secondadj.n.²

Brit.

/ˈsɛk(ə)nd/, U.S.

/ˈsɛkənd/

Forms: Middle English–1600s secund(e, Middle English secounde, Middle English, 1500s seconde, Middle English–1500s secound, Middle English secownde, seycond, 1500s Scottish secunnd, sycond, Middle English– second.

Etymology: < French second = Provençal segon, Spanish segundo, Portuguese segundo, Italian secondo, < Latin secundus following (hence favourable, prosperous, primarily of a breeze), next, second, < root of sequī to follow. Old English had no proper ordinal for the number two (like German zweite , Dutch tweede , French deuxième ), the sense being expressed by óðer (see other adj.); this being ambiguous, the French word found early acceptance.

A. adj.

a. Coming next after the first according to any contextually understood principle of enumeration (e.g. in order of time, position, rank, quality, conventional or arbitrarily adopted sequence): the ordinal numeral corresponding to the cardinal numeral two adj., n., and adv.

(a) with noun expressed; also predicatively.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adjective]

othereOE

afterOE

second1297

tothera1400

secondarya1425

two1586

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5724 In þe secunde ȝere þat he verst bissop was.

1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne i. 9787 The secunde sacrament, y vndyrstonde, Ys graunted of þe bysshop honde.

c1386 G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale 139 Euery secounde or þridde day sche faste.

c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 46 Here brekyst þou þe secunde tyme þe x. comaundementes.

1507 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1901) III. 290 The secund day of Maii.

c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) 4 Numa pompilius, the sycond kyng of rome.

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. ii. 169 The first and second cause will not serue my turne.

1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 124 Youth, Health, and Ease, and most an amorous Mind, To second Nuptials had her Thoughts inclin'd.

1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xi. 159 The Convertine, a Ship of the second Rank.

1872 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (ed. 3) lv. 15 You know, my Friends, with what a brave Carouse I made a Second Marriage in my house.

1884 Ld. Brabourne Lett. Jane Austen I. v. 87 Jane's picture of a clergyman is generally that of a second son who enters the profession in order to hold a family living.

(b) with ellipsis of the noun understood from the context.

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?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 115 Þe secunde [commandment] so is þis: Sundai wel þat ȝe holde.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 23 In Bretayn, beeþ many wondres... Þe firste is at Pectoun... Þe secounde is at Stonhenge by sides Salisbury.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 111 The fyrst writtyng was gross letter off bras, The secound gold, the thrid was siluir scheyne.

1636 T. Heywood Challenge for Beautie iv. sig. F4^v If you, Would add a second to this curtesie.

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. xxxiv. 201 I liked her at first sight, and better at second.

1814 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Vision I. xviii. 76 Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe! None for the second waited, nor the third.

1858 Chambers's Jrnl. 20 Nov. 334/1 In the first of which objects, by the way, they have succeeded much better than in the second.

b. the second: appended to a personal name to designate the second bearer of the name in a succession of persons (chiefly sovereigns, or persons jocularly likened to sovereigns). Also (now rarely) used to designate one resembling the person to whom the name belongs (cf. A. 4 below).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [noun] > one who resembles another

the secondc1386

similitudec1405

likenessa1500

resembler1570

similar1653

resemblance1794

ringer1878

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second > as bearer of name

the secondc1386

c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale 261 O Sowdanesse, roote of iniquitee, Virago, thou Semyrame the secounde.

1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) III. 4 Henrie the secund rang into his steid, The emprice sone.

1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) (running title) Of Grysilde the Seconde. [Meaning Kath. of Aragon.]

1735 S. Johnson tr. J. Lobo Voy. Abyssinia 44 In the Reign of King John the Second.

1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xviii. 165 ‘Dick’ Tattersall, or Richard the Second, the grandson of the founder.

1891 S. Smiles Publisher & Friends I. 29 John Murray the Second—the ‘Anak of Publishers’, according to Lord Byron.

c. Grammar. In second person: see second person at person n. 8. Also in second declension, second conjugation, and in names of tenses, as second aorist, second future, second perfect, where the reference is to a conventional order of enumeration adopted by grammarians.By modern grammarians this method of designation has been almost entirely abandoned as regards tenses, and to a great extent as regards declensions and conjugations, descriptive terms being substituted for numerical.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [noun] > future > specific

second future1530

paulo-post-future1848

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > aspect > [noun] > perfect > specific

second perfect1530

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > conjugation > a conjugation > specific

second conjugation1530

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > declension > a declension > specific

second declensiona1637

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 31 Of the seconde conjugation.

?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Rii ^v The seconde future. I shuld knele.

1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Thirdly, the second perfect, j'ay aimé, I haue loued.

a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xiv, in Wks. (1640) III The second Declension formeth the Plurall from the Singular, by putting to n.

a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xviii, in Wks. (1640) III The second Conjugation.

1875 T. K. Arnold Henry's First Lat. Bk. 14 Verbs whose infinitive ends in ēre, are of the second conjugation.

d. absol. The person or thing that has been mentioned in the second place. So in Heraldry (see quot. 1866).

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the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second

othereOE

tother1380

second1572

society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > heraldic tincture > [noun] > first or second

first1562

second1572

1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie 114 b He beareth Argent, a fesse Gules, betwene three Eaglettes Sable, membred and beaked of the second.

1866 J. E. Cussans Gram. Heraldry 47 Never repeat a tincture twice in the same blazon. Should it occur again, it must be described as of the first (or field), of the second, of the last, &c., as the case may be.

a. Next in rank, quality, importance, or degree of any attribute, to (a person or thing regarded as first). Hence, in negative and limiting contexts, Inferior (to none, only to…). [Compare Latin nulli secundus.]

ΚΠ

c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 836 Troylus was neuere vn-to no wight As in his tyme in no degre secounde.

1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 i. ii. 43 Ambitious woman as thou art, Art thou not second woman in this land.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 7 Of very reuerent reputation sir,..Second to none that liues heere in the Citie.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 409 Regardless of the Bliss wherein hee sat Second to thee, offerd himself to die For mans offence.

1757 T. Gray Ode I iii. ii, in Odes 10 Nor second He, that rode sublime Upon the seraph-wings of Extasy, The secrets of th' Abyss to spy.

1821 G. Canning Speech 2 Apr. (1828) IV. 306 Among the names he had missed one, now no more, never second in the zeal of his resistance.

1860 J. E. Tennent Story of Guns (1864) 233 In the search for improvement failures have a value second only to success.

1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Let. 17 May (1954) III. 414 I doing little else but feel eminently uncomfortable, for which..I have a faculty ‘second to none’.

1872 J. Yeats Growth Commerce 49 Miletus was scarcely second to Tyre in luxury and wealth.

1961 J. Heller Catch-22 (1962) xi. 112 He would stand second to none in his devotion to country.

b. With following superlative: Having only one superior in the specified attribute. Cf. second best adj.

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1533 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 41 My secunde gretest braspotte.

1880 W. F. Skene Celtic Scotl. III. 122 Dathi the second last of the pagan monarchs of Ireland.

1910 W. M. Raine Bucky O'Connor (1920) xx. 226 I'll agree to the second dearest in the world.

1959 J. Kirkup tr. S. de Beauvoir Mem. Dutiful Daughter ii. 116 She was..the second eldest daughter.

1977 Word 28 104 The second-youngest of the fluent speakers.

1979 Nature 15 Feb. 561/2 Secernosaurus is the second most primitive hadrosaur known.

c. In designations of office, denoting the lower of two, or the next to the highest of several persons holding the same office; e.g. second captain, second lieutenant (see quots.), second lord (of the Admiralty, etc.), second master, second mistress (in a school), second mate (also in Nautical slang phrases referring to measures of liquor), second officer (in a merchant ship).The French expression en second (quot. 1702) occurs sometimes in English official use in the 18th cent.; ‘officers en second’ are mentioned, e.g. in the London Gazette 1716–20. Cf. second v.²

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate

second mate1735

second greaser1888

society > education > teaching > teacher > schoolteacher or schoolmaster > [noun] > second master

surmastera1519

subhead1588

conrector1648

second master1866

co-rector1882

1702 Mil. Dict. (1704) Second Captain, or Lieutenant en Second, one whose Company has been broke, and he is joyn'd to another, to act and serve under the Captain or Lieutenant of it... There are also Second Captains and Lieutenants of the First Creation, that is, who were never so in the other Companies... Second Lieutenants are much us'd among the Foot in France.

1709 London Gaz. No. 4543/2 The second Lieutenant, and Mr. Lawrence,..were shot through the Body.

1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals III. 115 Mr. Eaton the second Mate of the Ship was the next Witness called.

1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 36/1 Second Lieutenant in the Artillery, is the same as an ensign in an infantry regiment,..and must assist the first lieutenant in the detail of the company's duty.

1843 J. F. Cooper Ned Myers II. ii. 61 Putting a second~mate's nip of brandy into my glass.

1853 ‘C. Bede’ Adventures Mr. Verdant Green i. 6 The second master..‘licked a feller’ for a false quantity.

1866 School Life at Winchester Coll. xiv. 177 The Roll which was published every November, giving a list of the entire establishment of the College, commencing with the Warden, Head master, (Informator,) Second master, (Hostiarius,) the ten fellows, three chaplains; the under masters [etc.].

1923 L. Magnus Jubilee Bk. Girls' Public Day School Trust iv. 58 Her retirement coincided with that of her Second Mistress, Mrs. Withiel.

1933 P. A. Eaddy Hull Down 99 He pulls a pint bottle out of the case, and drawing the cork pulls out a good Second Mate's four fingers.

1952 V. Noake Hist. Alice Ottley School Worcester xiii. 140 Miss Spurling's successor..was Miss Hilda M. Roden, second mistress of the Stamford High School, Stamford, Lincs.

1967 S. Waters Indentures Indorsed xxxv. 232 A couple of second mate's pegs was usually enough to set us all singing.

1976 C. Dexter Last seen Wearing xxx. 211 School masters, even experienced second masters, aren't all that highly recompensed.

d. Military. second in command: holding a position only subordinate to the chief commander of an army or one of its subdivisions. Often absol. quasi-n.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command

seconda1616

under-commander1617

second in command1776

1776 W. Howe Let. 7 June in 9th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (rev. ed.) App. iii. 35 in Parl. Papers 1910 (Cd. 5038) XXXV. 675 The seniority of his rank..would have placed him second in command in Canada had he not been previously employed to the southward.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. iii. 219 Poor Commandant Gouvion, watching at the Tuileries, second in National Command, sees several things hard to interpret.

1882 Manch. Guard. 6 Sept. 5 Baker Pasha will be appointed second in command and ‘adjoint’ of the Turkish Commander in-Chief.

1939 ‘C. S. Forester’ Captain Hornblower xvi. 173 On his first commission his second-in-command had taken advantages of lapses on his part.

1982 Observer 16 Apr. 14/6 His second-in-command is a Sierra Leonean major.

e. Music. Used to distinguish the next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence of a voice or instrument: Rendering such a part.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [adjective] > parts in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts

mean1597

inward1654

second1724

1724 Short Explic. Foreign Words Musick Bks. Violino Secondo, the Second Violin.

1746 W. Tans'ur New Musical Gram. 131 If you would set a Second Treble, or Cantus, Medius, or Counter, to any Piece of Musick that was before in Two Parts, to make Three Parts; let it begin from the Bass on some different Cord from the Tenor [etc.].

1771 D. Barrington in Philos. Trans. 1770 (Royal Soc.) 60 56 The parts for the first and second voice were written in what the Italians stile the Contralto cleff.

1836 Hickson Singing Master i. Pref. 4 The second parts will always be sung with most effect by boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen.

1885 W. S. Gilbert Mikado i. 15 Assuming the disguise of a Second Trombone, I joined the band in which you found me.

3. Having the degree of quality, fineness, etc. next to the best; of the second grade or class. Now only Commerce in certain customary uses.In some applications there is also the notion of being produced by a second operation, after the best has been already obtained.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best

next best1423

secondary1428

second best1439

secondc1440

secondar1474

second-rate1669

second line1797

second-class1837

c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 482 And aftir oil secounde Is maad, that on a sadder mylle is grounde.

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 184 The fragments of the Coame..heated, and strayned agayne, doo make a second Hony.

1618 in Archaeologia 44 411 Item for second bread 2 0 0.

1638 J. Penkethman Artachthos sig. Div When the second wheate (which is the Red being in meale) is sold for iiii l. the Quarter in the market.

1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 14 My coat..made of good second cloth.

1842 J. Bischoff Comprehensive Hist. Woollen Manuf. II. 124 We used to have a certain description of cloth for livery purposes, called second cloth, made of English wool.

1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 483 Each cow gives about 1 lb. per week of ‘second butter’, fetching 2d. per lb. less than the best.

1860 J. Newlands Carpenter & Joiner's Assist. Gloss. Second Bricks, bricks of a quality next to the finest mail stocks or cutters.

a. Other, another; additional to that which has already existed, taken place, been mentioned, etc. Often qualifying a proper name, to designate one who equals or closely resembles the bearer of the name.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > different, other, or further

some otherc950

otherOE

anotherc1175

secondc1480

c1480 (a1400) St. Nicholas 1068 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 511 He tuk þe secund coupe in hand, & one þe altare fore offerand It set.

1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 177 Welcum, in were the secund Iulius, The prince of knightheyd and flour of cheualry.

1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) 30 A famous kynge [Hen. VII]..Called (in his tyme) the Seconde Salomon.

1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. G2^v And therewith her eyes distilled such abundance of teares, as..made her seeme a more than second Niobe.

1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lix. sig. E If their bee nothing new, but that which is, Hath beene before, how are our braines beguild, Which laboring for inuention beare amisse The second burthen of a former child?

1784 Rolliad (1795) viii. 49 Vansittart, thou, A second Hastings, if the Fates allow.

1806 W. Scott Lett. (1932) I. 325 Could any one bear the story of a second city being taken by a wooden horse?

1850 F. Madden Wycliffite Bible List of MSS. No. 28 The Ms...has been corrected throughout by a second, but nearly contemporary scribe.

b. Proverb: habit (or usage) is second nature. Hence (without allusion to the proverb) to be (come as, etc.) second nature (to one): to be as if natural or instinctive. Occasionally in elliptical constructions without a verb.The Latin form, consuetudo est altera (or secunda) natura, is found in St. Augustine and Macrobius, and approximately in Cicero (see Lewis & Short at Natura); the notion occurs in Aristotle (e.g. Probl. iv. xxvi, Eth. N. vii. x) and other Greek writers.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [noun] > accustomedness

usagec1485

accustomedness1595

assuetude1626

customariness1632

wontedness1649

habit (or usage) is second nature1662

inuredness1682

habituality1801

usedness1871

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 23 For in Phisique this I finde, Usage is the seconde kinde.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 89 That habit being as it were converted into a second nature.

a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xii. 254 Habits which..are become a kind of second Nature to him.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. vii. 113 Those to whom long practice has rendered them [sc. frivolous fopperies] a second nature.

1910 S. E. White in Sunset Apr. 421/1 Bob..rolled over twice with the rapid, vigorous twist second-nature to a seasoned half-back.

1944 Sun (Baltimore) 28 Nov. 8/2 Civilian air defense comes as second nature to them.

1954 T. S. Eliot Confidential Clerk iii. 96 I do feel more at ease when I'm behind a desk: It's second nature.

1967 R. Singha & R. Massey Indian Dances xviii. 159 They become second nature to her when she is dancing.

c. second self n. a friend who agrees absolutely with one's tastes and opinions, or for whose welfare one cares as much as for one's own.After Latin alter idem, Greek ἄλλος αὐτός and ἔτερος αὐτός (Arist. Eth. N. ix).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > second self or kindred spirit

another myself1526

alter ego1537

another I1539

self1557

second self1586

alter idema1618

himself1622

twin soul1868

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > [noun] > close

fellowa1225

loukec1386

second self1586

dear heart1669

pimple1700

fellow well met1730

hearty1880

sidekick1893

side-kicker1894

1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 150 The mightie and inuiolable bond of friendship, as of a second-selfe did constraine him to lend his eare to his friend.

1665 R. Brathwait Comment Two Tales Chaucer (1901) 93 I will offer to your choice two things, wherein please your self, and you shall please me who am your second self.

1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xxvi. 215 As to Miss Mirvan, she is my second self, and neither hopes nor fears but as I do.

1851 E. Bulwer-Lytton Not so Bad i. i. 6 Ha, Softhead! my Pylades—my second self!

in extended use.1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lxxiii. sig. E4 Blacke night..Deaths second selfe that seals vp all in rest.

†5. ‘Helpful, lending assistance’ (Schmidt). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [adjective]

lastfuleOE

helpinga1300

helplya1300

helpfulc1384

assistanta1400

succourablec1400

helpyc1440

aidant1449

adjutoryc1475

subsiduous1490

aidable1509

aidinga1525

aidful1535

adjuvant1574

adjuvable1598

assistful1600

auxiliary1605

recureful1606

seconda1616

succouring1616

coadjuvanta1625

adjutant1645

adjutorious1657

assisting1659

subventive1674

relievablea1693

subventitious1693

affording1873

succourful1898

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) ii. iii. 27 Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me.

a. quasi-adv. Secondly, in the second place (rare); as the second in succession. Also, †for the second time.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb]

secondlyc1374

second1382

secondary1455

secondarily1534

secondarly1543

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb] > for a second time, again

eftc825

eftersoonsc950

eftsoonc1000

yetOE

againOE

once morelOE

eft-sitha1300

againwardc1380

second1382

secondly1382

once againc1475

secondarilyc1475

secondarly1543

backwardly1552

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xxvii. 36 The riȝtis of my fyrst geting biforn he took a wey, and now secounde he hath vnder rauyshide my benysoun.

a1556 T. Cranmer Let. 26 Aug. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) III. 25 Seconde,..I shewed the people that this thynge ought no thynge to move theym, for it was [etc.].

1842 C. Whitehead Richard Savage (1845) II. vii. 271 I was confounded first, and incensed second.

a1859 T. De Quincey Posthumous Wks. (1891) I. 55 First, it was not to be too complete; second, even for this incompleteness it was not to be concentrated within a short time.

1911 N.E.D. at Second Mod. Mr. A. opened the debate. Mr. B. spoke second.

b. elliptically for second class n. (in travelling by rail, etc.).

ΚΠ

1912 R. Brooke Let. Jan. (1968) 334 The maids of the Ordinary Rich go second, with you and the normal me.

1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 80 As I'm not getting Travel Allowance for this trip, I'd decided to travel 2nd.

a1976 A. Christie Autobiogr. (1977) vi. i. 289 Ladies travelling alone would never have travelled third class... Even ladies' maids always travelled second.

B. n.²

I. One who or something which is second.

1. Elliptical uses of the adjective passing into quasi-n. (mostly admitting of plural).

a. second in blood, †second of kin (Scots Law): one related in the second degree of consanguinity.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > [noun] > relative of specific degree

third of kin1535

second in blood1567

1567 Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1814) III. 26/1 Item, Our Souerane Lord..declaris, that secundis in degreis of consanguinitie, and affinitie..may lauchfullie marie.

1582 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 481 Alexander Rutherfurd, alsua his sister sone, Alexander Chalmer, second and thriddis of kin to him.

1754 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. I. i. vi. 63 By seconds in blood are meant first cousins.

b. Grammar. Used elliptically for second person (only before singular or plural).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [noun] > person > second or third person

second1530

third1530

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 33 The seconde plurell endeth ever in EZ.

1841 R. G. Latham Eng. Lang. (1850) iv. xix. 298 The second singular of the preterite tense.

c. A place in the second class in an examination; one who takes such a place. Also, the competitor who comes next to the winner in a contest.

ΘΚΠ

society > education > educational administration > examination > [noun] > marks > specific marks

accessit1753

honour1774

credit1802

second class1810

firsta1830

first class1830

third class1844

Hons.1850

max1851

second1852

special mention1886

distinction?1890

A1892

E1892

pass mark1894

two-two1895

alpha1898

alpha plus1898

gamma1898

beta1902

delta1911

alpha minus1914

fourth1914

straight A1926

two-one1937

lower second1960

honourable mention2011

the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > one who > one who wins > one who comes next to winner

proxime accessit1852

runner-up1859

proxime1889

second1892

1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University (ed. 2) 283 To take even a good Second in Classics, one must [etc.].

1892 Shearman in Eng. Illustr. Mag. Mar. 445 This [the silver O.U.A.C. medal], and this alone, the winners and seconds receive for their place in the Oxford Sports.

1907 ‘B. Burke’ Barbara goes to Oxf. 43 Miss Jones has a first-class and Miss Smith a second.

d. second of exchange: see exchange n. 5, and cf. first of exchange n. at first adj., adv., and n.² Phrases 1f.

e. Chiefly Baseball. Used elliptically for second base n. 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball ground > [noun] > base

base1848

first base1848

second base1848

third base1848

second1861

first1864

bag1873

sack1914

1861 Sunday Mercury (N.Y.) 20 Oct. 5/5 ‘Dicky’ safely reached the second.

1900 G. Ade Fables in Slang 34 She believed that she could get away with any Topic that was batted up to her and then slam it over to Second in time to head off the Runner.

1976 Billings (Montana) Gaz. 6 July 1- c/5 Miquel Rodriquez was hurt while sliding into second on a wild pitch.

1977 New Yorker 19 Sept. 40/1 When he had fielded the soft-ball and his daughter was racing from first to second, he couldn't think what else to do.

f. to deal seconds (see quot. 1951). U.S.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card-sharping or cheating > [verb (intransitive)] > methods of cheating

swig1591

cog1592

slip1760

to top the deck1894

to deal seconds1951

1951 Amer. Speech 26 101/1 Seconds, to deal, to deal cards other than the top card on the deck. It is practically impossible to detect this if the dealer is clever enough.

1978 M. Puzo Fools Die xviii. 194 Not a top-notch mechanic but one who could easily deal seconds. That is, Cully could keep the top card for himself and deal the second card from the top.

a. One next to another (considered as the first in a series) in rank, quality, etc. Also, †a second instance, a match to something.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > [noun] > equal, counterpart, or equivalent

ylikeeOE

likea1200

make?c1225

fellow?a1425

proportion?a1425

countervailc1430

matcha1450

meetc1450

pareil?c1450

resemblant1484

equivalent1502

countermatch1587

second1599

parallel1600

equipollent1611

balancea1616

tantamount1637

analogy1646

analogate1652

form-fellow1659

equivalency1698

par1711

homologizer1716

peel1722

analogon1797

quits1806

correlate1821

analogue1837

representant1847

homologue1848

countertype1855

homologon1871

correlative1875

vis-à-vis1900

counterpart1903

1599 M. Drayton Idea in Englands Heroicall Epist. (new ed.) sig. Q7 And by all meanes, let foule vnkindnes proue, And shew the second to so pure a loue.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 354 That City, being then not only without equal in the country, but without second, had..exercised almost as great an influence on the politics of England as [etc.].

b. = second in command at sense A. 2d. (See A. 2d.)

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > person in second position

seconda1616

No. 21847

number two1952

society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command

seconda1616

under-commander1617

second in command1776

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 130 And tis great pitty that the noble Moore Should hazard such a place, as his owne second, With one of an ingraft infirmity.

1800 Ld. Keith in Paget Papers (1896) I. 257 From my late second [Lord Nelson] I derived no advantage.

1954 W. Faulkner Fable 240 Company commanders and battalion seconds stained with the filth of front lines.

†c. Printing. A pressman's assistant. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > printer > [noun] > pressman's assistant

second1683

1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 319 The one [Pressman] they distinguish by the name of First, the other his Second, these call one another Companions: The First is he that has wrought longest at that Press.

d. = second gear n. at Compounds 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear

bottom gear?1865

high gear1889

low gear1895

fourth1900

second gear1902

first gear1907

second1907

first1909

second speed1912

high1914

low1914

1907 M. Pemberton Amateur Motorist vi. 45 I got the ‘second’ in that time with a clash as of subterranean wheels.

1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When changing gear up from first to second, or second to top, the clutch pedal should be pressed down.

1925 A. Huxley Along the Road i. 19 The Citroën went into second and remained there; slowly we puffed up the long ascent.

1932 News Chron. 10 Mar. 2/1 The Silent Second makes it pleasant to use your gears as you should.

1940 R. Stout in Mystery Book 400 The roadster whirred by in second.

1973 M. Woodhouse Blue Bone xii. 140 I slipped the transmission up into second and poured on the power.

e. Mountaineering. The second climber of a team.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > mountaineering or climbing > [noun] > mountaineer or climber

rock climber1767

rockman1798

cragsman1816

cliffsman1829

mountaineer1860

Alpestrian1861

alpinist1861

cliffer1861

glissader1861

ascensionist1863

alpenstocker1864

shin-scraper1869

hillmana1885

second1907

Munro-bagger1910

summiteer1926

middleman1968

rock jock1980

free soloist1984

1907 G. D. Abraham Compl. Mountaineer v. 67 A difficult overhanging pitch refused to yield to ordinary tactics; so I mounted on my second's shoulders.

1920 G. W. Young Mountain Craft v. 230 The leader or last man will not, by the nature of the case, require the support of a good second.

1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle i. 27 I'd planned to lead in rubbers. Seeing that my second's a beginner, and to be quite on the safe side.

1976 G. Moffat Over Sea to Death v. 53 She placed her slings, clipped in her rope and, watching it fall, caught her second's eye.

f. The second in command of a six or patrol in the Scouting and Guiding movement.

ΚΠ

1917 R. E. Philipps Patrol Syst. ii. 14 The Second is a boy selected by the Patrol Leader to be his assistant.

1949 W. Hillcourt Baden-Powell's Aids to Scoutmastership i. 41 In this council it is often found convenient to admit the Seconds (Assistant Patrol Leaders) also as members.

1958 R. Hazlewood Scoutmaster's Guide from A to Z 213 Originally called a ‘corporal’ the Second (No. 2 in the Patrol) is the P.L.'s assistant.

1969 Policy, Organisation & Rules of Girl Guides Assoc. (rev. ed.) 42 The Patrol is the group for work and play. It consists of not more than eight girls, including the Patrol Leader and Second.

†3. plural = secundine n. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta

secundine1398

afterburden?a1450

second birtha1513

afterbirth1527

second1562

glean1601

bed1611

placenta1638

sooterkina1658

womb-cake1657

womb-liver1657

womb-pancake1663

1562 W. Turner Herball (1568) ii. 163 The seed of it [gelovers]..dryveth doune floures, secondes, and the byrthe.

1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden ii. 5 The Root..is good for Women in Child-bed, to purge their Seconds and Termes.

4. Music.

a. A term for the interval represented by ⁹/ ₈; a tone two diatonic degrees above or below any given tone; the interval between any tone and a tone two diatonic degrees distant from it; the harmonic combination of two such tones.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > tone

whole note1574

second1597

tone1609

whole tone1636

note1762

deuce1829

1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 71 All such as doe not make concord as a second, a fourth, a seuenth.

1610 T. Campion New Way Counter-point sig. B8^v If the Base descends or falls, a second, third, or fourth.

1730 Short Treat. Harmony iii. 15 The Second or Ninth of the key.

1788 T. Cavallo in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 78 238 The second minor.

1873 W. A. Barrett Chorister's Guide 94 The whole of the successive notes or intervals making a scale are seconds, the tones being called major and the semitones minor seconds.

b. The next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence, a voice suitable to such a part.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [noun] > part in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts

mean?a1400

medius1563

seconda1774

society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > singing voice > [noun] > second highest voice

second1840

a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 159 So that we see how injudiciously the performers on glasses manage, who play firsts, seconds, and sometimes a base altogether upon an instrument, whose only excellence depends, not on its strength, but its simplicity of tone.

1840 J. T. J. Hewlett Peter Priggins iii, in New Monthly Mag. [I] passed two or three pleasant hours standing over a pianoforte and a very fine girl, to whom I was well contented to sing second.

1905 J. Heywood Music in Churches 14 Some ladies persist in singing in thirds below the melody... This, I believe, is..called ‘putting in a second’.

5. plural. Commerce. A quality (of bricks, flour, etc.) second and inferior to the best. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > materials > types of material generally > [noun] > inferior or cheap

seconds1609

mockado1619

ticky-tacky1962

1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxxv. sig. H3 And take thou my oblacion, poore but free, Which is not mixt with seconds, knows no art.

1700 Acts Assembly Pennsylv. (1762) I. 11 If any Person..offer to Sale any Trash or Seconds, rotten or frost bitten Tobacco, or such [etc.].

1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 225 The finest kind of marls [bricks] called firsts... The next best called seconds.

1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 30 A weakness which is occasioned by the millers' grinding their corn too much, particularly white samples, nearly the whole whereof is brought to market as seconds and thirds.

1858 W. H. Skyring Builders' Prices 93 For seconds glass, up to 1 foot 7, deduct 1d.

1877 W. F. Woods Lett. Oyster Fisheries 19 From this cause the loss of ‘seconds’—i.e. oysters other than natives—..is very great.

1903 Daily Chron. 21 Apr. 2/6 Cork Butter.—Firsts, 86s; seconds, 80s; thirds, 78s.

1908 Sears, Roebuck Catal. No. 117. 349/2 We could sell seconds for less money than any of our competitors if we dealt in that class of merchandise.

1932 Sale Catal. Three knots selected seconds..artificial silk stockings.

1942 E. Paul Narrow Street iii. 20 This friend was able to sequester from the large department-store stock ‘seconds’ which had no detectable imperfections.

1952 Amer. Speech 27 264 Textile products which..do not come up to standard quality are referred to as imperfects, seconds, and run-of-the-mill.

1972 Accountant 17 Aug. 195/2 Garages could fit ‘seconds’ without being spotted, or even swop old tyres.

1976 E. Ward Hanged Man ii. 9 They listened to the patter act of a Manchester huckster selling tea-set seconds.

†6. One-half. (On the analogy of third, fourth, etc.) Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > division into two > [noun] > division into two equal parts > a half

halfc950

halfendealc1000

half-part1398

half-deal1399

mediety?1440

moiety1444

demi1501

demi-parcela1592

single1592

second1594

tally1647

'arf1854

half-value1903

1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. vii. f. 10 The Numerator is alwaies set aboue, and the denominator beneath, hauing a little line drawne betwixt them thus ½ which signifieth one second or one halfe.

1660 J. Moore Arithm. 5 As if the unite be conceived to be divided into two parts, the parts are called seconds or halves.

7. In systems of fractional numeration (or of weights or measures) having a constant modulus: The subdivision next but one below the unit, and next below the ‘prime’; the lower subdivisions being usually called ‘thirds’, ‘fourths’, etc.Cf. second n.¹, which is a special case of the sense here defined, but is treated separately because it was taken from medieval Latin or Rom.; the uses below may be most conveniently regarded as applications of the English ordinal numeral suggested by second n.¹

†a. Scottish Troy Weight. The 576th part (1 ÷ 24²) of a grain. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [noun] > unit or denomination of weight > smallest unit or grain > specific parts of grain

mitea1393

periot1564

fourth1594

minta1600

droit1601

prime1604

second1604

blank1680

1604 King James I Proclam. for Coynes 16 Nov. (table) Scottish Weights. Deniers 24. Graines 24. Primes 24. Seconds 24. Thirds 24. Fourths 24.

†b. (a) Arithmetic. The quantity ·01 or ¹/ ₁₀₀. (b) Surveying. The 100th part of a perch, = 1·98 inches.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > hundred and over > [noun] > hundred > a hundredth

hundredth parta1300

centesm1483

second1619

cent1667

centesimal1677

hundredth1774

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > rod, pole, or perch > hundredth of perch

second1619

1619 H. Lyte Art of Tens 14 Euerie vnite of a prime being diuided into ten parts, are called seconds.

1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words A Second in surveying, is the tenth part of a prime, and contains one inch, and 49 of 50 parts of an inch.

1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions viii. 61 Primes, or Tenth Parts. Seconds, or Hundredth Parts. Thirds, or Thousandth Parts.

1766 C. Hutton Schoolmaster's Guide 55 The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, &c. places of decimals, counting from the left-hand towards the right, are denominated the places of primes, seconds, thirds, and fourths, &c. respectively.

c. Mathematics. In duodecimals (duodecimals n. at duodecimal n.), the twelfth part of a ‘prime’ or inch.Formerly (if quot. 1703 be correct), the 144th part of an inch, the 12th being called a ‘prime’.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one hundred and forty-fourth of inch

second1703

the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one twelfth of an inch

line1665

prime1703

scruple1802

second1842

1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 123 Inches by (12th) Parts, produce Seconds, or 12th Parts of the 12th Part of an Inch.

1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions 119 To multiply any Integers, Primes, Seconds, &c. by a Multiple of 12 Integers; first Multiply by 12 [etc.].

1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. ii. i. 296 Feet and inches are marked with their initial letters, but twelfths or seconds by a double accent, thus 2″.

8. plural. A second helping of food at a meal; occasionally the second or sweet course. colloquial.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > amounts of food > [noun] > portion of food > portion served > supplementary portion

seconds1792

follow1903

1792 D. O'Connell Corr. (1972) I. 4 We get very small portions at dinner; most of the lads..get what they call seconds, that is, a second portion every day.

1918 L. E. Ruggles Navy Explained 124 When there is not enough of the first issue of rations the mess cook is requested to go to the galley and get ‘seconds’.

1942 Yank 28 Oct. 8 We were more delighted than we can say to get a hamburger in a foreign land and went for seconds.

1960 ‘R. East’ Kingston Black xiv. 139 Kitty had served tinned fruit and farm cream for seconds.

1974 P. Gzowski Bk. about this Country 59/1 This dish has been served to hundreds of people over the years and requests for seconds (or even thirds) are usual.

1981 A. Price Soldier no More 121 Lexy scraped the frying pan... Would you like seconds, David darling?

II. A person who renders assistance.

9. One who or something which renders aid or support to another.

†a. gen.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun] > that which or one who helps or means of help

redeeOE

helpc893

bootOE

friendOE

lithc1275

helpera1300

a helping handa1300

helpingc1330

bieldc1352

succour?a1366

supplementc1384

easementa1398

succourer1442

aid?1473

assister1535

assistant?1541

adminicle1551

mystery1581

second1590

auxiliatory1599

subsidium1640

suffragan1644

facilitation1648

adminiculary1652

auxiliary1656

auxiliar1670

ally1794

Boy Scout1918

assist1954

facilitator1987

1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 23 When those that giue the first charge begin to retire or wax colde, the great Officers command their seconds to the assaults.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 103 Ile be thy Second .

a1627 T. Middleton Women beware Women ii. ii, in 2 New Playes (1657) 126 We wish no better seconds in Society Then your discourses, Madam.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 355 But the gold was my best second,..[and] was my continuall vade Mecum.

1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. iii. 7 Glasses are but the seconds, which succeed on the Cupboard, when Plate the principall is otherwise disposed of.

1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 15 Mar. (1948) II. 514 People will not understand; I am a very good Second; but I care not to begin a Recommendation unless it be for an intimate Friend.

1741 S. Richardson Pamela IV. xiii. 74 She is very happy in Mrs. Jervis, who is an excellent Second to her admirable Lady.

b. spec. One who acts as representative of a principal in a duel, carrying the challenge, arranging locality and loading weapons. Similarly in a pugilistic contest.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > warrior > [noun] > champion or fighter in single combat > second

second1623

setter1648

friend1709

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > boxer's second

second1743

bottle holder1787

handler1879

corner1952

1623 J. Webster Deuils Law-case ii. i Erc. Shall's haue no Seconds? Con. None, for feare of preuention. Erc. The length of our weapons? Con. Weele fit them by the way.

1632 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 113 Indeed his second J. S. was acquitted, for that it appeared he knew not of the combatt before he came there.

1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 12 Dec. (1948) II. 578 Coll Hamilton who was sec [o] nd to D. Hamilton, is tryed to-day.

1743 Broughton's Rules in P. Egan Boxiana (1812–13) I. 51 In every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon the stage, except the principals and their seconds.

1818 W. Scott Chivalry in Encycl. Brit.: Suppl. to 4th–6th Eds. III. i. 126/1 It was usual to have more seconds, even to the number of five or six.

1841 F. L. Dowling Fistiana 63 That each man shall be attended to the ring by a second and a bottle-holder, the former provided with a sponge, and the latter with a bottle of water.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. xiv. 332 ‘There was no need for more seconds than one,’ said the Colonel, ‘and the Captain or Lord Warwick might easily withdraw.’

1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 139/2 (Boxing) Seconds, men, generally professional boxers, appointed to attend on the contestants in the intervals between the rounds.

†c. Assistance, aid, support. Also plural in the same sense. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun]

fultumeOE

help971

succour?c1225

abetc1330

succouringc1330

speedc1340

subsidya1387

rescousc1390

chevisancea1400

juvamentc1400

supply1420

aid1430

favour1434

supplying1436

suffrage1445

availa1450

boteningc1450

succurrancec1450

adjuvancea1460

assistance1495

meeda1500

subventiona1500

suppliancea1500

adjutory?a1513

sistancea1513

adminiculation1531

abetment1533

assisting1553

adjument1576

society1586

aidance1593

opitulation1598

secourse1598

second1605

suppeditation1605

assistency1642

auxiliation1657

adjutancy1665

adjuvancy1677

abettal1834

sustenance1839

constructiveness1882

1605 B. Jonson Sejanus ii. i. 381 This second (from his Mother) will well vrge Our late dissigne, and spur on Cæsars rage.

a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 12 I gave them no second till I might perceive those within had spent their ready powder in their furnitures.

a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 18 An officer with two hundred souldiers..came to their seconds.

1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes i. xix. 82 This blow so affrighted the enemy, that they had certainly retired to their trenches, if the Cariffe of Africca..had not..come into their second.

Compounds

C1. In syntactical combinations of a permanent nature or with special meaning (many of which are also used attributively or as adj., and are then written with hyphen). Also second best adj., second-class adj., second hand n. and adj., second-rate adj. and n., second sight n.

second Adam n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man

second manc1384

Man of Sorrows1577

second Adam1587

1587 Bible (Geneva) 1 Cor. xv. 45 (marginal gloss) To wit, with the Spirit of God, which descendeth from Christ the second Adam, into us.

1655 Bp. J. Taylor Vnum Necessarium vi. 362 Receiving more by the second Adam than we did lose by the first.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 383 The Tempter set Our second Adam in the Wilderness, To shew him all Earths Kingdomes and thir Glory.

1739 C. Wesley in J. Wesley & C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems ii. 208 Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in thy Love.

second advent n. Theology the expected Second Coming of Christ as Judge (see advent n. 2).

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > biblical events > Second Coming > [noun]

Second Comingc1400

return1550

advent1736

second advent1736

Parousia1781

1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 347/2 But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive The same reward.

second adventist n. = premillenarian adj.

second ballot n. a deciding ballot taken between the candidate who won a previous ballot without securing an absolute majority and the candidate with the next highest number of votes; also attributive of an electoral system using this.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > [noun] > second ballot

ballotage1869

run-off1902

second ballot1910

society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > right to vote at elections > [adjective] > type of electoral system

scot and lot1818

plural1839

preferential1870

uninominal1881

second ballot1910

first past the post1914

1910 Rep. Royal Comm. Electoral Syst. 3 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 5163) XXVI. 295 The Second Ballot.—A candidate, to be returned at the first election must receive an absolute majority of the valid votes cast. If no candidate obtains such a majority, a second election is held, at which (in the most usual form of the system) only the two candidates compete who received most votes at the first election.

1927 Observer Nov. 13/1 The Second Ballot means..a second election held a week or a fortnight after the first, whenever at the first election no candidate has secured an absolute majority of the votes.

1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 9/1 The electorate, at the second ballot, were left to choose between Hindenburg, Marx and Thaelmann.

1954 B. North & R. North tr. M. Duverger Polit. Parties ii. i. 239 There were variations of procedure in the simple-majority second-ballot system.

1976 J. Rogaly Parl. for People vi. 71 Two less satisfactory forms of preferential voting are the ‘second ballot’, used in France, and the ‘Alternative vote’.

second banana n. slang (originally U.S.) a supporting comedian (cf. top banana n.).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performance of jester or comedian > [noun] > jester or comedian > supporting

second banana1953

1953 N.Y. Times 24 May ii. 11/2 In television and radio, Mr. Carney has played second banana to many star comedy performers.

1974 N.Y. Times 28 Dec. 26/1 He [sc. Jack Benny] was often the butt of his second bananas, who devastated him with their barbs.

1977 Time 13 June 42/2 Their Yank allies, doubtless because they had second-banana roles in the original production 33 years ago, have dim, brief lives on the screen.

second birth n. (a) Theology = regeneration n. 2; †(b) = secundine n. 1; †(c) the entrance upon a new life after death.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > soul > regeneration > [noun]

again-begettingc1384

regenerationa1425

renovationa1425

reparation1447

second birtha1513

new birth1529

gain-birtha1557

regeneracy1620

reawakening1662

renewal1737

rebirth1837

reawakenment1886

rebirthing1969

the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta

secundine1398

afterburden?a1450

second birtha1513

afterbirth1527

second1562

glean1601

bed1611

placenta1638

sooterkina1658

womb-cake1657

womb-liver1657

womb-pancake1663

the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [noun]

aristc885

risinga1200

uprisingc1250

upristc1250

arisnessa1300

uprisea1300

arising1340

uparising1340

again-risingc1384

uprasa1400

upraisingc1400

resuscitation?a1450

revive1553

gain-risinga1557

revivification1561

restorement1571

apotheosis1595

revival1608

reviviscencea1631

reanimation1633

second birth1643

reviviction1646

anastasis1647

reviviscency1654

rise1738

anabiosis1890

a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. xxvii. sig. i.viii By the seconde byrthe..we haue regeneracyon.

1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. sig. I^v And then secondelye, [issueth] the foresayd after birth: & therefore it may be iustly called y^e second byrth or secondyne.

1643 K. Digby Observ. Religio Medici 102 Assoone as Death hath played the Midwife to our second birth, our Soule shall then [etc.].

1749 C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems II. ii. 246 Plunge Her by a Second Birth Into the Depths of God.

second blessing n. originally U.S. an experience of God's grace subsequent to conversion, believed by some Christian groups to be the means of receiving the power to live a sanctified life.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > grace > [noun] > after conversion

second blessing1891

1891 B. Carradine Sanctification ii. 14 My soul was reaching out..for..what is properly called the second blessing.

1891 B. Carradine Sanctification iv. 33 This definition and explanation of entire sanctification, or the second blessing.

1940 Amer. Sociol. Rev. 5 741 The Pentecostal groups..believe further in the gift of tongues as an additional evidence of God's grace, awakened..by the ‘second blessing’.

1977 Christian 4 204 The call to Community has something of the aura of the conversion experience, or perhaps even more of the so called ‘second blessing’.

second bottom n. (a) U.S. the first terrace above the normal flood plain of a stream; (b) Australian a second stratum of gold-bearing material found by sinking below the bottom (bottom n. 6c).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [noun] > strata containing minerals

fuller's eartha1350

fulling eartha1399

fulling clay1647

second bottom1787

iron pan1811

ledge1847

blue lead1854

oil shale1866

oil sand1875

Cambridge coprolite1881

Cambridge greensand1882

gem-bed1886

the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > land near river > [noun] > flooded > above flood plain

second bottom1787

1787 J. Mathews Jrnl. 23 Aug. in S. P. Hildreth Pioneer Hist. (1848) vii. 184 Went to view the Indian works, which are about a mile from the fort. They extend for about half a mile on the second bottom.

1788 Massachusetts Spy 19 June 3/2 Next to these are what is called second bottoms, which are elevated plains, and gentle risings of the richest uplands.

1855 R. Caldwell Gold Era of Victoria x. 116 As regards the question of ‘second bottoms’, which has excited considerable discussion,.. all such attempts must..end in disappointment and loss to those engaged in them.

1862 J. A. Patterson Gold Fields Victoria vii. 80 There is no known reason why there should not be a second bottom on Bendigo Flat.

1905 T. C. Chamberlin & R. D. Salisbury Geol. iii. 195 (caption) Diagram illustrating a distinct terrace and a ‘second bottom’.., which may be regarded as a low terrace.

1924 Prof. Papers U.S. Geol. Surv. No. 126. 14/1 Bluffs 30 to 50 feet in height separate the flats of the gravel-covered terraces from the second bottoms.

second breakfast n. a light meal taken late in the morning or early in the afternoon.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks

nuncheonc1260

morsela1382

refection?a1439

mixtumc1490

bever1500

banquet1509

collation1525

snatch1570

beverage1577

a little something1577

anders-meat1598

four-hours1637

watering1637

refreshment1639

snap1642

luncheona1652

crib1652

prandicle1656

munchin1657

baita1661

unch1663

afternooning1678

whet1688

nacket1694

merenda1740

rinfresco1745

bagging?1746

snack1757

coffee1774

second breakfast1775

nummit1777

stay-stomach1800

damper1804

eleven o'clock1805

noonshine1808

by-bit1819

morning1819

four1823

four o'clock1825

lunch1829

stay-bit1833

picnic meal1839

elevens1849

Tommy1864

picnic tea1869

dinnerette1872

merienda1880

elevenses1887

light bite1887

soldier's supper1893

mug-up1902

tray1914

café complet1933

nosha1941

namkeen1942

snax1947

snackette1952

chaat1954

ploughman's lunch1957

munchie1959

playlunch1960

short-eat1962

lite bite1965

munchie1971

ploughman1975

aperitivo2002

1775 J. Woodforde Diary 2 Jan. (1924) I. 144 We stayed at Whitney and made a second breakfast, we treated the maid at Whitney.

1802 M. Nugent Jrnl. 15 Jan. (1907) ii. 72 Had fruit for the children at 10; then second breakfast a little after 11.—Dined at 3.

1967 O. Hesky Time for Treason xi. 83 Barzilai..was regretting that he hadn't utilised this period..by having a ‘second breakfast’, a habit dear to the stomachs of those raised in certain parts of Europe.

second business n. (see quot. 1823).

ΚΠ

1823 Ann. Reg. 214* By the phrase second business is meant that sort of business in which the lead is given to the counsel who are not yet arrived at the dignity of a silk gown.

second car n. an additional family car.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [noun] > privately owned and used > additional family car

second car1966

1966 Guardian 16 May 5/3 We had been trying to choose an inexpensive ‘second car’ for my wife.

1981 L. Stephan Murder or Not xi. 87 The Subaru was a second car, used by Mr Cook to commute to his job.

second chamber n. in a legislature consisting of two chambers, the one which has chiefly the function of revising the measures prepared and passed by other; also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [noun] > a chamber or house of > upper

lower house1523

upper house1532

upper chamber1753

senate1776

state senate1791

second chamber1828

1828 J. S. Mill in Westm. Rev. Apr. 282 In whichever way selected, this second chamber would have been..inveterately hostile to nearly every necessary reform.

1861 J. S. Mill Represent. Govt. xiii. 231 I set little value on any check which a Second Chamber can apply to a democracy otherwise unchecked.

second channel n. Radio = image n. 10; usually attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > signal > interference

cross-talk1887

static1905

X1906

statics1912

click1914

jam1914

grinder1922

hash1923

mush1924

echo1928

image1928

radio echo1928

harmonic interference1929

second channel1932

1932 C. L. Boltz Everyman's Wireless xv. 309 If the tuning circuit..is not sufficiently selective it is possible to receive..a signal whose frequency differs from that of the oscillator by the fixed intermediate frequency, but in the opposite direction... Such interference..is sometimes called ‘second channel’ interference.

1940 Amateur Radio Handbk. (ed. 2) 24/2 Interference is still likely to result from an incoming signal of such a frequency as to produce the correct intermediate frequency. This is known as ‘image’ or ‘second channel interference’.

1962 B.B.C. Handbk. 130 The selectivity of the receiver is improved and this reduces ‘second channel’, alternatively called ‘image’, interference. This is generally characterized by an irritating whistle of constantly changing pitch, sometimes accompanied by unwanted morse signals and programme modulation. Much of the interference experienced in the short-wave broadcast bands is due to such image effects.

1975 G. N. Patchett Radio Servicing III. ii. 11 It is essential to remove the second channel station before it reaches the frequency-changer or mixer.

second childishness n. behaviour typical of a person undergoing a ‘second childhood’ (see second childhood n. 2), esp. in later life.

ΘΚΠ

the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood

second childhood1549

second childishnessa1616

second infancya1627

second childship1691

infancy1697

twichild1889

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 165 Last Scene of all..Is second childishnesse, and meere obliuion.

1760 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy II. xix. 161 There was not a stage in the life of man,..down to the lean and slipper'd pantaloon in his second childishness, but he had some favourite notion.

1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend (1865) 74 The old man doth not become a child by means of his second childishness.

1878 Mrs. H. Wood Pomeroy Abbey III. 255 The revelation made..by Naomi Rex in her second childishness.

1989 Times (Nexis) 16 Mar. The decline to second childishness..is traced from granny-sitters to alarming trips to hospital to a residential home to a mental hospital.

second childship n. Obsolete rare = second childhood n. 2.

ΚΠ

1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 646 Reduced to his second childship..his memory was quite decayed.

second chop n. (see chop n.⁵ 4).

second cousin n. a child of a first cousin of either of one's parents; a cousin with whom one shares (typically) a pair of great-grandparents; (also more loosely) a child of one's first cousin, one's first cousin once removed; also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > cousin > [noun] > child of first cousin

cousin-german once removeda1513

second cousin1603

1603 A. Hartwell tr. L. Soranzo Ottoman i. §xv. f. 10 Halil Bassa, Generall of the Sea, second Cousin to the now liuing Grand-Turke, is of Bosna or else of Hungaria.

1736 Life Right Honourable George Ld. Carpenter Geneal. Acct. Thomas Carpenter..,having no Issue, left the Manor of the Homme to his Second Cousin.

1889 Harper's Mag. July 236/2 This excellent woman was the wife of Leonard Grogson, and was herself of the same blood; she was his second cousin.

1951 R. Firth Elements Social Organization iv. 142 The help is given as part of the reciprocities of kinship relations—to a second cousin, or uncle, or other member of an extended kin group.

2017 Eagle Eye (Lock Haven Univ.) (Nexis) 8 Mar. (A&E section) 1 My second cousin, who lives in Pittsburgh, was an art teacher in the public schools in Pittsburgh.

second cut adj. (a) (see quot. 1846); (b) Australian and New Zealand, (the mark of) a blow made to remove badly-cut fleece; a piece of short or inferior wool produced by this.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > sheep-farming > sheep-shearing > [noun] > stroke of shears

second cut1846

blow1878

long blow1904

1846 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. II. 820 Double cut files..are thus respectively named by the Lancashire..makers:—1. Rough. 2. Middle-cut. 3. Bastard. 4. Second-cut. 5. Smooth. 6. Superfine.

1882 A. S. Armstrong & G. O. Campbell Austral. Sheep Husbandry xiv. 168 In shearing the first side of the sheep, each blow should be continued round until the back-bone is passed; this avoids the second cut caused by the blow up the back which should not be allowed, as the ‘cutting through’ which results considerably depreciates the value of the wool.

1897 D. McK. Wright Station Ballads & Other Verses 34 Mighty lot of wool you've lost! Second cuts? Well, that ain't my fault, you've his wrinkled hide to thank.

1900 A. Hawkesworth Austral. Sheep & Wool 180 A fleece is said to be fribby when a great number of second cuts or fribs fall out when it is shaken or in the process of rolling.

1929 H. B. Smith Sheep & Wool Industry Austral. & N.Z. (ed. 3) 209 Fribby, short locky pieces of wool such as second cuts and small black yolky locks from crutch and under fore-legs of sheep.

1950 N.Z. Jrnl. Agric. Oct. 311 An efficient shearer will not make many ‘second cuts’, but the presence of them among the fleeces in a bale will antagonize the wool buyer.

† second day n. Obsolete in Quaker usage, Monday.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > period > a day or twenty-four hours > specific days > [noun] > Monday

MondayOE

shoemaker's holidayc1610

second day1691

1691 G. Fox Jrnl. (1911) II. 367 For the yearly second days Meeting in London.

1705 S. Sewall Diary 7 Dec. (1973) I. 535 I refer'd them to second-day Morning Dec^r 10. to meet at the Secretary's office.

second-degree n. Medicine used to designate burns that are sufficiently severe to cause blistering but not permanent scarring (see quot. 1972); see also degree n. 6d.

ΚΠ

1807 R. Morris & J. Kendrick Edinb. Med. & Physical Dict. I. at Burn Burns are attended with a degree of inflammation, greater or less, according to the violence of the injury; and, according to the different appearances they put on, they may be divided into four different classes, 1. When the burnt part is affected only with a sense of heat and inflammation; 2. When it is also accompanied with intense pain and vesication; 3. When the integuments are converted into an eschar; and, 4. When all the soft parts are scorched to the very bone.]

1930 Pack & Davis Burns iv. 20 Second Degree. Degree two is one of vesication.

1972 B. F. Miller & C. B. Keane Encycl. & Dict. Med. & Nursing 155/1 First-degree burns damage the epidermis; second-degree burns damage both epidermis and dermis; third-degree burns damage the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

† second deliverance n. Law Obsolete (historical in later use) the restoration to or recovery by a person of goods or chattels distrained or confiscated, upon giving a surety to have the matter tried in a court of justice and to return the goods if the case is lost, following the failure of a first action of replevin; a second action of replevin.Also in writ of second deliverance.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > other types of writ

utrumc1290

quo warrantoa1325

writ of right closea1325

writ of oyer and terminer1414

writ of right1414

quare impedit?a1424

prohibition?1435

praecipec1440

supplicavita1450

replevy1451

ouster-le-main1485

praecipe in capitec1523

value1527

inhibition1532

rehabilitation1533

melius inquirendum1549

ne exeat regnum1559

quo minus1592

letters (or writ) of supplementc1600

inhibition1603

fair pleading1607

ingressu1607

ne exeat regno1607

account1622

associationa1625

ship-writ1640

cessavit1641

ne exeat1644

devastavit1651

right close1651

writ of second deliverance1652

fair pleader1655

beaupleader1700

proclamation writ1713

writ of inquiry1809

writ of intendence and respondence1881

1515 Act 7 Henry VIII c. 4 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 178 Every Advowaunt..that makyth avowre..to any oder person or persons in any replegiare secound delyveraunce for any rent custome or servyce.

1652 tr. A. Fitzherbert New Natura Brevium 174 The plaintiff may sue a Writ of second Deliverance.

1718 Methodical Treat. Replevins, Distresses, Avowries, &c. 32 A Replevin was of a Heifer, and a Second Deliverance of a Cow, yet held good... And so if the Replevin were of a Calf, for it may perhaps be a Heifer or a Cow at the Time of the Second Deliverance.

1832 Amer. Jurist & Law Mag. Jan. 50 A nonsuit in a replevin, is not a bar; but in a second deliverance it is.

1908 L. O. Pike Year Bks. 20 Edward III i. 6 The plaintiff had a writ of Second Deliverance out of the rolls, returnable now, and no writ is returned.

second division n. Civil Service (a) the lower grade of government clerks, admitted by a competitive examination of more limited range than that prescribed for the higher division; (b) (see division n. 10f).

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > civil service > [noun] > civil servant > specific grades of British

permanent secretary1785

abstracter1857

abstractor1859

permanent under-secretary1859

principal1867

second division1897

abstractor clerk1901

permsec1908

secretary1932

Perm.S.1942

under-secretary1959

1897 Westm. Gaz. 27 July 3/2 The large body of Second Division clerks.

1898 Act 61 & 62 Vict. c. 41 § 6 Prisoners..not sentenced to penal servitude or hard labour, shall be divided into three divisions... Where a person is..sentenced to imprisonment without hard labour, the court may..direct that he be treated as an offender of the first division or as an offender of the second division. If no direction is given by the court, the offender shall, subject to the provisions of this section, be treated as an offender of the third division.

second feature n. the supporting feature in a cinema programme; also figurative and attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > a film > type of film > [noun] > short or supporting film

short film1908

short subject1908

one-reeler1916

filmlet1921

programme picture1922

second feature1927

short1929

programmer1932

programme movie1933

shorty1934

B1949

1927 Melody Maker May 515/1 It was quite an ordinary film. I should have only booked it as a second feature, and then only if there was nothing else available.

1959 C. MacInnes Absolute Beginners 61 ‘You're a romantic!’ she said. ‘A second feature Romeo!’

1970 J. Hansen Fadeout vi. 49 He..would sit up half the night..enchanted by the tired wisecracks..in forgotten RKO second features of the thirties.

second finger n. the finger next to the forefinger, the middle finger.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > digit > finger > [noun] > middle finger

middle fingereOE

long fingerc1300

longmanc1300

midsfinger1483

mid-finger1644

thimble-finger1796

second finger1860

1860 Man. Artillery Exercises (Army) 241 The cock resting against the knuckle-joint of the first finger; this and the second finger only resting on the small of the stock.

1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 8/6 Making the tips of his first and little fingers touch; then bringing the second finger smoothly under the arch thus formed.

second floor n. the floor or storey of a building next but one above the ground floor; also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > floor or storey > upper floors

first floor1445

plancher1523

first storey1686

piano nobile1715

mezzaninec1720

entresol1726

attic storey1738

upstairs1781

attic1818

second floor1821

third floor1908

upper1968

1821 S. T. Coleridge Let. 20 Oct. (1858) 137 A house to the second-floor window of which I had been gazing.

1840 W. M. Thackeray Shabby Genteel Story vii Suddenly the second-floor window went clattering up, and Fitch's pale head was thrust out.

second front n. in the war of 1939–45, a front in Nazi-occupied Europe in addition to the Russian sector of fighting; also figurative and attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > armed encounter > battlefield > [noun] > front or front line

edge1535

front1665

firing line1859

Eastern Front1914

Western Front1914

line1916

second front1941

warfront1950

1941 W. S. Churchill Let. 4 Sept. in Second World War (1950) III. xxv. 407 There is no chance..of a second front being formed in the Balkans without the help of Turkey.

1942 New Statesman 3 Jan. 3/2 The key to victory is to open..that ‘second front in continental Europe’ for which Stalin has publicly called.

1944 M. Laski Love on Supertax ii. 24 He said he'd..make sure there were enough helpers handing out the Second Front leaflets.

1946 Life 11 Mar. 63/1 The Russians facetiously called Spam ‘the second front’.

1961 E. Waugh Unconditional Surrender i. i. 21 A scarred brick wall, on which..a zealous, arthritic communist had emblazoned the words, Second Front Now.

1963 A. Howard in M. Sissons & P. French Age of Austerity 30 The conservatives were waging what turned out to be a decisive second front.

second fronting n. [translating German zweite Aufhellung (K. Luick Historische Grammatik der englischen Sprache (1914) 164)] Philology a sound-change in varieties of Old English by which the vowels æ (produced by an earlier fronting) and a became e and æ respectively.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > sound changes > [noun] > second fronting

second fronting1939

1939 PMLA 54 19 The second raising and fronting of West Germanic a, which changed dæg to deg and dagas to dægas, must..have occurred, not during the fifth century, but during the eighth and early ninth.

1959 A. Campbell Old Eng. Gram. v. 64 Second fronting is not a general Merc[ian] change, for it is practically absent in Ru.¹, and ME sources show that it was limited to a small part of the vast Midland area.

1972 E. J. Dobson Eng. Text Ancrene Riwle p. lxxvi The normal Mercian ĕ produced by indirect i-mutation followed by second fronting.

second gear n. the gear next above the lowest or bottom gear on a motor vehicle or bicycle.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear

bottom gear?1865

high gear1889

low gear1895

fourth1900

second gear1902

first gear1907

second1907

first1909

second speed1912

high1914

low1914

1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 204 If the calculated speed of the second gear is, say, eighteen miles per hour.

1925 Morris Owner's Man. 12 When descending very long steep hills, slow down at the top and engage the second or first gear.

1976 T. Heald Let Sleeping Dogs Die iii. 62 He..kept the car at fifteen miles an hour in second gear.

second girl n. U.S. an under-housemaid.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > domestic servant > [noun] > maid or housemaid > inferior

under-housemaid1796

second girl1872

1872 W. D. Howells Their Wedding Journey (1892) 32 The human wave is beginning to sprinkle the pavement with cooks and second-girls.

second greaser n. Nautical slang a second mate.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate

second mate1735

second greaser1888

1888 L. A. Smith Music of Waters 38 And who do you think was second greaser?

1916 F. W. Wallace Shack Locker 145 The second greaser paused and added ‘I didn't stop, sir.’

1934 C. Moore Twilight of Jibs & Topsails xiv. 227 It started in the mate's watch, and I was in that of the—called in nautical parlance—‘second greaser’, meaning, of course, the second mate.

† second ground n. Painting Obsolete the middle distance (see middle n. 7).

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > [noun] > a painting > part of > specific

tarage1439

field1555

sky1606

landscape1656

mass1662

incident1705

second ground1801

pick1836

negative space1949

1801 H. Fuseli Lect. Painting I. i. 14 The series of figures on the second or middle ground being described as placed above those on the foreground.

second growth n. (a) a crop of vegetation replacing one previously destroyed; also attributive; (b) the second category of growths (see growth n.¹ 1d) or qualities into which wines are divided; also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > class or grade of wine > [noun] > second class

second growth1829

the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > crop or crops > [noun] > aftercrop > second growth or fire-growth

regrowth1741

fireweed1764

second growth1829

burnt feed1848

1824 A. Henderson Hist. Wines ii. ii. 155 Among the secondary growths, those of Cramant, Avise, Oger, and Menil, are the most deserving of mention.]

1829 J. F. Cooper Wept of Wish-ton-wish I. ii. 26 Much of the surface of this opening..was now concealed by bushes of what is termed the second growth.

1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 110 The best wines are from the noirien grape, and the best of the first growths fetch sixty-six francs, and of the second growths forty-four francs.

1843 Penny Cycl. XXVII. 463/1 To the second and third growths the red wines of Roussillon, Bene Carlo from Spain, and brandy are added.

1864 H. W. Bates Naturalist on River Amazons (ed. 2) iv. 94 Tracts of second-growth woods.

1879 A. W. Tourgée Fool's Errand xliv. 327 With all her fearlessness as a horse-woman, she did not quite relish the idea of his bursting away through the low-branching second-growth to follow the pack.

1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 605/2 If..a first growth is vintaged a little too late and does not succeed so well as some second growths.

1920 G. Saintsbury Notes on Cellar-bk. iv. 53 It was customary..to lay down..hogsheads of the best reputed first or second growths.

1980 P. Ableman Shoestring's Finest Hour ii. 31 An admirable roast beef en croute..cheered down by a second-growth Pomerol of an excellent year.

second guard n. an additional guard on a sword hilt.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > side arms > sword > [noun] > guard

cross1470

guard1596

ward1634

shell1685

bow1701

basket1833

cross-guard1869

cross-piece1869

hilt-guard1869

second guard1869

tsuba1889

knuckle-bow1895

1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour ix. 173 Finally, there is the second guard (seconde garde), between the two extremities of the rings of the pas-d'âne.

second head n. Hunting (see quots. and cf. head n.¹ Phrases 1g(b)); also allusively.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > in its fifth or sixth year

stag?c1185

second head1774

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 99 The old stags usually shed their horns first..; those of the second head, (namely, such as are between five and six years old) shed their horns about the middle..of March.

1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 316 The buck of the second-head, for a buck of the first-head he was not, had hitherto been slapping his boots with his switch-whip.

second home n. a second dwelling-place owned or supported in addition to the principal home; a home from home; also figurative and attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > [noun] > home > place like or as good as home

home (away) from home1866

second home1883

spiritual home1915

1883 Queen Victoria Let. 12 Dec. in R. Fulford Beloved Mama (1981) 153 Italy seems to be a second home. I expect you will settle there some day.

1915 F. Hardy Let. 17 July in R. Gittings Older Hardy (1978) xiii. 167 A second home for the people I like, and who have been good to me.

1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 79 The Saturday Club, which, since his wife's departure for England, is practically a second home to him.

1959 M. Gilbert Blood & Judgement xiii. 142 He was away from home a lot and..she began to think he'd set up a second home of his own somewhere.

1970 ‘E. Lathen’ Pick up Sticks (1971) x. 85 All this second-home building helps.

1980 Times 1 Aug. 13/7 Roll on the revolution when..we shall be entitled to substantial state pensions, preferential housing and second homes.

second homer n. the owner of a second home.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > possessor > [noun] > owner > home-owner > owner of a second home

second homer1976

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabitant > inhabitant by type of accommodation > [noun] > inhabitant of house > householder > owner of second home

second homer1976

1976 Local Council Rev. Summer 48 Bit by bit, house by house, the indigenous population is replaced by commuters or second-homers. The village becomes a suburb in the fields.

second honeymoon n. a holiday or trip, resembling a honeymoon, taken by a couple who have been married for some time.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > holiday-making or tourism > [noun] > type of holiday or tour

grand tour1678

villegiature1740

villeggiatura1742

honeymoon1791

wedding visit1794

honeymooning1832

wedding tour1847

wedding trip1855

second honeymoon1872

tourette1881

weekending1886

package holiday1959

fly-cruise1968

ski pack1969

ecotour1973

package1977

1872 Princess of Wales Let. 31 Jan. in G. Battiscombe Queen Alexandra (1969) viii. 118 This quiet time we two have spent here together now has been the happiest days of my life... It has been our second honeymoon.

1894 G. Du Maurier Trilby III. viii. 152 So Taffy and his wife have come for their second honeymoon, their Indian-summer honeymoon, alone.

1910 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 16 July 3/4 They acted as if they were on their second honeymoon.

1967 ‘M. Hunter’ Cambridgeshire Disaster xxi. 137 They began what he called an extended second honeymoon, driving where she liked.

second horse n. (see quot. 1827); also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > used in hunting > in particular aspects of

stalking-horse1519

cover-hack1788

second horse1827

1827 ‘Nimrod’ Chace (1852) 18 The ‘second-horse man’..rides the second horse, which is to carry his master with the hounds after his having had one..chace on the first.

1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Market Harborough 125 The second-horse men, notwithstanding their numbers, appeared to be all cut from the same pattern.

† second infancy n. Obsolete second childhood (see second childhood n. 2).

ΘΚΠ

the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood

second childhood1549

second childishnessa1616

second infancya1627

second childship1691

infancy1697

twichild1889

a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Old Law (1656) i. 2 Are there not..Churchmen, that even the second infancy Hath silenc'd.

† second inquest n. Law Obsolete a petty jury.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > jury > [noun] > petty or trial jury

petty (or petit) jury1495

common jury1614

second inquest1681

trial jury1884

traverse jury1911

1681 Addr. Grand Jury Chester in London Gaz. No. 1657/4 We Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects of the second Inquest of the same County, at the same Assize, heartily and chearfully say Amen, and joyn with the Grand Jury in this Address.

Second Isaiah n. = Deutero-Isaiah n. at deutero- comb. form .

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > divisions of Old Testament > [noun] > Isaiah > author of

evangelical prophet1547

evangelic prophet1683

Deutero-Isaiah1844

Second Isaiah1881

trito-Isaiah1908

1881 T. K. Cheyne Prophecies of Isaiah II. 201 The present essay..relates exclusively to the last twenty-seven chapters: not as if chaps. i.–xxxix. constituted ‘the First Isaiah’, and chaps. xl.–lxvi. ‘the Second’.

1881 T. K. Cheyne in Encycl. Brit. XIII. 380/2 The honied rhetoric of him whom we are accustomed to call the Second Isaiah.

1888 M. Rosenthal Isaiah & Unity of his Prophecy ii. 57 Canon Cheyne..breaks up the so-called second Isaiah into several personages and various authorship... He thinks that second Isaiah was originally much shorter.

1977 G. W. H. Lampe God as Spirit i. 31 It was now, in his own time, and not in some remote future, that Second Isaiah believed that the herald was coming.

second language n. a language spoken in addition to one's native language; the first foreign language one learns.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > a language > [noun] > a foreign language

foreign language1555

uplandish1586

Welsh1598

outlandisha1626

lingo1659

second language1875

the bat1887

target language1965

foreign1971

1875 W. D. Whitney Life & Growth of Lang. ii. 25 We realize better in the case of a second or ‘foreign’, than in that of a first or ‘native’ language, that the process of acquisition is a never-ending one.

1876 C. M. Yonge Womankind vi. 40 The second language has been really and grammatically learnt.

1943 I. A. Richards Basic Eng. & its Uses 14 The history of the nationalist movement in India is an instructive instance. Its leaders and its chief supporters are speakers of English and sometimes use it rather as their first than as their second language.

1971 Guardian 23 June 7/3 Indians and Pakistanis..using a second language at school and their first language for many home activities.

second line n. Military (see quot. 1876); also attributive; also gen., any second row or series; frequently attributive or as adj., esp. designating persons or things that rank second in ability, value, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best

next best1423

secondary1428

second best1439

secondc1440

secondar1474

second-rate1669

second line1797

second-class1837

the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > subordinate

collateralc1374

subalternate?a1425

subalternal1483

subaltern1578

subordinate1620

subordinatinga1635

subordinated1640

subalternated1659

subordinant1678

second line1797

subdominant1826

society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > part of army by position > [noun] > second line

help1490

support1761

second line1797

1797 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 738/1 The first line ought to consist of 20 battalions, with..16 battalions in the second line.

1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 231 An army, when drawn up for battle, should be formed in three distinct lines; the first line to commence the battle, the second, to support it, and to fill up the gaps; the third..as a reserve.

1904 Westm. Gaz. 17 May 9/1 The main body of the investing force will be composed of fortress and second-line troops.

1912 C. Mackenzie Carnival (ed. 5) iv. 43 Lilli Vergoe, a second-line girl in the Corps de Ballet of the Orient Palace of Varieties.

1939 Russell & Smith in Ramsey & Smith Jazzmen 27 The funerals and parades always had a ‘second line’ which consisted of the kids who danced along behind.

1955 N. Shapiro & N. Hentoff Hear me talkin' to Ya iii. 39 I was a ‘second~line’ kid. That meant I'd follow the big bands down the streets, and..carry their cases while they played.

1969 Daily Tel. 6 Mar. 2 Numerous bright features also developed in the so-called second-line issues [of stock].

1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 The second line beat is the funky, calypso-like 2/4 cadence struck up by the bass drummer in a New Orleans funeral parade.

1975 Cricketer May 17/3 The Robins were still operating with their second-line bowlers.

1980 ‘J. Melville’ Chrysanthemum Chain 142 Those guys [sc. politicians] on your list are essentially second-line.

second-liner n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate

seconder1598

second-liner1958

second ranker1959

1958 C. Wilford in P. Gammond Decca Bk. of Jazz ii. 40 The improvisations of master executants..preserved on record, for ready imitation by a host of second-liners.

1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’.

1981 Times 24 Apr. 18/2 Other companies reporting provided some good rises, particularly among second-liners.

second-lining n.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > other

imponderability1799

uninfluentiality1880

dispensability1883

eliminability1895

quotidianism1913

peripherality1935

tokenism1962

kitschiness1971

second-lining1972

1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’.

second man n. see second Adam n. above.

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Categories »

secondman n. an assistant driver on a diesel or electric train, replacing the fireman on a steam train.

second man n. Theology titles given to Christ with reference to 1 Corinthians xv. 45, 47.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man

second manc1384

Man of Sorrows1577

second Adam1587

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xv. 47 The firste man of erthe, ertheli; the secunde man of heuene, heuenli.

1848 R. I. Wilberforce Doctr. Incarnation (1852) x. 233 Joined by supernatural union to that Second Man, the new Adam, Who is God's son by nature.

1963 Railway Gaz. 15 Mar. 289 If such a method of operation can be agreed the many problems of providing a second man when moving locomotives light over running lines, terminal movements, and tripping will be simplified.]

1964 Locomotive Jrnl. 77 205/2 Scores of Trainmen (Drivers, Firemen/2nd Men, and Guards) in the Sheffield Area have their normal diagrammed turns tampered with in an effort by the B.R.B. to scratch a few complete crews together.

1977 Mod. Railways Dec. 461/1 12 years' haggling from which the one significant gain was agreement to phase out the secondmen in freight and shunting locomotive cabs by attrition.

second messenger n. Physiology a substance whose release within a cell is promoted by a hormone or ‘first messenger’, and which brings about a response by the cell.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > biology > substance > process stimulators or inhibitors > hormone > [noun] > second messenger

second messenger1965

1965 E. W. Sutherland et al. in Rec. Progress Hormone Res. 21 640 The hormone (the first messenger) interacts with a component of the cell membrane to initiate increased accumulation of a mediator (the second messenger), which then acts upon components of the effector cell.

1968 Circulation 37 300/1 Although cyclic AMP stands as the only well-established second messenger to date, data supporting such a role for cyclic GMP have been obtained.

1979 Sci. Amer. Sept. 127/1 The methylxanthine drugs, such as caffeine and theophylline, are thought to exert their effects by acting through the second-messenger system.

† second minute n. Obsolete (see minute n.¹ and cf. prime n.² and etymological note to prime n.¹ above).

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > period > a second > [noun]

s.1387

second1588

moment1646

second minute1648

moment-hand1766

1648 Bp. J. Wilkins Math. Magick ii. v. 184 In an hower a man will need at least 360 respirations, betwixt every one of which there shall be 10 second minutes.

1694 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 18 67 A Temporaneous progressive motion of the parts of the Air at the rate of 276 Paces in a second Minute of time.

second moment n. Mathematics (see quot. a1879).

ΚΠ

a1879 W. K. Clifford Elem. Dynamic iv. (1887) 15 If the density of an area is proportional to the distance from a line in its plane, being reckoned positive on one side of the line and negative on the other,..the mass-centre of the area..is called the pole of the line in regard to the area; and the moment of it in regard to the line is called the second moment of the uniform area in regard to the line, or of the line in regard to the uniform area.

second mortgage n. a supplementary or puisne mortgage.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal obligation > bond or recognizance > requiring or giving legal security > [noun] > legal security > mortgage > new or supplementary

remortgage1830

second mortgage1959

1959 M. Shadbolt New Zealanders 13 Finally, in desperation, he took out a second mortgage on the farm to pay Mother's fare to New Zealand.

1974 Guardian 23 Jan. 11/6 Taking out a crippling second mortgage on their own house.

1977 M. Allen Spence in Petal Park xii. 56 One of the lines he offered was loans secured by a second mortgage.

† second motion shaft n. Obsolete see second shaft n.

ΚΠ

1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 116 On the top speed the drive is direct, the second motion shaft then lying idle.

1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) v. 165 The two shafts in the gearbox are called respectively the first motion shaft and the second motion shaft.

† second mourning n. Obsolete a style of dress allowed by etiquette to be worn when strict mourning is discarded; also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific purpose > mourning > for second stage mourning

second mourning1693

half-mourning1820

1693 London Gaz. No. 2843/4 A dark Grey Second-Mourning Surtoot-Coat.

1712 T. Tickell Spectator No. 410. ⁋1 She was dressed..in an agreeable Second-Mourning.

1814 Sailor's Return i. iv, in J. Galt New Brit. Theatre II. 322 Enter Lady Growl and Lucy Delves, in conversation—Lucy in second mourning.

second nerve n. either of the second pair of cranial nerves; the optic nerve.

ΚΠ

1823 C. Bell Expos. Nerves Human Body (1824) 373 The first nerve..is..called olfactory nerve. The second [nerve] is the optic nerve.

† second nobles n. Obsolete the lower nobility or gentry.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun]

gentle bloodc1300

genta1425

gentrya1525

gentility1583

gallantry1609

gentlery1609

second nobles1625

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 108 Kings haue to deale with..their Nobles; their Second-Nobles or Gentlemen [etc.].

second person n. (also second person of the Trinity) Theology the Son (see person n. 7).

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun]

soneOE

godOE

son of manOE

Abraham's seedOE

King of kingsOE

Christ almightyOE

ChristOE

JesusOE

lordOE

Our LordOE

Jesus Christc1175

Christ Jesusc1330

second personc1380

holiesta1400

Son of Goda1425

Man of Sorrows1577

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 362 To þe secunde persone in trinyte..awnsweriþ þe state of þe clergy.

a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. viii. sig. c.v^v A lorde..Ihesu the seconde persone in trynyte.

second price n. a charge lower than the highest for seats in a play-house.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [noun] > price lower than highest

second price1821

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > ticket > relating to prices

second price1821

1821 Ld. Byron Let. 4 Jan. (1978) VIII. 57 It is then for the Gallery—and second price boxes.

second ranker n. a member of the second rank, a second-liner.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate

seconder1598

second-liner1958

second ranker1959

1959 Times 20 Oct. 19/3 Substantial two~way business in industrial shares partly reflected switching out of low-yield shares into higher yielding second rankers.

1977 Belfast Tel. 17 Jan. 4/1 A new account opened on an indecisive note with leaders keeping largely to Friday's levels. Among second-rankers Campari, 37p, Rotaprint, 24p.

second row n. Rugby the middle row of a team's pack; also attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > specific group of players

back row1881

pack1887

second row1892

scrum1898

1892 A. Budd in F. Marshall Football: Rugby Union Game ix. 124 Having obtained it [sc. the ball], the practice is to deposit it behind the first or second row of forwards.

1918 V. H. Cartwright in J. E. Raphael Mod. Rugby Football ix. 133 The two second row men..should be the strongest forwards on the side.

1960 E. S. Higham & W. J. Higham High Speed Rugby iv. 186 The 3-2-3 formation requires two second-row forwards with very strong backs.

second rower n. Australian a second-row forward.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > player or position

full back1875

goal kick1875

No. eight1876

goalkicker1879

three-quarter back1880

handler1888

three-quarter1889

heeler1892

scrum half1894

lock forward1898

standoff1902

five-eighth1905

hooker1905

threes1905

flying half1906

loose head1907

standoff1908

fly-half1918

fly1921

inside half1921

outside half1921

scrum1921

inside centre1936

flank forward1937

out-half1949

prop1950

prop forward1951

number eight1952

flanker1953

tight head1959

back-rower1969

second rower1969

striker1973

packman1992

1969 Australian 24 May 36/7 Owen Butler and Dick Millard, the two towering NSW Country second rowers, are specialist lineout jumpers.

second scent n. after second sight n.: cf quot.Apparently an isolated use.

ΚΠ

1817 T. Moore Lalla Rookh iii. 45 That keen, second-scent of death, By which the vulture snuffs his food In the still warm and living breath.

second-season n. used attributively to denote an animal, etc., in its second season.

ΚΠ

1876 Coursing Cal. 315 Conster, a second-season dog, went through the stake in good style.

second seer n. one who practises second sight n.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the supernatural > the paranormal > [noun] > clairvoyance > clairvoyant

seer1583

second seer1826

clairvoyant1851

medium1851

second-sighter1897

paragnost1964

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > inspired prophecy > [noun] > second sight > one who possesses

seer1583

second seer1826

second-sighter1897

1826 Examiner 193/2 After reverting to the past, our second-seer makes bold to conjecture the future.

second service n. the Communion Service of the Church of England, as following Morning Prayer; (see also quot. 1844).

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > sacrament > communion > [noun]

massOE

servicelOE

sacrament?c1225

table1340

commoningc1384

the Lord's Supperc1384

Eucharista1400

oblation?a1425

communion1440

sacrifice?1504

Lord's Table1533

Maundy1533

the Supper?1548

unbloody sacrifice1548

mystery1549

communication1550

banquet1563

liturgy1564

table service1593

synaxis1625

mysteriousness1650

second service1655

nagmaal1833

ordinance1854

table prayer1858

society > faith > worship > canonical hours > matins > [noun] > communion service following

second service1655

1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 200 While the second-service was reading at the Communion Table..it was disturbed by a Psalme begun.

1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) 239 In the meanwhile that part of the Service which she [sc. the Church] uses may perhaps more fitly be called the Second Service then the Communion.

1844 J. C. Robertson How shall we Conform? (ed. 2) xii. 168 That part of the communion-office which is appointed to be used when there is no administration of the sacrament, and which..I shall, according to the custom of the seventeenth century, speak of as the ‘Second Service’.

1920 M. Webb House in Dormer Forest v. 56 On Sundays Solomon went once to church. Once a month he attended ‘the second service’.

1964 C. Mackenzie My Life & Times III. 33 Glorified morning prayer would have to be endured before the bisected so called second service was reached.

† second shaft n. Obsolete = layshaft n.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > intermediate

jackshaft1853

countershaft1864

layshaft1888

secondary shaft1888

second shaft1902

1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 202 Immediately above this shaft is a second shaft arranged parallel to it.

1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 132 With their well-cut and thoroughly hardened gear~teeth the second shaft runs noiselessly.

second sound n. Physics a form of longitudinal wave which has many properties in common with sound and is observed in superfluid helium (see quots. and cf. sound n.³).

ΚΠ

1944 F. Leib tr. E. Lifshitz in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 111/1 We look for the velocity v_s..in the ‘first’ and ‘second’ sound waves.

1944 J. Smorodinsky tr. V. Peshkov in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 381/1 There must be in this liquid [sc. helium] two kinds of periodic motions: the ordinary sound..and the so-called ‘second sound’.

1964 New Scientist 18 June 744/2 Second sound..is not really sound at all, but a heat wave that combines two potentially useful properties of sound and heat.

1975 Nature 2 Oct. 359/3 M. B. Robin..has..detected the heat pulse from a non-radiative transition by means of the ‘second sound’ pulse propagated in super-fluid helium and recorded by a superconducting lead bolometer.

second speed n. = second gear n.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear

bottom gear?1865

high gear1889

low gear1895

fourth1900

second gear1902

first gear1907

second1907

first1909

second speed1912

high1914

low1914

1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 205 To obtain the second of the three speeds provided.]

1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 74 Second speed position.

1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 75 Moved to the left it [sc. the left-hand sleeve] gives the second speed.

1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When it has gained some headway, change into second speed.

1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 To do this again depress the clutch pedal, bring the gear lever into the neutral position, then swing it to the right and push it forward, when the second-speed gear will be engaged.

1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Autobook vi. 57/1 Remove the second-speed driving gear, ballbearing and shaft retaining plate and slide out the reverse shaft and gear.

† second stature n. Obsolete ? medium height.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > bodily height > [noun] > specific

second stature1632

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 296 The people..are commonly all of the second Stature.

† second stop n. Cricket Obsolete = long-stop n. 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > fielder > fielders by position

middle wicket1772

long-stop1773

second stop1773

stop1773

long fieldsman1790

long field?1801

third man1801

outscout1805

leg1816

point1816

slip1816

backstop1819

long fielder1835

long leg1835

long field off1837

short leg1843

square leg1849

cover-point1850

long-stopper1851

middle-off1851

cover-slip1854

long off1854

left fielder1860

short square1860

mid-off1865

extra cover (point)1867

deep-fielder1870

mid-on1870

cover1897

leg trap1897

infield1898

deep field1900

slipper1903

slip fieldsman1906

midwicket1909

infieldsman1910

slip-catcher1920

infielder1927

leg slip1956

1773 Kentish Gaz. 10 July Mr. Lear, 2d stop.

1847 W. Denison Cricketer's Compan. 1846 p. xv The whole of this enormous quantity of ‘byes’ would seem to have been the result of inferior men having been appointed to the ‘second or long-stop’ situation.

second-story man n. (also second-storey man) North American Criminals' slang a cat burglar.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > cat-burglar

dancer1864

portico thief1870

porch climber1883

second-story man1886

climber1900

cat burglar1907

1886 T. F. Byrnes Professional Crim. of Amer. 182 Pickpocket, burglar and second-story man.

1916 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 27 July 6/3 Some well-intentioned citizens see a potential second-storey man or porch-climber in everyone who is not within doors after the stroke of midnight.

1965 Malcolm X Autobiogr. 46 Hustlers..sold ‘reefers’, or had just come out of prison, or were ‘second-story men’.

1978 J. Carroll Mortal Friends ii. iii. 169 You're nothing but a pack of second-story workers, milkbottle robbers, and doormat theives!

second strike n. a second, retaliatory attack conducted with weapons designed to withstand an initial nuclear attack or first strike; frequently attributive.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > attack > [noun] > counter-attack or retaliation

reprisal1641

counter-offensive1909

slap-back1931

massive retaliation1954

second strike1960

1960 Guardian 27 July 16/3 Rockefeller's plea for ‘all the money it takes’ to ensure the United States ‘the deterrent capability of a massive and superior second strike’.

1960 Guardian 12 Sept. 9/1 We would need superior reconnaissance and target acquisition systems... These would need to be supported by a secure second-strike capability to reduce the risk of being outflanked.

1963 Listener 31 Jan. 194/1 The Soviet Union almost certainly has a ‘second strike’ capacity too.

1976 Ld. Home Way Wind Blows x. 152 As a second-strike weapon it [sc. the Polaris submarine] was a real deterrent.

second substance n. [after post-classical Latin substantia secunda (from 12th cent. in British sources), itself after ancient Greek δευτέρα οὐσία (Aristotle Categories).] Philosophy The kind, type, or species to which an individual entity belongs; = secondary substance at secondary adj. 3f.

ΚΠ

1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Cvj The first substance is called euery singuler persone or propre name... The second substance comprehendeth both the general worde, and the kinde also of euery singuler persone.

1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 129 The second substance: consisting in the Genus and Species.

1825 S. Turner Hist. Eng. Middle Ages (ed. 2) IV. xi. 543 Because the second substance is besides the operation of the intellect, it is not opposed to the first substance.

1903 W. Turner Hist. Philos. 133 The first substance (οὐσία πρώτη) is the individual, which can neither exist in another nor be predicated of another. Second substance is the universal, which, as such, does not exist in another, but may be predicated of another.

2007 H. Burkhardt in C. Kanzian & M. Legenhausen Substance & Attribute 11 Aristotle distinguished first from second substance, and he thought that individual or first substances are instantiations of second or universal substances.

second table n. (a) the second part of the decalogue, relating to moral duties, held to have occupied the second of the two stone tablets; hence attributive; (b) the servants' table at a meal; also spec. the senior of two servants' tables.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > [noun] > Mosaic dispensation > decalogue > division of

first tablec1405

second table1502

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dining table > servants' table

second table1814

trencher table1968

1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) ii. viii. sig. kvi^v Also this fourth commaundement the whiche is the fyrst of the seconde table, conteyned in hym vertuously the .vij. werkes of mercy.

1560 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1843) III. ii. 249 Committing..adultery brekand the third command of the Second table.

1672 G. Newton in Life J. Alleine (1838) iv. 37 He was a second table man, a man of morals.

1720 (title) A discourse shewing..That the duties of the second table of the law are binding duties on Christians under the Gospel.

1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. x. 220 She was quite shocked when I asked her whether wine was allowed at the second table .

1857 C. M. Yonge Dynevor Terrace I. xiv. 227 Their servants gave them~selves airs..especially the butler, who played the guitar, and insisted on a second table.

1873 H. Rogers Superhuman Origin Bible i. 21 The great commands of the ‘Second Table’ are ultimately based on the relations in which all creatures stand to Him who demands our homage in the ‘First Table’.

1903 Jrnl. Biblical Lit. 22 204 If such a law had been inserted, it must logically have stood in the second table, along with theft and false witness.

a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) II. xiii. 311 A man..can go on up and up. But not for girls. Nothing doing but charity and pity and the second table and the back door.

1953 G. E. Fussell & K. R. Fussell Eng. Countrywoman v. 133 The new cook expected to dine in the housekeeper's room, at a second table set up there.

1993 Theol. Stud. (Nexis) 54 272 Scotus argues that the second table contains no goodness such as is necessarily prescribable for attaining the goodness of the ultimate end.

second tap n. Engineering (see quot. 1888).

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > other specific machine tools > [noun] > machine for cutting screw-threads > taps

screw tap1678

tap1678

plug tap1815

tap-tool1874

bottoming tap1875

taper tapa1877

second tap1888

1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. 309 Second tap, a tap intermediate in size between a taper and a plug tap.

1906 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. s.v. Tap After the tapering tap has roughed out the thread in the hole, a Second Tap with somewhat less taper may be passed through.

1964 S. Crawford Basic Engin. Processes i. 24 If the hole being tapped is an open or through hole the second tap is quite suitable for finishing the thread.

second thigh n. the part of the rear leg of a quadruped that corresponds to the human calf.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > animal body > general parts > body and limbs > [noun] > limb > fore limb or leg > thigh > second thigh

second thigh1893

1893 M. H. Hayes Points of Horse iv. 40 The hock is extended, for the most part, by muscles which form the rear-most portion of the gaskin (‘second thigh’).

1933 L. E. Naylor Mod. Fox Terrier vi. 62 The worst possible form of hind-quarters consists of a short second-thigh and a straight stifle.

1972 Country Life 10 Feb. 332/1 He [sc. a foxhound] was first-rate in every requisite of the chase, remarkable for his muscular back and loins, buttocks and second thighs.

second thoughts n. ideas occurring subsequently; later and maturer consideration (usually in on or upon second thoughts); similarly first thoughts.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > reconsideration > [noun]

rethinking1579

second thoughts1581

recogitationc1591

reconsideration1606

after-wit1607

after-meditation1626

after-counsel1634

remeditation1642

afterthought1647

after-consideration1693

after-rumination1830

retake1922

rethink1958

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. i. f. 23^v I finde verified the Prouerbe, Thar the second thoughtes are euer the best.

1642 King Charles I Message conc. Refusall to passe Bill 4 Second thoughts may present somewhat to your considerations which escaped you before.

1687 T. Cartwright in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 139 Are you..willing upon better and second thoughts to submit?

1707 G. Hickes Two Treat. ii. ii. 272 I desire you to send your second Thoughts, and Reflections upon it.

1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 164 I would not let Price go with me, on second thoughts, as many sad accidents might happen in this rough and desolate part of the world.

1838 J. H. Newman Parochial Serm. (1842) IV. ii. 41 It is often said that second thoughts are best; so they are in matters of judgment, but not in matters of conscience.

1864 Ld. Tennyson Sea Dreams 65 Is it so true that second thoughts are best? Not first, and third, which are a riper first?

1915 T. Bosanquet Let. 8 Dec. in H. James & E. Wharton Lett. (1990) App. B. 372 On second thoughts I don't think it will matter.

1966 J. R. T. Tolkien Let. 10 May (1995) 369 I feel much honoured, and so also does my daughter-in-law (the sculptress), by the Faculty's wish to place the bust of me in the English Library in some prominent position—if on second thoughts you do not think a storied urn would be better.

2004 Sunday Times Trav. Feb. 150/3 On our small motorboat.., the two of us were being buffeted by seas that would have given Captain Ahab second thoughts about leaving terra firma... All the while the rain sluiced down in sheets.

Second War n. short for Second World War n.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War

Hitler1930

Second World War1942

big one1960

WWII1960

Second War1964

1964 M. McLuhan Understanding Media xxxiii. 353 Multi-nationalisms had long deprived Europe of its economic unity. The Common Market came to it only with the Second War.

1975 P. Fussell Great War & Mod. Mem. vii. 247 The same principle of literary selection..is visible in a poem of the Second War by Herbert Corby.

second winding n. = secondary winding (see secondary adj. 3j(a)).

ΚΠ

1932 B.B.C. Year-bk. 435/1 When a varying direct current is passed through one winding of such a transformer an alternating current is induced in the second winding.

Second World n. [after Third World n.] (a) (following the outlook of the Chinese leadership) the developed countries apart from the two ‘superpowers’; (b) (possibly reflecting the original implication of the term Third World) the Communist bloc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > communist or Soviet bloc

Soviet block1919

communist bloc1922

Eastern bloc1922

Soviet bloc1924

Eastern block1938

communist block1941

Second World1974

the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > developed non-aligned

Second World1974

1974 Times 13 Apr. 5/7 Mr Teng announced that the ‘socialist camp’ no longer existed, and that the planet was divided into the First World, consisting of the two superpowers, the Second World, consisting of the other developed countries, and the Third World, which included the developing countries.

1974 Economist 18 May 66/1 The conventional image of recent years has been of a first world of developed market economies, a second world of ‘socialist’ states, and the ‘third world’ of the developing nations.

1975 Time (Canada ed.) 8 Sept. 20/2 The ‘Second World’ of the Socialist countries will make a show of complete support.

1978 Church Times 25 Aug. 4/2 The scene was dominated by the post-war tension between the First and Second Worlds.

1979 Dædalus Spring 124 In this approach, Europe would be seen as playing the role of what Chinese diplomacy likes to refer to as ‘the second world’.

1980 Sci. Amer. Sept. 107/2 The already industrialized countries of the capitalist and communist blocs (respectively the ‘first world’ and ‘second world’).

Second World War n. the war which began with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 and ultimately involved the majority of the nations of the world; hostilities ceased in Europe on 7 May 1945 and in the Far East on 12 September 1945.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War

Hitler1930

Second World War1942

big one1960

WWII1960

Second War1964

1930 H. G. Wells Autocracy Mr. Parham 257 (heading) Book the Fourth: The Second World War.]

1942 Polit. Sci. Q. Sept. 321 The economic developments associated with the second World War have restored to American railroads a volume of traffic comparable to that which they handled before the great depression.

1949 Radio Times 15 July 35/1 Professor W. K. Hancock..describes the plan for the series of Civil Histories of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.

1978 J. N. Ward Following Plough i. 17 My generation of theological students had to come to some sense of certainty about our vocation with minds much occupied by the imminence of the Second World War.

C2. Chiefly with participial adjectives and with quasi-adverb.

† second brewed adj. Obsolete

ΚΠ

1721 N. Amhurst Terræ-filius No. 48. 257 Trap's second-brew'd balderdash runs thus [etc.].

second described adj.

ΚΠ

1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 436 The sliding movement..in the second-described machinery.

† second found adj. Obsolete

ΚΠ

1594 T. Blundeville Exercises ii. f. 50^v Subtract the arch of that quotient..and you shall haue the second found number.

second-ranking adj.

ΚΠ

1966 N. Nicolson in H. Nicolson Diaries & Lett. (1966) 29 In 1927 he joined the Embassy in Berlin as its second-ranking official.

second recited adj.

ΚΠ

1857 Act 20 & 21 Victoria c. 59 §2 The said second-recited Act.

C3. In verbs formed on syntactical combinations.

second-colour v. House painting transitive to cover with a second coat of paint.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > decorating and painting > decorate [verb (transitive)] > paint > apply coat of paint > paint with specific coat

second-colour1812

clear-cole1867

undercoat1953

1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 316 When the priming is quite dry..mix white lead, and a very small portion of red with linseed oil,..and second colour your work.

1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 317 This coat is technically called by painters second colouring old work.

Draft additions June 2017

second serve n. Tennis the second of two permitted attempts at serving, played if a fault is called on the first attempt; (also) a player's service delivery in this situation, considered as part of his or her repertoire of shots.

ΚΠ

1878 Stratford Times 7 Aug. The second serve is a poor stroke off which a steady return can generally be made.

1976 N.Y. Times 18 Apr. (Sports section) 7/3 If you have a reliable second serve, you won't be so tense on your first serve.

2003 O. Shine Lang. Tennis 109 About to hit a second serve against the greatest returner in the game.

2014 Daily Tel. 2 July (Sport section) 2/3 He..stepped in on Nadal's second serve and leathered a forehand return that the scrambling Nadal could not recover.

Draft additions September 2018

second unit n. Film and Television an auxiliary film crew chiefly responsible for shooting material that does not require the principal cast, such as location shots, crowd scenes, and stunt scenes; frequently attributive, esp. in second-unit director.In earliest use perhaps not a fixed collocation.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > filming unit or team > [noun] > specific department, engineer, or equipment

lightman1892

second unit1933

sounda1940

lighting1956

1933 Hollywood Filmograph 8 Apr. 7/1 While..the first unit of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer polar expedition filming ‘Eskimo’ are preparing to start interiors,..the second unit, remaining in the North, is undergoing fresh adventure.

1939 Washington Post 10 Sept. am1/7 Otto Brower, second-unit director, spent five months filming safari and battle sequences.

1978 Sight & Sound Fall 225/1 I had to rely on a second unit cameraman for support coverage.

1992 Independent (Nexis) 28 Feb. 14 [They] farmed out all the action scenes to second-unit directors.

2007 M. F. Blake Hollywood & O.K. Corral ix. 172 The second unit was responsible for staging stunt sequences.

Draft additions December 2021

second gentleman n. the husband of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the husband of the vice president of the United States.

ΚΠ

1976 Berkshire Sampler (Pittsfield, Mass.) 18 Jan. 8/3 With Betty [Ford] as vice president, Jerry Ford would be the Democratic vice president's spouse. He'd be the nation's—Second Gentleman.

2000 Africa News (Nexis) 20 May It [sc. a car] was passed on to Eng. Kazibwe in his capacity as the second gentleman.

2021 Hill (Nexis) 24 Mar. 13 It's super important that the president, the vice president, the first lady and the second gentleman are out there encouraging people to get vaccinated.

Draft additions December 2021

second lady n. the wife of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the wife of the vice president of the United States.

ΚΠ

1870 Detroit Free Press 12 June 6 In the matter of social etiquette the ladies of Washington have never been able to agree... We know who is first lady, and we know who is second lady—the wives of the President and Vice President have unquestionably these distinctions.

1972 Daily Rep. (Ontario-Upland, Calif.) 27 Feb. As second lady of California, the wife of Lt. Gov. Ed Reinecke thrives in the public limelight.

2007 Africa News (Nexis) 28 Nov. The Second Lady visited the area to campaign for her husband's bid to succeed President Kufour in the NPP flagbearership race.

2019 Guardian (Nexis) 13 June Trump, accompanied by the first lady, Melania Trump, the vice-president, Mike Pence and the second lady, Karen Pence, will hold a Make America Great Again rally.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	second
释义	secondn.¹ Brit. /ˈsɛk(ə)nd/, U.S. /ˈsɛkənd/ Forms: Middle English, 1500s seconde, 1500s– second. Etymology: < French seconde, < medieval Latin secunda , feminine of Latin secundus second adj., used elliptically for secunda minuta , lit. ‘second minute’, i.e. the result of the second operation of sexagesimal division; the result of the first such operation (now called ‘minute’ simply) being the ‘first’ or ‘prime minute’ or ‘prime’ (see prime n.² 2). The medieval Latin secunda is also represented by German sekunde, Dutch secunde (feminine) (whence Swedish sekund (masculine), Danish sekund). Medieval Latin had a neuter secundum (compare minūtum a minute), whence Spanish segundo, Portuguese segundo, Italian secondo. 1. Geometry (Astronomy, Geography, etc.) A sixtieth part of a minute, ¹/ ₃₆₀₀th part of a degree. See minute n.¹ 5, degree n. 9. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > geometry > angle > [noun] > degree > second minute of a minutec1392 secondc1400 c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §8. 6 Thise degrees of signes ben euerich of hem considered of 60 Mynutes, & euery Minute of 60 secondes. 1599 E. Wright Certaine Errors Navigation sig. D2 Let the meridian (diuided into degrees, minutes, seconds, &c.) roule vpon a streight line. 1713 J. Ward Young Mathematician's Guide (ed. 2) 350 Every Circle is suppos'd to be divided into 360..Degrees; every Degree is sub-divided into 60 Parts call'd Minutes; and every Minute into 60 Seconds, &c. 1870 R. A. Proctor Other Worlds than Ours vii. 171 The star Alpha Centauri..exhibits..an annual parallax of one second. 2. a. In measurement of time: The sixtieth part of a minute, ¹/ ₃₆₀₀th of an hour. Now one of the base units of the International System of Units, and scientifically defined in terms of the frequency of a spectral transition of an isotope of cæsium (see quot. 1968). ΘΚΠ the world > time > period > a second > [noun] s.1387 second1588 moment1646 second minute1648 moment-hand1766 1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. g viij Ye cowrse of ye sone, quhilk sence hes bene obserueit to be accompleseit in 365 dayes 5 houris 10 min: and 16 Secondis. 1695 W. Congreve Love for Love iii. i. 46 Fore. At Ten a Clock, punctually at Ten. Sir Samp. To a Minute, to a Second; thou shalt set thy Watch, and the Bridegroom shall observe it's Motions. 1762 W. Young Treat. Weights & Meas. 24 The pendulum which vibrates seconds at London, has been commonly esteemed 39,2 English inches. 1883 R. S. Ball in Encycl. Brit. XV. 668 [In the C.G.S. system] the unit of length is the centimetre, the unit of mass is the gramme, and the unit of time is the second. 1955 Sci. Amer. Mar. 52/2 Accordingly the International Committee is to define the second as: 1/31,556,925·975 of the tropical year 1900. 1968 Nature 16 Nov. 651/1 The basic unit of time in the International System of Units, formerly identical with the astronomical second of ephemeris time, is now based on a natural periodicity of the caesium atom and is defined in the following terms: ‘the second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom’. 1975 Oxf. Compan. Sports & Games 975/1 This reduced the previous world records by half a second, the biggest single advance in the history of the events. b. Used vaguely for an extremely short time, an ‘instant’. ΘΚΠ the world > time > duration > shortness or brevity in time > [noun] > moment or instant hand-whileOE prinkOE start-while?c1225 twinkling1303 rese?c1335 prick1340 momenta1382 pointa1382 minutea1393 instant1398 braida1400 siquarea1400 twink14.. whip?c1450 movement1490 punct1513 pissing whilea1556 trice1579 turning of a hand1579 wink1585 twinklec1592 semiquaver1602 punto1616 punctilio of time1620 punctum1620 breathing1625 instance1631 tantillation1651 rapc1700 crack1725 turning of a straw1755 pig's whisper1780 jiffy1785 less than no time1788 jiff1797 blinka1813 gliffy1820 handclap1822 glimpsea1824 eyewink1836 thought1836 eye-blink1838 semibreve1845 pop1847 two shakes of a lamb's taila1855 pig's whistle1859 time point1867 New York minute1870 tick1879 mo?1896 second1897 styme1897 split-second1912 split minute1931 no-time1942 sec.1956 1897 Daily News 14 June 5/7 There was a second's panic in the crowd. 1906 C. Mansfield Girl & Gods xii Do you mind if I slip away for just two seconds and take off this frock? Compounds attributive and in other combinations. second-foot n. a unit of the rate of flow of water, equal to one cubic foot per second. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of flowing > [noun] > unit of water flow measurement water-inch1847 inch1858 miner's inch1865 second-foot1898 1898 U.S. Dept. Agric. Yearbk. 1897 640 Where water is abundant, the duty has been known to be as low as 50 acres..to the second-foot. 1914 H. Ries & T. L. Watson Engin. Geol. v. 250 The height of the black lines illustrates the relative quantity of water expressed in cubic feet per second, or second feet, occurring throughout the year. 1928 Manch. Guardian Weekly 31 Aug. 178/3 The assumption is that the main river, suitably fortified with levees, can carry rather less than 2,000,000 cubic feet of water per second (or 2,000,000 second feet as it is briefly described). second-hand n. (also seconds-hand) a hand or pointer of a timepiece indicating seconds. ΘΚΠ the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > part(s) of > hand(s) pinOE hand1563 teller1574 index1594 finger1603 palm1629 hour-hand1669 minute hand1720 index-hand1742 second-hand1760 moment-hand1766 little hand1829 big hand1849 set-hands1884 sweep hand1948 sweep second1948 1760 J. Pringle in Philos. Trans. 1759 (Royal Soc.) 51 250 Upon looking at a watch, which had a second-hand,..he stopped me when I had counted 13 seconds. 1850 J. Greenwood Sailor's Sea-bk. 41 Your watch..should be furnished with a seconds-hand. 1888 Ld. Grimthorpe in Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 398/1 In the chronograph watch there is, in addition to the centre seconds-hand, an independent seconds-hand which, when not in operation, stands at zero. second-mark n. (also seconds-mark) Mathematics the character ″, denoting a second or seconds (either of angle or of time). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > mathematical notation or symbol > [noun] > collection or sequence of > other vinculum1710 nabla1870 sign of inequality1875 second-mark1888 placeholder1928 tilde1958 1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 121 Seconds mark, a double acute accent is used for this purpose, thus ˝. second-pendulum n. = seconds pendulum n. ΚΠ 1765 P. Murdoch in Philos. Trans. 1764 (Royal Soc.) 54 31 A second-pendulum at the equator would be 39·154 inches long. second pivot n. (see quot. 1884). ΚΠ 1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 233 Seconds Pivot, the prolongation of the fourth wheel arbor to which the seconds hand of a watch is fixed. seconds pendulum n. a pendulum of such a length as to oscillate once every second; a pendulum ‘beating seconds’. ΘΚΠ the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [noun] > pendulum clock > pendulum pendule1660 pendulum1660 simple pendulum1673 bob-pendulum1685 swing1696 quicksilver pendulum1726 pendle1741 gridiron pendulum1751 mercurial pendulum1786 gridiron1793 wanrest1794 seconds pendulum1795 conical pendulum1813 ticker1821 noddy1844 1795 C. Hutton Math. & Philos. Dict. II. 207 The length of a Pendulum, so measured..that it will perform each vibration in a second of time, thence called the second's Pendulum. 1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. II. 283 Determining the length of the seconds' pendulum in different latitudes. † second-watch n. (also seconds-watch) Obsolete a timepiece indicating seconds. ΘΚΠ the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > particular types of watch German watch1611 larum watch1619 clock-watch1625 minute watch1660 pendulum watch1664 watch1666 alarm watch1669 finger watch1679 string-watch1686 scout1688 balance-watch1690 hour-watch1697 warming-pan1699 minute pendulum watch1705 jewel watch1711 suit1718 repeater1725 Tompion1727 pendulum spring1728 second-watch1755 Geneva watch1756 cylinder-watch1765 watch-paper1777 ring watch1788 verge watch1792 watch lamp1823 hack1827 bull's-eye1833 vertical watch1838 quarter-repeater1840 turnip1840 hunting-watch1843 minute repeater1843 hunter1851 job watch1851 Geneva1852 watch-lining1856 touch watch1860 musical watch1864 lever1865 neep1866 verge1871 independent seconds watch1875 stem-winder1875 demi-hunter1884 fob-watch1884 three-quarter plate1884 wrist-watch1897 turnip-watch1898 sedan-chair watch1904 Rolex1922 Tank watch1923 strap watch1926 chatelaine watch1936 sedan clock1950 quartz watch1969 pulsar1970 1755 J. Smeaton in Philos. Trans. 1754 (Royal Soc.) 48 537 A third observed, by a seconds-watch, the time taken up in running these 357 feet. 1764 J. Short in Philos. Trans. 1763 (Royal Soc.) 53 329 Each observer had a Second-watch in his hand. Draft additions January 2011 Originally U.S. ten (also three, five, etc.) second rule. Chiefly with the. a. (a) Originally Sport. A rule specifying the maximum period of time (in seconds) allowable for a particular action to be performed, or before a particular activity should resume. ΚΠ 1884 Daily Gaz. & Bull. (Williamsport, Pa.) 22 Feb. 1/4 Thirty-five seconds elapsed before he came to the scratch again, which should have lost him the fight under the ten second rule. 1901 J. P. Paret Woman's Bk. Sports vi. 98 The three-second rule makes the forward decide at once and try quickly for the goal or pass the ball to her partner. 1928 N.Y. Times 19 Mar. 17/4 After receiving the ball..the pitcher will have twenty seconds in which to deliver it... If the twenty-second rule is violated the umpire will call a ball on the batter. 1968 Washington Post 11 Feb. b1/2 Persson..was closely guarded by Hugh Kilmartin and fell afoul of the new five-second rule governing lack of action. 1996 C. B. Baker et al. Rebuilding Children's Lives 98/1 We have one more suggestion... It's called the ‘five-second rule’. This rule means that other children must leave the area within five seconds. 1999 ‘Eurydice’ Satyricon USA 15 New Haven masons were warned to abide by a ‘five-second rule’: if they looked at a female colleague for more than five seconds, it could be sexual harassment. 2006 K. C. Heisler Fighting Irish 92 The three-second rule was meant to neutralize Krause's dominance in the [free-throw] lane. (b) humorous. A notional rule which permits the retrieval and consumption of dropped food within the specified period of time. ΚΠ 1995 B. A. Lewis Wanted: Rowing Coach 31 The twenty second rule was always in effect. Any food item that hit the floor was still considered edible if it was retrieved before twenty seconds had expired. 2002 R. Ebert Movie Yearbk. 2003 456/2 Frank follows the Ten-Second Rule, which teaches us that if food is dropped and stays on the ground less than ten seconds, it's still safe to eat. 2009 Herald-Times (Bloomington, Indiana) 31 Aug. a8/4 My children and grandchildren observe the five-second rule when dropping food on the floor. b. A rule specifying the minimum period of time (in seconds) allowable before a particular action should be performed; spec. a rule of thumb for ensuring a minimum distance between vehicles (see quot. 1988). ΚΠ 1968 Altoona (Pa.) Mirror 27 Mar. 48/5 The ‘second rule’..is a handy way to check your following distance because the same guide applies to your situation whether you're going 30 miles an hour or 60. 1988 Toronto Star (Nexis) 20 Aug. f4 It might be more helpful to explain the ‘three second rule’ to your readers. When the vehicle ahead passes a predetermined fixed point, the following vehicle should not reach that same point within three seconds. 1994 J. Main in C. E. Schneier et al. Training & Devel. Sourcebk. (ed. 2) 158/2 The Americans decided to give the Japanese more chance to talk by adopting the two-second rule: When someone else finishes talking, wait two seconds before speaking to give others a chance. 2006 S. Kaplan Be Elephant xx. 191 The ten-second rule. Make it a practice to pause for ten long seconds before you react to new information, whether positive or negative. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2021). secondadj.n.² Brit. /ˈsɛk(ə)nd/, U.S. /ˈsɛkənd/ Forms: Middle English–1600s secund(e, Middle English secounde, Middle English, 1500s seconde, Middle English–1500s secound, Middle English secownde, seycond, 1500s Scottish secunnd, sycond, Middle English– second. Etymology: < French second = Provençal segon, Spanish segundo, Portuguese segundo, Italian secondo, < Latin secundus following (hence favourable, prosperous, primarily of a breeze), next, second, < root of sequī to follow. Old English had no proper ordinal for the number two (like German zweite , Dutch tweede , French deuxième ), the sense being expressed by óðer (see other adj.); this being ambiguous, the French word found early acceptance. A. adj. 1. a. Coming next after the first according to any contextually understood principle of enumeration (e.g. in order of time, position, rank, quality, conventional or arbitrarily adopted sequence): the ordinal numeral corresponding to the cardinal numeral two adj., n., and adv. (a) with noun expressed; also predicatively. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adjective] othereOE afterOE second1297 tothera1400 secondarya1425 two1586 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 5724 In þe secunde ȝere þat he verst bissop was. 1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne i. 9787 The secunde sacrament, y vndyrstonde, Ys graunted of þe bysshop honde. c1386 G. Chaucer Second Nun's Tale 139 Euery secounde or þridde day sche faste. c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 46 Here brekyst þou þe secunde tyme þe x. comaundementes. 1507 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1901) III. 290 The secund day of Maii. c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) 4 Numa pompilius, the sycond kyng of rome. 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. ii. 169 The first and second cause will not serue my turne. View more context for this quotation 1700 J. Dryden tr. G. Boccaccio Sigismonda & Guiscardo in Fables 124 Youth, Health, and Ease, and most an amorous Mind, To second Nuptials had her Thoughts inclin'd. 1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xi. 159 The Convertine, a Ship of the second Rank. 1872 E. FitzGerald tr. Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám (ed. 3) lv. 15 You know, my Friends, with what a brave Carouse I made a Second Marriage in my house. 1884 Ld. Brabourne Lett. Jane Austen I. v. 87 Jane's picture of a clergyman is generally that of a second son who enters the profession in order to hold a family living. (b) with ellipsis of the noun understood from the context. ΚΠ ?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 115 Þe secunde [commandment] so is þis: Sundai wel þat ȝe holde. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 23 In Bretayn, beeþ many wondres... Þe firste is at Pectoun... Þe secounde is at Stonhenge by sides Salisbury. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 111 The fyrst writtyng was gross letter off bras, The secound gold, the thrid was siluir scheyne. 1636 T. Heywood Challenge for Beautie iv. sig. F4^v If you, Would add a second to this curtesie. 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. xxxiv. 201 I liked her at first sight, and better at second. 1814 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Vision I. xviii. 76 Ah! how they made them bound at the first stripe! None for the second waited, nor the third. 1858 Chambers's Jrnl. 20 Nov. 334/1 In the first of which objects, by the way, they have succeeded much better than in the second. b. the second: appended to a personal name to designate the second bearer of the name in a succession of persons (chiefly sovereigns, or persons jocularly likened to sovereigns). Also (now rarely) used to designate one resembling the person to whom the name belongs (cf. A. 4 below). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [noun] > one who resembles another the secondc1386 similitudec1405 likenessa1500 resembler1570 similar1653 resemblance1794 ringer1878 the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second > as bearer of name the secondc1386 c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale 261 O Sowdanesse, roote of iniquitee, Virago, thou Semyrame the secounde. 1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) III. 4 Henrie the secund rang into his steid, The emprice sone. 1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) (running title) Of Grysilde the Seconde. [Meaning Kath. of Aragon.] 1735 S. Johnson tr. J. Lobo Voy. Abyssinia 44 In the Reign of King John the Second. 1886 C. E. Pascoe London of To-day (ed. 3) xviii. 165 ‘Dick’ Tattersall, or Richard the Second, the grandson of the founder. 1891 S. Smiles Publisher & Friends I. 29 John Murray the Second—the ‘Anak of Publishers’, according to Lord Byron. c. Grammar. In second person: see second person at person n. 8. Also in second declension, second conjugation, and in names of tenses, as second aorist, second future, second perfect, where the reference is to a conventional order of enumeration adopted by grammarians.By modern grammarians this method of designation has been almost entirely abandoned as regards tenses, and to a great extent as regards declensions and conjugations, descriptive terms being substituted for numerical. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [noun] > future > specific second future1530 paulo-post-future1848 the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > aspect > [noun] > perfect > specific second perfect1530 the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > conjugation > a conjugation > specific second conjugation1530 the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > morphology > inflection > [noun] > declension > a declension > specific second declensiona1637 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 31 Of the seconde conjugation. ?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Rii ^v The seconde future. I shuld knele. 1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong Thirdly, the second perfect, j'ay aimé, I haue loued. a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xiv, in Wks. (1640) III The second Declension formeth the Plurall from the Singular, by putting to n. a1637 B. Jonson Eng. Gram. i. xviii, in Wks. (1640) III The second Conjugation. 1875 T. K. Arnold Henry's First Lat. Bk. 14 Verbs whose infinitive ends in ēre, are of the second conjugation. d. absol. The person or thing that has been mentioned in the second place. So in Heraldry (see quot. 1866). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [noun] > that which is second othereOE tother1380 second1572 society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > heraldic tincture > [noun] > first or second first1562 second1572 1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie 114 b He beareth Argent, a fesse Gules, betwene three Eaglettes Sable, membred and beaked of the second. 1866 J. E. Cussans Gram. Heraldry 47 Never repeat a tincture twice in the same blazon. Should it occur again, it must be described as of the first (or field), of the second, of the last, &c., as the case may be. 2. a. Next in rank, quality, importance, or degree of any attribute, to (a person or thing regarded as first). Hence, in negative and limiting contexts, Inferior (to none, only to…). [Compare Latin nulli secundus.] ΚΠ c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 836 Troylus was neuere vn-to no wight As in his tyme in no degre secounde. 1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 i. ii. 43 Ambitious woman as thou art, Art thou not second woman in this land. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) v. i. 7 Of very reuerent reputation sir,..Second to none that liues heere in the Citie. View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 409 Regardless of the Bliss wherein hee sat Second to thee, offerd himself to die For mans offence. View more context for this quotation 1757 T. Gray Ode I iii. ii, in Odes 10 Nor second He, that rode sublime Upon the seraph-wings of Extasy, The secrets of th' Abyss to spy. 1821 G. Canning Speech 2 Apr. (1828) IV. 306 Among the names he had missed one, now no more, never second in the zeal of his resistance. 1860 J. E. Tennent Story of Guns (1864) 233 In the search for improvement failures have a value second only to success. 1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Let. 17 May (1954) III. 414 I doing little else but feel eminently uncomfortable, for which..I have a faculty ‘second to none’. 1872 J. Yeats Growth Commerce 49 Miletus was scarcely second to Tyre in luxury and wealth. 1961 J. Heller Catch-22 (1962) xi. 112 He would stand second to none in his devotion to country. b. With following superlative: Having only one superior in the specified attribute. Cf. second best adj. ΚΠ 1533 in J. W. Clay Testamenta Eboracensia (1902) VI. 41 My secunde gretest braspotte. 1880 W. F. Skene Celtic Scotl. III. 122 Dathi the second last of the pagan monarchs of Ireland. 1910 W. M. Raine Bucky O'Connor (1920) xx. 226 I'll agree to the second dearest in the world. 1959 J. Kirkup tr. S. de Beauvoir Mem. Dutiful Daughter ii. 116 She was..the second eldest daughter. 1977 Word 28 104 The second-youngest of the fluent speakers. 1979 Nature 15 Feb. 561/2 Secernosaurus is the second most primitive hadrosaur known. c. In designations of office, denoting the lower of two, or the next to the highest of several persons holding the same office; e.g. second captain, second lieutenant (see quots.), second lord (of the Admiralty, etc.), second master, second mistress (in a school), second mate (also in Nautical slang phrases referring to measures of liquor), second officer (in a merchant ship).The French expression en second (quot. 1702) occurs sometimes in English official use in the 18th cent.; ‘officers en second’ are mentioned, e.g. in the London Gazette 1716–20. Cf. second v.² ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate second mate1735 second greaser1888 society > education > teaching > teacher > schoolteacher or schoolmaster > [noun] > second master surmastera1519 subhead1588 conrector1648 second master1866 co-rector1882 1702 Mil. Dict. (1704) Second Captain, or Lieutenant en Second, one whose Company has been broke, and he is joyn'd to another, to act and serve under the Captain or Lieutenant of it... There are also Second Captains and Lieutenants of the First Creation, that is, who were never so in the other Companies... Second Lieutenants are much us'd among the Foot in France. 1709 London Gaz. No. 4543/2 The second Lieutenant, and Mr. Lawrence,..were shot through the Body. 1735 Lives Most Remarkable Criminals III. 115 Mr. Eaton the second Mate of the Ship was the next Witness called. 1797 Encycl. Brit. X. 36/1 Second Lieutenant in the Artillery, is the same as an ensign in an infantry regiment,..and must assist the first lieutenant in the detail of the company's duty. 1843 J. F. Cooper Ned Myers II. ii. 61 Putting a second~mate's nip of brandy into my glass. 1853 ‘C. Bede’ Adventures Mr. Verdant Green i. 6 The second master..‘licked a feller’ for a false quantity. 1866 School Life at Winchester Coll. xiv. 177 The Roll which was published every November, giving a list of the entire establishment of the College, commencing with the Warden, Head master, (Informator,) Second master, (Hostiarius,) the ten fellows, three chaplains; the under masters [etc.]. 1923 L. Magnus Jubilee Bk. Girls' Public Day School Trust iv. 58 Her retirement coincided with that of her Second Mistress, Mrs. Withiel. 1933 P. A. Eaddy Hull Down 99 He pulls a pint bottle out of the case, and drawing the cork pulls out a good Second Mate's four fingers. 1952 V. Noake Hist. Alice Ottley School Worcester xiii. 140 Miss Spurling's successor..was Miss Hilda M. Roden, second mistress of the Stamford High School, Stamford, Lincs. 1967 S. Waters Indentures Indorsed xxxv. 232 A couple of second mate's pegs was usually enough to set us all singing. 1976 C. Dexter Last seen Wearing xxx. 211 School masters, even experienced second masters, aren't all that highly recompensed. d. Military. second in command: holding a position only subordinate to the chief commander of an army or one of its subdivisions. Often absol. quasi-n. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command seconda1616 under-commander1617 second in command1776 1776 W. Howe Let. 7 June in 9th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (rev. ed.) App. iii. 35 in Parl. Papers 1910 (Cd. 5038) XXXV. 675 The seniority of his rank..would have placed him second in command in Canada had he not been previously employed to the southward. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. iv. iii. 219 Poor Commandant Gouvion, watching at the Tuileries, second in National Command, sees several things hard to interpret. 1882 Manch. Guard. 6 Sept. 5 Baker Pasha will be appointed second in command and ‘adjoint’ of the Turkish Commander in-Chief. 1939 ‘C. S. Forester’ Captain Hornblower xvi. 173 On his first commission his second-in-command had taken advantages of lapses on his part. 1982 Observer 16 Apr. 14/6 His second-in-command is a Sierra Leonean major. e. Music. Used to distinguish the next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence of a voice or instrument: Rendering such a part. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [adjective] > parts in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts mean1597 inward1654 second1724 1724 Short Explic. Foreign Words Musick Bks. Violino Secondo, the Second Violin. 1746 W. Tans'ur New Musical Gram. 131 If you would set a Second Treble, or Cantus, Medius, or Counter, to any Piece of Musick that was before in Two Parts, to make Three Parts; let it begin from the Bass on some different Cord from the Tenor [etc.]. 1771 D. Barrington in Philos. Trans. 1770 (Royal Soc.) 60 56 The parts for the first and second voice were written in what the Italians stile the Contralto cleff. 1836 Hickson Singing Master i. Pref. 4 The second parts will always be sung with most effect by boys between the ages of twelve and fourteen. 1885 W. S. Gilbert Mikado i. 15 Assuming the disguise of a Second Trombone, I joined the band in which you found me. 3. Having the degree of quality, fineness, etc. next to the best; of the second grade or class. Now only Commerce in certain customary uses.In some applications there is also the notion of being produced by a second operation, after the best has been already obtained. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best next best1423 secondary1428 second best1439 secondc1440 secondar1474 second-rate1669 second line1797 second-class1837 c1440 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 482 And aftir oil secounde Is maad, that on a sadder mylle is grounde. 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 184 The fragments of the Coame..heated, and strayned agayne, doo make a second Hony. 1618 in Archaeologia 44 411 Item for second bread 2 0 0. 1638 J. Penkethman Artachthos sig. Div When the second wheate (which is the Red being in meale) is sold for iiii l. the Quarter in the market. 1799 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1800) 3 14 My coat..made of good second cloth. 1842 J. Bischoff Comprehensive Hist. Woollen Manuf. II. 124 We used to have a certain description of cloth for livery purposes, called second cloth, made of English wool. 1856 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 17 ii. 483 Each cow gives about 1 lb. per week of ‘second butter’, fetching 2d. per lb. less than the best. 1860 J. Newlands Carpenter & Joiner's Assist. Gloss. Second Bricks, bricks of a quality next to the finest mail stocks or cutters. 4. a. Other, another; additional to that which has already existed, taken place, been mentioned, etc. Often qualifying a proper name, to designate one who equals or closely resembles the bearer of the name. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > different, other, or further some otherc950 otherOE anotherc1175 secondc1480 c1480 (a1400) St. Nicholas 1068 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 511 He tuk þe secund coupe in hand, & one þe altare fore offerand It set. 1508 W. Dunbar Ballade Barnard Stewart in Poems (1998) I. 177 Welcum, in were the secund Iulius, The prince of knightheyd and flour of cheualry. 1558 W. Forrest Hist. Grisild the Second (1875) 30 A famous kynge [Hen. VII]..Called (in his tyme) the Seconde Salomon. 1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. G2^v And therewith her eyes distilled such abundance of teares, as..made her seeme a more than second Niobe. 1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lix. sig. E If their bee nothing new, but that which is, Hath beene before, how are our braines beguild, Which laboring for inuention beare amisse The second burthen of a former child? View more context for this quotation 1784 Rolliad (1795) viii. 49 Vansittart, thou, A second Hastings, if the Fates allow. 1806 W. Scott Lett. (1932) I. 325 Could any one bear the story of a second city being taken by a wooden horse? 1850 F. Madden Wycliffite Bible List of MSS. No. 28 The Ms...has been corrected throughout by a second, but nearly contemporary scribe. b. Proverb: habit (or usage) is second nature. Hence (without allusion to the proverb) to be (come as, etc.) second nature (to one): to be as if natural or instinctive. Occasionally in elliptical constructions without a verb.The Latin form, consuetudo est altera (or secunda) natura, is found in St. Augustine and Macrobius, and approximately in Cicero (see Lewis & Short at Natura); the notion occurs in Aristotle (e.g. Probl. iv. xxvi, Eth. N. vii. x) and other Greek writers. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > [noun] > accustomedness usagec1485 accustomedness1595 assuetude1626 customariness1632 wontedness1649 habit (or usage) is second nature1662 inuredness1682 habituality1801 usedness1871 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 23 For in Phisique this I finde, Usage is the seconde kinde. 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 89 That habit being as it were converted into a second nature. a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xii. 254 Habits which..are become a kind of second Nature to him. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. vii. 113 Those to whom long practice has rendered them [sc. frivolous fopperies] a second nature. 1910 S. E. White in Sunset Apr. 421/1 Bob..rolled over twice with the rapid, vigorous twist second-nature to a seasoned half-back. 1944 Sun (Baltimore) 28 Nov. 8/2 Civilian air defense comes as second nature to them. 1954 T. S. Eliot Confidential Clerk iii. 96 I do feel more at ease when I'm behind a desk: It's second nature. 1967 R. Singha & R. Massey Indian Dances xviii. 159 They become second nature to her when she is dancing. c. second self n. a friend who agrees absolutely with one's tastes and opinions, or for whose welfare one cares as much as for one's own.After Latin alter idem, Greek ἄλλος αὐτός and ἔτερος αὐτός (Arist. Eth. N. ix). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > second self or kindred spirit another myself1526 alter ego1537 another I1539 self1557 second self1586 alter idema1618 himself1622 twin soul1868 society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > [noun] > close fellowa1225 loukec1386 second self1586 dear heart1669 pimple1700 fellow well met1730 hearty1880 sidekick1893 side-kicker1894 1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 150 The mightie and inuiolable bond of friendship, as of a second-selfe did constraine him to lend his eare to his friend. 1665 R. Brathwait Comment Two Tales Chaucer (1901) 93 I will offer to your choice two things, wherein please your self, and you shall please me who am your second self. 1778 F. Burney Evelina I. xxvi. 215 As to Miss Mirvan, she is my second self, and neither hopes nor fears but as I do. 1851 E. Bulwer-Lytton Not so Bad i. i. 6 Ha, Softhead! my Pylades—my second self! in extended use.1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets lxxiii. sig. E4 Blacke night..Deaths second selfe that seals vp all in rest. View more context for this quotation †5. ‘Helpful, lending assistance’ (Schmidt). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [adjective] lastfuleOE helpinga1300 helplya1300 helpfulc1384 assistanta1400 succourablec1400 helpyc1440 aidant1449 adjutoryc1475 subsiduous1490 aidable1509 aidinga1525 aidful1535 adjuvant1574 adjuvable1598 assistful1600 auxiliary1605 recureful1606 seconda1616 succouring1616 coadjuvanta1625 adjutant1645 adjutorious1657 assisting1659 subventive1674 relievablea1693 subventitious1693 affording1873 succourful1898 a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) ii. iii. 27 Nay rather (good my Lords) be second to me. View more context for this quotation 6. a. quasi-adv. Secondly, in the second place (rare); as the second in succession. Also, †for the second time. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb] secondlyc1374 second1382 secondary1455 secondarily1534 secondarly1543 the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > [adverb] > for a second time, again eftc825 eftersoonsc950 eftsoonc1000 yetOE againOE once morelOE eft-sitha1300 againwardc1380 second1382 secondly1382 once againc1475 secondarilyc1475 secondarly1543 backwardly1552 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xxvii. 36 The riȝtis of my fyrst geting biforn he took a wey, and now secounde he hath vnder rauyshide my benysoun. a1556 T. Cranmer Let. 26 Aug. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) III. 25 Seconde,..I shewed the people that this thynge ought no thynge to move theym, for it was [etc.]. 1842 C. Whitehead Richard Savage (1845) II. vii. 271 I was confounded first, and incensed second. a1859 T. De Quincey Posthumous Wks. (1891) I. 55 First, it was not to be too complete; second, even for this incompleteness it was not to be concentrated within a short time. 1911 N.E.D. at Second Mod. Mr. A. opened the debate. Mr. B. spoke second. b. elliptically for second class n. (in travelling by rail, etc.). ΚΠ 1912 R. Brooke Let. Jan. (1968) 334 The maids of the Ordinary Rich go second, with you and the normal me. 1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 80 As I'm not getting Travel Allowance for this trip, I'd decided to travel 2nd. a1976 A. Christie Autobiogr. (1977) vi. i. 289 Ladies travelling alone would never have travelled third class... Even ladies' maids always travelled second. B. n.² I. One who or something which is second. 1. Elliptical uses of the adjective passing into quasi-n. (mostly admitting of plural). a. second in blood, †second of kin (Scots Law): one related in the second degree of consanguinity. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > [noun] > relative of specific degree third of kin1535 second in blood1567 1567 Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1814) III. 26/1 Item, Our Souerane Lord..declaris, that secundis in degreis of consanguinitie, and affinitie..may lauchfullie marie. 1582 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 481 Alexander Rutherfurd, alsua his sister sone, Alexander Chalmer, second and thriddis of kin to him. 1754 J. Erskine Princ. Law Scotl. I. i. vi. 63 By seconds in blood are meant first cousins. b. Grammar. Used elliptically for second person (only before singular or plural). ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > other grammatical categories or concepts > [noun] > person > second or third person second1530 third1530 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement Introd. 33 The seconde plurell endeth ever in EZ. 1841 R. G. Latham Eng. Lang. (1850) iv. xix. 298 The second singular of the preterite tense. c. A place in the second class in an examination; one who takes such a place. Also, the competitor who comes next to the winner in a contest. ΘΚΠ society > education > educational administration > examination > [noun] > marks > specific marks accessit1753 honour1774 credit1802 second class1810 firsta1830 first class1830 third class1844 Hons.1850 max1851 second1852 special mention1886 distinction?1890 A1892 E1892 pass mark1894 two-two1895 alpha1898 alpha plus1898 gamma1898 beta1902 delta1911 alpha minus1914 fourth1914 straight A1926 two-one1937 lower second1960 honourable mention2011 the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > [noun] > one who or that which is successful > one who > one who wins > one who comes next to winner proxime accessit1852 runner-up1859 proxime1889 second1892 1852 C. A. Bristed Five Years Eng. University (ed. 2) 283 To take even a good Second in Classics, one must [etc.]. 1892 Shearman in Eng. Illustr. Mag. Mar. 445 This [the silver O.U.A.C. medal], and this alone, the winners and seconds receive for their place in the Oxford Sports. 1907 ‘B. Burke’ Barbara goes to Oxf. 43 Miss Jones has a first-class and Miss Smith a second. d. second of exchange: see exchange n. 5, and cf. first of exchange n. at first adj., adv., and n.² Phrases 1f. e. Chiefly Baseball. Used elliptically for second base n. 1. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > baseball ground > [noun] > base base1848 first base1848 second base1848 third base1848 second1861 first1864 bag1873 sack1914 1861 Sunday Mercury (N.Y.) 20 Oct. 5/5 ‘Dicky’ safely reached the second. 1900 G. Ade Fables in Slang 34 She believed that she could get away with any Topic that was batted up to her and then slam it over to Second in time to head off the Runner. 1976 Billings (Montana) Gaz. 6 July 1- c/5 Miquel Rodriquez was hurt while sliding into second on a wild pitch. 1977 New Yorker 19 Sept. 40/1 When he had fielded the soft-ball and his daughter was racing from first to second, he couldn't think what else to do. f. to deal seconds (see quot. 1951). U.S. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card-sharping or cheating > [verb (intransitive)] > methods of cheating swig1591 cog1592 slip1760 to top the deck1894 to deal seconds1951 1951 Amer. Speech 26 101/1 Seconds, to deal, to deal cards other than the top card on the deck. It is practically impossible to detect this if the dealer is clever enough. 1978 M. Puzo Fools Die xviii. 194 Not a top-notch mechanic but one who could easily deal seconds. That is, Cully could keep the top card for himself and deal the second card from the top. 2. a. One next to another (considered as the first in a series) in rank, quality, etc. Also, †a second instance, a match to something. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > [noun] > equal, counterpart, or equivalent ylikeeOE likea1200 make?c1225 fellow?a1425 proportion?a1425 countervailc1430 matcha1450 meetc1450 pareil?c1450 resemblant1484 equivalent1502 countermatch1587 second1599 parallel1600 equipollent1611 balancea1616 tantamount1637 analogy1646 analogate1652 form-fellow1659 equivalency1698 par1711 homologizer1716 peel1722 analogon1797 quits1806 correlate1821 analogue1837 representant1847 homologue1848 countertype1855 homologon1871 correlative1875 vis-à-vis1900 counterpart1903 1599 M. Drayton Idea in Englands Heroicall Epist. (new ed.) sig. Q7 And by all meanes, let foule vnkindnes proue, And shew the second to so pure a loue. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 354 That City, being then not only without equal in the country, but without second, had..exercised almost as great an influence on the politics of England as [etc.]. b. = second in command at sense A. 2d. (See A. 2d.) ΘΚΠ society > authority > [noun] > those in authority > person in authority > person in second position seconda1616 No. 21847 number two1952 society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > leader or commander > [noun] > second-in-command seconda1616 under-commander1617 second in command1776 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 130 And tis great pitty that the noble Moore Should hazard such a place, as his owne second, With one of an ingraft infirmity. View more context for this quotation 1800 Ld. Keith in Paget Papers (1896) I. 257 From my late second [Lord Nelson] I derived no advantage. 1954 W. Faulkner Fable 240 Company commanders and battalion seconds stained with the filth of front lines. †c. Printing. A pressman's assistant. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > printer > [noun] > pressman's assistant second1683 1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 319 The one [Pressman] they distinguish by the name of First, the other his Second, these call one another Companions: The First is he that has wrought longest at that Press. d. = second gear n. at Compounds 1. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear bottom gear?1865 high gear1889 low gear1895 fourth1900 second gear1902 first gear1907 second1907 first1909 second speed1912 high1914 low1914 1907 M. Pemberton Amateur Motorist vi. 45 I got the ‘second’ in that time with a clash as of subterranean wheels. 1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When changing gear up from first to second, or second to top, the clutch pedal should be pressed down. 1925 A. Huxley Along the Road i. 19 The Citroën went into second and remained there; slowly we puffed up the long ascent. 1932 News Chron. 10 Mar. 2/1 The Silent Second makes it pleasant to use your gears as you should. 1940 R. Stout in Mystery Book 400 The roadster whirred by in second. 1973 M. Woodhouse Blue Bone xii. 140 I slipped the transmission up into second and poured on the power. e. Mountaineering. The second climber of a team. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > mountaineering or climbing > [noun] > mountaineer or climber rock climber1767 rockman1798 cragsman1816 cliffsman1829 mountaineer1860 Alpestrian1861 alpinist1861 cliffer1861 glissader1861 ascensionist1863 alpenstocker1864 shin-scraper1869 hillmana1885 second1907 Munro-bagger1910 summiteer1926 middleman1968 rock jock1980 free soloist1984 1907 G. D. Abraham Compl. Mountaineer v. 67 A difficult overhanging pitch refused to yield to ordinary tactics; so I mounted on my second's shoulders. 1920 G. W. Young Mountain Craft v. 230 The leader or last man will not, by the nature of the case, require the support of a good second. 1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle i. 27 I'd planned to lead in rubbers. Seeing that my second's a beginner, and to be quite on the safe side. 1976 G. Moffat Over Sea to Death v. 53 She placed her slings, clipped in her rope and, watching it fall, caught her second's eye. f. The second in command of a six or patrol in the Scouting and Guiding movement. ΚΠ 1917 R. E. Philipps Patrol Syst. ii. 14 The Second is a boy selected by the Patrol Leader to be his assistant. 1949 W. Hillcourt Baden-Powell's Aids to Scoutmastership i. 41 In this council it is often found convenient to admit the Seconds (Assistant Patrol Leaders) also as members. 1958 R. Hazlewood Scoutmaster's Guide from A to Z 213 Originally called a ‘corporal’ the Second (No. 2 in the Patrol) is the P.L.'s assistant. 1969 Policy, Organisation & Rules of Girl Guides Assoc. (rev. ed.) 42 The Patrol is the group for work and play. It consists of not more than eight girls, including the Patrol Leader and Second. †3. plural = secundine n. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta secundine1398 afterburden?a1450 second birtha1513 afterbirth1527 second1562 glean1601 bed1611 placenta1638 sooterkina1658 womb-cake1657 womb-liver1657 womb-pancake1663 1562 W. Turner Herball (1568) ii. 163 The seed of it [gelovers]..dryveth doune floures, secondes, and the byrthe. 1657 W. Coles Adam in Eden ii. 5 The Root..is good for Women in Child-bed, to purge their Seconds and Termes. 4. Music. a. A term for the interval represented by ⁹/ ₈; a tone two diatonic degrees above or below any given tone; the interval between any tone and a tone two diatonic degrees distant from it; the harmonic combination of two such tones. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > interval > [noun] > tone whole note1574 second1597 tone1609 whole tone1636 note1762 deuce1829 1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 71 All such as doe not make concord as a second, a fourth, a seuenth. 1610 T. Campion New Way Counter-point sig. B8^v If the Base descends or falls, a second, third, or fourth. 1730 Short Treat. Harmony iii. 15 The Second or Ninth of the key. 1788 T. Cavallo in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 78 238 The second minor. 1873 W. A. Barrett Chorister's Guide 94 The whole of the successive notes or intervals making a scale are seconds, the tones being called major and the semitones minor seconds. b. The next to the highest part in a piece of concerted music. Hence, a voice suitable to such a part. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > harmony or sounds in combination > [noun] > part in harmony or counterpoint > middle parts mean?a1400 medius1563 seconda1774 society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > singing voice > [noun] > second highest voice second1840 a1774 O. Goldsmith Surv. Exper. Philos. (1776) II. 159 So that we see how injudiciously the performers on glasses manage, who play firsts, seconds, and sometimes a base altogether upon an instrument, whose only excellence depends, not on its strength, but its simplicity of tone. 1840 J. T. J. Hewlett Peter Priggins iii, in New Monthly Mag. [I] passed two or three pleasant hours standing over a pianoforte and a very fine girl, to whom I was well contented to sing second. 1905 J. Heywood Music in Churches 14 Some ladies persist in singing in thirds below the melody... This, I believe, is..called ‘putting in a second’. 5. plural. Commerce. A quality (of bricks, flour, etc.) second and inferior to the best. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > materials > types of material generally > [noun] > inferior or cheap seconds1609 mockado1619 ticky-tacky1962 1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cxxv. sig. H3 And take thou my oblacion, poore but free, Which is not mixt with seconds, knows no art. View more context for this quotation 1700 Acts Assembly Pennsylv. (1762) I. 11 If any Person..offer to Sale any Trash or Seconds, rotten or frost bitten Tobacco, or such [etc.]. 1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 225 The finest kind of marls [bricks] called firsts... The next best called seconds. 1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 30 A weakness which is occasioned by the millers' grinding their corn too much, particularly white samples, nearly the whole whereof is brought to market as seconds and thirds. 1858 W. H. Skyring Builders' Prices 93 For seconds glass, up to 1 foot 7, deduct 1d. 1877 W. F. Woods Lett. Oyster Fisheries 19 From this cause the loss of ‘seconds’—i.e. oysters other than natives—..is very great. 1903 Daily Chron. 21 Apr. 2/6 Cork Butter.—Firsts, 86s; seconds, 80s; thirds, 78s. 1908 Sears, Roebuck Catal. No. 117. 349/2 We could sell seconds for less money than any of our competitors if we dealt in that class of merchandise. 1932 Sale Catal. Three knots selected seconds..artificial silk stockings. 1942 E. Paul Narrow Street iii. 20 This friend was able to sequester from the large department-store stock ‘seconds’ which had no detectable imperfections. 1952 Amer. Speech 27 264 Textile products which..do not come up to standard quality are referred to as imperfects, seconds, and run-of-the-mill. 1972 Accountant 17 Aug. 195/2 Garages could fit ‘seconds’ without being spotted, or even swop old tyres. 1976 E. Ward Hanged Man ii. 9 They listened to the patter act of a Manchester huckster selling tea-set seconds. †6. One-half. (On the analogy of third, fourth, etc.) Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > division into two > [noun] > division into two equal parts > a half halfc950 halfendealc1000 half-part1398 half-deal1399 mediety?1440 moiety1444 demi1501 demi-parcela1592 single1592 second1594 tally1647 'arf1854 half-value1903 1594 T. Blundeville Exercises i. vii. f. 10 The Numerator is alwaies set aboue, and the denominator beneath, hauing a little line drawne betwixt them thus ½ which signifieth one second or one halfe. 1660 J. Moore Arithm. 5 As if the unite be conceived to be divided into two parts, the parts are called seconds or halves. 7. In systems of fractional numeration (or of weights or measures) having a constant modulus: The subdivision next but one below the unit, and next below the ‘prime’; the lower subdivisions being usually called ‘thirds’, ‘fourths’, etc.Cf. second n.¹, which is a special case of the sense here defined, but is treated separately because it was taken from medieval Latin or Rom.; the uses below may be most conveniently regarded as applications of the English ordinal numeral suggested by second n.¹ †a. Scottish Troy Weight. The 576th part (1 ÷ 24²) of a grain. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [noun] > unit or denomination of weight > smallest unit or grain > specific parts of grain mitea1393 periot1564 fourth1594 minta1600 droit1601 prime1604 second1604 blank1680 1604 King James I Proclam. for Coynes 16 Nov. (table) Scottish Weights. Deniers 24. Graines 24. Primes 24. Seconds 24. Thirds 24. Fourths 24. †b. (a) Arithmetic. The quantity ·01 or ¹/ ₁₀₀. (b) Surveying. The 100th part of a perch, = 1·98 inches. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > hundred and over > [noun] > hundred > a hundredth hundredth parta1300 centesm1483 second1619 cent1667 centesimal1677 hundredth1774 the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > rod, pole, or perch > hundredth of perch second1619 1619 H. Lyte Art of Tens 14 Euerie vnite of a prime being diuided into ten parts, are called seconds. 1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words A Second in surveying, is the tenth part of a prime, and contains one inch, and 49 of 50 parts of an inch. 1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions viii. 61 Primes, or Tenth Parts. Seconds, or Hundredth Parts. Thirds, or Thousandth Parts. 1766 C. Hutton Schoolmaster's Guide 55 The 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th, &c. places of decimals, counting from the left-hand towards the right, are denominated the places of primes, seconds, thirds, and fourths, &c. respectively. c. Mathematics. In duodecimals (duodecimals n. at duodecimal n.), the twelfth part of a ‘prime’ or inch.Formerly (if quot. 1703 be correct), the 144th part of an inch, the 12th being called a ‘prime’. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one hundred and forty-fourth of inch second1703 the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one twelfth of an inch line1665 prime1703 scruple1802 second1842 1703 R. Neve City & Countrey Purchaser 123 Inches by (12th) Parts, produce Seconds, or 12th Parts of the 12th Part of an Inch. 1714 S. Cunn New Treat. Fractions 119 To multiply any Integers, Primes, Seconds, &c. by a Multiple of 12 Integers; first Multiply by 12 [etc.]. 1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. ii. i. 296 Feet and inches are marked with their initial letters, but twelfths or seconds by a double accent, thus 2″. 8. plural. A second helping of food at a meal; occasionally the second or sweet course. colloquial. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > amounts of food > [noun] > portion of food > portion served > supplementary portion seconds1792 follow1903 1792 D. O'Connell Corr. (1972) I. 4 We get very small portions at dinner; most of the lads..get what they call seconds, that is, a second portion every day. 1918 L. E. Ruggles Navy Explained 124 When there is not enough of the first issue of rations the mess cook is requested to go to the galley and get ‘seconds’. 1942 Yank 28 Oct. 8 We were more delighted than we can say to get a hamburger in a foreign land and went for seconds. 1960 ‘R. East’ Kingston Black xiv. 139 Kitty had served tinned fruit and farm cream for seconds. 1974 P. Gzowski Bk. about this Country 59/1 This dish has been served to hundreds of people over the years and requests for seconds (or even thirds) are usual. 1981 A. Price Soldier no More 121 Lexy scraped the frying pan... Would you like seconds, David darling? II. A person who renders assistance. 9. One who or something which renders aid or support to another. †a. gen. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun] > that which or one who helps or means of help redeeOE helpc893 bootOE friendOE lithc1275 helpera1300 a helping handa1300 helpingc1330 bieldc1352 succour?a1366 supplementc1384 easementa1398 succourer1442 aid?1473 assister1535 assistant?1541 adminicle1551 mystery1581 second1590 auxiliatory1599 subsidium1640 suffragan1644 facilitation1648 adminiculary1652 auxiliary1656 auxiliar1670 ally1794 Boy Scout1918 assist1954 facilitator1987 1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 23 When those that giue the first charge begin to retire or wax colde, the great Officers command their seconds to the assaults. a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. iii. 103 Ile be thy Second . View more context for this quotation a1627 T. Middleton Women beware Women ii. ii, in 2 New Playes (1657) 126 We wish no better seconds in Society Then your discourses, Madam. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 355 But the gold was my best second,..[and] was my continuall vade Mecum. 1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. iii. 7 Glasses are but the seconds, which succeed on the Cupboard, when Plate the principall is otherwise disposed of. 1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 15 Mar. (1948) II. 514 People will not understand; I am a very good Second; but I care not to begin a Recommendation unless it be for an intimate Friend. 1741 S. Richardson Pamela IV. xiii. 74 She is very happy in Mrs. Jervis, who is an excellent Second to her admirable Lady. b. spec. One who acts as representative of a principal in a duel, carrying the challenge, arranging locality and loading weapons. Similarly in a pugilistic contest. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > warrior > [noun] > champion or fighter in single combat > second second1623 setter1648 friend1709 society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > boxer's second second1743 bottle holder1787 handler1879 corner1952 1623 J. Webster Deuils Law-case ii. i Erc. Shall's haue no Seconds? Con. None, for feare of preuention. Erc. The length of our weapons? Con. Weele fit them by the way. 1632 in S. R. Gardiner Rep. Cases Star Chamber & High Comm. (1886) 113 Indeed his second J. S. was acquitted, for that it appeared he knew not of the combatt before he came there. 1712 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 12 Dec. (1948) II. 578 Coll Hamilton who was sec [o] nd to D. Hamilton, is tryed to-day. 1743 Broughton's Rules in P. Egan Boxiana (1812–13) I. 51 In every main battle, no person whatever shall be upon the stage, except the principals and their seconds. 1818 W. Scott Chivalry in Encycl. Brit.: Suppl. to 4th–6th Eds. III. i. 126/1 It was usual to have more seconds, even to the number of five or six. 1841 F. L. Dowling Fistiana 63 That each man shall be attended to the ring by a second and a bottle-holder, the former provided with a sponge, and the latter with a bottle of water. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. xiv. 332 ‘There was no need for more seconds than one,’ said the Colonel, ‘and the Captain or Lord Warwick might easily withdraw.’ 1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 139/2 (Boxing) Seconds, men, generally professional boxers, appointed to attend on the contestants in the intervals between the rounds. †c. Assistance, aid, support. Also plural in the same sense. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun] fultumeOE help971 succour?c1225 abetc1330 succouringc1330 speedc1340 subsidya1387 rescousc1390 chevisancea1400 juvamentc1400 supply1420 aid1430 favour1434 supplying1436 suffrage1445 availa1450 boteningc1450 succurrancec1450 adjuvancea1460 assistance1495 meeda1500 subventiona1500 suppliancea1500 adjutory?a1513 sistancea1513 adminiculation1531 abetment1533 assisting1553 adjument1576 society1586 aidance1593 opitulation1598 secourse1598 second1605 suppeditation1605 assistency1642 auxiliation1657 adjutancy1665 adjuvancy1677 abettal1834 sustenance1839 constructiveness1882 1605 B. Jonson Sejanus ii. i. 381 This second (from his Mother) will well vrge Our late dissigne, and spur on Cæsars rage. View more context for this quotation a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 12 I gave them no second till I might perceive those within had spent their ready powder in their furnitures. a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 18 An officer with two hundred souldiers..came to their seconds. 1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes i. xix. 82 This blow so affrighted the enemy, that they had certainly retired to their trenches, if the Cariffe of Africca..had not..come into their second. Compounds C1. In syntactical combinations of a permanent nature or with special meaning (many of which are also used attributively or as adj., and are then written with hyphen). Also second best adj., second-class adj., second hand n. and adj., second-rate adj. and n., second sight n. second Adam n. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man second manc1384 Man of Sorrows1577 second Adam1587 1587 Bible (Geneva) 1 Cor. xv. 45 (marginal gloss) To wit, with the Spirit of God, which descendeth from Christ the second Adam, into us. 1655 Bp. J. Taylor Vnum Necessarium vi. 362 Receiving more by the second Adam than we did lose by the first. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 383 The Tempter set Our second Adam in the Wilderness, To shew him all Earths Kingdomes and thir Glory. View more context for this quotation 1739 C. Wesley in J. Wesley & C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems ii. 208 Second Adam from above, Reinstate us in thy Love. second advent n. Theology the expected Second Coming of Christ as Judge (see advent n. 2). ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > biblical events > Second Coming > [noun] Second Comingc1400 return1550 advent1736 second advent1736 Parousia1781 1736 Gentleman's Mag. June 347/2 But all,..who hope And love his second advent, will receive The same reward. second adventist n. = premillenarian adj. second ballot n. a deciding ballot taken between the candidate who won a previous ballot without securing an absolute majority and the candidate with the next highest number of votes; also attributive of an electoral system using this. ΘΚΠ society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > [noun] > second ballot ballotage1869 run-off1902 second ballot1910 society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > right to vote at elections > [adjective] > type of electoral system scot and lot1818 plural1839 preferential1870 uninominal1881 second ballot1910 first past the post1914 1910 Rep. Royal Comm. Electoral Syst. 3 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 5163) XXVI. 295 The Second Ballot.—A candidate, to be returned at the first election must receive an absolute majority of the valid votes cast. If no candidate obtains such a majority, a second election is held, at which (in the most usual form of the system) only the two candidates compete who received most votes at the first election. 1927 Observer Nov. 13/1 The Second Ballot means..a second election held a week or a fortnight after the first, whenever at the first election no candidate has secured an absolute majority of the votes. 1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 9/1 The electorate, at the second ballot, were left to choose between Hindenburg, Marx and Thaelmann. 1954 B. North & R. North tr. M. Duverger Polit. Parties ii. i. 239 There were variations of procedure in the simple-majority second-ballot system. 1976 J. Rogaly Parl. for People vi. 71 Two less satisfactory forms of preferential voting are the ‘second ballot’, used in France, and the ‘Alternative vote’. second banana n. slang (originally U.S.) a supporting comedian (cf. top banana n.). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > performance of jester or comedian > [noun] > jester or comedian > supporting second banana1953 1953 N.Y. Times 24 May ii. 11/2 In television and radio, Mr. Carney has played second banana to many star comedy performers. 1974 N.Y. Times 28 Dec. 26/1 He [sc. Jack Benny] was often the butt of his second bananas, who devastated him with their barbs. 1977 Time 13 June 42/2 Their Yank allies, doubtless because they had second-banana roles in the original production 33 years ago, have dim, brief lives on the screen. second birth n. (a) Theology = regeneration n. 2; †(b) = secundine n. 1; †(c) the entrance upon a new life after death. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > soul > regeneration > [noun] again-begettingc1384 regenerationa1425 renovationa1425 reparation1447 second birtha1513 new birth1529 gain-birtha1557 regeneracy1620 reawakening1662 renewal1737 rebirth1837 reawakenment1886 rebirthing1969 the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > embryo or fetus > membranes, etc., of embryo or fetus > [noun] > placenta secundine1398 afterburden?a1450 second birtha1513 afterbirth1527 second1562 glean1601 bed1611 placenta1638 sooterkina1658 womb-cake1657 womb-liver1657 womb-pancake1663 the world > life > source or principle of life > resurrection or revival > [noun] aristc885 risinga1200 uprisingc1250 upristc1250 arisnessa1300 uprisea1300 arising1340 uparising1340 again-risingc1384 uprasa1400 upraisingc1400 resuscitation?a1450 revive1553 gain-risinga1557 revivification1561 restorement1571 apotheosis1595 revival1608 reviviscencea1631 reanimation1633 second birth1643 reviviction1646 anastasis1647 reviviscency1654 rise1738 anabiosis1890 a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. xxvii. sig. i.viii By the seconde byrthe..we haue regeneracyon. 1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. sig. I^v And then secondelye, [issueth] the foresayd after birth: & therefore it may be iustly called y^e second byrth or secondyne. 1643 K. Digby Observ. Religio Medici 102 Assoone as Death hath played the Midwife to our second birth, our Soule shall then [etc.]. 1749 C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems II. ii. 246 Plunge Her by a Second Birth Into the Depths of God. second blessing n. originally U.S. an experience of God's grace subsequent to conversion, believed by some Christian groups to be the means of receiving the power to live a sanctified life. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > grace > [noun] > after conversion second blessing1891 1891 B. Carradine Sanctification ii. 14 My soul was reaching out..for..what is properly called the second blessing. 1891 B. Carradine Sanctification iv. 33 This definition and explanation of entire sanctification, or the second blessing. 1940 Amer. Sociol. Rev. 5 741 The Pentecostal groups..believe further in the gift of tongues as an additional evidence of God's grace, awakened..by the ‘second blessing’. 1977 Christian 4 204 The call to Community has something of the aura of the conversion experience, or perhaps even more of the so called ‘second blessing’. second bottom n. (a) U.S. the first terrace above the normal flood plain of a stream; (b) Australian a second stratum of gold-bearing material found by sinking below the bottom (bottom n. 6c). ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > minerals > mineral sources > [noun] > strata containing minerals fuller's eartha1350 fulling eartha1399 fulling clay1647 second bottom1787 iron pan1811 ledge1847 blue lead1854 oil shale1866 oil sand1875 Cambridge coprolite1881 Cambridge greensand1882 gem-bed1886 the world > the earth > land > land mass > shore or bank > land near river > [noun] > flooded > above flood plain second bottom1787 1787 J. Mathews Jrnl. 23 Aug. in S. P. Hildreth Pioneer Hist. (1848) vii. 184 Went to view the Indian works, which are about a mile from the fort. They extend for about half a mile on the second bottom. 1788 Massachusetts Spy 19 June 3/2 Next to these are what is called second bottoms, which are elevated plains, and gentle risings of the richest uplands. 1855 R. Caldwell Gold Era of Victoria x. 116 As regards the question of ‘second bottoms’, which has excited considerable discussion,.. all such attempts must..end in disappointment and loss to those engaged in them. 1862 J. A. Patterson Gold Fields Victoria vii. 80 There is no known reason why there should not be a second bottom on Bendigo Flat. 1905 T. C. Chamberlin & R. D. Salisbury Geol. iii. 195 (caption) Diagram illustrating a distinct terrace and a ‘second bottom’.., which may be regarded as a low terrace. 1924 Prof. Papers U.S. Geol. Surv. No. 126. 14/1 Bluffs 30 to 50 feet in height separate the flats of the gravel-covered terraces from the second bottoms. second breakfast n. a light meal taken late in the morning or early in the afternoon. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > meal > [noun] > light meal or snacks nuncheonc1260 morsela1382 refection?a1439 mixtumc1490 bever1500 banquet1509 collation1525 snatch1570 beverage1577 a little something1577 anders-meat1598 four-hours1637 watering1637 refreshment1639 snap1642 luncheona1652 crib1652 prandicle1656 munchin1657 baita1661 unch1663 afternooning1678 whet1688 nacket1694 merenda1740 rinfresco1745 bagging?1746 snack1757 coffee1774 second breakfast1775 nummit1777 stay-stomach1800 damper1804 eleven o'clock1805 noonshine1808 by-bit1819 morning1819 four1823 four o'clock1825 lunch1829 stay-bit1833 picnic meal1839 elevens1849 Tommy1864 picnic tea1869 dinnerette1872 merienda1880 elevenses1887 light bite1887 soldier's supper1893 mug-up1902 tray1914 café complet1933 nosha1941 namkeen1942 snax1947 snackette1952 chaat1954 ploughman's lunch1957 munchie1959 playlunch1960 short-eat1962 lite bite1965 munchie1971 ploughman1975 aperitivo2002 1775 J. Woodforde Diary 2 Jan. (1924) I. 144 We stayed at Whitney and made a second breakfast, we treated the maid at Whitney. 1802 M. Nugent Jrnl. 15 Jan. (1907) ii. 72 Had fruit for the children at 10; then second breakfast a little after 11.—Dined at 3. 1967 O. Hesky Time for Treason xi. 83 Barzilai..was regretting that he hadn't utilised this period..by having a ‘second breakfast’, a habit dear to the stomachs of those raised in certain parts of Europe. second business n. (see quot. 1823). ΚΠ 1823 Ann. Reg. 214* By the phrase second business is meant that sort of business in which the lead is given to the counsel who are not yet arrived at the dignity of a silk gown. second car n. an additional family car. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > powered vehicle > motor car > [noun] > privately owned and used > additional family car second car1966 1966 Guardian 16 May 5/3 We had been trying to choose an inexpensive ‘second car’ for my wife. 1981 L. Stephan Murder or Not xi. 87 The Subaru was a second car, used by Mr Cook to commute to his job. second chamber n. in a legislature consisting of two chambers, the one which has chiefly the function of revising the measures prepared and passed by other; also attributive. ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > governing or legislative body of a nation or community > [noun] > a chamber or house of > upper lower house1523 upper house1532 upper chamber1753 senate1776 state senate1791 second chamber1828 1828 J. S. Mill in Westm. Rev. Apr. 282 In whichever way selected, this second chamber would have been..inveterately hostile to nearly every necessary reform. 1861 J. S. Mill Represent. Govt. xiii. 231 I set little value on any check which a Second Chamber can apply to a democracy otherwise unchecked. second channel n. Radio = image n. 10; usually attributive. ΘΚΠ society > communication > telecommunication > radio communications > [noun] > signal > interference cross-talk1887 static1905 X1906 statics1912 click1914 jam1914 grinder1922 hash1923 mush1924 echo1928 image1928 radio echo1928 harmonic interference1929 second channel1932 1932 C. L. Boltz Everyman's Wireless xv. 309 If the tuning circuit..is not sufficiently selective it is possible to receive..a signal whose frequency differs from that of the oscillator by the fixed intermediate frequency, but in the opposite direction... Such interference..is sometimes called ‘second channel’ interference. 1940 Amateur Radio Handbk. (ed. 2) 24/2 Interference is still likely to result from an incoming signal of such a frequency as to produce the correct intermediate frequency. This is known as ‘image’ or ‘second channel interference’. 1962 B.B.C. Handbk. 130 The selectivity of the receiver is improved and this reduces ‘second channel’, alternatively called ‘image’, interference. This is generally characterized by an irritating whistle of constantly changing pitch, sometimes accompanied by unwanted morse signals and programme modulation. Much of the interference experienced in the short-wave broadcast bands is due to such image effects. 1975 G. N. Patchett Radio Servicing III. ii. 11 It is essential to remove the second channel station before it reaches the frequency-changer or mixer. second childishness n. behaviour typical of a person undergoing a ‘second childhood’ (see second childhood n. 2), esp. in later life. ΘΚΠ the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood second childhood1549 second childishnessa1616 second infancya1627 second childship1691 infancy1697 twichild1889 a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 165 Last Scene of all..Is second childishnesse, and meere obliuion. View more context for this quotation 1760 L. Sterne Life Tristram Shandy II. xix. 161 There was not a stage in the life of man,..down to the lean and slipper'd pantaloon in his second childishness, but he had some favourite notion. 1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend (1865) 74 The old man doth not become a child by means of his second childishness. 1878 Mrs. H. Wood Pomeroy Abbey III. 255 The revelation made..by Naomi Rex in her second childishness. 1989 Times (Nexis) 16 Mar. The decline to second childishness..is traced from granny-sitters to alarming trips to hospital to a residential home to a mental hospital. second childship n. Obsolete rare = second childhood n. 2. ΚΠ 1691 A. Wood Athenæ Oxonienses II. 646 Reduced to his second childship..his memory was quite decayed. second chop n. (see chop n.⁵ 4). second cousin n. a child of a first cousin of either of one's parents; a cousin with whom one shares (typically) a pair of great-grandparents; (also more loosely) a child of one's first cousin, one's first cousin once removed; also figurative. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > kinsman or relation > cousin > [noun] > child of first cousin cousin-german once removeda1513 second cousin1603 1603 A. Hartwell tr. L. Soranzo Ottoman i. §xv. f. 10 Halil Bassa, Generall of the Sea, second Cousin to the now liuing Grand-Turke, is of Bosna or else of Hungaria. 1736 Life Right Honourable George Ld. Carpenter Geneal. Acct. Thomas Carpenter..,having no Issue, left the Manor of the Homme to his Second Cousin. 1889 Harper's Mag. July 236/2 This excellent woman was the wife of Leonard Grogson, and was herself of the same blood; she was his second cousin. 1951 R. Firth Elements Social Organization iv. 142 The help is given as part of the reciprocities of kinship relations—to a second cousin, or uncle, or other member of an extended kin group. 2017 Eagle Eye (Lock Haven Univ.) (Nexis) 8 Mar. (A&E section) 1 My second cousin, who lives in Pittsburgh, was an art teacher in the public schools in Pittsburgh. second cut adj. (a) (see quot. 1846); (b) Australian and New Zealand, (the mark of) a blow made to remove badly-cut fleece; a piece of short or inferior wool produced by this. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > sheep-farming > sheep-shearing > [noun] > stroke of shears second cut1846 blow1878 long blow1904 1846 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. II. 820 Double cut files..are thus respectively named by the Lancashire..makers:—1. Rough. 2. Middle-cut. 3. Bastard. 4. Second-cut. 5. Smooth. 6. Superfine. 1882 A. S. Armstrong & G. O. Campbell Austral. Sheep Husbandry xiv. 168 In shearing the first side of the sheep, each blow should be continued round until the back-bone is passed; this avoids the second cut caused by the blow up the back which should not be allowed, as the ‘cutting through’ which results considerably depreciates the value of the wool. 1897 D. McK. Wright Station Ballads & Other Verses 34 Mighty lot of wool you've lost! Second cuts? Well, that ain't my fault, you've his wrinkled hide to thank. 1900 A. Hawkesworth Austral. Sheep & Wool 180 A fleece is said to be fribby when a great number of second cuts or fribs fall out when it is shaken or in the process of rolling. 1929 H. B. Smith Sheep & Wool Industry Austral. & N.Z. (ed. 3) 209 Fribby, short locky pieces of wool such as second cuts and small black yolky locks from crutch and under fore-legs of sheep. 1950 N.Z. Jrnl. Agric. Oct. 311 An efficient shearer will not make many ‘second cuts’, but the presence of them among the fleeces in a bale will antagonize the wool buyer. † second day n. Obsolete in Quaker usage, Monday. ΘΚΠ the world > time > period > a day or twenty-four hours > specific days > [noun] > Monday MondayOE shoemaker's holidayc1610 second day1691 1691 G. Fox Jrnl. (1911) II. 367 For the yearly second days Meeting in London. 1705 S. Sewall Diary 7 Dec. (1973) I. 535 I refer'd them to second-day Morning Dec^r 10. to meet at the Secretary's office. second-degree n. Medicine used to designate burns that are sufficiently severe to cause blistering but not permanent scarring (see quot. 1972); see also degree n. 6d. ΚΠ 1807 R. Morris & J. Kendrick Edinb. Med. & Physical Dict. I. at Burn Burns are attended with a degree of inflammation, greater or less, according to the violence of the injury; and, according to the different appearances they put on, they may be divided into four different classes, 1. When the burnt part is affected only with a sense of heat and inflammation; 2. When it is also accompanied with intense pain and vesication; 3. When the integuments are converted into an eschar; and, 4. When all the soft parts are scorched to the very bone.] 1930 Pack & Davis Burns iv. 20 Second Degree. Degree two is one of vesication. 1972 B. F. Miller & C. B. Keane Encycl. & Dict. Med. & Nursing 155/1 First-degree burns damage the epidermis; second-degree burns damage both epidermis and dermis; third-degree burns damage the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. † second deliverance n. Law Obsolete (historical in later use) the restoration to or recovery by a person of goods or chattels distrained or confiscated, upon giving a surety to have the matter tried in a court of justice and to return the goods if the case is lost, following the failure of a first action of replevin; a second action of replevin.Also in writ of second deliverance. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [noun] > writ > other types of writ utrumc1290 quo warrantoa1325 writ of right closea1325 writ of oyer and terminer1414 writ of right1414 quare impedit?a1424 prohibition?1435 praecipec1440 supplicavita1450 replevy1451 ouster-le-main1485 praecipe in capitec1523 value1527 inhibition1532 rehabilitation1533 melius inquirendum1549 ne exeat regnum1559 quo minus1592 letters (or writ) of supplementc1600 inhibition1603 fair pleading1607 ingressu1607 ne exeat regno1607 account1622 associationa1625 ship-writ1640 cessavit1641 ne exeat1644 devastavit1651 right close1651 writ of second deliverance1652 fair pleader1655 beaupleader1700 proclamation writ1713 writ of inquiry1809 writ of intendence and respondence1881 1515 Act 7 Henry VIII c. 4 in Statutes of Realm (1963) III. 178 Every Advowaunt..that makyth avowre..to any oder person or persons in any replegiare secound delyveraunce for any rent custome or servyce. 1652 tr. A. Fitzherbert New Natura Brevium 174 The plaintiff may sue a Writ of second Deliverance. 1718 Methodical Treat. Replevins, Distresses, Avowries, &c. 32 A Replevin was of a Heifer, and a Second Deliverance of a Cow, yet held good... And so if the Replevin were of a Calf, for it may perhaps be a Heifer or a Cow at the Time of the Second Deliverance. 1832 Amer. Jurist & Law Mag. Jan. 50 A nonsuit in a replevin, is not a bar; but in a second deliverance it is. 1908 L. O. Pike Year Bks. 20 Edward III i. 6 The plaintiff had a writ of Second Deliverance out of the rolls, returnable now, and no writ is returned. second division n. Civil Service (a) the lower grade of government clerks, admitted by a competitive examination of more limited range than that prescribed for the higher division; (b) (see division n. 10f). ΘΚΠ society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > a or the government > civil service > [noun] > civil servant > specific grades of British permanent secretary1785 abstracter1857 abstractor1859 permanent under-secretary1859 principal1867 second division1897 abstractor clerk1901 permsec1908 secretary1932 Perm.S.1942 under-secretary1959 1897 Westm. Gaz. 27 July 3/2 The large body of Second Division clerks. 1898 Act 61 & 62 Vict. c. 41 § 6 Prisoners..not sentenced to penal servitude or hard labour, shall be divided into three divisions... Where a person is..sentenced to imprisonment without hard labour, the court may..direct that he be treated as an offender of the first division or as an offender of the second division. If no direction is given by the court, the offender shall, subject to the provisions of this section, be treated as an offender of the third division. second feature n. the supporting feature in a cinema programme; also figurative and attributive. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > a film > type of film > [noun] > short or supporting film short film1908 short subject1908 one-reeler1916 filmlet1921 programme picture1922 second feature1927 short1929 programmer1932 programme movie1933 shorty1934 B1949 1927 Melody Maker May 515/1 It was quite an ordinary film. I should have only booked it as a second feature, and then only if there was nothing else available. 1959 C. MacInnes Absolute Beginners 61 ‘You're a romantic!’ she said. ‘A second feature Romeo!’ 1970 J. Hansen Fadeout vi. 49 He..would sit up half the night..enchanted by the tired wisecracks..in forgotten RKO second features of the thirties. second finger n. the finger next to the forefinger, the middle finger. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > external parts of body > limb > digit > finger > [noun] > middle finger middle fingereOE long fingerc1300 longmanc1300 midsfinger1483 mid-finger1644 thimble-finger1796 second finger1860 1860 Man. Artillery Exercises (Army) 241 The cock resting against the knuckle-joint of the first finger; this and the second finger only resting on the small of the stock. 1932 News Chron. 15 Mar. 8/6 Making the tips of his first and little fingers touch; then bringing the second finger smoothly under the arch thus formed. second floor n. the floor or storey of a building next but one above the ground floor; also attributive. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > [noun] > floor or storey > upper floors first floor1445 plancher1523 first storey1686 piano nobile1715 mezzaninec1720 entresol1726 attic storey1738 upstairs1781 attic1818 second floor1821 third floor1908 upper1968 1821 S. T. Coleridge Let. 20 Oct. (1858) 137 A house to the second-floor window of which I had been gazing. 1840 W. M. Thackeray Shabby Genteel Story vii Suddenly the second-floor window went clattering up, and Fitch's pale head was thrust out. second front n. in the war of 1939–45, a front in Nazi-occupied Europe in addition to the Russian sector of fighting; also figurative and attributive. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > armed encounter > battlefield > [noun] > front or front line edge1535 front1665 firing line1859 Eastern Front1914 Western Front1914 line1916 second front1941 warfront1950 1941 W. S. Churchill Let. 4 Sept. in Second World War (1950) III. xxv. 407 There is no chance..of a second front being formed in the Balkans without the help of Turkey. 1942 New Statesman 3 Jan. 3/2 The key to victory is to open..that ‘second front in continental Europe’ for which Stalin has publicly called. 1944 M. Laski Love on Supertax ii. 24 He said he'd..make sure there were enough helpers handing out the Second Front leaflets. 1946 Life 11 Mar. 63/1 The Russians facetiously called Spam ‘the second front’. 1961 E. Waugh Unconditional Surrender i. i. 21 A scarred brick wall, on which..a zealous, arthritic communist had emblazoned the words, Second Front Now. 1963 A. Howard in M. Sissons & P. French Age of Austerity 30 The conservatives were waging what turned out to be a decisive second front. second fronting n. [translating German zweite Aufhellung (K. Luick Historische Grammatik der englischen Sprache (1914) 164)] Philology a sound-change in varieties of Old English by which the vowels æ (produced by an earlier fronting) and a became e and æ respectively. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > sound changes > [noun] > second fronting second fronting1939 1939 PMLA 54 19 The second raising and fronting of West Germanic a, which changed dæg to deg and dagas to dægas, must..have occurred, not during the fifth century, but during the eighth and early ninth. 1959 A. Campbell Old Eng. Gram. v. 64 Second fronting is not a general Merc[ian] change, for it is practically absent in Ru.¹, and ME sources show that it was limited to a small part of the vast Midland area. 1972 E. J. Dobson Eng. Text Ancrene Riwle p. lxxvi The normal Mercian ĕ produced by indirect i-mutation followed by second fronting. second gear n. the gear next above the lowest or bottom gear on a motor vehicle or bicycle. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear bottom gear?1865 high gear1889 low gear1895 fourth1900 second gear1902 first gear1907 second1907 first1909 second speed1912 high1914 low1914 1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 204 If the calculated speed of the second gear is, say, eighteen miles per hour. 1925 Morris Owner's Man. 12 When descending very long steep hills, slow down at the top and engage the second or first gear. 1976 T. Heald Let Sleeping Dogs Die iii. 62 He..kept the car at fifteen miles an hour in second gear. second girl n. U.S. an under-housemaid. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > domestic servant > [noun] > maid or housemaid > inferior under-housemaid1796 second girl1872 1872 W. D. Howells Their Wedding Journey (1892) 32 The human wave is beginning to sprinkle the pavement with cooks and second-girls. second greaser n. Nautical slang a second mate. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > second mate second mate1735 second greaser1888 1888 L. A. Smith Music of Waters 38 And who do you think was second greaser? 1916 F. W. Wallace Shack Locker 145 The second greaser paused and added ‘I didn't stop, sir.’ 1934 C. Moore Twilight of Jibs & Topsails xiv. 227 It started in the mate's watch, and I was in that of the—called in nautical parlance—‘second greaser’, meaning, of course, the second mate. † second ground n. Painting Obsolete the middle distance (see middle n. 7). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > [noun] > a painting > part of > specific tarage1439 field1555 sky1606 landscape1656 mass1662 incident1705 second ground1801 pick1836 negative space1949 1801 H. Fuseli Lect. Painting I. i. 14 The series of figures on the second or middle ground being described as placed above those on the foreground. second growth n. (a) a crop of vegetation replacing one previously destroyed; also attributive; (b) the second category of growths (see growth n.¹ 1d) or qualities into which wines are divided; also attributive. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > class or grade of wine > [noun] > second class second growth1829 the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > cultivation of plants or crops > crop or crops > [noun] > aftercrop > second growth or fire-growth regrowth1741 fireweed1764 second growth1829 burnt feed1848 1824 A. Henderson Hist. Wines ii. ii. 155 Among the secondary growths, those of Cramant, Avise, Oger, and Menil, are the most deserving of mention.] 1829 J. F. Cooper Wept of Wish-ton-wish I. ii. 26 Much of the surface of this opening..was now concealed by bushes of what is termed the second growth. 1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 110 The best wines are from the noirien grape, and the best of the first growths fetch sixty-six francs, and of the second growths forty-four francs. 1843 Penny Cycl. XXVII. 463/1 To the second and third growths the red wines of Roussillon, Bene Carlo from Spain, and brandy are added. 1864 H. W. Bates Naturalist on River Amazons (ed. 2) iv. 94 Tracts of second-growth woods. 1879 A. W. Tourgée Fool's Errand xliv. 327 With all her fearlessness as a horse-woman, she did not quite relish the idea of his bursting away through the low-branching second-growth to follow the pack. 1888 Encycl. Brit. XXIV. 605/2 If..a first growth is vintaged a little too late and does not succeed so well as some second growths. 1920 G. Saintsbury Notes on Cellar-bk. iv. 53 It was customary..to lay down..hogsheads of the best reputed first or second growths. 1980 P. Ableman Shoestring's Finest Hour ii. 31 An admirable roast beef en croute..cheered down by a second-growth Pomerol of an excellent year. second guard n. an additional guard on a sword hilt. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > side arms > sword > [noun] > guard cross1470 guard1596 ward1634 shell1685 bow1701 basket1833 cross-guard1869 cross-piece1869 hilt-guard1869 second guard1869 tsuba1889 knuckle-bow1895 1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour ix. 173 Finally, there is the second guard (seconde garde), between the two extremities of the rings of the pas-d'âne. second head n. Hunting (see quots. and cf. head n.¹ Phrases 1g(b)); also allusively. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > male > [noun] > in its fifth or sixth year stag?c1185 second head1774 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 99 The old stags usually shed their horns first..; those of the second head, (namely, such as are between five and six years old) shed their horns about the middle..of March. 1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 316 The buck of the second-head, for a buck of the first-head he was not, had hitherto been slapping his boots with his switch-whip. second home n. a second dwelling-place owned or supported in addition to the principal home; a home from home; also figurative and attributive. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > [noun] > home > place like or as good as home home (away) from home1866 second home1883 spiritual home1915 1883 Queen Victoria Let. 12 Dec. in R. Fulford Beloved Mama (1981) 153 Italy seems to be a second home. I expect you will settle there some day. 1915 F. Hardy Let. 17 July in R. Gittings Older Hardy (1978) xiii. 167 A second home for the people I like, and who have been good to me. 1937 W. H. S. Smith Let. 10 July in Young Man's Country (1977) ii. 79 The Saturday Club, which, since his wife's departure for England, is practically a second home to him. 1959 M. Gilbert Blood & Judgement xiii. 142 He was away from home a lot and..she began to think he'd set up a second home of his own somewhere. 1970 ‘E. Lathen’ Pick up Sticks (1971) x. 85 All this second-home building helps. 1980 Times 1 Aug. 13/7 Roll on the revolution when..we shall be entitled to substantial state pensions, preferential housing and second homes. second homer n. the owner of a second home. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > possessor > [noun] > owner > home-owner > owner of a second home second homer1976 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabitant > inhabitant by type of accommodation > [noun] > inhabitant of house > householder > owner of second home second homer1976 1976 Local Council Rev. Summer 48 Bit by bit, house by house, the indigenous population is replaced by commuters or second-homers. The village becomes a suburb in the fields. second honeymoon n. a holiday or trip, resembling a honeymoon, taken by a couple who have been married for some time. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > holiday-making or tourism > [noun] > type of holiday or tour grand tour1678 villegiature1740 villeggiatura1742 honeymoon1791 wedding visit1794 honeymooning1832 wedding tour1847 wedding trip1855 second honeymoon1872 tourette1881 weekending1886 package holiday1959 fly-cruise1968 ski pack1969 ecotour1973 package1977 1872 Princess of Wales Let. 31 Jan. in G. Battiscombe Queen Alexandra (1969) viii. 118 This quiet time we two have spent here together now has been the happiest days of my life... It has been our second honeymoon. 1894 G. Du Maurier Trilby III. viii. 152 So Taffy and his wife have come for their second honeymoon, their Indian-summer honeymoon, alone. 1910 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 16 July 3/4 They acted as if they were on their second honeymoon. 1967 ‘M. Hunter’ Cambridgeshire Disaster xxi. 137 They began what he called an extended second honeymoon, driving where she liked. second horse n. (see quot. 1827); also attributive. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > horse defined by purpose used for > [noun] > used in hunting > in particular aspects of stalking-horse1519 cover-hack1788 second horse1827 1827 ‘Nimrod’ Chace (1852) 18 The ‘second-horse man’..rides the second horse, which is to carry his master with the hounds after his having had one..chace on the first. 1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Market Harborough 125 The second-horse men, notwithstanding their numbers, appeared to be all cut from the same pattern. † second infancy n. Obsolete second childhood (see second childhood n. 2). ΘΚΠ the world > people > person > old person > [noun] > second childhood second childhood1549 second childishnessa1616 second infancya1627 second childship1691 infancy1697 twichild1889 a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Old Law (1656) i. 2 Are there not..Churchmen, that even the second infancy Hath silenc'd. † second inquest n. Law Obsolete a petty jury. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > one who administers justice > jury > [noun] > petty or trial jury petty (or petit) jury1495 common jury1614 second inquest1681 trial jury1884 traverse jury1911 1681 Addr. Grand Jury Chester in London Gaz. No. 1657/4 We Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects of the second Inquest of the same County, at the same Assize, heartily and chearfully say Amen, and joyn with the Grand Jury in this Address. Second Isaiah n. = Deutero-Isaiah n. at deutero- comb. form . ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > divisions of Old Testament > [noun] > Isaiah > author of evangelical prophet1547 evangelic prophet1683 Deutero-Isaiah1844 Second Isaiah1881 trito-Isaiah1908 1881 T. K. Cheyne Prophecies of Isaiah II. 201 The present essay..relates exclusively to the last twenty-seven chapters: not as if chaps. i.–xxxix. constituted ‘the First Isaiah’, and chaps. xl.–lxvi. ‘the Second’. 1881 T. K. Cheyne in Encycl. Brit. XIII. 380/2 The honied rhetoric of him whom we are accustomed to call the Second Isaiah. 1888 M. Rosenthal Isaiah & Unity of his Prophecy ii. 57 Canon Cheyne..breaks up the so-called second Isaiah into several personages and various authorship... He thinks that second Isaiah was originally much shorter. 1977 G. W. H. Lampe God as Spirit i. 31 It was now, in his own time, and not in some remote future, that Second Isaiah believed that the herald was coming. second language n. a language spoken in addition to one's native language; the first foreign language one learns. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > a language > [noun] > a foreign language foreign language1555 uplandish1586 Welsh1598 outlandisha1626 lingo1659 second language1875 the bat1887 target language1965 foreign1971 1875 W. D. Whitney Life & Growth of Lang. ii. 25 We realize better in the case of a second or ‘foreign’, than in that of a first or ‘native’ language, that the process of acquisition is a never-ending one. 1876 C. M. Yonge Womankind vi. 40 The second language has been really and grammatically learnt. 1943 I. A. Richards Basic Eng. & its Uses 14 The history of the nationalist movement in India is an instructive instance. Its leaders and its chief supporters are speakers of English and sometimes use it rather as their first than as their second language. 1971 Guardian 23 June 7/3 Indians and Pakistanis..using a second language at school and their first language for many home activities. second line n. Military (see quot. 1876); also attributive; also gen., any second row or series; frequently attributive or as adj., esp. designating persons or things that rank second in ability, value, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > second best next best1423 secondary1428 second best1439 secondc1440 secondar1474 second-rate1669 second line1797 second-class1837 the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [adjective] > subordinate collateralc1374 subalternate?a1425 subalternal1483 subaltern1578 subordinate1620 subordinatinga1635 subordinated1640 subalternated1659 subordinant1678 second line1797 subdominant1826 society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > part of army by position > [noun] > second line help1490 support1761 second line1797 1797 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 738/1 The first line ought to consist of 20 battalions, with..16 battalions in the second line. 1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 231 An army, when drawn up for battle, should be formed in three distinct lines; the first line to commence the battle, the second, to support it, and to fill up the gaps; the third..as a reserve. 1904 Westm. Gaz. 17 May 9/1 The main body of the investing force will be composed of fortress and second-line troops. 1912 C. Mackenzie Carnival (ed. 5) iv. 43 Lilli Vergoe, a second-line girl in the Corps de Ballet of the Orient Palace of Varieties. 1939 Russell & Smith in Ramsey & Smith Jazzmen 27 The funerals and parades always had a ‘second line’ which consisted of the kids who danced along behind. 1955 N. Shapiro & N. Hentoff Hear me talkin' to Ya iii. 39 I was a ‘second~line’ kid. That meant I'd follow the big bands down the streets, and..carry their cases while they played. 1969 Daily Tel. 6 Mar. 2 Numerous bright features also developed in the so-called second-line issues [of stock]. 1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 The second line beat is the funky, calypso-like 2/4 cadence struck up by the bass drummer in a New Orleans funeral parade. 1975 Cricketer May 17/3 The Robins were still operating with their second-line bowlers. 1980 ‘J. Melville’ Chrysanthemum Chain 142 Those guys [sc. politicians] on your list are essentially second-line. second-liner n. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate seconder1598 second-liner1958 second ranker1959 1958 C. Wilford in P. Gammond Decca Bk. of Jazz ii. 40 The improvisations of master executants..preserved on record, for ready imitation by a host of second-liners. 1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’. 1981 Times 24 Apr. 18/2 Other companies reporting provided some good rises, particularly among second-liners. second-lining n. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > other imponderability1799 uninfluentiality1880 dispensability1883 eliminability1895 quotidianism1913 peripherality1935 tokenism1962 kitschiness1971 second-lining1972 1972 Jazz & Blues Sept. 10/1 These ‘second liners’ wave handkerchiefs and umbrellas and..break into a dipping, funky-butt step—half shimmy, half strut—that is known as ‘second lining’. second man n. see second Adam n. above. Thesaurus » Categories » secondman n. an assistant driver on a diesel or electric train, replacing the fireman on a steam train. second man n. Theology titles given to Christ with reference to 1 Corinthians xv. 45, 47. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] > as man second manc1384 Man of Sorrows1577 second Adam1587 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xv. 47 The firste man of erthe, ertheli; the secunde man of heuene, heuenli. 1848 R. I. Wilberforce Doctr. Incarnation (1852) x. 233 Joined by supernatural union to that Second Man, the new Adam, Who is God's son by nature. 1963 Railway Gaz. 15 Mar. 289 If such a method of operation can be agreed the many problems of providing a second man when moving locomotives light over running lines, terminal movements, and tripping will be simplified.] 1964 Locomotive Jrnl. 77 205/2 Scores of Trainmen (Drivers, Firemen/2nd Men, and Guards) in the Sheffield Area have their normal diagrammed turns tampered with in an effort by the B.R.B. to scratch a few complete crews together. 1977 Mod. Railways Dec. 461/1 12 years' haggling from which the one significant gain was agreement to phase out the secondmen in freight and shunting locomotive cabs by attrition. second messenger n. Physiology a substance whose release within a cell is promoted by a hormone or ‘first messenger’, and which brings about a response by the cell. ΘΚΠ the world > life > biology > substance > process stimulators or inhibitors > hormone > [noun] > second messenger second messenger1965 1965 E. W. Sutherland et al. in Rec. Progress Hormone Res. 21 640 The hormone (the first messenger) interacts with a component of the cell membrane to initiate increased accumulation of a mediator (the second messenger), which then acts upon components of the effector cell. 1968 Circulation 37 300/1 Although cyclic AMP stands as the only well-established second messenger to date, data supporting such a role for cyclic GMP have been obtained. 1979 Sci. Amer. Sept. 127/1 The methylxanthine drugs, such as caffeine and theophylline, are thought to exert their effects by acting through the second-messenger system. † second minute n. Obsolete (see minute n.¹ and cf. prime n.² and etymological note to prime n.¹ above). ΘΚΠ the world > time > period > a second > [noun] s.1387 second1588 moment1646 second minute1648 moment-hand1766 1648 Bp. J. Wilkins Math. Magick ii. v. 184 In an hower a man will need at least 360 respirations, betwixt every one of which there shall be 10 second minutes. 1694 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 18 67 A Temporaneous progressive motion of the parts of the Air at the rate of 276 Paces in a second Minute of time. second moment n. Mathematics (see quot. a1879). ΚΠ a1879 W. K. Clifford Elem. Dynamic iv. (1887) 15 If the density of an area is proportional to the distance from a line in its plane, being reckoned positive on one side of the line and negative on the other,..the mass-centre of the area..is called the pole of the line in regard to the area; and the moment of it in regard to the line is called the second moment of the uniform area in regard to the line, or of the line in regard to the uniform area. second mortgage n. a supplementary or puisne mortgage. ΘΚΠ society > law > legal obligation > bond or recognizance > requiring or giving legal security > [noun] > legal security > mortgage > new or supplementary remortgage1830 second mortgage1959 1959 M. Shadbolt New Zealanders 13 Finally, in desperation, he took out a second mortgage on the farm to pay Mother's fare to New Zealand. 1974 Guardian 23 Jan. 11/6 Taking out a crippling second mortgage on their own house. 1977 M. Allen Spence in Petal Park xii. 56 One of the lines he offered was loans secured by a second mortgage. † second motion shaft n. Obsolete see second shaft n. ΚΠ 1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 116 On the top speed the drive is direct, the second motion shaft then lying idle. 1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) v. 165 The two shafts in the gearbox are called respectively the first motion shaft and the second motion shaft. † second mourning n. Obsolete a style of dress allowed by etiquette to be worn when strict mourning is discarded; also attributive. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [noun] > for specific purpose > mourning > for second stage mourning second mourning1693 half-mourning1820 1693 London Gaz. No. 2843/4 A dark Grey Second-Mourning Surtoot-Coat. 1712 T. Tickell Spectator No. 410. ⁋1 She was dressed..in an agreeable Second-Mourning. 1814 Sailor's Return i. iv, in J. Galt New Brit. Theatre II. 322 Enter Lady Growl and Lucy Delves, in conversation—Lucy in second mourning. second nerve n. either of the second pair of cranial nerves; the optic nerve. ΚΠ 1823 C. Bell Expos. Nerves Human Body (1824) 373 The first nerve..is..called olfactory nerve. The second [nerve] is the optic nerve. † second nobles n. Obsolete the lower nobility or gentry. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] gentle bloodc1300 genta1425 gentrya1525 gentility1583 gallantry1609 gentlery1609 second nobles1625 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 108 Kings haue to deale with..their Nobles; their Second-Nobles or Gentlemen [etc.]. second person n. (also second person of the Trinity) Theology the Son (see person n. 7). ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > the Trinity > the Son or Christ > [noun] soneOE godOE son of manOE Abraham's seedOE King of kingsOE Christ almightyOE ChristOE JesusOE lordOE Our LordOE Jesus Christc1175 Christ Jesusc1330 second personc1380 holiesta1400 Son of Goda1425 Man of Sorrows1577 c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 362 To þe secunde persone in trinyte..awnsweriþ þe state of þe clergy. a1513 H. Bradshaw Lyfe St. Werburge (1521) i. viii. sig. c.v^v A lorde..Ihesu the seconde persone in trynyte. second price n. a charge lower than the highest for seats in a play-house. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > low price or rate > [noun] > price lower than highest second price1821 society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > theatrical equipment or accessories > [noun] > ticket > relating to prices second price1821 1821 Ld. Byron Let. 4 Jan. (1978) VIII. 57 It is then for the Gallery—and second price boxes. second ranker n. a member of the second rank, a second-liner. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > inferior person > [noun] > second rate seconder1598 second-liner1958 second ranker1959 1959 Times 20 Oct. 19/3 Substantial two~way business in industrial shares partly reflected switching out of low-yield shares into higher yielding second rankers. 1977 Belfast Tel. 17 Jan. 4/1 A new account opened on an indecisive note with leaders keeping largely to Friday's levels. Among second-rankers Campari, 37p, Rotaprint, 24p. second row n. Rugby the middle row of a team's pack; also attributive. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > specific group of players back row1881 pack1887 second row1892 scrum1898 1892 A. Budd in F. Marshall Football: Rugby Union Game ix. 124 Having obtained it [sc. the ball], the practice is to deposit it behind the first or second row of forwards. 1918 V. H. Cartwright in J. E. Raphael Mod. Rugby Football ix. 133 The two second row men..should be the strongest forwards on the side. 1960 E. S. Higham & W. J. Higham High Speed Rugby iv. 186 The 3-2-3 formation requires two second-row forwards with very strong backs. second rower n. Australian a second-row forward. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > types of player > player or position full back1875 goal kick1875 No. eight1876 goalkicker1879 three-quarter back1880 handler1888 three-quarter1889 heeler1892 scrum half1894 lock forward1898 standoff1902 five-eighth1905 hooker1905 threes1905 flying half1906 loose head1907 standoff1908 fly-half1918 fly1921 inside half1921 outside half1921 scrum1921 inside centre1936 flank forward1937 out-half1949 prop1950 prop forward1951 number eight1952 flanker1953 tight head1959 back-rower1969 second rower1969 striker1973 packman1992 1969 Australian 24 May 36/7 Owen Butler and Dick Millard, the two towering NSW Country second rowers, are specialist lineout jumpers. second scent n. after second sight n.: cf quot.Apparently an isolated use. ΚΠ 1817 T. Moore Lalla Rookh iii. 45 That keen, second-scent of death, By which the vulture snuffs his food In the still warm and living breath. second-season n. used attributively to denote an animal, etc., in its second season. ΚΠ 1876 Coursing Cal. 315 Conster, a second-season dog, went through the stake in good style. second seer n. one who practises second sight n. ΘΚΠ the world > the supernatural > the paranormal > [noun] > clairvoyance > clairvoyant seer1583 second seer1826 clairvoyant1851 medium1851 second-sighter1897 paragnost1964 the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > inspired prophecy > [noun] > second sight > one who possesses seer1583 second seer1826 second-sighter1897 1826 Examiner 193/2 After reverting to the past, our second-seer makes bold to conjecture the future. second service n. the Communion Service of the Church of England, as following Morning Prayer; (see also quot. 1844). ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > sacrament > communion > [noun] massOE servicelOE sacrament?c1225 table1340 commoningc1384 the Lord's Supperc1384 Eucharista1400 oblation?a1425 communion1440 sacrifice?1504 Lord's Table1533 Maundy1533 the Supper?1548 unbloody sacrifice1548 mystery1549 communication1550 banquet1563 liturgy1564 table service1593 synaxis1625 mysteriousness1650 second service1655 nagmaal1833 ordinance1854 table prayer1858 society > faith > worship > canonical hours > matins > [noun] > communion service following second service1655 1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 200 While the second-service was reading at the Communion Table..it was disturbed by a Psalme begun. 1657 A. Sparrow Rationale Bk. Common Prayer (new ed.) 239 In the meanwhile that part of the Service which she [sc. the Church] uses may perhaps more fitly be called the Second Service then the Communion. 1844 J. C. Robertson How shall we Conform? (ed. 2) xii. 168 That part of the communion-office which is appointed to be used when there is no administration of the sacrament, and which..I shall, according to the custom of the seventeenth century, speak of as the ‘Second Service’. 1920 M. Webb House in Dormer Forest v. 56 On Sundays Solomon went once to church. Once a month he attended ‘the second service’. 1964 C. Mackenzie My Life & Times III. 33 Glorified morning prayer would have to be endured before the bisected so called second service was reached. † second shaft n. Obsolete = layshaft n. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > shaft > [noun] > intermediate jackshaft1853 countershaft1864 layshaft1888 secondary shaft1888 second shaft1902 1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 202 Immediately above this shaft is a second shaft arranged parallel to it. 1904 A. B. F. Young Compl. Motorist (ed. 2) iv. 132 With their well-cut and thoroughly hardened gear~teeth the second shaft runs noiselessly. second sound n. Physics a form of longitudinal wave which has many properties in common with sound and is observed in superfluid helium (see quots. and cf. sound n.³). ΚΠ 1944 F. Leib tr. E. Lifshitz in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 111/1 We look for the velocity v_s..in the ‘first’ and ‘second’ sound waves. 1944 J. Smorodinsky tr. V. Peshkov in Jrnl. Physics (Moscow) 8 381/1 There must be in this liquid [sc. helium] two kinds of periodic motions: the ordinary sound..and the so-called ‘second sound’. 1964 New Scientist 18 June 744/2 Second sound..is not really sound at all, but a heat wave that combines two potentially useful properties of sound and heat. 1975 Nature 2 Oct. 359/3 M. B. Robin..has..detected the heat pulse from a non-radiative transition by means of the ‘second sound’ pulse propagated in super-fluid helium and recorded by a superconducting lead bolometer. second speed n. = second gear n. ΘΚΠ society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > gear > specific gear bottom gear?1865 high gear1889 low gear1895 fourth1900 second gear1902 first gear1907 second1907 first1909 second speed1912 high1914 low1914 1902 H. Sturmey in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) x. 205 To obtain the second of the three speeds provided.] 1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 74 Second speed position. 1912 Motor Man. (ed. 14) iii. 75 Moved to the left it [sc. the left-hand sleeve] gives the second speed. 1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 When it has gained some headway, change into second speed. 1925 Morris Owner's Man. 10 To do this again depress the clutch pedal, bring the gear lever into the neutral position, then swing it to the right and push it forward, when the second-speed gear will be engaged. 1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Autobook vi. 57/1 Remove the second-speed driving gear, ballbearing and shaft retaining plate and slide out the reverse shaft and gear. † second stature n. Obsolete ? medium height. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > bodily height > [noun] > specific second stature1632 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 296 The people..are commonly all of the second Stature. † second stop n. Cricket Obsolete = long-stop n. 1. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > fielder > fielders by position middle wicket1772 long-stop1773 second stop1773 stop1773 long fieldsman1790 long field?1801 third man1801 outscout1805 leg1816 point1816 slip1816 backstop1819 long fielder1835 long leg1835 long field off1837 short leg1843 square leg1849 cover-point1850 long-stopper1851 middle-off1851 cover-slip1854 long off1854 left fielder1860 short square1860 mid-off1865 extra cover (point)1867 deep-fielder1870 mid-on1870 cover1897 leg trap1897 infield1898 deep field1900 slipper1903 slip fieldsman1906 midwicket1909 infieldsman1910 slip-catcher1920 infielder1927 leg slip1956 1773 Kentish Gaz. 10 July Mr. Lear, 2d stop. 1847 W. Denison Cricketer's Compan. 1846 p. xv The whole of this enormous quantity of ‘byes’ would seem to have been the result of inferior men having been appointed to the ‘second or long-stop’ situation. second-story man n. (also second-storey man) North American Criminals' slang a cat burglar. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > cat-burglar dancer1864 portico thief1870 porch climber1883 second-story man1886 climber1900 cat burglar1907 1886 T. F. Byrnes Professional Crim. of Amer. 182 Pickpocket, burglar and second-story man. 1916 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 27 July 6/3 Some well-intentioned citizens see a potential second-storey man or porch-climber in everyone who is not within doors after the stroke of midnight. 1965 Malcolm X Autobiogr. 46 Hustlers..sold ‘reefers’, or had just come out of prison, or were ‘second-story men’. 1978 J. Carroll Mortal Friends ii. iii. 169 You're nothing but a pack of second-story workers, milkbottle robbers, and doormat theives! second strike n. a second, retaliatory attack conducted with weapons designed to withstand an initial nuclear attack or first strike; frequently attributive. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > attack > [noun] > counter-attack or retaliation reprisal1641 counter-offensive1909 slap-back1931 massive retaliation1954 second strike1960 1960 Guardian 27 July 16/3 Rockefeller's plea for ‘all the money it takes’ to ensure the United States ‘the deterrent capability of a massive and superior second strike’. 1960 Guardian 12 Sept. 9/1 We would need superior reconnaissance and target acquisition systems... These would need to be supported by a secure second-strike capability to reduce the risk of being outflanked. 1963 Listener 31 Jan. 194/1 The Soviet Union almost certainly has a ‘second strike’ capacity too. 1976 Ld. Home Way Wind Blows x. 152 As a second-strike weapon it [sc. the Polaris submarine] was a real deterrent. second substance n. [after post-classical Latin substantia secunda (from 12th cent. in British sources), itself after ancient Greek δευτέρα οὐσία (Aristotle Categories).] Philosophy The kind, type, or species to which an individual entity belongs; = secondary substance at secondary adj. 3f. ΚΠ 1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Cvj The first substance is called euery singuler persone or propre name... The second substance comprehendeth both the general worde, and the kinde also of euery singuler persone. 1628 T. Spencer Art of Logick 129 The second substance: consisting in the Genus and Species. 1825 S. Turner Hist. Eng. Middle Ages (ed. 2) IV. xi. 543 Because the second substance is besides the operation of the intellect, it is not opposed to the first substance. 1903 W. Turner Hist. Philos. 133 The first substance (οὐσία πρώτη) is the individual, which can neither exist in another nor be predicated of another. Second substance is the universal, which, as such, does not exist in another, but may be predicated of another. 2007 H. Burkhardt in C. Kanzian & M. Legenhausen Substance & Attribute 11 Aristotle distinguished first from second substance, and he thought that individual or first substances are instantiations of second or universal substances. second table n. (a) the second part of the decalogue, relating to moral duties, held to have occupied the second of the two stone tablets; hence attributive; (b) the servants' table at a meal; also spec. the senior of two servants' tables. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > [noun] > Mosaic dispensation > decalogue > division of first tablec1405 second table1502 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > furniture and fittings > table > [noun] > dining table > servants' table second table1814 trencher table1968 1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) ii. viii. sig. kvi^v Also this fourth commaundement the whiche is the fyrst of the seconde table, conteyned in hym vertuously the .vij. werkes of mercy. 1560 in A. Macdonald & J. Dennistoun Misc. Maitland Club (1843) III. ii. 249 Committing..adultery brekand the third command of the Second table. 1672 G. Newton in Life J. Alleine (1838) iv. 37 He was a second table man, a man of morals. 1720 (title) A discourse shewing..That the duties of the second table of the law are binding duties on Christians under the Gospel. 1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. x. 220 She was quite shocked when I asked her whether wine was allowed at the second table . View more context for this quotation 1857 C. M. Yonge Dynevor Terrace I. xiv. 227 Their servants gave them~selves airs..especially the butler, who played the guitar, and insisted on a second table. 1873 H. Rogers Superhuman Origin Bible i. 21 The great commands of the ‘Second Table’ are ultimately based on the relations in which all creatures stand to Him who demands our homage in the ‘First Table’. 1903 Jrnl. Biblical Lit. 22 204 If such a law had been inserted, it must logically have stood in the second table, along with theft and false witness. a1911 D. G. Phillips Susan Lenox (1917) II. xiii. 311 A man..can go on up and up. But not for girls. Nothing doing but charity and pity and the second table and the back door. 1953 G. E. Fussell & K. R. Fussell Eng. Countrywoman v. 133 The new cook expected to dine in the housekeeper's room, at a second table set up there. 1993 Theol. Stud. (Nexis) 54 272 Scotus argues that the second table contains no goodness such as is necessarily prescribable for attaining the goodness of the ultimate end. second tap n. Engineering (see quot. 1888). ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine tool > other specific machine tools > [noun] > machine for cutting screw-threads > taps screw tap1678 tap1678 plug tap1815 tap-tool1874 bottoming tap1875 taper tapa1877 second tap1888 1888 Lockwood's Dict. Mech. Engin. 309 Second tap, a tap intermediate in size between a taper and a plug tap. 1906 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. s.v. Tap After the tapering tap has roughed out the thread in the hole, a Second Tap with somewhat less taper may be passed through. 1964 S. Crawford Basic Engin. Processes i. 24 If the hole being tapped is an open or through hole the second tap is quite suitable for finishing the thread. second thigh n. the part of the rear leg of a quadruped that corresponds to the human calf. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > animal body > general parts > body and limbs > [noun] > limb > fore limb or leg > thigh > second thigh second thigh1893 1893 M. H. Hayes Points of Horse iv. 40 The hock is extended, for the most part, by muscles which form the rear-most portion of the gaskin (‘second thigh’). 1933 L. E. Naylor Mod. Fox Terrier vi. 62 The worst possible form of hind-quarters consists of a short second-thigh and a straight stifle. 1972 Country Life 10 Feb. 332/1 He [sc. a foxhound] was first-rate in every requisite of the chase, remarkable for his muscular back and loins, buttocks and second thighs. second thoughts n. ideas occurring subsequently; later and maturer consideration (usually in on or upon second thoughts); similarly first thoughts. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > reconsideration > [noun] rethinking1579 second thoughts1581 recogitationc1591 reconsideration1606 after-wit1607 after-meditation1626 after-counsel1634 remeditation1642 afterthought1647 after-consideration1693 after-rumination1830 retake1922 rethink1958 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. i. f. 23^v I finde verified the Prouerbe, Thar the second thoughtes are euer the best. 1642 King Charles I Message conc. Refusall to passe Bill 4 Second thoughts may present somewhat to your considerations which escaped you before. 1687 T. Cartwright in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 139 Are you..willing upon better and second thoughts to submit? 1707 G. Hickes Two Treat. ii. ii. 272 I desire you to send your second Thoughts, and Reflections upon it. 1756 T. Amory Life John Buncle I. 164 I would not let Price go with me, on second thoughts, as many sad accidents might happen in this rough and desolate part of the world. 1838 J. H. Newman Parochial Serm. (1842) IV. ii. 41 It is often said that second thoughts are best; so they are in matters of judgment, but not in matters of conscience. 1864 Ld. Tennyson Sea Dreams 65 Is it so true that second thoughts are best? Not first, and third, which are a riper first? 1915 T. Bosanquet Let. 8 Dec. in H. James & E. Wharton Lett. (1990) App. B. 372 On second thoughts I don't think it will matter. 1966 J. R. T. Tolkien Let. 10 May (1995) 369 I feel much honoured, and so also does my daughter-in-law (the sculptress), by the Faculty's wish to place the bust of me in the English Library in some prominent position—if on second thoughts you do not think a storied urn would be better. 2004 Sunday Times Trav. Feb. 150/3 On our small motorboat.., the two of us were being buffeted by seas that would have given Captain Ahab second thoughts about leaving terra firma... All the while the rain sluiced down in sheets. Second War n. short for Second World War n. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War Hitler1930 Second World War1942 big one1960 WWII1960 Second War1964 1964 M. McLuhan Understanding Media xxxiii. 353 Multi-nationalisms had long deprived Europe of its economic unity. The Common Market came to it only with the Second War. 1975 P. Fussell Great War & Mod. Mem. vii. 247 The same principle of literary selection..is visible in a poem of the Second War by Herbert Corby. second winding n. = secondary winding (see secondary adj. 3j(a)). ΚΠ 1932 B.B.C. Year-bk. 435/1 When a varying direct current is passed through one winding of such a transformer an alternating current is induced in the second winding. Second World n. [after Third World n.] (a) (following the outlook of the Chinese leadership) the developed countries apart from the two ‘superpowers’; (b) (possibly reflecting the original implication of the term Third World) the Communist bloc. ΘΚΠ the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > communist or Soviet bloc Soviet block1919 communist bloc1922 Eastern bloc1922 Soviet bloc1924 Eastern block1938 communist block1941 Second World1974 the world > the earth > named regions of earth > groups of countries > [noun] > developed non-aligned Second World1974 1974 Times 13 Apr. 5/7 Mr Teng announced that the ‘socialist camp’ no longer existed, and that the planet was divided into the First World, consisting of the two superpowers, the Second World, consisting of the other developed countries, and the Third World, which included the developing countries. 1974 Economist 18 May 66/1 The conventional image of recent years has been of a first world of developed market economies, a second world of ‘socialist’ states, and the ‘third world’ of the developing nations. 1975 Time (Canada ed.) 8 Sept. 20/2 The ‘Second World’ of the Socialist countries will make a show of complete support. 1978 Church Times 25 Aug. 4/2 The scene was dominated by the post-war tension between the First and Second Worlds. 1979 Dædalus Spring 124 In this approach, Europe would be seen as playing the role of what Chinese diplomacy likes to refer to as ‘the second world’. 1980 Sci. Amer. Sept. 107/2 The already industrialized countries of the capitalist and communist blocs (respectively the ‘first world’ and ‘second world’). Second World War n. the war which began with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 and ultimately involved the majority of the nations of the world; hostilities ceased in Europe on 7 May 1945 and in the Far East on 12 September 1945. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > war > types of war > [noun] > other specific war > Second World War Hitler1930 Second World War1942 big one1960 WWII1960 Second War1964 1930 H. G. Wells Autocracy Mr. Parham 257 (heading) Book the Fourth: The Second World War.] 1942 Polit. Sci. Q. Sept. 321 The economic developments associated with the second World War have restored to American railroads a volume of traffic comparable to that which they handled before the great depression. 1949 Radio Times 15 July 35/1 Professor W. K. Hancock..describes the plan for the series of Civil Histories of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. 1978 J. N. Ward Following Plough i. 17 My generation of theological students had to come to some sense of certainty about our vocation with minds much occupied by the imminence of the Second World War. C2. Chiefly with participial adjectives and with quasi-adverb. † second brewed adj. Obsolete ΚΠ 1721 N. Amhurst Terræ-filius No. 48. 257 Trap's second-brew'd balderdash runs thus [etc.]. second described adj. ΚΠ 1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 436 The sliding movement..in the second-described machinery. † second found adj. Obsolete ΚΠ 1594 T. Blundeville Exercises ii. f. 50^v Subtract the arch of that quotient..and you shall haue the second found number. second-ranking adj. ΚΠ 1966 N. Nicolson in H. Nicolson Diaries & Lett. (1966) 29 In 1927 he joined the Embassy in Berlin as its second-ranking official. second recited adj. ΚΠ 1857 Act 20 & 21 Victoria c. 59 §2 The said second-recited Act. C3. In verbs formed on syntactical combinations. second-colour v. House painting transitive to cover with a second coat of paint. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > decorating and painting > decorate [verb (transitive)] > paint > apply coat of paint > paint with specific coat second-colour1812 clear-cole1867 undercoat1953 1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 316 When the priming is quite dry..mix white lead, and a very small portion of red with linseed oil,..and second colour your work. 1812 P. Nicholson Mech. Exercises 317 This coat is technically called by painters second colouring old work. Draft additions June 2017 second serve n. Tennis the second of two permitted attempts at serving, played if a fault is called on the first attempt; (also) a player's service delivery in this situation, considered as part of his or her repertoire of shots. ΚΠ 1878 Stratford Times 7 Aug. The second serve is a poor stroke off which a steady return can generally be made. 1976 N.Y. Times 18 Apr. (Sports section) 7/3 If you have a reliable second serve, you won't be so tense on your first serve. 2003 O. Shine Lang. Tennis 109 About to hit a second serve against the greatest returner in the game. 2014 Daily Tel. 2 July (Sport section) 2/3 He..stepped in on Nadal's second serve and leathered a forehand return that the scrambling Nadal could not recover. Draft additions September 2018 second unit n. Film and Television an auxiliary film crew chiefly responsible for shooting material that does not require the principal cast, such as location shots, crowd scenes, and stunt scenes; frequently attributive, esp. in second-unit director.In earliest use perhaps not a fixed collocation. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > cinematography > filming > filming unit or team > [noun] > specific department, engineer, or equipment lightman1892 second unit1933 sounda1940 lighting1956 1933 Hollywood Filmograph 8 Apr. 7/1 While..the first unit of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer polar expedition filming ‘Eskimo’ are preparing to start interiors,..the second unit, remaining in the North, is undergoing fresh adventure. 1939 Washington Post 10 Sept. am1/7 Otto Brower, second-unit director, spent five months filming safari and battle sequences. 1978 Sight & Sound Fall 225/1 I had to rely on a second unit cameraman for support coverage. 1992 Independent (Nexis) 28 Feb. 14 [They] farmed out all the action scenes to second-unit directors. 2007 M. F. Blake Hollywood & O.K. Corral ix. 172 The second unit was responsible for staging stunt sequences. Draft additions December 2021 second gentleman n. the husband of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the husband of the vice president of the United States. ΚΠ 1976 Berkshire Sampler (Pittsfield, Mass.) 18 Jan. 8/3 With Betty [Ford] as vice president, Jerry Ford would be the Democratic vice president's spouse. He'd be the nation's—Second Gentleman. 2000 Africa News (Nexis) 20 May It [sc. a car] was passed on to Eng. Kazibwe in his capacity as the second gentleman. 2021 Hill (Nexis) 24 Mar. 13 It's super important that the president, the vice president, the first lady and the second gentleman are out there encouraging people to get vaccinated. Draft additions December 2021 second lady n. the wife of the vice president or deputy leader of a nation or state; spec. the wife of the vice president of the United States. ΚΠ 1870 Detroit Free Press 12 June 6 In the matter of social etiquette the ladies of Washington have never been able to agree... We know who is first lady, and we know who is second lady—the wives of the President and Vice President have unquestionably these distinctions. 1972 Daily Rep. (Ontario-Upland, Calif.) 27 Feb. As second lady of California, the wife of Lt. Gov. Ed Reinecke thrives in the public limelight. 2007 Africa News (Nexis) 28 Nov. The Second Lady visited the area to campaign for her husband's bid to succeed President Kufour in the NPP flagbearership race. 2019 Guardian (Nexis) 13 June Trump, accompanied by the first lady, Melania Trump, the vice-president, Mike Pence and the second lady, Karen Pence, will hold a Make America Great Again rally. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022). secondv.¹ Etymology: < French seconder (Old French segonder ), †to come after (obsolete), to favour (= Provençal segondar , Spanish segundar , Portuguese segundar , Italian secondare ), < Latin secundāre to direct favourably, favour, further, < secundus following, favourable: see second adj. In some uses partly an independent English formation on the adjective. 1. a. transitive. To support, back up, assist, encourage (a person, his or her actions, aims, etc.). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (transitive)] shoveOE to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1154 favour1362 abetc1380 sustainc1390 supportc1405 courage1470 comfort1481 friend1550 through-bear1554 countenance1568 foster1569 favourize1585 seconda1586 sidea1601 rally1624 feed1626 countenance1654 encourage1668 inserve1683 to go strong on1822 partake1861 sponsor1884 to hold a brief for1888 root1889 rah-rah1940 affirm1970 babysit1973 barrack- a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. i. sig. Ii6 Shall I (said she) second his boldnesse so farre, as to reade his presumptuous letters? a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) iii. i. 29 Deci. Where is Metellus Cimber, let him go, And presently preferre his suite to Cæsar. Bru. He is addrest: presse neere, and second him. View more context for this quotation 1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 148 He seconds that which he ought to withstand. 1719–20 J. Swift Let. to Young Gentleman (1721) 13 If in Company you offer something for a Jest, and no body seconds you in your own Laughter. 1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby I. iii. v. 311 His family had imbibed all his views and seconded them. 1847 W. H. Prescott Hist. Conquest Peru II. iii. ix. 37 So eagerly did he press forward the work, and so well was he seconded by the multitude of laborers at his command. 1875 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. II. xvi. 486 His efforts were seconded by a somewhat subservient parliament. †b. To act as a second or assistant to (a leader). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (transitive)] > help as subsidiary > act as assistant to to hold a candle to another1550 second1588 associate1626 support1886 1588 W. Allen Admon. to Nobility & People 15 So jelous be all tyrants and vsurpers, of their state, and so lothe they are to be seconded by any other then of their owne creation. 1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 16 What other Officers ought to second their great Officers. †c. To follow, attend, accompany. In passive, to be accompanied (with). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > comparison > compare [verb (transitive)] > in competition match1581 sample1592 second1600 society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a companion or associate > accompany or associate with [verb (transitive)] seeOE to bear (a person) company (also fellowship, etc.)c1225 mella1300 fellowshipa1382 companya1400 accompany1461 to keep company (with)1502 encompanya1513 to keep (a person) company1517 to take repast1517 assist1553 to take up with1570 rempare1581 to go along with1588 amate1590 bear1590 to fall in1593 consort1598 second1600 to walk (also travel) in the way with1611 comitate1632 associate1644 enhaunt1658 join1713 assort1823 sit1828 companionize1870 to take tea with1888 to knock about with1915 tote1977 fere- 1600 R. Surflet tr. C. Estienne & J. Liébault Maison Rustique vii. xxv. 847 The horsemen appointed to waite vpon the companie, must alwaies second and keepe by the sides of the dogs. 1616 B. Jonson Poëtaster (rev. ed.) iii. iv, in Wks. I. 308 See, here's Horace, and old Trebativs, the great lawier, in his companie; let's auoid him, now: He is too well seconded. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. ix. 381 The Bashaw went.., seconded with twelue followers. d. To sing second to (a singer, song). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > music > performing music > singing > sing [verb (transitive)] > sing specific part bearc1405 second1595 treble1606 organizea1699 undertone1873 1595 L. B. in E. Spenser Astrophel sig. H2^v With sobs and sighes I second will thy song. 1883 J. Hawthorne Dust I. 175 Lancaster would second Marion's soprano with his baritone. e. Mountaineering. To act as a second (second adj. 2e) to (the leader of a climb) or on (a climb). Also absol. ΚΠ 1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle ii. 49 He wants someone to second him up the north wall. 1968 P. Crew Encycl. Dict. Mountaineering 106/1 To second a climb is to do a climb as the second man on the rope. 1972 D. Haston In High Places i. 8 It's not hard to see why leading [on a rock climb] is that much more exciting than seconding. 2. a. esp. To support, back up (a combatant, a body of troops) in attack or defence. Also, to act as second to (a pugilist). ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > support relievec1425 support1531 second1588 third1602 society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > box [verb (transitive)] > act as second to second1821 1588 Ld. Willoughby in State Papers Defeat Spanish Armada (1894) II. 32 Those that are taken here cry out upon the Duke of Parma, that they are betrayed by him, because they were not seconded according to their expectation. 1590 R. Williams Briefe Disc. Warre 22 He deuides his troupes to second one the other, according to the widenes of the breach. ?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads xi. 306 Hector..rusht with clamor on the king, right soundly seconded With troupes of Troians. a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. vi. 56 Let him feele your Sword: Which we will second . View more context for this quotation 1645 R. Symonds Diary (1859) 258 A party of Arcall horse charged the persuers, and were seconded by part of Prince Maurice's life guard. 1797 H. Lee Canterbury Tales I. 22 A young cavalier..seconded him with so much spirit, that one of the villains was presently stretched upon the spot. 1821 John Bull 5 Mar. 89/3 The Black was seconded by Richmond and Paddington Jones. c1850 Arabian Nights (Rtldg.) 470 Being seconded by his slaves, who all promised to be faithful, he attacked the negro. 1884 Manch. Examiner 13 Aug. 5/1 Griffiths..is said to have seconded Henry, and to have interfered to prevent the fight being stopped. †b. To reinforce with additional numbers. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > reinforce enforce1340 stuffc1400 renforce?1473 relieve1487 supply1487 refreshc1500 ranforce1547 strengthen1548 re-enforce1579 reinforce1589 seconda1609 recrew1637 recruit1642 a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 5 In the mean time the enemie seconded their troops of shot with to the number of four or five hundred. †c. To take the place of, succeed (a combatant who is hors de combat). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > supplanting or replacement > supplant, replace [verb (transitive)] fulfila1200 underplantc1200 supplanta1398 subplanta1425 recompense?a1439 supply1567 bestead1596 second1600 reimplace1611 transplace1621 displant1630 succenturiate1650 supersede1657 substitute1675 recruit1711 replace1753 displace1774 substitute1775 supplace1777 outplace1928 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. i. 271 And though we here fal downe, We haue supplies to second our attempt, If they miscarry, theirs shal second them. View more context for this quotation 1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. v. iii. §17. 542 Being ouer-pressed on either side, they had a safe retrait vnto their foot; and one troupe seconding another by course, returned to charge. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. viii. 36 But now is Cade driuen backe, his men dispierc'd, And now is Yorke in Armes, to second him. View more context for this quotation †d. absol. and intransitive. To render aid; to side with. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > aid, help, or assist [verb (intransitive)] help?c1225 to shove at the cart1421 supply1446 assist?1518 to lend a hand (or a helping hand)1598 to hold handc1600 to put to one's hand (also hands)1603 seconda1609 subminister1611 to give (lend) a lift1622 to lay (a) hand1634 to give a hand1682 to bear a hand1710 to chip in1872 the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or encouragement > support or encourage [verb (intransitive)] > take someone's part party1586 seconda1609 to take sides1719 (to be) on a person's, the other side of the fence1852 a1609 F. Vere Commentaries (1657) 11 A signall of drums, at which the first four troops should go to the assault; and another signall to the other four troops to second, if need required. 1654 T. Fuller Comment on Ruth 44 in 2 Serm. The mother, because her sonne is flesh of her flesh,..pleades it is right, that he should side and second with her. 3. a. To support (a speaker, a proposition) in a debate or conference by speaking in the same sense; spec. to rise to support (a mover or motion) as a necessary preliminary to further discussion or to the adoption of the motion. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or backing > support, side with, or back [verb (transitive)] > second or speak in favour of support1583 second1597 1597 F. Bacon Ess. f. 4 It is a good precept generally in seconding another: yet to adde somewhat of ones owne. 1685 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 444 Mr. Seamour made a bold speech against many Elections..but no body seconded him. 1692 R. L'Estrange Fables xxvii. 26 The Motion was Seconded and Debated. 1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. ii. 109 This method was..diverted by other Propositions, which being seconded took much time, without pointing to any Conclusion. 1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. vii. ix. 119 Mrs. Charlton..instantly seconded the proposal. 1817 Parl. Deb. 1st Ser. 23 The noble lords who moved and seconded the address. 1837 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece IV. xxxiv. 331 Cheirisophus seconded this proposal, and they immediately proceeded to the election. absolute.1802 G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 496 Lord Lowther had been applied to to move the address... Lord Nelson was to second. †b. To support, back (a statement, opinion, a person in his or her opinion); to confirm, corroborate (a report). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > attest, bear witness [verb (transitive)] > support, corroborate fasteneOE i-sothea925 sustainc1325 witness1362 approvec1380 confirmc1384 affirma1393 justifya1393 to bear outa1475 corrobore1485 uphold1485 nourisha1522 underpinc1522 to countenance outa1529 favoura1530 soothe1544 strengthen1548 comfort1593 second1596 accredit1598 evidencea1601 warrantise1600 compact1608 back1612 thickena1616 accreditate1654 shoulder1674 support1691 corroborate1706 carry1835 to give (also lend) colour1921 the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > support or backing > support, side with, or back [verb (transitive)] werea1300 to be abouta1400 support?a1439 to go with ——a1475 outbear1530 follow1548 subscribe1560 second1596 suffrage1614 to wait on ——1639 subjoin1810 suffrage1838 1596 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent (rev. ed.) 113 In which opinion, I am the more willing to dwell, bicause..I finde myselfe verie learnedly seconded by master Camden. 1607 B. Jonson Volpone ii. i. sig. D2 I heard, last night, a most strange thing reported By some of my Lords followers, and I long To heare, how't will be seconded ! View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) iv. vi. 64 The Slaues report is seconded . View more context for this quotation a1677 I. Barrow Wks. (1683) II. 129 Whose affirmation..I intend to second with particular instances. 1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 278 Plato himself relates it as a Paradox; and no body that came after him, would second him in't. 1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiii. 309 The Countess..run on in my Praise..and Lady Davers seconded her. 4. To further, assist the effect of, reinforce (a thing, activity, etc.). (With subject either a person or thing.) ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > furtherance > further [verb (transitive)] furtherc888 to bring onc1230 advancea1250 speeda1300 nourishc1300 avaunt1393 promotec1433 pasture?a1439 advantage?1459 promove1475 preferc1503 conduce1518 to set forth1528 to set forward(s)1530 to take forth1530 fillip1551 help1559 farther1570 foster1571 shoulder1577 to put forward1579 seconda1586 foment1596 hearten1598 to put on1604 fomentate1613 succeed1613 expeditea1618 producea1618 maturate1623 cultivate1641 encourage1677 push1693 forward1780 progress1780 admove1839 a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. xviii. sig. Ss5 Nowe seconding their terrible blowes with cunning labouring the horses. 1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 127 Her froward husband..replyed with sharpe words seconded with such heavy blowes. 1665 W. Temple Lett. in Wks. (1731) II. 4 The Vigour of his Body does not second that of his Mind. 1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia II. xli. 108 Seconding every fall of rain with a due proportion of sunshine. 1858 A. P. Stanley Life of Dr. Arnold I. v. 203 Deeds must second words when needful. †5. a. (With little or nothing of the idea of furthering or assisting.) To follow up or accompany with (or by) some second thing. In passive, to be followed, succeeded, or accompanied. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > accompaniment > accompany or attend [verb (transitive)] followeOE to be with1382 to stand with ——1384 fellowship?c1400 fellow1434 encompanya1513 to go with ——1523 to come with ——1533 accompany1543 associate1548 affellowship1559 to wait on ——1579 concomitate1604 second1609 companion1622 comitate1632 attend1653 waita1674 to keep (a person) company1849 1609 D. Tuvil Vade-mecum (1629) 139 The Wise Physition doth neuer minister a Potion..but hee seconds it with something that is more pleasing and Delicious to the taste. 1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 54 This Proclamation was seconded by another, to the same purpose. a1716 R. South Serm. Several Occasions (1744) XI. 220 After the overflowing of sin upon the whole earth, God in his justice seconds it with a deluge of waters. 1774 A. M. Toplady in Gospel Mag. Oct. 449/2 ‘I saw and lo!’, So sung the saints. Th' angelic train Second the anthem with a loud Amen. †b. To add a second to; to follow or succeed as a second. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > two > fact of being second > add to or follow as second [verb (transitive)] second1655 1655 Earl of Norwich in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 304 I would haue agayne seconded my last to him after the receipt of his in answer to my former, but y^t I feard [etc.]. 1781 J. Bentham Corr. in Wks. (1843) X. 110 To-day, at dinner, I had the favour of yours of the 29th, as to my not seconding my last letter sooner. †c. To repeat (an action, esp. a blow). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > repeating > repeat (an action) [verb (transitive)] renovela1325 reiterate?a1425 replicate?a1425 repeat?1440 iter1530 iterate?1548 redouble1580 redo1598 second1610 answer1613 renewa1616 ingeminate1625 reiter1634 double1645 reperform1651 rename1665 rehandle1697 retracta1699 rehearse1700 re-enact1819 1610 J. Healey tr. St. Augustine Citie of God v. vi. 204 Natures powre is such that a woman hauing once conceiued, cannot second any conception, vntil she bee deliuered of the first. 1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 102 He struck off two of the Fryers fingers, and had undoubtedly seconded another blow..had not the Indians interposed themselves. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 335 Hee..saw his guileful act By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded Upon her Husband. View more context for this quotation 1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. 125 Then Mr Great-heart seconded his blow, and smit the head of the Giant from his shoulders. 1737 S. Berington Mem. G. di Lucca 35 Before he could second his Shot, I gave him..a Stroke with my Broad Sword. 1831 W. Scott Count Robert ix, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. III. 178 The Count was in the act of again seconding his blow. †6. To match with a second instance. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. vii. xxv. 168 He left such a president behind him, as I forbid all men to match or second it. 1602 W. Watson Decacordon Ten Quodlibeticall Questions 276 Our soueraigne Queene Elizabeth..is knowne to be in her owne high towring princely wisedome of as high a pitch..: in reach not to be seconded of any of these [kings and princes]. 1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xi. 177 Next Sebert them succeeds, Scarce seconded againe for sanctimonious deeds. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. viii. 369 [Fez] may rather second Grand Caire, than subioyne it selfe to Constantinople. †7. To come second to (in quality). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > inferiority or baseness > [verb (transitive)] > come second to second1601 1601 R. Dolman tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. III. 374 The white [dogs] are best... The browne doth second them [Fr. les secondent]. Derivatives ˈseconding n. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun] holtc1375 fastnessa1382 maintenance1384 supportc1391 suppowell1399 supportationc1405 subministrationa1425 conforturec1475 stay1532 back-stand1548 supportance1576 backing1598 voice1600 supportment1607 supporture1609 seconding1613 manutenency?1630 1613 G. Chapman Reuenge Bussy D'Ambois iii. sig. F2^v Nay, we shall lay on hands of too much strength To neede your secondings. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. ii. v. 64 Which indeed, with such seconding as he had, one may reckon heroic. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022). secondv.² Brit. /sᵻˈkɒnd/, U.S. /səˈkɑnd/, /ˈsɛkənd/ Etymology: < French second in the phrase en second : see second adj. 2c. Originally Military. transitive. To remove (an officer) temporarily from his regiment or corps, for employment on the staff, or in some other extra-regimental appointment. Also transferred of employees in other occupations and employments. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > assign officer to staff duty second1802 society > occupation and work > working > career > have career [verb (transitive)] > temporarily transfer second1920 1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) Capitaine en Second..Lieutenant en Second..are officers whose companies have been reduced, but who do duty in others, and are destined to fill up the first vacancies. We have borrowed the expression and say, To be seconded. When an officer is seconded, he remains upon full pay, his rank goes on, and he may purchase the next vacant step, without being obliged to memorial in a manner that a half-pay officer must. 1833 Westm. Rev. Apr. 308 How to cut down an army of 300,000 men to one of 100,000, with the least subsequent expense of half-pay, is a problem that ought to be solved..; and the solution would be found in the obsolete practice of second-ing (or as the proper pronunciation in a mess-room is, segoond-ing). 1875 G. P. Colley in Encycl. Brit. II. 576/1 Officers holding certain appointments are ‘seconded’—that is, their place in the regiment is filled up, and they become supernumerary, their names being shown in italics in the Army List; but they still belong to the regiment, and rise in it in due course. 1897 Q. Rev. July 242 The officers in question had been..‘seconded’ for service in the forces of the Chartered Company. 1920 Westm. Gaz. 22 May 10/1 It was finally agreed that Lord Moulton should be seconded to the service of the Corporation and of the dye industry for..one year. 1955 Times 23 June 13/4 Mr. Mayne was seconded for special frontier duties, in the course of which he made many acquaintances and friends among the Pathans. Derivatives seˈconded adj. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > career > [adjective] > temporarily transferred seconded1869 1869 Times 15 Apr. 9/3 As this officer was placed on the seconded list of the Royal Artillery..he will have to wait for a vacancy to occur. 1928 Times 21 July 13/3 They established an elaborate organization, under an important Minister, and manned by specially seconded Civil servants of high standing. 1977 News of World 17 Apr. 1/1 The Commission consisted of the chairman, deputy chairman, and 30 seconded civil servants. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022). > as lemmas second (third, etc. slip) c. With qualifying words indicating the various positions in the slips, and the fieldsmen stationed there, as †extra slip, a man who stands outside second slip; third slip; first slip, the slip fielder who stands immediately to the right of the wicket-keeper (for a right-handed batter); his position; similarly, second (third, etc. slip), ranged in a line out from the wicket-keeper; leg slip: see leg slip n. 2; long slip: see long slip n. at long adj.¹ and n.¹ Compounds 4d; †middle slip, short third man; †short slip = first slip above. Also cover-slip n. 1 (Obsolete). ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > cricketer > [noun] > fielder > fielders by position middle wicket1772 long-stop1773 second stop1773 stop1773 long fieldsman1790 long field?1801 third man1801 outscout1805 leg1816 point1816 slip1816 backstop1819 long fielder1835 long leg1835 long field off1837 short leg1843 square leg1849 cover-point1850 long-stopper1851 middle-off1851 cover-slip1854 long off1854 left fielder1860 short square1860 mid-off1865 extra cover (point)1867 deep-fielder1870 mid-on1870 cover1897 leg trap1897 infield1898 deep field1900 slipper1903 slip fieldsman1906 midwicket1909 infieldsman1910 slip-catcher1920 infielder1927 leg slip1956 1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 40 Whichever of the Eleven can best be spared is placed between the first Slip, and the man at the point. 1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 43 The Long Slip to cover the Short Slip. This man must stand to save a run, about the same distance from the Wicket as the Long Stop, in a line with the Striker, between the Point and the Short Slip. 1816 W. Lambert Instr. & Rules Cricket 43 This man should stand the same distance, playing between the man at the point and second slip. 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field v. 75 A third man on, and a forward point,..with slow bowling, or an extra slip with fast, made a very strong field. 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field x. 193 A third man up, or a middle slip, is at times very killing. 1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field xi. 222 A third slip up can hardly be spared. 1892 W. G. Grace in G. A. Hutchison Outdoor Games i. 26 Third man, who is, perhaps, rather a middle-slip, being long-slip placed in close enough to save the run. 1900 P. F. Warner Cricket in Many Climes iii. 45 I was missed at extra slip..when I had only made a few runs. 1921 P. F. Warner My Cricketing Life xii. 227 Jack was..a short slip of the same class as Tunnicliffe [, etc.]. 1955 Times 4 July 3/3 He swung the ball both ways, supported by a hostile, close-set field, Holliday taking two sharp low catches at first slip. 1976 Times 23 July 9/4 After adding 43 with Murray, Rowe was out to a tumbling catch at first slip; when Snow took over from Ward, Murray was well caught at second slip; when Willis came on, Holder gave third slip a catch. extracted from slipn.³ < n.¹c1400adj.n.²1297v.¹a1586v.²1802 as lemmas
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secondv.1

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