REVERSE DICTIONARY A

ASTO  -  ATTHZ

Click on a word grouping to scroll down.

• ASTONISH
• ASTOUND  -  ASTRONOMER
• ASTUTE  -  ATTACH
• ATTACK  -  ATTEMPT
• ATTEND  -  ATTENTION

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ASTONISH,  ASTONISHED,  ASTONISHING,  ASTONISHINGLY,  ASTONISHMENT

​adj. 1154 obs. • AWONDERED astonished, astounded, amazed 
 
adj. c1200 obs. • FORWONDERED astonished 
 
adj. c1320  obs. • BEWHAPPED utterly confounded; bewildered, amazed, astonished 
adj. 1388 • ASTONIED astonished, in consternation 
 
adj. c1420 obs. • MARVELLY marvellous, amazing, astonishing 
adj. a1450 obs. • ABAWED abashed; astonished; surprised; disconcerted; discomfited; upset 
 
adj. 1548 obs. rare • EXTONIOUS astonishing 
 
adj. a1700 • ADMIRED astonished; struck with wonder 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. • MAZED amazed, astonished, surprised; bewildered, astounded, perplexed 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. • MOYSED (as above)
adj. 1764 Sc. & Eng. dial. obs. • ASTOUND astonished; stunned 
 
adj. 1822 Sc. & Eng. dial. • BEMUSED dazed, stupefied with drink, astonishment, anger, etc. 
adj. 1834 US jocular usage • BALLGUSTED flabbergasted, astonished 
adj. Bk1892 Aust. sl. • BOOMING large, astonishing 
 
adj. 1901 sl. • SUGARED astonished; perplexed 
adj. Bk1904 sl. • STREAKY flabbergasted, astonished 
 
adj. 1914 • BACK ON ONE'S HEELS into a state of discomfiture or astonishment 
adj. 1916 Amer. dial. • DISCUMGALLIGUMFRICATED very greatly astonished but pleased 
adj. 1918 orig. US • EYE-POPPING surprising, astonishing, impressive; visually spectacular 
 
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • BEARD-LIFTING astonishing 
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • EYE-WIDENING (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • GASPING (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • RISING (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • ROUSING (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • SCHNOZZY (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • STUNNING (as above)
adj. Bk1942 Amer. sl. • BEAT bewildered; perplexed; baffled; amazed, astonished, at a loss 
 
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. 1968 Amer. dial. • FASHED very much surprised; astonished 
 
adj. 1985 Brit. sl. • GOB-SMACKED surprised, astonished, astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement 
adj. 1988 Brit. sl. • GOB-STRUCK astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement, surprised, astonished 
 
adj. 2000s African-American sl. • OFF THE MEAT RACK superlative, first-rate, astonishing, excellent  
 
adv. 1859 Sc. & Eng. dial. • MAZING very, amazingly; wonderfully, astonishingly 
 
int. 1588 • LAW! an exclamation expressing chiefly astonishment or admiration, or surprise at being asked a question 
int. L16 Sc. & Eng. dial. • FECKS! expressing solemn conviction or astonishment 
int. L16 Sc. & Eng. dial. • FEGS! (as above)
 
int. 1646 • BLESS US! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1696 Aust. & NZ sl. • STRIKE ME! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1696 Aust. & NZ sl. • STRIKE ME BLIND! (as above)
int. 1696 Aust. & NZ sl. • STRIKE ME DEAD! (as above)
int. 1696 Aust. & NZ sl. • STRIKE ME PINK! (as above)
int. M17 • BY MY FIG! an exclamation of astonishment or emphasis 
int. M17 • BY MY FIGGINS! (as above)
 
int. 1709 • BLESS ME! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1741 • YOU COULD HAVE KNOCKED ME DOWN WITH A FEATHER! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1741 • YOU MIGHT HAVE BEAT ME DOWN WITH A FEATHER! (as above)
int. 1748 • CHRIST! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1756 colloq. • DASH MY BUTTONS! expresses surprise, astonishment, exasperation, dismay, etc. 
int. 1757 • GOSH! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1768 • LAWK! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1768 • LAWK-A-MERCY! (as above)
int. 1768 • LAWK-A-MUSSY! (as above)
int. 1768 • LAWKS! (as above)
int. 1775 • GOLLY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1775 Eng. dial. • WHAT THE DAGGER? an expression of astonishment 
int. 1775 Eng. dial. • WHAT THE DAGGERMENT? (as above)
int. 1779 • YOU DON'T SAY SO! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. a1779 Sc. • LOSH! an exclamation of astonishment, wonder, or surprise 
int. 1789 Sc. • DAIKINS! an exclamation of astonishment 
 
int. 1810 Sc. • PEACE BE WITH US! an exclamation of astonishment 
int. c1815 • BY GUM! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. c1815 • MY GUM! (as above)
int. 1819 • BLOW ME TIGHT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1830 orig. & chiefly US • SAY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment  
int. 1833 Eng. dial. obs. • SCROGGINS! interjection used to express astonishment 
int. 1834 Eng. dial. • BEGUM! an exclamation of astonishment, a disguised oath 
int. 1835 Brit. • LOR! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1838 Brit. euphemism for 'Christ!' • CRIKEY! expression of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1839 Anglo-Irish • BEGARRA! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1839 Anglo-Irish • BEGORRA! (as above)
int. 1839 Anglo-Irish • BEGORRAH! (as above)
int. 1840 • DID YOU EVER! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1848 • WELL I NEVER! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1848 • WELL I NEVER DID! (as above)
int. 1851 • BLESS MY SOUL! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1851 orig. & chiefly US • GEEWHILLIKENS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1851 orig. & chiefly US • GEEWHILLIKINS! (as above)
int. 1851 orig. & chiefly US • GEEWHITTAKERS! (as above)
int. 1855 • HOLY MOSES! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1859 • ALL MY EYE! answer of astonishment to an improbable story 
int. 1860 • I'LL BE JIGGERED! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1869 • MY AUNT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1869 • MY HOLY AUNT! (as above)
int. 1869 • MY SACRED AUNT! (as above)
int. 1869 • MY SAINTED AUNT! (as above)
int. 1869 • MAN! an exclamation of surprise, enthusiasm, dismay, or astonishment 
int. 1871 US sl. • GREAT CAESAR'S GHOST! an exclamation of astonishment 
int. 1876 orig. US • GEE WHITZ! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1876 orig. US • GEE WHIZ! (as above)
int. 1876 orig. US • GEE WIZ! (as above)
int. 1881 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. • SAKES! an exclamation of astonishment or anger 
int. 1886 • I'M JIGGERED! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1889 Brit. • BLIME! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1889 Brit. • BLIMEY! (as above)
int. 1890 chiefly Anglo-Irish • BEJABBERS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1890 chiefly Anglo-Irish • BEJABERS! (as above)
int. 1890 • I SAY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. c1890 colloq. • COO! an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, amazement, or astonishment 
int. 1892 • HOLY SMOKE! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1892 • WOW! (as above)
int. 1892 • STREUTH! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment; God's truth! 
int. 1892 • STREWTH! (as above)
int. 1892 • 'STROOTH! (as above)
int. 1892 • 'STRUTH! (as above)
int. 1894 orig. US • BOY! wow! gosh! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment  
int. 1895 chiefly US • BOY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment
int. 1896 Brit. • GAWBLIMEY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1896 Brit. • GORBLIME! (as above)
int. 1896 Brit. • GORBLIMEY! (as above)
int. 1896 Brit. • GORBLIMY (as above)
int. 1898 Brit. • LUMME! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1898 Brit. • LUMMY! (as above)
int. Bk1898 Eng. dial. • BAA! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1899 Eng. dial. • HEARTS ALIVE! an expression of astonishment 
int. E19 • MY EYE! an exclamation of astonishment 
int. E19 • MY EYES! (as above)
int. E19 • MY EYES AND LIMBS! (as above)
int. M19 • BY GRANNY! an exclamation of astonishment 
int. M19 • MY GRANNY! (as above)
 
int. 1901 sl. • I'M SUGARED! I'm astonished 
int. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • IKY-PIKY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. Bk1905 Sc. • MAIGINTIES! an exclamation of astonishment 
int. Bk1905 Sc. • MAIGINTY! (as above)
int. 1907 colloq. • BLOW MY BUTTONS! expresses surprise, astonishment, exasperation, dismay, etc. 
int. 1908 chiefly Anglo-Irish • BEJASUS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1908 chiefly Anglo-Irish • BEJESUS! (as above)
int. 1908 Aust. & NZ • STARVE THE RATS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1910 euphemism for 'Christ!' • CRIPES! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1911 UK sl. • COO-ER! used for expressing surprise, astonishment, disbelief or wonderment 
int. 1911 UK sl. • COOL! used for expressing astonishment, disbelief or wonderment 
int. 1912 orig. US • YOU DON'T SAY! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. c1913 • ZOWIE! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1914 • I'LL BE BUGGERED! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1918 Aust. & NZ • STARVE THE CROWS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1920 • SHIT! expressing annoyance, astonishment, dismissiveness, etc. or interjected with little or no meaning 
int. 1921 • WOWEE! an exclamation of surprise, astonishment, wonder, pleasure, dismay, etc. 
int. 1922 • JESUS! an exclamation of annoyance, surprise or astonishment 
int. 1922 • JESUS CHRIST! (as above)
int. 1922 • JESUS H. CHRIST! (as above)
int. 1922 Brit. • CRUMBS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1923 orig. US • GEEZE! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1923 orig. US • JEEZE! (as above)
int. 1923 orig. US • JESE! (as above)
int. 1923 orig. US • JEZ! (as above)
int. 1924 • HOLY COW! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1924 euphemism • FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! for Christ's sake! used to express anger, irritation, surprise, astonishment, etc.
int. 1925 • I'LL BE DAMNED! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1925 • I'M DAMNED! (as above)
int. 1927 orig. Aust. • STONE THE CROWS! an exclamation of surprise, dismay, or astonishment 
int. 1927 Amer. dial. • BY JERPS! an expression of astonishment 
int. 1927 Aust. • STARVE THE LIZARDS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1928 • BLOW ME DOWN! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1928 orig. US • JEEPERS-CREEPERS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1931 Brit. • COR! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1931 Brit. • COR! • COR BLIMEY! (as above)
int. 1931 US • HUSH MY MOUTH! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1932 Aust. & NZ • STIFFEN THE CROWS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1936 • BUGGER ME! expresses astonishment or exasperation 
int. 1936 Brit., Aust., & NZ • STRIKE A LIGHT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1939 sl., orig. US • NO SHIT! expressing astonishment, disbelief, etc. 
 
int. 1941 Aust. • STARVE THE BARDIES! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1950 Aust. & NZ • YOU WOULDN'T READ ABOUT IT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1953 • SURPRISE, SURPRISE! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment; often used ironically or sarcastically
int. 1954 Amer. sl. • BITE MY ASS! used as a derisive retort; also an exclamation of astonishment 
int. 1955 US sl. • I'LL BE DIPPED IN SHIT! used to express astonishment 
int. 1959 Aust. • STIFFEN THE LIZARDS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1959 Brit. • STROLL ON! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1961 • STONE ME! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1965 US • HOLY CROW! used to express astonishment 
int. 1966 • I'M BUGGERED! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1969 US sl. • GOLLY GEE, BUFFALO BOB used for expressing mock astonishment 
 
int. 1971 • YIKES! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. 1973 US sl. • I'LL BE DIPPED! used to express astonishment 
 
int. 1980s NZ sl. • SHAG ME! an exclamation of astonishment and/or resignation 
int. 1982 orig. US • HOLY SHIT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment  
int. 1984 Brit. • GORDON BENNETT! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
 
int. 1990s US teen sl. • OH SMACK! a reaction to something astonishing; an exclamation expressing the sudden realization that a thing or a situation is pleasing  
int. 1992 Eng. dial. • I'LL GO TO THE FOOT OF OUR STAIRS! an exclamation of surprise or astonishment 
int. Bk1995 US sl. • FOR PETE'S SAKE! exclamation of astonishment and annoyance 
int. Bk1995 US sl. • HOLY TOLEDO! exclamation of astonishment 
int. Bk1995 US sl. • I'LL BE A MONKEY'S UNCLE (as above)
int. 1999 UK sl. • CRIVENS! exclamation of shock, horror, or astonishment 
 
n. 1303 arch. • MARVEL astonishment, surprise, admiration or wonder 
 
n. 1506 arch. • ADMIRATION the act of wondering or marvelling; wonder, astonishment, surprise 
 
n. 1818 Eng. dial. • PALLER a staggering blow; a rude shock; something which causes astonishment 
n. 1827 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. • MAZE a state of amazement, bewilderment, or astonishment; perplexity, confusion, surprise 
n. 1893 US sl. • HELL a formidable or astonishing person 
 
n. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • HEAD-BIT a masterpiece; something surprising or astonishing 
n. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • HEAD-PIECE (as above)
 
n. Bk1913 Amer. dial. • HOLY FRIGHT a large amount; something astonishing 
 
n. 1970 US sl. • GASPER something that is astonishing 
 
n. Bk2006 US sl. • EYE-POPPER something astonishing 
 
phr. 1719 • ENOUGH TO MAKE A CAT SPEAK said of something very extraordinary or astonishing; frequently said of very good drink 
 
phr. Bk1905 Amer. dial. • IT BEATS THE DUTCH it is astonishing  
 
phr. 1911 Amer. dial. • WHAT THE BLUE BLAZES! used to express astonishment or disbelief 
phr. 1914 chiefly US • WHAT DO YOU KNOW? an exclamation of surprise or astonishment, usually ironic  
 
phr. 1970s US sl. • BEEN TO THREE COUNTY FAIRS AND A GOAT-FUCKING implies one's astonishment (one has had many, varied experiences, but never one such as this) 
phr. 1970s US sl. • BEEN TO THREE COUNTY FAIRS AND A GOAT-ROPING (as above)
 
vb. c1225  obs. • AGAST to frighten, to terrify; also, to astonish, to confound 
vb. c1230 obs. • AWONDER to astonish, surprise, marvel; to be astonished or amazed; to cause to wonder 
 
vb. c1330 obs. rare • ABOB to astonish, to confound 
vb. 1340 arch. • ASTONY to stun, astonish, astound, bewilder; to terrify, to confound with fear or amazement 
 
vb. a1400 obs. • ABAWE to abash, daunt, astonish, lower  
vb. a1400 obs. • MARVEL to cause to wonder, to astonish 
 
vb. c1590 obs. • ADMIRE to feel surprise or astonishment; to wonder, to marvel 
 
vb. 1603 obs. • WONDER-MAZE to strike with wonder, to astonish, to amaze 
vb. c1650 obs. rare • ADMIRE to astonish, to surprise 
 
vb. 1775 Amer. dial. • BEAT THE DUTCH to be surprising or astonishing; to be exasperating 
vb. 1785 colloq. • SPIFLICATE to deal with in such a way as to confound or overcome completely; to astonish, to mystify, to surprise 
 
vb. 1822 obs. nonce word • FLABBERDEGASKY to astonish greatly; to confound, to flabbergast  
vb. 1825 Amer. dial. arch. • BEAT ALL NATURE to be surprising or astonishing 
vb. 1835 Sc. • THINK VOW to be astonished; to wonder 
vb. 1836 Eng. dial. • MAZE to amaze, to astonish; to bewilder, to puzzle, to mystify  
vb. 1869 Eng. & Amer. dial. • FLAMBERGAST to amaze, astonish, bewilder, perplex; to take by surprise 
vb. 1880 sl. • CONFUBUSCATE to confuse, perplex, astonish 
vb. 1887 Eng. dial. • TAKE TO to astonish; to take by surprise 
vb. 1890 Eng. dial. • BEMAZE to astonish, to bewilder, to daze 
vb. 1897 Sc. • DAMMER to astonish, to astound, to confuse 
vb. 19C colloq. • 'STONISH to astonish 
vb. M19 sl. • BOWL OVER to astonish, to surprise 
vb. L19 sl. • SCALE to impress, to astonish 
 
vb. Bk1900 Eng. dial. obs. • BE STUCK IN A DAR to be astonished or confounded 
vb. Bk1904 sl. • PUT THE STUNNERS ON to perplex, to confound, to astonish 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • TERRIFY to astonish 
vb. Bk1905 N. Ireland • TURN UP THE EYES LIKE A DUCK IN THUNDER to show astonishment
vb. 1909 Amer. dial. • BEAT THE CATS to be surprising or astonishing 
 
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. c1960 US • HAVE A CALF to lose control; to have an emotional fit; to have a fit of astonishment or anger; to become emotionally overwrought 
vb. 1964 • MIRACLE to wonder, to be astonished 
vb. 1964 US sl. • FREAK OUT to make someone feel unsettled, astonished, or bizarre 
vb. 1966 Amer. dial. • BEATS A HEN A-FLYING to be surprising or astonishing; to be exasperating 
vb. 1966 Amer. dial. • BEATS A HEN A-ROUTING (as above)
 
vb. 1990 US sl. • GO BALLISTIC to become astonishing 
 
vb. 20C Irish sl. • TAKE A FEATHER OUT OF to confuse, to surprise, to astonish 
​

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ASTOUND,  ASTOUNDED,  ASTOUNDING,  ASTOUNDINGLY

adj. 1154 obs. • AWONDERED astonished, astounded, amazed 
 
adj. 1513 obs. • ASTONATE astounded 
adj. 1592 obs. • AGAZED astounded, amazed 
 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. • MAZED amazed, astonished, surprised; bewildered, astounded, perplexed 
adj. 1703 Eng. dial. • MOYSED (as above)
 
adj. c1925 Aust. sl. • WHOPCACKER astounding, notable, excellent 
adj. c1925 Aust. sl. • WOPCACKER (as above)
 
adj. 1985 Brit. sl. • GOB-SMACKED surprised, astonished, astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement 
adj. 1988 Brit. sl. • GOB-STRUCK astounded, flabbergasted, speechless with amazement, surprised, astonished  
 
adj. 2000s US sl. • BEDOOZLING astounding, amazing 
 
adv. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • ESTAMIN wonderfully, surprisingly, astoundingly 
adv. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • ESTAMINLY (as above)
 
n. M18 sl. • KNOCK-DOWN something astounding, remarkable, or something that 'knocks one down' 
 
n.1831 US sl. • BURSTER anything of superior size or astounding nature 
n.1831 US sl. • BUSTER (as above)
n. M19 sl. • BENDER anything exceptional, astounding 
 
n. Bk1913-17 Amer. dial. • STUNNER a stylish-looking person; anything grand or astounding 
 
n. c1925 Aust. sl. • WHOPCACKER anything astounding, notable, or excellent 
n. c1925 Aust. sl. • WOPCACKER (as above)
 
n. 20C sl. • SNUFF-BOTTLE anything astounding, shocking 
n. 20C sl. • SNUFF-BOX (as above)
 
vb. a1225 obs. exc. Eng. dial. • GLOPPEN to startle, to astound, to surprise; to scare, to frighten, to terrify; to stupefy
 
vb. 1340 arch. • ASTONY to stun, astonish, astound, bewilder; to terrify, to confound with fear or amazement 
vb. 1375  obs. • TO-STONY to astound 
 
vb. 1757 • AWE-STRIKE to render a person awestruck; to deeply impress, to astound 
vb. 1772 • FLABBERGAST to astound 
vb. 1774 • CUT BLOCKS WITH A RAZOR  to do something astounding; to do something more eccentric than inexpedient
vb. 18C colloq. • BELIEVE THE MOON IS MADE OF CHEESE to believe firmly something astounding, impossible, or absurd; hence, to be a fool 
 
vb. 1824 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. • GLOCKEN to start from fright; to astound 
vb. 1887 sl. • SCALE to impress; to astound 
vb. 1897 Sc. • DAMMER to astonish, to astound, to confuse 
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 sl. • MAKE SOMEONE SIT UP to astound, to shock, to galvanize someone into action 
vb. L19 US sl. • LAY OUT to amaze, to astound 
 
vb. 1900s Aust. & NZ sl. • HAVE SOMEONE DEAD to have at one's mercy; to dominate completely; to astound 
 
vb. 1923 colloq. • KNOCK ONE SICK to astound; to flabbergast 
vb. 1925 sl. • KNOCK SOMEONE SIDEWAYS to astound someone, with either pleasure or shock 
 
vb. 1949 Brit. sl. • KNOCK SOMEONE FOR SIX to astound someone, with either pleasure or shock 
 
vb. 1990s US sl. • BLOW DOMES to amaze, to astound 
​

ASTRAY

adj. 1526 obs. rare • SINISTER erring; erroneous; astray from the right path 
 
adj. 1664 obs. • LENOCINANT enticing to evil, leading astray, seducing 
 
adj. 1968 Amer. dial., rhymes with 'car lawn kit' • FARBLONJET lost, astray; confused, befuddled 
 
adj. 20C US sl. • FARBLONDJET confused, lost, astray 
 
adv. 1483 obs. • FAR-ABOUT far astray, out of the way 
 
vb. c950 obs. • MAR to err; to go astray; to be or become bewildered or confused 
 
vb. a1000 obs. • BELEAD to lead away; to lead astray 
 
vb. c1430 obs. • FAIT to deceive, to lead astray 
vb. c1440 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. obs. • MANG to bewilder, to lead astray; to be bewildered; to go mad 
vb. c1475 Sc. obs. • WALK WILL OF ONE'S WAY to go astray, to lose oneself 
 
vb. 1584 obs. rare • EGAR to stray, to wander, to go astray 
 
vb. 1657 obs. rare • DE-ERR to go astray, to diverge 
 
vb. 1861 Sc. • TAIVER to annoy, to vex, to irritate; to bewilder or confuse with much talking or questioning; to lead astray 
vb. 1861 Sc. • TAVER (as above)
vb. Bk1896 sl. • ARGOOZLE to mislead; to lead astray; to bamboozle 
 
vb. Bk1911 Sc. • BEWILL to cause to go astray 
​

ASTRIDE

​adj. 1875 Eng. dial. • ASTRIDDLING sitting astride 
 
adv. M16 • A-COCK-HORSE astride 
 
adv. 1674 Eng. dial. • UMSTRID astride, strideways 
 
adv. 1825 Eng. dial. • ASCRIDE astride 
adv. 1828 Eng. dial. • HUMPSTRIDDEN astride, strideways 
adv. 1828 Eng. dial. • UMPSTRIDDEN (as above)
adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. • ASTRIDDLE astride; with the legs wide apart 
 
vb. 1526 obs. • BESTRIDE to stand astride 
​

ASTROLOGER,  ASTROLOGY

​n. 1535 • HEAVEN-GAZER one who gazes at the sky, who studies the stars; an astrologer 
n. 1535 obs. • CALKER a calculator of nativities, etc.; an astrologer; a magician, a conjurer 
n. 1569 obs. • MARTIALIST in astrology: a person born under the influence of the planet Mars 
n. 1584 obs. • ARTIST a person skilled in magic arts or occult sciences; an astrologer, an alchemist 
 
n. 1671 obs. • URANICS astrological matters; astrology 
n. 1677 • BABYLONIAN an astrologer 
 
n. E18 sl. • HOCUS-POCUSan astrologer 
​

ASTRONAUT

n. 1932 • SPACEMAN someone who travels in space; an astronaut 
n. 1935 • MOONMAN a person involved in astronautics; later, an astronaut 
 
n. 1951 • SPACEWOMAN a female traveller in space; a female astronaut 
n. 1952 • SPACE CADET a trainee spaceman or spacewoman 
 
n. 1971 • TAXI-DRIVER an astronaut or traveller in space; one in the orbiting command module 
n. 1971 sl. • PENGUIN SUIT a type of tight-fitting suit worn by astronauts 
n. Bk1972 homosexual sl. • MISSILETOES attractive astronauts  
 
n. 1986 rare • MOON-SHOOTER an astronaut who travels to the moon 
 
n. M20 N. Amer. colloq. • JOCK a pilot or astronaut 
​

ASTRONOMER

n. 1535 • HEAVEN-GAZER a person who gazes at the sky, who studies the stars, an astrologer, an astronomer 
​

ASTUTE

adj. c1000 obs. • YEPE prudent, wise, sagacious, shrewd, astute 
 
adj. a1300 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial. • YAP clever, cunning; shrewd, astute; nimble, active 
adj. a1300 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial. • YAUP (as above)
 
adj. 1579 • MACHIAVELLIAN preferring expediency to morality; practicing duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct; astute, cunning, intriguing 
 
adj. 1602  obs. rare • MACHIAVELLINE preferring expediency to morality; practicing duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct; astute, cunning, intriguing 
 
adj. 1718 sl. • LEARY cunning, astute, knowing, artful; wide-awake; alert; cautious, wary 
adj. 1718 sl. • LEERY (as above)
 
adj. 1823 • ASTUCIOUS astute, subtle, crafty, cunning, shrewd 
adj. 1838 • MACHIAVELLIC preferring expediency to morality; practicing duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct; astute, cunning, intriguing 
adj. 1855 Eng. dial. obs. • DUNGEONABLE having great knowledge; insightful, astute 
adj. 1861 Sc. • FAR NORTH astute, 'wide awake' 
 
adj. 1929 Sc. • FADAHAL astute, wide-awake 

ASUNDER

adv. a1300 obs. rare • SUNDER apart, asunder, separately 
 
adv. a1400 obs. rare • SUNDERWISE asunder; separately 
​

ASYLUM

(also see INSANE ASYLUM)

n. c1300 obs. exc. Eng. dial. • HARBOUR a place of shelter or sojourn; lodgings, quarters, resting-place; a place of entertainment, an inn; a place of refuge, asylum 
 
n. 1851-61 tramps' sl. • STRAWYARD a shelter, asylum or refuge for the destitute  
n. 1859 sl. rare, orig. US • BOOBY HATCH a lock-up, a cell; an asylum 
n. 1886 Eng. dial. • HARSLEM an asylum 
n. 1894 • BAST sanctuary, refuge, asylum 
 
n. 20C Brit. sl. • SILO an asylum seeker 
n. 20C Brit. sl. ​• SYLO (as above)
​

ATHEISM,  ATHEIST

n. 1382 obs. • UNBELIEFFULNESS atheism 
 
n. 1526 • UNBELIEVER one who does not believe; one who does not accept a particular religious belief, an infidel; an atheist 
 
n. 1855 • NETHEIST an atheist 
​

ATHLETE,  ATHLETIC,  ATHLETICS

​adj. c1374 • PALAESTRAL pert. to wrestling or athletics; athletic 
adj. c1374 • PALESTRAL (as above)
 
adj. 1579 obs. • PALAESTRICAL pert. to wrestling or athletics; athletic 
adj. 1579 obs. • PALESTRICAL (as above)
 
adj. 1684 Eng. dial. • RENKY large and well-made; athletic, muscular 
 
adj. 1774 • PALAESTRIC pert. to wrestling or athletics; athletic 
adj. 1774 • PALESTRIC (as above)
adj. 1785 rare • GYMNASTIC physically active, athletic 
 
adj. 1828 • PALAESTRIAN pert. to wrestling or athletics; athletic 
adj. 1828 • PALESTRIAN (as above)
 
n. a700 • KEMP a big, strong, and brave warrior or athlete; a professional fighter, wrestler, etc.; a champion 
 
n. 1412-20 • PALAESTRA a place devoted to the public teaching and practice of wrestling and other athletic exercises; a wrestling-school, gymnasium 
n. 1412-20 • PALESTRA (as above)
 
n. 1552 obs. • ACTIVITY physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics 
n. 1567 obs. • GAMNER an athlete 
n. 1581 obs. • GAMESTER an athlete 
n. 1587 obs. • GAME-PLAYER an athlete 
n. 1587 obs. • GAMING the celebration of games; an athletic or musical contest 
 
n. c1620-30 obs. • GAMER a gamester; an athlete 
 
n. 1702 • HAS-BEEN one that has been but is no longer; a person whose best days are over; a person who was one famous, important, or successful, and is no longer; an aging entertainer or athlete who is no longer in the public's favour; an out-of-date person 
 
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. 1824 Sc. • PADJELL a veteran athlete; a seasoned champion runner 
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. 1859 Amer. sl. • DEAD RABBIT a very athletic rowdy fellow 
n. 1879 sporting sl. • WALKIST an athlete who takes part in walking-matches; a pedestrian 
 
n. 1909 Amer. dial. • DOC an athletic coach; used as a title or nickname 
 
n. 1921 Amer. sl. • ANIMAL an athletic or muscular man; esp. a bodyguard or hired thug 
n. 1925 Amer. sl. • HORSE a person who works as a member of a 'stable', as a prostitute, an athlete 
n. 1927 Amer. sl. • FANCY DAN a showy, usually ineffective, athlete 
n. 1934 Amer. sl. • MONEY PLAYER a professional athlete 
n. 1934 US sl. • DOG in sports: a performer of little promise or ability; a prizefighter or other athlete who lack aggressiveness or spirit in competition 
 
n. 1942 US sl. • MUDDER any athlete who performs well in rainy conditions 
 
n. 1960s Amer. sl. • JOCK an athlete 
n. 1967 US sl. • RABBIT EARS an athlete or official who is quick to take offense at teasing 
 
n. 1971 US sl. • HATCHET MAN a physically aggressive athlete, esp. one who is tasked with roughing up an opponent 
n. Bk1975 Amer. sl. • SAUSAGE an inferior athlete, esp. one with rippling muscles, as a prize fighter, wrestler, or weight-lifter 
n. 1977 colloq. • GAMER in sports: a person, esp. an athlete, known for consistently making a strong effort; a player who performs better in actual games than in practices 
n. 1978 Amer. sl. • GYM RAT an athlete; a sports enthusiast; a person who frequents gymnasiums; an exercise fanatic; anyone fanatically pursuing a course of activity, a career, etc. 
n. 1978 NZ sl. • EARLY BATH an ejection from an athletic contest 
n. 1978 NZ sl. • EARLY SHOWER (as above)
 
n. 1980 African-American & college sl. • SACK a second-rate athlete 
n. 1983 • HEPTATHLETE a competitor in a heptathlon, an athletic contest, usually for women, consisting of seven different events 
 
n. Bk1995 US sl. • BALLHEAD an athlete; someone obsessed with ball games; perhaps a stupid one 
n. 1997 US sl. • GAME an athlete's style and ability 
 
n. 20C teen & high school sl. • CHICK WITH A STICK a girl jock; presumably a reference to softball and field hockey
n. M20 jocular usage • DROMOMANIAC an athlete
 
n. Bk2006 US sl. • BALLER an athlete; one who plays with footballs, basketballs, baseballs, etc. 
n. Bk2007 Amer. sl. • ACTOR an athlete who is good at pretending he has been hurt or fouled, esp. a baseball player who very convincingly mimes the pain of being hit by a pitch 
 
vb. 1774-6 obs. exc. Eng. dial. • CAMP to contend in athletic contests 
​

ATHLETIC SUPPORTER

n. 1964 US sl. • FAGGOT'S LUNCH BOX ​a jock strap; an athletic supporter 
​

ATHWART

adv. Bk1898 Eng. dial. • ATHURTENS athwart, across 
 
adv. Bk1905 Sc. • TWARTOUR across, athwart 

ATLANTIC

n. 1780 Civil War usage • THE POND the Atlantic Ocean  
 
n. c1855 sailors' sl. • DAMP POT the sea, esp. the Atlantic  
n. c1880 colloq. • THE PUDDLE the Atlantic Ocean 
n. M19 sl. • DITCH the Atlantic Ocean 
 
n. Bk2006 US sl. • BIG DRINK the Atlantic Ocean; an ocean 
 
vb. B1900 sailors' sl. • CROSS THE DAMP-POT to cross the Atlantic
​

ATMOSPHERE

​adj. 1618 rare • AERIAN belonging to the air or atmosphere 
 
adj. 1820 Sc. • DEAD-LOWN of the atmosphere: quite still 
 
adj. 1969 Amer. dial. • BENAUT of the atmosphere: close, oppressive, moist and warm 
 
adj. 1999 UK sl. • VIBEY fashionably atmospheric 
 
n. 1735 • AEROGRAPHY the study of the air or atmosphere 
n. 1785 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. • ELEMENT the sky, atmosphere, air, heavens; weather 
n. 1799 rare • AEROSPHERE the body of air that surrounds the earth; the atmosphere 
 
n. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • DINDLE the reflection in the atmosphere on a hot day 
 
n. 1960 US sl. • VIBE the atmosphere created by any event, mood; nuances intimately related to all senses 
n. 1966 US sl. • VIBRATIONS the atmosphere generated by an event, mood; nuances intimately related to all sense 
 
n. 1990s sl., orig. US teen usage • ATMOS atmosphere or ambience; used in a positive fashion  
 
vb. 1960s sl. • VIBE to give off an atmosphere 
 
vb. 1990s sl. • VIBE to create a pleasant, exciting atmosphere 
​

ATOLL

n. 1845 • LAGOON-ISLAND ​an atoll 
​

ATOM

​n. c1386 obs. • TARE a very small particle; a whit, a jot, an atom 
 
n. 1528 • ACE a single point, a minute portion; a jot, a particle, an atom 
 
n. 1824 Sc. • YIM a particle; an atom; the smallest portion of anything 
n. 1872 Sc. • THRUM a particle, an atom 
n. 1889 Eng. dial. • SCRIDDICK an atom, a particle; the smallest coin 
n. 1889 Eng. dial. • SKIRDICK (as above)
n. 1889 Eng. dial. • SKRIDDICK (as above)
n. M19 sl. • OAT an atom; the tiniest amount 
​
n. Bk1900 Sc. • DAW an atom, a jot, a particle 
 ​

ATOMIC BOMB

​n. 1945 army officers' usage • AROMATIC BOMB atomic bomb 
​

AT ONCE

​adv. 1688 orig. law term • INSTANTER instantly, immediately, at once, without delay 
​

ATONE,  ATONEMENT,  ATONING

adj. 1561 obs. rare • SATISFACTORIOUS making satisfaction, atoning 
 
n. 1530 obs. • SATISFACTORY a place or means of atonement or retribution 
 
n. 1641 Sc. & Eng. dial. • MENDS amends, reparation, recompense, satisfaction, revenge; atonement 
 
vb. a1000 obs. rare • I-BYE to purchase; to pay for, atone for 
 
vb. c1175 arch. • ABY to pay the penalty for an offense; to redeem; to atone for; to suffer for; to make amends for; to expiate 
vb. c1175 arch. • ABYE (as above)
 
vb. c1450 obs. • SATISFY to make reparation or atonement 
vb. c1460 obs. • SATISFY to make compensation or reparation for a wrong, injury; to atone for an offense 
 
vb. 1593 obs. • ACQUIT to pay for, to atone for an offense 
​

ATROCIOUS

adj. 1490 obs. • NEFAND not to be spoken of; unmentionable; abominable, atrocious 
 
adj. 1548 obs. exc. arch. • FACINOROUS extremely wicked, grossly criminal, villainous, atrocious, vile, infamous, detestably bad 
 
adj. 1601 obs. • FACINORIOUS extremely wicked, grossly criminal, atrocious, infamous, vile 
adj. 1640 • NEFANDOUS not to be spoken of; unmentionable, shocking; abominable, atrocious, heinous, horrible 
​

ATTACH,  ATTACHED

adj. 1896 Eng. dial. • DICTED addicted to, attached to, having a preference for 
 
adj. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • HEART-GROWN strongly attached to a person or thing; set upon anything 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • TID fond of, attached to; careful of, solicitous about 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • TIDD (as above)
 
n. a1400 obs. • TACHEMENT something attached; an appurtenance 
n. a1400 obs. • TACHMENT (as above)
 
vb. a1310 obs. exc. Eng. dial. • TACHE to fasten, to attach, to fix, to secure a person or thing 
vb. 1387 obs. • TACK to attach, to fasten one thing to another 
 
vb. c1400 obs. • FASTEN to take hold; to attach oneself; to make one's abode 
vb. a1425 obs. • ADUNE to unite, to bring together; to join or attach to in unity 
 
vb. 1650 obs. rare • ADLIGE to attach, join, or link one thing to another; to combine or unite with; to mix 
vb. 1658 obs. rare • ADENT to fasten, to attach 
 
vb. 1907 colloq. • COTTON ON TO to become attached to; to form a liking for 
​

ATTACK,  ATTACKED,  ATTACKING

​adj. 1556 obs. • SAULTABLE capable of being assaulted or attacked 
 
adj. 19C • DOWN ON attacking physically 
 
adj. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • ILL-SET-ON foully attacked 
 
adj. 1980s sl. • JACKED stabbed, attacked 
 
int. 1940s US • WHAM! used to express surprise or convey the impact of a sudden violent attack or blow 
int. 1940s US • WHAMMO! (as above)
 
n. c1000 obs. exc. Sc. • ONFALL an attack or access of disease, plague, or calamity; an assault, on onset 
 
n. 1297 obs. • SAULT assault, attack 
n. 1297 obs. rare • SKECK an attack made for the sake of plunder; a petty raid 
 
n. a1330 obs. rare • VENUE a coming on, in order to strike; an assault or attack 
n. c1330 obs. • ACOUNTER an armed encounter; an attack 
n. a1340 obs. • ONCOME an attack, an invasion 
n. a1375 obs. • SHOWER a military assault or attack; also, an armed conflict, a battle 
n. c1380 • AFFRAY an attack, an assault 
 
n. c1489 obs. • SAULTING the act of assaulting or attacking 
 
n. 1525 obs. • WAKING a night-attack 
n. 1533 obs. • OCCURSION an act of running against something; attack, encounter; meeting; collision 
n. 1533 rare • OPPUGNATION the act of attacking or assaulting; attack, assault 
n. 1535 • OPPUGNING attacking, assailing 
n. 1541 obs. • ONSETTING an attack, an assault 
n. 1542 obs. • SKEG an attack made for the sake of plunder; a petty raid 
n. 1549 obs. rare • AFFRONTURE the act of confronting or opposing in hostility; attack, assault 
n. 1581 obs. • CANVASADO a sudden attack 
n. 1587 obs. • AFFRONT a hostile encounter; an attack, an assault 
n. 1590 obs. rare • AFFRET a sudden attack; an onslaught 
 
n. 1611 obs. • CANVASS a shock; esp. that of a sudden attack or surprise 
n. a1611 rare • AGGRESS an attack; an act of aggression 
n. 1615 obs. rare • OCCURSATION an act of running against something; attack; encounter; meeting; collision 
n. a1625 obs. • ANSLAIGHT an onslaught, a fierce or destructive attack, an affray 
n. a1626 obs. • CANVASADO a night attack, a 'camisado' 
n. 1632 obs. • SUBREPTION sudden or unforeseen attack, as of temptation 

n. 1721 Sc. obs. • INFALL an invasion, attack, onslaught 
n. L18 sl. • DEAD SET a pointed attack on or approach to another person, often in the context of wooing 
 
n. 1805 Sc. & Eng. dial. • BIRST difficulty, emergency; an attack, a battle, a fight 
n. 1827 Sc. • SAILYIE attack, assault, onset 
n. 1827 Sc. • SAILZIE (as above)
n. 1828 Sc. • ONDINGING an assault, an attack, an onset, an outburst, of noise, talk, etc. 
n. 1854 • AGGRESSEE a person, nation, etc. towards whom or which aggression is directed; the object of an attack 
n. 1858 rare • SIMULTANEITY a simultaneous attack 
n. 1864 Eng. dial. • NAIL-PIE an attack upon a person with the fingernails 
n. 1871 Sc. • ONDING an assault, an attack, an onset, an outburst, of noise, talk, etc.; oppression, turmoil 
n. 19C Eng. dial. • TACK an attack 
n. L19 sl. • SLAP an attack on someone 
 
n. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • INGATE an inroad, an attack 
 
n. Bk1911 Sc. • BRASH an attack 
 
n. 1940 US sl. • SANDBAGGER a person who lulls an opponent into security, and then suddenly attacks 
n. 1944 sl. • HATCHET JOB a fierce and unwanted verbal attack on someone or something, esp. in print, and esp. one intended to ruin their reputation 
 
n. 2000 UK sl. • JUGGING in prison: an attack with a jug of boiling sugared water 
n. Bk2006 US sl. • BLITZ a devastating attack 
n. Bk2006 US sl. • BLAST a verbal attack 
 
vb. c1205 obs. • ONSEEK to attack 
 
vb. c1330 obs. • LASH to assail, to attack 
vb. c1374 obs. • OFFEND to attack, to assault, to assail; also, to act on the offensive 
vb. 1387 obs. • SAULT to assault, to attack 
vb. c1390 obs. • AFFRAY to attack, to assault 
 
vb. a1400-50 obs. • TACHE to make a hostile charge or attack; to charge 
vb. c1400 obs. rare • CATCH to fasten, to attach 
vb. 1432-50 obs. • OPPUGN to fight against, to attack, to assault, to besiege 
vb. 1460 obs. • BESAIL to assail, to attack 
 
vb. 1546 obs. • HEAVE AT to threaten an attack upon; to take up a position of hostility to; to oppose 
vb. 1578 • BATTER to subject persons, opinions, etc. to heavy, crushing, or persistent attack 
vb. 1579 obs. • AFFRONT to engage in battle; to attack, to assault 
vb. 1596 • AGGRESS to set upon, to attack, to assault 
vb. 1599 obs. • CANVAS to subject to attack or assault 
vb. 1599 obs. • CANVASS (as above)
 
vb. 1602 obs. • ONSET to make an onset upon; to set upon, to attack 
vb. 1604 obs. • FALL ABOARD OF to come to words, to quarrel; to attack, to fall upon 
vb. 1644 • RABBLE to attack or assail a person on his property by means of a rabble; to mob 
vb. 1679 • HAVE A SMACK AT to make an attempt at or attack on 
 
vb. 1720 • TACK to attack 
vb. 1725 criminals' sl. • CHIV to attack with a sharp instrument; to stab; to cut; to slash; used only in regard to an attack upon a human 
vb. 1725 criminals' sl. • CHIVE (as above)
vb. 1775 Sc. • YOKE to attack; to grip, to seize; to tackle; to meddle with; to fight; to engage in, to dispute 
vb. 1790 Eng. dial. • TAKE TO to attack 
vb. M18 sl. • MOB to attack in a large group 
vb. M18 sl. • MOB IT (as above)
 
vb. 1812 boxing usage • RALLY to attack vigorously 
vb. 1815 • TOMAHAWK to attack savagely or mercilessly in speech or in writing; to demolish in a review or criticism 
vb. c1825 • BEGIN UPON A PERSON to attack or assail a person 
vb. 1827 Sc. • BICKER to attack with repeated strokes, to pelt with stones; to strike repeatedly 
vb. 1827 Sc. arch. • SAILYIE to assail, to assault, to attack 
vb. 1827 Sc. arch. • SAILZIE (as above)
vb. 1828 • TACKLE to attack, to punish 
vb. 1828 Sc. • RAISE ON to turn upon in anger, to attack 
vb. 1842 • BULL-DOG to attack like a bull-dog; to assail or treat roughly 
vb. 1851 sl. • LET INTO to attack 
vb. 1858 Amer. dial. • FAUNCE to rush, to make a sudden violent attack 
vb. 1864 colloq. • MUG to attack and rob a person, esp. in a public place 
vb. 1866 Amer. dial. • BUSHWHACK to attack by surprise; to ambush 
vb. 1879 UK colloq. • SET ABOUT to attack or assault someone 
vb. c1888 colloq. • LAY IN to attack with vigour 
vb. 1897 Eng. dial. • SAVAGE to attack savagely 
vb. Bk1898 Eng. dial. • GIVE BELLOWS TO MEND  of persons or things: to make a sharp attack upon, to beat soundly 
vb. Bk1898 Eng. dial. • BESET to attack 
vb. 19C Eng. dial. • FALL ABOARD to attack, assault 
vb. E19 sl. • LACE INTO to attack, to beat, to thrash 
vb. M19 Aust. sl. • SCRUFF to attack, to manhandle 
vb. M19 sl., orig. US • SAIL IN to attack physically or verbally 
vb. M19 sl., orig. US • SAIL INTO (as above)
vb. M19 sl. • WALK INTO to attack, to overcome, to demolish 
vb. M19 sl. • JUMP ON to attack, verbally or physically, someone who is seen to have exposed themselves to such an assault by their behaviour or their weakness 
vb. M19 sl. • JUMP UPON (as above)
vb. M19 sl. • SIC ON to set on, to have some attack a third party; to set someone on another person 
vb. M19 sl. SICK ON (as above)
vb. L19 cant • RUM-PAD to attack or rob on the highway 
vb. L19 sl. • SAP to attack using a blackjack (a club) 
vb. L19 sl. • SAP DOWN (as above)
vb. L19 sl. • SAP UP (as above)
vb. L19 sl. • TAKE A SHOT to attack, whether physically or verbally 
vb. L19 sl. • WALK ROUND to prepare oneself to face an attack 
vb. L19 sl. • TEAR DOWN to reprimand severely; to attack verbally 
 
vb. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • FANG AWAY to attack violently, to fight 
vb. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • FALL A-BONES OF ANYONE to attack, to assail 
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • INTERRUPT to annoy, to cause discomfort to, to disagree with; to interfere with, to attack, to pursue
vb. 1907 Amer. dial. • RAKE to scold severely, to attack verbally 
vb. 1907 US West. sl. • CRAWL ONE'S HUMP to attack someone 
 
vb. 1910s sl. • WALTZ INTO to attack 
vb. 1911 NZ sl. • TAKE TO SOMEONE to attack someone with the fists 
vb. 1917 Amer. dial. • FEATHER INTO to attack vigorously; to fight 
 
vb. 1920s sl. • TAKE to confront, to attack 
vb. 1920s US sl. • GANG to attack or kill as part of a gang, to gang up on 
 
vb. 1930s sl. • TAKE THE PISS OUT OF to attack verbally; to sneer or jeer at  
vb. 1930s US sl. • BOOST to attack 
vb. 1930s US prison sl. • COP A SUNDAY to attack suddenly by surprise  
vb. 1936 UK sl. • GLASS to attack someone's face using a glass or bottle as a weapon 
 
vb. 1940 US sl. • SANDBAG to lull someone into a false sense of security, and then suddenly attack them 
vb. 1940s Irish sl. • LURRY INTO to get stuck into, to attack 
vb. 1940s sl. • BADMOUTH to attack verbally, to slander 
vb. 1940s African-American • PUT ONE'S FOOT IN SOMEONE'S ASS to attack someone physically; to treat someone unkindly 
vb. 1940s US prison sl. • TAKE OVER THE HURDLES to attack in a group
vb. 1945 Aust. sl. • SMACK UP to attack someone; to beat someone up 
 
vb. 1950s sl. • TAKE A POKE AT to attack verbally, to cause problems for 
vb. 1950s W. Indies & Black British usage • TAKE LAG to criticize, to attack verbally
vb. 1957 US sl. • JAP to make a sneak attack on someone 
vb. 1959 Brit. sl. • CHIVEY to attack with a sharp instrument; to stab 
vb. 1959 Brit. sl. • CHIVVY (as above)
 
vb. 1960s sl. • GRUNGE to assault, to attack, to terrify 
vb. 1960s sl. • PUKE SOMEONE OFF to attack, to cause trouble for 
vb. 1960s sl. • TAKE A SHIT to cause trouble for, to attack 
vb. 1960s African-American sl. • SHOOT ON to belittle; to insult; to verbally attack  
vb. 1960s African-American & gang sl. • FALL DOWN ON to attack 
vb. 1960s African-American sl. • SCREAM ON ONE to give away a secret or to betray the confidence of someone; to tell; to inform; to attack  
vb. 1961 • BUST ON to attack verbally, to criticize or scold; in a weakened sense, to tease, to mock 
vb. 1966 UK vagrant alcoholics' sl. • BUG to attack someone with bricks, bottles, and boots  
vb. 1967 Aust. sl. • MONSTER to make a verbal attack on someone or something; to put pressure on 
vb. 1968 Aust. sl. • BLISTER to attack someone; to attack someone verbally 
vb. 1968 NZ sl. • GIVE SOMEONE ARSEHOLES to attack someone with vigour 
 
vb. 1970s African-American sl. • LIGHT UP to hit or attack someone 
vb. 1970s African-American sl. • VAMP ON to make an unjust attack, to arrest 
vb. 1977 Amer. sl. • JUMP UP SOMEONE'S ASS to attack someone 
 
vb. 1980 Can. sl. • GO ABOARD OF SOMEONE to act vigorously and aggressively; to attack or scold vigorously 
vb. 1980s NZ sl. • DEAL SOMEONE ONE to attack someone; to give someone a blow or beating 
vb. 1980s sl. • JUMP ON SOMEONE'S BONES to attack 
vb. 1980s sl. • JUMP SOMEONE'S BONES (as above)
vb. 1980s African-American sl. • JUMP SOMEONE'S BONESTAKE SOMEONE TO THE BRIDGE to attack, physically or verbally 
vb. 1980s African-American sl. • TAKE SOMEONE TO THE HOOP (as above)
vb. 1981 US sl. • DOWNMOUTH to attack verbally, to slander 
vb. 1984 UK sl. • BOTTLE to attack someone with a bottle, esp. in the face 
vb. 1984 UK sl. • BITE SOMEONE'S HEAD OFF to attack verbally, esp. as a disproportionate response 
vb. 1984 UK sl. • SNAP SOMEONE'S HEAD OFF (as above)
 vb. 1985 Sc. sl. • MALKY to attack and cut someone with a razor; to stab 
 
vb. 1990s sl. • TAKE A POP to attack verbally 
vb. 1990s sl. • PANEL to attack, to beat up 
vb. 1990s sl. • TAKE THE RIP OUT OF to mock, to criticize, to attack verbally 
vb. 1990s US college sl. • MAD-DOG to attack verbally 
vb. 1992 Ireland • GO TO TOWN ON to attack excessively either verbally or physically 
vb. 1996 UK sl. • JUG to attack someone with a jug of boiling water, esp. sugared water 
vb. 1997 Irish sl. • SKULL to strike someone; to attack someone 
vb. 1998 US sl. • BATTLE to attack someone verbally 
vb. Bk1999 Aust. sl. • SINK THE BOOT to kick viciously; to attack verbally 
vb. Bk1999 Aust. sl. • SINK THE SLIPPER (as above)
 
vb. 20C Aust. sl. • DEAL IT OUT to attack, esp. verbally; to punish 
vb. 20C Aust. sl. • DEAL OUT (as above)
vb. 20C colloq. • DROP INTO to attack fiercely 
vb. 20C sl. • TEAR INTO to attack physically or verbally 
vb. 20C sl. • WHALE INTO to attack physically 
vb. 20C sl. • RAG to attack, to cause trouble; to rob 
vb. 20C US prison sl. • COP A HEEL to attack from behind 
vb. 20C US prison sl. • COP AND HEEL (as above)
vb. 20C W. Indies sl. • SPELL FOR to wait for, with the intention of attacking verbally or physically 
vb. L20 Sc. sl. • FILL IN SOMEONE'S COUPON to attack a person's face with the jagged end of a smashed bottle 
 
vb. 2001 UK sl. • VEX to engage someone in an abusive verbal attack 
vb. 2003 UK sl. • GUN to attack verbally 
vb. Bk2006 US sl. • BLAST to attack or criticize someone or something verbally 
 ​

ATTAIN,  ATTAINED,  ATTAINMENT

n. 1548 obs. • ADEPTION an obtaining, gaining, or attainment 
 
n. 1602 obs. • EFFECT something which is attained or acquired by an action 
 
vb. a1000 obs. • ACOME to come to, to attain, to reach 
 
vb. 1382 obs. • CATCH to obtain by exertion; to attain, to get possession of 
 
vb. 1483 obs. • AFFECT to aim at, to aspire to, to make for; to seek to obtain or attain 
 
vb. 1892 Sc. • CLEAR THE HARROWS to get one's object, to attain one's desire 
​

ATTEMPT,  ATTEMPTABLE,  ATTEMPTED

adj. c1175 obs. • YFONDED attempted, tried, tested, tempted 
 
adj. 1576 obs. rare • VENTURABLE adventurable; attemptable; venturous, hazardous 
 
adj. 1935 UK sl. • ON possible, feasible, worthy of an attempt 
 
n. a1000 obs. • FANDING a trying to do or find out something; an attempt, an experiment 
n. a1000 obs. • FONDING (as above)
 
n. 1581 rare or obs. • OFFER an attempt at doing something, or a show of this; the act of aiming at something, an aim
 
n. 1660 Sc. & Eng. dial. • MINT an aim, attempt at, effort, endeavour 
 
n. 1723 Sc. & Eng. dial. • SAY an assay, an attempt; a trial piece of work 
n. 1773 Sc. obs. • SAY-PIECE a trial piece of work; a first attempt at anything 
 
n. 1836 Amer. • HACK an attempt, a try 
n. 1839 Sc. • ETTLE an attempt, an effort, an endeavour, an aim, an intent 
n. 1861 US sl. • DAB a try; an attempt; a crack 
n. 1874 sl. • FLUTTER an attempt at anything; an exciting venture at betting or cards 
n. 1884 • WHACK a chance, a turn or attempt 
n. 1895 • SHOT IN THE DARK a very general attempt; a wild guess 
n. M19 sl. • SLAP a go, an attempt, hence a bet 
n. M19 sl. • SHY an attempt; a 'go' 
 
n. Bk1900 Eng. dial. • INDEAVERANCE an attempt; one's utmost effort 
n. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • IMITATION an attempt 
n. 1903 Sc. • OFFERING feeble attempt 
n. Bk1904 Eng. dial. • SCRAMP a snatching; a hurried attempt 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • PAN an attempt, an effort 
 
n. 1917 Aust. & NZ colloq. • BIRL a try or attempt; a test 
n. 1917 Aust. & NZ colloq. ​• BURL (as above)
 
n. 1931 colloq. • DASH an attempt 
 
n. 20C US sl. • JAB an attempt, a try 
n. 20C colloq. • TAKE a try or attempt 
 
phr. 1887 Eng. dial. • DON'T STRETCH THE ARMS FARTHER THAN THE SLEEVES REACH don't attempt anything beyond one's means 
 
vb. a1225 obs. • FAND to attempt, to try 
vb. a1225 obs. • FOND (as above)
 
vb. c1450 obs. • BUSK to try, to make an attempt 
vb. c1487 obs. • AFFORCE to endeavour, attempt, or try 
vb. 1488 obs. rare • AFOND to try, to attempt 
 
vb. c1530 • LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A MEADOW to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task 
vb. 1599 obs. • SEEK A HARE IN A HEN'S NEST to attempt something that is almost impossible 
vb. 1599 obs. • GIVE THE VENTURE to make the attempt 
 
vb. 1623 obs. • NIXURIATE to endeavour, to attempt 
vb. a1626 obs. exc. Eng. dial. • IMITATE to make an attempt; to endeavour to do something 
vb. 1658 • MAKE BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW to attempt a task without provision of the necessary materials or means 
vb. 1679 • HAVE A SMACK AT to make an attempt at or attack on 
vb. 1690 • SEEK A NEEDLE IN A BOTTLE OF HAY to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task 
 
vb. 1711 • SEEK A NEEDLE IN A TRUSS OF HAY to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task 
vb. 1722 Sc. & Eng. & Amer. dial. • OFFER to attempt, to try; to make an effort or start; to show intention or promise of
vb. 1724 Sc. • MINT to endeavour, to attempt; to venture, to dare, to presume 
vb. 1725 Sc. • ETTLE to attempt, to endeavour; to strive after, to struggle hard to obtain 
vb. 1742 • LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A BOTTLE OF HAY to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task
 
vb. 1809 Sc. • MIRD to attempt, to venture 
vb. 1835 • GIVE IT A GO to make an attempt 
vb. 1835 • HAVE A GO AT (as above)
vb. 1836 sl., orig. US • HAVE A CRACK AT to make an attempt 
vb. 1836 sl., orig. US • TAKE A CRACK AT (as above)
vb. 1847 • TACKLE to grapple with, to attempt to deal with 
vb. 1847 Sc. • OFFER AT to make an attempt at; to aim at 
vb. 1851 Eng. dial. • HAUSE to prepare; to attempt, to try; to offer 
vb. 1851 Eng. dial. • HAWSE (as above)
vb. 1855 • LOOK FOR A NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK to attempt an extremely difficult, impossible, or foolish task 
vb. 1878 sl. • TAKE A SHOT to make an attempt , to try 
vb. 1878 sl. • TAKE A SHOT AT (as above)
vb. 1878 sl. • HAVE A SHOT AT (as above)
vb. 1879 Eng. dial. • DEVER to try, to attempt, to endeavour 
vb. 1884 Amer. dial. • LAM AWAY AT to make an attempt to 
vb. 1884 sl., orig. US • GIVE IT A WHIRL to make an attempt  
vb. Bk1886 Eng. dial. • AWSE to attempt 
vb. 1890 • GO TO MARKET to make an attempt at something 
vb. 1891 sl., orig. US • HAVE A WHACK AT to make an attempt 
vb. 1891 sl., orig. US • TAKE A WHACK AT (as above)
vb. 1894 Aust. & NZ sl. • HAVE A LASH AT to make an attempt 
vb. 1895 sl., orig. US • HAVE A STAB AT to make an attempt; to guess 
vb. 1895 sl., orig. US • MAKE A STAB AT (as above)
vb. B1900 • FINISH ALADDIN'S WINDOW to attempt to complete something begun by a great genius, but left imperfect; to attempt to complete a task beyond one's powers 
vb. B1900 Eng. dial. • TEND to attempt 
vb. B1900 Eng. dial. • TEMPT to attempt, to try 
 
vb. 1900 US sl. • MAKE A DAB to make an attempt at a thing 
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • AWM to set about a thing, to begin, to move, to attempt 
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • HAUM (as above)
vb. Bk1902 Eng. dial. • HAWM (as above) 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • MAKE to attempt; to try; to offer 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • RAP to hazard; to attempt a thing at all risks 
vb. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • HAVE A RAP AT ANYTHING to make an attempt, hit or miss 
 
vb. 1919 Aust. sl. • GIVE IT A FLY to make an attempt, to have a go 
vb. 1919 Aust. sl. • HAVE A FLY AT (as above)
 
vb. 1920s sl. • TAKE A POP AT to make an attempt 
vb. 1923 Aust. colloq. • HAVE A DASH AT to make an attempt 
 
vb. 1930s sl. • TAKE A POKE AT to have a try, to attempt 
vb. 1933 Aust. & NZ sl. • GIVE IT A BIRL to make an attempt 
vb. 1933 Aust. & NZ sl. • GIVE IT A BURL (as above)
 
vb. 1948 sl., chiefly Brit. • HAVE A BASH AT to make an attempt 
 
vb. Bk1999 • CHANCE ONE'S ARM to make a speculative attempt; to try something not very likely to succeed 
​

ATTEND,  ATTENDANCE,  ATTENDANT,  ATTENDING

adj. 1603 obs. • ADVERTISING attending, attentive 
 
n. a1300 arch., literary usage • HANDMAIDEN a female personal attendant or servant  
n. a1300 obs. • FARNET a band, company, train of attendants 
n. a1300 obs. • FERNET (as above)
n. a1300 obs. • HAND-WOMAN a female attendant; a handmaid 
n. a1300 obs. • HARLOT a male servant or attendant; a menial 
n. a1330 obs. • WARDECORPS a body-guard; an armed personal attendant 
n. 1382 arch. • HANDMAID a female personal attendant or servant 
 
n. a1425 obs. • CUSTRON a camp follower or sutler; a servant or attendant to a knight or man-at-arms 
n. 1474 • CUSTREL a servant or attendant to a knight or man-at-arms; esp. one who is a member of man-at-arm's lance, and is armed with a custil or coutel (knife or dagger) 
 
n. 1547 obs. • ADMINISTER an attendant, a servant 
n. a1556 obs. • CUSTRELING a servant or attendant to a knight or man-at-arms 
n. c1560 obs. rare • BACKMAN a follower, a retainer, an attendant 
n. 1565 arch. • WAITING-WOMAN a female servant, or personal attendant 
n. 1567 Sc. obs. • JACKMAN an attendant or retainer kept by a nobleman or landowner 
n. 1578 obs. • HANDSERVANT a servant attending upon one; an attendant 
 
n. 1600 obs. • VELVET-JACKET an attendant or retainer wearing a jacket of velvet 
n. 1607 • BARNACLE a companion or follower that sticks close, and will not be dismissed; a constant attendant 
n. 1610 arch. or obs. • VALECT a personal attendant 
n. 1624  obs. • HANGING-HOLDER an attendant 
n. 1625 obs. • JACK-HOLD-MY-STAFF a too humble servant; a servile attendant 
n. 1652 obs. • WAIT one who waits in services, an attendant 
 
n. 1744 rare • TOAD-EATER a humble friend or dependant; a female companion or attendant; used contemptuously 
 
n. 1816 Sc. • WALLIE a personal servant or attendant 
n. 1816 Sc. • WALLY (as above)
n. 1824 S. Afr. rare • AFTER-RIDER a mounted groom or other attendant 
n. 1829 • ACOLYTE an attendant or junior assistant in any ceremony or operation; a novice 
n. 1836-7 • JACK a serving-man or male attendant; a labourer; a man who does odd jobs, etc. 
n. 1837 • FAMULUS an attendant, esp. on a scholar or a magician 
n. 1883 Oxford University usage • FAIR HERD a good attendance of strangers 
n. 1887 • MAN FRIDAY a servile follower or attendant; a servant of all work 
n. 1887 • SATELLITE an attendant upon a person of importance, forming part of his retinue and employed to execute his orders; often with reproachful connotation, implying subserviency or unscrupulousness in the service; a personal servant 
n. B1900 Eng. dial. • TENTER one who takes care of anything; an attendant, keeper 
 
n. Bk1999 Aust. sl. • TWO MEN AND A DOG very few people; a poor attendance  
 
vb. a1250 obs. • SUE to follow as an attendant, companion, or adherent; to accompany, to attend upon 
 
vb. 1559 obs. rare • AFFELLOWSHIP to be in fellowship with, to accompany, to attend 
 
vb. M18 sl. • DANGLE to be in attendance, as a servant 
 
vb. 1832 Sc. & Eng. dial. • TENT to attend to; to look after; to take care of; to watch or mind animals; to watch birds to drive them away 
vb. 1859 Amer. dial. • TEND OUT ON to attend to, to take care of 
 
vb. 1900 US sl. • STAG to attend a social occasion unaccompanied 
​

ATTENTION,  ATTENTIVE,  ATTENTIVELY,  ATTENTIVENESS

adj. a1000 obs. • BUSY solicitous, concerned; anxious, uneasy, troubled; careful, attentive 
 
adj. 1548 obs. • HEEDY heedful, careful, attentive, cautious, wary, watchful 
adj. 1565 obs. • OFFICIOUS doing or ready to do kind offices; eager to serve or please; attentive, obliging, kind 
adj. 1591 Sc. & N. Eng. dial. • EIDENT diligent, industrious, busy, attentive to; hard-working 
adj. 1596 obs. • ADVICEFUL considerate, thoughtful, attentive, careful 
 
adj. 1603 obs. • ADVERTISING attending, attentive 
adj. 1611 rare • OBSERVATIVE pert. to observation; observant, attentive, heedful 
adj. 1625 • PUNCTILIOUS extremely attentive to details, ceremony, or procedure; strict or exact in the observance of formalities or amenities 
adj. 1635 • EYE-TAKING attracting attention; alluring 
adj. 1646 obs. • ARRECT intent, attentive, on the alert 
adj. 1671 • ADVERTENT attentive, heedful 
adj. 1685 Sc. & Eng. dial. • TENTY careful, heedful, attentive; watchful, cautious 
 
adj. 1789 Sc. • TENT watchful, attentive; keen; intent 
adj. 1791 Sc. & Eng. dial. • TENTIVE attentive, careful 
 
adj. 1804 Sc. obs. • VERTIE careful, cautious, prudent; industrious, wide-awake, eager; attentive to business 
adj. 1812 Sc. • AIDENT of mental or moral qualities: conscientious, watchful, careful, attentive 
adj. 1823 Sc. • THOUGHTY thoughtful, given to reflection; attentive; intelligent 
adj. 1833 Amer. dial. • TENDFUL requiring attention; esp. said of a child 
adj. 1860s Amer. colloq. • ALL EARS very eager to hear; acutely attentive 
adj. 1870 Eng. dial. • TENTFUL careful, attentive 
adj. 1898 Aust. sl. • LAIRY showy, ostentatious, attention-seeking 
adj. 1898 Aust. sl. • LAREY (as above)
adj. 1898 Aust. sl. • LARY (as above)
 
adj. 1901 • ATTENTIONAL pert. to attention 
adj. 1908 Sc. • ANSABLE heedful, attentive, obedient 
adj. 1908 Sc. • ANSIBLE (as above)
 
adj. 1929 Sc. • AINTY attentive, kindly 
 
adj. 1960s US sl. • ON being the focus of attention, performing, needing to impress 
 
adj. 1980 US • BUZZWORTHY lively to general enthusiastic interest and attention, esp. in the popular media 
adj. 1982 colloq. • HIGH-MAINTENANCE of a person: requiring a high level of care and attention; demanding 
 
adv. c1225 obs. • BUSILY with fixed attention; carefully, heedfully; attentively, intently 
 
adv. 1375 obs. • ADVISEDLY with watchfulness or attention; warily, attentively, carefully, circumspectly 
 
adv. 1483 • WITH ALL ONE'S EYES with an intense or keen gaze, intently; with full attention 
 
adv. 1548 • WITH ALL THE EYES IN ONE'S HEAD with an intense or keen gaze, intently; with full attention 
adv. 1574 obs. • GARDANTLY attentively 
adv. a1586 obs. • MARKINGLY attentively 
 
adv. 1785 Sc. • TENTY carefully, attentively; cautiously 
 
adv. 1838 Sc. • EIDENTLY diligently, industriously, attentively 
adv. Bk1888 rare • ADVERTENTLY heedfully, attentively 
 
adv. Bk1905 Eng. dial. obs. • TENTIFLY with attention 
 
int. c1290 obs. • HALE! a cry to call attention 
 
int. a1300 obs. • HE! an exclamation used to draw attention or express emotion 
 
int. a1700 • HALLOO! an exclamation to call attention at a distance, to express surprise, etc. 
 
int. 1827-32 Ireland • YARRAH! an exclamation of surprise; frequently used in accosting a person, or in calling attention
int. 1874 Amer. dial. • HOOEE! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. 
int. 1874 Amer. dial. • HOO-EE-AH! (as above)
int. 1880 Eng. dial. • YALLACK! look here! an exclamation denoting surprise or calling attention to anything 
int. 1880 Eng. dial. • YELLOOK! (as above)
int. 1880 Eng. dial. • YELLUCKS! (as above)
int. 1880 Eng. dial. • YOLLOCK! (as above)
int. 1882 Amer. dial. • HOO-WEE! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. 
int. 1888 Amer. dial. • WHOOEE! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. 
int. 1891 Eng. dial. • THICCY! an exclamation used to call attention to anything 
int. 1891 Eng. dial. • THIKKI! (as above)
 
int. Bk1905 Sc. • OISIE! an exclamation of wonder, or used as a note of attention 
 
int. 1924 Amer. dial. • WHOOIE! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. 
 
int. 1932 Amer. dial. • WHOO! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc.  
int. 1934 Amer. dial. • YA HEY! used as an affirmation, greeting, or attention-getter
int. 1934 Amer. dial. • YA HEY DERE! (as above)
int. 1934 Amer. dial. •  YAH HEY! (as above)
 
int. Bk1947 Amer. sl. • COME TO THE PARTY pay attention 
 
int. 1965 Amer. dial. • HOO-HEE! used to attract attention or to express surprise, joy, pain, etc. 
int. 1965 Amer. dial. • WHOO-HEE! (as above)
 
int. 1980s African-American sl. • WORD! an exhortation to listen, to pay attention 
int. 1980s African-American sl. • WORD UP! (as above)
 
int. Bk2006 US sl. • DIG UP! listen up! pay attention! 
 
n. c893 obs. • YEME care, heed, attention 
 
n. a1225 • OPEN EAR a listening or attentive ear 
n. c1250 obs. • KEEP care, attention, heed, notice 
 
n. 1330 obs. • ADVISEMENT the process of looking at or viewing; observation, notice, attention, consideration 
n. c1370 • ADVERTENCE the act of turning the attention to; observation, notice, heed, attention, consideration 
n. 1377 obs. • MARK attention, notice 
n. a1398 obs. • BUSINESS care, attention, observance 
 
n. 1523 obs. • ADVERTISEMENT the turning of the mind to anything; attention, observation, heed 
n. 1565 obs. rare • OFFICIOSITY the quality of being officious; attentiveness, dutifulness 
n. a1569 obs. • GARD attention, watchfulness; also, the object of one's attention 
 
n. 1646 • ADVERTENCY the quality of being attentive; attentiveness, heedfulness 
n. 1647 obs. rare • ADVERSION attention, perception 
 
n. 1805 Sc. obs. • OBSERVE notice, attention 
n. 1824 Sc. & Eng. dial. • TENT a look; observation, notice, attention 
n. 1843 Sc. • KEEVEE attention, alertness, vigilance 
n. 1843 Sc. • KEEVIE (as above)
n. 1843 Sc. • KEEVY (as above)
n. L19 African-American sl. • RABBIT FOOT attention 
 
n. 1902 Eng. dial. • TENDANCE attention, care 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • HAND-TETHERS pursuits requiring constant attention 
n. Bk1905 Eng. dial. • HAND-TIES (as above)
 
n. Bk1913 Amer. dial. • LICK AND A PROMISE scant care or attention 
 
n. 1930s sl. • ATTENSH attention 
 
n. 1953 sl., orig. & chiefly US • SHOWBOAT an attention-seeker or show-off  
 
phr. 1980s W. Indies & Black British teen sl. • ON A AY YO TRIP used of one who is forever demanding attention, making him or herself conspicuous  
 
vb. c825 obs. • BEHOLD to consider; to give attention or regard 
vb. c897 obs. • YEME to give heed or attention to, to attend to, to look after; to take heed 
 
vb. c1200 obs. • BESEE to be attentive, to pay attention to 
 
vb. c1420 • HALLOW to shout to attract attention, etc. 
vb. 1430 • ADVERT to turn one's attention; to take notice, to take heed, to pay attention 
 
vb. 1564 obs. • GIVE GOOD EYE to pay close attention to; to watch attentively 
vb. 1577 colloq. • BE ALL EARS to give all one's attention, to listen 
vb. 1582 obs. • GIVE BUSINESS TO to pay attention to, to attend to diligently 
 
vb. 1725 Sc. • MAKE MICKLE OF to show great attention to, to make much of 
vb. 1789 Sc. • TENT to pay attention to; to heed; to listen to 
 
vb. 1824 Sc. & Eng. dial. • TAKE TENT OF to pay attention to; to notice, to observe 
vb. 1838 Sc. & Eng. dial. • MIND to observe, to notice; to pay attention or heed to 
vb. 1839 US sl. • TAKE THE CORN to become the centre of attention 
vb. 1863 US colloq. • RUSH to lavish attention on a person, typically a woman, esp. with a view to a romantic or sexual relationship 
vb. 1891 Sc. • ANT to show attention to, to respect, to obey 
vb. 1896 Eng. dial. • HARP to listen to; to hearken, to pay attention 
vb. 1898 Eng. dial. • TANTLE to pet, to fondle, to caress; to humour a child; to pay much attention to; to nurse and feed with care 
vb. 1898 Eng. dial. • TONTLE (as above)
 
vb. 1908 Sc. • ANSE to heed, to care, to mind, to pay attention to 
 
vb. Bk1913 Amer. dial. • TEND TO to pay attention 
 
vb. 1934 Sc. • NEEF to pay attention 
vb. 1935 Amer. sl. • BEND AN EAR to pay attention; to listen 
 
vb. 1940s Amer. sl. • SNAP TO to become sharply attentive and responsive 
vb. 1948 Amer. sl. • BAG ONTO to grab; hence, to pay attention to 
 
vb. 1960s Amer. students' sl. • PULL ONE'S HEAD OUT to pay attention to one's affairs; to wake up  
 
vb. 1970 Amer. sl. • RING ONE'S CHIMES to arouse one's attention; to excite 
 
vb. Bk1999 Aust. sl. • DRAW THE CRABS to attract unwelcome attention 
​