| 释义 |
warning-piece|ˈwɔːnɪŋpiːs|
[f. warning vbl. n.1 and ppl. a. + piece n.]
1. A signal-gun discharged to give notification of arrival, danger, time, etc.
c1592Marlowe Jew of Malta v. 2322 A warning-peece shall be shot off from the Tower, To giue thee knowledge when to cut the cord, And fire the house. 1596Marbeck in Hakluyt Voy. (1598) I. 608 There it pleased the Lords to call a select Councell, which was alwayes done by hanging out of a flagge of the armes of England, and shooting off of a great warning peece. 1607Chapman Bussy d'Ambois i. i. 25 As great Seamen..(comming neere their Hauen) Are glad to giue a warning peece. 1634Sir T. Herbert Trav. 21 We gaue them a-sterne, two Gunnes as warning peeces of great danger. 1867Smyth Sailor's Word-bk., Evening-gun, the warning-piece, after the firing of which the sentries challenge.
b. transf. and fig.
In 17th c. often used in titles of books.
1615J. H. (title) This World's Folly, or a Warning-Peece Discharged upon the Wickednesse thereof. 1650T. Hubbert Pill Formality 1 This glorious Apostle..writes unto Timothy..a warning peece to future ages. 1660C. Bonde Scut. Reg. 379 Oh therefore let our distracted England be a warning-piece to all Nations, that they never attempt to Try and Judge their King, for what cause soever. 1711Steele Spect. No. 144 ⁋1, I shall make this Paper rather a Warning-piece to give notice where the Danger is. 1719De Foe Crusoe i. (Globe) 140, I am a warning-piece..to all rash..pilots. 1831Scott Quentin D. Introd., The spectacle of his deathbed might of itself be a warning-piece against the seduction of his example.
2. Clock-making. The piece that ‘warns’ that the clock is about to strike.
1875Knight Dict. Mech. 1884F. J. Britten Watch & Clockm. 284 The last wheel..carries a pin which butts on the warning piece during the interval between warning and striking. |