| 释义 |
againstprep.conj.adv.n. Forms: α. early Old English ongegnes, Old English ongænes, Old English–early Middle English ongeanes, early Middle English onȝeanes, early Middle English ongenes, early Middle English onȝenes, early Middle English onnȝæness ( Ormulum), late Middle English anȝans (south-west midlands), late Middle English angayns (northern), late Middle English anȝenst; U.S. regional 1900s– angainst (New England). β. Old English eagenas (transmission error), Old English–Middle English agenes, early Middle English agænes, early Middle English aȝænes, early Middle English ageanes, early Middle English aȝeanes, Middle English aeyns, Middle English againes, Middle English aȝaines, Middle English againese, Middle English againis, Middle English aȝains, Middle English againys, Middle English againz, Middle English agance, Middle English aganes, Middle English aganis, Middle English agannes, Middle English agannys, Middle English agans, Middle English aȝans, Middle English aganse, Middle English aganys, Middle English aȝanys, Middle English aganz, Middle English agayneȝ, Middle English aȝayneȝ, Middle English agaynes, Middle English aȝaynes, Middle English agaynese, Middle English agaynez, Middle English aȝaynez, Middle English agaynȝ, Middle English agaynis, Middle English agaynnes, Middle English agaynnys, Middle English aȝayns, Middle English agaynus, Middle English aȝaynus, Middle English agaynys, Middle English agaynz, Middle English aȝeens, Middle English ageines, Middle English aȝeines, Middle English ageinȝ, Middle English ageinis, Middle English aȝeinis, Middle English ageins, Middle English aȝeins, Middle English aȝeinus, Middle English aȝeinz, Middle English aȝeneȝ, Middle English aȝenes, Middle English aȝenȝ, Middle English agenis, Middle English aȝenis, Middle English aȝennes, Middle English agennis, Middle English aȝennis, Middle English aȝenns, Middle English aȝens, Middle English agense, Middle English aȝense, Middle English aȝenss, Middle English aȝensse, Middle English agenus, Middle English aȝenus, Middle English agenys, Middle English aȝenys, Middle English ageynes, Middle English aȝeynes, Middle English ageynȝ, Middle English aȝeynȝ, Middle English ageynis, Middle English aȝeynis, Middle English aȝeynnes, Middle English aȝeyns, Middle English ageynus, Middle English aȝeynus, Middle English ageynys, Middle English aȝeynys, Middle English aȝeynz, Middle English aȝhenis, Middle English aȝhens, Middle English aȝins, Middle English agynes, Middle English agyns, Middle English aȝyns, Middle English ayains, Middle English ayans, Middle English ayaynes, Middle English ayaynez, Middle English ayayns, Middle English ayeines, Middle English ayeins, Middle English ayence, Middle English ayenes, Middle English ayenese, Middle English ayenȝ, Middle English ayenis, Middle English ayennes, Middle English ayenns, Middle English ayens, Middle English ayense, Middle English ayenys, Middle English ayeynes, Middle English ayeynnes, Middle English ayeyns, Middle English ayeynys, Middle English ogaines, Middle English oȝaines, Middle English ogainis, Middle English ogains, Middle English oȝains, Middle English oganis, Middle English ogans, Middle English ogaynes, Middle English ogaynis, Middle English ogayns, Middle English oȝayns, Middle English oȝeines, Middle English oȝeins, Middle English ogeynes, Middle English oȝeynis, Middle English ogeyns, Middle English–1500s agains, Middle English–1500s agayens, Middle English–1500s agayns, Middle English–1500s agaynse, Middle English–1500s agens, Middle English–1500s ageyns, late Middle English aȝeynyþ (transmission error), 1500s–1600s againce; English regional 1800s– ugins (Somerset); Scottish pre-1700 againes, pre-1700 againȝ, pre-1700 againis, pre-1700 againnis, pre-1700 aganeis, pre-1700 aganes, pre-1700 aganis, pre-1700 agannis, pre-1700 agans, pre-1700 aganys, pre-1700 agaynes, pre-1700 agaynis, pre-1700 agayns, pre-1700 agaynys, pre-1700 agens, pre-1700 agense, pre-1700 ageynes, pre-1700 agins, pre-1700 1800s agains. γ. Chiefly southern and south midlands in early use Middle English aeynst, Middle English aganest, Middle English aȝanst, Middle English agayenst, Middle English aȝaynest, Middle English aȝayneste, Middle English agaynyst, Middle English agaynyste, Middle English aȝeenst, Middle English ageeynste, Middle English aȝeinest, Middle English ageinist, Middle English ageiniste, Middle English aȝeinst, Middle English aȝenest, Middle English aȝenist, Middle English aȝeniste, Middle English aȝenst, Middle English aȝenste, Middle English aȝent, Middle English aȝenust, Middle English aȝenyst, Middle English ageynest, Middle English aȝeynest, Middle English ageynist, Middle English aȝeynst, Middle English ageynyst, Middle English ageynyste, Middle English ayainest, Middle English ayainste, Middle English ayanst, Middle English ayaynst, Middle English ayaynste, Middle English ayeinst, Middle English ayeinste, Middle English ayenest, Middle English ayeneste, Middle English ayenste, Middle English ayenyst, Middle English ayeyenst, Middle English ayeynest, Middle English ayeynst, Middle English ayeynste, Middle English ayeynyst, Middle English ayhenst, Middle English ayhenste, Middle English–1500s agaynest, Middle English–1500s ageinste, Middle English–1500s agenste, Middle English–1500s ageynst, Middle English–1500s ageynste, Middle English–1500s ayenst, Middle English–1600s againste, Middle English–1600s agaynst, Middle English–1600s agaynste, Middle English–1600s ageinst, Middle English–1600s (1700s– regional) agenst, Middle English–1700s aganst, Middle English– against, 1500s agayenste, 1500s agayngste, 1500s aginste, 1500s agynst, 1500s agynste, 1500s ayent, 1500s–1600s againct, 1500s–1600s againgst, 1500s–1600s againsts, 1500s–1600s agaist, 1500s–1600s agayinst, 1500s–1600s agayst, 1500s–1700s aginst; English regional 1800s– aginst (Devon), 1800s– agyenst (Northumberland); Irish English (Wexford) 1800s– ayenst; U.S. regional 1800s aginest, 1900s– aginst; Scottish pre-1700 againist, pre-1700 againste, pre-1700 aganest, pre-1700 aganist, pre-1700 aganiste, pre-1700 aganst, pre-1700 aganste, pre-1700 aganyst, pre-1700 agaynst, pre-1700 ageanest, pre-1700 ageanst, pre-1700 agenst, pre-1700 1700s againest, pre-1700 1700s– against, 1900s– aginst. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: again prep., -s suffix1. Etymology: < again prep. + -s suffix1, perhaps after to-gains prep. The development of excrescent final -t (see γ. forms) was probably reinforced by the fact that the word was frequently followed by te , variant of the adj., and perhaps also by association with superlatives in -st ; compare similarly amongst prep. 1a, amidst adv., betwixt prep.See note at again adv. on the history of use of the different form types. Later instances of α. forms probably show the development of an intrusive consonant, rather than continuity with earlier forms. In Old English, the preposition is construed either with the dative or with the accusative. A. prep. I. Expressing motion towards. 1. the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > [preposition] > in welcome of eOE tr. Bede (Tanner) ii. ii. 100 Ond gif he arise ongegnes eow [OE Cambr. Univ. Libr. togeanes eow] þonne ge cuman, þonne witað ge þæt he bið Cristes þeow. c1390 (Vernon) (1914) 186 (MED) Þe Bellen a ȝeynes [c1350 Cleo. aȝen] him alle Ronge. c1450 in F. J. Furnivall (1867) 52 Opene þe ȝatis aȝens me! 1473 in (1915) 51 466 (MED) Item payd for ryngyng a yense my Lord of Lynngkcoln at hys vysytacyon ij d. a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara (1546) sig. H viii The senate should salute the emperour..and the emperour to ryse curteisly agaynst them. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > towards [preposition] c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Otho) (1978) l. 11215 He dude ase a wis man; and wende aȝenest him anon. c1400 (?c1380) (1920) l. 611 Þe good mon gos hem agayneȝ. c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 911 Agayns [c1430 Cambr. Gg.4.27 a-geyn; c1415 Corpus Oxf. aȝein; c1415 Lansd. aȝeine; c1425 Petworth aȝeinst] his doghter hastiliche goth he. a1450 (Faust.) (1883) l. 2992 When seynt Wultrude wyst þat þuse relekes weron comyng, Wt procession aȝeynes hem..he went þo. 1496 in Hist. MSS Comm.: Rep. MSS Var. Coll. (1907) IV. 212 in (Cd. 3218) LXIV. 1 All they of the xxiiij that hath be maire shall ride in scarlett ayenste the Kynge. 1530 (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 258 All the people of the cyte came ageynste hym wyth ioye and wyth praysynge. 1535 Gen. xxiv. G What man is this, that commeth agaynst vs in the felde? a1556 N. Udall (?1566) iii. iii. sig. D.iiij As fast as I could runne sir in poste against you. 1591 (?a1425) Abraham, Lot, & Melchysedeck (Huntington) in R. M. Lumiansky & D. Mill (1974) I. 59 Agaynste Abraham will I gonne Worshipfullye and that anonne. 1634 (1816) I. 179 Against whom came queen Guenever, and met with him, and made great joy of his coming. 1808 Dec. 421/2 Against, to meet a person, ‘I am going out against him’ [Devonshire and Cornwall vocabulary]. 1892 H. C. O'Neill 21 It was too late to walk home..alone, & Tom..was sent against me with a horse. 1969 P. Boyle 92 At Corrigan's Cross I met Mrs Leary coming against me. 1984 E. Kohák (1987) ii. 77 The headlights coming against me grow fewer. II. Expressing motion or action in opposition to someone or something. 2. OE lv. 3 Conculcauerunt me inimici mei tota die, quoniam multi bellantes aduersum me : fortrædon me fynd mine ælce dæge forðon monige feohtende eagenas uel biþ [read ageanes uel wiþ] me. ?a1160 (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1135 Agenes him risen sona þa rice men. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 63 Hie wundieð ðane forgilte mann ðe wann ongeanes ðe ðurh dieules lare. 1258 Proclam. Henry III in (1868–9) 21 Ȝif oni oþer onie cumen her onȝenes, we willen and hoaten þæt alle vre treowe heom healden deadliche ifoan. c1400 (?c1380) (1920) l. 1711 Bot ay hatȝ hofen þy hert agaynes þe hyȝe dryȝtyn. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 4146 Þat mykel dus ogayns Goddes lawe. c1475 (?c1451) (Royal) (1860) 8 To meove no werre ayenst no christen man, but if he had grevously done ayenst him. 1489 (a1380) J. Barbour (Adv.) i. 573 That brwyss, that presumyt swa Aganys him to brawle or ryss. 1533 T. More (title) A Letter impugnynge the erronyouse wrytyng of John Fryth, against the blessed Sacrament of the Aultare. 1556 W. Lauder sig. B2 Speking, aganis godds wourd of grace. 1611 Gen. xvi. 12 His hand will be against euery man, and euery mans hand against him. View more context for this quotation 1611 Ps. xxxv. 1 Fight against them that fight against me. View more context for this quotation 1663 S. Butler i. iii. 168 But what could single valour doe Against so numerous a foe? 1679 J. Dryden 85 First, let's behold the merriest man alive Against his careless genius vainly strive. 1752 L. Carter 28 Feb. (1965) I. 68 Palmer Contends against Anderson Styth for the Clerkship for Committee Courts of Justice. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. 205 The whole Cavalier gentry were against him. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. 37 The members who had voted against the court were dismissed. 1877 W. Lytteil i. i. 18 The very men who made war against the pirates. 1934 ‘M. J. Farrell’ i. 9 She would speak against such a one as she had loved. 1988 30 June 8/7 The Government intends to act against companies that fly-tip rubbish on roads and waste land. 2012 9 Feb. 48/1 The Tlaxcalans, who after first fighting against Cortés soon gave military assistance that would prove decisive. OE Ælfric (Vitell. D.xvii) iii. 204 Gif ðu þinum cristenum breðer derest,..hæfde he sum þing ongænes þe [OE Royal gif ðu þinum cristenum breðer deredest, þonne hæfð he sum ðincg ongean ðe]. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 2544 Ðe egtenede king, amonaphis, Agenes ðis folc hatel is. c1390 in C. Horstmann (1892) i. 338 Ȝif eny mon a-gult aȝeynes þe. a1475 J. Fortescue (Laud) (1885) 144 Murmor ageynes the kynges person ffor þe mysgouernance off his reaume. 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch 7 Then the wrathe of the goddes woulde cease against them. 1604 W. Shakespeare i. ii. 102 Tis a fault to heauen, A fault against the dead, a fault to nature. View more context for this quotation 1621 R. Burton ii. ii. i. i. 306 Laurentius..excepts against them. 1629 W. Prynne 93 The Pelagians..obiect against this Conclusion. 1689 R. Milward 59 The Law against Witches does not prove there be any. 1766 E. Burke (ed. 3) 34 Arguments against artificial Society. 1766 O. Goldsmith I. iv. 37 My lectures against pride. 1774 J. Bryant II. 426 Complaint is made against the apostate Tribes. 1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in 88 Whose very dogs would execrations howl Against his lineage. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. 218 The suffering..people raged fiercely against the government. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. 220 Legal evidence against him. 1854 W. M. Thackeray I. xxi. 197 That common outcry against thankless children. 1855 T. B. Macaulay III. 13 One of the chief accusations..brought against Charles the Second. 1902 21 Dec. 7/3 Her husband had a prejudice against bills of any sort. 1975 7 Nov. 4/8 An Oxford hospital porter with a grudge against his employers used cheques he had stolen and forged..to obtain over £700 from banks in the city. 2002 Oct. (Geographica, Skywatching) The first country in the world to enact a national law against light pollution. the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] 1549 H. Latimer 5th Serm. sig. Qviiiv One wil say peraduenture, you speake vnsemely and inconueniently so to be agaynste the officers. 1611 H. Broughton 31 So Rock is expreslie against Rome, not for it. 1662 in (1920) 25 Let him pretend sicknesse and that his phisitions are against his travelling. 1741 S. Richardson III. x. 47 I am not against shewing to him all I write. 1818 H. Hallam I. iii. 350 Experience..told more and more against the ordinary militia. 1849 W. Irving (rev. ed.) xiv. 156 His..awkward manners were against him. 1885 A. H. Buck I. 262/2 Odor and expense serve to tell against eucalyptus preparations. 1933 J. H. McKee 4 ‘What did he say about sin?’ ‘He was against it.’ 1997 21 Apr. i. 18/7 And I am against dogs which proclaim anything except dogness—elegant borzoi, svelte dachshunds and carefully groomed poodles. 1558 in (Hist. MSS. Comm.) (1897) 58 Suche..amendes to the parties grevid as shalbe adwardid againste the saide erle. 1676 Lady Chaworth in (1890) App. v. 28 I heard..of Lord Shaftesberys having a 1000l. damages given against Lord Dighby for scandalum magnatum. 1704 No. 4049/4 A Commission of Bankrupt being awarded against William Mackdugale. 1896 13 Nov. 521/1 That the High Court would grant an injunction against the trustees. 1976 20 July 3/5 The damages were against Mr A—— M——. 2004 H. Kennedy (2005) xv. 302 The courts repeatedly found against them on the removal of benefit from asylum seekers. society > society and the community > dissent > competition or rivalry > in competition with [preposition] 1591 R. Greene sig. A4v If any honest men that holdes themselues skilful in bowling, offer to play any set match against these common bawkers. 1663 S. Pepys 27 May (1971) IV. 160 Afterward to nine-pins..Creed and I playing against my Lord and Cooke. 1685 G. Langbaine vii. 75 Neither make a match against a Horse, which you do not know, without first consulting some skilfull or trusty Friend. 1747 4 July Mr. Richard Newland..with two of his Brothers, and two others..having advertised that they would play a Match at Cricket..against Five of any Parish of England [etc.]. 1755 25 153 His powerful deep rate, by which all the horses that ran against him were no-where. 1832 D. Brewster x. 245 He drew against horses, and raised enormous weights. 1854 C. Dickens i. viii. 58 A..population of babies who had been walking against time towards the infinite world. 1866 A. Halliday Mugby Junction v, in Extra Christmas No., 10 Dec. 27/2 I always felt as if I was riding a race against time. 1931 B. Johnston Let. 15 Mar. in (1998) 64 I pooped my thigh playing against Eton Manor yesterday, and may not be able to run in the 100 yds tomorrow. 1994 2 Jan. (Review Suppl.) 18/2 It must now compete against American, German and Japanese media conglomerates. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > betting > [preposition] 1655 tr. C. Sorel vii. 6 I would have laid Pyebald against the best Mare in my Brother-in-Laws teem. 1679 T. Shadwell iii. 43 I'll hold you six to four of the Gelding against the Mare; gold to silver on the bay Stone-horse against the Flea-bitten. 1692 R. Bentley v. 31 It is so many Million of millions odds to one against any single throw, that the assigned Order will not be cast. 1709 J. Swift 15 There appeared at least Four to One Odds against them. 1722 W. Wollaston v. 61 There are infinite chances against the happening of it, or odds that it will not happen. 1823 ‘J. Bee’ 206 Fieldsmen, (turf) those who make it a rule to give odds against the favorite, or any particular horse; they are considered very knowing. 1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ III. iv. 50 If he gets clear off..you're right. But it's a hundred to one against it. 1922 J. Joyce ii. 165 I could have got seven to one against Saint Amant a fortnight before. 1985 20 May 12/1 As opposition to Mrs Thatcher mounts.., I hear that the Commons' unofficial bookie..offers odds of 7–4 against her still being prime minister by the end of next year. 1999 Feb. 14/2 He's too lightly raced to say for sure that he dislikes finishing uphill, but I'll be betting against him..at the Cheltenham Festival. 1831 Nov. 33/2 The bidders were reduced to two—the dandy and dirty boots—it stood against the former, who immediately bid fifty. 1882 Ld. J. Douglas I. xvii. 310 The bid is against you, Sir Reckless. Shall I say eleven hundred? 1901 9 Mar. 312/2 Eighty-five chestnuts, four to six feet high, three shillings—it's against you. 1987 D. Francis i. 9 Fifty thousand, thank you, sir; sixty thousand, seventy—eighty?..thank-you, sir. Against you, sir. Ninety? 2001 O. Hirsch (2007) xvii. 150 Twenty-one twenty-one against the young gentleman, do I hear twenty-one-and-a-half? the world > relative properties > order > disorder > disharmony or incongruity > contrary to or at variance with [preposition] OE xxii. 5 Parasti in conspectu meo mensam aduersus eos qui tribulant me : þu gearcodest beforan minre gesihðe beod uel beodwyste uel mysan agen hi uel agenes hig þa ðe geswencaþ uel ða þe gedrefaþ me. c1175 (Burchfield transcript) 249 Sannt iohan bapptisste..streonedd wass Off faderr & off moderr, Onn ȝæness kinde. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 87 (MED) Aȝeanes mine wille. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 538 Hun-wreste plage..a-genes lage. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. Rolls Ser. 131 Egipte aȝenst kynde of oþer londes haþ plente of corn. a1400 (?c1300) (Royal) (1879) l. 350 I haue done a-gaynes þi wille Synnes mony. c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 637 It is agayns [v.rr. a geyn, aȝein, aȝeine, aȝeinst] the proces of nature. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3154 Bothe ageyns resoun and right. a1500 (?a1450) (Harl. 7333) (1879) 4 The flesch desirith thing þat is aȝenst þe spirite, And þe spirit desirith thing aȝenst þe flesch. 1530 J. Palsgrave 570/1 I go against nature, or do a thynge contrarye to nature. It is a harde thyng to make a foxe do agaynst nature. 1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin (new ed.) i. xxiii. 57 The Opinion of..other late Anatomists, does against all former Authority thus determine. 1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer i. 329 She with them went, though much against her heart. 1708 J. Swift 5 May, against common Conjectures, will be no very busy Month. 1763 E. Burke Let. Mar. in (1958) I. 164 It is against my general notions to trust to writing. 1809 S. T. Coleridge 12 Oct. 137 No Power on Earth can oblige me to act against my Conscience. 1843 T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan (1876) II. ix. 128 It goes against my feelings to censure any woman. 1855 C. Kingsley xiv. 270 It goes sorely against my conscience, Sir. 1937 W. Faulkner Monk in May 22/2 You force me to do what, for all you know, may be against my own principles too—or do you grant me principles? 1990 J. Singleton (film script) 61 a Tre You know what it was. You gotta get with the program... Brandi I told you about that. I'm Catholic, it goes against my morals. society > armed hostility > with hostile intent towards [preposition] ?a1160 (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 & te king ferde agenes him mid micel mare ferd. c1330 (?c1300) (Auch.) l. 871 Oȝaines sir Gij þer com Gayer. a1333 in C. Brown (1924) 17 (MED) Gywes wyth bowes comen aȝeynest þe. a1425 (c1395) (Royal) (1850) Luke xiv. 31 If he may with ten thousynde go aȝens hym that cometh aȝens hym with twenti thousynde? c1475 (?c1425) (1984) l. 221 Aȝaynus þe fynde for to fare. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. clxviij/2 He wente in batayle ageynst them of perse. c1540 (?a1400) (2002) f. 131v But Troiell full tydely turnyt hom agaynes. 1553 G. Douglas tr. Virgil vi. xv. 80 Quhidder so aganist him, he went on fete Or ȝit on horsbak. 1611 Luke xiv. 31 To meete him that commeth against him with twentie thousand. View more context for this quotation 1699 in (1854) IV. 579 The English in Virginia had peace with the Canastogue Indians..and..heard you were coming against the Canastogues. 1799 R. Lawrence iii. 63 I remember well, when I had promised the Pfalsgrave to march against his enemy Conrad of Shottenberg. 1825 W. Scott Talisman viii, in IV. 163 These cowardly caitiffs come against us with sarbacanes and poisoned shafts. 1883 Mar. 743/2 French Calvinists..had once marched against Quebec. 1910 I. 215/1 Adrastus..marched against the city of Thebes, and on his way is said to have founded the Nemean games. 1993 (Nexis) 4 May Nineveh was destroyed during the final disaster of 614-609 when Medes marched against it in the month of Ab. 5. the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > in protection or defence from [preposition] ?a1160 (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1137 Æuric rice man his castles makede & agænes him heolden. ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 14 Of flesliche fondunge & gastliche..& cumfort aȝeines ham. J. Gaytryge (York Min.) (1901) l. 436 (MED) Saffely for to stand ogaynes our faes. a1425 (?a1300) (Linc. Inn) (1973) 358 (MED) Vortiger had not power Against them longer to endure. a1456 J. Lydgate Bycorne & Chychevache (Trin. Cambr. R.3.20) l. 126 in (1934) ii. 438 Suche as cane haue no pacyence Ageyns youre wyves vyolence. 1477 Earl Rivers tr. (Caxton) (1877) lf. 5 Remedies ayenst sikenesse. 1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig f. 14 A confection to holde in the mouth agaynste hoorsenesse. 1578 in J. G. Dalyell (1801) II. 133 Send us support and comforting Agains our fais. 1597 W. Shakespeare ii. i. 115 I am proofe against their enmitie. View more context for this quotation 1600 R. Hakluyt tr. A. Ortelius in (new ed.) III. 128 Against the cold they clothe themselues in beastes skinnes. 1667 J. Milton viii. 533 Here onely weake Against the charm of Beauties powerful glance. View more context for this quotation 1749 H. Fielding I. i. ix. 50 All Hopes of Reformation would have been abolished..the Gate shut against her. View more context for this quotation 1766 O. Goldsmith II. ii. 46 Wisdom makes but a slow defence against trouble. 1768 A. Tucker II. iii. xxiv. 40 To stop one's ears against whatever can be said in opposition to them. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. v. 178 It had long protected the Celts against the aggressions of the kings of Wessex. 1941 10 Apr. 272/2 Even some of the machines..are protected against bombing by blast walls. 2003 M. Ali ix. 172 The windows were closed against the ripening of waste bins. ?1569 T. Norton (title) A warnyng agaynst the dangerous practises of papistes, and specially the parteners of the late rebellion. 1650 Bp. J. Taylor ii. §5 Men stand upon their guard against them [sc. inquisitions], as they secure their meat against harpies and cats, laying all their counsels and secrets out of their way. 1682 J. Dryden Epist. Whigs sig. A2v To preserve you against Monarchy. 1710 J. Addison No. 240. ⁋11 Pill which (as he told the Country People) were very good against an Earthquake. 1761 J. Hill (title) Cautions against the immoderate use of Snuff. Founded on the known qualities of the Tobacco Plant. 1838 T. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan (1876) II. vii. 9 On his guard against the sins which beset literary men. 1853 R. C. Trench 113 A proverb which warns against a bad book. 1885 ‘A. Dale’ xviii. 143 In nearly all the elevated railroad-stations, the following sign may be read: ‘Employées are cautioned against crossing the track’. 1924 30 June 11 The working classes needed to be warned against the establishment of ‘Mussolinism’ in this country. 1944 Mar. 142 (caption) Hotel men must be on guard against use of their premises by hustlers. 1997 25 Mar. 6/1 The British Association of Counselling..is issuing guidance to its 14,000 members, cautioning against recovered memory techniques. the world > space > direction > in the direction of [preposition] > in the opposite direction to a1425 (c1395) (Royal) (1850) Deeds xxvii. 15 Whanne the schip was rauyschid, and myȝte not enforse aȝens the wynde [c1384 E.V. into the wynde]. a1470 T. Malory (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) II. 619 By sir Trystram they muste be foughtyn withall, other ellys we rowe ayenste the streme. a1566 R. Edwards (1571) sig. Giijv Against the wind and striuinge streame I sayle. 1580 H. Gifford ii. sig. N.2 And Sysyphus which roules the stone, Agaynst a mighty hill. 1611 R. Cotgrave , Prendre le vent To goe up, or against the wind. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. iv. 21 I haue seene a Swan With bootlesse labour swimme against the Tyde. View more context for this quotation 1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais xxiii. 106 He ran furiously up against a hill. 1726 J. Thomson 8 Breathless, toils, And climbs against the Blast. 1765 37 370/1 When they go against a current, they use setting-poles. 1805 J. Foster i. vi. 77 To swim against a torrent, to ascend against a cataract. 1859 13 May 1/6 The sustainment of tottering dynasties, against the flow of intelligence which is bearing along the masses in the old world. 1870 Ld. Tennyson Golden Supper in 187 Slow-moving as a wave against the wind. 1915 V. Woolf i. 12 They tried to make head against the wind. 1957 67 258/1 To him belongs the very great credit of having raised his voice against the prevailing current. 1996 Dec. 123 (caption) Poised as if to pluck the strings of a red harp gorgonian, a Cenometra bella crinoid clings fast against the current. III. Expressing mutual opposition or relation. 7. OE Ælfric (Corpus Cambr.) 259 Ongeanes [OE St. John's Oxf. hi suwodon togeanes þæs hælendes wordum]. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 1972 (MED) He fond þere burde no barn..þat he couþe to carp him a ȝens. c1430 (c1395) G. Chaucer (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) Prol. l. 320 He can replye A-geyns these poyntys that ȝe han to hym mevid. a1450 (1885) 388 (MED) Full even agaynste þe [I] will begynne. the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > in place of [preposition] > in exchange for c1225 (?c1200) (Bodl.) (1940) 83 (MED) Aȝeines an licunge, habben twa ofþunchunge. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 4407 Aȝenes uuel [c1300 Otho aȝein his vuel]. ich wulle don god. c1400 (?a1300) (Laud) (1952) l. 6085 Kyng Alisaunder lees fele men (Ac algate þe kynges fon Loren ten aȝeins on). c1400 (c1378) W. Langland (Laud 581) (1869) B. x. l. 199 (MED) Do good aȝeines yuel. a1450 (?a1390) J. Mirk (Claud.) (1974) l. 55 Euere do gode a-ȝeynes euele. 1534 T. More Treat. Passion in (1557) 1306/2 That agaynste his great loue we be not founde vnkynde. 1638 L. Roberts lxxxviii. 175 The Merchants..bring their native commodities to Sarmacand, and Cambalu aforementioned, to exchange against such commodities as those countries afforded. 1729 J. Braithwaite 317 In case the Bashaw's Brother..should chance to have been taken Prisoner, he would do very well to exchange against. 1833 H. Martineau i. iv. 74 When men used to exchange wheat against bullocks. 1868 J. E. T. Rogers (ed. 3) iii. 22 Where dealings are transacted on a large scale, it is not difficult for commodities to be exchanged against commodities. 1957 H. Roosenburg 19 We were intended as exchanges against some high-ranking Nazis. 1997 D. Mernagh-Ward & J. Cartwright v. 106 A voucher redeemable against services during a quiet period of the year may be offered. 8. the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > equality [preposition] > against as counterbalance a1225 (c1200) (1888) 119 Aȝeanes ða twa michele likinge and teiþinge, us comen twa michele ȝode. a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng (Harl.) l. 5665 (MED) Þe fende had leyd yn balaunce Hys wykkede dedes and hys myschaunce; Þey leyd þe lofe aȝens hys dedys. a1500 tr. A. Chartier (Rawl.) (1974) 31 (MED) Iff thou mervaile vpon the oppressions of iustice, peyse ageinst that the grette largesse of His graces that be vnknowen. 1531 T. Elyot iii. xxvii. sig. i iii Beinge exactly wayed the one agaynst the other. 1597 W. Shakespeare i. ii. 99 Let there be waide, Your Ladyes loue, against some other maide. View more context for this quotation a1665 J. Goodwin (1670) ix. 270 I have reasons in abundance to balance against all the counter-arguings of my Flesh, my Friends, and relations. 1696 J. Ovington 179 The Moguls are sometimes weighed against Silver. 1722 W. Wollaston ii. 36 A little pain will weigh against a great deal of pleasure. 1786 T. Jefferson Let. 11 July in (1954) X. 124 If it be admitted however that war, on the fairest prospects, is still exposed to incertainties, I weigh against this the greater incertainty of the duration of a peace bought with money. 1828 H. G. Bell Mary Queen of Scots in A. A. Watts (1829) 119 Then weigh against a grain of sand the glories of a throne! 1844 B. Disraeli ix. vi. 337 An adequate set off against the odium that attached to their opinions. 1883 J. Gilmour xviii. 216 His good and bad actions are balanced against each other. 1917 Jan. 16 They held their lives to be of little price, when weighed against a nation's fidelity to its engagements. 1995 June 101/3 The University of California at Berkeley, where political correctness is balanced against the institution's proud history as a bastion of free speech. 1832 Sept. 254/2 What is a bank-note but a cheque against property somewhere? 1860 Dec. 906 Against a deposit of £100 of gold the Bank of France can issue £200 in notes. 1878 M. D. Chalmers ii. 60 By a resolution of the directors, the chairman of a company is authorized to accept bills drawn by A. against the deposit of securities. 1940 25 May 936/1 Reserves provided against specific assets, and other items properly chargeable against profits were combined with ‘free reserves’ which were, in effect, merely undivided profits. 1989 Oct. 504/3 You can use the equity in your property..by fixing up an equity release scheme secured against your home. 2007 18 Sept. 22/6 The central bank should lend liberally against sound collateral at a modest penalty rate. 9. the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > comparison > marking comparison [preposition] a1225 (c1200) (1888) 31 (MED) Ne telþ hie namore ðarof ðanne of horewe aȝeanes ðare michele merhþe..on heuene riche. a1350 in K. Böddeker (1878) 198 Iesu..Al þat may wiþ eȝen se, haueth no suetnesse aȝeynes þe. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer (Hunterian) (1891) l. 6875 I..make hem trowe..Hir paroch prest nys but a beest Ayens [Fr. Envers] me and my companye. 1481 W. Caxton tr. ii. xiii. sig. g. 3v We be so lytil ayenst them. 1672–3 A. Marvell (1675) II. 137 You distinguish the elder times against these. 1808 Dec. 421/2 Against, in comparison, ‘young against him’ [Devonshire and Cornwall vocabulary]. 1484 W. Cely Let. 25 Mar. in (1975) 204 I wold ffayne a sold moo new ffellys wythall, but I kowde nott, ffor ther ys grett plenty off old ffellys yn town: iij old ageynest on new. 1658 24 Which..was carried but by three voyces, Fifty three against fifty. 1670 A. Marvell Let. 19 Mar. in (1971) II. 103 [The Bill] had but a narrow passage, there being only 100 for it against 99. 1710 A. Boyer 190 A Majority of one Hundred Forty Seven Voices against Fifty Nine. 1787 A. Geddes 25 All this..to me appears a grain against an hundred-weight. 1812 40 246 A match..which was won by Burley, ninety-seven notches against sixty-five. 1892 20 Feb. 1/7 The Ilkeston players say their goal average is 120 against 20. 1936 29 Feb. 483/1 The ‘high-spot’ was the 20 per cent dividend (against 10 per cent.) announced by Associated Portland Cement. 1989 6 Dec. 4/4 Forty per cent of households have a mortgage, against 30 per cent in 1979. 2006 J. E. Igartua viii. 208 English-speaking respondents [in Quebec] were more likely to have heard of the commission than French speakers (76.9 percent against 69.9 percent). 1865 2 418 I checked it against..the Board of Trade instruments at Aberdeen, in no case finding a difference exceeding 0·03 in. 1899 J. J. Rahill 67 The correctness of this can be proved at any time by checking it against the stubs of the certificate. 1911 G. U. Yule xvii. 340 We can verify it against our formula for the standard-deviation of sampling in the case of attributes. 1946 V. N. Wood iv. 133 The intensity of the colour of the hot body is compared against the adjustable intensity of the filament of an electric lamp. 2000 Spring 4/2 The rings on the core are..measured and compared against ring patterns on timbers of known date. IV. In relation to time. the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > in preparation for or anticipation of [preposition] c1175 (Burchfield transcript) l. 9152 He wollde ȝarrkenn hemm Onnȝæness cristess come. c1300 (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1901) l. 120 To þe aungel..‘Haþ he set me any day Aȝenes þat ihc me greþi may’. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 1619 (MED) Eche a strete was..strawed wiþ floures..& alle maner menstracie maked him aȝens. c1400 15 Tokens in F. J. Furnivall (1878) 92 Of xv tokenyng Þat god wil aȝeins domesdai here on erþe bring. 1482 W. Cely Let. 13 Aug. in (1975) 167 Sche tellyth me sche schulde hawe rayment..agaynest her chyrchyng. a1500 (?c1400) (1880) l. 43 (MED) And mad redy yeftis againste his comyng, to Fest hym and his men. 1577–87 W. Harrison (1877) i. ii. v. 121 This furniture is to be provided against his installation. 1642 T. Fuller v. xviii. 431 The moist dropping of stone walls against rainy weather. 1659 T. Burton (1828) IV. 349 To shorten the business against Thursday. 1740 S. Richardson II. 80 If I chose to order any new Cloaths against my Marriage. 1758 J. Wesley in (1872) II. 435 Having a Sermon to write against the Assizes at Bedford. 1832 H. Martineau i. 14 Go to Covent Garden, to see the people dressing it up against sunrise. 1875 R. W. Emerson viii. 194 When the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon, he had built, against her arrival, a palace. 1928 L. Robinson 97 Keeping them safe for Mr Alcock against the time he'll be wanting them. 1935 T. S. Eliot i. 19 We have..Gathered wood against the winter. 1976 6 Nov. 54/3 To stock up the deep-freeze with cakes and biscuits against their parents' return. 2003 3 Dec. 34/4 Gold coins you can..bury in the back garden against a rainy day. the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > future [preposition] > towards or near c1330 (?c1300) (Auch.) l. 1971 On a dai aȝenes þe eue. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. xlv. 938 Þe tame [cucurbita]..bereþ somdel white floures þat springeþ out þerof namely aȝeins night. c1430 (c1386) G. Chaucer (Cambr. Gg.4.27) (1879) l. 1356 The white swan Aȝens his deth be-gynnyth for to synge. 1483 W. Caxton in tr. J. de Voragine f. ccclxxxxvijv/1 The sonday ageynst euen ther came a grete multytude of fendes. a1500 (?a1400) (1903) l. 3194 A-gaynste day he felle on slepe. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart I. xviii. 20 And whan it was ageynst nyght, they came to the ryuer of Tyne. 1634 i. cx. 200 It happened him, against a night, to come to a fair courtlage. c1710 C. Fiennes (1888) 159 Against Stormes or raines it will be turbulent and Rore. 1744 D. Hume 4 Aug. (1932) I. 56 In any Event, he woud against Novr 1745 return to his Office, & resign his Commission of Physician to the Army. 1793 S. Brown Let. 23 Dec. in K. Miller et al. (2003) 305 It has a chance to brake out against the Spring. 1802 D. Wordsworth 9 July (1991) 119 We reached Keswick against tea-time. 1815 5 I wish we had her hung in cords, we'll eat her against yool. 1867 D. Ellis iii. 46 The day was very hot, and against twelve o'clock our water was exhausted. V. Expressing position. 12. the world > space > relative position > opposite position > opposite [preposition] a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris (1868) 1st Ser. 7 Þe castel..wes aȝeines drih[t]nes twa leornikenehtes. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xv. xviii. 736 Apulia..is þe eende of Europa aȝens þe souþe. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich xlv. l. 476 (MED) They lokeden Aȝens A Mowntaygne. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. clxxxxiijv/2 Saynt marcial helde vp his burdon ageynst the fyre. 1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More sig. Iviiiv The men syt vpon the benche next the wall, and the women agaynst them on the other syde of the table. 1604 T. Dekker sig. E4v In a direct line against them, stoode the three Howres. 1611 Matt. xxvii. 61 Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting ouer against the sepulchre. View more context for this quotation 1680 J. Moxon I. xi. 202 These Semi-Circles must be made so exactly against each other..that when..clapt close together, the Semi-Circles on both the Cheeks shall become a perfect round hole. 1695 N. Luttrell Diary in (1857) III. 487 The Commissioners of the Admiralty satt in the new office against Scotland Yard. 1740 S. Richardson II. 118 And so handed me to the Coach..and sat backwards, over-against me. 1787 W. Withering (ed. 2) II. 1080 On the Thames shore, over against Lambeth palace; and..above the horse ferry. 1822 T. Carlyle Let. 13 Nov. in (1970) II. 200 There he sits, with his large moon-face right over against me. 1881 P. Brooks 183 To us they seem to stand opposite, over against each other, ununited, ununitable. 1901 M. Franklin viii. 60 Those trees are Five-Bob Downs—see, away over against the range. 1999 J. R. Brown (2001) iii. 45 An all-white figure of the Goddess of Democracy and Freedom..stood over against the enlarged portrait of Chairman Mao. the world > action or operation > operation upon something > acting upon something [preposition] > subject to (action or influence) a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. vi. xxi. 326 Hange hem boþe to drye aȝenst þe sonne. 1490 W. Caxton tr. xxi. sig. F.ij Theire hyghe saylles..alle spred abrode ayenst the wyndes. 1517 S. Hawes (1928) iii. 18 Turrettes fayre and hye Whiche agaynst Phebus shone so meruaylously. 1609 W. Shakespeare lxxiii. sig. E4 Those boughes which shake against the could. View more context for this quotation 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil 51 While Mountain Snows dissolve against the Sun. View more context for this quotation 1702 R. Neve i. 8 They..stick it full of small pieces of broken Glass, which..adds a Luster to it, Shimpering against the Sun-Beams. 1753 E. Young ii. 25 Forty thousand Men, In polish'd armour, shine against the Sun. 1864 Ld. Tennyson 20 Overstream'd and silvery-streak'd With many a rivulet high against the Sun. 1878 L. W. M. Lockhart II. xxii. 98 The blackcock vedette rolled his burnished plumage leisurely against the sun. the world > space > place > presence > in the presence of [preposition] a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris (1868) 1st Ser. 79 (MED) He heuede scome aȝeines his scuppende. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 11 (MED) Aȝeanes him ðu spake god, bafte him euele. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 333 Þis man was so famous..þat pope Alisaundre aroos worschipfulliche aȝenst hym [?a1475 anon. tr. wolde have aryse to do reverence to hym]. c1410 tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 99 He schulde be to hem trewe lorde aȝenst [L. secundum] God and þe world [c1400 Tiber. to Godword & to þe worl]. 1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry (1971) cviii. 146 Humble them self the one ageynst the other. 1530 (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 146 Ageynste the Lorde ys mercy and plentyous redempcyon. the world > relative properties > relationship > relation [preposition] > respecting or concerning a1225 (c1200) (1888) 89 (MED) Ðat tu bie rihtwis aȝeanes gode and aȝenes alle mannen. 1258 Proclam. Henry III in (1868–9) 21 Þæt æhc oþer helpe þæt for to done bi þan ilche oþe aȝenes alle men. c1330 (Auch.) (1889) 44 (MED) Niþe and ond and envie Oȝaines god and alle hise. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 375 Merciable aȝenst pore men. c1430 (1844) I. 26/2 The burges sal clenge hym..agaynis hym at has ado with hym and he agaynis the burges. 1481 (a1470) J. Tiptoft tr. Cicero (Caxton) sig. b8v That our benyuolence ayenst oure frendes, may answere euenly to the benyuolence, whiche they bere ayenst vs. 1502 tr. (de Worde) i. v. sig. e.iii v Charyte by some approbacyon is ayenst the fader. Fayth is ayenst the sone. Hope is ayenst the holy goost. 1557 Apprenticeship Indenture in (1880) II. 14 He shall behave himselfe gently ageynst his seyde Master. 1628 W. Struther xxiv. 66 Who so seeketh any ground of his Saluation, or Election in his foreseene faith, or Workes, or Humilitie, is not humble, but proud against God. a1681 R. Allestree (1684) I. xii. 158 Let us be proud against that Lord. 1769 W. Tooke II. 129 Shall a man be proud against God? the world > space > distance > nearness > near to [preposition] c1384 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt (1931) 231 (MED) All the Fronntte of the seyde soyle, Aȝenst the hye Strete. 1474–5 in J. Raine (1865) III. 215 (MED) To be beried in Seynt Trinite kyrkgarth, on the north side, ageyns ye dore. 1669 J. Bunyan 128 Against this Tophet..was the broad wall of the City. a1765 C. Parkin (1783) 266 The bishop's house stood against the street, since called the Cook-row. 1860 ‘G. Eliot’ I. i. x. 190 ‘Why, where did you leave her?’ said his mother... ‘Sitting under the tree against the pond,’ said Tom. 1867 Rep. Commissioners Great Yarmouth 232 in XVI. 1 I met him against his own shop. 1929 32 76 Near, beside: ‘You sit against me’. 1971 H. Orton & P. M. Tilling III. iii. 1216 Here's the door, and I am standing [stand to one side of it]..it... [Lincolnshire]..əgɛnst ɪt..[Leicestershire]..əgɛnst... [Norfolk]..əgɪnst ɪt..[Essex]..əgæɪnst. 1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey at Against ‘The owd girl 'oo lived agãinst us when I war a kid allust 'ad bucket-loãds o' cats, I mind’... ‘A set agãinst 'er in school fowerty year back, A did.’ VI. Expressing contact with, pressure on, or contiguity with someone or something. the world > movement > impact > impinge [preposition] c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds ix. 5 It is hard to thee, for to kyke aȝens the pricke. a1402 J. Trevisa tr. (Harl.) 23 (MED) Alwey to ȝoure owne harme ȝe kikeþ aȝenus þe pricke of kynges. ?1500 10 Robert threw his boke ayenst the wall. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 9 The cry did knocke Against my very heart. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iv. 55 Till I breake my shins against it. View more context for this quotation 1711 R. Steele No. 96. ⁋2 Left to sob and beat my Head against the Wall at my Leisure. 1805 W. Scott i. xii. 17 The roar of Teviot's tide, That chafes against the scaur's red side. 1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in 101 Pattering the sharp sleet Against the window-panes. 1881 5 Mar. 3/3 The bulwark of the harbour..was much broken by the ship being dashed against it. 1913 D. H. Lawrence iv. 71 He was pushed against the chimney-piece. 1988 26 July ii. 2/2 A ‘Stress Ball’, which emits the sound of shattered glass when thrown against the wall. 2008 Winter 33 Each thought a wave that breaks against the shingle of type on the printed page. 17. the world > space > relative position > support > supported by [preposition] the world > space > distance > nearness > near to [preposition] > in contact with 1447–8 in S. A. Moore (1871) ii. 87 (MED) Atte two endys..ys a walle..buttyng a yenst the Towne Walle. 1530 J. Palsgrave 606/1 I leaned with my backe against an oke to rest me. ?a1562 G. Cavendish (1959) 151 Leanyng ayenst the tappett or hangyng of the chamber. 1609 W. Shakespeare xxi. 41 The leauie shelter that abutts against the Islands side. View more context for this quotation a1672 F. Willughby (2003) 176 Hee must stand just against the wall with his face towards it, so that hee cannot see the rest of the plaiers behind him. 1725 R. Bradley at Pomegranate He must..take Care to plash all the Branches..against a Trellis made on purpose. 1766 O. Goldsmith I. xvi. 162 The picture..leaned, in a most mortifying manner, against the kitchen wall. 1814 Ld. Byron i. xxi. 401 He lean'd against the lofty pillar nigh. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian xi, in 2nd Ser. I. 314 He..pressed his hands against his forehead. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve 236 The Chateau..is a squat, heavy structure, much dilapidated and built against. 1871 W. Black II. xvi. 238 Ere she knew, his arms were around her, and she was close against his bosom. 1943 D. Welch xxvii. 233 A face pressed against the glass. 1996 J. A. Jackson 246 The large room..had two beds, a bathroom with a shower, plus a table built against the left-hand window. 2001 A. M. Jones lxi. 180 He lies against her back, his hand on her stomach. 1686 R. Blome 65/1 Make a Mark against it, drawing a Line G, B. 1704 W. Leybourn 157 Make a Mark against 300.00 Deg. of your Protractor. 1813 26 Apr. 270/2 When he saw Bart. against a man's name, he thought it stood for ‘bartered’. 1850 616 To put a tick against the books which we have. 1963 C. Churchill in J. Fishman xxvi. 344 I hope that when the next election comes, they will put their cross against the name of you know who. 1988 J. Stevenson (Sporting Life) (ed. 2) 6 The odds from the course market appear against the name of each horse or greyhound quoted, or are marked up against that horse or greyhound by the boardman. the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > visibility > [preposition] > having as a background 1635 J. Swan vii. §3. 330 As a well polished Mirrour transporteth the light of the fire, or the sunne, against a wall. 1661 J. Glanvill 14 The shadow of a horse trajected against a wall. 1720 H. Barham in (Royal Soc.) 30 1036 When held against the Light, they [sc. the silkworms] might be seen through as you may an Egg. 1785 Earl of Sheffield 179 The goods are paid for in money or bills, after having undergone a close inspection (called perking) by hanging them up against the light. 1805 R. Southey ii. xxiv. 399 Far visible Against the clear blue sky. 1864 D. G. Mitchell 211 The trees..darkly drawn against a bright orange sky. 1869 J. Phillips iv. 124 The outline of the cone was plain against the illuminated vaporous atmosphere. 1873 J. B. Waring 308 The bronzes are all very dark and stand out well against a yellow wall. 1903 10 Apr. 510/2 Mr Caudwell..contended..that a sky sign was any sign which could be seen against the sky by a person standing beneath. 1978 I. Murdoch ii. 2 My pensées against a background of simple descriptions of..natural phenomena. 2004 Feb. 124/1 In a clearing behind the gravel parking lot stood a replica of a trebuchet—a medieval catapult—looming like an oil derrick against the sky. B. conj.the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > in preparation for the time that [conjunction] the world > time > relative time > the past > antecedence or being earlier > antecedence [conjunction] > before a1350 in G. L. Brook (1968) 30 (MED) His hap he deþ ful harde on hete aȝeynz he howeþ henne. a1400 (?a1325) (Harl.) (1875) l. 46 (MED) Petyr and iohne..he sent..To greyþe hys paske aȝens he com. 1459 Let. in (1921) 22 20 (MED) Sende home a note of the Inquisicion for the Aliens siller, that hit may be made vp clere ayenst I come to myn accomptes. 1506 Will of Robert Vertue in J. Harvey (1947) App. v. 184 I bequeth unto William Vertue my son ayenst he cometh oute of his apprentishode £20. 1574 St. Avstens Manuell in sig. oviij Thou preparest a table diuersly furnished against I come. 1611 2 Kings xvi. 11 Vriiah the Priest made it, against [Wycliffite, Coverdale til] king Ahaz came from Damascus. 1689 J. Selden (1847) 5 Prepare a Child against he comes to be a Man. 1749 H. Fielding I. i. iii. 15 To provide it Pap..against it waked. View more context for this quotation a1797 H. Walpole (1847) II. iii. 79 In getting the Bill ready against it was necessary. 1813 A. McDowell in N. E. Eliason (1956) 258 I expecte to get up the two Lower fiedds against you gite these fewe Lines. 1837 C. Dickens xxviii. 284 Throw on another log of wood against father comes home. 1848 W. M. Thackeray liv. 484 The publican shutting his shutters in the sunshine, against service commenced. 1875 in (1983) lxx. 21 I think snow around here must have been nearly six inches deep against it was done snowing. 1909 J. Masefield Trag. Nan i, in 22 I'll expect you to 'ave everythink ready against I come back. 1911 3 537 I'll get there against you do. 1926 E. M. Roberts iii. 101 Let 'em come on. They'll drive just like hogs against they get out on the pike. 1974 W. Leeds 45 I'll be there against you come. C. adv.the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > [adverb] c1460 (?c1400) l. 2511 (MED) He..lepe oppon an huche, And a-down a-geynes, & walkid too and fro. ?1500 8 To the chirche..and home ayenst. 2. 1858 T. Carlyle II. vi. ii. 10 Among the simple People, arose rumours of omens, preternaturalisms, for and against. 1889 5 Apr. 4/7 The actual majority, however, would have been the same in any case—a pair is a pair; one for, one against. 1934 C. P. Snow (1972) iii. vi. 237 Pritt sullenly voted against. 1971 A. J. P. Taylor Let. 8 Nov. in (1991) 48 We had another go at admitting women into Magdalen. This time we got 32 in favour and 17 against. 2006 13 Apr. ii. 15/3 I was in a pub not long ago and asked how many people here were for the reservoir. Only two were against. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > betting > [adverb] > in favour > not 1881 Oct. 362/2 For a short time the betting was two in his favor to one against. 1890 211/1 If I..were to say..that the chances or probabilities of a child of the working classes being dealt foully with, were 5,000 to one against, I suppose you would hardly call that a very serious imputation? 1935 D. Runyon 238 I long ago came to the conclusion that all life is six to five against. 1976 D. Francis xii. 172 The chances of anyone seeing its significance in ordinary circumstances were millions to one against. 2002 A. Bellin iv. 57 The odds of him living to see his teenage years, probably four to one against. D. n.the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > putting forward for discussion > [noun] > arguments for or against > argument against > instance of a1817 J. Austen (1818) IV. ix. 185 I was privy to all the fors and againsts, I was the friend to whom he confided his hopes. 1854 ‘Cousin Leigh’ viii. 182 So you see all your list of ‘againsts’ falls to the ground, while my single ‘for’ remains in full force and vigour. 1920 J. C. Snaith xxvii. 213 There was much to be said both ‘for’ and ‘against’. Had it been left to Miss Parbury to decide the question ‘the againsts’ would have had it easily. 2008 C. M. Korsgaard x. 305 I want you to notice all of the ‘againsts’ in the list I just presented. the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > [noun] > opponent > one opposed to some person or thing 1843 June 421 We should like to see a call of the house.., and we should be curious to examine the lists of the ‘fors’ and the ‘againsts’ on the division. 1900 7 102 We should give our vote with the ‘againsts’. 1965 P. Bowles Let. 27 Dec. in (1994) 378 The Moroccans got wind of it and divided themselves into two camps—those in favor and those against. The againsts won. 2003 15 Sept. a1 In Hidalgo County, another Democratic enclave, the ‘againsts’ prevailed by a mere 63 votes out of almost 19,000 cast. PhrasesOE [see sense A. 2b]. c1384 (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xxiv. 19 If thei hadden ony thing aȝens me [1526 Tyndale ought agaynst me]. 1574 p. lxxxvi Iff anie had ought against him let them put it vp in writing before the magistrate. 1682 J. Banks 57 Obediently I'le go, If you will promise me that you have nought Against the Sacred Person of the Queen. 1733 J. Besse I. 453 And if any are free to give their Tithes to the Minister, I have nothing against it. 1865 J. G. Austin siv. 154 As you didn't seem pleased with me when I came in, I thought, perhaps, you had something against me. 1958 14 Apr. 132/2 I had nothing against him personally, but the meaner you act, the bigger your rep. 2010 5 Apr. 38/3 Not that we have anything against it—we adore foie gras. 1607 J. Cowell sig. Z3/2 Distresse infinite is without limitation vntill the partie come: as against a Iurie that refuseth to appeare super certificatione Assisae. 1766 W. Blackstone II. 508 Though, as against the rightful executor or administrator, he cannot plead such payment, yet it shall be allowed him in mitigation of damages. 1876 W. E. Gladstone in June 6 The rights of laymen as against priests..depend..upon his judgment. 1927 W. E. Collinson 7 Trains are still called puff-puffs or puffers as against the American..choo-choo. 1992 Spring 19/2 Most of the intellectuals..of the so-called ‘68 generation’..leaned heavily in favor of modernization as against the kind of chauvinist Japanization put forward by people like Takeshi Umehara. 1881 26 May He is described as dyspeptic and ‘always against the government’. 1934 H. G. Wells II. viii. 604 The Bastables are an anarchistic lot. Her soul was against the government all the time. 1962 25 Feb. 6/5 Milton and Dante were usually against the Government. 2002 (Nexis) 4 Mar. 4 My mother always used to say about my father that he was always against the government, whoever it was. She didn't really mean the government. She meant authority. Compounds the mind > language > statement > speaking against or contradiction > [noun] c1450 (?c1425) E. Hull tr. (1995) 138 Lord, þy seruantys louyn þe so moche that with þer good wyl þey soffre hem to be sleyn with-out any aȝenst-seyyng, as þe calfe. a1475 in A. Clark (1905) i. 171 (MED) To be holde & to be had to hem withoute ony ageynyste seynge of men or women. a1564 T. Becon (1844) 510 Without any resistance or against-saying. the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > [noun] > opposition or resistance a1500 (?a1450) (Harl. 7333) (1879) 9 (MED) He shuld lese his life, with oute ony ayenst-stondyng. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022). <  prep.conj.adv.n.eOE |
