| 释义 |
church-work
a. Work at the edifice of a church. Used proverbially for work that proceeds slowly.
b. church work. Work on behalf of, or in connexion with, the church as an institution. So church-worker, one engaged in church work.
c1175Lamb. Hom. 31 And dele hit wrecche monne oðer to brugge oðer to chirche weorke. 1444Test. Ebor. (1855) II. 105 Also to the kirkwerk and for my beriall xls. 1467Acts Parl. Jas. III (1814) 87 A tone fraucht to the kirk werk of the toune. 1639Fuller Holy War (1647) 36 Contrary to the proverb, Church-work went on the most speedily. Ibid. 111 This siege was Church-work, and therefore went on slowly. c1677Marvell Growth Popery Wks. 1875 IV. 388 To wait for their coming from Madrid would make church-work. 1712Addison Spect. No. 383. §4 The fifty new Churches will very much mend the Prospect; but Church-work is slow. 1886Pall Mall. G. 17 May 5/2 Very useful to the large number of churchworkers present. |