics of an ancestral form; to revert to type; = to throw back 4a at throw v.1 Phrasal verbs. Obsolete. to call down † 3. transitive. To call for (a speaker in a debate, assembly, etc.) to stop speaking and sit down; to cause to stop speaking and sit down. Cf. to take down 6 at take v. Phrasal verbs 1. Obsolete. to call forth to call in to call off † 1. intransitive. To cause a person or animal to desist (from an activity); to withdraw from an undertaking. Obsolete.In early quots. in metaphors relating to following a trail when hunting. to call on † 1. intransitive. Hunting. Of a hound: to bark on finding a scent; = challenge v. 2c. Also in figurative contexts. Obsolete. to call out to call over to call together to call up † 5. transitive. To rouse (a person) from sleep. Obsolete.† 6. transitive. Of a speech or statement in Parliament or some other assembly: to cause (another member) to stand up and speak; to move (a person) to speak. Obsolete.
transitive. To bring back, restore. Also: to revoke, retract. Cf. again-call v. Now rare.Frequently in proverbial sayings expressing the idea that past deeds or experiences cannot be undone or relived.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > a condition or state of things
accordlOE
to call againc1390
reduce1419
repeala1500
to call back?1510
recall1580
reinduce1609
gaincall1611
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > annul, cancel, revoke [verb (transitive)]
fordoOE
allayOE
withdrawc1290
withclepe13..
again-callc1390
to call againc1390
repealc1390
revokec1400
unmakec1400
rive1415
annulc1425
abroge1427
uncommandc1430
discharge?a1439
retreatc1443
retract1501
cancela1513
abrogate?1520
dissolve1526
extinct1531
rescind1531
abrenounce1537
infringe1543
recall1565
unwrite1577
extinguish1590
exauctorate1593
relinquish1594
unact1594
to strike off1597
undecide1601
unpass1606
to take off1609
to draw back1610
reclaim1615
to put back1616
abrenunciate1618
unrip1622
supersedeate1641
to set off1642
unassure1643
unorder1648
to ask away1649
disdetermine1651
unbespeak1661
undecree1667
reassumea1675
off-break1702
circumduct1726
raise1837
resiliate1838
denounce1841
disorder1852
pull1937
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] > recant or retract
to call againc1390
repealc1390
revokec1390
replyc1425
renounce1446
renayc1450
unsay1483
manswear1502
to let loose1530
to call back1533
recant1534
retract1538
unswear1591
unwish1591
swallow1597
to take back1599
retractate1600
reclaim1615
unspeak1615
recede1655
renege1679
unnotify1738
unpronounce1745
withdraw1793
palinode1892
the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [verb (transitive)]
quickOE
arearc1000
raisec1175
reara1325
upraisec1340
quickena1382
again-raisec1384
araisea1400
resuscea1400
revokea1413
recovera1425
revivec1425
suscitec1430
resuscite?c1450
risea1500
relive?1526
to call againa1529
resuscitate1532
requicken1576
refetch1599
reanimate1611
reinspire1611
reinanimatea1631
recreate1631
revivify1631
redivive1634
revivificate1660
resurrection1661
resurrect1773
re-embody1791
revivicate1798
re-energize1803
resurrectionize1804
revitalize1869
reimpress1883
c1390 (c1300) MS Vernon Homilies in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1877) 57 244 Him þhouȝte schome aȝein to calle þat he hedde hiht..for he hedde i sworen his oth.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26459 If eft misdos wel es right. þe lauerd call again his plight.
1483 Catholicon Anglicum (BL Add. 89074) (1881) 52 To Calle agane, reuocare.
1517 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1928) xxi. 102 Dede done can not be called agayne.
a1529 J. Skelton Phyllyp Sparowe (?1545) sig. A.iiv Nothynge it auayled To call Phylyp agayne Whom Gyb our cat hath slayne.
1562 W. Turner 2nd Pt. Herball f. 84 The juice..calleth them agayn that ar brought in to an extreme depe slepe.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xiv. 242 Time..cannot be called agayne.
1607 T. Heywood Woman Kilde with Kindnesse sig. F3v Oh God, that it were possible..that the sunne Could rising from the West, draw his coach backward Take from the account of time so many minutes Til he had al these seasons cald againe.
1669 T. Watson Heaven taken by Storm 167 As one said on her death-bed, Call time again; but time will not be called again.
1690 tr. U. Chevreau Great Scanderberg 37 Within a short while, she recovered her Breath; this relief called again the natural heat which seem'd to have forsaken her.
1876 Month & Catholic Rev. Jan. 61 That which is past cannot be called again.
1995 J. Howarth & M. Walton Moments Refl. 182 We have had such a bad day that we are glad that it will never be called again.
1. transitive. To summon (a person) away from a place or activity; to cause to leave a place or desist from an activity. Frequently in passive.
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
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon > away
to call away1529
1529 tr. M. Luther in tr. Erasmus Exhort. Studye Script. sig. G.iijv For where as fayth can not persever there necessite bindeth as well a monke to departe as an other man, whiche is called awaye and with drawen from Chryste by his wicked maried fellow.
1571 E. Grant tr. Plutarch President for Parentes sig. F.ijv Discommendations doth call them [sc. children] away..from filthie, dishonest, and vicious things.
1599 Lady Hoby Diary 23 Dec. (1930) 91 After I was readie I was Called away to the Church.
1628 H. Burton Tryall Priuate Deuotions sig. B3v I will detaine you no longer, my attendance also calling me away. Therefore, till the set time, adiew Madam.
1682 M. Livingston Patronus Redux lx. 26 At home? but yet he scarcely home hath win; When him, unrested, bus'ness calls away.
1741 H. Walpole Let. 12 Nov. (1842) I. 188 I write in infinite hurry, and am called away, so scarce know what I say.
1811 C. Lamb Good Clerk in Reflector 2 432 There is his post, there he delighteth to be, unless when his meals, or necessity, calleth him away.
1861 Ladies' Compan. 20 33/2 This bit of business called me away from my portrait work; I lost a morning over it.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues I. 39 Menexenus, who is called away to take part in a sacrifice.
1902 S. Kinder Sabertooth xxx. 210 Some social obligation called away her parents to the mainland for a short space.
1945 D. Cooper Diary 26 May (2005) 368 I was called away from dinner last night by a ‘most immediate’ telegram..saying that the situation in Syria was deteriorating.
2006 D. Wright Hist. Lucy's Love Life (2008) iv. 163 Ovid—how convenient—found himself called away on urgent business.
2. transitive. To cause (the mind, thoughts, etc.) to turn away (from an object of attention or contemplation); to divert, distract.
ΚΠ
?1535 tr. Erasmus Lytle Treat. Maner & Forme of Confession sig. F.viiiv The ouermoche care full and scrupulous rehersal and rekenyng vp of the generall and speciall kyndes of synnes..dothe call away the mynde from loue towardes god.
1566 T. Heskyns tr. St. Augustine in Parl. Chryste iii. xv. f. cclxxiiv Vnto a childe ther be geuen certain childesh plaies or trifles, by the which the childish minde maie be called awaie.
1666 E. Wettenhall Enter into thy Closet i. iii. 8 The wall over such desk or table should be hung..with some stuff, of one colour,..to the end that when there kneeling at my prayers, I might have in mine eye nothing to call away or divert my thoughts.
1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. xv. 216 The Passions call away the Thoughts with incessant Importunity towards the Object that excited them.
1851 J. F. Stearns Resurrection of Just 11 It [sc. the body] calls the mind away from higher contemplations to minister to the wants of its inferior nature.
1882 Harper's Mag. Nov. 927/2 His fingers had lingered here last, and turned down this leaf as his attention was called away.
1908 U. Sinclair Metropolis xxi. 371 He had little time to think about it—the next morning..his case was to come up for trial, and so all his thoughts were called away.
2005 M. Minkova & T. Tunberg Reading Livy's Rome (2007) p. vii In writing about the history of early Rome he could call his mind away from the difficulties that beset his own time.
1. transitive. To summon (a person) to return; to cause to return; to bring back; to restore. Cf. recall v. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > a condition or state of things
accordlOE
to call againc1390
reduce1419
repeala1500
to call back?1510
recall1580
reinduce1609
gaincall1611
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon > back
again-callc1390
revokec1425
rescrya1450
countermand1464
renvoy1477
reappeal1480
repeala1500
remand1525
recall1567
reclaim1590
return1590
speed1606
to call back1611
hark back1813
withcall1901
?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. c.iiv Called bak by the tendrenes of hys flesh (as he was a man of delicate complexion) he shrank from the labour.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. cccvi/1 He wyll nat be content with theym that thus warreth agaynst your countre, but call them backe to their great blame.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits viii. 117 The much cold..calleth backe the naturall heate inward, by counterposition.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Esdras i. 50 God..sent by his messenger to call them backe. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 108 The raging Tempest call'd him back in vain. View more context for this quotation
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest III. xv. 75 This scene called back recollections too tender for the heart of La Luc, and..he abruptly quitted the room.
1797 T. Holcroft Adventures Hugh Trevor V. ii. 30 He had returned from his bathing excursion; having been called back sooner than he expected by his affairs.
1828 R. Griffith Let. 26 Sept. in C. Close Early Years Ordnance Surv. (1969) 112 Any..expense incurred by calling back the boundary surveyors from distant parts..must be charged to the Ordnance.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 68 Wine may call back the vital powers in disease.
1915 J. Turner Let. 15 July in C. Warren Somewhere in France (2019) 16 The Adjutant has been called back from leave to be Colonel of the 5th.
1948 H. Innes Blue Ice iii. 77 Our attention was called back to the radio.
1973 Lancaster (Ohio) Eagle Gaz. 17 Dec. 7/2 Chrysler said 500 workers..will not be recalled Jan. 21 when the rest of the idled workers are called back.
2010 N. Rothwell Red Highway (ed. 2) 97 I wish we could go back there once again, to Lumbulumbu... Something about that place is calling me back.
2. transitive. To withdraw or retract (one's words, a promise, an oath, etc.); to revoke (a sentence or decree). Cf. recall v. 1a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] > recant or retract
to call againc1390
repealc1390
revokec1390
replyc1425
renounce1446
renayc1450
unsay1483
manswear1502
to let loose1530
to call back1533
recant1534
retract1538
unswear1591
unwish1591
swallow1597
to take back1599
retractate1600
reclaim1615
unspeak1615
recede1655
renege1679
unnotify1738
unpronounce1745
withdraw1793
palinode1892
1533 T. More 2nd Pt. Confut. Tyndals Answere iv. p. cxxiiii If he wyll nowe confesse that he sayeth vntrue, lette hym reuoke hys lye and call it backe agayn, and than god forgyue him and I do.
1553 J. Bale Vocacyon in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) I. 356 He called a great pece of his tale backe againe.
1579 J. Harmar tr. J. Calvin Serm. X. Commandementes vii. f. 52v He hath pronounced the sentence herein which cannot be called back & retracted.
1604 H. Broughton Aduert. Corrupt. Handling Relig. sig. A3v He calleth backe himselfe in particulars.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. xxxi. 2 Yet he..wil not call backe his words. View more context for this quotation
1741 E. F. Haywood Anti-Pamela 199 O, Sir, do not compel me to call back the Words, I just now said, and make me fearful of the Lot I so lately blest.
1849 S. Bamford Early Days vii. 68 Rap out a round regimental oath, and as instantly call it back..with a ‘Lord help us’.
1895 ‘J. S. Winter’ Blameless Woman xlix. 298 The other would have cheerfully given a year out of his life to have called that promise back, but it was too late.
1930 D. F. Mulla Code Civil Procedure (ed. 9) ii. §42 It may withdraw the execution by calling back the decree.
2011 R. Lundgren Honorable Gentleman vii. 81 As soon as the words left her mouth she wanted to call them back.
3. transitive. To recall to one's mind or remembrance; to recollect, remember. Also: to bring about the recollection or remembrance of; to be reminiscent of, to evoke. Cf. recall v. 4.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > call to mind, recollect [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
bethinkOE
mingOE
thinkOE
monelOE
umbethinkc1175
to draw (also take) into (or to) memorya1275
minc1330
record1340
revert1340
remembera1382
mindc1384
monishc1384
to bring to mindc1390
remenec1390
me meanetha1400
reducec1425
to call to mind1427
gaincall1434
pense1493
remord?1507
revocate1527
revive1531
cite1549
to call back1572
recall1579
to call to mind (also memory, remembrance)1583
to call to remembrance1583
revoke1586
reverse1590
submonish1591
recover1602
recordate1603
to call up1606
to fetch up1608
reconjure1611
collect1612
remind1615
recollect1631
rememorize1632
retrieve1644
think1671
reconnoitre1729
member1823
reminisce1829
rememorate1835
recomember1852
evoke1856
updraw1879
withcall1901
access1978
1572 W. Malim in tr. N. Martinengo True Rep. Famagosta Ep. Ded. sig. A.ijv Alexander Magnus him selfe that great conquerour had nothing bene spoken of, had not Q. Curtius..reuiued the remembraunce of him, and called backe againe his doinges to his posteritie.
1574 J. Whitgift tr. St. Augustine in Def. Aunswere to Admon. 544 It behoueth that thou knowe the daye of the Natiuitie of the Lorde, not to be celebrated in a Sacrament or figure, but onely that it is called backe into remembraunce.
1673 R. Alleine Godly-fear 300 Remember thy self, look to the dayes of old, call back the things that are past.
1703 N. Rowe Fair Penitent ii. i. 16 Ev'n Age it self is chear'd with Musick, It wakes a glad Remembrance of our Youth, Calls back past Joys, and warms us into Transport.
1776 Poems on Different Occasions 67 Thy pensive mind Calls back these golden days again When Myra to thy love was kind.
1844 J. G. Whittier Pumpkin 24 On Thanksgiving day..What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?
1851 R. C. Trench Poems 38 Then calling back this day we will be strong.
a1910 ‘M. Twain’ Autobiography (2010) I. 216 I can call back..the muffled drumming of wood-pheasants in the remoteness of the forest.
2009 D. Paterson Rain 37 I can call back nothing of the missing hours But vague things, between image and sensation: A black wind, a white knife in my head.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [verb (intransitive)] > revert to ancestral type
to call back1853
revert1859
to revert to type1861
1853 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 14 i. 112 Isolated individuals appear, which, in the phraseology of breeders, ‘call back’ to their more remote progenitors.
1874 Farmer's Mag. May 441/1 Cattle may also still be seen which call back to the ‘Lamplugh hokeys’—fifty years ago great favourites in Cumberland.
5.
a. intransitive. To return a person's telephone call. Also: to make a subsequent or follow-up call. Cf. callback n. 3.
ΚΠ
1887 9th Ann. Meeting National Telephone Exchange Assoc. 84 I called back to ask if that address was correct, and the repeating office said it was.
1904 Telephone Mag. July 25/1 If the line is not available..she must call back in less than 30 minutes and complete the circuit.
1965 C. Himes Cotton comes to Harlem (1967) 178 If we're not there leave a number and we'll call back.
2009 N.Y. Times Mag. 17 May 42/2 The man mulled it over, and a few days later called back and said he'd pay $12,000.
b. transitive. To return (a person's) telephone call. Also: to make a subsequent or follow-up call to (a person).
ΚΠ
1904 Telephone Mag. July 25/1 The reason the lines are held is because of..the belief of operators that they are the only ones to attend to the business in hand properly—in other words that they are not going to be called back.
1932 E. Wallace When Gangs came to London xxii. 190 The operator..said she would ‘call her back’.
1972 G. Lucas et al. Amer. Graffiti (film script) 49 Oh come on, honey. So I never called you back. I've been, you know, busy.
2013 L. Miller Parallel i. 11 Thank God. I thought I was going to have to leave hate voicemail to get you to call me back.
1. transitive. To lower officially (the price or value of something), originally by proclamation; to cause the value of (something) to be lowered in this way. Also figurative: to denounce, condemn. Cf. decry v. Now historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > [verb (transitive)] > lower (price) > lower price of
to call down?1542
embase1577
lower?1662
sinka1684
settle1812
cheapen1833
to mark down1859
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > denunciation > denounce [verb (transitive)]
denouncea1400
proclaim?a1513
prescrive1562
aban1565
denunciate1593
to cry shame on, upon, of1600
to call down1605
to declaim against1611
declaim1614
proscribe1622
mouth1743
?1542 H. Brinkelow Complaynt Roderyck Mors ii. sig. A8 His grace will call down the pryce of his owne landes.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Eviiiv To calle downe the value of coyne, to lesse then it is worthe.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Bb4v If an vntruth..bee once on foote..it is neuer called downe . View more context for this quotation
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia ii. iv. 151 All other Moneyes..shall bee decryed, annulled, and called downe.
1668 J. Child Brief Observ. Trade 31 If the Rate of Usury should be called down.
?1695 Memorial Majesties Privy Council Eng. Clipt Money 1 The Remedy appears to be Two-fold, First, to call down the Value of the English clipt Money, and then to call up or raise the Value of the other Currant Coins of Scotland.
1707 W. Fleetwood Chronicon Preciosum iii. 57 In 5 Ed. VI...9 Ounces of Allay were added to 3 Ounces of fine Silver, and coin'd into 72 Shillings..and when in the Year following, this Base Money was called down, the People suffered extreamly by it.
a1760 T. Gifford Hist. Descr. Zetland (1786) App. 98 They have of late called down at Hamburgh their 6 stiver pieces to 5 stivers, and their other species proportionably.
1807 F. Douce Illustr. Shakspeare & Anc. Manners I. 37 The base shillings of Henry VIII. and Edward VI. were called down to nine-pence.
1903 W. Cunningham Growth Eng. Industry & Commerce (ed. 3) I. iii. xiii. 438 Parliament had indeed called down the price of guineas from 30s. to 26s.
1994 Business & Econ. Hist. 23 39 Calling down the value of silver would have antagonized creditors and the landed class.
2. transitive. To bring down (esp. punishment, censure, or misfortune) on a person. Also: to invoke from above. Frequently with on.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke > call down (on a person)
incall1563
to call down1579
1579 J. Stubbs Discouerie Gaping Gulf sig. A.3v Greate sinnes call down great plages, and mighty sinners are mightily punished.
1581 W. Charke Replie to Censure sig. Q.viii Where wickednesse of life, and abhomination of doctrine striue, which may cal downe the greatest vengeaunce.
1641 T. Killigrew Claracilla v, in Prisoners & Claracilla sig. F5 Ile..No longer with my prayers protect this ingratefull Place from the punishment her treacheries call downe.
1690 H. Waring Rule of Charity 29 Calling down Blessings upon Thee and thy Family.
1735 L. Theobald Fatal Secret ii. 21 That inordinate and wanton Conduct Calls down a Censure.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 110 On his name Shall call down wretchedness and shame.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 18 Calling down a blessing on his head.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xii. 197 This divorce was one of the many irregularities in that way which called down the censures of Pope Leo.
1925 E. M. Brent-Dyer School at Chalet xix. 250 Amy..cut capers to such an extent that she called down upon herself a sharp reprimand from Miss Maynard.
1948 V. Palmer Golconda xiv. 109 I've..seen him standing up there on one of those outcrops overlooking the company's buildings as if he'd like to call down fire from heaven on the whole shebang.
2007 K. Casper Upstairs at Miss Hattie's v. 49 Her father caught her in the act with her boyfriend.., called down the wrath of God and threw her out of the house.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to desist > call on (one) to cease
to call off?1611
to call down1657
1657 T. Burton Diary 2 Jan. (BL MS Add. 15859) f. 133v He went on a little way in it, but was called downe, in respect it was late.
1894 P. L. Ford Hon. Peter Stirling xix. 97 Finally a compromise having been evidently made impossible, the orator was ‘called down’ and it was voted to proceed to an election.
1907 N. Amer. Rev. Oct. 274 It was necessary to limit the time for speaking, and sometimes to call down the orator before he had finished.
1926 Rotarian Feb. 53/1 The President, who is always very considerate, said that it is disagreeable for him, as well as for the speakers themselves to be called down before they get to the end of their speeches.
4. transitive. colloquial (chiefly North American). To challenge sharply; to reprove, rebuke, reprimand.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] > scold
chidec1230
ban1340
tongue1388
rate1393
flite14..
rehetec1400
janglec1430
chafec1485
rattle1542
berate1548
quarrel1587
hazen?1608
bequarrel1624
huff1674
shrewa1687
to claw away, off1692
tongue-pad1707
to blow up1710
scold1718
rag1739
redd1776
bullyraga1790
jaw1810
targe1825
haze1829
overhaul1840
tongue-walk1841
trim1882
to call down1883
tongue-lash1887
roar1917
to go off at (a person)1941
chew1948
wrinch2009
1883 Cheyenne (Wyoming) Weekly Leader 23 Aug. 2/4 He'll ‘whack up’ his blankets, or share his ‘grub’—No need of ‘Calling him down’.
1897 R. Kipling Captains Courageous ix. 196 An unsatisfied dough-faced youth who took delight in ‘calling down the old man’ and reducing his mother to tears.
1904 F. Lynde Grafters v. 58 He..so far lost his temper as to get himself called down by the judge.
1907 ‘O. Henry’ Trimmed Lamp & Other Stories 213 When Fernando wanted to give me several thousand dollars for my trousseau he called him down something awful.
1923 M. Watts Luther Nichols 65 No one should ever have the chance to call him down.
2001 L. Erdrich Last Rep. Miracles at Little No Horse viii. 138 Some sort of argument occurred in which the girl, who by now had good reason to hate and fear Leopolda, called her down, as they say here.
1. transitive. To call for or cause (a person) to come forward; to summon forth (a person, army, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon > out or forth
forthclepe?c1000
to call fortha1400
to call outc1450
forthcall1748
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11083 Sir Zachari þai did call forth.
c1450 King Ponthus (Digby) in Publ. Mod. Lang. Assoc. Amer. (1897) 12 33 (MED) So was Ponthus called furth.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxiv. 2 When Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to accuse him.
1558 Bp. T. Watson Holsome Doctr. Seuen Sacramentes xvi. f. xcviiv Men were called forth before the kinge and some should be accompted worthye prayse and honor, and other wyth shame, rebuke, and confusyon.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. ii. 14 Call forth your Actors, by the scrowle. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 649 Calling forth by name His mightie Angels. View more context for this quotation
1787 Ann. Reg. 1784–5 Chron. 278/1 I was called forth as your representative, in support of revolutional principles.
1794 J. Byng Diary 12 May in Torrington Diaries (1938) IV. 16 I accomplish'd an intention..of calling forth 2 chosen bands of Cheshire Militia—to exhibit..their country game of prisoners bars.
1808 W. Scott Marmion iv. xxxii. 222 Or..call The burghers forth to watch and ward, 'Gainst southern sack and fires to guard.
1836 R. P. Smith Actress of Padua I. 105 I would do it again to-morrow,..though with the certainty of being called forth the next moment to render an account upon the scaffold.
1909 J. H. Lane Birth of Liberty xviii. 154 He who could call forth an army in a day lies stiffening in the room below.
2001 Jrnl. Asian Martial Arts 10 No. 4. 14 A banquet is prepared and boxing instructors..are called forth to demonstrate on an open stage.
2. transitive. To cause (something) to appear; to elicit. Also: to summon up (courage or some other quality).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > courage > encouragement > pluck up courage [verb]
findOE
to take (in early use nim) heartc1275
to have the heartc1300
to hent one's heartc1325
to pull upa1393
to fang upa1400
pluckc1400
to take courage1490
to take heart of grace (and variants)c1520
to lift up one's heart, mind, soul1535
to get (also gather, keep, etc.) heart of grace1581
hearten1587
to pluck up one's courage1660
flesh1695
pluck up courage1726
to pick up1735
to call forth1802
to pluck up1827
to muster up1893
the mind > will > decision > resolution or determination > [verb (transitive)] > summon one's resolution
findOE
muster1598
to muster up1628
to call forth1802
to gather up1847
1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes (new ed.) f. 85 Pacience thy setled minde dothe guide and stere, Silence and shame with many resteth there. Till time thy mother list them forth to call, Happy is he that may enioye them all.
1631 E. Reynolds Three Treat. ii. 132 The presence of an enemie doth actuate, and call forth that malice which lay habitually in the heart before.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 111 The Western Winds..Call forth the tender Grass. View more context for this quotation
1713 A. Pope Ess. Crit. (ed. 2) 33 And call new Beauties forth from ev'ry Line.
1713 A. Pope Prol. to Cato in Guardian No. 33. He..calls forth Roman Drops from British Eyes.
1771 E. Granan tr. M. Vida Christiad v. 203 All call forth their strength; with blows groans the oak, And the supine hill ecchoes with each stroke.
1802 E. Forster tr. Arabian Nights V. 431 He then called forth his courage, and went up.
1810 J. Porter Sc. Chiefs III. iii. 64 Lady Mar..called forth every art of the toilet to embellish her still fine person.
1863 J. H. Burton Book-hunter (ed. 2) 87 The auction room..calls forth courage, promptness, and the spirit of adventure.
1915 V. Woolf Voy. Out xii. 187 ‘Astonishing!.. What sort of shape can she think her body is?’ This remark was called forth by a lady who came past them, waddling rather than walking.
1977 New Scientist 31 Mar. 781/2 The black-ballers..called forth the wrath of the president by rejecting six out of nine candidates for the fellowship.
2001 R. Holloway Doubts & Love xiv. 217 He had an intrinsic authority that called forth voluntary assent from people.
1. transitive. To summon (a person) for advice or assistance; to enlist (the assistance or services of a person or thing).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > advice > advise [verb (transitive)] > ask advice of or seek counsel from
counsel1382
to call in1483
consult with1548
preconsult1606
consulta1634
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. clxxxxvjv/2 Thus as she perseueryd in prayers and wepynges the wode men cryed with an hygh voys, that they approched whome the vyrgyn callyd in to their helpe.
1534 Prymer in Eng. sig. Fvv When he was in this paynfull affliction of mynde,..he fled vnto his father, as it was his maner, and is the maner also of all sayntes, whom because he wolde call in to his helpe more ernestly and with more fre spirite at his pleasure, he wente furthe a lytell farther from these thre disciples.
1548 E. Seymour Epist. or Exhortacion to Vnitie & Peace sig. B.vi Did not the Britaynes call in the Saxons for helpe, and by theim wer put out?
1667 N. Fairfax Let. 29 May in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1966) III. 422 Mr Goodrich being hastily calld in, to save life, prescribd him a Common sudorifick.
1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. i. §103. 468/2 The Swedes, who were called in for the support of the German liberty.
1736 tr. Polit. Dialogues Pasquin & Marforio ii. 20 It was judged Necessary by the Southerns, to call in a Third to their Aid.
1789 Proc. Old Bailey 14 Jan. 102/2 The putrefaction was getting on so fast at that time, Mr. Read and I had agreed that Mr. North, another surgeon, should be called in.
1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 36 To call in the aid of the microscope.
1885 Law Rep.: Probate Div. 10 90 Sir William Gull was called in.
1937 Amer. Home Apr. 48/1 Take a good look at the walls before you call in the plasterers.
1969 ‘M. Innes’ Family Affair v. 50 It would have been rather embarrassing to call in the coppers.
2007 M. Phillips Gods behaving Badly (2008) xi. 58 Alice nearly suggested calling in the services of an archaeologist.
2008 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 19 June a12/5 The Indian Army and Air Force were called in to evacuate people threatened by floodwaters.
2. transitive. To revoke, retract, recall; spec. to withdraw from sale or circulation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > removal or displacement > remove or displace [verb (transitive)] > remove or take away > from outside or advanced position
to call in1545
1545 G. Joye Expos. Daniel (vi.) f. 93 Here be..kinges taught to retract and call in ayen their vniust lawes.
1565 J. Stow Summarie Eng. Chrons. f. 88 Thys yeare was a new coyn, and the olde called in.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. ii. 25 Call in the powers good coosin Westmerland. View more context for this quotation
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts iv. ii. sig. I3v Call in his Licence.
1676 R. Dixon Nature Two Test. 70 If a Book be called in, I will therefore buy it.
1712 C. Peyton et al. Let. Dec. in I. Newton Corr. (1975) V. 359 Upon Calling in the Tin Farthings and half pence by reason of the Complaint made against them A pattent was Granted to Sr. Joseph Herne..to Change the same.
1789 C. Burney Gen. Hist. Music III. 9 This year all antiphonaries..were called in, and destroyed.
1875 W. S. Jevons Money (1878) 114 The last proclamation of June, 1842, calling in light gold.
1885 Manch. Examiner 5 May 4/7 The Russians are willing to call in their outposts.
1906 Printers' Ink 4 July 21/2 He found the new 25-centime nickel coin..exceedingly unpopular, and there was serious talk of calling it in again.
1965 Listener 26 Aug. 310/1 The reproduction of the illustrations was considered so unsatisfactory that Carroll called in and replaced all copies of the first edition with a new one.
1999 W. Goosen et al. Banking in New Millennium (2008) i. 9 The government could call in the coins, melt them down, mix some of the precious metal with a proportion of cheaper metals, and then reissue the coins to an unsuspecting population.
3. intransitive.
a. To go into a house or premises on a visit; (sometimes) spec. to make a brief visit or call; to stop by, to look in. Frequently with at specifying the house or premises visited. Cf. sense 32a.rare in North American use.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)]
seekc1200
to call in1573
call1597
to call upon ——1604
to call on ——a1616
visit1626
to make, or pay (also give) a visit1643
to pay a call1648
viz.1767
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)] > visit informally
to call in1573
to drop in1609
to look ina1616
to come round1620
to go round1636
to put in1668
to go around1742
to happen in1749
to run in and out1779
to come around1822
to pop in and out1846
to happen in with1883
to stop in1904
stop1905
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 27 He tooke a iurni into the cuntri with on Sir Dorringtun of the Kings Kollege, and, riding thurrough Walden, calid in at mi fathers hous, and tould on of mi sisters that I wuld be at Walden that niht.
1602 F. Herring Discov. Stratagems in tr. J. Oberndorf Anatomyes True Physition 40 Within fewe Dayes, passing by the Citizens House, he called in, to see how the world went.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1679 (1955) IV. 177 I called in at my Co: Evelyns, who has a very pretty seate in the Forest, 2 miles behether Cliffden.
1711 E. Budgell Spectator No. 150. ⁋9 I happened the other Day to call in at a celebrated Coffee-house near the Temple.
1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal ii. 16 L. Teazle Well, but Sir Peter, you know you promised to come. Sir Peter Well, I shall just call in to look after my own character.
1862 Mrs. H. Wood Mrs. Halliburton's Troubles III. xxiv. 313 We called in at your office as we came by.
1865 Temple Bar July 493 We..turned back towards the white house, calling in for a few minutes to exchange a friendly greeting with its occupant.
1924 J. Galsworthy White Monkey iii. xiv. 320 After calling in at two big booksellers', he made for his Club, and closeted himself in the telephone booth.
1952 L. Hanson & E. Hanson Marian Evans & George Eliot xxiv. 233 Lewes still called in at Cheyne Row from time to time.
1953 E. S. Grenfell in Landfall June 98 Your mum's old school-mate Janey Andrews called in to see me the other week.
2005 N.Z. Herald (Nexis) 17 Sept. We've extended the hours until 10pm so that people can call in on their way home from work.
b. With at. Of a ship, traveller, etc.: to make a stop at a town, port, country, etc., during the course of a longer journey or route; (of a train, bus, or other form of public transport) to make a scheduled stop at a specified station or other location on a particular route. Cf. sense 32b.rare in North American use.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > go on a journey > break one's journey > at specific place (coaches, etc.)
to call in1643
stop1743
society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > journey [verb (intransitive)] > make a break in a journey
call1642
to call in1643
halt1656
stop1743
off-saddle1823
to stop over1855
night-stop1951
1643 A. Perne Gospell Courage 4 We shall therefore play the Travailer; passe by some Townes though good, call in at others, and make our stay in that, that is most convenient.
a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) i. 73 His Majesty..on the 14th. day of March began his Journey, accompanied by the Queen and Prince as far as Theobalds... By the way he called in at the City of Lincoln.
1683 R. Dixon Canidia ix. 34 Call in at Morocco and Fez, There you may stay and take your Ease.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. ii. viii. 162 The Captain called in at one or two Ports.
1781 Caledonian Mercury 11 Aug. To-morrow, the Alfred..sails on a cruize, and is to call in at Aberdeen bay, for such ships as may be ready for London.
1867 Argosy Nov. 457 The eagerness with which they will rush ashore..when the ship calls in at Plymouth.
1891 Publishers' Circular 5 Sept. 258/2 They called in at France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, and interviewed the respective kings of these countries.
1969 Daily Tel. 11 Oct. 11/5 Another way of island hopping down to Grenada..is to catch the early morning ‘milk-run’ plane from Antigua, which calls in at Dominica, St. Lucia, Martinique and Barbados.
2004 D. Simonis & S. Andrews Madrid (Lonely Planet) (ed. 3) 225/1 Two train stations serve the city. Note that many trains call in at either one or the other (but not both).
4. transitive. To demand the payment or repayment of (a loan, debt, or promise of money).to call in a favour: see Phrases 3i.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > management of money > insolvency > indebtedness > owe [verb (transitive)] > request debt repayment
to call in1592
1592 R. Greene Thirde Pt. Conny-catching (new ed.) sig. D3v The neighbours..were faine to pay the groate the Cutler called in, because he had no other money about him.
1595 T. Bedingfield tr. N. Machiavelli Florentine Hist. vii. 177 He could not more honestly repaire his disorders and losses, then by calling in those debtes which many straungers and Citizens did owe vnto his father.
1624 E. Bolton Nero Caesar xxv. 98 Annaevs Seneca..sodeinlie calls in his moneyes, (the loan whereof had been thrust vpon the Britanns, whether they would or no).
1673 Grand Concern Eng. Explained 10 The Persons whose Money they borrowed, have great occasions for the same and are forced to call it in, and must have it when due.
1701 London Gaz. No. 3749/8 Part of the 10 per Cent...to be called in.
1713 London Gaz. No. 5114/3 20s. per Share was..called in.
1781 Parl. Reg. 1781–96 II. 194 Mortgages would be called in as soon as notices could be given.
1868 Acts Gen. Assembly Arkansas 290/2 Directors may call in payments of stock under penalty.
1893 F. A. W. Steel Miss Stuart's Legacy xx. 325 And so Shunker..began cautiously to call in debts in the name of the firm.
1915 H. Withers War & Lombard Street iii. 53 So far the bill of exchange does not give England any right to call in money from abroad.
1986 E. E. Scharff Worldly Power ii. 31 Brokers hastily called in loans from clients whom they had been ‘carrying’.
2011 K. Walker Return of Stranger iii. 37 He had the Charltons and the Nicholls exactly where he wanted them and all he had to do was call in their debts.
5. Originally U.S.
a. intransitive. To make contact by telephone, radio, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > communicate by radio [verb (intransitive)]
wireless1899
talk1912
marconi1919
radio1926
to call in1930
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate by telephone [verb (intransitive)]
telephone1877
call1879
phone1885
speak1885
ring1887
to call in1930
1930 Mich. Bell (Mich. Bell Telephone Company) June 30/3 Finally the doctor calls in to say ‘Central call my residence and tell my wife I'm here.’
1986 Aviation News July 191/3 Crossing the field, Blue Leader called in and said that he was hit.
1991 Time 1 July 32/3 If anyone involved in a deal fails to call in, or catches a whiff of the law, the cell is shut down.
2010 New Yorker 19 Apr. 115/2 Violence becomes so routine that journalists use a chore chart to determine whose turn it is to call in and find out the daily death toll.
b. transitive. To report or provide (information) by telephone, radio, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > communicate by radio [verb (transitive)] > transmit by radio
marconi1908
wireless1910
radio1919
radiate1923
to call in1939
squirt1971
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate with by telephone [verb (transitive)] > communicate a message by telephone
telephone1877
phone1910
to ring in1934
to call in1939
1939 G. A. Homrighausen Police, Fire, & Health Dept. Los Angeles (M.A. diss., Univ. S. Calif.) 93 As soon as the investigation is completed, the patrol officers call in a report to their desk sergeant.
1949 Rhinelander (Wisconsin) Daily News 31 Dec. 5/5 (advt.) Fresh pastries and rolls daily. Call in your order—phone 77.
1970 J. McPhee Crofter & Laird 34 During big storms, he sits in a radio shack on Maol Chlibhe (the Bare Cliff) prepared..to call in compass bearings if he should see a ship in distress.
2012 M. O'Brien Dying Minutes 332 Three heavies had paid a call... His friend, who'd been on watch, had called it in.
c. intransitive. With adjectival complement: to contact one's employer, school, etc., typically by telephone, to report one's absence that day, esp. due to illness; esp. in to call in sick.
ΚΠ
1943 Washington Post 3 July b1 This being a holiday weekend, employees in Treasury's loans and currency section..were warned yesterday not to call in sick either today or Monday under any circumstances.
1978 Sun Reporter (San Francisco) 4 May 6 Brown has a glittering record of work attendance, marred by one day off in 1969 when he called in ill.
1990 J. C. Oates Because it is Bitter ii. xv. 233 ‘Oh, hell, honey,’ she says, mischievous as a truant schoolgirl. ‘Call in sick.’
2012 J. Tomsky Heads in Beds ix. 140 They would call in sick..an hour before their shift from some bar in Queens.
d. intransitive. To make a telephone call to a radio or television show. Also transitive: to submit (a response, request, etc.) to a radio or television show by telephone.
ΚΠ
1946 Bluefield (W. Va.) Daily Tel. 10 Dec. 7/2 Shows are scheduled each day this week to give the listeners an opportunity to call in and make their contributions.
1947 Billboard 26 Apr. 105/2 A prize for the first listener who calls in the correct name of the number played.
1982 Clovis (New Mexico) News-Jrnl. 19 Apr. 3/2 Viewers are invited to call in their questions and comments to TV7's special panel of guests.
1990 Telegram & Gaz. (Worcester, Mass.) 28 Oct. b4 One perhaps unexpected development during the radio-thon was youngsters calling in to talk about their own experiences of suffering abuse.
2009 Daily Tel. 19 Nov. 38/2 The voting public has evidently clocked that she's aqua-phobic, so will keep calling in to put her through watery hell.
6. transitive. Originally British. Of a government minister, esp. a Secretary of State: to order that (a planning application) be considered and decided by oneself rather than by local government, typically because it raises wider issues of public concern or national significance.
ΚΠ
1947 Manch. Guardian 29 Aug. 4 The Minister has ‘called in’ all applications to the local interim development authorities for permission to start or expand quarries in the Peak District.
1986 A. Ravetz Govt. of Space iv. 101 The planning system had always allowed the minister to ‘call in’ planning applications concerning issues of more than local interest, or which aroused more than local opposition.
2001 Courier-Mail (Brisbane) 14 June 17/6 This week the State Government decided to use special powers..to call in an application by the Lang Park Trust so that the Minister for State Development..could himself determine the appeals.
ΚΠ
1603 S. Harsnett Declar. Popish Impostures xii. 63 It is high time to call of from this vnsauory trayle.
1661 P. Heylyn Serm. 27 They..plyed the chase with all the Kennil at his Heels, when the Hunt was up: not with a purpose to call off when they had breathed their Horses or tryed their Dogs; but with a merciless retreat to hunt him down.
1678 J. Brown Quakerisme Path-way to Paganisme xxiv. 451 The very law and light of nature would call for a solemne Acknowledgment of God by Prayer and Supplication, Morning and Evening, and oftner too and that fixedly, providing no dispensation of providence occurring did call off for that time.
1708 Brit. Apollo 9–11 June Your's seem rather to be Rambling, than Wicked Thoughts; namely, such, as rather call Off from your Devotion, than Intermingle with it.
1842 Floricultural Cabinet Jan. 13 The study of natural history has a tendency to open and enlarge the mind, to produce habits of reflection, to call off from low and debasing pleasures.
1888 M. Oliphant Second Son I. v. 86 Why, in the name of all that's idiotic, do you call off now, and disappoint her..and defy me?
2. transitive.† a. To cause (the mind, thoughts, etc.) to turn away (from an object of care or contemplation); to divert, distract. Obsolete.
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
1606 Bp. J. Hall Arte Diuine Medit. viii. 43 The other [Monks] refreshed themselues with this wise varietie, imploying the hands, while they called of the mind.
1608 Bp. J. Hall Epist. I. i. ii. 12 From all these, let mee call off your minde to her home aboue; and, in the midst of businesse, showe you rest.
1676 T. Parker Serm. before Ld. Bp. of Chichester 14 Men, by the urgency and exigence of their secular employments, have their thoughts often called off from attending the Concerns of Eternity.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 104. ⁋2 My Eyes were suddenly called off from these..Objects by a little Party of Horsemen.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. xii. 187 But the appearance of..the gaoler's two servants now called off our attention.
1833 Knickerbocker Oct. 306 This is the way, and these are the discourses, to call off the thoughts of the American young men from the noise and contention of politics, to those elevating intellectual pursuits, which flourish in the shade.
1849 C. Brontë Shirley II. vi. 151 It would, however, have been her lot to undergo a long cross-examination..had not Miss Mann called off the attention of the questioner, by requesting to be conducted home.
1919 Methodist Rev. Jan. 86 An attempt to transform the valley of bones into a terrestrial paradise that could only tend to call off the mind from the paradise above.
b. To summon away from an activity; to order (a person or animal, esp. a dog) to desist from doing something, esp. attacking. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > cease from (an action or operation) [verb (transitive)] > cause to desist > call on (one) to cease
to call off?1611
to call down1657
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xix. 270 Mens bodyes throughly fed, Their minds share with them in their strength; and (all day combatted) One stirres not, till you call off all.
1612 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. I. iv. 313 How constantly did Moses sticke to his hooke?..and if God, had not (after his forty yeeres seruice) called him off, he had so ended his daies.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 545 The Lord..will call off those evills which they groane under.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 68 Those Troops who, as I said, had routed the Saxons, being called off from the Pursuit, had charged our Flank.
1775 R. Chandler Trav. Asia Minor lxxxii. 273 The savage-looking shepherds called off and chid their dogs.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 102 And in mid chase called off his hound.
1862 G. A. Sala Seven Sons Mammon II. vii. 194 The convicts were called off by the tap of a drum.
1894 F. W. Bourdillon Chryseis 22 Away with thee! Call off thy ships, thy men!
1928 D. L. Sayers Unpleasantness at Bellona Club xv. 176 If you'll call off your tripe-hounds, we'll let you have an interview and a set of photographs.
1970 S. Shepard Operation Sidewinder ii. iii. 106 You better pick up that phone and call off them troops. I ain't kiddin', Captain.
2009 K. Higgins Too Good to be True 373 ‘Mind calling off your dog?’ he asked as Angus, his mouth clamped onto a good part of Cal's pant leg, swung his little head back and forth.
3. transitive. To cancel (an engagement, event, agreement, etc.).rare before the mid 19th cent.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > make revocation [verb (intransitive)]
revokec1400
to call off1620
unvote1647
to fall off1710
obnounce1741
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from (action) [verb (transitive)] > cancel a projected action
to call off1620
scrub1828
yank1940
bag1962
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > annul, cancel, revoke [verb (transitive)] > event, commitment
to call off1900
to wash out1917
1620 Bp. J. Hall Honor Married Clergie i. xxi. 113 The famous Councell of Basil,..was vpon some Politike considerations called off by Eugenius.
1862 G. J. Pillow Let. 18 Feb. in War of Rebellion (U.S. War Dept.) (1882) 1st Ser. VII. xvii. 283 This position of the enemy being carried by our joint forces, I called off the further pursuit, after seven and a half hours of continuous and bloody conflict.
1900 G. Ade More Fables 158 He was about to Call Off the Vestry Meeting, the Dinner, and all other Engagements for a Week to come.
1902 Daily Chron. 17 Oct. 5/3 The delegates of the Miners' Convention must first pass a vote upon the question of calling off the strike.
1927 Observer 14 Aug. 6 That he would have been profoundly relieved if the whole expedition had been called off.
1967 Encycl. Brit. III. 232/1 If any club refuses to waive claim, the club owning the player's contract may..call off the deal.
1991 N. Mailer Harlot's Ghost vi. xxi. 1144 Harvey sent out sixty men to Cuba in different operations right in the teeth of Bobby Kennedy's order to call off all raids.
2012 Daily Tel. 23 July 5/1 A mystery disagreement that leaves..[her] character questioning whether they should call off the wedding.
4. transitive. To recite (items) from a list; to read off.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > list > [verb (transitive)]
telleOE
reckonc1175
titlea1325
reckonc1400
entitlec1430
recitea1475
recount1481
perusea1535
capitulate1566
recense1583
catalogue1598
item1601
renumerate1605
list1614
enumeratea1649
recenseate1657
cataloguize1820
to run down ——1833
reel1835
to call off1846
itemize1864
enumer1936
the mind > language > speech > speech-making > recitation > recite [verb (transitive)] > read aloud
readOE
to read overc1380
to read out1534
prone1683
to read upa1691
to read off1808
to call off1846
1846 G. C. Bogardus Let. in Docum. Assembly State N.Y 69th Session II. 18 When we had called off the names we found that the number of both parties did not make the number on the poll list.
1870 P. C. Headley Astronomer & Soldier xv. 164 The reader of the ‘despatch’ sits looking through his glass, calling off the numbers to his assistant, who notes them down.
1921 Washington Post 28 June 14 Prisoners charged with intoxication called off the names of brands of liquors they said were responsible for their being in court.
1949 N.Y. Times 6 Mar. s4 Col. Matt Winn called off the names of 113 nominees.
1983 K. Fulves Self-working Number Magic xc. 117 The expert takes the top card, calls off its value, then places the card on the bottom of the deck... As he calls off the cards, a spectator jots them down in order.
2004 J. K. Osborne in P. Brock These Strange Criminals iii. 433 The guard later calls off the first five names on the list and these are the ones allowed to attend chapel.
5. intransitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. To contact one's employer, school, etc., typically by telephone, to report one's absence that day, esp. due to illness; chiefly with complement, esp. in to call off sick. Cf. to call off —— at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΚΠ
1958 Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail 24 May 1/2 Personnel who frequently call off sick..should be checked at their homes to ascertain the legitimacy of their absence.
1964 El Paso (Texas) Herald-Post 20 May a3/1 Wheeler had called off from work earlier, claiming to be sick at home.
1982 New Castle (Pa.) News 17 Sept. 9/1 Teachers must follow established rules regarding calling off ill or for personal reasons.
1996 Decisions & Orders National Labor Relations Board 319 501/1 You..called off for personal reasons.., and had three ‘No Call/No Shows’.
2009 W. Delaney You break It, You Die 212 Kyle called off sick tonight and they need me to work.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (intransitive)] > give mouth
questa1350
to call on1575
challenge1677
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > dog > [verb (intransitive)] > cry on finding a scent
to call on1575
challenge1677
1575 G. Gascoigne Noble Arte Venerie lxii. 177 The houndes call on, with hydeous noyse and cryes, The spurgalde Iade must gallop out his parte.
1589 L. Wright Hunting of Antichrist 11 Robert Grosted Bishop of Lincolne, a well flewed hound, calleth on agaynst that seuen headed Serpent in this maner.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. vii. 134/2 An Hound, hath different noises, for which Huntsmen have several termes, For Hounds they say; Calls on, Bawls, Bables, Cryeth, Yearnes, Lapiseth, Ploddeth, and Bays, with such like.
1846 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words I. at Call When hounds are first cast off, and find game, they are said to call on.
2. transitive.† a. To encourage to proceed; to incite; (also) to bring on, bring about. Also: to encourage the growth of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate
stirc897
putOE
sputc1175
prokec1225
prickc1230
commovec1374
baitc1378
stingc1386
movea1398
eager?a1400
pokec1400
provokea1425
tollc1440
cheera1450
irritec1450
encourage1483
incite1483
harden1487
attice1490
pricklea1522
to set on1523
incense1531
irritate1531
animate1532
tickle1532
stomach1541
instigate1542
concitea1555
upsteer1558
urge1565
instimulate1570
whip1573
goad1579
raise1581
to set upa1586
to call ona1592
incitate1597
indarec1599
alarm1602
exstimulate1603
to put on1604
feeze1610
impulse1611
fomentate1613
emovec1614
animalize1617
stimulate1619
spura1644
trinkle1685
cite1718
to put up1812
prod1832
to jack up1914
goose1934
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > management of plants > [verb (transitive)] > cultivate seedlings to maturity
to call ona1592
to grow on1947
a1592 R. Greene Hist. Orlando Furioso (1594) sig. Civv I lovd the Dame, but bravd by her repulse, Hate calls me on to quittance all my ills.
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. ii. xii. 306 It is a wonder, whether the perverse wickednesse of mans heart will proceede, if it be but called-on by any little successe.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §546 How to multiply and call on mosses.
1677 R. Gilpin Dæmonol. Sacra ii. vi. 296 This called on the disquiet of Conscience, and brought his sin to remembrance.
1791 Eng. Rev. Aug. 131 Men..will..rush on to destruction for the aggrandisement of one whose views are similar to his that calls them on to slaughter and destruction.
1879 Sunday at Home 12 July 446/2 He calls them on, but they in fear are standing; He calls them on, but on they dare not go.
b. Law. To summon (a trial, case, etc.) before a court so that proceedings can begin. Chiefly in passive. Now somewhat rare.
ΚΠ
1753 Proc. King’s Comm. Peace (City of London & County of Middlesex) iii. ii. 264/1 The trial was called on of Thomas Greville, late of the parish of Coombe, in the county of Wilts, innholder, who was also indicted for having given evidence upon the same trial as follows.
1822 Rep. Trial Mrs. S. Wright 6 As soon as the Lord Chief Justice had taken his seat, this case was called on by Mr. Abbott.
1850 Observer 29 Dec. 3/3 He would..supply Mr. Clarkson with the substance of Mr. Ashman's evidence before the trial was called on.
1925 Times of India 17 Feb. 10 The trial was called on in which Captain H. P. McIntosh..is charged..with assault and insult.
2015 Nuneaton News (Nexis) 2 July 2 When his case was called on, the court heard that Watson, who had been remanded in custody by the magistrates, had no-one to represent him.
1. transitive.
a. To summon (a person) to come out to do something, esp. deal with an emergency or provide a service.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > summon > out or forth
forthclepe?c1000
to call fortha1400
to call outc1450
forthcall1748
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 5541 (MED) [Alexander] þe biggist out callis, And raȝt to þaim þire rekenthis to rewle & to hald.
1543 Necessary Doctr. Christen Man sig. Fjv Ecclesia, that is to saye, an assemble of people called out from other.
a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 53 You are called out to see piles of dead carcasses.
1665 B. Worsley Let. 30 Oct. in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) II. 565 My Lanlord would needs call me out one night, to see a large quantity of wood.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. vi. 52 I called out my whole family to help at saving an after-growth of hay.
1769 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. (ed. 4) i. iv. 38 They have power..to call out the tenants with their cottars and servants to perform six days work yearly for upholding them [sc. the high-ways].
1840 Fraser's Mag. 22 697 The usual trick of being called out a dozen times, under pretence of a patient wanting me.
1890 Chambers's Jrnl. 5 July 423/1 The fog-signalmen..are often called out for a night's ‘fogging’ just as they have finished a hard day's work.
1916 J. Martin Diary 8 Oct. in Sapper Martin (2010) 22 Just before dusk we were called out to unload a wagon that had come up the transport track.
1954 Househ. Guide & Almanac (News of World) 168/1 The first thing anyone should do, on discovering a fire, is to call the fire brigade. There is no charge for calling out the firemen.
2009 S. Dallas Prayers for Sale ix. 276 Hennie had expected her to act put-upon at being called out in the storm.
b. spec. To summon (a soldier, regiment, militia, etc.) to active or permanent service in a campaign or in a state of emergency.
ΚΠ
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 769 Solyman had caused the most faithfull of his colonels, captaines, and corporals to be called out.
1614 T. Godwin Romanæ Historiæ Anthologia iv. i. 173 Those souldiers who by the L. Generall were added vnto the body of their army; hee hauing autoritie to call out such other souldiers, who for their long service were discharged from giuing in their names at a muster.
1673 J. Hill Interest of United Provinces sig. Q2v Having..contracted with a Printer here, He was called out for a Soldjer, and goe he must.
1779 Digest of Militia Laws 112 Every such person, having served in the Militia when called out into actual service.
1798 Lady's Mag. Feb. 68 Before I have a regiment called out for the purpose of being reviewed.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 291 When the trainbands were called out against an enemy.
1853 A. Bunn Old Eng. & New Eng. II. 53 Shot by the military, who had been called out for the occasion.
1899 A. H. Atteridge Wars of Nineties 551 The 1st Reserve was called out to bring the active army up to war strength.
1921 Act 11 & 12 Geo. V c. 15 §9 Where..a man of the Naval Reserves..is called into actual service or called out for permanent service..on an occasion of great emergency.
1977 G. Symcox tr. A. Soboul Short Hist. French Revol. i. 58 The government responded by calling out the army to force the Third Estate into submission.
2014 Herald News (Passaic County, New Jersey) (Nexis) 15 Aug. c7 There is no need to call out the National Guard when the everyday police look as though they are armed up enough to storm a hill in Kandahar Province.
2.
a. intransitive. To utter a loud call or calls; to cry or shout out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or exclamation > cry or exclaim [verb (intransitive)]
remeeOE
ropeOE
gredec1000
epec1175
yeiec1175
ascry1352
to cry out1382
to lift (up) a cry, one's voice1382
cryc1384
outcryc1390
yawlc1400
openc1425
bursta1450
yelp?c1450
escry1483
assurd1523
to break forth1526
gaure1530
to call out?1532
exclaim1570
reclaim1611
voice1627
blathe1640
to set up one's pipes1671
bawze1677
sing1813
Great-Scott1902
yip1907
?1532 T. Paynell tr. Erasmus De Contemptu Mundi x. sig. I.iv One cryeth and calleth out a loude, an other ronneth to and fro, yea whiche waye so euer thou loke,..thou shalte fynde euerye thynge full of noyse and dynne.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) Induct. ii. 88 Sometimes you would call out for Cicely Hacket. View more context for this quotation
1679 R. Carleton Diana ii. 151 He called out and told me I might get back from the Window by a Ladder he had set up against it.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 44. ¶6 The Mother is heard calling out to her Son for Mercy.
1779 J. King Jrnl. 13 Feb. in J. Cook Jrnls. (1967) III. i. 531 I..gave orders to the Centry to call out to me if they saw any Indians lurking about at any distance.
1827 J. F. Cooper Prairie I. iv. 55 It would be an easy matter to call out, in so loud a voice as to make old Ishmael dream that the wolves were among his flock.
1887 W. D. Parish & W. F. Shaw Dict. Kentish Dial. 73 I called out as loud's ever I could.
1903 H. James Ambassadors xi. xxxi. 407 He hereupon gave large play to these things, agitating his hat and his stick and loudly calling out.
1969 I. Murdoch Bruno's Dream (1977) i. 19 He did not like to call out at night, he was affrighted by his own voice calling in the darkness.
2000 P. Pullman Amber Spyglass (2001) xxv. 359 The sergeant gave a grunting cry and fell clumsily, grasping his leg, trying to breathe, trying to call out.
b. transitive. To utter (something) loudly, forcibly, and distinctly, so as to be heard at a distance; to cry or shout out. Frequently with direct speech as object.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > cry or shout [verb (transitive)] > call
ascrya1375
cryc1420
hail1563
to call out1565
oncrya1600
sing1813
evocate1834
shout1914
yoohoo1948
loud-hail1964
1565 A. Golding tr. Ovid Fyrst Fower Bks. Metamorphosis iii. sig. B.iiv And come (that all the forest roong) aloud he calleth out. And comme (saieth she).
1647 R. Stapleton tr. Juvenal Sixteen Satyrs 94 She calls out to the varlets she doth keep,..Braine the dog's master first, and then the cur.
1674 R. Head Forreign Jests 35 in Complaisant Compan. The motion of the Bed awaked her Husband, he called out Wife, what are you doing?
1722 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack 71 He could not recover himself to speak till some time,..nor could he call out stop Thief.
1747 Proc. Old Bailey 9 Sept. 221/1 As we were going with the two Prisoners to Newgate somebody calls out Hoy Jack, Where are you going?
1821 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 10 35/1 Some of the party of boys conceal themselves, and when in their hiding-places call out these words to their companions.
1886 Manch. Examiner 14 Jan. 4/7 Sir Erskine May called out the names of members in the order in which they were to..take the oath.
1923 W. Cather Lost Lady ii. ii. 117 Often he stopped at the kitchen door to call out some pleasantry to Mrs. Forrester.
1970 S. Hazzard Bay of Noon x. 152 They sometimes looked up to us and waved, and she waved back or called out ‘Ciao.’
2013 C. Tsiolkas Barracuda (2014) 25 All the boys around him are staring, jeering; a voice calls out, ‘Dino, that's your mum, isn't it?’
3. transitive. To cause to appear or occur; to bring forth or out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [verb (transitive)] > elicit or call forth
movea1398
drawa1400
provoke?a1425
askc1450
to draw out1525
to stir up1526
allure?1532
suscitate1532
to call out1539
to draw fortha1569
draw1581
attract1593
raise1598
force1602
fetch1622
milka1628
invite1650
summon1679
elicit1822
to work up?1833
educe1840
1539 R. Morison tr. Frontinus Strategemes & Policies Warre ii. v. sig. Fvii He sent a company to take the next hyll, & so to call out his enemie.
1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke iii. xliii. 135 Ointments, which do call out and bring foorth the humours from within.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xv. 254 The clamorous fray Calls out a lion.
1664 H. More Modest Enq. Myst. Iniquity i. xvi. 57 The sottishness of Idolatrous worship, that calls out the Affections to such gross and unfitting objects.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xii. vii. 243 My Landlord, who had been called out by the Arrival of a Horseman at the Gate, now returned into the Kitchin. View more context for this quotation
1796 E. Burke Two Lett. Peace Regicide Directory France i. 11 Danger, which, by a sure instinct, calls out the courage to resist it.
1814 W. Wordsworth Excursion iv. 164 While the Mists Flying, and rainy Vapours, call out Shapes And Phantoms from the crags. View more context for this quotation
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iv. §3. 176 [The King's] fiercest burst of vengeance was called out by an insult to his mother.
1925 Lancet 6 June 1192/2 It seems improbable that this method can call out all the many reactions which are known to result from direct irradiation of the organism.
1950 Manch. Guardian 29 Sept. 4/3 It is his earliest memories which call out his most brilliant sketches.
2006 S. Steele White Guilt iii. 21 Wounds and injustices create only the potential for anger, but weakness in the oppressor calls out anger.
4. transitive.
a. To challenge (a person) to a fight, esp. a duel. Cf. to take out 6c at take v. Phrasal verbs 1. Now archaic.Sometimes, but not necessarily, with the implication of asking a person outside to fight.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > fight (a battle, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > challenge to single combat or duel
appealc1400
becallc1400
bid1487
challenge1598
to call out1671
to take out1749
1671 T. Shadwell Humorists iv. 45 Brisk. Well, ha, ha, ha, I have consider'd on't, and Gad thou art a very honest fellow, I have that affection for thee, that the Devil take me if I fight with thee. Raym. Why did you call me out then?
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lix. 253 I was surprized at this promise, which I construed into a threat, and resolved, if ever he should call me out again, to use whatever advantage fortune might give me over him, in another manner.
1798 C. Stearns Wooden Boy i. i, in Dramatic Dialogues for Use in Schools 327 I mean to learn the art of fencing before I make pretensions to the ladies, and then if a man rivals me, I'll call him out.
1823 New Monthly Mag. 8 111 Damme if I don't call them out.
1882 C. Pebody Eng. Journalism xi. 79 He..contrived, before six weeks were over his head, to be called out for a criticism which was too free and frank even for those times.
1951 G. Heyer Quiet Gentleman xiv. 207 I can think of several things you might do. They would all of them do Martin a world of good, but they don't include calling him out.
2001 C. Camp Winter Scandal 381 If you were any other man, I would call you out.
b. Originally and chiefly U.S. To expose or identify (a person) as acting in a dishonest or otherwise unacceptable manner; to challenge or confront. Frequently with on. Cf. to call on —— 5 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΚΠ
1981 Akwesasne Notes (N.Y.) Autumn 12/3 The military had..tried to cover up the incident. This..Military commander..had been responsible during the case of the Elder Lester Athars and so the people now were openly calling him out as an assassin, a murderer.
1992 Vibe Fall (Preview Issue) 112/4 Today the more exploitative wanna-bes—Vanilla Ice is the best example—are called out as the frauds they are.
1997 Washington Post 27 Sept. h9/1 Our leaders..are..profoundly out of touch with the lives of those they allegedly represent. Still,..we keep their race secrets, do not call them out on their reactionary politics,..their ignorance [etc.].
1999 J. Morgan When Chickenheads come Home to Roost 67 That works until someone, usually a sista-friend, calls me out and says that while all of that was valid, none of it explains why I stayed in an obviously abusive relationship.
2013 G. Albin Altered iv. 38 I dislike how he speaks to Greta. But there's no time to call him out on it.
5. transitive. To withdraw (money held in a bank or similar institution). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > financial dealings > types of money-dealing > [verb (transitive)] > withdraw (money)
to call out1682
to draw out1745
withdraw1776
1682 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) I. 211 Severall persons who had money in the chamber of London..thought fitt to call it out, but were told there were no orders to pay any.
1693 H. Chamberlen Papers Bank of Credit 4/2 Let them put it into the Bank upon these Terms, viz. To have 4 per cent Interest: And if they call out their Money, which not to be till after two years certain, and then giving six Months Notice; they shall accept it in this Credit.
1839 F. Litchfield Three Dialogues on Corn Laws ii. 21 Some of 'em have put their money out at interest, they must fetch it in. Some have put money in the Savings' Bank, they must call it out.
1913 V. L. Whitechurch Three Summers ii. ii. 115 There was an understanding in our agreement that George could call out his money any time after the first three years on three months' notice.
1981 C. Trebilcock Industrialization of Continental Powers iii. 165 The business community experiences little incentive to call out the savings.
6. transitive. Of a trade union: to instruct (workers) to strike.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > labour relations > participate in labour relations [verb (transitive)] > summon (workers) to strike
to call out1843
strike1950
1843 Northern Star & Leeds Gen. Advertiser 19 Aug. What immense advantage would accrue from the consolidation of their funds, to..employ the hands that may be called out on strike.
1895 H. P. Robinson Men Born Equal 284 Ugly threats, moreover, were being made by the strikers that the members of other labor organizations would be ‘called out’.
1947 Times 1 May 5/2 The chairman..talked of launching a national strike and of calling out the seamen, the road transport workers, and the engineers.
1957 Screen Printer & Display Producer July 1/1 It was never the intention of the Union to call all its members out.
2003 Times (Nexis) 8 Nov. 18 Unison has already officially called out its workers for one or two-day strikes over the issue of London living allowances.
7. transitive. Usually in passive. Originally and chiefly U.S. To identify or single out (something), esp. as a problem or cause of trouble.
ΚΠ
1969 Operator's Man., Power Meter (Hewlett-Packard Model 432A) (U.S. Army Tech, Man. TM 9-6625-2469-15) Dec. 7-1/1 The detailed charts refer the user to transistor stages. In a few instances, specific parts are called out as being possible causes of circuit malfunction.
1975 Urban Pedestrian Accident Countermeasures Exper. Eval. (U.S. Dept. Transportation) II. App. A, ii. 16 Such examples as dart-outs, illegal street crossings, and failure to obey traffic signals are called out as indicative of the pedestrian unpredictability.
1988 Electr. Overstress/Electrostatic Discharge Symp. Proc. (EOS/ESD Assoc.) 191/2 Two types of tests are called out as options to be performed at each severity level.
2013 K. Raber Animal Bodies, Renaissance Culture 139 John Taylor..called out the hackney coach especially for its blockage of trade vehicles.
8. intransitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. To contact one's employer, school, etc., typically by telephone, to report one's absence; chiefly with complement, esp. in to call out sick.
ΚΠ
1976 Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg-Leominster, Mass.) 16 Apr. 1/6 Bray said no one called out sick in the DPW at all this week..[due] to his demands that anyone out sick must have a doctor to certify illness.
1996 Perspectives Mar. 31/2 When the kids get sick and my husband is not available, I am the relief veterinarian and can't very well call out from work.
2012 H. K. Lanier Teaching in Terrordome vi. 89 When a teacher called out, classrooms sometimes went unsupervised.
2014 D. Clawson & N. Gerstel Unequal Time vii. 133 It's pretty rare for people to call out sick. We have a very high threshold for calling out sick.
1. transitive. To read out names from (a list or roll) in order to establish who is present; to read out the names of (a group of people) in order to establish who is present; to read out (names) in this way. Now rare. to call over the House: to read out the names of the members of a parliamentary house to establish who is present (see call of the House at call n. 4).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > enumeration, reckoning, or calculation > number, calculate, or reckon [verb (transitive)] > count people > call a roll
to call over1587
muster1820
roll-call1928
1587 W. Harrison Hist. Descr. Iland Brit. (new ed.) ii. iv. 156/2 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) I So soone as the tenants also doo misse the steward, they runne to the hill with all their might, and there answer all at once, Here here, wherby they escape their amercements: which they should not doo if he could haue called ouer his bill of names before they had missed him in the alehouse.
1593 R. Bancroft Daungerous Positions iii. xiii. 112 The President..shall call ouer the names of those, which be present and which bee absent, and note them.
1645 Rules & Instr. Muster-masters of Army (single sheet) That the Commissary at every muster, call over each Company, or Troope, by the Rolls of the former Muster, and note how many Officers or Souldiers be dead, absent, or Recruited since the last Muster.
1654 L. D. Exact Relation Proc. & Trans. 3 They then proceeded to call over the House.
1659 Particular Advice from Office of Intelligence No. 12. 149 This day the house proceeded in calling over the Members thereof.
1687 T. Cartwright in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 117 We called over the College Roll.
1753 H. Walpole in World 31 May 133 Our custom of calling absence; that is, calling over the list of names, to which each boy is expected to appear and answer.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. vi. 98 The gaoler's servants, who came to call over the prisoners names, and lock up for the night.
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxxiii. 354 A gentleman in black..proceeded to call over the names of the jury.
1863 H. Cox Inst. Eng. Govt. i. ix. 137 It has been the practice of the House of Commons, on several occasions of sufficient importance, to order that the House be called over at a future day.
1927 Spectator 18 June 1079/2 Prayers over in the main hall, they are waiting for me to call over the register.
1946 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 19 June 1/7 Mr. A. H. Val Cotterell, Clerk of the Courts called over the names of the jurors.
2. transitive.
a. To take an inventory by reciting or checking off a list of (items); to enumerate or list (items); to go over or check through (a series or set of things) in detail.
ΚΠ
a1646 J. Burroughes Gospel-worship (1647) x. 207 This book of God out of which we preach, and those truths that we delivered to you from this word, they must be called over again at the great day to judge your souls by.
1708 J. Chamberlayne Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 22) 358 This day still continues to be the Visitation day, when the Curators..do inspect the Library and call over all the Books.
1774 G. Washington Let. 30 Mar. in Papers (1995) Colonial Ser. X. 14 Keep a regular Acct of your Tools, & call them over frequently, to see that none are missing.
1839 W. S. Upton Code of Pract. Civil Cases Louisiana App. 2 The court shall on every day during the said week..call over the titles of the suits thus entered on the said trial list.
1851 A. M. Sargeant Housemaid's Compl. Guide & Adviser (New ed.) 54 Cut off one list and give it to the laundress, and the other will remain in the book, by which you will call over the articles when she brings them home.
1912 N.Y. Observer & Chron. 4 Jan. 23/1 Reflect, kind reader, on the past year and call over the list of kind words and deeds done to those in affluence or distress and just how happy you have made the recipient.
1998 Jrnl. Appl. Business Res. 14 115/1 Brokers and dealers converge every business day..to ‘call over’ the names of securities.
b. To check or audit (an account, ledger, etc.) by reading through the entries; to go through a list of (accounting entries or items). Now historical.
ΚΠ
1718 Gother's Spiritual Wks. II. 33 If we..see how much in the Year is spent, by calling over the Books of Taverns, Play-houses, Musick-houses, and Places of other Entertainments, will not their immense Sums be an Evidence against Thousands, to prove how much they had that was Superfluous?
1821 E. T. Jones Eng. Syst. balancing Bks. p. v Errors occurred..but being confined to time and place, were discovered easily without calling over the books.
1856 Manch. Guardian 1 Nov. 1 (advt.) A system of book-keeping..saving, besides, all the time and labour of calling over the books and making trial balances to prove their correctness.
1931 O. Lodge Past Years i. 24 Multitudes of figures had to be called over when any, even the smallest, discrepancy was discovered in the year's or half-year's balance-sheet.
2000 D. T. Merrett & A. Seltzer in D. T. Merrett Business Inst. & Behaviour Austral. 144 The next morning customers' accounts from the previous day were checked as the ledgers were ‘called over’.
3. transitive. To recite, tell (a story, account, etc.); to mention. Also: to read out aloud, proclaim. Now regional.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speech-making > recitation > recite [verb (transitive)]
sayOE
record?c1225
reckonc1350
renderc1380
repeat1451
recite1481
to say over1560
bespout1575
decline1597
to call over1674
1674 J. Owen Πνευματολογια i. iii. 64 Because the Subject we are upon doth require it, and it may be useful to the Faith of some; I will call over a few Testimonies given expresly unto his Deity also.
1680 R. Ferguson Let. to Person of Honour conc. Kings Disavowing 16 Here let me call over a story.
1696 C. K. Some Seasonable & Modest Thoughts 35 Nor will I call over the other Methods you have been upon for frustrating the Scots Attempt in the Erection of an East-India Company, because the very mentioning of them would be to expose them.
1732 C. Middleton Def. Let. to Dr. Waterland 60 You proceed to call over again the Story of Babel, and declare my account of that Confusion to be truly a confused one.
1865 J. Harland Lancs. Lyrics 137 Iv o' Sunday to't chourch theaw wilt gang, Ther axins tha'll yer um coed o'er.
1952 F. C. Brown Coll. N. Carolina Folklore I. 525 Call over, to mention, to speak of. ‘You called over that fellow's name just a minute ago.’—Caldwell county.
transitive. To summon as an assembly or gathering; to convene, convoke. Also: to bring together.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > gather together [verb (transitive)] > assemble (people or animals) > by summons
to call together?a1425
convocate?1553
convoke1598
?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1940) l. 23769 (MED) In þe next on silghande night..To gider he calde alle þe sexons.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xxiii. 13 And Pilate called [c1384 Wycliffite, E.V. clepid] to geder the hye prestes.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Mark xv. 16 The soudyers..called the whole multitude together.
?1560 T. Norton Orations of Arsanes sig. I.iiij Plucke vp thy corage and strength, call together thy captaines and coronelles, assemble thy people and subiectes on all sides.
1611 Bible (King James) Jer. l. 29 Call together the archers against Babylon. View more context for this quotation
1651 N. Biggs Matæotechnia Medicinæ Praxeωs Ep. Ded. sig. b3 To call together the wise counsels of prudent and well-instructed men.
1676 H. Hall Let. 18 Mar. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1986) XII. 226 When one or more Miners are enclosed..by the faling of the Grownde, or Rockes, The rest are caled togeather from Distant Workes: and then not a stroake more to bee done untill they have digged oute theire Fellowes.
1721 Daily Courant 23 Jan. The Assembly of this Province having been called together by his Excellency Governour Burnet's Proclamation.., opened their Session on the 13th of last Month.
1796 R. Cumberland Days of Yore iii. 39 His power with them is absolute; his voice, like magic, can waft them where he lists; call them together in a swarm like bees.
1839 C. F. Briggs Adventures Harry Franco II. xvii. 168 It was some time before I could call together my scattered senses.
1859 Sat. Rev. 7 430/2 A crescendo series of appeals to the Chairman to call the Commission together.
1921 H. Van Loon Story of Mankind xlv. 289 Much against his will, but forced by his need for ready cash, Charles was at last obliged to call Parliament together once more.
1970 J. McPhee Crofter & Laird 7 For seven hundred years, torches had called the clans together in time of need.
2013 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 4 June a17 Environmentalists had been planning the sit-in for weeks, calling together Istanbul's growing number of jugglers, hippies and artists.
1. transitive.
a. To summon or engage (a person) for a role, duty, or task; (in later use) (Sport) to select as part of a team or squad.In later use, esp. in sporting contexts, probably influenced by sense 1b.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > call on to do something
summonc1300
to call up1389
requirec1425
callc1430
repeal1585
demand1632
1389 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 64 (MED) Euery yer schal the Alderman callyn vp foure men of the gylde bretheryn, for to chesyn alderman.
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus i. f. 34 Our noble king full of wysedome hath called vp this excellent man full of learnynge, to teache noble prince Edwarde.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 2 He had called vp his seruants to sadle his Cammels.
1732 D. Turner Art of Surg. II. vi. 101 Under the greatest Consternation, she called me up, where I found many bloody Cloths by the Bed-side.
1897 Country Life Illustr. 22 May 538/2 The same eleven will probably meet Oxford... There is too much present talent to make it either advisable or fair to call up an old Blue.
1911 Railway Conductor Aug. 606/1 Such a task is the most perilous that a lumberman, in all his daring career, can be called up to perform.
2015 Australian (Nexis) 14 Oct. (Sport section) 36 Pattinson might be called up to play against New Zealand.
b. To summon to battle; spec. to summon to active military service; to conscript. Cf. call-up n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > enlistment or recruitment > enlist (soldiers) [verb (transitive)]
wagec1330
musterc1425
to take upc1425
prest1481
to call up1523
conscribe1548
enrol1576
matriculate1577
press1600
in list1604
list1643
recruita1661
enlist1699
crimp1789
to muster into service1834
book1843
induct1934
to read in1938
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. f. clxii/1 Call vp your folkes, and let euery man be quickely armed [Fr. Faictez armer et appareillier noz gens].
1534 G. Joye tr. Jeremy Prophete l. f. xciiv Cal vp agenst Babylon the multitude of al the bowemen.
1648 Answer to Pamphlet entit'led Declar. Commons 10 As for the stale Slaunder of calling up the Northerne Army, now renewed; it is well known, that the Two Houses..were not so partiall to the King, as to have conceal'd a Practise of that kind.
1672 J. Dryden Conquest Granada ii. v. 152 Call up more troops; the women, to our shame, Will ravish from the men their part of fame.
1793 Walker's Hibernian Mag. Feb. 105/2 The reproach nettled Macpherson so much that he called up his men, and, attacking the Camerons that same night,..made a great slaughter.
1857 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 82 281/2 The landwehr of the first band are liable..in the event of war, to be called up.
1877 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 36 My driver..informed me that he belonged to the Mobiles, that he had not yet been called up.
1899 A. H. Atteridge Wars of Nineties 550/2 Thus Japan had an army of nearly 70,000 men on a peace footing, which by calling up the reserves could be expanded into a war force of more than a quarter of a million.
1914 Eng. Rev. Sept. 258 We saw young Belgians crowded in trains en route for the front, men who were ‘called up’ against the enemy.
1945 News Chron. 1 June 4/2 We still propose to go on calling up young men under 30.
1982 Financial Times 4 May 16/6 The reservists in the Class of '61 have been called up, following their juniors in the Class of '62 who received their call-up papers a few weeks ago.
2002 G. Mccafferty They had no Choice xvi. 95 Eric and Tom were called up together and served with the infantry in France.
2. transitive. In supernatural, mythological, or magical contexts: to cause (a spirit, ghost, demon, etc.) to appear by means of a ritual or incantation; to summon from another world; to conjure up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [verb (transitive)] > invoke (a spirit)
conjurec1290
reara1382
to call upc1390
raisec1395
devocatec1570
adjure1585
invoke1602
evoke1623
incantate1623
conjure1637
excitea1639
evocate1675
incant1926
c1390 (?c1350) St. Ambrose l. 315 in C. Horstmann Sammlung Altengl. Legenden (1878) 13 (MED) A coniuror þer was also, Þat þouȝte to Ambrose worche wo; He calde vp fendes.
a1450 York Plays (1885) 378 Calle vppe..Bele, Berit, and Belial, To marre þame þat swilke maistries mase.
1521 tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Cyte of Ladyes iii. viii. sig. T.iij The holy vyrgyne Iustyne..ouercame the deuyll whiche was called vp by ye callynge of a nygromancere.
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 41 That thy power Might..call up him that left half told The story of Cambuscan bold.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 603 Philosophers..call up unbound..old Proteus from the Sea. View more context for this quotation
1783 J. Beattie Diss. Moral & Crit. 634 Ulysses, in Homer, pays his compliments to the Grecian ghosts whom he had called up by incantation.
1853 H. Stanley Pilate & Herod II. xviii. 60 The sin of witches lay in calling devils up, but Father Canon has been so kind as to lay this devil.
1882 Daily News 12 Dec. 5/4 Our modern psychagogues, the members of the Psychical Society, have not been much more fortunate in calling up spirits than their ancient models.
1916 S. Leacock Ess. & Literary Stud. ii. 47 Senile Seventy gravely sits on a wooden bench at a wonder-working meeting, waiting for a gentleman in a ‘Tuxedo’ jacket to call up the soul of Napoleon Bonaparte.
1949 E. M. Butler Ritual Magic ii. vi. 288 On that day or night Lévi proceeded to call up the ghost of the ‘divine Apollonius’ in order to put two secret questions to him.
2007 Record (Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.) (Nexis) 26 Sept. b1 If he couldn't harm a person himself, he performed rituals that let him call up demons who would do it for him.
3. transitive. To summon before a judge, tribunal, examiner, or similar authority; to order that (a person) be present to answer charges, give evidence, debate an issue, etc.
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
1530 W. Tyndale Pract. Prelates sig. Hv The chauncelars of englond..which be all lawers, and other doctoures mumsimusses of diuinyte were called vpp sodenlye to dispute the mater.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Dicere diem, to sewe a man, or call him vp, (as we vse to say) by action, writte, or commandement, proprely to cause a man to be bounden to appere and make aunswere.
1572 Treat. Treasons against Q. Elizabeth ii. f. 138 The multitude of them that are called vp by processe, that remaine in bandes, that are fled, hidden, and in prison, for not taking the Othe and Communion.
1649 Tothill's Trans. High Court of Chancery 190 A Witnesse once examined shall not be called up to be examined upon further point.
1697 tr. D. P. E. Hist. Amours Marshal de Boufflers 262 The Defendant was call'd up to appear before her Judges, where she was examin'd concerning the present state of her natural Parts, to see whether she were an Hermaphrodite.
1753 World 30 Aug. 110 I was unfortunately called up to give evidence against him.
1771 Ann. Reg. 1770 163/2 Mr. Stephens..was, by a bench rule, called up before Lord Mansfield, and the rest of the Judges of the King's-Bench, where he spoke for above half an hour.
1837 J. R. McCulloch Statist. Acct. Brit. Empire II. v. i. 448 In school..the master ‘calls up’ a certain number..with each of whom he construes a part.
1882 Standard 25 Dec. 3/2 After giving their names and addresses they were permitted to retire, but were informed that they would be called up for examination by a juge d'instruction.
1902 Baroness Orczy in Royal Mag. May 15/2 As the day wore on and witness after witness was called up, suspicion ripened in the minds of all those present that the murderer could be no other than Lord Arthur Skelmerton himself.
1992 J. Batten Class of '75 i. 15 When a lawyer is called up before the law society's discipline committee, [etc.].
4. transitive.
a. To make an effort to produce (a particular quality or reaction) from within oneself; to summon up (courage, strength, a smile, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use > specifically a faculty
to call upon ——1477
to call up1538
summon1581
to call on ——1721
1538 tr. Erasmus Prepar. to Deathe sig. Gv Hope beyng thus called vp, yet remayneth the feare of Purgatory, the which feare some men go about to mitigate and put out with remedyes.
1648 P. Sterry Clouds 29 Let this sight melt you, Let it move you to call up all your strength this once; to cry mightily to God.
1696 J. Lead Fountain of Gardens sig. T4v No Bar shall stand before you, that ye may not summon in, and call up Power to break down whatever is Opposite.
1774 London Mag. Sept. 443/1 At length, he called up all his courage, and with the most faultering and pathetic tremor said, ‘Sweet Maria, O would you quit this rustic slavery, and enjoy with me the more comfortable delights of life!’
1838 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby (1839) ii. 9 ‘He is a little mad, I think,’ said Mr. Nickleby, calling up a charitable look, ‘but he is useful enough, poor creature.’
1889 Illustrations, Pictorial Rev. of Knowl. 143 Calling up whatever remnants of valour were left to me,..I advanced.
1940 R. Wright Native Son ii. 178 He could no longer call up any energy. So he just forgot it and found himself coasting along.
1957 R. Sutcliff Shield Ring (1966) v. 74 But Bjorn had something else: a bleak white flame of rage such as the berserkers of old had known how to call up at will.
2009 M. Duran Written on your Skin viii. 167 ‘It is a fine painting,’ he said, and called up a smile of his own. He felt resolved today, firm in his determination to behave appropriately.
b. To bring about the recollection or remembrance of; to evoke.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > call to mind, recollect [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
bethinkOE
mingOE
thinkOE
monelOE
umbethinkc1175
to draw (also take) into (or to) memorya1275
minc1330
record1340
revert1340
remembera1382
mindc1384
monishc1384
to bring to mindc1390
remenec1390
me meanetha1400
reducec1425
to call to mind1427
gaincall1434
pense1493
remord?1507
revocate1527
revive1531
cite1549
to call back1572
recall1579
to call to mind (also memory, remembrance)1583
to call to remembrance1583
revoke1586
reverse1590
submonish1591
recover1602
recordate1603
to call up1606
to fetch up1608
reconjure1611
collect1612
remind1615
recollect1631
rememorize1632
retrieve1644
think1671
reconnoitre1729
member1823
reminisce1829
rememorate1835
recomember1852
evoke1856
updraw1879
withcall1901
access1978
1606 Returne Knight of Poste from Hell sig. Bv My frenzie..calde vp into my remembrance all the accountes of mine owne stupiditie and blockishnes.
1713 J. Addison Cato i. iv. 10 Why do'st thou call my Sorrows up afresh? My Father's Name brings Tears into my Eyes.
1785 T. Holcroft tr. P. A. C. de Beaumarchais Follies of Day ii. 41 The confusion still visible in her countenance calls up the recollection of all that had just passed, and he bursts out into an exclamation.
1799 E. M. Foster Rebecca II. ii. 45 Every room, every spot, every chair called up their memories to her mind's eye.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 155 The occasion..could not but call up some recollections.
1891 National Rev. Oct. 201 Every man was afraid of learned women: the very phrase called up disagreeable associations.
a1910 ‘M. Twain’ Autobiography (2010) I. 375 This apparition called up pleasant times in the beer mills of Buffalo.
1921 Musical Times Aug. 560/1 ‘Country dances’ will always call up memories of a chain of youths and maidens.
1966 Psychoanalytic Rev. 53 113 He had been almost overwhelmed by his vision of Athens in a violet sunset, and thrilled by lands and ruins that called up from his memory grand schemes from classical epic and drama.
2005 New Yorker 7 Mar. 83/1 She's a little like the image her name calls up—a jolly, plump, animated snowwoman.
c. To bring to mind by a conscious effort of memory, thought, or imagination; to summon up (a memory, image, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of imagination > imagine or visualize [verb (transitive)]
seeOE
thinkOE
bethinkc1175
devise1340
portraya1375
imagec1390
dreama1393
supposea1393
imaginea1398
conceive?a1425
fantasyc1430
purposea1513
to frame to oneselfa1529
'magine1530
imaginate1541
fancy1551
surmit?1577
surmise1586
conceit?1589
propose1594
ideate1610
project1612
figurea1616
forma1616
to call up1622
propound1634
edify1645
picture1668
create1679
fancify1748
depicture1775
vision1796
to conjure up1819
conjure1820
envisage1836
to dream up1837
visualize1863
envision1921
pre-visualize1969
1622 G. Markham & W. Sampson Herod & Antipater ii. sig. E4v Madam, you are my Mother; O call vp Your worst imaginations, all the scapes Both of mine Infance, Childhood or ripe yeares, And if the smallest shadow in them all Betoken such an error, curse me still.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. iii. 57 I called up the many fond things I had to say, and anticipated the welcome I was to receive.
1847 L. Hunt Men, Women, & Bks. II. viii. 146 In her verses she is a tinselled nymph..calling up commonplaces with a wand.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest IV. xvii. 32 By these means we are able to call up a personal image of several men of the days of Eadward.
1909 G. K. Chesterton Orthodoxy iii. 63 You cannot call up any wilder vision than a city in which men ask themselves if they have any selves.
1946 F. P. Chisholm in W. S. Knickerbocker 20th Cent. Eng. 178 Every observer of language-behavior can call up examples of such ‘misunderstandings’ of language-fact relationships.
2010 Scotsman (Nexis) 15 May 7 He calls up the past in remembered detail, thinks of the paths taken, and those from which he turned aside.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > state of being awake > wake or rouse [verb (transitive)]
wecchec897
aweccheeOE
wakenc1175
awake?c1225
upwakea1325
wakec1369
ruthec1400
daw1470
awaken1513
to stir up1526
dawn1530
to call up1548
unsleep1555
rouse1563
abraid1590
amove1591
arousea1616
dissleep1616
expergefy1623
start?1624
to rouse out1825
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark v. f. xlv Suche as are in a depe or sounde slepe cannot many tymes be wakened..: and when they be called vp, yet doe they not by an by awake, but beeyng a good while halfe a slepe or drousy, gape, stretch theyr armes, nod with theyr heades.
a1645 W. Browne tr. M. Le Roy Hist. Polexander (1647) v. i. 270 Five or six houres hee slept, and was call'd up by the same persons who brought him to bed.
1771 J. Trotter Faith Triumphant 6 Thinking it a pity to call him up, as he was but just gone to rest.
1840 A. M. Hall Marian I. xv. 186 All gone to bed?—cook gone to bed?—curse her! Call her up, and let her hunt out the larder.
1908 Millinery Trade Rev. Apr. 39/1 She..dreamed that her father had called her up early in the morning with a newspaper in his hand.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > to speech
to call up1710
1710 W. Talbot Speech in House of Lords 1st Article Impeachment Dr. Sacheverell 2 Some of this Bench are necessarily call'd up, by Words which fell from the Noble Lord who spake third in this Debate.
1775 Scots Mag. Nov. 611/1 He sweetened this dose of censure with a great many compliments on the vast abilities..of the Noble Lord. This called up Lord North; who..observed, that he would not have persisted so much in his desire to be heard, had not something which had fallen from the gentleman who spoke last demanded a reply.
1831 Mirror of Parl. (Prelim. Portion, 1st Sess., 9th Parl.) 788/2 The speech of my Right Honourable Friend has..had the good effect of calling up the Right Honourable Baronet, to correct the very great misconception which I am sure would have gone abroad.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 524 These words called up Rochester. He defended the petition.
7. transitive. To call (a person, organization, etc.) on the telephone; to ring up.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > telephony > communicate with by telephone [verb (transitive)]
telephone1877
call1879
ring1880
to call up1882
phone1889
to give a ring1895
buzz1914
to give (a person) a tinkle1921
to dial up1924
1882 T. D. Lockwood Pract. Information for Telephonists 124 Having done all of this, then and not until then, should he call up the central office, and thus test the calling generator.
1900 N. Brit. Daily Mail 3 Jan. 6 In the matter of calling up the Exchange and ringing off, the Postmaster General says these should be done by taking off and hanging up the phone.
1910 ‘O. Henry’ Strictly Business ii. 27 Kelley went to the nearest telephone booth and called up McCrary's café.
1921 G. B. Shaw Back to Methuselah iii. 137 Engaged! Who is she calling up now?
1956 N. Coward Diary 15 Jan. (2000) 303 I called her up, apologizing abjectly for everything including being born and coaxed her round to amiability.
2006 R. Chandrasekaran Imperial Life in Emerald City (2007) vii. 159 The next day, he called up the company's human resources office.
8. transitive. Originally Computing. To cause (data, a file, an image, etc.) to be displayed on a screen.
ΚΠ
1975 Computerworld 10 Sept. 2/3 Other reports—which can be called up on the manager's CRT anytime—show data more specifically keyed to programmer productivity.
1992 Harper's Mag. Apr. 48/1 Now see the mackintoshed reporter as he calls up the latest findings on his green PC screen.
1993 Which? June 12/4 All the models with Video Programming by Teletext (VPT) allow you to call up the TV listing pages on teletext to make your choice.
2009 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 14 May 46/4 Now it is easier to call up an article on JSTOR than to find a volume of the relevant journal on the shelves.
2013 Daily Herald (Chicago) 10 Sept. i. 9/1 He gently taps an iPad stylus the size of a pencil to call up a photo of his granddaughter.
PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses.† to call after —— to call off —— to call on —— † 4. intransitive. To call into question the integrity or validity of; to challenge, accuse; = to call upon —— 6 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete. to call upon —— † 2. intransitive. To bring (a legal matter) before a court or other judicial authority. Obsolete.† 4. intransitive. To make a claim for (money due); to demand payment of. Obsolete.† 6. intransitive. To call into question the integrity or validity of; to challenge, accuse; = to call on —— 4 at Phrasal verbs 2. Obsolete.
Obsolete.
to call for —— intransitive. To call for, demand.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > demand
bid971
ofgoOE
askOE
cravec1025
to call after ——?a1300
requirea1382
callc1430
protest1459
to call for ——1479
demand1489
speer1493
command1576
to put (also place, call, etc.) in (or into) requisition1831
requisition1874
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > cry or shout (loudness) > cry or shout [verb (transitive)] > seek to get by shouting or calling
to call after ——?a1300
?a1300 (c1250) Prov. Hendyng (Digby) xiv, in Anglia (1881) 4 193 (MED) After help longe he may calle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 17842 Anoon þei calde aftir parchemyne.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. iii. l. 100 (MED) The kynge..called after Mede.
a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) i. cl. f. clvii/1 The abbot callyd after cooles quycke glowyng, And Incontynent that they were broughte to him, He putt theym vppon his gowne.
1509 H. Watson tr. S. Brant Shyppe of Fooles (de Worde) xxii. sig. F.v I shall socoure hym at all tymes whan he calleth after my helpe.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark ii. f. xxiiij They whose mindes haue of long time been accustomed to the naughtie wine of Pharisaicall supersticion, can in no wyse away with the newe wine of heauenly & spiritual doctrine,..stylle callyng after a taste of the wurse wine.
1. intransitive.
a. Of a person or body of people: to ask loudly or authoritatively for; to demand, request.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > demand
calla1300
yeiec1320
to ask account?c1450
to call for ——1479
demand1484
inquirea1513
expostulate1548
advocatea1575
to stand upon ——1577
postulate1605
to stand on ——1606
bespeak1677
to put (also place, call, etc.) in (or into) requisition1831
requisition1874
society > authority > command > command or bidding > command [verb (transitive)] > demand
bid971
ofgoOE
askOE
cravec1025
to call after ——?a1300
requirea1382
callc1430
protest1459
to call for ——1479
demand1489
speer1493
command1576
to put (also place, call, etc.) in (or into) requisition1831
requisition1874
1479 Earl Rivers tr. Cordyal (Caxton) i. iv Thenne he called ageyn for his confessour. seiyng he was redy to do and obeye ony penaunce, that he wolde ordeyne.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ezek. xxxvi. 29 I wil call for the corne, and wil increase it.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. iii. 43 Hee calls for wine. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. i. 183 My Lord cals for you. View more context for this quotation
1658 W. Johnson tr. F. Würtz Surgeons Guid v. 353 I called for help, intreating them to cut the pulse vein on my left temple.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 137. ⁋3 She calls for her Coach, then commands it in again, and then she will not go out at all.
1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. x. 153 The People, press'd by Hunger, called loudly for Bread.
1773 J. Boswell Jrnl. 20 Sept. in Jrnl. Tour Hebrides (1785) 281 Each man called for his own half-pint of wine,..if he pleased.
1819 W. Scott Legend of Montrose v, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. IV. 105 If you venture to call for assistance, I will wrench round your neck.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 46 He call'd aloud for Miriam Lane.
1886 Peterson's Mag. Apr. 325/1 He proceeded to pack his portmanteau, called for his bill, and secured a seat in the coach.
1933 A. G. Macdonell England, their England vii. 105 The row of gaffers on the rustic bench..called for more pints of old-and-mild.
1973 Athens News 1 Apr. 3 The West German branch of Amnesty International..called for an investigation.
1987 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 27 June 1695/1 Health Action International..is calling for 218 antidiarrhoeals containing antibiotics to be banned or withdrawn.
2014 Radio Times 6 Sept. (South/West ed.) 31/1 After five minutes' swashbuckling I am exhausted and call for time out.
b. figurative. Of a thing: to require, demand; to make necessary.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > necessitate [verb (transitive)]
necess?a1425
to call for ——1547
force1551
necessite1596
necessitate1601
oblige1638
necessiate1709
necessity1827
mean1841
1547 A. Kelton Chronycle with Genealogie sig. b.viiiv Murdre of truthe, is intollerable Murdre before God, calleth for vengeaunce Murdre to man, is abhominable.
1559 J. Knox Copie Epist. vnto Inhabitants Newcastle & Barwike 46 Taxe followeth taxe and one exaction calleth for an other.
1643 J. Ley Monitor of Mortalitie 38 If custome did not call for it..conscience and friendship would claime it (as a part of duty) from me towards this worthy Gentleman.
1669 T. Watson Heaven taken by Storm 32 Doth not all this call for serious attention?
1680 J. Owen Contin. Expos. Epist. Paul vi. 186 An hand put in the Margin of a writing calling for a peculiar Attendance unto, and consideration of the matter directed unto.
1737 G. Berkeley Queries Nat. Bank 31 Whether our Circumstances do not call aloud for some present Remedy?
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 138 The extreme activity of his mind, when awake, in some measure called for an adequate alternation of repose.
1801 I. Milner in M. Milner Life I. Milner (1842) xiii. 246 He said some things which, I thought, called for a fresh lashing.
1843 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters I. Pref. p. xi The crying evil which called for instant remedy.
1875 F. H. A. Scrivener 6 Lect. Text New Test. 18 Few employments call for so much patience.
1935 U.S. Rep. (Supreme Court) 295 85 The situation was one which called for stern rebuke and repressive measures.
1978 Amer. Speech 1975 50 304 The recipe..calls for chicken livers marinated in teriyaki sauce, wrapped in bacon, and broiled.
2013 Loughborough Echo (Nexis) 18 Oct. 34 ‘Wow, this calls for a celebration,’ I shouted.
2. intransitive. To stop at a house or premises in order to collect (a person or thing).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > stop at a place and ask for
to call for ——1600
1600 I. H. tr. Z. Ursine Coll. Learned Disc. 126 The carrier calles for my letters, and I haue to my great paines spent the whole night in wrighting these lines.
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 108 The Cadgers..call for it againe as they come backe.
1795 Observant Pedestrian II. 10 ‘I have called for my honey-jar and the three shillings,’ said the intruder... Hannah jumped up and brought it him, with the money.
1812 R. Rush Kelroy xv. 269 She was summoned by the voice of her mother, who had promised to call for her on her way home.
1833 H. Martineau Three Ages iii. 89 To be left at the Blue Lion till called for.
1917 E. Ferber Fanny Herself x. 176 I'll call for you tomorrow morning at eight, or thereabouts.
1974 A. Blair tr. I. Bergman Scenes from Marriage iii. 83 It's at the dry cleaners... I have the receipt if you'd like to call for it tomorrow.
2008 L. Gordon Italian's Miracle Family 46 We have to be at the cemetery at noon tomorrow. My car will call for you at eleven.
3. intransitive. Of an audience: to demand that (an actor, performer, playwright, etc.) appear on stage, esp. in order to receive applause.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > applause > applaud [verb (transitive)] > to summon performer
to call for ——1797
1797 J. Hodgkinson Narr. Connection with Old Amer. Company 3 I was prevented from going on with my Character for the Evening, by a Part of the Audience calling for Mrs. Hallam.
1822 New Monthly Mag. 4 315 If the public call for an actor whom they have not seen a long time.
1831 W. C. Macready in Reminisc. (1875) I. 413 The audience called for me, and seemed pleased in applauding me.
1851 Illustr. London News 18 Jan. 46/1 The author and the performers were called for.
1974 J. H. Natterstad Francis Stuart 62 Only a few had called for the playwright after the performance.
2011 Spectator (Nexis) 19 Mar. 40 Audiences called for him after the final curtain.
4. intransitive. U.S. Law. To set out or describe (an object, feature, distance, bearing, etc.) in a land survey or grant. Cf. sense 23 and call n. 16.
ΚΠ
1812 J. Marshall in W. Cranch Rep. Supreme Court U.S. 6 167 The location does not call for a line parallel to Massie's line.
1817 H. Wheaton Rep. Supreme Court U.S. 2 217 The difference between calling for a marked and an unmarked tree has been already noticed.
1870 Rep. Supreme Court Texas (1882) 30 273 It would require some scientific knowledge and skill to know that the courses and distances called for are true and correct.
1922 Southwestern Reporter 239 632/2 The bearings called for in the field notes were not identified or found.
1991 F. W. Cadle Georgia Land Surv. Hist. & Law xiv. 399 If a deed calls for monuments marking the boundaries, it speaks as of the day of its execution.
5. intransitive. Whist and Bridge. To signal to one's partner by playing a particular type of card that he or she should lead with (a trump card). Frequently in to call for trumps.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > play at cards [verb (intransitive)] > actions or tactics > signal to partner
to call for ——1840
1840 H. Cockton Life Valentine Vox xix. 150 I will not descend to argue the point, but in order to prove that I did not call for trumps, there are my cards, Sir.
1903 Washington Post 7 June 11/1 When your adversary has shown strength in trumps, either by leading or calling for them.
1910 T. H. S. Escott Edward Bulwer xiii. 321 It was here that their leader, Lord Henry Bentinck, first introduced the method of calling for trumps known afterwards as the ‘blue Peter’.
2009 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 19 Dec. c10 In six hearts, you win the spade lead with dummy's ace and call for the trump queen.
6. intransitive. Bibliography. Esp. of a book title: to indicate or claim that (a particular feature or element of a book) exists.
ΚΠ
1870 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 99 143 The title of this book reminds us that its contents do not correspond to what it calls for.
1879 E. Coues in Bull. U.S. Geol. Surv. 5 308 Title calls for 12 colored plates; no plates found in copy examined.
1929 Interesting Bks. Lit. Catal. No. 44. (R. Fletcher Ltd.) 16 Mr. Sadleir, in his Bibliography [of Wilkie Collins], calls for bright green cloth.
1960 R. Toole-Scott Circus & Allied Arts III. 95/1 The title calls for 60 plates, which I have not found in the 3 copies examined.
1987 N. Colbeck Bookman's Catal. N. Colbeck Coll. I. 409/1 In volume 2 the Roman pagination calls for a leaf before the title.
7. intransitive. North American. To indicate or anticipate (esp. future weather conditions) on the basis of present conditions or trends; to predict.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > predict, foretell [verb (transitive)]
fore-sayc900
bodeOE
before-sayOE
before-tella1382
foretella1400
prognostica1400
tella1400
prenosticate?a1475
prenostic1477
prognosticatec1487
forespeak1489
prognostify1495
foreshow1561
prenunce1563
presage1569
boden1573
forewarn1582
predict1590
forehalsen1594
foresignify1597
prognosticon1602
predivine1607
forespell1611
predicate1623
prenuntiate1623
preadmonish1644
forebode1664
prediction1665
prenotea1711
bespeak1721
pre-announce1793
prophesize1848
to call for ——1895
pick1909
1895 N.Y. Times 14 Dec. 3/2 It is snowing all around us, and if we have no snow, it will be peculiar. The conditions are about as they were yesterday, and call for snow.
1930 Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune 5 Aug. 8/2 Today's official forecast calls for partly cloudy weather tonight and Wednesday with possible local showers Wednesday.
1967 H. S. Thompson Hell's Angels ix. 112 Judging from all the publicity, the most optimistic forecast called for drunken brawling and property damage, civic fear, and possible injury at any moment.
2002 Science 26 July 497/2 ‘A lot of us felt they were too quick’ to call for an El Niño, says meteorologist Anthony Barnston.
intransitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. To report one's absence from (work, school, etc.), typically by making a telephone call. Cf. to call off at Phrasal verbs 1.
ΚΠ
1965 Labor Arbitration Awards 65–2 5986/1 He would receive a final warning if he didn't improve on the tardiness, absenteeism, and calling off work without notice.
1977 Employment Pract. Decisions 15 6164/1 Mrs. Orto had called off and there was no replacement.
1984 Executive Housek. Today Jan. 29/1 One day an employee, who we were having some attendance problems with, called off work.
1984 Feminist Stud. Summer 263 After we had both called off work, we put on satin nightgowns and sat in Debbie's bed, watching soap operas.
2010 C. Silvis 101 Ways to make yourself Indispensible at Work iii. 41 Don't abuse sick days by calling off work when you are not sick.
1. intransitive.
a. To invoke or make supplication to (a god, saint, or other power); to pray to; = to call upon —— 1b at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone > to or upon an authority
to call on ——a1300
appeal1393
provoke1666
to appeal (un)to Caesar1855
a1300 in C. Brown Eng. Lyrics 13th Cent. (1932) 118 Moder milde, flur of alle..on þe hit is best to calle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5718 On drightin can þai cri and call.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19670 All þat calles on þi nam.
a1425 (c1300) Abbess Delivered (Cambr.) in J. Small Eng. Metrical Homilies (1862) 170 (MED) No man in dyspayr thar be..Haue thai done neuer swilke foly, If they wyll call on oure Lauedy.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos sig. Bv The goddys troians by hym adoured and callid on.
1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede iv. f. 103 Amonge the Gothes and Uandales the name of the lorde is called on & worshypped.
1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes 2nd Pt. Don Quixote lviii. 389 This Grand Knight with the red Crosse, God hath giuen him to Spaine for a Patron..and therefore they inuoke and call on him as their Protector in all their battels.
1679 T. W. Godly Mans Delight 121 Hear me in every respect as thou knowest my condition requires, in the Name of thy dear Son; in whose words I farther call on thee.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 170 Distinguish far between a Protestant and a Pagan; between one that calls on Jesus Christ, tho' in a Way which I do not think is according to the true Faith, and a Savage, a Barbarian, that knows no God, no Christ, no Redeemer.
1799 H. Neuman tr. A. von Kotzebue Self Immolation ii. iv. 26 Till my voice was hoarse, I called on the God of mercy. God heard me not.
1867 E. Bulwer-Lytton Lost Tales Miletus 67 One night on death he called And passed with death away.
1888 E. Lee-Hamilton Imaginary Sonnets 47 I curse thy thoughts, thy prayers, thy food, thy breath; And all thy hours I call on God to damn.
1914 L. A. Talbot Jehane of Forest xii. 154 In his extremity of terror he called on Saint Guthlac.
1980 B. Okri Flowers & Shadows x. 75 His father was calling on the spirits of his ancestors and invoking his juju.
2002 L. Coverdale tr. T. Ben Jelloun This Blinding Absence of Light xxv. 125 He told me that during the war in Indochina, he had called on Allah when he went into battle.
b. To call to (a person) with a request or entreaty; to address in a loud voice; = to call upon —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2. Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > address someone [verb (intransitive)]
to call on ——a1400
to call upon ——c1405
address1608
speech1826
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 7316 Þries he called on samuel Lord he seide I here þe snel.
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) 1743 He comeȝ with-inne..& on þe wyȝe calleȝ.
c1475 (?c1425) Avowing of King Arthur (1984) l. 351 Kay callut on Gauan ȝerne.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 8 The kyng was full curtais calt on a maidon.
1578 M. Tyler tr. D. Ortúñez de Calahorra Mirrour Princely Deedes xliii. f. 134 With a loude voyce hee called on his knights reuilyng them as cowardes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. ii. 17 Who is it in the presse, that calles on me? View more context for this quotation
1718 J. Trapp tr. Virgil Æneis I. v. 248 Often calling on his Friends in vain.
1799 R. Heron tr. A. von Kotzebue Pizarro iii. 23 I will call on Alonzo till my veins burst..if one spark of life remains, he will hear the voice of Cora.
1831 Museum of Foreign Lit. Dec. 665/1 I endeavoured to return to the spot where I had separated from my brother, at the same time calling on him aloud by name.
1859 E. Potter Hairdresser's Experience in High Life vii. 257 At length I distinguished the voice of Mr. W. calling on me.
1951 S. H. Bell December Bride ii. xiii. 174 Didn't ye hear his ma calling on him?
2. intransitive.
a. Chiefly with infinitive or for. To appeal to (a person, organization, etc.) to do something; to require, urge, or demand that (a person, organization, etc.) do something. Also in passive with unexpressed agent: to be prompted by a duty, responsibility, or urge to do something. Cf. to call upon —— 3a at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone
clepec825
cryc1290
to pray (one) of a boon1393
to call on ——a1400
to seek on (also upon)a1400
to call upon ——c1405
sue1405
supplicate1417
peala1425
labour1442
to make suit1447–8
supply1489
suit1526
appeal1540
apply1554
incalla1572
invocate1582
beg1600
palaver1859
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5753 Þan cald on him our lauerd dright, Vt of his mikel lemand light.
1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) l. 8798 Whan þei on hym þis wyse dede calle, Inportunely he roylyd in hys mende How he myht best þis matere ende.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1537) f. 122v The smallenesse of my spirite, and the greatte peryll of myn offices always called on me to demande thy counsell.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Suff. 64 When rich men were called on for a Contribution to St. Pauls, Wiemark at the Councel-Table subscribed a hundred pounds.
1754 S. Fielding & J. Collier Cry II. iv. ii. 286 When thus called on to answer a plain question I found myself startled.
1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece III. xvii. 8 As the siege of Ithome lingered, the Spartans called on their allies for aid.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 530 Lord Berkeley called on all his friends to help him.
1858 Harper's Mag. Apr. 583/2 A regiment of Africans..protected the peace of the plain, the white only being called on in cases of emergency.
1860 W. Collins Woman in White (new ed.) III. xi. 186 I did not feel called on to volunteer any statement of my own private convictions.
1918 Manch. Guardian 13 Dec. 7/4 A declaration calling on workers all over the world to rally to the support of the Russian Revolution.
1923 P. G. Wodehouse Inimitable Jeeves iv. 46 Thanks to Jeeves I was not going to be called on to cough up several thousand quid.
1975 W. Craig Strasbourg Legacy ix. 51 Sadat will call on the Sheiks for an oil embargo to drive the Israelis back.
2014 Observer 22 June 23/3 A campaign group has called on the government to introduce a ‘sugar tax’ to discourage consumption of sweetened soft drinks.
b. To appeal to (something) as an authority or precedent; = to call upon —— 3c at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > bear witness, testify [verb (intransitive)] > call to witness
to call or take to (one's) witness1297
to draw, take to warrantc1330
to call (also take) to recorda1393
to call to suretya1616
obtest1650
to call on ——1655
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. vi. 312 Commonly Princes call on such Statutes when themselves are called on by their necessities.
1830 Lady Morgan France 1829–30 II. 420 I call on the testimony of the guests of that enjoyable day..in favour of fidelity of the details, should they ever be disputed.
1855 Southern Lit. Messenger Feb. 68/1 He called on history to show that the world had always been wrong and started a new school of politics.
1909 W. James Pluralistic Universe ii. 71 First we hear Mr. Bradley convicting things of absurdity; next, calling on the absolute to vouch for them quand même.
1954 Times 11 Aug. 2/7 The charter was drafted in ‘pre-nuclear’ days, and was called on to deal with the problems of a post-atomic world.
1999 K. Torjoc tr. J.-C. Guillebaud Tyranny of Pleasure vi. 112 There is scarcely any debate on eroticism, sexuality and ‘religious prudery’ which does not..call on the precedent of Antiquity.
c. To have recourse to (something); to summon up or draw upon (a mental or physical resource); to utilize; (also) to ask for. Cf. to call upon —— 3b at Phrasal verbs 2.
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
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > for something
bid971
aska1200
seekc1366
cravec1386
entreat1427
inquire?a1513
beg1576
incall1591
urgea1616
woo1615
clamour1651
to call on ——1721
tout1731
spell1790
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to [verb (transitive)]
fang855
runOE
to take to ——?c1225
seeka1300
goc1390
to have (one's or a) recourse toc1405
recourse?a1425
suit1450
to take (also make or make one's) recourse to (also into)c1456
repairc1475
to fall to ——1490
recur1511
to take unto ——1553
flee1563
betake1590
retreat1650
to call on ——1721
devolve1744
to draw upon ——1800
to draw on ——a1817
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use > specifically a faculty
to call upon ——1477
to call up1538
summon1581
to call on ——1721
1721 E. Young Revenge i. i We call on wit to argue it away.
1755 W. Smith Brief State Province of Pennsylvania 15 'Tis true our Neighbours, the Virginians, have taken the Alarm, and called on our Assistance.
1879 New Monthly Mag. July 885 He shivered, and like a man aroused from some hideous dream, called on all his strength to aid him, and looked around wildly.
1883 Brazil Clay County (Indiana) Enterprise 3 Oct. She calls on all of her forces [of beauty], and the ‘sweet simplicity’ of her attire.
1942 Life 5 Oct. 115/1 Bombsights and calculating machinery calling on the most abstract and visionary mathematics became standard issue.
1958 Listener 16 Oct. 604/1 England had no powerful reserves of pace-bowling strength to call on.
2008 Guardian (Nexis) 14 Aug. 9 Phelps had to call on every ounce of will to hang on.
d. Horse Racing. Of a rider: to urge (a horse) to exert itself further; = to call upon —— 3d at Phrasal verbs 2. Cf. ask v. Phrases 14.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride a horse (or other animal) [verb (intransitive)] > incite a horse by shouting or making a noise
to stand up1656
chuck1824
to call on ——1832
to hold up1860
1832 Amer. Turf Reg. May 437 Be sure you do not forget, in coming along, to call sufficiently often on your horse; so as to know what he has left in him to come home with them in the last rally.
1886 Earl of Suffolk & Berkshire & W. G. Craven in Earl of Suffolk et al. Racing & Steeple-chasing (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) v. 86 Romanus is seen to..lose his pace. Wood calls on him without mending matters.
1894 H. Custance Riding Recoll. xi. 162 When I called on the gallant animal for the final effort, he got up and won.
1969 Washington Post 5 Oct. m11/3 Once Jockey Dale Gress called on his horse turning for home, Tri Noble shot to the front.
1995 Canberra Times 27 Aug. 15 The horse exploded away from his rivals when called on and appeared to have plenty in reserve in the run to the line.
3. intransitive. To make a short visit to (a person); to pay a call on; = to call upon —— 5 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)] > into a house, etc., for communication
to call upon ——1604
calla1616
to call on ——a1616
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)]
seekc1200
to call in1573
call1597
to call upon ——1604
to call on ——a1616
visit1626
to make, or pay (also give) a visit1643
to pay a call1648
viz.1767
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) ii. ii. 122 I haue an houres talke in store for you: Remember that you call on me to day. View more context for this quotation
1660 S. Pepys Diary 7 Mar. (1970) I. 80 Thence I went to Popes-head-ally, and called on Adam Chard and bought a Catt-call there.
1731 H. Fielding Letter-writers i. 17 I only call on you in my way to the City; for I must speak to Alderman Longhorns before I sleep.
1771 H. Mackenzie Man of Feeling xxi. 67 The friend, who had conducted him to Moorfields, called on him again the next evening.
1822 New Monthly Mag. 4 403 He had called on me in Wales, and stayed with me nearly three days.
1894 Daily Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio) 10 Dec. 1/5 He..told the officers that he had nothing to say, but that if Inspector Hunt would call on him later in the day he might talk to that officer.
1917 O. Micheaux Homesteader ii. iv. 177 ‘Now sit down, my daughter,’ she said judiciously, ‘and before the young man comes to call on you, tell me all about him.’
1970 J. Glassco Mem. Montparnasse xv. 137 But I now knew where she was living—in an ugly new building near the Place Magnan. Growing impatient, I called on her.
2011 M. C. Beaton As Pig Turns (2012) 283 Mrs. Ada Benson called on Mrs. Bloxby. The vicar's wife looked at her wearily. ‘What now?’ she asked.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > bring a charge [verb (intransitive)]
to bring in or lay an indictment1303
to call upon ——1448
accuse1546
propound1576
prosecute1611
to call on ——a1616
to lay an information1838
charge1891
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. iv. 28 Full surfets, and the drinesse of his bones, Call on him for't. View more context for this quotation
1621 M. Wroth Countesse of Mountgomeries Urania 504 O Myra, thou art, and wert euer without compare, wherefore should thy honour bee calld on, but for Honours sake, thy deare breast being the richest tabernacle for it?
5. transitive. Originally and chiefly North American. To challenge or confront (a person) over his or her dishonesty or unacceptable behaviour. Cf. sense 20c(c).
ΚΠ
1944 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Tribune 9 Nov. 3/2 You could (and should) promptly ‘call’ him on it and ask him to prove it.
1983 W. Goldman Adventures in Screen Trade 18 If he saw a pen, he would put it in his bag. A watch, a pack of gum, anything. If a crew member called him on it, the star would make a joke, of course return the object, and the next day the crew member was gone.
1994 St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 20 Nov. 2 The children had been served pizza because of the nature of the adult menu. Grandma thought that they should use forks, and called them on it at the table.
2006 ‘T. Reynolds’ Blood, Sweat & Tea (2009) 5 This was made even more evident when he forgot what side of his neck the pain was on. When I called him on this he pretended not to know what I was talking about.
1. intransitive.† a. To call to (a person) with a request or entreaty; to address in a loud voice; = to call on —— 1b at Phrasal verbs 2. Also figurative. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > address someone [verb (intransitive)]
to call on ——a1400
to call upon ——c1405
address1608
speech1826
the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)]
speakc950
beclepec1220
enreason1297
saluec1300
calla1325
clepe1362
to speak on ——?1370
salutec1380
to call upon ——c1405
escry1483
assaya1522
treatc1540
accost1567
encounter1578
bespeaka1593
affront1598
parley1611
address1683
chin-chin1817
chat1898
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone
clepec825
cryc1290
to pray (one) of a boon1393
to call on ——a1400
to seek on (also upon)a1400
to call upon ——c1405
sue1405
supplicate1417
peala1425
labour1442
to make suit1447–8
supply1489
suit1526
appeal1540
apply1554
incalla1572
invocate1582
beg1600
palaver1859
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 183 His felawe gan vp on hym calle.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 93 Whan he had so don he began to calle vpon the two knightes.
1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus Hist. iv. f. 61v He entered into the kynges logyng, and called vpon hym diuers tymes by his name, but when he could not awake hym with his voyce he stored hym with his hand.
1567 G. Fenton tr. M. Bandello Certaine Tragicall Disc. f. 165 Ardizzyno espied the basterde Pierro, whome he named and called vppon manye tymes, but all in vaine.
1613 A. Whitaker Good Newes from Virginia 6 How many idle persons haue we in the streetes of our Cities, in the High-wayes, and corners of our pathes, which day and night call vpon the passers by?
1718 J. Chamberlayne in tr. B. Nieuwentyt Relig. Philosopher I. Ded. p. iij The Texts..in which he does so often call upon Atheists and Infidels.
1836 Tait's Edinb. Mag. July 452/2 The faint voice called upon me again—‘Lambert—Lambert!’ and in a moment the recollection of my dear little sister rushed upon my mind!
1875 P. B. Marston All in All 105 As the living call upon the dead, Stretching their emptied arms across the bed Where lies what yesterday they called their own, So have I called on thee.
1903 Lancet 31 Dec. 300/1 When called upon loudly by name he opened his eyes.
b. To invoke or make supplication to (a god, saint, or other power); to pray to; = to call on —— 1a at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > appeal to or invoke > God, etc.
to call upon ——1483
daven1953
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. cclxxxvii/2 There ben many other myracles, whiche oure blessid lady hath shewed for them that calle vppon her.
1529 T. More Dyaloge Dyuers Maters ii. f. lxiii/1 He had long called vppon god & our lady and all the holy company of heuyn and yet felte hym self neuer the better.
1564 tr. M. Flacius Illyricus Godly Admon. Decrees Counsel of Trent 56 It is wicked and idolatrous to call vpon saintes.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. iv. 26 Then began men to call vpon the Name of the Lord. View more context for this quotation
1647 Kingdomes Weekly Post No. 6. sig. F3v The Hangman pulling his cap over his eyes, Captain Burley called upon God, Lord preserve my soule.
1715 D. Defoe Family Instructor I. i. iii. 71 The Glory of a Christian, viz. To worship and call upon him that made him.
1817 Ld. Byron Manfred i. i. 35 I call upon ye by the written charm Which gives me power upon you.
1873 C. New Life E. Afr. xxvi. 513 The Arabs and Wasuahili were frantic with despair,..calling upon Allah and Muhammad.
1904 Lutheran Q. July 304 In his eucharist offerings he also called upon the saints in prayer.
1940 M. Beckwith Hawaiian Mythol. ii. 12 Others call upon the spirits of descendants and ancestors, praying toward the east to Hina-kua..and toward the west to Hina-alo.
2005 16th Cent. Jrnl. 36 50 At least Razis had called upon God at the moment of his death.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > accusation, allegation, or indictment > bring a charge [verb (intransitive)]
to bring in or lay an indictment1303
to call upon ——1448
accuse1546
propound1576
prosecute1611
to call on ——a1616
to lay an information1838
charge1891
1448 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) i. 62 (MED) My Maister Recorder went to Westminster..and y with hym, and ther anon the mater was called upon yn comyn place.
1462 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 283 She schulde vp to London and calle vppon her matre there.
1573 J. Sanford tr. L. Guicciardini Garden of Pleasure f. 43 Demosthenes..became hir aduocate and spokesman and when the matter was called vppon, he aunswered him in this sort: [etc.].
3. intransitive.
a. Chiefly with infinitive or for. To appeal to (a person, organization, etc.) to do something; to require, urge, or demand that (a person, organization, etc.) do something. Also in passive with unexpressed agent: to be prompted by a duty, responsibility, or urge to do something. Cf. to call on —— 2a at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > a person to do something
crave?c1225
seek1362
requirec1380
aska1400
require1415
to call upon ——a1450
will?1457
requestc1485
bespeaka1616
beg1675
a1450 in F. W. Willmore Hist. Walsall (1887) 168 The Mayer for the tyme beyng, shall truely call uppon the old Mayer, with alle the Wardens..to make their accompts.
c1475 (c1450) Elegy Tomb Cromwell (Harl.) in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 15th Cent. (1939) 245 Whene thou lest wenest thou shalt be calde vpone.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 473/2 Call upon them to remember my mater.
1563 A. Golding tr. L. Bruni Hist. Warres Imperialles & Gothes ii. vi. f. 73v The French kyng..being by Uitigis called vpon for ayde by vertue of the leage that was betwene them, had sent to Uraias ten thousand Burgonians.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) v. i. 283 Speake not you to him, till we call vpon you. View more context for this quotation
1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 3 Where the Trade-winds begin to offer themselves, the Mariner..is at more leisure to Repose; he not being so often called upon to shift his Course.
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 120. ⁋2 He called for help upon the sages of physick.
1797 Reasons against National Despondency 188 I call upon the Country to act and think as if influenced by one common interest.
1814 Lett. from Eng. II. liii. 368 He called upon his congregation for horses.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. iv. 427 They would be called upon by parliament to produce their records.
1890 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 44 314 I am not really called upon to express an opinion with reference to this prospectus, because the Defendants have said that they do not intend to issue another prospectus.
1914 E. von Arnim Pastor's Wife viii. 83 Now they were called upon to endure the distressing spectacle of a hitherto reserved relative letting herself go to unbridledness.
1961 P. Marshall Soul clap Hands & Sing (1962) 20 He would be called upon to share a little of himself.
2002 Outlook (New Delhi) 9 Sept. 10/1 That awful blankness that grips so many of us when suddenly called upon to split a tab six-ways.
2013 New Yorker 11 Nov. 59/1 F.D.R. called upon the allied powers..to serve as the world's ‘four policemen’.
b. To have recourse to (something); to draw upon; to utilize. Cf. to call on —— 2c at Phrasal verbs 2.
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
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use > specifically a faculty
to call upon ——1477
to call up1538
summon1581
to call on ——1721
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 43 That shalt thou finde whan thou callest vpon their seruise at thy nede.
1538 R. H. tr. H. Bullinger Comm. 2nd Epist. Paul to Thessalonians ii. f. 24 Thys good kynge called vpon the commune fydelite that men had promysed him.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lxxix. sig. F Whilst I alone did call vpon thy ayde. View more context for this quotation
1772 J.-N. de Sauseuil Anal. French Orthogr. 68 When an organ is affected with some kind of impediment, the nearest backward, or retrograde from the lips to the throat, is called upon to furnish an articulation.
1831 New-Eng. Mag. July 62 Miss Penelope was obliged to call upon her strength of mind for support under the slanders of an evil world.
1848 G. J. Guthrie On Wounds & Injuries Chest ii. 11/1 The other lung is called upon to make up the work of aërification of the blood.
1922 J. H. Hall Steel Foundry (ed. 2) viii. 261 As the heads are very much higher than the casting, they are called upon to feed metal only horizontally.
1963 Connecticut Hist. Soc. Jan. (back cover) He calls upon his long familiarity with Connecticut's traditions..to reveal how an eighteenth-century house..can bring the past home to us in ways that enrich the present.
1973 D. J. Hadley & L. Turner in G. D. Hobson Mod. Petroleum Technol. (ed. 4) xii. 441 The petroleum chemicals industry can call upon a variety of feedstocks, including natural gas and straight-run oil fractions.
2013 Guardian 31 Aug. (Guide Suppl.) 10/1 They called upon the production talents of Steve Albini.
c. To appeal to (something) as an authority or precedent; = to call on —— 2b at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > evidence > give evidence of [verb (transitive)] > adduce as precedent
to call upon ——1536
cite1550
1536 R. Taverner tr. P. Melanchthon Apol. sig. J.viv, in Confessyon Fayth Germaynes Here we call vpon the iudgementes of all good & wyse men.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin xvii. 999 In these actions we may truly call vpon the testimony of your excellencye.
1644 J. Doughty Kings Cause rationally Debated 28 Witnesse the many examples of Councells both ancient and moderne too, which might be called upon in attestation of these truths.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 43 His [sc. the Earl of Manchester's] Authority..was still call'd upon.
1853 H. P. Hedges Hist. Excise Law N.Y. 11 The rumselling system..pleaded time-honored usage; it called upon the example of the dead to hallow its deeds.
1948 Q. Jrnl. Econ. 62 404 In insisting upon the inclusion of competitive factors we can call upon the authority of Marshall.
2005 R. J. DeSanto & D. A. Grano in B. K. Duffy & R. W. Leeman Amer. Voices 122/1 Dershowitz made a compelling argument in this legal context by calling upon precedent.
d. Horse Racing. Of a rider: to urge (a horse) to exert itself further; = to call on —— 2d at Phrasal verbs 2. Cf. ask v. Phrases 14.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > urge on
streeka1500
push1590
put1590
whigc1667
cramc1830
to call upon ——1842
double-thong1856
giddap1938
1842 ‘Nimrod’ Horse & Hound 308 The set-to is about to begin, or, in other words equally technical, he is about to ‘call upon his horse’.
1892 F. T. Warburton Race Horse x. 159 He will soon come to understand what is required, and move off after the ‘schoolmaster’ when called upon.
1932 New Castle (Pa.) News 7 May 4/4 When you call upon a thoroughbred, he gives you all the speed, heart and sinew in him. When you call upon a Jackass, he kicks.
2011 Sunday Age (Melbourne) (Nexis) 18 Dec. (Sport section) 16 The More Than Ready filly..sat behind the speed on the rail in the 1000-metre straight race, but once called upon she dashed clear to win.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > dueness or propriety > [verb (intransitive)] > put forward a claim
claim1303
to call upon ——1472
represent1498
to lay in1603
to lay claim toa1616
title1633
1472 M. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 364 I pray ȝow send me a kopy of þe dysse-charge..bothe fore my dyscharge and ȝowyr, wat sum euer þat be callyd vpon of eythere of vus here-aftere.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) ii. ii. 23 My Master is awak'd by great Occasion, To call vpon his owne. View more context for this quotation
1642 Remonstr. Passages conc. Ireland 26 His Majesties rents were purposely omitted, and not called upon in Easter-Term with that earnestnesse as formerly.
5. intransitive. To make a short visit to (a person); to pay a call on; = to call on —— 3 at Phrasal verbs 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming in > go or come in [verb (intransitive)] > into a house, etc., for communication
to call upon ——1604
calla1616
to call on ——a1616
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (intransitive)]
seekc1200
to call in1573
call1597
to call upon ——1604
to call on ——a1616
visit1626
to make, or pay (also give) a visit1643
to pay a call1648
viz.1767
society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (transitive)]
seekc893
visit13..
vizyc1425
to go to (also and) see1548
to call upon ——1604
calla1616
paya1616
vis1754
to look up1827
to visit with1850
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. iii. 34 I'le call vpon you ere you goe to bed. View more context for this quotation
1748 S. Richardson Clarissa V. viii. 92 I have just now parted with this honest widow. She called upon me at my new lodgings.
1779 J. Warner in J. H. Jesse G. Selwyn & his Contemp. (1844) IV. 259 Going through Chesterfield Street, I called upon the old duchess, who is ‘sorely badly’, as they say in Lincolnshire, with her old complaint.
1840 Fraser's Mag. 21 404 I can..occupy myself..in calling upon some friends.
1888 A. K. Green Behind Closed Doors ii. 9 I was requested to call upon—Mrs. A., let us say, on business.
1942 Charleston (W. Va.) Gaz. 24 May 25 May I call upon you tomorrow? Since it is Sunday you will be at home, perhaps?
1954 F. G. Patton Good Morning, Miss Dove 104 Though it was her custom to pay pastoral calls at the residences of her pupils, she had never called upon William's grandmother.
1993 T. Medeiros Once Angel xxxiii. 378 Penfeld..tilted his disapproving nose in the air and announced, ‘A Mr. Saleri is here to call upon Miss Scarborough.’
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (transitive)] > dispute or call in question
traversea1325
challengec1386
disputea1535
quarrel1548
contestate?1572
to controverse in question1602
question1613
tax1614
contest1663
to call upon ——1746
1746 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 23 Mar. in Lett. to Son (1787) I. cix. 299 You call upon me for the partiality of an author to his own works.
1791 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse §73 Supposing his character called upon, not only as a professional man, but as a man of veracity.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2016; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.a1400
v.OE- care-crazed
- care-crossed
- care-defying
- care-dispelling
- care-drowning
- care-eluding
- care-encumbered
- care-fraught
- care-killing
- care-label
- care-labelling
- care-laden
- care-line
- care-lined
- care-pined
- care-scorched
- care-taking
- care-tired
- care-tuned
- care-untroubled
- care-weed
- care-worm
- care-worn
- care-wounded
- care-wrinkle