| 释义 |
† preˈfine, v. Obs.
[ad. L. præfīnīre (Cic.) to determine or limit beforehand, to prescribe, f. præ, pre- A. 1 + fīnīre to end, bound. So obs. F. prefinir (1392 in Godef. Compl.).]
1. trans. To limit or bound beforehand or by previous conditions; to define previously.
1588Lambarde Eiren. iv. xvi. 582 The meanes by which..penalties and forfeitures also that are certainly prefined by words of the Statutes, may be levied and brought into the Queens coffers. a1619M. Fotherby Atheom. ii. i. §3 (1622) 173 There is not any Body, in Nature, so infinite, but that it is prefined within some bound and limit.
2. To determine or fix (a time) beforehand.
1545Joye Exp. Dan. v. K iij b, Before the which tyme pre-fined by gods infallible and immutable prouidence they shall not fal nor dye. 1608J. King Serm. St. Marys 24 Mar. 19 Hee dieth..in his threescore and tenth yeare, neither sooner, nor later, but the verie middle and vmbilicke of natures prefined time. 1662Hibbert Body Div. i. 187 He hath also prefined a convenient..season for every thing. |