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

ALD  -  AMDZ

Click on a word grouping to scroll down.

• ALDERMAN  -  ALIVE
• ALL  -  ALL RIGHT
• ALLURE  -  ALPHABET
• ALPINE  -  AMAZE
• AMAZON  -  AMBUSH



ALDERMAN

n. 1279 BENCHER one who officially sits on a bench; a magistrate, judge, parliamentarian, assessor, senator, alderman, etc. 
n. 1699 sl. obs. FUR-MAN an alderman 
n. Bk1775 SCABINUS a sheriff, an alderman, the clerk of a market, a warden 
n. 1848 Brit. sl. FARMER an alderman 
n. Bk1885 Eng. BENCH-MASTER  a governor of an inn of court; an alderman 

​Return To Top

ALE see BEER
​

ALEHOUSE see DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT
​

ALERT,  ALERTNESS

adj. c1000 arch. WARE prepared, on one's guard, watchful, vigilant, cautious, alert 
adj. c1205 obs. YEPE active, nimble, brisk, alert, bold, daring 
adj. a1300 QUICK alive; lively; alert 
adj. a1300 arch. & Eng. dial. YARE alert, nimble, active, brisk, quick  
adj. c1480 Sc. & Eng. dial. WAKERIFE wakeful, sleepless, easily wakened; alert, vigilant 
adj. 1598 obs. exc. Eng. dial. TIGHT of a person: competent, capable, able, skilful; alert, smart; lively, vigorous, stout 
adj. 1646 obs. ARRECT intent, attentive, on the alert 
adj. 1718 sl. LEARY cunning, astute, knowing, artful; wide-awake; alert; cautious, wary 
adj. 1718 sl. LEERY (as above)
adj. a1732 COOL AS A CUCUMBER alert and aware; self-possessed; calm 
adj. 1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. YALD active, sprightly, alert, vigorous, strong, healthy 
adj. 1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. YAULD (as above)
adj. 1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. YAWL (as above)
adj. 1795 BRIGHT AS A BUTTON animated, lively; cheerful; mentally alert, quick-witted 
adj. 1797 UK criminals' sl. UP TO ONE'S GOSSIP alert to the tricks or the illicit or criminal intentions of one 
adj. 1816 Eng. dial. YELD alert, sprightly; nimble, active; able-bodied; strong, powerful 
adj. 1821 Amer. dial. SMART AS A STEEL-TRAP extremely bright and clever; very sharp and shrewd; intellectually alert, quick-witted 
adj. 1825 Sc. ON THE KEVEE on the alert or lookout; in high spirits, worked up,  having a bee in one's bonnet 
adj. 1826 Amer. dial. UPHEADED alert, shrewd, intelligent; self-confident, arrogant, haughty, conceited 
adj. a1838 Sc. & Eng. dial. WADDEN young and vigorous, alert, active 
adj. a1838 Sc. & Eng. dial. WADDIN (as above)
adj. 1846 US sl. UP TO THE DODGE shrewd; knowledgeable; alert 
adj. 1853 US sl. PEELED of the eyes: open; hence, alert an observant 
adj. B1859 Eng. ALIVE AND KICKING alert, vigorous 
adj. 1867 Eng. dial. WAKEN alert, brisk, lively; sharp; intelligent, quick-witted 
adj. 1880 UK ALL THERE alert, aware, sharp 
adj. 1885 US sl. ON aware of or alert to something 
adj. Bk1890 sl. ALIVE on the alert, active, smart 
adj. 19C DOWN TO alert to, aware of 
adj. 19C DOWN UPON (as above)
adj. 19C Eng. dial. GLEG AS A WIMBLE mentally alert, keen (gleg = keen, clever) 
adj. M19 sl. ALL ALIVE-O alert, active 
adj. M19 sl. ALL ALIVO (as above)
adj. L19 colloq. UP ON aware of what is happening, alert 
adj. L19 sl. ALIVEO alert, active 
adj. L19 sl. AT A GOOD READY thoroughly alert 
adj. Bk1900 Sc. EDGY quick or alert in doing anything 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. QUICKSOME full of life, lively, alert 
adj. 1909 Sc. KEEVEE on the alert or lookout 
adj. 1912 Amer. dial. SHIFTY alert; busy; industrious and successful 
adj. 1916 Aust. sl. AWAKE-UP alert, knowing, wise to 
adj. 1936 US sl. BRIGHT-EYED AND BUSHY-TAILED alert and ready to do something; as alert and active as a squirrel 
adj. 1939 US sl. ON THE BALL alert, capable, or efficient; acting effectively 
adj. 1946 UK sl., chiefly Royal Navy usage ALL ABOUT alert, efficient 
adj. 1950s African-American sl. DAP alert, aware, knowledgeable, sophisticated, up-to-date 
adj. 1967 Hawaii ON THE KINIPOPO on target; on the ball; competent, alert, intelligent 
adj. 1980 US sl. ON THE EARIE alert, informed 
adj. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage ARMED TO THE TEETH well equipped with firearms; alert; fully prepared; awake to danger 
adj. 20C Brit. sl. ALL THERE WITH HIS COUGHDROPS usually said of an old person whose mind is particularly alert 
adj. 2001 UK sl. ON POINT alert, ready for anything 
adj. Bk2006 US sl. FLY knowledgeable; alert and in the know 
adj. Bk2006 US sl. FRESH AS A DAISY said of someone who is always alert and ready to go 
 
adv. B1900 Eng. dial. HANDY-DANDY on the alert 
 
n. 1823 sl. DOWNY ONE a shrewd or very alert fellow 
n. 1843 Sc. KEEVEE attention, alertness, vigilance 
n. 1843 Sc. KEEVIE (as above)  
n. 1843 Sc. KEEVY (as above)
n. 1872 BRIGHT SPARK a cheerful, alert person; a person of great intelligence, talent, or wit; a problem-solver, an innovator 
n. 1896 Amer. sl. WISE HOMBRE one who is knowledgeable and alert 
n. Bk1903 sl. SAFE-CARD a wide-awake fellow 
n. 1930s Aust. sl. WAKE-UP an alert and resourceful person, always aware of the possibilities of a situation 
n. Bk1945 Amer. sl., orig. jive usage HIP CHICK an alert, sensitive girl or young woman; esp. one cognizant of modern problems, personalities, and art, esp. of modern jazz music 
n. 1960s US police  usage A.P.B. a general alert, a search for a missing person; 'All Points Bulletin' 
n. 1968 orig. motor racing usage BRAIN FADE loss of concentration or alertness caused by fatigue, esp. after a long period of driving 
n. Bk1974 Amer. sl. SHREWD DUDE a well-dressed, alert boy or man 
n. Bk1994 sl. EAGLE EYES an alert person 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage COOL CARD one who is alert and aware, self-possessed, or calm 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage COOL CUSTOMER (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage COOL FISH (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage COOL HAND (as above)
 
vb. 1352 obs. WAKE to be active, alert, stirring, vigilant; also, to be diligent, to exert oneself to do something 
vb. a1616 BE ALL EYES to watch attentively; to be keenly observant; to be alert and vigilant 
vb. 1713 obs. HAVE ALL ONE'S EYETEETH to be shrewd, capable, or mentally alert 
vb. 1812 sl. OFFICE to notify; to signal; to alert; to warn, to tip off 
vb. 1825 Sc. obs. EDGIE to be quick or alert in doing anything 
vb. 1889 sl. KEEP A LAMP LIT to keep an eye open; to keep alert 
vb. 1907 US sl. KEEP ONE'S EYE ON THE BALL to be on the alert; to be careful 
vb. 1936 US sl. HAVE SOMETHING ON THE BALL to be especially capable, alert, efficient, etc. 
vb. 1954 US sl. PULL SOMEONE'S COAT to warn someone, to alert someone 
vb. 1972 KEEP AN EYEBALL OUT to keep watch; to be alert for something or someone 

ALIAS

​n. 1851 Amer. sl. MONICKER a name, esp. a nickname or alias 
​n. 1851 Amer. sl. MONIKER (as above)
​n. 1851 Amer. sl. MONNIKER (as above)
n. 1955 sl., orig. criminals' usage A.K.A. an alias, a false name 
 
vb. 1983 US sl. GO AKA  to assume an alias 

ALIBI

n. 1950 US sl. ALIBI GHEE a person who can be counted on to provide an alibi for a criminal 
n. 20C Brit. sl. ALI BABA  an alibi 

ALIEN

adj. 1942 Amer. dial. OUTLAND foreign, alien 
 
adv. 1938 Amer. dial. OUTLAND to a foreign or alien place 
 
n. Bk1998 sl. ALF  an alien life-form 
​

ALIGHT

vb. 1901 Eng. dial. UNLIGHT  to alight, to dismount 

ALIKE

adj. a1300 obs. rare ONTINKEL resembling, looking like 
adj. 1678 Eng. dial. NEWST OF A NEWSTNESS much about the same, almost alike 
adj. 1824 Sc. ECKSIE-PECKSIE on an equality, much alike, equally matched 
adj. 1824 Sc. EEKSIE-PEEKSIE (as above)
adj. 1824 Sc. EEKSIE PICKSIE (as above)
adj. 1824 Sc. EIKSUPICKY (as above)
adj. 1824 Sc. ICKSY-PICKSY (as above)
adj. 1824 Sc. IXEY-PIXEY (as above)
adj. 1838 Sc. & Eng. dial. EQUAL-AQUAL equally balanced; alike, similar 
adj. 1867 US ABOUT AND ABOUT very much alike or the same 
adj. 1881 Eng. dial. MARROW TO BRAN much alike, equal, similar; a match for 
adj. 1896 Eng. dial. MACKLY similar, of the same make or kind; exactly alike; fitting nicely 
adj. 1897 Eng. dial. MARROW TO MACK much alike, equal, similar; a match for 
adj. Bk1898 Eng. dial. ALL OF A KIDNEY much alike, of the same kind 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. MARROW FOR BRAN alike, similar, equal 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. MARROW THE BRAIN (as above)
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. MATLEY equal; alike 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. obs. MATCHLY exactly alike; fitting together 
adj. 1927 Amer. dial. OF THE SAME QUILL of the same sort; alike 
adj. Bk1999 CAST IN THE SAME MOULD very alike 
adj. 2000 Amer. dial. POINT-BLANK alike 
 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. A-MARROWS alike, equal, corresponding 
 
n. 1597 MODEL a person who is the likeness of another 
 
vb. Bk1898 Eng. dial. CALL THEM ALL THROUGH ONE FORD  to treat all alike, irrespective of person or quality 

ALIMONY

​adj. 1883 ALIMONIOUS laying claim to alimony 
 
n. c1950 Aust. sl. COCK-TAX alimony 
n. 1990s US homosexual sl. GALIMONY  the lesbian version of palimony; alimony 

ALIVE

adj. c888 obs. exc. Eng. dial. or arch. QUICK of persons and animals: in a live state, living, alive 
adj. a1400-50 UNDEAD alive 
adj. 1529 obs. QUICK AND QUETHING alive and able to speak 
adj. 1711 ABOVE GROUND out of the grave, alive 
adj. 1768 Sc. ON LIFE alive, living 
adj. 1787 Sc. IN LIFE alive 
adj. 1825 Sc. VIVUAL living, alive 
adj. L19 sl. ON DECK alive, conscious 
adj. L19 US sl. IN IT aware, alive 
adj. 1944 Amer. dial. HE-KICKING alive, fresh 
adj. 1952 US sl. BALLING excitingly active; wonderfully alive 
adj. Bk1999 Aust. sl. STILL KICKING alive 
 
n. c1000 obs. QUICK that which is alive 
n. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. IZZER one that is alive and active 
 
phr. 1857 UK THERE'S LIFE IN THE OLD DOG YET he is still very much alive, and, especially, capable of sexual activity 
phr. 1857 UK THERE'S LIFE IN THE OLD GIRL YET she is still very much alive, and, especially, capable of sexual activity 
 
vb. 1682 obs. rare WAKEN to remain awake, to refrain from sleeping, to keep watch or vigil; to remain alive 
vb. 1693 obs. KEEP LIFE AND SOUL TOGETHER to keep oneself alive 

ALL

adj. 1624 obs. OMNIVARIOUS of all varieties or different kinds 
 
adv. 1907 Amer. dial. EVERY BIT AND GRAIN fully, completely, all 
 
n. 1556 obs. ALL AND ODD all and each, one and all 
n. 1638 rare OMNEITY the condition of being all 
n. 1638 rare OMNIETY (as above)
n. 1714 Sc. & Eng. dial. HALE the whole, the whole amount or number; the sum total 
n. 1766 OMNIUM the whole sum of what one values or is interested in 
n. 1785 colloq. THE WHOLE KIT everything or everybody 
n. 1794 colloq. ALLSORTS all kinds or varieties of things; miscellaneous items 
n. 1837 sl. THE WHOLE BOILING the whole lot 
n. 1839 rare OMNITUDE the fact of being all; universality; the whole, the total sum 
n. 1848 sl. CABOODLE all of something; the entire lot of people or things; a large mixed-up collection of objects or people 
n. 1848 sl. CALABOODLE (as above)
n. 1848 sl. CAPOODLE (as above)
phr. 1852 colloq. THE WHOLE KIT AND CARGO the whole lot; applied to persons or things 
n. 1876 Eng. dial. MAKING everything, the whole lot 
n. 1884 colloq. THE WHOLE SHOOT the entire lot 
n. 1888 colloq. THE WHOLE KIT AND CABOODLE everything or everybody 
n. 1891 Sc. JING-BANG the lot 
n. 1898 obs. PANTOPHILE a lover of all 
n. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. COMPOODLE aggregate; the whole lot 
n. 1952 Amer. dial. EVERY BIT AND GRAIN all, everything 
 
phr. 1859 Amer. dial. THE WHOLE KIT AND BOILING the whole lot; applied to persons or things 
phr. 19C Eng. dial. TAG AND RAG the whole of anything, every bit 
phr. Bk1905 Eng. dial. ALL MAKES AND SHAPES all kinds and sorts; all shapes and sizes 
phr. c1925 Royal Air Force usage A COOLOO all; everything 
phr. 1941 Amer. dial. KIT AND PACK all; the whole crowd 
phr. 1941 Amer. dial. KIT AND PARCEL (as above)
phr. 1941 Amer. dial. KIT AND POSSE (as above)
phr. 1941 Amer. dial. THE WHOLE KITTLE AND BOILING the whole lot; applied to persons or things 
phr. Bk1995 US sl. THE WHOLE ENCHILADA all, the entire matter 
phr. Bk1999 THE BUTCHER, THE BAKER, THE CANDLESTICK MAKER all and sundry 
 
vb. 1622 obs. OMNIFY to make everything of; to account as all in all 

ALLAY

​vb. a1300 obs. exc. Eng. dial. LAY to put a stop to an annoyance; to allay anxiety; to appease anger, appetite, etc. 
vb. 1653 obs. MULCIFY to allay, to soothe 
vb. 1775 Sc. & Eng. dial. DILL to soothe; to allay, to assuage, to deaden or take away pain; to still, to deaden sound; to lull a child to sleep; to render insensible by an anaesthetic 

ALLEGATION,  ALLEGE,  ALLEGED

​adj. 1790 ADDUCED brought forward in a statement; cited, alleged 
 
n. a1624 obs. FACING-CARD an imposing allegation or argument 
n. 1699 obs. ADVANCE the putting forward of statements; the statement put forward; assertion, allegation 
 
vb. a1300 obs. exc. Eng. dial. LEDGE to assert without proof, to allege 
vb. 1390 obs. SKILL to allege in argument 
vb. c1450 obs. TO-LAY to put forward, to allege 
vb. 1573 obs. OBTEND to put forward as a statement, reason, etc.; to pretend, to allege, to maintain 
vb. 1616 ADDUCE to bring forward verbally for consideration, to cite, to allege 

ALLEGIANCE

adj. 1700 obs. OBEDIENCIARY practising or professing obedience; owning allegiance 
 
n. c1290 obs. or arch. FAY allegiance 
n. 1390 obs. LYANCE allegiance 
n. 1449-50 ADHERENCE attachment to a person, party, or cause; steadfast support; loyalty, allegiance 
n. a1500 ADHESION steadfast commitment to a person or thing; loyalty, allegiance; fidelity, devotion 
n. c1540 obs. OBEDIENCIARY one who obeys; one yielding obedience; a person in a position of subjection; one owning allegiance, a subject 
n. 1579 arch. ADHERENCY the act or fact of adhering to a person or thing; steadfast support, allegiance 
n. 1594 VASSALAGE the state of a vassal; subordination, homage, or allegiance characteristic of a vassal 
n. 1876 rare VASSALDOM the state of a vassal; subordination, homage, or allegiance characteristic of a vassal 
n. 19C sl. RAT a person who changes allegiance out of self-interest 
 
vb. 2003 UK sl. SWITCH LANES to change allegiance; used by teenage gang members 
​

ALLEVIATE,  ALLEVIATION

adj. 1657 obs. LEVATIVE tending to alleviate or soothe; soothing 
 
n. a1300 obs. LEGEANCE alleviation, relief 
n. c1386 rare EASEMENT a giving or obtaining ease or relief from pain, discomfort, or anything annoying or burdensome; relief, alleviation 
n. 1541 obs. rare LENITION an assuaging, a mitigation, alleviation 
n. 1679 EASEMENT ease, relief of all kinds; relief of or alleviation from pain; a remedy which relieves pain 
 
vb. c1250 obs. rare EATHE to lighten, to alleviate, to assuage 
vb. a1400 arch. BALM to soothe, to alleviate pain, sorrow, etc. 
vb. c1400 obs. rare LEGGE to alleviate 
vb. 1544 obs. PALLIFY to alleviate the symptoms of a disease without curing it; to relieve superficially or temporarily; to mitigate the sufferings of; to ease, to alleviate 
vb. a1546 obs. ALLEVE to relieve, to alleviate 
vb. 1574 obs. LENIFY to alleviate, to mitigate 
vb. 1613 obs. rare ALLEVATE to ease, comfort, alleviate, assuage 
vb. 1657 obs. rare TRANQUILLITATE to render tranquil, to calm, to soothe, to mitigate, to alleviate 
​

ALLEY

​n. 1435 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. VENNEL a narrow alley or lane between houses 
n. 1590 LEAD a path; a garden path; a trail; an alley 
n. 1702 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. VINNAL a narrow alley or lane between houses 
n. 1790 Eng. dial. obs. DUNCH PASSAGE a blind alley; a cul-de-sac 
n. 1849 Indian English GULLY a narrow passage between buildings; a lane or alley 
n. 1850 Sc. & Eng. dial. ENTRY an alley or narrow passage between two houses or walls 
n. 1853 Sc. VINNEL an alley; a narrow lane or passage 
n. 1869 Eng. dial. TEWER a narrow lane or passage; an alley 
n. 1869 Eng. dial. TUER (as above)
n. 1885 BLIND LEAD a blind alley 
n. B1900 RUELLE in France, a small street; a lane, an alley 
n. B1900 Eng. dial. SNICKET a narrow passage between buildings; an alley 
n. 1902 Eng. dial. JIGGER a passage between or at the back of houses; a back entry or alley  
n. 1948 Amer. dial. BACK-GAP an alley  

ALLIANCE,  ALLIED

adj. 1382 obs. rare FEDERED allied or leagued together 
adj. 1470 obs. rare ADJOINATE joined, allied 
adj. 1601 BANDED confederated, leagued, allied 
adj. 1690 obs. FEDERATIVE pert. to the formation of covenant, league, or alliance 
adj. 1692 obs. rare FEDERATORY pert. to the formation of covenant, league, or alliance 
adj. Bk1914 ARCTED closely allied, joined 
adj. 1970s sl., orig. US IN BED TOGETHER allied or associated with, usually implies nefarious activities 
adj. 1970s sl., orig. US IN BED WITH (as above)

n. a1631 obs. rare FASTNESS close alliance 

ALLLIGATOR

n. 1577 obs. LAGARTO an alligator 
n. 1844 sl., orig. US  GATER an alligator 
n. 1844 sl., orig. US  GATOR (as above)
n. 1938 Amer. dial. AL a mythical alligator of the Mississippi River 
n. 1938 Amer. dial. OLD AL (as above)
n. 1966 Amer. dial. MARSH BARROW the alligator 

ALLITERATION

vb. 1588 obs. AFFECT THE LETTER to practice or study alliteration 
vb. 1605 obs. LICK THE LETTER  to practice or study alliteration 

ALLOT,  ALLOTMENT,  ALLOTTED

adj. Bk1898 Eng. dial. BEGIBBED given, allotted 
 
n. 1895 Eng. dial.  PARTING a portion, share, division, allotment 
 
vb. a1300 obs. BETAKE to allot, to assign 
vb. a1300 obs. BETEACH (as above)
vb. 1340-70 obs., poetic usage MARK to mete out, to allot, to apportion 
vb. 1375 obs. ORDAIN to assign to anyone as a share, portion, or allowance; to allot 
vb. 1491 obs. RATE to divide proportionally; to allot or apportion as an amount or sum to be received or paid 
vb. 1865 Eng. dial. PARCEL to portion out; to allot, to subdivide 
vb. 1870 Eng. dial. DAUM to deal out or allot sparingly or grudgingly 
 

ALLOW,  ALLOWABLE,  ALLOWANCE,  ALLOWED,  ALLOWING

​adj. a1395 obs. SUFFERABLE that may be allowed, permissible 
adj. 1399 obs. UNDEFENDED not forbidden, permitted, allowed 
adj. 1597 obs. rare VENIAL allowable, permissible; blameless 
adj. 1599 obs. LAWFUL permissible; allowable; justifiable 
adj. 1666 obs. FAVOURABLE admissible, allowable 
 
n. 1481 obs. ORDINARY customary fare; a regular daily meal or allowance of food; by extension, a fixed portion, an allowance of anything 
n. 1517-18 obs. TOLERATION the act of allowing; permission granted by authority, license 
n. 1539 obs. TOLERANCE the act of allowing; license, permission granted by an authority 
n. a1779 SKINFUL a full allowance; as much as one wants or cares for 
 
vb. c897 obs. LEVE to grant permission to; to allow, to permit 
vb. c900 obs. I-THAVE to permit, to allow 
vb. a1000 obs. I-UNNE to grant; to allow 
vb. c1315 obs. UNDERGO to accept, to admit, to allow 
vb. 1500-20 obs. GIVE LEAVE to allow, to permit 
vb. 1602 obs. rare BETEEM to allow or permit to do something 
vb. 1864 Sc. & Eng. dial. THOLE to allow, to permit, to admit of; to require, to stand in need of 
vb. 1901 Ireland ACCUSE to admit, to allow; to suppose 
vb. 1907 Amer. dial. LEAVEN to allow, to let 
vb. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. GUESS AT HALF AND MULTIPLY BY TWO to allow 'about as much as you would' 
vb. 1934 colloq. LET THE DOG SEE THE RABBIT to allow a person to do or see something without interference or restriction 
vb. 2001 US sl. DUKE to allow 
​

ALL RIGHT

​adj. 1892 Amer. dial. SKEWVEE fine, correct, as it should be, all right 
adj. 1896 Amer. dial. SKEWGEE fine, correct, as it should be, all right 
adj. 1905 Amer. dial. SKRUGEE fine, correct, as it should be, all right 
adj. 1905 Amer. dial. SQUEEGEE (as above)
adj. 1908 Amer. dial. ALL-HEELED well provided for, all right 
adj. 1916 Amer. dial. SQUEACHY fine, correct, as it should be, all right 
adj. 1945 Amer. nautical sl. ALL CALLY-O all right 
adj. 1953 Aust. sl. RIDGY-DIDGE okay, all right 
adj. 1981 S. Afr. sl. SAFE all right; used as an expression of approval or agreement 
adj. 20C rhyming sl. ISLE OF WIGHT all right 
adj. 2001 UK back-slang for 'OK' CAKE-O all right, correct, safe, suitable, what is required, comfortable 
 
adv. 1890 Amer. dial. ALLERICKSTIX all right 
adv. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. ALL A-HUNKY all right 
 
phr. Bk1904 Eng. dial. RIGHT AS A RIBBON all right 
phr. 1969 Amer. dial. CHICKEN IN THE YARD all right 
phr. 1990s African-American & college sl. A-IGHT all right 

ALLURE,  ALLUREMENT,  ALLURING

adj. a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial. TOLLING enticing, alluring 
adj. c1374 obs. SUGARED having an attractive outward appearance, alluring 
adj. 1531 obs. ILLECEBROUS alluring, enticing, attractive 
adj. 1551 TOOTHSOME attractive, alluring 
adj. 1599 rare SIRENICAL melodious; charming, fascinating, alluring 
adj. 1600 SIRENIAN alluring, seductive, deceitful 
adj. c1633 obs. BEWITCHFUL having power to bewitch; fascinating, alluring 
adj. 1635 EYE-TAKING attracting attention; alluring 
adj. E17 MAGNETIC having powers of attraction; very attractive or alluring 
adj. a1704 rare SIRENIC melodious; charming, fascinating, alluring 
adj. 1727 ILLECEBROSE alluring, enticing, attractive 
adj. 1854 colloq. TAKY that takes the fancy or affection; capable of captivating or charming; designed to attract notice and please; alluring, fascinating, attractive, appealing 
adj. 1883 rare SEDUCTIOUS seductive, alluring 
adj. L19 US teen sl. PEACHES attractive, sexually alluring 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. TICING alluring, seductive, tempting; of sweet, pleasing manners 
adj. 2000s sl. SHAGTASTIC extremely sexually alluring 
 
n. a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial. TOLLING the act of enticing, allurement; incitement, instigation 
n. 1590 SIREN one who, or that which, sings sweetly, charms, allures, or deceives 
n. 1594 obs. rare EYE-SIREN someone who allures not by sound but by sight 
n. 1596 obs. rare TILL allurement, enticement 
n. 1600 obs. rare SIRENY allurement, fascination 
n. 1624 obs. rare ILLECEBRATION the act of alluring; enticement, allurement 
n. 1638 DECOY one who entices, allures, or inveigles another into some trap, deception or evil situation 
n. 1652 obs. ILLECTATION allurement, enticement 
n. 1787 rare AGACERIE an act or means of allurement (often in plural); allurement, coquetry 
n. B1900 obs. ILLECTIVE an allurement or enticement 
n. Bk1903 Eng. dial. PEECHER bait; an allurement 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. QUEAN-CRAFT female allurements 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. TICE-TRAP a matter of temptation or allurement; a glaring display to entice the beholder 
n. 1917 sl., orig. & chiefly US COOKIE an alluring young woman 
n. 1980s sl. BABE MAGNET a man who is irresistibly alluring to a woman 
n. 1980s sl. POONTANG MAGNET (as above)
n. 1980s sl. ​SHAG MAGNET (as above)
n. 1990s sl. CHICK MAGNET a young man who is irresistibly alluring to women 
n. 1999 US sl. BITCH MAGNET a man who is irresistibly alluring to a woman 
 
vb. c1000 obs. TIGHT to attract, to entice, to allure 
vb. c1220 obs. TOLL to attract, to entice, to allure, to decoy; to incite, to instigate 
vb. a1225 obs. TILL to draw, to attract, to persuade; to entice, to allure, to coax; to win over 
vb. c1275 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial. TICE to entice; to tempt, to allure, to attract; to coax, to wheedle 
vb. 1528 obs. ALLECT to allure, to entice, to attract, to seduce 
vb. 1529 obs. rare ILLECT to allure, to entice 
vb. 1568 obs. ALLICIATE to allure, to entice, to attract 
vb. 1584 rare SIRENIZE to delight or charm; to allure or enchant 
vb. 1690 rare SIREN to allure, to entice, to persuade 
vb. L17 sl. OGLE to look alluring 
vb. 1825 Sc. obs. LAIT to allure, to entice 
vb. 1860 Sc. TISE to entice; to tempt, to allure, to attract; to coax, to wheedle 

ALLY

n. a1400 obs. LYANCE a kinsman or ally 
n. 1490 obs. HELP an ally 
n. 1768 Sc. PART-TAKER  a supporter; a partisan; an ally; a backer 
 
vb. 1768 BUTTER ONE'S BREAD ON BOTH SIDES ​to simultaneously ally oneself with opposing factions, people, or causes; to behave in a duplicitous and self-interested manner 
​

ALMANAC

n. 1683 obs. rare CALENDARIOGRAPHER a calendar maker, an almanac maker 
n. 1889 Eng. dial. PADDY an almanac 
n. 1889 Eng. dial. PADDYWATCH (as above)
n. L19 sl. PADDY'S WATCH an unlicensed almanac 
n. L19 sl. PADDYWHACK (as above)
n. L19 sl. PADDYWHACK ALMANAC (as above)
​

ALMIGHTINESS,  ALMIGHTY

n. 1566 OMNIPOTENCE  infinite or unlimited power; almightiness 

ALMOST

adv. a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial. NEAR HAND nearly, almost 
adv. c1300 obs. rare NIGHWHAT almost, nearly 
adv. c1460 obs. rare NEAR HANDS almost 
adv. 1758 Amer. dial. AMOST almost 
adv. a1774 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. FECKLY for the most part, mostly; almost 
adv. 1781 Amer. dial. EENAMOST almost, nearly 
adv. 1790 Eng. dial. ANEWST nearly, almost 
adv. 1790 Eng. dial. NARLINS (as above)
adv. 1790 Eng. dial. NERLINS (as above)
adv. 1790 Sc. & Eng. dial. NEARLINGS nearly, almost 
adv. 1815 Sc. NEAR BY nearly, almost 
adv. 1834 Amer. dial. ENYMOST almost, nearly 
adv. 1843 Amer. dial. NIGHLY nearly, almost 
adv. 1843 Amer. dial. NIGH ONTO (as above)
adv. 1849 Eng. dial. ONMOST almost 
adv. 1857 Amer. dial. NIGHABOUT nearly, almost 
adv. 1865 Eng. dial. JUST NEEN almost, nearly 
adv. 1871 Amer. dial. NIGH UPON nearly, almost 
adv. 1871 Sc. & Eng. dial. NEAR-ABOUT nearly, almost 
adv. 1882 Eng. dial. ANIGHST nearly, almost 
adv. 1884 N. Ireland NEAR-AWAYS nearly, almost 
adv. 1884 N. Ireland NEARMOST (as above)
adv. 1890 Eng. dial. GAINISH near to, nearly, almost 
adv. 1896 Eng. dial. NEARST almost; nearly 
adv. 1896 Sc. FAIRLEENS almost, very nearly, not quite 
adv. M19 sl. HALF nearly, almost 
adv. Bk1900 Sc. & Eng. dial. GAIN nearly, almost; pretty, tolerably; very, quite 
adv. Bk1902 Eng. dial. INJIST almost, very nearly 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. NATURAL very nearly; almost 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. NEWST nearly, almost, pretty much 
adv. 1944 Amer. dial. MIGHT NIGH very nearly, almost 
adv. 1946 Amer. dial. EENY MOST almost, nearly 
adv. 1965 Amer. dial. PLUMB NEAR almost, nearly 
adv. 1968 Amer. dial. HALF-NEAR nearly, almost 
​

ALMS, ALMS-HOUSE

adj. c1630 ELEEMOSYNARY pert. to alms or almsgiving; charitable 
adj. 1654 ELEEMOSYNARY dependent on or supported by alms 
 
n. c1160 BEADHOUSE orig. a house of prayer, hence alms-house, the inmates of which were to pray for the soul of the founder 
n. c1465 BEADS-WOMAN a woman who prays for a benefactor, an almswoman 
n. a1524 BEADSMAN one paid or endowed to pray for others; a pensioner or almsman charged with the duty of praying for the souls of his benefactors;  hence in later times, in England, and almsman, an inmate of an almshouse 
n. a1639 obs. exc. Hist. ELEEMOSYNAR an almoner, one that gives alms 
n. 1643 obs. ELEEMOSYNARY one who lives upon alms; a beggar 
n. 1656 rare ELEEMOSYNARY an almoner, one that gives alms 
n. 1668 BADGEMAN a man who wears a badge; specifically, a beggar or an alms-house man: so called because a special dress or badge is worn to indicate that the wearer belongs to a particular foundation 
n. Bk1898 Eng. dial. BEADLE a person receiving parish alms 
 
vb. 1656 obs. ELEEMOSYNATE to give alms 
vb. 1809 UK sl. GO ON THE LOW GAG to beg alms in the streets, with a pretended broken arm, leg, etc. 
vb. 1817 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. THIG to beg, to borrow; to solicit alms on certain occasions, such as on setting up housekeeping, etc. 
vb. 1843 Ireland QUEST to collect money or provisions as alms 
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. HEAVE THE HAND to give alms, to bestow charity 

ALOFT

adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. AHEIGHT  on high, aloft 
​

ALONE

adj./adv. a1300 obs. ODDLY singly, solely, alone 
adj./adv. c1330 obs. BY ODD separately, by itself, alone 
adj./adv. c1340 obs. SINGULAR living alone or apart from the herd 
adj./adv. 1382 rare SINGULAR alone; away from others; solitary 
adj./adv. 1656 obs. SOLITANEOUS solitary, alone, without company 
adj./adv. 1823 Sc. LANERLY lonely, alone, reserved in manner 
adj./adv. 1830 Sc. ALL-ANERLY quite alone 
adj./adv. 1844 Sc. & Eng. dial. ANERLY alone, lonely, solitary 
adj./adv. 1844 Sc. & Eng. dial. YANNERLY (as above)
adj./adv. 1845 Aust. sl. LIKE A SHAG ON A ROCK denoting the isolation or unhappiness associated with solitude, on one's own 
adj./adv. 1878 Sc. BY ONE'S LEE-LANE quite alone, by oneself 
adj./adv. 1890 Amer. dial. ALL OF ONE'S LONE alone, by oneself 
adj./adv. 1904 Aust. ON ONE'S ACE on one's own, alone 
adj./adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. ONELY alone, singly 
adj./adv. 1908 rhyming sl., chiefly Aust. ON ONE'S PAT MALONE on one's own 
adj./adv. 1910 Amer. dial. BY ONE'S LONE alone, by oneself 
adj./adv. Bk1914 HIGH-LONE entirely alone; without support; often said of a child learning to walk 
adj./adv. 1917 Amer. dial. ALL ONE'S LONE alone, by oneself 
adj./adv. 1925 rhyming sl. ON ONE'S JACK JONES on one's own 
adj./adv. 1930 US sl., chiefly criminals' usage SINGLE-O on one's own; often applied specifically to working without an accomplice 
adj./adv. 1930s rhyming sl. PAT MALONE alone 
adj./adv. 1930s rhyming sl. PAT MALONEY (as above)
adj./adv. 1934 Brit. rhyming sl. formed on 'Tod Sloan' ON ONE'S TOD on one's own 
adj./adv. 1939 sl. ON ONE'S OWNSOME on one's own 
adj./adv. 1940s rhyming sl. DARBY AND JOAN alone 
adj./adv. 1942 UK rhyming sl. formed on 'Darby and Joan' ON YOUR DARBY alone; on one's own 
adj./adv. 1948 Sc. LENNERLIE lonely, alone, reserved in manner 
adj./adv. 1988 Aust. sl. ALL ALONE LIKE A COUNTRY DUNNY completely alone; by yourself; friendless 
adj./adv. 1990s rhyming sl. JACK AND JOAN on one's own, alone 
adj./adv. 1990s African-American sl. DOLO on one's own, solo 
adj./adv. 20C Amer. sl. ALL BY ONE'S LONESOME alone; solo 
adj./adv. E20 rhyming sl. ON ONE'S DARBY AND JOAN alone 
 
n. 1340 obs. ONEHEAD the condition of being alone; solitude 
n. c1340 obs. ONLINESS the fact or condition of being alone; solitariness, solitude 
n. 1398 obs. rare SINGULARITY a being alone or apart from others; solitariness 
n. 1630 obs. rare ONESHIP the condition of being one or alone; oneness 
 
phr. 1854 HIS HAT COVERS HIS FAMILY said of one who is alone in the world, and has to provide only for himself 
 
vb. 1897 Sc. TAKE ON to be left alone, to be left to oneself; to take what may come 
vb. Bk1942 Amer. sl. PLAY A LONE HAND to do or live alone 
​

ALONG,  ALONGSIDE

adv. 1966 Amer. dial. UPSIDE alongside 
 
prep. c1390 obs. AFTERLONG alongside, along 
prep. B1900 Eng. dial. ALONGST along 
prep. 1946 Amer. dial. SIDING  alongside; besides 

ALOOF,  ALOOFNESS

adj. a1555 UK OFF distant, aloof, withdrawn 
adj. 1628 obs. SULLEN holding aloof 
adj. 1825 OFFISH aloof; unapproachable; standoffish; distant or unapproachable in manners; reserved, shy, unsocial 
adj. 1851 colloq. BALMY crazy; giddy and aloof 
adj. 1967 Amer. sl., orig. African-American HINKY snobbish; haughty; conceited; aloof; fastidious 
adj. Bk2006 US sl. BIGGITY haughty, aloof 
 
adv. c1707 Sc. ABEIGH at a shy distance, aloof 
adv. 1786 Sc. ABACK aloof, away 
adv. 1861 Amer. dial. OFFISHLY in a reserved or aloof manner 
adv. 1879 Sc. ABACK away, aloof, off 
 
n. M19 sl. OFFISHNESS reserve, coolness, aloofness 
n. 1920 sl. HIGHTY-TIGHTY an aloof, snobbish person 
n. 1920 sl. HITY-TITY (as above)
n. 1923 US colloq. HIGH-HAT a snob; one who acts superior; one who is conceited, aloof, or exclusive 

ALOUD

n. 1985 Amer. dial. IRISH WHISPER  a saying something aloud when whispering would have been more appropriate, as a secret 

ALPACA

n. 1604 PACO  an alpaca 

ALPHABET

adj. 1580 ABECEDARY according to the alphabet; arranged in alphabetical order 
adj. 1589 ABECEDARY engaged with or needing to learn the alphabet; illiterate 
adj. 1665 ABECEDARIAN pert. to the alphabet; arranged in alphabetical order  
adj. 1799 UNALPHABETED not acquainted with the alphabet 
 
n. 1382 obs. ELEMENTS the letters of the alphabet; hence, the rudiments of learning 
n. 1432-50 obs. ABECEDARY a table or book containing the alphabet; a primer; the first rudiments of anything 
n. 1596 ABECEDARY the alphabet, esp. as written down in order 
n. 1603 ABCDARIAN one occupied in learning the alphabet 
n. 1603 ABECEDARIAN (as above)
n. 1607 ABCDARY one learning or teaching the alphabet 
n. 1607 ABECEDARY (as above)
n. 1691 ABCDARIAN one engaged in teaching the alphabet and merest rudiments of instruction 
n. 1691 ABECEDARIAN (as above)
n. 1693 obs. exc. Eng. dial. BATTLEDORE BOOK a horn-book; a teaching aid consisting of a leaf of paper showing the alphabet, and often the ten digits and the Lord's Prayer, mounted on a wooden tablet and protected by a thin plate of horn 
n. 1693 obs. exc. Eng. dial. BATTLEDORE-BOY one learning his a b c's; an abecedarian 
n. 1697 obs. exc. Eng. dial. BATTLEDORE a horn-book; a teaching aid consisting of a leaf of paper showing the alphabet, and often the ten digits and the Lord's Prayer, mounted on a wooden tablet and protected by a thin plate of horn 
n. E17 rare ALPHABETARIAN a learner of the alphabet 
n. 1713 BLOOMING LETTER a floriated initial letter of the alphabet 
n. 1851 Sc. A-B-ABS alphabet; rudiments, beginning 
n. 1877 Sc. obs. ABERSAY the alphabet 
n. 1882 Sc. A-B-BUFF the alphabet 
n. 1892 Sc. EBBASAY the alphabet, A B C 
n. 1899 BLOOMER a floriated initial letter of the alphabet 
n. 1920 Sc. AH-BAY-SAY the alphabet  
n. 1922 Sc. ABBACEE the alphabet 
n. 1969 Amer. dial. BET a letter of the alphabet 

ALPINE

​adj. 1623 obs. ALPESTRIOUS alpine, mountainous 
​

ALPS

​adj. c1618 ULTRAMONTANE belonging to the countries or peoples lying to the north of the Alps 
 
n. c1618 ULTRAMONTANE an inhabitant or native of a country north of the Alps 

ALREADY

adj. 1843 Ireland INREADY  already 

ALSO

adv. a700 arch. EKE  also, too, moreover, in addition 

ALTER,  ALTERATION,  ALTERED

adj. c1450 obs. ALTERATE altered, changed 
adj. 1679 obs. rare NOVATURIENT desiring changes or alterations 
adj. 1737 Sc. & Eng. dial. UNCO unknown, strange; foreign; altered so as to be scarcely recognizable 
adj. 1860 Amer. sl. COOKED altered; falsified; doctored 
 
n. a1500 obs. ALTERITY an alteration 
n. c1540 obs. IMMUTATION change, alteration, transformation 
 
vb. a1000 obs. AWEND to make something different in some particular; to change, to alter 
vb. c1400 obs. WRIXLE to alter, to change; to confound 
vb. c1475 obs. ALTERATE to alter, to change 
vb. 1566 obs. VARIATE to alter; to cause to change 
vb. 1613 obs. IMMUTE to produce a change in; to change, to alter, to transform 
vb. 1812 sl. FAKE UP to tamper with, to alter, to arrange in any manner for advantage or profit 
vb. 1868 Eng. dial. ODDS to alter, to remedy, to redress; to undo 
vb. 1890 Eng. dial. BACK to change, to alter 
vb. L19 sl. SALT THE BOOKS to improve the state of a firm's accounts by judicious, if illicit, alterations to the figures 
vb. 1970 sl. FIDDLE to misrepresent or fraudulently alter 

ALTERCATE,  ALTERCATING,  ALTERCATION

n. 1330 BICKER quarrel, contention; angry altercation 
n. 1566 BRABBLE a paltry altercation, a noisy quarrel, a wrangle 
n. 1573 BICKERING wrangling, altercation 
n. 1600 obs. rare WARBLING an altercation; a quarrel, quarrelling 
n. 1641 JANGLE contention, altercation, bickering 
n. 1682 BICKERMENT quarrelling, wrangling, altercation, contention, strife, conflict 
n. 1794 Sc. CABBY-LABBY an altercation, especially as carried on by a number of persons speaking at one time; a wrangling, a quarrelling 
n. 1794 Sc. KEBBIE-LEBBIE (as above)
n. 1816 Eng. dial. & sl. BOBBERY a noise, disturbance, tumult; a fuss, row, uproar; a squabble, quarrel, dispute, altercation 
n. 1842 sl. BUST-UP an altercation; an argument, a row; a strong disagreement 
n. 1855 colloq. BARNEY a loud altercation; a physical struggle; a row or noisy argument 
n. c1860 colloq. SLANGING MATCH an altercation 
n. 1864 Sc. CABBY-LAB altercation, wrangling; confused speaking, many persons talking at the same time 
n. 1866 Sc. YABBLE  wrangling, altercation 
n. 1866 Sc. YABBLIN (as above)
n. 1866 Sc. YALLACRACK a great outcry; a loud noise of voices; a sharp altercation 
n. 1866 Sc. YALLICRACK (as above)
n. 1866 Sc. YALLIECRAAG (as above)
n. 1868 Eng. dial. CAMMING altercation, bickering, quarrelling 
n. 1871 Sc. NARRATION an uproar, fuss, clamour, noisy altercation, disturbance 
n. 1876 Sc. CANGLING altercation, quarrelling 
n. B1900 Eng. dial. KIM-KAM an altercation; irritating language  
n. 1901 sl. BACK-CHAT saucy or impertinent replies to a superior; cheek, impudence, abuse, insulting speech; altercation, heated talk 
n. 1902 Amer. dial. SCRIMMAGE a skirmish; a scramble; an altercation, a fight 
n. Bk1902 Sc. KABBIE-LABBY an altercation, wrangle, argument, dispute; confused talk 
n. Bk1904 Eng. dial. SCOOSE discourse, altercation, dispute, bad language 
n. 1934 Amer. dial. RACKET a quarrel, fight, altercation; a disturbance 
n. 1961 sl. SHINDIG a row; a commotion, an altercation, a violent quarrel, a tremendous fuss 
 
vb. 18C Sc. KEBBIE-LEBBIE to altercate, to wrangle; to quarrel 
vb. 1808 Sc. CABBY-LABBY to altercate, to wrangle 
vb. M19 Sc. & Amer. dial. BACK-JAW to answer in an insolent or hostile manner; to retort, altercate, abuse 
​

ALTERNATE,  ALTERNATELY,  ALTERNATING

​adj. 1588 obs. SUBALTERNAL succeeding in turn, alternating 
adj. L16 arch. ALTERN alternate, alternating 
adj. M17 ALTERNANT alternating; changing from one to the other 
 
adv. 1519 obs. SIDE FOR SIDE alternately 
adv. a1529 HANDY-DANDY with change of places; alternately, in rapid alternation 
adv. 1583 obs. ON SIDES alternately 
adv. 1594 LEVEL-COIL turn and turn about, alternately 
adv. 1838 Amer. dial. TIME ABOUT by turns, alternately 

ALTERNATIVE

​n. 1885 Amer. dial. GROUNDHOG CASE a situation in which one has no choice, one without an alternative 
 
vb. 1546 HAVE ONE'S CAKE AND EAT IT ​to enjoy both of two desirable but incompatible alternatives 

ALTITUDE

n. 1943 Royal Air Force sl. ANGELS altitude, specifically to a height of 1000 feet 
​

ALTOGETHER

adv. c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial. ALL BEDENE all together; altogether, completely 
adv. c1200 obs. exc. Eng. dial. BEDENE (as above)
adv. a1225 obs. SKERE quite, entirely; altogether 
adv. a1300 obs. QUITELY completely, altogether 
adv. a1300 obs. rare QUITEMENT completely, altogether 
adv. 1559 obs. IN ALL SORTS altogether, completely 
adv. 1581 Sc. SKIRE quite, altogether 
adv. a1734 obs. exc. Eng. dial. NECK AND HEELS completely, altogether 
adv. 1735 Eng. dial. QUITE AND CLEAR entirely, altogether 
adv. 1816 NECK AND CROP completely, altogether 
adv. 1847 Sc. & Eng. dial. BANG quite, altogether; right 
adv. 1853 Sc. HEAD AND TAIL completely, altogether, without reserve; with great earnestness 
adv. 1854 EVERY BIT AND CRUMB every morsel; entirely, altogether 
adv. 1868 Sc. HEAD AND HIDE completely, altogether, without reserve; with great earnestness 
adv. 1875 Eng. dial. ALL TO PIECES thoroughly, altogether  
adv. 1884 Eng. dial. BANG OUT altogether, thoroughly 
adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. ALL AT A BANG all at once 
adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. ALL AT A SLAP (as above)
adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. ALL TO NAUGHT quite, completely, altogether 
adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. ALL TO NOTHING (as above)
adv. Bk1900 Eng. dial. EVERY DEAL altogether, entirely 
adv. Bk1902 Eng. dial. HEAD AND HEELS completely, altogether, without reserve; with great earnestness 
adv. Bk1904 Eng. dial. NECK AND SCRAG completely, wholly, altogether 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. NECK OR NOUGHT entirely, altogether; without sting 
​

ALUMINIUM

n. 1977 colloq. ALLY  aluminium 

ALWAYS

adv. c1000 obs. ALL DAYS always, forever 
adv. c1175 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial. AY ever, always, continually; at all times 
adv. c1485 obs. rare AY-WHEN at every time; always 
adv. 1671 Sc. & Eng. dial. AYE always, ever; continually 
adv. 1686 Eng. dial. AYLE all along, always 
adv. 1739 colloq. ALLUS always 
adv. 1829 Sc. & Eng. dial. EVERLY always, constantly, perpetually, frequently, continually, continuously 
adv. 1833 colloq. ALLERS always 
adv. c1840 colloq. TO THE END OF THE CHAPTER always; to the end; until death 
adv. 1875 Eng. dial. REGULAR regularly, always; steadily 
adv. Bk1900 Eng. dial. EVERY-WHEN at all times, always 
adv. Bk1902 Eng. dial. IVERSOME always 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. ON-O-NENA always 
adv. 1928 Amer. dial. EVERMORE always, continually 
adv. 1967 Amer. dial. EVER AND ALWAYS always; persistently 
adv. 1976 Amer. dial. ALL THE WAY always, constantly 
adv. 1989 US sl. TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN at all times, always, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week 
 
phr. 1774 Amer. dial. THE LONGEST DAY ONE HAS TO LIVE always, for the rest of one's life 
​

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

n. 1989 sl. OLD-TIMER'S DISEASE  Alzheimer's disease 

AMASS

​vb. c1000 obs. SAM  to join or fasten together; to amass, to hoard up 

AMATEUR,  AMATEURISH

​adj. 1850 US sl. JACK-LEG ineffectual, incompetent; amateur, untrained; said of someone without skill or training 
adj. 1909 nonce word TIRONIC pert. to or characteristic of a tiro; betraying inexperience; amateurish 
adj. 1909 nonce word TYRONIC (as above)
adj. 1952 AMATEUR NIGHT resembling an amateur night; inept, shambolic, amateurish 
adj. 1959 US sl. BUSH second-rate, amateurish 
 
n. 1826 Sc. YAMATOOR an amateur 
n. Bk1896 theatrical sl. JAY an amateur; a poor actor 
n. c1910 sl. HAMMER-CHEWER an amateur 
n. 1930 US sl. HAMFAT MAN an amateur 
n. 1937 US,  Pig Latin for 'punk' UNKPAY an amateur; a newcomer; a tyro; a dupe; a sucker 
n. 1950 sl. SCAB an amateur 
n. 1955 colloq. AMATEUR NIGHT IN DIXIE used as the type of amateurishness or ineptitude 
n. 1972 US jocular usage HAM-CHEWER an amateur 
n. 2000 UK sl. AM an amateur 
​

AMATORY see AMOROUS
​

AMAZE,  AMAZED,  AMAZEDLY,  AMAZEMENT,  AMAZING,  AMAZINGLY

adj. 1154 obs. AWONDERED astonished, astounded, amazed 
adj. c1290 obs. MASKED amazed, bewildered 
adj. c1320 obs. BEWHAPPED utterly confounded; bewildered, amazed, astonished 
adj. c1420 obs. MARVELLY marvellous, amazing, astonishing 
adj. 1572 obs. GEASON extraordinary, amazing 
adj. 1592 obs. AGAZED astounded, amazed 
adj. 1622 obs. DUMP amazed, perplexed 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. MAZED amazed, astonished, surprised; bewildered, astounded, perplexed 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. MOYSED (as above)
adj. 1888 Amer. sl. TERRIFIC prodigious; extreme; amazing 
adj. 1892 Amer. dial. DICK-NAILING extraordinary, amazing, impressively big 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. MAZARDED stunned; amazed 
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. BEAT bewildered; perplexed; baffled; amazed, astonished, at a loss 
adj. c1955 Aust. sl. WRAPPED enthralled; overjoyed; pleased; totally amazed by; enthusiastic about 
adj. 1960s rhyming sl. for 'mental' RADIO RENTAL wonderful, amazing; insane, mad, crazy 
adj. 1960s rhyming sl. for 'mental' RADIO RENTALS (as above)
adj. 1960s rhyming sl. for 'mental' RENTALS (as above)
adj. 1964 MIND-BOGGLING amazing, astonishing, having an overwhelming effect on the mind 
adj. 1967 MIND-BLOWING amazing, astonishing, almost unbelievable, having an overwhelming effect on the mind 
adj. 1971 Brit. sl. GOB-SMACKED surprised, astonished, astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement 
adj. 1980s sl. FANFUCKINGTASTIC absolutely amazing; often used ironically 
adj. 1981 US circus & carnival usage WOP-JAWED amazed by an act or demonstration 
adj. 1987 US sl. TOXIC amazing, powerful 
adj. 1988 Brit. sl. GOB-STRUCK astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement, surprised, astonished 
adj. 1990s sl. BASHY amazing, wonderful 
adj. 1998 US sl. GALACTIC great, wonderful, amazing 
adj. 2000s US sl. BEDOOZLING astounding, amazing 
 
adv. c1330 obs. MARVELLY amazingly, wonderfully, marvellously 
adv. 1571 GAPINGLY with open mouth; eagerly; amazedly 
adv. 1859 Sc. & Eng. dial. MAZING very, amazingly; wonderfully, astonishingly 
 
int. c1554 KISS MY ARSE! a derisive retort; also an expression of amazement, contempt, or derision 
int. c1554 KISS MY ASS! (as above)
int. 1610 obs. IN GOOD TIME! an expression of ironical acquiescence, incredulity, amazement, or the like; to be sure! indeed! very well! 
int. 1825 Eng. dial. ZOOKERINS! an exclamation of admiration, amazement, or surprise; a quasi-oath  
int. 1835 Amer. dial. KAH-KA-KA! used as an expression of amazement, denial, consternation, etc. 
int. 1835 Amer. dial. KAI! (as above)
int. 1835 Amer. dial. KI! (as above)
int. 1853 Amer. dial. DOG MY CATS! used as an expression of surprise, amazement, annoyance 
int. 1863 SUCK MY ARSE! a derisive retort; also an expression of amazement 
int. 1863 SUCK MY ASS! (as above)
int. 1886 Amer. dial. I'LL BE JIGGERED! an exclamation of surprise or amazement 
int. 1888 YE GODS AND LITTLE FISHES! expressing amazement, disbelief, surprise, etc. 
int. c1890 colloq. COO! an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, amazement, or astonishment 
int. L19 MY OLD BOOTS! an exclamation of disbelief, surprise, or amazement 
int. B1900 Eng. dial. LILLY-WUNTERS! an exclamation of amazement or surprise 
int. 1906 Amer. sl. GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! an exclamation of amazement, impatience, etc. 
int. 1907 WELL, I'LL BE BUGGERED! expressed amazement or incredulity 
int. 1908 Amer. dial. I'LL BE JIGGED! an exclamation of surprise 
int. 1910s sl., orig. US OH BOY! exclamation of surprise, excitement, amazement 
int. 1910s US sl. ZOWIE! used to describe a sudden impact or figuratively, amazement  • 
int. 1913 Amer. dial. I'LL BE JIGGEROOED! an exclamation of surprise 
int. 1922 JESUS WEPT! an exclamation of annoyance, amazement, horror 
int. 1925 colloq. I'LL BE A MONKEY'S UNCLE! an expression of surprise or amazement 
int. c1925 FLAMING HELL! an expletive; hell! used for expressing surprise, anger, amazement, etc. 
int. 1939 colloq. THAT BEATS THE DUTCH! that beats everything; that's amazing 
int. 1940s sl. RAWTID! an exclamation implying great anger, surprise, amazement, envy, etc. 
int. 1950s homosexual sl. FOR DAYS! an exclamation implying shock or amazement 
int. 1954 sl. FAR OUT! amazing! remarkable! wonderful! 
int. 1959 SHIT A BRICK! expressing surprise or amazement 
int. 1966 Aust. sl. I'LL BE BUGGERED! an expression of surprise or amazement 
int. 1969 KISS MY SISTER'S BLACK CAT'S ASS! a derisive retort; also an expression of amazement 
int. 1984 colloq. AWESOME! expressing enthusiastic approval; excellent, fantastic, amazing 
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)
int. 2000 Black British sl. RAH! an exclamation of anger, surprise, amazement, approval, envy, etc. 
int. 2000s sl. MY FUCK! an exclamation of amazement 
 
n. 1523 obs. DUMP a fit of abstraction or musing; a reverie; a dazed or puzzled state; perplexity, amazement; absence of mind 
n. 1768 Sc. obs. MAZERMENT confusion, perplexity, amazement  
n. 1827 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. MAZE a state of amazement, bewilderment, or astonishment; perplexity, confusion, surprise 
n. 1898 Sc. MIRACLE an object of amazement; a ridiculous spectacle, a mockery 
n. 1916 sl., orig. US HELL BUSTER an amazing, riotous, or violent person 
n. 1930s African-American usage KILLOUT an amazing person; an enthralling topic or thing ​
n. 1935 sl., orig. US HELL BLAZER an amazing, riotous, or violent person 
n. 1987 sl. STONKER a thing that is large, impressive, or amazing 
 
phr. 1960s sl. ARE YOU PREPARED? implying amazement or shock, both approving and disapproving 
phr. 1960s sl. ARE YOU READY? (as above)
phr. Bk1999 Aust. sl. WOULD KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF said of something amazing 
phr. M20 Aust. & NZ YOU WOULDN'T READ ABOUT IT it would amaze you  
 
vb. c1300 obs. AWHAPE to amaze, to stupefy with fear, to terrify, to confound utterly 
vb. c1320 obs. BEWHAPE to bewilder, to amaze, to confound utterly 
vb. 1340 arch. ASTONY to stun, astonish, astound, bewilder; to terrify, to confound with fear or amazement 
vb. 1603 obs. WONDER-MAZE to strike with wonder, to astonish, to amaze 
vb. 1616 obs. STRIKE DUMB to strike with amazement 
vb. 1702 obs. rare ADMIRIZE to wonder; to be amazed; to feel surprised 
vb. 1725 chiefly Sc. BUMBAZE to amaze, confound, bewilder, perplex, bamboozle; to look aghast, confounded, stupefied 
vb. 1756 Amer. dial. STRIKE ONE ALL OF A HEAP to amaze or stupefy one 
vb. 1775 Amer. sl. BEAT THE DUTCH to be amazing; often used in negative constructions 
vb. 1836 Eng. dial. MAZE to amaze, to astonish; to bewilder, to puzzle, to mystify 
vb. 1863 Amer. dial. WONDER to surprise, to amaze 
vb. 1866 US sl. SNATCH BALDHEADED to defeat thoroughly, to thrash, to beat up; hence, to stun, to amaze 
vb. 1869 Eng. & Amer. dial. FLAMBERGAST to amaze, astonish, bewilder, perplex; to take by surprise 
vb. 1886 US sl. JERK BALDHEADED to defeat thoroughly, to thrash, to beat up; hence, to stun, to amaze 
vb. E19 sl., orig. US LAY OUT COLD to astound, to amaze 
vb. M19 sl. KNOCK COLD to astound, to amaze 
vb. M19 sl. KNOCK DEAD (as above)
vb. L19 US sl. LAY OUT to amaze, to astound 
vb. L19 US college sl. FALL OFF THE CHRISTMAS TREE to be amazed 
vb. 1914 Amer. dial. STRIKE ALL IN A HEAP to amaze or stupefy one 
vb. 1918 US sl. GRAB BALDHEADED to defeat thoroughly, to thrash, to beat up; hence, to stun, to amaze 
vb. 1924 sl., orig. US WOW to amaze, to astonish, to greatly impress 
vb. 1940s Irish sl. TAKE TO THE FAIR to amaze, to astonish 
vb. 1950 Amer. dial. STRIKE ALL OF A HEAP to amaze or stupefy one 
vb. 1960s sl.  ZOOM SOMEONE OUT to amaze; to fascinate; to surprise 
vb. 1960s US sl. CACK to amaze 
vb. 1962 US sl. SNATCH BALD to defeat thoroughly, to thrash, to beat up; hence, to stun, to amaze 
vb. 1968 Amer. dial. HIT ONE ALL OF A HEAP to amaze or stupefy one 
vb. 1990s US sl. BLOW DOMES to amaze, to astound 

AMAZON

​n. 1583 obs. rare BARRATRESS  a female fighter, an amazon, a virago 

AMBASSADOR

adj. a1548 rare LEGATIVE pert. to an ambassador 
adj. 1560 obs. exc. arch. LEDGER resident in the capacity of ambassador, commissioner, or agent 
 
n. 1123 obs. SANDER MAN a messenger, an envoy, an ambassador 
n. 1123 obs. SANDESMAN (as above)
n. c1200 obs. SANDERBODE a messenger; an envoy; an ambassador 
n. c1205 obs. SAND-MAN a messenger, an ambassador 
n. 1382 LEGATE an ambassador, delegate, messenger 
n. c1400 obs. BASSATOUR an ambassador 
n. 1458 obs. BASSET the mission or function of an ambassador; an ambassador and his suite 
n. 1462 obs. BASETRY ambassadry; the mission of function of an ambassador 
n. 1494 obs. ORATOR one sent to plead or speak for another; an ambassador, an envoy, a messenger 
n. c1532 obs. BASSADE the mission or function of an ambassador; an ambassador and his suite 
n. 1548 obs. LEDGER an ordinary or resident ambassador 
n. 1622 Anglo-Indian VAKEEL an agent or representative, especially one representing a person of political importance either permanently or on a special occasion; a minister, envoy, or ambassador 
n. 1622 Anglo-Indian VAKIL (as above)
n. 1803 Anglo-Indian WAKEEL an agent or representative, especially one representing a person of political importance either permanently or on a special occasion; a minister, envoy, or ambassador 
n. 1803 Anglo-Indian WAKIL (as above)
n. Bk1955 obs. HERINDRAK a messenger; an ambassador 

AMBIDEXTROUS

​adj. 1965 Amer. dial. EVEN-HANDED ambidextrous 

AMBIENCE

​n. 1990s sl., orig. US teen ATMOS atmosphere or ambience; used in a positive fashion 

AMBIGUOUS

​adj. 1609 obs. EQUIVOCANT speaking equivocally; ambiguous, doubtful 
adj. 1612 LEFT-HANDED ambiguous, doubtful, questionable 
adj. c1633 DILOGICAL having a double meaning; ambiguous, equivocal 
adj. 1644 obs. AMPHIBOLOUS ambiguous, of double or doubtful character 
adj. 1652 obs. ANCIPITOUS doubtful, uncertain; ambiguous 
adj. 1656 obs. AMBILOQUENT speaking doubtfully or ambiguously 
adj. 1656 arch. or obs. BIFARIOUS two-fold, double, ambiguous; capable of being interpreted in two ways; that may be understood two ways 
adj. 1839 Amer. sl. CLEAR AS MUD entirely unclear; ambiguous 
adj. 1930s sl., orig. US IFFEY ambiguous 
adj. 1930s sl., orig. US IFFY (as above)
​

AMBITION,  AMBITIOUS

adj. 1534 obs. AFFECTIONED eager, ambitious; zealous 
adj. 1598 obs. AFFECTIONATE eager, ambitious, earnest 
adj. 1610 HIGH-SIGHTED supercilious, arrogant, ambitious 
adj. 1822 Sc. ETTLING ambitious, pushing, striving 
adj. 1823 ABOVE ONESELF arrogant, conceited, self-important, presumptuous; overly ambitious 
adj. Bk1898 Eng. dial. AIMSOME ambitious, speculative 
adj. 19C Amer. BRICKLE industrious, ambitious 
adj. B1900 Eng. dial. PAUGHTY ambitious 
adj. 1921 orig. US GO-GETTING ambitious 
adj. 1942 Amer. dial. GUMPTIOUS ambitious, energetic, enterprising, eager 
adj. 1980s sl. WANABE ambitious, aspirant 
adj. 1980s sl. WANNABE (as above)
 
n. 1600 HIGH-FLYER a person who has high aims and ambitions; a person with an aspirational outlook; also, a person who is or has the potential to be highly successful 
n. a1600 obs. AMBITIOSITY ambition; the state of being ambitious 
n. 1625 rare AMBITIONIST one excessively ambitious 
n. 1825 Sc. obs. YATTLE ambition, force, willpower 
n. 1833 sl. CLIMBER an ambitious person 
n. 1862 Amer. dial. GUMPTION ambition, initiative; tenacity 
n. 1887 SKY-FLYER an ambitious person 
n. 1893 Amer. sl. WORLD-BEATER an aggressive and ambitious person 
n. 1897 Amer. sl. AMBISH aggressive ambition or enthusiasm 
n. 1910 sl., orig. US GO-GETTER an ambitious or enterprising person 
n. 1929 colloq. YOUNG GUN an assertive or ambitious young person, esp. within a particular organization or institution 
n. 1950s sl. MOVER an ambitious and successful person, both socially and with the opposite sex 
n. 1951 orig. military usage HARD CHARGER an aggressive, persistent person; one who has a lot of push and an abrasive personality, even when it is not needed; an energetic, enterprising, and ambitious person; a go-getter 
n. 1974 sl. MOVER AND SHAKER an ambitious and successful person, both socially and with the opposite sex 
n. Bk1975 Amer. sl. GETTER a go-getter; an enterprising or ambitious person; a determined person, one likely to succeed 
n. 1981 Amer. sl. WANABE someone who wants to be something or someone; one who seeks to emulate a celebrity; an ambitious person 
n. 1981 Amer. sl. WANNABE (as above)
n. 1986 Amer. military usage FAST-BURNER an energetic, ambitious person 
n. 1988 US sl. GONNABE a wannabe (a person with ambition) who has a realistic chance of achieving the goal 
n. 2000 sl. MOVER AND GROOVER an ambitious and successful person, both socially and with the opposite sex 
n. Bk2006 US sl. BALL OF FIRE an energetic and ambitious person 
n. Bk2006 US sl. FIREBALL (as above)
 
vb. c1175 obs. LOOK ALOFT to aspire, be ambitious 
vb. 1600 obs. rare AMBITIONIZE to make ambitious, to motivate 
vb. 1795 obs. HAVE A SOUL ABOVE BUTTONS to have a refined or noble character or sensibility; to have aspirations or ambitions beyond what is expected or usual for someone born into a manual trade or occupation, or of low social status; to be intellectually or culturally elevated 
vb. Bk1855 LEVEL AT THE MOON to be very ambitious 
vb. 1878 orig. US BITE OFF MORE THAN ONE CAN CHEW to undertake too much, to be too ambitious 
vb. Bk1902 Amer. dial. AMBISH to be ambitious 
vb. 1927 Amer. dial. FEEL ONE'S KEEPING to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious 
vb. 1966 Amer. dial. FEEL ONE'S KEEP to be in good health and spirits; to feel confident, ambitious 

AMBLE,  AMBLING

​adj. a1393 obs. AMBLANT ambling, of a horse, mule, etc. 
 
n. c1380 obs. rare AMBLERE an amble or ambling pace 
n. c1680 EGG-TROT a gentle amble 
n. c1680 EGG-WIFE’S TROT (as above)
 
vb. 1796 obs., humorous usage TOLUTATE to trot or amble 
vb. 1833 Amer. dial. SHACK to amble along; to go at a slow trot 
vb. 1851 Amer. sl. MOOCH to go, to amble, to depart, to clear out; also, to sneak 
vb. Bk1898 Eng. dial. TODGE to go at a slow ambling pace 
vb. L19 sl. SWAN to wander, to drift, to amble 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. NAMBLE to amble 
vb. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. PATER to amble along 
vb. 1928 Amer. dial. SHAG to stroll, to rove about, to amble along, to saunter 
vb. c1950 Amer. dial. ANCHOR OFF to amble 
​

AMBROSIAL

adj. a1522 obs. AMBROSIAN ambrosial, exceptionally fragrant or delicious 
adj. 1601 obs. AMBROSIAC of food, drink: worth of the gods;' divine, ambrosial 
adj. 1602 obs. AMBROSIATE  ambrosial, exceptionally sweet or delightful 
​

AMBULANCE

n. 18C Anglo-Indian DOOLIE an ambulance 
n. 18C Anglo-Indian DOOLY (as above)
n. 1871 Amer. jocular usage AVALANCHE an ambulance 
n. 1882 US sl. BUTCHER WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1894 Amer. dial. DEAD WAGON a vehicle used for transporting the dead; a hearse; sometimes also an ambulance 
n. 1910s US sl. HACK an ambulance  
n. 1922 sl. BLOOD WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1925 sl., chiefly US MEAT WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1926 US sl. BUTCHER CART an ambulance 
n. 1942 Amer. dial. HEARSE an ambulance 
n. 1942 US sl. MEAT WAGON a coroner's ambulance 
n. 1962 Amer. sl. BANG WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1965 Amer. dial. BLACK MARIA an ambulance 
n. 1965 Amer. dial. GO-AWAY BUGGY (as above)
n. 1965 Amer. dial. GURNEY (as above)
n. 1965 Amer. dial. GUT-BUGGY (as above)
n. 1967 Amer. dial. BLACK WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1969 Amer. sl. LIVE MEAT WAGON an ambulance 
n. 1974 Aust. & S. Afr. sl. AMBO an ambulance 
n. 1990 Aust. sl. AMBO a member of an ambulance crew; a paramedic 
n. 1992 US sl. BUS an ambulance 
n. 20C sl. WAGON an ambulance 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War I army usage HOT CROSS BUN a Red Cross ambulance 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War I army usage TIN WILLIE a Ford ambulance 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY BUGGY an ambulance 
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY BUS (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY CHARIOT (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY CRATE (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY HACK (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage AGONY WAGON (as above)
n. 20C Amer. sl., World War II usage  CRASH WAGON (as above)

AMBUSH

​adv. 1552 obs. ABUSHMENTLY in ambush, by way of ambuscade 
 
n. c1200 obs. WAITING a lying in wait, ambush 
n. c1330 obs. WANLACE an intercepting movement; an ambush 
n. 1380 obs. ABUSHMENT ambush, ambushment 
n. c1430 obs. rare WAITER one who lies in wait 
n. c1465 obs. BUSHMENT a body of soldiers forming an ambush 
n. 1600 obs. WAIT-LAYER one who lies in wait 
n. 1677 obs. BELAYING a lying in wait 
n. 1841 Amer. dial. AND-BUSH an ambush 
n. 19C US Civil war usage TURKEY SHOOT an ambush; an easy killing 
n. 1935 Amer. dial. BUSHWHACKER one who ambushes 
n. 1990s US sl. JUMP-OUT BOY one who performs an ambush 
 
vb. c825 obs. SIT to lie in wait or in ambush 
vb. c1200 obs. WAIT to watch with hostile intent; to spy upon; to lie in wait for 
vb. c1205 obs. rare KEEP to lie in ambush 
vb. c1300 obs. ABUSCHE to ambush 
vb. c1300 obs. ABUSH (as above)
vb. c1300 obs. ABUSHE (as above)
vb. c1300 obs. ABUSSE (as above)
vb. 1470-85 obs. BELAY to waylay, to lie in wait for, to ambush 
vb. 1533 obs. TAKE UNDER WAIT to capture or surprise by an ambush 
vb. 1866 Amer. dial. BUSHWHACK to attack by surprise; to ambush 
vb. L19 sl., orig. US SANDBAG to ambush; to take by surprise 
vb. 1913 Amer. dial. LAYWAY to waylay, to ambush 
vb. 1974 US prison sl. CREEP to ambush someone with the intent of seriously injuring or killing them 
vb. 1989 US sl. MOUSETRAP to ambush an enemy by drawing them into position with some sort of bait 
Copyright © 2014 - 2021 Words and Phrases from the Past

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