fortunen.
/ˈfɔːtʃuːn/, /ˈfɔːtʃ(ə)n/, /ˈfɔːtjuːn/, U.S. /ˈfɔrtʃən/ 1. † c. by fortune: by chance. upon fortune: as it fell out. Obsolete.
a. Chance, hap, or luck, regarded as a cause of events and changes in men's affairs. Often (after Latin) personified as a goddess, ‘the power supposed to distribute the lots of life according to her own humour’ (Johnson); her emblem is a wheel, betokening vicissitude.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > fate or destiny as determining events > [noun]
weirdc888
whatec1200
fortunea1300
cuta1340
destinyc1374
fatec1374
destin1590
jade1594
fatalitya1631
ananke1860
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [noun] > fortune or luck
sitheOE
hapc1275
fortunea1300
timingc1300
thriftc1305
speeda1325
casta1400
venturea1450
issuec1475
luck1481
success1548
speeding1573
chancing1583
potluck1592
ship1851
joss1913
a1300 Cursor Mundi 32719 Dame fortune turnes þan hir quele And castes vs dun vntil a wele.
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde i. 781 (837) Wele fynde I that Fortune is my fo.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 106 The chaunces of the worlde also, That we fortune clepen so.
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xxi. 218 As longe as fortune was for them.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 143 To fecht with Fortoun is no wit.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) iv. iv. 19 Though Fortunes mallice ouerthrow my State, My minde exceeds the compasse of her Wheele. View more context for this quotation
1683 W. Hacke Coll. Orig. Voy. (1699) i. 41 Yet fortune did not favour them.
1770 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xli. 121 Here..you have fortune of your side.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 497 When fortune changed..his real propensities began to show themselves.
b. in the name of fortune: see name n. and adj. Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [adverb]
feringc1000
feringlya1300
by casec1300
chancefully1303
lotc1325
peradventurec1325
of chance1330
happilya1375
in hapa1375
upon hapsa1375
casuallyc1384
perchancec1387
chancely1389
by fortune1390
haplyc1390
by (also of) adventurea1393
percasea1393
adventurelyc1400
percase1402
accidently?a1425
adventurously1440
by (good, lucky, etc.) hap?a1450
accidentally1528
chanceably1559
bechance1569
chance1595
casual-wise1601
accidental1622
occasionally1622
fortuitouslya1652
contingently1668
by chance1669
chanceable1709
per-hazard1788
chance-wise1844
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 152 The worldes good was first comune, But afterward upon fortune Was thilke comun profit cessed.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxvi. 267 Thoghe it happene, sum of hem, be Fortune, to gon out.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. C.vj Yf by fortune he falle.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) v. ii. 233 That handkercher..I found by fortune, and did giue my husband. View more context for this quotation
d. with a defining phrase added, as the fortune of war, etc.
ΚΠ
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 12 The fortune of every chaunce..To man it groweth from above.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope iv. xiv When the toune is taken..by fortune of warre.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiv. 524 By fortune of wedryng, they were well eyght moneths vpon the see.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lvii. 191 Fortune of ye se hath brought vs hyder.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 58. ⁋1 One who was his by the Fortune of War.
1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. x. 29 It remained only..to try once more the fortune of war.
e. soldier of fortune n. (see quots. 1802, 1810).French soldat de fortune is explained by Littré in the sense given in quot. 1810, but this meaning is rare in English.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > soldier by type of service > [noun] > mercenary
wagerc1420
knight wager1513
mercenary1523
lance-knight1530
suddart1542
hireling1547
adventurer1548
venturer1572
lansquenet1577
warmonger1590
mercenarian1598
passe-volant1617
provantman1659
soldier of fortune1661
privateer1676
routier1683
bravo1761
stipendiary1768
free companion1804
freelance1819
free-rider1821
freelancer1854
merchant of death1934
merc1967
1661 R. Boyle Some Consider. Style of Script. (1675) 186 Like war which is wont as well to raise soldiers of fortune as to ruine men of fortune.
1692 R. South 12 Serm. I. 392 Every Warriour may in some sence be said to be a Souldier of Fortune.
1775 R. H. Lee in J. Sparks Corr. Amer. Revol. (1853) I. 13 I refer you to Mr. Frazer..who goes to the camp a soldier of fortune.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. , Soldier of Fortune During the frequent wars which occurred in Italy, before the military profession became so generally prevalent in Europe, it was usual for men of enterprise and reputation to offer their services to the different states that were engaged..They afterwards extended their services, and under the title of soldiers of fortune fought for employment in every country or state that would pay them.
1810 C. James New Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) at Fortune A soldier of Fortune, a military man who has risen from the ranks by his own merit.
1850 A. Jameson Legends Monastic Orders 352 A brave, reckless, profligate soldier of fortune.
1889 J. Corbett Monk xi. 156 He [Monk] patiently resumed his unassailable position of the obedient and disinterested soldier of fortune.
a. A chance, hap, accident; an event or incident befalling any one, an adventure. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [noun] > chance or fortuitous event
adventure?c1225
hapc1275
chancea1300
fortunea1375
accidenta1398
casualtya1513
to-fall1562
withfall1562
casual1566
casuality1574
stour1583
upcasta1616
contingency1620
haphazard1651
contingence1660
unaccountable1789
happen-so1816
happenchance1847
happenstance1857
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 157 As þis fortune bi-fel þat i told of bi-fore.
c1500 Melusine (1895) xiii. 49 The Erle thought euer on Raymondyn..that som ffortune he had fonde at the fontayne of Soyf.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin i. 26 That in all accidents and fortunes, that citie should not faile to minister to him.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 23 What euer fortune stayes him from his word. View more context for this quotation
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 1 Many other good fortunes happening to the Athenians upon this day are recorded by Ælian.
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle Pref. sig. A iv A Detail of Fortunes I have run through for many Years.
b. A mishap, disaster. to run a fortune (= French courir fortune de): to run a risk. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > calamity or misfortune > [noun] > misfortune or ill-luck > instance of misfortune or ill-luck
unsitheOE
evila1300
mischiefa1325
illa1340
adversity1340
infortunea1393
infortunity1477
cladec1480
misfortunec1485
fortune1490
trouble?1521
stumble1547
infelicity1575
disgrace1622
unfortunacya1662
disgracia1740
miscanter1781
reversal1846
avalanche1850
rough spin1919
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [verb (intransitive)] > run a risk or take one's chance
to take one's chancec1325
to take penancec1400
to throw at allc1400
to buy a pig (in Scotl. a cat) in a poke1546
to throw the helve after the hatchet1546
to set (up) one's rest1579
to give the adventure1607
to make a shaft or a bolt of ita1616
to run a fortune1627
to run for luck1799
to go the vole1816
chance1863
to chance one's arm1889
to take a chance or chances1902
gamble1919
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xxxii. 121 Wher they arryued in fewe dayes wythout eny fortune.
c1500 Three Kings' Sons (E.E.T.S.) 67 It was tyme nowe to leue of alle sorowe & lamentacion for any fortune that was befalle.
1627 W. Duncomb tr. V. d'Audiguier Tragi-comicall Hist. our Times ii. 29 I had rather run a fortune in giving way unto your desire, than refuse you so small a matter.
3.
a. The chance or luck (good or bad) which falls to any one as his lot in life or in a particular affair. Also in plural. †extreme fortune (= Latin res extremæ): the last extremity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > adversity > [noun] > most extreme
worstc1275
extremityc1425
extreme fortune1531
exigents1588
fine1596
devil1681
limit1906
the end of the line1948
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) ii. metr. iii. 27 Wol~thow thanne trusten in the tomblynge fortunes of men?
?a1400 Morte Arth. 1177 Ne had my fortune bene faire, fey had I leuede!
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope 2 First begynneth the lyf of Esope with alle his fortune.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccccii. 698 He that hath any yuell fortune, men wyll speke the worst therof.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. ii. sig. Oij It is no litle thynge to meruaile at, the maiestie showed in extreme fortune and misery.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias 5 b Thanking God for their..good fortune in this their first brunt of daunger.
1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 163 Chiefely the mould of a Mans fortune is in himselfe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. v. 44 To know if it were my Masters fortune to haue her, or no. View more context for this quotation
1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. ii. i. 22 It was my fortune to be at the Helm from 6 a Clock in the Evening till 8.
1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 125 The Women of Morocco, I mean all that I had the Fortune to see, were very handsome.
1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 3 Good or ill fortune is very little at our disposal.
1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xvi. 584 Scotland was now doomed to wait on the fortunes of her more powerful ally.
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond II. iii. 60 Some good fortune at least occurred to a family which stood in great need of it.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iii. §2. 121 On the fortunes of Philip hung the fortunes of English freedom.
b. attributed to things, purposes, undertakings.
ΚΠ
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. Introd. Pref. sig. b3 They that would compleat the Good Fortune of these Papers.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 126 And undecided leave the Fortune of the day. View more context for this quotation
1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V II. iv. 227 The fortune of the day was quickly changed.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times IV. lx. 324 The fortunes of the war were virtually decided in a day.
c. to try one's fortune: to make trial how it will turn out (with the hope of its proving favourable). Similarly (with mixture of senses 5, 6) to seek one's fortune.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > try to win position or wealth
to seek one's fortune1574
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > try experiments or make experiment [verb (intransitive)] > try one's fortune
to try one's fortune1574
to try one's luck1589
to spouse one's fortune1821
1574 J. Baret Aluearie F 955 I will aduenture, or trie and seeke my fortune.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Frick Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 13 Any one that hath a mind to see the Indies, and to try his Fortune.
a1733 J. Swift Irish Tracts in Wks. (1941) 45 His father dying, he was driven to London to seek his fortune.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. vii. x. 71 To seek his Fortune at Sea, or rather, indeed, to fly away from his Fortune on Shore. View more context for this quotation
c1790 J. Willock Voy. diverse parts 94 They thought proper to sail towards the western isles, and try their fortune a little longer.
d. That which is to befall a person in the future: chiefly in to tell a person his fortune and to tell fortunes (said of would-be seers).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > fortune-telling > tell fortunes [verb (intransitive)]
to tell fortunes1413
to work the tick-off1934
1413 Pilgr. Sowle (1483) iv. v. 60 Alisandre..fond two trees, whiche trees told hym his fortunes.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) iv. 640 For, or ȝe pas, I sall ȝow schaw Of ȝour fortoun a gret party.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 72 Many there are that undertake to tell fortunes.
1647 A. Cowley Mistresse 19 You, who men's fortunes in their faces read.
1668 S. Pepys Diary 11 Aug. (1976) IX. 278 This afternoon, my wife and Mercer..to see the Gipsys at Lambeth and have their fortunes told.
1688 London Gaz. No. 2375/2 The Visier then demanded, if he could tell his own Fortune?
1767 ‘A. Barton’ Disappointment ii. i. 36 I liv'd with my uncle,..a High-German doctor; who cou'd tell fortunes, detect lost maidenheads, lay spirits, raise the devil, [etc.].
1822 ‘B. Cornwall’ Poet. Wks. 207 Gossips when they saw her, oftentimes Would tell her future fortunes.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. xi. 202 They were great thieves, and told fortunes, and played all manner of tricks.
1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 16 July 4/1 There is a Sibyl's cave, where a hardened palmist will tell your fortune and your future.
1986 R. Pollack Teach yourself Fortune Telling vi. 136 People have used virtually everything to tell fortunes.
4. absol. (= good fortune): Good luck; success, prosperity.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > [noun] > good fortune
hapc1225
whatec1330
fortune1390
felicity1393
good luck1481
lucka1500
Lady Lucka1535
happiness1540
goodhap1557
faustity1656
serendipity1754
kokum1851
bonanza1878
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 166 Though thou victoire have on honde, Fortune may nought stonde alwey.
c1490 Adam Bel & Clym of Clough 429 in J. Ritson Pieces Anc. Pop. Poetry (1833) 21 Then went they to supper, Wyth such meat as they had, And thanked god of ther fortune.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xxix. 43 He was entred into such fortune and grace of the people.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. vi. sig. Iv God sendeth fortune to fooles.
1596 J. Harington Anat. Metamorph. Aiax (1814) 9 A herald by great fortune found out his pedigree in an old church book.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) sig. Aiiiv Your Fortune, and Merit both, haue been Eminent.
1690 W. Temple Ess. Anc. & Mod. Learning in Wks. (1720) I. 163 This Terrestrial Globe..has since been surrounded by the Fortune and Boldness of several navigators.
1855 J. L. Motley Rise Dutch Republic I. i. ii. 189 Saint Quentin being thus reduced, Philip was not more disposed to push his fortune.
5. One's condition or standing in life; often absol. a prosperous condition, as in to make one's fortune = to win a good position in the world. Also plural.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > wealth > be rich [verb (intransitive)] > become rich
gather?c1225
richa1375
purchasec1387
increasea1425
enrich1525
to feather one's nest1583
to make a, one's fortune1596
to make one's fortunea1616
fatten1638
accumulate1747
to fill one's pipe1821
to shake the pagoda-tree1825
pyramid1926
the mind > will > necessity > fate or destiny as determining events > [noun] > that which is ordained by fate > personal destiny or one's lot
lotOE
chance1297
fallc1300
weirds1320
cuta1340
fatec1374
vie1377
parta1382
foredoom1563
event1577
allotment1586
fatality1589
kincha1600
lines1611
fortunea1616
dispensation1704
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. ii. 241 My pride fell with my fortunes . View more context for this quotation
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης ii. 14 A private conscience sorts not with a public Calling; but declares that Person rather meant by nature for a private fortune.
1677 J. Dryden State Innocence v. i. 34 No; he shall eat, and dye with me, or live: Our equal crimes shall equal fortune give.
1680 T. Otway Orphan i. 2 Unable to advance her Fortune, He left this Daughter to our Masters care.
1683 W. Hacke Coll. Orig. Voy. (1699) i. 23 Had reason but ruled them, we might all have made our Fortunes.
1807 Salmagundi 1 Oct. 321 If you only now and then make a great man laugh your fortune is made.
1885 J. Ruskin Præterita I. v. 142 John..went soon to push his fortune in Australia.
6. Position as determined by wealth; amount of wealth; concrete a person's possessions collectively, wealth, ‘substance’; †formerly also plural in the same senses. a man, etc. of fortune: one possessing great (usually inherited) wealth. Also (with a and plural) a stock of wealth, accumulated by an individual or received by inheritance, as a marriage portion, etc.; ordinarily implying a somewhat ample amount. to make a, one's fortune. a small fortune (colloquial): used hyperbolically to designate the extravagantly large amount paid for some object of expenditure, or any large sum of money.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > possessions > [noun] > a person's collective property or substance
thingOE
chattela1240
cattlec1275
i-wonc1275
moneya1325
tilea1325
statec1330
thrifta1350
substancea1382
chevance1477
graith?a1513
estate1563
wortha1586
thrive1592
fortune1596
store1600
boodle1699
circumstancea1704
the mind > possession > wealth > be rich [verb (intransitive)] > become rich
gather?c1225
richa1375
purchasec1387
increasea1425
enrich1525
to feather one's nest1583
to make a, one's fortune1596
to make one's fortunea1616
fatten1638
accumulate1747
to fill one's pipe1821
to shake the pagoda-tree1825
pyramid1926
the mind > possession > wealth > wealth or riches > [noun] > an amount of wealth
substancea1382
fortune1596
pile1836
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > wedding or nuptials > gifts and payments > [noun] > dowry
moryeveOE
marriagea1325
dowing1382
dowerc1386
dowrya1400
marriage money1454
marriage good1478
tocher1496
dote1509
jointurea1513
portion1513
endowry1523
tocher-good1538
dowagea1552
marriage dowrya1616
wedding-dowera1616
marriage portion1616
portion money1625
fortune1702
dot1822
the mind > possession > wealth > [noun] > rich or wealthy person
rich manOE
richOE
Divesc1386
richlingc1445
stuffed manc1460
cob1548
wealthling1581
tercel-gentle1597
good liver1602
goldfinch1603
fill-sack1641
dorado1643
wealth-monger1654
a man, etc. of fortune1732
nabob1760
nawab1826
rico1844
abounder1876
high roller1876
fat cat1928
richie1954
wealth-holder1957
jet-setter1959
society > trade and finance > money > sum of money > [noun] > large sum
pounda1225
ransom?a1300
fother14..
gob1542
mint1579
king's ransomc1590
abomination1604
coda1680
a pretty (also fine, fair, etc.) penny1710
plunk1767
big money1824
pot1856
big one?1863
a small fortune1874
four figures1893
poultice1902
parcel1903
bundle1905
pretty1909
real money1918
stack1919
packet1922
heavy sugar1926
motza1936
big bucks1941
bomb1958
wedge1977
megadollars1980
squillion1986
bank1995
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. ix. sig. Gg6v For wisedome is most riches; fooles therefore They are, which fortunes doe by vowes deuize. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) v. ii. 376 Ceaze vpon the fortunes of the Moore.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) ii. v. 49 Make thee a Fortune from me. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. vii. 14 You haue shew'd me that which well approues Y' are great in fortune . View more context for this quotation
1653 H. More Antidote against Atheism in Coll. Philos. Writings (1712) Ep. Ded. 4 Those ample Fortunes that Divine Providence has bestowed upon you.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 45 He paid much too dear for his Wife's Fortune, by taking her Person into the bargain.
1725 G. Berkeley Proposal in Wks. (1871) III. 222 There is no prospect of making a fortune by this small trade.
1732 G. Berkeley Alciphron I. i. xii. 41 Men of Rank and Fortune.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. iii. 88 A chevalier of reputable family, but of small fortune.
?a1800 Song ‘My face is my fortune, Sir’, she said.
1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy II. vi. 155 Imagining them..to be young Englishmen of fortune on their travels.
1844 Calcutta Rev. 1 155 John Chinaman's pigtail alone was worth a small fortune.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues II. 34 They might have made large fortunes out of them.
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd I. vi. 65 He played on with spirit, and in half an hour had earned in pence what was a small fortune to a destitute man.
1886 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 32 46 Every one of the partners is liable to the full extent of his fortune for all the debts incurred by the partnership.
1912 T. Dreiser Financier iv. 37 If he had been able to buy them all and dispose of them all as readily as he had his soap, he would have made a small fortune.
1951 E. Paul Springtime in Paris (U.K. ed.) iii. 53 Gobelin tapestries on the walls and old French rugs on the floors, each one worth a small fortune.
1962 D. Mayo Island of Sin ii. 16 It's one of the least known islands in the group, and Doreen pays a small fortune to keep it that way.
2001 J. Diamond C: Because Cowards get Cancer Too (new ed.) v. 97 A woman who'd spent a small fortune on plastic surgery was defending her obsession.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > wealth > [noun] > rich or wealthy person > rich woman
fortune1655
nabobess1767
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > succession > [noun] > descent by inheritance > heir > female heir
distaffa1513
inheritricea1513
heritressc1515
inheritrix?1530
heritrixc1575
inheritress1603
fortune1655
heiress1656
millionheiress1890
1655 A. Johnson in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 251 The Lady Bath (one of the greatest fortunes here).
1677 T. D'Urfey Madam Fickle iii. 32 She's his Niece, a Widow, an approv'd fortune.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 19. ⁋2 He is secretly married to a great Fortune.
1752 H. Fielding Amelia I. ii. ii. 107 She certainly was handsome..and a very considerable Fortune.
1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XII xxxii. 21 How all the needy honourable misters..Buzz round 'the Fortune' with their busy battery, To turn her head with waltzing and with flattery.
8. Astrology. A name for the planets Jupiter and Venus (see also quot. 1819).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > as influence on mankind > [noun] > influence > planet as > fortunate
fortune1671
1671 W. Salmon Synopsis Medicinæ i. viii. 22 A Planet is said to be a Fortune when he is conjoyned to the Fortunes or beseiged of them or their beams.
1679 J. Moxon Math. made Easie 56 Fortunes, the two benevolent Planets ♃ and ♀, by reason of their kind and friendly Nature.
1819 J. Wilson Compl. Dict. Astrol. (at cited word) The Sun..The Moon and Mercury are likewise esteemed as fortunes when well aspected by ♃ and ♀, and free from affliction.
1855 E. Smedley et al. Occult Sci. 309 Jupiter, ‘the greater fortune’.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a.
fortune-maker n.
ΚΠ
a1625 J. Fletcher Bonduca i. i, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ffff4/1 Are these the men that conquer by inheritance? The Fortune-makers?
fortune-seeker n.
ΚΠ
1906 Daily Chron. 5 May 4/7 A vast throng of fortune-seekers.
b. † fortune-bit adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1682 A. Behn City-heiress v. i. 56 Was ever man thus Fortune-bit, that he shou'd cross my hopes just in the nick?
fortune-curst adj.
ΚΠ
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Richard II cxcvii, in Poems (1878) III. 186 And 'tis but only Fooles are Fortune-curst.
fortune-favoured adj.
ΚΠ
1898 Daily News 6 Oct. 6/7 The more fortune-favoured individuals.
1915 W. J. Locke Jaffery i He had put poor old Jaffery and fortune-favoured me in the shade.
fortune-proof adj.
ΚΠ
1656 Duchess of Newcastle Natures Pictures 383 And Misery hath tried us, and finds us Fortune-proof.
fortune-trodden adj.
ΚΠ
1622 H. Sydenham Serm. (1637) ii. 137 Hee that's fortune-trodden.
C2. † fortune-flinger n. humorous Obsolete for fortune-teller n.† fortune-speller n. Obsolete = fortune-teller n.† fortune-stealer n. Obsolete one who runs off with an heiress.† fortune-stealing n. Obsolete
Fortune 500 n. U.S. (an annual list of) the five hundred most profitable U.S. industrial corporations; also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > [noun] > large or powerful company > (list of) top 500 or 1000
Fortune 5001972
Fortune 10001978
society > trade and finance > trader > merchant > [noun] > wealthy > most profitable corporations
Fortune 5001972
Fortune 10001978
1955 Fortune July (Suppl.) (title) The Fortune directory of the 500 largest U.S. industrial corporations.]
1972 N.Y. Times 26 May 44/5 Speaking at the Fortune 500 dinner at the St. Regis Hotel, Mr. Regan said, ‘the growing and blind prejudice against bigness may cripple our ability to compete internationally.’
1983 Forbes Fall 223/3 Most of it is in the form of ownership of productive capital, potentially enough dough to buy up the Fortune 500 and still get change back.
fortune-book n. ‘a book consulted to know fortune or future events’ (Johnson).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > [noun] > a prediction or prophecy > a book of prophecies
fortune-book1646
spae-book1802
1646 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple 49 A Face, in whose each looke, Beauty layes ope loves Fortune-booke.
fortune cookie n. North American a dessert, frequently served in Chinese restaurants, made from a thin dough folded and cooked around a slip of paper bearing a prediction or maxim.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > pastry > other pastry articles > [noun]
crisp?c1390
mellinder1604
baby cakea1637
cannelons1733
yule-dough1777
vol-au-vent1828
sausage roll1852
cheese fingers1863
cheese straw1866
horn1908
pig in a blanket1926
brik1938
chin-chin1948
pull-apart1958
fortune cookie1962
feuilleté1970
money bag1993
1962 ‘K. Orvis’ Damned & Destroyed xx. 149 I didn't need to break a fortune-cookie to know about her. Your voice told me she is a very special girl.
1970 Toronto Daily Star 24 Sept. 6/3 Chinese fortune cookies.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > fortune-telling > [noun] > fortune-teller
spaeman?a1505
cole-prophet1532
lot-teller1575
fortune-teller1612
fortune-flinger1642
fatary1652
fatiloquist1652
fortunary1652
fortune-speller1652
tea-groutera1833
tick-off1934
1642 J. Shirley Sisters iii. i More antics yet? What nation have we here? Fortune-flingers!
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > fortune-telling > [noun] > fortune-teller
spaeman?a1505
cole-prophet1532
lot-teller1575
fortune-teller1612
fortune-flinger1642
fatary1652
fatiloquist1652
fortunary1652
fortune-speller1652
tea-groutera1833
tick-off1934
1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 23 Away then with all..Planet Prognosticators and fortune spellers.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [noun] > seeking a wife > seeking heiress as > one who
fortune-stealer1712
fortune-hunter1838
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 311. ¶1 Those audacious young Fellows among us, who commonly go by the Name of Fortune-Stealers.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > seeking marriage > [noun] > seeking a wife > seeking heiress as
fortune-stealing1680
fortune-hunting1766
1680 T. Otway Orphan Epil. sig. K4v The next Sparks that go a Fortune-stealing.
Draft additions 1993
Fortune 500 n. an annual list of the five hundred largest US industrial corporations, as measured by gross income; the corporations themselves.A proprietary name in the United States.
Fortune 1000 n. a list similar to the Fortune 500 but including a supplementary list of the next 500 largest companies.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > business affairs > a business or company > [noun] > large or powerful company > (list of) top 500 or 1000
Fortune 5001972
Fortune 10001978
society > trade and finance > trader > merchant > [noun] > wealthy > most profitable corporations
Fortune 5001972
Fortune 10001978
1978 Harvard Business Rev. May 29/1 Each of the Fortune ‘1000’ industrial companies that were listed in May and June 1976.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
fortunev.
/ˈfɔːtʃuːn/, /ˈfɔːtʃ(ə)n/, /ˈfɔːtjuːn/, U.S. /ˈfɔrtʃən/ a. transitive. To assign a (certain) fortune to (a person, affair, etc.); to allot, regulate, or control the fortunes of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > fate or destiny as determining events > predestine or predetermine [verb (transitive)] > one's lot
ordainc1384
fortune1390
allot1566
design1593
number1611
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 361 With many an other mo, Which hadden be fortuned sore In loves cause.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1519 O stronge god..þt..hast in euery regne and euery lond Of armes al the brydel in thyn hond And hem fortunest as thee list deuyse.
c1440 Generydes 1431 Atte last, as god wold fortune it.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. ii. 68 Deere Isis keep decorum, and Fortune him accordingly. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > necessity > fate or destiny as determining events > predestine or predetermine [verb (transitive)]
shapea1000
dightc1000
besee1297
weirda1300
destinec1300
ordainc1390
ettlea1400
destinyc1400
eure1428
fortunec1430
foreordainc1440
order1532
preordain1533
predefine1542
prefine1545
destinate1548
fore-pointa1557
fore-appoint1561
pre-ordinate1565
foreset1573
forepurpose1581
sort1592
predestinate1593
predetermine1601
pre-appoint1603
forecall1613
fatea1616
predesign1630
predeterminate1637
pre-order1640
predestine1642
ordinate1850
foreordinate1858
preset1926
c1430 Syr Gener. 1187 If god you fortune oones come to elde.
1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 18 What day God fortune yt I desesse.
c1540 J. Bellenden tr. H. Boece Hyst. & Cron. Scotl. xiv. v. f. 206v/2 Gif god fortunit hym to be on lyue.
1600 E. Fairfax tr. T. Tasso Godfrey of Bulloigne v. xci. 93 That Lord..Shall fortune all your actions well to speed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > astrology > judicial astrology > [verb (transitive)] > tell fortune
fortunec1405
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 419 Wel koude he fortunen the ascendent Of hise ymages for his pacient.
1477 T. Norton Ordinall of Alchimy v, in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 60 With Astrologie joyne Elements also, To fortune their Workings as theie goe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > cause to prosper or flourish [verb (transitive)] > make fortunate
fortune14..
fortunatec1420
to set or sit high on the wheel1487
luck1530
fortunize1596
14.. J. Lydgate Temple Glas 903 I myself also Shal þe fortune er þi tale be do.
2. To endow with wealth or a fortune; to dower. (rare: cf. fortuned adj.) Also, to fortune off or out: to get (a daughter) off one's hands by dowering her.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > wedding or nuptials > gifts and payments > [verb (transitive)] > give as dowry > give dowry to > get daughter off hands by dowering
to fortune off or out1747
society > law > transfer of property > settlement of property > settle (property) [verb (transitive)] > endow
worthOE
goodOE
dow1297
allowc1400
rentc1400
endowc1440
enduec1440
seizec1450
empossessc1500
revestc1500
indot1520
endote1528
dotatec1540
estate1609
instate1614
portion1663
vest1748
fortune1838
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > wedding or nuptials > gifts and payments > [verb (transitive)] > give as dowry > give dowry to
endow1528–30
dote1560
tochera1578
dowry1588
endower1606
dowera1616
indotate1647
portion1836
fortune1838
dot1887
1747 S. Richardson Clarissa II. xxiii. 145 He is to fortune her out to a young lover!
1835 Tait's Edinb. Mag. New Ser. 2 31 In order that they may save a few hundreds for fortuning off their girls.
1838 Tait's Edinb. Mag. 5 253 They have dowered their wives, and fortuned their daughters.
1881 M. Laffan in Macmillan's Mag. 44 389 She grumbled..over the expensive schooling of her two grand-daughters. The money, in her opinion, would have been far better kept to ‘fortune them off’.
a. intransitive. Of events, etc.: To happen, chance, occur. Const. to, unto, or dative object. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [verb (intransitive)] > come about by chance
alimpOE
fallc1175
fortunec1369
chance1393
hapa1398
to fall profitc1475
adventurec1540
to fall out1556
befall1591
befortunea1616
happen1833
random1921
c1369 G. Chaucer Bk. Duchesse 288 Swiche meruayles fortuned than.
1426–7 W. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 9 What-so-euer fortunyd in þe seyd pleynt.
c1450 Cokwolds Daunce 168 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. I. 45 Hym selfe, noble kyng Arthour, Hath forteynd syche a chans.
1532 G. Hervet tr. Xenophon Treat. Househ. (1768) 42 If any thynge fortuned well to vs, we gaue her parte of it.
1547 A. Borde Breuiary of Helthe i. f. lxxxxvii The impedimentes whiche doth fortune to the sinewes.
1620 Hist. Frier Rush sig. D1 This night hath fortuned to me a great aduenture.
1739 G. Ogle Gualtherus & Griselda 104 All that fortunes, fortunes for the Best.
b. impersonal it fortunes = it happens or befalls. Const. with clause; also to, with (a person) or with dative object. Also with omission of it. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [phrase] > it happens
wendeOE
it fortunes?1462
?1462 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 100 It so fortuned your seid besecher cowd not performe the seid apoyntement.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xvii Hit fortuned me that I was a slepe in the wyndowe.
c1500 Melusine (1895) xxiii. 156 Sith it hath fortuned thus with me.
c1510 Gesta Romanorum (de Worde) Add. Stories ii. 431 It fortuned after..yt he gaue batayll.
a1593 C. Marlowe Edward II (1594) sig. G How fortunes that he came not?
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII (1885) 172 It so fortuned, that he was taken by pirates at sea.
18.. J. R. Lowell Dara in Poet. Wks. (1879) 378 When it fortuned that a king more wise Endued the realm with brain and hands and eyes.
1886 R. F. Burton tr. Arabian Nights' Entertainm. (Lady Burton's ed.) I. i. 14 So it fortuneth that I am toiling..while thou takest thine ease.
ΚΠ
c1420 Pol. Rel. & L. Poems (1866) 204 A solom cite me fortunyd to fynde.
1487 in Surrey Archaeol. Soc. Coll. (1865) III. 163 (modernized text) At that auter before which it shall fortune me to be buried.
1508 J. Fisher Treat. Penyt. Psalmes sig. cc.vi It may also fortune a man to be sory for his synne.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1757/2 If it fortune no issue male to bee borne of this matrimonie.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 631 Therefore if fortune thee in Court to liue.
1610 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes (ed. 2) 1279 If hereafter it should fortune any detriment..to be by any man..done vnto the Hungarians.
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 3 If it should fortune each to loose other.
a. With person or thing as subject: To happen or chance to be or to do (something). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [verb (intransitive)] > chance to be or do
hapa1393
happena1393
happenc1450
fortune1454
1454 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 134 All myne other goodes whatsoeuer they fortune to be, in valour.
?1521 J. Fisher Serm. agayn Luther sig. Aiii These daungerous tempestes of heresyes, whan so euer they fortune to aryse.
a1573 J. Thorne in J. Redford Moral Play Wit & Sci. (1848) 111 Yf thow fortune to be poore.
1658 T. Bromhall Treat. Specters ii. 182 The Birth-day of the Emperor Augustus fortuned to fall on that very time.
1728 A. Pope Dunciad ii. 57 Here fortun'd C—l to slide.
1798 Young Let. in Mem. Dalzel (1862) 163 The Dean himself fortuning to be absent.
b. To come by chance upon (something). rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > find or discover by chance
find1340
to fall with ——?c1475
to fall on ——1533
stumble1555
to come on ——1584
to come upon ——1622
fortune1662
to blunder upon1710
to come across ——1738
1662 J. Evelyn Sculptura iv. 38 Albert Durer..had performed wonders both in Copper and Wood, had he once fortun'd upon the least notion of that excellent manner, which came afterwards to be in vogue.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > encounter or experience > a place or person
fortune1520
dropa1634
to fall in1675
society > travel > aspects of travel > arrival > arrive at or reach [verb (transitive)] > by chance
fortune1520
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach (a point or place) [verb (transitive)] > arrive at > by chance
fortune1520
1520 Lyfe Ioseph of Armathia (Pynson) sig. A.iiiv They fortuned to a countre of a tyraunt kene.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > be or remain in specific state or condition [verb (intransitive)] > fare or get on
farec1000
chevec1300
timea1325
do1340
hapc1350
thrive?a1366
ferea1375
walka1400
chevise14..
fortunea1513
tidec1540
fend1781
go1920
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) ii. xxii. sig. r.viv Whan ye in trauelyng vpon her do call..Ye fortune and spede well.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† fortuneadv.
Obsolete.
Mayhap, haply, perchance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > possibility > [adverb] > perhaps
is wenc897
wen isc897
peradventurec1300
peradventurec1325
perchancec1350
uphapa1375
percasea1393
lightly1395
in casea1398
maybea1400
may chancea1400
may-falla1400
may-fortunea1400
may-tidea1400
perhapa1464
happen1487
perhapsc1520
percase1523
ablea1525
by chance1526
mayhap1533
fortunea1535
belikelya1551
haps1570
mayhappen1577
perhappen1578
possibly1600
not impossibly1667
ables1673
aunters1673
aiblins1720
p'rapsa1745
aunterens1825
mebbe1825
yes-no1898
yimkin1925
ja-nee1937
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 66/2 If..one of his tormentors might hap to breake his head..for marring of the play.
a1600 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems v. 56 Ȝour feet are not so sicker sett Bot fortun ȝe may fall.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
<
n.a1300
v.c1369
adv.a1535- throughball
- throughband
- throughbear
- throughbearing
- throughbolt
- throughbore
- throughbored
- throughbored parsley
- throughbreathing
- throughbright
- throughburnen
- throughcare
- throughcarve
- throughcarved
- throughcast
- throughcold
- throughcomposed
- throughcut
- throughdeck
- throughdeck cruiser
- tightdrawn
- tighted
- tighten
- tighten one's belt
- tightened