| 释义 |
ˈtop-ˌdressing, vbl. n.
[f. as prec. + dressing vbl. n. 4 c.]
a. The application of manure to the surface of the soil; concr. the manure or fertilizer so applied.
1744W. Ellis Mod. Husbandman Mar. i. 7 The Top-dressing of a powdered Manure is far more preferable on this Account to the Top-dressing of Dung. 1764Museum Rust. III. ii. 5, I bestow on it a top-dressing of wood ashes, soot,..or coal ashes. 1770–4A. Hunter Georg. Ess. (1803) I. 324 Pigeon dung, and rape-dust are considered as top-dressings. 1799J. Robertson Agric. Perth 311 When this powerful top-dressing..with sheep dung and urine has been completed. 1892Garden 27 Aug. 195/2 The top-dressing was put on early in spring before the plants began to grow.
b. transf. and fig.
1846Mrs. Carlyle Let. to Carlyle 7 Sept., Helen has been most diligent in my absence, and left nothing for me to do but a little ‘top-dressing’. 1884J. Payn Lit. Recoll. 35 Culture is more common, but very little comes of such ‘top dressing’. 1906Edin. Rev. Jan. 196 Stimulated..by this top-dressing of the northern energy. |