WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE PAST
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  • Reverse Dictionary
    • Reverse A >
      • Reverse A - ABY
      • Reverse AC - ACY
      • Reverse AD - AE
      • Reverse AF - AG
      • Reverse AH - AK
      • Reverse AL - ALZ
      • Reverse AM - AMZ
      • Reverse ANA - ANK
      • Reverse ANN - ANY
      • Reverse AP - AQ
      • Reverse AR - ARZ
      • Reverse AS - ASZ
      • Reverse AT - ATZ
      • Reverse AU - AV
      • Reverse AW - AZ
    • Reverse B >
      • Reverse BA - BAK
      • Reverse BAL - BAZ
      • Reverse BE - BED
      • Reverse BEE - BEK
      • Reverse BEL - BEZ
      • Reverse BH - BIZ
      • Reverse BL - BLAZ
      • Reverse BLE - BLU
      • Reverse BO - BON
      • Reverse BOO - BOZ
      • Reverse Dictionary BRA - BREATHLESS
      • Reverse Dictionary BREECHES - BRUTISHNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary BUBBLE - BURYING
      • Reverse Dictionary BUS - BYWORD
    • Reverse Dictionary C INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary CAB - CAPTURING
      • Reverse Dictionary CAR - CARVING
      • Reverse Dictionary CASE - CAYENNE
      • Reverse Dictionary CEASE - CHAMPION
      • Reverse Dictionary CHANCE - CHAUFFEUR
      • Reverse Dictionary CHEAP - CHEWING GUM
      • Reverse Dictionary CHIC - CHIVES
      • Reverse Dictionary CHOC - CIVIL SERVANT
      • Reverse Dictionary CLAIM - CLOSING
      • Reverse Dictionary CLOT - CLUTTERED
      • Reverse Dictionary COACH - COLLUSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary COLOGNE - COMPETITIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary COMPILE - COMRADESHIP
      • Reverse Dictionary CONCEAL - CONFORMIST
      • Reverse Dictionary CONFOUND - CONSIDERED
      • Reverse Dictionary CONSOLATION - CONTENDING
      • Reverse Dictionary CONTENT - CONVIVIAL
      • Reverse Dictionary COOK - COUNT
      • Reverse Dictionary COUNTERFEIT - COVETOUSNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary COW - CRAZY
      • Reverse Dictionary CREAK - CRITICIZING
      • Reverse Dictionary CROAK - CRYSTAL BALL
      • Reverse Dictionary CUB - CZECHOSLOVAKIAN
    • Reverse Dictionary D INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary DAB - DANK
      • Reverse Dictionary DAPPER - DEADLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DEAF - DECEIVING
      • Reverse Dictionary DECEMBER - DEFY
      • Reverse Dictionary DEGENERATE - DEODORANT
      • Reverse Dictionary DEPART - DEROGATORY
      • Reverse Dictionary DESCEND - DESTRUCTIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary DETACH - DEXTEROUSLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DIABETES - DIFFIDENT
      • Reverse Dictionary DIG - DIRTY
      • Reverse Dictionary DISABILITY - DISCOVERY
      • Reverse Dictionary DISCREDIT - DISGUSTING
      • Reverse Dictionary DISH - DISOWN
      • Reverse Dictionary DISPARAGE - DISSUADE
      • Reverse Dictionary DISTANCE - DIZZY
      • Reverse Dictionary DO - DOLTISH
      • Reverse Dictionary DOMESTIC - DRAGONFLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DRAG RACING - DRILL SERGEANT
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRINK - DRINKING
      • Reverse Dictionary DRINKING CHOCOLATE - DRUGGIST
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUGS Pg. 1
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUGS Pg. 2
      • Reverse Dictionary DRUM - DRUMSTICK
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUNK - DRUNKENNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary DRY - DYSENTERY
    • Reverse Dictionary E INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary E - EATING UTENSILS
      • Reverse Dictionary EAVE - EFFUSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary EGG - EMBARRASSMENT
      • Reverse Dictionary EMBASSY - ENDURING
      • Reverse Dictionary ENEMY - ENTANGLING
      • Reverse Dictionary ENTER - ERROR
      • Reverse Dictionary ESCAPADE - EVIL SPIRIT
      • Reverse Dictionary EXACERBATE - EXCELLENTLY
      • Reverse Dictionary EXCEPT - EXCLAIM
      • Reverse Dictionary - EXCLAMATIONS A - I
      • Reverse Dictionary - EXCLAMATIONS J - Z
      • Reverse Dictionary EXCLAMATION MARK - EXPERIMENTAL
      • Reverse Dictionary EXPERT - EYEWASH
    • Reverse Dictionary F INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary FAB - FAITHLESSNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FAKE - FANTASY
      • Reverse Dictionary FAR - FASTING
      • Reverse Dictionary FAT - FAZE
      • Reverse Dictionary FEAR - FIDGETY
      • Reverse Dictionary FIELD - FINGERPRINT
      • Reverse Dictionary FINICAL - FIXED
      • Reverse Dictionary FLAB - FLIRTING
      • Reverse Dictionary FLOAT - FONDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOD - FOOD POISONING
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOL - FOOLISHNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOT - FORMIDABLENESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FORSAKE - FREQUENTLY
      • Reverse Dictionary FRESH - FRONTIERSMAN
      • Reverse Dictionary FROST - FUZZY
    • Reverse Dictionary G INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary G - GENIALLY
      • Reverse Dictionary GENITALS
      • Reverse Dictionary GENIUS - GINSENG
      • Reverse Dictionary GIRAFFE - GLUTTONY
      • Reverse Dictionary GNARL - GOPHER
      • Reverse Dictionary GORE - GRANTING
      • Reverse Dictionary GRAPE - GROTESQUE
      • Reverse Dictionary GROUCH - GYPSY
    • Reverse Dictionary H INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary HABIT - HALF-WITTEDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary HALIBUT - HANKERING
      • Reverse Dictionary HAPHAZARD - HARPOON
      • Reverse Dictionary HARSH - HEADWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary HEAL - HELPLESS
      • Reverse Dictionary HEM - HIPPOPOTAMUS
      • Reverse Dictionary HIRE - HOMICIDE
      • Reverse Dictionary HOMOSEXUAL - HOMOSEXUALITY
      • Reverse Dictionary HONEST - HORROR-STRUCK
      • Reverse Dictionary HORSE - HORSESHOES
      • Reverse Dictionary HOSE - HUMILITY
      • Reverse Dictionary HUMOROUS - HYSTERICS
    • Reverse Dictionary I INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary I - IDLY
      • Reverse Dictionary IDOL - ILLEGITIMATE
      • Reverse Dictionary ILL FATE - IMAGINED
      • Reverse Dictionary IMBECILE - IMPERVIOUS
      • Reverse Dictionary IMPETUOSITY - IMPROMPTU
      • Reverse Dictionary IMPROPER - INCONCEIVABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary INCONCLUSIVE - INDOMITABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary INDOOR - INFERNAL
      • Reverse Dictionary INFEST - INJUSTICE
      • Reverse Dictionary INK - INSIGNIFICANT
      • Reverse Dictionary INSINCERE - INTERFERING
      • Reverse Dictionary INTERIOR - IOWA
      • Reverse Dictionary IRA - IVY
    • Reverse Dictionary J INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary J - JITTERS
      • Reverse Dictionary JOAN - JUVENILE DELINQUENT
    • Reverse Dictionary K INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary K - KIPPER
      • Reverse Dictionary KISS - KOREAN
    • Reverse Dictionary L INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary. L - LANGUAGE
      • Reverse Dictionary. LANGUID - LAUNDRY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LAV - LAZY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LEA - LEFTWARD
      • Reverse Dictionary. LEG - LIAR
      • Reverse Dictionary. LIBEL - LION
      • Reverse Dictionary. LIP - LOAN
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOATH - LOOP
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOOSE - LOVINGLY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOW - LYNX
    • Reverse Dictionary M INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary MAC - MALINGERING
      • Reverse Dictionary MALL - MARMOT
      • Reverse Dictionary MAROON - MATHEMATICS
      • Reverse Dictionary MATING - MEDAL
      • Reverse Dictionary MEDDLE - MENSTRUATION
      • Reverse Dictionary MENTAL - MILDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary MILE - MISDIRECTION
      • Reverse Dictionary MISER - MISTAKENLY
      • Reverse Dictionary MISTREAT - MONDAY
      • Reverse Dictionary MONEY - MONEY ORDER
      • Reverse Dictionary MONITOR - MOTTLED
      • Reverse Dictionary MOULD - MULE
      • Reverse Dictionary MULTIPLICATION - MYTHICAL
    • Reverse Dictionary N INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary NA - NEARNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary NEAT - NEVERTHELESS
      • Reverse Dictionary NEW - NIMBLY
      • Reverse Dictionary NINE - NONPLUSSED
      • Reverse Dictionary NON-PROFESSIONAL - NORWEGIAN
      • Reverse Dictionary NOSE - NUTRITIOUS
    • Reverse Dictionary O INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary OAF - OBNOXIOUS
      • Reverse Dictionary OBOE - OCCURRING
      • Reverse Dictionary OCEAN - OKLAHOMA
      • Reverse Dictionary OLD - OPINIONATED
      • Reverse Dictionary OPOSSUM - OUTDOORS
      • Reverse Dictionary OUTFACE - OYSTER
    • Reverse Dictionary P INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary PA - PARACHUTIST
      • Reverse Dictionary PARADE - PASTURED
      • Reverse Dictionary PAT - PEDDLER
      • Reverse Dictionary PEDESTAL - PERPLEXITY
      • Reverse Dictionary PERQUISITE - PETTY
      • Reverse Dictionary PETULANCE - PILL
      • Reverse Dictionary PILLAGE - PLAIT
      • Reverse Dictionary PLAN - PLOUGHMAN
      • Reverse Dictionary PLUCK - POLICE VEHIICLE
      • Reverse Dictionary POLISH - PORPOISE
      • Reverse Dictionary PORRIDGE - PRACTICE
      • Reverse Dictionary PRAGMATIC - PREJUDICIAL
      • Reverse Dictionary PRELIMINARY - PRISE
      • Reverse Dictionary PRISON - PRISONER OF WAR
      • Reverse Dictionary PRISSY - PROSTHESIS
      • Reverse Dictionary PROSTITUTE - PROSTITUTION
      • Reverse Dictionary PROSTRATE - PUMPKIN
      • Reverse Dictionary PUN - PYRAMID
    • Reverse Dictionary Q INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary QUACK - QUELL
      • Reverse Dictionary QUENCH - QUOTED
    • Reverse Dictionary R INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary R - RAILWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary RAIN - RASCALLY
      • Reverse Dictionary RASH - RECEIVING
      • Reverse Dictionary RECENT - REITERATION
      • Reverse Dictionary REJECT - REMARKABLY
      • Reverse Dictionary REMEDIABLE - REPRIMANDED
      • Reverse Dictionary REPRISAL - RESPONSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary REST - RICE
      • Reverse Dictionary RICH - RIVER-RAFTING
      • Reverse Dictionary ROAD - ROGUISH
      • Reverse Dictionary ROISTER - ROWDYISM
      • Reverse Dictionary ROWING - RUMOUR
      • Reverse Dictionary RUMPLE - RUTHLESSNESS
    • Reverse Dictionary S INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary SAB - SANCTUARY
      • Reverse Dictionary SAND - SCALPEL
      • Reverse Dictionary SCAM - SCHWARZENEGGER
      • Reverse Dictionary SCIENCE - SCRAWNY
      • Reverse Dictionary SCREAM - SECRETLY
      • Reverse Dictionary SECTION - SEMEN
      • Reverse Dictionary SEMICOLON - SERVICEABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary - SERVICES
      • Reverse Dictionary SERVILE - SEWN
      • Reverse Dictionary - SEX
      • Reverse Dictionary SEX APPEAL - SHEDDING
      • Reverse Dictionary SHEEP - SHIVERY
      • Reverse Dictionary SHOCK - SHOVING
      • Reverse Dictionary SHOW - SICKNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary SIDE - SILLY
      • Reverse Dictionary SILVER - SINKING
      • Reverse Dictionary SINLESS - SLANG
      • Reverse Dictionary SLANT - SLEEPY
      • Reverse Dictionary SLEET - SLUGGISHNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary SLUM - SMOKY
      • Reverse Dictionary SMOOTH - SNUGLY
      • Reverse Dictionary SOAK - SOOTY
      • Reverse Dictionary SOPHISTICATED - SPEAKING
      • Reverse Dictionary SPEAR - SPLAY-FOOTED
      • Reverse Dictionary SPLEEN - SPREE
      • Reverse Dictionary SPRIGHTLY - STAIRWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary STAKE - STEREO
      • Reverse Dictionary STERILE - STONY
      • Reverse Dictionary STOOGE - STREAKY
      • Reverse Dictionary STREAM - STRONG-WILLED
      • Reverse Dictionary STRUGGLE - STUPEFYING
      • Reverse Dictionary STUPID - STUPIDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary STUPOR - SUBWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary SUCCEED - SUMMONS
      • Reverse Dictionary SUMP - SURPLUS
      • Reverse Dictionary SURPRISE - SWEAR TO
      • Reverse Dictionary SWEAT - SYRUP
    • Reverse Dictionary T INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary TAB - TALENTED
      • Reverse Dictionary TALK - TALKING
      • Reverse Dictionary TALL - TEA PARTY
      • Reverse Dictionary TEAR - TEN-FOLD
      • Reverse Dictionary TENNESSEE - THICK-WITTED
      • Reverse Dictionary THIEF - THING
      • Reverse Dictionary THINK - THUGGISH
      • Reverse Dictionary THUMB - TIMELY
      • Reverse Dictionary TIMID - TOADSTOOL
      • Reverse Dictionary TOADY - TORMENTING
      • Reverse Dictionary TORN - TRAITOROUS
      • Reverse Dictionary TRAM - TRESPASSING
      • Reverse Dictionary TRIAL - TRIVIALITY
      • Reverse Dictionary TROLLOP - TRULY
      • Reverse Dictionary TRUMP - TYRE
    • Reverse Dictionary U INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary U - UNCEREMONIOUSLY
      • Reverse Dictionary UNCERTAIN - UNDERSIZED
      • Reverse Dictionary UNDERSTAND - UNEXPLORED
      • Reverse Dictionary UNFADING - UNINTERESTING
      • Reverse Dictionary UNINTERRUPTED - UNMARRIED
      • Reverse Dictionary UNMATCHABLE - UNPROMISING
      • Reverse Dictionary UNPROSPEROUS - UNSYMPATHETIC
      • Reverse Dictionary UNTAMED - UPROARIOUS
      • Reverse Dictionary UPSET - UTTERLY
    • Reverse Dictionary V INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary VACANCY - VANE
      • Reverse Dictionary VANISH - VEHICLE
      • Reverse Dictionary VEIL - VICTUALS
      • Reverse Dictionary VIDEO - VIRAGO
      • Reverse Dictionary VIRGIN - VULTURE
    • Reverse Dictionary W INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary WA - WANDERLUST
      • Reverse Dictionary WANE - WATCHWORD
      • Reverse Dictionary WATER - WEAPON
      • Reverse Dictionary WEAR - WELT
      • Reverse Dictionary WEN - WHISKERS
      • Reverse Dictionary WHISKY - WIDE-SPREADING
      • Reverse Dictionary WIDOW - WINDING
      • Reverse Dictionary WINDMILL - WOLVERINE
      • Reverse Dictionary WOMAN - WOMB
      • Reverse Dictionary WONDER - WORKSHOP
      • Reverse Dictionary WORLD - WORTHLESSNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary WORTHWHILE -- WYOMING
    • Reverse Dictionary X - Y - Z >
      • Reverse Dictionary XYZ
  • Dictionary
    • Dictionary - A >
      • Dictionary A - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary A - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary A - Pg. 3
    • Dictionary - B >
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 4
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 5
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 6
      • Dictionary B - Pg. 7
    • Dictionary - C >
      • Dictionary C - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary C - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary C - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - D >
      • Dictionary D - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary D - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary D - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - E >
      • Dictionary E - Pg. 1
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    • Dictionary - F >
      • Dictionary F - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary F - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary F - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - G >
      • Dictionary G - Pg. 1
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    • Dictionary - H >
      • Dictionary H - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary H - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary H - Pg. 4
      • Dictionary H - Pg. 5
    • Dictionary - I >
      • Dictionary I - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary I - Pg. 2
    • Dictionary - J >
      • Dictionary J - Pg. 1
    • Dictionary - K >
      • Dictionary K - Pg. 1
    • Dictionary - L >
      • Dictionary L - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary L - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary L - Pg. 3
    • Dictionary - M >
      • Dictionary M - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary M - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary M - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary M - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - N >
      • Dictionary N - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary N - Pg. 2
    • Dictionary - O >
      • Dictionary O - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary O - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary O - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary O - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - P >
      • Dictionary P - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary P - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary P - Pg. 4
      • Dictionary P - Pg. 5
    • Dictionary - Q >
      • Dictionary Q - Pg. 1
    • Dictionary - R >
      • Dictionary R - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary R - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary R - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary R - Pg. 4
    • Dictionary - S >
      • Dictionary S - Pg. 1
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      • Dictionary S - Pg. 3
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      • Dictionary S - Pg. 5
      • Dictionary S - Pg. 6
      • Dictionary S - Pg. 7
      • Dictionary S - Pg. 8
    • Dictionary - T >
      • Dictionary T - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary T - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary T - Pg. 3
      • Dictionary T - Pg. 4
      • Dictionary T - Pg. 5
    • Dictionary - U >
      • Dictionary U - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary U - Pg. 2
    • Dictionary - V >
      • Dictionary V - Pg. 1
    • Dictionary - W >
      • Dictionary W - Pg. 1
      • Dictionary W - Pg. 2
      • Dictionary W - Pg. 3
    • Dictionary - XYZ >
      • Dictionary XYZ - Pg. 1
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  • Reverse Dictionary
    • Reverse A >
      • Reverse A - ABY
      • Reverse AC - ACY
      • Reverse AD - AE
      • Reverse AF - AG
      • Reverse AH - AK
      • Reverse AL - ALZ
      • Reverse AM - AMZ
      • Reverse ANA - ANK
      • Reverse ANN - ANY
      • Reverse AP - AQ
      • Reverse AR - ARZ
      • Reverse AS - ASZ
      • Reverse AT - ATZ
      • Reverse AU - AV
      • Reverse AW - AZ
    • Reverse B >
      • Reverse BA - BAK
      • Reverse BAL - BAZ
      • Reverse BE - BED
      • Reverse BEE - BEK
      • Reverse BEL - BEZ
      • Reverse BH - BIZ
      • Reverse BL - BLAZ
      • Reverse BLE - BLU
      • Reverse BO - BON
      • Reverse BOO - BOZ
      • Reverse Dictionary BRA - BREATHLESS
      • Reverse Dictionary BREECHES - BRUTISHNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary BUBBLE - BURYING
      • Reverse Dictionary BUS - BYWORD
    • Reverse Dictionary C INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary CAB - CAPTURING
      • Reverse Dictionary CAR - CARVING
      • Reverse Dictionary CASE - CAYENNE
      • Reverse Dictionary CEASE - CHAMPION
      • Reverse Dictionary CHANCE - CHAUFFEUR
      • Reverse Dictionary CHEAP - CHEWING GUM
      • Reverse Dictionary CHIC - CHIVES
      • Reverse Dictionary CHOC - CIVIL SERVANT
      • Reverse Dictionary CLAIM - CLOSING
      • Reverse Dictionary CLOT - CLUTTERED
      • Reverse Dictionary COACH - COLLUSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary COLOGNE - COMPETITIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary COMPILE - COMRADESHIP
      • Reverse Dictionary CONCEAL - CONFORMIST
      • Reverse Dictionary CONFOUND - CONSIDERED
      • Reverse Dictionary CONSOLATION - CONTENDING
      • Reverse Dictionary CONTENT - CONVIVIAL
      • Reverse Dictionary COOK - COUNT
      • Reverse Dictionary COUNTERFEIT - COVETOUSNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary COW - CRAZY
      • Reverse Dictionary CREAK - CRITICIZING
      • Reverse Dictionary CROAK - CRYSTAL BALL
      • Reverse Dictionary CUB - CZECHOSLOVAKIAN
    • Reverse Dictionary D INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary DAB - DANK
      • Reverse Dictionary DAPPER - DEADLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DEAF - DECEIVING
      • Reverse Dictionary DECEMBER - DEFY
      • Reverse Dictionary DEGENERATE - DEODORANT
      • Reverse Dictionary DEPART - DEROGATORY
      • Reverse Dictionary DESCEND - DESTRUCTIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary DETACH - DEXTEROUSLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DIABETES - DIFFIDENT
      • Reverse Dictionary DIG - DIRTY
      • Reverse Dictionary DISABILITY - DISCOVERY
      • Reverse Dictionary DISCREDIT - DISGUSTING
      • Reverse Dictionary DISH - DISOWN
      • Reverse Dictionary DISPARAGE - DISSUADE
      • Reverse Dictionary DISTANCE - DIZZY
      • Reverse Dictionary DO - DOLTISH
      • Reverse Dictionary DOMESTIC - DRAGONFLY
      • Reverse Dictionary DRAG RACING - DRILL SERGEANT
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRINK - DRINKING
      • Reverse Dictionary DRINKING CHOCOLATE - DRUGGIST
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUGS Pg. 1
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUGS Pg. 2
      • Reverse Dictionary DRUM - DRUMSTICK
      • Reverse Dictionary - DRUNK - DRUNKENNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary DRY - DYSENTERY
    • Reverse Dictionary E INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary E - EATING UTENSILS
      • Reverse Dictionary EAVE - EFFUSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary EGG - EMBARRASSMENT
      • Reverse Dictionary EMBASSY - ENDURING
      • Reverse Dictionary ENEMY - ENTANGLING
      • Reverse Dictionary ENTER - ERROR
      • Reverse Dictionary ESCAPADE - EVIL SPIRIT
      • Reverse Dictionary EXACERBATE - EXCELLENTLY
      • Reverse Dictionary EXCEPT - EXCLAIM
      • Reverse Dictionary - EXCLAMATIONS A - I
      • Reverse Dictionary - EXCLAMATIONS J - Z
      • Reverse Dictionary EXCLAMATION MARK - EXPERIMENTAL
      • Reverse Dictionary EXPERT - EYEWASH
    • Reverse Dictionary F INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary FAB - FAITHLESSNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FAKE - FANTASY
      • Reverse Dictionary FAR - FASTING
      • Reverse Dictionary FAT - FAZE
      • Reverse Dictionary FEAR - FIDGETY
      • Reverse Dictionary FIELD - FINGERPRINT
      • Reverse Dictionary FINICAL - FIXED
      • Reverse Dictionary FLAB - FLIRTING
      • Reverse Dictionary FLOAT - FONDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOD - FOOD POISONING
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOL - FOOLISHNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FOOT - FORMIDABLENESS
      • Reverse Dictionary FORSAKE - FREQUENTLY
      • Reverse Dictionary FRESH - FRONTIERSMAN
      • Reverse Dictionary FROST - FUZZY
    • Reverse Dictionary G INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary G - GENIALLY
      • Reverse Dictionary GENITALS
      • Reverse Dictionary GENIUS - GINSENG
      • Reverse Dictionary GIRAFFE - GLUTTONY
      • Reverse Dictionary GNARL - GOPHER
      • Reverse Dictionary GORE - GRANTING
      • Reverse Dictionary GRAPE - GROTESQUE
      • Reverse Dictionary GROUCH - GYPSY
    • Reverse Dictionary H INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary HABIT - HALF-WITTEDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary HALIBUT - HANKERING
      • Reverse Dictionary HAPHAZARD - HARPOON
      • Reverse Dictionary HARSH - HEADWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary HEAL - HELPLESS
      • Reverse Dictionary HEM - HIPPOPOTAMUS
      • Reverse Dictionary HIRE - HOMICIDE
      • Reverse Dictionary HOMOSEXUAL - HOMOSEXUALITY
      • Reverse Dictionary HONEST - HORROR-STRUCK
      • Reverse Dictionary HORSE - HORSESHOES
      • Reverse Dictionary HOSE - HUMILITY
      • Reverse Dictionary HUMOROUS - HYSTERICS
    • Reverse Dictionary I INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary I - IDLY
      • Reverse Dictionary IDOL - ILLEGITIMATE
      • Reverse Dictionary ILL FATE - IMAGINED
      • Reverse Dictionary IMBECILE - IMPERVIOUS
      • Reverse Dictionary IMPETUOSITY - IMPROMPTU
      • Reverse Dictionary IMPROPER - INCONCEIVABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary INCONCLUSIVE - INDOMITABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary INDOOR - INFERNAL
      • Reverse Dictionary INFEST - INJUSTICE
      • Reverse Dictionary INK - INSIGNIFICANT
      • Reverse Dictionary INSINCERE - INTERFERING
      • Reverse Dictionary INTERIOR - IOWA
      • Reverse Dictionary IRA - IVY
    • Reverse Dictionary J INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary J - JITTERS
      • Reverse Dictionary JOAN - JUVENILE DELINQUENT
    • Reverse Dictionary K INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary K - KIPPER
      • Reverse Dictionary KISS - KOREAN
    • Reverse Dictionary L INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary. L - LANGUAGE
      • Reverse Dictionary. LANGUID - LAUNDRY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LAV - LAZY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LEA - LEFTWARD
      • Reverse Dictionary. LEG - LIAR
      • Reverse Dictionary. LIBEL - LION
      • Reverse Dictionary. LIP - LOAN
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOATH - LOOP
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOOSE - LOVINGLY
      • Reverse Dictionary. LOW - LYNX
    • Reverse Dictionary M INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary MAC - MALINGERING
      • Reverse Dictionary MALL - MARMOT
      • Reverse Dictionary MAROON - MATHEMATICS
      • Reverse Dictionary MATING - MEDAL
      • Reverse Dictionary MEDDLE - MENSTRUATION
      • Reverse Dictionary MENTAL - MILDNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary MILE - MISDIRECTION
      • Reverse Dictionary MISER - MISTAKENLY
      • Reverse Dictionary MISTREAT - MONDAY
      • Reverse Dictionary MONEY - MONEY ORDER
      • Reverse Dictionary MONITOR - MOTTLED
      • Reverse Dictionary MOULD - MULE
      • Reverse Dictionary MULTIPLICATION - MYTHICAL
    • Reverse Dictionary N INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary NA - NEARNESS
      • Reverse Dictionary NEAT - NEVERTHELESS
      • Reverse Dictionary NEW - NIMBLY
      • Reverse Dictionary NINE - NONPLUSSED
      • Reverse Dictionary NON-PROFESSIONAL - NORWEGIAN
      • Reverse Dictionary NOSE - NUTRITIOUS
    • Reverse Dictionary O INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary OAF - OBNOXIOUS
      • Reverse Dictionary OBOE - OCCURRING
      • Reverse Dictionary OCEAN - OKLAHOMA
      • Reverse Dictionary OLD - OPINIONATED
      • Reverse Dictionary OPOSSUM - OUTDOORS
      • Reverse Dictionary OUTFACE - OYSTER
    • Reverse Dictionary P INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary PA - PARACHUTIST
      • Reverse Dictionary PARADE - PASTURED
      • Reverse Dictionary PAT - PEDDLER
      • Reverse Dictionary PEDESTAL - PERPLEXITY
      • Reverse Dictionary PERQUISITE - PETTY
      • Reverse Dictionary PETULANCE - PILL
      • Reverse Dictionary PILLAGE - PLAIT
      • Reverse Dictionary PLAN - PLOUGHMAN
      • Reverse Dictionary PLUCK - POLICE VEHIICLE
      • Reverse Dictionary POLISH - PORPOISE
      • Reverse Dictionary PORRIDGE - PRACTICE
      • Reverse Dictionary PRAGMATIC - PREJUDICIAL
      • Reverse Dictionary PRELIMINARY - PRISE
      • Reverse Dictionary PRISON - PRISONER OF WAR
      • Reverse Dictionary PRISSY - PROSTHESIS
      • Reverse Dictionary PROSTITUTE - PROSTITUTION
      • Reverse Dictionary PROSTRATE - PUMPKIN
      • Reverse Dictionary PUN - PYRAMID
    • Reverse Dictionary Q INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary QUACK - QUELL
      • Reverse Dictionary QUENCH - QUOTED
    • Reverse Dictionary R INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary R - RAILWAY
      • Reverse Dictionary RAIN - RASCALLY
      • Reverse Dictionary RASH - RECEIVING
      • Reverse Dictionary RECENT - REITERATION
      • Reverse Dictionary REJECT - REMARKABLY
      • Reverse Dictionary REMEDIABLE - REPRIMANDED
      • Reverse Dictionary REPRISAL - RESPONSIVE
      • Reverse Dictionary REST - RICE
      • Reverse Dictionary RICH - RIVER-RAFTING
      • Reverse Dictionary ROAD - ROGUISH
      • Reverse Dictionary ROISTER - ROWDYISM
      • Reverse Dictionary ROWING - RUMOUR
      • Reverse Dictionary RUMPLE - RUTHLESSNESS
    • Reverse Dictionary S INDEX >
      • Reverse Dictionary SAB - SANCTUARY
      • Reverse Dictionary SAND - SCALPEL
      • Reverse Dictionary SCAM - SCHWARZENEGGER
      • Reverse Dictionary SCIENCE - SCRAWNY
      • Reverse Dictionary SCREAM - SECRETLY
      • Reverse Dictionary SECTION - SEMEN
      • Reverse Dictionary SEMICOLON - SERVICEABLE
      • Reverse Dictionary - SERVICES
      • Reverse Dictionary SERVILE - SEWN
      • Reverse Dictionary - SEX
      • Reverse Dictionary SEX APPEAL - SHEDDING
      • Reverse Dictionary SHEEP - SHIVERY
      • Reverse Dictionary SHOCK - SHOVING
      • Reverse Dictionary SHOW - SICKNESS
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  • Sources & Abbreviations
WORDS AND PHRASES FROM THE PAST
Picture

REVERSE DICTIONARY A

ADE  - ADVEZ


​Click on a word grouping to scroll down.

• ADEPT  -  ADMINISTRATE
• ADMIRABLE  -  ADMIT
• ADMONISH  -  ADORN
• ADROIT  -  ADULTERER
• ADVANCE  -  ADVANTAGE
• ADVENTURE  -  ADVERTISE



​ADEPT

n. 1662 obs. ADEPTIST a professed adept; a skilled alchemist 
n. 1691 DAB one skilful or proficient at anything; an expert, an adept 
n. 1708 colloq. DABSTER a clever workman; an expert in any business; one skilled at anything; an adept; a versatile person 
n. 1785 sl. TARTAR one hard to beat or surpass in skill; an adept, a champion, an expert 
n. 1790 Sc. DEACON a superior or head workman; an adept, a proficient, a master 
n. 1828 colloq. DAB HAND an expert; a skilled person; an adept 
n. 1859 BEGGAR a person who is remarkably adept at or keen on a particular pursuit, subject, etc.; an expert, a specialist, an authority 
n. c1860 Brit. school & university sl. CHEESE an adept; a smart or clever fellow 
n. 1870 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. HAND an adept, a clever performer 
n. 1882 US sl. OLD PIE an admirable or adept fellow 
n. 1888 Sc. SAMPSON an adept 
n. 1888 Sc. SAMSON (as above)
n. 1891 sl. BEAUT any outstanding or admirable person, whether physically attractive or not; a first-rate or excellent person; an adept person 
n. 1891 US sl. CHAIN LIGHTNING a person who is extremely adept or formidable 
n. 1897 Amer. sl. ACE a person who is outstanding in the possession of a specific quality; an expert, an adept, or leading figure 
n. 1905 US sl. BEAR an expert; an adept an excellent, admirable person 
n. 1906 sl. MIVVY an expert, an adept 
n. 1958 Amer. sl. FACE-MAN a person, usually a man, who influences or beguiles others through his appearance or demeanour; a socially adept person; a good-looking man with an exceptionally handsome face 
n. 2012 US college sl. BEAST an expert; an adept; one who is exceptionally good at something; an outstanding person 

vb. 1589 obs. BE A DOG AT to be experienced in or adept at 
​

ADEQUATE,  ADEQUATELY

adj. 1473 obs. SUFFICIENT of things: of adequate quality; of a good standard; in good condition 
adj. 1809 rare ADEQUATIVE adequate, suitable; also, suitably equivalent 
adj. 1813 NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT adequate 
adj. 1813 NOT TO BE SNIFFED AT (as above)
adj. 1823 ADEQUATIVE adequate; equivalent 
adj. 1850 UK ABOUT RIGHT correct, adequate 
adj. 1852 BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE adequate 
adj. 1852 BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE WITH A BURNT STICK (as above)
 
adv. a1340 obs. SUFFISANTLY sufficiently, adequately, competently 

ADHERE,  ADHERENCE

n. 1412-20 obs. exc. Eng. dial. TACK hold; holding quality; adherence, endurance, stability, strength, substance, solidity 
 
vb. 1596 obs. TO-STICK to stick to, to adhere 
vb. 1820 Sc. STICK TO ONE'S THREAP to adhere to an assertion or purpose 
vb. Bk2006 US sl. CLING LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL to stick or adhere tightly 
vb. Bk2006 US sl. STICK LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL (as above)

ADHERENT

n. c1330 FAUTOR an adherent, a partisan, a supporter, an abettor, an encourager 
n. c1380 obs. SUITOR one of a retinue or suite; hence, an adherent, a follower 
n. 1502 obs. FACTOR a partisan. adherent, approver 
n. 1580 ABETTOR one who encourages, countenances, or supports another in any proceeding; one who supports or advocates an opinion or principle; a supporter, adherent, or advocate 
n. 1596 obs. FAUTRESS an adherent, a partisan, a supporter, an abettor, an encourager 
n. 1616 SIDER one who sides with a person or cause; a partisan, an adherent 
n. a1662 FAUTERER  an adherent, a partisan, a supporter, an abettor, an encourager 

ADHESION,  ADHESIVE

adj. 1598 Eng. dial. obs. CLIBBY adhesive, sticky 
adj. 1775 rare ADHERESCENT tending to adhere; adhesive 
adj. 1790 AGGLUTINATIVE tending to produce adhesion; adhesive, cementing 
adj. Bk1880 Eng. dial. CLIDGY sticky, viscous, adhesive 
adj. 1881 Eng. dial. TEERY sticky, smeary; adhesive 
adj. 1889 Eng. dial. CABBY sticky, adhesive, dirty, muddy; used also of weather 
adj. L19 sl. LIKE SHIT STICKING TO A SHOVEL very adhesive indeed 
adj. Bk1900 Eng. dial. DAWSEY sticky, adhesive, smeary 

​n. 1614 AGGLUTINATION an adhering together; the state of adhesion or cohesion 
n. 1844 AGGLUTINANT an adhesive; a glue; also, a binding agent 
​

ADJACENT

adj. 1556 ADJOINED adjacent, contiguous; neighbouring; also, joined, attached, connected 
adj. 1633 rare PROPINQUANT near, neighbouring, adjacent 
adj. 1796 Eng. dial. GAIN-HAND near to, close at hand, adjacent; easily reached, convenient 
adj. 1796 Eng. dial. GAIN-OF-HAND (as above)
adj. 1860 rare JUXTA  immediately adjacent, next-lying 
​

ADJECTIVE

n. 1753 ADNOUN  a word added or joined to a noun, an adjective 
n. 1753 obs. ADNAME an adjective ​

ADJOIN,  ADJOINING

adj. 1748 obs. BACK AND EDGE adjoining, close by ​

vb. 1638 obs. rare VICINATE to lie near to, to be next to, to adjoin 
​

ADJUST,  ADJUSTMENT

adj. 1888 ADJUSTIVE tending to adjust; concerned with adjustment 
 
n. 1598 obs. rare ADJUSTAGE adjustment ​
n. 1866 rare ADJUSTATION adjustment 
 
vb. 1633 obs. rare AGENCE to fit, adapt, or adjust 
vb. 1659 obs. JUSTEN to adjust, to regulate, to make right 
vb. 1825 Sc. SAMMER to adjust, to assort, to match; to agree 
vb. 1903 Amer. dial. TITRIVATE to fix up, to adjust, to manipulate 
vb. 1917 Amer. dial. EDZACT to perfect, to render exact; to make precisely right, to adjust precisely 
vb. 1920 Amer. dial. TRIG to adjust, to tinker with 
vb. 2005 Amer. dial. TRIG UP to adjust, to tinker with 

AD-LIB

n. 1841 UK sl. GAGGER a joker; in a theatrical context, esp. of comedians, one who ad-libs 
n. M19 sl. GAG an ad-lib remark 
 
vb. 1828 rare IMPROVISATORIZE to improvise, to ad lib, to speak extempore 
vb. 1838 IMPROVISATE to ad lib, to speak extempore 
vb. 1889 sl., orig. theatrical usage FAKE to improvise words or music; to ad-lib 
vb. 1889 sl., orig. theatrical usage FAKE IT (as above)
vb. M19 sl. GAG  to ad-lib 

ADMINISTER

vb. c1330 obs. GUY to command an army, etc.; to govern or rule a country; to administer or manage affairs or an office ​
​

ADMINISTRATING,  ADMINISTRATION, ADMINISTRATIVE,  ADMINISTRATOR

​adj. 1602 ADMINISTRANT acting, managing affairs; administrating, executive 
adj. 1607 ADMINISTRATORY concerned with administration 
​
adv. 1563-83 obs. rare MINISTRATORIOUSLY in the capacity of an administrator 
 
n. 1465-6 obs. ADMINISTRATRICE a female administrator 
n. 1506 obs. ADMINISTER one who administers or ministers to others; a minister or administrator 
n. 1572 ADMINISTRATRIX a female administrator 
n. 1581 obs. MANAGE the action or manner of managing; management; conduct of affairs; administration, direction, control 
n. 1602 ADMINISTRANT one who administers or conducts any office or affair; a manager or administrator 
n. 1616 obs. rare ADMINISTRY the act of administering or ministering to; administration 
n. 1633 obs. MANAGERY domestic or agricultural administration or economy 
n. 1633 obs. MENAGERY (as above)
n. 1682 rare ADMINISTRATRESS a female administrator 
n. 1782 GENERAL SECRETARY a chief or principal administrator 
n. 1803 orig. US, chiefly in Spanish-speaking contexts ADMINISTRADOR an administrator; a manager 
n. 1937 ADMINISTRIVIA trifling administrative tasks, esp. those which take a significant amount of time to complete 
n. 1942 ADMIN administration functions or duties; the department of an organization that deals with these ​
n. 1965 rare CYBERNOCRACY government or administration by computer, or by those who use computers 
n. 1965 sl., derogatory WALLA a bureaucrat or someone doing a routine administrative job 
n. 1965 sl., derogatory WALLAH (as above)
n. 1980s sl. SUITS senior managers, usually those in finance and administration rather than in creative posts 

​Return To Top

ADMIRABLE,  ADMIRATION,  ADMIRABLY,  ADMIRE,  ADMIRED,  ADMIRER,  ADMIRING

adj. c1225 obs. FAIR excellent, admirable; good, desirable; noble, honourable; reputable 
adj. 1587 ADULATORY obsequiously or sycophantically flattering; uncritically or excessively admiring 
adj. 1611 rare ADMIRATIVE pert. to or characterized by wonder or admiration 
adj. 1611 obs. ADMIRAL admirable 
adj. 1689 BULLY of persons: worthy, 'jolly', admirable 
adj. E19 colloq. GREAT excellent, very good, fine, admirable 
adj. 1853 obs. ADMIRANT admiring someone or something 
adj. M19 sl. CLINKING excellent, admirable, first-rate; esp. used of racehorses 
adj. M19 sl. HELL-CLINKING (as above)
adj. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. SWUZZY fine, attractive, admirable 
adj. 1920s US sl. SILK admirable, excellent, acceptable 
adj. 1940s sl., orig. African-American INSANE wonderful, admirable, excellent 
adj. 1960s NZ sl. CHRISTMAS fine, admirable 
adj. 1960s African-American DAPPER admirable, excellent; perfect 
adj. 1970s sl., orig. & chiefly US BAD-ASS formidable, admirable, first-rate, terrific, excellent 
adj. 1970s Black British sl. RANK excellent, first-rate, admirable 
adj. 1971 Amer. sl. NIFTY BEANS absolutely splendid, great, wonderful; admirable 
adj. 1971 Amer. sl. NIFTY-KEEN (as above)
adj. 1975 Amer. dial. DITZY admirable, fine, first-class 
adj. 1980s US African-American & teen sl. VICIOUS wonderful, excellent, admirable 
adj. 1982 colloq., orig. US FUNKY FRESH excellent, admirable; stylish, fashionable, or appealing 
adj. 1990s sl. DAVE friendly, agreeable, admirable, excellent 
adj. 1990s sl. LUNCH good, excellent, admirable 
adj. 1990s sl. OBESE excellent, extremely admirable 
adj. 1990s US college sl. BUDDHA excellent, worthy of admiration  
adj. 1990s US college sl. CHICALEAN (as above)
adj. 1990s US college sl. KEEVA (as above)
adj. 1990s US college sl. KEGGING (as above)
adj. 1991 US sl. ILL good, pleasing, desirable, admirable 
adj. 1992 US sl. COLD-BLOODED competent, admirable 
adj. 2003 Irish sl. KOOK AND THE GANG unemotional and relaxed, calm, imperturbable; excellent, admirable, wonderful 
 
adv. 1576 obs. SINGULARLY excellently; admirably; particularly well 
adv. L19 US sl. DAISY admirably, excellently, in a fine manner 
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONSA excellently, admirably, extremely well 
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONSER (as above)
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONSTER (as above)
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONZA (as above)
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONZER (as above)
adv. 1914 Aust. sl. BONZOR (as above)
 
int. 1513 WOW! an exclamation of pleasure, wonder, admiration, surprise, etc. 
int. 1776 Sc. WALLIE! an exclamation of admiration; goodness! gracious! well! 
int. 1776 Sc. WALLY! (as above)
int. a1779 Sc. WAE! an exclamation of surprise and admiration 
int. 1790 Sc. VOW! used to express admiration, surprise, sorrow, etc. 
int. 1825 Eng. dial. ZOOKERINS! an exclamation of admiration, amazement, or surprise; a quasi-oath 
int. B1900 Eng. dial. ZOWKERS! an exclamation of surprise or admiration 
int. 1909 US sl. ATTABOY! an exclamation expressing encouragement or admiration 
int. 1918 Amer. dial. BOY HOWDY! used to express surprise or admiration, or to emphasize a statement 
int. 1920s Amer. sl. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT! an exclamation of surprise, pleasure, admiration, etc. 
int. 1939 Amer. sl. HOW ABOUT THAT! an exclamation of surprise, pleasure, admiration, etc. 
int. 1980s US college sl. DEATH! an exclamation of approval or admiration 
int. 1990s Amer. sl. WOWEE-KAZOWEE! an exclamation of pleasure, wonder, admiration, surprise, etc. 
int. 1990s Amer. sl. WOWIE-KAZOWIE! (as above)
int. 1990s US college sl. COOL DEAL! an exclamation of approval or admiration 
int. 20C sl. ATTABABES! an exclamation of admiration and encouragement 
int. 20C sl. ATTABABY! (as above)
int. 20C sl. I'LL GO HOPPING! an exclamation of amazement, approval, or admiration 
int. 20C sl. I'LL GO HOPPING TO HELL! (as above)
int. 20C sl. I'LL GO HOPPING TO HELL BACKWARDS! (as above)
 
n. c1275 GEM an excellent or admirable person 
n. 1303 arch. MARVEL astonishment, surprise, admiration or wonder 
n. c1485 obs. DAISY a term of admiration 
n. c1566 IDOLATER an adorer, idolizer or devoted admirer of some person or thing 
n. 1591 obs. ADMIRE the act of admiring; admiration 
n. 1592 HERO a man (occasionally a woman) generally admired or acclaimed for great qualities or achievements in any field; a person possessing any extraordinary quality; a person who does good deeds 
n. c1592 SWAIN a country admirer or lover 
n. 1596 obs. rare ADMIRANCE admiring, admiration 
n. 1603 obs. rare ADMIRATOR an admirer; a wonderer 
n. 1613 IDOLATRESS a female idolater 
n. 1623 ACOLYTE a devoted follower or admirer; a novice or neophyte 
n. a1631 ADMIRABILITIES admirable things or qualities 
n. L17 sl. FLAMER an admirer, a lover, a promiscuous woman 
n. 1731 rare ADMIRABILITY the quality of being admirable; wonderfulness 
n. 1784 colloq. DANDY a person or thing that is admirable, remarkable, excellent, wonderful, first-rate, superior, etc. 
n. 1790 FURORE enthusiastic popular admiration; a 'craze' 
n. 1808 Amer. sl. HORSE a strong or athletic fellow; hence, a person who is formidable, admirable, unequalled, extremely capable, etc.; a good fellow 
n. 1832 colloq. BEAUTY an admirable, excellent, or remarkable person, whether attractive or not 
n. 1836 sl. BIT OF STUFF an admirable person 
n. 1842 colloq., orig. US RIP-SNORTER an excellent, splendid, or admirable person 
n. 1845 Amer. sl. HOSS a strong or athletic fellow; hence, a person who is formidable, admirable, unequalled, extremely capable, etc.; a good fellow 
n. 1845 UK sl. RATTLER an admirable person  
n. 1868 US sl. BIT an admirable person 
n. 1873 sl., orig. US GOODY an excellent or admirable person 
n. 1881 sl. SPORT an excellent or admirable person; one who reacts generously or pleasantly even in untoward situations 
n. 1882 US sl. OLD PIE an admirable or adept fellow 
n. 1885 Ireland BACHELOR an admirer; a suitor 
n. 1887 sl. SPARKLER an admirable person 
n. 1888 Amer. dial. MIRATION a display of wonderment, surprise, or admiration; a fuss, a clamour 
n. 1890 Aust. sl. BIRDIE an excellent or admirable person; also, a term of affectionate address 
n. 1891 sl. BEAUT any outstanding or admirable person, whether physically attractive or not; a first-rate or excellent person; an adept person 
n. 1896 US sl. BIRD an excellent or admirable person; also, a term of affectionate address 
n. 1898 Brit. sl. TOFF a good sort; an excellent or admirable person 
n. M19 sl. ONE OF 'EM a remarkable or admirable person 
n. L19 Aust. sl. ADONIS in ironic use: a male admirer; a lover 
n. L19 US sl. OLD SPLENDID a very admirable person 
n. L19 US sl. PANSIE an admirable person 
n. L19 US sl. PANSY (as above)
n. 1900s US sl. THE CAKE a (self-appointedly) admirable person 
n. 1900s US sl. THE CANDY something excellent, admirable, desirable 
n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONSA an admirable, highly capable, or very attractive person 
n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONSER (as above)
n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONSTER (as above)
n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONZA (as above)
n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONZER (as above)
​n. 1904 Aust. sl. BONZOR (as above)
n. 1905 sl., orig. US THE BEE'S KNEES someone extraordinary, wonderful, or admirable; an excellent or superior person, or one who poses as such 
n. 1905 US sl. BEAR an expert; an adept an excellent, admirable person 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. MARK a male sweetheart; an admirer 
n. Bk1905 Sc. WAAH anything that occasions admiration or surprise 
n. 1912 Amer. dial. WALLOPER an unusually large, pleasing, or admirable person or thing; something impressively big 
n. 1912 Amer. dial. WHALLOPER (as above)
n. 1915 colloq. GIRL CRUSH a woman or girl who is the object of intense liking or admiration by another 
n. 1915 sl. THE BILLY an excellent or admirable person 
n. 1916 US sl. THE FROG'S TONSILS someone extraordinary, wonderful, or admirable; an excellent or superior person, or one who poses as such 
n. 1918 Amer. dial. LOLLOPER a very large, pleasing or admirable person or thing 
n. 1920 Amer. sl. PASH a person whom one loves or admires, esp. a celebrity who is one's idol 
n. 1928 UK sl. BASTARD an admirable person 
n. 1934 US African-American & jive sl. HELL a person who excels; an expert; an admirable or impressive person 
n. 1940s sl. MAMA anything considered very powerful, large, or admirable 
n. 1940s US criminals' sl. ACE OF SPADES an admirable person 
n. 1941 Amer. dial. SCUTTER an admirable person or thing 
n. Bk1942 US sl. 20-20 an admirable or attractive female ​
n. Bk1942 US sl. 20-20 SQUAB (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ABLE GRABLE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ALREET GAL (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ANATOMIC BOMB (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ANGEL CAKE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ATOMIC BOMB (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. BANTER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. BARBECUE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. DINAH MITE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. DISH DELISH (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. DRACULA'S DAUGHTER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. DREAM BEAM (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. FRAME DAME (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. GLAMOURPUSS (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. GOON CHILE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. HIP CHICK (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. HOT GINGERBREAD (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. HOT POTATO (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. HUBBA HEDY (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. KILLER-DILLER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. LUSH THRUSH (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. MELLOW MOUSE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. MORALE BOOSTER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. MORALE BUILDER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. NEAT BRODIE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. OK KATY (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. PAPER DOLL (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. PIGEON (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. PIGEON PIE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. POTENT PIGEON (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. RARE CHICKEN (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ROCKET BOMB (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SENDER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SLICK CHICK (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SOLID SENDER (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SUGARPUSS (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. TRIPLE CHARGE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. VIXEN WITH THE FIXIN'S (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. WHISTLE BAIT (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. WHOO (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. WOLF BAIT (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. ABLE GABLE an admirable or handsome male 
n. Bk1942 US sl. ALAN LADDY (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. BIG HUNK O' MAN (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. GOOD JOE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. MELLOW FELLOW (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SHREWD DUDE (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SMOOTH JACKSON (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. SUPERMAN (as above)
n. Bk1942 US sl. TWANGIE BOY (as above)
n. 1944 sl., orig. jazz usage GASSER a first-rate, delightful, amusing, or entertaining person; a highly admired person considered to be the best 
n. 1950s sl. JEFF an admirable person 
n. 1958 chiefly African-American MOTHERFUCKER a formidable, strong, or otherwise admirable person 
n. Bk1958 Eng. sl. GAGA an indiscriminating, uncritical admirer 
n. 1960s Amer. sl. MAIN MAN a man who is most admired 
n. 1967 DUDE a person regarded as being 'cool; or fashionable, or as embodying some other admirable or desirable quality 
n. 1970s US sl. BAD-ASS a tough, admirable individual 
n. 1970s US college sl. MUFFIN an admirable person 
n. 1973 Aust. sl. BALL TEARER an admirable or exceptional person, for good or bad qualities 
n. 1975 Amer. dial. DITZ something first-class or admirable 
n. 1975 sl., orig. US WHITE HAT an excellent or admirable person 
n. 1980 sl. BELTER an admirable, exciting, or exceptional person 
n. 1980s US African-American & college sl. COOL BREEZE an admirable and popular person 
n. 1987 sl. GENT an admirable man 
n. 1988 NZ sl. MONTE a fine or admirable person 
n. 1990s sl. MAD SKILLS any admirable quality 
n. 1990s sl. MAD SKILLZ (as above)
n. 1990s Black British sl. DAPPER a general term of congratulation, an admirable person 
n. 20C US CABALLERO a woman's escort or admirer 
 
phr. 1927 US sl. IT'S A WOW it's a great success; it's admirable, really excellent 
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. YOUR BLOOD'S WORTH BOTTLING said to one who has done something excellent, or to someone one admires 
 
vb. 1474 obs. ADMERVEYLLE to marvel; to marvel at, to wonder at, to admire 
vb. 1610 obs. BEWONDER to wonder at, to regard wonderingly, to admire 
vb. 1615 IDOLATRIZE to make an idol of; to worship idolatrously; fig: to adore; to admire excessively; to idolize 
vb. 1790 Eng. dial. obs. MAUSE to ponder upon; to gaze at; to admire 
vb. 1888 Aust. & NZ sl. SHOOK ON to be keen on, to be impressed by, to admire 
vb. 1893 Amer. dial. MIRATE to wonder, to marvel; to admire something 
vb. Bk1903 Eng. dial. MIRE to admire; to wonder 

ADMIRAL

n. 1578 obs., nautical usage GENERAL a commander of naval forces; an admiral 
n. 1600 obs., nautical usage GENERAL AT THE SEA a commander of naval forces; an admiral 
n. 1611 obs. rare ADMIRALESS the wife of an admiral 
n. 1660 obs., nautical usage GENERAL AT SEA a commander of naval forces; an admiral 
n. 1717 obs., nautical usage GENERAL OF THE SEA a commander of naval forces; an admiral 
n. 1828-32 rare, ancient Greece NAVARCH the commander of a fleet; an admiral 
n. 19C Eng. naval sl. AMBROL an admiral 
n. Bk1922 ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE formerly, an admiral hoisting a flag on a blue ground and commanding the rear 
n. Bk1922 ADMIRAL OF THE RED formerly, an admiral hoisting a flag on a red ground and commanding in the centre 

ADMISSIBLE

adj. 1666 obs. FAVOURABLE  admissible, allowable 
​

ADMISSION

adj. 1859 ADMISSORY pert. to admission 
 
n. 1578 rare IMMISSION insertion, injection, admission, introduction; the opposite of 'emission' 
n. 1841 Amer. dial. DEADHEAD one who receives goods or services without paying; a person travelling or receiving admission to games, theatres, etc. without charge 
n. 1858 sl. IVORY a pass-ticket on a railway, or subscriber's admission to a theatre, public gardens, etc. 
n. 1981 US sl. ADMISH the admission price of a performance 

vb. 1855 Amer. dial. DEADHEAD to obtain goods, services, transportation, admission, etc. without paying; to sponge; to allow someone to do the same 
​

ADMIT,  ADMITTANCE

adj. 1778 ADMISSIVE tending to admit 
 
n. a1616 obs. rare ADMITTIE admittance 
n. a1616 obs. rare ADMITTY (as above)
 
vb. c1000 obs. AKNOW to admit or show one's knowledge, to acknowledge, to confess 
vb. c1315 obs. UNDERGO to accept, to admit, to allow 
vb. 1578 rare or obs. IMMIT to put in, to insert, to inject, to infuse; to let in, to admit; the opposite of 'emit' 
vb. 1647 obs. IMMISS to put in, to insert, to inject, to infuse; to let in, to admit 
vb. 1835 Sc. YIELD to admit; to confess 
vb. E19 orig. US OWN THE CORN to admit an error 
vb. 1901 Ireland ACCUSE to admit, to allow; to suppose 
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. INTERMIT to admit, to allow to enter 
vb. 1917 Amer. dial. GIVE DOWN to admit; to confess 

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ADMONISH,  ADMONISHING,  ADMONITION

adj. 1594 ADMONITORY giving admonition, admonishing, warning 
adj. 1598 rare PARAENETICAL advisory, hortatory; apt to persuade, admonishing 
adj. a1677 obs. ADMONITIVE pert. to admonition; admonishing 
adj. 1848 rare ADMONITORIAL giving admonition, admonishing, warning 

adv. Bk1888 rare ADMONITIVELY by admonition 
 
n. a1382 obs. MONISHER a person who admonishes, warns, or exhorts 
n. 1475 obs. ADVERTISEMENT the act of calling the attention of others; admonition, warning, instruction 
n. 1547 ADMONITOR one who admonishes 
n. 1556 obs. rare MONITIONER a person who admonishes or warns 
n. 1562 obs. SUBMONITION a gentle admonition, suggestion, or reproving 
n. 1583 LESSONING instruction, admonition 
n. 1586 obs. ADMONISHIONER one who gives admonitions or admonishes 
n. 1586 obs. ADMONITIONER (as above)
n. 1748 rare MONITRESS a female adviser, mentor, or admonisher 
n. 1850 rare ADMONITRIX a female who admonishes 
n. c1960 Amer. dial. HARK FROM THE TOMB something severe; a severe scolding or admonition 
 
vb. 1494 obs. ADVERTISE to warn, to admonish 
vb. 1555 LESSON to give a lesson or lessons to, to instruct, to teach; to admonish, to rebuke, to reprove 
vb. 1789 Sc. & Eng. dial. MIND to remind, to admonish 
vb. 1887 orig. Eng. dial. GIVE GYP to punish or admonish; to assault or beat; hence, later, to mock or tease; to criticize 
vb. 1980s UK juvenile sl. RACK to admonish 
vb. 20C Amer. sl., World War I usage CRAWL to admonish 
vb. 20C Amer. sl., World War I usage  JUMP (as above)

ADO

n. 1474 obs. BESOIGNE business, affair, duties, ado 
n. 1642 obs. rare PADDLE fuss, ado 
n. 1790 Sc. HUMDUDGEON needless noise or fuss; a complaint or outcry with sufficient reason; much ado about nothing 
n. 1807 Amer. ALL TALK AND NO CIDER a great deal of fuss, but very little result; much ado about nothing 
n. 1825 Sc. obs. TAW difficulty, laborious effort; much ado 
n. 1836 Amer. dial. TOUSE a commotion, a disturbance, an ado, a fuss, an outcry; a state of agitation 
n. 1836 Amer. dial. TOWSE (as above)
n. Bk1898 Sc. BANGNUE a great fuss about something trivial; much ado about nothing 
 
phr. c1460 MUCH CRY AND LITTLE WOOL much ado about nothing; much fuss or noise with little results 
phr. 1579 GREAT CRY AND LITTLE WOOL much ado about nothing; much fuss or noise with little results 
 
vb. Bk1902 Sc. HAIVER to hesitate and make much ado about doing anything; to be lazy at work  
vb. Bk1902 Sc. HAWK to hesitate, to hum and haw; to make much ado before doing anything 
vb. 20C PIDDLE ABOUT to make an ado about nothing much 

ADOLESCENCE,  ADOLESCENT

adj. c1420 obs. rare ADOLENT growing, adolescent 
adj. 1805 Sc. HALF-LONG half-grown, adolescent 
adj. 1815 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. HALFLING youthful, adolescent, half-grown 
adj. Bk1958 sl. UNLICKED uncouth, aggressively adolescent 
 
n. a1122 YOUNG MAN a man who is young; an adolescent or young adult male; one in early manhood 
n. 1794 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. HALFLING a half-grown boy, an adolescent youth; often applied to a lad engaged in farm work 
n. 1832 Amer. dial. YOUNGERN a child or adolescent 
n. 1832 Amer. dial. YOUNGIN (as above)
n. 1832 Amer. dial. YOUNG ONE (as above)
n. 1832 Amer. dial. YOUNG 'UN (as above)
n. 1848 Amer. dial. HOG-AGE the awkward, ill-mannered age between boyhood and manhood; male adolescence 
n. 1888 BACKFISCH a girl of about 16 or 17; a girl in late adolescence, a teenager 
n. 1898 Sc. UP-COMING adolescence 
n. 1982 sl., derogatory BIMBETTE a young woman or adolescent girl, esp. one regarded as sexually attractive but thought to lack intelligence or distinctive personality; a bimbo, esp. an adolescent or teenage one 
n. 1992 UK sl. HIBBER DE HOY an adolescent boy, esp. a hooligan 
n. 1996 chiefly journalists' usage ADULTESCENT an adult who has retained the interests, behaviour, or lifestyle of adolescence 
n. 1997 UK sl. SPUNKER a derisive term for an adolescent boy; used by adolescent girls 

vb. 1859 ADOLESCE to become adolescent; to pass through adolescence 

ADOPT,  ADOPTED,  ADOPTING,  ADOPTION,  ADOPTIVE

​adj. 1601 obs. rare ADOPTIOUS connected with adoption 
adj. 1615 ADOPTATIVE pert. to adoption; adoptive 
adj. 1623 obs. rare AFFILIATED of a child: adopted 
adj. 1671 obs. ADOPTANT adopting 
 
n. 1623 obs. rare AFFILIATION the adoption of a child; in ancient Gaul, the adoption of a male heir by a person of high rank 
n. 1671 obs. ADOPTANT one who adopts, or takes a child as his own 
 
vb. 1623 obs. rare AFFILIATE to adopt a child 
vb. 1662 obs. rare ADOPTATE to adopt 
vb. 1890 Eng. dial. TAKE TO to adopt 

ADORABLE

adj. 1913 CUTE AS A BUTTON extremely attractive; adorable, charming 
​

ADORATION,  ADORE,  ADORED,  ADORER,  ADORING

adj. 1550 IDOLATROUS pert. to idolatry 
adj. 1637 ADORATIVE pert. to adoration; that adores or venerates 
adj. 1659 SERAPHIC ardent, zealous; burning or inflamed with love or zeal; ecstatically adoring 
adj. a1821 poetic usage ADORANT adoring 
 
n. a1200 GOD an adored, admirable, or supremely powerful person 
n. c1386 IDOLATRY immoderate attachment to or veneration for any person or thing; admiration savouring of adoration 
n. c1566 IDOLATER an adorer, idolizer or devoted admirer of some person or thing 
n. 1591 IDOL a person who is the object of excessive or supreme devotion; an adored person; a person loved or respected to adoration 
n. 1613 IDOLATRESS a female idolater 
n. 1646 obs. rare ADOREMENT adoration 
 
vb. 1615 IDOLATRIZE to make an idol of; to worship idolatrously; fig: to adore; to admire excessively; to idolize 
vb. 1949 Amer. dial. MAKE CALF-EYES to show adoration or affection with the eyes 
​

ADORN,  ADORNED,  ADORNING,  ADORNMENT

adj. 1303 obs. TIFFED tricked out, adorned 
adj. c1450 rare BUSKED clothed, attired, dressed up; adorned, embellished 
adj. 1460 obs. or arch. DECORATE adorned, decorated; ornate 
adj. 1660 obs. rare ORNATIVE tending or serving to adorn, decorative, ornamental 
adj. 1667 obs. rare ADORN adorned, ornate 
adj. 1825 Sc. GAMFERT flowery, bespangled, adorned 
adj. 1874 obs. FAIRED adorned, made beautiful 
 
n. 1303 obs. rare TIFFURE a dressing up, adornment 
n. c1325 obs. ADUBMENT adornment, decoration 
n. a1387 obs. HIGHTER an adorner or embellisher 
n. c1430 obs. QUAINTISING adornment, decoration 
n. 1513 obs. DECORE grace, honour, glory, beauty, adornment 
n. 1518 GARNISHER one who adorns or decorates 
n. 1531 obs. DECKING adornment, embellishment, ornament 
n. 1591 VARNISH a means of embellishment or adornment; a beautifying or improving  quality or feature 
n. 1592 obs. ADORN adornment 
n. 1597 obs. ADORNATION the act of adorning; also, that with which anything is adorned; adornment, decoration; ornament 
n. 1642 obs. rare DECKAGE adornment, embellishment 
n. a1687 Sc. obs. rare BUSK adornment, embellishment 
n. a1687 Sc. obs. rare BUSKRY (as above)
n. a1706 FALLAL a piece of finery or frippery, a showy adornment in dress; usually plural usage 
n. 1727 rare DECORAMENT decoration, ornament, an adorning 
n. 1835 nonce word GARNISHRY adornment, decoration 
n. 1847 Eng. dial. TIDDIVATION smartening, adornment, bedeckment 
n. c1861 Eng. dial. FANGLEMENT a contrivance, a personal adornment 
n. 1862 rare BURNISHMENT metallic polish, lustrous adornment 
n. 1876 Eng. dial. FANDANGS the fanciful adornments in personal attire; trinkets 
n. 1880 Eng. dial. FAFF swagger, pretense; show, useless adornments 
n. Bk1900 Eng. dial. FANDANGS AND FEATHERMENTS trinkets, trifles, personal adornments 
 
vb. c1000 obs. BEWORK to work, adorn, or embroider cloth etc. 
vb. c1200 obs. AWLENCH to make splendid, to adorn 
vb. a1225 obs. BEGO to dress; to clothe, to attire, to deck, to adorn 
vb. a1225 obs. FAIR to make beautiful or attractive; to decorate, to adorn, to embellish 
vb. c1250 obs. GEAR to adorn; to array; to dress 
vb. a1300 obs. UMTIFF to deck out, to adorn 
vb. c1350 obs. RAIL to array, to adorn with something 
vb. c1350 obs. TIRE to attire, to clothe duly, to dress, to adorn 
vb. 1388 obs. TIFFLE to dress up, to adorn, to deck or trick out (in a trifling or time-wasting way) 
vb. 1390 obs. QUAINTISE to beautify, to adorn, to dress finely 
vb. 1398 arch. BEAUTY to render beautiful; to beautify, to adorn, to deck 
vb. c1400 BUSK to clothe, to dress, to attire a person; to adorn a thing 
vb. 1400s VARNISH to embellish or adorn; to improve, furbish up 
vb. 1432-50 obs. ONORN to deck, to adorn 
vb. 1483 obs. QUAINT to adorn, to make fine or beautiful 
vb. 1490 obs. or arch. DECORE to decorate, to adorn, to embellish 
vb. a1500 obs. BEDO to adorn, to ornament, to garnish 
vb. 1509 obs. BETRAP to deck, to adorn 
vb. 1530 obs. or arch. DECORATE to adorn, to beautify, to embellish; to grace, to honour 
vb. 1554 obs. GAUD to ornament, to adorn, to make showy 
vb. 1554 obs. GAWD (as above)
vb. 1555 obs. HANDSOME to fit, to adapt; to make seemly or becoming; to bring to a proper condition; to beautify, to adorn 
vb. 1569 BUSS to clothe, to dress; to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 1577 obs. rare ADORNATE to adorn 
vb. 1592 obs. ILLUSTRATE to make lustrous, luminous, or bright; to set off with bright colours; generally, to beautify, to adorn 
vb. 1594 obs. ORNIFY to adorn, to ornament 
vb. 1596 obs. ADORE to adorn, to decorate 
vb. 1605 obs. BEGUARD to adorn or furnish with 'guards' or facings, generally of lace or embroidery 
vb. 1611 ADONIZE to make an Adonis of; to adorn, to dress up, to dandify 
vb. 1641 Sc. & Eng. dial. MENSE to grace, to decorate, to adorn; to do honour to; to behave respectfully or courteously to 
vb. 1657 obs. BEDUB to adorn 
vb. a1689 obs. BETAWDER to bedizen with tawdry finery, to adorn gaudily 
vb. 1706 Sc. obs. PASSMENT to adorn with lace, to trim a garment etc. with braid, etc. 
vb. 1730 Eng. dial. DILL to dress fine, to adorn 
vb. 1773 Sc. & Eng. dial. DIGHT to dress, to clothe; to adorn, to deck oneself 
vb. 1790 Eng. dial. BAWM to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 1808 Sc. DINK to adorn, to deck, to dress out 
vb. 1822 Amer. dial. TRIG OUT to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 1847 Amer. dial. FINIFY to make fine, to adorn 
vb. 1868 Amer. dial. TRIG UP to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 1877 Eng. dial. TIDDIVATE to 'titivate'; to smarten up; to ornament, to adorn, to bedeck; to put the final touches to dress 
vb. 1899 Eng. dial. TUTTLE to arrange the dress; to adorn; to titivate 
vb. Bk1900 Eng. dial. DICK to deck, to adorn; to cover 
vb. Bk1904 Eng. dial. SAUCE to garnish; to adorn 
vb. 1938 Amer. dial. TRIGGER UP to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 1946 sl. PANSY UP to dress or adorn affectedly or effeminately 
vb. 1953 Amer. dial. TRIGGER OUT to dress up, to adorn 
vb. 20C Amer. sl. GUSSY UP to dress in one's best clothes; to adorn oneself 
vb. Bk2002 Aust. sl. TART UP to adorn; to make attractive, esp. with cheap ornaments and cosmetics 
​
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ADROIT,  ADROITLY

adj. 1485 HABILE having general readiness; handy, ready; skilful, deft, adroit, dexterous 
adj. 1519 obs. exc. arch. & Eng. dial. FEAT of speech or action, hence of speakers: apt, apropos; smart, adroit 
adj. 1607 obs. DEXTERICAL dexterous, adroit, skilful 
adj. 1910s sl., orig. US  MEAN very good, very clever, adroit 
 
adv. Bk1905 Amer. dial. SLICK AS A WHISTLE very smoothly or adroitly 
adv. Bk1905 Amer. dial.  SLICK AS GREASE (as above)

ADULATE,  ADULATION

adj. 1664 obs. ADULATORIOUS full of adulation; servilely or fulsomely flattering or praising 
 
n. L19 Aust. sl. MARMALADE ​popular adulation 

ADULT,  ADULTHOOD

adj. 1579 obs. MANLY 'grown up'; adult, mature 
adj. 1882 Sc. MUCKLE grown-up, adult 
adj. 1883 Sc. MAN-GROWN mature, grown-up, adult 
adj. 1895 Eng. dial. UP-GROWN adult  
adj. 1896 Sc. MAN-LENGTH having reached the age of manhood, adult, mature 
adj. Bk1898 Eng. dial. MAN-BIG full-grown 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. UP-WAXEN adult 
 
adv. 1742 obs. ADULTLY as an adult 

n. 1596 obs. FATHER-AGE the time of life when one is a father; hence, a mature age; adulthood of man 
n. a1670 rare ADULTAGE a being adult; maturity, adulthood 
n. c1810 colloq. GROWN-UP an adult 
n. 1825 Sc. MAN BODY an adult man, a man in general as opposed to a woman 
n. 1834 Eng. dial. MASTER an adult; a young man when grown up  
n. Bk1869 Eng. dial. HARD PEOPLE adults 
n. 1923 colloq. GROWN an adult 
n. 1942 Amer. dial. OLD ONE an adult 
n. 1970 sl. GROWNIES grown-ups, esp. one's own; hence, also one's friends' parents (teenagers' usage, often spelt, where the pun is intentional, 'groanies') 
n. 1974 US YA a young adult 

ADULTERATE,  ADULTERATED

adj. 1619 obs. IMPOSTURED falsified, adulterated, sham 
 
vb. 1593 rare ADULTERIZE to corrupt, to debase, to adulterate 
vb. 16C sl. LAG to water  down or adulterate wine or spirits 
vb. a1777 DOCTOR to make different in order to deceive; to tamper with; to falsify or adulterate 
vb. c1830 criminals' sl. FAKE THE DUCK to adulterate drink; to swindle, to cheat 
vb. c1860 brewers' & publican's usage DASH to adulterate 
vb. 1889 Amer. sl. DEACON to sophisticate, to adulterate, to doctor, as, to 'deacon' wine or other liquor 
vb. 1889 sl., orig. US SPIKE to adulterate a drink 
vb. 1920s sl. SPIKE to adulterate a drink, alcoholic or otherwise, or food, with a knockout drug 
vb. 1920s sl. SPIKE to adulterate 'near-beer' (brewed during Prohibition) with a mixture of ginger beer and pure alcohol 
vb. 2000s sl. SPIKE to adulterate food or drink with a foreign substance other than a drug, e.g. ground glass 
​

ADULTERER,  ADULTERESS,  ADULTEROUS,  ADULTERY

adj. 1533 rare ADULTERINE committing adultery; given to adultery, debauched, lecherous 
adj. 1556 rare ADULTERATE given to adultery; adulterous in behaviour 
adj. a1593 obs. ADULTEROUS born in adultery 
adj. 1603 obs. rare STUPROUS unchaste, sexually compliant; given to adultery or whoredom, adulterous, whorish 
adj. 1607 obs. ADULTERATED defiled by or guilty of adultery 
adj. 1751 ADULTERINE born of adultery 
adj. 1791 rare ADULTERING adulterous 
adj. 1865 ADULTERINE relating to adultery 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. obs. VOUTERISH adulterous, lewd 
adj. 1947 US sl. BACK-DOOR adulterous 
adj. 1990s sl. AWAY FROM HOME of a sexual relationship: illicit, adulterous 

n. a1000 obs. EAUBRUCHE adultery 
n. c1175 obs. EAUBREKERE an adulterer 
n. c1200 obs. HORELING a fornicator, a whoremonger; an adulterer, a paramour 
n. a1225 obs. SPOUSE-BREACH adultery 
n. c1230 Old Law usage LAIRWITE a fine for fornication or adultery, esp. with a bondwoman 
n. c1230 obs. HOLOUR a fornicator, a whoremonger, an adulterer; a debauchee, rake, ribald, scoundrel 
n. c1315 obs. rare SPOUSE-BREACH an adulterer 
n. c1370 obs. ADVOUTRER an adulterer 
n. c1370 obs. AVOUTERER (as above)
n. c1370 obs. AVOWTER (as above)
n. c1370 obs. AVOWTRER (as above)
n. 1382 obs. ADULTER an adulterer 
n. 1382 obs. ADVOUTOUR (as above)
n. 1382 obs. ADVOUTRE (as above)
n. 1382 obs. AVOUTER (as above)
n. 1382 obs. ADVOUTRESSE an adulteress 
n. 1382 obs. ADVOUTRICE (as above)
n. 1382 obs. AVOUTRESSE (as above)
n. 1382 obs. AVOWTRESSE (as above)
n. 1382 obs. rare VOUTRY adultery 
n. c1386 obs. rare VOUTER an adulterer 
n. 1552 Sc. colloq. obs. BUTTOCK-MAIL a fine imposed by an ecclesiastical court as a punishment for sexual intercourse outside of marriage 
n. 1555 obs. BUTTOCK-BANQUETING engagement in extramarital sexual activity 
n. 1592 obs. BELSWAGGER a whoremonger, a womanizer, a pimp; an adulterer; a lewd man 
n. 1611 obs. BED-SWERVER one unfaithful to the marriage bed; an adulterer 
n. 1632 obs. ADULTERATOR one who defiles by adultery; an adulterer 
n. 1656 obs. rare MECHATION adultery; fornication; whoredom 
n. 1680 obs. rare ADULTERANT a person who adulterates; one who commits or connives in adultery 
n. 1770 obs. WED-BREAK an adulterer 
n. 1811 sl., derogatory FANCY MAN a woman's lover, often adulterous 
n. 1812 sl. FANCY GIRL the woman with whom a married man is having an affair 
n. 1840 Amer. SCARLET LETTER a scarlet letter "A", formerly worn by one convicted of adultery 
n. 1920s sl., orig. African-American BACK-DOOR MERCHANT an adulterer 
n. 1925 sl., orig. African-American BACK-DOOR HUSBAND an adulterer 
n. 1930s US sl. ONCER a woman who has had many brief affairs 
n. 1938 Brit. & US sl. HANKY-PANKY sexual play; illicit sexual activity; adultery 
n. 1940s US sl. SHACK MAN an adulterous man 
n. 1940s US sl. SHACK RAT (as above)
n. 1942 sl., orig., African-American BACK MAN an adulterer 
n. Bk1945 US West. sl. CABRON a man who consents to the adultery of his wife 
n. 1952 Amer. dial. TRYSTING-OUT a clandestine meeting between a married man and a married woman who are not married to each other 
n. 1969 Amer. sl. BACK-DOOR MAN an adulterous male lover 
n. 1971 euphemism GALLANT a woman's extramarital sexual partner 
n. 1978 Amer. sl. BACK-DOOR ACTION adultery 
n. 1980s US college sl. SCRUMPER an adulterer 
n. 1981 Amer. sl. BACK-DOORING adultery 
n. 1982 Bahamas sl. SNEAKY MAN a married woman's adulterous sexual partner 
n. 20C colloq. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES adultery 
 
phr. 1994 US sl. EATIN' AIN'T CHEATIN' used as a jocular assertion that oral sex does not rise to the level of adultery or infidelity 
 
vb. c1400 obs. ADULTER to commit or practice adultery 
vb. c1400 obs. ADVOUTER (as above)
vb. c1400 obs. AVOUTRE (as above)
vb. c1440 obs. BYHORE to commit adultery against 
vb. 1595 obs. ADULTERATE to commit or practice adultery 
vb. 1611 arch. ADULTERIZE to commit adultery 
vb. 17C Brit. & Amer. dial. CUCKLE to commit adultery 
vb. 1712 DEFILE THE MARRIAGE-BED to commit adultery 
vb. 1712 VIOLATE THE MARRIAGE-BED (as above)
vb. 1856 UK sl. CARRY ON to be involved in a flirtatious or adulterous relationship 
vb. L19 sl. FOOL AROUND to engage in an extramarital romance 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. USE WOMEN to commit fornication or adultery 
vb. 1950s US African-American sl. PLAY IN SOMEONE ELSE'S YARD to have an adulterous affair 
vb. 1960s Aust. sl. TAKE A SLICE OFF A CUT CAKE to commit adultery 
vb. 1970s US sl. CHASE to pursue women, esp. as an adulterer 
vb. 1980s US college sl. SCRUMP to engage in an adulterous sexual relationship 
vb. 1982 US sl. BACK-DOOR to commit adultery 

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ADVANCE,  ADVANCEMENT,  ADVANCING

adj. 1842 MARCHING of things: progressing, advancing 
adj. 1847 rare ADVANCIVE tending to advance or promote 
 
n. 1303 obs. VANCEMENT advancement, preferment 
n. 1528-1696 obs. ADVANCE the act of furthering; furtherance, advancement 
n. 1548 obs. IMPROVEMENT increase, enlargement, growth, development, advancement 
n. 1785 obs. rare FARTHERANCE furtherance; the advancement of a scheme or interest 
n. 1835 Sc. ONGO the act of going on, movement, progress, advance 
n. a1847 Eng. dial. VAIL advance, progress 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. RAISEMENT an advance, increase, rise 
 
vb. a1000 obs. WADE of persons and animals: to go, to advance, to move onward 
vb. c1205 obs. TIGHT to go, to proceed, to advance 
vb. 1303 obs. VANCE to advance 
vb. 1303 obs. VAUNCE (as above)
vb. 1583 HAGGLE to advance with difficulty and obstruction 
vb. 1605 obs. ADVANT to advance 
vb. a1660 obs. VADE to proceed, to advance 
vb. 1684 obs. HEAD IT to make head, to advance 
vb. 1768 obs. GAIN ONE'S WAY to advance, to make progress 
vb. 1775 Sc. THROUGH to advance, to go on; to carry through 
vb. 1777 Eng. dial. FALL UP to advance 
vb. 1839 obs. ADMOVE to promote, to advance 
vb. 1899 GO WITH A BUZZ to advance rapidly or 'swimmingly' 
vb. Bk1911 Sc. BRACEL to advance hastily and noisily 
vb. Bk1911 Sc. BRACHLE (as above)
vb. 1983 UK sl. SNURGLE to advance with caution; to crawl forward 

ADVANTAGE,  ADVANTAGEOUS,  ADVANTAGEOUSLY,  ADVANTAGEOUSNESS

adj. c1250 obs. BEGETEL advantageous, profitable  
adj. c1250 obs. NUT useful, advantageous, helpful 
adj. a1325 obs. VAILANT of avail, advantage, or value; valid 
adj. 1382 arch. BEHOOVEFUL useful, of use; advantageous, expedient; needful, necessary, due 
adj. 1382 arch. BEHOVEFUL (as above)
adj. 1390 obs. VAILABLE of avail, advantage, or benefit; advantageous, beneficial, profitable; effectual, efficacious 
adj. c1420 obs. rare AVAILANT advantageous, profitable; of beneficial efficiency 
adj. 1424 obs. BENEFICE favourable influence or operation; advantage, favour, protection, benefit 
adj. 1432-50 obs. OPPORTUNE advantageous, serviceable, useful 
adj. c1460 obs. BEHOVABLE useful, profitable, advantageous 
adj. c1485 obs. EASY advantageous, affording convenience, satisfactory 
adj. a1513 obs. BOON advantageous, fortunate, favourable 
adj. 1548 obs. ADVANTAGEABLE profitable; advantageous 
adj. 1555 rare GAINFUL productive of gain or profit; profitable, advantageous 
adj. c1566 obs. VANTAGEOUS bringing advantage or gain 
adj. 1569 obs. rare GAINSOME profitable, lucrative, advantageous 
adj. 1570 obs. rare VANTAGEABLE advantageous, profitable 
adj. 1576 obs. rare GAINY profitable, advantageous; of the nature of gain 
adj. 1597 FURTHEROUS advantageous, helpful; adapted to help forward 
adj. 1622 obs. PROFICUOUS profitable, advantageous, beneficial, useful 
adj. 1627 FURTHERSOME advantageous, helpful; adapted to help forward 
adj. 1677 BENEFICENT advantageous 
adj. 1744 BENEFACTORY conferring a benefit; beneficial, advantageous 
adj. 1787 Sc. obs. ONEROUS the opposite of gratuitous, sufficiently advantageous, paying 
adj. 1810 VANTAGELESS not having any advantage or superiority 
adj. 1850 AHEAD OF THE GAME in an advantageous or profitable position 
adj. 1918 WITH ONE'S NOSE IN THE BUTTER in a very fortunate or advantageous situation or position 
adj. 1919 UK sl. QUIDS IN prospering; at an advantage 
adj. 1944 Amer. dial. HEADEST most advantageous 
adj. 1945 Amer. dial. IN THE CATBIRD SEAT in a superior or advantageous position; feeling important 
adj. 1960 WITH ONE'S BUM IN THE BUTTER in a very fortunate or advantageous situation or position 
adj. 2015 WITH ONE'S ARSE IN THE BUTTER in a very fortunate or advantageous situation or position 

adv. 1512 obs. BEHOVABLY usefully, profitably, advantageously, advisably 
adv. 1769 ON VELVET in a position of ease or advantage; in an advantageous or prosperous condition 
 
n. c1175 obs. BEGET the act of acquiring; acquisition, gaining; gain, profit, advantage 
n. c1200 obs. GAIN advantage, use, avail, benefit; remedy, help 
n. a1300 arch. VANTAGE advantage, benefit, profit, gain 
n. a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. obs. rare NAIT use, profit, advantage 
n. c1315 obs. WAIN profit, advantage 
n. c1340 THE BET the advantage 
n. c1375 obs. rare BEWAYNE profit, advantage 
n. c1400 obs. EASEMENT advantage, convenience, comfort, consolation, relief; furtherance, assistance; formerly also, gratification, enjoyment 
n. c1430 obs. VAIL advantage, benefit, profit 
n. 1555 obs. OPPORTUNITY convenience or advantageousness of site or position 
n. 1781 colloq. PULL an advantage over another 
n. 1815 colloq. TRUMP CARD something that gives one person or group the advantage over another 
n. 1824 Sc. BACKSPANG a reservation, sometimes dishonest; an advantage taken behindhand 
n. 1842 RUNNING START an advantage gained at the beginning of something; a head start; generally, a good beginning 
n. 1851 sl. obs. COCUM advantageous or favourable circumstances; luck 
n. 1851 sl. obs. COKUM (as above)
n. 1851 sl. obs. KOCUM (as above)
n. 1851 sl. obs. KOKUM (as above)
n. 1860 sl., orig. US THE BULGE the advantage or upper hand, the superior position 
n. 1874 Amer. dial. UNDERHOLD an advantage, the upper hand 
n. 1896 Amer. dial. BEATIN'S the advantage 
n. Bk1898 Eng. dial. BETTERMOST the advantage, the upper hand 
n. 19C thieves' sl. INSIDER someone who has some special advantage, as in a business enterprise 
n. M19 sl. BIT OF FAT an unexpected advantage  
n. L19 US criminals' sl. DEADWOOD an advantage or control over someone, the thing a member of the underworld fears most, usually arrest or being caught in the act 
n. 1900 colloq. BULL-POINT a point of advantage or superiority 
n. Bk1900 Eng. dial. FARTHER-FETCH an ultimate gain, an advantage 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. TICE advantage, grace given in any game 
n. 1908 sl. ACE IN THE HOLE something held privately in reserve until needed, esp. for a winning stroke; a hidden reserve or advantage 
n. 1910s sl., orig. US ACE UP ONE'S SLEEVE a hidden advantage, not to be revealed until a suitable moment 
n. Bk1911 Sc. BOTE help; advantage; compensation  
n. c1918 Aust. GROUTER one who takes an unfair advantage 
n. c1918 Aust. GROUTER an unfair advantage itself 
n. 1922 Amer. dial. EXWANTIDGE advantage 
n. 1937 sl. STOOGE someone who is taking advantage of by another 
n. 1948 UK sl., orig. military usage PERCENTAGE a profit; an advantage 
n. 1977 UK sl. EARNER any circumstance that criminals can turn to profitable advantage 
n. 20C Ulster sl. LURCHER one who lurks around waiting for an advantage to present itself 

phr. 1562 obs. THE FAT FLITS FROM A MAN'S BEARD he lets go the advantage he has gained 
phr. 1866 THE BOOT IS ON THE OTHER FOOT the position is reversed; the advantage is the other way round 
phr. 1866 THE BOOT IS ON THE OTHER LEG (as above)
phr. 1920s Aust. & NZ sl. IN FOR ONE'S CHOP out for oneself, for one's own profit or advantage 
phr. 20C Aust. colloq. FIRST CAB OFF THE RANK the first person etc. to do or take advantage of something 
 
vb. c1200 obs. GAIN to be suitable, useful or advantageous; to avail, to help; to serve, to suffice 
vb. a1300 obs. VAIL to be of use, advantage, or benefit to; to aid, assist, or help 
vb. c1386 obs. ADVANCE to advantage, to benefit, to profit anyone 
vb. c1400 obs. HAVE THE FAIRER OF to have advantage or better fortune in 
vb. 1546 KNOW WHICH SIDE ONE'S BREAD IS BUTTERED to know where one's advantage lies 
vb. 1592 obs. rare BETTER to be advantageous or beneficial 
vb. 1592 obs. UNDERCREEP to subvert secretly; to outdo by crafty or stealth; to undersell in trade; to overreach; to take a mean or underhand advantage of 
vb. 1596 obs. TAKE ODDS OF to take advantage of 
vb. 1598 obs. CARRY IT AWAY to have the advantage, carry the day 
vb. 1600 obs. GET A GOOD HAND AGAINST to get a decided advantage over 
vb. 1611 obs. BUTTER THE CONY to take advantage of an unmissable opportunity 
vb. 1634 obs. NICK to seize or take advantage of an opportunity, etc. 
vb. 1652-62 obs. HAVE A GOOD HAND AGAINST to have a decided advantage over 
vb. 1709 EAT ONE'S CAKE AND HAVE IT to have the advantage of both alternatives 
vb. 1721 Sc. CAST SALT ON ANYONE'S TAIL to catch; to take advantage of; to cajole; to get the better of 
vb. 1785 BE UPON VELVET to have an advantage 
vb. 1785 FIGHT AT THE LEG to take unfair advantage 
vb. 1786 colloq. WALK OVER to take advantage of someone 
vb. 1823 HOLD ALL THE ACES to have control of a situation, to have the advantage 
vb. 1824 Sc. & Eng. dial. HAVE A HANK OVER ONE to have an advantage over one 
vb. 1836 Sc. LAY SALT ON ONE'S TAIL to catch; to take advantage of; to cajole; to get the better of 
vb. 1841 Amer. dial. GET THE BULGE ON SOMEONE to get the advantage of someone 
vb. 1843 Amer. dial. BUG to cheat or deceive; to get an advantage over somebody by tricky means 
vb. 1846 US sl. STICK THE LICK INTO to take advantage of 
vb. 1851 Amer. dial. HAVE THE DEADWOOD ON ONE to have advantage or control, esp. incriminating evidence 
vb. 1860s Amer. sl. HAND SOMEONE A LEMON to take advantage of; to cheat 
vb. 1878 Amer. dial. HAVE THE WORLD BY THE TAIL WITH A DOWN-HILL PULL to be in an advantageous position 
vb. 1881 Amer. dial. DEADBEAT to waste time; to idle about; to take advantage of, to impose on 
vb. 1881 Eng. dial. BEST to take advantage of, to overreach, to cheat 
vb. 1884 Amer. dial. SCROUGE to encroach on, to take advantage of, to cheat 
vb. 1888 Amer. sl. GIVE ONE CARDS to give one an advantage 
vb. 1889 US sl. HAVE A PULL OVER (ONE) to have an advantage 
vb. Bk1896 sl. BE UPON THEIR JACKS to have an advantage 
vb. Bk1896 sl. FOOL ONE'S ISSUES to come to an understanding for mutual advantage 
vb. 1898 Sc. THOLE to advantage, to benefit; to be to one's gain 
vb. 1899 Amer. dial. PECK ON to take advantage of; to impose on; to bully 
vb. L19 sl. WRITE ONE'S (OWN) TICKET to be able to stipulate one's own conditions; to be in an advantageous position 
vb. L19 US sl. GIVE SOMEONE THE HA-HA to laugh at, to ridicule and take advantage of 
vb. L19 US college sl. LALLIGAG to surpass; to take advantage of 
vb. L19 US college sl. LALLYGAG (as above)
vb. L19 US college sl. LOLLIGAG (as above)
vb. L19 US college sl. LOLLYGAG (as above)
vb. B1900 Sc. MAKE A HANDLE OF ANYTHING to endeavour to turn a thing to one's own advantage, or to another's discredit 
vb. 1900 US sl. PLAY HORSE WITH to confuse; to confound; to defeat; to take advantage of; to overcome easily 
vb. 1903 Amer. dial. GET ON ONE'S BLIND SIDE to take advantage of someone 
vb. 1905 BE ON A HIDING TO NOTHING to be unlikely to succeed. or be unlikely to gain much advantage if one does 
vb. 1918 Amer. dial. MOMMICK to take advantage of 
vb. 1928 US sl. CASH IN to reap a profit, reward, or advantage of any kind 
vb. 1929 Sc. GET THE VANGER HAND to get the upper hand, or advantage 
vb. 1940 colloq. HAVE ONE'S HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR to take or attempt to take advantage of one's position by demanding or accepting favours or bribes 
vb. 1941 BE ON A GOOD WICKET to be in an advantageous or favourable position 
vb. Bk1942 Amer. sl. SAW SOMETHING OFF ON to take an unfair advantage of 
vb. 1946 US sl. HAVE IT GOOD to be possessed of (many) advantages 
vb. 1949 Aust. sl. HAVE THE WOOD ON SOMEONE to have an advantage over someone 
vb. 1953 Amer. dial. ARKANSAW to cheat, to take advantage of 
vb. 1953 Amer. dial. FETCH A SHINGLE OFF THE HOUSE to take unfair advantage 
vb. 1960 Amer. sl. ACE to outwit; to gain an advantage over
vb. 1960 Amer. sl. ACE OUT (as above)
vb. 1960s US sl. JACK OFF to take advantage of, to deceive or tease someone 
vb. 1967 Amer. dial. BIG-BOY to take advantage of someone; to bully or tease 
vb. 1968 Amer. dial. APPLESAUCE to take advantage of 
vb. 1968 Amer. dial. FEATHER ONE'S OWN END to gain advantage by tricky or deceitful means 
vb. 1970 Amer. dial. BOGART to act in a bold, aggressive way; to tease or bully; to take advantage of 
vb. 1970 Amer. dial. SKIN to get an advantage over somebody by tricky means 
vb. 1970s African-American sl. DEAL ON to trick, to deceive, to take advantage 
vb. 1980s sl. HAVE SOMEONE BY THE GOOLIES to have the upper hand 
vb. 1991 Amer. students' sl. FADE to take advantage of 
vb. 20C Amer. sl. CHILL to let oneself be taken advantage of; to submit willingly to another's domination 
vb. 20C sl. TAKE DOWN to take advantage of; to cheat; to swindle  
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ADVENTURE,  ADVENTURER,  ADVENTUROUS,  ADVENTUROUSLY

adj. 1532 now only literary usage TEMERARIOUS unreasonably adventurous; reckless, heedless, careless, rash, bold, headstrong 
adj. 1576 obs. rare VENTURABLE adventurable; attemptable; venturous, hazardous 
adj. 1595 ICARIAN said of ambitious or presumptuous acts which end in failure or ruin; leaping high to one's own ruin;  adventurous, soaring 
adj. 1605 obs. rare DAREFUL full of daring or defiance; adventurous 
adj. 1640 obs. VENTORIOUS characterized by venturesomeness; adventurous, bold, daring 
adj. a1832 ADVENTUREFUL ready for adventure, enterprising 
adj. Bk1898 Eng. dial. AUNTERSOME bold, daring, adventurous 
 
adv. c1435 obs. rare ADVENTURELY adventurously, daringly 
 
n. 1377 obs. LAND-LEAPER a land-loper 
n. a1500 now chiefly Sc. LAND-LOPER one who runs up and down the land; a vagabond; fig. a renegade; an adventurer 
n. a1500 now chiefly Sc. LAND-LOUPER (as above)
n. 1530 VENTURER one who ventures; an adventurer 
n. 1562 obs. VENTURELING a young or petty adventurer 
n. 1599 obs. rare ADVENTUREMENT running of risk; adventurousness 
n. 1615 humorous usage LADY ERRANT a woman who travels in search of adventure 
n. a1616 obs. rare ADVENTRY an adventure; an enterprise or undertaking 
n. 1622 PICARO a rogue or adventurer; a scoundrel 
n. c1698 sl. HIGH-FLYER a daring or bold adventurer 
n. ? 17C PICARA a female rogue or adventurer 
n. 17C arch. PICAROON an adventurer or rogue 
n. 17C arch. PICKAROON (as above)
n. 1754 ADVENTURESS a female adventurer; a woman on the lookout for a position 
n. 1810 rare VENTURE an adventure or remarkable feat, incident, etc. 
n. 1811 rare ADVENTURESHIP adventurousness; adventurous practice; daring or risky behaviour 
n. 1834 BEAU SABREUR a fine soldier; a handsome or dashing adventurer 
n. 1865 Eng. dial. SANTER an adventure; an idle tale 
n. 1873 US ARGONAUT an adventurer who went to California in 1849; a forty-niner 
n. 1881 Eng. dial. ANTER an adventure, a misadventure; a story of adventure, an unlikely story 
n. 1881 Eng. dial. AUNTER (as above)
n. 1883 GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE a pirate; an adventurer 
n. Bk1890 sl. CAPTAIN a travelling title adopted by adventurers who have no other good enough 
n. Bk1942 Amer. sl. BADVENTURE a bad adventure 
n. 1950s African-American sl. JACK IN THE BEAN STACK an adventurous, daredevil person 
n. 1990s sl. ONE an adventure, a time, a spree 
n. 20C sl. HAIR-RAISER an exciting or terrifying adventure story or film 
 
phr. 1579 I WILL EITHER WIN THE SADDLE OR LOSE THE HORSE said by one engaging in an adventure of which the issue will be either highly profitable or ruinous 

ADVERSARY

n. a1425 obs. AGAIN-STANDER a person who withstands; a resister, an adversary 
​n. 1435 AGAIN-STANDER one who speaks against or opposes; an opponent, an adversary 
n. 1850 rare ADVERSE  an adverse party; an adversary 
​

ADVERSE,  ADVERSELY,  ADVERSITY

​adj. a1382 ADVERSARY opposing, antagonistic, hostile; adverse 
​adj. a1420 obs. ADVERSANT opposing oneself, opposing; adverse, hostile to 
adj. 1432 obs. SINISTER of opinions, etc.: prejudicial, adverse, unfavourable, darkly suspicious 
adj. c1475 obs. rare SINISTRAL adverse; unlucky 
adj. 1577 obs. OPPOSITE opposed in will or action, hostile, antagonistic, adverse 
adj. 1595 obs. OPPOSITE of things: antagonistic, adverse, repugnant 
adj. 1598 obs. IMPROSPEROUS of fortune, etc.: adverse to prosperity, unfavourable 
adj. 1601 obs. ADVERSATIVE of opposing tendency or adverse nature 
adj. 1641 obs. INIMICITIOUS hostile, unfriendly, adverse, inimical 
adj. 1647 OPPONENT antagonistic, adverse, contrary, opposed 
adj. 1731 obs. ADVERSABLE that is adverse or contrary to 
adj. 1768 Sc. obs. THRAW of fortune: adverse 
adj. 1773 Sc. THRAWART of fate, etc.: adverse, unfavourable 
adj. 1826 rare ADVERSARIOUS adverse, opposed, hostile 
 
adv. 1475 obs. rare ADVERSARILY adversely, hostilely 
adv. a1600 obs. SINISTERLY unfavourably; adversely 
 
n. c893 WANSPEED ill-success; adversity, poverty 
n. c1175 obs. WANDRETH misery, distress, hardship; adversity, poverty 
n. c1205 obs. DERF trouble, adversity, tribulation, hurt, suffering 
n. 1528 obs. IMPROSPERITY want of, or the opposite of prosperity; bad fortune, ill success, adversity; unprosperousness 
n. 1874 Eng. dial. HARD HAP misfortune, adversity 
 
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. THINGS ARE CROOK AT TALLAROOK catch-phrase to cover any adverse situation 
 
vb. 1393 obs. rare ADVERSE to be opposed or adverse to; to oppose 
vb. 1795 Sc. COME THROUGH THE HARD to encounter difficulties; to experience adverse fortune 
vb. 1867 ROW AGAINST WIND AND TIDE to undertake a difficult or arduous task; to work in adverse circumstances or in the face of opposition 
vb. 1910 colloq. ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES to cope with and survive adversity 
vb. 1920s, orig. US TAKE IT ON THE CHIN to suffer hardship and adversity without complaint 
vb. 20C sl. TAKE IT to suffer adversity and unhappiness without complaint 

ADVERTISE,  ADVERTISEMENT,  ADVERTISING

adj. 1799 rare ADVERTISEMENTAL relating to an advertisement 
adj. 20C sl. AD pert. to advertising 
 
n. a1777 obs. ADVERTISEMENT-STICKER a person employed to post advertisements 
n. 1845 colloq. ADVERTISEE a person to whom an advertisement is directed 
n. 1862 BARNUMISM exaggerated advertising or display; boastful talk 
n. B1870 AGONY-COLUMN personal advertisements in a newspaper 
n. M19 sl. AD an advertisement 
n. Bk1914 criminals' sl. ADMAN a fake advertising solicitor 
n. 1915 colloq. ADLAND the world or industry of advertising 
n. 1930s Amer. sl. FAIRY GODFATHER a potential sponsor, advertiser, or financial backer, esp. in show business 
n. 1952 US sl. AD ALLEY the advertising industry, esp. that located in New York and commonly known in the US as 'Madison Avenue' after the New York street where many advertising agencies had their offices 
n. 1953 ADMOBILE a vehicle used to display advertising posters and slogans 
n. 1955 ADMASS advertising as conducted through the mass media; contemporary culture, or the modern world, regarded as unduly influenced by mass advertising 
n. 1957 ADMASS the section of the public which is easily influenced by the mass media, esp. considered as a target for advertising 
n. 1957 HIDDEN PERSUADERS those involved in the organization and practice of advertising 
n. 1968 chiefly North American ADVERTIQUE a piece of early advertising material; an antique advertisement 
n. 1973 US sl. ABC AD a newspaper advertisement listing shows in alphabetical order 
n. 20C ADVERTORIAL an advertisement that sells an editorial point of view as opposed to a product or service 
n. 20C ADVID an advertising video 
n. 20C BOOBADS ads for bras and other female undergarments 
n. 20C CLUTTER the collective name for the many advertising spots on television 
n. 20C DOUBLE TRUCK a two-page ad 
n. Bk2006 US sl. FLACKERY an advertising agency 
 
vb. 1814 AFFICHER to display ostentatiously; to parade, to flaunt; to advertise 
vb. 1817 AFFICHE to parade, to flaunt; to make known of, to give notice of; to advertise, to publicize; to display, to show 
vb. 1851 BARNUMIZE to exhibit with a lavish display of puffing advertisements 
vb. 1851 Amer. dial. NORATE to rumour, to report; to advertise; to spread by word of mouth 
vb. M19 sl. SPELL to advertise, to put into print 
vb. Bk1905 Sc. VERTIES  to advertise 
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