† grown.
Obsolete.
The process or result of growing; growth.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > development, growth, or degeneration > [noun] > growth
waxa1300
growing1390
upgrowing1430
grow1536
shooting1579
growth1587
1536 Act 28 Hen. VIII c. 17 in R. Bolton Statutes Ireland (1621) 141 Conveying of the wooll of the grow of this land out of the same, is one of the greatest occasions of the idlenesse of the people.
1590 R. Greene Mourning Garment 55 The tallest Cedars haue the fairest growe.
1768 A. Ross Rock & Wee Pickle Tow in Fortunate Shepherdess 130 I'll gar my ain Tammie gae down to the how, An' cut me a rock of a widdershines grow, Of good rantry-tree to carrie my tow.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
growv.
/ɡrəʊ/, U.S. /ɡroʊ//ɡrəʊn/. Forms: Old English grówan, (3rd person singular present gréwð), Middle English–1600s growe, (Middle English greowen, Middle English grewen), Middle English grow(e)yn, Scottish and northern groy, Middle English, 1500s grou(e, (Middle English grawe, grew, gr(o)uwe, grw, Scottish and northern grofe, groyf, grufe, groo, 1600s grough), Middle English– grow. past tense Old English gréow, Middle English greowe, Middle English, 1500s greu, Middle English gru, Middle English greue, Middle English–1600s grewe, Middle English grue, Middle English– grew; weak Middle English growide, grouuede, Middle English groued, Middle English grewed, growyd, Middle English–1500s gro(w)de, 1500s grode, Middle English (1700s–1800s dialect and vulgar) growed. past participle Middle English Scottish growine, Middle English, 1500s groun(e, Middle English–1600s growe(n, Middle English grow, groyn, Scottish and northern grofen, growane, growyn, 1500s Scottish -in, 1500s–1600s growne, 1500s– grown; also Middle English i-, ygrowe(n; weak Middle English, (1800s dialect and vulgar growed). I. Intransitive senses. (In early use always conjugated with be, and still so conjugated when a state or result is implied.)† 1. † b. figurative. To flourish. Obsolete.
a. Of a plant: To manifest vigorous life; to put forth foliage, flourish, be green. Also of land: To be verdant, produce vegetation. Often associated with blow v.2 Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > sprout forth or spring up
growc725
springOE
upspringc1000
sprouta1200
springa1225
risea1382
burgeon1382
burgea1387
to run upa1393
lance1393
bursta1400
launch1401
reke?1440
alighta1450
shoot1483
to come up?1523
start1587
to grow up1611
to come away1669
to break forth1675
upshoot1841
outgrow1861
sprinta1878
break1882
sprount1890
the world > plants > by growth or development > defined by good growth > grow well or flourish [verb (intransitive)] > grow well or flourish
growc725
thrivec1175
flourish1303
provec1330
encrec1420
delighta1475
prosper1535
addle1570
fortify1605
ramp1607
luxuriate1621
succeed1812
c725 Corpus Gloss. 2138 Viresceret, greouue.
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Sedgefield) xxxiii. §5 Seo eorðe..grewð & blewð & westmas bringð.
OE Riddle 34 9 Læteð hio þa wlitigan, wyrtum fæste, stille stondan on staþolwonge, beorhte blican, blowan ond growan.
a1000 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 243/32 Frondescere, growen.
c1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 177 Trewes growen, blouwen and bereð blostmen.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 1008 Bi-heold he þene wode hu he bleou bi-heold he þat corn hu hit greu.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 384 Þe dry þe erþe calde þat kynge and bad hit grow and frute forþ bringe.
a1400 Pistill of Susan 67 Heo greyþed hir til hir gardyn, þat growed so grene.
ΚΠ
OE Genesis 88 Him on laste setl, wuldorspedum welig, wide stodan gifum growende on godes rice.
2.
a. In weaker sense: To have vegetative life; to undergo the process of development characteristic of living plants. Hence also, to exist as a living plant in a specified habitat, or with specified characteristics of form, habit, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)]
growa1000
springOE
creue?c1450
eche1567
vegetate1605
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > grow or increase in size
waxc897
growa1000
to get away1813
to grow up1840
to grow away1933
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > grow or be borne
growa1000
a1000 Boeth. Metr. xxix. 69 Se milda metod..fet eall þætte groweð Wæstmas on weorolde.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 4337 Hasles þer greowen [c1300 Otho growe].
c1300 Childh. Jesu 987 In one felde þare nouȝt ne grev er bote gras wilde.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 385 (MED) Alkin things grouand sere..in þam self þaire seding bere.
1419 in Surtees Misc. (1888) 14 The herbage that grewys apon the mote.
c1536 in Ballads fr. MSS. (1872) I. 410 Alone on the Toppe þer growde A brere.
1597 J. Gerard Herball ii. 180 The Chadlocke groweth..among corne.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 209 The Palmeto..growes like the Date or Coco-tree, saue that her boughes are more large and round.
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 324 This Pepper..growes in a shell, though without prickles.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 127 Green Beds of Parsley near the River grow . View more context for this quotation
1764 W. Falconer Shipwreck (new ed.) i. 15 Not fairer grows the lily of the vale, Whose bosom opens to the vernal gale.
1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) I. 246 You may judge..what must have been the height of the tree as it grew, when a cutting of it had such dimensions.
1808–80 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. at Catchrogue Generally growing in hedges, it tears the clothes of one who attempts to break through.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Amphion in Poems (new ed.) II. 169 [They] show you slips of all that grows From England to Van Diemen.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems lxii. 49 A lone lorn vine in a bare field sorrily growing.
b. transferred †(a) Of minerals (cf. 6c): To be native in a certain situation (obsolete); (b) jocularly of other things.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > [verb (intransitive)] > be native
waxc1000
growc1400
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) ix. 99 Fro Jerico, a 3 Myle, is the dede see. Aboute that see growethe moche Alom and of Alkatran.
?c1550 tr. P. Vergil Eng. Hist. (1846) I. 24 Iron allso growethe in the costes bordering on the sea, thowghe nothing plentuoslie.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 112 They want no Tinne nor Lead, ther groweth Yron, Steele and Copper, & what not.
1613 T. Milles tr. P. Mexia et al. Treasurie Auncient & Moderne Times 699/1 There groweth not any Mettall in Moscovia.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 274 The doores [of stone]..in that same place where they grew they are squared.
1674 A. Cremer tr. J. Scheffer Hist. Lapland 143 That mettals grow in Lapland..is only a conjecture of the Antients, and there is no certainty of it.
1748 H. Walpole Let. 26 May (1846) II. 222 The yacht is not big enough to convey all the tables and chairs and conveniences that he [Duke of Newcastle] trails along with him, and which he seems to think don't grow out of England.
c. Nautical. (See quot. 1769.)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > anchoring equipment > [verb (intransitive)] > stretch in certain direction (of cable)
grow1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine Growing, implies the direction of the cable from the ship towards the anchors; as, the cable grows on the starboard-bow, i.e. stretches out forwards towards the starboard.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship II. 251* The cable grows on the starboard bow.
3. With adverbs or prepositions, forming phrases primarily indicating incidental results of vegetative development, but chiefly figurative or in transferred use.† b. Hence, to grow to: to be an organic or integral part of. Obsolete.† c. to grow out: to become obliterated by growth. Obsolete. rare.
a. To become by degrees ineradicably fixed into, vitally or indissolubly united to (†with) something, as by the process of growth. So to grow into one, to grow together: to coalesce, become united.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > join (together) [verb (transitive)] > become closely joined to
grow1597
solder1641
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. iii. 29 For euer may my knees growe to the earth,..Vnlesse a pardon ere I rise or speake. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. v. 32 Great Pompey Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow. View more context for this quotation
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII i. i. 10 I..Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung In their Embracement, as they grew together. View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Shirley Loves Crueltie iv. ii Hip. The more you vex the more we grow together In honour and chaste love.
1652 J. Shirley Doubtful Heir iii. 38 And I will say 'tis virtue, and that yet Your heart may grow with mine.
1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) i. xix. 50 The Ureters are commonly two in Number, on each side one, sometimes two, and sometimes more, yet al growing into one before their Insertion.
1818 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Canto IV cxxxviii. 72 We become a part of what has been, And grow unto the spot.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Invoc. Misery 45 Clasp me till our hearts be grown Like two lovers into one.
1842 Ld. Tennyson St. Simeon Stylites in Poems (new ed.) II. 62 'Tis gone: 'tis here again; the crown! the crown! So now 'tis fitted on and grows to me.
1872 Ld. Tennyson Gareth & Lynette 11 The Queen,..sought..To break him from the intent to which he grew.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > be (part of) [verb (transitive)] > be the or a component(s) of > be an organic part of
to grow to1600
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. ii. 90 Seru. I pray you sir then set your knighthood, and your soldiership aside... Iohn I lay aside that which growes to me. View more context for this quotation
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 62 In time past it [Sicily] grewe to the Brutians countrey [L. Bruttio agro cohaerens], but soone after by the gushing of the sea between, it was plucked from it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > become obliterated [verb (intransitive)]
to grow out1716
dislimn1833
abrade1855
1716 London Gaz. No. 5457/4 With an (I) and a (G) clipt on his Buttock, but almost grown out.
4.
a. With especial reference to the beginning of vegetable life. Of seeds: To germinate. Of plants: To spring up, be produced.
ΚΠ
a900 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 69/7 Germinabunt, growað.
c1000 West Saxon Gospels: Mark (Corpus Cambr.) iv. 27 Swylce man wurpe god sæd on his land..And þæt sæd growe and wexe þonne he nat.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 295 Onsont ne groweð na god. & bitacneð idel Idel akeldeð & acwencheð þis fur.
a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1202 Ich wat ȝef cornes schule growe.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 1140 In-sted o þi noþer sede, Ne sal þe groue bot thorne and wede.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 1262 Of our sin Moght na gres groue siþen þar-in.
c1420 J. Lydgate Story of Thebes iii, in G. Chaucer Wks. (1561) 377/2 For seld in felds groweth any corne But if some wede spryng vp there emong.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xix. 219 I thank the, Lord, that thi sede sawes, Emong mankynde to groyf so sone.
c1560 A. Scott Poems (S.T.S.) ii. 77 Als gude the tre had nevir growin Quhairof my speir wes maid.
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 324 Sugar-canes grow without planting.
1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Mark iv. 26–7 Man soweth, but God blesseth it; and we see it not grow, but see that it hath grown.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Amphion in Poems (new ed.) II. 169 Methods of transplanting trees, To look as if they grew there.
b. Of the grains of corn in the sheaf, etc.: To sprout, ‘chit’. Also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular food plant or plant product > cereal, corn, or grain > [verb (intransitive)] > grow (of grains of corn)
grow1575
1575 in J. Raine Depositions Courts Durham (1845) 202 This last harvest when the corne was grown.
1740 J. Tull Suppl. Horse-hoing Husbandry (ed. 2) 261 Wheat..grow'd, plow'd in, or otherwise spoiled, is in no Danger [from Rooks].
1783 Barker in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 73 244 From the coolness of the season, and the unripeness of the barley, very little of it grew.
1900 N.E.D. at Grow Mod. The onions in the cellar have begun to grow. The potatoes have grown out.
c. Of fruit, wine, etc.: To be produced by vegetative processes.
ΚΠ
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 123 Grete grouuede frut on þe grene braunchus.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1809 Bolaces & blake-beries þat on breres growen.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6895 Almandes was groun þar-on.
c1410 Sir Cleges 201 What manere of beryse may this be That grovyn this tyme of yere?
c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) xi. 135 The vth parte of thair graynes, and of all oþer thynge that growed to thaim yerely off þe erthe.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. KKiiiv No marueile though of that grene blade growe no whete or gode corne.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Matt. xxi. f. xxixv Never frute growe on the hence forwardes.
a1549 A. Borde Fyrst Bk. Introd. Knowl. (1870) i. 118 They haue no wines growing within the realme.
1599 H. Buttes Dyets Dry Dinner sig. D8 It growes of an Almond-tree-Imp, inserted to a Mastick stock.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 776 Here grows..this Fruit Divine, Fair to the Eye. View more context for this quotation
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey II. vii. 157 The same mild season gives the..fruits to grow.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts Kermes, Pliny says..that there grew upon the oak in Africa..a small excrescence like a bird.
d. transferred. Of animals and their parts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > [verb (intransitive)] > grow (parts)
grow1435
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 95 Brode horns & in gretnes horribyll of here wroyght that grw not þer, on þer hedis þa sett.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 144 Men whose heads Doe grow beneath their shoulders. View more context for this quotation
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vii. 326 Their [flying Fishes'] finnes..grow from their backe, as feathred wings doe from Fowles.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 244 Methinks I feel new strength within me rise, Wings growing . View more context for this quotation
1677 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 2) i. 83 Horns onely grow upon the Male.
1866 B. Taylor Palm & Pine in Poems 268 The child that from their meeting grew.
5. figurative.† b. to grow to: to arise or come into existence to the benefit or injury of (a person, etc.). Also absol. with omission of to. Obsolete. (Cf. accrue v. 1, 3) the law of growing-to [= Anglo-Norman dreit de accres] : reversion, escheat.
a. Of immaterial things: To spring up, come into existence as by natural process; to arise, originate, be developed as from a germ; to issue or spring naturally as from a stock.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > [verb (intransitive)] > exist or occur normally
growOE
the world > existence and causation > existence > [verb (intransitive)] > come into existence
awakenc885
waxc888
arisec950
beOE
comeOE
aspringc1000
atspringOE
growOE
to come upOE
inrisea1300
breedc1385
upspringc1386
takec1391
to come in?c1430
engender?1440
uprise1471
braird?a1500
risea1513
insurde1521
insurge1523
spring1538
to start up1568
exsurge1578
upstart1580
become1605
born1609
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)]
forthwaxa900
wax971
growOE
risec1175
anhigh1340
upwax1340
creasec1380
increasec1380
accreasea1382
augmenta1400
greata1400
mountc1400
morec1425
upgrowc1430
to run up1447
swell?c1450
add1533
accresce1535
gross1548
to get (a) head1577
amount1583
bolla1586
accrue1586
improve1638
aggrandize1647
accumulate1757
raise1761
heighten1803
replenish1814
to turn up1974
OE Beowulf 1718 Him on ferhþe greow breosthord blodreow.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 1273 In warld was non so wiis Of craft þat men knewe Wiþ outen sir tramtris, þat al games of grewe On grounde.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 21 Where lawe lacketh errour groweth.
1400–10 T. Clanvowe Cuckoo & Nightingale 32 Of that longing cometh hevinesse, And therof groweth ofte greet seknesse.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1494) iii. i. 54 k i For out of wronge may growe no prowesse.
1473 J. Warkworth Chron. (Camden) 22 Lo, what myschef groys aftir insurreccion!
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. viii. 81 What dwyll! is grevance grofen agayn?
a1535 T. More Treat. Passion in Wks. (1557) 1278/1 God suffered the contagion of the selfe same infeccion, to stretche vnto himselfe to, and thereof to growe hys destruccion.
1572 J. Jones Bathes of Bathes Ayde Ep. Ded. 4 Against such accidents as growe by reason of hote bathes.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies i. xx. 64 Heerevpon groweth a difficultie, which troubleth me much.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 400 The penaltie to thy transgression due, And due to theirs which out of thine will grow . View more context for this quotation
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 267. ¶5 The parts of it [sc. Paradise Lost]..grow out of one another in the most natural Method.
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iii. 50 How grew this feud betwixt the right and left.
1855 Ld. Tennyson Maud xxvi. iii, in Maud & Other Poems 98 As months ran on and rumour of battle grew.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 432 The States are as the men are; they grow out of human characters.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > extrinsicality or externality > externalize [verb (transitive)] > attach to as something extrinsic
to grow to1390
annex1395
to wait on or upon ——1579
waita1674
subfix1684
accrete1712
cleave1958
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke xii. 18 I schal gedere alle thingis that growen to me [L. quæ nata sunt mihi], and alle my goodis.]
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 12 For the fortune of every chaunce After the goddes purveaunce To man it groweth from above.
c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) ix. 130 Ther mought therby groue perell to his estate.
a1475 Bp. Grossetest's Househ. Stat. (Sloane 1986) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 331 No worshippe therby growythe to the lorde.
a1483 Liber Niger in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 47 Cloathing to be taken of the issue and profitts growing to the kinge.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. iii. 44 Then begynnys to grufe To vs mery chere.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Cvii Reuennues and profyttes that were wont to grow to theyr forefathers.
1587 Lady Stafford in C. R. L. Fletcher Collectanea (1885) I. 210 Nor [shall] any hinderaunce growe to theim by this demize.
1592 W. West Symbolæogr.: 1st Pt. §42 A A Particuler estate which is onelie a Chattell..groweth either by the act of the parties, or by the law.
1598 J. Manwood Treat. Lawes Forrest xvi. f. 97v The forfaiture, that doth grow vnto the king, onely for the keeping of Mastiues within a Forrest vnexpeditated.
1605 R. Verstegan Restit. Decayed Intelligence vi. 162 Canutus vpon the law of growing-too..took vpon him the possession of the whole realme.
6. Of living bodies generally: To increase gradually in size by natural development. (In Old English said of plants only, the usual word, both with reference to plants and animals, being weaxan wax v.1)figurative.1414 T. Brampton Paraphr. Seven Penit. Psalms (1842) 13 My gylt is growyn over myn heed.1599 S. Daniel Let. from Octavia in Poet. Ess. Words still with my increasing sorrows grough.in extended use.1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess vi. 128 She.., arose Once more thro' all her height, and o'er him grew Tall as a figure lengthen'd on the sand When the tide ebbs in sunshine.
a. of plants. Also to grow away, to develop (well).
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > grow or increase in size
waxc897
growa1000
to get away1813
to grow up1840
to grow away1933
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Sedgefield) xxxiv. §10 Hwy ne meaht þu ongitan..þæt eall se dæl se ðe þæs treowes on twelf monðum gewexð, þæt he onginð of þæm wyrtrumum & swa upweardes grewð oð ðone stemn?
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) x. 117 The Hed smot in to the Eerthe and wax grene and is growed to a gret Tree.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. iii. 33 Great bushes, and wilde brambles, which in process of time..were so growen and multiplyed.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III ii. iv. 13 Great weedes grow apace.
1624 F. Quarles Sions Sonets xiii. 1 How can my thriving Plants refuse to grow Thus quickned with so sweet a Sun as thou?
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 139 When it [sc. corn] was growing and grown.
1883 H. Drummond Nat. Law in Spiritual World (1884) 128 The living organism grows, the dead crystal increases.
1933 Jrnl. Royal Hort. Soc. 58 99 When..the requisite number of shoots are growing away well.
1961 Listener 10 Aug. 222/2 All Talisman plants will be small and behind all other varieties, but they grow away to produce good crops without any difficulty.
b. Of human beings, and animals generally, their limbs, hair, nails, etc. (when said of human beings, the word refers usually to stature).The past participle is used (now only archaic or U.S.) in the sense of ‘grown up’; see 13 and grown-up adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > development, growth, or degeneration > [verb (intransitive)] > grow
waxc1000
thrivec1175
breeda1350
grow1382
springc1384
upgrowc1430
shoot1538
bud1566
eche1567
to start up1570
vegetate1605
excresce1691
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xxi. 8 The child growide.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10596 Godd wald sco greu and clamb on hei.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxxi. 311 To make hem [nails] growen alle weys to ben as longe as men may.
1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy i. v Well growe on heyght & of good stature.
1486 Bk. St. Albans c. ij Vnto tyme hir sercell be full groyn.
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 884 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 122 And I sall gar yaim [sc. fedders] samyn be To growe or I ga.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxxiiii He was a goodly fayre & a beautefull Prince, beginninge a littel to growe in flesh.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. iii. 73 b They do not suffer their beards too grow but above the lips.
1611 Bible (King James) Ruth i. 13 If I should haue a husband also to night, and should also beare sonnes: Would ye tary for them till they were growen?
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 648 The King keepeth his daughters when they are growne, for wives.
1637 J. Milton Comus 13 She plumes her feathers, and lets grow her wings.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 322 [Elephants] grow till fifteen, in that time mounting to foure and twenty foote.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 228 Young elephants..he [the lion] often attacks before their trunk is yet grown.
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. iv. 65 Edward, you must not think of shewing yourself..until you are grown out of memory.
1889 J. A. F. Maitland in Dict. National Biogr. XVIII. 407/2 (John Field) The awkward English youth..grown out of his clothes to such an extent that [etc.].
1890 V. Roseborough Reign Reason in Cent. Mag. July 349 And now her children were both grown, and her bad days past.
c. Formerly said of minerals. (Cf. 2b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > [verb (intransitive)] > be formed or grow
breed1398
grow1695
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 195 The Metalls..which are lodged in the perpendicular Intervalls of the Strata, do still grow, (to speak in the Mineralists phrase) or receive additional Encrease from the Corpuscles.
1877 T. H. Huxley Man. Anat. Invertebrated Animals Introd. 2 In the well-known aphorism of Linnæus [Lapides crescunt..] the word ‘grow’, as applied to stones, signifies a totally different process from what is called ‘growth’ in plants and animals.
7. † b. Of the sea: To swell. Also to grow high.
a. Of things material or immaterial: To increase gradually in magnitude, quantity, or degree.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > expand or enlarge [verb (intransitive)]
greateOE
grow1382
enlarge1481
to gain more feathers1600
spread1611
burnish1624
sizea1631
dilate1636
greaten1638
expatiate1650
widen1650
biggen1652
expand1791
magnify1814
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Exod. i. 20 The puple growide, and was coumfortid greetli.
c1450 Mirour Saluacioun 1377 That stone..in [= into] a grete mowntaigne grewe.
1482 Monk of Evesham 61 Her lyfe of thys world..in the whyche her synnys and mysdedys encresyn and growyn to her perdycyon and destruccyon.
1573 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xlii. 600 The Kirk..Had growin vntill ane greiter strenth.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. iii. 10 Our present musters grow vpon the file, To fiue and twenty thousand men of choise.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 126 The Potters of old dwelt there..whereupon a heape grew to a Hill, and a Hill to a Mount.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 117 During th' Autumnal Heats th' Infection grew . View more context for this quotation
1718 M. Prior Solomon on Vanity i, in Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 416 New moons may grow or wane, may set or rise.
1785 W. Cowper Task iv. 151 The needle plies its busy task, The pattern grows.
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam Prol. p. vi Let knowledge grow from more to more.
1852 Ld. Tennyson Ode Wellington 16 Let the long long procession go, And let the sorrowing crowd about it grow.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar ix. 98 They grew at last into a thousand sail, divided into squadrons.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > wave > movement of waves > move restlessly about [verb (intransitive)] > swell
walma1300
redounda1382
swella1382
risea1400
grow1600
buoya1616
1600 E. Blount tr. G. F. di Conestaggio Hist. Uniting Portugall to Castill 296 The seas growing high he came with them to Lisbone.
a1618 W. Raleigh Observ. Royal Navy (1650) 14 Maryners..who..are used to the tumbling and rowling of ships from side to side, when the Sea is never so little growne.
a1618 W. Raleigh Observ. Royal Navy (1650) 35 If any stormes arise, or the Sea grow so high as that the Kettle cannot Boyle in the Fore~castles.
c. to grow down. (a) To extend downwards. (b) To become less in height or in size; also to grow downwards. †(c) Of the sea: To subside.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > reduction in size or extent > become reduced in size or extent [verb (intransitive)]
narrowOE
waneOE
smallOE
slakec1380
welk1390
fade1398
lessenc1400
minish?a1425
decay1489
adminisha1500
diminish1520
to grow downwards?1523
ungrow1598
scant1607
settlea1642
to run off1765
dwarf1776
comminute1850
downsize1977
the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > have downward direction > extend downwards
falleOE
descendc1400
to grow down?1523
dip1854
slope1877
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > state of sea > have or be in specific kind of motion [verb (intransitive)] > grow calm
calm1399
to grow down1748
lull1808
smooth1884
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. xxxiiii Morfounde..woll growe downe and waxe whyte, and cromely lyke a pomes.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 576/1 I growe downwardes, as an aged thing dothe that boweth, or stoupeth downwardes, je me decline.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 576/1 I growe downewarde: I waxe lesse, or drawe towardes myn ende, je decroys.
1748 Acct. Voy. for Discov. North-west Passage I. 15 The Wind..in the Evening towards Eight was less, and the Sea grew down.
1847–78 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words (at cited word) To grow downward, i.e. to get smaller, a common phrase in the provinces.
8. † b. To rise by degrees to (a position of eminence). Obsolete.
a. To increase in some specified quality or property; sometimes with more or less notion of progress toward maturity. Const. in, †of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)] > make progress or advance (of action or operation)
fremec1000
furtherc1200
profit1340
to go onc1449
grow1487
to commence to, intoa1500
framea1529
to get ground?1529
movec1540
work1566
promove1570
advance1577
devolve1579
to come on1584
progress1612
to gain ground1625
germinate1640
proceed1670
to gather ground1697
march1702
to make its way1711
to come forward1722
develop1744
to turn a wheel1864
shape1865
come1899
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xix. 638 Ane host..That ilk day growis [1489 Adv. growys] of mycht.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 45 Adam eldest was growand in curage.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Dvv Whom god almighty..protected..vnto they were growen in the knowledge of the feyth of god.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 2 Pet. iii. 18 Growe in grace, and in the knowledge off oure lorde and saveoure Jesus Christ.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 126 As I grow in hope day by day, through sundrie reportes.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xii. 351 They..In mean estate live moderate, till grown In wealth and multitude, factious they grow . View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > advance, progress, or develop [verb (intransitive)] > rise in prosperity, power, or rank
wax971
climba1240
forthgoa1325
arise1340
risec1390
increasea1425
to come upa1475
raise1490
clamber1576
to make one's way1579
grow1622
to get on (also up) in the world1791
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 140 The King..was growne to such an height of Reputation for cunning and Policie.
1651 T. Fuller Abel Redevivus 381 It may seeme strange..that he grew to no place of more honour.
a1674 Earl of Clarendon Brief View Leviathan (1676) 146 The Clergy was grown to a wonderful power over the People.
9. to grow on or upon (a person, etc.):† b. To gain ground upon (an enemy or rival).† c. To come to take liberties with (a superior), to presume upon, take advantage of (kindness, etc.).
a. To increase so as to be more troublesome to. Now only of a business or the like, to grow upon one's hands.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > cause of mental pain or suffering > exacerbation of suffering > exacerbate suffering [verb (transitive)] > grow more troublesome or distressing to
to grow on or upon1608
1608 Bp. J. Hall Pharisaisme & Christianity 36 How shamefully is this latter vice [sc. drunkenness] (especiallie) growne vpon vs with time?
1656 J. Denham Destr. Troy 21 Then their numbers swell And grow upon us.
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety xviii. 397 Divisions have come to grow upon us..by the Neglect of practick duties.
1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks III. Misc. ii. i. 61 This..is of a kind apt enough to grow upon our hands.
1775 E. Burke Speech Amer. Taxation 12 The disgrace, and the necessity of yielding, both of them, grow upon you every hour of your delay.
1861 C. Reade Cloister & Hearth III. xiv. 308 From that hour another phase of his misery began; and grew upon him.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > gain (ground) upon > catch up or overtake
betakea1000
oftakelOE
overtakec1225
ofgoc1300
under-get1390
attain1393
overget?a1400
overgoc1425
gaincopec1440
overhiec1440
overhalec1540
overcatch1570
overhent1590
win1596
to grow on or upon1603
catcha1616
to fetch up1622
to fetch of, upon1659
overhaul1793
to meet up with1837
to catch up1838
to get past1857
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 817 The Christians still growing vpon them both in number and strength.
1650 O. Cromwell Let. 2 Apr. in Writings & Speeches (1939) (modernized text) II. 234 We hope,..still to grow upon the enemy.
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Arithm. (1691) Pref. sig. a ij The Hollanders are at our heels, in the race of Naval Power; the French grow too fast upon both.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > misuse > [verb (transitive)] > exploit or take advantage of
to take (the) advantagea1393
milk?1531
presume1580
to play upon ——1603
milch1614
to grow on or upona1616
play1656
impose1670
exploit1838
manipulate1862
over-exploit1899
slug1946
to get over1979
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 81 Is it euen so, begin you to grow vpon me? View more context for this quotation
1723 Duke of Wharton True Briton No. 33. ¶1 Having in my last Letter, taken Notice by what Steps the Quakers have grown upon the Indulgence of the Government, 'till they have procur'd for themselves Privileges..beyond what much better Subjects..could obtain.
1740 S. Richardson Pamela I. xvi. 35 I thought her humble, and one that would not grow upon my Favours, or the Notice I took of her.
d. Of an affection, feeling: To acquire more and more influence over (a person). Hence, in later use, of an object of contemplation: To gain more and more of (a person's) liking or admiration.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > please or give pleasure to [verb (transitive)] > become more and more pleasing to
to grow on or upon1712
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 447. ¶2 The Love of a retired or busie Life will grow upon a Man insensibly.
1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne i. 3 Particular attachments grow upon us.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. vi. 42 Miss Bennet's pleasing manners grew on the good will of Mrs. Hurst. View more context for this quotation
1831 T. B. Macaulay in G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay (1876) I. 174 I feel the whole character of the place growing upon me.
1883 W. H. Rideing in Harper's Mag. July 168/2 Hampstead grows on one, and improves with acquaintance.
10. † b. to grow on (of a season, time, etc.): To advance, make progress.
a. To advance in age (obsolete or archaic).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > age > [verb (intransitive)] > advance in age
forthgoa1325
throc1325
to wax in age or eld1340
grow1477
aspire1576
accrue1586
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 89 Whan they were growen to age he deliuerid to them his landes to gouerne.
1630 R. Norton tr. W. Camden Hist. Princesse Elizabeth i. 69 A man well growne in yeeres.
1715 T. Parnell Ess. Homer 24 in A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I As he grew forward in Years, he was train'd up to Learning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > [verb (intransitive)] > press on or advance
to grow on1603
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 287 For Winter was now growne on.
1615 W. Bedwell tr. Mohammedis Imposturæ i. §39 The night groweth on.
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Knight of Malta ii. iii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Kkkkk3/1 Ye know my businesse, I must leave ye Sir, My houre grows on a pace.
1655 Theophania vi. 182 The winter growing on, for the present [he] desisted from any further enterprise.
1695 Earl of Essex Lett. (1770) 265 I see such multitudes of perplexities growing on.
11. † c. To come by degrees to, upon; to arrive at, draw to (an agreement, conclusion, point, etc.). Also with on. Obsolete.
a. To come or pass by degrees into, to (rarely †from) some state or condition. Also const. to with infinitive. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > gradual change > change gradually [verb (intransitive)] > from or into
slidea1398
growc1460
wear1555
accrue1586
ripen1611
shuffle1635
melt1651
steal1660
spawn1677
verge1757
to glide into1800
shade1819
evolve?1831
shadow1839
grade1892
c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) x. 133 Ther shulde non off hem growe to be like vnto hym.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. ciiiiv Golagras at gawyne in sic ane grief grew As lyoune for falt of fude faught on the fold.
c1560 R. Morice in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) 26 Specially grown into the Kynges favor by my Lorde Cranmers commendacion.
a1593 C. Marlowe Tragicall Hist. Faustus (1604) sig. F Belike he is growne into some sicknesse, by being ouer solitary.
1596 J. Harington New Disc. Aiax Prol. sig. B5v We grewe to be friends.
1616 Sir F. Kingsmill in Lismore Papers (1887) 2nd Ser. II. 18 Much dowting I shall growe into a Consumption.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. i. 160 Consider..How you may hurt your selfe: I, vtterly Grow from the Kings Acquaintance, by this Carriage. View more context for this quotation
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 95 It is no Paradox (such an Olla podrida are we grown to) to say, we cannot see Audience for Preachers, nor Patients for Physitians.
c1665 L. Hutchinson Life in Mem. Col. Hutchinson (1973) 283 Growing into a familliarity with Sir George Carew.
1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 31/1 The Cement all dissolves, and the Wall grows to be all of a piece.
1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting I. vii. 137 His works growing into esteem, he was much employed by the merchants in painting portraits.
1825 C. Lamb in London Mag. May 73 I grow into gentility perceptibly.
1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. lvi. 124 He grew to be somewhat ashamed of himself.
b. To develop gradually. Const. to. archaic.
ΚΠ
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 576/1 This mater will grow to a scabbe, or de ceste chose en prendra mal.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ruth iii. 18 Abyde my doughter, tyll thou se what ye matter wil growe to.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Ceremonies f. xxxv* They [sc. ceremonies] grewe dayly to more and more abuses.
1601 F. Godwin Catal. Bishops of Eng. 216 Before the matter could grow to a full conclusion, it was otherwise ended.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) i. i. 71 If matters grow to your likings. View more context for this quotation
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam lxix. 97 The days that grow to something strange. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > be or remain in specific state or condition [verb (intransitive)] > come or be brought to a state or condition > come to or upon
grow1589
1589 ‘M. Marprelate’ Theses Martinianæ 28 To growe to a point with you.
1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 55 in Jewell House To force the sopeboilers to growe to composition with them.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. ii. 9 Say what the Play treats on: then read the names of the Actors: & so grow to a point. View more context for this quotation
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 72 King Richard..thought it best to grow to some good end with Saladin.
1616 J. Smith Descr. New Eng. 52 But Chambers and Minter grew upon tearmes they would not.
1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 160 So soone as hee was buried, they grew among themselues to an immediate difference.
a1640 P. Massinger Parl. of Love (1976) ii. ii. 86 Staie best madam, I am growinge to a period.
12. To become or come to be by degrees, sometimes with inclusion of the literal sense of increase of magnitude or quantity.† c. To come to pass, to happen. Obsolete. rare.
a. with adjective or (archaic) n. complement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > pass into state, become
yworthOE
worthOE
goOE
becomec1175
come?a1200
waxc1220
charea1225
aworthc1275
makea1300
fallc1300
breedc1325
grow1340
strikea1375
yern1377
entera1382
turna1400
smitec1400
raxa1500
resolvea1500
to get into ——?1510
waxen1540
get1558
prove1560
proceed1578
befall1592
drop1654
evade1677
emerge1699
to turn out1740
to gain into1756
permute1864
slip1864
1340–70 Alex. & Dind. 252 Emperour alixandre egrest of princis, Þat is grimmest igrowe and grettest of kingus.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 6941 Þar þai [sc. rods] gru, ne less ne mare, Bot euer als þai forwit ware.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 215/1 Growe ballyd, calvesco. Growe blake, nigresco.
1511 Pylgrymage Richarde Guylforde (Pynson) f. xlv The wynde grewe so contraryous vnto vs.
1615 J. Stephens Satyrical Ess. 245 Hee will grow frends with any man, that serves his stomacke.
1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 61 When it grew dark, they lighted upon..the ship.
c1689 in J. Y. Akerman Moneys Secret Services Charles II & James II (1851) 11 To Sir John Poulett, in part of 25li for a quarter to grow due at Lady Day next, upon 100li per ann.
1701 D. Defoe True-born Englishman i. 17 Here they grew quickly Lords and Gentlemen.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 263. ⁋1 There are so few who can grow old with a good Grace.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. xii. 266 Turtle now grew scarce, and we found none in this harbour.
1785 W. Cowper Task ii. 713 Learning grew Beneath his care a thriving vigorous plant.
1819 W. Irving Rip Van Winkle in Sketch Bk. i. 66 Time grew worse and worse with Rip Van Winkle as years rolled on.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Gardener's Daughter in Poems (new ed.) II. 19 We grew The fable of the city where we dwelt.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iv. §5. 198 The Jews grew wealthy enough to acquire estates.
b. with adverb or adjectival phrase formed with a preposition. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. iii. f. 61v So variable and vnconstant is the nature of man, that he soone groweth owte of vse, becommeth insolente and vnmindful of benefites.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball v. xliii. 609 Albeit it be nowe growen out of knowledge, yet we have thought it good to describe the same.
1597 F. Bacon Of Coulers Good & Euill (Arb.) x. 153 The decay of a man's estate seemes to be most touched in the degree when he first growes behinde.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 250 This Temple afterward growing in decay.
1646 J. Hall Horæ Vacivæ 145 Wrestling seemes to grow out of use; tis of ancient standing.
1666 S. Pepys Diary 25 June (1972) VII. 181 Mrs. Pen carried us to two gardens at Hackeny (which I every day grow more and more in love with).
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 272 The Soldiers grew..out of all Discipline.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (intransitive)]
becomec888
i-tidec888
falleOE
ywortheOE
i-limp975
belimpOE
i-timeOE
worthOE
tidea1131
goa1200
arearc1275
syec1275
betide1297
fere1297
risea1350
to come aboutc1350
overcomea1382
passa1393
comea1400
to come in (also to, on, etc.) placea1400
eschew?a1400
chevec1400
shapec1400
hold1462
to come (also go) to pass1481
proceed?1518
occura1522
bechance1527
overpass1530
sorta1535
succeed1537
adventurec1540
to fall toc1540
success1545
to fall forth1569
fadge1573
beword?1577
to fall in1578
happen1580
event1590
arrive1600
offer1601
grow1614
fudge1615
incur1626
evene1654
obvene1654
to take place1770
transpire1775
to go on1873
to show up1879
materialize1885
break1914
cook1932
to go down1946
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. v. iii. §21. 575 Hence it partly grew, that the Carthaginians were so earnest in pressing Hannibal to fight.
13. to grow up v.† d. To become gradually closed in the process of growth. Obsolete.
a. To advance to or towards maturity. Of persons, esp. in past participle; cf. grown-up adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > adult > be adult [verb (intransitive)] > become adult
win of elda1300
throc1325
to grow up1535
discradle1634
to run up1713
mature1844
majorize1896
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ruth i. 13 Though I shulde saye: I hope this night to take an huszbande & to brynge forth children, yet coulde ye not tary till they were growne vp.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. ii. 26 The childe Samuel wente and grewe up, & was accepted of the Lorde & of men.
1712 E. Budgell Spectator No. 313. ¶16 As soon as they were grown up to be Men.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas I. ii. vii. 245 When he saw me grown up to the age of fifteen.
1833 H. Martineau Loom & Lugger i. i. 6 If he did not mean the girls to grow up the greatest gossips in the neighbourhood.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues I. 180 His children, one of whom is growing up.
b. Of plants: To emerge from the soil, spring up; also, to grow to full size.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > sprout forth or spring up
growc725
springOE
upspringc1000
sprouta1200
springa1225
risea1382
burgeon1382
burgea1387
to run upa1393
lance1393
bursta1400
launch1401
reke?1440
alighta1450
shoot1483
to come up?1523
start1587
to grow up1611
to come away1669
to break forth1675
upshoot1841
outgrow1861
sprinta1878
break1882
sprount1890
the world > plants > by growth or development > grow or vegetate [verb (intransitive)] > grow or increase in size
waxc897
growa1000
to get away1813
to grow up1840
to grow away1933
1611 Bible (King James) Exod. ix. 32 The wheat and the rye were not smitten: for they were not growen vp. View more context for this quotation
1840 N. Hawthorne Mrs. Hutchinson in Biogr. Sketches (1879) 173 The beams of the roof still wear the rugged bark with which they grew up in the forest.
c. Of a custom, state of things, etc.: To arise gradually, come into existence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > source or origin > originate, derive, or arise [verb (intransitive)] > arise gradually, develop, or evolve
to grow upa1599
spread1642
develop1744
evolve1851
evolute1872
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 63 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) To suffer an evill to grow up, which he might timely have kept under.
1654 E. Wolley tr. ‘G. de Scudéry’ Curia Politiæ 15 When..a particular accident grows up against a Prince, or State, it may suffice that the heads of some chief offendors be sacrificed to a reparation.
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iv. 80 Thus a noble scheme Grew up from seed we two long since had sown.
1849 G. Grote Hist. Greece VI. ii. xlvii. 67 A dispute grew up respecting the city of Epidamnus.
1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 295 A practice had grown up, which it was too late to disturb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > become closed or shut [verb (intransitive)] > close in process of growth
to grow up1653
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler vii. 153 The Frogs mouth grows up and he continues so for at least six months without eating. View more context for this quotation
e. To be or become sensible, to mature; frequently imperative.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > common sense > be sensible [phrase] > increase in sense
to know better (formerly also better things)a1680
to grow up1951
1951 J. D. Salinger Catcher in Rye iii. 28 For Chrissake, grow up.
1959 A. Wesker Chicken Soup with Barley in E. M. Browne New Eng. Dramatists ii. ii. 212 Oh, grow up, Ronnie. You should know that by now.
1967 ‘G. North’ Sgt. Cluff & Day of Reckoning xx. 181 ‘The Abbot who shirked his obligations hasn't lived!’ ‘Grow up!’
1969 ‘A. Gilbert’ Missing from Home v. 55 You're surely never on that old game. You want to grow up, Dad.
1971 D. Devine Dead Trouble ii. 17 That was Dorothy's constant refrain: ‘Grow up, Nev!’..He'd show her who was immature.
II. Transitive senses.in extended use.a1613 E. Brerewood Enq. Langs. & Relig. (1614) v. 31 Italie in that long time, being growen well with their seed and posteritie.
14. causative. To cause to grow.figurative.1825 A. W. Fonblanque in Westm. Rev. 4 380 He seems to have flattered himself [that his mind] would, with~out sowing, grow knowledge.† e. To cause to increase, to enlarge. Obsolete. rare.
a. To produce (plants, wool, etc.) by cultivation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > cultivate plants or crops [verb (transitive)]
tilla1325
raisec1384
uprearc1400
nourisha1500
cherish1519
dig1526
dress1526
govern1532
manure?c1550
rear1581
nurse1594
tame1601
crop1607
cultive1614
cultivate1622
ingentle1622
tend1631
make1714
peck1728
grow1774
farm1793
culture1809
side-dress1888
double-crop1956
produce2006
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > sheep-farming > rear sheep or wool [verb (transitive)]
grow1842
shear1930
1774 J. Campbell Polit. Surv. Brit. II. 652 They likewise grow some Rice and Tobacco, which is sent through Virginia.
1801 ‘Gabrielli’ Mysterious Husband III. 8 I grow my own corn, make my own bread, cheese, and butter.
1828 Marly: Planter's Life in Jamaica 55 As we grow only a certain quantity of Indian corn, be sparing of it.
1842 J. Bischoff Comprehensive Hist. Woollen Manuf. II. 149 We had the Duke of Norfolk's wool, grown in Norfolk.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 314 The whole quantity of wheat, rye, barley, oats, and beans then annually grown in the kingdom, was somewhat less than ten millions of quarters.
b. Of land, etc.: To produce; to bring forth.
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the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > land raising crops > [verb (transitive)] > produce
yielda1400
bring?1523
servea1577
grow1825
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. v. 82 My garden will then grow more potatoes.
1876 ‘Ouida’ In Winter City i. 3 Toy trees, that are cropped as soon as they presume to grow a leaf.
1885 Manch. Examiner 13 June 5/3 The depressions, which are of course warmer..than the plateaus, grow Indian corn, millet, and wheat.
c. Of persons and animals: To let grow on the body.
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the world > life > the body > hair > [verb (transitive)] > grow
nourishc1384
grow1860
1819 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) III. 146 Have the geese and ganders entered into a resolution to grow no more quills?
1860 G. Rawlinson tr. Herodotus Hist. IV. viii. civ. 348 When a mischance is about to befall any of their neighbours within a certain time, the priestess of Minerva in their city grows a long beard.
1897 M. Pemberton in Windsor Mag. Jan. 265/2 It was obvious that he was about to grow a beard.
d. To cause to develop into.
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the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > furtherance > further [verb (transitive)] > cause to grow or develop into
nurse1659
commence1681
grow1811
1811 A. Bell in R. Southey Life (1844) II. 300 It requires a length of time to grow the boys, now on his foundation, into men.
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the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)]
echeOE
ekec1200
multiplya1275
morea1300
increase13..
vaunce1303
enlargec1380
augmenta1400
accrease1402
alargea1425
amply?a1425
great?1440
hainc1440
creasec1475
grow1481
amplea1500
to get upa1500
improve1509
ampliatea1513
auge1542
over1546
amplify1549
raise1583
grand1602
swell1602
magnoperate1610
greaten1613
accresce1626
aggrandize1638
majoratea1651
adauge1657
protend1659
reinforce1660
examplify1677
pluralize1750
to drive up1817
to whoop up1856
to jack up1884
upbuild1890
steepen1909
up1934
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) clxix. 250 Whan dauid had regned vii. yere in Ebron he grewe [Fr. creut] and amended moche this cyte [Jerusalem].
f. Crystallography. To bring about the formation of (a crystal); to cause (a crystal) to increase in size.
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the world > matter > chemistry > crystallography (general) > other reactions or processes > [verb (transitive)] > crystal growth
grow1911
1911 [implied in: Encycl. Brit. VII. 584/1 The pitted and cavernous faces of artificially grown crystals of sodium chloride and of bismuth are..a result of rapid growth. (at grown adj. 1b)].
1915 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 189 567 We can, by proper treatment, grow crystals that are nearly symmetrical and complete in their parts.
1950 Sci. News 15 55 We start with our spherical crystal and grow it into a larger crystal by depositing more atoms on it.
1971 Sci. Amer. May 130/2 Diamonds are best grown from a solution of carbon in a molten metal such as nickel.
g. to grow on, to keep (seedling plants) in suitable situations or conditions as they develop to maturity.
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the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > management of plants > [verb (transitive)] > cultivate seedlings to maturity
to call ona1592
to grow on1947
1947 R. P. Faulkner Commerc. Hort. xix. 134 They [sc. cinerarias] should then be transferred to cooler conditions, and may eventually be grown on in frames.
1971 L. N. Flawn & V. L. Flawn Gardening under Glass xvii. 208 In March move [the Cape primroses] into 5 or 6 in. pots and grow on in a cool temperature.
15. passive. Of land, etc.: To be covered with a growth of something. Also with over. So †to be grown about (i.e. surrounded by a growth), to be grown up (i.e. crowded with a growth).These uses seem to have arisen partly from the indirect passive of phrases like to grow over, and partly from the intransitive perfect conjugated with be.
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the world > the earth > land > landscape > fertile land or place > land with vegetation > be covered with vegetation [verb (intransitive)]
begrowna1250
to be grown about1488
to be grown up1748
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vi. l. 716 That bog..Growyn our with reys.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Circunlita musco saxa,..growen about with mosse.
1611 Bible (King James) Prov. xxiv. 31 It was all growen ouer with thornes. View more context for this quotation
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 539 This Iland is throughly growne with Woods.
1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 95 The Country held verdant, well grown with Trees.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. iii. 142 The country in the neighbourhood was so grown up with wood,..that it appeared impracticable to penetrate it.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xv Its banks sedgy and thickly grown with flaggers and bulrushes.
a1885 U. S. Grant Pers. Mem. I. xx. 277 The field was grown up with corn so tall as to cut off the view.
Draft additions June 2015
grow operation n. chiefly Canadian a marijuana-growing enterprise or facility.
ΚΠ
1986 Pacific Reporter 2nd Ser. 709 817/2 They discovered a sizable ‘grow operation’ in the locked basement.
1999 Vancouver Sun (Nexis) 27 Nov. b10 The hydroponic grow operation was set up in a barn not far from the record marijuana seizure.
2012 J. P. Caulkins et al. Marijuana Legalization iii. 31 Based on grow operations confiscated by Dutch police, horticultural scientist Marcel Toonen estimated densities of fifteen plants per square meter.
Draft additions September 2020
to grow a pair colloquial: to act in a bold, tough, or assertive manner, esp. when faced with a difficult situation; to show courage, resilience, or nerve. Frequently in imperative. Cf. to man up 2 at man v. Phrasal verbs.Elliptical for to grow a pair of balls and similar phrases: cf. ball n.1 12b(b).
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the mind > emotion > courage > manliness > behave manfully [verb (intransitive)]
to be man enough1799
to play up?1888
to cowboy up1973
to grow a pair1987
to man up1996
1987 D. Beresford Ten Men Dead vi. 229 His return was often greeted with cries of ‘grow a pair’, because inevitably he had failed to smuggle anything back with him.
2013 L. Winget Grow a Pair 25 Hey, dumbass, this was your own stupid fault. Stop whining, suck it up, grow a pair, and move on.
2018 @cdroger16 22 Sept. in twitter.com (accessed 26 Mar. 2020) Sounds like she's grown a pair! Good on her!!
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1900; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1536
v.c725- nonproduction
- nonproductive
- nonproductiveness
- nonproductivenesses
- nonprofessed
- nonprofessional
- nonprofessionally
- nonprofessionals
- nonprofessorial
- nonproficience
- nonproficiency
- nonproficient
- nonprofit
- nonprofitable
- nonprofitmaking
- nonprofits
- nonprogressive
- nonprogressives
- nonprohibition
- nonproliferating
- nonproliferation
- nonproliferation treaty
- nonproliferations
- nonpromovent
- nonpronunciation