| 释义 |
† ˈsubtileness Obs.
[f. subtile a. + -ness.]
1. Thinness, tenuity.
1398Trevisa Barth. De P.R. iv. i. (1495) e iij b/2 The symplynes of a boystous thynge is subtylnes in that comyth in by wythdrawynge of fastnes & thycnes of partyes. 1528Paynell Salerne's Regim. b iv, The subtilnes [ed. 1541, subtile parte] of the bloud burneth hit selfe and tourneth in to coler and grossely into melancoly. 1597A. M. tr. Guillemeau's Fr. Chirurg. 41/1 Because of the subtilenes thereof [sc. of the cautery], and the virtues of his substance. 1617Moryson Itin. iii. 45 The subtilenesse of the Ayre. 1676Wiseman Chirurg. Treat. i. vi. 34 The Erysipelas à Sanguine bilioso, from cholerick Bloud,..affects onely the outward Parts, none of which escape its tenuity and subtilnes.
2. Cunning, craftiness.
1474Caxton Chesse ii. v. (1883) 60 Thou hast vaynquyshid them..by thy newe deceyuable falsenes and by subtilnes. 1509Hawes Past. Pleas. xx. iv. (1555) M iij b, Ye shall be ryght well vyctoryous Of all your enemyes so full of subtylnes. c15111st Engl. Bk. Amer. (Arb.) Introd. 33/2 The Lyon sleeth the vnicorne with subtylnes. 1641Earl of Monmouth tr. Biondi's Civil Wars iii. 123 Had the Dolphin lived he had runne no danger; for in time he might easily have won him by his subtilnesse.
3. Subtlety (of argument).
1591Greene Farew. to Folly Wks. (Grosart) IX. 251 As well to imitate Aristotle in the sumptuousnes of his apparell as the subtilnesse of his arguments. |