† over-measureadv.
Obsolete.
Above the proper measure or amount; in excess.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > excessive amount or degree > [adverb]
overlyOE
overswitheOE
over-micklec1230
overmucha1382
over-measurea1387
overdonec1390
overlargelyc1390
overfara1400
superflue?a1425
overgatea1450
overdonelyc1450
over-highlyc1454
excessivelyc1460
superfluously1528
stinkingly1545
excessive1569
over-greatly1599
unmercifully1611
overgrownly1668
extravagantlya1715
preponderously1835
faultily1855
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 257 Writers..preysede þe dedes hugeliche and ouermesure.
Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 18 (MED) If thou fille thee ouir mesure with drunkenesse of wyn, and passist due mesure of kynde, hou manie euere preisyngis thi tunge sowneth, the lif blasfemith.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 390 (MED) Sum men..etyn or drynkyn ouer mesure.
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxxviii. 120 Wyn taken ouer mesure, troubleth the syght.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 81 (MED) It ys to eschewe to drynk to mekyll of wyn, þat ys to wete, ouer mesure.
1656 H. Phillippes Purchasers Pattern (ed. 3) ii. 161 Allow rather a little over-measure, then any thing under.
1708 P. A. Motteux Love's Triumph iii. 36 Ah! cruel Joy! I'm punish'd over Measure; With my Sorrow, and their Pleasure.
1860 A. Swinburne Rosamond iii. 188 Though you find her sweet enow, Praise her not over-measure.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2004; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adv.a1387