couchn.1
/kaʊtʃ/ 1. † c. ? An allowance for the night. Obsolete. [The original French has couche.] † d. Used to render Latin cubiculum bedroom.
a. A frame or structure, with what is spread over it (or simply a layer of some soft substance), on which to lie down for rest or sleep; a bed. Now, in literary use, a general or vague term, implying that on which one sleeps, whether in ordinary language a bed or not.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > bed > [noun]
restOE
bedc995
laira1000
couch1340
littera1400
libbege1567
pad1703
spond1763
fleabag1811
dab1812
snooze1819
downy1846
kip1879
the hay1903
Uncle Ned1925
rack1939
fart sack1943
sack1943
pit1948
uncle1982
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 171 Ich..wille wesse eche niȝt mi bed and mine couche mid mine teares.
c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (MS. Gg.) Prol. 99 I bad men schulde me myn couche make.
1493 Petronylla (Pynson) 101 Brought to hir couch and lyenge there bedrede.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Sam. xi. 9 At euen he wente to lye him downe for to slepe vpon his couche.
1623 H. Cockeram Eng. Dict. Couch, a little bed.
1757 T. Gray Ode II ii. ii, in Odes 16 Low on his funeral couch he lies!
1804 J. Grahame Sabbath 81 Wafting glad tidings to the sick man's couch.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. 664 Hospitality could offer little more than a couch of straw.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 39 The maiden rose, And left her maiden couch, and robed herself.
b. transferred and figurative.
ΚΠ
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. lxv. 10 And the valei of Achor in to the couche [a1425 restyng place] of droues.
c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 2706 Sir Ywayn puld gres in the felde, And made a kouche opon his shelde.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 284 Nature hath not given unto men their..being, to..snore in the couche of carelessenesse.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. G3v As if there were sought in knowledge a Cowch, wherevpon to rest a searching and restlesse spirite. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 377 Rous'd from the slumber, on that fiery Couch . View more context for this quotation
1810 E. D. Clarke Trav. Var. Countries: Pt. 1st x. 179 If he can endure..severe frost, with a couch of snow beneath the canopy of heaven.
ΚΠ
1601 F. Tate Househ. Ord. Edward II (1876) §18. 15 Amongst them al thei shal take for their coch two pichers of wine, ij galons of beere, vj candels, a tortis, etc.
ΚΠ
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Kings xx. 30 Benadab fleynge wente..into the cowch that was beside the bed place.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. vi. 6 Entre in to thi couche, and the dore schet, preye thi fadir in hidlis.
2. The lair or den of a wild beast (obsolete); now spec. the burrow of an otter.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by habitat > habitat > [noun] > dwelling place or shelter
houseOE
denOE
holdc1275
lying-placea1382
coucha1398
homea1398
logis1477
starting-hole1530
cabbage1567
lodge1567
lair1575
lay1590
squat1590
hover1602
denning1622
start-holea1641
bed1694
niche1725
shed1821
lying1834
basking-hole1856
lie1869
homesite1882
holt1890
lying-ground1895
the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Mustelidae (weasel, marten, otter, or badger) > [noun] > genus Lutra (otter) > den
lodge1567
holt1590
couch1834
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xviii. xxvi. 1167 If þe whelpes goþ out of þe couche [L. latibulo], ofte þe mooder feccheþ hem aȝein.
c1475 (?c1425) Avowing of King Arthur (1984) l. 181 Men myȝte noȝte his cowch kenne For howundes and for slayn men Þat he hade draun to his denne.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xxxviii. 39 His whelpes..lurkinge in their couches.
1674 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation i. 38 If a Boar intends to abide in his Den, Couch, or Fort.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales II. 159 A dog-otter..rushed from his couch among the roots.
3.
a. An article of furniture for reclining or sitting on; a lounge: now commonly distinguished from a sofa by having a half-back and head-end only.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > seat > sofa or couch > [noun]
reclinatoryc1425
crabat1483
coucha1500
daybed1597
squab1664
repose1685
settee1716
sofa1717
long chair1750
duchesse1794
canapé1795
chaise-longue1800
sultane1803
chaise lounge1807
lounge1830
dormeuse1865
takht1884
méridienne1925
Berbice1951
lounger1964
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxix. 580 Thei..satte doun on a cowche that was covered with a cloth of silke.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 194 He..sat downe..on a couche.
1633 J. Done tr. ‘Aristeas’ Aunc. Hist. Septuagint 179 Ten Table-beds or Couches of ease, which had the feete of Siluer.
1701 N. Rowe Ambitious Step-mother ii. i They who loll'd at home on lazy Couches.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxi. 173 See one seated..'Tis thy lord on a Tyrian Couch.
1885 Upholsterer's Catal. Walnut Drawing Room Suite, consisting of Couch, two Easy Chairs, and six Chairs.
b. spec. A couch upon which a patient reclines when undergoing psychoanalysis or psychiatric treatment.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > psychiatry > [noun] > psychiatrist's couch
couch1952
1952 N. Mailer Advts. for Myself (1961) 163 It takes more than a couch to solve the problems of..narcotics, juvenile delinquency, psychosis.
1961 Amer. Speech 36 147 On the couch, undergoing psychiatric treatment. From the traditional leather couch of the psychoanalyst.
1963 A. Heron Towards Quaker View of Sex 62 It seems reasonable to accept in general the psychoanalytic approach..but to predict that its most useful application may well prove to be preventive rather than therapeutic; in the home and school rather than on the couch.
1967 Listener 23 Feb. 268/2 He admirably resists the temptation to put Hawthorne on the analyst's couch.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > household linen > table linen > [noun] > tablecloth
board-clothc1200
clothc1300
napec1400
tablecloth1438
underclothc1440
couchc1460
copea1475
dresser1571
coucher1572
c1460 J. Russell Bk. Nurture 187 Lay a clothe on þe table, a cowche it is called & said.
1508 Bk. Keruynge (de Worde) sig. A.iii Laye a cloth a couche it is called, take your felowe that one ende & holde you that other ende.
5. A layer, stratum, bed; esp. a layer or coat of paint, varnish, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > structural features > sedimentary formation > [noun] > stratum
coursec1430
couch1661
stratum1671
dess1673
strata1676
bed1684
floor1692
flooring1697
stratificationa1703
rock1712
liea1728
lay-bed1728
post1794
society > occupation and work > industry > decorating and painting > [noun] > painting > coat of paint
couch1661
1661 J. Needham in T. Birch Hist. Royal Soc. (1756) I. 52 Lay on four or five couches more... When the last couch is well dried, rub it smooth.
1699 M. Lister Journey to Paris (new ed.) 3 Digging in the Royal Physick Garden, and sowing his Couches.
1699 M. Lister Journey to Paris (new ed.) 55 The first 2 or 3 couches or lays above the Foundation.
1735 Dict. Polygraph. at Couch The gold wire-drawers also use the word Couch, for the gold or silver leaf where~with they cover the mass to be gilded or silvered.
1756 Dict. Arts & Sci. at Porcelain On this powder they lay a couch of dry fern, and on the fern another of the slaked lime.
1859 T. J. Gullick & J. Timbs Painting 201 The artist.. spreads a thin couch of oil or varnish over the colours.
6.
a. Malting. The bed or layer in which the grain is laid to germinate after steeping; also the floor or frame upon which it is laid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > malting > [noun] > spreading grain on floor > malting floor
couch1615
1615 G. Markham Eng. House-wife (1649) 234 When..for want of looking to the Couch, and not opening of it..it come or sprout at both ends.
1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) v. xviii. 556 A great big coutch or heape a yard thicke or better.
1743 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) II. 95 Malt..to have its due Time in the Cistern, Couch, and Kiln.
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Chick, to begin to germinate, a..barley on the couch in the malthouse.
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) III. 187 [Malting] After remaining in the couch twenty-four hours..the couch is broken, that is, the planks composing the front of it are removed.
b. Also in analogous uses, e.g. of hemp.
ΚΠ
1849 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 10 i. 178 The gleans [of hemp] are lifted on to the ground, and form a couch..If suffered to remain longer in the couch it heats and rots.
ΚΠ
1672 N. Grew Anat. Veg. v. 133 The Foulds of the Flower or Foliation are various... The Plain Couch, as in Roses, and many other double Flowers. Then the Concave Couch, as in Blattaria flore albo..Daisies, and all others of an agreeing form: where the first apparent Fould or Composture of the Leaves is in Couch.
8. Nautical. = coach n. 2.
ΚΠ
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (1789) Coach, or Couch, a sort of..apartment in a large ship of war near the stern. The floor of it is formed by the aftmost part of the quarter-deck, and the roof of it by the poop.
1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 107 Coach or couch. An apartment before the captain's cabin.
9. Paper-making. A board covered with felt or flannel on which the sheets of pulp are placed to be pressed. (Cf. couch v.1 6, coucher n.3)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > paper-making equipment > [noun] > pressing equipment
cold press1552
vat-press1839
press roll1842
couch1886
presse-pâte1888
1886 W. A. Harris Techn. Dict. Fire Insurance at Couching Transferring the sheets of pulp from the moulds to boards covered with felt or flannel, called ‘couches’.
Compounds
C1. General attributive(See quots.)
a.
couch-foot n.
ΚΠ
1880 R. Browning Dr. —— in Dramatic Idyls 2nd Ser. From couch-foot back to pillow.
b. (In sense 6.)
couch-bushel n.
ΚΠ
1766 S. Clark Leadbetter's Royal Gauger (ed. 6) ii. v. 277 A number of Floor-Bushels that are equal in Charge to those Cistern or Couch-Bushels.
couch-frame n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > malting > [noun] > spreading grain on floor > couching frame
couch-frame1766
1766 S. Clark Leadbetter's Royal Gauger (ed. 6) ii. v. 274 Where Couch-frames are used he must take their Dimensions when they are empty.
1837 J. R. McCulloch Statist. Acct. Brit. Empire II. iii. iv. 131 The grain, after being steeped,..is thrown out of the cistern into a square or oblong utensil called a couch-frame.
couch-gauge n.
ΚΠ
1766 S. Clark Leadbetter's Royal Gauger (ed. 6) ii. v. 275 The Length, Breadth, and Depth of each Couch-Gauge.
C2. † couch-bed n. Obsolete a couch used as a bed, a bed without canopy or hangings:
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > bed > types of bed > [noun] > couch or settle used as bed
couch-bed1625
settle bed1641
couch-bedsteada1753
studio couch1903
studio bed1924
divan-bed1933
sleep sofa1973
1625 K. Long tr. J. Barclay Argenis iii. xxiv. 229 The Couch-Bed, which was..inlayde with Checker-worke of Siluer.
1691 London Gaz. No. 2653/4 A Couch-Bed made of Point of Hungary red and green.
couch-bedstead n.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > bed > types of bed > [noun] > couch or settle used as bed
couch-bed1625
settle bed1641
couch-bedsteada1753
studio couch1903
studio bed1924
divan-bed1933
sleep sofa1973
a1753 P. Drake Memoirs (1755) I. xv. 146 Little Cells, with a Couch Bedsted in each.
couch-fellow n. bedfellow, cited by Johnson, from Shakespeare, is a conjectural alteration of the actual reading coach-fellow n. at coach n. and adv. Compounds 8.
couch-mate n. a bedfellow.
ΚΠ
1875 R. Browning Aristophanes' Apol. 209 Zeus' Couchmate.
couch-roll n. a roller forming part of the machinery used in paper-making (cf. couch v.1 6, coucher n.3).
ΚΠ
1855 R. Herring Paper (1863) 91 The ordinary couch roll, which acts upon the upper surface of the paper.
Draft additions 1993
couch potato n. [potato apparently punningly after (boob-)tuber = television addict and vegetable tuber, but perhaps simply by association with vegetable n. 2] slang (originally U.S.) a person who spends leisure time passively or idly sitting around, esp. watching television, browsing the internet, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > sloth or laziness > [noun] > lazy person > an idler or loafer > watching television
vidiot1949
couch potato1979
Norm1980
couch surfer1991
1979 Los Angeles Times 28 Dec. (California Record ed.) iv. 1/6 The Humboldt State Marching Lumberjacks..and the Couch Potatoes who will be lying on couches watching television as they are towed toward the parade route.
1983 Mingo & Armstrong Official Couch Potato Handbk. 63 The Couch Potatoes..had their origins in sunny southern California. There the founding members invested their childhood years in countless hours before their TVs.
1984 Official Gaz. (U.S. Patent Office) 19 June tm400/2 Robert E. Armstrong, Dixon, Calif. Filed Mar. 24, 1983... Couch Potatoes. The mark consists of a fanciful representation of a person in the form of a potato reclining on a couch, viewing television... For novelty items—namely, humorous paper wall certificates, [etc.].
1987 New Musical Express 14 Feb. 10/2 Naomi, a resilient divorcee mother of two, gave up opportunities in the world of modelling and in Tinseltown LA in order to stop her kids becoming couch potato video generation trash brains.
1990 Observer 4 Feb. 3/3 Living in the village [in Lancashire] is a 17-year-old TV addict who is keenly looking forward to life as a ‘couch potato’.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
couchn.2
/kuːtʃ/, /kaʊtʃ/, U.S. /kaʊtʃ/ = couch-grass n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > plants perceived as weeds or harmful plants > weed > grasses perceived as weeds > [noun] > couch-grass
quitcheOE
quicka1400
quicken?c1425
couch-grass1578
twitch1588
twitch grass1588
dog grass1597
sea dog's grass1597
quick grass1617
couch1637
wheat-grass1668
scutch1686
quickenings1762
quicken grass1771
spear-grass1784
squitch1785
witchgrass1790
felt1794
dog-wheat1796
creeping wheat1819
quack1822
switch-grass1840
couch-wheat1884
1637 T. Heywood Dial. in Wks. (1874) VI. 266 Her browsing be the Brakes and bitter couche.
1776 W. Withering Brit. Plants (1796) II. 132 In clayey arable lands this is a troublesome couch or squitch.
1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. xiii. 152 It is..generally execrated by husbandmen under the name of Couch or Quich, which is but a corruption of Quick.
1846 J. Baxter Libr. Pract. Agric. (ed. 4) II. 353 When the soil is very full of couch.
1881 Daily News 4 June 5/6 The couch will not be..eradicated in one year.
Compounds
C1. couch-picking, couch-root.
ΚΠ
1808 C. Vancouver Gen. View Agric. Devon vii. 153 To burn nothing but couch-roots and other perennial rubbish.
1880 R. Jefferies Hodge & Masters II. 262 In the autumn comes..the couch-picking and burning.
C2.
couch-grass n. A species of grass ( Triticum repens) with long creeping root-stocks, a common and troublesome weed in cornfields. Also applied to various other creeping grasses. T. repens is sometimes distinguished as white couch; the name black couch being given to Alopecurus agrestis or Agrostis stolonifera.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > plants perceived as weeds or harmful plants > weed > grasses perceived as weeds > [noun] > couch-grass
quitcheOE
quicka1400
quicken?c1425
couch-grass1578
twitch1588
twitch grass1588
dog grass1597
sea dog's grass1597
quick grass1617
couch1637
wheat-grass1668
scutch1686
quickenings1762
quicken grass1771
spear-grass1784
squitch1785
witchgrass1790
felt1794
dog-wheat1796
creeping wheat1819
quack1822
switch-grass1840
couch-wheat1884
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball iv. xliv. 503 Couche grasse..is a noughty and hurtful weede to corne.
1613 T. Heywood Siluer Age iii. sig. Hv Wheat, Whose spykes the weed and cooch-grasse shall out-grow.
1877 W. Black Green Pastures (1878) I. 7 The whole place is overrun with couch-grass.
couch-onion n. a name for Avena elatior or Haver-grass.
ΚΠ
1884 W. Miller Dict. Eng. Names Plants Avena elatior, Button-Grass, Couch Onion, Haver-Grass, Onion-Grass, Pearl-Grass.
couch-wheat n. = couch-grass n..
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > plants perceived as weeds or harmful plants > weed > grasses perceived as weeds > [noun] > couch-grass
quitcheOE
quicka1400
quicken?c1425
couch-grass1578
twitch1588
twitch grass1588
dog grass1597
sea dog's grass1597
quick grass1617
couch1637
wheat-grass1668
scutch1686
quickenings1762
quicken grass1771
spear-grass1784
squitch1785
witchgrass1790
felt1794
dog-wheat1796
creeping wheat1819
quack1822
switch-grass1840
couch-wheat1884
1884 W. Miller Dict. Eng. Names Plants Couch, Couch-grass, or Couch-wheat, Triticum repens.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
couchv.1
/kaʊtʃ/ I. Transitive uses.In the active voice Obsolete in ordinary use, except in a few technical senses, as 4b, 5, 6, 9; 7, 8, 15, are literary. In some other senses the past participle survives in archaic, poetic, or literary use.
* To lay down flat, and related senses.† 1. † e. to couch a hog's head (also a cod's head): to lie down to sleep. Obsolete slang.† f. To track (a boar) to its lair. Obsolete.† 2. To cause to crouch or lie close; in past participle prostrated, crouching, lying close; cf. sense 17.† 3. † b. Building. To lay (stones, etc.) in a wall or building; to bed. Obsolete.† c. Horticulture. To lay, set, bed (plants or slips) in the earth. Obsolete.† d. To lay, overlay (gilding on a surface); to set (jewels in their setting). Obsolete.† 4.
a. transitive. To cause to lie down, to lay down (a person, oneself, one's head, etc.); to lay to sleep, put to bed; reflexive to lie down. Obsolete (except as in 1b).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (reflexive)] > specific
oversleepa1450
couchc1550
sleep1565
compose oneself to sleep1709
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > lie in bed [verb (reflexive)]
couchc1550
lair1851
the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of lying down or reclining > lie down or recline [verb (reflexive)] > esp. at rest
couchc1550
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 92 If he may couche adown his bill.
c1420 Anturs of Arth. xii Thus am I cachet to care, and couchet in clay.
c1550 Adam Bel 76 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) II. 142 Home she wente, And couched her downe agayne.
1594 R. Carew tr. J. Huarte Exam. Mens Wits xiv. 256 They couched a verie faire lady by his side.
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. ii. sig. F Thou look'st sunk-ey'd; go couch thy head.
1632 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Eromena 14 Caused her to bee brought to the Palace..and couch'd her in a withdrawing chamber neere her owne.
1685 F. Spence tr. A. Varillas Άνεκδοτα Ὲτερουιακα 430 He fell into a drooping which couch'd him in his grave.
b. Now only in past participle= Laid or lying on, or as on, a couch.
ΚΠ
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis i. 7 Coucht in a meddow Theyre panch with venison they franck and quaffye carousing.
1820 J. Keats Ode to Psyche in Lamia & Other Poems 117 Two fair creatures [sc. Cupid and Psyche], couched side by side In deepest grass.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. xxvii. 247 The driver was couched upon the ground beneath.
1878 in G. P. Lathrop Masque of Poets 25 Cleopatra, couched at feast.
c. Said of animals; almost always reflexive or passive. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by habits or actions > habits and actions > [verb (reflexive)] > lie at rest
coucha1375
the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of lying down or reclining > lie down or recline [verb (transitive)] > lay down or cause to lie down
layc1175
to lay downc1250
coucha1375
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2240 Þat witty werwolf..kouchid him vnder a kragge.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail lvi. l. 493 The ton lyown Cowched him at his feet, and the tothir atte the hed.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther ii. 72 The Hind..Then couch'd her self securely by her side.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 117 Thou seest a single Sheep..couch'd upon the Plain. View more context for this quotation
1879 S. H. Butcher & A. Lang tr. Homer Odyssey 58 As when a hind hath couched her newborn fawns..in a strong lion's lair.
d. figurative.
ΚΠ
1539 R. Taverner tr. Erasmus Prouerbes sig. A.iijv Moue not an euyll that is well laied. An incommoditie wel couched is not to be sturred.
1833 W. Wordsworth By Seaside in Wks. (1888) 710/2 The sun is couched, the sea-fowl gone to rest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (intransitive)] > go to sleep or fall asleep > lie or settle down to sleep
to couch a hog's head (also a cod's head)?1518
compose oneself to sleep1709
settle1896
?1518 Cocke Lorelles Bote sig. C.jv Some couched a hogges heed vnder a hatche.
1570 Mariage Witte & Sci. iv. i. sig. Div I haue more neede to take a nappe in my bedde. Will. Do soe and here you couche a coddes head.
1652 R. Brome Joviall Crew ii. sig. G1 Couch a Hogs-head, till the dark-man's past.
1673 R. Head Canting Acad. 19 Couch a hogshead with me than.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian v, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 123 We'll couch a hogshead, and so better had you.
ΚΠ
1674 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation i. 5 To couch and rear a Boar.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > action of crouching or squatting > crouch or squat [verb (transitive)] > cause to
couch1594
squat1600
1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. E1 Hee shakes aloft his Romaine blade, Which like a Faulcon towring in the skies, Cowcheth the fowle below with his wings shade. View more context for this quotation
1613 J. Hayward Lives III Normans (1793) 18 Their ancient laws..were dashed to dust; all lay couched under the conqueror's sword.
1726 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey V. xxii. 402 Trembling with dismay, Couch'd close to earth, unhappy Medon lay.
a. To lay (things); to place, set, put down; to dispose horizontally or in layers. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)]
doeOE
layc950
seta1000
puta1225
dight1297
pilt?a1300
stow1362
stick1372
bestowc1374
affichea1382
posec1385
couchc1386
dressa1387
assize1393
yarkc1400
sita1425
place1442
colloque1490
siegea1500
stake1513
win1515
plat1529
collocate1548
campc1550
posit1645
posture1645
constitute1652
impose1681
sist1852
shove1902
spot1937
c1386 G. Chaucer Miller's T. 25 His Almageste and bookes..His Astrelabie..His Augrim stones layen..On shelues couched at his beddes heed.
c1400 Rom. Rose 6905 On folkes shuldris thinges they couchen, That they nyl with her fyngris touchen.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 2069 The fyr was couched first with stree And thanne with drye stikkes.
c1410 Anc. Cookery 461 Then couche the chekyns in dishes.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. xiii. f. 77 Lay up and couche the cleane wheate in my barne.
1579–80 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 98 A litell apish hat chowchd faste to ye pate like an oister.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 52 b If they had couchte all their noddles together.
1589 ‘Pasquill of England’ Returne of Pasquill sig. Dij I couch it..with all..humilitie at her Maiesties..feete.
1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique i. v. 23 An vnderstorie..to couch your wines and cidres in.
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 379 The bones of the dead couched vp in the Charnell-house.
1669 A. Browne Ars Pictoria 84 Smoothness of shadowes, or close and sweet couching the colours.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 54 To couch well is to lay close and even.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > disposition of stones or bricks > lay stones or bricks [verb (transitive)] > in specific way
couch1531
bed1685
bond1700
coin1700
tooth1703
truss over1703
tail1823
rack1873
oversail1897
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. xviii. sig. eiv The stones beinge nat surely couched & mortred falleth a way.
a1552 J. Leland Itinerary (1711) II. 41 There be few Peaces of Work yn England of thantiquite of this that standith so hole and so welle couchid.
?1577 F. T. Debate Pride & Lowlines sig. Cv In his hand he had a flat measure..Whereby his length and bredth he tooke..And wisely couched both his stone and brick.
1607 S. Hieron Discouerie of Hypocrisie in Wks. (1620) I. 236 Wilt not thou suffer a ragged vnhewen stone to bee couched in thy wall?
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 743 The Chappell..where this spatious Grauestone lies couched.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > management of plants > [verb (transitive)] > plant in beds
couch1574
bed1672
1574 T. Hill Bk. Art of Planting (rev. ed.) 84 in Profitable Arte of Gardening (rev. ed.) Place or couche them [roots] in the sayde hole and earth againe.
1660 R. Sharrock Hist. Propagation & Improvem. Veg. 127 Couch them in the bed where you rais'd them from seeds.
1710 G. London & H. Wise J. de la Quintinie's Compl. Gard'ner (1719) 293 Florists now are busie in couching their Layers.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > coat or cover with metal
couch14..
platec1425
bush1566
gild1611
sheathe1615
water1637
tincture1670
laminate1697
wash1792
replate1796
rebush1864
electro1891
metallize1911
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > making jewellery or setting with jewels > set or stud (something) with gems [verb (transitive)] > inlay or set (gems)
dentc1440
set1501
close1530
enchasea1533
couch1578
becrampoun1582
inset1658
chase1859
14.. Early Eng. Misc. (Warton Club) 84 To cowche gold: take gleyre and saffrone..and cowche on thy gold whyle it is moyste.
1578 W. Hunnis Hyue Full of Hunnye Gen. xxiv. 22 Rich jewels coucht in silver fine.
a. With inverted construction: To lay, overlay, inlay, spread, set with (of). Chiefly in past participle.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > jewellery > making jewellery or setting with jewels > set or stud (something) with gems [verb (transitive)]
pitchc1300
couchc1330
setc1370
enchasea1533
chasec1540
gem1610
ingem1611
engem?1614
gemmate1623
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > covering > cover [verb (transitive)] > spread or draw over (a thing) as covering for > bespread or cover with
wryc950
bredeOE
bridgeOE
bespreadc1275
couchc1330
spreadc1330
cover1382
overspreadc1385
overlaya1400
overcast1440
to draw overc1450
ramplish1494
to lay over1535
c1330 Arth. & Merl. 5652 Alle he was couched with azur.
?a1400 Morte Arth. 909 Clasppis of clere golde, couched wyth stones.
1413 J. Lydgate Pilgr. of Sowle (1483) iii. ix. 55 A table that was couchid with sulfur and with quyck coles.
1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) xix. cxxix. sig. nnij/2 Thys waye wythoute obstacle is clene and sadde pauyd and cowchyd wyth harde stones.
1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. clxxixv Gayly couchyd and set with precious stone.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1510/2 Two great sellers couched full of wine.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xiii. 719 His huge round target..With hides well couch'd with store of brass.
b. To embroider with gold thread or the like laid flat on the surface. Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > embroider or ornament with sewing > in other ways
couchc1405
clock1521
nerve1532
re-embroider1659
herringbone1787
hem-stitcha1839
wavela1844
to lay on1880
darn1882
faggot1883
feather-stitch1884
overcast1891
clox1922
needlepoint1975
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1303 His cote armure was of clooth of Tars Couched wt perlis whyte.
1537 Stat. Ireland (1765) I. 121 No woman..weare any kyrtell..couched ne layd with usker after the Irish fashion.
1604 T. M. Blacke Bk. in Wks. (1840) V. 543 Under the plain frieze of simplicity thou mayest finely couch the wrought velvet of knavery.
1890 Art Interchange 20 Dec. 216/2 Couch around the edges of flowers and leaves.
1891 Art Interchange 14 Feb. 55/1 The edge should be sewed down and couched with gold thread.
5. Malting. To lay or spread (grain after steeping) on a floor to promote germination.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > manufacture of alcoholic drink > malting > [verb (transitive)] > spread grain on floor
couch1560
1560 J. Heywood Fourth Hundred Epygrams xiv. sig. Aviv No bruer..Dare couch malte and water, in house togyther.
1615 G. Markham Eng. House-wife (1660) 156 The Corn being steept, may..be cast from the Fat or Cestern to the floor, and there coucht.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 264 If the weather be immoderately warm, we immediately Couch it [sc. barley] about a Foot thick; but if..a hotter season require it, we spread it on the Floor much thinner.
1725 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Œconomique at Malt Then it must be couch'd or heap'd.
1876 Encycl. Brit. IV. 267 Malting consists of four processes—steeping, couching, flooring, and kiln-drying.
6. Paper-making. To lay (a sheet of pulp) upon a felt to be pressed. (Cf. coucher n.3)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > paper-making > make paper [verb (transitive)] > specific processes
planish1361
calender1513
couch1751
watermarkc1800
part1809
satin1839
re-reel1860
to break in1865
hot press1875
tub-size1880
reslush1938
1751 Chambers's Cycl. (ed. 7) at Paper He delivers it [the pulp] to the coucher, who couches it upon a felt laid on a plank, and lays another felt on it; and so successively.
1807 Cobb Specif. Patent 3084 The said machinery for couching is used in the manner last described.
** To lower, bring down, put down.† 10. figurative. To put down, quell, suppress, lay. Obsolete.† 11. To bring down, lower in dignity. Obsolete.
7. To lower (a spear, lance, etc.) to the position of attack, grasping it in the right hand with the point directed forwards; to level as a gun.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > cut of sharp weapon > cut or penetrate (of weapon) [verb (transitive)] > thrust a spear > lower spear or lance for attack
couch1470
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur i. xi Than they dressid her sheldes, and beganne to couche her speres many good knyghtes.
1581 T. Styward Pathwaie to Martiall Discipline 110 If your battaile be assalted with horse, then couch and crosse your pikes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iii. vi. 20 A brauer Souldier neuer couched Launce. View more context for this quotation
1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon iii. xi. 544 With his Musket couch'd at his Cheek.
1757 T. Gray Ode II i. i, in Odes 14 To arms! cried Mortimer, and couch'd his quiv'ring lance.
1807 J. Barlow Columbiad v. 196 They..Couch the long tube..dismiss the whizzing lead.
1837 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece IV. xxxiii. 291 The phalanx advanced, with spears couched.
8. To lay or bring down, lower, depress (a member or part of the body, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > lower or let down > specifically a part of the body
subjugate1611
couch1616
sink1627
1616 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliad xiii, in Whole Wks. Homer 182 All heads coucht, so close to earth, they plow The fallow with their hornes.
a1711 T. Ken Sion iii, in Wks. (1721) IV. 419 My Guardian [Angel] couch'd his Wing.
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Apple Six or eight thorns, some erect, others couched.
1796 Hull Advertiser 6 Feb. 4/3 She..couched her head for fear she should get the blow.
1835 W. Kirby On Power of God in Creation of Animals I. vi. 212 When the longer ones [spines] are couched..the short ones may come into play.
1858 W. Greener Gunnery in 1858 8 They might the more readily couch their cheeks to take aim.
9.
a. Surgery. To remove (a cataract) by inserting a needle through the coats of the eye and displacing the opaque crystalline lens below the axis of vision. Also to couch the eye or a person.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > operations on specific parts or conditions > perform operation on specific part or condition [verb (transitive)] > operations on eye
couch1601
enucleate1867
iridectomize1879
eviscerate1887
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 234 To be pricked with a needle for couching of a cataract.
1634 T. Johnson tr. A. Paré Chirurg. Wks. xvii. xxii. 654 Sometimes..the Cataract is not couched whole, but is broken into many peces.
1710 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) VI. 620 Sir William Read..coucht one of the eyes of Sir Simon Harcourt with successe.
1764 T. Reid Inq. Human Mind vi. §3 The young man couched by Cheselden.
1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton II. xxi. 312 She has been couched, and can see as well as ever.
1872 J. Morley Voltaire v. 242 The surgeon who has couched his patient's cataract.
b. figurative in reference to mental or spiritual vision.
ΚΠ
1725 E. Young Universal Passion: Satire II 12 So blind are mortal men, Tho' Satire couch them with her keenest pen.
1839 T. De Quincey Lake Reminiscences in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 6/1 She it was..that first couched his eye to the sense of beauty.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or overwhelm > completely or overthrow
shrenchc897
allayOE
fellOE
quellOE
to bring to the groundc1175
forlesec1200
to lay downa1225
acastc1225
accumberc1275
cumber1303
confoundc1330
overthrowc1375
cumrayc1425
overquell?c1450
overwhelvec1450
to nip in (also by, on) the head (also neck, pate)?a1500
prostrate1531
quash1556
couch1577
unhorse1577
prosternate1593
overbeata1616
unchariot1715
floor1828
quench1841
to knock over1853
fling1889
to throw down1890
steamroller1912
wipe1972
zonk1973
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Irelande ii. 73/1 in Chron. I Whyche broyles being couched for a time.
1671 R. McWard True Non-conformist 152 That your vanity may be..hereafter coutched.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrepute > damage to reputation > degrading or debasement > degrade [verb (transitive)]
vile1297
supplanta1382
to bring lowa1387
revilea1393
gradea1400
villain1412
abject?a1439
to-gradea1440
vilifyc1450
villainy1483
disparage1496
degradea1500
deject?1521
disgraduate1528
disgress1528
regrade1534
base1538
diminute1575
lessen1579
to turn down1581
to pitch (a person) over the bar?1593
disesteem1594
degender1596
unnoble1598
disrank1599
reduce1599
couch1602
disthrone1603
displume1606
unplume1621
disnoble1622
disworth?1623
villainize1623
unglory1626
ungraduate1633
disennoble1645
vilicate1646
degraduate1649
bemean1651
deplume1651
lower1653
cheapen1654
dethrone1659
diminish1667
scoundrel1701
sink1706
demean1715
abjectate1731
unglorifya1740
unmagnify1747
undignify1768
to take the shine out of (less frequently from, U.S. off)1819
dishero1838
misdemean1843
downgrade1892
demote1919
objectify1973
1602 W. Fulbecke Pandectes 32 The state being now couched, and deuolued to the dregges of the people.
*** To place, lodge; hide; express in words.† 12. To place in a lodging or dwelling; to lodge; passive to be lodged or located. Obsolete.† 13. To lay in concealment (more or less); to hide, conceal. Also reflexive and in passive: to lie hidden, to lurk. Obsolete or archaic.† 14. To set, place, put (together with others, in a list, category, etc.); to collocate, comprise, include. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > providing with dwelling > [verb (transitive)]
couchc1400
inhabit1413
seat1586
fix1638
haft1728
domiciliate1778
home1802
domicile1809
settle1853
adopt1897
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) vi. 63 Þei haue none houses, but tentes..and þere benethe þei couchen hem and dwellen.
?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. 139 Hee cowched him self in an abbay.
1620 H. Wotton Let. Aug. in Reliquiæ Wottonianæ (1685) 291 They were couched in the College.
a1699 J. Kirkton Secret & True Hist. Church Scotl. (1817) viii. 339 The councill went on to couch the ministers in their confynements.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > hide, conceal [verb (transitive)]
heeleOE
forhelec888
i-hedec888
dernc893
hidec897
wryOE
behelec1000
behidec1000
bewryc1000
forhidec1000
overheleOE
hilla1250
fealc1325
cover1340
forcover1382
blinda1400
hulsterc1400
overclosec1400
concealc1425
shroud1426
blend1430
close1430
shadow1436
obumber?1440
mufflea1450
alaynec1450
mew?c1450
purloin1461
to keep close?1471
oversilec1478
bewrap1481
supprime1490
occulta1500
silec1500
smoor1513
shadec1530
skleir1532
oppressa1538
hudder-mudder1544
pretex1548
lap?c1550
absconce1570
to steek away1575
couch1577
recondite1578
huddle1581
mew1581
enshrine1582
enshroud1582
mask1582
veil1582
abscondc1586
smotherc1592
blot1593
sheathe1594
immask1595
secret1595
bemist1598
palliate1598
hoodwinka1600
overmaska1600
hugger1600
obscure1600
upwrap1600
undisclose1601
disguise1605
screen1611
underfold1612
huke1613
eclipsea1616
encavea1616
ensconcea1616
obscurify1622
cloud1623
inmewa1625
beclouda1631
pretext1634
covert1647
sconce1652
tapisa1660
shun1661
sneak1701
overlay1719
secrete1741
blank1764
submerge1796
slur1813
wrap1817
buttress1820
stifle1820
disidentify1845
to stick away1900
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1847/1 There were some Harquebusiers secretly couched in couert.
1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke v. xvii. 241 If the quantytie of the humour be great, it sometyme coucheth it selfe in some pryncipall member.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine ii. v. 123 Much of providence being couched under the seeming casualty thereof.
1792 F. Burney Diary Apr. in Jrnls. & Lett. (1972) I. 139 He wears no semblance that has not a real & sympathetic substance couched beneath.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles v. xxvii. 209 Couch thee midway on the wold.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > incorporation or inclusion > incorporate or include [verb (transitive)] > cause to be included
incorporate1495
contain1548
couch1548
embodya1616
work1711
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Pref. 14 Couched together in this one weorke.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie To Rdr. I haue couched many wordes togither..in the..tables for breuitie sake.
1581 J. Marbeck Bk. Notes & Common Places 102 I..couched him in this Catalogue of Heretikes.
1642 J. Howell Instr. Forreine Travell iii. 38 Hee must couch in a faire Alphabetique paperbook the notablest occurrences.
1729 G. Shelvocke, Jr. tr. K. Siemienowicz Great Art Artillery v. 310 Under them are couched all Frauds, underhand Practices, &c.
15.
a. To put together, frame, shape, arrange (words, a sentence, etc.); to express in language, put into words; to set down in writing. Now always to couch in such and such terms, to couch in words, to couch in language, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > express in a specific style [verb (transitive)] > express in particular terms
layc1330
setc1460
couch1529
terma1535
phrase1556
put1571
shape1589
word1602
1529 T. More Supplyc. Soulys i. f. iiv Yt ys so contryued, and the wordys so cowched, that.., a symple reder myght..in the redyng be dedely corrupted.
1586 W. Webbe Disc. Eng. Poetrie sig. G.i In chouching the whole sentence, the like regarde is to be had.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxiii. 205 The words wherein the question..is couched.
1702 Eng. Theophrastus 282 Flattery well couch'd.
1746 J. Wesley Princ. Methodist farther Explain'd 5 The Argument..is best understood when couch'd in few Words.
1755 N. Magens Ess. Insurances II. 255 All Insurances..shall be couched and executed according to the..Manner prescribed.
1830 E. Bulwer-Lytton Paul Clifford I. i. 2 All the answers he received were couched in the negative.
1876 C. M. Davies Unorthodox London (rev. ed.) 99 The Swedenborgians..couching it in their own peculiar phraseology.
b. To express in an obscure or veiled way; to cover up (an idea, meaning, etc.) under, in, etc. (Formerly sometimes with up: cf. wrap v. 5b.)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > obscurity > make obscure [verb (transitive)] > express vaguely or inexplicitly
couch1563
to put too fine a point on (also upon)1852
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Fasting i, in J. Griffiths Two Bks. Homilies (1859) ii. 282 In this smooth question they couch up subtilly this argument or reason.
1589 T. Nashe To Students in R. Greene Menaphon Epist. sig. Av Which lies couched most closely vnder darke fables profunditie.
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 47 The Truth it self which lay couched in this Fable.
1691 E. Taylor J. Behmen's Theosophick Philos. 410 The whole New Testament is couched up in the Old.
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 214. ⁋6 That great Philosopher..has couched several admirable Precepts in remote Allusions and mysterious Sentences.
1880 J. Caird Introd. Philos. Relig. vii. 195 Materialistic metaphors under which our spiritual conceptions are couched.
II. Intransitive uses (from reflexive).Now chiefly said of, or with figurative reference to, beasts.
16. To lie.figurative.1545 Primer Kynges Maiestie (STC 16034) sig. GG.i The waues couched, the windes fel.† c. Of things: To lie (in the general sense). Obsolete.
a. Of persons: esp. To lie in a place or position of rest, to lie at rest or in sleep; to recline, to repose. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > go to bed or retire to rest [verb (intransitive)] > be in bed or lie
liec1290
layc1300
couchc1380
the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of lying down or reclining > lie down or recline [verb (intransitive)] > at rest
joukc1374
couchc1380
the world > space > relative position > posture > action or fact of lying down or reclining > lie down or recline [verb (intransitive)] > lie down or assume reclining position > to rest
couchc1380
reposec1485
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 168 [Prestis] chouchen in softe beddis.
1567 T. Harman Caueat for Commen Cursetors (new ed.) sig. Biiiv They haue cleane strawe in some barne..where they couch comly to gether.
a1652 J. Smith Select Disc. (1660) ix. ii. 386 The Souls of wicked men..become heavy and sink down..and couch as near as may be to the Centre.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles v. iv. 178 At eve they couch'd in green-wood bower.
1833 H. Martineau French Wines & Politics vi. 96 The peasantry..live under roofs of rushes and couch upon beds of straw.
1885 G. Meredith Diana of Crossways I. i. 24 Couching in a garden, catching with one hand at fruits.
b. Of animals: now spec. to lie in their lair.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > by habits or actions > habits and actions > [verb (intransitive)] > lie at rest
couch1393
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 84 The ȝonge whelp..Haþ noght his maistre betre awaited To couche, whan he seith go lowe.
1546 Supplic. Poor Commons sig. c.i If they [sc. these dombe dogges] be but ones byde cowche..they drawe the tayle bytwen the legges.
1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins Whole Bk. Psalms civ To couche in their dennes.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Wild-boar, A Boar coucheth, Lodgeth.
1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds i. 9 The beasts would couch in our neighbourhood.
1846 E. Jesse Anecd. Dogs 270 An otter..it was supposed that he had gone to couch more inland.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. x. 106 They prefer the bare snow, where they can couch within the sound of our voices.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > position or situation > be positioned or situated [verb (intransitive)]
resteOE
standOE
sitOE
liec1121
inhabitc1384
settlea1400
couchc1400
biga1425
loutc1460
residea1475
innc1475
contain1528
consist1542
seatc1580
situate1583
lodge1610
site1616
subsist1618
station1751
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §29. 39 Lat thyn Astrelabie kowch adown euene vp-on a smothe grond.
1578 J. Banister Hist. Man i. f. 23v The ribbes..endewed with Appendances..where they couche with the cauities of the Vertebres.
1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xxxiii. 13 The deep that coucheth beneath. View more context for this quotation
1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 243 The laying of the stones together, by making them cowch close one to another.
1681 J. Chetham Angler's Vade Mecum ii. 9 So as they may twind, and couch close one within another.
17. To take or fall into a posture more or less approaching that of lying at rest. † b. To crouch or stoop under a burden (obsolete). † c. Of persons: To bow in reverence or obeisance; to curtsy (obsolete). † e. transferred. Of plants: To lie or bend close to the ground. Of leaves: To droop. Obsolete.
Thesaurus »
a. To lie down, crouch, cower, as a beast, in obedience, fear, etc.
Thesaurus »
Thesaurus »
d. figurative (from a and c) To bow in subserviency or submission; to submit, succumb.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > obedience > submissiveness > submission > submit [verb (intransitive)]
onboweOE
bowa1000
abeyc1300
yielda1330
loutc1330
couchc1386
to come to a person's mercy?a1400
to do (also put) oneself in (also to) a person's mercya1400
hielda1400
underlouta1400
foldc1400
to come (also to put oneself) in a person's willc1405
subjectc1475
defer1479
avale1484
to come in1485
submita1525
submita1525
stoop1530
subscribe1556
compromit1590
warpa1592
to yield (also bow oneself) to (also upon) mercy1595
to come in will to a person1596
lead1607
knuckle1735
snool1786
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 1150 Thou shalt make him couche as doth a quaille.
?a1400 Morte Arthure 122 The Romaynes..Cowchide as kenetez before þe kynge selvyne.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xii. 125 I cowche to the than, For fayn nere gretyng. Hayll, Lord!
1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces i. sig. D.7 To stoupe for no man,..nor to couche to fortune.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 305 He with a nauie of three hundred shippes made sixe hundred shippes of theirs couche.
a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) i. iv. sig. C.jv Couche on your marybones..down to the ground.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Bb5v An aged Squire..That seemd to couch vnder his shield.
1607 T. Walkington Optick Glasse 43 The Asse wittily coucht down to ease himself of his waight.
1611 Bible (King James) Gen. xlix. 14 Issachar is a stronge asse couching downe betweene two burdens. View more context for this quotation
1633 Campion's Hist. Ireland ii. ix. 110 A Lady of such port, that all Estates of the Realme couched unto her.
1650 Exercitation conc. Usurped Powers 46 To perswade men to couch down under Usurpation.
1821 J. Baillie Columbus in Metrical Legends xlix Like spaniel couching to his lord.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by habit > grow in a specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > climb, creep, or spread
spreadc1300
runc1425
creep1530
ramp1578
clamber1601
couch1601
crawl1637
gad1638
climb1796
ramble1858
the world > plants > part of plant > leaf > be a leaf [verb (intransitive)] > droop
couch1743
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. 224 It coucheth and creepeth low by the ground, and is like vnto Millet.
1689 J. Chetham Angler's Vade Mecum (ed. 2) xli. 312 The Weeds which have couched all Winter, begin then to erect their heads.
1743 W. Ellis Mod. Husbandman Nov. vii. 82 Frosts, that will cause the Leaves..to look yellow and couch.
18. To lie in ambush, to lurk.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make attack [verb (intransitive)] > lie in wait
siteOE
wait?c1225
aspya1250
awaita1250
keepc1275
to sit in wait(s)a1300
lurkc1300
bush1330
to lie at (the) waitc1440
to lie on waitc1440
to lie wait1445
lay one's wait1535
hugger1567
to lie at (on, upon the) lurch1578
couch1582
ambuscade1592
to lie (also stand, stay, etc.) perdu1624
to lie at (or upon the) snap1631
ambush1638
to hole up1912
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 23 Heer ar couching soom troups of Greekish asemblye.
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 31 The beast..cowching close in his cabbin.
1717 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad III. x. 210 Th' unweary'd Watch their list'ning Leaders keep, And couching close, repell invading Sleep.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iii. iv. 106 Bertram..couches in the brake and fern, Hiding his face.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 226 Sir Launcelot passing by Spied where he couch'd.
19. Of leaves, etc.; To lie in a bed or heap for decomposition or fermentation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > condition of matter > bad condition of matter > deteriorate in condition [verb (intransitive)] > decompose, crumble, or melt away > of leaves: to lie decomposing
couch1770
1770–4 A. Hunter Georgical Ess. (1804) II. 63 [Oak leaves] after being raked into heaps..should immediately be carried to some place near the hot-houses, where they must lie to couch.
1807 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. (new ed.) II. 260 When the heat in the process of couching has gone too far.
1851 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 12 ii. 385 The leaves..are crushed..into a pulp. This is..made up into balls, and dried for several days in open sheds..The mill grinds the hardened balls into powder, and ‘couching’ then begins; the powder being watered daily for several weeks, ferments.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
couchv.2
/kuːtʃ/, /kaʊtʃ/, U.S. /kaʊtʃ/ transitive. To clear of couch-grass.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > reclamation > reclaim [verb (transitive)] > clear land > weed land
louka1000
weeda1325
cleanc1450
spud1652
swinglea1825
couch1846
twitch1886
1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 ii. 341 Strong wheat-loam..repeatedly ploughed, dragged, harrowed, and couched.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.21578v.1c1330v.21846