recovern.
/rᵻˈkʌvə/, U.S. /rəˈkəvər/, /riˈkəvər/ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > [noun]
healingc1000
healthc1000
healc1175
boteningc1300
warishingc1386
cure1393
curationa1398
recovera1398
resuming?a1425
sanationc1440
mendingc1480
guerison1484
recurea1500
recovery1523
resanation1598
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > recovery from misfortune, error, etc. > [noun]
upcoveringa1300
uprisingc1330
recovera1398
coverancea1400
recoverancea1400
respirement1477
recovery1525
rise1738
comeback1908
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 19 Euel angelis..boþe I-closid in þis derk aier as it were in prisoun withoute recouer [L. irrecuperabiliter].
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 282 After þat day Scotlond may haf gode recouere.
c1450 J. Metham Days Moon (Garrett) in Wks. (1916) 152 (MED) He that fallyth seke that day schuld be longe seke and off hard recouer.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 332 The grete knowinge and witte of Merlin, in whom was all the recouer.
1555 Card. Pole Let. to Cranmer in J. Strype Mem. Cranmer (1694) App. 212 If I now, that desire your recover, should go about..to bryng yow from your errour to the truth.
a1607 H. Chettle Trag. Hoffman (1631) sig. H3v The Princes head being split against a Rocke Past all recouer.
1664 H. Bold Poems 152 She [sc. his mare] was e'ne gon past recover As though she would assign me over.
2. Law. = recovery n. 2a. Now historical and rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > claim at law > [noun] > fact of succeeding in claim
recoverera1325
recover?a1424
recovery1424
?a1424 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 35 (MED) Osebarn and Cassy have pursued a new writ of quare impedit aȝeyns..þe incumbent, and þoghten..to have hade a pryve recovere.
1474 Rolls of Parl. VI. 100/2 Yf the seid..Duke..and Isabell..suffre eny recovere by injust title of eny of the premisses, [etc.].
1504–5 in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 195 That all former recovers and other tytles, which your adversaryes hath against you and your heires, may be voyded.
1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xviii. f. 33 The tenant..cometh nat in by the lorde, but by force of the recouere.
1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 4 The aforesaide false and fayned recouere.
?1698 Case G. Evelyn 1/2 They taking Advantage..Intend, after his Decease, to suffer a Recover of the Premises to barr the said Reversion to his own Right Heirs.
1949 T. F. T. Plucknett Legislation Edw. I v. 124 Westminster II, c. 3, gave the reversioner the remedy by writ, and the right to be ‘received’, if the doweress suffered a recover by default.
a. Recovery of something lost; = recovery n. 4. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > [noun] > back or again
coveringc1230
restaurationa1398
recoverance1398
retrievingc1425
recoverc1430
readeption1471
recuperation1481
recovery1523
retiring1548
repossessing1576
regetting1585
recoverment1591
repossession1592
refetching1624
regainment1642
recooper1652
reattainment1661
reacquisition1719
revendication1760
retrievation1806
retrieve1853
regain1860
c1430 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1844) I. 7/2 How fredome may be tynt foroutyn recover.
1456 J. Fastolf in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 136 I..hertly thank you..for avis to be had for the recuuere of my Lord Bedford godes.
?1504 S. Hawes Example of Vertu sig. cc.i A thynge lost without recouer.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. ii. xxiii. 226 Þe small pepil rais in grete Ire,..& said thare liberte was endit but recovir.
a1605 (c1471) Hist. Arrival King Edward IV (1838) 39 The reentrie and perfecte recover of the iuste title and right of owr..Lord Kynge Edward..to his realme and crowne of England.
1658 Earl of Monmouth tr. P. Paruta Hist. Venice i. xii. 648 The Emperour having by these new accidents recovered his former ardency, began to bethink himself of going in person, with all his forces, immediately to the recover of Metz.
b. Recovery of a debt, an amount due, etc. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1473 in R. Arnold Chron. (c1503) f. xxxvij/2 Any other thinge..that may lette..the said aturnais or ani of them of the recouer or recait of the said C. lī.
1488 in F. W. Weaver Somerset Medieval Wills (1901) 274 To my lord Dawbeney 10li. of the money due unto me..if he help to the rekouere of the same.
1495 Act 11 Hen. VII c. 21 For the recovere and restitucion of the same dette damages and costis the pleyntif..may..sue an Accion of Dett.
4.
a. Military. One of a sequence of positions in which a firearm is held during a manual exercise, with the lock at shoulder height and the sling facing out, used esp. after aiming (or firing); also in similar use with reference to saluting with a sword. Frequently with the and in at (also on, to) the recover. Cf. recover v.1 12c.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > drill or training > [noun] > weapon-training > manual exercise > position of weapon > specific
chargea1616
recover1692
secure1766
present1777
port arms1795
carry1802
salute1833
trail1833
ready1837
order1847
parade rest1862
slope1868
port1918
1692 J. Moxon Epitome Whole Art of War i. 9 Shut your Pan with your two first Fingers, and casting back your Primer, bring your Musquet to the Recover, as there directed, keeping your Thumb on the top of the Steel.
1773 R. Lambart New Syst. Mil. Discipline iii. ii. 76 Bring up the Musket to the position of a Recover.
1799 Instr. & Regulations Cavalry (ed. 3) 355 The advanced line of skirmishers are to have their pistols or carbines at the recover.
1809 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1837) IV. 446 Private O—— J—— having loaded his piece, had it on the recover, when he turned round and saw him.
1847 Infantry Man. (1854) 112 Bring the firelock to the recover.
1915 R. Kipling New Army ii. 10 The squads at bayonet-practice had their balance, drive, and recover already.
1939 Times 17 Mar. 13/3 The weapon [sc. a sword] is simply lifted from the ‘carry’ to the ‘recover’, and so held during the salute.
1995 M. Chappell Guards Divisions 1914–45 (1997) 59 Note the Sam Browne belt, and the sword held at the ‘recover’.
b. gen. The action or an act of bringing or coming back to a former or usual position; a recovery. Also figurative. Cf. recover v.1 12e.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > [noun] > restoring to previous position
restitution1578
replacing1630
re-emplacement1693
recover1818
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > [noun] > return towards point of departure
returna1393
returning?c1400
recoursec1405
regress1478
reverture1495
retraira1500
regression1598
reflexa1613
recursion1616
revolture1633
retroition1651
hark back1798
recover1818
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > [noun] > manifestation of respect > bowing, kneeling, or curtseying > a bow or curtsey > act of rising after
recovering1710
recovery1712
recover1852
1818 ‘T. Brown’ Brighton III. ii. 123 ‘I hold it that a prime coachman's a better fellow than a paltry—’ peer he was going to say, but he knew how to pull up to a hair; so, making a recover, he added—‘man of fortune’.
1819 Metropolis (ed. 2) II. 45 ‘Oh! I know their tricks’ (making a recover)—‘that is to say, I have heard of them.’
1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond III. ii. 52 She..swept a low curtsey, coming up to the recover with the prettiest little foot in the world pointed out.
1888 Cent. Mag. Jan. 449/1 All being done with a quick thrust and recover that does not burn one's finger.
1933 Harvard Stud. in Classical Philol. 44 222 Obviously, in rough water ships with higher oar-ports could more easily clear the waves on the recover.
1999 A. Mallinson Close Run Thing xiii. 223 The buck jinked to the left and Hervey came back to the recover, turning Jessye sharply, who did a neat flying change of her own accord to lead with the left leg.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
recoverv.1
/rᵻˈkʌvə/, U.S. /rəˈkəvər/, /riˈkəvər/α. Middle English recoeure, Middle English recorue (transmission error), Middle English recouri (south-eastern), Middle English recouuere, Middle English recouur, Middle English recouyr, Middle English recouyre, Middle English recovere, Middle English recoverie, Middle English recovir, Middle English recufer, Middle English recuuere, Middle English recuuery (south-western), Middle English recuver, Middle English recvvre, Middle English rekouer, Middle English rekover, Middle English rekovere, Middle English requover, Middle English requovir, Middle English–1500s recouir, Middle English–1500s recouver, Middle English–1500s recovre, Middle English–1600s recouer, Middle English–1600s recouere, Middle English–1600s recoure, Middle English–1600s recouuer, Middle English– recover, 1500s recoyor (transmission error), 1600s reccover, 1600s recoured (past participle); Scottish pre-1700 racouer, pre-1700 racover, pre-1700 racuuer, pre-1700 recouer, pre-1700 recouir, pre-1700 recouire, pre-1700 recovir, pre-1700 recovire, pre-1700 recovyr, pre-1700 recovyre, pre-1700 recower, pre-1700 recowyr, pre-1700 recowyre, pre-1700 recuuer, pre-1700 recuuir, pre-1700 recuver, pre-1700 1700s– recover.
β. Middle English reckevere, Middle English rekeouer, Middle English rekeue (transmission error), Middle English rekeuer, Middle English rekeuere, Middle English rekeuery, Middle English rekeure, Middle English rekever, Middle English rekevere, Middle English rekevre, Middle English rekewer, Middle English rekiuere, Middle English rekiver, Middle English rekyuer, Middle English requeuer.
I. To regain (something lost); to take back into one's control or possession.† 4. † 5. transitive. To get, obtain, or receive in place of, or in return for, something else. Obsolete.
1. Law.† c. transitive. To receive (a judgment or verdict) in one's favour. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To get back or gain by judgment in a court of law; to obtain possession or restoration of, or a right to, by legal process.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > legal seizure or recovery of property > [verb (transitive)] > recover property
recovera1325
evict1447
a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) vi. 23 On þilke sulue manere me sal recouere damages þoru writ of cosinage, of ael, of besael.
1399 Liber Cartarum Sancte Crucis (1840) 113 The fiffe mark..excedand the some contend in the chartir..mai be recuverit of him.
1405 in H. M. Flasdieck Mittelengl. Originalurkunden (1926) 33 (MED) Sir Roger schal relese and for ȝefe to the forsaide John Bagger..al the damagez that be recouered be the same assis.
?c1430 (?1383) J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 320 Ȝif þei kittide þus openly here purses, þei schulden reckevere it bi comyn lawe.
1447 Rolls of Parl. V. 130/1 Divers Landes and Tenementz late were recovered, evict, and hadde fro the possession of the Hous of the holy Trinite.
1516 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 2 Whereas the Lorde Willuthby [etc.].. recovered all my manors, landes and tenements agaynst me [etc.].
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 100 He was assured to recouer of Midias so much money for a forfaicte.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Iii3v/2, at Recovery The third man commeth not: wherevpon the land is recouered by him that brought the writ.
1656 in J. A. Clyde Hope's Major Practicks (1937) I. 139 The lords..found ane horneing execuit against her..upon ane decreit recovered against her.
1710 H. Prideaux Orig. & Right Tithes iv. 167 This Law..enabled the Clergy to gather and recover Tithes.
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 59 All trivial debts..were to be recovered..in every man's own county.
1808 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius II. xix. 689 It was holden, that the plaintiff..was entitled to recover the value of the goods.
1891 Law Times Rep. 63 690/2 This was an action to recover damages for false imprisonment.
1935 Act 25 & 26 Geo. V c. 30 §6 Any tort-feasor liable in respect of..damage may recover contribution from any other tort-feasor who is..liable in respect of the same damage.
2004 BusinessWeek 15 Nov. (Advt. section following p. 133) New Jersey is addressing this question through a novel natural resource damage (‘NRD’) initiative aimed at quantifying such losses and then recovering damages from responsible parties.
b. intransitive. To obtain possession of or a right to something by legal process or judgment in a court of law; to succeed in a claim or suit of recovery. Also with on (a person, claim, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > action of courts in claims or grievances > claim at law > [verb (intransitive)] > succeed in a claim
recover1432
1432 in Cal. Proc. Chancery Queen Elizabeth (1827) I. p. xxii Richard profrid to be bounden to the same preest in xx li. yef that he wolde holde with hym..wherthurgh he myȝt recovere ayenst me.
1515 Act 7 Hen. VIII c. 4 Every Advowaunt..shall recover their damages and costes..as the playntyf shuld have doo yf they had recoveryd in the said Replevyne.
1579 Rastell's Expos. Termes Lawes (new ed.) f. 89v Therupon the plaintife shal haue iudgment to recouer &c.
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. Iii4/1, at Recovery A third person afterward by suite of lawe recouereth against me, I haue my remedie..to recouer in value, that is, to recover so much in mony as the land is worth.
a1610 J. Healey in tr. Theophrastus Characters To Rdr., in tr. Epictetus Manuall (1616) If the thing bought bee evicted from the buyer..hee may sue the Broker, and recover, as of the owner.
1641 Rastell's Termes de la Ley (new ed.) f. 65 Collusion is where an Action is brought against another by his own agreement, if the Plaintife recover, then such recovery is called by Collusion.
1700 Law Ejectm. 245 If one recovers in Ejectment, upon which the Recoveror was put in Possession Per Habere fac' possession, and after the Defendant ousts him again, if the Writ was never retorned (because then it appears nor, that the Plaintiff was ever out of Possession) a new Writ shall be granted.
1798 E. H. Bay Rep. Cases Superior Courts S.-Carolina 66 Plaintiff..had a right to recover according to the law and custom of merchants.
1817 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius (ed. 4) II. 1214 The plaintiff shall recover according to the verdict.
1866 A. Crump Pract. Treat. Banking v. 118 The holder must neither protest nor give notice of dishonour, as he thereby precludes himself from recovering against the acceptor.
1870 L. Oliphant Piccadilly 95 If I can carry on for another fortnight, I have got information which makes it certain I shall recover on them.
1973 N.Y. Law Jrnl. 24 July 13/7 Defendant urges upon the court that plaintiff may not recover since he has violated the no-competition clause.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > judging > judge or determine judicially [verb (transitive)] > have favourable verdict
recover1655
1655 in J. Stawell Vindic. Remonstr. 41 Many of the Grand Jury being the Inhabitants of Taunton, and such who had recovered Judgements for great summes of mony against me.
1682 A. Colquitt Mod. Rep. 297 The Testator recovers a Iudgment, and dies, making his Will thus.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xviii. viii. 232 An Action of Trover might be brought, and if it appeared to the Jury to be the Moneys of Plaintiff, that Plaintiff would recover a Verdict for the Value. View more context for this quotation
1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 404 A defendant, against whom judgment is recovered.
1798 E. H. Bay Rep. Cases Superior Courts S.-Carolina 49 Plaintiff had recovered a verdict..for 230l. sterling.
2. † a. intransitive. To regain ground, to rally or stand one's ground in battle. Also of an enemy. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > manoeuvre > [verb (intransitive)] > rally
recoverc1330
rely?a1400
relievec1425
re-allyc1485
rally1599
reconcentrate1884
regroupa1944
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 7987 (MED) Þe oþer rekeuerd oȝain wiþ main.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 13402 Sþen had þei no grace to stand, ne myght recouer [a1450 Lamb. relye] bot euer fleand.
1654 T. Burton Diary (1828) I. 165 A recoiling man may, haply, recover of his enemy; but the courage of an enemy, surely, will be in the keeping of his ground.
b. transitive. To regain (territory, etc.) by conquest or force; to win back (ground lost in fighting).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > victory > make victorious [verb (transitive)] > capture or acquire by conquest > recover territory
recoverc1384
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 2 Macc. ii. 23 Thei..rekyuerden [v.r. rekeuerden; a1425 L.V. rekyueriden; L. recuperarent] the most famous temple.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 69 (MED) Cristen men schall recouer þis land agayne in tyme commyng.
c1480 (a1400) St. George 904 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 202 Quhen cristine men tuk on hande to recouer þe haly lande.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 654 Than com alle the bretouns oute of the wode, and haue recouered the felde.
1513–14 Act 5 Hen. VIII c. 1 Preamble The Kyng..desiring to recover the Royalme of Fraunce his very true patrimonye.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xxxiiijv They recouered of the frenchmen Parma and Placence.
?c1615 Chron. Kings of Scotl. (1830) 62 He recoverit in schortt tyme the castellis of Forfar, Dundie, and all the fortraleissis that the Inglishmen held for the tyme.
1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. ii. §15. 469/2 Justinian, recovered Africk from the Vandals by Belisarius.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies II. xxxvi. 36 The Peguer finding that he could not recover his Lands without foreign Aid and Assistance, invited the Portuguese.
1769 W. Robertson Hist. Charles V III. vii. 8 He..gave the enemy an opportunity of recovering..all the conquests which he had gained.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 117 Having by this means recovered the kingdom.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 406 To annex to them those districts..which he could recover for the empire.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 363/2 Menelaus succeeded Tyndareus, and Agamemnon, with his brother's assistance, drove out Aegisthus and Thyestes, and recovered his father's kingdom.
1987 M. G. Meyer & W. L. Sherman in R. Wright Stolen Continents (1992) xi. 242 Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards?
3.
a. To get back or regain (something non-material conceived of as lost or taken away); to win back. Frequently of time.Cf. recovered memory n. at recovered adj. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > again or back > something immaterial
recoverc1350
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 133 (MED) Þe cloþing bitokneþ þe vertu þat Man resceyueþ at his cristenyng & afterward recouereþ [v.r. rekyueriþ] hym þorouȝ verray penaunce.
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) 29203 (MED) Right so with schrift of ȝeres seuyn Sall we recouer þe grace of heuyn.
c1450 C. d'Orleans Poems (1941) 46 (MED) Y bi yow rekouer the larges Of good of loue.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 1212 Furst..Baptym go ye to For by hym sonnest shull ye recouer grace.
1532 Sir J. Russel in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 302 To do your Highnes service, and to helpe you to recouver your right.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 118 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) To take the suddaine advantage of time, which being once lost will not bee recovered.
a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 106 How unquiet are we..till we have recovered his lost favour.
1694 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding (new ed.) ii. xxvii. 188 The Mind many times recovers the memory of a past consciousness, which it had lost for twenty years together.
1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxv. 53 The affections of your subjects may still be recovered.
a1800 W. Cowper Yardley-Oak in W. Hayley Life & Posthumous Writings Cowper (1804) III. 411 Unrecorded facts Recov'ring, and mistated setting right.
1847 G. P. R. James Convict i I must study hard to recover lost time.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 694 He recovered the meaning of the several names and re-translated them.
1907 R. Brooke Compl. Poems (1932) 12 Because I, For all my thinking, never could recover One moment of the good hours that were over.
1988 E. Young-Bruehl Anna Freud ii. 83 She wanted to recover her barefoot, unconstrained childhood self.
2002 C. Newland Snakeskin i. 2 I eased the car forwards and resumed my former alertness, overtaking the cab, driving dirty to recover lost time.
b. transitive. To regain possession of, bring back, or retrieve (something physically lost, stolen, or taken away); to get (also occasionally †to take) back into control or possession.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > again or back
acovera1225
covera1300
gain-covera1300
to get againc1380
recovera1387
becoverc1400
recounsel?a1425
recurea1425
win1489
redeem1526
readept1537
rehave1541
recuperate1542
regain1548
reobtain1579
retire1584
reget1585
to get back1587
retrieve1589
reprise1590
reprocure1590
reattain1595
relieve1596
recompassc1604
reacquire1627
reacquist1635
recruit1656
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > again
findOE
recovera1387
refind1499
rediscover1625
retrieve1647
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 133 Þe bisshopriche of Ȝork cesede þritty ȝere, and þe vse of þe palle secede..for to þat Egbert the bisshop..recouered [?a1475 anon. tr. recurede; L. recuperaret] it.
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xix. 239 He [sc. the Holy Spirit] tauȝte..some to ryde and to recoeure [c1400 C text rekeuere] þat vnriȝtfully was wonne.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer Parl. Fowls (Digby) (1871) l. 686 Eche of them recouered hath his make.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii I shalle counceylle the how thou shalt recouere thy syluer.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 681/2 This thing is recovred by strength of hande, but it was almost gone.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Hosea ii. 9 I..wil recouer my woll and my flaxe lent, to couer her shame.
1663 in J. Gilmour & D. Falconer Coll. Decis. Lords of Council (1701) i. 55 The other..has recovered the minute out of the hands of a third party haver.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1647 (1955) II. 535 My Valet..robbed me of the value of threescore pounds in Clothes & plate; but..I recoverd most of them againe.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 203 They came back,..extremely well satisfied that they had recovered the Booty, and taken the Thief.
1770 S. Foote Lame Lover iii. 73 The recovering my paternal possessions makes me anxious inded.
1857 F. D. Maurice Epist. St. John ix. 141 They would stir up endless rebellions, in the hope of recovering what they had lost.
1872 J. Morley Voltaire i. 5 Humanity had lost its title-deeds, and he had recovered them.
1908 E. F. Benson Climber 28 It pitched among the cabbages, and had to be instantly recovered before they forgot where it had gone to.
1990 Police Rev. 28 Sept. 1908/3 Victims were unhappy because the police did not arrest anybody or because their stolen property was not recovered.
2004 E. Conlon Blue Blood v. 156 No contraband was recovered from the defendant, and inference alone, no matter how obvious, would not warrant prosecution.
c. transitive. To search for and find (a dead body); to find and bring back (a corpse).
ΚΠ
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) II. lf. 340 Dyomedes..recoueryd the body of assandrus with grete payne and bare hyt in to his shippe.
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 10369 The troiens..trauailed full sore..The corse to Recouer.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 16 Also he [sc. Theseus] dyd helpe Adrastus king of the Argives, to recouer the bodyes of those that were slayne in the battell.
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron I. iv. iv. sig. Ee Afterward, having recovered the Princesses dead body out of the Sea, and enbalmed it with sighes and teares: hee returned backe into Sicilie.
1669 Ld. Orrery Parthenissa VI. 152 I offer'd all those Cyprian Commanders, to imploy my whole Fleet, to recover his Body.
1720 A. Pope in tr. Homer Iliad VI. xxiv. Observ. 1855 He could have contriv'd another way to recover the Body of Hector.
1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis iii. iv. 198 Their companions seeing this misfortune, avoided the danger, and cautiously recovered the bodies for interment.
1851 J. Henderson Excursions & Adventures New S. Wales II. 205 Next day, four young men, natives of the colony and excellent swimmers and divers, as all the Cornstalks are, went down to recover the bodies, if possible.
1902 J. Conrad Heart of Darkness in Youth i. 61 It was only months and months afterwards, when I made the attempt to recover what was left of the body, that I heard the original quarrel arose from a misunderstanding about some hens.
1990 A. S. Byatt Possession xviii. 309 The body was not recovered until June 28th, cast up a little below Putney Bridge at low tide.
2007 Church Times 16 Nov. 33/2 Kitchener died at sea, and his body was never recovered.
d. transitive. To reclaim (land) from the sea. Cf. recovery n. 5b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > reclamation > reclaim [verb (transitive)] > reclaim from sea
gain1641
recovera1793
empolder1839
impolder1898
1591 J. Harington tr. L. Ariosto Orlando Furioso iv. 30 I see good reason to guesse, that all that countrey which now we call our moores (and is reduced to profitable and fertile ground) was sometime recouered from the sea.
1621 W. Slatyer Hist. Great Britanie i. 7 Master Verstegan is of opinion that the Low Countries, and those inferior parts of Germany haue beene recouered from the Sea since the floud.
1663 F. Philipps Antiq. Præ-emption & Pourveyance for King v. 313 Many Fenns and Imbancked Marshes, consisting of some hundred thousand Acres Drained or recovered from the Sea.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Innings, Lands recovered from the Sea, by draining and banking.
a1793 W. Elstobb Hist. Acct. Bedford Level (1793) 274 The Romans..being at the pains of recovering them [sc. marshes] from the sea.
1837 J. R. McCulloch Statist. Acct. Brit. Empire I. i. i. 22 On the south it is low, Sunk Island, and some other considerable tracts, having been recovered from the sea.
1948 J. van Veen Dredge, drain, Reclaim i. 52 We must compare those 940000 acres recovered from the sea with the losses we have suffered since 1200.
2004 A. W. Evans Economics iii. 34 Another even more extreme example is the former Portuguese colony of Macao where a third of the area was land recovered from the sea.
e. transitive. Originally and chiefly Hunting. To find or pick up (a scent or trail) again; to come upon (a fox, hare, etc.) a second time. Cf. to lose the scent at scent n. Phrases 2. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting specific animals > [verb (transitive)] > hunt hare > find again
recover1603
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunting with hounds > work done by hounds > action of hounds [verb (transitive)] > discover (game) > find and set up game again
retrievec1425
recover1603
1603 M. Drayton Barrons Wars ii. lii. 41 Like to a heard of weary hartlesse Deare..Proouing each couert, euery secret place, Yet by the hounds recouered eu'ry where With eager yearning in the sented trace.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Relancer vn lievre, to recouer her, or put her off the squat.
1694 N. H. Ladies Dict. 524/1 Being brought to our own default, we may recover the scent of that we were running from.
1736 Compl. Family-piece ii. i. 222 If it be smooth and plain within,..so that you may discern the Pricks,..then endeavour to recover the Hare upon the Trail.
1784 T. Day Hist. Sandford & Merton (ed. 2) I. 113 At this moment the hounds recovered the scent.
1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans I. ix. 127 They set up a howl, like an opening from so many hounds, who had recovered a lost trail.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports 141/1 In that direction [he] will generally succeed in recovering the scent. Most hares..will generally be easily recovered by a cast in the direction of their home.
1888 Times 10 Oct. 5/5 When they are at fault,..they will make their own casts and recover the track.
1920 A. Graham Follow Little Pictures! 177 I hurried forward, forgetting my discretion in my anxiety to recover the scent.
2003 S. Gillespie Tiren 110 Confused the wolves fanned out to recover the scent.
f. transitive. To remove or extract (a substance) from waste material for recycling or reuse; to put (otherwise waste heat from an industrial process, boiler, etc.) to a useful purpose.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > perform general or industrial manufacturing processes [verb (transitive)] > recycle or reuse
recover1852
recycle1925
1852 F. Overman Treat. Metall. ii. iii. 306 If the slags are thrown away, this metal is entirely lost; but it may be recovered by pounding and washing the slags.
1889 Manufacturer & Builder Sept. 207/3 An invention..to recover the phosphoric acid from the slag which is produced in the refining of phosphoric pig iron.
1929 R. H. Clapperton & W. Henderson Mod. Paper-making xxii. 315 In almost all mills a large quantity of fibre and clay may be recovered from the back waters of the machines.
1949 A. C. Walshaw Heat Engines (ed. 3) ix. 203 Some of the heat being carried away by the flue gases may be recovered and sent back into the boiler in the feed water.
1987 Harrowsmith Nov. 101/1 They use heat recovered from the exhaust air to warm incoming air.
2002 Post–Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) 13 Feb. c2/3 The remaining benzene and light oil in the waste also would be recovered and recycled.
g. transitive. Astronomy. To observe (an astronomical object, esp. a periodic comet) following an extended period during which it has not been visible or observed.
ΚΠ
1901 Monthly Notices Royal Astron. Soc. 8 Feb. 242 Professor Howe..recovered the comet on May 27, after its perihelion passage.
1954 Sci. News Let. 16 Oct. 243/1 (heading) Asteroid Athalia recovered after half a century..in a minor planet observing program.
1972 Jrnl. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 82 405 Ten periodic comets were recovered during the Session.
2006 Guardian (Nexis) 17 May 37 The dim comet was lost again until..it was recovered tracing a 5·4 year orbit about the Sun.
h. transitive. Computing. To reconstruct (software or data) after deletion or corruption; to replace (software or data) with a backup copy.
ΚΠ
1985 Recover Files from Damaged Winchester Disk? in net.unix-wizards (Usenet newsgroup) 2 May We had what appears to be a crash... The manufacturer is willing to make an attempt to recover the data.
1989 U.S. Patent 4,831,541 7 All blocks are always written to a different location..so that the previous Directory File can be recovered in an emergency situation.
1992 MacUser Nov. 60/2 A key aspect of data protection is the ability to recover accidentally deleted files.
2005 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 3 Nov. c9/3 One way to ensure that data on a hard disk will never be recovered is to destroy the disk.
a. transitive. gen. To get or obtain; to get hold of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)]
wieldeOE
haveeOE
ofgoOE
oweOE
addlec1175
winc1175
avela1200
to come by ——a1225
covera1250
oughtc1275
reachc1275
hentc1300
purchasec1300
to come to ——c1330
getc1330
pickc1330
chevise1340
fang1340
umbracec1350
chacche1362
perceivea1382
accroacha1393
achievea1393
to come at ——a1393
areach1393
recovera1398
encroach?a1400
chevec1400
enquilec1400
obtainc1422
recurec1425
to take upc1425
acquirea1450
encheve1470
sortise1474
conques?a1500
tain1501
report1508
conquest1513
possess1526
compare1532
cough1550
coff1559
fall1568
reap1581
acquist1592
accrue1594
appurchasec1600
recoil1632
to get at ——1666
to come into ——1672
rise1754
net1765
to fall in for1788
to scare up1846
access1953
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 287 Þe emptes..recouereþ reward of litelnesse of body and in mochilnes of vertu.
c1447 in H. Anstey Epistolae Academicae Oxon. (1898) I. 261 (MED) In als muche as þe duk..grantyd to owr Universite..all his buks..with his onne mowgthe..we myght rekever and have theys sayd boks.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 70 Considering..the right hye gladnesse that they hadde recouured.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. P.iijv The more a man recouereth here renoume among straungers, the more he is persecuted with enuye.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xx. 25 b He found meanes to recouer a barke, intoo the which he and his men got.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. ii. viii. §2. 363 Hauing beheld the most beautifull and liuely among them, hee might recouer them for his owne vse and delights.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Wales 41 At the ebb thereof you may easily recover a pail or bucket full.
1668 C. Beck Let. 15 Aug. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1968) V. 16 I shall conclude with a story wch a Physician of our Towne recovered from ye Host of ye Queens Arms in Wolpit.
1702 in W. Kennett Present State Convocation in Let. 36 I have communicated one authentick Book, which came lately into my hands, and am in hope of recovering another, together with several Papers, which may be useful to this purpose.
1790 W. Combe Devil upon Two Sticks I. vii. 213 The circumstance of recovering a copy of it [sc. the English Bible], in his own language, in such a place, and in such an extraordinary manner, produced a firm persuasion in his mind, that the sacred character of the volume was the indubitable cause of its miraculous preservation.
b. transitive. To deal (another stroke or blow). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike [verb (transitive)] > deal or give (a stroke or blow) > another or repeated
recovera1500
redouble1576
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin 342 Ȝef he myght haue recovered a-nother stroke he hadde fallen of his horse to the erthe.
1594 I. G. tr. G. di Grassi True Arte Def. sig. M2 If the enimie..ward this thrust not with that parte of the circumference, which is neere his hande, but with that which is aboue it..then he may..recouer his thrust aboue.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. i. 16 When you draw your file back to recover an other thrust.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. vi. 99 The Saw having run its length, is lifted gently over the Stuff to recover another stroak of the Saw.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > acquisition > obtain or acquire [verb (transitive)] > obtain in return or exchange
recovera1413
exchange1592
the world > time > change > exchange > exchange, change for [verb (transitive)] > get in exchange
recovera1413
to take outa1529
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iii. l. 181 For euery wo ye shal recouere [c1460 Harl. 1239 recouur] a blysse.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) iv. l. 406 If she be lost, we shul recouere anoþer.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. 687 If ye do [refuse it], I thynk it wyll be longe or ye recover agayne suche another offre.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. 416 If ye have fayled of the duke of Lancasters doughter, ye maye recover another, as great and as good as she is.
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron II. x. viii. f. 165v But, (being able to recouer another wife) though neuer such a worthy friend; I rather chuse to change.
1652 R. Filmer Observ. Orig. Govt. 47 In warre when the same province cannot be recovered to which a man hath a title, he recovers another of the like value.
1722 Comical Pilgrim 36 We could wish..That the Avenues to Justice were not to be set with Robbers, that a man must lose one Purse to recover another.
1794 S. Rowson Slaves in Algiers iii. vii. 68 Heaven ordained that here in the land of captivity, I should recover a blessing which will amply repay me for all my past sufferings.
6. † a. transitive. To regain or get back for another person; to bring back or restore to (also rarely unto, into) a person, country, etc. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > giving back or restitution > give back [verb (transitive)] > get back for another
recover1484
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope i [His friend] sente for phisycyens or leches..for to recouere his helthe.
1550 J. Veron Godly Saiyngs Ep. Ded. sig. A.viv The body and bloud of our Lorde..haue recouered vntoo mankynde, the loue and fauour of God.
1571 R. Reynolds Chron. Noble Emperours ii. f. 145 Supposinge that the occasion serued vnto his desire, which he had to recouer Italye vnto thempyre.
1616 T. Adams Politicke Hvnting in Sacrifice of Thankefulnesse 50 What wee had lost, [is] as it were ex postliminio, recouered to vs.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1098 So had the glory of Prowess been recover'd To Palestine. View more context for this quotation
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vi. 44 This little rest had recover'd a strange chearfulness into all Men.
1729 W. Law Serious Call xviii. 326 Education should be consider'd..as the art of recovering to man the use of his reason.
1774 W. Cullen Let. to Ld. Cathcart (1776) 12 For recovering the heat of the body, it has been proposed, to cover it all over with warm grains.
1851 R. Hussey Rise Papal Power iii. 115 The Council thus proposed to restore the Pope to his former condition, by recovering to him all the patrimony [etc.].
b. transitive. To remember; to recall or bring back (†to memory). Cf. also sense 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > call to mind, recollect [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
bethinkOE
mingOE
thinkOE
monelOE
umbethinkc1175
to draw (also take) into (or to) memorya1275
minc1330
record1340
revert1340
remembera1382
mindc1384
monishc1384
to bring to mindc1390
remenec1390
me meanetha1400
reducec1425
to call to mind1427
gaincall1434
pense1493
remord?1507
revocate1527
revive1531
cite1549
to call back1572
recall1579
to call to mind (also memory, remembrance)1583
to call to remembrance1583
revoke1586
reverse1590
submonish1591
recover1602
recordate1603
to call up1606
to fetch up1608
reconjure1611
collect1612
remind1615
recollect1631
rememorize1632
retrieve1644
think1671
reconnoitre1729
member1823
reminisce1829
rememorate1835
recomember1852
evoke1856
updraw1879
withcall1901
access1978
1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D3 Crisp. Did you neuer heare any of my verses? Horace. No Sir; but I am in some feare, I must, now. Crisp. Ile tell thee some (if I can but recouer 'hem). View more context for this quotation
1673 A. Marvell Rehearsal Transpros'd II. 320 If he saw what you write, it would recover to his memory his fighting with beasts at Ephesus.
1729 C. Johnson Village Opera iii. ii. 72 When you look nearer upon me, Sir William, perhaps your Memory may recover some Lines in a Face once well known to you.
1792 H. H. Brackenridge Mod. Chivalry II. i. iii. 13 Sometimes the mind recovers incidents long since past, and makes comments, but most usually, out of mere indolence takes up with what is next at hand.
1856 Ladies' Compan. Dec. 285/2 I, too, have recovered feelings I had lost with my childhood, and I hope they may never pass from me more.
1922 V. Woolf Jacob's Room ix. 168 Then to her pleasure she recovered Rebecca's name.
1957 L. Durrell Justine iv. 233 It is strange when everything about Alexandria is so vivid that I can recover so little of that lost period.
1984 B. Levin Way we live Now 81 I am myself blessed with a freak memory, which can recover incidents and remarks from a similar distance.
7. † a. transitive. To restore (a person) to friendship, good relations, or willing obedience; to reconcile. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > reconcile (people) > win (a person) over or back to friendly relations
recounselc1384
reconcilec1405
recover1556
atonea1617
conciliate1796
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie sig. Hh He entred a talke, the spiders to recouer: And encorage agayne.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cyrus in Panoplie Epist. 234 Trie not to recouer them, whome you would haue come vnto you in haste, with threatning.
1582 N. Lichefield tr. F. L. de Castanheda 1st Bk. Hist. Discouerie E. Indias i. lxiv. 131 Although thou doest loose them, and all the rest of thy subiectes, yet thou doest recouer me.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 266 What man, there are wayes to recouer the Generall agen. View more context for this quotation
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xvi. 560 They were not willing to despair of recovering their General again to them; and..sent a Committee to treat with him.
1797 E. Burke Lett. Peace Regic. France iii, in Wks. (1815) VIII. 293 It was expected, that he would have..endeavoured to recover those whom their fears had led astray.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xi. 61 Harold's way of recovering rebels differed widely from William's.
b. transitive. To recapture (a person who or thing which has escaped).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > seizing > catching or capture > catch or capture [verb (transitive)] > again
recover1575
recatch1762
recapture1784
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > deprive of liberty by restraint [verb (transitive)] > take captive > again
recover1575
recapture1784
1575 G. Gascoigne Glasse of Gouernem. v. vi. sig. Liiij How are we sure to recouer them againe? When as I feare much that they are gone from the Uniuersity already?
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. vii [There] came running diuers other Turkes to recouer him.
1606 G. W. tr. Epit. Liues Emperors in tr. Justinus Hist. sig. Kk iij The people..recouering Michaell in his flight, put out his eyes.
1647 J. Trapp Comm. Evangelists & Acts xii. 375 As the Jaylour lays more load of Irons on him, that had escaped his hands, and is now recovered.
1797 Encycl. Brit. VIII. 344/2 It frequently happens, that they escape from the hawk, and she, not recovering them, rakes after them.
1814 W. Scott Waverley II. xiii. 207 The latter, now without a commander, and apprehensive of a second ambush, did not make any serious effort to recover their prisoner. View more context for this quotation
1865 C. Stanford Symbols Christ (1878) i. 6 Who after a long pursuit recovered the prisoners with all the spoils of war.
1989 R. Jolly Jackspeak 235 A runner or deserter is..recovered when back in custody.
2006 I. K. Steele in D. P. Barr Boundaries between Us i. 22 A Catawba war party recovered an unidentified prisoner in a fight in the spring of 1757.
II. To regain or return to (a state, position, etc.).
* Senses relating primarily to health and condition.
8.
a. transitive. To get over, get better from (an illness, misfortune, or injury). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > recover (health) [verb (transitive)] > recover from (an illness)
recoverc1330
overseta1600
to come through ——1655
to get over ——1662
overgeta1729
overa1800
overcast1830
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > recovery from misfortune, error, etc. > [verb (transitive)]
overcomea1225
recoverc1330
overputa1382
overpassa1387
passa1500
digest1577
to put over1593
outwear1598
overseta1600
to make a saving game of it1600
repassa1631
to get over ——1662
overgeta1729
overcast1788
overa1800
c1330 (?c1300) Guy of Warwick (Auch.) l. 2057 Recouer [c1475 Caius There is heraude mysse bee-falle: Loste he hath his men alle, And recouere he shall sone this; For grete socour him cometh ywis].
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 32 (MED) Þou hit sselt wel recouri, þou art yong and strang.
?a1500 in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1911) 126 368 (MED) Nowe in thyn aduersite, This shalt thou neuer recouer.
1550 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Spyrytuall & Precyouse Pearle xii. sig. Fiiijv After the syck man had recoueryd hys sore, he lyued worsse than euer he dyd before.
?1565 Hist. Syr Isenbras (Copland) sig. B.iii Ye shall be kynge with crowne..And recouer all your wo.
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas v. 73 Hee shoulde recover his sickenesse.
1618 W. Lawson New Orchard & Garden i. vii. 17 He will safely recouer his wound within seuen yeeres.
1680 R. L'Estrange tr. Erasmus 20 Select Colloquies ix. 142 One Man has a fansie that he shall never recover a Fit of Sickness.
1764 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. in Lett. (1772) II. 34 This fatal blow the King could never after recover.
1785 G. Colman Two to One ii. 32 Has your father, Sir Thomas, quite recovered his disorder?
1801 J. Austen Let. 21 Jan. (1995) 76 The Neighbourhood have quite recovered the death of Mrs Rider.
1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire vii. 144 The free cities had never recovered the famines and sieges of the Thirty Years' War.
1920 M. Symonds Child of Alps iii. 44 The doctor never recovered the death of his wife.
b. transitive. To annul or counter the effect of (a verbal or physical slip, etc.). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > place into or assume a posture [verb (transitive)] > regain a posture
to regain one's feet1654
recover1748
1562 T. Sternhold et al. Whole Bk. Psalmes sig. Bviv Only thy grace must be my staye lest that I fall downe flat. And being downe, then of my selfe cannot recouer that.]
1566 T. Becon New Postil i. f. 51 We muste not leaue this commoditie vnspoken of, in that certaine do embrace, and recouer their falle.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) 14 But giue me leaue to recouer this fall, and rashenes no more shall giue me the foyle.
1619 F. Rous Arte of Happines iii. ii. 404 Though thou seest fals and slips, if acknowledged and recouered, restore such a one with the Spirit of meeknesse.
1694 B. Keach Golden Mine Opened 163 But they [sc. these disciples] recovered this Fall, and after Christ's Resurrection made a glorious profession of him and his Gospel unto the Death.
1713 G. Berkeley Three Dialogues Hylas & Philonous i. 43 You are at liberty to recover any Slips you might have made, or offer whatever you have omitted, which makes for your first Opinion.
1748 S. Richardson Corr. (1804) IV. 227 The accident of a broken thigh, snapped by a sudden jirk, endeavouring to recover a slip.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 144 If Monsieur had forgot (par hazard) to answer Madame's letter, the arrangement gave him an opportunity to recover the faux pas.
1886 Manch. Examiner 10 Mar. 5/7 Lord C. H. cleverly recovered his faux pas by offering a handsome apology.
1903 J. Pollock Popish Plot ii. 112 Bedloe attempted to recover the slip by saying that he had known Oates personally, but not by that name, since at Valladolid he had called himself Ambrose.
2007 B. Biafore Microsoft Project 2007 365 By looking for slipping tasks every week, you may have time to recover the slip or prevent it from getting worse.
9. † f. transitive. To restore to (also into) health, strength, life, etc. Obsolete.† h. transitive (reflexive). To return to life or consciousness. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To restore to health or relieve (a person) from (also †cure of) disease, a disorder, injury, or (in quot. 1389) distress. Frequently in passive. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > heal or cure [verb (transitive)] > restore to health
healc1000
temperc1000
recoverc1330
covera1375
restorec1384
recovera1398
rectifya1400
revert1446
recruita1661
re-establish1664
to set up1686
to bring toa1796
reinstate1810
tinker1823
recuperate1849
to bring about1854
to pick up1857
to fetch round1870
re-edify1897
to pull round1900
c1330 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Auch.) 2854 (MED) Whan ouer-gon was his smerte And rekeured was of is hertte sir Beues set him vp.
1389 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 47 (MED) He schal haue, of þe comune box, xiiij d. terme of his lyf, but he be recouered of hys mischief.
c1440 (a1400) Sir Eglamour (Thornton) (1965) 956 (MED) Sir Eglamour es hale and sownde, And wele recouirde [v.rr. recouyrd; couered] of his wonde.
a1500 ( Vision E. Leversedge in Notes & Queries Somerset & Dorset (1905) 9 24 (MED) Other moo..told me of my lying..in this wyse..when I was recoueryd and hoole of my seeknes.
1563 A. Golding tr. L. Bruni Hist. Warres Imperialles & Gothes iv. i. 142v Belisarius beynge recouered of hys longe contynewed Agew, tooke in hande a bolde aduenture.
1606 G. W. tr. Epit. Liues Emperors in tr. Justinus Hist. sig. Gg iij Hee fell madde, of which he was aftirward recoured.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1665 (1955) III. 414 I tooke order for 150 men to be carried on board, (who had ben recovered of their wounds & sicknesse).
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 198 A few days rest, good Diet, and Encouragement, soon recover the Souldier of any fatigue.
1765 T. Reid Wks. I. 43/1 I hope your papa is quite recovered of his cold.
1808 E. Sleath Bristol Heiress II. 93 A person..who had already recovered Veney from a similar accident.
1836 F. Marryat Japhet III. vii. 78 He..recovered her from an imminent and painful disease.
1862 J. Porter Sc. Chiefs xii. 80 Take this lady under your care. Recover her from this swoon.
1957 N. Marsh Off with his Head v. 75 He then, without warning, collapsed into a fit from which he was recovered by Dr Otterley.
1965 E. Mannin Burning Bush i. vi. 70 I hope you are fully recovered from your sunstroke?
1992 P. Draper in P. L. Johnson Balancing Acts ii. 31 The old man, Sau,..was also sick with that disease. He was recovered from the disease but he was still thin and weak.
b. intransitive. To get better or recuperate from (or †of) an injury, disorder, disease, etc. Also (in extended use) from (also †of) something conceived of as an illness or injury.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > recover or be healed [verb (intransitive)]
wholeeOE
botenc1225
cover1297
amendc1325
recovera1375
warisha1386
recovera1387
healc1390
recurec1400
soundc1402
mendc1440
convalesce1483
guarish1489
restore1494
refete?a1505
revert1531
to gather (or pick) up one's crumbs1589
cure1597
recruit1644
to perk upa1656
retrieve1675
to pick up1740
to leave one's bed1742
to sit up and take nourishment1796
to get round1798
to come round1818
to pull through1830
rally1831
to fetch round1870
to mend up1877
to pull round1889
recoup1896
recuperate1897
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > recovery from misfortune, error, etc. > [verb (intransitive)]
upkevera1375
warisha1386
recovera1387
respite1587
to get one's act together1973
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 445 He recoverede [?a1475 anon. tr. recurede] of his siknesse.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Isa. xxxviii. 9 He hadde be sijk, and hadde rekyuered [a1382 E.V. couered; L. convaluisset] of his sikenesse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings viii. 8 Axe councell at ye Lorde by him, and saye: Maye I recouer from this sicknesse.
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas v. 73 If it bee thy destinye to recover of such a sicknesse..thou shalt recouer.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar i. 158 To recover from a sin is none of the easiest labours, that concern the sons of men.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 294 Adam by this from the cold sudden damp Recovering . View more context for this quotation
1726 J. Barker Lining of Patch-work Screen 58 The Gentleman recovered of his Dangerous Wound.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xvii. 176 The man recovered of the bite, The dog it was that dy'd.
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 22 The dancing-master gradually recovered from his sprain.
1841 G. Borrow Zincali II. iii. ii. 60 Having partially recovered from his malady.
1860 J. L. Motley Hist. United Netherlands II. x. 80 Hohenlo recovered of his wound before Zutphen.
1871 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1876) IV. xvii. 48 The land had not yet recovered from the mere carnage of the battle.
1904 H. O. Sturgis Belchamber xiv. 197 Lady Eccleston expressed herself as amazed that her daughter should take so long to recover from so small a thing.
1982 E. Simpson Poets in their Youth v. 102 It was a measure of his stability in this period that he recovered from this rejection fairly quickly.
2005 Daily Tel. 4 May 4/2 Infanticide is committed by a woman who kills her child..when the balance of her mind is disturbed—either because she has not fully recovered from childbirth or because of the effect of lactation.
c. transitive. To restore (a person or animal) to health or full strength; to cure or heal. Frequently in passive. Now somewhat rare or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > heal or cure [verb (transitive)] > restore to health
healc1000
temperc1000
recoverc1330
covera1375
restorec1384
recovera1398
rectifya1400
revert1446
recruita1661
re-establish1664
to set up1686
to bring toa1796
reinstate1810
tinker1823
recuperate1849
to bring about1854
to pick up1857
to fetch round1870
re-edify1897
to pull round1900
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 103 He [sc. a good physician] techith to vse certeyne meticines preseruatiues of sekeness lest he þat is heled ande recouered [L. sanatus] falle into worse sekenesse.
a1435 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 100 (MED) As towardes oure bel Uncle of Excestre, whom oure Lord..visitid with seknesse..he is rekiveryd.
c1450 Bk. Marchalsi (Harl. 6398) (1973) f. 7 (MED) Mylk is þe best þing þat he mighte haue for to recouere hym, wan þat hauyt ben travaylid out of mesure.
a1500 J. Mirk's Festial 105/89 Vpon all..medycyns is none founde þat sodenly a sike man shall recouere to helth.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclxxx He commeth therefore to Ulme,..whan he was not yet recouered.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iii. ii. 20 Shee hath recouered the King, and vndone me. View more context for this quotation
a1631 J. Donne Βιαθανατος (1647) ii. vi. §2 He that is as sure that this Medicine will recover him, as that this Poyson will destroy him.
1648 in S. R. Gardiner Hamilton Papers (1880) 239 Mr. Murray..fell sick; whether he be recovered and gone or not your Lp knowes best.
1681 P. Bellon tr. F. de Monginot New Myst. Physick 43 Some Persons..have had occasion to use longer than ordinarily this Remedy before they could be perfectly recovered.
1733 J. Swift Let. to B. Germain 8 Jan. in Wks. (1801) XIII. 22 The friend I named, who I was afraid would die, is recovered.
1799 J. Robertson Gen. View Agric. Perth 555 When this happens to be the case, there is little hope of recovering the horse.
1816 J. Austen Emma III. iii. 39 A young lady who faints, must be recovered . View more context for this quotation
1829 J. Jekyll Let. 27 Oct. in Corr. (1894) vii. 200 Lady Conyngham has had a bad illness, but is recovered.
1904 J. London Sea-wolf xxvi. 255 This did not serve to recover her, and she lay on her back, on the hard deck, arms stretched out and whole body relaxed.
1940 W. Faulkner Hamlet iii. i. 179 This legal dollar which would be little enough compensation, not for the time he had spent recovering the cow.
1967 Listener 7 Sept. 302/3 Well, I think Mr Wilson would put one well on the way to convalescence, and the Queen would recover one completely.
1997 Bizarre Mar.–Apr. 33/4 ‘There have been people that died from serpent bites,’ said the Reverend Jimmy Williams, ‘but if you keep your mind right on the Lord, well, God will recover you. You won't suffer too much.’
d. transitive. To restore (a person) to life or consciousness; to revive. Now rare.In quot. a1425, used figuratively of good works.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [verb (transitive)]
quickOE
arearc1000
raisec1175
reara1325
upraisec1340
quickena1382
again-raisec1384
araisea1400
resuscea1400
revokea1413
recovera1425
revivec1425
suscitec1430
resuscite?c1450
risea1500
relive?1526
to call againa1529
resuscitate1532
requicken1576
refetch1599
reanimate1611
reinspire1611
reinanimatea1631
recreate1631
revivify1631
redivive1634
revivificate1660
resurrection1661
resurrect1773
re-embody1791
revivicate1798
re-energize1803
resurrectionize1804
revitalize1869
reimpress1883
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > to flourishing condition
recovera1425
recreatec1425
renewc1450
revivea1500
resuscitate1532
refresh1533
retrieve1652
revirginize1852
revigorate1886
a1425 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Galba) 28848 (MED) Almus..recouers thurgh grace ogayne Al gude werkes þat with syn war slayne.
1550 T. Phaer tr. J. Goeurot Regiment of Life (rev. ed.) sig. Fii Yf ye stoppe hys mouthe, and nose, and bowe hys face vnto hys knees, so long as ye stoppe your wynd your selfe, ye shall foorthwith recouer hym.
1576 G. Baker tr. C. Gesner Newe Jewell of Health iii. f. 162v Men in a maner dead, by dropping or powring a droppe or two into the mouth, doth recouer the person in a swoone or traunce.
1607 Merrie Iests George Peele 21 She fell into a counterfait sound, whome the Gentleman soone recouered.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. iii. 151 And now he fainted..Briefe, I recouer'd him. View more context for this quotation
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 101 This effectually recovers him, and makes him as sober as a Bishop.
1798 Invasion I. xxiv. 179 Raising her up, he tried by gentler words to recover her.
1841 J. T. J. Hewlett Parish Clerk I. 153 The squire suddenly recovered her by calling for..a bucket of water.
1899 L. Lequel No Thoroughfare III. iii. 18 (stage direct.) First Porter turns to Joey, and uses efforts to recover him, pouring brandy down his throat, &c.
1903 ‘M. Field’ Julia Domna ii. p. xxxvii (stage direct.) She..bows, swooning, over the body. They strive to recover her.
e. transitive (reflexive). To get over a loss or misfortune; to recoup oneself.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > recovery from misfortune, error, etc. > [verb (reflexive)]
recover1485
to lick whole1581
1485 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur sig. Avii Sythe I can neuer recouer my self I shalle promyse yow yf I can mete with sir Helynor I shalle gete yow your lady ageyne or els he shalle bete me.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxiv. f. cixv/1 Also there were many strangers,..who were but pore by reason of the warres, wherfore they thought to recouer them selfe, with makynge of Warre in the realme of Fraunce.
a1599 E. Spenser View State Ireland 97 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Which time the English Pale shall not bee burdened at all, but shall have time to recover themselves.
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ v. xxvi. 31 I shall pay the wager in the place appointed, and try whither I can recover my self at giocod' amore.
1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 154 Though the public be not so rich as it hath been, yet will it soon recover itself.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 11 The Protestants were every where disconsolate; for the Losses they had received at Rochel, Nismes, and Montpelier, had reduced them to an absolute Dependence on the King's Will, without all possible hopes of ever recovering themselves.
1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 238/1 From this calamity, great as it was, London soon recovered itself.
1809 N. Pinkney Trav. South of France 237 A century will pass before Lyons will recover itself from this Jacobin purgation.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 578/2 In the meantime Poland had so far recovered herself as to become a much more dangerous foe than Sweden.
1992 M. Palmer Love of Glory iii. 106 The city had recovered itself from the plague and the continuous warring, both in terms of men and in the store of money gathered by means of the peace.
ΚΠ
1496 Myracles oure Blessyd Lady (de Worde) sig. Dv He shewed so grete pacyence, that all other maruayled, & also he was afterwarde recouered to his helth by his pacience.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) xxxvi. sig. Giii By that tyme suche as were hurte were recouered to helth.
1592 tr. F. Du Jon Apocalypsis (Rev. xiii. 3) 48 This head of Nero the Emperour,..in whose handes the Empire was so cured and recouered to health, as it seemed vnto all so much the more deeplie rooted and grounded fast, then euer before.
1619 M. Drayton Idea in Poems (rev. ed.) 273 From Death to Life, thou mights't him yet recouer.
1654 R. Codrington tr. Justinus Hist. xx. 289 The Crotonians being recovered to their health, were no longer quiet.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1675 (1955) IV. 57 He..was growne famous..for his recovering a poore wench that had ben hanged for felonie..he let bloud..& with spirits & other meanes recovered her to life.
1724 J. Swift Let. to People of Ireland 12 Any more than a Dead Carcass can be recovered to Life by a Cordial.
1747 Fool (1748) II. 271 It is what I always first prescribe to recover great Wits into their right Senses.
1793 Minstrel I. 210 She hurried back to the cottage, where she found that Philip had been recovered to sensation.
g. transitive (reflexive). To get over fatigue or illness. Also with †of, from.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > recover [verb (reflexive)]
covera1400
recover1567
1567 J. Maplet Greene Forest iii. 72 Plinie saith,..that when the Beare sickneth or feeleth hir selfe not well at ease, that then she scrapeth in the earth with hir Pawes entending to find of these [sc. Ants], which being found and presently eaten of hir, she recouereth hir selfe and is well.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxiii. 118 They that be of good strength may continue longer in exercise:..though they faint, and feele some litle lassitude and wearines, bycause they will quickly recouer themselues.
1635 J. Hayward tr. G. F. Biondi Donzella Desterrada i. 34 He could not for many dayes recover himselfe from the great weaknesse he thereby was reduced unto.
1694 T. Brown tr. C. de St. Évremond in T. Brown & J. Savage tr. Misc. Ess. II. i. 202 After she had kept her Chamber some time, less to recover herself from the Fatigues of her Journey, than to have her habits made, she appear'd at Whitehall.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews (ed. 2) II. iii. iv. 77 They all went in, where the Gentleman was surprized at the Beauty of Fanny, who had now recovered herself from her Fatigue.
1745 Fortunate Orphan 22 Where we remain'd ten Days..to recover ourselves of the Fatigues of the Journey.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports Introd. 13 The over-worked lawyer..has only to bestow an occasional day upon any one of the various sports within his reach, and he speedily recovers himself.
1909 ‘F. Danby’ Incompleat Etonian 53 He sat down to recover himself, for his breath came quickly.
1989 S. Namjoshi Mothers of Maya Diip xvi. 117 Now would you please lead us to some food and shelter and give us a chance to recover ourselves?
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [verb (reflexive)]
recover1581
1581 B. Rich Don Simonides I. sig. Oiijv Titerus as one raised out of a dreame, in a greate muse behelde Simonides a long space, but in tyme recoueryng hym self,..and laiyng his Instrument aside, spake thus.
1597 J. Gerard Herball i. 8 At the approch of winter it dieth, and recouereth it selfe the next yeere.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 27 Being stunn'd, it was half an hour ere I recover'd my self.
1702 J. Sergeant Of Good Intentions vii. 171 Our Reason, awaking out of this deluding trance, and recovering it self, sees all this to be a meer Fiction.
1752 H. Fielding Amelia III. vii. viii. 85 I lay on the Ground for some Minutes I believe, deprived of my Senses. When I recovered myself, I found my Husband lying by my Side on his Face.
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Devereux I. ii. iv. 188 They raised the fallen watchman, who, after three or four grunts, began slowly to recover himself.
i. transitive. Of a depleted population, esp. one of plants or animals: to regain (former numbers). Also intransitive of a depleted population: to rebuild in numbers.
ΚΠ
1803 T. R. Malthus Ess. Princ. Population (new ed.) iii. xi. 472 Countries in this situation would evidently have the same chance of recovering their former number, as they had originally of reaching this number.]
1832 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. (ed. 2) II. ix. 146 No species may be lost, and all may soon recover their former relative numbers.
1905 Auk 22 27 There seems no reason why most of these birds cannot speedily recover their usual numbers.
1972 F. Mowat Whale for Killing iv. 55 When a few worried biologists suggested that the whaling industry should establish meaningful quotas..while allowing the whale nation to at least partially recover its numbers, they were ignored.
2001 Times 4 Apr. i. 13/1 The golden lion tamarin of Brazil, once one of the most endangered species, is recovering so well that its numbers have reached half the level needed to secure its long-term survival.
j. transitive. Ecology (chiefly U.S.). Of a person or organization: to enable (an endangered or depleted species) to restore its numbers.
ΚΠ
1985 Jrnl. Herpetol. 19 167/2 Work to further define Wyoming toad populations, and recover the species if possible, should continue.
1994 Coloradoan (Fort Collins) 16 Jan. e4/5 The tougher species to recover are those like the black-footed ferret that are habitat-dependent.
2005 Nature 8 Sept. 189/2 Successful programmes to recover other endangered species were scaled back. One such example is the Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii), a small bird that breeds in Michigan and winters in the Bahamas.
10.
a. transitive. To regain (strength); to return to or regain (health).
ΚΠ
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) 1650 (MED) He fleiȝe into þe valaye And recouerd miȝt.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 1926 (MED) His wif goth forto preie..that hir lord of his seknesse..Recovere myhte his hele ayein.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. 1833 He recouerde his strength for tene.
1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 63v A seke man desireth, not to departe from his phisicien, till he hath recouerid his helth.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. i. f. 53v They..sumewhat recouered theyr strengthes muche weakened for lacke of meate.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. iii. 2 Theres no doubt his Maiestie Will soone recouer his accustomed health. View more context for this quotation
1620 tr. G. Boccaccio Decameron II. x. vii. f. 161v Let vs intreat you, that (for our sake) you will be of good comfort, and thereby recouer your health the sooner.
a1691 R. Boyle Gen. Hist. Air (1692) 242 Sick and valetudinary persons used to be sent thither to recover their health.
1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture I. 6/2 They will sweat themselves for some Days, and so recover their Health.
1772 J. Wedgwood Let. 4 Oct. in Sel. Lett. (1965) 137 Your good Lady is really recovering her health.., though more slowly than we could wish.
1841 E. W. Lane tr. Thousand & One Nights I. 112 Had it not been for this, I had recovered my strength.
1849 A. Helps Friends in Council II. iv. 89 I had by this time recovered my usual health.
1917 B. Webb Diary 3 Jan. (1952) 80 I have recovered my health except that I am no longer able to walk long distances.
1988 I. Colegate Deceits of Time (1990) 61 Effie had quite recovered her energies after a quiet sleep.
2005 Toronto Sun 31 Mar. 44/1 Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said John Paul was fitted with a nasogastric tube to ‘improve the calorie intake’ and help him recover his strength.
b. intransitive. To regain health after an injury or illness; to get well again. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > recover or be healed [verb (intransitive)]
wholeeOE
botenc1225
cover1297
amendc1325
recovera1375
warisha1386
recovera1387
healc1390
recurec1400
soundc1402
mendc1440
convalesce1483
guarish1489
restore1494
refete?a1505
revert1531
to gather (or pick) up one's crumbs1589
cure1597
recruit1644
to perk upa1656
retrieve1675
to pick up1740
to leave one's bed1742
to sit up and take nourishment1796
to get round1798
to come round1818
to pull through1830
rally1831
to fetch round1870
to mend up1877
to pull round1889
recoup1896
recuperate1897
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 3874 (MED) No rink þei miȝt of-reche recuuered neuer after.
c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure 1572 (MED) Thare sall no siluer hym saue, bot Ewayn recouere.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xi. l. 785 Byschop Synclar was wesyd with seknas..and syn throu goddis grace He recoueryt.
a1547 Earl of Surrey Poems (1964) 6 The wynters hurt recovers with the warme.
1578 T. White Serm. Pawles Crosse 3 Nov. 1577 19 No man is so sick, but he hopes he may recouer.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 145 If he be sicke with ioy, heele recouer without phisicke.
1653 R. Saunders Treat. Moles Body Man & Woman 7 in Physiognomie Though he patiate infirmities, yet he shall recover.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vi. 43 Whom..he carried..to Oxford; where he wonderfully recover'd.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 28 My Captain fell sick..but recovered.
1797 Encycl. Brit. V. 12/2 Most of the young trees that are barked recover and continue healthy.
1839 C. Darwin in R. Fitzroy & C. Darwin Narr. Surv. Voy. H.M.S. Adventure & Beagle III. xiv. 327 I felt very unwell, and from that time till the end of October did not recover.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 254 He recovered slowly, but suffered little pain.
1921 H. Crane Let. 19 Sept. (1965) 64 The L[ittle] R[eview], I was informed..is recovering, will shortly reappear as a quarterly under Pound, Picabia, etc.
1988 G. Greene Captain & Enemy vii. 105 In my experience love was like an attack of flu and one recovered as quickly.
2002 L. Gold Good Hospital Guide 104 A transient ischaemic attack..is the name given to a condition in which someone shows signs of having had a stroke, but recovers fully in less than 24 hours.
c. intransitive. To regain consciousness, life, or composure. Also from (also †of, †out of) a faint, a fright, agitation, etc., or †to one's senses.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [verb (intransitive)]
aquickc885
arisec950
quickeOE
riseOE
upbraidc1275
uprisec1340
quickena1382
recoverc1400
resuscite?c1450
revivea1500
raise1526
relive?1526
resuscitate1602
requicken1611
reanimate1645
resurrect1805
re-energize1938
the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)] > recover composure
to pull, shake oneself togethera1400
to return to oneself?1566
recollect1587
breathea1616
collect1631
recover1648
to take a pull (at or on oneself)1890
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xix. 156 Cryst ouer-cam, rekeuered [v.rr. recouerede; recurede; c1400 C text rekeouered], & lyued.
a1450 (?a1300) Richard Coer de Lyon (Caius) (1810) l. 425 Tho he recouered of hys swowe, To hys paleys he hym drowe.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Superuiuo, to recouer..whan a man semeth to be deade.
1594 L. Twyne tr. Patterne Painefull Aduentures xxi. sig. Lv Shee fell to the ground in a swoond: and when shee recouered againe, shee cried out vppon the iust iudgement of God.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) iv. iii. 161 Many will swoon when they do look on bloud..Looke, he recouers.
1648 C. Walker Relations & Observ. ii. 47 Before any man that was not privy to the designe, could recover out of his amazement.
1691 A. Gavin Observ. Journy to Naples 195 We soon recover'd of our Fears, when..we saw them kneel down.
1754 C. Lennox tr. L. Ariosto in Shakespear Illustr. III. 253 At length the King, recovering from his Surprize, clasp'd the young Warrior to his Breast.
1782 W. Cowper Hope in Poems 160 I soon recover from these needless frights.
1810 G. Crabbe Borough xix. 264 He fell, he fainted... As he recover'd to his Mind, it came [etc.].
1883 J. A. Froude Short Stud. 4th Ser. i. x. 120 The archbishop had seated himself to recover from the agitation of the preceding scene.
1920 D. H. Lawrence Women in Love xxiv. 370 She knew. And this knowledge was a death from which she must recover.
1991 D. Dabydeen Intended (1992) 97 I pounced upon his interest, not giving him time to recover, by rattling on about Chaucer.
** Senses relating primarily to position.
11. † a. transitive. To get to, reach, arrive at (a place or position). Obsolete.Common in the 16th and 17th centuries. † d. transitive. To make or head for (a place of defence). Obsolete.† e. transitive. To journey, travel, cover (a distance). Obsolete. rare.† f. transitive. Horticulture. To move or transfer (a plant). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > arrival > arrive at or reach [verb (transitive)]
to come toOE
reachOE
hita1075
ofreachlOE
catchc1330
latchc1330
recovera1375
getc1390
henta1393
win?1473
fetch1589
to fetch up1589
obtain1589
attainc1592
make1610
gaina1616
arrive1647
advene1684
strike1798
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach (a point or place) [verb (transitive)] > arrive at
latchc1330
recovera1375
fetch1556
to fetch up1589
tocome1596
arrive1647
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) 2801 (MED) Go we on oure gate..to recuuer sum resset þere we vs rest miȝt.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Merlin (1932) III. l. 23768 Jn to þe Sadyl lyhtly he went, but ȝit er he hit Recouerede..Arthewr him hytte vppon the hed.
1512 W. Knight Let. 4 Oct. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 195 With..long tribulacion we recovred the saide Porte of Saincte Sebastian.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. i. 31b The sea which so furiously casteth against Malee, is such that without great labour..she is not to be recouered or surmounted.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 39 At length hauing recouered the top of an hill,..they there staied, and presently encamped themselues.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World Pref. sig. A2v Pharao..slue the Infants of Israel, ere they had recouered their Cradles.
1711 J. Stevens tr. New Coll. Voy. & Trav. I. xii. 35 The Seriagos quitted the Portuguese Ship, endeavouring to recover the Shore in their own Vessels.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §226 After labouring at our oars for an hour and an half more, we recovered the buss.
1821 W. Scott Pirate III. iv. 100 Without a pocket-compass..I should never have recovered the Fair Isle for which we run.
b. intransitive. To return, make one's way, succeed (again) in coming or passing to (also up to, into, over, etc.) a place or state. In modern use chiefly of aircraft.Not recorded in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > return > [verb (intransitive)]
to wend againeOE
i-cherrec1000
again-chareOE
again-comeOE
again-fareOE
again-goOE
eft-sithec1175
to turn againc1175
returna1325
attournec1386
turnc1390
recovera1393
repair?c1400
recourse?a1425
to go backc1425
resortc1425
revertc1475
renew1488
retour?1505
to make return1534
to turn back1538
retend1543
to come short home1548
regress1552
rejourna1556
revolt1567
revolve1587
repeal1596
recur1612
rewend1616
revene1656
to get back1664
to take back1674
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > return towards point of departure
repaira1325
returna1325
rebounda1382
redounda1382
recovera1393
to go backc1425
revertc1475
renew1488
reverse1542
retire1567
revolve1587
reciprocate1623
retrovert1639
to get back1664
recur1719
hoicks1762
boomerang1900
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. 2400 (MED) He that is riche This dai, tomorwe he mai be povere; And in contraire also recovere A povere man to gret richesse Men sen.
c1400 (?a1300) King Alexander (Laud 622) 604 Þe dragonett Ne may recouer to his recett.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xiii. 179 Ȝif Euere I Mowe rekeuere to sarras, I schal ȝow hyghly qwyten Er that ȝe pas.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 105 (MED) He recouerid ageyne to suche powere that he commaunded his legions..to make them redy to feyght with his enemyes.
1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie v. 28 Let vs fight against ourselues and daily indeuor to recouer vnto God.
1596 W. Raleigh Discoverie Guiana (new ed.) 97 We found it a wearisome way backe..to recouer vp againe to the head of the riuer.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre iv. vii. 179 With much ado the Christians recovered to Antioch, having scarce a third part of them left.
1668 H. More Divine Dialogues iii. xxxiv. 535 Lapsed Souls..that recover into Sincerity are saved as we are saved.
1680 H. More Apocalypsis Apocalypseos 184 If..she ever recover unto that plight again.
a1697 J. Aubrey Nat. Hist. Wilts. (1847) ii. iv. 93 Tom ô Bedlam's..had been poore distracted men that had been putt into Bedlam, where recovering to some sobernesse they were licentiated to goe a begging.
1709 R. Gould Wks. I. 293 Those few your Drugs Recover, wou'd, no doubt, Sooner recover to their Health without.
1765 H. Brooke Fool of Quality (Dublin ed.) I. v. 186 The new Guests were all, gently, undrest and laid therein; and, being compelled to swallow a little Sack Whey, they recovered to a kind of languid Sensibility.
1981 J. Lehane Basketball Fundamentals ii. 105 The coach may recognize that the best methods of attacking a zone defense [include]..to press the zone team so as to scatter its players, making it difficult for them to recover to their assigned areas in the zone.
1990 Aircraft Illustr. Nov. 586/1 Sixteen different types of aircraft were involved, operating from and recovering to more than a dozen different airfields throughout the country.
2005 P. J. H. Petter-Bowyer Winds of Destruction viii. 289 The three aircraft recovered to base at FL 250.
c. transitive. To get back or return to (a place or thing).In some cases probably simply a contextual use of sense 11a.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > aspects of travel > return > return to [verb (transitive)]
recovera1425
retire1539
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 4106 I ne may nought..Recouere that I moost desire.
a1450 Generides (Pierpont Morgan) (1865) 3824 (MED) The king..made him [sc. Abel] low stoupe Bakward ouer his hors croupe. Abel..recouered his sadil.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vi. ii. 107 Tharfra to return agane on hycht, And heir abufe recovir this airis lycht, That is difficill werk.
1549 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. App. DD. 104 They turned their backs and recovered the town which they before had fortified for al events.
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iv. x. 463 That..they should march back, and recouer the mountaines.
1675 H. Neville tr. N. Machiavelli Life Castr. Castracani in Wks. 248 The Florentines..recovered the bank, and..searched for a better place.
1738 B. Franklin Compassion of Capt. Croak 10 Aug. in Writings (1987) 275 It was 21 Days before she could recover the Island.
1788 Calliope 304 To recover the shore then again was his drift.
1834 Metropolitan 9 378 We soon recovered the road, and in half an hour were at Putney Bridge; cold, wet, and tired.
1900 J. K. Jerome Three Men on Bummel xi. 250 Aided by the gentleman of the scythe, we recovered the road, and reached Todtmoos four hours later than we had calculated.
1966 G. Greene Comedians iii. iii. 283 The wheel whirled in my hands as I tried to recover the road after bouncing off a rock.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > manoeuvre > [verb (transitive)] > retreat to
recoverc1500
to fall back1602
c1500 Melusine (1895) 252 Philibert was thenne descended from his hors,..and recouered the montayne aboue the pathe.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. iv. xxxix. 164 Both armies as taking themselves loosers, recovered the mountaines that were next unto them.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. True Hist. Siege Ostend 14 The Souldiers were forced to recouer the..sande downes.
1687 P. Rycaut Knolles's Hist. Turks (1787) 222/1 Scanderbeg..escaped the danger, and recovered the Mountains.
1714 in T. Boston Illustr. Doctr. Christian Relig. (1796) II. 404 Those that could recover the mountains, being on top of the rocks, besought their enemies to let them but out of the country.
1772 J. Lodge Desiderata curiosa Hibernica II. 183 The lesser of the two frigates was sunk; and the other so shattered, as the men in her..were forced to recover the other side in their boat.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > traverse a distance or ground
runeOE
overcomeOE
meteOE
through-gangOE
passc1300
to pass over ——c1300
overpassc1325
tracec1381
travela1393
traverse?a1400
travelc1400
measure?a1425
walkc1450
go1483
journey1531
peragrate1542
trade1548
overspin1553
overtrace1573
tract1579
progress1587
invade1590
waste1590
wear1596
march1606
void1608
recovera1625
expatiate1627
lustrate1721
do1795
slip1817
cover1818
clear1823
track1823
itinerate1830
betravel1852
to roll off1867
a1625 J. Fletcher Noble Gentleman i. iii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Dd3/2 I shall recover twenty miles this night.
1639 J. Taylor Part Summers Trav. 28 I recovered 12 miles to Rochdale.
1688 T. D'Urfey Fool's Preferment i. iii. 12 I may recover 20 Miles to night.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > transference > [verb (transitive)]
remuea1325
movea1382
translatea1382
transfer1382
transfigurec1384
removea1387
to turn overa1425
transume1483
to carry about1496
traduce1546
transplant1555
transact1621
transmigrate1635
hand1642
to make over1713
recover1719
to carry over1850
1719 G. London & H. Wise J. de la Quintinie's Compl. Gard'ner (ed. 7) 103 We must therefore disburthen its Head, proportionable to the strength and activity we take from it by recovering it to a new place, and retrenching some of its Roots.
12. † e. intransitive. To rise again after bowing or curtsying. Also in figurative context. Obsolete.
a. intransitive. To regain one's footing, position, or balance; †to get up. Also from (also †of, †out of) a slip, fall, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > assume or hold a posture [verb (intransitive)] > regain a posture
recovera1425
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > be or become equal [verb (intransitive)] > balance or be balanced > restore to balance
recovera1425
to redress the balance1826
the world > space > relative position > posture > action of standing up or rising > rise or be standing [verb (intransitive)] > rise > again
recovera1425
a1425 Dialogue Reason & Adversity (Cambr.) (1968) 31 (MED) Sum men ben ofte doun & recouere a ȝen.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxii. f. cxxxiiv It happed one of the kynges Cuppe berers to stumble and to recouer agayne.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccviii. 249 The lorde of Gommegines was ouerthrowen, and coude nat recouer vp agayne.
a1540 (c1460) G. Hay tr. Bk. King Alexander 3270 Tholome..Richt as he was recoverand vp agane Schupe him a straik.
a1632 T. Taylor Princ. Christian Pract. (1635) 392 Recover speedily out of every fall.
1667 R. L'Estrange tr. F. de Quevedo Visions vi. 176 I perceiv'd divers crossing from one way to the Other, and changing of parties. Some of them stumbled, and Recover'd; Others fell down right.
1745 Fortunate Orphan 9 He did not believe it was possible to recover of this Fall.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 667 A horse's foot having apparently slipped several inches and recovered again.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports 533/1 The ground is not cleared by the toe, and when it is struck there is not power to recover from the mistake.
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. xv. [Circe] 420 A burly rough pursues with booted strides. He stumbles on the steps, recovers, plunges into gloom.
1999 G. Cox Dict. Sport xii. 380/2 Slip the reins Used by the rider to allow a horse to use his head and neck to recover after an awkward landing or stumble.
b. transitive. To pull (a horse) back to its feet after a stumble, etc. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > pull back on its feet
recover1550
1550 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue (new ed.) ii. ix. sig. Fiiiiv Recouer the hors or lese the saddle too.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1646 (1955) II. 504 Recovering the Jade on all foure againe, he desir'd to be taken down.
1716 tr. Mem. Prince Eugene of Savoy II. 40 I did my utmost to recover my Horse, and thought it convenient to alight, to prevent a worse Misfortune.
1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe I. xii. 249 Recovering their horses, however, and wheeling them round, the whole three pursued their purpose of bearing to the earth the Disinherited Knight.
1857 G. A. Lawrence Guy Livingstone xv. 132 [The mare] was down on her head; but Guy recovered her cleverly.
1905 H. Pyle Story Champions Round Table 205 Each knight recovered his horse from the fall and each leaped to earth and drew his sword.
c. transitive. To bring (a weapon) back to a vertical position (known as recover arms (also swords)). Cf. recover n. 4a. Occasionally intransitive. Also in extended use. Now chiefly historical.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > drill or training > drill [verb (transitive)] > position weapons
charge1509
trailc1550
present1579
recover1594
return1598
handle1621
rest1622
port1625
slope1625
reverse1630
to order arms1678
carry1779
society > armed hostility > drill or training > drill [verb (intransitive)] > position weapons
recover arms (also swords)1685
to support arms1779
to secure arms1795
to shoulder arms1844
1594 I. G. tr. G. di Grassi True Arte Def. sig. I 2 He must..recouer [It. cauar] his owne sworde nimbly, and then deliuer a thrust.
1685 J. S. Mil. Discipl. 27 Recover your Armes.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 102. ¶2 [The ladies] are exercised by the following Words of Command,..Ground your Fans Recover your Fans.
1797 Instr. & Regulations Cavalry (rev. ed.) App. 255 When the rear rank has passed the general 10 yards..officers recover their swords with the commanding officer.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. To Recover arms, a position of the firelock when the piece is held with the lock equal to the left shoulder, and the sling to the front.
1804 R. Heber Let. Oct. in Heber Lett. (1950) v. 153 They are not at all attentive at private muster this morning, and I..was obliged to make them recover six times before they did it properly.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) iv. 36 The dogs barked, the mob screamed, the troops recovered.
1859 F. A. Griffiths Artillerist's Man. (1862) 153 The..officers recover and carry their swords.
1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 157/2 ‘Recover ar-r-rms!’ and I put up my gun before me to resist with my bayonet any charge that may be made.
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd I. xxviii. 308 The third item of consciousness was that of seeing the same sword, perfectly clean and free from blood held vertically in Troy's hand (in the position technically called ‘recover swords’).
1895 D. Belasco Heart of Maryland i. 192 The Men resume their former positions. The Guards recover arms.
1918 W. H. Wilbur Koehler Method Physical Drill vi. 86 From shoulder horizontal: to forward horizontal; keeping arms extended, rotate piece and cross arms; recover arms forward position.
1997 L. J. Herdegen Men stood like Iron xiv. 121 In that manner the little colonel gave the commands, ‘Halt!’ ‘About, face!’ ‘Shoulder arms!’ ‘Ready, aim, fire!’ ‘Recover arms!’
d. intransitive. Fencing. To return to a position of guard after a thrust. Also with to (also on) (one's) guard. In earlier use also transitive and figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > fence [verb (intransitive)] > actions
traversea1470
to hold one's handa1500
flourish1552
lock1579
to come in1594
retire1594
pass1595
recover1600
redouble1640
allonge1652
caveat1652
parry1671
disengage1684
overlap1692
volt1692
tierce1765
whip1771
wrench1771
lunge1809
salute1809
riposte1823
cut1833
quart1833
repost1848
remise1889
1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor iv. iii. sig. N I thought to haue took his arme (for he had left his whole body to my election, and I was sure he could not recouer his guard).
1681 J. Kettlewell Meas. Christian Obed. iv. 552 When once he had got liberty to recollect his thoughts, and to recover again his former guard.
1702 H. Blackwell Eng. Fencing-master 22 Advance half a Foot, and make home your Thrust, and as you recover beat on his Foile in Carte.
1730 H. Blackwell Gentleman's Tutor Small Sword 34 If your Thrust should be parried after drawing your Left-Foot after you, it is impossible you should recover before your Adversary reposts you.
1780 J. McArthur Army & Navy Gentleman's Compan. i. xiii. 49 As you recover, make a quick thrust of the wrist in seconde.
1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing 26 After a thrust is delivered..it is necessary to resume your former position of the guard, which is termed recovering on guard.
1862 Chambers's Encycl. at Fencing A thrust can be returned when the adversary thrusts, or when, baffled in his attack, he is recovering to his guard.
1937 J. Vince Fundamentals Foil Fencing 36 The delayed parry is used when the opponent..does not recover immediately but stays in the lunge.
2002 E. Cheris Fencing 60 Recover back into a perfect on guard position and regain advance distance.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > respect > respect or show respect [verb (intransitive)] > bow, kneel, or curtsey > rise after
recover1692
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables ccxv. 188 Now the Just Medium of This Case lies betwixt the Pride, and the Abjection of the Two Extreams. As the Willow, for the Purpose, Bows, and Recovers, and the Resignation is Crown'd and Rewarded in the Success.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 240. ⁋2 This Person..made a profound Bow and fell back, then recovered with a soft Air, and made a Bow to the next.
1791 C. Smith Celestina I. v. 94 On recovering from the low bow he had made to Miss Fitz-Hayman, he saw Celestina.
1896 A. E. Housman Shropshire Lad xvi. 24 It nods and curtseys and recovers When the wind blows above.
*** Senses relating primarily to other qualities and states. † 16.
13. transitive. To restore (something) to a good or proper condition; to set or make right again; (also) to help (a person). Now rare. [In quot. a1500 apparently due to a misreading of the French original: Sus telz meffaiz n'a court ne juge A qui on puisse racourir ‘For this crime there is no court nor judge before whom one can seek any recourse’ ( J. E. McCrae Alain Chartier: The Quarrel of the Belle dame sans mercy (2004) 80–81).]
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)]
recovera1382
recurea1382
reparela1382
instore1382
store1387
restorec1390
redressc1405
repeal1479
rectifya1529
restauratea1538
redeem1575
instaurate1583
upright1601
upseta1652
reficiate1657
rehabilitate1663
retrieve1665
re-establish1706
re-rail1914
rehab1961
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xxix. 27 Recouere [a1425 L.V. Rekiuere; L. Recupera] thi neȝhebore after thi vertue.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) i. l. 383 To hide his desir yn muwe, From euery wyght..But he myght ought recouered be þerby.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Ecclus. ii. 6 Bileue thou to God, and he schal rekeuere thee.
c1475 J. Lydgate Horse, Goose, & Sheep (Harl.) in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 26 (MED) Rekouered [a1500 Lansd. Thus bi a gandr recured was the toun].
a1500 tr. La Belle Dame sans Mercy (Cambr.) 614 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 103 (MED) There is no Iuge yset of suche trespace, By which, of right, one may recouered be.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xc. 112 He wolde neuer rest tyll he had so arayed the realme of Scotlande, that it shulde neuer be recouered.
1586 Earl of Leicester Corr. (1844) 217 God doth knowe what..a ioyfull countreie here was within this month; God send her majestie to recover it soe againe.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §380 There hath been a tradition, that pearl, and coral, and turquois-stone, that have lost their colours, may be recovered by burying in the earth.
1660 R. Boyle New Exper. Physico-mechanicall xiii. 86 The Fire was got out for good and all, and past the possibility of being recover'd by the re-admitted Air.
1706 G. London & H. Wise Retir'd Gard'ner I. ii. ii. 110 To recover Trees so damnify'd, we perform the following Operation.
1731 P. Shaw Three Ess. Artific. Philos. 126 The Still-Bottoms of Melasses are successfully used to scald and recover musty Casks.
1794 G. Washington Writings (1892) XIII. 16 To recover my land from the gullied and exhausted state into which it has..been thrown for some years back.
1990 Oxfam News Winter 4/1 By increasing water penetration of the hard ground, the diguettes quickly proved they could..recover totally degraded land.
14. † d. transitive. To reach or attain (a state). Obsolete. rare.
a. transitive. To regain or resume (a quality, state, or condition); to return to, reacquire.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > resume (form or appearance) > resume (power, strength, etc.)
recovera1387
resumec1425
renew1481
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 53 (MED) Kynges..werrede wiþ naciouns þat wonede aboute hem for to rekeue [v.rr. rekeuere, rekevre] here worschippe and dignite.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. 303 (MED) He schal Recovere his ferste astat ayein.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 57 In May..These wodes eek Recoueren gr[e]ne [Fr. recovrent lor verdure].
c1475 tr. A. Chartier Quadrilogue (Univ. Coll. Oxf.) (1974) 225 (MED) Many high and wyse men..haue lost thaire lyues for to recouere the prosperitee of the well publique.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Div He wolde haue fed therof: and so a recouered his immortalite that he had loste.
?1590–1 J. Burel Passage of Pilgremer i, in Poems sig. N4 The Alcions lykwais left the See, And to the schore richt fast culd flee, For to recouer rest.
?c1630 Cleocreton & Cloryana 62 So with perswasions, she did recover her former chearful frame of spirit.
1666 R. Boyle Origine Formes & Qualities 172 The Lead..will not of it self recover its Sphæricity.
1706 G. London & H. Wise Retir'd Gard'ner I. ii. xiv. 182 By putting them to the Roots [I] have found that the Leaves have recover'd their Greenness.
1785 W. Cowper Task i. 441 His cheek recovers soon its healthful hue.
1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus ii. 39 Perhaps I may recover my lost appetite.
1858 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (ed. 2) IV. xviii. 33 With the assistance of the bishops..they recovered an absolute superiority.
1902 W. James Varieties Relig. Experience iv. 78 How to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness, is in fact for most men at all times the secret motive of all they do.
1954 G. Vidal Messiah ix. ii. 229 Paul was beginning to recover his usual poise.
1991 J. Chang Wild Swans (1993) viii. 225 She had recovered her equilibrium and much of her old bounce.
2001 B. Flaws & J. Lake Chinese Med. Psychiatry 34 With her senses titillated by the sight and smell of the feast, the sick woman recovered her long-lost appetite for food.
b. transitive (reflexive). To regain one's balance or normal position. Also: to regain one's composure.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > posture > assume a posture [verb (reflexive)] > regain a posture
recovera1393
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > equal [verb (reflexive)] > recover one's balance
recovera1393
right?1586
balance1833
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > restore oneself [verb (reflexive)]
reintegrate1591
recovera1715
to draw together1856
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. 2129 Er that thou falle in such a wise That thou ne myht thiself rekevere.
1521 B. Anslay tr. C. De Pisan Cyte of Ladyes sig. Hhij They also fell on yt other syde, but as soone as they myght they recouered them selfe & ranne vpon them with good swerdes.
1584 J. Rainolds & J. Hart Summe of Conf. iii. sig. I8 Harald..did stumble so with one foote, that he was downe almost, but recouering him selfe with ye other foote, he neither fell, nor shed the drinke.
1607 ‘W. S.’ Puritaine ii. 18 I first fall back, then recouering my selfe; make my honour to your lip thus.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 41 We daily see..rope-dauncers..handsomly recover themselves after a perillous staggering and reeling.
1678 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 116 Then Talkative at first began to blush, but recovering himself, Thus he replyed. View more context for this quotation
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) at Cancelier When a light-flown Hawk in her Stooping, turns two or three times upon the Wing, to recover her self before she seizes the Prey.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 582 Seeing he was losing ground at Court, he intended to recover himself a little with the people.
1815 R. Southey in Q. Rev. 12 339 Capt. Lewis slipped and..recovered himself by means of his espontoon.
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports 533/1 Many careless and low goers are constantly striking their feet against stones, but..easily recover themselves.
1895 Daily News 27 Sept. 5/4 There will be ample width for a vessel to ‘recover’ herself when entering in severe weather.
1956 M. Dickens Angel in Corner viii. 123 She took his hand. ‘Come in. Don't stand there.’ She had recovered herself rapidly.
1983 A. Mason Illusionist vii. 259 Recovering himself from a perilously off-balance position.
c. transitive. To regain (a physical or mental faculty, or the use of one). to recover one's feet (also legs): to regain one's balance, or the use of one's feet or legs (cf. leg n. Phrases 3). to recover one's breath: to get one's breath back.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > bring or put into use > specifically a faculty > regain the use of
recovera1500
find1566
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 303v Þis serpent..waissheþ his dymme yhen wiþ Iuys þerof..to recouere sight þat he haþ ylost.
?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 181 Of þe hynder partye of þe brayne..a litel of þe substaunce of þe brayne went oute..þe whiche he recouerede after þe helynge.
a1500 tr. Lanfranc Sci. Cirurgie (Wellcome) f. 21 (MED) By suche sowyng is rekeueryd the stirryng of þe lyme.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. viii. sig. Ff5 The Prince to him full nimbly stept, And least he should recouer foote againe [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. iii. 45 What is the matter..speake, recouer breath. View more context for this quotation
a1617 S. Hieron Wks. (1634) II. 243 It was in his sleepe; but, when he awoke, he recouered his thoughts.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 357 Satan..at length faild speech recoverd sad. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 966 To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, repli'd. View more context for this quotation
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 122 He could hardly speak; but recovering his Breath, said [etc.].
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xii. xi. 275 Partridge had no sooner recovered his Legs, than [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1833 H. Martineau Messrs. Vanderput & Snoek i. 19 When he recovered his voice, the pastor turned his attention [etc.].
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. xiv. 266 Edward and Humphrey..worked another half hour, when they paused to recover their wind.
1909 Westm. Gaz. 11 Dec. 16/1 Only recovering his feet after much floundering in one of the sandy hollows which occur between the grass-tufts.
1982 K. Ishiguro Pale View of Hills (1983) vii. 110 Sachiko and I sat down to recover our breath.
2003 S. Brett Murder in Museum xiii. 112 The quacks don't think he'll ever recover the power of speech.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > take on or reach a state or condition [verb (transitive)]
conceivea1450
recover1575
1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 130 When she is cast off, and beginneth to recouer her gate.
1576 A. Fleming Panoplie Epist. Epitome sig. Aij All things when they haue recouered perfection..cannot but then be most acceptable.
15. † a. transitive. To bring (a person or thing) back into (also to) a state, condition, etc. Obsolete.† b. transitive (reflexive). To retreat or retire into (also unto) a place, to withdraw; (also) to fall back on a person as an authority. Obsolete.† d. transitive. To rescue or deliver (a person). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > a thing to or into previous condition
reversec1350
reforma1393
recover1393
converta1425
reduce?a1425
revolve1431
returnc1436
recure?1440
remayne1481
relieve1483
redressc1500
restaur1508
reprieve?1567
recollect1606
redeem1613
regain1624
to bring back1662
re-reducea1676
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 360 And in contrarie also recouer A pouer man to grete richesse.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) cciv. 299 The other barons..had by thayde and helpe of our lord Ihesu Criste conquerd vpon the turkes and recouerd to oure fayth the holy Cyte of Iherusalem.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus in Paraphr. New Test. I. Luke iv. f. lxi Wherfore as an eiuill and malicious vile slaue of a desperate mynde vnpossible to bee recouered to grace, he deserued to heare these thankes for his confession.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin i. 23 Princes in those times..had recouered to Christianitie, with a warre of ten yeares continuance, the kingdom of Granado vsurped by the Moares of Affrica for almost viij. hundreth yeares.
1643 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce 47 They shall recover the misattended words of Christ to the sincerity of their true sense from manifold contradictions.
1662 H. More Coll. Philos. Writings (ed. 2) Pref. Gen. p. xvii That which now deserves to be called Cartesianism, for Des-Cartes his so happily recovering of it again into view.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vii. 249 They sent a formal Committee of both Houses to him..to recover him to his former Vigour, and Zeal in their Cause.
1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Jewish War vi. iii, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 931 Nor could he expect that such men could be recovered to sobriety of mind.
1789 J. Brand Hist. & Antiq. Newcastle I. 201 About the same time the zealous Oswy, as well by argument as friendly persuasion, recovered to the faith of Christ, Sigebert, King of the East Angles.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (reflexive)] > retire, withdraw, or retreat
recovera1470
umbedrawc1485
recoil1490
retreat1495
retire?1548
retray1562
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > recourse > have recourse to something [verb (reflexive)]
betake15..
redress?a1525
recover1655
a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll.) 214 Recover yourself unto som kydde castell.
1571 R. Reynolds Chron. Noble Emperours f. 209v The Pope..wtdrew himselfe..into ye Castell of S. Angelo, othersome recoueringe themselues for feare into other strong places.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. ii. 11 Had they not so sodainly recoured themselues againe into their Cittye, he had also bin Lord and conqueror thereof.
1650 J. Howell tr. A. Giraffi Exact Hist. Late Revol. Naples i. 68 He recover'd himself with four of his confidents..into the next house.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. vi. 268 S. Augustine of Hippo, (on whom these Monks would willingly recover themselves) was S. Benet's Senior by sixty years.
c. transitive. To rescue or reclaim from (also out of) a negative condition, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > rescue or deliverance > rescue or deliver (from) [verb (transitive)] > rescue or reclaim one from a place or state
recover1485
retrieve1568
to get off1577
1485 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur sig. qiij There with al Trystram wente vnto his fader Kynge Meliodas and asked hym counceil what was best to doo for to recouer Cornewaile from truage.
a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Radegunde (c1525) sig. ciiii Sundry tymes kyssyng them with great humilyte Therby recoueryng dyuers from penalite.
1542 N. Udall in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Lit. Men (1843) (Camden) 5 To recover a man from present extinction.
1614 W. Camden Remaines (rev. ed.) 335 I will onely recouer from obliuion these made vpon the pictures [etc.].
1635 Earl of Strafford Let. 20 Oct. (1739) I. 473 To recover them forth of that Superstition and Barbarism, which hath hitherto been the Reproach almost of the English.
1692 J. Locke Toleration iii. i, in Wks. (1727) II. 311 So men will be well guarded, or recovered from false Religions.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 10. ¶1 Till I have recovered them out of that desperate State of Vice and Folly into which the Age is fallen.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XIII. 732/2 The fathers..say that the Indians are but just recovered from a barbarous and dissolute way of life.
1860 J. W. Warter Sea-board & Down II. 436 I must recover all from their evil courses by every means in my power.
1999 P. Widdowson Literature ii. 67 The postcolonial project has been to challenge both the ‘Western Canon’ and ‘colonialist’ literature in seeking to recover from oblivion a ‘literature of their own’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > rescue or deliverance > rescue or deliver (from) [verb (transitive)]
areddec885
leeseOE
reddOE
winc1220
deliver?c1225
ridc1225
quita1250
betellc1275
casta1300
to cast outa1300
liverc1330
rescuec1330
wrechec1330
borrowc1350
to put out of ——c1350
to bring awaya1400
redea1400
wreakc1400
rescourec1425
rescousa1450
savec1480
relue1483
salue1484
redeem1488
recovera1500
redressa1500
eschewc1500
rescours1511
to pull (also snatch) out of the fire1526
recourse1533
withtakec1540
redeem1549
vindicate1568
retire1578
repair1591
reprieve1605
to bring off1609
a1500 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Nero) iv. l. 1721 Þe captywis..Tane befor throw Hannybal, Recouerit was throw Scipione.
?1536 Batayll of Eygyngecourte sig. A.iiiv Of truse we wyll beseche the Untyll that it be sunday noone And yf we may not recouered be We will delyuer the towne.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xxi. f. 27 Thinking by such occasion too recouer the rest of the 200. knights & souldiers which were yet to be delyuered.
1637 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1825) (modernized text) I. 244 He fell into the water, near the shore, where it was not six feet deep, and could not be recovered.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xxii. 78 I promised..never to part from hence, till by some means or other I have recovered these poor soldiers my companions.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 152 Having agreed with my comrade what ways I would take to recover him out of Mingrelia.
1733 tr. B. Morando Rosalinda v. 194 They were at least enabled to form a Resolution, which..was, to sail for Italy,..and to perish if they could not recover the Captives.
1789 Gen. Coll. Voy. & Discov. i. xi. 132 They were under the necessity of coming to anchor four leagues from Calicut, and to ride in the open road, where they remained till the Saturday following, in hopes of recovering the prisoners.
e. transitive (reflexive). To withdraw or escape from (also out of) or to return to a position, state, or condition.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > escape > [verb (reflexive)]
save?c1225
recover1553
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restoration of a person > restore oneself [verb (reflexive)] > to or from a state or condition
recall1638
recovera1660
1553 R. Burrant tr. Preceptes Cato (new ed.) sig. Xii As for one..to bee euer beggyng and borowyng this or that and neuer to recouer himself out of anothers daunger, there can bee no more displeasure wished to him truly for it is a very bondage.
1566 T. Becon New Postil f. 224 Moyses and the Prophetes..were not yet able to recouer them selues out of death.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Tim. ii. 26 That they may recouer themselues out of the snare of the deuill. View more context for this quotation
a1660 H. Hammond Serm. (1664) xvii. 282 He seldom ever recovers himself to a sober countenance.
1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. viii. 20 Hannibal..was as skilful in recovering himself out of Danger, as in drawing others into it.
1743 H. Fielding Jonathan Wild iv. ii, in Misc. III. 299 Wild had scarce recovered himself from the Uneasiness into which this unwelcome Visit..had thrown him, than the faithful Achates appeared.
1823 I. D'Israeli Curiosities of Lit. 2nd Ser. I. 248 I have been at some pains to recover myself from A. Philips' misfortune of mere childishness.
1882 J. H. Blunt Reformation Church of Eng. II. 297 Ridley's hasty endeavour to recover himself from the pitfall into which he had been precipitated.
1919 J. A. Leighton Field of Philos. (ed. 2) 298 Logically, we should not even speak of ‘he’ or ‘she’ in such cases, for ‘he’ cannot recover himself from a state that was not ‘he’ at all.
2001 A. Heller Time is out of Joint (2002) ii. 36 It can be temporary madness if..a man can recover himself from shambles to the point that he can put together another world.
a. transitive. To put right or remedy (a fault, etc.). Also (in quot. a1398): to compensate for (a deficiency). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (transitive)]
helpc950
amendc1230
bootc1330
correctc1374
menda1375
recovera1398
dighta1400
restorea1400
redressa1402
recurec1425
remedyc1425
remeidc1480
emendc1485
richa1500
rightena1500
chastisea1513
rectifya1529
redeem1575
salve1575
remed1590
reclaim1593
renew1608
retrieve1625
recruit1673
raccommode1754
splice1803
doctor1829
remediate1837
right-side1847
sort1948
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 192 Suecia..hath no vynes but in grete plente of pasture and of metalle recouereþ oþer defautes.
a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 3236 If foly haue supprised thee Do so that it recouered be.
1442 T. Bekington Let. in G. Williams Mem. Reign Henry VI (1872) II. 214 This grete hurt; which xxm li. wol not nowe..lightly recovere.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 354 Though I myght dure euer That I haue do rekeuer I neuer.
1536 Exhort. to North in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS (1868) I. 306 Thes ennormyties to Recoyor [sic], now lette vs tayke payne! thynges amysse to Redresse, we oure selff must enforce.
1570 Mariage Witte & Sci. sig. Eiiiv If any hope be left, if any recompence, Be able to recouer this for passed negligence.
1635 R. Johnson Tom a Lincolne in W. J. Thoms Coll. Early Prose Romances (1828) II. 75 Thou..hast broken thy oath of knighthood, which no excuse can recover.
1696 Alcander & Philocrates iv. 123 She said to Fraudelisa, and the Widow, that she shou'd have the last Obligations to them, if they cou'd give her any Counsel, and Means to recover this unlucky Step.
1721 J. Perry Acct. Stopping Daggenham Breach 106 A Breach..in two Places between Grays and Gravesend, (which, by timely Application, have been recovered).
1793 S. Gunning Mem. Mary II. 53 Have done, my Lord, with this despairing sort of repentance; if you will be more cautious in future, we may yet recover the fault.
1811 G. Colman in J. Palmer Like Master like Man I. Pref. 21 He had the misfortune to begin wrong in the game of life:—it is difficult to recover blots.
1869 F. W. Newman Misc. 286 He was quickly overpowered; yet to recover the mischief he had done..was difficult.
b. transitive. To cure, heal (a wound, disease, etc.). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > heal or cure [verb (transitive)]
lechnec900
helpc950
beetc975
healc1000
temperc1000
leechc1175
amendc1300
halec1330
soundc1374
sanec1386
warishc1386
defenda1400
rectifya1400
salve1411
lokenc1425
redress?c1425
recure?a1439
guarish1474
cure1526
medify1543
recover1548
resanate1599
sanate1623
sain1832
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. 11 b A deadly wounde that can not be recouered.
1576 G. Baker tr. C. Gesner Newe Jewell of Health ii. f. 47 It..doth marueylously recouer & helpe..the byte of a mad Dog.
1629 P. Massinger Roman Actor ii. i. sig. E2v But grant that I by Art could yet recouer Your desperate sicknes.
1655 T. Moffett & C. Bennet Healths Improvem. xiii. 113 Many are of opinion that Cawdles..recover the weakness of loyns.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. i. 113 The land, and the refreshments it produces, very soon recover most stages of the sea-scurvy.
1786 T. Clarkson Ess. Slavery & Commerce Human Species ii. ix. 112 The same kind Providence, who tempered the body of an animal, tempered also, the body of the tree; that he gave it a quality to recover the bite of the locust.
17. transitive. To retrieve, make good, or make up for (loss or damage to oneself).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > amending > put right [verb (transitive)] > put right (a wrong or loss) > loss or damage to oneself
recoverc1405
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) Prol. l. 27 Los of catel may recouered be But los of tyme shendeth vs.
c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 56 (MED) Thou calledist vpone me that by me thou myghtstid thy loosse recouere.
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. xiv. 43 Yf she lacke on one syde she recouerith it on that other.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. 506 They determyned to go thyder..to assay if they coude recover any parte of their domage.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. 553 To thentent that he shulde recover agayne his losse.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique ii. r4v The losse of money maye be recovered, but the losse of mannes good name, can not be called backe againe.
1619 in S. R. Gardiner Lett. Relations Eng. & Germany (1865) 1st Ser. 207 Sir Albertus Morton (who hath used more diligence in his journey to recover his detention in England then I feare may be for his health).
1682 G. Vernon Life P. Heylyn 34 Many..losses..which he was not able to recover.
1736 T. Lediard Life Marlborough II. 31 Unfortunate Gamesters..hazard on, thinking to recover their Loss.
1775 C. Johnston Pilgrim 210 To try if it was possible to recover the loss which we had been too late to prevent.
1823 T. Arnold Hist. Rome (1843) Suppl. III. 455 Hannibal..probably felt..that, by purchasing peace at any price..his countrymen might again find an opportunity to recover their losses.
1901 R. Lodge Close of Middle Ages 417 Though the extension of Jagellon power was in itself displeasing, the change of rulers enabled the Hapsburgs to recover their losses.
1996 Financial Times 11 Jan. 41/6 Paris featured Eurotunnel, which recovered all of Tuesday's loss following a bullish presentation to analysts in Calais.
Phrases
† to recover the wind of: to get windward of; (also figurative) to get the better of. Cf. wind n.1 3b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > get or keep weather gauge of
to have the weather of1526
to gain, get, or take the wind of1563
get1600
to give, have the wind of1600
to recover the wind of1604
weather-gauge1892
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iii. ii. 334 Why doe you goe about to recouer the wind of mee. View more context for this quotation
a1618 W. Raleigh Disc. Invention Shipping 30 in Judicious & Select Ess. (1650) These hoyes, who will easily recover the wind of any other ships.
1739 C. Jenkins Eng.'s Triumph 60 The next Morning the first Fight happen'd, the English Ships that were got out of the Harbour, to the number of an hundred, which had recovered the Wind of the Spaniards, making Onset.
1822 W. Hazlitt Table-talk II. xv. 350 If they [sc. servants] effect anything like decent remorse, and hope you will pass it over, all the while they are probably trying to recover the wind of you.
1855 C. Kingsley Westward Ho! xx She is a race ship, and if we can but recover the wind of her [etc.].
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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also refers to : re-coverv.2
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n.a1398
v.1a1325see also