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Frenchadj.n. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: Frank n.1, -ish suffix1. Etymology: < Frank n.1 + -ish suffix1. Compare Middle Low German fransch , Old Swedish franska (Swedish fransk ) and also Middle Low German franzisch , Middle High German franzisch , Old Swedish franzeska , all in sense ‘French’; also Old High German franziskōn the Franks. Compare also post-classical Latin franciscus Frankish, French (9th cent.; from 13th cent. in British sources; earlier as noun (in feminine form) in spec. sense ‘battleaxe’: see francisca n.), and also Anglo-Norman fraunceis , fraunceois , etc., Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French franceis , françois , adjective and noun (c1100; French français , †françois ; either < post-classical Latin franciscus or formed within French < the name of France + -eis , -ois : see -ese suffix); borrowing of the French adjective is shown by Middle Dutch francoys , Middle High German franzeis , franzois , adjective and noun (German Franzose (noun) Frenchman; compare also with further suffixation (see -isch -ish suffix1) Middle High German franzoisch , early modern German franzoisisch (adjective) French (German französisch )). In other Romance languages compare Old Occitan frances , Catalan francès (late 13th cent.), Spanish francés (mid 13th cent.), Portuguese francês (13th cent.), Italian francese (a1310). Compare later Frankish adj.The stem vowel in the α. , γ. , and δ. forms ultimately shows i-mutation caused by the suffix (see discussion at -ish suffix1), while the β. , ε. , and ζ. forms are either later formations (and therefore not subject to i-mutation) or show alteration after the place name France . Forms with au show influence either < Fraunce , variant of France , or from the vowel in Anglo-Norman and Middle French franceis (see above). The γ. , δ. , and ε. forms show contraction (compare Welsh adj., and also Scots adj., Scotch adj.); for a parallel development in continental West Germanic languages compare the etymon of Dutch adj. and its cognates cited at that entry. The same may also be true of the ζ. forms, although they might alternatively be interpreted as showing attributive use of the place name France . It is possible that in some of the δ. and ζ. forms the graph s may represent /ʃ/. French is used as the adjective corresponding to the place nameFrance , and in modern use is usually contrasted with Frankish adj., which refers chiefly to the ancient Franks. The name France was borrowed (probably after the Norman Conquest) < Anglo-Norman Franse , Fraunsse , Fraunce , Franche , Fraunche , etc., Anglo-Norman and Old French France (c1100; Middle French Fraunce , Franse , Middle French, French France ) < post-classical Latin Francia , originally the name of the kingdom of the Franks (4th cent.; originally also including the eastern parts later distinguished as Franconia : see Franconian n.) < Franci the Franks (see Frank n.1) + -ia , suffix forming names of countries (see -ia suffix1). In French use, the name in early use denoted only the Île de France (as opposed to other territories such as Normandy, Picardy, etc.), but the denotation subsequently broadened to include all of French-speaking northern France (as opposed to the Occitan-speaking territories in the south), and later all of the French state; it was also used in historical contexts to refer to the earlier kingdoms of the Franks. English use generally follows this pattern; for some early examples compare:lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1086 Eac on þam ilcan geare..for Willelm cyng of Normandige into France mid fyrde.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 15519 þe king of France Leouwis; ȝirneð hire ful iwis.c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 171 A bataille atwix þe kyng of Fraunce and þe gentiles of Normandie.c1450 (?a1400) Sege Melayne (1880) l. 6 Off charlles of Fraunce [sc. Charlemagne]..This geste es sothe. Use in the royal title of British monarchs, with reference to the former French possessions of the English Crown, was retained until 1800. Compare:1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) Prol. 1 Vnder the proteccion..of..Edward by the grace of God kyng of Englond and of Fraunce and lord of Irland, I entende to translate the sayd boke.1599 in R. Alison Psalmes sig. Aiiiv Elizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England, France and Ireland, Defender of the faith. &c.1800 E. Smith Smith's Trial sig. B On the 6th day of August in the fortieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King. In English, the name is also used historically to refer to ancient Gaul (now rare; compare sense A. 1b and similar use of Old English Francland in quot. OE2 below):c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) 3590 Iulius Scezar wes iuaren. mid vnimete ferde; from Rome. into France.c1450 J. Capgrave Solace of Pilgrims (Bodl. 423) (1911) 24 Grete uictories had þis man ouyr..frauns, germanie, with all his prouynces..sueue eke he conquered.1539 R. Morison tr. Frontinus Strategemes & Policies Warre sig. Hiii v The emperour Cesar August, building turrettes and places of fence in the costes of Fraunce.1699 W. King Dialogues of Dead 59 Caesar when he had Subdu'd France, and wrote his Commentaries, could not have Printed them.1848 E. Elliott Year of Seeds ii. 273 in Poet. Wks. (1876) II. 273 Mute as the Roman, from the shore of France Gazing on Britain o'er the virgin sea.1934 R. Graves I, Claudius 38 He [sc. Germanicus] fought successful wars in Armenia, Parthia, Germany, Spain, Dalmatia, the Alps and France. France or the kingdom of the Franks are earlier denoted in English by the compounds Old English Francland (also in early Middle English; < Frank n.1 + land n.1) andFrancrīce ( < Frank n.1 + riche n.; compare Middle Dutch Vrankerijke (Dutch Frankrijk ), Middle Low German Vrankrīke , Old High German Francrīhhi (Middle High German Francrīche , German Frankreich )), and by the corresponding noun phrases Francena land land of the Franks, Francena rīce kingdom of the Franks:eOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Parker) anno 836 Hine hæfde ær Offa..afliemed iii gear of Angelcynnes lande on Fronclond [OE Tiber. B.i Francland] ær he cyning wære.OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xx. 198 [St Fursey] wende siððan suð ofer sæ, to francena rice.OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1900) II. 158 Maximianus hatte sum hæðen casere se ferde to Franclande mid mycelre fyrdinge.OE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1060 Heinric se cyng forðferde on Francrice.c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Bodl.) (1981) l. 4 Ah Costentin ferde, þurh þe burhmenne read, into Franclonde.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 11524 To heȝe þan kinge. Lauerd Arður faren we; to Francene riche.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) 11692 A þere ilke worlde. þa þis wes iwurðen. wes Francene lond; Gualle ihaten. In sense A. 4 ultimately after post-classical Latin morbus Gallicus syphilis, lit. ‘French disease’ (1497 in an Italian source, or earlier) or Italian mal francese (1496 as male franzoxe ), probably so called after the outbreak following the French siege of Naples in 1495, the earliest securely recorded outbreak in Europe. Compare early modern German frantzösische kranckheit (1530 in a work title by Paracelsus), franzosen , plural noun (1509 in a work title), both in sense ‘syphilis’. Compare also Naples n. and the French phrases cited at that entry. Also attested early as a byname and surname: Roðð. þe Frenccisce (c1125), William Franckeche (1240: see quot. 1240 at sense A. 1aβ. ), Simon le Frensch (1273; see quot. 1273 at sense A. 1aγ. ), John le Frenche (1278), William le Frenkisse (1279), Walter le Frankys (1287), etc.; compare also Ada Fraunkays (1301), apparently showing influence from Anglo-Norman franceis (see above), and Johannes Parlefrens (1294). Compare the following for evidence of (apparently isolated) borrowing of the Middle French noun franceis into Middle English:?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 1696 He had slayn, þe story seis, sex hundreth Peiteuyns & Franceis [a1450 Lamb. Fraunceys].?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 2514 Aganippus..samned an oste of Franceis [a1450 Lamb. his ffraunceys] & com with Leyre ouer þe see.Compare similarly the surnames Robertus Franceis (1168), Walter le Fraunceys (1299), although it is unclear whether these should be interpreted as reflecting the Anglo-Norman word or a borrowing into Middle English. A. adj. 1. the world > the earth > named regions of earth > Europe > France or Frankish land > [adjective] the world > people > nations > native or inhabitant of Europe > French nation > [adjective] α. OE (Tiber. B.i) anno 1003 Her wæs Eaxeceaster abrocen þurh þone frenciscan ceorl Hugon. OE Royal Charter: William I to Bp. William, Gosfrith the Portreeve, & Burghers of London in A. J. Robertson (1925) 230 Willelm kyng gret..ealle þa burhwaru binnan Londone, Frencisce & Englisce, freondlice. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 20 Boc he nom þe þridde..þa makede a Frenchis clerc, Wace wes ihoten. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 81 Ðes frenkis men o france moal, It nemnen un iur natural. OE (Tiber.) (1993) v. 5 Ut non solum Romanę, uerum etiam Galliarum honestos aecclesiarum usus rudi Anglorum aecclesia decorando constitueret : þæt na þæt an Romaniscra ac eac swilce Frenciscra wyrþlice cyrcena gewunan niwre Engla cyrcean gewlitegende he [sc. Augustine] gesette. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1978) l. 11885 Þa iherden þa Frence men þat at Rome wes Maximien. a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil (1959) viii. xi. l. 36 Thar mycht thou se the Franch army alhaill Haist..to the capitoll. 1548 W. Patten Pref. sig. †. viijv For kyllynge Uiridomar the Frenche kynge in [the] felde at the Ryuer of Pade. 1614 J. Budden tr. P. Ayrault 4 C. Flaminius..which enacted the law about the partage of some french grounds. 1665 (Bureau d'adresse et de rencontre, Paris) cxlvi. 183 Amongst all Nations there is none to whom the vice of Levity is more imputed then to the French. Caesar who had long convers'd with them, frequently objects the same to them. 1788 E. Gibbon VI. lxxi. 632 Under the dominion of the Greek and French Emperors, the peace of the city [sc. Rome] was disturbed by accidental, though frequent, seditions. 1934 R. Graves (1989) 439 I grant you that the French fought against Julius Caesar (now deified) for ten years. the world > the earth > named regions of earth > America > North America > [adjective] > Canada > French Canada the world > people > nations > native or inhabitant of America > native or inhabitant of North America > native or inhabitant of Canada > [adjective] > Canadian 1624 J. Smith vi. 205 It was to be suspected I had robbed the French men in New France or Cannada. 1673 (1942) 59 That Mr. Kirke bee desired to treate for provideing Such french goodes as may be necessary. 1727 S. Colliber iv. 84 The English, likewise attacking the French city of Quebec in North-America, reduced it. 1842 15 Nov. 2/2 The murderer of lieut. Weir..could be returned as member for any French County in Lower Canada. 1864 E. H. Dewart p. x Our French fellow-countrymen are much more firmly united than the English colonists. 1907 Jan. 2/1 Now load up with the bundles and boxes, the tent,..the provisions—all that stuff that is known as ‘duffel’ in New York, and ‘butins’ in French Canada and ‘wangan’ in Maine. 1963 W. L. Morton 334 The attitude..spread to the French element in Red River. 2005 (Nexis) 11 Sept. He crossed to Canada forcing Montreal—the capital of the French province—to capitulate. the mind > language > languages of the world > Indo-Hittite > [adjective] > Indo-European > Italic > of Romance languages > French a1400 (a1325) (Trin. Cambr.) l. 24 Mony songes of dyuerse ryme As englisshe frensshe & latyne. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) §174 Thilke newe frenshe song. 1485 (Caxton) i. iii–v. sig. aiijv Whether it were Powlis or not the Frensshe booke maketh no mencyon. 1523 J. Fitzherbert xix. f. xxxiv The name of a surueyour is a frenche name, and is as moche to say in Englysshe as an ouerseer. 1577 W. Harrison (1877) ii. v. 1. 127 Esquire (which we call commonlie Squire) is a French word. 1610 E. Bolton sig. Yv I haue seene an old record in French verses, that at Karlavarock in Scotland in the time of King Edward the first, Evmenions de la Brecte, (so is hee there named) bare Gules. 1685 F. Cheneau (title) French Grammar enriched with a compendious and short way to learn the French tongue in a very short time..; and a very rare way to find out all the articles, nouns, pronouns [etc.]. 1725 J. Coats (rev. ed.) Rencontre, or au Rencontre, is a French Phrase signifying, that the Face of a Beast stands right forward, as if it came to meet the Person before it. 1780 W. Cowper 375 His stock a few French phrases got by heart. 1811 J. Mackintosh Jrnl. 11 Mar. in R. J. Mackintosh (1835) II. ii. 94 In an hour hence..will not F— be doing a sum in arithmetic, and E— reading a French lesson to you? 1870 C. Dickens iii. 14 The French class becomes so demoralised that [etc.]. 1941 M. A. De Ford iv. 146 At that time there were few English-speaking women in New York who were familiar with the French tongue. 2007 (Nexis) 10 Nov. a7 The English language O Canada did not appear until the 20th century and it is not a translation of the French lyrics. 3. the world > the earth > named regions of earth > Europe > France or Frankish land > [adjective] > French qualities the world > people > nations > native or inhabitant of Europe > French nation > [adjective] > like c1400 (?c1390) (1940) l. 1116 Syþen with frenkysch fare & fele fayre loteȝ Þay stoden & stemed & stylly speken. ?a1475 (1922) 110 (MED) Olde cokwold, þi bow is bent newly now after þe frensche gyse. 1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart III. f. ccciii/2 The people of Englande..sayde howe that Rycharde of Burdeaulx wolde distroy them all if he be let alone, his herte is so frenche that he canne nat hyde it. 1594 tr. A. Arnauld f. 11v Do not those depositions make all true French hearts tremble and quake? 1606 W. Birnie ix. sig. C3 So french hes men beene in their fashions. 1607 (?a1425) (Harl. 2124) i. 51 For all thy frankish fare I will not doe after thy red. 1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac 168 If any place be more French then Paris. 1693 W. Wycherley (ed. 2) i. 14 An extreme passion, dear Sir, you are so French, so mightily French, so agreeable French. 1710 i. 6 Their Frowns, French shrugs..Laughing [etc.]. 1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in 670 His address, if not quite French at ease, Not English stiff, but frank, and formed to please. View more context for this quotation 1794 A. Radcliffe I. i. 9 Their sprightly melodies, debonnaire steps [etc.]..gave a character to the scene entirely French. 1837 June 356/1 The Vaudeville still remains to be spoken of—in our opinion the most characteristically French of all the theatres of the day. 1862 12 June It is the work of a very French Frenchman, of a..powerful satirist and invectivist. 1938 N. Coward Opening Chorus in B. Day (1998) 184/3 Hurray! Hurray! We're ever so gay And French as French can be, We say ‘Merci’ And ‘This is the Vie’. 1972 F. S. Ruddy in C. H. Alexandrowicz 182 The formative influences on French style were the development of the rationalist-scientific methods, which affected all Europe, and the Philosophe and Salon influence which was primarily French. 2007 (Nexis) 30 Nov. 4 The driver's and front passenger's doors have quirky, very French, lever-style door catches. the mind > emotion > excitement > pleasurable excitement > [adjective] > piquantly exciting 1682 in J. H. Wilson (1976) 82 Swears and fucks and all the while's so French! 1749 H. Fielding V. xiii. ix. 75 I am so far from desiring to exhibit such Pictures to the Public, that I would wish to draw a Curtain over those..in certain French novels. View more context for this quotation 1842 R. Browning 6/2 My scrofulous French novel On grey paper with blunt type! 1850 W. M. Thackeray II. xxx. 305 Young De Boots..recognised you as the man who..did business one-third in money,..and one-third in French prints. 1926 J. Galsworthy ii. viii. 181 I don't advise you to read it; it's very French. 1931 ‘D. Stiff’ xiv. 152 At one time the hobo enjoyed almost exclusively the ‘French post cards’ (called ‘American cards’ in France). 1959 G. Endore 166 And in our slang, French means ‘perverted’. 1960 V. Nabokov xix. 192 A cursory inspection of the prison collection of French postcards. 1988 9 55 French stuff, 1. pornography 2. unusual sex activity. the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > oral sex > [adjective] c1890 Common, old fashioned f—k $1.00... Tasting (French) $2.50..French fashion with use of patent balls $3.50. 1937 B. L. Reitman xiii. 178 I want a French broad. I don't have to come here for the regular. I can get that at home. 1952 G. S. Viereck xxi. 150 I manage to conceal what's masculine about me. And if they delve too deeply, I tell them I'm a French girl or that I've got the curse. 1971 G. D. Bartell 82 ‘French culture’ is cunnilingus and fellatio. 2003 J. M. Chernoff 185 ‘Do you know French love?’.. ‘No, I don't know. What is French love?’.. ‘French love is to suck a man.’ the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > venereal disease > [noun] > syphilis 1503 in N. H. Nicolas (1830) 105 A surgeon whiche heled him of the Frenche pox. 1559 P. Morwyng tr. C. Gesner 304 Take a vessell of glas (as Maithæolus Senen. writeth in his boke of the Frenche euil [L. de morbo Catholico]). 1559 P. Morwyng tr. C. Gesner 334 For the French diseas, reade Nicolaus Massa the sixte booke. 1577 J. Frampton tr. N. Monardes f. 11 The Spanyardes did thinke that it [sc. the pox] had been giuen them by the Frenche men, and thei called it the Frenche euil. 1592 R. Greene sig. C3 v I hope you will graunt, all these Frenche fauours grewe from whoores. 1592 R. Greene sig. C4 There you shall see men diseased of the Frenche Marbles. 1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas ii. i. 292 His burned stalkes, with strong fumosities Of piercing vapours, purge the French disease. 1612 G. Chapman v. sig. L2 If they bee poore they shall..bee giuen to Surgeons Hall, to bee stampt to salue for the French mesells. 1614 J. Cooke sig. H1v May the French Canniball eate into thy flesh And picke thy bones. 1664 S. Butler ii. ii. 100 As no man of his own self catches, The Itch, or amorous French-aches. 1678 S. Butler iii. i. 42 'Tis hard to say..who imported the French Goods. 1688 S. Penton 29 The easie Cure of the French Complement. 1699 B. E. French Gout, the Pox. 1772 J. Adams tr. A. de Ulloa (ed. 3) II. i. i. 11 It is particularly famous for the cure of the French disease. 1835 Oct. 291 Oh the sad stories they had to tell us of that vile race! Such tricks,—such starvings,—such exposure to small pox, and French measles! 1862 6 211 There is a bench of stone to sit on; it is frequented chiefly for the cure of the French disease. 1946 E. R. Curtis i. 9 She was accused of being a menace to the King's health because she had contracted the ‘French disease’. 1977 Oct. 11/1 It [sc. syphilis] was the ‘French disease’ under one guise or another—‘French goods’, ‘French crown’, ‘French marbles’, ‘French measles’, ‘French mole’, ‘French compliment’, ‘French aches’, ‘French fever’. 2003 S. M. Best vi. 100 The way she threw herself around, could have had the French gout. 1826 P. G. Patmore 250 The Haymarket contains half a dozen French houses;..which however seem to have been established, more with a view to remind them of what a French Restaurant is not, than what it is. 1891 Sept. 276/1 Port Said..abounds in French cafés and dance-halls. 1936 23 Sept. 47/2 Even Gene, the French restaurant at 71 West 11th Street, is not too far down for midtowners. 2007 June 139/1 Also notable are Pres a Vi, a small-plates wine bar, and La Terrasse, a French bistro with views of Golden Gate Bridge. B. n. I. Senses relating to the people. 1. the world > people > nations > native or inhabitant of Europe > French nation > [noun] OE (Tiber. B.iv) anno 1052 Ealle gearwe to wige ongean þone cyng, buton man ageafe Eustatsius & his men heom to hand sceofe, & eac þa Frencyscan þe on þam castelle wæron. lOE (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1127 Hit ofþuhte na þe ma ealle Frencisc & Englisc. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 7680 Þis ihærden segge Julius, þat þa Frenscen [c1300 Otho Frence] speken þus. a1400 (a1325) (Trin. Cambr.) l. 21081 To þe frenshe [Fairf. frenche] preched he Wonynge biside þe mekel see In herpolie & frigie. a1450–1500 ( l. 526 Englysshe and Frensh, Lumbardes, Januayes, Cathalones, theder they take here ways. 1549 King Edward VI Jrnl. in (1857) II. 227 Thei laying at anker bett the French. 1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini vii. 378 To breake the necke of the wicked purposes & plots of the French. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iii. iv. 173 If but a dozen French Were there in Armes, they [etc.] . View more context for this quotation 1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais xlviii. 214 Such is the nature and complexion of the frenches, that they are worth nothing, but at the first push. 1664 S. Pepys 11 Oct. (1971) V. 295 Captain Titus told us the perticulars of the Frenche's expedition against Gigery, upon the Barbary Coast. 1722 A. Nisbet I. 338 The French use the Word Massacree, for a Head Caboched. 1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler IV. 246 Germany bravely defended against the French and Bavarians. 1804 W. Clark Jrnl. 22 Dec. in (1987) III. 260 Two horns of the animal the French Call the Rock mountain Sheep. 1861 M. Pattison in Apr. 404 Our island has indeed been conquered by Italians, and conquered by French. 1918 J. Maleski Let. 1 Aug. in J. S. Richards (2002) vi. 106 The Frenches call their long slender bayonets ‘Rosalie’. 1919 6 430 The bone of contention..is the region of New Ontario..which the English Canadians apparently do not wish to colonize and which they wish to keep the French from colonizing. 1975 16 Jan. 137/3 The French, who lost both their matches against the Springboks..are often underestimated. 2007 27 Sept. 10/1 Simply to call them conservatives (or vieux cons, as the French would say) would not do justice to the Napoleonic radicalism of their project. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > children's game > other children's games > [noun] > others 1820 C. Lamb in Nov. 487/2 Studying the art military over that laudable game ‘French and English’. 1854 H. Miller iv. 73 They could play at ‘shinty’ and ‘French and English’, almost within hail of their parents' homesteads. 1898 A. B. Gomme II. 144 French and English. The children choose sides under a leader, and a boundary line is made..dividing the French and English territory... The object is to obtain as many flags from the opposite side as possible. 1936 J. Grenfell Let. 29 Dec. in (1989) 21 We played French and English on the lawn below the terrace in the traditional way. 1969 I. Opie & P. Opie iii. 146 The great object of the players in ‘French and English’ is to run off with the property of the opposing party. 1986 J. Mackay & P. Thane in R. Colls & P. Dodd (1987) 212 In 1910, Claud Cockburn's father told him to stop playing French and English with his tin soldiers, and to play Germans and English instead. 1993 D. S. Olson (1994) vii. 127 Playing, so far as I was concerned, meant Chopin, at the piano, not French and English or Tom Tiddler's Ground in the field. II. Senses relating to the language. 2. the mind > language > languages of the world > Indo-Hittite > [noun] > Indo-European > postulated Italo-Celtic > Romance > French OE Byrhtferð (Ashm.) (1995) ii. i. 88 Se ðe sprycð on Frencisc and þæt ne can ariht gecweðan, se wyrcð barbarolexin. ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 36 Ich am apaied..vch an segge ase best bereð hire on heorte..redunge of englisch oðer of..frensch [a1250 Nero Freinchs]. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) l. 7542 (MED) Vor bote a man conne frenss [v.rr. frenysch, frenchs, frenshe], me telþ of him lute. c1390 (Vernon) (1967) l. 25 Ne mowe we alle Latin wite..Ne French. c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 126 For frenssh of Parys was to hire vnknowe. 1480 (Caxton) (1964) 3 Frenssh and englyssh. a1500 (?c1378) J. Wyclif (1880) 429 Þe worþy reume of fraunse..haþ translatid þe bible..out of lateyn in-to freynsch. 1530 J. Palsgrave 223/1 Frenche spoken in Burgondy, wallon. 1533 T. More i. xiv. f. xcviv I..wolde also be bolde in such french as is peculiare to the lawys of this realme, to leue it wyth them in wrytynge to. c1626 H. Bisset (1922) II. 201 These lawes war..translated out of Franche into Duche. 1642 J. Howell xii. 156 Yet since the last Conquest much French hath got in. 1720 D. Defoe 13 I could speak but little French. 1777 D. Garrick Let. 6 Jan. in D. Garrick & G. Spencer (1960) 81 Monsieur Letexier is to perform Pygmalion..in French. 1801 M. Edgeworth Good French Governess in V. 127 Miss Fanshaw had learned to speak French passably. 1888 F. Hume i. Prol. 15 ‘So,’ he said rapidly in French,..‘we are in the land of promise.’ 1932 E. Le Gallienne & F. Friebus ii. 81 Speak in French when you can't think of the English for a thing. 1963 38 143 French-speaking Canadians..are developing a ‘standard’ form of Canadian French. 2006 (Nexis) 13 Jan. c04 The program will feature well-known children's stories told in French. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart I. f. lxxxiii/2 He came to the frenche kyng and sayd in gode frenche (sir yelde you). 1603 N. Breton 23 Rubbing Ouer my poore French, hauing Litleton before me. 1658 tr. J. L. G. de Balzac 102 You may..teach them to speak good French, now you are perfectly Vn-Gasconated. 1742 R. West Let. 4 Apr. in T. Gray (1971) I. 190 [Racine's] language is the language of the times, and that of the purest sort; so that his French is reckoned a standard. 1753 S. Foote i. 16 Our pretty Gentlemen..sputter nothing but bad French in the Side-boxes at Home. 1818 T. Moore ix. 481 My French..Is, on the whole, but weak and smattering. 1888 J. Payn x Her French was a little rusty. 1926 Oct. 501/1 His French was fluent,..the French of the Senegalese troops. 2002 O. Figes (2003) iv. vi. 268 The young Sergei, with his fluent French and German and his piano-playing skills, was in his element. 1602 R. Carew i. f. 55v Yet can they no more giue a Cornish word for Tye, then..the French for Stand, the English for Emulus, or the Irish for Knaue. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) iv. iv. 30 Pist. M. Fer: Ile fer him, and firke him, and ferret him: discusse the same in French vnto him. Boy. I doe not know the French for fer, and ferret, and firke. View more context for this quotation 1771 ‘M. A. Porny’ (ed. 2) Dict. Gyron,..this word is the French for bosom. 1832 W. Fenton xi. 31 If it [sc. brick-house] means a house made of bricks, the French is, une maison de brique. 1845 J. H. Parker (ed. 4) I. 87 Cartouch,..a term adopted from the French for a tablet. 1922 G. K. Chesterton i. i. 11 I am content to answer that ‘chivalrous’ is not the French for ‘horsy’. 1995 Spring 32/2 It seems that members will soon have little trouble embalming in France—as long as they can remember the French for carotid artery! the mind > language > languages of the world > Indo-Hittite > [noun] > Indo-European > postulated Italo-Celtic > Romance > French > school study of French 1612 T. Wilson Pref. It is necessary in Grammar Schooles, that Children which learne French, Latine, or Greeke, haue their Dictionaries and Lexicons allowed them. 1698 R. Ainsworth 26 Children, after having learn'd English, are in a Years time ordinarily taught French, or Italian, and that with Ease and Pleasure, both to themselves and Master. 1736 10 Jan. 3/1 David Delescure Reader of the French Church, teaches French and English in a facil and easy Method, either at home or abroad. 1786 F. Eppes Let. 31 Aug. in T. Jefferson (1958) XV. 631 A man..capable of teaching our girls French English erethmatick and musick. 1854 27 Apr. 6/4 (advt.) Home school at North Haven, Conn... No day scholars. French by a Frenchman. 1883 C. J. Wills 164 Euclid, Algebra, Latin, and French, in which, unlike the smattering of a middle-class school at home, a thorough grounding is given. 1930 18 Jan. 21/2 The pupil has five periods a week..for French. 1992 Spring 263 School's getting to be a drag. I'm doing French during intersession, so it's kinda nuts. 2001 L. Rennison 120 We are keen as la moutarde on French now. 3. the mind > language > malediction > [noun] > profane language 1845 E. J. Wakefield I. 327 The enraged headsman spares no ‘bad French’ in explaining his motives. 1865 H. Sedley iv. ix. 342 Excuse my French. 1895 Mar. 648/1 Palaces be durned! Excuse my French. 1909 J. R. Ware 171/1 Loosing French, violent language in English. 1936 M. Harrison ii. 104 A bloody sight better (pardon the French!) than most. 1955 M. McCarthy (1956) ii. 52 ‘Damn fool,’ he said, vehemently, ‘pardon my French.’ 1966 A. La Bern xxv. 220 Well I'll be buggered. Excuse my French. 1979 M. Leigh Abigail's Party i, in (1983) 28 I mean, to a film star, getting divorced is like going to the lavatory, if you'll pardon my French. 2005 29 May 12/3 The book..is a welcome change from theory-infected academic discourse, pardon my French. III. Other senses. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > vermouths or aperitifs > [noun] 1841 A. H. Clough 18 Feb. (1990) V. 159 Drank I dare say ½ doz sherry french & claret, besides ½ glass of porter. 1930 E. Mannin xii. 177 Tearle replied that gin-and-French and virginian cigarettes would do for him. 1949 A. Wilson 208 ‘How about that gin..?’ he asked. ‘It's in the shaker,..with some French.’ 1967 M. Gilbert 14 He was drinking double gins with single Frenches in them. 2001 C. Fowler (2005) 10 At the intermission, a girl..popped out to order a gin and French. the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > oral sex > [noun] > cunnilingus the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > oral sex > [noun] > fellatio 1916 H. N. Cary I. 94 French—to do the French—Cocksucking; and, inversely, to tongue a woman. 1958 J. M. Murtagh & S. Harris Gloss. French, Frenchy, fellatio. 1968 B. Turner viii. 64 You can be whipped or caned..or you can have French for another pound. 1986 (Univ. Queensland) 6 May 34/1 Always use condoms with Greek (anal intercourse), straight sex (vaginal intercourse, fucking), French (oral sex). 1996 13 Oct. 25 ‘French’—still used by prostitutes as a term for oral sex. 2004 D. Peace 386/1 ‘You want business, do you, love?’ she asked—She was not so young. Not so black—Malcolm nodded. Malcolm said, ‘Yes.’ ‘Hand, French or full?’ she asked. Compounds C1. Compounds of the adjective. a. (a) With the sense ‘French and ——’. See also French Canadian n. and adj., French-English adj.1748 50 We could not if we would, conquer the French American Colonies. 1824 July 143 Louisburgh..became an important military post for the security of the French American possessions. 1915 W. Owen 1 Aug. (1967) 350 The fellow is a Radio-Telegraphist on a French-American Liner. 2005 16 May 58/1 Smookler channeled a series of spare-time cooking stages into an elegant French-American menu of his own. c1612 W. Strachey (1953) i. x. 121 I haue drunck often of the rath wyne, which..people haue made full as good as your French-Brittish wyne. 1733 E. Budgell IV. 341 A French-Celtick, or French-British Dictionary..useful and curious..for finding the Etymology of several French and British Words. 1832 H. Murray et al. III. iii. 76 Tippoo's negotiation with the French–British Influence established at the Court of the Nizam. 1998 26 Mar. 44/2 General Smith asked about the coming Rapid Reaction Force, an armored French-British contingent then being assembled. 1782 J. Price (ed. 2) 13 Mr. Mackintosh being the son of a Scotch Planter, by a French Creole, of one of the West India Islands. 1868 G. Rose 195 The French Creole ladies. 1956 M. W. Stearns (1957) v. 54 The slaves are apparently singing a French-Creole tune in the French-Creole patois. 2000 P. Johnson & C. O'Brien 12 The long-simmering single pot dishes..were different from the refined foods common to New Orleans' established French Creole population. 1788 E. Blower I. v. 55 She had acquired that free familiar air which distinguishes the French provincial ladies; but without their wit and engaging vivacity. 1811 I. Mitchell I. v The following article is taken from a French provincial paper of May, 1804. 1956 E. S. Aarons (1967) x. 78 There was French provincial furniture, softly glowing with centuries of hand polishing. 1991 16 Dec. 125/1 Fine French-provincial antiques..are these Pierres' bag. 2000 D. Windle xiv. 195 The sofa and chair are French Provincial, very much like the set my family had before the Viet Minh came to power. 1611 J. Donne 30 This French-spanish [L. Gallo-Spanicum] mungrell, Ignatius. 1837 T. Carlyle I. ii. v. 65 Wondrous leather-roofed Floating-batteries, set afloat by French-Spanish Pacte de Famille. 1934 W. Lewis 3 July (1963) 219 The french-spanish border. 2007 (Nexis) 17 Nov. 46 Jools..also welcomes French-Spanish singer Manu Chao. 1789 T. Holcroft tr. J. C. Lavater III. v. 87 The French Swiss peasant [Ger. der Französischer [sic] Schweizerbauer] is as distinct as possible from the peasant of Appenzel. 1870 1 Aug. 5/2 The French Swiss cantons and the question where the linguistic boundaries in Piedmont were to be drawn were not excluded. 1921 H. Crane 16 May (1965) 56 There is a French-Swiss artist here. 2005 Dec. 50/1 The particle accelerator lay in a 27km donut-shaped tunnel, 100m beneath the French-Swiss border. (b) Designating articles of dress, fabrics, etc., in what is regarded as a French style. 1607 R. C. tr. H. Estienne i. xv. 89 Because Erasmus calleth them ocreas, I have translated them bootes; we may not thinke that they were like French bootes [Fr. des bottines faictes à la façon des nostres], but such as might be worne with shoes. 1719 A. Smith (ed. 5) I. 224 The best Masters in London..not being able to shew such Footing as he did in his great riding French boots. 1845 J. H. Ingraham ii. 8 The young girl placed a foot—a very small and elegantly shaped one shod in a closely fitting French boot—in her black attendant's broad palm. 1948 J. B. Glubb ii. 42 I was obliged to accept..a magnificent pair of black French boots with pointed toes and buttoning halfway up the calf. 2004 (Nexis) 42 473 Briggs..is first seen wearing French boots and lavender kid-gloves. 1657 Speech Fife Laird in J. Watson (1706) i. 30 French-gows cut out and double banded. 1772 xxxii. 222 Mrs. Finch the Milliner, waited on her with a fine French Gauze Suit, which she had ordered her to bring. 1821 C. Hutton III. ii. 29 Here we found many of the ladies clad in a thin French gauze; but their manners were far less elegant than their apparel. 1929 H. Wilson ix. 234 My own evening dresses were invariably composed of rich figured white French gauze, over white satin. 2003 G. P. Lambert xxvii. 109 Sunlight filtering through French gauze draperies cast pale shadows across the bizarre accouterments. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > footwear > parts of footwear > [noun] > heel > types of 1651 T. Randolph et al. iii. iii. 24/2 Car. Listen then while I anatomise my whole discourse from the head to the heel.., though your heel were a Polonian, or a French heel, which is the fashion. 1785 W. Cowper iv. 546 Her tott'ring form Ill propp'd upon French heels. 1826 M. R. Mitford II. 97 Such pirouettes and entrechats as none but French heels could achieve. 1928 M. de la Roche (1929) xii. 157 Four girls approached abreast, wearing French heels and flesh-coloured stockings. 2007 H. R. Miller in J. O'Reilly & S. K. Cahn iv. 178 Gold evening sandals with a slight French heel, the toes open, your toenails painted shocking pink. 1649 C. Hoole 243/1 A French-heeld-shoe, Mulleus. 1798 J. Ireland 253 On the sinister, is a drawing denominated exotics, consisting of queue and bag-wigs, muffs, solitaires, petticoats, French heeled shoes, and other fantastic fripperies. 1867 21 Dec. (advt.) Women's white kid French heeled slippers. 1998 (Nexis) 9 Aug. ix. 5/1 Perhaps they should have revived the back-view mirror along with the backless, French-heeled mule popular this summer. 2004 C. O'Hanlon-Lincoln 172/2 The 1939 ruby-sequenced, jewel-bowed, French-heeled pumps were actually made in a variety of sizes. 1598 J. Marston ii. vii. sig. F2 Seest thou yon gallant in the sumptuous clothes... Note his French-herring bones, but note no more. 1836 5 May 4/4 (advt.) Have received by the late arrivals from England and France..Corinthian stripe..; bleached & unbleached French Herringbone Drill. 1997 T. Hardy 69 The French Herringbone..does not need to be draped. It already has a natural drape. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from flax, hemp, or jute > [noun] > linen > types of > fine > lawn > types of 1629 T. May tr. Martial sig. G5 If a woven purple coverled [sic], And fine french lawne adorn'd thy downy bed. 1702 116 French Lawns, the piece. 1812 J. Smyth ii. 113 Cambricks and French Lawns were formerly prohibited to be imported. 1909 15 Feb. 13/6 (advt.) A pretty Lingerie Frock in French Lawn, with Insertions of Dainty Embroidery, edged with Valenciennes Lace. 2003 (Nexis) 12 Dec. (Mag. section) 56 We'd spend summers in Ibiza and I'd be in French lawn petticoats, like a flower fairy. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > pocket > types of 1675 No. 979/4 A strait bodied Coat, with French Pockets. 1747 188/2 His Lilly Fingers have been pidling about every Lady's French Pocket that came in his Reach. 1849 16 Nov. 3/4 (advt.) Gents' silk and satin handkerchiefs, French pocket do., ladies' boots and shoes. 1961 3 Mar. 10/2 Slanted French pockets with the breast pocket matching the angle of the bottom pockets. 2004 (Nexis) 19 July b1 (caption) Cele Rosenthal..tells Scott Catucci..about the traditional French pockets she's sewing. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > covering spec parts of body > arm > types of 1592 ‘C. Cony-Catcher’ sig. E4v Blest be the French sleeues & breach verdingales. 1882 12 Mar. 8/6 (advt.) Night Dress same as before, with French Sleeves, $1.37. 1998 (Nexis) 24 May 8 The bride wore an ivory gown of pure silk chiffon with empire waist.., french sleeves and short train. 2001 P. Gregory 480 A gable hood in pale blue with a high-necked gown to match and her French sleeves remodelled to an English cut. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from silk > [noun] > types of > velvet > types of 1602 R. Parsons f. 13v His hawty wyues hayre would soone grow through her french veluet hood. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) i. ii. 34 I had as liefe be a Lyst of an English Kersey, as be pil'd..for a French Veluet . View more context for this quotation 1799 L. T. Rede 398 It was one of the best he ever made for Swan and Buck, and he had made many hundred yards of French velvet. 1891 Oct. 168/2 The beaux and belles displayed their grace, their laces, and their French velvets on the dancing floor, while their elders played at cards. 1993 (Nexis) 1 Mar. d2 King Zulu wore a traditional tunic of cranberry-red French velvet trimmed in silk brocade. 2001 M. Maynard ii. v. 101 A hat of black French velvet, highlighted in beaten gold. (c) With participial adjectives. 1950 21 Oct. 13/1 Philips has just about closed a deal whereby it will take over Polydor, French-based international indie. 1962 W. Stewart in F. A. Rice 50 A Creole language with a vocabulary which is predominantly of French origin is termed a French-based Creole. 2001 26 July ii. 1/1 The French-based organisation that is helping to run the banana genome project. 1685 A. Tyler iii. 34 A fondness in his French-born-Queen. 1769 Sept. 120 The commission or instructions allowing the French-born popish subjects a share in the legislature. 1894 June 659 Under this new law the French-born child of a foreign father who was also born in France is irrevocably French. 1994 Sept. 102/3 The French-born artist, who eventually eschewed painting to pursue other forms of expression. 1684 T. Otway iii. 27 This Man of War, this French-bred Hero. 1766 P. Playstowe 72 Those judicious French-bred physicians. 1862 M. C. Harris 206 My French-bred cousin, he was afraid, had a little the advantage of me in coolness. 1998 (Nexis) 17 July xvi. 206 Michael..rode an inspired round on the French-bred chestnut Silk to finish clear in a time that looked..unbeatable. 2000 E. L. Bowen iii. 60 The high regard the Jeffordses had for the French-bred was surely enhanced. 1712 W. Rogers 9 One Hunt Master, call'd the Hope-Gally, a small French-built Snow belonging to Mr. James Vaughan of Bristol. 1798 Ld. Nelson 28 Sept. in (1845) III. 135 The only remaining French-built Ship of the Line. 1842 J. F. Cooper vi. 84 I take her to be la Proserpine, a French-built ship, a circumstance that first deceived me as to her character. 1994 Dec. 63/1 For sensory overload, however, nothing beats Ben Thanh, the French-built municipal marketplace on Le Loi Street. 2006 L. M. Sullivan (ed. 6) 254 Aristocat, captained by John and Sandra, is a 48-foot French-built sailing catamaran. 1849 Apr. 438 The gurrurals retaining, even in Latin- and French-derived words, their original power before three of the vowels. 1860 A. Bell III. xvi. iii. 424 The party which aimed at crushing the French-derived population. 1991 P. Sweeney 209 In addition to French, the French-derived creole language, similar to that of Haiti, is spoken on both islands. 1905 F. S. Robinson xvi. 220 Chippendale's French-influenced designs for commodes and clothes chests. 1956 20 May 14 e/1 Henri Salvador is a French-influenced imp on a Columbia LP. 2003 Summer 57/1 A menu constructed in a classically French-influenced style with Eastern overtures. 1855 5 374/2 Sterne, in his French-toned and French-inspired ‘Sentimental Journey’. 1930 10 Jan. 14/3 The International Cycling Association, which held the world's cycling championships each year until its supersession by a French-inspired body..in 1901. 1999 Apr. 81/1 Amid its formal, French-inspired gardens stand such structures as a stone goat tower and a thatched goose cottage. 1746 C. Macklin v. iv. 93 Lord Dawbney..hath dragg'd thence our French-made Monarch. 1828 13 Sept. 3/1 Mr. Hawley was in the habit generally of carrying about him a French-made gold watch. 1916 A. Safroni-Middleton xii. 153 That's a French-made fiddle; not a bad tone either. 2000 Nov. 125 The smoothest 200 threadcount percale is the basis for this distinctive triple corded, French-made bedlinen. 1844 C. MacFarlane II. iii. 46/1 Captain John Malcolm..now commanded these French-trained sepoys. 1908 July 82/1 Mr. Massey is a French-trained artist. 2002 6 May 95/2 French-trained chef Claude Chassagne whips up French-Asian fusion fare. b. In the names of things of actual or attributed French origin. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > bed > parts of bed > [noun] > bedstead > without posts or ends 1596 in J. R. N. Macphail (1924) 228 Ane Frenche bed. 1664 T. Killigrew Parsons Wedding i. iii, in 82 Great French Bedds full of found Children, sons of Batchelors, Priests Heirs, Bridewell Orphans. 1792 I. iii. 189 He led her into a small room, very elegantly furnished with sophas, a French bed, and every article of modern luxury. 1852 E. Ruskin Let. 25 Mar. in (1965) ii. 288 Tell Mr Snell not to put a four poster—but a large French bed in the bedroom at Herne hill. 1967 D. Mackenzie 23 The French bed had a velvet padded headboard. 2002 (Nexis) 3 Aug. 11 Learn the difference between the four-poster, the half-testers, the tent bed, the French bed and the truly terrifying press bedstead. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > bed > parts of bed > [noun] > bedstead > without posts or ends 1638 Inv. Viscountess Dorchester in (1953) 157 1 French bedstead with furniture of black cloth. 1803 1 Nov. 3/4 (advt.) Large four-post and French bedsteads, with rich chintz pattern hangings. 1868 C. L. Eastlake viii. 185 To the four-poster succeeded..the French bedstead, of which the head and foot-piece were in shape and size alike, and over which two curtains fell, sometimes from a pole fixed at the side, and sometimes from a small circular canopy attached to the ceiling. 1901 Mrs. A. Praga i. 29 We must reserve £2 5s., for..a black and brass French bedstead,..a double-woven steel wire mattress, a wool mattress, [etc.]. 2003 (Nexis) 1 Mar. Gwenda's classic tastes are much in evidence in the bedrooms too, each one..boasting a striking French bedstead as its centrepiece. society > occupation and work > equipment > piercing or boring tools > [noun] > boring tool > other boring tools 1759 H. Howard 8 He'd curb the poor Steed with a French Bit & Bridle. 1875 E. H. Knight II. 915/1 French-bit (Carpentry), a boring tool adapted to use on a lathe-head or by a bow. 1899 F. M. Crawford xiv. 252 At the first strain of the cruel French bit she threw up her head, swerved, caught the steel in her teeth, and shot forward again at twice her speed. 1929 H. C. Mercer 207 (caption) The leafshaped French bit.., properly a drill, generally used in the mandrel lathe, a flat, leaf-shaped blade, lacking screw point, for metal. 1958 L. E. C. Hughes & C. F. Tweney (ed. 3) 354 French bit,..a boring tool having a flat blade, shaped at the two cutting edges in continuous curves, from the point to and beyond a place of maximum diameter; used in a lathehead for drilling hard wood. the world > matter > colour > named colours > blue or blueness > blue colouring matter > [noun] > blue pigment > specific the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > an intoxicating drug > [noun] > stimulant drug(s) > specific stimulant drugs 1802 16 Aug. 3/2 All the coridores are painted a French blue. 1929 J. N. Hall i. 16 Others choose more sober shades, various French blues, with the thin orange aviation stripe running down the seams of the trousers. 1964 29 Aug. 452/1 ‘French blues’ (the name for a non-proprietary mixture of amphetamine and a barbiturate). 1980 C. Jencks 13 lt [sc. the Pompidou Centre] is an oversized meccano set painted in French blues and reds and it is sitting in the heart of limestone Paris. 2001 Aug. 48/2 A pair of tarted-up Cougars, the ZN..and the C2 (offered up in French blue, silver frost, white and black). society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > machines which impart power > boiler > [noun] > types of 1844 J. Bourne (1846) 54/1 Fig. 42 [represents] a species of boiler called the French boiler, in consequence of being of French origin. This boiler is a good deal used in Lancashire. 1867 4 May 280/3 As large diameter for boilers is a source of weakness, and the immense body of water just over the fire is a hindrance to the rapid generation of steam, the elephant boiler or as commonly known, the French boiler,..has been designed. 1977 (Brit. Petroleum Co. Ltd.) (ed. 5) xvii. 350/2 (caption) A typical oil-fired French boiler incorporating a storage cylinder. society > occupation and work > equipment > piercing or boring tools > [noun] > drill > breast-drills society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > scenery > pieces of > fixing for 1846 C. Holtzapffel II. xxv. 561 The French brace..is also constructed in iron, with a pair of equal bevil pinions. 1937 F. Napier vi. 92 The French brace is proof even against..those players..who persist in trying to force an entrance through a door that opens the other way. 1969 E. H. Pinto 380 The more complex French brace or breast drill, came into the English wood-worker's toolchest just before 1900, but it was illustrated in Bergeron more than 100 years earlier. 1998 (Nexis) 17 Sept. An early French brace has a photograph of a man let into its head, protected by isinglass. 2007 T. Wilkins (Gloss.) 280 French brace: Hinged bracket fixed to flats (or scenery) to hold it up. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > distilled drink > brandy > [noun] > types of brandy 1655 S. Hartlib 20 I suppose many know better than I can Inform them, who for the most part are supplied with Dutch or French Brandy. 1704 No. 4032/4 11 Pieces of single French Brandy. 1852 Oct. 400 The flavor which characterizes the French brandy..is imitated by distilling British molasses spirit over wine lees. 1966 ‘M. Hunter’ (1994) iii. 36 Old MacIan keeps a fair stock of fine French brandy. 2007 (Nexis) 7 Sept. Silver's liquor empire either manufactures or sells..four different brands of gin, two rum brands, four scotch brands, a French brandy. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > [noun] > other types of bread 1420–1 in J. C. Tingey (1910) II. 63 (MED) [To Beatrice Baxter, for] frenssh bread. a1500 in W. C. Hazlitt (1866) III. 96 Then come in a horse hed In the stid of French brede. 1634 tr. L. Lessius 59 If we were but half as wise as we ought to be, there need none of all this ado that we make, about this and that kinde of Manchet, Dutchbread, and French-bread. 1747 H. Glasse xvii. 147 (heading) Of Made Wines, Brewing, French Bread, Muffins, &c. 1836 c. 37 §4 Bread usually sold under the Denomination of French or Fancy Bread or Rolls. 1960 M. Mazda viii. 127 Shish Kabab is very often served with chelo or with French bread. 2006 N. M. Dumke 197 If you are making French bread, carefully brush it with the ‘egg white’ wash again right before baking it. the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > [noun] > grooming of horses > grooming instruments 1655 66 Finding his body dry, run slightly over it with your Curry-comb, after with the French Brush. 1686 R. Blome ii. 11 Rub him [sc. a horse] all over with the French Brush, beginning at his forehead. 1726 N. B. 377/1 Curry or brush him over with a French brush down his Temples. 1857 T. Wright I. 481/1 French-brush, a brush for rubbing horses.] 1892 Nov. 23/1 For a study of chrysanthemums to be painted life-size in oils..either flat or round brushes may be employed, but the flat French brushes are usually considered the best kind to use. 1927 20 Nov. v. 6/5 The architect suggests walls of warm buff color, finished with French Brush texture, trim of blue green. 1999 (Nexis) 17 Feb. More layers of colour are added to create realistic variation, using a French brush, a stencil brush, or a sea sponge. 2004 S. Ross & E. Kinkead xii. 171 A painted sky is easy to accomplish and..is executed using a dry brush, much the same as French-brush color washing. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from flax, hemp, or jute > [noun] > linen > types of > for specific purpose 1662 W. Petty 69 Suppose English Cloth were sold at six shillings a Yard, and French Canvas at eighteen pence the Ell. 1702 112 French Canvas and Line broad for Tabling, being an Ell and half Quarter and upwards. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 215/1 French canvas..is a description of Grenadine, of a stout wiry character. 1905 88 Tailors' canvas of soft quality should be used in the fronts, but for the canvasing at the neck and arm-holes of the back portions French canvas is used. 2006 B. D. Matthes vi. 74 French canvas (a form of linen) and melton..are sewn together to give the collar increased weight... French canvas is often used in the shoulder area of jackets as well for additional body. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > types of window > [noun] > other types of window 1804 54 Carpenter's and Joiner's Prices. French casements. At per foot superficial [etc.]. 1837 E. Bulwer-Lytton I. xv. 145 Ferrers had followed him through the French casements into the room. 1900 J. Glyde 267 A French casement in Fitz-Gerald's study opened into a garden... Outside the French casement was his favourite walk, which he called his ‘Quarter Deck’. 1995 (Nexis) 3 May b6 The judge thinks if it's not a double-hung sash, a French casement or a jalousie, it isn't a window? 2004 M. E. Hayward & F. R. Shivers ii. 53 The houses had French casement windows, perhaps the first of their kind in Baltimore. the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > silicates > phyllosilicate > [noun] > talc > steatite > varieties society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > mineral material > [noun] > talc or steatite 1674 R. Hooke 9 Nov. (1935) 129 He gave me 2 little pencils of French chalk. 1728 J. Woodward Catal. Foreign Fossils i. 3 in Red French chalk. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 215/2 French Chalk. A variety of indurated Talc. 1992 M. Baren 12/2 The pills would then be dusted with french chalk to prevent them sticking. 2004 A. Sloan 207 (caption) To prevent the metal leaf from sticking to your fingers, dust them lightly with French chalk or talc before handling it. the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > other cleaning methods, devices, or substances > clean by other miscellaneous methods [verb (transitive)] society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with coating or covering materials > work with coating or covering materials [verb (transitive)] > coat or cover with other materials 1870 Jan. 23 Five-and-forty ballet skirts..must be French chalked and puff-powdered..for the Great Dance of Water Lilies and Forget-me nots. 1887 11 May 3/3 He first carefully inserted himself into them with a shoe horn, and then French chalked the legs and worked them on like a glove. 1933 P. Godfrey xiii. 167 The floor of the stage..was French-chalked for dancing to the gramophone. 2001 (Nexis) 14 Jan. 24 Every session, we'd..click the asymmetric bars into place, French-chalk them, angle their uprights, tighten the steel ropes. the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > other types of clock 1757 tr. J. G. Keysler II. lix. 395 The clock of this church strikes the hours after the French and German method of computation..; in Naples there are more French clocks, as they are called [Ger. man..mehr von der so genannten französischen Uhr..weis], than in any other city in Italy. 1841 24 717/2 On the mantelpiece, huge French clocks. 1967 W. Edey 9 It is in this capacity, as a decorative art rather than as a work of science, that French clocks excel. 2006 (Nexis) 28 Oct. b1 Dozens of time pieces in his repair shop—everything from..delicate French clocks..to German cuckoo clocks. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > [noun] > forms of cricket 1907 Nov. 135 After breakfast in summer French cricket..or a stroll fills up the time till 9, when there is prep. in houses. 1959 I. Opie & P. Opie viii. 137 An informal game of cricket, such as French cricket or Stump cricket. 2004 May 5/2 You can even play French cricket with the Elektron! 1886 S. T. Rorer 345 Crullers... German crullers... French crullers. 1915 25 Dec. 4/1 The mere reflective consumption of a plate of French crullers. 2002 W. Kennedy 34 Roscoe stopped at the Morris Diner in North Albany to get just-baked French crullers. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > parts of clothing > [noun] > covering spec parts of body > arm > parts of > cuff > types of 1810 14 July 186/2 A round robe of jaconet muslim, with a high French cuff, and appliqued border of narrow lace round the feet. 1842 4 Jan. 3/2 He was dressed in a red coat, lined with black velvet, with gold button-holes and large French cuffs. 1898 8 May 6 (advt.) Men's Fine Double Combed Egyptian Balbriggan Shirts... French cuffs and re-enforced seams. 1916 22 July 12/5 (advt.) Each Shirt is finished with French cuffs and separate soft collar. 1967 ‘L. Egan’ xv. 187 A fancy sports shirt with French cuffs and gold cuff links. 2002 A. Davies 41 It's Paula de Gicqeaux.., snotting into her French cuffs, huddled gnomishly in the corner. society > communication > representation > a plastic or graphic representation > graphic representation > drawing plans or diagrams > [noun] > drawing instruments > for curves 1844 I. 13/1 I. ‘French curves’..are rules cut into an almost endless variety of shapes used in inking curves. 1857 W. Binns vii. 97 For drawing lines through the points so found, a ‘French curve’ will be of service. 1971 D. Clark i. 18 An artist's drawing-board... A long T-square..a straight edge with a metal ribbon on one side; a french-curve template. 2005 5 Dec. 61/2 To draw the outline of a letter by hand, he used French curves and straightedges. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > named openings or continuations 1868 2 Aug. 7/4 (heading) Another game between the same players. (French Defence.). 1881 6 Dec. 11/4 Mr. Redpath..adopted the French defence, and after winning a piece early in the game, won on the 29th move. 1964 1 Oct. 531/2 Peter Lee..specializes in the French Defence. In this game..superior opening knowledge gave him a quick win. 2004 N. McDonald iii. 80/1 The French Defence..blocks the centre and puts the emphasis on concealed manoeuvring. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > types of window > [noun] > French window 1805 29 July 1/3 (advt.) The principal story has a handsome entrance lobby..communicating by French doors, and also by a window with the conservatory. 1926 18 July 11/5 (advt.) Thrown wide between two small rooms, French doors allow you the often convenient space of a large room. 2006 Feb. 19/1 In the dining room..sorbet pink walls and pink curtains framing the French doors that lead to the garden. the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > preparation of land or soil > ditching or drainage > [noun] > other types of drainage 1738 W. Plunkett 25 To prevent further Mistakes as to French Drains. 1884 29 47/1 ‘Box drains’, ‘French drains’, ‘blind drains’. 1974 J. Seymour (new ed.) v. 64 The drainage from the house goes to what I believe is known as a French drain—which is a covered pit down in the field. 2006 29 June (Home ed.) b3/4 After years of a sodden basement, we put in a French drain and our problem was solved. the world > food and drink > food > additive > sauce or dressing > [noun] > salad dressing > other salad dressings 1616 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor (rev. ed.) iii. v, in I. 42 Wel. Rare! your cousins discourse is simply drawn out with oathes. E. Kn. 'Tis larded with 'hem. A kind of french dressing, if you loue it.] 1874 H. Southgate 441 Sauce the salad with an English or French dressing just before it is sent to table. 1879 4 Mar. (advt.) French Dressing 15c per bottle, the best dressing for Lobsters. 1900 June 40/3 French Dressing is a mixture of oil and vinegar in the proportions of six tablespoonfuls of oil to two of vinegar. 1923 H. Crane 5 Dec. (1965) 159 I made some fine lettuce salad with onions and peppers and French dressing. 1945 15 Feb. 2/6 French Fried Onions Chef's Salad with French Dressing. 1962 17 Mar. 14/3 Tossed green salad with French dressing. 1992 J. Critchley (BNC) 96 They started with avocados and a French dressing, and finished with a plate of cold roast beef, and a hearty salad. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > roof > [noun] > eaves 1634 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (1886) II. 699 The French Eves to keepe the water from the building. 1986 29 16/2 French eaves, plastered eaves cornice. 2003 D. Yaxley 84 French eaves, eaves with a gutter. 1945 27 Jan. As evidence of this failure to recognize the French Fact, Canon Groulx mentioned the question of minority rights granted French Canadians in provinces other than Quebec. 1991 B. J. Ancelet et al. xii. 195 They [sc. Louisiana jokes] are a living testimony to the French fact in Louisiana because they are told in French by choice. 2006 D. Bourgeois i. 22 In the medium term, the majority of anglophones would stop perceiving that the French fact was limited to Quebec. 1846 A. Young 116 If a rope be laid in this manner, it is termed a French Fake, which method is adopted, when the rope has to let go suddenly, in order to allow it to run freely, without the parts getting foul of each other. 1887 8 Jan. 69/2 We have, for example, ‘Spanish windlass’, as we have ‘French fake’, ‘French sennit’, etc. 1893 J. S. Farmer & W. E. Henley III. 69/2 French fake, the fashion of coiling a rope by taking it backwards and forwards in parallel bands, so that it may run easily. 2001 B. Gifford (rev. ed.) 77 This is a French-fake of a story, like a rope coiled with each turn wound outside of the other, beginning in the middle. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > cake > [noun] > a cake > small cake > types of small cake 1969 26 Oct. 38/5 We caused chaos in that delightful bakery, especially in the French Fancies section. 2019 @j_geaney 6 Aug. in twitter.com (accessed 9 Oct. 2019) Listening to Abba Gold + eating a French Fancy = living my best god damn life. ?1803 (title) The English and French flageolet preceptor... To which is added a valuable selection of favorite airs, song-tunes, dances, etc. 1820 Oct. 6/2 Mr R—g—rs then warbled a beautiful little ‘dolce’ on the double flageolet; and Mr Sp—nc—r, a madrigal on the French flageolet. 1955 8 63 The bird flageolet was a narrow-bore version of the French flageolet, having finger holes and two thumb holes. 2000 (Nexis) 3 Apr. 15 He has a rare 19th century French flageolet, a metal clarinet and a slide saxophone. society > society and the community > social attitudes > patriotism > liking for or sympathy with other nations > [noun] > France > excessive 1943 A. Koestler (1945) 21 The managerial class on Parnassus..have lately been affected by a new outbreak of that recurrent epidemic, the French 'Flu. 1966 J. Fowles xv. 83 ‘Voila.’ ‘Very nice.’ I determined to stamp out the French 'flu before it spread. 2001 D. O'Keeffe in L. Desblache iii. 170 The ‘French 'flu’—the tendency for some modern writers in the English language to lay themselves open to any nonsense provided only that it was originally written in French. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > stairs > [noun] > other types of stairs or staircase 1728 E. Chambers at Staircase French Flyers, which fly, first directly forwards, till they come within a Length of a Stair of the Wall; [etc.]. 1875 E. H. Knight II. 915/1 French-flyers.., stairs that fly forwards until they reach within a length of a stair from the wall, where a quarter space occurs; the steps next ascend at a right angle, when another quarter space occurs; they then ascend in an opposite flight, parallel to the first direction. 1996 W. Bucher 197/2 French flyer, (pre-19c) a staircase that ascends with a straight flight to a quarter-turn landing, then up one step to a second quarter-turn landing, then a straight flight parallel to the first flight. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > other specific games > [noun] > others 1759 M. Delany (1861) III. 575 How do you think we warmed and amused ourselves? Why I taught them French Fox. 1889 15 June 682/1 They had a resident harper at Delville, and gave children's balls..; and in cold weather they kept themselves warm with ‘French fox’ or ‘Puss in the corner’. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > prepared vegetables and dishes > [noun] > prepared potatoes > fried potatoes > chips 1856 E. Warren 88 French Fried Potatoes.—Cut new potatoes in thin slices, put them in boiling fat, and a little salt; fry both sides of a light golden brown colour; drain. 1894 ‘O. Henry’ (1916) 150 Our countries are great friends. We have given you Lafayette and French fried potatoes. 1956 ‘A. Gilbert’ ix. 130 An excellent steak..and what the Nell Gwynn called French fried potatoes and Crook called chips. 2000 B. Geddes 26 Steaks are served on wood tablas (flat boards) with chimichurri (a parsley, tomato and olive oil sauce), fresh bread and French fried potatoes. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > prepared vegetables and dishes > [noun] > prepared potatoes > fried potatoes > chips 1918 P. R. Campbell Let. 16 June in (1919) 68 She cooked our heart for us—also a huge portion of French-frieds, and supplied a big bowl of milk apiece. 1944 18 Mar. 12/2 Sirloin steak.., with French frieds and mushrooms. 1958 G. Greene v. iii. 213 Roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sausages and carrots and French fried. 2002 S. Offit in P. Brown iii. 195 Audrey had come in for a side order of French frieds and had seen the whole thing. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > prepared vegetables and dishes > [noun] > prepared potatoes > fried potatoes > chips 1902 23 Jan. 4/1 The menu consisted of sugared oranges,..hot rolls, nut cake, French fries. 1918 in F. A. Pottle (1930) 289 After looking around a while we found the Cafe Riche and had a fine steak with French fries. 1951 C. Armstrong (1952) ii. 10 Bring me two lamb chops, French fries, cup of coffee. 1970 26 Sept. 2/1 He walks along the planked boardwalk past the french fry, coke and ice cream stand. 2003 (National ed.) 8 June v. 14/6 A motherly counter staff serves up comfort-food favorites like curly French fries. 1831 19 Feb. One poor fellow got a musquet ball in his leg, in the act of taking a French furlough not long ago. 1836 C. G. F. Gore I. 241 'Tis a runaway hayduck of my father's..which would have been sent to the ranks to mend his moral, had he not took French furlough, and made off from Hungarn. 1863 20 Jan. A ‘lame’ soldier, who had been enjoying a ‘French furlough’ for several weeks. 1914 D. E. Johnston xvi. 184 Isaac Hare and Travis Burton of Company D took ‘French furlough’. 2000 S. Dallas v. 109 There are only two ways Harve can come back to Slatyfork just now—get hurt and come home a cripple or take a French furlough and get sent to the jail. the world > matter > colour > named colours > grey or greyness > grey pigment > [noun] > specific 1564 in W. Maitland (1753) iv. 317/1 That thay nor nane of thame..sall lit ony maner of Culor of Muster de Villois, French Gray, or Russatis,..bot the samyn to be littit with Mader, Alme, Glew, and sic trew Cullors as hes bene, and is usit amongis Men of Honestie, [etc.]. 1771 C. Powys (1899) 146 It's stucco'd of a French grey. 1862 (Arch. Publ. Soc.) French grey, a tint composed of white with ivory black, Indian red and Chinese blue. 1991 M. Williams iii. 55 Like other models in the catalogue, the paint finish was French grey with red wheels. 2004 R. Carter iv. 108 It is said that the colour French grey comes from the shade used on these ships [sc. French windjammers]. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > hem 1863 252 A Russia leather-colour silk, made with one flounce seven inches wide, edged with a French hem both at the top and bottom. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 215/2 French Hem. A description of Hem employed for the finishing of Flounces. 1995 (Nexis) 20 Dec. Pink or scallop the edges, do a French hem or turn the edges under with a no-sew, iron-on seam adhesive. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > wind instrument > brass instruments > [noun] > French horn 1682 7 Mar. (advt.) Any Gentleman may be furnished with Trumpets, French horns, Speaking Trumpets. 1715 T. Burnet xvii. 189 First, rode a Post-Boy, sounding with a French Horn a Fox Chase. 1800 14 Mar. 1/1 (advt.) Trio for two French Horns, and Viola da Gamba. 1963 J. N. Iannuzzi 10 The ‘yawl’ of a French horn, the tinkle of a piano. 2004 May 40/2 The French horn section of a large symphony orchestra. society > leisure > the arts > music > type of music > [noun] > style of composition society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > period, movement, or school of art > late 19th and 20th centuries > [noun] > impressionism 1884 3 May 4/8 A query as to what French impressionism is meets with as unsatisfactory a reply. 1908 Nov. 100/2 Besides the modern French impressionism, they have a Brahms-like solidity of structure and polyphony. 1982 123 703/1 Even a quasi-American ‘Tempo di Blues’ cannot shake off strong overtones of French impressionism. 1992 3 Aug. 52/1 The best French Impressionism is stashed away in museums. society > leisure > the arts > music > composing music > composer > [noun] > composer by type of music society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > period, movement, or school of art > late 19th and 20th centuries > [noun] > impressionism > artist 1876 18 Nov. 1306/1 In one respect we agree entirely with the modern French Impressionists; pictures are interesting according to the interest of the emotions they portray. 1907 48 177/1 If it had been taken as a subject by an advanced French impressionist, it would doubtless have been made symbolical, but Dr. Herbert Brewer..has written a logical part-song. 1990 Feb. 23/1 For at least two decades after Monet's seminal work, the British art establishment remained in almost complete ignorance of what the French Impressionists were trying to do. 2004 Mar. 29/1 With influences stemming from the Russian school of Mussorgsky and Scriabin, plus French impressionists Ravel and Debussy, he produced ‘tone pictures’ to entertain and delight. 1888 25 Nov. 5 (advt.) French Ivory Buttons, two dozen on a card, regular price 20c. a card. 2007 (Nexis) 23 July d6 French ivory pieces are ubiquitous; you can find these items in almost any shop, flea market or garage sale. the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > underwear > [noun] > underpants > for women (and children) 1925 12 Jan. 5 (advt.) A complete set of underwear patterns... French Knickers and Directoire Knickers. 1936 W. B. M. Ferguson iv. 26 She wore nothing but..the briefest of French knickers, and the sheerest of white silk hose. 2004 Dec. 123 A..French-style bustier..with diamanté straps, thong and French knickers. 1913 14 Dec. vi. 2/3 A girl friend of mine..makes considerable pin money by giving lessons in crocheting and French knitting. 1978 H. E. L. Andrew 107/1 Although ‘knitting dollies’ can be bought, French knitting used to be done on an empty wooden cotton reel (thread spool). 2002 27 Sept. (Write Away 2003 Suppl.) 3/1 We made raffia place-mats, miles of French knitting,..and achieved other wonders that have, sadly, soaked away out of my memory. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > embroidery or ornamental sewing > stitch > other 1623 19 A French Knot. 1876 20 Nov. The pattern appears to be worked in French knots, others in tambour stitch. 1964 ii. 29/1 French knot, decorative hand~stitch in which the thread is twisted around the needle and brought down through the fabric at almost the same spot to form a small dot. 2000 Aug. 70/2 Leaving open the top three ‘buttons’, join the two front pieces together with a row of French knots. the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > contraception or birth control > [noun] > a contraceptive > condom ?1844 Exquisite in P. Fryer 131 Gentlemen who live in London will be at no loss in easily obtaining these ‘French Letters’. c1856 Paul Pry in C. Pearl (1955) vi. 256 French letters..prevent the spread of venereal contagion in casual intercourse between the sexes, and in the marriage state, the increase of the family. 1960 B. Askwith 162 I daresay he would have liked to give me a baby—but he always used a French letter. 2005 L. Harris 101 Hell I didn't have these bloody thoughts when my mother found a bloody french-letter in my pocket. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > loaf > [noun] > other types of loaf the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > loaf > [noun] > stick c1350 in H. E. Salter (1921) II. 134 Þe ferþyng frensh lof shall weye as moche as þe symnel. 1463 in S. Tymms (1850) 16 Eche monk in the place to haue xijd..eche man a french loof and a quart wyn. 1673 120 A six-penny French loaf. 1747 H. Glasse ii. 36 Some little French Loaves, about the Bigness of an Egg. 1862 13 May 9/6 We..had doled out to us nothing but the taper ends of French loaves. 1966 T. Frisby iii. 47 In them are brandy, cigarettes,..a long French loaf,..and towel. 2004 Feb. 111/3 This is another style of hero sandwich, made with a long French loaf sliced sideways. society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > attendant or personal servant > [noun] > lady's maid > French 1606 T. Heywood sig. G2v The french maid taught me manners. 1751 T. Smollett III. lxxxviii. 115 My French maid, whom I had sent for some of my cloaths, was dogged in her return. 1848 W. M. Thackeray lv. 491 She went up stairs and dressed herself this time without the aid of her French maid. 1912 A. M. N. Lyons viii. 73 I'm only a little dis'eartened because the motor's broken down and my French maid forgot to air the curling-tongs. 2005 (Austral. ed.) 29 July 17/1 They are..whiling away the hours in ‘cosplay’ (costume play) cafes where they are served by young women dressed as anything from French maids to cartoon characters. 1981 20 Oct. ii. 3 (advt.) ‘Pamper yourself’ special... French Manicure..eyebrow arching [etc.]. 2006 A. Davies ii. 126 My mother examines the chitin of her bevel-perfect French manicure. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric made from specific material > made from wool > [noun] > made from specific types of wool > from wool of other animal 1809 T. Jefferson Let. 23 Nov. in (1999) 124 I would rather see some of the French Merinos introduced because theirs have been selected from all Spain. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 216/1 French Merino..is manufactured of very superior wool from the Merino sheep. 1996 (Nexis) 24 July 8 (caption) Sheep farmer Fergus Wood with a five-year-old French merino sheep on his farm at Kinlochaird. 2003 D. S. Landes (rev. ed.) v. 240 French ‘merinos’ proved an admittedly inimitable rival of Yorkshire worsteds. 1607 T. Middleton i. sig. A3 Ile hold her by the fore-top fast ynough; Or like the French Moale heaue vp hayre and all. 1811 T. F. Dibdin (ed. 2) v. 598 L'antiquité Expliquée.., with fine plates; large paper copy, 15 v. red (French) morocco. 1893 19 Oct. 8/4 (advt.) Also in Presentation Binding, French morocco, gilt edges, &c. 1923 H. A. Maddox 59 Pastegrain—..more correctly specified as pastegrain roan. Comprises the thin grain side of a split sheepskin, mechanically grained with a cracked or fissured pattern and stiffened slightly by pasting on the back... In the fancy trade P.G. roan is elaborately but erroneously described as French morocco. the world > food and drink > food > additive > spice > [noun] > mustard seed > ground or paste 1595 A. Copley iv. 129 At last return'd home again, he came that very same day twelue-moneth to his maister, and deliuer'd him the foresaid pot-full of Mustard, saying: Hold here (Maister) your messe of French Mustard. 1599 23 Sept. (Transcr. MS Reg. H) Fyue vnce dredgie and Frensche mustart. 1791 26 Dec. 1/3 (advt.) From France, Sweatmeats, wet and dry; French vinegars, French mustard, French soup strainers. 1851 i. 18 The accessories being salad, beetroot, vegetables, French and English mustard. 1956 C. Spry & R. Hume (1958) 19 Add 1½ tablespoons French mustard to 4 oz. softened butter, work together, and keep in a cool place. 2000 11 June 58/4 Add a good pinch of salt, ground pepper, a pinch of English mustard powder or a little French mustard, and a teensy bit of sugar. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > wood > wood in specific form > [noun] > piece split off > of oak collectively 1556 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (1886) II. 564 The backe..vnderneth the turned pilleres of the stalles to be frenche pannell. 1876 16 Apr. Leland's sleeping apartment is hung with gold wall paper with French panels in blue floss velvet. 1990 (Nexis) 9 Oct. d3 Architectural elements installed by Haines are also for sale. Among them are a set of early 19th century French panels of hand-painted wallpaper. 2000 J. Whitcomb & C. Whitcomb (2002) xvii. 147 The old, intricately patterned wallpapers were replaced by ‘French panels’, gilt frames forming a series of rectangles that were papered inside to contrast with painted walls. 1987 Spec. No. Apr. 21 The French paradox lies in the contrast between a food rich in saturated fatty acids and a moderate coronary mortality rate, fairly similar to that observed in Mediterranean countries where the dietary fat intake is much smaller than in France. 1990 27 May (This World Mag.) 10/2 The French paradox raises another question. If something in the French diet is protecting French hearts, why isn't France swarming with researchers trying to find out what's going on? 2006 M. Pollan Introd. 3 We show our surprise at this by speaking of something called the ‘French paradox’, for how could a people who eat such demonstrably toxic substances as foie gras and triple crème cheese actually be slimmer and healthier than we are? society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > glass and glass-like materials > [noun] > glass > lead glass 1754 July 558/2 But who would exchange the brilliancy of the diamond for the faint lustre of French paste? 1884 15 Nov. 731/2 ‘French paste’ which imitates the diamond so well, is a kind of glass into which a certain quantity of oxide of lead is introduced. 1998 (Nexis) 22 Mar. Whether you're after a French paste ‘diamond’ brooch set in platinum, or a cameo carved by Wedgwood, it's an adventure. 2007 R. W. Watson I. 428 George Washington's knee buckles, being French paste and silver, 1¾″ x 1″, late 18th century. 1733 24 If you use Naples Yellow or French Pink instead of Masticoat and Gamboge, you will have another sort of Yellow. 1837 H. F. S. Lee 39 The odious crimson curtains were exchanged for French pink. 1859–60 (Archit. Publ. Soc.) French pink, a pigment made of Troyes (i.e. Spanish) white with Avignon or French berries. 1939 Churchman in (1940) 874/1 The text of this attractive alphabet book with pictures in French pink and blue is easy for the beginner to read. 2004 N. Eastaugh et al. 161/1 French Pink.., a yellow lake colour. It is called French as this refers to the berries used in its manufacture, these coming from certain species of Rhamnus..which were grown in France. 1859 Aug. 282 The propriety of establishing a uniform diapason throughout England, with or without the adoption of the French ‘pitch’, was discussed. 1894 35 404/2 The E flat lurs are at French pitch. 1955 A. Mendel tr. J. F. Agricola in 41 469/2 In Rome the pitch is very low, almost like the former French pitch. 2006 M. W. Jackson vii. 215 He personally launched a crusade against the French pitch, arguing that it was still too high for vocalists, causing harm to their voices. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > tresses or plaits 1871 22 Dec. Her hair was arranged in the latest style of French plaits. 1987 (Nexis) 1 July The French plait has replaced the free-swinging pony tail. 1989 14 Apr. 28/1 A French plait isn't as complicated as it looks. 1999 (Electronic ed.) 18 Sept. Just because we had to get the 14-year-old to the airport, the six-year-old decided this was the day she needed to try wearing her hair in a French plait to school. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > covers or hangings > [noun] > hangings > curtain > type of pleat the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > tresses or plaits 1902 30 Sept. 8/7 (advt.) Taffeta silk skirt, pleated in the latest French pleats.] 1935 I. B. Wingate xviii. 469 A Flemish or a French pleat is a box pleat with three loops caught together about 3 inches from the top and hung by a hook or ring. 1964 xvi. 284/1 French pleats. Divide fullness of pleat fold into three equal, smaller folds. At the bottom of the heading, sew by hand through the three pleats on the right side of the fabric. Pull thread up tight and fasten securely. Top edge of heading is not pressed into pleats. 1964 G. Lyall ix. 64 She had..silky fair hair pulled back and coiled in a French pleat. 1966 P. Carlon viii. 69 Long hair could be worn in a French pleat, a chignon, at times. 2002 S. Perera 3 Her long black hair was braided in an elegant French pleat. 2006 B. D. Coleman 165/2 Pinch pleats, (aka French pleat) A drapery heading where the basic pleat is on the right side of the fabric and is divided into three smaller, equal folds sewn together at the bottom edge. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > consisting of loops or looped stitches > lace > needle or point > types of 1675 iv. i. 59 Take my best French Point, tomorrow, for thy witty French Wheedle. 1719 R. Steele 5 A French Point or Flanders lac'd Head, Ruffles and Tucker. 1841 3 Apr. 6/2 French point net gloves and mitts, which are embroidered in the most exquisite manner. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 216/2 French Point. A name by which Alençon lace is sometimes called. 1999 11 Apr. 11 The detachable tulle cathedral length train was..accented at the hem with French point d'alencon lace cut-out trim. the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > venereal disease > [noun] > syphilis 1503Frenche pox [see sense A. 4]. 1608 E. Topsell 34 Oyntments that are prepared against the French or Spanish-pox. 1740 207 If any Servant..happen to have the French-pox. 1855 B. L. Hill & J. G. Hunt 410 Syphilis. Lues venerea, ‘the pox’, the French pox, morbus Gallicus, &c., were among the older names. 1901 26 Oct. 1158/2 There was a terrible epidemic of ‘grandgore’, or French pox, and it was stamped out by deporting all the sick to the island of Inchkeith. 2004 22 533/1 Initially it was called the ‘disease of Naples’, or ‘Napolitan disease’, but rapidly became the ‘French pox’ or ‘Morbus Gallicus’. the world > food and drink > drink > preparation of drinks > [noun] > preparation of coffee > utensils society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > exercise > [noun] > physical culture or body-building > specific pose 1956 June 30/3 Exercise #4... French press with dumb-bell using 115 lbs for five reps and the usual eight sets. 1976 21 Nov. (Entertaining at Home Suppl.) 2/1 (advt.) French press coffeemaker is a unique French adaptation of the British method of brewing tea. 1996 (Nexis) 20 Sept. 4 ‘It's designed to act as a satellite point of distribution..with a full line of drinks..but limited merchandise’ such as latte mugs, French presses and espresso machines. 2005 (Nexis) 1 Nov. 152 My favorite triceps exercise is the French press (a.k.a. triceps extensions). the world > matter > colour > named colours > purple or purpleness > purple dye or pigment > [noun] 1830 S. F. Gray & A. L. Porter II. 750 When this colour [sc. Prussian steam blue]..is printed on unprepared cloth, and dyed in madder, it becomes a bright purple, called by the English printers French purple. 1873 R. Hunt (ed. 4) 196/1 French purple, a beautiful dye prepared from lichens. 1998 (Nexis) 1 May They have been dyed to match Lalla's new colour range—French purple, pale pink and avocado. 2004 N. Eastaugh et al. 161/2 French Purple.., Red-Purple. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > preparations for the skin or complexion > paints or colours > reddening the world > matter > colour > named colours > red or redness > red colouring matter > [noun] > other red pigments a1680 Ld. Rochester in (1697) 165 Nicely chuse, and neatly spread, Upon your Cheeks the best French Red. 1747 W. King ii. 48 One was censur'd for combing her Eye-brows with Lead, And another for spreading a Grain of French Red. 1844 R. D. Hoblyn (ed. 2) French red or rouge, genuine carmine. 1900 Nov. 464/1 An Angora..directly imported from France, and..of that very rare color, a genuine French red. 2007 (Nexis) 10 July Which is your favourite shade of Givenchy Rouge Interdit? I adore No 17 Rouge Cancan - a true French red. 1942 13 Sept. 4/5 This symbolical act places him morally at the head of the French resistance in France. 1944 2 Nov. 5/5 The men of the French Resistance will never forget that Group Captain Pickard..gave up his life to rescue some of their fellow-fighters. 1974 J. Thomson ii. 23 A suspected French Resistance worker. 2001 19 Feb. 12/2 During World War II, [Josephine] Baker served in the Red Cross and spied for the French Resistance. society > authority > lack of subjection > rebelliousness > revolution > [noun] > specific revolutions 1789 E. Gibbon Let. to Ld. Sheffield Aug. in (1837) 127 Are you not amazed at the French revolution? ?c1795 (new ed.) To Public sig. Av As to Monsieur Jurieu's predictions, relative to the French Revolution, they point out so clearly part of what has already come to pass, in France, [etc.].] 1819 J. Keats 18 Sept. (1958) II. 194 I mean that the french Revolution put a temporry [sic] stop to this third change, the change for the better. 1907 G. B. Shaw p. xxxii The French revolution would have been a revolution against England and English rule instead of against aristocracy and ecclesiasticism. 2002 11 Jan. 25/3 This absurdly overstuffed French Revolution bodice-ripper proves Hilary Swank to be less chameleonic with accents than she was at crossing the gender divide. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > roof > [noun] > types of roof generally 1669 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (1886) II. 557 The roofe..shalbe a sufficient strong French roofe to be made after the best manner hipt of[f]. 1788 J. St. John I. xii. 86 The effect of the urns and balusters is lost on account of a large lumpish French roof. 1883 W. D. Howells (new ed.) II. xvii. 118 The row of French-roof cottages. 1992 (Nexis) 19 Feb. (Special Suppl.) 2 The striking architecture of Sydney Town Hall, with its Wren-like frontispiece and French roofs. 2004 M. E. Hayward & F. R. Shivers vi. 189 In 1873 he designed the German Orphan Asylum, at Aisquith and Orleans Street, a three-story building with French roof. ?1745 1/3 Powders, Creams, and Washes for the Skin. Carmine French Rouge. 1813 S. Rowson xxi. 123 Even Mrs. O 'Donnel's face wore a higher tint, than it had received from some of the best French rouge. 1922 29 Sept. 3/3 She drew out her lipstick and began to apply a little French rouge to her already bow-shaped lips. 2007 (Nexis) 26 June 30 Carefully taking the crown apart and cleaning each piece individually using..French rouge to bring out the colour in the ornate 24-carat gold from which it is made. the world > health and disease > healing > veterinary medicine and surgery > [noun] > veterinary equipment > rowel or seton 1639 T. de Gray ii. xviii. 336 If the bone be not out, then put in a French Rowell a little beneath the stifling-place. 1655 37 You shall cause to be made of Iron a Neck of a spur, an handfull or more long, having at the one end set a sharp Rowel as big as a great French Rowel. 1703 No. 3928/4 A bay Nag..all his Paces, and had lately a French Rowel in the inside of the near Leg behind above the Hock. 1868 11 Apr. 330/2 Various means are promised..for the prevention of conception, and..French safes and all the other inventions for the purpose..offered for sale. 1921 180 638/2 She understood his object to be sexual intercourse,..and she said she was afraid of the consequences, and he then promised to get her a French safe. 2003 R. Van Camp in K. Akiwenzie-Damm 191 Did I ever tell you my theory about how condoms got the nick names ‘French safes’? the world > food and drink > food > additive > salt > [noun] > types of salt 1617 F. Moryson iii. ii. iv. 92 They take plenty of sea-fishes, which they Salt, and..grow rich by selling these commodities, as likewise Spanish and French Salt, and like trafficke. 1709 No. 4509/3 Her Cargo of about 1000 Bushels of French Salt, more or less. 1852 20 Dec. 5/3 The sole modification relates to French salt. 1992 A. Bell tr. M. Toussaint-Samat x. 322 French salt was also imported to England at this period and known as ‘Bay salt’, after the salt produced in the Bay of Bourgneuf, and it was widely used for curing fish. 2005 L. Carucci i. 44/1 You'll find sea salts ranging in color from gray-tinged French salt to a vibrant red variety from Hawaii. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > seam > specific 1882 12 Mar. 8/6 (advt.) Corset covers. 50 dozen, perfect shapes, French seams, neatly trimmed at 47 cents. 1968 J. Ironside 99 French seam, a seam made by sewing the two fabrics together on the right side; then turning and sewing on the wrong side, enclosing the raw edges. 2007 (Nexis) 13 Sept. e3 Even the T-shirts are distinctive, with a sexy but delicate French seam drizzled down the back. society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > small-arm > [noun] > rifle > types of 1914 30 Sept. 235/1 The French 75, for instance, would have been powerless against such forts as Liège and Namur. 1930 H. Craddock i. 73/2 (margin) The French '75' Cocktail... Gin 1/3 Lemon Juice..1 Spoonful Powdered Sugar. Pour into tall glass containing cracked Ice and fill up with Champagne. Hits with remarkable precision. 1988 D. E. Showalter in R. Haycock & K. Neilson 144 It was a legitimate quickfirer, whose shield, trail spade, and recoil carriage put it in a category with the French seventy-five. 2004 S.-K. Lynch 152 Would you like to wait in the bar? My colleague Michael is in there all on his own and he makes a mean French 75. society > communication > book > manufacture or production of books > book-binding > [noun] > sewing, fastening of leaves 1923 H. A. Maddox 31 French sewing, a method of sewing small books and pamphlet work without tapes, the cover usually being drawn on. 1963 W. C. Kenneison & A. J. B. Spilman 75 French sewing, in binding, the method of machine-sewing without tapes, or in hand-sewing, the method of sewing a book without the use of a sewing frame, the sections of the book being sewn at the edge of the bench. 2005 R. Prytherch (ed. 10) 294 French sewing. (Binding) Sewing without tapes. society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > ropes or chains other than rigging or cable > [noun] > knot used by sailors > specific the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > binding or tying > a bond, tie, or fastening > [noun] > knot > any knot used by sailors > other specific sailors' knots 1808 D. Lever 6 To make a French Shroud Knot, Fig. 37. Place the Ends of two Ropes as before Fig. 36, drawing them close. Lay the Ends (1. 2. 3.) back upon their own Part (b), single-wall the Ends (4. 5. 6.) round the Bights of the other three, and the standing part (b), and it will appear like Fig. 37. 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher French shroud-knot, the shroud-knot with three strands single walled round the bights of the other three and the standing part. 1988 S. Themerson i. ii. 35 To be singled out by somebody who could do and undo 58 knots, from the figure-of-eight knot to the French shroud knot, was indeed an honour. the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of internal organs > venereal disease > [adjective] > syphilis > infected with 1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. in R. Allott 380 Who beare vpon their French-sicke backs [Fr. leur corps de verole rongez]..Farmes, Castles, Fees. 1772 T. Nugent tr. J. F. de Isla II. 182 Which have made our..idiom so very French-sick..that [etc.]. 2002 (Nexis) 3 Jan. b2 As far back as the early 16th century, French pox and the French disease were synonyms for genital herpes, and French-sick was another term for syphilis. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > chord > [noun] > other chords 1813 J. M. Good et al. at Music vi When to the simple combination of the Italian sixth the root itself is annexed, a chord of third, fourth, and sixth is formed; and, as this harmony is only found in the theory of Rameau, it may be properly termed the French sixth. 1999 (Nexis) 1 Jan. 185 The clusters of whole tones, augmented fourths, and French sixths that inveigh against lethargy in the late sonatas and create suspense. 2005 M. Christiansen 135 The French Sixth contains the same notes as the German Sixth. However, the fifth of the chord is lowered ½ step. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > loaf > [noun] > stick 1955 3 Feb. 28/4 (advt.) New! Different! Delicious! Renz's brown 'n serve French sticks. Two handy size loaves of French bread topped with sesame seeds. 1980 20 Jan. (Colour Suppl.) 57/3 French stick, long thin loaf with thick golden crust. 2006 S. P. Cauvain & L. S. Young iii. 49 The recipe given above is for products more commonly referred to as baguettes or French sticks in the UK. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > sewn or ornamented textile fabric > [noun] > sewing or work sewn > stitch > tack 1904 Aug. 33/1 All the sewing on the shields should be French tacks, which are made by taking three stitches, allowing them to be loose enough to 'give' a quarter of an inch, then work with a buttonhole stitch as you would a silk eyelet. 1964 ii. 29/1 French tack, a thread bar fastening used to hold two pieces of a garment together loosely. Used to attach lining to coat at hemline. 2006 July 24/1 Swing tack... Also called a ‘French tack’... Take a small stitch in the garment then one in the lining, leaving about 1 inch of thread between the two layers. Starting on one end, slip the needle under the swinging threads. Pass the needle through the thread loop to form a knot. the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > contraception > [noun] > devices or methods 1905 33 866/2 French ticklers, ingenious devices invented to increase (or decrease) the pleasure of sexual union. 1960 in L. Rainwater & K. K. Weinstein vi. 99 He brought home a French tickler once and it about drove me crazy. 2004 (Nexis) 27 Jan. 2 Shelves of edible undies, French ticklers, scores of silicon products. 1985 6 Aug. b5 (advt.) Summer special. French tips $15.00. 1990 (Nexis) 28 Oct. 8 The reader is lured by promises of ‘linen tips’,..‘French tips’, ‘air brush art’ and ‘acrylic tips’. 2004 28 Aug. (Life section) 1 Jessica got a full set of French tips and overlay applied by nail technician, Jagdeep. the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > toast > [noun] 1660 R. May vi. 162 French Toasts. Cut French Bread, and toast it in pretty thick toasts on a clean gridiron, and serve them steeped in claret, sack, or any wine, with sugar and juyce of orange. 1769 J. Skeat at May French Toast. 1844 Aug. 192/2 From a French gentleman, of this city, we obtained the following recipe:—Take a loaf of light baker's bread..mix three eggs..Soak the bread in this custard..fry it until it is brown... The children, who are very fond of it, have dignified it with the name of French toast. 1924 20 Mar. 9/5 A piece of bread and butter toasted on the dry side is said to be French toast. 2005 (U.K. ed.) June 88 The French toast is dipped in sugary egg batter and lightly fried. the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [noun] > dye > types of dyes 1846 E. A. Parnell iii. i. 267 The logwood and the tin solution are mixed in certain proportions... This mixed solution is termed a plumb tub, and by some a French tub, being first introduced by the French for the dyeing of silk. 1873 (ed. 4) 196/2 French tub, a mixture used by dyers, of the protochloride of tin and logwood. 1917 16 June 12/3 At 69c a yard—30 inch white French tub corduroy, with a velvety finish. society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > [noun] > tuning of strings > types of string tuning 1676 T. Mace 83 This is called, (Erroniously) the Flat-French-Tuning; but might more properly go under the Name of Sharp. 1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett 171/1 Flat tuning, one of the varieties of tuning on the lute; called also French tuning or French flat tuning. 1995 48 40 It is possible that this French tuning was just becoming fashionable on the usual bass violin by using an overspun fourth string. 2006 G. Sanz et al. ii. 4 French Tuning. The tuning that became most popular in France called for one bourdon only on the fourth course, while both strings of the fifth (re-entrant) course were in unison at the upper octave. 1848 25 Apr. 3/3 (advt.) Paramattas, French twills, Coburg cloths, Orleans black silks, millinery, and mantles. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward 216/2 French Twill. Although called French this is an English-made dress material—a variety of French Merino. 1999 (Nexis) 26 Jan. 28 There are velours, French twills, embossed satins, plain satins, rich wool crepes and exotic lace and georgette combinations. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > tresses or plaits 1850 17 Oct. 2/3 Nearly all wore their hair twisted or braided very low behind. I saw very few French twists. 1962 J. Fleming viii. 102 She..did her hair up into a French twist at the back. 2006 Mar. 113 Try a French twist in long hair; for shorter, just clip all over. 1882 3 Aug. (advt.) In bond and store: 150 cases French Vermouth. 1930 H. Craddock i. 37 Bronx cocktail. The Juice of ¼ Orange, ¼ French Vermouth, ¼ Italian Vermouth, ½ Dry Gin. 2007 (Nexis) 3 July 21 Extra dry French vermouth is a fortified wine bursting with flavour. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the skin or complexion > [noun] > preparations for the skin or complexion > powders 1778 (new ed.) 390 Take one pound of bitter-almonds, blanch and beat them very fine in a mortar; put in the whites of four eggs, one ounce of French white of Trois. 1844 R. D. Hoblyn (ed. 2) French white, the common designation of finely pulverized talc. 1933 H. Bennett I. 11/2 Sealing Wax.., Vermillion 1¼, French White 4 ,Turpentine 1. 2004 N. Eastaugh et al. 161/2 French White.., Field (1835) considers this to be a high quality lead white, the name synonymous with blanc d'argent and silver white. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > window or door > types of window > [noun] > French window 1780 J. Hope 81 You will there see some of those lanthorn-houses I have before mentioned, and by them you may judge, if my remarks on French windows are agreeable to reason. 1848 W. M. Thackeray (1850) I. vi. 61 The Doctor stept out of the French windows of the dining-room into the lawn. 1987 D. Simpson (1988) ii. 12 The room was saved from coldness by..the lavish arrangement of summer flowers in a glossy pink bowl on a table near the open french windows. 2005 Aug. 47/3 Ground-floor accommodation comprises a lounge with French windows to the rear garden, dining room, sitting room, [etc.]. c. In the names of animals. 1914 C. H. Townsend in 118 Other rare species [include]..the French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru). 1942 June 730/2 As he turned his broad yellow-marked back side, I speared him. It was a French angelfish. 1999 Dec. 32/2 As we cruised over the reef,..large parrotfish and French angelfish swam in and out of the pristine coral. the world > animals > mammals > group Unguiculata or clawed mammal > family Canidae > other types of dog > [noun] > bulldog 1893 29 Nov. The ‘Baroness’ Blane..always had with her a charming French bulldog of white, plentifully besprinkled with brindle spots. 1922 R. Leighton xx. 308 It was from the English variety of pygmy Bulldogs that the now fashionable French Bulldog was evolved. 2001 J. Wolcott xxxi. 195 I've been thinking about getting a French bulldog. the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Coleoptera or beetles and weevils > [noun] > Polyphaga (omnivorous) > superfamily Diversicornia > family Cantharidae > genus Cantharides > member of 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny I. 330 The Cantharides or French greene Flies.] a1641 J. Webster & T. Heywood (1654) iii. 28 Your French flye applied to the nape of the neck for the French Rheume. 1736 i. i. 15 Take French Flies..and a few Drops of Vinegar. 1854 W. Carleton 119 The use especially of cantharides, or French flies, in the hands of the ignorant, has often been said to induce madness. 1898 47 1306 French grunt... One of the most strongly marked species. 1935 L. S. Caine 82 The French grunt is one of the most beautiful, as well as the smallest, of the grunts. 1997 G. S. Helfman et al. xxi. 367/1 As French grunts (Haemulidae) settle from the plankton and take up residence on a coral reef, they develop at least four distinctive color phases associated with changes in habitat and behavior. the world > animals > fish > superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) > order Perciformes (perches) > order Scorpaeniformes (scorpion-fish) > [noun] > family Triglidae (gurnards) > genus Trigla > trigla lineata (French gurnard) 1836 W. Yarrell I. 46 The Streaked Gurnard, French Gurnard, and Rock Gurnard. Trigla lineata. the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > [noun] > member of genus Alectoris > alectoris rufa (red-legged partridge) 1611 R. Cotgrave Perdrix gaille,..the great browne-bodied, and red-legd Partridge, the French Partridge. 1819 June 445 The French partridge has a variegated, gay, lively appearance. 1894 A. Newton et al. 695 The common Red-legged Partridge of Europe, generally called the French Partridge,..was introduced into England toward the end of the eighteenth century. 1987 Mar. 33/3 Those breeding redlegs for release will be required to return to the pure French Partridge. the world > animals > fish > subclass Elasmobranchii > order Hypotremata > [noun] > family Rajidae > raia fullonica 1776 T. Pennant (ed. 4, octavo) III. iv. 87 I met with this species at Scarborough, where it is called the French Ray. the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > subclass Actinopterygii > order Clupeiformes > [noun] > family Clupeidae and herrings > clupea pilchardus (pilchard) 1847 18 Aug. Potatoe pestles and French sardines, Crackers, cheese, and chocolate. 1992 (Nexis) 27 Dec. 3 In the few open shops on the prosperous (if not prospering) side you can buy fresh copies of the Wall Street Journal and French sardines in extra-virgin olive oil at pounds 6.90 a tin. the world > animals > fish > superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) > order Perciformes (perches) > order Pleuronectiformes (flat-fish) > [noun] > family Soleidae (soles) > member of genus Solea > solea pegusa (French sole) 1836 W. Yarrell II. 260 This fish is known to some of our fishermen by the name of French Sole; others call it by that of Lemon Sole, in reference to its prevailing yellowish colour. 1862 XIV. 773/2 The lemon or French sole..is smaller, yellowish brown above spotted with darker brown. 1879 W. Rossiter French sole, Solea pegusa. 1951 (1956) 534/2 This fish [sc. lemon sole]..is also known as French sole. 1990 (Nexis) 6 Mar. fd 13 Turbot—also known as French sole, is the least expensive sole available. It is very watery, lacking flavor, texture and firmness. d. In the names of plants and fruits. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > unidentified or variously identified plants > [noun] 1736 ii. iii. 304 Several annual Flowers, as the..French Marygold, French Apple, Convolvulus..and others. the world > food and drink > food > corn, cereals, or grain > [noun] > prepared grains the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > cereal, corn, or grain > [noun] > barley > types of barley or barley-plant 1596 P. Lowe xv. sig. Dv The patient must be nourished with things licquid, and of good iuice, and light digestion, like as..consumats made of extremities of Calfes, or of Fowles, French barley, [etc.]. 1661 Burneby That sort of barley commonly called..French barley. 1754 J. Hill 25 French Barley is skinned, and has the Ends ground off. 1771 (Royal Soc.) 60 451 He followed the trade of a miller, and maker of French barley. 1855 G. Emerson (new ed.) 144/2 Pot barley, pearl barley, and French barley, are only barley freed from the husk by a mill. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plants used in dyeing > fruit, seed, or flower used in dyeing > [noun] > Avignon Berry 1686 R. Blome vi. 217/2 There are also Colours which proceed from Berries, as Bay-Berries, French-Berries, &c. that make a good yellow. 1776 W. Withering I. v. 133 Buckthorn... The juice of the unripe berries is the colour of saffron... These are sold under the name of French Berries. 1818 17 Sept. 3/2 An infusion of some of the vegetable yellows, as turmeric, fustic, French berries, or such other substance..might be employed. 1922 J. J. Sudborough (new ed.) xiv. 318 Xantho-rhamnin (yellow needles, present in French berries, Rhamnus tinctoria). 2004 N. Eastaugh et al. 161/1 Various species of Rhamnus produce a dyestuff, generally extracted from the unripe berries; these latter are known as yellow berries, buckthorn, French berries or Avignon berries. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > shrubs > broom and allies > [noun] 1548 W. Turner sig. G.iiijv Spartium or spartum..is a bushe called of some gardiners frenche brome. 1597 J. Gerard iii. xiii. 1303 Smal yellow floures like them of French Broome. 1957 74 132 Near buildings towhees have been seen to forage under French broom (Cytisus monspessulanus). 2005 11 Aug. a1/2 French broom, a non-native plant..poses serious fire danger on the mountain. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > primrose and allied flowers > allied flowers 1597 J. Gerard ii. 663 Pulmonaria Gallorum. French Cowslips of Ierusalem. 1629 J. Parkinson (1656) 240 They [sc. Primula Auricula] are called by divers women French cowslips. 1719 tr. J. Pitton de Tournefort I. 126/2 Auricula Ursi, Bear's-Ear;..French Cowslip. 1881 P. Henderson 179/2 The Auricula, Primula auricula, is a native of the Alps of Switzerland,..whence it was called, when first introduced in 1596, the Mountain or French Cowslip. 1923 L. B. Wilder iv. 66 Not only did florists seize upon the Auricula... Ordinary folk who loved their gardens took them to their hearts... Quaint names were bestowed on them—Bear's-ears, Tanner's-apron, Mountain or French Cowslip. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > thorn-tree or -bush > [noun] > gorse or furze 1602 R. Carew i. f. 21 Great store of furze, of which the shrubby sort is called tame, the better growne, French.] 1659 A. Speed i. 9 French furze..will grow very spacious and to great flockt bodies in few years. 1750 P. Collinson Let. 22 Feb. in J. Bartram (1992) 307 Our Common Furze..is vulgarly Called French Furze. 1855 G. Emerson (new ed.) 513/2 In Devonshire the common furze, and in some other parts the dwarf furze, are frequently called French furze. 1916 A. H. Sanford 86 Jefferson..sent to Mount Vernon..some French furze and saintfoin. 1997 J. Thirsk (2000) 279 English writers emphasized the value of French furze as fuel, but it was fed to cattle in France and deemed very wholesome. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular fodder plants > [noun] > sainfoin 1652 W. Blith xxvii. 186 St. Foyne is a French Grass much sowed there, upon their barren, dry, hasky Lands. a1722 E. Lisle (1757) 277 I could have no prospect of mowing a good swarth in the French-grass. 1947 D. H. Robinson (ed. 2) vi. 74 Sainfoin, also known as Esparcette and French grass, is a perennial plant with a strong, well-developed root system. 2001 44 337 This ‘French grass’ was presumably sainfoin, a superior source of fodder for horses first introduced into England from France earlier in the seventeenth century. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > shrubs > heather or heath and similar plants > [noun] 1871 9 52 The beautiful Erica hibernica..locally known as French Heath, is found..to make capital brooms. 1883 J. Cameron 44 Erica tetralix—Cross-leaved heath. Gaelic: fraoch frangach, French heath. 1995 Feb. 5 I start with the tall one, E. erigena, which used to be called..E. hibernica... I can reveal that its real name is French Heath. 1629 J. Parkinson lxxix. 340 The red Sattin flower, although some foolishly call it, the red or French Honysuckle. 1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau xxv. 369 French Honeysuckle, which is distinguished..by its jointed, prickly, naked, straight legumes. 1838 D. Low (ed. 2) 416 Allied to sainfoin, is French Honeysuckle, Hedysarum coronarium. This is a perennial plant; but when cultivated in this country, it becomes biennial. 1996 119 French Honeysuckle. This is a very fine plant with glaucous foliage and dense spikes of fragrant, deep red flowers. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > fragrant plants or plants used in perfumery > [noun] > trees or shrubs > lavender plants 1562 W. Turner 148 About London it is called Frenche lauander. 1678 A. Littleton i. sig. Ev Cassidony, vulg. cast me down, or French lavender, Stæchas. 1714 (Royal Soc.) 28 43 Cassidony or French Lavander... This famous Medicinal Plant grows in many Parts of Spain, Portugal and France. 1935 25 Apr. 9/5 Messrs. Maxwell and Beale had French lavender, Lavandula Stoechas, which, with its curious terminal purple bracts, seemed new to many people. 2005 Aug. 67/2 Scattered among French lavender..drifts of Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ will mark the coming of summer. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular vegetables > [noun] > onion, leek, or garlic > leek 1548 W. Turner sig. Fv The one is called..in englishe a frenche Leke. 1597 J. Gerard i. xcvi. 176 The Vine Leeke or French Leeke growth vp with blades like those of Leekes. 1730 tr. J. Pitton de Tournefort II. 349/2 Porrum sylvestre... Wild French Leek, or Vine Leek. 1856 3 99 Take a salmon..and boil it in water, with parsley, French leeks, some flour, and butter. 1909 C. N. Churchill (1980) vii. 73 The French leek, one of the onion family cooked as greens. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Compositae (composite plants) > [noun] > hawkweed or bastard hawkweed 1597 J. Gerard Table Eng. Names French Lungwoort. 1684 R. Sibbald ii. i. 30 French Lungwort with smoother and more cut leaves. 1777 J. Lightfoot I. 437 [Hieracium murorum] Wall Hawkweed, French Lungwort. Anglis. 1900 A. B. Lyons 192 Wall Hawkweed, French Lungwort, Golden Lungwort. 1984 L. C. Martin 239/1 Orange hawkweed came to America from France by way of England. It was taken from France to England and was known as French lungwort because of its supposed powers for healing respiratory ailments. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > mallow flowers > hollyhock a1500 in T. Hunt (1989) 18 French malue. 1548 W. Turner sig. E.iij It is called in englishe french Mallowe. 1620 T. Venner vii. 144 The curled Mallow, called of the vulgar sort, French Mallowes. 1773 W. Hanbury II. 205/2 French Mallow. This species has a trailing, branching stalk. 1840 J. W. Loudon 92 (heading) Malva crispa, Lin. the curled, or French Mallow. 1997 C. Stace (ed. 2) 212 M. nicaeensis..—French Mallow. Annual or biennial..; similar to M. sylvestris. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Euphorbiaceae (spurges and allies) > [noun] > annual mercury 1597 J. Gerard ii. 262 It [sc. Mercurialis] is called..in English French Mercurie. 1667 N. Fairfax Let. 5 Dec. in H. Oldenburg (1967) IV. 12 Every hedg almost abounds wth female or French Mercury. 1724 J. J. Dillenius (ed. 3) 139 Mercurialis annua glabra vulgaris... French mercury the male and female. On the Sea Beach near Ryde in the Isle of Wight plentifully. 1967 2/1 Weeds which..frequently occur among beet and carrots,..such as common chickweed,..French mercury [etc.]. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > edible nuts or nut-trees > [noun] > walnut ?a1200 (?OE) (1896) 35 Do þanne ele to, þe beo of frencissen hnutu, and drince þæt. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. cviii. 998 Þe more notes þat ben frenssh notes, and of [þe] lasse þat ben auelanes. 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens vi. lvi. 731 The fruit is called..in Englishe Walnuttes..and of some Frenche Nuttes. 1662 R. Mathews (new ed.) 137 A Woman far gone in a Scurvie,..ful of spots and knubs as big as French Nuts about her body. 1731 N. Salmon II. 623 Walnuts are in the Welsh Language called French Nuts. 1825 J. Jennings p. xx The common kinds of walnuts are called French-nuts. 1851 iii. 68 It is most probable that we derive the walnut from France, as in Devonshire they are called French nuts. 1986 J. Downes 60/1 French Nuts, walnuts. the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > berry-bush or -tree > [noun] > holly bush > types of the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > non-British trees or shrubs > [noun] > catalpa 1597 J. Gerard iii. 1161 This Oke [sc. Ilex] is named..in English Barren scarlet Oke, or Holme Oke, and also of some French Oke. 1660 tr. R. Arnauld d'Andilly iii. 53/2 The Holm Oak, or French Oak, which never casts its leaves, but is alwayes green. 1789 P. Browne (new ed.) 264 French Oak... This beautiful tree..grows to a considerable size, and is generally looked upon as an excellent timber-tree. 1836 J. C. Loudon (rev. ed.) 26 Catalpa longissima is..known in the West Indies by the name of French oak. 1941 C. Swabey 33 Yokewood—(French Oak, Mast Wood, Jamaica Oak)... Grows in the dry coastal plains. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Liliaceae family or plants > [noun] > squill or sea-onion 1548 W. Turner sig. G.i Scilla is named..in english a sea Onion, and in some places, a french Onyon. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > composite flowers > corn-flower 1854 15 Feb. 1/1 French pinks, (denominated by some, bachelors buttons). 1881 13 207 French Pink... The Armeria Maritima, Thrift, Sea-pink, or Sea-gilliflower, which grows in the cliffs by the sea-shore, and forms a very pretty border. 1896 S. O. Jewett xv. 132 There was little trace of her flower-garden except a single faded sprig of much-enduring French pinks. 2002 (Nexis) 25 Apr. e6 Edible flowers... She recommends French pinks, extremely fragrant with a delicate, fresh flavor of broccoli. the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > fruit or a fruit > apple > [noun] > eating-apple > types of the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > apple > eating-apple > types of 1629 J. Parkinson iii. xix. 587 The French pippin is also a good fruit and yellow. 1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 58 in Golden-pepin, French-pepin, Kirton-pepin. 1744 W. Ellis Feb. 139 The green French Pippin, green at the Ripest; which is a Winter-Apple, and answers all the Character that may be given a good bearing, large, keeping, pleasant Apple. 1857 E. J. Hooper 88 The author considers it very like the Newark, or French Pippin, except the flesh is not so high a yellow, nor the flavor so rich. 1905 S. A. Beach et al. I. 134 The name French Pippin has been applied to several varieties of the Fall Pippin group. 1974 3 Oct. 4/6 At Harwood Hill there are smooth green French Pippins, and some other smaller pippins. the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > fruit or a fruit > dried fruit > [noun] > prune the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > stone fruit > plum > other types of 1788 D. Monro III. 319 Prunum Gallicum... French plum, or common prune. 1838 J. C. Loudon II. 689 The prune d'Ast..is chiefly used for preparing what are called in England, French plums. 1939 17 Mar. 21/2 Stuffed prunes. Soak as many French plums as you want, taking out the stones. 2006 (Nexis) 19 Apr. 3 e A lot of vineyards were torn out and people planted prune trees, French plums. 1829 G. Spratt I. 122 Four ounces of French rhubarb yielded to him 1644 grains of extract; and the same quantity of foreign rhubarb, 1500 grains. 1842 21 Oct. 119 The fresh roots of this rhubarb are as thick round as a man's arm, of a fleshy texture, and when dried resemble what is called French rhubarb. 1863 J. H. Balfour (new ed.) ii. ii. 501 Rheum compactum... Another species yielding French rhubarb, and often cultivated in Britain for its acid petioles. 1713 J. Kersey (ed. 2) Amel-Corn or French-Rice, a kind of Grain. 1879 Amel corn, French rice, from which starch is made. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > rose and allied flowers > rose > types of rose flower or bush 1538 T. Elyot at Trachinia A kynde of roses, not perfytely red, lyke to them, that we call french roses. 1674 R. Boyle 9 Some pieces of a French rose..secur'd in a third [receiver]. 1778 (Royal Bot. Garden, Edinb.) 17 Rosa gallica... French Rose. 1853 1807 Rosa Gallica, French or Red Rose..The dried petals of the unexpanded flowers..constitute the red-rose leaves of the shops. 1996 284 French Rose. If there was a rose growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it would in all likelihood have been this beautiful plant. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > labiate plant or plants > [noun] > phlomis 1597 J. Gerard ii. 625 Of French Sage, or woodie Mullein... They are called of the learned men of our time, Verbasca syluestria... In English it is generally called French Sage, we may call it Sage Mullein. 1597 J. Gerard ii. 625 Verbascum Mathioli. French Sage. 1688 R. Holme ii. iv. 72/1 The French Sage, have them grow in bunches at the top, several leaves coming out together round the joints of the stalks. 1715 E. Halley in (Royal Soc.) 29 242 Broad Phlome, Yellow or French Sage,..Phlomis fruticosa. 1861 A. Pratt IV. 140 Woody Mullein or French Sage. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Oxalidaceae (wood-sorrel and allies) > [noun] 1633 T. Johnson (new ed.) ii. lxxxiv. 397 (caption) Oxalis franca seu Romana. Round leaued, or French Sorrel. 1706 (new ed.) at Alleluja An Herb otherwise call'd Wood-sorrel, or French Sorrel. 1761 W. Lewis 11 Acetosa rotunda... Garden or French sorrel, with roundish leaves and ears. 1836 J. C. Loudon (rev. ed.) 1081 The young leaves and shoots of several species of Rumex and Rheum are eaten..under the name of..French sorrel. 1863–79 R. C. A. Prior 86 French Sorrel, the wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella. 1943 M. L. Fernald & A. C. Kinsey iii. 176 The leafy summits of young stems of Sachaline..are as good as or superior to French Sorrel. 2007 46/3 Most people think of French sorrel with large oval leaves, but I'm sowing it much closer together to use as a baby leaf. 1940 R. E. Clarkson xv. 306 French tarragon, that amazing plant that has spread throughout the world by root division, no seeds being available. 1967 19 May 9/2 People think they're doing the right thing by persevering with Russian tarragon but it's the pure French tarragon that has the delicate flavour. 2003 J. Larkcom (rev. ed.) 84/2 French tarragon rarely sets seeds, so propagate it by dividing old plants or from root cuttings. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plant, nut, or bean yielding oil > [noun] > coleseed or rapeseed plant 1731 P. Miller Napus, the Navew or French Turnip. 1779 M. Patten (1903) 400 I went to our shugar Camp and covered some fire steads with brush where we had Cabbage and french Turnip seed sowed to preserve them from Cattle. 1832 E. Lankester 232 The root of the French turnip, or naveu, differs from the other varieties. 1958 15 Jan. d17/1 The French turnip has smooth leaves and furnishes both white and yellow varieties and all should have a sweet flavor. 2006 (Nexis) 15 Jan. c8 Very young, small turnips or French turnips, called navets, can be eaten raw, skin on, as you would eat a radish. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > edible nuts or nut-trees > [noun] > walnut 1639 T. de Gray ii. xvi. 276 Make it up into pils somewhat bigger then a French Walnut. 1770 G. Washington 28 Mar. (1976) II. 226 I planted three french Walnuts in the New Garden. 1826 July 348 French walnuts from 4s. to 10s per peck. 1841 7 221/1 Rode into the yard; found large old French walnut there. 1930 6 289/1 The Persian or French walnut is a beautiful tree, with a smooth light-colored bark. 2006 (Nexis) 10 Apr. b1 Its three double staterooms are finished in French walnut, Danish elm and rosewood. the world > food and drink > food > fruit and vegetables > fruit or a fruit > pear > [noun] > warden the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > particular types of fruit > [noun] > pear > warden 1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 80 in The Squib-pear, Spindle-pear..and French Wardens. 1686 R. Blome 243/2 The Pears for Baking. The French Warden. The Spanish Warden. [Etc.] 1707 J. Mortimer ix. 544 The English Warden, the French Warden, and the great Spanish Warden,..are excellent Baking Pears. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > cereal, corn, or grain > [noun] > wheat > types of wheat grain or plant 1593 R. Cosin (rev. ed.) i. vi. 37 All tithes of any new sets and commodities; as of sundry rootes, artichocks, osiers, woad, rape-seed, hoppes, French wheate, and such like. a1655 T. T. de Mayerne (1658) xxxi. 31 Take..a pint of French wheat flower. 1789 J. Adam I. iv. viii. 416 This grain [sc. buckwheat] has been much more in use in France, from whence we improperly give it the name of French wheat. 1808 C. Vancouver (Catal. Agric. Seeds) Buck, or French wheat. 1935 7 134 Their corn crops included those usually grown at the time, wheat and rye, oats.., vetches, and French wheat or buckwheat. the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Onagraceae (willow-herbs) > [noun] the world > plants > particular plants > trees and shrubs > tree or shrub groups > willow and allies > [noun] > other types of willow 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny I. xvi. xxxvii. 485 The third that is smallest of all three, is the French Willow [Fr. Oziers de France, L. gallicam]. 1718 R. Bradley (ed. 2) iii. 62 The French Willow is also one of the Dwarfs of this Chapter. 1838 J. C. Loudon III. 1499 Salix triandra..The French willow..cultivated in Sussex and the east parts of England. 1863 R. C. A. Prior 87 French Willow from its leaves somewhat resembling those of the willow, Epilobium angustifolium L. 1927 T. Stobart II. vii. 96 The Willows grown for this purpose belong largely to four species—Salix triandra.., the Almond leaved or French willow; Salix viminalis, [etc.]. 1955 36 117/1 The French willow (Epilobium angustifolium) and the cacalias soon find out their favorite light soil. 1995 J. M. Sims-Kimbrey 109/1 French willow, willowherb; fireweed. C2. Compounds of the noun. a. 1573 C. Hollyband (title) The French Schoole-maister, wherin is most plainlie shewed, the true and most perfect way of pronouncinge of the Frenche tongue, without any helpe of Maister or teacher. 1637 J. Shirley sig. G3v Your singing, dancing, riding, and French-master. 1689 T. Shadwell ii. i. 13 I have bred thee to the very Achme and Perfection of Bury Breeding, which is inferiour to none in this our Island; Dancing, Singing, Ghittar, French Master. 1751 J. Fauchon Introd. sig. c This Person left off being a Journey-man Printer, to constitute himself a French Teacher. 1788 Let. in H. Arnot (new ed.) App. 658 In 1763..there was no such place as an Hotel; the word indeed was not known, or only intelligible to French scholars. 1807 June 537 The French Student and Speaker are indebted to him for a very useful performance; and we have only to regret the want of proper materials for a similar compilation of English words. 1881 A. Trollope I. iv. 62 There was a French master, a German master, a master for arithmetic..besides Mr. Peacocke, as assistant classical master. 1957 ‘R. West’ ii. 44 For this French tutor was a man of mark, member of a gentlemanly Belgian family. 1973 No. 42. 8/1 With the help of my French lecturer who obtained the ‘model’ copy from the French Library, the work was more than half done. 2001 L. Rennison 120 Our new substitute French teacher turns out to be a David Ginola look-alike!!! Honestly. He's bloody gorgeous. (b) Objective. 1832 L. M. Child 16 (note) The second [address]..produced a sharp reprimand from the French-loving monarch, for prescribing what alliances he was to make. 1927 E. H. Griggs iii. 147 He came North, greeted with wild enthusiasm by the French-loving populace, enlisting men to fight against Britain. 2007 T. D. Bilhartz & A. C. Elliott iii. 32 Never before had the public expressed such hostility toward Vice President Jefferson and his French-loving Republican colleagues. 1807 June 537 The French Student and Speaker are indebted to him for a very useful performance. 1824 tr. F.-J.-P. Aubert de Vitry I. xi. 370 The zeal with which he had endeavoured to familiarize himself with the language,..and to qualify himself to rank amongst French speakers and mix in the best French company. 1919 Jan. 170 The majority of Lorrainers in the transferred territory were French-speakers. 2009 6 Apr. 92 (advt.) All teachers are experienced, native French speakers. 1823 Let. 30 Nov. in (1827) Mar. 421 Here we find a civilized and French-speaking people. 1974 15 May 33/7 Some French-speaking parents view other Francophones who send their children to English schools as ‘vendus’ (or sellouts). 2005 C. Newbrook Gloss. 209 Tour d'horizon,..overview. A panorama that requires a French-speaking guide. 1650 (title) A French-English dictionary, compil'd by Mr Randle Cotgrave: with another in English and French. Whereunto are newly added the animadversions and supplements, &c. of James Howell Esquire. 1799 H. Neuman (title) A marine pocket-dictionary, of the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German languages, with an English-French, and French-English index. 1820 6 469/1 New Publications... Martinelli's Italian-French and French-Italian Dictionary. 1834 Apr. 386 Senkolfsky..edited with considerable additions the French-Arabic dictionary, originally written by the Swede Berggren. 1883 118 A French Algonquin vocabulary,..in the handwriting of M. de la Galissonnière. 1919 14 June 650/1 A thriving trade goes on in French-German phrase books. 1991 D. McBain 18 The mishmash of goods people had brought to get rid of: a French-English dictionary, a Wheat Pool rain-gauge, [etc.]. Derivatives 1574 J. Baret F 1058 Like a frenchman, or french wise, Gallicè. 1865 C. T. Brooks tr. J. P. F. Richter I. xxiii. 459 These last, which he received and sent, were written in French and folded French-wise,—namely, crushed into the shape of hair-rollers. 1997 (Nexis) 31 Aug. 5 Six-year-old Jonbenet (pronounced French-wise, Jeanbenay). 2001 R. Sterling et al. 133 Gaddi's in The Peninsula is the oldest French restaurant in Hong Kong (open since 1953) and the best, Frenchwise. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2009; most recently modified version published online June 2022). Frenchv. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: French adj. Etymology: < French adj. In sense 7 after French leave n. In sense 9 after French kiss n. 2; compare earlier French kiss v. 1639 T. Fuller iv. xvi. 196 The Turks could not French it so handsomely, but that they were discovered... It was plain for any to read Turk in their beards and complexions. the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > preparation for table or cooking > preparation of meat > dress animals for food [verb (transitive)] > dress in specific way 1747 H. Glasse ii. 45 To French a Hind Saddle of Mutton..Cut off the Rump and carefully lift up the Skin with a Knife. 1795 S. Martin iii. 23 Mind not to leave too much fat in the inside [of the mutton], if you like to have the inside frenched, do it thus [etc.]. 1895 French v., to prepare, as a chop, by partially cutting the meat from the shank and leaving bare the bone so as to fit it for convenient handling. 1938 18 Feb. 9/4 Tenderloin of pork is a delicacy—may be frenched and served variety of ways. 1995 Mar. 152/1 For this recipe, the rack of lamb is frenched all the way down to the eye of the meat. 2005 D. L. Fowler 109/1 ‘Frenching’ the chops—that is, scraping all the meat, cartilage, and fat from the long rib bone, leaving only the meaty ‘eye’—is a nice touch. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > beautify (the hair) [verb (transitive)] > arrange > in a specific style 1762 I. 54/2 Hair-dressing, either frenched or only simply toupeed. 1790 M. Pilkington II. xxxv. 10 It looks so preposterous to see a person, at her time of life, with her poor grey hairs all frizzled and frenched out, and a little sort of fly cap stuck on the top. 1933 T. Hughes in A. S. Turberville I. xiv. 392 Leaders of eccentric taste in the seventies wore the front of the wig, called the foretop, increased in height to absurd proportions. Such wigs were often ‘frenched’ or ‘trenched’. 1816 A. Lefanu III. i. 17 They should not come out of the egg-shell just yet, till they have had a little finishing; now they are very well frenched, and musicked, and danced already. 1836 July 34 The young lady had only returned the other day from a fashionable boarding-school, where she had been Frenched, danced, taught music, the use of the globes, [etc.]. 1861 J. Pycroft I. 209 They have not only been Frenched, and Musicked, and Deportmented, and so on through all the list of ‘extras’, [etc.]. the world > plants > disease or injury > be diseased, injured, or discoloured [verb (intransitive)] 1836 Neville Papers in J. B. Lewis (1939) (M.A. thesis, Univ. of N. Carolina) 166 We cut our tobacco too soon & our second crop almost all frenched. 1852 G. Evans Let. 14 May in G. N. Jones (1927) 67 My Corn Crop Looks better than it did Last year this time. It have Frenched a Little I see in Places. 1866 W. J. Barbee x. 240 When corn is thus Frenched..it grows light-colored, sometimes almost white, or striped, and bears no crop. 1926 Sept. 278/2 The past winter Turkish tobacco plants..frenched, thus giving an opportunity for a study of the disease in pots in the greenhouse. 1951 78 228 (table) All varieties frenched but Havana 38 and 142 produced extreme symptoms. the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > translation > translate [verb (transitive)] > into particular language 1833 E. Willard 46 She out-frenches the French in tastefulness of dress.] 1868 O. W. Holmes 27 Sept. II. 20 Smock is a vulgar word..; shift will do better; both sound naked; chemise does not call up the bare body. We clothe the nude word by Frenching it. 1890 5 Aug. 3/2 Monte Silvio..was Frenched into Mont Cervin. 1917 G. Saintsbury I. vii. 150 The Angoisses, which..acute examination shows to have been written by some one who must have known Boccaccio Fiammetta (more than once Frenched about this time), is..the autobiography of a girl of noble birth. 1989 T. Field v. 134 Even ‘le ouisqui’ is frenched out of shape (‘le breakfast’, one notes, is the other sacred institution). 1996 29 239 The sensualist bent on pursuing happiness outside the ‘paternal circle’,..and rendered even more disreputably alien if frenched as a bon vivant. 2006 N. Cianciola (ed. 3) p. xv Soon after, almost every restaurant in Rochester..started ‘Frenching’ their menus, and now it is not unusual to see French-style dishes throughout the nation. 1892 9 52/1 [A cadet] was caught smoking and received a number of demerits, which prohibited him going out in town... The young man attempted to ‘French out’, and was caught. 1907 14 Sept. 18 The midshipman recently recommended for dismissal from the Naval Academy for ‘frenching’ from his ship during the late summer cruise. 1947 W. F. Halsey & J. Bryan ii. 25 He Frenched regularly after supper and was never apprehended. 2000 R. A. Jones ii. 20 Some acting midshipmen ‘frenched out’ by scaling the wall and going into Annapolis to drink. the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > oral sex > practise oral sex [verb (intransitive)] the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > oral sex > practise oral sex on or with [verb (transitive)] c1928 19 Bartender, he Frenched my Nellie. ?1937 (anon., ‘I was twenty years at the time’) (Univ. of Chicago Libr.: Ernest W. Burgess Papers, Box 98, Folder 11) 1 I frenched him twice in two weeks. 1955 J. O'Hara 151 She..Frenched me. c1965 in E. Partridge (1970) Suppl. 1146 She thought he was asleep, and Frenched him. 1967 H. Wentworth & S. B. Flexner (new ed.) 684 French, to commit fellatio or cunnilingus. 2004 R. DeMarinis ii. viii. 179 That first day was when Magda ‘Frenched’ me. That's all she would ever allow... I kept nagging her..for the proper way that men and women do it. the mind > emotion > love > kiss > give or indulge in kisses [verb] > give or indulge in French kisses 1975 C. W. Smith 253 I kissed her on the mouth, Frenched her. 1990 (Nexis) 14 Oct. (Mag. section) 59 I'm close to a boy. We have Frenched before... I get all excited when we're hugging and kissing. 1997 25 May (Real Life section) 2/4 We said we were a mixed gay club and made all the guys French each other before letting them in. 2001 D. B. Mason (2002) 183 She knew about cigarettes; the names of lead singers;..how to roller skate; how to French. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  adj.n.OE v.1639 |
