importuneadj.n.

Brit.

/ˌɪmpəˈtjuːn/,

/ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/,

/ˌɪmpəˈtʃuːn/,

/ˌɪmpɔːˈtʃuːn/, U.S.

/ˌɪmpərˈt(j)un/,

/ˌɪmpɔrˈt(j)un/

Forms:

α. late Middle English ynportune, late Middle English–1500s inportune.

β. late Middle English– importune, 1500s (Scottish) importioun, 1500s (Scottish) importuin, 1500s ymportune.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French importun; Latin importūnus.

Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French importun (French importun ) (adjective) (of a request, an action, etc.) that makes an unfavourable impression (1327), (of a person or thing) troublesome, annoying (1372), (of a request) pressing, insistent (a1389), (noun) person who is overly persistent or troublesome in soliciting or making requests (1572), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin importūnus unfavourable, inconvenient, unsuitable, troublesome, (of an argument) pressing, cogent, in post-classical Latin also (of a person) pressing, busy (a1427 in the passage translated in quot. a1500 at sense A. 4, or earlier) < im- im- prefix² + Portūnus , the name of the protecting god of harbours, probably originally an adjective (see portunian n. and adj.). The same stem is found in opportūnus opportune adj. Compare Catalan importú (14th cent.), Spanish importuno (15th cent.), Portuguese importuno (15th cent. as †emportuno), Italian importuno (a1332; 13th cent. as †enportuno).With the α. forms compare in- prefix⁴. N.E.D. (1899) also records a pronunciation with stress on the second syllable, (impǭ·ɹtiun) /ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn/.

A. adj.

1. = importunate adj. 1.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > [adjective] > importunate

onwileOE

importune?1406

instant1477

importunate1529

urgent1548

important1591

importuning1599

instancing1606

clamorous1621

precarious1655

craving1668

clamanta1687

?1406 T. Hoccleve La Mâle Règle l. 425 in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 66/1 (MED) I kepte nat to be seen inportune In my pursuyte.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 3116 So inportune he was in his requeste.

1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) l. 177 The inportune and besy preyere Of oon whom I loue.

c1500 (a1475) J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Claud.) (1885) 156 Importune suters wil gape vpon suche reuersiouns.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke xviii. 5 Yet seynge this weddowe is so importune vpon me I will delyuer her.

1580 A. Munday Zelauto 37 You seeme so importune on me, and..my homly Tales doo so much delyght you.

1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 229 Our Saviour..made as though hee would have gone farther, that they might grow the more importune with him to stay.

a1734 R. North Examen (1740) ii. v. §83 367 He was so importune in the Matter, that one of the Chiefs was provoked to say he spoke with a Cadence, but Nothing to the Purpose.

1849 Pict. National Libr. 2 91/1 On her importune solicitations, he..finally yielded to her wishes.

1880 Cincinnati Med. Advance Jan. 28 Let it [sc. a haemorrhoid] it become inflamed and he is very importune in his requests to have it..removed immediately.

1890 E. Johnson Rise Christendom 106 Vices are importune spirits sent forth from Tartarus' caves.

1906 D. Butler Tron Kirk Edinb. ii. 79 The poor of the burgh were very importune in their begging at the kirk.

2001 M. G. Fabi Passing & Rise of Afr. Amer. Novel 157 To avoid being overtaken by her importune suitors, Rena escapes in a forest and is caught in a storm.

2. Troublesome, vexatious, irksome; = importunate adj. 2b. Formerly also: †severe, hard, cruel (obsolete). Now rare.Quot. a1425 may be an example of sense A. 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > adversity > [adjective] > attended by or causing affliction

eileOE

soreOE

unselec1050

evilc1175

derfa1225

stourc1275

feeble1297

illa1325

fella1400

unhappya1400

unwealful1412

importunea1425

noisomea1450

shrewd1482

importunable?c1485

importunate1490

funestal1538

nippingc1550

troublesome1552

pinching1563

grievesome1568

afflicting1573

afflictive1576

pressing1591

lacerating1609

funest1636

funestous1641

gravaminous1659

unkind1682

plightful1721

damning1798

acanthocladous1858

damnatory1858

fraught1966

the mind > emotion > suffering > cause of mental pain or suffering > [adjective]

eileOE

soreOE

balefulc1200

carefulc1200

aching?c1225

pinefulc1225

sughendc1230

pininga1250

stinginga1250

toughc1275

deringa1325

unsetec1325

unwinc1330

throlya1375

encumbrousc1384

grievable1390

painful1395

plaintfula1400

sweamlya1400

swemandc1400

temptingc1400

importunea1425

sweamfulc1430

penible?a1439

discomfortingc1450

grievingc1450

remordingc1450

sorousc1503

badc1530

paining1532

raw1548

nippingc1550

smartful1556

pinching1563

grievesome1568

griping1568

afflictive1576

pressing1591

boisterous1599

heartstruck1608

carkingc1620

gravaminous1659

vellicating1669

weary1785

traumatizing1970

gut-wrenching1972

the world > action or operation > difficulty > types of difficulty > [adjective] > difficult or exacting

importunea1425

importunate1490

exacting1635

the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adjective]

heavyc825

grimc900

strongeOE

hardeOE

drearyOE

eileOE

sweerOE

deara1000

bitterOE

tartc1000

smartOE

unridec1175

sharp?c1225

straitc1275

grievousc1290

fellc1330

shrewda1387

snella1400

unsterna1400

vilea1400

importunea1425

ungainc1425

thrallc1430

peisant1483

sore?a1513

weighty1540

heinous?1541

urgent?1542

asperous?1567

dure1567

spiny1586

searching1590

hoara1600

vengible1601

flinty1613

tugging1642

atrocious1733

uncannya1774

severe1774

stern1830

punishing1833

hefty1867

solid1916

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5632 And for he nyl be importune Vnto no witte ne honerous.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 1466 Þe streyte weye is so importune, So dredful eke and so ful of rage.

c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 269 (MED) For some men ben..so importune in þeire malice..Þat nede hem maketh fallen into vice.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxxii By theyr Inportune charges, the Comynaltie was greatly Enpouerysshed.

1540 Acts 32 Henry VIII c. 43. sig. Jvi^v Whiche is to peynefull chargeable intollerable and importune, for any manne to sustayne and abyde.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. xii. sig. M They did..Often blame the too importune fate, That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes.

1604 R. Parsons 3rd Pt. Treat. Conuersions in Treat. Three Conuersions Eng. II. vi. 263 A detestable, cruell, horrible and importune monster.

1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 19 They cannot be but importune to us by their long and languishing narratives.

?a1715 R. North Of Etimol. in J. C. Kassler Honourable Roger North (2009) 222 They are like wasps, whose nois is importune and troublesome as well as their actions bold and sawcy.

1759 Gentleman's Mag. July 337/2 That most importune and vexatious insect, commonly called a Louse.

1864 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia IV. xv. vi. 90 Treaties, vaporous Foreshadows of Events..are importune to human nature, longing for the Events themselves.

1998 Sunday Times 25 Oct. viii. 6/2 There are men sitting nervously on Wyoming lavatories..who would argue the disconsonancy of this importune spider's [sc. the recluse spider's] name.

3. Inopportune, untimely, unseasonable; inappropriate or unsuitable for the time or place.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > [adjective]

untimec1000

untidya1225

untimesa1300

out of season1377

undue1398

out of time1483

untimeousa1500

importunate1529

inopportune1533

importunea1535

unconvenable1542

intempestive1548

unseasonable1561

untimeable1570

out-of-season1574

untimely1581

unseasoned1589

baldc1590

timeless1590

melancounterous?1602

untimelessa1607

unopportune1653

mistimelyc1680

mistimed1687

ill-timed1692

ill-seasoned1843

unchancy1860

intempestuous1885

unseasonal1935

c1425 [implied in: Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 25 He..mevid hym..with goode and honeste wordes, opportunely and importunely. (at importunely adv. 1)].

c1475 (a1449) J. Lydgate Interp. & Virtues Mass l. 33 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 88 Kepe yow from noyse and Ianglyng importune, The howse of god ys ordeynyd for prayere.

a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) i. xix. sig. E.viii^v I haue thys daye done you much tribulacion with my importune obieccions of very litle substaunce.

1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. *iv Such fruictes are never importune, nether at anye time out of season.

1635 E. Rainbow Labour 17 Both Importunate, and Importune Labour;..the first is labour too earnest, too sollicitous; the second is labour out of its due time, unseasonable.

1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 120 These actions are somewhat importune and unwelcome guests at Feasts.

1704 J. Swift Full Acct. Battel between Bks. in Tale of Tub 275 A Wild Ass, with Brayings importune, affronts his Ear.

1842 Morning Chron. 16 Mar. 3/4 It appears to me that this is an importune moment for the appointment of a select committee.

1867 I. L. Kephart Biogr. Rev. J. S. Kessler vii. 91 The injurious custom of..eating a hearty meal..at such an unnatural and importune hour, had doubtless much to do with deranging his digestive organs.

1909 C. Somerville Woman's Way vi. 66 His mind formed only a conventional and as it turned out rather importune remonstrance.

2002 J. Moore Parasites & Behavior Animals iii. 84 Diagnosis can be compromised if samples are taken at importune times.

†4. Pressing, urgent; busy; = importunate adj. 4. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [adjective]

busylOE

sisela1400

importune1449

busied1576

resiant1583

pragmatical1590

doing1591

negotiated1604

practical1617

affairé1802

operative1816

occupied1897

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [adjective] > on hand or claiming attention

importune1449

importunatea1533

1449–50 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1449 §29. m. 6 And so by his subtill counseill, importune and unprofitable labour..the revenuez of the demesnes and possessions of youre corone..have be soo amenused and anientised.

a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 62 That man be not importune in worldly erendes [L. Quod homo non sit importunus in negotiis].

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. QQiiii The good angelles contende nat, they be nat importune or to busy, they crye nat.

1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 76 Although my busines be so weightie and importune, that I can obteine but little leasure.

c1613 (c1475) in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 33 The labour is so importune, that I cannot attend it without I shold do nothing ells.

1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam (ed. 4) 63 The importune Affaires of your Kingdome [are] perplexedly suspended.

†B. n.

A person who is overly persistent or troublesome in soliciting or making requests; an importuner. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > one who requests > [noun] > importunately

craver1406

importune1589

importunator1605

importuner?1621

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxiv. 248 In Spaine it is thought very vndecent for a Courtier to craue, supposing that it is the part of an importune.

a1734 R. North Examen (1740) 644 If justice must stay till such importunes are satisfied, there's a ne plus ultra of all law.

1813 H. L. Stanhope Let. 12 Aug. in I. Bruce Nun of Lebanon (1951) III. xxi. 282 These confounded importunes laid themselves at my feet.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2015; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

importunev.

Brit.

/ˌɪmpəˈtjuːn/,

/ˌɪmpəˈtʃuːn/,

/ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/,

/ˌɪmpɔːˈtʃuːn/,

/ɪmˈpɔːtj(ə)n/,

/ɪmˈpɔːtʃ(ə)n/, U.S.

/ˌɪmpərˈt(j)un/,

/ˌɪmpɔrˈt(j)un/,

/ᵻmˈpɔrtʃən/

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French importuner; Latin importunari.

Etymology: Partly < (i) Middle French importuner (French importuner ) to annoy (a person) by pressing or excessively persistent requests or demands (a1467), to ask or request something of (a person) persistently or pressingly (1508; < importun importune adj.), and partly < (ii) post-classical Latin importunari, importunare to harass, pester (11th cent.; 12th cent. in a British glossarial source; < classical Latin importūnus importune adj.). Compare Catalan importunar (15th cent.), Spanish importunar (late 14th cent.), Portuguese importunar (15th cent.), Italian importunare (a1481).Sense 5 apparently arose by association with import v. (compare import v. 1d). N.E.D. (1899) also records a pronunciation with stress on the second syllable, (impǭ·ɹtiun) /ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn/, frequent in the 16th and 17th centuries, as shown by metre.

a. transitive. To ask or request something of (a person) persistently or pressingly; to accost with questions or requests; to beg, beseech.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune

depressc1400

nurnc1400

pressc1440

labourc1450

instancea1513

instanta1513

importune1530

to lie at, upon1535

apply1559

urge1568

importunate1574

ply1581

to put on ——?a1600

flagitate1623

besiege1712

earwig1804

bone1856

tout1920

S.O.S.a1936

opportune1941

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 590/1 I importune one, I werye hym by importunate sute making to him for a mater.

c1592 Faire Em sig. C4 A man that you do not little esteeme, Hath long importuned me of Loue.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. i. 126 My yongest boy..importun'd me That his attendant..Might beare him company in the quest of him.

1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 9 Ye were importun'd the passing it.

1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Iliads xix. 298 My friends, said he, importune me no more To eat or drink before we go to fight.

1721 E. Young Revenge v. ii He..importunes the skies for swift perdition.

1735 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. III. 176 They..warmly importuned them not to separate themselves.

1818 Ld. Byron Beppo lix. 31 Meantime the goddess I'll no more importune.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 300 Some officers..after vainly importuning the government during many years, had died for want of a morsel of bread.

1936 E. A. Powell Aerial Odyssey xiii. 189 Lecherous, furtive-eyed specimens of humanity who whiningly importune one to buy pornographic photographs or postcards.

2002 Daily News (Los Angeles) (Nexis) 30 Dec. n15 Our millionaires and billionaires give money when importuned by politicians.

b. transitive. figurative. Of an event, condition, or inanimate object: to influence or act upon in a way likened to begging or beseeching.

ΚΠ

1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. D5^v Beeing importuned by the dispatch of some present affaires..to haue some conference with her Maiestye, he went.

1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Cvj No day which would not me to wars importune.

1671 C. Cotton tr. P. Corneille Horace i. i. 1 Whilst my sorrows importune the skies, My resolution governs in mine eyes.

a1704 T. Brown Declam. Praise Poverty (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1730) I. 98 The man that is importun'd with the craving pains of a hunger.

1728 Bp. P. Browne Procedure Human Understanding ii. x. 380 The Motions and Affections of this inferior Soul are more..strongly importuned by their [sc. bodily Appetites] constant and intimate presence.

1839 T. Campbell Song of Emigrants to N.Z. in N.Z. Gaz. 21 Aug. 6/2 A land whose beauties importune The Briton to its bowers.

1866 Bibliotheca Sacra Oct. 680 The will does not consist..in the power of choice between good and evil, which importune man with contrary solicitations.

1902 J. B. Stephens Poet. Wks. 41 Doth lavish Nature vainly importune The unconscious witness of the firmament?

2000 M. Thormählen in N. Fisher That Second Bottle iii. 29 The speaker [sc. of a poem by Rochester], importuned by lust, goes out into the park for relief.

2. intransitive. To make persistent or pressing requests or demands; to ask or beg for something urgently or repeatedly.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > urgently or persistently

pressa1425

instandc1450

to put at ——1534

importune1548

push1595

to put upon ——a1617

drum1833

what-the-hell1924

opportune1941

1548 Queen Catherine in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. II. 151 I wold not wyssche yow importune for hys good wyll, yf y^t cum nott frankely at the fyrst.

1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xvii. sig. L3^v I will neither importune too much vpon vnwilling mindes.

1694 H. Killigrew Innocui Sales xcii. 80 She'll not importune with her Speech or stay, Tho' all be Ex'llent that you hear her say.

1748 G. G. Beekman Let. 27 June in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 49 Amy had Importuned So Long With me that I have bin Obliged to Spare him Some at the same price.

a1771 T. Gray Sketch in Mem. (1775) 264 1 Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune; He had not the method of making a fortune.

1840 A. Bradford Hist. Federal Govt. viii. 180 The American minister long remained at the court of France..importuning for justice.

1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems viii. 13 He will not ask for pity, will not importune.

1914 M. H. Bradley Palace of Darkened Windows ii. 26 ‘It would be better—because of the invitation,’ he said slowly, hesitantly, with the air of one who does not wish to importune.

2007 M. J. Woodger Gifts of Self Esteem v. 68 When answers do not come, do we importune, do we keep worshipping, do we keep hoping?

3. transitive. To ask or beg for (something) persistently or pressingly.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune > for something

trouble1516

importune1567

1567 G. Turberville in tr. Ovid Heroycall Epist. Ep. Ded. sig. A.4^v Thus hauing boldly importuned your assistance, and tediously molested your eares with circumstances.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. ix. sig. V2^v Then gan the Peoples cry and Commons sute, Importune care of their owne publicke cause.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost (1623) ii. i. 32 The daughter of the King of France..Importunes [1598 importuous] personall conference with his grace.

1695 W. Kennett Parochial Antiq. ix. 228 The nobles..greatly importun'd his stay.

1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xv. 462 It was very strange that any Men should importune the putting such a Question.

1788 Maria Harcourt I. 132 She did not importune an answer, therefore I declined any.

1823 C. Cuthbertson Hut & Castle II. iv. 64 I often importuned a visit from my niece at Rosindale.

1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad II. xvi. 113 A little girl that by her mother's side Runs, importuning to be taken up.

1903 Jrnl. Med. Sci. 49 278 She is restless and uneasy, always importuning to be sent home.

2007 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 6 June 21 Instead of importuning money from the hard-pressed taxpayer, [etc.].

†4. transitive. To be a nuisance or inconvenience to; to trouble; to pester, harass. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being harassed > harass [verb (transitive)]

tawc893

ermec897

swencheOE

besetOE

bestandc1000

teenOE

baitc1175

grieve?c1225

war?c1225

noyc1300

pursuec1300

travailc1300

to work (also do) annoyc1300

tribula1325

worka1325

to hold wakenc1330

chase1340

twistc1374

wrap1380

cumbera1400

harrya1400

vexc1410

encumber1413

inquiet1413

molest?a1425

course1466

persecutec1475

trouble1489

sturt1513

hare1523

hag1525

hale1530

exercise1531

to grate on or upon1532

to hold or keep waking1533

infest1533

scourge1540

molestate1543

pinch1548

trounce1551

to shake upa1556

tire1558

moila1560

pester1566

importune1578

hunt1583

moider1587

bebait1589

commacerate1596

bepester1600

ferret1600

harsell1603

hurry1611

gall1614

betoil1622

weary1633

tribulatea1637

harass1656

dun1659

overharry1665

worry1671

haul1678

to plague the life out of1746

badger1782

hatchel1800

worry1811

bedevil1823

devil1823

victimize1830

frab1848

mither1848

to pester the life out of1848

haik1855

beplague1870

chevy1872

obsede1876

to get on ——1880

to load up with1880

tail-twist1898

hassle1901

heckle1920

snooter1923

hassle1945

to breathe down (the back of) (someone's) neck1946

to bust (a person's) chops1953

noodge1960

monster1967

1578 T. Nicholas tr. F. Lopez de Gómara Pleasant Hist. Conquest W. India 140 Did so importune [Sp. importunauan] him and assure him of his going, he commaunded his fardage to be laden.

1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 17 It was my ill hap, that one of them sat next vnto me, to make me infortunate as long as her memorie did importune [Sp. turasse] me.

1661 J. Evelyn Mem. (1857) III. 136 I shall, whenever..it may least importune his privacy, make the inventory of particulars.

a1785 J. W. Fletcher Posthumous Pieces (1791) 276 If bodies could move as quick as thought, they would be importuned frequently with my company.

1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall VI. lxx. 607 Of his two immediate successors..Nicholas the Fifth, [was] the last who was importuned by the presence of a Roman emperor.

1827 Spirit of Eng. Mag. 15 Oct. 70/2 His Majesty would be daily importuned with the differences which the great incompatibility existing between Louvois and myself, would not fail to produce.

1899 W. S. Blunt Satan Absolved 47 Shall we strike man blind with an unbearable light.., grind him in the mills Of a perpetual hail, importune him with snow, Scourge him with noise unceasing?

†5. transitive. To signify, portend. Cf. import v. 1d. Obsolete. N.E.D. (1899) notes: ‘A Spenserian misuse’.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > an omen, sign, portent > portend, betoken [verb (transitive)]

betokenc1275

bode1387

prognostica1400

pretend1402

prognosticate?a1425

ossc1450

importc1487

prognostify1495

protendc1554

presage1562

abode1573

boden1573

denounce1581

importune1590

prejudicate1595

foretoken1598

ominate1598

auspicate1604

divine1607

foredeem1612

warranta1616

augur1630

preaugurate1635

prewarna1637

prenote1641

preominate1646

forespeak1667

omen1697

betidea1799

bespeak1851

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Bb7 But the sage wisard telles, as he has redd, That it importunes death and dolefull dreryhedd.

1598 J. Marston Metamorph. Pigmalions Image xxv. 13 Thus hauing said, he riseth from the floore, As if his soule diuined him good fortune..For all his thoughts did all good luck importune.

†6. transitive. To press, drive, urge. Also intransitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > urge, press, or impel

pullc1300

firk1340

enforce138.

pressa1393

thrust14..

impel1490

urge1576

to put (a person) to it1581

importune1598

to lay weight upon1600

riot1777

1598 B. Yong tr. G. Polo Enamoured Diana in tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 377 Long haue I felt a silent paine of sorrow, Cruell, by that my senses it importunes To such extremes [Sp. Mi suffrimiento cansado Del mal importuno y fiero, A tal estremo ha llegado].

?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) vi. 270 O queen, deign pity then, since first to you My fate importunes my distress to vow.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. i. 56 We shall write to you As time, and our concernings shall importune .

1642 Colonell Fitz-Waters his Petition 1 There are two manifest instigations which importune the sequell of my words.

1799 C. B. Brown Arthur Mervyn I. xii. 115 I was driven, by a sort of mechanical impulse... It was time to..demand to know whither the path tended in which I was importuned to walk.

a. transitive. To approach (a person, esp. a stranger) for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter; spec. to offer one's services as a prostitute to (a potential client), to solicit.

ΚΠ

1827 Morning Chron. 20 Oct. Mr. Harvey..said, that the groupes [sic] of prostitutes that issued from the purlieus of White Hart-yard..followed and importuned all male passengers.

1847 Act 10 & 11 Victoria c. 89 §28 Every Person who..commits any of the following Offences..may be committed to Prison... Every common Prostitute or Nightwalker loitering and importuning Passengers for the Purpose of Prostitution.

1915 P. MacGill Rat-pit xxiv. 225 She had just served two months in prison for importuning men on the streets.

1978 K. J. Dover Greek Homosexuality iii. 135 A fourth man, having no woman, fruitlessly importunes an unfriendly youth.

2002 Sentinel (Stoke-on-Trent) (Nexis) 30 May 6 You tend not to expect a prostitute to importune you in your own car outside a school shortly after breakfast time.

b. intransitive. To approach a person, esp. a stranger, for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter; spec. to offer one's services as a prostitute, to solicit.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [verb (intransitive)] > solicit

to hawk one's muttona1529

to sell one's bacon1825

importune1871

hook1959

1871 Glasgow Herald 9 Feb. 5/5 Prostitutes importuning for prostitution.

1898 Act 61 & 62 Vict. c. 39 §1 Every male person who..persistently solicits or importunes for immoral purposes, shall be deemed a rogue and a vagabond.

1943 C. E. Vulliamy Polderoy Papers 79 Even the prostitutes no longer ‘importune’, but hand you politely their cards.

1966 H. Davies New London Spy (1967) 245 They [sc. the lavatories] are always thronged with queers obviously importuning.

2000 Safeguarding Children in Prostitution (Dept. Health) 27 It would be wrong to say that a boy or girl under 18 never freely chooses..to solicit, loiter, or importune in a public place for the purposes of prostitution.

Derivatives

imporˈtuned adj.

ΚΠ

?1611 G. Chapman in tr. Homer Iliads xx. Argt. 277 The rest, all shunning their importun'd fates, Achilles beats even to the Ilian gates.

1762 P. Shaw Tablet i. viii. 64 The importuned Person may justly say; ‘You must take the Will for the Deed.’

1871 New Monthly Mag. Apr. 407 Some of the importuned managers read them [sc. plays].

1963 F. J. Sorauf Party & Representation iii. 55 A loss in the primary would embitter the importuned candidate.

2003 L. Needham Pleasure of Her Kiss xii. 174 Her husband crossed his arms over his broad chest; every bit the importuned king.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	importune
释义	importuneadj.n. Brit. /ˌɪmpəˈtjuːn/, /ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/, /ˌɪmpəˈtʃuːn/, /ˌɪmpɔːˈtʃuːn/, U.S. /ˌɪmpərˈt(j)un/, /ˌɪmpɔrˈt(j)un/ Forms: α. late Middle English ynportune, late Middle English–1500s inportune. β. late Middle English– importune, 1500s (Scottish) importioun, 1500s (Scottish) importuin, 1500s ymportune. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French importun; Latin importūnus. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French importun (French importun ) (adjective) (of a request, an action, etc.) that makes an unfavourable impression (1327), (of a person or thing) troublesome, annoying (1372), (of a request) pressing, insistent (a1389), (noun) person who is overly persistent or troublesome in soliciting or making requests (1572), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin importūnus unfavourable, inconvenient, unsuitable, troublesome, (of an argument) pressing, cogent, in post-classical Latin also (of a person) pressing, busy (a1427 in the passage translated in quot. a1500 at sense A. 4, or earlier) < im- im- prefix² + Portūnus , the name of the protecting god of harbours, probably originally an adjective (see portunian n. and adj.). The same stem is found in opportūnus opportune adj. Compare Catalan importú (14th cent.), Spanish importuno (15th cent.), Portuguese importuno (15th cent. as †emportuno), Italian importuno (a1332; 13th cent. as †enportuno).With the α. forms compare in- prefix⁴. N.E.D. (1899) also records a pronunciation with stress on the second syllable, (impǭ·ɹtiun) /ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn/. A. adj. 1. = importunate adj. 1. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > [adjective] > importunate onwileOE importune?1406 instant1477 importunate1529 urgent1548 important1591 importuning1599 instancing1606 clamorous1621 precarious1655 craving1668 clamanta1687 ?1406 T. Hoccleve La Mâle Règle l. 425 in E. P. Hammond Eng. Verse between Chaucer & Surrey (1927) 66/1 (MED) I kepte nat to be seen inportune In my pursuyte. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. l. 3116 So inportune he was in his requeste. 1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) l. 177 The inportune and besy preyere Of oon whom I loue. c1500 (a1475) J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Claud.) (1885) 156 Importune suters wil gape vpon suche reuersiouns. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Luke xviii. 5 Yet seynge this weddowe is so importune vpon me I will delyuer her. 1580 A. Munday Zelauto 37 You seeme so importune on me, and..my homly Tales doo so much delyght you. 1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 229 Our Saviour..made as though hee would have gone farther, that they might grow the more importune with him to stay. a1734 R. North Examen (1740) ii. v. §83 367 He was so importune in the Matter, that one of the Chiefs was provoked to say he spoke with a Cadence, but Nothing to the Purpose. 1849 Pict. National Libr. 2 91/1 On her importune solicitations, he..finally yielded to her wishes. 1880 Cincinnati Med. Advance Jan. 28 Let it [sc. a haemorrhoid] it become inflamed and he is very importune in his requests to have it..removed immediately. 1890 E. Johnson Rise Christendom 106 Vices are importune spirits sent forth from Tartarus' caves. 1906 D. Butler Tron Kirk Edinb. ii. 79 The poor of the burgh were very importune in their begging at the kirk. 2001 M. G. Fabi Passing & Rise of Afr. Amer. Novel 157 To avoid being overtaken by her importune suitors, Rena escapes in a forest and is caught in a storm. 2. Troublesome, vexatious, irksome; = importunate adj. 2b. Formerly also: †severe, hard, cruel (obsolete). Now rare.Quot. a1425 may be an example of sense A. 1. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > adversity > [adjective] > attended by or causing affliction eileOE soreOE unselec1050 evilc1175 derfa1225 stourc1275 feeble1297 illa1325 fella1400 unhappya1400 unwealful1412 importunea1425 noisomea1450 shrewd1482 importunable?c1485 importunate1490 funestal1538 nippingc1550 troublesome1552 pinching1563 grievesome1568 afflicting1573 afflictive1576 pressing1591 lacerating1609 funest1636 funestous1641 gravaminous1659 unkind1682 plightful1721 damning1798 acanthocladous1858 damnatory1858 fraught1966 the mind > emotion > suffering > cause of mental pain or suffering > [adjective] eileOE soreOE balefulc1200 carefulc1200 aching?c1225 pinefulc1225 sughendc1230 pininga1250 stinginga1250 toughc1275 deringa1325 unsetec1325 unwinc1330 throlya1375 encumbrousc1384 grievable1390 painful1395 plaintfula1400 sweamlya1400 swemandc1400 temptingc1400 importunea1425 sweamfulc1430 penible?a1439 discomfortingc1450 grievingc1450 remordingc1450 sorousc1503 badc1530 paining1532 raw1548 nippingc1550 smartful1556 pinching1563 grievesome1568 griping1568 afflictive1576 pressing1591 boisterous1599 heartstruck1608 carkingc1620 gravaminous1659 vellicating1669 weary1785 traumatizing1970 gut-wrenching1972 the world > action or operation > difficulty > types of difficulty > [adjective] > difficult or exacting importunea1425 importunate1490 exacting1635 the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adjective] heavyc825 grimc900 strongeOE hardeOE drearyOE eileOE sweerOE deara1000 bitterOE tartc1000 smartOE unridec1175 sharp?c1225 straitc1275 grievousc1290 fellc1330 shrewda1387 snella1400 unsterna1400 vilea1400 importunea1425 ungainc1425 thrallc1430 peisant1483 sore?a1513 weighty1540 heinous?1541 urgent?1542 asperous?1567 dure1567 spiny1586 searching1590 hoara1600 vengible1601 flinty1613 tugging1642 atrocious1733 uncannya1774 severe1774 stern1830 punishing1833 hefty1867 solid1916 a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 5632 And for he nyl be importune Vnto no witte ne honerous. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. l. 1466 Þe streyte weye is so importune, So dredful eke and so ful of rage. c1450 ( J. Walton tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Linc. Cathedral 103) 269 (MED) For some men ben..so importune in þeire malice..Þat nede hem maketh fallen into vice. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxxii By theyr Inportune charges, the Comynaltie was greatly Enpouerysshed. 1540 Acts 32 Henry VIII c. 43. sig. Jvi^v Whiche is to peynefull chargeable intollerable and importune, for any manne to sustayne and abyde. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. xii. sig. M They did..Often blame the too importune fate, That heapd on him so many wrathfull wreakes. 1604 R. Parsons 3rd Pt. Treat. Conuersions in Treat. Three Conuersions Eng. II. vi. 263 A detestable, cruell, horrible and importune monster. 1683 D. A. Whole Art Converse 19 They cannot be but importune to us by their long and languishing narratives. ?a1715 R. North Of Etimol. in J. C. Kassler Honourable Roger North (2009) 222 They are like wasps, whose nois is importune and troublesome as well as their actions bold and sawcy. 1759 Gentleman's Mag. July 337/2 That most importune and vexatious insect, commonly called a Louse. 1864 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia IV. xv. vi. 90 Treaties, vaporous Foreshadows of Events..are importune to human nature, longing for the Events themselves. 1998 Sunday Times 25 Oct. viii. 6/2 There are men sitting nervously on Wyoming lavatories..who would argue the disconsonancy of this importune spider's [sc. the recluse spider's] name. 3. Inopportune, untimely, unseasonable; inappropriate or unsuitable for the time or place. ΘΚΠ the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > [adjective] untimec1000 untidya1225 untimesa1300 out of season1377 undue1398 out of time1483 untimeousa1500 importunate1529 inopportune1533 importunea1535 unconvenable1542 intempestive1548 unseasonable1561 untimeable1570 out-of-season1574 untimely1581 unseasoned1589 baldc1590 timeless1590 melancounterous?1602 untimelessa1607 unopportune1653 mistimelyc1680 mistimed1687 ill-timed1692 ill-seasoned1843 unchancy1860 intempestuous1885 unseasonal1935 c1425 [implied in: Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 25 He..mevid hym..with goode and honeste wordes, opportunely and importunely. (at importunely adv. 1)]. c1475 (a1449) J. Lydgate Interp. & Virtues Mass l. 33 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 88 Kepe yow from noyse and Ianglyng importune, The howse of god ys ordeynyd for prayere. a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) i. xix. sig. E.viii^v I haue thys daye done you much tribulacion with my importune obieccions of very litle substaunce. 1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. iv Such fruictes are never importune, nether at anye time out of season. 1635 E. Rainbow Labour* 17 Both Importunate, and Importune Labour;..the first is labour too earnest, too sollicitous; the second is labour out of its due time, unseasonable. 1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 120 These actions are somewhat importune and unwelcome guests at Feasts. 1704 J. Swift Full Acct. Battel between Bks. in Tale of Tub 275 A Wild Ass, with Brayings importune, affronts his Ear. 1842 Morning Chron. 16 Mar. 3/4 It appears to me that this is an importune moment for the appointment of a select committee. 1867 I. L. Kephart Biogr. Rev. J. S. Kessler vii. 91 The injurious custom of..eating a hearty meal..at such an unnatural and importune hour, had doubtless much to do with deranging his digestive organs. 1909 C. Somerville Woman's Way vi. 66 His mind formed only a conventional and as it turned out rather importune remonstrance. 2002 J. Moore Parasites & Behavior Animals iii. 84 Diagnosis can be compromised if samples are taken at importune times. †4. Pressing, urgent; busy; = importunate adj. 4. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [adjective] busylOE sisela1400 importune1449 busied1576 resiant1583 pragmatical1590 doing1591 negotiated1604 practical1617 affairé1802 operative1816 occupied1897 the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [adjective] > on hand or claiming attention importune1449 importunatea1533 1449–50 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1449 §29. m. 6 And so by his subtill counseill, importune and unprofitable labour..the revenuez of the demesnes and possessions of youre corone..have be soo amenused and anientised. a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 62 That man be not importune in worldly erendes [L. Quod homo non sit importunus in negotiis]. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. QQiiii The good angelles contende nat, they be nat importune or to busy, they crye nat. 1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 76 Although my busines be so weightie and importune, that I can obteine but little leasure. c1613 (c1475) in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 33 The labour is so importune, that I cannot attend it without I shold do nothing ells. 1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam (ed. 4) 63 The importune Affaires of your Kingdome [are] perplexedly suspended. †B. n. A person who is overly persistent or troublesome in soliciting or making requests; an importuner. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > one who requests > [noun] > importunately craver1406 importune1589 importunator1605 importuner?1621 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxiv. 248 In Spaine it is thought very vndecent for a Courtier to craue, supposing that it is the part of an importune. a1734 R. North Examen (1740) 644 If justice must stay till such importunes are satisfied, there's a ne plus ultra of all law. 1813 H. L. Stanhope Let. 12 Aug. in I. Bruce Nun of Lebanon (1951) III. xxi. 282 These confounded importunes laid themselves at my feet. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2015; most recently modified version published online June 2022). importunev. Brit. /ˌɪmpəˈtjuːn/, /ˌɪmpəˈtʃuːn/, /ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/, /ˌɪmpɔːˈtʃuːn/, /ɪmˈpɔːtj(ə)n/, /ɪmˈpɔːtʃ(ə)n/, U.S. /ˌɪmpərˈt(j)un/, /ˌɪmpɔrˈt(j)un/, /ᵻmˈpɔrtʃən/ Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French importuner; Latin importunari. Etymology: Partly < (i) Middle French importuner (French importuner ) to annoy (a person) by pressing or excessively persistent requests or demands (a1467), to ask or request something of (a person) persistently or pressingly (1508; < importun importune adj.), and partly < (ii) post-classical Latin importunari, importunare to harass, pester (11th cent.; 12th cent. in a British glossarial source; < classical Latin importūnus importune adj.). Compare Catalan importunar (15th cent.), Spanish importunar (late 14th cent.), Portuguese importunar (15th cent.), Italian importunare (a1481).Sense 5 apparently arose by association with import v. (compare import v. 1d). N.E.D. (1899) also records a pronunciation with stress on the second syllable, (impǭ·ɹtiun) /ɪmˈpɔːtjuːn/, frequent in the 16th and 17th centuries, as shown by metre. 1. a. transitive. To ask or request something of (a person) persistently or pressingly; to accost with questions or requests; to beg, beseech. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune depressc1400 nurnc1400 pressc1440 labourc1450 instancea1513 instanta1513 importune1530 to lie at, upon1535 apply1559 urge1568 importunate1574 ply1581 to put on ——?a1600 flagitate1623 besiege1712 earwig1804 bone1856 tout1920 S.O.S.a1936 opportune1941 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 590/1 I importune one, I werye hym by importunate sute making to him for a mater. c1592 Faire Em sig. C4 A man that you do not little esteeme, Hath long importuned me of Loue. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. i. 126 My yongest boy..importun'd me That his attendant..Might beare him company in the quest of him. View more context for this quotation 1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 9 Ye were importun'd the passing it. 1676 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Iliads xix. 298 My friends, said he, importune me no more To eat or drink before we go to fight. 1721 E. Young Revenge v. ii He..importunes the skies for swift perdition. 1735 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. III. 176 They..warmly importuned them not to separate themselves. 1818 Ld. Byron Beppo lix. 31 Meantime the goddess I'll no more importune. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 300 Some officers..after vainly importuning the government during many years, had died for want of a morsel of bread. 1936 E. A. Powell Aerial Odyssey xiii. 189 Lecherous, furtive-eyed specimens of humanity who whiningly importune one to buy pornographic photographs or postcards. 2002 Daily News (Los Angeles) (Nexis) 30 Dec. n15 Our millionaires and billionaires give money when importuned by politicians. b. transitive. figurative. Of an event, condition, or inanimate object: to influence or act upon in a way likened to begging or beseeching. ΚΠ 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. D5^v Beeing importuned by the dispatch of some present affaires..to haue some conference with her Maiestye, he went. 1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Cvj No day which would not me to wars importune. 1671 C. Cotton tr. P. Corneille Horace i. i. 1 Whilst my sorrows importune the skies, My resolution governs in mine eyes. a1704 T. Brown Declam. Praise Poverty (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1730) I. 98 The man that is importun'd with the craving pains of a hunger. 1728 Bp. P. Browne Procedure Human Understanding ii. x. 380 The Motions and Affections of this inferior Soul are more..strongly importuned by their [sc. bodily Appetites] constant and intimate presence. 1839 T. Campbell Song of Emigrants to N.Z. in N.Z. Gaz. 21 Aug. 6/2 A land whose beauties importune The Briton to its bowers. 1866 Bibliotheca Sacra Oct. 680 The will does not consist..in the power of choice between good and evil, which importune man with contrary solicitations. 1902 J. B. Stephens Poet. Wks. 41 Doth lavish Nature vainly importune The unconscious witness of the firmament? 2000 M. Thormählen in N. Fisher That Second Bottle iii. 29 The speaker [sc. of a poem by Rochester], importuned by lust, goes out into the park for relief. 2. intransitive. To make persistent or pressing requests or demands; to ask or beg for something urgently or repeatedly. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > urgently or persistently pressa1425 instandc1450 to put at ——1534 importune1548 push1595 to put upon ——a1617 drum1833 what-the-hell1924 opportune1941 1548 Queen Catherine in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. II. 151 I wold not wyssche yow importune for hys good wyll, yf y^t cum nott frankely at the fyrst. 1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. xvii. sig. L3^v I will neither importune too much vpon vnwilling mindes. 1694 H. Killigrew Innocui Sales xcii. 80 She'll not importune with her Speech or stay, Tho' all be Ex'llent that you hear her say. 1748 G. G. Beekman Let. 27 June in Beekman Mercantile Papers (1956) I. 49 Amy had Importuned So Long With me that I have bin Obliged to Spare him Some at the same price. a1771 T. Gray Sketch in Mem. (1775) 264 1 Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune; He had not the method of making a fortune. 1840 A. Bradford Hist. Federal Govt. viii. 180 The American minister long remained at the court of France..importuning for justice. 1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems viii. 13 He will not ask for pity, will not importune. 1914 M. H. Bradley Palace of Darkened Windows ii. 26 ‘It would be better—because of the invitation,’ he said slowly, hesitantly, with the air of one who does not wish to importune. 2007 M. J. Woodger Gifts of Self Esteem v. 68 When answers do not come, do we importune, do we keep worshipping, do we keep hoping? 3. transitive. To ask or beg for (something) persistently or pressingly. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune > for something trouble1516 importune1567 1567 G. Turberville in tr. Ovid Heroycall Epist. Ep. Ded. sig. A.4^v Thus hauing boldly importuned your assistance, and tediously molested your eares with circumstances. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. ix. sig. V2^v Then gan the Peoples cry and Commons sute, Importune care of their owne publicke cause. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost (1623) ii. i. 32 The daughter of the King of France..Importunes [1598 importuous] personall conference with his grace. 1695 W. Kennett Parochial Antiq. ix. 228 The nobles..greatly importun'd his stay. 1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xv. 462 It was very strange that any Men should importune the putting such a Question. 1788 Maria Harcourt I. 132 She did not importune an answer, therefore I declined any. 1823 C. Cuthbertson Hut & Castle II. iv. 64 I often importuned a visit from my niece at Rosindale. 1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad II. xvi. 113 A little girl that by her mother's side Runs, importuning to be taken up. 1903 Jrnl. Med. Sci. 49 278 She is restless and uneasy, always importuning to be sent home. 2007 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 6 June 21 Instead of importuning money from the hard-pressed taxpayer, [etc.]. †4. transitive. To be a nuisance or inconvenience to; to trouble; to pester, harass. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > state of being harassed > harass [verb (transitive)] tawc893 ermec897 swencheOE besetOE bestandc1000 teenOE baitc1175 grieve?c1225 war?c1225 noyc1300 pursuec1300 travailc1300 to work (also do) annoyc1300 tribula1325 worka1325 to hold wakenc1330 chase1340 twistc1374 wrap1380 cumbera1400 harrya1400 vexc1410 encumber1413 inquiet1413 molest?a1425 course1466 persecutec1475 trouble1489 sturt1513 hare1523 hag1525 hale1530 exercise1531 to grate on or upon1532 to hold or keep waking1533 infest1533 scourge1540 molestate1543 pinch1548 trounce1551 to shake upa1556 tire1558 moila1560 pester1566 importune1578 hunt1583 moider1587 bebait1589 commacerate1596 bepester1600 ferret1600 harsell1603 hurry1611 gall1614 betoil1622 weary1633 tribulatea1637 harass1656 dun1659 overharry1665 worry1671 haul1678 to plague the life out of1746 badger1782 hatchel1800 worry1811 bedevil1823 devil1823 victimize1830 frab1848 mither1848 to pester the life out of1848 haik1855 beplague1870 chevy1872 obsede1876 to get on ——1880 to load up with1880 tail-twist1898 hassle1901 heckle1920 snooter1923 hassle1945 to breathe down (the back of) (someone's) neck1946 to bust (a person's) chops1953 noodge1960 monster1967 1578 T. Nicholas tr. F. Lopez de Gómara Pleasant Hist. Conquest W. India 140 Did so importune [Sp. importunauan] him and assure him of his going, he commaunded his fardage to be laden. 1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 17 It was my ill hap, that one of them sat next vnto me, to make me infortunate as long as her memorie did importune [Sp. turasse] me. 1661 J. Evelyn Mem. (1857) III. 136 I shall, whenever..it may least importune his privacy, make the inventory of particulars. a1785 J. W. Fletcher Posthumous Pieces (1791) 276 If bodies could move as quick as thought, they would be importuned frequently with my company. 1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall VI. lxx. 607 Of his two immediate successors..Nicholas the Fifth, [was] the last who was importuned by the presence of a Roman emperor. 1827 Spirit of Eng. Mag. 15 Oct. 70/2 His Majesty would be daily importuned with the differences which the great incompatibility existing between Louvois and myself, would not fail to produce. 1899 W. S. Blunt Satan Absolved 47 Shall we strike man blind with an unbearable light.., grind him in the mills Of a perpetual hail, importune him with snow, Scourge him with noise unceasing? †5. transitive. To signify, portend. Cf. import v. 1d. Obsolete. N.E.D. (1899) notes: ‘A Spenserian misuse’. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > an omen, sign, portent > portend, betoken [verb (transitive)] betokenc1275 bode1387 prognostica1400 pretend1402 prognosticate?a1425 ossc1450 importc1487 prognostify1495 protendc1554 presage1562 abode1573 boden1573 denounce1581 importune1590 prejudicate1595 foretoken1598 ominate1598 auspicate1604 divine1607 foredeem1612 warranta1616 augur1630 preaugurate1635 prewarna1637 prenote1641 preominate1646 forespeak1667 omen1697 betidea1799 bespeak1851 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Bb7 But the sage wisard telles, as he has redd, That it importunes death and dolefull dreryhedd. 1598 J. Marston Metamorph. Pigmalions Image xxv. 13 Thus hauing said, he riseth from the floore, As if his soule diuined him good fortune..For all his thoughts did all good luck importune. †6. transitive. To press, drive, urge. Also intransitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > urge, press, or impel pullc1300 firk1340 enforce138. pressa1393 thrust14.. impel1490 urge1576 to put (a person) to it1581 importune1598 to lay weight upon1600 riot1777 1598 B. Yong tr. G. Polo Enamoured Diana in tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 377 Long haue I felt a silent paine of sorrow, Cruell, by that my senses it importunes To such extremes [Sp. Mi suffrimiento cansado Del mal importuno y fiero, A tal estremo ha llegado]. ?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) vi. 270 O queen, deign pity then, since first to you My fate importunes my distress to vow. a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. i. 56 We shall write to you As time, and our concernings shall importune . View more context for this quotation 1642 Colonell Fitz-Waters his Petition 1 There are two manifest instigations which importune the sequell of my words. 1799 C. B. Brown Arthur Mervyn I. xii. 115 I was driven, by a sort of mechanical impulse... It was time to..demand to know whither the path tended in which I was importuned to walk. 7. a. transitive. To approach (a person, esp. a stranger) for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter; spec. to offer one's services as a prostitute to (a potential client), to solicit. ΚΠ 1827 Morning Chron. 20 Oct. Mr. Harvey..said, that the groupes [sic] of prostitutes that issued from the purlieus of White Hart-yard..followed and importuned all male passengers. 1847 Act 10 & 11 Victoria c. 89 §28 Every Person who..commits any of the following Offences..may be committed to Prison... Every common Prostitute or Nightwalker loitering and importuning Passengers for the Purpose of Prostitution. 1915 P. MacGill Rat-pit xxiv. 225 She had just served two months in prison for importuning men on the streets. 1978 K. J. Dover Greek Homosexuality iii. 135 A fourth man, having no woman, fruitlessly importunes an unfriendly youth. 2002 Sentinel (Stoke-on-Trent) (Nexis) 30 May 6 You tend not to expect a prostitute to importune you in your own car outside a school shortly after breakfast time. b. intransitive. To approach a person, esp. a stranger, for the purpose of arranging a sexual encounter; spec. to offer one's services as a prostitute, to solicit. ΘΚΠ society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [verb (intransitive)] > solicit to hawk one's muttona1529 to sell one's bacon1825 importune1871 hook1959 1871 Glasgow Herald 9 Feb. 5/5 Prostitutes importuning for prostitution. 1898 Act 61 & 62 Vict. c. 39 §1 Every male person who..persistently solicits or importunes for immoral purposes, shall be deemed a rogue and a vagabond. 1943 C. E. Vulliamy Polderoy Papers 79 Even the prostitutes no longer ‘importune’, but hand you politely their cards. 1966 H. Davies New London Spy (1967) 245 They [sc. the lavatories] are always thronged with queers obviously importuning. 2000 Safeguarding Children in Prostitution (Dept. Health) 27 It would be wrong to say that a boy or girl under 18 never freely chooses..to solicit, loiter, or importune in a public place for the purposes of prostitution. Derivatives imporˈtuned adj. ΚΠ ?1611 G. Chapman in tr. Homer Iliads xx. Argt. 277 The rest, all shunning their importun'd fates, Achilles beats even to the Ilian gates. 1762 P. Shaw Tablet i. viii. 64 The importuned Person may justly say; ‘You must take the Will for the Deed.’ 1871 New Monthly Mag. Apr. 407 Some of the importuned managers read them [sc. plays]. 1963 F. J. Sorauf Party & Representation iii. 55 A loss in the primary would embitter the importuned candidate. 2003 L. Needham Pleasure of Her Kiss xii. 174 Her husband crossed his arms over his broad chest; every bit the importuned king. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < adj.n.?1406v.1530
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