C
CLAIM - CLOSING
CLAIM - nouns
• BEANS a claim; rights; right of priority; 'dibs' ...1956 Amer. dial.
• DIBBIES a claim; rights; right of priority ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DIBS a claim; rights; right of priority ...1930 Amer. dial.
• GOOFIES a claim; rights, dibs ...1905 Amer. dial.
• HASSAYAMPING telling a lie; making a preposterous claim; exaggerating ...1901 Amer. dial.
• VENCHES 'dibs'; a claim; rights; right of priority ...2000 Amer. dial.
• VENS 'dibs'; a claim; rights; right of priority ...1991 Amer. dial.
• WACKIE(S) a claim or right to something ...1943 Amer. dial.
claim - verbs
• BAGS to claim rights to something; to reserve something ...1944 Aust. sl.
• BALLOW to lay claim to an object, partner in a game, etc., by right of first choice ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BAR to claim a privilege or possession ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BARLEY to claim by right of first choice, to bespeak ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BETELL † to lay claim to; to win, to rescue ...c1205
• BONEY to claim possession of something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BONEY-EYE vb. to claim possession of something ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BONNY to claim possession of something ...1950 Amer. dial.
• FINNIE to lay claim to, to latch on to ...1956 Amer. dial.
• MUGS to claim possession of ...1936 Amer. dial.
• TAKE † to profess or claim to do something ...a1500 obs.
• VENDICATE † to claim for oneself ...1531
• VINCE to choose; to stake a claim or reserve a right to something ...1922 Amer. dial.
• WACKIE to stake a claim or reserve a right to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
claim - interjections/phrases
• AIKIES! that's mine! I want to do that!; a child's term used to claim the whole or an equal part of an object ...1930s US sl.
• ALL MINES! they're all mine; a children's expression used to lay entire claim to something found or won ...1956 Amer. dial.
• CHAPS ME THAT! I claim that! ...M19 Sc. children's colloq.
• DIGSIES! an exclamation used to claim part ownership ...1957 Amer. dial.
• GOODS! that's mine; used as a claim or rights to something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• GOODS ON IT! that's mine; used as a claim or rights to something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• I BONAS IT I claim it ...1895 Amer. dial.
• I BONERS IT phr. I claim it ...1966 Amer. dial.
• I BONEY IT phr. I claim it ...1944 Amer. dial.
• I BONNY IT phr. I claim it ...1950 Amer. dial.
• KEEPS! an exclamation to stake a claim ...1956 Amer. dial.
• NIBS! a claim call ...1957 Amer. dial.
• TABS! used to lay claim to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
• YAKERS ON IT! I claim it! ...1944 Amer. dial.
CLAIMING - nouns
• VENDICATION † a claiming; a challenging to oneself ...1658
CLAIRVOYANCE, CLAIRVOYANT - person
• YOGI-BOGEY - * a disparaging term for a person who follows or believes in spiritualism, mysticism, clairvoyance, etc.; a mystic; a seer ...1901
CLAM - nouns
• FANNIE DADDIES fried clams ...1939 Amer. dial.
• SALT-WATER VEGETABLE an oyster or clam ...M19 sl.
clam - person
• MUD DIGGER one who digs for clams and oysters ...1970 Amer. dial.
• MUSSEL-MUCKER one who drags for freshwater clams ...1938
clam - verbs
• SHOCK to remove an outer covering from; to remove from an outer covering; to open clams or oysters; to husk corn ...1856 Amer. dial.
CLAMBER - nouns
• SCRAUCHLE a clamber, a crawl ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRAWM a climb, clamber ...1897 Eng. dial.
clamber - verbs
• KAME of a child: to climb or clamber up ...1938 Sc.
• RAMMACK, RAMMOCK, RAMMUCK to romp; to rush about riotously; to clamber about ...1884 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCRAWM to climb, to clamber ...1790 Eng. dial.
CLAMMY - adjectives
• CLITCHY - clammy, gummy ...Bk1896 Eng. dial.
• DAUBY sticky, clammy, dirty, untidy ...Bk1900 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• GARRIE sticky, clammy ...1929 Sc.
• LENTOUS clammy, viscid ...1646 nonce word
• PUGGY damp and sticky from perspiration; clammy, sweaty, dirty, grimy ...1790 Eng. dial.
• URY clammy, covered with perspiration ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WACHIE clammy, wet; foggy ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WACK † moist, damp, wet, clammy ...1513 Sc
CLAMOROUS - adjectives
• CLAMOSE † noisy, clamorous ...c1380
• CRIOUS † noisy; clamorous ...1382
• GLAMROUS † noisy, clamorous ...1488 Sc.
• OBSTREPEROUS characterized by great noise or outcry, esp. in opposition; clamorous, noisy; vociferous ...c1600
• OBSTROPOLOUS characterized by great noise or outcry, especially in opposition; clamorous, noisy; vociferous ...1748
clamorous - person
• BAUSON, BAWSON a clamorous, noisy, empty-headed person ...1830 Eng. dial.
• BELL-WETHER, BELWEATHER a clamorous person; one ready to give mouth; a gossiping woman; a fretful child ...c1460
• BELYORE - a noisy clamorous person ...1924 Sc.
• BILLINGSGATE - † a clamouring, foul-mouthed person; a vulgar abuser; a scolding impudent slut ...1683
CLAMOUR - adjectives
• YAMMERING making an outcry or clamour ...1895
clamour - nouns
• BERE † clamour, outcry, shouting, roaring; the noise of voices of men or animals ...c1205
• MIRATION a display of wonderment, surprise, or admiration; a fuss, a clamour ...1888 Amer. dial.
• NARRATION an uproar, fuss, clamour, noisy altercation, disturbance ...1871 Sc.
• OBSTREPEROUSNESS vociferousness; clamour; noisy behaviour; noisy and unruly resistance to control ...1655
• ORATION a confused noise or uproar; a clamour, disturbance; a hubbub; a fuss; noisy public talk or rumour ...1828 Eng. dial.
• PEAL, PEEL a noise, clamour; an outcry ...Bk1903 Eng. dial.
• RAIRD † a loud noise or clamour; a riot; confusion; a sudden report ...Bk1905 Sc.
• REEMOUS a clamour ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SANG a fuss, clamour, to-do, outcry ...1739 Sc.
• SCLAMMER clamour ...1920 Sc.
• TAIRDY a din, clamour, hullabaloo ...1930 Sc.
• TINTAMARRE * a loud and confused noise, uproar, clamour, racket, din, hubbub ...1567
• YABBLE a noisy clamour of voices ...1827 Sc.
• YAMMERING an outcry, clamour ...1937
• YATTER the confused noise caused by many people talking loudly and together; a babel of tongues, a clamour; unintelligible speech ...1825 Sc.
clamour - verbs
• OBSTREPERATE †* to make a loud noise, clamour, or outcry ...1765
• TEAR THE TARTAN to talk loudly and volubly, to jabber away, to make a great clamour ...1934 Sc.
CLANDESTINE - adjectives
• CLANCULAR † clandestine; secret; private; concealed ...1621
• CLANCULARIOUS † private, secret; unknown; clandestine, underhand ...1656
• HIDLINGS hidden, secret, underhand, clandestine ...L18 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• HUGGRY-MUGGRY secret, clandestine ...B1900 Sc.
• SIDE surreptitious, clandestine ...20C sl.
• SUBREPTITIOUS clandestine, surreptitious ...1610
• UNDER COVER in hiding, secret, clandestine ...1928 US criminals' sl.
• UNDERHAND secret, clandestine, surreptitious ...1592
• UNDER THE BED clandestine, secret, corrupt ...M19
• UNDER THE TABLE clandestine, secret, corrupt ...M19
clandestine - nouns
• HIDLINGS secret or clandestine operations ...E19
• HUGGRY-MUGGRY clandestine conduct ...B1900 Sc.
clandestine - verbs
• TEET to peep; to peep or pry in a sly, clandestine manner ...1785 Sc.
CLANDESTINELY - adverbs
• HIDLINS secretly, stealthily, clandestinely ...a1225 Sc.
• UNDERBOARD † in an underhand or secret manner; clandestinely; not openly or honestly; opposed to 'aboveboard' ...1581
• UNDER THE LAP clandestinely ...1940s Aust. sl.
CLANG - verbs
• TANG to emit a sharp and loud ringing or clanging sound; to ring, to clang ...1686
CLANGING - nouns
• SISERARY a loud clanging noise ...a1770
CLAP - verbs
• BEFLAP † to clap ...1388
• TACK to clap the hands ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLAPPING - nouns
• MITT POUNDING applause; clapping ...1930s US Black sl.
CLARET - nouns
• LONG CORK claret ...L18 sl.
• PARLOUR FULL OF RAZORS a drink composed of claret and lemonade ...1930s US sl.
• RED-FUSTIAN claret ...1834 sl.
claret - person
• DR. MAGNUM BONUM one fond of claret ...c1755 Sc.
CLARIFY - verbs
• LET DAYLIGHT INTO to clarify one's thoughts or thinking on a specific subject; to contribute facts or ideas to a discussion ...20C Amer. sl.
• LET SUNLIGHT INTO to clarify one's thoughts or thinking on a specific subject; to contribute facts or ideas to a discussion ...20C Amer. sl.
CLARINET - nouns
• AGONY PIPE a clarinet ...1930s US sl.
• GOBSTICK a clarinet ...sl.
• LICORICE STICK a clarinet ...1935 US jazz sl.
• LIQUORICE STICK a clarinet ...c1945 Brit. sl.
clarinet - person
• LICORICE-STICKER one who plays the clarinet ...1935 US jazz sl.
CLASH - nouns
• RASH a crash or clash ...c1470 Sc.
clash - verbs
JAR to come into conflict, to clash ...1621
CLASHING - adjectives
• JARRING discordant, conflicting, clashing ...1661
CLASP - nouns
• DALK † a pin, brooch, clasp, buckle ...c1000
• HASPEDE †* a clasp, a hook ...a1300
• KEEP † a clasp or similar fastening ...1615
• SCLASP † a clasp; the act of clasping ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TACK † that which fastens one thing to another, or things together; a clasp, a buckle, a hook, a nail, etc. ...a1300
• TASH a clasp; a buckle, ribbon, or fastening for clothes; a pendant ...1772 Sc.
• TATCH a clasp; a buckle, ribbon, or fastening for clothes; a pendant ...1772 Sc.
clasp - verbs
• AMPLECT † to embrace, to clasp ...1525
• AMPLEX † to embrace, to clasp ...1543
• BECLIP to fold in the arms, to embrace, to clasp ...c1000 arch.
• BELAP † to lap about, to clasp, to enfold, to envelop; to environ, to surround ...c1200
• FAIK †* to enfold, to clasp ...1513 Sc.
• FANG † to lay hold of; to grasp; to hold; to seize; to clasp. to embrace ...c1200
• FATHOM † to clasp or embrace a person ...c1440
• HALCH † to clasp in one's arms, to embrace ...a1300 obs.
• HASP † to clasp, to embrace ...a1300
• LAP † to fold in the arms; to clasp, to embrace ...c1350
• LATCH † to take hold of, to grasp, to seize, esp. with the hand or claws; to clasp, to embrace ...c1000
• SCLASP † to clasp ...Bk1904 Sc.
CLASPED - adjectives
• CLIPSOME * fit to be embraced or clasped ...1816
CLASS (also see HIGH-CLASS, LOW-CLASS) - adjectives
• PUCKER of the highest class, best, excellent ...20C sl.
class - nouns
• LAG † the lowest class ...1607
• RANK † a class, set, kind of persons or things ...1585
• TIP-TOP the highest social class ...colloq., chiefly Brit.
• UPPER CRUST, THE the upper classes ...1843 sl.
class - person
• GIN AND JAGUAR BIRD a wealthy (usually married) woman from the upper-class districts, and in some senses likely to be 'racy' or sexual accommodating ...1970s sl.
• MUDSILL a person of the lowest possible social class ...US Civil War usage
• PIKEY (derogatory) a member of the underclass ...Brit. sl.
• SLOANE a fashionable and conventional upper-middle-class young person (usually female), esp. living in London ...1975 Brit. sl.
• SLOANE RANGER a fashionable and conventional upper-middle-class young person (usually female), esp. living in London ...1975 Brit. sl.
• SLOANIE a 'Sloane Ranger' ...1982 Brit. sl.
class - verbs
• ORDER †* to class, to rank ...1662
class - phrases
• IN THE TOP FLIGHT in the highest class
CLASSIFY - verbs
• BAG to classify ...1967 Amer. sl.
CLASSY - adjectives
• BITCHEN-TWITCHEN excellent; great; classy ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BLIP classy ...1948 US sl.
• RITZY classy, stylish, fashionable..1920 US sl.
classy - person
• BARNBURNER - a very classy, stylish woman ...1930s US sl.
CLATTER, CLATTERING - nouns
• BRATTLE a loud, clattering noise; the crash of thunder or of a storm; a noisy fray ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DING-DANG noise, clatter, confusion ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG noise, clatter, confusion ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NICKER a clatter, a rapping sound, as the crackling of wooden articles when disturbed, a creak ...1881 Sc.
• RALLION a din, clatter ...1790 Sc.
• RANGE a clattering noise ...Bk1905 Sc.
• RATTLE-BAG anything that makes a rattling noise; a lout clatter ...1781 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BAGGER a loud clatter ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-CUM-BANG a loud, rattling noise; a clatter ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-TRAP a clattering noise ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• REELING a loud clattering noise ...Bk1904 Sc.
• REESHLE a rustle; a loud, clattering sound ...1773 Sc.
• SCATTER-BASKET, SKATTER-BASKET a clattering noise, as of a wheel when it requires tightening ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
clatter, clattering - verbs
• NATTER to work continuously at something which makes a slight noise; to clatter; to work a person hard ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NECKLE to clatter ...1819 Eng. dial.
• NICKER to crack, to clatter, to make a clicking sound, to creak ...1931 Sc.
• RANGE to emit a clattering, ringing noise, as when pieces of crockery or metal fall; to crash ...1865 Sc.
• REESHLE to rustle; to make a clattering, cracking sound ...1826 Sc.
CLAUSE - nouns
• VERSE † a clause, sentence, or the like ...c1000
CLAW - nouns
• CLENCH-HOOKS claws, talons ...19C Eng. dial.
• FANG † a claw or talon ...1731
• ONGLE † a claw ...1484
• TAKER † the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
• UNCE † a claw ...1609
claw - verbs
• CAPERCLAW † to claw or scratch with the open hand and nails; to beat, to thrash ...1589
• CLAPPERCLAW † to claw, scratch, slap, fight with the open hand and nails; to beat with the open hand, to thrash (generally used of women) ...1590 arch. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAUCH to scratch, to claw, to rub; to scrub hard ...1923 Sc.
• QUILT to claw and pound with the claws as a cat upon a carpet ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SCLAW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCLOW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCRAB † to scratch, scrape, claw ...1481 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKLAW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• TALON † to tear with the talons; to claw, to scratch ...1685
CLAY - adjectives
• KATTED † plastered with clay ...1684
clay - nouns
• LAIR † clay, mire, mud ...a1300 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• URE mud, clay ...Bk1905 Sc.
clay - verbs
• TAMPER † to work in clay, etc., so as to mix it thoroughly ...1573
CLAY-SHOOTING - person
• SANDBAGGER in clayshooting: a competitor who by devious methods shoots in a lower class than his true form warrants ...1983 UK sl.
clay-shooting - verbs
• KILL in clayshooting: to hit the target accurately ...1983 UK sl.
CLEAN, CLEANSE - adjectives
• ABLUTED † washed away, washed clean ...1650
• BESOM-CLEAN clean only on the surface; clean by sweeping though not by washing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• CLEAN AS A WHISTLE very clean ...Bk1999
• FAIR † of things: clean, unsoiled, unstained; of paper: not written upon, unused ...c1420
• FARRINKLY comely, good-looking; decent, clean, orderly ...1860 Eng. dial.
• FRESH UNION clean, healthy ...1980s US sl.
• MENSE decent, respectable; clean, tidy, neat ...1879 Eng. dial.
• MENSEFUL tidy, clean, neat; in good order ...1703 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASTY NEAT cleaner than clean ...1975 US sl.
• NEAT † clean, free from dirt or impurities ...1542
• NET † clean, free from filth, etc.; bright, clear ...1481
• PERNICKETY very neat and clean ...1967 Amer. dial.
• SPAN CLEAN perfectly clean ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SPANDY-CLEAN very clean ...1838 Amer. dial.
• SQUEAKY CLEAN washed and rinsed so clean as to squeak ...1976 sl.
• YFAIRED † made clean or pure ...1340
clean, cleanse - nouns
• ABLUTION the act of washing clean; the washing or cleansing of one's person ...1748
clean, cleanse - person
• FAYER † one who cleanses ...1611 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
clean, cleanse - verbs
• ABSTERGE to wipe away; to wipe clean; to cleanse ...1541
• ABSTERGIFY †* to cleanse ...1612
• ABSTERSE †* to wipe away; to wipe clean; to cleanse ...1646
• BLAINCH to cleanse ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CAST CLEAN † to cleanse ...1522
• CHAR(E) to come in to do cleaning work in a house, shop, office, or institution ...1732
• CRUMB UP to clean clothes thoroughly, esp. by boiling, so as to rid them of lice; to clean a place ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• DECROTT † to clean from dirt, to remove dirt from ...1653 nonce word
• DERSE to cleanse, to prepare ...1828 Eng. dial.
• DIGHT 1. to prepare, to put in order, to tidy, to clean; to sweep, to dust ...1678 Sc. & Eng. dial.
2. to wipe, to cleanse by wiping ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DO OUT to clean a room ...1728 sl.
• FADE OUT to clean out, to clear out ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR † 1. to appear or become fair or clean ...a1000
† 2. to make fair; to make clean or good-looking; to beautify ...c1175
• FARM to cleanse, to clean out, to put in order; to empty ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAY to clean, to cleanse, to polish; to clear away filth, etc. ...c1205
• FEIGH † variant of dialect verb, FAY, to cleanse, clean out ...c1205
• FRESHEN UP to clean, to smarten, to revive ...1937 UK sl.
• GARBLE † to remove the garble or refuse from spice, etc.; to sift, to cleanse of; also, to sift out ...1599
• GUSSY UP to clean or make neat ...20C Amer. sl.
• MENSE to tidy, to make clean and neat; to clear up; also, to dress or smarten oneself up ...1859 Eng. dial.
• MENSEN UP to tidy, to make clean and neat, to put in order ...1889 Eng. dial.
• MUCK UP to clean ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• NEAT † to clean ...1574
• RANGE to clean out; to rinse ...1836 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD to set in order, to arrange; to prepare; to tidy, to clean up ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD UP to put in order, to tidy up; to clean up an apartment or house ...1867 Amer. dial.
• RED UP to put in order, to tidy up; to clean up an apartment or house ...1842 Amer. dial.
• REPLENISH to refurbish, to cleanse anew ...1891 Sc.
• RID to tidy, to put in order, to clean up ...1882 Eng. dial.
• SAND AND CANVAS to clean something thoroughly ...1912 sl., orig. naval usage
• SCODGY to act as a drudge; to clean, to scrub ...1898 Sc.
• SCROIL to clean, to rub down ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SIDE UP vb. to clean up; to put in order ...1895 Amer. dial.
• SKIRE † to cleanse, to clear or purify oneself ...a1300
• TOW-ROW to clean out; to clear out dirty or disorderly places ...1854 Eng. dial.
• USH † to clear, to empty; to cleanse ...1610 Sc.
• YCLENSE † to cleanse ...971
CLEANED - adjectives
• GABOOTZT cleaned ...1939 Amer. dial.
• UP-RED cleaned or tidied up ...1882 Sc.
CLEANER - person
• AUNTIE ENA a cleaner ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• CHAR a charwoman - a woman hired to do general cleaning ...c1875
• MRS MOP a woman who works as a cleaner, a charwoman ...1948 UK sl.
cleaner - verbs
• OBLIGE to work as a charwoman or cleaner ...1930s euphemism
CLEANING - adjectives
• DIGHTING cleaning ...1870 Sc.
cleaning - nouns
• CAT BATH a hurried or partial cleaning ...1953 Amer. dial.
• CAT CLEANING a hurried or partial cleaning ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DIGHTING a cleaning, cleansing ...1796 Sc.
• REDD the act of setting in order, tidying, cleaning; arrangement, settlement ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RED-UP the act of setting in order, tidying, cleaning; arrangement, settlement ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCRUBOUT a weekly mass cleaning ...2003 Antarctica usage
• SLUT'S WOOL fluff, dust, etc., left to accumulate under beds etc. through slovenly cleaning
• THOROUGH-CLEANING a spring-cleaning ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TOILET the cleaning up of a street, a ship, etc. ...1885
CLEANSE - see CLEAN
CLEANSING - adjectives
• ABSTERSORY †* cleansing, purgative ...1623
• DETERSORY †* having the quality of cleansing or scouring; tending to cleanse ...1657
• MUNDATORY * cleansing; having power to cleanse ...1706
cleansing - nouns
• ABSTERSION the act or process of wiping clean; cleansing, scouring ...1543
• DETERSORY †* a cleansing agent ...1657
• LAVEMENT * the act of washing, or cleansing ...1650
• MUNDATORY * a means or implement of cleansing ...1859
• SCOUR a cleansing ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRINGE a thorough cleansing; a rub; the act of rubbing; the sound caused by rubbing; the act of working with energy ...1886 Sc.
CLEAR (free from darkness) - adjectives
• CFB very clear indeed (Clear as a Frapping Bell) ...1980 US Air Force sl.
• FACULENT †* bright, clear; giving forth light like a torch ...1560
• LUCULENT * full of light, bright, clear, shining ...c1420
• NEAT † clear, bright ...1591
• NET † bright, clear ...1481 104 NED Murray 1908
• SCARVISH † bright, clear ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• VEEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
CLEAR (easy to understand) - adjectives
• CLEAR AS A BELL perfectly clear, esp. in sound quality ...Bk1999
• CLEAR AS CRYSTAL perfectly clear or plain ...Bk1999
• DECLARATIVE † making clear, manifest, or evident ...a1536
• DILUCIDATE † made clear, plain, or lucid ...1651
• REDD clear, distinct, fluent ...1836 Sc.
• UNCURIOUS † clear, intelligible ...1601-3
clear (easy to understand) - verbs
• COMMONSTRATE † to make clear; to teach, to demonstrate, to impart information ...1623
• DILUCIDATE † to make clear, plain, or evident; to free from obscurity; to elucidate, to explain ...1538
• ELIQUIDATE †* to make clear, to explain ...1596
• ILLUCIDATE * to shed light upon; to make clear, to elucidate ...a1545
• LAY IT OUT to inform, to pass on information; to make something clear ...1930s sl.
CLEARANCE - nouns
• REDD a clearance, the removal of an obstruction or annoyance; separation ...Bk1904 Sc. & Eng. dial.
clearance - verbs
• HAG RICE to do anything speedily, to make a swift clearance of anything, as food at the table ...1871 Eng. dial.
CLEAR AWAY - verbs
• MAKE A SIDATION to clear or put away ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SIDE to put aside; to remove; to clear away ...1848
CLEARING UP - nouns
• ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT a clearing up or revelation of what is obscure or unknown; an explanation ...1673
CLEARLY - adverbs
• BREME † splendidly, brilliantly, clearly; loudly, fiercely ...a1000
• BY THE CLOCK manifestly, clearly, evidently ...c1920 Amer. sl.
• FAIR † plainly, easily, clearly, distinctly; frankly, downright ...1393 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAIR AND CLEAR plainly, clearly ...1860 Eng. dial.
• FAIRLINGS completely, thoroughly; clearly ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• PALPABLY so as to be felt, plainly seen, observed, etc.; clearly, obviously, manifestly ...1584
• VEEVILY clearly, vividly ...1866 Sc.
• VIVELY clearly, vividly; to the life ...1631 Sc.
CLEARNESS - nouns
• DILUCIDITY † lucidness; clearness; plainness ...1603
• FACULENCE † brightness, clearness ...1727-36
• OPENNESS † freedom from cloud, clearness ...1611
CLEAR UP - verbs
• ECLAIRCISE †* to clear up ...1754
• REDD to disentangle, to unravel; to clear up, to sort ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLEAVE - verbs
• ACLEAVE †* to cleave or split ...1460
• TO-CLEAVE † to cleave asunder; to split open; to divide or separate into two parts ...c888
• TO-RIVE † to rive or tear asunder; to split open, to cleave ...c1300
• TO-SLIVE † to cleave ...c1050
• YARK to break; to cleave; to cut, to chop, to hack ...1827 Sc.
• YERK to break; to cleave; to cut, to chop, to hack ...1827 Sc.
CLEMATIS - nouns
• LADY'S BOWER clematis ...1597
CLEMENCY - nouns
• ORE † grace, favour, mercy, pity, clemency ...a1000
CLENCH - verbs
• QUAVER to brandish, to flourish; to clench the fists; to make a feint of striking ...1865 Eng. dial.
CLERGY - nouns
• LADS IN BLACK the clergy, ministers ...1821 Sc.
clergy - phrases
• REVIEW OF THE BLACK CUIRASSIERS a visitation of the clergy ...Bk1903 sl.
CLERGYMAN - nouns
• MASS a title prefixed to the Christian name of a minister of religion ...1766 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ST. ALBANS CLEAN SHAVE a clergyman's beardless face, typical of the High Church ...L19 sl.
clergyman - person (also see priest, etc.)
• ALL-ROUNDER - a clergyman who wears a 'Roman collar' ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• AMEN-SNORTER - a religious person, esp. a clergyman ...L19 sl.
• AUTEM JET a clergyman ...1737 cant
• BAD STICK - a clergyman who has a bad delivery ...Bk1855
• BEAD-COUNTER - a term of contempt for a clergyman or an overtly religious person; a recluse ...1809 UK sl.
• BENIMAN - sea-name for a clergyman ...Bk1914 Sc.
• BIBLE-BACK - a sanctimonious, holier-than-thou person; hence, a clergyman, missionary, or proselytizer ...1840 sl.
• BIBLE-BANGER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a preacher; an enthusiastically religious person ...1853 colloq.
• BIBLE-BASHER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1942 colloq.
• BIBLE-BUSTER - a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1904 US sl.
• BIBLE-MAULER - a clergyman ...1872 US sl.
• BIBLE-POUNDER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman, a preacher; also, a sanctimonious Christian ...1868 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER - (often derogatory) one who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman; a religious person who thrusts their beliefs on any who will listen and many who would rather not ...1897 colloq.
• BIBLE-RANTER - a clergyman, a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1876 US sl.
• BIBLE-READER - a reader of the Bible; also, one employed to read the Bible from house to house; a clergyman, a preacher ...1548
• BIBLE-SHARP - a clergyman, a preacher ...1897 US sl.
• BIBLE-SPOUTER - a clergyman, a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1955 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-SWINGER - (often derogatory) a notably religious person who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman ...1958 sl.
• BIBLE-THRASHER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1881 colloq.
• BIBLE-THUMPER - (often derogatory) a notably religious person who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman ...1866 sl.
• BIBLE-TOTER - a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher; a clergyman ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-WALLOPER - a clergyman, a preacher ...1888 sl.
• BLACK BOY - a parson, a clergyman ...1835 UK sl.
• BLACK CATTLE - clergymen; parsons ...1719 UK sl.
• BLACK-COAT - a depreciative term for a clergyman, a parson ...1616
• BLACK FLY - a clergyman, a parson ...c1786 UK sl.
• BLACK GOWN - a clergyman ...1731 sl.
• BLACK SHEEP - a clergyman ...1829 UK sl.
• BLACK SLUG - a clergyman, a parson ...1804 UK sl.
• CACKLING COVE - a clergyman - a preacher ...Bk1891 Amer. sl.
• CAMISTER - a clergyman - a preacher...1851 thieves' cant
• DEVIL CATCHER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-CHASER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-DODGER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-DRIVER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• EARWIG - a clergyman....1857 sl.
• ECCLESIASTIC - a clergyman - a person in orders - a 'churchman' as distinguished from a 'layman' ...1651
• ECCLESIASTICAL - * a clergyman - a person in orders - a 'churchman' as distinguished from a 'layman' ...1882-3
• FIRE ESCAPE - a clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• FIRE INSURANCE AGENT - a clergyman ...E20 US sl.
• GAD-THUMPER - a clergyman ...1905 Aust. sl.
• GENTLEMAN OF THE LONG ROBE - a clergyman ...Bk1920
• GLUEPOT - a clergyman; a parson ...Bk1796 sl.
• GUMBLER - a clergyman ...M19 sl.
• HALLELUJAH-PEDDLER - a Salvation Army or any other affiliation of preacher; a clergyman; an evangelist ...1927 US sl.
• HALY DAD - a clergyman ...1721 Sc.
• HARP-POLISHER - a clergyman, esp. a priest ...1946 Amer. sl.
• HAUL-DEVIL - a clergyman ...Bk1904 sl.
• HEAVEN-REACHER - a preacher, a clergyman ...1927 US tramps' sl.
• HEDGE-PARSON - a priest, or a beggar who poses as such, who works in rural areas, ministering to other beggars and the local peasantry; the implication is that such clergy were not true priests; a mean or illiterate parson; an uneducated clergyman ...1748 UK criminals' sl.
• HILL-MINISTER - a clergyman ministering to the hill-men, a Cameronian minister ...1714 Sc.
• HILL-TEACHER - a clergyman ministering to the hill-men, a Cameronian minister ...1710 Sc.
• HOLY JOE - a priest or clergyman ...1874 sl., orig. nautical
• IMPROVER - a deacon - one who is learning the profession of a clergyman ...1885 Eng. dial.
• JACK AT A - PINCH a person employed in an emergency, esp. a clergyman hired when the regular incumbent is absent ...c1620 colloq.
• JACKING-GOWN - † a clergyman ...1904 Sc.
• JERUSALEM-PONY - a needy clergyman helping for hire ...Bk1896 clerical sl.
• JOSSER - a priest or clergyman ...1887 Aust. sl.
• JOSS-MAN - a clergyman or missionary ...a1889 Amer. nautical sl.
• KNULLER - a clergyman ...M19 sl.
• LAD IN BLACK - a clergyman - a minister ...1821 Sc.
• LEVITE - † a somewhat contemptuous term of a clergyman ...1640
• MAN IN BLACK - a clergyman ...1692
• MASS JOHN - a clergyman or minister of religion ...1685 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD DOG AT COMMON PRAYER - a mediocre clergyman who could read the prayers, but had no skill at the actual preaching ...L17 sl.
• PADRE - in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other areas of Spanish and Portuguese influence: a Christian clergyman, esp. a Roman Catholic Priest ...1584
• PARISH-BULL - a parson - a local clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• PARISH-PRIG - a parson - a local clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• PARSON TRULLIBER - a rude, vulgar country clergyman ...M19 sl.
• PUDDING-SLEEVES - a clergyman ...E18 sl.
• RAT - a clergyman ...17C sl.
• REVEREND, THE - the parish clergyman ...1901 Eng. dial.
• SIN-BUSTER - a clergyman ...1930s US sl.
• SIN-SHIFTER - a priest or clergyman ...a1912 sl.
• SKY-PILOT - a clergyman who has a spiritual charge among seamen ...1882
• SKY WRITER - a clergyman - a preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• VICE-WHIPPER - a clergyman - a pious person ...L17 sl.
• WARMING-PAN - a clergyman who holds a living pro tempore, under a bond of resignation - he keeps the place warm for his successor ...Bk1865 sl.
• YOKE MINISTER - a clergyperson serving two congregations ...2008 Amer. dial.
• YOKE PASTOR - a clergyperson serving two congregations ...1966 Amer. dial.
CLERK - nouns
• PAPER-PUSHING working in an office or as a clerk ...1970s sl.
clerk - person
• ABSTRACTER - * in the British civil service: a clerk who prepared abstracts of the numbers of births, deaths, and marriages ...1857 hist.
• ABSTRACTOR - in the British civil service: a clerk who prepared abstracts of the numbers of births, deaths, and marriages ...1859 hist.
• AFTER-DARK - a clerk - a bookmaker's clerk ...L19 rhyming sl.
• CACKLER - a white-collared office worker - a clerk ...1926 Amer. sl., orig. tramps' usage
• CARCOON - a clerk ...1803 Anglo-Indian
• CARLER - a clerk ...Bk1891 US thieves' sl.
• FEATHER-DRIVER - † a quill-driver - a hack writer - a clerk ...1713
• GERTRUDE - an office clerk ...1940 US military usage
• MONKEY - a clerk ...1903 artisans' & labourers' usage
• NETHER CLERK - †* an under-clerk ...1567
• PAPER-COLLARED SWELL - a clerk - a 'white-collar worker' ...M19 NZ sl.
• PAPER PUSHER - a bureaucrat or clerk of the lowliest rank, the implication being that they never write on, but only push around, paper ...20C sl.
• PAPER-STAINER - one who stains or colours paper - used humorously for an inferior author or clerk - an author of small repute ...1596 humorous
• QUILL-DRIVER - one who works with a quill or pen - a clerk or author - chiefly used contemptuously ...1760
• QUILL-WALLOPER - a clerk ...L18 sl.
• SHORT CHANGE ARTIST - a ticket seller, clerk, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SPLIT FINGER - a clerk - a prison clerk ...1930s US prison & criminals' sl.
• YELPER - a town clerk ...a1790 UK criminals' sl.
• YEOETTE - a female clerk employed by the Department of the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
• YEOWOMAN - a female clerk employed by the Department of the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
CLEVER - adjectives
• ABLE shrewd, clever in looking after one's own interests ...1931 Sc.
• AKAMAI smart, clever, skilful, learned, expert, ingenious ...1840 Amer. dial. (Hawaii)
• ANCIENT cunning, clever ...1880 Eng. dial.
• ASPERT †* apt, able, ready, clever ...1423
• BAIN nimble, clever ...1691 Eng. dial.
• BOBBISH smart, active, clever ...Bk1890 cant
• BRAINY knowledgeable, clever ...1845 sl.
• CANNY skilful, clever ...1768 Sc.
• COOL highly skilled or clever ...sl.
• CUTE (often derogatory) knowledgeable, clever, shrewd, sharp, keen ...1731 sl., now chiefly US
• DAB clever, skilful or skilled; expert; very conversant ...18C colloq.
• DEAD THICK very clever ...L19 Sc. sl.
• EDGIE, EDGY quick, active, both mentally and physically; sharp, smart, clever ...1825 Sc.
• ENGINOUS † clever, ingenious, crafty, cunning; deceitful ...c1325
• FAIRDIE, FAIRDY clever, handy ...1724 Sc.
• FALSE sharp, shrewd, clever, precocious; generally applied to children and animals ...1866 Eng. dial.
• FEATY * handy, clever, wide-awake ...1844
• FOXY clever, intellectual ...1900s sl.
• HAGHER † skilful, clever, dexterous; apt, fit ...c1200
• HAIRY clever, sharp, capable; cunning ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• HANDSOME † 1. of an agent: apt, skilled, clever ...1547
† 2. of action, speech, etc.: appropriate, apt, dexterous, skilful, clever, happy ...1563-87
• HEADISH intelligent, clever, sharp ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• HEADY clever, having or giving proof of brains ...1895 Eng. dial.
• KEEN † wise, learned, clever ...a1000
• LUMMY first-rate; clever; jolly ...1838 sl.
• MANNY clever; used ironically ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MEAN very good, very clever, adroit ...1910s sl., orig. US
• NAP expert, clever; particularly good at one's trade, or at any game of skill ...1881 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NAPPER clever at anything ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NATTY handy, deft; industrious; clever, ingenious ...1888 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NAWPY clever, intelligent, shrewd; excelling ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESE-WISE clever, sagacious ...1790 Sc.
• NOW AND NEVER clever ...19C Brit. rhyming sl.
• NOW OR NEVER clever ...19C Brit. rhyming sl.
• NUBBY clever ...1946 Amer. dial.
• OLD sly, crafty, cunning, clever ...1722
• PARLISH of persons: clever, acute, shrewd; bold, dashing ...1785 Eng. dial.
• PARLOUS of persons: clever, acute, shrewd; bold, dashing ...1785 Eng. dial.
• PEART sprightly; lively; in good health; clever ...1828 Amer. dial.
• POINTY-HEADED (derogatory) knowledgeable, clever ...1972 US sl.
• QUAINT † wise, knowing; skilled; clever, ingenious ...a1250
• QUEME †* skilled, clever; smart, active ...c1400
• QUICK well-dressed and clever ...L19 UK society sl.
• READY-HANDED clever with the hands, quick and ready ...1890 Sc.
• RID-HAND clever, ready with the hands ...1824 Sc.
• RIGHT SMART extremely clever ...1857 sl.
• SALTY clever; tasteful ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SANSHACH wily, crafty; shrewd; sarcastically clever ...1808 Sc.
• SAPPY smart, compact, clever ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SAVVY knowledgeable, clever ...1905 sl.
• SIGHTY † keen-sighted; clever ...a1425 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKILLWISE † intelligent, discerning, clever ...a1300
• SMART-ARSE, SMART-ASS smugly clever ...1960 US sl.
• SMART-ARSED, SMART-ASSED smugly clever ...1960 US sl.
• SMART AS A STEEL-TRAP extremely bright and clever; very sharp and shrewd; intellectually alert, quick-witted ...1821 Amer. dial.
• SNAZZY clever and desirable ...1932 Amer. sl.
• SPACK intelligent, clever ...ME obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SUBTILE † of persons: clever, dexterous, skilful ...c1374
• SUBTLE of craftsmen, etc.: skilful, clever, expert, dexterous ...a1300 arch.
• TACKY good, skilled, clever ...1950s W. Indies sl.
• TIDY intelligent, clever ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT † cunning, clever; dexterous, skilled, expert ...1669 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIPPY highly ingenious or clever; neat, smart ...1863 colloq.
• VARMENT, VARMINT knowing, clever, cunning ...1829 sl., now Eng. dial.
• WAINT clever; stout ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WELL-HANDED clever at particular work ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WISE-ASS (derogatory) ostentatiously or smugly clever ...1972 US sl.
• WISE-ASSED (derogatory) ostentatiously or smugly clever ...1967 US sl.
• WITTY skilful, clever, intelligent ...1952 Amer. dial.
• YAP, YAUP clever, cunning; shrewd, astute; nimble, active ...a1300 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
clever - nouns
• MACKDOM the world of clever, influential people ...1960s US Black sl.
• PAUK, PAWK a clever, sly way; a trick; a wile ...1811 Sc.
• SUBTILTY † a cunning or clever device, artifice, stratagem ...c1386
• WRINKLE a clever device, a cunning trick, or method, esp. a new one ...L16 UK
clever - person
• APTCOCK - a clever little fellow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAD BOY - a clever and attractive Black male ...Bk1984 US Black sl.
• BAILIE - a clever man ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAILIFF - a clever man ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BB's - a clever person; a teacher (Big Brains) ...1986 US sl.
• BEL-ESPRIT - a clever genius - a brilliant wit ...1638
• BILLIE, BILLY - a person who is clever at something; a person who is eminently suitable for some purpose ...1881 Sc.
• BLACK DIAMOND - a person whose rough exterior hides a heart of gold; a rough but clever, or good, person ...1821 UK sl.
• BOY - a smart, clever, capable fellow - used in derision as well as praise ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAIN - a knowledgeable or clever person ...1914 sl.
• BRIGHT SPARK - a knowledgeable, witty, or clever person - used ironically or sarcastically ...1974 sl.
• CHEESE - an adept - a smart or clever fellow ...c1860 Brit. school & university sl.
• CLEVER DICK a person who shows off their own cleverness ...Bk1999
• CLEVER STICK(S) - a clever, smart, or knowing person - often used ironically or sarcastically ...1959 sl.
• CLINKER a clever person; an adept ...Bk1893 Eng. dial.
• DAB - a clever or dexterous person - a skilful person - an expert - a proficient - an adept ...1691
• DABACH - a clever workman - an expert in any business ...1939 Sc.
• DAB HAND - one who is clever at any kind of manual labour - a skilled person - an adept or expert - a proficient ...1828
• DABSTER - one skilled at anything - an expert or adept - a clever or versatile person - one who excels greatly - a proficient ...1708
• EEL-DROWNER - one who can perform the impossible - hence, an exceedingly clever fellow - used ironically and generally with negative ...1825 Sc.
• FEATHERED SNAKE - a clever scoundrel ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HAND - an adept - a clever performer ...1870 Sc. & Eng. & Amer, dial.
• HARD-NAP - a shrewd, clever fellow ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HEAD-CADAB - a clever, sharp person - one quick of understanding ...1823 Sc.
• HEADCASE - a clever person, one who believes themselves to be so ...1967 sl.
• HEAD-LANGUAGER - a clever fellow - a prodigy ...1879 Eng. dial.
• HEAD-PIECE - * a man possessed of brains; a man of intellect; a clever, intelligent, or intellectual person ...1647
• HEIDY KNITE - a clever fellow ...1890 Sc.
• HIGHBROW - a clever person; a highly intellectual or cultured person; a person with sophisticated taste; a snob; an educated person ...1898 orig. US
• JIG - a clever man ...Bk1896 Winchester College usage
• LAD OF WAX - a fine spirited fellow - a sharp, clever youth ...1826 Eng. dial.
• LIGHT - a bright, clever person ...1900s US college sl.
• LONG-CROWN - a clever fellow ...1847 Brit. colloq.
• LONG EAR - a clever person ...M19 sl.
• MAC(K) - a clever, influential person - a smooth operator ...1960s US Black sl.
• MACK DADDY - a clever, proficient or influential man - an expert - the best ...1993 Amer. sl.
• MAN OF WAX - a smart, clever fellow - a very handsome man ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAQUE - a clever, influential person - a smooth operator ...1960s US Black sl.
• MESS - a witty, clever, or mischievous person ...1936 sl.
• NAILER - a clever student ...Bk1902 sl.
• NAP-HAND - a clever workman - one expert at any business or at a game of skill ...1887 Eng. dial.
• NATURAL - a natural philosopher - a naturally clever person ...1838 Sc.
• PALAMEDES - a clever, ingenuous person ...Bk1822
• PISS-CUTTER - a remarkable or capable person - a clever person - an expert ...1975 Amer. dial.
• SHARPIE - a knowledgeable or clever person ...1949 sl., orig. US
• SKRIEVER - a clever fellow - one who gets through is work expeditiously ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SMART-ARSE, SMART-ASS someone smugly clever ...1965 US sl.
• TACK - a clever or smart man ...1972 Amer. dial.
• WARM-BOY - a clever fellow ...Bk1914 US college sl.
• YANKER - † a tall agile girl - a clever girl ...1824 Sc.
• YANKIE - a smart, agile person - a sharp, clever, forward woman ...1790 Sc.
clever - verbs
• CUT A RUSTY to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• DO A HOUDINI to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HAVE HAIR ON ONE'S HEAD to be clever, cautious, or wise ...1825 Sc.
• PULL A BRIGHT ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A FASTIE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A GAG to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A NIFTY to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A NIFTY ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A STUNT to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SLIP OVER A FAST ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SMART-ASS to behave in a smugly clever way towards ...1970 sl.
• SPRING A FASTIE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SPRING A FAST ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• USE ONE'S HEAD to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• USE ONE'S LOAF to think, to act intelligently or sensibly, to work things out: to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...1930s sl.
• USE ONE'S NOODLE to think logically or clearly; to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
clever - phrases
• DIG WITH BOTH FEET said of a very clever person ...Bk1900 N. Ireland
• DONE WITH MIRRORS an explanation of a clever act ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HAVE HAIR ON ONE'S HEAD to be clever, cautious, or wise ...Bk1905 Sc.
• UP HERE FOR THINKING, DOWN THERE FOR DANCING (pointing to the head and feet respectively) a statement of self-congratulation on a good idea or clever piece of thinking ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
CLEVERLY - adverbs
• FEATLY cleverly, deftly, skilfully ...1436 arch.
• FEATOUSLY † of actions: cleverly, dexterously, nimbly, properly ...c1350
• GAINLY handily, readily, dexterously, cleverly, successfully; easily ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HANDSOMELY † skilfully, dexterously, cleverly ...1551
• PAWKILY slyly, craftily, cleverly, shrewdly ...1725 Sc.
• SUBTILELY † cleverly, dexterously; also, with acuteness or perspicacity ...c1400 now rare or obs.
• SUBTILLY † cleverly, dexterously; also, with acuteness or perspicacity ...c1400 now rare or obs.
• SUBTLY cleverly, dexterously, skilfully; ingeniously, artfully, cunningly ...c1350 arch.
• TIGHTLY † deftly, neatly; cleverly, dexterously; properly, correctly ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLEVERNESS - nouns
• CLEVERALITY cleverness, smartness, ability ...1828 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FALSENESS cleverness ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HANDSOMENESS † skill, dexterity, ability, cleverness; propriety, becomingness, decency ...1555
• NATTINESS cleverness, ingenuity ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUAINTISE † 1. a device, a stratagem, a trick; an instance of cleverness, cunning, or craft ...1297
† 2. wisdom, cleverness, skill, ingenuity ...1297
• SUBTILITY † skill, cleverness, ingenuity ...c1375
• SUBTILTY † skill, cleverness, dexterity ...c1386
• SUBTLETY † skill, cleverness, dexterity ...c1375
CLICK - verbs
• NICKER to crack, to clatter, to make a clicking sound, to creak ...1931 Sc.
CLICKING - adverbs
• NICKETY-NOCK with a clicking and knocking sound ...1812
CLIENT - person
• DADDY a customer, a client ...1970s US sl.
• PUNTER a customer or client; often used dismissively ...1965 sl.
CLIFF - nouns
• FALLS cliff sides ...1882 Eng. dial.
• HAG(G) † a break, gap, or chasm in a crag or cliff ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
2. a rock or cliff; an abrupt, cliffy prominence ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SAND HOUSE a cave or shelter beneath an overhanging cliff ...1969 Amer. dial.
• SCAR a precipitous rocky place; a cliff; a low or submerged rock in the sea ...1300 Brit.
• SCARTH a place cut off; a cliff; a rock, esp. a rock bare of vegetation ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SCORE a narrow street on a slope; a gangway down a cliff; a cutting through a ridge of hills ...1835 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TERRACE a slope or cliff ...1849 Eng. dial.
CLIMATE - nouns
• CLIMATURE † climate ... 1615
CLIMAX - nouns
• BLOW OFF a climax ...c1912 sl.
• SNAPPER the point or risible climax of a story or joke ...1857 Amer. sl.
• UPTAKE the climax; of a person: the foremost in any way ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
climax - verbs
• BE IN THE SHORT ROWS to be near the end or the climax of something ...1894 Amer. dial.
CLIMB - nouns
• SCRAWM a climb, clamber ...1897 Eng. dial.
climb - verbs
• GAMBOL to climb ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• KAME of a child: to climb or clamber up ...1938 Sc.
• MONKEY CLIMB to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with your hands .,..1965 Amer. dial.
• MONKEY UP to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with your hands .,..1965 Amer. dial.
• PALM to climb a tree or pole simply by the assistance of hands and feet; to swarm ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PAUK, PAWK to climb, to stand high ...Bk1903 Eng. dial.
• RAISE to mount, to climb ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• RAMBLE to clamber, to climb ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAMP † to climb, to scramble ...1523 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RIDE to climb ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCAMMER to climb, to scramble ...1897 Eng. dial.
• SCANCE † to climb ...1714 Sc.
• SCANSE † to climb ...1714 Sc.
• SCLIM to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCLIMB to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCLIME to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCRABBLE to crawl about on hands and knees; to scramble; to climb; to procure with difficulty ...1864 Eng. dial.
• SCRAWM to climb, to clamber ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SCRIM to climb ...1854 Eng. dial.
• SCRIMB to climb ...1854 Eng. dial.
• SCROBBLE to scramble, to climb, to crawl on hands and knees; to walk about with difficulty; to struggle ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SHIMMY to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHIM UP to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHIN to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1840 Amer. dial.
• SHINNY to climb by alternately grasping with the arms and legs ...1889 Amer. dial.
• SKIN to climb up or down, esp. by gripping with one's arms and legs; to climb in this way ...1871 Amer. dial.
• UPSPIEL † to climb up ...1827 Sc.
CLIMBED - adjectives
• YCLOMBEN † climbed ...c1412
CLINCH - verbs
• NAIL to clinch or drive home an argument; to clinch a bargain ...1785 Sc.
CLING - verbs
• YCLINGE † to cling ...c1620
CLINGING, CLINGY - adjectives
• CLUNCHY clinging, close, clodlike ...1863 Eng. dial.
• WISTERIA clingy ...2003 UK gay usage
clinging, clingy - phrases
• CLINGS LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL describes the adherence of a clingy person ...19C colloq.
• STICKS LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL describes the adherence of a sticky substance or a clingy person ...19C colloq.
CLINK - verbs
• CLINK-CLANK to make a clinking sound ...1921
CLIP - verbs
• BARB to clip wool, cloth, coin, etc. ...1483
• SNICK to cut slightly, to snip, to nick, to clip ...1728
CLIPPED - adjectives
• TONSILE † that may be clipped or shorn, as hedges, shrubs, etc. ...1664
CLIPPING - nouns
• BARBING † shaving, hairdressing; clipping ...1485
• EAVESING † the act of trimming the edges of anything; clipping, polling, shearing; also, what is cut off; the clippings of hair ...a800
• TONSURE †* the clipping of shrubs or hedges ...1691
CLIQUE - nouns
• CLICK a clique ...20C teen & high school sl.
CLOAK - verbs
• PALLIATE † to cover with or as with a cloak; to cloak, to clothe, to shelter ...a1548
CLOAKED - adjectives
• PALLIATE † cloaked, covered, concealed; mitigated ...a1548
CLOCK - adjectives
• BEHINT of a clock or watch: slow ...Bk1911 Sc.
clock - adverbs
• BEFORE of a watch or clock: fast ...1798 Sc.
clock - nouns
• BAT the stroke of a clock ...1873 Eng. dial.
• FACE a clock or watch ...1959 US sl.
• HANDLE n. the hand of a clock or watch ...1889 Eng. dial.
• HAIR OF THE HEAD CLOCK a clock hanging to the wall, with weights and pendulum exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• JAR †* a vibration or tick of the clock ...1611
• LARUM † an apparatus attached to a clock or watch, to produce a ringing sound at any fixed hour ...1586
• PALM †* the hand of a clock ...1629
• TABLE † the face or dial-plate of a clock or watch ...a1677
• TAIL the pendulum of a clock ...1911 Sc.
• TICK a clock ...1950s Amer. sl.
• TICK-TACK the tick or ticking sound of a clock ...1865 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIMER a watch or clock, with reference to its time-keeping qualities ...1884
• TIMIST † a timepiece, a clock ...1711 nonce use
• WAG a clock ...20C Irish sl.
• WAG-AT-THE WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...1825 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• WAG-BY-THE-WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAGGER † a cheap wooden hanging clock ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAGGITY a hanging clock having the pendulum and weights uncovered ...1895 Sc.
• WAGGITY-WA a hanging clock having the pendulum and weights uncovered ...1876 Sc.
• WAG-IN-THE-WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAKENER † an alarm attached to a clock ...1564
• WANREST † the pendulum of a clock ...1794 Sc.
clock - verbs
• JAR † of a clock: to tick ...1593
• NECK to beat or tick as a watch or clock ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACK to tick, as a clock ...1950 Eng. dial.
clock - phrases
• ORLOGE FALLES, THE † the hammer of the clock strikes ...a1400
CLOCKMAKER - person
• CLOCKEY a travelling clockmaker ...Bk1890 sl.
CLOCKWISE - adverbs
• SUNGATES † sunways, in the direction of the apparently daily movement of the sun; i.e. from left to right (in the northern hemisphere); clockwise ...1597 Sc.
• SUNWAYS sunways, in the direction of the apparently daily movement of the sun; i.e. from left to right (in the northern hemisphere); clockwise ...1774
CLOG - nouns
• GALASH a clog or wooden shoe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
clog - verbs
• ACCLOY to block, to obstruct, to clog, to choke ...c1430
• BALTER † to clot or clog with anything sticky ...1601
• BECLAM † to beclog with anything clammy or sticky ...1674 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• HAWM to shackle, to clog, to hamper ...1890 Eng. dial.
CLOGGED - adjectives
• BALTERED tangled, clogged, matted together ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BALTERY lumpy, clogged ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
CLOSE (near) - adjectives, adverbs, prepositions
• AIM of distance, etc.: near, close ...1790 Eng. dial.
• ALL AROUND near, close to ...1938 Amer. dial.
• ALL IN A DICKER very close together ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• ALL IN A DIGGER very close together ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• ANEAR close by, near ...1893 Ireland & Eng. & Amer. dial.
• ANEARST near, close to ...1790 Eng. dial.
• ANIGH close or near ...1630s
• BACK AND EDGE † adjoining, close by ...1748
• BESIDES † close by, near ...c1205
• BY-A-WHISKER very nearly tied; very close ...1970s Amer. sl.
• CLOSE AS A QUARTER TO NINE very close ...1997 Amer. dial.
• CLOSE AS GOD'S CURSE TO A WHORE'S ASS very close indeed ...M18
• CLOSE AS SHIRT AND SHITTEN ARSE very close indeed ...M18
• CLOSER THAN A QUARTER TO NINE very close ...1997 Amer. dial.
• FAST-AGAIN close at hand, close by ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAST-BY close at hand, close by ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAIN-HAND near to, close at hand, adjacent; easily reached, convenient ...1796 Eng. dial.
• GAIN-OF-HAND near to, close at hand, adjacent; easily reached, convenient ...1796 Eng. dial.
• HAND FOR NEIVE hand in glove, intimately, familiarly, close together ...1813 Sc.
• HAND TO NEIVE hand in glove, intimately, familiarly, close together ...1787 Sc.
• LIKE WHITE ON RICE very close to; in very close proximity ...1938 Amer. dial.
• IN-ABOUT near, in the vicinity, close to a place ...1813 Sc.
• IN ONE'S POCKET close to or in close proximity to someone ...1909 Amer. dial.
• IN SOMEONE'S ASS close by ...1967 Amer. sl.
• IN THE NECK OF close upon, or behind ...1775 colloq.
• JAM very near; close, hard up against ...1912 Amer. dial.
• JAM UP very near; close, hard up against ...1837 Amer. dial.
• NEARABOUT near, close to ...1871 Sc.
• NEAR AS DAMMIT very close or near indeed ...1908 colloq.
• NEAR HAND † close at hand, close by ... a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NECK AND NECK close; almost equal ...1861-2 colloq.
• NICK AND NICK just about equal, very close ...1966 Amer. dial.
• NICK AND TUCK just about equal, very close ...1965 Amer. dial.
• NICK OR TUCK just about equal, very close ...1965 Amer. dial.
• NIGHABOUT close by, near by, in the vicinity ...1884 Amer. dial.
• NOT A HUNDRED MILES FROM very close to ...1821 UK sl.
• ONFAST † near, close on ...c1200
• ON THE NECK OF close upon, or behind ...1598 colloq.
• QUARTER TO NINE, A of a relation between people: very close ...1980 Amer. dial.
• QUEME † fit, fitting, suitable; convenient, handy; near at hand, close ...a1300 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• SIDE AND SIDE side by side; abreast; close together ...1834 Amer. dial.
• SPIT AND A GOB, A not far away; very close ...Brit. sl.
• UP SOMEONE'S ARSE very close behind; in close proximity ...1997 UK sl.
• WITHIN AMBS-ACE OF within an ace of, very close to ...L17 sl.
• WITHIN AMES-ACE OF within an ace of, very close to ...L17 sl.
• WITHIN COOEE nearby, close ...1836 Aust. sl.
close (near) - verbs
• STICK CLOSE LIKE FLIES ON HORSESHIT to stay very close ...a1982 US sl.
CLOSE (intimate) - adjectives
• LIKE FUNK ON A SKUNK very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STANK ON SHIT very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STINK ON GLUE very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STINK ON SHIT very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• TIGHT AS A CUP very close or tight ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT AS A RAT-TRAP very close or tight ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT AS WAX very close or tight ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLOSE (shut) - adjectives
• OBTURATORY * serving to close or stop up ...1719
close (shut) - verbs
• BAB to close, to shut ...1806 Sc.
• BELOUKE † to close, to shut a door, etc. ...971
• FAULD to shut, to close a door, clasp knife, the eyes, the fist, etc. ...1776 Sc.
• OBTURATE to stop up, to close, to obstruct ...1657
• OPPRESS † to press close; to close, to shut up ...1583
• TEEN to close, to shut ...1874 Eng. dial.
• THEENE † to close ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TINE † to close or shut, as a door, gate, window, house, one's mouth, eyes, etc. ...a900
• VAIK † to become or remain vacant or unoccupied; to close for a time ...1693 Sc.
• VAKE † to become or remain vacant or unoccupied; to close for a time ...1693 Sc.
CLOSED - adjectives
• DARK closed; not in operation ...1916 Amer. theatre sl.
• YCLOSED † closed ...1377
• YDYT † closed, shut up ...1303
• YFOLDEN † folded; closed ...c1000
CLOSE-FISTED - adjectives
• CLUNCH-FISTED † close-fisted, niggardly, covetous, stingy...1644 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAST † close-fisted, mean, niggardly ...c1175
• FAST-FINGERED † close-fisted ...1607
• FAST-HANDED † close-fisted ...1611
• HANDFAST having a firm grip of the hand; tight-fisted, close-fisted ...1603
• HARD close-fisted, grasping, penurious, miserly; covetous ...1703 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• IRON-FISTED close-fisted, niggardly, covetous, miserly, stingy, mean ...1826
• PARTAN-HANDED close-fisted, stingy, mean, miserly, grasping, tight-fisted ...1823 Sc.
• RHINY miserly, close-fisted; too stingy to be clean ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• STRAIT-HANDED † close-fisted, parsimonious, niggardly, grasping, stingy ...1600
close-fisted - person
• CLUNCHFIST † a miser, a niggardly person, one who is close-fisted ...1606
• CLUSTERFIST a close-fisted, mean, or grasping fellow; a miserly fellow, a niggard ...1652
• HASPIN a close-fisted person; a miser; a greedy and over-reaching man ...1781 Eng. dial.
• HESPIN a close-fisted person; a miser; a greedy and over-reaching man ...1781 Eng. dial.
• HOG-GRUBBER † a mean, stingy, sneaking fellow; a close-fisted fellow; a miser, a niggard ...a1700
• HUNKS a surly, cross-grained old person; a close-fisted, stingy man; a miser; a miserable, niggardly old person; a covetous, sordid man ...1602
• MISERD a miser, a close-fisted, avaricious person ...1898 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RASPER an impudent, overreaching fellow; a close-fisted, economical person ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RAZOR-FACE a sharp-featured person, esp. one who is close-fisted and greedy ...B1900 Eng. dial.
CLOSELY - adverbs
• ARCTLY †* closely, tightly ...1545
• FAST † closely, at once, immediately ...a1300
• FASTLY † closely, securely ...c1050
• NARROW † 1. closely, carefully, keenly ...a900
† 2. closely, straitly, strictly ...a1225
• NARROWLY † closely, straitly ...1560
• NEAR HAND †* at close quarters, closely ...a1548
• SARRALY † in close order or array, closely, densely ...c1330
• SARRAY †* in close order or array, closely, densely ...1375 Sc.
• TIGHTLY thoroughly, closely; minutely ...1883 Sc.
CLOSER - adverbs
• NEARER-HAND nearer, closer ...1893 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLOSE SHAVE - nouns
• NEAR CHANCE a close shave ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEAR GAN a close shave ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEAR-RUN THING a close shave; a narrow escape ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLOSET - nouns
• FIBBER MCGEE'S CLOSET an untidy or overstuffed closet, cubbyhole, or room that serves as a catchall ...1966 Amer. dial.
• GARDEROBE a wardrobe; a locked closet ...14C
• LOCKER a closet, a wardrobe; a small storage area ...1961 Amer. dial.
• POKE-HOLE a closet, a cubbyhole ...1931-33 Amer. dial.
• SHIFT-ROBE a movable closet for hanging clothes ...1969 Amer. dial.
CLOSE UP - adjectives
• JAMB-KE-DAB close up ...1944 Amer. dial.
• JAM-KE-DAB close up ...1944 Amer. dial.
CLOSING - adjectives
• DESINENT † forming the end, ending, closing, terminating ...1605
closing - nouns
• TEENING closing time; lighting-up time ...1837 Eng. dial.
• TEENING-TIME closing time; lighting-up time ...1837 Eng. dial.
• BEANS a claim; rights; right of priority; 'dibs' ...1956 Amer. dial.
• DIBBIES a claim; rights; right of priority ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DIBS a claim; rights; right of priority ...1930 Amer. dial.
• GOOFIES a claim; rights, dibs ...1905 Amer. dial.
• HASSAYAMPING telling a lie; making a preposterous claim; exaggerating ...1901 Amer. dial.
• VENCHES 'dibs'; a claim; rights; right of priority ...2000 Amer. dial.
• VENS 'dibs'; a claim; rights; right of priority ...1991 Amer. dial.
• WACKIE(S) a claim or right to something ...1943 Amer. dial.
claim - verbs
• BAGS to claim rights to something; to reserve something ...1944 Aust. sl.
• BALLOW to lay claim to an object, partner in a game, etc., by right of first choice ...Bk1898 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• BAR to claim a privilege or possession ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BARLEY to claim by right of first choice, to bespeak ...1865 Eng. dial.
• BETELL † to lay claim to; to win, to rescue ...c1205
• BONEY to claim possession of something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• BONEY-EYE vb. to claim possession of something ...1968 Amer. dial.
• BONNY to claim possession of something ...1950 Amer. dial.
• FINNIE to lay claim to, to latch on to ...1956 Amer. dial.
• MUGS to claim possession of ...1936 Amer. dial.
• TAKE † to profess or claim to do something ...a1500 obs.
• VENDICATE † to claim for oneself ...1531
• VINCE to choose; to stake a claim or reserve a right to something ...1922 Amer. dial.
• WACKIE to stake a claim or reserve a right to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
claim - interjections/phrases
• AIKIES! that's mine! I want to do that!; a child's term used to claim the whole or an equal part of an object ...1930s US sl.
• ALL MINES! they're all mine; a children's expression used to lay entire claim to something found or won ...1956 Amer. dial.
• CHAPS ME THAT! I claim that! ...M19 Sc. children's colloq.
• DIGSIES! an exclamation used to claim part ownership ...1957 Amer. dial.
• GOODS! that's mine; used as a claim or rights to something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• GOODS ON IT! that's mine; used as a claim or rights to something ...1944 Amer. dial.
• I BONAS IT I claim it ...1895 Amer. dial.
• I BONERS IT phr. I claim it ...1966 Amer. dial.
• I BONEY IT phr. I claim it ...1944 Amer. dial.
• I BONNY IT phr. I claim it ...1950 Amer. dial.
• KEEPS! an exclamation to stake a claim ...1956 Amer. dial.
• NIBS! a claim call ...1957 Amer. dial.
• TABS! used to lay claim to something ...1956 Amer. dial.
• YAKERS ON IT! I claim it! ...1944 Amer. dial.
CLAIMING - nouns
• VENDICATION † a claiming; a challenging to oneself ...1658
CLAIRVOYANCE, CLAIRVOYANT - person
• YOGI-BOGEY - * a disparaging term for a person who follows or believes in spiritualism, mysticism, clairvoyance, etc.; a mystic; a seer ...1901
CLAM - nouns
• FANNIE DADDIES fried clams ...1939 Amer. dial.
• SALT-WATER VEGETABLE an oyster or clam ...M19 sl.
clam - person
• MUD DIGGER one who digs for clams and oysters ...1970 Amer. dial.
• MUSSEL-MUCKER one who drags for freshwater clams ...1938
clam - verbs
• SHOCK to remove an outer covering from; to remove from an outer covering; to open clams or oysters; to husk corn ...1856 Amer. dial.
CLAMBER - nouns
• SCRAUCHLE a clamber, a crawl ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRAWM a climb, clamber ...1897 Eng. dial.
clamber - verbs
• KAME of a child: to climb or clamber up ...1938 Sc.
• RAMMACK, RAMMOCK, RAMMUCK to romp; to rush about riotously; to clamber about ...1884 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCRAWM to climb, to clamber ...1790 Eng. dial.
CLAMMY - adjectives
• CLITCHY - clammy, gummy ...Bk1896 Eng. dial.
• DAUBY sticky, clammy, dirty, untidy ...Bk1900 Eng. & Amer. dial.
• GARRIE sticky, clammy ...1929 Sc.
• LENTOUS clammy, viscid ...1646 nonce word
• PUGGY damp and sticky from perspiration; clammy, sweaty, dirty, grimy ...1790 Eng. dial.
• URY clammy, covered with perspiration ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WACHIE clammy, wet; foggy ...Bk1905 Sc.
• WACK † moist, damp, wet, clammy ...1513 Sc
CLAMOROUS - adjectives
• CLAMOSE † noisy, clamorous ...c1380
• CRIOUS † noisy; clamorous ...1382
• GLAMROUS † noisy, clamorous ...1488 Sc.
• OBSTREPEROUS characterized by great noise or outcry, esp. in opposition; clamorous, noisy; vociferous ...c1600
• OBSTROPOLOUS characterized by great noise or outcry, especially in opposition; clamorous, noisy; vociferous ...1748
clamorous - person
• BAUSON, BAWSON a clamorous, noisy, empty-headed person ...1830 Eng. dial.
• BELL-WETHER, BELWEATHER a clamorous person; one ready to give mouth; a gossiping woman; a fretful child ...c1460
• BELYORE - a noisy clamorous person ...1924 Sc.
• BILLINGSGATE - † a clamouring, foul-mouthed person; a vulgar abuser; a scolding impudent slut ...1683
CLAMOUR - adjectives
• YAMMERING making an outcry or clamour ...1895
clamour - nouns
• BERE † clamour, outcry, shouting, roaring; the noise of voices of men or animals ...c1205
• MIRATION a display of wonderment, surprise, or admiration; a fuss, a clamour ...1888 Amer. dial.
• NARRATION an uproar, fuss, clamour, noisy altercation, disturbance ...1871 Sc.
• OBSTREPEROUSNESS vociferousness; clamour; noisy behaviour; noisy and unruly resistance to control ...1655
• ORATION a confused noise or uproar; a clamour, disturbance; a hubbub; a fuss; noisy public talk or rumour ...1828 Eng. dial.
• PEAL, PEEL a noise, clamour; an outcry ...Bk1903 Eng. dial.
• RAIRD † a loud noise or clamour; a riot; confusion; a sudden report ...Bk1905 Sc.
• REEMOUS a clamour ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SANG a fuss, clamour, to-do, outcry ...1739 Sc.
• SCLAMMER clamour ...1920 Sc.
• TAIRDY a din, clamour, hullabaloo ...1930 Sc.
• TINTAMARRE * a loud and confused noise, uproar, clamour, racket, din, hubbub ...1567
• YABBLE a noisy clamour of voices ...1827 Sc.
• YAMMERING an outcry, clamour ...1937
• YATTER the confused noise caused by many people talking loudly and together; a babel of tongues, a clamour; unintelligible speech ...1825 Sc.
clamour - verbs
• OBSTREPERATE †* to make a loud noise, clamour, or outcry ...1765
• TEAR THE TARTAN to talk loudly and volubly, to jabber away, to make a great clamour ...1934 Sc.
CLANDESTINE - adjectives
• CLANCULAR † clandestine; secret; private; concealed ...1621
• CLANCULARIOUS † private, secret; unknown; clandestine, underhand ...1656
• HIDLINGS hidden, secret, underhand, clandestine ...L18 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• HUGGRY-MUGGRY secret, clandestine ...B1900 Sc.
• SIDE surreptitious, clandestine ...20C sl.
• SUBREPTITIOUS clandestine, surreptitious ...1610
• UNDER COVER in hiding, secret, clandestine ...1928 US criminals' sl.
• UNDERHAND secret, clandestine, surreptitious ...1592
• UNDER THE BED clandestine, secret, corrupt ...M19
• UNDER THE TABLE clandestine, secret, corrupt ...M19
clandestine - nouns
• HIDLINGS secret or clandestine operations ...E19
• HUGGRY-MUGGRY clandestine conduct ...B1900 Sc.
clandestine - verbs
• TEET to peep; to peep or pry in a sly, clandestine manner ...1785 Sc.
CLANDESTINELY - adverbs
• HIDLINS secretly, stealthily, clandestinely ...a1225 Sc.
• UNDERBOARD † in an underhand or secret manner; clandestinely; not openly or honestly; opposed to 'aboveboard' ...1581
• UNDER THE LAP clandestinely ...1940s Aust. sl.
CLANG - verbs
• TANG to emit a sharp and loud ringing or clanging sound; to ring, to clang ...1686
CLANGING - nouns
• SISERARY a loud clanging noise ...a1770
CLAP - verbs
• BEFLAP † to clap ...1388
• TACK to clap the hands ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLAPPING - nouns
• MITT POUNDING applause; clapping ...1930s US Black sl.
CLARET - nouns
• LONG CORK claret ...L18 sl.
• PARLOUR FULL OF RAZORS a drink composed of claret and lemonade ...1930s US sl.
• RED-FUSTIAN claret ...1834 sl.
claret - person
• DR. MAGNUM BONUM one fond of claret ...c1755 Sc.
CLARIFY - verbs
• LET DAYLIGHT INTO to clarify one's thoughts or thinking on a specific subject; to contribute facts or ideas to a discussion ...20C Amer. sl.
• LET SUNLIGHT INTO to clarify one's thoughts or thinking on a specific subject; to contribute facts or ideas to a discussion ...20C Amer. sl.
CLARINET - nouns
• AGONY PIPE a clarinet ...1930s US sl.
• GOBSTICK a clarinet ...sl.
• LICORICE STICK a clarinet ...1935 US jazz sl.
• LIQUORICE STICK a clarinet ...c1945 Brit. sl.
clarinet - person
• LICORICE-STICKER one who plays the clarinet ...1935 US jazz sl.
CLASH - nouns
• RASH a crash or clash ...c1470 Sc.
clash - verbs
JAR to come into conflict, to clash ...1621
CLASHING - adjectives
• JARRING discordant, conflicting, clashing ...1661
CLASP - nouns
• DALK † a pin, brooch, clasp, buckle ...c1000
• HASPEDE †* a clasp, a hook ...a1300
• KEEP † a clasp or similar fastening ...1615
• SCLASP † a clasp; the act of clasping ...Bk1904 Sc.
• TACK † that which fastens one thing to another, or things together; a clasp, a buckle, a hook, a nail, etc. ...a1300
• TASH a clasp; a buckle, ribbon, or fastening for clothes; a pendant ...1772 Sc.
• TATCH a clasp; a buckle, ribbon, or fastening for clothes; a pendant ...1772 Sc.
clasp - verbs
• AMPLECT † to embrace, to clasp ...1525
• AMPLEX † to embrace, to clasp ...1543
• BECLIP to fold in the arms, to embrace, to clasp ...c1000 arch.
• BELAP † to lap about, to clasp, to enfold, to envelop; to environ, to surround ...c1200
• FAIK †* to enfold, to clasp ...1513 Sc.
• FANG † to lay hold of; to grasp; to hold; to seize; to clasp. to embrace ...c1200
• FATHOM † to clasp or embrace a person ...c1440
• HALCH † to clasp in one's arms, to embrace ...a1300 obs.
• HASP † to clasp, to embrace ...a1300
• LAP † to fold in the arms; to clasp, to embrace ...c1350
• LATCH † to take hold of, to grasp, to seize, esp. with the hand or claws; to clasp, to embrace ...c1000
• SCLASP † to clasp ...Bk1904 Sc.
CLASPED - adjectives
• CLIPSOME * fit to be embraced or clasped ...1816
CLASS (also see HIGH-CLASS, LOW-CLASS) - adjectives
• PUCKER of the highest class, best, excellent ...20C sl.
class - nouns
• LAG † the lowest class ...1607
• RANK † a class, set, kind of persons or things ...1585
• TIP-TOP the highest social class ...colloq., chiefly Brit.
• UPPER CRUST, THE the upper classes ...1843 sl.
class - person
• GIN AND JAGUAR BIRD a wealthy (usually married) woman from the upper-class districts, and in some senses likely to be 'racy' or sexual accommodating ...1970s sl.
• MUDSILL a person of the lowest possible social class ...US Civil War usage
• PIKEY (derogatory) a member of the underclass ...Brit. sl.
• SLOANE a fashionable and conventional upper-middle-class young person (usually female), esp. living in London ...1975 Brit. sl.
• SLOANE RANGER a fashionable and conventional upper-middle-class young person (usually female), esp. living in London ...1975 Brit. sl.
• SLOANIE a 'Sloane Ranger' ...1982 Brit. sl.
class - verbs
• ORDER †* to class, to rank ...1662
class - phrases
• IN THE TOP FLIGHT in the highest class
CLASSIFY - verbs
• BAG to classify ...1967 Amer. sl.
CLASSY - adjectives
• BITCHEN-TWITCHEN excellent; great; classy ...20C teen & high school sl.
• BLIP classy ...1948 US sl.
• RITZY classy, stylish, fashionable..1920 US sl.
classy - person
• BARNBURNER - a very classy, stylish woman ...1930s US sl.
CLATTER, CLATTERING - nouns
• BRATTLE a loud, clattering noise; the crash of thunder or of a storm; a noisy fray ...Bk1911 Sc.
• DING-DANG noise, clatter, confusion ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DING-DONG noise, clatter, confusion ...1730 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NICKER a clatter, a rapping sound, as the crackling of wooden articles when disturbed, a creak ...1881 Sc.
• RALLION a din, clatter ...1790 Sc.
• RANGE a clattering noise ...Bk1905 Sc.
• RATTLE-BAG anything that makes a rattling noise; a lout clatter ...1781 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-BAGGER a loud clatter ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-CUM-BANG a loud, rattling noise; a clatter ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RATTLE-TRAP a clattering noise ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• REELING a loud clattering noise ...Bk1904 Sc.
• REESHLE a rustle; a loud, clattering sound ...1773 Sc.
• SCATTER-BASKET, SKATTER-BASKET a clattering noise, as of a wheel when it requires tightening ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
clatter, clattering - verbs
• NATTER to work continuously at something which makes a slight noise; to clatter; to work a person hard ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NECKLE to clatter ...1819 Eng. dial.
• NICKER to crack, to clatter, to make a clicking sound, to creak ...1931 Sc.
• RANGE to emit a clattering, ringing noise, as when pieces of crockery or metal fall; to crash ...1865 Sc.
• REESHLE to rustle; to make a clattering, cracking sound ...1826 Sc.
CLAUSE - nouns
• VERSE † a clause, sentence, or the like ...c1000
CLAW - nouns
• CLENCH-HOOKS claws, talons ...19C Eng. dial.
• FANG † a claw or talon ...1731
• ONGLE † a claw ...1484
• TAKER † the nippers or claws of a scorpion, etc. ...1608
• UNCE † a claw ...1609
claw - verbs
• CAPERCLAW † to claw or scratch with the open hand and nails; to beat, to thrash ...1589
• CLAPPERCLAW † to claw, scratch, slap, fight with the open hand and nails; to beat with the open hand, to thrash (generally used of women) ...1590 arch. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAUCH to scratch, to claw, to rub; to scrub hard ...1923 Sc.
• QUILT to claw and pound with the claws as a cat upon a carpet ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SCLAW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCLOW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• SCRAB † to scratch, scrape, claw ...1481 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKLAW to claw; to tear with the nails; to scratch ...1777 Eng. dial.
• TALON † to tear with the talons; to claw, to scratch ...1685
CLAY - adjectives
• KATTED † plastered with clay ...1684
clay - nouns
• LAIR † clay, mire, mud ...a1300 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• URE mud, clay ...Bk1905 Sc.
clay - verbs
• TAMPER † to work in clay, etc., so as to mix it thoroughly ...1573
CLAY-SHOOTING - person
• SANDBAGGER in clayshooting: a competitor who by devious methods shoots in a lower class than his true form warrants ...1983 UK sl.
clay-shooting - verbs
• KILL in clayshooting: to hit the target accurately ...1983 UK sl.
CLEAN, CLEANSE - adjectives
• ABLUTED † washed away, washed clean ...1650
• BESOM-CLEAN clean only on the surface; clean by sweeping though not by washing ...Bk1898 Sc.
• CLEAN AS A WHISTLE very clean ...Bk1999
• FAIR † of things: clean, unsoiled, unstained; of paper: not written upon, unused ...c1420
• FARRINKLY comely, good-looking; decent, clean, orderly ...1860 Eng. dial.
• FRESH UNION clean, healthy ...1980s US sl.
• MENSE decent, respectable; clean, tidy, neat ...1879 Eng. dial.
• MENSEFUL tidy, clean, neat; in good order ...1703 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NASTY NEAT cleaner than clean ...1975 US sl.
• NEAT † clean, free from dirt or impurities ...1542
• NET † clean, free from filth, etc.; bright, clear ...1481
• PERNICKETY very neat and clean ...1967 Amer. dial.
• SPAN CLEAN perfectly clean ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SPANDY-CLEAN very clean ...1838 Amer. dial.
• SQUEAKY CLEAN washed and rinsed so clean as to squeak ...1976 sl.
• YFAIRED † made clean or pure ...1340
clean, cleanse - nouns
• ABLUTION the act of washing clean; the washing or cleansing of one's person ...1748
clean, cleanse - person
• FAYER † one who cleanses ...1611 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
clean, cleanse - verbs
• ABSTERGE to wipe away; to wipe clean; to cleanse ...1541
• ABSTERGIFY †* to cleanse ...1612
• ABSTERSE †* to wipe away; to wipe clean; to cleanse ...1646
• BLAINCH to cleanse ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CAST CLEAN † to cleanse ...1522
• CHAR(E) to come in to do cleaning work in a house, shop, office, or institution ...1732
• CRUMB UP to clean clothes thoroughly, esp. by boiling, so as to rid them of lice; to clean a place ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• DECROTT † to clean from dirt, to remove dirt from ...1653 nonce word
• DERSE to cleanse, to prepare ...1828 Eng. dial.
• DIGHT 1. to prepare, to put in order, to tidy, to clean; to sweep, to dust ...1678 Sc. & Eng. dial.
2. to wipe, to cleanse by wiping ...1684 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• DO OUT to clean a room ...1728 sl.
• FADE OUT to clean out, to clear out ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAIR † 1. to appear or become fair or clean ...a1000
† 2. to make fair; to make clean or good-looking; to beautify ...c1175
• FARM to cleanse, to clean out, to put in order; to empty ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAY to clean, to cleanse, to polish; to clear away filth, etc. ...c1205
• FEIGH † variant of dialect verb, FAY, to cleanse, clean out ...c1205
• FRESHEN UP to clean, to smarten, to revive ...1937 UK sl.
• GARBLE † to remove the garble or refuse from spice, etc.; to sift, to cleanse of; also, to sift out ...1599
• GUSSY UP to clean or make neat ...20C Amer. sl.
• MENSE to tidy, to make clean and neat; to clear up; also, to dress or smarten oneself up ...1859 Eng. dial.
• MENSEN UP to tidy, to make clean and neat, to put in order ...1889 Eng. dial.
• MUCK UP to clean ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• NEAT † to clean ...1574
• RANGE to clean out; to rinse ...1836 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD to set in order, to arrange; to prepare; to tidy, to clean up ...1787 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• REDD UP to put in order, to tidy up; to clean up an apartment or house ...1867 Amer. dial.
• RED UP to put in order, to tidy up; to clean up an apartment or house ...1842 Amer. dial.
• REPLENISH to refurbish, to cleanse anew ...1891 Sc.
• RID to tidy, to put in order, to clean up ...1882 Eng. dial.
• SAND AND CANVAS to clean something thoroughly ...1912 sl., orig. naval usage
• SCODGY to act as a drudge; to clean, to scrub ...1898 Sc.
• SCROIL to clean, to rub down ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SIDE UP vb. to clean up; to put in order ...1895 Amer. dial.
• SKIRE † to cleanse, to clear or purify oneself ...a1300
• TOW-ROW to clean out; to clear out dirty or disorderly places ...1854 Eng. dial.
• USH † to clear, to empty; to cleanse ...1610 Sc.
• YCLENSE † to cleanse ...971
CLEANED - adjectives
• GABOOTZT cleaned ...1939 Amer. dial.
• UP-RED cleaned or tidied up ...1882 Sc.
CLEANER - person
• AUNTIE ENA a cleaner ...1992 UK rhyming sl.
• CHAR a charwoman - a woman hired to do general cleaning ...c1875
• MRS MOP a woman who works as a cleaner, a charwoman ...1948 UK sl.
cleaner - verbs
• OBLIGE to work as a charwoman or cleaner ...1930s euphemism
CLEANING - adjectives
• DIGHTING cleaning ...1870 Sc.
cleaning - nouns
• CAT BATH a hurried or partial cleaning ...1953 Amer. dial.
• CAT CLEANING a hurried or partial cleaning ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DIGHTING a cleaning, cleansing ...1796 Sc.
• REDD the act of setting in order, tidying, cleaning; arrangement, settlement ...1892 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RED-UP the act of setting in order, tidying, cleaning; arrangement, settlement ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCRUBOUT a weekly mass cleaning ...2003 Antarctica usage
• SLUT'S WOOL fluff, dust, etc., left to accumulate under beds etc. through slovenly cleaning
• THOROUGH-CLEANING a spring-cleaning ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TOILET the cleaning up of a street, a ship, etc. ...1885
CLEANSE - see CLEAN
CLEANSING - adjectives
• ABSTERSORY †* cleansing, purgative ...1623
• DETERSORY †* having the quality of cleansing or scouring; tending to cleanse ...1657
• MUNDATORY * cleansing; having power to cleanse ...1706
cleansing - nouns
• ABSTERSION the act or process of wiping clean; cleansing, scouring ...1543
• DETERSORY †* a cleansing agent ...1657
• LAVEMENT * the act of washing, or cleansing ...1650
• MUNDATORY * a means or implement of cleansing ...1859
• SCOUR a cleansing ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SCRINGE a thorough cleansing; a rub; the act of rubbing; the sound caused by rubbing; the act of working with energy ...1886 Sc.
CLEAR (free from darkness) - adjectives
• CFB very clear indeed (Clear as a Frapping Bell) ...1980 US Air Force sl.
• FACULENT †* bright, clear; giving forth light like a torch ...1560
• LUCULENT * full of light, bright, clear, shining ...c1420
• NEAT † clear, bright ...1591
• NET † bright, clear ...1481 104 NED Murray 1908
• SCARVISH † bright, clear ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• VEEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIEVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
• VIVE of sights, sounds, colours, memories, etc.: bright, clear, vivid, distinctly seen or heard, not blurred or faint ...1778 Sc.
CLEAR (easy to understand) - adjectives
• CLEAR AS A BELL perfectly clear, esp. in sound quality ...Bk1999
• CLEAR AS CRYSTAL perfectly clear or plain ...Bk1999
• DECLARATIVE † making clear, manifest, or evident ...a1536
• DILUCIDATE † made clear, plain, or lucid ...1651
• REDD clear, distinct, fluent ...1836 Sc.
• UNCURIOUS † clear, intelligible ...1601-3
clear (easy to understand) - verbs
• COMMONSTRATE † to make clear; to teach, to demonstrate, to impart information ...1623
• DILUCIDATE † to make clear, plain, or evident; to free from obscurity; to elucidate, to explain ...1538
• ELIQUIDATE †* to make clear, to explain ...1596
• ILLUCIDATE * to shed light upon; to make clear, to elucidate ...a1545
• LAY IT OUT to inform, to pass on information; to make something clear ...1930s sl.
CLEARANCE - nouns
• REDD a clearance, the removal of an obstruction or annoyance; separation ...Bk1904 Sc. & Eng. dial.
clearance - verbs
• HAG RICE to do anything speedily, to make a swift clearance of anything, as food at the table ...1871 Eng. dial.
CLEAR AWAY - verbs
• MAKE A SIDATION to clear or put away ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SIDE to put aside; to remove; to clear away ...1848
CLEARING UP - nouns
• ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT a clearing up or revelation of what is obscure or unknown; an explanation ...1673
CLEARLY - adverbs
• BREME † splendidly, brilliantly, clearly; loudly, fiercely ...a1000
• BY THE CLOCK manifestly, clearly, evidently ...c1920 Amer. sl.
• FAIR † plainly, easily, clearly, distinctly; frankly, downright ...1393 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAIR AND CLEAR plainly, clearly ...1860 Eng. dial.
• FAIRLINGS completely, thoroughly; clearly ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• PALPABLY so as to be felt, plainly seen, observed, etc.; clearly, obviously, manifestly ...1584
• VEEVILY clearly, vividly ...1866 Sc.
• VIVELY clearly, vividly; to the life ...1631 Sc.
CLEARNESS - nouns
• DILUCIDITY † lucidness; clearness; plainness ...1603
• FACULENCE † brightness, clearness ...1727-36
• OPENNESS † freedom from cloud, clearness ...1611
CLEAR UP - verbs
• ECLAIRCISE †* to clear up ...1754
• REDD to disentangle, to unravel; to clear up, to sort ...1641 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLEAVE - verbs
• ACLEAVE †* to cleave or split ...1460
• TO-CLEAVE † to cleave asunder; to split open; to divide or separate into two parts ...c888
• TO-RIVE † to rive or tear asunder; to split open, to cleave ...c1300
• TO-SLIVE † to cleave ...c1050
• YARK to break; to cleave; to cut, to chop, to hack ...1827 Sc.
• YERK to break; to cleave; to cut, to chop, to hack ...1827 Sc.
CLEMATIS - nouns
• LADY'S BOWER clematis ...1597
CLEMENCY - nouns
• ORE † grace, favour, mercy, pity, clemency ...a1000
CLENCH - verbs
• QUAVER to brandish, to flourish; to clench the fists; to make a feint of striking ...1865 Eng. dial.
CLERGY - nouns
• LADS IN BLACK the clergy, ministers ...1821 Sc.
clergy - phrases
• REVIEW OF THE BLACK CUIRASSIERS a visitation of the clergy ...Bk1903 sl.
CLERGYMAN - nouns
• MASS a title prefixed to the Christian name of a minister of religion ...1766 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ST. ALBANS CLEAN SHAVE a clergyman's beardless face, typical of the High Church ...L19 sl.
clergyman - person (also see priest, etc.)
• ALL-ROUNDER - a clergyman who wears a 'Roman collar' ...1930s US criminals' sl.
• AMEN-SNORTER - a religious person, esp. a clergyman ...L19 sl.
• AUTEM JET a clergyman ...1737 cant
• BAD STICK - a clergyman who has a bad delivery ...Bk1855
• BEAD-COUNTER - a term of contempt for a clergyman or an overtly religious person; a recluse ...1809 UK sl.
• BENIMAN - sea-name for a clergyman ...Bk1914 Sc.
• BIBLE-BACK - a sanctimonious, holier-than-thou person; hence, a clergyman, missionary, or proselytizer ...1840 sl.
• BIBLE-BANGER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a preacher; an enthusiastically religious person ...1853 colloq.
• BIBLE-BASHER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1942 colloq.
• BIBLE-BUSTER - a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1904 US sl.
• BIBLE-MAULER - a clergyman ...1872 US sl.
• BIBLE-POUNDER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman, a preacher; also, a sanctimonious Christian ...1868 colloq.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER - (often derogatory) one who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman; a religious person who thrusts their beliefs on any who will listen and many who would rather not ...1897 colloq.
• BIBLE-RANTER - a clergyman, a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1876 US sl.
• BIBLE-READER - a reader of the Bible; also, one employed to read the Bible from house to house; a clergyman, a preacher ...1548
• BIBLE-SHARP - a clergyman, a preacher ...1897 US sl.
• BIBLE-SPOUTER - a clergyman, a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1955 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-SWINGER - (often derogatory) a notably religious person who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman ...1958 sl.
• BIBLE-THRASHER - a person who expounds or follows the Bible in an aggressive way, esp. a clergyman; a religious fanatic ...1881 colloq.
• BIBLE-THUMPER - (often derogatory) a notably religious person who expounds or follows the Bible in a vigorous and aggressive manner, esp. a clergyman ...1866 sl.
• BIBLE-TOTER - a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher; a clergyman ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-WALLOPER - a clergyman, a preacher ...1888 sl.
• BLACK BOY - a parson, a clergyman ...1835 UK sl.
• BLACK CATTLE - clergymen; parsons ...1719 UK sl.
• BLACK-COAT - a depreciative term for a clergyman, a parson ...1616
• BLACK FLY - a clergyman, a parson ...c1786 UK sl.
• BLACK GOWN - a clergyman ...1731 sl.
• BLACK SHEEP - a clergyman ...1829 UK sl.
• BLACK SLUG - a clergyman, a parson ...1804 UK sl.
• CACKLING COVE - a clergyman - a preacher ...Bk1891 Amer. sl.
• CAMISTER - a clergyman - a preacher...1851 thieves' cant
• DEVIL CATCHER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-CHASER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-DODGER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• DEVIL-DRIVER - a clergyman - any overly pious person ...18C sl.
• EARWIG - a clergyman....1857 sl.
• ECCLESIASTIC - a clergyman - a person in orders - a 'churchman' as distinguished from a 'layman' ...1651
• ECCLESIASTICAL - * a clergyman - a person in orders - a 'churchman' as distinguished from a 'layman' ...1882-3
• FIRE ESCAPE - a clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• FIRE INSURANCE AGENT - a clergyman ...E20 US sl.
• GAD-THUMPER - a clergyman ...1905 Aust. sl.
• GENTLEMAN OF THE LONG ROBE - a clergyman ...Bk1920
• GLUEPOT - a clergyman; a parson ...Bk1796 sl.
• GUMBLER - a clergyman ...M19 sl.
• HALLELUJAH-PEDDLER - a Salvation Army or any other affiliation of preacher; a clergyman; an evangelist ...1927 US sl.
• HALY DAD - a clergyman ...1721 Sc.
• HARP-POLISHER - a clergyman, esp. a priest ...1946 Amer. sl.
• HAUL-DEVIL - a clergyman ...Bk1904 sl.
• HEAVEN-REACHER - a preacher, a clergyman ...1927 US tramps' sl.
• HEDGE-PARSON - a priest, or a beggar who poses as such, who works in rural areas, ministering to other beggars and the local peasantry; the implication is that such clergy were not true priests; a mean or illiterate parson; an uneducated clergyman ...1748 UK criminals' sl.
• HILL-MINISTER - a clergyman ministering to the hill-men, a Cameronian minister ...1714 Sc.
• HILL-TEACHER - a clergyman ministering to the hill-men, a Cameronian minister ...1710 Sc.
• HOLY JOE - a priest or clergyman ...1874 sl., orig. nautical
• IMPROVER - a deacon - one who is learning the profession of a clergyman ...1885 Eng. dial.
• JACK AT A - PINCH a person employed in an emergency, esp. a clergyman hired when the regular incumbent is absent ...c1620 colloq.
• JACKING-GOWN - † a clergyman ...1904 Sc.
• JERUSALEM-PONY - a needy clergyman helping for hire ...Bk1896 clerical sl.
• JOSSER - a priest or clergyman ...1887 Aust. sl.
• JOSS-MAN - a clergyman or missionary ...a1889 Amer. nautical sl.
• KNULLER - a clergyman ...M19 sl.
• LAD IN BLACK - a clergyman - a minister ...1821 Sc.
• LEVITE - † a somewhat contemptuous term of a clergyman ...1640
• MAN IN BLACK - a clergyman ...1692
• MASS JOHN - a clergyman or minister of religion ...1685 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD DOG AT COMMON PRAYER - a mediocre clergyman who could read the prayers, but had no skill at the actual preaching ...L17 sl.
• PADRE - in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and other areas of Spanish and Portuguese influence: a Christian clergyman, esp. a Roman Catholic Priest ...1584
• PARISH-BULL - a parson - a local clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• PARISH-PRIG - a parson - a local clergyman ...19C Brit. sl.
• PARSON TRULLIBER - a rude, vulgar country clergyman ...M19 sl.
• PUDDING-SLEEVES - a clergyman ...E18 sl.
• RAT - a clergyman ...17C sl.
• REVEREND, THE - the parish clergyman ...1901 Eng. dial.
• SIN-BUSTER - a clergyman ...1930s US sl.
• SIN-SHIFTER - a priest or clergyman ...a1912 sl.
• SKY-PILOT - a clergyman who has a spiritual charge among seamen ...1882
• SKY WRITER - a clergyman - a preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• VICE-WHIPPER - a clergyman - a pious person ...L17 sl.
• WARMING-PAN - a clergyman who holds a living pro tempore, under a bond of resignation - he keeps the place warm for his successor ...Bk1865 sl.
• YOKE MINISTER - a clergyperson serving two congregations ...2008 Amer. dial.
• YOKE PASTOR - a clergyperson serving two congregations ...1966 Amer. dial.
CLERK - nouns
• PAPER-PUSHING working in an office or as a clerk ...1970s sl.
clerk - person
• ABSTRACTER - * in the British civil service: a clerk who prepared abstracts of the numbers of births, deaths, and marriages ...1857 hist.
• ABSTRACTOR - in the British civil service: a clerk who prepared abstracts of the numbers of births, deaths, and marriages ...1859 hist.
• AFTER-DARK - a clerk - a bookmaker's clerk ...L19 rhyming sl.
• CACKLER - a white-collared office worker - a clerk ...1926 Amer. sl., orig. tramps' usage
• CARCOON - a clerk ...1803 Anglo-Indian
• CARLER - a clerk ...Bk1891 US thieves' sl.
• FEATHER-DRIVER - † a quill-driver - a hack writer - a clerk ...1713
• GERTRUDE - an office clerk ...1940 US military usage
• MONKEY - a clerk ...1903 artisans' & labourers' usage
• NETHER CLERK - †* an under-clerk ...1567
• PAPER-COLLARED SWELL - a clerk - a 'white-collar worker' ...M19 NZ sl.
• PAPER PUSHER - a bureaucrat or clerk of the lowliest rank, the implication being that they never write on, but only push around, paper ...20C sl.
• PAPER-STAINER - one who stains or colours paper - used humorously for an inferior author or clerk - an author of small repute ...1596 humorous
• QUILL-DRIVER - one who works with a quill or pen - a clerk or author - chiefly used contemptuously ...1760
• QUILL-WALLOPER - a clerk ...L18 sl.
• SHORT CHANGE ARTIST - a ticket seller, clerk, etc. ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• SPLIT FINGER - a clerk - a prison clerk ...1930s US prison & criminals' sl.
• YELPER - a town clerk ...a1790 UK criminals' sl.
• YEOETTE - a female clerk employed by the Department of the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
• YEOWOMAN - a female clerk employed by the Department of the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
CLEVER - adjectives
• ABLE shrewd, clever in looking after one's own interests ...1931 Sc.
• AKAMAI smart, clever, skilful, learned, expert, ingenious ...1840 Amer. dial. (Hawaii)
• ANCIENT cunning, clever ...1880 Eng. dial.
• ASPERT †* apt, able, ready, clever ...1423
• BAIN nimble, clever ...1691 Eng. dial.
• BOBBISH smart, active, clever ...Bk1890 cant
• BRAINY knowledgeable, clever ...1845 sl.
• CANNY skilful, clever ...1768 Sc.
• COOL highly skilled or clever ...sl.
• CUTE (often derogatory) knowledgeable, clever, shrewd, sharp, keen ...1731 sl., now chiefly US
• DAB clever, skilful or skilled; expert; very conversant ...18C colloq.
• DEAD THICK very clever ...L19 Sc. sl.
• EDGIE, EDGY quick, active, both mentally and physically; sharp, smart, clever ...1825 Sc.
• ENGINOUS † clever, ingenious, crafty, cunning; deceitful ...c1325
• FAIRDIE, FAIRDY clever, handy ...1724 Sc.
• FALSE sharp, shrewd, clever, precocious; generally applied to children and animals ...1866 Eng. dial.
• FEATY * handy, clever, wide-awake ...1844
• FOXY clever, intellectual ...1900s sl.
• HAGHER † skilful, clever, dexterous; apt, fit ...c1200
• HAIRY clever, sharp, capable; cunning ...Bk1905 N. Ireland
• HANDSOME † 1. of an agent: apt, skilled, clever ...1547
† 2. of action, speech, etc.: appropriate, apt, dexterous, skilful, clever, happy ...1563-87
• HEADISH intelligent, clever, sharp ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• HEADY clever, having or giving proof of brains ...1895 Eng. dial.
• KEEN † wise, learned, clever ...a1000
• LUMMY first-rate; clever; jolly ...1838 sl.
• MANNY clever; used ironically ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MEAN very good, very clever, adroit ...1910s sl., orig. US
• NAP expert, clever; particularly good at one's trade, or at any game of skill ...1881 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NAPPER clever at anything ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NATTY handy, deft; industrious; clever, ingenious ...1888 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NAWPY clever, intelligent, shrewd; excelling ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NESE-WISE clever, sagacious ...1790 Sc.
• NOW AND NEVER clever ...19C Brit. rhyming sl.
• NOW OR NEVER clever ...19C Brit. rhyming sl.
• NUBBY clever ...1946 Amer. dial.
• OLD sly, crafty, cunning, clever ...1722
• PARLISH of persons: clever, acute, shrewd; bold, dashing ...1785 Eng. dial.
• PARLOUS of persons: clever, acute, shrewd; bold, dashing ...1785 Eng. dial.
• PEART sprightly; lively; in good health; clever ...1828 Amer. dial.
• POINTY-HEADED (derogatory) knowledgeable, clever ...1972 US sl.
• QUAINT † wise, knowing; skilled; clever, ingenious ...a1250
• QUEME †* skilled, clever; smart, active ...c1400
• QUICK well-dressed and clever ...L19 UK society sl.
• READY-HANDED clever with the hands, quick and ready ...1890 Sc.
• RID-HAND clever, ready with the hands ...1824 Sc.
• RIGHT SMART extremely clever ...1857 sl.
• SALTY clever; tasteful ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SANSHACH wily, crafty; shrewd; sarcastically clever ...1808 Sc.
• SAPPY smart, compact, clever ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SAVVY knowledgeable, clever ...1905 sl.
• SIGHTY † keen-sighted; clever ...a1425 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SKILLWISE † intelligent, discerning, clever ...a1300
• SMART-ARSE, SMART-ASS smugly clever ...1960 US sl.
• SMART-ARSED, SMART-ASSED smugly clever ...1960 US sl.
• SMART AS A STEEL-TRAP extremely bright and clever; very sharp and shrewd; intellectually alert, quick-witted ...1821 Amer. dial.
• SNAZZY clever and desirable ...1932 Amer. sl.
• SPACK intelligent, clever ...ME obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• SUBTILE † of persons: clever, dexterous, skilful ...c1374
• SUBTLE of craftsmen, etc.: skilful, clever, expert, dexterous ...a1300 arch.
• TACKY good, skilled, clever ...1950s W. Indies sl.
• TIDY intelligent, clever ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT † cunning, clever; dexterous, skilled, expert ...1669 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIPPY highly ingenious or clever; neat, smart ...1863 colloq.
• VARMENT, VARMINT knowing, clever, cunning ...1829 sl., now Eng. dial.
• WAINT clever; stout ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WELL-HANDED clever at particular work ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WISE-ASS (derogatory) ostentatiously or smugly clever ...1972 US sl.
• WISE-ASSED (derogatory) ostentatiously or smugly clever ...1967 US sl.
• WITTY skilful, clever, intelligent ...1952 Amer. dial.
• YAP, YAUP clever, cunning; shrewd, astute; nimble, active ...a1300 chiefly Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
clever - nouns
• MACKDOM the world of clever, influential people ...1960s US Black sl.
• PAUK, PAWK a clever, sly way; a trick; a wile ...1811 Sc.
• SUBTILTY † a cunning or clever device, artifice, stratagem ...c1386
• WRINKLE a clever device, a cunning trick, or method, esp. a new one ...L16 UK
clever - person
• APTCOCK - a clever little fellow ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAD BOY - a clever and attractive Black male ...Bk1984 US Black sl.
• BAILIE - a clever man ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BAILIFF - a clever man ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BB's - a clever person; a teacher (Big Brains) ...1986 US sl.
• BEL-ESPRIT - a clever genius - a brilliant wit ...1638
• BILLIE, BILLY - a person who is clever at something; a person who is eminently suitable for some purpose ...1881 Sc.
• BLACK DIAMOND - a person whose rough exterior hides a heart of gold; a rough but clever, or good, person ...1821 UK sl.
• BOY - a smart, clever, capable fellow - used in derision as well as praise ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BRAIN - a knowledgeable or clever person ...1914 sl.
• BRIGHT SPARK - a knowledgeable, witty, or clever person - used ironically or sarcastically ...1974 sl.
• CHEESE - an adept - a smart or clever fellow ...c1860 Brit. school & university sl.
• CLEVER DICK a person who shows off their own cleverness ...Bk1999
• CLEVER STICK(S) - a clever, smart, or knowing person - often used ironically or sarcastically ...1959 sl.
• CLINKER a clever person; an adept ...Bk1893 Eng. dial.
• DAB - a clever or dexterous person - a skilful person - an expert - a proficient - an adept ...1691
• DABACH - a clever workman - an expert in any business ...1939 Sc.
• DAB HAND - one who is clever at any kind of manual labour - a skilled person - an adept or expert - a proficient ...1828
• DABSTER - one skilled at anything - an expert or adept - a clever or versatile person - one who excels greatly - a proficient ...1708
• EEL-DROWNER - one who can perform the impossible - hence, an exceedingly clever fellow - used ironically and generally with negative ...1825 Sc.
• FEATHERED SNAKE - a clever scoundrel ...1930 Amer. dial.
• HAND - an adept - a clever performer ...1870 Sc. & Eng. & Amer, dial.
• HARD-NAP - a shrewd, clever fellow ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• HEAD-CADAB - a clever, sharp person - one quick of understanding ...1823 Sc.
• HEADCASE - a clever person, one who believes themselves to be so ...1967 sl.
• HEAD-LANGUAGER - a clever fellow - a prodigy ...1879 Eng. dial.
• HEAD-PIECE - * a man possessed of brains; a man of intellect; a clever, intelligent, or intellectual person ...1647
• HEIDY KNITE - a clever fellow ...1890 Sc.
• HIGHBROW - a clever person; a highly intellectual or cultured person; a person with sophisticated taste; a snob; an educated person ...1898 orig. US
• JIG - a clever man ...Bk1896 Winchester College usage
• LAD OF WAX - a fine spirited fellow - a sharp, clever youth ...1826 Eng. dial.
• LIGHT - a bright, clever person ...1900s US college sl.
• LONG-CROWN - a clever fellow ...1847 Brit. colloq.
• LONG EAR - a clever person ...M19 sl.
• MAC(K) - a clever, influential person - a smooth operator ...1960s US Black sl.
• MACK DADDY - a clever, proficient or influential man - an expert - the best ...1993 Amer. sl.
• MAN OF WAX - a smart, clever fellow - a very handsome man ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MAQUE - a clever, influential person - a smooth operator ...1960s US Black sl.
• MESS - a witty, clever, or mischievous person ...1936 sl.
• NAILER - a clever student ...Bk1902 sl.
• NAP-HAND - a clever workman - one expert at any business or at a game of skill ...1887 Eng. dial.
• NATURAL - a natural philosopher - a naturally clever person ...1838 Sc.
• PALAMEDES - a clever, ingenuous person ...Bk1822
• PISS-CUTTER - a remarkable or capable person - a clever person - an expert ...1975 Amer. dial.
• SHARPIE - a knowledgeable or clever person ...1949 sl., orig. US
• SKRIEVER - a clever fellow - one who gets through is work expeditiously ...Bk1904 Sc.
• SMART-ARSE, SMART-ASS someone smugly clever ...1965 US sl.
• TACK - a clever or smart man ...1972 Amer. dial.
• WARM-BOY - a clever fellow ...Bk1914 US college sl.
• YANKER - † a tall agile girl - a clever girl ...1824 Sc.
• YANKIE - a smart, agile person - a sharp, clever, forward woman ...1790 Sc.
clever - verbs
• CUT A RUSTY to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• DO A HOUDINI to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HAVE HAIR ON ONE'S HEAD to be clever, cautious, or wise ...1825 Sc.
• PULL A BRIGHT ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A FASTIE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A GAG to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A NIFTY to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A NIFTY ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• PULL A STUNT to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SLIP OVER A FAST ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SMART-ASS to behave in a smugly clever way towards ...1970 sl.
• SPRING A FASTIE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• SPRING A FAST ONE to do something clever ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• USE ONE'S HEAD to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• USE ONE'S LOAF to think, to act intelligently or sensibly, to work things out: to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...1930s sl.
• USE ONE'S NOODLE to think logically or clearly; to be clever, smart, or enterprising ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
clever - phrases
• DIG WITH BOTH FEET said of a very clever person ...Bk1900 N. Ireland
• DONE WITH MIRRORS an explanation of a clever act ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• HAVE HAIR ON ONE'S HEAD to be clever, cautious, or wise ...Bk1905 Sc.
• UP HERE FOR THINKING, DOWN THERE FOR DANCING (pointing to the head and feet respectively) a statement of self-congratulation on a good idea or clever piece of thinking ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
CLEVERLY - adverbs
• FEATLY cleverly, deftly, skilfully ...1436 arch.
• FEATOUSLY † of actions: cleverly, dexterously, nimbly, properly ...c1350
• GAINLY handily, readily, dexterously, cleverly, successfully; easily ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HANDSOMELY † skilfully, dexterously, cleverly ...1551
• PAWKILY slyly, craftily, cleverly, shrewdly ...1725 Sc.
• SUBTILELY † cleverly, dexterously; also, with acuteness or perspicacity ...c1400 now rare or obs.
• SUBTILLY † cleverly, dexterously; also, with acuteness or perspicacity ...c1400 now rare or obs.
• SUBTLY cleverly, dexterously, skilfully; ingeniously, artfully, cunningly ...c1350 arch.
• TIGHTLY † deftly, neatly; cleverly, dexterously; properly, correctly ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLEVERNESS - nouns
• CLEVERALITY cleverness, smartness, ability ...1828 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FALSENESS cleverness ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• HANDSOMENESS † skill, dexterity, ability, cleverness; propriety, becomingness, decency ...1555
• NATTINESS cleverness, ingenuity ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUAINTISE † 1. a device, a stratagem, a trick; an instance of cleverness, cunning, or craft ...1297
† 2. wisdom, cleverness, skill, ingenuity ...1297
• SUBTILITY † skill, cleverness, ingenuity ...c1375
• SUBTILTY † skill, cleverness, dexterity ...c1386
• SUBTLETY † skill, cleverness, dexterity ...c1375
CLICK - verbs
• NICKER to crack, to clatter, to make a clicking sound, to creak ...1931 Sc.
CLICKING - adverbs
• NICKETY-NOCK with a clicking and knocking sound ...1812
CLIENT - person
• DADDY a customer, a client ...1970s US sl.
• PUNTER a customer or client; often used dismissively ...1965 sl.
CLIFF - nouns
• FALLS cliff sides ...1882 Eng. dial.
• HAG(G) † a break, gap, or chasm in a crag or cliff ...a1300 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
2. a rock or cliff; an abrupt, cliffy prominence ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• SAND HOUSE a cave or shelter beneath an overhanging cliff ...1969 Amer. dial.
• SCAR a precipitous rocky place; a cliff; a low or submerged rock in the sea ...1300 Brit.
• SCARTH a place cut off; a cliff; a rock, esp. a rock bare of vegetation ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SCORE a narrow street on a slope; a gangway down a cliff; a cutting through a ridge of hills ...1835 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TERRACE a slope or cliff ...1849 Eng. dial.
CLIMATE - nouns
• CLIMATURE † climate ... 1615
CLIMAX - nouns
• BLOW OFF a climax ...c1912 sl.
• SNAPPER the point or risible climax of a story or joke ...1857 Amer. sl.
• UPTAKE the climax; of a person: the foremost in any way ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
climax - verbs
• BE IN THE SHORT ROWS to be near the end or the climax of something ...1894 Amer. dial.
CLIMB - nouns
• SCRAWM a climb, clamber ...1897 Eng. dial.
climb - verbs
• GAMBOL to climb ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• KAME of a child: to climb or clamber up ...1938 Sc.
• MONKEY CLIMB to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with your hands .,..1965 Amer. dial.
• MONKEY UP to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with your hands .,..1965 Amer. dial.
• PALM to climb a tree or pole simply by the assistance of hands and feet; to swarm ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PAUK, PAWK to climb, to stand high ...Bk1903 Eng. dial.
• RAISE to mount, to climb ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• RAMBLE to clamber, to climb ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RAMP † to climb, to scramble ...1523 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RIDE to climb ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCAMMER to climb, to scramble ...1897 Eng. dial.
• SCANCE † to climb ...1714 Sc.
• SCANSE † to climb ...1714 Sc.
• SCLIM to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCLIMB to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCLIME to climb ...1883 Sc.
• SCRABBLE to crawl about on hands and knees; to scramble; to climb; to procure with difficulty ...1864 Eng. dial.
• SCRAWM to climb, to clamber ...1790 Eng. dial.
• SCRIM to climb ...1854 Eng. dial.
• SCRIMB to climb ...1854 Eng. dial.
• SCROBBLE to scramble, to climb, to crawl on hands and knees; to walk about with difficulty; to struggle ...1876 Eng. dial.
• SHIMMY to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHIM UP to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1950 Amer. dial.
• SHIN to climb the trunk of a tree by holding on with your legs while you pull yourself up with our hands ...1840 Amer. dial.
• SHINNY to climb by alternately grasping with the arms and legs ...1889 Amer. dial.
• SKIN to climb up or down, esp. by gripping with one's arms and legs; to climb in this way ...1871 Amer. dial.
• UPSPIEL † to climb up ...1827 Sc.
CLIMBED - adjectives
• YCLOMBEN † climbed ...c1412
CLINCH - verbs
• NAIL to clinch or drive home an argument; to clinch a bargain ...1785 Sc.
CLING - verbs
• YCLINGE † to cling ...c1620
CLINGING, CLINGY - adjectives
• CLUNCHY clinging, close, clodlike ...1863 Eng. dial.
• WISTERIA clingy ...2003 UK gay usage
clinging, clingy - phrases
• CLINGS LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL describes the adherence of a clingy person ...19C colloq.
• STICKS LIKE SHIT TO A SHOVEL describes the adherence of a sticky substance or a clingy person ...19C colloq.
CLINK - verbs
• CLINK-CLANK to make a clinking sound ...1921
CLIP - verbs
• BARB to clip wool, cloth, coin, etc. ...1483
• SNICK to cut slightly, to snip, to nick, to clip ...1728
CLIPPED - adjectives
• TONSILE † that may be clipped or shorn, as hedges, shrubs, etc. ...1664
CLIPPING - nouns
• BARBING † shaving, hairdressing; clipping ...1485
• EAVESING † the act of trimming the edges of anything; clipping, polling, shearing; also, what is cut off; the clippings of hair ...a800
• TONSURE †* the clipping of shrubs or hedges ...1691
CLIQUE - nouns
• CLICK a clique ...20C teen & high school sl.
CLOAK - verbs
• PALLIATE † to cover with or as with a cloak; to cloak, to clothe, to shelter ...a1548
CLOAKED - adjectives
• PALLIATE † cloaked, covered, concealed; mitigated ...a1548
CLOCK - adjectives
• BEHINT of a clock or watch: slow ...Bk1911 Sc.
clock - adverbs
• BEFORE of a watch or clock: fast ...1798 Sc.
clock - nouns
• BAT the stroke of a clock ...1873 Eng. dial.
• FACE a clock or watch ...1959 US sl.
• HANDLE n. the hand of a clock or watch ...1889 Eng. dial.
• HAIR OF THE HEAD CLOCK a clock hanging to the wall, with weights and pendulum exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• JAR †* a vibration or tick of the clock ...1611
• LARUM † an apparatus attached to a clock or watch, to produce a ringing sound at any fixed hour ...1586
• PALM †* the hand of a clock ...1629
• TABLE † the face or dial-plate of a clock or watch ...a1677
• TAIL the pendulum of a clock ...1911 Sc.
• TICK a clock ...1950s Amer. sl.
• TICK-TACK the tick or ticking sound of a clock ...1865 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• TIMER a watch or clock, with reference to its time-keeping qualities ...1884
• TIMIST † a timepiece, a clock ...1711 nonce use
• WAG a clock ...20C Irish sl.
• WAG-AT-THE WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...1825 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• WAG-BY-THE-WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAGGER † a cheap wooden hanging clock ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAGGITY a hanging clock having the pendulum and weights uncovered ...1895 Sc.
• WAGGITY-WA a hanging clock having the pendulum and weights uncovered ...1876 Sc.
• WAG-IN-THE-WALL a hanging clock with pendulum and weights exposed ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• WAKENER † an alarm attached to a clock ...1564
• WANREST † the pendulum of a clock ...1794 Sc.
clock - verbs
• JAR † of a clock: to tick ...1593
• NECK to beat or tick as a watch or clock ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TACK to tick, as a clock ...1950 Eng. dial.
clock - phrases
• ORLOGE FALLES, THE † the hammer of the clock strikes ...a1400
CLOCKMAKER - person
• CLOCKEY a travelling clockmaker ...Bk1890 sl.
CLOCKWISE - adverbs
• SUNGATES † sunways, in the direction of the apparently daily movement of the sun; i.e. from left to right (in the northern hemisphere); clockwise ...1597 Sc.
• SUNWAYS sunways, in the direction of the apparently daily movement of the sun; i.e. from left to right (in the northern hemisphere); clockwise ...1774
CLOG - nouns
• GALASH a clog or wooden shoe ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
clog - verbs
• ACCLOY to block, to obstruct, to clog, to choke ...c1430
• BALTER † to clot or clog with anything sticky ...1601
• BECLAM † to beclog with anything clammy or sticky ...1674 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• HAWM to shackle, to clog, to hamper ...1890 Eng. dial.
CLOGGED - adjectives
• BALTERED tangled, clogged, matted together ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BALTERY lumpy, clogged ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
CLOSE (near) - adjectives, adverbs, prepositions
• AIM of distance, etc.: near, close ...1790 Eng. dial.
• ALL AROUND near, close to ...1938 Amer. dial.
• ALL IN A DICKER very close together ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• ALL IN A DIGGER very close together ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• ANEAR close by, near ...1893 Ireland & Eng. & Amer. dial.
• ANEARST near, close to ...1790 Eng. dial.
• ANIGH close or near ...1630s
• BACK AND EDGE † adjoining, close by ...1748
• BESIDES † close by, near ...c1205
• BY-A-WHISKER very nearly tied; very close ...1970s Amer. sl.
• CLOSE AS A QUARTER TO NINE very close ...1997 Amer. dial.
• CLOSE AS GOD'S CURSE TO A WHORE'S ASS very close indeed ...M18
• CLOSE AS SHIRT AND SHITTEN ARSE very close indeed ...M18
• CLOSER THAN A QUARTER TO NINE very close ...1997 Amer. dial.
• FAST-AGAIN close at hand, close by ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• FAST-BY close at hand, close by ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAIN-HAND near to, close at hand, adjacent; easily reached, convenient ...1796 Eng. dial.
• GAIN-OF-HAND near to, close at hand, adjacent; easily reached, convenient ...1796 Eng. dial.
• HAND FOR NEIVE hand in glove, intimately, familiarly, close together ...1813 Sc.
• HAND TO NEIVE hand in glove, intimately, familiarly, close together ...1787 Sc.
• LIKE WHITE ON RICE very close to; in very close proximity ...1938 Amer. dial.
• IN-ABOUT near, in the vicinity, close to a place ...1813 Sc.
• IN ONE'S POCKET close to or in close proximity to someone ...1909 Amer. dial.
• IN SOMEONE'S ASS close by ...1967 Amer. sl.
• IN THE NECK OF close upon, or behind ...1775 colloq.
• JAM very near; close, hard up against ...1912 Amer. dial.
• JAM UP very near; close, hard up against ...1837 Amer. dial.
• NEARABOUT near, close to ...1871 Sc.
• NEAR AS DAMMIT very close or near indeed ...1908 colloq.
• NEAR HAND † close at hand, close by ... a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NECK AND NECK close; almost equal ...1861-2 colloq.
• NICK AND NICK just about equal, very close ...1966 Amer. dial.
• NICK AND TUCK just about equal, very close ...1965 Amer. dial.
• NICK OR TUCK just about equal, very close ...1965 Amer. dial.
• NIGHABOUT close by, near by, in the vicinity ...1884 Amer. dial.
• NOT A HUNDRED MILES FROM very close to ...1821 UK sl.
• ONFAST † near, close on ...c1200
• ON THE NECK OF close upon, or behind ...1598 colloq.
• QUARTER TO NINE, A of a relation between people: very close ...1980 Amer. dial.
• QUEME † fit, fitting, suitable; convenient, handy; near at hand, close ...a1300 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• SIDE AND SIDE side by side; abreast; close together ...1834 Amer. dial.
• SPIT AND A GOB, A not far away; very close ...Brit. sl.
• UP SOMEONE'S ARSE very close behind; in close proximity ...1997 UK sl.
• WITHIN AMBS-ACE OF within an ace of, very close to ...L17 sl.
• WITHIN AMES-ACE OF within an ace of, very close to ...L17 sl.
• WITHIN COOEE nearby, close ...1836 Aust. sl.
close (near) - verbs
• STICK CLOSE LIKE FLIES ON HORSESHIT to stay very close ...a1982 US sl.
CLOSE (intimate) - adjectives
• LIKE FUNK ON A SKUNK very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STANK ON SHIT very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STINK ON GLUE very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• LIKE STINK ON SHIT very close, extremely intimate ...1960s US Black sl.
• TIGHT AS A CUP very close or tight ...1892 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT AS A RAT-TRAP very close or tight ...1901 Eng. dial.
• TIGHT AS WAX very close or tight ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLOSE (shut) - adjectives
• OBTURATORY * serving to close or stop up ...1719
close (shut) - verbs
• BAB to close, to shut ...1806 Sc.
• BELOUKE † to close, to shut a door, etc. ...971
• FAULD to shut, to close a door, clasp knife, the eyes, the fist, etc. ...1776 Sc.
• OBTURATE to stop up, to close, to obstruct ...1657
• OPPRESS † to press close; to close, to shut up ...1583
• TEEN to close, to shut ...1874 Eng. dial.
• THEENE † to close ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• TINE † to close or shut, as a door, gate, window, house, one's mouth, eyes, etc. ...a900
• VAIK † to become or remain vacant or unoccupied; to close for a time ...1693 Sc.
• VAKE † to become or remain vacant or unoccupied; to close for a time ...1693 Sc.
CLOSED - adjectives
• DARK closed; not in operation ...1916 Amer. theatre sl.
• YCLOSED † closed ...1377
• YDYT † closed, shut up ...1303
• YFOLDEN † folded; closed ...c1000
CLOSE-FISTED - adjectives
• CLUNCH-FISTED † close-fisted, niggardly, covetous, stingy...1644 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• FAST † close-fisted, mean, niggardly ...c1175
• FAST-FINGERED † close-fisted ...1607
• FAST-HANDED † close-fisted ...1611
• HANDFAST having a firm grip of the hand; tight-fisted, close-fisted ...1603
• HARD close-fisted, grasping, penurious, miserly; covetous ...1703 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• IRON-FISTED close-fisted, niggardly, covetous, miserly, stingy, mean ...1826
• PARTAN-HANDED close-fisted, stingy, mean, miserly, grasping, tight-fisted ...1823 Sc.
• RHINY miserly, close-fisted; too stingy to be clean ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• STRAIT-HANDED † close-fisted, parsimonious, niggardly, grasping, stingy ...1600
close-fisted - person
• CLUNCHFIST † a miser, a niggardly person, one who is close-fisted ...1606
• CLUSTERFIST a close-fisted, mean, or grasping fellow; a miserly fellow, a niggard ...1652
• HASPIN a close-fisted person; a miser; a greedy and over-reaching man ...1781 Eng. dial.
• HESPIN a close-fisted person; a miser; a greedy and over-reaching man ...1781 Eng. dial.
• HOG-GRUBBER † a mean, stingy, sneaking fellow; a close-fisted fellow; a miser, a niggard ...a1700
• HUNKS a surly, cross-grained old person; a close-fisted, stingy man; a miser; a miserable, niggardly old person; a covetous, sordid man ...1602
• MISERD a miser, a close-fisted, avaricious person ...1898 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RASPER an impudent, overreaching fellow; a close-fisted, economical person ...B1900 Eng. dial.
• RAZOR-FACE a sharp-featured person, esp. one who is close-fisted and greedy ...B1900 Eng. dial.
CLOSELY - adverbs
• ARCTLY †* closely, tightly ...1545
• FAST † closely, at once, immediately ...a1300
• FASTLY † closely, securely ...c1050
• NARROW † 1. closely, carefully, keenly ...a900
† 2. closely, straitly, strictly ...a1225
• NARROWLY † closely, straitly ...1560
• NEAR HAND †* at close quarters, closely ...a1548
• SARRALY † in close order or array, closely, densely ...c1330
• SARRAY †* in close order or array, closely, densely ...1375 Sc.
• TIGHTLY thoroughly, closely; minutely ...1883 Sc.
CLOSER - adverbs
• NEARER-HAND nearer, closer ...1893 Sc. & Eng. dial.
CLOSE SHAVE - nouns
• NEAR CHANCE a close shave ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEAR GAN a close shave ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• NEAR-RUN THING a close shave; a narrow escape ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
CLOSET - nouns
• FIBBER MCGEE'S CLOSET an untidy or overstuffed closet, cubbyhole, or room that serves as a catchall ...1966 Amer. dial.
• GARDEROBE a wardrobe; a locked closet ...14C
• LOCKER a closet, a wardrobe; a small storage area ...1961 Amer. dial.
• POKE-HOLE a closet, a cubbyhole ...1931-33 Amer. dial.
• SHIFT-ROBE a movable closet for hanging clothes ...1969 Amer. dial.
CLOSE UP - adjectives
• JAMB-KE-DAB close up ...1944 Amer. dial.
• JAM-KE-DAB close up ...1944 Amer. dial.
CLOSING - adjectives
• DESINENT † forming the end, ending, closing, terminating ...1605
closing - nouns
• TEENING closing time; lighting-up time ...1837 Eng. dial.
• TEENING-TIME closing time; lighting-up time ...1837 Eng. dial.