perfectionn.

Brit.

/pəˈfɛkʃn/, U.S.

/pərˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/

Forms: Middle English perfeccioune, Middle English perfeccyoun, Middle English perfectioun, Middle English perfectiun, Middle English perfexcyovn, Middle English profeccion (transmission error), Middle English profession (transmission error), Middle English–1500s perfeccione, Middle English–1500s perfeccioun, Middle English–1500s perfeccyon, Middle English–1500s perfeccyone, Middle English–1500s perfectyon, Middle English–1600s perfeccion, Middle English– perfection, 1500s perfecshyon, 1500s perfectione, 1500s perfecttyon; Scottish pre-1700 perfeccion, pre-1700 perfeccione, pre-1700 perfeccioun, pre-1700 perfeccioune, pre-1700 perfectione, pre-1700 perfectioun, pre-1700 perfectioune, pre-1700 perfectyoune, pre-1700 perfictioun, pre-1700 1700s– perfection.

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French perfeccion; Latin perfectiōn-, perfectiō.

Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman perfeccion, perfeccioun, perfectioun, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French perfection (French perfection ) state of highest religious accomplishment (c1145), state of highest general achievement (1262), achievement, act of finishing (1360), (of a musical note) the quality of being perfect (14th cent.), (as a count noun) a perfect quality (1530), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin perfectiōn-, perfectiō state of being completed, action of completing, ideal or perfected state, action of bringing to a perfect state, in post-classical Latin also moral perfection (Vulgate), complete proficiency (6th cent.), and in musical sense (from 13th cent. in British sources; compare sense 9) < perfect- , past participial stem of perficere (see perfect adj.) + -iō -ion suffix¹. Compare Old Occitan perfectio , perfection (second half of the 13th cent.), Catalan perfecció (late 13th cent.), Spanish perfección (1293 as perfection and perfeçion ), Italian perfezione (1304–8). Compare perfectness n.

†a. The fact, state, or condition of being completed or perfected; consummation, completion, end. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > completing > [noun] > fact or condition of being completed

perfection?c1225

final1582

consummation1604

ultimate1681

consummativeness1701

finish1801

pay-off1937

?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 274 Hundred is ful tale. & noateð perfecciun. þet is fuldede.

1340 Ayenbite (1866) 79 (MED) Uor charite ne is non oþer þing..þet is, þe ende, þet is, þe perfeccion and þe guodhedde.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 1058 (MED) Priam..his cite and noble Ylyoun Hath fully brouȝt vn-to perfeccioun.

1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xiii. 197 The thynge shal be conducted and brought to a gode endynge and perfection.

1563 2nd Tome Homelyes sig. Aaaa.i^v When the fulnesse of time was come, that is, the perfection, and course of yeares, appoynted from the begynnyng.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iv. 61 The third they called periodus, for a complement or full pause, and as a resting place and perfection of so much former speach as had bene vttered.

1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. iv. sig. F3^v Woman receiueth perfection by the man.

1679 G. Rose tr. P. Boaistuau Theatre of World 1st Pref. 5 This work (which I thank God, I have now brought to perfection).

1683 E. Chamberlayne Present State Eng. iii. 30 Nothing of this nature hath been brought to that perfection, as the Alum-works in Yorkshire, through the great Industry of Sir John Bourchier.

1737 Chamberlayne's Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 33) i. i. iii. 9 The Colliery here is brought to..Perfection.

b. The most complete or perfect stage of growth or development of a person or thing; maturity; ripeness. Also of a flower: full bloom.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > [noun] > state of being prepared or ready > state of being ripe or mature

ripenessOE

ripeOE

melchheadc1350

perfectiona1398

perfecturea1552

maturity1568

matureness1661

age1795

development1803

coming of age1881

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 68^v Þe childe is I-bred and comeþ forþ in foure degrees..in þe furþe degre byfore ful perfeccioun [L. plenam perfectionem], 18 dayes.

?1566 J. Alday tr. P. Boaistuau Theatrum Mundi sig. S ij Although somewhat maye be added to all other Artes..this [printing] alone hath entred with such..perfection into this worlde, that [etc.].

1578–9 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 113 Seing his majestie dalie growand..to the gretar perfectioun of aig.

1611 Bible (King James) Luke viii. 14 They..bring no fruite to perfection .

a1682 Sir T. Browne Certain Misc. Tracts (1683) i. 38 He planted many [Cedars], though they did not come to perfection in his days.

1729 B. Mandeville Fable Bees ii. v. 219 The first Ananas, or Pine-apple, that was brought to Perfection in England, grew in his Garden at Richmond.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VII. 204 They continue in the womb till they come to such perfection as to be able to burst from the shell.

1855 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity VI. xiv. v. 507 The creation, growth, perfection of new languages.

1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) Fulth, fulness, full growth, perfection, as applied to flowers, &c.

1923 Amer. Jrnl. Bot. 10 474 The development of the edible fruit reaches perfection only when a high percentage of the achenes or drupelets set.

2002 Calgary (Alberta) Herald (Nexis) 15 Dec. (Special section) b8 To Aristotle, the body reached perfection at 35, the soul at age 50.

2. The condition or state of being morally or spiritually perfect; holiness; virtuous conduct. Christian perfection n. Christian holiness or righteousness; spec. the relatively perfect holiness attainable by a person, as distinct from the absolute divine perfection.counsel of perfection: see counsel n. 2b.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > virtue > absence of moral flaw > [noun] > moral perfection

perfection1340

society > faith > church government > monasticism > [noun] > monastic rule

regheleOE

rulea1225

perfection1340

livingc1350

rubric1809

society > morality > virtue > absence of moral flaw > [noun] > moral perfection > attainable by man

Christian perfection1626

1340 Ayenbite (1866) 98 (MED) Þe zeue uirtues..ous lede to þe zeue blissinges of perfeccion and of holy lyf.

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 436 (MED) Ther ben somme in special In whom that alle vertu duelleth, And tho ben..That god of his eleccioun Hath cleped to perfeccioun.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. 5853 (MED) Prestis..shulde þe worlde exemplifie With good doctrine of perfeccioun.

1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) xxi. ix. sig. ee.iii Therfore lady sythen ye haue taken you to perfeccion I must nedys take me to perfection.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. cxxxv. f. lxxi^v Amonge theyse Bretherne was one named Cedman, a man of great perfeccion.

?a1560 in T. Wright Songs & Ballads Reign Philip & Mary (1860) 3 The lantarne to lead us in the pathe of perfecttyon.

1626 T. Hawkins tr. N. Caussin Holy Court I. i. 37 God seemeth to haue enchased all Christian perfection, in Charity.

a1678 A. Marvell Misc. Poems (1681) 81 Your voice..Shall draw Heav'n nearer,..And your example..will soon us to perfection lead.

1743 J. Wesley Serm. Christian Perfect. 8 Christian Perfection therefore does not imply..an Exemption either from Ignorance or Mistake, or Infirmities, or Temptations. Indeed it is only another Term for Holiness.

1789 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) IV. 445 The doctrine of Christian Perfection, which God has peculiarly entrusted to the Methodists.

1882 Contemp. Rev. 42 868 The grand aim of the Buddhist is to attain a perfection like Buddha's.

1942 New Eng. Q. 15 309 Is Christian perfection possible? Is it desirable?

1991 R. Howard tr. E. M. Cioran Anathemas & Admirations ii. 36 If Evil..were to withdraw from our lives, we should vegetate in that monotonous perfection of the Good which, according to Genesis, vexed Being itself.

3. gen.

a. The condition, state, or quality of being free from defect; flawlessness, faultlessness; purity. Also in weakened sense: supreme or comparative excellence.Now the usual sense.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun]

fullfremednesseOE

perfectionc1350

perfectnessa1387

meurte1474

thummim1539

flourish1597

finishing1757

reproachlessness1803

perfectibility1809

sublimification1868

c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 50 (MED) Þe ordre of deakne, Þet hys of more perfeccioun Þane hys ordre of sudeakne.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 116 Whanne þe mone comeþ in to þe schadewe of þe erþe, he lesiþ hire liȝt and hire fairnesse and perfeccioun.

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. 4239 (MED) Owre englishe..was ful fer from al perfeccioun, And but of litel reputacioun.

a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) 2370 (MED) The purire that youre meenys be, The more perfeccion therof ye shalle se.

1570 H. Billingsley in tr. Euclid Elements Geom. iii. Introd. f. 80^v Of al figures the circle is of most absolute perfection.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 173 I would with such perfection gouerne Sir: T' Excell the Golden Age.

1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia ii. 1 There dwelt that Virgin, that Arcadian glory, Whose rare composure did abstract the story Of true perfection.

1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 14 The Roman Language arrived at great Perfection before it began to decay.

1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 154 A person, whose dress..is in the first style of perfection, is declared to be bang up to the mark.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. xxvii. 376 In different glaciers,..these veins display various degrees of perfection.

1928 Vanity Fair Sept. 31/1 Crêpes Suzettes are pancakes raised by Cunard to a remarkable point of perfection.

2003 New Yorker 6 Jan. 53/1 Many dancers sacrifice their sense of pleasure in the quest for a kind of featureless perfection.

b. concrete. An embodiment of perfection; a perfect person or thing; the perfect example or epitome of a quality, type, etc. Also: †a manifestation of perfection (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] > quality or fact of being extreme > highest, utmost, or extreme degree

heightOE

perfectiona1398

utterestc1410

uttermosta1425

tiptoec1440

pinnaclec1450

utmost1472

outmostc1535

extremity1543

abyss1548

top1552

furthest, utmost stretch1558

summa summarum1567

superlative1573

strain1576

extreme1595

fine1596

last1602

yondmost1608

super-superlative1623

pitch1624

utmostness1674

pink1720

supreme1817

ultima Thule1828

peak1902

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > perfect person or thing

perfecta1382

perfection1597

cockall1602

impeccable1748

perfectibility1768

acea1796

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 39 Þe heed is perfite, & perfeccioun [L. perfectio] & ornament of al þe body.

a1400 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Hatton 12) in Eng. Writings (1931) 6 Þis boke of alle haly writte es mast vsed in haly kirkes servys, forthi þat in it es perfeccioun of dyuyne pagine.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 75 Voutsafe deuine perfection of a woman, Of these supposed euils to giue me leaue..but to acquite my selfe.

1611 Bible (King James) Lament. ii. 15 Is this the citie that men call the perfection of beauty?

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 100 It is a iudgement..most imperfect, That will confesse perfection [sc. Desdemona], so would erre Against all rules of Nature.

1706 T. Baker Hampstead Heath i. i. 3 The fair Berynthia, who by all Judges of fine Women, is said to be the Perfection of ev'ry thing.

1767 T. Hull Perplexities iii. 41 Perfection of prudence, as of loveliness!

c1830 S. Smith in Lady Holland Life I. 351 A beautiful girl..exclaimed, ‘Oh, Mr. Sydney! this pea will never come to perfection’. ‘Permit me then’, said he taking her hand,..‘to lead perfection to the pea’.

1852 E. M. Sewell Exper. of Life (1858) xviii. 128 This would be the very perfection of a dress for you.

1949 N. Mitford Love in Cold Climate ii. i Making a perfection of their homes at the same time as rearing large families of clever children.

1983 F. Warner Moving Reflections I. iii. 10 Was this the perfection of cities, the joy of the whole earth?

2003 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 18 Jan. 32 The historic road of motoring renown stretches from the first classic roadsters to today's sleek perfections.

c. The fineness or purity of a metal; (Alchemy) the complete purity which is the goal of transmuting base metals into gold. Now historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > qualities of metals > [noun] > fineness or purity

toucha1325

finesse1424

finance1473

fineness1532

purity1550

perfection1585

1585 R. Parsons Christian Directorie ii. i. iii. 645 Finallie to a gold-smithes forge which consumeth away the refuse metals, and fineth the gold to his perfection.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. iv. 214 The most famous golde is that of Caranava in Peru.., for that it riseth with his alloy and perfection, which is twenty three carrats and a halfe.

1652 E. Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum Prolegomena sig. A4^v Transmuting any Imperfect Earthy Matter into its utmost degree of Perfection; that is, to convert the basest of Metalls into perfect Gold and Silver.

1772 Philos. Trans. 1771 (Royal Soc.) 61 523 The ancients had not the art of refining silver, in so great perfection as it is now practised.

4. The most perfect or utmost degree; the height or extreme of a quality, condition, faculty, etc. In early use also: †the most perfect performance or execution of a virtue, ceremony, office, etc. (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > peak of perfection

perfection1340

pointc1400

pinnaclec1450

firmament1526

tipe1548

vertical point1559

acmea1568

status1577

summity1588

sublimation1591

turret1593

topgallant1597

non ultra?1606

vertical1611

non plus ultra1647

ne ultraa1657

verticle1658

summit1661

ne plus ultra1664

ne plus1665

nonplus1670

tip-top1702

pink1720

sublime1748

eminencea1854

it1896

1340 Ayenbite (1866) 133 Huerinne is þe uolle of perfeccioun [c1450 Bk. Vices & Virtues perfiȝtnesse] of þise uirtue.

?c1450 (?a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 366 (MED) Moyses lawe is moralle in þis poynte þat longeth to þe perfeccyon of presthode.

a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 86 Thei wist not propirly to whom thei shulde or ought to do the perfeccioun of this honoure which lonith to the deite.

1624 J. Smith Gen. Hist. Virginia iv. 125 The other Saluages assaulted the rest and slew them... But fearing this murther would come to light..would now proceed to the perfection of villanie.

1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. xii, in Wks. (1874) II. 154 The perfection of goodness consists in love to the whole universe.

1842 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) III. ix. 142 The perfection of cunning is to conceal its own quality.

1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity I. iii. vii. 468 With Gregory celibacy was the perfection of human nature.

1904 J. Conrad Nostromo iii. v. 324 A genius for treachery of so effective a kind that it must have appeared..as the perfection of sagacity and virtue.

1995 W. Weaver tr. U. Eco Island of Day Before 197 The perfection of love is not being loved, but being Lover.

5. The action, process, or fact of making something perfect or bringing something to (esp. successful) completion.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > completing > [noun]

enda1300

chevisancec1330

applyinga1382

perfectiona1382

pointc1385

finishmentc1400

accomplishingc1405

complement1419

consummationa1425

effecta1425

performinga1425

accomplishment1425

fining?1448

complishing1449

complishment1454

achevisauncec1475

achievement1477

perfectinga1513

cheving?1518

furniture1529

achievance1531

exploiture1531

exploiting1538

perimplishment1554

consummating1555

finishing?1563

chevance1570

coronation1582

crowning1586

adimpletion1624

fulfilment1624

complusmenta1628

completure1642

completement1652

transaction1655

patration1656

perfunction1656

completion1657

completing1727

ultimation1791

finality1833

perfectuation1859

fruition1885

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) Num. vi. 21 So he shal do to þe perfeccioun of his holynes.

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 16^v Alle þe ordres [of angels]..be I-maad perteneres of derk mistik purgacouns, illuminacouns, schininges, & perfecciouns.

1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii Euery religiouse persone shulde intende the perfeccion of his soule.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. i. 114 The auncients also had their superiours, which admonished them in the perfection of their dutie.

1678 W. Temple Let. to Ld. Treasurer in Wks. (1731) II. 479 After all the Applauses have been given me here upon the Perfection of the last Treaty.

1729 W. Law Serious Call v. 70 To make the most of a short life, to study your own perfection.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 370 Admittance is the last stage, or perfection, of copyhold assurances.

1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby x Towards the full perfection of which [portrait], Miss La Crevy had had the street-door case brought upstairs.

1872 J. Morley Voltaire i. 10 For this process of perfection, we need first the meditative, doubting, critical type.

1940 Endocrinology 27 892 Work is now progressing..on the perfection of a suitable technic for the assay of this hormone.

1992 Times Lit. Suppl. 28 Feb. 3/4 The perfection of the security on the loan can be deferred until after the purchase has been completed.

6. to (or †unto) perfection: completely, perfectly.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > completely or perfectly

to (or unto) perfectiona1425

to the letter?1495

to point1590

to the (also a) nail?1611

to a shaving1804

jam up1835

to the moment1845

to a (fine) point1861

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Job xi. 7 Thou schalt fynde Almyȝti God til to perfeccioun [a1382 E.V. vnto perfit].

1611 Bible (King James) Job xi. 7 Canst thou finde out the Almightie vnto perfection ?

1705 tr. A. Dacier in tr. Aristotle Art of Poetry ii. 18 He says that Polygnotus always painted Noble Subjects, and that he hit the features to Perfection.

1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins II. v. 44 They were pleased with it [sc. the fire] to perfection.

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvii. 169 Olivia..acted the coquet to perfection.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 474 Sunderland acted calumniated virtue to perfection.

1898 I. L. Bird Korea & her Neighbours I. xviii. 250 Nagasaki..lighted, cleaned, and policed to perfection.

1908 E. J. Banfield Confessions of Beachcomber i. iv. 150 To enjoy it to perfection.

2003 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 7 June w30 The pasta was cooked to perfection.

7. Great or complete proficiency in an activity, art, or skill.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > expertise or proficiency

craftOE

perfectionc1475

accomplement?c1525

proficiency1597

handiness1601

profection1605

expertnessa1616

provection1652

prowessa1668

proficience1713

adeptness1731

hability1840

expertise1868

expertship1880

expertism1886

wizardry1951

c1475 tr. Secreta Secret. (Tripolitanus abbrev.) (1977) 330 I pray the..that thou..do no thinge..withoute the counseill of som notable clerke that hath the perfeccioun of the science of astronomye.

a1530 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Royal) i. Prol. 114 Reqwyrande the correctioune Off grettare of perfectyoune.

a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 32 Whan..tyme shall breed skill, and vse shall bring perfection.

1655 W. Sales Theophania 192 None..arived at a higher degree of perfection in all martial exercises than Perrotus.

a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1677 (1955) IV. 118 Having both the Latine, French & Spanish tongues in perfection.

1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 37 Fence, Dance, and Ride in some tolerable Perfection.

1727 P. Frowde Fall of Saguntum ii. 26 Am I rejected for a puling Girl?.. Whose wondrous Talent, whose Perfection is To weave some pretty story in the Loom.

1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits v. 94 Every man is trained to some one art or detail, and aims at perfection in that.

1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight v. 54 Such perfection has been reached in the manufacture of artificial eyes, that [etc.].

1912 Catholic Encycl. XIV. 670/1 He reached that stage of perfection in the art of writing where the art disappears.

1995 J. Miller & M. Stacey Driving Instructor's Handbk. (ed. 8) vii. 200 Perfection in these skills alone will not compensate for lack of knowledge or defective attitude.

8. As a count noun: a quality, trait, accomplishment, etc., of great excellence; a surpassing merit or virtue.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > acquired skill > an accomplishment > of a high order

perfectiona1513

a1513 J. Irland Meroure of Wyssdome (1926) I. 163 All thire perfecciounis are includit in this haly name Jhesus.

1572 H. Middlemore in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 8 Suerly Monsieur is a goodly gentilman, and hathe many perfections in him.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies vi. xvi. 466 The Indians of Peru had one perfection, which was, to teach their young children all artes and occupations necessary for the life of man.

1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all iii. 27 I am not Master of any of those perfections; for in fine, Sir, I am wholly ignorant of Painting, Musick, and Poetry.

1718 Free-thinker No. 75. Prudence is a real Perfection, which Challenges the nicest Observation.

1741 D. Hume Ess. II. §xi What we imagine a superior perfection, may really be a defect. Or were it ever so much a perfection, the ascribing it [etc.].

1784 J. Potter Virtuous Villagers II. 111 I constantly discover new graces, new perfections, and new merits, unobserved before.

1813 W. Taylor Eng. Synonyms 64 It is esteemed a perfection in English writing to construct an antithesis with words of a collocal origin.

1881 A. Trollope Dr. Wortle's School II. xii. 244 They..did nothing but talk about Carstairs and all his perfections.

1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xxx. 504 They took a sentimental, childish delight in the achieved perfections of the past.

2003 Mail on Sunday (Nexis) 11 Aug. 81 I can sniff out in a trice their flaws and perfections.

9. Music. With reference to a note or interval: the fact or condition of being perfect (perfect adj. 10). Now historical. prick (also dot, point) of perfection n. [after post-classical Latin punctus perfectionis (14th cent.)] (in musical notation) a dot or small circle placed after a note to indicate perfection.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > perfect interval > perfection of interval

perfectionc1570

society > leisure > the arts > music > written or printed music > notation > [noun] > character in notation > note > dot added to note

point (also note, prick) of addition1597

prick (also dot, point) of perfection1658

c1570 Art of Music (BL Add. 4911) f. 20^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Perfect-, Perfeccio(u)n(e Ane pwnt..of perfection..makkis the long perfyt in muid the breif perfyt in tym [etc.].

1614 T. Ravenscroft (title) A briefe discovrse of the true (but neglected) vse of charact'ring the degrees by their perfection, imperfection, and diminution in measurable musicke.

1658 J. Playford Breif Introd. Skill Musick (new ed.) 23 Pricks of Perfection are used for Perfecting of Notes as is onely used in the Triple Time.

1778 W. Billings Singing Master's Assistant 6 A prick of perfection is not well named in my opinion, because a note may be perfect without it: a point of addition is the best name.

1786 T. Busby Compl. Dict. Music Modification, a term applied to that temperament of the sounds of instruments whose tones are fixed, which gives a greater degree of perfection to one key than another.

1880 W. S. Rockstro in G. Grove Dict. Music I. 767 Ways in which the Perfection of certain notes may be changed to Imperfection, and vice versa.

1935 T. M. Finney Hist. of Music xii. 155 The ‘prick of perfection’ or dot, was understood as being in reality a very small circle, the old sign of perfection in time and prolation.

1986 D. M. Randel New Harvard Dict. Music 487/1 It was sometimes called a dot of perfection (punctum perfectionis). When it occurs between two breves that occur between two longs, it..forces the preceding breve to imperfect the preceding long, thus causing the long and the breve together to form a perfection.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	perfection
释义	perfectionn. Brit. /pəˈfɛkʃn/, U.S. /pərˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/ Forms: Middle English perfeccioune, Middle English perfeccyoun, Middle English perfectioun, Middle English perfectiun, Middle English perfexcyovn, Middle English profeccion (transmission error), Middle English profession (transmission error), Middle English–1500s perfeccione, Middle English–1500s perfeccioun, Middle English–1500s perfeccyon, Middle English–1500s perfeccyone, Middle English–1500s perfectyon, Middle English–1600s perfeccion, Middle English– perfection, 1500s perfecshyon, 1500s perfectione, 1500s perfecttyon; Scottish pre-1700 perfeccion, pre-1700 perfeccione, pre-1700 perfeccioun, pre-1700 perfeccioune, pre-1700 perfectione, pre-1700 perfectioun, pre-1700 perfectioune, pre-1700 perfectyoune, pre-1700 perfictioun, pre-1700 1700s– perfection. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French perfeccion; Latin perfectiōn-, perfectiō. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman perfeccion, perfeccioun, perfectioun, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French perfection (French perfection ) state of highest religious accomplishment (c1145), state of highest general achievement (1262), achievement, act of finishing (1360), (of a musical note) the quality of being perfect (14th cent.), (as a count noun) a perfect quality (1530), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin perfectiōn-, perfectiō state of being completed, action of completing, ideal or perfected state, action of bringing to a perfect state, in post-classical Latin also moral perfection (Vulgate), complete proficiency (6th cent.), and in musical sense (from 13th cent. in British sources; compare sense 9) < perfect- , past participial stem of perficere (see perfect adj.) + -iō -ion suffix¹. Compare Old Occitan perfectio , perfection (second half of the 13th cent.), Catalan perfecció (late 13th cent.), Spanish perfección (1293 as perfection and perfeçion ), Italian perfezione (1304–8). Compare perfectness n. 1. †a. The fact, state, or condition of being completed or perfected; consummation, completion, end. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > completing > [noun] > fact or condition of being completed perfection?c1225 final1582 consummation1604 ultimate1681 consummativeness1701 finish1801 pay-off1937 ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 274 Hundred is ful tale. & noateð perfecciun. þet is fuldede. 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 79 (MED) Uor charite ne is non oþer þing..þet is, þe ende, þet is, þe perfeccion and þe guodhedde. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 1058 (MED) Priam..his cite and noble Ylyoun Hath fully brouȝt vn-to perfeccioun. 1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes iii. xiii. 197 The thynge shal be conducted and brought to a gode endynge and perfection. 1563 2nd Tome Homelyes sig. Aaaa.i^v When the fulnesse of time was come, that is, the perfection, and course of yeares, appoynted from the begynnyng. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iv. 61 The third they called periodus, for a complement or full pause, and as a resting place and perfection of so much former speach as had bene vttered. 1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. iv. sig. F3^v Woman receiueth perfection by the man. 1679 G. Rose tr. P. Boaistuau Theatre of World 1st Pref. 5 This work (which I thank God, I have now brought to perfection). 1683 E. Chamberlayne Present State Eng. iii. 30 Nothing of this nature hath been brought to that perfection, as the Alum-works in Yorkshire, through the great Industry of Sir John Bourchier. 1737 Chamberlayne's Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 33) i. i. iii. 9 The Colliery here is brought to..Perfection. b. The most complete or perfect stage of growth or development of a person or thing; maturity; ripeness. Also of a flower: full bloom. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > [noun] > state of being prepared or ready > state of being ripe or mature ripenessOE ripeOE melchheadc1350 perfectiona1398 perfecturea1552 maturity1568 matureness1661 age1795 development1803 coming of age1881 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 68^v Þe childe is I-bred and comeþ forþ in foure degrees..in þe furþe degre byfore ful perfeccioun [L. plenam perfectionem], 18 dayes. ?1566 J. Alday tr. P. Boaistuau Theatrum Mundi sig. S ij Although somewhat maye be added to all other Artes..this [printing] alone hath entred with such..perfection into this worlde, that [etc.]. 1578–9 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 113 Seing his majestie dalie growand..to the gretar perfectioun of aig. 1611 Bible (King James) Luke viii. 14 They..bring no fruite to perfection . View more context for this quotation a1682 Sir T. Browne Certain Misc. Tracts (1683) i. 38 He planted many [Cedars], though they did not come to perfection in his days. 1729 B. Mandeville Fable Bees ii. v. 219 The first Ananas, or Pine-apple, that was brought to Perfection in England, grew in his Garden at Richmond. 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth VII. 204 They continue in the womb till they come to such perfection as to be able to burst from the shell. 1855 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity VI. xiv. v. 507 The creation, growth, perfection of new languages. 1881 S. Evans Evans's Leicestershire Words (new ed.) Fulth, fulness, full growth, perfection, as applied to flowers, &c. 1923 Amer. Jrnl. Bot. 10 474 The development of the edible fruit reaches perfection only when a high percentage of the achenes or drupelets set. 2002 Calgary (Alberta) Herald (Nexis) 15 Dec. (Special section) b8 To Aristotle, the body reached perfection at 35, the soul at age 50. 2. The condition or state of being morally or spiritually perfect; holiness; virtuous conduct. Christian perfection n. Christian holiness or righteousness; spec. the relatively perfect holiness attainable by a person, as distinct from the absolute divine perfection.counsel of perfection: see counsel n. 2b. ΘΚΠ society > morality > virtue > absence of moral flaw > [noun] > moral perfection perfection1340 society > faith > church government > monasticism > [noun] > monastic rule regheleOE rulea1225 perfection1340 livingc1350 rubric1809 society > morality > virtue > absence of moral flaw > [noun] > moral perfection > attainable by man Christian perfection1626 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 98 (MED) Þe zeue uirtues..ous lede to þe zeue blissinges of perfeccion and of holy lyf. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) Prol. 436 (MED) Ther ben somme in special In whom that alle vertu duelleth, And tho ben..That god of his eleccioun Hath cleped to perfeccioun. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. 5853 (MED) Prestis..shulde þe worlde exemplifie With good doctrine of perfeccioun. 1485 Malory's Morte Darthur (Caxton) xxi. ix. sig. ee.iii Therfore lady sythen ye haue taken you to perfeccion I must nedys take me to perfection. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. cxxxv. f. lxxi^v Amonge theyse Bretherne was one named Cedman, a man of great perfeccion. ?a1560 in T. Wright Songs & Ballads Reign Philip & Mary (1860) 3 The lantarne to lead us in the pathe of perfecttyon. 1626 T. Hawkins tr. N. Caussin Holy Court I. i. 37 God seemeth to haue enchased all Christian perfection, in Charity. a1678 A. Marvell Misc. Poems (1681) 81 Your voice..Shall draw Heav'n nearer,..And your example..will soon us to perfection lead. 1743 J. Wesley Serm. Christian Perfect. 8 Christian Perfection therefore does not imply..an Exemption either from Ignorance or Mistake, or Infirmities, or Temptations. Indeed it is only another Term for Holiness. 1789 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) IV. 445 The doctrine of Christian Perfection, which God has peculiarly entrusted to the Methodists. 1882 Contemp. Rev. 42 868 The grand aim of the Buddhist is to attain a perfection like Buddha's. 1942 New Eng. Q. 15 309 Is Christian perfection possible? Is it desirable? 1991 R. Howard tr. E. M. Cioran Anathemas & Admirations ii. 36 If Evil..were to withdraw from our lives, we should vegetate in that monotonous perfection of the Good which, according to Genesis, vexed Being itself. 3. gen. a. The condition, state, or quality of being free from defect; flawlessness, faultlessness; purity. Also in weakened sense: supreme or comparative excellence.Now the usual sense. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] fullfremednesseOE perfectionc1350 perfectnessa1387 meurte1474 thummim1539 flourish1597 finishing1757 reproachlessness1803 perfectibility1809 sublimification1868 c1350 (a1333) William of Shoreham Poems (1902) 50 (MED) Þe ordre of deakne, Þet hys of more perfeccioun Þane hys ordre of sudeakne. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 116 Whanne þe mone comeþ in to þe schadewe of þe erþe, he lesiþ hire liȝt and hire fairnesse and perfeccioun. c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iii. 4239 (MED) Owre englishe..was ful fer from al perfeccioun, And but of litel reputacioun. a1500 (c1477) T. Norton Ordinal of Alchemy (BL Add.) (1975) 2370 (MED) The purire that youre meenys be, The more perfeccion therof ye shalle se. 1570 H. Billingsley in tr. Euclid Elements Geom. iii. Introd. f. 80^v Of al figures the circle is of most absolute perfection. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 173 I would with such perfection gouerne Sir: T' Excell the Golden Age. View more context for this quotation 1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia ii. 1 There dwelt that Virgin, that Arcadian glory, Whose rare composure did abstract the story Of true perfection. 1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 14 The Roman Language arrived at great Perfection before it began to decay. 1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 154 A person, whose dress..is in the first style of perfection, is declared to be bang up to the mark. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. xxvii. 376 In different glaciers,..these veins display various degrees of perfection. 1928 Vanity Fair Sept. 31/1 Crêpes Suzettes are pancakes raised by Cunard to a remarkable point of perfection. 2003 New Yorker 6 Jan. 53/1 Many dancers sacrifice their sense of pleasure in the quest for a kind of featureless perfection. b. concrete. An embodiment of perfection; a perfect person or thing; the perfect example or epitome of a quality, type, etc. Also: †a manifestation of perfection (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] > quality or fact of being extreme > highest, utmost, or extreme degree heightOE perfectiona1398 utterestc1410 uttermosta1425 tiptoec1440 pinnaclec1450 utmost1472 outmostc1535 extremity1543 abyss1548 top1552 furthest, utmost stretch1558 summa summarum1567 superlative1573 strain1576 extreme1595 fine1596 last1602 yondmost1608 super-superlative1623 pitch1624 utmostness1674 pink1720 supreme1817 ultima Thule1828 peak1902 the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > perfect person or thing perfecta1382 perfection1597 cockall1602 impeccable1748 perfectibility1768 acea1796 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 39 Þe heed is perfite, & perfeccioun [L. perfectio] & ornament of al þe body. a1400 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Hatton 12) in Eng. Writings (1931) 6 Þis boke of alle haly writte es mast vsed in haly kirkes servys, forthi þat in it es perfeccioun of dyuyne pagine. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. ii. 75 Voutsafe deuine perfection of a woman, Of these supposed euils to giue me leaue..but to acquite my selfe. 1611 Bible (King James) Lament. ii. 15 Is this the citie that men call the perfection of beauty? View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. iii. 100 It is a iudgement..most imperfect, That will confesse perfection [sc. Desdemona], so would erre Against all rules of Nature. View more context for this quotation 1706 T. Baker Hampstead Heath i. i. 3 The fair Berynthia, who by all Judges of fine Women, is said to be the Perfection of ev'ry thing. 1767 T. Hull Perplexities iii. 41 Perfection of prudence, as of loveliness! c1830 S. Smith in Lady Holland Life I. 351 A beautiful girl..exclaimed, ‘Oh, Mr. Sydney! this pea will never come to perfection’. ‘Permit me then’, said he taking her hand,..‘to lead perfection to the pea’. 1852 E. M. Sewell Exper. of Life (1858) xviii. 128 This would be the very perfection of a dress for you. 1949 N. Mitford Love in Cold Climate ii. i Making a perfection of their homes at the same time as rearing large families of clever children. 1983 F. Warner Moving Reflections I. iii. 10 Was this the perfection of cities, the joy of the whole earth? 2003 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 18 Jan. 32 The historic road of motoring renown stretches from the first classic roadsters to today's sleek perfections. c. The fineness or purity of a metal; (Alchemy) the complete purity which is the goal of transmuting base metals into gold. Now historical. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > qualities of metals > [noun] > fineness or purity toucha1325 finesse1424 finance1473 fineness1532 purity1550 perfection1585 1585 R. Parsons Christian Directorie ii. i. iii. 645 Finallie to a gold-smithes forge which consumeth away the refuse metals, and fineth the gold to his perfection. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. iv. 214 The most famous golde is that of Caranava in Peru.., for that it riseth with his alloy and perfection, which is twenty three carrats and a halfe. 1652 E. Ashmole Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum Prolegomena sig. A4^v Transmuting any Imperfect Earthy Matter into its utmost degree of Perfection; that is, to convert the basest of Metalls into perfect Gold and Silver. 1772 Philos. Trans. 1771 (Royal Soc.) 61 523 The ancients had not the art of refining silver, in so great perfection as it is now practised. 4. The most perfect or utmost degree; the height or extreme of a quality, condition, faculty, etc. In early use also: †the most perfect performance or execution of a virtue, ceremony, office, etc. (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [noun] > peak of perfection perfection1340 pointc1400 pinnaclec1450 firmament1526 tipe1548 vertical point1559 acmea1568 status1577 summity1588 sublimation1591 turret1593 topgallant1597 non ultra?1606 vertical1611 non plus ultra1647 ne ultraa1657 verticle1658 summit1661 ne plus ultra1664 ne plus1665 nonplus1670 tip-top1702 pink1720 sublime1748 eminencea1854 it1896 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 133 Huerinne is þe uolle of perfeccioun [c1450 Bk. Vices & Virtues perfiȝtnesse] of þise uirtue. ?c1450 (?a1400) J. Wyclif Eng. Wks. (1880) 366 (MED) Moyses lawe is moralle in þis poynte þat longeth to þe perfeccyon of presthode. a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 86 Thei wist not propirly to whom thei shulde or ought to do the perfeccioun of this honoure which lonith to the deite. 1624 J. Smith Gen. Hist. Virginia iv. 125 The other Saluages assaulted the rest and slew them... But fearing this murther would come to light..would now proceed to the perfection of villanie. 1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. xii, in Wks. (1874) II. 154 The perfection of goodness consists in love to the whole universe. 1842 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) III. ix. 142 The perfection of cunning is to conceal its own quality. 1854 H. H. Milman Hist. Lat. Christianity I. iii. vii. 468 With Gregory celibacy was the perfection of human nature. 1904 J. Conrad Nostromo iii. v. 324 A genius for treachery of so effective a kind that it must have appeared..as the perfection of sagacity and virtue. 1995 W. Weaver tr. U. Eco Island of Day Before 197 The perfection of love is not being loved, but being Lover. 5. The action, process, or fact of making something perfect or bringing something to (esp. successful) completion. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > completing > [noun] enda1300 chevisancec1330 applyinga1382 perfectiona1382 pointc1385 finishmentc1400 accomplishingc1405 complement1419 consummationa1425 effecta1425 performinga1425 accomplishment1425 fining?1448 complishing1449 complishment1454 achevisauncec1475 achievement1477 perfectinga1513 cheving?1518 furniture1529 achievance1531 exploiture1531 exploiting1538 perimplishment1554 consummating1555 finishing?1563 chevance1570 coronation1582 crowning1586 adimpletion1624 fulfilment1624 complusmenta1628 completure1642 completement1652 transaction1655 patration1656 perfunction1656 completion1657 completing1727 ultimation1791 finality1833 perfectuation1859 fruition1885 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) Num. vi. 21 So he shal do to þe perfeccioun of his holynes. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 16^v Alle þe ordres [of angels]..be I-maad perteneres of derk mistik purgacouns, illuminacouns, schininges, & perfecciouns. 1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Aii Euery religiouse persone shulde intende the perfeccion of his soule. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. i. 114 The auncients also had their superiours, which admonished them in the perfection of their dutie. 1678 W. Temple Let. to Ld. Treasurer in Wks. (1731) II. 479 After all the Applauses have been given me here upon the Perfection of the last Treaty. 1729 W. Law Serious Call v. 70 To make the most of a short life, to study your own perfection. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 370 Admittance is the last stage, or perfection, of copyhold assurances. 1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby x Towards the full perfection of which [portrait], Miss La Crevy had had the street-door case brought upstairs. 1872 J. Morley Voltaire i. 10 For this process of perfection, we need first the meditative, doubting, critical type. 1940 Endocrinology 27 892 Work is now progressing..on the perfection of a suitable technic for the assay of this hormone. 1992 Times Lit. Suppl. 28 Feb. 3/4 The perfection of the security on the loan can be deferred until after the purchase has been completed. 6. to (or †unto) perfection: completely, perfectly. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > completeness > completely [phrase] > completely or perfectly to (or unto) perfectiona1425 to the letter?1495 to point1590 to the (also a) nail?1611 to a shaving1804 jam up1835 to the moment1845 to a (fine) point1861 a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Job xi. 7 Thou schalt fynde Almyȝti God til to perfeccioun [a1382 E.V. vnto perfit]. 1611 Bible (King James) Job xi. 7 Canst thou finde out the Almightie vnto perfection ? View more context for this quotation 1705 tr. A. Dacier in tr. Aristotle Art of Poetry ii. 18 He says that Polygnotus always painted Noble Subjects, and that he hit the features to Perfection. 1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins II. v. 44 They were pleased with it [sc. the fire] to perfection. 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvii. 169 Olivia..acted the coquet to perfection. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 474 Sunderland acted calumniated virtue to perfection. 1898 I. L. Bird Korea & her Neighbours I. xviii. 250 Nagasaki..lighted, cleaned, and policed to perfection. 1908 E. J. Banfield Confessions of Beachcomber i. iv. 150 To enjoy it to perfection. 2003 Herald Sun (Melbourne) (Nexis) 7 June w30 The pasta was cooked to perfection. 7. Great or complete proficiency in an activity, art, or skill. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > expertise or proficiency craftOE perfectionc1475 accomplement?c1525 proficiency1597 handiness1601 profection1605 expertnessa1616 provection1652 prowessa1668 proficience1713 adeptness1731 hability1840 expertise1868 expertship1880 expertism1886 wizardry1951 c1475 tr. Secreta Secret. (Tripolitanus abbrev.) (1977) 330 I pray the..that thou..do no thinge..withoute the counseill of som notable clerke that hath the perfeccioun of the science of astronomye. a1530 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Royal) i. Prol. 114 Reqwyrande the correctioune Off grettare of perfectyoune. a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) ii. f. 32 Whan..tyme shall breed skill, and vse shall bring perfection. 1655 W. Sales Theophania 192 None..arived at a higher degree of perfection in all martial exercises than Perrotus. a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1677 (1955) IV. 118 Having both the Latine, French & Spanish tongues in perfection. 1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 37 Fence, Dance, and Ride in some tolerable Perfection. 1727 P. Frowde Fall of Saguntum ii. 26 Am I rejected for a puling Girl?.. Whose wondrous Talent, whose Perfection is To weave some pretty story in the Loom. 1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits v. 94 Every man is trained to some one art or detail, and aims at perfection in that. 1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight v. 54 Such perfection has been reached in the manufacture of artificial eyes, that [etc.]. 1912 Catholic Encycl. XIV. 670/1 He reached that stage of perfection in the art of writing where the art disappears. 1995 J. Miller & M. Stacey Driving Instructor's Handbk. (ed. 8) vii. 200 Perfection in these skills alone will not compensate for lack of knowledge or defective attitude. 8. As a count noun: a quality, trait, accomplishment, etc., of great excellence; a surpassing merit or virtue. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > acquired skill > an accomplishment > of a high order perfectiona1513 a1513 J. Irland Meroure of Wyssdome (1926) I. 163 All thire perfecciounis are includit in this haly name Jhesus. 1572 H. Middlemore in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 8 Suerly Monsieur is a goodly gentilman, and hathe many perfections in him. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies vi. xvi. 466 The Indians of Peru had one perfection, which was, to teach their young children all artes and occupations necessary for the life of man. 1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all iii. 27 I am not Master of any of those perfections; for in fine, Sir, I am wholly ignorant of Painting, Musick, and Poetry. 1718 Free-thinker No. 75. Prudence is a real Perfection, which Challenges the nicest Observation. 1741 D. Hume Ess. II. §xi What we imagine a superior perfection, may really be a defect. Or were it ever so much a perfection, the ascribing it [etc.]. 1784 J. Potter Virtuous Villagers II. 111 I constantly discover new graces, new perfections, and new merits, unobserved before. 1813 W. Taylor Eng. Synonyms 64 It is esteemed a perfection in English writing to construct an antithesis with words of a collocal origin. 1881 A. Trollope Dr. Wortle's School II. xii. 244 They..did nothing but talk about Carstairs and all his perfections. 1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xxx. 504 They took a sentimental, childish delight in the achieved perfections of the past. 2003 Mail on Sunday (Nexis) 11 Aug. 81 I can sniff out in a trice their flaws and perfections. 9. Music. With reference to a note or interval: the fact or condition of being perfect (perfect adj. 10). Now historical. prick (also dot, point) of perfection n. [after post-classical Latin punctus perfectionis (14th cent.)] (in musical notation) a dot or small circle placed after a note to indicate perfection. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > perfect interval > perfection of interval perfectionc1570 society > leisure > the arts > music > written or printed music > notation > [noun] > character in notation > note > dot added to note point (also note, prick) of addition1597 prick (also dot, point) of perfection1658 c1570 Art of Music (BL Add. 4911) f. 20^v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Perfect-, Perfeccio(u)n(e Ane pwnt..of perfection..makkis the long perfyt in muid the breif perfyt in tym [etc.]. 1614 T. Ravenscroft (title) A briefe discovrse of the true (but neglected) vse of charact'ring the degrees by their perfection, imperfection, and diminution in measurable musicke. 1658 J. Playford Breif Introd. Skill Musick (new ed.) 23 Pricks of Perfection are used for Perfecting of Notes as is onely used in the Triple Time. 1778 W. Billings Singing Master's Assistant 6 A prick of perfection is not well named in my opinion, because a note may be perfect without it: a point of addition is the best name. 1786 T. Busby Compl. Dict. Music Modification, a term applied to that temperament of the sounds of instruments whose tones are fixed, which gives a greater degree of perfection to one key than another. 1880 W. S. Rockstro in G. Grove Dict. Music I. 767 Ways in which the Perfection of certain notes may be changed to Imperfection, and vice versa. 1935 T. M. Finney Hist. of Music xii. 155 The ‘prick of perfection’ or dot, was understood as being in reality a very small circle, the old sign of perfection in time and prolation. 1986 D. M. Randel New Harvard Dict. Music 487/1 It was sometimes called a dot of perfection (punctum perfectionis). When it occurs between two breves that occur between two longs, it..forces the preceding breve to imperfect the preceding long, thus causing the long and the breve together to form a perfection. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online June 2022). perfectionv. Brit. /pəˈfɛkʃn/, U.S. /pərˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/ Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: perfection n. Etymology: < perfection n. Compare French perfectionner (see perfectionate v.). Compare earlier perfectioning n., and perfect v., perfectionate v. rare. transitive. To bring to perfection, to perfect. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [verb (transitive)] perfectc1440 perfectionate1570 consummate1581 perfection1651 perfectionize1805 1651 tr. F. de Quintana Hist. Don Fenise 305 We lived there in great repose, imploying the time..in perfectioning our loves. 1690 tr. Moral Ess. Soul Man (new ed.) ii. xviii. 268 Abstracted and speculative Sciences are perfectioned more and more. 1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 243 All persons are interested in perfectioning these new bases of the conjugal connexion. 1821 J. Galt Ayrshire Legatees vi. 160 He only receives pupils for perfectioning, except they belong to families of distinction. 1921 W. J. Turner Mus. & Life 60 Only then did men consider perfectioning tonal delights. 1999 Afr. News Newswire (Nexis) 29 June The ministers were perfectioning the ceasefire document for endorsement. Derivatives perˈfectioned adj. perfect, that has been made perfect. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > perfection > [adjective] > brought to perfection perfectionated1795 perfectioned1841 perfected1848 1841 I. D'Israeli Amenities Lit. III. 324 This perfectioned model of a government. 1958 Monumenta Nipponica 14 339 This witness happens to be also the most perfectioned rōei singer of his time. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.?c1225v.1651
随便看	run to ground run to meet run to neck run to repairs run to seed run to straw run to the end of one's rope run to type run to waste run to wrack run to wrack and ruin run together run trade run true run true to form run true to type run up run up against run up against a brick wall run up colour run up the flagpole run up the flagpole and see who salutes it run up the score run up the wall run up to form

perfectionn.

perfectionv.

Derivatives