P
PRAGMATIC - PREJUDICIAL
PRAIRIE DOG - nouns
• PICKET PIN a marmot; a woodchuck; a prairie dog ...1980 Amer. dial.
• WHISTLE PIG a prairie dog ...2004 Amer. dial.
PRAISE - adjectives
• EPENETIC † giving praise to; laudatory; eulogistic ...1843
• FONKY-FRESH a general adj. of high praise, the most sophisticated, the smartest, the most attractive ...1980s US Black sl.
• FUNKY-FRESH a general adj. of high praise, the most sophisticated, the smartest, the most attractive ...1980s US Black sl.
• LAUDATIVE * expressive of praise; laudatory ...1609
• PANEGYRIC of the nature of a eulogy; publicly or elaborately expressing praise or commendation; eulogistic, laudatory ...a1631
• PANEGYRICAL of the nature of a eulogy; publicly or elaborately expressing praise or commendation; eulogistic, laudatory ...1592-3
PRAISE - nouns
• APPROOF approval, praise ...1884 Eng. dial.
• ATTABOY praise, esp. from a boss ...1970 US sl.
• BALLYHOO overstated and unwarranted praise or promotion; nonsense ...L19 sl.
• BALLY HOOEY overstated and unwarranted praise or promotion; nonsense ...L19 sl.
• GENUINE praise ...c1840 Winchester College usage
• JOLLY praise, esp. when spoken for an ulterior and/or criminal purpose ...1856
• LAUDABILITY * the quality of being a fit subject for praise; praiseworthiness ...1715
• LAUDIFICATION * the act of extolling with praise ...1890
• LEFT-HANDED COMPLIMENT praise that is subtle dispraise; reluctant and dubious praise ...1881 Amer. colloq.
• MADAM praise, flattery ...1910s UK criminals' sl.
• PANEGYRIC elaborate praise; eulogy; laudation ...1613
• PANEGYRISM a composition of a panegyrical character; a formal expression of praise ...1894 nonce word
• PANEGYRY † a formal expression of praise ...1600
• PANEULOGISM universal or indiscriminate praise ...a1864
• PUFF a specimen of extravagant praise. esp. for commercial or political purposes; an exaggerated commendation of a book, an actor's performance, etc. ...1732 Amer. sl.
• PUFFERY undue or exaggerated praise; publicity, acclaim, etc. that is full of undue or exaggerated praise ...1775
• PUFF JOB a specimen of extravagant praise. esp. for commercial or political purposes ...1732 Amer. sl.
• PUFF PIECE a newspaper article, book, film, etc. whose purpose is to praise or flatter ...colloq.
• RAP congratulations, a commendation, praise; a compliment ...1939 Aust. sl.
• RAP-UP praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
• ROOSE † commendation, praise, flattery ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SALVE praise, flattery, cajolery ...1864
• SNAPS praise; recognition ...1995 US sl.
• WRAP enthusiastic approval; praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
• WRAP-UP enthusiastic approval; praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
PRAISE - nouns, person
• BENEDICTOR † a eulogist, one who commends or praises, a well-wisher ...a1633
• LAUDATOR one who praises; a eulogist ...1825
• PANEGYRIC † one who writes or utters a panegyric; one who elaborately praises ...1600
• PANEGYRIST one who writes or utters a panegyric; one who elaborately praises ...1605
• PANEGYRIZER one who utters or composes formal expressions of praise ...1823
• VAUNTER a boastful assertor, extoller, commender, or praiser of something ...1553 arch.
PRAISE - verbs
• BEDAUB to load with rhetorical devices, with praise, etc.; to belaud to excess ...1581
• BEET to praise; to blazon ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEMOUTH to talk grandiloquently, to declaim; to mouth the praises of a person ...a1843
• BEPUFF to puff or blow out; to swell; hence, to flatter, to praise greatly ...1843
• BESPATTER to asperse with abuse, flame, flattery, praise, etc., to hold in contempt ...1644
• BETRUMPET * to trumpet the praises of, to commend or praise loudly ...1828
• BLOW to proclaim or praise boastfully ...1878
• BLOW UP to praise unduly; to flatter ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BOO UP to praise ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BRAG ON to praise or boast about someone or something ...1850 Amer. dial.
• BRAG UP to praise or commend lavishly ...1885 Amer. dial.
• CRACK UP to praise highly ...c1840 colloq.
• FILLIBRUSH to flatter; to praise insincerely or ironically ...c1860 colloq.
• FRATCH to praise ...19C Eng. dial.
• GENUINE to praise ...c1840 Winchester College usage
• HERY † to praise, glorify, exalt, honour, worship ...c735
• LAUDIFY †* to extol with praises ...c1470
• LOSENGE † to flatter; to compliment unduly; to praise fulsomely ...1422
• PANEGYRIC † to utter or write a panegyric; to praise in an elaborate oration or eulogium ...1708
• PANEGYRICIZE * to pronounce or write an elaborate eulogy upon; to speak or write in praise of; to eulogize ...1787
• PANEGYRIZE to pronounce or write an elaborate eulogy upon; to speak or write in praise of; to eulogize ...1617
• PUFF to praise unduly or with exaggeration
• RAP to praise, esp. to praise to excess ...1950s Aust. sl.
• RAP UP to praise ...c1970 Aust. colloq.
• ROOSE † to praise, extol, commend, flatter ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCROG to boast; to praise ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SING ONE'S PRAISES to be loud in laudation ...1565
• SPEAK A PERSON FAR † to go to great lengths in his praise ...1611
• STROKE to praise or compliment a person ....M20 US colloq.
• TAKE ONE'S HAT OFF TO to compliment, to praise ...M19 sl.
• VALUE † to commend or praise to another; to vaunt ...1670
• VAUNT † to extol, glorify or praise oneself ...a1400-50
• WRAP UP to praise, to flatter ...1950s Aust. sl.
PRAISE - interjections
• RAM IT! an expression of praise or encouragement ...1980s UK Black sl.
PRAISE - phrases
• J.C. AND HIS TEN GREY DONKEYS COULDN'T HAVE DONE BETTER congratulatory praise for an action well performed ...M20 army jocular
PRAISED - adjectives
• UNCRIED UP not extolled or praised ...1630
PRAISEWORTHY - adjectives
• ALLAUDABLE † praiseworthy, commendable ...1731
PRAISING - adjectives
• ADULATORIOUS † full of adulation; servilely or fulsomely flattering or praising ...1664
• ILLAUDATORY * not characterized by praising ...1845
• PLAUDITORY applauding, commending, laudatory, praising, extolling ...a1845
• UNAPPLAUSIVE not praising ...1837
PRAISING - nouns, person
• FLOOSTER a flatterer, one given to praising ...1892 Ireland
PRAM - see BABY CARRIAGE
PRANCE - nouns
• BRANK a prance; a toss of the head, a caper ...Bk1911 Sc.
PRANCE - verbs
• BRANK to toss the head; to prance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GAMBADE † to prance, to strut, to march jauntily ...1827 Sc.
• PAUCE to strut around on one's dignity; to prance with rage or irritation; to assume a stiff, offended demeanour ...1808 Sc.
• PAUGE † to prance, to pace about waiting for one's chance to hover around with some design in mind ...1825 Sc.
• GAMBADO to prance, to caper ...1829
• RAMP † to romp, to frolic, to prance ...1657 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TITTUP to walk or go with an up-and-down movement; to walk in an affected manner; to mince or prance in one's gait ...1785
PRANCING - adjectives
• BRANKIN lively, gay; showy, ostentatious; prancing ...Bk1911 Sc.
• TITTUPING bouncing, cantering, prancing ...1895
PRANK - adjectives
• ANTIC clownish, amusing, full of tricks; given to fun, capers, or pranks; joking, playful ...1902 Amer. dial.
• ANTIC AS A JAYBIRD clownish, amusing, full of tricks; given to fun, capers, or pranks; joking, playful ...1917 Amer. dial.
• GOOGY-GOOGY given to playing pranks; fooling around ...1960s sl.
PRANK - nouns
• BOO-BOO a prank, a trick ...E20 sl., orig. US
• CAPRICCIO a sudden sportive or fantastic motion; a prank, trick, caper ...1665
• DINGDO a caper, a prank, a trick ...1900 Amer. dial.
• FEGARY a vagary, a prank; a whim, an eccentricity ...E17 Eng. dial. & colloq. rare
• FERLICUE a shenanigan, a prank ...1975 Amer. dial.
• GALLIER a mad prank ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAMBADE a prank, freak, frolic ...1821
• GAMMETTING frolicking, whims, tricks, pranks ...1873 Eng. dial.
• GAMMOCK a joke, a trick, a prank; rough play ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GAND a frolic, a foolish prank ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GANDIEGOW an uproar, a noisy quarrel; a nonsensical prank; blustering talk; loud complaint ...1907 Sc.
• GAUD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GAWD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GUY a trick or hoax; a prank, a jest, a joke ...1854 Amer. sl.
• HUMMER a joke, a prank ...1990 US sl.
• JACKDAW TRICKS odd pranks, vagaries ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• KANCUMS tricks, pranks ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• KEDIDOES capers, pranks, tricks ...1914 Amer. dial.
• LAITS tricks, pranks ...1805 Sc.
• LEGERDEHEEL † 'light-heeled' pranks ...1605 nonce word
• MADDERAM madness, folly, frantic rage, tantrums; boisterous fun, wild pranks, hilarity ...1866 Sc.
• MADDERDOM madness, folly, frantic rage, tantrums; boisterous fun, wild pranks, hilarity ...1866 Sc.
• MANK a prank, a trick; a practical joke ...1878 Eng. dial.
• MANTICKS pranks, antics ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MARLOCK a prank, frolic, a gambol, a lark; a playful trick, a practical joke; a piece of fun or mischief ...1864 Eng. dial.
• MAXIMS pranks, tricks, practical jokes ...1867 Eng. dial.
• MAYLOCK a prank, frolic, a lark; a trick, a practical joke; a noisy disturbance, an uproar, a row ...1864 Eng. dial.
• MORLOCK a prank, frolic, a lark; a trick, a practical joke; a noisy disturbance, an uproar, a row ...1864 Eng. dial.
• ORDER confusion, tumult, larking, pranks...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PANT a prank, a frolic, a 'lark', a piece of fun, a caper, a piece of boyish mischief ...1894 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• PAVIE a trick, a prank, a practical joke ...1698 Sc.
• PLISKY a mischievous escapade; a trick, a prank; a practical joke; a frolic ...1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• QUILLY a prank, freak; a caper ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RANICKY a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RANI-CUM-BOOGERIE a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1945 Amer. dial.
• RANIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a caper, a prank; 'monkeyshine'; nonsense; irrelevant, irritating activity ...L19 Amer. sl.
• RANNIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1935 Amer. dial.
• RANNYGAZOO a deceptive story or scheme; a caper; a prank; a trick; horseplay; nonsense; irrelevant, irritating activity ...L19 Amer. sl.
• REAK a trick, a prank; a stratagem, an artifice ...1629 Sc. & Eng. dial. obs.
• REINIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1901 Amer. dial.
• RENICKY a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RENICKY-BOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RIG a joke, a prank, a trick, a frolic ...1858 Amer. dial.
• SCALEBRICK a wild prank ...1877 Eng. dial.
• SHENANIGANS mischief; prankishness ...19C Amer. colloq.
• SHINE a caper, a prank, a trick ...1836 Amer. dial.
• TANTREMS pranks, games, jollification ...M19 sl.
• VAGES † pranks or tricks ...1523
• VAGUES † pranks or tricks ...1523
PRANK, PRANKISH, PRANKSTER - nouns, person
• FOXY GRANDPA a prankish old man ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• MARLOCK one who plays pranks; a fool ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RIG an amusing sort of chap; a joker; a prankster; an outrageous person ...1975 Amer. dial.
PRANK - verbs
• BABOONIZE IT † to play the ape; to use apish or foolish tricks or knavish pranks ...1611
• GAMMOCK to frolic, to romp, to lark about, to play pranks ...1854 chiefly Eng. dial.
• MANK to prank, to romp; to play tricks; to pretend to work, to gossip ...1864 Eng. dial.
• QUIRK to cheat, to overreach; to elude by stratagem; to play a trick or prank ...1791 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRANKISH - adjectives
• WAGGISH done or made in a spirit of waggery or mischievous fun; prankish ...1589
PRATE - verbs
• BUCK to talk egotistically; to prate and chatter; to let one's tongue run loose ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• CARP † to talk much, to prate, to chatter ...1377
• CRONK to prate, to gossip in a malicious way ...1790 Eng. dial.
• DEBLATERATE * to babble much, prate ...1623
• GAB to talk much or glibly; to chatter, to prate ...1786
• GANGE to prate tediously; to chatter; to gossip ...1825 Sc.
• JANGLE † to talk excessively or noisily; to chatter, to babble, to prate; also said of birds ...a1300
• PLAY CAPS AND BELLS to act like a prankster; to play tricks or jokes on people ...1969 Amer. dial.
• PRITTLE-PRATTLE † to chatter, to prate, to talk idly ...1552 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RAME to drone on in a monotonous fashion, to prate ...1839 Sc.
• RATTLE to talk volubly; to chatter, to prate ...1870 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SCLORE to chat or talk in a long gossipy manner; to prate, to babble ...c1870 Sc.
• TATTER † to talk idly, to prate, to chatter; to scold ...1854 Sc.
• TINKLE to talk idly, to prate, to utter empty sounds or senseless words ...1641
• TITTLE-TATTLE to chatter, to prate; to talk idly; to gossip ...1583
• TONGUE IT to talk volubly, to prate ...1624
• YAFF to talk excessively, to chatter; to talk nonsense; to prate; to nag ...1808 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• YAG to gossip, to chatter, to prate ...1866 Sc.
PRATER, PRATING - nouns, person
• BALATRON †* a babbling, prating fellow; a vain talking fellow; a jester, a buffoon; a rascally base knave, a thief; a contemptible fellow ...1623
• CARPER † a talker, a prater ...c1440
• GABBER a chatterer, a prater; one who talk too much or too loud ...1793
• JABBERKNOWL a prating blockhead; a term of contempt for an ignorant person ...1790 Eng. dial.
• JABBERNOWL a prating blockhead; a term of contempt for an ignorant person ...1790 Eng. dial.
• JANGLER † a chatterer, an idle talker, a prater ...1303
• PRATE-APACE one who prates on; a forward, talkative child; a chatterbox ...1636
• SCLORE a verbose, empty talker; a chatterbox; one who prates on endlessly ...1923 Sc.
• TATTLE-BOX a chatterbox; a prating gossip ...1911 sl.
PRATING - adjectives
• BABBLATIVE given to babbling; talkative, loquacious, garrulous, prating ...1583
• BABBLY full of babble, chattering, prating, garrulous ...1865
• GARRULOSE † given to much talking; fond of indulging in talk or chatter; loquacious, talkative, always prating ...1727
• LONG-TONGUED talkative, prating, babbling, gossiping, vindictive ...1899 Amer. dial.
• PRATEFUL * full of prate, given to chattering, loquacious, talkative ...1802
PRATING - nouns
• BABBLERY † idle talk, chattering, senseless babble or prating; a foolish tale ...1532
• BIBBLE-BABBLE idle talk, prating ...M16
• CRONK a croaking; a prating ...1790 Eng. dial.
• GAB prating ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• PATE prating, chatter ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRATTLE - nouns
• BAVARDAGE idle talk, prattle, chattering ...1835
• CANTILENE † an old song; silly prattle; idle tale, trick ...1535
• GAB the act of gabbing or talking; conversation, prattle, talk, twaddle ...1790
• GASH prattle, pert language ...1813 Sc.
• NAFF frivolous talk or prattle; an angry dispute about a trifle ...Bk1903 Sc.
• NAFFING idle talk, prattle ...1878 Sc.
• PARTLE prattle, chatter ...1913 Sc.
• TALKEE small talk; petty or childish talk, chatter; continuous talk or prattle ...1885 colloq.
• TALKEE-TALKEE small talk; petty or childish talk, chatter; continuous talk or prattle ...1812 contemptuous usage
• TITTLE-TATTLE talk, chatter, prattle; esp. empty or trifling talk about trivial matters; petty gossip ...a1529
• YAFF prattle, chatter ...1868 Sc.
PRATTLE - verbs
• BLETHER to talk nonsense; to prattle, to chatter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GABBLE to talk volubly, inarticulately, and incoherently; to chatter, to prattle; also, to read so fast as to be unintelligible ...1577
• GAGGLE † to express with gaggling or cackling; to babble, to prattle ...1577
• JABBLE to talk rapidly and indistinctly or unintelligibly; to speak volubly and with little sense; to chatter, to gabble, to prattle ...1570
• YATTER to chatter, to ramble on in a confused or foolish manner; to prattle, to talk interminably ...1825 Sc.
• YATTER-YATTER to chatter, to ramble on in a confused or foolish manner; to prattle, to talk interminably ...1825 Sc.
PRATTLER, PRATTLING - nouns, person
• CARPER † a talker, a prattler ...c1440
• GABBLEBLOOTER a loudmouth, a prattler, a boaster ...20C N. Ireland sl.
• NASH-GAB a pert or gossiping person, an impertinent, ill-natured fellow, a forward, prattling girl ...1818 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• PRATTLE-BOX † a chatterbox; a talkative person; a prattler, a chatterer ...1671
• TONGUE-PAD a talkative person, a chatterer, a prattler ...a1700 Eng. dial. & sl.
PRATTLING - nouns
• GALAFER a prattling sound; a loud noise; a burst of laughter ...1898 Eng. dial.
• GALLAFER a prattling sound; a loud noise; a burst of laughter ...1898 Eng. dial.
PRAWN - nouns
• GOLDIE HAWN a prawn ...1998 UK rhyming sl.
• PANDLE a prawn ...1790 Eng. dial.
PRAY - nouns
• BEAD-ROLL † a list of persons to be specially prayed for ...c1500 obs. or arch.
PRAY - nouns, person
• BEAD-FOLK people who pray for a benefactor ...1465
PRAY - verbs
• BEAD † to pray ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BID to pray ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• COUNT ONE'S BEADS to say one's prayers ...1792
• I-BID † to pray ...971
• ORATE † to pray; to plead ...c1600
• THROW THE MOUTH to pray ...1796 Sc.
PRAYER - adjectives
• BEADFUL † prayerful ...c1200
PRAYER - nouns
• BEAD † a prayer ...c885
• BEADS † prayers, devotions ...c885
• BEADS BIDDING. the saying of prayers ...1387
• BEAD-SONG † a song of prayer ...c1200
• BENE † prayer, petition, boon; prayer to God ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• GYBS prayers ...L19 sl.
• HAILER the prayer 'Hail Mary' ...1920s Irish sl.
• MASS AND MEAT prayers and food ...1827 Sc.
• ORATION † a prayer, petition, or supplication to God; orison ...c1375
• ORATORY a place of prayer; a small chapel or shrine ...a1300
• ORATOUR † a place of prayer; a small chapel or shrine; a room or building for private worship ...a1300
• SUFFRAGIES † prayers, esp. on behalf of the departed ...a1225
PRAYER - nouns, person
• BEADSMAN a man of prayer; one who prays for the soul or spiritual welfare of another ...c1230
• BEADS-WOMAN a woman who prays for a benefactor, an almswoman ...c1465
• ORATOR † one who offers a prayer or petition; a petitioner or suppliant ...1433
PRAYER - verbs
• BID A BEAD to offer a prayer ...c1250
• CHOP UP THE WHINERS to hurry through prayers ...L17 sl.
• TELL ONE'S BEADS to say one's prayers ...1641
PRAYING MANTIS - nouns
• BROOMSTICK a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL HORSE a praying mantis ...1931 Amer. dial.
• DEVILS DARNING NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1941 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S HORSE a praying mantis ...1883 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S HORSE FLY a praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S MARE a praying mantis ...1843 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S RIDING HORSE a praying mantis ...1869 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S RIDY HORSE a praying mantis ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAR SEWER. a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• GRANDDADDY the praying mantis ...1966 Amer. dial.
• GRANDMOTHER'S DARNING NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• HAYMAKER a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1970 Amer. dial.
• NEEDLE BUG a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• NIGHTSTICK a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• OLD GRANDDAD the praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• OLD GRANDDAD HIPPETY HOP the praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• PISS MARE a praying mantis ...1966 Amer. dial.
• REARHORSE the praying mantis ...1859 Amer. dial.
• WOODEN HORSE a praying mantis ...1908 Amer. dial.
• WOOD-HORSE a praying mantis ...1868 Amer. dial.
PREACH - verbs
• GLORY-HALLELUJAH to speak in the manner of an evangelist preacher ...1874 Amer. dial.
• ITINERATE to travel from place to place preaching; spec. of a Methodist minister, to preach to the various congregations within the circuit to which he is appointed, and to go periodically from circuit to circuit as appointed, (usually) every three years ...1775
• TEACH † to preach ...1792 Sc.
PREACHER - adjectives
• CHURCH-CALLED feeling compelled to become a preacher ...1920s US Black sl.
PREACHER - nouns, person
• ABDELI a hypocrite, a canting preacher; a fastidious or false zealot ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• AMEN-BAWLER a parson; a preacher ...19C sl.
ە AUTEM-COVE a preacher, a parson ...M19 sl.
• BARNYARD PREACHER an unprofessional or part-time lay preacher ...1805 Amer. dial.
• BAWLER a declamatory preacher; used contemptuously ...1656
• BIBLE BANGER a fanatical or zealous religious person or lay preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-BEATER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-POUNDER a parson; a fanatical or zealous religious person or lay preacher ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-RANTER a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-READER a preacher ...1931 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-SPOUTER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-THUMPER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-TOTER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BRIMSTONE BUSTER a ranting preacher who threatens sinners with hellfire ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BROTHER a preacher; usually followed by name ...1928 Amer. dial.
• CACKLE TUB a preacher ...M19 sl.
• CAMISTER a clergyman, a preacher...1851 thieves' cant
• CHAIRBACK an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• CHAIRBACKER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• CHAIRBACK PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1970 Amer. dial.
• CHAIR PUSHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1970 Amer. dial.
• CHICKEN-EATER a preacher ...1954 Amer. dial. esp. Black usage
• CHICKEN PREACHER an unordained preacher who only serves part-time ...1970 Amer. dial.
• DUSTMAN an energetic, fanatic preacher ...M19 sl.
• EXHORTER a lay preacher ...1843 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHARK a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1897 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHARP a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1872 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHOOTER a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1900 Amer. dial.
• HATCHET an uneducated, part-time lay preacher, generally rather poor ...1949 Amer. dial.
• JACKLEG 1. an incompetent, unskilled or unprincipled worker or professional person, esp. a quack doctor, a crooked lawyer, or a hypocritical preacher ...M19 US sl.
2. an itinerant preacher ...20C US sl.
• JACK-LEGGED PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1967 Amer. dial.
• JAKELEG PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1969 Amer. dial.
• LOCAL DICK a local preacher ...1892 Eng. dial.
• LOCAL MINISTER a part-time preacher, esp. a Methodist layman licensed to preach in a specified region ...1965 Amer. dial.
• LOCAL PREACHER a part-time preacher, esp. a Methodist layman licensed to preach in a specified region ...1834 Amer. dial.
• LOCUS PREACHER a local preacher ...1922 Amer. dial.
• MONEY-CALLED PREACHER a professional preacher who would find some other work if he was not paid well ...1966 Amer. dial.
• OLD-FIELD PREACHER an old-fashioned rural preacher ...1904 Amer. dial.
• ONE-GALLUS PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1966 Amer. dial.
• ONE-HORSE PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1966 Amer. dial.
• PULPIT-CUFFER a Bible-pounding preacher ...19C Brit. colloq.
• PULPITEER (usually disparaging) a preacher by profession ...1635
• PULPITER (usually disparaging) a preacher by profession ...1635
• READER a preacher who reads his sermon ...1891 Sc.
• REGULAR PREACHER a travelling preacher among the Wesleyans or Primitive Methodists ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCAREHEAD a puritanical religious preacher ...1900s UK criminals' sl.
• SKY PILOT a clergyman, a preacher ...1882 Amer. dial.
• SKY WRITER a clergyman, a preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SOUL-SNATCHER a preacher, a missionary ...L19 sl.
• SOUL-SNAVELLER a preacher, a missionary ...L19 sl.
• STRAWBERRY-PREACHER a non-resident preacher; one who visited his cure only once a year ...Bk1904 sl.
• TABLE TAPPER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1949 Amer. dial.
• TENT-READER one who reads the service from a 'tent' ...1715 Sc.
• YARD-AXE an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1902 Amer. dial.
• YARD-AXE PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1902 Amer. dial.
PREACHING - adjectives
• PREACHY given to preaching ...1819 colloq.
PREACHING - nouns
• RANTERISM noisy preaching and praying, common among the 'Ranters' ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TENT an open-air pulpit ...1785 Sc.
• TENT-PREACHING preaching from a 'tent' ...1630 Sc.
• TICKLING-HOUSE a place of preaching ...1681 sl.
PRECARIOUS - adjectives
• BETWEEN THE BEETLE AND THE BLOCK in a precarious or dangerous position ...1589
• CASUAL † subject to chance or accident; frail, uncertain, precarious ...1529
• CATCHING in an uncertain or precarious state ...c1611
• CAZZARDLY precarious, risky, uncertain ...1849 Eng. dial.
• EYVY-KEYVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HAVEY-CAVEY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HEAVY-CEAVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HEIGHVY-KEIGHVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• KAZZARDLY precarious, risky, uncertain ...1849 Eng. dial.
• QUAVERY-MAVERY * in an uncertain or precarious condition; undecided, and hesitating how to decide ...1809
• TICKLE † insecure; precarious, slippery ...1579 obs. or arch.
• TICKLESOME difficult, critical, delicate, precarious ...1585 now Eng. dial.
• TICKLISH liable to end in disaster unless treated with great care; needing cautious handling or action; delicate, critical, precarious, risky, hazardous ...1592
• TOLTER moving unsteadily; unsteady, unstable, tottering; insecure, precarious ...1423 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WANKLE † unsteady, insecure; changeable, unsettled, precarious; inconstant, wavering; also, weak in health, delicate, sickly ...c888 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRECARIOUS - verbs
• HAVE A WOLF BY THE EARS to be in a precarious or difficult situation or predicament ...1560
PRECARIOUSNESS - nouns
• TICKLENESS † insecurity, instability; critical situation, precariousness; inconstancy; uncertainty ...c1390
PRECAUTION - nouns
• WARIMENT †* precaution ...1596
PRECAUTION - verbs
• LICK ONE'S FLINT to prepare for a difficult task; to take precautions against disaster ...1953 Amer. dial.
• NOT TO HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE LADLE WHEN THE POT COMES A-BOIL to be prepared, to take proper precautions ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• WAIT † to take precautions, to be watchful or cautious ...a1300
PRECAUTION - phrases
• IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL! a form of farewell with sexual innuendo, intimating that if one can't refuse sexual advances, then one should protect oneself with contraceptives; advice to take precautions ...Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl.
PRECEDING - adjectives
• ANTEGREDIENT †* preceding, going before ...1686
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
• PREDECESSIVE †* that has gone before; preceding; previous ...1599
• TOFOREGOING † foregoing, preceding, antecedent ...1387-8
PRECIOUS - adjectives
• DAINTY † precious; hence, rare, scarce ...? a1500
• DEAR † of high estimation, of great worth or value; precious, valuable ...c888
• DEARWORTH † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c888
• DEARWORTHY † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c1430
• DERWORTH † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c888
• DERWORTHY † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c1430
• SUGARED † of persons: beloved, dear; precious ...c1475
PRECIOUS - nouns
• DRUERY † a beloved or precious thing; anything valuable or highly prized; a treasure ...a1300
• MADME † a precious thing; a treasure; a valuable gift ...a1000
• MARGARITE something precious ...a1450
PRECIOUS - nouns, person
• EYEBALL someone precious or dear; one's favourite person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• EYEBALLS someone precious or dear; one's favourite person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• SNOOKUMS a precious one; generally used to address small dogs, babies, etc. ...1919 Amer. sl.
PRECIOUSLY - adverbs
• DEARLY † in a precious, worthy, or excellent manner; worthily, choicely, finely, richly ...a1000 obs.
• DEARWORTHILY † worthily, honourably; preciously, richly; affectionately ...a1300
• DEARWORTHLY † worthily, honourably; preciously, richly; affectionately ...c1205
PRECIOUSNESS - nouns
• DEARWORTHINESS † preciousness, worthiness, valuableness ...c1325 obs.
PRECIOUS STONE - nouns
• SHINER a diamond or other precious stone; usually used in the plural ...1884 sl.
• SPARKLER a diamond or other precious stone ...1822 sl.
PRECIPICE - adjectives
• SCARRY bare, rocky; full of precipices ...1844 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECIPICE - nouns
• GAIRY a steep hill or precipice; a moorland, upland; a piece of waste land ...1871 Sc.
• GAIRY-FACE a steep hill or precipice; a moorland, upland; a piece of waste land ...1871 Sc.
• PALI a steep slope, a precipice ...1833 Hawaii
• SCOUT † a high rock or hill; a projecting ridge; a precipice ...1781 Eng. dial.
• SCREE the steep, perpendicular side of a mountain; a precipice ...1901 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECIPITANCY - nouns
• SUDDENNESS * hastiness, precipitancy ...1580
PRECIPITATE - adjectives
• HAND-OVER-HEAD † thoughtlessly extravagant; precipitate, rash, reckless; indiscriminate ...a1693 now rare or obs.
• HASTIF † precipitate, rash ...1297
• HASTIVE † precipitate, rash ...1297
• HEADLAND headlong, precipitate, giddy ...1863 Eng. dial.
• HEADLING † precipitate ...c1510
• HEDLIN headlong, precipitate, giddy ...1863 Eng. dial.
• PREPROPEROUS † too hasty, precipitate ...1555
• RABBISH † unruly, turbulent; inconsiderate, rash; rough or precipitate in action ...1387
• RAM-GAM headstrong, precipitate, devil-may-care, heedless, rash, unrestrained ...1929 Sc.
• RAM-RACE headstrong, precipitate, impetuous ...1900 Sc.
• RAM-STAM precipitate, headstrong, hasty, impetuous, reckless ...1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SKIT † precipitate, over-hasty ...a1529
• UNHEEDY † heedless, careless, rash, precipitate, sudden ...1579
PRECIPITATE - adverbs
• HEADFOREMOST * headlong, precipitate ...1871
PRECIPITATE - verbs
• HEADLONG † to cast headlong; to precipitate ...c1586
• PLAY AT HAND OVER HEAD † to act precipitately or rashly ...1589 obs.
• WALTZ OFF ON THE EAR to act precipitately on the basis of hearing a statement but not considering its implications ...L19 US sl.
PRECIPITATELY - adverbs
• BALD-HEADED precipitately; hurriedly, without caution ...1848 Amer. dial.
• HAND OVER HEAD † precipitately, hastily, rashly, recklessly; indiscriminately ...c1440 now rare or obs.
• HEADILY headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly; violently, impetuously ...c1450
• HEADLAND headlong, precipitately ...1863 Eng. dial.
• HEADLANDS headlong, precipitately ...1892 Eng. dial.
• HEADLING † without thought or regard; thoughtlessly, precipitately ...1421-2
• HEADLINGS † without thought or regard; thoughtlessly, precipitately ...c1380
• HEADLONGS headlong, precipitately ...1546 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• HEADLONGWISE † in a headlong way, precipitately ...1600
• HEADLY † in a heady manner; impetuously, precipitately; headily ...1388
• IMPROVISEDLY † without forethought, imprudently, precipitately ...c1568
• ON HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1565-73
• RAMBOOZE suddenly, precipitately, headlong ...1898 Sc.
• RAM-STAM in a headlong, precipitate manner; recklessly, rashly, rudely; in confusion ...1735 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RAM-TAM in a headlong, precipitate manner; rashly, rudely; in confusion ...1735 Sc.
• TAIL ON END † headlong; precipitately ...1790
• UPON A HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1579-80
• UPON HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1555
PRECIPITATENESS, PRECIPITATION - nouns
• HEADLONGNESS * headlong quality or speed; precipitateness, rashness ...1580
• RAM-STAM headstrong, impetuous action; furious rush, precipitateness ...1790 Sc.
• TIFT sudden flight; great haste, precipitation ...1841 Sc.
PRECIPITOUS - adjectives
• DOWNSTEEPY †* very steeply descending; steep and precipitous; having a great declivity ...1603
PRECIPITOUS - nouns
• RAM-RACE a precipitous, headlong rush ...1812 Sc.
PRECISE - adjectives
• CADDY precise, old-maidish ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• DINK dainty, squeamish, precise ...1806 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NEAT † exact, precise ...1682 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• NICE squeamish; precise ...1543 sl.
• PERJINKETY exact, precise, minutely accurate; extreme as to neatness, fussy, finical ...1887 Sc.
• PERNICKETTY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable ...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERNICKETY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERNICKITY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable ...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERSNICKERTY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable, obstinate ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PERSNICKETY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise ...1956 Amer. dial.
• PRICK-ME-DAINTY finicky in dress, language, and behaviour; affectedly dainty; over-precise; conceited ...1820 chiefly Sc.
• SANSHACH precise, pettish, crotchety ...1825 Sc.
• VIDUAL individual, particular, distinct, precise ...1850 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECISE - nouns
• VERY ARTICLE, THE the precise thing; the thing or person most needed ...c1850 colloq.
PRECISE - nouns, person
• BRADSHAW a precise person, good at figures ...L19 sl.
• MRS. PRINCUM PRANCUM a nice, precise, formal madam ...B1900
PRECISE - verbs
• DOT ONE'S I'S AND CROSS ONE'S T'S to be meticulous or precise, even to the smallest detail
• VAGUE to be more precise ...1990s sl.
PRECISELY - adverbs
• DOWN TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FEATLY † exactly, precisely ...a1450
• FOR ALL THE WORLD exactly, precisely ...1862 Eng. dial.
• NAMELY †* carefully, precisely ...a1400-50
• ON A DIME precisely, suddenly ...1996 US sl.
• ON THE DOT precisely; exactly at the time specified ...colloq.
• ON THE MONEY precisely, perfectly ...1944 colloq.
• QUIM moving easily, precisely ...20C Irish sl.
• RIGHT DOWN TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1965 Amer. dial.
• RIGHT ON THE MONEY precisely, perfectly ...1944 colloq.
• TO A GNAT'S BALLS adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S BRISTLE adv. exactly, precisely ...1905 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EAR adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYE adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYEBROW adv. exactly, precisely ...c1950 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYELASH adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S HAIR adv. exactly, precisely ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S HEEL adv. exactly, precisely ...1840 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S TAIL adv. exactly, precisely ...1935 Amer. dial.
• TO AN AFFYGRAPHY exactly, precisely ...B1874 Eng. sl.
• TO A SHAVING exactly, precisely ...Bk2002 Eng. dial.
• TO A T precisely, exactly ...1693
• TO A TEE-WHITIE precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TO A TEEWITY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TO A TEE-Y-TEE precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1929 Amer. dial.
• TO A TITTLE with minute exactness; to the smallest particular; precisely, accurately ...1607
• TO A T-WITEY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1941 Amer. dial.
• TO A T-WYTY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1837 Amer. dial.
• UP TO THE LAST NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1897 Amer. dial.
• UP TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1790 Amer. dial.
PRECISENESS - nouns
• PERNICKETINESS fussiness, preciseness ...1890 Amer. dial. dial.
PRECLUDE - verbs
• BEFORE-BAR † to preclude, to foreclose ...c1449
PRECOCIOUS - adjectives
• ANCIENT of children: staid, demure, precocious ...1887 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ARPIT quick, ready, precocious ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• FALSE sharp, shrewd, clever, precocious; generally applied to children and animals ...1866 Eng. dial.
• OLD wise, serious, thoughtful; of a child: precocious, staid, demure ...1896 Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRAND knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRANT knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRANTLY knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRENDLY knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FASHIONED knowing, cunning, intelligent; precocious ...1844 Eng. dial.
• OLD-RAFANT precocious, prematurely wise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RATHE-RIPE precocious, early developed in mind or body ...1617 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRECOCIOUS - nouns, person
• BORN-HEAD a young precocious fellow; a very foolish person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GADDERMAN an old-fashioned or precocious young person ...1890 Ireland
• MARCH CHICK † a precocious youth ...1599
• NACKET a pert, forward, smart boy; a trifling little person; an insignificant person; a wicked, mischievous, or impertinent child; a precocious child ...1833 Sc.
PRECOCITY - nouns
• ANCIENTRY precocity ...1887 Sc.
PREDATORY - adjectives
• PREDATITIOUS † adj. characterized by plundering, pillaging, or robbing; predatory ...1659
• RAPTORIAL given to seizing prey, predatory ...1825
PREDECESSOR - nouns, person
• BEFORE-GOER † a predecessor ...c1388
• DECESSOR † a predecessor ...1647
• ELDER † a parent; an ancestor, a forefather; hence, a predecessor, one who lived in former days; usually in plural ...971
• OLDERS † predecessors ...a1470
PREDESTINATION - nouns
• MACHINERY † fatalism, predestination ...1764 Sc.
PREDESTINE - verbs
• ORDINATE † to institute, to establish, to predestine ...1610 rare or obs.
PREDICAMENT - adjectives
• IN A BIND in trouble or difficulties; in a predicament or dilemma ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN A FIX in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1834 sl., orig. US
• IN A HOLE in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1762 sl.
• IN A JAM in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1914 sl., orig. US
• IN A KNOT in a predicament or difficult situation; having problems ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN A PICKLE in a predicament or difficult situation; having problems ...a1620
• IN A SPOT OF BOTHER in a difficult predicament or some form of trouble ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN THE FART-BOW in an inextricable predicament, unable to help oneself ...1821 Sc.
• JACKPOTTED tangled up with a fallen steer or horse; in a predicament or dilemma ...1946 Amer. sl.
• UP A GUM-TREE in difficulties; in a predicament; in trouble ...1926 Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK in an unpleasant situation; in an awkward predicament; in trouble ...1937 sl.
PREDICAMENT - nouns
• CAGMAG a predicament, a fix, hobble ...19C Eng. dial.
• DEVIL TO PAY AND NO PITCH HOT a predicament, a critical situation, or a perplexing foul-up ...1963 Amer. dial.
• DICKYMENT a predicament ...1881 Eng. dial.
• FANG † a fix, a predicament ...1821 Sc.
• FANKLE a tangle, a muddle; an entanglement; a predicament ...1818 Sc.
• HELL TO PAY AND NO PITCH HOT a predicament, a critical situation, or a perplexing foul-up ...1927 Amer. dial.
• JACKPOT a predicament; a muddle; a dilemma; trouble; an arrest ...1887 Amer. sl.
• KANKEDORT †* a state of suspense; a critical position; a predicament; an awkward affair ...c1374
• KANKERDORT †* a state of suspense; a critical position; a predicament; an awkward affair ...c1374
• MAGRIM a difficulty; an awkward predicament ...1870 Eng. dial.
• PICKLEMENT a difficult or awkward situation; a predicament ...1945 Amer. dial.
• PRIMINARY a predicament ...1975 Amer. dial.
PREDICAMENT - verbs
• HAVE A WOLF BY THE EARS to be in a precarious or difficult situation or predicament ...1560
• HAVE ONE'S ASS IN A SLING to be in trouble; to be in an unfortunate predicament ...1960 US sl.
• HOLD THE SACK to bear alone the consequences that should be shared by others; to possess what remains after others have taken whatever is of value; to be in a predicament ...1904 Amer. dial.
PREDICAMENT - phrases
• UP SHIT CREEK in an unpleasant situation; in an awkward predicament ...sl.
PREDICT - verbs
• BEFORE-SAY † to predict, to foretell ...1382
• CALL THE TURN to predict accurately; to make an accurate statement or prediction ...1876 Amer. sl., orig. gambling usage
• FATIDICATE * to declare or predict fates ...1867
• HALSEN to predict, to divine, to conjecture; to forebode evil, to anticipate bad news; to speak evil ...1814 Eng. dial.
• READ to predict, to foretell ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VATICINATE 1. to speak as a prophet or seer; to utter predictions; to foretell events ....1623
2. to foretell, to predict, or prophesy a future event ...1652
PREDICTING - adjectives
• VATICINANT † prophesying, predicting ...1490
PREDICTION - nouns
• ABODE † an announcement, prediction, prognostication ...c1600
• BODEWORD a portent; an ominous prediction regarding a person or family ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CALL an opinion, a prediction ...1999 US sl.
• ONOMATECHNY * the art of making predictions from the letters of a person's name ...1730
• SAY a saying; a proverb; a prediction ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VATICINATION a prediction of an oracular or inspired nature; a prophecy; a prophetic utterance or forecast ...1603
PREDOMINANCE - nouns
• MASTERY † predominance; predominating feature; prevailing character ...1477
PRE-EMINENT - adjectives
• PALMARIAN * that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1815
• PALMARY that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1657
PRE-EMINENT - verbs
• BEAR THE BELL to take the first place; to have foremost rank or position, to be the best; to excel, to be pre-eminent ...c1374
PRE-EMINENTLY - adverbs
• KATEXOKEN † pre-eminently ...1633
• PARAVANT † before; in front; before the rest; pre-eminently ...1590
• PARAVAUNT † before; in front; before the rest; pre-eminently ...1590
PREFER - nouns
• BAG that which one favours or prefers ...1964 orig. US Black
• CUP OF TEA that which one favours or prefers ...1932 sl.
• SCENE that which one favours or prefers ...1966
PREFER - verbs
• CHOISE † to choose, to elect, to prefer ...1605 obs. exc. Sc.
• FAIN * to enjoy; also, to take to gladly, to show preference for ...1483
PREFERABLE - adjectives
• RATHER †* more to be chosen; preferable ...c1430
• RATHEST † quickest, soonest, most preferable; most eager ...c888
PREFERABLY - adverbs
• SAIDER rather, preferably ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
PREFERENCE - adjectives
• DICTED addicted to, attached to, having a preference for ...1896 Eng. dial.
PREFERENCE - nouns
• ACTION one's choice, one's preference ...1950s US sl.
• BAG strong, esp. temporary, interest; area of expertise or interest; preference, mood ...1963 Amer. sl.
• FAVORANCE a liking, preference ...1933 Amer. dial.
• MUTTON one's preference, one's liking; usually in plural ...L19 sl., orig. US
• OPTATION a choice or preference ...1874
• RATHERS wishes; preference ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• RITHERS preference, choice ...1920s US Black sl.
• RUTHERS wishes; preference ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
PREFERENTIAL - phrases
• JOBS FOR THE BOYS (derogatory) appointments given preferentially to one's own associates or supporters ...1950 sl.
PREFERMENT - adjectives
• NEPOTIC inclined to nepotism; giving unfair preferment to relatives or friends ...1847
PREFERMENT - nouns
• NEPOTISM unfair preferment of nephews or relatives to other qualified persons ...1670
• VARMENT preferment ...1733 Eng. dial.
PREFERMENT - nouns, person
• NEPOTIST one who carries out nepotism ...1837
PREGNANCY, PREGNANT - nouns
• ACCIDENT an unplanned pregnancy ...1932 sl.
• AFTERTHOUGHT an unplanned pregnancy; the child of an unplanned pregnancy ...1914 UK sl.
• BAGGING † a becoming pregnant ...1611
• BAIRN-SIGN evidence of being in the family way ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BELLYFUL OF MARROW-PUDDING, A pregnancy ...19C Brit. sl.
• DELICATE CONDITION pregnancy ...20C US euphemism
• GREAT-BELLIED having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1567
• IRISH TOOTHACHE a pregnancy ...L19 Brit. sl.
• I.T.A. a pregnancy (Irish Toothache) ...L19 Brit. sl.
• LAP-CLAP conception; a pregnancy ...E18 Brit. sl.
• MISTAKE an unplanned pregnancy and the child that follows ...1950s sl.
• MOLEHILL a pregnant stomach ...E18 sl.
• OBS in a hospital: obstetrics ...1985 UK sl.
• PADDY'S TOOTHACHE pregnancy ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PUDDING CLUB pregnancy ...Brit. sl.
• RABBIT-PULLING obstetrics ...L19 medical students' usage
• TOCOLOGY the science of parturition, or of midwifery; obstetrics ...1828
PREGNANCY, PREGNANT - nouns, person
• DOULA a person, typically an experienced mother, who provides emotional support, practical help, and advice to a woman during pregnancy and childbirth and for the first few weeks after birth ...M20
• FAMILY WOMAN a pregnant woman ...1929 Amer. dial.
• LADY IN WAITING a pregnant woman ...20C Brit. & US colloq.
• LIGHT BULB a pregnant woman ...M20 US sl.
• PREGGO a pregnant person ...1951 Aust. sl.
• VIRGIN MARY 'an obviously pregnant single girl who insists she is merely gaining weight, then leaves town to go on a diet' ...1966 US sl.
PREGNANCY - phrases
• IT'S NOT THE BULL THEY'RE AFRAID OF - IT'S THE CALF of girls: a phrase implying that they fear, not the loss of virginity, but pregnancy ...20C Aust. sl.
• RABBIT DIED, THE used for indicating a state of pregnancy ...1998 UK sl.
PREGNANT - adjectives
• ABOUT TO FIND PUPS pregnant; about to give birth ...20C US sl.
• APRON-UP pregnant ...19C colloq.
• BABY-BOUND pregnant ...E20 US sl.
• BAGGED † big with young; pregnant ...a1400
• BAGGIT big with young ...1897 Sc.
• BAIRNED pregnant ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG great with young, pregnant ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BIG-BELLIED having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1803
• BIGGED pregnant ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BOUKIT large, bulky; swollen; corpulent; pregnant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOUKSOME pregnant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOW-WINDOWED pregnant ...M19 sl.
• BRED pregnant ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BROKEN-KNEED pert. to a woman who was seduced and made pregnant ...18C Brit.
• BROKEN-LEGGED pert. to a woman who was seduced and made pregnant ...18C Brit.
• BROUGHT TO STRAW pregnant; in childbed ...1946 Amer. dial.
• CALLED TO STRAW pregnant; in childbed ...1931 Amer. dial.
• CARRYING ALL BEFORE HER of a woman: having a generous bust or obviously pregnant ...1984 UK jocular
• CAUGHT pregnant ...1940 Amer. dial.
• CAUGHT SHORT expecting a child out of wedlock ...1960 Amer. dial.
• CHILD-GREAT † pregnant, big with child ...1605
• CLUCKY pregnant ...E20 Aust. sl.
• COCKED-UP pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• DAUNCEY pregnant ...1952 US sl.
• DOUBLE-RIBBED great with child, pregnant ...1598
• EXPECTING pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• FALLEN ON pregnant ...c1930 sl.
• FALLING APART pregnant; getting ready to 'drop' ...20C Amer. dial.
• FAMILIAR-WAY pregnant ...19C colloq.
• FAT pregnant ...1950s US Black sl.
• FAT AS GOD'S POCKET, AS pregnant ...1931 Amer. dial.
• FEATHERING ONE'S NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FULL-IN-THE-BELLY pregnant ...19C Brit. colloq.
• FULL OF HEIR pregnant ...20C US jocular
• GOING TO NEW YORK pregnant ...1970 Amer. dial.
• GONE pregnant ...1945 Aust. sl.
• HALF-GONE about in the middle period of pregnancy ...Bk1905 Sc.
• HEAVY great with young, pregnant ...c1375
• HEAVY-FOOTED pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• HOW-CAME-YOU-SO? pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• HUNG pregnant ...1968 Amer. dial.
• IN A CERTAIN CONDITION euphemism for pregnant
• IN A FAMILY WAY pregnant ...19C colloq.
• IN AN INTERESTING CONDITION pregnant ...M18 colloq.
• IN AN INTERESTING SITUATION pregnant ...M18 colloq.
• IN BABY pregnant ...1942 Trinidad and Tobago
• IN BAD SHAPE pregnant ...20C US sl.
• IN FOR pregnant ...1910s sl.
• IN FOR IT pregnant ...1910s sl.
• IN PIG pregnant ...1945 sl.
• IN POD pregnant ...1890 sl.
• IN THAT WAY pregnant ...1742 euphemism
• IN THE CLUB pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• IN THE FAMILIAR WAY pregnant ...1891 jocular colloq.
• IN THE FAMILY WAY pregnant ...1796 euphemism
• IN THE PUDDING CLUB pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• IN THE SPUD LINE pregnant ...1937 euphemism
• IN THE WAY pregnant ...1742 euphemism
• IN TROUBLE pregnant ...1891 euphemism
• JACKED UP pregnant ...1970 Amer. dial.
• KETCHED pregnant ...19C Amer. dial.
• KNAPPED pregnant ...E19 Brit. sl.
• KNOCKED-UP pregnant ...20C US sl.
• LIKE THAT pregnant ...1976 Amer. dial.
• LOADED pregnant ...19C colloq.
• LUSTY pregnant ...19C Amer. dial.
• MUCKLE-BOOKIT great with child ...Bk1905 Sc.
• NUI pregnant ...1938 Hawaii
• ON of a woman: pregnant ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• ON THE NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• OTHERWISE pregnant ...20C Amer. dial.
• PAGLED † made or become pregnant; big with young ...1599
• PIGGY pregnant ...1953 Amer. dial.
• PILLOWED pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• PREG pregnant ...1955 sl.
• PREGGERS pregnant ...1942 Brit. sl.
• PREGGIE pregnant ...1938 euphemism
• PREGGO pregnant ...1951 Aust. sl.
• PREGGY pregnant ...1938 euphemism
• PUMPED pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• PUMPED UP pregnant ...20C Amer. sl.
• QUICK pregnant ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUICK WITH CHILD † said of a female in the stage of pregnancy at which the motion of the foetus is felt ...c1450 now rare or obs.
• SETTING ON THE NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SICK in labour; confined to childbed; pregnant ...1805 Amer. dial.
• SITTING ON A NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SO pregnant ...19C Brit.
• STORK-MAD 1. eager to become pregnant; wanting to have a child; said of women ...M20 US sl.
2. pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• STUNG BY A SERPENT. pregnant ...19C sl.
• TEEMING pregnant ...1953 Amer. dial.
• THATAWAY pregnant ...1954 Amer. dial.
• THAT WAY pregnant ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TIDY pregnant ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TOO BIG FOR HER CLOTHES pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• UP pregnant ...1991 Trinidad and Tobago
• UP-AND-COMING pregnant ...Amer. dial.
• UP A TREE pregnant ...1941 Amer. dial.
• UP SHIT CREEK pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...20C Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK IN A BARBED WIRE CANOE WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...20C Aust. sl.
• UP THE CREEK pregnant ...1961 euphemism
• UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant ...1920s Aust. sl.
• UP THE DUFF pregnant ...1941 sl., chiefly Aust.
• UP THE IN AND OUT ruined; pregnant ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'up the spout'
• UP THE KITE pregnant ...1990s sl.
• UP THE POLE pregnant ...1922 euphemism
• UP THE SPOUT pregnant ...1937 euphemism
• UP THE STICK pregnant ...1941 euphemism
• UP THE WAY pregnant ...1930s Aust. sl.
• UP THE WOP pregnant ...1980s NZ sl.
• WEARING THE HACKING JACKET pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WEARING THE JACKET pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WELL-ALONG pregnant, obviously pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• WITH SQUIRREL pregnant ...20C US dial.
• WITH YOUNG pregnant; usually said of animals ...20C US
• WRINKLE-BELLIED having had a number of children; usually used of a prostitute ...L18 colloq.
• YOUNG WITH CHILD † newly pregnant; in the early stage of pregnancy ...1612
PREGNANT - verbs
• BAG † to be pregnant ...a1400
• BAIRN to render pregnant ...1827 Sc.
• BATTLE to have sex; to impregnate someone ...1998 NZ sl.
• BE BAGGED † to be pregnant ...1603
• BE IN AN INTERESTING CONDITION to be with child ...1748 sl.
• BE IN AN INTERESTING SITUATION to be with child ...1748 sl.
• BELLY UP to show signs of pregnancy ...1979 Amer. dial.
• BIG to make pregnant ...1917 Amer. dial.
• BLOW UP † to make pregnant ...1803 Amer. dial.
• BREAK ONE'S LEG to become pregnant ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BREAK ONE'S TOE to become pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BREED to be pregnant; to give birth ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BURN ONE'S FOOT to become pregnant ...1966 Amer. dial.
• CATCH to become pregnant; to make pregnant ...1912 Amer. dial.
• EAT BAD FOOD to get pregnant ...1974 Trinidad and Tobago
• EAT DRIED APPLES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT DRIED APRICOTS to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT DRIED FRUIT to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT GREEN APPLES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT PEACHES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1967 Amer. dial.
• EAT PUMPKIN SEEDS to swell with pregnancy ...1967 Amer. dial.
• EAT SUPPER BEFORE ONE SAYS GRACE to have a baby in progress before marriage; to conceive a child ...1984 Amer. dial.
• FALL to 'fall' with child, to become pregnant ...1722 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FALL FOR to become pregnant with or by ...L19 sl.
• FALL ON to become pregnant ...1976 UK sl.
• FALL WITH BAIRN to become pregnant ...1813 Sc.
• FILL IN to render a woman pregnant ...20C Aust. sl.
• GET WRONG of a girl or woman: to render her pregnant ...20C sl.
• GO TO RICHMOND to become pregnant; to be near to giving birth to a child ...1944 Amer. dial.
• GREATEN † to become pregnant ...LME
• HAVE A BEAN IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...19C Brit. & US colloq.
• HAVE A COOKIE IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1960 Amer. sl.
• HAVE A DUCK IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A DUMPLING ON to be pregnant ...L19 Brit. colloq.
• HAVE A HUMP IN THE FRONT to be pregnant ...19C colloq.
• HAVE AN EGG IN THE NEST to be pregnant ...Bk1902 sl.
• HAVE A NINE-MONTHS DROPSY to be pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• HAVE A POTATO IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A TURKEY IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE BREAD IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE ONE IN THE BOX to be pregnant ...19C colloq.
• HAVE ONE IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...19C Brit. & US colloq.
• HAVE ONE'S APRON-UP to be pregnant ...L19 Brit. sl.
• HAVE ONE'S CARGO ABOARD to be pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• JAZZ UP to impregnate a woman ...E20 US sl.
• KNOCK UP to make pregnant ...1813 US sl.
• MEAT to get a woman pregnant ...1954 Amer. dial.
• PLANT CORN A-FORE THE FENCE IS BUILT to have a baby in progress before marriage; to conceive a child ...1984 Amer. dial.
• QUICKEN of a female: to reach the stage of pregnancy at which the child shows signs of life ...1530
• SEAL to impregnate a woman ...19C Brit. sl.
• SET THE GOOSE to become pregnant ...1968 Amer. dial.
• SPRAIN ONE'S ANKLE to become pregnant ...L18 colloq.
• STORK to make pregnant ...1936 US sl.
• TEEM † to be pregnant; to bring forth; to produce in abundance ...1889 Eng. dial.
• WALK UPHILL to be pregnant ...1944 Amer. dial.
• WEAR THE BUSTLE WRONG to be pregnant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
PREGNANT - phrases
• THERE'S MORE IN HER BELLY THAN EVER WENT THROUGH HER MOUTH said of a pregnant woman ...19C colloq.
PREJUDICE - adverbs
• SINISTROUSLY † unfavourably, esp. with display of prejudice against a person ...1560
PREJUDICE - nouns
• MUMPSIMUS a traditional custom or notion obstinately adhered to however unreasonable it is shown to be; an error obstinately clung to; a prejudice ...1545
• SCATLOE † loss, harm, prejudice ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKATLOE † loss, harm, prejudice ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
PREJUDICED, PREJUDICIAL - adjectives
• AFFECTIONATE † unduly affected, biased, prejudiced, partial ...1530
• NARROW-MINDED illiberal, bigoted, prejudiced; incapable of broad views ...1625
• SINISTER † of opinions, etc.: prejudicial, adverse, unfavourable, darkly suspicious ...1432
• SINISTROUS † malicious, unfair, prejudiced ...1593
PREJUDICED - nouns, person
• OSCAR a prejudiced, narrow-minded person ...1973 US sl.
• PICKET PIN a marmot; a woodchuck; a prairie dog ...1980 Amer. dial.
• WHISTLE PIG a prairie dog ...2004 Amer. dial.
PRAISE - adjectives
• EPENETIC † giving praise to; laudatory; eulogistic ...1843
• FONKY-FRESH a general adj. of high praise, the most sophisticated, the smartest, the most attractive ...1980s US Black sl.
• FUNKY-FRESH a general adj. of high praise, the most sophisticated, the smartest, the most attractive ...1980s US Black sl.
• LAUDATIVE * expressive of praise; laudatory ...1609
• PANEGYRIC of the nature of a eulogy; publicly or elaborately expressing praise or commendation; eulogistic, laudatory ...a1631
• PANEGYRICAL of the nature of a eulogy; publicly or elaborately expressing praise or commendation; eulogistic, laudatory ...1592-3
PRAISE - nouns
• APPROOF approval, praise ...1884 Eng. dial.
• ATTABOY praise, esp. from a boss ...1970 US sl.
• BALLYHOO overstated and unwarranted praise or promotion; nonsense ...L19 sl.
• BALLY HOOEY overstated and unwarranted praise or promotion; nonsense ...L19 sl.
• GENUINE praise ...c1840 Winchester College usage
• JOLLY praise, esp. when spoken for an ulterior and/or criminal purpose ...1856
• LAUDABILITY * the quality of being a fit subject for praise; praiseworthiness ...1715
• LAUDIFICATION * the act of extolling with praise ...1890
• LEFT-HANDED COMPLIMENT praise that is subtle dispraise; reluctant and dubious praise ...1881 Amer. colloq.
• MADAM praise, flattery ...1910s UK criminals' sl.
• PANEGYRIC elaborate praise; eulogy; laudation ...1613
• PANEGYRISM a composition of a panegyrical character; a formal expression of praise ...1894 nonce word
• PANEGYRY † a formal expression of praise ...1600
• PANEULOGISM universal or indiscriminate praise ...a1864
• PUFF a specimen of extravagant praise. esp. for commercial or political purposes; an exaggerated commendation of a book, an actor's performance, etc. ...1732 Amer. sl.
• PUFFERY undue or exaggerated praise; publicity, acclaim, etc. that is full of undue or exaggerated praise ...1775
• PUFF JOB a specimen of extravagant praise. esp. for commercial or political purposes ...1732 Amer. sl.
• PUFF PIECE a newspaper article, book, film, etc. whose purpose is to praise or flatter ...colloq.
• RAP congratulations, a commendation, praise; a compliment ...1939 Aust. sl.
• RAP-UP praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
• ROOSE † commendation, praise, flattery ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SALVE praise, flattery, cajolery ...1864
• SNAPS praise; recognition ...1995 US sl.
• WRAP enthusiastic approval; praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
• WRAP-UP enthusiastic approval; praise; a compliment or commendation ...1939 Aust. sl.
PRAISE - nouns, person
• BENEDICTOR † a eulogist, one who commends or praises, a well-wisher ...a1633
• LAUDATOR one who praises; a eulogist ...1825
• PANEGYRIC † one who writes or utters a panegyric; one who elaborately praises ...1600
• PANEGYRIST one who writes or utters a panegyric; one who elaborately praises ...1605
• PANEGYRIZER one who utters or composes formal expressions of praise ...1823
• VAUNTER a boastful assertor, extoller, commender, or praiser of something ...1553 arch.
PRAISE - verbs
• BEDAUB to load with rhetorical devices, with praise, etc.; to belaud to excess ...1581
• BEET to praise; to blazon ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BEMOUTH to talk grandiloquently, to declaim; to mouth the praises of a person ...a1843
• BEPUFF to puff or blow out; to swell; hence, to flatter, to praise greatly ...1843
• BESPATTER to asperse with abuse, flame, flattery, praise, etc., to hold in contempt ...1644
• BETRUMPET * to trumpet the praises of, to commend or praise loudly ...1828
• BLOW to proclaim or praise boastfully ...1878
• BLOW UP to praise unduly; to flatter ...1916 Amer. dial.
• BOO UP to praise ...1953 Amer. dial.
• BRAG ON to praise or boast about someone or something ...1850 Amer. dial.
• BRAG UP to praise or commend lavishly ...1885 Amer. dial.
• CRACK UP to praise highly ...c1840 colloq.
• FILLIBRUSH to flatter; to praise insincerely or ironically ...c1860 colloq.
• FRATCH to praise ...19C Eng. dial.
• GENUINE to praise ...c1840 Winchester College usage
• HERY † to praise, glorify, exalt, honour, worship ...c735
• LAUDIFY †* to extol with praises ...c1470
• LOSENGE † to flatter; to compliment unduly; to praise fulsomely ...1422
• PANEGYRIC † to utter or write a panegyric; to praise in an elaborate oration or eulogium ...1708
• PANEGYRICIZE * to pronounce or write an elaborate eulogy upon; to speak or write in praise of; to eulogize ...1787
• PANEGYRIZE to pronounce or write an elaborate eulogy upon; to speak or write in praise of; to eulogize ...1617
• PUFF to praise unduly or with exaggeration
• RAP to praise, esp. to praise to excess ...1950s Aust. sl.
• RAP UP to praise ...c1970 Aust. colloq.
• ROOSE † to praise, extol, commend, flatter ...a1300 obs. exc. Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SCROG to boast; to praise ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SING ONE'S PRAISES to be loud in laudation ...1565
• SPEAK A PERSON FAR † to go to great lengths in his praise ...1611
• STROKE to praise or compliment a person ....M20 US colloq.
• TAKE ONE'S HAT OFF TO to compliment, to praise ...M19 sl.
• VALUE † to commend or praise to another; to vaunt ...1670
• VAUNT † to extol, glorify or praise oneself ...a1400-50
• WRAP UP to praise, to flatter ...1950s Aust. sl.
PRAISE - interjections
• RAM IT! an expression of praise or encouragement ...1980s UK Black sl.
PRAISE - phrases
• J.C. AND HIS TEN GREY DONKEYS COULDN'T HAVE DONE BETTER congratulatory praise for an action well performed ...M20 army jocular
PRAISED - adjectives
• UNCRIED UP not extolled or praised ...1630
PRAISEWORTHY - adjectives
• ALLAUDABLE † praiseworthy, commendable ...1731
PRAISING - adjectives
• ADULATORIOUS † full of adulation; servilely or fulsomely flattering or praising ...1664
• ILLAUDATORY * not characterized by praising ...1845
• PLAUDITORY applauding, commending, laudatory, praising, extolling ...a1845
• UNAPPLAUSIVE not praising ...1837
PRAISING - nouns, person
• FLOOSTER a flatterer, one given to praising ...1892 Ireland
PRAM - see BABY CARRIAGE
PRANCE - nouns
• BRANK a prance; a toss of the head, a caper ...Bk1911 Sc.
PRANCE - verbs
• BRANK to toss the head; to prance ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GAMBADE † to prance, to strut, to march jauntily ...1827 Sc.
• PAUCE to strut around on one's dignity; to prance with rage or irritation; to assume a stiff, offended demeanour ...1808 Sc.
• PAUGE † to prance, to pace about waiting for one's chance to hover around with some design in mind ...1825 Sc.
• GAMBADO to prance, to caper ...1829
• RAMP † to romp, to frolic, to prance ...1657 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• TITTUP to walk or go with an up-and-down movement; to walk in an affected manner; to mince or prance in one's gait ...1785
PRANCING - adjectives
• BRANKIN lively, gay; showy, ostentatious; prancing ...Bk1911 Sc.
• TITTUPING bouncing, cantering, prancing ...1895
PRANK - adjectives
• ANTIC clownish, amusing, full of tricks; given to fun, capers, or pranks; joking, playful ...1902 Amer. dial.
• ANTIC AS A JAYBIRD clownish, amusing, full of tricks; given to fun, capers, or pranks; joking, playful ...1917 Amer. dial.
• GOOGY-GOOGY given to playing pranks; fooling around ...1960s sl.
PRANK - nouns
• BOO-BOO a prank, a trick ...E20 sl., orig. US
• CAPRICCIO a sudden sportive or fantastic motion; a prank, trick, caper ...1665
• DINGDO a caper, a prank, a trick ...1900 Amer. dial.
• FEGARY a vagary, a prank; a whim, an eccentricity ...E17 Eng. dial. & colloq. rare
• FERLICUE a shenanigan, a prank ...1975 Amer. dial.
• GALLIER a mad prank ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GAMBADE a prank, freak, frolic ...1821
• GAMMETTING frolicking, whims, tricks, pranks ...1873 Eng. dial.
• GAMMOCK a joke, a trick, a prank; rough play ...1819 Eng. dial.
• GAND a frolic, a foolish prank ...Bk1900 Eng. dial.
• GANDIEGOW an uproar, a noisy quarrel; a nonsensical prank; blustering talk; loud complaint ...1907 Sc.
• GAUD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GAWD † a trick, a prank; often, a device to deceive, a piece of trickery, a pretense; also, a game, sport, or pastime ...a1300
• GUY a trick or hoax; a prank, a jest, a joke ...1854 Amer. sl.
• HUMMER a joke, a prank ...1990 US sl.
• JACKDAW TRICKS odd pranks, vagaries ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• KANCUMS tricks, pranks ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• KEDIDOES capers, pranks, tricks ...1914 Amer. dial.
• LAITS tricks, pranks ...1805 Sc.
• LEGERDEHEEL † 'light-heeled' pranks ...1605 nonce word
• MADDERAM madness, folly, frantic rage, tantrums; boisterous fun, wild pranks, hilarity ...1866 Sc.
• MADDERDOM madness, folly, frantic rage, tantrums; boisterous fun, wild pranks, hilarity ...1866 Sc.
• MANK a prank, a trick; a practical joke ...1878 Eng. dial.
• MANTICKS pranks, antics ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• MARLOCK a prank, frolic, a gambol, a lark; a playful trick, a practical joke; a piece of fun or mischief ...1864 Eng. dial.
• MAXIMS pranks, tricks, practical jokes ...1867 Eng. dial.
• MAYLOCK a prank, frolic, a lark; a trick, a practical joke; a noisy disturbance, an uproar, a row ...1864 Eng. dial.
• MORLOCK a prank, frolic, a lark; a trick, a practical joke; a noisy disturbance, an uproar, a row ...1864 Eng. dial.
• ORDER confusion, tumult, larking, pranks...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PANT a prank, a frolic, a 'lark', a piece of fun, a caper, a piece of boyish mischief ...1894 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• PAVIE a trick, a prank, a practical joke ...1698 Sc.
• PLISKY a mischievous escapade; a trick, a prank; a practical joke; a frolic ...1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• QUILLY a prank, freak; a caper ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RANICKY a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RANI-CUM-BOOGERIE a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1945 Amer. dial.
• RANIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a caper, a prank; 'monkeyshine'; nonsense; irrelevant, irritating activity ...L19 Amer. sl.
• RANNIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1935 Amer. dial.
• RANNYGAZOO a deceptive story or scheme; a caper; a prank; a trick; horseplay; nonsense; irrelevant, irritating activity ...L19 Amer. sl.
• REAK a trick, a prank; a stratagem, an artifice ...1629 Sc. & Eng. dial. obs.
• REINIKABOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1901 Amer. dial.
• RENICKY a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RENICKY-BOO a deceptive story or scheme; a prank, a racket, a scam ...1916 Amer. dial.
• RIG a joke, a prank, a trick, a frolic ...1858 Amer. dial.
• SCALEBRICK a wild prank ...1877 Eng. dial.
• SHENANIGANS mischief; prankishness ...19C Amer. colloq.
• SHINE a caper, a prank, a trick ...1836 Amer. dial.
• TANTREMS pranks, games, jollification ...M19 sl.
• VAGES † pranks or tricks ...1523
• VAGUES † pranks or tricks ...1523
PRANK, PRANKISH, PRANKSTER - nouns, person
• FOXY GRANDPA a prankish old man ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• MARLOCK one who plays pranks; a fool ...1790 Eng. dial.
• RIG an amusing sort of chap; a joker; a prankster; an outrageous person ...1975 Amer. dial.
PRANK - verbs
• BABOONIZE IT † to play the ape; to use apish or foolish tricks or knavish pranks ...1611
• GAMMOCK to frolic, to romp, to lark about, to play pranks ...1854 chiefly Eng. dial.
• MANK to prank, to romp; to play tricks; to pretend to work, to gossip ...1864 Eng. dial.
• QUIRK to cheat, to overreach; to elude by stratagem; to play a trick or prank ...1791 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRANKISH - adjectives
• WAGGISH done or made in a spirit of waggery or mischievous fun; prankish ...1589
PRATE - verbs
• BUCK to talk egotistically; to prate and chatter; to let one's tongue run loose ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• CARP † to talk much, to prate, to chatter ...1377
• CRONK to prate, to gossip in a malicious way ...1790 Eng. dial.
• DEBLATERATE * to babble much, prate ...1623
• GAB to talk much or glibly; to chatter, to prate ...1786
• GANGE to prate tediously; to chatter; to gossip ...1825 Sc.
• JANGLE † to talk excessively or noisily; to chatter, to babble, to prate; also said of birds ...a1300
• PLAY CAPS AND BELLS to act like a prankster; to play tricks or jokes on people ...1969 Amer. dial.
• PRITTLE-PRATTLE † to chatter, to prate, to talk idly ...1552 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• RAME to drone on in a monotonous fashion, to prate ...1839 Sc.
• RATTLE to talk volubly; to chatter, to prate ...1870 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• SCLORE to chat or talk in a long gossipy manner; to prate, to babble ...c1870 Sc.
• TATTER † to talk idly, to prate, to chatter; to scold ...1854 Sc.
• TINKLE to talk idly, to prate, to utter empty sounds or senseless words ...1641
• TITTLE-TATTLE to chatter, to prate; to talk idly; to gossip ...1583
• TONGUE IT to talk volubly, to prate ...1624
• YAFF to talk excessively, to chatter; to talk nonsense; to prate; to nag ...1808 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• YAG to gossip, to chatter, to prate ...1866 Sc.
PRATER, PRATING - nouns, person
• BALATRON †* a babbling, prating fellow; a vain talking fellow; a jester, a buffoon; a rascally base knave, a thief; a contemptible fellow ...1623
• CARPER † a talker, a prater ...c1440
• GABBER a chatterer, a prater; one who talk too much or too loud ...1793
• JABBERKNOWL a prating blockhead; a term of contempt for an ignorant person ...1790 Eng. dial.
• JABBERNOWL a prating blockhead; a term of contempt for an ignorant person ...1790 Eng. dial.
• JANGLER † a chatterer, an idle talker, a prater ...1303
• PRATE-APACE one who prates on; a forward, talkative child; a chatterbox ...1636
• SCLORE a verbose, empty talker; a chatterbox; one who prates on endlessly ...1923 Sc.
• TATTLE-BOX a chatterbox; a prating gossip ...1911 sl.
PRATING - adjectives
• BABBLATIVE given to babbling; talkative, loquacious, garrulous, prating ...1583
• BABBLY full of babble, chattering, prating, garrulous ...1865
• GARRULOSE † given to much talking; fond of indulging in talk or chatter; loquacious, talkative, always prating ...1727
• LONG-TONGUED talkative, prating, babbling, gossiping, vindictive ...1899 Amer. dial.
• PRATEFUL * full of prate, given to chattering, loquacious, talkative ...1802
PRATING - nouns
• BABBLERY † idle talk, chattering, senseless babble or prating; a foolish tale ...1532
• BIBBLE-BABBLE idle talk, prating ...M16
• CRONK a croaking; a prating ...1790 Eng. dial.
• GAB prating ...Bk1905 Amer. dial.
• PATE prating, chatter ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
PRATTLE - nouns
• BAVARDAGE idle talk, prattle, chattering ...1835
• CANTILENE † an old song; silly prattle; idle tale, trick ...1535
• GAB the act of gabbing or talking; conversation, prattle, talk, twaddle ...1790
• GASH prattle, pert language ...1813 Sc.
• NAFF frivolous talk or prattle; an angry dispute about a trifle ...Bk1903 Sc.
• NAFFING idle talk, prattle ...1878 Sc.
• PARTLE prattle, chatter ...1913 Sc.
• TALKEE small talk; petty or childish talk, chatter; continuous talk or prattle ...1885 colloq.
• TALKEE-TALKEE small talk; petty or childish talk, chatter; continuous talk or prattle ...1812 contemptuous usage
• TITTLE-TATTLE talk, chatter, prattle; esp. empty or trifling talk about trivial matters; petty gossip ...a1529
• YAFF prattle, chatter ...1868 Sc.
PRATTLE - verbs
• BLETHER to talk nonsense; to prattle, to chatter ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GABBLE to talk volubly, inarticulately, and incoherently; to chatter, to prattle; also, to read so fast as to be unintelligible ...1577
• GAGGLE † to express with gaggling or cackling; to babble, to prattle ...1577
• JABBLE to talk rapidly and indistinctly or unintelligibly; to speak volubly and with little sense; to chatter, to gabble, to prattle ...1570
• YATTER to chatter, to ramble on in a confused or foolish manner; to prattle, to talk interminably ...1825 Sc.
• YATTER-YATTER to chatter, to ramble on in a confused or foolish manner; to prattle, to talk interminably ...1825 Sc.
PRATTLER, PRATTLING - nouns, person
• CARPER † a talker, a prattler ...c1440
• GABBLEBLOOTER a loudmouth, a prattler, a boaster ...20C N. Ireland sl.
• NASH-GAB a pert or gossiping person, an impertinent, ill-natured fellow, a forward, prattling girl ...1818 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• PRATTLE-BOX † a chatterbox; a talkative person; a prattler, a chatterer ...1671
• TONGUE-PAD a talkative person, a chatterer, a prattler ...a1700 Eng. dial. & sl.
PRATTLING - nouns
• GALAFER a prattling sound; a loud noise; a burst of laughter ...1898 Eng. dial.
• GALLAFER a prattling sound; a loud noise; a burst of laughter ...1898 Eng. dial.
PRAWN - nouns
• GOLDIE HAWN a prawn ...1998 UK rhyming sl.
• PANDLE a prawn ...1790 Eng. dial.
PRAY - nouns
• BEAD-ROLL † a list of persons to be specially prayed for ...c1500 obs. or arch.
PRAY - nouns, person
• BEAD-FOLK people who pray for a benefactor ...1465
PRAY - verbs
• BEAD † to pray ...1790 Eng. dial.
• BID to pray ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• COUNT ONE'S BEADS to say one's prayers ...1792
• I-BID † to pray ...971
• ORATE † to pray; to plead ...c1600
• THROW THE MOUTH to pray ...1796 Sc.
PRAYER - adjectives
• BEADFUL † prayerful ...c1200
PRAYER - nouns
• BEAD † a prayer ...c885
• BEADS † prayers, devotions ...c885
• BEADS BIDDING. the saying of prayers ...1387
• BEAD-SONG † a song of prayer ...c1200
• BENE † prayer, petition, boon; prayer to God ...c1000 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• GYBS prayers ...L19 sl.
• HAILER the prayer 'Hail Mary' ...1920s Irish sl.
• MASS AND MEAT prayers and food ...1827 Sc.
• ORATION † a prayer, petition, or supplication to God; orison ...c1375
• ORATORY a place of prayer; a small chapel or shrine ...a1300
• ORATOUR † a place of prayer; a small chapel or shrine; a room or building for private worship ...a1300
• SUFFRAGIES † prayers, esp. on behalf of the departed ...a1225
PRAYER - nouns, person
• BEADSMAN a man of prayer; one who prays for the soul or spiritual welfare of another ...c1230
• BEADS-WOMAN a woman who prays for a benefactor, an almswoman ...c1465
• ORATOR † one who offers a prayer or petition; a petitioner or suppliant ...1433
PRAYER - verbs
• BID A BEAD to offer a prayer ...c1250
• CHOP UP THE WHINERS to hurry through prayers ...L17 sl.
• TELL ONE'S BEADS to say one's prayers ...1641
PRAYING MANTIS - nouns
• BROOMSTICK a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL HORSE a praying mantis ...1931 Amer. dial.
• DEVILS DARNING NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1941 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S HORSE a praying mantis ...1883 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S HORSE FLY a praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S MARE a praying mantis ...1843 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S RIDING HORSE a praying mantis ...1869 Amer. dial.
• DEVIL'S RIDY HORSE a praying mantis ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAR SEWER. a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• GRANDDADDY the praying mantis ...1966 Amer. dial.
• GRANDMOTHER'S DARNING NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• HAYMAKER a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• NEEDLE a praying mantis ...1970 Amer. dial.
• NEEDLE BUG a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• NIGHTSTICK a praying mantis ...1968 Amer. dial.
• OLD GRANDDAD the praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• OLD GRANDDAD HIPPETY HOP the praying mantis ...1969 Amer. dial.
• PISS MARE a praying mantis ...1966 Amer. dial.
• REARHORSE the praying mantis ...1859 Amer. dial.
• WOODEN HORSE a praying mantis ...1908 Amer. dial.
• WOOD-HORSE a praying mantis ...1868 Amer. dial.
PREACH - verbs
• GLORY-HALLELUJAH to speak in the manner of an evangelist preacher ...1874 Amer. dial.
• ITINERATE to travel from place to place preaching; spec. of a Methodist minister, to preach to the various congregations within the circuit to which he is appointed, and to go periodically from circuit to circuit as appointed, (usually) every three years ...1775
• TEACH † to preach ...1792 Sc.
PREACHER - adjectives
• CHURCH-CALLED feeling compelled to become a preacher ...1920s US Black sl.
PREACHER - nouns, person
• ABDELI a hypocrite, a canting preacher; a fastidious or false zealot ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• AMEN-BAWLER a parson; a preacher ...19C sl.
ە AUTEM-COVE a preacher, a parson ...M19 sl.
• BARNYARD PREACHER an unprofessional or part-time lay preacher ...1805 Amer. dial.
• BAWLER a declamatory preacher; used contemptuously ...1656
• BIBLE BANGER a fanatical or zealous religious person or lay preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-BEATER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-POUNDER a parson; a fanatical or zealous religious person or lay preacher ...1897 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-PUNCHER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-RANTER a preacher; a fanatical or zealous religious person ...1927 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-READER a preacher ...1931 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-SPOUTER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-THUMPER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1942 Amer. dial.
• BIBLE-TOTER a fanatical or zealous religious person or preacher ...1940 Amer. dial.
• BRIMSTONE BUSTER a ranting preacher who threatens sinners with hellfire ...1939 Amer. dial.
• BROTHER a preacher; usually followed by name ...1928 Amer. dial.
• CACKLE TUB a preacher ...M19 sl.
• CAMISTER a clergyman, a preacher...1851 thieves' cant
• CHAIRBACK an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• CHAIRBACKER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1955 Amer. dial.
• CHAIRBACK PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1970 Amer. dial.
• CHAIR PUSHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1970 Amer. dial.
• CHICKEN-EATER a preacher ...1954 Amer. dial. esp. Black usage
• CHICKEN PREACHER an unordained preacher who only serves part-time ...1970 Amer. dial.
• DUSTMAN an energetic, fanatic preacher ...M19 sl.
• EXHORTER a lay preacher ...1843 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHARK a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1897 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHARP a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1872 Amer. dial.
• GOSPEL SHOOTER a preacher; a parson; a goody-goody or sanctimonious person ...1900 Amer. dial.
• HATCHET an uneducated, part-time lay preacher, generally rather poor ...1949 Amer. dial.
• JACKLEG 1. an incompetent, unskilled or unprincipled worker or professional person, esp. a quack doctor, a crooked lawyer, or a hypocritical preacher ...M19 US sl.
2. an itinerant preacher ...20C US sl.
• JACK-LEGGED PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1967 Amer. dial.
• JAKELEG PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1969 Amer. dial.
• LOCAL DICK a local preacher ...1892 Eng. dial.
• LOCAL MINISTER a part-time preacher, esp. a Methodist layman licensed to preach in a specified region ...1965 Amer. dial.
• LOCAL PREACHER a part-time preacher, esp. a Methodist layman licensed to preach in a specified region ...1834 Amer. dial.
• LOCUS PREACHER a local preacher ...1922 Amer. dial.
• MONEY-CALLED PREACHER a professional preacher who would find some other work if he was not paid well ...1966 Amer. dial.
• OLD-FIELD PREACHER an old-fashioned rural preacher ...1904 Amer. dial.
• ONE-GALLUS PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1966 Amer. dial.
• ONE-HORSE PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1966 Amer. dial.
• PULPIT-CUFFER a Bible-pounding preacher ...19C Brit. colloq.
• PULPITEER (usually disparaging) a preacher by profession ...1635
• PULPITER (usually disparaging) a preacher by profession ...1635
• READER a preacher who reads his sermon ...1891 Sc.
• REGULAR PREACHER a travelling preacher among the Wesleyans or Primitive Methodists ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SCAREHEAD a puritanical religious preacher ...1900s UK criminals' sl.
• SKY PILOT a clergyman, a preacher ...1882 Amer. dial.
• SKY WRITER a clergyman, a preacher ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SOUL-SNATCHER a preacher, a missionary ...L19 sl.
• SOUL-SNAVELLER a preacher, a missionary ...L19 sl.
• STRAWBERRY-PREACHER a non-resident preacher; one who visited his cure only once a year ...Bk1904 sl.
• TABLE TAPPER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1949 Amer. dial.
• TENT-READER one who reads the service from a 'tent' ...1715 Sc.
• YARD-AXE an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1902 Amer. dial.
• YARD-AXE PREACHER an unprofessional, part-time lay preacher ...1902 Amer. dial.
PREACHING - adjectives
• PREACHY given to preaching ...1819 colloq.
PREACHING - nouns
• RANTERISM noisy preaching and praying, common among the 'Ranters' ...1896 Eng. dial.
• TENT an open-air pulpit ...1785 Sc.
• TENT-PREACHING preaching from a 'tent' ...1630 Sc.
• TICKLING-HOUSE a place of preaching ...1681 sl.
PRECARIOUS - adjectives
• BETWEEN THE BEETLE AND THE BLOCK in a precarious or dangerous position ...1589
• CASUAL † subject to chance or accident; frail, uncertain, precarious ...1529
• CATCHING in an uncertain or precarious state ...c1611
• CAZZARDLY precarious, risky, uncertain ...1849 Eng. dial.
• EYVY-KEYVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HAVEY-CAVEY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HEAVY-CEAVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• HEIGHVY-KEIGHVY unsteady, trembling in the balance; uncertain, undetermined, doubtful, wavering, precarious ...1874 Eng. dial.
• KAZZARDLY precarious, risky, uncertain ...1849 Eng. dial.
• QUAVERY-MAVERY * in an uncertain or precarious condition; undecided, and hesitating how to decide ...1809
• TICKLE † insecure; precarious, slippery ...1579 obs. or arch.
• TICKLESOME difficult, critical, delicate, precarious ...1585 now Eng. dial.
• TICKLISH liable to end in disaster unless treated with great care; needing cautious handling or action; delicate, critical, precarious, risky, hazardous ...1592
• TOLTER moving unsteadily; unsteady, unstable, tottering; insecure, precarious ...1423 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• WANKLE † unsteady, insecure; changeable, unsettled, precarious; inconstant, wavering; also, weak in health, delicate, sickly ...c888 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRECARIOUS - verbs
• HAVE A WOLF BY THE EARS to be in a precarious or difficult situation or predicament ...1560
PRECARIOUSNESS - nouns
• TICKLENESS † insecurity, instability; critical situation, precariousness; inconstancy; uncertainty ...c1390
PRECAUTION - nouns
• WARIMENT †* precaution ...1596
PRECAUTION - verbs
• LICK ONE'S FLINT to prepare for a difficult task; to take precautions against disaster ...1953 Amer. dial.
• NOT TO HAVE TO LOOK FOR THE LADLE WHEN THE POT COMES A-BOIL to be prepared, to take proper precautions ...Bk1902 Eng. dial.
• WAIT † to take precautions, to be watchful or cautious ...a1300
PRECAUTION - phrases
• IF YOU CAN'T BE GOOD, BE CAREFUL! a form of farewell with sexual innuendo, intimating that if one can't refuse sexual advances, then one should protect oneself with contraceptives; advice to take precautions ...Bk1996 Aust. & NZ sl.
PRECEDING - adjectives
• ANTEGREDIENT †* preceding, going before ...1686
• PREALLABLE * preceding, previous, preliminary; going before ...1603
• PREDECESSIVE †* that has gone before; preceding; previous ...1599
• TOFOREGOING † foregoing, preceding, antecedent ...1387-8
PRECIOUS - adjectives
• DAINTY † precious; hence, rare, scarce ...? a1500
• DEAR † of high estimation, of great worth or value; precious, valuable ...c888
• DEARWORTH † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c888
• DEARWORTHY † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c1430
• DERWORTH † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c888
• DERWORTHY † worthy of high estimation, highly valuable, precious, costly ...c1430
• SUGARED † of persons: beloved, dear; precious ...c1475
PRECIOUS - nouns
• DRUERY † a beloved or precious thing; anything valuable or highly prized; a treasure ...a1300
• MADME † a precious thing; a treasure; a valuable gift ...a1000
• MARGARITE something precious ...a1450
PRECIOUS - nouns, person
• EYEBALL someone precious or dear; one's favourite person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• EYEBALLS someone precious or dear; one's favourite person ...1952 Amer. dial.
• SNOOKUMS a precious one; generally used to address small dogs, babies, etc. ...1919 Amer. sl.
PRECIOUSLY - adverbs
• DEARLY † in a precious, worthy, or excellent manner; worthily, choicely, finely, richly ...a1000 obs.
• DEARWORTHILY † worthily, honourably; preciously, richly; affectionately ...a1300
• DEARWORTHLY † worthily, honourably; preciously, richly; affectionately ...c1205
PRECIOUSNESS - nouns
• DEARWORTHINESS † preciousness, worthiness, valuableness ...c1325 obs.
PRECIOUS STONE - nouns
• SHINER a diamond or other precious stone; usually used in the plural ...1884 sl.
• SPARKLER a diamond or other precious stone ...1822 sl.
PRECIPICE - adjectives
• SCARRY bare, rocky; full of precipices ...1844 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECIPICE - nouns
• GAIRY a steep hill or precipice; a moorland, upland; a piece of waste land ...1871 Sc.
• GAIRY-FACE a steep hill or precipice; a moorland, upland; a piece of waste land ...1871 Sc.
• PALI a steep slope, a precipice ...1833 Hawaii
• SCOUT † a high rock or hill; a projecting ridge; a precipice ...1781 Eng. dial.
• SCREE the steep, perpendicular side of a mountain; a precipice ...1901 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECIPITANCY - nouns
• SUDDENNESS * hastiness, precipitancy ...1580
PRECIPITATE - adjectives
• HAND-OVER-HEAD † thoughtlessly extravagant; precipitate, rash, reckless; indiscriminate ...a1693 now rare or obs.
• HASTIF † precipitate, rash ...1297
• HASTIVE † precipitate, rash ...1297
• HEADLAND headlong, precipitate, giddy ...1863 Eng. dial.
• HEADLING † precipitate ...c1510
• HEDLIN headlong, precipitate, giddy ...1863 Eng. dial.
• PREPROPEROUS † too hasty, precipitate ...1555
• RABBISH † unruly, turbulent; inconsiderate, rash; rough or precipitate in action ...1387
• RAM-GAM headstrong, precipitate, devil-may-care, heedless, rash, unrestrained ...1929 Sc.
• RAM-RACE headstrong, precipitate, impetuous ...1900 Sc.
• RAM-STAM precipitate, headstrong, hasty, impetuous, reckless ...1786 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• SKIT † precipitate, over-hasty ...a1529
• UNHEEDY † heedless, careless, rash, precipitate, sudden ...1579
PRECIPITATE - adverbs
• HEADFOREMOST * headlong, precipitate ...1871
PRECIPITATE - verbs
• HEADLONG † to cast headlong; to precipitate ...c1586
• PLAY AT HAND OVER HEAD † to act precipitately or rashly ...1589 obs.
• WALTZ OFF ON THE EAR to act precipitately on the basis of hearing a statement but not considering its implications ...L19 US sl.
PRECIPITATELY - adverbs
• BALD-HEADED precipitately; hurriedly, without caution ...1848 Amer. dial.
• HAND OVER HEAD † precipitately, hastily, rashly, recklessly; indiscriminately ...c1440 now rare or obs.
• HEADILY headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly; violently, impetuously ...c1450
• HEADLAND headlong, precipitately ...1863 Eng. dial.
• HEADLANDS headlong, precipitately ...1892 Eng. dial.
• HEADLING † without thought or regard; thoughtlessly, precipitately ...1421-2
• HEADLINGS † without thought or regard; thoughtlessly, precipitately ...c1380
• HEADLONGS headlong, precipitately ...1546 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• HEADLONGWISE † in a headlong way, precipitately ...1600
• HEADLY † in a heady manner; impetuously, precipitately; headily ...1388
• IMPROVISEDLY † without forethought, imprudently, precipitately ...c1568
• ON HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1565-73
• RAMBOOZE suddenly, precipitately, headlong ...1898 Sc.
• RAM-STAM in a headlong, precipitate manner; recklessly, rashly, rudely; in confusion ...1735 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• RAM-TAM in a headlong, precipitate manner; rashly, rudely; in confusion ...1735 Sc.
• TAIL ON END † headlong; precipitately ...1790
• UPON A HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1579-80
• UPON HEAD † headlong, precipitately, hastily, rashly, inconsiderately ...1555
PRECIPITATENESS, PRECIPITATION - nouns
• HEADLONGNESS * headlong quality or speed; precipitateness, rashness ...1580
• RAM-STAM headstrong, impetuous action; furious rush, precipitateness ...1790 Sc.
• TIFT sudden flight; great haste, precipitation ...1841 Sc.
PRECIPITOUS - adjectives
• DOWNSTEEPY †* very steeply descending; steep and precipitous; having a great declivity ...1603
PRECIPITOUS - nouns
• RAM-RACE a precipitous, headlong rush ...1812 Sc.
PRECISE - adjectives
• CADDY precise, old-maidish ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• DINK dainty, squeamish, precise ...1806 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• NEAT † exact, precise ...1682 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
• NICE squeamish; precise ...1543 sl.
• PERJINKETY exact, precise, minutely accurate; extreme as to neatness, fussy, finical ...1887 Sc.
• PERNICKETTY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable ...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERNICKETY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERNICKITY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable ...1834 Amer. dial.
• PERSNICKERTY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise; crotchety, cranky; disagreeable, obstinate ...1965 Amer. dial.
• PERSNICKETY fussy, finicky, particular, meticulous, precise ...1956 Amer. dial.
• PRICK-ME-DAINTY finicky in dress, language, and behaviour; affectedly dainty; over-precise; conceited ...1820 chiefly Sc.
• SANSHACH precise, pettish, crotchety ...1825 Sc.
• VIDUAL individual, particular, distinct, precise ...1850 Sc. & Eng. dial.
PRECISE - nouns
• VERY ARTICLE, THE the precise thing; the thing or person most needed ...c1850 colloq.
PRECISE - nouns, person
• BRADSHAW a precise person, good at figures ...L19 sl.
• MRS. PRINCUM PRANCUM a nice, precise, formal madam ...B1900
PRECISE - verbs
• DOT ONE'S I'S AND CROSS ONE'S T'S to be meticulous or precise, even to the smallest detail
• VAGUE to be more precise ...1990s sl.
PRECISELY - adverbs
• DOWN TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FEATLY † exactly, precisely ...a1450
• FOR ALL THE WORLD exactly, precisely ...1862 Eng. dial.
• NAMELY †* carefully, precisely ...a1400-50
• ON A DIME precisely, suddenly ...1996 US sl.
• ON THE DOT precisely; exactly at the time specified ...colloq.
• ON THE MONEY precisely, perfectly ...1944 colloq.
• QUIM moving easily, precisely ...20C Irish sl.
• RIGHT DOWN TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1965 Amer. dial.
• RIGHT ON THE MONEY precisely, perfectly ...1944 colloq.
• TO A GNAT'S BALLS adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S BRISTLE adv. exactly, precisely ...1905 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EAR adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYE adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYEBROW adv. exactly, precisely ...c1950 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S EYELASH adv. exactly, precisely ...1965 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S HAIR adv. exactly, precisely ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S HEEL adv. exactly, precisely ...1840 Amer. dial.
• TO A GNAT'S TAIL adv. exactly, precisely ...1935 Amer. dial.
• TO AN AFFYGRAPHY exactly, precisely ...B1874 Eng. sl.
• TO A SHAVING exactly, precisely ...Bk2002 Eng. dial.
• TO A T precisely, exactly ...1693
• TO A TEE-WHITIE precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1967 Amer. dial.
• TO A TEEWITY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TO A TEE-Y-TEE precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1929 Amer. dial.
• TO A TITTLE with minute exactness; to the smallest particular; precisely, accurately ...1607
• TO A T-WITEY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1941 Amer. dial.
• TO A T-WYTY precisely, perfectly, exactly, entirely ...1942 Amer. dial.
• TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1837 Amer. dial.
• UP TO THE LAST NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1897 Amer. dial.
• UP TO THE NOTCH to the proper standard; precisely; to perfection, perfectly; to the limit ...1790 Amer. dial.
PRECISENESS - nouns
• PERNICKETINESS fussiness, preciseness ...1890 Amer. dial. dial.
PRECLUDE - verbs
• BEFORE-BAR † to preclude, to foreclose ...c1449
PRECOCIOUS - adjectives
• ANCIENT of children: staid, demure, precocious ...1887 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• ARPIT quick, ready, precocious ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• FALSE sharp, shrewd, clever, precocious; generally applied to children and animals ...1866 Eng. dial.
• OLD wise, serious, thoughtful; of a child: precocious, staid, demure ...1896 Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRAND knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRANT knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...1737 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRANTLY knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FARRENDLY knowing, prudent, wise; of children, precocious, grave beyond their years ...Bk1905 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• OLD-FASHIONED knowing, cunning, intelligent; precocious ...1844 Eng. dial.
• OLD-RAFANT precocious, prematurely wise ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• RATHE-RIPE precocious, early developed in mind or body ...1617 obs. exc. Eng. dial.
PRECOCIOUS - nouns, person
• BORN-HEAD a young precocious fellow; a very foolish person ...Bk1911 Sc.
• GADDERMAN an old-fashioned or precocious young person ...1890 Ireland
• MARCH CHICK † a precocious youth ...1599
• NACKET a pert, forward, smart boy; a trifling little person; an insignificant person; a wicked, mischievous, or impertinent child; a precocious child ...1833 Sc.
PRECOCITY - nouns
• ANCIENTRY precocity ...1887 Sc.
PREDATORY - adjectives
• PREDATITIOUS † adj. characterized by plundering, pillaging, or robbing; predatory ...1659
• RAPTORIAL given to seizing prey, predatory ...1825
PREDECESSOR - nouns, person
• BEFORE-GOER † a predecessor ...c1388
• DECESSOR † a predecessor ...1647
• ELDER † a parent; an ancestor, a forefather; hence, a predecessor, one who lived in former days; usually in plural ...971
• OLDERS † predecessors ...a1470
PREDESTINATION - nouns
• MACHINERY † fatalism, predestination ...1764 Sc.
PREDESTINE - verbs
• ORDINATE † to institute, to establish, to predestine ...1610 rare or obs.
PREDICAMENT - adjectives
• IN A BIND in trouble or difficulties; in a predicament or dilemma ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN A FIX in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1834 sl., orig. US
• IN A HOLE in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1762 sl.
• IN A JAM in trouble, in a difficult predicament, situation, circumstance, from which there appears to be little hope of escape ...1914 sl., orig. US
• IN A KNOT in a predicament or difficult situation; having problems ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN A PICKLE in a predicament or difficult situation; having problems ...a1620
• IN A SPOT OF BOTHER in a difficult predicament or some form of trouble ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• IN THE FART-BOW in an inextricable predicament, unable to help oneself ...1821 Sc.
• JACKPOTTED tangled up with a fallen steer or horse; in a predicament or dilemma ...1946 Amer. sl.
• UP A GUM-TREE in difficulties; in a predicament; in trouble ...1926 Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK in an unpleasant situation; in an awkward predicament; in trouble ...1937 sl.
PREDICAMENT - nouns
• CAGMAG a predicament, a fix, hobble ...19C Eng. dial.
• DEVIL TO PAY AND NO PITCH HOT a predicament, a critical situation, or a perplexing foul-up ...1963 Amer. dial.
• DICKYMENT a predicament ...1881 Eng. dial.
• FANG † a fix, a predicament ...1821 Sc.
• FANKLE a tangle, a muddle; an entanglement; a predicament ...1818 Sc.
• HELL TO PAY AND NO PITCH HOT a predicament, a critical situation, or a perplexing foul-up ...1927 Amer. dial.
• JACKPOT a predicament; a muddle; a dilemma; trouble; an arrest ...1887 Amer. sl.
• KANKEDORT †* a state of suspense; a critical position; a predicament; an awkward affair ...c1374
• KANKERDORT †* a state of suspense; a critical position; a predicament; an awkward affair ...c1374
• MAGRIM a difficulty; an awkward predicament ...1870 Eng. dial.
• PICKLEMENT a difficult or awkward situation; a predicament ...1945 Amer. dial.
• PRIMINARY a predicament ...1975 Amer. dial.
PREDICAMENT - verbs
• HAVE A WOLF BY THE EARS to be in a precarious or difficult situation or predicament ...1560
• HAVE ONE'S ASS IN A SLING to be in trouble; to be in an unfortunate predicament ...1960 US sl.
• HOLD THE SACK to bear alone the consequences that should be shared by others; to possess what remains after others have taken whatever is of value; to be in a predicament ...1904 Amer. dial.
PREDICAMENT - phrases
• UP SHIT CREEK in an unpleasant situation; in an awkward predicament ...sl.
PREDICT - verbs
• BEFORE-SAY † to predict, to foretell ...1382
• CALL THE TURN to predict accurately; to make an accurate statement or prediction ...1876 Amer. sl., orig. gambling usage
• FATIDICATE * to declare or predict fates ...1867
• HALSEN to predict, to divine, to conjecture; to forebode evil, to anticipate bad news; to speak evil ...1814 Eng. dial.
• READ to predict, to foretell ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VATICINATE 1. to speak as a prophet or seer; to utter predictions; to foretell events ....1623
2. to foretell, to predict, or prophesy a future event ...1652
PREDICTING - adjectives
• VATICINANT † prophesying, predicting ...1490
PREDICTION - nouns
• ABODE † an announcement, prediction, prognostication ...c1600
• BODEWORD a portent; an ominous prediction regarding a person or family ...Bk1911 Sc.
• CALL an opinion, a prediction ...1999 US sl.
• ONOMATECHNY * the art of making predictions from the letters of a person's name ...1730
• SAY a saying; a proverb; a prediction ...1790 Sc. & Eng. dial.
• VATICINATION a prediction of an oracular or inspired nature; a prophecy; a prophetic utterance or forecast ...1603
PREDOMINANCE - nouns
• MASTERY † predominance; predominating feature; prevailing character ...1477
PRE-EMINENT - adjectives
• PALMARIAN * that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1815
• PALMARY that bears or is worthy to bear the palm; holding the first or highest place; of supreme or first-rate importance; most important, pre-eminent, principal, chief ...1657
PRE-EMINENT - verbs
• BEAR THE BELL to take the first place; to have foremost rank or position, to be the best; to excel, to be pre-eminent ...c1374
PRE-EMINENTLY - adverbs
• KATEXOKEN † pre-eminently ...1633
• PARAVANT † before; in front; before the rest; pre-eminently ...1590
• PARAVAUNT † before; in front; before the rest; pre-eminently ...1590
PREFER - nouns
• BAG that which one favours or prefers ...1964 orig. US Black
• CUP OF TEA that which one favours or prefers ...1932 sl.
• SCENE that which one favours or prefers ...1966
PREFER - verbs
• CHOISE † to choose, to elect, to prefer ...1605 obs. exc. Sc.
• FAIN * to enjoy; also, to take to gladly, to show preference for ...1483
PREFERABLE - adjectives
• RATHER †* more to be chosen; preferable ...c1430
• RATHEST † quickest, soonest, most preferable; most eager ...c888
PREFERABLY - adverbs
• SAIDER rather, preferably ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
PREFERENCE - adjectives
• DICTED addicted to, attached to, having a preference for ...1896 Eng. dial.
PREFERENCE - nouns
• ACTION one's choice, one's preference ...1950s US sl.
• BAG strong, esp. temporary, interest; area of expertise or interest; preference, mood ...1963 Amer. sl.
• FAVORANCE a liking, preference ...1933 Amer. dial.
• MUTTON one's preference, one's liking; usually in plural ...L19 sl., orig. US
• OPTATION a choice or preference ...1874
• RATHERS wishes; preference ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• RITHERS preference, choice ...1920s US Black sl.
• RUTHERS wishes; preference ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
PREFERENTIAL - phrases
• JOBS FOR THE BOYS (derogatory) appointments given preferentially to one's own associates or supporters ...1950 sl.
PREFERMENT - adjectives
• NEPOTIC inclined to nepotism; giving unfair preferment to relatives or friends ...1847
PREFERMENT - nouns
• NEPOTISM unfair preferment of nephews or relatives to other qualified persons ...1670
• VARMENT preferment ...1733 Eng. dial.
PREFERMENT - nouns, person
• NEPOTIST one who carries out nepotism ...1837
PREGNANCY, PREGNANT - nouns
• ACCIDENT an unplanned pregnancy ...1932 sl.
• AFTERTHOUGHT an unplanned pregnancy; the child of an unplanned pregnancy ...1914 UK sl.
• BAGGING † a becoming pregnant ...1611
• BAIRN-SIGN evidence of being in the family way ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BELLYFUL OF MARROW-PUDDING, A pregnancy ...19C Brit. sl.
• DELICATE CONDITION pregnancy ...20C US euphemism
• GREAT-BELLIED having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1567
• IRISH TOOTHACHE a pregnancy ...L19 Brit. sl.
• I.T.A. a pregnancy (Irish Toothache) ...L19 Brit. sl.
• LAP-CLAP conception; a pregnancy ...E18 Brit. sl.
• MISTAKE an unplanned pregnancy and the child that follows ...1950s sl.
• MOLEHILL a pregnant stomach ...E18 sl.
• OBS in a hospital: obstetrics ...1985 UK sl.
• PADDY'S TOOTHACHE pregnancy ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• PUDDING CLUB pregnancy ...Brit. sl.
• RABBIT-PULLING obstetrics ...L19 medical students' usage
• TOCOLOGY the science of parturition, or of midwifery; obstetrics ...1828
PREGNANCY, PREGNANT - nouns, person
• DOULA a person, typically an experienced mother, who provides emotional support, practical help, and advice to a woman during pregnancy and childbirth and for the first few weeks after birth ...M20
• FAMILY WOMAN a pregnant woman ...1929 Amer. dial.
• LADY IN WAITING a pregnant woman ...20C Brit. & US colloq.
• LIGHT BULB a pregnant woman ...M20 US sl.
• PREGGO a pregnant person ...1951 Aust. sl.
• VIRGIN MARY 'an obviously pregnant single girl who insists she is merely gaining weight, then leaves town to go on a diet' ...1966 US sl.
PREGNANCY - phrases
• IT'S NOT THE BULL THEY'RE AFRAID OF - IT'S THE CALF of girls: a phrase implying that they fear, not the loss of virginity, but pregnancy ...20C Aust. sl.
• RABBIT DIED, THE used for indicating a state of pregnancy ...1998 UK sl.
PREGNANT - adjectives
• ABOUT TO FIND PUPS pregnant; about to give birth ...20C US sl.
• APRON-UP pregnant ...19C colloq.
• BABY-BOUND pregnant ...E20 US sl.
• BAGGED † big with young; pregnant ...a1400
• BAGGIT big with young ...1897 Sc.
• BAIRNED pregnant ...Bk1898 Eng. dial.
• BIG great with young, pregnant ...1855 Eng. dial.
• BIG-BELLIED having a big belly, corpulent; hence, pregnant ...1803
• BIGGED pregnant ...1936 Amer. dial.
• BOUKIT large, bulky; swollen; corpulent; pregnant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOUKSOME pregnant ...Bk1911 Sc.
• BOW-WINDOWED pregnant ...M19 sl.
• BRED pregnant ...1967 Amer. dial.
• BROKEN-KNEED pert. to a woman who was seduced and made pregnant ...18C Brit.
• BROKEN-LEGGED pert. to a woman who was seduced and made pregnant ...18C Brit.
• BROUGHT TO STRAW pregnant; in childbed ...1946 Amer. dial.
• CALLED TO STRAW pregnant; in childbed ...1931 Amer. dial.
• CARRYING ALL BEFORE HER of a woman: having a generous bust or obviously pregnant ...1984 UK jocular
• CAUGHT pregnant ...1940 Amer. dial.
• CAUGHT SHORT expecting a child out of wedlock ...1960 Amer. dial.
• CHILD-GREAT † pregnant, big with child ...1605
• CLUCKY pregnant ...E20 Aust. sl.
• COCKED-UP pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• DAUNCEY pregnant ...1952 US sl.
• DOUBLE-RIBBED great with child, pregnant ...1598
• EXPECTING pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• FALLEN ON pregnant ...c1930 sl.
• FALLING APART pregnant; getting ready to 'drop' ...20C Amer. dial.
• FAMILIAR-WAY pregnant ...19C colloq.
• FAT pregnant ...1950s US Black sl.
• FAT AS GOD'S POCKET, AS pregnant ...1931 Amer. dial.
• FEATHERING ONE'S NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• FULL-IN-THE-BELLY pregnant ...19C Brit. colloq.
• FULL OF HEIR pregnant ...20C US jocular
• GOING TO NEW YORK pregnant ...1970 Amer. dial.
• GONE pregnant ...1945 Aust. sl.
• HALF-GONE about in the middle period of pregnancy ...Bk1905 Sc.
• HEAVY great with young, pregnant ...c1375
• HEAVY-FOOTED pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• HOW-CAME-YOU-SO? pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• HUNG pregnant ...1968 Amer. dial.
• IN A CERTAIN CONDITION euphemism for pregnant
• IN A FAMILY WAY pregnant ...19C colloq.
• IN AN INTERESTING CONDITION pregnant ...M18 colloq.
• IN AN INTERESTING SITUATION pregnant ...M18 colloq.
• IN BABY pregnant ...1942 Trinidad and Tobago
• IN BAD SHAPE pregnant ...20C US sl.
• IN FOR pregnant ...1910s sl.
• IN FOR IT pregnant ...1910s sl.
• IN PIG pregnant ...1945 sl.
• IN POD pregnant ...1890 sl.
• IN THAT WAY pregnant ...1742 euphemism
• IN THE CLUB pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• IN THE FAMILIAR WAY pregnant ...1891 jocular colloq.
• IN THE FAMILY WAY pregnant ...1796 euphemism
• IN THE PUDDING CLUB pregnant ...1890 euphemism
• IN THE SPUD LINE pregnant ...1937 euphemism
• IN THE WAY pregnant ...1742 euphemism
• IN TROUBLE pregnant ...1891 euphemism
• JACKED UP pregnant ...1970 Amer. dial.
• KETCHED pregnant ...19C Amer. dial.
• KNAPPED pregnant ...E19 Brit. sl.
• KNOCKED-UP pregnant ...20C US sl.
• LIKE THAT pregnant ...1976 Amer. dial.
• LOADED pregnant ...19C colloq.
• LUSTY pregnant ...19C Amer. dial.
• MUCKLE-BOOKIT great with child ...Bk1905 Sc.
• NUI pregnant ...1938 Hawaii
• ON of a woman: pregnant ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• ON THE NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• OTHERWISE pregnant ...20C Amer. dial.
• PAGLED † made or become pregnant; big with young ...1599
• PIGGY pregnant ...1953 Amer. dial.
• PILLOWED pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• PREG pregnant ...1955 sl.
• PREGGERS pregnant ...1942 Brit. sl.
• PREGGIE pregnant ...1938 euphemism
• PREGGO pregnant ...1951 Aust. sl.
• PREGGY pregnant ...1938 euphemism
• PUMPED pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• PUMPED UP pregnant ...20C Amer. sl.
• QUICK pregnant ...Bk1905 Eng. dial.
• QUICK WITH CHILD † said of a female in the stage of pregnancy at which the motion of the foetus is felt ...c1450 now rare or obs.
• SETTING ON THE NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SICK in labour; confined to childbed; pregnant ...1805 Amer. dial.
• SITTING ON A NEST pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• SO pregnant ...19C Brit.
• STORK-MAD 1. eager to become pregnant; wanting to have a child; said of women ...M20 US sl.
2. pregnant ...M20 US sl.
• STUNG BY A SERPENT. pregnant ...19C sl.
• TEEMING pregnant ...1953 Amer. dial.
• THATAWAY pregnant ...1954 Amer. dial.
• THAT WAY pregnant ...1940 Amer. dial.
• TIDY pregnant ...Bk1905 Sc.
• TOO BIG FOR HER CLOTHES pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• UP pregnant ...1991 Trinidad and Tobago
• UP-AND-COMING pregnant ...Amer. dial.
• UP A TREE pregnant ...1941 Amer. dial.
• UP SHIT CREEK pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...20C Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK IN A BARBED WIRE CANOE WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...Bk1996 Aust. sl.
• UP SHIT CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant and unmarried, or deserted by the father of the child ...20C Aust. sl.
• UP THE CREEK pregnant ...1961 euphemism
• UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE pregnant ...1920s Aust. sl.
• UP THE DUFF pregnant ...1941 sl., chiefly Aust.
• UP THE IN AND OUT ruined; pregnant ...1998 UK rhyming sl. for 'up the spout'
• UP THE KITE pregnant ...1990s sl.
• UP THE POLE pregnant ...1922 euphemism
• UP THE SPOUT pregnant ...1937 euphemism
• UP THE STICK pregnant ...1941 euphemism
• UP THE WAY pregnant ...1930s Aust. sl.
• UP THE WOP pregnant ...1980s NZ sl.
• WEARING THE HACKING JACKET pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WEARING THE JACKET pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• WELL-ALONG pregnant, obviously pregnant ...20C US colloq.
• WITH SQUIRREL pregnant ...20C US dial.
• WITH YOUNG pregnant; usually said of animals ...20C US
• WRINKLE-BELLIED having had a number of children; usually used of a prostitute ...L18 colloq.
• YOUNG WITH CHILD † newly pregnant; in the early stage of pregnancy ...1612
PREGNANT - verbs
• BAG † to be pregnant ...a1400
• BAIRN to render pregnant ...1827 Sc.
• BATTLE to have sex; to impregnate someone ...1998 NZ sl.
• BE BAGGED † to be pregnant ...1603
• BE IN AN INTERESTING CONDITION to be with child ...1748 sl.
• BE IN AN INTERESTING SITUATION to be with child ...1748 sl.
• BELLY UP to show signs of pregnancy ...1979 Amer. dial.
• BIG to make pregnant ...1917 Amer. dial.
• BLOW UP † to make pregnant ...1803 Amer. dial.
• BREAK ONE'S LEG to become pregnant ...1908 Amer. dial.
• BREAK ONE'S TOE to become pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• BREED to be pregnant; to give birth ...1912 Amer. dial.
• BURN ONE'S FOOT to become pregnant ...1966 Amer. dial.
• CATCH to become pregnant; to make pregnant ...1912 Amer. dial.
• EAT BAD FOOD to get pregnant ...1974 Trinidad and Tobago
• EAT DRIED APPLES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT DRIED APRICOTS to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT DRIED FRUIT to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT GREEN APPLES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1965 Amer. dial.
• EAT PEACHES to become pregnant; to show signs of pregnancy ...1967 Amer. dial.
• EAT PUMPKIN SEEDS to swell with pregnancy ...1967 Amer. dial.
• EAT SUPPER BEFORE ONE SAYS GRACE to have a baby in progress before marriage; to conceive a child ...1984 Amer. dial.
• FALL to 'fall' with child, to become pregnant ...1722 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
• FALL FOR to become pregnant with or by ...L19 sl.
• FALL ON to become pregnant ...1976 UK sl.
• FALL WITH BAIRN to become pregnant ...1813 Sc.
• FILL IN to render a woman pregnant ...20C Aust. sl.
• GET WRONG of a girl or woman: to render her pregnant ...20C sl.
• GO TO RICHMOND to become pregnant; to be near to giving birth to a child ...1944 Amer. dial.
• GREATEN † to become pregnant ...LME
• HAVE A BEAN IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...19C Brit. & US colloq.
• HAVE A COOKIE IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1960 Amer. sl.
• HAVE A DUCK IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A DUMPLING ON to be pregnant ...L19 Brit. colloq.
• HAVE A HUMP IN THE FRONT to be pregnant ...19C colloq.
• HAVE AN EGG IN THE NEST to be pregnant ...Bk1902 sl.
• HAVE A NINE-MONTHS DROPSY to be pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• HAVE A POTATO IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE A TURKEY IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE BREAD IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...1965 Amer. dial.
• HAVE ONE IN THE BOX to be pregnant ...19C colloq.
• HAVE ONE IN THE OVEN to be pregnant ...19C Brit. & US colloq.
• HAVE ONE'S APRON-UP to be pregnant ...L19 Brit. sl.
• HAVE ONE'S CARGO ABOARD to be pregnant ...19C Brit. sl.
• JAZZ UP to impregnate a woman ...E20 US sl.
• KNOCK UP to make pregnant ...1813 US sl.
• MEAT to get a woman pregnant ...1954 Amer. dial.
• PLANT CORN A-FORE THE FENCE IS BUILT to have a baby in progress before marriage; to conceive a child ...1984 Amer. dial.
• QUICKEN of a female: to reach the stage of pregnancy at which the child shows signs of life ...1530
• SEAL to impregnate a woman ...19C Brit. sl.
• SET THE GOOSE to become pregnant ...1968 Amer. dial.
• SPRAIN ONE'S ANKLE to become pregnant ...L18 colloq.
• STORK to make pregnant ...1936 US sl.
• TEEM † to be pregnant; to bring forth; to produce in abundance ...1889 Eng. dial.
• WALK UPHILL to be pregnant ...1944 Amer. dial.
• WEAR THE BUSTLE WRONG to be pregnant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
PREGNANT - phrases
• THERE'S MORE IN HER BELLY THAN EVER WENT THROUGH HER MOUTH said of a pregnant woman ...19C colloq.
PREJUDICE - adverbs
• SINISTROUSLY † unfavourably, esp. with display of prejudice against a person ...1560
PREJUDICE - nouns
• MUMPSIMUS a traditional custom or notion obstinately adhered to however unreasonable it is shown to be; an error obstinately clung to; a prejudice ...1545
• SCATLOE † loss, harm, prejudice ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
• SKATLOE † loss, harm, prejudice ...Bk1904 Eng. dial.
PREJUDICED, PREJUDICIAL - adjectives
• AFFECTIONATE † unduly affected, biased, prejudiced, partial ...1530
• NARROW-MINDED illiberal, bigoted, prejudiced; incapable of broad views ...1625
• SINISTER † of opinions, etc.: prejudicial, adverse, unfavourable, darkly suspicious ...1432
• SINISTROUS † malicious, unfair, prejudiced ...1593
PREJUDICED - nouns, person
• OSCAR a prejudiced, narrow-minded person ...1973 US sl.